Time Travel: Abuja’s Past, Present and Future Deciphered, Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS)

 

Time travel is normally heard or seen in science fiction movies. Some of the first thoughts that come into a person’s mind will be, Star Trek, worm hole or Dr Who travelling through time inside his sophisticated time machine. In its most literal meaning time travel is a concept that involves one moving through time as he/she wishes without any regard to the laws of physics, which states that time always move forward. As fictional as it sounds, physicists are to be unable to dis-prove that someday humans may have the ability to manipulate the fourth dimension which will make time travel a reality.

While humans are still struggling to figure out how to make a time machine that will allow them to travel years or even decades back to the past and also have a peep into the future, remote sensing has achieved that a long time ago. With remote sensing it is now possible to look back decades into how cities develop and how land cover and land use has transformed over the years. Looking back at how a city develops, seeing when new neighborhoods are constructed or how new roads are built and seeing when a famous train station comes to existence is no doubt an interesting prospect. But what is even more interesting is to see a whole city unravel in your eyes and as you watch it grows from scratch! This is exactly the promise held by a planned city like Abuja through the worm hole of remote sensing.

A Brief History of Remote Sensing

So what is remote sensing that gives us such power to manipulate time and space? Re-mote sensing is basically the science and art of acquiring information about an object or phenomena without direct contact with the object or phenomena using sensors that operate within the electromagnetic spectrum. In other words, it can be defined as the acquisition of information which is usually in image form about the land masses and oceans and the atmosphere above it, by space borne sensors. The latter definition is what is sometimes referred to as satellite remote sensing.

It is important for one to understand how remote sensing technology comes into existence and how it works, because only then will one be able to appreciate what it does and how it changes our lives in ways that we are not even aware of.

Remote Sensing technology has been around for quite a long time. The earliest device for recording images from electromagnetic radiation was the black and white photograph. Not until around 1946, Remote sensing data is collected only from aeroplanes and balloons as photographs. Satellite Remote sensing kick-started in the 1960s with the launch of a satellite called TIROS 1. But for environmental Remote Sensing, the breakthrough came in 1972 when the first Earth resources satellite (ERTS-1) later called Landsat-1 was launched by NASA. This was a turning in history as one author states: “In the entire history of science, there has never been an event equal to the advent of Landsat-1 for the peaceful sharing of scientific data”. This is so because, for the first time, satellite data of any place on earth can be available to anyone that wishes to have it. The advent of Landsat-1 opens the door for effective environmental Remote Sensing. This was aided with fact that for the first time multi spectral images are a reality.

Later, Landsat thematic mapper (TM) 4 and 5 were launched in 1982 and 1984. This offered a significant improvement in data acquisition capability over Landsat-1(MSS). The Landsat TM has seven spectral bands, six in the visible and infrared region and one in the thermal (for measuring temperature data) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Over the years, a number of other satellites have been launched which includes hyperspectral and high spatial resolution satellites e.g. Ikonos, Spot, Quickbird, GeoEye and Worldview. All these have contributed immensely to the development of Remote Sensing technology. The advancement in Satellite Remote Sensing technology, especially with the development of more power-ful multi spectral and hyperspectral sensors on satellites has helped in better under-standing of urban areas and the intricacies and complexities of cities around the world.

A Satellite in Space

The Birth of a City

Over the last century, the world has witnessed rapid urbanization. Now, over 50% of the world’s population are said to be living in cities. This rapid growth comes with major problems especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Policy makers and urban planners struggle to manage such growth and its challenges. These challenges made some countries to resolve that the only solution is to undertake the daunting task of constructing new cities which will be planned from scratch. Such cities are expected to be better, efficient and easier to manage.

Abuja is a member of the exclusive club of such planned cities in the world. A club shared by cities like Brasilia, Canberra, Naypyidaw, Islamabad and Dodoma. Abuja was established in 1976 by the Nigerian government with the intention of moving the federal capital from Lagos to a more central location in the country.

Abuja city is the first pre-planned city in Nigeria. The city design and development was strictly based on a master plan designed by a US-based consortium, International Planning Associates in 1979. The master plan produced, defined the structure and overview which was supposed to be the basis for the progressive development of the city in four phases. The master plan carved out an area of about 8000 km2 as an area to be termed as Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the actual Federal Capital City will cover an area of 250 km2. The master plan proposed that 49% of the territory development should be residential, 32.5% for recreational areas including green and open space, 16.5% for light industries, commercial activities and other related services and 2% for government us-age.

Actual construction of the city started in 1981 with the intention of finishing the development of phase one area of the city (about 7000 hectares) and moving in by 1986. The whole four phases were expected to be completely developed with a population of about 3.2 million by the year 2000. All these recommendations by the master plan are things we can critique and verify using remote sensing

Abuja photograph, 1976

Moreover, using remote sensing to go back in time, we were able see that as at 1976 when Abuja was declared as the new capital of Nigeria, there is little evidence of impervious surface (which is an indication of urban area) in and around the area marked for the Federal Capital City (FCC). By 1986, we are able to see that about 3400 hectares of land has been developed, even though this is far short of the 7400 hectares recommended by the master plan. This is obviously one of the reasons why the capital was only moved in 1992 when about 5000 hectares of construction has been completed. By 2014 a total of about 18,000 hectares of land have been developed. This doesn’t include parks and open space; it is only the area of impervious surface constructed. Using remote sensing we are also able to model the pattern of how the city will grow 10-15 years into the future.

Only remote sensing can give us the ability to time travel back into the past to see with high level of precision how a city like Abuja started its life, form its most humble of beginnings (having no single paved road), to its position of strength and prestige not just in Nigeria but also across the world, as it is seen as one of the most beautiful planned and organized city in the world.

Abuja, 2014

Where Do We Go From Here? Death, Shiites and The Hypocritical Majority

The tragic incident involving Shi'ite Muslims in the ancient city of Zaria over the weekend, which led to the death of dozens of people, was sad, regretful and avoidable. Many have written and spoken about how it happened, who is to blame and how the clash was inevitable between the Nigerian army and the followers of Sheik Elzakzaky. I don't think I have anything new to add on that angle.

What this commentary intends to highlight is observations made regarding the aftermath of the incident. The first observation that was apparent and rather surprising to me is that in Nigeria today, not all followers of the Islamic faith are considered Muslims by all Muslims.

The second observation is that, sectarian affiliation is now slowly becoming stronger than the brotherhood that Islam advocates and actively encourages. This means that many people nowadays identify themselves first, as members or followers of a particular sect or Sheik, before they see themselves as Muslims covered under one big umbrella.

One can argue that there is nothing wrong in belonging or identifying with a particular religious sect as long as we truly believe in its doctrine. On the surface this sounds ok, but when you dig deep then you will realize the downside of such argument.

What happens when we identify with a sect and begin to hold firmly to its doctrine which we normally receive through some precarious selected sheiks is that, our quest for knowledge and understanding of the Islamic faith start to significantly narrow. Once on this path, it is an expressway that leads to one of two destinations; the devil’s condominium or the deep blue sea. The former alter our DNA and makes us to become zombies’ a.k.a extremists, we try to impose our views on people and tag whoever refuses to accept our view as an infidel or a non-believer. The latter transform’s us to robots. We end up believing whatever our sheik reveals as the gospel truth. A truth we hold on to even when we are challenged with superior argument based on scripture, learned classical scholars and even general consensus.

How does all these relate to the incident in Zaria? It relates because we are what we think! The way many people view and responded to the tragedy was a clear reflection of what they like or don't like, their religious inclination and sectarian affiliation. What is even more interesting is that many don't even know this. They actually think they are giving an objective assessment of the situation without any bias. Not knowing that they are actually being influenced by what psychologist call exaggerated emotional coherence (Halo effect). The world renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman described the 'halo effect' to be the tendency to like, or dislike everything about a person (a group, or a situation) including things you have not observed. How the halo effect works is for example, you like President Buhari's politics, you’ll probably like the way he talks, dress or even the way he waves as well! This works the same way if you hate his politics.

Knowing the psychology behind how people think and see issues did not reduce my shock in any way when I saw people actually celebrating the death of Shiites in the hands of the Nigerian military after the tragic events. Human life is sacred; it should never be dehumanised based on religious affiliations! Even if for argument sake we agree that the Shiites and Elzakzaky in particular are to be blamed for provoking the army, it still shouldn't justify celebrating or being indifferent to the loss of dozens of lives.

The only positive I can take out of this whole quagmire is that, I now see clearly the hypocrisy of the typical so called Nigerian Sunni Muslim. He criticises, curse and denounce (with the slightest of opportunity) the actions of Israel and the west when they kill Palestinians, Arabs or Muslims around the world. Only for him to turn around in jubilation and a state of adoration on death of his fellow neighbours at home.

Let us pray!

MIG

Growth and Fixed Mindset

Always aspire to have a Growth Mindset rather than a Fixed Mindset. To understand the difference and impact each have on you and your development, A Stanford University psychologist named Carol Dweck had this to say:

"A “fixed mindset” assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static givens which we can’t change in any meaningful way, and success is the affirmation of that inherent intelligence, an assessment of how those givens measure up against an equally fixed standard; striving for success and avoiding failure at all costs become a way of maintaining the sense of being smart or skilled. 

.....A “growth mindset,” on the other hand, thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as a heartening springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities"

She went further to explain that over the years she has seen many people that exhibit the fixed mindset trait having a constant goal of proving themselves—in the classroom, in their careers, and in their relationships. They see every situation as a call for a confirmation of their intelligence, personality, or character. Every situation is evaluated: Will I succeed or fail? Will I look smart or dumb? Will I be accepted or rejected? Will I feel like a winner or a loser? . . .

While those with growth mindset are guided on the belief that 'your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts'. Although people may differ in every which way — in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments — everyone can change and grow through application and experience.

My favorite part of her research was where she said:

 "Why waste time proving over and over how great you are, when you could be getting better? Why hide deficiencies instead of overcoming them? Why look for friends or partners who will just shore up your self-esteem instead of ones who will also challenge you to grow? And why seek out the tried and true, instead of experiences that will stretch you? The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives."

MIG

Letter to All those that Kill in the Name of Islam

For all those Killing innocent Christians (and other innocent souls) around the world in the name of Islam; from  Ar-Raqa to Askira, Gwoza to Deir ez-Zur, Damboa to Diyala, Chibok to Baquba. You guys are not only misinterpreting Scripture but rather Violating a clear instruction of the Prophet of Islam regarding such. Or maybe you are simply ignorant of such facts and your ignorance is now costing lives of innocent people & giving the beautiful religion of Islam a bad name.

I'm saying this because i don't expect you to tell me that you never came across a letter sent by the Prophet of Islam Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) to the Christian monks at St. Catherines, Mount Sinai in 628 AD that reads like:

“This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them.

Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them.

No compulsion is to be on them.

Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries.

No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims’ houses.

Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God’s covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate.

No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight.

The Muslims are to fight for them.

If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, it is not to take place without her approval. She is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray.

Their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants.

No one of the nation (Muslims) is to disobey the covenant till the Last Day (end of the world).”

Please find another excuse to Kill innocent people but stop hiding behind Islam! This excuse doesn't hold water anymore! But from the look of things, based on your Modus Operandi, it wont be difficult for you to come up with another silly excuse because Nowadays I noticed that you Kill just about Anyone!! Muslims, Atheists,  women, children and the elderly as long as they don't subscribe to your Evil ways!

May God destroy all the Evil-doers that live around the Forest of Sambisa to the Mountains of Gwoza, far east to the Valleys of the Euphrates and Tigris!


MIG

A Random Encounter

Some people are blessed with the ability of taking advantage of any situation they found themselves in, no matter how random... 

This is a story of a short random encounter. It goes like this:

It was a Friday, and Friday means playing football in the evening. This Friday was not different of any other, we got ready with a few friends and headed to the pitch where we play.It seems we were a bit early this Friday, because the pitch is closed and we seem to be the first to arrive, this means we need to get the guys that look after the pitch to come open it for us. Two went to get them, and two of us stayed back doing some light ball work by the pitch side. That was when i noticed two ladies passing closely to where i was standing.To my surprise i saw to this 2 familiar face. I don't know their names but I know i have seen them before. In a split second i remembered i saw them during events organised by the Islamic society in Nottingham. As they came close to me and about to pass, i extended the Islamic greetings of  'Assalamu Alaikum' and they answered 'Wa alaikumussalam'. I think they recognized my face as familiar (like i did their's) atleast one of them has, Im sure. Just when i turned to get the ball that was kicked towards me, one of them uttered the simple, apparently random but important words (reflecting back now). She said 'Can u please say a Du'a for us?' I was like 'Du'a?' she said 'Yeah we are going for an exam now' I said 'Oh! I pray that God makes you succeed in this exam' she said 'Ameen!' They passed and i continued playing football.

A few hours later i reflected back on this encounter. That was when i realized the magnitude of this little moment of randomness and its lasting effect on me. I began to draw lessons out of it which also includes the realization of how some people see an opportunity in getting ends meet either by meeting a random stranger or finding themselves in a difficult or trying situation. It also made me to appreciate the etiquette of Islam even more. Which always teaches and encourages people to honor anyone they see young or old and ask them to pray Du'a for them whenever they are in need, because you may never whose prayer is going to be accepted.

This encounter had such a profound effect on me that i have prayed to God to make those ladies succeed in their exams several times in the day and Im sure i will keep praying for them whenever i remember. This was made possible only because a lady deem it fit to ask a random person whose name she doesn't even know to say a Du'a for them, and now Du'a he will keep saying for them!

Lesson: Some random encounters you have with people, leave a long lasting impression on them without you ever realizing! So be nice and positive in anything and with anyone you meet, even if you think you will never see them again!

Don't Blame Boko Haram for Chibok Girls Kidnap, Blame Yourself first!

By 
Mallam Ibrahim Gumel


“Never open the door to a lesser evil, for other and greater ones invariably slink in after it." Baltasar Gracián, 1647.

First I will start by saying there is no Justification whatsoever for Kidnapping of the Over 270 Girls in Nigeria by Boko Haram! But I think we have being all responsible slightly or otherwise for the situation that led to the Kidnap. If anything, this incident has exposed our hypocrisy in choosing the battle to fight, the cause to represent and the plight to sympathize with...

I am saying this because since the beginning of Boko Haram insurgency over 5 years ago, the Nigerian military has been documented to have carried and is still carrying extensive human right abuses that include among others indiscriminate arrest/detention without trial of innocent people, Torture, Killings, blackmail and intimidation of insurgents and innocent citizens alike...

Some of the people arrested and detained for months/years are women and children...It is a common occurrence for the Nigerian army and/or police to raid an alleged insurgent/terrorist home, only to arrest his wife and children if he wasn't found at there....with the clear intention that holding his innocent family will push him to turn himself in! If he refuses to turn himself in, his family can be held for months or years in detention for a crime they didn't commit! Such tactics by the Nigerian security personnel are not isolated incidents; they are more or less official policy that is known and giving a tacit approval by those at the highest chain of command.

The tragedy is not just what the security personnel are doing, but rather the indifference and sometimes active encouragement given to such acts by ordinary citizens that for example feel good (without asking questions) whenever they hear that a terrorist has been arrested but his wife and two children are killed as a result. Such sentiments are manifested in different ways that includes the 'I don't care' attitude of the ordinary man on the street, to the NGOs that are suppose to be promoting human rights but turn a blind eye. Including the media that either refuses to report or sugarcoat such incidents. Down to the social media birds and activist that care more about reporting the President and his Wife Gaffes than bringing the Plight of the suppressed to the forefront, and lastly to the international community that looked the other way during the Rwandan Genocide, and now only showing interest in Nigeria's War on terror after sensing an opportunity to play a so called 'strategic partner' in-order to get a slice of Africa's biggest economy when the dust settles down!

We have condemned the over 270 Girls to the misery of what happened to them on April 14th long before that dark electricity-less Night in Chibok. The Nigerian Government that has the prime responsibility of protecting the lives of its Young jewels has shown time and time again that it is grossly incapable and Criminally Negligent to the adversities faced by the citizens of the North east.

The sad reality is, if it wasn't the Girls of Government Girls secondary school Chibok, it would have been those of Government girls school Baga, or the Girls of Government Teachers College Gwoza or even those Kids of Anchor Model School, in Askira/Uba. The signs have been there for everyone to see. But what did we do after seeing those signs? Nothing! 

That is why the blood of these girls is on our head, all of us! This makes the statement of an Irish statesman in the name of 'Edmund Burke' almost 100 years ago as apt then as it is now, he said 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing'.

God always comes to the aid of Humanity in its most trying hour. But will God come to the rescue of Humans that have lost Humanity? Only time will tell!