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Missing Charity Aiyedogbon: One Year After

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Destiny Ugorji

It is exactly one year that an Abuja-based business woman, Charity Aiyedgbon was declared missing by her Facebook friends. Charity, popularly known as ‘Chacha’, is said to have gone missing since the 9th of May, 2016 and family, friends and Security Agencies said to be working to unravel the mystery behind her sudden disappearance.

Speculations on the possible whereabouts of the 44-year-old mother of four, also known as Deepdeal Chacha Dehammer were rife.

First, a Lagos-based lawyer, Emeka Ugwuonye said he had overwhelming evidence that the missing Charity was dead, accusing her erstwhile husband, David Aiyedogbon of having a hand in her disappearance; an allegation he posted on his Facebook group, The Due Process Advocates.

Reacting to Ugwuonye’s allegation, former husband of the missing woman, Mr. David Aiyedogbon washed his hands over the disappearance of the lady and wrote his accuser, through his lawyers, demanding an apology, failure which he would seek legal redress.

The letter titled: “Defamation of the character of David Aiyedogbon; demand for apology,” signed by his lawyer, Obiora Illo esq (Ogbulafor Chambers) and made available to newsmen, expressly states: “It is our instruction to demand an unqualified apology from you to our client through our chambers for the defamatory publications you have made of and concerning our client.”

Also, addressing newsmen in Abuja, Mr. Aiyedogbon urged the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to investigate the allegation against him, describing it as “cruel, criminal and untrue”, stressing that his estranged wife Charity left their matrimonial home on the 28th of May, 2014, noting that since then, he had neither heard from her, nor had any dealings with her.

While the controversy lasted, a Civil Society Organisation, Coalition against Crime (CAC) called on Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to arrest Lagos-based lawyer, Ugwuonye to explain his role in the disappearance of Charity Aiyedogbon.

National Coordinator of the group, Harrison Pepple, made the call while addressing newsmen in Abuja, arguing that Mr. Ugwuonye had some questions to answer.

In a Petition to the Inspector General of Police, the group quoted Mr. Ugwuonye as saying: “…Charity Aiyedogbon is said to have been missing since the 11th of May, 2016 and one Emeka Ugwuonye claims he has evidence that the woman is dead and was murdered. He also posted a photograph of a dead person, part of whose body was dismembered. How can Police be looking for a missing person and someone says he has a clue and he has not been invited or arrested.”?

Following the intervention by the Civil Society Organisation, the Police eventually arrested Mr. Ugwuonye and later released him on bail, after questioning, while investigations continued.

Several developments aided Police investigations. First, those believed to be close to Chacha are quoted as saying that she went missing on the 9th of May, 2016, but her lawyer, Barrister Nsikak Udoh, handling a suit filed at the Federal High Court, Lokoja on 29th April, 2016 against 29 respondents, including her biological children and former husband, claimed she (Chacha) came to his house on the 18th of May, 2016 (eight days after her purported disappearance) and one of his staff accompanied her to Federal High Court, to sign and depose to an affidavit in support of the ex-parte motion filed along with the case. How could someone who was declared missing on the 9th of May reappear on the 18th and then disappear again?

Today, it has been established that Chacha’s signature was forged; as the lawyer, Barrister Nsikak Udo has recanted. He says he did not see Chacha, as earlier claimed. He confessed to the Police that he forged Charity’s signature in an affidavit he filed in court. Apparently, Charity was not behind the filing of the suit, but her lawyer, Barrister Nsikak Udoh. He therefore lied on oath. Both himself and the Commissioner for oaths in the Federal High Court Abuja jurisdiction risk being prosecuted by the Police for forgery and perjury.

