OPINION: WHY SENATE SHOULD CONSIDER SHUTTING DOWN BET9JA AND SPORTS BETTING IN NIGERIA
By Obiora Okeke

Yesterday on facebook, I shared a link from Vanguard Newspaper where the Senate threatened to Shutdown Bet9ja. I supported the idea but the comments that followed next prompted this publication.

Sports betting in Nigeria today is now a lucrative business of which a large percentage of youths engage in as every corner of a street in Nigeria has a betting center and it is always filled with youths who want to get rich quickly thinking betting is the only way to escape poverty without acquiring the skills of getting rich.

Betting has become a serious hidden addiction in which most youth cannot see in their body or smell it in their breath, this addiction lead them to feel more reluctant and lazy believing it is the easiest means of earning money without stress.

I'll be criticized greatly if I say Betting is GAMBLING but what is is it then if not gambling? Youth Empowerment?..... Now what is gambling? "Gambling is the wagering of money or something of value; it is an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary aim of winning mostly money, and according to the English dictionary gambling is an activity characterized by balance between winning and losing that is governed by a mixture of chance."

Just as Georges Pompidou said "three ways to get wrecked financially: technicians, gambling and ladies. The most sure way is with technicians, the fastest is by GAMBLING but the most exciting way is by ladies."

William Bolitho also said that “A gambler is nothing but a man who makes his living out of hope.”

Is Bet9ja gambling or Youth Empowerment? You know the answer now...

Beside the Quick cash made from Bet9ja and other gambling platforms, it has gross effects of youths and it's subscribers.

First Poverty: Youth should understand that just as a life of a gambler is inconsistent, so also will their wealth and penury be. Betting is a two way things, it can make you rich in a minute and can wreck you off your last cent in the next minutes..

Secondly, Wrong perception about Money: Many youths who engaging in sports betting like bet9ja believe they'll hit millions one day with N100 or thereabout. They always believe they'll "hammer" one day and they’ll become millionaires. The unanswered questions remains "how many millionaire gamblers do you know that succeeded the same way you're threading?"

Thirdly, Suicide: Though I haven't heard of any case of suicide, but do you know that prolonged depression can cause SUICIDE?

Fourthly, Health Issues: loosing a bet when you're close to winning millions can give rise to a lot of health issues such as high blood pressure, regrets, depression and a many negative emotions, even insanity.

Lacy of Vision/Creativity: How will one be focused or pursue a Vision or even be creative when all he thinks is the next bet to stalk that'll fetch him millions within 24hrs. As they continue like this, Little by little, they begin to loose their essence and vision. Come to think of it, the owners of all these sports bet sites are billionaires. It was out of there creativity and initiative that they developed a betting sites. Now, if Bill Gates was busy gambling away his life there will be no Microsoft. If Mark Zuckerberg was using his time to search for the best betting site, there wouldn’t have been Facebook. What have you achieved all these years you've been forecasting matches?

Waste of Money, Properties and Resources: A lot of persons have wasted lots to sports betting (gambling) as some have sold their properties or even stalk their properties, some (students) use their SCHOOL FEES in the name of its a SURE GAME.... After all the SURE GAME you've been forecasting, you're still where you are.. Why not think right?

Family Crises: Due to an obsession with betting, a person is isolated from the family members which can cause a serious family crisis. It destroys one’s relationship with family, friends and colleagues.

Lastly, Laziness, Frustration and Anger: I guessed you've seen the look of someone who lost a million Naira because Chelsea didn't win her match. It's frustrating, provoking and frightening. This is what Bet9ja can cause.. A lot of youths today have been so lazy that they can't work. All they do is sit with their mobile, forecasting matches they'll earn them a Senator's salary in one week.

Everyone should comprehend that the Rich and successful people around us, never got so by gambling. In achieving success, theirs no substitute for hardwork.

Everyone must arise and face reality. Betting might fetch you some money but I must be honest, it'll only temporarily solve some little problems for you and after that, land you in financial abyss.

Youths should use their time and little resources they have for something meaningful. SPORTS BETTING (BEJ9JA) isn't YOUTH empowerment. Arise today, pursue your vision and be creative. I bet you, the world will surely celebrate you.

Don't forget, the world will only celebrate you for what you can offer. If you have nothing to offer, then the world has nothing to celebrate you for. Arise today and make a difference.

I therefore suggest that aside the non-remitance of bet9ja to Nigerian Government, Sports betting should be closed because it has caused more harm than good to youths.

Thanks and God bless.

Written by:
Obiora Okeke
obioraokeke2@gmail.com
Founder, The Genius and Student, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.
15th May, 2019
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asuustrike1:

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Dear Obiora Okeke I would want to set the record straight on some certain issues raised.
1. ASUU president said that their members can participate as adhoc staff if they so wish.
2. ASUU grounded academic activity it would be foolish to boycott elections . INEC can decide to use other adhoc staff without the academicians.
3. ASUU strike is not political as negotiations and dialogue have been on since 2017. Infact they issued warning strike around Oct/November 2017.
4. ASUU members were begged to participate since they did good job in 2015. Many lecturers feel that it would be selfish of them should they boycott the elections. Mind you we still have ASUP strike to deliberate.
5. You should know that NANS are not fighting for Nigeria students. The composition of that body are ex students ( to be best of my knowledge).
6. INEC made it clear on their campaigns that electorate should register in the home base Should there be need to vote in another locality, voters can apply for transfer of PVC. Kindly visit the nearest INEC centre for more information.

Read recursively... He condemned ASUU for agreeing to participate as ad-hoc staff without considering students at home... It selfish of them to do so. Meanwhile you register where you'll vote. Students register in school because they'll be in session during elections.

Jeswino:
Students will not be disenfranchised cos of the strike. An arrangement will be made to allow them go to school to vote.

I believe it's better to get the FG to fulfill its obligations now rather than blackmail ASUU with students not being in school or the forthcoming elections.

Dear brother, there's no such arrangement in Nigeria.

ASUU STRIKE: A PLOT TO DISENFRANCHISE NIGERIAN STUDENTS DURING 2019 POLLS
By Obiora Okeke

The Academic Staff Union of Universities - ASUU which was founded in 1978, succeeded the then Nigerian Association of University Teachers formed in 1965 and covering academic staff in all of the Federal and State Universities in the country.

The Union which had engaged in series of industrial actions in a quest for University Autonomy, Welfare and an increase in education standard over the years had also continued in her active struggles against the government as they had embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike over implementation of 2009 agreement regarding the decay in public universities, disregard of agreements reached with the union in 2013 and 2017, as well as the failure to pay the arrears of the shortfall in salaries, even after the presidential initiative on continuous audit verification by the federal government on 4th November, 2018.

I've always actively advocated for ASUU's demand to be met as her demands are genuine even when many persons have argued that the strike was politically oriented. My thoughts, hope and opinions of many Nigerian Students over politicizing of ASUU Strike was thrown to the wind yesterday after the striking lecturers (ASUU) agreed to work with INEC despite her ongoing strike action.

We've remained committed to the struggle with ASUU as we've all hoped that the government will consider the demand of ASUU since General Election is close as members of ASUU, students and NYSC members are always engaged as INEC adhoc staff during elections.

We anticipated that the threat of we not participating in 2019 elections will be a major reason why FG should be compelled to meet to the demands of striking lecturers. It's very disappointing that after remaining committed to the struggle with our lecturers, we were left to wonder in the wild forest of thoughts as our lecturers have accepted to work with INEC and never considered the students suffering because of her strike actions.

We've been left with no option than to believe that ASUU strike was politically oriented. Before Christmas, ASUU and FG negotiating Team had always met every week and yet all we get at the end is that "The meeting ended in deadlock."

We continued to hope that we'll hold them hostage via 2019 polls not until 3rd January, 2019, when the leadership of NANS after declaring a protest against FG and ASUU, dashed our Confidence in them as they visited President Buhari, issued birthday card as well as promising him 20 Millions votes while we students continue suffering from ASUU strike when education should be the priority of the government.

We had believed that ASUU will remain firm in her decision of been committed to the struggle till the end not until yesterday 4th January, 2019 when they agreed to work with INEC as ad-hoc staff. This is a great sabotage to Nigerian Students at home... We are all at home today because of ASUU strike. We expected ASUU to boycott everything that has nothing to do with meeting to her demand but it's quiet unfortunate that greed wouldn't allow some focus and remain committed to their struggle.

Also, President Buhari on 3rd January, 2019 while playing host to Executive Committee of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in the State House, Abuja had appealed to labour unions in the country to allow his administration concentrate on fixing infrastructure, rather than distracting it. What I draw from it is that the Presidency aren't ready either to meet to the demand of the union as they consider it a distraction to their administration even when their demands are genuine..

At this point, I believe everyone is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that ASUU Strike has been politicized.
Have you asked yourself Why didn't INEC demand for the suspension of ASUU strike rather, they're only interested in getting striking lecturers work with them and forget about the millions of students that'll be disenfranchised as a result of the ongoing strike action.

