TECHWORLD

        Technology has really transformed communication. with the download of Blogger on my android, blogging on the move has been made easier and the excuse of having to wait till I get to my system have been dealt with. This is still phlegvinyl with a great and loving heart for this nation. Thank you Techno , thank you Nigeria, thank you Emmanuel Stevens and thank you Duromisin Oluwatosin

COMING SOON

Are you ready to be a part of this?

A partaker of the coming bliss

 When there will be express manifestation of grace

And the people will once again value excellence

The building process has begun

When the nation will rise like the sun

And the people will be united as one

With an excellent mindset as a gown

Are you ready to be part of this?

When excellence flows in a sweet bliss

And there is peace in the environment like cool breeze

We are the ones to make this happen and no one else

Nigeria will rise again and stronger

Hearts will become larger

And love will be in the air

This will happen because we believe

And we will be a part of the process.

GREAT NATION

            With the beautiful voice of Timi Dakolo’s “Great Nation” on replay, my ink stains the screen of my laptop as I paint a picture of the richness of the lyrics of this song. The first time I heard this song, was during the birthday of Archbishop of Church of God Mission International Inc., Most Rev. Dr. Magareth E. Benson –Idahosa.  And the passion with which he sang, struck the patriotic chord within me, and even though I did not have the lyrics, I just had to hum along. Also, just before then someone had reminded mama (Archbishop) of the fact that she said that Nigeria will be one of the most sought after nations by 2025 and the song was just icing on the cake for my mind.

             I have always been and will ever remain a believer in this nation. And when I see partners in the ministry, it gives me great Joy and that was what I found in Timi Dakolo. I never knew that the song (GREAT NATION) had been out for like a year and that even a video was out; imagine such sweet delicacy out in the open and I hadn’t tasted it. But since I got hold of it, irrespective of the “this song is old now” from friends and classmates, I have not let the song go, it has been on replay on my mobile phone, music player... and for me, it has become a theme song that will never leave me, though I might have new ones to add to it. Before I continue let me share with you the lyrics of the song:

Here we stand as a people

With one song: with one voice

We're a nation: undivided and poised

We will take our stand: and build our land

With faith: to defend what we love

Here we are as a people

With one heart: for one cause

We're determined: to rebuild and restore

Where freedom reigns: and truth prevails

A land where there's hope for us all (2x)

(Chorus)

We're all we have, we'll defend our land

We believe in this nation, and we know we'll get there

We're all we have, we'll defend our land

We believe in Nigeria and the promise she holds

And that one day we'll shine like the sun

We're a great nation

Though we are many people

Different tribes: different tongues

We're united in our strength and resolve

To uphold the honour of our land

And for generations to come

             Can you feel the richness in this lyrics and the kind of faith that emits from it; there is a difference between the work of a believer and a person that is not of the faith. I played this song, the day I downloaded it, and my spirit broke out in unknown tongues in intercession for this nation, and the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. Hence, I know that things were sorted out that day. With the present day situation, the environment leaves little or nothing to believe and the headlines on the newspapers are not just palatable at all.

             Also, when you visit the newspaper stands to hear comments of Nigerians, or you visit schools to hear the reason why children and youths want to be leaders, questions abound on where this nation is heading to. Every day, annoying decisions are made by those in leadership positions, few continue to enjoy the wealth meant for the majority and the leaders of tomorrow imagine maybe there will still be anything left for them to eat out of the national cake. ASUU has been on strike, ASUP was on strike for about two months, and the primary school teachers were on strike for months, considering the importance of education to development, what thought does this leave us with?

             Boko Haram continues to kill in the north and in the south, every little thing the militant threaten to go back to arms; as we sit on a peace bought by settlement (money). The  church which is supposed to be the backbone of the nation is becoming monetized and politicized and the morals of the society is at the lowest ebb, is there still hope? We are the largest exporter of crude oil in Africa and yet we import petroleum products, divided into 3 by water, yet portable water is not for all citizens; a large population of able bodied technocrats and democrats with little or no impact... is there still hope?

