Opinion

That Tinubu’s Poverty Alleviation Style

Published

2 years ago

September 8, 2023

A key item on the eight-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is poverty alleviation. Early in the week, during the maiden Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the agenda which the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, said was aimed at turning around the economy and making life comfortable for all Nigerians was unveiled. The agenda includes ending poverty, food security, rule of law, economic growth and job creation, improving security, etc. Similarly, during a visit to the president by members of Tinubu Support Organisation, he reassured Nigerians of his determination not to fail the country in carrying out a permanent transformation of the nation’s economy. It is one thing to have plans and to make mouth-watering promises, but the steps taken towards the implementation of the plans go a long way to determine how successful they will be and to make the people believe in the sincerity of your actions. If you claim to have plans to end poverty and your policies and actions are making more people poorer and poorer, you definitely risk losing the people’s trust. A litmus test of Tinubu’s sincere intention and commitment towards ending poverty or better put, alleviating poverty in Nigeria in the next three years is the way his government handles the issue of energy security in the country. The haphazard way the government has been dealing with this all-important issue has been a source of worry to many Nigerians.
The president’s ill-advised removal of fuel subsidy on his inauguration day without any prior plan of how to cushion the effect of such action; the resultant hike in the cost of petroleum motor spirit (petrol) coupled with increase in electricity tariff have obviously sent many Nigerians into poverty within the first 100 days of this current administration. The July Consumer Price Index (CPI) report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed a rise in inflation as a result of the soaring food prices. There is hardly any food item which the price has not tripled – rice, beans, tomatoes, yam, bread, name it. Incidentally, the federal government’s decision to cushion the subsidy removal pain on Nigerians by the approval of N5 billion for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to enable them to procure food items for distribution to the poor in their respective states may be another big mistake by Tinubu’s government. Going by the nation’s past experiences especially with regard to Covid-19 palliatives and also palliatives for flood victims in some states, is dolling out these huge sums the best form of palliative that will impact the generality of the people? Should the money have been given to the governors? The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajero, succinctly put it thus, “I have said in unmistakable terms that the governors, from our experiences in the past, should not be allowed in any way to drive the process in the states due to trust deficits. Perhaps, the government has decided to dash N5 billion to the boys in the states.
For them to have done that, it means they do not have the regard for negotiated outcomes with the necessary bargaining institutions in Nigeria.” So, while governors have gotten their own, Nigerians are also waiting to get their share. If they refuse, Nigerian workers will have no other option than to fight for themselves. We are sovereign, we are the owners of Nigeria and as the sovereign, we will mobilise ourselves to do the needful to ensure that those we have elected into office obey us because it is our desire and interest that they are supposed to serve and protect. We will hold them accountable,” he maintained.The Labour’s stance is that the government should have allowed social dialogue in the palliative talks, which remained a democratic platform to guide its actions and policies. There is no better truth. You cannot jettison organised labour in such a decision that concerns the workers and other masses. The nationwide protest as was witnessed on Tuesday and Wednesday and a prolonged strike is sure to come if the government fails to address the workers’ grievances.If one may ask, what measures are there to ensure thorough transparency and accountability on the part of the state chief executives in the sharing of the palliative items? How is the federal government going to ensure that the palliative items get to the true poor people instead of being shared by members of the ruling political parties in the states? In some states there are already ripples over the appointment of some party loyalists as head and members of the pallitives distribution committees. Most importantly, what are the concrete plans of ending poverty in the country? Government surely cannot continue to doll out cash or supply food items as palliatives.
There must be immediate and long-term plans towards bringing a lot of Nigerians out of poverty.The need for agricultural development as a panacea for poverty reduction in the country cannot be over-emphasised. Government and other capable organisations must support small-scale farmers by providing them with access to credit, modern farming techniques, and markets for their produce. Agriculture is a major source of income for many Nigerians, and boosting productivity in this sector can help reduce poverty. Apparently, for the agriculture sector to thrive, there must be deliberate effort to invest in infrastructure development, including roads, electricity, and water supply, to spur economic growth and create job opportunities. Improved infrastructure can also attract investment and stimulate economic activity in both urban and rural areas.The issue of improved power supply must be urgently addressed. Many small scale and medium scale businesses in the country are folding up due to lack of electricity, high electricity tariff and increased price of petrol. I visited my tailor at Abuloma recently and was sad to see the once bubbling “tailors’ hub” so quiet and deserted. The usual generator noise was absent. Some of the tailors around were idle. According to them they had clothes to sew but were waiting for PHED Compay to restore power as they could not afford to buy petrol at N700 per litre to power their generators. The story is the same for owners and managers of hairdressing/barbing salons, dry cleaners, business centres and all that. So, for an effective job creation plan, adequate and affordable energy supply must be taken into consideration. Policies that stimulate job creation in the formal and informal sectors must be promoted. This involves reducing regulatory barriers for businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and fostering a conducive business environment.
There should also be efforts at empowering women and youth through targeted programmes and policies, as they are often disproportionately affected by poverty. Gladly, one of the eight-point agenda is solving the insecurity problem in the country. Some poverty alleviation plans of the government like investment in agriculture, employment creation may be difficult to achieve without adequate security. Our farmlands must be made safe. People that deserted their villages due to insecurity should feel safe to return to their homes and farmlands and carry on their farming businesses.Of utmost importance is the need for governments at all levels to come up with and implement anti-corruption measures to ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively in poverty reduction programmes. Corruption is the bane of Nigeria’s development and without sincerely tackling it, all efforts at poverty reduction will be tantamount to pouring water on a rock. Tinubu and the governors must lead by example by drastically cutting down the cost of governance. Both federal and state lawmakers should follow suit by trimming down their expenses, including their “holiday allowances.” It is a known fact that poverty alleviation is a long-term endeavour that requires sustained commitment and resources. Moreover, coordination among different government agencies and stakeholders is crucial to ensure that these strategies are effectively implemented and monitored for their impact on poverty reduction in Nigeria. As the election petition hurdle has been crossed, it is hoped that the president will be more focused now in fulfilling his promises and making the country a better place to live.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Righteous Leadership Still Thrives

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Institutional decay is not irreversible when integrity and action sit at the helm.”

In every institution, there comes a defining moment when leadership either deepens decline or inspires rebirth. For the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation (Publishers of The Tide), that defining moment arrived when the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir. Honour Sirawoo Ph.D, came to share the premises with the Staff of The Corporation due to the ongoing renovation work at the State Secretariat. For years, the physical condition of the corporation mirrored the uncertainty that hung in the air. Leaking roofs told silent stories during the rainy season, damaged floors bore the weight of neglect, and the once vibrant environment seemed to plead for urgent attention. Staff members worked under conditions that tested both resilience and commitment. Buckets placed strategically to catch dripping water became a routine sight at some quarters, while cracked tiles and weathered walls diminished the pride that should accompany service in a state-owned media institution.

Yet, in the midst of these challenges, hope was not entirely lost. There remained a collective belief that with purposeful leadership, restoration was possible. That hope found expression when Honour Sirawoo Ph.D., Permanent Secretary in the Rivers State Ministry of Information, assumed as a co-occupier. His arrival was quiet, but his impact would soon resonate loudly across the premises.Leadership, it is often said, is not about occupying an office but about occupying responsibility. From his earliest inspections of the corporation’s facilities, it became evident that he saw not just buildings in disrepair, but a workforce deserving of dignity.The transformation began swiftly. Contractors appeared on site. Assessments were carried out with precision. Plans were not merely announced; they were implemented. Leaking roofs that had long defied repair were carefully amended.

For the first time in years, staff could listen to rainfall without anxiety. Damaged floors were reconstructed, restoring both safety and aesthetics. Walking through the corridors no longer required cautious navigation around broken surfaces. The fencing of the premises, once a pressing security concern, became a priority. A properly secured environment now speaks of order, responsibility, and foresight. General maintenance, often overlooked in public institutions, was institutionalized. From structural reinforcements to aesthetic upgrades, the corporation began to wear a new look. But beyond bricks and mortar, something deeper changed. Morale improved. Staff productivity increased. The psychological boost of working in a conducive environment cannot be overstated. The transformation has not merely been cosmetic; it has been cultural.

Workers now speak with renewed pride about their workplace. Visitors to the premises have noticed the difference. The once tired-looking structures now stand as testimony to what decisive leadership can accomplish. In governance, righteousness is reflected in fairness, diligence, and a genuine concern for people. These virtues have characterized the stewardship of Honour Sirawoo Ph.D.His approach demonstrates that public office is a sacred trust, not a ceremonial title. He has shown that administrative leadership can be both compassionate and result-driven.The improvements at the corporation align with a broader vision of strengthening information dissemination in Rivers State. A vibrant media institution is essential for democratic growth.By restoring the physical infrastructure of The Tide, he has indirectly strengthened the voice of the state. Journalists and editors now operate in an atmosphere that encourages excellence.

It is often said that environment influences output. The recent editions and renewed energy within the newsroom reflect this truth. When righteous leadership prevails, systems respond positively. Accountability replaces complacency, and progress becomes measurable. Honour Sirawoo Ph.D. has exemplified a leadership style rooted in integrity and practical action. He did not merely acknowledge problems; he confronted them. Such commitment deserves recognition beyond routine commendation. It speaks to a capacity for higher responsibilities within the state’s administrative architecture. Rivers State stands at a critical juncture where visionary administrators are needed across ministries and agencies. Leaders who understand that development begins with attention to detail are invaluable. The transformation at the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation serves as a case study in responsive governance. It proves that institutional decay is not irreversible.

Higher positions of trust demand proven competence, moral uprightness, and administrative foresight. In these respects, Honour Sirawoo Ph.D. has demonstrated remarkable readiness. His performance suggests suitability not only for continued leadership within the Ministry of Information but also for broader strategic roles that shape state policy. Beyond the state, Nigeria’s public service landscape requires administrators who combine academic depth with practical efficiency. His credentials and achievements place him in that league. “When the righteous bear rule, the people rejoice” is more than a biblical aphorism; it is a lived experience within the corporation today. The chapter of the Holy Bible that declares, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice”, (Proverbs 29:2), is a timeless reminder that good governance brings joy and stability to the people.

The joy of the staff is visible in their renewed dedication. The pride of ownership has returned. The institution breathes again. History often remembers leaders not for speeches but for tangible impact. The restored roofs, repaired floors, secured fences, and ongoing maintenance are enduring symbols of purposeful governance. The place started its journey to new looks with the arrival of the acting General Manager, Stella Gbaraba, who in her little way, initiated and executed some repair works in the premises. It will be worthy to point out that the duo are of the Ogoni extraction of the state, it is then safe to say that the combination is superb in that it has produced some excellent results. Importantly, the Permanent Secretary did not stop at The Tide Newspaper premises alone. His vision of renewal extended beyond a single institution to embrace all the State owned media houses under the ministry’s supervision.

At Rivers State Television, he executed massive renovation works that redefined the operational environment. Offices were upgraded, structural defects corrected, and modern standards restored to a facility that serves as a visual voice of the state. State-of-the-art office equipment were procured to enhance efficiency, ensuring that staff members could perform their duties with contemporary tools befitting a modern broadcast station. Radio Rivers too also got its own share of the Permanent Secretary’s benevolence and team spirit. Understanding the strategic importance of radio in grassroots communication, he ensured that critical infrastructure received attention. He provided them with steady power supply, reducing the interruptions that once hampered seamless broadcasting and ensuring consistency in programming delivery.

A functional Out Broadcast Van (OB Van) was made available, expanding the station’s capacity for live coverage of events across the state and beyond. The studios were upgraded to be up-to-date, improving sound quality, technical operations, and overall broadcast standards in line with modern expectations. Garden City Radio equally got its own touch in a superlative way. Renovation, equipment upgrades, and operational enhancements positioned the station on a stronger footing. Across the board, his interventions were not selective but comprehensive, reflecting a leadership philosophy anchored on inclusiveness and institutional strengthening. His target generally is to leave the State-owned media houses in a better shape than he met them. That objective is not rhetorical; it is practical and measurable in bricks, cables, studios, offices, and renewed human confidence.

By strengthening television, radio, and print under one coordinated vision, he has reinforced the information architecture of Rivers State. The cumulative effect of these interventions is a more vibrant, responsive, and professional state media system capable of meeting contemporary communication demands. As the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation along side its sister state-owned media houses continue their journey, it does so strengthened by the evidence that righteous leadership still thrives. And indeed, when the righteous bear rule, the people truly rejoice.

By: King Onunwor

Opinion

Incentives: Key to Police Morale

Published

2 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “When a police officer rejects ?50 million in bribes to rescue over 100 victims, integrity stops being a slogan and becomes a standard.”

It is important we first commend the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his policies that are geared towards eradicating terrorism and banditry in the country. In recent times, his policy on national security which resulted in strategic partnership with United States of America and other countries, has paid off. In the same vein, we commend the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for implementing the security policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which has culminated into effective, proactive and result-oriented policing. Also worthy of note is the effective oversight function of the Police Service Commission (PSC) led by DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) in terms of adequate monitoring and supervision of personnel. The Nigeria Police Force has been plagued by negative perceptions in recent years, with some officers engaging in unprofessional conducts.

The Police high command and the Police Service Commission (PSC), in line with rules and regulations governing the Force, have being prompt in punishing erring officers. We have seen some officers dismissed from the service for gross misconduct while some others were punished depending on the gravity of their offense. While we commend the Police authority for their proactiveness in restoring discipline to the Force, they should also imbibe the culture of rewarding distinguished and outstanding Police officers. Very Senior Officers like the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Auwal Musa Mohammed, in charge of Zone 6 Calabar, who ensured personnel and men in his zone comply and adhere fully to security tactics and instructions of IGP Egbekotun that translated to massive achievement over the weekend should be encouraged.

Meanwhile, the likes of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zonal CID 6 Calabar, DCP Udu Moses Ogechi, PhD, who are working tirelessly to restore reputation to the Police Force should be rewarded to boost their morale, and inspire other officers to put in their best. DCP Ogechi is currently the Head of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID) in Zone 6, Calabar. He recently led a successful operation on Valentines Day (14th February) to dismantle a kidnapping and job-scam syndicate, rescuing over 100 victims. The syndicate had been exploiting Nigerians, particularly youths who are eager to relocate abroad, promising them fake job opportunities and visa.What is remarkable about DCP Ogechi’s achievement is not just the rescue of the victims, but also his refusal to be swayed by corruption. The syndicate attempted to bribe him with ?50 million, but he and his team rejected the offer, stood firm and demonstrated their commitment to professionalism and the rule of law.

This is commendable and deserving of recognition. DCP Ogechi’s patriotic action and his uncompromising stance especially at a time when the Police Force is working to regain public trust, deserves accolades and recognition by the police authorities. His bravery and integrity in the face of corruption are a shining example to other officers. DCP Ogechi’s sterling personality did not come as a surprise to us given his track record of excellent performance everywhere he goes. While serving in Rivers State as ACP Operations, he successfully flushed out cultists from the State. He led the team that apprehended notorious cultists led by Nwondi Onuigwe who were responsible for killing Police Officers, kidnapping and robbery of passengers along Emohua East West road. Recall that the Rivers State Government had placed millions of Naira bounty on Wordi.

It is on record that crime was reduced to its barest minimum during Ogechi’s reign as ACP Operations in Rivers State. His efforts earned him an award for excellent professionalism from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council. As Nigeria strives to strengthen its institutions and combat corruption, it is essential to acknowledge serving officers who have distinguished themselves. The reward system is a crucial aspect of motivating officers to perform their duties creditably. Rewarding deserving officers like DCP Ogechi will surely inspire other fine officers who are working tirelessly to rid our society of crimes and criminality.

By: Ike Wigodo

Opinion

Time and Season Can Tell

Published

1 week ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”In matters of the heart, seasons expose what emotions try to hide.”

There is a silent crisis unfolding in modern relationships—one that many people endure quietly but rarely articulate. It is the experience of emotional attachment without clarity. Unlike betrayal, which announces itself loudly, or conflict, which forces confrontation, this crisis creeps in softly. It begins with warmth, grows through shared vulnerability, and then dissolves into silence. In my observation, some of the deepest emotional wounds are not inflicted by harsh words or dramatic endings. They are caused by something far subtler: the gradual withdrawal of affection without explanation. Silence in relationships is often mistaken for neutrality, but it is not neutral. Silence communicates—only it does so in a language of confusion. When someone slowly retreats without offering clarity, they leave the other person suspended between hope and reality.

