|
The
Gathering Storm on Nigeria @ 50 and NAA @ 25 (2)
HOW OVER TEN NIGERIAN SCHOLARS GATHERED AND DELIVERED
PAPERS AT GRANT
MACEWAN
UNIVERSITY
IN CANADA
Patrick Iroegbu
patrickiroegbu@yahoo.com
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Paper
Tiles and Abstracts
1.
The Rewards of Excellence: High Achievement as a Means of Gaining
National Clout
Dr. Efa E.
Etoroma
Abstract:
We live in a
world in which “whiteness” as a social construct or position (and not as a skin
color) is deemed to be superior to anything else and high achieving populations
and, indeed, individuals have been classified as “honorary whites” regardless of
their skin color. Based on the experiences of groups such as Jewish,
Irish, and Ukrainian immigrants, I contend that
Nigeria
will be classified as and will enjoy the benefits of an “honorary white” nation
if a large number of diasporan and other Nigerians continue to excel.
Profile:
Dr.
Efa E. Etoroma
is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Concordia University College of
Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. Nigerian born, Efa
moved to Canada in 1978 and
has lived in the provinces of Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. He received his PhD degree
from McMaster
University
in Hamilton, Canada
and has published on aspects of Black life in Canada. Efa's current academic
research interests include autoethnography, Black community building in
Canada, and the social psychology of identity
transformation among Blacks in Canada.
2.
Governance & Social Contract in Nigeria:
‘Celebrating’ 50 Years of Disconnect Between Nigerian Leaders and the Citizens
Dr. Bede Eke
Abstract:
The present paper identifies the three models of state-society relationships as
it also articulates the pervading elements of disconnect between the leaders and
the people of Nigeria as a result of the adopted
model. The paper posits that
Nigeria
has operated a state-centered model in the relationship between the government
and the people. As a consequence, people-oriented programs and citizens’
interests have taken the back-burner in government policies since the attainment
of political independence. For a strategic solution to build and move the nation
forward, this paper advances that a new comprehensive policy approach that
ensures the relevance of the citizens’ voice and the consideration of citizens’
interests in political decision-making process be adopted as a matter of utmost
urgency.
Profile:
Dr. Bede Eke is a broad-chest social scientist and a Nigerian. He has studied
both in Nigeria and USA. Bede Eke has a solid
professional academic and research background in social Gerontology and
Political Science. He holds a Ph.D in International Relations & Comparative
Politics from Miami University,
USA. Currently,
Dr. Eke teaches sociology at University
of Alberta, and political science at Grant
MacEwan
University. He lives with
his family in Edmonton, Canada.
3.
Nigeria at 50: Issues and
Solutions
|
Idowu
Ohioze, Esq.
Abstract:
"Here then are the posers: How on earth can a country with these
professionals, outside its shores, compete with the developed world?
What in that country drives her people out for greener pastures? Isn’t
this an indictment of the leaders of that country that a significant
number of its best and brightest are permanent residents and citizens of
a developed welcoming country?"
Profile:
Idowu
Ohioze holds a Master Degree in Law (LLM) from the University of Alberta and is a Barrister and
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He renders social and
political commentary on governance and developmental issues in
developing countries.
4. Oil, Gold and All: Proposal for Purposeful and Equitable Development
of Nigeria’s Natural Resources
Dr.
Aliyu Ahmed-Hameed
Abstract:
The
political uncertainties and violence assailing Nigeria over the country’s
policies and mechanisms for natural resource ownership, control and
allocation have continued to grow in a downward turn. With attempts made
by successive governments especially since the Nigerian civil war ended
to address the problem, the outcomes have been perfunctory, disingenuous
and short sighted. Presently, the nation is not only alarmed by the
challenges of infrastructure development, but deeply confronted with a
perennial problem that amounts to a huge human and material cost to the
nation. Nigeria is at
a juncture where political promises, inconclusive compromises and
prevarications can no longer serve her future. This article argues that
it is time for
Nigeria
to (i) undertake a comprehensive consideration of the issues embodied in
the crisis over the control and management of its natural resources;
(ii) to evolve a long-term, equitable and sustainable policies and
mechanisms that will permanently and satisfactorily address this very
important national question towards building her up for the future.
Profile:
Dr.
Ahmed-Hameed is a Policy Advisor in the Strategic Policy Branch of the
Department of Infrastructure of the Government of Alberta, where he is
responsible for providing policy and strategic support for
Alberta’s infrastructure development programs.
