Analysis I Fellow Nigerians, Let's End Diabetes Now!

By Fred Doc Nwaozor

         

On November 14, the world over commemorated the 2018 World Diabetes Day. The day, which is an annual and international commemoration, was instituted in the year 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to help in raising public awareness on the dangers and control of diabetes.

          

The day became an official United Nations (UN) Day in 2007 through the passage of the UN resolution. The day was chosen in honour of the birthday of Frederick Banting who along with Charles Best first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1921. The theme of this year’s anniversary is ‘The family and Diabetes’.

          

Diabetes is a lifelong medical condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. It’s often caused by the insufficiency or lack of the hormone known as insulin, which is produced by the pancreas – a gland found behind the stomach. The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by the aforementioned hormone.

         

When food is digested and enters the bloodstream, insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into the cells where it’s broken down to produce the required energy. So, if one is diagnosed with diabetes, it implies that his/her body is unable to break down glucose into energy, because there’s either not enough insulin to move the glucose or the insulin being produced doesn’t work properly.

         

There are two main types of diabetes namely: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. The former is usually more delicate than the latter which is far more common. In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. As no insulin is produced, the victim’s glucose level increases, which can seriously damage his body’s organs.

         

Type 1 diabetes is often regarded as Insulin-dependent diabetes. It’s equally sometimes recognized as Juvenile diabetes or Early-onset diabetes, because it mostly develops before the age of forty or usually during the teenage years. If one is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, he would need insulin injections for the rest of his life. He would also need to pay very close attention to certain aspects of his lifestyle and health, to ensure that his blood glucose levels stay balanced at all times.

        

Type 2 diabetes takes place when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it cells don’t react to insulin. This type of diabetes is generally known as Insulin-resistant diabetes. Since Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition, the patient may eventually need medication mainly in the form of tablets. Type 2 diabetes is in most cases associated with obesity. Obesity-related diabetes is sometimes referred to as ‘maturity-onset’ diabetes owing to the fact that it is more common in older people.

         

During pregnancy, some women possess high levels of blood glucose, which makes their body unable to produce enough insulin to absorb it all. Such condition is known as gestational diabetes, and it affects up to 18 in 100 women during pregnancy. Pregnancy can as well make existing Type 1 diabetes worse.

          

Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of health problems developing in an unborn baby, therefore it’s very necessary for a pregnant woman to keep her blood glucose levels under control. It often develops during the second trimester of pregnancy and disappears after the baby is born. Women who suffer from gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

          

The general symptoms of diabetes, which usually take place simultaneously, include: feeling very thirsty; urinating more frequently than usual, particularly at night; feeling very tired; weight loss and loss of muscle bulk; cuts or wounds that heal slowly; blurred vision, caused by the lens of the eye becoming dry; and, itching around the private parts or frequent episodes of thrush.

          

Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days, whilst many people may have Type 2 diabetes for years without realizing it because the early symptoms tend to be friendly.

         

Survey shows that about 347 million people worldwide are presently suffering from diabetes. Worse still, almost half of the carriers do not know they have the disease. Many more people globally have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. This is referred to as pre-diabetes.

           

If your blood sugar level is above the normal range, your risk of developing full-blown diabetes is increased. Thus, it’s absolutely very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it would get progressively worse if left untreated.

          

In general, diabetes carriers are advised to eat healthily, drink enough water, participate in constant exercise, consistently take their routine drugs as well as carry out regular blood tests, in order to ensure that their blood glucose levels remain balanced. Among all, they are advised to maintain a very cordial relationship with their health experts.

         

As the global community marks the 27^th edition of the World Diabetes Day, let’s endeavour to live a life that would exonerate us from contracting this dreaded disease that has claimed millions of souls.

         

We can achieve this by ensuring that we consume balance diets, or by staying away from constant intake of starchy or sugary foods without supplementing them with other required classes of foods.

         

It has no cure but it can be prevented, or duly controlled if contracted. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, a policy analyst & rights activist, 

writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

TechDeck I How Feasible is Executive Order 5?

