2015 World Tuberculosis Day

CHECKING THE MENACE OF TUBERCULOSIS AS THE WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY IS COMMEMORATED TODAY TUESDAY MARCH 24, 2015

Tuberculosis popularly known as TB is an infectious bacterial disease characterized by the growth of nodules or tubercles in the human respiratory organs, especially the lungs. It is a curable communicable infection that is transmitted by inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of a carrier or an infected person.

Tuberculosis (TB) mainly affects the lungs, though it can affect any other part of the body, including the glands, bones, and nervous system. Typical symptoms of TB include a persistent cough that last more than three weeks and usually brings up phlegm which may be bloody, loss of weight, high temperature or fever, night sweats, tiredness and fatigue, loss of appetite, overstayed swellings, among others.

TB is generally caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which could be found in food, water or unsafe environment. The type that affects the lungs is the most contagious type, but it usually spreads after prolonged exposure to someone with the illness. Most times, it is transmitted within family members who live in the same house.

In most healthy people the immune system, which is the body’s natural defence against infections or illnesses, kills the bacteria thereby making the patient free from any form of symptom. Sometimes the immune system cannot kill the bacteria, but manages to prevent it spreading in the body of the carrier; this means the carrier in question would not have any symptoms but the bacteria will remain in his or her body. This mode of infection is known as Latent TB.

If the immune system fails to kill or contain the infection, it can spread within the lungs or other parts of the body, and symptoms will develop within a few weeks or months. This is known as Active TB. Latent TB could develop into an active TB infection at a later date, particularly if the patient’s immune system becomes weakened. It is estimated that, about one-third of the world’s population is currently infected with latent TB; of these, up to ten percent (10%) is expected to become active at some point.

It is important to note that someone suffering from HIV/AIDS or any immune-deficiency disease is at a higher risk of contracting tuberculosis, especially when the person is not placed on a proper diet. Thus, a HIV patient is expected to go for TB test from time to time.

Several tests are used to diagnose tuberculosis, depending on the type suspected. The most common types include, chest X-ray, Mantoux test, urine and blood tests, biopsy, Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan; and in some cases, lumbar puncture may be recommended. Some of the diagnoses are implored in a case of Pulmonary TB, some are applied in cases of Extrapulmonary TB, whilst lumbar puncture is specifically used to ascertain if the TB has infected the central nervous system i.e. the brain and spinal cord, of the patient.  

Pulmonary tuberculosis is the type that affects mainly the lungs, while extrapulmonary TB is used to describe the type that occurs outside the lungs. Any of the above types has the tendency of affecting the brain or spinal cord of the carrier.

Bacilli Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a vaccine for tuberculosis disease. Many foreign-born persons have been BCG-vaccinated. BCG is used in many countries with a high prevalence of TB to prevent childhood TB meningitis and miliary disease. Though, the vaccine is meant only for selected individuals who have met specific criteria and in consultation with a TB expert. For instance, BCG vaccination ought not to be administered to persons who are immuno-suppressed such as HIV patients or persons who are likely to become immuno-compromised like someone who is a candidate for organ transplant.

In the same vein, BCG vaccination is not meant to be taken during pregnancy. Even though no harmful effects of BCG vaccination on the fetus have been observed or detected, further studies are needed to prove its safety in the body of a pregnant woman.

It is noteworthy that, tuberculosis can be cured. In some cases, the carriers would need a course of antibiotics, usually for six months. Several different antibiotics are used; this is because some forms of TB are resistant to certain antibiotics. If one is infected with a drug-resistant form of TB, treatment can last as long as two years or thereabouts.

Tuberculosis is a contagious air-borne disease. Someone suffering from the infection is not supposed to share household materials like spoon, fake, cup, and what have you, with anyone until he is totally cured. He is also required to always endeavour to cover his mouth with handkerchief whenever he coughs, to avoid spreading the bacteria to his immediate environment or transmitting it to anyone around him.

If one is in close contact with a carrier of tuberculosis, it is recommendable to carry out tests on him or her to see if he/she has also been infected with the disease. These can include a chest x-ray, blood tests, as well as a skin test called the Mantoux screening test. This measure is often significant, so that if necessary, the person can receive treatment alongside the original carrier of the disease.

