Super Eagles, Rohr and Russia 2018

SUPER EAGLES, ROHR AND RUSSIA 2018

      Since 24^th February 2016 Sunday Oliseh resigned as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, the technical committee of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had been relentlessly in search of an astute personnel that would fill the vacuum, till Friday 5^th August when the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF announced the appointment of Gernot Rohr as the new Technical Adviser of the team.

      It would be recalled that prior to the recent appointment of Mr. Rohr as the Chief Coach of the Nigeria’s national team, several individuals, both indigenous and foreign, to include Samson Siasia, Paul Le Guen and Salisu Yusuf, had been contracted to man the team. Siasia who was appointed following Oliseh’s resignation, though on an interim basis, was shown the way out owing to his inability to qualify the team for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be hosted by Gabon in 2017.

      Subsequently, in July 2016, the NFF pronounced the appointment of the French 52-year-old football tactician – Paul Le Guen as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, only for the appointee to reportedly reject the offer, perhaps due to inability of the board to consent to some sensitive demands. Following the contract failure, Salisu Yusuf was asked to man the team for the time being, till penultimate month when the new masquerade was unveiled.

      Hence, the appointment of the 63-year-old German, Gernot Rohr as the new substantive manager of the Super Eagles was long overdue. However, his appointment has been greeted by mixed feelings. Some are of the view that he was not qualified for the job, whilst others saw no reason an indigenous coach didn’t deserve the honour. In his words, the Ex-FIFA and CAF executive member, Amos Adamu has unequivocally stated that Nigerian soccer would not get better under the tutelage of the German. According to Adamu who is a past sole administrator of the NFF, the new coach ‘who is relatively unknown’ lacks the pedigree to coach the team.

      Rohr who was contracted for a 2-year term at $47,000 (about #18 million) per month, is a former footballer. Until his appointment, he was working with the German Football Federation (GFF) on developmental programmes. In ’96, he managed Girondins Bordeaux, France to the UEFA cup final, where they lost to Bayern Munich. From October ’98 to April ’99, he was the sports director of Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany. In 2009, he was the head coach of the FC Nantes of France. In 2010, he was in charge of Gabon national team. In September 2012, he became the manager of Niger national team, and resigned in October 2014. In 2015, he was the Technical Adviser of the Burkina Faso national team till in 22^nd December 2015 when he was sacked. Furthermore, in July 2016, he was shortlisted for the Guinea national team job.

      Since Nigeria won’t make it to Gabon come 2017, what currently matters to any Nigerian football enthusiast is for the new coach to ensure that the Super Eagles’ absence wouldn’t be equally felt in Russia come 2018 for the next FIFA World Cup. Thus, the Russia 2018, expected to take place between June 14 and July 15 2018, ought to be seen as the prime target of the new Super Eagles’ boss. Though he has already stated that he would ‘make the Eagles fly again’, I beg to believe more in actions.

      In the qualifying stage of the said global tournament, Nigeria who is in Group B is grouped alongside Algeria, Cameroon, and Zambia. History has it that the aforementioned three teams have, ab initio, been reckoned to be among the best African national teams, till date. Suffice it to say that the highly revered Super Eagles are placed in a tight corner as regards the ongoing search for a ticket that would guarantee their presence as well as participation in the quadrennial event. It has been adjudged that the team is in ‘Group of Death’.

      The first official outing of the new manager took place on Saturday 3^rd September 2016 in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State during the match between the Super Eagles and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania as the remaining AFCON 2017 qualifying fixture, in which both teams played merely for pride considering that the Pharaohs of Egypt has won the only ticket at stake in the group. Although the Eagles defeated the opponent, it’s imperative to acknowledge that Rohr has an enormous task ahead. The defence and the attacking midfield need to be strengthened headlong. And the team must be properly trained for teamwork rather than individual performance.

      On Sunday October 9, the Chipolopolo of Zambia would be hosting the Eagles for their first outing in the qualifying round. Obviously, the days away are too short. It’s noteworthy that the awaited outing would contribute in determining the fate of the Eagles, thus is meant to be taken very seriously by the management of the team.

      Regarding availability, I suggest, the coach should focus more on indigenous players rather than the foreign ones. On this note, he must endeavour to watch the remaining crucial matches of the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to enable him select better legs that can compete against the Zambia. Similarly, he mustn’t rely on one goalkeeper due to contingencies.

     Moreover, Gernot Rohr needs to watch virtually all the past matches of the Eagles in a bid to make consequential amendments. The NFF, on its part, must not trivialize match bonuses of the players and coaches toward avoiding apathy among them. The time might be short, but if well planned, Super Eagles will surely fly again. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador

 

     

                      

The Imo's Disarmament and Okorocha's Stride

IMO, THE MILITANTS AND OKOROCHA’S STRIDE

      The last time I checked, Imo was no doubt agog penultimate week, precisely on Wednesday 14^th September 2016. It was unbelievable, yet very interesting on the said date when hundreds of militants from the ancient state graciously jettisoned their arms, thereby denouncing their barbaric faith having embraced the amnesty declared by the governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha.

