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Opinion/Feature

(OPINION) Who To Blame For Social Vices In Nigeria?

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2 years ago

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Social Vices In Nigeria?

By Funmilayo Olusanya

Social vices are defined as undesirable characteristics, unhealthy habits, and negative attitudes that violate social norms and are despised by other people in society. Social vices are unhealthy and unethical; society does not approve of them.

Prostitution, indecent dress, robbery, cultism, pocket-picking, drug addiction, exam fraud, hooliganism, thuggery, gambling, smoking, pre-marital sexual activities, evil or immoral behavior such as murder, rape, alcoholism, taking of illegal substances, among other vices, are common among young men and women.

Social Vices In Nigeria?

According to popular belief, social vices among adolescents of all genders, vices are prevalent. However, it may interest you to know that some of our so-called “elders” and, astonishingly, some of our “parents” engage in unethical and immoral behavior, raising the question of who is providing the right examples and norms?

Every sectors has a blame game i.e we have the case of each parties or sector shifts the blame to the others with an iota of responsibility.

It’s against this backdrop, that i will be given a breakdown of how each party is to be blamed. For me, Individual: 50%, Parent 40% and Government 10%.

Individuals (18 and above) are largely responsible for any social vices they display. Then the parents and lastly the system of government.

One of the major causes of social vices is poor parenting. Through proper planning, parents are to give birth to a certain number of children they would be able to cater for and nurtured in terms of providing their basic needs; giving them quality education included.

However, when a family produces more offspring than it can cater for, such children go in search of means of livelihood most times on the streets. And when parents shirk their responsibilities, training their children becomes difficult.

Most parents don’t correct their children when they go against the norms and culture of a society.

Some weeks ago, Nigerian Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti revealed that he prefers online fraud also known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ to gambling. The lead singer of the Egypt 80 band pleaded with African adolescents to give up gambling and engage in “Yahoo Yahoo” instead. Kuti claimed it was a plan thought up by the whites to dupe them out of their few resources and offer them false hope.

In this case, Seun Kuti is a parent and there are lots of youths following him as mentor or role model. While cyber Crime is one of the menaces facing the country, a father, mentor and role model just openly pledged his support to it!

Social vices are a dream killer, they can ruin the reputation of a man in a twinkle of an eye. many lives lost, many glory damaged due to this tragedies called social vices in Nigeria.

For example, Social media celebrity, Ramon Abbas, better known as Hushpupi, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison after he was convicted of laundering earnings from a school finance scam, business email hack, and other fraudulent cyber operations, by the United States District Court sitting at the Central District of California on Monday, November 7.

Hushpuppi is a an expert in frauding who had robbed people locally and internationally of their money before he was arrested by the Dubai Police in June 2020 and his extradition to the United States.

Hushpuppi, who is 40 is a father to children, now what example is he laying for this innocent kids? Because years to now, his story will still be glaring to them

I tagged Individual as 50% because there are some with good parenting upbringing, and a very good working system but social vices are still being recorded in their country.

It comes down to what you want as an individual in terms of goals, dreams, achievements, and visions.

A lot of individuals have issues setting achievable goals, thereby setting high expectations which can result in making bad decision making.

A lot of individuals dream big without realizing each dream requires the right effort.

In this world we live in nowadays, a 20-year-old male or female youth want to drive the latest car. It’s more like a competition among youths to prove who is better off in terms of who wears the latest clothes, and shoes or who has the latest phones. For these vanities, most youths go to extreme levels. Doing all these things is never an achievement.

Most young male and female want to live a sophisticated lifestyle without having to go through the process, but their father is neither Otedola nor Dangote. Rome they say is not built in a day, except you cut corners, it is impossible to be wealthy in one day.

An overview of activities in Nigeria reveals how social vices have become the order of the day among the youth. Internet fraud, cultism, prostitution, and the like have attained peak levels.

Many don’t want to go through the right process in actualizing their goals because they think it is too long and takes time to achieve them.

The individual tends to fall into peer pressure in schools, the community, or the environment.

Note: Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) chairman, Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, recently confirmed in one of her posts online that Nigeria’s crime rate is one of the highest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It could be recalled that recently, UAE slams a visa ban on all citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, and 17 other African countries.

Also, the Nigerian government has evacuated 542 stranded Nigerians in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

All these come down to Nigerian youths constituting these social vices even when they get to other countries.

You have the power to choose as an individual whether to do right or wrong as we are responsible for our future.

Further more, I will tag the government as 10% because looking at it, the system of government abroad is something to write home about.

Government abroad gives their citizens many advantages like funds, exposure, freedom, good educational system yet there are still citizens that misuse these opportunities.

