Humanity can do better!: We must always hope, or it is finished.

Humanity can do better!: We must always hope, or it is finished.: Hope springs eternal, so says the adage. This means there is always room to expect something better, even at the best of times. This is im...

NIGERIA AT 56: WE SHALL BE THERE

"CONGRATULATIONS"

First, let us just say congratulations to all Nigerians on the occasion  of our independence anniversary.

"DESPAIR UNNECESSARY"

The next thing to say is that we should look around and stop unnecessary despair. Nigeria remains intact. We are still the largest Black Nation on Planet earth. We remain energetic, determined, and resilient. We are also one of the most intelligent race of people anywhere.

"IT IS JUST THE BEGINING"

What this means is that even as at today, we can start building a new national . Start thinking long term. In fact the thing to do is to sit down, and plan as if we are newly independent. All the requirements for Development remain as they are. It is our duty to look at what we have, and what we can do with it, as it is.

"SWOT ANALYSIS"

We need to throw overboard, what we have learned before now. It is sad that we have lost opportunities to grow. But it is nothing to lament. We can start afresh. It is now time for us to sit down and properly analyze what we have as assets, and now strategically deploy them as development tools.

"WE CAN DO IT"

The most important thing we need is confidence. Belief that it can be done. And work to do it.  Here , our leaders have a lot to do. They must show the seriousness and the willingness to lift this country. Then followers will follow.

Energy Therapy wonders... BABIES CAN HEAR...

This is copied from the records of Dr Iwowarri  Berian James, Nigeria so first certified energy healer.

A few days ago, I ran into a man who asked me if I remembered him. I said not quite, then he called his name and immediately I remembered him and recalled how we met.

He told me with a joyful tone and as a way of reminder, that "the child you spoke to in the womb is now 2 years old". I later realized that he was speaking about his child. 2 years ago, in 2012, I had been invited to speak on alternative medicine with special reference to the benefits of Energy Medicine.

After the more than two hours very informative lecture, and as part of my Community Energy Health Project package, I conducted several free energy therapy demonstrations, which afforded people present to come forward with their various issues and with energy therapy protocols, I am able to assist them on their journey to freedom.

This man's wife was heavy with baby. Their challenge was that the baby placed itself horizontally rather than vertically and since it could not be delivered like that, the expectant mother will have to go through delivery via ceserian section operation. She was afraid and very sad.

The sadness came more from tne lack of fund ..a charge of N250,000 ; about $1500 had been demanded by the antenatal  hospital. The pale looking woman and her husband looked upto Energy Medivine for help and help indeed they got. After about 30 minutes of therapy, which included talking to the baby and asking it to turn and position itself correctly so that it can be born normally without CS.

The woman's energy was integrated and she secured balance and internal energetic harmony. A few weeks thereafter, I was informed by the husband over the telephone that the baby had turned and his wife had delivered a bouncing baby boy without any CS and in very great health.

That was the last I heared about them until the meeting last week. A day after the initial meeting, I met the man again, this time with his dear wife and the 2 year old boy. His wife was carrying another baby this time. What a deep joy I really felt, to have been considered an instrument of such a great healing testimony.

COMMENTS
This is just one part of what Energy Therapy can do. We are living in a ball of energy. We live in a universe of energy. All things give off energy waves. Talk to the energy, and every imbalance can be made right. Balance any imbalance, and all issues are resolved.

Energy therapy is the wave of the future for balancing the energy of this our abused, sadly misused planet.

Energy Therapy- the new wholesome treatment

Now, forget all kinds of kinky treatments. The new scientific treatment of body and soul for wholesome health is ENERGY THERAPY.

As usual, at this point in human history on this planet,   the Pink (White) races are ahead of us in this regard. They have many practitioners, and many associations that bring energy Therapy practitioners into community and communion with each other. For the benefit of humanity, starting with their country, of course.

Books have been written on this, and practical demonstrations are taking place apace, around the world.

Doubters continue to doubt, yes!"
Again as usual, no one is waiting for the laggard, the doubtful or the lukewarm. Those who are ready are being carried along in this new area of knowledge, and those who are not ready continue to languish in silence, nurturing their doubts - and their health and emotional  issues. Issues  which could be easily mitigated and cured by energy therapy treatment. But doubts stop them.

"For lack of knowledge, my people perish!"
Yes. The above quote was written centuries ago. The real suffering is ignorance, lack of knowledge. And suffering is just part of the effect of lack of knowledge. The end  of lack of knowledge is to perish. Suffering in the world, and spiritual death at the end. This means the most important pursuit is the pursuit of knowledge, and acting true to that knowledge. Energy Therapy is new knowledge, and all who know are benefitting.

Nigeria is 'energy therapy' lucky
Once more as usual, Nigeria, remains a lucky country. We are blessed with an Energy therapist, fully certified and respected around international knowledge circles. He has given demonstrations ,  workshops and Seminars in Nigeria and abroad. He was recently in the US to enthusiastic welcome and attendance of his workshop Sessions.

"Enter Dr Iwowarri Berian James, Nigeria first Energy Therapy Practitioner"
We ae lucky because he is a Nigerian,  based in Nigeria,  and willing to spread the gospel (good news) of energy therapy around, and benefit Nigerians.

Therefore, for those who are interested in cutting edge knowledge, energy therapy is the next advancement in body and soul treatment for optimum health. Benefits beyond physical well being include emotional stability, increase in emotional health, improved relationships well as increase in productivity in whatever field.

"Coming to a hall near you"
Dr Berian James is presently embarked on a selfless journey of popularizing energy therapy in Nigeria with paid and free seminars,  workshops and training sessions around the country. He is presently partnering with many bodies, including JCI, and the "Change begins with me" Campaign.

We must take advantage. For those who know, of course.

The African family, foundation of society, must be defended.

AFRICAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON FAMILIES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 @ 5:00 PM –  SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 @ 4:00 PM

African Organization for families is a non-governmental organization headquartered in Nairobi,
Kenya, whose mission is to defend and promote the natural families, marriage and children
across Africa through advocacy, creating awareness, education and lobbying with policy
makers, United Nations and the African Union.

Our partners include International NGOS, African Based NGOS, CBOS, Church and World
Congress of Families.

In the recently held World Congress of Families X in Tbilisi, Georgia, pro-family champions from
across the world were informed of how the west is involved in agenda that erodes the values
that hold families together in Africa.

Besides, other threats pinpointed through African
Organization for Families President were the following:

Pressure from the west to legalize abortions and same sex unions 
Female Genital Mutilation
Domestic Violence
Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Pornography
Human Trafficking
Erosion of parenting responsibilities
Family attack by media
Adoption of liberal laws etc
Population Control and lethal family planning methods

With this revelation, World Congress of Families in partnership with African Organization for
Families, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and other pro-family groups in Africa and Kenya
planned a regional conference to be held from 23rd to 25th of September 2016.

The theme of the conference will be: "The future of The Family in Africa"

The aim of the three day conference which will be sponsored by World Congress of Families and
stakeholders will be to unite all pro-family advocates in Africa to speak in one voice for the
family. Among those ,will be organizations from Cameroon, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya,
Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Morocco, Ethiopia , United Kingdom, United
States , France and others that will register during the conference.

Outputs of the Conference
Among the outputs of the conference would be:
a) The premiere of the first Autism Movie in Kenya targeting to promote the dignity of
autistic children across the globe.
b) The official launch of African Organization for Families
c) The launch of the national campaigns of Natural Family Planning by the Kenya
Conference of Catholic Bishops
d) Adoption of "The Nairobi Declaration on Families 1"
Speakers
Speakers will be from Africa, United Kingdom, Europe and the United States

Participants
The conference will bring together at least 500 participants from Kenya and the rest of Africa.
These will include Pro-family Champions, activists youth leaders, advocates, experts, professors,
members of parliament, church leaders, United Nations and AU envoys, ambassadors and
presidents.

Venue
The venue of the conference will be Hotel Continental, selected due to its proximity to the
airport, security, subsidized accommodation for participants and quality services.

NIGERIA CERTAINLY HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE GREAT

This keke  is  made in Nigeria.

This is something we should all applaud,  and support. Seriously, if we key into this,  we should stop the importation of keke within 2 years.

If government ( through the Ministry of Science and Technology)  and the Bank of Industry does not support this,  what then are they supporting?

This is the kind of innovation  all Nigerians of goodwill should rally round and insist that it be supported. This can generate jobs, lift the Naira, and reduce dollar dependency.

Note me words, we should insist that relevant agencies should support this with our money. Far more useful service to the economy than some of the actions of the relevant Ministries and the Agencies like the Bank of Industry.

Even the Minister of information can take this up to show the way to go for us to get out of our self inflicted economic quagmire! !

People, can we form an  Association of those that insist that good initiatives in Nigeria be supported and not ignored?

Nigeria indeed has what it takes to be great.

This keke  is  made in Nigeria.

This is something we should all applaud,  and support. Seriously, if we key into this,  we should stop the importation of keke within 2 years.

If government ( through the Ministry of Science and Technology)  and the Bank of Industry does not support this,  what then are they supporting?

This is the kind of innovation  all Nigerians of goodwill should rally round and insist that it be supported. This can generate jobs, lift the Naira, and reduce dollar dependency.

Note me words, we should insist that relevant agencies should support this with our money. Far more useful service to the economy than some of the actions of the relevant Ministries and the Agencies like the Bank of Industry.

Even the Minister of information can take this up to show the way to go for us to get out of our self inflicted economic quagmire! !

People, can we form an  Association of those that insist that good initiatives in Nigeria be supported and not ignored?

Rt Hon. Amaechi, are we safe?

Abuja, August 08, 2016.

Recently, the POTFERON  (President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) flagged off the commencement of commercial operations for the Abuja-Kaduna rail link.

The project was initiated by the OBJ  regime,  started by Yar  Adua, continued by Jonathan and completed by PMB.

This is good.  There was enough back slapping and joy on the day  to go round. Every Abuja VVIP was there. Only the Chief Justice was left out. It was heartwarming seeing the POTFERON with his usual innocent and sincere smile performing the event, surrounded by beaming Ministers, and the heads of the National Assembly.

SAFETY MATTERS THE MINISTER MUST MANAGE.
Questions arise for the Minister of Transportation on this matter.
How safe are the right of way of the rail line? Hope we would not have villagers causing avoidable casualties by claiming right of way? This question is very vital because an express train is not common to our country, and the speed may be unfamiliar to villagers who tend to see any clearing passing through their domain as additional free space to utilize for trading, or even recreation. Not to mention as a store.

Measures must be put in place to sensitize villagers along the rail trail to avoid tampering with the rail line, or putting anything on the lines.  They must also be educated to steer clear of the vicinity whenever a train is approaching. We can not afford to have avoidable accidents.

There should also be a means of protecting the rail from encroachment by herdsmen who may be crossing the railway with their cattle. They need to be educated to the dangers of carelessness in such circumstances.

Further, the stations most be secured so that it does not become a haven for unwanted entities. Anyone not having business at the stations must not be allowed there. This to prevent muggers and pickpockets.

INSURANCE VITAL.
In all the above, apart from the precautions, the biggest safety issue is personal accident insurance for the passengers.if this has not been effected,  it should be effected forthwith. There should be no compromise. Insurance must be effected, for full value, and premium paid to the underwriters.

NAICOM and the Ministry to collaborate.
NAICOM  being the adviser to government on insurance matters may want to take up this matter. This writer too  can submit necessary advice to government on what needs to be done. Insurance is the civilized risk management measure of choice.

The Passenger Liability ,  and Personal Accident Insurance for workers must be effected. That is what will ensure that we are safe as we step onto the railway platform to enjoy the high speed rail link with Kaduna from Abuja.

Please, hail the magicians.

Our boys again showed the Nigeria spirit (Courage in the face of adversity

"WE SHOOK UP THE WORLD"
Exactly twenty years after the first Dream Team shook up the world by winning the Olympic gold medal for the fist time, their  successors, Dream Team VI, again shook up the world. They came from the valley to the surface, and grabbed the attention of all by sheer grit.

