http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/697873
June 12 1993 is watershed in the history of Nigeria.
The vents of that day includes; the freest and fairest election was held.MKO Abiola and Bashir Tofa were two the Presidential Candidates. There were two Parties SDP and NRC.

Prof.Humphrey Nwosu was the Umpire, National Electoral Officer.

General Babangida was President.

It is 17 years ago from today.


That day was symbolic because it was the first time i voted in my life.

It was an overwhelming turnout , Millions of Nigeria turned out to vote for their choice.

The events of the coming days, the annulment, intimidation of the Opposition, arrest and detention of MKO, death of Opposition members notably Kudirat Abiola, wife of the MKO and the eventual death of the symbol of June 12 MKO made the day most memorable in the history of Nigeria.

May the souls of thousands of people who died during the struggle rest in peace. Vengeance is from God, because the very people who perpetuated this heinous crimes still live in Nigeria.

Long live June 12.

The ]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:46:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/697873 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/696457
More than two million Pakistanis have fled their homes and villages — often with little more than the clothes on their backs — as fighting between government forces and radical insurgents has escalated.

With only 2 weeks left before the rainy season hits, the UN Foundation and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are working around the clock to provide 150,000 bed nets to hundreds of thousands of people who now face an imminent risk of malaria.
While many have found relative safety in camps set up by UNHCR, some 18,000 families continue to arrive each day and resources are quickly being overwhelmed.

An outpouring of local and international donations has provided critical food and shelter. But the fast-approaching rainy season now poses a grave threat of malaria to these displaced families — with children under 5 at particularly high risk of death.
]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/696457 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/695011
The Libyan leader is on a three day visit where he will meet Italian President Giorgio Napolitano ahead of talks with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Last year, Italy agreed to pay Libya $5 billion to compensate for decades of Italian occupation during the first half of the 20th century.

In return, Libya agreed to crack down on the thousands of illegal migrants who travel from Africa to Europe each year. International rights groups have criticized the policy under which Italy has repatriated migrants who have been intercepted before reaching Italian shores.

Relations between Libya and the West have improved in recent years, since Tripoli announced it was abandoning efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction.]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:16:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/695011 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/695009 Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi is on a three day historic visit to Rome, a trip that demonstrates the recent improvement of ties between the two countries.

The Libyan leader will meet President Giorgio Napolitano ahead of talks with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. King Gadhafi is staying in a tent erected in Rome's Villa Pamphili park.

Last year, Italy agreed to pay Libya $5 billion to compensate for decades of Italian occupation during the first half of the 20th century.

In return, Libya agreed to crack down on the thousands of illegal migrants who travel from Africa to Europe each year. International rights groups have criticized the policy under which Italy has repatriated migrants who have been intercepted before reaching Italian shores.

Relations between Libya and the West have improved in recent years, since Tripoli announced it was abandoning efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction.

Gadhafi has plans to meet with a group of Italian Jews who were expelled from Libya in an anti-Jewish backlash after Israel's victory in the 1967 Six-Day War.
]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:07:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/695009 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/694979
During a meeting with representatives of Qatar Charity, the president commended the efforts of the charity in building mosques and administering development projects in the country over the past several years. A certificate of appreciation was given to

Qatar Charity.

A representative of Qatar Charity said the mosque was built to alleviate the hardship faced by the elderly and the women, as it is the nearest mosque for the

local community.

Qatar Charity also distributed canned meat to widows, the disabled, the elderly and the poor in a number of villages, and also in canteens in several elementary schools. Six schools in four rural communities of the province of Koulikoro and the poor in 18 villages were the beneficiaries.

The distribution was conducted at a ceremony in Bashanvala village. It was attended by a representative of the governor of Koulikoro, an academic director of a university, heads of the beneficiary rural communities and the director of the office of the World Food Programme in Mali.

The World Food Programme official expressed happiness over the initiative taken by Qatar Charity to support the school feeding programme in rural schools. He said this had brought joy to the hearts of children and their parents, as they were exempted from bearing the expenses of the last two school meals.

The initiative is the first of its kind by any charity organisation in Mali and will reduce the burden borne by parents of schoolchildren. It will also encourage students to continue their education and contribute to a high rate of school enrolment in the target villages. The WFP official called for expanding the programme to other schools and continuing it in the coming years.

In recent years, Qatar Charity has implemented a range of health and educational projects in Mali, building five schools, three clinics, two multi-purpose centres and more than 30 mosques. ]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:56:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/694979 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/694921
With the city's emergence as the Cultural Capital in the region there is need for an improved city taxi service.

Tourism thrives where there are better and improved transport systems apart from the popular means of air, water, rail, the land which is car suffers most because of neglect and poor insight into city taxi service. City service taxi is normally provided by a company under direct government supervision, and its expected to reflect a unique brand about its people and culture.

The main taxi company in Doha is Karwa and the taxis operate on a meter system. The minimum charge is 10QR. Karwa are cheap by the way compared to registered Private car service. However, they are often difficult to find � Karwa taxis are light blue and nowhere to be seen, unless you are really lucky and patient.

Speaking with a number of people if there are enough taxis to meet the needs of customers in Doha, Nadia a regular Karwa user, said its so funny why you can't get a taxi unless its booked 24hours in advance, so where is the efficiency in the service, there are few taxis with so many people.

Apparently the current situation is unacceptable and pathetic; Karwa cabs do not meet demand. One should be able to get a cab within 30 minutes of calling, or an hour at peak times. If that was the case I'd say they were meeting demand, said Nabil Hussein, a visitor to Doha.

If you are anywhere in town and there's no taxi in sight, your only option is to walk into any good hotel and ask them to call you one - which they won't. However they will offer you their limousine service... which costs 4 times more than karwa taxis but which will also get you to your destination fast.

There are so Many issues like Karwa taxis are not available when you need them.

The cars are dirty inside and stink. So are most of the drivers due to exceptionally long hours they work and don�t care about the cleanliness of the cab. ]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:47:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/694921 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/643349
Film Directors from 60 nations nation participated in the festival.Directors fro Brazil, Belgium,Qatar,US,Canada, Norway India the eventual winner,Qatar, US, had great interesst in watching tjis long documentary.
The Salwa hall was almost filled with foreigners watching the every ingenius moves and statements of IBB, Humphrey Nwosu, former NEC Chairman.
The question being asked by everyone was why did it take 15 years for IBB and Nwosu to come out openly to declare that June 12's eventual winner was MKO.Some persons shed tears because of the emotions surrounding the death of MKO.
People liked his courage and will power.

In all its great being at that hall where everybody came asking me and the Film Director about Nigeria. There were handshakes here and there.

Photographs and so many fun that followed after that day.

Its great being a Nigeria abroad for the right reasons.]]> Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:34:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/643349 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/643347
Included in the “Long Film” segment, Babade’s 62-minute documentary is a true life story of MKO Abiola, who won Nigeria’s first freest and fairest presidential elections in the political history of Nigeria. After the victory, Abiola was sent to jail and he died there.

Abiola meant different things to different people. To some he was a man they hate to love and love to hate. To others he was a generous man, kind, shrewd businessman. However, by 1992, he won the hearts of many Nigerians and emerged as their hero and idol before becoming a hero of democracy in Nigeria. “My attempt was to document these different phases,” Babade said.

Babade’s film was nominated, amongst other renowned films in the world to answer the puzzle surrounding the death of Abiola. A photojournalist working for the Associated Press in Nigeria and engaged in musical video TV Commercials and Documentary production, Babade has covered most hot areas in Nigeria and named by Reuters TV, the ‘miracle man’. Asked what inspired Babade for doing “Journey to Martyrdom”, he quipped:” I am a beneficiary of Abiola’s generosity and goodwill”.

On the documentary’s entry to the international festival Babade said: “It feels good to be nominated among great film-makers, I will cherish this moment and go back home to project this film about a great Nigerian. My appreciation goes to the Al Jazeera Network for its support for bringing me here”, he said.
]]> Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:29:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/643347 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/643343 According to figures made public in Geneva, Switzerland, recently, Iraq topped the list of asylum seekers with 40,500, while Nigeria, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Somalia recorded significant rise in fresh applications. Afghanistan asylum seekers rose by 85 percent, Zimbabwe, 82 percent, Somalia, 77 percent, and Nigeria, 71 percent.

It is both depressing and distressing that Nigeria is listed alongside countries buffeted by wars and severe economic crisis, and whose citizens are seeking sanctuary in other lands. It is a development that should send our leaders into deep introspection, and make them conduct a thorough re-appraisal of their responsibilities.

