Opinion

The Youth And Future Leadership

Published

14 years ago

November 28, 2011

What does the future hold for the average Nigerian youth? Are the majority of the youths fully engaged? If the nation fails in empowering the youth, it is most certain that social conditions might make them occupy themselves with that which is not glorifying and dignifying.

Who are the youths? Let me take as illustration, from teenagers to those who are 49 years as the youths. What are people saying about them?

The society calls them promising nation builders, the socio-political system calls them future leaders; and the church leaders call them the pillars of the church.

The economists in their classification of the human life show how each era succeeds the other. A child at infancy to 18 years depends on the parents. The child later grows up and becomes father or mother with responsibilities. It is this stage that Prof. Tekena Tamuno of the Economics Department, University of Port Harcourt, calls the working class, which I will dwell on a little. It is clear that when parents are old and can not fend for themselves as a result of old age, the children who are the working class take care of them. Thus, parents depend on their children at their old age!

My concern, therefore, is that our youths (tomorrow’s leaders) must not be allowed to waste away. It is equally true that government cannot do everything, yet they can assist greatly in order to help our youths to be ganged in one activity or the other. I am not an economist or prophet of doom; but I still have my reservations or permutation that the workers in different ministries and parastatals far out-number the youths that are unemployed. Wherein lies the problem? We are not saying the problem is illiteracy; neither can we say it is incapacitation.

Government, in its own way, should create thousands of jobs yearly to meet up with the burden of today’s unemployment rate. My heart was troubled on Friday, 17th of June, when yet another set of thousands of NYSC members were participating in the passing out parade at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt. Imagine the proportion or addition such number across the states will be for the 36 states of the federation. My guess is as good as yours.

This is not the time for government to fold hands. The Ministry of Economic Planning should put the youths in its yearly employment plans even if it will be hundreds or thousands of jobs. I know the private sector players are also doing their best. However, if the ministries of youths and economic planning take this into consideration religiously every year, the turn-over yearly will make government and the governed to have the last laugh.

It reminds me of a few weeks ago when the Rivers State Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment was carrying out an employment scheme for youths. I went to see for myself but the crowd scared me. I have to beat a retreat after inquiring what was happening. In fact the number of youths who stormed the venue was startling.

I advise government to execute the plan, since the youths have confidence in the government. Employment must be on merit and should not be politicized. It is my prayer that majority of the youths will be employed while government sustains the scheme for the future growth of the nation.

Recently, governments disarmed the militants and engaged them meaningfully. However, the “Boko Haram” religious sect operating in our neighbouring states in the North is still threatening the existence of the federation as more killings, bombings, among others, are still being unleashed in broad day light by jobless youths.

Let’s look at it, if the government takes it as a policy to employ 2,000 to 5,000 youths every year in productive activities while also engaging the remaining ones in non-violent activities through skills training and inculcation of morals in them while awaiting their time of employment, this ugly situation will recede. I want to see Nigeria so strong like America operating the same federal system like us (even if there are some imperfections in the Nigerian system) to care for the youths, employ and empower them. Since wastage demands weeping, I believe the government, in each state, should compile names of those unemployed and those employed. Though the work is not easy but it is worth the effort.

Government has great responsibility, mostly here in Rivers State. The throngs of employable youths scattered here and there calls for weeping and mourning. The Chibuike Amaechi administration can help a little before the four-year tenure elapses. We expect to see sufficient investment in and employment of more youths of the state in productive and sustainable activities.

The future rests on the youths. They must not do anything evil or inimical to development. Government needs to urgently come to their aid. The Niger Delta states need not cry over poverty. Most youths have certificates but they also have aged parents. Truly, it calls for lamentation.

Frankly speaking, the only way Rivers youths can crush poverty is through meaningful employment, vocational and skills acquisition programme. These precious youths must not waste away. Their tears, aged parents, certificates, gifts and natural endowments must also not waste away. The youths are today’s seed planted for tomorrow’s leadership. Let’s not allow them to waste anymore.

