Articles

Deafness is not by choice or will

By Taofeekat Adigun

International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated annually across the world on 23rd September every year along with International Week of the Deaf in order to raise awareness on the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.

Mrs Temilola Ogundeji is the Director of Language of Hands Centre, a consultant interpreting firm. She is the lead interpreter at the office of Executive Assistant on disability matters for Oyo State Government. She is also the National Vice President for the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), as well as a worker in News Interpreting Department on BCOS.

In this interview with Taofeekat Adigun, She shares insight into challenges faced by deaf people, inclusion of Sign Language and the role society has to play.

Tell us a little about yourself ma?

I am Temilola Sakirat Ogundeji, popularly called Lola interpreter. I am a prolific consultant interpreter, and the Founder of Caring Climate Interpreters Ventures (train the trainers outfit). I am a lead mentor for deaf community. I have worked with different organizations both in Nigeria and it's diaspora on Sign Language usage. Some of the organisations include; DFID, USAID, C4C, UNIFEM, INEC, NASS, JONAPWD, NNAD, IRI, VSO, UKaid, Osun State Govt., FORD FOUNDATION, PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL, AIT, amongst many others.

Also, I am a film producer. I have produced 2 films "Ayike Omo Oko" (subtitled in English and Sign language for the deaf) in 2008 and "Igbo oba" produced in conjunction with National Parks Service in 2012.

Tell us a little about your organization and the achievement it has garnered over the years.

Caring Climate Interpreters Ventures, popularly called Language of Hands was established in 1991 but came to limelight in 2005 after my participation during confab. It is a consultant interpreting NGO where we offer sign language interpreting service for people, company, schools and the likes. We offer training for people interested in sign language free of charge. Some become an Interpreter after 9 to 12 months, depending on their interest and seriousness.

Some of our achievement so far, we have trained many interpreters who have trained other interpreters as well. We have mentored many interpreters who are doing well in the profession through our different training programs and field jobs. We have worked with so many organisations both in Nigeria and abroad to offer sign language interpreting service. We have participated in different programs,both national and international.

What spiked your interest in sign language?

I did my NCE program at Federal College of Education (SPED), Oyo, where I studied Special (Deaf) Education. I was passionate about learning Sign Language. The peculiarity of the language, where your hands represent your mouth and your eyes represent your ears was fascinating to me. I learnt sign language via a Deaf man in 1986 because of my passion for it and to communicate with him well. The Deaf man later became my husband in 1989.

We hear people say "Hearing impairment/ Deaf people". Which Term is more appropriate to use?

The Deaf is the general term. It covers both hearing impaired, speech impaired and hard of hearing.

What challenges do Deaf People face in the society and how can we tackle them?

Communication problem is the major problem. Sign language is not a universal language that most people know or are aware of. There is also the issue of NEGLECTS because deafness is a hidden disability.

Generally, there is also the issue of misplaced priority. For example, when people think of empowerment of persons with disability, the first thing they plan for the deaf is sharing of hearing aids whereas not all deaf people can use it. The usage depends on the decibel and a lot of factors need to be considered.

The deaf needs education opportunities. There are schools with unskilled interpreters who end up teaching the children wrongly. Also, a lot of deaf people are highly educated with no jobs. Providing employment opportunities, various skills acquisition and vocational jobs will go a long way.

What are your opinions on including Sign Language in the school curriculum?

I honestly believe Sign Language should be integrated in the curriculum. It will immensely bridge the communication barrier experienced by deaf people. Sign Language is a subtle and unique language. If we all have a deep understanding of the language, it would go a long way in making life better for the deaf.

What advice do you have for parents with deaf children?

Acceptance is a huge factor. Parent should first accept them and show love. See them like every other children. Enrol them in special schools early as a child so as not derail their education, and overall, let them be independent. Parents should try as much as possible to learn simple basic sign language well as to communicate with their children.

How can government help solve the plight facing the deaf community?

Inclusion and integration is the only way. Let there be interpreters at hospitals,court of justice, police stations, interpreting service centre like the legal aid council. Thank God Oyo state govt.is trying in that area.There are News interpreter on BCOS as well as interpreters in the office of the Executive Assistant to the governor on disability matters.

Providing job opportunities for those who are educated and vocational relief materials for those who have various skillset.

What advice do you have for people on relating with deaf community?

Firstly, deafness is not by choice or will and disability can happen to anybody. People tend to have the "Thank God For My Life" mentality when they encounter deaf people. This should stop.

Let people recognise sign language, embrace it, learn it, and use it.

Let them be FODA (Friends of the deaf adult). Let them encourage and accept intermarriage between the Deaf and hearing. Deafness is not contagious.

What is your final advice for deaf people on surmounting all odds against disability?

"In every disability, there are abilities". God created them with special abilities and potentials.

They should not allow their disability to be a barrier for achievement and realising their purpose. Educational pursuit is very important, no matter how little. Begging is not the answer.

Nobody can make them inferior without their consent. They should not allow anybody to downplay or look down on them. They should be hardworking, confident and focused.

