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Category: Opinion

  • Ecstatic Ululation In Obanliku Ahead Of Senator Prof Sandy Onor’s Visit BY DAVE IMBUA

    Ecstatic Ululation In Obanliku Ahead Of Senator Prof Sandy Onor’s Visit BY DAVE IMBUA

    ECSTATIC ULULATIONS IN OBANLIKU AHEAD OF SENATOR PROFESSOR SANDY ONOR’S VISIT.

    It is simply difficult, nay impossible to use words to capture the ecstatic mood in Obanliku as the people prepare to receive the Distinguished Senator Professor Sandy Ojang Onor, the Original Caterpillar and Orator of Nigeria’s Ninth Senate. Known for many good things, including his arresting oratory verve, uncompromising honesty and penchant for performance, Senator Professor Sandy Onor is expected to bring an electrifying current of hope, liberation and restoration to the currently despised, alienated and neglected people of Obanliku who have come to understand better than a thousand theoretical examples how the progress and development of a people can be retarded under an unjust and insensitive leadership.

    The Obanliku experience in the last couple of years underscores King Solomon’s unequivocal statement that “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (Proverbs 29:2). It is no longer news that what constitutes the dividends of democracy in Obanliku are more or less projects that were executed by the administrations of Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke. A few examples may suffice. As the governor of Cross River State (May 1999 – May 2007), Donald Duke constructed the Sankwala Ring Road in his first 100 days in office. In the course of his eventful tenure, he completed and commissioned several other projects including the Obanliku General Hospital, the Bebi Airstrip and Utanga Safari Lodge. He also upgraded the Ranch Resort to international standard, making it the flagship of Nigeria’s tourism. He electrified Bendi, Bisu, and Bebi among other communities. It is to his credit that he initiated and sustained the defunct annual Obudu Mountain Race which brought to Obanliku a great company of men and women from across ethnic, national, religious, linguistic and gender divides for the purpose of winning laurels and leisure. The Obudu International Mountain Race was endorsed by both the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) and the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) in 2005 shortly before Duke left office.

    Senator Liyel Imoke who succeeded Duke as governor of Cross River State (May 2007 – May 2015) consolidated and expanded the dividends of democracy in Obanliku. Painstaking efforts were deployed to ensure that the dream that informed the huge investment in the Ranch Resort was not allowed to wither and ease in to oblivion. The Imoke-led administration opened new vistas in a bid to sustain the influx of both local and international tourists to the Resort. Under Imoke’s administration, the road to the resort was fortified and driving through the 22 breath-taking U-bends became pleasurable. In the same committed manner, Senator Liyel Imoke opened up several rural communities with asphalted roads like the Basang East Road, Busi Road, and Utuhu-Kakwe-Lishiche-Shikpeche Road. This was in addition to the rehabilitation and upgrading of numerous health centres and schools in the LGA. The exploits of Duke and Imoke left the good people of Obanliku in no doubt that democracy was the best form of government for any people in search of development.

    And, then, the era of Senator Prof. Ben Ayade came in 2015! Like many other communities in the Northern Cross River Senatorial District, Obanliku people were profoundly confident that the swearing-in of a brother and kinsman as the governor of Cross River State was going to take the local government area to a new level of development. The optimism of such people arose from several justifiable considerations including the painful sacrifices that some people in Obanliku had to make to ensure that Ayade became the governor.

    Unfortunately, no sooner had Ayade took off that it became clear that he was more interested in the underdevelopment of Obanliku than in its progress. Tragically, the people suddenly realised that there are leaders who can castrate democracy and make it impotent in grassroots development.
    After six years of Ayade’s administration, he is yet to commission a single project in the entire Obanliku LGA. Worse still, deliberate efforts have been made to undermine the legacies of Duke and Imoke in Obanliku through the abandonment of well-conceived projects and other infrastructure. In this process of calculated under development, the Ranch has become a mere footnote in the world tourism map, with ongoing plans to turn it into a prayer mountain for politicians and their supporters. The Bebi Airstrip has also been abandoned to pave way for an international cargo airport in Obudu LGA. The Mountain Race with its huge impact on local economy has become history. Public schools in Obanliku have become shadows of what they were when Ayade took over in 2015. The level of neglect and marginalisation visited on Obanliku by the Ayade administration is unprecedented since the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999. In fact, Apart from land grapping, there seems to be nothing else to immortalise the uneventful Ayade’s administration in Obanliku.

    With a high sense of regret and frustration, many people in Obanliku have long stopped expecting anything to come from the Ayade debacle. The people are only waiting for time to pass to what would go into records as a dark age in the history of Obanliku. Indeed, many have been looking up to a deliverer who can redress the tragic drift in Obanliku from 2023. Because of his past and present records of performance, majority of the people see Senator Professor Sandy Onor as one person that can restore Obanliku in particular and Cross River State in general on the path of prosperity and development. Because of this, across party and gender lines, several people have been itching to join the Caterpillar Movement. Such people see Senator Onor’s positive responses to the prayers and wishes to run for the office of the governor of Cross River State as a sign of restoration and redemption. As one who had once directly overseen the affairs of a local government and had the opportunity of understanding the system nationally, many people are convinced that he will reposition local governments as sentinels of development and instruments of security at the grassroots. For the Obanliku man, this means that his monthly allocation that has either been appropriated for personal use or committed to develop other parts of the state will be available for the development of the LGA. As a co-visionary with both Duke and Imoke, expectations are high that Senator Onor will restore the good old days in Nigeria’s Switzerland. The vast majority of Obanliku people are excited! They are ecstatic! Focus you satellite dish on Obanliku tomorrow and you will understand the meaning of the lingo that action speaks louder than words.

    Dave Imbua writes from the Hills of Bendi in Obanliku.

    Disclaimer: The Opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of the author, Dave Imbua and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization that author works for.

  • UNICAL : Reminiscing Prof Akpagu’s Legacies One Year After Leaving Office As VC BY INYALI PETER

    UNICAL : Reminiscing Prof Akpagu’s Legacies One Year After Leaving Office As VC BY INYALI PETER

     

     

    Today, December 1, 2021, marks exactly one year since Prof. Zana Akpagu bowed out in style as Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Calabar (Unical), after serving out his illustrious and projects laden five-year single term.

     

    Prof. Akpagu made history in December 1, 2015 when he assumed office as the first alumnus Vice Chancellor of the University. Being the first “true” Unical blood to attain the exalted position of VC, much was expected of him.

     

    By the time he handed over in 2020, the University community knew that, truly, one of them had tested power. His five-year tenure was characterized with projects within and outside the University, employment opportunities for teeming youths, research breakthrough for staff, etc.

     

    He handed over a University in a very stable condition in terms of physical infrastructure, research and development, security, etc.

     

    Although a lot was said about his administration’s investment in infrastructure, one area that much wasn’t heard about was improvement of the University’s budget and internally generated revenue.

     

    Understanding the importance of finances to the development of the University, Prof. Akpagu ensured he improved the internally generated revenue of the University to over a billion naira in a year by investing in entrepreneurship and diversifying the University’s source of revenue.

     

    Like many Universities in Nigeria, Unical was majorly funded through school fee and other charges students pay. To remove the pressure from students and overcome the temptation of increasing students levies and charges to improve revenue generation, Akpagu opened other sources of revenue for the institution.

     

    For instance, he invested and expanded the Unical Water services to be producing water in commercial quantities to serve the entire Unical community and state. He also upgraded the unit to a full directorate thereby giving it the platform to function effectively.

     

    He also invested in Unical Paint and expanded the production capacity to a commercial level. Before he left office, Unical was producing paint in commercial quantity.

     

    During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Akpagu’s administration also took advantage of the situation and ventured into Hand Santizer production. Unical Hand Sanitizer was a hot cake and orders were coming for the product within and outside the state.

     

    Similarly, Akpagu shot the University’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) budget to the third highest in the country in 2020 through his effective utilization of the funds that were previously voted to the University. Perhaps, his rating as the beat VC in utilization of TETFUND funds by visiting TETFUND officials played a huge part in achieving improved budget allocation for the University.

     

    In terms of security, his cordial relationship with students, staff and host community helped him address the issues of Kidnapping in staff quarters, cultism, theft, amongst others. He also built a standard Police Station at the University Staff quarters to help curb insecurity.

     

    To make Unical’s offering more appealing to the contemporary Labour demands, Akpagu embarked on massive programme expansion by creating new faculties and departments. Although, he was enable to get full accreditation for some of the programme, it’s still on record that he’s the first VC in Nigeria to get full accreditation for faculty of Dentistry in its very first presentation.

     

    In terms of infrastructure, as earlier stated, his name was synonymous to projects. At some points, he as nick named Mr. Projects owing to his massive investments in infrastructural development.

     

    Under his watch, Unical always had one hundred percent in Environment during accreditation. He replaced ornaments that were as old or even older than the University with more alluring ones. This explains why the institution was rated as one of the cleanest Universities in Nigeria in his time.

     

    Apart from bringing facelift to the university’s environment, during festive seasons, Akpagu made the University an alluring tourists sites by wearing it a serene ambience from the gate through the boulevard to the main campus with state-of-the-art Chrisman decorations. Fun seekers and tourists always troop in in their numbers to take pictures, make skit, etc.

     

    As human, Akpagu’s regime was not without flaws but his successes outweighed his flaws. This explains why one year after leaving office as Vice Chancellor, his name has continued to reverberate at every nook and cranny of the University.

     

    He may not be in power again but even his greatest critics can’t deny the legacies he left behind or the fact that he put Unical in the pedestal of sustainable development that’ll forever be remembered.

  • Sandy Onor: A Development Czar By ORI OWAN

    Sandy Onor: A Development Czar By ORI OWAN

     

    It was Chinua Achebe, legendary Nigerian novelist and essayist who said that, “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
    Driving home the wisdom in this statement is a popular saying which admonishes us to “give honour to whom it is due and celebrate something good even in the thick of gloom and doom that has saturated our media space.”

    Indeed, it is the case of “action speaks louder than words” when it concerns Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor’s redemptive projects and activities in the Central Cross River Senatorial District. Senator Onor has distinguished himself as a man of great capacity and enterprise. His giant strides in the last two years remain both unmatched and challenging. His dedicated service to the people of Cross River Central has brought another giant amongst the best senators in Nigeria to the limelight. In fact, several appellations have been given consciously to this uncommon performer, especially by the people at the grassroots. Some have justifiably christened him a “repository of projects”, while others in their characteristic manner have argued strenuously, extensively and passionately that Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor is another emerging “Mr projects” south of the Niger. If one were to filter facts from fictions, one could loosely describe him as a harbinger of infrastructure. If one were to be pedantic and petty as his adversaries and traducers, then Senator Sandy Onor could be seen and measured in light of his numerous empowerments and poverty alleviation programs in the past two years. No doubt, if it were a contest, he would have walked away with the trophy long ago. If it were a class of degree, he would have meritoriously walked away with a first class honours. Of course, he would have been the valedictorian. If it were the “MO” Ibrahim award of excellence, exclusively reserved for outstanding leaders in Africa, Senator Sandy Onor would have sailed through. Unfortunately, Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor found himself in a political climate and setting where excellence in leadership is not celebrated. A setting that does not appreciate leaders who provide roads, electricity and water; a setting that does not appreciate leaders who transform dreams into reality. Rather, it is a polity that admires leaders who temporarily doll out cash rewards to the masses in exchange for praises, even when the roads are dilapidated; even when there is no portable water to drink; even when there are no good rural roads and other infrastructure.

    Before his celebrated emergence in 2019, people taught that politics was a class-driven exercise. The notion at that material time was that representatives were exclusively restricted to Abuja and state capitals. Legislators were seen as demigods, as constituents were subjected to rigorous procedures before they can interface with their legislators. But today, with Senator Sandy Onor, times have really changed. Thus, constituency allowances no longer end in private pockets and fat bank accounts. The facts are obvious and glaring that he gives back to the constituents more than he gets at the National Assembly. He ensures that whatever he dolls out, touches the man at the grassroots, which is why he visits his district on weekly basis for evaluations and town hall meetings.

