Federal Government of Nigeria

The Minister of Health has been advised  to ensure the renovation and rehabilitation of obsolete and moribund health facilities in government-owned hospitals  across the country.

This advice was given by a member of the National Executive Council(NEC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union and Associated Institutions(NASU), who doubles as the  branch chairman of the union at the  University College Hospital(UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria, Comrade Kehinde Abiona.

''The Minister of Health needs to look inwards and ensure that the moribund facilities that are the health sector are revived. Since the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration carried out the only major facility upgrade  in 2005, nothing has been done by successive administrations. It is almost about two decades since the major overhaul has been done.''

Comrade Abiona also called on the Minister to ignore  the agitation for the privatization  of government-owned hospitals saying, ''such agitation will not allow him to end up well.''

The NASU chairman maintained that the Minister should  remain  neutral in the affairs of the health sector workers, adding, ''he should not be a Minister of  Medical Doctors, but the Minister of all.''

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The use of alcohol, illicit substances and hard drugs by students and youths has reached an all-time high in different parts of Nigeria. 

It has in fact become a social problem and menace.

Indeed, in states where Those-in-Charge generate revenue from illegal structures, illicit substances and alcohol are sold in makeshift kiosks along the road, under bridges and motorparks.

The insinuation is that the cream in society may be benefitting from the sales.

That is why it goes unabated.

These hard drugs have negatively affected the behavior and appearance of students and youths.

Of worry are the grievous and heinous crimes that are committed on a daily basis under the influence of alcohol and hard drugs.

It is high time the government at all levels take decisive steps to salvage those affected before it is too late because it has started having adverse effects on the socio-economic fortunes of the giant of Africa.

The future seems bleak for children and the youth in Nigeria as the cost of education at all levels goes beyond reach. 

The leadership at all levels may not be sensitive to the difficulties the citizens are passing through to meet the increasing cost of education.

Sadly, the children of these leaders are in choice schools around the globe.

Democracy ensures that citizens have access to uninhibited and quality education.

But in this case, the cost of education may not justify the service delivery in the education sector.

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The evil deeds of some state governors are limiting factors when it involves interface with law enforcement agencies, as their heads visit the states.
Interaction is preferably by representation because a lot  is still hidden, that is gradually coming to light.
Indeed, the evil that men do lives with them and has become their shadows.
No responsible law-abiding and right-thinking Nigerian will subscribe to calls by some individuals to cooperate  with criminals. Perhaps

Democracy is not in place at the Local Government Level in Nigeria.
This assertion was made by a former Councillor in the Ibadan South East Local Government Area of Oyo state, Honorable Yusuf Babatunde.
''Although elections are conducted by the local governments in Oyo state, those who are there now got to the positions by selection. This is a bad approach. The state governments in the affected states have now taken over the sources of revenue  of the local governments, including their functions. The chairmen and councillors receive only salaries. They are now expressing regrets. The local governments are no longer empowered financially as, as a result, they have been crippled. It is a one-man show,'' Hon. Babatunde lamented.

It is to the knowledge of millions of Nigerians that the basic social-economic institutions have been destroyed.

The challenge now is how to fix the nation's health, education, judiciary and other institutions or ensure a satisfactory turn around.

In developed countries, economic activities are the backbone of politics and, as such, distortions or reversal of economic policies or long-term strategic national objectives are rare.

Sadly, little or nothing has been achieved to guarantee a good economic foundation, which ought to be the backrest of politics.

This is reflected in the awkward power sharing, power rotation and inequitable distribution of resources and good governance.

The kind of economic reforms by the government would go a long way in determining if Those-in-Charge are neophytes in the herculean task of governance.

Aiding and Abetting Criminals

For so long, cultists such as one Wolex and Lekan Adewale of 8 Kehinde Aderibigbe steet, Olorunsogo, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, have been terrorizing, robbing and attacking innocent Nigerians in the above-mentioned community and so many others. Although the law enforcement agencies feign ignorance, the confidence exuded by the criminals, who  have continued commit heinous and grievous crimes with impunity, exposes the deep involvement of the police in violent crimes, not only in Oyo state but in different parts of the country.

The Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie has declared that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, deserves the

award of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) Conferred on him by former President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).

Eze(Dr.) Anozie, who is also the chairman of the state chapter of the Association of Non-Indigenes Heads, made this decalration on recently in Ibadan, Nigeria

''I and my people, Ohanezenidgbo, and all non-indigenes in Ibadan and Oyo state appreciate the honor done to the Olubadan. He merits it because he is a peace-loving Olubadan, who loves all ethnic groups, all Nigerians residing in Ibadan. The Olubadan deserves it. I am therefore congratulating him and all Ibadan indigenes, because if the Olubadan gets something good, he has gotten it for himself and the whole Ibadan and vice versa. So, I am congratulating him. He is a very kind, humble and God-fearing person, who believes in truth, justice and fairness,'' Eze(Dr.) Anozie stated.

In another development, he admonished new political office holders at all levels of government to administer and oversee the affairs of those that elected them with the fear of God.

''Let them have the fear of God in everything they do. My good will message to all political office holders from top to bottom is for them to work for a truly united Nigeria where truth, justice, equity, fairness and peace reign supreme. Nigerians should love one another, not minding their ethnic and religious differences. This is the foundation. If we work hard, the sky is our limit,''Eze(Dr) Anozie noted.

Nigerians have reacted divergently over the just concluded registration exercise of unemployed Nigerians by the National Directorate of Employment(NDE) across the nation, days to the expiration of the life span of the present administration.
Indeed, the exercise was characterized by allegations of corruption, favoritism, influence peddling and political patronage.
A cross section of unemployed Nigerians alleged that some unscrupulous staff of the directorate took advantage of the exercise to enrich themselves.
They also alleged that those who were fortunate to be registered were supporters of politically exposed people, while stressing that the registration was not for full-time paid employment, but rather were registered for training programs for the unskilled.
Sadly, the beneficiaries are insignificant compared to the millions of jobless Nigerians.
Nigerians express disappointment over the negotiations by some staff members of the government agency with politicians, while lamenting that the exercise was limited to those who benefitted from such negotiations.
Indeed, the exercise may not have successfully captured genuine unemployed Nigerians.

Over the years, politicians have consistently influenced the recruitment process for the civil and public services.
This has resulted in the sacrificing of merit for other considerations.
In her reaction, the Oyo state Coordinator of the NDE, Mrs. Olayemi described the allegations as malicious and unfounded, adding,''it has nothing to do with my staff members except you have documentary evidence. No kobo was taken from anybody. The exercise was absolutely free. It has nothing to do with my office. Let them mention the name of one of my members of staff. I can vouch for my staff members, nobody will risk that. As far as I know, nobody has come to complain to me. We registered 8,000 people from the 33 local governments in Oyo state.
In his view, a cleric, Pastor Opeyemi Ajayi lamented that the low quality of workforce in most sectors of the economy has almost brought Nigeria to its knees.
''When you sacrifice merit for ethnic, religious and other factors in the employment process, what you will get is unqualified employees. Look at the civil and public services. It is in a state of rot and this has affected the economy negatively. Redundancy  is the order of the day in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
For the chairman, Non-Acamdic Staff Union and Associated Institutions(NASU) University College Hospital(UCH) Ibadan, Nigeria, Comrade Kehinde Abiona, the major challenge is not redundancy, but shortage of staff.
''When we are talking about understaff, you are talking about redundancy. Workers should be diligent in their duties. This is why it is only a diligent worker that is relevant,'' Comrade Abiona stated.
However, a former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC) Comrade Andrew Emelieze believes that the exercise has only succeeded in ridiculing frustrated and impoverished Nigerians.
''The exercise coming less than 25 days to the end of this administration, serves to only ridicule frustrated and hungry Nigerians, most of whom are housewives, okada riders, petty traders and artisans. Look at them on the queue. This is unfortunate.'' Comrade Emelieze concluded.

The education sector is weighed down by multiferous challenges in Nigeria.

