Being Black, Being African, Being Human: WatchDog Not Watched Dog

When you hear the word 'Africa' what comes to mind? when you hear the word 'Black', what judgment do you give?

Truth or Dare?

It would be easy to say "Success" if the mind were human and verbalizes nothing of realities. However, we are humans and realities is what makes us.

The continual uproar of corruption and the dead-end promises of a better tomorrow justifies the 'hopelessness' you think for Africa, the inexplicable anger you vent, and the unconcern shrug you make. 

"It is what it is, my sister" comes the rushing blurt from the lips of a tired activist.

A concerned black once said 'Even our unborn ones are sold out already'

Black is making history an effigy of tales. In  June 2020, Kahiga Governor of Nyeri, Kenya did not surprise his residence and people of Kenya when he made a big statement of his picture on a gigantic billboard to speak volume of a "pit latrine project" for a primary school located at the ECDE centre in Konyu, Mathira constituency.

"The billboard must have cost more than the pit latrine," some Kenyans said on Twitter. Another concerned Kenya resident estimated the billboard to be 60000 Kenya currency and the pit latrine 30000 Kenya currency making the 'achievement' of the governor well pronounced.

It was not pleasing to Kenyans as they utterly showed strong disapproval to such act. This led to the removal of the billboard according to NTVNews. One could outrightly say it was a misuse of a public fund or a pure waste of money. 

Also, the fainting of the acting managing director NDDC, Prof Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei shook Nigeria to her bones. It could have been heartache, or a sudden blurriness, or the heat(maybe) however, he fainted during a probing on the venue of illegal spending and mismanagement of fund. What could have happened?

The probing got suspended, the minister of Nigeria Delta affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio stayed behind for the probe, 48hours was given to name the lawmakers who got NDDC contracts, Saga dies down, well, not until July 23rd( mandate: July 21) of the completed names compilations.

We could continue with Hushpuppi, or we could talk about Magu. Still, the act of Ikenna Nweke a doctorate student at the University of Tsukuba, Japan advocates hope not only to Nigerians but black as a whole.

Mr. Ikenne Nweke received a commendation letter by the president of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari the 3rd of July 2020 due to his act of integrity he portrayed in Japan by returning a missing wallet with a huge sum and credit cards to the police in Japan, going as far also to turn down offers by the authorities.

What a shock? Unbelievable? Could that be possible? Are you sure he is hustling?

'Still, the act of such honesty is True'. 

The openness of Caroline Waiguru Deputy to the governor of Nyeri Kenya also tells displeasure to his buoyant landing of his billboard

"I want to dissociate myself from this persistent cheap publicity stunt, that I consider extremely unfortunate and ill-advised…" She said during an audience granted to NTVNews.

The general belief when 'black' is mentioned is 'survival'. The life of blacks too portray the fact that you have to ' survive anyhow' and by any means available.

We probably have a wrong focus or it is the case where the 'treasures' we have speaks where the heart is. Or maybe we are all getting it wrong.

It can not be changed? Someone just said

Yet, it is good to draw near to God: putting your trust in the Lord

Maybe it isn't about black, or human, maybe it is about where our focus is…'

Being a faithful wannabe authoritarian? Or a survivor in the full picture? Or better still a contender to world leaders?

What do we say to these? History is still making.

There is no hope. However, in spite of the hopeless, frustrated, and disheartening situation, you still get up at the dawn of every morning. Why is that? "Survival".

 

Nine years and counting, we have heard the loud cry of 'Keeping It Real' by the renowned journalist; Adeola Fayehun who is speaking boldly on the ill-treatment made by African leaders. Fisayo Soyombo is another journalist who has taken upon himself to bring out his 'little hope' for a better Nigeria; then and now.

 

Mock news with Pararan is another platform, speaking possibilities for justice. For twenty-three years and counting, Dr. Stella Nyanzi still goes at length in making a change in Uganda despite the unruly reign of the President who has ruled for thirty-four years and counting with no visual achievement.

She speaks through activist walks and talks, through books and actions. She has been jailed eight times for speaking her 'little faith' for a better tomorrow.

 

I could talk about Ama Ata Aidoo, Wole Soyinka, Late Chinua Achebe, Late Wangari Maathai but to mention a few. 

The eye-opener of what state we can be in as a country or continent as the case may be; the  fact that you are not alone in the watch;

the thoughts provoking questions to be answered; the raising of intellectual generations; the foundation already laid. 

These are achievements we cannot overlook.

Are they there yet? Of course not! Was there a change? Yes. They all had that 'little faith' to watch, act, and speak. They took up their cross of little faith believing consistently that it would add up someday.

Do you think their passion would pay off?

Then I would ask if your waking up each day would pay off? 

 

Ubani Irene, an International Journalist is another young mind for a hope.

 

The act for anti-corrupt practice was not just for the old. It is happening and would not end with now. An environment is created, a possibility is built and no matter how little the faith may seem, the watchmen (as I would call them), that sees beyond this world will readily leap on it. 

A popular saying: "A drop of water makes a mighty Ocean". This makes me affirmatively say; ' the little faith can create a bigger faith for a better world, how much more the contribution of the consistent and diligent true believer'?

 

We have not just watched, we are watching. We are not just dreaming, we are making. Although we are little, a man was all the creator needed; although bruised, we aspire for difference. Africa indeed is a 'mess', however, in all truth, it can be better. I believe.

Opinion: Oil- The Niger Delta Tale

It was a cold night. Mama and Papa had returned late from work that day for they had to finish up the leftover works of the previous week. They had come in tired and needed a shower, dinner and rest. I however went to do the cooking.
It was almost fifteen minutes gone. Dad and mum were done with the shower and were seated at the dining. Then I saw a thing...

The two hands of the car's wiper sway in the likes of a mass choir waving halleluyah on the windscreen which was punctuated with rain drops and had the tires rolling as a remote controlled toy. The vehicle made almost no noise and it carried no vehicle number. It was a new vehicle, a peugeot model.
It was just another few metres when he pulled the brakes. He was at his destination. I wondered what this son of man needed at this time- the cold, rain and time of night considered. He had possibly come on a visit. He hopped out of the vehicle with his movement ordered to make sure his traces were covered. "Was the car stolen?, What does he want?", I queried in thought.

I saw him. The young man in the black hoodie. He moved towards the high building opposite the street with my eyes following his silhouette. Thereafter, I saw nothing... No traces.

I turned back and left for the dining room with the food plates in my hand when I heard a bang. It portrayed someone trying to break a safe. Silence followed and I kept calm. For the next few minutes,

I heard nothing and so resumed my move towards the dining. I could hear papa and mama giggle
over coffee, my brothers seated patiently in wait for me.

That evening, I served dinner. I had a feeling that it was to be "The Last Supper", but my feelings could not be so true as I thought. "Did dad and mum not hear a thing?", I wondered...

I served silently and was done in no time. I moved on to sit when the bang came again. This time, louder than before. I looked at Dad, mum and my brothers and I saw indifference in them. They continued their chat as though nothing sounded...

Just then, the door went off, revealing him- the guy in a black hoodie who had concealed almost everything. His arsenal had only one hatchet. He marched in and filled an empty seat beside me. Then I saw trouble...

I had watched the start of the event unfold in one quick progression- the return from work, myself in the kitchen, the hoodie guy scene and my family having dinner. He had no reason whatsoever to come in that way. If he truly was the man I saw earlier, then our home was probably a mistake. I felt like getting on my feet but it was cold. I became frightened.

"I've got your names on my list, paid in full," he said, revealing the hatchet he had concealed under his jacket. He stood up and walked the table round. I looked at my father. He looked so helpless. My mother helped no issue, she was weeping already. He lined the family up and starting from father, he bludgeoned and hacked them- father, mum and my innocent brothers.
It was soon my turn. He stared hard into my face for long just before he turned around and left leaving me with the remains of my lovely little family of five.
I never forgot his face.

Overtime, I grew wondering what psychopath he was, why he murdered them and who paid in full. I wondered why my peaceful family of a father who worked with the Government Oil Regulation Agency, my mother who was a teacher in Agbabi Riverine area and my two promising siblings were murdered in cold blood. It was the beginning of the end.

I remember the stories of woe I read in primary school, years before the murder of my family and I conclude that we never feel the tragedy of loss by reading it. A tragic book is interesting when imagery is used to analyse suffering but it's awful when suffering is experienced in reality. No matter how well, the author can not fit the shoes of description if he has not experienced same.

  The hot slap landed on my cheeks as though I were another Jesus, taking the sins of the world. Caressing those cheeks turned another mistake as the full series of spontaneous slaps followed. Mami Kene as she was called is wife to my uncle who adopted me weeks after the cruelsome incident I suffered. However, she had not for once look with pity and count me as human.

Earlier this day, she had asked me to mop the floor which I had earlier done. I looked at the surface and saw barely no stain on it and wondered the need to do the mop again. It was then she hit me hard on the face. I could trace the map of Africa, intimately iinscribed by her palm on my face.

That was the least of punishments I received in that home. The only thing I however put in mind is the fact that one day, I would uncover the mystery of the person who paid in full, the price for the murder of my family. It was in this home that I finished my senior secondary school when my battles started in full...

The story in this article has replaced real names of persons and places. Any resemblance is not on purpose, should be taken lightly and the message should remain undistorted.

Making Black Lives Truly Matter

           

We are blacks but our skins are not weapons
We do not deserve to be killed 

And we deserve the freedom of expression. 

Our rights should not be violated because we are black

We deserve the freedom to speak up

When our rights are violated.


The discrimination against black has been existing for years, and this has led to crises and chaos in many nations. The black skin has been bleached with several injustices owing to the fact that it is simply black. Racism is not meant to be the order of the day especially in this century. Our skin is black but our brain is not. We are human and we deserve justice like every other human.

Being black is not meant to be a crime because that's our race and we are meant to be able to stand in public and defend it but due to racism, black people are scared to go out and be proud of being black. We do not deserve to be bullied or be shy of being black.

We are black!

We were born black 

And our lives are important. 

That's our race, our identity.

The Law of Value - For or Against The Naira?

When you meet some handicapped begging, you would be quick to contain the realities of his physical state and give him whatever your good mind can. On the other hand, when you see a full grown, body abled man, begging for money, what happens? 

 

I dipped my hands into my wallet and got the worst, tattered Naira notes and gave it out to them. You know what? They accepted it with great ecstascy. Right there, they taught me value!

 

Water is free (except you choose to buy packed water) and can be gotten almost everywhere but Coca Cola is expensive. At the same time, Air is free but Air Conditioner is expensive. A heart is free but a kidney transplant is costly, and so I have noticed that the most precious things in life are either free or cheap. The Salvation of Jesus is free but to get a herbalist to work for you isn't free. Tim Berners-Lee invented the world wide web (www) and made it free for everyone but Bill Gate's windows softwares aren't free. Android OS is free for all but Apple OS isn't. Newspapers aren't free but reading news online is free. These are just few...
The Law of Value says that "If you want to create an awesome value born out of a great vision, CONSIDER the PRICE, make it cheap so that even a fool can afford it and gain wisdom."

Anything that is much more smaller has value; whatsoever we feel has no value, has much more value than we can ever imagine

Rape: Of the Victim and the Accused

 

Rape victims and survivors suffer great trauma what with all the commotion raised by internet users who took to various social media platforms to pour out their grievances after the release of Busola Dakolo's interview. A lot of people had a lot of things to say about the issues raised in the video and there were back and forth arguments about who to believe and who was lying. My thoughts? Well read on.

It takes a lot of strength, especially mental, for a person to come out and say he or she was raped and when such persons do come out let us, mere outsiders, not be too quick to judge and cast blames. Rape is a very painful experience, one that cannot be quickly forgotten, if at all it is gotten over. It does a lot to a person's self-esteem that most victims turn out to be desperate people who search for self-validation everywhere even at places where it is obvious that it cannot be found. I implore us all to show more attention and compassion to people that will come to us to report any sort of sexual violations they suffer.

There is a lot of pretense in the society today. A lot of people only get involved in conflicts when a well-known persona is a party but when the victim is an unknown person it becomes no one's business. Taking reference in Busola's case, her story became this popular only because she is a public figure. We should do our part and not turn deaf ears when the story is that of Nkechi, an helpless sixteen year old student that live in a local town. Let us please stop with the hypocrisy.

The shame culture that is practiced by Nigerians is a sad one indeed. It makes it so that victims of rape are ashamed and afraid to come out and tell their stories. They get to deal with the trauma that comes with the experience and also have to face the stigmatization that coming out will attract with it. Nobody ever wishes to be raped and it is entirely unfair to even suggest that the victim is to be blamed; the victim is never the cause. It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to create a society that respects rape victims as the survivors they truly are and to hold them at a high pedestal that is the complete opposite of the ridicule they would otherwise be put through.

Now there are a lot of rape apologists out there justifying rape and giving stupid reasons and excuses such as, 'It's not rape when she was dressed provocatively', 'His no usually means yes', 'They deserved it'. Let me set this straight, sex without consent is rape. Sex with another person without the person's permission is rape and there is no such thing as silent approval. If you want to save yourself from being labelled as a rapist do not have sex with someone that is showing any sign of reluctance but instead go on to some other person that shares mutual interest with you. Trust me, there are many people out there that will meet your taste.

Another thing to discuss is rapists themselves. Do not be the unfortunate being that will forcefully take what is not freely given to you. Always consciously and deliberately try not to be in a situation where you'd have to sexually assault somebody, it is an advice I will always give to people that know they are weak in that respect. If you're someone that struggles with issues that make you do things you would rather not do then save someone the heartache and seek help, professional or not.

Furthermore, it will be a great crime to falsely accuse someone of rape when there was a consent before the action. A lot of people have chosen this period to bounce their pain on their preys. The false accusation is as costly as the rape offence itself. Because, this will not only tarnish the integrity and image of such person that has been wrongly accused, as the label will remain as a skin on such person, if not forever, but always.
 

As I conclude, my heart goes out to every person out there who has had to experience such hateful, depressing and painful ordeal, what happened is not your fault, you're stronger than you think and you're worthy of more. Love.

The Ravaging Torment Called Fear - Aluko Deborah

Why do many die before their death?

'Which kind of cold and sore throat is this one now?' Kingsley grumbles and lands on his mattress. He soon starts experiencing a throbbing headache and he begins to whimper like a baby. 'So...this ravaging Covid -19 virus has finally gotten hold of me, I swear I'm finished...'. Just then, his pregnant mum walks in holding a bag of groceries, the family doctor following behind. Kingsley tiredly walks into the sitting room to welcome them.

'What's the matter my dear? Don't tell me you stressed yourself at Grandpa's place. His mum asks in concern. Kingsley had spent two weeks at Grandpa's village, helping him on the farm and with sales of his products. Sometimes, they had to sleep on the farm in a wooden shed, not shielded from the chilly weather and mosquitoes. All these strenous experiences had begun to reflect on his health. Kingsley expresses his greatest fear of contacting the dreaded virus, he's been nursing this fear for the past one week and he's already getting depressed. With this, the doctor smiles and quickly carries out some tests on Kingsley with the equipments he brought along with him. After a few hours, the doctor diagnoses Kingsley of Malaria
...the boy widens his eyes and begins to laugh heartily.

Fear becomes unhealthy when it makes you more cautious than you really need to be to stay safe and when it prevents you from doing things you would otherwise enjoy.

By each iota of fear, you chicken out and lose a little strength of character each time you refuse to take a challenge of life. It could also be the fear of failure or the fear of what people think of you etc.

The side effects of fear are quite dangerous. They include the;

Use of drugs and alcohol for alcohol for artificial relief.

Loss of peace, now you think prayer's not a worth.

A source of discouragement to those around you.

Depression and Panic Attack, spelling a sense of doom.

The process of overcoming fear is known as 'FEAR EXTINCTION' and it can be achieved by doing the following;

* Taking smart precautions/personal hygiene - that's not fear, it's wisdom!

* Most times fear is an illusion, the more you understand it, the less scared you'll be.

* Have a positive and optimistic attitude to life.

* Move closer to motivational people.

* Identify that fear and communicate with your fears like a superior.

Relax n' breathe

Agriculture: Why We Need to Return to Native Methods

As with many other areas of life and even in our individuals personal life, the goal of is always to look for ways that will make our task easier to achieve in lesser time and with a much greater productivity.

This also applies to Agriculture as well. Over the years, agriculture has experienced a great shift in its means of cultivation to more productive ways. This has caused a shift from the use of crude implements to cultivate land to more mechanised systems of farming.

There has been use of scientific method in dealing with crop and animal production rather than the old cultural method which has resulted into a lot of great productivity in the Agricultural sector.
Valuable time as been saved, large area of land are as well been cultivated, pest and disease control has been possible through the use of chemical control and most importantly, farmers has experience increase in the quantity of farm produce yearly.

READ: Dellasdiary Launches Maendeleo Africa, Aims to Impact African Youths

Having said all this, why will anyone consider going to back to the crude old method of farming? Where there is much labour and little productivity. Stay with me as I give you two crucial point why agriculturist may want to go back to native method of farming.

The first point of I will mention here is the adverse effects of chemicals and fertilizers used on farmland, how they affect us( starting from the farmer to the consumer) and the environment at large.
Due to the toxic nature of most chemicals use on farm wether they are pesticides, herbicides, insecticides etc, many farmers have suffer partial and permanent damage to their health condition such as burns, loss of memory and damage to eye sight etc. The oversensitive nature of this chemicals has make it difficult for farmers who are not educated to handle them probably which has   resulted into adverse health condition in their Lives.

Most chemicals are very powerful and they are not easily degradable when they are applied to crops and the soil, example of such is organo-chlorine chemicals. The residue of this chemicals on crops makes it dangerous for human health when consume. Since this chemicals last long in the soil,it destroy soil micro organism which are very useful to the soil.  it also destroy aquatic  life when it is washed down by rain into water bodies.

Agriculture may return to native method of farming for this second reason; the lack of technical know-how in operating farm machinery. Most farm machinery are too difficult for the average Joe to operate and even the educated ones . This  special machines are operated by few specialist. Furthermore, heavy farm equipment destroy farm land through their activities by compressing the soil which result into destruction of soil structure, thus  prevent water from penetrating the soil adequately.

For the foreseeable future, Agriculture will continue to move towards advanced mechanization. However, If there will be  a time when an individual will choose to abandon technological and scientific method in solving Agricultural problem, then the above points will justify His decision.

The Future of Artificial Humans and Robots in Sports

Are robots really better than humans in sports?

Robot technology is evolving at breakneck speed. Pepper (the name of a robot) of SoftBank is found in companies around the world and is rapidly improving his conversational skills. Telepresence robots open up new opportunities for remote work, while Boston Dynamics' Handle robot could soon (literally) do the work of human colleagues in warehouses.

But warehouses and offices aren't the only places where robots line up alongside humans. Toyota's Cue 3 robot recently demonstrated its basketball skills, with better numbers than the NBA's most accurate three-point shooter, Steph Curry, of the Golden State Warriors.

Cue 3 is still far from being ready to take on Curry, or even amateur basketball players, in a real game. However, he is the latest member of a growing group of robots that challenge human dominance in sports.

As these robots continue to develop, they not only exemplify the speed of the exponential development of technology, but also how those technologies are enhancing human capabilities.

Meet the contestants

The list of robots in sport is surprisingly long and diverse. There are robot skiers, soccer players, sumos, and even robot game riders. Here are some of them:

1. Robot: Forpheus

Sport: Table tennis

Introduction: It looks like something out of the War of the Worlds equipped with a ping pong bat instead of a death ray.

Skill level: Able to counter spin shots and good enough to beat many beginners.

2. Robot: Sumo bot

Sport: Sumo Wrestling

Intro: Hyper-fast, hyper-aggressive. Think of a robot equivalent to an angry wasp in six crossed Red Bull cans with a very small tank.

Skill level: Fly around the ring faster than any human sumo. Tends to come straight out of the ring sometimes.

3. Robot: Cue 3

Sport: Basketball

Introduction: He's a towering 6 feet 10 inches tall (1.86 m), making him practically built for the NBA. It looks a bit like something that should be in a video game.

Skill level: 62.5 percent three-point percentage, which is better than Steph Curry's; it is less mobile than Charles Barkley, in its current form.

4. Robot: Robo Cup Robots

Intro: The future of soccer. If all goes according to plan, a team of robots will take on Lionel Messis and Cristiano Ronaldo from 2050 and beat them in a full 11v11 game.

Skill level: He currently plays soccer more as a six year old than Lionel Messi.

The limiting factor

The skill level of all these robots is impressive, and they are doing things that no human competitor can do. The inhuman speed of sumo bots is evident. Forpheus' ability to track the ball with two cameras while at the same time tracking his opponent with two other cameras requires a look at the spec sheet, but is similar to human ability. While Cue 3 can't move, it makes shots of half the court seem easy.

Robots are performing at a level that was limited to the realm of science fiction in the early millennium. The current speed ​​of development indicates that in the near future, my national team soccer coach will probably call a robot instead of a player and it would be okay to do so.

It is also worth considering that many current sports robots have a humanoid shape, which limits their ability. If engineers optimized the robot's design to outperform humans in specific categories, many world champions would likely already be metallic.

Swimming is perhaps one of the most obvious. Even Michael Phelps would fight to keep up with a torpedo-shaped robot, and if you augment a sumo robot to human size, human sumos could impress you by running away from them with a speed of 100 meters near Usain Bolt's.

In other areas, the playing field for humans and robots is leveling fast. A possible candidate for the first competitions is racing, where cars that drive Roborace League cars could be ready to compete like Lewis Hamilton.

Perhaps one of the most important reasons robots can still take time to beat us is that, along with other exponential technologies, they are already making us better in sports.

In Japan, elite volleyball players use a robot to practice their attacks. Some American football players also practice against robot opponents and hone their skills using virtual reality. On the sidelines, artificial intelligence is used to analyze and improve athletes' performance, and we will soon be able to see the first artificial intelligence coaches, not to mention the referees.

We can even compete in games devised by our electronic cousins. SpeedGate, a new game created by an AI by studying 400 different sports, is an excellent example of what is fast becoming a possibility.

However, chances are we still have the final word on what constitutes a good game. The AI ​​that SpeedGate created also suggested less suitable hobbies, such as underwater parkour and a game that included explosive frisbees. Both could be fun ... but only if you are as robust as a robot.

Source: www.clubdelfuturo.com

Son estos robots mejores que tú en los deportes?

Opinion: Partners for Developmental Revolutions: Youthocracy by Ekpa Stanley Ekpa

Myriads of theorizing upon predictions, Africa is gradually earning a swelling reputation for over romanticizing ideologies than taking bold actions to concretize her developmental fortunes. And whereas in climes where development is done than said, leaders forecast the positive impact of development on successive generations; in jurisdictions where development is preached, every rhetoric of UN, IMF, World Bank is reechoed, while we wait for Macron or Obama to win elections, or for U.S., Japan and Russia to monopolize the outer space before we begin to chant in plagiarism 'yes we can'.

But it will be uncharitable to hold that there is nothing progressive and developmental about the African continent, it is rather apposite to x-ray the pace, innovativeness and committed sincerity in actualizing meaningful development in Africa and the significant roles youth must play in the path to Africa's renewal. The truism that youths are the trustees of a nation's peace and prosperity begets the the socio-political concept of 'Youthocracy'. The idea that young people with transcendent credentials of entrepreneurial and leadership savvies, competence, patriotism, and globally liberal can re-engineer societal progress, development and peace. How then can youth's resourcefulness: intellect, energy, resilience, aspirations, time, vigor and hope be harnessed to proffer sustainable solutions to mankind's demanding challenges?

Turning against astonishing odds, young men and women globally are becoming increasingly involved in reshaping the affairs of their nations and the world. This must not be seen as an age war against the older generation, but a strategic societal partnership to translate youth's resourcefulness for social justice, peace, sustainable development and security. From Former U.S. President Barack Obama to Canadian Prime Minister Justein Trudeau, to the eloquent David Cameron of Britain, to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras of Greece and President Emmanuel Macron of Franc, the narrative is gradually dispelling all doubts of youths' leadership capacity and capabilities.

There are legion of legal framework for youthocracy scattered all over different jurisdictions which are not limited to the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights; Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women; the African Youth Charter; and the Nigerian National Youth Policy (2009). In Nigeria, while the advocacy for the alteration of Sections 65, 106, 131, and 177 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, to reduce the age qualification for political offices through the Not Too Young To Run Bill gains momentum, it is apt for youths to deliberately design a broader possibilities for their strategic involvements in societal affairs and decision making for development. The problem is not solely with the current legal regime that places age limit for youth's participation in elective politics, but on youths playing relevant roles that sufficiently prepare them to run at the significant time. Obama started as a community worker and even with his Harvard law certificate he knew what he wanted and most appropriate moment for him; instead of the youth from minority ethnic nations to complain all day about the politicized marginalization of the minorities in Nigeria's governance structure, political wisdom demands of them to strategically reach out to other young people in other tribes and build reliable alliances across groups while trying to understand the thinking of the diverse ethnic nations of Nigeria and their cultural richness. Through this we can intermarry, build inte-tribal and religious confidence for trust and true friendship.

In our generation, the most enabling legitimacy for youthocracy stems from the state of underdevelopment in the developing world, fearful global insecurity, widening unemployment, absence of gender and social justice amongst other social ail. Because the disasters hit us the most and because we are victims of these social challenges, the onus lies on us to lead the drive to re-engineer mankind, our nations and societies through our high-tech, entrepreneurial and leadership savvies and skills. The creed of youthocracy enshrines essential ingredients in service leadership such as sophisticated intellectual capital; progressive ideologies; rare courage and strong will for bold actions; innovation and ideas that alter status quo, and abiding patriotism that defies greed and corruption. Youthocracy produces youth that recognize the impact of their academic learning and degree on development and the promotion of societal good or nothing else. Those considered apostles of youthocracy are imbued with the credentials of credibility and uncompromising life standard for excellence, possessing unique values for services, good governance, and selfless.

With youthocracy accepted as an essential lexicon for our progress, we must then proceed to shun all unnecessary expectations for miracle or magic development, developmental revolution will prompt real development in all sectors of Nigerian economy for all components of our federation through strategic innovation for lasting change. In my earlier piece titled 'THE DEBT OF DEVELOPMENT: YOUTH & DEVELOPMENT ON TRIAL', I wrote that 'the widening state of poverty, underdevelopment, ethnic and religious sentiments across national lines call for the Nigerian youth to take corrective measures to redefining and reclaiming Nigeria's dream and greatness. Our generation in leadership must imbue ourselves with strong and patriotic characters and values to build strong institutions; build our economy for global competitiveness; create newie job opportunities through sustainable economic diversifications; we will build our technological sector and find new scientific solutions to old challenges; we must reestablish a global educational system that really support entrepreneurial innovations and can harness the impact of university degree on development; we must reduce the cost of governance to cater more for the welfare of our general workforce; we can not afford not to build quality healthcare system to avoid travelling abroad for every little medical attention'. Youthocracy enshrines youth's governance in diverse sectors and not necessarily politics alone as against the current sole trade in desire of many people with the syndrome of 'quick-money-through-politics'. Young people must exhibit stellar leadership exceptionalities in political, corporate, religious and traditional institutions.

Youthocracy will enact shared volunteerism in governance, reducing the 'glamorousness' of our political culture and drastically cut the cost of governance to focus more on the welfare of workers for productive and social security than the welfare of few politicians. Shared volunteerism in youthocracy means that the young leaders have to sacrifice and share their major leadership entitlements for the common benefits of the generality of the people. The young leaders have to invest more in developing both the human capital of her people and the natural resources of the state for state development.

It is already out of fashion to keep blaming the old men at the exit lodge of our nation's affairs but even more woeful if our generation turns a disastrous liability obstructing our progress, integration, security and development just as most of our retiring leaders did. The relevant youth must therefore, proclaim his usefulness through the manifestation of his content for solutions to societal issues at all time. Define your life identity; register a business and start your entrepreneurial passion no matter how small if you are business inclined; participate in electoral process if you are qualified; join voluntary or pro bono community edifying engagements; support advocacies for common societal good. The truth is these things may not immediately make you rich but will certainly define your path to genuine success in life. My fear is however engaged by youth's excessive scrambling for materialistic honour and luxury which somehow is not a fault of a handful few. Make no mistake to misconstrue my opinion as anti-richness, for God forbid that we teach poverty as a virtue or an appreciable state of life but hard work, patience and legitimacy to success are familiar factors for good society. And matter-of-factly, the society's contributory negligence and failure to institutionalize social security largely push the youth to avoidable crimes with internet fraud as an average rich youth's rescuing career. And this is the case not becaus the youths naturally desire to occupy such huge criminal identity but for the unfriendly environment and lack of opportunity to actualize one's potentials and legitimately make ends means. There is however no acceptable excuse for criminality.

And because our future is nearly butchered to emptiness by greedy politicians, we must make haste to recreate a nation of new possibilities for our generation and hope for the generations after us by harnessing our demographic and voting strength, resilience, and intelligence in defence of our democracy and development. Though it is in the best interest of governments at all levels to ensure inclusive youth participation in major decion-making and development process of our nation, the stake lies more in the hands of the young people to rekindle they role in diiferent sectors of nation building from local governments to federal level. In our time, you will be certified a great man if racism, tribalism and religious fanaticism is not found in your attribute; you will be considered rich if you cherish ideologies that promote collective good against personal greed; you are exceptional if you imbue yourself with distinguishing skills, competence and capacities to save the world, for in all these shall mankind be free.

For the youths to make lasting impact, their may consider building sustainable partnerships both in business and politics as well as other endeavours of life. Partnerships produce assurance of results where individual strength could fail. Given the large scale of our socio-economic and leadership challenges, an individual's ideas and strength may not be sufficient to execute giant developmental investments, community projects and leadership initiatives, hence, the compelling need to combine talents, skills and fund for more prosperous results. This will enable youths to credibly start up value adding ventures legitimately with better prospects for greatness.  A readily instance is the All Times Law Partners projected to be Africa's largest legal partnership by 2025, offering clients expertise solutions in different aspects of law and leading in Africa's development transactions.

I love Nigeria my place of origin and the world's most naturally and humanly endowed Nation. The hope of making Nigeria great lies in the hands, heads and hearts of the youths. May God guide us aright to reaffirm our unalloyed commitment to the Partnership for Developmental Revolution in our nation. For certainly if we work faithfully through the valley of patriotism, then the promise of building an export, technology and knowledge based economy is assured; the dream of an efficient and corrupt-free institutions will be achieved; the reality of selfless service in governance will manifest; our infrastructures will be rebuilt to provide basic amenities for the common man; and surely our nation will regain our seat of greatness among the comity of nations.

So Far So Good - A National Review on Issues Affecting Nigeria

We can decide to make rants,  asking what could be the major problem of Nigeria and what our fifty nine years of independence has taught us? The reality in Nigeria has shown us the hard side of life with no remorse whatsoever.

You ask further - Could it be we are accursed? 

Without argument, it is said that predominant happenings in Nigeria are on the highly negative  side, giving lesser or no hope to an aspired future.  Going from the nature of social problems, developmental problems, economic crisis, political unrest, security problem, etc, we are certain that life itself has imparted a sense of adversity to Nigerian  citizens.

The major uproar now in Nigeria is the pandemic across the world affecting the four walls of Nigeria COVID-19. The pandemic came to Nigeria first month of this year and according to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control ( NCDC) the confirm cases has grown to four thousand one hundred and fifty one (4151) as at 9th may, 2020 with a discharged cases of seven hundred and forty five (745) and the death of one hundred and twenty eight (128) .

Does this speak volume of hope to the nation?

The lock down is another issue her citizen would not want to adhere to mainly because of the lack of trust she has on her leadership. During the first lock down, her citizen took upon herself through social media on the necessity of getting food on the tables as eighty percent of her population live on a daily income. The second lock down declared by the president on Monday, 13th April, 2020 opened the nation to insecurity problems as the AWAWA BOYS and ONE MILLION BOYS became the fear of the day.

What was the reason for the fear?

Why the cause of commotion?

To some, it was food. Some said it was the boredom and yet another came saying it was a political plot of the leaders to her citizens.  The issue is yet to be settled as the Ogun and Lagos States Commissioners released in statements in the early hours of the morning 13th of April 2020, saying it was just uproar and a false alarm by the citizen that the nation is at peace with her. However, the citizens would not have it as vigilante groups were formed at different areas in the Abule egba axis, Iyana ipaja, Sango, and Ogun environs. On social media, videos of apprehending the thieves were sent across to show what stay the country is indeed is. 27th of April of the year 2020 was another day of the delivery of the President's speech which reduced the tension of her citizen on the ease of the lock down on the 4th of may of the year 2020.

The issue which is predominant had shove every other problem that is faced by the country for now and the people strongly believe that this could be a sign of rest that the nation leader should take advantage of and give thought to solution and attention to problems of the nation.

Should we hope they make use of the advantage?

The pandemic also didn't leave the students out as academic curriculum is left to an halt due to lock down of public places and gatherings of more than twenty people. It has shown the level in full picture the level of our academic student. As social media which has been a major tool during this lock has it how patiently the citizens of the nation wait for current from the developed countries. Although, the reaction the citizen has is the fact that there might not be no pandemic which is just a general myth by the nation's citizen because of the level of interest of the government. The vaccine that was rumoured to be a possible cure for the for the affected cases was said to be tested in Nigeria pioneer by Bill Gates. The people went a full force in rejecting such act because of lack of trust and the reasoning of who among the affected countries beeds it the most?

The coming of the Chinese doctors is another issue that brings the lack of sincerity on the part of the government towards her citizen. On Twitter it was attend that their was no need of the doctors coming over, even while the doctor's of her beloveth country Nigeria gave their non approval of the coming if the doctor's it came as a shock when the minister of health on channels gave his talk on the government not knowing the coming of the doctors neither did the government invite them but they were a gift from a Chinese company.

Who are our leaders?

We may not say all is bad. We only have a positive position to all that is happening and continually say, "Where there is life there is hope"

Politics in Nigeria: Washing Dirty Linen in Public

The first answer you are likely to get from a person practising political apathy in Nigeria is that politics is a dirty game. It is a game of either you are here or there: a do or die affair. The Nigerian political space has not for long been associated with honour with politicians who do more to dent the image of Nigerians at the international scene - maybe a different type of political system is being studied in the first world countries. 

Politics, everywhere, is a dirty game, but these countries somehow know how to conduct themselves. For Nigeria, politicians only know how to display their show of shame to the public. Or how is a supposedly father and possibly grandparent caught on camera exchanging blows in the assemblies that are expected to serve as the law making house? Somewhat in 2016, the maze was taken when the plenary section was still ongoing by some senators. The budget of the nation was also missing in the National Assembly. That was unprecedented in the history of the country. I call these politicians 'yahoo boys' in 'agbada.'

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which was founded in 2003 by the then president, Olusegun Obasanjo is a Nigerian law enforcement agency that investigates financial crimes such as advance fee fraud (419 fraud) and money laundering. Although, in existence since 2003, we have seen only fragments of them as they perform, but not up to expectations. In 2018, it was reported that the EFCC had the highest numbers of concluded corruption cases with the Nigeria Judiciary Council (NJC).

As noted earlier, Nigerian politicians share a sibling-like relationships with corruption. On May 2016, the former British prime minister, David Cameron was caught saying on camera that Nigeria was 'fantastically' corrupt. This was not surprising as that was the impression that had been created by our politicians. In 2015, one of the campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari was that he would rid the country of the corruption syndrome. I must note that the war against corruption is not in anyway won. We have just being promoted from the worst to the bad.

When you think you have seen it all, Politicians with their clownish nature would find a way to 'amuse' you, full of tricks and stunts. Diepreye Alamieseyegha, a former governor of Bayelsa state was arrested in the United Kingdom on count charges of money laundering. Hours after his arrest, he escaped to Nigeria disguised as a woman. This was a criminal thing to do for a supposedly ambassador of the country. Though he was later arrested by the Nigerian government, but this singular act has already left a stain on the country's white garment.

Do not forget so easily the  drama Ayodele Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti state played with the EFCC. In 2012, the court ordered the closure of Fayose's two bank accounts with Zenith bank and also the forfeiture of some his properties because it was said to be acquired with illegally shared money by Dasuki, the then National security adviser. Due to his immunity as a sitting governor, he could not be arrested or charged to court. When his tenure was almost over, he made a promise to present himself to the EFCC's office. Yes, he did make himself present just hours after he handed over to Kayode Fayemi donned in a customised 'EFCC here I am' vest alongside his cohorts in PDP and some gullible youths. Many said his move was a bold one. Maybe, Or probably he was supposed to be pelted with stones.

Nigeria politicians have recently inculcated the habit of faking illnesses and diseases that had not manifested while they launder and stash away the nation's fund in foreign accounts. It is hard to forget so quickly the case of Allison Maduekwe who after milking the country dry was suddenly diagnosed of cancer at a time when she was supposed to face the music of her actions. The recent one was Maina who also suddenly developed a strange illness when his case was in court. His didn't hold any weight that much but because he was sentenced anyway.

In the words of Erstwhile President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, he describes Democracy as a testament to the courage and resilience of Nigerians. As citizens of Nigeria, I think it is time we rose up from our slumbers and fought this corruption and its agent before it sinks us all.

Coronavirus and the Politics of Life

Since the Coronavirus pandemic has taken over the world like a raging storm with over five million confirmed cases worldwide. The disease which started in the later part of 2019 in Wuhan, a town in the Hubei province of China is said to be a respiratory disease and has claimed more than two hundred thousand lives in the world. It is a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) and in its contracted form, it is COVID-19. The disease has made the world's economies to be on a standstill as most countries are either partially or totally locked down.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the virus a pandemic which needed international attention. A new name for the disease, COVID-19 was announced by WHO on February 11, 2020. Nigeria confirmed its first case of the disease on 27 February, 2020 when an Italian citizen in Lagos was tested positive for the virus. Since then, Nigeria has experienced a rise of the disease. As at May 7, Nigeria had a total of 3526 confirmed cases with 601 discharged cases and 103 deaths across 34 states and

the FCT

Right from the confirmation of the first case in Nigeria, government officials and politicians alike showed signs of irresponsibility. Many politicians started off playing politics with the virus without cares that the time was not right for any form of politicking going by the happenings in countries with far more developed health systems. Politicians downplayed the presence of the disease in Nigeria, simply calling it a hoax and that it was a well coordinated effort of the government to embezzle public fund. Days later, another case was confirmed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). 

As the cases rose, it began to scare well informed Nigerians, but the rise didn't stop these politicians from inciting the public against the government with plenteous rubbish. People, believing in the 'madness' of these politicians started demanding for the pictures of the Italian and others who were confirmed infected with the disease. This continued until Muhammad Abubakar, the son of the former president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar was tested positive for the virus.

As the World's Health Organisation (WHO) had declared the virus a pandemic with information and guidelines as the virus could be transmitted from person to person, one of the standard prevention procedures was that anyone who had visited any countries with confirmed cases of the virus should self isolate for 14 days upon return to their countries. Around early March, the Chief of Staff to the president, Abba Kyari returned from his Germany's official trip. On his return to the country, he was supposed to self isolate, but he didn't do so. He instead attended theKogi state governor's mother's 3-day Fidau prayer the next day. Some days later, it was reported that he had tested positive for the virus. Also, at the time when the virus had gained momentum in Lagos, PDP  held a rally in Ibadan, Oyo State where Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State governor was  quoted to have said that the PDP members were immuned to the virus. Three days later, a case of the virus was confirmed in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State and many days after, the governor himself confirmed he has tested positive for the virus through his social media handle.  This means that if we assume that he was a ticking time bomb when the rally was held, then, we can not doubt the reality of having a thousand cases in Oyo state at this moment to grace.

While the Sanwo-Olu Lagos State Government and the administration of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) increased their testing strength as a way to curtail the spread of the disease, the northern states except Kaduna and Borno states did practically nothing to prepare for the advent of the virus in the state. The Kano state governor didn't lift a finger except closing the state's border, a move that was quite ineffective until the deaths in the state became alarming. Concerned corners thus raised questions at the time  as regards the lateness before actions were made.

Government and politicians once again showed cold hearts in the distribution of relief materials and palliatives which were intended to help reduce of the effect of the lockdown declared in the country. Lagos was first to roll out its plan to distribute palliatives which was  'hijacked' by politicians. Streets with over a hundred dwellers were given small sacks of rice, few tubers of yam and loaves of bread in the most ridiculous manner. The same happened in Osun state where a household was given a cup of rice and far as a governor who asked his citizens to buy 'gaari' if they didn't have the money to stock their homes. 

With 774 local government heads, 36 state governors (including the ministers of the FCT), 109 senators, 365 house of representative members and 36 state assemblies, shouldn't there be concerns about the welfare of those who elected them?

Nigeria has a track record of having one of the worst health systems in the world despite billions of naira that is being pumped to it every year. Instead of improving the health systems, government and politicians busy themselves with funds to embezzle. The Coronavirus has highlighted how weak our health systems are. Truth is, with the present health systems in Nigeria, we will be overwhelmed by the virus way before we reach ten thousand confirmed cases.

On a final note, the Coronavirus has shown how inhumane and incompetent our politicians are. It shows politicians are only interested in sharing the national cake. The coming of this virus should be an eye opener for leaders in power corridors and politicians alike to plan ahead for future possibilities.

Suicide: The Dissolution but not the Solution by Damilola Akinlolu

Suicidal thoughts have become a norm in our society, as many see it as the lasting solution to a temporary problem. Putting an end to one's life does not in any way put an end to the problem, rather it opens a new chapter of struggle which one has no idea of.

There are lot of cases in our society that have prompted people to end their lives, a news got circulated sometimes ago about a young boy who ended his life because he failed UTME(United Tertiary Matriculation Exam), another person ended her life because she was not given attention by her mother. Some suicidal acts are known to be impulsive due to financial difficulties, stress, relationship breaks or bullying. Other suicidal acts are quite unexplainable. People go to any lengths to carry out this action, the popular ones are by hanging (or suffocation), overdose, usage of firearms, drowning, pesticide poisoning and falls. When I hear people clamor for the ban on insecticides, I'm compelled to ask if insecticide is the only means of ending one's life. Rather than putting a ban on insecticides, why not let's address the issue from the root cause?

Overtime, the range of ages prone to this act is 15 – 30 years of age. Suicide has become the 10th leading cause of death worldwide. Depression, substance abuse (alcohol, hard drug …), bipolar disorder, mental health problems are risk factors. A common risk factor, depression, is a serious medical illness that negatively affects the way one feels, thinks and acts. 

During depression, people suffer in silence. There is this feeling of isolation and untrue belief that they’re the only one lost. This continues for a while or longer until they can’t take it anymore. At this point, the only escape route seen is death because the mind is in thick darkness. And in most cases, the easiest option thought about is suicide. Fake appearances and expression manifest in such individuals in order to hide the real issue at hand from every single soul around them. Even when help comes knocking faintly, they deny it and go ahead in betraying themselves. They think the solution has been fixed by them but they fail to see that their own death isn’t the death of the problem. The problem gets passed on to loved ones as guilt and regrets consume them up. The “what if?”, “had I known” and “I thought” damage loved ones left behind especially if they continue to blame themselves for the demise of a depressed being. They assume it were their fault for failing to see the frown under that smile, the sadness being covered by happiness and the inability to differentiate between real and fake.

To every depressed soul out there and every one already having suicidal ideations, suicide was and will never be the solution. Suicide does not solve the problem as the problem still persists. It even creates more problems for those you care about. Depression does get better when you come to the realization that there are a lot of positive things out there waiting for you find them and many positive ways out there waiting to be located by you. Be optimistic! The help and realization are not sudden but gradual. Don’t suffer alone. Speak to someone (a non-judgmental person), though it might seem the hardest thing to do. You can also meet your religious head if the need be. And in case you don’t have the above around you, there are hotlines of professional individuals or organization out there.

Editorial: Slaying Begins at Home

In our world today, the concept of slay queens means

Opinion: Nigeria- A Fulfilment of What?

If you are scared of the truth, turning back at this point may be the best thing to do. In reality, the truth is a bastard while the Lie has a father.

Growing up many years ago, I remember my home lesson teacher's assignment. The home lesson itself was a punishment, much more the assignment. This home lesson came not because I was "unbrilliant" but because I was practically stubborn
This day, my aunt had me write in my lesson note:
"Write an essay on the topic: Nigeria, an empty giant of Africa."

 

This was a strong and wide topic for a boy of ten years- I was about rounding off my primary school education. Obviously, I barely knew about life in my family, much more Nigeria save for the fact that things have changed in comparison to now- living conditions and standards.

Till today, that topic rings a bell. I choose to remember that there was anomie in the Nigerian state back then. Now, it's worse.

At a point, I felt nothing could be done to change things. This was not because of pessimism- I've always been optimistic as relates to Nigeria.

Now, thanks to change. I see something making that proposition in my lesson note invalid, thanks to the present administration. However, I believe that her campaign slogan was too wide... Change is nice, change is wanted but change is gradual...

Shout out to PMN. He is a wise man, going after the principle of "tell them what they want to hear."
However, I choose to utter: "Cursed be anyone who lies to the masses in the want of Votes"
and
"Cursed be anyone who for the taste of pottage, sells his birthright"

This piece is coming at this point in time because everywhere near me, an election would take place- My Faculty, my department, my University, my state and Nigeria as a whole. Let Nigerians make open their stand, don't be gullible, yet be wise.

In the words of my Father:
"Go to the ants, consider their ways and be wise".

"This piece seeks to address salient issues as concerns politics. However, any resemblance in the nominal is not purposeful."

Shifting the Base of Nigeria's Mono-Product Economy by Adeyeye Eyitayo

In 1958, Nigeria  joined the league of oil producing states in the world. Thereafter, production of crude oil became the major source of government  revenue with average production of 2.5million barrels daily. The economy of Nigeria has since then been moulded around  proceeds from crude oil to maintain about 65 -70% of  government revenue. It generates about 90 per cent of the country's foreign exchange earnings. Thus, the  discovery and production  of oil  pushed agriculture, the traditional mainstay of the economy, right from the early fifties  to the backstage. Alas, Nigeria neglected agriculture because of overnight money gotten from crude oil.

Several years down the line, the oil market  has suffered notable  setbacks, to wit, fall in oil price, fluctuating demand,poor regulatory regime and other market phenomena. It is safe to say that the instability  of oil price has been persistent  for a long while. Recently, the US Energy information Administration (EIA), recorded that Crude oil prices were generally lower in 2018 than in 2019. But with the outbreak of corona virus in 2020, the price of oil hit its lowest level in 17 years, declining from $59 to $28 per barrel within a month. As it stands presently, oil companies globally can no longer produce in full capacity. Nigeria is currently trading below the Federal Government's  benchmark in the oil market. Oil vessels are floating on the sea with no buyer, supply is now more than demand.

It is a public knowledge that the outbreak of Covid19 is such that is crumbling  economies of the world and Nigeria  is not an exception. As a matter of reality, the mono-product economy of Nigeria even makes it worse. Since the spread of the pandemic in Nigeria, the Government  has become restless and short of revenue options. The stay-at-home orders imposed by the government is leading the economy on a slippery-slope as informal businesses and companies have been shut down for weeks. Meanwhile, the most recent estimate puts Nigeria's  debt profile at N33 Trillion, still likely to worsen amid the steep decline in revenue associated with falling oil prices. Foreign Investors are now reluctant to hold naira-dominated assets as Naira would not stop falling against the dollar like the wall of Jericho. It was recorded that the  Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) lost ₦2.3 trillion in two weeks after Nigeria's index case. Little wonder the Federal Government had to cut down the 2020 budget from N10.594 trillion to N10.276 trillion.

The failure to diversify the economy  of Nigeria  will forever be a serious indictment on successive governments. It is the major reason why the economy remains so fragile and vulnerable to changes in external conditions, especially oil price fluctuations. Each of the past governments  deserves to be blamed for this. Nigeria is  endowed with several mineral resources and to think that her economy hinges solely on crude oil simply embarrasses logic. Given the present realities, diversifying Nigeria's mono-product economy is the only express way out of the looming recession. Creating several avenues and channels  of income generation for the government  is now a matter of national emergency and not just mere campaign manifesto. It is time, if not before now, to focus on mining and  agriculture. Needful to say that, through agriculture, the three necessities of life – food, clothing and shelter – are made available to man. China, Netherlands and USA remain the  largest producers and exporters of agricultural produce in the world. The truth is, demand for agricultural produce is much stable in the world market, given the ever increasing population of the world. There is a dire need for expand in production to meet this global demand.

 

Read: OAU Final Year Student Sentenced to Jail for Cybercrime

 

Nigeria is Africa's leading consumer of rice, one of the largest producers of rice in the continent and simultaneously one of the largest rice importers in the world. Nigeria ranks the largest producer of cassava in the world, with cassava production of up to 20% of the world. Nigeria also boasts of large scale cultivation of cocoa, peanuts, cotton, palm oil, corn, sorghum, millet,yams, rubber, just to mention a few.

 

Read also: Making a Computer Virus is not against the Law - Surya Aezowie

 

I strongly believe with purposeful  leadership, Nigeria can become the food basket of the world. We have the capacity, we have the population, we have all the resources that is required, which is the human capital and that is  the best that is needed. Only by so doing we can become an economic powerhouse in the coming years.



Adeyeye Eyitayo is a public interests enthusiast and lawyer. You can reach him at [email protected]

Opinion: Do You Still Give out Your Trust?

Who do you trust? 

 

If you ask me this question, I would reel out a lot of secrets to you and leave you to deduce the answer yourself. I actually find it hard to trust people myself; I mean my feelings or even my things, my integrity and whatever concerns me. If I trust you, it has to be that you have earned it based on what you have done or been through and I know what you are capable of doing. However, I hear some trust people based on their confessions; I mean what they say they are capable of doing. Well, mine is not so. For me to trust you, I must have my evidence. Don’t judge me, it’s my opinion. 

 

Some people say I am a difficult person and that I will find it hard to get in a relationship because I find it hard to trust people. However, my belief is that relationships are built on trust and that any relationship void of trust in the participants will crumble.

 

My attitude towards trust is as a result of my past experience. I have trusted people with my deepest thoughts, thoughts that made me cry, thoughts that make me feel down casted. I have trusted people and really, a trial has convinced me.

 

I had a hard time in my third year in school; things were so bad that money was a very scarce commodity. It was the time Nigeria was going through a serious economic recession with huge debts of school fees to pay. I could tell no one of the difficulties I was going through. I tried a lot of things I thought could help but all was futile with. Then, I found someone I could call a friend. He claimed to have been through my predicament while he was in school. His own experience was even worse than mine that I began pitying. Then and there did I conclude that I was better off than some people while some are better than me; this is the Irony of life.

 

My so called friend has been a leader for years and also stood in the position of counseling young undergraduate students while he was in school. He was highly revered and recommended to be capable of holding any leadership post. All these summed up the bases for my judgment that he could be trusted. The fact that he had experienced my present situation added to my trust in him.

 

I reeled out my problems to him with the hope that I could lean on him for advice. I told him of the difficulties I had only for Him to spill out my secrets in public. He was the first to accuse me of my inabilities which was due to my financial in capabilities. I had little to finance my daily needs and was left with little to fund other needs and he made me a scapegoat publicly. I felt betrayed and disappointed. I looked into his eyes and all I could see was betrayal. I could not say anything against him because he already knew my secrets to the marrow. I blamed myself for telling him too much about me. I could not say anything for I had broken down my entire defence with my hands.

 

Trust, an abstract which you develop in someone or something based on an evidence of what they have done or is capable of doing is built overtime.

My trust in people has been breached overtime that giving it out to people require a lot of thinking. Someone once told me that I might find it hard to fall in love, well I don't know yet but we all at one time in our lives have experienced the same ordeal in different ways.

 

However, experience they say is the best teacher but the best and more profitable way to learn is from the experience of other people who have attained certain level of maturity. It is better to always give people an element of doubt that they could breach your trust in them some day so that when they do, you would not have an heart break that could totally mar you but at least a heart that will be amendable………………..my opinion, what do you think?