    The Covid 19 pandemic that swept across the shores of nations is also an exemplar of effective and excellent representation. This is because the pandemic appeared like a destabilizing wind. Yet, this people-oriented Senator, captain and tireless champion of the common people did not disappoint his constituents. He gave them soft landing without allowing them to drown in the torrential ocean of Covid of 19. As such,he embarkd on a vigorous tour across the L.G.As of the Central District to feel the pulse of his people. Though, anonymous and quiet in his natural style, Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor gave Cash donations and unquantifiable food items, especially to the vulnerable segments of the society. Beyond this, over one hundred persons, selected from across the LGAs in the Senatorial District were handsomely empowered during his massive empowerment program that took place in the first quarter of 2021. In addition to this gesture, small and medium scale businesses were given a boost as a result of this empowerment program. Recently, many training centres were agog across the entire district, with influx of participants being taught several skills and eventually empowered to start up businesses. More so, the principal, parents/guidance of students of several secondary schools in Abi L.G.A and many other communities in the Central Cross River State, remain appreciative to Senator Sandy Onor’s footprints in their schools in terms of renovations and supply of modern equipment and furniture.

    It is pertinent to remark, as the foregoing demonstrate, that Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor has dedicated his time and energy to make his constituents more secure and safe. He has deployed all government services to create fair and equal opportunity for constituents to make a living through his sustained leadership and love of humanity. A man who has made it possible even in the face of impossibles. A member of the ninth Assembly, which is characterized by serious austerity and absence of resources, yet this performer even in this situation hasn’t disappointed his constituents and followers. Even his worst critics would acknowledge this glaring facts. In fact, those who criticize him, in the respectful opinion of this writer, should embark on a tour of the rural roads in the entire district and sample the opinions of the rural dwellers.The leaders who talk against him, do so because Senator Sandy Onor has taken the unfamiliar path in putting smiles on the faces of his people. No Senator has done what Senator Sandy Onor has done in the past two years of his tenure. It is only a fantasized dreamer that will expect overnight miracles from this Senator whose expeditions have been recorded in the minds of the people. Thus, an average Cross Riverian regard him as an experienced elder statesman due to his moral principles. Hence, if he bows out as a Senator in 2023 to take up higher responsibilities, he will be remembered by all and sundry through his footprints, which is indeed the measure of a man. No wonder he is currently seen as a development Czar. History will certainly be fair to Distinguished Senator Sandy Irunandu Ojang Onor.

    Ori Owan is a political scientist and a lawyer in equity.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, ORI OWAN and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for

  • What You Need To Know About The Newly Elected PDP National Women Leader, Prof Stella Ajah Effah-Attoe BY DAVE IMBUA

    What You Need To Know About The Newly Elected PDP National Women Leader, Prof Stella Ajah Effah-Attoe BY DAVE IMBUA

     

    When I arrived in the Bendi Technical College as a timid village boy to begin my secondary school education over three decades ago, the first event of lasting memory that occurred was the visit to that village school of the then Cross River State Commissioner for Education, whom we welcomed with a number of social activities that had been rehearsed with anxiety for several weeks. I still recall vividly our excitement when a very young lady, in fact the youngest person among the august visitors, was introduced and presented to us as the Honourable Commissioner for Education. I had no inkling on that day that I was being introduced to a woman who would years after be one of my favourite lecturers in the Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar, a woman who would later be my colleague, a woman who thirty-three years after, on the 30th day of October, 2021 will be elected unopposed as the National Women Leader of Nigeria’s darling political party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party. If for nothing else, my intimate knowledge of Prof. Stella Ajah Effah-Attoe’s intellectual sagacity and moral capital places me in a vantage position to say a few things about her that may be useful to people that have not followed her growth and maturation as a scholar and public intellectual over the years.

    Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe, distinguished Nigerian public intellectual, courageous and visionary politician, lover of her country and by the grace of God Almighty, the first Cross Riverian and first Professor to be elected as National Women Leader of a formidable Nigerian political party, was born in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State several decades ago. She had her primary education in three different primary schools, beginning at Saint Louise Nursery School, Bompai, Kano; Our Lady Girls’ School, Tiko, Cameroon and our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Lagos where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate with Distinction in 1971. She did her secondary school studies at Edgerley Memorial Girls’ Secondary School, Calabar, from 1972 to 1976, where she graduated with Division 1 in the West African School Certificate Examination. In 1976, she proceeded to the University of Calabar where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts, Second Class Honours, Upper Division, in History in 1980. She did her graduate studies in the University of Calabar from 1981 to 1985, obtaining a doctorate degree in African History at the age of 26.

    Professor Stella Effah-Attoe began her work experience as a lecturer at the then Cross River State School of Basic Studies, Akamkpa (now Cross River College of Education, Akamkpa in 1981). She left the job in February 1986 to take up appointment as Lecturer II in the History Department of the University of Calabar, where she has taught for the last 35 years. Prof Stella Effah-Attoe grew through the ranks and was promoted Professor in 2010.

    As a University lecturer, Professor Stella Effah-Attoe has taught virtually all courses offered in the Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar to several generations of students, some of whom are now established scholars and professionals in their own right. In her eventful career as an academic, she has supervised over a hundred Undergraduate Long Essays, 25 M.A. theses and 15 Ph.D. dissertations. Apart from this, she had at various times served as Graduate School Representative in the defense of Ph.D. and Masters Theses in other departments in the University of Calabar. She had also served as External Examiner to the University of Uyo and Benue State University for their M.A./Ph.D. programmes. She has also assessed candidates for promotion to the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor for several Nigerian universities.

    Apart from teaching, research and supervision, Professor Stella Effah-Attoe has served the University of Calabar at several other capacities including Chairperson, Department of History Graduate Committee (1995 – 1997); Member, Faculty of Arts Examination Malpractice Committee (1996 – 1997); Member, Graduate School and Staff Development Sub-committee of the Strategic Planning Committee (1995 – 1997); Member of Senate, University of Calabar (2002 – 2003; 2010 to 2021); Member, Curriculum Committee, Faculty of Arts (1998 – 2000); Head, Department of History and International Studies (2002 – 2003); Member, University of Calabar Contact Committee (2005 – 2010); Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Department of History and International Studies’ Conferences (2016 – 2020), member, Faculty of Arts Investment Committee and the Intellectual Property Policy Committee (IPPC) of the University, Dean of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Calabar, a position she left to champion the mobilization of Nigerian women for political participation and national development.

