MY NIGERIA TODAY

Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising thirty-six states and one Federal Capital Territory.

NAFDAC alerts the nation to fake anti-hypertension drugs

NAFDAC alerts the nation to fake anti-hypertension drugs
The Zonal Coordinator of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Maiduguri, Borno State, Mallam Sabo Adamu, has alerted the nation to the circulation of fake and substandard anti-hypertension drugs known as Propranolol or Inderal in the market. Adamu stated this in Maiduguri while receiving fake and substandard drugs worth more than N5m from Mr. Frank Orji for destruction, the News Agency of Nigeria said. Orji is the chairman of Nigerian Association of Patent Proprietary Medicine Dealers of Gamboru Unit, Maiduguri. The coordinator said that the drug was not registered with the agency, adding that the agency could not guarantee the safety and quality of the drugs. He, therefore, advised that anybody having the medicine in stock should surrender it to NAFDAC or face sanctions. The co-ordinator, who commended the efforts of NAPPMED, also challenged other stakeholders in pharmacies, supermarkets and warehouses to demonstrate same and safeguard the lives of innocent consumers. Adamu warned medicine dealers in Borno to desist from buying drugs from traders, who, he said, peddled all sorts of fake drugs from Onitsha and Kano at giveaway prices. According to him, some of the merchants use Kano motor park and Hausari ward in the metropolis to transport the drugs to Chad and Cameroun Republics. He said the agency had mounted its surveillance cameras in those areas to track down the dealers. Adamu said that NAFDAC, in collaboration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, would soon organise a sensitisation workshop. He said the workshop would seek to educate and empower consumers with adequate knowledge on their rights to access safe, efficacious and quality products.

EFCC: What Manner of Castration?

EFCC: What Manner of Castration?