Most students have their PVC's registered in their various schools. How would they vote when they're home because of ASUU Strike. If FG, INEC, ASUU and NANS are really interested in ensuring none is disenfranchised come 2019 polls which is one of our human right, a better solution would have been reached before now.. We're less than 6 weeks to General Elections yet nothing reasonable have been concluded.

Dear Nigerian Student, it's clear to us all that the struggle has been sabotaged. We've been left to ponder and wonder after been abandoned in the wild forest as we all remain jobless without hope in our various homes.

Is it a crime to school in Nigeria?
Education which should be the Government's priority isn't what it is.
If ASUU strike continues, the implication is that millions of students will be disenfranchised as they won't be able to cast their votes.
Is this the way forward?

I therefore use this medium to appeal to all necessary and concerned authorities to please come to the aid of Nigerian Students.
We want to return to classes.
We want to cast our votes.
We want to roundoff our projects and graduate just like our colleagues studying outside the country.
We want a better academic structure.
We want a better education in Nigeria.

May God help us all and grant us success.
Amen.

- Obiora Okeke
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
5th January, 2019.

Please note, everything expressed in this article is only but the view of the writer. We don't intend to defame anyone but express deeply our feelings over the situation.

You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and twitter @amobioraokeke.
Mail: obioraokeke2@gmail.com

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STUDENTS UNIONISM, A LOST TALE
By Obiora Okeke

A Government is said to be a body with the power to make and/or enforce laws to control a country, land area, people or organization and as well advance all necessary social amenities for the betterment of the people.

The National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) was a students' union bringing together Nigerian students both within Nigeria and across the diaspora.

NUNS was founded in 1956, following structural changes in the West African Students' Union.

In April 1978, Nigerian students were faced with the imposition of increased fees, and NUNS participated in a series of Campus protests across the whole of Nigeria. The government responded by sending in the army and police, leading to the death or serious wounding of over twenty students. Three universities were closed and NUNS was banned. Several university staff and students were dismissed.

In 1980, The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) was founded as a replacement for the banned NUNS.

The Students Union Government (SUG) on the other hand was established in several tertiary institutions to see the welfare of Students, ensuring unity, orderliness and Promote a cordial relationship between students, School Authorities, Local, State and Federal Government, thereby bringing about effective representation.

In a democratic state like Nigeria, it has been a heavy burden on the Student Union Leaders to be at the forefront of promoting and protecting the interest of its members (Students). Most students unions have lost the essence and objectives of it's establishment as "MANY" have been hijacked by the University Management, State or Federal Government.

Students Union which was more or less a Pressure group was geared at Promoting good Governance in all levels of Government, defending and agitating for Justice thereby bringing about a positive Transformation in the society.

The Responsibilities of Students Union Leaders goes beyond the title (Hon. Comr. and Barr/Justice) attached to their names and goes beyond the fame and benefits they get. It is a call to Service which every level of Dedication, Accountability and Transparency is required and must be pursued with every form of integrity and honesty for effective representation.

Students Unionism in most institution today, have been laid to rest. Fear, Greed and act of embezzlement has become a character trait most Students Leaders posse and this does not just affect the institution but the nation at large.

Today, 4th January, 2019 makes 2 months ASUU embarked on an indefinite strike over implementation of 2009 agreement regarding the decay in public universities, disregard of agreements reached with the union in 2013 and 2017, as well as the failure to pay the arrears of the shortfall in salaries, even after the presidential initiative on continuous audit verification by the federal government.

I appreciate the moves and efforts made by the National Association of Nigerian Students earlier but after the meeting with the President yesterday, I have a different view of the efforts.

My View:
- A union set up to advocate for students goes into political negotiations for their own interest while millions of students remain at home over ASUU Strike.

- A union we all expect to remain neutral as we together pressurized FG and ASUU to resolve the 8 weeks strike went to declare support for PMB's reelection while we (Nigerian Students) remain at home.

- If they so much cared to see ASUU strike end why didn't they also meet with striking lecturers?

- Should we be begging to return to classes even when education should be every government's priority?

- What did NANS do when the tuition fees of several institutions was hiked without genuine reason.

- My NANS President called my striking lecturers (ASUU) hypocritical because they're fighting for the betterment of the decayed public universities and their welfare.

- Even when President Buhari admitted that ASUU's demand are genuine, NANS said ASUU is economical with the truth.

Well if what I know student's unionism to be is what it is, then such won't happen again.