Today Tuesday March 24, the world over is commemorating the 2015 World Tuberculosis Day. The annual World Tuberculosis Day, which was recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and duly adopted by the United Nations (UN), is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by WHO. March 24 was chosen to commemorate the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch astounded the scientific community by announcing to a small group of scientists at the University of Berlin’s Institute of Hygiene that he had discovered the cause of tuberculosis known as the TB bacillus.

The World Tuberculosis Day is aimed at building public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease. According to UN, survey shows that in the year 2012, about 8.6 million people fell ill with TB and 1.3 million of the said carriers died of the disease, mostly in the Third World countries or developing nations such as Nigeria.

As the global community marks the World Tuberculosis Day, there is an urgent need for every Nigerian, both home and in the Diaspora, to acknowledge that the societal menace of tuberculosis cannot be overemphasized and that, it is indeed a contagious and deadly disease. On this note, we ought to continually ensure that whatever we eat or drink is thoroughly boiled or washed as the case might be and also endeavour to keep our nostrils away from unwanted environmental particles such as dust and what have you.

Also, we should bear in mind that intake of vaccine, if and when necessary, is a pathway towards embracing a TB-free society. Therefore, government and other health stakeholders should encourage the entire citizenry to ensure that they are vaccinated against TB by ensuring that the BCG vaccine is regularly made available within their reach in line with the Millennium Development Goals.

Above all, we should not forget that this ongoing crusade is a civic responsibility of every sane individual irrespective of his/her affiliation. Think about it!    

 

FRED Doc Ndu NWAOZOR
(The Media Ambassador)
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

 

Vision & Mission: Interwoven Veritable Tools

VISION AND MISSION: INTERWOVEN VERITABLE TOOLS

Brethren, it is true or a fact that everyone was born to win. But we must also acknowledge the fact that for one to be a victor, or a winner, he or she must plan to win, prepare to win and above all, expect victory at all times. It is obvious that most of us are yet to embrace this candid analogy; that’s why we often fail in our respective endeavours.

He was damn scared of hurting his subjects or stepping on someone’s toes; but amazingly, unknowingly to him, he ended up hurting virtually everyone. This is the summary of a true-life story that is not unconnected to one of my friends who happened to be the overall leader of one of the local government councils in my home state, Imo. That’s the irony of life. 

The theme of today’s crusade bears “Vision and Mission”, which I tagged as “Interwoven veritable tools”. This simply implies that vision and mission are two obvious facts that are closely related, and can never be taken for granted. In other words, they are tools that are not meant to be overlooked by anyone provided he or she is sane or in a state of sanity.

Vision, according to the context of this piece, can be described as the mental picture of a certain possible situation that is yet to occur. Thus, if one sees a vision, he/she is imagining or picturing how things might be different from their current states. On the other hand; a mission, based on the context of this crusade, is a crucial task that one willingly or mandatorily embarks on.

The bone of contention is that, both vision and mission are worthwhile, interdependent and inevitable factors that are expected to be embraced by every living soul. Of course it is needless to reiterate that life is all about “Task”. Therefore a life without a task is simply meaningless, because it is only a task that can guarantee victory, which everyone looks forward to.

At this juncture, we sincerely need to take reference from the first paragraph of this piece. Then I ask; how do you intend to grab victory or success if you do not have any task ahead of you? And eventually if you are faced with a task, how do you intend to maneuver it? It is already boldly stated that, for one to win or to become victorious, he must plan towards it as well as prepare for it. Above all, having planned and gotten thoroughly prepared, he must anticipate victory; and this is where prayer and faith come in. Let’s ride on!

Mind you; the intention to win or to grab victory is your vision. Whilst, the plan or onward preparation towards the anticipated victory remains your mission. Suffice to say; a mission begets a vision. Thus, there is no vision without a mission. In the same vein, any mission without a vision is useless therefore doesn’t worth embarking on. There are no two ways about it. This signifies that Mission and Vision are interwoven or interdependent. Summarily, your life journey or odyssey is your mission while your target or foreseen destination remains your vision.

At this point; let’s take reference from the second paragraph of this piece. Beware; whenever you embark on a mission, don’t ever be scared of hurting someone, because for a mission to beget success or to be fruitful, you must surely hurt one or two persons at the long run either intentionally or unintentionally.

The aforementioned phenomenon is not by our making; it is natural. That is where nature comes in; and it is clear that no one can cheat it (nature). Thus, whenever you are on any mission, what you ought to concentrate on is to ensure that you do the right thing; this is where your conscience comes in. Mind you; most times if you are afraid of hurting someone, you would end up hurting everyone.

