Opinion

Addressing The Boko Haram Nightmare

Published

15 years ago

August 26, 2011

Indeed, many parts of the northern states of Nigeria, especially Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, and to some extent, Niger and Kaduna states, recently turned axis of terror. The Boko Haram sect – haters of western education and civilisation have unleashed untold hardship and wanton destruction of lives and properties on innocent Nigerians, and there seems to be no end in sight.

With the indiscriminate spate of bombings in Borno, Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which has claimed many lives and properties, leaves much to be desired. Really, terrorism has arrived on the shores of Nigeria.

Before now, such incidents used to be heard of in other countries, and one hardly believed it will occur in this country. But Nigeria surprisingly is now facing the stark reality of insecurity and lawlessness, threat to lives and properties.

Interestingly, the Boko Haram sect claims that western education and civilisation are a taboo, but uses vehicles to convey their weapons of mass destruction, even though these are creations and inventions of modernity – western education. Also, the very bombs themselves were invented by those who obtained western education and are ultimately driven by the call of civilisation.

Even the mobile phones which the Boko Haram group uses to plan their sinister attacks and or operations, and communicate with their gang members, were made possible by western education. The group has not bombed or attacked any educational institution or government establishment since their clandestine activities began. They have rather targeted government officials, security operatives, and persons they suspect to be against their political, social and or economic interests. What an irony?

Perhaps, the Boko Haram sect seems to have entrenched a wave of terrorism never before witnessed since independence into the nation’s body polity. The ‘maitasine’ disturbances that shook the very foundations of the country in the 1980s have been surpassed by this bunch of renegades. It has, indeed, taken an international dimension because the group has incorporated suicide bombing into its operation, and it is glaring that some of them are trained in foreign countries such as Somalia, Libya, Sudan, among others. Even the recent discovery that a Somali citizen was among the gang that bombed the Police Force Headquarters makes the matter more worrisome.

What is more? The brand of Islamic fundamentalism and extremism exhibited and perpetrated by these hoodlums and misguided elements is aimed at nothing but to impose their will and wrong interpretation of the Holy Koran or Hadith on other innocent Nigerians. Although these holy books encourage peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness, these bandits have interpreted the intents and purposes of these books upside down. And they need to be re-orientated and re-educated on the teachings of the holy books, especially at this time of the Ramadan.

It is imperative to draw the attention of these disgruntled elements to the following facts. First is that they should allow people live peacefully irrespective of their religious beliefs, opinions, backgrounds or affiliations because the Constitution of the country has guaranteed that. Besides, these are fundamental and basic human rights already enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948, which of course, Nigeria is a signatory to. Even the domesticated African Charter of the same declaration compels Nigeria and Nigerians to observe all the rights contained therein. And it should be clear to the Boko Haram group that all these provisions hold that people are free to hold opinions of their choice, free to associate with whoever they choose, free to live and work anywhere they choose, and free to worship whatever they believe in.

It is therefore inconceivable, anti-people and wrong doctrine for the Boko Haram members to think that their phoney reasoning has any good intentions for Nigerians. They should know that electricity, motor cars, motorcycles, aeroplanes, mobile phones, medicines, including the guns and ammunition they have used to cause mayhem are inventions of western education and civilisation. If they believe that western education and civilisation are a taboo, then they should abstain from using these products of modern civilisation. They should rather resort to deploying primitive forms of warfare in their effort to be heard, and let us see whether they would be heard at all.

Incidentally, these criminals have attacked fellow Muslims, constituted authorities, and security operatives whose responsibility it is to protect lives and property of law-abiding Nigerians. For instance, the recent attacks on the police, customs as well as prisons service and other paramilitary agencies are evidence that the Boko Haram sect has misplaced priorities. In fact, they appear to be a group set out to destabilise the nation and cause anarchy and lawlessness in the land. For this reason, they should not be taken lightly or treated with levity.