      The disarmament was reportedly carried out at the Government House Owerri in the presence of the governor coupled with other security cum religious stakeholders to include the Commander of Artillery-34 Brigade of the Nigerian Army – Brig. Gen. Kay Isiyaku, the state’s Police Commissioner – Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, the state’s DSS Commander and NSCDC Commandant, as well as a host of distinguished Catholic and Anglican clerics.

       Arms surrendered by the different confraternities namely, the Niger Delta Red Squad, IYC, and the Rescue Force, included AK-47 rifles, Pump Action guns, local pistols, axes and knives, and what have you. Gov. Okorocha who assured the teeming repentant militants that he would take their demands to President Muhammadu Buhari who according to him would formally declare the amnesty, gave those whom were yet to jettison their arms one week ultimatum to do so toward avoiding the government’s wrath.

       It was painful that I was inevitably absent when the epochal incident took place; I was in Abuja on that fateful day. I would have cherished to witness the scenario. When I got the news prior to the D-day, I was of the view it was a mere joke not until that very day when the event actually occurred as scheduled. I kept smiling starting from the very moment I got the phone call that rightly notified me that it was a reality. Right from then, all I wanted, or cared for, was to embrace Imo once again towards observing the new countenance of the ever famous state.

       To say that Governor Okorocha has done noble is undoubtedly an understatement; he has indeed done novel. Though I wasn’t that surprised considering how much the governor has fared ab initio in security matters, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that this very one is conspicuously extraordinary. I really appreciate his Excellency for this giant stride. Since the governor assumed duty as the number one citizen of the highly revered state, he has proven beyond doubts that he is the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the province.

       By the recent achievement, I’m sure other CSOs across the federation, including President Buhari, would gladly wish to consult him with the aim of receiving guideline on how to tackle militancy coupled with other forms of societal ills. It’s a thing of honour to any right thinking individual, especially Imolite.

       Lest I forget; we are not unaware the governor never acted alone. It’s apparent that without the support or efforts of the various concerned security operatives, the laudable intent wouldn’t have been a success. Hence, thumb up for CP Lakanu and Brig. Gen. Isiyaku, to be precise. With this, you have given Imolites additional hope even amidst the economic recession. You all deserve to be celebrated to the best of my knowledge.

       However, posterity wouldn’t forgive my person if I fail to point at some critical issues seeking urgent attention. Now that we have succeeded in arriving at this point, having witnessed series of ungodly acts involving militancy, armed robbery, cultism, and kidnapping in the state - particularly Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta LGAs, for quite some time now, it would be ideal for us to address other crucial issues pertaining to the said security menace.

        I strongly belong to a school of thought that believes that the best way to eradicate any societal plight is to terminate its rudimentary cause(s). It’s not anymore news that incidence of militancy is usually attributable to perceived maltreatment by the actors of the ill, and that of Imo State isn’t an exception. The leader of the Niger Delta Red Squad in the person of Mr. Jibaa Chikere otherwise known as ‘Panga’ had reportedly stated during the event of disarmament that, some of the reasons his men had been vandalizing oil pipelines in the state was lack of attention to the host communities by the government and the oil firms.

       Though suchlike reason wasn’t enough for them to take to crime, or be in possession of arms, it’s imperative to note that the communities in question haven’t gotten a fair share/portion of their entitlements. The oil firms would end up polluting as well as constitute other environmental nuisances in their host communities, but would never make frantic effort to make it up to them. They can’t even boast of social cum basic amenities such as roads, electricity, potable water, and hospitals, among others.

      The government needs to unequivocally mandate those oil firms to rise up to their challenge of developing their respective host communities. Although Gov. Okorocha has already assured the repentant militants of government’s resolve to address their pressing needs, I want to use this platform to appeal to all the relevant stakeholders to, henceforth, take the affected communities very seriously like never before. In view of this, the amnesty ought to be accompanied with lofty and lucrative programmes. We can’t continue to live in the past if we are truly ready to transform some existing things, positively.

      So, as much as I immensely appreciate as well as celebrate the governor alongside the security operatives, I equally urge him to face the reality squarely towards arriving at a more desired point. Let’s not abuse this benefit of doubt the insurgents have given to the government. We may have succeeded in curbing a certain predicament but if the root causes are still relegated to the background, I’m afraid, the problem is yet to be solved. Think about it!

 

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador

   

Towards Eradicating Corruption in Democratic System

TOWARDS ERADICATION OF CORRUPTION IN DEMOCRATIC SETTING AS THE WORLD MARKS THE 2016 INT’L DEMOCRACY DAY ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15

       Today, Thursday September 15, the world over is commemorating the 2016 International Day of Democracy. The Day, which is annually celebrated, was adopted on November 8, 2007 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. In its resolution in 2007, the General Assembly, which believes that human rights and the rule of law are best protected in democratic societies, encouraged governments to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy and also decided that 15^th of September of each year should be observed as the International Day of Democracy.

