By Okon Okon, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In recent years, smartphones with high storage capacity, advanced features and unrestricted internet access have become widely accessible to Nigerian teenagers.

While these devices offer numerous benefits, they have also contributed to a decline in moral values among young people.

This moral decadence is evident in various aspects of teenage behaviour, including exposure to inappropriate content, declining academic performance, reduced parental control and engagement in cybercrime.

Stakeholders, religious groups, traditional leaders, parents, among others–have expressed worry over the trend, while emphasising moral teachings to guide teenagers toward ethical behaviour.

Mrs Agbonma Asemota, a mother of three children, said it was not encouraging to allow teenagers to have access to sophisticated phones owning to explicit contents such as pornographic pictures and violent media.

Asemota added that with unrestricted internet access, many teenagers in Nigeria were exposed to harmful materials that influenced their perception of relationships, sex and violence.

According to her, such exposure can lead to early sexual activity, promiscuity and the erosion of traditional cultural values.

“High-capacity or smartphones enable teenagers to download and store large amounts of explicit content, including pornography and violent media.

“Well, high-capacity phone, I really can’t say if or if it should be given to a teenager or not, but there are reasons if it should also be given or not.

“First and foremost, a high-capacity phone contains information and there is age-based information that either a child, teenager or an adult would need at a particular time.

“So, these are things we put into consideration when giving out information.

“So, when it comes to giving out high-capacity phones with so much information on it, we should have it at the back of our minds, what do these children need at a particular time in their lives?

“We cannot allow children to start consuming adult content.

“It is just like in food; you do not start giving a child heavy meals when he or she is a baby; so, you give the child appropriate food; so, also should information.”

According to her, giving a child access to information that is either higher or not too useful for that child at that point can have adverse effects on his or her mental health.

She narrated a sad experience she had with a boy when she served as a young corps member in a secondary school, saying that she was not satisfied with what she saw.

“I was teaching secondary school, SS1 to be precise; there was a young boy and I think he was between the ages of 15 to 16.

“So, he gave me his phone to go through videos on his phone and what I found on his phone were high content and they were sex related movies.

“That was the information he consumed on a daily basis and it could affect his physical actions,” she said.

Hajia Zainab Garba, another contributor, who cited both negative and positive effects, said while mobile phones, particularly Android devices, offered numerous benefits, they also exposed young users to harmful content.

Garba noted that unrestricted access to the internet could lead teenagers to inappropriate websites, including those promoting cyber frauds, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”

She said there was need for caution when giving teenagers high-capacity smartphones, stressing that they should first be guided on distinguishing between right and wrong before being granted unrestricted access to such technology.

Speaking on education decline and negative influences, Very Rev. Anza Habila, Cleric in charge of All Saints Methodist Church Mararaba, said excessive smartphone used by teenagers had made them to be over dependent on technology.

Habila added that the habits had reduced most students’ ability to think critically and be creative.

“As both a parent and a religious leader, I strongly believe that excessive smartphones use by teenagers have more negative effects than positive ones, especially in education.

“One major issue is distraction; many students struggle to concentrate in school because their attention is constantly drawn to their phones.

“Instead of focusing on lessons, they often engage in activities that are not educationally beneficial.

“While some students argue that smartphones help with assignments, presentations and communication, the disadvantages far outweigh the benefits.”

He said that instead of conducting proper research, they relied on quick online searches, thereby weakening their problem-solving skills.

“In my opinion, parents should limit smartphone use among teenagers, especially in secondary school; at that stage, they may not yet have the maturity to manage their time and responsibilities effectively.

“Even at the university level, some students are still too young to handle the distractions and potential dangers that come with unrestricted smartphone use.”

Beyond academics, the cleric said there were also moral concerns as it had exposed teenagers to negative influences, such as internet fraud (commonly known as Yahoo Yahoo).

“There have been cases where young teenagers, due to their access to smartphones, have engaged in fraudulent activities or learned unethical ways to exploit others financially.

“For instance, I know of a case where a 13-year-old boy secretly connected an application to his father’s bank account, unknowingly stealing money over time.

“This kind of behaviour often begins with peer influence and unrestricted access to technology.”

Habila, however, said while smartphones could be useful tools, their misuse could also negatively impact students academically, morally and socially.