TREPIDATIONS
Nigerians had watched with trepidation as the noose seem to be closing around their favorite National Team, the Dream Team. First, it was the argument over whether they were permitted to go to Atlanta  to train. Then the embarrassment of being abandoned there, mere hours to the opening match against Japan.

The final nail was the less than  inspiring answer given by the Most Honourable and hardworking Minister of sports.

0-3 LOSS BY WALKOVER?"
It was like we were going to set another record: becoming the first nation  in History to lose an Olympic football match through a walk over. Trapped in Atlanta, while we were expected to meet a Japanese team that has been in Brazil almost two weeks previous. Yet no word from Abuja.

"MIRACLES ARE FOREVER"
It was at this point that, in the usual manner, a Deus  Ex Machina  made an appearance. Delta Airlines finally arranged an NBA plane to ferry the distraught players straight to, not Rio, but directly to the match venue. An upside to this extraordinary mix up is that the plane was more comfortable than the regular plane, since it is the one used to hop NAPLES to basketball games around the United States. The players were able to relax a bit ( lion hearts that they are) while the plane whipped them through the air at 800km/hour. So we made it to match venue with few  hours to spare.

Energetic Performance.
The Japanese, apparently remembering the 1996 experience, when we harvested their scalp on our way to Gold, meant to kill off any such thoughts. The first few minutes produced a ding doing of goals resulting in 4 goals, and a 2-2scoreline.  But then Nigerians ignored all the distractions, emotional and physical, of the last few days and fired on all cylinders to power to a 5-2 lead. Play all your life today, rest tomorrow.

Fatigue, and the tenacity of the Japs allowed them to pull 2 back for a 5-4 final scoreline. But the spiel has been laid: the word has been given : when Nigeria is your opponent,  anything can happen, don't look at our challenges, we overcome them to surprise all, including oirselves.

WE MUST CHANGE
The Success in the face of adversity is not to say that we should not hold people to account.  For instance, those responsible for the Atlanta debacle should be made to face the consequences of their incompetence, and our boys should be compensated for the trauma they went through at the hands of incompetent officials.

Nigerians, we should  stop taking incompetence from our civil servants who we are paying so much to.

Bayo.

Institute of Strategic Management Annual Conference

Today in Abuja, at the under-utilized  International Conference Centre, the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria  (ISMN) "strategically managed" to bring various government officials around to talk to Nigerians  about change.

It is at the Annual Conference of the Institute, 2016 edition.

The theme of the Conference is : STRATEGY AS THE ANCHOR OF CHANGE. 

Change,  and the place of Strategy in that dynamic process. This is very important, as no nation can progress without being strategically managed. Gather your resources, pick a goal, and deploy strategies and tactics to and chive your goal.

This means a Plan of Action is sine qua non for progress. Which is why we need to see Strategic Plans from all our Ministers, and a proper communication of that strategy.

Roll Call include the Vice president, and the articulate Minister of Environment, as well  the ambassadors of Cuba, Malaysia, Pakistan among others. 

The event is ongoing. The Minister of Environment is making very important points, including plans for the Great Green Wall which is absolutely critical for our environment. 

Watch this space,  please, for a comprehensive report.

At Analytical  Perspectives  Nigeria Limited,  we are for strategic thinking to move the Nation (and mankind)  forward. More analysis will come later.

Sent from my Customized Samsung Tablet

One good news

This is a view of the Kubwa  departure Lounge of the Abuja-Kaduna rail line.

This looks fine enough. The important issue is that this has to be maintained on the same level of cleanliness and functionality going forward. 

It must not be a case of good today bad tomorrow.

We do not have details of the arrangement with the Chinese builders of the railway. But this should include a solid arrangement for maintaining facilities at a pristine stat at all times.

We are not calling for exploitative rates, but we hope the ticket costs have been properly arrived at. If the tickets receipts are not enough to keep a profit for the operators, then the seed of future decay and collapse would have been laid.

We congratulate the Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi for the completion of this project. We also congratulate all those that have something to do with it, from conception to now. 

And that includes all the administrations in this democratic dispensation.

Hoping Nigerias will benefit from this project as intended.

Sent from my Customized Samsung Tablet

Now, truly waiting for POTFERON.

At last, the Abuja -Kaduna  rail Ine is to get a visit from the sitting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (POTFERON).

It has been announced that the much awaited rail will be inaugurated on July 26 2016 by Potferon.

JOYFUL FOR MINUTE MERCIES.

Guess we must be grateful for small mercies, that a project was completed and will be launched for use as planned. That is something new.

We have been hearing of railway modernisation by the Chinese since the days of the goggled one. But I am not aware that any project under that Talk was ever inaugurated for use.  We heard of figures, and grand plans, but no show on actual projects.

MANY FATHERS 
This project was initiated/ conceptualised during the OBJ years, started by Yar Adua, continued by Jonathan and completed by Buhari. Hence the project has many fathers, and the intellectual tug of war as to who has the glory for the project is unwarranted and petty. We have a project on ground, and we should now own it and make it work, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.

WE MUST OWN IT
We have to take this project as ours, and insist that it must work as it is meant to work.  First, is the Minister himself. This project must be properly super used from the Ministry. 

The starting point is the pricing. NOBODY must talk of any subsidy that is likely to bankrupt the railway down the line. There is no need for subsidy of any type.  It must be priced economically,  for everybody's sake, including the so called  poor in whose name many crimes are committed against humanity.

Second is cleanliness.
The trail cabins must remain clean and inviting.  Perhaps prices may also be used to discourage overcrowding the business class cabins, so that middle class users will not be forced to abandon it and return to the dangers of the road,

Capture your Revenue

Third,  a means must be devised  to make sure everyone pays. Anything less than that is a fraud on the Nigerian People, no matter the motivation.

Transfer of Knowledge.
Finally,  Nigerians must be trained to take over the system 100% within a short time.

These are the minimum requirements for the Abuja -Kaduna rail line to succeed. We trust the Minister to put things in place for these.

The power of dreams - and dreams of power

Human beings are generally of two types: they are either manifesting the power of dreams, or are engaged in mere dreams of power.

We have been told that the only thing we have to create is our minds. The only activity of the mind is thinking,  dreaming.