       The International Day of Democracy was first celebrated in the year 2008. The UN General Assembly recognized that the year 2008 marked the 20^th anniversary of the first International Conference of New or Restored Democracies, which gave people a chance to focus on promoting and consolidating democracy worldwide. The event which featured various activities was used to raise public awareness about democracy.

        According to BBC English Dictionary, democracy is a ‘system of government or organization in which the citizens or members choose leaders or make other important decisions by voting.’ The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines it as a ‘fair and equal treatment of everyone in an organization or any group of persons, and their right to take part in making decisions’. In Political Science, democracy is referred to as ‘the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.’ Furthermore, democracy could be described as the slogan or anthem of a certain organization that is being cited or sung, and understood by the entire members of the organization or union.

        The last time I checked, democracy of any country deserved a thorough sustenance because it’s no doubt a welcome development. This implies that any democratic state is expected to be fiercely safeguarded at all cost owing to the fact that any practice that gives peace to those concerned requires adequate sustenance. However, it is appalling that in most developing nations such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Rwanda, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Kenya, among others, democracy has suffered from enormous maltreatment due to corruption. Without mincing words, corruption has remained a blood-sucking cankerworm in the democratic dispensation of numerous countries in the world to include the aforementioned ones.

       Corruption has indeed hampered the socio-economic and political growth of several nations, thereby constituting nuisance to the available human and natural resources of the nations in question. Surely, the various lingering uncalled, bilious and questionable attitudes including personal aggrandizement, nepotism, election rigging, abuse of human rights cum rule of law, misappropriation of public funds as well as impunity of most public/political office holders, in a country like Nigeria, is solely attributed to corruption. In a nutshell, unequivocally, corruption has obviously rendered so many countries incapacitated, all in the name of ‘democracy’.

        Since democracy is believed to be the only system of government that allows the citizenry to express their views in any manner they prefer as well as act as they desire, people have unfortunately mistaken its flexible and liberal features for laxity and docility. The leaders on their part, rather than safeguarding the constitution which is the rudimentary symbol of democracy, have equally chosen to abuse the content of such essential document that’s required to be kept sacrosanct at all times.     

        Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. On the contrary, Nigeria as a country has failed to uphold this philosophy. This is why the youth are no longer the major dominance of the country’s political arena as it was during the postcolonial era.

         In spite of Nigeria’s bureaucratic nature, the youth cannot boast of at least ten percent (10%) participation in her political strive. Rather, the old men who started the game have vowed to die in service thereby endangering thorough participation of the youth that are regarded as the most productive class, which is purely contrary to the mandate of the UN. These among many more factors presently found in the seemingly democratic setting of many nations across the globe are solely products of corruption.

        Hence, as Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the 9^th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy, we are expected to join hands in the ongoing crusade that is targeted towards total eradication of corruption in our democratic system, which has eaten deep in our bone marrow. To this end, I call on the civil society and all concerned institutions cum individuals to endeavour to contribute their respective quotas in their various jurisdictions through sensitization of the entire citizenry via several forms of awareness campaigns. We must acknowledge that this is the only way we can embrace the real dividend of democracy.           
        Similarly, there’s equally an urgent need for us to ensure that our young ones are given the opportunity to effectively participate in the country’s democratic dispensation. Thus, we ought to endeavour to highlight the challenges and opportunities of young people engaging in democratic processes. Survey indicates that people between the ages of 18 and 30 constitute a fifth of the world’s population; yet, several studies show declining faith among the said set of people in politics, with decreasing levels of participation in elections, political parties as well as socio-cultural organizations, or what have you, across the globe. This apathy applies to both established and emerging democratic states.

        Since it has been proven beyond doubts that corruption remains the prime bane of democracy and has succeeded in causing mankind an untold hardship, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that we can never get it right if it isn’t holistically eradicated. Think about it!  

 

COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
-Public Affairs Analyst & Civil Rights Activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

Ember Months and Quest for Materialism

EMBER MONTHS AND QUEST FOR MATERIALISM

      The ember months are here again. The months that mark the end of Gregorian calendar, that invariably start from September and end with December, are generally referred to as ‘Ember months.’ The term ‘Ember’ might not be unconnected with the suffix that accompanies virtually all the months in question. On its part, quest is a long search for what one desires; it can also be described as an extreme passion attached to what someone wants or whatever he/she wishes to possess. In the same vein, materialism is an act in which one thinks that money and other material possessions are the most important things on earth.

       The last time I checked, the three basic needs of man remained food, clothing and textile. It’s equally worth noting that the three major desires of any sane being are wealth, fame and power. It’s pathetic that currently mankind has derailed profoundly as regards the avenue being embraced towards obtaining any of these three desires. Unequivocally, the manner in which most Nigerians parade themselves during the Ember months has become so worrisome to all concerned, that, if proper and drastic measure isn’t taken by the apt authorities, it might degenerate into an unimaginable state of doom in the nearest future.

