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Of Corruption, Stealing and Terrorism

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Opinion by Dr. Peregrino Brimah

These are three terminologies that have recently been discombobulated in Nigerian presidential speeches.

Therefore I see the necessity to remove the muddling on these terms. You have Corruption, Stealing and Terrorism.

To the point, all three of these are one and the same. Corruption= Stealing= Terrorism; and likewise, Terrorism= Stealing= Corruption.

I am on record as having severally expressed that ‘corruption’ is merely a fancy European qualification for historic lowly crime of stealing.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti vocalized this clear point, regarding all these fancy terminologies as pretty tags for the same armed robbery offence. His words, ‘authority stealing pass armed robbery.’ He continues, ‘if gun steals eighty thousand naira, pen steals two billion naira.’

And with corruption, embezzlement, maladministration and all those fancy British tags, you don’t hear them call you out for being a thief and rouge. Well, Sir, we do. We call you a rogue and a petty thief if you are a corrupt-thief.

If you are still confused, let’s define and study these ‘complex’ words with help from the free dictionary online:

Stealing- This is the act of taking someone’s property without obtaining legal permission.

Government corruption- Lacking in integrity, debased, putrid, tainted government officials who steal from the public-people’s coffer and betray the people’s trust.

This includes giving or taking illegal payments in exchange for favors or influence. It also includes denying people justice.

And

Terrorism- The use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, esp. for political purposes.

The act of (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) systematic use of violence and intimidation to achieve certain goals.

All these three terms are infringements and strong violations of trust.

When you are robbed, you are terrorized. You have been intimidated and violated. You have lost you sense of livelihood and your security is undermined.

When government officials are corrupt, they have robbed the people of their due allotment. ‘They have stolen our trust.’

As I have previously put it in a cautionary open letter to late president Yar’Adua I wrote at the swearing in of the Yar’Adua-Jonathan administration, these officials have stolen, not from the national cake, but from the pauper’s loaf.

They have dipped their hands into the pocket of every last Nigerian at home and abroad and taken from the pennies contained to enrich themselves. This is done without our consent and legal permission, thus making it stealing.

Take for instance when you give out a petroleum PFI for someone to bring in petrol to Nigeria. And then you ask for $500,000 upfront for this ‘gift,’ to a buddy cabal ‘businessman.’

I am sure you agree that this is corruption, but you fail to see how this is robbery and terrorism. Firstly, on the robbery aspect, where did the $500,000 come from?

The ‘businessman’ pays the $500,000 kickback from the Nigeria and Nigerians money which is in your ward as the government official, to repay the money he gave you.

In essence, he steals this money from us in cahoots with you. By being corrupt, you are a robber and an accomplice to robbery.

Proverbs 29:24 (KJV): Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

I have phrased it thus:

Thieves rather steal from the rich…

The political elite rather steal from the poor.

Now while we consider how corruption is robbery, let’s analyze the third term. Terrorism is the act of terrorizing. This involves any action by a person, group or government, by which an affected victim loses his sense of safety, security, and includes losses of wealth, health and life subsequent to deliberate actions of the terrorist.

I am happy we find terrorism as an important threat. I quote:

President Goodluck Jonathan (2013 Independence day speech).

“Our Administration will not rest until every Nigerian is free from the oppression of terrorism. I reassure you that no cost will be spared, no idea will be ignored, and no resource will be left untapped in the quest to enable our people live without fear.”

So now, let us appreciate what terrorism is, now that we are assured the Nigerian government will fight with all resource to ensure that at last we can live without fear of being terrorized.

In understanding terror, one needs to appreciate the layout of human social existence. Man can either have or not have.

Our vocabulary consists of expressions of either opposite position. Love is the lack of hate. Hate is the lack of love.

Peace is the absence of war and likewise, war the absence of peace. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s writing on ‘compensation’ would make a great read.

