Opinion II On Explosion Of Illicit Refinery In Imo

By Fred Nwaozor

The good people of Imo State, other known as the Eastern Heartland, woke in the early morning of Saturday, 23rd April 2022, only to be greeted with the news of a disaster that befell a certain locality in the State On the night of Friday, 22nd April 2022, an illegal crude-oil refinery – otherwise known as oil bunkering in the local parlance – situated in Abaezi forest at Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area (LGA) of the State exploded unannounced, reportedly killing over 100 youths and razing about six vehicles.

In a similar development, reports also had it that countless individuals within the scene of the incident were seriously injured while many were maimed. During his visit to the scene of the explosion, the following day being Saturday, the Imo State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Goodluck Opiah opined that the incident was very unfortunate, as he described ‘oil bunkering’ as a suicidal business. Consequently, while the Commissioner was on his on-the-spot assessment visit, he stated that he could not confirm the actual casualty figure. He said, “At the moment, I can’t really confirm the number of the deceased because many family members have removed the corpses of so many others.” Mr. Opiah went further to disclose that the State Government led by Sen. Hope Uzodinma had declared the owner of the illegal refinery, Mr. Okenze Onyenwaoke wanted, hence advised him to make himself available to the police immediately.

“Most of the people who are engaging in this act are from Rivers, Bayelsa and other neigbouring states and it is sabotage for our people to allow this illegal act to continue. “Apart from this calamity, the act has destroyed the aquatic life in the community. Our people before now were predominantly farmers and fishermen. “Look around, you will find smoke coming from this illegal act. If this is not enough for any person to stop, I think the community is heading for what I can’t describe,” said Mr. Opiah. On his part, a resident of the area who identified himself as Daniel Opara, told newsmen that majority of the victims in the incident were youth. He said the people were unable to escape because fire covered the whole forest. He said, “I rarely see old people involved in this illegal act. They are mainly youths.”

Mr, Opara, who added that “It is a popular business here. I think they make it there, that’s why they take such risks”, could not say if all the people involved in the illicit business hail from Imo or the neighbouring states. A video clip shot taken from the scene of the explosion, that has gone viral on the social media, revealed horrible images of the victims and vehicles burnt beyond recognition, littering the entire envir

onment. It’s noteworthy that oil theft, known as ‘bunkering’ in local parlance, which remains a means of livelihood to many notable Nigerians, has been a source of concern to many well-meaning stakeholders across the country. The Nigerian government had been reportedly losing an estimated $4 billion annually, due to oil theft activities. This is to say that the economic loss attributable to oil bunkering is outrageous and unspeakable, yet no one is talking about its existence. In Rivers State precisely, air pollution, especially the soot in its capital territory, Port Harcourt and its environs, has been attributed to the operation of illegal oil refineries. Generally, refinery of petroleum products in this part of the world constitute colossally environmental nuisance. This has been the outcry of the people from the Niger-Delta region in Nigeria from time immemorial. This is so, because the country still lacks the needed technical mechanism to address the menace. This is to assert that the illicit practice as regards oil refinery would cause not just environmental hazard but obvious death trap, because so many required measures would definitely be lacking in such pattern of production. Hence, taking into cognizance that virtually all the existing refineries across the federation were illegally built and being operated without any license, is enough reason to worry about the wellbeing and general health status of Nigerians, particularly the residents of the oil producing parts of the country. Nigeria is indeed the cause of her own plight, to assert the least. The point I’m trying to portray here is that, if the leaders of the country truly intends to eradicate ‘oil bunkering’, it would take no effort to do so. Read my lips. It’s even more saddening when realized that the various state governments affected by the uncalled and unfortunate practice generate most of their internal revenue from the illicit business via taxation. It suffices to say that, rather than doing the needful, they would prefer to settle for the worst, perhaps owing to their self-centred interest. For instance, the current Commissioner for Petroleum Resourc

es in Imo State hails from the LGA where the explosion took place in the state penultimate week. It’s needless to assert that he possesses the capacity to identify or fish out the exact individuals involved in the illegal venture. Come to think of think, the aforementioned individual that was declared wanted by the Imo Government, how did they come to know about his nomenclature; was he identified just after the incident; why hasn’t the government made effort to identify and declare him wanted prior to the explosion; does it imply they never knew about his person before the accident? So, many questions are conspicuously seeking apt response, though most Nigerians are already aware of the correct answers to the inquiries. This isn’t the first time we would hear of explosion of oil bunkering, yet the unlawful practice continues unabated as if the country lacks the powers to do the needful.

I’ve, for the umpteenth time, suggested the need for the government to work out modalities on best the oil bunkering practice across the federation could be converted to modular refineries. By doing so, the individuals into the business would still be meaningfully engaged and the entire Nigerians would same time benefit from the activity. But the relevant authorities seemingly remain docile towards it. At this juncture, it won’t be expensive to opine that the Nigeria’s leaders ar

e actually the problem to Nigerians. They have ostensibly ‘vowed’ to keep their followers in perpetual darkness even when the remedy to the prolonged state of poignancy lies in their palms. It’s high time we desist from this act of deceit that has eaten deep into our collective bone marrow. Think about it!

Ending Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities

by Fred Nwaozor

3rd December each year remains International Day of Persons living with Disabilities. Hence, last Friday, the global community commemorated the 2021 edition of the remarkable event. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Leadership and participation of Persons with Disabilities”. The United Nations (UN) Decade of Disabled Persons was held from 1983 to 1992 to enable governments and organizations at all levels to implement measures to improve the life of disabled persons all over the world. On October 14, 1992, as the decade drew to a close, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 3 of every year as the International Day of Disabled Persons. This day was first observed on December 3, 1992. Subsequently, on December 18, 2007, the Assembly changed the observance’s name from the International Day of Disabled Persons to the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’. The new name was first used in 2008.

Disability is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, sensory, mental, cognitive, emotional, developmental, or a combination of these. A certain disability may be present from birth, or occur during a person’s lifetime. Disability is an umbrella term covering impairments, participation restriction, and activity limitations. Impairment is a plight in one’s body function or structure; participation restriction is a problem experienced by a person in involvement in life situations; whilst an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action. This indicates that disability is indeed a complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which he/she lives or belongs. For instance, various forms of chronic disease may also qualify as disabilities.

Some advocates object to describing certain conditions such as deafness, vision impairment, or autism as disabilities, arguing that it is more appropriate to consider them as developmental differences that have been unfairly stigmatized by the society. In the same vein, others argue that disability is a result of exclusion from mainstream society and not because of impairment. The term ‘disability’ broadly describes impairment in a person’s ability to function as an individual, caused by changes in several subsystems of the body or in mental health. The degree of disability may range from mild to moderate, severe, or profound. A person might also be suffering from multiple disabilities. Irrespective of the degree or nature of the disability, it can be measured objectively or subjectively. Considering the causes of disability, the condition could be inherited or genetically transmitted; congenital, meaning literally caused by a mother’s infection or other diseases gotten prior to or during pregnancy as well as soon after birth, or via embryonic/fetal developmental irregularities. It could also be acquired, such as conditions caused by illness, injury, or accident; or even of unknown origin, as the case may be.

