Posts by solomon2day

  • The Corruption Impediment

    Nuhu ribadu and obasanjoAt a point in Nigeria's history, former President, Chief(Dr.)Olusegun Obasanjo stated ''it is a matter of regret that most public servants tend to subdue their political discipline in the face of personal aggrandizement''.

    When Chief(Dr.) Obasanjo was in the saddle as President, he set up the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) to rein in fraudsters, money launderers, corrupt government officials and several others.

    At a point in Nigeria's history, former President, Chief(Dr.) Olusegun Obasanjo stated ''it is a matter for regret that most public servants tend to subdue their political discipline in the face of personal aggrandizement''.

    When Chief(Dr.) Obasanjo was in the saddle as President, he established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) to rein in fraudsters, money launderers, corrupt government officials and several others

    Perhaps, the EFCC, was to strengthen the activities of the Nigeria Police Force, while the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission(ICPC) was established to boost the work of the Code of Conduct Bureau.

    Images 9

    During this period, high profile personalities, like former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun showcased the fight against corruption.

    Sadly, happenings today, is a total and fierce departure from when Chief(Dr.) Obasanjo called the shots.

    Interestingly, in an interview in 2007, a prominent lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana(SAN), who was then a member of the National Conscience Party(NCP) had stated '' you in the media, you must challenge politicians, you must ask them for their programs for our people, as opposed to celebrating criminals. If somebody says he is a thief, you should ask him to resign''.

    Unfortunately, Nigerians have continuously asked ''thieves'' to resign in this present administration without positive results.

    Of worry, however, is the fact that the youth now have the impression that corrupt practices are the only reliable path to success.

     The young people readily make reference to the present administration's choice of Ministers as a source of inspiration to them. 

    Nigerians express anger over the claim of the powers that be, that they have fought corruption to a commendable extent, even when it is very glaring that several officials of the present administration have cases of corruption trailing through their daily lives.

    Everywhere within the borders of Nigeria, fraudsters, corrupt government officials and related categories of criminals are celebrated by their people, who believe these individuals are the heroes of this time.

    The EFCC is now a shadow of its old self, only barking but not biting those it ought to bite.

    If only the leadership had made transparency the guiding light to its activities, all the negatives trailing the country at home and abroad would never be the signposts of governance. 

    The removal of the subsidy on Premuim Motor Spirit(PMS) has been described as a kite flown by government officials to deny Nigerian workers a new national minimum wage.

     A former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze, opines that ''the government has a sinister agenda to strangulate the Nigerian workers and the generality of Nigerians. The question we ask is that even if the government had to take the increased salaries back from the workers, what about the unemployed, the retirees and all those who don't receive salaries from any source ? It means that the government would visit them with unprecedented agony and pain.''     

    Nigerians express sadness that despite the unconstitutional annexation of $1 Billion by the Federal Government for the procurement of all that is needed to checkmate the insecurity in the land, kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes are not abetting, even though the government has developed a new culture of commiseration and condolences to families who lost their loved ones to the reactionary approach by government to the disturbing insecurity in the country.

    Indeed, millions of Nigerians have been dehumanized, exploited and extorted to the extent that they have now resorted to pick-pocketing, ritual killings and homosexuality to make ends meet.

     

  • Give Thanks to the Lord

    Download 6Download 1 3

    We should always give thanks to the Lord for providing us with food, shelter, clothing and for everything.

    John 21:1-14

     

    1After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

    2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

    3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

    4But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

    5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

    6And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

    7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

    8And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

    9As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

    10Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

    11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

    12Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

    13Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

    14This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

  • Indiscipline as a Teaching Method

    MoralityMost public primary and secondary school students learn in environments that are not encouraging in Nigeria.  

     The facilities have been stretched to obsolete conditions as a result of improper planning by the government at all levels. 

    Considering the dilapidated toilet facilities in several of these schools and the absence of potable and drinkable water, the potential outbreak of an epidemic cannot be ruled out. Teachers are no longer dedicated to duty due to their nightmarish working conditions.

     Cultism has taken root in most of these schools, while ''armed robbers'' in school uniforms dot the nooks and crannies of every part of the country. 

    Of worry, is the lack of sincerity on the part of the government in the implementation of programs and policies. 