Before joining the Government of Alberta, Dr. Ahmed-Hameed had worked as
a Research Fellow in various research and advisory capacities with the
Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA),
Lagos, Nigeria
and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Abuja, Nigeria.
|
|
5.
50
Years of Nigerian Fiction Writing
Ms. Uzoma Uponi
Abstract:
Nigeria
has a rich literary tradition spanning the 50 years. Nigerian fiction
writers can be categorised into two groups – a) the pre-post
independence writers and b) the new generation writers whose works
depict contemporary social struggles in
Nigeria. Challenges that Nigerian
writers still face include lack of publishing infrastructures, poor
reading culture and a weak education system. In the face of a rapidly
changing world, there is an urgent need to strengthen Nigerian writing
and writers in order to accurately inform the global community about
Nigeria, to preserve her rich cultural
heritage, and to contribute her quota to making the world better. It is
here where
ColourBLIND fits in.
Profile:
Uzoma
Uponi was born in Umuahia, Abia State; attended Federal Government Girls
College, Kazaure in Jigawa State; graduate of Mass Communication and
business (MBA) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; has been a
practising Human Resources professional for several years in both
Nigeria and Canada; passionate about writing, first fiction novel,
ColourBLIND, published in June 2010. Married to Matthew, mother of four
boys, currently reside in
Calgary,
Alberta.
6. From Urban Sphere to
CyberSpace: New Media, Citizen Journalism and the Role of
SaharaReporters and Nigerians in the Diapora in Nigeria’s Political
Struggle.
Nduka
Otiono
Abstract:
The paper will situate cyber space journalism and the role of
SaharaReporters in the Diaspora – how it helps to shed light on
Nigeria’s political sense and struggle. Where is Nigeria headed to after her 50
years of independence? The paper will emphasize the critical role of
local and international journalistic vision, experiences and skills
toward building
Nigeria
for the future.
Profile:
Nduka
Otiono is one of the Izaak Walton Killam Ph.D Scholars at the University of Alberta.
Worked as a frontline journalist and held Editorship positions in Five
Key Media houses in
Nigeria. Involved in community and
international engagements. Has earned several achievement awards of
excellence. Lives in Edmonton with his family.
|
|
|
7.
Protest or Criminality? The Politics of Kidnapping of Oil Workers in Nigeria
Temitope
Oriola
Abstract:
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has gained world-wide attention in view of
incessant kidnapping of foreign oil workers, vandalization of pipelines and
offshore and onshore oil facilities by militant youth purportedly in protest
against the marginalization of oil-producing communities. These incidents have
contributed to the surge in prices of crude oil in the world market. This paper
utilizes in-depth interviews with over 40 ex-militants, many of whom were
engaged in kidnapping to analyze the intricacies of the upsurge in violence and
criminality in the Niger Delta region.
The paper
draws on Eric Hobsbawm's concept of ‘social banditry’, and the notion of
‘contentious politics’ by Charles Tilly and his collaborators to explicate the
phenomenon of kidnapping of oil workers in the Delta region.
Keywords:
‘Contentious politics’, ‘Social banditry’, kidnapping, Niger Delta, Youth
Profile:
Temitope Oriola is a Ph.D researcher (criminology) and Izaak Walton Killam
Scholar in the Department of Sociology,
University of Alberta Edmonton Canada.
His on-going dissertation focus is on “Criminal Resistance? The Politics of
Kidnapping of Oil Workers in
Nigeria”. He was awarded an International
Development Research Council (IDRC) Doctoral Research Grant in 2010. Oriola's
works appear in refereed journals like
Critical Studies on Terrorism, Canadian Journal of Youth and Family, Canadian
Ethnic Studies (collaborative work),
African Identities, among others.
He is a member of the editorial board of the
African Journal of Criminology & Justice
Studies, an international peer-reviewed journal based in the United States.
8.
Challenging the Unjust Structures of Governance through Pragmatic Ethical
Approaches for Nigeria at 50
Fr. Joseph
Ogbonna
Abstract:
Challenging the unjust structures of governance demands nobility of life and
standing firm for what we believe (in) and want to be. The paper is to provide
ethical guidance and must begin to ask why and how we need to distance ourselves
from ingratiating the structures that marginalize us. In addition, the question
of religious violence and what politically and ethnically managed leadership can
do to address religious intolerance, which scandalously orchestrates an impotent
nation will be a desideratum to refocus Nigeria@50.
Profile:
Fr. Joseph Ogbonna is a Catholic Priest and writes articles and social
commentary for the nigeriaworld.com. e-mail:
okeymbang1969@yahoo.com
9.
