Politics & Society

POLITICS AND SOCIETY: INTERWOVEN HERITAGE


According to BBC English Dictionary, “Politics is the actions or activities which people use to achieve power in a country or organization.” It is also “your beliefs about how a country or society should be governed.” On the other hand, “A society is an organization for the people who have the same interest or aim.”

The above definitions have proven to us that, politics and society are intertwined. This is possible because, they have something in common which is ‘people or man’.

Any given society is dominated by man, and politics is experienced or practised by man. Therefore, we could simply say that, both phenomena have something in common. This analogy makes politics to be closely related to any given society in the world. In a nutshell, politics or politicking can only take place in a society, and nowhere else. Thus, any society witnesses the impacts of politics on every bit of man’s struggle, because, politics as a discipline takes place only in a society and it’s being practised by man who is the major constituent of any society.

Furthermore, politics is strictly dependent on a society, and vice-versa because, a society will never be accommodating if politics which is aimed at achieving man’s wants or desires is not being practised in it. So, man whom is known as one who has a dominant position in a society is in a better point to determine or predict the subsequent nature of his immediate society. And , this cannot be achieved without the application of politics. In other words, politics and society are interdependent.

Any society in which politics is not being practised should be referred to as a dead society, because a society with zero-politics would not experience leadership struggle, or man’s struggle for survival which is done with political acumen. More so, a society without a leader is aimless. So there is no atom of possibility of having a society with zero-politics.

The above fact would be what led to the popular quote of the late famous philosopher, Plato, which states that, “Every human being is a political animal.” As we all know, every society is made of human beings and other creatures, as the case may be. Thus, a society with zero-politics or with no trace of politics does not exist. Q.E.D!

Politics in many ways, has impacted positively towards the betterment of any society. By it means, life has been easier for mankind to pass through. It has made him to be able to pursue his goals by the means of a wonderful plan or strategy. If a proper or adequate plan towards the attainment of a certain height/point is being initiated and carried out, you will agree with me that, there would be a near possibility of taking the dream in question to the history book. Since we all have dreams, therefore in one way or the other, we tend to embrace politics knowingly or unknowingly.

Apart from the positive impacts of politics on mankind, and the society at large, it had also impacted negatively to the well-being of man on earth. In the world today, politics has been abused in the highest order. It is through politics or by politicking that most of the global crises take place. It has led to so many calamities such as election rigging, the use of politics as a business platform, hiring of thugs during elections, insecurity experienced by many genuine aspirants, to mention but a few. Though the above societal odds are mainly caused by the institutional (practising) politicians. That is, those who have been accustomed to politicking, or whom politics has become their way of life.

Institution of politics has led to loss of millions of lives. In any existing country in the world, each day there’s a tendency of losing a soul due to politics because there’re thousands of organizations in each of these countries. Of course, virtually all organizations practise leadership struggle; except family whose leader has already been ordained by God. In addition, any organization comprises of several desirous individuals; the aim of every desirous person is to become a leader. And, leadership cannot be achieved without observing politics.

Therefore I put it up to you that, politics is not just a developmental instrument but as well a menace to any society. In other words, it can also be referred to as a dirty game. Nevertheless, for the fact that politics/politicking has led to so many social-vices should not make us forget so soon that, our entire welfare is strictly dependent on it. That is, politics has proven to us that without it, we cannot properly articulate our ideas or feelings which is the most fundamental means to any societal development; because without an idea, one cannot have a plan. Suffice to say that, an idea is the bedrock of the implementation or initiation of any plan/project, system, or law as the case may be. And it’s only by proper implementation of a certain plan that, a better or conducive society could be actualized/witnessed.

On the above note, one ought to at all times acknowledge the fact that, anything that seem to have an advantage must surely have a disadvantage. Thus, merit and demerit are also interwoven.

At this juncture, I wish to state unequivocally that we have succeeded in coming up with a fact that, every individual on earth is an initiate in the world of politics. Or what do you think?



FRED D.N NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Unemployment in Nigeria

THE DEVASTATING EFFECT OF UNEMPLOYMENT


Please if I don’t say, “welcome,” don’t forget that you’re highly welcome. Such necessary and very important approach (welcome) could easily skip one’s mind due to the mood of this edition. Though going by the caption of the edition, any full-fledged Nigerian might decide to overlook the context because it’s no longer news. But believe me, it sounds horrible to the ears of those who know where we’re from and where we’re actually heading to.

