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Appraising Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda (II)

Published

12 years ago

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With the various positive achievements, in the last five
years of Jonathan’s administration, Nigeria’s reputation and international diplomacy have grown stronger, despite the recent international uproar following the signing of the anti-gay bill into law by the President.  Nigeria still remains committed to fostering friendly and profitable liaisons with interested countries.
Presently, Nigeria still remains the number one destination for foreign investments in Africa (ahead of South Africa) and is currently working on new collaborative efforts with the U.K. and Chinese government to explore future diplomatic and economic ventures.
As long as the rights of Nigerian citizens are protected and the government remained focused in promoting the well being of all her citizens, the country will continue to have cordial relationship with the global community.
Signing into law, the Nigeria Oil and Gas Content Development Bill (2010) has led to the increment on the local content in the oil and gas sector.  This has helped in the award to an indigenous contractor job to the tune of N7.8 million and has also assisted in the creation of jobs and increase in revenue.
The creation and initiation of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) has led to the establishment of three other sub funds in Nigeria, viz infrastructure fund, future generation fund and stabilisation fund which are pillars of the sovereign wealth fund.
President Jonathan has improved internet communication services when his administration launched the NIJCOM Sat-1 Satellite which will help in the monitoring of weather and providing early warning to prevent natural disasters such as flood, crop monitoring and urban planning.  This will also help in the tracking of criminals, making it difficult for kidnappers, robbers and other criminals to perpetuate their nefarious activities.
The establishment of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria ( AMCON) has reassured and firmly established the Nigerian Banking Industry.  Master Card made Nigeria, its Regional Headquarters for its West/East and India Ocean Island zone.  This has raised the profile of Nigeria’s e-commerce industry.
The Textile Industry has been revived with the introduction of N150 Billion bail-out fund for the industry.  As a result, the United Nigeria Textile Limited was reactivated among others, leading to the engagement of 2000 employees.  The non-oil exports, from 2010, standing at $2.3 billion and subsequent years are 10 times what they were in 2000 as a direct result of this intervention by the Jonathan administration in the textile and other sectors.
In terms of roads and other infrastructures, the Government has been gradually making significant move with particular reference to the East/West Road in the Niger Delta Region.
On the power sector, President Jonathan launched “A Road Map for the Power Sector Reform”.  Its primary goal was to achieve stable electricity in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Power Sector has been plagued by blackout. The Economist estimates that the power outages cost Nigeria, Africa’s second biggest economy, billions of dollars on importation of diesel for generators and in lost output.
Jonathan has  been over seeing the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector, the end goal being an efficient and reliable power supply for the Nigerian population.  The Power Holding Company of Nigeria which acted as the State Electricity provider has been broken up into 15 firms with Nigeria handing over control of state electricity assets to 15 private bidding companies.
The Nigerian government contracted the services of CPCS Franscom Limited, a Canada-based consulting firm specialising in transportation and energy infrastructure project, to act as the transaction adviser for the handover of the state electricity assets.
On youth enterprise with innovation in Nigeria, President Jonathan launched the Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN) initiative which he stated was an innovative business plan competition that harnesses lucrative energies of young people between the ages of 18 and 35.  YOUWIN initiative is expected to create between 40,000 to 50,000 sustainable jobs by 2014.
According to President Jonathan, Nigeria’s foreign policy is “citizen-focused” (designed) to “accord the vision of defending the dignity of humanity the highest priority”.
Although Jonathan’s  administration has seen positive break through, the need to fight corruption and insecurity continues to be major limiting factor to the country’s growth.
Cases of misappropriation of public funds constantly make the headlines.  Insecurity from the Boko Haram sect and kidnapping remain the greatest problems confronting Nigeria citizens.
There are also elements of regional and ethnic division which significantly continue to heat up the polity.  It should be made clear that the problems highlighted above did not start with the present administration.
It is safe to say that Jonathan indeed inherited these problems from past leaders.  However, he has on several occasions pledged to the people of Nigeria his commitment to fight corruption and the violent ethno-religious crisis.
To achieve this, he needs to show definite steps that will cast a perception of trust  and confidence to the people as advised by the co-ordinating Minister of Finance and the economy, Prof. Okonjo Iweala.  There must be an independent audit concerning the controversial missing $20 billion.  This audit must clearly identify where the money is and restore the hope of poor Nigerian masses that live below the poverty line.
The National Conference needs be taken seriously by ensuring that it has proper representation and that its decision are moved as a second phase of referendum to realise the national constitution at the Senate level.  This is the way the North-South dichotomy will be resolved permanently in Nigeria.
The painful issues must be addressed and everyone allowed airing their view.  And since the elections are at the corner, it is important that citizens of Nigeria assess the political situation objectively and vote based on credibility rather than kinsmenship.
At the National Conference, one of the major agenda will be to discuss the ownership and distribution of wealth resources.  This sensitive issue is critical to solving the rising tensions in the Niger Delta region.  The amnesty introduced by Late President Yar-Adua remains an effective but temporary solution to the violence and crises witnessed in the region.  Therefore, we need the resolutions of the conference to fashion out policies that will appease all parties concerned with wealth distribution.
There was a recent clamour by the Niger Delta people for direct control of their resources.  One good way to start will be to hold oil companies to closer scrutiny towards environmental preservation, while extracting crude oil in the Niger Delta.  Pollution of the environment by oil exploration activities can no longer be acceptable as the people of the Delta region deserve an unhindered access to clean water, healthy crops, soil and pollution-free environment.
The underlying factors that provoked the upsurge of the Boko Haram sect remain debatable and relatively unclear.  However, some factors can be said to be responsible for the insurgence among which are low standard of education in the Boko Haram region, the extreme level of poverty in the Northern region, the general antagonistic attitude of some Northern political class towards Jonathan’s administration, and the porous nature of our boarders to other high risk countries such as Chad and Niger Republic.
Therefore, attempt to beef up education sector and promote poverty alleviation programmes in the region needs to be intensified.  Protection of our boarders has to be made top priority to ensure potential terrorists do not have access into our country.
Finally, national leaders from the Northern region need to learn to promote unity and perception of good governance within their people in words and action.  They need to adopt a nationalist mentality like the heroes of our past such as Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Amadu Bello and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, among others.
Eezeanochie is of the Federal Information Centre, Port Harcourt.

 

Eezeanochie Uchenna Mary

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Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

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1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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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
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Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

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1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”
Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.
Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.
Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.
Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.
Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.
 The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.
By;  Confidence Adoo
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Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’  Prescription 

Published

2 weeks ago

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June 8, 2026

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Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”
The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.
Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,
when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.
Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?
Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.
Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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