The fact that Nigerians daily flock to foreign embassies in droves, despite the humiliation they suffer in the bid to leave the country, is a cause for worry. And when they apply for outright asylum abroad, when their own country is not at war or in economic depression, it becomes more disquieting.

A cursory look at the fortunes of countries Nigeria competes with in the bid for asylum paints a more graphic picture of the perturbing development. Afghanistan is at war, and is the bastion of terrorist groups like the Al-Qaeda and Talibans. Iraq equally has not known peace since the invasion of the country by the US in 2003, in the bid to remove Saddam Hussein from power. Somalia, for many decades, has suffered internal upheavals, leading to complete anarchy. And Zimbabwe, in the stranglehold of a sit-tight leader, is laid completely prostrate by economic problems, with inflation hitting a world record. Nigeria is not experiencing any of these travails, yet her nationals compete with people from the beleaguered countries for asylum abroad.

It is sad and regrettable that years of corruption, mediocre leadership, nepotism, poor implementation of policies, and the like, have turned Nigeria into one of the problematic countries of the world. With our massive human and economic resources, we have no cause to be in this sorry pass. The socio-economic condition may be tough, but it has by no means reached a level when there should be exodus from the country, particularly by youths, who should provide the quality manpower and vital energy for our much needed surge into the future.

We have always maintained this position, and it bears repeating once again. Government has not acquitted itself well in providing the enabling environment for the populace, particularly highly skillful and well trained professionals, to thrive. All around, they see parlous working conditions, decay and frustrations. A country as well endowed as Nigeria should definitely make life better for its citizenry.

The UNHCR statistics should send an alarm through government at all levels. The raison detre of government is to provide good living conditions for the people. When those same people prefer to seek asylum abroad, then it should be a wake up call. Our leaders must do a thorough soul searching on what it means to be in government.

Despite our socio-economic challenges, there are still abounding opportunities in Nigeria. The possibilities are quite huge for those who are resourceful and hard working. Government needs only to provide the platform, the pedestal. Fix electricity, roads, healthcare, education, public infrastructure, and other vital necessities, and Nigerians will then tap into the bountiful potentials of their country.
We are, however, not unmindful of those who pathologically have their eyes fixed on foreign lands. To them, the grass is always greener at the other side of the fence. It is a distorted outlook, from which they need to purge themselves. Their fortunes need not necessarily be made abroad, where we daresay they will never be first class citizens, no matter how long they stay there.

By and large, the onus is on government to rekindle hope and confidence in our nation again by applying itself rigorously and vigorously to governance, utilizing our abundant resources to make an impact on the lives of the people.

When Nigerians are given the basic necessities of life, they can be quite patriotic, and won’t need to join the crowd of asylum seekers abroad. We hope government will respond spiritedly to this latest wake up call.
]]> Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:10:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/643343 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/622581
A brand is a collection of symbols, experiences and associations connected with a product, a service, a person or any other artifact or entity. Brands have become increasingly important components of culture and the economy, now being described as "cultural accessories and personal philosophies"

A brand is driven by vision; it sets its mind on a specific goal and works towards achieving it. To build a strong brand you need to be driven by vision and passion.

What readily comes to mind at the mention of Nigeria?

The thoughts that come to mind are Bad leadership, fraudulent acts (419), corruption, greed, a failed state battling with the reverberation of our past misdemeanor.

These attributes combined together calls for sober reflection in Nigeria. All hope is not lost; you will agree with me that a lot of work needs to be done paramount a perception change about how Nigerians view Nigeria through the re brand Nigeria project.

This when embraced will open doors to a mental and psychological reorientation of our way of life, actions and inactions. It will go a long way to change the way we are viewed outside the country too. The change we so yearn for, must originate from home and that’s why the rebrand project should be given a chance to flourish.

A factor I could deduce to have left us disintegrated is our culture orientation. A situation where ethnic groups organize themselves into a sect of sort and view public policies from the prism of their sectional interest is an albatross that will continue to constitute a clog in the wheel of progress for our dear nation.

Ethnic divide, debauchery, poverty, marginalization, greed, corruption, mendaciousness, to mention but a few are at heart of the putrefaction we have found ourselves as a nation.

Funny as it may sound, the primary school pupil has been infected with this noxious orientation and the long time effect is our today and tomorrow that has been compromised at the detriment of the unborn generation.

We all owe this great nation its continued existence as a strong and viable entity because there is no place like home and as such it behooves on us to begin the salvaging of what is left by lending credence to the re brand Nigeria project embarked upon by the present dispensation

Nigerians must believe in Nigeria for Nigeria to make progress, the Americans will not do that for us. We shout change! We want change! Filled the air in the aftermath of the Obama victory, clearly forgetting that his victory was not an instant phenomenon, it was predicated on years of hard work, trails, challenges and because Americans believed in America that brought about the much deserved change.

Just like the American dream we must have faith in our country and believe in the Nigerian dream that envisage a better standard of living for all, a functionality of social amenities manifest in shelter, electricity, pipe borne water, excellent road network across the federation and a host of others.
We need to exhibit an undying love for one another and for the country. We should not be quick to write-off every government policy, as there is a tendency for humans to become that which we habitually imagine ourselves to be.

The beauty of embracing the above mentioned is that positive event will begin to fall into place, i.e. Good leadership, equal and fair representation regardless of ethnic and religious affiliations.

Nigeria belongs to all and not a select few. The harm that comes our way occasionally comes from our utterances every day. We need to begin to talk positive about our country for the sake of tomorrow.

Those saddled with the responsibility of leading us has to lead by example.

Embracing and supporting government policies gives it an 80% chance of success, which will in turn affect the ordinary citizen on the streets.

The re brand Nigeria project is a project by Nigerians for Nigeria, we must see to it that the intended outcome is archived for the betterment of our country.

Nigeria! Good people….. Great nation!

]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:45:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/622581 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/609607
1. Medical Care: The most obvious advantage is that if you fall sick on your trip, you will be covered for any medical care you need. Make sure you understand the limitations in your policy, as some have upper limits for the amount they will pay.

2. Medical Transport: Most insurance policies will pay for you to be transported to a medical establishment, such as by road or air ambulance.

3. Repatriation: Insurance will also pay for the cost to be returned to your home country after your medical treatment, along with a medical professional. This also covers the transport of your remains if you die while abroad.

4. Medical Evacuation: In the event of you being extremely sick and there not being a good hospital where you are, you will be evacuated to the nearest good hospital for treatment, even if this means taking you to another country.

5. Hospital Incidentals: This covers incidental costs while you are a patient in a hospital. This is only given after a minimum length of stay and also has an upper limit on the amount you can claim.

6. Cancellation or trip interruption: This covers any costs of you having to change the duration of your trip, such as flight changes etc. This includes a death in the family, or something happening to your home, such as fire.

7. Missed Flights: This covers all added costs if you miss your flight back home. This will help you get the first possible flight back, as well as cover any extra costs of changing flights or hotel stays.

8. Personal Liability: This gives you cover in case you hurt a third party or damage any property.

9. Legal Expenses: There is usually some sort of cover provided if you have to get involved in litigation while on your visit.

10. Personal Accident: This means that if you get hurt or die during your trip, you will be given some amount of money.

11. Personal Baggage: This covers your belongings while on the trip. If you lose a bag, a laptop or any other belongings, you can claim compensation for it. This is usually accompanied with information on the maximum amounts you can claim, for instance on jewellery.

All of these are advantages of carrying travel insurance, however, the covers given to you under different policies vary, and so make sure you read the fine print before you sign any documents or pay for your cover. Depending on where you are going, and how long you are going for, you will be required to pay different amounts. So, it may be more expensive to buy travel insurance for a dangerous country, as compared to a country with low crime
]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:29:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/609607 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/609601
I had once tried to reflect on the subject in two previous pieces, one in which I wondered about how we ever managed to live without the GSM cell phone, which now dominates our lives, and two, another piece in which I protested about the totalitarian nature of the cell phone, and how it could be such a menacing tool of social terror. But in those two pieces, I probably underestimated the extent of the new media and its uses and abuses. Up till about ten years ago, the new media was a relatively new thing in Nigeria, but today it is the vogue. Nigerians love toys and novelties and it is amazing to see how readily they have embraced the resources of the electronic age, despite the challenges of underdevelopment that they deal with daily. Go around Nigeria, nearly everyone who can push a button has a cell phone. And virtually every young person, if I may so state, has access to the internet, and its various resources: search engines, discussion groups, relationship sites and so on. That this is so in a country with epileptic power supply is paradoxical. I believe that the attraction lies in the convenience and other advantages such as political participation, interactivity and technological citizenship.

