Antiquity has it that there have always been misconceptions of what leadership entails. Different kinds of people, at different point in history, have disguised themselves under the umbrella of leadership. Majority has played this important role in the society because of egocentrism. According to Thomas Hobbes,” human beings by nature are animalistic and selfish.”Therefore, following this postulation, it should no longer be news that the actions of our so called leaders will remain odious to us.
It is pertinent to ascertain that most of the conflicts in Nigeria are a result of faulty leadership. The climax of it all is that leadership position has become a thing that does not obey ethical norms any more. In short, it has turned to a “do or die” affair. Come to think of it, those that turned leadership position to a “do or die” affair, did they actually understand the meaning of leadership? The critical question here is how “good leaders emerge? This will remain a question that even the critical minds cannot answer holistically because human beings are agents of change. We are ambivalent in nature. As a result, we remain unpredictable.
Moreover, to different people, leadership has different meaning. According to Panteleon O.Iroegbu “leadership is the art of directing and guiding a group of persons, an organization or a nation towards the achievement of common objectives”(Panteleon O.Iroegbu;Kpin of Democracy: Thematic introduction of socio-political philosophy.Benin-city.Ever-Blessed publication.2004,P.135.)From the above view, it is apparent that leadership is prefaced by the spirit of serving the society. According to Peter Ovat,”leadership is an institution of service. It is one that demands selfless service, transparent honesty and an exemplary character”(Pantelaon O.Iroegbu;Kpin of Democracy: Thematic introduction to socio-political philosophy.Benin-city.Ever-Blessed publication.2004,P.135)Also it is of paramount importance to aver that leadership is a key for success and a key for failure as well. This means that a thin line separates success and failure in leadership.
In the word of Awolowo,”the level of enlightenment on the side of leaders determines the level of socio economic development and the standard of living of that country. One of the fundamental problems of our leaders is the problem of priority.Awolowo further states “most of African leaders do not get their priorities right.”(Obafemi Awolowo: Socio Political Philosophy; A critical interpretation.Italy.Tipo LItografia.1986 P.145)Also a good leader must be patient and must be enwisdomised.Can leadership position in Nigeria be said to be a quest for service or a quest for title?
Furthermore, the concept of leadership in Nigeria is a thing that has to be re-visited. As earlier stated, majority of Nigerians cannot actually fathom out the essence of leadership. To some, it is a call to serve while to others, it is a call to be served. It is quite unfortunate that most of our past and present leaders belong to the later category. Therefore I think they need to do some mental cob webbing. From the above, it becomes indisputable that a leader is one that leads with both words and actions. That is, leading by example. Put differently, a leader must see himself or herself as part and parcel of the society. Meaning he or she must obey ethical norms of the society.
Nonetheless, leadership is not a thing that emanated from the blues. In fact, biblicallyspeaking; Adam was the first leader in the world. After the creation, Adam was placed by God to be “in charge” of all his (God) creatures. Throughout the history of the people of Isreal, there is a common factor that cuts across the collapse of the leadership system at different point in history. As soon as they misinterpret the concept of service and make others serve them, their leadership collapse and a new leader emerges.
As a way of conclusion, leadership has been a problem to human beings according to history. It is a thing that will not cease to be, unless man ceases to be. It must be noted that the essence of leadership is for the “common goal” of a particular individual. According to Dr.E.Amara,”what is for the society cannot be for a particular individual?”Therfore, in order to ensure effective leadership, a leader has to be discipline both in words and actions. Every leader must look up to the leadership of Jesus Christ. He exemplified who a leader is by stooping to wash the disciple’s feats. Above all, he teaches us that a leader is called to serve not to be served.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
AFTER AMNESTY,WHAT NEXT?
Now that the militants of the Niger Delta have embraced the amnesty package granted them by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the onus is on the Federal Government to fulfill its part.
For the past ten years, these men took up arms to draw attention to the sad situation in their region. These strong, fearless and hairy chested young men saw that they have limited options, some of them, graduates from reputable universities, answered the call of patriotism to emancipate their oil and gas bearing territories spanning the longest stretch of the coastal lands, such as Delta,Bayelsa,Rivers,Akwa Ibom,Cross River, Edo and Ondo States.
The Niger-Delta struggle actually separated the criminals from the freedom fighters and underlined the fact that development is the key to transformation of the region and the necessity of peace for the execution of any package by the government.
The struggle began in the 1960’s with the secessionist movement led by Isaac Boro.Boro and his comrades, who were rounded up by the federal troops, under the regime of Prime Minister, Abubaker Tafawa Balawa, were tried and sentenced to dearth for reasonable felony.
Consecutive administration in Nigeria cracked down on communities engaged in anti-oil drilling activities, wiping out an entire community at Umuechem in River State and executing nine Ogoni ethnic champions, including the internationally famed author and environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa.
Before now, several administrations had introduced programmes and policies to take care of the nations milking ground, which the region has faulted. One of them is Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which was established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to finding a lasting solution to the Niger-Delta problem.
The Niger-Delta Development Master Plan, was allegedly designed and packaged by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the development agency established to undertake infrastructural and socio-economic development of the region. The master plan was said to be a 15 year road map to transport the people of Niger Delta away from squalor and dearth of physical and social infrastructure to a land of promise, flowing with milk and honey.
The big question is: where was the proposal made by northern members of the National Assembly? Who does not know that it takes to live in wooden shanties and stilt dwelling in water? One can only but wonders whether NDDC has lived up to its intentions.
Skeptics have, however, wondered how the NDDC would succeed. This could be attributed to President Yar’dua’s decision to withhold NDDC fund in January 2008.Also,what was the rationale for wanting to move a Federal University of Petroleum Resources,Effurun, Warri,in Delta State, to Kaduna despite the hue cry that greeted the initial whisperings to that effect.
There is no two-way about it, the reversal of the upgrading of the Petroleum Training Institute, Warri, and the upgrading of the Collage of Petroleum, Kaduna,by the same government raises a posers. Does Yar’Adua or some people in the region really want peace in the country? Was the amnesty proclaimed done because the government saw that movie scene, where the Joint Task Force (JTF) is seen as the “tireless villain?” The militants are still able to blow up more oil facilities and the only way to calm frayed nerves from totally crushing the economy was to grant amnesty to them.
