Blog: NELOC News

The Indices of Poverty, Consequential Breach of Fundamental Rights in Nigeria - Adeyeye Eyitayo

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.🌹

Simone Biles has shown us how to effectively reject the "Strong black women tag" and prioritize our mental health and self-first.

In an ever-chaotic world where we are all dancing to overwhelming tunes, trying to fit in, impress the world and exude excellence , Simone Biles shows us it's okay to quit and quitting sometimes is winning.

In a system impacted with white supremacy and patriarchy, it’s a double-edged sword being black and being a woman. Throw in the mix of "The Strong Black Women '' tag which creates harmful stereotypes and holds women to astronomical standards, burdened and pressured to be strong always, embrace adversity and never showing vulnerability.

The "Strong" trope's tag stems from raising black women to be incredibly strong and resilient, rooting their identity in how well they persevere in a harmful environment without showing vulnerability. While the 'S' tag shows women's resilience and ability to weather the storms, it has its downside and negative impacts on their health and well-being forcing them to prioritize others, push themselves too hard, seeing vulnerability as weakness, burnouts and rendered zero support. It is empowering to see Simone Biles prioritizing her mental well-being above short-term wins by walking away. Mental health struggles get downplayed and opening up about mental health are seen as signs of weakness. In an overwhelming space of racism, pandemic, femicide and gender-based violence, with women held to higher standards, go through doubts and burdensome emotional load, being self-aware and knowing when to prioritize oneself and take a break is vital for mental well-being.

While the word "Quitting" is synonymous to failure and has a lot of deeply held stigma attached to it, Simone redefined quitting as being self-aware to prioritize oneself. Quitting is an essential lifesaving skill, knowing when to exit a toxic relationship, crappy job, and saying 'NO' is a sign of strength. Overcoming the fear of criticism, blame , retribution, denouncing the "S" tags and showing vulnerability shows true strength

Four Ways to prioritize your mental well-being.

1. Put yourself first.

It's okay to be a little or too selfish and prioritize yourself every time!!! It's easy to fall into the trap of 'S' tag by putting other needs first, but there's no Olympics awarding a medal for the world's best strong woman. Assert your needs always!!!

2. Prioritize self-care routine.

Secret rituals, Me moment, Self-love, have a self-care routine you indulge in. Take time to nourish yourself , body, mind and spirit with rituals that renew your energy. From listening to music, meditation, reading, yoga, inspiration mantra, movies, a meal with girlfriends, taking a walk, or just an off day lounging on the couch.

3. Ask for help.

Do not be an emotional hoarder hoarding your emotional baggage and that of others. Asking for support when you need it is not a weakness. Surround yourself with supportive relationships where you can be vulnerable and feel safe to ask for support.

4. Above all, don’t be afraid to quit.

While giving up may be ascribed to failure, quitting can be life-saving. Sometimes, the best option may be to practice intentional quitting, trusting your intuition and taking a leap of faith to end a relationship, quit a job, break off a friendship, and end a project. Quitting can be necessary to make room for positive change, protect your mental health, and can be an opportunity to develop and grow.

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.

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

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

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

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

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

Uchenna Umeano is a freelance writer, from Anambra State.

Editorial: Live and Let Live

Biography of Emmanuella Samuel

Born on the 22nd of July, Emmanuella Samuel is a young and talented comedian born into the family of Mr and Mrs James Samuel.

An Igbo indigene, Emmanuella hails from Imo State but lives with her parents in Porthacourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. She's a YouTuber and she has millions of followers/fans.

Emmanuel even though she's a comedian, she's academically sound. She's done with primary school and she's currently a secondary school student. How this little girl is able to do well both in academics and her profession (Comedy) is amazing.

Emmanuella started comedy at a very young age. She derive Joy in seeing people laugh, staying with her has always been fun. Her journey into the profession and of course fame started when Mark angel as at that time. Her first video shoot with Mark Angel was very lengthy, yet she came through. This among other special qualities made Mark Angel to invest more in her. Ever since her involvement in the industry, she has not stopped being and doing great.

Her first video "this not my real face o "with Mark Angel went viral on social media, this brought her to the limelight.

She has met with top entertainment stars in Nigeria. She's available on all social media platforms (YoutYou, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) with lots of followers/fans. Shiwas the first Nigerian child to be recognized by Disney film.

Emmanuella is a recipient of many awards. In 2016, Afro-Austrailia Movie Awards honored her as the Best New Comedian and Princess of Comedy. In the same year, CNN took her as their guest of the day in a program where she was interviewed and she gave answers.

