BREDAC FOUNDATION

NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE SOUTH-SOUTH REGION OF NIGERIA.

Preambles: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,

saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil to give

you an expected end” Jeremiah 29:11. KJV.

The needs and aspirations of the people of the South-SoutH

Region of Nigeria are not different from the plan of God

foR mankind. In the above scriptures, the LORD says, His plan

for us is peace and not of evil or calamity, so as to give us a

hope and a better future.However from the beginning of the Independence of Nigeria, the people of the South-South

Region have been suffering from economic and political marginalisation. So many factors have been responsible for

this.

These includes:

1. The divide and rule structure of our colonial master, the British.
2. Disunity among the people of the South-South.
3. Lack of political will of the people of the South-South to form a formidable political party for the region, like the Northerners, the South-West and South-East.
4. Oppression of the people of the South-South by the other regional groups.
5. The intervention of the Military in the act of governance.
6. The parochial attitude of the people of the South-South. For example the unfriendly attitude between the Ijaws and the Itsekiris.
7. The selfish interest of those in leadership positions in the South-South.

The Struggle for Freedom and Justice.

Several individuals from the South-South had fought for the freedom and

justice of the people

These includes:

1. Late Chief Dappa Biriye.
2. Late Chief Melford Okilo.
3. Late Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
4. Late Mrs Margret Ekpo.
5. Late Mr Ken Saro Wiwa.
6. Chief EK Clarke.
7. Others.

The Needs and Aspirations.

Basically the needs and aspirations of the people of the South-South Region

are not different from those of other regions. However, the rights of those

from the South-South have most of the time been suppressed by those in

authority. These rights includes:

1. Right to attain higher positions of authority.

2. Right to own an oil block.

3. Right to live in peace.

4. Right to speak freely without been intimidated.

5. Right to economic empowerment.

6. Right to good infrastructural development.

7. Right to clean environment. Most of our rivers have been badly polluted

due to oil spillage.

Conclusion: Nobody will give the people of the South-South Region the rights

that we truly desire. The South-South people have got to fight for their rights.

South-South people it is time to fight for your right by standing together and

advocating vigorously for your rights without violence. God bless you.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD LEADER

Preambles: “But the LORD said unto Samuel. Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

(1 Samuel 16:7. KJV.)

In the eyes of God, leadership has nothing to do with the external qualities, but on a man`s heart. David was a man after God`s own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14). God chose him to be king of Israel.

(1 Samuel 16;11-13).

12- Qualifications of a Good Leader.

1.   Able and God-Fearing. – Exodus 18:21; 2 Samuel 23:3; Ezra 7:25.

2.   Truthful. – Deuteronomy 16:19.

3.   Having hatred of covetousness. – Exodus 18:21.

4.   Of a disposition to refuse bribes. – Exodus 23:8.

5.   Wise and understanding. – Deuteronomy 1:13.

6.   Prominent in the tribe. – Deuteronomy 1:13.

7.   Having love of justice and judgment. – Deuteronomy 1:16, 16;18-19, 27;19; Zechariah 7;9-10.

8.   Without respect of persons. – Deuteronomy 1:17.

9.   Fearless. – Deuteronomy 1:17.

10.                   Conscientious. – Deuteronomy 1:17.

11.                   Strong and courageous. – Joshua 1:7.

12.                   Obedient to the law. – Joshua 1;7-8.

It is high time that those seeking for any appointment into any political office, be subjected to a Quality Test as listed above, before been elected or appointed to that office.  2019 General Election is coming soon. Therefore, let us ensure that those we elect into power meet this qualification test before we cast our vote for them. Thank you.

THE SOUTH-SOUTH REGION OF NIGERIA, THE PEOPLE, THEIR LEADERS AND PROBLEMS

Preambles: “Two are better than one: because they have a good reward for their labour.” Ecclesiastes 4:9.

The South-South Region of Nigeria is a region blessed with great resources. These resources include, Palm Trees, Cassava, Fish, Plantain, Bananas, Fruits, Limestone, Natural Gas, Crude Oil etc. Yet the region is the most backward in Nigeria due to the following reasons: Poor Infrastructures, Low Employment, Little or No Commerce and Industry, Poor Power Supply, Poor Education, Poor Basic Health Care, etc. Most of these problems are largely due to the disunity and parochial sentiments of the people, particularly the leaders. The leaders show no interest in the well-being of their people. They like to be idolised and worshiped. They are very selfish, arrogant and have poor mentality. On the other hand the people themselves are egoistic and lack respect for their elders. Unless the people and their leaders begin to change from these negative attitudes and are willing to work together for the common benefit of the region, no meaningful progress can take place. Politics have even divided the people, due to their various political party affiliations. The various ethnic associations are not co-operating with one another.-

What is the way forward?

