Emma Ogu
29 November 2009
World class robotics engineer and one-time minister of science and technology, Professor Bart Nnaji, at the weekend warned that the Igbo nation runs the risk of becoming the most backward part of Nigeria if the current upsurge of kidnapping for ransom is not frontally checked.
Prof. Nnaji who spoke on the topic: "Ka Ihe Di" The power of light energy as a fundamental instrument of socio-economic development" at this year's Ahiajoku lecture series of Imo State Government, also submitted that public electricity supply is probably the most challenging of all the basic infrastructural facilities required for modern existence in Nigeria and Igbo land in particular.
The distinguished scholar listed other factors critical to development of Igbo land and Nigeria in his 36 page lecture to include the need for Igbo unity in practical terms, joint long-term development planning and introduction of appropriate courses and programmes in educational institutions in the area and bitterly lamented over the crisis of value in the present day Igbo land as dramatized by current phenomenon of kidnapping for ransom in the South East geopolitical zone.
While observing that kidnapping began in the country in last few years by youths in South South ostensibly protesting against official neglect of the oil rich region in an attempt to draw international attention to their plight, the lecturer regretted that the phenomenon is now more pronounced in the South East and the act is not carried out under the guise of people protesting against any form of social injustice but as acts of sheer criminality and for the purpose of opulent lifestyle.
" I am afraid our beloved Igbo land runs the risk of becoming the Sicily of Nigeria if the current sustained assault against our sacred cultural values is not fought with all our might and talent. Our culture cherishes honour, integrity, thrust and profound respect for the dignity of the human person. But these values are fast being eroded. There is perhaps nothing which dramatizes the collapse of values than the new phenomenon of kidnapping for ransom", he said.
Another critical challenge facing the Igbo nation according to Nnaji, is the imperative to draw up a long-term development plan with all the Igbo speaking people including those in Delta and Rivers states as well as the Diaspora fully involved. In this aspect, he maintained that Igbo nation may be divided into states for political and administrative reasons but the people remain one linguistically and culturally and share a common destiny. He therefore, canvassed for a joint development plan among the Igbo speaking people reminding them that after all there may be five fingers in one hand but the hands remain one.
He argued that there is no reason why Igbo land cannot replicate the Indian scenario because up to the time the first military coup occurred in Nigerial in July 15, 1966, the Eastern Nigeria had been a pacesetter in agriculture and industrialization while the Igbo set the standard in education, leadership and good governance.
He pointed out that the electric power situation in the South East geopolitical zone remains the worst in the country although this part of Nigeria arguably holds the key to Nigeria 's technological and industrial revolution.
He disclosed that it was in response to the dire power situation in the South East that he and his colleagues resolved to take advantage of federal government's liberalization of the country's economic space to build in Aba a 188-megawatt facility, Geometric Power project, to generate and distribute constant and quality electricity to industries and commercial firms and homes in Aba at competitive rates.
According to him, the project which is nearing completion, upon commissioning next year, will make the commercial nerve center of Abia state enjoy permanent electricity supply.
In his speech, Governor Ohakim of Imo state explained that the essence of the Ahiajoku lecture series is for the Igbo to forge a strong nation for its future advancement and called on the people to think seriously on how they can minimize divisive tendencies and unite for the development of the nation.
Also, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia state called for placement of emphasis on galvanizing ideas generated by Ahiajoku lecture and putting them into actions stressing that the Igbo should continue to harness their talents and transform them into something meaningful. He assured that governors of the South East are prepared to install the enabling environment for people like Professor Bart Nnaji to contribute their quota in the development of Igbo land.
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