Let’s join hands to build Nigeria, Jonathan tells Nigerians

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Read Time:2 Minute, 43 Second

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday called on Nigerians to join hands with the government in the socio-political development of the country as Nigeria marks 50 years of nationhood. Speaking shortly after teeing off at the 50th anniversary golf tournament organised by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Golf Course Club, Abuja, President Jonathan said despite the bumpy nature of the country’s history a lot has been achieved by both past and present Nigerian leaders that calls for celebration.

“When people say we have a checkered history, I do not agree with them because in the last 50 years we have achieved a lot that we can really celebrate. We fought a 30-month civil war and we were able to rise up to rebuild this country despite our heterogeneous nature. This calls for celebration,” he said. Jonathan said “there are countries that are almost mono-lingual and mono-cultural that are still fighting civil war till today, but in our own case we were able to overcome that problem within 30 months and I think this is worth celebrating,” he said.

To mark the 50th anniversary, President Jonathan directed Bala Mohammed, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to grant the club certificate of occupancy (C of O) without further delay to enable it develop the facilities at the club to world class level. He pointed out that since independence Nigeria as a country has no left the world in doubt on its great potentials in sports development and performance during globally organised tournament and noted that across all the cadres: junior, middle and adult competitions, the country has continued to excel. While lamenting the poor performance of the nation’s senior football team at the just concluded FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the president, however, maintained that there was still great potentials in the sports sector in the country.

He expressed delight that the IBB Golf Club was planning to establish a Golf Academy to train young Nigerians with golf potentials as a way of catching them young, and pledged Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate with the management of the club to achieve the objective of the proposed academy. President Jonathan described as a good omen the recent decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to list the game of golf as one of the sports in the tournament and therefore urged the IBB Golf Club to produce talents that can win gold medals for the country at the global meet.

Jonathan, who was awarded Handicap 7 category at the point of tee off, stated that besides the numerous feats Nigeria has recorded in the area of sports development, the country has every reason to celebrate the country at 50.

Earlier in his welcome address, Domkat Bali, chairman, governing board of the IBB Golf Course, thanked President Jonathan for the effort of his administration in developing infrastructure in the country and expressed their willingness to work with the government to transform the nation.

While expressing gratitude to God for the show of interest of President Jonathan in contesting the 2011 presidential election, Bali pledged the support of Nigerian golfers to Jonathan’s political ambition.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Pope Benedict congratulates Nigeria on 50th anniversary

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Read Time:46 Second

Pope Benedict XVI has congratulated Goodluck Jonathan, the federal government and all Nigerians on the occasion of our country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

A personal congratulatory message from the Pope was delivered to Mr Jonathan on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, by the Pope’s special envoy and personal representative, Cardinal Peter Turson. In the message to the president, Pope Benedict conveyed his “prayerful wishes for the continued well-being, growth and prosperity of Nigeria and its citizens”.

Responding, Mr Jonathan asked the Cardinal to convey the appreciation of the government and people of Nigeria to the Pope. He said that Nigerians appreciated the Holy Father’s prayers and will continue to have good relations with the Vatican.

Also today at the Presidential Villa, Mr Jonathan received the Chinese Minister of Industry and Information, Li Yizhong, who is representing his country’s President, Hu Jintao at the celebrations.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nigeria: troops ready to hunt down child kidnappers

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Read Time:1 Minute, 32 Second

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (Reuters) – Nigeria deployed hundreds of soldiers to a town in lawless Abia State on the fringes of the Niger Delta on Thursday to hunt down an armed gang holding 15 school children hostage, residents said.

Roughly 400 soldiers in armoured vehicles sealed off the town of Aba, where the kidnapped youngsters are believed to have been held since gunmen hijacked their bus on the way to school on Monday.

“They are everywhere and have taken over the streets. They have cordoned off the area. People are not allowed in or out of the town. Several shops, banks and schools remain shut,” one resident, who did not wish to be named, told Reuters.

Kidnapping for ransom is relatively common in and around the Niger Delta, a deeply impoverished area despite being home to Africa’s largest oil and gas industry.

However, the abduction of a large group of children, some of them as young as 3, has caused outrage in Nigeria as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain on Friday.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who faces an election early next year, condemned the kidnapping as “utterly callous and cruel” and said security forces would take “all necessary steps” to secure the children’s release.

Initial reports suggested the kidnappers were seeking a ransom of 20 million naira, although newspapers said on Thursday that demand had dropped to 350,000 naira , raising hopes of an end to the drama.

Three French oil workers were kidnapped from a drilling supply ship last week, and police in nearby Rivers state say a group of five women were kidnapped two weeks ago by a gang believed to be from Abia State.

There has been no word on the fate of either group, although in most instances in Nigeria hostages are released unharmed after ransoms are paid.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nigeria has a lot to celebrate, says U.S. envoy

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Read Time:2 Minute, 47 Second

United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, said yesterday that Nigeria has a lot to celebrate, as the government rolls out the drums to herald the Golden Jubilee of the country’s independence.

Mr Carson, who arrives Abuja tomorrow at the head of a delegation from the U.S. government, spoke yesterday during a telephone conference from Washington with select Nigerian journalists in Abuja and Lagos.

According to the envoy, who said he would be accompanied on the trip by the Head, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Rajiv Shah, and the Executive Director, African Development Banks (ADB), Walter Jones, said he does not share the opinion that the country has nothing to celebrate.

He said: “Let me say that Nigeria has a lot to celebrate. Nigeria is not only the largest in Africa, but it comprises 36 states, that, in the last 50 years, have gone through a serious turbulent political history, in which a major civil war was fought between 1969 and 1971. The country not only came out of that united and stronger, but also worked its way back from successive military leaders into the democratic space it is presently.

“Equally, it has been a major contributor to the economic health and vitality of the West African sub-region; a major contributor to the world oil exploration and production that services the world’s major reservoirs as well as major contributor to the stability of crisis-torn areas, like Sierra Leone and Dafur.

Reasons to celebrate

These are all things that Nigeria should be proud to celebrate.

“The country should be proud of its contributions to arts and education in the society. Nigeria has some of the world’s greatest writers, who have been recognized by Nobel with prizes. We hope that the traumatic periods of the civil war and military leadership would be relegated to history for ever and a foundation on which Nigeria will build a much more successful society would be formed. It is important to look forward to have a vision of a future, which more democracy and economic opportunities as well as greater advantages for the entire citizenry.” He described the decision of the Obama administration to join in the celebrations was a reflection of the importance it attaches to the U.S.’ relationship with Nigeria, pointing out that the country is regarded as not only one of two or three most important partners in the continent, but also as the largest regional economy and most dynamic in commercial and business in West Africa.

On the importance of the 2011 elections, the envoy said it is not only extremely important to the people, as it would provide the opportunity to cast their votes for candidates of their choice, but also for Nigeria to solidify her commitment to democracy.

He said the desire of the U.S. government is to see that the forthcoming elections are free, fair, transparent and reflect the aspirations and will of the people, adding that as Africa’s largest democracy, the success of the exercise could be enormous paradigm shift and a signal to the world that Nigeria is firmly committed to democratic principles, where the democratic institutions are growing stronger and its commitment to democracy is growing deeper.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nigerian culture thrives 50 yrs after independence

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Read Time:2 Minute, 27 Second
LAGOS — Femi Kuti takes the stage and launches into his politically tinged music the same way his famous father used to, carrying on a tradition some say represents the best of Nigeria 50 years after independence.

“Being an artist in Nigeria … is still part of the struggle,” the son of the late Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti who is also a respected musician in his own right told AFP in an interview at his club, the New Africa Shrine.

“My songs are a fight against corrupt governments,” he added ahead of his performance, which saw him play into the early hours of the morning, his dancers gyrating in cages as he sang in pidgin English, widely spoken here.

Nigeria’s well-known struggles with corruption and poverty have deeply stained the reputation of Africa’s most populous country, which celebrates 50 years of independence on October 1.

But its politically engaged artists, writers and musicians have been a source of great pride, with their work and activism earning praise throughout the world.

The list includes writers like Chinua Achebe, author of what some call the great African novel, “Things Fall Apart,” as well as Wole Soyinka, the continent’s first Nobel laureate in literature.

Both have been outspoken critics of Nigerian political leaders, and Soyinka last week launched a political party ahead of elections early next year.

Ken Saro-Wiwa, the environmental activist in the oil-rich Niger Delta region executed by the government 15 years ago, was also a writer.

Young novelists like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have won international recognition as well.

Femi Kuti’s father Fela harshly criticised the government in the oil-rich nation and even formed a commune, the Kalakuta Republic, that he declared independent from Nigeria.

“It’s because of this music that people are enlightened and children will be enlightened tomorrow, so there is great hope,” Femi Kuti said of his father’s work.

A new generation of artists appears to be emerging as well, with galleries in Lagos, a teeming city of some 15 million people, drawing increasing attention.

But while the country’s serious-minded artists and musicians garner much of the praise, popular culture in Nigeria has also become highly lucrative.

Its fast-growing African film industry, known as Nollywood, has become the third most important non-oil export sector and the second largest employer after agriculture, according to the World Bank.

“Nigeria can lead Africa … only if it were not for corruption,” said Ken Okoli, an arts and sculpture lecturer at Amadu Bello University in northern Nigeria.

Mahmud Ali Balogun, a filmmaker, said Nigerians seem to have a “boldness to express ourselves” that accounts for such success in film and music.

The sheer size and diversity of Nigeria — 150 million people from some 250 different ethnic groups — creates a mix that leads to art that provokes, some say.

“It’s the only country on this planet with this diverse kind of culture,” said flute player Tee-Mac Omatshola Iseli.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nigeria must not sink the true federalism

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Read Time:8 Minute, 45 Second
On April 1st,1953,Chief Anthony Enahoro, a back bencher in the Central House of Representatives as it was called then introduced a private member’s Bill demanding for self-government for Nigeria by 1956. His historic motion was developed and later realised on 1st of October,1960 with collected efforts and cooperation of our early nationalists and founding fathers of Nigeria which include Sir Ahmadu Bello,the Sardauna of Sokoto,Dr.Nnamdi Azikwe,Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr.M.I.Okpara, all of the late memories. These are leaders with the values of patriotism,with uncompromising emphasis on intergrity of character. These people meant well and seek for a country with milk and honey, a true federalism where democracy flourish, where fundamental human rights are respected, where there is free and qualitative education, good health services without need to travel abroad for medical treatment every months, undistrupted electricity supply, regular supply of drinking water and good road network linking all states of federations.
But what we are now experiencing is exactly the opposite of all listed above. If there is a life after death : What do we think our past nationalists and founding fathers in heaven will be saying by now? Are we saying now,that, after 49 years of independence we cannot produce a leader that can lead us to a “good government and welfare of all persons in our country…”as firmly and solemnly resolved in our constitution. Where are those men and women to transform our resources into greatness? How are our leaders want to be remembered? Do these present leaders have REAL vision for Ngieria? They keep on talking about vision every year without serious goals, planning or implementing integrity and dedication. What are the outcomes of the National Political Reforms Conference inaugurated on February 21,2005 by President Obasanjo? No miracle will happen if these set of greed and selfish leaders are in realm of power.They should be VOTED out. They should remember the great words of Franklin D. Roosevelt that” Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement,in the thrill of creative efforts”. Where are those past leaders that stole billions of Nigerians money?. Meanwhile, we should get it clear that, the difference between a poor country and the rich or developed nation is not the age of that country. If anybody compares our years of independence with that of other developed countries as an excuse for our under-development, it is either, that the person is suffering from dementia or does not meant well for Nigeria as a nation. Is the giant of Africa not sinking down? Greatness is not based on rhetorics but on achievements. Judging with the country’s God gift in natural and human resources; the largest crude oil producer in Africa,the second largest oil reserves in Africa and this reserves make us the tenth most petroleum-rich nation in the world, its strategic geographical location, with its inherently sizable market that could provide trade opportunities for all countries of the world. Nigeria could compete with ANY developed nations of the world if all these opportunities are well managed and utilised.
To know that nature is not cruel to us, according to a recent publication of America Oil and Gas Journal (OGJ) , Nigeria had an estimated 36.2 billion barrels of proven oil reserves as of January, 2009. To be sincere with ourselves: Can we name five important things that the country have achieved since 49 years ago? What have we gain from the six successful military coups and four failed ones? Everybody embraces and tolerate bribery and corruption. Is it Unity, Peace and Stability to talk about? Is it good militarism or democratic governance? Is it the present state of our education or health sectors? Nigeria name is fading in the world of sports? To qualify for the first edition of soccer world-cup in an African soil is a problem. Nigerians now prefer to watch english premier soccer league than Nigerian soccer league matches.Many Nigeria professionals left the country to escape improverishment and political repression. Who do you think will come and invest where there is no security to human lives? We cannot boast of good road or railway network in the country. We cannot conduct a free and fair election and declare the winner. We don’t even love each others in all our actions. With LOVE, all these problems wouldn’t have exist!.Our developing rate is as slow as snail. Time waits for nobody. Time and resources wasting culture is not new in all sectors. A government worker can hardly spend four hours judiciously and productively from his or her eight hours daily working agreement. All these have both short and long time effects on nation’s productivity.China clocks sixty recently.A country that was once rated among the poorest nations of the world few years ago has now become the heart-beat of the world. Tell me a place in the universe where there is no Chinese product?. Malaysia came to Nigeria forty-nine years ago and took away palm-eedlings. Now, Malaysia is the largest exporter of palm oil in the  world while we the ”good samarithans” are still a net importer of palm oil. Are we not sinking?

We have just witnessed ten years of democracy rule (1999-2009) and we can cannot conduct a free and fair election where true representatives will be emerged.Those emerged are not responsible to the electorates.Democracy cannot survive in absolutism. Democracy is not a static concept as practise by our representatives. Democracy is the best  and most human form of power. It is for archievers to emerge as representatives and not those fake and greedy politicians.They can’t give what they don’t have. How many times have our representatives find time to meet their subjects at the local level. Rigging is still prominently an outstanding feature in our political life. Everybody wants power by all means. The standard of living of ordinary Nigerians has dropped to the lowest ebb.Over 70percent of Nigerians are living below abject poverty line. Shameful as we are suffering in the midst of plenty. Ethnic and religious conflicts are mixed-up with politics. The issue of national revenue or allocation,national unity and stability leads us to the true solution to Nigeria problems which is –True Federalism.

As Professor Wole Soyinka rightly said, “The man dies in all who keeps silent in the face of tyranny”.The foundation of any country is the education of its youth. Which foundation are we now laying if our education is in a mess? It is now time to demonstrate the capacity of our brains to rescue our nation from its doldrum and make her a great nation.Nigeria is blessed with well educated and skilled professionals to drive the country forward. There is no country in the whole world where we don’t have Nigeria professionals.It is now time to act if we do not want a political and social catastrophe of our beloved nation. How long shall we remain in silence? Gani is gone! NANS kept mute for three months of Universities strike! How long shall we get rid of corruption, 419 syndrome,armed robbery or kidnapping in our system? How can we keep the country from not splitting apart?.How can we stop violation of human rights?. The 1999 Constitution which was signed by General Abdusalam Abubakar stated that :” We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria : Having firmly and solemnly resolved :TO LIVE in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble soverign nation under God….AND TO PROVIDE for a Constitution for the purpose of promoting the good government and welfare of all people in our country on the principles of freedom,equality and Justice, and for the purpose of consolidating the Unity of our people….”. These are all misinterpreted in the concepts of Nigeria polity. We need a true fedralism where each arm of government does his own functions independently,where government is based on the principles of fairness, equity and justice. In a true federalism,the national wealth should be distributed more equitably without any grievances to threaten its unity.In federalism, the country’s liquid and solid mineral resources have to be jointly exploited by both the federal government and the state involved under mutual agreement and best criteria sharing formula. This give a lasting solution to Niger-Delta issues.

A true federalism that will generate growth, healthy competetitions and developments among all states or regions of the federation. It is high time that states should be granted independent powers and responsiblities to perform successfully. True federalism  empowers states to make treaties, respond directly to the interest of their citizens. They should be able to pass,enforce and interprete laws within their own legislative, executive and judiciary juridictions as done in United States of America. The wastages in central government structures and cost of governance are too much to sustain the nation. Each states should fashion or work out its own wages and salaries scale or structure and pay what it could afford to its civil servant. We need federal and states police that will be well-paid, better trainned and well-equipped. With this in place,the issue of day-light armed robbery, kidnapping and 419 fraud will be taken care. This new arrangement will help the police to achieve their long time Mission Statement of “The creation of a safer and more secured environment conducive for meaningful socio-economic development through crime prevention and control”. In this true federalism,the central government will still retain certain jurisdictions over states in respective of federal policy, federal tax,international relations, aviation, census, federal elections, immigration, defence, currency and national security. Reforms should be made on the following sections of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999,as soonest those areas discussed above, especially on the subject of elections to the offices in the state should exclusively of state juridiction, mine and minerals allocations,the independent of federal and state police, issues of trade and commerce, prisions shoud be concurrent respectively. A new Nigeria is POSSIBLE in our time. We must not become object of ridicule to the world. Nigeria must not sink.

Written by, Adewale T. Akande, Author and Road

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Despite all Scam warnings – Greedy men is still being fooled

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Read Time:3 Minute, 1 Second
Despite constant reports of 419 scam swindles in the media, people continue to be fooled. It should be noted that con artists have been perfecting their scams skills for decades. It may be hard to believe but this type of scam has been around since the 1920s when it was called the Spanish Prisoner Con.

Back then the letter requesting funds were mailed the old fashioned way rather than arriving via email. The schemes were somewhat different in that they involved breaking the heir of a wealthy family out of a Spanish prison. Large sums of money were usually promised to anyone willing to help finance an operation designed to smuggle the heir out of the jail. The plan was in place but money was needed to bribe the guards, provide a means of transportation or whatever else the scammers might dream up. Each attempt in this escape plan ordeal would end in failure but the next one was certain to succeed! , as usually promised by the artist.

The specific details of the fraud may differ but it’s essentially the same thing as every other 419 scam we see in recent days. Every year there is a new angle to play and it’s a sure bet that someone will take the bait.

Falling for such scam normally will leave the worst kind of taste in the victim’s mouth. Not only will you have been ripped off but you will have willingly allowed it to happen and been an active participant. At Codewit.com scam alert segment we will continue to expose the scammer’s techniques and we do advice that that get-rich-quick schemes don’t work instead, the victim usually is left with nothing but a hard lesson. Don’t be greedy. Don’t fall for such scam.  

I am Anthony Claret and this is scam alert info for our visitors
Visit us at Codewit.com for more advice on how to prevent yourself to be conned from internet scam perpetrators

Scam -Get rich quick proposals
In this classic scam someone from another country needs your help. They claim to have an extraordinary amount of money that needs to be transferred to the country of origin.

For your trouble, you can keep a hefty percentage of the loot. To get the money into your account someone needs to be bribed. That’s where you come in. Once you send this advance fee the money will be deposited into your account. At least that’s how it’s supposed to work. In reality, you’ll never see a dime. Nigerian scams take many forms. The bottom line is that you need to send a little money to get a lot in return. One variation involves an internet lottery you never knew you entered. Another is a bid on your online auction for far more than your item is worth. They’ll pay with a money order that will be for more than the agreed on price. They will quickly realize their mistake and ask you to return the extra funds to them. If you decline the request will turn into demands or threats. They’ll want you to pay quickly because their initial payment will turn out to be a counterfeit money order. These scams are often easy to spot. Some are more elaborate. Just remember, no one in their right mind sends a stranger a large amount of money over the internet. Don’t be greedy. Don’t fall for such scam.  Visit us at Codewit.com for more advice on how to prevent yourself to be conned from internet scam perpetrators

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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The News flow Controversy -Onwutalobi Anthony-Claret

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Read Time:13 Minute, 25 Second

The News flow Controversy: Evaluation of Imbalances, Inadequacies, distortions in International news flow and how it affects African development and democracy.

Information is power and the most critically sought commodity in today’s world. Those that control the information are usually seemed to be the most powerful in our contemporary society. Therefore, for the past thirty years, there has been a controversy resulting from accusation and counter accusation of imbalance flow of information from the west to south. The purported victims which are the developing nations have been raging bitterly over the news coverage of events in their continent and have denounced western newspapers, journals, and television outlets for their alleged sensationalism and anti-development bias (Legum & Cornwell, 1978). Due to this controversy, on several accounts, developing nations have attempted to engage the western nations through different channels to address the issue of global information inequality. One that may readily come to mind is the UNESCO meetings in 1969 (Sean , Elie, Sergei , & Somavia, 1980), 1974 (Mowlana, 1985), 1976 (Bandopadhyay, 2006) and 1980 (Tokunbo, 2000) consecutively, where the UNESCO group of experts on mass communication and society noted in its disturbing but revealing report that: What has come to be known as the free flow of information at the present time is often in fact a one way rather than a true exchange of information.


In retaliation, western world has equally charged the developing world of seeking to obstruct the free flow of information and insist to make no change in the information flow which they regard as a threat to the freedom to report, to print, and to broadcast news (Legum & Cornwell, 1978). This charge and counter-charge is far from abating and in fact is gathering momentum as it persists in many developing countries as they are well aware of the value of information in speeding material development and in maintaining power. In this paper however, the author will be discussing the developing world perception of new world information order, seeking to find what changes they expect from it. The essay will also attempt to identify the positions taken by these disputants by closely looking at the exchange of charges and counter-charges between those demanding balance in the news and those demanding journalistic freedom. And finally we will explore the issues underlying the dispute and attempt to proffer solutions where necessary.

 A Historical Perspective: News flow before World War II

The concept of imbalance in the media coverage and controversy over the international flow of news had been an important starting point in many of the deliberations concerning the national and international flow of information, culture and news. However, the significance of this controversy can be understood only be grasping the extent of the revolutionary changes that have been eroding the international system for the last thirty years.

Taking cognizance of the fact that in recent days, the world communication technology and the management of world information resources are clearly in the favor of the industrialized countries. (Legum & Cornwell, 1978), in their compiled report argues that western domination was actually the cause of disparity in both the economic and information order which they believed started after the World War II as described as the post imperial era. It was during this period that new ideas and forces took shape and power shift decisively to the west. They recounted that before the World War II , that western nations has no political power to impose their will on the non-western world and that the great power struggles of the European imperial era were all fought among the western nations themselves making it impossible for the west to dominate (Legum & Cornwell, 1978).

However, they believed that the industrial revolution had given the west a head start over the rest of the world in creating new wealth and accumulating great military power, which in turn resulted both in the expansion of European imperialism and in the rise of the United states, but one thing that stood very obvious within those period was also subsequent rapid growth of emerging powers like Soviet Union and China. These duos also become players in the center stage making the technological advances of the industrial revolution not remain exclusive to western possession.

News Flow after World War II

After the World War II, more events continue to unfold, developing countries began gradually to assume role in the central stage as major factor in world affairs. Suffice to note that the developing nation’s first encounter in dealing with the western world was recorded to be hostile, as they experienced the western domination on almost every international affairs which Roger Tatarian, former vice-president of United Press International (UPI), acknowledged then by stating that the imbalance in economic and information order is due to the military, economic and political power distribution in the western world. (Tokunbo, 2000). As things unfold, It becomes more clearer to the developing world that the western domination and control of information is not beneficial but later unhealthy to their growth given that this one- way flow of information inevitably reflects only the point of view, mentality, values and interests of these developed nations (Ochs, 1986).

Most importantly, they saw also repressive act of the western world where the major western media tend to treat the cultures of the industrialized nations as superior and place them at the top of this imaginary hierarchy, while the cultures of the developing nations are placed at the bottom of the hierarchy (Einer, 1965). For instance, we always see the journalist lump together the 54 nations of African continent as one while the continent is often portrayed as a crocodile-infested dark continent where jungle life has perpetually eluded civilization (Tokunbo, 2000). These gross misrepresentations and imbalance in the inter-national news flow was a big concern to the developing countries, therefore there was a burning desire for a radical overhaul of the present international information system to a new information order where free flow of information will be equitable and balanced. They wanted the world communication system to reflect the diversity and equality of all human races more just and more beneficial to the whole community of mankind. It was on this background that the New World Information and communication order (NWICO) debate was born. It was the greatest debates in the field of international communication in the 1970s and 1980s (Tokunbo, 2000).

NWICO debate: Objective of NWICO debate

From documented report of several media experts, they all noted that the fundamental objective of NWICO debate was to seek for transnational flow of information, to resolve inequality in information resources, to promote cultural and commercial values of information and maintain fairness in the news distribution (Tokunbo, 2000). It was indeed a hot debate as summed up by different sources. According to one document complied by one German scholar on this NWICO debate, He wrote that there was a consensus from the participants resulting in adopting the resolution at the 19th General Conference of UNESCO in Nairobi in 1976 and at the 31st United Nations General Assembly which was aimed in promotion of the development of national communication systems in the developing countries (Kleinwachter, Nordenstreng, Gerbner, & Mowlana, 1993).

Outcomes of NWICO debate

From the documents emanating from the debate, we assume that the case of the developing world was well presented, noting that some major powers were complacent but not completely satisfied of the decision made in the meeting which we believe was among the reasons that made the realization of the demands a tall dream. Aside this unsatisfactorily disposition of the west, some other issues cast doubt on the realization of the decision for example, within the framework of the resolution, there were some questions unanswered. Firstly, there was no proper definition of how the implementation process of the NWICO debate was to be carried. Secondly, the censorship and media accountability clauses of the NWICO were too ambiguous. (Tokunbo, 2000), (Fore, 1982).

Furthermore, there was underground quibbles and grumbling among the attendants from the west that, the NWICO demands were seen as purely the sole views of Souths elites. Immediately after the release of the resolution to the public, U.S. press reacted with rage, panic and considerable bias. Even the U S. newspapers accused UNESCO of encouraging censorship, state control of the press, licensing of journalists by the state, and, in general, of being the arch-enemy of freedom of the press. (Fore, 1982).

This confusion reinvigorates the western nations suppressive desire to lead, who are already fearing that the hegemonic and monopolistic ownership and control of international communication systems and patterns of information flow were about to be destabilized and disestablished (Okigbo C. C., 1996). This fear prompted the infamous speech by Ronald Reagan the President of United States who spoke as quoted in the New York Times of September 22, 1987 saying that we cannot permit attempts to control the media and promote censorship under the ruse of a so-called new World Information Order, therefore confusion broke and Britain and the United States revoked their membership of the UNESCO and then walked out of the NWICO debate. Their withdrawal immediately weaken the organization political and financial strength as both countries are the largest financiers of the UNESCO.

On this account, the NWICO debate then suffered a big blow. Although UK later joined back to UNESCO in 1996 while US rejoined the organization in 2003, in a practical sense, some media expert claimed that the NWICO debate was a failure. But on paper, it was a success. Owning to the fact that all media outlets restored to status quo. Seeing this development, it was clear that it will not be acceptable by the developing countries. Therefore, the debate was far from over, considering the crystal evidence/facts that the Western media never deviated from their distortion of news and use of the pejorative adjectives and stereotypes when reporting news from developing world. (Fore, 1982).

Post NWICO debate

With the heat and attention generated by the NWICO debate, one may think that the western mass media may surrender to the pressure to at least engage the developing countries in a more acceptable standard, but on the contrary the Western media made no concrete effort to present the developing countries in its full flower. For example, we observed that the news of the Africa is still being infected with the prevailing wisdom of the 19th century. As re-cried by Tojo in his essay he opined that, it is quite disheartening to still see that at the dawn of the 21st century, the North and South are still living in Many Worlds, One Voice. The one voice is the one the industrially rich North has imposed through its claim to economic and technological superiority and hegemony. Thus, the new world order does not seem to guarantee economic rights, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, cultural pluralism, autonomy and sovereignty of the nations of the South. It is perhaps a new world order of military intimidation and bashing of the weaker nation states of the South (Sean , Elie, Sergei , & Somavia, 1980), (Fore, 1982).

Contemporary Perspective: What Next?

Is the demand for free flow of information by the developing world a legitimate one? Before rushing to a conclusion that the western mass media have indeed been above reproach in their handling of sensitive international issues, we would like to seek for more justification of the claim and know exactly what is meant when we talk about improving the free flow of information and what impact it could make in the developing world. Therefore it will be more logical to argue in the line of the importance of balance and free flow of information. On this ground, we should bear in mind that media has enormous influence in shaping the public perception and imagination of the situation in or around the world. So ignoring these facts will always cause a serious impediment to the international cooperation.

From many materials we have seen, we noticed that developing countries are not seeking for patronizing information to be disseminated about them but rather they seek for a balance and free flow of information where both good and bad sides of their stories are reflected in the information shared to the public. Since we have establish these fact, then it may be damaging to continue marrying developing nation with stories of economic degradation and political unrest which we believe will only continue to exacerbate the current mistrust and undermine the essence of professional journalism and inter-cultural communication that supposed to exist in professional journalism (Kleinwachter, Nordenstreng, Gerbner, & Mowlana, 1993).

Conclusion & Recommendation

It is a fact that the world’s communications system is dominated by western institutions. The reason for this imbalance as mentioned above is partly because those with greater power tend to exercise greater influence. Today, developing worlds are attempting to redress the balance in the flow of information. And the stronger the developing world grows, the greater will be its ability to achieve essential changes in the international communication system. But it is not enough to say the third world must wait patiently until it is strong enough to compel change. More serious attempt must be made to improve the situation without waiting for the balance in world power to change. Therefore, a more renewed effort should be in place to help redress the balance in the flow of information because the present system is unjust, and those who are champion of freedom must equally be champion of justice and therefore it becomes a necessity that they should lead in helping to reduce manifest inequalities in information flow.

Furthermore, it is obvious that we cannot afford to continue to ignore the fact that the present imbalance in the flow of information is a serious impediment to international harmony and cooperation so every effort must be made to see that these dispute is resolved in a manner that will be helpful to both participants.

References

Bandopadhyay, S. (2006). Fighting Homogenization: The global infiltration of technology and the struggle to preserve cultural distinctiveness. Noudettu osoitteesta http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=saptarishi_bandopadhyay

Einer, O. (1965). Factors Influencing the Flow of News. Journal of Peace Research, 1-60.

Fore, W. F. (1982). A New World Order in Communication. Noudettu osoitteesta http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=1305

Kleinwachter, W.;Nordenstreng, K.;Gerbner, G.;& Mowlana, H. (1993). Three Waves of the Debate” The Global Media Debate: Its rise, fall and renewal. Norwood New Jersey: Ablex Publishing Corporation.

Legum, C.;& Cornwell, J. (1978). A Free and Balanced Flow. Report of the 20th Century Fund Task Force on the International Flow of News. Massachusets: D C: Lexington Books.

Mowlana, H. (1985). International Flow of News: An Annotated Bibliography . Haettu 2010 osoitteesta unesco.org: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0006/000653/065314eb.pdf

Ochs, M. (1986). The African Press. Cairo: The American University.