            However, in the midst of this dry land the lord is raising an army of believers, who will transform the fortunes of this nation. People who will make sure, spring of waters spring forth to water the plan for freshness to abound again; people who will not only preach but be a partaker of the process of development. Hearts who are founded in unity and not soiled by the stains of ethnicity, religious barriers and partisan politics, will manage resources to make sure the beauty is sustained. Now the question remains, will you be a part of this army or be an onlooker?

             Furthermore, Brethren let us stop the complaining and begin the faith that is accompanied with works. The Lord has spoken upon this nation through the mouths of different prophets, Ministers, small children like me also and his word does not go to the ground without being fulfilled. Will you be part of that nation that stands to take her stand to rebuild and restore the land? We will do it with you or not, but it will be lovely for you to be part of this history making process. For the time cometh and it is not far, where Nigeria will be a nation where the truth prevails and freedom reigns... with God on our side, nothing will stop us.

            In addition, we cry today that our fathers have failed us, would we wait for our children to say the same of us? I refuse to be a part of the complainers Football club, but  I accept my responsibility to be a major stakeholder in the team of responsible builders... these two teams are laid before you today, choose on which side you will be a part of? It pains me most time, when I am around places where things are going on wrong and I hear comments like: “how e go take beta for this country?”, “Nigeria no fit good again ooh”... sometimes ago, an old man called me to ask maybe there was hope for us as the future of this nation, I smiled and told him that I am still alive and that is a sign that there is hope.

             Christians! If you cannot join those praying, please don’t allow your mouth be an accessory for the devil in decreeing the wrong things. Where is your faith, is it still determined by environmental situations? Are those your comments spirit led? Join the sons, for the creations earnestly await the manifestations of the sons of God... Nigeria awaits your manifestation oh O OoooO.  You should not carry God and your lights not shine to those around you. Wake up from slumber, O ye Watchmen of this nation; friends of the king of Glory, hear what the father has to tell you concerning the role you have to play and stop the cursing and “complaint without positive action”.   The king of Isreal had issues, when the letter was sent to him to heal Naaman, but the prophet got to know from where he is and solved the problem. Military tactics where delivered to the government by the prophet, are there no more prophets in Nigeria? Holyghost filled, tongue speaking, Evangelism doing without impact is almost like noise making..., we need Christian manufacturers and business men, multi millionaires with clean naira, dollar and pound- sterling, inventors etc.

            I am not religious bias; I relate with you cordially despite your religion but will not forget my identity as a son of God and an ambassador for Christ. Nigeria needs you, we are all we have...to defend this land, it is not the resources that make us who we are, but who we are gives the resources more prestige.

God bless Benson and Kay Akhigbe Jnr, Timi Dakolo, fela Durotoye , Mama Archbishop Magareth Idahosa,  pastor Chris Delvans , Pastor Bankie, Prophet Bill Hammon, Dr. Steve Adeyemi, Pastor Omadeli Boyo etc... These people have helped in confirming my strong believe in God’s word of a better Nigeria and May God see them through and make them more successful to take this country to greater heights. I   drop my pen, by re- echoing the chorus of this great second national anthem:

(Chorus)

We're all we have, we'll defend our land

We believe in this nation, and we know we'll get there

We're all we have, we'll defend our land

We believe in Nigeria and the promise she holds

And that one day we'll shine like the sun

We're a great nation

            Every morning, as you wake up; say the national prayer (second stanza of the national anthem) with great faith in your heart. And put your faith into action, by doing excellent things that will bring glory and honour to God and the betterment of this country. Be hard working in all you do, because do you see a man who is diligent in his works, he will stand before kings and not obscure men. There are breakthroughs that God wants to release unto the world, are you that ready man?

PROPOSED UK VISA POLICY AND THE LESSONS FOR NIGERIA

So many reactions have plagued the recent proposal by the British government to force citizens from Nigeria and four other countries to pay a £3,000(N 750,000) bond to be allowed to enter Britain. In view of this proposal, they will only get their money back once they leave the country, in a bid to end abuse of the Visa system. The other countries affected by this proposition include India, Ghana,Pakistan, Bangladesh and India.  In the proposal by the Home Secretary, Theresa May, the proposal is targeted at nationals of the countries tagged as “High Risks”.  I will be approaching this issue from a perspective, which might not be so obvious. But before then, let me bring some other reactions to the same plan. The intention is to make the immigration system more selective and deter people from overstaying once their visitor’s visa has expired. There are plans that the Australian style- bond scheme to also include foreign workers and students.