By Yakubu Obaaro
To watchers of developments in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the zeal, maturity and courage of its new chairperson, Mrs Farida Waziri cannot but stimulate deep interests. In just two months of being at the helm of the anti-graft agency, lots of changes have taken place both in the internal workings of the EFCC and in the public perception of the agency. It is interesting to note that adherence to the rule of law and transparent handling of cases have been the hallmark of the new leadership of the EFCC. I have been watching with keen interests the restructuring exercises taking place in the agency and up till now, the exercises have largely been premised on building a more virile institution and making the agency respectful of democratic tenets. So, I was at a loss some few days ago when I read some media reports about covert moves being allegedly made to castrate the EFCC. I was particularly pained that such reports neither did justice to the repositioning initiatives of the new leadership of the EFCC nor offer pragmatic proofs of some of the moves that are aimed at the jugular of the agency.No doubt, some fundamental changes have been made at the EFCC. Its pioneer chairman, Nuhu Ribadu was removed in controversial circumstances and even now, the Police Service Commission, PSC, seemed to have added another controversy to the Ribadu persona by demoting him by two ranks. In all honesty, Ribadu did his best for Nigeria while holding sway as the EFCC boss. It is however strange and preposterous for anyone to link his demotion with an attempt to castrate the EFCC. Are we saying that the future of the EFCC is inextricably linked with Ribadu? Shouldn't we begin to see the EFCC as an institution that is greater than individuals and even groups? EFCC is an idea. Victor Hugo said that “there is something greater than all the armies in the world and that is an idea whose time has come”. The EFCC is an idea whose time has come. It is an idea of transparency, zero tolerance for corruption, accountability and probity. These ideas are greater than any individual. Another plank upon which critics of the EFCC are basing their castration theory is that key officers of the anti-corruption agency are being redeployed from their beats. If our minds are open and not jaundiced by other interests, which organization in the world is run effectively without being dynamic? Is it practicable for a new administration in any organization to consign itself to old arrangements without pursuing its own vision? In what concrete ways has the EFCC been castrated? If for anything, we need to applaud the new boss of the anti-graft agency for her courage and consistence. There are so many fresh, high-profile cases she has opened in the two months that she assumed office. Is she not working with the key officers that her critics said she has been moving around? It is evident that all the claims of castration of the EFCC are hollow and self-serving. The new momentum generated by its fresh prosecutions of some politicians is enough proof that the new leadership of the EFCC is on the right tract.Take the arrest and prosecution of Bode George, a prominent chieftain of the ruling People's Democratic Party, PDP in the South-West as an example. Some of us have joined issues with the EFCC a few months back over his case. We were demanding that his activities as the chairman of the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority ,NPA, be looked into. For some strange reasons, Ribadu and his team delayed actions on his arrest and prosecution. Now, Waziri has docked Bode George and yet some people are still talking of EFCC being castrated. How many foreign contractors were probed by the EFCC when Ribadu was in the saddle? This woman dazed everyone when some few days after her confirmation, she docked the Austrian Contractor that fronted for those who messed up the aviation intervention fund. And some few days after, she nabbed the big masquerades behind the contractors. Yet, some people are still sneering at such an effort. Waziri has maintained a pattern of democratic civility in the way arrests and prosecution are being done. We are seeing results without noise-making. We are seeing actions rather than fiery speeches. This is the face of the new EFCC. It is possible for some Nigerians, who, out of patriotic fervour and genuine desire for total cleansing of the nation, to express genuine fears about the future of the anti-corruption war in the light of a rather high turn over of the leadership of the EFCC in the last eight months. Such fears are legitimate. However, the expression of such fears should be balanced by the realities on the ground. Mrs. Waziri has demonstrated that she is not a push over by her moves which are already causing jitters among politicians. We read in the newspapers a few days ago that some politicians, sensing danger about the no-nonsense woman shepherding the EFCC, were contemplating going on exile so as to evade arrests and prosecution. Will such politicians ever make such propositions if Waziri were to be a weakling? Does such a proposition lend credence to the castration theory of EFCC's critics. It is easier for whoever that has no problem with the EFCC to propose any theory and even mobilize support for such a theory. Ask those who are facing the teeth of the wind in that Commission and they will tell you how cold it feels!The anti-corruption war is our war. We all have equal stakes in the future of Nigeria. So, our best energies should be deployed to building confidence in the minds of fellow Nigerians and outsiders about efforts being made to bring corrupt elements in our midst to book. Both the EFCC and ICPC cannot do it alone. What do we stand to gain in a castrated EFCC? Where there are genuine cases to make of the activities of the anti-corruption agencies, we should be quick and bold to make such cases without hiding behind any personal, group or sectarian interests. If Waziri and her team continue in the way they are going now, in four years time, we may as well be rolling out drums in celebration of a new Nigeria of our dream. Of course, Waziri and EFCC should be carefully monitored to avoid derailment. But, it is not true that her moves are pointing to a castration agenda for the EFCC.In what practical ways can we assist the EFCC? Waziri has spoken of her resolve to make the fight take the form of a revolution. She has talked about reaching the grassroots with the anti-corruption message in a way that will compel holders of power at the local government level more accountable to their people. She has spoken of her determination to monitor activities of all financial institutions, including banks so as to make them more compliant with regulations and more responsive to the demands of the investing publics. In doing all these, she has promised to make the EFCC more formidable and more globally competitive. I think, what we should be doing is to continue to monitor her activities in this regard. We should ensure that Waziri keep faith with her declared intentions to make Nigeria too hot for fraudsters and corrupt elements. I make bold to state here that it is very difficult for anyone, Waziri inclusive, to castrate the EFCC “before our very eyes!” To ensure the success of the anti-corruption war, Waziri and her team should work on an effective whistle-blowing mechanism that will facilitate the reporting of corrupt practices in government and the private sector. The truth of the issue is that there seems to be no serious cover for whoever seeks to offer tangible clues to the EFCC about what is happening around. I think one of the reasons why the EFCC is not getting enough convictions in our courts is the lack of cover for witnesses who may want to testify against corrupt elements in our midst. This is very important and Waziri being a consummate lawyer knows what all this is all about. In a similar vein, the judiciary should do more than it is doing in dealing with cases of corruption. There is no way the EFCC can be the accuser and the judge in its own case. The power of the judiciary begins where that of the EFCC stops! This is the dilemma. So, in appraising the success of the anti-corruption war, we should always bear in mind that the judiciary also has very significant roles to play. If the EFCC continues to do its own beat, the judiciary should also take the initiatives to do its own work. This way, the war will be a total victory.On the whole, those who are waiting to see the EFCC castrated may have to wait forever. Those of us who have abiding confidence and un-wavering faith in the abilities of Waziri and her team to succeed will continue to do everything within our power to assist the EFCC. The EFCC is the only positive link we have with the rest of the world. I'm sure President Yar'adua knows this. So, all support should be given the agency and the ICPC to make them do us proud all the time. Anything short of this may be disastrous for us and generations yet un-born. Obaaro wrote from Kaabe, Kogi state