Frankly, it pisses my person off each time I see someone living without any tangible mission. Funny enough; the mindsets of some of these persons without a single mission are often preoccupied with one or two visions. Then in such situation, you would be forced or tempted to ask; how does he or she intends to actualize the vision in question, or if he/she is really sane. It is absolutely ridiculous for one to be nurturing a certain vision in his psyche without thinking of how to embark on a mission that would instigate the said vision.

It is also shameful to notice that most of our so-called politicians lack vision; this is the reason they invariably embark on meaningless missions in the name of “Life changing projects” all to no avail, whenever they assume any political position. Rather than embarking on politics of vision accompanied by a mission, they would prefer to do otherwise.

In most cases, you would ascertain that the mentality of the said set of persons is sound and high, but their consciences seem to be dead. Needless to say that, their respective visionless attributes while serving in a certain political position is attributable to lack of conscience.

Surely, lack of vision or the nurture of a vision without a mission has really endangered humanity in its entirety, that, if adequate and drastic measure is not taken to reverse the anomaly or aberration, we might wake up one morning to see ourselves dancing to the tune of Makosa music when we are meant to dance Rug & Blues. Think about it!

 

FDN NWAOZOR
(The Media Ambassador)
_______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

 

Nigerian Politicians: Wild & Weird

NIGERIAN POLITICIANS: WILD AND WEIRD

Brethren, believe me; you aren’t wealthy until you possess something money cannot purchase. It is Matthew 5:6 that says, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” I want you to note that that ‘Light’ mentioned in the above biblical quote can never be purchased with any amount of money; thus, it is priceless.

Each time I look up, I only remember just one fact; and that thing is that, there is a supremacy that oversees whatever we do here on earth. Therefore that supremacy remains omnipresent as well as omniscient. This singular fact enables my person to beware of anything I do, say or any action or reaction I exhibit every now and then.

I put it up to you that you can never give what you don’t have; apparently, there are no two ways about it. Of course, one only gives what he or she possesses. For instance, if one dashes fifty naira (#50) to a beggar he meets on the street, it simply implies that he had either only #50 or more than that on him, before showcasing such magnanimous gesture.

Without taking much of our precious time, let’s promptly delve into the business of the day. I’m sincerely sorry for the introductory digression, though it was consequential and logical.

Our today’s case study is on Nigerian politicians. Going back to the holistic topic, or taking a second look at it, you would see that I personally tagged the said set of people as “Wild and weird.” Considering the perspective of this edition, a wild person can be described as one who is too enthusiastic and uncontrollable. In the same vein; a weird individual is strange and peculiar, and often comes up with unusual and embarrassing ideas. This implies that someone’s strange nature might yield either a positive or negative change. Let’s ride on!

If you would bear me a candid witness, you would agree with me that it is no longer news that in recent times, virtually all Nigerian politicians have been acting strangely and uncontrollably while discharging their respective political prowess, which make them seem extremely opaque. Those of them who possess such unacceptable idiosyncrasy are whom we invariably address as “Politicos”.

In various quarters, having campaigned vigorously for a certain political position with a juicy, attractive and human-friendly manifesto, if he or she eventually emerges victorious, the drumbeat changes. Yes, as soon as the politician in question assumes duty, the chorus would automatically change. Such scenario has abruptly become a tradition in the Nigerian political terrain, and it is really telling on the citizenry or the electorates in their entirety. This is the weird aspect of their attitude.

Let’s talk about the wild aspect of it. You would hear severally, especially in this era of campaigns and presentation of the so-called manifestoes, that someone, probably a guerilla affiliated to a certain political party, was brutally molested or even murdered by a gang of unidentified individuals. Such absurd, barbaric and inhuman behavior, which is often carried out by fanatics, is invariably engineered or instigated by a politico who is earnestly seeking for a political position and intends to grab it by all means.

Among all, sometimes the verbal antagonisms or the manufacture of blackmails among the politicos end up constituting series of societal menaces thereby making life unbearable for the residents of the affected locality.

This wild and weird attribute of most Nigerian politicians makes them appear childish and irrational. We all know that it is only a child that does not know the value of life. Also, it is only a child that is yet to know the essence of sincerity and transparency; and more so, it is a child or a toddler that is yet to acquire a conscience.

