Blog: NELOC News

Each for Equal: Celebrating International Women's Day

By Adigun Taofeekat.

International women’s day!! The time to celebrate women, their unflinching tenacity with impacts and achievements accrued despite gender inequality. It also serves as a reminder for how far we have come in the struggle for gender equality, an outlook of the present happenings to women in relation to gender gap and a clarion call for what’s more to come in actively achieving gender equality.

Equality is not a women issue; It’s a business and world issue. In 2015, the world leaders agreed on a policy changing move with legislation adopted to proactively advance gender equality and eliminating all forms of violence and discrimination against women with sustainable development (SDG) goal 5 achievable by year 2030.

The apparent and unanswered question remains “Is any country on track in fully achieving gender equality by year 2030, invariably 10 years from now, considering current trends"? One in 3 women globally experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, child marriage is still thriving with stifling discrimination against women. There are still staggering 72 countries in the world where women are barred from opening bank account according to a survey by gender gap report.

Gender norms are quite poor even in country with best records for gender equality globally, typically far worse in developing countries with stringent and stifling gender norms and belief. The sobering and disheartening fact of Global Gender Gap Report 2020 edition based on current trends reveals that overall global gender gap will not be closed for nearly a century and gender parity may not be attained for 99 years.

The women, peace and security index survey 2019 analyzed the dangerous countries to live as a female. Topping the list is South Africa, Brazil, Russia, India, Syria and Nigeria all ranking high in oppressive gender norms, global gender imbalance, homicidal rates, sexual and physical violence on women, and discrimination. In Nigeria, there are passed laws criminalizing child marriage, female genital mutilation and gender based violence, yet these crimes are being perpetuated and constantly thriving.

Despite these gloom and doom tales, there are groundbreaking records and achievement made in the struggle for gender equality. We need more conscious effort to douse gender gaps in terms of economic opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival and political empowerment.

Collectively, we are all part of a whole. Our individual actions, conversations, thoughts, behavior, mindset, and dispositions have a huge impact on the society collectively. Together, we can help create a gender balanced world. Through collective action and shared responsibility, we can shape our thoughts, redefine our thinking, unlearn and relearn negativity. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations, celebrate women achievement and speak out on discrimination against women. The changes we seek requires action and participation from each and everyone of us.

We have come a long way in the struggle for gender equality journey but there are still many hurdles to cross. We must look outside workplace, beyond laws and policies and address the cause of gender imbalance gap from its underlying root. Focus on where and how discrimination and stereotyping breeds from. It is up to each of us, each for equal and collection action in ensuring a more better, equal and gender balanced future.

LAW & GRACE; COMMON LAW & EQUITY By ADESOKAN AKINADE [Dove] LL.B 5

According to H.L.A Hart in his book, ‘The Concept of Law,’ few questions concerning human society have been asked with such persistence, and answered by serious thinkers in many diverse, strange and even paradoxical ways as the question: ‘What is Law?’

Generally speaking, the concept of law may mean different things to different people. The physicists speak of the law of gravity or Newton’s law of motion, the economists - the law of supply and demand, the biologists - Darwin’s law of evolution, inter alia.

According to John Austin, laws are general commands issued by a sovereign to members of an independent political society, and backed up by credible threats of punishment or other adverse consequences (sanctions) in the event of non-compliance.

The German jurist, Von Savigny, opposed this definition which, according to him, is a condition precedent to the right understanding of the science of all law. To him, law is derived from the SPIRIT of the people (the volksgeist) just like language and culture. In other words, law developed from popular consciousness and traditional values of the society.

Austin was an English lawyer who was the first lecturer of Jurisprudence at this the University of London and thus the most influential figure in English jurisprudence for the last third of the 19th century and for much of this century. He was a positivist. Positivist school, though deals basically with human laws, derived its ideas from the biblical command by God to the first man and woman not to eat from the tree planted in the middle of the garden, and he backed it up with credible threats of punishment which was death as in Genesis 2:16 & 17.
They flouted the order and faced the consequence.

Similarly, He gave the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and listed sanctions in Exodus 21 & 22. As a matter of fact, the punishments for murder and manslaughter are contained Exodus 21:12; for kidnapping in Exodus 21:16.