The way forward is for both the people and their leaders to understand that they need each other. They must be willing to work together to achieve the common goal of strengthening the capacity of the region in terms of development, needs and aspirations of the region. They must learn to co-operate with each other in the spirit of solidarity, peace and progress. The leaders must lead by good example and the people must learn to respect their leaders. The region must evolve its own unique political party that will promote the wishes, needs and aspirations of the people of the region. Remember together we stand as a vibrant and progressive region. But divided we fall and become enslaved by the stronger region.

Long live South-South Region. Long live BREDAC FOUNDATION. 

Do not forget our slogan.

BREDAC FOUNDATION- SOLIDARITY.

BREDAC FOUNDATION- PEACE.

BREDAC FOUNDATION- PROGRESS.

CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE IN NIGERIA - PART TWO

Preambles: According to John Mason – All humankind is divided into three classes: Those that are unchangeable, those that are changeable, and those that cause change.

In continuation of the above subject matter I will now go into the other four areas of change.

Political Change:

Perhaps the most difficult aspect of change that Nigeria is passing through is political change. Right from the days of our colonial master- Britain, we are yet to make any meaningful progress in this area. This is due to a number of reasons: 1. Selfishness, 3. Ethnic Differences, 4. Religious Intolerance, 5. Corruption etc. Nevertheless, we can still achieve positive results in this area if we truly respect one and others needs and aspirations. One way to achieve this is by implementation of the outcome of the previous national conference resolutions that was conducted under former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR).

Environmental Change:

Due to the interference with the ecology most of our lands are suffering from terrible ecological degradation. Government must show greater commitment to restoring the environment to its original condition. To do this Government must carry out proper study of the environment and also establish good laws to protect the environment from further hazards.

Economic Change:

A proper control and use of the available resources of the country will help to improve our economy and create positive change in this area. So much of our resources have been wasted due to mismanagement.  The flaring of our natural gas by the oil companies, in the Niger Delta Region is a good example.

Bureaucratic Change:

Bureaucracy is the greatest impediment to the progress of our country. A lot of changes must be made so as to bring about positive change in our bureaucratic system. These includes: issues of 1. Contract Award, 2. Due Process, 3. Finance and Banking Policies, 4. Administration. 5. Government Policies. etc.

Thank you for reading.

CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE IN NIGERIA - PART ONE

Preambles:  According to John Mason- All humankind is divided into three classes: Those that are unchangeable, those that are changeable, and those that cause change.

Many people fail in life because they are unwilling to change. The greatest unhappy people are those that fear to change. In this topic my major concern is on those that cause changes to happen. Through prayer and careful planning we can create positive changes. There are seven areas of importance where we need positive change in Nigeria. These are:

1.   Spiritual Change.

2.   Attitudinal Change.

3.   Ethical Change.

4.   Political Change.

5.   Environmental Change.

6.   Economic Change.

7.   Bureaucratic Change.

Spiritual Change:

Job said “If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” Job14:14. There is a spiritual change from one form of life to another. Hence, it is very important for someone to consider the next stage of life, so that he or she will not end up in the wrong place after death. There are just two places one may end up after death. These are, heaven and hell. Heaven is for those who have repented and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Personal Saviour. Hell is for those who have rejected Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Where do you want to end up after death? The choice is yours.

Attitudinal Change:

Apostle Paul said “I BESEECH you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2.

The attitude of many Nigerians is very poor. They are arrogant, envious, intolerant and insolent. The only acceptable standard according to Romans 12:2 is that of good, acceptable and perfect will of God, by not conforming to the world but to God`s standard. This is possible as we renew our minds daily with the word of God. This will lead to positive change of one`s attitude and our nation.

Ethical or Behavioural Change:

Our behaviour needs to change for our nation to make progress. Quite often, Nigerians behave as though there are no laws to guide us, especially those holding political appointments. They see themselves as demigods and untouchable, despite the laws that exist in the country. Positive change of behaviour must start with each individual person in Nigeria. The best instrument for ethical change is the word of God. The Bible says “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth: but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shall make thy way prosperous, and then thou shall have good success.” Joshua 1:8. The Bible gives us ethical standards that we must follow if we want to succeed in life and create a positive change in our generation.