            In a report by Adekunle Adekoya in Vanguard, he observed that the UK visa policy has in reality always been discriminatory to Nigerians and if you like, nationals of other countries included. According to him, it started in September 1986 when the Margret Thatcher administration decided, at the end of a cabinet meeting that in future, travellers in Nigeria, India, Ghana and Bangladesh and Pakistan will need to obtain Visa from their own countries before travelling. Before the 1986 decision, nationals of all common wealth nations except Sri lanka did not need visas to travel to the UK.

            On the other hand, the House of Representatives committee on foreign Affairs slammed the move as “discriminatory and unacceptable”. Nnenna Elendu – Ukeje, chairman of the committee in a statement said such a policy was not in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.  She said that they will take a ‘critical look at the policy’ as it affects Nigerians and come up with a way forward. The Minister of foreign affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, said Nigeria “will do everything within its means to protect its citizens from any harsh policy by any country.” In a statement issued by the Ministry if Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, 25^th of June, 2013, it was said that the Minister had already summoned the UK commissioner, Mr Andrew pockock, to formally register federal governments’ displeasure to the policy. The statement quoted the minister as describing the policy as “not only discriminatory but also capable of undermining the commonwealth family”. It added that the proposed policy would negate the joint commitment signed by Prime Minister David Cameron and President Goodluck Jonathan, to double the volume of trade of both countries by 2014.

            However, as the twist in the issue continues to develop, the British High commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Andrew pockock said it was regrettable that the yet- to – be announced policy was leaked to the media as the modality for implementation had yet to be worked out, while also assuring the Minister that the views and concerns of Nigerians would be conveyed to his home government.  

            While there have been some reverse reactions towards the plans, the idea has been welcome by backbench Tony MPs, who have been urging the government to take a tougher line on immigration.  The policy also has the backing Lib Dem Leader, Nick Clegg, who suggested the introduction of bonds in March, though was proposing the level should be fixed as £1000. Although, Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs select committee, said the idea was ‘unworkable’ and ‘impractical’. Mr Vaz, an ex- foreign Office Minister, claimed it would not deter people from trying to stay   on after their visas ended and said the targeted countries would be “likely to retaliate”.

            It is important to note that a similar plan of £1,000 bond in 2008 amid an outcry from migrant right groups.  . Unarguably, this policy if implemented is going to be a double edged sword. “In perspective, the policy if implemented will have repercussions on both sides. If dealing with the illegal immigration is the sole object of the policy, then Nigerians who see the UK as an escape destination will be affected. On the contrary, Nigeria is a business destination for many United Kingdom Nations, including those of Nigerian descent. If Nigeria reciprocates, as government may be required to, business on both sides will suffer irreparably...” (Adekunle Adekoya,Vanguard).

            However, my heart cry is not even about the effect of this proposal on students, parents, immigrants etc, but on a lesson that the citizens and government of this nation are supposed to learn. Not that the things mentioned above are not important, but just that they are not my main focus. One can hardly blame them, if we want to be sincere, because no country wants an uncontrolled influx of people, as it has its own effect on them. My heart cry is that is that this nation should be made liveable in all ramifications and I want the government of and people of Nigeria to learn from this insult and do everything possible in their power to bring back respect to this nation. On various occasions, I have been opportuned to be around discussions of young people, who just talk about looking for ways of leaving this country to find greener pastures in various European countries. Majority of them, always end with statements like “I no go just come back again, this country too hard...” hence the struggle by many Nigerian future leaders to find their way out of this country, to go and do menial jobs; going through different hardships and issues just to get papers.