Yar’Adua approves local satellite manufacturing centre

Yar’Adua approves local satellite manufacturing centre
President Umaru Yar’Adua has approved the construction of a centre for the local manufacture of satellite infrastructure.
The Director-General, National Space Research and Development Agency, Prof. Robert Boroffice, who disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja, said the target was to make satellite locally in the country by 2012.
He also disclosed that the country had secured the services of the Ukraine satellite launch vehicle, Dnepr, for the launch of its second earth observation satellite, Nigeria SAT-2, which is expected in the orbit by the last quarter of 2009.
Nigeria currently has two satellites in space. While the first, an earth observation satellite, was manufactured by the Surrey Satellite Technology Limited of United Kingdom, the second, a communications satellite, was manufactured by the Great Wall Industry Corporation of China .
But with the establishment of a local satellite manufacturing facility, it is hoped that the nation will end the era of importation of satellite. Apart from Nigeria SAT-2 which is also being handled by SSTL, there are plans to import new communications satellite in the next two years.
Towards the local manufacture of satellite in the country, the authorities had incorporated technology transfer in the current importation model to ensure that satellite manufacturing competencies are gradually transferred onto Nigerian engineers and scientists.
Already, 14 Nigerians are trying their hands on the manufacture of an experimental satellite dubbed; Nigeria SAT-X, but in an offshore facility belonging to SSTL. Also, some NASRDA engineers have developed the Automatic Robotic Control System, a major component of the satellite. Boroffice said, “We have got the presidential approval to build the infrastructure for manufacturing satellite, which is called, Satellite Assembly Integration and Test Centre. We have identified a very good partner and the documents for processing the contract is already with the Bureau of Public Procurement. “As soon as the document is out, we will take it to the Federal Executive Council. Once FEC approves it, we would start building the infrastructure. Hopefully in the next four years, our engineers should be able to build our own satellite here; within these premises.” Boroffice said the local manufacture of satellite would cut down the cost by as much as 50 per cent. He also said with the local manufacture, the country could launch more satellite missions into space.
On SAT-2, the NASRDA boss said, “Discussions are in advanced stage as far the insurance of Nigeria SAT-2 is concerned. It is very important that we insure before we launch the satellite. The launch also has reached an advance stage.
“We had to shop around for a suitable launch vehicle. Five years ago, when we launched Nigeria SAT-1, there were many launch options. Then, the Russian launch vehicles were available. You know, they were converted from missiles. But they have almost used up everything. So launch vehicles are now very scarce to get. I mean those that are not expensive.
“Finally, we have got one in Ukraine, which we are going to use. There were two options – the Falcon from the United States and Dnepr from Ukraine . When you look at the heritage of the two, Dnepr has the higher heritage than Falcon.”

