Tukur Buratai: Past performance produces present privileges By Femi Oyewale
You have to perform at a consistently higher level than others. That’s the mark of a true professional. ~ Joe Paterno
Of a truth, Past performance produces present privileges. This aptly describes Ambassador Tukur Buratai (CFR) who remains an exceptional diplomat and whose service record speaks volumes of an unalloyed commitment to the Nigerian dream and an equally astonishing level of patriotism to those ideals that define us as a people and country.
Interestingly, only few know that Ambassador Buratai is a humble man who is a perfect example of a man who beautifully has power but don’t use it. A man of few words whose compassion Is a direct opposite of the archaic impression that military men are expressionless, mean and authoritarian.
My encounters with him during his service years as the chief of army staff and currently as the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin made me realise that he is an exceptional personality who is imbued with unsual intelligence, charisma, compassion, discipline, vision and mission to help individuals, organisations and nation interpret their dreams. He is a barrier breaker and a line crosser. This explains why he is grossly misunderstood by many who wonder how can one man be so favoured and endowed with exceptional qualities and achievements. No wonder among his peers, he is greatly flavoured.
He is a great listener with a listening ear, cool, calm and collected. I can say with with all modest that he is not the flamboyant type. Rather, he invest in human assets by helping them to interpret their dreams and visions.
Like someone rightly recalled of the lofty exploits of Ambassador Tukur Buratai while he held sway as the chief of army staff. I call those days the impeccable days in the annals of the Nigerian Army in terms of strategy and tactics; Ambassador Tukur Buratai indeed came to the party.
The way and manner he was able to turn around the fortunes of the Nigerian Army were also outstanding and in record time. From a lethargic situation to a combatant position in less than a year, the result was felt across the country with regards to addressing the security situation in the country. That was the vintage Tukur Buratai.
Again, Ambassador Tukur Buratai was able to contribute his quota in service to the country because the President and Commander-in-Chief recognized his capacity to deliver in that critical assignment and eventually provided the enabling environment for him to flourish.
Truth be told, his nomination as a diplomat was indeed a masterstroke by President Muhammadu Buhari towards utilizing his wealth of experience in service to the country over the years.
His Excellency’s resume is rich and replete with acts of patriotism that would make any nation green with envy. Little wonder he was among notable Nigerians conferred with National Honours by President Buhari few days ago.
I quite agree with the fact that Buratai stands tall from the lot and I have no reservations in his strides as a politician. I am aware of his commitment to the Nigerian cause in the course of the several engagements he has had with the members of the intelligentsia community in Nigeria. He has always been robust in his thoughts and engagements which somewhat culminated in the numerous awards and engagements as speaker in a number of intelligent discourse.
Buratai is a lesson in history on what patriotism entails. His passion and energy towards the Nigerian cause cannot be questioned by any well-meaning Nigerian conversant with how he led the Nigerian Army in the prosecution of the war against insurgency and others. I made bold to say that Nigeria is yet to see or tap from the multidimensional leadership qualities embedded in this great General cum Ambassador. He is indeed like a moon among the stars.
The Jagaban of Borgu is not a saint but the best option for Nigeria 2023! – Hon. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye
Just like no one is perfect, Asiwaju is not perfect. Yes he was complacent in many areas of need by the Nigerian masses and some elites too!, Yes he has some advisers who do not genuinely have his interest and the interest of Nigeria at heart and who continues to mislead and shield him from the truth as well from good people for their personal gains ONLY! Alas this man, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a kind hearted man who had been very good in identifying talents, putting round pegs in round holes, growing economies, people and brilliantly knows our problems as a people and as a nation. He knows exactly what to do to fix it!!
Senator knows that he can NOW become unselfish having had ALL that life has got to give and as Governor from arguably the most populous City in Africa; He is a king maker and a talented strategist, A firm decision maker and a people person! He MUST become more understanding now and intelligently face the National problems with practicable sustainable solutions, where we can start reducing our debts, increasing our capacity in areas of power generation and distribution, “put feathers back on the body of the hens” so that ‘the hen’ can flourish especially where we can simultaneously put GOOD teams together to ensure we STOP miscarriages of Justice, impunity and embolden the LAW, it’s communication and it’s respect.
Bola Tinubu, is a fair person, who must allow the people to own structures and make them accountable. Nigerians are embodiment of brilliance! I however understand that the human mind is unpredictable, the reason some of our leaders are forced to handle governance the way they do – with fear and control, but this man has come a long way and knows by now, the REAL rules of the game! He will have to make changes even to his kitchen cabinet and I mean that literally – provisions of what he eats and drinks.
The unity of our country, as we know it lies in a leadership that understands the good, the bad and the ugly and can sincerely retrace their steps, ask for forgiveness from the people, empathize and sympathize with the plight of our people and then strategically push forward an agenda that will make everyone, not just barely survive but thrive. I know the entrenched and entitled over the past 62 years will throw kicks, but that’s okay.
I want to see a Nigeria where I will not be afraid to ply the roads to any part of our beautifully blessed country, A country that can be fair to its citizens and uphold the rights of the oppressed, no matter what; One where our ‘young’ men and ladies alike turning 40 can be proud to plan for their future without fear; Where ethical values will be upheld and a reorientation by example can become the norm.; A country where our community responsibilities prevails. Frantic and pragmatic decisions should be made about the state of our Federation in terms of what needs to be reset and or corrected. Let us resonate HOPE again and for the right reasons!!
For historical minds, you remember in the Bible that Saul who became Paul was a persecutor of the Christians until his soul was seized by the Creator and he became the defender of good and the Christians. The same can be said in the Quran where the grandfather of the Prophet, Abdulmutalib was a non believer and a persecutor of the Muslims but changed to become a defender of the Muslims. Malcom X was a criminal who was jailed only to become the fighter for the oppressed. Many examples of leaders of history who had to go through the bad side of the people to later gain the trust of the people without fear are not farfetched.
Ahmed Tinubu can bring about these core changes and some others which I have not mentioned here! ASIWAJU, you may want to close shops and take stock of what had been purchased by you albeit humans. Kindly let’s change narratives and salvage our country! I believe you have what it takes! Political party or not! I dare say that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the best option for a United Nigeria at this point of our 62 years history as a country and he deserves our support.
Considering the amount of experience he had acquired over the years, this indeed is a golden choice.
However, naysayers had taken to the hill and beyond to downplay his competence. Hoping that invented propaganda to smear his career in order to score points will overshadow everything he had done to merit this meritorious milestone.
It is unambiguous but daunting nonetheless to see the facade behind the trolls. When a son of the soil attains certain height, of course some spectators will have different views. But make no mistake, for many reasons, the former manager at Zenith Bank deserves his job at NSPM.
More than fastidious, to say the least, is to allege as well as pin a political undertone to this worthy milestone.
Mr. Halilu, a professional banker, has master’s degree in business administration from Ahmadu Bello University in 2001. He returned to the same institution in 2008 to earn another Master’s degree in international affairs and diplomacy.
He had earned several other professional and diploma certifications that proved his wealth of knowledge.
His managerial experience is not in question considering his 15 years of managerial and financial portfolio. His first working experience post-nysc in 1992 was at African International Bank at Kano State.
Ahmed Halilu would thereafter become a deputy manager in charge of Foreign Exchange department in 1998.
Furthermore, his earliest managerial position was his two-year stint at CBN Kaduna Branch as the manager in charge of Corporate Banking Loans and Advances Recovery.
A transformative and visionary leader like the fufore-born product of prestigious ABU is deserving of this job. Also, considering that he had garnered admirable and decade-long experience in the financial sector, he is a good fit.
In his long career as a financial expert, he had attended not less than 17 high-value courses. It is unfair to overlook all these achievements and focus on the fact that he is President Muhammadu Buhari’s in law, insinuating that that is the only yardstick for his appointment. Again, it is an unjust assumption which can only be purported by mischief makers.
Sunday Musings: My Position on Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) – Prof Bolaji Aluko
The man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) is an enigma.
I have known him since 1994 or so, and he actively enjoys his mystique, and luxuriates in powers assigned to him that he really does not always have. Despite everything said about him, many SW Yoruba people and the rest of Nigeria are probably intrigued, even enamored about his rags-to-riches, nothing-to-something rise to power.
BAT’s opponents do not seem to fully understand that the mystery behind his origins give him an unusual mystique. It is said he is from Iragbiji, not Lagos. It is said that his mother is not Madame Tinubu. It is said that he did not go to GCI as claimed, or that it was Chicago State University, not University of Chicago, that he attended. His primary school is now a mystery. It is said that he is 84 years old not 70 or even 72.
Oooo…mo gbo. Up until today, the Yoruba still discuss the origins of our progenitor Oduduwa, whether he came from New Bussa then through Old Oyo, or from Egypt (as Lamurudu), or from Benin (as Ozoduwa or Ekhalredan) – or whether he merely dropped from the sky. The “atapatadide” person is kind of celebrated in our clime, the silver-spoon-fed child dismissed as a lucky blighter.
My advice to BAT’s political opponents is that it is his political achievements – or lack of them – and his promises – and perceived (in)ability to achieve them – that should be interrogated, not his historical origins. He is not an angel, but who is, and he has not been walking along papal corridors.
Yes, attack BAT’s political achievements and wealthy circumstances with facts and figures – that is fair game – but not with insinuations and innuendoes and fake dated documents. However you will also have to explain how this Hercules of an Oduduwa-like fellow could have done all of these things alone all of these years…
I am not uncomfortable with spotlights on BAT. I am merely advising that energy be appropriately directed.
Now If you go into the archives, you will read that in 1999 I was one of the most ardent defenders of BAT during the travails leading to his governorship in 1999, as I used my own knowledge of the US academic record idiosyncrasies to defend him. Even many PDMers attacked him and myself then, but I understood very well the Afikuyomi angle of the story. I remember late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti once calling me from Lagos to ask what the hullabaloo was about University of Chicago and Chicago State University….”Sebi varsity ni Chicago ni awon mejeji?” So when I carefully explained the difference in terms of national ranking and international reputation, and that BAT took courses in both but his degree is really in only one of them, Beko just hissed in his inimitable manner and said “Kan fi Bola sile ojare! University ewo ni Nigeria lo better Chicago State University?”
My defence – or even explanation – of BAT has nothing to do with our both being Yoruba. In fact, some of his most ardent critics are Yoruba. But I always resist the subtle blackmail in Nigeria where every ethnic group defends its own right or wrong, but when a Yoruba defends a Yoruba, he is accused of being an ethnicist.
The fact of the matter is that Nigeria is still just a country, not a nation of shared values yet, but one of a nation of nations. So it behooves of us public intellectuals to be honest enough to admit that in our interactions with each other, there may be cultural nuances that we exhibit that grate each other. Explanations are not necessarily excuses.
Finally, will BAT emerge as Nigeria’s president in 2023? There is nothing more difficult to predict than the future, but he stands a good chance against the present co-contestants. Indeed, o le je eleyi to nje Bola Ahmed Tinubu lo kan!
The clock is ticking fast towards the much-anticipated presidential primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the gladiators are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure their interests see the light of the day. But the most significant interest in the equation is the teeming masses of Nigeria who are itching for hope, progress, and stability in their beloved country.
Expectedly, the ruling APC has a long list of both contenders and pretenders for the party’s ticket to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, who will serve out his constitutional two terms of eight years by 2023. With the long collection, it is pretty easy to take for granted the concepts of proficiency, vision, intelligence, tenacity, passion, diligence, teamwork, among other leadership traits.
But these attributes, and more, conceptualise what true leadership is all about in any formal system, especially for a country like Nigeria which is on a tenterhook. As such, whoever will take over from 2023 as president must be wired with these qualities for any appreciable progress to be seen and felt in the country.
The probing question will now be how do we identify such a leader? The simple answer is that the measure by which such a leader can be identified is largely through their antecedents, both in private and public responsibilities.
This is where the immediate past Minister of Transport, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, comes to focus as a perfect fit for the template of both the APC and the Nigerian masses.
Amaechi has been zeroed on by political pundits as the most sellable and prepared aspirant within the ranks of the APC. Besides meeting the benchmark of outstanding service as a minister, many also averred that he stands as a fitting bridge between the old and younger generation and that at 56 years, he can birth the much-talked generational shift in the political leadership of Nigeria.
Regarded as a home-grown leader who has a breathtaking background as an astute politician and an achiever in public service, Amaechi, a pan-Nigerian administrator, has convincing records showing his capacities and past achievements in fixing spiraling youth unemployment, lethargic educational system, insecurity, economy, uniting ethnics and regions, crises in the power and energy sectors, among others.
Since pitching tent with partisan politics, Amaechi has held many positions, both at the state and national levels. He was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for two terms, governor for two terms and he just served his second term as minister, having just resigned last Monday to concentrate on his presidential bid. With his experience and exposure in holding key offices in government for the last 23 years, his supporters believe it is time for him to run for the highest office in Nigeria – the presidency.
Earlier in the year, the conferment of Amaechi with the prestigious Dan Amanar Daura (the trusted son of Daura) by President Buhari’s kinsmen in Katsina, amplified the impression that the former Minister of Transportation is the chosen one by the president and the APC.
For those in the know, the honour was one well deserved given the level of development the minister had attracted to the state as well as the North, and by extension for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Some of the infrastructural development that influenced the honour was the monumental railway project that connects the North and most recently, the University of Transport sited at Daura.
As a core party man, Amaechi has put his heart and passion into the affairs of the APC. He served twice as the Director-General of the Buhari-Osinbajo Presidential Campaign Committee for both 2015 and 2019 presidential elections.
After Buhari emerged in 2014, the permutations appear to be in favour of Amaechi as the running mate to Buhari, but a then little known Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was eventually picked. However, Amaechi was not daunted by this as he dutifully conducted his task as the campaign director-general, mobilising funds and support for Buhari, especially in the South-South region, which is a PDP stronghold
Staying loyal to the president and the party, Buhari rewarded the former governor with a juicy appointment – Minister of Transportation. As Minister, Amaechi implemented the president’s policy of reviving the rail sector. He did this by encouraging the president to obtain controversial but low-interest loans from China worth about $3bn. Several rail projects were launched in different parts of the country, while those started by Jonathan’s administration were completed. He also supervised the construction of a railway from Nigeria into the Niger Republic, a move which the president has commended on several occasions.
When he took over as the Minister of Transportation, his first approach, as is usual of him, was to carry out “human capacity audit” to ascertain the strength and weakness of each staff, especially within the senior and managerial workforce. Secondly, he determined the policy framework and target goals of the Ministry, as envisioned in the Mandate and Agenda of Mr. President. Immediately, the Ministry established its own Strategy for achieving the target goals and then setup a Roadmap for implementing the Strategy. Automatically, everyone knew his role and those who could not fit into the roadmap and speed of the Ministry found their way out, without necessarily causing a feud with either the Minister or the Permanent Secretary, as appeared the case in some other ministries. His third step was the liberalization of communication channels; Directors and Deputy Directors could access the Honourable Minister, including other staff, but in a manner that did not undermine established official reporting lines. The sole aim was to fast track and ease communication within the Ministry and amongst the comprising parastatals.
