It is said that "There are three kinds of people; those that
make things happen, those that watch things happen and those who don't know what's happening." Which one are you?
OUR TIME IS NOW!
2011 will mark a redefining moment in the history of our nation. If we do not register to vote, we cannot bring about the wholesome national transformation that we seek. If we cannot identify our leaders now and begin to mobilise support for them ahead of 2011, trust me, I need no prophet and no soothsayer to foretell that we are set for one of the biggest generational setbacks of the century!
Yes we may hold conferences and seminars; yes we may inspire the attitude of change in hundreds of our young people; yes we may continue the talking and I say yes, all that is good. But pray, what is the future worth without the desired CREDIBLE LEADERSHIP that will propel our nation into the heights of national greatness?
Today's so-called Asian Tigers were not known for talking too much. They took ACTION! America, the world's greatest democracy has a long history of national greatness anchored on ACTION + ACTION + ACTION! Go ask the Washingtons, the Franklins, the Lincolns, the Roosevelts, the Kennedys...go ask Martin Luther King Jnr...or if you choose, ask Obama!
What then is the problem with us? Why have we remained in our comfort zones? Should we wait till our nation becomes a pariah nation like Somalia before we awake to the reality of our national predicament? I scream a loud NO! And again I say OUR TIME IS NOW! The future is a responsibility whose time has come. We have a choice to deliver it with our actions now or neglect it at our own peril.
I am talking to you young Nigerian in that cybercafe! My heart pours out to you young Nigerian in that lecture room, in that church, in that mosque, in that office space, in that car, in that lounge, in that closet of yours! Have you pondered about the future you want to see? Does it matter to you what the future holds for you and your children? What are your dreams of the future Nigeria? Do you believe that dreams come true? Hold on a second...
Are you the leader of a change group or movement? You are an invaluable asset to this cause. I believe the time has come for us to take our advocacy to the next level. We may be involved in different dimensions of the change project but we are all committed to birthing a new Nigeria of our dreams. Where are my mentors and contemporaries in this cause? Where are my co-nation builders? Does anyone feel the agitations of my spirit?
If I am the only one who believes we can re-awaken the Obama phenomenon come 2011, then, kindly ignore this writing as the rantings of a visionless Nigerian youth. But if you believe as I believe that 2011 is a critical process in our national advancement, then engage me.
I am
Ohimai Godwin Amaize
mrfixnigeria@yahoo.com
07041405391
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Will the killings continue?
Since 1960 when the country gained independence, Nigeria has lost millions of her citizens to sectarian violence.
From the series of violent upheavals which are now relics of the country’s early post-colonial past to the civil war which claimed over three million souls, the Nigerian experience is like a bloody battle between sworn foes nurtured by the eternal echoes of a retribution that must be avenged again and yet again.
Sadly, in the midst of these national tragedies, it appears for the most part, that Nigerians have chosen to remain mute witnesses to the senseless recurring carnage which today situates itself in the nation’s body politic. But what can the people do?
Often victims of a failing order bedevilled by a tragically wobbly cohesion between the national promise and expectation, one can hardly surmise a coherent intervention from the people where the government itself has lost touch with the nation’s agenda for credible direction.
From the Maitatsine riots of 1980 to the Zango-Kataf riots of 1992, Nigeria has since been in and out of the bloody depths of sectarian violence. In 1999, about a 100 people reportedly lost their lives to two bloody days of ethnic violence in Lagos.
BBC reported that the trouble began when Hausa and Yoruba traders started fighting for control of a popular food market in Ketu on the outskirts of the city.
On October 15, 2001, protests in Kano state against American and coalition forces’ bombings in Afghanistan left dozens of people dead. Between June, 2001 and October, 2002, nearly 1,000 persons lost their lives in religious conflicts between Muslims and Christians in Bauchi and Plateau states.
In November 2002, as Nigeria prepared to host the Miss World Beauty Pageant, violent protests by Islamic groups, particularly in northern Nigeria, derailed Nigeria’s hosting of the event. In 2007, fights over Danish cartoons of Prophet Mohammed killed more than 100 Nigerians.
About 10,000 people have died in ethnic and religious violence since 1999. One wonders, will the killings continue Perhaps the answers are buried in the ruins of the recent past as Nigeria witnessed last July the sectarian violence unleashed upon Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states, claiming hundreds of lives.
Christened the Boko Haram riots, the violence was ignited by the Boko Haram group, a northern Nigerian Islamic movement opposed to Western education. Boko Haram means “Western education is sinful”.
Amid the social tension generated by the festering Niger-Delta crisis, one must observe the crisis beyond the matrix of a mere breakdown of law and order.
The extra-judicial killing of Mohammed Yusuf, leader of the Boko Haram sect recasts the issue in new dimensions, raising questions about the nation’s flawed law enforcement, the effect of harsh socio-economic conditions in the proliferation of sectarian violence while also hinting at the possibility of a hegemonial religious conspiracy theory. The emerging issues are disturbing.