On the side of the electorates; this is the reason we must concentrate on the individuality of anyone we intend to vote for, and also acknowledge fully the significance of “One man, one vote” as well as the real essence of ensuring that our votes are duly counted at the end of the polls. In this regard, we ought to comprehend that we have the immunity to sack anyone serving in any political position that intends to vie for a second term or a different political office if he or she had failed us in the past. We shouldn’t allow ourselves to be fooled twice.

On its part, the electoral umpire, otherwise known as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should endeavour or not hesitate to suspend or sanction any aspirant or flag-bearer who exhibits any ruthless and preposterous act, or whosoever that possesses any questionable character. The officers and the entire management of the “tested and trusted” institute – INEC, must be ready at all times to protect the interest of the teeming electorates.

Frankly, it is high time we came together to send this set of self-centered and illogical persons packing from our entire political arena; enough of these dastardly and humiliating attitudes of them. Let’s collectively teach their persons that, one can never be counted wealthy unless he/she has what money cannot buy, so that, they would live to let their lights shine before men. Think about it!

 

COMR FRED D.N NWAOZOR
(The Media Ambassador)

------------------------------------------------------------

frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

2015 World Water Day (Aired News Commentary)

THE NEED FOR REGULAR CONSUMPTION OF CLEAN WATER AS THE 2015 WORLD WATER DAY IS COMMEMORATED TODAY, SUNDAY MARCH 22

     

Water is a clear, colourless and transparent liquid that has no taste or smell, and that is required for the survival of all plant and animal lives. In the same vein, a large amount or area of either natural or manmade water such as lake, pond, pool, river, sea, ocean, and so on, can be referred to as water or waters.

Like the human body, water which is usually addressed as a ‘Universal liquid’, is made up of a skeleton of water molecules. The said molecules make up the water we make use of. Not unlike any other chemical compound in existence, a water molecule comprises one molecule of Hydrogen and one molecule of Oxygen. Thus, water as a substance is made up of two major elements; namely, hydrogen and oxygen.

Water, which is as old as the world, is consumed as food by both animals and human beings, and it is also required in various fields of endeavour or human activities including, farming, cooking, manufacturing, sports, bath, hand washing, brushing of teeth, laundry, sanitation cum other forms of domestic and environmental activities, just to mention but a few.

The functions of water in the body ranging from cell life, to chemical and metabolic reactions, transport of nutrients, body temperature regulation, elimination of waste or toxic substances, among others, are numerous and innumerable. Water is a carrier that distributes essential nutrients such as minerals, vitamins and glucose, to cells. Furthermore, it removes waste products including toxins rejected by the cells through urines, sweats and faeces. It also participates in the biochemical breakdown of whatever we consume.

Inter alia, water has a large heat capacity which helps to limit changes in body temperature in a warm or a cold environment. It allows the body to release heat when ambient temperature is higher than body temperature. Most importantly, water is an effective lubricant around joints; it also acts as a shock absorber for eyes, brain, spinal cord, and even for the foetus through amniotic fluid.

Water is indeed at the centre of life. This is why nobody can live more than three to five days without any water intake. Suffice to say that, its role in the body is not just important, but inevitable. It has succeeded in proving to mankind that it is the most important form of food among the six classes of food in existence.

Considering the agricultural sector; the absence of water would simply cripple the entire activity in the aforementioned area thereby terminating the lives of crops or livestocks, as the case may be. Same is obtainable in the manufacturing industry, like the pharmaceutical firms, bakery and breweries, that requires water as one of the basic raw-materials for its day-to-day activities.

The positive impact of water on cooking and other household cum industrial works, is another factor that cannot be taken for granted whenever the societal importance of water is discussed. It is noteworthy that without water, most other forms of food or diet would not be prepared or provided. On the other hand; swimming, which is one of the most lucrative kinds of sporting activities in recent times, wouldn’t have been founded if water is not obtainable.

 
Of course, the overall importance of water in man’s daily thrive, was what prompted one of the popular songs entitled ‘Water no get enemy’ sang by the late legendary Nigerian musician, Fela Anikulapokuti. In reference to the said song, the late Afro-beat artiste extensively told his fans that water is required in virtually everything we do on earth.