            A home office official in Britain said the six countries highlighted were those with “the most significant risk of Abuse”.  “ Last year 296,000 people granted six month visas were from India,  101,000 from Nigeria, 53,000 from Pakistan and 14,000 each were from Sri Lanka and Bangledesh”( AFP). Imagine the figures! Let us learn from this “Insult” (that is what it is to me), and make this nation an envy for people outside. We can make this country beautiful enough for people to want to come in and our youths ready to stay and work. We have very wonderful professional Nigerians working in different places in European countries, who have refused to come back home, because of better quality of job terms; we have read in the News of Nigerians making giant strides in their various endeavours. All this would have been things enjoyed in this country if things were as good as they ought to be.

            This is my plea! Government, please you can continue your complaints on the discriminatory policy, but please also focus on making this nation a golden street that people will want to walk on. For the supposed giant of Africa to be put to this kind of treatment speaks volumes in few lines. Please Sirs and Madams, OGAs at the Top, think deeply on this situation, and pick up lessons, that will kick start a developmental revolutions that will affect all aspect of this nation. Please! For the government officials that embezzle or that have embezzled, I want to say that you are part of the reason for this insult. Money meant for development, were pocketed and used for selfish gains, anyway some people are at the corner praying for you and God is listening.

            Mr. Government and her officials, Nigeria needs steady power supply, we need good roads, we need employment for our youths, we need uninterrupted terms in our schools (No strikes), well secured neighbourhoods and properly equipped security agents. We the citizens of Nigeria need comfortable houses at affordable rates and policies that will greatly improve the comfort of the general public. Sincerely sir, if all these things are provided, we will be the ones making this kind of policy, to control the influx and nobody will insult us by calling us high risk for contributing illegal immigrants. I sincerely know that with the way things have gone bad, it will not take just one day to solve the years of decay, but the process should begin and the heart of restoration should be in every of the government officials. The government of South Africa has to make comments regularly regarding the conditions of a citizen not in government, churches hold prayers for him to remain alive even though he is more than 90, even death respects his achievements and have refused to take him...this tells you that being a good government official pays. Thumbs up Mandela “Madiba”, may you live long for us.

            To my fellow citizens, you have every right to want to leave the country oh, things are not well and we watch in the Television of the beautiful things happening in the European countries (thanks to the information flow imbalance). The reasons not to stay are pretty obvious, but again hard work and integrity pays. I just want to encourage us to stay with one another and develop this nation, the America, Britain we run to today were built by the sweats of people. For some, the inputs of some of our forefathers via slave trade forms the foundation of their development, hence we should stick together in Unity and develop this nation. I strongly believe that we can make it. I call on all the children, Youths, aged, Mothers, fathers etc to join the train of those with the heart to make this nation great, the train is gradually gaining pace; so please do not left behind. Let us break the barrier of corruption by first of all not being corrupt, kill ethnicity and tribalism from the roots, join with adequate information in the electoral processes. The good people should contest and continue to contest so that this nation enjoys the beauty that comes when a righteous man rules. Fight corruption with all sense of sincerity and love for this nation, not a fight tainted with selfish reasons.

            Please let us not wait for the government, if they are not working let us kick them to the work by taking up their functions to make sure the citizens are comfortable. You live in a street as a Millionaire and the street are very bad, why wait for the government, when you can begin the process. The well to-do could create scholarship platforms for the bright minds in the society and provide the right environment for their talents to be horned. Parents should stop encouraging their children that the grasses are always greener on the other side of the lawn. That is not how it is Oh. Get to ask questions from those that made it back, some have had to do very obscene things just to make ends meet, so many of them are even ashamed to say the true stories of their experiences. Some of those that tried to go through the desert have lost their lives.

             The Richest man in Africa started and survived the environmental hurdles, Jim Ovia started in the Delta state environments, Michael Adenuga began Globacom in Nigeria, and the list continues.  Mentioning people that have survived the stress in this great nation, who have also made it and respected all over the world will take too much space, hence I still wish to assert that making it is possible in this nation. I know of the CEO of a leading communication firm in Victoria Island, who started in school not having slippers to go to class with but today runs a multi Million naira company in the communication sector.  The good people still make it, because it’s on their shoulders that the greatness of this nation that the greatness of this nation lies. It is not a mistake that the theme for our image transformation agenda is “Nigeria, good people, great nation”. Our greatness as a nation is hinged on the availability of good people who have gone beyond any barrier available, from poverty to religion, ethnic backgrounds etc. Be the great person and not a source of insult to this country. Greatness even when you are born into it, does not just fall on someone, it is nurtured. 