For me, the joint military task force set up by the Federal Government to quell the situation is appropriate and should be supported by all well-meaning Nigerians to succeed. The onus now lies on the security apparatus to take absolute control of the situation in order to secure lives and property as well as to guarantee free movement and safety of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or ethnicity. This, they should do to enable people to carry out their lawful and legitimate duties and businesses freely without fear or molestation.

Already, many people, especially citizens from other parts of the country have vacated Maiduguri, the Borno State capital and other parts of the state affected by this unwanted catastrophe in the name of Boko Haram. The consequence of this situation is better imagined than felt. In fact, it is clear that the toll on the revenue of the state has been monumental, as social, economic and political activities have been stalled. Some residents, companies have relocated. Even planned investments have been diverted to other more peaceful states. And who is the loser? The state!

In order to correct this anomaly and return the state to the league of progressive states in Nigeria, the Federal Government and relevant agencies should take more stringent and pragmatic measures in arresting the insecurity and lawlessness occasioned by activities of these hoodlums. Steps to mitigate this Boko Haram challenge must entail identifying their grievances and the root cause of the angst. This is with a view to countering the spread of their phoney and false teachings and doctrine. There needs to be mass education and enlightenment of the people about the dangers and disadvantages of this group of misguided elements.

In fact, the Federal Government committee set up to negotiate the way forward as a result of this Boko Haram menace should focus on areas where they can achieve social and economic integration of all strata of the society in the North East, and not Borno State alone. The committee must identify the root cause of this present threat, the group’s sources of weapons, sponsors, and their motives, and make bold and decisive recommendations to government.

I also think it is time for the people to expose those responsible for this orgy of destruction and deaths as they are human beings who live among us in both urban and rural communities and city neighbourhoods. This is why I appeal that peace loving Nigerians should be alert and vigilant at all times, and report any suspicious gathering or activity to security agents.

Security, indeed, is everybody’s business. Therefore, law enforcement agencies need to redouble their efforts in investigation, detection and combating this challenge, as Nigerians are ready to support and cooperate with them to ride this nation of criminals anywhere they may be hiding. Nigerians expect the riddle and nightmare wrought by the Boko Haram crusade addressed frontally, once and for all.

Ayooso, a public affairs analyst, resides in Port Harcourt.

Samson Ayooso

Opinion

Monthly Environmental Sanitation Imperative

Published

15 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “A clean environment is not a government gift; it is a civic duty that protects our health, preserves our cities, and reflects our national character.”

For many Nigerians who grew up in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, the last Saturday of every month followed a familiar pattern. Roads were deserted, markets closed, and residents swept compounds, cleared gutters, cut overgrown weeds, and disposed off refuse. The monthly environmental sanitation exercise became a national ritual that promoted cleanliness, discipline, and civic responsibility. As an environment correspondent about two decades ago, I joined officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment on sanitation monitoring tours across Port Harcourt and surrounding communities. Although enforcement officers were sometimes accused of excesses, the exercise succeeded in creating public awareness about the importance of keeping our surroundings clean. Over time, however, the practice faded away in many states.

In its absence, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blocked drainages and environmental neglect became increasingly common. Today, heaps of waste line roads, markets and motor parks, while gutters clogged with plastics contribute to perennial flooding. Given the mounting environmental challenges facing Nigerian cities, there is no better time to revive environmental sanitation. Its return is no longer a matter of nostalgia; it is a practical necessity for public health, environmental safety, and sustainable development. Poor sanitation remains a major cause of disease. Stagnant water and uncollected waste create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, flies and rodents, increasing the risk of malaria, cholera, typhoid and other infections. Floodwaters contaminated by refuse also expose communities to serious health hazards.

Rapid urbanisation has worsened the situation. Cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja are expanding faster than their waste management systems can cope. As populations grow, so does the volume of waste generated daily. Monthly sanitation exercises can help rebuild environmental consciousness. Beyond cleaning streets, they remind citizens that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility. They also offer an opportunity to educate children and young people about hygiene, public health and community participation. Critics argue that the old sanitation policy restricted movement and was sometimes abused by security personnel. Those concerns were valid, but they do not invalidate the concept itself. Rather than abandon it, governments should reform the programme to make it more humane, participatory and transparent.

