Opinion

Open Letter To Goodluck Jonathan (I)

Published

12 years ago

June 25, 2014

I admire and salute your courage to withstand the
mounting pressure on you for some time now to declare stand on the forthcoming 2015 general elections. By this impassive act you’ve proved to political sycophants that you are no push-over and of no simple estimation. You’ve rendered their insidious political permutations redundant and places same in abeyance. Let me also appreciate your sincere intention to render governance delivery to Nigerians who voted you into office in 2011 with great enthusiasm and expectations.
I also hope that you would welcome and appreciate a sincere and frank expression of mind, and a conveyance of the total mind of common Nigerians on your administration. Your Excellency Sir, common Nigerians here refer to the majority group of Nigerians that depends totally on public facilities for their entire welfare and whose powers form the authority class but usually find themselves in constant frustration and lamentation of dashed hopes and expectations of good welfare in the face of hyper affluence of the authority class from the corporate wealth of the nation, the real voting class in elections, the real power owners but the perpetual suffering group.
Since your position is one of intense pressure there is every tendency that a lot of salient issues, beyond sycophancy, may elude your imperative attention and you might wish that some one had drawn your attention to them. It is borne out of this consideration that this humble letter is written.
Yes your Excellency Sir, your silence so far on 2015 gives the impression that you are seriously bearing your mind on a lot of national issues and measuring your journey so far regarding the axiom that “one good turn deserves another”. So before you speak on 2015, I would like you to note the fact that in 2011, you were the next political figure after late Moshood Kasimowo Abiola, popularly called MKO, of cherished memory, to occupy the enthusiastic hearts of Nigerians who clearly demonstrated same in a massive turn-out in the elections.
Both of you are the political figures in Nigeria so far that Nigerians ever believed, trusted and strongly, anchored upon their corporate hope and expectations.
If you recall the spirit of Nigerians in 2011 national voters registration exercise and the subsequent general elections that brought you to power again, you would be restless in Aso Rock as to how to very satisfactorily serve Nigerians in adequate appreciation of this corporate faith, confidence and trust so enthusiastically demonstrated in a political leader in this country. The turn-out for that national voters registration exercise was massive and impressive. Massive because those who confessed that they had never before registered and voted, or had in many years not participated in the exercises, turned up. Impressive because never in the history of Nigeria’s national exercise had Nigerians exhibited such sincere spirit of patriotism and cooperation.
Recall also how the common Nigerians voluntarily carted with joy their generating sets, tables, chairs etc, to the voters registration centres and spiritedly battled to forestall the threatening failure of the exercise by the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines that refused to function properly at the commencement of the exercise, by providing mythelated spirits, cotton wool, water, detergents, etc, to clean fingers to aid easy capture. Your Excellency Sir, all this was done because of your individual person.
In my Jonathan’s Presidential Candidacy Reawakens National Patriotism published in the National Point Newspaper of March 21, 2011, p20, I presented a graphic picture of this unique spirit of commitment of Nigerians in a national exercise, of an old woman at one of the registration centres in Port Harcourt, who bluntly refused to live her seat for another person after the data capture machine consecutively failed to capture her finger prints.
Considering the passionate plea to her by the registration officers to stay aside a while for another person as a plot to rig Jonathan out of the election said, in vehement reaction, “Una no want mek I vote Jonathan wey God bring mek im come helep poor people?”. She later felt comfortable and left the seat after being well convinced that the exercise wasn’t Jonathan’s election proper yet to come.
Again, recall the common Nigerians unique spirit of commitment on the day of the presidential election. As early as 7am they had all formed up at their different registration centres and would not live until after the counting of votes, Jonathan was rigged out.
This was a unique corporate resolve to ensure that all was well for your person in that election. This was also a unique corporate demonstration of faith, trust and confidence in a political leader.
Your Excellency Sir, in 2011, you were the most appreciated president ever in re-election exercise in this country. The common Nigerians hoped and trusted that the elusive governance delivery of age-long would finally come to pass in your continued administration since the then just ended two years of completing late President Yar’ Adua’s tenure was considered not long enough for obvious achievements in your short leadership.
The tempo and euphoria of your Excellency’s re-election soared higher and higher as the hope and expectations of the arrival of the common Nigerians era kindled through out 2011. But while the manifestation of this dream was faithfully awaited, you dashed this nascent hope, faith and trust in a public leader by thanking common Nigerians for your re-election in your removal of fuel subsidy on 1st January, 2012 against all popular voices.
Ukutumoren, a public affairs analyst, writes from Port Harcourt.

