Opinion

Late Saro-Wiwa And His Predictions

Published

15 years ago

December 27, 2010

Ken Saro-Wiwa was hanged 15 years ago, on November 10, 1995. He was among the nine environmental rights activists and members of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) executed by the Sani Abacha regime on charges of the murder of four Ogoni chiefs.

The inhabitants of the Niger Delta have been at the receiving end of decades of environmental pollution and ecological degradation caused by the multi-national crude oil extraction companies.

Ken Saro-Wiwa’s case was not different from the iniquities which bad governance had inflicted on Nigeria since 1962, when the central government started the usurpation of the autonomy of the federating regions.

Saro-Wiwa’s case has been singled out, because he was a young man who realised very early that there was neither an impact assessment nor any durable national policy protecting the interest of the Niger Delta especially the oil producing communities against the hazards of crude oil extraction.

General Yakubu Gowon who came to power as Head of state after General lronsi said in his maiden speech that the basis for Nigeria’s co-existence no longer existed. This statement amounted to a call for the break up of the country. The statement was unpalatable to the ethnic minority groups of the Northern and the Southern Nigeria. In their opinion, it would have amounted to an act of betrayal if the northern and eastern regions which in a coalition government had conspired in 1963, to create the Midwest region out of the old western region were to be allowed to form separate nations, carrying along with them the ethnic minority groups without their free, prior and informed consent.

Most of the consultative meetings held to stop the idea of Nigeria’s disintegration were held in Benin City, the Midwest capital between 1966 and 1967. They were attended by the likes of J.S.Tarka, Jolly Tanko Yusuf, Achimugu, I. Imam, Raji Abd ah and others from the North; Dr. Okoi Arikpo, S. U. Bassey, Ken aro- Wiwa, Dappa Biriye, Wenike Briggs and others from the East while from the Midwest were such top names like Chief Anthony Enahoro, Oba Akenzua, General David Ejoor, Timothy Omo Bare, S. L. Salubi and many others.

To allow the break up of Nigeria after the Midwest region has been created from the west was to Saro-Wiwa like sentencing the ethnic minority groups of the North and the East to eternal servitude.

As the crisis became protracted and General Odimegwu Ojukwu declared the sovereign state of Biafra, Ken Saro-Wiwa opted for the Nigerian side and was made the Administrator for Bonny division during the 30 months Biafra-Nigeria War. He served briefly after the war as a commissioner in River State under the administration of Diete-Spiff. He left the post in 1973 for private business of publishing and civil society activism.

In his view, “if a drunken and drug sedated driver is allowed at the steering wheel, it wasn’t just enough to start consoling and comforting the children and relations of passengers killed but the first thing is to withdraw the drunken man’s driving license and stop him from killing more people”

Saro-Wiwa saw Nigeria as a malformed state that needed total reforms. In Nigeria, the socio-economic malady was not just a problem of corrupt individuals in government, but the problem of a corrupt system.

After Ken’s death, the UN draft Declaration on the Right of Indigenous Peoples has been adopted by the UN General Assembly, spelling out how to fight self-determination struggles without violence.

Article 3 of the Declaration says, “Ingenious people have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development”

Many countries have started to adjust to the principles as spelt out by the UN Declaration by restoring self rule to the federating ethnic units.

I was privileged to know Kenule Benson Saro-Wiwa intimately. He was the foundation president of the Ethnic Minority and Indigenous Rights Organization of Africa (EMIROAF). I was with him during his last days in Lagos before he left for Port-Harcourt where he was arrested, tortured, tried and hanged. He no doubt had a premonition of his arrest and eventual death. Few days before his fateful departure from Lagos on May 19, 1994. He withdrew his personal “Will” from his bankers’ custody and updated it. It was a solemn occasion. I understood the ‘Will’ could not be implemented because the document was not returned to the bank before his arrest, trial and murder.

I visited him six times at the Bori Military Camp where he was detained in Port Harcourt between May 21, 1994 and November 10, 1995. He was always in high spirit. He would say, “I know even if I die for this cause the Niger Delta will no longer remain the same.

He predicted accurately that Nigeria will be a laughing stock before the rest of the world by the time he had finished with the country. A system that relishes in killing its talents while other countries are making use of the brains and services of their men and women has no future. On his death, the Commonwealth of Nations suspended Nigeria for its gross human rights abuses Since then all sorts of absurd things have started to manifest.

Ken was worried about the militarian society foisted on Africa by the colonialists. Athough by his elitist, western education background, he belonged to the privileged class, he was sensitive to the conditions of the poor in our society. He wanted a coalition of all the nationalities in Nigeria, big and small that would depend less on the use of coercion as the instrument of governance.