With new media, spatial and time boundaries have suddenly shrunk. With a cell phone in your hands, anyone can reach you at any time. Your phone rings non-stop the whole day, sometimes the calls are from strangers who tell you that they got your number from the friend of a friend. And if you do not pick up the phone, they send you a text telling you who they are and why you must send them a text or return their call. Some persons even go about with what is called Blackberry, which allows them to browse the internet on the go and send electronic mails from their cell phones. Even persons who do not have Blackberry can access the internet and send mails from their cell phones. In this age of convergence, it is also possible to receive phone calls on your car's dashboard while driving, or through the computer.

A typically modernist person possesses in addition to this, i-pod, palm tops and all kinds of gadgets that enable him or her to intrude into other people's lives at the speed of light. Speed, that is one advantage of the new technology and it is one reason why it is such a huge colonizing tool of the age. The other reason is the elimination of the fact of isolation in people's lives. The internet is particularly notorious in this regard. Through chatrooms, blogosphere, discussion forums, yahoo messenger and the likes, persons enter into virtual relationships. They make friends with persons they may never see, and share an intimacy that negates the frustrations in their lives. Many of the internet sites also allow the grace of anonymity, with people living out their fantasies and saying things that they will not normally say under their real names.

This is not a Nigerian thing, the world wide web is a global property just as new technology is an aspect of the cultures of democracy and globalisation, and the information revolution. But like all things, Nigerians are abusing the new technology. I am not talking about the more familiar cases of Nigerians hijacking people's e-mails, or using the internet to commit crime, (we are quickly apppropriating these as means of national re-branding), rather I am more concerned about the character of the Nigerian user of the new media, the psychological crisis that I see, the evidence of damaged, troubled lives, of frustrations hidden under the cloak of activism, of inner spiritual crises passed off as objectivity, and the addiction with the internet as if it were a kind of hard drug, and the increasing population of internet upstarts in a classless digitalised sphere. There is a new disease in town, and it is located in how increasingly Nigerians abuse new media. Drug abuse is a bad thing for society. It requires therapy, rehabilitation, and possibly enlightenment.

You must be familiar with the cases of persons who make phone calls while driving, and text message addicts who won't allow other persons to rest; I am concerned about such addicts. Each day I open my e-mail box, I am inundated with at least over 300 messages from all kinds of unsolicited sources. I am required by persons that I do not know, and sites that I have not subscribed to, to read all kinds of comments from all kinds of people on just about any subject under the sun, written from every part of the globe. It is not surprising to see why the internet is hailed for promoting the freddom of information, it accommodates everything including stupid speech.

There are no standards, so any idiot can post his frustrations online and inflict it on others across the world. I try to pay attention to the names or the pseudonyms used by the contributors, and noting the prolific output of some of these characters, I wonder whether they have any serious job at all. Many of them are in virtually every cyber forum, with such spatial mobility and contagious speed that raises questions about their motives. There are at least two Professors whose comments show up in my mail box everyday, the energy that the duo devote to ethnic mudslinging, and commentaries on silly subjects that do not shed light on anything could have been better deployed to academic research. So prolific, so energetic are they, I wonder if their employers are paying close attention to their use of time. Many employers, realising how much time their employees spend on chat rooms and discussion groups on the internet have had to restrict the use of the internet during office hours. The interactive nature of the internet makes all things possible including electronic sex. I am told that there are Nigerian sites where one can pick up a girlfriend, set up a date or arrange an affair online. A fellow once introduced his new girlfriend to me; the moment the lady turned her back, he whispered: "I got her through the internet." She soon became in subsequent conversations: "The internet babe."

On the internet, anyone can say anything, every commentator is a small god, including one lady whose copy suddenly showed up in my mail box, and what was she griping about? How Nigerian men always doze off after a short round of sex! Everyday, there is so much ethnic name calling, marked by an absolute lack of civility. People call each other names, they abuse each other's parents, they malign anyone that crosses their path: they say things they can never own up to in the presence of their priest or their children, or in a court of law, idiots, blackmailers, eavesdroppers, victims of loveless relationships, psychopaths, hyperbolists, mischief-makers, upstarts... the internet allows them all. Most of the defamatory stuff that is peddled on the internet is enough to put many of their authors in jail, but people are protected by the putative nature of the legal framework on cybercrime and the practical difficulties and cost of litigation in an inter-jurisdictional context.

Like many Nigerians whose e-mail address falls into wrong hands, I receive all of these mails daily in spite of myself. I have tried to block some of the addresses, to stop the uncivil terrorists from intruding into my privacy. But it never seems to work. I guess part of the freedom that some Nigerians think the internet offers them is the right to disturb other people, and to insist on doing so. Psychologists would have a lot to chew and discover were they to attempt a study and analysis of Nigerian attitudes on the internet. Ocassionally, however, I get the well-meaning invitations: someone asking me to join Face Book, or Jhoos, or a site where I can possibly track and locate long lost friends, or an alma mater chat room. While I appreciate the good intentions of the authors of such mails, I am often reluctant to accept any such invitation that could further expose me to a lorry load of chain mail or write ups by closet nymphomaniacs. The more annoying ones are those mails inviting me to buy a new version of Viagra or an energy drink or to take a trip to an exotic resort.

Yahoo messenger? That's another pest. Oftentimes, the conversations never seem to end. And just as you are putting an end to one and saying your goodbyes, someone else shows up on the screen telling you he or she is just saying hello. If you take the bait, that hello could stretch into one hour of internet talk. Okay, I can hide behind a Firewall, but some guys are so tech-smart, they'd fish you out: "I can see you, are you there?" The internet may be compensating for the missing links in many people's lives, but perhaps we are all guilty as the temptation to become addicted is easy. Employers of labour in the future may have to ask such questions as: how many hours on the average do you spend on the internet per day? What is your favourite activity on the internet? Which are your favourite sites? An internet addict on the pay roll in a non-internet addicted organisation, could be a liability, an internet crook within the organisation is worse. It won't be long before medical doctors begin to use time spent on the internet for purposes of diagnosis.

Technological citizenship or even of societies is about rights and obligations. Freedom exercised without responsibility is hollow. Freedom comes with a number of preconditions. We all have a responsibility to be decent, civil, and disciplined even as we enjoy the immense resources of the world wide web. The internet must not become a hard drug, nor must it end up obstructing the cultural logic of human relations. The administrators of the various sites must engage in rules-based intervention, and exercise more qualitative judgements. Allowing every subject to degenerate into tribal warfare, blackmail and name-calling defeats the purpose of enlightened discourse. Governing the cybernetic space has clear implications. The failure to do so responsibly strengthens the case for regulation in the areas of content, scope, ownership, taxation, standards and rights. In the end, we are free to make choices. When I open my mail box every morning, I go straight to the delete button and begin to delete all repetitive and meaningless stuff taking up space. I read a few. And I move on. As for yahoo messenger, I removed that long ago. There are only 24 hours in a day, and my work requires the kind of solitude that the new technology makes impossible.]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:56:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/609601 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/401253
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has stood its ground against what it perceives as unfair and cruel treatment by the Federal Government who has been preventing its members from having the same rights as other people have. NUT is pressing for the implementation of the Teachers Salary Structure which basically means more money. But the Federal Government is adamant saying, a teacher’s reward remains in heaven.

Minister of State for Education 2, Hajiya Aishatu Jibril Dukku, was reportedly said that even if the Federal Government were to implement the Teachers Salary Structure, not all teachers would benefit from it because “a bulk of them is not qualified to be called teachers”. Dukku, like Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, has urged the aggrieved teachers to take their case to the National Assembly or state governments saying, the Federal Government has no powers to fix salaries for states.

According to Dukku, the issue is lingering because the NUT wants a centralised formula for the TSS whereas there is a clear cut of responsibility between the Federal, States and Local Governments. She wants us to believe that unqualified teachers are just hiding under a cover of NUT to push their demands. Brilliant thought! But what of those who are qualified? Or is Madam Dukku telling us that all teachers in Nigeria’s schools are not qualified? And whose fault it is if unqualified teachers remain in the establishment?

It seems to me that whichever arm of the government involved in this TSS is playing hanky-panky with the NUT. Otherwise the case should be so simple that there would not have been any argument over which establishment to be contacted. For the fact that the issue is ‘lingering’ just because the NUT is contacting the wrong arm of government says a lot about how things work in Nigeria. It seems there’s no clear cut policy; no effective communication; no preparation for emergency cases and so on.