Everybody dreams, but not everybody has the determination to carry the dream to reality. When we dream and then have the discipline to  bring that dream into reality,  we are manifesting the power of dreams. Leaders need this a great deal. A leader that can not have a lofty dream is just occupying an office, not a leader. Just office holder.

Meanwhile, there is another set of people, some pretending to be leaders. They only dream of power and more power. For themselves only.  And this power not to manifest anything great, but to remain as overlords of others, mostly those better than themselves.

What type of person/ leader are you? Are you manifesting the Power of dreams, or you are Dreaming of Power?

Leaders that show the power of dreams are a blessing to their country, as are individuals who manifest power of dreams are blessings to their surroundings. Think Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid AlMaktoun, think Lee Kwain Yew,,think Steve Jobs.

Leaders who just dream of power are a curse to their country, and dictators develop from that. Countries are ruined under their watch: Think Muhammed Siad Barre,  Mobutu Sese Seko, Idi Amin Dada; or as an aftermath of their watch: think Saddle Hussein .

Anywhere we are, leaders or not, we should manifest the Power of Dreams - dare to dream, then do all what is necessary to bring the dream to pass. Leaders meanwhile, should be careful not to just engage in dreams of Power.

Warnings from Venezuela.

I just love Nigeria.

This is a country that is blessed by the Almighty beyond our wildest wishes. Yet we are unable to show gratitude for this gift and harness it's benefits for all of us.

What we do is to find excuses to fight each other over trifles. Yet If we fail to live together as wise people, we should surely perish separately as the fools that we would have proved ourselves to be.

Now, Venezuela, has the largest oli reserves in the world. This, in the pedestrian thinking mode, means that country should be the richest in the world. But no. Today, Venezuela is in chaos. Queues for bread are as long as our former fuel queues.

Imagine that, standing in line to buy bread! Many people depend on food aid from the government. Food lorry convoys move around the country under armed military escort, or looters will claim it after hijacking the vehicle. This in a country that should be able to feed itself, or have enough money to import enough.

Nigeria need to take warning, and not allow itself to become more of a warning to other countries. And maybe I should mention that no militant is blowing up any pipelines in VENEZUELA. And they are still in the mess.

Nigeria and Nigerians better know that  what we sow, we reap. We are sowing hatred, we may real mutual hatred and destruction.

The Abuja-Kaduna rail will work (f we allow it)

The above title can seem pessimistic. But it is more realistic than pessimistic . One is only speaking from a study of our best ideas that have gradually been allowed to become monstrosities.

I went through the route and saw some good things. First. The good: the stations were clean, with modern infrastructure ture like good seats, and at the Kubwa station at least, there were innovative additions. There was prayer room for men and women,  conveniences for the physically challenged  ( differently able).
Water was running in the conveniences, and the whole environment was clean.

The train made the trip to Kaduna in about 3 hours, though we are told this would change once full service starts. This is just test running.

The cabin was air conditioned,  with window blinds, and nice red seats. Overhead racks complete the expected inner furniture. Scrolling message interacted with the passengers on the trip. And there were double faced TV monitors.

All in all, it's okay, though the standard will need to be improved upon.

Further posts will say more.

Bayo Ezekiel.

Godswill Akpabio showed what is possible. ..

Akpabio-He did some work 

As somebody living in Abuja,  I have always had a form of suspicion of what we read in the papers. Especially all the sponsored programs of some State governments always boasting of achievements. I have always taken such with a pinch for salt, to use a hackneyed phrase..

Among the governors involved in self adulation,  we have that of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; the Owelle,  Rochas Okorocha, and the indefatigable showman, Mr Godswill Akpabio.

I have no issue with self praise by public office holders. The important thing is that all claims be not overtly exaggerated, and these are projects that will impact the greatest number positively, not feed the governor's  ego.

I had reason to visit Uyo recently, and that gave a chance to verify some of the things we have been watching on TV  in Abuja. As a critical observer who however believes in neutrality, I must say I was quite impressed by what I saw.

The first thing was the roads that entered Uyo.  My trip took me through Ikot  Ekpene,  that is, entering Akwa Ibom State through Abia  state. The Ikot Ekpene Road, the Akwa  Ibom sector of it, is a dual carriage way under construction. What is impressive about it is that it beats in many ways, roads entering the federal capital, not to mention some state capitals.

Apart from being a good piece of work, being constructed by Julius Berger,  well known road artists, the excellent workmanship is obvious from the start, it looks solid and likely to be maintenance free for long. It also has what most roads in Nigeria lack: provision for beautification with ornamental trees at the sides and grasses and flowers in the median.

Getting into Uyo  proper, we see that the governor has invested massively in road infrastructure. Despite moving around a great deal, I did not see any dirt road in the city Centre.  All the roads are of the highest quality, and well maintained. There were roundabouts, interchanges and impressive avenues. 

I was impressed.

Now apart from roads, there were also other buildings, like he stadium, the golf Course, The Ibom Meridian hotel, and parks for public relaxation. The Ibom Tropicana  is as good as you will find in Abuja or Dubai, highlighted by the presence of Silverbird Cinema.

For me, the best of the infrastructure  is the e-library, the type I am not aware exists in any other city in Nigeria. Abuja, for instance, does not have such.

Coming out of Akwa Ibom after a visit of 48 hours, I was convinced that Governor Akpabio has been sincere in the programs beamed into Abuja homes, claiming achievements..

I certainly will return to Uyo and explore the whole state, not just Uyo. But what I saw in Uyo suggests that the transformation would have been state wide.

7 Gbosas!!  to Senator Godswill Akpabio.

If ALL the governors of the South South have  done what Senator Akpabio did in Uyo, we may not have a millitance of this level of destructiveness. I am not sure youths in Akwa Ibom will be in a hurry to destroy the infrastructure that Senator Godswill provided for them to make a point to the federal government.

As an aside, this suggests that our dear militants should also not forget to ask our leaders in the Niger Delta what they have done with the little extra money given to them through the Derivation fund, the Ministry,  as well as NDDC. We can still demand more from the federation, even total  resource control. But we must not leave any problem untackled.  The impunity in the spending of what has been made available so far should not be swept under the carpet.

