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Open letter to South-East Governors: South-East economy in a Post oil and Restructured Nigeria
Dr.Osy Agbo has challenged the South East Governors to reorient their goals and prepare for the rainy day
Dr. Agbo who is based Texas (United States) over the weekend, wrote an open letter to the Governor, urging them to focus on the common good of the people, especially in preparation for post oil and restructured Nigeria.
“Personal success cannot insulate you from the failures of your society and the joy of material things are only but temporal. True and lasting happiness comes from the service of humanity. Today we will remind you to honour your vow. To lead and to protect the Igbo nation”.
The letter obtained by GrassRoots.ng reads:
Thru:
Your Excellency
Egnr. Dave Nweze Umahi
Executive Governor of Ebonyi State &
Chairman,South-East Governors’s forum
Government House
Abakaliki.
January 21,2020
Your Excellenices,
The Executive Governors,
Re: The South-East economy in a Post oil and Restructured Nigeria.
I hope it’s not too late to extend my hearty congratulations on your recent re-elections! Well. It’s been a couple of months now since you stood in front of our people and repeated those solemn oath. The vow to lead and protect. Though some may argue that the processes that foisted you are far from free and fair ,fact still remains that you are now custodians of a sacred mandate.
The mandate to pilot the affairs of Ndigbo in a way that we can at least dare to dream for a better future, having lost so many years to the locust. Am sure during those formative years, your excellencies may not have been the best brains or the most gifted hands in the mix.
Your wildest dream may not have taken you anywhere close to this mountain top. But here you are today, chosen to lead among men. As a people with deep rooted belief in the omnipotence of Chukwuokikeabiama, I think it’s safe to say the divine lent a hand in your ascent.
I seek to address your excellencies today for two reasons. One, as the group entrusted to lead an estimated 40 million Ndigbo whose destiny and experience in this country are inextricably interwoven.
Two ,by virtues of this position you now occupy ,only you at this moment have the power to position the South-East region to the path of sustainable economic development and prosperity.
Needless to say we are living in challenging times. Not only is Nigeria tettering on the precipice, our region where you hold sway and are undeniably biggest players is facing a monumental socio-economic and political crisis. Before you jump the gun, I would caution that the premise of this letter is not to recite our litany of woes. We have had enough of that already.
You will agree with me that the restructuring of this entity called Nigeria is on the horizon. Most policy experts are unanimous in the belief that it’s the only option left if a post oil Nigeria will continue to exist. And so it’s no more a question of if but when. Abuja knows this too well even as she drags her feet to continues to live off of the last proceeds coming from the black gold. The question is how are your excellencies preparing our region for a post oil and restructured Nigeria?
Late last year, some of our nation’s brightest minds converged in Lagos, under the auspices of Pastor Poju Oyemade led “The Platform”. It was to jaw-jaw on the way forward for a nation in crisis. The topic was “Redesigning the Nigerian Economy with new Ideas”. One of the highlight was the Q&A session that featured the current Lagos state Governor, Mr.Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The audience followed with excitement as he clearly laid out both short ,medium and long term plan on how Lagos is positioning for the future. He went from detailing his plan on decongesting the perennial Lagos traffic to issuing a recipe to promoting quality education.
He explained how Lagos will be introducing an electronic tracking devices to monitors teachers attendance and how his government have taken delivery of modern commuter trains.
Its no secret that the south west already play host to more than their proportionate share of small, medium and large scale industries in Nigeria. The region remains the favored destination of new capital. The south-west is seriously matching forward to the future.
It’s no doubt that Ndigbo parades many of the best brain and world class intellectuals . Even in the said conference, our own Prof Chukwuma Soludo and ex-Gov Peter Obi delivered powerful speeches and offered sound prescriptions. We are a people with unending quest for creativity and known for our ingenuity. We exhibit an uncommon can-do spirit. But it seems that’s all their is for us today.