There are currently several classes of disability including physical disability, sensory disability, vision impairment, hearing impairment, olfactory and gustatory impairment, balance disorder, somatosensory disorder, intellectual disability, mental disorder, pervasive developmental disorders, and developmental disability, among others. Whichever type that is involved, it is worth noting that an individual with any form of disability can function as effective as, even more effective or efficient than, able-bodied individuals if given the needed support or encouragement. Against this backdrop, based on our individual/corporate social responsibilities, we are expected to always endeavour to do everything within our reach and humanly possible to ensure that persons living disabilities at our respective jurisdictions are duly given a sense of belonging starting from the classrooms to working places with a view to strengthening nation building. At the various institutions of learning, from primary to tertiary level, rather than discriminating the said set of people, they are meant to be given special attentions by the teachers and management of the schools. For instance, those suffering from vision impairment such as the albinos are supposed to be provided with special sunglasses and also meant to sit at the front of their classrooms or closer to the board. Such treatment ought to be replicated during their various examinations, either internal or external.

Similarly, during electioneering eras, the electoral umpire is expected to make a different arrangement towards the sensitization of the electorate with disabilities in line with the nature of their challenges. And, on the election days, the persons in question deserve a preferential treatment throughout the polls to enable them cast their votes properly and at ease as demanded. More so, it is no longer news that in the labour market as well as political settings, the degree of discrimination faced by persons living with disabilities is presently on the rampage. In view of this, there’s a compelling need for the legislators to enact a strict law that would stipulates a basic statutory percentage of persons with disabilities expected to be found in any public sector, or a certain minimum number of persons with disabilities that must be employed or appointed in the civil service or political arena, respectively, in accordance with the directive of the UN. Establishing a separate ministry coupled with an agency for persons with disabilities would go a long to resolving the anomaly. Worse still, it is obvious that recently, several prospective students with disabilities such as HIV/AIDS or physical challenges of most citadels of learning across the country, especially the privately owned tertiary institutions, are invariably deprived of their chances of securing admission thereby making most of them lose interest of furthering their education. Undoubtedly, the level of post-traumatic stress disorder attributed to the aforementioned stigmatization cannot be overemphasized that if adequate and drastic approach is not taken by the appropriate authorities towards ending the anomaly, it is liable to degenerate into an untold societal menace.

Above all, acknowledging that persons with disabilities easily fall victim of any disaster or crisis owing to vulnerability, there’s no need reiterating they are meant to be attended to, or treated, as priority during any disaster management. To this end, any personnel/expert involved in the management of any form of crisis ought to ensure that individuals with disabilities that are resident in the affected area are first attended to as well as duly catered for before any other resident. As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I enjoin every citizen and civil society organization to in their respective capacities endeavour to protect the rights of persons living with disabilities. We can actualize this by confronting any norm, cultural belief or perception that condones any kind of discrimination against them. In addition, thorough education cum reorientation among the citizenry as regards ending the menace remains inevitable. Think about it!

On Elimination Of Violence Against Women

by Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, November 25 annually remained the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women. This signifies that today, the global community is commemorating the 2021 edition of the lofty event. From November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to December 10, the Human Rights Day, the sixteen days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world. Undoubtedly, no society in existence can be said to be complete if a woman is yet to be found in it, regardless of its nature or size. We can testify to this fact by considering how a woman came into the world. Of course it is no longer news that having created man, God the creator thought it wise to form a woman from the rib of a man. This was so, because God realized of what benefit a woman could be to a man in any society/arena he finds himself. A family for instance – a nuclear family precisely, which remains the smallest society on earth, can never strive successfully or attain to its anticipated height if a woman is missing. Realistically, a family cannot be formed in the first place if a woman is nowhere to be found.

Having formed a family with the help of a woman, if she eventually dies, the affected family will live to suffer the vacuum her eternal demise has created. This implies that, psychologically, no widower can boast of being a happy man, especially a situation where the late wife left some kids behind. Sometimes, even when the widower has gotten married to another woman, provided the late wife left some indelible footprints on the sand of time, he shall remain in an unending emotional trauma, perhaps for eternity. In such a situation, it is only his creator that can provide a lasting succour. Ab initio, the womenfolk has been considered to constitute the integral part of the wider society. It is obvious that a social union cannot achieve an effective goal if the female members aren’t carried along. It might sound a bit controversial but the truth remains that nature had ordained woman to be the most attractive being in any society she belongs. This is the reason whenever a social group of people intends to pay a courtesy visit to a certain office holder, if they fail to include at least a female member among the delegate, the said outing might end up fruitless. This is so, because the presence of a woman has a natural tendency of arresting the heart of any man irrespective of who he is. The political terrain is not left out. Any man occupying a political position could boldly testify that his beloved wife is the reason he is thriving assiduously and successfully. This implies a woman is in charge of any leadership position, though her impact might seem invisible.

The advisory role, both morally and otherwise, a woman plays in the life of her spouse who occupies a political post supersedes whatever counsel he receives from his appointees, friends, or well-wishers. Considering the church, which is an institution as well as one of the oldest societies across the globe, there’s no need reiterating that its sustainability from the outset has been possible owing to the effort of the womenfolk. Noting that women are closer to the church, the easiest way to conscientize a married man, or any man whatsoever, toward the uplift of a church project is through the woman in his life, since it is obvious a woman has the key to a man’s heart. Similarly, a woman has been proven to be more pious than a man. This is the reason she remains the engine room towards the uplift of the children’s spiritual lives. It is worth noting that someone or a family whose spiritual life is porous is apparently living like a tree without root. Frankly, the role of a woman both in her immediate and wider society cannot be overemphasized. From the aforementioned facts, it can be pinpointed that without a woman, the children cannot be properly raised, be it morally, academically, religiously, and what have you; a man’s social, political and emotional life shall remain incapacitated and in shambles; above all, the affected society would remain seemingly stagnant and retrogressive in its day-to-day activity. In view of the above analysis, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, it is our civic responsibility to ensure that women or girls whom are ubiquitously vulnerable owing to their nature are duly respected and safeguarded at all cost, with a view to strengthening our respective societies and the nation at large.

We can contribute our quotas, either individually or collectively, by acknowledging that women are the backbone of any society in existence. We can showcase our respective supports in all fora we find ourselves. It is estimated that about 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence by a non-partner at some points in their lives. On the other hand, some studies show that up to 70% has experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner. It’s noteworthy that, either domestic or not, such form of violence has lingered in various countries, particularly Nigeria, thus making people insinuate that it is an acceptable tradition. Violence against women/girls is a human rights violation. It’s a consequence of discrimination against women both in law and in practice, and of persisting inequalities between men and women. It’s arguably impedes progress in many areas of human endeavour including poverty eradication, curbing contagious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, strengthening peace and security, thereby crippling nation building. The monster, which continued to be a global pandemic, is not inevitable. Prevention is possible and essential too. Everyone has a responsibility to prevent and end violence against women and girl children, starting by challenging the culture of discrimination that allows it to exist.

Legislation also has a vital role to play. There ought to be a stiff law to ensure that anyone at all levels found guilty of any violence against women/girls to include rape, battering, female genital mutilation, subjection into prostitution, or what have you, is duly brought to book. Violence like rape deserves life imprisonment, or any other form of capital punishment, because such ruthless act can lead to murder. Parents and guardians on their part should equally cough up reasonable time for their wards, particularly the female folks, to enable them know their left from right when they grow up. The various schools should as well revive their guidance and counselling unit towards providing the needed guideline and caution for both the male and female students. The schools can create a strong impact via this measure. The religious bodies are not left out in this crusade. They are expected to devote much time in letting the worshippers realize the dangers inherent in the menace. They ought to equally create enough time to preach salvation rather than material prosperity as it is presently the case. Women and society are interwoven. If you remove either of them, the other one would be ostensibly meaningless. Needless to say that the former is as crucial as the latter, thus must be treated as such at all times. Think about it!