Nigeria@50: The New Identity of a Post-Independence Nation
Olumide
Ogundipe (Doctorandi)
Abstract:
Nigeria
is a country fraught with multiple meanings to which fullest attention has not
been given by members of the Nigerian population within and outside the country.
In my paper, I shall discuss the current identity of
Nigeria
by paying a close attention to the realities in which the country has been
submerged since independence. In the end, I will suggest ways through which this
identity could be turned around positively by attitudes of Nigerians – home and
abroad – and their indigenous political leaders.
Profile:
Olumide Ogundipe is a Doctoral researcher and first year graduate instructor in
the Department of English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta.
Also with a Master Degree in English from U of A, Ogundipe is currently writing
a dissertation on the social critic of Nigeria by the third generation of
Nigerian novels. He has a passionate interest in postcolonial literature and the
relationship between the nation and the novel as a literary form to make change
occur.
10.
Reflecting with President Goodluck Jonathan’s Address to Nigeria@50
Independence Day Celebration on Oct. 1, 2010 at Abuja, Nigeria
Dr. Patrick
Iroegbu
Abstract:
To
understand Nigeria is the
beginning step to know where to go. The author provides to question
what did President Goodluck Jonathan of
Nigeria
tell Nigerians given the 50th Independence Presidential Address? What
sense can we make of it? How much did his address reveal and respond to Nigeria’s
aspirations to build for the future? This paper takes a critical look at what it
means to Nigerian and African nation states to celebrate at 50 years of
attaining independence and how to follow through with conceiving and actualizing
a future everyone can belong and contribute – at home and from the diaspora.
Profile:
Dr. Patrick Iroegbu is a social and cultural medical anthropologist and a
published author of several books (e.g.,
Healing Insanity: A Study of Igbo Medicine in Contemporary Nigeria, 2010). He lectures
anthropology at Grant
MacEwan
University. Dr. Iroegbu is also a community leader,
an engaged social commentator and contributor to several website feature
articles and columns. He co-ordinates the Kpim Book Series of Fr. Prof.
Pantaleon Foundation at Owerri, Nigeria.
Research interests include cultures, healing and development, migration, race
and diaspora issues, interethnic and community relations in global centers as
well as gender and feminism in a complex and changing society.
11.
A Power-Point Clip of
Nigeria
at a Glance
Dr. Mike
Afara
Abstract:
The power point clip by Dr. Patrick Iroegbu & adapted to
The New Nigeria, 1960-2010,
Golden Jubilee Edition, Nigeria
High Commission, Ottawa, Canada
showed how
Nigeria
was colonized by Britain
for about 400 years. And that
Nigeria
has existed for over 96 years but gained independence in October 1, 1960. Out of
Nigeria’s 50 years of independence, the military ruled Nigeria for about 30 years and
largely shaped the socio-economy and politics of the country. Military rule
destroyed parliamentary democratic structures and processes and negated
consensual or participatory development for a long period. For brevity, the
power point gave the highlights of Nigeria’s national history from 1914
to 2010 in a table titled Highlights of Nigeria’s National History, 1914 – 2010.
Directed by Idowu Ohioze Esq, significant moments in the history of Nigeria were
given to understand her towards building for the future.
Profile:
Dr. Mike Afara is an Engineer with the Alberta Government and serves as the
Communications Director of Nigeria Association of Alberta. Dr. Afara’s
outstanding networking social skills to build cordial ethnic relations among
Nigerians are well known. He is an engaged community person and lives with his
family in Edmonton.
12. Prof.
Mike Eze
From the
University
of Manitoba, Prof. Mike
Eze who was to give the keynote speech in the evening during the Banquet and
cultural performances participated in the colloquium and appreciated what he
saw. Yet he was moved to comment on the proceedings of the colloquium. In his
feedback words, he wrote:
“I write to
congratulate you on and for the grand occasion you guys put together last
Saturday (Nigeria @ 50; and NAA's 25th
anniversary). It was kind of you to have invited me to be part of it as the
Keynote Speaker. The colloquium you personally organized was very well done and
had, as presenters,
some of the sharpest young minds
that Nigeria could
have. Congratulations once again.”
13. Other
speakers and reactions from the floor, etc.
were noted. The Vote of thanks from Dr. Adenike Yesufu who lectures at
Concordia University and Grant
MacEwan
University
capped it all by saying what an amazing gathering and initiative among Nigerians
in Edmonton
to do what have done today?
Nigeria
is blessed to have you and hopefully the papers will build up a terrific book as
a contribution to Nigeria@50. I have taken special interest to articulate this
piece to bring forward the notion that Nigeria is a nation where things can
be done. Restoring the vision and mission of the Nigeria’s founding fathers is a task
everyone can be engaged with.