Professor Murtalal Muhibbu-Din, Head of the Department of Religion at the Lagos State University, contends that the crisis was born out of anger and frustration rather than religious faith.
“What they said they were fighting against, such as Western education and Western values, are just smokescreens to vent their anger on the government.
That is why they are attacking police stations, which they see as government establishments,” he told IPS in Lagos.
The same could be said of the Niger-Delta conundrum. Agitation on behalf of the politically-marginalised and socio-economically deprived ethnicities for a fairer share of the oil wealth, have sustained armed resistance in the region till date.
Curiously, law enforcement agencies have yet to bring a single perpetrator of religious violence to justice. This, according to The Guardian, has “emboldened all sorts of religious fundamentalists who rise at will to visit mayhem on innocent people.”
As Nigeria continues in her troubled odyssey, one can only hope for a future that thrives on a coherent union and management of the nation’s diverse human and natural resources.
Achieving this will depend on the quality and ability of the nation’s leadership। Failing portends an imminent relapse into another round of violent uprisings that could degenerate into an irreversible national apocalypse.
Ohimai Godwin Amaize
September, 2009
Culled from www.234next.com
http://234next.com/csp/cms
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
District 9: Deconstructing Brand Nigeria
Not a few Nigerians were incensed with Oprah Winfrey when she maligned Nigeria and Nigerians in a TV discussion about the global scourge of cyber crimes. In an attempt to lend credence to her inflammatory pronouncement, Oprah purportedly played the video clip of a popular Nigerian hit-track that celebrates cybercrimes (Yahoo-Yahoo) to millions of viewers hooked on to her Oprah Winfrey Talk Show worldwide. Whatever that meant, I believe Oprah is entitled to her own opinion.
Only last week, Sony Corporation issued an apology to Nigeria over a TV commercial for its latest PlayStation which attacks with innuendo, the reputation of Nigerians. The Sony apology came shortly after Nigeria’s official image maker, Information and Communications Minister, Prof. Dora Akunyili issued a release condemning and demanding an unreserved apology from Sony Corporation. Good for Nigeria and kudos to Madam Dora, Sony has withdrawn the commercial, but not before it had been posted on YouTube, entrenching our global reputation in the liminal limbo between death and dying.
And just as Nigerians were still smarting from the attack delivered by the Sony advert came a new assault, this time from the world’s movie capital – Hollywood. In District 9, a 2009 science fiction directed by Neill Blomkamp, written by Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell, and released on August 14, 2009, Nigerians are portrayed as voodoo experts, gangsters, drug dealers, pimps, prostitutes, cannibals and an unintelligent bunch of weapon traffickers. For the sake of our cinemas, let me avoid a sheepish regurgitation of the plot within this discourse.
I saw District 9 on the evening of September 9, 2009. Shot on location in Chiawelo Soweto, South Africa, District 9, apparently another Hollywood sell-abroad in the league of movies like the famed Indian Slumdog Millionaire, grossed $US 37 million on the weekend of its release and has been attracting reviews some of which have critiqued it for its apparent selection and demonization of the Nigerian people. This is where I have a problem. Whether the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Sony and now Neill Blomkamp acted in good faith or whether they were right in their assertions about Nigeria is first, not as important, as telling ourselves the truth about Nigeria and the need for us to do something serious about it. Before we be begin to roar in outrage, before we begin to call for the heads of those who amplify our national notoriety, let’s do a bit of introspection here. Are we truly not what they say we are?
Talking about cyber crimes (Yahoo-Yahoo), we rank third globally. Corruption nko? Until Nuhu Ribadu appeared on the scene in 2004, Nigeria was globally reputed as one of the most corrupt nations of this world. Sadly, in the last one year, Nigeria has begun a steady relapse into the dark days of the past. Or is it prostitution? Let us leave Italy out of this matter. Our electoral process is reality stranger than fiction! Since independence, our leaders have been powerless about the power issue plunging the entire nation, particularly our manufacturing sector into the recklessness of fruitless darkness. Our terrible roads are probably too long an issue to discuss here. Or is it our sharply declining per capita income or lazy theories of seven sleeping agendas? Maybe we should talk about the deprived communities of the Niger-Delta and the resultant carnage unleashed upon us by militant youths who should be in school to make their families and our nation proud. Tell me; where else in the world do people get slaughtered over cartoons they know absolutely nothing about?