            This matter of £3000, Slammed on visitors from the giant of African should bring reflections and not only reactions. Let the world just continue to wait, we are coming! They will not wait for too long, people like me that love this country sincerely are many.

ASUU STRIKES AND THE SUFFERING GRASSES

For some time now, I have been counting my graduation time in months, weeks and even into days but if the present reality is not sorted out, there is a likelihood of an extension of the time frame. At a time, the news filtered in that ASUU (Academic staff Union of Universities) was planning on going on strike, but we just allowed the news pass as a rumour. But the saying that “within every rumour there is a truth embedded “came to pass, as on the entrance into the month of July was greeted by flashing headlines in the media of the announcement of an indefinite strike by  ASUU.

            The ASUU national president, Isa Fagge informed journalists of the development at a news conference via telephone at the University of Lagos (Premium Times). The decision to have the strike was reached at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of ASUU held at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.  The reason for the strike according to him was as a result of the inability of the federal government to implement some of the issues contained in a 2009 agreement it had with ASUU.

            Let me r- emphasise the contribution I stumbled upon on the internet “in the opinion of many Nigerian parents, guardians (especially those not rich enough to send their children abroad for tertiary education) and most importantly patient helpless Nigerian University students, the word “strike” has become synonymous with ASUU in recent times...the strikes on 2007, 2008, and 2009 are still very fresh in the minds of Nigerian students) – zahraddin Abdullahi , Director, standing  committee of Human rights and Peace(SCORP), Nigerian Medical students Association. Hence, though as troubling as it may sound, it is almost an “when is it going to happen” issue.

            As I read the words of Isa Fagge that the strike will be “Comprehensive, total, and indefinite” what came to my mind was the plight of fellow students like me who were going to be bearing the brunt of the whole saga. This means no supervision of project for final year students, no classes for students of any level, post graduate students will have their programmes put on hold, students would be left idle, plans have changed etc, with so many consequences that will come with this decision. One question continues to linger in my heart: is strike the only option? To ASUU what is the strike supposed to do, turn the hands of government officials that have most of their children studying outside Nigeria? To the government; must these teachers down their tools before they get your attention? Students what can we do in this situation because we are tired of always suffering the inefficiencies of the two elephants? All these questions are ones that if properly answered; matters will be put into proper perspective and solutions proffered.

            I logged on into my Facebook account this morning and this was the post of my friend: “Arsenal need to sing ASUU and Thunder in their striking force, that they are very good at striking”. Smiles of sadness and amusement filled my face as I read and digested that article garnished with the thought of how these strike actions have affected Nigerian leaders of tomorrow. The privileged few have chosen institutions in Ghana and recently Benin republic as escape routes to the strike prone government tertiary institutions, also private schools like Redeemers, covenant, Babcock, Afe Babalola University etc have enjoyed the patronage of those that want uninterrupted and quality education, with the capacity to provide it. But again, to what extent can a nation, whose educational system is beleaguered with strike, develop? Although the strike is one of the smallest problems affecting this sector, but its own consequences are obvious.

            The Academic and non – academic staff have gone on strike when their so called “rights” but who goes on strike when students are intimidated by their lecturers, who goes on strike when results are manipulated selfishly or as an act of wickedness, who goes on strike when students are made to learn under harsh conditions of learning (that even the people in authority now did not go through. Sometimes our lecturers tell us they had access to chicken, quality teachers, and comfortable hostels etc, have these things suddenly disappeared?), who downs tools when students are extorted of the little money they bring from home? The answers to the questions are left in your minds to answer. If we refuse to learn, we will suffer the consequences and even protests have a limit so that you can graduate well, who defends the right of a Nigerian student?

            Even with the sometimes, not favourable and low quality environment of learning, that we are managing, trying as much as possible as we can to survive, we still have to suffer strike also. Is this fair? I do not want to stand on the side of any of the elephant, because we are just the innocent grasses that suffer, hence supporting any will do us no good. But I will appeal to both sides to put the future of this nation at the back of their minds before we make decisions. Do you love this country, or you are just fighting to get your own share of the national cake. ASUU and the FG, God is looking at both of you oh, if these students decide to table the matter before God, every side will be affected, because God always brings Justice (sounding religious? Yes OH).