Since the return to the civil rule in 1999,how many new industries have called the south east home? Have you ever stopped to wonder what happened to Aba, our commercial city that was once the hub of local technology and innovation in the west African sub-region? How come little Asaba has an airport yet Onitsha with its famed large volume of businesses has none? I could go on and on but am sure you get the sense. How are our governors planning for the future of our region on the eve of restructuring Nigeria?
Your excellencies,I put it to you without equivocation that today, Ndigbo as a group is punching far below her weight. The existing infrastructure in our various states can’t even support artisans let alone provide the impetus for the desperately needed industrial base to survive a post oil Nigeria. As I write you, the only international airport serving our estimated 40 million people is closed down for repair for months now as we continue to hope that at some point, it will reopen for business. The economic toll can only be imagined. Our interstate road network is so horrible that it cripples economic activities between our sister states. The security challenges are so high in the region that even our own people would rather stay in a foreign soil than come home to invest in our land. Am sure you will argue those are federal roads and that Abuja is in charge of the airports as well as control of the existing security apparatus, all of which are true. But that is only if you believe that Ndigbo cannot do anything as a people without cap in hand begging for help from Abuja. With effective and purposeful leadership, we can construct our own interstate highways, provide water tight security and even build an additional airport if need be without having to wait on an unfriendly and overburdened federal government of Nigeria. Now is the time to start cutting loose from the shackles of overdependence. Of course no one said the challenges will be small. Not at all. But we have taken on bigger things.
We are still the same people who fought an existential war that took all we had and yet in no time have successfully rebuilt to become one of the biggest middle class societies in the world. It’s very clear to us that government can’t solve all our problems. What we are asking from you is to create an enabling environment where our vibrant private sector can step in and roar. The only thing we are waiting for at this point is your badly needed leadership.
Our current situation demands a clear vision and concerted effort. We need to harness best practices to increase internally generated revenues(IGR) and foster productive collaborations between the governments of south-eastern states. It may interest you to know you are leading a population a little, more than the size of Canada and four times bigger than the State of Israel. Even Ghana,our next door neighbor is a country of just 30 Million people ,yet they have gone on to do greater things. Truth is their is nothing we cannot do as a people here in Igboland if your excellencies are ready to lead the way.
Our region was once blessed with selfless and visionary leaders. Men like M.I Okpara and Chief Sam Mbakwe. Little wonder their memories are still constantly invoked and their deeds referenced many years after the fact. Today’s visionless and self-centered leadership is hanging on our neck like an albatross.
Many of our elected officials through misappropriation and in the name of security votes have bilked the region dry and amassed ridiculous personal fortune that leaves them with no joy and rest of mind. We rent crowds to reaffirm support for a very bad administrations and sing praises on the most hollow achievement. We ignore our best minds and endorse touts and criminals to represent us, just because they helped with our nefarious agenda. We move around in convoys of more than a dozen luxury automobiles, blaring sirens and disturbing the peace when many of our young people are roaming the streets, jobless. Do we care to know how they really feel or just relying on the reassuring words from our bevy of sycophants ? The moment we step into office, we start plotting to be the next VP or how to secure a seat in the red chamber after our term is served out. Of course no one is against anyone pursuing his dreams. It’s your God given right. But it should never be at the risk of sabotaging the future of millions of our people.
Your excellencies, we watch with dismay and great indignation as your personal ambition for the most part colour your political calculus to the detriment of our people. The time for reckoning is not too far away!
As deplorable as some of the actions are, it will be unfair to just single you out for blame or lump you all together. Truth be told, some of you past and present have gone on to do great things with what you have. You know yourselves and no point naming names. The caterpillars of our commonwealth know themselves too. No need pointing fingers. To the extent that you are reflective of the horrific value system of the current society that produced you, we are all part of the problem. For much have been said of every society getting the leadership it deserves. That said, times are changing and the clock is ticking fast.
Creation of a South-East Regional Economic Development Council
We humbly suggest that you as a matter of urgency,set up such a body to come up with an economic blueprint to position our region for the future. We strongly emphasize Inter-state cooperation as a matter of necessity to be able to take on certain broader and capital intensive developmental projects needed to move the region forward. We will also recommend you select two persons from each state to be part of that body. One of such persons we believe ,should be an economic expert while the other is a policy expert ,all with a proven track record.
The terms of reference should be made to address the following:
1.INFRASTRUCTURE
How to improve existing or establish new inter-state roads and other critical Infrastructural necessary to ensure seamless movement of goods and services across our state lines.
2.INDUSTRIALIZATION
The best way to come up with an incentive to promote a private sector driven industrialization policy. Ndigbo cannot survive a post oil Nigeria without a solid industrial base.
3.POWER
Explore energy alternatives outside of the national grid. A new industrial revolution will be almost impossible with the current power situation in Nigeria.
3.SECURITY
Propose effective ways to tackle security challenges complementary to what obtains at the moment. Progress and prosperity is impossible in an atmosphere of insecurity.
LEAD NDIGBO TO UNLEASH OUR LIMITLESS PRIVATE SECTOR POTENTIALS AND CREATE THE MOST VIBRANT ECONOMY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
These are the critical areas we believe your excellencies should give priority. Obviously this is only but our humble contribution to the ongoing discuss. We all know our region is full of men with far superior intellect and better idea than just stated.
Nonetheless, we challenge you to reorient your goal and focus for the common good. Personal success cannot insulate you from the failures of your society and the joy of material things are only but temporal. True and lasting happiness comes from the service of humanity. Today we will remind you to honor your vow. To lead and to protect the Igbo nation.
God bless you all and may our future be worthy of our dream.
Sincerely,
Dr.Osy Agbo (Okanga-Omenuko)
21/1/2020
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Shocking departure of Rafatu Salami: Thunderbolt on journalism
By Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji
I still find it difficult to believe sudden demise of Rafatu Salami. I first came in physical contact with her when I joined International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria. Before then, we had never met, but only knew our names while practicing journalism
That our maiden meeting was at the 3-day conference of International Press Conference (IPI), in October 2024, held in Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ikeja axis of Lagos State and I can attest to the proactive nature of Rafat, which I admired, as she was up and doing to ensure a successful outing. That skills coupled with her accommodating nature made us to be professionally close
In similar vein, our second encounter was during a training organized for senior journalists in Nigeria by the Nestle Nigeria Plc held between September 11 to 13, 2024. Interestingly, myself and Rafat represented International Press Institute (IPI) and this also provided opportunity for two of us to be more united in journalism.
I recalled vividly that she exhibited her cerebral skills at the training session with robust contributions, and also added glamour to the programme, with her no dull moment nature, which also caught attention of all participants.
I can attest to the accommodating nature of Rafat, and it will be difficult for all other participants that we knew each other less than two years, because her accommodating nature was superb. She always relates with me as if we have known each other for decades.
The known outspoken and vibrant late female journalist is somebody I cherished because of her humility, proactive nature and hardwork among other qualities, particularly in the media industry. She doesn’t believe in failure, but always optimistic that there should be positive results for whatever project she shows interest
In October 25, 2024 she sent me a message about a proposed conference being organized by an establishment to take place in Abeokuta, and asked me to help secure venue and attend to other logistics, which I swiftly responded to, as a way to also appreciate her, because if you handover an assignment to her, Rafatu would also ensure that she provide good results
In the course of our discussions, I even encouraged her to come and join Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), which I am also a member, because of her competence in the media, and in response she said she would join when she attain the position of Deputy Director in her office, explaining that she was still an Assistant Director.
She expressed optimism that she would soon get her promotion which will pave way for her to join the Guild.
However, on November 3, 2024 when I didn’t hear from her about the proposed conference, I was curious to know cause of delay, but sent me a message that she had been experiencing excruciating pain on her legs and could not walk or sit, but making attempt to walk round her room.
