Political Thuggery

Electoral violence in Nigeria is perpetrated mostly by political thugs, most of whom are youths who allowed themselves to be used by greedy politicians.
In today's news analysis correspondent writes on the need for Nigerian youths to refrain from being used as political thugs to destabilize the nation's electoral process.
Since Nigeria's independence, the nation's electoral process has been characterized by violence,assassination,cancellation of election results and many other crimes.
Most of those used in perpetrating electoral violence in the country are youths who are full of energy and strength, as well as ample resources and smart thinking, which if utilized can bring about societal growth and advancement.
But why are some Nigerian youths not using their youthful potentials and resources to contribute meaningfully to nation building and why do they allow selfish politicians to manipulate them to cause havoc?.
In most of the political disturbances,it is the youths who usually suffer and sometimes die in the process, others are physically deformed, while their political masters run into hiding to foreign lands with their children and sometimes family members.
Political analysts have traced youths involvement in electoral violence to illiteracy, greed and poverty amongst other social indices.
Surprisingly most selfish politicians during their youthful ages held one political position or the other and they still hold on to power even at their old ages.
The practice of using Nigerian youths to forment trouble, kill political opponents, distort the electoral process, snatch ballot boxes amongst other is highly condemnable.
The popular saying that youths are the leaders of tomorrow is gradually losing relevance, due to the non preparedness of some youths in taking up leadership responsibilities.
The way forward is to eradicate political violence in Nigeria by training illiterate Nigerian youths to acquire knowledge and useful skills to enable them contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Nigerian society.
Nigerian youths who could not acquire education due to one reason or another, should strive to acquire skills that will make them self employed, employers of labor, productive and busy, thereby leaving no room for an idle mind that will be possessed by the devil.
Nigerian youths who are aides to politicians should be bold to tell their political masters to use their own children or family members to perpetrate political violence instead.
The youths of Nigeria, should see themselves as too important to be used as political thugs in the hands of politicians.
They should see themselves as change agents who have all it takes to drive the nation's economy on the path of sustainable growth and development.
Nigerian youths should view election period as a time to vote out politicians who have not delivered on their campaign promises to the people, rather than being used and dumped after elections.
With the signing into law of the not too young to run bill, Nigerian youths should aspire towards political elective positions and refrain from being used as political thugs.
The time for Nigerian youths to say no to political violence and thuggery is now.

Ramadan

Ramadan is an Islamic festival known as the month of fasting.
It is used to commemorate the first revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad according to Islamic belief.
In today's news analysis correspondent underscores the significance of Ramadan to the Muslim communities and the Nigerian society at large.
Ramadan which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar is seen as the most precious of all in which it is obligatory for all Muslims faithful from across the world engaged in fasting.
Ramadan is the fifth pillar of Islam.
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramida or ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness.
During the month of Ramadan, fasting is compulsory for all adult Muslims, except those who are ill, the elderly, travellers, pregnant women, breast feeding mothers, women in their monthly periods as well as diabete patients.
It is expected that Muslims who fast in Ramadan from dawn to dusk, are expected to refrain from from eating, drinking, engaging in sexual acts as well as telling lies, backbiting, cursing and fighting, except for self defence.
The Muslims believe that spiritual rewards for fasting are multiplied within the month of Ramadan.
It is mandatory for all Muslims during Ramadan to offer prayers to Allah for themselves, their families, neighbors, Islam itself, their leaders, the nation among others.
In Ramadan month, Muslim faithful are also required to recite and study the Holy Quran as well as give charity to those in need in the society.
There is the strong belief that in the month of Ramadan, also known as the holy month, the gate of paradise are open while those to hell are closed with the Devil being locked up in chains.
The sighting of the moon, commence the Eid al Fitr celebration, thereby marking the end of Ramadan fast but if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions, the fasting continues until the full moon is sighted.
Eid al Fitr celebration is also a way to commend Moslems for ensuring the month of fasting successfully and returning to their normal life of eating and drinking and also to engage in romance with their spouses.
As Muslims from across the world celebrate Eid al Fitr, they should not forget the lessons and teaches of Ramadan that they got during the period.
The lessons should be reflected in their day to day activities, as they strive for righteousness and desist from sinful acts.
Muslims in high position of authorities in politics or private sectors and even heads of families, should adhere to the teachings of contentment, refrain from usurping the belongings of others and corrupt practices.
Muslim cleric, Imams, Mallams and even Islamic scholars should always preach the message of peace and tolerance in the mosque or Islamic gatherings, because no nation can develop in a rancorouse atmosphere.
Nigerians irrespective of their diverse religions should rejoice with their Muslims neighbors as they observe Eid al Fitr.
That way Nigeria will not be a state of religious conflicts but a geographical entity where religious sentiments are put aside for overall growth and development of the country.