       The uncalled and irrational quest for materialism among mankind, particularly the youth, especially during the ember months, remains one of the rudimentary causes of the various lingering social-vices taking place in all nooks and crannies. No doubt, the current astonishing increase of death rate is attributable to some of these vices, to include cultism, armed robbery, thuggery, prostitution, kidnapping, drug trafficking, assassination, and what have you.

       The astronomical prevalence of the listed vices during ember months has made the former to seem synonymous with the latter, thereby making people to perceive the season as forbidden. Aside the aforementioned vices, there are other countless anomalies associated with the period, such as over-speeding and cheating among sellers in various markets. This is the reason road carnage is invariably on the rampage at such a time.

       The truth is that, no one seems to be safe during the ember months, not just in Nigeria but across the globe. It is a period when an apprentice appears smarter than his master; a period when various law enforcement agents, whom are meant to control the menace, indulge themselves in all kinds of sabotage or unpatriotic acts; a period when an average seller sales food stuffs with a cup’s bottom; a time when a commercial driver wants to cover a 7-hour journey within three hours; and of course, a season when a secondary school student feels like dropping from school towards participating in any available ‘moneymaking’ activity.      

       Research indicates that the ongoing alarming quest for materialism or youth restiveness is mainly occasioned by inconsequential rivalry, greed and/or lack of contentment among the populace. This implies that the anomaly is a product of man’s inability to face reality at a given circumstance, even when the answer to the situation is very glaring.

       Inconsequential rivalries are those competitions that are not called for, or that seem unreasonable and barbaric. On the average, politicians or established business men often indulge in this practice. It’s usually observed among the aforementioned set of people during electioneering era or when battling over supremacy, as the case may be. Some youths also indulge in this act toward showcasing that they belong to the ruling or most powerful class, with a view to proving that they are ahead of their contemporaries. Some individuals often do all sorts of things to find themselves in such class.

       Greed or lack of contentment has also contributed immensely to man’s intolerable quest for materialism, thereby setting the period that leads to any festive season, such as the ember months, ablaze. Greed has arguably brought humanity to a state of mockery, and has succeeded in tearing several unions or societies apart. Against this backdrop, it’s needless to state that lack of contentment has remained a colossal nightmare to mankind.

       As we undergo another era of Ember months, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the commemoration of the forthcoming festive seasons, Christmas and New Year precisely, takes place in a peaceful atmosphere. Hence, I call on governments at all levels, schools, the civil society, religious institutions, the mass media, as well as all well-meaning individuals, to do everything humanly possible towards ensuring that the awaited Ember months would bring nothing but a blessing to the Nigerian society in its totality. This can be actualized by embarking on massive sensitization programme across the country via town-hall meetings, street awareness, and issuance of bulk SMSs, among others.

       More so, the various relevant law enforcement agencies shouldn’t hesitate to arrest any individual or group caught in any of the above listed acts, and must ensure that the suspect is brought to book at all cost. In view of this, the judicial custodians ought to endeavour to maintain speedy hearing of any case relating to youth restiveness among others; such step would definitely serve as a deterrent to all prospective criminals. The parents and guardians, on their part, should at all times equally be mindful of what their children/wards do, where they go to, as well as who they mingle with.  

       Those who are already party to any of these uncivilized and blasphemous acts, or intend joining the chorus, ought to acknowledge that it is only by the grace of God one can acquire laudable and everlasting wealth, power, or fame come rain come shine. To before warned is to before armed. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador

 

PDP, Judiciary and their Makossa Dance

PDP, JUDICIARY AND THEIR MAKOSSA DANCE

     The last time I checked, ever since the acclaimed Africa’s largest political party – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) relinquished power to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May 2015, it had remained unsteady, thereby making the onlookers be of the notion that it’s being manipulated by a certain cabal solely interested in the party’s extinction.

      The worst of all remains that, rather than being deeply concerned about how to make amends where necessary, the party has chosen to indulge itself in an endless ‘Makosa dance’ whose drumbeat is seemingly fabricated by the judiciary. Dancing to the tune of such uncalled music has ended up showcasing revelry of shame in the entire Nigerian polity.

      It would be recalled that the party in question was meant to have its elective National Convention, expected to produce its next substantive leadership, last two weeks, precisely on Wednesday 17^th August 2016. Pathetically, the venue for the said event scheduled to hold in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital was barricaded by a group of well-armed security personnel in accordance with the order issued to them by the Federal High Court of Abuja Division.

      It’s worth noting that Justice Ibrahim Watila of the Federal High Court of Port-Harcourt Division had earlier ruled that the proposed convention being organized by the Ahmed Makarfi – led National Caretaker Committee (NCC) should go on as planned, thus ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the police to provide legal backing as well as maximum security for the exercise. Subsequently, as if Nigerian courts of law are now rivals to each other, that of Abuja Division presided over by Justice Okon Abang barred the convention from holding as requested by the Modu Sheriff – led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party that claims it remains the party’s leader till 2018. This obviously smacks of mischief. Owing to the contradictory ruling of the latter, all efforts put in place towards ensuring a successful convention proved abortive.

