When will the beautiful ones be born in Nigeria?

When will the beautiful ones be born in Nigeria? By Olayinka Alaya It is saddened that despite abundant resources Nigeria is endowed with, the country still complain of financial crisis. Recently the coordinating Minister of Economy who also doubled as the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the country's revenue had dwindled due to oil theft. According to her, the country was losing 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day to illegal bunkering and vandalism of oil pipelines. We all know Nigeria is a wasteful nation. Since the discovery of oil, all other real sectors of the economy such as Agriculture and Manufacturing that should serve as an avenue to earn revenue for the country had been neglected. It is quite surprising that despite the huge amount that has been spent by the Government to put in place security patrols on the coasts of the Niger Delta, oil bunkering has reached this stage. The Federal Government employed ex militants to secure oil facilities in the South South region, while the service of the OPC are also secured to provide security for oil pipelines in the South West. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps Officers were also trained in handling of arms and ammunitions in order to protect oil facilities. Even the service of the vigilante groups were not left out. All efforts geared towards securing the oil facilities. The question is despite securing the oil facilities, why are we still losing 400, 000 barrels of oil every day? I see expanse of lands un cultivated in Nigeria, I wonder why the country largely depend on oil. I see Nigeria as a very wasteful country, governed by leaders without purpose. I think it is the big oil thieves (politicians) that are impossible to apprehend responsible for oil theft and their cronies. Majority of these people are already rich to the extent that they can finance and feed the whole country without feeling the purse. I wonder what they are still looking for or has any one confirmed that they can spend the money in the hereafter or use it to bribe God in order to forgive their sins? It is here in Nigeria that a single man will own properties across the 36 states of the federation and across the continents. It is also here in Nigeria that some people are erecting mansions costing billions of naira and give their love ones as birthday gifts. There are many graduates with MA, Phd employed as drivers in Nigeria, while some that can't secure jobs turned themselves to armed robbers or political thugs. Where are we going to and when are we going to get it right? Do you think we need someone like Jerry of Ghana in Nigeria to clear the crops of corrupted, self-centred and bad leaders? Universities are producing graduates on yearly basis, labour market saturated, things turned upside down, parents are crying after investing a lot on their children, graduates are in the streets looking for jobs that are not there. Government Hospitals are filed with poor people who can't afford hospital bills, many of the patients have lost their lives while some are in critical conditions looking for #100,000 for their surgical operations. At the same time, we've some people spending government's money lavishly, extravagantly, wining and dining with public money. If we don't ask them today, God will surely ask them tomorrow. One thing is certain in life and it is death. We shall all die and account for our deeds before God. God save us in Nigeria from our leaders

THE SUCCESS STORY OF THE KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY (KWASU)

