Eradicating Hepatitis

ERADICATING HEPATITIS IN NIGERIA       

No rational man boasts of anything if his health condition is at stake. Suffice to say; a healthy life remains the most precious possession that ever comes to a man regardless of his/her status or age.

In the world today, there are millions of illnesses or diseases in existence coupled with the ones that seem to have no specific cause or cure. Among these diseases, some are often referred to be stubborn regarding their mode of cure while some are seen to be deadly. No doubt, hepatitis is one of those stubborn or deadly illnesses in existence. 

Hepatitis is a medical condition which is defined as an inflammation of one of the most vital organs in the human body known as the liver. It is usually characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ. The inflammatory condition can be self-limiting or can heal on its own; but on the contrary, it can progress to fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Hepatitis may occur with limited or no symptoms, but often leads to jaundice, poor appetite, and a feeling of unease. It is referred to as acute when it lasts less than six months, and chronic when it persists longer. Globally, hepatitis viruses are the most common causes of the condition, but hepatitis can as well be caused by other infections, autoimmune diseases, or toxic substances such as alcohol, certain medications, and some industrial organic solvents and plants.

Initial features of acute hepatitis are of non-specific flu-like symptoms, which are invariably common to almost all acute viral infections, and may include fatigue, muscle and joint aches, fever, nausea diarrhoea, vomiting, and headache. More specific symptoms which could be present in acute hepatitis from any cause are profound loss of appetite, aversion to smoking among smokers, excretion of dark urine, and abdominal discomfort.

A small proportion of people with acute hepatitis usually progress to acute liver failure, in which the liver would be unable to remove harmful substances from the blood thereby leading to confusion and coma due to hepatic encephalopathy. The acute liver failure may also result to the production of blood proteins which often leads to peripheral edema and bleeding.

More so, a chronic hepatitis, which is commonly identified through blood test, is usually characterized with no symptoms at all. It often leads to the presence of jaundice which indicates advanced liver damage. On physical examination, there may be enlargement of the liver. In the same vein, women with autoimmune hepatitis mostly experience abnormal menstruation, lung scarring, inflammation of the thyroid gland and kidneys.

Apart from the aforementioned two major classes of hepatitis, it is invariably grouped and recognized by medical experts based on its common causes. On this note, the different types of hepatitis in existence that are widely recognized include, Viral hepatitis, Alcoholic hepatitis, Toxic and drug-induced hepatitis, Ischemic hepatitis, Giant cell hepatitis, just to mention but a few. The most common causes of viral hepatitis are the five unrelated hepatotropic viruses known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses.

Tuesday 28^th July, the world over commemorated the 2015 World Hepatitis Day. The event, which is observed annually on July 28, was inaugurated by World Health Organization (WHO) under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) to raise global awareness on hepatitis or a group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, and to encourage the prevention, diagnosis, as well as the treatment of the disease.

The first global World Hepatitis Day was marked on May 19, 2008 through the effort of the World Hepatitis Alliance in collaboration with various patient groups. The commemoration received an international endorsement following the adoption of a resolution during the 63^rd World Health Assembly held in May 2010. The date of the event was later changed to July 28 of every year by the Assembly, in honour of the birthday of Nobel Laureate Baruch Samuel Blumberg – the man who discovered the hepatitis B virus.

There is an estimate that hepatitis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide thereby causing acute or chronic disease and killing close to 1.4 million people every year. Currently, approximately five hundred (500) million people worldwide are suffering from either hepatitis B or hepatitis C. If left untreated or unmanaged, hepatitis B or C can lead to advanced liver scarring known as cirrhosis and other complications including liver cancer or liver failure.

While many people worry more about contracting diseases like HIV than hepatitis, the reality is that every year, at least 1.3 million people worldwide die as a result of either hepatitis B or C faster than they would in the case of HIV/AIDS. Needless to say that, hepatitis is indeed a deadly disease. Considering this fact, it is pathetic and devastating to note that many hepatitis carriers are yet to realize that they are living with the disease.

Hepatitis groups, patients as well as advocates worldwide, take part in series of events on every July 28 to mark the World Hepatitis Day. The World Hepatitis Day is one of the eight official global public health campaigns being marked by the WHO.

As Nigeria joins the international community to commemorate the event, there’s need for collective support as regards creation of awareness on this silent killer known as Hepatitis. The World Hepatitis Day provides an opportunity to focus on actions such as:

v Raising awareness on the different forms of hepatitis, their common causes and how they are transmitted.

v Strengthening prevention, screening, and control of viral hepatitis and other related diseases.

v Increasing hepatitis B vaccine coverage cum integration into national immunization programmes.

v And lastly, though not the least, coordinating a global response to hepatitis.