As World Commemorates Food Day, Nigeria In Focus

by Fred Nwaozor

October 16 each year remains the World Food Day. It suffices to say that today, the world over is celebrating the 2021 edition of the worthwhile event. It is a day of action dedicated to tackling global hunger. The focus of the day is that food is a basic and fundamental human right. Yet, in a world of billions, over 800 million people worldwide live with chronic hunger, 60% women and almost five million children under the age of five die of malnutrition-related causes every day. Due to the inevitable impact of food on mankind, the World Food Day (WFD) was established during the 20th General Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) in November 1945. During the conference, all the Member States of FAO resolved that October 16 each year should be commemorated as World Food Day. The day was meant to coincide with the anniversary of the founding date of the organization - FAO. In the history of mankind, no one has ever boasted of living a healthy life without an adequate food on his/her table. This implies that a healthy living is not unconnected with consumption of the required dietary.

Food, which remains one of the three basic needs of man on earth, can only be acquired or guaranteed via thorough participation in agricultural practices. No doubt, agriculture is an integral part of human existence considering that it is the only means that can guarantee the three paramount needs of man, which are: food, clothing and shelter. Obviously, several societies in the world depend solely on agriculture as regards Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR), and creation of employment opportunities. Such societies jealously safeguard it because they acknowledge it is the most affordable and assessable source of revenue within the reach of man. This is a clear indication that agriculture can function as a revenue source as well as means of survival. Needless to assert that sustenance of agriculture remains one of the prime desires of any rational and vision-oriented society in existence, and Imo wouldn’t be an exception.

Owing to its challenges, including lack of access to mechanized farming, undesirable topography, poor climatic condition, unavailability of land, poor soil texture, and insufficient funds, et cetera, many prospective farmers in most developing nations, like Nigeria, have over the years lost interest in agriculture, thereby endangering the socio-economic status of the affected nations. It’s not anymore news that lack of participation in either subsistence or commercial farming among the populace of a certain country invariably leads to malnutrition and tremendous decline in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. The most devastating aspect of apathy in agriculture is the one observed amongst the youth as a result of their eager and unending quest for non-existing white-collar jobs. To say the least, the ongoing lack of enthusiasm among the young ones, in the area of farming, contributed immensely to the current scarcity of food in Nigeria. History indicates that between 2011 and 2013, a total of eight hundred and forty-two (842) million individuals, or about one in every eight persons in the world, were estimated to be suffering from chronic hunger. This signifies that the said set of people was not regularly getting enough food for themselves to carry out their active life activities. It’s not anymore news that in the recent times, climate change has remained one of the greatest challenges in this part of the world. One of the biggest issues related to climate change is food security. The world’s poorest – many of whom are farmers, fishers, and hunters – are being hit hardest by higher temperatures and an increasing frequency in weather-related disasters.

At the same time, the global population is skyrocketing and is expected to reach about 9.6 billion by 2050. To meet such a heavy demand, agriculture and food systems will need to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and become more resilient, productive, and sustainable. This is the only way we can ensure the general wellbeing of ecosystems and rural settlements, as well as reduce emissions. Growing food in a sustainable way means adopting practices that produce more with less input, in the same area of land, and use natural resources wisely. It also means reducing food losses before the final product or retail stage through a number of initiatives, including better harvesting, storage, packaging, transport, infrastructure, and market mechanisms, coupled with institutional and legal frameworks. The FAO is using this period to call on countries to address food and agriculture in their climate action plans and invest meaningfully in rural development in their respective jurisdictions. So, as Nigeria joins the global community to celebrate the 2021 annual World Food Day, I urge the government to be more proactive than being reactive with a view to ensuring that the bane of the country’s agricultural institution is thoroughly addressed. It’s appalling that presently the acclaimed Africa’s giant can no longer boast of crops like cocoa, rubber and oil palms that used to be the pride of the country during the post-colonial era, owing to lack of maintenance culture and relegation of the existing healthy policies to the background occasioned by overdependence on mono-source of economy, the oil and gas sector. There is indeed a compelling need for the governments at all levels to provide the needed support for any genuine prospective farmer in their respective jurisdictions, such as soft loan with zero interest rates, arable land, enabling environment, and wholesome policies, as the case may be. The government should equally subsidize the prices of farming machinery/equipment to enable every commercial farmer in the country purchase them without much ado. In the same vein, the ongoing restriction of importation of goods and services into the country must be duly strengthened and intensified by the apt authorities such as the Customs Service, among others, toward increasing the level of demand on locally-made commodities.

There ought to also be an increased awareness among the populace in various quarters on the need to patronize indigenous commodities at all times. This can be actualized by working thoroughly on their mentality. On their part, the farmers ought to, from time to time, validate the membership of all their members, and also encourage the upcoming ones to register, to enable the government or any concerned corporate body easily assess them as well as ascertain the genuineness of anyone who claims to be a practising farmer. They should also sensitize their members on the need for specialization towards boosting production. Farmers need to concentrate on a particular crop or livestock farming, as the case might be, to enable them obtain a desirable outcome during harvest. After creating a sound foundation, any farmer can in the future consider practising mixed farming. Governments at all levels ought to as well endeavour to own and manage various mechanized farm with a view to supplementing the privately owned ones. They mustn’t leave everything for the private sector, in order to ensure adequate price regulation on the goods and services. Such measure would also intensify the ongoing diversification mantra, thereby boosting massive employment opportunities for our teeming youths.

In view of this, every agriculture ministry is expected to boast of staff that are qualified in various agricultural disciplines, rather than professionals from other areas. And, every staff must be prepared to go to the field. Above all, there’s a compelling need for Agricultural Science to be studied by every high school student in Nigeria as a core subject, and equally sit for it during their School Certificate examinations. There’s also need for all the tertiary institutions in the country to introduce Agric Science in their schools’ curricula as a general course for every first year student; there would be need for a formidable legal backing towards ensuring the effectiveness of this very measure. Inter alia, the government and non-governmental organizations, among other stakeholders, should endeavour to continually grant bursary to the undergraduates studying Agric Science or any agric-related discipline towards encouraging prospective ones. Hence, the various relevant civil society groups operating in the country are required to solicit for this on behalf of the students. All in all, viable and formidable policies need to be formulated and consequently kept alive to ensure apt implementation of the outlined measures. A policy is like a tyre that facilitates the needed wholesome movement of a vehicle. Every relevant authority or stakeholder in the country must henceforth be ready and determined to sacrifice now in a bid to enjoy forever. Think about it!

On World Tourism Day

by Fred Nwaozor

Today, the world over is celebrating the 2021 World Tourism Day. The remarkable event is commemorated annually on September 27. The theme of this year's commemoration is "Tourism for inclusive growth". Tourism has conspicuously emerged as one of the major Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) sources across the global community, and is fast becoming the most highly-rated factor for societal development. At its third session held in Torremolinos, Spain in 1979, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly mandated its Member States to observe September 27 each year as the World Tourism Day having reached a unanimous resolution.

The day was chosen to coincide with an important historic milestone in the world’s tourism sector, which is the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Tourism Statutes on 27th September 1970. The first commemoration of the World Tourism Day took place in 1980. It suffices it to say that this year’s anniversary marks the 42nd edition of the laudable annual event. Tourism has over the years showcased its huge capacity in the area of job creation and human capital development, yet it’s often undervalued. Survey reliably reveals that tourism presently provides about 15 per cent of the entire world’s jobs. In spite of the above revelation, it’s appalling that the tourism sector of most countries across the global community, particularly on the African continent, is currently moribund or forgotten. It’s noteworthy that observing a beautifully-looking environment remained one of the prime desires of every sane being. This is the reason every able-bodied man works assiduously to ensure that his or her immediate surroundings appear enticingly. Tourism as an area of life or human endeavour is a sector that has over the decades pays an optimum attention to how attractive our surroundings look. This makes the area to be globally recognized. Concisely, tourism is the business activity connected with provision of accommodation, entertainment, and other hospitable services for people who are visiting a place for pleasure. In other words, a tourist can be described as a person who is travelling or visiting a certain locality for the sake of pleasure.