These people still get involved in crimes, like robbery, prostitution, murder, etc.

Meanwhile In a situation where we have a weak civilian and corrupt government, like Nigeria it increases the rate of social vices in the society.

This country Nigeria has frustrated so many youths into getting engaged in immoral acts and behavior.

Cyber Crime is common in Nigeria today because the citizens especially the youth sort for greener pastures because of unemployment.

Nigeria has left many handicapped and disoriented as they retire to the saying: “There is no job in Nigeria.” Thus, idleness is a great enhancer of illicit affairs.

So many seek greener pastures wherever or in whichever way they can whether negative or positive they don’t care.

My Opinion

Parents should do well to teach their children/wards morals, principles and acceptable societal values from a young age, to help position their minds in making the right decisions and doing the right thing. In this mindset, the youth will be able to handle whatever society throws at them.

Again, this is a passionate appeal to every parent to instill the right morals and appropriate societal values in their children from a tender age. The Holy Book says: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he would not depart from it.” Having done this, our country will be a better and safer place.

As an individual God gave us a brain to think, we all have unique abilities God bestowed on us, don’t use that your great talent in cyber Crime, fraud, or scamming people, remember you will be the one to bear the consequences and you can lose your life in the process. Don’t allow anyone to rush you and don’t rush yourself, learn to go through the process.

The government should also provide good job opportunities and create empowerment programs for the youths to get them busy since “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop”.

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Opinion/Feature

Downstream Deregulation: Between Obasanjo’s Half-measures And Tinubu’s Bold Leadership