As is Mr. President has correctly stated, the result of fighting terrorism is to create an environment where we can live in the absence of fear, because terrorism presents with a state of fear, and safety is a state without fear.

So what is terrorism? This is the robbery, the theft of our sense of security, the theft of and taking away of our sense of health, economic, social security, and ultimately, the stealing of our life or the life of our loved one and his person from us.

A terrorist steals our sense of freedom and safety. He is a thief. We are used to referring to murder as the murderer ‘stealing’ our loved ones from us, or the devil doing so in some cultures. 

Terrorism is not directly limited to instant murder. There are varieties of terrorism and the terrorism deaths can be slow, torturous, disgraceful and painful. Ultimately terrorism leads to a state of increased loss of life and life’s worth.

MEND engaged in economic terrorism. When the direct deaths by MEND are counted, we get a lower number than Boko Haram for instance, but when the economic terrorism aspect of MEND is considered, which precipitated in a decrease in Nigeria’s oil output by over half, we realize that the result of the economic terror of the worst years of MEND’s carnage are still being felt today in deaths.

Many died due to health care, roads and other services that Nigeria could not provide due to economic terrorism.

Many are still dying today as a result of MEND’s terrorism. The spilling of oil by MEND operations including proliferation of oil vandals then and now, leads to a continued state of poisoning and death of people in the Niger Delta.

I hope this picture helps you understand how economic terrorism may even be worse than direct murderous terror with localized and limited deaths.

All government processes that steal the people’s money, and deny the people their rightful infrastructure, including health care, roads and reliable security services, steal the people’s right of safety, steal their peace, steal their health and ultimately steal their lives and are terror.

The people die fast or slow, terrorized directly as a result of your negligence, your corruption –your terrorism. You terrorize the people to death. Some die in Nigeria and others die abroad.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.

Nigeria’s populace live breathing toxic fumes from generators every day. They are being terrorized by the noise pollution in addition to the chemical pollution.

This is chemical ‘warfare’ poisoning as a direct result of government failure-terrorism. The noise and fumes shorten our lives and give many early deaths. At the root of this is government robbery.

When you divide up our country and sell it to the cabal. This is robbery and terrorism. When governments free convicted criminal cabal and then even fly these in government jets to further terrorize the people. This is grave terrorism.

By pocketing a kickback (our money) to have and approve of a substandard road built, you have stolen from us and you continuously terrorize the people (commuters). In some cultures, your hands would all be cut off by now.

The terrorists that operate in Nigeria, from Boko Haram to MEND, to oil vandals, to Kidnappers.

All these direct murderers and thieves of people’s right to safety, security and the pursuit of happiness, only abound and operate freely, unabated under authority terrorism.

So, you are the kingpin of all these criminals. You, as a failing government are the chief terrorist, the chief kidnapper, the chief bomber, and the chief quack doctor, dangerous engineer, etc.

This is what government stands for. The role of government is to provide a safe and conducive environment for its people to thrive and perhaps even excel. I put it this way:

Kidnappers kidnap individuals…

The Cabal kidnap our nation.

When government officials keep the nation in a terrorized state; rob the nation its right of good schools, good roads and safety from maniacal behavior, while they –the officials—live in protected homes, and send their children to schools abroad and themselves go overseas at every slight cough or cold; going overseas to territories presided upon by men like them, good mayors and governors who provide for their people as is due, we call such government officials, robbers, vandals and terrorists.

We Nigerians hope you will fulfill your promise to abate this government terrorism, leaving no official with impunity from the very, very top to the bottom.

Dr. Peregrino Brimah
http://ENDS.ng [Every Nigerian Do Something]
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @EveryNigerian


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Dufil Takes Donation of Indomie Noodles Cartons to Vulnerable Communities in Abuja and Environ

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In line with its commitment to provide critical support to indigent members of communities around the country in the face of the ongoing economic challenges, Dufil Prima Foods Limited, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, in partnership with Golan Helps Abuja Food Bank Initiative (GHAFBI) and Meluibe Foundation on Wednesday, April 17 distributed Indomie noodles cartons to vulnerable communities in Kuje and Kubwa Local Government Areas in Abuja.