As it is widely noted that the significance of water to mankind cannot be overemphasized, it is also worthy to note that intake of dirty or impure water remains one of the primary causes of several diseases or infections such as, typhoid, diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, staphylococcus and other sexually transmitted diseases, experienced across the globe.

Without mincing words, statistics show that over sixty percent (60%) of death rate recently is attributed to consumption of unclean water as well as residing in an unsafe environment. We shouldn’t forget that accommodating dirty stagnant water such as gutter, pool et cetera, in our environments or vicinities attracts mosquito which remains the sole cause of a killer disease known as malaria. According to the United Nations (UN) findings; 768 million people worldwide lack access to improved water sources while 2.5 billion persons have no improved sanitation.

Today Sunday March 22, the world over is marking the 2015 World Water Day. The international World Water Day is held annually across the globe on the 22^nd of March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Each year, the World Water Day is targeted to highlight a specific aspect of freshwater.

The international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended on December 22, 1992 during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), which took place in Riode Janeiro, Brazil. The UN General Assembly adopted the recommendation, therefore designated 22^nd March 1993 as the first celebration of World Water Day.

As the global community commemorates the World Water Day, I call on all stakeholders and the civil society to pledge to develop the policies needed to ensure that sustainable water and energy are secured for the many and not just the few as it is presently the case. In this regard, we should ensure that our respective communities are provided with adequate and safe water sources.

On their part; the various ministries of Water Resources and their Environment counterparts, ought to ensure that adequate boreholes are sunk in every community that is related to them and also endeavour to sponsor series of radio/television jingles to sensitize the populace on the unavoidable role of clean water as well as safe environment.

The federal and states Water Corporations are also expected to monitor this proposed measure. More so, they should from time-to-time conscientize the public on the need to regularly sanitize their gutters and other damps surrounding their places of residence. 

Among all, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) ought to, from time to time, endeavour to checkmate the activities of the various registered water companies. Also, it should not hesitate to sanction or closedown any one that is set up illicitly or without its consent.

Also, on our individual capacities, we ought to endeavour to properly boil any water we intend to drink, and also adequately sanitize any stagnant pool of water within our surroundings as well as fumigate the said environments when necessary, in order to guarantee purity and thorough sanitary thereby boasting the safety and well-being of our bodies.

Thus, we are expected to continually note that the basic measure, which is costless and reliable, required to ensure that pure or safe water is found on our tables or surroundings at all times lies in our hands. Think about it!

 

COMR FRED D.N NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
_____________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

 

  

              

                                 

2015 World Poetry Day (Aired News Analysis)

ACKNOWLEDGING THE UNIQUE ESSENCE OF POEMS IN LITERATURE AS THE 2015 WORLD POETRY DAY IS MARKED TODAY, SATURDAY MARCH 21

        

Poetry – a genre of literature, which is a collection of series of poems, can be defined as a literary work in which the expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by the use of distinctive style and rhythm.

Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language such as phonaesthetics, sound symbolism, and metre, to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, the prosaic ostensible meaning.

Poetry has a long history or lineage, dating back to the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh. Early poems evolved from folk songs such as the Chinese Shijing, or from a need to retell oral epics. Ancient attempts to define Poetry focused on the uses of speech in rhetoric, drama, song and comedy. Later attempts concentrated mainly on features not unlike repetition, verse form and rhyme, as well as emphasized the aesthetics which distinguish poetry from more objectively informative, prosaic forms of writing.

From the middle of twentieth (20^th) century, poetry has sometimes been more generally regarded as a fundamental creative act that employs language. Poetry uses forms and conventions to suggest differential interpretation to words, or to evoke emotive responses.

In poetic presentation, devices including assonance, alliteration, onomatopoeia and rhythm are sometimes used to achieve musical or incantatory effects. The use of ambiguity, symbolism, irony or sarcasm, and other stylistic elements of poetic diction invariably leaves a poem open to multiple interpretations. Similarly, figures of speech to include metaphor, simile and metonym create a resonance between otherwise disparate images – a layering of meanings, forming connections previously not perceived.

Some poetry types are not unconnected to particular cultures and genres, and respond to features of the language in which the poet writes. Most modern poetry reflect a critique of poetic tradition, playing with and testing among other things, the principle of euphony, sometimes altogether forgoing rhyme or set rhythm. Perhaps, in today’s increasingly globalized world, poets often adapt forms, styles and techniques from diverse cultures and languages.

