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Prof. Udenta: A Life of Scholarship, Dissent and Activism

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By Kingsley Chimobi

The name and person of Professor Udenta O. Udenta needs  no introduction as it reverberates  having carved a niche for himself as one of Africa’s leading scholars.

His bulky masculine body seems in tandem with with the huge intellectual depth and deposit he is endowed with. While he easily intimidates with this rare feature of his, perhaps his most poignant asset is his intellectual prowess. One, many say is rare. A leading scholar, activist and public intellectual in Africa, Udenta is the author of over 21 books, including several groundbreaking works on African literature and culture.

The highly cerebral writer has also served in a number of important public roles, including as a founding member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and as a consultant to the World Bank, DFID, UNDP, EU Nigeria Mission, USAID, International Republican Institute (IRI), National Democratic Institute (NDI), International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), Global Rights, Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA), British Foreign Office Parliamentary Group, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and many others.

Born in Mgbowo, Enugu State, Nigeria, in 1963, Prof Udenta attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in African studies. He then went on to earn a PhD in comparative literature from the University of Pittsburgh.

After completing his PhD, Professor Udenta returned to Nigeria and joined the faculty of Abia State University. He quickly became a leading figure in the field of African literature as his work was widely acclaimed. In 1993, he published his groundbreaking book, “Revolutionary Aesthetics and the African Literary Process.” This book argued that African literature should be seen as a form of political and social activism, and it had a major impact on the development of African literary studies.

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Professor Udenta’s work has always been characterized by its commitment to social justice and its willingness to challenge authority. In 1998, he was forced to leave his academic career due to his political activism. He had been a vocal critic of the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha and thus was arrested and detained several times. After Abacha’s death in 1998, Professor Udenta was released from prison and went on to play a leading role in the transition to democracy in Nigeria. He then became the pioneer national secretary of the now defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD).

Characterized by its rigor, Udenta’s scholarship is known for its originality, and  commitment to social justice. His work has made a significant contribution to our understanding of African literature and culture, and it has helped to shape the course of African history.

This is just as his activism,  has been equally important. He has been a fearless advocate for democracy and human rights in Nigeria and  played a key role in the fight against corruption and impunity. His work has helped to make Nigeria a more just and equitable society.

In the years since, Professor Udenta has continued to be a leading voice in African literature and public life. He has published several more books and  served in a number of important public roles. He is currently the Director General of the African Writers Institute, and he is a Distinguished Fellow at the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought. Professor Udenta has been a tireless advocate for democracy and human rights. He is a true inspiration to us all.

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In commemoration of his sixtieth birthday, a national dialogue with the theme: “Location of Intellection and Praxis in Human Subjectivity-The Nigerian Dilemma” is being organised in his honour at the Nigerian Airforce Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja tomorrow in Abuja. This will be followed by the public presentation of his 21 books to mark the 60th birthday celebration events.

Professor Udenta is a true Renaissance . He is a scholar, an activist, a public servant, and a gifted communicator. He is a force for good works and remains an inspiration to this and the coming genration.  We can only wish him well

Happy 60th birthday, Professor Udenta!

Chimobi, a mentee of Prof Udenta, wrote in from Abuja.

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NIDCOM rescues 200 trafficking victims

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The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in partnership with the Nigeria in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), has rescued 200 trafficking survivors in just four months.

Chairman and CEO of NIDCOM, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, revealed this on Thursday while receiving three trafficked girls from Ghana, in Lagos.

Two girls, cousins aged 19 and 17, are from Bayelsa. The third girl, aged 18, is from Akwa Ibom.

Dabiri-Erewa said the rescue was possible through collaboration with NIDO Ghana, NAPTIP, the Nigerian High Commission, Ghana Police and Nigeria’s First Lady’s Office.

She expressed concern that in spite of awareness efforts, many still fall victim to traffickers.

According to her, parents must monitor their children closely, as traffickers are often known family members.

“That is what we’ve always said — parents must know who their children associate with.

“In trafficking chains, there’s always someone familiar who convinces the victim not to inform their family,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

She said about 200 survivors have been rescued from Ghana to Nigeria since January, with support from Chief Calistus Elozieuwa, NIDO Ghana Chairman.

Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that four traffickers behind the recent case had been arrested and would face prosecution.

The three rescued girls will be profiled by NAPTIP and returned to their families for rehabilitation.

“Four traffickers are in custody. Ten more survivors remain in Ghana but will return soon,” she said.

She emphasised the need for continued awareness and public education to curb human trafficking in Nigeria.

“Right now, ten survivors are with Chief Calistus in Ghana. NIDCOM supports agencies in this joint government effort.

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“We help provide logistical aid. These girls will return to their states and rebuild their lives.

“NAPTIP will profile them, trace the traffickers, and ensure they’re brought to justice.

“Our role is to support these innocent children and help them pursue their dreams after such trauma,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

Dabiri-Erewa explained that one survivor said her aunty lured her and her cousin to Ghana, promising jobs in a boutique and bar.

