Connect with us

Opinion

Of National Conference And Nigeria’s Unity (1)

Published

12 years ago

on

Nigerians at home and in Diaspora have been
calling and agitating for a National Conference in order to brainstorm on issues threatening the unity and wellbeing of the country.
To this end, the Federal Government of Nigeria nominated and set up a 13-man advisory committee headed by Senator Femi Okurounmu.  A four point terms of reference was also given to them which includes:
To consult expeditiously with all relevant stakeholders with a view to drawing up a feasible agenda for the proposed National Dialogue/conference.
To make recommendations to government, structure and modalities for the proposed National Dialogue/conference.
To make recommendations to government on how representation of various interest groups at the National Dialogue/conference will be determined.
To advise on a timeframe for the National Dialogue/conference.
The Committee was believed to have completed and delivered their assignment as instructed.
In view of this, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has inaugurated a 492 delegates led by Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi for the National Conference in order to pursue goals bordering on forms of government, structures of government, devolution of powers, revenue sharing, resource control, State and Local Government creation, State policing, boundary adjustment, fiscal federalism, indegenship, gender equality and Children’s Rights amongst others.
Delivering his inaugural speech, President Jonathan said that the National Conference would be an important avenue through which the voices of people should be heard pointing out that Nigerians have yearnings and aspirations or desires that needed to be discussed at the conference, and urged participants to table their thoughts and positions on such issues and make recommendations that would advance the unity of the country.
The conference, according to President Jonathan would compliment the effort of both the executive and National Assembly in marching towards a greater and stronger union for the country Nigeria, adding that the conference would not usurp the functions of the legislature.
He however, begged the delegates to jettison the poisonous mind-sets of the past, built on unhealthy competition among diverse groups and people and urged them to have a new mind and a new spirit of oneness and stop seeing Nigeria as a country of many groups and regions saying:
“Yesterday’s prejudices should die with yesterday.  Today is a new day.      This is the dawn of a new era.  This is an opportunity to think anew”
The conference which kick-started on Monday 17 March, 2014 with its inauguration at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja is expected to gulp not less than N7 billion.  Out of this sum, each delegate would be paid a total sum of N12 million for the 3 months, the conference is expected to last.  That is, to say that each would receive N4 million per month for accommodation, transportation and part of their feeding since they were to have free lunch at the venue of the conference.
As some Nigerians began to raise alarm over the “waste of fund” on the conference, some of the delegates like Pastor Tunde Bakare and Barr. Olisa Agbakoba to mention but a few, declared that they were not after the money but on how to resolve issues of national interest threatening the well-being and unity of  the  country.
Many good talks and speeches have come and gone but what do we stand to gain in this conference?  Is it not amazing to hear that some delegates were asking the Federal government to pay their aides?  The said delegates claim that the N12m was meant for them and not their aides and were even asking for the number of aides to come with for the conference, arguing that aides to members of the National Assembly participating in the conference are being paid by the Federal government.
We have a long way to go ooh.  Thank god for people like Hon. Ita Giwa who were able to recall that the present situation in the country emanated from past leaders who are also delegates to the conference.  Can we then think or believe that these delegates otherwise known as 494 wise men will deliver us from the issues and challenges facing this country?  Your answer can be “yes or No” but wait for a while, do not be in a haste to answer that simple but technical question.
It should be noted that most of the delegates were old time politicians who have served this country in one capacity or the other.  We have Prof.  Jerry Gana of the Almighty Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Agency, the later being his baby, Senator Ken Nnamani former Senate President and the almighty Dr. Peter Odili former Governor of Rivers State amongst others; who are supposedly good materials for the conference but permit me to ask one question, can we talk about their individual leaderships and conducts before now?  The good, the bad and the ugly? Can a Chamelion be constant with its colour? Can a leopard change its skin? This conference will tell.
Oragwa is of the Federal Information Centre, Port Harcourt.
In my thinking, the President of the Federation has done his beat by obeying the voices of Nigerians to constitute a National Conference which is also democratic. Butb come to think of it, what will an 80 year old man give Nigerians in this conference?  Because the moment one is above 60, senile dementia sets in therefore, age has so many things to do with the issue at hand.  For Christ sake, we have able bodied men capable of doing and saying something meaningful to the problem of this country, who should have been appointed as delegates.  Not people that would go for their stomach and selfish interest or desire.  Well, the inauguration is already done.
Recently, some groups like the Ogba land have disassociated themselves from the conference as a result of insufficient or lack of representation.
Some Nigerians are talking about true Federalism while some are talking about a parliamentary system of governance but which ever of the two, it can not be a solution to our problem until, we come to realize that if we need to be one Nigeria then, there is every need to kill ethnicity, tribalism, religion and other things that put us apart and stop pursuing shadows.
As long as the data and information demanded at the National, State or Local Government Levels contain State and Local government of origin, religion and their likes, Nigeria will continue to be in dichotomy.