Due to the sensitivity of their job, teachers must be prevented from going on strike under any circumstance. But who cares about the quality of education in today’s Nigeria? Who cares whether Ade or Chioma or Muhammad receives qualitative education or not? The situation has even reached a point where one is forced to think that various governments are killing education in disguise for the purpose known to them. Now you know why the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu had so many thugs to cater for.

Part of the problem facing teaching in the contemporary world, according to analysts, is that its status as a profession has been undermined by the contemptible view that only what makes money is desirable. When people lose sight of the invisible rewards on offer in different avocations, many kinds of work that make the world a better place suffer a loss of talent. I believe this statement to be true in Nigeria today. Successive governments have waged war against education system in Nigeria. No wonder many qualified teachers have left the country in search of better offers. Is it that difficult to regulate their living standard?

When teachers go on strike, it’s obvious who suffer. That is why a four-year course now runs for five to six years in Nigeria. That is why many employers are crying that Nigerian students lack necessary skills to integrate them into employment society. That is why most of them have found solace in cultism, armed robbery, prostitution and sugar daddy’s toys. An idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop. A serious government would prevent teachers going on strike by all means – at least for the sake of its children.

Gone are the days when Nigerian teachers were teachers; when they naively believed their rewards were in heaven. Today’s Nigerian teachers have woken up, aggressive as their counterparts in politics, police, and the media. Their demand for increase in salary is justified. After all, they don’t get brown envelope or N20. Well, those in the Higher Institutions have hand-outs to sell, but we are talking about primary and secondary schools for now. How could our teachers survive with the current salary structure? I believe the current situation whereby teachers can’t even eat three meals a day would hinder their performance.

It’s simply injustice if a local chairman or a governor or a senator who does nothing receives fat salary and allowances while a teacher receives meagre income. Teachers are not fools. They read everyday how much money their politician counterparts stole from the public treasury. They read how in spite of this act of robbery, politicians still receive honour here and there. They see and read how their counterparts in the media are building mansions. Do you then blame them for demanding their rewards here on earth? I don't.

Of course everyone knows that teaching has never been a highly paid profession despite its importance. Hence the coinage, “A teacher’s reward is in heaven”. Teaching, I strongly believe, is not for the undedicated mind. A teacher must be patient at all times. That’s why “it was once a highly respected (profession), and the status enjoyed by teachers helped compensate them for the dedication and difficulty involved in their vocation,” says one A. C. Grayling in his book, “The reason of Things”.

As for now, I don’t have any solution for the on-going strike. As in many other issues affecting Nigeria, there are plenty solutions but none of which the Federal Government is willing to implement. Maybe it’s a cause on the nation to have people like these at the helm of affairs. They are all pretenders masquerading as genuine and caring leaders. I ask: why do governments treat teachers as people who must be paupers?




]]> Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:45:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/401253 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/401263
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has stood its ground against what it perceives as unfair and cruel treatment by the Federal Government who has been preventing its members from having the same rights as other people have. NUT is pressing for the implementation of the Teachers Salary Structure which basically means more money. But the Federal Government is adamant saying, a teacher’s reward remains in heaven.

Minister of State for Education 2, Hajiya Aishatu Jibril Dukku, was reportedly said that even if the Federal Government were to implement the Teachers Salary Structure, not all teachers would benefit from it because “a bulk of them is not qualified to be called teachers”. Dukku, like Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, has urged the aggrieved teachers to take their case to the National Assembly or state governments saying, the Federal Government has no powers to fix salaries for states.

According to Dukku, the issue is lingering because the NUT wants a centralised formula for the TSS whereas there is a clear cut of responsibility between the Federal, States and Local Governments. She wants us to believe that unqualified teachers are just hiding under a cover of NUT to push their demands. Brilliant thought! But what of those who are qualified? Or is Madam Dukku telling us that all teachers in Nigeria’s schools are not qualified? And whose fault it is if unqualified teachers remain in the establishment?

It seems to me that whichever arm of the government involved in this TSS is playing hanky-panky with the NUT. Otherwise the case should be so simple that there would not have been any argument over which establishment to be contacted. For the fact that the issue is ‘lingering’ just because the NUT is contacting the wrong arm of government says a lot about how things work in Nigeria. It seems there’s no clear cut policy; no effective communication; no preparation for emergency cases and so on.

Due to the sensitivity of their job, teachers must be prevented from going on strike under any circumstance. But who cares about the quality of education in today’s Nigeria? Who cares whether Ade or Chioma or Muhammad receives qualitative education or not? The situation has even reached a point where one is forced to think that various governments are killing education in disguise for the purpose known to them. Now you know why the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu had so many thugs to cater for.

Part of the problem facing teaching in the contemporary world, according to analysts, is that its status as a profession has been undermined by the contemptible view that only what makes money is desirable. When people lose sight of the invisible rewards on offer in different avocations, many kinds of work that make the world a better place suffer a loss of talent. I believe this statement to be true in Nigeria today. Successive governments have waged war against education system in Nigeria. No wonder many qualified teachers have left the country in search of better offers. Is it that difficult to regulate their living standard?

When teachers go on strike, it’s obvious who suffer. That is why a four-year course now runs for five to six years in Nigeria. That is why many employers are crying that Nigerian students lack necessary skills to integrate them into employment society. That is why most of them have found solace in cultism, armed robbery, prostitution and sugar daddy’s toys. An idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop. A serious government would prevent teachers going on strike by all means – at least for the sake of its children.

Gone are the days when Nigerian teachers were teachers; when they naively believed their rewards were in heaven. Today’s Nigerian teachers have woken up, aggressive as their counterparts in politics, police, and the media. Their demand for increase in salary is justified. After all, they don’t get brown envelope or N20. Well, those in the Higher Institutions have hand-outs to sell, but we are talking about primary and secondary schools for now. How could our teachers survive with the current salary structure? I believe the current situation whereby teachers can’t even eat three meals a day would hinder their performance.

It’s simply injustice if a local chairman or a governor or a senator who does nothing receives fat salary and allowances while a teacher receives meagre income. Teachers are not fools. They read everyday how much money their politician counterparts stole from the public treasury. They read how in spite of this act of robbery, politicians still receive honour here and there. They see and read how their counterparts in the media are building mansions. Do you then blame them for demanding their rewards here on earth? I don't.

Of course everyone knows that teaching has never been a highly paid profession despite its importance. Hence the coinage, “A teacher’s reward is in heaven”. Teaching, I strongly believe, is not for the undedicated mind. A teacher must be patient at all times. That’s why “it was once a highly respected (profession), and the status enjoyed by teachers helped compensate them for the dedication and difficulty involved in their vocation,” says one A. C. Grayling in his book, “The reason of Things”.

As for now, I don’t have any solution for the on-going strike. As in many other issues affecting Nigeria, there are plenty solutions but none of which the Federal Government is willing to implement. Maybe it’s a cause on the nation to have people like these at the helm of affairs. They are all pretenders masquerading as genuine and caring leaders. I ask: why do governments treat teachers as people who must be paupers?




]]> Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:45:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/401263 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/400135
More warships for Niger delta, more probes in Niger delta state govt treasury's, massive development of infrastructures by FG from excess crude account in line with Niger delta master plan (Niger delta master plan must have been implemented to 40% scale before any military action or JTF presence can be justified byFG. Only recently JTF APC fell into a ditch - I am sure the driver was only reckless even though that road is likely to be as deplorable as Lagos to Benin road) with equity contribution from state and local governments oil companies should be more transparent in recruiting in Niger delta (Shell just did mess with SITP - I bet tat process could have enlisted 100 more militants from aggrived applicants that were enied level playing field in the recruitment process) with specified quota for indigienes, militants to sheath their swords and surrender with guaranteed amnesty or get caught and tried or at worst bombed in the creeks.

The NAVY should block arms inflow through the high sea else Heads should roll. Massive Naval operations to cut off supplies is necessary, with teams of warship and patrol boats in inestimable numbers - even if it is for a short week and on loan or lease supply, with strategic amphibious attacks on previously identified black spots (what is the function of SAT 1 and NARSDA if they cannot spot human/arms movement's creeks and they are bidding for Telecoms license - someone needs to ask the Security Attache in NARSDA what his job specifications are and why he/she should be retained at tax payer's expense).

If Militants can hijack FPSO that is a bad signal for National Development. While, military options is not a sustainable way forward it is needed at this material moment so as to allow the Militants re-assess their negotiating power before all and sundry agree to get back to the discussion round table. Blasting Bonga is quite unacceptable by any standard and the FG must stamp their feet with authority in a way that would stop militants from making further damages to the economy and the country's economic goodwill.


I learn some militants forcefully took skye bank recruitment test - I feel their pains and frustrations, I empathize with them but the only weapon that I know that fights better than Gun is the pen.