Sometimes, we look at the year and ask many questions. If you had known the uncertainties in this year, you'd probably not bother laying out any plans or visions of hope at the beginning of the year. In 2020, it was the COVID-19 Pandemic and the National unrest in October. In 2022, it is the prolonged ASUU strike. Each time, your expectations and calculations are nothing but a mirage. If you do not use the binoculars of the future, you may end up feeling so unfufilled and pained.

Sophia soliloquizes bitterly as she waits for the salesgirl to package the groceries her mum had sent her to buy. She sighs and sights a newspaper on a crate of soft drink. She exclaims at a shocking headline that caught her attention. Two of her Faculty's old lecture theatres which had still been in use while in session, were reported to have collapsed into crumbles and some passersby were seriously injured in the process.

''I think you might now want to add, 'Scholar with a gratitude in the heart' to your business card' the salesgirl says, chuckling as she hands over the groceries to Sophia. She had overheard Sophia's lamentations.

Sophia takes a deep breath, maybe it's time she started viewing certain situations with a new lens.

It is a common belief that human beings tend not to see beyond their nose, such that every situation always seem like the end of the road. This feeling tends to cause worry and anxiety about what the future holds. When you find yourself worrying about a situation because you are picturing a negative outcome, you are, in effect, saying, “I can predict the future.” But, the fact is, you can't, and you are worried about what may happen, or what may not happen.

However, when you begin to see beyond the present situation, you save more energy to engage in other profitable ventures and make the best out of a weird situation.

I'll be sharing some tips that can help you wear a 'binocular lens' that will aid your seeing beyond the present and help you act accordingly.

1. Be optimistic

Nigeria can make you lose hope but you must understand that it is only those who see the positive side of a bad situation that make the best the possible best out of it. Have maximum conviction and confidence that things will work out in your favour. Don't be that person who is always carrying about negative vibes. Optimism will actually help you think and perform better.

2. Make Personal Improvement

Take one step at a time towards personal development, everyday. Ensure that this improvement is all round i.e spiritually, academically, financially, socially. At least, those areas you feel still needs some adjustments and only you can discover this for yourself.

3. Be Grateful and Happy

Human beings are insatiable, which means that no matter the rosy situation, we still look for more, thinking that will make us happier. However, no matter how the present situation seems, find a reason to be happy. Just reflect a little, maybe if things didn't turn out the way it did, you wouldn't have thought about that business you started or that job or course you pursued, or that niche you carved for yourself, or those skills you acquired, what about those values you added up? Or those life changing friends you met? And those moments of revelation and self discovery...the list might be endless.

📌 Even if things didn't go perfectly to plan, you must have learned and grown stronger from the experience. The experiences you've had will make you grounded and prepared for what the future has to offer.

Celebrate your small wins and keep hoping for the best.🌹

I know the title of this article is a bit…well, a bit strange. Do I really want to have a
disorder? Probably not! Still, there is something that really intrigues me about this one.
Sometime back, I watched this Indian movie: ‘Like Stars on Earth’, and I have to say, that movie
hurled me into a deep thought that totally transformed my mindset—and yes, it is an amazing
Indian movie. Before watching it, I had heard of the learning disorder, dyslexia, but this movie
made me see it in a new light. ‘Like Stars on Earth’ is the story of a young boy who probably has
the most incredible and artistic mind I had ever seen—yet he had dyslexia, an impaired ability to
read and write. He could make amazing art out of anything—but words and numbers, not so
much. See, academically, he had the mind of an infant but artistically, his artwork spoke
volumes. You can of course imagine how almost impossible it was to fit into the school system
of learning and grading. He was constantly ridiculed and mocked until someone helped him
discover his true potentials. After watching that movie, I went back to do a deep study on the
disorder. You should have guessed by now that this article is about Dyslexia. What really
prompted me to do this was when in the movie a good number of iconic personalities were listed
as having dyslexia: Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Agatha Christie, Pablo Picasso, and
Leonardo Da Vinci etc. My discovery completely blew me away! I encountered notable
personalities who I had previously never imagined having dyslexia, and all that kept
reverberating through my head was: What!!! How? What could possibly have made the
difference? So after a lot of research, I came up with a thought that I just had to share. I need to note here that this article is a very passionate and thought provoking piece and will challenge
some ideologies. Enjoy!