It is this same Nigeria of rock star bankers in shiny suits and armoured car convoys dishing out may-God-forgive-them loans in billions of dollars to their friends, families and well-wishers. It is this same Nigeria where people live and die to understand that the police who ought to protect them could indeed, be their worst enemy. Can we just wake up from this lame sentimental slumber and picture a country whose Minister of Education wasted over 150 million naira on his birthday and wedding anniversary party at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja while millions of Nigerian undergraduates are wasting away at home over government’s inability to provide better welfare for university lecturers? And then, when some overfed over-inspired overseas buffoon begins the lame game of name-calling, we cry blue murder! Are we not worse than what they even call us? Has our own Nollywood not portrayed Nigeria and Nigerians in far more injurious perspectives than this Hollywood flick we have made so popular by our untamed crocodile tears?
More worrisome is how far all these will go to validate the doctrine of rebranding Nigeria. These are perhaps some of Madam Dora’s brightest moments. And for all the self-styled consultants and apostles of branding and rebranding Nigeria, this is one glorious opportunity to step up their game; sell new ideas to the government, and get paid the Abuja way – all at the expense of taxpayers’ money. “Why I dey vex? Is it my money?”
If Nigerians can devote the same amount of energy and attention they expend on ignoble distractions like District 9, Nigeria will have moved a few more miles away from Hades. Our worst enemies are not the Oprahs, the Sonys or Blomkamps of this world. We are our own greatest enemies, and interestingly too, our greatest messiahs.
Regardless of the foregoing, for whatever it is worth, I am averse to the creative recklessness of Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell, director and writer of the movie District 9, respectively. If it was contemptuous labelling the gang of neighbourhood terrorists in District 9, Nigerians, it was far more distressing calling their leader ‘Obasanjo’. At its best, this was creativity debased and by all means a demonization of our cultural dignity and identity.
By singling out Nigerians and the immediate past president of the country for such undesirably bizarre and stereotypical castings, District 9 comes crashing down the pedestal of ‘great’ science fictions placing the movie at the very heights of self-conceited racial prejudice. Coming from a South African director, and viewed from the lens of prevailing socio-political and cultural realities in the African continent, one can hardly deracinate its thematic preoccupation from its hideous xenophobic expression. Whatever good, satirical or allegorical outcome the makers of this movie planned to achieve, they rubbished with their audacity of slanted imagination.
By daring to depict the world’s largest conglomerate of black souls in such despicable candour, Neill Blomkamp plunges his audiences globally, into the paradox of distorted worldviews of not just Nigeria, but South Africa and the African continent as a whole. Let somebody remind the young South African director that this same Nigeria produced Africa’s first Nobel Laureate for Literature, the legendary Prof. Wole Soyinka. Philip Emeagwali, regarded as one of the fathers of the Internet, is a Nigerian. The Chinua Achebes, Emeka Anyaokus, Gamaliel Onosodes, Nuhu Ribadus, Chimamanda Adichies, and the Asas of recent memories are not from space like Blomkamp’s aliens in District 9. They are all Nigerians. Ikponmwosan ‘IK’ Osakioduwa, current host of the Big Brother Africa TV show ongoing in South Africa, is a young Nigerian. It is also on record that a Nigerian university, the University of Ibadan emerged winner of the recently concluded Zain African Schools Challenge. But all these are facts, the Oprah Winfreys, Sonys and Neill Blomkamps of this world chose to ignore because the good among us have allowed the bad and the ugly to take prime positions in our fatherland. Perhaps, more instructively, this is a lesson to future filmmakers.
For us as Nigerians, we have a long way to go. We are the embodiment of aspiration, audacity, ability and achievement in the entire African continent but we have this constantly nagging challenge of good governance which has brought the nation to its very knees since independence. Today, the way out may not be etched in a bloody revolution. No, maybe not yet. But before us, especially my generation of young people lies a formidable opportunity to kick out our bad leaders using the ballot box. If we can get it right with the quality of candidates that emerge as our leaders; if we can identify our potential leaders as candidates and begin to mobilise for them; if we can register to vote at the polls; if we can stay with our votes to ensure that they count, then the good men can have a chance to emerge and clean up decades of rot and rubbish in both high and low places. Then we will have no need for rebranding; we will begin to receive befitting welcomes in airports world over; we will have good, great movies named after us. Then, our story will become an inspiration to the world.
Ohimai Godwin Amaize
September, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A great man is gone
It was with great sadness that I received the sombre news of the passing away of Chief Abdul Ganiyu Fawehinmi (SAN), one of the greatest Nigerians that ever lived. He was a dear friend, father-like figure, mentor and extraordinary patriot; Chief Fawehinmi was a truly revered individual in every corner of Nigeria and abroad.
His untimely death is a tragic loss to Nigeria particularly at this moment in our history, but we must take consolation in, and celebrate, the fact that his life and principled example made him one of the few fathers of modern day democracy in Nigeria.
Gani was a selfless man who fought both the military and civilian dictators. His struggle came at a huge cost, but one that Gani was prepared to pay. He fought tenaciously for justice, fairness and equality. He symbolized the true image and spirit of Nigerian unity; he was a pillar for the poor and a fearless voice that spoke against the enemies of the people - the oppressors, the evil and the corrupt.
There is no question that Chief Fawehinmi played the most significant role in the development of modern law in Nigeria, from his law reports to the countless cases that he handled in our court systems, a good proportion of them on pro bono. Nigerians will forever admire this incomparable legal mind and remain grateful for the monumental role he played in several facets of their lives.
I first met Gani when I was a trainee Prosecutor in 1984-85 during the trial of the politicians whose unconscionable acts of corruption led to the demise of the Second Republic. Gani took a position against the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) which had opposed the use of the tribunal. He felt that the menace of corruption was so deeply embedded that some extraordinary tools were justified.
His stance gave legitimacy to the tribunal that tried the corrupt politicians. I suggest that subsequent events and history have proved Gani right as corruption still remains the single most debilitating disease to plague the country, indeed a malaise that continues to threaten the fabric of the nation. Gani’s efforts were consistently an igniting force in the major task of striving to eradicate the disease of graft and money laundering so that Nigerians can realize progress.
The privilege of meeting Gani at such an early stage of my career helped galvanize my work and defined my public life. I will ever remain indebted to him. Chief Fawehinmi’s friendship and unwavering support made the most significant difference during my stewardship at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His encouragement and moral fuel energized my colleagues and me and helped us in our attempt to change Nigeria for the good. His support will be sorely missed, but I will continue to remember and be shaped by his legacy.
In the end, his enduring contribution lies in working towards the emergence of a generation of Nigerians who believe in justice, fairness and equality and who are not afraid to speak out especially for those who do not have a voice. Gani’s legacy will resound with us for generations to come. He has taught Nigerians, young and old, to stand firm in opposition to those who conspire against the common good of our commonwealth. In my last conversation with him he emphasized the need for all enlightened Nigerians to mobilize the citizenry for Change.
To Chief Fawehinmi, I say: dear friend, may your soul rest in peace. I send my deepest condolence to his family. To his closest circle of friends as well as multitudes of admirers, I say: Let us remain committed to the ideals that Gani exemplified in his words and conduct.
I regret that I am unable to be with his bereaved family and my fellow mourning Nigerians at his Jannazah. I pray to the Almighty Allah to grant this honorable man Aljanna. May Allah also give his family, friends and admirers the fortitude to bear his loss. Amin.
Nuhu Ribadu
Snr. Fellow, St. Anthony's College,
Oxford University, UK.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Fire fights: In the dusty streets of Nigeria's northern city of Bauchi, a woman walks past a neighborhood whose houses were burned in recent sectarian violence. The city, located near the cusp of Nigeria's majority Muslim north and its majority Christian south, has often been the seat of conflict in recent years. Tensions picked up in February 2009 when a series of attacks and reprisals between Muslims and Christians left 4,500 displaced.Culled from foreignpolicy.com
NIGERIA RANKS 15 ON THE 2009 GLOBAL LIST OF FAILED STATES
"It is a sobering time for the world’s most fragile countries—virulent economic crisis, countless natural disasters, and government collapse. This year, we delve deeper than ever into just what went wrong—and who is to blame. " -foreignpolicy.com
Now, Nigerians on Facebook react to their country’s No 15 ranking on the 2009 Failed States Index
Stanley Achonu: i'm not surprised. we did well then
Ogobor Joseph: we will get it right only if the youths toll a new line from corrupt ways
Chibz Chukwunta: #15 is bad, there's no doubt about that. On the brighter side, it could be worse...change is coming, the revolution has begun...It's not a change that is going to occur overnight. Now, more than ever, Nigerians at home and in the disapora are on one accord--CHANGE!That, my friend, is the beginning...
Yese Micheal: Trust oga Musa- e go follow due process take us to the ''promise land'' a land flowing with cowbell and sugar
Onyeka Nwelue: Who's the arse that does the ranking?
Nwanbundo Onyeabo: good question Onyeka...
Akins Olatoyosi: Almost every day, we seem 2 get this kind of awards, it is not for us to say whether it is true or not, it is 4 us 2 take action so as to get out of this evil rank. We can all start to make Nigeria better from individual. Let begin to build then we shall build an ARK so that when the flood comes, we would all be safe.
Justin Chiddy Uzuegbunam: No matter how bad the country is, we must begin to see and say its strengths rather than continue to say bad about it. Yes we need change, but talking this badly about this country won’t inspire anybody to do good. I think it’s time we begin to talk like people with vision and not like people in a corrupt state of mind that senses only the evil around them. My people PLEASE, Build on our strength, not the weaknesses.
Q’dance Onikeku: Really? wow we are doing unbelievably well. i thought we should be around the top one... lol
Francis Akeredolu: dis is another corruption in disguise...how can we be 15 wen we re actually 1st? na ojoro
Ahonsi Iwebafa Gift: ranking 15, is like a child dat took 15th positn in a class of 30, and excitedly ran to his dad & showed him d report card, d dad was about commending him when d mom told him dat it was bcos d other 15 pupils didn't sit for d exams। so automatically he is last.
Phemmie Hardebolar: ha!! na lie o, we are number1!!!
Lee Ozwald Bronzeky: Not surprising at all!!
Now, Nigerians on Facebook react to their country’s No 15 ranking on the 2009 Failed States Index
Stanley Achonu: i'm not surprised. we did well then
Ogobor Joseph: we will get it right only if the youths toll a new line from corrupt ways
Chibz Chukwunta: #15 is bad, there's no doubt about that. On the brighter side, it could be worse...change is coming, the revolution has begun...It's not a change that is going to occur overnight. Now, more than ever, Nigerians at home and in the disapora are on one accord--CHANGE!That, my friend, is the beginning...
Yese Micheal: Trust oga Musa- e go follow due process take us to the ''promise land'' a land flowing with cowbell and sugar
Onyeka Nwelue: Who's the arse that does the ranking?
Nwanbundo Onyeabo: good question Onyeka...
Akins Olatoyosi: Almost every day, we seem 2 get this kind of awards, it is not for us to say whether it is true or not, it is 4 us 2 take action so as to get out of this evil rank. We can all start to make Nigeria better from individual. Let begin to build then we shall build an ARK so that when the flood comes, we would all be safe.
Justin Chiddy Uzuegbunam: No matter how bad the country is, we must begin to see and say its strengths rather than continue to say bad about it. Yes we need change, but talking this badly about this country won’t inspire anybody to do good. I think it’s time we begin to talk like people with vision and not like people in a corrupt state of mind that senses only the evil around them. My people PLEASE, Build on our strength, not the weaknesses.
Q’dance Onikeku: Really? wow we are doing unbelievably well. i thought we should be around the top one... lol
Francis Akeredolu: dis is another corruption in disguise...how can we be 15 wen we re actually 1st? na ojoro
Ahonsi Iwebafa Gift: ranking 15, is like a child dat took 15th positn in a class of 30, and excitedly ran to his dad & showed him d report card, d dad was about commending him when d mom told him dat it was bcos d other 15 pupils didn't sit for d exams। so automatically he is last.
Phemmie Hardebolar: ha!! na lie o, we are number1!!!
Lee Ozwald Bronzeky: Not surprising at all!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Facebook Monologues Part 1
Is rebranding Nigeria one of the solutions to the challenges of our nationhood? Can we link same to the war against corruption in Nigeria? I posted this question to the members of the group – FIXING Nigeria on Facebook and the following discussions ensued. Have an interesting read.
“Rebranding is good if the product to be rebranded is a qualitative one. The first way to rebrand Nigeria is to ensure the rule of law in every sphere of the society। The thinking pattern of the people needs to change for better and we as a people need to start doing the right things।“The war against corruption can prevail as long as the law is allowed to have it's course. “It is only once the system has been sanitised that rebranding can be effective. A bad product is a bad product, rebranding or not.”
-Oyinlade Itunu-Abitogun
“RE-BRANDING, re- branding- don't we ever get tired ????????????????? A product is bad and you are talking of re- branding it!”I think all of that energy be put into proper implementation of the already existing laws of our land. We have so many issues- ELECTRICITY, TRANSPORTATION, HEALTH, EDUCATION.............No nation can have good rep outside unless it's people first believe in IT.”
- Jecinta Keshy
“Ohimai: Yes! Oyin: Let's Look at this from another perspective. You would agree with me that quality is relative, and is a function of perception. Why do most still prefer to buy a Honda, rather than a Hyundai? It's certainly no longer because Honda is better. Infact, a particular brand of Hyundai seems to have better reviews than the Honda counterpart....and there are many other examples. Gone are the days when Nigeria had just a few people making a difference.Today, we have masterminds and leaders in all spheres and many more are budding, including the person that started this thread. The challenge is people and nations out there (including Nigerians) seem to still have the same old perception of us. we are not the same Nigeria we used to be.
”Actually, those with foresight can see the change already, but most people do not look deeply. Therefore, we have to 'help' people understand the change that is taking place. We must ensure a lot more Nigerians are ready for the organic growth that would overshadow this nation in just a few years.”Every nation on earth has her own challenges. We saw a new side of the US after Kathrina. The part they publicize for us to see is New York and the nice looking places. We have to rid the land of corruption and clean our house for sure, but believe me when i say we deserve a lot more respect, even at the moment.
Selah.”
- Adetayo Bamiduro
“For God's sake lets stop weeping for this country cos its just wasting tears,i dnt tink obama,martin luther,jesse jackson had 2 b weeping,they were sweeping their land by taking a drastic lead,they used their positions as known personalities to cause a little improvement in their homes,churches,communities before they got their peak achievement by improving their nation.Nigeria is a group of people,the people must learn how to connect wit other people,that's where branding nigeria would begin.it's nt about change in name and colour of flag and other things bt we have to brand our mind,character,values and attitude then we are branding our country.the ball is in our court,let the game begin.God bles Nigeria.”
- Mayowa Kuti
"What are we re-branding when the EFCC, ICPC are not only corrupt but a mirage. When we have ministers who are crooks, criminals and outcasts. They are known to be goof thieves who have stolen. There are more criminals in govt than out of govt. Who do they want to preach re-branding to? who needs re-branding more: the governors or the governed? Germane questions."- Olajide Fashikun
“This whole thing is like re-branding "My Pikin" and putting it back in the market. We have to stop all these cosmetic talks on re-branding, re-packaging, re-this, re-that. We know what our problems are. If we conquered "blackout”, fixed our roads and upgraded our ailing infrastructure, created jobs for a good percentage of the 40million unemployed Nigerians, paid more attention to tourism, agriculture and other critical sectors...things will speak for themselves. ”Wait, are we trying to re-order perception about Nigeria or what? I respect Prof. Dora but i knew she was going to land herself in a big palava. You do not Re-brand a system that is teeming with corrupt politicians, contractors and sycophants. If she is out to make a difference, she should push for a change in the internal workings of the system that birthed the prevailing perception about Nigeria.”It appears to me that her concern revolves around what foreigners think about the average Nigerian and not what they think about the LEADERSHIP WHOSE ACTIONS AND INACTIONS LED TO THE COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF THE NIGERIAN STATE…resulting in a generation of impatient and “quick-money-minded" Nigerians.”The last administration spent N1.05Billion on the Heart of Africa Project between 2007-2008 while N19.5 million debt was incurred.Her reasons for dumping the Heart of Africa Project is that it is elitist and externally driven…
God help us.”
-Timothy Ogene
“Look let us leave what the government is not doing and tackle what we as individuals can do. We as Nigerians are blessed not only with raw materials, but with talented individuals who can make positive changes in our country. Why don't we give the governmnent a break and see what we can do for ourselves. Sincerely speaking, thats is one ideology that the western world has that we do not and that is what is helping them till today. A lot of their major companies are owned by individuals. So let’s see what we can do about fixing this country by ourselves and forget about the governmnent because from all indications, governmnent leaders are not exactly ready to stop all these acts of corruption.”- Esiet Bassey
“It constantly amazes me how people try to cover up their own insecurities by capitalizing on those of others; and Nigeria as a country is no exception. One of the reasons why we are still where we are is because we are desperately trying to magnify the 'ok' instead of reaching out for the 'good' and the 'best,' by calling a spade a spade.
“Do u blame foreigners for treating us with disdain n disrespect when they know that even worse obtains in our own country? We should stop being concerned with what the world thinks n begin to focus more on what our people think because a good product will naturally sell even without adverts..."light cannot hide."
“Re-branding though not the ultimate solution, can be a step in the right direction because it is about creating the right image of Nigeria that we want to see in every sector of society, and this is not a Federal project but rather should be a pet project for every individual.
“Our problem is that 'nationhood' is still very elusive for us n until we see ourselves as one bound by national rather than ethnic ties, then we might as well be merely having a wish list. After all, can two work together except they be agreed? It is only foolish to keep on doing things the same way repeatedly and expecting different results.”
-Nkiru Nelson-Ezeugo
REBRANDING NIGERIA......?Rebranding Nigeria is not the issue. What we should do ourselves as Nigerians is to reflect on our attitudes towards each other, our work ethics, leadership and corruption. We have to really put God first in our relationship with ourselves, fellow humans and Nigeria as a nation.
QuestionHow many of us are proud to be Nigerians? How do we show it? Almost all Nigerian associations abroad have factions? Why? Greed and bloated egos. How many of us can make sacrifices for Nigeria no matter where we reside? How many of us can seek or take up political office without cutting corners, seeking or giving out bribes, without inviting Babalawos and thugs to harm our opponents? Let's start by cleansing our HEARTS, love ourselves and fellow Nigerians irrespective of tribe and avoid all the -isms.
Let us show concerns to the poor and needy by investing in meaningful projects in Nigeria. Create jobs and improve education/communities. We have leaders who stole our tax money and invested abroad instead of in Nigeria to give young people jobs (and we are complaining about crimes?). We give them chieftaincy titles and these glorify evil doers. All of over the globe, we can find corrupt leaders, America, England, China, name it - but the difference is that their leaders/politicians and corporate moguls, still utilize the public funds to provide social amenities and infrastructures to their people, thereby creating better life and jobs. Many of us in the Diaspora are enjoying these goodies. Don’t forget, some of us overseas, have parents who have stolen from Nigeria. They come here to lavish it and show off. Woe betides u. Judgment day is coming.
Go to Nigerian universities, hospitals, public schools, roads, etc, nothing is working because of the greed of our leaders. They get contract funds; squander it without executing the projects. We can't even talk about the lame duck members of Senate/Congress. Whose interest are they representing?
My comrades, Rebranding Nigeria, is not our problem. We, as a people should stand up against corruption, unemployment, nepotism, 419ners, kidnappers, police brutality and violent crimes, etc., before we can achieve positive development and image. Ask me how?
Start by visiting home if you are in Diaspora. Support the needy to the best of your ability. Create awareness, attend seminars and conferences, give press briefing on your project ideas to better the nation. Sometimes, ideas and innovation goes a long way in proferring solutions to issues. You never know who has an ear to listen and support them. Encourage your rich parents to extend their benvolence to other folks who deserve it. They should create scholarship endowments in higher institutions to assist the needy but intelligent students, and see to it that such trust funds are utilized properly.
God bless Nigeria and bless all those with positive thoughts and projects to better our homeland.
Emeka could be reached at emekkah@yahoo.com
-Emeka Williams
“I share many of the sentiments expressed thus far...we are underachieving because of our own corrupt leadership. We need a revolution, but not in the generic sense like a violent or non-violent overthrow of the current order. If there was ever a silver bullet to solving Nigeria's problems, it will be ELECTRICITY...affordable, and consistent electricity for all citizens. It would be the most democratic thing we have done since the '99 constitution, and without it, no EFCC, or any other authority will survive the insidious corruption that has plagued our country.”
-Ollie Ogunmokun
“RE-BRANDING, re- branding- don't we ever get tired ????????????????? A product is bad and you are talking of re- branding it!”I think all of that energy be put into proper implementation of the already existing laws of our land. We have so many issues- ELECTRICITY, TRANSPORTATION, HEALTH, EDUCATION.............No nation can have good rep outside unless it's people first believe in IT.”
- Jecinta Keshy
“Ohimai: Yes! Oyin: Let's Look at this from another perspective. You would agree with me that quality is relative, and is a function of perception. Why do most still prefer to buy a Honda, rather than a Hyundai? It's certainly no longer because Honda is better. Infact, a particular brand of Hyundai seems to have better reviews than the Honda counterpart....and there are many other examples. Gone are the days when Nigeria had just a few people making a difference.Today, we have masterminds and leaders in all spheres and many more are budding, including the person that started this thread. The challenge is people and nations out there (including Nigerians) seem to still have the same old perception of us. we are not the same Nigeria we used to be.
”Actually, those with foresight can see the change already, but most people do not look deeply. Therefore, we have to 'help' people understand the change that is taking place. We must ensure a lot more Nigerians are ready for the organic growth that would overshadow this nation in just a few years.”Every nation on earth has her own challenges. We saw a new side of the US after Kathrina. The part they publicize for us to see is New York and the nice looking places. We have to rid the land of corruption and clean our house for sure, but believe me when i say we deserve a lot more respect, even at the moment.
Selah.”
- Adetayo Bamiduro
“For God's sake lets stop weeping for this country cos its just wasting tears,i dnt tink obama,martin luther,jesse jackson had 2 b weeping,they were sweeping their land by taking a drastic lead,they used their positions as known personalities to cause a little improvement in their homes,churches,communities before they got their peak achievement by improving their nation.Nigeria is a group of people,the people must learn how to connect wit other people,that's where branding nigeria would begin.it's nt about change in name and colour of flag and other things bt we have to brand our mind,character,values and attitude then we are branding our country.the ball is in our court,let the game begin.God bles Nigeria.”
- Mayowa Kuti
"What are we re-branding when the EFCC, ICPC are not only corrupt but a mirage. When we have ministers who are crooks, criminals and outcasts. They are known to be goof thieves who have stolen. There are more criminals in govt than out of govt. Who do they want to preach re-branding to? who needs re-branding more: the governors or the governed? Germane questions."- Olajide Fashikun
“This whole thing is like re-branding "My Pikin" and putting it back in the market. We have to stop all these cosmetic talks on re-branding, re-packaging, re-this, re-that. We know what our problems are. If we conquered "blackout”, fixed our roads and upgraded our ailing infrastructure, created jobs for a good percentage of the 40million unemployed Nigerians, paid more attention to tourism, agriculture and other critical sectors...things will speak for themselves. ”Wait, are we trying to re-order perception about Nigeria or what? I respect Prof. Dora but i knew she was going to land herself in a big palava. You do not Re-brand a system that is teeming with corrupt politicians, contractors and sycophants. If she is out to make a difference, she should push for a change in the internal workings of the system that birthed the prevailing perception about Nigeria.”It appears to me that her concern revolves around what foreigners think about the average Nigerian and not what they think about the LEADERSHIP WHOSE ACTIONS AND INACTIONS LED TO THE COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF THE NIGERIAN STATE…resulting in a generation of impatient and “quick-money-minded" Nigerians.”The last administration spent N1.05Billion on the Heart of Africa Project between 2007-2008 while N19.5 million debt was incurred.Her reasons for dumping the Heart of Africa Project is that it is elitist and externally driven…
God help us.”