Tourism has been proven to be an outstanding industry that can guarantee absolute relaxation for mankind irrespective of background. This implies that no one is exempted when it calls for the essence of tourism among mankind. In the past, our various heritages were being used by our ancestors as a means of entertaining themselves, and their guests. Presently, the tourism industry has shown that these endowments can equally be utilized as business venture by upgrading them to international standard. Noting the positive impact of the tourism industry the world over, it is of no need reiterating that it has contributed massively to the socio-economic development of most nations in existence. Analysts are of the view that the industry currently represents about eleven (11%) of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and that it is a key revenue sector for developing and emerging economies. Indeed, tourism plays a very vital role in building blocks of a more sustainable future for all, which is community development. Above all, it is widely acknowledged for its capacity to respond to global challenges. In view of this, there is an urgent need for Nigeria and her likes to follow suit to ensure that the world tourism industry that helps to foster global unity and complete rest of mind is granted a preferential treatment at all cost. Nigeria can encourage the commendable crusade by ensuring that her countless socio-cultural resources are optimally rejuvenated. This proposed measure would not only help to encourage the world tourism industry, but would go a long way to elevate the country’s Gross National Product (GNP), thus strengthening her ongoing sagging economy. More so, as the world is fast embracing technology and its numerous benefits, it’s imperative for the concerned authorities to consider how to aptly deploy tech measures towards harnessing and showcasing the country’s countless tourism potentials.

To actualize this, we need to first acknowledge the impact of tech on our various activities. Then, we can proceed in engaging capable hands that truly understand the nitty-gritty of the said tool with a view to inculcating it into the sector in question. Hence, the cognoscenti must be well consulted for the way forward. Also, we must reconsider the country’s policy direction in the area of tourism to ensure that tech measures are duly enshrined therein. Nigeria as an independent state is made up of over two hundred and fifty ethnic groups, and each of these groups is tremendously blessed with various socio-cultural endowments. These cultural resources including dancing, masquerading, dressing, hunting, fishing, wrestling, and molding of sculptures, just to mention but a few, if well harnessed, would definitely help to revive the nation’s tourism sector, thereby boosting her socio-economic ego. It’s worth noting that the timing of the World Tourism Day is appropriate, because it comes at the end of the high season in the Northern hemisphere and at the beginning of the season in the Southern hemisphere, when tourism is of topical interest to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The UN Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held in 2012 emphasized that well-designed and appropriately managed tourism can make a significant contribution to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The then Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon further highlighted that tourism, which remained one of the world’s largest economic sectors, was specially well-placed to promote environmental sustainability, green-growth, and human struggle against climate change through its relationship with energy. Ever since its inception, the World Tourism Day is being celebrated to foster awareness among the global community on the essence of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The celebration seeks to highlight tourism potential as regards promotion of the SDGs, as well as how it addresses some of the most pressing challenges the global society is currently faced with.

So, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the remarkable day, we are all expected to contribute our quota toward ensuring that our respective environments or surroundings become globally recognized as attractive and human friendly localities, so that, generations yet unborn would live to remember that an attractive environment is a society we all yearn for. The truth remains that everywhere in Nigeria bears tourism potentials, thus all that is required of the government, among other concerned stakeholders, is to swing into action headlong with the sole aim of doing the needful. The authorities are, therefore, encouraged to revisit the existing policies guiding the country’s tourism sector with a view to making amends where need be. Apt policy formulation and implementation as well as formidable maintenance culture are other inevitable factors. It’s high time we quit retrogressive debates and discussions regarding tourism towards focusing solely on progressive ones. Mind you, the goal cannot be aptly and holistically actualized if we continue to jettison tech value. Think about it!

UZODINMA AND ENDLESS VERIFICATION OF IMO PENSIONERS

by Fred Nwaozor 

The last time I checked, a certain set of individuals in Imo State – the Eastern Heartland – was apparently confused and stranded, hence needed to be rescued by well-meaning Imolites. The troubling and disturbing aspect of the aforementioned scenario is that the people in question are invariably referred to – by all and sundry – as ‘Senior Citizens’.

This topic is indeed discussing the teeming Imo pensioners whose story as a group has ostensibly become so ugly, pitiable, appalling and touching, to anyone who truly loves humanity, and the survival of the human race in general. 

These retirees, otherwise known as senior citizens, have unabated been subjected to ridicule, penury and unspeakable anguish by those who are constitutionally meant to protect them, or cater for their collective welfare. It’s not anymore news that since the assumption of duty of Senator Hope Uzodinma as the Governor of Imo State, it has remained verification upon verification of these innocent retirees. Till date, most of them have not been paid a penny since the emergence of this administration, yet they do not presently know what their fate entails. The affected ones as regards non-payment of pensions, and even backlog of arrears, are currently requested to once again tender their particulars and retirement documents to the concerned government offices such as the Office of the State Head of Service and the Owerri Municipal LGA Headquarters, as the case may be. This would be the umpteenth time they would be subjected to such form of slavery in a State where they are ordinarily supposed to be safeguarded and duly catered for. Each day, the affected pensioners wallow in agony, thus reportedly end up cursing the government and its officials. You ought not to apportion blame to any of them if they eventually cast spell on a government that’s apparently playing pranks on their persons.