There is no clear goodbye, no decisive closure—only distance. The unanswered messages. The reduced enthusiasm. The subtle shift in tone. Emotional ambiguity can be more painful than open rejection because it denies finality while sustaining expectation. It leaves the heart in limbo. In today’s world of instant communication and digital closeness, emotional intensity is frequently mistaken for love. When someone gives us attention, listens attentively, checks in consistently, and offers companionship during vulnerable moments, it is natural to assume that something meaningful is forming. After all, connection feels like commitment. But attention is not always intention. Closeness is not always clarity. In emotionally complicated relationships, there is often an imbalance that goes unnoticed at first. One person invests deeply—emotionally, mentally, even spiritually—while the other remains cautiously detached.

The connection may feel mutual, but the level of commitment is not. And when investment is unequal, pain eventually follows. One of the most dangerous consequences of such relationships is how subtly we lose ourselves in them. It does not happen overnight. It begins with small shifts. We check our phones more often. We rearrange our schedules. We replay conversations in our minds. Gradually, our emotional world begins to orbit around one person. Friends grow distant. Personal goals lose urgency. Self-worth becomes tied—quietly but firmly—to someone else’s presence and validation. When that person withdraws, the collapse feels catastrophic. Yet the devastation is not solely because love has ended. It is because identity has been shaken. We are not grieving only the person; we are grieving the version of ourselves that depended on them.

Silence, I have come to believe, can function as a form of power. When one person controls communication through distance—responding selectively, appearing and disappearing unpredictably—they unintentionally gain emotional dominance. The other person is left waiting, interpreting, hoping. They analyze every word, every delay, every change in tone. This imbalance may not always be intentional. Sometimes it arises from emotional immaturity or fear of confrontation. Yet its impact is undeniable. It reveals an uncomfortable truth: emotional availability is not guaranteed simply because connection exists. Chemistry does not equal commitment. Attraction does not equal accountability. With time, I began to understand that not every relationship is meant to last. Some people enter our lives not as permanent partners, but as temporary teachers.

They are not there to complete us, but to confront us—with our vulnerabilities, insecurities, and unmet needs. At first, this realization felt discouraging. It seemed to reduce love to a series of lessons. But eventually, it felt liberating. Emotional loss stopped looking like failure and started looking like revelation. Each experience—especially the painful ones—exposed areas where I needed growth. Where I needed stronger boundaries. Where I needed deeper self-awareness. Boundaries, I have learned, are not barriers against love; they are protections for it. Love without boundaries is not love—it is emotional exposure. Connection without clarity is not intimacy—it is uncertainty. Affection without commitment is not partnership—it is illusion. Healthy love requires mutual understanding, transparency, and intentionality. It demands that both individuals stand on equal emotional ground. Where one speaks, the other listens.

Where one invests, the other reciprocates. Where one withdraws, the other communicates. Time, more than emotion, reveals truth. In the beginning, feelings are loud. They rush, they excite, they overwhelm. But time tests what emotions promise. It exposes inconsistency. It clarifies intention. It separates temporary attraction from sustainable partnership. Seasons, too, teach us something essential about relationships. No season lasts forever. Some bring growth. Others bring pruning. Some relationships stay long enough to build a foundation; others stay just long enough to teach resilience. Neither is wasted. When we accept that relationships operate in seasons, we release the need to force permanence. We stop chasing clarity from those unwilling to give it. We stop romanticizing inconsistency. We stop equating intensity with depth.

Instead, we begin to value emotional safety over emotional excitement. We learn that peace is more sustaining than passion without direction. We recognize that self-worth must never depend on someone else’s attention.In matters of the heart, time and season always tell.They reveal who is consistent and who is convenient. They expose what is genuine and what is temporary. They show whether a connection is rooted in intention—or merely in circumstance. And perhaps the greatest wisdom is this: not every silence deserves to be decoded. Some silences are answers. When we understand that, we stop fearing endings. We begin trusting timing. We stop clinging to uncertainty and start choosing clarity.Because in the end, the heart may feel quickly—but time always tells the truth.

By: Isiocha Kate