Harry writes from Port Harcourt.

Amaechi’s Governance: An Appraisal

POLITICS; 1

Felix Okogbule

The present democratic dispensation in the state under the leadership of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has significantly been described differently by people with equally varying degrees of opinion.

This is reflected in the popular hackneyed cliche of different strokes for different folks.

Notwithstanding the misconception about the government particularly by the opposition political parties, the Governor has continued to add more feathers to his cap, thanks to the federal government for recognizing the contributions of Governor Amaechi towards the development of Rivers State and indeed Nigeria by honouring him with the Commander of the Ortder of the Niger (CON).

Just recently, the governor left no one in doubt about his determination to make a difference in the leadership of the state. He probably must have taken some tutorials and wants to break away from the past to avoid been hunted by history for acts of Omission or commission while superintending over the affairs of the state.

The governor took a bold initiative when members of his cabinet, Permanent Secretaries and all heads of other model Songhai farm in Bunu, Tai local government area to take critical retrospective analysis of his administration’s first tenure and to design a road map for the last lap of the government to ensure a clean departure from the morass of abandoned projects upon leaving office.

The environment was serene, atmosphere pleasantly conducive for meaningful discussion and the event was the 2011 strategy Retreat organized by the State government for top functionaries of government to take stock of previous performances with a view to proffering workable perameters for achieving sutainable development and thereby fulfilling the electioneering campaign promises to Rivers people.

When the governor visited the state Songhai farm earlier in one of his inspection tours, and told newsmen that the farm settlement would be the venue for the State Strategy retreat for the egg heads in government, not many people believed that the pronouncement had a pinch of salt, including yours truly.

The reason for our unbelief were simply based on the antecedents of past government retreats or call it executive talk shows where new government officials get their baptism in the practice of protocols which involves all the attributes of those serving in government such as telling deliberate falsehood except for the mysterious God that is all-knowing.

To the dismay of many, the retreat gathered the long and mighty serving in the present administration at the Songhai farm as against the luxury of a five-Star hotel or its equivalent for one week that the programme lasted. While many criticized the decision for virtually shutting down government business during the period, others were of the view that the approach demonstrated the importance the governor attaches to the outcome of the brain storming session to aid in realizing the vision of the government.

Another underlying benefit is the improvement in facilities provided at the Songhai Farm which has been transformed into an agro-tourist centre for the state as over 60 retreat participants were accommodated at the farm including the state chief executive himself. This obviously had reinjected funds into the system rather than expending huge funds in a private hotel either in Port Harcourt or any other city like Calabar.

Addressing participants at the opening session, Governor Amaechi charged them to painstakingly pin-point flaws inherent in the government desire to serve Rivers people better. In his usual characteristics, he raised a number of mind bgoggling questions bordering on honesty, transparency and accountability as well as the perception of the people on the performance of the government after the first – tenure.

He prophetically opined that the popularity earned by his administration is diminishing faster than the evening shadow and warned political appointees to jettison the euphoria of being in office and guard their loins for service, noting that the retreat was designed at proffering solution to the leakages in government structure to meet the yearnings of the people by delivering dividends of democracy to them.

The governor provoked and challenged participants in these words, “have we achieved our objective in government? The answer is certainly no, therefore you must work out template that would drive the road map towards realizing the vision of the present administration”, and directed all the commissioners to itemize projects not completed in their various Ministries for proper funding, monitoring and eventual completion.

It is no longer news that the determination and focus of government is to consolidate on the progress made by the administration in providing social infrastructure for the people that would uplift the living standard but the despicable act of leaving government projects unmonitoried perverts the trite presage of delivering quality services to the people.

There is no gain saying the fact that only the visioner can propel his vision to frustration, although, inspite of the enthused criticism of some of the state government’s policies and programmes, credit must be given to the visible effort to reposition the state for a better tomorrow by the present administration.

The retreat which had resource papers from renowed experts in different fileds also witnessed presentation of progress reports by some ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) which were critically assessed in an attempt to arriving at potent threashold for “deliverables”.