That is why the recent decision by the Lagos State Government to reintroduce monthly sanitation deserves commendation. Even if participation is largely voluntary, the move sends a strong signal that environmental responsibility must be taken seriously. Other states should emulate this initiative. In Rivers State, the Rivers State Waste Management Agency has intensified efforts to improve waste collection and restore Port Harcourt’s reputation as the Garden City. Reintroducing monthly sanitation would complement these efforts and deepen public involvement. At the federal level, policies such as the Digital Waste Marketplace, the Plastic Waste Policy and the National Waste Management Network are commendable. However, environmental sanitation remains one of the most direct and visible ways to mobilise citizens toward cleaner communities.

The exercise, however, must be supported by efficient waste management infrastructure. Citizens cannot be expected to maintain clean surroundings if there are inadequate waste bins, irregular refuse collection, and limited recycling facilities. Governments at all levels should invest in modern waste management systems, properly fund sanitation agencies, and promote recycling programmes. Waste sorting should become standard practice to reduce the volume of refuse ending up in landfills and drainage channels. Countries such as Singapore, Sweden and South Korea have demonstrated that waste can become a valuable economic resource. Recycling industries in these countries create jobs while protecting the environment. Nigeria can adopt similar strategies and turn waste into wealth.

Environmental laws must also be enforced consistently. Regulations against illegal dumping exist in many states but are rarely implemented. Offenders should face penalties, but enforcement must be fair and free from extortion. Urban planning is another critical factor. Poor drainage systems, overcrowding and inadequate sewage infrastructure worsen sanitation problems. Governments must prioritise road construction, drainage maintenance and orderly urban development. Markets deserve particular attention. They generate enormous quantities of waste every day, yet many lack organised disposal systems. Local councils and market associations should work together to establish effective waste collection arrangements in commercial centres. Religious institutions, schools, traditional rulers and civil society groups also have important roles to play.

Environmental responsibility should be taught and reinforced as a social value. Community leaders can help change attitudes by consistently promoting cleaner habits. This issue is even more urgent in an era of climate change. Flooding, erosion and extreme weather events are already threatening many Nigerian communities. Poor waste disposal worsens these challenges by blocking waterways and reducing urban resilience. A clean environment also offers economic benefits. Well-maintained cities attract investors, tourists and businesses. Reduced disease outbreaks lower healthcare costs and improve productivity among workers and students. More importantly, cleanliness reflects national values. A nation that allows public spaces to deteriorate projects an image of disorder and neglect. Nigerians deserve cleaner streets, healthier neighbourhoods and safer communities.

Reviving environmental sanitation will not solve all environmental problems overnight, but it can serve as a powerful starting point. Combined with effective waste management, public education and stronger infrastructure, it can restore environmental consciousness across the country. Ultimately, environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility. Government must provide leadership, infrastructure and enforcement, while citizens must demonstrate discipline and civic commitment. From disposing of household waste properly to keeping drains free of obstruction, every Nigerian has a role to play. If Nigeria is serious about protecting public health, reducing flooding and building livable cities, the return of monthly environmental sanitation is a step whose time has come.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

God’s Intentionality in Ecological System

Published

15 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Every component of creation is interdependent, demonstrating that God designed nature as a balanced system in which each part contributes to the wellbeing of the whole”.