If I do not have Imo pensioners in my ancestral home, I would have remained sceptical over the myriad of wails and complaints of the retirees, because on a daily basis, the government claims that no pensioner in the State is being owed by the present administration. My parents, who are still very much alive and hearty, are Imo pensioners. It suffices to say that I’m gathering my information from the horse’s mouth. In other words, I’m not exaggerating. My dearest Mum was paid last in April, 2020 while my Dad is yet to receive a kobo from the Uzodinma-led government. Still, one so-called media aide would shamelessly come out to misinform Imolites – and the public at large – on the true state of the matter. More painful is that, whenever they are being asked to re-submit their valid documents, the government or those in authority would never consider how they could manage to cover enormous distance towards appearing at the designated offices in Owerri, the State Capital city. They would even be requested to include their bank Statement of Account, not minding that such a document requires charges from the financial institution. How can an account that is showing red alert be able to service such charges? Knowing full well that virtually every salary account is a Current Account, most of the balances in these pensioners’ accounts are in minus form owing to the unending sub-charges occasioned by the various commercial banks in Nigeria. The short-lived Emeka Ihedioha-led administration took cognizance of this very aspect, as mentioned above. This was the reason it ensured that any retiree who was critically ill or bedridden was captured at their respective homes. Every Imolite was a living witness to this particular arrangement. None of those retirees who were in sick bed was allowed to cover any iota of distance for he/she to be captured or verified during the short reign of Chief Ihedioha. However, Ihedioha wasn’t a saint, therefore I’m not trying to eulogize or pour encomium on him, neither am I a fan to his person. Come to think of it; during his reign, it took the administration over four months to electronically verify the pensioners and none of them was paid the arrears owed them. Chief Ihedioha assumed office in May, 2019 but the retirees started earning their pensions between September and October same year. No one was paid for the months when the verification exercise was conducted; that is, between May and August, 2019. They were even meant to be paid the arrears owed by the Rochas Okorocha-led administration, because by law, government remains a continuum. This is to assert that, it has seemingly been a deceit all-along by our so-called political leaders. You cannot owe these old people and still wish and pray to be happy or live a happy life. It’s worth noting that if their blessing isn’t with you, either as a person or entity, you will never excel in your endeavours; hence, you will continue to float like a flying boat. It is more disheartening to hear that the national leadership of the Nigerian pensioners called on the Governor few weeks back and ridiculously appreciated the State’s number-one citizen for clearing the arrears of pensions owed the Imo retirees. How did we get here? In the advance society, or western world, the senior citizens are being pampered by their governments. In such a clime, everything about them is being taken care of by those in positions of authority. But here, the reverse is completely the case; they are even apparently seen as ‘witches and wizards’. Sometimes, my beloved Mum would keep malice with me, saying I’m very close to the government, hence sees me as one of those owing her. Of course, you shouldn’t blame the old woman whose case has obviously become so pathetic. Ever since she meritoriously retired, she is yet to receive a dime as gratuity, and she served the State as a Health personnel. I pray my mum won’t curse me someday, believing am part of the government that doesn’t want her to live or stay alive. I’ve taken time to explain to her that Fred Nwaozor has creditably done his bit; just that the government is acting adamantly and seems lackadaisical. I’m waiting for those who have reportedly been receiving their pensions to come and tell me their cheering stories. In fact, my mum wouldn’t like to hear – or even overhear – such a story, because that would definitely add more salt to her injury. I’m equally reliably informed that some of the Imo workers are passing through similar ordeal. The truth is that, we can’t continue to rob Peter to pay Paul. There are no two ways about it. At this juncture, I plead with Governor Uzodinma to come clean with a view to holistically doing the needful towards averting the wrath of the Almighty. I candidly mean well for him and his administration, thus more interested in constructive criticism. He might have been misinformed by his allies and sycophants, hence the compelling need for the Governor to move closer to the facts sheet. Think about it!

UZODINMA AND BUHARI’S ‘WORKING VISIT’ TO IMO

by Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, Imo was conspicuously at it again, hence needs to be re-examined by all-concerned for the good of all. It’s not anymore news that President Muhammadu Buhari was in Imo, precisely on 9th September 2021, on a ‘working visit’ in response of an invitation by Governor Hope Uzodinma. Amidst the scare, uncertainty and scepticism emanating from various quarters that greeted the preparations towards the D-day, the President alongside his allies graciously arrived the Eastern Heartland contrary to earlier speculation or notion that he wouldn’t come in person. Prior to his arrival, several Imolites were apparently of the view that the President was going to send a representative to the State. It suffices to assert that the visit of the country’s number-one citizen to Imo was unarguably a great surprise and shock to most citizens of the State. It was like the Governor used a certain charm on him, because a few reasons or factors would had made the President to either suspend the proposed visitation, or send a representative as opined by countless individuals. First, there was a myriad of security threats from different corners of Imo and beyond. This incident made the State seemed unsafe for human existence. The threat in question obviously made many Imolites to sit at their respective homes on the D-day. Secondly, in the contemporary Nigerian society, Buhari as a leader does not ostensibly have or maintain a good name, not just in Imo but in most parts of the country. This, perhaps occasioned by fathomless insecurity happenings across the country, has made Mr. President to drastically lose most of his fans, if not allies. This is to say that the coming of President Buhari to Imo, contrary to misinformed insinuations, signifies that Governor Uzodinma undoubtedly maintains a cordial and unflinching relationship with the President at the moment. The governor is indeed an enigma. Lest I digress; this topic is majorly interested in the reason President Buhari was invited for a ‘working visit’ to the State. What was really on ground that needed the revered presence of the president? If the President had come for a political reason, or activity, it wouldn’t have generated unnecessary dusts as being observed. But we were told he came for a working visit. It’s noteworthy that the President reportedly came to commission “some completed key projects” in the State. Then, one may wish to ask; what projects actually called for the visit? We were told that the ‘key projects’ included: first phase of the Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa road, Egbeada by-pass road, and the renovated EXCO Chambers at the Government House, among others. First phase of Naze-Ihiagwa road..? I don’t understand this a bit. If you do, please interpret for me. Truth be told, this is very far from my understanding. I heard for the first time that a particular phase of an ongoing project could be commissioned. Come to think of it, is the road construction actually in progress? There’s absolutely nothing our politicians won’t teach us. But let’s be serious about this. How could a certain segment of a project be commissioned? Worse still, the road in question remains impassable. Such a gesture was really uncalled for, to assert the least. As if that wasn’t enough, we equally learnt a renovated building at the Government House was commissioned by Presdent Buhari. The commissioning of the EXCO Chambers, now rebranded as ‘New EXCO Chambers’, was another laughable move by the amiable Governor. One might wonder what exactly was going through the mind of the President when he was carrying out the ‘official assignment’. Meanwhile, the president had been there before now, so he ought to have noticed that those structures had been there prior to the emergence of the present administration in the State. But, can a renovated structure be commissioned? I’m still awaiting a candid answer to this sincere enquiry. However, I don’t want to discuss what resulted in the renovation of any building in the Government House a few years after its construction, because I’m not unaware that virtually all projects executed under the reign of Senator Rochas Okorocha as Imo Governor were obviously substandard and a slap to the State. Then, talking about the by-pass road at Egbeada, how many kilometres is the road? I have been resident in Owerri for almost two decades now, hence conversant with every part of the capital city including undergrounds. I was reliably informed that the ‘by-pass’ was named in honour of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu. The rest is history. It would be pertinent to acknowledge that I’m not here to tender criticisms or what have you, but to set the records straight. In my usual way and style, I’ve never been party to unnecessary criticisms; rather, my submissions have hitherto been objective and constructive, and nothing more. Therefore, I’m not writing or analysing for any politician to eulogize my pen. I love, cherish and adore this State so much, hence truly want people piloting her affairs to succeed. If they succeeded, the success would surely be for all well-meaning Imolites both home and abroad. In other words, my interest remains Imo, her belongings and wellbeing. So, don’t get it twisted. We have been deceived so much by our politicians. It’s, therefore, high time they desisted from indulging in activities just to score cheap political goals. Time has really come for us, as a people, to get it right. Overtime, we are told of the same story, from one leader to leader. Isn’t it time we heard something quite different and enticing? In view of this, I urge the governor to concentrate on making Imolites proud of his leadership. I sincerely want him to excel, and cannot wait to celebrate his person, thus he must choose priorities over frivolities. Lest I forget; the highpoint of the ‘one-day working visit’ was the President’s meeting with ‘South-East Leaders’. Maybe this was really the essence of the visit, rather than commissioning of ‘completed projects’. Though from what I gathered, Mr President was not informed about the intended purported town-hall meeting. Probably, he was taken unawares. Perhaps, that was the reason the President told the Governor that he would be very careful with his future invitations. However, let’s assume the meeting was for our collective good and wellbeing. But why were some key personalities side-lined in the gathering? Several notable individuals or stakeholders from the Igbo extraction were conspicuously missing at such an important roundtable discussion reportedly targeted to our common good. Nevertheless, I want to believe those who ‘represented’ us spoke our mind. I want to believe they didn’t participate merely to have a handshake, or pop champagne, with the President, but to present to his person the exact burden that had long befallen us as a people. On the other hand, I want to use this medium to tell my people that ‘Sit-at-Home’ might not be the best way or option to register our displeasure or grievance. There may be better ways if we think deeply about it. Sometimes when we resort to such behaviour, it may be to the advantage of our presumed enemies. All in all, as I enjoin our leaders to become more thoughtful of their actions at all times to avert hurtful outcomes, I equally urge their teeming subjects to be sober before reacting towards avoiding self-inflicted injuries. At this point, Imo truly needs to be re-examined, because ‘an unexamined life isn’t worth living’. Think about it!

