Opinion
Gwo Gwo Gwon Gwo: A Dance Of Deception
This dance has been trending for days. At every nook and crannies of the social media platforms, the dance steps are very prominent. Everyone wants to dance that dance of twisting of waist and raising of one leg. Turning thereafter to pursue themselves in a very comical manner.
I have sat down to look at the sense in the dance as popularised by Brain Jotter, all I could see was a gregarious instinct of the masses and the craves to join the bandwagon.
What is ‘Gwo Gwo Ngwo’? ‘Gwo Gwo ngwo’ was just the last part of the lyrics that is filled with rich meaning and moral lessons. Tired of the hullabaloo of the ‘Gwo Gwo ngwo’ challenge, I took time to listen to the lyrics from the beginning to the end.
Gentleman, Mike Ejeagha is indeed a maestro, who knows his onus with a dexterity and sagacity that are legendary. I wouldn’t know what he had in mind telling such a story, as irredescent as that story is, it shone to my mind with a lesson that made me shed tears.
Listen to the story line. There was a bet from a King that anybody that brings an elephant to Him would marry the King’ Daughter. Bringing the elephant was no mean feat. This made other animals shy away and saw the demand as a tall order. The tortoise in its crafty and deceptive nature went and told elephant lies. Lies were too pleasant, the elephant could not but fall for it.
What was the lie? That King wants to make the elephant the chairman of its Ofala celebration. Ofala celebration is an elaborate celebration of festivity. It sounded too prestigious an offer to be the chair-man of such a festival.
On the appointed day, the tortoise went to the elephant. The elephant got ready and they set out on the journey. At a point the elephant got angry over the tortoise snail paced movement and feared they would miss the festival. So when the tortoise requested that it sat on the Elephant back to facilitate their movement, the elephant didn’t hesitate.
While on the elephant’s back, it requested the Elephant to allow it tie rope around its neck for stabil-ity. The elephant allowed it, being too obsessed to be the chairman of the Ofala, anything that would be an obstacle to it must be dealt with.
As they got close to the king’ Palace, the Tortoise raised his voice and sang: Nnam eze akpatam enyi, Nnam eze akpatam enyi.
( My King I have brought the Elephant) Nwa mbe isi na ikpata onye, Nwa mbe isi na ikpata onye. ( Small Tortoise who do you said you have brought? The Elephant queried) Asim ana ya chebe enyi dube enyi, odikam si na akpatam enyi. ( I said let the earth protect and guide the Elephant. Did I say I have brought Elephant?) Asim ana ya chebe enyi dube enyi, odikam si na akpatam enyi.
( I said let the earth protect and guide the Elephant. Did I said I have brought Elephant?) Okwa enyi ga abu isi oche, okwa enyi ga abu isi oche. (It is not the Elephant that will be the chairman?) Enyi na aga ayi so gi na azu gwo gwo gwo ngwo ( Elephant continue to go we are behind you, gwo gwo gwo ngwo) What do you make out of this story? So many? For me, it is a reflection of the deception, the Nigerian poor masses experience in the hands of our tricky political class.
The elephant represents the poor masses and the tortoise, the political class that comes with all man-ner of deception, tricks and manipulation. They come to us, the poor masses like the tortoise came to the elephant every election year with hopeless hope, fake promises, manipulative tendencies, while leading us to places of doom, destruction, hardship, shame and economic slavery as we dance ‘gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ not knowing we are being led to our destruction pools and points.
By size just as the elephant is 30 times bigger than the tortoise, so are the masses bigger than the polit-ical class. Same way tortoise deceived the elephant, the political class has been deceiving us. Shame! ‘Gwo Gwo ngwo’ as we sheepishly meet our Waterloo.
May God help us to realize our might and power over the minion political class of deceptive intents and use it to liberate ourselves from their claws of manipulations and slavery. Until we rise above their lies and deception, the same way the elephant was tied at the King’s Palace for shame and ridicule, same way we would continue under their suppression and subjugation. The ball is on our court!!