WRITER: OLAYINKA ALAYA TOPIC: It is not an exaggeration that the Kwara State University (KWASU), Located in Malete, a suburb of Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital, has become one of the fastest growing Universities in Nigeria both in academic excellence and Community Development. The University was established with the aim of providing more opportunities for Nigerians, particularly Kwarans desirous to acquire varsity education and to generate high level man-power that were so vital for the rapidly expanding economy. The journey towards establishing a State University in Kwara State was made on the eleventh of July, 2007 barely two months into the commencement of his second term in office, when Governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki inaugurated a Technical Committee under the former Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi, who is now the Senator representing Kwara North at the National Assembly to prepare grounds for the establishment of the Kwara State University. When that Committee completed its assignment in December, 2007, an Implementation Committee under the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, was constituted on the fifteenth of January, 2008 to draw up the curriculum and prepare the masterplan for the University. The government subsequently sent a bill on the proposed Kwara State University to the State House of Assembly which was passed after series of deliberations. The Bill of the Kwara State University was therefore signed into law on the twenty fourth of December, 2008. The Governor alongside members of the Implementation Committee obtained the certificate and instrument to operate the University on the ninth of February, 2009 from the National Universities Commission (NUC). Thus, Kwara State University became the 34th State and the 95thUniversity in Nigeria. The Implementation Committee was converted to the Interim Governing Council by Governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki on the fourteenth of April, 2009 to conduct the exercise for the recruitment of principal officers for the University. The pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, who until his appointment, was Chair of the African American Studies Department of the Western Illinois University, Macomb, United States of America, assumed office on Monday, twenty seventh of July, 2009. Immediately the Committee completed its assignment in December, 2007, an Implementation Committee under the then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, was constituted on the fifteenth of January, 2008 to draw up the curriculum and prepare the master plan for the University. However, the University currently has staff strength of seven hundred and sixteen. This figure is made up of three hundred and eight Academic staff and four hundred and eight Non-Academic staff. The student’s population as at the beginning of the 2012/2013 academic session stands at four thousand, eight hundred and twenty eight. The University commenced academic session in December, 2009 with the vision to be foremost in expanding the frontiers of knowledge and be most innovative in disseminating knowledge towards advancing the cause of humanity. It also has in its mission to be the fulcrum of a knowledge-driven society, building human competence and fostering determination and completion among people through the instrumentality of modern technology. It is gratifying to note that in less than four years of its establishment, Kwara State University has recorded remarkable achievements in different areas. Recently, the University was granted accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in all the twenty four courses that were presented for accreditation. This represents one hundred percent accreditation of all courses presented for accreditation. A few of them are at the level of being fully accredited. In less than four years of its establishment, Kwara State University has recorded remarkable achievements in different areas. Recently, the University was granted accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in all the twenty four courses that were presented for accreditation. This represent one hundred percent accreditation of all courses presented for accreditation. A few of them are at an interim level. According to the 2013 Webometrics ranking of Nigeria Universities, KWASU is ranked thirty sixth out of the one hundred and twenty one Universities in Nigeria. This indeed, is a monumental achievement for a university that was established less than four years ago. Today, the University is celebrating the graduation of its first set of students, who had passed through rigorous training practically and theoretically, they have performed excellently under extreme pressure and rigorous condition which make the University to vouch for them both in learning and character. This, indeed, represent the principle of skills and integrity which is the motto of the University. Giving the breakdown of the Statistics of the graduands at Pre-Convocation Press briefing, the Pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, said the Senate approved the graduation of two hundred and thirty one Students, with five first Class students, fifty nine Second Class Upper, One hundred and forty five Lower Class and twenty two third Class. Highlighting, some of the achievements recorded within the three and a half years, the Vice Chancellor said the University is waxing stronger, partnering with different organizations and universities within and outside the country, noting that the University the establishment of Malete Film Village, the first of its kind in Nigeria and the appointment of a veteran actress, Ms Joke Siva as the Pioneer Managing Director is another milestone in the history of the University. according to him , the Malete Film Village would serve as an avenue to train aspiring artists and actresses for the Nigeria Nollywood to compete favourably with its counterparts in Hollywood and Bollywood. The University, also established Tourism Village to serve as an avenue to tap the untapped potential tourism benefits of the State. In view of this, the University had recruited a renowned tourist from the United States to head its tourism department and sent some of its staff to Thailand to acquire training. This is highly commendable. As the University convoked its first set of students who had passed through rigorous training both practically and theoretically, the State Governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed has left nobody in doubt that he is prepared to take up the challenge of taking the Institution to the next level. Governor Ahmed demonstrated this when he laid the foundation of eight hundred and ten million naira College of Engineering and Technology complex at the Institution all with the aim of bringing the University closer to a world class. It is believed, however that with the appointment of seasoned academics in the University, such as the Vice Chancellor, Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah and the Chancellor, Professor Ibrahim Gambari as well as respectable Professors, the University would attain the greatest heights, and will compete with others across the world. The Kwara State University, Malete, has been the citadel of learning and ready to train Nigerians by developing the capacity to take a close look at its environment by proffering solutions to its myriad problems. These laudable achievements recorded made President Goodluck Jonathan to commend the founder, Management and Staff of the University for starting on a sound footing, noting that the Institution has started with good structures. Well meaning Nigerians, Philanthropists and Organizations should therefore partner with the Institution in its development drive. Olayinka Alaya is a Kwara State based journalist Writes via yeancahalaya@yahoo.com

THE ROLE OF JUDICIARY IN SUSTAINING DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA

WRITER: OLAYINKA ALAYA TOPIC: THE ROLE OF JUDICIARY IN SUSTAINING DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA The concept of democracy needs to be clearly understood before we can appreciate the roles of the judiciary in its sustenance. Democracy is a system of government under which the people are expected to exercise the governing power either directly or through representatives periodically elected by the people. For effective administration of justice in a democracy, courts have definite and decisive roles to play. Courts are Government institutions that settle legal disputes and administer justice. The judiciary arm of government, resolves conflicts involving individuals, organizations, government and political parties. It also has the power to review the actions of both the executives and the legislature. Although, lack of judicial independence affects the performance of the judges in Nigeria, when it comes to judicial review and delivering justice. Nevertheless, with numerous constraints facing the institution, it manages to provide fair justice to poor people and powerless individuals. The judiciary arm of government now remains the faith of Nigerians in bringing justice to reign in Nigeria, due to its numerous landmark achievements recorded so far. Among the landmark judgment of the judiciary was the removal of lawmakers and Governors who occupy positions illegally and undemocratic. The judiciary has been playing pivotal roles in the dispensation of justice, and the public thus expect much from them. A situation whereby a common man will be sentence to life imprisonment or several years in prison for stealing a goat or a little sum of amount, while those carting away or embezzling public funds were given bail with the payment of some amount of money would not be tolerate any longer. Justice is expected to be dispensing in accordance to the constitution and lay down rules and regulations. Judges are expected not to compromise justice or attach themselves to their judgement. Now that Nigerians belief in judiciary as their last resort, they should strive to bring justice, tears of diligent, relief, to Nigerians and protect the rights of the common people. Also, the judiciary should also strive hard to meet the challenges facing the institution and facilitate good governance in the workings of government and sustaining democracy in Nigeria. The Federal Government, however, should provide reasonable salary that would make judges abstain from bribery and corruption and work towards ensuring the wellbeing of Nigerian judges. Nigerian Journalists should be given the free hands to operate, unravel what is being covered up and assist in unravelling bad and corrupt leaders in Nigeria for them to dance to the lyrics of the music of the law in order for Nigeria to be sanitized and free from corrupt leaders. The Nigeria Police force and other law enforcement agencies should always protect the lives of judges from anything that could stop them from bringing justice to reign. With the fact that Nigerians are looking on to the judiciary as their last hope, it is advisable for the judiciary not to fail Nigerians and make sure that those elected illegally and undemocratic in Nigeria are brought to book and put to where they belong. The Nigeria Bar Association should also work hard by ensuring that their members are free from corruption and stop influencing justices through monetary means. Lawyers should be among the purveyors of good governance, they should work for the progress of Nigeria, strengthen the Fundamental Human Rights and embark on heavy crusade against corruption which is the mother of all crimes in Nigeria.

Corruption as the major challenge of National Development.

Writer: Olayinka Alaya Topic: Corruption as the major challenge of National Development. . One of the great challenges confronting Nigeria is corruption which is believed to be hindering her development as a nation. Today, as never before, the level of criminal activities in the country is on the ascendency. Bare-faced looting of public treasury, fuel subsidy scam, pension scam, money laundering, economic crimes of all sorts, oil bunkering, kidnapping, cold blooded murder, massacre, grand and petty corruption are now common day occurrences and they are all committed with reckless abandonment and impunity. The result is that our nation, which should have been the pride of the black race, has been reduced to a pariah nation and in a state of utter helplessness. The security of life and property can no longer be guaranteed. We are on the precipice of the predicted failed state. Given this frenzied and fluid state of affairs, it is devastating that the country has also built home for Corruption, the mother of all crimes. No day passes without the media headlining cases of serious fraud and embezzlement of public funds. It is therefore no longer news to say that Nigeria has sunk into the lymbirth of corruption or that it has eaten deep into fabric of the nation. The most unfortunate development is that this heinous crime is being condoned by the majority of those who wield political power and authority. How does one explain the cases of some public office holders who have been indicted for corruption or looting of the public treasury and still shamelessly breathing air of freedom. What tenable reason can be given for a man who had admitted taking cash bribe on the pretext that he intended to use it as exhibit, continue to participate in the debates in the house while a criminal case of corruption is still pending against him in court. Thus, the vicious circle of corruption is ever becoming wider and wider while those charged with the arduous task of fighting corruption are not finding it easy to carry out their statutory duties. Many well meaning and responsible Nigerians have been crying foul at the turn of events and apparent cover up of purveyors of corruption in recent times and the lethargic manner corruption cases are being handled. Delivering a lecture titled Corruption and National Development, the Pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Retired Justice Mustapha Akanbi, said that he always believed that those who keep quite and do nothing when evil is being perpetrated under their very nose, must themselves be evil minded, while men of honour and integrity, patriots and nationalists, great minds and souls, good and believing men and women should not fold their arms and see their country go to racks and ruin. Proffering solutions to corruption in the country, Justice Akanbi said the Judiciary has a key role to play in the fight against corruption and should therefore not be an obstacle, calling for an independent, impartial and informed judiciary which would hold a central place in the realization of an open, honest and accountable government. The judiciary must be independent if it is to effectively play the role of an arbiter and ensure that the rule of law prevails. Judges must be fair and just, and must not allow themselves to be influenced by extraneous consideration and should tower over and above corruption and always be true to their judicial oath. For an anti corruption body to succeed, it must enjoy the support of the populace. Nigerians should form different Non governmental organisations that would focus on the fight against corruption because the fight against corruption is the fight against the numerous problems facing Nigeria Many believe that government lacked the political will to fight corruption. The nature and manifestation of corruption in Nigeria portend a great danger to the stability of the country. Political Will from the top by the government and leadership can make a world of difference in our determined effort to make Nigeria the pride of the black race.

