Opmion/Features
Who’ll tell APC that people are dying?
By Kenneth Eze
Each day, the anguish of those using the Lagos-Ibadan expressway seems to peak. The next day, it gets worse. This has been the situation for almost a decade. Had it been possible, the people would have gotten used to it, but humans and hardship are strange bedfellows.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) seems to have found a formidable ally in Julius Berger. They always find a way to improve, to strengthen the stranglehold on the necks of road users at the Ogun State-Lagos State end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Watching miscreants, hoodlums, and armed criminals take advantage has left people wondering if all the parties are working together. This thought is hard to resist, given the realities confronting the people. And the onus is on the principal actors to prove otherwise.
If not for collaboration, why should the Nigerian Government, concession this critical national infrastructure to Julius Berger, a company well versed in tormenting the people? If there’s no strategy behind it, why should a government or a company, block Nigeria’s most economically important road without any alternative?
If Julius Berger for instance, had not been acting out a script, why is the execution of this contract consistently shoddy and taking forever? Those who know argue that this is the pace or quality for which Julius Berger is known. So, there must be more to this than meets the eyes.
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People also ponder, why are whole communities like Magboro, Arepo, and Nigeria’s flagship media platforms – The Punch and Channels TV arbitrarily blocked, endlessly. How on earth, would there be no entrance or exit from several communities on the span of this expressway?
Again, the agony of the people can cry to the high heavens, but not to the ears of APC led FG or their crony-company, Julius Berger. Had they been listening or hearing, there would have been no need for me to pen this. A lot has already been written on this subject.
President Mohammadu Buhari
If these writings had been of any effect, the poor execution, slow pace of work, highhandedness of Julius Berger, and arbitrary blocking of portions of the road would have been long looked into.
From trying to fix the long-bridge, which screams poor execution, years after work started on it, to arbitrarily scrapping and resurfacing portions of the road, within days of opening it to the public, the tales of woe are as endless as they are curious. And to consider, the audacity of cutting off service lanes which would have aided the free flow of traffic, as some of the signs that the APC and Julius Berger are deliberate to unleash untold hardship upon the citizenry.
Someone observed that the FG is using the road as a campaign tool for the 2023 general elections. Within this school of thought, the deafening public outcry amount to nothing but a public relations stunt with which the APC is angling for mindshare. The more people complain the more ear get to hear that APC is doing something, and the more it is evident that the APC is working, this school posits. The goal is to earn top of the mind awareness, however, it is attained.
Another school of thought has it that Julius Berger is strategically staging a protest because officials of the FG have ‘padded’ and ‘skinned’ the costing for the contract so craftily that the construction firm has found itself merely working for others. The only way it could remain in business, is to tinker with the quality of execution to save costs and break even.
And with that proving, a tough task, Julius Berger, has been constituting a nuisance with a view to instigating public anguish and outcry in the hope that it can earn a renegotiation of the contract.
These are mere conjectures. But we need the parties to come clean to clear the air.
Whichever turns out to be real, the anguish of the people has come to the level where if fellow humans continue to pay deaf ears, as they have been doing all these years, divinity might be left with no option but to intervene.
It is also getting to a point where no one can guarantee how the cookies would crumble, because unless something is done, and urgently too, something would give. At the moment, it is on the cliff, desperation is nudging expectation, and time is ticking away. Doing a 10-kilometer journey for three hours, on a daily, has worn out the citizens.
Before this last hope of the masses is activated, the problem remains, ‘who’ll tell the APC that citizens are dying?’ If they are not told or refuse to heed, the human remains will soon commence decomposing and then, neither the APC nor Julius Berger can survive the stench.
Ilebaye Precious Odiniya, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, emerged victorious in the All Stars edition of the reality TV competition, earning herself a grand prize of N120,000,000 and various other rewards. To shed light on her background, here are key facts:
Ilebaye’s birthdate is May 9, 2001, and she was born in Lokoja, Kogi State.
She proudly belongs to the Igala tribe and hails from Olamaboro local government area within Kogi State.