    On the part of private schools, moral decadence, which is a major feature in public schools, is the issue, while examination malpractices and fraud are also noticeable signposts. Furthermore, the attitude of the government and people in a number of states in the country downplays the reality of the coronavirus pandemic, while the present state of several schools in these states, the non-availability of potable water, and the dilapidated facilities could expose students and teachers alike to serious health hazards, the coronavirus pandemic inclusive.  Our worry also is the fact that several communities in Nigeria are under siege by various categories of criminals. 

    The sight of young boys, in the midst of adults, smoking Indian hemp is now commonplace, majorly at primary schools without perimeter fencing. 

    In addition, young girls have now taken to prostitution on the prompting of their mothers and guardians to make ends meet. A visit to several beer parlors, ''Ogogoro'' joints scattered all over the country should be instructive. Such communities include Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Oshodi, Olorunsogo, Aluko/Barracks, Felele, Scout Camp, and others in Ibadan, Oyo state. If an urgent step is not taken to salvage the almost hopeless situation, millions of Nigerian children may no longer have a place in a sane society.  

  • Remembrance-Chief D.A Adewumi (1924-1994)The Akogun of Ibeshe, Lagos Nigeria

                                                    File Chief D.A Adewumi (1924-1994)

    (B.A Econs. Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone).

    30years gone by, you are still in our minds.

    Your legacy hinged on impeccable character and integrity remain untainted.                       

                      Taiwo           Bisi

                                  Tunji

                                 Nike,

                                Funke,

                                 Tayo

  • Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach

     

    Impunity in cities, towns, and villages across Nigeria revolve around the fact that those responsible for law enforcement have been heavily compromised. Perhaps, this is the price to be paid to achieve self-centered goals with the coercive powers of Those-in-Charge in a depressed economy. The obsessive lure of power seems too attractive for those involved to be committed to democracy. An unspecified number of citizens are now used as proxies. The Nigerian society is now that of guns, terrorism, kidnappings, killings(for ritual purposes inclusive), contempt for the rule of law, and other violent crimes. The reactionary approach to law enforcement and insecurity has resulted in the massive traumatization of the psyche of Nigerians, considering the increasing rate of abductions and killings in the land.

    In saner climes, the structure of the national security system was fumigated, overhauled, and remodeled. This singular action ensured the exit of those lacking in integrity and credibility. Sadly, today, state actors are not working towards leaving behind enduring legacies. Instead, their energy dissipation points to monetary inducement by erstwhile credible commentators in a desperate bid to cover up the rot in the midst of non-performance.

  • Violent Crimes- The State Approach

    Images 5Adolf Hitler labeled the extermination of the Jews in Europe '' the final solution'', while the military dictatorship in Argentina, which embarked on an unprecedented killing of its citizens, code named the same ''The process of National Integration''. The activities of insurgents and armed herdsmen, which have claimed thousands of lives, are similar to the above-mentioned.

    Between 1976 and 1983, millions of citizens lost their lives in Argentina.

    Death squads operating under secret circumstances and under the cover of the state murdered about 11, 000 people, which are now described as ''The Disappeared''. Two million people escaped persecution, while hundreds of babies born to ''The Disappeared'' were either sold, bartered or murdered.

    Indeed, happenings in several states of Nigeria, including Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Kogi, Nasarawa and Kaduna, indicate that the government is fully aware of the insecurity, even as the killings continue.

    This calls for concern. 

     On March, 23, 1976, General Jourge Videla, Head of the Argentine Army overthrew the government of Isabelita Peron, a former nightclub dancer.

     No civilian government had completed its tenure, except for Juan Peron's first term in office. General Videla hinged his action on the chronic inflation and high rate of unemployment that trailed Isabelita's government.

     However, in Nigeria, a retired Army General calls the shots, even though the country still experiences symptoms of economic recession, mass unemployment, corruption and insecurity. 

     The Ejecrcito Revolcionario del Pueblo(ERP) and the Montotneros, took to kidnapping and killings.

    This plunged Argentina into crisis. In Nigeria, kidnappings and killings have gone on unabated. Political pundits put the blame at the doorstep of the present administration.

     Nigerians are worried that the government has done nothing noticeable to ensure that the country does not slip into anarchy. 

     In 2009, the Defense Minister of Madagascar, Cecile Manorantha, resigned her appointment on the grounds that she would not continue to be a part of a government that kills its people. 

     Also, the people of Madagascar vigorously opposed the attempts by President Marc Ravalomanana to lease one million acres of their land in the south of the country to a Korean firm, Daewoo, for intensive farming. 

