Category Archives: issues

issues

Nigeria’s Oil Sector: Tinubu’s Opportunity

In the intricate dance of leadership and governance, timing and ethics are paramount. I do hope President Bola Tinubu understands this. When we fail to do what is right and at the right time, we often find ourselves ensnared in a web of unnecessary efforts to resolve the consequences. This truth is painfully evident in the Nigerian oil sector, where malfeasance and unrestrained interests against the common good have led to a credibility crisis. This photo-op simply reveals more about curbing interests than bringing solutions.

The Nigerian oil sector once heralded as the backbone of the nation’s economy, is now a cautionary tale of missed opportunities and ethical lapses. The principal characters in this sector have, for too long, prioritized personal gain over national interest. This has not only stunted the sector’s growth but also eroded public trust.

When leadership fails to address corruption and self-serving interests, it sends a clear message: that the pursuit of personal gain is acceptable, even at the expense of the nation’s welfare. This unchecked behavior breeds inefficiency, and in the end, discourages investment as we are currently experiencing. The ultimate decline in the sector’s performance is nothing that could not have been easily predicted 25 years ago. Continue reading →

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Education, issues

DOING THE BAREST MINIMUM?

ARE YOU DOING THE BAREST MINIMUM?

I was catching up on TV news this morning and the producers were having audio challenges with the guest. This got me thinking about why this often happens with our local media stations and you rarely find this in foreign ones. I’m not making a comparison, but I’m concerned about the little “foxes” that typically lead to these kinds of outcomes wherever you find them. I call it the concept of the barest minimum.

Barest minimum often refers to the most basic level of effort, resources, or standards needed to achieve a result. It’s about doing just enough to meet the requirements without extra effort or enhancement. This concept can apply to various contexts, such as work, projects, education, personal tasks, and even human character.

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Education, issues, Politics

Where are the “Ndugus”?

Ruhakana Rugunda, Uganda’s former prime minister speaking during an interview in New York, U.S. on Thursday, July 23, 2015. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** Ruhakana Rugunda

Several years ago, while an intern at a non-profit, I had the privilege of being assigned the task of reaching out to a list of African UN Ambassadors who had been invited by a few Seattle-based top US companies. My job was to secure the commitment of these Ambassadors to go on this all-important trip.

I eventually secured the commitment of 8 Ambassadors, one of which was the Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations, H.E, Ambassador Ruhakana Rugunda.

Of all the UN Ambassadors I visited, only Amb. Rugunda agreed to personally meet with me in his office for a discussion about the invitation and intended trip. I was highly honoured and he treated me with memorable respect despite visibly being an “errand boy”.

I became fond of him during the trip and met his wife also. He was a profound gentleman and was very lucid and clear-minded when he spoke. You could easily perceive the integrity of his person and the frankness of his ideas.

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