CBN Provides Phone Numbers for Customers to Report Scarcity of Money in ATMs

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released telephone numbers for bank customers to report difficulties experienced while trying to withdraw cash over the counter or via the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

The CBN announced this through a circular released on Tuesday, 3rd December 2024.

In recent times, bank customers have experienced difficulty trying to get cash from banks’ ATMs and Point of Sale (POS) agents. This has resulted in a hike in withdrawal charges by some of the POS operators.

It could be recalled that while speaking at the recent Annual Bankers’ Dinner held in Lagos State, the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso urged Nigerians to report difficulties withdrawing cash from bank branches or ATMs to the apex bank from December 1, 2024. The CBN, in a circular jointly signed by its acting Director of Currency Operations, Mr. Solaja Olayemi, and the acting Director of Branch Operations, Mrs. Isa-Olatinwo Aisha, provided telephone numbers to help address customers’ challenges.

The apex bank stated: “Please refer to the various engagements and interventions from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the above subject aimed at addressing efficient and optimal currency circulation in the economy. “As part of these ongoing efforts, we would like to draw your attention to the following directives and Guidelines:

“Deposit Money Banks (DMBs): DMBs are directed to ensure efficient cash disbursement to customers Over-the-Counter (OTC) and through ATMs as the CBN will intensify its oversight roles to enforce this directive and ensure compliance.

“General Public Reporting: Members of the public who are unable to obtain cash Over-the-Counter or through ATMs at DMBs, are encouraged to report these instances using the designated reporting channels and format provided below.

“This will assist CBN in addressing issues hindering the availability of cash and further improve currency circulation.”

To make a report of a bank branch or ATM not dispensing cash, the CBN said affected customers are to provide the relevant details which include, “account name/name of the DMB/amount /time and date of Incident(s) amongst others via the following dedicated channels.”

The CBN added: “Phone Call: Designated phone number(s) of the CBN branch in the state where the incident(s) occurred.

DISSECTING NIGERIA'S BORROWING SYNDROME

by FRED NWAOZOR

Taking into cognizance the trend of events among Nigeria’s entities and individuals, one might be quick to assert that the country is synonymous with borrowing. On the other hand, someone might also be of the view that no one could currently live or survive in Nigeria without indulging in borrowing.

Penultimate week, precisely on 19th November 2024, the leadership of the National Assembly (NASS) announced to its members during plenary the receipt of a letter from the Presidency, requesting to borrow the sum of 2.2 billion dollars externally. In the letter, the President expressed that the targeted fund was for the complete implementation of the 2024 budget. He therefore stated that the appeal was in line with the provisions of Sections 21 (1) and 27 (1) of the Debt Management Office (DMO) Act, 2003 and the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The President further clarified that the proposed loan of #1.7 trillion naira, equivalent to about $2.2bn at the 2024 budget exchange rate of “one dollar to #800, was to partly finance the budget deficit of #9.179trn. He disclosed the fund was needed to give more strength to the ongoing projects and programmes’ implementation as enshrined in the said budget, which were designed to stabilize the economy.

According to him, the key projects to which the proceeds would be deployed formed priority sectors of the country’s economy, such as power, transport, agriculture, defence, and security. He added it would equally increase the accrual to the external reserves as the proceeds would be directly received into the account of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), thereby supporting the naira exchange rate.

Without equivocations, borrowing has become a norm among not just Nigerian political leaders, but on the African continent at large. It’s ostensibly endemic in our bloodstream, that, successive leaders have seen it as the only means of survival for any government in power. This is, no doubt, a pitiable point we have collectively found ourselves as a people.

I beg to be corrected; this isn’t the first time the incumbent administration would request for a loan to finance a budget, barely a year plus it came on board. Yet, some defenders of the government are busy trying to convince credulous Nigerians that the President has been more concerned about servicing the country’s already-incurred debt. I wonder how we intend to reconcile a situation whereby an individual or entity is servicing an incurred debt, but still requests to borrow more money to finance his/its budget for a given fiscal year.

Aside the fact that such a scenario, as mentioned above, appears or sounds paradoxical, it simply seems not unlike a situation where the led are being told by their leaders that more employment opportunities would be created for the citizens, yet most of those who are already gainfully employed are being relieved of their various jobs unannounced, citing inability of the government to sustain their wages.

It’s quite ridiculous and unheard of, that, when the Nigerian debt index has abruptly triggered to over 120 trillion naira, the government still possesses the moral ground to seek additional loan, not even internally but externally. Sometimes, I do not hesitate to ask myself how the lenders see or perceive Nigeria among the Comity of Nations, because If I were in their shoes, I wouldn’t further release any dime to the country in the name of lending. One who regularly borrows but refused to refund, or has no plan to pay back, doesn’t deserve any other lending hand.

I’m ashamed, our sister nations might be laughing at us, even though they are also chronic borrowers. Of course, two persons could be characterized by same unruly behaviour, but when that of the other becomes so extreme, his counterpart may be tempted to laugh at him not minding they both share similar lifestyle.

Another question that bothers me, or that’s earnestly begging for a candid answer is, having totally removed subsidy from petroleum products by the government, as we were informed, why then is the country’s coffer still apparently bleeding despite the huge savings achieved thus far? Does it imply the citizenry is being misinformed, or there’s something wrong somewhere, which the governed are yet to know? For Nigeria to heal of her present economic disease that requires a lobotomy, these disturbing enquiries must be candidly addressed by the government.