Saro-Wiwa argued that a system whose policies are specifically biased against the minority and the less privileged needed a fundamental restructuring. He therefore examined the concept of power in relationship to internal self-determination and drew the attention of the Nigerian rulers to the military distortion of the basic principles of federalism and ethnic sovereignty on which the struggle for independence was based.

At the outset of the Ogoni struggle for self determination, Ken was armed with the United Nations Charter, Conventions, Commissions, Declarations and Protocols guiding non violence movements. He fought the Ogoni struggle on the basis of information, rule of law, knowledge and spirituality while the Abacha regime that murdered him operated from the cruel platform of nihilism, ignorance, brutality, primitive arrogance and sadism

An outstanding representative voice of the down trodden masses in Africa, Ken knew the danger of confronting a primitive and corrupt system but he refused to be intimidated. He was one man who warned the Nigerian people about the imminent danger of a protracted militant struggle in the Niger Delta, indeed the entire country. As a messenger of peace, he came with a package of ideas on how to solve the problems without violence, but he was treated with disdain, mocked, tortured and killed. As we remember the anguish and torment Ken went through, our consolation lies in the fact that he fought for the upliftment of humanity and paid the supreme sacrifice for a just and worthy cause.

Ilenre is the Secretary-General, Ethnic Minority and Indigenous Rights Organization of Africa.

Alfred Ilenre

Opinion

Empowering Youth Through Agriculture

Published

1 day ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”While job seeking youths should continuously acquire skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment as well as in the global space through the use of digital platforms, government, corporate/ multinational organizations or the organised private sector should generate skills and provide the enabling environment for skills acquisition, through adequate funding and resettlement packages that will provide sustainable economic life for beneficiaries”.

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, recently urged youths in the Rivers State to take advantage of the vast opportunities available to become employers of labour and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the State. Governor Fubara noted that global trends increasingly favour entrepreneurship and innovation, and said that youths in Rivers State must not be left behind in harnessing these opportunities. The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, made this known while declaring open the 2026 Job Fair organised by the Rivers State Government in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Port Harcourt. The Governor acknowledged the responsibility of government to create jobs for its teeming youth population but noted that it is unrealistic to absorb all job seekers into the civil service.

“As a government, we recognise our duty to provide employment opportunities for our teeming youths. However, we also understand that not all youths can be accommodated within the civil service. This underscores the need to encourage entrepreneurship across diverse sectors and to partner with other stakeholders, including the youths themselves, so they can transition from being job seekers to employers of labour,” he said. It is necessary to State that Governor Fubara has not only stated the obvious but was committed to drive youth entrepreneurship towards their self-reliance and the economic development of the State It is not news that developed economies of the world are skilled driven economies. The private sector also remains the highest employer of labour in private sector driven or capitalist economy though it is also the responsibility of government to create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth population in Nigeria which has the highest youth unemployed population in the subSahara Africa.

The lack of job opportunities, caused partly by the Federal Government’s apathy to job creation, the lack of adequate supervision of job opportunities economic programmes, lack of employable skills by many youths in the country have conspired to heighten the attendant challenges of unemployment. The challenges which include, “Japa” syndrome (travelling abroad for greener pastures), that characterises the labour market and poses threat to the nation’s critical sector, especially the health and medical sector; astronomical increase in the crime rate and a loss of interest in education. While job seeking youths should continuously acquire skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment as well as in the global space through the use of digital platforms, government, corporate/ multinational organizations or the organised private sector should generate skills and provide the enabling environment for skills acquisition, through adequate funding and resettlement packages that will provide sustainable economic life for beneficiaries.

While commending the Rivers State Government led by the People First Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara for initiating “various training and capacity-building programmes in areas such as ICT and artificial intelligence, oil and gas, maritime, and the blue economy, among others”, it is note-worthy that the labour market is dynamic and shaped by industry-specific demands, technological advancements, management practices and other emerging factors. So another sector the Federal, State and Local Governments should encourage youths to explore and harness the abounding potentials, in my considered view, is Agriculture. Agriculture remains a veritable solution to hunger, inflation, and food Insecurity that ravages the country. No doubt, the Nigeria’s arable landmass is grossly under-utilised and under-exploited.

In recent times, Nigerians have voiced their concerns about the persistent challenges of hunger, inflation, and the general increase in prices of goods and commodities. These issues not only affect the livelihoods of individuals and families but also pose significant threats to food security and economic stability in the country. The United Nations estimated that more than 25 million people in Nigeria could face food insecurity this year—a 47% increase from the 17 million people already at risk of going hungry, mainly due to ongoing insecurity, protracted conflicts, and rising food prices. An estimated two million children under five are likely to be pushed into acute malnutrition. (Reliefweb ,2023). In response, Nigeria declared a state of emergency on food insecurity, recognizing the urgent need to tackle food shortages, stabilize rising prices, and protect farmers facing violence from armed groups. However, without addressing the insecurity challenges, farmers will continue to struggle to feed their families and boost food production.

In addition, parts of northwest and northeast Nigeria have experienced changes in rainfall patterns making less water available for crop production. These climate change events have resulted in droughts and land degradations; presenting challenges for local communities and leading to significant impact on food security. In light of these daunting challenges, it is imperative to address the intricate interplay between insecurity and agricultural productivity. Nigeria can work toward ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable economic growth in its vital agricultural sector. In this article, I suggest solutions that could enhance agricultural production and ensure that every state scales its agricultural production to a level where it can cater to 60% of the population.

This is feasible and achievable if government at all levels are intentional driving the development of the agricultural sector which was the major economic mainstay of the Country before the crude oil was struck in commercial quantity and consequently became the nation’s monolithic revenue source. Government should revive the moribund Graduate Farmers Scheme and the Rivers State School-to-Land agricultural programmes to operate concurrently with other skills acquisition and development programmes. There should be a consideration for investment in mechanized farming and arable land allocation. State and local governments should play a pivotal role in promoting mechanized farming and providing arable land for farming in communities. Additionally, allocating arable land enables small holder farmers to expand their operations and contribute to food security at the grassroots level.

Nigeria can unlock the potential of its agricultural sector to address the pressing needs of its population and achieve sustainable development. Policymakers and stakeholders must heed Akande’s recommendations and take decisive action to ensure a food-secure future for all Nigerians.

By: Igbiki Benibo

Opinion

Of Protests And Need For Dialogue

Published

1 day ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Quote:“.Across Abuja, Anambra, and Lagos, a common thread emerges: a disconnect between authority and empathy. Government actions may follow policy logic, but citizens respond from lived experience, fear, and frustration. When these realities collide without dialogue, the streets become the arena of engagement”

It was a turbulent week in the country, highlighting the widening gap between government intentions and public perception. From Abuja to Anambra and Lagos, citizens poured into the streets not just over specific grievances but in frustration with governance that often appears heavy-handed, confrontational, or insufficiently humane. While authorities may genuinely act in the public interest, their methods sometimes aggravate tensions rather than resolve them.

In Abuja, the strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) brought the capital to a near standstill. Their demands included five months’ unpaid wages, hazard and rural allowances, promotion arrears, welfare packages, pension and National Housing Fund remittances, and training and career progression concerns. These are core labour issues that directly affect workers’ dignity and livelihoods. Efforts to dialogue with the FCT Minister reportedly failed. Even after a court ordered the strike to end, workers persisted, underscoring the depth of discontent. Threats and sanctions only hardened positions.

The FCT crisis shows that industrial peace cannot be enforced through coercion. Dialogue is not weakness; it is recognition that governance is about people. Meeting labour leaders, listening attentively, clarifying grey areas, and agreeing on timelines could restore trust. Honesty and negotiation are far more effective than threats.

In Anambra, protests by Onitsha Main Market traders followed the government’s closure of the market over continued observance of a Monday sit-at-home, linked to separatist agitation. Governor Chukwuma Soludo described compliance as economic sabotage, insisting Anambra cannot operate as a “four-day-a-week economy.” While the governor’s concern is understandable, threats to revoke ownership, seize, or demolish the market risk escalating tensions. Many traders comply out of fear, not ideology. Markets are social ecosystems of families, apprentices, and informal networks; heavy-handed enforcement may worsen resistance. A better approach combines persuasion, dialogue with market leaders, credible security assurances, and gradual confidence-building. Coordinated political engagement with federal authorities could also reduce regional tensions.

In Lagos, protests erupted over demolition of homes in low-income waterfront communities such as Makoko, Owode Onirin, and Oworonshoki. The state defended these actions as necessary for safety, environmental protection, and urban renewal. While objectives are legitimate, demolitions drew criticism for lack of notice, compensation, and humane resettlement. Urban development without regard for human consequences risks appearing elitist and anti-poor. Where demolitions are unavoidable, transparent engagement, fair compensation, and realistic relocation must precede action to maintain public trust and social stability.

Across Abuja, Anambra, and Lagos, a common thread emerges: a disconnect between authority and empathy. Government actions may follow policy logic, but citizens respond from lived experience, fear, and frustration. When these realities collide without dialogue, the streets become the arena of engagement.

Democracy cannot thrive on decrees, threats, or bulldozers alone. Leaders must listen as much as they command, persuade as much as they enforce. Minister Wike should see labour leaders as partners, Governor Soludo must balance firmness with sensitivity, and Lagos authorities should align urban renewal with compassion and justice. Protests are signals of communication failure. Dialogue, caution, and a human face in governance are not optional—they are necessities. Police and security agencies must respect peaceful protest as a constitutional right.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Tackling Noise Pollution in Nigeria

Published

6 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Noise pollution is not merely an inconvenience; it is a silent threat to health, dignity, and the right of every Nigerian to live in peace. Worship should uplift the soul, not assault the ears.”