At a meeting in Por-Harcourt, there was no plan representatives of some of the militant leader told the committee that it was impossible for the militants to surrender the arms and ammunition which was bought with millions of naira just like that to the government. They did not embark on the struggle for nothing. The arms were not bought on the grounds that if the government granted them amnesty, they would surrender the arms freely to the government and there was no plan of surrendering in the first instance.So,if government now says it has recognized the point of the freedom fighters, which is all about development, should it ask somebody who spent between N50 million and N100 million to purchase arms to surrender them for free?
“Who told them that N65, 000 for three months mean anything to youths who joined the struggle for a purpose, what happens after three months? If the N65, 000 is for feeding and transport allowance, do they know how much the boys in the militant camps receive per month? One of the representatives asked.
Although the government team did not accept the suggestion that any amount be paid for the surrendered arms, the discussion on disarmament ended without agreement.
However, the militants have surrendered their arms, perhaps with doubts in their minds. The people of the region and the world can now watch with keen interest how President Yar’Adua will bring about development in the area.
For the past ten years, these men took up arms to draw attention to the sad situation in their region. These strong, fearless and hairy chested young men saw that they have limited options, some of them, graduates from reputable universities, answered the call of patriotism to emancipate their oil and gas bearing territories spanning the longest stretch of the coastal lands, such as Delta,Bayelsa,Rivers,Akwa Ibom,Cross River, Edo and Ondo States.
The Niger-Delta struggle actually separated the criminals from the freedom fighters and underlined the fact that development is the key to transformation of the region and the necessity of peace for the execution of any package by the government.
The struggle began in the 1960’s with the secessionist movement led by Isaac Boro.Boro and his comrades, who were rounded up by the federal troops, under the regime of Prime Minister, Abubaker Tafawa Balawa, were tried and sentenced to dearth for reasonable felony.
Consecutive administration in Nigeria cracked down on communities engaged in anti-oil drilling activities, wiping out an entire community at Umuechem in River State and executing nine Ogoni ethnic champions, including the internationally famed author and environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa.
Before now, several administrations had introduced programmes and policies to take care of the nations milking ground, which the region has faulted. One of them is Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which was established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to finding a lasting solution to the Niger-Delta problem.
The Niger-Delta Development Master Plan, was allegedly designed and packaged by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the development agency established to undertake infrastructural and socio-economic development of the region. The master plan was said to be a 15 year road map to transport the people of Niger Delta away from squalor and dearth of physical and social infrastructure to a land of promise, flowing with milk and honey.
The big question is: where was the proposal made by northern members of the National Assembly? Who does not know that it takes to live in wooden shanties and stilt dwelling in water? One can only but wonders whether NDDC has lived up to its intentions.
Skeptics have, however, wondered how the NDDC would succeed. This could be attributed to President Yar’dua’s decision to withhold NDDC fund in January 2008.Also,what was the rationale for wanting to move a Federal University of Petroleum Resources,Effurun, Warri,in Delta State, to Kaduna despite the hue cry that greeted the initial whisperings to that effect.
There is no two-way about it, the reversal of the upgrading of the Petroleum Training Institute, Warri, and the upgrading of the Collage of Petroleum, Kaduna,by the same government raises a posers. Does Yar’Adua or some people in the region really want peace in the country? Was the amnesty proclaimed done because the government saw that movie scene, where the Joint Task Force (JTF) is seen as the “tireless villain?” The militants are still able to blow up more oil facilities and the only way to calm frayed nerves from totally crushing the economy was to grant amnesty to them.
At a meeting in Por-Harcourt, there was no plan representatives of some of the militant leader told the committee that it was impossible for the militants to surrender the arms and ammunition which was bought with millions of naira just like that to the government. They did not embark on the struggle for nothing. The arms were not bought on the grounds that if the government granted them amnesty, they would surrender the arms freely to the government and there was no plan of surrendering in the first instance.So,if government now says it has recognized the point of the freedom fighters, which is all about development, should it ask somebody who spent between N50 million and N100 million to purchase arms to surrender them for free?
“Who told them that N65, 000 for three months mean anything to youths who joined the struggle for a purpose, what happens after three months? If the N65, 000 is for feeding and transport allowance, do they know how much the boys in the militant camps receive per month? One of the representatives asked.
Although the government team did not accept the suggestion that any amount be paid for the surrendered arms, the discussion on disarmament ended without agreement.
However, the militants have surrendered their arms, perhaps with doubts in their minds. The people of the region and the world can now watch with keen interest how President Yar’Adua will bring about development in the area.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
ECONOMICS RECESSION AND CHALLENGES OF FINANCIAL REGULATION.
It is no longer in dispute that poor financial system practices is the fundamental cause of the current global economic crisis, which has manifested in the reduction of new investments to almost zero level, the collapse of the stock market, increasing unemployment with attendant lack of effective demand. There is hardly any aspect of the economy that has been adversely affected be it financial, real estate, manufacturing or service sectors. Indeed like a fast spreading virus, the financial meltdown which originated from America has permeated every economy to the extent of their interconnectedness to the international financial system.
When the crucial role of the financial system in the development of any economy and in particular function as mobilizer of savings and promoter of investment and in helping in the preservation of the overall balance in the economy is appreciated, the necessity for effective regulation of the operations of the financial institutions becomes imperative.
The challenges before the financial system regulations in Nigeria was one of the core themes of the National Policy Dialogue organized by the Prestigious African Institute for Applied Economics with Prof Eric Eboh as the Executive Director, in collaboration with the National Assembly Policy Analysis and Research Project (PARP) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on June 18,2009.
The financial system is the key to any economy. It is hub that drives all other sectors of the economy.Accordingly, any adverse effect on the system has the propensity to grid the economy in its totality. That is why the issue of the regulation of the financial system is a matter of serious concern to any nation.