Godswill Akpabio has shown what is possible. Let us ask what stopped the others from following the example.

Meanwhile, it would be good to closely monitor the present governor of Akwa Ibom State to see if he will follow the road of his predecessor.

Giving the Word: Turakin Adamawa makes it plain..

This following is what former Vice President,  His Excellency, Mr Atiku Abubakar,  is said to have presented at a book launch in Abuja on Tuesday,  31 May 2016.

All should please read with open mind, and discuss it. It's important for this country going forward. I will particularly  be interested in those that disagree  with the Turaki.  Please disagree with Turaki if you wish, but with facts, not abuses.

For me, it's been my conviction for decades, at least since a certain day in the month of June 1993.

Restructuring for Nigeria’s National Unity.

Remarks by Atiku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the Public Presentation of the book, “We Are All Biafrans” by Chido Onumah, at the Yar’Adua Centre Abuja, Tuesday 31st May, 2016.

When I was invited to Chair this occasion, I immediately understood that the title of the bookis a metaphor for the legitimatefeelings of marginalization by diverse segments of Nigeriansthat cut across the country.  Agitations by many right thinking Nigerians call for a restructuring and renewal of our federation to make it less centralized, less suffocating and less dictatorial in the affairs of our country’s constituent units and localities.

As some of you may know, I have for a long time advocated the need to restructure our federation. Our current structure and the practices it has encouraged have been a major impediment to the economic and political development of our country. In short it has not served Nigeria well, and at the risk of reproach it has not served my part of the country, the North, well. The call for restructuring is even more relevant today in light of the governance and economic challenges facing us.  And the rising tide of agitations, some militant and violent, require a reset in our relationships as a united nation.

Some may say that we are saddled with more urgent challenges, including rebuilding our battered economy, creating jobs, fighting corruption and securing our people from terrorism and other forms of serious crimes.  I believe, however, that addressing the flaws in our federation will help us address some of those very economic and security challenges facing this country.

Nigeria must remain a united country.  Our potentials are enormous. But I also believe that a united country, which I think most Nigerians desire, should never be taken for granted or taken as evidence that Nigerians are content with the current structure of the federation. Making that mistake might set us on the path of losing the country we love or, as Chido Onumah puts it, result in our “country sleepwalking to disaster.”

Let me quickly acknowledge that no federal system is set for all time. There are always tensions arising from matters relating to the sharing of power, resources and responsibilities.But established democracies have developed peaceful mechanisms for resolving such conflicts among the tiers of government.They recognize that negotiations and compromises are eternal.

How We Got Here: Oil Economy, Centralization and Biafranization

The vast majority of Nigeria's young population will be forgiven for thinking that our lives have always revolved around oil and that the federal government has always been this domineering and controlling. They may not be aware that the federal system which we inherited at independence allowed the regions to retain their autonomy to raise and retain revenues, promote development, and conduct their affairs as they saw fit, while engaging in healthy competition with others.

And they may not know that it was the emergence of military rule and the intervening civil war that led to the splintering and weakening of the federating units, centralization of resources and concentration of power at the federal level.  The enormous revenues from oil rents encouraged the central government to play an increasingly domineering role in the economy and society. It assumed more responsibilities for infrastructure provisioning, education, social services and business investment.

We now know that the more resources the federal government has, the more responsibilities it tends to assume.This then generates the need for ever more resources. As Chairman of the National Council on Privatization from 1999 to 2007, in my capacity as the Vice President, I was shocked when I saw firsthand the manner of businesses our federal government was involved in.  These included not just such capital-intensive industries as steel and petrochemicals but brick-making factories and bakeries as well.  These enterprises hardly made any profit. Rather they were being subsidized by the budget.

As the government’s role continued to expand, the private sector was crowded out and private initiative, innovation and creativity suffered.  Excessive dependence on oil revenues led to the collapse of our agriculture-based economy. It also exposed the Nigerian economy to volatile market swings, booms and bursts. And it brought with it enormous social consequences such as wealth without labour, briefcase contractors and generations of youth accustomed to aspiring to be employed by others rather than thinking of creating jobs for themselves and others. It also led to the neglect of internally generated revenue, especially taxation. Most of our state governments can no longer pay their workers’ wages until they collect monthly allocations from Abuja. Only Lagos State is currently able to generate up to 50% of its revenues internally, thereby reducing its dependence on allocations from Abuja. (And it is not because of the existence of many businesses in Lagos as some people like to point out.  Businesses do not on their own send money to government).

As we became more dependent on oil revenues we became lazier, more complacent, and our leaders became ever more unaccountable.Among the most destructive impacts of our dependence on oil is, perhaps, the corruption that it has fostered in the oil industry and society at large.Some of you are familiar with published reports that highlight discrepancies and opacity in data relating to the allocation of oil blocs as well as NNPC’s abuse of its duty as steward of our federation revenues.

The result of all of this is that we have not made the needed investments in human capital development and the productive sectors of the economy. According to the Human Development Index, 70% of our population lives below the poverty line compared to 21.4% for Brazil, 40.5% for Angola and 0% for Norway, to mention a few comparable oil producing countries.

More critical is the distortion of our federal structure by our dependence on oil. We now have the ridiculous situation where the federal government creates local governments, enshrines them in the constitution and allocates resources directly to them, with people even calling for more autonomy from state governments.

Today virtually every section of our country feels marginalized – meaning they believe that other segments of society are prospering in ways they are not.  We often interpret marginalization along regional, ethnic or religious lines, but experience has shown that this perception can exist even within homogenous communities due to uneven access to opportunity.  For example we have communities feeling marginalized within their states or regions.

Having established the ‘federal character’ of marginalization in Nigeria, it is imperative that our response to the issues raised by our various ‘Biafras’ across the country is holistic.

I have long advocated for greater autonomy, powers and resources for our federating states. Some have retorted that state governors will abuse those powers and resources. Well the same logic applies to the federal level, which, as recent revelations show, is not without blemish. In fact the current situation encourages governors to abuse their power, do little to raise revenue and point fingers at the federal government, thereby making it more difficult for their people to hold them to account.

What do we Need?

