Business

OGUN STATE: THE ERA OF OLD RUM IN NEW BOTTLE BY BARR. HABEEB WHYTE

Published

8 years ago

November 8, 2016

I remain Habeeb Whyte and I am still obliged with the responsibility that life placed on me to suggest a path towards developmental attempt especially where the State I hail from is concerned. I write this as a pen pusher that is ready to change the cause of his generation, using the pen and advocacy. I hail from Abeokuta where indigenes do not speak out of fear, but where they speak so that changes could be effected. My purpose comes with justification. In saying this, I am not trying to stir up wounds from any angle intentionally or accidentally, and I would like to avoid both situations. When you face a challenge that demands solution or a decision, you have two choices. You either emulate the example set by others or use your own creativity and intelligence to formulate a new idea. Many brilliant ideas have circulated the country and various States have copied their concepts, so much that these once inspired creations often become hackneyed.

However, second hand ideas are not for us here in Ogun State. We would rather lead than follow by a landmark. The problem now is the present crops of leaders in the State, striving to make policies centered on the blueprint of developing Ogun State a priority, especially on the note that our young Ogun indigenes are the precious asset and key to the States future success. Only the deep can call the deep.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo in his broadcast to voters in Ibadan as a Presidential candidate on February 12, 1979 has put the situation of events well when he said, “however, because some political leaders see your manifest destiny as a plaything; they do not intend to take their election promises seriously.

Indeed, they do not intend to take their election promises seriously. Indeed, they do not intend to make any binding undertakings to you. They have postulated no political theories nor have they prepared any coherent or unequivocal party programmes.” As if the late sage was a soothsayer, he has prophesized the exact events that are happening right now in Ogun State. I do not know if most of the elected leaders do forget the basis of been elected into office. In all sincerity, the present day leadership in our dear Gateway State lacks the right styles that can galvanize everyone they govern. The administration is not advancing to its proper destination like a railway goods train full of steam. It started on a good note to an extent. The latter part is not just it at all.
The stifling and scuttling of democracy in Ogun State begins exactly when our elected leaders are been giving the opportunity to lead for the second time. Our leaders are always caught in the web of under-performance during their second term in office. Whether this is a curse or so, no one has been able to accurately give an account. They fall into political liquidation at the time they have been given the second chance to keep transforming the State. One would assume that Ogun State been a State with well educated and exposed people, it can be easily assumed that the level of educated electorates can make her people easy to lead but difficult to drive. More easy to govern than enslave but the latter has govern the former confidently. We are mostly enslaved by our leaders both at the upper and lower level of the State. Most minds have been chained to the power politics system been operated rather than politics of development and welfarism. The State is not only saturated with emerging small minded political dictators, it is a haven for political nitwits and sycophants who worship stomach infrastructure projects and kowtowed anyone at the helms of affairs. It played out during the last local government elections held in the State. It was an eye saw. It is a very bad scene to be featured in a normal and sane political stage. Most Ogun indigenes have turned obsequious electorates. They are only interested and preoccupied with ‘cash for votes processes and it has in turn destroyed the real developmental process of electioneering. It is now in shams.
I know the present Governor was elected because he had a solid plan to deliver the Ogun indigenes from their assumed political miseries and afford him the opportunity to lay an infrastructure foundation for the States rapid industrialization and economic take off and development. No doubt, many Ogun electorates even those outside Ogun State homestead were envious of his first term achievement. I was impressed too. I cannot just explain his recent body languages as to the business of governance in the State. The height of maladministration is alarming. It was the thought of electorates that the influence of the number one citizen of the State with the number one citizen of the country would be of great blessing to the State. The whole politicking is rather than the impressive style and attention seeking mode. The activities of the government would rather be directed to impress the President than unite with fellow Southern leaders to lead a southern cause. The impressive style is a product of having a Minister of Finance from the State. Whether she has been able to lead the country out of recession is another topic for another day. The recent treatment of civil servants in the State is also a worrying issue. The moment the reward of hard work is pain and anguish, development ceases. If the main drivers of the States economy complains that their affairs are been mismanaged and rather than leadership of the State to do everything within their means to avert any eventualities but rather dares the guts of the workers with the invocation of the no work, no pay rule. This is a perfect explanation of how a single person arrogantly abuses the rights of many and tries to rationalize it. Management is more than just a word; it is a full fledged science. In the presence of light, darkness cannot exist; nor can the night of misery and suffering see the day. Light is therefore the symbol of hope. We would continue to pray that the great light shines on the States civil servants not for today alone but forever more.
I have always noted that the task of leaders especially political ones is the need for them to make an inclusion of an appropriate number of suitably qualified youths in their programmes, with an eye to succession. Leaders must learn to keep sight of the bigger picture. The bigger picture is one survival lifes driving force and the reason why all creatures spend each day trying to catch prey or escape their hunters. Survival cannot be achieved by wishful thinking. Continued growth requires huge effort, complete attention and being consistently alert to potential dangers. It is time for the Ogun State government to swiftly switch focus on the inclusion of youths in her programmes. This government has failed in that aspect from inception. It is not good that we keep having old wine in new bottle. Serve us fresh rum and lets toast to a proper political development. Cheers!

(WHYTE HABEEB IBIDAPO is a Lawyer, United Nations Award winner, Africa International Arbitration Award winner, Coca cola/ The Nation Campuslife Award Winner, Promasidor Runner-up for the Best Future Writer in Nigeria, i-Hustle Campaign Initiative Ambassador and Editor Egba Youth Awards Foundation.
Email: [email protected]
@whytehabeeb

Business

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

Published

10 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

General Buratai Urges Dangote Not To Succumb To Marketers Blackmail, Reveals Why

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

… Nigerians praise Dangote-MRS partnership

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian downstream oil industry, has implemented a new petrol price of N935 per litre across all its retail service stations nationwide. This follows an announcement by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has partnered with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.

In response, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has instructed all its outlets to implement the new price immediately, setting up a digital platform and monitoring team to ensure full compliance. The company has also called on Nigerians to report any outlets that fail to adhere to the new price structure.

“Petrol is now being sold at N935 at MRS Filling Stations nationwide. If you find any station not following this price, please report it. Call 08009447853 or email: [email protected],” the company stated in a release.

Emphasising the eco-friendly nature of its products, MRS Oil added, *“We call on all petrol station owners to join MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in improving the supply chain of our beloved country, ensuring product quality and availability in every corner of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”*

Checks by our correspondents yesterday confirmed that the new price had been implemented at all MRS Oil and Gas retail outlets nationwide.

In Lagos, commuters were seen queuing at MRS filling stations to purchase petrol. Many expressed their gratitude to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil and Gas, urging other marketers to support the indigenous refinery rather than import off-spec products into the country.

Mrs. Ibukun Phillips, a commuter at the MRS station at Alapere on the Lagos Ibadan Express way, could not hide her joy as her husband filled up their car.

“I am very happy today. This is a victory for Nigeria,” she said. “The price reduction is the best gift of the season. But beyond just the reduction, we are buying standard, eco-friendly petrol at a lower rate. My husband and I have decided we will only be using MRS from now on because we are confident in the quality of the product and supporting the economy.”

Commercial bus driver Adio Ajibade described the price reduction as a great relief, especially during the festive season.

“The reduction is a great relief. It will reduce transportation costs and benefit Nigerians. God will continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.

A public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Tunde Akanni, said the collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil represents a significant step towards improving the affordability, quality, and sustainability of petroleum products in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Akanni, “this move will not only help ease the financial burden on Nigerians but also promote a more environmentally conscious approach to fuel consumption, benefitting both the economy and public health in the long term.”

Business

FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

Published

13 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

Business

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.