My Naija

WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA: IT BEGINS FROM ME!

The phenomenon of corruption is not new in Nigeria, and it is one issue that has eaten deep into fabric of the society.

Over the years of her existence, there have been continuous cases of misuse of official funds for personal gain. Greed and a flamboyant lifestyle have been blamed as a potential root cause of corruption.

Corruption is a challenge that every country in the world faces, the only difference being the magnitudes of its practice in various countries. Nigeria is rated 139th out of 176 countries in Transparency International’s 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index, tied with Azerbaijan, Kenya, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Corruption in Nigeria has a rather long history. From the time when public administration began in Nigeria, up till this moment; from the pre-independence to independence periods, and down to the military regimes, there have been records of corrupt practices among Nigerians of note. The difference between the early years of our existence and now, in terms of corruption, has been found to be the levels at which it was practiced; earlier in the country’s history, it was kept at manageable levels, but today, it has grown into overwhelming proportions.

Corrupt practices

The African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and Related Offences lists acts of corruption to include: 

a. The solicitation or acceptance, directly or indirectly by a public official or any other person, of any goods of monetary, or other benefit, such as a gift, favour, promise or advantage for himself or herself or for another person or entity, in exchange for any act or omission in the performance, of his or her public functions; 

b. The offering or granting, directly or indirectly, to a public official or any other person of any goods of monetary value, or other benefit, such as a gift, favour, promise or advantage for himself or herself or for any person or entity, in exchange for any act or omission in the performance of his or her public functions;  

c. The offering or granting, directly or indirectly, to a public official or any other person for the purpose of illicitly obtaining benefits for himself or herself or for a third party; 

d. The diversion by a public official or any other person, for purposes unrelated to those for which they were intended, for his own or her own benefit or that of a third party, of any property belonging to the state or its agencies, to an independent agency, or to an individual, that such official has received by virtue of his or her position; 

e. The offering or giving, promising, solicitation or acceptance, directly or indirectly, of any undue advantage to or by any person, who directs or works for, in any capacity, a private sector entity, for himself or herself or for anyone else, for him or her to act or refrain from acting, in breach of his or her duties; 

f. The offering, giving, soliciting or accepting directly or indirectly, or promising of any undue advantage to or by any person who asserts or confirms that he or she is able to exert any improper influence over the decision making of any person performing functions in the public or private sector in consideration thereof, whether the undue advantage is for himself or herself or for anyone else, as well as the request, receipt or the acceptance of the offer or the promise of such an advantage, in consideration of that influence, whether or not the influence is exerted or whether or not the supposed influence leads to the intended result; 

g. Illicit enrichment  

h. The use or concealment of proceeds derived from any of the acts referred to in this article; and 

i. Participation as a principal, co-principal, agent, instigator, accomplice or accessory after the fact, or in any other manner in the commission or attempted commission of, in any collaboration or conspiracy to commit, any of the acts referred to in this article. 

How are you involved – or exempted?

When we hear the term, corruption, usually, the first thing that comes to mind is government and other parastatals. We quickly think of the Nigerian Police, Federal and State Executive Councils, National and State Assemblies, Local and Municipal Governments, political parties, Traffic Police and FRSC, PHCN, etc.

These have displayed high levels of corruption over the years, no doubt. But the question arises, What is the proportion of Nigerians in these positions compared to “the rest of us”?

The war against corruption, if it must be won in this country, has to begin from those who have come to the realization that it is gravely evil and destructive to the lives of Nigerians and our economy; those who have at one time or the other complained; those who have been embarrassed or even oppressed because of an official’s show of power; those who have given up on participating in elections (because they have come to believe that “our votes don’t count”); those who have been extorted in this or that government office; those who have been denied promotion or even their pension benefits for no just cause; those who have been denied a job opportunity though they were more than qualified and even passed the interview for it, because oga’s slot must be left open…

If we do not stand up and make change happen, it will only grow worse. Remember that change begins from you. The only way to change those around you is to change yourself.

What right has a Nigerian to accuse the government of corrupt practices when he has just paid some good amount to the teacher of his 10 year old daughter in primary six to “ensure my daughter does not write this exam twice”? What right have you to say that Nigerian lawmakers are thieves when last month you added a new zero to the figures on your account book at the office, just to make a little something for your pocket?