Open Letter To Goodluck Jonathan (II)
Ukutumoren E. Ukutumoren
In reaction to Nigerians cries and lamentations on this, you haphazardly rolled out vehicles on public display for distribution to states nationwide, to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal. These vehicles soon disappeared from sight before states could receive them. Since then, the common Nigerians had been greatly hit by increasing high cost of living occasioned by this fuel subsidy removal. As if that was not enough, you soon against increased the electricity tariff in the country against all popular voices who cautioned that if the power tariff increase was at all necessary that should be only after the hitherto dismal power supply situation had improved and after the prepaid meters had been available to every household in the country.
Again you promptly assured Nigerians that the prepaid meters had already arrived the country and soon every household would have them.
So before you speak on 2015, your Excellency Sir, know that up till the moment of this letter, common Nigerians are continually sending save our souls (sos) message cries to who cares, about the gross and constant exploitations by power operators nationwide through incredible, unjustified and fraudulent electricity bills in the face of dismal services and their cries for prepaid meters, which you had promised, are yet to reach you.
In January 2012 during Nigerians stiff reaction to your removal of fuel subsidy you commented that the strong reaction of Nigerians to that policy was due to the fact that previous governments had deceived them. That sincerely, the subsidy gained would be used to repair the existing refmeries to full capacity utilization and new ones built to end fuel importation. Through this you would, amongst other things, build and equip new hospitals, thus creating business and employment opportunities and also improve health care delivery. Your Excellency Sir, before you speak, please note that common Nigerians are still expectant of these and are asking and would continue to ask about the states of the old refmeries and the number of new ones built and why Nigeria is still importing fuel, and unemployment level. Imagine also the fate of these Nigerians to learn that you would rather want to sell out the said refmeries whose fate brought them the present excruciating suffering. This constitutes nothing other than a grand deceit by a leadership.
Corruption has been identified as the bane of Nigeria’s corporate progress. You appreciated this fact and promised to fight it to at least the barest minimum. Common Nigerians so believed you. Unfortunately, your action in this direction is nothing to write home about and your administration is widely seen as the worst in corruption with the dangling rope of the EFCC fmding the necks of some of your indicted ministers.
This national cankerworm pervades all nooks and cranies of the country. Private sectors not excluded. Product manufacturers flood the markets with inferior products. Product containers and sachets contain increasingly lesser quantities of core products and weights against the declared specifications.
The church leaders become insidious champions, wining ‘medals’ in immorality, dubiousness, marriage breakings, family disunity and psychic manipulations. All this unabated. Before you speak, Your Excellency, note that common Nigerians feel so disappointed in your corruption fight and very uncomfortable with the frequent news of missing billions of dollars from the federation account in your administration; and the whole dwindling state of values in the country.
You also promised a functional power supply and they strongly believed you but up to this moment the state of power supply nationwide is no far departure from the immediate dismal past and is characterised by outrageous and fictitious charges that prompt the current save our souls (SOS) message cries nationwide from consumers and the end is not in sight.
Nigeria is the richest nation in West Africa or Africa and has spent so much trillions of Naira on fruitless power supply over the decades. Common Nigerians are no longer happy with the present state of power supply and see no reason why Nigeria after spending so much could not have functional power by now.
You further promised common Nigerians affordable housing as cost of cement would not exceed one thousand naira (1,000.00) in your tenure. But today only the authority class can afford the cost of building materials in the country.
The basic expectations of the masses from any leadership are safety of live and property, good roads, electricity, supply portable water, and health care! These still remain grossly elusive to them. But the degree of loss of lives and properties coupled with the colossal trillions of naira expended so far on the current insecurity challenges, to no abate, is unprecedented in the history of democratic leadership of this country and the common igerians are very uncomfortable with the inability of the leadership to contain the situation due to delayed and inadequate action.
So before you speak: on 2015, your Excellency Sir, please note that the afore stated are the agitating issues in the core minds .of common Nigerians and do not constitute a condusive atmosphere for the breath of fresh air which you promised them in 2011. They are more uncomfortable also when they count that by 2015 you would have spent six (6) and eight (8) years consecutively in the Executive Presidency of this nation and all they have is explanatory achievements for this long Executive Presidential tenancy. In fact, the enthusiasm that greeted your presidential candidacy and election in 2011 has really gone.
Finally, Your Excellency, you acknowledged the fact that you are the most criticized and condemned democratic president so far in this country. This is very true Sir. But your reaction that you would be the most praised and appreciated president at the end of tenure in 2015 rekindled the hope and expectations of common Nigerians. Your Excellency Sir, I believe you could be if only you can successfully midwife the National Conference by
subjecting its report to a referendum, and give Nigerians the age-long elusive Funtional Power Supply.
Ukutumoren, a publisc affairs analyst, writes from Port Harcourt.