    The people have deep ties with their land and consequently view the President's action as a betrayal. The same scenario is playing out in Nigeria. 

     The insecurity in the land has made foreign investment impossible, while the disenfranchised and poor majority look to the gloomy future for reprieve.

  • Warning Strike-Oyo Health Workers Call on Govt to be Compassionate

    62eae1f7c52559956dbf0ae9 public health quotes more 2Health workers in Oyo state have advised the state government to adopt a human face in its approach to acceding to their demands.

    The health workers who are members of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria(MWHUN) made this call on Tuesday in an interaction with the union's chairman, Comrade John Fabunmi and secretary, Comrade Suraju Alabi in the union's office in Ibadan, Nigeria.

    ''We call on the state government to look into our demands that have been lingering for years and give it a human face. We don't take pride in going on strike, we are also always considerate because we are also members of the larger society. The Oyo state government should be compassionate and do what is required,'' the union leaders stated.

    The health workers are currently on a seven-day warning strike to press home their grievances.

  • Insecurity and Hunger in Nigeria are Tests from God-Ladoja

    Images 1 1The spate of insecurity, economic hardships and hunger presently being experienced by Nigerians are all tests of God.

    This assertion was made on Sunday by the former governor of Oyo state and the otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja

    God will continue to test our faith and at the end of it all He will give us prosperity. In Nigeria today, God is using insecurity, the downturn of the economy and hunger to test Nigerians. After these challenges there will be prosperity,'' High Chief Ladoja stated.

  • Embrace Peace Chief Alloy Obi to Igbos In Oyo state

    Download 5The Onyendu Ndigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, High Chief Alloy Obi has called on the Igbo community in Oyo state to embrace peace as a step towards an enduring democracy.

     High Chief Obi made this call on Thursday while addressing the issues surrounding the Ibadan Division of the Appeal Court's Judgment, in a Press Conference in Ibadan, Nigeria. 

    ''My victory at the Court of Appeal is not just for me as a person, the Appeal court case lasted for  ten eyars. I would have given it up, if it were just about me as a person. I remained in the struggle in the last ten years beacuse of the implication  on Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Igbo extraction all over the world. I hereby use this medium to call on those who are still in opposition to sheath their swords because it is time for enduring peace and togetherness among Ndigbo in Oyo state. I promise to be a good and impartial father to Ndigbo and Igbo groups in Oyo state.''

    ''On my part, I will work with the leadership of Ohaneze in the state to put in place a committee thta would see to the reconciliation of all parties in the ovwerall interest of the Igbos in Ibadanland and Oyo state in general. It is a thing of joy  that thourhgout the 28 years that the crisis lasted, no life was lost to it, as those who died died a natural death,'' High Chief Obi stated.

    Similarly, the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo in the state, Chief(Engr.) Nudbuisi Okorie called on all sons and daughters of Ndigbo, '' and the opposing group to join hands with us for an enduring peace and unity among Ndigbo in Oyo state. This judgment is a win-win for all of us.''

    In his reaction, the Personal Assistant to the Late Ezendigbo,(Dr. Alex Anozie), Mr. Samuel Ulelu, disclosed that the Ohaneze Ndigbo group led by Cheif Ndidi Ezeakor were not carried along in the period leading to the judgment, adding, '' the judgment was delivered on zoom, they never gave us any notice of the judgment date and time. However, Chief Ndidi Nzeakor remains the authentic President Of Ohaneze in Oyo state.''

  • The Resort to Lawlessness and Crime

    Value 2It is very disturbing that the lack of scale and coherence feature prominently in most of the initiatives to address the youth empowerment challenge in Nigeria. The population of youths who are gainfully employed in the critical economic and social sectors is very discouraging.

    Indeed, a sizable number of the population do not possess relevant digital skills to fit into these sectors. Indeed, a lot still has to be done to the psyche, value and attitude of the youths in this clime, to enable them to have access to decent work and productive employment.

    The government at all levels have, over the years, failed to equip young Nigerians with globally sought-after skills to ensure that they are useful not only to themselves, but also to society.

    In the absence of the interventions of the government and the Organized Private Sector(OPS), the youths have now embraced lawlessness, crime and all forms of criminality as credible means to ends and the political class are taking full advantage of theis development.

    Note- A number of state governments have persistently covertly supported lawlessness, crime and criminality.

