₦airaland Forum

Youth Inclusion In Governance; The Way Forward For Genuine Development
Author: ███████
Area: Politics

Youth Inclusion In Governance; The Way Forward For Genuine Development


The 2015 General Elections in Nigeria is almost here and the incontestable fact is that we will be having new set of leaders and extension of the administration of some current leaders at various levels of government. The continued sidelining of Nigerian youths from being at the helms of affair may largely continue if we do not take actions as concerned youths. Much more beyond street protests and social network activism, I strongly believe a Nigerian youth has more to offer in government leadership if given the opportunity.

How about Youth? I define Youth as that transcendental period of life from being a child to an adult. For the sake of this topic, I crave your indulgence to consider agile and competent Nigerians within the age bracket of 18-35 years old as youths. Without sole consideration of the current political structures in many Local, State and Federal governments, the youths over the years have not risen to obvious height where their impact can be strongly felt.

Demographically, the population of Nigerian youths constitute the active majority which is the needed number to decide what goes on in our nation, only if we want to though. Since some schools of thought will say Politics is a game of number which I quite agree with to a very large extent, how then is it that the political representation of youths in Nigeria is near nothing?

Many factors have been responsible for this ranging from poor credible youth representation, illiteracy and ignorance to unfavourable government policies. It is quite disheartening to know that the youths many at times find it very excruciating to have a clear-cut definition of what they represent and who they are, let alone them gaining the deserved recognition in the socio-economic world. Practically, you will see a 53 years old man regarded as Youth Leader in a political party, then, you begin to ask yourself questions, does this mean that we do not have capable and credible young minds that can lead his/her colleagues? Or how does that add up?

You may want to say, the nowadays Youths in Nigeria will be worse than the old men and women in power today and they will even perform more badly if given the slightest chance. Yes, you may be right after all, there are several indications to that but I will want to agree with the words of Dr. (Ms) Evelyn Ndali Oputu OON during the 40th Convocation Lecture delivery at Obafemi Awolowo University that Nigerians youths are not entirely what they are popularly said to be. Our youths are only greedy and selfish because of the non-suitable and non-working environment they find themselves. Give them the right conditions and see the beauty of a Nigerian Youth! I have observed discussions and intellectual contributions of Youths on social platforms and I cannot but say we still have more than enough capable youths who can turn things around and help us fulfill the promise in our land. Our heroes and heroines have repeatedly proved this in time past that tenacious and sagacious leadership translating to good governance and productive drive is not proportional to age. If Yakubu Gowon and Shehu Shagari did it, we can still do it and even in a better way!


RECOMMENDATIONS

1) Aggressive sensitization of Youths to take their rightful place in governance. The era of “Leaders of Tomorrow” should be over, we are needed in today’s government to make things happen.
2) There is an urgent need for a clear representation of the Youth at various spheres. Unity amongst youths at various levels is inevitable. The group umbrella of Nigerian youths can eventually metamorphose into a full-fledged political party in no time.
3) Campaign for Youth inclusion in Politics by the few youths privileged to be somewhere influential in the system. We need to state in one voice a substantial percentage of Youth involvement in governance.
4) There is a need for the youths to demonstrate a high level of competence and credibility even as things stand. We can create viable and workable model of governance experimented via leadership roles in our various capacities.

MissMeiya where you able to get mine too?

israelboy1:
MissMeiya where you able to get mine too?

Yes, it was received. Good luck!

NATIONAL DISCORD
Author: ███████
Area: Nigerian Nationalism

NATIONAL DISCORD


Growing up in the ever busy Lagos metropolis, as I commuted to and fro school every day, I came to a discovery of certain terms synonymous to various ethnic groups of our much diversified country Nigeria, having an earful of phrases such as: these greedy Ibo men, dirty Yoruba pigs etc. daily, the most perplexing fact about this ethnic brandishing of abusive names was the tenacity to which a Nigerian holds it as the truth to his neighbour but sharply negates the opinion of his neighbour towards him. So as years went by and I approached adulthood, I realized that there was no Nigeria, just a Niger-area with little pieces of it flying off due to the perennial explosions of National Discord.

National discord in this context is a situation whereby two individuals or two sets of people cannot agree or be together in harmony for the purpose of achieving a common goal solely due to the fact of a difference in ethnic groups, cultural opinions, religions or any other distinguishing marks amongst the two parties. It should be noted that in an event of national discord, there is no rational reason for disagreement between the two parties but only a difference in things which they were born into such as ethnicity or things which are of a very personal setting such as religious beliefs. National discord has reared its ugly head in all facets of our national affairs, grazing on our economic, educational and political fields, it also cuts across all classes of people, ranging from those in the corridors of power to the homeless man seeking a spot under a bridge in Lagos to lay his weary head, little wonder as to why our beloved nairaland forum (the largest African online forum) is occasionally stained with it. As such, although Nigeria is a nation faced with various trials and challenges, it can be said that national discord is the greatest and oldest of them all and if we must turn our fortunes around, these menace must be adequately dealt with.

There is a popular saying that “a house divided against itself cannot stand” but Nigeria has for too long dwelt in the slums of ethnic bigotry. The rotten fruits of this can be seen all around us: violence, absence of meritocracy, corruption, vandalism and political instability. These scenes of Nigeria’s disunity can be compared to a vehicle with driven road wheels lacking castor and as such it keeps spinning around in the same position without any advancement. A vivid display of national discord was portrayed by the governor of Abia state in 2011, when he publicly sacked non-indigenes of the state working in the state’s public sector. Another widely spread case of national discord based on ethnicity is the favouritism shown to state indigenes in the admission processes of several Nigerian universities thereby throwing merit based selection to the wind. A close kin of this problem is religious animosity especially amongst the uneducated and low-class, leaving pools of blood and shattered hopes on its trail. The poster child of this problem in Nigeria being ‘Boko-Haram’ the dreaded religious sect. These two have formed a deadly alliance which has culminated into national discord and must be checked, but how?

This problem must be tackled from the individual to the national level. On the individual level, every Nigerian must put in a conscious effort to rid himself of the vice of ethnic and religious bias. Furthermore, parents and guidance would do well to inculcate in their wards a feeling of mutual respect and tolerance to all notwithstanding cultural or religious backgrounds. On the national and governmental level, there has to be an enlightening of the people especially the uneducated on the effects of disunity to the state’s economy and the benefits of oneness. Also, primary and secondary education should embrace curriculums that promote Nigeria’s unity thereby planting good seeds in young hearts and events like the N.Y.S.C which was started after the civil war should be encouraged and appreciated. Most importantly, laws must be enacted and enforced against any form of activity or speech that supports or promotes national discord. God bless Nigeria.

ESSAY ON CORRUPTION
Author: ███████
Area: Corruption in Nigeria

ESSAY ON CORRUPTION


Corruption is termed to be the misuse of public power and resources by elected individual in a political office or head of a department. Corruption is found virtually every nooks and crannies of the nation which can be in form of misuse of positions, and privileges, embezzlement of public funds, etc.

On the problem and causes of corruption, it is a general believe that corruption is practiced by the government or the legal authorities, many people believe that corruption is spread by those entities that are responsible for the allocation of the resources that are to be divided and given to the common man.

A major example of the effect of corruption in Nigeria’s is the high level of youth unemployment which is exacerbated by the nepotism of employers. Vacancies are usually filled up by those with connections to power and privilege, often at the expense of more qualified but less well-connected individuals. Existing salaries tend to be very low, leading many people to solicit bribes as a way of sustenance.
In addition, corruption causes public funds which could have been utilized for the improvement and betterment of the general public to instead be used to increase the wealth of a close group of elites. Corruption increases poverty and reduces opportunities for job creation and investment. Corruption makes us to lose total trust on the so called leaders, leading to a system that is neither plain nor trustworthy.