Emmanuella has created a good name as well as a good reputation for herself and of course his family too. Not too long ago, she bought a house for her parents. Emmanuella in a recent report, has a Net-worth of over$150,000. According to her, she wants to go in fashion and makeup very soon.

Basically everyone is a counsellor offering solicited and unsolicited advice.

Please permit me also to give free and beneficial advice to you on sport, exercise and its value.

University of Ibadan takes sport with much importance and have good and workable facilities and equipment. There are varieties of sport to engage in depending on your choice. Sport is one sure extracurricular activities to engage from its numerous health benefit and other gains present, ranging from financial gains, opportunity to travel, networking with people and connection. Also aerobics and morning jogs is widely performed in the campus.
Sporting and exercise is good, but do you know how good? The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Everyone benefits from sport and exercise, regardless of age, sex or physical ability.

The benefits of sport and exercise are far more than just losing weight or achieving that “bikini body/ summer body.” which are plus. Exercise benefits everything from sleep quality to energy level, and even memory. From making one happier to helping one live longer, regular exercise is key to living a healthy, balanced life. Even something as simple as a morning jog.
Health Benefit of Sport, Work-Out and Exercising

1. Exercise controls weight
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When one engage in physical activity, one burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories one burn.

2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseasesRegular exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, a number of types of cancer, arthritis and falls.

3. Exercise improves mood
Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.

4. Exercise boosts energy
Regular physical activity can improve one’s muscle strength and boost endurance with increasing strength and flexibility.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep
Regular physical activity can help one fall asleep faster and deepen ones sleep.

6. Exercise boosts Self Confidence
The simple act of exercise and not fitness itself can convince you that you look better especially in the age of outward appearance and "Instagram body". Exercise boost confidence and overall self-esteem.

7. Exercise improves mental health and mood.
Physical activity helps in keeping ones' thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as one age.

8. Exercise can be fun … and social!

Sport and physical activity can be enjoyable. It gives one a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, break free from monotonous school/class to hall/room routine or simply engage in activities that make one happy. Physical activity can also help one in connecting with friends, meet new friends, meet fine and well chiseled guys also in a fun social setting.
Find any sport or physical activity you enjoy doing or any that catches your fancy. Enrollment to these sports are free in the campus with expert ready to teach and mould you to any sport you want to participate in. It's no news that female participation in sport are generally low compared to male counterpart. Taking advantage of these gaps give wide range of opportunities for female. Many have been lucky to travel all over the world as a result of participation in sport.

Here's a compiled list of sports present in the campus with their training area.

Judo( Martial Art)- Old Gym opposite Faculty of Education

Taekwando (Martial Art)- Squash Court, SUB

Squash -Squash Court, SUB opposite Bello Hall

Swimming- Swimming pool, SUB

Basketball -Basketball court, Awo Stadium

Lawn Tennis -Tennis court, SUB

Badminton -Old Gym, opposite Faculty of Education

Volleyball -Volleyball court, SUB

Soccer -Awo stadium

Athletics (Track and Field Event)- Awo Stadium
Hockey Cricket Pavilion- SUB

Table Tennis -Old Gym, Faculty of Education

Handball- Handball court, Faculty of Education
While at campus, enjoy all the perks campus life has to offer. Don't limit yourself. Find a sport that interest you, engage in it, practice well, explore, experience, participate in competitions, earn money and medals and make memories.

Basically Eat Well!! Live well!! And Exercise Well!!!
Taoffy.

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).

The Importance and Duties of the Legislature in Democratic Governments: NIGERIA A CASE STUDY

In the words of Abubakar Jimoh,

"Proper constitutional roles of the legislature in the promotion of democracy in Nigeria remains paramount in legislative discourse; as democratic culture cannot be sustained without qualitative legislation for good governance"

In spite the weaknesses, fault-lines, and challenges that the legislators would continue to encounter in their struggles to build a truly inclusive, participatory, open and people-based democracy, it has become imperative that they will continue to build democratic governance, as their individual and collective survival, progress and prosperity depend largely on nurturing democratic values, institutions and practices.
In order to achieve a democratic government.

Section 4 (1-9) of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria provides:

“(1) The legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be vested in a National Assembly for the Federation, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

(2) The National Assembly shall have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative List set out in Part I of the Second Schedule to this Constitution.

(3) The power of the National Assembly to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative List shall, save as otherwise provided in this Constitution, be to the exclusion of the Houses of Assembly of States.

_The effect of the above is that each levels of government is empowered to legislate on a broad range of issues that if effectively utilized through quality legislation and diligent exercise of the legislative oversight functions, will translate into good governance_.

In line with principle of democracy, National Assembly would be remembered for enacting into law some Acts that promote democracy in Nigeria such as :

Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Act,

National Health Act,

Violence Against Person Prohibition Act,

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act,

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act,

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act,

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act,

Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Evidence Act, National Human Right Commission Act,

Public Compliant Commission Act, National Agency Against Trafficking in Person Act, among other important Acts.

_However, the extent to which the legislature understand and consider the importance of democratic government would be put to question whenever Nigerians reflect on other significant Bills which would have improved standard of living and good governance in the country, lying dormant and begging for legislative attention in the National Assembly_.

Among these are Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB), which has never been passed into law at the National Assembly since 2007, Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill, Protection of Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2010 Electoral Act Amendment Bill, to mention but few.

As posited by International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, one of the major ways to rate and respect a democratic clime is the international and municipal and overall involvement in the implementation of international multilateral or bilateral agreements. This is achieved through three essential processes called Ratification, Domestication and Implementation of the Treaties and Conventions. It is worrisome that the abandonment and non-domestication of these Treaties and Conventions by the National Assembly so far render them inoperable and unenforceable in the country.

A journey towards a sustainable democratic government, must dutifully observe a legislative Cum executive good working relationship. I.e

1. Meet the need and satisfy the yearning of the people in terms of development and standards of living;

2. Institutionalize procedures for guaranteeing and protecting the rights of the citizens at all times within the constitutional framework;

3. Promote self-actualization and alleviate poverty and suffering of the people;

4. Recognise rights of the citizens to education, good health, uninterrupted electricity, water, sanitation, security, as legally provided for in the above mentioned Treaties and Conventions.

In a remark presented at a Conference on *“Emerging Democracy in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities” in Abuja on 17th June, 2013, former Ghanaian President, Jerry J. Rawlings stated that true democracy is the process where every individual is involved and convinced that his opinion has been factored into the decision-making as far as the management of his society is concerned.

He said further: “A government irrespective of its mode of appointment, which gives ear to the people and approaches decision making and policy implementation from a human-centred and continued consultative process is closer to democracy than a duly elected government that fails to consult and also treats the opinion of the legislature as of little_.”

The position by Rawlings reminds us as to what extent or how effective is the legislatures’ independence or executive Cum legislative in Nigeria to improve democratic governance.

Nigerians have witnessed repeated attempts by the federal and state governments to respectively hijack National and State Houses of Assembly, primarily to fortify their political ego, which lacks the fundamental requirements for standard of civilization, ideals and expectations of an open quality democracy. The executive’s domination and meddlesomeness in the legislative business has impeded the institution from performing the crucial role of citizens’ representation through legislation and oversight.

For instance, Dr. Ifedayo Akomolede, a law lecturer at the Ekiti State University lamented the degree of legislatures’ independent of the executives in Nigeria, when he said: *“The legislature today is truly not independent of executive and often incapacitated from acting as the watchdog of executive activities.

In early 2014, at a seminar themed “African State Legislatures: Sub-national Politics and national Power” in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Dr. Joseph Fashagba of Department of Political Science, Landmark University: _argued that in most African countries today, the power of State Legislatures has been undermined by executive as a result of increasingly dependence of the Legislatures on the Executives. This according to him has hampered the spirit of democracy and good governance in the legislature_.

Also, in a paper titled “Executive Dominance, Party Control and State Legislatures in Nigeria: Evidence from Three States in the North-west Geo-political Zone of Nigeria”, Prof. Yahaya T. Baba, examined the phenomenon of executive dominance, party control and subordinate nature of legislatures at state level in Nigeria. He argued that the endemic culture of executive dominance in Africa’s one party states and military regimes has made legislatures weak and vulnerable. “This scenario continued even after return to multi-party democracy in various African states. Suffice to say that the pace of democratization across the political landscape of Africa only produces strong chief executives that undermine the autonomy of legislative institutions. The latter are merely seen as appendages of the former. This power interplay, which is skewed against the legislature hinders the institutionalization of democracy in Africa.

The above was evident in the 7th Assembly, where Rivers State in 2013, following the irreconcilable disagreement between the President and the state governor, about 27 of the 33 legislators took side with the state governor against the President. As a result, the attempts of the presidency to use the state legislature to undermine and remove the state governor failed; only a handful of members yielded, ready to do the bidding of the presidency against their state governor.

Similar, but unsuccessful attempt later on resurfaced in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where following invasion of presidency, some members of the Assembly were allegedly bribed to impeach the incumbent governor.

Moreover, Nigerians would always recall the dramatic and unconstitutional barricade of National Assembly Complex, especially the House of Representatives Chamber with armed security forces, preventing the Speakers of the House, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal from gaining entrance to attend an important session to discuss matter of national importance, owing to the defection of the Speaker from People Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC). This was followed by undemocratic and unconstitutional reaction of the Presidency and Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba towards the office of the Speaker; as security team attached to the Office of the Speaker were instantly withdrawn.

It is evident that the Assembly oftentimes play to the gallery to prove to the public that she is working, but always fail to complete the mandated period for legislative sitting. For instance, the House ought to sit for 181 days in a year as constitutionally mandated. This back pedalled debates on some significant legislation for good governance.

While it is common knowledge that conflict of interest had in the past hindered effective functionality of legislators to uphold democratic governance, it becomes mandated on them to understand that as representatives of the people not only do they derive their mandate directly from the electorate, but also owe the electorate proper accountability of their conducts in the legislature.

People-oriented legislator must therefore, strike reasonable effort to avoid conflict of interest and effectively contribute to good governance by performing important functions that are necessary to sustain democracy in this complex and diverse country, rather than needless pursue of selfish interest. A workable legislative Code of Conduct should be developed to guide members in their legislative activities to promote value of excellence, professionalism in legislators’ performance; and ensure civility and responsible conduct inside and outside of the Assembly commensurate with the trust placed in legislators by the electorate.

While high moral and ethical standards must be maintained to guarantee public’s confidence, reduction to a minimum of any conflict between private interests and official duties, should be carefully observed and differentiated. By so doing, members should strive to avoid all manners of engagement that might comprise legislative code of conduct, values and ethical standards. The legislators must build mutual cooperation and synergy to ensure qualitative legislation to promote the rights, welfare and standards of living of the people.

On this note, legislators must shun ethnic prejudice, intolerance, and struggle for the democratic workability in their representative capacity. They owe Nigerians the fundamental duty to insist on good governance through qualitative legislation that can lead to socio-economic progress and prosperity of the country.

Biography of Dr Tiwatope Jemima Savage (Tiwa Savage)

Popularly known as Tiwa Savage, Dr Tiwatope Jemima Savage was born on

Tiwa Savage is active on social media. You can connect with her via her official handles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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.

June 12 Declaration: An Act of Approbriation or Desperation?

Barely two weeks after the conventional commemoration of the nation's Democracy Day on the 29th of May, the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari announced another historic day as Democracy Day. This has however generated a whole lots of commendations as well as knocks on Mr. President. This is not disconnected from the fact that not many saw the announcement coming. As the road to the future always starts from the past, it is pertinent we acquaint ourselves very succinctly with the rationale behind this celestial decision.

After the successful coup led by Gen. Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida which overthrew the military government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (as he then was), the government of the day took it upon itself to ensure the transfer of power back to a civilian government. This culminated into the 1993 general elections. The military government made for two-party system. With *Chief MKO Abiola* being the flag bearer of the *Social Democratic Party (SDP)* and *Alhaji Bashir Tofa* being that of the defunct *National Republican Convention (NRC)*, the presidential election was conducted on the 12th of June, 1993 by the then National Electoral Commission (NEC) under the chairmanship of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu. Some declassified information had it that the then military government believed that Tofa would win the election and that it would be easier to handle Tofa if the election had to be annulled. However, the election which saw Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as the acclaimed winner with an unreported total votes of *8,341,309 (58.36%)* was eventually annulled by IBB. Irrespective of this, in a bid to protect and deliver this mandate given to him, history had it that Chief MKO Abiola kept on parading himself as the acclaimed President without a formal and official announcement of the election result which eventually led to his incarceration. History also has it that the subsequent government of *Sani Abacha* promised to acquit MKO Abiola provided the latter let go of his mandate, but Abiola declined. It was however while at the prison that MKO had his last breath. Since then, many Nigerian, particularly from the South West has had the notion that June 12 should be celebrated as Democracy Day. The spirit of nationalism shared reflected also in the way some Nigerians named their children after "Abiola". *Alhassan Ado-Dogura* (Chief Whip, NA) even went ahead to name her daughter after Abiola's wife, "Kudirat". After 25 years of this agitation, on the *6th of June 2018* specifically, President Buhari officially endorse and declared June 12 as the nation's Democracy Day.

Several groups, both regional and national, including the Nigerian Senate has praised Mr. President on this development, as this day (June 12) is even more significant as far as Nigeria's democracy is concern. In the words of *Senator Ahmad Lawan* (the Majority Leader), _" There is not history that could link May 29 to the actual democratic evolution of Nigeria that is greater than June 12"_.
This declaration on the other hand has been greeted with several knocks. Notable among this criticisms is that of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, *Alfa Belgore* who questioned the legality and constitutionality of the declaration. *Dino Melaye* though admitted that Buhari's intention is right, he is of the opinion that his action is illegal. Citing _*Chapter 43(2) of the National Honours Act 1963*, he said, _"I am a democrat, I believe very sincerely that Chief MKO Abiola deserves even more than the president has pronounced because he was a true patriot, philanthropist and should be so decorated. But, we are governed in the country by the constitution and extant laws. No matter how beautiful a situation is, the law of the land remains the law of the the land. We should not be emotional about this. The law remains the law"_.

The declaration nonetheless is not without certain implications. The declaration, coming just about 9 months to another general election has been conceived by many, even in the South West as a mere political cake to please the Yorubas. *Ayo Adebanjo*, a leader of the Afenifere said, "Buhari shouldn't think Yorubas are fools". The question now is, if Mr. President really had the intention of this declaration in mind, why must he have to wait till few months to another general election, in which he himself is seeking re-election? Another implication is that of the declaration going against the *National Honours Act 1963* which frowns at national awards given to dead persons, save soldiers or other servicemen for their bravery. It should be noted that Buhari is to confer on Abiola, the highest title in the land, _Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)_, with his acclaimed Vice-President, *Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe* and *Gani Fawehinmi* _Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON)._ The last but not the least is the alteration of the *Public Holidays Act* which provides for May 29th as the country's Democracy Day.

Conclusively, I am of the opinion that efforts should be geared by our leaders to ensure the fortification of our hard-earned democracy for the betterment of the citizens and not as a mere machinery. *Richard Brookhiser* once said, _*"The most important form of honesty, especially in a leader, is discerning the great course of action and forthrightly pursuing it"*_. Much more than declaring June 12 as the nation's Democracy Day, our public and private institutions, parastals and agencies should be more strengthened, free from all unhealthy rivalry and political masturbations, in order to ensure their efficiency. Government at all levels should seek first the comfortability of the citizenry, and all other things can be added.

The labor of our heroes past shall never be in vain. God bless Nigeria!

Adesanya Abiodun Samuel is a student of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University

Kate Henshaw Nuttal is

Movies by Kate Henshaw Nuttal

As a professional actor, Kate Henshaw has featured in the following movies

Blood Sisters
The Setup

Kate Henshaw Nuttal is active on social media. You can connect with her via her official handles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fiction: Gossip in the Sunlight

The Eyand’isu market was not calm like still waters – instead, it was running like the hardworking hands of the grandfather clock. The market was another world on its own. Traders were buying and selling, sellers calling out to potential customers with enticing words; even the animals were not left out in this half-chaotic-half-normal world – it seemed like some of them were calling unto God to save them from the call of the soup pot, and the rest had accepted their long-known fate already. Eyand’isu market was a very big market, one could even get lost in the market, especially if such person had never been there before. It was said that in the days of the ancestors of Oloto town, in which the market was situated, there was a man who ate the food of the gods placed in the market place and immediately he did that, he turned into a tuber of yam. From that day onward, the market was referred to as Eyand’isu, which means “a person turned into a yam”. Also, the people of Oloto town stopped eating yam from that very day, for fear of eating a human being or a charmed food; it was a tradition that was upheld till date.
The market had different sections where different goods were sold. It was in this market that Abeni, Akanke and Abeke sold their various wares. Abeni was selling rice, beans, garri and flour in bags, Akanke had a shop where she sold the soap she made daily while Abeke was involved in selling different kinds of drinks. These three were best of friends, and even their husbands were forced to become good friends. Their shops were adjacent to one another, so they saw one another every day. But these friends had a shared hobby which they engaged in when they were not busy in the market place. This hobby was none other than gossiping. The three ladies were popularly known as “Àjẹ mẹta” as they were always found together, when not working, in the business of gossip.

One fateful day in the market, these three friends were found sitting together in Akanke’s shop, enjoying the cool breeze in the marketplace. As usual, it was time to analyze the people passing by- predict their past, present and future, and talk about the latest happenings in town.

Just as they were two minutes into the meeting, a lady passed by. This lady wore a yellow gown and a black beret, she also had black shades on. She was a little bit above the average height, quite busty and her skin looked “multi-coloured”. She completed her dressing with a black handbag coupled with yellow and black heels to match. As she passed by, Abeni burst into series of laughter, holding her stomach as she laughed as if there would be no room for laughter the next day. Akanke and Abeke shared a mischievous look and then started laughing too. Heads turned towards the direction of the laughter; some people shook their heads and smiled, having known the character of the three women, while others questioned their sanity by the look in their eyes. After a minute of continued laughter, they finally came back to their senses and Akanke asked the big question: "Why are we laughing, Abeni?". With raised eyebrows, Abeni answered back with a question: "So in this Oloto town, you people are telling me that you don't know who that lady is?, Wawu". "Ehn, we don't know. Just gist us, Abeni, at least we can't know everything. Ko possible", replied Abeke.
Abeni then proceeded to tell the reason behind her laughter, as her two friends listened with rapt attention. She explained that the lady was quite popular among the area boys, and she was known as “Pepe”. “That girl you’re seeing, in fact, she’s a grade one ashawo, seriously oo”, she started. “Almost all the boys in this area have slept with her – imagine, all those useless, good-for-nothing nincompoops with no future ambition. I even heard that ehm, what’s that chief’s name again oo? , chai, I have forgotten”, she continued. Abeke asked “Which chief are you talking about? Describe him so we can at least guess the identity of the person you’re trying to tell us about”. “He’s not too tall like this, he is as black as charcoal and he drives that old Volvo that sounds like it wants to collapse”, she replied. Akanke quickly made a sound that seemed like that she remembered something; Abeni and Abeke turned to her, expecting an answer. She answered them by saying that she had remembered the name of the chief, and she stated that he went by the name Chief Aroro. With that, the three of them laughed once again as Abeni said “Exactly, that’s his name. It befits him, that stingy man that doesn’t like to spend money. He’ll now be pricing goods as if we buy them for free, nonsense. Akanke and Abeni hissed at the same time, as if it was planned, and they all went into another fit of laughter.

Abeni then continued her narration: “Like I was saying, that shameless chief has also had his share of Pepe’s cake”. “Ewo, you don’t mean it o”, interrupted Abeke. “I’m serious o, very serious, I caught them with my two korokoro eyes acting all romantic – Pepe was rubbing that man’s head repeatedly as if she already had juju in that palm of hers. It was quite disgusting, I even heard from Mama Tobi some weeks ago that someone told her, that Chief Aroro, theChief Aroro we know gave a whooping sum of twenty thousand to that ashana.” At that point, Akanke and Abeke had their mouths open in surprise, and they quickly closed it as Abeni continued the interesting story. “Naso I see am too o, my friends, I was as shocked as you two are now; for that man to give the girl twenty thousand, when his children are on the verge of having kwashiorkor, I concluded that the Pepe girl is a karishika. Anyways, to cut the long story short, Pepe’s life is fried already o”. “Fried, how do you mean?” , asked Akanke. “Hmm, it is true that a man reaps what he sows – a woman in this case; Pepe is now reaping the fruits of the bad seeds she has sown. I heard that she now has syphilis”, Abeni continued. Akanke and Abeke started to laugh, and Abeni joined in. After the laughter had died down, Akanke said that she deserved it while Abeke was of the opinion that it was good so she could change and turn from her loose ways.

“The point is that our young ladies need to stop being promiscuous because Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are very real”, added Abeni. Akanke and Abeke nodded and they prayed that God in heaven would help the young ones.

As they wanted to continue their discussion, the clouds became dark all of a sudden and raindrops started coming down, little by little until it became heavy. The three friends quickly dispersed as they went to cover their exposed goods from the heavy rain. So, it was that the clouds had adjourned their little gossip assembly, and the rain had seconded the motion.

1. Be optimistic

2. Make Personal Improvement

3. Be Grateful and Happy

About Us

Social Media

Featured Widget

Media Law

Recents

Digital Media

Popular Posts

You may also like

Most Popular