It is the legitimate expectation of every rational man that in the challenging time of economic recession, financial institution particularly, banks should come to the rescue and to prop up citizen’s effective demand. But the problem becomes hydra-headed where financial institutions on which the hope of economic salvation liers runs into coma even before the difficult moment begins just as we are witnessing in Nigeria today.
In Nigeria, financialsystem regulation/supervision is shared by the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Security and Exchange Commission and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. And the regulation seeks to ensure the safety of the country’s financial system, to protect banks against undue risks and to give support through lending to the priority areas of the economy such as Agriculture, Solid Mineral Manufacturing, Export and Small and Medium scale enterprises (SME).
It is therefore of great importance for the regulatory authorities in the financial system to ensure that financial institutions play their role as a bastion of economic growth and development by providing capital needed to energize the economy and the real sector in particular. The recent Tsunami in the nation’s banking sector leading to the sack of the boards of Afribank, Union bank, Oceanic bank, Intercontinental bank and Fin bank has revealed that financial facilities by banks are skewed in favour of volatile petroleum sector to the neglect of the real sector. And that was what the stakeholders at the National Policy Symposium noted and called for greater vigilance on the part of the regulatory agencies in the financial system. While commending the Central Bank for the consolidation policy which has strengthened the capacity of the banking sector for project financing, the stakeholders further urged all the financial system regulators to ensure that the financial institutions lend to the real sector and avoid undue credit risk which ultimately leads to bad loans and possible collapse of the banking sector a strategy we can ill-afford at this point in time.
One thing certain, namely, that bank lending in Nigeria today is skewed on high risk enterprises with quick return to the neglect of growth-driving sectors of the economic such high credit risk has the propensity for bank failure. Effective regulation/supervision of the financial system is therefore a sine qua non for the provision of early warning signal of imminent danger to economic stability; it also has the prospect of exposing the window-dressing of bank records, the phenomenon of “bubble” capital, paper profit and the false picture of wonderful performances.
Many of the banks gave out huge sums of money to customers to buy shares which should not be.Now, with the collapse of stock marking arising from the global economic crisis; many of the banks have become weakened akin to a fish thrown out of water. The recent sack of the Chief Executives of five leading banks in Nigeria by the Central Bank on account of their poor lending practices resulting in huge bad debts is instructive and should serve as a lesson to other bank executives.
The path to sustainable development is the growth in the real sector and regulatory authorities should therefore compel financial institutions to focus their lending activities that direction. It is finally submitted that effective financial system surveillance should go beyond audit report and dubious reports of rating agency is what is needed for meaningful supervision.
When the crucial role of the financial system in the development of any economy and in particular function as mobilizer of savings and promoter of investment and in helping in the preservation of the overall balance in the economy is appreciated, the necessity for effective regulation of the operations of the financial institutions becomes imperative.
The challenges before the financial system regulations in Nigeria was one of the core themes of the National Policy Dialogue organized by the Prestigious African Institute for Applied Economics with Prof Eric Eboh as the Executive Director, in collaboration with the National Assembly Policy Analysis and Research Project (PARP) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on June 18,2009.
The financial system is the key to any economy. It is hub that drives all other sectors of the economy.Accordingly, any adverse effect on the system has the propensity to grid the economy in its totality. That is why the issue of the regulation of the financial system is a matter of serious concern to any nation.
It is the legitimate expectation of every rational man that in the challenging time of economic recession, financial institution particularly, banks should come to the rescue and to prop up citizen’s effective demand. But the problem becomes hydra-headed where financial institutions on which the hope of economic salvation liers runs into coma even before the difficult moment begins just as we are witnessing in Nigeria today.
In Nigeria, financialsystem regulation/supervision is shared by the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Security and Exchange Commission and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. And the regulation seeks to ensure the safety of the country’s financial system, to protect banks against undue risks and to give support through lending to the priority areas of the economy such as Agriculture, Solid Mineral Manufacturing, Export and Small and Medium scale enterprises (SME).
It is therefore of great importance for the regulatory authorities in the financial system to ensure that financial institutions play their role as a bastion of economic growth and development by providing capital needed to energize the economy and the real sector in particular. The recent Tsunami in the nation’s banking sector leading to the sack of the boards of Afribank, Union bank, Oceanic bank, Intercontinental bank and Fin bank has revealed that financial facilities by banks are skewed in favour of volatile petroleum sector to the neglect of the real sector. And that was what the stakeholders at the National Policy Symposium noted and called for greater vigilance on the part of the regulatory agencies in the financial system. While commending the Central Bank for the consolidation policy which has strengthened the capacity of the banking sector for project financing, the stakeholders further urged all the financial system regulators to ensure that the financial institutions lend to the real sector and avoid undue credit risk which ultimately leads to bad loans and possible collapse of the banking sector a strategy we can ill-afford at this point in time.
One thing certain, namely, that bank lending in Nigeria today is skewed on high risk enterprises with quick return to the neglect of growth-driving sectors of the economic such high credit risk has the propensity for bank failure. Effective regulation/supervision of the financial system is therefore a sine qua non for the provision of early warning signal of imminent danger to economic stability; it also has the prospect of exposing the window-dressing of bank records, the phenomenon of “bubble” capital, paper profit and the false picture of wonderful performances.
Many of the banks gave out huge sums of money to customers to buy shares which should not be.Now, with the collapse of stock marking arising from the global economic crisis; many of the banks have become weakened akin to a fish thrown out of water. The recent sack of the Chief Executives of five leading banks in Nigeria by the Central Bank on account of their poor lending practices resulting in huge bad debts is instructive and should serve as a lesson to other bank executives.
The path to sustainable development is the growth in the real sector and regulatory authorities should therefore compel financial institutions to focus their lending activities that direction. It is finally submitted that effective financial system surveillance should go beyond audit report and dubious reports of rating agency is what is needed for meaningful supervision.
CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY.
Every individual is important, irrespective of the abilities the individual possess, be it physical or mental. Everyone is unique in his or her contribution to the progress of the world. Just like the parts of the body, which rely on each other to function properly, likewise the ability and strength of people in this world?