            In my bid to present the matters of the University student, let me also emphasise the fact that polytechnic students have been at home for two months because ASUP( Academic staff Union of Polytechnics ) has been on strike. Can you imagine two months of your life as a student out of school?  Is this fair for God sake? And from what I have observed, what forms a bulk of poly students, are people that tried getting into Universities and they couldn’t make it  and now you put them again into further mental and psychological stress. Again I ask who is fighting for the rights of the students. What is our gain in this strike? The good lecturers have always been good (allowance or no allowance), the bad lecturers remain bad (allowance or no allowance), so what is our gain apart from the suffering?

            To my fellow students let us continue to pray for this nation, things are going worse but it is only “Us” that can make it better.  Our generation is a generation of promise, with the mandate to turn things around for the better. If our fathers have failed us and are still failing us, let us take the bull by the horn to make things better. Let us survive this hardship with the best of mindsets, coming out to make things right so that the future generation does not go through the same predicament. The excuse has been that the thorns will always try to inhibit the growth of the crops, but not if the crops work together in unity and learn how to survive and blossom in the midst of the thorns. Can we make sure our children do not suffer the same fate? YES WE CAN.  Please let us shun examination malpractices, irrespective of the shortcomings of the system, let us do the right thing always, let us shun vices and conduct ourselves as worthy leaders in the making. For the time comes that as a city set on the hill, nobody will be able to hide you. Continue. Try as much as possible as you can to make good use of the strike period for personal development in all areas of your discipline, if the lecturers have down their tools , pick up the tools and let the work continue.

            To ASUU happy striking oh, it is our prayer that the government responds to your requests, so that my fellow students can go back to class. We have enjoyed a strike free period for some time and thought that matters like that no more existed, but since according to you, it is a painful but necessary decision, more grease to your elbow. I believe, if government does not answer you for months, the students too will not receive lectures for months and that is fair? Okay! Come to think of it, do they pay you people for the period you are on strike? If they do, God is still in heaven O and he is looking very well. Anyway some of the requests made sense, only one sounded very odd to me, some of you still want to lecture till 70? 65 years is not enough? Haba, why don’t you just retire at 65 and if you are agile to continue and you are contributing immensely to the University, you are given a contract. If all lecturers have to get to 70 before they retire, when the young will bloods begin to be injected to the system (it’s just a suggestion). Things are changing and the internet is transforming the world, Experience is essential and very important, but innovation and new imports drives any development. We don’t want to be attending our teachers burial while still in school, please we need you to serve and go and rest; we love you. And please if government did not answer you quick, please come back to the class because the investment you make by imparting Knowledge in class can pay you allowances that the government cannot afford. Hence think on the beautiful proceeds of your honourable profession and the innocent student and help us out. God bless you.

            To the government! “Our Ogas at the top”,   I pay homage to your honourable offices and I bring you greetings from the student environment, especially those who are going to be staying at home till you and ASUU resolve your problems. We appreciate the free time, probably the thought was that the students have been too stressed, let us just give them some time. Thank you sirs and Ma, but this is detrimental to our education. We need to graduate and start working so that we can join in taking this nation to this level, and strikes will not help the issue. If it is on the matter of Unemployment (probably if we graduate fast we will increase unemployment rate), do not worry, we are learning to be self sufficient now, with the heart to make this country better. Please see to the continuation of our academic calendar. I know that some of your people have their children in private schools or outside Nigeria, but please the bulk of Nigerians have their children in Federal institutions and it will not be fair to put us through this situation. Please help us so that we can help you back. I do not want some of my classmates or fellow students to start “Yahoo Yahoo” or get involved in some other vices during this free time and also, you people are trying, but please try more to help improve the conditions of learning. Please make our lecturers comfortable too, so that they can teach us well and also our parents so that they can send us pocket money and allowance. We will really appreciate more allocations to the educational sector; at least reduction in the cost of governance will provide enough money for this. I do not want to remember the amount I was hearing that some government officials were earning during the fuel subsidy protests, but we can just cut costs and divert the funds to several other important areas. If you people properly fund our schools, some of the things you pay for expertise abroad, we will be doing it. So please encourage research and every other aspect of our educations.