Doctors are fast losing respect and leadership role in the health sector

Doctors are fast losing respect and leadership role in the health sector Dr. Jide Idris (Lagos State Commissioner for Health)
REKNOWED for his frankness, openess and fluid grasp of issues relating to the beleaguered health sector, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris is the average reporter’s delight anyday. Friday last week, Good Health Weekly ran into the down-to-earth commissioner at the 2008 National Executive Council Meeting/AGM/ Scientific Meeting of the Lagos State branch of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.
In his characteristic style, Idris, seized the opportunity to comment on a host of salient issues. It is a must read. Enjoy!On role of doctors in the health sector
“There is no doubt that we have enormous challenges in the health sector. These problems were created over the years and not overnight. I make bold to say that the Lagos State Government has demonstrated enough commitment to addressing these and will continue to do so within the limits of resources available.
However, it is also my belief that government cannot do this alone. It requires the collective contributions from every one of us, and more importantly from members of our noble profession - the medical profession. We cannot make the badly needed changes and progress in the sector without we doctors. Sadly and regrettably so, and if we are to be sincere with ourselves, we seem to have lost or fast losing our respect and leadership role in the sector.
We do not positively contribute to policy making in the country. We are not proactive but remain continuously reactive. I also do not believe all is lost. I believe our profession must give the right leadership if we are to make any appreciable impact on the sector. To do this, we must adopt a different strategy. One that does’ not encourage unnecessary confrontation, cheap blackmail, falsehood, rabble-rousing, extieme selfishness, and disrespect to our senior colleagues. All these to me, are definitely strange to the ethics of our noble profession.
On harassment of doctors by KAI officials on environmental sanitation daysI must confess this is news to me. Medical services are essential services and doctors are expected to be on essential services. Doctors carry out essential duties and there must be way of exempting them during the sanitation. I have a feeling there might be problem of identification.
Since anyone could impersonate a doctor, I’m sure if a doctor is properly identified, I do not think there should be a problem. There is no way or reason why a doctor should be disturbed from going about his normal services of providing healthcare. I have not heard about this matter before. If it had been brought to us officially, we would have taken it up with the appropriate Ministry, but I will look into it.”
On the survivors of the fuel tanker accident at OrileFree treatment is being made available to all the survivors currently recuperating at Isolo General Hospital and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). They are being treated free of charge in line with the policy of the Lagos State government.
I am going to Isolo General Hospital and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) now to see the patients. A close relation of mine was involved in the accident and, unfortunately he is dead. But as usual, the State government will meet its obligations to those affected. We only hope we do not witness this kind of disaster again. I do not know exactly how many people died in the incident, but from the figures we have it is between eight and 10, I need to confirm.On the state of LASUTH
I went there on a visit unannounced. I spoke to the patients on their complaints and see what facilities are available and what we need to provide and I must say there were a number of things we discovered and need to address, some immediately, others we need to put in our budget for next year, because they are urgently needed, the issue of basic medical equipment is already in process following the governor’s approval and some are coming in soon, we also need to expand the laboratory and equip it properly, but this will be a priority next year. We do know there is a shortage of staff there, but we are addressing this.
On the poor state of Ayinke HouseWe have received complaints about Ayinke House, but we know that in every organisation there are bad eggs and they are things we need to accept. It is a major problem in every government. I believe you are aware of what happened recently at Massey Street Hospital. We set up an investigation committee and the panel has submitted its report and recommendations and different measures are being handed to people found wanting.
We intend to do the same thing at Ayinke House. To address things like this specifically, there is a different monitoring unit the composition of which many people do not know. We go there unannounced and just to check the state of things. More importantly however, there is need for education and re-orientation our members of staff. It is an attitude thing and you cannot change attitude overnight.
I won’t give reasons for what has happened because these are things that have happened over the years. We are currently organizing different for a to address the issue of attitudinal change withing the different cadres of the health sector. Indeed it is a problem. We are hoping to go through the professional bodies to talk to these people.
On the Coroners’ System Law
What wehave is a matter of law. There may be some misunderstanding or misrepresentation of that law. One thing that must be understood however is that the law has been passed and there are procedures and processes that are formulated in the packaging of this law. If anyone wants to change the law, there are processes that they may have to go through. What we have done is to try to sensitise the different stakeholders. Mind you, the objective of this law is not directed at any professional group at all. The objective is very clear.
It is to avoid unwanted death in our society. Different groups including the medical people have a role to play, but they need to understand what is going on. I think the law is being misinterpreted.I do not want to look at the action of the Medical Guild as a bluff because you cannot bluff the law. It is simple. If you are uncomfortable with certain aspects of that law, there are processes for effecting changes and the Federal Ministry of Justice would listen to them to look at the various areas where they are aggrieved and jointly address them.
Even the Governor cannot cancel the law. It is the House that passed the law and they went through different processes and public hearings so that those who were aggrieved opportunity to raise them before they passed the law. If the law is to be changed, they have to pass through the same process. I think it is a matter of misunderstanding or misrepresentation of certain facts which we hope to address. It is not a serious matter.”

Breast feeding and infant mortality.

