Opinion
The palliative palava in Africa: Our elites mocking our vulnerability
By Lai Gidaddo
It appears that many African elites find satisfaction in the suffering of the masses. There’s an unsettling pattern where they exploit the struggles of the poor for their own gain, using these moments to showcase benevolence while subtly reinforcing dependence.
A deeper look reveals a troubling irony: the same people who hold the reins of power, capable of implementing sustainable solutions, are the ones orchestrating this cycle of misery.
The holy scriptures admonish us to “love our neighbours as ourselves” and to give with discretion. Yet, in Africa, charity often morphs into a circus of humiliation.
It is not uncommon to see desperate individuals lining up for hours, sometimes overnight, for handouts that barely scratch the surface of their needs.
The Yoruba adage, “A rich man among a thousand poor men is also a poor man,” serves as a poignant reminder of the hollowness of wealth in the midst of widespread poverty.
Contrast this with the approach of Catholic charities in Europe. During my time in County Kerry, Ireland, I witnessed how organisations like St. Lumumba’s and St. John’s would quietly deliver Christmas cheer to the less privileged.
Their actions, devoid of fanfare, respected the dignity of the recipients.
From food items to clothes and toys, these groups ensured no one was left out during festive seasons. Even Islamic organisations, like the Zakat Foundation, operate with similar discretion, bridging the gap between the rich and the poor without resorting to public spectacles.
In our part of the world, however, the narrative is grim. On Christmas Eve in Lagos, hundreds of Nigerians gathered outside the mansions of the wealthy in hopes of receiving gifts.
The scenes of chaos that ensued were both heartbreaking and infuriating. Many returned home empty-handed, some injured, and others traumatised by the stampedes or scuffles with security personnel.
More troubling are the lives lost during such distributions. In cities like Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra, stampedes have claimed lives, leaving families bereaved and communities shaken.
Yet, these tragedies seem to teach us nothing. The organisers continue with their charades, the media captures the chaos, and the cycle repeats itself.
The solution is not complicated. If elites and NGOs truly wish to help, they could do so discreetly. Community leaders can compile lists of vulnerable individuals, and donations can be distributed door-to-door.
This approach not only preserves dignity but also ensures safety. It is baffling that this simple strategy is often ignored in favour of grandstanding.
Enough of palliatives! The billions spent on these temporary solutions could be channelled into building industries and creating jobs. Imagine establishing agricultural hubs, textile factories, or tech parks in each senatorial district.
These projects would not only reduce unemployment but also stimulate economic growth.
It is absurd to watch government officials boast about feeding millions, knowing full well that these meals will not last beyond a day or two.
Where are the long-term plans? Why not invest in vocational training centres, micro-loan schemes, or infrastructure projects that empower people to fend for themselves? While the government and elites bear the lion’s share of the blame, the masses must also reflect.
Parents who risk their children’s safety for handouts and individuals who sleep on the streets for cups of rice must begin to demand more from their leaders.
Poverty should not strip people of their dignity or their sense of agency.
The time has come for a paradigm shift. Africa deserves leaders who think beyond their personal interests and citizens who hold them accountable.
Let us end this culture of temporary fixes and focus on sustainable solutions that uplift everyone.
We must shift our focus to creating jobs and teaching people how to fish, rather than simply giving them fish.
God bless Nigeria.
Lai Gidado 26 December 2024
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
On assumption of duty in January, 2025 , the new Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Boss and well grounded World Bank expert , Aisha Garba envisaged the need to reposition the Basic Education through interfacing with the critical stakeholders.
Amongst them is the office of the National Security Adviser , NSA, led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu whose achievements in the last few years in the area of security has become distinct and outstanding.
Therefore, seeking to cooperate and collaborate with the office became germane and needful particularly the protection of lives and properties of actors in the promotion of Basic Education ranging from the pupils , teachers , workers and facilitators to enable it drive the new wave to curb Out of School Children OOSC in the country.
Aside providing the basic security arrangements for schools , the need to engage the security apparatus at the level of National Security Adviser NSA became needful, so as to address the sophistry of security problems in the country, to nip in the bud any unforseen circumstances.
With the high rates of kidnappings, abduction , banditry, cattle rustling, ritual tendencies among many other vices, the idea of bringing on board , the security architecture of the country in all ramifications will assist the commission to consolidate the implementation of Basic Education policies and programs, also introduce new ones .
Since pupils at the Primary, Junior Secondary and Secondary Schools are prone to such ugly development and security issues , the need to be proactive on the part of the commission became timely and desiring.
This led to the success story of the bilateral interface between the management of the commission and NSA, to streamline, perfect and chart a new course on the issue of security of actors in the Basic Education.
The visit described as timely and long overdue, discussed fruitfully the way forward and the immediate and long term intervention of both agencies in the area of collaboration.
According to the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba she stated by discussing” strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigeria. ”
She further said” the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.”
“the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation. ”
“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” it added.
“UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.”
“She said: “My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. ”
“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region”.
Highlights of the program which included the engagement of both bodies with a commitment to ensure the introduction of security architecture in schools in Nigeria is achievable.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.