Professor of Physics calls for cross fertilization of ideas and robust debates on Science related issues

A Professor of Physics, Professor Isaac Abiodun-Adimula has stressed the need for Academic communities to be cosmopolitan to allow for cross fertilization of ideas and robust debates on Science related issues. Professor, Abiodun-Adimula, said this while delivering the One hundred and twenty ninth Inaugural Lecture of the university of Ilorin, on the topic ' The Mandate: “The Radio as an instrument of Dominion” held at the University’s auditorium. The University Don also advocated the development of University curricula in conjunction with relevant industries, local communities and stakeholders He was of the view saying that a situation where somebody will provide generalised curricula for all Nigerian universities could not hold in this age if there should be accelerated match towards growth and development. Professor Abiodun-Adimula who is of the department of Physics of the University said teaching of the sciences should be experimentally based and called for general overhauling of sciences curricula in secondary schools, Polytechnics, and Universities. The Inaugural Lecturer urged the Federal Government to allow competent scientists with proven records to head agencies on science and technology for them to function effectively.

Retired civil servants protest in Kwara State

Retired civil servants under the auspices of the Nigerian Postal Service Pensioners this morning picketed the Ilorin office of Nigerian Postal Service over what they called insensitivity to their plights. The furious pensioners were protesting the non-payment of twenty months pension arrears owed them by the Federal Government. They accused the Accountant General of the Federation of withholding their money and vowed not to shift ground until their demands are met. They pasted the following inscriptions at the entrance of the post office; "Accountant General of the Federation release our pension money for payment. No payment no work throughout the Federation in all post offices till further notice. This action of yours is uncalled for, it is killing, inhuman and totally outrageous. It was gathered that workers of the Ilorin office of Nigerian Postal Service were locked out by the angering pensioners. Speaking with our reporter, Olayinka Alaya one of the pensioners, Mr. Samuel Odeyemi, decried the pitiable condition of pensioners, saying that many of them are dying. He alleged that government has not been forthcoming on the several talks held with the leaders of the union. Another pensioner, Mr. Stephen Mebaniud insisted that they would continue with their action until their demands are met. Efforts by our reporter to speak with the chairman of the pensioners were unsuccessful, as Policemen from 'B' Department operation whisked away some executives of the union around quarter to eleven, this morning. Also, the Area Manager of the Ilorin office of Nigerian Postal Service could not be reached for comment.

TACKLING NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN NIGERIA

WRITER: OLAYINKA ALAYA TOPIC: TACKLING NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN NIGERIA Over the past one and half decades, medical experts have focused much attention on the subject of hypertension and other dreadful diseases such as Measles, Cancer, meningitis, diabetes mellitus among others. There investigations, treatments and complication. It was discovered that hypertension and diabetes mellitus are closely associated such that thirty to fifty percent of diabetic patients are also hypertensive. Indeed, diabetes mellitus has long been recognised as a very important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Besides, co-existence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus predisposes the sufferer to increase risk of developing complications such as stroke and heart attack. Hypertension, simply put, is abnormal high blood pressure. Technically, it can also be defined as the level of blood pressure where the benefits of action out -weights the risk and causes of inaction. According to researchers, hypertension afflicts over a billion people world wide. It was reported that nineteen point three to thirty-four point eight per cent of Nigerians live with hypertension, translating into a total figure of about forty-million people. The disease is said to be no respecter of race, gender or age. Cardiovascular diseases of which hypertension takes the lion share in Nigeria are a leading cause of death and disability today, accounting for over seventeen point three million deaths annually world-wide. Eighty per cent of these deaths occur in the middle and low income countries of which Nigeria is one. The World Health Organisation reports that Sub-optional blood pressure accounts for over sixty per cent and about fifty per cent of stroke and heart attack. The World Bank has already alerted that until and unless the war against non-communicable disease, cardiovascular diseases inclusive is elegantly fought and won, all attempts at improving the world poverty indices, would remain a mirage because of the toll on overall productivity of nations. According to a Professor of Medicine at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Professor Ibraheem Katibi while delivering a lecture at the University of Ilorin Auditorium on, “The choice is yours and the burden is ours”, traced the genesis of hypertension to the free choices we make during spouse selection, pregnancy, delivery, events in early childhood and adult life. Professor Katibi noted that the risk could be reduced through proper pre-marital counselling and choice of partner saying that it has been reported that babies from mothers who consumed a lot of alcohol during pregnancy or who suffered intrauterine growth retardation or both asphyxia have increased propensity to develop hypertension. Proffering solutions and preventions, Professor Ibraheem Katibi said one of the reasons for inadequate blood pressure control is non compliance to drug therapy which he said was high as in forty of hypertensive patients at the teaching hospital and however stressed the need to strengthen the department for non-communicable diseases in the Federal Ministry of Health with policy regulation of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking through heavy taxation, limited ban and restricted use in public places. Religious bodies or congregations, cooperative societies, civil servants, market women and men, road transport workers, barbers and other similar organisations and groups should be empowered to screen for high blood pressure through basic training. There should be provision of more recreational and sporting facilities in the communities and working environment in order to encourage increased physical activity. Government should also improve budgetary allocation to health and prudent management of available resources as well as improved funding for cardiovascular research in particular.