At this juncture, it is of no need saying that, all hands are expected to be on deck towards ensuring that this killer disease that has been a colossal societal menace for decades now is duly eradicated. Think about it!

 

COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
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frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056 
Twitter: @fdnnwaozor  

 

Teaching: Respected but Vulnerable Profession

TEACHING: RESPECTED BUT VULNERABLE PROFESSION

No doubt, every right thinking person eagerly wishes to know what he/she does not or is yet to know. Such attribute can be referred to as ‘Man’s quest for knowledge’.

In the same vein; for anyone to acquire any form of knowledge, he must be taught by someone or something. In a situation whereby the knowledge recipient is being taught by a non-human such as book, internet or as the case may be, it is worth noting that that material or avenue through which he acquired the knowledge was invented by someone or a human.

Someone who imparts knowledge to other person(s), directly or indirectly, is generally referred to as a teacher. In a concise term; a teacher is someone who teaches others better ways of doing something or a better way of living. He can also be described as someone who helps or contributes meaningfully in the uplift of someone else’s educational status/level. In other words, teaching is simply the act of imparting knowledge.

This singular fact has proven to us that anyone can be identified as a teacher, considering the relationship that exists between the persons involved. But it would interest us to acknowledge that, there are those or group of persons who embrace teaching as a profession. This set of people could be regarded as ‘Institutional teachers’.

In most cases, the institutional teachers are the ones that are often recognized as ‘Teachers’ owing to the fact that they are the only persons that bring out their time, energy, resources, and what have you, to the fullness, to ensure that knowledge is fully and duly obtained by its seekers. Among all, anyone who practices teaching or who takes teaching as a profession, must had passed through a certain professional educational training in any recognized higher citadel of learning.

In view of the outstanding impact of the teaching profession in any society, there is no gain reiterating the fact that it is no doubt a respected profession, but it is appalling to observe that the members of the said profession in most countries across the globe are seemingly vulnerable regarding their financial worth.

In several nations, particularly developing ones, it is disheartening to note that this set of people known as teachers whom had contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the respective nations, are treated poorly or badly as regards payment of salaries and other incentives. It is even more pathetic and disgusting to note that in some quarters, these professionals whom are meant to be the leading class are regarded as second class if not third class citizens.

If the truth must be told, then we all must agree that it is only an insane individual that is yet to comprehend the fact that teachers are the building block of any nation. Needless to say; they remain the rudiments or foundation on which any nation is built.

The civil society and other stakeholders are expected to encourage the teaching profession by ensuring that the following conditions are reached by any employer:

v Good and enticing employment conditions including appropriate contracts, salaries, and prospects for career progression and promotion.

v Conducive and charming work environment.

v High quality pre- and in-service training.

v Effective management to include a teacher’s recruitment and deployment.

The law makers in their oversight function are expected to play a very vital role in respect to this proposal. A strict law regarding teachers’ wellbeing could be enacted with a view to boosting the effectiveness and efficiency of the said professionals in Nigeria.

The international community and various governments need to stand firm and united to support teachers as well as quality learning worldwide, especially in those countries where the highest number of out-of-school children exists. In this regard, they are meant to acknowledge that an education system is only as good as its teachers.

Above all and most importantly, the various existing teachers’ unions or organizations are also required to support their respective governments in the area of maintenance of sanity in our schools. By so doing, anomalies like mediocrity, laxity, apathy, truancy, among other nonchalant attitudes of some teachers would be totally eradicated.

The proposed measure if properly implemented would enable any teacher anywhere in the world to proudly identify him/herself as ‘a Teacher’ regardless of the circumstance.

 

 

COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR
(The Media Ambassador)

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frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
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Bad Governance: Who's to Blame?

BAD GOVERNANCE: WHO’S TO BLAME?

Governance is the process in which the leaders or the public office holders of a given society make and implement decisions with the prime motive of affecting the lives of the citizenry positively. Governance is said to be ‘Bad’ when the outcome is not favourable to the people.  

Good governance is accountable; it is transparent; it follows the rule of law; it is responsive; it is equitable; good governance is effective and efficient; above all, it’s participatory. Any democratic process that bears the reverse of the aforementioned qualities or features is referred to as ‘Bad governance’. 