            Still to my “ Ogas at the TOP”,  students in the Arts and Humanities need scholarship too, almost all scholarship are for the sciences and Engineering and it has been discouraging quite a number of students, so as you look  into the ASUU matter. Look into this too.  Please sirs and Madams do not allow this strike stay for too long, we need to go back to class. Even though they are not so comfortable, but for the glory ahead we have decided to endure them.

            On the general, let all hands be on the deck for developmental issues as it affects this country. Let the strike stop and let the rights of the students be more protected. Nigeria, Good People, Great Nation.

WHO YOU KNOW” SYDROME

The sound of my country as the most populous black nation in the world, largest producer of Crude Oil in Africa, second largest deposit of Bitumen in the world, 2^nd largest exporter of Cocoa, largest exporter of Cassava and some many other encouraging pedigrees, paints the picture of a very economically and politically stable country. Also as at when Nigeria gained independence, we were foreseen to be one of the greatest countries amongst the former British colonies, but with the prevailing realities on ground, that projection is still a future to look up to. Growing cases of corruption in diverse forms, bad leadership, increase level of poverty, high mortality rates, and increased insecurity has bedevilled this nation, leaving the developmental pedal on a standstill or, to be a bit generous, a “snail speed”.

            The level of corruption in the nation is alarming as the canker has eaten deep into almost every facet of the nation’s fabric. Every day we hear different types of manipulation, embezzling and doctoring of accounts. Ethnicity and nepotism have beclouded the sense of reasoning, of choosing of leaders and different people for different positions. Nigeria is ranked 139 out of 176 countries in Transparency International 2012 perception index, tied with Azerbaijan, Kenya, Nepal and Pakistan. The problems affecting this nation are numerous, ranging from corruption to bad leadership, ethnicity, to nepotism e.t.c., but the focus of this piece is on the “who you know” syndrome which can be tied to majority of the other problems facing this great nation.

            This issue of “who you know,” which could be expanded to include nepotism, tribalism, ethnicity and favouritism, is one of the major problems affecting this nation.  And my fear is that the younger generation are gradually being oriented to think that it is the way the society is meant to be. From top government officials giving appointments based on those with the longest leg (who know people), defrauding merit and character, to teachers giving better grades to students that are ‘closer’ to them instead of grading based on efforts, to elections, even, into religious offices, to universities not adhering to the set rules for admitting students, employing ethnic and religious bias in the process-some schools quickly come to mind). The matters arising from this concept or, should we term it practice, are so much, so numerous, that it is gradually becoming the norm; the right way looking like the wrong way; because when you do not participate, you are thought of as a fool. Hence, the ‘if you can’t beat them, you join them’ formula is running rent-free in our public lives.

            I beg to emphasise that a country that runs on this concept will never develop because, it, most times, will result in cases of round pegs in square holes in the corridors of power. The right people for the Job will not get it and the wrong people will not do it well; the consequence of it not done well spreads and that is the beginning of a damning end. To be very realistic, the prevailing situation in this nation fully supports the “who you know” syndrome but I will like to inform that the best way for things to be done is working and making decisions based on merit. Citizens of this nation should begin to work hard to get results and not always try to want to cut corners; students should read to pass and not know someone to pass; employment should be given to those that seek jobs based on merit and not bias; government should employ the right people for the right jobs; citizens of this nation should be ready to vote in the right person to do a job and not look at political aspirants from the eye of tribalism. The “who you know” syndrome has done more harm than good to this nation and its citizens and should be highly discouraged.

            However, it is one of those concepts that, when fuelled with positive energy, can be used to enhance growth, but it must go along with merit and equity. Dear Nigerians, let us strive to be the best we can be in every ramification of our endeavours and not rely on ‘Long leg’. Let us come together and make this nation great again; let the noise of our merits and abilities wake up the sleeping giant, teach the young ones to work hard and not look for short cuts....KICK  “WHO KNOW WHO SYNDROME” OUT OF NIGERIA