Let’s economically take a closer look at the actual amount involved in the loan request. Since it’s an external borrowing, the fund would be released to the beneficiary in foreign currency, precisely the US dollar. US$2.2bn is targeted to be borrowed. It’s estimated to be about #1.76trn, using #800 as the pegged exchange rate to one dollar in the 2024 budget.

In the actual sense, the naira equivalent of the proposed loan ought to base on the current economic reality, considering the fact that the present official exchange rate to a dollar has doubled (about #1760) compared to the figure stipulated in the budget. It is even more than twice the aforementioned amount (#800). In view of this prevailing reality, the naira equivalent of the external loan being requested by the Presidency should rather be about #3.8trn, contrary to the #1.7trn as was reported in the letter from the Presidency.

In other words, Nigeria intends to borrow additional approximately 3.87 trillion naira at a time when the country’s public debt, both external and domestic, had catapulted to almost #134.3trn (about $76.3bn) as at the second quarter of 2024, indicating a growth rate of 24.99% on a quarter-to-quarter basis, which marked the country’s highest debt-to-GDP ratio ever; at a time when her teeming citizens are struggling to feed, or could barely afford two-square meal per day; at a moment when small and medium-scale business ventures are liquidating on a daily basis; at a period when the economic quagmire of the followers seems irredeemable; at a time when the country’s inflation rate is about 29.90%.

If we are to be truthful to ourselves, we would comprehend that at such a critical and scary moment like this, the government is rather expected to sit at home and consider how to deeply think outside the box towards redeeming the shattered image of the Nigerian State. Our leaders must take into cognizance that a 50 naira note is almost presently useless in Nigeria’s currency.

At such a tight situation of this kind, my worry mostly lies with the members of the NASS, who are constitutionally referred to as the lawmakers. It’s noteworthy that the loan being sought was unanimously approved by the senators barely 48 hours after the request letter was read on the floor of the Senate. I strongly see no reason every requested loan by the Presidency must be approved by the legislators, irrespective of the consequences it bears. Does it signify they can’t – or have no immunity – to say NO, even when the reason for the expected rejection is so glaring?

The story remains the same in all the states across the federation. Each of the State governors has resorted to borrowing as the only means of survival, in spite of the astronomical hike in taxation in their respective revenue generations. The most painful part of it is the way and manner the legislators swiftly give any loan request an attention, without critically analyzing the factors that informed the financial demand from the governor. Similar melodrama occurs, on a regular basis, at the national level.

The Presidency might bear a genuine intention as regards utilization of the sourced funds, but the bitter truth remains that incessant borrowing has never done anyone, either a person or group, any good in whatever perspective it’s being considered. We were notified that the loan, if eventually accessed, would be channelled into critical sectors such as power, agriculture, security, and transport, but this wasn’t the first time Nigerians were served with such a palatable diet, yet in the long run, these sectors would remain unattended to.

More so, there’s reportedly a budget deficit of #9.179trn and what the government is about to borrow is just #3.87trn, which is less than 50% of the deficit. So, how does it intend to source for the remaining fund towards financing the 2024 fiscal year? Perhaps, in the nearest future, the Presidency might come up with another loan request.

In a clear term, borrowing isn’t the remedy to the Nigeria’s economic woes; rather, an avenue to further weaken the bleeding and epileptic economy. It’s high time we gave this prevailing syndrome a rethink before it consumes the entire system. Think about it! frednwaozor@gmail.com

N.B: Published in NewTelegraph Newspaper on 27/11/2024

The Best and Beast in Leadership Positions

By Fred Nwaozor

Every leadership position, irrespective of level or status, is characterized by the good, bad, and the ugly. Inasmuch as how juicy and palatable it might taste, the ordeals surrounding the highly-spiced diet might take the bearer off the track, thereby making him/her dine with ‘a spirit’.

Anyone who is yet to assume any position of authority may not actually comprehend the tune of this analysis. But if you have experienced any, one wouldn’t be far from the truth if he says you would be smiling while reading this, because you had personally dined with the aforementioned spirit and probably conquered.

While growing up, I saw myself as one who was naturally imbued with leadership skills; and in my own little way, I was showcasing it. I could informally assemble members of my peer group, and effortlessly counsel them. I was enjoying the task and relationship, not until one fateful day when one of us displayed an unforgettable character just to discredit my person.

The essence of the above reference is to indicate that, as little as we were, someone was already envying the service I was rendering to my childhood pals, even though I was obviously gaining absolutely nothing from the position. Meanwhile, this topic is informed by the need to highlight both the pleasant and unpleasant features of a leadership post, hence let me not be so quick in discussing the latter.

Leadership responsibility takes you closer to the best point; it brings out the hidden best in you. You may initially be of the view that your person lacks the ability to handle a certain leadership position, but the moment you occupy it, you would inadvertently find yourself exercising the required capability.

A leadership post serves as a motivational tool. It propels the occupant to possess the zeal to do more. It triggers that innermost motivation in you that wouldn’t have ordinarily being displayed if you never occupied the position. It reinvigorates the passion that might had left you in the past. The passion and vigour to triumph will invariably knock at your door, thereby awakening the candid quest to work extra mile towards actualizing a conceived goal. The intent to do more would keep flying in your mindset.

It attracts innovation. As the incumbent occupant of the position, there’s a natural tendency that would make you yearn for innovative ideas. You would want to do better than your predecessor; you would wish people see you as the best thus far since inception of the position whenever you eventually left. Every genuine leader is desired to leave a legacy as s/he takes a bow after tenure expiration. In other words, he wants to be reckoned as second to none, not second best.

