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Disunity In Diversity

Published

5 years ago

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Nigeria, the world’s most populous black nation is on the edge of a precipice. She is on the brink of being a failed state, yet the leadership of this nose-diving country is very much at peace with the ugly state of affairs.
The Boko Haram insurgency which intends to create a sovereign Islamic state in the Northen Eastern part of Nigeria is wreaking unprecedented havoc in the area. Apart from the Nigerian Civil War, no other disturbance has claimed millions of lives like the Boko Haram. The simmering war against terrorism has gulped billions of naira but to no avail. The abduction of children in schools has characterised their quest for Islamic state in the Northeast. Forceful marriages, rape, decapitation, murder and a helluva of other heinous crimes are committed by the militia on a daily basis.
Some people believe that the war against terrorism in the Northeast is not likely to abate because of sabotage. Many Northern Muslims are sympathetic with the Islamic fundamentalists, who want to foist an Islamic state in the area. The countries that fall under the Lake Chad basin are largely Muslims whose interest is how to form an Islamic state within the West African sub-region cutting across countries.
On the one hand, the simmering war is fueled by the rapacious greed of the military brass hats who are supposed to prosecute the war against terrorism but have chosen to exploit the situation for filthy lucre amidst unpardonable carnage and destruction. This class of persons has no compunction in worsening the war; they are the persons in charge of purchasing weapons of war. Reports have it that many weapons of war used by Boko Haram insurgents are gotten from armoury of the Nigerian military.
International communities have traced the supply of Boko Haram weapons to the Nigerian military headed by the apologists of the insurgency.
Soldiers, especially from the Southern part of Nigeria, are often amazed at how classified information gets to the Boko Haram camp. Most times, Boko Haram insurgents are able to nip invasion or onslaught of the Nigerian military in the bud. This has often led to the killing of many patriotic Nigerian soldiers.
Northern extremists are gratified by the presence of the Islamic militia in the northeast. They want the Federal Government to negotiate with Boko Haram so that they can be settled as the Niger Delta militants have been settled.
Unfortunately, this line of reasoning goes against the grain because the Niger Delta Militants are only asking for what is justifiable. Revenue sharing formula changed to a paltry 13% of derivation merely because the country is sustained by the revenue from the southern minorities.
But before the 1st military coup in 1966, the derivation principle as entrenched in both 1960 and 1963 constitutions was 50%. Consequently, the Niger Delta people are faced with the pollution of their ecosystem in spite of the marginal benefit that accrue to them from oil exploitation. Much of oil revenue is dissipated in feeding regions that contribute nothing to (national pool) the Federation Account.
On the other hand, the Boko Haram has no reason whatsoever for their acts of terrorism. Just like the devil, who is their master, their mission is to steal, kill and destroy. The barbaric acts of terrorism have been pulsated by both internal and international condemnations. Boko Haram has been described as an offshoot of Al Queda, yet international community has shut its eyes on the horrible things happenings in Nigeria. The war crimes being committed by the Boko Haram insurgents are both hallucinating and horrifying yet international community has done nothing to checkmate the carnage.
But the truth of the matter is that a civil war is imminent judging by the current happenings today and the sheer lack of national cohesion.
Only recently, Boko Haram insurgents invaded Niger State and hoisted its flag in that area. The area in Niger state, which is under Boko Haram annexation is only two hours drive to Abuja, the country’s capital.
The Niger state Governor, who made broadcast on the issue could not hide his resentment over the Federal Government’s inability to secure the country given that security is a basic need of the nation. Many people have been displaced.
Federal Government’s complacency in the face of festering violence in the Northeast is worrisome.
In the Southeast, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who are asking for self-determination, are wreaking havoc. In Owerri, Imo State, the state police command headquarters was attacked by the militant arm of the group. Many policemen were killed by the militia.
The personal home of Imo State Governor, Mr. Hope Uzodinma was demolished by the separatist militia. Following the attack on Imo State Police Command at Owerri, the police have killed the commander of the IPOB and captured others who are making useful statements to them.
But the IPOB is not still sated; their reprisal attacks have spilled to Rivers State. Between Omagwa and Elele in Ikwerre Local Government Area of River State, more than eight security agents have been killed. Two soldiers, three customs officers and three policemen were killed recently.
Another five security operatives were felled in similar circumstances at Obua in Obua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State. The separatist agitations by sundry ethnic militias underpin the fact that the sustenance of a united Nigeria is at best of a counterfeit.
For example, the Ibos have never ruled Nigeria for more than 50 years after the Nigerian civil war. They have become second class citizens in the country of their birth. The stance of denying the Igbos a shot at the presidency and sundry other deprivations have fueled the separatist agitation in Igboland.
In the southwest, the Odua People’s Congress (ODC) is inclined to self-determination. The Nigerian project is no longer beneficial to any of the regions, what appears to bind Nigeria together is the greed of the ruling class in the country despite their political leanings.
It is evident from the widespread violence, crisis, and separatist agitations that “this house has fallen.”
In debris of the fallen house will arise; Biafra, Oduduwa Republic and Islamic state of Boko Haram. This arrangement appears imminent unless the Federal Government is roused from coma. But the fate of the middle belt hangs on the balance. The choice is theirs.

