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Of National Conference And Nigeria’s Unity (1)

Published

12 years ago

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Nigerians at home and in Diaspora have been
calling and agitating for a National Conference in order to brainstorm on issues threatening the unity and wellbeing of the country.
To this end, the Federal Government of Nigeria nominated and set up a 13-man advisory committee headed by Senator Femi Okurounmu.  A four point terms of reference was also given to them which includes:
To consult expeditiously with all relevant stakeholders with a view to drawing up a feasible agenda for the proposed National Dialogue/conference.
To make recommendations to government, structure and modalities for the proposed National Dialogue/conference.
To make recommendations to government on how representation of various interest groups at the National Dialogue/conference will be determined.
To advise on a timeframe for the National Dialogue/conference.
The Committee was believed to have completed and delivered their assignment as instructed.
In view of this, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has inaugurated a 492 delegates led by Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi for the National Conference in order to pursue goals bordering on forms of government, structures of government, devolution of powers, revenue sharing, resource control, State and Local Government creation, State policing, boundary adjustment, fiscal federalism, indegenship, gender equality and Children’s Rights amongst others.
Delivering his inaugural speech, President Jonathan said that the National Conference would be an important avenue through which the voices of people should be heard pointing out that Nigerians have yearnings and aspirations or desires that needed to be discussed at the conference, and urged participants to table their thoughts and positions on such issues and make recommendations that would advance the unity of the country.
The conference, according to President Jonathan would compliment the effort of both the executive and National Assembly in marching towards a greater and stronger union for the country Nigeria, adding that the conference would not usurp the functions of the legislature.
He however, begged the delegates to jettison the poisonous mind-sets of the past, built on unhealthy competition among diverse groups and people and urged them to have a new mind and a new spirit of oneness and stop seeing Nigeria as a country of many groups and regions saying:
“Yesterday’s prejudices should die with yesterday.  Today is a new day.      This is the dawn of a new era.  This is an opportunity to think anew”
The conference which kick-started on Monday 17 March, 2014 with its inauguration at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja is expected to gulp not less than N7 billion.  Out of this sum, each delegate would be paid a total sum of N12 million for the 3 months, the conference is expected to last.  That is, to say that each would receive N4 million per month for accommodation, transportation and part of their feeding since they were to have free lunch at the venue of the conference.
As some Nigerians began to raise alarm over the “waste of fund” on the conference, some of the delegates like Pastor Tunde Bakare and Barr. Olisa Agbakoba to mention but a few, declared that they were not after the money but on how to resolve issues of national interest threatening the well-being and unity of  the  country.
Many good talks and speeches have come and gone but what do we stand to gain in this conference?  Is it not amazing to hear that some delegates were asking the Federal government to pay their aides?  The said delegates claim that the N12m was meant for them and not their aides and were even asking for the number of aides to come with for the conference, arguing that aides to members of the National Assembly participating in the conference are being paid by the Federal government.
We have a long way to go ooh.  Thank god for people like Hon. Ita Giwa who were able to recall that the present situation in the country emanated from past leaders who are also delegates to the conference.  Can we then think or believe that these delegates otherwise known as 494 wise men will deliver us from the issues and challenges facing this country?  Your answer can be “yes or No” but wait for a while, do not be in a haste to answer that simple but technical question.
It should be noted that most of the delegates were old time politicians who have served this country in one capacity or the other.  We have Prof.  Jerry Gana of the Almighty Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Agency, the later being his baby, Senator Ken Nnamani former Senate President and the almighty Dr. Peter Odili former Governor of Rivers State amongst others; who are supposedly good materials for the conference but permit me to ask one question, can we talk about their individual leaderships and conducts before now?  The good, the bad and the ugly? Can a Chamelion be constant with its colour? Can a leopard change its skin? This conference will tell.
Oragwa is of the Federal Information Centre, Port Harcourt.
In my thinking, the President of the Federation has done his beat by obeying the voices of Nigerians to constitute a National Conference which is also democratic. Butb come to think of it, what will an 80 year old man give Nigerians in this conference?  Because the moment one is above 60, senile dementia sets in therefore, age has so many things to do with the issue at hand.  For Christ sake, we have able bodied men capable of doing and saying something meaningful to the problem of this country, who should have been appointed as delegates.  Not people that would go for their stomach and selfish interest or desire.  Well, the inauguration is already done.
Recently, some groups like the Ogba land have disassociated themselves from the conference as a result of insufficient or lack of representation.
Some Nigerians are talking about true Federalism while some are talking about a parliamentary system of governance but which ever of the two, it can not be a solution to our problem until, we come to realize that if we need to be one Nigeria then, there is every need to kill ethnicity, tribalism, religion and other things that put us apart and stop pursuing shadows.
As long as the data and information demanded at the National, State or Local Government Levels contain State and Local government of origin, religion and their likes, Nigeria will continue to be in dichotomy.

The South is accusing the North of believing that the leadership of this country lies with them and that they are using resources from the south for their benefits while the North is accusing the South of hijacking the economy of the country.  Nobody trusts each other, for example, immediately President Goodluck came on board, the Islamist insurgency which was already in existence though at a kitchen level, suddenly developed wings and came up in full force.  Up till date nobody can give us concrete information about it neither has any of the sponsors being brought to book yet, some known personalities had sworn to make Goodluck’s administration ungovernable, while the Islamic insurgents in the North recently rejoiced that Professors, businessmen from the South would soon run leaving their sandals behind for them to inherit their booty.  Are the sponsors of this group stronger than this country and are they above the law? That the law cannot catch up with them?
I expect delegates to the conference to be selfless in this service to the nation and use this opportunity to call for a whole-some constitutional amendments, find effective way of cushioning ignorance among Nigerians through public enlightenment that is not biased as well as finding a way for each to make sacrifice since participation comes at a cost while our mentality to self should also be deliberated on in order to create a new dawn as Mr. President rightly said.
I want to say that the Ministry of Information at both federal and state levels have all it takes to go into the rural areas for the purposes of education and enlightenment of the masses, if the platform is set for such works to be properly executed.  The major assignment for all Nigerians and non Nigerians in this country is to ask this one outstanding question, what does it take for us to dwell together in unity? Are we able to remove these shadows that put us apart? Are we able to do it?
If  I am allowed to suggest, I think there is need to call for a referendum to enable us decide whether we actually want to still be together or not in order to avoid forcing people who are already disintegrated to be fighting at the conference for nothing, looking for a lasting solution that would never be.  Even though Mr. President has said disintegration of the country is a no go area but you and I know it is the only good and best thing that would happen in a country that does not believe one another.
Ukrain is about to, Sudan did, why would not Nigerians quietly and in good faith do same without shedding more innocent blood.  At least the 100 years of amalgamation has been full of blood shed without trust and many groups rising from different regions for religious or ethnic jingoism and victimization.  Please let us call “a spade a spade and not a garden spoon”.  How long can we continue in this pretence, called “One Nigeria” when we know that we are not.  May God help this country called NIGERIA!!

Oragwa Lovenda O.
For:  Head of Centre,
Port Harcourt.

Lovenda  Oragwa

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Opinion

Empowering Youth  Through Agriculture 

Published

6 days ago

on

February 2, 2026

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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
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Opinion

Of Protests And Need For Dialogue 

Published

6 days ago

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February 2, 2026

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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
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Opinion

Tackling Noise Pollution in Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

on

January 28, 2026

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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
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