Features
HIV/AIDS And Maternal Mortality In Nigeria
The HIV and AIDS scourge has been a major health concern across the world, particularly in the last two decades.
Health experts say that the disease is, perhaps, the most significant health problem ever encountered in human history and their worries stem from the fact that up till now, there is no known cure for HIV infection.
In Nigeria, efforts have been made to tackle the rising menace of HIV and AIDS, while a specific agency – the National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA) – is charged with the responsibility of managing the disease and controlling its spread.
Epidemiologists maintain that by 2009, not less than 3.3 million Nigerians were living with HIV, while the disease has drastically reduced the average life expectancy of the citizens.
Available statistics indicate that in 1991, for instance, average life expectancy was 54 years for women and 53 years for men. By 2009, however, the figures had fallen to 48 years for women and 46 years for men, due to certain factors including the HIV and AIDS scourge.
In an attempt to stem the tide, however, NACA in 2010, launched its comprehensive National Strategic Framework to cover 2010 to 2015, which requires N756 billion to implement.
The framework, among other things, aims to reach about 80 per cent of most at-risk segments of the population with HIV counselling and testing by 2015, while ensuring that 80 per cent of eligible adults and 100 per cent of eligible children are recieving anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) by 2015.
The programme also aims at improving access to quality health care and support services for at least 50 per cent of people living with the virus by 2015.
But efforts to contain the disease have not been limited to particular agencies alone. For instance, the First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, held a meeting with stakeholders in the health sector on June 13 to discuss ways of managing the HIV and AIDS scourge in the country.
The First Lady held the meeting with governors’ wives, heads of agencies, associations and parastatal agencies dealing with victims of HIV/AIDS and pregnant women at the State House in Abuja.
“The HIV/AIDS pandemic is a global challenge that affects emerging economies such as ours significantly and the impact of the disease is felt more among our womenfolk.
“Without adequate interventions, our women will become widows, children will become orphans and our children will be forced to live under harrowing conditions,’’ she said.
Jonathan, nonetheless, stressed the need to expand the people’s access to quality health care services, while initiating innovative programmes to tackle the menace of HIV and AIDS, as well as other diseases.
“Providing improved access to health care services, ensuring availability of drugs, preventing mother-to-child transmissions, discouraging stigmatisation and undertaking community mobilisation to prevent high-risk behaviour are some of the key interventions we must aggressively pursue if we are to succeed in tackling the scourge of HIV/AIDS,’’ she said.
The First Lady underscored the need to strengthen existing HIV and AIDS management programmes, so as to reduce and eventually eliminate the scourge in the country.
“At the just concluded UN Summit on AIDS in New York, which I attended, the UN Secretary-General, Ban ki-Moon, urged world leaders to do everything in their power to end the AIDS pandemic by the year 2020.
“It is, therefore, important for us to re-double our efforts, so as to meet the 2020 target. I regard you all as my partners in progress, as we step up HIV/AIDS grassroots campaigns and programmes,’’ Jonathan said, while addressing the meeting.
Another area of concern to the First Lady at the gathering was the issue of maternal health, as she minced no words in emphasising the need to promote the health of pregnant women.
“Maternal health is another area that must attract our critical attention because of our belief that no woman should die while giving birth. We should encourage improved services in our maternity clinics through material support, while making surprise visits to such health institutions.
“When you, governors’ wives, visit these hospitals and clinics, please pay attention to the state of their maternity wards and the state of the hospital equipment.
“This way, you will be able to note the state of affairs of these hospitals and clinics, while giving proper advice on the observed conditions to those in charge, especially on areas that require reforms,’’ she said.
On her part, Jonathan said that she would undertake impromptu visits to health institutions in the FCT, pledging to assist indigent women who could not pay for ante-natal care and blood transfusions through her pet project — Women for Change and Development Initiative (W4CDI).
“In this way, I will be able through my NGO, the W4CDI, to liaise with the heads of hospitals and clinics, so as to identify key areas where there is need for service improvement in order to enhance maternal health, while reducing maternal and infant mortality.
“The W4CDI is ready to offer assistance to women and health care providers to ensure that indigent women who cannot register for ante-natal care are provided for. In addition, women, who require but cannot afford blood transfusion services, will be assisted,’’ she said.
The First Lady had a word of advice for medical doctors and nurses, urging them to give excellent service delivery, particularly while providing maternal health care services.
“I appeal to doctors and nurses to exhibit high professional standards and refrain from any malpractice. We don’t want our hospitals to become death traps. The medical professionals should be friendly and sympathetic to women in labour, as the women often exhibit certain behavioural patterns caused by labour pains,’’ she said.
“With our collective efforts, maternal mortality will reduce and people will stop travelling overseas to give birth. But we cannot run hospitals on charity, so please get in touch with the W4CDI and we will pay for the ante-natal care of poor would-be mothers. That way, we can collectively save lives,’’ she added.
Commenting on the forum, Mr John Idoko, the National Coordinator of NACA, commended the First Lady for her interest in efforts to control HIV and AIDS scourge in the country.
He, however, bemoaned the fact that HIV prevalence in the country’s rural areas was higher than that of urban areas, noting that 58 per cent of those living with the virus in Nigeria were women.
“It’s a good thing that governors’ wives are here because we are going to mount a massive advocacy and awareness campaign in the states because of the higher HIV prevalence in the rural areas.
“Our strategy is hinged on the fact that since 70 per cent of Nigerians live in rural areas, our advocacy should be higher in those areas.
“We have liaised with Dr Muhammad Pate, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and we are touring Primary Health Care Centres across the country to give talks on malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and ante-natal care,’’ Idoko said.
Sharing similar sentiments, Pate said that such talks and advocacy campaigns would go a long way in making the citizens to be more aware of the HIV and AIDS pandemic and how to combat it.
Making reference to similar initiatives, the NPHCDA boss said: “In 2009, we had 51,000 cases of meningitis but in 2010, there were only 6,000 reported cases. This year, we have had less than 900 cases and we had similar reductions in polio cases; so we believe that this will work.
“I must add that midwives serving in primary health care centres should be commended because midwives in remote areas work under strenuous and unfavourable conditions. I, therefore, like to appeal to state governments to pay their wages on time,’’ Pate said.
However, Mr Waziri Dogo-Muhammad, the Executive Secretary, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), said that less than five million people had so far been registered under the scheme, adding that aside from Federal Government workers, only two states had signed up for the scheme.
“We have recorded such low progress because apart from the Federal Government, only Cross-River and Bauchi states had bought into the programme. We have undertaken advocacy visits to some states and we had to wait for days before seeing the state executives; at the end, nothing tangible was achieved,’’ he said.
Dr Nma Nwokocha, the President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, commended the First Lady for her efforts at eradicating maternal mortality, adding that her vibrant nature and her strategy for getting things done had not gone unnoticed.
“We are indeed happy that we have a First Lady who matches her words with action. We know that you have given the campaign against HIV pandemic and maternal mortality in Nigeria a tremendous boost,’’ she said.
Hajiya Ramatu Usman, the President of the National Council for Women Societies, particularly urged medical doctors to strive to foster sound health care delivery in the country.
“I will like to urge doctors working in general hospitals to concentrate their efforts on providing good services in the general hospitals, while those in private hospitals should remain private.
“Part of the problems in our hospitals today is that some doctors do refer patients to their private clinics; this aberration should stop,’’ Usman said.
Also speaking, Mr Edward Ogenyi, President of the Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), told the gathering that “more than three million Nigerians are living with HIV/AIDS, while there are over 800 groups working with victims of the virus.
“I thank the First Lady for her support; she donated a bus to us and she has been giving monthly grants to members of NEPWHAN to help them feed well, get drugs and seek medical care faster,’’ he said.
Hajiya Asmau Abubakar-Yari, wife of Zamfara State’s Governor, said that the session was an eye-opener.
“I have learnt a lot today and I now have a clearer vision on what to do. I will focus on two areas, health and education. Under health, we will examine ways of reducing maternal mortality, while under education; we will strive to eliminate the street children syndrome.
“We will place the street children in schools or assist them to acquire skills like carpentry; this will help in getting them off the streets, while empowering them at the same time,’’ Abubakar-Yari said.
Similarly, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, wife of the Kwara State Governor, said: “There is a lot to take home, the First Lady has opened our eyes to a lot of things. I had an idea before but there will now be a paradigm shift in the way we approach things.
“I will focus my efforts on how to reduce maternal mortality. We are aware of the health problem all along but with today’s emphasis, we will go back to our states better equipped to tackle the problem.’’
Observers maintain that the concerted efforts of the First Lady, the governors’ wives and other stakeholders will go a long way in addressing some of the health problems of women, maternal and infant mortality, in particular.
Bada writes For NAN.
Yetunde Bada
The importance of vocational training to the development of any nation cannot be over emphasised. Technical education experts define vocational education as any form of educational program or course that focuses on teaching the specific skills and knowledge required for a particular job or trade. Unlike traditional academic education, which is often broader and theoretical, vocational training is practical, hands-on, and tailored to prepare individuals for specific careers or industries. They also argue that the dearth of trained vocational and middle-level technical manpower represents a very serious gap in the development of third-world countries, including Nigeria. This argument, perhaps, underscores the Federal Government’s bold move towards educational reforms in Nigeria which includes the inculcation of vocational education into the schools curriculum as a way of equipping students with practical skills and enhancing their employability.
A recent statement released by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), indicated that the government has added 15 vocational subjects to the Basic Education curriculum. These additions which take effect from January, 2025, they said, are designed to promote hands-on learning and better prepare students for the job market. The new subjects include: Plumbing, tiling and floor works, POP installation, Event decoration and management, Bakery and Confectionery, Hairstyling, Makeup, Interior Design, GSM Repairs, Satellite/TV Antenna Installation. Others are: CCTV and intercom installation and maintenance, solar installation and maintenance, garment making, agriculture and processing, which covers crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, and livestock farming (e.g., poultry and rabbit rearing) and Basic Digital Literacy, incorporating IT and robotics.
The former Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, who earlier hinted on the new curriculum for basic schools during a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja, last October, said under the new curriculum, pupils in basic schools will be required to acquire at least two skills. According to the former minister, “The idea is that by the time children finish school, they should have at least two skills. Students should be able to finish school with a minimum of two skills so that they can have a very productive life. “The basis for the curriculum is the National Skills Framework, and it has been approved. It’s a very big project; it affects all schools in Nigeria, public and private.“Whether in the public sector or private sector, all schools are going to implement it. So, this is already determined. It doesn’t require anybody’s consent or any institution can depart from it.
Speaking on implementation, the Mamman said, “We do not expect comprehensive, full implementation from January because, when you roll out something new, there’s a lot of preparation that has to take place by the schools, acquiring new things, equipment, and small things that they will need,” adding that plans were underway to ensure teachers were well-equipped for the new curriculum. He also spoke on the benefits of the curriculum, noting that it would rekindle the desire of parents and students to acquire formal education. Hear him, “Some parents do not want to send their children to school. Right now, part of the problem why schooling has become unattractive is because people finish and there’s no change in their lives. “They cannot be employed. They can’t do anything on their own. So, parents question the value of spending money to send their children to school. “Now it’s going to change that game altogether.
And we have seen how these things resonate with parents. When they are successfully implemented, you will see students will want to run to school every morning. Parents want to take their children to school because they are learning practical things while in school.”The Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Dr Margret Lawani, had also disclosed during the same event that the newly introduced subjects fell under the vocational and entrepreneurship studies framework, which has been designed to expose pupils to various trades across multiple sectors. In the views of some vocational training experts, the decision to include vocational education into the basic school curriculum is plausible as it comes at a time when the nation’s education system is facing mounting criticism for its inability to adequately prepare students for real-world challenges.
They opined that by introducing vocational training at an early age, Nigeria has an opportunity to bridge the gap between formal education and practical skill acquisition. They however noted that the success of this initiative hinges on thoughtful implementation and sustained support. “The problem of Nigeria has never been a dearth of ideas or policies on how to move the country forward. In the past some educationists came up with the idea of 6-3-3-4 system of education whereby Students would be taught introductory technology and other forms of vocational skills at the junior secondary school level to better equip them for the real world in future. What happened to that brilliant idea? How many schools have well-equipped laboratories and well-trained teachers to handle these technical and vocational subjects? “The idea of setting up technical schools and polytechnics across the country is for them to serve as a grooming ground for young Nigerians in the area of technology.
How has the government, both federal and states, supported these schools to succeed? So, our problem is lack of implementation, fragmented policies and lack of sustenance not lack of ideas”, posited one expert. He advised that for the new curriculum to bear positive fruits, the government must take time to sensitize heads and owners of schools, teachers, parents and pupils of both public and private schools on the importance of the subjects and assist the schools in acquiring the necessary equipment and tools for the smooth running of the curriculum. “These subjects being introduced cannot be taught only theoretically as we are used to in this country. They require regular practical classes which will cost some money. Government, via the ministries of education, must vote out money for these practical classes and be ready to supervise schools to ensure that they are doing the right thing,” he added
Noting the importance of vocational training in today’s Nigeria where the rate of unemployment is high, Mr. Abel Ikiriko, a basic technology teacher in a Private School at Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, regretted that vocational training is often seen as a last resort for those who fail academically, leading to low enrolment. He said, “I say this because I am a teacher and I know what we see in school every day. When these vocational subjects are introduced, you will see parents who will go to their children’s schools to make trouble because the children are compelled to learn maybe Hairstyling or something like that. Every parent wants their children to be doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professions and never skilled persons because for our society, skilled jobs are for the dullards.” “One of the most pressing issues in our labor market is the skills gap. Employers often struggle to find workers with the right skills, despite high unemployment rates. Yet many youths are not willing to be trained in a vocation. They prefer to search for the unavailable white-collar jobs. So unfortunate,” he continued.
Ikiriko said that the inclusion of vocational training in primary schools has benefits that extend beyond future job prospects. “Hands-on activities help children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that are essential in any field. Vocational subjects can also provide an alternative pathway for students who may not excel in traditional academic subjects, ensuring that no child is left behind in the education system. Moreover, these subjects can instill a sense of dignity in manual labor and shift societal perceptions about the value of skilled trades.”He advocated for public awareness campaigns so as to change perceptions about vocational education, and showcase its potential to lead to successful careers. Mrs. Meg Amadi, a mother of three pupils is concerned about the curriculum of the primary schools being overloaded, stressing that that is a potential risk.
According to her, primary school students are at a formative stage of their development, and overloading them with too many subjects could lead to cognitive fatigue. She maintained that careful planning is required to ensure that the new vocational subjects complement rather than compete with core academic learning; that they are seamlessly integrated into the broader curriculum without overwhelming students. To maximize the impact of this initiative, she offered the following suggestions: the government must invest in training and retraining teachers to deliver vocational subjects effectively, collaborating with vocational training institutes and NGOs for better result; government should begin with pilot programs in select schools to identify best practices and address challenges before scaling up nationwide; the private sector should be engaged to provide funding, equipment, and expertise for vocational training in schools.
Nonetheless, some analysts are of the view that the addition of 15 vocational subjects to the basic school curriculum is a visionary step toward transforming the nation’s education system and improving the nation’s economy. they hold that if implemented effectively, the initiative will equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world while fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance. They said that with collaborative effort, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders and the right execution, this bold move could serve as a model for other nations seeking to align education with the demands of the 21st century.
Calista Ezeaku
The importance of vocational training to the development of any nation cannot be over emphasised. Technical education experts define vocational education as any form of educational program or course that focuses on teaching the specific skills and knowledge required for a particular job or trade. Unlike traditional academic education, which is often broader and theoretical, vocational training is practical, hands-on, and tailored to prepare individuals for specific careers or industries. They also argue that the dearth of trained vocational and middle-level technical manpower represents a very serious gap in the development of third-world countries, including Nigeria. This argument, perhaps, underscores the Federal Government’s bold move towards educational reforms in Nigeria which includes the inculcation of vocational education into the schools curriculum as a way of equipping students with practical skills and enhancing their employability.
A recent statement released by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), indicated that the government has added 15 vocational subjects to the Basic Education curriculum. These additions which take effect from January, 2025, they said, are designed to promote hands-on learning and better prepare students for the job market. The new subjects include: Plumbing, tiling and floor works, POP installation, Event decoration and management, Bakery and Confectionery, Hairstyling, Makeup, Interior Design, GSM Repairs, Satellite/TV Antenna Installation. Others are: CCTV and intercom installation and maintenance, solar installation and maintenance, garment making, agriculture and processing, which covers crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, and livestock farming (e.g., poultry and rabbit rearing) and Basic Digital Literacy, incorporating IT and robotics.
The former Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, who earlier hinted on the new curriculum for basic schools during a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja, last October, said under the new curriculum, pupils in basic schools will be required to acquire at least two skills. According to the former minister, “The idea is that by the time children finish school, they should have at least two skills. Students should be able to finish school with a minimum of two skills so that they can have a very productive life. “The basis for the curriculum is the National Skills Framework, and it has been approved. It’s a very big project; it affects all schools in Nigeria, public and private.“Whether in the public sector or private sector, all schools are going to implement it. So, this is already determined. It doesn’t require anybody’s consent or any institution can depart from it.
Speaking on implementation, the Mamman said, “We do not expect comprehensive, full implementation from January because, when you roll out something new, there’s a lot of preparation that has to take place by the schools, acquiring new things, equipment, and small things that they will need,” adding that plans were underway to ensure teachers were well-equipped for the new curriculum. He also spoke on the benefits of the curriculum, noting that it would rekindle the desire of parents and students to acquire formal education. Hear him, “Some parents do not want to send their children to school. Right now, part of the problem why schooling has become unattractive is because people finish and there’s no change in their lives. “They cannot be employed. They can’t do anything on their own. So, parents question the value of spending money to send their children to school. “Now it’s going to change that game altogether.
And we have seen how these things resonate with parents. When they are successfully implemented, you will see students will want to run to school every morning. Parents want to take their children to school because they are learning practical things while in school.”The Acting Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Dr Margret Lawani, had also disclosed during the same event that the newly introduced subjects fell under the vocational and entrepreneurship studies framework, which has been designed to expose pupils to various trades across multiple sectors. In the views of some vocational training experts, the decision to include vocational education into the basic school curriculum is plausible as it comes at a time when the nation’s education system is facing mounting criticism for its inability to adequately prepare students for real-world challenges.
They opined that by introducing vocational training at an early age, Nigeria has an opportunity to bridge the gap between formal education and practical skill acquisition. They however noted that the success of this initiative hinges on thoughtful implementation and sustained support. “The problem of Nigeria has never been a dearth of ideas or policies on how to move the country forward. In the past some educationists came up with the idea of 6-3-3-4 system of education whereby Students would be taught introductory technology and other forms of vocational skills at the junior secondary school level to better equip them for the real world in future. What happened to that brilliant idea? How many schools have well-equipped laboratories and well-trained teachers to handle these technical and vocational subjects? “The idea of setting up technical schools and polytechnics across the country is for them to serve as a grooming ground for young Nigerians in the area of technology.
How has the government, both federal and states, supported these schools to succeed? So, our problem is lack of implementation, fragmented policies and lack of sustenance not lack of ideas”, posited one expert. He advised that for the new curriculum to bear positive fruits, the government must take time to sensitize heads and owners of schools, teachers, parents and pupils of both public and private schools on the importance of the subjects and assist the schools in acquiring the necessary equipment and tools for the smooth running of the curriculum. “These subjects being introduced cannot be taught only theoretically as we are used to in this country. They require regular practical classes which will cost some money. Government, via the ministries of education, must vote out money for these practical classes and be ready to supervise schools to ensure that they are doing the right thing,” he added
Noting the importance of vocational training in today’s Nigeria where the rate of unemployment is high, Mr. Abel Ikiriko, a basic technology teacher in a Private School at Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, regretted that vocational training is often seen as a last resort for those who fail academically, leading to low enrolment. He said, “I say this because I am a teacher and I know what we see in school every day. When these vocational subjects are introduced, you will see parents who will go to their children’s schools to make trouble because the children are compelled to learn maybe Hairstyling or something like that. Every parent wants their children to be doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professions and never skilled persons because for our society, skilled jobs are for the dullards.” “One of the most pressing issues in our labor market is the skills gap. Employers often struggle to find workers with the right skills, despite high unemployment rates. Yet many youths are not willing to be trained in a vocation. They prefer to search for the unavailable white-collar jobs. So unfortunate,” he continued.
Ikiriko said that the inclusion of vocational training in primary schools has benefits that extend beyond future job prospects. “Hands-on activities help children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that are essential in any field. Vocational subjects can also provide an alternative pathway for students who may not excel in traditional academic subjects, ensuring that no child is left behind in the education system. Moreover, these subjects can instill a sense of dignity in manual labor and shift societal perceptions about the value of skilled trades.”He advocated for public awareness campaigns so as to change perceptions about vocational education, and showcase its potential to lead to successful careers. Mrs. Meg Amadi, a mother of three pupils is concerned about the curriculum of the primary schools being overloaded, stressing that that is a potential risk.
According to her, primary school students are at a formative stage of their development, and overloading them with too many subjects could lead to cognitive fatigue. She maintained that careful planning is required to ensure that the new vocational subjects complement rather than compete with core academic learning; that they are seamlessly integrated into the broader curriculum without overwhelming students. To maximize the impact of this initiative, she offered the following suggestions: the government must invest in training and retraining teachers to deliver vocational subjects effectively, collaborating with vocational training institutes and NGOs for better result; government should begin with pilot programs in select schools to identify best practices and address challenges before scaling up nationwide; the private sector should be engaged to provide funding, equipment, and expertise for vocational training in schools.
Nonetheless, some analysts are of the view that the addition of 15 vocational subjects to the basic school curriculum is a visionary step toward transforming the nation’s education system and improving the nation’s economy. they hold that if implemented effectively, the initiative will equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world while fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance. They said that with collaborative effort, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders and the right execution, this bold move could serve as a model for other nations seeking to align education with the demands of the 21st century.
Calista Ezeaku
For three decades or more, there has been a cessation of oil production activities in Ogoni land. But recent meeting of President Bola Tinubu with notable sons and groups may return Ogoni to renewed oil-production once again. Ogonis are weary of perennial neglect. Days after the meeting, President Tinubu gave a nod to the establishment of a University of Environmental Technology in Tai in the Ogoni area. He had earlier-on approved appointments into some federal boards in which some notable Ogonis were among the beneficiaries. The President’s actions and speeches so far have indicated good faith and good intentions. This has urged hard-nosed and irrepressible resistant leaders like Attorney Ledum Mitee, one-time President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), to be in complete agreement with the return to oil production.
He was heard on the news calling on all well- meaning sons and daughters of Ogoniland to accept the offers coming their way. Many Ogonis however, are still doubtful about the President’s intentions. They have said it is all geared towards the Federal Government having access to the rich oil and gas deposits in Ogoni soil. There is also distrust by some who have yet to heal from past injustices inflicted on the land by previous governments in cahoots with the oil majors. Since 1993 when oil production stopped in Ogoni land following intensive protests from the Ogoni people, the Nigerian government and the oil majors stopped reaping from millions of dollars in proceeds from the oil and gas. Lawson Hayford, a veteran journalist, who has reported the Niger Delta for over four decades, particularly the Niger Delta and the Ogoni crisis, said Nigeria has lost revenue amounting to over N30 trillion for the 32 years that oil has not been mined in Ogoni land.
Writing in the Southern Examiner, Hayford said, “While oil exploration and production in the Niger Delta region began in the late 1950s, operations were suspended in Ogoniland in the early 1990s due to disruptions from local public unrests with oil fields and installations remaining largely dormant for about 34 years, leading to a loss of revenue of over N30 trillion. “There are a total of 96 oil wells connected to five flow stations across the four local government areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme in Ogoniland. They were being operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC of Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Royal Dutch Shell.” That story is presently being rewritten by the remediation efforts of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and the work of Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, its Project Coordinator.
“Over 50 communities are now enjoying potable water.” As though this was not magic enough, contractors are working hard toward mangrove regeneration not to leave out empowerment programmes for women and people with disabilities. These are stories too good to be true. In addition, the Petroleum Industry Act has also been introduced to take care of some basic needs of the oil communities, especially by tying development of the communities to the operational budgets of the oil companies. The establishment of a host community development trust as a condition for oil mining license holders regarding community development, may well be the magic wand required to turn things around for the Ogonis. A trying present is most likely to give way to a prosperous future. The future of the land and peoples of oil-bearing communities appear brighter with possibilities within this framework.
Environmentalist and lawyer, Iniro Wills, however, strongly thinks that the community-friendly clause in the PIA is only a tiny drop that cannot quench the thirst of the people’s appetite. Only time will tell. A lot of work needs to be done to bring every party in the Ogoni scenario to the table. Some groups are yet to agree with the return of oil production in Ogoniland, while others do not quite agree with the modus operandi adopted to initiate the process. They would all need to be brought together to ventilate their positions so that everyone is taken along together. Last Saturday, the committee that emerged to kickstart a process of the consultations initiated by President Tinubu convened a meeting at Freed Centre, Bori in the heart of Ogoniland. Though it was well attended, proceedings had to be hurried as a group of protesters stormed the venue.
Blessing Wikina, a long time public communications expert from Ogoni however, noted that the Bori meeting was a good landing. He said he was there. He dismissed the slanted reports about the meeting which he said were done to create social media content. He said in his social media handle that the committee deliberately avoided founding the consultations along old ‘loyalty blocs’ and ‘groups of people with entitlement blood.’ “Every Ogoni was to attend as an individual, not as a member of a camp. This approach meant no one would claim success or failure.”
Several factions exist in Ogoniland, including the leading pressure group, MOSOP, and they all need to get involved in the consultations, including those sulking for not being invited to the Abuja parley with the President.
Factional MOSO President, Fegalo Nsuke, recalled how MOSOP championed the Ogoni struggle from the beginning and wondered why MOSOP was not invited to Abuja or the Bori meeting. Hayford said, “sidelining MOSOP in the move to re-enter Ogoniland for oil and gas production could create distrust in the hearts of the Ogoni people, cautioning against rushing the process in order not to generate tension, anxiety and crisis in the landscape of Ogoni area.” Certain that the current process led by President Tinubu would yield good fruit for the Ogoni, Wikina says, he silently prays that “this oil resumption comes sooner, so that our people will participate in productive ventures around our oil economy…..and get benefits like our brothers in Orashi area, Bonny axis, etc.”
He cast a glance at the Bodo-Bonny road that will link mainland Nigeria with the vital island port of Bonny that is passing through Ogoniland. “Shall we wait, watch, as vehicles drive through here, to where lucrative oil businesses are happening…without our involvement? Every party will have to sheathe their sword and embrace the ongoing consultation process that will lead to a prosperous future for the land and the people.
Dagogo Josiah, Olayinka Coker and Emmanuel Obe
Josiah, Coker and Obe wrote in from Port Harcourt.