It is very unfortunate that some people in this world did not get the right physical appearance that nature proposed for every human being. Some people have to go on in life without some of their body parts in the right order to make them function properly. Some live without hands, legs, sight, voice or sense of hearing, making them physically impaired, or sometimes called people with disability. In whichever situation they find themselves, they make it a point to be useful to themselves and to society in so many ways. Even though some of these physically impaired capitalize on their disability, and go about the streets begging for alms, society must make it a point to help those who have decided not to be a burden, but rather strive to make themselves useful.
In Nigeria and many parts of the world, disability is often considered a curse in one’s family, which runs from generation to generation, or could be a sin committed by the individual, which has brought calamity on him or herself. In this case, society refuses to empathies with the person, as well be of help to him, with the notion that the calamity that had befallen the unfortunate person could be transmitted to them as well. They are normally stigmatized, rejected by family members and society, and sometimes made fun of by children. They superstitious belief by some that in giving alms to those with disability would be giving your luck to that person makes both the literate and illiterate behave meanly towards them.
This belief has made people forget about the scientific and medical fact that disability could be as a result of a deficiency in a parent, or an infection by one of the killer diseases or vehicular accident. Society must not forget that PWD, no matter their degree of disability, are also citizens and residents of a society and country, and as such, are entitled to equal rights. They should not be given the trauma of always battling with who they really are, in terms of them facing restriction to participating in societal programmes,and facing discrimination and abuse.
Owing to the rate at which PWDs are discriminated against, it is very hard to see them in honorable positions and offices, even though it might be one of their dreams in life. A PWD sometimes feels reluctant to continue or go to school, since he or she would not acknowledged by society to occupy positions of responsibility. It has been observed that the majority of PWDs, especially the deaf-mute and blind, no matter how brilliant they are, often end their educational background at the Secondary School level. This can be attributed to the fact that the government has no provision for them to continue their education as far as they can, and also official appointments to accommodate them, they however end up learning some form of vocation.
PWDs are often discriminated in several positions of the nation, even at workplaces, their abilities are taken for granted, and no matter how qualified they are for the position. Even when accepted at the work place, he or she is often isolated during any activity or programme at the work place. It is very sad to note that the attitude of people towards PWDs makes their God-given talent end up being hidden. In some quarters they attract pity from the society which most of them frown at. For some PWDs it takes courage and steadfastness to bring out the talent they have in them.
As a result of this discrimination, the United Nations (UN), governments and organizational bodies have come to empathies with PWDs to free them from their plights. According to the Direcgov website, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 aims to end the discriminating that many disabled people face. This Act has been significantly extended by the Disability Discriminating Act 2005.It now gives disabled people rights in the areas of employment,education,access to goods, facilities and services, including larger private clubs and land-based transport services, buying or renting land and property, and for tenants to make disability-related adaptations, functions of public bodies, for example issuing of licenses.
The Act requires public bodies to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people. It also allows the government to set minimum standards so that disabled people can use public transport more easily.Furthermore; it prevents any form of harassment in employment, education, and in terms of goods and service. In Nigeria, this act has been in existence, but its implementation has always been the issue. We are all witnesses to this incessant discrimination both in the public and private life of our nation. We believe that the right and social image of PWDs would be enhanced if the poverty and misery among the majority of them are tackled and alleviated and if government and society become more interested in their affairs.
It is our view that society must come to the realizations that people with physical impairment can in no way serve as an obstacle to their capabilities, if society doesn’t take their existence and rights for granted. Society should try and give PWDs the same chances given to other people in life, in order for them to be proud of their existence in life, and also be able to reach their dreams and aspirations.
The government, which they have most of their hopes on, must try and implement the disability act, since it is meant for them. It is the responsibility of the government to take care and protect the rights of all its citizens, and not just a portion, so as to enhance its campaign on democracy in the nation.
On a positive side, governments and the church should embark on a programme of cultural, educational and sporting exchanges. This we hope will help to create better understanding among our youth and a deeper appreciation of the cultural heritage of Nigeria.
It is very unfortunate that some people in this world did not get the right physical appearance that nature proposed for every human being. Some people have to go on in life without some of their body parts in the right order to make them function properly. Some live without hands, legs, sight, voice or sense of hearing, making them physically impaired, or sometimes called people with disability. In whichever situation they find themselves, they make it a point to be useful to themselves and to society in so many ways. Even though some of these physically impaired capitalize on their disability, and go about the streets begging for alms, society must make it a point to help those who have decided not to be a burden, but rather strive to make themselves useful.
In Nigeria and many parts of the world, disability is often considered a curse in one’s family, which runs from generation to generation, or could be a sin committed by the individual, which has brought calamity on him or herself. In this case, society refuses to empathies with the person, as well be of help to him, with the notion that the calamity that had befallen the unfortunate person could be transmitted to them as well. They are normally stigmatized, rejected by family members and society, and sometimes made fun of by children. They superstitious belief by some that in giving alms to those with disability would be giving your luck to that person makes both the literate and illiterate behave meanly towards them.
This belief has made people forget about the scientific and medical fact that disability could be as a result of a deficiency in a parent, or an infection by one of the killer diseases or vehicular accident. Society must not forget that PWD, no matter their degree of disability, are also citizens and residents of a society and country, and as such, are entitled to equal rights. They should not be given the trauma of always battling with who they really are, in terms of them facing restriction to participating in societal programmes,and facing discrimination and abuse.
Owing to the rate at which PWDs are discriminated against, it is very hard to see them in honorable positions and offices, even though it might be one of their dreams in life. A PWD sometimes feels reluctant to continue or go to school, since he or she would not acknowledged by society to occupy positions of responsibility. It has been observed that the majority of PWDs, especially the deaf-mute and blind, no matter how brilliant they are, often end their educational background at the Secondary School level. This can be attributed to the fact that the government has no provision for them to continue their education as far as they can, and also official appointments to accommodate them, they however end up learning some form of vocation.