After one day of rest, they were ordered to stand on the street for prostitution, which they refused.

“We had to escape. While walking, a man found us and took us to the police station,” the victim narrated.

They were then transferred to Chief Calistus Elozieuwa, who helped them reach the Nigerian High Commission and later, NIDCOM.

“Our host mistreated us after we refused prostitution. We escaped for our safety,” the Bayelsa-born girl added.

Another survivor from Akwa Ibom said her aunty promised her a supermarket job but forced her into prostitution.

She said she was beaten daily for refusing, and eventually had no choice but to comply.

She explained that one trafficked girl later escaped, returned with the police, and helped rescue the rest. (NAN)

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Easter: CDS Musa hails troops for courage, resilience, patriotism

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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has commended the troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their courage, resilience, and patriotism, even in the face of grave danger.

Musa gave the commendation in his message to members of the Armed Force on the occasion of Easter Celebration on Thursday in Abuja.

He assured them that their sacrifices would not go unnoticed, urging them to continue to remain the bedrock of the nation’s stability and unity.

The CDS said that members of the armed forces had continued to embody the same spirit of selfless service through dedication to duty, loyalty to Nigeria, and unrelenting commitment to peace and national security.

“As we mark the celebration of Easter, I extend my heartfelt greetings to each and every one of you, those at home, on duty, and in various theatres of operations across the country and beyond.

“Easter is a season of reflection and renewal. It reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus Christ, and His resurrection which brings hope to all of humanity.

“This is a message of sacrifice, courage, and triumph over adversity which is especially significant to the members of the armed forces of Nigeria.

“Let us remember our fallen comrades, men and women who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

“May their memories remain eternal and may their service never be forgotten.

“We also pray for the quick recovery of those wounded in action, and for strength and comfort for their families,” he said.

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The defence chief urged them to use the period to reflect on the values that Easter represents; sacrifice, forgiveness, unity, and hope.

According to him, let it also be a time to renew their commitment to duty, discipline, and professionalism, as they work together to achieve the strategic objectives of the armed forces and to secure the peace that Nigeria desperately needs.

He expressed confidence in their ability to overcome the challenges before them.

“Together, we will continue to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty with honour and dignity,” he said.

Musa thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting efforts in ensuring a safer and prosperous nation.

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Political will key to 24-hour Port operations – Nweke

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Only political will can achieve 24-hour port operations, says a former President of the Nigeria Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr Eugene Nweke.

Nweke stated this on Thursday in Lagos during the Fifth Town Hall Meeting, organised by JournalNG.

According to him, 24-hour port operations are achievable if the government issues a clear directive to this effect.

He added that a regulatory agency should be assigned to monitor and evaluate port operations for effective supervision.

“When responsibilities are clear, operators are guided. It’s not enough for government to issue orders without monitoring or enforcement,” he said.

Nweke stressed that political will is crucial for Nigeria to realise round-the-clock port activities.

He urged government agencies to treat port transformation as a priority and for stakeholders to see it as essential.

According to him, collaboration among stakeholders is key to achieving full-day port operations.

He said bottlenecks delaying the process must be addressed promptly, with sanctions where necessary.

Nweke added that ports are meant for commercial activity, and proper infrastructure must replace unnecessary human involvement.

He called on the government to upgrade port infrastructure to improve efficiency and user experience.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Mr Bolaji Sumola, said 24-hour port operations are now a necessity.

Sumola noted that a strategic approach based on technology, sustainability, and alignment would make Nigerian ports more efficient and secure.

As NPCC Chairman, he reaffirmed his commitment and called on all stakeholders to support the transformation.

However, Assistant Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abass Oladepo, said customs already operates a 24-hour system.

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Oladepo said the PTML Command had introduced two-hour cargo clearance, with average port clearance under six hours annually.

The town hall meeting, B’Odogwu, was aimed at educating stakeholders about the Customs transformation programme.

Importers were advised to make honest declarations to ensure quicker cargo clearance, possibly within minutes.

Managing Director of ENL Consortium, Mr Mark Walsh, urged Nigerian banks to speed up port-related payments.

He praised the Federal Government and NPA for port modernisation but stressed the need for constant lighting at terminals.

Walsh said proper lighting was crucial for night-time security and to reduce reliance on generators.

Mr Ahmed Ogunsola, General Manager of the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), urged joint efforts to resolve issues delaying 24-hour operations.

He said TMP works with NCS to build capacity and provide technology for efficient cargo clearance.

Ogunsola affirmed that collaboration among port users makes round-the-clock operations attainable.

He added that TMP had an agreement with the Federal Government to provide 67 scanners, five of which had arrived.

In his opening speech, JournalNG Publisher, Mr Ismail Aniemu, said the forum helped generate policy guidance through stakeholder engagement.

Aniemu said Nigeria must convert its ports into smart ports, with experts ready to support the initiative.

He said that some port users already operate 24 hours, and such efforts must be sustained collectively. (NAN)

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