I Salute You, Owelle Ndigbo

I SALUTE YOU, OWELLE NDI IGBO!

        

       

Indeed, antagonism, envy, enmity, and of course inconsequential bickering have bewildered mankind’s thrive towards attainment of success since the world began. If you take reference from the holy Bible or Quran as the case may be, you would concur with this perception. This singular fact has succeeded in deterring most men from embarking on their respective desired odysseys.

         

Having witnessed enormous antagonism lately or for the past six months now, if I’m not mistaken, Imo State alongside other states in the federation that are advocates of good governance recorded another epoch-making event few days ago. Of course, it was all about the just concluded gubernatorial polls that saw the re-emergence of the people’s governor, Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha – OON for a second term in office. 

        

Lest I forget; I want to let us know that this very topic “I salute you, Owelle Ndi Igbo” was successfully manufactured some weeks ago prior to the main election that took place on Saturday April 11, owing to my panoramic view. Yes, I foresaw the outcome of the said historic outing; and I couldn’t imagine seeing my candid vision failing my person because such scenario has never transpired in my lifetime. No doubt, it was a vision accompanied with a severe mission just as it had invariably been.

        

Frankly speaking, Gov Okorocha’s re-election as the governor of Imo State – the Eastern Heartland is not unlike placing a round peg in a round hole, because the man in question, who I often address as “Imo Lion”, came, saw, and finally conquered while at the helm of affairs.

        

Chief Rochas Okorocha whose victory in 2011 became tangible or apparent after the supplementary election that took place in five of the LGAs in the state, precisely Ngor-Okpala, Owerri-North, Mbaitolu, Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta, has been recognized as a people-oriented governor since he assumed duty in May 29, 2011.  His accomplishments so far ranging from the education sector to health, security, agriculture, road network, infrastructure, prompt payment of workers’ salary, payment of pension arrears, youth empowerment, and what have you, are unequivocally unprecedented.

         

If time as well as space would permit me, I would like to put up a painstaking analysis as regards the aforementioned area he has strived relentlessly. Notwithstanding, I must do justice to it for posterity sake. The moment Gov Okorocha assumed duty as the number one citizen of Imo State, he thought it wise to proclaim “free education” from nursery to tertiary level, in which that of the tertiary level was meant for only Imo indigenes; a mandate he has kept till date. Coupled with the renovation of all the primary and secondary schools in the state. This was what fetched him the renowned name “the Commander of Free Education”. As if that was not enough, he proceeded to massive construction cum rehabilitation of all the urban and rural roads in the state. Surely, a trip to Imo State will convince any visitor, if he/she was there prior to 2011.

         

Furthermore, Gov Okorocha’s timely acknowledgement of the role of good health system has succeeded in salvaging Imolites in their entirety. He began with the simultaneous construction of new modern model Health Centres in each of the twenty-seven (27) LGAs in the state, which are nearing completion. In addition, he transcended to the construction of “Ochiedike Diagnostic Centre” situated in New-Owerri meant solely for the treatment of protracted illnesses like cancer, liver or kidney failure, among other similar diseases, which is currently in use. Among all, the immense contribution of the Imo Foundation, which was instituted by the governor, in the area of health uplift remains unquantifiable. Let’s ride on!

         

Today, in Imo State, every worker goes home or smiles to the bank with his/her monthly salary as and when due. Payment of arrears of pension incurred by past administrators since the year 1992 to all the affected persons, are not left out; the Senior Citizens in the state can attest to this fact. Inter alia, the present level of infrastructural development in the Eastern Heartland cannot be overemphasized, that, even the blind could see it. Imo International Conference Centre (IICC), the New Government House, new Imo Library, Government House Chapel, Heroes Square, Freedom Square, Deputy Governor’s quarters, Odenigbo Guest House, and many others too numerous to mention, are a few of them.

         

I can’t round off this analysis without pinpointing job creation. Several Imo youths have secured meaningful employment under Gov Okorocha’s administration in various ministries and parastatals, particularly in the education sector. Above all, thousands of youths in the state have been engaged in several jobs under the aegis of some of the state establishments such as the Imo Civil Guard Corps, Imo Security Network, among others.

         

Even though most of these employees are being paid stipend, at least the government has succeeded in keeping them away from idleness which is the most grievous societal cankerworm in existence. And such practice has severely helped in fighting insecurity and other social-vices in the state. Of course, it is only a dummy that is yet to acknowledge that insecurity has become a thing of the past in Imo State.