PWDs are often discriminated in several positions of the nation, even at workplaces, their abilities are taken for granted, and no matter how qualified they are for the position. Even when accepted at the work place, he or she is often isolated during any activity or programme at the work place. It is very sad to note that the attitude of people towards PWDs makes their God-given talent end up being hidden. In some quarters they attract pity from the society which most of them frown at. For some PWDs it takes courage and steadfastness to bring out the talent they have in them.
As a result of this discrimination, the United Nations (UN), governments and organizational bodies have come to empathies with PWDs to free them from their plights. According to the Direcgov website, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 aims to end the discriminating that many disabled people face. This Act has been significantly extended by the Disability Discriminating Act 2005.It now gives disabled people rights in the areas of employment,education,access to goods, facilities and services, including larger private clubs and land-based transport services, buying or renting land and property, and for tenants to make disability-related adaptations, functions of public bodies, for example issuing of licenses.
The Act requires public bodies to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people. It also allows the government to set minimum standards so that disabled people can use public transport more easily.Furthermore; it prevents any form of harassment in employment, education, and in terms of goods and service. In Nigeria, this act has been in existence, but its implementation has always been the issue. We are all witnesses to this incessant discrimination both in the public and private life of our nation. We believe that the right and social image of PWDs would be enhanced if the poverty and misery among the majority of them are tackled and alleviated and if government and society become more interested in their affairs.
It is our view that society must come to the realizations that people with physical impairment can in no way serve as an obstacle to their capabilities, if society doesn’t take their existence and rights for granted. Society should try and give PWDs the same chances given to other people in life, in order for them to be proud of their existence in life, and also be able to reach their dreams and aspirations.
The government, which they have most of their hopes on, must try and implement the disability act, since it is meant for them. It is the responsibility of the government to take care and protect the rights of all its citizens, and not just a portion, so as to enhance its campaign on democracy in the nation.
On a positive side, governments and the church should embark on a programme of cultural, educational and sporting exchanges. This we hope will help to create better understanding among our youth and a deeper appreciation of the cultural heritage of Nigeria.
Monday, October 19, 2009
TONY BLAIR REVEALS WHAT ATTRACTED HIM TO CATHOLICISM.
Religion has a central and unique role in society and its development, according to the former prime minister of England. Tony Blair, a convert to Catholicism, spoke with L’Osservatore Romano about his faith in an exclusive interview.” My spiritual journey began when I started to go to Mass with my wife”, Blair said.” Then we decided to baptize our children in the Catholic faith. It was a journey that lasted 25 years, or perhaps more. In time, emotionally, intellectually and rationally it seemed to me that the Catholic home was the right one for me. When I left political office, and I no longer had the entire context connected with been prime minister, it was something I really wanted to do”.
Blair added that religion has brought him closer to his wife.” We did not meet because of religion, but it was very interesting to discover that my wife was very active in Catholic student organization and in other youth organization,” he recalled.” For young people 23 or 24 years old, when we met, it was rather unusual to discover a shared interest in religion.”
Blair affirmed that in addition to his wife’s influence, an experience with Pope John II helped him move toward Catholicism. He attended a mass celebrated by the Holy Father in his private chapel.” It is still a very vivid memory, an episode that impressed me very much,” Blair recounted.”Certainly,it is quite probable that, in any event, I would have come to my conversion but,undoubtedly,it was an important stage that ultimately reinforced my decision.
“One of the things that have most attracted me to the Catholic Church is her universal nature. If you are a Catholic, you can go anywhere in the world and attend mass. I was at Mass in Kigali, Beijing, Singapore…The fact that wherever you are, you are in communion with others is really formidable. The universal Church herself is an important model of a global institution.” The British politician is now dedicated to promoting the Tony Blair Foundation for inter-religious dialogue, which is especially active in Africa and the Middle East. As to whether being a Catholic is an advantage in his activity in the Middle East, Blair responded:”Honestly,I’ve never considered it a problem.Never.On the contrary, I often think that, in the modern world, the fact of being a person of faith enhances one’s capacity to relate to persons of other creeds. It’s true, sometimes the opposite happens—one meets with strong opposition. However, given that today, factors of secularization subject faith to a harsh and aggressive attack, in the end what happens is that people of different creeds sometimes become allies.”
Blair praised Benedict XVI’s encyclical “Caritas in Veritate,”saying it should be “read and re-read.” He particularly highlighted the Pope’s affirmation that “the Christian religion and other religions can make mean that debates and confrontations will end. On the contrary, it will continue on many subjects in regards to which, probably, the church will be on one side and political leaders on the other.”However, I don’t think this is the main point: The point is that faith has every right to enter in this space and to speak. It must not be silent.” The voice of faith must not be absent from the public debate.
Finally, L’Osservatore Romano spoke with Blair about his personal experience as a father. He said it is a role that has to be taken “with responsibility and without arrogance.”
No matter how good or intelligent I thought I was, I always found that to be a father was something very difficult. And I still think so,” he reflected. Blair affirmed that fathers are “crucial” figures in the family,”essential”for children’s growth and formation. And he contended that “in certain aspects, the idea of family is being recovered.” Also in this area I believe that religious communities and the Church have a role to play,” Blair said.” It’s true, families have their problems, they disintegrate—something that I fear will continue to happen. How ever, I have always thought that the Church’s indications in the matter of the family were useful.
“Lets be clear: to make a marriage work calls for effort and, I believe, paternity also calls for it. But I really think that, among the great changes that are taking place, also in the social realm, it is necessary to rediscover that paternity is a responsibility and a necessity.
Blair added that religion has brought him closer to his wife.” We did not meet because of religion, but it was very interesting to discover that my wife was very active in Catholic student organization and in other youth organization,” he recalled.” For young people 23 or 24 years old, when we met, it was rather unusual to discover a shared interest in religion.”
Blair affirmed that in addition to his wife’s influence, an experience with Pope John II helped him move toward Catholicism. He attended a mass celebrated by the Holy Father in his private chapel.” It is still a very vivid memory, an episode that impressed me very much,” Blair recounted.”Certainly,it is quite probable that, in any event, I would have come to my conversion but,undoubtedly,it was an important stage that ultimately reinforced my decision.
