USA Africa Dialogue Series - TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN DELTA STATE: AN OVERVIEW

An Address by Elder (Dr.) Chukwuma Okwuarima Nwaonicha, on the Occasion of The ANIOMA CONVENTION & FUNDRAISER, Dallas, Texas, USA, July 7, 2012.

Distinguished Chairman of this occasion,

The Chief Launcher,

Special Invited Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I Salute You.

The Topic of My Presentation is: TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN DELTA STATE: AN OVERVIEW

 

Fellow Anioma Indigenes,

It gives me great pleasure to speak to you all on this Occasion of The ANIOMA CONVENTION & FUNDRAISER. I am deeply encouraged by your presence here, despite all your family and personal commitments. This demonstrates your love for Anioma people.  Thank you again for being here.

Fellow Anioma indigenes, in this meeting, I believe our expectation is that participants are here to discuss very objectively, candidly, honestly and with complete optimism in resolving our social, cultural, political and economic problems facing our people and Anioma community back home. 

As the Title entails, Sustainable Development is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also for generations to come.  In a nutshell, Sustainable Development concerns the environment, the local people and the future.  Industrial and Technology Development in Delta State involves development in agricultural industries, chemical industries, manufacturing industries, service industries, oil companies and construction companies, etc.  The success of sustaining these industriesand companies in the State depends on many factors, among which are functional public utilities or infrastructuraldevelopment in all sectors, good governance, promotion of Research and Development (R&D), safety & security, business ethics and the standard of education in Delta State , among others.  The basic requirements for sustaining theseIndustrial and Technology Developments in Delta State will be highlighted with emphasis on job creation and reduction in crime/corruption.  Suggestions to remedy the impediments to economic and social development in Delta State throughDelta State Public Works Program (DSPWP) to create employment for millions of the indigenes of Delta North, Delta South and Delta Central that are without work will be provided.

Development in technology has affected society and its surroundings in a number of ways.  In many societies, development in technology has helped develop more advanced economies; comprising today's global economy. Unfortunately, various technological processes produce pollution, and deplete natural resources, to the detriment of theEarth and its environment.  Implementations of various technologies influence the values of a society in terms of social and economic developments.

On the other hand, industry is divided into four sectors.  They are: Primary sector; this involves the extraction of resources directly from the Earth; this includes farming, mining and logging.  The products of this Primary sector are not processed, and they are sent to factories to make profit.  Secondary sector: this group is involved in the refining,construction, and manufacturing and processing products from primary industries.  This includes all factories-those that refine metals, produce furniture, or pack farm products such as meat.  Tertiary sector: this group is involved in the provision of services.  They include teachers, managers and other service providers such as, banking, law and medicine, etc.  Quaternary sector: this group is involved in the research of science and technology.  It includes intellectual services by scientists such as research and development (R&D).  Also, it includes design and development in computer programming, and biochemistry.  The Secondary sector, Tertiary sector and Quaternary sector are not functioning effectively in Delta State , hence lack of Industrial and Technology Development in the State.

However, industry classification systems used by the government commonly divide industry into three sectors:agriculture, manufacturing and services.  The primary sector of industry is agriculture, mining and raw material extraction.  The secondary sector of industry is manufacturing (which is the real sector of the economy and it is collapsing in Delta State , with many firms either shutting down operations or relocating outside the country). The tertiary sector of industry is service production.

Up-to-date, industry in the sense of manufacturing becomes a key sector of production and job creation, and it is aided by technological advances, and has continued to develop into new types and sectors.  Many developed countriesand many developing/semi-developed countries depend significantly on industry.  Industries, the countries or societies they reside in, and the economies of those countries or societies are interlinked in a complex web of interdependence.  As a country or a society develops people move away from the primary sector to secondary and then to tertiary.

Therefore, Industrial and Technology developments in the Delta State would involve developments in agriculture industries, manufacturing industries, service industries, healthcare industries, automotive industries, aerospace industries, oil companies, chemical industries, converting/packaging industries, bookbinding industries, woodwork/furniture industries, transportation industries, assemble industries, information and communication technology companies and construction companies, among others. 