“Parents should carefully consider when and how to introduce their children to smartphones, ensuring they develop discipline and responsibility before gaining unrestricted access.

“Many teenagers become addicted to social media, online gaming and entertainment apps, which significantly distract them from their studies.’’

The cleric noted that instead of students focusing on academic work, they would rather spend hours on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, consuming and creating content that might not add value to their intellectual growth.

“This addiction often leads to poor academic performance and reduced attention in school,” he said.

Contributing, Mr Patrick Odey, a community leader at Ado village in Nasarawa State, cautioned against early exposure of teenagers to internet-enabled devices, adding that they were at risk.

Odey said concerns over the negative impact of smartphones on teenagers were growing, with experts and parents cautioning against early exposure to internet-enabled devices.

He cited Brigham University in Masaka that banned usage of Android phones within its promises to curb distractions and protect students from harmful online content.

“Brigham University is one of the institutions enforcing strict measures against smartphone use among students; if you are caught with an Android phone, you are expelled.

“Only laptops are allowed for academic purposes, ensuring that students focus on research and assignments without distractions.”

According to him, the unrestricted use of smartphones among adolescents has led to declining academic performance and exposure to inappropriate material.

“It does not give children the right way to learn; they concentrate more on their phones, browsing instead of studying.

“A child that is underage will access content far beyond his maturity level, which negatively impacts his/her development,” he said.

While smartphones are essential tools for communication, education and personal development, their misuse by Nigerian teenagers have contributed to moral decadence in society.

Observers say to curb this, parents, teachers and the government must implement stricter measures, such as digital literacy education, parental controls and awareness campaigns on responsible phone usage.

They say religious and community leaders should emphasise moral teachings to guide teenagers towards ethical behaviour. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

By Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The catchlines “Aba-Made” and “Made-in-Aba”, no doubt, are household expressions in Nigeria, depicting Aba’s craftsmanship and manufacturing prowess.

From textile to leather products (shoes and bags), cosmetics, trunk box, steel fabrications, among others, Aba has carved a niche for itself as a commercial and industrial hub.

Daily, businessmen from across Nigeria, West Africa and other parts of Africa throng Aba to make wholesale purchases of a wide range of goods.

Data from INSIGHT NOTE-A Kwakol Research Publication indicates that Nigeria’s shoe industry’s developments are mainly influenced by the Aba clusters.

The data shows that Aba shoe hub is valued at more than N120 billion, producing more than a million shoes each week and more than 48 million pairs annually.

“The Aba shoe hub houses over 100,000 entrepreneurs and contributes 50 per cent of the total supplies in West Africa.

“Currently, there are more than 200,000 entrepreneurs and more than 30 firms producing shoes in different locations in the country’’.

The Aba Fashion Week 2024 (street fashion) which showcased an array of exquisite and eye-popping designs and collections was a veritable testament to Aba’s grassroots creativity.

Regrettably, in past years, Made-in-Aba products have been rated lowly in comparison with imported products chiefly due to compromised quality, inferiority complex or sheer consumer xenocentrism.

Lately interestingly, the narrative is changing; the quality is improving while acceptance and perception have soared remarkably.

Aba Made and Made-in-Aba are becoming affirmative phrases.

The artisans attribute the improving perception of Made-in-Aba products to their determination to hone their skills as well as the commitment of the state government and relevant authorities towards turning the tide.

Onyeibe Onyeibe, a shoemaker at Umuehilegbu Shoe Plaza, Ariaria International Market, said the artisans’ dexterity and ability to adapt kept them afloat in the completive industry.

“I have done shoe production for more than five years and I noticed that when a particular pattern comes out, you change to that pattern to sell your products.

“So, it is right to say that one of the things that have helped in boosting the patronage of our products is that we upgrade our designs.

“We need an enabling environment- power supply and good roads to help bring in materials and take out our products; we need an equipped shoe production cluster where we can use machines to finish our products.

“With these, our work will get better patronage more than we are getting now,’’ he said.

Sharing similar sentiments, Nnamdi Okoroha, a shoemaker, said the artisans were improving their skills yearly; hence, the increasing patronage.

“Again, we are trying to do good products and even Aba residents now wear the shoes made in Aba; it was not like that before.

“One of the problems we have is that the gum we are using is not as strong as it should be.