From the very first chapter of Scripture, the Bible presents a profound truth: creation was not accidental, random, or without meaning. The universe emerged from the deliberate counsel of an all-wise God who fashioned every aspect of life with purpose and precision. The heavens were stretched out by His command, the earth was carefully positioned, the seas were bounded, and every living creature was assigned a distinct role within a perfectly coordinated ecological system. When God surveyed His completed work, He pronounced it “very good,” affirming that creation was whole, harmonious, and exactly as He intended. The natural world remains a visible testimony to God’s intentionality. The sun provides warmth and energy at the right intensity to sustain life. The moon governs tides and seasons. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

Rivers irrigate the land and quench thirst. Bees and butterflies pollinate crops. Birds disperse seeds. Animals maintain biodiversity. Every component of creation is interdependent, demonstrating that God designed nature as a balanced system in which each part contributes to the wellbeing of the whole. Nothing was made without significance, and nothing was left to chance. Among all created beings, humanity occupies a unique and privileged position. Unlike plants and animals, man was created in the image and likeness of God. This divine imprint endowed human beings with intelligence, moral consciousness, creativity, and the capacity for relationship with their maker. It also established mankind as the steward of creation. God granted humanity dominion over the earth, not as a license for reckless exploitation, but as a sacred trust to cultivate, protect, and preserve the world He had declared good.

Dominion, in God’s original intention, was to be exercised with wisdom, compassion, and responsibility. Human beings were meant to care for the land, use natural resources judiciously, and ensure that all forms of life flourished in accordance with divine order. The earth was to be managed as a trust from God, not plundered for selfish gain. Unfortunately, this divine mandate has been grossly misunderstood and widely abused. It is deeply regrettable that man has deviated so drastically from God’s original intention. Instead of stewardship, humanity has too often embraced greed. Instead of preservation, there has been exploitation. Instead of gratitude to the Creator, there has been reckless consumption and abuse of the environment. Across the world, forests are felled indiscriminately, rivers are contaminated, and fertile lands are stripped of their productivity.

Species disappear as habitats are destroyed. Air pollution threatens public health, and climate change disrupts weather patterns and livelihoods. What God created as a life-supporting ecosystem is increasingly treated as a disposable commodity. In Nigeria, the consequences are especially painful. Oil spills in the Niger Delta have devastated farmlands, poisoned rivers, and destroyed fishing communities. Poor waste management clogs drains and contributes to flooding. Erosion eats away homes and roads. Illegal mining and logging scar the landscape. In many cases, communities suffer while those responsible evade justice. At the root of much of this destruction is corruption. Funds earmarked for environmental protection, sanitation, and erosion control are often diverted for personal enrichment. Regulatory agencies are compromised through bribery.

Powerful individuals and corporations place profit above human welfare. Corruption thus becomes not only a moral failure but an assault on God’s creation. This environmental abuse is also a tragic expression of man’s inhumanity to man. When water is polluted, children fall sick. When farmlands are destroyed, farmers lose their means of survival. When rivers are contaminated, fishermen are plunged into poverty. When floods and erosion displace families, communities are torn apart. The burden of environmental degradation falls most heavily on the poor and vulnerable, while future generations inherit a diminished world. Yet, despite humanity’s failures, there remains hope for restoration. God’s purpose for creation has not changed. He still calls His people to responsible stewardship and righteous living. When individuals and nations return to God’s principles, they begin to view the earth not as an object to exploit, but as a sacred trust to preserve.

Responsible stewardship means protecting natural resources, planting trees, reducing pollution, disposing of waste properly, enforcing environmental laws, rejecting corruption, and treating others with justice and compassion. It requires governments to act with integrity, businesses to operate ethically, faith communities to teach creation care, and citizens to take personal responsibility for the environment. Creation care is therefore more than an environmental concern; it is a spiritual obligation. Our treatment of the earth and of one another reflects the sincerity of our reverence for God. To exploit nature, oppress the vulnerable, and enrich ourselves through corruption is to rebel against His purpose. To protect creation and uphold justice is to honor the Creator and participate in His original design. The world God made was declared “very good.” It is our solemn duty to ensure that our actions preserve rather than destroy that goodness.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Confronting National Development In Chinese Style

Published

6 days ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “China’s rise was not a miracle. It was the result of deliberate planning, disciplined execution, and a national determination to make poverty reduction the foundation of national development.”