Feasible and cost-effective solutions in combating corruption are;
It has to start from the grass-root level not just from the top of the government. Corruption should be frowned out in every sector of the economy.
Below are some feasible and highly effective way to wade off and win over corruption in Nigeria. They include the followings;

• - Independent media outlets can represent an important force in the fight against corruption, highlighting its negativity and informing citizens to their legal rights. Media outlets such as radio stations and private owned newspaper which are fearless, outspoken and should be the real watch dog of the society should play a huge role in exposing the corrupt practices of individuals, not only the elites but the masses as a whole found guilty of such nefarious act.

• - Rule of law is also a major factor to implement in battling corruption. There should be improvement and strengthening of the judicial system. Although there are rules already enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, the upper elite proved to be stubborn and show themselves to be a sacred cow that are above the law while there are still in power, this shows the lawlessness in the country. Strict compliance should be maintained. The judiciary should be autonomous.

• - Increment in workers’ wages e.g. Policemen will also go a long way in tackling corruption. Therefore, it will be in the best interest of the nation to encourage the civil servants to shun greed by giving them adequate money and monetary benefits.

• - Proper check & balances such as public supervision should be in place whereby every sectors of the economy will be as a watch dog over the other to ensure duties are performed coherently and efficiently. The legislative should checkmate the executive and also the judiciary should be independent and checkmate the legislative. Capital punishment should also be melted out to guilty persons who are found wanting of corruption charges. Punishments such as the one practiced in South Korea whereby political office holders will be sentenced to death if they are found wanting of corruption charges. The powers of Anti-corruption agencies such as EFCC should be more strengthened.

In conclusion, to fully curb and eradicate corruption in Nigeria, the masses have a large role to play to ensure a free and sane society free from corruption, and weed off bad eggs among us. In the words of Pratibha Patil (PATIL, 2012), “Corruption is the enemy of development, and of good governance. It must be got rid of. Both the government and the people at large must come together to achieve this national objective”.


REFERENCES:
 http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/p/pratibhapa506695.html?src=t_ corruption - (Pratibha Patil quote)

MissMeiya, please check your mail

adebayour26:
MissMeiya, please check your mail

I replied to you both times.

MissMeiya:
PM me

I'll pm later, let me go get 200posts first or can I send it now and make sure I beat the 200posts deadline by 120midnight.

DutchesSsS:
I'll pm later, let me go get 200posts first or can I send it now and make sure I beat the 200posts deadline by 120midnight.

Either is fine. You should probably send it first to make sure it's in on time.

Some of the essays were pulled off from written/published works, which to me, defeats the purpose of writing the essays from the top of one's head.

These essays I thought, were meant to be written off the rigorous thinking of the participants' heads. It makes no sense since anyone can pull off works from the internet without engaging his or her brain. Those that wrote from their brain without the 'refrencing' or pulling off of infos from the net, are the deserving winners. Anyway, I'm not the judges, so I have no say.

MissMeiya:
Either is fine. You should probably send it first to make sure it's in on time.

You've got mail oOooOo....

DutchesSsS:
You've got mail oOooOo....

I replied.

ochon:
Some of the essays were pulled off from written/published works, which to me, defeats the purpose of writing the essays from the top of one's head.

These essays I thought, were meant to be written off the rigorous thinking of the participants' heads. It makes no sense since anyone can pull off works from the internet without engaging his or her brain. Those that wrote from their brain without the 'refrencing' or pulling off of infos from the net, are the deserving winners. Anyway, I'm not the judges, so I have no say.

Plagiarism will be detected using software.

There's nothing wrong with research and using available resources to form informed opinions and discussion. In fact, we strongly encourage it.

This forces not only the participants to educate themselves about the issues facing Nigeria, but all of us as well.

I would like to refer you to the rubric in the essay thread. Entries will be judged on a series of criteria, the heaviest of which is originality. Therefore, participants should not simply regurgitate what they have discovered in their research, or learned in school, but use it to guide their ideas and suggestions, and give them more credibility.

MissMeiya:
Plagiarism will be detected using software.

There's nothing wrong with research and using available resources to form informed opinions and discussion. In fact, we strongly encourage it.

OooooopPpssss, I forgot I don't use that mail anymore.

Please, can I have your e-mail address?

MissMeiya:
Plagiarism will be detected using software.

There's nothing wrong with research and using available resources to form informed opinions and discussion. In fact, we strongly encourage it.

HmmmmmmMm...I thought any work copied. From someone without referencing is plaigarised... Please, can you explain this??

DutchesSsS:
OooooopPpssss, I forgot I don't use that mail anymore.

Please, can I have your e-mail address?

Send your email address to ***
I will get it from there and email you from my personal email address.

DutchesSsS:
HmmmmmmMm...I thought any work copied. From someone without referencing is plaigarised... Please, can you explain this??

I'm sorry, I can't discuss this fully right now, but I can discuss it in depth with you later if you wish.

Giving the impression that someone else's research and composition is your own is plagiarism. That does not mean you cannot teach yourself or gather information to make informed conclusions and ground your ideas with facts. Just be sure to credit direct quotes, figures, and heavily paraphrased ideas.

Once again, these are not research papers or publications, but casual essays. Think of it as an intellectual blog post.

MissMeiya:
Plagiarism will be detected using software.

There's nothing wrong with research and using available resources to form informed opinions and discussion. In fact, we strongly encourage it.

This forces not only the participants to educate themselves about the issues facing Nigeria, but all of us as well.

I would like to refer you to the rubric in the essay thread. Entries will be judged on a series of criteria, the heaviest of which is originality. Therefore, participants should not simply regurgitate what they have discovered in their research, or learned in school, but use it to guide their ideas and suggestions, and give them more credibility.

Okie dokie.

Martins301:
Limiting the total words was too much of a restriction. I for one had to shorten and reshorten my phrases to make the whole work fit just under 700 words. References alone can account for over 300 words in a comprehensive essay or article so u see the limitation? Had to exclude references for the above reason and since I made no direct quotes. Its available on request tho.

It doesn't matter bro...whenever you write and cite other people's work, you should ALWAYS reference it..ALWAYS!! It's non-negotiable in the academic world.

I'm just saying for future purposes...

MissMeiya:
Send your email address to missmeiya@mailinator.com
I will get it from there and email you from my personal email address.

Okayyyy...

I've sent it oooooOo..received??

sunnshyn:
It doesn't matter bro...whenever you write and cite other people's work, you should ALWAYS reference it..ALWAYS!! It's non-negotiable in the academic world.

I'm just saying for future purposes...

I concur.

DutchesSsS:
Okayyyy...

I've sent it oooooOo..received??

Yes

THE PROBLEMS OF URBANIZATION IN NIGERIA
Author: ███████
Area: Geography & Regional Planning (Urban Planning)

THE PROBLEMS OF URBANIZATION IN NIGERIA


Nigeria is one of the most rapid urbanizing nations in the world. It is a developing nation, and this is normal for such nations, but Nigeria’s case is somewhat a problem.

The Major cause of rapid urbanization in Nigeria can be traced to a number of factors; one of such is the in-equitability in the distribution of the nation’s wealth. The rural areas are left out and treated as insignificant. This is evidenced in the lack of infrastructure and social amenities in the rural areas. This propels especially the young and active age to migrate to these places, that they can get what they lack in their abode places. There is perhaps, no employment in the rural areas, because industries are concentrated in the urban areas. They also have the urge to enjoy these basic amenities; they have the right to, why should they be denied of it? What makes a place urbanized? It is simply a function of relatively large population per the area, with respect to the amount of basic amenities and industries present.