The viral video of former Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Charles Ogbonna, chasing worshippers out of a worship center in Ibeku, Umuahia, with a cutlass sparked widespread outrage—and understandably so. No citizen, regardless of provocation, has the right to threaten others with a weapon. Such behavior is unacceptable in a civilized society and must be condemned. Yet outrage alone does not capture the full picture. Reports indicate that Mr. Ogbonna acted after enduring prolonged and excessive noise from the Umuobasi Town Hall, allegedly used for religious activities, which made life unbearable for residents. A resident, Chinedu, told journalists that the former commissioner stormed the hall around 1 a.m., after hours of blaring noise deprived people of sleep. While self-help was the wrong approach—he should have reported the matter to authorities—this incident highlights a deeper problem:

Nigeria’s culture of unchecked noise pollution and the failure of authorities to protect citizens’ right to peace, rest, and a healthy environment. When legitimate complaints are ignored, frustration builds—sometimes with dangerous consequences. Noise pollution in Nigeria is pervasive. Worship centers, commercial activities, motor parks, roadside traders, and private generators create an environment of relentless noise. So normalized is this that many Nigerians feel powerless to act. This culture of indifference—trampling on the right to quiet in the name of worship, celebration, or business—must end. Noise is not a minor inconvenience. It is a serious environmental and public health hazard. Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to excessive noise can cause hearing loss, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, anxiety, and other psychological conditions

. The British Medical Bulletin notes that constant noise triggers stress responses that may lead to illness. Sleep deprivation—a common consequence—reduces productivity, undermines emotional stability, and worsens overall wellbeing. In a country already struggling with health challenges, noise pollution quietly compounds the problem. So what are Nigerian authorities doing? The truth is: the laws exist but enforcement is weak. Section 22 of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act, 2007 empowers NESREA to regulate noise from industrial, commercial, domestic, recreational, and transport sources. Violations can attract fines or imprisonment. Likewise, the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009 clearly define permissible noise levels across residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

The problem is not the absence of laws—it is the absence of will. Many citizens are unaware of their rights or where to report violations. Regulatory agencies are often underfunded, poorly equipped, and hesitant to act, particularly when influential religious or commercial interests are involved. The Umuahia incident is a textbook example of institutional failure: when lawful channels fail repeatedly, some individuals take the law into their own hands. Enforcement must be firm, consistent, and impartial. Environmental agencies need funding, modern noise-monitoring equipment, and trained personnel capable of responding swiftly. Laws must apply to all—churches, mosques, clubs, hotels, and individuals alike. There have been rare instances of decisive action. A decade ago, the Lagos State Government sealed 53 churches, mosques, and hotels for noise violations, following complaints from residents.

In October 2025, Lagos again sealed several establishments over excessive noise. Yet, such crackdowns are often temporary. Churches and mosques continue to dominate neighborhoods with blaring loudspeakers, making sleep a luxury during week-long vigils or pre-dawn sermons. For the elderly, the sick, and those who work long hours, this is more than an annoyance—it is harmful. Compared to many developed countries, Nigeria’s situation is embarrassing. Elsewhere, worship is associated with calm, reflection, and serenity. Noise levels are strictly regulated, and places of worship are often soundproofed. The question arises: is God in Nigeria hard of hearing, or has shouting simply become the default mode of expression?The rapid proliferation of worship centers has worsened the problem. Many spring up indiscriminately in high-density areas, markets, and private compounds, with little regard for zoning laws or environmental standards.

This neglect undermines productivity, social harmony, and quality of life. Noise pollution is a silent threat, eroding health and dignity in ways that often go unnoticed. Decisive action is urgently needed. Agencies must be strengthened, insulated from political and religious pressure, and empowered to enforce laws consistently. Offenders must face consequences regardless of influence. Public enlightenment is equally crucial: many Nigerians are unaware that excessive noise is harmful or that they have a legal right to quiet enjoyment of their environment. Sustained education through media, schools, and community forums can shift attitudes. Religious leaders, in particular, must understand that consideration for neighbors is not an attack on faith but a moral responsibility. Soundproofing standards for worship centers and entertainment venues should be adopted nationwide.

Worship should uplift the soul, not assault the ears. Freedom of religion and expression must coexist with responsibility and respect for others. Noise is an inevitable part of urban life, but chaos is not. Nigeria cannot continue as a society where “anything goes.” Psychologists argue that education, stricter enforcement, and changes in personal habits can make a significant difference. If citizens are empowered to demand accountability and authorities act decisively, Nigeria can become a healthier, more livable society.

The Umuahia incident should serve as a wake-up call—not just about individual misconduct but about systemic failure. Protecting citizens from noise pollution is not merely about silence; it is about dignity, health, and the right to live in peace.

By: Calista Ezeaku