Because of its nature of emphasizing linguistic form rather than using language purely for its content, poetry is notoriously difficult to translate from one language into another. A possible example of this is the Hebrew Psalms, where the beauty is found more in the balance of ideas than in specific vocabulary.

In most poetry, it is the connotations and the weight of words that are majorly important. Such attribute can be difficult to interpret thereby causing different readers to hear or understand a particular piece of poetry differently. While there are logical interpretations, the truth of the matter is that, there can never be a definitive or specific interpretation attached to a particular poem.

So far, by painstakingly considering the use of poetry in various artistic areas or fictional works such as folk tales, advertisement, music, short stories, children’s literature, drama or play, prose, and what have you, anyone can easily assert that its significance in both human and societal development cannot be overemphasized. Poetry has indeed created an enormous positive impact on literature, and has contributed immensely in the promotion of languages, cultures and education in general.

No doubt, poetry has succeeded in awakening man’s quest for learning or discovery as well as his interest to educate, entertain or inform his immediate society through the use of any language within his reach. Apparently, the use of sarcasm or irony in poetic presentations is one of the yardsticks that signify how far poetry can go while conveying messages irrespective of its content.

Today Saturday March 21, the world over is commemorating the 2015 World Poetry Day. A decision to proclaim 21^st of March as an annual World Poetry Day was adopted during the 30^th session of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) conference, held in Paris, France in the year 1999.

One of the main objectives of the Day is to support linguistic diversity through poetic expressions, and to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their respective communities. In celebrating World Poetry Day, UNESCO recognizes the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind.

As the global community marks the World Poetry Day, I enjoin every individual across the globe, especially Nigerians, to acknowledge the unique essence of poems in literature by understanding the fact that poetry reaffirms our common humanity by revealing to us that individuals, anywhere in the world, share the same questions and feelings. Thus, we ought to comprehend that poetry is the mainstay of oral tradition; and over centuries, can communicate or convey the innermost values of diverse cultures. Above all, we should always note that poetry is the only genre of literature that saves time, space as well as energy.

On this background, I urge every concerned sector and stakeholder such as the parents, guardians, counsellors, teachers and various citadels of learning, to vigorously contribute their respective quotas to ensure that the unique art of poetry will no longer be considered as an outdated form of literature, but one which enables any society to regain and assert its real identity. It is better late than never, considering the anticipated impact of this crusade. Think about it!

 

FDN NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

 

The New Face of JAMB

THE NEW FACE OF JAMB: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT!

Brethren, of course we know that Rome was never built in a day or within twenty-four (24) hours, and that, there is nothing good that comes easily. Thus, if we sincerely anticipate something great, we must be ready to work hard and tirelessly too. On this background, let’s go straightly to the gospel of the day.

For decades now, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been conducting examinations for prospective students of the existing tertiary citadels of learning in Nigeria. And so far, their modus operandi has been satisfactory to the best of the knowledge of the education stakeholders in the country.

Frankly, there is no gain reiterating the fact that JAMB has succeeded in equipping the intellectual and mental know-how of the teeming Nigerian admission seekers. No doubt, it has helped tremendously to uplift credibility and fairness as regards admission issues affecting our young ones.

Recently, the said examination umpire introduced the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for their prospective candidates. The mode in question was introduced in 2013 and was partly utilized during the last examination of the 2014/2015 academic session conducted by the board. And currently, it is obvious that the CBT mode was totally utilized during the just concluded examination of the proactive board. Unlike that of the penultimate session which only a few candidates were involved and it had to do with their choices, this time, every candidate is statutorily meant to make use of it.

Indeed, the CBT routine would go a long way to sanitize the academic prowess of our dear children/wards as well as introduce a scene filled with no iota of examination malpractice or impersonation, which currently remains the major cankerworm our educational sector is ravaged by. Inter alia, it would help to ensure that any of our young one, who intends to further his/her education, is computer literate. Let’s ride on!

However, it is noteworthy for JAMB to realize that so many factors need to be put in place to guarantee accuracy as well as ease congestion in its subsequent examinations. It is no longer news that most of the candidates in the ongoing examination have expressed disappointment while many others cried foul for having missed their exams. These and many more lamentations are not unconnected to database mishandling. Nevertheless, I never expected 100% accuracy knowing fully that, the CBT pattern is relatively new.

First; more examination centres ought to be approved in order to accommodate as many computer systems as possible so that candidates will not be asked to wait for a long time before they would be ushered into their respective exam halls due to lack of space or insufficient computer systems. This measure would also enable JAMB to conduct the examination only in one day thereby curtailing the ongoing over-labour experienced by their staff.

Secondly, more ICT experts are equally expected to be employed to help boast the network challenges presently faced by candidates and the examiners; in addition, the management should endeavour to continually purchase standard and world class softwares for their networking activities, so that the ICT staff won’t experience any form of hacking in future.

The above suggested measure, among others, is the only avenue the JAMB’s new face would embrace its anticipated success. Yes the initiative is a worthwhile and commendable one, but the education umpire must also acknowledge that ‘Second to none’ is expected of them, rather than ‘Second best’. 

I can see JAMB ushering Nigeria - the Giant of Africa, into that scene we have longed to embrace. On this note, every right thinking Nigerian who thinks good of this country is expected to do everything humanly possible to contribute his or her quota towards sensitizing the public on the significance of the scheme in question. Think about it!  

 

FRED D.N NWAOZOR

(Media Ambassador)
_______________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

Arbitrary Court Adjournments

ARBITRARY COURT ADJOURNMENTS

       

Brethren, as concerned and patriotic citizens of this noble country, it is our duty as well as our civic responsibility to call anyone to order via our respective abilities whenever the person or officer derailed or goes astray.

In one of my previous pieces, published precisely on Monday July 7, 2014 on one of the dailies, which was on my personal tribute to the Late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, I reminded us at the sixth paragraph of the said work that “Judiciary is the last hope of a common man.” And I went further to define a common man as “a person who can boast of nothing or no material possession, but only his life.”

Taking a painstaking study on the Nigeria’s judicial system, you would see for yourself that the aforementioned philosophy no longer hold water owing to the fact that several anomalies have set in unannounced. One of the aberrant syndromes is the issue of consistent inconsequential and uncalled manner of court adjournment taking place in most of our existing judicial institutions.

Recently, I’ve watched with keen interest as regards the ordeal, thereby discovering that an establishment widely known and recognized as the “last hope of a common man” has virtually lost its vision. Taking any state as a case study, the manner in which court proceedings are being abruptly adjourned either till further notice or until a specific date, is indeed a scenario that calls for urgent and severe attention of the jurists in higher positions of authority or some reputable judicial bodies or committees such as the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), or the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as the case may be.

Of course it’s no longer news to most of us that some court suits/cases have lasted for several months, if not years, all to no avail. Funny enough, in some quarters you would notice that some of the persons involved in the court case, which could be the applicant or the defendant, had already kicked the bucket prior to the final judgement. Such incidence is mostly attributed to sudden occurrence of hypertension or other ailments related to pressure irregularity or emotional imbalance. Let’s ride on!

The other devastating consequence of this unwarranted judicial tradition is in a situation whereby a certain plot of land situated amidst some living houses is under a dispute and the case has been taken to an appropriate court of law; since the land which is in court can never be tampered by anyone irrespective of his or her status, it is obvious that someday, the grasses on it will definitely grow into a forest which is tantamount to accommodating series of deadly animals or predators such as snake and what have you, thereby constituting menace to the members of its immediate environment.

Above all, lately in most parts of Nigeria, we have been overhearing some cases of alleged extra-judicial killings. It is worthy to note or take into cognizance that sometimes the issue that often results to the killing is already in court. In such circumstance, you would find out that the person who actually committed the murder may be of the view that the court proceeding is taking enormous time frame to unveil justice. Sure it sounds ridiculous, but the truth of the matter remains that, such manners of unlawful behaviours are really happening in various facets of the country.

In view of the above facts, it is of no gain reiterating that all hands are meant to be on deck towards ensuring that these ongoing abnormal practices occurring in our various courts of law are put to a final stop in earnest. In this regard, I call on all government arms particularly the legislature; as well as all respected jurists or legal luminaries and bodies, civil rights societies, religious institutions and all well-meaning individuals across the country, to sleep over the ugly conundrum that constitutes a societal menace.

Thus, I urge the law makers to enact a law that would address the disgusting and perilous scenario. The proposed law ought to stipulate the expected duration for all forms of law suits, ranging from criminal to civil, land, company, and what have you, which would no doubt go a long way to remedy the ugly situation. Honestly, these men need to be called to order in earnest. Think about it!