It is apparent that governance is interwoven with democracy owing to the fact that it is only in a thorough and holistic democratic setting it (governance) can be observed. Surely, democracy begets politics and in the same vein, governance is begotten by politics; there are no two ways about it.

To say that governance has been profoundly abused in the contemporary Nigerian society is merely an understatement. Suffice is to say; the level of decadence in governance in the various developing nations across the globe, particularly Nigeria, cannot be overemphasized.

To say the least; since the emergence of democracy in ‘the Giant of Africa’ sixteen years ago, governance has been perceived by our leaders as an inconsequential tool thereby making the said society seem not unlike a mockery ground. It is no doubt a thing of worry for the concerned elite as well as the patriotic individuals amidst the overwhelming populace.

One may ask; who is actually to be blamed in a nation or society where governance is not taken seriously or where bad governance is generally absorbed as a norm? Indeed, such inquiry could be tagged as a ‘critical and very sensitive’ one, which requires only but an unequivocal response.

In some quarters, bad governance is solely attributed to the corrupt nature of the leaders involved coupled with impunity. Whilst, some are of the opinion that it is a product of extreme insincerity and mediocrity mainly on the side of the members of the legislature. On the other hand, another school of thought is of the view that good governance would remain far-fetched in a country like Nigeria until the country’s electoral umpire becomes thoroughly independent.

Without mincing words; from my perspective, bad governance, which is peculiar to the African society in its entirety, is mostly not unconnected to the uncalled and unwarranted attitude of the followers. Someone who’s interested in further clarification may want to know who ‘the followers’ are. The followers are the electorate or the general public, or those who are not occupying any leadership position. In other words, if you are not a leader, you are definitely a follower.

At this juncture, I put it up to you that the citizens have been the singular cause of their predicament as regards governance. Yes, until the citizenry realize that leadership and followership are interdependent, they will continue to get it wrong. It is high time we understood that without the followers, the leaders cannot perform. Needless to say that, the leaders cannot function without the presence or effort of the followers.

This implies that, much as we presume that power only belongs to the leaders, we ought to also comprehend the fact that the teeming followers have some elements of power, albeit seemly intangible, attached to their personalities. The dichotomy is that; the leaders have the power or immunity to lead while on their part, the followers have the power to sack any leader if the need arises. Of course, the followers rightly possess the power to move ‘Vote of No-confidence’ on any executive office holder or recall any legislator, as the case may be.

It is so pathetic that the followers’ power has been bewildered by various factors such as sycophancy, apathy, vulnerability, and ignorance. It is obvious to the sight of those who are not mentally blind that the aforementioned factors, among others, have been militating against the functionality of the people’s power/immunity.

Most of those who are fully informed have chosen to be sycophants; they go about singing praises or citing eulogies come rain come shine. Some other informed ones are invariably marred by apathy with a silly presumption that the said political cankerworm is indelible. Similarly, another fairly informed class seems defenceless; this set of persons who appear vulnerable could be very powerful if they apply ‘synergy’ but their myopic mindset ostensibly beclouds their sense of reasoning. On the other hand, a certain group among the followers is not in any way aware that power also lies in their hands; unarguably, their ignorant mentality has caused them a tremendous fortune.

The most annoying part is that most of the followers in question don’t know when to tender criticism. They prefer to remain mere spectators over their so called leaders’ derailment. Even, some of them who call themselves ‘activists’ have in one occasion or the other soiled their reputations.

Perhaps, it is needless to reiterate the fact that good governance will remain a mirage in the contemporary African society till the electorate acknowledge fully that leadership and followership are wholly interwoven. Frankly, the followers have been the architect of their recurrent misfortune. In view of this singular fact, the civil society organizations, the media, religious bodies, and what have you, need to intensify awareness on letting the people realize their responsibility towards actualizing good governance. Think about it!

 

COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR
(The Media Ambassador)
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frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Twitter: @fdnnwaozor   

  

Alarming Pace of Protracted Diseases

CHECKING THE ALARMING PACE OF PROTRACTED DISEASES

Protracted diseases are diseases or infections that last for a very long time in the body of the carrier, which usually last as long as the patient lives. They include cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hepatitis, ulcer, asthma, obesity, pile, brain turmoil, fibroid, tuberculosis, hypertension, stroke, arthritis, rheumatism, cardiovascular diseases, failure of an essential organ such as the liver, kidney, heart, lung, just to mention but a few.

Undoubtedly, in recent times, protracted diseases or chronic infections have been the order of the day that if adequate and drastic measure is not taken towards curbing the menace, it is liable to render the entire labour force of the Nigeria’s population vulnerable in no distant time.