Sadly, the education policy of a number of states may not be responsive to the needs and problems of primary and secondary schools.

The focus on hotels, eateries, night clubs, beer parlors and event centers by some state governments has psychologically defeated the interest of pupils and students in education.

The existing schools in the affected states are yet to be satisfactorily catered for and this has resulted in the unimpressive academic performance of pupils and students.

Of worry, is the conversion of so many schools to a base and launch pad for criminals of all sorts, while school authorities are benefiting commercially from the rentage of classrooms and premises to members of the public.

The attitude of government and other stakeholders in the education sector is suggestive of a mounting opposition to learning.

The Resort to Hard Drugs

Illicit and outlawed substances are now in regular use and abuse among the young and old in several communities in Nigeria. How did these hard drugs get into the country? Only those in charge of law enforcement are in a position to provide an answer. Perhaps.

The much awaited general elections are just 11 days away and preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) are in an advanced stage. However, Nigerians have continued to express mixed feelings about the elections. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke JP outlines the reasons why Nigerians must vote in a new set of leaders that possess the political will to address the country's myriad of challenges. Excerpt:

Do you think the outcome of the general elections will usher in a new set of leaders in Nigeria?

Credible leadership in the Nigerian context is a farce, if we are to consider the socio-behavioral status of each of the presidential candidates as well as others who are vying for other sensitive positions in the next political dispensation. Each of them, however, have varying degrees of image issues. Without doubt, a winner must emerge among them. The present situation in the country is a reflection of the cumulative deficiencies in our leaders-past and present consequences of poor socio-economic conditions of our people and their environment due to a low level of performance, institutional indiscipline and corruption, as against the main objective of democracy which we are operating as our political philosophy. The justice system remains selective in the dispensation of justice. The legislative arms are weak and usually act out the script written by the executive, resulting in very weak policy formulation and implementation at the expense of the welfare and wellness of the people. In effect, the excesses of the executive remain uncontrollable, resulting in unwarranted marginalization and poor infrastructure that is dysfunctional, making the lives of Nigerians to be at the mercy of deteriorated services. The general elections, therefore, as it will come by God's grace, in this month and in March, is going to be a date with our resolve to take our destinies in our hands. Hence, we must not toy with it and we must let it be free,fair and credible and without acrimony. Nigerians are now more conscious and aware of the importance of good governance to effect peace and sustainable development as observed in many nations where democracy is functional. For us in Nigeria, we are tired of playing around democracy for its dividend to be mere tantalizing mirages. In addition, various indicators of development are at the lowest ebb. For example, human development and infrastructure indexes, high inflation rates, poverty, hunger and diseases, devastating climate change effects and institutional corruption. Nigeria needs credible leaders that will be visionary and proactive with a network of wisdom to passionately solve the problems in the land. The President and other political office holders that will emerge after the general elections must be ready to fix the weak areas and must be very selfless in discharging their duties to be able to minimally deliver the expected dividends of democracy. Above all, we need a detribalized President and a non-religious bigot who will be able to bring sanity into the religious system to be able to spiritually have a united voice in correctin all the wrongs. This is the only way by which good governance can be nurtured through the spiritual drive for accelerated socio-economic development. Various lessons have been going on with respect to how best to vote without wasting the exercise. The only wisdom in collecting the Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) is to use them wisely on the days elections will take place to ensure that credible leaders emerge and correct all aberrations in the land, for Nigeria to become a better place to live in and to prosper at a sustainable level.

Democracy thrives on justice, equity, good governance, creation of employment opportunities, creation of a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, compulsory free primary and secondary education, a robust agricultural sector and most importantly, regular supply of electricity and petroleum products.

Sadly, candidates for political offices in Nigeria are yet to come up with verifiable and practicable alternatives to the present scheme of things in all sectors of the economy.

Already, Nigerians are worried about the huge debt burden at all levels of government which is trailed by abandoned projects that are major features of various states in the country.

The pockets of violence in different parts of the country is now the response of Nigerians to the malfunctionality of the socio-economic and political system.