Okigbo, C. (1987). The News/low Controversy: Professional Journalists* Evaluation of News Imbalance. Noudettu osoitteesta http://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/African%20Journals/pdfs/africa%20media%20review/vol2no1/jamr002001009.pdf

Okigbo, C. C. (1996). International Information flow and the challenge of the 21st century to communication research.” North-South Information Culture: Trends in the Global Communications and Research Paradigms. Ed. Uche, L.U. Lagos: Longman.

Sean , M.;Elie, A.;Sergei , L.;& Somavia, J. (1980). Many Voices, One World. Towards a new more just and more efficient world information and communication order. Paris: The UNESCO.

Tokunbo, O. (2000). Post-NWICO debate: Image of Africa in the Western Media. Noudettu osoitteesta Media in Transition: http://web.mit.edu/cms/Events/mit2/Abstracts/TOjo.pdf

Uche, L. U. (1996). North-South Information Culture: Trends in the Global Communications and Research Paradigms. Lagos: Longman.

About Author:

Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi is a Nigerian activist and blogger Onwutalobi Anthony-Claret discusses the Imbalances, Inadequacies, distortions in International news flow and how it affects African development and democracy.

 

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Why are we Nigerians not vociferously proud of our nationality?

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Read Time:4 Minute, 44 Second

I suppose patriotism is not the sort of thing that excites a lot of us. In fact any talk of patriotism is likely to induce a yawn or suspicion about the motive of the person raising it.

But that is not the same as saying that Nigerians have no sense of pride.

To understand patriotism’s uneasy place in Nigeria, you have to go back to 1914 when the Southern and Northern protectorates and Lagos Colony were brought together to form a single country.

In the process about 250 disparate groups – including the three major ones of Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba – were welded together in a “Tower of Babel” of sorts.

To this day, this uneasy coalition is still struggling to stay upright.

In fact, the story of Nigeria for the past 50 years seems to be characterised by a great deal of mutual distrust and suspicion between the various groups. And this state of affairs means that most Nigerians, consciously or not, see things from their tribal or factional perspective rather than from a common national point of view.

It appears that what many eminent Nigerians, including the celebrated writer Chinua Achebe, have referred to as the country’s “failure of leadership” has meant a weakening of the national commonwealth and subsequently a lack of patriotism among its citizens.

At the centre of this is the growing corruption of Nigeria’s elite which has given rise to anger and disillusionment throughout the country.

The fragility in the Nigerian project – or a lack of patriotism, call it what you will – is even visible online.

Raise any issue that mentions Nigeria in an internet forum and you are likely to see many comments which betray the ethnic, sectional or religious bias of the writer. In reference to the challenges that we face today, some still refer to what they call “the mistake of 1914”.

On a more serious scale, such perceptions have also fed into the muted separatist tendencies of organisations such as the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (Massob).

This group came to prominence during Nigeria’s civil war 40 years ago and is still hankering after an independent Biafra state – home largely to the Igbo people. Although today Massob seems to be a fringe group, the sentiments it champions continue to resonate among a surprising number of Igbos.

Many feel that they are still marginalised because, in the years since the end of the civil war in 1970, they are yet to hold the presidency.

In the oil-producing Niger Delta region, an uneasy amnesty programme has eased some of the separatist innuendos of the former militants who, earlier this year, swapped their weapons for some skills training and a promise of jobs.

But with general elections around the corner, it is unclear if President Goodluck Jonathan, an indigene of the Niger Delta who took the reins after the death of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, will be able to get an elected term on his own.

If he is fails, who knows what this could mean for national pride in the troubled region?

Patriotic awareness

But not all belief in a united Nigeria is lost.

You need look no further than sports competitions – especially football – for evidence of our patriotism. It is there that you will find Nigerians, irrespective of age, tribe or creed, enthusiastically cheering on the national team.

In fact, a growing trend in Nigeria’s major cities is the display of the country’s flag on vehicles whenever Nigeria appears in a tournament. That rare display of pride in something Nigerian is what many of the country’s leaders want to see in other areas.

As a result, many government programmes now promote patriotic awareness and zeal.

An example is the current rebranding campaigns to show the positive sides of Nigeria and efforts to get people to buy Made in Nigeria products. The problem is that these efforts have not produced many tangible results, apart from providing the country’s intrepid stand-up comedians with something to poke fun at.

While the comedians provoke mirth and laughter, it pains me to see the way we sometimes denigrate our national institutions in the process. A prime example is the army which, at the very least, has been making efforts to serve its civilian authority democratically.

But I am always proud as a Nigerian when at a gathering, everyone joins in rendering the national anthem without the aid of a recording. And when you go abroad you can always tell the Nigerian from other Africans judging by his self-confident, some would say cocky, way.

The biggest mistake a non-Nigerian can make is to try to criticise the country or to even innocently join the Nigerian pastime of self-condemnation. That is when you see that, in spite of all the negativity, Nigerians care for their country and still believe that one day its much talked about potential will be realised.

With the continent’s biggest population of over 150 million, almost a million square kilometres of mostly arable land, vast quantities of mineral resources – most of which remain untapped – and the can-do spirit of its people, it is difficult to see why not.