Do you still remember "Ali Must Go of April 1978?" It was a nationwide agitation that brought the National Union of Nigeria Students (NUNS) into an open confrontation with the Olusegun Obasanjo led Military government and the stern looking men of the Nigerian Army. It started when the government asked the students to make more contributions by adding 50Kobo to their cost of meal per day. The increment meant that their cost of meal would rise from N1.50 to N2.00 then.

Today, the history of students unionism in Nigeria will largely be incomplete without mentioning Segun Okeowo (NUNS President, 1978) and the infamous protest that demonstrated the strength of Nigerian students.

Do we still have such Students leaders today?
Majority of those we have can't even mobilize or address their colleagues. Is that Unionism?

Students are seriously suffering in public universities and no drastic measure have been taken to confront and solve the ordeal.

Students are subjected to do certain things and no one is there to agitate for them.

Today many students are turning to business people, wayward, robbers, prostitutes, vagabonds, criminals and many other bad professions just because we can't return to classes and am yet to see that landslide move by our leaders.

I weep for Students Unionism because they've been held hostage and silenced by some powers.

I pray that the true spirit of ALUTA will be restored on our students leaders again.

Thank You.

Comr. Obiora Okeke
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
4th January, 2019.

Please note, everything expressed in this article is only but the view of the writer. We don't intend to defame anyone but express deeply our feelings over the situation.

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Taguchi:
bro wetin konsain ASUU strike and your studio pics

Tertiary institutions in Nigeria have witnessed in recent time incessant closures due to industrial strike actions. The effect of these repeated closures of schools and academic programs on students learning effectiveness can better be imagined than described. Tertiary education in Nigeria has thus suffered tremendous setbacks as a result of industrial actions by both the academic (ASUU), the non academic staffs and other labour unions.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities is a Nigerian union of university academic staff, founded in 1978. ASUU succeeded the Nigerian Association of University Teachers formed in 1965 and covering academic staff in all of the Federal and State Universities in the Nation.

The union have been active in struggles against the Government since 1980s in order obtain fair wages and university autonomy which has led to series of strike actions that has crumbled the Tertiary Education System.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Sunday 4th November,2018 commenced another indifinite strike over the failure of the government to fully implement the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and other necessities.

This disagreement between government and the academic unions which has brought a halt to academic activities in most Nigerian Public Universities, often result in deadlock that usually tells hard mostly on student.

Students are subjected to pitiable conditions which has destroyed certain things.

The Strike action has actually resulted to disruption of academic programs. When learning is suspended for a period of time, there's tendency of loosing interest as many students desire certificates today other than knowledge. It has been proven that students perform less in examinations after returning from a strike period. Most student do not read during strike periods, while others tend to forget key points from lectures as a result of the long wait between lectures and examinations.

Many students have actually received undeserved extension in their study years as a result of disruption in the academic calendar. During strike actions, the academic calendar will be altered because certain things will be on hold. This will result to an extension which will only tell hard of the students as many ends up studying 4 years program for 5 - 6 years.

Lost of concentration on academic programs is a vital effect of strike actions. Most students have secured jobs or other means of generating money and does not wish the strike to be called off soon. This has made them loose interest and concentration in academic program thereby resulting to an increase in dropout rate which is very harmful to the economy.

Despite the poor research and innovation capability of Nigerian universities, incessant strike will continue to jeopardise the research they are undertaking. The kind of research and development activities that can put Nigeria in the league of developed nation cannot take place in a disruptive environment like the one we are currently witnessing in our universities. Consequently, students academic performance has comparatively become so low while various forms of examination malpractice are on the increase.

It is said that "an Idle man is the Devil's Workshop". Strike actions also has the tendency of leading students into some social vices like robbery, prostitution, oil bunkering etc.

As an old African proverb states: “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers most." The same is applicable here. While ASUU and FG fight in disagreement, the effects tells hard on students.

My Recommendation:

- Re-evaluation of the education sector.
- Factors that often lead to strike actions should be addressed.
- The third man should always be considered while making drastic decision such as embarking on strike.
- Education should be properly and adequately funded to encourage effective research and to avoid brain drain.
- Government shouldn't dishonour any agreement reached with any union.
- Some strike actions should be averted as room for renegotiation should be welcomed.

If all these recommendations and many more are considered, then there'll a reduction in strike rate in the country.

I therefore appeal to ASUU and Federal Government to see reasons in speeding up actions in resolving and implementing of the MoU and joint agreement between them to rescue the nation’s educational system.

Thank You.

Obiora Okeke
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
Tuesday 13th November, 2018.