Existing institutions now superintend irregularities and disorderliness in the process of proferring solutions to the challenges bedevilling good governance. It is obvious that certain government policies have brought about great uncertainty and anxiety among Nigerians.

This in turn has resulted in the negative reactions of Nigerians who have been hard hit by the un-leadership actions of Those-in-Authority. The poilitical processes have moved from normal to abnormal.

The approach and response of Those-in-Authority to unfolding events is crucial.

Unfortunately, the above mentioned have been retroactive.

However, the expectation of Nigerians is that the political processes will be modified to douse the mounting tension in the land or their coercive template will be deployed as usual to curb the dissatisfaction and anger everywhere.

The Mock Accreditation

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has disclosed that its mock accreditation exercise conducted nationwide on Saturday February 4th, 2023 was a huge success. In addition, candidates for political offices are pressing on with rallies and campaigns. This is strange. Furthermore the attitude of Point of Sale Operators(POS) and a majority number of bank staff towards impoverished Nigerians have exposed the script of Those-in-Authority. Posterity will never forgive them. All these are coming at a time when Nigerians are busy expressing their feelings on the pains, agonies and hardships certain government policies have brought about. Indeed, there is more to it than meets the eye.

The conception of political development by leaders in Nigeria ought to bring about positive change that will usher in a stable and prosperous democracy devoid of corrupt lifestyles.

But the utterances, outbursts and attitude of aspiring leaders, suggest that winning elections by whatever means rather than convincingly has now become the guideline. Indeed, Nigerians are hoping that the general elections will be deviod of compromise and winning by any means and at whatever cost to the country.

Sadly, unfolding events, a number of days before the elections, are already giving the electorate visible worries, while the international community watches with keen interest, the response of Those-in-Authority to the concerns and issues raised by various stakeholders.

Indications from every part of the country point to the fact that it is either the Independent National Electoral Commission's(INEC) preparations for the elections have deteriorated or that the commission is preparing to fail.

However, those knowledgeable of the written script being played out, disclosed that pretensions continue to characterize the well thought out plans, deliberately contrived and awaiting execution by those within the leadership cubicles.

Indiscretion

The first round of elections will definitely determine the way forward. The votes of Nigerians ought to count; for them not to feel used and cheated. Indiscretion by Those-in Authority Nigerians are now at the mercy of Point of Sale (POS)Operators and questionable and dubious staff of Money Deposit Banks as a result of the indiscretion of Those-in-Authority.

The conception of political development by leaders in Nigeria ought to bring about positive change that will usher in a stable and prosperous democracy devoid of corrupt lifestyles.

But the utterances, outbursts and attitude of aspiring leaders, suggest that winning elections by whatever means rather than convincingly has now become the guideline. Indeed, Nigerians are hoping that the general elections will be deviod of compromise and winning by any means and at whatever cost to the country.

Sadly, unfolding events, a number of days before the elections, are already giving the electorate visible worries, while the international community watches with keen interest, the response of Those-in-Authority to the concerns and issues raised by various stakeholders.

Indications from every part of the country point to the fact that it is either the Independent National Electoral Commission's(INEC) preparations for the elections have deteriorated or that the commission is preparing to fail.

However, those knowledgeable of the written script being played out, disclosed that pretensions continue to characterize the well thought out plans, deliberately contrived and awaiting execution by those within the leadership cubicles.

Indiscretion

The first round of elections will definitely determine the way forward. The votes of Nigerians ought to count; for them not to feel used and cheated. Indiscretion by Those-in Authority Nigerians are now at the mercy of Point of Sale (POS)Operators and questionable and dubious staff of Money Deposit Banks as a result of the indiscretion of Those-in-Authority.

Nigerians are disappointed in the poor state of governance at the three tiers of government.

The available resources from the federal allocation have been improperly utilized by political office holders, while internally generated revenue has been misappropriated to the detriment of development and improvement of the welfare of the people.

Supporters, well-wishers, admirers and loyalists of Those-in-Authority have constitute themselves to nuisance in several communities across Nigeria, thus, paving the way for lawlessness and criminality.