Why do you say that the Nigerian government is awful when you are known for cutting corners because you have your “connections” everywhere? Even the driver’s license and international passport you are using now were not duly issued you, were they?

What right have you to say, “The former president was a dubious man”, when you have just lied to your friend (who has not an iota of doubt about your reliability) that the business you both contributed funds to pursue failed, after you have licked up all the profit? What about you who have taken so much more than you can even calculate through yahoo yahoo (internet fraud); and you who have gone abroad to blemish our national image because of greed?

Why blame the government for lack of transparency when after hiding in your room yesterday, you told your wife and son to tell Mr. X that you were out of town? Aren’t we all guilty of corruption somehow?

I realize that corruption is gradually becoming a norm in our country. It is becoming normal to “settle” policemen on our highways; to pay some extra amount in certain offices, beyond what will be reflected in the receipt; to pay a fee in order to get a job, irrespective of qualification; etc.

We must not forget that children are the only future we have. If we allow these patterns to continue, soon they too will become a part of it, because corruption is becoming a way of doing things in this country. If we do not find a quick solution, and uproot this evil from its roots, our own children will grow up and continue with the system they have met. After all, on their own, they lack the capacity to judge effectively, to decipher what practices are right or wrong.

This is a call for every Nigerian to look inwards and make a change, beginning from ME.

Be the change you want to see! Good People, Great Nation!

Further Reading: 
Corruption in Nigeria

EPILEPTIC POWER SUPPLY IN NIGERIA: EFFECTS

The state of electricity supply in our continental giant is pathetic.

Nigeria, though the 39th top economy in the world, is almost nowhere to be found in comparison to many other countries, in terms of power supply. With 20.13 billion Kilowatt-hour (kw/h) of electricity, Nigeria is far from Brazil (509.2 kw/h), South Africa (238.3 kw/h), Egypt (123.9 kw/h), Malaysia (118.2 kw/h), Argentina (115.4 kw/h), etc.

Right from 1999 when former president Obasanjo ascended the presidential seat till this moment, Nigerians have received quite a number of “serious” promises of improvement of power supply in the country. And all of these promises have usually been followed – after some time in each administration – by excuses for failure to fulfill them. Cabals, have been blamed often, for sabotaging the funds, but nothing has changed or been done about it.

The effects of inadequate power supply in Nigeria are far reaching.

               

Inconsistent electricity supply is one factor that reduces Nigeria’s chances of attracting foreign investors. Industries whose production depends on electric power will find it quite unwise to come and be established in a country like Nigeria where their production cost will be multiplied by the need to run heavy duty generators almost permanently.

Ironically, Ghana, our neighbour, whose citizens used to run to Nigeria to seek greener pastures back in the 70s and 80s, now have us running to them to partake of what they have made of their country. Both Nigerian and foreign investors are now moving to and establishing their industries and businesses in Ghana. They build factories and private mansions there and even send their children to their schools over there. This is the result of the better learning environment, boarding facilities, amenities, constant electricity supply, etc, all making life easier.

Apart from attracting foreigners, the situation of power supply is not in any way helpful to industries that are already established in the country. The effect is on our economy, and you can guess those who are hardest hit. Factories, in order to carry on with their production, invest in heavy power generating plants. They therefore hike the prices of their products in order to make up for the expenses that have gone into the production process.

What about small and medium scale industries that find it difficult to afford generating plants, and thus have to rely on our “Power Holders”? Continuous power outage helps to damage their equipment and that could lead to the end of the business. This is an indication of economic growth. Isn’t it?

Education also has its share of the effects of epileptic power supply in Nigeria.

The quality of education in Nigeria is on the decline, and inconsistent electricity is part of the reasons for this. Being a student, I can connect with this to a great extent. How can a student study during night hours without light? The use of lanterns, candles and the likes has led to many students developing eye problems. Some students have even lost their lives as a result of inhaling too much toxic fumes from generators.

Furthermore, the era in which we live is one in which computers and the internet cannot be done without. Students need to have access to information online in order to carry out effective research on various subjects. Some state governments are reported to have given out quite a lot of computers to schools. Good moves those are, but with what electricity will those computers be used?