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HOW THE CHURCH CAN HELP ACTUALIZE A BETTER NIGERIA
By Obiora Okeke

This is a continuation of the series "MAKING NIGERIA GREAT AGAIN" by Obiora Okeke. Previously we discussed on HOW THE STUDENTS UNION GOVERNMENT CAN HELP ACTUALIZE A BETTER NIGERIA COME 2019. This article critically analyzes the Role of the Church in Actualizing a Better Nigeria.

Please read till the end and keep sharing till it gets to every Nigerian.

“Justice without strength is helpless, strength without justice is tyrannical. Unable to make what is just strong, we have made what is strong, just” Pascal, Pensees (1670).

"The essence of a church is not its programs or buildings...but the real issue is its spiritual life." -Alistair Begg. Our sad history of political domination, social exclusion and economic exploitation which resulted from bad Governance has been a challenge to actualizing the real essence of the Church.

There is fundamentally no difference between the politician and some bishop, pastor or priest on the pulpit. Both have a common African root, same gene factor and pursue the same selfish goals, though, on different platforms. While the politician, with unbridled egocentric impunity, imposes himself on the people with intent to enrich himself from the public, the church leaders also pursue the same inordinate ambition leaving what the word of God says and the message of Salvation.

Nigeria has been held hostage to a large extent by retrogressive forces of arbitrary rule and military dictatorship with the antecedent corruption in public offices, mismanagement of funds/resources and abuse of power.

The same way the colonial masters handed over power to Nigeria’s indigenous politicians after laying the foundation for development is the same way the European missionaries handed the church over to our indigenous clergy. The predecessor expected the Nigerian successors to continue from where they stopped on the path of equity, fairness and justice but the same way the politicians have undeveloped Africa by introducing discrimination, nepotism, injustice and all that, that is also the same way church leaders have left the main tenets of Christianity to pursue materialism, power, selfish ambition and all that. The church is the victim just as the polity is bastardised.

Our nation has all along been characterized by arbitrary rule, the preponderance of feudal lords, the big man syndrome, a command and control culture, all manner of culture of impunity, corruption, oppression of the weak including women and young people, and of course ethnic bigotry, religious intolerance and civil strife, while the rest of the world has been making phenomenal progress in meeting the socio-economic and political aspirations of their people – advancing the cause of democracy, progressing in science and technology and developing the arts and the humanities.

You don't need to be a Political Scientist to realize that Nigerians including those in Churches have been robbed of modern scientific and technological civilization. We've been robbed of the dividends of Democracy. A lot of things have gone wrong and the Church is doing nothing.

The Church shouldn't be a place where bad leaders are welcomed and given exalted seats just to be recognized. They donate and contribute financially which is geared at gaining attraction in the Church. This is not the essence of the Church.

The Church is called to serve the poor in the nation – those who have no social and economic or political rights, those who have lost their human dignity due to the material circumstances they find themselves in. The common good, that is, the good of society as a whole, requires that the powerless be specially protected and defended. That is why the degree of development or civilization of a society is measured and evaluated not by how much material wealth that society has, but by how that society treats the weak and the powerless in its midst.

Change does not just come until the people vehemently demand for it. For any nation to make true progress, The church must get involve in genuine electoral process. The Church should see it as an obligatory injunction given by God to sensitize the believers on the urgent need to vote at elections which will help to enthrone good governance, the Church should use its proximity to speak and admonish those in power to shun corruption, politically motivated killings, oppression, victimization of real or perceived political enemies, and lots more that are common among politicians and political leaders today. The Christians should transcend from politics of the pockets to politics of good governance. They should toe the line of John the Baptist who, against all odds, told King Herod in the face that he abused power entrusted to him by taking his brother’s wife.

It is only when the Christian leadership rise to the occasion and speak against the social ills perpetrated by the political leaders that the dividends of democracy and good governance will be achieved, and justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

The Church has to play a pivotal role in helping elect credible leaders from the grassroots to the Climax of leadership which will benefit every Nigerian including the believers too.

My Recommendations:

- The Church Must Ensure that the Electorates are properly sensitized and encouraged to exercise their franchise responsibly, and to call to account their elected leader to act ethically in the cause of justice, peace and care for integrity of creation.

- Continuous Prayers for the Nation and our Leaders.

- Shun electoral malpractice and Sentiments in deciding who leads.

- The Church should use its proximity to speak and admonish those in power to shun corruption, politically motivated killings, oppression, victimization of real or perceived political enemies, and lots more that are common among politicians and political leaders today.

- Allowing Democracy reign by allowing the People decide instead of imposing someone on them.

- Church Leaders should stop using the Church as a platform to promote cruel politicians or giving preferential treatment to any.

- Church Leaders and Members should also live what they preach and stand for. Never engage in any social vices or any form of impunity.