In responding to the Palpable and Manifest distract, suspicion and lack of genuine interest to completing contractual obligation by government contractors, the participants resolved to identify plausible ways of averting delays in project execution while those found culpable of collecting money and fail to carry out such projects would face the full weight of the law.

It is imperative to mention that the enactment of the law and the establishment of a Bureau on Public Procurement (BoPP) otherwise called Due Process was not to cause delay in the execution of government projects but to ensure compliance with best practices in award of contracts to check manipulation associated with the exercise in the past.

However, they are to function to save funds and to realise that government needs to fulfill its promises of better services to the people within the short time available.

To that effect, it has become necessary to strengthen institutions of government through energy within the system to have an integrated coordination of executing programmes and policies of government to avoid duplication. The road map to 2015 had been streamlined by inputting methods of measuring and evaluating performance by giving time lag to the completion of projects as the monitoring and supervision inter ministerial committee under the office of the Secretary to the state government would ensure strict adherence.

According to the governor, government did not feign ignorance of the suffering of residents of Port Harcourt and its environs especially during the rainy period but had consistently appealed for patience and ancillary understanding. No wonder that remedical work are being carried out in some bad portions of the road while road contractors have equally been mobilized to site to capitalize on the dry season and complete their jobs.

The Secretary to State Government Mr. George Feyii, said the retreat was to come together, chart a news course on the direction of government by looking critically at the present situation and come up with a strategy that would take the administration to where it is expected to be in the next four years.

In seeking for greater productivity that would generate economic growth, lawlessness display on the roads which result in loss of man-hours will be curtiailed if traffic laws are obeyed. Thereore TIMA-RIV should be encouraged to step up the good work to ensure sanity on the roads.

Similarly, the much anticipated influx of investors into the state as the hub of oil and gas business in Nigeria as evident in the interest shown at the just concluded Rivers State Investors’ Forum 2011, would amount to a nullity if security of lives and property cannot be guaranteed. To cash in on the enthusiasm of foreign investors that would ultimately create employment opportunities for the teeming youths, residents of the State must cooperate with security agencies by giving information of surreptitious movements of men of the under world around their vicinity.

A common parable says that a good dance begins with the first step, it is hoped that the step taken by Governor Amaechi in the selection of his team and the zeal to actualize the target of bequeathing a legacy in the governance of the state would be pursued with greater vigour we match towards the terminal date of the government. History will tell.

Tamunoemi Harry

Opinion

Policy Intervention: More Than Administrative Reform

Published

4 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This policy intervention proves that education reform is not just about administration, but about restoring dignity, equity, and integrity to the learning process.”

On September 24, 2025, the article” A Growing Emergency: How Marked-Up Textbooks Are Sabotaging Nigeria’s School Children”, written by King Onunwo, was published in The Tide Newspaper. In the said article, the writer expressed pains in what he viewed as ‘a silent but damaging practice’ taking root in homes across Nigeria, one that threatens the academic future of millions of children in primary and secondary schools. From the paintings of the writer, this seemingly minor convenience where older siblings complete their homeworks directly inside their school textbooks, may seem harmless on the surface. On the contrary, it is creating a dangerous ripple effect. What used to be a normal practice—siblings reusing textbooks year after year to ease the financial burden on families—has now turned into a nightmare. The writer could best describe its impact in our educational system as a stumbling block for students, and a ticking time bomb for the education system and to say the least, a source of distress for countless parents.

The core message of the article is that writing homework and classwork inside textbooks has evolved from a harmless household habit into a national educational crisis that is quietly undermining learning outcomes in Nigeria. Specifically, the article argues that: marked-up textbooks sabotage learning by denying younger students the opportunity to think independently, practice problem-solving, and engage meaningfully with lessons. Economic hardship has normalized textbook reuse, but misuse has turned a cost-saving strategy into an educational disadvantage. The problem is systemic, not merely individual, reflecting failures in policy enforcement, public awareness, and educational support structures. Hence, government’s intervention is urgently required, including regulations, awareness campaigns, textbook audits, penalties, and subsidized writing materials.