The South is accusing the North of believing that the leadership of this country lies with them and that they are using resources from the south for their benefits while the North is accusing the South of hijacking the economy of the country.  Nobody trusts each other, for example, immediately President Goodluck came on board, the Islamist insurgency which was already in existence though at a kitchen level, suddenly developed wings and came up in full force.  Up till date nobody can give us concrete information about it neither has any of the sponsors being brought to book yet, some known personalities had sworn to make Goodluck’s administration ungovernable, while the Islamic insurgents in the North recently rejoiced that Professors, businessmen from the South would soon run leaving their sandals behind for them to inherit their booty.  Are the sponsors of this group stronger than this country and are they above the law? That the law cannot catch up with them?
I expect delegates to the conference to be selfless in this service to the nation and use this opportunity to call for a whole-some constitutional amendments, find effective way of cushioning ignorance among Nigerians through public enlightenment that is not biased as well as finding a way for each to make sacrifice since participation comes at a cost while our mentality to self should also be deliberated on in order to create a new dawn as Mr. President rightly said.
I want to say that the Ministry of Information at both federal and state levels have all it takes to go into the rural areas for the purposes of education and enlightenment of the masses, if the platform is set for such works to be properly executed.  The major assignment for all Nigerians and non Nigerians in this country is to ask this one outstanding question, what does it take for us to dwell together in unity? Are we able to remove these shadows that put us apart? Are we able to do it?
If  I am allowed to suggest, I think there is need to call for a referendum to enable us decide whether we actually want to still be together or not in order to avoid forcing people who are already disintegrated to be fighting at the conference for nothing, looking for a lasting solution that would never be.  Even though Mr. President has said disintegration of the country is a no go area but you and I know it is the only good and best thing that would happen in a country that does not believe one another.
Ukrain is about to, Sudan did, why would not Nigerians quietly and in good faith do same without shedding more innocent blood.  At least the 100 years of amalgamation has been full of blood shed without trust and many groups rising from different regions for religious or ethnic jingoism and victimization.  Please let us call “a spade a spade and not a garden spoon”.  How long can we continue in this pretence, called “One Nigeria” when we know that we are not.  May God help this country called NIGERIA!!

Oragwa Lovenda O.
For:  Head of Centre,
Port Harcourt.

Lovenda  Oragwa

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Opinion

Making the Out-of-School Children Survey Count 

Published

5 days ago

on

July 27, 2026

By

Quote: “Reliable data may reveal the scale of Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, but only sustained political will and practical action can ensure that every child is given the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute to national development.”

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, recently announced that the Federal Government, in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), will conduct a nationwide household survey to determine the actual number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. The exercise is intended to provide reliable data for evidence-based education policies and targeted interventions. Current estimates put the number of out-of-school children at between 15 million and 20 million, placing Nigeria among the countries with the highest number of children excluded from formal education. At first glance, this is a commendable initiative. One of Nigeria’s greatest developmental challenges has been the absence of accurate and reliable data. Without dependable statistics, planning becomes difficult, implementation inefficient, and evaluation of government programmes almost impossible.