Power Plant

The health sector is not exempted from the issue.

Certain hospital equipment cannot be operated without electric power. Ultra sound, kidney dialysis machines, CT scan equipment all need electric energy to function. There have been many cases where patients were turned away from certain hospitals because the generator broke down and certain life saving services could not be offered. Where is our Nigeria headed?

Environmental effects abound too.               

The environment has suffered a great deal because of unreliable electric supply. The generators used both by individuals and factories produce toxic fumes that become part of the atmospheric air that people breathe in. Little wonder respiratory illnesses are on a rapid increase.

Many Nigerians have portable generators which they keep and use in their balconies - for safety. There have been many cases where whole families were found dead in the morning because all thorough the night, they had inhaled carbon monoxide, one of the byproducts of the generators.

The Nigerian government must rise up to the responsibility of tackling this enormous problem. With so much oil fund available to Nigeria, Nigerians cannot continue to accept excuses and shifted blames as answers to their questions.

THERE HAS TO BE A SOLUTION!

I believe there is…

Related Sites:

Panacea to Epileptic Power Supply in Nigeria 

Real Solution to Nigeria's Epileptic Power Supply

PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED AND FURTHER CHALLENGED: NIGERIA

An estimated 15 per cent of Nigerian citizens are persons with disability (PWD).

Physical challenge connotes inability to perform particular activities or a condition that makes it difficult for a person to perform some or all of the basic daily tasks. This statistics above is of persons with “physical” disability only, though there are other forms of disability.

In Nigeria, persons in this category are viewed in stereotypical ways. They are often seen as beggars, unfortunate and, wrongly enough, as lacking the capacity to be outstanding.

“Wrongly”, I say, because there is no human on the earth’s surface born without a unique potential that could make him useful to his world. That a physical disability has restricted a person in some way is not reason enough to conclude that they are without worth.

However, it is pathetic that this realization seems far from many of my people. In some Nigerian cultures, people born with physical disabilities are viewed as ‘cursed’. Sadly enough, even cultures which do not view them as such, restrict their opinion of them to objects of pity. Hardly are they ever seen as “good-for-something.”

Ever considered what the needs of disabled persons might be?

Interaction with persons in this category will reveal that their thoughts and needs are not different from those of every other person – even yours (if you’re a physically fit person reading this). For young PWDs, the things they want in life and look forward to in their future, are the same as those of their contemporaries – happiness, acceptance, a meaningful occupation, confidence of others, fulfilling relationships, independence, etc.

Ironically, the people around them find it hard to see their real needs. Research shows that, when it comes to what adolescents with disabilities want, even their parents do not share most of their aspirations. And if those in their closest circles of relationship cannot figure out their deepest cravings, what about those who look from without?

Asked what comes first to their minds when they come across PWDs, some able-bodied Nigerians respond that “pity” is their first reaction. We look at these people and say, “Oh, how sad… What would it be like if that was me? Thank God it’s not. Oh, how does he manage?”

But is that all we can really do for them – pity?

“There is ability in disability”, they say. Without doubt, if physically challenged persons could be given the necessary support, they could really contribute positively to society. Some of them have already brought us a lot of pride in this country.

The late Dr. P.O. Mba was the first deaf Nigerian to obtain a PhD degree; the President of the Joint Persons with Disabilities, Danlami Basharu, is a lawyer with a Master’s degree from a top University in the United Kingdom; Professor Chinua Achebe of blessed memory, who was the recipient of so many international awards, had a disability in his lifetime; talented music producer and singer, Cobhams Asuquo, is blind. We could go on and on. Even in the 2012 London Summer Olympics, whereas our able-bodied athletes brought home no medal at all, their Paralympian counterparts broke four world records in power-lifting and also brought home 13 medals (six gold, five silver, two bronze).

However, despite the aspirations of the physically challenged young ones among us, when they look at the majority of those ahead of them (adults with disability), they can almost tell what awaits them – if there is no change.

The unending struggle for acceptance, the societal discrimination they face (as though it were their fault to have been in their condition) and even the fact that they do not get the proper family love and attention that they should be entitled to, are all a cause for worry.