      Indeed, the PDP had become so polarized following the May 21, 2016 National Convention of the party held in Port-Harcourt, which sacked the Sheriff–led NEC and consequently replaced it with the 7-man Makarfi–led caretaker committee with a mandate to organize another convention within 90 days. But, both parallel camps thereafter instituted a litany of suits at the Federal High Court, hence creating the ongoing nauseous scenario that had ridiculed the judiciary.

      It’s unarguably mind-boggling that having ruled over a certain case, another law court of equal jurisdiction would accept to entertain the same subject matter brought before it. Suchlike attitude isn’t unlike, to say the least, a betrayal and sabotage not just to the judiciary but the Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended. If any Federal High Court, irrespective of its division, rules over a case, the only thing the aggrieved party is expected to do is to take the case to an appellant court. Even if the case is yet to be ruled; provided it is lying on the desk of a certain law court, no other court of coordinate (equal) jurisdiction has the constitutional right to entertain same subject matter if eventually brought before it by a different plaintiff.

      The judicial custodians in the country are apparently taking the country’s judiciary to the mould, thus making its status seem laughable. The Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) need not be told that it’s time it woke from its slumber and act as expected, because it’s obvious that a lot is getting out of hand. It might interest, perhaps shock you to note that, currently, scores of suits filed by various members of the PDP are reportedly lying in several courts across the federation. The court cases instituted by the factional national leaders of the party could be described as minor, considering the enormity of cases filed by their counterparts at the various state levels.

      We can’t continue to make mockery of the judiciary that’s seen as the ‘last hope’ of the citizenry. The lingering Makosa dance abruptly embarked upon by the PDP alongside the judiciary has gotten to its climax that it requires the candid intervention of all concerned, particularly the overall founding members of the party. It’s even more pitiable and worrisome to acknowledge that some of these founding members have graciously taken their leave, or defected to the APC

      Anyone who truly loves Nigeria ought to come to the rescue of the PDP before it goes into extinction, because the country is seriously in need of a viable opposition and such cannot be guaranteed if the embattled party isn’t resuscitated. Initially, most analysts cum commentators were of the view that the ongoing disagreement among the PDP members was for the party’s good; but, it’s conspicuous that the ostensibly welcomed melodrama has suddenly metamorphosed into an unforeseen Makosa dance, which is an aberration.

      At this point, I suggest the PDP should go back to the drawing board. The most apt thing to do now is to retrace its steps to the genesis. No right thinking Nigerian, or anyone who understands the essence of a proactive opposition, especially at this critical moment, would love to see the party fade away like mere smoke, thus let’s in our respective capacities endeavour to call the warring factions to order in the best interest of the country at large.

      It’s time to say goodbye to retrogressive issues. The bone of contention remains that Nigeria is yearning for a healthy opposition, and the PDP, being one of the major political parties in the country, cannot afford to fail her. Think about it!    

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

 

Before Blackout Becomes Our Trademark

BEFORE BLACKOUT BECOMES OUR TRADEMARK

     The Nigeria’s power sector is presently yearning for rescue that if drastic measure isn’t taken, soonest the country won’t only reckoned to be synonymous with blackout but a place invariably used as a case-study whenever non-electricity supply is being discussed.

     It’s indeed worrisome to acknowledge that in spite of the intimidating size of Nigeria, both in landmass and population of over 160 million individuals, she’s currently striving toward boasting of steady seven thousand megawatts (7,000MW) of electricity supply, whereas nations like Ghana, South-Africa, Iran, South-Korea, among others alike, that aren’t up to 60 million people on the average, presently boast of over fifty thousand megawatts (50,000MW). Such shocking phenomenon calls for thorough examination in the country’s power sector.

     During the past administration, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s particularly, the Power Reform Act was introduced, which was aimed at boosting electricity supply. In addition, the then existing National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) was changed to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) owing to concession. National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) was equally initiated. Piqued by the epileptic power situation, Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, on assumption of office in 2007, lamented that the government under Chief Obasanjo squandered about $10 billion on the NIPP with little or no effect.

      On power sector alone, the administration of Chief Obasanjo reportedly spent $16 billion approximately equivalent to #3.52 trillion, his successor Late Yar’Adua expended $5.375 billion (#1.183 trillion), whilst immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration spent $8.26 billion (#1.817 trillion). In a nutshell, if comments of past Nigerian leaders are anything to go by, the country, in the last 16 years, spent about $29.635 billion amounting to #6.52 trillion on quest for steady power supply.

     It would be recalled that during Dr Jonathan’s reign, the distribution section/phase of the power sector was totally deregulated, thereby leading to Public-Private Partnership (PPP); a measure that Nigerians thought would salvage the power industry. It’s worth noting that the power sector comprises three major sections (phases) namely: the generation, transmission, and distribution sections. These three phases collectively contribute to the production of the two hundred and twenty Alternating-Current Voltage (AC220V) required by electricity consumers in Nigeria.