Rapid urbanization can have an overwhelming effect, both positive and negative. In the positive side there can be access to quality education, better health care, general high standard of living etc. In the case of Nigeria, the negative effect tends to be more visible. This is what can be majorly attributed to ineffectiveness of the environment agencies and improper town planning. What are their functions? They are to ensure the orderliness in people’s relations with the physical environment. However, the case as it appears today seems like there are no such agencies in Nigeria. My opinion is tenable as it is obvious that there are indiscriminate buildings in major towns and cities today; drainage channels and streets are blocked by buildings and majority of builders don’t even give the required space between building and roads. Even as we build, we don’t channel our runoff water from our roof appropriately, thereby causing erosion. On the other end public utilities like waste bins are not maintained, we indiscriminately litter everywhere, thereby causing pollution. We don’t obey sanitary laws, certain days are set aside for sanitation but we don’t adhere.

There is serious pollution of the environment in urbanized areas due to high population; the fumes coming out from vehicles are monoxide and can be detrimental to our health. Also, the emission of green house gases from industries within urbanized centers posses a great threat to the general climate, it depletes the Ozone layer which ought to reduce the ultra violet rays of the sun. The rays of the sun towards the earth becomes more intense as it is continually depleted, thereby emanating global warming. Despite warnings by scientist to plant trees to reduce the effect, we still don’t plant enough trees; rather, we even encourage desertification.

We cannot just mention all the problems posed by rapid urbanization, because we cannot exhaust them. The public need to be informed and educated. All stakeholders must be made to contribute his or her own quota to ensure that we conquer these arising challenges. Planting of trees should be well encouraged. The government should come up with strategies to resolve this; it is best done by sensitizing the public about it. They should ensure that town planning agencies are effective and functional. Appropriate punishment should be given to offenders of public laws like traffic and sanitation laws. Indiscriminate building should be demolished. The task is not only limited to the government, private industries and organizations should help in their capacity, and to us, the populace; we should be the change we want to see, we should start making the change from within us by being obedient and adherent to the public rules and obligations. We cannot put everything on the government, we the governed should help ourselves in the other to make effective, the help of the government.

ochon:
Some of the essays were pulled off from written/published works, which to me, defeats the purpose of writing the essays from the top of one's head.

These essays I thought, were meant to be written off the rigorous thinking of the participants' heads. It makes no sense since anyone can pull off works from the internet without engaging his or her brain. Those that wrote from their brain without the 'refrencing' or pulling off of infos from the net, are the deserving winners. Anyway, I'm not the judges, so I have no say.

Let's be truthful...those who have written and published journals knows writing articles isn't a 2 weeks thing. It takes extensive research and in-depth thinking, analysis and sweat.

Don't mind me going off about references here just 'cos I know most of these works here were lifted. And I don't blame them - "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going" (go figure, lol), so it's almost expected that contestants will just go looking for 'ready-made' work. And again, this is just a casual essay like MissMeiya said...



But if I find my article here without credit, I'll be suing the organiser-Babyosisi...no time!! ---*tongue-in-cheek.

EXTERNAL DEBT: A Blessing or Cankerworm to the Nigerian Economy?
Author: ███████
Area: Economics

EXTERNAL DEBT: A Blessing or Cankerworm to the Nigerian Economy?


INTRODUCTION
External debt represents that part of the total debt in a country, owed to creditors outside the country. Depending on its mode of utilization, external debt could help a country increase her level of economic progress, or help worsen it. External debt could be used to finance projects such as building of power plants, industries, roads, schools, and health facilities. These ways of utilizing a country’s external debt could enhance a country’s level of economic growth. External debt can also pose a serious threat to a country’s economic growth because future earnings of people in such a country will have to be taxed to repay such debt. This can discourage people from committing further investments into such economy.

Nigeria has had cause to borrow to not only finance most of its deficits, but to also carry out economic projects that are capable of promoting sustainable economic growth in the country both in the short and long run. The question is has such indebtedness contributed positively or negatively to Nigeria’s economic growth?