Though, currently the number of patients coping with chronic conditions, particularly for cases involving HIV infection and some malignancies, seems to be growing due to improvements in treatments, but it is worthy to note that the medical morass really constitutes a severe and colossal societal nuisance among mankind.

To say the least; patients with chronic medical conditions may provoke feelings of anxiety and professional inadequacy. The condition in question may also become an emotional burden on the clinician or physician who is exposed to the cumulative suffering and losses experienced by the patients as well as their families and well-wishers.

The psychological trauma attached to the life of anyone suffering from a protracted disease cannot be overemphasized especially when the carrier is not adhering to the appropriate routine as regards treatment. For instance, a study of women with breast cancer discovered that those who sought alternative treatments had higher levels of psychological morbidity; the pursuit of such treatments might thus indicate the patient’s distress rather than their well-being.

More so, recognizing that the condition has progressed and that the patient is approaching the terminal phase of their disease may be distressing for staff who have known the patient well. In this case, the staff or health personnel may be reluctant to relinquish more aggressive treatments. This is more worrisome in a situation involving an elderly or aged person.

Sometimes the side effects of some treatments might lead to anger and frustration. These feelings may be mediated by an emotional reaction to changes in the patient’s body as well as symptoms, but may also be the direct result of the effect of the treatment on the patient’s mood. Similarly, patients who are angry, demanding or resentful may engender powerful feelings of rage in their physicians.

Although adherence to prescribed treatments may improve the course of a protracted disease, the physician cannot confidently promise the patient a greater success. In some diseases such as diabetes, impairment may still occur. Compliance to treatment may be poor even in patients who had undergone an organ transplant. Whichever treatment measure a patient is passing through, there is need to acknowledge that adequate rest, constant physical exercise, or regular intake of clean water, as the case may be, could be helpful.

The worst of all is that, if proper care is not taken, a protracted illness might result to a more delicate situation to include, a more severe impairment, an acute mental disorder, total paralysis, or even the death of the patient, based on the nature of the disease in question. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), survey indicates that protracted disease like cancer caused about 8.2 million deaths or 14.6% of all human deaths in the year 2012: this implies that in near future if a drastic approach is not taken, cancer cases alone might be responsible to over twenty percent (20%) of death rate in the world.

Since most protracted diseases are obviously incurable, it is worth noting that the best approach required towards addressing the anomalies is by avoiding their possible causes, which are mostly behavioural risk factors. Medical analysts are of the view that chronic infections are mainly not unconnected to stress, bad weather condition, poor environment, tobacco intake, alcohol, unprotected sex, consumption of unclean water, inadequate physical exercise, unwholesome diets, untreated infection, lack of regular medical checkup, or drug abuse, as the case may be.

Against this backdrop, there is no gain saying that we are meant to, at all times and at all cost, be extremely mindful of our lifestyle, or whatever we eat or drink. Among all, there is a pressing need for us to see our doctor whenever we notice any abnormality in our body as well as check the expiring date or validity of any drug or food we intend to take. No doubt, this is the only way we can boast of a life free from any health complication. As the saying goes, ‘Prevention is better than cure.’

On the other hand, all the medical experts taking care of patients living with protracted/chronic diseases ought to endeavour to inculcate hopeful mindset in them. They are expected to make the patients understand that they can live as long as they want provided they stick to the rules given to them.

And in our respective capacities, we should let anyone around us that is suffering from such illness or any related predicament to see despair as the worst sin ever. By so doing, we will live to experience a society filled with contented individuals regardless of the circumstance. Think about it!   

 

COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056    
Follow: @fred_nwaozor / @fdnnwaozor

World Youth Skills Day

INTENSIFYING SKILLS ACQUISITION AMONG THE YOUTH AS THE WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY IS MARKED TODAY WEDNESDAY JULY 15, 2015

A skill can simply be defined as the ability to do something well. It can also be referred to as ability and capacity acquired through deliberate, systematic, and sustained effort in order to smoothly and adaptively carryout complex activities or job functions involving ideas, things, and/or people.

Similarly, skill acquisition is the process of acquiring a certain skill by an individual through a thorough intensive training over a given period of time. Skill acquisition involves both theoretical and practical training regardless of its duration.

Skill can be classified into three major parts including cognitive skills, technical skills and interpersonal skills. A cognitive skill deals with ideas; technical skill is the ability to handle things or a certain human endeavour effectively and efficiency. Whilst, interpersonal skill is the ability to relate with people around you usually in business or work places. There are hundreds of thousands of skills in existence such as sporting skill, cultural skill, installation skill, maintenance skill, manufacturing skill, management skill and what have you.