Most of these laws were as strict as the common laws of England. The common laws of England were the origin of most laws of the common law countries which established Savigny’s definition of law. I am not particularly concerned about definition: according to Felix Cohen, ‘good deal of fruitless controversy has arisen out of attempts to show that a definition of law… is either true or false. A definition of law is useful or useless. It is not true or false, any more than a New Year’s resolution or an insurance policy.’

The Common Laws of England were strict, formal and full of legalism. They were judges-made laws. These were itinerant judges who moved from one region to the other to administer justice. As a historical fact, England had no unified system of law prior to the Norman conquest of 1066 and the subsequent enthronement of King Williams I. Actions were originated through royal writs which were inadequate and ineffective since some rights were not entrenched in the writs which were expected of any applicant to obtain. Even those that were entrenched could not provide the aggrieved party adequate remedies. The only forms of remedy were damages in form of monetary compensations just as death was the only form of punishment for whosoever sinned in the old testament of the Christian Bible.
As a result of this obvious harshness, grace was introduced by God as contained in the New Testament while equity was introduced to mitigate that of common laws of England. Grace means unmerited favour which was inaugurated following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Equity was introduced following the decision of Earl of Oxford’s case (1615)1 Rep. Ch. 1. In that case it was ruled that in the event of conflict between a doctrine of equity and a rule of common law, equity should prevail. Similarly, with grace comes mercy, and according to James 2:13 mercy triumphs over judgement.

One would think that equity has come to destroy the law, whereas, equity follows the law. Maitland wrote, ‘the two streams have met and still run in the same channel, but their waters do not mix.’ Cardozo in Graf v. Hope Building, 254 N.Y.I at 9 (1930) states that ‘equity works as a supplement for law and does not supersede the prevailing law.’ Similarly, in Matthew 5:17, ‘do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.’ Jesus said this so as to bring to the attention of his people that obedience to law is expected of them while cautioning them not to get carried away by abundance of grace.

Finally, both equity and grace have limitations. A maxim states that, ‘he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.’ This shows that equity will not favour whosoever has his hands soiled. Just as every law has its exception(s), equity does as well. Hence, the question raised in Romans 6:1 that, ‘… shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?’ Then the next verse, ‘God forbid.’

Keep God’s commandments and endeavour not to abuse His grace!

ADESOKAN AKINADE
[Dove]
LL.B 5
Faculty of Law
Obafemi Awolowo University

African Child Health: What The UN Should Do Differently

Child health is the physical, mental, social and emotional well-being of a child. The health status of the mother during pregnancy also need to be checked and be in good status for the sake of the child's health. In recent years, the rate of death of newborn children is over millions every year hence, there need to be a different.

What the UN should do differently.

Firstly, the health of the girl child is what should be checked out first because she becomes the mother and the state of her health will tell on her child. The girl child should be protected from all forms of danger such as violence,forced marriage at tender age, sexual harasement etc.

The pregnant women also need to take good care of their health for their child's sake. They shouldn't engange themselves in activities that could make them feel stressed such as; long hours spent on domestic chores, job kind and it environment etc.

The pregnant women should follow all medical instructions during pregnancy such as getting their name registered at the hospital, the kind of food they eat,to engange in some kind of exercise etc. All of these will go a long way on the health of the unborn child.

The pregnant women also need to be educated on the kind of environment and things to expose their child to such as the kind of environment, exclusive breastfeeding should be practiced, the kind of food and nutrients he/she should be exposed to at some certain ages, time interval for medical check-up etc.

The government should make it affordable all medical services for both the mother and her child. This will make it easy for even the poor to have access to any form of medical service.

UN should work with the government for the provision of well trained health workers,improvement on the availability of medicines and reproductive health services, to strengthen health systems, and promote international maternal health standards.

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.

Read: Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola Celebrates Post humous Birthday

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]

Biography of Tope Awotona

Tope Awotona is a Nigerian Billionaire and founder of Calendly. organizes the world of commerce and scheduling. And that mission has made him very rich. In the continental America, he is one of the few billionaires of African origin. He is worth $1.4 billion. In technology, there are just two of them.

He was born in Lagos and he wanted to redeem a bad experience: "When Awotona was 12, he witnessed his father get shot and killed in a carjacking. He left Lagos, went to college in America, found a great job, but one day, he quit that job for Calendly: "pouring his life savings of $200,000 into it and later quitting his job selling software for EMC.

Calendly has a simplistic quality in its DNA.

Tope Awotona is active on social media. You can connect with him via his official handles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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.