The nation’s actual population also remains uncertain because of the absence of an up-to-date national census. Estimates range from below 200 million to over 250 million, making effective planning a daunting task. Sound policies on education, healthcare, housing, employment and infrastructure all depend on credible population statistics. Against this backdrop, the proposed survey deserves commendation. If government succeeds in generating reliable figures, it will be better positioned to allocate resources equitably, identify areas of greatest need and design interventions based on facts rather than assumptions. Accurate data will also make it easier to monitor progress and assess whether efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children are achieving the desired results.

However, beyond the good intentions lie important questions. Will state governments provide the enabling environment for an objective and transparent survey? Since education is on the concurrent legislative list, the cooperation of state governments will largely determine the credibility of the exercise. Politics could easily influence the process. States with higher numbers of out-of-school children may qualify for greater intervention funds from the Federal Government and development partners. Would this tempt some states to inflate their figures? On the other hand, high numbers could portray a state government as performing poorly in the education sector. Would some governors therefore seek to understate the figures to protect their image? These concerns are legitimate because whenever statistics are tied to political interests or financial benefits, the temptation to manipulate them cannot be ignored.

Equally important are questions about the survey itself. When will it begin? How long will it last? What methodology will be adopted? Will every household be covered, including those in remote rural communities and areas plagued by insecurity? Does the government have the manpower, funding, technology and security arrangements needed for such a nationwide exercise? Nigeria has witnessed several well-intentioned national programmes that fell short because of poor planning and inadequate logistics. Many Nigerians will remember that the proposed national population census scheduled a few years ago was postponed despite extensive preparations. Funding constraints and logistical challenges contributed to its suspension. What guarantees are there that this survey will not suffer a similar fate? More importantly, what becomes of the findings after the exercise? Nigeria is not short of reports or data collection initiatives.

The recurring challenge has been the lack of political will to translate findings into concrete policies and sustained action. The survey must not become another document gathering dust on government shelves. Instead, it should serve as the basis for measurable interventions, continuous monitoring and improved educational outcomes. Beyond producing accurate figures, the survey must also uncover the reasons children remain outside the classroom. Addressing the crisis requires more than counting affected children. It demands an understanding of the social, economic and cultural factors responsible for the problem. Issues such as the Almajiri system and other practices that discourage formal education should be carefully examined while respecting cultural values and protecting every child’s right to quality education. Poverty remains a major barrier, as many parents cannot afford school-related expenses, forcing children into street trading or child labour

Insecurity has also led to the closure of schools in several communities, depriving thousands of children of learning opportunities.Government must therefore complement the survey with practical measures. Strengthening social protection for vulnerable families, improving school infrastructure, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, enhancing security around schools and enforcing compulsory basic education are all essential. Equally important is sustained collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to address the root causes of school exclusion. The proposed survey presents an opportunity to replace guesswork with credible evidence. However, its true value will not be measured by the number of households visited or questionnaires completed. Its success will depend on whether the findings inspire bold policies, adequate funding and sustained action that ensure every Nigerian child, regardless of location or background, has access to quality education. Only then will the exercise move beyond statistics to become a genuine instrument for national development.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Opinion

African Women: Beyond the Stereotypes 

Published

5 days ago

on

July 27, 2026

By

Quote:”The story of the Tuareg women reminds us that Africa is not defined by a single narrative. Across the continent are cultures where women have long enjoyed dignity, influence and authority, proving that Africa’s history is far richer and more diverse than stereotypes suggest.”

For generations, Africa has often been portrayed through a single, narrow lens. News headlines, documentaries and social media feeds have tended to focus on poverty, conflict, disease and political instability, creating the impression that the continent has only one story to tell. While these challenges are real and deserve attention, they represent only a fraction of Africa’s rich history and cultural diversity. Reducing a continent of over a billion people and thousands of ethnic groups to one narrative does a great disservice to its people and heritage. One striking example of Africa’s diversity can be found among the Tuareg people of the Sahara Desert. Spread across Mali, Niger, Algeria, Libya and Burkina Faso, the Tuareg have preserved unique customs for centuries despite the harsh desert environment. Their society challenges many of the assumptions people hold about gender roles, particularly in African and Islamic communities.

