Opinion

Still On Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda

Published

12 years ago

May 23, 2014

The Federal Government has done a lot in bringing down
the infant mortality rate, associated death rate of child bearing mothers and polio problems in children etc, through innovation of different types of immunization vaccines in the country for the people concerned.
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 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 Nigeria 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 stabilization 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 crimes, 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 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 over seeing the privatization of Nigeria’s power sector, the end goal being an efficient and reliable power supply for the Nigeria 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 Nigeria government contracted the services of CPCS Franscom Limited, a Canada-based consulting firm specializing 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 harness 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 has seen positive break through, the need to fight corruption and insecurity continue 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 realize 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 in Nigeria assess the political situation objectively and vote base 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 Lat President Yar-Adua remains an effective but temporary solution to the violence and crises witnessed in the region. Therefore, need to Jonathan 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 need 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

Opinion

Monthly Environmental Sanitation Imperative

Published

1 day 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

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Confronting National Development In Chinese Style

Published

6 days ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi