Metro

Opinion: The Nigerian Factor - Us against Them

This 'N' factor has multiple meanings to every citizen around the country. This is basically because of the diverse way of life and that apparently there are different situations we find ourselves in everyday.

In this case, the Nigerian factor to me are the blames and excuses that most Nigerians give for their deliberate and unintentional failures plus indulging in self concern over public service , well it happens to the best of us. I once had a friend who hit a motorcycle with her car but afterwards put the blame on this 'Nigerian factor- ish' I didn't care to listen to her reasons after all she would also have her own share of the blame to take but she isn't ready to accept it. It is typical.

This blame game has been on since the inception of Nigeria. Let me break this down, the masses blame the leaders for abandoning the law and being unjust to them and the leaders then blame them for not been their agent of the basic change. Basically the faults come from both parties, cause our leaders have not been responsible and the followers do not exercise their rights.

The people have the rights to throw anyone out of leadership position however when this is done, it still end up being the wrong choice— voting the 'better candidate' that would also end up betraying us. This betrayal factor has disoriented the people on a long run, hence during elections, selling of votes to collect Money, Rice or Vegetable Oil will inevitably take place. One that ground, most people blame Nigerians for the miseries they found themselves in.

However, it is phenomenal to say that most Nigerians who live in abject poverty wouldn't have a cause to reject the offers, most people have existential needs they have to cater for; they have problems with what to eat, where to sleep and what to wear. If someone is hungry and is offered food in return for his vote won't he succumb. So all these boils down to the leaders who do not use the power entrusted in them to restructure the society. In addition to that, take a look at advanced countries where poverty/hunger are of little percentage. No matter how poor they are in the US, you can't see them walking Barefooted, having big stomach big heads or half unclad, so it's not like there is no poverty over there, there's poverty everywhere, it just that there are levels to this things. Hence their politicians can't entice them with Burgers or Ice cream. Consequently, until we conquer hunger, voters will continue to be lured into this impulse. All these wars our leaders were supposed to fight for us.

I really do not want this post to be based on corruption and all— we've had enough of that but then I remember while I was in high school, we used to have this weekly debate I can't recollect the topic but the whole thing was based on Corruption. During the debate, a speaker made this statement ''I'm corrupt, you are corrupt'' It brought about a lot of noise from every corner of the hall, we were intrigued, why did he say this? what does he want to prove? Am I also corrupt?— these questions begged for answers...

He was right afterall, aren't we all guilty of corruption, from failing to obey traffic light, jumping of queue in the bank, bribery and anything else you can think of. This may be normal or minor to most people but it still doesn't change the subject. Nevertheless the professional looters (politicians) are the ones that is so evil to us. To be candid, shouldn't we share the Blame? the blame for always voting corrupt politicians into power, the blame for being too quiet for too long, we cry out to God in worship places instead of crying out to our oppressors. Everyone keep minding their own business yet we are oblivious of the fact that, there cannot be personal salvation in the midst of collective damnation!

We can continue on and on but the underlying fact is that our leaders are not responsible. They have turned government institutions into profit oriented investments. They turned government affairs to Businesses. Don't even talk about our Judicial system it's another discussion for another good day! They are unconcerned about the welfare of the masses, rather they run after their own bellies. They quenched every bit of chauvinism in us. it's not a big deal if you are a Nigerian! No patriotism. We have nothing to be proud of. Besides do the people still believe in the 'Nigerian nation' I have been challenged by the fact that the government is an extension of our filthy society after all every public officer comes from that primary cause: Family. Well, that is a very sad excuse while it might be partly true because we have our own shortcomings but everyone is responsible for their failure, although the society might have impact on you, it's still left for you to determine the values you want to hold on to.

In a nutshell, leadership reflects followership, everyone of us has a role to play. Leadership shapes followership and our leaders have a major impact to play and not put blames on the masses rather they should save the people from themselves, not sink them deeper into corrupt situations. They should lead by example and watch the blame shift drastically. However, without this popular JFK saying I wouldn't be fulfilled with this post — ''ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country"

On this note, I'd like to appease Nigerians not to give up. It's too late, it's too early. Why would you even think about giving up in the first place, she's all you've got! I wouldn't preach about change to you here. Nonetheless, you just have to believe 'cause, If not us, who? If not now, when?

At a time when the drive for better inclusion of a marginalized section of society (Persons with Disabilities) is gaining speed the world over, it is sad to witness religious institutions (by their very nature and calling supposed to be shining examples in this just cause) acting with apparent indifference.

Whether this is happening unintentionally or otherwise, I do not know. One thing I know: the situation calls for urgent redress.

In June last year, I was at the headquarter church of one the country’s leading Pentecostal denominations for Sunday worship service. It was my first time. Among the features that caught my attention on that first visit was the sheer size of the location, the state of the art equipment in use, the warm welcome of public relations staff, the fine show of opulence (children of the King are not supposed to be poor), and the generally conducive ambience. With these and more on ground, i was eager to settle down to quality time in Divine fellowship.

Alas, that wasn’t to be.

Fustration began when I made it clear to attendants that as a deaf person, I required sign language interpretation to easily assimilate spoken communication. In other words, without it, I couldn’t really benefit from the sermon and other parts of the service.

Ordinarily, one would expect the headquarter church of a denomination of such status to have ready arrangements to cater to the language needs of all kind of attendees at any given time. Also, it is a “no-brainer” that this mammoth religious organization has the capacity for that – and more. So, I was both surprised and disappointed to discover that in that audience numbering into hundred of thousands, there couldn’t be found interpreting services for the deaf and hard of hearing. I will never forget the rollercoaster of emotions of embarrassment, indignation, and disappointment I experienced that day.

The matter got more ridiculous when it became clear that even the ushers were not sure whether or not there was provision for such special need. I still recall an usher walking me almost the circumference of that expansive auditorium asking for, I will say, a nonexistent section for the Deaf.

At the end of the stress and embarrassment, all I got were some pacifying words.

Although it’s almost a year since that encounter, I am still trying to grasp why one couldn’t find a deaf person in that huge crowd of worshippers. Even if there was, there was no sure way to tell. Furthermore, the various responses and reactions clearly showed that these people are not used to having deaf brethren in their worship meetings. One may therefore understand why they appeared clueless in such situation.

Years earlier, I had a similar experience at a branch of same church where I again happened to be the lone deaf person. After much frustration, I somehow took the matter to the head pastor. Unfortunately, nothing concrete came out of it.

PERTINENT QUESTIONS

At this point, some pressing questions arise. Why, for example, was there no single deaf person in those congregations? Could it be that no deaf person is interested in worshipping there? I don’t think so. Again, could it be that the church inadvertently threw them out through non-chalant attitudes – no provision for their language needs, for example? As if to validate this reasoning, among the three or so top church names in the country, this is the only one of which I have heard practically nothing about a deaf section/ deaf persons. Oddly enough, a friend once said that this particular church has a policy of not accommodating deaf worshippers – insisting on the power of God to heal all infirmities. Well, I choose not to believe such outrageous claim until it is proven beyond doubt. My position is that in the mix of things is a lack of vital information, proper enlightenment and correct orientation that could have made a world of difference.

By beaming a searchlight on possible reasons for the marked absence of deaf brethren in that congregation of believers, we will understand that this kind of thing don’t just happen. It follows the law of cause and effect – some of which we may not know. From the known, I offer a fact: “It is unreasonable to expect a people whose unique communication needs have not been provided for to happy in, or want to be in any type of gathering – not the least, religious ones. I write from experience.

Let’s be clear about it, this unsavory non-inclusion of a disadvantaged minority in our worship places isn’t limited to one big name church. It cuts across churches, mosques, etc.

Nor is the case being made only for deaf persons and sign language interpreting services. No! It covers just about every cluster of People with Disabilities (PWDs) whose rights and human dignity are being denied/trampled on one way or the other. Consequently, there’s a steady build up of a disgruntled set of worshippers who feel ignored disrespected and insulted. This is a dangerous trend that needs to be checked.

What’s more, if we will see it for what it is, this subtle injustice stands in stark contrast to the spirit and letters of the holy writs of all the religions.

CHARTING THE WAY FORWARD

In recommending the way out of the present quagmire, we need to be fair.

“He that comes to the table of equity must come with clean hands”.

We need to acknowledge that this subject of inclusion is a knotty one – complex and complicated. It should be mentioned too, that either side could be at fault in this matter. Most often than not, the conflicts, dissatisfactions, blame trading and grudge bearing driving the “Inclusion narrative” have their root in a lack of enlightenment on the subject of disability, ignorance, ‘far off the mark' assumptions and speculations, differences in perspectives, poor awareness level, prejudice and other indices of human failings and limitations.

Personally, I hold the belief that people are basically good (more so, from the context of places of worship where godliness and piety is the norm) and wouldn’t just go about hurting feelings and infringing on rights of PWDs. You see, when good humans derail and offend in this matter, it’s often because they don’t know how to navigate this rather tricky terrain, so rife with sensitive egos, stereotypes and fragile emotions. Notwithstanding, in law, as they say, ignorance is not an excuse. So, here’s the home truth: “our places of worship need to invest on getting educated and enlightened on the subject of Disability and PWDs. Both leaders and laity need it.

Expert knowledge and advice should be sought from Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and other reliable sources.

Recommendations should be implemented with efficiency.

Special trainings and seminars should be held.

There should be brainstorming sessions where experts in various fields of human endeavors bounce off ideas on the way forward.

An important caveat though: the people in the eye of the storm, namely, PWDs, should be carried along every step of the way.

Despite being a minority, the case of these marginalized persons is worth all due attention. And I’m convinced our religious stakeholders are fair-minded enough to grasp the substance of the parable of the shepherd with a hundred sheep leaving the ninety and nine to seek the one that went astray.

Enough of this subtle non-inclusion.

Opinion: Today, Everyone is an Influencer

A PR is a person involved in public relations. Being a PR (also known as an influencer of recent) has suddenly become a highly sought after job by the youths. A PR publicizes events and businesses. A PR also knows a lot of people and has high networking skills.

There are different categories of fake influencers. While I was in Lagos, awaiting UI admission, I used instagram a lot. I viewed a lot of my friends’ profiles and almost all accounts I saw that had over a thousand followers had the word “influencer” in the bio section. I concluded it was a phase, as we had just finished secondary school and being idle was the only thing we did then. You finally have more than a thousand followers on instagram or twitter but no engagements and you claim the title of “influencer” just because…

Just as the secondary school graduates gradually moved into different universities this PR effect has followed them to their various institutions.
Everybody seems to be a PR these days. There are a lot of influencers’ pages; ui_students, ui_crib, uiparrot etc. pages like these keep springing up. The people behind these pages give no thought to its continuality. The only thing on their mind is the moment popularity. PR jobs have gone beyond daily posting pictures of people who have taken a photo with a good camera and giving such photos vain captions. I do this and the only thing stopping me from claiming to be an influencer is my followers are far from a thousand. Now this is one category of fake PRs.
The second category is the whatsapp story influencers (WSI). As an influencer, yes you should be able to reach a lot of people in a short time; you should also be able to actually influence these people’s decisions. WSI go around exchanging numbers with people, posting links to their direct messages everywhere just to increase views on their status. Quality will forever be better than quantity. So you, as an influencer have a maximum of more than a thousand views on a post that is on your status daily but only five people are in your dm showing really slight interest on what you posted. Why? It doesn’t just end at the collection of numbers, you have to establish a relationship with the person and this requires sending more than broadcasts to the person’s dm.

The last category, Twitter influencers. These are actually the funniest. Imagine someone winning a giveaway that he also planned. Twitter influencers do anything to get retweets or likes including winning their own giveaways. The most recent practice is impersonating people and using their pictures for display pictures. There has been a lot of calling out and exposing of such people, but this hasn’t stopped the impersonators as it gives them the avenue to gain more followers.

Some influencers have even said farewell to their home training and personal morals, just to post raunchy photos to get engagements. It is a digital world and the world was made for man and not man for the world. Not everybody is a PR and PR jobs are not for everybody.

Dictargh.

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.🌹

Editorial: Live and Let Live

Crime Meets Criminality: Human Nature or Inhumanity?

Be a good human being, a warm hearted, affectionate person. That is my fundamental belief- DALAI LAMA

Sometimes, I think that humans, are birthed with the tendency to commit crimes and engage in forms of criminalities. Most times, I end up brushing off the thought because I have met people who are true definitions of humanity. Judging by recent happenings, I concluded that we have more percentage who are inherently wicked and evil. This claim is not far-fetched as it is evidently seen in the story of Abel and Cain.

It saddens my heart and brings tears to my optics when I see the high rate of crimes in this century. Once in a while, I wish to take an investigative journey to the past centuries to understudy if crimes were these high then. Rapes, murders, racism among other crimes are being reported almost everyday. All these social vices want me to question where humans humanity and tolerance have gone to?

The past days have been virtually eventful, but sadly, for negative reasons. In these past days, we have heard and read of killings, rape and murder. But the cases that stood out were that of a teenager who was 'mistakenly' murdered in cold blood, a lady who was brutalised a a result of rape and a black man who suffered the consequence of being black.
READ: Coronavirus: Career Tamed, Professionalism Tampered
Police brutality is something not new to Nigerians. The numbers of those killed in the first two weeks of the lock down were more than the total that were killed by the Coronavirus. Police's insatiability for corruption can not be imagined. They can do anything when their illegal requests are not attended to by drivers. But what I could not come to terms with is why would a supposedly law enforcement agent fired a gun carelessly: something that should not be done by civilians like me. Many results of the police brutality and rash decisions have been reported in recent times. The most recent of such brutality and senseless shooting was that of Tina Ezekwe. Tina who was a teenager was hit by a police officer's misfire shot at Iyana Oworo area of Lagos state. I will like to see it as a murder case rather than a case of manslaughter. Tina at the time of her death was aged 16 and due to sit for her WAEC examination this year. Yes, I called it a case of murder because nothing gave the police officer the reason and audacity to rashly and unreasonably fire. I would not want to start imagining the state the girl's parent would be at this time. We keep hearing young minds are the leaders of tomorrow, but it seems to me that everything is being coordinately put in place that the paradigm never comes to fruition. An example should be made out of the police officer in question so as to serve as a deterrent to other trigger- happy police officers.

Rape cases have been prevalent, not only in Nigeria, but also all over the world in recent times. Those who religiously follow international updates would give an acceptable nod to this claim. Hardly would a day pass without at least a reported case of rape. Nigeria stands among countries recording cases of rape in recent times. In a report, it was said at least a girl child is raped everyday in Nigeria. But the rape case of Uwa serve as one of the backdrop for writing this piece. I find it unbelievable that the victim was raped and brutalised inside a church! The late Uwavera Omozuwa was a 200-level Uniben student who had decided to take the church a reading centre as a result of this covid-19 pandemic when all institutions are under lock and key. As her usual habit, the late Uwa on Saturday, May 30 decided to visit her reading base which was a redeemed church for another reading session before she was pounced on by vagina-hungry predators. She was badly raped and brutalised. I will rather not focus on the fact that the criminal, disgusting and ungodly act was carried out inside a church as the perpetrators may be infidels or atheists, not that I have problems with them being infidels or atheists as everyone is entitled to his/her beliefs. But I will rather focus on the inhumanity displayed by these individuals. Another rape case involving 14 men raping a young girl was reported in Jigawa this morning. There is nothing we can call that than it is an act of wickedness. I hold the opinion that more stringent laws should be passed on any cases involving rape. Many women are raped and they have to live with the stain and stigma for the rest of their lives. Some are not strong enough, they would rather take solace in murder. There should be no place in the world where women will feel insecure as right to life and property is one of the fundamental human rights. As a result of consiszent reports of rape cases, many women would leave their homes in fear of being way laid or raped. In this Uwa's case, humanity has definitely gone on an expedition of no return.

Uwa
The Late Uwa

Humanity decided earlier this week to take another break when an innocent man suffered the consequence of being born black. The current event has generated reactions all over the world. Since the occurrence of the incident, nationwide protests have been going on in the United States of America. George Floyd suffered a tragedy of police brutality in Minneapolis, Minnesota in America not because he was asked for bribe or refusing police arrest or shot at a police officer, but because he was black. His death was just that of circumstances birthed by the world we live in. Racism has been around for as long as I could remember and many have kissed the mother earth as victims of racism. A sneak peek to books like Native sons, Sizwe Bansi is dead, Second class citizen and a host of other negro oriented work of arts: prose, poetry and drama will sharpen one's mind and take one on a long memory lane. Africa was blindly looted by whites for more than a hundred years. Even after independence, we are still enslaved by their Ideas. Years after breaking the shackles of imperialism and colonialism, Africans still struggle for acceptability. The White see black as nobody, especially, in the White man's land. It is the highest degree of inhumanity to kneel on someone's neck and others present would just derive pleasure in the whole scenario by laughing away. Even after pleading for his dear life, they didn't bulge. George Floyd's offence was that he was black. I find it nauseating that people judge by colours. Nobody holds any decision on the colour he would be birthed. I was born black not because I had a choice, but because I was lucky to be born black. You were born White not because you had a choice, but because you were lucky to be born White. I think the United Nations Organisation should try everything possible to put an end to any forms of racism around the world. As a result of racism, Africans live in fear of being abused, maligned and marginalised because of the colour of the skins. The protests in America that have sent the United States' president to the white house bunker should send a strong message to other countries what racism can cause and that being black is not an aberration.

The Late George Floyd

READ: 'I Can't Breathe'' - The Murder of George Floyd
An anonymous author said, "Humanity should be our race. Love should be our religion." I hold the opinion that humanity should come first before anything. We are set of religious people, but lacking in the area of humanity. This world would be a better place to live on if we are able to balance religion and humanity.

"Red Alert……….. Virgin!!!!!!Deflowered!!!!!!
Choose a path and be sincere for the gods know the truth".

" What is all this again. I already told you guys I hate passing this route", says Sophia.

"No! No! No! Fine girls we see you. Don’t be shy…….. Choose a path and let the gods decide your truth". A crowd of guys shouted from the rooftop.
"We can't continue standing like this. Let’s split up passing through the route and whatever they say don’t let it get to you". I urged my friends.

As we passed the route, "Oh! They’ve slept with these ones tire… see them, its well written on their faces. Olosho them(prostitute)! How much for a night? We wan chop this thing too na with laughter coming from the guys upstairs".

Those who passed the virgin route met the same fate.

"You. Who? Virgins? As they set like this? E be things. Come collect premium knack and renounce your status… The one in the middle, wait. Give me your number, let me set you up. The one at the right for make sense too oooo". Followed by drumming, cheering and singing from pool of male students on the pathway.

Walking down that road brought a lot of discourse.

"How! How! How can these guys do this to us. Our counterpart, level mate. That one at the right shouting is a damn fresher sef" Complained Sophia.

"It’s just Aro, the usual norms, I think they are celebrating their hall week or so, that’s why it’s much worse today. They are just catching cruise. We are not passing there again, friends".

"Catching what cruise???? That’s slut shaming, humiliation, sexual harassment and this school supposedly priding on rewarding character firstly has enabled this act to thrive. That’s simply a barbaric act and all part of rape culture".

Rape culture is a social environment in which predominant behavior of sexual violence are normalized and justified fueled by persistent gender inequalities and attitudes about gender and sexuality with cultural norms and institution promoting impunity. Rape cultures are pervasive and deeply rooted in long standing patriarchal belief, power and control. Rape culture treats rape as a problem to be solved through improving the behavior of potential rape victims by making unreasonable sacrifice to avoid sexual assault.

Its examples includes

1. Tolerance of sexual harassment through misogynistic culture, jokes about women bodies, cat calling.
2. Trivializing sexual assault
3. Defining masculinity as being toxic, crude and razz.
4. Defining feminity as being demure, not cold and subservient.
5. Gratuitous objectification of women as sex objects.
6. Victim blaming (What did she wear? Where did she go?) and refusing to take rape accusations seriously.
7. Teachings on how to avoid getting raped instead of teachings on not to rape.

Rape culture takes many forms; it goes beyond the narrow notion of a man assaulting a woman as she walks alone at night. While people may staunchly agree rape is terrible. Normalizing and trivializing through words, actions, inactions, sexual violence, sexual harassment, and catcalling leads us down a slippery road of rape culture.

Rape culture cross all barrier and it's gender inclusive. We are all part of the rape culture.Why? We all support rape culture whether intentionally or inadvertently. Cat calls, sexual harassment may not necessarily leads to rape, but it is an enabling environment for rape culture to thrive.

Catcalling is a worrisome rape culture that virtually pervades all university campuses. It is so disheartening that most students particularly females have experienced this. It manifest itself in heckling, ratings on attractiveness and body parts, lewd sexual jokes, slut shaming, humiliating, rape joke, and inappropriate groping in worse case scenario when victims retaliate by talking back.

Rape Culture and sexual assaults are not simple issues with simple solutions. To disable rape culture, we need to focus more on how do we stop rape from occurring and dismantle the structure that trivialize rape and change the attitude that perpetrate it.

Campaign and awareness needs to be created specifically to teach sexual education, what constitute sexual assault and harassment, subject of consent during orientation week and part and parcel of school programs. Establishing policies on zero tolerance against sexual harassment in its varying form. Universities need to review their sexual violence policy and include factors that will eradicate rape culture. Just trials with stiff and fast punishment to perpetrators of this act by suspension, rustication or jailing of the students/lecturers depending on the severity of the case will serve as deterrent to others.

As individuals, speak up against rape culture. None participatory excuse is not enough. Speak up on witnessing an harassment or assault. Drop the shitty bro and sis code, orientate and re orientate friends. A mind that truly knows, LEARN, UN LEARN, and ACT RIGHTLY is a mind that is truly free.

Everything You Need to Know about Anxiety Disorders

So everyone’s been talking and focusing on “depression” and throwing all their weight into it, making it seems like the only mental health issue. Don’t get me wrong, it is a serious mental problem but we need to be aware of other mental issues around us that are pre-requisites to depression and not just see very other issue apart from depression as “CRAZY”.

Anxiety disorders are very common upsets that affect the mental health. Research shows that it affects 1 in 5 adults and also affects children and teens. It can be deduced that this illness is not a respecter of age or gender, although it is proven to occur more than twice as common in women as men.

WHAT IS ANXIETY?
Anxiety is actually a necessary, normal emotion portrayed by humans. It is that feeling that spurs you on, pushes you to put in more efforts. It’s that inner force that keeps you awake to study for that exam, pushes you to finish that paper and stay focused during a presentation or speech. It is a feeling of worry, nervousness or fear about an event or situation. Generally, it is a normal response to stress and it helps you cope with challenges. Obviously, this natural coping mechanism is very vital and much needed but as they say “Moderation in everything, including moderation”.

WHAT ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS?
Anxiety disorders are extreme cases of surges of anxiety. They happen when excessive anxiety interferes with your day to day activities and programmes. They are episodes and bouts of attacks that occur and hinder progress in your daily schedule. They are really serious mental illnesses that need the very much needed attention and awareness.

MAJOR TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
Studies have revealed that there are levels and different categories of this illness. The major types are:
*     Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD): People suffering from this disorder worry excessively about trivial and harmless things and situations in their daily activities. They usually jump into conclusions and their minds are programmed to think and imagine the worst case scenarios every time. They generally think and expect the worst of people and situations when there is really little or nothing to worry about. Therefore, the excessive worry stalls them from doing their every day tasks. They may even worry and be tensed about just accomplishing their activities for the day. Women with GAD have a higher risk of having depression and other anxiety disorders than men with GAD.

*     Panic disorders: These are unexpected, sudden bouts of horror when there is no harm or danger whatsoever. Panic attacks may cause a sense of unreality, fear of inexistent impending doom or losing control. People having panic attacks sometimes believe they are having heart attacks, losing their minds or dying.

*     Social phobia: This is also called SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER. The sufferers of this disorder are allergic to “meet”. It is diagnosed when people become very anxious and self-conscious in normal everyday interactions. They usually feel watched, monitored and judged by others every time. They usually feel like the butt of every joke they hear regardless of it being related to them or not. Therefore, they feel embarrassed easily.

*     Specific phobia: This is specific to just a particular thing or subject. It is the intense fear of something of little or no danger most times. Thereby, bringing about a severe panic or anxiety attack when faced the feared object or situation.

Other conditions similar to anxiety disorders include:
*     Obsessive compulsive disorders: People with OCD have obsessions and compulsions with really unnecessary things or actions that range from having to check the stove or gas cooker severally or performing a certain routine over and over again. Consequently, these incessant rituals end up controlling the person and they become obsessed with it.

*     Post-traumatic stress disorder: PTSD starts after the experience of a traumatic event of any sort. Sometimes, the sufferer might only be a witness to a horrible or shocking event and not directly involved.

CAUSES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
Researchers think anxiety disorders are caused by a mixture of reasons or factors I should say, which include:
*     Hormonal changes: This is more often in women and most common during pre-menstrual syndromes, menstrual cycle and menopausal changes.
*     Genetics: These disorders may run in the family and therefore, can be inherited.
*     Traumatic Events: Experiencing situations ranging from a verbal to sexual abuse can result in anxiety upsets.

GENERAL SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH ANXIETY DISORDERS
Anxiety disorders usually have specific and particular symptoms, each unique to the type of disorder but the general and most commonly similar physical symptoms are:
*     Weakness
*     Shortness of breath
*     Stomach upsets
*     Dry mouth
*     Dehydration
*     Hot flashes
*     Nausea
*     Rapid heart rate
*     Dizziness
The physical symptoms of anxiety disorders usually go hand in hand with other mental illnesses.

Can Anxiety Disorders be Treated?

Yes, anxiety disorders can be treated and cured. This depends on the type of disorder and on the cause of the disorder. Treatments include:
*     Medicine: This includes the use of pills which range from relaxants to anti-depressants.
*     Counselling: Going to talk with trained therapists who use different healing methods and behavioural and relaxation therapies to help reduce and alleviate the fears.
*     The use of both counselling and medicine: this depends on the severity of the illness.

So dears, the next time you find yourself overwhelmed by a certain thing, situation or past event, please do well to talk to someone. It might not be a professional but talk to someone you feel could understand and help you. Most importantly, when life changes the terra firma from a smooth, free one to a bumpy one filled with stumps, get a chilled glass of water and relax first!

Following the declaration of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) as a terrorist group by the Federal High Court, Abuja and proscription order of the group obtained by the Federal Government, the government is set to publish the order in the official gazette by Monday, July 29, 2019.

For people who neglect news and are unbothered by shiite and El zakzaky news. I mean, really who is he? How will knowing him help in paying fees can ring in our individual’s mind.

But then, it’s a Nigeria Issue and we have to be informed about things happening around us. An Enlightened mind is powerful.

So who and what are the Shi'ite?

The Shi'te also known as Islamic Movement of Nigeria

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria was founded by Sheikh Zakzaky in the early 1980s.

The organization was meant to serve the Shiites of the country socially, culturally, and educationally. Based in Zaria, the movement has so far established a series of charities and clinics. With recent clashes with security officers, protest for the release of their leader and uproar caused by this movement. The movement has been declared a Terrorist group by the Federal Government. According to Nnamdi Obasi, Senior Analyst on Nigeria at the International Crisis Group (ICG), the IMN’s(Islamic Movement Nigeria) goals are twofold: “to ensure more stringent application of Islamic legal and administrative systems...then ultimately to create an Islamic state in Nigeria.”

WHO IS EL ZAKZAKY AND HIS CONNECTION WITH IMN

Ibrahim Yaqoub El Zakzaky is an outspoken and foremost Shi'a Muslim cleric in Nigeria.

Zakzaky is the primary figure and spiritual leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (formerly: Muslim Brothers ), Africa’s most prominent Shi'a Muslim movement. Of Nigeria’s 180 million population, around 50 percent are Muslim, a small minority of which belong to Shi'a Islam. Sheikh al-Zakzaky was injured and arrested along with his wife, in the 2015 Zaria massacre, in which three of his remaining sons, as well as hundreds of his followers, were killed by the Nigerian Army. According to cable news, On January 22nd, 2019, Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenathead to the Kaduna High Court for hearing on the bail application. On July 2019, in order to demand the release of Ibraheem el-Zakzaky, hundreds of people gathered outside government buildings and policemen tried to disperse them by using gunshots and tear gas. During the clash, two people died and 40 protesters were arrested by police. The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a group of Nigeria's minority Shia Muslims, said protests will continue until they secure the release of el-Zakzaky.

Another clash with Shi'ite Muslim protesters in the capital Abuja and gunfire could be heard, according to a Reuter witness. The Shi'ite group marched in protest against the continued detention of its leader, despite a court ruling claimed many lives both of the Shi'tes, police officers and a young reporter, Precious Owolabi under NYSC . A Deputy Commissioner of Police also lost his life during the clash.

IS PROSCRIBING SHI'ITE TERRORIST GROUP THE RIGHT WAY

Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana , and Chief Mike Ozekhome on an Interview with Channels Television, have condemned the proscription of the group, saying it is unconstitutional. The proscription, according to Femi Falana is an attempt by the government to stop Shiite members from demanding the release of their leader and his wife. The secretary to the academic forum of the movement, Abdullahi Musa, in an interview with TheCable on Saturday also said All they want is to suppress the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) just to please Saudi Arabia. They want to kill Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky and silence all of us.”

Numerous people has also ascribed the proscription as discriminatory on the ground that Buhari administration has refused to proscribe herdsmen that have allegedly been killing Nigerians for a long time. All evidence to prove that the Fulani Herdsman are responsible for killings are abound, yet the administration was proposing RUGA to placate the Fulani Herdsman.

Declaring Shi'ite is unconstitutional and discriminatory. You can't choose to turn a blind eye to groups that needs more proscribing as being terrorist.

Opinion: When Opposition Goes Wrong by Awosusi Opeyemi

For so long the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has been marauded with leadership crisis. This is however not uncommon to the party as it has always been inflicted with one party crisis or the other, from the onset. The pioneer chairman of the PDP served for just three months due to the inordinate quest for power by some individuals in the party.

Fast forward to the present day Nigeria, one would only wonder if there is any opposition party in the country at all. This is not farfetched from the fact that the PDP which is supposed to be the paradigm of critical evaluation and subtle opposition of the government in power has not been able to put its house in order; one can only liken the PDP to a toothless tiger which only roars but cannot subtly, and out of Nigeria's loyalty, critically appraise and help to set the APC-led government back on track whenever the need arises.

Several loyalists of the APC have argued that the government in power is the choice of the people - this no doubt, is the beauty of Democracy. However the question to ponder on is "What measures are in place to ensure the sustainability of Democracy in Nigeria?". We must not be too quick to commit the fallacy that Democracy is all about exercising our rights, indeed it is about adequate and efficient representation of the masses.

In a situation where the APC has been voted into power and they have relented in ensuring the adequate security and welfare of poor Nigerians, which is the primary function of every government, the PDP wallowed in a play of political agility and sociological ignorance. Several persons have hoped to see the PDP help in putting the APC-led government on its toes; this hope has not only been shattered, but an exclusive mirage. Parties are more interested in playing bitter politics than clamour for the good of the people. How pathetic!

Heavyweight looters and perpetual law breakers cross-carpet to the APC everyday to enrich their pockets which confirms the yoruba sage saying that 'owo epo l'araye n bani la, won o ki n bani la owo eje' literarily meaning 'the world only stays with you when the going gets smooth'. This further reminds me of the popular song by the pop star, Lil kesh that "NO FAKE LOVE". The political parties in Nigeria have successfully failed in serving as vital tools for a purpose-driven country, when it is time for elections, the party candidates buy roasted corn from the streetside just to 'acclimatize' with the people: indeed, this is fake love.

One could begin to wonder if cross-carpeting has aided our country at all, well, this is a discourse for another blessed day.

It is pretty saddening that opposition parties in the country always refuse to work hand-in-hand with the ruling party and prefer to sabotage efforts of the government in power: the so called ``watchdog`` function they claim to perform is a sheer opium of the masses.

Of recent did the supreme court declare Makarfi the substantive chairman of the PDP in a suit filed by Ali-Modu Sheriff, his PDP rival; although Sheriff's faction claims the judgement to be morally unjust, the law is absolute! It is high time the opposition parties in Nigeria began to perform their watchdog duties and work together with any government in power rather than playing bitter politics as obtainable in Nigeria.

Some political parties however parade themselves in the argument that their major objective is to capture power - Good! But can something else laudable and worthwhile be done on behalf of the poor masses even before gaining power?

Parties must realise that if Nigeria fails under a political party, it is to the detriment of the populace and not just that of the party in power, therefore, checks should be put in place to move the country forward.

If the Democratic party of the USA is able to put President Trump on his toes, to follow the right path and use the most efficient strategies, then this feat is achievable in Nigeria as well.

We have all pledged our allegiance to our dear country Nigeria, and nothing shall set us back no more!