I felt for her, and had to recommend a pain relief lotion which I sent the image to her so she can buy and start applying on the legs, I was thinking it was just a minor pain at that time. She appreciated my concern, and replied me she would source for it.
Below is first round of our WhatsApp contact chat
[09/12, 11:00 pm] Ijesakinsman: Uv done ur conference in Abeokuta?
[09/12, 11:01 pm] Rafatu IPI: No. I’ve been incapacitated for 8 weeks now
[09/12, 11:02 pm] Ijesakinsman: What went wrong
[09/12, 11:02 pm] Rafatu IPI: Had excruciating pain on my right leg, could not walk or sit
[09/12, 11:03 pm] Rafatu IPI: But I have begun walking around my room now
[09/12, 11:03 pm] Rafatu IPI: At least I go to toilet without support
[09/12, 11:05 pm] Ijesakinsman: God perfect ur healing
[09/12, 11:05 pm] Rafatu IPI: Amen
But I became shock on December 12, 2024 when I her saw on wheel chair during the conference of International Press Institute (IPI) held in Abuja. Honestly, I was dazed with that picture posted on the Institute membership platform.
I could not resist to keep mute over the development and had to send text to her later in the evening of the event, telling her that I never, knew the medical situation was so heartbreaking, and in response said she cried for hours before she could accept to use the wheel chair to attend the event
This worrisome development motivated me for regular and daily contact with her both on chat and video calls, to know how she’s fairing everyday. This our regular conversation was between December 9 to 17, 2024, as produced below, not until early morning of Friday, just about 48 hours of our chat and video discussions with her, I got the sad news.
Yet I still didn’t believe, because I still spoke with her few days. My curiosity made me to put a call across to her phone at about 7am, that was when it dawned on me, when receiver of the phone call who identified himself as a brother-in-law confirmed the bad news which shattered the day for me and the journalism family.
One thing that is clear is that we cannot query God, who knows everything. Rafat has done her bit, came and gone, but her good work, particularly in the media industry will forever remain a reference point in the nobble profession. No doubt, her sudden exit will be felt in the journalism world, which was her love profession. God rest her soul.
As I earlier stated above, second version of our conversation between December 9 till Tuesday December 17 before her final exit from this sinful world is produced below
[12/12, 1:32 pm] Ijesakinsman: I never knew is that serious that ur on wheel chair
[12/12, 1:35 pm] Rafatu IPI: Yeah
[12/12, 10:23 pm] Ijesakinsman: God will perfect the healing
[12/12, 10:50 pm] Rafatu IPI: Amen
[12/12, 11:02 pm] Ijesakinsman: Honestly, I was shocked when I saw it.
[12/12, 11:03 pm] Rafatu IPI: I cried for a whole day before agreeing to use it
[12/12, 11:06 pm] Ijesakinsman: U don’t need to cry, just be optimistic. I can understand cos I know how proactive ur, and to be confine on wheel chair can be difficult experience. I know God will heal you
[14/12, 11:53 pm] Rafatu IPI: Getting better by the day
[14/12, 11:54 pm] Ijesakinsman: I already have you in my prayer point
[14/12, 11:54 pm] Rafatu IPI: Amen and amen
[14/12, 11:56 pm] Ijesakinsman: Honestly, I was shocked when I saw that ur pix at conference. But am optimistic that you will get over it
[14/12, 11:56 pm] Rafatu IPI: By the special grace of God, the worst is already behind us
[14/12, 11:57 pm] Ijesakinsman: God grace
[15/12, 7:20 pm] Ijesakinsman: God grace and very soon you will rise up to your feet and be more agile and proactive
[15/12, 7:30 pm] Rafatu IPI: Amen and amen
[16/12, 11:49 pm] Ijesakinsman: How are u fairing now
[16/12, 11:49 pm] Rafatu IPI: Much better. Thank you sir
[16/12, 11:50 pm] Ijesakinsman: You will walk on ur own
[17/12, 1:11 am] Rafatu IPI: Amen
Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji is founder Penpushing Media and member International Press Institute(IPI). He wrote this piece from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Headquarters of the Penpushing Media
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FG Pledges Enhanced Security for Southeast Region
… Adequate security is vital for business prosperity – Badaru
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has assured the people of the South-East of enhanced security measures, emphasizing that a secure environment is crucial for business growth and prosperity.