For analysts, the secret of Amaechi’s success as Minister, perhaps, was the fact that he had been a Governor, who not only did exceptionally well in terms of infrastructural development but also knew how to drive growth and development. Between 2008 to 2015, the period when Amaechi held forth in Rivers State, the State was described by both national and international observers as “huge construction site”, with the construction of over 200 Health Centres, 500 Primary Schools, 9 Secondary Schools etc, all state of the art, and went on at the same time. These were outside the Roads (including a dualised network 1500km of roads, 23 bridges, 2 major flyovers, 2 interchanges, etc), Agriculture (including rehabilitation of the over 30,000 hectares of Rivers State Oil Palm plantation -moribund RISONPALM, the Songhai Farm, over 2,000 hectares of Banana Farm at Tai; commercial-scale Fish Farm at Buguma, etc), Waste Management, Entertainment infrastructures all of which went on simultaneously.
Amaechi’s Security Architecture for the State was also second to none, as the State became a Security Model in the country: kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult-related activities all reduced to less than one percent. Under his watch, Rivers State established and set up an integrated Security Network, with a central Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligent (C4I), a 24hours Camera System that watched over Port Harcourt City. And to close the final loop, the Rivers State Government had ordered for the delivery of two Civilian Security Bell Helicopters before he exited Office in May 2015. The slogan in his time was Rivers State where “you sleep with your two eyes closed”.
According to Wikipedia, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was born on May 27, 1965. He previously served in Rivers State as Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007.
Amaechi, who holds the national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He had his early education at St Theresa’s Primary School from 1970 to 1976 and earned his West African Senior School Certificate in 1982 after attending Government Secondary School Okolobiri.
Amaechi received a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours) in English Studies and Literature from the University of Port Harcourt in 1987, where he was the President of the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS).
He ompleted the mandatory National Youth Service Corps in 1988, and thereafter joined Pamo Clinics and Hospitals Limited owned by Peter Odili, where he worked until 1992. He also a director of several companies, including West Africa Glass Industry Limited and Risonpalm Nigeria Limited.
His incursion into politics began during the transition to the Third Nigerian Republic as he was Secretary of the National Republican Convention in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Between 1992 and 1994, he was Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili – his boss believed in Amaechi as a young man with potential in politics, and brought him under his wing.
In 1996, he was the Rivers State’s Secretary of the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) caretaker committee during the transition programme of General Sani Abacha. In 1999, he contested and won a seat to become a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly to represent his constituency.
He is married to Judith Amaechi, and they are blessed with three boys.
Clearly, Rotimi Amaechi is literally a colossus in the race to succeed President Buhari. He has the pedigree, network, resilience, and capacity to win against the opposition and also reinvent the fortunes of Nigeria. If anyone can lift the needle for APC in the 2023 general elections, then it is the former Minister of Transportation.
Comrade Odeyemi Odeyemi, a youth activist, security analyst and counter terrorism expert, is also an aspirant for House of Representatives on the APC platform in Oyo State.
World Health Day: Let’s Ensure Good Nutrition For Children Because#OurChildrenOurResponsibility
World Health Day (WHD) is celebrated every April 7. This is the day that commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. WHD aims to focus on a specific theme relevant to public health each year. This year WHO is focusing global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on wellbeing.
Nutrition plays a very crucial role in ensuring humans are healthy. It is an important part of an individual’s overall health and development right from a very young age. Proper and balanced nutrition is directly linked to improved infant, toddler, child, and maternal health and wellbeing. It offers stronger immunity, lowers the risk of health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and improves longevity. Also, healthy children are not just physically strong but also mentally sound. Having balanced and healthy nutrition also helps boost their productivity and helps create more opportunities to break the cycle of poverty eventually.
Malnutrition, in any form, poses a significant threat to human health. Not having proper and balanced nutrition can lead to malnutrition. Currently, the world faces two types of malnutrition – undernourishment, and obesity. The former tends to be more prevalent among the economically disadvantaged populations in low and middle-income countries.
Good nutrition in the early stages of life sets the stage for lifelong health. In the words of Anne Mulcahy, “Investing in early childhood nutrition is a surefire strategy. The returns are incredibly high.”
One of the keys to parenting healthy children is providing them with a healthy and nutritious diet..
Key nutrients in supporting optimal growth and development…When a child consumes a balanced diet, they can develop their physical and mental skills in the present and the future. The benefits impacted by nutrition while the child is young are:
Ensures proper development of the brain, which helps the neurocognitive process
Improves a child’s physical health and ensures an active social life as the child grows old.
Supports the immune system to ably fight against various infectious diseases
Key nutrients for brain development… Phospholipids are known to be essential nutrients for brain development. These nutrients are structural components of neurological systems (neural networks), and deficits during early life can impact brain function long-term. Long-chain omega 3s like DHA and ARA and other brain-supportive nutrients may also benefit proper neural network development and enhance visual acuity and cognition.
Key nutrients for physical growth… Proteins are the building blocks of physical growth. Dietary protein requirements are higher in children than in adults because they have faster growth and development rates due to their increased cell turnover. Inadequacy of high-quality dietary proteins can cause stunted growth, poor body composition, and wasting. Calcium and vitamin D play an important role in physical development too. Calcium is the main component of the skeleton, while vitamin D ensures calcium reaches the growing bones.
Key nutrients for supporting immunity… A variety of vitamins and minerals that include micronutrients such as Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium, and Selenium, among others, have vital functions in the human body. Several studies have found that children provided with foods high in these essential micronutrients improve their immune system’s response rate and help them steer clear of various immune system diseases.
Childhood is the most significant period of growth and development, both physically and mentally. Setting the foundation with good nutrition during childhood has a profound impact, even during later life, and helps develop society and the world as a whole.