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2 months ago

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October 28, 2024

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By Temitope Ajayi
A video of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s interview with News Central Television has been trending on social media platforms for the past week. In the interview, the former President, in a veiled reference to the current administration, said Nigeria has a President who came into office without a plan. Yet, the same ‘planless’ president is implementing a bold economic reform programme that Obasanjo initiated and abandoned mid-way.
This intervention is essentially about a tale of two leaders and how they both handled fuel subsidy removal, a very touchy issue every president of Nigeria has avoided since 1973 because of its disruptive nature and potential to precipitate a pushback that may lead to civil unrest. This serious matter in itself can make a difference between a bold and courageous leader from one that is pretentious and hesitant.
It is a fact of history that one of the things former President Obasanjo set out to do, among other reforms his administration embarked upon, was complete deregulation of the downstream oil industry. But hard as he tried, he failed to actualise it. Obasanjo faced so much opposition from organised labour and civil society groups that he abandoned a good policy that would have led to massive economic gains for the country. All he could muster the courage to do was to raise the pump price four times during his two-term tenure.
Twenty years after Obasanjo failed to implement complete downstream deregulation, President Bola Tinubu had the courage of his conviction to implement the policy, redirect the economy, and ensure efficiency in the management of public finance.
Despite his foibles and messianic complex, former President Obasanjo is no doubt a remarkable leader. His administration opened the economy and implemented essential reforms that his immediate successor should have continued with. What most critics find offensive about the former president is how he sees himself as the only saviour God created for Nigeria. As far as he is concerned, no other leader before and after him has been good enough. For context and clarity, it is essential to recall the former president’s position on deregulating the downstream oil sector when he was in charge.
In a national broadcast on October 8, 2003, President Obasanjo expressed his frustration and anger at the Nigeria Labour Congress for its opposition to the deregulation of the downstream sector to the point of accusing labour leaders of sedition thus:
“As you are aware, my government has embarked on fundamental reforms designed to depart from the waste and unproductive exercises of the past and leave lasting legacies for the prosperity and improved welfare and well-being of all Nigerians. Since 1999, we have gradually but steadily embarked on the programme of liberalisation and deregulation of the Nigerian economy to promote efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. Most Nigerians and certainly all organised key stakeholders in the Nigerian economy, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, have endorsed the deregulation programme of government.
“It is a fitting symbol of our administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers and in an effort to cushion the effects of deregulation that the government provided 80 buses to the NLC in 2002. The transliner buses were delivered to the Congress for management without government interference. It is noteworthy that every step taken to deregulate the downstream oil sector has been dogged by, sometimes, irresponsible opposition by the Labour Congress. The result has been that we took too little steps to achieve no meaningful and satisfactory progress. We have tolerated all of these in the interest of promoting popular dialogue and informed dissent.
“Let me inform Nigerians that when government first came up with the deregulation programme, it was endorsed by the NLC and other stakeholders. In fact, the NLC had requested that we call it a “liberalisation” programme. It was thus more a matter of label than of substance. If we had been successful in implementing the deregulation or liberalisation of the downstream oil sector as earlier agreed by all stakeholders, including labour, we would not have been worrying about the periodic and unsatisfactory price-fixing which has led no where except to frustration. The failure to fully deregulate or liberalise has also cost Nigerians billions of naira which are currently wasted on millions of man-hours in queues at the petrol stations.
“The tens of billions of naira currently being lost in money that could have been used to increase capital spending in the universities, fund agriculture, repair and rehabilitate our roads, invest in education and health, improve security with extra police for security of lives and property.
“Realising that the investment of well over $400 million (excluding pipelines and depots) in the last six years mostly on Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) and repairs had not improved the performance of the refineries significantly, government had decided that it was unwise to put additional money into the repair of the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries before privatising them.
“What most Nigerians must know is that the contracts for the Turn Around Maintenance for the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries were awarded with 50% of the cost paid upfront before the advent of this administration in 1999. Allow me to add that two of the three refinery locations in the country today, were built by my administration as military head of state. This means that if for no other reason, I should be interested in keeping them working. Already, 18 private firms have been licensed to build refineries but they have been reluctant to go into the industry because of Government’s price control in the sector.
“If only 30% of these firms had been able to establish and operate private refineries, thousands of jobs would have been created and Nigeria would have been in a position to even export refined oil products. All these benefits and more have been denied to Nigerians by the stop-go approach to the deregulation or liberalisation programme, and only a few Nigerians are benefiting from the prevailing government-controlled system. In fact, the NLC’s approach has been counter-productive, and inflicted more pains on Nigerian workers. Each time there is a small increase of three naira or more, transporters have used the opportunity to jerk up transportation cost thereby making the ordinary worker poorer.
“A once-and-for-all total deregulation would have meant a once-and-for-all increase in transport cost and the pump price for petroleum products. Without a doubt, a once-and-for-all total deregulation would have resolved the problem of availability and thus bring down prices for those outside Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and their environs who have always paid much more than the official posted price. Pump prices arising from the present total deregulation would, in reality, amount to a reduction in prices of majority of Nigerians.”
Interestingly, excerpts from the 2003 national broadcast by President Obasanjo present a contrast between the former leader and President Tinubu. They also showcase two leadership visions. One leader saw the need to fight for the country’s long-term sustainability but chickened out because he lacked the courage to upset the status quo. Two decades later, another leader saw the damage the failure to make the right economic decision had caused the country. He decided to correct it to avert a looming calamity. While former President Obasanjo left the most challenging task of his presidency undone, President Tinubu tackled head-on what has become an existential threat to our collective well-being from his first day in office. He has remained focused on the bigger picture.
President Tinubu recognises the burden of leadership and responsibility he bears on behalf of Nigerians. In discharging this burden, he knew from day one that he would have to make the right but unpopular decisions that would ultimately serve the best interest of the country and her people.
It is certainly not correct to say this president came to the office without a plan. President Tinubu came into the office with a clear plan titled “Renewed Hope 2023: Action Plan for a Better Nigeria.” It was a well-thought-out programme, with which he canvassed for votes across the country and was elected by our people.
In the past 17 months, he has remained faithful to the document as he implements the distilled eight-point agenda.
At the heart of President Tinubu’s economic revitalisation is gas development and expansion of gas pipeline infrastructure to enable Nigeria to compete with Russia in the European markets. In fairness to him, former President Obasanjo himself recently lamented he did not pay adequate attention to gas during his term of office.
Expanding the pool of available talents and human capital through granting of loans to young Nigerians who are the future of the country to enable them acquire tertiary or vocational education is part of the plans that propelled Tinubu into office. Consumer credit initiative that will promote local production and further stimulate the economy is also high on Tinubu’s action plan. To the President’s credit, these two important policy initiatives among several others are being implemented through NELFUND and Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp).
If there is one President of Nigeria that came prepared and well armed with a clear cut plan to reposition the country across sectors for better outcomes, that President, undoubtedly, is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
-Ajayi is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Publicity
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Opinion/Feature

UNCOMMON SCHOLAR, EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR: MY TRIBUTE TO PROF. OLOYEDE AT 70

Published

3 months ago

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October 9, 2024

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By President Bola Tinubu

As Professor Ishaq Oloyede turns 70 tomorrow, October 10, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.

As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.

ALSO READ: Tinubu Congratulates Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu On Her Election As President, UICC

His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.

Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.

Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.

Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.

In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.

I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.

The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.

On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.

I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to honour the distinguished professor with health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation for many more years.

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Opinion/Feature

Clarification On NNPCL Refinery Operations

Published

3 months ago

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October 9, 2024

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By Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD

My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos. I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false. This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.

It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.

ALSO READ: NNPC/Seplat JV’s “Eye Can See” Programme Restores Vision, Hope In Imo

The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.

I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wrote from Abuja, Nigeria

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