Another puzzle is that a corpse, said to have been dismembered beyond identification was allegedly seen in Abuja on the 12th of May and Mr. Ugwuonye claimed it was Chacha’s body. Till date, who has identified the corpse as that of Chacha? Impeccable sources say a DNA test conducted on the body revealed otherwise. Children of the missing woman have also chorused on several platforms that their mother was NOT dead. They have also stated that the displayed corpse is not that of their mother. The missing woman also has siblings and parents who have been going about their normal businesses and have neither said their sister was missing, dead, nor joined in the search for her.

The missing Chacha has a case of forgery that is yet to be concluded. A suit instituted in a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT High Court 8) on the 14th of March, 2016, with suit number CV/1231/16, between Messrs Chibuzor Ogugua and Chigozie Eme (plaintiffs) and Mrs. Charity Aiyedogbon (defendant), made eight prayers to the Court. The last prayer reads: “an order of the Honourable Court directing the defendant to pay the plaintiffs the sum of 200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) as damages for the losses suffered on the ground of the unauthorized and fabricated Valuation Report by the defendant.”Could she have disappeared to frustrate the Suit or evade justice?

In the last one year, a lot has happened. The law enforcement agencies and private investigators have worked very hard to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of Mrs. Charity Aiyedogbon, aka Chacha Dehammer. Cases have been instituted and some already decided.

Some friends of Chacha, believed to have earlier raised the alarm recanted. They are said to be at war with Emeka Ugwuonye, who said he was briefed by same Chacha’s friends on the matter. They engaged in war of words on Facebook. One of them, Pamela Nwansoh allegedly confronted Mr. Ugwuonye in a Police premises in Abuja over an obvious sense of disenchantment with his activities, alleging extortion of members of the public (in the name of looking for Chacha) using his Facebook Group, the Due Process Advocates (DPA). Ugwuonye had, via a post on the group, solicited financial contributions for his trip to Abuja to respond to Police invitation to explain himself over the case of the missing Chacha.

One of the ladies said to be involved in the search for Chacha, Viola Ifeyinwa Okolie, on the 14th of July, 2016, also made a worrisome post on her Facebook wall, expressing disenchantment with Mr. Ugwuonye’s antics.

Also in a post on The Due Process Advocates on the 17th of July, 2016, Ugwuonye attacked Viola Okolie, making spurious allegations. The post was titled: “How the search for Chacha took strange turns and her friends turn out not to be friends after all.” The drama continued.

But, how did Emeka Ugwuonye get involved in this matter? Was he really in America when the incident happened, as he claimed? Available records suggest otherwise.

Barrister Ugwuonye claimed to have been in the United States of America as at the time of Chacha’s disappearance and only came into Nigeria in June, 2016, after being briefed to handle the matter, but his call log betrayed him, showing that he was in Abuja on the 10th, 11th and 12th of May, 2016; same time Chacha is said to have got missing. Information from private investigators and telecommunication service providers revealed that he made calls around Jabi area of Abuja, up till midnight same 10th and 11th and departed Abuja on the 12th of May, 2016. When confronted by the Police in Abuja with evidence of his movement, he owned up.

Three key suspects earlier arrested by the Police in connection with Chacha’s disappearance were said to have been released at his instance. He claimed at the FCT Police Hqrs that they were his clients; but when brought face to face with Mr. Ugwuonye, they denied all his claims, saying they neither briefed him nor identified any corpse to him as that of Chacha.

As at today, Police sources reveal that Mr. Ugwuonye has not provided any evidence to substantiate his claims. The only person he claims showed and identified the corpse as that of missing Chacha (Jo) denied him.

Today, Chacha’s car has been recovered. Two of her handsets have also been recovered. Is it a coincidence that he (Ugwuonye) has been questioned more than thrice by the Police in Chacha’s case?

The first puzzle is solved, with the admission by one of Chacha’s lawyers, Barrister Nsikak Udo that Chacha’s signature was forged. He admitted that he lied on oath and his fate shall be determined by the laws of the land soon.

