Feature

The Nigerian social fabric: a smorgasbord of contradictions

Published

2 years ago

October 28, 2022

It could be argued that almost 62 years after becoming independent, Nigeria has not yet found a solution to the issue of nation-building. In fact, it appears that centrifugal forces pulling us apart are becoming more dominant over time. The challenge of forming a cohesive nation after independence has frequently sparked discussions and misgivings about the feasibility of the Nigerian project. Nigeria symbolizes a country where the requesites for a successful federation abound but where the emergence of a prosperous nation has turned into a phantom. Growth in Nigeria has been hampered by a growing tendency of mistrust amongst the numerous ethnic groups that make up the nation and by poor governance. Nigeria’s problems, which range from ethnic tensions to insecurity, have challenged the nation’s unity and necessitate the formulation of real and lasting solutions for Nigeria to survive as a nation.

In Nigeria, ethnic identity and consciousness cause interethnic conflicts and present obstacles to the search for a shared national identity. The existence of ethnic identity, as opposed to a national identity, is expressed in all facets of Nigeria’s democratic process, starting with elections, appointments, and the placement of projects where some ethnic groups are given an edge over others. The numerous ethnic groups that make up Nigeria frequently band together on regional or ethnic fronts and insidiously endanger the social stability of the nation since any favour extended to a group on any platform is met with fierce opposition from others. The dread of dominance, where the safety of one ethnic group means the destruction of the other, is a factor in the frequent breakout of ethnic violence. In Nigeria, ethnic rivalries are typically seen in the fight for greater influence over national affairs, economic prospects, and control of resources.

While the numerous rivalries and struggles among these distinct ethnic groups have been attributed to colonial contact, these constantly fractionating factionalisms, however, did not go away at independence; rather, they remain a yardstick for determining who is placed where, who gets what and particularly, ethnicity, favouritism and sentiments of kin and religion are employed in terms of power allocation and distribution of national resources. Job opportunities and admission into higher institutions in Nigeria are marked by ethnic bias and favouritism, and citizens are consequently treated unequally in many ways. Often time, government contracts are awarded to unqualified bidders who are in cahoots with family and friends, which frequently lead to poor or non-execution of projects.

Ethnic prejudice and favouritism have exacerbated Nigeria’s ethnic division and have been attributed to the country’s low economic performance. Employees who belong to the ‘wrong’ ethnic group, and thus lack proper political representation, are unmotivated at work because they feel alienated by the system, whereas those who have proper political patronage, by belonging to the ‘right’ ethnic group, display enormous arrogance and are always protected by the system. Employees in this latter group, the majority of whom hold senior positions, sometimes lack the requisite skills but keep their jobs still, especially because they face little or no competition from their counterparts. This builds animosity and sets the stage for the disgruntled and politically intelligent citizens to reject the nation entirely. It’s also anti-developmental because it’s akin to corruption, diminishing the state’s ability to function effectively.

Nigeria’s ethnic divisions and religious intolerance make establishing a stable administration difficult. Most of the federal government’s development policies are influenced by the country’s strong ethnoreligious identity, which has over time, resulted in tensions and conflicts in the country. This is exacerbated by the fact that some groups of people see themselves as a “superpower” in the country and believe that maintaining the status quo is essential to the country’s unity. Because of this lack of national identity, rather than agreeing on policies that promote economic growth and development, all ethnic groups continue to focus on grabbing the spoils from oil, the country’s main source of revenue, a sector dominated by the elites.

There is no gainsaying that we have failed to develop a national identity, and that political instability in Nigeria is caused by ethnic and religious intolerance. This is likely due to political leaders’ perceptions of religion and ethnicity as legitimate tools for manipulating society’s vulnerable masses. Given the foregoing, Nigerians should adopt a spirit of tolerance for each other’s ethnic and religious inclinations and channel their loyalty to fostering national integration as a nation bound in freedom, peace and unity!

The Nigerian social fabric: a smorgasbord of contradictions

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Feature

Hon. Olushola Olofin: A Visionary Leader for the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)

Published

1 week ago

January 24, 2025

Matthew Eloyi

By Zachariah C.H

The appointment of Hon. Olushola Olofin as the new Board Chairman of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on January 24, 2025, marks a new dawn for the organization. Hon. Olofin is a seasoned professional with an impeccable track record in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and management, boasting over 20 years of experience both within Nigeria and internationally. His unique blend of expertise, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence positions him as the ideal leader to steer NSITF toward greater heights.