Unlike many patriarchal societies where inheritance and authority are passed mainly through men, Tuareg tradition gives women a remarkable degree of respect, influence and autonomy. Family lineage is traced through the mother’s line, making women central to the identity and continuity of the family. This matrilineal system has helped shape a culture where women enjoy privileges that are uncommon in many parts of the world. Traditionally, Tuareg women own the family tents, which symbolise the household itself. They may also possess livestock, jewellery and other valuable property. In many families, women exercise considerable control over household wealth and inherit important possessions from their mothers. These rights are not viewed as extraordinary but as a natural part of their social structure. Marriage customs among the Tuareg are equally fascinating.

Women generally have a significant voice in choosing whom they marry, and divorce carries far less social stigma than it does in many other societies. If a marriage fails, a woman often returns to her family with her property and continues to enjoy the respect of her community. Rather than being treated as outcasts, divorced women frequently remarry if they choose. Such practices demonstrate a long-standing recognition of women’s dignity and independence. Perhaps even more intriguing is the value placed on female education and literacy. Historically, Tuareg women have often been more literate than the men. They preserve ancient poetry, songs and oral traditions that define the identity of their people. Through storytelling and cultural instruction, they pass history and values from one generation to another, ensuring that their heritage survives despite changing times.

Ironically, in Tuareg culture, it is often the men who wear the famous indigo veils that have become synonymous with the “Blue People of the Sahara.” The veil is worn for cultural and spiritual reasons and has become a symbol of maturity and honour among Tuareg men. This reversal of what many outsiders expect further illustrates how dangerous it is to judge societies using stereotypes. However, it is important to avoid replacing one stereotype with another. While Tuareg women enjoy rights that are impressive by many standards, their lives are not without challenges. Modern conflicts, climate change, economic hardship, displacement and political instability have affected Tuareg communities across the Sahara. Like many women worldwide, they continue to navigate social, economic and security concerns. Their story is therefore one of resilience rather than perfection.

The experience of the Tuareg also reminds us that Africa has never been culturally uniform. Across the continent are societies with widely varying traditions concerning leadership, inheritance, marriage and gender relations. Some communities are patriarchal, others matrilineal, while many combine elements of both. Understanding this diversity is essential if we are to appreciate Africa beyond simplistic generalisations. The colonial partition of Africa further complicated many indigenous institutions. European powers drew borders that divided ethnic groups and disrupted long-established systems of governance and social organisation. In some places, colonial administrations replaced or weakened traditional practices that had evolved over centuries. Yet many communities, including the Tuareg, have managed to preserve important aspects of their cultural identity despite these disruptions.

There is an important lesson here for Africans themselves. Too often, people accept narratives about their continent that are written entirely by outsiders. While criticism of Africa’s problems is necessary, celebrating its strengths is equally important. Indigenous knowledge, cultural diversity and historical achievements deserve the same attention as stories of crisis. Doing so creates a more balanced understanding of the continent and inspires confidence among younger generations. The story of the Tuareg women is not merely about female empowerment; it is about the richness of African civilisation. It reminds us that leadership, dignity and freedom can take different forms across cultures. Their example challenges long-held assumptions and encourages a more thoughtful appreciation of Africa’s complexity.

Ultimately, Africa cannot be understood through a single story. Its peoples, languages, traditions and histories are too vast and varied for such reduction. The Tuareg women of the Sahara stand as living proof that beneath the sweeping sands of the desert lies a civilisation whose values continue to surprise and inspire the world. As we seek to understand Africa better, we must move beyond stereotypes and embrace the many stories that together form the true identity of the continent

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi  

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

Published

2 months ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”
In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.
One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.
As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.
 Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.
 Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.
These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.
Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Trending