 By Fred Doc Nwaozor

       

President Muhammadu Buhari recently signed an executive order, prohibiting issuance of visa to foreign workers or experts whose skills are readily available in Nigeria.

         

The proclamation tagged Executive Order 5, which was endorsed on 5^th February 2018, is targeted to improve local content in public procurement in regard to science, engineering and technology in general.

         

It is expected to promote the application of science and technology with a view to achieving the country’s development and innovation goals across all sectors of the economy.

         

The president, pursuant to the authority vested in him by the 1999 Constitution, as amended, ordered that all procuring agencies shall give preference to Nigerian companies in the award of contracts in accordance with the Public Procurement Act 2007.

         

The order, however, stipulates that a situation where the required expertise is lacking within the country, procuring entities shall grant preference to foreign firms with a “demonstrable and verifiable plan for indigenous development prior to the award of such contracts”.

         

The document entitled ‘Presidential Executive Order 5 for planning and execution of projects, promotion of Nigerian content in contracts concerning science, engineering and technology components’ further directs ministries, department and agencies (MDAs) to engage indigenous professionals in the onward planning, design and execution of national security projects.

          

It’s always wholesome and ideal to consider the feasibility study of any newly introduced policies or whatever policy that’s being awaited, hence that of Executive Order 5 wouldn’t be exceptional if the government is really prepared to achieve its goals.

          

So, as Nigerians as a people celebrate the emergence of this order, as a tech expert and policy analyst, I wouldn’t shy away from dissecting some key parameters that are likely to pose as limitations on the lofty policy.

        

We need to take into cognizance that the Executive Order 5 is silent regarding the foreign skills already domiciled in the country. An order of this kind requires additional clauses to make it more elaborate and understandable for thorough effective implementation.

        

Since the order is reportedly meant to promote local content, I’m keenly interested in knowing what becomes the fate of the foreign firms established anywhere across the federation. We need to be intimated on how the new tech policy would affect foreign experts – either individuals or entities – that are already here.

        

Are they going to be segregated whenever any procurement process is ongoing or ought to be treated as equal to the indigenous professionals? If the former is to be the case, then it simply means the order is equally asking them to henceforth vacate their stay in Nigeria.

         

If the government is truly keen in improving as well as promoting the country’s local content, some clauses must be stated clearly in the Executive Order 5. I’m not in anywhere advocating for outright sack of foreign content domiciled herein but it’s pertinent to make any policy self-explanatory and transparent.

        

Another amazing part that caught my attention in the order was where it’s stipulated there must be a plan for indigenous development in a situation where the needed skills aren’t available “prior to the award of such contracts”.

        

That means, before any contract would be awarded to a foreign contractor as a result of lapse, there must be tangible plan put in place towards addressing such lapses or loopholes. How possible could this be actualized if the required mechanisms are not introduced?

          

I won’t hesitate to enquire the authority that’s expected to remedy the system when the aforementioned situation arises. We need to be told the entity that would be saddled with the responsibility of developing the lacking indigenous skills. I’m, therefore, asserting that if the government fails to set up a special agency strictly in this regard, such an order would be dead on arrival.

        

We have overtime witnessed circumstances where a sitting government preferred to merely tender a certain policy without consequently coming up with the needed mechanism toward adequately implementing the document as well as actualizing every clause enshrined in it. Hence, I pray this wouldn’t be one of them.

         

The fact remains that the Nigeria’s tech sector is severely bleeding, hence seriously in need of an overhaul. It’s noteworthy that for such total turnaround to be realized, the leaders must wear the required political will like clothe.

         

This is the reason as much as I invariably pick interest in such technologically-oriented policies like the newly introduced Executive Order 5, I don’t find it difficult to analyze the prospects and encumbrances surrounding them.     

          

I want to state categorically that the order in question is a welcome development and a step in the right direction considering how far and how well the country’s technology at large has fared thus far. But there’s a compelling need for its feasibility study to be drastically considered if it’s born out of genuine intention.

         

In view of this, I urge the Buhari-led administration to involve reliable and competent hands and also consult the cognoscenti with a view to ensuring apt implementation of the said order.

         

It’s not anymore news that those who are well imbued with technology-related knowledge have for decades now been sidelined, hence leading to brain drain which is currently affecting our economy negatively. This aspect needs to be holistically addressed headlong.

          

So, as I commend Mr. President for introducing this lofty order, it’s inconsequential to enjoin him to ensure that the needful is done towards making the policy effective as well as sustaining it. Think about it!   

           

Comrade Nwaozor, a tech expert, writes
via frednwaozor@gmail.com

JUST IN: Here is Full Text of Buhari's Speech in Paris

 

President Muhamnadu Buhari was in Paris, France between Sunday, November 11 and Tuesday, November 13, 2018 for the first edition of the Paris Peace Forum.

The Nigerian leader spoke on Monday, 12th November 2018 on “Illicit financial flows (IFFs) and corruption: the challenge of global governance.”

Here is the full text of the President’s speech:

I am delighted to be part of the inaugural edition of the Paris Peace Forum and would like to commend the Government of France for this laudable initiative.

We also thank France for inviting Nigeria to participate in the forum on the sidelines of the Centenary Celebration of the Armistice. It is important to recall that although Nigeria was not independent at the time, the fact remains that it had participated in the war efforts.

3. Nigeria contributed a company of riflemen and support services to the war under the Royal West African Frontier Forces.

4. I should like on this Remembrance Day, to pay tribute to the sacrifice and bravery of all those who had fallen in battle and the pain and suffering of those they left behind.

5. More than half a million Africans fought in the trenches of the First World War for France alone. There was bitter fighting also in east and southern Africa and around Cameroon and Nigeria. We shall not forget.

6. I believe this Forum would provide the needed opportunity for knowledgeable exchange and sharing of best practices on the challenges militating against the much needed good governance in many countries of the world. It is on this premise that my presentation will dwell on “Illicit Financial Flows And Corruption: The Challenge of Global Governance”.
Distinguished Participants,

7. The cancerous effects of Illicit Financial Flows and corruption on the socio-economic development of countries are glaringly evident. The negative impact and ramifications of Illicit Financial Flows are many-sided.
The list which is long and ever-growing, includes:
a. Draining of foreign exchange reserves;
b. Reduction of tax/revenue collection;
c. Poor investment inflows due to near absence of credibility, transparency and policy stability.

8. Illicit financial flows escalate poverty by denying the citizens the benefit of the resources meant for development.

9. This is a crime of opportunity which thrives most in permissive environments. Such outflows further undermine the rule of law, stifle trade and worsen macro-economic conditions.

10. These reprehensible acts are being perpetrated by several international tax havens and secret jurisdictions, which facilitate the operation of:
a. Disguised corporations;
b. Anonymous trust accounts;
c. Fake charitable foundations;
d. Money laundering and transfer pricing mechanisms.

11. Indeed, Illicit Financial Flows have exacerbated poverty and inequality in many societies of the world. Thus, concerted and multi-jurisdictional efforts must be deployed to frontally tackle the menace.

12. Combating corruption has been a defining feature of our Government. Upon assuming office on 29th May, 2015, we made fighting corruption one of the three pillars of our Administration’s priority programmes, given the fact that corruption was threatening the very foundation of our national life, socio-economic development, security and even the consolidation of our democracy.

13. We continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corrupt practices and non-conformity conduct in public life, by confronting corruption head-on. This is predicated on the fact that we remain steadfast in our commitment of ensuring integrity and ethical conduct in the task of governance. We are mindful of the primacy of leadership by example in this regard.

14. Our efforts at fighting corruption are firmly within the limits of the rule of law, in spite of the interest-forcing strategies of those who chose to discountenance the fundamental value of compliance with the laws of the land.

15. With the progress we have made, we feel the need to ensure that we put enduring institutional frameworks in place for action and measures that will consolidate our achievements in the fight against Illicit Financial Flows and corruption.