During his operational visit to Enugu in the South-East, the Minister addressed officers and personnel of the 82 Division/Joint task force south East Operation Udo ka under the General officer commanding, Major-General H.T Dada .He appreciated their performance while urging them to intensify their efforts in combating insecurity in the region. He also engaged with key stakeholders, including heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, students, and other community leaders, to discuss collaborative strategies for addressing the current security challenges. Other military platforms visited by the Minister included the Nigerian Airforce base Emene, Enugu.
“President Tinubu has directed me to engage with you all to find sustainable solutions to insecurity. Without security, there can be no peace or development,” Badaru stated. He acknowledged the entrepreneurial spirit of the South-East populace, asserting that security and peace are essential for businesses to thrive. “We seek your candid suggestions and information on how we can practically enhance security and foster lasting peace in this region,” he added.
The Minister reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating all forms of insecurity in the South-East . He elucidated on the progress made by the Tinubu administration over the past year in combating insecurity across the nation, particularly in these region.
“There is a renewed determination to intensify our efforts against all forms of insecurity under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he declared.
In his remarks, Major General Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division/ JointTask south East Operation Udo ka, announced that the Army is implementing robust strategies to ensure a safe and secure environment for the upcoming festive season. “Through the Joint Security Task Force in the South-East, code-named ‘Operation UDO KA’, we aim to create a secure atmosphere that facilitates the usual mass return for Christmas,” he stated.
Additionally, retired Major General John Nwoga emphasized the role of social media in exacerbating insecurity, noting that the circulation of old videos depicting criminal activities contributes to fear and panic within communities. “It is imperative for our people to collectively address the negative impact of misleading information and fake news proliferated through social media,” Nwoga urged.
Furthermore, the Minister visited Imo State in continuation of his operational tour of southEast on Friday 22nd November 2024. He addressed the troops at the FOB okigwe, 211 Quick Response Group, Nigerian Airforce owerri and Naval Base Oguta in Imo State. He expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR message to them and that they should improve on their successes.
The Honourable Minister also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Hope Uzodimma of imo state to extend his gratitude to the Governor for all his support to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army/ Joint Task force south East, Operation udo ka. “All the officers and men appreciates you.”
The Ministry of Defence remains committed to fostering a secure and peaceful environment conducive to business and community development in the South-East. We are determined to end insecurity in Nigeria.
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Rented Crowed, APC AKIDA Leader with Zamfara State Govt. Buses Embark on Campaign of Calumny at DSS Office
Godiya Hamza, a Media Analyst, writes from Abuja
The orchestrated campaign of calumny against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle MON by a group of street orchins recruited by the leader of APC AKIDA Tijjani Ramallan is very preposterous and indecent.
This is politics too far, Ramadan has been attacking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR right from campaign days. He never supported or participated in APC activities, he has been jealous of Matawalle loyalty to our President.
Tijjani Ramallan has been sponsoring Banditry and romancing with criminals.
The leader of the APC AKIDA Tijjani Ramallan is being sponsored by the state government to attack the person of Dr Matawalle. It is expected that by now the DSS should have arrested him . He has found himself as a willing tool to be manipulated by Governor Dauda Lawal in attacking Dr Matawalle.
The earlier smear campaign embarked by zamfara state government which was stopped by a court order has forced them to shift to the use of APC AKIDA to carry out their mischief.
What zamfara people need is good governance and not wasting the state resources in trying to pull Matawalle down.
Pull him down syndrome pays no body.
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