It keeps you informed at all times. As a leader, you would always be ahead of others as regards information receipt. A leadership position gives you that desire to acquire firsthand news concerning your jurisdiction, hence would detest to receive it as stale. Of course, “information is power”, because it gives you the needed tool for adequate preparation toward averting inconsequential excuses. A leader is in a good position, and has all it takes, to be aptly informed.

Away from the fascinating intrigues of a leadership position, there are some other uncalled feelings that might preoccupy your mind, hence making you stay off the track unwittingly as the journey progresses. The position intoxicates, regardless of its status. There’s a sense of intoxication one feels while occupying a post of authority; he feels drunk on some occasions, especially when taking decision on critical issues or while addressing his subordinates. By so doing, he would mistakenly step on the toes of his superiors, or the king makers, as the case may be.

It only takes His grace for leaders to retrace their steps whenever they’re intoxicated. This is the reason a leader who does not recognize his creator, usually fumbles in the long run, thereby finds himself crumbling without pulsation. One thing you must acknowledge as a leader is that, you can never successfully do it alone without a mentor, guardian, and/or counsellor, or what have you; this is a fact you mustn’t take for granted. Leadership must be a teamwork if truly you intend to excel.

Another bitter side of leadership positions is sycophancy. I’ve in the past done a very extensive work on this; as an analyst, I took time to dissect the intricacies of the monster called sycophancy. Believe it or not, any form of leadership is synonymous with sycophancy, and the latter kills any leader who isn’t careful enough faster than poison would. It’s a tool that swiftly devours a leader, even when he is decorated with an uncommon armour.

In his words, Silver Mars opined “A friend who agrees with everything that you say and do, is worse than the foe. Beware the sycophant!” Being human, particularly a leader, you would desire to see everyone dancing to all your tunes, forgetting that anyone could err. Everybody desires to witness people’s acceptance over their opinions or decisions, let alone a leader.

While in the position, people would invariably troop in to tell you ‘sweet’ things. Your ‘friends’ will tell you how good and cleverly you are doing, but would never find time to admonish a few of your policies even when their negative implications are so glaring. You would laugh and wine with them and crack jokes together, not knowing they are actually laughing at you while awaiting your downfall. To overcome this challenge, you must possess an independent mindset; be open to all but always endeavour to think deeply over their words before accepting, or making use of, them.

In her words, Sheryl Sanberg enthused, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” It’s simply about leaving indelible footprints behind, which would speak for your personality even many years after your exit.

The bitter truth is that, a leadership position isn’t for everybody; not everyone is meant to occupy it, irrespective of paper qualifications. Though anyone can learn to be a good leader, but a true leader is unequivocally inborn. Think about it!

The Author could be reached via frednwaozor@gmail.com

X-raying The FUTO CE-sPESS Conference in Imo

Learning is indeed a lifetime process. This could be proven when most learned individuals, such as professors, are members of a gathering targeted to impact knowledge on the participants. The widely publicized 5-Day maiden International Conference on Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (ICPES - 2024), which graciously held on 12th - 15th November, 2024 in the prestigious Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) was a good example of the above assertion. The Conference whose Theme is "Key to a Sustainable Livelihood in the 21st Century", was heralded by a Opening Ceremony, which featured goodwill messages from special guests, various presentations on different topics by distinguished academics, as well as panel discussion. It's noteworthy that the Conference was gallantly hosted by the FUTO Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CE-sPESS) in conjuction with the School of Environment Sciences (SOES) of the University. In her Goodwill Message during the Opening Ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Her Excellency, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru congratulated the hosts of the Conference and urged them to keep the flag flying as she officially declared the ICPES-2024 open. Lady Ekomaru - who was ably represented by the Principal Secretary to the Deputy Governor's Office, Mr. John Njoku - assured the hosting team of her support. On her part, the Chief Host and Chairman of the Occasion who happens to be the Eight Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Mrs. Nnenna N. Oti commended the FUTO CE-sPESS and SOES for actualizing such a feat as she specially welcomed everyone who found time to grace the event. The VC, ably represented by the DVC on Academics, Prof. Emma C. Esenwa described the outing as the first of its kind. In his Keynote Address on the topic "Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards: Unlocking Sustainable Livelihoods in the 21st Century", the Seventh Substantive and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. Francis C. Eze advocated the need to fully and duly incorporate Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning (ML) in the procurement processes. Prof. Eze equally emphasized the essence of making profit, but not at the expense of the host communities or any entity that's involved. Earlier on the Occasion, the Host of the ICPES-2024, Engr. Prof. Mrs. Gloria A. Chukwudebe informed the participants that she was impressed that a Conference, which was conceived barely a few months back, came into reality. Prof. Chukwudebe, who is the pioneer and incumbent Leader of the FUTO CE-sPESS, took time to present the background and journey-so-far of the Centre to the members of the gathering. Similarly, the Conference Co-Host, Prof. J. D. Njoku notified that the ICPES-2024 was borne out of the need to fully educate the members of the society, particularly the academia and industry, the practical essence of sticking to the extant rules when public procurement is being carried out. Prof. Njoku, who is the current Dean of SOES, conscientized the participants to take the participation seriously as long as the brainstorming outing lasts. In her Welcome Address at the beginning of the Ceremony, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chair, Prof. Mrs. Roseline Feechi Njoku-Tony appreciated every member of the LOC for their laudable inputs during the preparatory session. Prof. Njoku-Tony stated that the planning was so rigorous, because the committee was expecting outstanding results. The Guest Speakers who made presentations at the event were: Prof. Chidi Nzeadibe of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) who spoke virtually, Dr. Yakubu Aminu Dodo of the Najran University, Saudi Arabia who also presented via online, as well as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo in Imo State, Prof. Christopher C. Eze. The Panel Discussion featured the representatives of the key stakeholders in the SPESSE Project. They were: Dr. Joshua Atah of the NUC (represented by Ms Lulu Airudulu); Mr. Adebowale Adedokun of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), Abuja; Mrs. R. A. Odetoro of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, as well as Mr. Benjamin Okwesa of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Abuja (represented by Mr. Olutimi Jacob). In his Vote of Thanks, the Steering Committee Chair, Prof. Chris Nwoko strongly thanked all stakeholders who contributed towards the success of the Conference, especially those who made out time to witness the commencement session. The 5-Day ICPES-2024, which successfully came to an end on Friday, 15th November 2024, featured various sessions, including plenary, technical, debate, exhibition, and paper presentations. The Guest Speakers during the plenary sessions from Wednesday, 13th to Friday, 15th included, but not limited to: Prof. Kenneth Amaechi of the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (UK); Dr. Vincent Ogu; Prof. Aka chief Odoemena of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, Washington DC, USA. Others were: Dr. Ama of the Bangor University, UK; Dr. Muhammad Ahaker Ali; and Prof. Ernest Uwazie of the Clifornia State University, USA. Some of the participants who aired their views after the Conference expressed delight over the outing, and pleaded with the Management to ensure such an intellectual harvest is organized on a regularly basis.

