Why has our reading culture disappeared?

Once upon a time in Nigeria, youths enjoyed reading a lot even without being compelled to do so.  As a result, they were able to gather a lot of books and novels. They also got to know many good authors’ names. It was very difficult to find a student who would tell you he or she did not like reading. In fact, even the dullest of students loved reading. They read almost every book published during their time, they even competed among themselves to see who read more than the other. Students then took part in a lot of quiz competitions, spelling bees and so forth. All these acts were very entertaining to them because they used it to test their level of intelligence. But today the reverse is the case, as the youths of the 21st century do not like reading. They only read during examinations or test periods. What are the youths of today turning into? What will they have to offer in future if they continue this way?

It is very unfortunate that the so called “leaders of tomorrow”, are not willing to task their brains in order to achieve a lot in their lives. They do not want to strive hard, they see reading as a very burdensome task. They say, “When you open a book you open a new world”. But, In our generation, a lot of students find reading just a single page of any writeup troublesome, they always claim the writing is too long and as such they prefer to read the short and summarized version of articles. It is important for youths to imbibe the reading habit because education is the key to most things in life. When someone has little or no idea on simple issues he/she is supposed to be familiar with, it is bad. The younger generation must be compelled by their parents and teachers to read at all times. The earlier these students realize that reading open all doors the better for us all.

 Hassan Zainab can be reached at: [email protected]

Between debate and reality

For us Nigerlites and indeed many Nigerians, the inauguration of Baro port in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State is more significant that the presidential debate President Muhammadu Buhari missed. It’s likely that the moderator would have asked PMB questions on economy and unemployment and how they can be improved. The commissioning of the Baro port, the first of such in the northern region, provides an answer to the questions. This is because the port will create millions of jobs and enhance development of communities. The Zungeru hydro power plant and Bida-lambatta road constructions in Niger State are equally significant as they will help to improve lives of the people. I understand that in all states across the country, various projects are on-going and that is a sign that PMB is working. Those things on ground are better than any debate.
Moh’d Bagudu wrote from Minna, Niger State and can be reached at:[email protected]

We need to stop sycophancy

Nigeria is a country of immense humour. This humour  would  have been of  towering cinematic force were it not for the fact that it is often cast upon the dark horizons  of Nigeria`s polity. Indeed, the country and its citizens laugh at each other, fashioning hilarious jokes out of the foibles. Many have argued that this seemingly endless capacity for humour   has helped to soften the blows of the challenges Nigerians face, most of which are of staggering gravity. Simply put, Nigeria is a country that laughs when it should be dissolving in tears. This is a good thing until it becomes bad.

As the general elections approach, Nigeria has fully entered its season of sycophants. In this season, some of those Nigerians many of  whom  barely managed to  squeeze past the asphyxiating conditions in the country have come alive, queuing up behind  different  party flags, effectively deserting the famed flag of Nigeria, which otherwise should be the ultimate symbol of their loyalty.

If their betrayal is not brutal enough, verbal daggers weaponised to eviscerate any and every divergent opinion are sent out in full force. Ultimately, critical questions are suppressed even before they are completed. In the murky theatre of Nigeria`s politics, the drums of sycophancy beat loudly and grave issues are buried by the gale of noise.

Politics, of course, is a game of numbers and every society which cherishes the freedom of its citizens, the hallmark of democracy, does everything to open up the political space for the active participation of its citizens. In prying open the public space, the electoral system and its birth child – elections – hold magisterial place. Before each election, there is a build-up where the political gladiators sell their ideas to voters. The ability of voters to interrogate these ideas is the hallmark of electioneering and the greatest signage of sophisticated and enlightened voters which are consequently less docile to the dirty antics of politics.

It is during this build-up that the political sycophants are in full flight, singing the praises of otherwise political failures and prophesying more time in public offices. These political sycophants care for everything but the truth and they would do anything to keep open the stream of pittances flowing from their political patronage. It is not just this.

These sycophants waste no time in becoming dangerous where their interests are assailed. They will do anything to keep their source of livelihood open including verbally and physically harming perceived political opponents.

It is a matter of conscience and duty for each Nigerian to watch his role in this period of elections. Nigeria is in need of voices and hands that have Nigeria at heart, not nests of political opportunists and champions of nepotism.

In a country beleaguered by many enemies, the truth is a priceless balm and this truth can only come from true patriots, not those who sing people to power and seek to preserve them there by their mendacious songs.

Kene Obiezu wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.

Why credentials matter

Tensions have been growing among political parties and the two major gladiators, the ruling  All Progressives Congress (APC), and the People Democratic Party (PDP), have been throwing punches, looking for avenues to get political points. Nigerians have to scrutinise the profiles of the candidates carefully. Have their backgrounds effectively prepared them for this role? Do these candidates have the capacity to successfully lead our dear country, Nigeria? Eligible voters have to scrutinise their achievements, not just in politics but in their own professional experience, the work they have done leading up to their candidacy will be well documented. We don’t need to sell our consciousness to these politicians. No amount of money would be enough to buy your vote.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should also make sure that everyone has a fair and equal chance of succeeding. The body should make sure all parties play by the same set of rules. INEC should strongly put an end or put in place measures which would prevent Nigerians from being disenfranchised from exercising their rights. Also, the issue of underage voting should be taken seriously and solutions to those instances should be in place.

Taremi Zuokumor wrote this piece from Abuja.