Multi-nutrient fortified Growing Up Milk such as Peak 456 formulated for children ages four to six is an excellent way to ensure optimal intake of several vitamins and minerals in a child’s daily diet.
On this World Health Day, let’s take a pledge to support WHO’s initiative of #OurPlanetOurHealth by focusing on good nutrition for our children’s health which can help them grow strong and smart.
It was gathered from some private school owners and parents that WAEC’s decision to increase the examination fees was not communicated to schools and parents in good time.
And while many schools and parents were still struggling to pay the new fees, the examination body announced the closure of registration and subsequently imposed N5, 000 as penalty for late registration.
Against school proprietor’s claim that WAEC had set March 28 deadline for the 2022 WASCCE, a letter signed by Dr Adunola Osoba, the Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator, WAEC, dated March 23, school proprietors were told that the registration, which closed midnight March 20, would be reopened on March 21 and closed April 3, with N5000 as penalty for late registration for each candidate.
“However, late registration with a penalty of five thousand naira (N5000) only per candidate commenced on Monday, 21st March, 2022, and will run till midnight of Sunday, 3rd April, 2022″, the letter read.
“Those who have purchased pins but failed to upload will also be required to pay the penalty fee”, the letter added.
It was gathered the Lagos State Chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), had formally appeal to WAEC to drop the penalty charges, stating that the registrations exercise was slowed down because most parents and schools were not prepared for the increment in fees.
Many of the parents said that their children and wards may end up not writing the examinations this year because they found it difficult raising the examination fees and the N5,000 penalty slammed on each student whose school for late registration.
Youths Can Be Catalyst Of Creative And Innovative Agents To Strengthen Democracy As Buhari Signs Electoral Bill Into Law – Ambassador Buratai
Following the signing of the 2022 electoral bill into law by President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2023 general elections, Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin and former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Rtd, says the youths should take full advantage of the opportunities in the political space as agents of innovation to strengthen democratic practice for all inclusive growth.
Buratai’s itemized analyses are presented below
1. Let me begin by stating unequivocally that I have spent my entire service life defending my nation and democracy because I am convinced that it is the political system most conducive to peace, sustainable development, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, which are the three pillars of any healthy and democratic nation. Permit me to utilize this opportunity to congratulate Nigeria and all Nigerians, particularly the youth, on 22 years of uninterrupted democratic administration. Some may argue that Nigeria’s young democracy is nothing to celebrate because its elections, which are designed to serve as means for the peaceful resolution of political rivalries, are frequently flashpoints for political bloodshed. I concur that elections devoid of integrity cannot bring legitimacy to the winners, security to the losers, or public confidence in their leaders and institutions. This weakens polities by encouraging disaffected groups to seek out less constructive outlets for their discontent. Because of this challenge associated with all nascent democracies, some people feel that there is no need to commend the Nigerian democratic project. I respectfully disagree. We are evolving, and as you can see, the system is improving daily as a result of our leaders’ periodic enhancements to the democratic system. For instance, the 2022 Electoral Act which the President, Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari just signed into law, is a factor that will undoubtedly improve the transparency and acceptability of the country’s future elections and promote democratic governance.
2. Democracy remains a universal aspiration because it actually delivers. For example, of the twenty countries with highest levels of human development as measured by the UN’s human development index, nineteen are liberal democracies. Among the top forty, thirty-six are liberal democracies. And even the citizens of poorer democracies live, on average, nine years longer than citizens of poor autocracies, because they have better access to health and education. Democracies are also less vulnerable to famines and conflicts.
3. It was the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who said, “Man is, by nature, a political animal.” It means that a man is born, lives, and dies as a member of a community, and the affairs of that community are therefore his and vice-versa. This is why since my transition back to civilian life from the Army, I have continued to participate in every civic activity I could to promote peace and strengthen our democracy. It is the reason I decided to send this message to all Nigerian youths.
4. Democracy is known as the finest form of government. Why so? It is because in a democracy, the people of the country choose their leaders who will then form a government to lead them. They enjoy certain rights that are very essential for any human being to live freely and happily. On the other hand, Good governance has been defined to refer to structures and processes that are designed to ensure accountability, transparency, responsiveness, rule of law, stability, equity and inclusiveness, empowerment, and broad-based participation. Good governance also represents the norms, values and rules of the game through which public affairs are managed in a manner that is transparent, participatory, inclusive and responsive.
5. If we want to continue to make our democracy work and deliver dividends, we must take the critical issues of participation and a vibrant democratic system in Nigeria as sacrosanct, and our youths must embrace what I termed political dynamism. Political dynamism can be defined as vigorous political activity that is geared towards progress, and strength in the polity. It is usually characterized by patriotism, service to the fatherland, and youth inclusivity. Youth can be a creative force, a dynamic source of innovations, and they have undoubtedly, throughout history, participated, contributed, and even catalyzed important changes in political systems, power-sharing dynamics, and economic opportunities.
6. However, young people also face poverty, barriers to education, multiple forms of discrimination, and limited employment prospects and opportunities. This is a global challenge although it differs across countries, and it is why the youth must take the issue of electing their leaders very seriously. Our greatest resource as a country is not crude oil or any of the natural minerals but our population, our youth. Today, we have the largest global youth population in history, and the large majority of young people around the world are committed to peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Throughout my time in the Army, I’ve met with many groups of young people, including youth groups, student groups, and young leaders. I’ve always been impressed by their talent, knowledge, and desire to make the world a better place.