Tech II Nigeria’s Job Seekers And Tech Prospects

Fred Nwaozor The number of job seekers in Nigeria increases astronomically by the day. The intriguing aspect of the unending scenario is that most of these individuals are imbued with tangible tech prowess or potentials that should rather make them job creators. The dangers inherent in joblessness are so conspicuous and frightening in such a way that everyone has become very conscious of its presence, hence invariably make tremendous effort to avert the menace.

In spite of the frantic and tireless steps usually taken by the teeming citizens and successive governments to ensure they aren’t trapped in the pothole cruelly dug by unemployment, they still overtime encounter its ruthless scourge, apparently signifying that their effort isn’t good enough or that something is really wrong somewhere. However, my last visit to one of the West African countries lately made me understand that Nigeria isn’t exceptional while discussing unemployment or that the term is not peculiar to the acclaimed giant of Africa. But, it seems the degree at which it parades its tentacles and elbows in Nigeria is so enormous that the country is ostensibly taking the lead in the comity of nations. This is the sole reason many are deeply concerned and bothered over the anomaly, hence the need for drastic measures towards cushioning the excruciating effects. It’s noteworthy that unemployment is not a personal plight but a general one, thus the essence of a societal approach in a bid to tackling it. This is why countless schools of thought have overtime shown great concern over the lingering nature of the cankerworm as well as aired their views on how best to tackle it. Though unemployment isn’t a convincing excuse to indulge in any crime, hence no discerning mind encourages people to resort to it, it’s worth noting that its scourge remains one of the prime reasons all sorts of criminal activities have escalated in recent times. Another disturbing occurrence that’s apropos of unemployment is the employability status of our present days’ graduates. It’s not anymore news that most of these youths are obviously unemployable, thus posing threat to the labour market and their chances of being meaningfully employed. The plight as stated in the above paragraph is mainly attributable to lack of adequate knowledge as acquired from their respective institutions of learning, or inability of our various undergraduates to stick to the needful while on campus. Taking a painstaking study of all these issues, it’s needless to assert that the ongoing unemployment crisis in Nigeria is not unconnected with dilapidated learning environment cum facilities, decline in the country’s value system, and insufficient employers of labour, among others. Though nepotism is highly condemnable and unacceptable, those who attribute unemployment to it might be making a big mistake because if there are sufficient firms or employment opportunities, such a practice like favouritism or what have you would hardly be detected by anyone. Before now, or in the olden days, Nigerians were gainfully engaged with various works simply because the jobs were readily available and the population was conspicuously far lesser than what we could witness now.

But with the growing lack of sustainability of various government-owned establishments coupled with the astronomical growth of the country’s population, the job spaces abruptly became overwhelmed by the number of people in the labour market. A lot has really gone wrong in the system, but the good news is that, we can once again get it right if the needful is done by the relevant authorities. This can only be actualized by revisiting the drawing board. It would be very wonderful for the government to comprehend that the endless unemployment issues can aptly be addressed by truly comprehending the real value of technology, hence embracing its measures. It’s worthy of note that only technological approach could significantly alleviate all crises that are apropos unemployment. First, we need to revamp the country’s education sector. The current educational system of the Nigerian society has really deteriorated that an urgent, candid and apt measure is required towards its revitalization. We must be ready to train our young ones with a view to becoming self-reliant in their respective abilities. Since the population is growing by the day and the firms aren’t increasing meaningfully, there’s a compelling need to prepare these Nigerians so they could emerge as entrepreneurs or employers of labour rather than seekers. Our various technical colleges, which have apparently gone into moribund, must be revived in earnest to keep the ground running. Those days, graduates of these institutions – even without proceeding to a higher level of learning – could stand on their own as well as comfortably raise wonderful families with their earnings. The governments at all levels ought to endeavour to equip the various tertiary schools in their respective jurisdictions, so that, the graduates can defend themselves in any setting and equally start up something meaningful without ‘giraffing’ for the availability of any form of white-collar job as it is currently the case.

