Poverty - Govt Tasked On Policy Change

from All Africa

This Day (Lagos)

By Abimbola Akosile
Lagos

The Federal Government have been called upon to shift focus to human-centred development policies, for the benefit of average Nigerians.

The call was made by Chief B. O. Benson, SAN, at a book presentation on development last week at the University of Lagos.

The 121-page titled, 'On the Crisis of Under-development," was authored by Professor Adebayo Ninalowo, a Unilag Sociology lecturer.

Benson, who chaired the presentation, said poverty in Nigeria is caused by under-development, which in turn is caused by poor planning by governing authorities.

He said any development policy with a human face would help ameliorate the appalling living conditions of the average citizen in Nigeria and all over the world.

The book, a compilation of the author's published articles, related research reports and papers, which has six chapters, was published in 2005.

It dwells extensively on disparities between the natural expectations of Nigerians in a democratic setting, and the reality on ground in terms of human conditions, which he described as the crisis of under-development.

The author (Ninalowo), according to the book reviewer, Dr. Rasheed Akinyemi of Unilag's Department of Political Science, also sought to establish an analytical network among social democratic governance, legitimation crisis, and the problems of under-development.

Ninalowo claimed an ideal democracy contains six parameters namely democratic legitimisation process, separation of powers, modes of popular empowerment, the rule of law, coercive security apparatus of the state, transparency and accountability, which are organically connected with potential to address the amelioration of the human condition.

Also, The Vice-Chancellor of Unilag, Professor Tolu Odugbemi, called on government to improve the conditions of service of university teachers and provide a conducive environment for students to learn, which will help improve the ranking of Nigerian universities on the global scale.

A highlight of the presentation was a drama sketch by students of the Creative Arts Department, wherein the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria chose to fight for a major share of the national cake at the detriment of other lesser ethnic groups, but ended up sharing the resources equitably.

Among those who graced the event were the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi, Captain Harrison Kuti, over ten professors of Unilag, members of the Oriwu Club of Ikorodu, and students of more than five Faculties.