7. If I should take you back to memory lane to the history of our founding fathers, which most people agree that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo agreed on, you will find out that they all started as youths fired by political dynamism. Dr. Azikiwe captured the nation’s attention when, in 1937, he arrived in Nigeria with an electrifying personality and a bundle of talents, and on November 22, 1937, he published the maiden edition of his popular newspaper, The West African Pilot. The Sardauna started to experiment with his leadership qualities right from Katsina Teachers’ College, and later on, through political dynamism characterized by inclusiveness of all ethnic nationalities in the North. Same with Awolowo who showed his people the power of education as a liberating and equalizing force in any society. All three of these great leaders practiced political dynamism characterized by non-violence, patriotism, human development, and service to humanity.
8. The first time all three met together was on Friday, June 19, 1953. Enahoro’s Self-Government-Now bill and the consequent resignation of all the Action Group’s federal ministers caused a constitutional crisis which made Nigeria ungovernable. Oliver Lyttleton, the secretary of state for colonies, tried to salvage the situation by inviting the main players to a constitutional conference in London. But Awolowo and Azikiwe, who had become friends since Enahoro’s bill was tabled, refused the terms and conditions. Because the Sardauna was fine with them, Macpherson, Nigeria’s governor, brought Sardauna, Azikiwe and Awolowo together in his office to jointly fashion new terms and conditions.
9. After the meeting, which ended at 10:10pm, he presented the trio to the media and the Daily Times the following day, naming them The Big Three. Since then, it has stuck that they were founding fathers because their tribes and their parties were the largest and because it offered an inclusive impression that all the regions had a say in the formation of the country.
10. In countries emerging from or facing conflicts, young people can engage in peace-building by leading non-violent movements and using innovative solutions to mobilize societies to bring about the needed transformation. Young people have demonstrated the potential to build bridges across communities, working together to help manage conflict and promote peace. Young people play a big role in conflict and peace-building, and they can be agents of peaceful change and help rebuild lives and communities, making the world a better place.
11. President Muhammadu Buhari has laid a foundation for a new Nigeria. Despite the myriad of challenges, he has kept faith with his vision and principles. The youths must carry these vision and principles beyond this administration. The legacies must be protected for a greater Nigeria and a formidable future generations.
12. My message to young people today is that they must not let themselves be used as willing tools by do-or-die politicians who want to stir up trouble in their communities. Instead, you must embrace the tenets of political dynamism and root out every factor that contributes to the democracy deficit in Nigeria, namely voter apathy, ballot snatching, looting, arson, and the likes. You constitute a large percentage of our voting and working population. You are also going to be the number one population block that will suffer the consequences of bad governance and incompetent leaders in the future. Therefore, you must do everything to safeguard your future survival and welfare in mind. Get actively involved in the democratic process by joining a political party and electing those who will lead you. Remember that voting is a civic duty expected of every Nigerian.
LASUSTECH: Getting it right from the start By Steven Anu’ Adesemoye
The world over, academic excellence is typically an offshoot of endogenous and enduring culture that has immunity against compromise, but mutation to classic global best practices. This has always been the benchmark that many universities are struggling to catch up with, while many others have considered this rare feat as a sprint and not a marathon.
The outcome of personal research has shown that, designing an evolving and adaptable academic culture requires critical thinking that is capable of espousing need-oriented courses and robust curricula, 360-degree touchpoint digital automation, technology-driven teaching and learning, versatile and creative administration, qualitative manpower, dynamic policy formulation, collaboration and networking, strict internal and external regulations, adequate and purposive funding, branding and Public Relations for Marketing (PRM) and ultimately the mindset of excellence by all stakeholders.
Now that the transmutation of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) to Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has been consummated, the next phase of the process should be to take the advantage of starting afresh into laying the foundation of a specialized university that would become the pride of Lagos and Africa at large. It is possible and in our time too.
Considering the peculiarity of the university, starting with the existing programmes of the former polytechnic to keep people’s jobs won’t be a bad idea. Looking at the bigger picture, this university will need to do a Skill Gap Assessment – what are the industry’s first line needs? Skillsets versus current and emerging ‘need sets’. The Knowledge Gap Deficiencies (KGD) must give way to a systemic approach in the Productive Science and Technology (PS&T) model that is not only unique but 100% result-oriented. There must also be an environmental scanning of the immediate community to determine the relevant courses and programmes that are community needed. These two needs assessments would help the university to define and develop its core competencies from the beginning. The fourth industrial revolution (industry 4.0) as the current and developing environment for disruptive technologies and trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI), among others, must be considered. For the community and Lagos as a whole, the university should consider programmes like Ferry Fabrication and Services Technology (Marine Technology); AgriTech and Post-Harvest Processing Technology; Digital Transformation Technology; Integrated Waste Management and Recycling Technology; Alternative/ Renewable Energy Production Technology; Oil and Gas Supports Technology. This is the era of nanotechnology, we can do it.
