Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. There were three presentations made by the Subject Experts on Middle East, China, North Africa and Turkey.
The first presentation by Brig Gen SO Oloyede Subject experts on Middle East, focused his presentation on Hajj Pilgrimage Ends amid Deadly Saudi Heat Spike. On 17 June 2024, France 24 (2024) reported that Saudi Arabia on Monday warned of a temperature spike in Mecca as Muslim pilgrims wrapped up the hajj in searing conditions with more than a dozen heat-related deaths confirmed (AFP, 2024). According to the Saudi Health Ministry, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings unfolded during the oven-like Saudi summer again this year (France 24, 2024). Authorities recorded more than 2,700 cases of heat exhaustion on Sunday alone (France 24, 2024). On Monday, according to the Saudi Weather Service, temperatures reached 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit) at Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen SO Oloyede stressed that, the international Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA, 2023) stated that Nigeria is endowed with abundant renewable resources, namely – solar, wind, hydro and biomass, to mention a few. These can be harnessed to scale up Nigeria’s energy security and the reduction of GHG emissions for climate change mitigation. To this effect, the Federal Government of Nigeria Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) seeks to increase the supply of renewable electricity from 13% of total electricity generation in 2015 to 23% in 2025 and 36% by 2030 (International Energy Agency (IEA), 2013). Renewable electricity would then account for 10% of Nigeria’s total energy consumption by 2025 (IEA, 2013). The process of industrialisation and attaining energy adequacy affect the environment and ultimately contribute to climate change in Nigeria (Nyomo, 2023).
He recommended that, the Federal Government of Nigeria should expedite action on the implementation of the Renewable Energy Master Plan; Climate Change Act; as well as the National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change for Nigeria (NASPA-CCN), also the Federal Ministry of Information in conjunction with the National Orientation Agency should intensify public awareness of the potential impact of Climate Change.
The second presentation by Maj Gen JA Orokpo (Rtd) subject experts on China Centered his presentation on Gambling Addiction Epidemic: Urgent Need for Tailored Interventions. The Macau Daily Times reported on 30 May 24 that a recent study by scholars from Macau and mainland universities has shed light on the alarming trend of problem gambling in Macau, Hong Kong and mainland China. It highlights the limited support measures available to gambling addicts in these regions and emphasizes the need for tailored interventions and prevention efforts to address this pressing issue. The study conducted by professors from Macau Polytechnic University, Macau University of Tourism, and Guangzhou Xinhua University has provided insights into the distressing characteristics of problem gamblers reaching out to helplines in Macau, Hong Kong and mainland China.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Maj Gen JA Orokpo (Rtd) noted that, Gambling is a popular pastime in Nigeria, with various forms available, both legally and illegally. The legal ones include sports betting, lotteries and casino betting. The illegal ones take the form of street gambling (dice rolling, card games and some form of online gambling). Many are also involved in traditional games, Horse Racing, Bingo and Virtual (Simulated) gambling. A study by Chinyere Miriam Aguocha and Sanju George of Cambridge University (2020) revealed that in Nigeria, gambling addiction is a growing problem, fuelled by the rise of online sports betting and lack of stringent regulation and enforcement. Bekederemo Angela (2023), stated that gambling can develop into a problem that causes severe distress and impairment in their lives. She argued that the most potent motivators for gambling are financial gain, driven by instant gratification and occasionally greed, unemployment, economic hardship, and poverty.
He recommended that, the FGN should enhance cooperation between government agencies to combat illegal gambling and also NLRC to open helplines for victims of gambling addiction and provide medical and psychological support to addicts.
While the third presentation by AVM BOC Ifeobu subject experts on North Africa and Turkey, focused his presentation on how Turkey’s Leader, Tayyip Erdogan Claims Eurovision Song Contest is a threat to Family Values. On 20 May 2024, AP News reported that Turkey’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the Eurovision Song Contest, accusing it of promoting “gender neutralization” and undermining traditional family values. In a speech after a Cabinet meeting, Erdogan referred to the contest’s participants as “Trojan horses of social corruption” and justified his government’s decision to withdraw Turkey from the Pan-European pop competition in 2012. This statement references Swiss singer Nemo, who won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest earlier this month with “The Code,” a pop-rap opera about the singer’s journey towards a non-gender identity. The 24-year-old singer is the Contest’s first non-binary winner, an event celebrated by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community. “At such events, it has become impossible to meet a normal person,” claimed Erdogan.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, AVM BOC Ifeobu pointed out that, in Nigeria, the debate over the impact of media contents and television shows on moral values has been a recurring decimal, often sparking controversy and public discourse. A prominent example is the reality TV show, Big Brother Naija. Critics have frequently condemned the show for its perceived promotion of immoral behavior, including explicit sexual content, nudity and excessive drinking. Religious and cultural leaders have particularly voiced their concerns, arguing that such contents negatively influence young viewers and undermine traditional Nigerian values (The Guardian News Nigeria, 2017). Another instance involves the show, Jenifa’s Diary, created by Funke Akindele. While generally celebrated for its humour and relatable storylines, it has faced criticism for certain episodes that critics argue glamorize criminal activities and sexual promiscuity.
He recommended that, the Federal Government of Nigeria should continue to make efforts at strengthening the authority and capabilities of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to enforce stricter regulations on explicit media contents through regular monitoring, imposition of fines and suspension of channels that violate broadcasting standards.