“One of the things that have most attracted me to the Catholic Church is her universal nature. If you are a Catholic, you can go anywhere in the world and attend mass. I was at Mass in Kigali, Beijing, Singapore…The fact that wherever you are, you are in communion with others is really formidable. The universal Church herself is an important model of a global institution.” The British politician is now dedicated to promoting the Tony Blair Foundation for inter-religious dialogue, which is especially active in Africa and the Middle East. As to whether being a Catholic is an advantage in his activity in the Middle East, Blair responded:”Honestly,I’ve never considered it a problem.Never.On the contrary, I often think that, in the modern world, the fact of being a person of faith enhances one’s capacity to relate to persons of other creeds. It’s true, sometimes the opposite happens—one meets with strong opposition. However, given that today, factors of secularization subject faith to a harsh and aggressive attack, in the end what happens is that people of different creeds sometimes become allies.”
Blair praised Benedict XVI’s encyclical “Caritas in Veritate,”saying it should be “read and re-read.” He particularly highlighted the Pope’s affirmation that “the Christian religion and other religions can make mean that debates and confrontations will end. On the contrary, it will continue on many subjects in regards to which, probably, the church will be on one side and political leaders on the other.”However, I don’t think this is the main point: The point is that faith has every right to enter in this space and to speak. It must not be silent.” The voice of faith must not be absent from the public debate.
Finally, L’Osservatore Romano spoke with Blair about his personal experience as a father. He said it is a role that has to be taken “with responsibility and without arrogance.”
No matter how good or intelligent I thought I was, I always found that to be a father was something very difficult. And I still think so,” he reflected. Blair affirmed that fathers are “crucial” figures in the family,”essential”for children’s growth and formation. And he contended that “in certain aspects, the idea of family is being recovered.” Also in this area I believe that religious communities and the Church have a role to play,” Blair said.” It’s true, families have their problems, they disintegrate—something that I fear will continue to happen. How ever, I have always thought that the Church’s indications in the matter of the family were useful.
“Lets be clear: to make a marriage work calls for effort and, I believe, paternity also calls for it. But I really think that, among the great changes that are taking place, also in the social realm, it is necessary to rediscover that paternity is a responsibility and a necessity.
CATHOLIC BISHOPS EXPRESS SADNESS OVER NIGERIAN SITUATION.
The Nigerian Bishops under the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigerian have in one voice condemned the deteriorating social situations in Nigeria, adding that the country has continued to suffer under the weight of corruption, and our people live in fear because of insecurity of life and property. The Bishops made this observation in a Communiqué issued at the end of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Centre of Transfiguration Kafanchan, Kaduna State between September 7th to 12th, 2009.The Communiqué which was titiled:”Conversion for Justice and Reconciliation” was jointly signed by its Chairman, Most Rev.Felix Alaba Job, the archbishop of Ibadan and Most Rev.Dr.Alfred Martin of Abeokuta.
The Bishops reaffirmed the observation they made on the distress of the nation in their communiqué at the conclusion of the 2nd Plenary in 1997 where they stated then:” The social ills of armed robbery,violent,official corruption, deteriorating infrastructure, falling standard of education and health care, have continued unabated to such an extent that the quality of life of most Nigerians has degenerated to a level that is below human dignity”, nothing that twelve years later, indices of distress abound in our country. Continuing the Bishops unequivocally stated.” The evil of corruption has made of us an improvised people inhabiting a land of immense riches .The level of poverty in our land and the problem of insecurity go hand in hand. Strike actions embarked upon by numerous associations and unions in the country, are further signals of a country in distress and in dire need of direction”. The bishops call on the leaders of the nation to formulate policies that would alleviate the suffering of the masses.
Lamenting on the level of unemployment among our youths, the Bishops noted,” The collapse of infrastructure has a negative impact on economic activities. When the economy is in turmoil, millions of young Nigerians cannot be gainfully employed. Perceiving their country, Nigeria, as a country that dashes their hopes, many of such young people end up on the payroll of people who arm them to be political thugs, kidnappers, or armed robbers. Many others are used by state and local government in this country to extort money from Nigerians such that traveling from one local government to another has become a nightmare, an adventure in paying sundry tolls”. The Bishops therefore appealed to the government to create employment for our youths.
Also, in the Communiqué, the Bishops recognize that corruption is not only at the higher levels of public life.” It is also found at the lower levels of our life: from the filling station attendant who tampers with the dispensing machines, the messengers or clerk who hide files, the stockbroker who manipulates the markets, the policeman or woman who extorts money from citizen, the banker who defrauds shareholders and customers of his bank, the judge who fiddles with justice, the lawyer who sells out his client, the politician who rigs elections, the teacher who solicits favours from students, the student who cheats while writing an examination, the religious leaders or preacher who manipulates the people in the place of worship for his own purpose, the farmer or seller of farm produce who hides rotten foodstuffs under fresh ones, the hawker in traffic who runs away with your change” and invite Nigerians to totally change their attitudes and such a change must be personal and collective for the good of the society.
The Bishops finally call on the citizens to submit to God from the depths of their hearts as the human heart is the sanctuary of the Spirit of God so that the human person can be recreated in the image of the Son of God.” When we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, our worship will please God, and our actions will be acceptable in his sight. Then shall we be just to God and our neighbor, and then shall peace and justice reign amongst us in our land”, the Bishops conclude.
The Bishops reaffirmed the observation they made on the distress of the nation in their communiqué at the conclusion of the 2nd Plenary in 1997 where they stated then:” The social ills of armed robbery,violent,official corruption, deteriorating infrastructure, falling standard of education and health care, have continued unabated to such an extent that the quality of life of most Nigerians has degenerated to a level that is below human dignity”, nothing that twelve years later, indices of distress abound in our country. Continuing the Bishops unequivocally stated.” The evil of corruption has made of us an improvised people inhabiting a land of immense riches .The level of poverty in our land and the problem of insecurity go hand in hand. Strike actions embarked upon by numerous associations and unions in the country, are further signals of a country in distress and in dire need of direction”. The bishops call on the leaders of the nation to formulate policies that would alleviate the suffering of the masses.
Lamenting on the level of unemployment among our youths, the Bishops noted,” The collapse of infrastructure has a negative impact on economic activities. When the economy is in turmoil, millions of young Nigerians cannot be gainfully employed. Perceiving their country, Nigeria, as a country that dashes their hopes, many of such young people end up on the payroll of people who arm them to be political thugs, kidnappers, or armed robbers. Many others are used by state and local government in this country to extort money from Nigerians such that traveling from one local government to another has become a nightmare, an adventure in paying sundry tolls”. The Bishops therefore appealed to the government to create employment for our youths.
Also, in the Communiqué, the Bishops recognize that corruption is not only at the higher levels of public life.” It is also found at the lower levels of our life: from the filling station attendant who tampers with the dispensing machines, the messengers or clerk who hide files, the stockbroker who manipulates the markets, the policeman or woman who extorts money from citizen, the banker who defrauds shareholders and customers of his bank, the judge who fiddles with justice, the lawyer who sells out his client, the politician who rigs elections, the teacher who solicits favours from students, the student who cheats while writing an examination, the religious leaders or preacher who manipulates the people in the place of worship for his own purpose, the farmer or seller of farm produce who hides rotten foodstuffs under fresh ones, the hawker in traffic who runs away with your change” and invite Nigerians to totally change their attitudes and such a change must be personal and collective for the good of the society.
The Bishops finally call on the citizens to submit to God from the depths of their hearts as the human heart is the sanctuary of the Spirit of God so that the human person can be recreated in the image of the Son of God.” When we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, our worship will please God, and our actions will be acceptable in his sight. Then shall we be just to God and our neighbor, and then shall peace and justice reign amongst us in our land”, the Bishops conclude.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
GENERAL SANI ABACHA'S JOIN PEOPLE DEMOCRATIC PARTY(PDP).
Muhammad Abacha, the eldest son of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, yesterday formally declared for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the swearing-in ceremony of the state executive council in Kano.
Muhammad Abacha’s for declaration for PDP in Kano came amidst speculations that the top echelons of the largest party in Africa have agreed to install him the next governor of the state.
Abacha, clad in with gown, dotted with black spots with his traditional black cap to match, was heralded into the venue by hundreds of youths chanting pro-Abacha slogan.
The declaration by the young Abacha yesterday was a climax of long trek to revive the political image of the family whose head, General Sani Abacha died June 1998 as Nigeria’s Head of State.
Muhammad Abacha had told journalists some months ago of his desire to join partisan politics to enable him contribute his quota to the political development of the country.
Events leading to the formal declaration by the scion of the Abacha family were products of a proactive strategy designed to clear the general impression held by many Nigerians about late Abacha.
Two former military rulers, General Muhammadu Buhari and General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida picked the gauntlet during the 10th year’s anniversary of their colleague and cleared him of any wrong doing while presiding over the affairs of the country in separate chats with journalists.
Muhammad Abacha’s for declaration for PDP in Kano came amidst speculations that the top echelons of the largest party in Africa have agreed to install him the next governor of the state.
Abacha, clad in with gown, dotted with black spots with his traditional black cap to match, was heralded into the venue by hundreds of youths chanting pro-Abacha slogan.
The declaration by the young Abacha yesterday was a climax of long trek to revive the political image of the family whose head, General Sani Abacha died June 1998 as Nigeria’s Head of State.
Muhammad Abacha had told journalists some months ago of his desire to join partisan politics to enable him contribute his quota to the political development of the country.
Events leading to the formal declaration by the scion of the Abacha family were products of a proactive strategy designed to clear the general impression held by many Nigerians about late Abacha.
Two former military rulers, General Muhammadu Buhari and General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida picked the gauntlet during the 10th year’s anniversary of their colleague and cleared him of any wrong doing while presiding over the affairs of the country in separate chats with journalists.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
NGIGE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY:HOW FAR CAN HE GO?
Action Congress(AC) candidate in the forthcoming Anambra state gubernatorial election,Dr.Chris Ngige says he is on a second missionary journey to complete his blueprint for the state, which was not achieved during his time in office between 2003 and 2006.
Ngige at a media parley in Abuja recently affirmed that the present government had failed in its duty of securing lives and property and promised to apply a fresh approach which he said will be different and more successful to the method applied during his earlier time as governor.
Dr.Ngige, whose time in office was characterized with brushes with the Uba political clan, including a reported kidnap attempt said that such schemes were now beyond the Ubas, who he claimed he had forgiven.
Affirming that he was not afraid of the electoral contest where he is boxed between the federal might as represented by the People Democratic Party’s Prof.Chukwuma Soludo and Governor Peter Obi’s state machine, he said the choice would be made by the people of Anambra state.
While describing Prof.Soludo as a good academic, he however confessed that he could not say much the PDP candidate’s political worth.
Dr.Ngige also chided Governor Obi over what he described as the Governor’s apathy on the condition of roads in the state, saying that they were bearing a heavy death burden on the state.
“When I was sworn in as Governor in 2003, I had a blueprint which I wanted to execute for the people, to uplift their living standard and to make Anambra a happier place for all and sundry,”Ngige said.
My question are these, of what benefit will somebody that stole another person’s mandate? How are we sure that he will do better than Governor Obi after he has been there for three years without success?
Please I am not writing these article for you to believe all I have said but you will understand with me that this are my kind opinion.
Ngige at a media parley in Abuja recently affirmed that the present government had failed in its duty of securing lives and property and promised to apply a fresh approach which he said will be different and more successful to the method applied during his earlier time as governor.
Dr.Ngige, whose time in office was characterized with brushes with the Uba political clan, including a reported kidnap attempt said that such schemes were now beyond the Ubas, who he claimed he had forgiven.
Affirming that he was not afraid of the electoral contest where he is boxed between the federal might as represented by the People Democratic Party’s Prof.Chukwuma Soludo and Governor Peter Obi’s state machine, he said the choice would be made by the people of Anambra state.
While describing Prof.Soludo as a good academic, he however confessed that he could not say much the PDP candidate’s political worth.
Dr.Ngige also chided Governor Obi over what he described as the Governor’s apathy on the condition of roads in the state, saying that they were bearing a heavy death burden on the state.
“When I was sworn in as Governor in 2003, I had a blueprint which I wanted to execute for the people, to uplift their living standard and to make Anambra a happier place for all and sundry,”Ngige said.
My question are these, of what benefit will somebody that stole another person’s mandate? How are we sure that he will do better than Governor Obi after he has been there for three years without success?
Please I am not writing these article for you to believe all I have said but you will understand with me that this are my kind opinion.
Friday, October 16, 2009
ANIOMA PEOPLE VOW TO PRODUCE THE NEXT DELTA STATE GOVERNOR.
It was a gathering necessitated by determination and drive when the shakers and movers in Anioma Nation under the umbrella of the Anioma Political Forum(APF) met to express their views at Issele Uku,headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.
The occasion held at the Unity Hall on Friday October 9, 2009 attracted sons and daughters from the nine local governments in Delta North.
Speaking at the occasion, Professor B.I.C Ijeoma told the people that they should strive to unite, nothing that without unity they cannot achieve their aim of producing a governor come 2015.”Unity is strength”, he noted. He also emphasized that one of the reasons for forming Anioma Political Forum was to fight for the governorship of the state in 2015.
“The joy of planting is that people following you will benefit from the harvest”, he said. He added that some of those who started the fight were no longer alive, but acknowledged that a lot has been done. In his words, “the task ahead is great”.
He however stressed that they would honestly support Governor Uduaghan in his second tenure bid, but as soon as he steps down, Anioma must produce the next governor.
Hon. Victor Ochei, member of the State House of Assembly representing Aniocha North also corroborated prof.Ijeoma’s views, nothing that APF had agreed to support Uduaghan for his second tenure, but after that, the governorship comes to Delta North, stressing that anything contrary would result to the dissolution of the state.
He advised the people not to play to the gallery with the name of Uduaghan, stressing that they should unite.” No matter your different names, Anioma is bigger than all”.
Prince Uzor Idabor,in his view said that there was little work left to be done in the Aniocha North, but noted that with unity the goal could be achieved.
Barr. Fred Chijindu Ajidua also admonished the people to shun gossip and bad advice, stating that with patience and unity, Anioma must produce the governor come 2015.It took the black Americans many years to produce Obama,he said.
Giving a vote of thanks, the chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area,Hon.Mike Jaunty Okwudi thanked everyone for making the occasion colourful.
The occasion held at the Unity Hall on Friday October 9, 2009 attracted sons and daughters from the nine local governments in Delta North.
Speaking at the occasion, Professor B.I.C Ijeoma told the people that they should strive to unite, nothing that without unity they cannot achieve their aim of producing a governor come 2015.”Unity is strength”, he noted. He also emphasized that one of the reasons for forming Anioma Political Forum was to fight for the governorship of the state in 2015.
“The joy of planting is that people following you will benefit from the harvest”, he said. He added that some of those who started the fight were no longer alive, but acknowledged that a lot has been done. In his words, “the task ahead is great”.
He however stressed that they would honestly support Governor Uduaghan in his second tenure bid, but as soon as he steps down, Anioma must produce the next governor.
Hon. Victor Ochei, member of the State House of Assembly representing Aniocha North also corroborated prof.Ijeoma’s views, nothing that APF had agreed to support Uduaghan for his second tenure, but after that, the governorship comes to Delta North, stressing that anything contrary would result to the dissolution of the state.
He advised the people not to play to the gallery with the name of Uduaghan, stressing that they should unite.” No matter your different names, Anioma is bigger than all”.
Prince Uzor Idabor,in his view said that there was little work left to be done in the Aniocha North, but noted that with unity the goal could be achieved.
Barr. Fred Chijindu Ajidua also admonished the people to shun gossip and bad advice, stating that with patience and unity, Anioma must produce the governor come 2015.It took the black Americans many years to produce Obama,he said.
Giving a vote of thanks, the chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area,Hon.Mike Jaunty Okwudi thanked everyone for making the occasion colourful.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
THE NEW MULTI-PURPOSE NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD.
What interests me most in this country of ours is that you cannot stay in a day without seeing or hearing a surprising thing(s). Everyday we keep on talking about re-branding of the country when we have not really re-branded ourselves. Some few years ago the Federal Government came up with the National Identity Card which the entire Nations welcome with utmost gladness through the National Identity Card Commission.
Just yesterday the Federal Government came up with a surprising package that by next year there will be a New Multi-purpose National Identity Card to be headed by Mr.Azezi.The question some of us are asking is do they really know that they are wasting our tax payer’s money? Do they really know that they are taking the Country backward?
If I may ask, the former Identity Card took the Nation many years to produce which they are trying to discard; personnel’s were trained both within and outside the country. Does it mean they do not know that the Identity Card lacks a lot of features, does it mean there was no feasibility study that was carried out then or that the people that are in charge then was incompetent?
Why I am asking all this questions is that this does not tell well of the Country and apart from this that they are taking us backward and a waste on the tax payers money. Let us be responsible enough because all what they are trying to do is to create an avenue for a cabre in the Country to squander our national resources. Please in the name of God enough of this economic waste.
Just yesterday the Federal Government came up with a surprising package that by next year there will be a New Multi-purpose National Identity Card to be headed by Mr.Azezi.The question some of us are asking is do they really know that they are wasting our tax payer’s money? Do they really know that they are taking the Country backward?
If I may ask, the former Identity Card took the Nation many years to produce which they are trying to discard; personnel’s were trained both within and outside the country. Does it mean they do not know that the Identity Card lacks a lot of features, does it mean there was no feasibility study that was carried out then or that the people that are in charge then was incompetent?
Why I am asking all this questions is that this does not tell well of the Country and apart from this that they are taking us backward and a waste on the tax payers money. Let us be responsible enough because all what they are trying to do is to create an avenue for a cabre in the Country to squander our national resources. Please in the name of God enough of this economic waste.
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