    In many state capitals, the brazen and daring attitude of those who are believed to be the supporters and loyalists of these state governments is the major discussion in every mouth.

    These sets of people trespass on landed properties which do not belong to them, the heavy presence of roadside car outlets and make-shift shops has become an eyesore on the environment.

    The Nigeria Baptist Convention among several others has a lot to state about its landed property and trespassers situated at the Scout Camp area of Ibadan, Oyo state.

  • Insecurity and Hunger in Nigeria are Tests from God-Ladoja

     Images 8

    The spate of insecurity, economic hardships and hunger presently being experienced by Nigerians are all tests of God.

    This assertion was made on Sunday by the former governor of Oyo state and the otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja

    God will continue to test our faith and at the end of it all He will give us prosperity. In Nigeria today, God is using insecurity, the downturn of the economy and hunger to test Nigerians. After these challenges there will be prosperity,'' High Chief Ladoja stated.

  • We appreciate teachers for their perseverance and dedication-Oyo NUT chairman

     Nut chairmanThe Nigeria Union of Teachers(NUT) in Oyo state has commended teachers in Oyo state for their commitment, perseverance and dedication in the face of the present social and economic realities in Nigeria.

    The NUT chairman in the state, Comrade Raji Oladimeji gave this commendation on behalf of the union.

    ''We appreciate teachers for their commitment, perseverance and dedication. We also need to admonish them not to relent on their efforts. We are also aware of the challenge the shortage of teachers has brought about. It is not only in this state, but everywhere. We appeal to them to continue to go about their daily tasks with the zeal they have always exhibited. Teachers will soon be recruited,'' Comrade Oladimeji.

    The NUT chairman disclosed that the majority of the teachers had registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria(TRCN), saying, ''to the best of my knowledge, I don't believe that we still have some teachers who have not registered. 99 percent of teachers in the state have registered with TRCN. The issue is with the private schools.''

    Comrade Oladimeji insisted that a number of factors were responsible for the failure of students in external examinations, adding,''the blame for the failure of students in external examinations should not be put on teachers alone.  There are other factors we have to consider, such as the examination centers.''

    Similarly, Dr. Francis Amenaghwon of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan attributed the massive failure of candidates in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination(UTME) to inadequate funding practices by the government,  the reluctance of students to learn, the prevalence of unqualified teachers in public and private schools and sharp pracitces by some examination officials.

     

  • Tips with Mrs Hannah Adefunke Mujakperuo

    Img 20220415 150819 160

     Girls in Nigeria have numerous challenges to contend with.

     Poverty, peer pressure, early marriage, unwanted pregnancy, negligence, rape, ignorance, lack of parental care. The list is endless.

    Even though leaders at all levels have made noticeable efforts to give girls a future, a lot still has to be done, in terms of guidance, legislation, interventions, funding and monitoring.

    For parents and guardians-''Ensure you groom your children and wards in the proper way, so that they will not soil your name.

    For society-''Do not cover up wrong deeds, rather expose the same for the uplifting of society

    For the Places of Worship-'' Preach and teach the girls all that will mold them to be God-fearing, responsible, reliable and dependable.

    Mrs Mujakperuo holds a master's degree in Security Studies and is also a doctoral student.

  • Girls ought to be Nurtured and Protected not Exploited-Mrs. Mujakepruo

    Dsc 4879As primary and secondary schools in Nigeria prepare to resume for the third term, the Chief Executive Officer of KEAABS Oil and Gas Limited, Port-Harcourt, Rivers state, Mrs. Hannah Adefunke Mujakperuo, a master’s degree holder and doctoral student, in this interview, advised the government at all levels to do all that is necessary for girls to accomplish.

    Excerpts:

    Schools are about to resume for the third term. What is your advice to the government?

     Girls do not deserve to be exploited, but rather protected and nurtured. 

    The social, economic and political situation in Nigeria has impacted negatively on girls.

    However, it is disturbing to note that parents and guardians are now openly supporting female children to embrace prostitution as a means to an end. This is dangerous for society.

    The government at all levels should do all that is possible to ensure that girls have unhindered access to quality education by making provision for the needed facilities, addressing the issue of shortage of teachers and renovating dilapidated infrastructure in schools.

    It is also very important that counselors are functional in the schools to guide girls on career choices. Girls have a role to play in the future of the nation. Everything must be done for the girls to acquire a quality education.