Democracy Day

Today May 29,is observed as Democracy Day in Nigeria.
It is a day set aside to commemorate the restoration of Democratic rule in Nigeria from Military rule.
In today's news analysis correspondent chronicles the journey of democracy in Nigeria vis-a-vis the way forward in advancing democracy in Nigeria.
A one time President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln, once defined Democracy as a Government of the people by the people and for the people.
Some other school of thought, also added that Democracy is about good Governance with strict adherence to the rule of law and the constitution as well as better welfare package for the people, that is secure through due process of the land, in which the people are the prime consideration of policies.
The struggle for Democracy in Nigeria has been a long one, dating back into the Colonial era where Students, workers, market men and women, some traditional rulers,as well as leading political figures, including the media, were involved in the process, which later contributed to the attainment of Independence on October 1 1960 and a republic in 1963.
Nigeria as an heterogeneous nation with diverse ethnic groups, and different religions gained her Independence from her colonial master, there by putting an end to colonialism,imperialism,therefore paving way for democratic rule in the country.
After the attainment of Independence Nigeria was greeted with corruption by some politicians and civil servants, election manipulation of all kinds, tribalism, nepotism among others brought about instability and pave way for the first coup in 1966 which was followed by another coup in that same year and led to three years civil war in the country.
Democracy was briefly restorted in 1979 - 1983,but some certain factors such as electoral manipulation, corrupt politicians among others brought about the Military rule and was followed by series of Military Juntas.
The dreaded of all the Military rule was that of General Sani Abacha and was ended by his sudden death in 1998 and his successor General Abdulsalam Abubakar promised a transition to Democracy and accordly a new constitution was adopted in May 5 1999, elections were held and retired General Olusegun Obasanjo who has previously govern Nigeria as a Military ruler was elected president.
No doubt the end of Military rule in 1999 has brought about an era of regular elections, as well as the return of civil liberties, free press and an end to arbitrary arrest and torture, but that is not to say that Human Rights are not violated occasionally.
With the smooth transition of one government to the other in Nigeria, one can say that Democracy is growing but there are more to be done.
Nigeria Politicians should learn to practice politics of ideology and not  politics of self interest, that sometimes over heat the politic of the country.
Political parties,politicians and their supporters should emulate the virtues of Democracy which was copied from the western world by refraining from election violence, election manipulation, killing of opposition members, damaging of electoral materials and sometimes destruction of property worth millions of naira.
Politicians should also learn to concede defeat and stop litigation that most times slow governance but rather they should join hands with the winning party to bring developed to the land.
Every Nigerian irrespective of political affiliation or not, must allow Democracy to grow by avoiding act and things that will undermine Democracy in Nigeria.
The electoral umpire which is INEC, should be made to be more independent and INEC also should advance on the electronic voting system, as well as ensure that votes of electorates counts.
Political office holders elected to serve by bringing the dividence of Democracy to the people, should give qualitative representation and not engage in embezzlement of the nation's treasury. Furthermore,Democracy Day should not only be seen as a day of celebration but rather a day for a clarion call to all Nigerians to reflect on the gains of Democracy and so work towards achieving true Democracy in Nigeria, that will serve as model for other African countries to emulate.
Nigeria being referred to as the giant of Africa should demonstrate it by ensuring that Democracy strive and you and I have a duty to play.