   

 

COMR FRED D.N NWAOZOR
(The Media Ambassador)
___________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

 

2015 World Day of Zero Discrimination (Aired Newstalk)

KICKING AGAINST ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AS THE WORLD DAY OF ZERO DISCRIMINATION IS MARKED TODAY SUNDAY MARCH 1, 2015

                  

Discrimination is simply the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things. It can also be defined as the practice of treating one person/thing or group of persons/things less fairly or less well than other persons, things or groups, as the case may be.

This biased behaviour known as ‘Discrimination’, which is an action that denies social participation or human rights, has in the recent times caused a severe harm or succeeded in placing millions of lives across the globe in a state of jeopardy or agony. Indeed, it has made several mindsets to be preoccupied with skepticism when it calls for one seeking for what he/she deserves, especially when the bearer of the said mindset considers him/herself as a less-privileged.

Discrimination, which is widely recognized by the civil society as an inhuman behaviour/act, could be as a result of various reasons or factors such as gender, language/ethnicity, race, deformity, health condition, age, marital status, religion, retaliation/revenge, educational background, social status or class, among others.

For instance, in a political terrain especially in a less-civilized country like Nigeria, someone might be discriminated by others simply because the person is a woman or belongs to the women folk. On the other hand, someone may be denied of a job or employment opportunity because he/she is too young or old for the job, or due to his/her ethnic or religious affiliation.

In the same vein, a person or group stands the chances of missing a certain opportunity as a result of their marital status, class or racial heritage. More so, discrimination might be experienced by someone or a group of persons owing to their educational background even if they are mentally and intellectually qualified to fit in the cycle, or simply in order to punish them for what their predecessors or parents as the case may be, did to the potential benefactor sometime ago; this aspect which is known as retaliation is not just unreasonable but childish.

Recently, the most devastating form of discrimination experienced by people or some members of the public is in the case where the applicant or seeker is physically challenged or suffering from a certain illness such as HIV/AIDS, hypertension, diabetes, or even tuberculosis that is curable. This aspect of discrimination, which is globally addressed as ‘Stigmatization’, has called for the concern of various international societies including the United Nations.

Take for instance, in a situation where a person is deprived of an admission space because he/she is a sufferer of any of the aforementioned diseases, or that the person is suffering from one form of deformity or the other. Most times, it doesn’t even has to do with when the carrier or the affected person is seeking for a favour, contract or job as the case may be; in some quarters, he may not be allowed to enroll for his membership in any social group he is meant to belong. Such intimidating or humiliating act is liable of causing the death of the person in question, or it could even make him/her to become violent or a monster in the society he or she belongs.  

To be realistic; the only reasonable or acceptable way someone could be discriminated or denied of his or her right, privilege or opportunity in any society, is in a situation where the person is affiliated to a certain vice or illicit social activity, to include robbery, cultism, rape, drug/human trafficking, prostitution, admission racketeering, examination malpractices, and what have you. Other than these or any other related act, anyone in any given society or country has the right or privilege to be treated equally like others, since he/she is a bona-fide citizen of the said country or society. 

In this regard, there is an urgent need for every right thinking individual across the globe to ensure that his or her quota as regards fighting this scourge is immensely contributed. On this note, I call on all concerned bodies or authorities to intensify their awareness crusade regarding the elimination of this societal menace.

Today Sunday 1^st of March, the world over is commemorating the 2015 World Day of Zero Discrimination. The Zero Discrimination Day is an annual worldwide event that promotes diversity and recognizes that everyone counts. The first commemoration of the Day took place on March 1, 2014 by the effort as well as the mandate of the United Nations (UN); the celebration came in consequence to the launch of Zero Discrimination Campaign on World AIDS Day in December 2013 by the UNAIDS – the UN arm on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

As the global community marks the annual World Day of Zero Discrimination, I enjoin the entire members of the Nigeria’s legislative arm to enact a strict and formidable law that would put a final stop to any form of discrimination taking place in the country at large. The teeming members of the public are also expected to assist in the proper implementation of the proposed law by ensuring that anyone around them that indulges in the uncalled and disgusting act is brought to book.

Above all, we ought to note that it is our civic responsibility to endeavour to ensure that, this aberration is totally and thoroughly restored in our respective communities or societies. Think about it!

 

COMR FRED NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
__________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056