     Despite all these measures, rather than improving, the country’s power sector remains in a comatose state, or even deteriorates on a daily basis. The various distribution firms, instead of concentrating on how to serve the teeming consumers, end up compounding the already existing plight. At the moment, an electricity consumer in Nigeria, regardless of locality, would be faced with a utility bill even though he never enjoyed any power supply in the past; one might begin to wonder where such bill was fabricated.

     The problem with the Nigerian power sector remains lack of technical know-how cum initiative as well as decay in maintenance culture. Most times, the personnel at the generation phase would inform Nigerians that the supply of gasoline has depreciated owing to the ongoing pipeline vandalism caused by the various militant groups. Suchlike report is no doubt, to say the least, ridiculous and laughable in a country like ours that can boast of so many sources of electricity generation in abundance. Frankly, over-dependence on mono-source is really telling on the Nigerian economy at large, not just in the power sector.

     A few of the country’s mineral resources alone, such as coal and what have you, can generate enormous electricity required by the overall Nigerians. Similarly, biomass and wind-power, which are renewable and reliable energy sources, if properly harnessed, can generate electricity that can serve the entire Nigerian population. Biomass can either be used directly via combustion to produce heat, or indirectly after converting it to various forms of biofuel. Its conversion to biofuel can be achieved by different methods broadly classified into chemical, thermal, and biochemical methods.

     Besides, why is solar energy in abeyance? Most western countries like Germany that cannot boast of a steady fifteen degree Celsius (15*C) depends mainly on solar energy as regards power supply let alone Nigeria that can steadily boast of over 30*C. The country is abound with the four energy sources mentioned so far; the resources are there lying fallow. Our duty is to harness them; all the government needs to do is to create an industry that would produce the required facilities, and such approach cannot be actualized without lifting embargo on PPP.

     Above all, considering the ongoing power generation via turbine or hydro-plants, there’s compelling need for the government to decentralize the transmission grid. Rather than sustaining the national grid, since it’s obvious that such sustenance is cumbersome, each region or zone ought to be entitled to a transmission grid, thereby easing the maintenance cost. Such approach won’t only reduce cost, but would equally boost adequate and steady power supply across the federation. The private sector must also be given a room to key in; the various established private transmission grids such as the Power Geometrics situated in Aba, Abia State invented by Prof Bart Nnaji needs to be encouraged effectively.

     Summarily, before blackout becomes our trademark, the Ministry of Power must be mindful of the needful. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-ICT/Engineering Consultant, Researcher, Blogger, Analyst & Activist-
Founder/CEO, Docfred (Nig.) Ent. - Owerri
____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com
Twitter: @mediambassador        

      

INEC and the Electronic Card Reader

INEC AND THE ELECTRONIC CARD READER

     The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can currently boast of the use of Electronic Card Reader otherwise known as ‘Smart card reader’ during elections in Nigeria. Since the inception of the INEC in the Nigeria’s political terrain, the leadership of the institution had been working assiduously toward ensuring that the country could boast of a credible and fair election. This may be the reason the former Chairman of the commission, Prof Attahiru Jega thought it wise to initiate the Smart Card Reader prior to the last general elections, which has been in use till date.

     Though Prof Jega may have succeeded in coming up with a novel idea by introducing the aforementioned gadget, it’s worth noting that the current boss of the body, Prof Mahmood Yakubu has an enormous task ahead of him towards ensuring that the said laudable invention wouldn’t end up being a curse in disguise.

     It’s not anymore news that the ongoing use of the device in question has been bedeviled by several shortcomings to include malfunctioning, inadequate power supply and what have you. The INEC, inaugurated in 1998, has since inception encountered too many controversies and predicaments in the run up to elections in the country, most notably the April 2007 and 2015 general elections respectively; the ongoing challenges faced by the use of card readers seem to have added to the numerous plights of the commission.

     A Smart card reader is an electronic device that reads smart cards such as the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card and Voter’s card, as the case may be. There are so many forms of smart card readers used for different purposes. In the banking industry, we have smart card readers that read the ATM cards. But here, we’re concerned about the electoral smart card reader. The electoral smart card reader is a portable electronic voter authentication gadget, configured to read only the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) issued by the INEC.

     The device, which displays the authentic information of the prospective voter via the use of fingerprint, was designed specifically for the accreditation process or authentication of eligible voters before voting. The machine is usually configured or programmed to only read the PVCs of a particular polling unit as well as work only on election day(s). The card reader has obviously helped in confirming the eligibility of the prospective voters. It has equally assisted in checking excesses as regards double/multiple registration.

     Among all, it enables the electoral exercise to be carried out faster since it can accredit as many intending voters as possible within a shortest interval; suffice it to say that it saves time. In addition, it enables the officials of the INEC to conduct the election easily or at ease unlike the manual system whereby the personnel would be required to put in or exhaust all their energies, thereby creating room for effectiveness and efficiency. This implies that, if properly utilized, it warrants the electoral umpire to engage fewer individuals or ad-hoc staff for any incoming election. Hence, the card reader isn’t just labour effective, but equally cost effective.