Lack of access to qualitative education is another challenge they face. I do not think it would be a sin if the government granted persons in this category free education. And even the few schools available to them in the country are ill-equipped, thus making it difficult for them to measure up to their counterparts in other parts of the world, and even to their able-bodied contemporaries in their society.

What about getting a good job? Despite the educational challenges for PWDs in the country, many of them still come out with outstanding results and certificates. But in the view of most employers, they are burdens. Who then will give them the job of their dreams, the jobs they deserve and have worked hard academically to gain qualification for?

Getting access into public offices like banks, hotels, offices located in story buildings, etc., is also a serious challenge for some disabled persons. The complicated door systems and stairs which have no provision for them make it very difficult for them to go in and out of such places freely.

As mentioned earlier, they also want fulfilling relationships, and marriage is one important aspect of this. But how often do they get the kind of spouse they want? A disabled person would naturally wish for an able-bodied mate, for many reasons. But in most cases, that’s all it is – a wish (even though many disabled people have been trained to manage their conditions so well that they do not constitute a burden to those around them). In the end, many settle for a mate that is also challenged as they are. I have seen so many deaf people married to another deaf, but how rare to find a different situation.

Once, a distant cousin of mine brought home a man who limps slightly, and introduced him as her “to-be.” I tell you, it was no joke convincing the family to accept him as the one that would take home their precious daughter for life.  I also know of persons who, though were born physically fit, had some disability later in life and lost their spouses as a result, when the latter could not “take it any longer.”

Good health and recreational facilities suitable for their conditions, are also not provided for. In fact, it seems that the government, generally, has little or no plans for the physically challenged in this country. Even laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the United Kingdom’s Disability Discrimination Act, which are meant to protect the rights of the disabled are non-existent in our great nation.

You might like to see this video showing a car made for disabled people (certainly in a country where the plight of the disabled is a concern)

Cars for the Disabled... (video)

What can we do?

The government has a great role to play in providing adequate support for PWDs. Adequate education and health facilities should be made available for them as well as other amenities to make life more comfortable for these special ones amongst us.

Some of the equipment and facilities that aid them like wheel chairs, hearing aids, etc., could also be provided free of charge or at a highly subsidized rate so that no one is too hard up to afford them. Philanthropic bodies and individuals have been helpful here, and I entreat you to do more.

There is also the need for adequate training of their teachers so as to equip them with up-to-date teaching methods for the young ones studying in the special schools. Learning facilities that suit such schools must also be invested in by the government.

Furthermore, laws protecting the rights of disabled persons in the Nigerian society must also be enacted. As citizens of this good country – and special citizens at that – they deserve to have good treatment and adequate attention so as to create an enabling environment for them to live fulfilling lives.

It is also pertinent that government as well as philanthropic organisations sensitise members of the public on the need to offer assistance to physically challenged persons in the society. They should embark on campaigns through various media to cause a change of Nigerians’ orientation towards the physically challenged.

Parents/guardians too, must not relent in providing adequate moral and financial support for their children/wards who are physically challenged. This will help them rise above their disability and view life positively, thereby unleashing their potential. As a parent, it will also be helpful if you sought the services of professional psychologists and social workers to help you with some guidance in handling your special child.

Finally, you have a role to play. Yes, you!

Every citizen of our good nation must learn to offer a helping hand to the physically challenged. I tell you, pity isn’t the best we can do. There is so much more. And I’m sure if you were in their shoes you’d be happy to have others let their pity motivate them to support you however they can.

The government may not do everything, but in your little way, you can chip in your own quota by showing concern. For example, you could get close to a hearing-impaired person and learn a bit of their language and culture so as to communicate a little more than just the waving of hand; or the next time you see a blind person trying to walk across the street, you could offer to assist. Give it a try soon and you’ll see how gratifying it could be even for you who did the good.

Let us end the discrimination and make the physically challenged feel more comfortable in the world. Let us draw them close and erase the impression that they can only relate freely with their kind. Let us show to them that humanity isn’t against them for being how they are; that we believe in their potential to do great; that they can aspire and achieve; that they too are important to us.

We can make a difference!

LONG LIVE NIGERIA!