- The Christians should transcend from politics of the pockets to politics of good governance.

- Openly rebuke corrupt leaders and commend credible ones without any form of Sentiment.

If the Church can keep to all these, then a better Nigeria is assured come 2019.

Dear Nigerian, the Nigeria we've always longed for, can come be actualized come 2019 if only YOU and I is ready to make the wrongs right. If we're ready to say NO to bad leaders, embrace credibility in Elections, reject every form of lobby, decline buying and selling of votes, not engaging in any form of violence or possessing any dangerous weapon before or during elections and welcoming pure Democracy, then our Generations owe us a lot of appreciation for making our country Great again.

The Church must vote and actively participate in genuine Electoral Process.
Together we'll make Nigeria Great Again.

I am Obiora Okeke (Student, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike).
Obiora Okeke is an advocate of Good Governance, a passionate writer and Speaker. He's a blessing to countless youths in the world. He bags a lot of leadership qualities.

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Reference;
Church and Good Governance by Samuel N-Ue (Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, PH.)

The role of the Church in Politics, Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria (InfoGuide NIGERIA)

Ahiara: Like politicians, like church leaders (Guardian Newspaper)

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Ijeshaooduaman:
Story! Guy, forget Nigeria and follow your IPOB.

First thing First.... Protect Democracy in Nigeria

OBIORA OKEKE: HOW THE STUDENTS UNION GOVERNMENT CAN HELP ACTUALIZE A BETTER NIGERIA COME 2019

Written by Obiora Okeke



A Government is believed to be a body with the power to make and/or enforce laws to control a country, land area, people or organization and as well advance all necessary social amenities for the betterment of the people.



The Students Union Government (SUG) was established in several tertiary institutions to see the welfare of Students, ensuring unity, orderliness and Promote a cordial relationship between students, School Authorities, Local, State and Federal Government, thereby bringing about effective representation.



In a democratic state like Nigeria, it has been a heavy load on the Student Union Leaders to be at the forefront of promoting and protecting the interest of its members (Students). Most SUG has lost the essence and objectives of it's establishment as "MANY" have been hijacked by the University Management, State or Federal Government. Students Union which was more or less a Pressure group was geared at Promoting good Governance in all levels of Government, defending and agitating for Justice thereby bringing about a positive Transformation in the society.



The Responsibilities of Students Union Leaders goes beyond the title (Hon. Comr. and Barr/Justice) attached to their names and goes beyond the fame and benefits they get. It is a call to Service which every level of Dedication, Accountability and Transparency is required and must be pursued with every form of integrity and honesty for effective representation.



Today, Students Unionism in most institution have been laid to rest. Fear, Greed and act of embezzlement has become a character trait most Students Leaders posse and this does not just affect the institution but the nation at large. Students Leaders now go after Politicians seeking for Favour as well as material resources even when such Politician isn't fit to lead. They wear clothings made with sentiment and wash away Truth. Inviting Politicians to your school for Campaign purposes geared towards enriching your pockets and to the detriment of the masses isn't the True Spirit of Leadership.



Most Politicians today haven understood that Students Leaders as well as Students can easily be bought over, have casted their nets of deceit on several institutions thereby lobbying them inform of presents just to secure support from them.



Most Students as well as Students Leaders have chosen to accept the glorified offer of today and mortgage the next 4 years... It's a pity!!!



Nigeria has 162 Universities of which 44 are Federal, 47 State and 75 Private Universities (NUC, 2017). According to National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Nigeria has 50 Federal, 43 State and 46 Private Polytechnics and Monotechnics. Also, 35 Federal, 30 State and 6 College of Agriculture and Health and other Technical Colleges, Vocational Enterprise Institutions and Innovative Enterprise Institution situated all over the country.



All these Institutions have Youths majorly as her students in which majority of the students also are above 18 years thereby making them eligible to vote.



According to UNESCO Institute of Statistics (2018), about 15,875,252 Students within age 18 and 22 are currently studying in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions. This constitute over 35% of the total number of Youths in Nigeria.



Analyzing 2015 Presidential Election Results as was announced by Professor Attahiru Jega, the Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which goes thus:

AA: 22,125, ACPN: 40,311 AD: 30,673 ADC: 29,666 APA: 53,537APC: 15,424,921 CPP: 36,300HOPE: 7,435 KOWA: 13,076 NCP: 24,455 PDP: 12,853,162 PPM:24,475 UDP: 9,208 UPP:18,220



Accredited Voters: 31,756,490

Total Valid Votes: 28,587,564

Rejected Votes: 844, 519

Total: 29,432,083



Total Number of Votes: 28,280,083

Goodluck Jonathan: 12,853,162 votes

Muhammadu Buhari: 15,426,921votes

(Source: Pulse .ng)



We discovered that PMB won with 15,426,921 votes which is less than the total number of students studying in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.