    In addition to her academic career at the University of Calabar, she has served her state, Cross River, and country, Nigeria meritoriously in many positions. She had served as a member of the Cross River State Executive Council in the capacity of Commissioner for Education and later Commissioner for Information and Culture from October 1987 to June 1990. In 1997, Professor Effah-Attoe contested and won elections into the Cross River State House of Assembly representing Biase constituency. Unfortunately, the election was annulled following the death of General Sani Abacha. She was a highly resourceful member of the Committee on Restructuring and Reforms of the Local Government system in Cross River State, which was inaugurated by His Excellency, Governor Donald Duke on July 4, 2003. At the national level, she was member, Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Scheme (2000 – 2003); Member, Board of Directors, Federal Housing Authority Board (2005 – 2006); Chairman, Board of Directors of the Voice of Nigeria (2009 – 2010); Member, Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (2013 – 2015), Member, National Population Census Monitoring Team (1991). She had previously served in 1989 as member of the Committee for the Implementation of the nine years Compulsory Education Programme for Nigeria. The recommendations of this Committee are now being implemented in the New National Policy on Education in Nigeria, whereby a child has to go through nine years of Compulsory Schooling, starting from Primary one to six (six years), and from Junior Secondary School – one to three (three years). Her outstanding resourcefulness explains why she has been called to serve the nation in these and many other critical areas.

    Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe is an acclaimed, respected and often quoted humanistic scholar especially in African History and Gender Studies. Author of several books and book chapters, journal articles in local and international journals and conference papers, she has been at the cutting edge of scholarship. Some of the books she has authored are: A Federation of the Biase People: Origin and Development of Biase Ethnicity, 1750 – 1950 (1990); Margaret Ekpo: Lioness in Nigerian Politics, (co-authored with S. O. Jaja) (1993); Women Empowerment and Nation Building in Nigeria (2004); Nigerian and African History (co-authored with O. T. Abia) (2001). She co-edited Okon Uya at 70: Issues in Historiography, Nation Building and the African Diaspora (2016) with David Imbua, C. B. N. Ogbogbo and Yakubu Ochefu. She was the 79th inaugural lecturer of the University of Calabar. Her very insightful lecture on “Gender Mainstreamism in Nigeria’s Political Development: From Hindsight to Foresight” which was well researched, ably written and masterly delivered has remained a reference material on gender studies in Nigeria.

    A widely traveled scholar, prof. Stella Effah-Attoe has attended conferences and other engagements in almost all the states of Nigeria and in many other cities outside the country, including several countries in Africa (Cameroon, South Africa, Uganda, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, etc.), Europe (United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, Netherlands, etc.), Asia (Hong Kong, Japan, etc.), the Middle East (Israel, United Arab Emirate, Qatar, etc.) and North America (United States of America, Canada, etc). Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe has all along committed her outstanding intellect, courage, industry and altruistic disposition to the welfare and wellbeing of humanity, especially women, children and youths. Among her other numerous activities in this regard are the following: the mobilization of women to exercise their voting rights during elections, empowerment of women and youths through grants for business start-ups, enhancement of the girl-child education through scholarships and educational grants in Biase, provision of mentorship and counselling sessions for women and youths, provision of mentorship, guidance and counselling to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Calabar, etc. Specific mention should be made of the role of her NGO – Center for Gender Empowerment, in the sensitization and mobilization of women in Cross River State in particular and Nigeria in general for nation building and development.

    Professor Stella Effah-Attoe is a woman highly recognized and decorated for her scholarship and achievements in various spheres of life. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Administrative Management of Nigeria (FIAMN), Qualified and Incorporated Administrative Manager (QIAM), 21st Century Trust Fellow, London, Senator of the United Nations International Parliament for Peace and Safety, Woman of Excellence Award, Woman Achiever Award, a recipient of the Woman of Distinction Award, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Cross River State Chapter, Public Service Award in recognition of impactful contribution to public service, academics and inspiration to NAWOJ, NYSC’s Award of Honour in recognition of outstanding and inestimable contributions to humanity, to mention but a few.

    What can anyone say in a synopsis that will capture the phenomenal life of Professor Stella Effah-Attoe? By every consideration, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe is a heroine, a legend and a core humanist, who has blessed the fortunes of a great company of men and women in several communities, institutions and organizations. Because of my intimate knowledge of her life and times, there is no doubt in my mind that the PDP has brought onboard a woman of great capacity and foresight that will reposition Nigerian women as critical agents of nation building and development. I am optimistic that she will convert her rich knowledge of the enormous contributions that women actors have made to the processes, actions and movements that have enhanced the building of the Nigerian state since the pre-colonial era into doses of inspiration and challenge for Nigerian women in confronting the challenges of the 21st century.

    Dr Dave Imbua
    Associate Professor of Atlantic History.

  • Mourning Intellectual Money BY DAVE IMBUA

    Mourning Intellectual Money BY DAVE IMBUA

     

    Though the manner of mourning the dead varies from one society to another, the loss of a loved one evokes deep emotions and grief in all societies of the world, from the most primitive to the contemporary ones. Experience has shown that bereaved people, especially those in Africa find it impossible to adhere to the Biblical admonition that those who have hope in Christ for a resurrection from death should not mourn their losses like unbelievers who do not have hope. It is therefore common to see Africans – the educated and the illiterate – wailing ferociously whenever death strikes.

    Apart from weeping for the death of human beings, some people equally cry at the loss of their pets, money, economic trees, business ventures, ideas among many other things whose disappearance diminishes their fortunes. The most recent of this kind of death is that of Intellectual Money in Cross River State, Nigeria. On assumption of office as Governor in 2015, Senator Professor Ben Ayade did not only give birth to Intellectual Money but advertised her as the capital that would turn Cross River State into Nigeria’s El Dorado. He told those who cared to listen to infatuations that the state was not where it ought to be in terms of development because leaders before him did not give intellectual money its pride of place in the development equation of the state. In what was a strange move to many people, Ayade began to dispense with what should be legitimate sources of revenue in any organized society. For instance, he exempted a litany of business operators (including those who own hotels of less than 50 rooms) in Cross River State from the payment of taxes. He revealed the reason for the various exceptions: “We have exempted them because it is better for me as a governor that I rather tax my brain than to tax my people.” Some enlightened policy makers and experienced technocrats rose to the occasion and advised him to exercise caution with such an ill-conceived policy since governance and development are serious businesses that need to be well planned based on existing realities. But, cheered on by some naïve and inept elements, the all-knowing governor ignored the voice of reason, insisting that there was no project beyond the capability of intellectual money.

    As a corollary, Governor Ayade initiated a number of humongous projects many of which had nothing to do with the pressing needs of the masses. Some of these white elephant projects include Superhighway, Deep sea port, Spaghetti flyover, Calachika, Toothpick industry, Garment Factory, Piles and Pylon industry, International Hospital, Calas Vegas Resort, cargo airport etc etc. This was not all; he spent millions of naira travelling all over the world signing MoUs that were expected to collaborate with intellectual money to transform the infrastructural landscape of the state. With almost childlike (or a hostile critic would say, senile) noise about intellectual money, Ayade broke records by releasing budget figures that were far ahead of other states in the country, including states that are much richer than Cross River State. Indeed, the state’s N1.3trn budget for 2018 was the highest ever by a Nigerian state. Christened “Budget of Kinetic Crystallisation,” Ayade had declared that “the hallmark of the budget was the decoupling of the state from over dependence on federal allocation”, hence the budget “is designed and tailored to fit our dreams of an enterprising economy without depending on oil as a source of revenue.”

    The volume of noise generated by the birth of intellectual money and the declaration by Governor Ayade that he will decouple Cross River State from the federal government and its miserly monthly allocation convinced some gullible elements that intellectual money will bring about massive improvement in the giant strides recorded by Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke who had served as governors before Ben Ayade. Some people were excited that the soon-to-be-witnessed massive improvement in the social, political and economic fortunes of the state will consolidate its enviable status as the tourism destination of Nigeria.

    Unfortunately, no sooner than Governor Ayade settled down to real business that reality began to take the centre stage. Within a short period of time Cross River State was losing everything that had defined her as the preferred tourism destination. Increasingly, Cross Riverians began to see evidences of mismanagement and maladministration, collapsing health, education, political and economic infrastructure, absence of security and serenity that had characterized the state, stark evidences of poverty occasioned by the increasing pauperization of civil servants and retirees as well as the institutionalization of what Governor Ayade calls “Food on the Table Appointments”, pollution of values as seen in massive corruption, indiscipline and dishonesty of uncontrollable “food on the table” appointees who, to borrow the words of the governor, “ are given political appointments for a completely different thing and you see them going back” to drag the poor masses to make money. Because of all this, Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State that was handed over to Ayade in 2015 as the cleanest and greenest city in Nigeria lost its glitz and clamour too quickly.

    Governor Ayade learnt in a hard way that the use of empty slogans to excite fans was one thing and the provision of the dividends of democracy to the people, a different kettle of fish. The affairs of state continued to deteriorate steadily under his watch. From the summit of ecstatic goodwill, the general opinion on the leadership of Ayade slumped into the vale of despair and frustration. However, it took some time for the governor himself to admit that things were falling apart under his administration. He finally expressed disillusionment with the plethora of failures that characterize his administration after he had spent five years in office. On that occasion, Ayade himself found it difficult to account for the fact that he had put in five years without achieving anything of significance. Interestingly, in a video that went viral, Ayade suddenly turned focus from intellectual money to God! In what looked like deep passion for the less privileged, he asked God, men and women of God to help him, even if it requires him to follow the example of Zacchaeus by returning his accumulated wealth “for every single Cross Riverian to become rich.” As predicted by those who know him better, this noble wish did not materialise.

    As intuitive persons would attest the governor tried to get off his high horse after the demise of intellectual money. For example, he declared in his Budget of Blush and Bliss that: “We have decided to shift focus from big projects and refocus on the people. So, this is the people’s budget, a budget that for the first time we are shifting from infrastructure, from major projects, from all the big dreams and projects that can actually create opportunity to focus on the very essence of existence, hunger and poverty.” Few months after this turn around, he also reversed his earlier decision to “decouple” Cross River State from the federal government by socketing the state back to the centre. Suddenly Ayade realized that Cross River State “which has been emasculated economically following the ceding of its oil wells, needed to be in sync with the party at the centre.” Many other people who joined the governor in the search for cables and sockets to the centre were optimistic that the Federal Government will graciously commit itself to the completion of projects that were suffering abandonment as a result of the demise of intellectual money. In an interview he granted the News Agency of Nigeria and published by Premium Times on June 1, 2021, the Speaker of Cross River House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah-Williams echoed this position when he said: “The Superhighway and the Deep Seaport will now be given utmost attention by the federal government and other things will also fall in place as well.” Because the recoupling (which he chose to call socketing) to the centre did not produce the desired results, the wailing continues unabated in Cross River State. With his very low intellectual capital, the ex-military man at the centre behaves as if he doesn’t know the motivation behind Cross River State’s socketing.

    One of the most shameful transitions by a chief executive in the recent history of Cross River State is the one that saw the shifting of emphasis from intellectual money to paper money. Today, the governor has not only descended from the height where he had claimed that monthly allocation was inconsequential but he now complains that Cross River State receives the least amount of money from the federation account. In a recent reaction to the much talked about transformations going on in neighbouring Ebonyi State, which envied Cross River State a few years ago, Governor Ayade claimed incorrectly that: “Cross River has the least allocation in the country and Ebonyi gets much higher allocation.” The falsity of this claim does not require our attention. What is certain is that this kind of lamentable statement would not have come from Ayade if he didn’t lose intellectual money at her prime. The vacuum created by the exit of intellectual money is widening the pace of development between Cross River and states that were not even her equals yesterday.

    Just one question for contemplation before we end this tribute to intellectual money, the brain child of Governor Ayade. Why will a state that claimed to receive the least amount from federation account have the highest budget figures in the country? Who is the all-knowing professor trying to please by giving unrealistic and ridiculous budget figures? Could it be that he does not know what a budget is? Or is it that he just gets excited with high sounding budget names and figures irrespective of the state’s financial strength? Many questions are begging for answers.

    We will not forget you, Intellectual Money. How can we forget you when you have immortalized yourself in a litany of failed and abandoned projects that will remain a source of pain and regret to us for a long time to come? How can we forget you when you made us dispense with paper money only to discover that the claim that you were going to make ours the best state in the country was a huge joke? How can we forget you when we truly know that we achieved nothing tangible in 6 years and counting? How can we forget you when the inability to pay labourers their wages has brought about unending protests and strikes? Though we can never forget you, we beg you not to reincarnate in Cross River State. Also, do not allow anyone to use you again to exploit the masses wherever you would reincarnate outside Cross River State. Just rest in peace, Intellectual money, the scam of all time!