     Although the benefits inherent in the use of the smart card reader cannot be overemphasized, it’s worthy to acknowledge that the challenges that accompany it cannot be overlooked if truly we are concerned about embracing a society that can wholly boast of free, fair and credible polls. It’s not anymore news that, while in use, the card reader has reportedly malfunctioned in various quarters across the federation ever since it came into existence in Nigeria, thereby making the INEC officials in charge of the concerned polling units to resort to manual voting.

      To this end, there’s need for creation of a special technically-inclined unit within the INEC quarters. Such unit/department to be manned by an expert must contain all it takes as regards servicing or sustenance of the said gadget. The unit would go a long way to eradicate ‘fire brigade’ approach, which isn’t unusual in the Nigerian society. It would as well help to create a mobile technical committee that would monitor the functionality of the card readers throughout any election as well as ensure that the various polling units involved are well equipped with the needed materials including electricity supply gadgets prior to the election. There would also be need for the unit to be more concerned about providing special electronic chargers or charging devices at the various voting centres so that the card readers wouldn’t need to depend on power supply as long as the voting lasts.

      Above all, there is need for the device to be manufactured in the country henceforth. There are capable hands that can actualize it; all the government needs to do is to empower them via the proposed technical unit. We can’t continue to import what we can produce, especially at this moment we are concerned about diversification. I therefore call on INEC to embrace the fullness of technology so that the awaited society would be embraced soonest. Think about it!    

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-ICT/Engineering Consultant, Researcher, Blogger, Analyst & Activist-

Founder/CEO, Docfred (Nig.) Ent.
_________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com
Twitter: @mediambassador        

Payroll Palaver and ICT Perspective

PAYROLL PALAVER AND ICT PERSPECTIVE

     The last time I checked, the Nigerian civil service system was deeply bedeviled by a cankerworm known as ‘ghost workers’. The syndrome, which isn’t peculiar to the federal level, is indeed ubiquitous that no certain level/unit of government is exempted whenever its scourge is being discussed. Funnily enough, the anomaly has lingered that anyone could insinuate that it’s a norm.

     Two months ago, precisely on Thursday 5^th May 2016, during the meeting between federal ministries and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) in Lagos State as organized by the Minister of Information and Culture – Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun categorically disclosed that the ongoing #165 billion monthly salaries cum allowances of federal civil servants was over-bloated, thus could no longer be sustained by the Federal Government (FG).

     Mrs. Adeosun who was speaking on the economy reform agenda of the present administration, stated that the said fund represented about forty percent (40%) of the total spending made by the FG. According to her, the figure was outrageous; hence, government was pursuing aggressive measures towards detecting as well as prosecuting ghost workers and other saboteurs in the system. She landed with a mind-boggling revelation that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), which wasn’t fully functional, still had names of about ten thousand (10,000) workers on its payroll regularly serviced by the FG’s coffers.

      In a related development, barely few weeks ago, over a huge sum of #4 billion fraud was reportedly discovered in Aso Rock, the Nigeria’s seat of power. The discovery was made by President Muhammadu Buhari’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Major Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd). Aside his alleged shocking discovery, which was made after a general security auditing and verification exercise ordered by Mr. President, the NSA further disclosed that  names of twenty-nine (29) ghost security personnel had been on security payroll in the Presidency over the years.

     The various states and LGAs across the federation aren’t exceptional. On Thursday 26^th May 2016, the Bayelsa State government said it had uncovered payroll fraud in the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), with the discovery of over 765 illicitly employed teachers in the existing eight local government councils in the state. According to the report, names of fifty (50) dead teachers were equally found on the payroll of Ogbia Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) alone.

      It baffles me that at this age, Nigeria is still lagging behind as regards Information and Communications Technology (ICT). We can’t continue indulging ourselves in retrogressive issues in an era when ICT or Hi-Tech has succeeded in simplifying everything, or unraveling every mystery related to information. Most times I wonder; is it that Nigeria cannot afford the services of ICT, or that she can’t boast of or source for the required ICT personnel?

     The answer, of course, is No. Nigeria can afford all of the above. Her plight ab initio, has been lack of orientation and corruption. The people she had had in positions of authority refused to be convinced that ICT is the only way forward concerning the lingering payroll palaver in the country, perhaps owing to lack of political will occasioned by corruption. However, we are intensely glad the current administration apparently detests corruption profusely.

      Now that the President Buhari – led government is interested in getting it right, it must acknowledge that obtaining a comprehensive database for all the federal workers is long overdue. Such measure can only be actualized via a forensic approach. To this end, a special unit/department must be created by law under the Ministry of Finance. The proposed unit is subject to be manned by well qualified and reliable ICT experts; and no one ought to have access to the department, except its staff and the director/HOD.

      Additionally, an agency comprising thoroughly scrutinized individuals ought to be set up by law to monitor or oversee the day-to-day activity of the department. The agency would ascertain whenever a worker dies or retires, as the case may be, among other likely events, and thereafter ensure that the record is duly implemented by the unit. Moreover, from time-to-time through their oversight functions, the federal legislators should invite the members, particularly the chairman, of the agency to keep them abreast of happenings.