A short TikTok video by @ancientchinaforever recently offered a compelling summary of China’s remarkable transformation from one of the world’s poorest nations to a global economic powerhouse. In just a few minutes, it captured a lesson that developing countries like Nigeria cannot afford to ignore: meaningful development does not happen by chance. It is the product of vision, consistency, and a deliberate commitment to confronting poverty. In 1981, according to the World Bank, nearly 88 percent of China’s population lived in extreme poverty. The country was overwhelmingly rural, industrially weak, and lacking in modern infrastructure. Millions of people had limited access to quality healthcare, education, and basic social services. Yet China refused to accept poverty as its destiny. Its leaders made a strategic decision to treat poverty reduction as the starting point of national development.

Rather than relying on slogans or isolated welfare programmes, they created a coordinated system that mobilised government institutions at every level toward one overriding goal: improving the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

This was the turning point in China’s history. Poverty alleviation became a national mission. Clear targets were established, responsibilities were assigned to provincial and local governments, and officials were evaluated based on measurable results. Data was used to identify poor households, monitor progress, and adjust strategies where necessary.In effect, China built what may be described as a national development machine.The first major reforms focused on agriculture. Through the household responsibility system, farmers were given greater control over their land and allowed to sell surplus produce after meeting government quotas.

This policy created incentives for productivity and innovation. The results were dramatic. Agricultural output rose significantly, rural incomes increased, and millions were lifted out of poverty.With food security improving, China turned to industrialisation. The government established Special Economic Zones, most notably in Shenzhen, to attract foreign investment and promote export-driven manufacturing. What was once a small fishing community quickly transformed into one of the world’s leading industrial and technology hubs. Factories created millions of jobs, drawing workers from rural areas into expanding urban centres. China soon became the manufacturing capital of the world, producing electronics, textiles, machinery, and consumer goods for global markets.The revenue generated from industrial growth was reinvested in infrastructure and human development.

China understood that development requires more than factories. It demands modern infrastructure that connects people, goods, and markets. Massive investments were made in roads, railways, airports, seaports, electricity, and telecommunications.

Today, China’s high-speed rail system, modern cities, and efficient logistics networks stand as visible proof of decades of purposeful investment. Equally important was China’s commitment to education and healthcare.Schools were expanded, literacy improved, and vocational training equipped workers with the skills needed in a modern economy. Healthcare reforms reduced preventable diseases and protected families from being pushed deeper into poverty by medical costs.These investments ensured that economic growth translated into tangible improvements in living standards.

Another defining feature of China’s development model was policy continuity. Through successive Five-Year Plans, national priorities were clearly outlined and pursued over decades. While leaders changed, the core development agenda remained consistent. This stability encouraged investment, strengthened institutions, and allowed long-term projects to be completed. Unlike countries where each administration abandons the policies of its predecessor, China sustained a clear sense of direction.The results have been extraordinary. According to the World Bank, China has lifted more than 800 million people out of extreme poverty—the largest poverty reduction effort in human history. A broad middle class has emerged, and the country has become the world’s second-largest economy. Chinese companies such as Huawei Technologies and Alibaba Group now compete at the forefront of global innovation.

China’s journey has not been without challenges. Rapid industrialisation has contributed to environmental degradation, regional disparities, and demographic pressures. However, these challenges do not diminish the scale of its achievement. They underscore the complexity of transforming a nation of over one billion people. For Nigeria, China’s experience offers valuable lessons. First, poverty reduction must be treated as a strategic national priority rather than a campaign promise. Second, development requires long-term planning and policy continuity. Third, sustained investment in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare is essential. Fourth, institutions must be strengthened to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes. Finally, leadership must combine vision with disciplined execution. Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources, entrepreneurial talent, and a youthful population.

What remains missing is a coherent and consistent development strategy that places national interest above politics. China’s transformation demonstrates that development is not a matter of luck. It is the outcome of clear priorities, effective institutions, and unwavering commitment. For countries still grappling with poverty and underdevelopment, China stands as compelling proof that when a nation confronts its challenges with strategic intent and collective discipline, extraordinary progress is possible.

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi