Arts/Literary
Panacea To Niger Delta’s Nightmare
Book Review
Title: Step-by-Step Strategic Re-orientation, Reformation and Rehabilitation of Cultists, Militants and Restive Youth
Author: Albert K. Horsfall
Reviewer: Boye Salau
Volume: 95 Pages
Since the discovery of oil in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State in the 1960s, the Niger Delta region has been a key player in the economic development of Nigeria. Ironically, the positive impacts of this oil resources to Nigeria have neither earned the Niger Delta the desired political justice and recognition, nor brought about the much expected socioeconomic development to the region. This political injustice and economic deprivation which the citizenry suffer in the face of environmental degradation has therefore led to a long-drawn agitation in the Niger Delta.
Although, political agitation in the Niger Delta could be traced to 1934 when some Niger Deltans, mostly Ijaw elites in Lagos demanded a State for the Rivers people, it was not until 1966 when Isaac Adaka Boro led a band of youngmen to declare a Niger Delta Republic that agitation through armed struggle started. Since then, armed struggle has been a major tool of demanding for political sovereignty and economic justice in the Niger Delta.
At least, three of these armed struggles which claimed hundreds of lives stand tall: The Gideon Orkar’s abortive coup of 1990, the late Ken Saro-Wiwa’s Ogoni rights struggle in 1994 and the 1999 Odi Massacre in Bayelsa State which was preceeded by the 1998 Kaima Declaration.
Today, these agitations which could be said to be anchored on social justice have assumed a more deadly, criminal dimension. Some criminal elements, aided by some corrupt politicians and anti-social groups, have taken the advantage of the violent milieu in the region to cash in and satisfy their selfish, criminal interest. This has made many Nigerians and the international community to dub the Niger Delta a crisis-ridden zone where militancy, youth restiveness and other acts of lawlessness have become the order of the day.
Those who share this opinion have strong indicators to support their arguments. Within the last 10 years alone, several cases of acts of militancy and youth restiveness have been recorded in the region. Worst, all the measures, mostly half-measured and cosmetic, taken by the Federal Government, including military actions, to tackle this monster have yielded no positive result.
Given the failure of all these measures to nip in the bud the acts of insurgency in the Niger Delta, the questions now are: What is the lasting solution to the Niger Delta problems? Or should the Niger Delta continue to exist under the ambush of extraneous, criminal elements? These are some of the questions Albert K. Horsfall’s Step-by-Step- Strategic Re-orientation, Reformation and Rehabilitation of Cultists, Militants and Restive Youth tries to proffer answers to.
Considering Chief Horsfall’s profile and experience as a lawyer, security expert, administrator and elder statesman, one can conclude that he stands a better position to proffer lasting panacea to the longdrawn violent conflicts and crises in the Niger Delta. And in fairness to his approach, Horsfall does not deal with the issue at stake in the realm of theories. He leads in a practical way. He metamorphoses what happens around him, his experience and efforts as a former Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta and chairman of the Rivers State Social Rehabilitation committee, to plausible literary text.
Horsfall’s book traces the historical path that led to the nightmare the Niger Delta people are experiencing today to the region’s long standing agitation for political and economic autonomy, poor and bad political leadership with its attendant problem of high rate of unemployment, general lack of social and economic opportunities in the region, socio- infrastructural paralysis and environmental degradation. 1t also blames the problem on the docility and unnecessary cowardliness of the Niger Delta populace in the face of injustice, as well as on poor and bad upbringing of children in the region which, according to the author, plunge many of the youths into cultism, militancy and other social vices.
Horsfall highlights how the Niger Delta nationalism struggle was hijacked by those he described as “extraneous, self-seeking elements such as cultists and thugs supported by politicians and anti-social groups” to further their own selfish net. He writes: “Many of them latched on to the central purpose of Niger Delta nationalism and used it to further their selfish interest”.
One can not but agree with Horsfall’s position that the option of garrisoning the Niger Delta or keeping it under heavy military surveillance and attack can not provide lasting solution to the problem of cultism, militancy and youth restiveness in the region; just as the option of leaving the matter in the hands of ill-equipped law enforcement agencies is inadequate to confront such challenges.
Horsfall’s clear-cut solutions to the long-drawn-out-state of violence, cultism, militancy, political unrest, youth restiveness and other forms of unrest in the Niger Delta should rather serve as a wake-up call to Nigerian leaders.
Besides canvassing for the creation of two or three additional States in the Niger Delta, as well as a clear-cut policy that would give the security and defence services proper directives as to the policy of the Federal Government on the Niger Delta crises, Horsfall suggests that the political agitations of the Niger Delta, stretching way back to 1934, and especially since the Adaka Boro revolt of 1966, must be carefully addressed without any further equivocation or political sophistry.
One of the ways to address this is for the Federal Government to adopt Chief Horsfall’s “step-by step strategic re-orientation, reformation and rehabilitation of cultists, militants and restive youth” blueprint which he had initiated through the Social Rehabilitation Committee set up by the Rivers State Government to nip in the bud the problem of cultism, militancy and insurgency in Rivers State.
On the economic front however, Hosfall’s recommendation of a step-by-step increase in revenue allocations to the South South region might be considered justifiable given the place of the region as the goose that lays the golden eggs. But considering poor and bad leadership and the high level of corruption in our society, can the increase in revenue allocation be transformed into considerable better living standard for the Niger Delta populace?
Meanwhile, one lesson to be drawn from Horsfall’s book, especially from some of the measures he identifies as necessary for the reformation and rehabilitation of the restive youths in the Niger Delta is that no one is an everlasting never-do-well because change is the only constant thing in life.
And unlike many authors whose target audience is limited, the audience of Horsfall’s Step-by-Step Strategic Re-orientation Reformation and Rehabilitation of cultists, Militants and Restive Youth cuts across all ages and genders, and all the political and socio-economic strata of life. It is not only for the youths, but also for adults – the led and the political leaders in Nigeria.
The 95-page book also achieves a milestone with regards to diction and simplicity, especially the use of simple words that would appeal to a large repertoire of audience. It should therefore come in handy for all and sundry.
Boye Salau
Girl-child education is a way by which a girl- child is being exposed through formal education for proper education.
It is a process whereby a girl-child is being exposed to some certain things according to “teachmit@wp”.
Girl-child education refers to the aspect of education that ends at developing the skills and knowledge of girls and women no matter their backgrounds.
Some parents think that educating a girl- child is wasting of their resources. No. When a female child is educated, it gives her that respect even the husband cannot treat her anyhow because he will know her worth.
The importance of educating the girl- child cannot be overemphasised. It helps to empower the country and makes them have a better life. Once they are educated, they realise the importance of exhibiting good hygiene habits.
It may interest you to know that when a girl-child is educated, she has a sense of belonging in the society. In Nigeria nowadays, they have the potential of becoming governors, chairmen of local government areas, among others.
The tendency of taking cognisance of the importance of reduction in child bearing is high. When a woman is educated, the level in which she will give birth will reduce considering the dangers inherent.
Firstly, she will calculate herself and know when to conceive, although with the consent of her husband and the numbers of children she wants.
A girl who is educated will know how to educate her children properly. She will be of good benefits to the family.
Truly, a girl who is not properly educated will suffer lack of knowledge, fall into early marriage which will lead into early pregnancy. Some of these can cause domestic violence.
Women need education because without proper knowledge, a woman cannot run her home properly. A woman that is educated leads her home aright.
Some men use and take advantage of uneducated women by rendering all kinds of abuses on them, some rape their wives in course of making love and others insults their wives in public all because there is no education. In life, males and females should be educated without discrimination.
Furthermore, educating a girl-child is like investing in a big business that one will not run into a loss.
According to Dr Shaifali, girls’ education is like sowing the seed which gives rise to a revitalised, cheerful and full-grown family plants.
She also said educated women have the capacity to bring socio- economic changes.
Growing up from the family of three, my father told me that he was not ready to train a female child and when I asked why, he said: ” because when you will grow and become great, then, a man will come from nowhere and marry you and all my money will be wasted. When you marry, your name will be changed that means all your riches and wealth will become your husband’s own because you people are one”.
Frankly, I was very bitter with myself and I started questioning God that why was I not created as man, but I took it upon myself that weather the devil likes it or not, I will prove my father wrong by going to school and I will show the difference.
As parents when training children we should not think less of any child because every child is important and have value.
Every child is a blessing from God. This is a clarion call to all men of our present society to accord their wives the respect they deserve. A man can develop his wife after marriage.
Education plays an important role in the life of a girl-child. Let every girl-child be educated. The government should provide the society with basic amenities such as good schools that are well-equipped.
Parents from time to time should be re-oriented in this regard taking cognisance of the importance of developing the girl-child. None should be misled by saying that the girl-child need not attend formal education.
Since some parents do not have the wherewithal to sponsor their children, governments at all levels should introduce free education to give room for equal opportunity. Bursary payment should be re-introduced in all higher educational institutions.
Education is the bedrock of any society therefore women education cannot end in the kitchen.
Princess Npapa
Princess Npapa is a student of Pan Africa Institute of Management and Technology.
A woman is a dynamic multifaceted individual who embodies resilience, courage and determination.
She is a game changer and a force to be reckon with, a confidant empowered, supportive, adaptable and inspirational.
Many had asked why women are being celebrated even as recorded in calendar so frequently unlike men and I said, a woman being multifaceted and embodies resilience and determination is worth being celebrated unlike in the 80s when women were meant to understand that their place was in the kitchen of their husbands’ houses.
What an amazing level of development where women can choose a career and work on themselves and know that there is more to life than being in the kitchen and ending up in a man’s house with nothing to show for it.
Women are the strongest versions of the gender of humans in the world even in their silence, women hold a depth of emotions, questions and unspoken thoughts. Their smiles often conceal their true feelings, masking their fears, doubts and desires.
Despite these challenges, women continue to rise above, shattering glass ceilings and pushing boundaries.
Today innovative, women are enterprenuers, leaders, and change agents. Inspiring women like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chimamanda Adichie and many others have paved the way for future generation, their achievements serve as testaments to women’s strength, resilience and capabilities.
The calendar tell us how unique the woman is and her significance in the home and society at large. As a woman, she holds power and I celebrate every woman out there in the world irrespective of how you may have fallen, you shall rise above the challenges, support one another and celebrate collective strength and resilience.
Woman as an icon of strength is not just about individual achievements but creating supportive networks, uplifting others and celebrating collective success, defying expectations and redefining what it means to be a strong woman.
The strength and bravery of women are worthy of celebration by the entire world as none is unique as the epitome of nation builders, character molders and pacesetters not just in their family but to the society at large.
A woman is a selfless mother, lover and care giver to her family, a daughter who supports her parents, as a sister’s unshakeable bond with her siblings and a friends unconditional empathy and understanding.
These acts of kindness and love are not most times talked about but hold families and communities together and bonding strong women are powerful beings who have impacted the society, shaping the foundation of the world from the 80s to date, I personally want to celebrate all the icons of strength who had fought and are still fighting , that our voices as women are heard even unto the ends of time.
I celebrate you all amazing women for standing strong and paving ways for the future generation for equality, justice and human rights. To the rising child, teenager and adults who happen to be a ‘woman’, I celebrate our collective efforts, our strength in helping one another to rise, irrespective of our differences in our backgrounds.
We are super humans, unique beings, no wonder the Bible acknowledges the importance of our strength. Therefore, let’s celebrate every woman out there.
Kate Chisom Isiocha
Isiocha, is a student of Temple Gate Polytechnic.
It is the idea of God that family should exit. Children form part of the family. God loves family so much that Jesus was born into the family of Joseph.
Everyone’s family is good and important. Children should not look down on their family whether they are rich or poor.
Children should respect and honour their family and foster love among their siblings. They should work together and make peace in the family. They should always stand in the gap. It is good for family members to carry all along since everyone may not be doing well.
The Christianity that children learn is practised in family. Faith-based organisations do a great job in moulding children’s character. Those are the behaviours that children exhibit towards siblings in family.
Every child born in a family is there for a purpose. A baby born into a family is supplying something. It may be joy, wealth and so on. Everyone is important in a family.
Adolescents who have graduated from school but may not be contributing financially can do one or two things at home. You can engage in preparing meals at home while parents are away for a job or business. Contributing in house chores will go a long way to relieve parents of stress after a day’s job.
What do you contribute to your family, especially during holidays both in nuclear and extended family?
The family you were born is constant but friends are temporary. You can decide not to continue in friendship but you cannot cut off your family. No matter how bad you think your family is and you decide to leave home, you must surely return. Your friends can harbour you for a while.
The child’s first identity comes from the family. What the child learns first comes from the family.
Family is the centre of love and care. People have started playing down on marriage because of neglect on basics of family. Marriage starts today and and the next few months, it is threatened. Respect for family plays a crucial role in marriage.
No child grows without parental control and influence. If a child refuses to grow without taking instructions from parents, he may grow up being wild. There are consequences when children do not obey their parents. There are those who want to be rebellious against their parents. They should know that their length of days are tied to their parents.
Your bioligical parents know you more than every other person. There is the wisdom and knowledge your parents have that you do not so it is proper to listen to them before choosing carriers both in academics and job. A young man or woman can choose who to get married to, but a greater role in the choice of who to marry and the marriage proper comes from the parents.
They know what is best for you. No matter how modern trends will influence you and prove it wrong, parent is the key. No one can love you more than your parents because they are your blood.
A lot of parents have been traumatised due to the fact that children they nurtured and trained turned their back on them at older age. Children should not abandon their parents for any reason.
As you grow up, situations may arise in marriage when you decide it is over with your spouse, but no matter the level of provocation with your parents, they will not despise you. Parents will also play a role in that regard. Problem arises in every family but how it is handled matters a lot.
Some children honour their mentors more than their parents. Although there are parents who shy away from their responsibilities. It is important that parents take full responsibility of their children. You cannot bring a child to the planet earth and refuse to perform roles as a parent. But parents may not quantify what they spent from childhood to adolescence. That is a blessing children cannot get from another person.
There are people who have attributed their failure in life to the fact that their parents, especially mothers are witchcraft. It is wrong to feel that your mother is instrumental to your failure in life. The only way to success is hardwork.
Let money not determine the level of love for your parents. Wherever a child goes, family is constant.
Eunice Choko-Kayode