Empowerment has now been translated to makeshift shops in residential areas, where alcohol and illicit substances are traded in.

Curiously, the confidence reposed in the representatives of the people at all levels of government has waned drastically, due to the scanty proof of representation.

Unfolding events indicate that the road to election and re-election for political party candidates is now riddled with potholes that pose serious threats to the vehicles they are travelling in. Sadly, all the institutions saddled with the responsibilities of sustaining democracy are working assiduously to scuttle it.

As Schools Resume

The unrestricted display of lawless and criminal behavior of youths, mostly dropouts and children who still attend Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools, residing in Olorunsogo, Molete, Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Oshodi, Aluko, Kehinde Aderibigbe, Scout Camp and Felele communities in Ibadan, Oyo stat, Nigeria, among several other communities, has not only brought to the fore, the poor quality of teachers in public and private schools in the state, but has also exposed the mindset of manpower in educationa agencies in the state. It is now very obvious that most of the schools in the state go beyond imparting knowledge, if the immoral and crime-friendly behavior of pupils and students is anything to go by. The prevalence of pedophilia, homosexuality and prostitution in these communities is another source of worry, as residents watch helplessly.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) has called on the Federal Government to appoint the right people to the right places to ensure equality, justice and fairness.

This call was made by the Chairman of the Oyo state council of their union, Comrade Ademola Babalola on Wednesday at the Star Development Initiative Media discussion with Journalists in Oyo state in commemoration of the International Day for People with Disabilities in Ibadan.

''Churches and Mosques must be accessible to persons living with disabilities, the NUJ is accessible to people living with disabilities. We should put round pegs in round holes. We in the NUJ are calling on the Federal Government to put the right people in the right places.''

Comrade Babalola was represented by the Vice chairman of the union, Comrade Seye Ojo.

In her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the initiative, Mrs. Grace Alezander disclosed that persons living without disabilities ought not to be pitied but treated fairly, adding, ''everybody matters, everybody counts. We want more. Anybody that says that you are limited does not see, they don't know how limitless your talents are. ''For us to achieve a healthy economy, everybody must be at the table. Disability does not make us lesser human beings, we are all human beings. We are all created differently, we must appreciate and understand every person with a disability.'' In his remarks, the Dean of the Faulty of Education, University of Ibadan, Prof. Oulfemi Fakolade stressed that inclusion was all about attitude, saying, ''without inclusion we cannot do what is expected of us as individuals. If every attitude is right, we can preach inclusion, but without inclusion there would be problems.''

Nigerians have called upon the leaders of the Labor Party in Nigeria to decentralize the campaign structure of the party as the 2023 general elections approach to avoid infighting and altercations.

This call was made on Wednesday by the worried and concerned members, supporters and loyalists of the presidential candidate of the Labor Party, moments before the campaign team arrived at the Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasimgba, Ibadan, Nigeria.

''Mr. Peter Obi, his running mate-Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed and other leaders should ensure that the campaign structure of the Labor Party is decentralized and that every Nigerian is carried along in the course of the campaigns across the Federal Republic of Nigeria to avoid infighting, wranglings and altercations; the campaigns should be taken seriously and should be deviod of self-centered thoughts and attitude'', they stated.

In another development, the Ex-Officio of the Oyo state Council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is also a former chairman of the party in the state, Comrade Andrew Emelieze expressed great disappointement over the conspicuous absence of the labor leaders in the state at the venue of the campaigns saying, '' the labor party is the party of the Nigerian workers, the party is gradually gaining momentum and becoming popular, but look around at the venue, leaders of the the labor movement are not here, that of the TUC insisted that he was not invited; all hands must be on deck to support the workers choice, I call on the Nigeria Labior Congress and the Trade Union Congress leaders to come out and openly support the Labor Party.''

Posted 1 minute ago by Solomon Adewunmi

Made-in-Nigeria goods and services are on a fast decline due to the unfavorable environment, local manufacturers ply their trade. 