     For the above unit to function tactically and properly, every federal MDA must equally boast of a competent and reliable ICT unit that would regularly update the former, or the umbrella body, on matters relating to employment, death, retirement, expulsion, retrenchment, or what have you; the said agency would assist in monitoring the genuineness and adequacy of the aforementioned cooperation. For efficiency’s sake, the unit must engage a viable and reliable software consulting firm toward ensuring holistic update of its software maintenance.

     The above measure ought to as well be replicated on the part of payment of pensions and gratuities. And, the various state governments should endeavour to borrow a leaf from the overall proposed approach. Let’s embrace ICT now, to enjoy forever. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-ICT/Engineering Consultant, Researcher, Blogger, Analyst & Activist-
Founder/CEO, Docfred (Nig.) Ent. - Owerri
____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com\
Twitter: @mediambassador        

 

Internet Hacking and Nigeria's Future

INTERNET HACKING AND NIGERIA’S FUTURE

     The last time I checked, Computer/Internet Hacking constituted the most recent cybercrimes. Prior to the invention of the Internet, criminals had to dig through people’s trash or intercept their mails to steal their personal information. Now that all the required information is available online, criminals presently use the Internet to steal people’s identities, either via trick or infecting their devices with malware.

      Most cybercrimes are committed by individuals or small groups, though large organized criminal groups also take advantage of the Internet. These so-called professional criminals find new ways to commit old or ancient crimes. They treat cyber crimes like a business and form global criminal communities. Criminal communities share strategies and tools and can combine forces to launch coordinated attacks. They even have an underground marketplace where cyber criminals can purchase and sell stolen information or identities.

      It’s very difficult to track cyber criminals down, because the Internet makes it easier for people to do things anonymously and from any location on the globe. Needless to say that, many computers used in various destinations have actually been hacked and are being controlled by someone far away.

      For hackers who want to come clean and turn away from crime out of pretence, one option is to work for the people they used to torment by becoming their security consultants or employees. These set of hackers are referred to as “Grey Hat Hackers”. In the past, they were addressed as “Black Hat Hackers” who used their computer expertise to break into systems and steal information illegally while posing as a friend or dedicated employee/consultant. But presently, some of them are acting as “White Hat Hackers” who specialize in testing the security strength of their clients’ information systems.

     If the interest of the White Hat Hackers is to be paid, they will attempt to hack into a company’s network and then present the affected company with a report detailing the existing security loopholes of the company and how those anomalies could be tackled. The advantage of this is that, they can use their skills for a good cause and help stop other cyber criminals, since keeping up with security and cyber criminals is a fulltime job and many companies can’t afford financially to have someone totally dedicated to it.

     Another recent devastating aspect of internet hacking is the “Social Engineering” routine. Social engineering is a tactic used by cyber criminals that use lies and manipulations to trick people into revealing their personal information. Social engineering attackers frequently involve very convincing fake stories to lure victims into their trap. Some of these tricks include: sending victims an email that claims there’s problem with their account and has a link to a fake website, trying to convince victims to open email attachments that contain malware, pretending to be a network/account administrator and asking for the victim’s password to perform maintenance activity, as well as claiming that the victim has won a prize but must give their credit card information or bank account details in order to receive it, just to mention but a few.

     The recent antics of cyber criminals, which are barbaric and inhumane, call for constant and consistent update of advanced anti-hacking computer software by software producers, and the adequate dissemination of the said software to the apt quarters. Presently such most developing countries as Nigeria and what have you, are less-privileged in regard to advanced anti-hacking or anti-malware software; hence they need to act fast in this regard. Nigerian could presently boast of world class experts on software programming; these set of persons especially the young ones need to be encouraged by the government by setting up an industry that would enable them commercialize their expertise. 

      The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is supposed to have a thoroughly equipped Internet-based communication unit comprising well experienced experts and consultants. Such unit, which would function as a spy, would help to checkmate activities being carried out by every internet user at all nooks and crannies of the country on a daily basis.

      Inter alia, the bill regarding Cybercrimes that was recently passed by the 7^th National Assembly needs to be reviewed by the 8^th assembly with a view to ensuring that every required clause regarding internet hacking is included, or towards making amends where necessary. There would be need to set up special court to be made up of uncompromising judicial custodians that would prosecute anyone accused of any form of cybercrime, particularly internet hacking which has caused the Nigerian society a colossal economic loss.

      Most importantly, every computer/internet firm owner should endeavour to engage an expert on Ethical Hacking. Our various schools at all levels, the tertiary institutions in particular, should on their part take teachings on internet hacking more seriously in the ongoing general studies on Computer Literacy.

     People either as individuals or corporate bodies are advised to set strict passwords, change them regularly as well as never endeavour to share them with anyone to enable them not to exclaim ‘had I known’. Think about it!

         

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Engineering/ICT Consultant, Researcher, Blogger, Analyst & Activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
________________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com
Twitter: @mediambassador