“So, we want government to intervene and ensure that importers bring in strong gum for us to do better jobs,’’ he said.

Another craftsman, Eze Nwambaraba, said the artisans were striving to avoid losses by stepping up their game and ensuring they churn out sellable and high-quality products.

“So, to ensure you do not lose, you have to put more effort to make your work attractive to the people.

“Our products compete with Dubai products now, but the high cost of raw materials has given Dubai products an advantage over our own.

“That is why we are calling on the government to reduce the cost of transportation and foreign exchange rate to ensure our products are not costlier than the ones imported from Dubai,’’ he said.

Mrs Ifeoma Nnanna, a trader, said she had jettisoned the skepticism over Made-in-Aba goods.

Nnanna said that shoes and garments she bought from Aba have stood the test of time and could be compared to high quality imported wears.

Worthy of mention, the Abia Government says it is bringing in innovation in its efforts to rebrand Made-in-Aba products and revamp the state’s economy.

Gov. Alex Otti recently announced plans to set up an export growth lab in Aba in collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

“We believe that there is a whole lot we can learn from you.

“We, as a government, are not really going out looking for donor agencies; if we find, that is fine but a lot of times when the mindset is for somebody to give you money, you lose the argument.

“So, for us, it is about how you can support us to create an Export Growth Lab in Aba; we are already on it; we have acquired a place in Aba for it.’’

According to Otti, an average Aba artisan and entrepreneur is innovative and resilient but needs support.

The governor said his administration was committed to stamping out the issue of faking other people’s products.

“They are so innovative; they are so forward thinking; they are so resilient; even when Aba was a no-go area, they remained there.

“The fight we have is the fight about people adulterating food and drinks, including medicine; that is what we are committed to fight and eradicate.

“So, how can we upskill in technology and everything to produce that quality that can be exported? That, for me, is what it is all about.

“History has shown us that no country attains sustainable prosperity without a robust and competitive industrial base; we will assess and strategically resuscitate industries that have, for long, held untapped potential,’’ he said.

More so, the Federal Government recently said that through technology adoption, capacity building and quality reforms, it would foster an environment where Nigerian manufacturers would thrive locally and globally.

Worthy of recall, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) had, in 2024, announced plans to guide Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in Aba to improve the standards of their products in order to compete favourably in the international market.

SON had organised a stakeholders’ sensitisation/capacity building workshop to educate artisans and other manufacturers on the need to standardise their products.

Just recently, SON reaffirmed it was ramping up efforts towards standardising locally manufactured products, including Made-in-Aba brands, to enhance both local and international acceptance.

SON’s Director of Region (South-East), Aharanwa Chuks, said through the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), SON ensured that all Nigerian-made products conformed to the relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).

According to him, MANCAP involves direct engagement with manufacturers to certify that their products meet established quality benchmarks.

“This process includes inspecting production facilities, sampling products and testing them against NIS requirements.

“Successful compliance results in the issuance of the MANCAP certification, signifying adherence to quality standards.

“In Aba, SON has been proactive in educating manufacturers about standardisation’’.

The director said SON also conducted stakeholder interactions; gathering manufacturers from various sectors to provide guidance on producing goods that met both local and international standards.

“For instance, leather manufacturers in Aba have been sensitised on standardisation practices to enhance the global competitiveness of their products.

“Manufacturers are encouraged to collaborate with SON to obtain MANCAP certification, ensuring their products are not only marketable within Nigeria but also competitive internationally.

“This initiative aims to boost consumer confidence and promote the acceptance of Made-in-Aba products globally,” Chuks said.

Perceptive stakeholders say that in addition to sharpening local skills and growing indigenous technology, more Aba artisans should be sent to countries with advanced know-hows to hone their automated production skills.

They say the deployment of cutting-edge automation will give Made-in-Aba products the finishing and sturdiness needed for global competitiveness. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

By Martha Agas, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

By many accounts, dearth of potable water has exacerbated economic challenges and fuelled the spread of waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reports a 220 per cent increase in suspected cholera cases in Nigeria in 2024.

With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million, only about two-thirds have access to clean drinking water services despite the country’s abundant water resources.

Analysts argue that beyond contributing to waterborne diseases, the lack of potable water has consistently affected school attendance and performance, especially in rural areas and urban suburbs.

The impact is particularly severe for girls, who are often responsible for fetching water.

Analysts argue that this could be a contributing factor to the high number of girls out of school in Nigeria, which UNICEF reports as 7.6 million girls.

The importance of potable water is undeniable, as highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030.

Achieving this will enhance public health, stimulate economic growth, improve education and social well-being and foster environmental sustainability.

Consequently, stakeholders and experts have emphasised the need for the government to allocate sufficient resources to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation, recognising them as fundamental human rights.

They assert that resources are necessary to address the acute shortage of water supply caused by ageing public water infrastructure, a shortage of essential water treatment chemicals such as alum and chlorine and an erratic power supply.

More so, international water politics cannot be go unheeded.

Report from the Global Water Forum indicates that water security has become a central feature of the global policy agenda.

“Climate change, population growth, and pollution are altering the distribution of water resources and the political control of these resources is becoming increasingly contested.

“These and other water security threats are a source of conflict not only within countries but across international boundaries.

“International water politics describes the interactions between governments, non-government organisations, researchers and other actors that determine how and whether water management issues are addressed,’’ the report said.

In Nigeria, reports indicate increasing budgetary allocations to the water sector to address the existing challenges, but stakeholders observe that many states still have aging water facilities, limiting the sector’s performance.

For instance, in the 2017 budget, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources received a total allocation of N92 billion, with N85.1 billion dedicated to capital expenditure.

In 2018, the allocation increased by 68.6 per cent, reaching N155.1 billion, with N147.2 billion designated for capital expenditure.

However, in 2019, the allocation dropped to N100.5 billion, but saw a slight increase in 2020 of 0.01 per cent to ₦100.6 billion. Since then, there has been a steady rise in the budget.

In 2023, President Bola Tinubu’s administration allocated N242.2 billion; in 2024, the allocation increased by 22.5 per cent to N296.64 billion.

In spite of these increases, analysts argue that significant gaps persist and access to safe water remains poor.

They claim the country has regressed, shifting from a public water supply system to one dominated by private and donor-funded solutions.

They lament that, even though over 60 per cent of these budgets have been allocated to capital projects over the years, and 90 per cent in the last three years, there has been no visible improvement in access to potable water across the country.

Although the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted the performance of the 2024 budget, stating that 214 water schemes had been completed nationwide and that dam construction was progressing, stakeholders maintain that access to water remains disproportionate to the sector’s allocations over the years.

They attribute the sector’s challenges largely to the push for water privatisation, compounded by the persistent erratic power supply and insufficient public accountability in managing water resources.

A water rights advocate, Mr Philip Jakpor, called for the suspension of water privatisation as it had failed in other parts of the world.

He argued that the government should instead focus on strengthening public water infrastructure through political commitment.

Jakpor, Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), also urged greater focus on ensuring that the funds allocated to the sector each year are used for their intended purpose.

Similarly, Mr Chima Williams, Executive Director, Environmental Defenders Network, argued that despite Nigeria’s vast water resources, privatisation had made access more challenging for the people.

He said that many major waterworks were functioning below capacity and providing unreliable services, urging the government to take prompt action to prevent further deterioration of the sector.

Recently, a coalition of water justice organisations and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) presented a report titled “Dry Taps: A Damning Verdict on the State of Water Facilities in Nigeria.”

The report, a micro-analysis of water utilities across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, utilised data from six states to assess the sector’s performance.

It observed that personal interests were hindering efficient public water services, alleging that government officials were sabotaging efforts to revive the sector for personal gain under the cover of privatisation.

Additionally, it noted that budgeted funds for the sector were either not released or failed to reflect in facility maintenance.

Summary of the challenges in public water infrastructure as captured in the report “Dry Taps: A Damning Verdict on the State of Water Facilities in Nigeria.” Graphics: NAN

The report advised the government to invest in alternative energy sources such as windmills and solar technologies to ensure uninterrupted water supply.

Additionally, it emphasised the need for staff training, improved welfare and the recruitment of additional technical personnel to enhance operational efficiency in the sector.

Worthy of note, the 2025 budget reflects the government’s commitment to advancing water and sanitation projects, including completing ongoing dam and irrigation projects, expanding the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme and scaling up flood and drought mitigation.

Stakeholders stress that the revival of public water infrastructure must remain a priority to ensure optimal performance.(NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.