REMEMBERING A TRUE AFRICAN AND NIGERIAN NAVAL PIONEER: LATE ADMIRAL NELSON BOSSMAN SOROH

Rear Admiral Nelson Bossman Soroh, MFR
FSS idc
Chief of the Naval Staff (January 1973 – July 1975)
“PERPETUAL FIRST LORD OF THE NIGERIAN
ADMIRALTY”
Admiral Soroh was not the first indigenous officer
to rise to the headship of the Nigerian Navy, but
his career was characterised by a litany of
Nigerian, West African and African firsts.
*He was the FIRST seaman officer to become the
Chief of the Naval Staff;
*the FIRST Able Seaman to become a cadet in the
whole of West Africa;
*the FIRST African to be accepted for training at
the Royal Navy for Sub-tech course with effect
from 21 August 1958;
*the FIRST Nigerian to command a warship when
he was appointed to command HMNS KADUNA,
taking over from an RN officer, Lieutenant
Commander Walting from December 1960;
* the FIRST black African to sail a warship
between Europe and Nigeria. He was
commanding officer of HMNS OGOJA which was
sailed to Lagos 27 September 1963.
*He was the FIRST commanding officer of the
flagship of the NNS NIGERIA (later renamed
OBUMA), a Dutch-built frigate.
*He was the FIRST Seaman to be appointed
Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff and the
appointment was made personal to him at a time
when the CNS was absorbed almost totally in
state matters.
*He was the FIRST Admiral to publish his
autobiography, “A Sailor’s Dream” adjudged to be
a classic on the Nigerian Navy and leadership.

BY Dip Tounaregha A. Cicero

BREDAC FOUNDATION PHOTO

DECISIONS OF THE MEETING OF BREDAC FOUNDATION HELD IN LAGOS ON WEDNESDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2018

The following are our decisions:
1.   Henceforth our monthly meetings would now hold every First Saturday of each month.
2.   Meetings will still start by 2:00 pm.
3.   Members residing in Port-Harcourt , Calabar, Uyo, Asaba, Warri , Benin City, and Yenagoa, are to organise a monthly meeting in line with the vision, mission and objectives of BREDAC FOUNDATION.
4.   Members residing in Port-Harcourt, Calabar, Uyo, Asaba, Warri, Benin City and Yenagoa are to choose their own venue, date and time for their meetings.
5.   Report of the outcome of any meeting should be forwarded to this e-mail address : bredacfoundation@aol.com, for the awareness of the Head Office in Lagos.
6.   Suggestions that will help the group to move forward will be welcome.
7.   Members are to make good use of our platform on facebook (ie BREDAC FOUNDATION) to send in posts that are relevant to the objectives of the group.

THANK YOU.

UNIFYING THE SOUTH-SOUTH REGION OF NIGERIA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Preambles:

“Can two walk together, except they have agreed? Amos 3:3.

The South-South Region of Nigeria, which comprises of the following States- Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Cross River is a region that has the highest number of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. Unlike the other sub regions, which have a common language that unites them together, the South-South Region does not have a common language that is widely spoken. Hence, the people are not fully united. However, it is important to state that this barrier of language is not sufficient enough to hinder the unity of the region. There are, other common ground by which the South-South Region can work together in agreement for a sustainable development.

What are the common grounds by which the South-South Region can work together in agreement?

This includes the following:

1.The huge oil and gas deposits.

2.The similarity of culture and tradition in the region.

3.The vast rivers that links the communities together.

4.The wide spread and acceptance of Christianity by almost all the communities of the region apart from the worship of some local deities.

5.The favourable climatic condition.

6.The good fertile nature of the soil.

7.The common needs and aspirations of the people of the region.

What are the major constraints that are hindering the smooth development of the South-South Region?

1.Lack of a strong political vision and platform.

2.Poor mentality of the people.

3.Selfishness of the very few wealthy people and those holding political power.

4.Pride and Arrogance of most of the people of the region.

5.Preference for people of other sub region over those from the South-South region in business and other areas.

6.The small population of the South-South Region with regard to politics.

7.High level of unemployment of the people from the South-South Region.

What are the remedies?

1.There must be a well-focussed and pragmatic approach to politics, business and government. The South-South Region should put the interest of the region above other considerations.

2.A single organisation or body that will involve all the ethnic nationalities in the South-South Region should be established to give a clear cut direction on the way forward. BREDAC FOUNDATION is geared towards accomplishing this goal.

3.There must be a positive change of mentality by the people.

4.The teachings of the word of God in the Bible should be fully accepted and practised by every individual person of the South-South Region, so as to ensure that godly counsel is embraced by all the people of the South-South Region.

5.There must be good governance in all the States of the South-South Region.

6.Both the public and private sectors in the region should work together for the benefit of the people. This will help to guarantee employment of all university graduates as well as provide skilled manpower for all secondary school leavers.

7.Selfishness, pride and arrogance must be discouraged in every aspect of life of the people. Rather, love, peace, justice and the establishment of an egalitarian society should be promoted.

Conclusion: The South-South Region is blessed with so many natural resources. Efforts must be made to make good use of these resources to improve the quality of life of the people of the South-South Region. Moreover every person from the South-South Region should be carried along in the development of the region, in line with proper plans and policies that will move the region to a greater height. Thank you.

BY WING COMMANDER OYINPREBI SOROH (RTD).