As breast feeding is declining in Nigeria, infant mortality rates are rising
When was the last time you saw a woman breast feed her baby either in the bus, office or at the market place? In Nigeria today, it is fast becoming an old fashioned practice to see a woman take pride in breast feeding her little one. Even in most cases, young Nigerian women see it as over- labouring their whole being. While some describe it as being “old school” to breast feed a baby exclusively for at least six months, some say it causes the breasts to sag faster. Apparently, ignorant of the fact that breast feeding still remains the ideal means of providing essential nutrients through the breast milk for a growing infant, several mothers still resort to artificial milk.
No wonder latest reports by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) as recorded in the 2008 ear’s World Breast Feeding Week shows that in Nigeria the figure of breast is becoming lower, rather than increasing.
The UNICEF reports also shows that the gains previously made in exclusive breastfeeding are being eroded in Nigeria today. According to available statistics, in 1999, 22 per cent of children were exclusively breastfed in the country, unfortunately, this came down to 17 per cent in 2003, today only 11.7 per cent of children are exclusively breastfed for six months in Nigeria.
However, over the years experts have found that breast feeding provides the best possible start to life in all areas of development. Evidences have confirmed that early initiation of a child to breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding practices for the first six months of a child’s life can save more than one million babies. Similarly, in the recent years and with ample evidences, breast feeding has been justifiably called the ‘Gold Standard’ for infant.
To mark this year’s World Breast Feeding Week with the theme, “Mother Support: Going for Gold” with the Slogan “Everyone Wins”, UNICEF , along with the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have recommended the provision of increased professional and informal support for breastfeeding mothers.
According to UNICEF Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman, “Breastfeeding is a key tool in improving child survival and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life can avert up to 13 per cent of under-five deaths in developing countries like Nigeria.
UNICEF noted that although there has been progress over the past 15 years, only 38 per cent of infants under six months of age in the developing world are exclusively breastfed.
Recent scientific studies have found that education and support for mothers significantly extends the number of months that mothers breastfeed, and is especially helpful in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Other studies have shown that counselling and support in health facilities have led to increases in the number of mothers who initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life reduces infant mortality linked to common childhood illnesses and under nutrition.
Breastfeeding can reduce the number of deaths caused by acute respiratory infection and diarrhea - two major child killers - as well as from other infectious diseases. It also contributes to the health of mothers, and creates a bond between the mother and child.
Appropriate infant feeding can save lives, ensure optimal growth and development, and contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.The breast feeding is celebrated is in 192 countries from 1st August to 7th annually across the world.