Children's Day

May 27 every year is celebrated as children's day in Nigeria.
It is a day set aside by the Nigerian government to celebrate the Nigerian child, as well as to draw attention of the society towards the plight of children in the Nigerian society.
In today's news analysis, correspondent chronicles the journey of children's day celebration vis a vis the significance of the celebration to the Nigerian child.
Children's Day is a day recognized to celebrate children and also the day is celebrated on different calendar dates in different countries.
History has it that the pastor of the Universalist church of the Redeemer in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Rev Dr Charles Leonard celebrated the first children's day on the second Sunday of June 1855.
Dr Leonard held a special service on that day for the children and he named the day ROSE Day, although it was later named Flower Sunday and then children's day.
But the declaration of the day as a national holiday was first proclaimed by the Republic of Turkey on April 23 1929.
Irrespective of the different dates and accounts of children's day, it is pertinent to note that in August 1925, some 54 representatives from different countries gathered together in Geneva, Switzerland to convene the first world conference for the well-being of children, during which the Geneva Declaration Protecting Children was passed.
The proclamation made a strong appeal for the spiritual needs of children, relief for poor children, prevention of child's labour, reassessing the way that children are educated and other issues related to the welfare of children around the world.
After the conference, various government from around the world designated a day to be celebrated as children's day, as a way to encourage and bring joy to children as well as to draw the attention of the society to children issues.
However, Universal children's day is on November 20 ,as first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954 with the aim to encourage all countries to institute a date, firstly to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of children around the world.
The Nigerian government on its part, set out May 27 every year for Children's Day.
On this day, public and private schools goes to open fields or stadium to participate in match pass and other activities, with officials from the ministry of education on ground to witness the occasion.
Some parents and guardians, takes their kids and wards to recreational centers, amusement parks and eatries to celebrate them.
Wives of political office holders, well to do individuals in the society and some religious bodies organizes parties for children, especially for orphans or the less privileged in the society.
As Nigeria kids from across the federation celebrate today as children's day, government at all levels, parents, guardians, non governmental organizations NGOs that are saddled with the welfare of children amongst other stakeholders, must pay attention to addressing issues that will enhance the overall growth of the Nigerian child who are leaders of tomorrow.
These stakeholders should ensure that child labor, child trafficking, child abuse, illitracy in children amongst others are all address.
Parents and guardians on their parts, should learn how to raise their kids and wards in the fear of God, respect for mankind and also inculcate morals,cultural values and norm.
Places of learning and any centers for impacting knowledge, be it religious or otherwise should at all times always equip the children with requisite information, teaches and skills, they need to become useful to themselves and the society at large.
As it is often believe that there is a seed of greatness in every child but one should know that the seed can only grow when the child is given the right platform to operate and grow.
And the power to make that happen lies between you and I.

FAILED SOCIETY

A society  characterized by all types of social vices has been attributed to broken homes.
In today's news analysis correspondent examines the role of family in shaping the social Landscape of Nigeria.
The family consists of parents and children and classified into nuclear and extended families.
The family is the smallest unit of the society and it is the first agent of human socialization.This is why it is often said that the family is a reflection of the larger society.
The Father is the head of the Family assisted by the mother, who is his help meet in raising the children, instilling moral, ethical and cultural values in the children amongst other duties.
However, it is worrisome to note, that heads of families today are not living up to public expectations, especially in the upbringing of their Children.
Such " I don't Care" parents often leave their children to themselves without parental guide.No wonder Nigerian  Youths are today an endangered species, involved in sorts of crimes and anti-social activities. Parents in contemporary Nigeria Society, appear to be so busy with their kids who are always  in the care of house-help.
This "I don't care" attitude, no doubt, has negative impacts on the children, who sometimes go into themselves,exhibit deviant Characters,or make friends with persons of questionable Characters and negative influence.
Investigations have shown that such Children turn out to be armed robbers,sex workers, fraudsters and school drop-outs, amongst other.
The way forward is for parents, no matter how busy they are, to create time from their busy schedules, and be with their Children to provide leadership.
Parents, whether poor or rich, should strive to provide for their families instead of sitting idle and looking up to their Children for the family up keep.
Non-govermental or Civil Society organizations,saddled with the responsibility of protecting the Welfare of Children, should be proactive by visiting schools to give messages of hope to Children,who suffer from lack of parental care.School teachers and apprenticeship and trainers in workshops should help in identifying Children of this category, with a view to encourage them to look beyond their immediate circumstances.
Furthermore,adults resident in the neighborhood should help to cautiously correct any Child that is going astray as it was in traditional societies.
That way,Nigeria will be a society  devoid of social vices, immorality and crimes, a nation where high ethical and moral values are paramount and a society where everyone's brother's keeper.