CONDEMNING HOSTILITY AND CONFLICT AMIDST PEACE COMMEMORATION

by Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, 21st September each year remained International Day of Peace. This signifies that yesterday, the global community commemorated the 2021 edition of the lofty event. The theme of this year’s theme is “Recovering a better and equitable world”, which is targeted to recover a society where everyone irrespective of status is equal. This is necessary, because only equality can result in a peaceful society. In respect of the effect of peace to humanity, in 1981, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly through a resolution, established the International Day of Peace. The day was first celebrated on Tuesday September 21, 1982. The maiden commemoration was meant to coincide with the anniversary of the UN’s opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. Consequently, in 2001, the UN General Assembly by unanimous votes adopted resolution that established 21st September of every year as an annual day of non-violence and ceasefire. By the resolution, the UN invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities, and to otherwise commemorate the day through education and raising of public awareness on issues related to peace. Hostility is unfriendly or aggressive behavior or feelings towards people from other backgrounds. It can also be described as a strong opposition against an idea, a plan or a situation. Conflict is a situation in which individuals, groups or countries are involved in a serious disagreement or argument which often results in violence. It can simply be defined as a state of complete confusion and disorder. On the other hand, peace is a period of time when there is no enmity, violence or war in a certain locality. It is the state of being calm or quiet, or living in mutual friendship with others. Hostility and conflict that have over the decades subjected mankind to a state of mockery, have indeed arrested the developmental thrive of most nations across the globe, thereby constituting a severe and uncontrollable poverty among the populace. Conflict, which is as old as the world, has succeeded in rendering the socio-economic growth of many countries incapacitated due to its cruel and dastardly nature. Conflict through the emergence of terrorist activities such as assassination, kidnapping, massacre, armed robbery, genocide, or what have you, has not only brought endless anxiety to the people, but has contributed immensely to the degradation of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the affected country or region, as the case may be. Also, the dangers of war, or the level of the post-traumatic stress disorder attributed to it, cannot be overemphasized. Research indicates that the rudimentary attribute of several conflicts are directly related to leadership and/or valuable natural resources such as gold, diamond, petroleum, coal, timber, water and so on. This is needless to say that, addressing the ownership, control and management of available natural endowments is crucial to maintaining peace and security in any society, thereby sustaining an ideal development needed by all. Hence, in Nigeria for instance, it’s imperative for the governments at all levels to include the host communities of the country’s resources in the scheme of things, especially while implementing capital projects. Equitable distribution of leadership positions among the citizens cum regions would equally be a welcome idea. Surely, peace and security are essential foundations for social progress and sustainable development, thus we must quench the fire of extremism among us in order to tackle the root causes of conflict. We must bear in mind that peace is definitely a long journey that we are bound to collectively embark on. It suffices to say that everyone is expected to hold peace at heart and tenderly nurture it so it would grow and blossom. It is not anymore news that armed conflict causes untold grief and hardship to families, communities and the entire country involved. Indeed, too many persons are suffering today at the brutal hands of war-mongers and terrorists. This is why, from the outset, we must learn to teach our children and wards the essence of tolerance and mutual respect. Let’s invest in the schools and teachers toward building a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity; fight for peace at all cost, as well as defend it with all our might. The various religious bodies have a very vital and inevitable role to play in this regard. They must, at all times, endeavour to preach peace among their congregants irrespective of the circumstance. Survey shows that, on the average, a worshipper sees their religious leader as the god on earth. In view of this, the various church or mosque leaders across the country are required to tender a sermon that would bring only peace in the society rather than the reverse. From time to time, we are meant to sensitize our children, relatives, friends, colleagues, associates, and what have you, to emulate the habit of the UN Messengers of Peace, or the likes of Princess Haya, Daniel Barenboim, Paulo Coelho, Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall, Edward Norton, Steve Wonder, Charlie Theron, and Elie Wiesel, just to mention but a few, whom remain distinguished individuals carefully selected from the fields of art, literature, science, entertainment, and sports, among other fields of public life. The aforementioned prominent icons agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the UN in the area of peace promotion. They volunteer their times, resources, energies, talents and passions, to raise awareness of UN’s tireless efforts to improve the lives of billions of people worldwide. The International Day of Peace offers people globally a shared date to think about how they can contribute towards ensuring that natural resources and quest for leadership positions are handled in a mature and tactical manner, thus reducing potential for disputes as well as paving ways for a sustainable future, which is obviously the future we want. Furthermore, in our various homes, we need to see our spouses as best friend, to avoid likely cases of domestic violence that could jeopardize our peace. So, as Nigeria joins the rest of the globe to mark this laudable commemoration, there’s a compelling need for holistic condemnation of any act that could result to any form of hostility or conflict around us, in order to sustain a formidable peace needed for both individual and national developments. We – as a people – might have derailed in one way or the other, but if we start now to preach as well as practice equity and fairness, the nearest future will surely usher in the needed peaceful atmosphere. Think about it!