Inside Obasanjo’s library complex

Inside Obasanjo’s library complex

The much touted monumental library project of former President Olusegun Obasanjo is in the works. Mooted while in government, it has generated heated debates. Joke Kujenya who last Thursday toured the complex sited in Ijeun Lukosi Community, Abeokuta reports with inputs from Ernest Nwokolo
The scenario is atypical of opulence amid indolence. To the right side of the main gate of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) is the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mega Station. The filling station, OOPL’s immediate next-door-neighbour had many residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital queuing with 10 litre gallons to fill with kerosene. The scenario cuts a pitiful spectacle. The people defied both the drizzle of rain and blaze of sunlight as they sat still hoping-against-hope for the cooking fuel. Men, women, boys and girls, old and young, sit, stand, stoop low and some with their two hands placed on their heads waiting for their turns to be served colourless flammable oil.
OOPL is located in Ijeun Lukosi Community directly opposite Magbon Kobape village seated between the Presidential Boulevard and Abiola Way on the outskirts of Abeokuta. To the left wing of its gate is a plain spread of stubborn grass land. Though the OOPL’s Library fence spreads a long strectch out to demarcate its compound from the outside world; yet the beauty of the enclosing structure is swallowed by the height of the hard grass. A little walk about one metre away brings one to the first sign of life on the section of the field.
A young man was sighted washing a car which probably belonged to a man sitting with a lady under a shaft tent provided for clients. In the cool of the Bamboo pavillion, the two engaged in heated arguments and were practically oblivious of others. Asked about the library being built in the neighbourhood, the car-wash personnel said it was a welcome idea for the fact that someday soon, probably people like him could be educated by the resources provided. "Though, I don’t know if people like me will be allowed in when the library fully begins operations", he said in the local dialect all through the discussion.
Still a little short distance away from the car wash is a budding block industry. It was situated in a small space of land. Though fenced, it has no gate to protect the products from predators.
Such was the contrast in the neighbourhood of the OOPL project. Across the road were a handful of food and fruit sellers. To these ones, the former president was just building another ‘house’.
But to a more enlightened Mrs. Esther Kester, a nurse, who had just bought kerosene, "the Library is welcome at least in Abeokuta. Now, we have a place where our children can go someday to read books instead of engaging in time wasting ventures. Although, I would have preferred it situated in a more civilised setting than this place; (pointing) as you can see, this is a village and not many people around here are educated."
At the entrance of the OOPL, a visitor’s first stop is the security post. It is a one room chamber with a mobile policeman seated behind a table. He barely looks the way of incoming visitors as there is another table outside. Behind the table are seated two men with large hard cover note books for registration of workers to the premises.
When approached, they politely turned back our correspondent saying that no visitor is allowed into the premises of the presidential library until its operation commences. But unknown to them our correspondent had walked around from the outer to the inner courts. Though a lot of work is still required to give the place a befitting outlook, there is every indication that a beautiful edifice is being constructed.
On entering the compound one is welcomed by a dome shaped Church building. It is situated on the left side of the entrance. Local and foreign workers are all over the compound standing. Almost completed and painted in a merge of chocolate and light brown colours are the large structures of the OOPL Hotels which is believed to be the income generating part of the project.
Next are beautiful displays of rocks, a wonderful work of nature that will offer scholars excellent environment for studying and relaxation. Close to the rocks is the museum edifice; still under construction. Largely, the ground is still a lot grassy and unkempt. A voyage further to the extreme shows a private guest house on the right where Obasanjo was hosting his visiting American Consultants last Thursday. There are also two bungalow buildings to the left which are part of the OOPL complex.
At some point, the reporter got accosted by a security man, but was let alone and cautioned. Efforts were made to speak with close personnel to the project, but none was willing to comment. Much later, our reporter got invited to the Olusegun Obasanjo Hilltop residence at the GRA along Abeokuta-Shagamu Express road.
The Hilltop as it is popularly called is another architectural masterpiece. The structure sits atop a high rock as it overlooks many other houses in Abeokuta. In there, besides the two security chalets, are three major visible buildings all painted in cool golden yellow colour. We were ushered into a beautiful waiting room to meet with one of the visiting consultants, Ms. Tracy Roosevelt, Content Coordinator and African Projects Specialist with the Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA). She is the great grand-daughter of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd president of the United States of America, (USA). The 25 years old lady, a London School of Economics graduate in International History with African focus said she is in Nigeria as a representative of the RAA. In a chat with The Nation, she explained that the relevance of a presidential library is that "It takes the ideas that the president fosters during his administration and puts them in a place where people can continue to learn from."
Mr. Nick Appelbaum, son of Ralph Appelbaum, an American firm of Designers and Architects that Obasanjo recently signed a N6million deal with; said presidential libraries in the US do not open as quickly as this one is about to be opened. "They often take as long as 10 to 20 years more. It is a huge project that requires a lot of courage."
Last week, the OOPL sealed a $6million contract with RAA for the development of the museum component of the Presidential Library project. A few days later, it was announced that another N3.5billion is needed, making many to wonder why such large amount is required. During the launching of the library fund in May 2004, billions of naira was raised from government and corporate individuals. Obasanjo was accused of using his office to extort money from donors. Dr Christopher Kolade has however risen in defence of the additional fund saying it is a justifiable because the library would be a repository of African objects and artifacts. Curiously every other thing about the library seems shrouded in secrecy. No Nigerian personnel, including the editorial board members, coordinators of the project and many others reached on phone were willing to talk. They all claimed that they were not competent to speak with the press.
Expectedly, observers are querying the rationale of having mass building of hotels, a church and a museum in an atmosphere meant to be serene for acquisition of knowledge. In particular, they expressed surprise at the largeness of the hotels and the museum which seem to be given more attention and funding than the actual library. Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on Thursday in Abeokuta, while reacting to Dr. Christopher Akolade’s remarks that an American agency was contracted in a $6million deal to develop the museum component of the library, said the entire project was an executive extortion. He also said the overall approach is devoid of due process and described the OOPL as korofo ishana, meaning an empty match box that is without any element of culture.
The controversial OOPL complex is reportedly founded on Obasanjo’s three philosophical principles that formed his administrative policies: leadership, transparency and agriculture. The initiative is patterned after President Roosevelt’s model and it is divided into three major sections: the main museum/library; recreation and leisure services as well as housing/support facilities.