Violation of education equity was also fingered as children are academically punished due to circumstances beyond their control—birth order and family income. King Onunwo opined that small oversights can cause large-scale damage, and ignoring such “minor” issues threatens Nigeria’s broader educational goals. Ultimately, he called for a national textbook integrity policy to protect learning materials and ensure fairness in education. Deductively, the writer ‘s feelings and emotional tone conveyed a deep concern and alarm, repeatedly framing the issue as a “growing emergency,” “ticking time bomb,” and “quiet academic crisis.” which signals a genuine fear that the problem if unchecked, may have irreversible consequences.

The writer ‘s tone is outrightly that of an advocate, not a neutral observer, speaking with a strong sense of justice, emphasizing on education as a right, meaning that children should not be academically disadvantaged by family circumstances, hence, the need for society to protect educational tools.The repeated calls for “immediate,” “urgent,” and “no time to waste” action showed impatience with delays and excuses. The writer believes every academic term lost worsens the damage. It is not just about textbooks—it is about educational dignity, equality, and systemic responsibility. The closing metaphor (“the handwriting is on the wall”) reinforces the writer’s belief that the consequences are already visible and that failure to act would be inexcusable. By responding decisively to growing concerns around the misuse and rising cost of learning materials, the Federal Government has demonstrated that thoughtful advocacy still matters—and that public interest writing can indeed influence policy in meaningful ways.

The recently unveiled education policy banning disposable workbooks and mandating the use of durable, reusable textbooks is a commendable step in the right direction. It directly addresses the very issues raised by King Onunwo and other concerned writers and parents who have long warned about the silent damage being done to Nigeria’s school children through poorly designed textbook practices and unchecked misuse of learning materials. For years, families—especially those with multiple children—have struggled under the weight of repeated textbook purchases. Worse still, the culture of writing directly into textbooks turned what should have been reusable learning tools into single-use items, sabotaging younger siblings who inherited books already filled with answers, errors, and confusion. The new policy does not merely reduce costs; it restores the integrity of textbooks as reference materials meant to guide thinking, not replace it.

By insisting on standardized, high-quality textbooks designed to last four to six years, the government has effectively validated the core argument of education advocates: that sustainability, affordability, and quality learning are deeply interconnected. The decision to prohibit the bundling of disposable workbooks—often used as a commercial tactic to force annual purchases—is particularly laudable. It signals a shift away from profit-driven educational practices toward child-centered learning. Equally important is the policy’s emphasis on strengthening assessment and quality assurance for instructional materials. This tackles another long-standing problem: superficial textbook revisions that compel parents to buy “new editions” without meaningful improvements in content. Such practices have eroded trust in the system and placed unnecessary financial strain on households already stretched thin.

Beyond textbooks, the introduction of a uniform academic calendar and the rationalization of graduation ceremonies show a broader sensitivity to the hidden costs of schooling. These reforms recognize that education expenses are not limited to fees alone but are compounded by traditions and inconsistencies that quietly drain family resources. This policy intervention is more than administrative reform; it is proof that government can listen, reflect, and act when issues are clearly articulated and grounded in lived realities. It affirms the value of public-interest writing as a bridge between citizens’ experiences and policy action.While implementation and enforcement will be the true test, the direction is encouraging. Parents, teachers, and school administrators must now play their part to ensure that these reforms translate into real change in classrooms across the country.

In acknowledging and addressing the concerns raised by writers, educators, and families, the government has taken a vital step toward protecting the learning future of Nigerian children. It is a reminder that when the handwriting on the wall is read early enough, it is still possible to rewrite the story—for the better.However, kudos to Federal Government for the intervention, but it should not end on the table rather should be given accelerated attention in order to ensure full implementation.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Redefining New Year Resolutions

Published

4 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Transformation begins the moment intention meets action.”