May Day

May 1 every year is observed as the International Workers Day or May Day in most countries of the world.
In today's news analysis correspondent underscores the significance of May Day to Nigerians workers and the Nigerian economy.
International workers day is a day set aside to commemorate the 1886 Hay market affairs in Chicago,USA,where some workers engaged in a strike action to press home their demands.
This incident started the process for the international Labor Day. The first workers day in Nigeria was celebrated in Kano in 1980 as the then Governor Alhaji Abubarkar Rimi declared the day a public
holiday.
In 1981,however, the Federal government declared May 1 as workers day.
Nigerian workers converged on different open fields colorfully dressed in attires depicting their affiliate unions engage in match pass holding their union banners.
Governmental officials, civil society Activists and Human Rights crusaders also joined the Nigerian Labour union to observe the day. The day afford Nigerian workers the opportunity to reflect on the struggle for better working conditions and other  benefits.
On this memorable day Government Officials or their representives,the Nigerian Labour  congress NLC and the Trade Union Congress TUC and the United Labour council of Nigeria as well as Human Rights Activists deliver speech that dwell on workers welfare and well-being.
But how have the Nigerian Workers felt so far?
The Nigerian workers of today are still faced with unconducive working environment,inadequate working materials, poor remuneration,the inability of some States to pay salaries.
Many believes that the Nigerian workers are better off compared with their counterparts in other Climes.
Government and other Labour employers should endeavour to create a conducive working environment where employee can effectively discharge their duties.
Furthermore, the minimum wage of Civil Servants should be reviewed to meet current Economy realities  while workers salaries should be paid as at when due.
Employee, especially Government Workers who use precious working periods to engage in unproductive activities, those who are habitual late or truants should refrain forthwith.
Union Leaders who fight for the welfare and well-being of workers  should be more diplomatic in pressing home their demands and avoid confrontation.
As workers usually say"Solidarity is forever and the struggle continues until workers are better off "

SOURCES OF ENERGY

Nigeria is a country richly endowed with diverse sources of energy which can be used in all spheres of the nation's economy.

However it has been difficult for the nation to maximize these sources of energy for economic growth and development due to some variables.

This forms the basis of today's news analysis written by correspondent on how to maximize Nigeria's sources of energy for optimal economic development.

Since independence in 1960, energy generation and distribution in Nigeria has deteriorated to its present abysmal level.

Past and present administration have made concerted efforts to finding a lasting solution to the epileptic power challenges facing the country but with little or no results.

Many wonder why Nigeria the so called gaint of Africa, still produces bellow capacity, going by its enormous sources of energy.

Whereas other African nations, such as South Africa,Ghana, Egypt, Kenya among others, celebrate years of uninterrupted power supply.

Studies have shown that in a fast growing and modern industrialized world, energy is a major determinate of effective productivity, which also affect all spheres of human endeavors, including health, agriculture, commerce, trade, sports, research, just to mention but a few.

Some schools of thought, have blamed the energy problem in Nigeria, for the challenges facing many industries, small and medium enterprises, leading to pandemic poverty in the country.

The incessant power outage no doubt have resulted in increase crime rates in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the council for renewable energy has disclosed that power outage resulted in an annual lost of about one hundred and twenty six billion naira.

Apart from the huge income lost and high rate of criminality, power cut has also resulted in health hazards due to heat and frequent exposure to carbon emission cause by constant use of electricity generators in different households and business enterprises.

Energy experts have therefore suggested maximum utilization of renewable energy such as sunshine, wind and natural gas among others, which Nigeria has in abundant.

Many countries around the world, have long gone beyond hydro means of generating power into solar, gas turbine, wind mill, for generating electricity for distribution.

It is pertinent to note that while government strive to improve the power situation, the various authorities distributing power in the country should provide Nigerians with prepaid meters to help put an end to estimated billings.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC, should live up to its bidding in checking the excesses of the electricity distribution companies, particularly in term of tariffs.

In addition, electricity consumers should endeavor to pay their bills as at when due, rather than conniving with power distribution staff to invade payment.

Unpatriotic Nigerians who steals or vandalize electricity cable and installation especially meters and transformers should repent and turn a new leaf.

Electricity consumers should manage power supply effectively in their homes and industries by switching off electricity supply when not in use.

Only a multi system approach can adequately put an end to the power problem in the country.