Second, Chacha’s last Facebook post before she ‘went missing’ shows that she sat on the passenger’s seat of her car. That was the last she posted on Facebook, using that particular User ID- Deepdealdehammer. The question of who drove the car may have also been addressed.

Her car has been recovered, following a tip-off by one of the suspects that were in Police custody, IK Ezeugo. IK never opened up until Police arrested one of Jekwu’s friends, who now gave the lead, indicating that he (IK) personally drove the vehicle to the place where it was parked. His (Ik’s) younger brother, identified as Paul Chukwujekwu Ezeugo (still at large) is believed to have been in custody of the vehicle. He (Chukwujekwu) is also believed to have driven the missing woman on that last trip. The car was found in Enugu State by the Police, in the residence of one Uche, with its Plate Number and particulars already changed.

Again, Chacha’s two handsets have been recovered. One of them, a Nokia handset, is said to have been found with Chukwujekwu’s biological mother, Mrs. Ezeugo. The second handset (a Samsung phone) was recovered from one Augustine, who claimed that one Odinaka, Chukwujekwu’s friend and phone repairer sold it to him for Twenty Five Thousand Naira. The proceeds, according to Odinaka, were handed over to Chukwujekwu. Just like the vehicle, the both handsets were found in Enugu. Chukwujekwu is still at large.

Why is it that almost all the persons arrested/suspected so far in connection with Chacha’s case are from Enugu State? Precisely, six suspects so far arrested in the case are from Enugu State. Emeka Ugwuonye is from Enugu and Chacha’s car and handsets were found in Enugu. Chacha’s maternal home is Enugu. In fact, Paul Chukwujekwu Ezeugo and the missing Chacha’s mother are both from Oba-Nsukka, in Enugu State.

Mr Ugwuonye’s relationship with one of the prime suspects, Chukwujekwu Ezeugo is suspicious and his call log points in the same direction. He is also suspected to have aided his escape, as, according to Police sources, the day he (Jekwu) was to be arrested, Ugwuonye personally called the Police, promising to produce him, only to revert 24hours later, telling the Police that he had escaped.

Understanding how bad the matter was getting, Ugwuonye at a point, announced his withdrawal from Chacha’s case, a move Police sources described as diversionary, since he is already a suspect in the case.

David Aiyedogbon fights back

Following his refusal to apologize, ex-husband of the missing woman, Mr. David Aiyedogbon dragged Lagos- based Lawyer, Emeka Ugwuonye to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over what he described as unprofessional publications against his person.

A letter dated 22nd August, 2016, captioned: “Petition against Emeka Ugwuonye for Unprofessional Publications and False Allegations”, addressed to the General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), urged the professional body to investigate the matter and invoke appropriate disciplinary actions against the lawyer. Till date, Mr. Ugwuonye has not responded to a query issued him by the NBA, following Aiyedogbon’s petition.

Also, for falsely accusing him of, having a hand in the sudden disappearance of his estranged wife, Charity Aiyedogbon, Mr. Aiyedogbon instituted a defamation of character suit of Ten Billion Naira (N10b) against Lagos Lawyer, Emeka Ephraim Ugwuonye.

The Suit, with number CV/2750/16, between David Aiyedogbon (Plaintiff) and Emeka Ugwuonye (Defendant) on defamation of character, before Justice Peter Kekemeke of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court 14, Apo Abuja; also prays that the defendant be ordered to pay the cost of the suit.

The Plaintiff is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction “restraining the Defendant, his Agents, Privies, Associates or whosoever called” from making further defamatory publications against him and his family members. The matter is adjourned to Thursday, 18th May, 2017.

Sources also reveal that Mr. Aiyedogbon’s lawyer, Tony Ogbulafor may have also filed a personal suit against Mr. Ugwuonye for wrongly accusing him of giving a bribe (in an envelope) to a Police man to detain him.

Police sources also reveal that, while some persons have already been charged to Court (awaiting trial) for their roles in the disappearance of Charity Aiyedogbon, others that have questions to answer will also be charged soon, to explain their roles in the controversy.

Meanwhile, the suit purportedly filed by Chacha at the Federal High Court, Lokoja, wherein Barrister Nsikak Udoh represented her has been decided in favour of David Aiyedogbon.

One year after, Chacha’s case is getting more interesting. We await the explanation of those in possession of Chacha’s car and handsets on their roles, accomplices and her whereabouts.

While we wait patiently for the unfolding drama, the Police must realise that Nigerians and indeed the world are watching. They must address Nigerians now on the extent of their investigation.

Again, Police must expedite actions in charging suspects to court. Waiting endlessly on the matter does not help the course of justice.

One is still at a loss as to why the prime suspect in the matter, Jekwu is yet to be declared wanted; and why Charity Aiyedogbon has not been declared missing. The Police must clear the air now.

As the whereabouts of Charity Aiyedogbon remain unknown, I join millions of Nigerians to demand that Emeka Ugwuonye provides his “overwhelming evidence” regarding what happened to Chacha or get prosecuted for false information and criminal conspiracy.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via dipo.olowookere@businesspost.ng

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Rebuilding the Nigerian Dream: How NOA is Forging a New Social Contract

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Victor Benjamin YP4T

By Victor Benjamin

For years, a pervasive sense of disillusionment has shadowed the vibrant spirit of Nigeria. Eroding trust in governance, fueled by misinformation and a disconnect between policy and public understanding, has cast a long shadow over national progress. However, a significant shift is underway, spearheaded by the National Orientation Agency (NOA). Under the astute leadership of Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, NOA is actively working to mend these fractures, acting as a crucial bridge between government aspirations and the people’s commitment. This vital mission aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which profoundly recognizes that the success of any government policy ultimately hinges on the psychological and emotional investment of its citizens.

The Tinubu government isn’t merely observing NOA’s efforts; it’s actively championing them. The administration understands that Nigeria’s journey towards prosperity isn’t solely about economic reforms or administrative directives. It’s fundamentally about fostering a collective embrace of national values and civic duties by every Nigerian. This holistic approach forms the bedrock of a renewed national consciousness, aiming to ignite a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for the country’s destiny.

A cornerstone of this ambitious agenda is the forthcoming National Values Charter, an initiative poised to redefine the relationship between the government and its citizens. Expected to be formally unveiled by President Bola Tinubu himself, this Charter is designed as a foundational social contract. It will meticulously articulate the responsibilities of both the government and its citizens in the arduous yet rewarding task of nation-building.

The Charter will enshrine the “Nigerian Promise”—the government’s unwavering commitment to core principles such as equality, democracy, entrepreneurship, peace, inclusivity, freedom, and meritocracy. This promise outlines the vision for a just and equitable society where opportunities abound for all. Complementing this, the Charter will also introduce a comprehensive “Citizen’s Code.” This code will serve as a clarion call to all Nigerians, urging them to embrace fundamental virtues like discipline, duty of care, tolerance, ethical leadership, accountability, environmental awareness, and resilience. By clearly defining both rights and responsibilities, this comprehensive approach aims to cultivate a deeper sense of belonging and dignity among Nigerians, fostering a citizenry that is not only aware of its entitlements but also deeply committed to its obligations.

In direct support of President Tinubu’s audacious economic reforms and the overarching “Renewed Hope Agenda,” NOA has rolled out several impactful initiatives, designed to demystify complex policies and showcase tangible progress.

One such crucial initiative is The Explainer. Launched in early 2024, this weekly policy-focused publication serves as an invaluable tool for simplifying complex economic shifts. It breaks down intricate topics such as the fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, translating economic jargon into accessible language. The Explainer illuminates how these market-driven reforms are strategically designed to stimulate national productivity, unlock doors for private investment, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness. It clarifies the potential long-term benefits for ordinary Nigerians, including job creation, increased investor confidence, and improved public services. Crucially, the publication also proactively addresses public concerns and immediate challenges, countering the pervasive tide of misinformation and building a much-needed bridge of understanding between the government and its citizens.

Beyond explanation, NOA is diligently working to showcase tangible progress and flip the narrative of cynicism that often plagues public discourse. The agency actively promotes positive stories of ordinary Nigerians who are directly benefiting from recent reforms. This includes heartwarming examples such as students accessing loans from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, a critical initiative that restores hope and dignity to countless families striving for educational advancement. It also highlights vehicle owners successfully transitioning to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a more affordable and sustainable energy source, and small business owners securing vital loans from the Bank of Industry to fuel their entrepreneurial dreams. NOA emphasizes consistent and transparent communication to counter negativity, demonstrating that “Hope Renewed” is not merely a slogan but is backed by concrete results, including vital improved infrastructure and a commitment to transparent governance through the discontinuation of opaque oil subsidy regimes.

NOA’s efforts extend far beyond direct policy explanations. The agency employs a wide and innovative array of channels to instill a profound sense of ownership and responsibility within the Nigerian populace.

In the digital realm, NOA leverages cutting-edge tools to enhance citizen engagement. The Mobiliser app, for instance, incorporates a vital “Say Something” feature that enables anonymous crime reporting, empowering citizens to contribute to public safety without fear. Furthermore, CLHEEAN, an innovative AI platform, provides real-time, accurate information on critical national issues, notably in local languages, making vital data accessible to a broader audience. CLHEEAN also facilitates anonymous reporting of criminal activities, reinforcing the commitment to a safer society. An interactive, AI-powered website with intelligent chat assistants and an AI engine dubbed “The Curator” further engages citizens, addressing their policy questions and providing access to national data, fostering an informed and participatory citizenry.

Complementing its digital outreach, NOA conducts extensive on-the-ground sensitisation campaigns nationwide. Dedicated NOA teams traverse the country, engaging communities on diverse issues ranging from human rights and tax reform to crucial security awareness and flood prevention. These campaigns utilize dynamic approaches such as roadshows, community forums, and interactive school sessions, ensuring that essential messages resonate and reach every segment of society, from bustling urban centers to remote rural communities.

Strategic partnerships form another critical pillar of NOA’s multi-faceted approach. The agency actively collaborates with the education sector to embed citizenship studies directly into the school curriculum, aiming to instill national values and civic pride in children from a tender age. This foundational approach seeks to mold future generations into responsible and patriotic citizens. NOA also partners with the Voice of Nigeria (VON) to combat the proliferation of misinformation and promote authentic Nigerian narratives, safeguarding the integrity of public discourse. Furthermore, a crucial partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) facilitates nationwide campaigns against cybercrime, promoting financial literacy and ethical entrepreneurship, particularly among vulnerable youth who are often susceptible to such illicit activities.

Through these comprehensive and multi-faceted approaches, the National Orientation Agency is not just informing Nigerians; it is striving to ensure they are emotionally and intellectually invested in the country’s growth. By fostering a culture of excellence, patriotism, and civic responsibility, NOA is fundamentally transforming how the government communicates with its people. Its ultimate aspiration is to build a just, united, and value-driven Nigeria—a nation built on shared purpose, collective agreement, and a renewed sense of hope.

Victor Benjamin is the West/South South Director of YP4T

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An Open Letter to Comrade Festus Osifo, National President, PENGASSAN

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Comrade Festus Osifo

By Concerned Members of PENGASSAN

Dear Comrade Festus Osifo,

It is with great concern, deep disappointment, and an unshakable sense of duty to over 523 members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Branch, that we write to call the attention of the National Leadership of our great union to the continued assault on principles, transparency, and constitutional order within our Union—which has clearly infringed on the right of members to have a union that respects members’ viewpoints on those who will stand as their elected representatives.

We know our great union stands for justice and fairness to all members. But the recent imposition of an illegal Caretaker Committee (CTC) on our Branch without due process, consultation, or respect for the PENGASSAN Constitution is not just a disregard for our collective intelligence—it is a blatant subversion of the laws and values upon which PENGASSAN was built. As we know, the vision of our great union is to be the most influential trade union by providing excellent services to its members, building strong relationships with social partners and stakeholders, and positively influencing national decisions.

As a reminder, Comrade President, our Branch’s 3-year PENGASSAN tenure expired on May 27, 2025. In line with  our constitutional provisions and  best practices, a Branch Congress was duly convened on June 14, 2025, where a valid Electoral Committee (ELECO) was constituted to oversee elections. However, rather than supporting this transparent process, national leadership chose to unilaterally and undemocratically impose a Caretaker Committee chaired by your known associate, Comrade Tony Iziogba—a man with no mandate from the Branch Congress and no legitimacy under our Constitution.

“Your siding with illegal actions are in gross violation of the PENGASSAN constitutional provisions of : Rule 20.1 states clearly that elected officers hold office for a term of three years. Nowhere in this rule is it provided that a Caretaker Committee shall take over automatically after tenure expiration. Rule 31.4 provides that a Caretaker Committee may only be constituted after the dissolution of a BECOM through disciplinary procedures—not simply due to tenure expiration. Rule 32.7 mandates that an Ethical Practices, Grievance and Disciplinary Committee (EGDC) at the Branch level must consist of two elected BECOM members and three nominated members, chaired by the Branch IRO. None of these conditions were met in your Caretaker Committee setup.”

Schedules 3.3 and 3.5 clearly outline the process for resolving Branch disputes through the CWC and NEC—not by unilateral directives or external imposition. Rule 3.7, which speaks of inspiring discipline and professionalism, has been repeatedly ignored in this ongoing crisis.”

The issue we raise to the leadership of the Union is the even more troubling fact that a disciplinary letter was issued to comrades who dared to question the legitimacy of this illegal process—a direct attempt to silence dissent and criminalize free expression within a union that should be a bastion of democracy. This is not the first time our Branch has faced anti-democratic practices. When the NMDPRA Branch was first formed three years ago, it began not with an election but with an imposed caretaker committee. That committee handpicked successors without consulting members. Now, history is repeating itself. Comrade Ayo was imposed then. Now, Comrade Tony is being imposed again.

We concerned that members will not succumb to any intimidation or to recycling the same faces, ideas, and loyalties while ignoring the democratic rights of over 523 unionized staff. We are not asking for much. We simply demand what is just, constitutional, and democratic.

We, the concerned members, demand the reinstatement of the ELECO constituted at the June 14 Congress. We call for a hybrid Branch election that allows inclusive participation—especially for members across Nigeria who have never had a voice in the leadership of the Branch.

We, the concerned members, urge respect for the provisions of the 2022 PENGASSAN Constitution. End all harassment, intimidation, and victimization of members who speak out. Stop using national offices to reward loyalty and suppress dissent. And, most urgently, allow the will of the people—the 2/3 majority of Congress—to determine their own leadership.

We, the Concerned Members of PENGASSAN, know the Union is not your personal property, Comrade President. The Constitution is not subject to your discretion. And the voice of the Congress cannot be replaced by political convenience or backroom arrangements. In a nation grappling with democratic challenges, we had hoped our Union would set the example. Sadly, under your leadership, it is instead mimicking the worst of political suppression, godfatherism, and impunity.

The time for appeasement has passed. The time for silence has ended. The time for constitutional order, justice, and democracy is now. We will not relent. We will not be silenced. And we will never allow our Union to descend into a dictatorship of convenience.

In solidarity with hope for a better PENGASSAN, we stand for an end to dictatorship perpetrated by National leadership. Let’s NMDPRA Breathe.”