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

This is of course the best place to start. I will try as much as I can to keep it simple and not bore
you with all the details. Dyslexia like I said earlier is an impaired ability to read and write.
Generally, people with dyslexia appear bright and intelligent but are unable to read write or spell
well. It is not a behavior problem, though people often mislabel it as one; it is a learning
disorder. Writing is almost always incoherent – letters inverted, words misspelt or reversed etc.
(e.g. ‘b’ instead of a ‘d’, ‘tac’ instead of ‘cat’). It is often difficult to pronounce properly and read
as words often appear to ‘swim in the text’. Numbers as well suffer the same fate. Dyslexics find
it hard to exhibit ordinary motor skills like gripping a pencil and writing. Generally, dyslexia can
be helped but not cured and people who have dyslexia can only learn through creative learning techniques.
Famous Personalities with Dyslexia
The first thing that literally blew my mind was this long list of persons that have, had or are
suspected of having dyslexia and I will list here just a few of them:
 Albert Einstein (record breaking IQ)
 Pablo Picasso (amazing artist)
 Tom Cruise (actor)
 Thomas Edison (the light bulb)
 Leonardo Da Vinci
 Agatha Christie (bestselling novelist)
 Alexander Graham Bell (the telephone)
 Walt Disney (animator)
 Winston Churchill (one of the greatest political leaders and Nobel prize winner)
 Steve Jobs (Apple)
 Ludwig van Beethoven (Classical pianist)
 George Washington
 Whoopi Goldberg (actress)
 Henry Ford
 Warren Buffet
 Nelson Rockefeller
Even Bill Gates admitted to having Dyslexia! Allow me to zero in on Agatha Christie for a
moment. She is my favorite writer of all-time. She specifically writes mystery and investigative
novels and among some of her most popular works are: ‘Murder on the Orient Express’, ‘The
Mysterious Affair at Styles’ and ‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’. And wait for it…her books are
outsold only by Shakespeare and the Bible! She holds the Guinness World Record of being the
bestselling novelist of all time. As a lover of mystery and investigative novels, I have yet to see

the kind of creativity she employs anywhere else, and after reading, I always think to myself, ‘what kind of mind could this have come from?’ Yet Agatha Christie had dyslexia. In her words, “I, myself, was always recognized…as the „slow one‟ in the family. Writing and spelling were always terribly difficult for me”. It is pretty mind blowing how such a renowned writer could have had difficulty reading and writing!

Like I said when I started, the question that really plagued my mind was ‘what could possibly have made the difference?’ because it pretty much seems like so many marks had been hit by people who have an impaired ability to read and write that many other ‘normal’ people haven’t even dreamed of. What exactly is the difference? Is there something here to learn? Could it be that dyslexia is a good thing? (I trust my fellow Nigerians to readily utter ‘tufiakwa – God forbid!’) But then, if there is an advantage that these guys have, why are we not seeing it and how to we exploit it so that across board, we can all make serious impact. I set out to answering these questions and I stumbled on a very ‘crazy’ thought (by crazy here, I mean unusual and rather remarkable). Here is what I think…

Uchenna Umeano is a freelance writer, from Anambra State.

With the 2023 election looming, many candidates have already made their ambition to run for various political post known to the public, and with time their manifestos will start rolling in. Different manifestos will be read to the attentive ears of the masses at strategic locations chosen for campaigning. At the end, the best man wins and is sworn in to his/her office after every ‘rite’ has been performed, with he/she resuming duties almost immediately.

The joy of being a leader is indescribable but what about the burden that comes with it?

The expectation to always outperform the former administration is always high as the present administration is expected to defy all odds but at the end of the designated term, the hype of the current government turns into a flop. This then leads to the question – How cumbersome or burdensome is the role of a leader?

Having the prospect of becoming a leader would turn out to become a thing of regret if one does not envision how/she wishes to lead his/ her intended followers. Having the mantle of leadership is always an arduous task as the supposed leader is always deep in thoughts about how to make the society better and make progress.

Being a leader is not a decision you can just wake up one day and make. The situation of Nigeria’s leadership is extremely pitiable as different candidates have aspired out of the blues to becoming the leader of different posts without having pure intentions or a clear vision of how they intend to rule their country. Even leadership at the grassroots is not a joking matter. Some past leaders have died as a result of being a leader, others have been victims of heart attack and hypertension due to the problems faced with while in office. Perhaps, this might be a reason why leaders are celebrated for fulfilling a specific amount of days in office.

Having the notion of becoming a leader is an abyss that no one should just plunge into. A candid advice for those who are aspiring to become leaders if various political posts us to think twice and be solidly positioned in order not to be shaken when they finally get their desired post. Remember, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

The History Of The International Day Of Persons With Disabilities (IDPD) by Ogheneruemu Avweruosuoghene Alexander

Every year across the globe, precisely on the 3rd of December, a special event is observed. It is The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). On this day, several activities intended to promote a correct understanding of disability issues are organized. Support is mobilized for the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of Persons with Disabilities. The event is also intended to create awareness of the benefits to be derived from integrating Persons with Disabilities into every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.

This unique, annual celebration was proclaimed in 1992 by a United Nations General Assembly resolution. This special resolution by the United Nations has behind it an interesting history. This history is the focus of this article. Before then, it is germane to put get some understanding of the background of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

It is said that “a knowledge of the history of a person, a movement, an event, a place, etc is crucial to having a better grasp of its present”. What is more, not only does such knowledge throw a light on the past to aid a better understanding of the present. It also enhances chances of creating a better future. And so an understanding of the successes and failures of the past is important to growing and making progress.

Back then in 1981, the event now known as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities started out as the “Year of Disabled Persons”. Five years earlier, 1976 precisely, the United Nations General Assembly had ratified a global decision in which it called for an “Action Plan” at national, regional and international levels. The focus was on providing equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), offer rehabilitation and prevent disabilities.

The theme for that year, 1981, was “Full Participation and Equality”. The impetus was on the right of PWDs to have a full part in the life and development of their societies, the right to enjoy living conditions equal to those of other citizens, and the right to have an equal share in improved conditions resulting from socio-economic development. With this first move of the UN General Assembly, a time frame was given to governments and organizations of signatory nations to implement activities recommended in the World “Programme of Action”. Thereafter, the UN declared the years from 1983-1992 as the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons.

Some pertinent questions rise at this juncture.

Why was it necessary for this apex world Organization, the UN, to expend so much focus and energies on a minority group?

What were the situations leading to the intervention of the UN?

A cursory look at the people in the eye of the storm will be helpful.

Persons With Disabilities.

From a general standpoint, a Person with Disability is one who suffers from a physical, mental, or emotional condition(s) that keeps her from living a functional life that is considered normal. A PWD may also be denoted by a term which specifically points to her disabling condition.

The Statistics

Statistics reveal that some one billion people (15%) of the world’s population suffer from one form of disability or the other.

PWDs, owing to their conditions, are more likely to experience marginalization in education, employment, poverty, unfavorable working conditions and a long list of other social injustices.

Such was the situation across the globe prior to the intervention of the United Nations. The situation still persists. Notwithstanding, there have been giant stride improvements since that first United Nations intervention of 1981.

The United Nations, guided by the principle of fundamental human rights, took up the gauntlet when its attention was drawn to recurrent barriers faced by PWDs in societies across the world. These obstacles constituted subtle infringements on the fundamental human rights of this minority. They came in various forms and magnitude. From restricted socio-political and economic participation to accessibility issues. From deficit in assistive devices availability to gaps in technology and service delivery. The overwhelming argument remained one of PWDs being at the receiving end of society’s attitude of discrimination, prejudice, and stigma. As it was then, so it is today – a tale of injustice to human dignity that calls for concerted actions by a recognized authority.

We now have a concise picture of the background to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Overtime, steady progress has been made and this yearly commemoration has become an important part of the United Nations calendar of activities. There is an increasing global awareness of the disability rights/inclusion social theory. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) has been an active vehicle for achieving the aims of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This very important document in the Disability Rights crusade specifically underscores the imperative of transnational collaborations in addressing the rights of PWDs.

As a legally binding instrument, this document ensures that PWDs across the globe get the same rights irrespective of nationality, gender, religion, language, etc. Signatory nations are expected to formulate laws that grant rights to PWDs in line with UN stipulations.

For instance, the Nigerian State, under President Muhammadu Buhari recently signed the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of Disability and imposes sanctions on offenders. Already, some gains have been made. While this gives hope to PWDs in the State, it remains to be seen how efficient and consistent its implementation will be.

Each annual celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities come with a distinct global theme which sets the tone for activities and lectures. However, individual countries, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the private sector are free to mark the occasion as they deem fit. The UN headquarters though, has a set routine for the IDPD. This consists of an opening ceremony, discussion panels and cultural events. Very importantly, all celebration activities are geared toward raising awareness on, as well as advancing the rights and perspectives of PWDs all over the world.

As individuals, governments and organizations look forward to marking this year’s edition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the next seven months, they will do well to have an eye to the historical background of the occasion. That way, the inclusion spirit will be efficiently nurtured and continue flourishing.

Fintech: Leveraging Covid-19 Pandemic For Future Gains

Fintech is the new application processes, products or business models in financial services, industries composed of one or more complementary financial services and provides end to end process via internet, the use of smartphones for mobile banking, investing services and crypto currency are examples of technologies aiming to make financial services more accessible to general public. Fintech companies consist of both start ups and established financial institution and technology companies trying to replace or enhance the usage of financial services provided by existing financial companies.

Fintech is the technology and innovation that aims to compete with the traditional financial methods in the delivery of financial services. Fintech companies and Start-ups are adapting to the new Normal amidst COVID-19 pandemic most of them have the advantages of having built agile teams and systems, it's now a matter of their resilience and the relevance of their services.

Social distancing for example lends itself to mobile first of many, since people cannot go to bank to perform transactions alot of people go to their phones so we go to the new normal of using our which is Fintech.

Another outcome of Covid-19 maybe the acceleration of partnerships with financial institutions that offers benefits such as capital and infrastructure, but increasingly seek Innovative digital solutions, the Fintech are also better geared towards partnerships using Innovative tools and technology to do

Coronavirus: The Growth of Online Learning Business

Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, especially with the absence of an immediate cure in sight, businesses, including schools have started to explore new modes of operations. Before now, many parents thought it would be impossible to execute digital learning in Nigeria and even to hook-up their children online to receive relevant teaching. The Federal Government has launched free e-learning portals for all students in primary and secondary schools as there is a closure of schools nationwide to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

The online learning process is coordinated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in conjunction with the States Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs). Also, many state Governments and executives have backed this initiative, including the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who on Saturday, joined the government-backed virtual digital training for youths in the state with a call on participants to compete to evolve with homegrown technological solutions to local problems.