         

Time might not permit me to comment on agriculture. But let me briefly inform us that one of the ancient and outdated agricultural firms in the state known as “Adapalm” has been profoundly rebranded by Gov Okorocha to an enviable standard; and the said farm is currently producing thousands of eggs as well as chicks on a daily basis coupled with other numerous agricultural produce thereby boasting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The Imo Microfinance Bank built by the Rescue Mission administration is another accomplishment to reckon with as regards IGR.

         

Chief Okorocha’s overall performance in Imo has attracted a costly fortune to his name including “the Senior Advocate of the Masses”, which he is widely referred to as by the entire Imolites, due to his keen interest and passion in the uplift of the general well-being of the masses having noted that they are the people that are truly in need of good governance.

          

Against this backdrop, there is no need reiterating the fact that Gov Okorocha’s reemergence as the governor of Imo State for a second term is not unconnected to his fathomless and innumerable achievements so far. Suffice to say; the victory recorded in the state on Saturday April 11, which I tag “the Imo Triumph”, is mainly attributed to Chief Okorocha’s genuine vision for the state. He had rightly stated during the electioneering era that he was returning to consolidate all his good works; according to him, his second term would be focused on “Industrialization and massive creation of job opportunities.” I wish him good luck. Please I’m using this avenue to appeal to the opposition to concede defeat and join the governor in building Imo State for the interest of the state at large.

         

Before I drop my pen, I want to quickly let my amiable governor understand that he had succeeded in rescuing Imolites from shackles of abject poverty, therefore I humbly suggest it is time he changed his administration slogan “Rescue Mission Agenda”, which has gained a global recognition, to a totally different slogan relating to his incoming proposed mission. I’ve some ideas in mind regarding this suggestion, but I wouldn’t know if it will please your Excellency.

        

All the same, I want to seize this golden opportunity to say once more: I salute you, Owelle Ndi Igbo gburu gburu. In addition, I salute your darling wife Mama Imo – Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha. I also extend my unalloyed salute to your indefatigable deputy – Prince Eze Madumere, MFR. You all have really overcome the envy, antagonism, enmity and unnecessary bickering that suddenly became the order of the day in our dear state. Indeed you have fought fiercely and conquered, thus you deserve a classic award. Believe me, I’ve never been happier than this moment because this is a time I have longed for. My proactive governor, without mincing words, you deserve a third term if the law permits. Accept my heartfelt congratulations.

        

Don’t forget Sir, we can’t wait to behold the manifestation of your manifesto. You have done it before to the extent of proving many critics wrong as well as convincing several sceptics; so I strongly believe Imo would be greater this time. Nevertheless, I sincerely want you to tell me how soon because I personally cannot wait. Think about it!

 

COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

 

                                 

The Untold Consequence of Cross Carpeting

THE UNTOLD CONSEQUENCE OF CROSS CARPETING

        

         

Prof S.O.E Ogbogu – a Professor of Power Electronics, is a good and funny teacher. He taught me Digital Control System (EEE 307) and Applied Electronics (ECE 316) respectively during my university days, FUTO precisely. He knows how to accompany lecture with humours. At times, his humorous utterances made us missed his lectures greatly when we didn’t have him. Though it is often stated that it is not healthy to mix business with pleasure, but lately I realized that sometimes such practice could be consequential.

         

One who is of the view that Nigeria is tremendously blessed is never in any way mistaken, because Nigeria which is the most populous and popular black nation is no doubt richly blessed. But just as anything under the sun is comprised of merits and demerits, Nigeria is not exceptional. The demerit side of Nigeria remains that, virtually all her subjects are opaque in nature.

        

Let me throw more light regarding the opaque nature of a typical Nigeria. If you take a painstaking study, you will notice that, on the average, a Nigerian is not transparent. Even one, who seems not unlike a Saint, must possess a bit passion for secrecy or insincerity as the case may be. This is the reason, the more you try to study an average Nigerian, the more you get confused. It’s a fact.