    Dave Imbua writes from the hills of Bendi.

  • Why I Am Rooting For Engr Ben Akak To Become Governor BY DONALD ODU

    Why I Am Rooting For Engr Ben Akak To Become Governor BY DONALD ODU

     

    Honestly, I have tried to no avail to unravel the mystery behind the clamor by many Nigerian Christians for Christians to stand by the side lines while watching worldly people practice politics. Ironically, the same Christians soon turn around to complain about the country drifting brazenly into the abyss of corruption, lawlessness paganism and Islam. And then they stroke their false egotistic spirituality by getting into a prayer movement for the enthronement of good governance and righteous leadership, something I consider an impossibility under the political watch of heathens. To say the least, I think this rationale is myopic!

    Don’t get me wrong, God answers prayers! I believe this because He commands us in the scriptures to pray, and I have personally seen Him answer prayers in too many situations to doubt. But how does God respond to the prayers of an irresponsible nation that has failed to take its place despite many opportunities that He has provided? When I read passages like 2Timothy 2:1-4 and Romans 13:1-7 that focus on political leadership and tell believers to pray for leaders and respect those in authority, one of the applications that gnaw at my heart is the realization that God knows that government policies are not inconsequential to the furtherance of the gospel – ask a pastor in the underground church or a missionary trying to smuggle Christian resources into China! By praying, we can affect the outcome of leadership. How easily our prayers would be answered if those in authority are people inclined to spirituality, public good, justice and godly counsel!

    I have come to conclude that politics will indeed earn its famed title of ‘dirty game’ when we, Christians, the equalizers, the salt of the earth, the lamp upon the post, stand aside and watch instead of getting involved. For what we call ‘dirty’ in politics are the things described in Galatians 5:19-20 as the fruits of the carnal and ungodly life – selfish ambitions, dissensions, envy, murders, hatred, contentions, jealousies, drunkenness, revelries, adultery, uncleanness, idolatry, sorcery, outbursts of wrath, and the like. You will find an abundance of these in politics because the players are mostly worldly politicians who have no value for eternal things; they will wink at and excuse these vices!
    If, on the other hand, true believers were to be involved in politics, we would set a new paradigm in the game because these people would exude the qualities of the spiritual man as stated in verses 22-23 of the same passage in Galatians 5 – goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness.

    It seems to me that even in the days of Joseph and Daniel, there were not many godly people in government and political leadership. In Daniel’s day, for instance, the rest of the cabinet conspired against him because he stood for righteousness and depended on God’s guidance for decisions and leadership. They were envious of him and almost succeeded to have him killed in order to satisfy their selfish ambitions, hatred and jealousies. But then, it seems like some people somewhere were praying for the protection of those in authority because God’s providence and miracle-working power kicked in and delivered Daniel from being eaten up when he was ensnared by the wicked and served as dinner to the lions by the laws!

    We certainly have the likes of Joseph and Daniel in leadership in Nigeria today; they are those advisers and chief executives that have the same spiritual values and their selfless contributions are evident in the governments they serve. When they speak, their words can be trusted and when they make decisions or support policies in their offices, it is for the general good.

    But more righteous men are needed in the political terrain of Nigeria. We must never be afraid of getting involved in governance and politics for, when the chips are down, a distinguished Christian in politics will easily gain the trust of politicians and the electorates before others; they will know right away that a man that can be trusted is in the fray.

    The reason for the widespread corruption in government is because most of the people in politics are desperate to get rich and so, they swindle the people’s resources for self-aggrandizement. What a difference our country would experience when selfless people whose main interest is the development of society are introduced into the equation. There is no doubt that the allure of worldliness and wealth becomes more real when one gets into politics. I have experienced the temptation to also pursue the things that others are achieving, and crooked opportunities have often presented themselves for this end to be met but therein also lies the opportunity to turn my back and be victorious as a spiritual man.

    I am rooting for Engr. Ben Akak, a man I have known for well over 10 years, one professing Christian who has taken a sure step into the political arena. For years, Ben Akak toiled for the downtrodden by constantly self-sponsoring various activities of the Margaret Ekpo Foundation from his humble means until his businesses prospered and his outstanding generosity began to expose the stinginess of those who have also been blessed with wealth. No wonder they continually throw unprovoked jabs at his philanthropy which they presuppose is merely entry an strategy into the governorship race.
    Within the last one year alone, the Ben Akak Foundation has impacted thousands of Cross Riverians through various empowerment/support schemes and is set to expand its reach to cover education and health projects across the three zones of the state by 2022. Understandably, more people who do not like the man and who might not even know him are furiously helping their bosses to churn out demeaning diatribes about Engr. Ben Akak. They hate his guts because one man who has only just arrived the political turf is quickly gaining traction and exposing their monumental refusal to improve the lives of their constituents over the years.

    It certainly does not say much for the integrity of a minister, if he will support politicians he neither knows nor believes in. So, I challenge all church leaders who are interested in the good of the communities in which they minister to step up and support one of their own to win elections, rather than embrace moneybag politicians who only remember the church during elections as we have often seen. I am also calling on those people of faith who see the gaps in our secular leadership to vie for positions of authority – and watch God surprise them!

    If all a citizen is good for is beggarly ineffectual prayer for good governance and peace on earth, then he is good for nothing. We have the numbers; let us make our voices loud and clear in 2023!

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are strictly that of Donald Odu and does not represent theluminenews or the organization the author works for.

  • Workplace Ethics: What Bosses Want By JUSTIN UDIE

    Workplace Ethics: What Bosses Want By JUSTIN UDIE

     

    A common bad practice workers exhibit is making up EXCUSES for not completing an assignment or delivering on or before a given deadline. If you’re a worker who always gives fantastic excuses why you’re unable to meet targets, know it today that your boss will soon recommend your posting away from his office, department or team.

    Well, I know some excuses are quite valid but they don’t solve business problems. Your spouse is sick, it’s your child’s birthday, it was your wedding anniversary, the machine failed, there was heavy traffic, Needed to do school runs, I had headache, my laptop crashed, etc. are often excuses employees give for not being able to deliver or meet deadlines 🤨

    Imagine these two scenarios:

    Scenario 1:
    A boss gives Julius a memo to type and return first thing in the morning. Unfortunately, he cannot type so he contracted a typist who is excellent and has been delivering. He promised him it would be ready in the morning. Next morning, Julius was waiting for the memo for ages. He rang the typist but his phone line was off. In the midst of his frustration, his boss requested for the memo.

