Opinion

Power: Looking Towards Heavens (Solar energy) and Earth (coal &Hydroenergy)

Solar energy, radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy incident on Earth is vastly in excess of the world’s current and anticipated energy requirements. In the 21st century solar energy is expected to become increasingly attractive as a renewable energy source because of its inexhaustible supply and its nonpolluting character, in stark contrast to the finite fossil fuels coal, petroleum, and natural gas.

The history of hydropower dates back thousands of years. For example, the Greeks used water wheels to grind wheat into flour more than 2,000 years ago. The evolution of the modern hydropower turbine began in the mid-1700s when a French hydraulic and military engineer, Bernard Forest de Bélidor, wrote Architecture Hydraulique. Many key developments in hydropower technology occurred during the first half of the 19th century, and more recently, the past century has seen a number of hydroelectric advancements.Hydropower technologies generate power by using the elevation difference, created by a dam or diversion structure, of water flowing in on one side and out, far below, on the other.

The benefits of hydropower have been recognized and harnessed for thousands of years. In addition to being a clean and cost-effective form of energy, hydropower plants can provide power to the grid immediately, serving as a flexible and reliable form of backup power during major electricity outages or disruptions. Hydropower also produces a number of benefits outside of electricity generation, such as flood control, irrigation support, and water supply.

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?

Opinion: The Child Who Did Not Cry

It was the day of my birth. I watched them silently as they hit me with great force. They slapped me on my chin, back and buttocks one after the other as an expert drummer would ram his konga drums, making sounds, unrhythymical.

I thought they were catching fun at my expense. I felt injury and pains. It was terrific. If this was how the sons of men were to treat me, then I would prefer to remain where I was accepted. The slaps increased.

I am a new born. At my birth, I had refused to drown in my own waters. Times before, I had visited here but left hurriedly; probably because I wanted to punish my family here or there, or wanted to check on this planet. There I was, a child of two worlds, I belonged to both.

I had lost count of times I'd journeyed through heaven and earth. This time, the midwives had slapped me over and over, making sure I cried to ascertain me alive. I refused to, I was not dead though. I looked into the eyes of the chief midwife... I was sure she was unfamiliar but could not saw if she was experienced or not- she must have seen the lines on my left foot.

Much wonder she knew little that I was an "ABIKU"

I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
From thence till this while
I've given my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...

My first day on earth was terrible and the first week, hell, courtesy of every person I met from the occasion of my delivery. No thanks to them..

The medicine man placed the herb to the ground. He looked down into the small mirror placed opposite the bed where I laid. Then, He picked the local pencil in his left hand and a small knife in the right.

Loud cries proceeded from my mouth. He had made the first cut on my right cheek and rubbed the coaled ink off the pencil edge into the hole, drying up the blood and carefully making sure it dripped into a small calabash.
He soon made the second cut and another series of cries rolled out... I could not help it. Amidst tears, I watched him channel the drips of blood down to the small calabash.

“There are five things you need to know”, he told my mother. “Before we send him out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and he will remain with you till the day he wishes to die”

The next thing I heard was silence...

I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
Who gave my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...

Fifteen years later...
My past has been plagued, my present, blasted and the future, opaque and bleak. I had just been released from prison... No! Not what you think- the government prison. It was actually a family prison, personal; the prison of my heart, where I was caged by the raging claws of consanguinity...
As freedom is slavery, I just did not know that I had come into a new rope. Probably this would tie me down into hell. In the last fifteen years of my life, I have been made into a young boy, excelling greatly amidst my peers and a seeming family of five children, all males. There was this peculiarity- we came in succession and after the order of history.
Obviously, I was a mysterious child; only little did know and I neither bothered to tell any who seemed ignorant.

15th September
Culture is the spring that has it's bounce, the proverbial ball that goes up and surely lands on people- it's remote victms. Today, I had my initiation ceremony... Not into a cult but into manhood. This very day was my circumcision. I felt lifted. Little did I know that...
I am the child who did not cry
The one who did die
Who gave my mother much cry
I am not a still birthed child...
I am STILL BIRTH herself...

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.

Opinion: You and Your Self Worth

“My mates are already in their final year in most schools, see what UI has done to me now, then you wonder why Chris and I barely talk again. Tola just got married last month and she's my mate. Did you just see that Mercedes Benz outside? Kolade is the owner and I have not even gotten the bearing of my life not to talk of getting a car. Is it not my mate that is always in a relationship with make sense guys and me I am here like this, meeting the wrong set of people always. Kate is just the TDB major how I wish to be like her.”

Calm down and take it easy on you. Who is your mate really? Who is your competitor? With what standard do you measure you?

One of the religious books, the bible says that they are fools who compare themselves with themselves. One way out of comparing yourself with someone else is to know yourself. The search to know yourself is not what others can do for you. It is a process of introspection that is continuous. You never stop knowing and discovering new things about yourself. You lessen the degree at which you make comparison to others in regards to yourself because you've built in you the understanding of you. Do you know that the world sees you the way you see yourself? Come to think of it those your friends that you see as classy are like that because they call themselves classy. You are what you potray to the world. This comes out of the understanding of you. It is known as your self worth.

Self-worth is an internal state of being that comes from self-understanding, self-love, and self-acceptance. It is a state that is somewhat timeless and unchanging because it is a direct measure of how you value and regard yourself in spite of what others may say or do. It therefore doesn’t quickly or easily change when external factors or circumstances change. Self-worth is steady and unflinching, and therefore, holds power to radically transform your life for the better. To have a high level of self-worth means accepting yourself wholeheartedly at all times despite your flaws, weaknesses, and limitations. It’s about recognizing the real value of who you are — right here, right now, at this present moment.

To have a high level of self-worth means never allowing yourself to be defined by outside forces, including people’s opinions. It means never allowing outcomes to shake your confidence, faith or resolve. All this means that no matter what happens you are steadfast. Nothing outside of your “being” influences how you feel about yourself.Your influence alone is the only thing that matters. You alone are the most significant factor in how you feel about yourself, about your life, and about your circumstances. And that is essentially where your personal power comes from.

For you to build self worth or create enough self-worth to empower our daily decisions and actions in a way that will help us achieve our desired outcomes you must see this as a long-term process that you need to work on consistently over time. Lay down a new stone each day. Eventually, the fortress will grow more prominent and more substantial until it becomes almost unbreakable. A strong wind might blow, hail and rain might bucket down, and thunder might shake the ground. And yet, despite all this, your fortress will remain intact. It stands its ground because you put in place a solid foundation that you consistently built over time. And that’s where the strength of the fortress comes from. And that’s precisely where the power of your self worth comes from. You should follow the stages of growing your self worth building a high level of self-worth will also take time.

Your first step involves getting to know yourself at a deeper and more profound level; the self understanding stage. Who you are and how you see yourself are keys to understanding your true value.How others see you and how they speak about you, is also, of course, important. But this isn’t so much about them but rather about how you feel about yourself as a result of how others see or speak about you. That is, of course, another measure of your self-worth. The next step is the Self-Acceptance Stage. You must be real and authentic with yourself here. This requires wholeheartedly acknowledging your true nature including the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Then, the Self-Love Stage where you fully accept yourself, it’s now time to acknowledge your true value. To do this, it’s important to begin practicing a little self-love. Which basically means treating yourself with kindness, tolerance, generosity, and compassion. Yes, you have flaws. Yes, you have so many limitations and weaknesses, but we all do. That’s part of being human. It’s time to let all that go and instead practice being compassionate with yourself.

The Recognition stage is when you have self-understanding. When you have fully accepted yourself. And when you reach a stage where you practice self-love and self-compassion, that’s when people, events, and circumstances no longer define you. You instead begin to define yourself.
The final step in this process is the responsibility stage which involves taking full responsibility for your life, for your circumstances, and for your problems. This is to take full responsibility for everything that happens to you without giving away your personal power. Here, you acknowledge that you have the personal power to change and influence the events and circumstances of your life.

The Effects of COVID19 on the Nigerian Agricultural Sector

Ever since the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus in Wuhan, China late last year, the world's attention has shifted to this infectious disease ( although many world leaders didn't take full cognisance of it until this year when it move from the problem of a nation to the problem of the entire world).

Since then, this pandemic disease has brought the entire world to a stand still, Many economy of great nations has been badly affected with world leaders seems clueless on how best to deal with this rampaging infectious disease.

effects of pandemic coronavirus on agriculture

Nigeria as one nation which has suffered from the effects of this infectious got no fair deal on her economy. The nation confirmed her first case of Corona virus on 28th, February, 2020, with the case being an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos, Nigeria on the 25th of February 2020.

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Since then, the number of infected people has increased rapidly. This has forced the country to adopt necessary measures to curtail the spread of this disease with the notable lockdown order which restricts the movement of the citizens. This in turn, has affected the Agricultural sector of Nigeria in many regards.

Agriculture is one of the main practices many Nigerians engage in. Every farmers looks forward to the raining season to cultivate their land and plant food crops which are consumed by households in Nigeria and the rest of the produce even exported to other countries as a source of revenue generation for the country. But ever since the lock down as taken effect, many farmers are unable to venture to their farm land to cultivate even though the raining season has began. This has been a source of great pain to Many farmers as they are unable to do what they love to do most.

Purchased seeds with the farmers are left to spoilt due to inability to plant in due time and since there is no adequate means of storage, the farmers are left to count their loss. Plants in nursery are unable to be transplanted to the main field at the right time and this has resulted into overgrown and unusable plant.

Breaking: Ondo State Confirms Three Other COVID19 Cases

It is well known that agriculture is not complete until farm produce gets to the final consumer in form of finish products and this is achieve through a chain of many activities like storage, transportation, distribution, marketing etc. Due to the lockdown in the country, stored finish products with the farmers are unable to get to the consumers. Although measures are put in place to allow the movement of essential food products across the country but this has only resulted into a little success.

All is not dark and gloom, the Nigeria government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has realize the importance of agriculture in this present time and offer a lively hope to all Agriculturist in Nigeria and I must say a hope to all Nigerians as well by the measure He intend to put in place concerning agriculture which he said in His recent speech to the nation.

He said "We reviewed how our farmers can safely plant and harvest in this rainy season to ensure our food security is not compromised. Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely transport food items from rural production areas to industrial processing zones and ultimately, to the key consumption centers."

With this, farmers and Nigerians can hope for the better as HOPE is what we all need in this trying times.

Today, I saw a new twist to the Administration of Criminal Justice. I was on the queue at a Gtbank ATM just in front of a major road linking Ogbomoso to Oyo when I saw a naked man running and gasping for air. The poor guy (hereinafter addressed as the accused person) had been alleged of stealing two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) in a shop nearby, stripped naked and in the course of being beaten, took to his heels. In the twinkle of an eye, I saw some young men as well as some motorcyclists in pursuit. As though the accused had a special training in 'escaping', the long list of chasers could not catch him. At some point, he made a U-Turn, ran into the ATM section of the bank, receiving beatings on the run yet not caught. The occasioned ruggedness of the accused had already awakened more pursuers to the extent that it became obvious the guy would be caught.

Given the nature of the scene, I was sure if the accused was not eventually killed, he would be closed to death when they get him down. In my firm position that Justice is for the tripartite of the Victim, the State and the Accused, I woke the consciousness of some persons close to me to the legal aftermath of what is happening and luckily, one of them linked the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Oyo Command. In what was to me a commendable response by the SARS team, there was blasting of siren in few minutes. The team was however clogged by the heavy traffic on the road which led to a little delay to the scene where the accused was held down.

Before getting to the scene where the accused person was pinned down, the accused had already been brutalised to the expense of losing blood from his palm, head and shoulder. The SARS team condemned the brutality of the accused person and told the league of complainants that they (SARS) cannot go with the accused person; this was of course to avoid fundamental human right issues with public interest lawyers in the event that anything happen to the accused. The SARS team mentioned that in the instance that the accused die before they get to their station, who will be held responsible? No one was ready to answer that question.

In no time, the SARS team drove off and mentioned that if the victim of the theft was ready to pursue the matter, she should treat the accused of the sustained injuries and bring him to their station. The team drove off leaving the accused behind. The matter was then left in the hand of several public commentators, self-acclaimed judges and opinionated rabble rousers throwing different opinions and options. In the long run, they agreed in unison that the accused person be left to go on his own as no one was ready to treat him for the matter to be prosecuted.

What follows quickly is where lies the fate of the barefooted blindfolded woman holding a sword and a scale - Justice. Given this instance, was there Justice for the accused? Who was brutally beaten without been heard, without being tried, without the sledge hammer of the court convicting him of theft contrary to our criminal laws. Was their Justice for the Victim of theft? Who within minutes was stripped of a whopping and hard-earned two hundred thousand naira, who could not get her money back and who could not give information to prosecute the suspect.

Was their Justice for the State? Perhaps NO, NO, NO. The overriding question then is Why? At what point was Justice buried and at what point was Justice made impossible? The quick answer is at the point where the empathetic passersby started the rounds of beating on the accused, subjected him to torture, inhumane treatment and stripped him in entirety of the dignity of his human person as entrenched in Section 34, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999 and immediately condemned him guilty without trial in contravention of Section 36(5) CFRN 1999.

It is a twist to the Administration of Criminal Justice and a deep stab in the back for the message of Justice. The massage remains evergreen. "Every person who has been charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until he is proven guilty". In this instance, the presumption of innocence was raped and Jungle Justice prevailed. It is, I suppose, that the long list of torturers of the accused person should be apprehended for criminal assault.

By the directive of the Legal Maxim; Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum, Justice must be done even though heaven falls. In this instant case, the heaven did not even fall yet Justice was not done.

It was indeed a tripartite loss! A tragedy of monumental proportions!

Daniel Adedigba

[email protected]

In my family, if anyone becomes seriously ill, we know that we will lose him because we do not even have enough money for food so we cannot afford to use the hospital.

- 35 year old Nigerian Woman.

Nigeria is the most populous black nation with population of over 200million,heterogeneous and multicultural society covering massive land space in the Africa continent. Nigeria is equally endowed with natural resources and human capital sufficient enough to cater for her population if adequately and judiciously administered. However, the trend of poverty in Nigeria has steadily be on the increase like wildfire. The dimension of poverty in Nigeria is such that is multifaceted and has permeated through the cycle of people living within the poverty bracket.

In 2018, statistics from World Data Lab confirmed Nigeria as the poverty capital of the world, overtaking India on the world poverty radar, with an estimated 87 million Nigerians, or around half of the country's population living on less than $1.90 a day.

The reality of life for the poor people in Nigeria is worse than what can ever be imagined. It makes them less of human that could not even enjoy basic necessities of life guaranteed by the extant laws of Nigeria and the international community. More than half of the Nigerian population settle in the rural and underdeveloped areas where the quality of life is crude and native,due mainly to extreme lack of basic social amenities. The health care is very poor compounded by the lack of access to potable water. Educational facilities are insufficient and dilapidated, access to land for agriculture is limited and where available, productivity is low due to poor technology and lack of input. Road network, communications facilities and markets are poorly developed. The list is endless and regrettably government policies have not been channelled to reverse the hydra-headed poverty mitigating against the poor majority in Nigeria.

In effect, the stroke of poverty in Nigeria has shattered and battered the fundamental idea of Human Rights, reducing such rights to "empty rights". Thus, the notion of human right has become mere illusion and figment of imagination existing only on paper and not in reality.

Meanwhile, "Human Rights" are basic and inherent rights of any human individual, giving access to undeniable necessities such as the right to live, the right to liberty, and the right to freedom of expression. They are rights that makes life worth living for humans in the absence of which life is miserable and worthless.

Regrettably, despite 1999 Constitution's devotion of the whole of Chapter IV to human rights, (similar to the ones in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights UDHR) coupled with a mechanism for its enforcement, these rights remain elusive and meaningless to the poor masses, who remains the majority in Nigeria.

Since time immemorial, issue of human rights abuses and violations prevails in the Nigerian societal structure. And while most of the world's community see Nigeria as a developing nation, much of the human rights cases still go unreported.

A cursory look at some of the basic Fundamental Rights which have become illusory to the poor masses.

RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution provides for the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions, to receive, impart ideas and information without any let or hindrance. Same right is enshrined and recognized in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The government of Nigeria has severally muzzled this right by clamping down on the masses who protest unpopular policies of government and labour unions who champion the rights of the poor are also subjected to censorship of their private telephones, series of arrests, detention and physical attacks. The prolonged detention of Mr Omoyele Sowore, a journalist and 2019 presidential candidate, by the Federal Government of Nigeria is a clincher. Mr Sowore was detained for by the Department of State Services (DSS), a specialised security agency under the direct control of the President of Nigeria for over hundred days despite several orders of court demanding his release. Eventually, he was relunctantly released following serious condemnation from both national and international community.

RIGHT TO LIFE

"Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person"

------.Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria also insulates this right in section 33.

Despite the importance attached to this right by international community and the domestic laws of Nigeria, this right is however largely unprotected, especially for the poor. Apart from the physical threat to life by acts of extrajudicial killings, the poor are also worst affected by deaths resulting from a chain of causal effects such as lack of adequate food and nutrition,especially in the core north of Nigeria, lack of access to health, safe and portable water and adequate sanitation, housing and a healthy environment. It is sad to know that malaria kills more than 300,000 Nigerians annually.

RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM DISCRIMINATION

The way the poor are marginalized on account of poverty, humiliated when seeking access to government services, and being denied access to information and participation are equally discriminatory of the poor. Needful to recall situations where the rich and people of influence command the attention of the police to achieve their personal interest.

In 2017, a poor man was reported to be relaxing on the balcony of his house somewhere around Agege Lagos state, with a towel tied around his waist, when the police on patrol reportedly picked him for 'illegal sitting' in front of his house. Despite protesting and claiming that he had not offended the law he was taken to the police station and detained, and what was written on the charge board at the police station against his name was 'illegal sitting'. That can only happen to the poor.

RIGHT TO HEALTH

The UDHR in Article 25 provides for adequate standard of living, which includes the right to health. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health to the exclusion of nobody.The risk of getting infectious disease and sickness becomes more possible day by day due to intolerable living conditions and the crude standard of living, which add up to reduce life expectancy for the impoverished density. It is a popular saying that health is wealth.

FREEDOM FROM TORTURE

The resulting effect of poverty in this regard is much more psychological. Effects of torture inflicted by poverty is that which makes an able bodied man/woman to wake up in the morning and not have the smallest clue as to how or where he is going to find a meal to eat the whole of that day, not to mention day after. What can also be more torturing for a man or woman who is willing to work but finds him or herself a victim of frustratingly prolonged unemployment.

In conclusion, the deleterious effect of poverty on human rights of the poor man in Nigeria is inexpressible and can not be captured within the confines of any discourse. The poor hardly enjoy human rights and neither can they afford to protect against or redress any violation by way of access to justice. Also, the narrative above clearly revealed that a human rights approach to poverty reduction has great prospects if all the rights can be enjoyed and enforced by the poor, because of their potency to make them escape the cycle of poverty.

In theory the Constitution of Nigeria in its preamble talks of promoting good government and welfare of all persons based on the principles of Freedom, Equality and Justice. But in reality , one sees that it is the powerful, the rich and the dominant class that seem to have all the rights, while for the poor, the weak and the down-trodden, it seems to be their right to suffer in silence, to be patient and wait for their reward in heaven.

Lack of equality before the law irrespective of social status weighs heavily against the poor, because each time we deflect from equality, we rob the poor of more comfort than we add to the rich.

Adeyeye Eyitayo is a Law graduate with irrepressible penchant for human rights.

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.🌹

How Tech is Scaling through Coronavirus

At the height of global suffering in the deadly hand of novel Coronavirus virus disease, accusing fingers have been pointed at fifth generation Internet technology (5G) as the main cause of the pandemic.

5G is a fifth generation of mobile technology which is an improvement on today’s 4G technology with enhanced capabilities. The technology provides the platform for new and emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to improve the way we live and work.

Indeed, the world over, arrival of a new technology is often celebrated, just as the 5G technology was not quite long ago. However this 5G technology has been indicated once that it poses threats to life, even when these have not been scientifically proven.

It can be said therefore that the ongoing outburst against 5G technology by concerned individuals is understandable, particularly in the light of the current delicate global health situation which has been claiming lives in thousands.

Emerging evidences from authorities have, however, shown that the concerns raised so far were merely laced with fear, emotion, conspiracy theories and these are further given bonus by the level of ignorance of the populace about the subject matter..

Telecoms operators in the Nigeria have corroborated this, saying “Even with all the virtues of the novel 5G, our BTS Sites across the country are still bereft of this technology. We will want to re-emphasize that several studies have been carried out even before the 5G emergence, indicating that the microwave emissions from these infrastructures have no harmful effect on human health.”

It has been approved by the government agencies concerned with radiation protection and nuclear safety across the world as not having the negative health effects of more intense radiation.

There is high hope from the new 5G technology, but it's until one gets to know pretty much about the technology, it may be easy to see it as another of such technologies that campaign in poetry but end up governing in prose. But by all standards, this is not the case as far as 5G is concerned.

2023 Polls: A Call on Millennials to rejig and Participate

Someone once opined, "it is as if Nigeria only exists for elections", could that be true? Just immediately after the conclusion of the February 2019 general elections which ushered the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, the political space began to rally clouds in build-up for 2023 presidential election. The "2023 Agenda" has since then become a terminology in the politcal setting. Politicians have started bolting regional affinities and lining political formations.

However, public affairs analysts have differed that it is insensitive and premature to start holding 2023 discussion in spite of security and economic challenges, whereas some opined it is never too early to prepare for the future. Whichever end of the stick you choose to hold, you will agree that the troubles that waylay the present day Nigeria are enormous.

We live in a time where over 600 people displaced by bandits live on football field in Katsina. A time when bandits and herdsmen spill blood of citizens on regular basis, Kidnapping and rape is thronging, government is bloated and too expensive to maintain. People are not getting promised dividends of democracy. Police extort money from the poor on a massive revenue scale.That economy is millions of naira daily.There are regional militia and cries of marginalisation. It is difficult to do business in Nigeria. What a myriad of challenges!

In the reality of these challenges, one would logically assume that the fixation of our policy makers at this period would be to stand up to the challenges and find solutions to some of these problems. But sadly, the government has been notoriously lethargic in taking decisive actions on events that so much threaten our welfare and coexistence as a people.

Harping on the responsibility of government as propounded in the social contract theory, the primary essence of government is the provision of social goods . In the event that the government rescinds its part of the social contract, citizens can so withdraw their obligation and this is done through elections and other lawful means.

34.75% of registered voters voted in the 2019 general elections, the lowest of all recent elections held on the African continent, according to the data from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (I-IDEA). Meanwhile, 18% of that vote came from the youth density. This is a fact on record that puts one to marvel at the level of political apathy in the world's most populous black nation.There are about 61.3million Nigerians between the ages of 19 and 35. Appropriate to say that 33% of the population Is made of up of millennials. Who are these millennials? Millennials are age cohorts of 19-38, regarded as digital natives, vibrant population, analytical , ambitious, and achievement-oriented. Unfortunately,the peculiarities of these cohorts are yet to reflect in the electoral process. Perhaps the reason it is often said that the "worst of us is leading us".

The social media has become significant platform for economic, social and political development.Young people are talking to one another across ethnic and regional divides – though not always politely! But at least they are talking. Twitter and Facebook have become major political platforms.

You will also agree that social media has proven to be a platform where momentum can be built, awareness can be raised and people can be stimulated towards a particular campaign. The Infectious disease Bill, Social media Bill as well as Hate speech Bill are some of Government's policies that have been influenced by social media blitz.

In 2018, Big Brother Nigeria recorded about 170 million votes cumulatively. Imagine if we could have a similitude of this participation in our elections. But our electoral process is often marked with violence and malpractice you say. Yes you are right! It has remained so because we have tolerated it thus far. Thousands of Malians are presently on the street of Bamako, calling for resignation of their president following election violence and large scale corruption in the country. A step in the right direction!

Vision is the purview of youths not of old men.In other words, we need to harness the strength of our youths in the quest for true democracy and qualitative leadership. A democracy where the voice of the majority is heard. A democracy where leaders apply intellect, adopt best practices and adequately proffer solutions.

If we must move forward, we must put an end to political disinterestedness and civic apathy. The 2023 General elections is about 33months away from now, another opportunity for us as a people to determine the kind of leadership we so desire for our dear country.

Once bitten twice shy, a mistake that must never be repeated. We have for long remained on the world's most deprived people chart. As potent as our feelings of frustration maybe, we cannot, must not allow them to immobilise us and render us comatose as a generation.

We are all involved in politics whether we like it or not. If you refuse to vote, you have still voted. You voted for whatever outcome emerges from the election.

We can and we will create a Nigeria of tomorrow, the Nigeria of our silent dreams. A place you and I can fulfill destiny and maximise potential. It is up to us. But let it be said of the people reading this, that there were giants in the land in those days. Tomorrow is possible, but it is up to you, it is up to me.

Adeyeye Eyitayo is a member of Fourth Republic (a political communications and advocacy group).

How Coronavirus Keeps Underestimating National Health Systems

It's 2022 and Coronavirus, also known as COVID19 is an infectious disease caused by a deadly virus. People infected by the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underline medical problems like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer are likely to develop serious illness and the best way to prevent and slow down its transmission is to protect yourself by washing your hands, or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching faces. The virus spreads primarily through drop of saliva or discharge from nose when an infected person coughs or sneeze.

The Nigerian health care system has suffered several down falls from infectious disease outbreaks, year after year despite Nigeria's strategic position in Africa. The country is greatly undeserved in the health care sphere. Health facilities which include health center personnel and medical equipment are inadequate, especially in rural areas. While various reforms have been put forward by Nigerian government to wide ranging issues in the health care system, they are yet to be implemented at state levels and local government levels for years. Nigeria’s health care has been rated among the worst in the world. In 2018 studies in the lancet of global health care access and quality ranked Nigeria 142 out of 195 countries .

The country keeps increasing in population sizes with an estimated growth of 180 million people. This positions Nigerians as the most populous black country and giant of Africa, with massive foreign investment, yet, the health sectors which should cater for health needs of the population remains in shambles. Under International Human Right Laws, the Nigerian government has an obligation to protect peoples' lifes to an adequate standard of living, including adequate food and nutrition, the highest attainable standard of health, and the right to social security. In times of economic crisis, countries must demonstrate that they have made every effort available to mobilize all available resources, including international resistance and allocate them in the way to maximize respect to human right. Government is obligated to ensure access to food, water, Health care, and other basic needs for everyone at all times and in particular, those subjects to lockdown and other restrictions on movements - it saddens that reverse is the case in Nigeria presently.

In a bid to improve Nigeria health care system during this pandemic and to cater for the less privilege who might not have anything to feed their humble stomachs, there were donations from individuals and companies alike. Nigeria’s top billionaires have donated billions to support the fight against the pandemic. When Chinese billionaire and co founder of Ali baba, Jack Ma announced intention to supports Africa’s fight against covid19 by donating essentials medical supplies, Nigerians reacted with immense gratitude, the attention was then shifted to Nigerian billionaires as Nigerians wanted to know what the country’s top business elites were doing to support their countries. Some of the top Nigerians billionaires who contributed to the good cause include Africa's richest, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who made a persona donation of 2 Billion naira to support the cause. The famous industrialist has consistently maintained his position on top of Forbes Africa’s list of richest Africans as the majority owner of Dangote industries ltd. Mr Femi Otedola also announced his donation of 1 Billion naira to the relief fund via his instagram and twitter handles. According to him, ”we must all do what we can to flatten the curve.”

Abdul-Salam Rabiu also made cash donation worth 1 Billion through the BUA foundation and supply other medical aids while Folorunso Alakija, Africa’s second richest woman and Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc made personal donations. Other donors are Jim Ovia and

Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Holdings Plc and founder of Honeywell Group who donated the sum of 1 Billion naira

Opinion: The Church, Healing and Coronavirus

Disclaimer:[All things written here are the opinion of the writer base on His understanding of the scriptures]

This write up shall discussing the church and its mandate given by Christ. It shall also mention the role of the church in solving national problem (if there is any at all). Kindly read with an open mind to the end before jumping into conclusion.

The church is from the Greek word 'ekklessia' which means the called out one's, those who have been called from the kingdom of darkness into the marvelous light of Christ. They are the set of people who have placed their utmost trust in Christ Jesus and believe that Christ came to the world in human form, died for the sin of humanity and rose up on the third day. The word church was first used in the new testament Bible of the Christian religion.

Church also refers to the assembly/gathering of believers having fellowship with one another in a place. Jesus Christ gave mandate to His disciples before ascending to heaven. In mark chapter 16 of the Holy Bible from verse 14-20

Apostle Elijah Olopade Heals Man With COVID-19, Seeks Permission to Visit Isolation Centres

Mark 16:14-20

[14]Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

[15]And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

[16]He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

[17]And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

[18]They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

[19]So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

[20]And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Many are Unaware that they have Coronavirus- Professor Abayomi

The role of the church to the world is to evangelize the good news (gospel of Christ) to the unsaved world which will bring them into the membership of God family. Each believer possess the Holyspirit at the moment of believing the Gospel and in turn has the ability to do supernatural things like ministering of healing to the Sick. This was made manifest in the Life of Jesus Christ when He was on earth by healing every sick folks in came in contact with and also demonstrated by the apostles.

Matthew 4:23

[23]And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Matthew 8:16

[16]When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

Acts 3:6-7,11

[6]Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

[7]And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

[11]And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

Having seen that the believer in Christ who makes the church has the ability to minister healing to sick folks, let's look at the leadership in the local church. The local church is the congregation of some set of believers who fellowship together in love.

Ephesians 4:11-12

[11]And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

[12]For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Like any other association, Christ put some people in charge of the church who we can refers to as leaders ( they are place in charge not just through their desire but through special calling).

The role of the leaders in the church are IN and TOWARDS the church. A minister of the Gospel is a prayer activist and not a human rights activist. The only role of a minister of the gospel towards the world is the preaching the good news and never to advise the government on how to run the country.

1 Timothy 2:1-5

[1]I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

[2]For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

[3]For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

[4]Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

[5]For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Apostle Paul here writes to Timothy who was a minister in Ephesus. The role of a minister of the gospel towards the world as seen in the epistle is to pray for all men to be save and come to the knowledge of God including those in authority and not to be seen criticizing the government

John the Baptist who after finishing His course (to reveal Christ) went after the government during His days had himself to be blamed.

Mark 6:16-27

[16]But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

[17]For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

[18]For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

[19]Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

[20]For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

[21]And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;

[22]And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

[23]And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

[24]And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

[25]And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

[26]And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.

[27]And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

John the Baptist went after king Herod, accusing him of taking his brother wife , this led to his arrest and eventually he was beheaded.

When John was arrested, Jesus did not went to the press or on social media to protests His arrest, infact Jesus left town and went to other city.

Can a believer participate in politics? Of course He can, same way He can go to medical school and be a doctor. Can a minister of the Gospel participate in politics? Of course He can. However, such individuals(ministers) should recognise that His platform as a minister in church should never be used as a means in dealing with politics. He should join as anybody would join and participate as anybody will participate. However, He is not to act in politics as someone who is not born again but rather act as a new creation Man will act.

Having said this, let's discuss Covid-19 relating with the church.

Corona virus is an infectious disease that nations has been trying their best to deal with it. Government of the world have put in measures to curtail the disease by banning all social gathering with the church inclusive and the church leaders have obey as appropriate. Covid-19 is a disease government authorities has taken responsibility to deal with and hasn't in anyway left it in care of the church. This does not in any way stop the church to do everything in it's capacity to help the authority and the people and one important way to do this is by prayer against the virus and this will be done not to be seen, rewarded or appreciated as Jesus warn against those who makes prayer publicly to be seen of men (that's not the way of Christ)

In Conclusion, the church is the called out one which comprises of believers (those who place their faith in Christ Jesus and in turn possess the Holyspirit which enables them to minister healing) and that the roles of leaders in the church is towards and in the church and not to those in authority. It becomes glaring that the believer has a responsibility to pray for the salvation of others.

By Aluko Deborah

Gbam! Gbom! Goes the sound of the heavy punches that lands on Amanda’s cheeks. It’s a crushing impact of bony fists against supple cheeks. Stephen is at it again. He flies off the handle at the slightest provocation. She cries in pain at such inhuman treatment being mete to her. Just then, her friend Pia knocks at the door. Stephen opens the door and walks out of the house furiously. ‘What the hell is going on here?’ Pia yells at him.

Amanda had been married to Stephen for the past eight years and she had never experienced some peace for a split second. She had dated him for two years before marriage but seemed not to have noticed any violent attitude in him. Stephen had changed almost immediately after marriage and Amanda could not forgive herself for falling into this trap. She had attended many marriage seminars and had invited several marriage counsellors all to no avail. She had even tried to impress him, and dote on him, to love him more and shower him with surprises but there’s absolutely nothing she does that goes down well with this young man. He flares up for intangible reasons. It’s either he didn’t fall in love with her food or he isn’t pleased with her outfits or she didn’t take her bath before bed or she’s adding more weight. He compares her with other women and Amanda starts suspecting he’s cheating on her and been unfaithful to his matrimonial vows. Many times, he hits Amanda whenever she tries to oppose his accusations. His beatings have become so severe that she lost the third pregnancy after several years of childlessness.

Stephen turns back slowly and flashes at Pia a look of disdain coupled with a rush of anger and hate. He hisses and walks away arrogantly because extreme anger usually leaves him dumb. Pia rushes at Amanda and grasps her up. She asks her what went wrong this time. Amanda pours out more in tears than in words. ‘My mother in law just left a couple of hours ago, she came to express her concern for our childlessness and Stephen began to accuse me as the cause of it, he addressed me on the level of promiscuity and infidelity. But when I tried to reveal the truth of his brutality to me, he picked on me and vowed to deal with me like he just did.’ Pia seems not to believe her ears. So, this is what Amanda had been going through all these years but each time Pia had tried to ask why she had a swollen face or an injury, Amanda will just cook a smart lie and refuse to open up. ‘A good wife should always keep her family secret’ she always told herself. If not that Pia caught this very act and at the right time, Amanda will probably have to listen to another lie. She draws Amanda into a warm embrace to subside her tears. Afterwards, she dashes into the kitchen and prepares a cup of cold tea for Amanda to calm her nerves.

As Amanda sips her tea, Pia begins to advice Amanda. ‘Sweetheart, a woman can endure everything for the sake of love or for the sake of her children as the case may be but she must not endure one thing called violence! And that’s the physical one because it’s the most common, for a time is coming that such husband who is indeed an animal in human skin might end up taking your life. As a wise woman who values her life, I think you should give your man a little break. Amanda quickly interrupts Pia. ‘I’m seriously firing relentless prayers about my situation’ she says. Pia tells her that it’s okay to involve religion but she will also need to make good use of the wisdom endowed her and that of a caring friend too as in the midst of good counselors, safety is assured. She also shares with her friend a similar experience she also had with her husband some years back. She had received several beatings and had escaped for her dear life, relocating to a different neighborhood of which her husband knew nothing about. Several weeks passed and it had dawned on him that Amanda was gone for good, he came back to his senses and realized his mistake. Pia had informed only her mother of her where about since her once trusted husband had broken his marriage. ‘He had to go and prostrate for my mum, begging her profusely in tears to know where I hid before mum eventually settled everything for us and we came back together with a stronger bound of love.

Amanda thanks her friend profusely for her advice but she isn’t so much convinced yet, ‘I’ve never imagined breaking away from my husband because I shall not put asunder what God has joined together, I still love my dear husband and I don’t want to increase the trouble in our home’ she ponders. Pia offers to assist with dinner preparations and they proceed to the kitchen. Pia handles the Amala while Amanda prepares the ewedu stew. They set the table as Stephen walks in. Pia whispers to her friend to speak nicely to him, she’s researching something here. ‘Welcome baby your food is ready’ she says tears welling up in her eyes. She presses hard to suppress them. Stephen ignores her without saying a word. Pia tells Amanda to calm down as she breaks down into fresh tears. Pia offers to take her out for a walk but Amanda declines as that might even fuel more trouble for her. Concluding that her presence might be embarrassing Stephen, Pia declares her intention to leave and encourages Amanda to inform the police or call her if she’s been maltreated again. ‘Every woman has the right to claim her marital rights, she points out and leaves as Amanda sees her off.

A week later, Amanda has become so weak and unhealthy due to more incessant maltreatment. She had failed to inform neither the Pia nor the police and moving out wasn’t even one of her options. For her, a blissful marriage had always been her dream and she could keep trying to make this work. Stephen had banned her from attending marriage seminars because he felt it’ll make her much more stubborn and rude to him. Nevertheless, a scheduled meeting with a counselor isn’t a bad idea for Amanda and she won’t hesitate to go this evening. Stephen isn’t used to early dinners, so she will be able to rush back before 7:30 (thirty minutes past the hour of seven). With this in mind, she dresses up and rushes to see her marriage counsellor.

********************************

Amanda returns home at exactly fifteen minutes past the hours of seven and dinner must be ready in less than forty five minutes. Unfortunately, Stephen’s at his bad mood again. She’s now almost believing the fact that Stephen might have some psychiatric issues after all. He accuses Amanda of staying out late and depriving him of food and sex, as she tries to calm him down and assure him of settling him in no time, he carries a dinning chair and flings it at her. Amanda slumps and goes limp, blood splashes everywhere. Scared and terrified, Stephen struggles to wake her up but all to no avail, her breathing had stopped as lay practically dead in cold blood. Stephen must make his escape very fast, so he quickly packs his bag and exits the house as he ignores the questions and queries of neighbors. Some concerned people quickly get into the house to find out from his wife, his reason for deserting her but they meet the shock of their lives. They quickly alert the police to get Stephen arrested and they make sure that the security lock down the environs to keep Stephen trapped in. Another group of people go after Tony, beat him mercilessly and tie him up as they await the arrival of the police.

Pia drives into the neighborhood in a bid to inform Amanda of a flat she had gotten for her. Her intention’s to take Amanda along with her to buy things to furnish the house with and to link her up with an online psychologist and blogger to help her flourish emotionally. She parks her car under a mango tree, amazed at the crowd at Amanda’s house. Pia asks people around for what the problem is, some refuse to tell her but she hears someone around mention the fact that Amanda is dead. She pushes her way into the living room and screams uncontrollably. There laying before her feet is the tragic end of somebody’s wife.