In view of the above, the schools’ authorities must strengthen the value of the ongoing Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), which was primarily set up by the government to aid the technical upbringing of the learners irrespective of their disciplines. Inter alia, the governments need to provide enabling environment to enable all tech-driven talents to thrive as well as ensure that the available patents of the numerous institutions domiciled in their jurisdictions are duly commercialized. Research works in any quarter must also be given a due attention since technology is strictly dependent on research. Conclusively, it would be sacrilegious to beat about the bush while discussing tech-driven matters, because technology is all about facts. Hence, the government needs to acknowledge that the suggested measures can never yield significant and tangible results if we continue to relegate the power supply issue to the background. We must understand that only uninterruptible electricity can encourage entrepreneurship to a great extent as desired by the people. Therefore, this technological factor requires the highest sincere attention. This critique is targeted to express that Nigeria as a people can only aptly address unemployment-related cases if tech measures are duly deployed, hence the need not to shortchange realities. We, as a people, must collectively work to make our teeming young ones job creators, not job seekers, to save Nigeria from imminent collapse. Think about it!

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!

The Claims Of APC Group On Osinbajo’s Presidential Ambition

By Fred Nwaozor

Ahead of the 2023 elections in Nigeria, a group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) members, under the aegis of Progressive Consolidation Group (PCG), has called on the leadership of the ruling party to adopt the incumbent Vice President of the country, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as its consensus candidate for the Presidential election. According to them, Prof. Osinbajo was the most qualified person to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari after expiration of his tenure come 2023.

The PCG, who held a rally in Ikeja, the capital city of Lagos State a few days ago, to receive the Vice President, urged the number two citizen to put himself forward for the presidential position, saying having Prof. Osinbajo as its sole candidate, would douse tension not only in the ruling party, but across the country. Speaking at the rally, the PCG National Secretary, Dr. Eli Eberechukwu Dibia who spoke to journalists at the grand reception, said they had started mobilizing in all the 774 Local Government Areas across the Nigeria for the emergence of Prof. Osinbajo as APC sole Presidential candidate in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

He said, “His candidacy will douse the already accumulated tension across the six geopolitical zones, Osinbajo is a man of grace, humility, truth and the fear of God.” Dr. Dibia further opined, “As a detribalized Nigerian, APC as a party should adopt Osinbajo as consensus candidate of the party and expect a seamless victory.” He therefore described Prof. Osinbajo ‘as a dependable, transparent, competent and passionate Nigerian, who cares about the ordinary man and the youths’, saying the Vice-President ‘holds the best credentials to succeed President Buhari having worked with him as his deputy’. The Group, whose members were dressed in T-shirts and Face-caps bearing the Vice President’s picture, staged what it described as ‘A Walk For Osinbajo’.

Speaking further, the PCG Leader said, “Today, over one million Nigerians have gathered here to celebrate a man of character, a man that we are very convinced that if he mounts the seat, Nigerians will have fresh air. He is cerebral, well tutored pastor and a man of God.” On his part, the National Coordinator of the PCG, Hon. Hyacinth Turnel informed that the ‘Walk for Osinbajo’ was organised by professionals who believed in the ability of the Vice-President to deliver. He said, “We the like-minds, gather here to at least show solidarity to our dear principal, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, to run for the seat of the President. That is why we are here.” While asked what makes him think the Vice-President had the capacity to run, he replied that Prof. Osinbajo had spearheaded some reforms in the government that were unknown to many Nigerians. He therefore enthused that the emergence of Prof. Osinbajo as President Buhari’s successor would guarantee continuity, adding it was better to have someone that had learned how the process works than somebody that would come and start learning from the scratch. “At least, he knows the challenges that we have in this country. So, we believe he will do his best to ensure that the challenges are tackled headlong.

When further asked what new thing the Vice-President would bring to the table, he said with Osinbajo at helm of affairs of the country, he would assemble the professionals that would work in the interest of the country. One might ask, does Prof. Osinbajo really possess what it takes to lead Nigeria to the needed Promised Land? While such a question is tendered by a concerned Nigerian, someone on the other side might boldly answer that the middle-aged professor has the required requisite taking into cognizance his social, educational and professional backgrounds and antecedents.

However, like I earlier stated in my previous critique, at the moment, Nigeria as a country does not just need an eligible individual to succeed President Buhari come 2023, but one who truly feels the pains of the country’s populace. Come to think of it, considering the fact that the PCG stated that Prof. Osinbajo was coming to continue from where President Buhari would stop in 2023, just as he (Osinbajo) rightly mentioned in his declaration speech a few days back, is indeed enough reason to worry. The question is, where actually does he intend to continue from? Is it from the current state of the country’s education sector, or the present condition of the health sector? Does he intend to continue fighting corruption the same way it is being fought so far by the current administration?

Is Prof. Osinbajo planning to continue tackling insecurity exactly the same way and manner it’s being done at the moment? Does he intend to address the country’s economic status just as it’s being addressed by the current government? Only his person can tender the right answers to these genuine enquiries. Too many questions indeed await his candidacy, especially when noted that he’s presently the Lieutenant to the man who has apparently turned the country’s economy upside down. Think about it!

How Great Is Nigeria In Technology?