        

Few days ago I was opportune to be present in a wedding ceremony that was organized in Port-Harcourt – the Garden City, Rivers State. the moment I arrived at the venue of the event, I was reminded by the Master of the Ceremony (MC) that I had earlier been called to the High Table, probably in absentia; but I didn’t make it to the High Table as requested owing to a fishy attitude I observed as soon as I walked into the arena, thus I gave an excuse that I was comfortable where I was seated. Though, at a point I made up my mind to ignore the dishonest act, which was exhibited by one of the female ushers, since it was a usual idiosyncrasy of a typical Nigerian alongside other densely corrupt African nations.

        

Barely few weeks ago, most Nigerians both home and in the Diaspora, were apprehensive prior to the just concluded polls, mainly Presidential, that took place in the country. During the said era, most concerned Nigerians would tell you that the polls were likely to result to another Civil war. Taking reference from the prediction of the United States’ Security department – CIA, virtually everyone resident in Nigeria almost concurred with the aforementioned mixed feelings.

        

Today, the election, which has made the All Progressives Congress (APC) to become the order of the day, has successfully come and gone. As regards the scenario, it is no longer news that Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR would become the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come Friday May 29, 2015. Suffice to say; the man in question has succeeded in proving to millions of critics as well as convincing several sceptics, that, he is indeed a great man for having defeated the incumbent President. Since he emerged victorious at the polls, thousands of congratulatory messages have been coming to his desk; but the worrisome aspect of such gesture is that, most of those ‘goodwill’ messages are not sincere or transparent, which is not unconnected to the tradition or mentality of an average Nigerian politician, or Nigerians in general.

          

It is obvious that currently almost every politician on the Nigerian political platform wishes to become a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has degenerated to the alarming pace of defections witnessed recently. Concerning this anomaly, a concerned and patriotic Nigerian may ask if this set of defectors are really in their sane state. Yes such manner of question may not be out of place, because if all the Nigerian politicians in the opposition eventually defected to the APC, how would the polity of the country function, or what would be the fate of the respective political parties they have dumped?

         

From my perspective; cross carpeting, which is widely known as ‘Defection’, is not just self-centred, childish and immoral, but dastardly, criminal and barbaric. In other words, a defected politician deserves to be tried by a court of competent jurisdiction for a criminal offence. Cross carpeting is an act of betrayal; not just to the affected political party but to Nigeria at large, because its implication tells profoundly on the wellbeing of the nation.

         

Apparently, in a system where there is no opposition, there won’t be criticism. And I put it up to you that, constructive criticism is invariably needed for the growth and development of any nation or individual. For instance; if one did something wrong or evil but never faced any iota of criticism, definitely he or she would assume that the act is acceptable. Needless to say; a strong and uncompromising opposition is healthy for any political system irrespective of the country involved. So those who are planning to introduce ‘One-party’ system in the country should desist from such irrational and disgusting act.

        

Thus, those law makers, either elected or incumbent, that are defecting to the incoming ruling party – APC, ought to note that they are indirectly betraying this nation as well as their respective electorates. And those defecting for the sake of one anticipated political appointment or the other, I ask you; do you really have a vision or are you just embracing self-deceit?  Let me seize this opportunity to notify us that, Nigerians have become knowledgeable enough, that, they cannot be deceived again. I thank God right now, most Nigerians can contrast between the right and the wrong.

        

Of course, going by the outcome of the last elections, we need not to be told that the majority of Nigerian citizens, regardless of age or status, are now politically and socially aware of the happenings around them unlike what it used to be. Surely, before now or in the past, an average Nigerian pays less attention to issues relating to politics or socio-political events. Presently, everyone seems to have keyed into the system wholeheartedly. Indeed, it is a way forward.

          

I cannot conclude this piece without reminding the potential defectors that they were not part of the structure that founded or built the party they intend to move into, therefore they shouldn’t expect to be treated like ‘first-class citizens’. This implies that, they may be kept behind those whom they have mentored or nurtured in politics; that is the irony of life. In other words, humiliation must surely set in.

        

Besides; taking a glance at the current or ongoing political situation in Nigeria, we will comprehend the fact that it is high time any right thinking politician in the country started looking beyond personal aggrandizement, else he/she would live to cite ‘Had I known’. Frankly, these humorous gestures being mixed with business by our politicians are totally inconsequential and preposterous. Think about it!

 

COMR FDN NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
Founder, Docfred Continental Social Clinic (DCSC) - Owerri
_________________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

          

  

Reviewing the Monthly Allowance of the Youth Corps Members

THE NEED TO REVIEW THE MONTHLY ALLOWANCE OF THE YOUTH CORPS MEMBERS

       

Youth corps members can be defined as a group of Nigerian youths that are being mobilized to serve the country in their respective capacities having successfully completed their degree or diploma programmes in any recognized higher citadel of learning across the globe.