Ukutumoren E. Ukutumoren

Opinion

Curbing Youth Unemployment In Nigeria

Published

4 days ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “A nation that fails to empower its youth risks mortgaging its future.”

Youth, generally defined as individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, represent a critical phase of human development—a transition from adolescence to adulthood marked by ambition, energy, and the pursuit of purpose. In Nigeria, this demographic constitutes a significant proportion of the population, making it one of the country’s greatest assets. However, this strength is increasingly undermined by a persistent and troubling challenge: youth unemployment.

Unemployment, the condition of being without gainful employment despite the willingness and ability to work, remains a major global concern. In Nigeria, however, it has reached alarming levels, particularly among young people. With estimates suggesting that a substantial percentage of Nigerian youth are either unemployed or underemployed, the consequences have become deeply embedded in the nation’s social and economic fabric.

The impact of youth unemployment is both widespread and severe. Economically, it leads to increased poverty levels and reduced productivity. Socially, it fuels frustration, hopelessness, and disillusionment among young people. This often manifests in rising rates of crime, cyber fraud, substance abuse, and involvement in political violence. When young people are unable to find legitimate means of livelihood, they may become vulnerable to negative influences, posing a threat not only to themselves but to society at large.

One of the primary drivers of youth unemployment in Nigeria is the inadequacy of the educational system. While many young Nigerians graduate from tertiary institutions each year, a significant number lack the practical and technical skills required in today’s job market. The disconnect between academic curricula and industry demands leaves graduates ill-prepared for employment, thereby widening the gap between education and employability.

Furthermore, Nigeria’s heavy dependence on the oil sector has contributed significantly to the unemployment crisis. Over the years, this reliance has led to the neglect of other critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology—sectors that have the potential to generate large-scale employment. The failure to diversify the economy has limited job opportunities and stifled innovation, leaving many young people without viable career paths.

In addition, rapid population growth continues to put immense pressure on the labor market. Each year, thousands of graduates enter the workforce, but the number of available jobs remains insufficient to absorb them. This imbalance creates intense competition for limited opportunities, leaving many qualified individuals unemployed for extended periods.

Access to finance also remains a major barrier for young Nigerians who wish to venture into entrepreneurship. Despite the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that many youths possess, the lack of access to credit facilities, mentorship, and business support systems makes it difficult for them to establish and sustain their own enterprises. This challenge is further compounded by infrastructural deficits, such as unreliable power supply and limited access to technology.

Security challenges across various parts of the country have also worsened the situation. In some regions, economic hardship and lack of opportunities have made young people susceptible to recruitment into violent or extremist activities. This not only exacerbates insecurity but also diverts the energy of the youth away from productive engagement.

Addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. The government must take the lead by implementing policies that promote economic diversification, particularly by investing in agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital economy. These sectors hold immense potential for job creation and can absorb a large portion of the unemployed youth population.

Equally important is the reform of the educational system to emphasize skill acquisition, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. Schools and institutions must align their curricula with market needs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with relevant and practical skills. Public-private partnerships can play a vital role in facilitating internships, apprenticeships, and job placement programs.

The private sector also has a crucial role to play in driving job creation and innovation. By investing in youth-focused initiatives and supporting startups, businesses can help unlock the potential of young Nigerians. Additionally, financial institutions should develop more accessible and youth-friendly credit schemes to support small and medium-sized enterprises.

On an individual level, young people must embrace self-development, adaptability, and continuous learning. In an increasingly competitive and evolving global economy, acquiring digital skills, engaging in vocational training, and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities can significantly improve employability.

In conclusion, youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria today. However, it is not an insurmountable problem. With deliberate policies, strategic investments, and collective action from government, the private sector, and individuals, Nigeria can transform its youth population into a powerful engine of growth and development. By empowering young people with opportunities, skills, and resources, the nation can secure a more prosperous and stable future.

IVARA Favour Isaac is a student of Pan-African Institute of Management and Technology.

By: Ivara Favour Isaac

Opinion

Ozoro Festival: Tradition or Tyranny?

Published

4 days ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

Quote:“These images are not merely disturbing; they represent a direct assault on human dignity, bodily autonomy, and the rule of law.”