Barely two days ago at about six thirty in the morning (6:30 am), I received a phone call from a good friend of mine after saying my usual morning prayers. After our usual phone interactions coupled with some jokes, he hurriedly informed me that the Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan lacked adequate advisory crew; thereby, had failed Nigerians. He added that, as the President of the country, he (Jonathan) was visionless. Still on the phone conversation, I tried to understand the angle he was coming from by asking him to expatiate his hypothesis. You know as an analyst, you shouldn’t expect me to be informed in a hurry.

My friend went further to back-up his antagonistic theory with few facts. Though he concluded by telling me that, he loved Goodluck Jonathan, as a person, with tremendous passion; stating that he had been following his foot-steps right from his (Jonathan’s) class/lecture room days. In his opinion, one of the vital points he made was that he anticipated that, Mr. President’s primary aim would be to revive the education sector since he had been in the system. He said that if the issue of education decay and power instability could be adequately tackled, the reoccurring scene of unemployment would be a thing of the past. He added that, from his imagination or experience, there would be no time Nigeria as a country could boast of employing all youths/graduates in the country because the available manpower or labour force will continue to supersede the existing industries (ventures) due to overpopulation and rapid increase of immigration. From his view, the only answer to our plight is self-reliance which could only be actualized by sustaining adequate education coupled with skill acquisition, and above all, power stability. Due to time frame, he promised that there would be a second phase of the discussion in regard to unemployment.

Injecting antagonism/criticism in any existing system may not mean that you’re against any individual rather, a particular administration or policy just like that of my friend as stated above. Thus, a certain criticism could be positive/constructive or negative (destructive). If the former becomes the case, mind you, it helps to strengthen a given system or administration; and that is the angle where most activists are, or had been, coming from. So don’t be myopic. At this juncture, I wish to begin my analysis based on the context of this edition.

Unemployment is a situation or circumstance in which people are willing and able to work, but there is no available job for them. In a concise sentence, someone who is unemployed wants to work but cannot get a job. For over the years, Nigeria has been singing this chorus that is detrimental to the health of her citizenry. In other words, a deadly catastrophe.

As a patriotic analyst, my optimum interest in any existing societal ill which I’m deliberating on lies in the cause(s), and the remedial measure(s) that ought to be taken. On this note, I wish to unequivocally state that, the basic causes of the aforementioned disease/phenomenon are lack of adequate education or skill acquisition and insufficient (inadequate) power supply. I quite agree with my friend; he was really coming in the same direction with me. Brethren, many had spoken on this issue (unemployment), many are still speaking, while many are yet to speak. It’s my time to analyze. Yes, I had been watching like a watch dog or mere onlooker; it’s high time I spoke as an Apostle of God.

On one fate occasion, I was privileged to interact with one of the participants who happens to be my old time friend right from my university days. Along the line, we ventured into the issue of unemployment. From his point of view, nepotism is one of the major factors that have been posing threats the Nigerian labour market. He further stated that if nepotism is not duly eradicated, the issue of unemployment would generate an untold scene in the nearest future. As an analyst, I wasn’t meant to disprove him, rather, give him a listening ear and as well create a cordial and harmonious relationship throughout the discussion.

Yes, nepotism has been a cankerworm in our labour market. But frankly speaking, it should not in any way be considered as one of the causes of unemployment in Nigeria; needless to say, it’s the major cause as it was viewed by my dear friend. Because, if there’re millions of job opportunities available for the unemployed youths/individuals, unemployment would never in any way be attributed to nepotism. The only avenue it (nepotism) affects the economic system or our labour market is that, most time jobs meant for qualified individuals/graduates are being provided for less qualified applicants thereby promoting quackery.

Due to over-population and its consistent tremendous increase in Nigeria, the only answer to the reoccurring question(s) on unemployment is nothing but ‘self- reliance’. Yes, if every able and reasonable youth in the country can boast of being an employer of labour instead of an employee, then the problem of unemployment has been solved. Making individuals to be job creators rather than hunters is the best and simplest way the above economic predicament could be put to stop, because the actualization of concentration (establishment) of industries/firms owned and managed by the government remains a mirage. Even in the advanced or western nations, it has never worked. For instance, about seventy-five (75%) of the industries in Germany are owned and maintained by the citizens or individuals. But how can this be actualized in Nigeria? Let’s ride on!

For one to be self-employed, he/she must acquire a certain skill. And if such skill leads to possession of a certain venture or enterprise, it can’t be adequately or effectively managed if instability of power supply is experienced in the system. Believe me, total overhaul is required in the Nigerian educational and power sectors. And, complete revolutionary theory must be applied or adhered to, to ensure that tangible result is yielded. On this note, I recommend the book, 'Scentic Scenarios' by Fred Nwaozor to the concerned authorities/agencies. The book gives an insight on the most suitable avenues that ought to be followed by the Nigerian government to ensure that Nigeria witnesses a better and developed socio-economic state/arena.