Her educational journey took her to the Federal Government Girls’ College in Kabba, where she completed her secondary schooling.
Academically, Ilebaye holds a degree in Criminology and Security Studies from Salem University in Lokoja.
In her early years, she ventured into the world of entertainment and graced popular movie productions such as “Papa Ajasco” by Wale Adenuga Productions.
Ilebaye boasts a career as a professional fashion model and is actively involved in entrepreneurship.
Her first attempt at the BBNaija platform was during Season 7, themed “Level Up,” although she faced eviction after just three weeks.
Among the All Stars housemates, Ilebaye stands out as the youngest participant.
Her family background includes being the daughter of Hon. Emmanuel Godson Odiniya and Mrs. Odiniya, with her father being a politician based in Abuja.
Notably, she serves as the CEO of O.I. Clothing, an emerging fashion brand making waves in Nigeria.
Most Times Love Is Not Forever
Life is a journey full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes, we find ourselves separated from our loved ones by the cruel hand of fate.
This separation can be one of the most challenging and heart-wrenching experiences we face in our lives. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which fate can pull us apart from those we care about, and how we can cope with such separations.
The Unpredictability of Life
Life is inherently unpredictable. We make plans, set goals, and build connections with people, but we cannot control the future. Fate often throws unexpected challenges and obstacles in our path, leading to separations that we never saw coming. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a sudden job relocation, or the end of a relationship, these moments can be devastating.
Distance Separations
One of the most common ways in which fate separates us from loved ones is through physical distance. A career opportunity in a different city or country, family obligations, or educational pursuits can lead to geographical separation. Being far away from those we care about can be emotionally challenging, as we yearn for their presence and companionship.
The Loss of Loved Ones
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching separation is the loss of a loved one due to illness, accidents, or old age. Death is an inevitable part of life, but it is also one of the cruelest ways fate can tear us apart from those we hold dear. Coping with the grief and emptiness that follows the loss of a loved one is a profound challenge that many of us face at some point in our lives.
Relationship Breakdowns
Romantic relationships are another area where fate can intervene and lead to separations. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, relationships don’t work out. Whether it’s due to differences, external circumstances, or other factors, the end of a meaningful relationship can feel like a cruel twist of fate.
COPING WITH SEPARATION
While the cruel hand of fate can indeed separate us from our loved ones, it’s essential to remember that we have the power to cope and heal. Here are some ways to navigate these difficult moments:
Acceptance: Accept that life is unpredictable and that separations are a part of the human experience. Acknowledging this reality can help you start the healing process.
Stay Connected: If physical distance separates you from loved ones, make an effort to stay connected through calls, messages, and video chats. Technology has made it easier than ever to bridge the gap.
Grieve and Seek Support: If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, allow yourself to grieve. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist to help you navigate the emotional pain.
Self-Care: Take care of your physical and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, and practice self-compassion during challenging times.
Focus on the Present: While it’s natural to miss those who are no longer with us or far away, try to focus on the present moment. Cherish the memories you have and look for new opportunities for growth and connection.
The cruel hand of fate can separate us from the people we love in various ways, but it’s essential to remember that we have the resilience to endure and overcome these challenges. Life may be unpredictable, but our capacity to adapt, connect, and heal is what makes us truly remarkable. Embrace the support of others and the strength within yourself as you navigate the trials of life, and remember that even in separation, the bonds of love and connection endure.
By Etim Etim
It is quite commendable that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has modified and relaunched its 12-year-old scholarship scheme for postgraduate studies in foreign universities to accommodate students in Nigerian institutions. It is a departure from the past when the programme was exclusively reserved for only Nigerian students in foreign universities.
By extending the scheme this year to include students in Nigerian institutions (public and private), the commission will take a huge financial burden off many parents and contribute handsomely to the funding of our tertiary institutions.
Mr. Akwa
The commission is therefore one of the handfuls of public agencies that provide scholarships to Nigerian students. I commend the NDDC for this gesture.
For this year, the scholarship scheme covers the following areas: Engineering, including Software/Aeronautic Space/Aeronautic Engineering, Medical Sciences/Medicine and Surgery, Computer Science Technology, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Hospitality Management, Law, Architecture, Robotic Engineering and Mathematics/Sciences.