 

By: Chidi Enyie

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Women In STEAM: Overcoming underrepresentation: A Nigerian woman’s journey in Asian tech, design

Published

1 week ago

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March 23, 2026

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In this episode of Women in STEAM, Nabhel Harmony, a Nigerian product designer living in Indonesia, reflects on her journey navigating the global tech industry as an African woman in the room.

Ms Harmony says underrepresentation is a major challenge, often leading to bias and underestimation.

PT: What inspired you to pursue a career in product design?

Ms Harmony: I began as a graphic designer in 2017, first learning CorelDRAW to help my mom with flyers, then building skills with Adobe Suite and working at a printing press. The real shift happened during my master’s programme when I came across a Microsoft UX video. That moment, along with learning Figma, inspired me to pursue product design. Since then, I have focused on creating intuitive, human-centred digital experiences, driven by the belief that design should be both impactful and useful.

PT: What experiences or skills do you think are essential to break into the field?

Ms Harmony: I think the essentials for breaking into design right now come in two layers. First, you still need a strong foundation in UX, understanding user needs, problem-solving, and being able to communicate ideas clearly. Tools like Figma are great, but more important is learning how to think like a designer: how to frame problems, test assumptions, and iterate.

The second layer is adaptability. With the rise of AI-powered tools like Stitch, Claude, Cursor, Lovable and others, the way we design is evolving. These tools can speed up workflows and even generate starting points for us, but they do not replace the need for critical thinking or empathy. I always encourage new designers to learn the traditional UX process and experiment with AI tools to see how they can supercharge creativity and productivity.

Finally, I would say, the designers who will thrive are those who are curious, willing to explore, and able to use both human insight and machine assistance to create experiences that feel truly meaningful.

PT: Can you share an example of a project that had a significant social impact, and how you approached designing for that specific challenge?

Ms Harmony: One project with real social impact was the redesign of iglooconnect, a platform that links smart locks with services like Airbnb. The old system was clunky and confusing, creating barriers for property managers, small businesses, and international users, sometimes even affecting safety and livelihoods. I approached it with empathy, becoming a user myself, gathering insights from support teams, and studying competitors.

We streamlined user flows, simplified navigation, and improved accessibility. The result was a platform that now supports thousands globally, helping property managers focus on hospitality, enabling small businesses to grow, and making the experience intuitive for international users. It reinforced for me that good design isn’t just about looks, it’s about equity, trust, and opportunity.

PT: As a senior product designer, what qualities do you look for in a design team, and how do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment?

Ms Harmony: As a senior product designer, I look for curiosity, empathy, and resilience in a design team. Curiosity drives exploration, empathy ensures we design for people and collaborate well, and resilience helps us embrace feedback and ambiguity. To foster collaboration and innovation, I focus on building trust, encouraging open dialogue, celebrating collective wins, and creating a safe space for experimentation and growth.

PT: As a design tutor, how do you approach mentoring junior designers, and what advice would you give to those looking to grow in their careers?

Ms Harmony: I mentor by focusing on mindset over tools. I encourage juniors to see design as problem-solving, not just screen-making. I give them small, real projects to build confidence, and I make feedback a two-way process so they learn to see critique as growth.

My advice is simple: stay curious, build portfolios that show your process (not just polished screens), and find a design community to learn with. Skills evolve, but curiosity, empathy, and resilience will always set great designers apart.

PT: Can you discuss your approach to designing accessible and user-centred solutions, and how you balance business needs with user requirements?