Should they be ready to fight by the pen - i would willingly volunteer within their service. When Guns clash, even the victors can't claim victory! Someone needs to tell them no war ever ended with a clear winner, not even desert storm.

Even, while they are unaware or pretend to be ignorant, several erudite scholars and intelligent professionals, including fire brand legal luminaries have genuine affiliations for the cause for which the militants are fighting without necessarily identifying with their attacks/strategies, hence the wide spread media awareness on anomalies in Niger delta and pressure on FG to make amends. Peace and reconciluation strategies by the FG, though slow paced is quite impressive; blasting more installations, would never sway arguments in their favour and I doubt if the have the fie power to confront the State if and when the state is ready to employ the fire for fire option!]]> Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:28:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/400135 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/392287


"Arise, O Compatriots"

Arise, O compatriots,

Nigeria's call obey.

To serve our Fatherland

With love and strength and faith.

The labour of our heroes past

Shall never be in vain,

To serve with heart and might

One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.



O God of creation,

Direct our noble cause;

Guide our leaders right:

Help our youth the truth to know,

In love and honesty to grow,

And living just and true,

Great lofty heights attain,

To build a nation where peace and justice reign.



The Nigeria national anthem, “Arise, O compatriots” was adopted in 1978, thirty years ago, in preference to “Nigeria We Hail Thee” which was formerly used as the national anthem between 1960 to 1978. The uniqueness of this anthem especially to me is the fact that 1978 was during the period famously known in Nigeria as the oil boom, which was when one could proudly say I am a Nigerian. Uniquely the lyrics of the current national anthem were taken from five best entrants of in a national contest. The lyrics as written by John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunaike, Sotu Omoigui, and P.O Aderibighe were put together to form the national anthem, a mark of unity in diversity.

Do you know that there is no smoke without fire? When the national anthem came out, I want to believe that our country had not degenerated to what it is today. But the people who put the anthem together can be said to have the Wisdom of Solomon and eyes like the eagles. They saw into the future. The second stanza aptly says a prayer, in the midst of foreseen calamity, to the God of creation to direct the noble cause of the nation Nigeria and guide our leaders. The ills are not only perpetrated but leaders as they have successfully introduced innocent and unassuming youths into their evil deeds. So we pray that God should help these innocent youths that have been brainwashed to know the truth, and to grow in love and honesty which our leaders lack. This will enable them to live justly and in the truth; they will attain great and lofty heights to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign. Could that be the reason why it has always been sung that Nigerian youths are the leaders of tomorrow? I bet most of us need to take time and meditate on the lyrics of the Nigeria national anthem. Then we won’t need anyone to tell us what is right or wrong.

Every leader of this great nation should be made to assimilate the message behind this anthem before thinking of leading the Nigerian citizens. He who assimilates it and fails to uphold its unique message stands condemned by himself.]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:39:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/392287 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/376753
The current wave of xenophobic and violent attacks against foreigners in SA did not come as a surprise to many who are familiar with life in that country, but not the less shocking either. The economic crisis in Zimbabwe has led millions of Zimbabweans to flee to SA for a chance at survival. Other migrants from Mozambique, Zambia, Nigeria, Congo and from all over sub-Saharan Africa are all in search of opportunities and a chance at a better life in a post-apartheid SA. But in the face of recent nationalism, albeit the worst kind, many are returning to their place of birth, choosing rather to stare down hopelessness and die of hunger if it comes down to it than be bludgeoned to death or burned on the street by a senseless mob.

Not that you must give up your country to show gratitude, but not long ago, the only refuge many ANC leaders and many black South Africans know was in the safety of other African countries and the warm embrace of the rest of the world. The black South African burden in the dark days of apartheid was borne by all; their struggle was our collective struggle. The least the government and the people of South Africa owes the rest of the world and especially fellow Africans, is to protect and show compassion to immigrants and displaced people in South Africa who only want to live and better their lives, something the average black South African should know too well.

Not all South Africans have forgotten so soon though, ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe reminded his countrymen today where he wrote in his party’s newsletter, “On Sunday [Africa Day] we will wake up in this country and celebrate the victories our forebears have had over colonialism and apartheid… Many of us... will think of the kindness we received in the poorest communities of Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria and many other African states.” I hope his countrymen are listening and most importantly for SA, I hope it’s not too late.]]> Sat, 24 May 2008 08:14:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/376753 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/376739
The English Premiership and European leagues have since filled the vacuum that exists at home. This much was clear on Wednesday, May 21. Very early in the day, the streets of Lagos had been taken over by Manchester Red and Chelsea Blue colours. Football fanatics decorated their cars with the colours of their favourite teams. In Mushin, young boys wore Chelsea Blue and they dared anyone in the neighbourhood to show up in Manchester Red.

In Nigeria, supporters of English clubsides have associations with presiding Chairmen and Secretaries; they have special uniforms and it is not unusual to run into a big owambe party, with a musician on the bandstand, all put together by fanatics of English football celebrating their club's victory. In Ikeja, on Wednesday, some streets had red or blue banners flying in the sky. By 7.30 p.m Nigerian time, about fifteen minutes to the kick-off of the match in Moscow, Lagos streets had been deserted. Ordinarily at such an hour of the day, Lagos roads are congested with traffic.

And on Wednesday evening, he almost had a heart attack. First, he could not touch his pepper soup. His beer went cold and flat due to neglect. His eyes were glued to the TV set as if his life depended on it. When Man U missed two great chances in the first half, he slumped in his chair. When Chelsea equalised through Lampard in the dying minute of the first half, he was so sad, he blamed Man U defenders. He kept insisting that Sir Alex should take out Rooney who in his estimation was not playing well. We had to keep reminding him that Chelsea is not in Moscow to allow Man U run away with the prize. And besides, Moscow is home more or less to Chelsea with Russian owner of the club, Roman Abramovich, in the stands, keeping an eye, like Mike, on his investment.

As it turned out, Chelsea dominated the second half, sending Mike into paroxysms of fear. Two deadly shots one of them designed by Didier Drogba bounced off the bar in front of Man U's goal. But our Man U supporter was confident. Again he drew attention to the fact that Sir Alex had changed from a suit to a track suit. "Now, the war will begin", he boasted. We had to point out to him that the man was actually wearing a rain coat because it was raining heaviiy in Moscow. When Ryan Giggs was brought in to replace Scholes, Mike and the Liverpool fan who was now rooting for Man U, said: "Baba is here. Baba will change the game!"

Didier Drogba nearly spoiled the fun when in the later part of the match, he slapped Vidic. The red card that threw him out of the match and the stadium (he didn't show up to collect his medal) gladdened our hearts. Drogba is richly talented, but he is too much of a prima donna, and this stands in the way of the spirit of sportsmanship. And then the penalties came. The rain and passion-soaked match ended with Van der Sar saving Nicholas Anelka's final attempt for Chelsea and the Red Devils breaking loose in a celebration dance across the world. In all parts of Lagos, there were victory dances. Even yesterday, MBI, a Nigerian TV channel showed images of parties thrown by Man U fans. Our friend Mike ordered a round of drinks to celebrate the success of his investment: "by tomorrow morning, in fact even now, Man U stocks will go up," he said. On my way home, I saw Chelsea fans holding on to their jerseys as if a tragedy had befallen them. Man U fans from Obalende all the way to Campus Square and in neighboring areas spilled onto the streets and did victory laps. By now, it was around 12 midnight and it was instructive to see Nigerians expending so much energy on something that does not really concern many of them.

There are business opportunities involved also: all those traders selling Man U T-shirts and emblems can do a lot more selling the jerseys of Nigerian football teams if they are given the chance to express themselves locally. The private sector used to be actively involved in Nigerian football: sports-loving companies can be encouraged to explore the business potentials that have been demonstrated. The Moscow final was a great moment for English football, and for the European Union: a thriving local league can provide great opportunities for national branding and even foreign relations. Beyond all of this is the human dimension of the Moscow event: the bitter rivalry between Manchester United and Chelsea, the competition, the contrasts of victory and defeat, the unraveling of Drogba, John Terry and Ronaldo when it mattered most and the heroism of Van der Sar: all of which is a beautiful reflection of the depths of the human essence.
]]> Sat, 24 May 2008 07:53:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/376739 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/373667 Also, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported yesterday that at least five people have been burnt or beaten to death in Johannesburg as violence against immigrants spreads.
A Nigerian who lives in South Africa said yesterday that the xenophobic attacks were launched against Nigerians while many of them were either in church or on their way to church.
The areas where Nigerians were most affected are Hillbrow and Yeovil as the riots spread to the Johannesburg city centre.
Many Nigerians were said to have been dragged out of buses and beaten to death while the security agents appeared not to intervene.
More than 50 other people were taken to hospital in the suburb of Cleveland with stab or bullet wounds, the BBC reported, noting that the trouble began a week ago in the sprawling township of Alexandra.
Immigrants from neighbouring African countries were set upon by men with guns and iron bars chanting "kick the foreigners out" as terrified Zimbabweans, Mozambicans and Malawians fled to the safety of the local police station and to another township, Diepsloot.
They were then attacked there as well - shacks were burnt down and shops looted. The violence has since spread to other areas.
BBC’s correspondent in Johannesburg said the attacks have prompted soul searching among South Africans.
Nelson Mandela, former president, had expressed his concern, saying the country must not descend into what he called "destructive divisiveness".
Since the end of apartheid, millions of African immigrants have poured into South Africa seeking jobs and economic sanctuary.
But they have become scapegoats for many of the country's social problems - its high rate of unemployment, a shortage of housing and one of the worst levels of crime in the world.

]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 06:59:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/373667 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/372801
Rural migrants often assume that employment opportunities are better in big cities; they are often right, although the people in search of work usually outnumber the opportunities, and rapid urban population growth pushes up unemployment rates. In addition to urban migration, natural increase in cities themselves is bringing large numbers of young people into the labour market, contributing to high youth unemployment.

Many young job-seekers resort to “forced entrepreneurship” and self-employment, and in some countries employment in the urban informal sector has risen sharply over the past decade as a percentage of total employment. According to the International Labour Organization, approximately 85 per cent of all new employment opportunities are created in the informal economy. As Bing’s story shows, this is risky, but it contributes to flexibility and helps drive economic growth.

Most young people working in the urban informal sector live in slum areas, for example, 75 per cent in Benin, and 90 per cent in Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Chad and Ethiopia.(

At the same time, the proportion of working adolescents has dropped in many countries in the past few decades.For instance labour force participation rates for boys 15-19 in Argentina dropped from 51.6 per cent between 1980 and 1984, to 36.9 per cent from 1995 until now. Similarly, female labour force participation rates for this age group declined from 27.8 to 24.2 per cent. In Thailand male and female labour force participation rates for 15-19-year-olds declined from 70.6 and 71.4 percent respectively, to 40.4 and 34.1 per cent for the same time periods.

Yet many young people in developing countries still work too early and too long. They do not have the opportunity to finish their education and acquire the life skills they need for healthy development. Young children and adolescents are exploited in the job market, often working for low pay, under hazardous conditions, and with few prospects. Exploitation, frustration and exhaustion can cause disillusionment and alienation among young workers.

For other young people there is no transition from school to work. They drop out of school early or never attend, and do not work either. A survey in urban areas of Zambia found that most young people had no source of livelihood: 70 per cent of males and 83 per cent of females ages 15 to 19 indicated they were neither in school nor held jobs.


When young people seeking work fail to find productive, decent livelihoods, they can enter or continue a cycle of poverty, with with high rates of unemployment across their life spans. There has been increasing concern among policymakers that the frustrations accompanying longterm unemployment among large populations of young men in urban areas may feed political and ideological unrest and provoke violence. High levels of unemployment among young people, particularly in urban areas, indicate that cities are unable to absorb labour, which in the long term has a direct impact on economic growth and poverty reduction.The importance of helping youth find productive and decent employment has become a primary motivation of international youth policy-making and development efforts. Young people can make their best contribution if cities provide a social safety net, including housing, health care and education opportunities.

The United Nations Millennium Declaration, adopted by the General Assembly in 2000, reflects the commitment of heads of state and government to develop and implement strategies that give young people everywhere real opportunities to find decent and productive work. This objective was subsequently integrated into the Millennium Development Goals; the eighth Goal, which relates to developing a global partnership for development, explicitly refers to creating employment opportunities for young people. The Youth Employment Network (YEN), comprising the ILO, World Bank and United Nations, was established following the Millennium Summit to initiate action on the ground, with the result that the youth employment issue has gained momentum at the national level.(Already, 19 countries have stepped forward as to share experiences, lead the way in formulating action plans on youth employment, and committing to change at the highest political level.

Several of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) completed by developing countries in the past few years have outlined youth employment strategies focusing on youth entrepreneurship training, microcredit schemes, the development of vocational training and career guidance services, youth leadership training, youth targeted labour-intensive programmes, and the acquisition of ICT skills.Other countries could follow this example and create more employment opportunities for young people.

The skill sets and opportunities for long-term economic security are established in early adolescence; there is an immediate need for expansion in livelihood skills. Adolescents and youth need a chance to make the most of their productive potential through quality education and decent employment. At the same time education provision should be coordinated with labour market needs now and in the foreseeable future.

Over the next 10 years, 1.2 billion young women and men will enter the working-age population. They will be the best-educated and best-trained generation ever, with great potential for economic and social development, if countries can find uses for their skills, enthusiasm and creativity, otherwise they will be condemned to poverty, like many of their parents are.
]]> Sat, 17 May 2008 06:42:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/372801 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/371625
Intellectual Property (IP) is the right to enjoy the benefits of one’s creative genius. It includes rights via the patent system for novel inventions, copyrights on creative arts and music and trademarks in symbols and designs that have grown to represent a particular company. While IP is critical to the economy as an engine of growth, it can be a company’s most valuable asset and most dangerous threat. As one CEO of a top corporation noted, “If you are not constantly worried about counterfeiters, you probably don’t have a very good product.”

IP threats come in two varieties: counterfeiting and piracy. To counterfeit is to falsely label one’s goods with the trademark of another to mislead the purchaser into thinking the good was made by oneself. Examples of counterfeiting include: boot-legging DVDs, creating fake designer clothing, handbags and jewelry and falsifying prescription drugs. Piracy is using or distributing another’s IP illegally. One common type of piracy is software piracy whereby the consumer uses the software without a proper license. While these crimes have plenty of history, there has been an enormous rise in both counterfeiting and piracy in recent years, The European Union Customs reports a 1000% increase in the number of counterfeit goods in Europe between 1998 and 2004, and the World Customs Organization estimates the value of physical and Internet digital goods pirated or counterfeited to be approximately $650 billion -- a figure equivalent to five to seven percent of world trade.

Even amidst such grim statistics, a company can, with preparation and intentionality, protect itself against IP counterfeiting and fraud. Essential to this end, a company needs to maintain accurate computer records, including e-mail communications, web mail logs, VPN logs, send mail logs, instant messaging, web activity logs and print logs. Computer forensic experts also advise companies to retain forensic images of the hard drives for employees departing the company under suspect circumstances. These records prove extremely helpful to a computer forensic specialist or fraud investigator should an incident occur. For example, in a recent case, a factory worker walked off the production floor with paper copies of a company’s secret formulas. Specific computer logs allowed investigators to identify the likely suspect and build a civil case, which led a court to issue a civil search warrant. The suspect’s house was raided, the stolen documents were recovered and arrest warrants issued.

Additionally, Legal, IT and Security teams within an organization should consider having a proactive relationship in place with a computer forensic specialist or fraud investigator. As the scale of threat to IP continues to increase, ignorance can be costly. Having an established relationship with a computer forensic expert will provide insight into IP theft and help prevent your company’s most important IP from walking out your front door.

]]> Thu, 15 May 2008 06:24:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/371625 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/371605
Until so recently in the late 60’s, at about the same time Nigeria was embroiled in a bloody civil war, the United States of America was also up in flames, set alight by the various civil-rights riots, led most notably by Dr Martin Luther King and the maverick Malcolm X. It is notable that while Nigeria has remained trapped in increasing ethnic cleavages and strife, the aftermath of the civil-rights movements have heralded a new, though imperfect America , which for the first time accommodated the rights of African Americans. Since then the American attitude has changed significantly, and progress has continued in unquantifiable leaps.

It is the fruits of that progress and broader outlook of Americans that has produced the Obama revolution. Prior to Barrack Obama’s quest for the democratic party's presidential ticket, Hillary Clinton, a long established name in the Democratic Party had expected a coronation. But she is now having to fight the battle of her life, against a hitherto little known Barrack Obama in whom the new and healed America has vested so much faith. In spite of the Reverend Wright controversy which the press and Clinton campaign has tried to exploit to frighten American voters, the Obama train could not in any substantial way be slowed down.