    Julius went in; “sorry sir, the job is not ready. I gave it to a typist around 12 o’clock yesterday and he promised to deliver this morning only for me to call the guy’s number and they’re telling me, it’s switched off. But sir, I’ll go to his shop now and check”

    Scenario 2:
    Tony is given the same task, he can’t type either so he went to a typist to sort it out. He sat with the typist to supervise the work and to make corrections in case of mistakes. Half way through, the plaza loses power and they couldn’t fixed it. He takes his job away to another business center but it was too late; they’re closed for the day. He took the job home and got back at 7 o’clock (am). He was able to get it typed and ready before 9 o’clock when the boss needs it.

    When the boss requested, Tony went in with a file containing the memo and said; “here it is sir.” His boss asked, “how did you manage to type it, because the whole plaza was out of power yesterday?”
    Tony; “…yes sir, it was almost done when the power outage occurred. I quickly took it to another center but it was too late. I had to come back very early this morning to get it ready, sir”.

    If you’re are the boss, who will you take seriously? Yes, both lack the basic skill but one obviously is smarter. Lacking the skill to deliver is one thing, knowing where and how to solve problems and deliver on KIPs is another. I’ve seen bosses recommend some staff for promotion and requesting concessionary posting of staff along with their own postings. I’ve experienced colleagues being transferred from nice departments because they’re ineffective and inefficient.

    Excuses don’t solve problems and honestly, bosses hate excuses. What they want and always is RESULT. If you’re unable to deliver for any reason, let the boss know and do this on time.

    Justin Udie writes from Nottingham University Trent, United Kingdom

  • As Women Advocate For Gender Equality, They Should Also Take Up Challenges At Certain Work Careers BY ODENKE IBIANG

    As Women Advocate For Gender Equality, They Should Also Take Up Challenges At Certain Work Careers BY ODENKE IBIANG

    Monday on Straight.talk.com

    Dear Woman,

    Yes, we advocate for gender equality but clearly wouldn’t take up challenges at certain work careers, for some of us, applying for a company’s security job is seen as demeaning and a job “supposedly” fit only for the guys.

    We clamour for equal rights and opportunities, yet would constantly stay in the dark when the lights go off, waiting for our brothers or husbands, simply cos we can’t turn on the generator at the garage, afterall it’s a man’s duty.

    Our cars breakdown or we have a flat tire and oh! we fret and whimper “where’s this man” I can’t fix this damn tire, for it is not my duty but his, so we hiss and wait for his rescue then hive a sign of relieve when he fixes.

    We agitate for gender inclusiveness, wishing our voices are heard, but when handed over the mic and stage, we insist it should be Mike who speaks, because to us he has a mouth with words full of wit and might.

    We say it is a man’s world afterall, when clearly a man’s world is incomplete without a woman being a part of that world and life.
    We forget so soon that, we’re both made to function differentially and still retain our places in society.

    We magnify the glass ceilings set before us that we refuse to see the silver lining up above us.

    Wake up from slumber, oh thou woman that sleepeth, for this call isn’t a call for supremacy neither is it to compete, but a call for equity and fairness.

    This piece is brought to you by ©Amb.Odenke Ibiang (Rights Activist)

    Odymonkez Blog

     

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of Odenke Ibiang and does not represent TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for.

  • Sandy Onor: A Tireless Champion Of The Oppressed BY ORI OWAN

    Sandy Onor: A Tireless Champion Of The Oppressed BY ORI OWAN

     

    A radical scholar posits that “when political elite become insensitive to the conventional forms of expression of public opinion, they make alternative expressions inevitable.” And for Edward Burke, “those who will say nothing in the face of tyranny must endure the rule of idiots.” In fact, all it takes for a nation to stagnate, retrogress or decay, is for its good people to keep quiet.

    Writing about Distinguished Senator Professor Sandy Onor brings to mind the immutable words of Nelson Mandela: “When the water starts boiling, it is foolishness to turn off the heat.” The recent turn of events in Cross River State, coupled with the attendant consolidation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), no doubt exhume the glaring truth that Senator Onor is a leading voice and champion of the oppressed and the downtrodden. Today, he stands out like a colossus. In words and deeds, he has demonstrated uncommon resilience and courage. To borrow the postulation of John Maxwell “everything rises and falls on leadership.” Consequently, a celebrated leader is invariably a hero, a voice of the voiceless, a champion of the oppressed, a dependable pillar, the hope of the common man, and the source of inspiration to the apparently frustrated and abandoned masses. In truth and spirit, that leader must be courageous and ready to make sacrifices for the survival of his people. That leader to say the least, must be ready to stand firm, call a spade, a spade, with sustained defense mechanism to protect and jealously guide against the maltreatment of his people.

    That leader like the biblical Moses is a pathfinder, a trailblazer, a shining light, who has the pragmatic ability to fix an already battered system.

    That tireless champion being referred to here, is a simple man, but no nonsense in disposition. He exudes the aura and charisma of a revolutionary, willing at all times to pull down obstacles and make way for the common people to live. That man, is the Ejagham-born proud son of the Central Cross River State, Senator Professor Sandy Irunandu Ojang Onor. Clearly, Senator Onor personifies the above mentioned elements and values of a true leader and champion of the oppressed. This is because his past two years in office, exemplifies beyond measure, that leadership is not about a title or about a designation. It is about work, impact, influence, and inspiration.”

    Though, an incurably blind person may argue differently against his performance, it won’t change the general opinion about this astute legislator. More so, for a cynic whose level of cynicism has assumed the state of serious psychological disorder, he or she may blindly argue against empirical truth in the Central Cross River, by virtue of the tireless efforts of the people’s Senator. In the same vein, it is only a sponsored constituent, with a default mindset that will attempt to undermine Senator Onor’s achievements in the past two years.

    When a performer overwhelmingly performs, the constituents should applaud, rather than vilify him, and remain prayerful to God for the blessings of good leadership. On the contrary, a society that has leadership crisis is likely to experience conflicting and dissenting opinions, especially from radical minds and citizens, who are apparently dissatisfied with the poor state of events.