With the goal of alleviating hunger and supporting communities across Nigeria, Indomie Instant Noodles has committed to donating a substantial quantity of noodle packs to various NGOs working tirelessly to address food insecurity.

These organizations play a crucial role in reaching remote and underserved areas, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those who need them most.

“We are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate,” said Olusola Olayinka Idowu OON, former Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, and the CEO/Founder of GHAFBI.

“At GHAFBI, we believe that everyone deserves access to wholesome and nourishing food. Our partnership with Dufil Prima Foods to donate Indomie Noodles packs is a big step towards addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities in Abuja”, said Idowu who was also the former National Conveyor, UN Food System Dialogues in Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, Executive Director, The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation, expressed her gratitude to Indomie Noodles for the partnership. “Our vision as an NGO is to change the world one step at a time, by providing relief and support to vulnerable communities.

This is achieved through collaborations and partnerships, one of which is what we have done with Indomie Noodles. We remain grateful for their support through this food relief initiative”, she said.

By partnering with NGOs, Indomie Instant Noodles works closely with local leaders and community heads in directly engaging with rural communities to distribute noodle packs and provide immediate relief to families facing hunger and ensuring that food assistance reaches those who are most in need, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NGOs and community leaders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity”, said Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Limited. “Together, we bring hope, love and relief for all”.

The community leaders and some of the beneficiaries also expressed their immense gratitude to Indomie for the support, stressing the impact the products donated will have in alleviating hunger in their communities.

Speaking at the outreach centre, His Royal Highness, Muhammed D. Jibril, Community Leader of Gbazango Community in Kubwa Local Government Area said: “I am very grateful to Indomie Noodles for coming to our aid in these challenging times. I pray for more expansion and growth for the business and may God bless Indomie Noodles”.

Other communities who benefited from the product donations include Wunmi, Tondo, Godoji and Shazhi communities in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

Dufil Prima Food’s donation of Indomie Noodle packs underscores its commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to supporting communities in need. By providing essential food relief, Dufil Prima Foods is contributing to the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

Indomie Instant Noodles remains dedicated to bringing joy to mealtimes and making a positive impact in communities around the world.


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Empowering Nigerian Retail: The Promise of Pay on Delivery

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E-commerce in Nigeria has evolved exponentially in recent years, transforming the retail landscape and reshaping consumer habits. From the early days of skepticism and distrust to today’s thriving online marketplaces, the journey has been marked by innovation, adaptation, and perhaps most importantly, the establishment of trust and security between buyers and sellers. At the core of this transformation, Pay on Delivery (PoD) has emerged as the unsung hero of e-commerce.

The premise is straightforward: customers could place orders online and pay for their purchases only upon receipt. This innovative approach not only addressed concerns about security but also provided tangible reassurance to hesitant buyers. In countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, where a significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked and where distrust in online transactions and fraudulent activities were once rampant, Pay on Delivery has emerged as a lifeline for both consumers and businesses. Many consumers were understandably hesitant to part with their hard-earned money before receiving their desired goods. Pay on delivery bridges this trust gap, offering reassurance to buyers and empowering them to transact with confidence.

In Nigeria, despite the adoption of a wide range of electronic payments, cash is still king. The results of a survey conducted in 2021 show that cash remains the dominant payment method, reflecting the ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by Oxford Business Group found that 70% of Nigerians prefer to pay with cash on delivery, while 28% use credit or debit cards, and only 12% use mobile money platforms. This has challenged e-retailers, and some companies like Jumia, to adapt by prioritizing cash-on-delivery options to cater to this consumer preference.