At the dawn of a new year and throughout its early days, millions of people across the globe make promises to themselves—to improve, to grow, and to transform. The New Year carries a unique sense of renewal, hope, and possibility. It offers a clean slate on which aspirations are rewritten and goals are redefined. But beyond the excitement and optimism lies an important question: what truly gives power to these resolutions, and how can they be sustained to positively impact individuals, families, and teams?

New Year resolutions emerge from different platforms, perspectives, and points of need. For many, the focus is personal growth—acquiring new skills, practicing mindfulness, improving physical health, or cultivating emotional resilience. Others prioritize relationships, seeking to strengthen bonds with family and friends, heal broken connections, or build new ones. Career development also ranks high, with goals such as professional advancement, job transitions, skill enhancement, or entrepreneurship. Financial stability—saving money, paying off debt, investing wisely—remains a major concern, while some individuals turn to creativity, exploring new hobbies, talents, or artistic pursuits.

Regardless of the resolution, a clear roadmap is essential. Transformation begins with reflection—understanding personal values, clarifying what truly matters, and identifying the change one desires to see. This process often involves shedding unproductive habits and mindsets to create room for growth. Setting specific and achievable goals, then breaking them into manageable tasks, increases the likelihood of success. Equally important is establishing an accountability system—whether through self-monitoring, trusted partners, or structured reviews—to sustain commitment over time.

New Year resolutions embody the power of intentional living. They allow individuals and groups to pause, evaluate past actions, and consciously chart a new course. When intentions are clearly defined, it becomes easier to identify growth areas, develop a realistic plan, maintain motivation, cultivate healthy habits, and strengthen relationships. Setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—ensures that resolutions are practical and purposeful rather than vague aspirations. In addition, prioritizing self-care enables the mind, body, and soul to function optimally, providing the stamina needed for long-term success.

Many resolutions require learning something new—whether acquiring professional skills, developing hobbies, or broadening intellectual capacity. For personal growth, this may include learning a new language, reading more books, or gaining knowledge that enhances competence and confidence. Involving family members in shared goals strengthens bonds and encourages collective responsibility. Regular family activities, open communication, shared meals, and intentional time together help instill values such as kindness, empathy, discipline, and accountability.

Career-focused resolutions may involve enrolling in online courses or certification programs, improving digital literacy, or networking with professionals in the same field. Financial growth requires discipline—creating and adhering to a budget, building a savings plan, investing wisely, and paying off debt systematically. When creativity or leisure is the focus, starting a journal or blog, learning an instrument, engaging in arts and crafts, or pursuing writing can be both fulfilling and therapeutic.

For families and teams, resolutions foster unity and shared purpose. When goals are collectively set and pursued, they promote collaboration, trust, and mutual support. Teams that align their resolutions with shared values experience improved productivity, morale, and accountability. Clear communication, regular progress reviews, and celebrating small wins reinforce commitment and sustain momentum throughout the year.

However, common pitfalls must be avoided. Unrealistic expectations often lead to discouragement and failure; goals should be challenging yet attainable. A lack of planning or strategy undermines even the best intentions, while poor accountability increases the risk of giving up prematurely. To make resolutions stick, it is important to track progress using journals, planners, or digital tools; celebrate milestones; remain patient with setbacks; and review goals periodically to adjust when necessary.

As the year unfolds, may our goals, hopes, and resolutions inspire meaningful change. Resolutions are not merely seasonal rituals—they are journeys of growth and discipline. With intentional planning, focused action, and collective effort, individuals, families, and teams can thrive, transform, and make lasting strides toward a better future.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi

Opinion

Trans-Kalabari Road: Work In Progress

Published

2 weeks ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This Dream project is one of the best things that have happened to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas in recent times.”

This is the concluding part of this story featured in our last edition.