Skill is required in every area of human endeavour and it enables the entrepreneurship drive of any nation to be actualized. The most important aspect of skill acquisition is that it benefits all classes in any society involved especially the masses.

A small or medium scale entrepreneur is expected to hire many skilled people to take on tasks that are outside of his/her skill set. However, every individual either a prospective leader or business personnel, must relentlessly strive to acquire the skills that will make him/her a great leader or a successful businessperson as the case may be.

Someone who has commenced a business or trade venture owing to his specialized skills and knowledge related to a particular service or product is required to expand his skills to be a successful entrepreneur. Such measure is referred to as ‘Skill enhancement’. No doubt, improving skills related to acquiring money or raising capital for a business boost represents the difference between success and failure of the venture in question.

Unequivocally, being good at starting a business does not automatically make one good at planning for growth. He/she must acquire planning skills that tie his/her vision to practical steps, which the business can take to realize that vision. The acquisition of the aforementioned skill is important because without it, your firm or business venture can stagnate and lose out to the competition.

One may have envisioned a smooth rise to the top when he commenced his business, but the truth is that he will surely encounter crisis or challenging situations. Whether it has to do with shortage of money or the loss of his facilities to a fire disaster, he must acquire the skills that would enable him to remain calm in times of turmoil and maintain his ability to make adequate decisions. This step is very vital because the affected person can learn to triumph when it looks like he could be defeated. Needless to say that skill acquisition in decision making remains an inevitable tool while carrying out a business strategy.

On the other hand, the importance of acquiring strong communication skills will be evident in all of one’s entrepreneurial activities. From networking to leadership, one needs to constantly and consistently update his communication skills to enable him form alliances and encourage consensus.

Taking Nigeria as a case study, you would noticed that most of our young ones or the youth are potentially preoccupied with variety of skills in various areas of human endeavour ranging from culture to sports, engineering/sciences, art works, and leadership, that need to be develop with a view to strengthening their respective entrepreneurship prowess towards nation-building.

To this end, there is need to encourage our young ones to be acquainted as well as acquire proficiency in one skill or the other within their reach. The schools can help in this regard by ensuring that the pupils or students regularly create time for guidance and counselling during their school hours. A good counselling would enable each of them to discover their potential skills or abilities thereby making them develop an interest in that area. The parents and guardians on their part should not hesitate to boost the morale of their children or wards in any skill they are fit in by providing all the needed materials or facilities for them to excel.

Inter alia, there is an urgent need to revive the various technical colleges and commercial schools situated across the federation that are currently moribund. And at the tertiary level, the Entrepreneurship Studies, which are usually done by the undergraduates as General studies, ought to be taken more seriously by the various school managements. More so, the ongoing Industrial Training (IT) and Teaching Practice (TP) schemes being observed by the Universities/Polytechnics and Colleges of Education respectively must be intensified by the concerned authorities. Above all, the various cultural heritages across the country need to be revisited with the aim of harnessing the required ones; this will go a long way to discover and reawaken thousands of skills among the youth.

On Wednesday July 15, the world over celebrated the maiden edition of the World Youth Skills Day. The Day, which is aimed at enhancing the youth’s ability in order to make informed life and work choices, was established by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on November 11, 2014. World Youth Skills Day was initiated in the UN by the effort of the Sri Lanka Representative. The UN General Assembly calls on member states to observe the Day in an appropriate manner.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the annual World Youth Skills Day, I call on the governments at all levels, the civil society, religious bodies, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to intensify awareness on the importance of skills acquisition as well as look for a way they can contribute their respective quotas in the crusade with a view to eradicating the ongoing socio-economic crisis ravaging the country. Think about it!

 

COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
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frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056  
Follow: @fdnnwaozor / @fred_nwaozor                     

Teenage Cultism on the Rampage

CHECKING THE RISING INCIDENCE OF TEENAGE CULTISM

Cultism can be defined as a situation whereby a group of persons holds or shares beliefs that is significantly different from those of established religion as well as practice traditions that are contrary to those regarded as normal and acceptable.

This implies that cultism is an activity carried out by a secret cult/confraternity. A secret cult is simply an organization of a few persons with a view to actualizing a sinister or ulterior motive.

Cultism could be attributable to various factors such as hunger, frustration, vulnerability, insecurity, ignorance, inferiority complex, quest for power, peer influence, oppression, youth restiveness, intimidation, loneliness, or family/parental background, as the case may be. Among all the factors that could make someone to join a secret confraternity, the most dominant one is peer influence.