Opinion II IPPIS: Its Technicalities, Intrigues In Varsities

By Fred Nwaozor

The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) is a project initiated by the Federal Government (FG) in the Nigerian public service sector via the use of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
The IPPIS was introduced to adequately prove the effectiveness and efficiency of payroll administration in the government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Prior to its implementation by the FG, it was outlined that the IPPIS would accurately and reliably provide the overall personnel information as required by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).
Nigerians were further informed that the electronic platform, if fully implemented, would drastically and holistically reduced or completely eliminate all forms of corrupt and sharp practices as well as facilitate modern scientific and apt budgeting cum forecasting.
It’s noteworthy that the IPPIS could boast of a separate department under the OAGF. The department or unit is solely responsible for payment of salaries and wages directly to FG employees’ bank accounts.
It has equally been reported that apt deductions are instantly made, followed immediately by remittances to a team of third party beneficiaries such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), State Boards of Internal Revenue (BIR), National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), National Housing Fund (NHF), Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), Cooperative Societies, Trade Unions’ Dues, Association Dues, Bank Loans (if any) and what have you.
Recently, the IPPIS department boasted that since inception of the tech-driven mechanism in April 2007, the unit had saved billions of naira for the FG via elimination of thousands of ghost workers and allied matters.
It’s worthy of note that the streamlined key functions or core mandate of the IPPIS department are, but not limited to: management of FG employees’ records, payment of salaries and wages to the employees, deductions of taxes and other third party payments, remittance of payroll deductions to the benefitting bodies, and enrolment of employees into the IPPIS database.
The overall mission of the IPPIS is to pay the FG employees on-time and accurately within statutory and contractual obligations. Whilst its vision is to have a centralized payroll system that meets the needs of the said employees as well as help the government to plan and manage payroll budget by ensuring proper control of personnel cost.
It could be recalled that recently, sequel to the FG’s frantic move to ensure that all employees are duly enrolled into the IPPIS, the workers of the federal tertiary institutions of learning across the federation – particularly those of the universities – frantically rejected the plan, stating it was against the international extant law that permits the university autonomy.
Owing to the government’s insistence, the majority of the opposing university personnel succumbed to the pressure, hence reluctantly agreed to enroll into the tech-driven system having been conscientized that they would be happier while being paid via the IPPIS.
It’s worth noting that every existing university in the country is made up of four distinct workers’ unions, namely: the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU).
So, during the struggle between the FG and the aforementioned unions over enrolment into the IPPIS, three out of the four – namely NAAT, SSANU and NASU – were outshined by the pressure as the ASUU stood its ground, insisting it would never be a party to such scheme, which was seen by its members as a means by the FG to ridicule their rights.
However, it was claimed by the OAGF that some members of the aggrieved ASUU, whom were regarded as saboteurs and cowards, were captured into the IPPIS in spite of the directive issued by the national leadership of the union instructing every member to steer clear of the exercise, which they said was shrouded in secrecy and pranks.
The members of the three unions, whom were rigorously captured into the electronic system at the wake of 2020, reportedly received their first salaries via the IPPIS in February. Consequently, the salaries of the subsequent months being March and April were equally paid through the platform.
The intriguing part of the payment made by the IPPIS department to the university staff was the claim by the latter that their respective salaries were heavily deducted coupled with the allegation that their expected consequential arrears of the newly approved National Minimum Wage was not included.
The affected personnel lamented that at the time they were expecting to receive higher income (wage), the IPPIS department rather short-paid them without their consent or knowledge. According to them, aside the required arrears of the new minimum wage, their Earned and Peculiarity (Hazard) Allowances were obviously omitted from the payments, thereby impoverishing them. They, therefore, urged the OAGF to urgently look into the matter towards addressing the anomalies.
While this set of workers was still arguing and crying woefully over the perceived anomaly, the ASUU members who received the arrears of their withheld February and March salaries equally reportedly suffered from similar fate.
It would be recalled that penultimate month, President Muhammadu Buhari instructed the OAGF to outrightly pay all the striking members of the ASUU to cushion the excruciating effects of the ongoing lockdown occasioned by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Intriguingly, reports following the payment of the ASUU members disclosed that the said workers were paid via the IPPIS as it was mentioned in their respective bank alerts. One would then ask; how could they be paid through the IPPIS without being captured into the digital platform through a biometric method as required by the scheme? One question, too many.
The OAGF has come out to say that the alleged deductions in the university workers’ salaries were as a result of the legitimate taxes accruable to their wages, which were initially overlooked or not properly captured by their various institutions.
Analysts and concerned observers have been compelled to believe that the FG is only focusing on taxing the workers hugely and ‘unreasonably’, citing it as the government’s main current source of income since other sources of revenue are apparently grounded at the moment due to the ravaging effect of the COVID-19.
The various affected unions in the universities have insisted they would opt-out from the IPPIS, threatening a shutdown of their schools whenever the FG calls for reopening of the truncated academic session. They have unanimously agreed to embark on indefinite industrial action if the outlined issues weren’t sorted out prior to resumption of studies, though the ASUU had made it clear that the union was still on strike.
Truth be told; these uncalled technicalities and intrigues emanating from the IPPIS platform have myriad of questions to be answered by the OAGF. Questions concerning paying the university teachers via the digital platform without involving biometric capturing, over-deductions of their gross worth, and what have you, must be attended to by the concerned authorities.
Funnily enough, we have equally been reliably informed by these unions that the OAGF is yet to remit the deducted dues to their respective bank accounts. Who is then deceiving who? These countless challenges must be holistically taken care of before the world starts seeing Nigeria as a point of laughter or a comic centre. It’s even more baffling when realized that the said office had accused the universities’ management of forwarding the names of dead workers (lecturers) to be enrolled into the IPPIS. Isn’t it shameful and disgraceful for the office to make such claim public, having earlier notified Nigerians that the IPPIS was targeted to eradicate any form of hitches, aberration and corruption from the system?
Inter alia, the OAGF had earlier enthused that the IPPIS would ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries, yet we are currently notified by the concerned employees that their wages are recently usually deposited after many days of the affected month.
Whatever the realities might entail, the OAGF must take into cognizance that they are dealing with a set of individuals who are widely believed in the society to possess high degree of intelligence, knowledge, as well as sense of ingenuity and technicalities.
When a certain policy is genuinely designed to solve an existing plight, but in the long run ends up constituting more nuisance, then it calls for an urgent review. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, Tech Expert, Policy Analyst & Rights Activist, is the
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Follow: @mediambassador

Opinion II Onu, COVID-19 And Nigerian-Made Ventilator

By Fred Nwaozor

The Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu recently enthused that the Federal Government (FG) was prepared to ensure the acclaimed giant of Africa could boast of mass production of ventilators soonest.
A ventilator is a machine that provides mechanical ventilation to the user by moving breathable air in and out of the lungs, towards delivering breaths to the patient (user) who’s physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently.
It’s noteworthy that modern ventilators are computerized microprocessor-controlled devices. However, patients can equally be ventilated with a simple hand-operated bag valve mask.
Ventilators are mainly used in intensive medical care, emergency units, and home care. It’s also administered in anesthesiology as a component of an anesthesia machine.
It’s worth noting that ventilators are sometimes referred to as respirators; a term commonly used for them in the 1950s. But in the contemporary hospital and medical terminology, a respirator is simply a protective face mask.
On its part, a respirator is a device specifically designed to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous atmospheres, including fumes, vapours, gases and particulate matter such as dusts and airborne micro-organisms. It equally prevents an infected person from transmitting a contagious disease to the people around him/her.
Lest I digress; modern ventilators are electronically controlled by a small embedded system to allow exact adaptation of pressure and flow characteristics to an individual patient’s needs. Ventilators can also be equipped with monitoring and alarm system for patient-related parameters.
Penultimate week, precisely on Monday, 6th April 2020 – amidst the prevailing Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic that’s ravaging the global community, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in Nigeria graciously announced that the country could now boast of Nigerian-made ventilators.
The laudable notice by the NASENI Spokesman, Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan, which equally disclosed that the agency had as well produced mobile sprayers to be used to disinfect Nigerian cities and homes, further informed the general public that the newly manufactured ventilators would be unveiled the following day being Tuesday by the Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Onu.
According to the press release, the lofty development was aimed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. It’s worthy of note that ventilator is a vital equipment meant for the treatment or control of the said disease and other related health challenges.
It would be recalled that recently, the FG via the Federal Ministry of Finance, begged an American billionaire for ventilators. The plea, which was widely perceived as a national embarrassment, was eventually withdrawn by the government. This could perhaps be the reason for recording this feat.
In a related development, few hours after the NASENI’s announcement, the teeming Nigerians were informed that a 20-year-old 200-Level undergraduate of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria in Kaduna State, Mr. Usman Dalhatu had solely designed and produced a manual ventilator to be used in treating COVID-19 patients.
The young inventor, who reportedly hails from Gombe State, disclosed that it took him just 48 hours to manufacture the respiratory device. He, therefore, enthused that with adequate funding and technical supports from experts, he could mass produce the equipment within a short period.
More amazingly, Mr. Dalhatu who’s of Mechanical Engineering department, further revealed that the ventilator had already gotten a patent and trademark certificate, and currently was being sold in Abuja and Gombe States. He equally hinted that he had manufactured an electric cooking stove.
It’s not anymore news that this kind of talent is found all over our various learning institutions, but is invariably bedeviled by the continued lack of enabling environment. Probably, time has come for the fathomless cries of these folks to be heard.
Subsequently on 10th April 2020, the Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo stated that the FG had opened discussions with Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Company and other related indigenous firms toward producing ventilators in the country.
The boss who disclosed this in Abuja while updating pressmen on the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for the manufacturing sector, notified that the FG had received proposals from the aforementioned company – and other automobile firms domiciled in the country – to produce ventilators, and that the various memos were being considered.
This information came at the time when the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr. Mansur Ahmed revealed that Nigeria’s manufacturers had increased the country’s domestic production capacity for face masks from 2 million in February to 27 million now.
The Science and Technology Minister, Dr. Onu while launching the first set of the made-in-Nigeria ventilators and other devices in Abuja, noted that ventilators were currently scarce across the globe as countries continued to conserve the ones they had for their own citizens.
Dr. Onu who was represented by the Science Minister of State, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi, further declared that the FG could not afford to watch Nigeria citizens die from the COVID-19 crisis, thus Nigerian engineers in NASENI were challenged by the government to come up with engineering remedies to tackle the menace.
Taking into cognizance the trending thus far in the Nigeria’s tech sector as regards the emergence of the global health challenge, a discerning mindset in the country wouldn’t hesitate to assert that this situation – unbearable though – could be a blessing in disguise.
The bedeviling circumstance might be the prize to pay – or sacrifice to render – by Nigeria and her likes to enable them wake up from slumber in the area of science and technology, which had long been relegated to the background.
Nigeria as a people must, thus, be prepared to key into this crusade that’s ostensibly targeted to uplift her ailing tech sector by embracing the realities of the day, which are so glaring even to the blind.
It’s quite appalling that at such a critical time like this that requires optimum research activities, the country’s various universities are totally under lock and key. This occurrence is an obvious indication that we as a nation still have a colossal distance to cover in the field of sciences.
It’s so disheartening that at a period when the selected brains are meant to spend their nights in the laboratories and what have you, our numerous science dons and professors are conspicuously busy cracking jokes or compiling myriad of comic lyrics at the comfort of their respective bedrooms. It’s indisputable that this set of Nigerians is being marred by apathy because they have been made to believe that the society doesn’t care about their inputs.
Dr. Onu and his team must hence use this moment to swing into action in earnest without further ado. There absolutely ought to be no reason to import ventilators and allied materials while we can boast of all it requires – ranging from talent, patent to resources – to manufacture for ourselves. The only parameter that’s presently lacking in the system is the needed political will.
This is, therefore, a clarion call for us to start producing what we intend to consume. Anything short of this might unleash doom. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, TheMediaAmbassador, is the
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
__________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Follow me: @mediambassador