The biggest bottleneck to Delta State 's Industrial and Technology developments is the poor condition of the State infrastructure.  The problem of unreliable power supply in the State is well known, and this is part of the bigger problem for lack of economic and social developments in the State.

Adequate power supply is at the center of social and economic developments in the State.  For example, computers, appliances, manufacturing and manufacturing equipment, phones, water pumps and other electrically driven devices cannot work without electricity.

Stable power supply has always had a multiplier effect on the development and growth of new industries.  This in itself is a basis for increased tax revenue for the State and more wealth for the communities by creating jobs.  Crude oil should only play secondary role.  As noted, most advanced countries do not depend on selling of crude oil because opportunity exists for people to make money in the private sector, and Delta State political system will be less emotional and tribal if the State emulates Western Nations.

The success of creating and sustaining Industrial and Technology Developments in Delta State depend on many factors among which are: functioning public utilities or infrastructural development, good governance, development ofresearch in science and technology, safety and security, good business practices, and the level of education of the people among others.  Promotion of infrastructural development, safety and security will attract investors.  Sustainable industrial and technology developments, among other things, will create jobs, reduce crime, promote high standard of living, positively affect life expectancy in Delta State , and promote peace and unity in the State.  The time has come for the State to shift attention away from the usual oil-driven economy and focus on other areas of development: Industrial and Technology Developments. 

The Way Forward For Sustainable Industrial and Technology Development Challenges in Delta State

 

To accomplish sustainable industrial and technology developments, Delta State Government should work with the following guidelines as a prerequisite for social and economic development of the State; and alleviate the suffering of the masses (the poor, the weak, the deprived, the youths, women and children). As of today, functional infrastructure is poor in the State.  The Stateneeds infrastructural development in all sectors, which will promote safety and security, social and economicdevelopment and create jobs, especially for the youths.  I suggest that enough for seminars, town hall meetings, and presentations organized by States' government on social and economicdevelopment, it is time to implement or execute the information gathered so far. 

As a way forward to actualize Technology and Industrial developments in the State, I strongly suggest that Delta State initiate Delta State Public Works Program (DSPWP) to create employment for millions of the indigenes that are without work in the State.  The program should cover expansion of classrooms, renovation of schools, provision of academic infrastructures and training of school teachers, building of new markets and renovation/rehabilitation of old markets, recreation centers and parks, and hospitals refurbishing and up-grading of hospitals and training of hospitals staff.  Also, the program should include construction of low income housing in rural and urban cities and the renovation of old ones.  Furthermore, the program should cover renovation/rehabilitation of highways, rural roads, streets, (our deplorable roads condition that are not motorable), airports, waterways, irrigation, reclamation, and rehabilitation of erosion and oil degraded sites, environment and sanitation control in rural and urban cities, revitalization of textile industries, etc.  The State should create an Infrastructural Fund to address the funding gap in the above program. The above program should be given high priority with regard to economic and social development, job creation and crime reduction.  In other words, Delta State Government should give immediate priority to medium term projects that are critical to the State development.

Proper execution or implementation of this program will promote and provide favorable environment for investors in the State thereby stimulating Industrial and Technology developments.  In addition, proper implementation of this program will promote safety and security, and job creation in the State.  I acknowledge that economic and social development does not happen overnight but through gradual growth process, hence the above program should be a mid-term or long-term project.  As noted, the above program has been neglected and abandoned for the past fifty years; and may require a long period of time to fix. 

I do believe that excellent governance and sound economic policies can help the growth process, but there is a ceiling to feasible growth rates at around 10 per cent; economies cannot grow much faster than this no matter what government does.  Also, I acknowledge that the Government cannot in five years or in ten years, correct the mistakes of the past fifty years of mismanagement. 