If Students Union Leaders could organise their fellow students in their respective institutions and sensitive them on the need to get their voters card as well as voting rightly without any form of sentiment and biasnes, Nigeria 2019 will be a better one.



My Recommendations:

- Restoration of True Students Unionism in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions.

- INEC Voters Card Registration Center should be situated in Every tertiary institution.

- Every Tertiary Institution should have a polling unit(s).

- Every Student in tertiary institution should have a Voters Card.

- INEC should organize purposeful and none political seminars and symposiums in all tertiary institution to educate students on the need to Participate actively in Electoral Processes.

- Students Leaders should always stand firm for truth and Justice. Say YES to Good Governance and reject every form of lobby to entice and attract political favour.

- Students should actively participate in Electoral Processes.



If all these is done and duly followed, then Nigerians will owe Students appreciation for Redeeming our Country come 2019.



Thanks.

Written by Obiora Okeke.

Obiora Okeke is currently a Civil Engineering Student and the SUG Director of Public Relations, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU). He's an advocate of Good Governance and a passionate Writer and Speaker. He bags alot of leadership qualities.



Facebook: @iamobioraokeke

Twitter: @iamobioraokeke

Instagram: @amobioraokeke

Email: obioraokeke2@gmail.com

Website: Www.obioraokeke.com



Please share this to every Nigerian Students.

#TeamObiora

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OPEN LETTER TO ALL NIGERIAN YOUTHS

Obiora Okeke
to citizenreport
1 minute agoDetails
AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL NIGERIAN YOUTHS
Written by Obiora Okeke

Most Nigerian Youths haven't discovered their place in their Country. Running after Politicians, chanting and going on errands isn't an assured Future for yourself and our Country. Just as Hayakawa will always say, “It is the individual who knows how little they know about themselves who stands the most reasonable chance of finding out something about themselves before they die.”

Many youths have sacrificed their lives so cheap for those who feel the youths can be used to achieve their purpose by giving little token. We've been used and we've been dumped now they're calling us all again in different auspicious groups ahead of 2019 Elections.

I want every Youth reading this to understand our stand come 2019 Elections. Have you ever asked yourself questions like this?

- Where are the Youths in Nigeria Government?
- What happened to those we risked our lives under harsh weather conditions just to see they emerge?
- Have they forgotten all their Promises?
- Do they still acknowledge our efforts and contribution?

These questions will get you thinking about what most leaders feel about you. They only run back to us when they need us to join their rally, engage in electoral malpractice and other social vices just for their ambition to be successful. It's a pity.

Do you know that the Youths constitute over 30% of Nigeria's Total Population? Why then are we marginalized? Is because most of us haven't discovered our place in the Economy.

Several governments have come and passed and none has taught it wise to set aside a day in Nigeria where Youths will be celebrated. I engaged several youths in conversation on 12th August, 2018 during the International Youths Day. I discovered that most of us never knew about such. This is because only few Government (Local, State and Federal) acknowledged this day and celebrated it. I started asking myself what's the essence of the Minister/Commisioner for Youths and Sports? Is he/she only interested in Sports and not Youths? The answer I got was "When a 60 years old man is made to head Youths what do you expect". This same thing runs even in our Churches. Most Youth Presidents and Youth Pastors in our Churches today are Men. Do they feel the Youths are not capable? Is because we don't know our place.

Do you know that less than 20% of Youths participate in electoral process. I also engaged some youths in conversation and I realized that many of us are not ready to even vote next year. We have our PVC but it's just a document to many of us.. This is too bad. Most youths have the mentality that "OUR VOTES WON'T COUNT" and I replied "IT IS THE GOOD PEOPLE THAT ELECT THE BAD LEADERS BY NOT VOTING". When we don't vote, we give room for bad Governance in our Country.

We complain of bad Governance yet we have a tool just as a gun in the hands of a hunter to terminate the life of any animal so also we can terminate the selfish ambition of some of our leaders.

Curt Coffman once said "A great manager is someone who says, You come to work with me, and I'll help you be as successful as possible; I'll help you grow. I'll help you make sure you're in the right role; I'll provide the relationship for you to understand and know yourself. And I want you to be more successful than me." This is the spirit of True Leadership.

John Maxwell will say "The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”

We need Leaders that'll look beyond their personal interest and see to the general good of the people. Leaders that'll become a solution and not a burden to us.