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The core objectives of the scheme, according to the commission, are to boost human resource development in the Niger Delta region, equip our young people with the necessary training and skills and prepare them to compete globally in their chosen fields. Application details are available on the commission’s website.
Announcing the launch of the scholarship scheme earlier this month, NDDC’s Interim Administrator/Chief Executive, Dr. Efiong Akwa, said that applicants must come from the Niger Delta region and should possess five credits at not more than two sittings, and students are expected to have First Class or Second-Class (Upper Division) to benefit from the scholarship.
The NDDC boss stressed that the online application was free and that shortlisted candidates would undergo a Computer Based Test (CBT) to be conducted in each State of the Niger Delta by consultants to test their I.Q proficiency in English, Mathematics and General Paper.
Said Mr. Akwa: ‘’Quality education is at the heart of the development of any nation. We in the NDDC will continue to support our youths in the Niger Delta region to acquire the needed education and skills so that they can contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria”.
The NDDC scholarship scheme has trained about 2,000 young people from the Niger Delta in foreign institutions and various technical skills since its inception in 2010, and I am personally proud of these scholars for their sterling academic achievements.
The pleasant stories coming from some of the beneficiaries of the programme justify the huge resource the commission has invested in them. They are, indeed, a source of motivation for new generations of NDDC scholars.
Take Miss Cynthia Ebimiere Farka for example. She studied Oil and Gas Engineering at Coventry University in the United Kingdom. She’s a proud ambassador of the NDDC programme.
According to her, the programme is a capacity builder that equips the youths to join in developing the Niger Delta. “I pray that the NDDC will continue with this laudable programme which has helped many youths in the region. The commission should also extend the scholarship to other students at the undergraduate level as well as increase the number of beneficiaries.”
Another scholar, Miss Francisca Chiedu, who studied Information Engineering and Network Management at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, in the United Kingdom, was elected as President of the United Kingdom University Student Union during her days in the school.
That demonstrated that Nigerian youths could lead innovative changes within and outside the country. Her success was indeed a vindication for the NDDC. It is a testimony of the capability of the new generation of Nigerians to be the change they seek and champion worthy causes.
Mr Ubong Peters, a Ph.D student in Australia, was another worthy ambassador of the NDDC foreign post-graduate scholarship. He was celebrated for winning a three-minute thesis competition at his university.
Other outstanding scholars like Mr Augustine Osarogiagbon, who studied at Memorial University, UK, was so brilliant that he completed his Ph.D. in less than the stipulated time and has been offered a dual Ph.D. programme with two graduate assistants to work with him with a post-doctoral fellowship lined up.
The exceptional contributions of Mr Charles Igwe, a Ph.D. scholar in Construction Engineering at Concordia University, Canada, are also noteworthy. His unique design saved the Montreal Area Municipality over $1 billion. Igwe achieved the feat by redesigning the TURCOT interchange road construction project costing $3.67 billion.
A total of 1,411 students have received scholarships since 2010, of which 1,066 were supported in M.Sc and 345 in Ph.D programmes. Five of the M.Sc students graduated with distinction from Coventry University, England and one from Aberdeen University.
These positive results show the depth of talent within the Niger Delta and the positive contributions of NDDC to talent development and in the country. The scholarship scheme has indeed empowered citizens of the Niger Delta by building their capacity, especially in the oil and gas sector.
The objective is to equip the people so that they can compete favourably with others in terms of employment in the oil industry and also in entrepreneurship in the region.
It is also important to note that the new Minister of the Niger Delta, Mr Umana Okon Umana is equally very supportive of the commission’s scholarship programme.
In a discussion with this writer in his office in Abuja, Mr. Umana noted that the scheme was one of the outstanding achievements of NDDC and he would support it in his capacity as the supervising minister.
My personal recommendation is that the scholarship programme should not only continue, but should even be expanded to cover undergraduate studies.
Etim, a public affairs commentator, writes from Abuja.
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