To achieve social and economic developments, I am convinced that what the State needs first and foremost is authentic Industrial and Technology developments plan and the major obstacle to these developments in the State ismismanagement, corruption and lack of implementation of past projects, past recommendations and past ideas. 

Fiscal discipline in the management of resources is a critical factor in economy;  hence the much-desired vision 20-20 is elusive or a mirage.  Delta State should promote projects and policies continuity that are initiated by its predecessors in order to achieve the State's economic aspirations.  Also, there is need for legal backing for long-term development plans to accelerate continuity in planning and economic growth initiatives.

The Delta State Public Works Program should be in collaboration with the Local Governments, State Government, and local and international industries or companies in the State; specifically, the big corporations through their respective Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR ) department.  The big corporations in the State are required to actively participate in this program so that their businesses embrace responsibility for the impact of their activities on the environment, consumers, employees and the communities.  Furthermore, the big corporations should proactively promote the public interest by encouraging community growth and development.

As noted, poor infrastructural development in the State is an issue that affects everyone whether you are rich or poor. It affects sustainable Industrial and Technology developments or social and economic developments (development in educational system, development in manufacturing industries, service industries, healthcare industries, automotive industries, oil industries, refineries, printing/bookbinding industries, woodwork/furniture industries, agricultural industries, transportation industries, chemical companies, information and communication technology companies and construction companies, among others).  These industries and companies cannot survive without adequate infrastructural development; hence most industries and companies in the State are relocating to other Nations with adequate infrastructural development.

As I suggested and emphasized above, Social and Economic Development would occur in the Delta Statethrough the provision and proper maintenance of infrastructures in all sectors.

Stable Energy Supply

As I noted, stable energy supply is the key to development, especially in manufacturing industries and other related industries, healthcare systems and educational systems.  Stable energy supply is a motivation for investment and promotes job creation, at the same time reduces crime rate.  Today, the Delta State has no stable energy supply, which is an impediment to sustainable Industrial and Technology Developments.  For example, manufacturing requires adequate, constant, reliable and affordable electricity.  Manufacturing cannot be effective with stand-by generators as it is being done today in Delta State, that is; manufacturing becomes more expensive.  Stable and affordable energy supply is the key to social and economic developments in any society.

I observe that Nigeria is proposing nuclear energy for her power supply.  The proposal is a great and giant idea because nuclear energy produces huge amount of electricity.  However, if as a nation, we cannot manage the hydroelectric dams, the refineries, the coal plants and the railway system, etc., how do we manage a nuclear plant? Nigeria is not in a position to manage nuclear energy plant because of the high safety risk involved and based on the nation's history of poor management of projects.  As noted, nuclear plant is more detail and more complex than refineries and hydroelectric dams, and requires skilled and disciplined professionals.  A meltdown at a nuclear plant could be catastrophic, and handling the radioactive waste is another problem.  The accidents at Three Mile Island in USA ,Fukushima Daiichi in Japan and Chernobyl (a Soviet nuclear plant) should not be forgotten.  Let us learn by example and not through the hard way.

The risks of Nigeria going nuclear as a source of electricity may outweigh the benefits unless we address the issues of giving priority to Godfathers, tribe, religion and region (zoning) in appointment to key professional positions, and correct our past mistakes in managing projects.

As noted, coal is the major source of electricity in many western nations.  The problem with coal is its effect onglobal warming, which give nuclear energy an advantage.  Nuclear energy does not emit greenhouse gases from plant operations as opposed to coal, oil and natural gas.  I suggest that Nigeria/Delta state invest in solar, wind, hydropower, and other renewable energy sources for the national energy future.  Alternatively, Nigerian/Delta State should invest infossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gas) as a source of energy as long as we control the methane and carbon dioxide that are generated in order to promote Green Technology. 

It should be noted that the current first world countries polluted the environment significantly during their development and these countries are still polluting it, the same countries encourage third world countries to reduce pollution, which sometimes impede growth of third world countries.  Some consider that the implementation of sustainable development would mean a reversion to pre-modern lifestyles.