Further Reading:
Addressing the Plight of Persons With Disabilities                                                           

WHO CARES?

Good People, GREAT Nation

WHO CARES?

The level of negligence in the Nigerian society is alarming!

Many may wonder what a blog title I have here. My blog took its title because a look around my country and the many issues therein, left unattended, gives me reasons to wonder “Who Cares.”

Who cares about the lives of ordinary Nigerians who struggle to meet up with three square meals daily (or even two – or one), right inside the Giant of Africa? Who cares about the pregnant young woman whose husband has just been laid off for the fault of another? Who cares about the child on the street with boiled groundnut on his head because “mama says so”? Who cares about the redundant commercial bike rider who has taken to drinking out of frustration? Who cares?

Who cares about the mother suffering from breast cancer in the other village? Who cares how many die in the interiors from drinking dirty water? Who cares about the child dying of hunger and thirst in that settlement so remote that its reflection on the Nigerian map is doubtful?  Who cares?

Who cares about the brother on the wheel chair who cannot gain access into the bank because of the complicated door system and flight of stairs which make no provision for him? Who cares about the hearing impaired adolescent finding it difficult to cope with the “space” between her and the other normal kids? Who cares about the intelligent blind child from that home too “rich” to afford the special school? Who cares?

Who cares about the road construction project that was awarded two years ago, sand-filled, tarred ‘at the entry’ – and even commissioned – but never completed? Who cares about the ones that were completed, but fraught with potholes, looking centuries-old after only two months of construction? Who cares about the numbers of lives lost on Nigerian highways due to careless driving, dilapidated roads and bridges, dead-but-moving vehicles plying the roads, etc.? Who cares?

Who cares about the commercial vehicles on the road that are in terrible shape and could lead to the gone-too-soon of the passengers on board? Who cares about government officials themselves who break the same laws they make and cannot be challenged by their own “boys”? (Imagine one the other day taking the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) lane and asking the officer on duty, Do you know who I am?) Who cares?

Who cares about the amounts (meant for national development) lost to private pockets via various invisible projects? Who cares about the bias in courts and the “ogas at the top” who are inconvictable? Who cares that “the more you steal, the less your penalty; and the less you steal the longer your sentence”? Who cares that the journalist “asking too many questions” is the next butcher-victim? Who cares?

Who cares? Who cares? Who?

THE JOHN’S 

Her arrival was the joy of the entire family of the John’s, the talk of the neighbourhood, the smile on every well-wisher’s face. Her mother had been nick-named “the mother of the barracks”, as people had begun to refer to her boys as “the four soldiers”. But here was a replica of Mrs. John right in her arms, desiring the very first milk of the new world she had just stepped into.

Ada was her mother’s treasure, her father’s charm, her brothers’ idol. Everyone had their eyes keenly focused on her motion towards girlhood, as they all lent loving, helping hands to mum in seeing to her care – even little Chima, the youngest of the soldiers was hardly ever out of sight.

Soon, Ada’s development was nothing to doubt. The resemblance of her features – bright eyes, long fingers, near-pointed nose and stunning smile – to her mother’s was now apparent. However, one thing remained a puzzle – her lack of response to sound stimulus.

 

For the first four months, the parents seemed to wave this concern aside; but it was soon to become the singular factor that would arouse in the couple a wave of sorrow. After unfruitful consultations with more experienced family members and friends, the couple’s fears were confirmed by medical tests – Ada would likely live the rest of her life with hearing impairment.

Devastating! But true. Overwhelming! But permanent. This was strange to the lineages of both Ada’s parents. Indeed, no relative, past or present, ever had such an experience. But here was a reality that had to be faced; a bolt from the blue that could not be ignored.

The shock was never an easy one to take in. Both maternal and paternal grandparents attributed to it some spiritual undertone. Friends and family suggested every solution they  could possibly think of, most of it religious. Depression had begun to set in for mum. How would she raise a deaf child? How would her precious baby cope with other children in society who are normal? What would the career future of her treasure look like? Is there any hope of having a beautiful ending from this ‘tragic’ beginning?

But a question comes to mind, This innocent infant, has she any clue what her situation is, or what ache it  has brought the breasts that gave her suck?