In recent days, national attention has turned to the small community of Ozoro in Delta State, where what was once described as a cultural fertility rite—the Alue-Do Festival—has become the subject of outrage, grief, and urgent national reflection. According to accounts from notable indigenes of Ozoro and the Isoko ethnic group, the festival was originally conceived as a symbolic ritual intended to bless couples struggling with conception. In theory, it was meant to celebrate life, continuity, and communal identity. However, what reportedly unfolded on March 22 bore no resemblance to any noble cultural ideal. Videos circulating widely on social media show groups of men chasing women, forcibly stripping them, and subjecting them to sexual assault in public spaces. These images are not merely disturbing; they represent a direct assault on human dignity, bodily autonomy, and the rule of law.

They compel us to confront a difficult but necessary question: when does tradition cease to be culture and become tyranny? It is encouraging that prominent voices—including the First Lady, the Minister of Women Affairs, human rights organisations, and women’s advocacy groups—have condemned these barbaric acts. The Delta State Government has since banned the Alue-Do Festival, while law enforcement authorities have reportedly made arrests. Yet beyond the immediate outrage lies a deeper and more uncomfortable conversation—one that communities across the country must confront honestly: the thin line between culture and abuse. “Culture is not static—it evolves, or at least, it should.” Culture is often described as the soul of a people, encompassing traditions, beliefs, and practices passed down through generations. Nigeria is richly endowed with diverse cultural heritage, much of which we rightly celebrate.

However, when culture becomes a shield for harmful practices, it loses its moral authority. When actions that violate fundamental human rights are justified in the name of tradition, we must ask: whose culture is this, and at what cost? The events in Ozoro illustrate how a practice that may once have held symbolic meaning can devolve into something deeply harmful. Even if the Alue-Do Festival began as a benign fertility rite, its present manifestation—marked by violence and coercion—cannot be defended. “Culture must align with dignity, consent, and respect—anything less is not tradition, but abuse.” One of the most persistent arguments in defence of controversial practices is that they are “part of our heritage” and therefore beyond criticism. Yet harmful practices—child marriage, inhumane widowhood rites, and domestic abuse—have long been justified using this same reasoning. This argument is not only flawed; it is dangerous. No culture is above scrutiny, particularly when it endangers the rights and safety of its people.

History reminds us that many practices once considered “normal” are now widely condemned. Societies progress by questioning and reforming such practices—not by clinging to them. Nigeria is not exempt from this reality. As a nation governed by law and constitutional principles, we cannot afford to tolerate practices that undermine the rights of citizens—especially women. At the heart of the Ozoro incident lies a broader societal issue: the perception of women as objects rather than autonomous individuals. The actions of the perpetrators were not isolated—they were enabled by a mindset that sees women’s bodies as accessible, controllable, and, in some contexts, communal property. “Women are not possessions, prizes, or objects of exploitation—they are individuals with rights, agency, and dignity.” This mindset reflects a deeper systemic problem often described as “rape culture,” visible in victim-blaming narratives, the dismissal of harassment, and the silence that frequently surrounds abuse.

For meaningful change to occur, this mindset must be confronted directly. Parents, religious institutions, government agencies, and the media all have critical roles to play in reshaping societal attitudes. Traditional institutions also wield significant influence, particularly in rural communities. With that influence comes responsibility—not only to preserve culture but to ensure that cultural practices align with contemporary standards of human rights and decency.The reported denial by the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom of knowledge of the recent festival raises important questions about oversight and accountability. Community leaders and members alike must rise to their responsibilities. Cultural practices are sustained by collective acceptance. Silence, indifference, or complicity only perpetuate harm. While cultural reform is essential, it must be accompanied by accountability. The arrests made in connection with the incident are a step in the right direction, but they must lead to tangible outcomes. “Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.”

Allowing perpetrators of sexual violence to go unpunished sends a dangerous message—that such actions are tolerable. This fosters a culture of impunity. The law must be clear and unequivocal: sexual assault, in any form and under any guise, is a crime. It is not a cultural expression—it is a violation.It must be emphasised that calling for the abandonment of harmful cultural practices is not an attack on tradition, but a call to refine it. Culture, at its best, is dynamic—it adapts while preserving its core values.“Tradition should uplift, not oppress.” Modernising culture does not mean erasing identity. It means ensuring that traditions remain relevant, inclusive, and respectful of human dignity. As Nigeria continues to evolve, it must decide what kind of society it aspires to be: one that hides behind tradition to justify abuse, or one that embraces progress while honouring its heritage responsibly. The outrage over the events in Ozoro is justified—but outrage alone is not enough

. It must translate into action: legal, cultural, and educational. We must state, without ambiguity, that no tradition justifies the violation of human dignity. We must hold perpetrators accountable and challenge the attitudes that enable such acts. True development is measured not only by infrastructure or economic growth, but by how a society treats its most vulnerable members. “If a cultural practice dehumanises, degrades, or endangers, it has no place in a modern society.” Where tradition fails to uphold dignity, it ceases to be culture. It becomes tyranny.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Bazia EXCO @ One: NUJ Rivers Reawakened

Published

2 weeks ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “For the first time in years, Rivers journalists are not just hearing promises—they are seeing a union that works.”