In a recent meeting between UN climate change panel and other climate experts: renewable energy sources such as solar and wind could supply up to 80 percent of the world's energy needs by 2050 and play a significant role in fighting global warming.  Developing countries are encouraged to take advantage of the new technologies.  There is a call for deep reductions in use of non-renewables in order to keep temperatures from rising more than 3.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2 Celsius) above preindustrial levels, which could trigger catastrophic climate impacts.  The call is an invitation to governments to initiate a radical overhaul of their policies and place renewable energy center stage. 

In addition, there is a growing global awareness about the potential for renewable energy and the opportunities are tremendous.  The best conditions exist in Nigeria/Delta State for renewable energy deployment.  However, I observed that the setback of these technologies is the development of new infrastructure.

 

 

 

 

Poor Educational System in Delta State

In the human developing sector of the economy to which very little per cent of the budget is allocated is not encouraging.  The State should accede to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) recommendation that developing countries or societies should devote about 26 per cent of their budget to education.  High funding for education is important so as to achieve the "Education for All Goals", which six internationally agreed education goals aim to meet the learning needs of all children, youth and adults by 2015.  The six educational goals are: 1) Expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.  2) Ensuring that by 2015 all children, particularly girls, children in difficult circumstances and those belonging to ethnic minorities, have access to, and complete, free and compulsory primary education of good quality.  3) Ensuring that the learning needs of all young people and adults are met through equitable access to appropriate learning and life-skills programs.  4) Achieving a 50 per cent improvement in levels of adult literacy by 2015, especially for women, and equitable access to basic and continuing education for all adults.  5) Eliminating gender disparities in primary and secondary education by 2005, and achieving gender equality in education by 2015, with a focus on ensuring girls' full and equal access to and achievement in basic education of good quality.  6) Improving all aspects of the quality of education and ensuring excellence of all so that recognized and measurable learning outcomes are achieved by all, especially in literacy, numeracy and essential life skills.  However, most schools in Delta State are in a sorry state, and cannot achieve these goals in the next 20-30 years with the current trend and lack of transparency in educational system.

I suggest that Delta State focus on an agenda that children of pre-primary school age have access to early childhood care and developmental education.  Also the primary school children must have easy access to quality education, there must be teaching aids and learning materials, equipped laboratories, motivated teachers.  Delta State Government should create conducive environment for proper and effective teaching/learning because without these, we cannot have sound primary education which is the bedrock and pillar of our future generation.

As noted, over the years, Delta State has expressed a commitment to education, in the belief that overcoming illiteracy and ignorance will form a basis for accelerated State development.  However, regardless of the incontrovertible evidence that education is crucial to Sustainable Industrial and Technology Developments in the State and the Nation at large, there remain inequalities in access to quality education in the society. 

My tour of the State revel that most schools lack adequate educational infrastructures that is required for effective educational system.  All children from primary school should have access to computer; typewriter and internet while at school but this is not the case in Delta State .  In some schools, classrooms are overcrowded and chairs are not available, specifically for some of the primary school pupils.  For example, at Aghaulor primary school in Ute-Okpu, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, pupils learn and write on bare floor.  If the current trends continue, the target of achieving effective universal primary education by 2015 will be missed by more than two decades. 

 Some secondary schools in the State lack adequate accommodation which make students sleep two on a bed, schools lack equipment at the various workshops and laboratories, inadequate number of teachers, lack electricity in the classrooms and dormitories and schools have dirty environment.  In addition, teachers in the State are not motivated because they are under-paid; hence teaching and learning in the States are below standard.  Also, the effectiveness of training the State teachers will be achieved if Delta State Government can resolve the existing problems in educational sector by providing adequate educational infrastructures and good benefits for teachers. 

Academic system with excellent facilities through investment in educational infrastructure is required to provide a conducive or enabling environment for learning and would lead to development of our human resources.

 

 

 

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

I strongly suggest that the Delta State Government and the stakeholders in the State to include information and communication technology in schools' curriculums.  Delta State Government should promote ICT policies and set up standard for hardware and software development in the State.

As noted, for the State to achieve greatness, Delta State must deliberately develop a focused and dynamic education policy.  The practice of inconsistency, poor execution of educational projects, and inadequate funding by the State in educational sector is not the best option.  I strongly suggest that the Delta State take the leading role in education while the Federal Government confine to regulation of the sector.

The current trend in ICT shows that South Korea , United States and China are promoting strategy for "Smart Education", focusing on customized learning and teaching; as the digital technology in the classroom might help to engage pupils in their learning and could save schools money.  It is believed that the new learning strategy will deliver the best results for students, parents, and teachers.  As stated, Smart Education will change how we perceive textbooks; that is, the transfer from the traditional paper textbooks to digital textbooks that will allow students to explore the world beyond the classroom.  USA has announced her program: "Digital Promise", it involves a new national center to advance technologies that can transform teaching and learning.

The new educational project in the countries mentioned above, will involve wireless networks in all schools to allow students to learn "whenever and wherever" they choose.  It includes an educational information system that can run in a variety of devices including PCs, laptops, tablets and internet-connected TVs.

For Delta State to close the digital divide or digital gap; the State requires adequate educational infrastructures; especially, software development, stable power supply, funds and large scale Capacity Building in IT sector for the teachers, students and the pupils.

As stated above, revitalization of the dilapidated infrastructures throughout the State through maintenance will lead to job creation in the communities, attract foreign investors and act as a catalyst that will attract industrial experts of different technologies to Delta State.  It should be noted that basic functioning public utilities are required for any society to function technologically, and develop; hence, Sustainable Industrial and Technology Developments do not exist where these essential amenities are lacking.

 

Research and Development (R&D)

 

The Delta State government should plan to aggressively pursue the policies of strong commitment to research in science and technology, development of chemical industries based on natural products, petroleum and mineralsamong others.  This will reduce the high cost and scarcity of raw materials.  There should be timely and reliable supply of raw materials and chemicals for manufacturing industries to succeed.

The State Government should invest heavily in Research and Development (R&D) especially basic research while the corporations or industries in the State invest in applied research and product development.  This will provide the basis for long-term development for industrial products.  Delta State Government should involve academia in basic research and assist in funding the academic research. 

Furthermore, Delta State Government should promote science & technology studies in high schools and higher institutions including vocational schools with emphases on the basic courses, advanced courses and practical studies.  In addition, the State Government should encourage product development in industries and companies.  Product development a practical endeavor dealing with the design, creation, and marketing of new products, and focus on developing systematic methods for guiding all the processes involved in getting a new product to market. 

 

Petroleum Products

 

I strongly advise the Government of the State to build more refineries and make the existing ones in the State functional.  It is a shame that the Nation/State now imports most of the needed petroleum products while the refineries in the Nation/State are working below about 40% capacity or non-functional.  The current subsidy in petroleum products is made up of costs borne out of the inability of the government to manage the country's four refineries effectively and efficiently due to mismanagement and corruption.  The masses should not pay for the mismanagement of our Leaders.

 

Corruption

 

Government and people across Delta State should give adequate attention at addressing the issues ofmismanagement of public funds and corruption in the society because of their adverse effects on the State's socio-economic developments.  Mismanagement of public funds and corruption are major obstacles to development, which lowers investment and retards economic growth.  Corruption had permeated in our State's life making the majority to suffer physical and material deprivation.  The financial recklessness and endemic corruption hindering the State's growth are traceable to a serious lack of integrity, honesty, sincerity and professionalism the ranks of the State's financial managers. Specifically, those saddled with auditing private and public accounts, including regulatory bodies.  I attribute the State's obvious stagnation in several priority sectors (energy, roads, potable water, education, agriculture, healthcare, etc.) to corruption and poor service delivery, which characterize State public service.

Also, the level of social and economic developments have been hampered by the failure to develop our non-oil resources, pervasive the level of wastage, corruption, lack of transparency and neglect of our infrastructural facilities. Therefore, Delta State Government must drive towards zero tolerance of corruption in the State with the ultimate objective of good governance and viable democracy, which should lead to better quality of life for all Deltans.  The goal should be to ensure that public accountability becomes an issue in the State's socio-political life.  For example, contracts should be monitored to ensure proper execution.  Most projects in the State are not implemented even after funds for the projects have been collected.  As stated above projects and policies continuity by the State should be ensured in order to achieve the State's economic aspirations.  Processes and systems should be instituted to curb corruption in public office. Those found guilty of the crime should be brought to book.

On business ethics, commercial frauds or advance-fee fraud ("419 fraud") should be invalidated in the State. Improper business practices and failure to keep promises in business should be avoided because these factors have negative effects on our State developments, and reflect on our image at home and abroad.

The Rule of Law

As noted, the problems in the Stateare exacerbated by poor andcorruptleadership from banking sector, to thejudiciary,to the law enforcement agencies,to the Local Governments and to the States Government.  Such problems can be resolved by addressing the issue of Lawlessness or lack of the Rule of Law, which breeds excessive corruption. On the other hand, corruption creates poor leadership and poor performance, lack of accountability and fiscal irresponsibility, poverty and unemployment, low economic productivity, marginalization and neglect, among others.  As I have been projecting, the future of the State is bleak on account of the mismanagement of the economy by previous administrations, in that the previous leaderships have not bring much return in terms of sustainable Industrial and Technology developments to the ordinary indigene of the State.  On the other hand, the current leadership in the State is not making things better due to the slow pace of social and economic development. Delta State should emulate Edo State in radical infrastructural development process in all sectors.

Safety and Security

 

Safety and Security are key ingredients to achieving social, economic, technology and industrial developments in any society.  Conducive environment for investment cannot be achieved in a society where tribal, militant and political crises reign.  For example, the Niger Delta crisis is a serious issue and it should be addressed with every urgency, seriousness, care and sincerity in order to achieve meaningful development in the region.  Despite creating the Niger Delta Ministry, granting of amnesty and the training of militants, I do believe that this is a short-term solution to the problems in the State/Region; the long-term solution requires revitalization of the dilapidated infrastructures in the State/Region; thereby creating employment for the masses in the communities.  Furthermore, foreign investors have reportedly demanded guarantees from the Government that their investments should be well protected through stable policies and creation of an enabling environment for them to operate. Sustainable industrial and technology developments do not exist where Safety and Security are lacking; hence most industries and companies in the State are relocating to other Nations with Safety and Security.  In addition, complex approval systems and frustrating the local and the foreign investorsshould be addressed. 

 

Food Production

With respect to Agriculture, the Delta State Government should ensure increase in food production through implementation of the agricultural value chains in maize, cassava, rice, yam, cocoa, pineapple, okro, oranges, sweet potato, tomato, mangoes, pawpaw, plantain, banana, palm oil, aquaculture, livestock, and other staple foods production. It is required that the State utilise local resources to ensure self-sufficiency in food production.  The Delta StateGovernment should support farmers with fertilizers and adequate capital base. 

The Delta State Government can take a different approach to boost agricultural yield; that is; the use of the nitrogen-fixing roots of certain trees that provide valuable nutrients to resource-poor arable land.  Fertilizer tree systems (FTS) also help boost food security and play a role in "climate proofing" the State's arable land.  For example; researchers from the World Agroforestry Centre say poor soil fertility is one of the main obstacles to improving food production in Africa .  Although it has been known for centuries that certain plants, such as legumes, "fix" nitrogen in the soil and boost food crop yields, but the development of more active and practical management approach such as FTS is a better approach; and should be considered by Delta State Government.  These activities will transform the agriculture sector from its subsistence level to commercial level.

Other Factors that could Facilitate Sustainable Industrial and Technology Developments in Delta State include but are not limited to the Following:

 

Provision of Technology and industrial Experts: I strongly suggest that the State provide experts to manage and train employees in Delta State on modern technologies.  Partnerships and alliances with Delta State and Nigerian indigenes in Diaspora should be encouraged to train employees in Delta State on different aspect of technologies. 

Quality Management: Another impediment that hampers the chances of industrial and technology developmentsis lack of quality management and leadership skills among the stakeholders or those in decision making positions. As of date in Delta State, some of the stakeholders lack ideas, commitment, vision or foresight, technical and businessknowledge to do their job.

Most projects (the hydroelectric dams, the refineries, the coal plants and the railway system, the iron and steel industry, etc.) in Delta State/Nigeria failed due to poor human resource planning and management, among which aremismatch of technical and management skills.  That is, appointing employees to positions that they do not merit, making it very difficult to achieve productivity in workplace.  It should be noted that industrial and technology developments, politics, religion and ethnicity do not work together. Appropriate corrections are required to achieve good management practices in the nation and in the State.

Good Planning: Another barrier to industrial and technology developments in the State is poor planning for employees.  This includes lack of continues improvement, training and business knowledge, and poor educational background.  Therefore, large scale Capacity Building is highly suggested.  Capacity building is a process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes and resources that organizations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in the fast-changing world.

Capacity building efforts can include a broad range of approaches, for examples, granting operating funds, granting management development funds, providing training and development sessions, providing coaching and supporting collaboration with nonprofits, among others. 

Investing our Resources in the State: Delta States should invest the State's resources in the State to accelerate industrial and technology developments and Delta State indigenes should also invest their resources in the State.  This is one of the fastest ways to create jobs in the State.  As the saying goes, we should put our money where our mouths are! 

Effective use of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Delta State should encourage Foreign Direct Investment program to accelerate the net inflows of investment to acquire a lasting management interest in enterprises operating in the economy of the State.  As noted, FDI involves participation in management, joint-venture, transfer of technology and expertise.  There are two types of FDI: inward foreign direct investment and outward foreign direct investment, resulting in a net FDI inflow (positive or negative) and "stock of foreign direct investment", which is the cumulative number for a given period.  Foreign direct investment incentives may take the following forms: low corporate tax and income tax rates, tax holidays, other types of tax concessions, preferential tariffs, special economic zones, EPZ - Export Processing Zones, Bonded Warehouses, Maquiladoras, investment financial subsidies, soft loan or loan guarantees, free land or land subsidies, relocation & expatriation subsidies, job training & employment subsidies, infrastructure subsidies, R&D support and derogation from regulations (usually for very large projects).  Increasing foreign investment can be used by the Delta State Government as one measure of growing economic globalization.  Effective management of FDI will promote wealth for the State, accelerate industrial and technology developments and enhance employment for the indigenes.

Funding: Delta State Government should note that adequate funding and financing are keys to business success. One of the causes of industrial and technology developments failure in Delta State is lack of capital for the indigenes.  TheState Government should assist local investors by creating an affordable loan system; (loans with low interest rate and long-term pay back).  Financial assistance should come as micro-financing from local banks, from State Government and Local Governments, the World Bank, small business development agencies and the use of soft loan, among others.

Effective use of Technology Acquisition or Technology Transfer Process: Delta State should form atechnology council to address the issues and advancement in technologies (past, present and future trends).  The aim is to encourage technology conferences, seminars, trade shows and workshops between different industries, investors, academia and end-users.  The State Government, Local governments and corporations in the State should work with other Nigerian and African experts on different technologies, and invite Delta State indigenes, Nigerians, African and Western experts to present paper on different technologies.  These activities will enhance technology acquisition or technology transfer.

The State Government, Local Governments and corporations in the State should liaise with some high-tech corporations in the USA , Europe, China and other advanced countries through their business development personnel to work with the Delta State communities in different industrial and technology projects.  The State Government should minimize Brain Drain to maximize Brain Gain through the provision of incentives that will attract Delta State professionals in Diaspora.

Delta State should encourage privatization and open market system in the State because these are keys to rapid technology and industrial developments. 

Implementation Process: The lack of implementation of the past ideas and recommendationsare major obstacles in developing the State.  The slow pace of developing the Stateis due to thecaliber of individuals in decision making positions assigned to projects.   Development of the State requires priority settings with timeline or deadlinefor completion of projects, and goals setting(short-term goals, mid-term goals, and long-term goals).  In addition, the development of the State requires peacein the State (youths have to shun violence, kidnapping, hostage taking and sabotaging pipelines), and cooperation of the locals; there is need for peaceful coexistence among the indigenes of theState.

The question is can the State achieve infrastructural development due to corruptleadership in all sectors, andtribal, cultural and economic challenges?  Our tribal and cultural mix should have been a rewarding asset and not otherwise.

 

CONCLUSION

 

With effective management of our resources (human, capital, solid minerals, oil, natural gas and coal, among others), opportunities for development are unlimited.

I believe that Delta State should strengthen the State's manufacturing base through stable power supply, and lay more emphases on academicinfrastructural developments including technical or vocational schools for SustainableIndustrial and Technology Developments to occur. 

Development of public utilities or basic amenities is required for job creation in the State, and I believe that four or eight years in office is long enough to make a difference.  However, some of our leaders have refused to act.  It is sad to note that the State and Local governments are not performing up to expectations in providing functional public utilities.  It should be noted that functional public utilities promote sustainable technology and industrial developments.  Furthermore,the government activities, corporate responsibility and the operating standards of the oil companies and other organizations in the State may be improving; yet, there are more works that are needed to be done in the State to achievesustainable industrial and technology developments.

In addition, functional public utilities, safety and security in Delta State through Delta State Public Works Program (DSPWP) are required to sustain industrial and technology developments in the State andattract investors.  On the other hand, sustainable industrial and technology developments are continues process and continues improvement, and will among other things create jobs, reduce crime.  DSPWPwill provide enabling environment for business and promote high standard of living through poverty alleviation.  It will promote good democratic governance, State and Communal unity, and provide political stability in our communities. 

Although, these problems are numerous they are not insurmountable.  However, these problems, which includesocialdevelopment, economic development, democratic governance, peace, safety and security in the State, cannot be achieved if corruption, greed, nepotism, political and tribal sentiments prevail over State and Community interests.  I salute You.

God Bless Anioma People, God Bless Delta State and God Bless Nigeria .

 

BIOGRAPHY

 

Elder (Dr.) Chukwuma Okwuarima Nwaonicha: from Alihame - Agbor, Ika South of Delta State , Nigeria .  I attended Pilgrim Baptist Primary School , Alihame and St. Columba's, Agbor.

I earned my Diploma in Industrial Chemistry from State Industrial Institute, Perugia , Italy ; and BSand MS in Chemistry from Prairie View A & M University , Prairie View, Texas , USA .  I earned my Ph.D.in Organic Chemistry from Howard University, Washington DC, USA .  Also, I earned another MS in Management of Technology from University of Minnesota , St. Paul – Minneapolis , Minnesota , USA andMini MSDD in Software Design and Development in computer science, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul , Minnesota , USA .

I worked as a Laboratory Manager at Prairie View A & M University , Prairie View, Texas , USA . Also, I worked with 3M Company, St. Paul , Minnesota , USA ; where I participate in professional trainings through various educational centers.  I was a part-time lecturer at PG Community College, Largo , MD, USA and I worked with US Department of Commerce in Washington , DC in the area of emerging technologies. 

Over the years, I have acquired much training in science and technology development, management and leadership, project management, health care management, corporate law, computer and professional programs including technical and social programs. I have published and presented papers on Technology and Industrial Development both national and international.  I am a result oriented, dedicated and disciplined individual with excellent track records, work ethics and interpersonal skills.  I am married with children.

In addition, I am the Director of the Niger Delta International Initiative (NDII), a non-political and non-profit organization based in Washington , D.C.  The organization was created to provide support to improve the social and economic development in Niger Delta Region.

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