The colloquium, the first of its kind in Edmonton
among Nigerians, not only excited Nigerians but also challenged them to think
and work together. It called for their unflinching support. It created the
opportunity and an enabling environment for it. Therefore, the most important
goal it hoped to endorse in the exercise was first of all to
enable Nigerian scholars, students, researchers, administrators, leaders
and workers of all categories to gather and have a highly organized spirited
debate about Nigeria and re-building Nigeria up for the future. It welcomed all
perspectives, experiences and multiple views on the issue of Nigeria. It documented all the views
raised and will publish them in a book to be titled Nigeria
and NAA: Issues, Voices and Approaches to an Engaged Nation, Life,
Opportunity and Innovation
as part of our contribution to the 50th anniversary. The colloquium
meant things when it echoed “Do not stay at home when you should come out and
speak and be heard. That it is time for making a difference by inclusion and
participation in the things that affect us – hence bringing home and committing
democracy to a meaningful work. We invite papers (5 to 10 pages in word document
to be sent to
The Co-ordinator:
nigeriafocusmagazine@gmail.com)
from all and sundry to build this knowledge process of rebuilding Nigeria. Follow
the pattern as in the paper titles and abstracts as above.
The Banquet
and Cultural Performances
The second part of the day, Oct. 23, 2010 was held at Northgate Seniors Lion’s
Centre in Edmonton of Alberta, well attended and well entertaining. I have never
attended an occasion where Nigeria could be so well decorated in balloons,
posters, souvenirs, tables, glasses, plates, chairs, foods, the two giant cakes
(Nigeria@ & NAA@25), including drinks, speeches, fashion show, dances, the bar,
and all else. The Nigerian High Commissioner from
Ottawa
added pageantry and eloquence to the show through his deputy. The Keynote
Speaker, Prof. Mike Eze did his intellectual social thing in a big way. A
captivating moment came when an Alumni of the University of Nigeria Nsukka
offered to form an Alumnus Chapter of UNN following a recent ceremony in Atlanta
where the big shots of the UNN gathered and made history and called on all other
cities to follow and send development home, in particular to UNN to restore the
dignity of the university and that of humanity in general in Nigeria. Let me
proudly congratulate all those who participated in the Colloquium of the year in
Canada
for Nigeria@50 in Edmonton
and NAA@25 respectively. By participating and contributing, you have nicely
inscribed your name in gold and silver of the moment and like the founders of Nigeria and NAA, your support and contribution
will germinate and grow
Nigeria
with opportunity, inclusion and security for a better future. For as I know,
beliefs breed ideas and ideas fashion development strategies and strategies make
actions work. Let our leaders listen and re-invent Nigeria to which
we all can belong and contribute. This is end of October, 2010, happy Nigeria at 50,
and happy NAA at 25.
Conclusion
Let me desperately and carefully conclude the piece by aligning with the
dreams and fantasies of the Nigerian founding fathers for Nigeria as a nation
which are huge to capture in any form of verbal expression or in writing. Those
founding fathers made sacrifices and compromises to unite
Nigeria
and govern Nigeria
in line with decisions and politics they made and played. According to President
Jonathan Goodluck’s Independence Day address to the nation,
“Our founding fathers sought a government of character, which seeks justice to
her citizens as our national anthem so eloquently describes: One Nation Bound in
Freedom, Peace and Unity. However, today, the opinion of many Nigerians is that
these dreams and expectations have not been fulfilled. Not only have people
despaired about the slow pace of progress, some have in fact given up on the
country. Some believe that if the colonial masters had stayed longer, Nigeria may have been the better for
it.”
That Nigeria
is celebrating at 50 is a golden moment to re-examine Nigeria in the light of the dreams of our
founding fathers and the current dreams, aspirations and challenges of the
governing sons and daughters of
Nigeria
– who are the descendants of the forefathers. As we examine Nigeria’s past,
let us build on the future and avoid the mistakes that made Nigerians despair on
her. The task is, indeed, for everyone, but the “everyone question” of
involvement is a task that must be directed by the leadership. Enduring
democratic leadership will surely engage Nigerians in an enduring sense of
belongingness and representation.
In the light of the colloquium that brought scholars and leaders together at
Grant MacEwan University,
our take on Nigeria
is “together, we can make a difference!” Our leaders as Dr. Iroegbu has tried to
show in this story need to take charge and commit to achieving results for all.
CONCLUDED
|