The Promise of Pay on Delivery in Nigeria

With consumers in mind, Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform in Nigeria, has made Pay on Delivery a cornerstone of its business model. Understanding the local market dynamics and the importance of trust and convenience, the company has invested heavily in ensuring a seamless Pay on Delivery experience for its customers.

One of the key benefits of Jumia’s Pay on Delivery service is its flexibility. Customers have the option to inspect their purchases before making payment, ensuring satisfaction and reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions. This added layer of security not only enhances the overall shopping experience but also builds long-term trust and loyalty among customers.

Moreover, Jumia has implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that products meet customer expectations upon delivery. This includes partnering with reputable brands and implementing stringent verification processes to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the marketplace. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and product quality, Jumia has solidified its reputation as a trusted online retailer in Nigeria.

Beyond enhancing trust and security, Pay on Delivery has also played a crucial role in driving financial inclusion in Nigeria. By providing an alternative payment method for those without access to traditional banking services, Jumia has expanded the reach of e-commerce to a broader segment of the population. This not only benefits consumers by providing greater access to goods and services but also stimulates economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and driving demand for products and services.

In all, the future of e-commerce in Nigeria looks promising, with Pay on Delivery poised to remain a key enabler of growth and expansion. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, innovative solutions like Pay on Delivery will continue to drive the transformation of the retail landscape, empowering Nigerian consumers and businesses alike.

 


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Verra Certifies d.light’s Clean Cookstove Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

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A series of pioneering projects by d.light, the global provider of transformational household products and affordable finance for low-income households, to distribute 600,000 energy-efficient clean cookstoves in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda have been officially certified by global verification body Verra.

This certification confirms the d.light projects as trusted, verified sources of high-quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon markets (VCMs).

The d.light projects aim to simultaneously reduce carbon emissions, tackle indoor air pollution, and reduce deforestation through the sale of highly efficient biomass cookstoves subsidized by the revenues from the sale of carbon credits.

Since their launch in late 2022, the projects have positively impacted more than one million lives and are projected to transform more than three million lives by 2025.

Commenting on the news, Karl Skare, d.light’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, emphasized the projects’ positive impact, “With these projects, we’re not just addressing environmental concerns but also enhancing quality of life for millions.

“Each project underscores d.light’s commitment to practical, innovative solutions that address both environmental and social challenges, as part of our mission to transform the lives of one billion people by 2030.”

Each year, domestic cooking emissions contribute more than two percent of total global GHG emissions and up to 25 percent of anthropogenic black carbon emissions.

Highly energy-efficient cookstoves solve this problem by reducing biomass use by up to 70 percent compared to traditional cooking methods, cutting emissions of both carbon dioxide and black carbon.

The d.light projects are expected to reduce emissions by up to 12 million tons, contributing to climate change mitigation. These emissions reductions will be registered as carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market.

As well as reducing emissions, clean cookstoves are also a benefit to public health. According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to smoke from cooking fires causes an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year and is still one of the predominant causes of pollution-related illness and death in Africa.

In Uganda, for example, less than one percent of the population has access to clean cooking, household air pollution is the one of the largest risk factors for death and disability.

In addition, switching from traditional three-stone open fires to cleaner, energy-efficient cookstoves significantly reduces deforestation and reduces threats to wildlife and biodiversity caused by habitat loss.

Skare explained, “By subsidizing energy-efficient cookstove costs through carbon financing, d.light makes clean cooking accessible to more households, which in turn leads to healthier living conditions and conserves natural resources as well.

“Our projects in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda are models of how sustainable investments can yield multiple co-benefits, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and also promoting socio-economic development.

Skare added, “d.light now has projects certified by both Gold Standard and Verra, the world’s two leading certifiers of carbon credits. Organizations looking for ways to offset their own emissions can be confident that when they purchase carbon credits in d.light’s clean cooking projects in sub-Saharan Africa, they are investing in transformative initiatives that reduce harmful emissions, improve people’s health and quality of life, and help conserve the environment as well.”

 


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