Prior to this pandemic, online learning had existed. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, edx and still counting give opportunity for professionals and amateurs to exchange intellectual property and learn for a token of money or on scholarships.

The business comes when you either become a tutor or you own the learning platform. Anyone can just start with your WhatsApp and Facebook groups and teach what you know for free or for a fee

Opinion: Online Dating and the Love Path of Facades

"Beneatha, are you going for a beauty contest? I have never seen you spend so much time in front of the mirror like this.' Doris comments as Beneatha draws her brows. 'Well... it's all 'bout my new date I met on Facebook three months ago. Doris, this guy is amazingly cute. We've always had an online lovely time together. So, when he suggested that we should meet at Country Kitchen today, I couldn't resist him. He's such a nice guy.' Doris shrugs and giggles. She reminds Beneatha of her past experiences with online dating. She recalls her encounter with a dishonest person who created a profile with a dating site only for scamming her and other members.

'Gosh! You're so paranoid for my liking. I am an adult and I don't mind doing crazy things to find true love.' Beneatha says and bangs out of the room. Doris claps her palms in surprise. She wonders how a sane person will just choose to confide in a kind of abstract lover. What if the guy turns out to be a dangerous and evil. Perhaps a ritualist or a rapist? It will definitely end in tears.

Online dating is also known as internet where people find and contact each other through the internet to arrange a date, usually with the goal of developing a personal and romantic relationship.

Most times, online dating is usually a facade because it doesn't help to detect the true love. Hence, it becomes a love path that neither did run smooth nor balance. Below are some side effects of online dating:

There is a lot of personality misrepresentation because people tend to lie about their past and character.

Waste of time, effort and money as many online dating users never had the chance to meet anyone face to face.

Increased chances of impersonation or identity theft because geographical distance makes physical closeness difficult if not impossible.

It's difficult to meet people with similar core values, faith, interest, background and preferences.

Relationship consensus is very sensitive. It's a decision that can either make or mar your life. Thus, there's need for proper physical interactions and observations.

Online dating might be trendy or attractive but you'll be playing a risky game of meeting any/every Tom, Dick and Harry because...

True love doesn't come out cheap or on a 'platter' of chance!

Nigeria- We Can Make It Happen

Far from a trial to rub our wounds, Nigeria will pick up soon as indicators show. The best way to support these indicators is to become motivation to ourselves.

For me, each time, I carry a belief that it is what I give in that I get back. It simply implies that when I give all the necessary zeal, strength and dexterity into a thing, I get "all the desired results." Then I took to history, reading to find stories of persons whom this principle have worked for and I'm here with the "I can do it attitude."

History has the tales of experts who were convinced that the ideas, plans, and projects of others could never be achieved. However, the accomplishment of those same rejected projects, came to those who said, "I can make it happen."

I sometime ago, read the story of The Italian sculptor- Agostino d'Antonio who worked diligently on a large piece of marble. Unable to produce his desired masterpiece, he lamented, "I can do nothing with it." Other sculptors also worked on this difficult piece of marble, but to no avail.
After sometime, Michelangelo discovered the stone and visualized the possibilities in it. His "I-can-make-it-happen" attitude resulted in one of the world's wonderful masterpieces.

As you read this account under the magnificent lighting of your environment, from your mail, social media or blog as the case may be, consider that what you call an absurdity and waste of time could become an asset. You would find out that you can make it happen!

Yours in Inspiration

Scientia: Why Your Bottle Sweats

If you ever visit the refrigerator lay and pick out a very chilled bottle of drink, leave it for a while and then return, you would notice that the bottle begins to shed drops around it.

Sweating Bottle- Image Source: Google

In another case, if after a warm bath, you glance at the mirror to behold your beautiful face., leave the dressing room to look more exotic and return to a second glance at the mirror, its surface becomes
unclear and while trying to clean, the hands get wet, then you have met condensation.

Condensation is the the process by which water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water. In other words the warm air in the air were cooled by cold soft drink also the warm water vapor
from my body were cooled by the cold mirror surface.

This same phenomenon is the reason behind cloud formation.

I'm not a fan of football, but I think I do know a few things about it. I'm just one of those rare guys who do not like football.

Football is funny, it could be comedy at times; a game where players shake hands after play, and fans fight one another after play. That is the fun in it. I have noticed that to the players, it's a game and they've been paid(cool dough obviously) and; to the fans, they've paid and one must take the blame.

So players find no pain switching membership while supporters sense infidelity for cross-carpetting, thus the fans usually stick to one club while the players switch clubs often for the love of the game. If players are loyal to the game than their clubs, then supporters should be loyal to the game than their clubs; in that way, they will need not fight or kill one another for the game.

Another funny thing is that neither the players nor the game requires that they fight! Probably the fight comes up because most people are not just fans but fanatics. Be a fan not a fanatic.