16. In the circumstances, strengthening the institutional capacity of anti-corruption bodies has been accorded due attention. For us, therefore, effective institutions and political will are strong counter-measures against corruption and Illicit Financial Flows.

17. In addition, we introduced the Whistle-Blowing policy, whereby information on the violation of financial regulations, mismanagement of public funds and assets, financial malpractices or fraud as well as theft can be reported to authorities.

18. This policy is geared towards ensuring public accountability and transparency, and it has yielded dividends, as we have recovered billions of Naira from corrupt persons and companies.

19. We have also redirected recovered funds to the development of critical infrastructure and programmes that will benefit our people. Funds and assets recovered through our actions, will be deployed in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

20. At the continental level, the African Union also launched the war against corruption and bestowed on me the honour to champion the cause. In this connection, our priorities for international cooperation as a continent will focus on the following:
a. Strengthening international cooperation on asset tracing, recovery and repatriation;
b. Enhancing cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations’ anti-corruption monitoring mechanisms through stronger engagement; and
c. Widening the understanding and relevance of anti-corruption efforts towards the realization of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

21. Appropriate legislation and policies which promote transparent financial transactions should be encouraged.

22. In addition, regulatory institutions and agencies should be strengthened to fight corruption. Nigeria has a good example in this regard with the Tax Appeal Tribunal inaugurated recently. The Tribunal arbitrates between tax payers and government in order to ensure equity and fairness in tax administration.

23. In accordance with relevant international statutes, asset return is unconditional. It is a commitment which members of the international community must abide by.

24. Nigeria, therefore, reiterates its commitment to all existing international legal frameworks to enforce anti-corruption measures, including the recovery and return of stolen assets.
Distinguished Participants,

25. While acknowledging the tremendous progress that has been achieved through the enactment of global instruments, some fundamental technical issues remain unresolved.

26. These revolve around the formulation of policy and regulatory frameworks that cut across different jurisdictions. We must not lose sight of the role played by secret companies, banks and law firms, all too often based in developed economies and their related offshore centres.

27. Recent studies reveal that flaws in the global financial system enable corrupt individuals to hide details of their financial dealings under the noses of governments and law enforcement agencies. This underscores the need to urgently address the issue of Mutual Legal Assistance, as well as continental legal frameworks, in the context of safe havens for illicit transfers.
Distinguished Participants,

28. Our experience in Nigeria is that financial crimes, such as corruption and fraudulent activities, generate enormous unlawful profits which often prove so lucrative that the threat of a jail term is not sufficient to deter perpetrators.

29. A more powerful deterrent is to ensure that profits and assets generated from illicit financial flows and corruption are recovered and returned to countries of origin.

30. This is not to under-estimate the value of strong institutions. It only indicates that asset recovery represents significant deterrence compared to the traditional focus on obtaining conviction by the law enforcement agencies of the countries of origin.
Distinguished Participants,

31. As we take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of domestic, regional and international mechanisms against Illicit Financial Flows, I seize this opportunity to recall the Global Declaration Against Corruption made in London in 2016 and our commitment thereto.

32. Among other things, the Declaration encapsulates our collective commitment to the principles of Open Government Partnership, especially the National Action Plans to actualize beneficial ownership transparency, enhance the capacity of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), reinforce Independent Reporting Mechanisms and support the activities of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. We should remain resolute in our commitment to the aforementioned goals.

33. Similarly, we must crack down on safe havens for corrupt assets. I also advocate sanctions by professional bodies against transactional middlemen (lawyers, bankers, brokers, public officials, etc.) who facilitate Illicit Financial Flows.

34. I would like to reiterate that the Government of Nigeria remains open and is ever willing to continue to identify and share experiences and strategies to give life to the ideas that will lead to winning the fight against corruption.

Esteemed Ladies and Gentlemen,

35. Finally, let me reiterate the importance of unity and collective action. It is only together that we stand a better chance to win the fight against the menace of Illicit Financial Flows and corruption.
I thank you for your patience and attention.