I believe that in the next 50 years, Nigeria is likely to confound those who have been telling tales of its fall. Better elections will help to strengthen democracy by producing leaders who are more likely to inspire others who believe that it is possible to have a Nigeria where differences in creed, tribe and tongue are no barrier to nationhood.

Are you in Nigeria? Do you feel patriotic about Nigeria, or should it be split into different countries? Will you be commemorating independence?

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Nigeria at 50: what is there to celebrate?

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Read Time:5 Minute, 9 Second

Nigeria is 50 years old on 1 October 2010. This time in our history does not call for any celebrations. Nigeria used to be the giant and pride of Africa, but that was back in the day. Today, Nigeria’s economy and politics portray sad pictures. The educational system is so bad that Nigerian students are now trooping to Ghana for tutorship. Those who have looted, stole and destroyed the country have sent their children and family members abroad for education and comfort. Nigerians who have genuinely attained economic self-sufficiency also tend to prefer to obtain an education abroad.

It is not only the educational system in Nigeria that has suffered. Almost every aspect of our lives in Nigeria has suffered tremendous setback in such a way that the overall quality of life for the ordinary Nigerian is below an acceptable level for a human. In the Niger Delta, where most of Nigeria’s revenues are generated, life is far from being a beauty to behold. National and international conspiracies have transformed the rich oil fields into killing fields and a valley of death and despair.

Nigeria’s electricity generation is near nil. Millions of Nigerians and thousands of businesses depend on generators that generate toxic fumes and devastating noise. Nigerian businesses are growing and developing faster in Ghana than in Nigeria, while the Nigerian environment is now widely used in documentaries to demonstrate the impact of environmental disasters.

Health care has been so neglected that almost every Nigerian politician travels abroad to seek medical help. Where should ordinary people go? They have no money and still depend on the dilapidated health facilities scattered around the country.

There is a general breakdown in the provision and availability of other basic infrastructure. Water is scarce and Nigeria made the global news in August as a result of deaths related to cholera. Toilets are primitive in many localities and the level of sanitation is extremely low.

Malaria also remains a threat, especially for children under four and pregnant women. Nigeria is one of the last countries in the world with records of polio incidence. While the politicians and corrupt individuals continue to amass wealth, the majority of the masses – more than 70% – continue to live in poverty.

Mediocrity over merit

The politics of Nigeria is the source of our greatest national shame. Somewhere along the line we threw away merit and replaced it with mediocrity. Tribal politics rose to unassuming heights and corruption ate deep into the fabric of society. The concept of ‘politics of the belly’ and the complete absence of morality in public office ensured that Nigeria fell from grace to grass with lightening speed.

While the other nations of the world, including neighbouring countries like Ghana and Benin, made progress, Nigeria headed in the opposite direction. Development stagnated as some individuals made away with the country’s wealth. The military men and the politicians alike stole with impunity and to a degree never seen before. The most disheartening aspect of the looting of Nigeria is that almost everyone who stole has gotten away.

In 2011, Nigerians are faced with a presidential election that could be a catastrophe. Nigeria does not need elections in 2011, Nigeria needs the structures and institutions to deliver free and fair elections in accordance with international standards. The starting point is a valid forensics-based identity registration for every Nigerian.

Celebration of failures

Fifty years after independence Nigeria’s democracy remains in shambles. While the government of President Goodluck Jonathan will be wasting N17bn ($110m) on the independence party, millions of Nigerians will continue to live from hand to mouth, unsure of the next meal. The amount of funds planned for this ‘celebration of failures’ is unwarranted. It should have been low-key, a time for sober reflection. We should have used this golden moment to evaluate where things went wrong and write genuine blueprints of how to emerge from our present predicament. Moreover, this anniversary should have been dedicated to arresting and prosecuting all those living large as emperors with the nation’s stolen wealth.

It is wrong for Nigeria to celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence in an ostentatious manner because of the resounding failure of governments since 1960. Arguments against such a shameful charade fall on deaf ears. When President Jonathan planned independence celebrations with a budget of N10bn, people complained. They suggested that the money should be used to procure machines for Nigeria’s dilapidated hospitals. Former President Umaru Yar’Adua, who won the fraudulent 2007 elections, died of kidney and heart problems earlier this year. The government of Nigeria should consider the millions of Nigeria suffering and dying daily due to similar causes.

The men and women in the Nigerian House of Assembly confirmed the lack of probity in the Nigerian political space by calling for more money for the independence party. We forget so easily that we live in a country where scavengers make less than N200 a day and have families to feed. The party money is not a big deal to those who approved it.

These people who think and act foolishly owe us no apology and no accountability because we did not vote for them. Our politics is jungle politics, where the fittest survive and win everything. The weak and the losers lick their wound and beg for favours. Has anyone even thought of how much a N17bn education fund could avail if it is not looted?

Suffering will persist on the African continent and even elsewhere in the world until more people fight for social justice and true freedom. They say the best things in life are free. Social justice and freedom have not yet made the list. They are definitely not free. The oppressed must rise, fight and take what is theirs. For Nigerians, the days of true independence and liberation are still ahead.

Nigerian blogger Adeola Aderounmu says the country’s democracy is in a shambles and the N17bn for the independence celebrations is money ill-spent.

Adeola Omotayo Aderounmu is a Nigerian blogger, writer and teacher based in Stockholm, Sweden. Follow his blog here: http://aderinola.wordpress.com/

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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