SITUATION ANALYSIS
It is no news that high external debt served as clogs in the wheels of development and progress of this country in the past. Despite its celebrated exit from the Paris Club debt, Nigeria’s stock of external debt has since been on the rise again. Data from Nigeria’s Debt Management Office (DMO) indicate that the stock of Nigeria’s external debt which stood at about $3.54 billion in 2006 after the country’s exit from Paris Club debt has since increased to over $9.5 billion as of September 2014. Falling oil prices, deterioration in Nigeria’s balance of payment account, sharp rises in international lending rates, incessant borrowing by the government coupled with poor economic policies and management of the domestic economy are some of the factors responsible for Nigeria’s rising debt profile.

The continuous accumulation of external debt by Nigeria have generated public outcry. Even with favorable foreign exchange earnings from crude oil and other sources, the growth of external debt has not been inhibited. Scholars like Azeez & Sulaiman (2012), Boboye & Ojo (2012), and Michael & Sulaiman (2012) have carried out empirical researches and found external debt to be a significant and negative contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth. Although it has been argued theoretically that a country will benefit positively from external debt if such debt is well utilized, not much empirical evidence is found in support of this argument in Nigeria. The following solutions/recommendations are therefore made to avoid a repeat of our past mistake.

1. Modalities for sourcing external loans should be outlined and strictly adhered to. Repayment ability must be guaranteed before any loan is obtained to avoid defaults and associated penalties.

2. External loans used for funding social services or infrastructures should be obtained at concessionary rates while those meant for public and private sector commercial projects should be sourced from the International Capital Market with adequate repayment ability.

4. Reduction in government expenditure as well as improving our method of tax collection and administration should be introduced so as to reduce the level of annual fiscal deficits, the need to borrow and the attendant pressure exerted on foreign exchange earnings.

5. Concerted efforts should be made to encourage increased exports so as to bring in revenue for financing economic projects. Efforts should also be made to ensure that Nigeria’s export base is well diversified. This would help reduce the country’s susceptibility to fluctuations in crude oil price.


CONCLUSION
Majority of existing research on the subject matter have shown clearly that external debt has made negative contribution to the economy of this nation. The concurrent attainment of sustainable economic growth and external debt levels appears to be a difficult challenge in Nigeria and could remain elusive if determined efforts are not taken to reverse the trend. Through proper management, appropriate public and private sector reforms, adequate commitment towards ensuring a high level of fiscal prudency, and implementation of the recommendations above, Nigeria can still enjoy the benefits of externally sourced loans as we seek to accelerate our level of economic growth and development.

sunnshyn:
Let's be truthful...those who have written and published journals knows writing articles isn't a 2 weeks thing. It takes extensive research and in-depth thinking, analysis and sweat.

Don't mind me going off about references here just 'cos I know most of these works here were lifted. And I don't blame them - "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going" (go figure, lol), so it's almost expected that contestants will just go looking for 'ready-made' work. And again, this is just a casual essay like MissMeiya said...



But if I find my article here without credit, I'll be suing the organiser-Babyosisi...no time!! ---*tongue-in-cheek.

Sigh. The software we are using is called Viper. It searches every single article, paper, blog, and tweet on the Internet and compares it to the essays it is given, with highlights and percentages. You can visit the website here to assess it: http://www.scanmyessay.com/viper-plagiarism-scanner.php Please let the sponsors and judges know if it meets your standards.

In addition, if you and ochon see any work that has been plagiarized, please IDENTIFY THEM IMMEDIATELY. Otherwise, you are just casting aspersions and insulting the participants of the competition. Do you think anything posted so far is too difficult for a university student or graduate to write? If so, Nigeria is in worse shape than I thought.

sunnshyn:
It doesn't matter bro...whenever you write and cite other people's work, you should ALWAYS reference it..ALWAYS!! It's non-negotiable in the academic world.

I'm just saying for future purposes...

Please reread my post and understand it before quoting me. I dont have time for uneccesary e-arguments.

