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Chile’s President-Elect Gabriel Boris: What the Nigerian Youths Must Learn

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5 years ago

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“ The process for a serious power bargain must begin, so that if it is not realized in 2023, then, it can be realized in 2027 or 2031.” ―Ebuka Onyekwelu

The just-concluded presidential election in Chile is a test and a pass, on some long-established principles in the acquisition of state power and government reforms or I should say a true win for the people, particularly in a democracy. It remains like a power most available to the vigilant. In other words, you cannot acquire power by playing on the sidelines, or by merely being interested in it. Instead, any serious power-seeker for whatever public good must be mainstreamed and must openly campaign on a mainstreamed platform that has been rescued from ruthless powerbrokers or one that has been created by political revivalists in a formidable alliance. One as surely cannot isolate politics from political reforms. The mistake most Nigerians who seek social change make is their assumption that politics is the exclusive preserve of politicians who go at any length to secure political power and use the same for their purposes. The reality very strongly suggests that social change, no matter how simple, reforms no matter how desperately they are needed and irrespective of how the government has failed, protests and other forms of citizens’ actions in form of social movements are far inadequate to realizing the true essence of the people’s aspirations.

Social change no matter how insignificant, reforms and all other legitimate demands of the citizens from their government can only be realized by political means. Social change is political by nature. Demands by citizens on their government for one reform or another, are equally political. What these mean therefore is that trying to get a government to comply with these demands contrasts with what can be obtained within any defined political environment. Not minding the risk of how this may sound, the point is that any group with less relevance to the aspirations of power, or perhaps, schemes for power, can always be ignored with little or no consequences. Hence, no government anywhere in the world would panda towards the demands of its people simply because they are in the majority, or because they have a voice, or maybe because their demands are good. But then, a minority that is politically savvy naturally has a higher stake in any polity.

This, therefore, suggests that a lasting change, daring social reforms among others, can only be realized from within and by political means following established political processes. Usually, many people erroneously assume that government bows to pressure or coercion, well, the reality is that no amount of pressure can bend any government that is worth its name, this is largely true, although the government can always make minor concessions when need be. I am not saying that this is either good or bad. But as always, such concessions are far below expectations. For context on truly if government bends to pressure, look at Libya, then look at Syria, and look at Nigeria where certain forces are experimenting how the will of government can be tested and changed. Again, look at Ethiopia with a Nobel Peace Prize-winning President. It just does not work that a people coerce their government to do as they wish and a people seeking a more responsive and responsible government must get conversant with what does not work.

“We are a generation whose involvement in politics began with social movements”, said the thirty-five years old Chile President-Elect, Gabriel Boris. Why this is even more profound is that only about ten years ago in 2011, Boris was a student leader and among Chilean students who were demanding reforms and insisting on free and quality education for all citizens of Chile. Then in 2021, he has been elected President of Chile. We can see clearly that Boris knew that there is little or nothing he or other Chileans can do with their consistent protests and social movement. In fact, since 2019, Chileans have been protesting and demanding different reforms from their government. Although the government conceded to a constitutional amendment, yet, the demands of the people are far from being met.

Although the government conceded to a constitutional amendment, yet, the demands of the people are far from being met.

What Boris and indeed Chileans understood was that social movements simply cannot deliver their country back to them. In perspective, if you are not in charge of your politics, you are simply not in a position to initiate or implement bold reforms. In other words, you cannot change your country from the outside. This is a big lesson from Chileans and Boris, to Nigerians and citizens of other countries whose youth populations desire social change and other reforms from their government.

Although I must concede that the view from the inside is many times radically distinct from the view from the outside, which is to say that it is almost certain that not all proposed reforms of the new government in Chile upon assumption of office can be realized. This is because; some untested ideas may simply not work at the point of implementation as a result of an innate gap between principle and practice. But then, some may not work for political reasons; opposition politics in the legislature, and among other political difficulties.

But what is sure is that Boris and Chileans will have many more than they can ever possibly bargain with any government they are not in charge of. This is also the reality for Nigerian youths who are making various demands for social reforms; that social movements cannot deliver your country back to you.

Ahead of the 2023 Presidential election, Nigerians and Nigerian youths, in particular, must become politically organized to be relevant in the politics of the country as a means to their end desire for social reforms. If the existing mainstreamed formidable political structures cannot be hijacked, then, a new structure should be formed to drive the purpose of dismantling the current powerbrokers and enthroning a new political order that is more favorable to the people’s demands. Whatever the situation may be at the moment, let this process of a serious bargain for power begin so that in any event, even if it is not realized in 2023, then, it can be realized in 2027 or 2031.

♦ Ebuka Onyekwelu, strategic governance exponent,  is a columnist with the WAP

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Education

Professor Josephine Onyido Earns Prestigious Nigerian Academy of Education Induction

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4 days ago

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September 26, 2026

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University of Port Harcourt scholar will be inducted into Nigeria’s apex education academy in Abuja, marking another milestone in a career spanning teaching, research, leadership, mentorship and advocacy

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Professor Josephine Azuka Onyido, an accomplished scholar and academic leader at the University of Port Harcourt, will be inducted into the Nigerian Academy of Education on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in recognition of her contributions to the advancement of education.

The ceremony, scheduled for the Conference Hall of the National Commission for Colleges of Education in Abuja, places Onyido among scholars recognized for sustained contributions to education, research, and academic development in Nigeria.

A Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Port Harcourt, Onyido has built a career encompassing teaching, research, administration, mentorship, curriculum development, and institutional service.

She described the forthcoming recognition as both an honor and a renewed obligation to education. “I receive this recognition with profound gratitude and humility. My journey in education has always been driven by the belief that scholarship must extend beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to society. This induction is not simply a personal achievement; it strengthens my responsibility to continue advancing quality education, mentoring future scholars, and promoting opportunities for women and girls. I am deeply grateful to my family, colleagues, students, and everyone who has been part of this journey.”

Onyido earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English), a Master of Education, and a Ph.D. in Sociology of Education. She is also a permanent member of the University of Port Harcourt Senate. Her scholarly record includes more than 90 journal articles, book chapters and Sociology of Education Made Easy, a textbook developed to make concepts in the discipline more accessible to students.

Much of her research examines the intersection of education and society, with particular emphasis on gender, women’s empowerment, educational development, social justice and the rights of women and girls. Her work advocates translating academic research into policies and practices that expand educational opportunities and strengthen human-capital development.

Beyond research, Onyido has occupied several academic leadership positions. She served as Acting Head of the Department of Educational Foundations from 2021 to 2023 and has worked as the Departmental Coordinator of Postgraduate Programs, the Anti-Plagiarism Coordinator, the Academic Adviser, and the Editor of the Port Harcourt Journal of Education Studies.

Her influence also extends beyond her university. She has served as an external examiner for several institutions and has participated as a resource person for the National Teachers’ Institute, the University of Port Harcourt, the Centers for Higher Education and Sandwich Programs, and the National Universities Commission verification exercise.

Internationally, Onyido represented the Niger Delta Development Commission at the African Women in Leadership Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, expanding her engagement with issues of women’s leadership, empowerment, and social transformation.

She belongs to several professional organizations, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, the Association of Sociologists of Education of Nigeria, and the International Association for Gender Equity.

Her academic and community work have earned numerous recognitions, including the Millennium Development Ambassador Award, Lecturer of the Year, Outstanding Project Supervisor, and Professional Service awards.

Yet Onyido’s story also reaches deeply into heritage and service. She is the great-great-granddaughter of King Josiah Constance Ockiya, MINGI VII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom and Supreme King of Brass. Her great-grandfather, Rev. Daniel Ockiya, translated the Bible into the Nembe language.

A committed Catholic and Jerusalem pilgrim, she has also served in church and community leadership positions and was recognized by the Catholic Women Organization of the Port Harcourt Diocese as a “Quintessential Woman.”

For Onyido, the November 4 induction represents more than another distinction on an extensive academic résumé. It recognizes a career built around an enduring principle: education achieves its greatest value when knowledge is transformed into opportunity, service, and social progress.

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Houston

PCNI Elevates Chief Dr. Emmanuel Opara to Patron in Historic Ihiagwa Investiture

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4 days ago

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September 26, 2026

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Sugar Land People’s Club leaders celebrate their First Vice Chairman’s December 22 investiture, describing the honor as recognition of leadership, scholarship, service, and commitment to the enduring ideals of the People’s Club

HOUSTON, TEXAS — All roads will lead to Ihiagwa, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, on December 22, 2026, as members, associates, and well-wishers of People’s Club of Nigeria International gather for the Patronship Investiture of Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Uzoma Opara, First Vice Chairman of the Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI).

The ceremony will mark another milestone for the Sugar Land branch, historically recognized within the organization as its First International Branch, and will elevate one of its senior officers into the distinguished circle of PCNI patrons.

Since its inception in 1971, the People’s Club of Nigeria has developed into an international social and philanthropic organization with branches in Nigeria, the United States, and Europe. Its tradition emphasizes fellowship, community service, and the principles of Love, Unity, and Service.

Within that tradition, patronship carries significance beyond a ceremonial title. Patrons are expected to serve as senior advisers, custodians of institutional values, and respected voices in sustaining the organization’s heritage and direction. The recognition is traditionally associated with sustained service, leadership, and commitment to the Club and society.

For Opara, the honor also recognizes a professional life extending far beyond community leadership.

An academic and technology specialist, Opara’s scholarly interests span cybersecurity, digital and media forensics, artificial intelligence, and Agentic AI. His research includes digital forensic investigation, incident response and threat analysis, memory analysis, advanced-adversary containment and intrusion detection, including applications of Python programming.

His work also engages with memory forensics and investigative technologies, as well as the offensive and defensive dimensions of cybersecurity, commonly characterized as Red Team and Blue Team operations.

Opara is a Fellow of the International Information Management Association (FIIMA) and serves as an Associate Editor of the Journal of International Technology and Information Management (JITIM).

Reflecting on the forthcoming investiture, Opara described the recognition as a responsibility rather than simply another distinction.

“I receive this honor with profound gratitude and humility. Patronship represents a responsibility to protect the values that have sustained People’s Club for generations: love, unity, service, and genuine fellowship. Whatever we achieve professionally becomes more meaningful when we use our knowledge, experience, and resources to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for others. I look forward to serving the Club at an even greater level.”

Grand Patron of SLPCNI, Hon. Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu, said Opara’s elevation reflects the leadership qualities expected of those entrusted with preserving the organization’s legacy. “Chief Dr. Opara represents the combination of intellectual accomplishment, community service, and organizational commitment that the People’s Club should continue to encourage. Patronship is not merely about recognition; it carries an obligation to guide, support and protect the institution. We are proud that another leader from our Sugar Land family has earned this important honor.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman of SLPCNI, said the investiture demonstrates the depth of leadership within the Sugar Land branch. “This is a proud moment for Sugar Land People’s Club. Chief Dr. Opara has distinguished himself through service, scholarship, and dedication to our organization. His investiture strengthens our branch while reinforcing our connection to the national and international People’s Club family. We congratulate him and look forward to celebrating with him in Ihiagwa.”

The December gathering is expected to draw PCNI leaders, patrons, members, family, friends, and community representatives from Nigeria and abroad. Beyond the pageantry of the ceremony, however, Opara’s investiture carries a broader institutional message: leadership within the People’s Club is ultimately measured by service.

On December 22, Ihiagwa will host the celebration. But for Sugar Land, the occasion will also be a celebration of one of its own—a scholar, technology professional, and community leader entering a new chapter of responsibility in the People’s Club tradition.

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Houston

Membership Surge Continues as Dr. Nkem Ugwu Joins People’s Club

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1 week ago

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September 20, 2026

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Following a successful induction ceremony, the First International Branch continues to attract new members drawn to its tradition of friendship, service, culture, and community

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS — The Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI) is continuing its membership expansion following its recently concluded induction ceremony, with Dr. Nkem Ugwu becoming one of the latest community members to join the organization.

Ugwu, a Sugar Land resident originally from Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, is an entrepreneur and mother of three sons, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. She describes service to others, family, and community engagement as important parts of her personal and professional life.

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu addressing the September Conference of the Sugar Land PCNI

Her membership comes on the heels of the branch’s successful bi-annual induction ceremony, during which 16 new members were formally sworn in by PCNI National President Atty. Fidelis Onyebueke. The celebration attracted national leaders, patrons, and members representing branches from across the People’s Club network.

Photo from left: Hon. Chief Sir Michael Okeke; Hon. Anaeto Okakpu “Oranwezuluaku”; Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu; Hon. Dr. Nkem Ugwu ; Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman; Hon. Chief, Sir Basil Mbuba; Hon. Chief Sir Dr. Uche Egbuchuam “Akudo World Wide.”

Ugwu said joining the organization provides an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships while contributing to its mission.

“I am truly excited and honored to join the prestigious People’s Club of Nigeria International, Sugar Land Branch. I look forward to getting to know fellow members, building lasting friendships, and becoming actively involved in this vibrant and welcoming community. I am especially drawn to the Club’s tradition of fellowship, service, and mutual support, and I hope to contribute my experience, energy, and passion for serving others to its continued growth.”

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu welcomed Ugwu, describing continued interest in membership as encouraging for the historic First International Branch.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe and Hon. Ndidi Chidume

“When people of accomplishment and community spirit continue to identify with our organization, it tells us that the values upon which People’s Club was built remain relevant. We welcome Dr. Ugwu and look forward to the experience and fellowship she brings to our family.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman, said the branch’s recent induction helped showcase an organization that continues to combine Nigerian cultural heritage with community engagement in Houston.

“Our successful induction created tremendous enthusiasm, but our focus goes beyond ceremonies. We are building a stronger organization rooted in friendship, responsibility and service. Dr. Ugwu’s decision to join reflects that continuing momentum.”

One of the meeting hosts, Hon. Professor Keih George, introduces the co-meeting hosts.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe said the branch remains interested in individuals prepared to participate actively in its programs and fellowship.

“Membership is about belonging, but it is equally about participation and contribution. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ugwu and other prospective members who share the principles and aspirations of People’s Club.”

For SLPCNI, the growing interest following its induction represents another chapter in the evolution of a branch with a special place in the organization’s history.

And for Ugwu, it marks the beginning of a new journey—one centered on friendship, community, and service.

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