Hon. Olofin has been a driving force behind Nigeria’s digital transformation. As an ICT and management expert, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to harness cutting-edge technology to address complex challenges, fostering innovation and efficiency in every organization he has led. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Consultants, his strategic insights have revolutionized operations across sectors, leaving a legacy of progress and sustainability

Hon. Olofin’s extensive leadership experience spans multiple industries. He has served as Board Chairman, Managing Director, and Executive Director of prominent organizations, including Aquasilica Limited and Enrich Systems Limited. Currently, he serves as the Managing Director/CEO of SatCom Integrated Resources, a globally acclaimed ICT company, where his innovative leadership has propelled the company to new heights in the global marketplace. His ability to build, manage, and transform organizations makes him uniquely suited to lead the NSITF into a new era of accountability, transparency, and service delivery.

Hon. Olofin’s academic and professional credentials underscore his capability to excel in this pivotal role. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Abuja and a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Espoo, Finland. Additionally, he has earned numerous professional certifications from world-renowned institutions, including:

•London Graduate School: Business Management

•AIRBUS SLC: Core Skilled Engineer and Programmer

•Certified SALTO Engineer: Spain

•Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

These certifications reflect his commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of global trends in technology and management.

Hon. Olushola Olofin’s appointment comes at a critical time for the NSITF, an organization tasked with providing social insurance to Nigeria’s workforce. His extensive expertise in ICT and management will undoubtedly drive the modernization of the NSITF’s operations, ensuring efficient service delivery and increased accessibility. His leadership will foster innovation, strengthen transparency, and enhance the Fund’s impact on Nigerian workers and employers alike.

As a forward-thinking leader with a proven track record of excellence, Hon. Olofin is poised to transform the NSITF into a world-class institution, setting new benchmarks for social security administration in Nigeria. With his wealth of experience, strategic acumen, and passion for service, the NSITF is on the cusp of a brighter, more impactful future.

The Nigerian workforce can look forward to enhanced trust, efficiency, and innovation under the capable leadership of Hon. Olushola Olofin.

Africa

Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

Published

2 months ago

November 22, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.

Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the illicit drugs were seized in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.

He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.

Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.

“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.

He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.

This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.

“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.

Ojo said the seizures had disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.

He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.

Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.

Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.

Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.

Africa

Ann-Kio Briggs Faults Tinubu for Scrapping Niger Delta Ministry

Published

2 months ago

November 22, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Prominent Niger Delta human rights activist and environmentalist, Ann-Kio Briggs, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to scrap the Ministry of Niger Delta, describing it as ill-advised and detrimental to the oil-rich region.

Briggs expressed her concerns during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television.

“The Ministry of Niger Delta was created by the late (President Umaru) Yar’Adua. There was a reason for the creation. So, just removing it because the president was advised. I want to believe that he was advised because if he did it by himself, that would be terribly wrong,” she stated.

President Tinubu, in October, dissolved the Ministry of Niger Delta and replaced it with the Ministry of Regional Development, which is tasked with overseeing all regional development commissions, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North-West Development Commission, and North-East Development Commission.

Briggs questioned the rationale behind the restructuring, expressing concerns about its feasibility and implications. “But that’s not going to be the solution because who is going to fund the commissions? Is it the regions because it is called the Regional Development Ministry? Is it the states in the regions? What are the regions because we don’t work with regions right now; we are working with geopolitical zones,” she remarked.

She added, “Are we going back to regionalism? If we are, we have to discuss it. The president can’t decide on his own to restructure Nigeria. If we are restructuring Nigeria, the president alone can’t restructure Nigeria, he has to take my opinion and your opinion into consideration.”

Briggs also decried the longstanding neglect of the Niger Delta despite its significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy since 1958. “The Niger Delta has been developing Nigeria since 1958. We want to use our resources to develop our region; let regions use their resources to develop themselves,” she asserted.

Reflecting on the various bodies established to address the region’s development, Briggs lamented their failure to deliver meaningful progress. She highlighted the Niger Delta Basin Authority, the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), and the NDDC as examples of ineffective interventions.

“NDDC was created by Olusegun Obasanjo…There was OMPADEC before NDDC. OMPADEC was an agency. Before OMPADEC, there was the Basin Authority…These authorities were created to help us. Were we helped by those authorities? No, we were not,” she said.

Briggs further described the NDDC as an “ATM for failed politicians, disgruntled politicians, and politicians that have had their electoral wins taken away from them and given to somebody else.”

Her remarks underscore the deep-seated frustrations in the Niger Delta, where residents continue to advocate for greater control over their resources and improved governance.