•First, a smaller, leaner federal government with reduced responsibilities. This means devolution of powers and resources to states and local governments. State and local governments should control education, health, agriculture, roads and other infrastructure. A true federal system will allow the federating states to keep their resources while the federal government retains the power of taxation and regulatory authority over standards. The result will be a political and governmental system that empowers local authorities and gives them greater autonomy to address peculiar local issues, while enhancing accountability and contributing to the general good of the country.  Such a robust federal system would reduce the tensions that are built into our current over-centralized system.

•Second, autonomy for the component states and localities to determine their development priorities and wage structures.  For instance, there is no reason for the governor of Akwa Ibom State to earn the same salary as the Governor of Benue State or for a teacher in Orlu to earn the same salary as the one in Abuja or Port Harcourt.The costs of living and revenue generating capacities vary widely across the country.

•Third, a tax-centred revenue base. Modern democracies derive their revenues from taxation whether or not they have fossil fuels and other natural resources – personal income tax, property tax, sales tax, corporate tax, licences, and duties. Taxation is a sustainable revenue base and one that compels governments to promote increased economic activities, and respond to the demands of their tax paying citizens.

•Fourth, enhanced, diversified economic activities and productivity in order to enlarge the tax base. The US, U.K., Canada, Malaysia, and UAE are all oil producers. But because they have diversified economies, oil does not dominate their government revenues and does not have the same distortionary effect it has on our own. Let’s compare Malaysia with Nigeria. Both countries were at a comparable level of development at independence but now Malaysia’s GDP per capita is $11,000 while Nigeria's is $3,000. Malaysia has foreign reserves of $100 billion and a sovereign wealth fund of $41 billion. In Malaysia manufacturing accounts for 40% of GDP and the country is rated 14th most competitive economy in the world. In Nigeria, however, manufacturing accounts for a mere 10% of GDP, and only 12% of the labour force. And Nigeria ranks 127th out of 144 in global competitiveness.Think about this for a moment: If the bulk of the revenues of our federal and state governments are dependent on the level of economic activities in the country, would we be shutting down the entire country or a state on election days, on census days and during environmental clean-up? I wish some of our researchers would calculate the resulting loss of productivity and incomes to individuals, families and the economy as a whole, and, therefore, potentially government revenues?

•Fifth, an end to the indigene-settler dichotomy. A modern united Nigerian society can only be built on the basis of common citizenship for all based on residency in a state or locality rather than the local government or ethnic group one is born into.Nigerians should be free to live, study and work anywhere in the country as long as they are law-abiding. We cannot claim to be promoting national unity while also promoting policies that tend to confine people to their places of birth.

•Sixth, state police to augment the federal police (for the states that so desire). This will help us to improve security, including fighting terrorism. Posting a police officer from Ganye to Eket may help promote culture sharing and integration, but it does little to prevent or fight crime. Crime is better fought by those who know the terrain and speak the local language.

Ladies and gentlemen, Nigeria is not working as well as it should and part of the reason is the way we have structured our country and governance, especially since the late 1960s. The federal government is too big, and too powerful relative to the federating states. That situation needs to change, and calling for that change is patriotic.

We must refrain from the habit of assuming that anyone calling for the restructuring of our federation is working for the breakup of the country.  An excessively powerful centre does not equate with national unity.  If anything, it has made our unity more fragile, our government more unstable and our country more unsafe.  We must renegotiate our union in order to make it stronger.  Greater autonomy, power and resources for states and local authorities will give the federating units greater freedom and flexibility to address local issues, priorities and peculiarities. It will help to unleash our people’s creative energies and spur more development.  It will reduce the premium placed on capturing power at the centre. It will help with improving security. It will promote healthy rivalries among the federating units and local authorities. It will help make us richer and stronger as a nation.

I commend the author, Chido Onumah, for his efforts in putting his thought-provoking writings together in this book. 

History repeats itself, as tragedy, and as farce

History indeed repeats. ..

The quotation from Karl Marx  about history repeating itself deserves more attention than it is getting. Though it is best to first say that history does NOT repeat itself. HUMANS repeat history by repeating themselves.  That is, we human beings do not learn well, or only rarely, from what has gone past.

We continually fall again and again into the same hole, not because of determinism,  but  due to the fact that we continually react to events in the same way. Experiences are meant to teach us, but they rarely do. We act in a certain way, certain specific results follow, and we complain about the outcome,. Forgetting the fact that whatever we experience is and direct result  of our actions. So to change the result, we should change our actions. But we don't.

Hence, when we are confronted with a situation,  we find ourselves repeating precisely  what we have done before, and then results are same, and we declare that history repeats itself. No. We repeat our reactions to events, and the same result comes up.

This is quite sad, really, since one of the things we are expected to get right is to learn by experience and mature to what we really are : spirit beings. The unsavory situation on our planet earth today bears testimony to the fact that we have not been good learners as yet.

With increasing learning from experience should have come, improved conditions on our planet earth, new and more enriching experiences, rather than mere repetition of old ones in a cyclic repetition of the same events.

This is not to say that new experiences have not come, they have. There has been innovations and discoveries that offer  us chances of maturity and experience of new events. But our reactions have merely been variations of the same things, thus history repeats...

Thus, the aggression in us since olden times has not improved into helping love or any other virtue, but has remained the same. Therefore, when we had only crude tools to facilitate our life on earth, we fashioned weapons to better pursue our aggressive tendencies...crude weapons, but weapons anyway. Now that we have grown in technology,  away from the credit of stone implements that is,  we have not dropped the least of our aggressive tendencies. Hence, we have sophisticated  weapons today that are at the cutting edge of technology. And wars remain rampant, only that today, we Have more powerful weapons to vent our aggression.  And we declare, of course, that history repeats itself when we are the ones repeating our negative tendencies...

The technology we have today has immensely improved our capacity for good as well as we evil. Unfortunately,  we have tended to take the opportunities  to be bad, to be worse than before. We have increased our capacity to do evil, when the same effort would have produced greater good. We have not used our experiences to evolve to nobler beings that we can, and must be. Our faults remain. The greed and selfishness that led to the trans -Atlantic Slave Trade has remained intact. Only that today, it has merely mutated into a more subtle for. ..today's slavery is economic, and so history repeats itself as early variant of the slave trade we abolished still thrives, in a different format.

