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Addressing Population Concern

Published

6 years ago

October 4, 2019

The issue concerning population evokes a large range of controversies, such that it becomes difficult to discuss human population explosion without offending some sensibilities. Current total human population globally cannot easily be fixed with any accuracy; we can only guess and estimate without any exactitude. In the case of Nigeria, population is an emotive issue because it has been an instrument of political and economic power hustling.
What is of real importance in the population issue is not the number of people, but the quality of life and living conditions. Hardly would any honest person deny the fact that the quality of life and living condition of a large number of Nigerians can be described as quite pathetic. Similarly, it is to be expected that pathetic conditions find solace in amative engagements, thus rapid increase in population.
In the past, individual families and communities could take pride in large family size and number of able-bodies people available as cherished resources. But current situations globally are quite different with obvious changes in economic life-styles and modern technologies. In a monetized rather than agrarian society money talks, rather than the number of people. Those who hold money and power merely use or need the masses as ladder to greater heights.
As communities and nations grow larger and more sophisticated, the majority of people, especially the poor masses, rarely know the dynamics of power-politics. During the transition period from agrarian to increasing industrialization and urbanisation, humans develop a predatory life-style and propensity. Starting from land grabbing by money-bags and through government policies on land and resources, a large number of people are placed in a position of disadvantage.
Anybody who has cared to carry out some unbiased research, particularly in the changes taking place in rural communities, would easily agree that subsistence farming is declining. There is also an increase in migration from rural to the urban towns, usually in search of non-existing jobs. Unfortunately, the aspirations, lifestyles, concern and focus of the leaders of this nation are elitist in nature rather than egalitarian.
Nobody would tell the poor masses that they are increasingly becoming endangered species in an elitist society. Rather what politicians would tell you is: “If you cannot beat them, join them”. Thus are politics and political parties ready instruments of alienation in a society in transition. Hustling for power, money and relevance usually goes along with ruthlessness and corrupt practices which reduce the level of integrity and fuel frustration. As frustration increases, some ready “opium” beckon.
It is well known that the ready opiums of the masses include religion, weeds and lechery, which require little or no investment or energy. Those who establish “spiritual houses”, smoking joints and “slaughter houses” where alienated ones can find solace, are usually the money bags. With increases in places of solace, sexually transmitted diseases, series murders and unwanted babies abound.
Without placing blames on the elites and political class, the truth is that nothing is being done to educate and enlighten the masses on the issues and complexities associated with social transition. Since the end of the Nigerian Civil War, Nigeria has not been the same. Causes and origins of the instability, insecurity and perplexities assailing the nation are many and need to be addressed. They cannot be addressed by the purchase of weapons of mass destruction, exotic luxury cars and private jets; neither would bullet-proof gadgets help.
If Senators can propose, sponsor and finance some independent research on the state of the masses and what palliative measures that can be put in place, that would help better than buying luxury cars. Such research if carried out would reveal shocking findings, one of which is that thought of suicide is on the increase. Another finding would be that lechery resulting from hunger and frustration results in increases of unwanted babies. There is also the suspicion that money politics fuels cultism.
In Shakespeare’s Othello, we find this statement from Roderigo: “It is silliness to live when to live is torment; And then have we a prescription to die when death is our physician”. For many Nigerians, to live is torment, but while death may not be the physician, an alternative is the resort to a life of crime or lechery. The quality of life arising from hopelessness and meaninglessness among the masses, results in the incarnation of inferior souls in the society. To have a dozen children is no honour.
To say that the large increase of the population is matched by a large increase in the quality of the people, is to tell a lie. Rather, the truth is that there is usually a large influx of inferior souls in a society where living conditions become ignoble. Real development or a high standard of life has nothing to do with increased wealth, power and technology, but largely on the nobility of heart. It is an inner personal culture which shows visibly in empathy or a deep inner feeling which makes an individual to shun shameful activities and utterances.
One urgent issue which Nigeria must address now is rising population. While family planning and personal discipline would help, there is a need for an official policy on the matter. Vasectomy for men is a strong suggestion as well as Castration for rapists. On the whole, the plight of single mothers demands the attention of the nation’s leaders. To fiddle while the masses groan is said.

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Fubara Restates Commitment To Peace, Development …Commissions 10.7km Egbeda–Omerelu Road

Published

2 weeks ago

December 12, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.

The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.

Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.

He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.

Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.

“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.

He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.

“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.

Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.

Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.

He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.

He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.

He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.

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Oil & Gas: Rivers Remains The Best Investment Destination – Fubara

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.

Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.

The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.

“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.

“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.

“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.

“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?

Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.

Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”

The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.

“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.

“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.

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Lady Fubara Lauds Rivers Women On Peace, Development

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.

Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.

She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.

“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.

“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.

“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.

The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.

She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.

“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”

“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.

“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.

The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.

In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.

Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.