       

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a paramilitary scheme established by law on 22^nd May 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War with the sole motive of strengthening and restructuring the Nigerian state as well as creating a greater solidarity among the members of the country. The scheme is compulsory for every Nigerian graduate whose age falls between eighteen (18) to thirty (30) years irrespective of the country in which the university or polytechnic he/she attended is situated, provided it is a recognized institution.

        

The National Youth Service Programme is divided into three major segments namely; the Orientation Camping, the Place of Primary Assignment (PPA), and the Community Development Service (CDS) respectively. The Orientation Camping, which is a core paramilitary training, enables the corps members to be physically and mentally prepared to face their subsequent endeavours. The PPA segment, which creates a platform for them to be posted to various establishments in respect to their respective qualifications, is an avenue for them to practice whatever they have learnt during their school days.

         

Whilst, the CDS section is designed to ensure that each of the corps members, either individually or collectively, contribute his or her quota towards the development of their host communities.

         

In recent years, many pressing issues have been raised regarding the real essence of mobilizing fresh Nigerian graduates under the aegis of the NYSC. The outpouring enquiries or questions from the general public are not unconnected to their quest towards ascertaining the actual socio-economic significance of the scheme.

       

Indeed, the most distinct feature of the NYSC scheme, which has to do with deploying the fresh graduates or the prospective corps members to states or zones they may have not been before, remains the major recipe that has enabled the scheme to genuinely contribute its quota to the Nigeria’s economic platform.   

         

For instance, considering electoral matters, a corps member who hails from Sokoto State and is being deployed to serve in Anambra State stands to be neutral if being assigned to function as an ad-hoc Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) official in any locality in Anambra State because he/she would barely know any of the aspirants or contestants or would in no way be a relative to any of them. This would no doubt create an avenue for transparent voting system at the polls since the corps member would have no personal interest in regard to the election(s) in question.

         

Furthermore, the recent introduction of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training in the NYSC scheme is simply not unlike placing a round peg in a round hole. The SAED programme was founded to enable the corps members to be well informed and orientated on the importance of entrepreneurship as well as equip them with the required skills towards the establishment of vocational outfits of their choices. And since the invention of the platform, most Nigerian graduates who have successfully completed their NYSC programmes have been opportune to become self-employed or better still employers of labour in various fields of endeavour.

          

On the other hand, the role of the NYSC scheme in job creation cannot be overemphasized. Apparently, the scheme has enabled thousands of unemployed Nigerians to be gainfully employed thereby making them financially independent or useful in their various families. Suffice to say; the scheme has not only helped in creating a greater solidarity among the Nigerian youth as its aim implies, but has also succeeded in uplifting the socio-economic and political platform of the country.

         

Since the NYSC scheme has proven beyond any reasonable doubt that it is indeed a worthwhile scenario, there is need for the crusade regarding its sustenance to be intensified. Against this backdrop, it is worthy to note that reviewing some of its prime challenges such as the monthly allowance of the youth corps members is long overdue.

         

Currently, the corps members are being paid the sum of nineteen thousand eight hundred naira (#19,800). Considering the present economic situation in the country coupled with the fact that most of these corps members are not provided with accommodation spaces by their places of primary assignment, there is an urgent need for the government to review the said allowance with a view of increasing the amount in question for the interest of the corps members, their various families, and Nigeria at large.

         

It is so pathetic to observe that most of these corps members are still being catered for by their respective parents or guardians due to the inability of their monthly allowances to properly take care of them, especially the female ones that are considered to be more demanding owing to their natural needs.

         

Against this backdrop, the government should not hesitate to embark on an onward review of the said stipend that is presently causing several of our learned youths more harm than good, which could make them to constitute nuisance to their various societies. Also, the members of the legislature ought to as a matter of urgency endeavour to sign the anticipated new allowance into law as soon as the bill is made available to them by the executive arm.

         

On their part, the civil society groups must help to ensure that the suggested measure is considered seriously by the various arms of government. Most importantly, every concerned stakeholder ought to acknowledge the fact that the proposed or anticipated reform is long overdue, therefore should not be taken for granted. Think about it!

 

 

COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056