The solution to the phenomenon  of history repeating itself is simple: we simply need to act in a different way, and we will keep making ever new history, without repeating anyone, and also keep advancing in maturity, capacity to do good, and actual good. This does not need to start with any leader, it can start with individuals. Individuals choosing to make a difference to how we react to events.

That will relieve us from continually repeating our history.

'As a man thinketh....'

As a man thinketh, so is he.

Oh yes, as a man or woman or child think in their heart, so are they. Quantum Physics now teach us that what we see around us is not made up of particles, but waves. And these waves can be controlled by our thoughts.

It's therefore clear that our thoughts create reality. Amazing as this may seem, it remains the Truth. What we see around us is what we have created,  and continue to nurture with our thoughts. What a disturbing Idea! Disturbing and frightening. But it should also bring us relief, in the sense that we thus realize that, if true (and it IS true), we are thus completely  in charge of our fate.

We should simply demand for whatever we want by fixing our thoughts on it, along  with  the  necessary  physical work, of course, and sooner or later, what we want will manifest

What it also means is that the average human being has been creating his reality unconsciously all along, while blaming all kinds of extraneous forces for his weal and woe. Not correct. If we do not like what we see, we should simply change our thoughts, it is as simple as that.

This also applies,  of course, to groups of individuals,  as well as NATIONS. The situation of all nations, with no exception,  precisely reflect the state of thoughts of the majority of the people in that Nation. What the majority sows with their thoughts,  is what manifests as a reality for each nation. From this, we see the absolute importance of taming our thoughts. It is also necessary to monitor  closely, what comes into the public space and which therefore shapes  popular thought.

In this vein, one only need reflect on the shapers of public opinion in our country, and reflect on what havoc must have been wrought, and is  still being wrought,  when we allow all kinds of unexamined thoughts, or unedifying ideas  to seize the public space and become the trend setter in thinking. This brings to the fore, the powerful effect that some groups of people can have in the society. Groups like the journalists,  musicians,  actors and also religious leaders. These groups of people, by virtue of being opinion leaders, posses immense power for good, and for evil.

Anyone in a position to influence other people's  opinion or thoughts must realize  the power they wield, and determine to always be conscious of this before putting out any opinion. That way, only up-building ideas will be spread forth, helping to cleanse the society.

It is an immense responsibility. The benefits are huge if  properly handled, and the dangers are great if the responsibility  is carelessly discharged.

In the final analysis however, every individual has the responsibility  to be aware that through his or her thoughts,  good or evil, order or chaos can manifest around  him, and in the society. Regardless of what so called opinion leaders put out, everyone should struggle to maintain clean and pure thoughts towards himself, and his neighbour. That is the way to bring positive change to the society. Nobody can shirk this responsibility  on any ground: no one is ever forced to think in a certain way, it is always a choice.

Reader, what will you choose?

Climate distortions may be Man's legacy for our children.

Mankind has been less than a good housekeeper of our planet earth. In our pursuit of development,  what we have created is an unsustainable  civilization that is bound to self destruct within a relatively  short time.

Not for us the long rope granted the former lords of the planet, the mighty dinosaurs  who ruled the planet for over 100 million years before they were wiped out.  The tragedy was not even due to their own actions but a form of Deux ex machina  that decided it was time to call it a day on that line of development to allow other creatures pursue another direction of evolution.

The violent destruction of the dinosaurs in a way,  paved the way for Mankind  to evolve as Nature started another line of development  after the total exit of the dinosaurs. Man must therefore watch his actions. If we behave ourselves, we can last near the days of the dinosaurs as rulers of planet earth. If we fail to behave, like now, mankind may be a flash in the evolutionary  pan. And that would be unfortunate.

The most optimistic  scientist or thinker can not possibly conjecture an existence of anything approaching  the period of the reign of the dinosaurs  for mankind, as of today.  What we have so far achieved  with our intellect shows that rather than living in conformity with nature and being granted  a long rope in which to express  ourselves, the short period we have been on earth has witnessed an unprecedented chaos in Nature.

Many natural cycles have been disrupted,  resources misused through misapplication  and unsustainable  exploitation,  many irreplaceable  resources are being decimated at a non self regenerative rate, and worst of all, many species of Flora and fauna are being sent into extinction, some withholding their secret uses to the end.

Therefore, animals that are part and parcel of the complete whole that Nature is,  are going into extinction, their contribution to the whole symphony of nature lost forever. Plants with untold and unknown therapeutic  values are also being lost to greed and carelessness.

Worst of all, the substances we have created through our pursuit of progress,  so called, most of them toxic, now threaten to drown the planet under a weight of toxins that will likely poison us all: animals, man, plants, as well as soil and water sources before we can find a solution to render the toxins we produce harmless.

To top all these is the fact that we are now making our planet gradually physically inhabitable as the delicate weather balance of the planet is being dislocated from the harmful gazes that we expel from our machines.

The prognosis is that Man, the sentient Homosapien,  is about to achieve the unthinkable : destruction  of his environment, and suicide by poisoning. Meaning he would go all right, but will render the environment  he leaves behind inhabitable.

All these, of course,  is if we do not get embroiled  in one or other of the several ongoing wars that can lead to a general world war. Only an optimist will discount the possibility of mankind ending his history on the planet through a 3rd World War.

All this is why the present efforts to regulate climate distorting activities of Mankind, through the various Climate Conferences represent  a last ditch effort to save mankind from himself.  The value of such Conferences lie not in the  dubious hope that they (Conferences) can stop the slide to self extinction by man. Rather that they represent an acknowledgement, no matter how halfhearted, that our activities have been responsible  for drastic change in the climate of the planet. This simultaneously gives the inference that change, positive and urgent change, also lies with us.

Climate Conferences are also valuable in that it means man must now have  the boldness to admit that his stewardship of the planet has been bereft of deep wisdom that is required of any being to whom the rulership of the Blue Marble is handed. Either we admit it or not, we as a specie are at the helm of Planet earth and we can not shirk any responsibility  for what becomes of the planet.