Fred Nwaozor

A childhood friend of mine – who is incidentally a Nigerian presently residing in Japan – upon his last visit to Nigeria penultimate year, profusely greeted my presence with series of lamentations. The bosom pal, who often goes by the sobriquet ‘Jet’, disclosed to me that he was severely pained over the way and manner the Nigerian society was still wallowing in ignorance and ‘self-deceit’ as regards tech-driven issues. He had been a vocal type right from our secondary school days. According to the returnee, on a sojourn though, it was seriously lamentable for a country that calls herself the Africa’s giant to be discussing how to produce “a mere pencil for four good years”, yet still finds it very difficult to come up with a prototype let alone a market sample.

He said when he was viewing the Science and Technology Minister on the Television while in Tokyo, as he was frantically and enthusiastically selling and boasting about the proposal, he didn’t hesitate to weep for Nigeria. He hastily added, “And now, they are promising production of solar cells, after failed pencil production.” I was hitherto keenly interested in his stories pertaining to the country’s technological move thus far, not until a point where he unequivocally described Nigeria as a “nation with visionless leaders”, hence I abruptly lost attention therein. Permit me to assert that Mr. Jet’s frank description of the country might not be mistaken if we must call a spade, a spade. But owing to my unrelenting patriotic nature, I acted the way I did, which ostensibly didn’t augur well for his stance. Nevertheless, my patriotic features wouldn’t stop me from thinking as a realist afterwards. What else would you expect to hear from a man who has spent a reasonable period in Japan, over eleven years if I’m not mistaken, than to look into the eyes of an average Nigerian and tell him or her that the country isn’t progressing, technology wise?

Come to think of it; we are talking about Japan that ordinarily ought, or deserve, to be rated as the king of tech across the globe. Even someone (returnee) from a nearby Ghana or thereabouts might still be tempted to toe the line of Mr. Jet, because the said West-African nation that initially dependent on Nigeria regarding power supply can currently boast of uninterruptible electricity to a reasonable extent. Yes, there’s absolutely no doubt enthusing that Nigeria is a great country, but how greatly has she thus far fared in the area of technology? This is a candid and succinct question we must genuinely attend to if, as a people, we are truly determined to arrive at a definite destination. If the gospel truth must be told in regard to the above enquiry, anyone who truly understands the situation here would boldly assert that Nigeria is nowhere to be found on the world map whenever tech-driven matters are being discussed. This is the reason the concerned authorities are requested to sit up with a view to addressing the ugly and pathetic circumstance without further ado by facing the realities squarely at all cost, solely in the overall interest of the citizenry. Facing the facts as expected would enable the relevant quarters to henceforth jettison every parameter or iota of temptation that would make the governments at all levels to continue to dwell on retrogressive issues when progressive ones are seriously needed.

For us as a nation to get it right, we are required to commence from the education sector. The area in question is presently bearing a deplorable and pitiable physiognomy, yet virtually no tangible step is being taken towards alleviating the obvious plight of the sector. Nigeria has conspicuously grown of age that, by now, she’s meant to holistically realize that no existing nation becomes great, particularly in the field of technology, without duly embracing education. At her present age, she shouldn’t be reminded of the inevitable impact of education on a country’s quest for development and innovations. Nigeria is unarguably not getting any younger, hence the compelling need for her to hold the bull by the horn in her apparent quest to reach the next level. It’s therefore high time she started doing the needful for the benefit of all. The current administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari, not unlike the past ones, has laid so much emphasis on technology. It ought to be told, without equivocations, that the people are losing patience with regard to the numerous promises of the government in terms of technology. In the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-7) held in Japan between 28th and 31st August, 2019, President Buhari stated, “Our administration has identified important sectors that are key drivers to the diversification of the economy. “These include power, transportation, infrastructure, maritime/ shipping, agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, petrochemicals, food processing and textiles, among others. We consider these sectors as priority areas that will drive our economic agenda.”

Time has really come to start walking the talking. It’s imperative to acknowledge that this lofty agenda as presented in Tokyo cannot be well achieved without prioritizing technology, which depends majorly on researches. It’s indeed a shame that an average university in Nigeria, that’s supposed to be a research-oriented institution, can barely boast of the needed facilities to thrive in the area of creation of patents let alone commercializing them. The country can at the moment hardly boast of functional technical colleges across the federation, yet the leaders keep ‘informing’ the world that they are doing the right things. These colleges used to be viable in the past, and tremendously helped in grooming our young ones in skills acquisition in various fields ranging from automobile, electrical/electronic services, sculpturing, wood work, to painting, and what have you.

It’s noteworthy that on a regular basis, the Nigeria’s budget allocates about merely 9 per cent to the education sector, contrary to the 20% stipulation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). We need to restore the lost glory of the country’s educational system by placing it as a priority. A hub needs to be created by the governments towards enabling the youth to aptly thrive in the area of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), which is gradually dominating the global space, thereby making it look like just a village. ICT – popularly known as IT – has obviously come to stay, thus must be fully embraced by all and sundry.

The fact remains that the required talents as regards technology, or technically-inclined issues, are abound in Nigeria. All the government needs to do is to create an enabling environment to allow the talented ones to wholly develop and sell their patents. The country can’t be technologically great when the needful is being swept under the carpet on a daily basis. The concerned leaders must, therefore, be very courageous in their quest to get it right. Think about it.

The Fate Of Nigeria’s Tertiary Education System

By Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, the Nigeria’s education system, particularly the tertiary aspect, was really bleeding that only a candid and drastic measure is required towards addressing the anomaly. For decades now, acquiring higher education on the African continent – particularly Nigeria – has remained synonymous with cat and dog life owing to the unwholesome state of the various tertiary institutions of learning situated therein. The said challenge, which is very glaring, might not be unconnected with the national and local issues affecting the way the Nigerian government plans for the country’s future relevance and sustainability.