The first year in office of the Paul Bazia-led executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has offered something many had almost given up on—renewed confidence in union leadership. For a body as critical as the NUJ, whose responsibility goes beyond professional coordination to include the welfare, protection, and continuous development of journalists, expectations are always high. Unfortunately, past experiences had conditioned many members to expect less—less action, less visibility, and less impact.This is why the past twelve months stand out. Within a relatively short period, the Bazia-led administration has demonstrated a level of drive that distinguishes it from its predecessors. There is a noticeable shift from inertia to activity, from routine administration to purposeful leadership. Initiatives captured in the one-year report point to an executive that understands both the urgency of its mandate and the frustrations of its members.

Particularly commendable is the renewed attention to journalists’ welfare. For too long, welfare issues have lingered without meaningful resolution, leaving many practitioners feeling unsupported. The current leadership’s efforts—through engagement, structured support, and timely interventions—signal a welcome change in priorities. Equally important is the push toward professional development. In an era where journalism is rapidly evolving, capacity building is no longer optional. The administration’s commitment to training and skill enhancement reflects an understanding that a stronger union must be built on more competent and competitive professionals. There is also something to be said about visibility and voice. A vibrant NUJ must not only serve its members internally but also stand as a credible voice in the public space—defending press freedom, promoting ethical standards, and constructively engaging critical issues.

Encouragingly, the current executive appears more present and responsive, giving the union a renewed sense of relevance. Perhaps what resonates most, however, is the sense of movement. For many members, the difference between the present and the immediate past is not subtle—it is clear. Where there was once stagnation, there is now direction. Where there was doubt, there is growing belief. Beyond the visible strides recorded within this first year, what perhaps deserves even greater applause is the restoration of institutional confidence within the Nigeria Union of Journalists. For a long time, many members had grown disenchanted, viewing the union more as a ceremonial body than an active force capable of defending their interests and advancing their welfare. That narrative, however, is gradually changing. The Bazia-led executive has not only initiated programs but has also rekindled a sense of belonging among members.

Meetings appear more purposeful, engagements more intentional, and decisions more reflective of collective interest. This psychological shift—subtle as it may seem—is one of the most critical achievements of the past year, because a union that its members believe in is already halfway to effectiveness. It is also important to underscore the contrast with the immediate past, not as an exercise in criticism, but as a necessary context for measuring progress. Where previous administrations struggled to translate plans into action, the current leadership has shown a greater bias for execution. Projects that once lingered in discussion stages are now seeing tangible movement, and issues that were previously deferred are receiving attention. This difference in approach—moving from prolonged deliberation to decisive action—has helped reposition the union as a more responsive and relevant institution.

While no administration is without its shortcomings, the willingness to act, even in the face of constraints, marks a significant departure from what members were accustomed to. Looking ahead, the expectations of members—and indeed the wider public—will only grow stronger. With a solid first year behind it, the Bazia-led executive now carries the burden of consistency. Members will expect deeper welfare interventions that go beyond immediate relief to more sustainable support systems. They will look for expanded training opportunities that prepare journalists for the rapidly changing media landscape. They will also expect a firmer, more courageous voice on issues affecting press freedom and professional integrity. Above all, they will demand continuity—assurance that the progress recorded so far is not a fleeting phase but the beginning of a sustained transformation.

Meeting these expectations will not be easy, but it is precisely this challenge that defines enduring leadership. That said, this moment of applause must also serve as a moment of reflection. A strong first year inevitably raises expectations. Journalists in Rivers State will now look beyond initial achievements toward consolidation. Welfare interventions must become more structured and far-reaching. Training programs must be sustained and expanded. Advocacy must become more consistent and impactful. Most importantly, the unity of the union must be strengthened, ensuring that all members feel included and carried along. Transparency will also be key. Continued open communication about finances, decisions, and challenges will deepen trust and set a standard for accountable union leadership. The task ahead is clear: to convert early momentum into lasting institutional progress.

For the Bazia-led executive, the opportunity is significant. It has, within one year, reawakened belief in what the NUJ Rivers State Council can be. The next step is to ensure that this renewed energy does not fade, but instead becomes the foundation of a stronger, more responsive, and more respected union. For the members, the message is equally clear—expect more, demand more, and support what works because in the end, a vibrant union is not built by leadership alone, but by a collective commitment to progress. And for now, under Bazia, that progress has truly begun.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi