All Posts in "Day: September 25, 2022"

24 Years Of Democracy, Can Kwara State Be Better Managed?

By:Mohammed Haruna Likpata

Next year will mark 24th anniversary of return of democracy in Kwara state and Nigeria. Sadly, a particular region of the three senatorial districts in the State has been a victim of injustice and imbalance in terms of political leadership of the state, despite the contributions of this district to the overall economic growth and development of the state.

While the other two districts, Kwara Central and Kwara South have both produced governors, the Kwara North has not been opportune to do so.

By its nature, democracy advocates justice, fairness and a sense of belonging to all. It also spurs citizens to form opinions on a number of issues of concern including choosing their leaders during elections.

It is important as good citizens of the state to reflect on this opinion before the campaigns for the 2023 general elections commence. Physiologically, it is important to note that while people tend to assume that oppression benefits the non-oppressed class, the ordinary voters also do not benefit from these oppressions; making our citizens poorer and making the whole economy poorer.

But it is not unusual for people to favor policies that harm themselves economically, putting the entire citizens in a state of jeopardy.

Today’s opinion would shape our thinking as we approach the 2023 general elections in Nigeria and in particular, Kwara State. This opinion should guide millions of citizens of the state to critically examine our long age relationships; in terms of political life, socio-economic life, and cultural values among the three senatorial zones.

But,the key question is; can Kwara state be better managed as regards to keeping our state more prosperous; rich in agriculture as a visible foreign investments, open and transparent running of government, deliberate policies that will transform and empower our communities for a more inclusive governance in the state?

Kwara,as a whole on a global scale is considered as a rich state in agriculture as a large population of its people are into farming, with Kwara North having the largest contributions in this regard. Other main investment opportunities in Kwara include mining, tourism and manufacturing.

As a writer, critical stakeholder and an eligible voter whose vote can bring the needed change in Kwara we all desire, I appeal to the readers of today’s opinion to deeply reflect on the future of this state and for the purpose in which its Motto stand for. If we all have this belief in our minds that our votes can change a Kwara of today to a state that works for all, then we can secure our votes to count and make a difference.

We can collectively bring in government of the people and for the people. We can bring in a government that will see every part of the state as a big stakeholder and not disregarded by the system.

This is why it is important for every Kwaran to pick an interest in what becomes of Kwara in 2023 and beyond. A Kwara that will develop common conscience and ideology to fight against the injustice being done to some part of the state.

Kwarans must raise their voices that it is not about sectionalism when it comes to 2023 elections, but a section that can have their due equality and justice. Kwara North section has equally contributed to the economic development of the State. Next year’s governorship election should be a referendum for Kwara North to produce the next Governor for the state. It is not about emotions that should be play against the people of Kwara North.

The issues I will be dwelling on as my talking points are not far fetch from your many responsibilities that every part of the state should be given a due advantage when it comes to who becomes the next governor of Kwara state next year.

All over the world, the marginalized communities are communities that don’t contribute to the economic power of the state.These are people for whatever reason, are denied involvement in the mainstream economic, political, cultural and social activities. This is not the case in the state of harmony.

The three (3) Senatorial zones have contributed greatly to the development of the state, with each zone having its own potentials and economic values.

In 2023, the people of Kwara must in the interest of justice, fairness and overall development of Kwara, support Kwara North to produce the next Governor of our state. This is one good way we can show appreciation to the contributions of Kwara North to the development of Kwara since its creation. Let’s embrace equality, equity, and inclusive representation that drives peace, unity and togetherness.

All over the world, developments happen when citizens believes in one identity. Developments happen when citizens embrace true patriotism. Developments happen when every citizen believes everyone has potentials and can offer the best in them that can benefit the entire citizenry.

Economic development must also be in tune with political, cultural and social life, and strive to eliminate political poverty among the three senatorial zones, infrastructural poverty and as well as the culture of poverty that affects some part of Kwara state in particular the Kwara North

This is the time all citizens of the state should come together and ensure a Kwara Northerner be voted as the next Governor of Kwara state.

This is the moment that we all stand up, old and young that equality is development. This is the moment, both the rich and the poor come together and say Kwara North deserves their total supports to become the next governor of Kwara state. This is the moment that no individuals will say they cant support it. We are asking for fairness. We are asking for equality and justice. And we are asking that it is time and come 2023, it has to be a fulfilling unity for one Kwara.

This is not about political party, but a true reflection of who we are as a people of this state. For a state like Kwara, it is imperative for the people of Kwara to leverage on the socio-economic values that are in abundance in every part of the state and left untapped, to bring about reforms and policies that would better enrich the state and ultimately, lasting development.

Agribusiness is the second most richest industry in the world after oil. This is one opportunity that Kwara State has and can generate billions of Dollars if there are deliberate policies and investments in agriculture. Some of the principal cash crops that Kwara state can greatly invests in and available to tap includes; cotton, cocoa, coffee, peanut, tobacco, benseed, and palm produce.

Developments can only happen when we all take responsibility that every part of the state is important and can contribute to the economic values of the state in an all inclusive representation in the management of State resources.

A Kwara Northerner becoming a governor of the state in the 2023 elections will further unite and create an enabling environment and opportunities for all Kwarans. We all have responsibility as voters to correct this anomalies to allow a Kwara Northerner be giving the opportunity to change the State from its state of lean current economic ideas, where short term solutions are being used to address long term challenges without results.

We need a government that understands the economic ideas that fits into the current and global trend of economic prosperity. Kwara state has come a long way to be among the competitive states of the federation where other states can come and invest in it. We have the potentials and with a new leadership in the state, Kwara can be better for all.

Efficiency and visibility are paramount when it comes to occupying any political office. Once there is equality and justice for every part of the state, It allows all hidden potentials be showcased. It can bridge the gap between the poor and the rich. It would allow greater inclusiveness and promotion of a better state.

No political promises by any individual or political parties could ever make a better State where equality and political injustice continued to exist among her people. This doesn’t promote true love and bring about genuine development that takes into considerations every part of the state.

Until every part of the state is consider in the mainstream economic and top political decisions as number one citizen of the state, no meaningful developments can be seen. If the citizens of Kwara state allow every part of the state to have sense of belonging, governors from different part of the state will fairly compete in developments and bring about reforms that will better improve the state of harmony.

The big question is;who has responsibility to fulfill interms of capacity, oral judgment, sagacity to fix so many challenges facing the Kwara of today as it affects all of us?From insecurity, silence in governance, lack of proper perspectives on the issues of economy, poor investments in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and mining.

Economically, when there is high investments in production and export as revenue, there will be a greater IGR for infrastructural developments, creating more jobs for our young graduates, accessibility to borrowing by the young entrepreneurs to invest in their private businesses, long term planning to addressing long term challenges, and this will greatly reduce dependency on federal allocations.

There are enough opportunities in this state for our growing population to gainfully be employed, but all we need is to put in place a prosperous leadership that understands what the issues are. This is not the time for a state like Kwara to be micro managing short term interventions to addressing the long term challenges facing the state.

Dear Kwarans, we all have responsibility to fulfill. All candidates today are equally qualified, but we can only prosper as a people when we employ all inclusive citizen that drive a strong political unity in the state by voting a Kwara Northerner after 24years of democracy come 2023. Conversations like this is essential because it open up a platform for debate and feedback, which is essence, it’s what politics encapsulates.

For some politicians, they will pin their hope of victory on the things they have done and still doing, some will hope on door to door canvassing aspect of their campaign, and some will largely be dependent on the prevoius election to come return to government.

Not the promise of I will do, but what the real issues of governance hope to be and should be. As a good citizens of Kwara state, we must begin to hold ourselves accountable for the development of our dear state. Not interms of the promises politicians or political parties will make to us that have not been heard. But accountability in fairness, equity and justice.Accountability that every part of the state has a responsibility to fulfil. Accountability that we must allow every part of the zone to produce a governor which is fair, just, and equitable.

Kwara state cannot be an exception against itself denying other part of the State not to produce a Governor for all Kwarans come 2023. This is Kwara North turn and should be supported by all.

Look at Niger state today, they have grown their political unity above sentiments and emotions as one political families, where every part of the state has accepted the political rotation in the office of a Governor. There is no political crisis in Niger state today, every part of the state are seen as one.

They tolerate and accepted their political marriage across the three Senatorial zones. What has become of Kwara of today? Where did we get it wrong? Has Kwara North committed any sin against the other two zones that has caused them this hatred? We must build trust, we must reflect in our actions, and we must tolerate and see every part of the state as one. Kwara citizens and our political leaders should reflect and take a cue of what become a Kwara for all.

Politicians must know that there is no substitute in telling the truth, while citizens fulfill their rights by voting a Kwara Northerner as the next governor of Kwara state next year.

The next governor of Kwara state should be a man that knows the challenges in the state and through Agriculture, industries and mining can turn Kwara to an investors hub. The Peoples Democratic party (PDP) has graciously be sensitive about the plight of Kwara North to have its gubernatorial candidate from this part of the state, who has rich credentials.

A former civil servant, an administrator, an investor in a private driven company with over 25years can safely manage the Kwara for all.Alhaji Shuaib Yaman over the years has gone through systems of rigorous understanding of what running of government entails.

2023 is not going to be about promises but solutions to the problems and challenges of good governance facing the state. We need solutions that build wealth. High level of public spending on infrastructures require high levels of internally generated revenues in providing expanded public services like infrastructures, quality healthcare, quality education, promotion of young entrepreneurs, and provision of general social security services across the state. Kwarans need leaders that knows about the solutions that build wealth.

We all have seen enough of partly governance systems in the state. The issues of governance today in Kwara remains as it is and best to the understanding of the occupiers. The value addition in the life of citizens of the state has remained a mirage of an orphan without an option.

Voters have had more than enough of promises and there is need to collaborate your intentions with your solutions for the citizenry.As a candidate, eyeing the number one seat in the state, your campaign messages should be about real issues and solutions. How you intend to achieve a balance between warmth and authority.

Politics should always be about personality first and policies that will take Kwara back to a state of social safety and prosperity, a state of generosity and warmth to her citizens,a state of law and order as well as one we would all call a home.

admin by — September 25, 2022 in Opinion 0
FG To Inaugurate Siemens Project Next Month

The Chief Executive Officer, Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company (FGNPC), Kenny Anuwe, has said that the first
set of power equipment procured under the Presidential Power Initiative (IPP), through the Nigeria-Siemens power deal would be inagurated next month.

Anuwe,who disclosed this at the recent Nigeria Energy Exhibition and Conference, said that the first inauguration ceremonies would begin at a location in Lagos, while the second set of equipment would be unveiled in Abuja.

“We will be seeing commissioning of these projects in the next two to three weeks, and every month after that until the end of the programme”,he said.

The equipment, which included transformers and mobile substations, were procured under the IPP in partnership with Siemens Energy, the implementing partner,he also said.

According to him, the equipment were purpose-designed to meet Nigeria’s power supply needs in a phased programme that would see to the generation and distribution of 25,000 megawatts (mw) of electricity by 2025.

Anuwe added that the company was set to commence the unveiling of the first set of the power equipment that had already arrived in the country, adding that the aim is to sustain the tempo until power disruptions in the country become a thing of the past.

He expressed optimism that with the new equipment, the power supply would increase to a minimum of 7,000 megawatts, and promised that the company was committed to executing its plans until all the targets set toward ending power disruptions in the country were met.

He said:“The federal government is determined to make a difference in the lives and livelihood of Nigerians, and with the pace of work being put in the project so far, I think we would exceed 7,000mw.But this is our first objective, and we are not taking our eyes off that ball. We want to hit that target and exceed it, and that is a confirmation that improvement in electricity supply is absolutely doable.”

He said that the government adopted a transparent and sustainable model that would deliver on the objectives of the project across the electricity supply value chain, a procedure he believed would win the trust and support of Nigerians.

Anuwe,who acknowledged that the energy needs of a country of Nigeria’s size and capacity exceeded 7,000mw, explained that the set threshold was a minimum target that would continually be improved upon until the average Nigerian had access to electricity supply without recourse to the more expensive and environmentally hazardous alternatives.

He explained that FGNPC was established by the federal government as a special purpose vehicle for the implementation of the PPI, to make the task of ramping up electricity supply easier.

He explained that the establishment of FGNPC did not impact the role of the generating companies (Gencos) and distribution companies (Discos) in the electricity value chain since the arrangement took the form of a partnership than role absorption.

Anuwe added: “The Gencos and the Discos will continue to play their part in the value chain of delivering energy to consumers right across Nigeria.What will be different is that they will now have a partner in FGN Power Company that is enabled to actually implement a programme that supports their businesses in sustainable way, while strengthening their capabilities to deliver value to their customers.”

admin by — September 25, 2022 in Power 0
It’s Worrisome Violence Against Nigerian Women Is Growing Despite Efforts To Stop It-Aladejare-Salako

The New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative, NIGAWD, will this year celebrate its 10years existence and impacts in the global civil society space.

In this interview, Abimbola Aladejare-Salako, Founder and Executive Director, NIGAWD, tells PREMIUM NEWS the genesis of the NGO, reasons for its formation, impacts, challenges, why female issues were prime in its agenda as well as plans for the future in the civil society space.

She also discloses why her organization will roll out the drum to mark a decade of NIGAWD’s existence.

Excerpts:

Could you tell us about The New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative?

The New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD) is a non-profit, non-government organization established with a focus on promoting the political and socio-economic needs of women, girls, and youth, in Nigeria.

The organization is duly registered with Cooperate Affairs Commission, Ministry of Women affairs and other regulatory bodies; it also has special consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

NIGAWD has implemented many donor-funded programs across the country and is at the forefront of the END FGM abandonment campaign in Africa; promotion of the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of women and girls; women development through economic and psychosocial support and empowerment; prevention and response to Gender Based Violence and Youth Policy Advocacy through the Ekiti Youth Agenda campaign. NIGAWD is the convener of the southwest Vote Not Fight: Election No Be War Campaign in Nigeria.

Why did you establish NIGAWD, what has been its driving force?

NIGAWD was borne out of deep passion to empower girl, women, children, and youth. NIGAWD envisions a society where women are intellectually, economically, politically, and socially empowered as positive change drivers; while its mission is to develop the capacity of young women (girls), through strategic sustainable initiative that will empower them in the areas of reproductive health, life- building skills, water and sanitation, political inclination among others to become women of exploit in the society and not entertainment objects.

God has been the main driving force for NIGAWD as well as the passion for a society where women are empowered in all spheres to be able to meaningfully contribute to the advancement of the society.

You planned to celebrate a decade anniversary of the group soon. How has the journey been in the last one decade?

The journey has been challenging I must say. The first four years was not fun at all, as the founder and director, I had to work hard, I did all sorts of menial jobs including home lesson for children, sending of bulk SMS, crude fish farming among others to sustain the organization, no funds, no support, but criticism.

Many in the space criticized the audacity of a 25-year-old lady to start up an NGO, some friends and families felt I should go get a job to take care of myself first and when I become successful, I can return to my passion but glory to God the last 10years has been one of impact and glory despite the many challenges that confronts startups in Nigeria.

The organization is proposing to celebrate her 10th anniversary with an impactful program targeted at indigent women and more details of the program will be made available to the public soon

What are the challenges and accomplishments of NIGAWD since its creation?

The major challenge of non-profit in Nigeria is funding. It is so challenging for young organizations to access funding as there are several requirements that inhibits them from accessing fund.

Also, there is little support for institutional support to non-profits in this part of the world. Most funders provide support that cater for the implementation of project activities alone and when they provide institutional support it is only for the period of the project, this leaves non-profit organizations with the struggle for survival after expiration of project.

Your activities revolve round Ado Ekiti and Ekiti axis. Why is this so, what are your expansion plans?

NIGAWD’s impact is global. The Southwest Vote Not Fight campaign is being led by the organization. We have also supported regional programs in Africa including training of CSOs working on FGM abandonment in the Gambia, Senegal, Niger, Mali, etc. NIGAWD has also been part of organizing of international programs such as the 3rd African Girls summit in Niger led by African Union Commission among other programs.

NIGAWD Executive Director has been recognized globally and she serves as End Female Genital Mutilation Ambassador for The Girl Generation (TGG), African Union Saleema Victorious Youth Ambassador for West Africa and member Africa Regional Reference Group for the Global Spotlight Initiative.

You seem to have focused your efforts on the crusade against Female Genital Mutilation lately. Why are you doing this? How do you go about the campaign?

Female Genital Mutilation is a violation of women and girls human right and Nigeria is one of the countries with high rate of FGM. As at today, 20% of women aged 15-49 have undergone FGM in Nigeria. In the southwest Nigeria, Ekiti state has the highest prevalence rate and second highest in Nigeria with a prevalence of 57.9%.

Hence, the need to intentionally engage communities to abandon the practice. As a survivor of FGM. I had first-hand experience of the harmful effects this practice has on women, so I am passionate and determined to significantly contribute to its abandonment in my generation so as to protect the sexual and reproductive health of girls and women.

What have been the impacts and who are your partners on this campaign?

NIGAWD has recorded many tremendous success and impact stories too numerous to mention. I will mention a few and they are:

·Facilitated the public declaration of FGM abandonment in over 80 communities.

·Trained and establishes over 1,500 youth End FGM champions and surveillance team in the southwest.

·Re-enrolled four teenage mothers back to school.

·Empowered indigent widows with startup resources of small-scale businesses to ensure their economic sustainability.

·Successfully implemented several funded projects to the satisfaction of donors and beneficiaries with tremendous impact.

·Influenced budgetary allocation for youth development through Ekiti Youth Agenda Policy Advocacy campaign.

·Contributed significantly and meaningfully to peaceful elections in Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo and Lagos states and Nigeria at large.

·Built capacity of over 30 individuals who have had the opportunity to be part of NIGAWD as staff and or volunteers.

· Contributed significantly to the reduction of FGM in Nigeria and Africa prevented and responded to over 100 cases of GBV.

· Rescued over 5 street/trafficked children and reunited them back to their families.

Could you tell us other female initiatives you have embarked on lately and your experiences therein?

We engaged teenage girls and boys through our When Girls Talk and When Boys Konnect against GBV program. It is a Sexual and Reproductive Health adolescent focused programme to empower young girls/boys to say no to GBV and social injustice while building their life building skills. This is a bi-annual self-sponsored program by NIGAWD

Domestic violence, spousal abuse and rape against women have taken heavy toll on the female gender lately. What are your concerns about this and what should be done to stop the act?

Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women /Girls must be put in proper perspective, it must be described as a pandemic that requires the effort of everyone to curtail as we did with the COVID-19. Data has it that 1 in 3 women and girls have experienced either physical, sexual and or intimate partner violence or nor partner violence. That is a lot.

A major concern for NIGAWD is that a lot of funds are being pumped into ending Violence Against Women /Girls, but the problem is on the increase. This is very worrisome.