Ms Harmony: My approach to accessible, user-centred design starts with empathy. I focus on understanding user pain points, then simplify flows to make products clear, inclusive, and intuitive. To balance this with business needs, I connect user pain points to outcomes such as efficiency, adoption, and retention. For example, in one of my recent projects, I simplified access flows for property managers by creating an integrated dashboard which not only improved usability but also reduced support tickets, creating value for both users and the business.

PT: What challenges have you faced as a woman of African descent in the tech and design industries, and how have you overcome them?

Ms Harmony: One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a woman of African descent in tech and design is representation. Living in Asia, particularly here in Indonesia, I have often found myself as the only African woman in the room, which sometimes meant dealing with bias, being underestimated, or having to work harder to prove my expertise.

I have overcome this by leaning into resilience and community. I built networks with other designers and used those connections for support and growth. More importantly, I let my work speak for itself, focusing on delivering impact and creating meaningful solutions.

PT: How do you think designers can give back to the community, and are there initiatives you have been involved in to promote design education and awareness?

Ms Harmony: One of the most meaningful ways designers can give back is by creating access to knowledge, to opportunities, and representation. For many people, design may feel like an unfamiliar career path, especially now with the rapid rise of AI. And the first barrier is often simply not knowing where to start. By mentoring, sharing resources, and opening doors, we can demystify design and make it more inclusive.

ALSO READ: Women in STEAM: Excellence Joshua speaks on navigating motherhood, building a career

I have been mentoring women who are breaking into tech and design through She Code Africa. Additionally, I mentor on ADPList, guiding emerging designers worldwide on career growth. Last year, I partnered with the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) to provide free and discounted memberships, extending access to high-quality courses that many may not otherwise be able to afford. I also run a Telegram tech community of over 800 designers, where I regularly share opportunities like jobs, internships and courses that can help someone to take the next step in their career. Altogether, these efforts have allowed me to support hundreds of aspiring designers in building strong foundations and finding their place in the industry.

PT: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies, and what resources would you recommend for others looking to do the same?

Ms Harmony: I stay up to date by staying active online, especially on Twitter (X). It may sound a little cheesy, but it genuinely works for me. I follow thought leaders and official design team accounts like Google Design, Microsoft Design, and tools like Figma and Framer on Twitter (X) and LinkedIn. I also make it a point to experiment with new tools as they are released, particularly AI-powered ones like Figma Make, Cursor, Lovable, and Stitch. From time to time, I complement this with online courses, which help me strengthen my foundation and stay adaptable.

For others, I would recommend a balance: structured learning through platforms like the Interaction Design Foundation or Coursera, paired with mentorship opportunities on ADPList or She Code Africa for aspiring African women in tech. That mix of formal education, community learning, and hands-on exploration is what keeps you not only up to date but truly adaptable in such a fast-moving field.

PT: What message would you like to convey to women and underrepresented groups who are interested in pursuing a career in tech and design, but may be hesitant or unsure?

Ms Harmony: My message would be simple: you belong here. Tech and design can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when you don’t see many people who look like you in the room, but your perspective is not just valid, it’s valuable. The industry needs diverse voices and experiences to create solutions that work for everyone. If you are hesitant, start small. Take a course, join a community like She Code Africa and surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you. Do not wait until you feel “ready”; none of us ever really does. Growth comes from trying, learning, and showing up consistently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ministry Raises Concern Over Rising Teenage Pregnancies, Begins Adolescent Sensitisation Campaign

Published

3 weeks ago

on

March 9, 2026

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The Department of Public Health in the Rivers State Ministry of Health has raised concern over the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies in society as it intensifies efforts to educate adolescents across the state.
Programme Manager for Adolescent Health and Development in the department, Mrs. Tammy Briggs, expressed the concern during a sensitisation programme held at Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Briggs explained that the campaign was designed to educate adolescents on the dangers of teenage pregnancy and other health-related issues affecting young people.
According to her, teenage pregnancy is currently on the rise, making it necessary for the ministry to step up awareness programmes among students.
“This is something that is on the rise for now. We have observed that there are many cases of teenage pregnancies, so we are here to sensitise them on ways to prevent it entirely,” she said.
She disclosed that the sensitisation campaign is being carried out in selected schools across four local government areas of the state, namely Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and Eleme Local Government Area.
Briggs noted that the programme focuses on several key issues affecting adolescents, including sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, emotional health and proper nutrition.
She added that the outreach programme also featured tuberculosis screening for students as well as the distribution of sanitary pads and mathematical sets to support their health and academic development.
The programme manager commended the management of Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme for their cooperation and support in hosting the sensitisation exercise. She also advised the students to avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their future.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Nwadike Chinonso urged the students to make informed decisions about their lives and remain focused on their education.
He cautioned them against engaging in early sexual activities, stressing that abstinence remains one of the most effective ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
Some of the students who participated in the programme expressed appreciation to the team for the awareness campaign and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to make responsible life choices.