     

  • Bear with Us-UCH Management to Patients

    Electric power is everywhere present in unlimitedThe management of the University College Hospital(UCH) Ibadan, Nigeria has appealed to patients to bear with the hospital as it makes efforts to address the present electricity challenge.

    This appeal was made by the management through the Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Obafunmilayo Adetuyibi in a chat with New Federation.

    ''Patients in the wards of the hospital should bear with us,the hospital is making efforts to address the electricity challenge. Our internally Generated Revenue(IGR) has gone low, several letters have been written to friends of the hospital in both the public and private sectors, we are hopeful that they will help us out.'' Mrs. Adetuyibi stated.

    The Public Relations Officer explained that on assumption of duty on the 1st of March 2019, the Chief Medical Director(CMD), Prof. Jesse Otegbayo met an accumulated bill of over 200 million Naira, adding,'' the bill is not for UCH alone, the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan has its own bill, one for UCH and one for the College of Medicine. As at January this year, we paid 50 million Naira and for February, we paid 55 million Naira and for March, we paid 45 million Naira. All these we have paid, even though electricity is not available for 24 hours.''

    Mrs Adetuyibi also noted that health workers in the hospital had the right to protect themselves, while stressing that there were Public Service Rules that guide the policy thrust of the hospital.

    ''JOHESU wrote a letter to the management intimating the management of a 14 day ultimatum to restore electricity. The management will still get back to them. They should wait for a management decision.''

    The PRO maintained that services have not been disrupted by the power outage saying,''our laboratories and the Universal Laboratory are functioning. Patients go to the laboratories to pick up their results, we are working round the clock to restore electricity supply, they should bear with us.''

  • Christians should Guard against six hindrances to Prayers in their Lives-Cleric

    2a8e60e45d6dd25feb0d5efad2b54210Christians have been charged with guarding against six hindrances to prayers in their lives.

    This charge was given on Sunday by Pastor Kayode Oladeji of the Peculiar People International Christian Center, Mokola, Ibadan, Nigeria.

    Pastor Oladimeji listed the six hindrances to include-1)Lack of knowledge(Ignorance). 2)Wrong motives and intentions. 3)Worries and Anxieties. 4)Deliberate sin and Disobedience. 5) Offenses and the absence of forgiveness.  6) Lack of Gratitude.

    ''You need adequate knowledge to pray effectively. Knowledge is very important. In addition, secondly, you must have the right motive for God to answer your prayers. God looks at our motives. God does not grant prayer hinged on wrong motives. When your motive is wrong, it becomes a barrier, it becomes a hindrance. Nothing will hinder your prayers from today, God will answer your prayers,'' he prayed.

     

  • Olubadan's Death-Igbo Community in Oyo state Condoles with Family and the people of Ibadan

    Untitled 6The Igbo community in Ibadan and Oyo state state has condoled with the family, indigenes of Ibadan and the government and people of Oyo state on the death of The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.

    The Balogun Ndigbo of Ibadanland, Chief Alloy Obi, on behalf of Ndigbo in the state gave the condolence in a chat,

    Chief Obi described the late first class monarch's death as shocking.

    ''Well I heard of the sad news this morning, I was shocked. My relationship with the late Olubadan dates back to before he became an Oba. I am also a member of the family. But we cannot query God, it is God that called him. Just two years on the throne, God's decision is final. The entire Igbos in Ibadan and Oyo state and the Ohaneze Ndibog condole with the family, the people of Ibadan and Oyo state and the Oyo state Governor on the great loss. I pray that God will give the family the fortitude to bear the great loss,'' Chief Obi stated.

  • Non Payment of With Held Salaries of SSANU and others may result in Labor Unrest-Former VP SSANU Western zone

    Download 4The decision of the Federal Government to pay four months out of eight months in held salaries of university workers to only the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) is an invitation to confusion and labor unrest.

    This assertion was made by a former Vice President of the Senior Staff Association of Universities(SSANU), Comrade Alfred Jimoh.

    ''The Federal government has not been sincere, it appears the government wants to create confusion and encourage labor unrest. I don't see any reason why four unions will go on a justifiable strike and, after suspension and signing of the agreement with no victimization clause, the government held the salaries and the president gave a waiver to only one union, as if the other members of the remaining unions are not Nigerians. Nobody has come out to give us the rationality behind the discriminatory approach.  It is very unfortunate and an open provocation and invitation to labor unrest in the Nigerian university system,'' Comrade Jimoh warned.