A disturbing trend of fraudulent recruitment agencies in Nigeria is preying on the hopes of individuals seeking caregiving jobs in the UK. This investigative piece unveils the heartbreaking stories of victims lured by false promises of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), leaving them financially and emotionally devastated. With rising demand for care workers in the UK, these scams are becoming more sophisticated, trapping many in a web of deceit. Discover the urgent need for regulatory action and awareness to protect vulnerable migrants.
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The recent announcement by Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Aiyub Omar, about the burgeoning bilateral trade relationship between Nigeria and Malaysia, which reached $956 million in 2023, opens a myriad of opportunities for young female Nigerians. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, this partnership presents unique avenues for empowerment, education, and economic participation, particularly for young women.
Education: A Gateway to Opportunity
One of the most significant aspects of this bilateral relationship is the educational exchange. Currently, over 3,386 Nigerian students are enrolled in Malaysian institutions, a number that continues to grow. For young female Nigerians, this represents not just an opportunity for academic advancement but a chance to immerse themselves in a multicultural environment that fosters personal growth and global awareness.
Studying abroad is a transformative experience, allowing young women to gain valuable skills and knowledge that are increasingly recognized on a global scale. Malaysian universities offer a range of programs that cater to diverse interests, from technology and engineering to health sciences and business. This diversity in academic offerings allows young women to pursue fields traditionally underrepresented by females, thus breaking down societal barriers and stereotypes.
Moreover, the exposure to different cultures and ideas can inspire innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. Young female Nigerians returning from Malaysia will not only bring back degrees but also new perspectives that can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development.
Economic Participation and Career Advancement
With Malaysia being Nigeria’s fourth largest trading partner in Africa, there are considerable economic opportunities that young female entrepreneurs can tap into. The existing trade relations can serve as a platform for women to engage in various sectors such as agriculture, technology, and trade. As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, there’s a pressing need for women to step into leadership roles within these industries.
Programs under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) have already benefited numerous Nigerian officials by providing training in key areas like trade, cyber security, and public administration. Young women can take advantage of such initiatives to gain critical skills that are essential for navigating today’s complex job market. By engaging in these training programs, they can build a robust professional network, enhancing their employability and career prospects.
South-South Cooperation: A Framework for Growth
The framework of South-South Cooperation, which has been a cornerstone of Malaysia’s assistance to Nigeria since 1981, can be particularly advantageous for young female Nigerians. This initiative is designed to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration among developing countries. By participating in these programs, young women can learn from Malaysia’s developmental strategies, particularly in areas like manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.
Furthermore, the exchange of expertise in sectors such as environmental management and public administration can empower young women to become change agents in their communities. This knowledge transfer can lead to the development of innovative solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges, ultimately fostering sustainable growth.
Leadership and Empowerment
The importance of female leadership cannot be overstated. As Malaysia continues to achieve economic milestones and is recognized for its political stability and safety, young Nigerian women can learn valuable lessons from Malaysian women who have made significant strides in various fields. By fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration, there is a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of female leaders in Nigeria.
Young women should actively seek mentorship opportunities from established professionals who have experience in navigating the complexities of international trade and economic collaboration. By building these connections, they can gain insights into leadership strategies, negotiation tactics, and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges.
The Role of Technology and Innovation
As Nigeria embraces digital transformation, young female entrepreneurs can leverage technology to break into markets previously dominated by their male counterparts. The increasing trade relations with Malaysia can serve as a springboard for innovation, particularly in the tech industry. Malaysia’s advancements in areas like e-commerce and digital finance offer valuable lessons that Nigerian women can adapt and implement locally.
By establishing tech startups or engaging in digital enterprises, young women can tap into the growing global digital economy. This not only enhances their economic independence but also contributes to the broader socio-economic development of Nigeria. Programs that facilitate access to funding and resources for female entrepreneurs are crucial in ensuring that these women have the necessary support to thrive.