Nigeria ought to tell herself the truth and embrace a worthwhile scenario that would lead to the nation’s paradise that is long overdue. Most importantly, a collective effort is intensely and drastically required to insert a full stop to this persistent jaundiced appellation that has caused many to live far below the poverty line, one dollar per day, as was stipulated by the United Nations (UN). Think about it!

_____________________

COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com

The World as an Institution

THE WORLD: AN INSTITUTION WHERE EVERYONE IS A STUDENT

Most times when one intends to narrate a story that seems vague or broad, he may begin with a clause, “I don’t know where to start.” And, if one of the audience happens to be a funny person, he shall react by saying, “Start from somewhere.” Same is applicable here.

Since any story or analysis, be it comprehensive or concise, must have a beginning; so I must start from somewhere. But the question remains, where do I start from; …world, institution, everyone, or student? Though, the aforementioned terms are familiar to people irrespective of their educational backgrounds; even to most children. But their usage here might sound a bit vague. Please pardon me if that becomes the case.

Apart from my talent in writing, by profession I’m a practicing engineer. The talents/trainings which I acquired in engineering were gotten from a certain institution (university). But, there’s another institution that supersedes the above. On this note, let’s take a look at the dictionary meaning of the word ‘institution/institute’, based on the context of this edition.

According to Oxford Advanced Learners’ dictionary, “An institute (institution) is a society or organization for special, usually a social or educational, purpose.” It can also be defined as an organization where knowledge is acquired. Since an organization is a society/group of people of the same aim or motive, the world could be regarded as an organization because, the day-to-day struggle for survival remains the major common aim of everyone in the world. In other words, it (the world) is an institution.

Of course you will agree with me that, not only human beings belong to the aforementioned organization (the world). Other animals also participate in the organization, and they’re also struggling for survival. Since biology as a subject has succeeded in grouping every living thing that moves continually as ‘animals’; thus, this edition shall be discussing both the advanced animals (human beings) and the lower animals (others). Let’s begin with mankind (advanced animals).

A student is a person who is studying/learning at a college/institution. Here, the student in question doesn’t imply to only the learners in various colleges/universities, but also to those in nursery/primary schools; that is, the kids and children inclusive. Since everyone (mankind) is learning in the world which has been stated as an institution, apparently, we all are students.

Someone may ask if everyone is really learning. Yes, we’re all learning. Regardless of one’s age, level, class or status, he/she is bound to learn in a given circumstance (occasion) or the other. It could be in office, bed/sitting room, formal/informal gathering, playing ground, or while driving or operating a computer gadget to mention but a few. Thus, everywhere is a classroom. Most times we learn from our, or other persons’ mistakes. In this case, anyone/anything stands as a teacher/tutor; your child, father/mother, siblings (younger/older), uncle, aunt, fate, and above all, experience. Sure, you can be taught by your experience. In fact, that is where the best teachings lie. This is why it’s often cited by many that, “Experience is the best teacher.”

Brethren, search yourselves and see if you’ve been taught by any experience you had encountered in the past. I bet you if such holds in your life, it’ll continue to stick to your brain no matter how little it (the brain) is. And, it shall remain for eternity. But if you, in one event or the other, had been taught by any other tutor different from experience, there’s a certain tendency that at a point, you may forget the lessons (teachings).

One may also ask how fate teaches or impacts knowledge to mankind. In the last two editions, we took our time to discuss ‘fate and faith’ which were tagged as two fancy facts. Fate actually teaches. For instance, if your fate drags or takes you to a moment of sorrow, then, it’ll enable you to be spiritually fortified irrespective of your religion/faith. That is, it will not tentatively, but definitely bring you closer to your creator (God/Allah) where your faith lies. By so doing, you’ve automatically learnt of the efficacy of faith, and as well, endurance/perseverance. You will also learn that, the Almighty is powerful and good.

Other animals are not left out in the above analysis as regards learning or studentship. Therefore, all animals fall under ‘everyone’ as it’s used in the topic. But the difference lies in their level of reasoning or understanding due to the nature of their brains. So you shouldn’t expect them to learn as fast or tangible like human beings (advanced animals).

In the world as an institution, the only factor that obstructs or marks the end of our studentship is death. In other words, everyone remains a student till his/its death. In a nutshell, as long as any person/animal lives, he/it is recognized as a bonafide student of the globe.

Brethren, conclusively and convincingly the world is an institution where everyone is a student. We must continue to have reverence for our creator for making us privileged to be part of this enormous and wonderful institution known as the world. Think about it!

____________________

FDN NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com