Higher education is being reshaped by globalization and digital revolution, that, every institution of learning that knows its onions wants to find itself in the world map regardless of what it would cost. Prospective students are fast becoming academically aware and making decisions about education accordingly, contrary to what it used to be. University rankings among other yardsticks of measuring greatness will increasingly have greater influence on positioning institutions in the international market, and graduate career-readiness is a growing student concern. Students are indeed looking for access to services and education across new technologies and more flexible delivery options. Towards being competitive as well as meeting these expectations, higher institutions would need to invest in expensive facilities and infrastructure. Higher citadels of learning, such as universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, are like manufacturing industries, hence, require adequate funding towards sustenance. Commencement of such business alone is strictly capital intensive, and its day-to-day running is sustained by thorough vigilance on the part of the management. Since schools are not profit-making industries unlike other capitalist firms, their functionality mainly depends on funds coming from outside rather than the students’ tuition fees.

Ironically, Nigeria’s learning citadels, precisely the higher ones, have been wearing pathetic physiognomy thus far, thereby making them produce half-baked products unabated, in the name of ‘graduates’. This set of unemployed, or perhaps unemployable, youths is littered all over the country, searching for white-collar jobs that cannot be properly handled if given to them. Since the jobs are not forthcoming, they would resort to such various social vices that would generate quick money as armed robbery, kidnapping, abduction, cultism, ritual killing, internet fraud, gambling, and so on, just to mention but a few. Considering the aforementioned phenomenon, there’s no need to say that about eighty per cent (80%) reason Nigeria is currently awash with all kinds of dubious acts is the ongoing plight of unemployment, which is on the rampage. But if the so called job-seekers were well equipped/tutored while in school, they would have rather considered becoming employers of labour. They can only become self-reliant if the necessary teachings and trainings were given to them during their school days. Take a walk to any university across the federation and see things for yourself. Facilities including laboratories, libraries, workshops, and even lecture classes/halls are nothing to write home about. Most of the institutions are, to assert the least, like glorified primary schools. What about the lecturers’ offices coupled with their wages? An average politician would go home with millions of naira on a weekly basis whereas a lecturer, on the average, cannot even boast of a hundred and fifty thousand naira (#150,000) monthly. It would interest, probably shock, you to note that the basic salary of a ward councillor in Nigeria is about five times greater than the overall monthly wage of a professor who is reckoned to be the most learned in any society. A lot has really gone wrong, and it is high time we made amends toward attaining the anticipated greatness. Each year, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), among other labour unions in higher learning citadels, embark on industrial action for a particular cause, yet the demon ravaging the Nigerian schools remains seemingly unbeatable.

The pertinent and inevitable question now is: how do we unravel this lingering mystery, or should we continue folding our arms and watch it deteriorate into a more forbidden scene? First, governments at all levels must ensure that heads of the institutions in question, to include vice-chancellor, rector, and provost for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, respectively, are strictly appointed via merit instead of mere favouritism which is usually the case. Astute administrators, or individuals of note, ought to be appointed to serve in such capacities rather than engaging a mere benchwarmer. Sometimes, the poor state of these schools is partly attributed to the kind of person piloting their affairs. In most cases you would observe that a vice-chancellor, for instance, would spend several years on seat, but end up not implementing any consequential project throughout his/her five-year tenure. This aspect of misappropriation of funds is, for quite some time now, being harboured as a culture in most existing higher citadels of learning across the federation. Similarly, the concerned quarters must ensure that only qualified individuals are employed as lecturers; engaging unqualified teachers in the institutions have succeeded in causing untold harm to the future of the teeming students, particularly the undergraduates. The wages of the lecturers must also be taken as priority by the governments and other concerned bodies, and those in privately-owned institutions should equally be treated as such. Universities, being research-oriented institutions, cannot thrive under the ongoing Treasury Single Account (TSA) regime of the present administration in Nigeria. The education sector – especially higher institutions – deserves unalloyed financial autonomy, thus they ought to be exempted from such mechanism. Since the initiative is targeted to curb corruption, the government can set up a formidable and reliable agency that would continually monitor how the schools are faring. If anyone is found culpable in the process, he/she ought to be brought to book without much ado.

It’s very pathetic and an eyesore that our universities are yet to commercialize their patents in an era where the society is expected to mainly depend on higher institutions as regards research works, tech-driven innovations and development. The fact is, adequate funding of higher education, which has been taken aback for decades now, is the only way the government can make the affected institutions compete globally. There are absolutely no two ways about it. Though the ongoing Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) scheme is trying, a lot still needs to be done. Most times these funds are utilized on laboratory equipment that cannot be calibrated, or library materials such as books that are outdated, thereby making them serve as mere monuments or decorative materials as long as they last in the various benefiting institutions. Taking into cognizance that funding shouldn’t be left for the government alone, the head of these institutions must be prepared to reach out to the relevant bodies in a bid for collaboration and endowment initiatives. This is why a well cerebral and smart individual is meant to be appointed to pilot the affairs of the citadels in question. The Labour unions such as ASUU and NAAT, among others, on their part must endeavour to run an independent unionism at all times, rather than barely indulging in tokenism. The handwriting should invariably be clearly written on the wall for the concerned government regardless of the circumstance. Hence, they mustn’t spare the rot and spoil the child. They ought to acknowledge that any foul play they engage in is to the detriment of their students’ future, and that of Nigeria at large. If you have a cause you are fighting for, concentrate on how to drive to the end instead of succumbing to baseless and unfounded threats in the long run. This recessionary era is obviously the ripe time to get the funding of the Nigeria’s higher education right, because any procrastination would surely be at the expense of the anticipated economic turnaround. Think about it!