Analysis II On Proposed Migration To 5G Network

By Fred Nwaozor

Few months back, sometime in August 2019, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Prof. Umar Danbatta said the agency had approved dedicated spectrum for trial deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) network services in the country.
In his words, the boss acknowledged the evolving trends in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem, giving rise to such technologies as Internet of Things (IoT) applications and Smart cities and communities, among others, saying the NCC was well positioned to jump-start trial of the 5G deployment.
This, which was disclosed at the 4-day conference titled “Ist Digital African Week” organized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as was hosted by the NCC at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, saw Prof. Banbatta empasizing that the commission, in line with its collaboration and strategic partnership drive, had taken steps to involve members of the academia as major stakeholders in its activities towards the development of the telecom sector.
He further stressed that the recent licensing of seven infrastructural frims to deploy metro and inter-city fiber and broadband point of Access with a minimum capacity of 10Gbps across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Nigeria, was in accordance with the “8-point agenda of the commission for the provision of ubiquitous broadband infrastructures” within the shores of the country in the “Next Level document”.
He noted that such a regulatory move was consistent with Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020, which recognizes the importance and imperative of ICT, as part of the “new world order” and catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development.
He, therefore, boasted before the audience that Nigeria had not only achieved but exceeded the 30 per cent penetration target set by the National Broadband Plan 2013-2018, stating equally that by the end of June 2019, the country’s broadband penetration stood at 33.31%.
In a related development, at the 39th Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) that held sometime in October 2019 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami stated that the country was ready to deploy 5G network across the federation to ease network flow.
The minister said Nigeria was ready for the 5G network but preparation was key, as he equally mentioned that the 5G could not be deployed across the country yet due to some gaps in citizens being unable to access the 2G, 3G and 4G networks.
He, however, acknowledged that the gaps were already there among the teeming users of the networks in Nigeria but advancement should not be delayed because some people were not yet on the same page with others.
Dr. Pantami frowned at the situation whereby Nigerians don’t believe in their local products, as he recognized that a Nigerian in the United Kingdom (UK) was the first person globally to design, build and develop first real-time 5G network dedicated to self-organized networks in the UK, using general-purpose processors.
He landed by saying “we usually fail to deploy what we produce”. According to the boss, Nigerians were so much addicted to foreign products and whenever they hear anything ‘local’, it appears to them as inferior. He thus reiterated “the perception of undermining our effort is what we need to change”.
It’s pertinent to fully comprehend the meaning and essence of the 5G network. 5G, as the acronym implies, is a 5th Generation mobile network. It is dedicated to handle much larger role than that of the already existing ones such as the 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G networks, respectively.
5G is introduced to elevate the mobile network to not only interconnect people, but equally interconnect and control machines, objects, or any form of devices. It’s meant to deliver new levels of performance and efficiency that would empower new user experiences and connect new industries.
The 5G network will deliver multi-Gbps peak rates or faster speeds, ultra-low latency, massive capacity, as well as more uniform user experience. Hence, it’s imperative to note that the 1G was designed to solely deliver analog voice, 2G for digital voice, 3G brought mobile data, whilst the 4G ushered in the era of mobile internet, which we are currently enjoying.
In summary, the 5G is a new kind of network in the telecom sector. It’s a platform for innovations that won’t only enhance today’s mobile broadband services, but would equally expand mobile networks to support a vast diversity of devices and services, as well as connect new industries with improved performance, efficiency and cost.
5G is, therefore, an advanced wireless technology that has begun wide deployment in 2019. It’s worth noting that, presently, about four million Koreans have access to the 5G network as at October 2019, with about five million expected by year end or early next year.
It’s also amazing to comprehend that China has deployed over 100,000 base stations in her quest for 5G wide usage, hence about 150 million 5G mobile subscribers are expected in the Asian country by 2020.
Since it is obvious that the 5G mobile network will soonest dominate the telecom sector, Nigeria as an entity must therefore not act in abeyance than to concentrate on how best an effective and efficient 5G network can be duly introduced into the Nigerian society.
As Nigeria, likewise other developing countries, is still trial-testing her technologies and securities towards creating and launching a wholesome environment for the awaited 5G network, she must acknowledge the key parameters needed to be considered as the concerned authorities undergo the testing process.
First, a well-designed unit comprising tested and trusted experts must be inculcated into the NCC purposely to handle all the technicalities and intricacies that need to be put in place prior to the arrival and launch of the 5G network system in the country.
Moreso, the security aspect of the preparation mustn’t be overlooked. It’s noteworthy that the wider the broadband, the more available opportunity for the criminals in the telecom sector.
Considering the above assertion, aside the already constituted law enforcement agencies in the country, there would be a compelling need to further institute a special Security Intelligence unit within the NCC, to tactically handle issues pertaining to frauds. This very proposal requires a strict legislative back-up and apt implementation.
The 5G network will operate in a high-frequency band of the wireless spectrum, between 28 Gigahertz (GH) and 60 GHz. It’s expected to add unlicensed frequencies such as the 3.5 GHz to its list of new frequencies for mobile use. This means a lot of bandwidth would be available to the teeming users.
The aforementioned merit indicates that the 5G won’t only boost ease of communication among telecom subscribers but equally expand the economic band or prospect of any country involved. Hence, the need for the Nigerian government to act fast. Think about it!


Comrade Nwaozor is the
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers Movement
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frednwaozor@gmail.com