Opinion

World Book Capital And Reading Culture

Published

13 years ago

December 3, 2012

In 2014, the World’s Literary pendulum shall be pointing at the direction of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State and the acclaimed garden city of Nigeria.

By location, it is Nigeria but by implication, it is a world affair.

UNESCO decided to award it’s 2014 edition of World Book Capital City to Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This is in recognition of the pragmatic efforts of the present administration in promoting the art of literature and reading in the state and especially, the educational sector. Historically and in another perspective, the huge investment and expenditure done on educational sector through the transformation agenda is evidently or justifiably enough to draw international attention. Also, the Garden City Literary Festival (GCLF) which has become a trade-mark and have annually been able to pull remarkable names in the Pen industry and literary icons to the state contributed immensely to this global award and recognition.

It is indeed a monumental achievement and kudos to the administration of Rt. Hon. Chubuike Rotomi Amaechi, the Executive Governor of the State. He has really demonstrated his unalloyed love and loyalty for his professional discipline as an English and literary practitioner: This is one of the best, remarkable and cumbersome things that will ever happen in the history of Rivers State and Nigeria in general. To have a state of literacy above board is to have a generation of civilized people with decent ethical behavior.

The fact cannot be overruled that the gains of every society with out-standing percentage of literacy demystify that of illiteracy. This is why I quickly agreed with Governor Amaechi when he said “literature restores value and represents the world full of opportunities and numerous responsibilities”. A state or nation where 2/3 majority of the total populace are literate, who can read and write more of less gone through the conventional basic education will always be less vulnerable to some anti-social behaviours. It can never also be easily push-over, make to be a copy-cat or relegated to the background of social, political and economic development.

Reading and writing enhances creativity, professionalism, proper planning, coordination and articulation in word processing and manipulation. There is absolutely a clear distinction between learning to acquire knowledge and putting the knowledge acquired into proper use for the benefit of others. Every foundation in the arts of basic concept, technology and ideological principle is founded on the act of reading and writing. Without this concept that is put down through publishing of books, the scientific innovations, the discoveries that is shaping the world and making it a better place today would have been an illusion. Every good reader and writer can never lack word to express him or herself or to describe a situation or event. The great work of Books and Literature can never be quantified. This is why I truly avail the advice of Hilaire Belloc (1870 – 1953) to his son. Strongly, I believe this as a fundamental instruction when he said “child do not throw this book about, refrain from the unholy pleasure of cutting all the pictures out. Preserve it as your chiefest treasure”. The book project, reading and writing fiesta will enormously propel Port Harcourt, Rivers State is such an international recognition and benefits that must surely be reaped in the long run. This is why I am enjoying all well-meaning sons and daughters of positive minds to avail themselves with this opportunity no matter the negativity against all odds and bizarre circumstances perceived to surround its peripheries.

In as much as we envisage the lots of good opportunities that are abound in the lofty project, we also have to examine the shabby and shoddy state of our educational system and sincerely acknowledge that all is not well with it. This, at the back of our mind will surely help us to look back, dot our “i’” and cross our “t” adequately in very aggressive preparation for the event.

Crystal clear is the fact that, reading and writing culture in the country has regrettably felt below average in our education.al system. Right from the fall of WAI (War Against Indiscipline) of the Late General IDIAGBON – my most cherished Head-of-State, when the platonic, sardonic and draconic decrees that really shaped and positioned the socio-cultural behavior of our people, was toppled and abandoned, indiscipline has become the talk of the day in our schools. In those good old days, the 70’s and 80’s precisely, every school – secondary. schools especially had .prep or evening classes on their ,time table, these period, students are compulsorily allowed to go to their respective classes for studies on their own. So much readings and writings are always done at this period which was of greater advantage on the pupils performances.

Infrastructural development especially those that has direct impact and bearing on the literal aspirations and performances of the student for instance, before the adventure of the few modern schools of the transformation policy of the governor, there hardly be any of the schools especially community schools with standard or substandard library. And there hardly be any community in the state that does not have at least one community secondary school in its domain.

There is no way I could be convinced that standard library equipped with richer, juicy and certified books from authors of national and international reputes will not enhance the standard of reading and writing of our pupils. Though I can also agree that library alone, whether befitting or otherwise cannot bring in all that we need in our students and from our system. It is not all about a beautiful and serene environment or competitive facilities, it is all about the product of such an endeavour which must come through hard-work, discipline in all ramifications.

However, I quite agreed with the governor that better dreams come as a result of readIng books and indeed good books of course. It does not matter were one is brought up or the handicap situation one found self but what could be deduced from such a situation. In the words of the Governor, “I dream because I read. I was raised up in a poor neighbourhood of Diobu in Port Harcourt, I was the only child of my parents who went to school and today I am governor because I read”. This is an eloquent testimony, true confession and practical picture of the derivative factor of devotion, hard work and disciplinary measures exemplified through reading and writing. It is very palatable to emulate but much is needed to completely bring back this dream which are the banes of. sustainable and productive educational system in our dear state. We do not want the expensive and agrarian efforts of our governor to be a wasted venture. It is e common adage that if you want to hide something from a black person, mostly Nigerians, hide it in a book.’ I have looked at the above

statement as a fiction that has no bearing, but looking at the crop of people we turn out every year from our schools, I now draw affinity with the proponent of the adage. Something needs to be done urgently before we are swallowed up in a drowsy ocean of literary helplessness.

It is against this back drop that ‘we need to look at some measures to really address the anomalies vigorously. The culture of discipline anchor on an encompass corporal punishment must be brought back into the system. No one should be above discipline as long as uniform in dressing is maintained end there should be no regard to financial, parental statue, political affiliations and social background. The concept of compulsory boarding should be reintroduced.

Today globalization has brewed in so many packages, which are detrimental and with far reaching negative implications on the. people. The youth are most vulnerable to this feast. This is because browsing though the internet has taken over 75CYo of our youths. Instead of finding time to read books, writing and solving assignments, our youth prefer to spend long hours at cyber cafe browsing irrelevant articles. This is not healthy for the system and our forth- coming “World Book Capital City”. Today also, you seldomly see a child given in

to reading of ‘newspapers, bulletins, magazines, novels etc or even listening to news on Radio and television. not even documentary, program that has literary implications, what is common is music all-round the clock. There should be an over-hauling and upgrading of our educational curriculum to accommodate the teaching of moral behaviour and value in our schools. In the same vein, certain features of the 70’s and 80’s era and style of studies which made the system thick by then should be introduced. For instance, inter-school’s competition is a formidable tool that can alleviate the system.

However, we are happy with government efforts in revamping the sector and believe that with “proper arrangement devil can see God”.

Tordee (JP) a social commentator and public analyst resides in Port Harcourt.

Manson B. Tordee

Opinion

Monthly Environmental Sanitation Imperative

Published

4 days 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

4 days 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

1 week 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