The promise by Those-in-Charge to ensure a conducive environment for manufacturers is yet to be fulfilled many years after mounting the saddle.

A sizable number of manufacturers have decided to close shops as a result of the galloping inflation, irregular electricity supply, high cost of diesel, difficulties in accessing foreign exchange, importation of sub-standard products, and most importantly, insecurity.

Obviously, the government policy on manufacturing has, over time, led to divestment by focused and serious-minded investors, who have since looked outwards.

Indeed, the suggestion, if unfolding events are anything to go by, is the government would leave legacies for the manufacturing sector devoid of an all-encompassing policy and tattered support system that would take years to revamp. 

Note- Political campaigns are underway and frontline candidates are engaging in mudslinging, name-calling, and the promotion of lies and half-truths, while the purpose of seeking public offices remains at the surface level due to the absence of unknown qualities of knowledge, depth, and agenda for development.

Two years after the EndSars protests on October 2o, 2020, across Nigeria, a number of state governments are yet to compensate victims of the protests.

This attitude by political office holders has brought to the fore the mindset of those who represent Nigerians at all levels of public office.

Families and communities are still mourning their loved ones who lost their lives as a result of the absence  of the will to do the right thing by those who occupy public offices.
Obviously, this is an eye opener for all and sundry.

However, an Ex-Officio of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is also a former chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Andrew Emelieze asks some very important questions :
1)Why were the street lights at the Lekki toll gate switched off on the night of the protests?
2)Who ordered that the Close Circuit Television Cameras(CCTV) be switched off?
3)Who also ordered that the lights of the billboard advertisement be switched off?
4)Why were the security operatives deployed to the scene armed with rifles and live ammunition?
5) Where are the bodies of other victims of the Lekki incident aside from those deposited in the mortuary?
Comrade Emelieze laments that lessons have not been learnt from the 2020 protests saying, '' two years down the line, all the events that led to the EndSARs protests are still with us today. There is police brutality everywhere. Nigerian police officers and rank and file are back on the streets collecting bribes from motorists. Youths aside from the criminally minded are the targets of extortion and molestation.''

Millions of Nigerians have remianed without suitable and comfortable homes due to the incompetence of Those-inCharge to provide affordable houses for the impoverished populace.

Indeed, political office holders have over the years facilitated the activities of criminally minded Esate Agents and land grabbers in several states, while the Judiciary may have for long been acting out the scripts of their paymasters.

How can a Cheif Executive appeal to Nigerians to live in peace with criminals in several communities?

A number of state governments have now turned the real estate sector to a revenue generation point, while citizens have continued to tell those who care to lsiten unending tales of woe.

Interestingly, an unspecified number of cases and incidences of fraudulent practices by illegal practitioners in the real estate sector have overwhlemed police stations and court rooms across the land.

Sadly, a few state governments have successfully made the real sector unattractive to investors, as most of the accomodation available are anything but decent and affordable.

The reversal of this horrible status quo may influence the voting patern. Perhaps. Even though owning a house ought to be a right, an enabling environment for this purpose still remians a mirage.

Note- The recruitment of unqualified persons and institutional compromise are among other reasons why insecurity and violent crimes persist.

Click here-Living in Peace

The shabby treatment of teachers by the government and the organized private sector has over the years, affected education at all levels.

There is an urgent need to train and retrain teachers in various educational and developmental programs to attain quality education.

In addition, the creation of a conducive environment, inspiring conditions of service and other incentives would go a long way to aid improved performance, effectiveness and efficiency of teachers.

On the part of the teachers, dedication and devotion to duty ought to be among their guiding lights in the process of grooming pupils and students to become assets, rather than liabilities to society.

Those who are given the responsibilities to impact knowledge, must be kind, understanding and firm, while ruling a line between firmness and harshness.

In addition, the teacher should embark on a continuous learning, reading and experimenting to maintain acceptable standards in the academic performance of pupils and students alike.

Note- The Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) has declared that the wicked shall not rule the land of Nigeria, while former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has advised Nigerians not to vote in killers in the 2023 general elections.