The first process to get such is by getting your ticket.
The ticket that'll grant you access to vote credible leaders.
That ticket is your VOTERS CARD.
It's your Voice ...
It's your Power...
It's a gun in the hands of a hunter..
It might be the last bullet in your gun so use wisely.
#GETYOURPVC Today

Written by Obiora Okeke
Obiora Okeke hails from Orumba South Local Government of Anambra State. He's currently a 300L Civil Engineering Student and Director of Public Relations, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
Abia State, Nigeria. He's an advocate of Good Governance and a passionate Leader..
Call/Whatsapp: 08064933665
Facebook: @iamobioraokeke
Twitter: @iamobioraokeke
Instagram: @amobioraokeke
Email: obioraokeke2@gmail.com
Website: www.obioraokeke.com

Please share to all Nigerian Youths.
Thanks
#TeamObiora

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL NIGERIAN YOUTHS
Written by Obiora Okeke

Most Nigerian Youths haven't discovered their place in their Country. Running after Politicians, chanting and going on errands isn't an assured Future for yourself and our Country. Just as Hayakawa will always say, “It is the individual who knows how little they know about themselves who stands the most reasonable chance of finding out something about themselves before they die.”

Many youths have sacrificed their lives so cheap for those who feel the youths can be used to achieve their purpose by giving little token. We've been used and we've been dumped now they're calling us all again in different auspicious groups ahead of 2019 Elections.

I want every Youth reading this to understand our stand come 2019 Elections. Have you ever asked yourself questions like this?

- Where are the Youths in Nigeria Government?
- What happened to those we risked our lives under harsh weather conditions just to see they emerge?
- Have they forgotten all their Promises?
- Do they still acknowledge our efforts and contribution?

These questions will get you thinking about what most leaders feel about you. They only run back to us when they need us to join their rally, engage in electoral malpractice and other social vices just for their ambition to be successful. It's a pity.

Do you know that the Youths constitute over 30% of Nigeria's Total Population? Why then are we marginalized? Is because most of us haven't discovered our place in the Economy.

Several governments have come and passed and none has taught it wise to set aside a day in Nigeria where Youths will be celebrated. I engaged several youths in conversation on 12th August, 2018 during the International Youths Day. I discovered that most of us never knew about such. This is because only few Government (Local, State and Federal) acknowledged this day and celebrated it. I started asking myself what's the essence of the Minister/Commisioner for Youths and Sports? Is he/she only interested in Sports and not Youths? The answer I got was "When a 60 years old man is made to head Youths what do you expect". This same thing runs even in our Churches. Most Youth Presidents and Youth Pastors in our Churches today are Men. Do they feel the Youths are not capable? Is because we don't know our place.

Do you know that less than 20% of Youths participate in electoral process. I also engaged some youths in conversation and I realized that many of us are not ready to even vote next year. We have our PVC but it's just a document to many of us.. This is too bad. Most youths have the mentality that "OUR VOTES WON'T COUNT" and I replied "IT IS THE GOOD PEOPLE THAT ELECT THE BAD LEADERS BY NOT VOTING". When we don't vote, we give room for bad Governance in our Country.

We complain of bad Governance yet we have a tool just as a gun in the hands of a hunter to terminate the life of any animal so also we can terminate the selfish ambition of some of our leaders.

Curt Coffman once said "A great manager is someone who says, You come to work with me, and I'll help you be as successful as possible; I'll help you grow. I'll help you make sure you're in the right role; I'll provide the relationship for you to understand and know yourself. And I want you to be more successful than me." This is the spirit of True Leadership.

John Maxwell will say "The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”

We need Leaders that'll look beyond their personal interest and see to the general good of the people. Leaders that'll become a solution and not a burden to us.

The first process to get such is by getting your ticket.
The ticket that'll grant you access to vote credible leaders.
That ticket is your VOTERS CARD.
It's your Voice ...
It's your Power...
It's a gun in the hands of a hunter..
It might be the last bullet in your gun so use wisely.
#GETYOURPVC Today

Written by Obiora Okeke
Obiora Okeke hails from Orumba South Local Government of Anambra State. He's currently a 300L Civil Engineering Student and Director of Public Relations, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
Abia State, Nigeria. He's an advocate of Good Governance and a passionate Leader..
Call/Whatsapp: 08064933665
Facebook: @iamobioraokeke
Twitter: @iamobioraokeke
Instagram: @amobioraokeke
Email: obioraokeke2@gmail.com
Website: www.obioraokeke.com

Please share to all Nigerian Youths.
Thanks
#TeamObiora