MissMeiya:
Otherwise, you are just casting aspersions and insulting the participants of the competition. Do you think anything posted so far is too difficult for a university student or graduate to write? If so, Nigeria is in worse shape than I thought.

Insulting? Really? Hmmm ok. I do not think that anything that has been posted so far "is too difficult for a varsity student or graduate". But given the time frame, then it is possible some of these essays were lifted... And really, I haven't insulted anyone.

Let's not derail, I have really enjoyed reading most of the essays so far. Keep the good work going...

BRAIN-DRAIN IN THE NIGERIAN POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
Author: ███████
Area: Politics

BRAIN-DRAIN IN THE NIGERIAN POLITICAL LANDSCAPE


“The general development of any nation depends (in no small amount) on her political stability and the qualities of the players of her politics.”

Nigeria, upon independence in 1960, had experienced series of power transition from one successive administration to another. We started-out as a sovereign state with our first generation of leaders ranging from: Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Alh.Tafa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, and other liberty fighters. If we are to begin the praises of these super-heroes, we would exhaust every good adjective in dictionary because their role and contributions to the foundation and development of Nigerian politics is indeed great! However, regrettably, immediately after their reigns, what Nigeria began to experience is degeneration and deterioration of all varieties.

Nigerian politics which (before) was a force to reckon over the globe with great respects and accolades suddenly become shambolic and no longer befit what should be termed ‘politics’ but ‘jumble.’ The fabrics-wall-of-peace and harmony of the nation had been broken and every becoming of our dear country had become unbecoming in the hands of our politicians. The political terrain has been hijacked by incompetence, uncultured and unprofessional fellows, leaving people with the intellects and ethos of leadership on the side line. The influx of these self-absorbed and clumsy politicians had caused the country a gross damage. What we now have in every sector of our economy is failure. Only in Nigeria that the fixing of roads, refineries, heath-care system, electricity et al. - requires a rocket science. To every failure of our politicians, they now have well-prepared excuses in place.

Is this how we will continue? Many have been touted about the corruptions of our politicians, but has any steps been taken to access their intelligent, creativeness, inventiveness, among others? It is so disheartening that people we now have at helm-of-affairs today are leaders without foresight; Leaders who lack coherent and well thought-out policies to help ameliorate the problems ravaging this country.

The electorates are also not helping in the matter as most of them had been bought over. The politicians do not need to go through the rigorous process of convincing them on what they will do differently to make the country better; all they need do is to lavish them with alms, then they have their votes! Our political atmosphere has turned to chaotic that people with the knowledge, expertise, and pedigree of true leadership no longer find it conducive; they prefer channeling their prowess into their personal conglomerate where it will be more treasured.

I listened to an interview of a Chief Executive Officer of one of the blue chip companies in Nigeria sometimes ago. He was giving his assessment of the Nigerian politics and leadership, and he has this to say:

“The crops of politicians we have today are mere jokers and power hunters who lack the etiquette of true leadership. How many organizations have most of them built, nurtured, and managed before wanting to lead a larger body called Nigeria? I would rather vote for a secondary school principal who I believed would have had an experience in administration than a politician who have no single track of record whatsoever on management!”

We have strayed enough as a country and it is high time we got back on track of normalcy for the sake of our posterity. To redraw the country’s moral architect and general honor, our political parties should begin to let the country’s interest transcends above party interest, and should stop fielding people who are bereft of qualities of true leadership when people with intellectual abounds in the society.
Also, the electorates should understand that their vote is their voice and power and should not be exchanged for alms. In choosing their choices, they should strive to know the pedigree, record, and past accomplishments of aspirants before voting them in.
In conclusion, the intelligentsia, professionals, veterans, and experts in this country should see their calling into the politics and leadership of this country as a “divine one;” because a better Nigeria today will also translate to a better life for all and sundry. God bless Nigeria.

THE GIANT OF AFRICA ON SPAGHETTI LEGS
Author: ███████
Area: National Security & Civil Defense

THE GIANT OF AFRICA ON SPAGHETTI LEGS


On the 30th of July 2009, the assumed giant of Africa has been stroked by a cancer which has eaten through her bone and marrow, which is far beyond the 4 walls of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre. It came like the early morning sun, all the headlines of our local and international Newspaper were filled with the news of Mohammed Yusuf been killed after a report has been filed against him as a Muslim sect leader of a so called group, which is totally against western education. After different research techniques was been carried out, the supposed personality who is totally against western education had a graduate education, spoke proficient English and also lived a lavish lifestyle “according to BBC news”. If this is true, why then will this assumed leader wash out the brain of his followers? Not even giving them a chance to experiencing what he experienced.

It all started from the death of this supposed leader, whose cause of death is still like a surprise to me, although the media almost convinced us that he(Mohammed), was fighting against the police officers, whereas the picture of him that was been shown to the public is of a man soaked with his own blood and been handcuffed. (What then are we to believe, the Media or the killer?).

It all went down like that, what seems to be an end to our panic turn out to be our worst nightmare. There are lot of things bothering the mind of Nigerians; one of its’ paramount is the state of security in the country. The government has been assumed to have carried out all what it takes in eradicating the act of terrorism in the country, instead of it getting better, it is rather getting worrisome. The lives of citizens are now in their own hands. One thing that baffles me when it comes to the terrorism act in the country is the way they get their funds and the source of their inspiration. Instead of the leaders to check into this, they rather embark on the journey of their own selfish interest. While the citizens are left on the seat of regret, scared of surveying the land which ought to be explored and enjoyed, not knowing when the appointed suicide bomber would carry out his/her next operation.

Still been choked in my own thought, I wonder what the Chibok girls are currently passing through, maybe they are still alive or dead, no one knows. Maybe they have been sold out or used as sex slave is what I am yet to be convinced of. What the government can only do was to meet with their parents, singing the song of lamentation in the hearing of those who are mourning due to the absence of their children for the past few months. It’s not that we can’t get to the root of this problem, but corruption has taken over the judgement seat, greed and selfishness has conquered the battle between honesty and dignity in the country, our leaders are now so economical with truthfulness.

We all about an assumed great man, who embarked on the journey of presidential seat, but wasn’t given the opportunity into hypnotizing the mass in voting for him, all what he could use in cheering the selected president was to “make the country ungovernable for him”. This same man came out this year to tell the mass “select me as your president, and what I will tackle first is the state of our security”. We the citizens are now left with two choices, either to vote for an un-performing president, or to one who cares not about the success of his running mate.
Parents are scared of sending their children to the citadel of learning. They are scared of losing their children in the name of making them get educated.

The solution to our present predicament starts right from me and my next neighbour. His success and greatness should never be the source of my own anger. Although we aren’t made to be perfect, but we can still walk on the path which leads to perfection.

Thanks.

Martins301:
Why not take time to read and educate yourself on issues that have been raised? You will become a policy maker or implementer smday. This info will cm handy.

lol a policy maker in nigeria? Does that term even exist there?

babyosisi:
I felt everyone writing on the same subject but different events in their childhood would be exciting and original
You don't have to rack your brain to talk of a childhood event that would be unique to you.
Everyone has tons they could pick from

There was a kid that poo pood in his shorts while we were in primary 4
That alone can easily be a 1000 word essay on teacher's brutality in nigerian schools

My only criticism of this topic and articles I read so far is that people should have quoted references to their statistics and claims
As someone who has published articles,I am uncomfortable seeing people throwing out figures without proper credit to the original articles where they came from.
Hindsight is 20/20,I wish I thought of this earlier than now.
But since it was not a criterion,it shouldn't affect judging unless of course it is plagiarized

lol i thought your original idea was better. Much harder to plagiarize and folks are forced to dig deeper to their creative wells. This one is basically an academic paper you can rip off anywhere... basically all you need is read through 2-3 opinion articles in nigerian papers and you can come up with 700 words. As you said, you definitely need citations for articles like these.