Naturally, many have remained sceptical about the possibility of a blackman becoming the president of a predominantly white America. Endless scenarios of how white America would gang up against a black candidate once Obama is the democratic nominee has continued to be concocted. Even the Clinton campaign has sought to play the race card by advancing the same arguments. But Obama has so far continued to confound the sceptics by his yet unstoppable appeal to both black and white America .

His gift of oratory and his originality has continued to dazzle many. Most politicians in his shoes, with a white mother could have tried to play games with racial identity to win more white votes. A typical Ikwerre man, would brook no eyelid in denying his ethnic identity as a perceived ticket to get more patronage in post-war Nigeria, but Obama has remained true and steadfast to his largely defining African American identity and by so doing has attracted an almost cultic following by black voters and a massive following by white voters who respect his originality and identify with his message of change.

While sceptics have continued to ponder, Obama has continued to make history in several areas. He has inspired voters, most notably young voters like no one has done in the history of the democratic race, he has raised more cash than all his opponents, and has made so far the most successful attempt for the presidency by any African American in the history of the United States of America.

It is becoming clear by the day, that the only way to usurp the lead of a candidate who has won more states, popular vote, pledged delegates and raised more campaign cash would be to return America to an inglorious past of injustice and racism. Ironically this is exactly what the Hillary Clinton campaign has continued to struggle and hope for. But I suspect the American people are smarter than that. In Barrack Obama, lies the fulfilment of Dr Martin Luther King’s dream and America ’s greatest opportunity to show the world what a great and transformational nation they are. It would smash the long held stereotypes of a rabidly racist America , destroy the arguments of the terrorists, silence American haters and consolidate America as the world’s greatest nation.
]]> Thu, 15 May 2008 04:06:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/371605 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/366319 As the Internet becomes more pervasive in all areas of human endeavor, individuals or groups can use the anonymity afforded by cyberspace to threaten citizens, specific groups (i.e. with membership based on ethnicity or belief), communities and entire countries, without the inherent threat of capture, injury, or death to the attacker that being physically present would bring.

As the Internet continues to expand, and computer systems continue to be assigned more responsibility while becoming more and more complex and interdependent, sabotage or terrorism via cyberspace may become a more serious threat.

The definition of "terrorism" has been well studied, defined, and documented. There is also a degree of understanding of the meanings of Cyber Terrorism, either from the popular media, other secondary sources, or personal experience. This paper examines the future of Cyber Terrorism - a term t coined a decade ago, as the indicia of technological dependence and frailty were forming in our New World disorder. Indeed, that future has come to fruition, today.

Cyber terrorism--meaning the use of cyber tools to shut down critical national infrastructures (such as energy, transportation or government operations) for the purpose of coercing or intimidating a government or civilian population--is clearly an emerging threat."

The face of terrorism is changing. While the motivations remain the same, we are now facing new and unfamiliar weapons. The intelligence systems, tactics, security procedures and equipment that were once expected to protect people, systems, and nations, are powerless against this new, and very devastating weapon. Moreover, the methods of counter-terrorism that our world's specialists have honed over the years are ineffectual against this enemy. Because, this enemy does not attack us with truckloads of explosives, nor with briefcases of Sarin gas, nor with dynamite strapped to the bodies of fanatics. This enemy attacks us with one's and zero's, at a place we are most vulnerable: the point at which the physical and virtual worlds converge. Let us first define theses two domains.


Effects of Cyber-Terrorism

Cyberterrorism can have a serious large-scale influence on significant numbers of people. It can weaken countries' economy greatly, thereby stripping it of its resources and making it more vulnerable to military attack.

Cyberterror can also affect internet-based businesses. Like brick and mortar retailers and service providers, most websites that produce income (whether by advertising, monetary exchange for goods or paid services) could stand to lose money in the event of downtime created by cyber criminals.

As internet-businesses have increasing economic importance to countries, what is normally cybercrime becomes more political and therefore "terror" related

Potential Cyber Terrorist Acts
Let us examine some example Cyber Terrorist acts. Based on the definitions of terrorism, a determination can be made if they in fact constitute terrorism:
• A Cyber Terrorist will remotely access the processing control systems of a cereal manufacturer, change the levels of iron supplement, and sicken and kill the children of a nation enjoying their food. That Cyber Terrorist will then perform similar remote alterations at a processor of infant formula. The key: the Cyber Terrorist does not have to be at the factory to execute these acts.

• A Cyber Terrorist will place a number of computerized bombs around a city, all simultaneously transmitting unique numeric patterns, each bomb receiving each other's pattern. If bomb one stops transmitting, all the bombs detonate simultaneously. The keys: 1) the Cyber Terrorist does not have to be strapped to any of these bombs; 2) no large truck is required; 3) the number of bombs and urban dispersion are extensive; 4) the encrypted patterns cannot be predicted and matched through alternate transmission; and 5) the number of bombs prevents disarming them all simultaneously. The bombs will detonate.

• A Cyber Terrorist will disrupt the banks, the international financial transactions, the stock exchanges. The key: the people of a country will lose all confidence in the economic system. Would a Cyber Terrorist attempt to gain entry to the Federal Reserve building or equivalent? Unlikely, since arrest would be immediate. Furthermore, a large truck pulling along side the building would be noticed. However, in the case of the Cyber Terrorist, the perpetrator is sitting on another continent while a nation's economic systems grind to a halt. Destabilization will be achieved.

• A Cyber Terrorist will attack the next generation of air traffic control systems, and collide two large civilian aircraft. This is a realistic scenario, since the Cyber Terrorist will also crack the aircraft's in-cockpit sensors. Much of the same can be done to the rail lines.

• A Cyber Terrorist will remotely alter the formulas of medication at pharmaceutical manufacturers. The potential loss of life is unfathomable.

• The Cyber Terrorist may then decide to remotely change the pressure in the gas lines, causing a valve failure, and a block of a sleepy suburb detonates and burns. Likewise, the electrical grid is becoming steadily more vulnerable.

In effect, the Cyber Terrorist will make certain that the population of a nation will not be able to eat, to drink, to move, or to live. In addition, the people charged with the protection of their nation will not have warning, and will not be able to shut down the terrorist, since that Cyber Terrorist is most likely on the other side of the world.

Sadly, these examples are not science fiction. All of these scenarios can be executed today. As you may know, some of these incidents already have occurred in various nations. More of such acts will take place tomorrow. Are you prepared?

Cyber Terrorists: Who, Where, and Why?
The purpose of this paper is to help you understand the threats that exist, and hopefully, to help you prevent these types of atrocities. But know this - there are people out there with very different goals, who are our real threats, and who are, or will be, attacking us. Make no mistake, the threats are real, today.

Who are the Cyber Terrorists? There a great many poor movies and too many works of fiction about the hacker and cracker communities. In the popular media, there recently was the Kevin Mitnick incident, where one cracker broke into another cracker's systems. This spawned endless press and at least two best selling books. While this incident received much attention, the events amounted to meaningless children's games.

By and large, the cracker community, based primarily in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and in the nations of the former Soviet Union, is composed of individuals who see the cracking process merely as a challenge, a brain teaser, a puzzle. They view themselves as not only being innocent of any crime, but perhaps even doing something righteous, something to counter the dark monoliths of the corporate and government worlds. They believe they are being persecuted. These individuals believe that what they are doing is not doing any true damage. At its least harmful, these crackers just look at information. However, privacy issues and military secrecy can render such infiltrations acts of terror.


Yet the hyperbole about an Internet attack frequently overshadows common sense. On Sept. 11, it took less than 24 hours after four passenger jets were used as weapons of mass destruction for cries of cyber terrorism to emerge as the next great threat, triggering calls for new legislation to broaden the authority of law enforcement agencies.

"Until we secure our cyber infrastructure, a few keystrokes and an Internet connection is all one needs to disable the economy and endanger lives," said Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, in a statement heralding the House's passage of the Cyber Security Enhancement Act last month. His favorite tag line: "A mouse can be just as dangerous as a bullet or a bomb."

That sort of rhetoric is why many dislike the term "cyber terrorism." Ambiguity over its definition--and, therefore, which threats are real and which are not--has confused the public and given rise to countless myths. The phrase has become a catchall buzzword that evokes nightmare images that can be exploited to support political agendas ranging from stronger surveillance authority to tighter immigration controls.





Cyber terrorism can be just deadly as the events of 911. Besides
from the treats to web sites and email that you have so briefly
touched on, many other systems are in threat. Power girds,
water girds and information girds. In our age, information is
power. Imagine if vital military planning information was stolen
by the enemy. This could threaten the lives of thousands of
soldiers. We see many movies that seem to "over exaggerate"
the threat of cyber terrorism but I believe that many movies have
it spot on. I have seen the threat that cyber terrorism and I stress
that it should not be taken lightly.