Good road network helps farmers to convey their agro-allied products to commercial hubs where buyers and sellers meet periodically to transact business. Road network engineers and motivates people resident in unfriendly geographical terrains, like riverine areas, to own property and shuttle home with ease. Some people will prefer living in their own houses in a more serene and nature-blessed communities to living in the city that is fraught with pollution, and other environmental, social and economic hazards. Prior to the cult epidemic that ravaged parts of Rivers State, the Emohuas, Elemes, Ogonis, and Etches were known for rural dwelling. Most public servants from these areas do their official and private transactions from their villages. For them it was comparatively easier to live in the village and engage in a diversified economic endeavours through farming, fishing or other lucrative business without outrageous charges and embarrassment associated with doing business in Port Harcourt, where land is as scarce as the traditional needle.

That is why the decision to construct the Trans-Kalabari Road by the administration of Dr. Peter Odili was one of the best decisions that administration took. When Dr. Odili vacated office as the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi took over and awarded contracts for continuation of the road project which in my considered view is the felt need of the people of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. Unfortunately, Rt. Hon. Amaechi’s efforts to drive the project was sabotaged by some contractors some of whom are Kalabari people. The main Trans-Kalabari Road is one project that is dear to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas of Rivers State. This is because through the road commuters can easily access several communities in the three local government areas. For instance, the road when completed will enable access to eight of the ten communities in Degema Local Government Area, namely: Bukuma, Tombia, Bakana, Oguruama, Obuama, Usokun, Degema town and the Degema Consulate. It will also link 15 of the 16 communities in Asari Toru Local Government Area. The communities are: Buguma, the local government headquarters, Ido, Abalama, Tema, Sama, Okpo, Ilelema, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama, Krakrama, Omekwe-Ama, Angulama. The road will also connect 14 of 17 wards in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, and other settlements. It is interesting to note that It is faster, and far more convenient and economical for the catchment Communities on the Trans-Kalabari Road network to go to the State Capital than the East West Road. The people of the three local government areas will prefer to work or do their transactions in Port Harcourt from their respective communities to staying in Port Harcourt where the house rent and the general cost of living is astronomically high.

Consequently, development will seamlessly spread to the 28 out of 34 communities of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. The only Communities that are not linked by the road project are Oporoama in Asari Toru, the Ke and Bille Communities in Degema Local Government Area and the “Oceania” communities of Abissa, Kula, Soku, Idama, Elem Sangama of Akuku Toru Local Government Area. But because of the economic value of the unlinked Communities to Nigeria, (they produce substantial oil and gas in the area), the Federal, State Governments and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), can extend the road network to those areas just as Bonny is linked to Port Harcourt and the Lagos Mainland Bridge is connecting several towns in Lagos and neighbouring States.Kudos to previous administrations who had constructed the Central Group axis.

However, what is said to be the First Phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road project is actually a linkage of the “Central Group” Communities which consists of Krakrama, Angulama, Omekwe. Ama, Omekwe Tari Ama, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama. It is the peripheral of the Trans-Kalabari Road. The completion of the Main Trans Kalabari project will free Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor areas from congestion. It will motivate residents and people of the three local areas to contribute to the development of their Communities. If the Ogonis, Etches, Emohuas, Oyigbos, Okrikas, Elemes can feel comfortable doing business in Port Harcourt from home, residents and people whose communities are linked to Port Harcourt through the Trans-Kalabari Road will no doubt, do likewise. The vast arable virgin land of the Bukuma people can be open for development and sustainable agricultural ventures by Local, State and Federal Government.

It is necessary to recall that the Bukuma community was host to the Federal Government’s Graduate Farmers’ Scheme and the Rivers State Government moribund School-to-Land Scheme under Governor Fidelis Oyakhilome. Bukuma was the only community in Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas that has the capacity to carry those agricultural programmes. However the lack of road to transport farm produce to Port Harcourt and facilitate the movement of the beneficiaries of the scheme who lived in the community which is several miles away from the farms, hampered the sustainability of the programme. The main Trans-Kalabari Road remains the best gift to the people of Degema, Asari Toru, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas. Kudos to Sir Siminilayi Fubara.

By: Igbiki Benibo