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The Nigeria Factor: Parallels to Systemic Failures Like the Titanic

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Saifullahi Attahir

Around 7:00 am, I was awakened by a call from one of my friends. He wanted me to inquire on his behalf about getting admission into a College of Health Sciences I attended about a decade ago. During our conversation, he told me about another contact he got from another school. Considering the security situation in that state, he could get admission into the final year, take the final professional exams, and be awarded a certified healthcare practitioner.

When I asked further about how possible this was, considering his lack of knowledge in that field, I found out he had studied another related healthcare course and was looking to switch. His answer was, “You know the ‘Nigeria factor.'” I was dumbstruck and not prepared for this update. I was naive, not expecting this level of decadence. How does it happen that a person could obtain a certificate in any health-related course without the required rigorous training and hands-on skills? I thought this could happen somewhere, but not in my beloved profession. Our love for shortcuts is going to ruin us. If this “Nigeria factor” continues, it will definitely consume us.

It wouldn’t be surprising if some of our elites don’t believe in being treated at our local facilities. How sure are you that such a quack isn’t in the teaching hospitals or the National Hospital Abuja? The system that allows them to get a certificate without the required training is the same system that could get them employed ahead of the competent and well-grounded ones. With the way things are going, I couldn’t completely blame those who could afford the best private hospitals or abroad clinics.

Eight years passed, and one man was incapable of rectifying this mess. It was a systematic and complex problem that requires collective efforts. Buhari wasn’t present when the candidate paid the highest sum to that school director or head of department to get admission. Buhari or Tinubu wasn’t present when the National Board of Examination failed to do the necessary checks before approving those candidates or verifying whether they attained the required training. Jonathan or Obasanjo wasn’t present when the agency responsible for recruitment employed such reckless individuals without due investigation of their accredited institution or their level of expertise.

We may argue that our universities are well-regulated and only produce competent individuals. However, universities only produce the senior nursing officers, medical doctors, senior pharmacists, radiographers, or medical laboratory scientists. What about those responsible for taking your blood sample or giving your child vaccine doses? I’m not questioning the entire workforce. Indeed, there were a lot of hard-working and competent personnel, but with the way things are moving, there was a lot more quackery.

If things like this can occur in the most regulated sector like healthcare, how sure are you of other professions? What guarantee do you have over the NAFDAC recommendation on certain products? How assured are we of the technicians managing our airline services and the local engineers constructing our bridges? The system that you seem smart enough to outmaneuver, driving a car without the necessary papers and licenses, might be the very system that produces some of your teachers, drivers, and law enforcement whom you entrust your life to. This creates a form of distrust in Nigeria.

I was interested in a documentary aired by the BBC about Heathrow Airport in the UK. Although it’s an international airport and one of the best globally, comparing the standardized system there could be absurd. Still, it’s obvious the British have a culture of meticulous attention to details and ensuring everything is done correctly with due process. It’s not surprising that there are the least number of automobile accidents, maternal mortalities, electricity power grid collapses, and flood disasters.

In a system where everyone took responsibility as if the success or failure of a task depended on them, life could have been nicer. But in our kind of society, we like the blame game too much. Every failure is attributed to the leaders at the top, sometimes ridiculously upon a single soul, the president. In the movie Titanic, it’s obvious the fateful accident of the mega ship was attributed to some technical errors done by the crew assistants, not just the captain alone.

Imagine a minor negligence that led to such a catastrophe and compare that to the thousands of such mistakes, even greater, that we commit daily in our various walks of life. The deliberate 15 minutes late you were could have been the cause of someone’s death. The intentional habit of switching your phone off on duty could have been the source of losing someone’s life. The lack of a proper checklist could have been the cause of a conflagration, a dam breakage, a bridge collapse, or a building collapse. Trying to do the right thing doesn’t cost more than doing otherwise. It builds your character, gives satisfaction, and pays in the long run.

How sustainable is this Nigeria?

Attahir wrote from Federal University Dutse. saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com

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