-Timothy Ogene
“Look let us leave what the government is not doing and tackle what we as individuals can do. We as Nigerians are blessed not only with raw materials, but with talented individuals who can make positive changes in our country. Why don't we give the governmnent a break and see what we can do for ourselves. Sincerely speaking, thats is one ideology that the western world has that we do not and that is what is helping them till today. A lot of their major companies are owned by individuals. So let’s see what we can do about fixing this country by ourselves and forget about the governmnent because from all indications, governmnent leaders are not exactly ready to stop all these acts of corruption.”- Esiet Bassey
“It constantly amazes me how people try to cover up their own insecurities by capitalizing on those of others; and Nigeria as a country is no exception. One of the reasons why we are still where we are is because we are desperately trying to magnify the 'ok' instead of reaching out for the 'good' and the 'best,' by calling a spade a spade.
“Do u blame foreigners for treating us with disdain n disrespect when they know that even worse obtains in our own country? We should stop being concerned with what the world thinks n begin to focus more on what our people think because a good product will naturally sell even without adverts..."light cannot hide."
“Re-branding though not the ultimate solution, can be a step in the right direction because it is about creating the right image of Nigeria that we want to see in every sector of society, and this is not a Federal project but rather should be a pet project for every individual.
“Our problem is that 'nationhood' is still very elusive for us n until we see ourselves as one bound by national rather than ethnic ties, then we might as well be merely having a wish list. After all, can two work together except they be agreed? It is only foolish to keep on doing things the same way repeatedly and expecting different results.”
-Nkiru Nelson-Ezeugo
REBRANDING NIGERIA......?Rebranding Nigeria is not the issue. What we should do ourselves as Nigerians is to reflect on our attitudes towards each other, our work ethics, leadership and corruption. We have to really put God first in our relationship with ourselves, fellow humans and Nigeria as a nation.
QuestionHow many of us are proud to be Nigerians? How do we show it? Almost all Nigerian associations abroad have factions? Why? Greed and bloated egos. How many of us can make sacrifices for Nigeria no matter where we reside? How many of us can seek or take up political office without cutting corners, seeking or giving out bribes, without inviting Babalawos and thugs to harm our opponents? Let's start by cleansing our HEARTS, love ourselves and fellow Nigerians irrespective of tribe and avoid all the -isms.
Let us show concerns to the poor and needy by investing in meaningful projects in Nigeria. Create jobs and improve education/communities. We have leaders who stole our tax money and invested abroad instead of in Nigeria to give young people jobs (and we are complaining about crimes?). We give them chieftaincy titles and these glorify evil doers. All of over the globe, we can find corrupt leaders, America, England, China, name it - but the difference is that their leaders/politicians and corporate moguls, still utilize the public funds to provide social amenities and infrastructures to their people, thereby creating better life and jobs. Many of us in the Diaspora are enjoying these goodies. Don’t forget, some of us overseas, have parents who have stolen from Nigeria. They come here to lavish it and show off. Woe betides u. Judgment day is coming.
Go to Nigerian universities, hospitals, public schools, roads, etc, nothing is working because of the greed of our leaders. They get contract funds; squander it without executing the projects. We can't even talk about the lame duck members of Senate/Congress. Whose interest are they representing?
My comrades, Rebranding Nigeria, is not our problem. We, as a people should stand up against corruption, unemployment, nepotism, 419ners, kidnappers, police brutality and violent crimes, etc., before we can achieve positive development and image. Ask me how?
Start by visiting home if you are in Diaspora. Support the needy to the best of your ability. Create awareness, attend seminars and conferences, give press briefing on your project ideas to better the nation. Sometimes, ideas and innovation goes a long way in proferring solutions to issues. You never know who has an ear to listen and support them. Encourage your rich parents to extend their benvolence to other folks who deserve it. They should create scholarship endowments in higher institutions to assist the needy but intelligent students, and see to it that such trust funds are utilized properly.
God bless Nigeria and bless all those with positive thoughts and projects to better our homeland.
Emeka could be reached at emekkah@yahoo.com
-Emeka Williams
“I share many of the sentiments expressed thus far...we are underachieving because of our own corrupt leadership. We need a revolution, but not in the generic sense like a violent or non-violent overthrow of the current order. If there was ever a silver bullet to solving Nigeria's problems, it will be ELECTRICITY...affordable, and consistent electricity for all citizens. It would be the most democratic thing we have done since the '99 constitution, and without it, no EFCC, or any other authority will survive the insidious corruption that has plagued our country.”
-Ollie Ogunmokun
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Rebranding Nigeria and Anti-Corruption
Rebranding
Prof. Dora Akunyili:
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