December 2024

Prioritizing Lives: Rethinking Emergency Response in Oyo State

Opinion / / / , , , , , ,

Two days ago, I witnessed two ambulances drive out of an event at Adamasingba Stadium, where over 1,000 people had gathered. This happened right at the peak of the event, raising serious questions about how intentional we are in ensuring effective emergency rescue operations. Amidst the ongoing Oriyomi saga – which increasingly feels like a witch hunt – it is crucial to shift focus back to what truly matters: protecting lives. This incident brings critical questions to the forefront: 1. What is the value of our investment in fire rescue, accident response, and emergency services? How many fire engines and ambulances have been purchased in the last six years? 2. How many first responders have been trained since the Bodija incident? Have there been significant improvements in our emergency response framework, or are we still reacting with the same inefficiency that has cost lives in the past? 3. What structures are in place to ensure the safety of citizens during large public events? While event organizers bear responsibility for safety measures, the state cannot absolve itself of the duty to provide overarching security and emergency frameworks. The reality is that the lives of our citizens must take precedence over political distractions. It is time to reassess our priorities and invest in robust emergency services that reflect the value we place on human life. Public safety should not be treated as an afterthought or left to chance – it must become a central component of governance. As we reflect on these issues, the state must not only ask hard questions but provide transparent answers and clear action plans. The security and well-being of Oyo State’s residents should never be compromised by oversight or neglect.

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Shaping Young Minds Through Conversations

Opinion / / / , , , ,

One of my boys called me recently, asking for a data subscription for their mi-fi. As the call was ending, he reminded me not to forget. Just as I was about to hang up, I heard his younger brother chime in, “Thank God you said that because my daddy forgets everything.” With that, they cheerfully said, “Bye Dad.” After the call, I sat quietly, reflecting on that brief exchange. I realized I couldn’t overlook this moment. If they are sharp enough to notice and point out my forgetfulness, then surely, they are ready for conversations about responsibility, empathy, and thoughtfulness. Without delay, I called them back. “Hi Al-Ameen, I haven’t heard from you in days. The only time we spoke was yesterday through Grandma’s phone, but you’ve been talking to almost everyone else. Next time you reach out to someone – even if they have obligations to you – start by building a conversation. It’s important.” As I spoke, I recalled their grandmother once telling me they hesitate to call because they assume I’m too busy and won’t answer, or that I’ll promise to call back but never do. That realization hit hard. I set aside my pride, acknowledged my fault, and stayed focused on the lesson I needed to share. Al-Ameen paused, then softly replied, “I’m sorry, Daddy.” Just like that, the moment passed, but the seed of understanding had been planted. It’s easy to overlook these small but essential details in life. We often receive calls from friends, family, or long-lost relatives who only reach out when they need attention, affection, or financial support. It starts from somewhere – the absence of meaningful conversations, the lack of genuine connection. Marriage and parenting are full-time commitments. As parents, we are the first and most influential agents of socialization for our children. Conversations, no matter how brief, shape their understanding of relationships, respect, and empathy. We must never assume they are too young to grasp these lessons. They are always listening, watching, and learning – it’s our responsibility to guide them with intentionality and care. Idris AnimasaunArchitect and Social Change Advocate

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“Silence and Injustice: The Oriyomi Hamzat Case and the Rot in Our Judicial System” 

Opinion / / / , , , , ,

Few days ago, I came across a Facebook post by someone demanding that all Radio General Managers in the city publicly stand in solidarity with Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat. While this might seem like a noble cause, it raises deeper questions about the rot in our society, particularly the lack of critical thought, emotional intelligence, and our collective inability to read the room. For days, I refrained from commenting on the tragic incident that claimed many lives, even though the direction in which we should point accusing fingers is glaringly obvious. However, I cannot ignore the unlawful detention of one of the few journalists left who dares to stand for social justice, government accountability, and the rule of law, only to be victimized by the very system he fights to reform. The media’s silence when the news broke was deafening, further eroding trust in their credibility. Now, comments like the one I read cast an even darker shadow on the media’s ethical standards. Where are the NBC codes? Where are the principles of ethical journalism? Why do we resort to sensationalism instead of addressing such issues with the seriousness they deserve? In this case, we have not only witnessed the enemies of Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat roaring, but also the silence of so-called allies—betraying their oaths to uphold professionalism and ethical journalism. This silence speaks volumes. Perhaps the most glaring indictment of the rot in our judicial systems is the alarming speed with which this case is being handled. While countless others languish in the backlog of justice, awaiting their turn for a trial, this matter has been fast-tracked, exposing the deep flaws, biases, and corruption that plague our legal system. It is yet another reminder that justice is neither fair nor impartial in this system. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

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“Reclaiming Accountability: The Need for Ethical and Prepared Journalism in Nigeria” 

3 Comments / Opinion / /

The recently held Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sparked widespread discussions, with one recurring theme standing out – the glaring unpreparedness of the journalists in attendance. This lack of preparedness reveals deeper issues within the media landscape, including inadequate research, poor questioning, and a general failure to seize critical opportunities for accountability. A key concern is the journalists’ inability to spotlight the glaring failures across various sectors and ministries. The platform presented a rare chance to question the President directly, yet no effort was made to call out specific ministers or hold them accountable for their underperformance. This omission reflects a troubling trend – the pervasive culture of compromise within the media, often referred to as “brown envelope” journalism. Rather than acting as a bridge between the public and government, some journalists appear to prioritize personal gain over professional integrity. This compromises the essential role of the press in fostering transparency and building a functioning society. The result is a media environment where tough questions are avoided, and the opportunity to drive meaningful change is consistently squandered. Way Forward: 1. Capacity Building and Training:Journalists must undergo regular training to enhance their investigative skills and deepen their understanding of governance and public policy. This will ensure they ask informed and impactful questions during such high-profile engagements. 2. Strengthening Media Ethics:Media houses and regulatory bodies should reinforce ethical standards, discouraging the practice of “brown envelope” journalism through stricter penalties and incentives for ethical reporting. 3. Public Engagement and Pressure:Citizens and civil society organizations should demand more from the media by holding journalists accountable for their performance during key national events. Public pressure can encourage more responsible and courageous journalism. 4. Transparency and Support for Journalists:The government and independent organizations should create mechanisms to protect and support journalists who pursue investigative stories, ensuring they are not left vulnerable to threats or financial inducements. For Nigeria to progress, the media must reclaim its role as the watchdog of society, prioritizing the collective good over personal gain. Without this shift, the cycle of underperformance and lack of accountability will persist, hindering national development.

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