    The current Cross River State is a living example of a state that is maladministered, making it extremely difficult to distinguish between politics and criminality; where the economy is heading towards the intensive care unit (ICU), and poverty weaponized, in spite of what the state parades in terms of natural endowments; where the state library complex is in shambles, in spite of having two professors on the saddle; where the majority of the citizens are weeping and groaning helplessly against the evil deeds of the present leadership in Cross River. Interestingly, as a radical voice, Senator Sandy Onor would not rest on his oars, until we have a better Cross River State of his dream. This is because “all it takes for a society to decay, is for the good people there to keep quiet.” Thus, with his mesianic expeditions, coupled with his intimidating profile, prudence and probity, the time to invite Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor, with a view to redeeming Cross River State in 2023, is now.

    Ori owan is a lawyer in equity.

    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly that of Ori Owan and did not represent TheLumineNews or the organization the author works for.

  • Our First Teachers Were All “Illiterates” BY AGBA JALINGO

    Our First Teachers Were All “Illiterates” BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    I am a contributor to “Student Assembly,” an international online resource hub for both students and teachers. There are a lot of curious and contemplative students and teachers who constantly bombard the hub with questions, some of which inspired my earlier post this morning, that it is illiterates that taught all educated people.

    Who was the first teacher?

    Did they have schools back in medieval times?

    What was the first textbook?

    WHO TAUGHT THE FIRST TEACHER?

    A popular ‘philosophical’ question for students, the idea that the first teacher must have been taught by someone or something is a prevalent concept. And it makes sense: everyone learned from somebody, right? Aristotle was taught by Plato, Plato was taught by Socrates, Socrates was taught by a man named Prodikos, and Prodikos was for sure taught by some unknown Greek philosopher.

    But what about the first, ever teacher?

    Well, while we may never know who the first real ‘teacher’ was, we could infer that the person who taught the first teacher was himself a self-learned academic and/or philosopher of some sort, sharing his or her knowledge to an eager proto-student, who would go on to teach his or her own proto-students, until they were able to shamble together a proto-curriculum, and over time, were able to produce great minds who would teach Prodikos, who would teach Socrates, and so on, and so forth.

    Of course, if we were to believe Greek mythology, it was the god Chiron who taught the first teacher. Chiron was known for his abilities to impart knowledge. In fact, most mythologies answer the question who taught the first teacher by providing some form of god or goddess of knowledge as the source of the first school lesson.

    WHO INVENTED SCHOOL?

    We have an idea of who invented college, but who invented the concept of a ‘school’ in the first place?

    Well, that depends on your concept of what a ‘school’ is: if you mean school as in a collection of eager young minds learning from a teacher, then we can, again, look to the Greeks. It was Plato who invented a type of school called the Academy, named after the mythical hero Akademos, and is a term we still use today for institutions that offer lessons and courses on specific subjects in the hopes of expanding a person’s mindset and knowledge base.

    But if you want someone to blame for all the times you had to wake up early to go to school, then look no further than Horace Mann. Horace is credited for creating the modern American educational system during his stint as Secretary of Education back in 1838 when he outlined his ideas for a ‘modern’ educational curriculum in his Common School Journal. From there, States took notice and started applying a lot of Mann’s ideas, like how education must be a public industry (meaning taxes should be used for it) and that all Americans, regardless of age, creeds, or colors, should be given access to education.

    WHAT WAS THE FIRST TEXTBOOK?

    Again, it was the Ancient Greeks (and also, the Ancient Egyptians) who first thought of the idea of creating textbooks that students can all learn from. Plato and other philosophers of his time would write down their philosophies in long scrolls and pass it on from student to student. It wasn’t until the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg that mass production of books became possible, and with it, the mass production of textbooks. One of the first textbooks to be mass produced and distributed was Ars Minor , a book on basic latin grammar written by Aelius Donatus.

    In America, the first textbooks to be used were the Bible, since education was primarily religion-based. However, the first academic textbooks to be used en masse were the 18th century New England Primer and the 19th century McGuffey Reader. The New England Primer was a reading guide that sought to develop children’s reading skills and comprehension by using select texts from the Puritan bible. Meanwhile, the McGuffey Reader was a textbook that included lessons in phonetics, mathematics, and theology, and was used to help students attain a more holistic education that wasn’t entirely based on religion.

    DID ANCIENT PEOPLE HAVE VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS?

    Not exactly, the ancients had a master-apprentice system that involved an aspiring artisan living and working closely with a master craftsman. In medieval Europe, this became a widespread practice for most people who were involved in some form of artistic discipline (e.g. painters, philosophers, writers, etc.) or some kind of vocational job (e.g. carpenters, stone masons, etc.) that required them to learn hands-on from an experienced teacher.

    In those days, an aspiring artisan would first learn all the basics of their craft from a local tradesman. Then, the artisan is encouraged to go out and travel and seek out other masters to learn from. During this period of their learning, the artisan is known as a ‘journeyman’, and he is encouraged to live, work, and be as close to his master as possible. Once the journeyman learns from a specific master, he is given a written certificate, kind of like a diploma, which he can then use to prove his abilities to the next master that he learns from. Over time, and after learning from several masters, a journeyman can approach his local trade Guild, where he is tested by other masters in his craft. If the journeyman passes the test (usually by creating or crafting their obra maestra or master work), he is then conferred the title of Master, and can then pass on his knowledge to other journeymen or take on apprentices of his own.

    While some scholars point to the University of Timbuktu, UNESCO records and the Guinness Book of World Records, claim that the oldest university on earth is the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco. Founded in 859 AD, the school started out as a madrasa, a type of educational institution popular in the Arabic world. Its founder was a scholar called Fatima al-Fihri, and while she didn’t go to college, she was an expert in Islamic jurisprudence and the Hadith.

    My point with all these random thoughts is that, apart from the scholarly reputation and pride of certificates that the aristocrats want to preserve, it is very very mendacious to claim that professorship and doctorates or even certificates are the hallmark of thinkers for the world. Infact, those calibrations are relatively new creations and still rely on the knowledge that was invented centuries and millennia ago by “illiterates” in caves and secret chambers, to earn their prestigious laurels.

    I dare say that, if “illiteracy” is what it is defined today by the prideful aristocratic class, then every educated person is a product of the unblemished thoughts of the illiterate.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.