Automating the whole system, including the management of the new university is key. From admission to graduation, the process must be seamless. One digital solution should connect payments, registration, result processing, administration, information dissemination, library services, etc. No loopholes must be allowed. In this new university, there should not be missing scripts or results. Result, certificate, and transcripts should be ready in less than 72 hours upon request, yes, it is possible. 24/7 internet facilities and handshake with big tech firms would go a long way to position the institution.
Teaching and learning must have a technology interface. This is not a conventional university of marker and board, 70 percent of the learning process must be demonstrated if we must do anything differently. Up to the Ph.D. level (it is the new direction), attention must be given to hands-on practical demonstrations. Only modern and digital laboratories, studios, workshops, and classrooms can deliver the desired results as seen in a well-educated cultured society.
The drivers of LASUSTECH must be able to think like there is no box anywhere. Creativity and ingenuity should guide the administration of the new university. There must be an enduring line of ideation and curation. The principal officers must be fired for excellent development in all forms. In the same vein, if the government is really genuine in setting a standard for this university, the members of the Governing Council must be a mix of blue-chip captains, boardroom technocrats, industry experts, technophiles, philanthropists, and education enthusiasts. This very council should not be made a retirement plan for tired hands. And the university must not be made a dumping ground for the unqualified job-seeking family, friends, and associates. Relying on school fees to undergo a substantial development is no more in vogue, therefore, the business arm of the university must wake up to its responsibility to drive development, while maintenance culture must be entrenched in the core value of the institution.
Skilling, reskilling, upskilling, research, and development are very essential in defining qualitative manpower for the university. Emotional Intelligence (EI) and the excellent mindset of a goal-getter are equally of great importance. Knowledge of what to teach and the skill to teach right would be more appreciated if the lecturers put students at the centre of teaching. Other staff must have a total reorientation to understand that students are customers and kings in their right. To achieve excellence, there must be a systemic adoption of excellent culture across the board.
In making policy, the drivers of the new university may have to borrow some quality templates from the best universities. Policies like the Graduate on Time (GOT) system that guides against lecturer frustrating a student with extra year(s) or unserious student overstaying the period of graduation would be a welcome development. Students accessing lecturers performance and completing progress reports per semester before they (students) can access results is going to improve standards. Digitally monitored compulsory 75 percent attendance and regular use of customized mail/digital wallet would encourage seriousness and dedication. Policies should be made flexible and people-oriented. The Directorate of Students’ Affairs (DSA) should have a policy document that takes care of the students’ welfare, sporting activities, complaints, and graduation.
This is the era of collaboration, co-creation, and networking. LASUSTECH needs to stretch the hands of fellowship to partner universities (home & abroad) for students and staff exchange programmes. The university must also be ready to have a strong tie with the industry, foreign embassies, politicians, government at all levels to attract research grants, chairs, endowments, bursary, and donations.
Aside the statutory National University Commission (NUC) accreditation exercise, the internal and external assessment should be carried out regularly and diligently. The Annual Performance Evaluation (APER) must be holistic and watertight. As part of the culture that must be established from now, only journal articles on Scopus Journal Metrics or indexed journals should be allowed. Inventions, Innovations, creations, and ideations should also be considered for promotion. The OSAE visit should go beyond inspection; it should include government accreditation with well-crafted Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
There should be the immediate design of a brand strategy that must take care of the rebranding, repositioning, and internal /external communication architecture- brand manual. The ergonomics design of the campus must be fascinating. We are in the woke era, issues should not be allowed to snowball into a crisis. Response time to students’ distress must be swift and effective. Internal communication is as important as external communication, therefore, there must be a structured conflict resolution mechanism, community and government relations.
Lastly, the government must be ready to fund every aspect of the university or give it complete autonomy. It will be easier to partner with firms like Google, Microsoft, among others, to enhance the smooth operation of the university. Apart from the overhead cost, recurrent expenditure, and cost of accreditation, Lagos State Education Trust Fund should aggressively look into infrastructural development, capacity building, research and development, software acquisitions for all Lagos state-owned universities, such as Turnitin, Nvivo, IBM SPSS, ATLAS.ti, RStudio, Orange, Base SAS, OriginPro, TIMI Suite, etc.
As the summary of my piece, I wish to leave stakeholders of the new university with the Times Higher Education for university rankings which, calibrated 13 performance indicators into five areas: Teaching (the learning environment); Research (volume, income, and reputation); Citations (research influence); International outlook (staff, students and research); and Industry income (knowledge transfer).
Steven Anu’ Adesemoye is a researcher in the Department Of Media and Communications, University of Malaysia.
THE OSINBAJO, TINUBU COMPARISON BY AYO OLADELE PETERS
It is implausible that either the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo or his handlers are unaware of the several obviously sponsored articles and other forms of indecent propaganda in both the traditional and social media projecting the competition for the All Progressives Congress’ 2023 presidential ticket as one between Osinbajo and the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Virtually all these write ups deliberately seek to de-market and portray Asiwaju in bad light while painting Osinbajo in rosy colors as the best candidate to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari. That nobody within the Vice President’s camp has called these mischievous and shadowy characters to order is most unfortunate given Osinbajo’s well known antecedents as a protege of the former governor of Lagos State under whom he served for eight years as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General as well as Tinubu’s undeniable role in his ascendancy to Nigeria’s number two position in 2015.