Building a Network of Support
To maximize the benefits of the Nigeria-Malaysia relationship, young female Nigerians must actively engage with organizations and initiatives that promote women’s empowerment. Networking platforms and associations focused on women in business can provide crucial support systems. These networks can offer access to funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and workshops that equip women with the skills needed to succeed in various sectors.
Additionally, collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations that promote gender equality and women’s rights will amplify their voices in policy discussions and economic planning. By advocating for their needs and rights, young women can ensure that their perspectives are included in the broader development agenda.
The growing Nigeria-Malaysia bilateral trade relationship represents a turning point for young female Nigerians. With education, economic participation, and international cooperation at the forefront, there is an unprecedented opportunity to create a future where women can thrive in all sectors. By taking advantage of these opportunities, young women can not only transform their lives but also contribute significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria as a whole.
As they embark on this journey, it is crucial for them to remain resilient, seek out mentorship, and collaborate with peers. The potential is immense, and the time to act is now. By seizing these opportunities, young female Nigerians can pave the way for future generations, ensuring that they too can benefit from the rich tapestry of international collaboration and empowerment.
In a recent revelation, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo exposed a near catastrophe that could have cost Nigeria its burgeoning telecommunications potential. He recounted how the transition from landline to mobile telephony nearly fell victim to corruption and favoritism under General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s leadership.
The proposed sale of a lucrative telecommunications deal for a mere $3 million—pennies compared to the $280 million ultimately realized—serves as a stark reminder of how systemic corruption undermines the development of African nations, which are rich in resources and potential.
Obasanjo’s narrative sheds light on a critical moment in Nigeria’s economic evolution. Prior to the mobile revolution, Nigeria was plagued by a lack of infrastructure, with millions waiting in vain for phone lines.
The impending sale of a vital telecommunications deal to cronies for a fraction of its worth exemplifies the rampant corruption that has historically thwarted progress. By intervening and opting for a transparent auction process, Obasanjo’s administration not only salvaged the deal but also fostered a competitive landscape that invited global telecom giants like MTN and Airtel into the Nigerian market.
This intervention catalyzed a sector that has since generated billions in revenue, illustrating how effective leadership can unlock opportunities that benefit the broader economy.
However, the shadow of corruption looms large, suggesting that such instances of progress remain exceptions rather than the rule. Corruption, favoritism, and abuse of office are not merely individual failings but systemic issues embedded within the governance structures of many African nations.
These practices have often diverted resources from essential public services, deterred foreign investment, and perpetuated cycles of poverty.
Countries with significant potential for economic growth are held back by the very leaders who are supposed to champion development. As Obasanjo pointed out, the “money to develop Nigeria is out there,” contingent on the establishment of a conducive and transparent business environment.
Yet, the reality is that corruption breeds distrust among investors and citizens alike, leading to an exodus of talent and capital. Without a robust framework for governance that emphasizes accountability and integrity, African nations risk stagnation, despite their rich resources and youthful populations.
To harness their full potential, African countries must confront and dismantle the structures of corruption. This involves implementing stringent anti-corruption laws, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of accountability among public officials. Leaders must prioritize the creation of environments that not only attract foreign investment but also encourage local entrepreneurship.
Read also : How Corruption And Sabotage Are Suffocating Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector
Furthermore, the narrative of Nigeria’s telecom success should serve as a blueprint for other sectors. The potential for growth exists in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure, yet these opportunities will remain unrealized unless there is a commitment to ethical governance. The story of Nigeria’s telecommunications revolution is both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. It highlights how a single decision can pivot a nation from potential to prosperity, provided that integrity prevails over favoritism.
For African countries to truly unlock their potential, the path must be paved with transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to serving the public good. Only then can the continent transform its vast resources into tangible benefits for all its citizens.
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