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PH Ring Road: The October Delivery Promise

Published

3 weeks ago

on

March 9, 2026

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The recent assurance by the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, that the ongoing Port Harcourt Ring Road would be completed by October this year has rekindled hope among Rivers people. For many people of the state who have endured months of disruption and uncertainty, the promise comes as a breath of fresh air. The importance of the project cannot be overstated; it represents not just a road network but a vital artery for economic activity and mobility across the state.
Stretching across six local government areas—Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Eleme, and Ogu-Bolo—the project covers about 50.15 kilometres and includes six flyovers. Initiated in July 2023 and executed by Julius Berger Nigeria, the ambitious undertaking was conceived to ease traffic congestion, stimulate economic growth, and improve connectivity between communities.
However, the project’s journey has not been smooth. When construction stalled last year, many residents who depended on the affected routes found themselves in severe difficulty. Commuters, traders, and transport operators suddenly had to navigate half-finished sections, diversions, and rough terrain.
Perhaps nowhere has the hardship been more visible than around the Ogbogoro axis, where residents continue to face daily inconvenience. For many families, the unfinished road has turned routine travel into a gruelling ordeal. Long detours, damaged vehicles, and rising transport costs have become the bitter reality.
The scale of disruption was significant. Houses were demolished to make way for the road expansion, businesses were displaced, and livelihoods were interrupted. While such sacrifices are sometimes inevitable in large infrastructure projects, the prolonged delay left many people in dire straits.
It is therefore understandable that the governor’s renewed commitment has been greeted with cautious optimism. For residents who have borne the brunt of the disruption, the promise of completion offers the prospect of relief and restoration. In many quarters, hope is gradually replacing frustration.
When finished, the Ring Road is expected to give the state a much-needed facelift. In a nation where several public projects have suffered abandonment over the years, many feared the same fate might befall this landmark development. That concern is precisely why the latest assurance has struck a chord with the public.
Governor Fubara’s recent inspection of the project site and his firm declaration that the road would be delivered by October have helped steady public confidence. Actions such as these signal seriousness and accountability—qualities citizens increasingly demand from public officials.
Nevertheless, while the governor deserves commendation for the renewed momentum, the task before him goes beyond this single project. Other initiatives already commenced under his administration, as well as those inherited from previous governments, should also receive the attention required for completion.
Indeed, governance is a collective enterprise. Stakeholders across the state must rally behind the administration to ensure progress is not hindered. Political actors, community leaders, and civil society groups all have a role to play in creating the environment necessary for effective governance.
Rivers State has endured its fair share of political turbulence in recent years, and infrastructure development has sometimes been caught in the crossfire. It is therefore imperative that institutions such as the Rivers State House of Assembly work constructively with the executive arm so that citizens can finally enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The earlier six-month halt during the period of emergency rule should serve as a lesson. Infrastructure projects of this magnitude cannot afford prolonged interruptions. The governor must therefore ensure that such setbacks do not recur, and that other projects under his watch do not suffer a similar fate.
Regular site visits and close monitoring of the contractors will also be essential. Such oversight will not only accelerate progress but will demonstrate to the contractors and the public alike that the government considers the project a priority.
Beyond the physical structure of asphalt and concrete, the road carries broader economic promise. Improved connectivity among the affected local government areas will facilitate trade, reduce travel time, and open new opportunities for businesses. It will also enhance access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities for thousands of residents.
Ultimately, meeting the October deadline is only half the task. The quality of the work must meet the highest standards to guarantee durability and safety for the countless commuters who will use the road daily. The security of the construction workers must also remain paramount to prevent kidnapping or other threats. Delivering the Port Harcourt Ring Road on schedule, and doing it well, would indeed be the right step forward for Rivers State.
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