Also, one reason Gender-Based Violence is on the increase is that most perpetrators are not brought to book and there is lack of institutional system to implement the numerous legal instruments available.

Weaponization of poverty among women is another constraint to fighting GBV, when women are not empowered, they remain in abusive relationships, when there is no shelter or transition home for victim of GBV, it’s difficult to rescue a woman from an abusive environment and keep in a safe space.

Government and funders need to fund more project catering for these issues. NIGAWD will continue to support women and girls through her programs to be economically self-sufficient as this will increase their chances to challenge abuses and walk away if need be.

NIGAWD will also sustain advocacy to stakeholders to implement without biases penalties for GBV perpetrators to serve as deterrent to other while also advocating for the establishment of a survivor fund to cater for the needs of victims and survivors of GBV

Women are said to be feeling the pains of the current economic crisis in Nigeria. What is your group doing to stop this?

As stated earlier, NIGAWD aims to promote the psychosocial needs of women and girls. Aside the economic empowerment given to indigent widows, NIGAWD programs targeted at young girls and encourage them to learn and acquit themselves with digital skills in other to be self-sufficient in the technology driven economy.

We are also in the process of promoting families to adopt measures that will guarantee the sustained empowerment of women and female children upon the demise of breadwinners through writing of inheritance wills. This will go a long way in to increase economic wealth of women and girls.

The controversial Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) regulations bill is back to the House of Representatives. What is your take on this bill?

Civil society actors in Nigeria have described the bill to regulate NGOs as an attempt by government to gag CSOs and civil movements.

CSOs are meant to operate independently without interference from government or private sector bodies so I am not in support of a bill targeted at frustrating the good works that CSOs are doing in Nigeria and my fellow colleagues who marched to the National assembly made this clear to the lawmakers and entire nation.

A Yoruba adage says you don’t throw the water away with the baby. If there are issues with some NGOs, it should be treated as an individual case, it does not call for a total disrupt of the great work NGOs are doing in Nigeria.

NGOs have covered up a lot of lapses caused by the dead state of local government administration in Nigeria NGOs are closer to the grassroot than any government, many times, it is NGOs that support citizens to engage with government therefore, I join other actors in the space to call on the legislators to pass bills that will promote our democracy as a nation not sabotage it.

admin by — September 25, 2022 in News 0
Tinubu Didn’t Offer Me Senatorial Ticket -Gov. Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike has denied report that the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offered him a senatorial ticket as a reward if he (Wike)defects to the ruling party.

He was alleged to have disclosed this during the media chat that was aired on Channels Television, African Independent Television, Nigerian Television Authority and TVC on Friday, where he made a lot of disclosures about the leadership of his party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Port Harcourt.

In a statement by his media side, Kelvin Ebri, Governor Wike said the news is false, baseless and ludicrous .

He said the Rivers State governor throughout the media chat never mentioned the name of the APC presidential candidate or alluded to him offering him a senatorial ticket.

He said:”To lay the facts bare, we have decided to include herein the transcript of what governor Wike said concerning senatorial form.First of all, this is how you know those who are prepared to run an election. Some of them collected presidential form at the same time collected senatorial form. You’ll know that those people are not serious to run.

“I never collected senatorial form. Even after the whole thing, people said come and go for Senate, I said no. I won’t do that. I’ve already made a commitment that this Senate ticket should be zoned to this area (Etche) because they’ve never had it before. I must not be in power.”

The statement said in an era of increasingly divisive political climate, the tendency to pervert the truth is extremely high.

It added:” It is on this basis that we wish to remind journalists that journalism’s first obligation is to the truth.At this critical juncture in our nation, we wish to remind journalists that getting the facts right is the cardinal principle of journalism. Journalists are enjoined to always strive for accuracy and give all the relevant facts in their report.We, therefore, urged the unsuspecting public not to give any credence to this false, baseless and ill-motivated reports.”

admin by — September 25, 2022 in Politics 0