That's football. I do not intend to derail from my sporty post with my socio- political analogy. But far from it is the political scene of Nigeria. My observation holds but sadly true in the polity and political game "Nigeria" that while our evil politicians and rulers who in this context are the players, short change the entire populace and people in the course of the game. leaving them high and dry; the populace who are the fans in the political arena rather than hold the politician i.e the players accountable, would rather turn against themselves whilst unleashing hell and sorrow and further impoverish themselves. All the while the politician players after every hot battle or game as put, after whipping the people into killer frenzy, vide the intoxicants' and toxins called religion and ethnicity and simply retire backstage to loot and dine together unbridled whilst the supporters or fans called Nigerians waste themselves.

Literally, soccer fans should hold players accountable when they play badly, rather than fight one another; concrete evidence suggests financial profligacy from most soccer stars, little wonder they feel sad when retirement calls. The major difference between this literal story and my allegory is that unlike the soccer fans who spend hard earned money to watch their favourite team, the electorates do not spend, rather they depend on the politicians who invest massively and brainwash the masses to stay in power.

People should see the light and realise that fellow citizens are not always the catalyst of their woes.

Scientia: The Slow Writer Syndrome

Ever met a slow writer who outshines everyone else in examinations and wondered his secret?

Writing is the use of written words to express opinions or ideas. Writings can therefore be done quickly or slowly. Dr. Marc Seifer, a graphologist and handwriting expert who wrote The Definitive Book of Handwriting Analysis in 2008, shared some of the top ways writing by hand can help our brains beyond just dotting our i's and crossing our t's.

More specifically, Writing a calming sentence is a form of Graphotherapy. As the act of writing is therapeutic because through writing “we exteriorize in words”, thoughts, wishes and emotions, which we “liberate”, Graphotherapy is a means of making conscious alterations in your handwriting in order to effect desired subconscious changes in your personality. Jotting down a sentence like, "I will be more peaceful" at least 20 times per day can actually have an impact, especially on individuals with attention deficit disorder. This actually calms the person down and retrains the brain.

In his preface to Daybreak (1887), German philosopher and philologist, Friedrich Nietzsche recommended the practice of slow reading. According to him, "it is not for nothing that I have been a philologist, that is, a teacher of slow reading; in the end I also write slowly. Nowadays it is not only my habit, it is also to my taste -a malicious taste, perhaps? - no longer to write anything which does not reduce to despair every sort of man who is "in a hurry." For philology is that venerable art which demands of its votaries one thing above all: to go aside, to take time, to become still, to become slow.

For this reason, it is more necessary than ever today (in the midst of an age of "work,") that is to say, of hurry, of indecent and perspiring haste, which wants to "get everything done" at once, including every old or new book: this art does not so easily get anything done, it teaches to read well, that is to say, to read slowly, deeply, looking cautiously before and aft, with reservations, with doors left open, with delicate eyes and fingers. (Daybreak: Thoughts on the Prejudices of Morality, translated by R.J. Hollingdale. Cambridge University Press, 1997)

The testimonials from practitioners suggest that Slow Writing allows learners to not only think about what they're writing, but also how they are writing – slowing down the writing process to ensure high
quality.

Adedigba Daniel, Ifelaw President Addresses Nigeria on 58th Independence Anniversary

THAT WE MAY BE INDEPENDENT FROM THIS INDEPENDENCE

Today, we join the rest of the world to commemorate with our dear country on yet another annual record of celebration after we gained independence from the stranglehold of oppression, humiliation and exploitation in 1960. It is indeed a feat worthy of an annual remembrance and jubilation.

However, at this stage in our national calendar, it behooves on us quickly to make a sober reflections and necessary reminiscences to our historical pains and gains, to our trajectory fortunes and misdeeds. At age 58, we should be geared at promoting our national gains and fortunes while similarly throwing to a bottomless pit, all resolves that has been responsible for our backward progress.

At this stage in our national calendar, we should hold strongly to the real adoption in the truism of Nigeria being the giant of Africa, we similarly should make the giant whole in its entirety, an attempt to separate the head, the arm and parts of the giant is tantamount to consciously making a dwarf of a giant. An attempt at secession is a deliberate attempt indeed to render our giant powerless which applies with equal force to our giant full of sound and fury while signifying nothing. At this point, we should aggregate our strength and unify our differences.

At this stage in our national calendar, we should walk without fear and send our daughters to schools without a subsequent call for “bring backs”.
At this stage in our national calendar, we should have the real picture of a true democracy where the people really matter and where elections are not done for us in unconscientious proxy.

At this stage in our national calendar, we should align with the Biblical antics in 1 Corinthians 13:11 and put away childish things. Only then would our independence be independent.

Happy Independence Day.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Daniel O. Adedigba,
President,
Law Students’ Society,
Obafemi Awolowo University,

1st October 2018.

We have come to that period of the semester. EXAMINATION PERIOD!.
EXAM time can be super stressful and sometimes no matter how hard you try to keep your cool, things get on top of you.
As a way of setting a golden precedence embedded with benchmarks of success. Make do with these tips on how to get it right this examination period.

1. GET A TIME-TABLE
Over time, this is a common rule but most students don't see the essential part of it.
If you have more than one exam to deal with...
Draw out a timetable with dates and time of each exam and how many topics need to be covered within the period of time.

2. CREATE AND ORGANISE YOUR READING SPACE.
It may be that before the exam period, you had no organised reading table/space.
•Get enough space to spread your textbook and notes out.
•More lights, comfortable chair, No phones, No laptop (make all necessary research before reading), No games, GET RID OF ALL DISTRACTIONS!.
•LISTEN TO BACKGROUND MUSIC; while this may not help some people, it helps a large number of students. It prepares them for distractions in the exam hall.

3. BE YOUR LECTURER!
Visual aids can be really helpful when revising for exams.
•Challenge yourself to write down you already know about a topic.
•Condence your revision notes into one page diagrams before the exam. This helps you to quickly recall during the exam.

4. PRACTICE PAST QUESTIONS!
It helps you get the format of the questions.
• Time yourself and make sure you spend the right amount of time on each section.

5. LECTURE OTHERS!
• Get a group of friends/classmates/younger ones.
• Explain answers to questions to them. It helps to clear your head.

6. GIVE YOURSELF BREAKS!.
This has been proved by scientists to help retention of knowledge.
• Create a study routine that works for you.
• Do not feel guilty being out enjoying the sunshine, instead of hunched over your textbooks.
• Remember, vitamin D is good for a healthy brain!

7. SPEND YOUR MONEY!.
As silly as this may sound, it is necessary. You need to give yourself treats during this exam period.
• Eat the right food at the right time.
• Little chocolates? Yes, but not much, remember 'sugar may seem appealing but your energy level will crash an hour later.

8. PLAN YOUR EXAM DAY!
This sums up all that has been said so far.
• Never be later to an exam. Work out how long it will take to get there, then add up some extra time.
• Go with friends/classmates. It has been discovered by scientist that the presence of intelligent friends around you in your exam environment boosts your self esteem.

SUCCESS!!!⚡⚡

From:
LSS PUBLICITY COMMITTEE.
Law Students' Society, OAU.

“XTA”: RESTRUCTURING AND THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PUZZLE

Ease of Doing Business Index has made us smile. Ease of Paying Taxes Index has brought our faces rare glow. VAIDS have ensured the country’s purse swells by USD50 billion. With the present Nigeria, this smile and glow are once-in-a-lifetime trances. Even our easiest fantasies fail to confidently bring solutions to our plight as a sovereign state. So, let us smile and make merry. But how do we even get items for merriment? Oh. You think the 50 billion USD will reach your street? O boy eh, keep dreaming. You see, substantially, there is a wide divide, a chasm between the growth of the economy and its development. Let us not even veer towards sustainability yet. Without bridging this chasm? Let us take a short stroll before we wield the gavel.

Oil prices have nosedived and is nose bleeding gorily. Agriculture and solid minerals remain a viable source of national revenue but not at its optimal shape. Looking through the transparent test-tubes of history, history of the development of the developed countries, we find one curvy, nice-figure-eight appearance. Tax. Yes, tax is the real deal. Like solar power generation, tax does not make noise. Silently, steadily but surely, it goes on and on. Of course, what is constant if not death and taxes. But the truth must be sprinkled on this field straightaway. Taxes can only sustain a socio-political economy which is in itself, sustainable in values, principle and foundation. How sustainable is the Nigerian socio-political turf? Our searchlight must get brighter here.

In the 1960s when regionalism held sway, the budget of the Western Region alone superseded that of the federation and the other regions combined! Sounds quite outrageous right? But this was a budget whose arousal was borne out of regional necessity. There was a plan. The budget was meant to vehicle this plan efficiently. Each region was meant to be ruled, to grow and develop at its own pace, albeit healthily and competitively. Then suddenly, the Aguiyi of this world arrived and supplanted. Unification Decree No. 34 showed up. Regionalism was defiled and murdered in cold blood. Unitary Federalism began in earnest and would never be supplanted till this day. Nigeria’s problems are enormous and sometimes, amoebic and amorphous in description. It is evidently unfair to situate the reason for the inane aging of the Nigerian state on lack of proper federalism alone. Nonetheless, this piece will defy all odds and without noise, situate the blame on it. Let us defy the odds shortly.

The Federal government has been constitutionally made, extremely lucrative and juicy that little attention is paid to the development of the regions anymore. Make no mistake about this – the regions have not grown better than they were during the days of regionalism. VAT, Solid minerals, Companies, Policing, Defence, Petroleum and Liquid minerals, Maritime, et cetera are exclusively concentrated at the centre by the instrumentality of the Exclusive List of powers. If these powers are in the federal government, then just forget about the sharing and revenue allocation formulae deceit. The regions can never get serious, innovative and developed. They will continually slumber and live in economic putrefaction. Then, even if a region or state decides to wake up, the entire federation wakes up with such state but in full opposition to it. I mean, who are you to wake up when we are all sleeping? You are proud o. Enter, case study, Lagos State.

A short digression may be relevant here. Have you ever wondered why Biafra secessionist calls rise and fall like epileptic bouts? Have you not wondered why the notorious and dreadful Niger Delta militancy never ceases to cause alarming concerns? Why will you vandalize pipelines in your own home? Of course, the Nigerian state suffers from epilepsy. But the answer is not far-fetched. Ants can only destroy their castle when it is no longer theirs.

When sense of belonging is lost, the belonging itself loses regard. Historical facts and figures abound. Authoritative dicta abound. But the simple truth is one, and it is the call for the restoration of social, economic and political sense of belonging to the regions. Taxes are yielding record-breaking revenues. Oil prices have been projected to increase soonest. The ministry of solid minerals is showing some spicy promises. Agriculture now contributes over 5% to the economy unlike the abysmal less-than 3% previously. Of all these prospects, this piece sees tax as the mitochondrion of the economy in terms of steady and sustainable source of government revenue. On this note, I seize this moment to announce the solution to the puzzle “XTA” – TAX!

But hey! Do not lose guard just yet. These are all economic growth indices. But the pepper that must be pungent in this soup is the fact that there can be no true development without restructuring the socio-political economy of the Nigerian State. For the tax system, Companies income taxes and VAT should belong to the concurrent list of powers. The States must be made to manage, control and make the best use of their resources, natural and otherwise. Lagos State is the largest contributor of VAT to the Nigerian treasury. But it is one of the least-enjoying States of the same revenue it effulgently sources. Where is the sense of belonging? Where is the motivation to other States to work on their ease of doing business in order to compete healthily with the VAT kings? With the present system, it is a no way!

Our stroll reaches a final lap here. The chasm between the growths we are experiencing at this moment in our history and the fantastic development of our desires lies in Restructuring. Restructuring is just that missing link between the swelling of economic fortunes and the equivalent swelling of personal fortunes. The National puzzle for sustainable development has been unlocked. Then why drag our law-making feet again? Indeed, it is realized that the federal legislature is enrobed with the power to restructure as restructuring fundamentally has to be rooted in the grundnorm, the Constitution. Whether the “cameras” of both houses will capture them in the history books in a sonorous way is a ball in their respective courts. What ball is in our court? Optimism, our only weapon.

Olukolade O. Ehinmosan,

Aspiring Legal Practitioner.

ehinmosanolukolade@yahoo.com

I extend my greetings and good wishes to all the muslim youths in Nigeria with undiluted felicity and gaiety at this joyous occasion in which the muslims from all walks of life are basking in the euphoria of Eid-Fitr festival. It's a great premium to witness this fascinating festival. It's important the muslim youths do not allow the vigour and ebullience that accompanied this festival to becloud their reasonings from the salient events that had happened before this festival.

These events must be brainstormed on painstakingly before their youthful vigor, strength, freshness and talent which are invaluable, are traded unnoticed with enticing deals as this festival might have shifted their attention with its euphoria. The muslim youths must see this festival as a period where frivolous activities ought to be disbanded while youthful traits are to be energized on serious activities. As the previous festival was the last one for some youths, this festival may also be the last one for some muslim youths because this life is delicate and short. Due to the uncertainty of life, the youths must be determined and decisive to have impact in life and also stand for right courses before their youthful traits are reduced into nothingness through cowardliness and ignorance.

Also, some muslim youths had lost their lives on religious struggles, believing that they had fallen into a noble struggle to revive Islam. It's important the youths take cognizance of every struggle before it's being promoted. Over the years, the muslim youths have always served as tools to promote the interest of the muslim elite. The interest of these muslim elite is being promoted through religious bigotry, hatred and violent sermons preached and spearheaded by some Islamic clergies. This would only promote the interest of the muslim elite in their cause for economic and polical power because the generality of the muslims would always be infuriated with the activities of the non-muslim elite. While these muslim clergies have their shares in this unholy deal. It's pertinent the muslim youths learn and practice true Islam as it preaches peace, benevolence and compassion before their youthful traits are traded ignorantly.

Lastly, the metaphorical words of Germaine Greer which go thus; *Revolution is the festival of the oppressed* should regularly ring in the memories of the muslim youths. They should anticipate a day where there would be an outright change in Nigeria. The transformation of our dear country to a clime full of hope and glory with the power of the youths. A day where this dying nation and her groaning people would witness a blissful climate as against the current wave of public horror. The end of misery and the birth of a new nation.

The youths are the hope of every society, and with their concerted strength, any force against them is condemned to ruination. This might was proven during the colonial era as the whites' Governments were defeated, likewise the historic *violent change* of Governments staged by the youths in Nigeria. It's time the youths of this generation swung into action via legal means in ensuring that a sincere change is staged through their consolidated efforts.

*Bin Zak*
*A Revolutionary Muslim*
*Faculty Of Law*
*Obafemi Awolowo University*

1. Be optimistic

2. Make Personal Improvement

3. Be Grateful and Happy

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