In my opinion cyber terrorism is the new threat of our time. The
scary part is that all a cyber terrorist needs to launch an attack is
a computer and internet connection. Cyberspace is the new
battlefront of the 21st century and for every security system you
develop and put into place someone will develop a counter
measure.

The problem is that we haven't experienced a massive cyber
attack... yet. That's a good thing and we should not let down our
guard. If you underestimate your enemy for just one second they
will find a way in and exploit it. It seems like events of 911
repeat themselves because security is compromised after a
period of peace. Like a night guard after countless nights,
weeks, months and years, the night guard becomes less
responsive.


]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 08:54:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/366319 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/366313
Europe, a continent I have come to adopt as home for the past 19 years is under the grip of a new resurgence. The evils of xenophobic populism, anarchic patriotism, nationalism, racism and schadenfreude are now cascading down from the Norwegian fjords to the greenery of the British Isles. The perceived horror of Islamic fundamentalism, the liberalism if immigration and the spread of multiculturalism in both mainland and continental Europe are causing real irritation among far right politicians who, in turn, and embracing xenophobic and fascist ideologies that once shacked Europe in darkness.

The recent absorption of countries from Central and Eastern Europe and old Soviet Union into one expanded European superstate has been yielding negative dividend in Western Europe. In the wake of the expansion, Britain was a country of choice for most Eastern Europeans. And to use Enoch Powell’s word, Britain was truly swamped. Polish, Latvians, Russians, Ukrainians and Romanians who left their harbours in search of opportunity and better life found it convenient to berth their anchors on a supposedly island paradise of Britain.

The current dark echo of xenophobic populism in Western Europe could therefore be seen as a rearguard action to defend and erect fortress in the continent and protect personal and collective identity which is becoming diluted by foreign cultures and way of life. For instance, in the UK melting pot, you could hear cacophonic voices of 50 languages within one mile radius. A refugee from Kandahar could find ready acceptance by an ascetic Tibetan as both work out a new sojourning narrative in the cesspit of uncertain Diaspora. A former combatant from the despoiled wasteland of Mogadishu could be seen cavorting with a Malaysian beauty in a truly love is blind tango. An Indian shopkeeper, thoroughly curried from head to toe, could be the landlord of a Kiwi backpacker on a journey to travel the world. In Europe, destiny of peoples from different nations is interwoven together like a beautiful tapestry of artistic wonder.

Yet Europe, my Europe, is in denial. This prosperous continent is angered and disillusioned with the fallout of its expansion and the harvest of strange cultures that experiment brought about. Already, 55 per cent of EU citizens think that there are too many foreigners living in their country and immigration is a particularly sensitive and volatile issue causing serious aggravation.

Deep seated resentment against foreigners has led to the rise of identity politics which trades on white fear and reinforces a negative and exclusive sense of national or regional belonging, of ‘us and against them’ syndrome in virtually all European countries. The subliminal message of far right politicians desperate for vote is clear and unambiguous: Europe for Europeans. The timeless presence of blacks in their society is conveniently forgotten. Centuries of settlement by blacks, through slavery, are not taken into account. Often, blacks are the cannon fodders politicians use to fan the embers of delusional fears of crime and disorder among white people. Police, in shameful collusion with bigoted politicians, frame statistical abracadabra which suggest that foreigners have brought more crime to Europe than at any other time in their turbulent history.

Social and economic contributions of blacks, no matter how little, to the prosperity of Europe are never mentioned in any European history. In the bigoted consciousness of European racists, black people are regarded as threat and scroungers in a continent laden with milk and honey. For instance, Britain is generally regarded as a tolerant and inclusive society. Through its historic and national conversations, it had been able to bury the Powellian nightmare of the 60s, when Enoch Powell had an intimation of apocalypse if mass immigration was not controlled. The ‘river of blood’ he envisioned as inevitable due to mass immigration has not come to pass. The forces of modernity have pushed United Kingdom into rebranding itself as a vibrant and indivisible multicultural society.

The image United Kingdoms projects to the outside world had been a sweet-scented one of inclusion, tolerance, fairness and diversity. That image is about to be irreparably smeared by the rise of conservative politics of hate and racism. Britain’s liberal pretension is about to be drowned by illiberal politicians who harbour barefaced dislike, or shall we say hatred, against foreigners and their 'queer ways'. With the election of Boris Johnson as Mayor of London, a new chapter of racism darkness is about to fall on the shinning beacon laid down by Ken Livingstone during his time as Mayor of this beautiful city. The gains of Ken Livingston in London in areas of inclusion, anti-racism, tolerance and the common touch have been lost to the uncouth and abhorrent racist posturing of bohemian Boris. The newly elected Mayor of London, had, in the past, called blacks such name as ‘piccaninnies’ and offloaded racist opinion about virtually anything that moves.

As European integration throttles furiously to its eventual destiny, black identity in the Euro project is still meaningless. They do not see themselves as part of the Union because Europeans still see themselves as people with a shared culture based on Greco-Roman roots and Judaeo-Christian ethics. They still dance on the altar of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and practice renaissance humanism and post-modern individualism. Also, as disillusion and worry grow among blacks in Europe, it is hoped that decent and progressive-minded politicians will stand up to the racist bullies and continue to defend and protect immigrant rights, liberty and freedom from the rabid prejudice and evil bigotry of right wingers.



]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 08:45:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/366313 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556 http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/365083
1. First, you have to be determined with a capital 'D' for your plan to happen as many homecoming aspirants are simply that - 'homecoming aspirants'. Many change their minds before even embarking on the journey. Some came and changed their minds because of the heat, traffic, electricity problems, or just because of their inability to cope with the ways of the people. So you just have to be determined for your plan not to be short-circuited.

2. There is a good argument for testing the waters for a period of time to avoid the problem enunciated above. Visiting home once or twice a year before taking the plunge will prepare you for the culture shock and all other shocks.

3. Visiting on holiday is a different ball game from settling in Nigeria. So prepare! prepare! and prepare! Don't assume that things are as easy as they look. In any case, wherever your holiday destination may be, visiting a place is different from living in a place.

4. You have to give serious thought to what to do business wise. Don't be fooled, Nigeria is becoming sophisticated daily and Nigerians are not dazzled by just anything because it comes from the West. Having said that, there are huge potentials practically in every aspect of the nation given that we are a developing country. These include property development, civil-structural engineering, medicine, human resource, large scale farming, telecommunications, teaching, food technology and of course information technology. Money is not free in Nigeria. Not everything sells. But whatever does will catch like wildfire. However be ready to be one step ahead as anything you do will be quickly copied.

5. Even with a very good business plan, you have to be patient and determined. There are many things that may conspire to stifle your plans. Did you get me? Be patient with the way people do business. You may be kept waiting, be patient. You may encounter missed appointments, be patient. Be patient but determined.

6. You need a good car. Apart from the fact that a car is a practical necessity, in Nigeria, a good car is a business necessity. My mother in law once told me that when your business host decides to see you to the door, it is possible that he wants to have a glimpse of your car. This may sway his decision on whether to do business with you or not.

What I have experienced is that a good car literally opens the gate to company premises and can secure a good car parking space. Even the police put themselves in check when they see a good car.

In the early days, I often went around in hired taxis. I once went for an important meeting at the premises of a large organisation. On that occasion, I had this very old red golf taxi. The driver lived locally and I use him often. Although he charges an arm and a leg, he was full of humour and has a positive outlook on life.

I arrived for my appointment with less than five minutes to spare but on the other side of the road. I decided to come out of the car and cross the road whilst he navigates the traffic and turn to wait for me. I informed the security guard that the car that brought me was on its way and should be allowed to park, to which he obliged. As I was about to enter the building, I noticed the driver had somehow managed to turn and was approaching the gate, I quickly dashed back to inform the guard. He did a head-to-toe survey of me, looked at the car and politely informed me that they do not allow this type of car in their premises.

7. You need settling mentors. You may need a friend or family mentor to help smoothen your settling in Nigeria. A very good friend provided a vehicle for us when available, shared hers with us sometimes to her hurt and often drove us home late at night. Their house was a place to chill, eat and plan. We are hugely indebted to her and her family.

We also had other people like my uncle and his wife who generously allowed us the exclusive use of their exquisitely furnished home. We felt we were living in London half the time. And also to a fantastic gentleman who repeatedly gave us work and office premises. These people cushioned the impact of our homecoming experience and we are grateful to them. Got the gist, you need a mentor



]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 09:15:00 EDT http://vikiviko.tigblog.org/post/365083 6.4530556 3.43555566.45305563.4355556