Fred Nwaozor On Unfinished Task

Making Sound New Year Resolutions Amid Challenges

By Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, the long awaited 2022 had eventually arrived to people’s utmost amazement. Hence, it’s not anymore news that the year in question is already here with us. Just like an odyssey, the beginning of every year is invariably accompanied with influx of fresh dreams, anticipations, plans, or what have you, and 2022 isn’t exceptional.

It’s imperative to acknowledge that towards actualization of these wishes, the bearer is expected to inculcate reasonable resolutions into his or her life to enable him or her stick to the rules as the journey progresses. The resolution would serve as a viable guide as you pursue the dream vigorously. One thing we must take into cognizance is that two major factors – altitude and attitude – determine the realization of any plan at all times. The former, which literally means the distance you are meant to cover during the journey, cannot be actualized if proper planning is taken for granted; secondly, you must follow the apt route for you to get to the anticipated destination. The latter, which signifies the lifestyle or policies of the plan bearer, is needed to enable him do the right thing while relating with his fellow humans whilst the odyssey is on.

One’s attitude indeed speaks volumes when pursuing anything whatsoever. Your attitude or character would make your partners – benefactors, colleagues, or associates, as the case may be – give you the required support or attention when need be. It would equally put you in a form that would enable you apply the overall needed strategies adequately. For instance, if you are used to drinking indiscriminately, such attitude could ruin your plans, because it can make you not to concentrate, or do the right thing, as well as make your intending partners detest your person, thus wouldn’t like to work or cooperate with you. A bad attitude would make the journey crash along the line owing to your inability to relate well with your fellow travellers. A bad attitude is simply like a flat tyre; it can never go anywhere until you change it irrespective of the circumstance. In view of this, a sound resolution serves as a recipe to a viable plan or concept. Having initiated a plan in accordance with your dreams or wishes, courtesy demands that you draw good resolutions that would help to reshape your attitudes. The proposed resolutions must be in respect of your flaws, and not that of your relatives or friends. Hence, you must design a resolution that would suit your person. Don’t make resolutions in line with what others are making. It ought to be done to address your shortcomings, and not that of others.

Since a dream or wish is expected to beget a plan, it’s needless to state that a dream without adequate resolutions is seemingly meaningless or would remain futile. So, as every year often unveils a distinct dream, it is worthy of note that the dream might suffer a severe setback in the process if its bearer fails to summon good resolutions prior to implementing the strategies begotten by the plan. In other words, without a resolution, a dream is virtually useless, and vice-versa. It suffices to say that dream and resolution are interwoven. But it takes only a sound resolution for a dream to excel as expected. Though making a resolution is very crucial, it’s noteworthy that sustaining it is a different issue entirely. Several factors – including influence, environment and idleness – serve as a deterrent toward the sustenance of any resolution. The company you keep can jeopardize your chances of maintaining your resolution due to influence. So, as you make a resolution, you ought to endeavour to delete some names from your friendship list.

In the same vein, in his words, the great philosopher, Karl Marx stated that ‘Environment determines the action of the mind’. I strongly concur with this ancient assertion. Where you live or the place you found yourself at a given time plays a key role in keeping a resolution. Among all, idleness on its part can also contribute negatively to the sustenance of a certain set of resolutions. The saying that ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop’ is enough reason to worry. A well conceived concept can be bedevilled by idleness. It’s noteworthy that all forms of challenges can pose threat to any kind of resolution irrespective of the level of determination of the bearer. This implies a certain challenge can constitute nuisance in the long run, thus can destruct the wholesomeness of the journey in question. In some cases, such a circumstance makes it so difficult for one to make a resolution let alone sustain it.

Making resolutions amid challenges might seem very tough but there’s need to comprehend that such a challenge can be subdued if the needful is done. In a situation of this kind, one who truly intends to make as well as keep a resolution is required to be resolute and resilient at all cost. You must stick strongly and passionately to your dreams and resolutions regardless of the nature of the challenges, and always endeavour to return to the original plan having suffered a setback. Let the anticipated destination remain your driving force as long as the journey lasts.

Inter alia, you are required to be deeply prayerful and faithful. You must build your spiritual life to the core and never depart from your faith. Prayer is as powerful as faith, but always note that the latter is arguably more powerful. However, it’s worth noting that a certain challenge might be to your advantage. Those whom their flaw has been about indulgence in excesses or debauchery ought to see a challenge such as financial incapacitation as a blessing in disguise. The aforementioned condition would enable such persons to go only for their needs, not wants; hence, should be seen as a welcome development. Even if the circumstance later became a thing of the past, the truth or good news is that it had succeeded in making you discover your frivolous lifestyles, thereby addressing them. Hence, you are urged to make a sound resolution today, and work towards sustaining it by sticking to the specified rules. You alone is bound to determine how your dream can materialize into reality, so do not wait for someone to do the thinking on your behalf. I can’t wait to celebrate with you towards the end of 2022 when you would be informing us on the various resolutions you were able to keep throughout the odyssey. So, never be carried away by frivolities, as you are enjoined to focus on priorities at all cost. Think about it!