The real achievement of these earth Conferences therefore, go beyond whatever agreement we are able to cobble together out of our petty concerns to produce more consumer goods than the next country (to force sell to people through adverts).

Even if, as is likely,  agreements finally signed are, in searching for a consensus,  so watered down as to be  unimplementable, they still represent  progress. At least the symbolism of most of the world coming together to attempt to put a stop to mindless pursuit of development  at the expense of the planet is salutary.

People will go back to their countries and reflect on how sad it is that we have to call conferences to force and admonish supposedly smart creatures not to kill themselves from their own activities.  This is likely to assist in pointing out a New Direction for Thinking that is so sorely needed today if our civilization  is to survive.

Thus, we welcome wholeheartedly,  the recent Paris conference on Climate change and the one this past week in Abu  Dhabi : all men and women of goodwill worldwide must support it in their thoughts.

The value should not be judged on the agreements signed,  but on the far more important symbolism of what a discussion  on the weather represents for mankind's thinking in the long run.

Is An alternative to Democracy possible?

Everything is possible. 
Since everything is possible, the answer to this question must be yes.

But is it desirable to find an alternative to democracy? The answer, as far as Nigeria is concerned, must still be yes, if we look at what democracy  has delivered so far.

Why alternative?
Reasons to consider an alternative to democracy has nothing to do with the horrendous  cost, in the midst of dwindling resources. If democracy were to deliver optimally, the costs can be overlooked. The major reason is also not the dangerous martial mindset usually exhibited by Nigerian  politicians during electioneering, counter productive as this has been to our development.

The major reason one may begin to look for an alternative to democracy is the poor quality of the results. Without fail, time and again, Nigerian democracy has managed to deliver to us, poor quality leadership. It is bad enough to purchase a product for an expensive price, but worse if the product turns out to be a poor quality. That is what we have been getting  since the return  to democracy  in 1999. This is more pronounced  in the local governments  where it seems there is no government  at all in place.

Democracy delivers indifferent results

For instance, I live in Kubwa, Abuja, and I can say that there is little or no evidence of a working local government in the area. But for the newspaper adverts showing monthly statutory allocations, one would think no money accrues to the local government. Even if no money accrues, the people that got themselves elected should have been able to do some creative thinking to source funds to transform their locality. But what we see is that local officials are big on pomp and pageantry, paraphernalia of office,  and indulgence, but very small  on innovation. Results around the environment suggest little  thinking, and little interest in development, the real reason why they are in office.

Collegiate System, or outright appointment ? (!)

One can then begin to wonder if it is not better to find another means of appointing  people to office. Of course die hard Democrats will frown at the very suggestion of the idea, but it is a desperate  move, borne of frustration. To take a simple example, the physical environment. This is usually so dirty and unkempt that one wonders whether anyone is in charge, and these are simple things that should not cost much money, except perhaps much thinking.

It may then be time to begin to experiment with appointment  of leaders, or maybe a collegiate system where knowledgeable  people vote for leaders. Such a group can then hold the leaders thus elected to strict account, including impeachment, and maybe  criminal prosecution if necessary.

For now, the system of electing people who become lords and who do nothing extraordinary  in office year in year out is not serving the best interests  of anyone.

This may be something  to consider going forward. It is not guaranteed for instance that democracy  delivers the best, most altruistic, and most visionary leadership. After all, in setting up corporations, leaders are not necessarily appointed by democracy. CEOs are appointed based on strict criteria. And societies are at least as important as corporations, and it's leadership should be appointed with equal or more care.

Just food for thought.

Can we CHOOSE to build this country?

It's quite interesting  the way Nigerians interact  on the Internet. At any given point, a lively debate is always going on. The comments section of any blog, or any news item is a constant source of much information.

From these, One can build up a psychological  profile of Nigerians. What comes out like a sore thumb is the fact that our mindset is still a bit removed from what will build the Nation of our dreams.

To be quite blunt, these are the facts one can gather from Nigerians' Internet denizens:
1. Nigerians are active, intelligent, and ambitious.
2. Nigerians want the good things of life, and a great country.
3. Nigerians are religious minded, love to invoke the Almighty in virtually all things.

With all the above attributes, we also carry along with us, stuff that will make it difficult to achieve what we want. This includes :
1. Excessive tribal consciousness.
2. Refusal to work hard and long for what we want.
3.Wrong mindset. We do not think our leaders should be held to strict account about how they govern, we accept low standards from our leaders.
We also do not put things in historical perspective as we expect what is not realistic,  given historical antecedents.

The cure?
The first place to begin to look for a cure is in our minds. We need to realize,  first of all, that  all what we are are our choices. To change what we are, we only need to make different choices. The choices we need to make in include:
We should become optimists about our country.
We should reduce our narrow views and think in a far reaching manner,  beyond today.
We need to love our neighbors  as ourselves in thinking, words, and action, always.

From here,  we can begin to think better thoughts about our country, share on our Facebook pages less of the negatives, and search out and share, uplifting ideas. The world is full of enough evil vibrations as it is. No need to add to it.

It is all a matter of choice.

WISHING ALL A RESTFUL SUNDAY!

What actually is a Sunday?  A Sunday is one of the days we have in the week. That is, the first of the 7 day circle that we observe to count our days on planet earth.

This helps us to rest from our labours of the past 7 days,  allows us to regain our energy and also reflect on what we have done so far. From there, we can plan for the new week, while trying to avoid the mistakes of the past.

So, either we work for ourselves or we work for government, or a corporate organization,  we should use our Sundays the same way, for maximum benefit: rest,  reflect on our activities for the past 7 days, and make plans for the next week.

When a Sunday is spent as Abo en,  we benefit the maximum for ourselves.  Our bodies and our brains have a chance for recuperation,  and our creativity is increased.

With this in mind, I say, have a happy, restful, and reflective Sunday, and a nice and productive week ahead!

A Happy New Year.

Here is wishing you a happy but humble and lesson filled 2016.

We have more than enough reason as a specie to be humble, and be humbled by a lot of things around us which we do not know, or do not notice even if we know.

We have entered a new year which in our way of counting we designate as the year 2016 Anno Domini.