One of such feature articles in a recent edition of a national newspaper had the title, ‘Osinbajo, Asiwaju: The Race to Make or Mar APC’. It is of course legitimate for Osinbajo to seek to succeed his boss as the next President of Nigeria. But his handlers should sell his supposed aspiration on its own merit rather than seeking to compare the VP’s suitability with his former boss, mentor and benefactor in such a way as to impugn the latter’s image and credibility. If they have chosen such a tack without anyone from the VP’s camp to call them to order, then it is only right to meet them on their own turf on the basis of logic and facts. For instance, the write up in question dwelt at length on what it described as Osinbajo’s loyalty to Buhari during his tenure as Vice President as one factor qualifying him not to only succeed his boss but also for the latter to be favorably disposed towards him. This is an emotional argument.
Yes, loyalty is a commendable quality in politics and every other sphere of life. But it is not by itself either a necessary or sufficient condition to qualify anybody to succeed in a critical leadership position particularly at this delicate period in Nigeria’s political evolution. And since his publicists are wont to compare Osinbajo’s suitability to lead Nigeria come 2023 with that of Tinubu, it is pertinent to ask in what way the Vice President has demonstrated loyalty and commitment to Buhari, the APC or Nigeria better than Asiwaju. Tinubu’s key roles both in the formation of the APC and the emergence of Buhari as President in 2015 are well documented and incontrovertible. Even President Buhari has consistently and publicly acknowledged this on a number of occasions. Yet, after the APC’s victory at the polls in 2015, some elements within the party for their own selfish reasons sought to draw a wedge between Buhari and Tinubu.
They did everything to distance Tinubu from the administration and alienate him from the President personally with some degree of initial success. It is no secret that Tinubu had negligible impact on or influence in the administration for at least the first phase of Buhari’s first term. Yet, Tinubu never took this personal. Given his own political acumen and leadership experience, he knew the kind of complex environment and tremendous pressure under which Buhari was operating. He never hesitated to publicly commend the President’s positive sides and achievements while also offering advise on solutions to some of the knotty challenges confronting the administration. This was at a time when many ethnic champions were playing divisive politics and seeking cheap popularity by whipping up sectional emotions. Asiwaju never resorted to this even when he was subjected to all kinds of blackmail by some mischievous elements in the South West. His support for and loyalty to Buhari and the APC has been rock solid.
It was obviously in realization of this that President Buhari personally chose Tinubu to lead and coordinate the campaign for his second term re-election in 2019. The issue of loyalty can thus not be plausibly and credibly raised as a factor that gives Osinbajo and edge over Tinubu. The article under reference also posited without the slightest scintilla of logical or empirical analysis that Osinbajo enjoys better broad support across regions in the country as well as among the youths and the middle and educated classes. These are at best untested assumptions and unproven assertions.
Widespread political support across the component parts of a complex polity like Nigeria is a function of a politician’s political structures and encompassing network. Political structures are not impersonal organizational machines. They are made up of teeming numbers of people, of personal relationships and bridges forged by a politician over time. Ever since his emergence as a Senator representing Lagos West in 1991 with the highest number of Senatorial District votes in the country, Asiwaju has not looked back. He has consistently and continuously expanded his personal friendships, group networks and cross-regional bridges over the last three decades. Without any equivocation, it can be safely said that, no politician in Nigeria today enjoys his kind of committed friendships and relationships across ethnic, regional, religious and even partisan divides. This kind of attribute and asset does not come by sitting in the quietness of your abode, feathering your nest and pursuing your personal interest. It is a function of hard work, sacrifice of time, resources and energy as well as commitment.
The attempt to portray Osinbajo as having an edge in popularity with youths as well as the middle and professional classes over Tinubu cannot fly. It is a pathetic non-starter. No political leader in this dispensation has encouraged, empowered and inspired youths to participate in politics and occupy as well as excel in public office like Tinubu. The increase in the number of Local Governments in Lagos State from 20 to 57 under Tinubu, for instance, provided opportunities for scores of youths to experience leadership training at the grassroots level. The number of talented young people identified by Tinubu, offered public appointments and who are now accomplished leaders in their own right is innumerable. Professor Osinbajo himself is one talented professional who was identified by Tinubu and given an opportunity to serve Lagos State with distinction in his area of specialization – law.
It is noteworthy that Tinubu also backed Osinbajo with the appointment of a Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, the immensely gifted Mr Fola Arthur Worrey, who was also critical to the successes of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice under Osinbajo. We will recall that at one of the Asiwaju Tinubu’s birthday colloquiums, the governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, who delivered the toast, publicly stated that it was Tinubu who spotted him in the private sector and encouraged him to offer his services in the country’s public life. Beyond politics, there are numerous young, middle class professionals across diverse spheres of the private sector whose careers have been encouraged, promoted and boosted by Tinubu.
Osinbajo enjoys the clout and influence of public office as Nigeria’s Vice President. Anywhere he goes across the country, he will naturally be accorded the protocols and welcome attached to the office. This does not of course mean that he does not have his own admirers and supporters. But Tinubu since his exit from office as governor of Lagos State 15 years ago in 2007 has held no public office. The unprecedented admiration, friendship and loyalty he enjoys across the country today is thus not a function of the aura of public office and the sycophancy it breeds. This speaks volumes of the man, his character, his leadership qualities and the enduring nature of his relationships.