Someone is confirmed a member of a secret cult group after passing through a certain rigorous ritual, which is invariably cruel and inhumane. Sometimes, the prospective cult member passes away in the process if he or she lacks a strong resistance to pressure or tension.

An individual may willingly wish to join a certain secret cult owing to his/her interest. On the contrary, one might be subjected to join a cult group through the effort of some of the members of the group due to a certain quality or idiosyncrasy they observed in the person such as academic excellence, financial security, influence, and/or physical stamina.

It is obvious that cult activities have been on rampage in recent times. There are various forms or levels of cultism; ab initio, secret society was found among people of advanced age bracket until it was introduced to the students of tertiary institutions of learning. And lately, the latter seemed to be of higher effrontery as a result of youthful exuberance.

Currently, it appears cultism has taken a different dimension, which makes it more worrisome. Apparently, the drumbeat is no longer observed only on our campuses or in wider societies but also by the students of the various secondary schools in Nigeria and beyond.

Surely, taking a walk to any neighbouring secondary school will convince one that teenage cultism has come to stay among our teeming young ones. The most painful part remains that most of the teenagers involved are yet to know that they are practising evil or something prohibited by the law thereby making them constitute enormous nuisance among their contemporaries.

Some of them don’t even stop at their fellow students while carrying out their activities or observing their norms; in most cases, they end up threatening their teachers or a staff of the school. It is pathetic to notice that most of the affected parents or guardians are yet to acknowledge that their children or wards are cultists, which implies that the so called parents cannot give adequate account of their teens.

Unequivocally, extension of this ugly and dastardly trend to our secondary schools is no doubt an indication that the future of the country’s educational sector is not just in shambles but has been placed in an unimaginable danger zone that if severe measure is not taken towards its eradication, the country is liable to experience a colossal socio-economic waste soonest.

We must understand that all hands ranging from the parents, to teachers, counsellors, school managements, government at all levels, religious bodies, the media, civil society, and what have you, are expected to be on deck toward stemming this societal menace that is telling on as well as ravaging our national development.

We ought to make our young ones realize that one who indulges in cultism has sold his or her soul to the devil and could die prematurely. Among all, they should be meant to comprehend that anyone caught in the act will surely face the wrath of the law, which attracts a capital punishment to include life imprisonment among others.

There is no need reiterating the fact that a teenage cultist is likely to possess a poor mental coordination and may abandon his/her studies or educational pursuits at the long run. Indeed, any cultist is perpetually in bondage to fear, and has no regards for social and moral values. Above all, he/she is often destructive, merciless, unreasonably stubborn and extremely wicked. Suffice it to say that cultists have no regard for one’s life, even theirs.

Against this backdrop, there’s a compelling need to save our young ones from this irrational and blasphemous practice that will cost them not only their future but their lives as well, so that, the country can boast of leaders tomorrow. In regard to this, the parents/guardians ought to endeavour to keep every record of the activities of their wards, and endeavour from time-to-time to pay unscheduled visit to those residing in the school dormitory. The various school managements on their part should not hesitate to report to the concerned parent whenever they observe any strange behaviour in any student.

Most importantly, the various security agencies including the community based ones like the vigilante group are meant to variously mount their stations close to the secondary schools within their respective places of operation or even inside the schools’ premises. This measure, no doubt, will go a long way to checkmate the day-to-day activity of the students and also keep them away from any form of vulnerability that is likely to befall them. Obviously, the time to act is now. Think about it!

 

 COMR FRED D.N NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Follow: @fdnnwaozor / @fred_nwaozor    

Criticism and Nation-Building

THE ROLE OF CRITICISM IN NATION-BUILDING

       

Criticism can be defined as the expression of disapproval of someone or something. In the same vein, a critic of a person or system disapproves of them and expresses such view publicly; one who writes reviews and expresses opinions about books, films, music or any art work having considered it carefully can also be referred to as ‘a critic’.

Criticism is simply a matter of flushing out a certain thought or attitude and trying to change it. It is to show that things are not as self-evident as one believes. Thus, criticism ensures that what is accepted as self-evident will no longer be accepted as such. Suffice it to say; observance criticism in any society is a matter of making facile gestures or remarks difficult.

Criticisms are veritable recipes in any area of human endeavour. For instance; in Steward-Client relationship, if the client has a criticism to tender, it means he/she wants to give feedback on the services being rendered to him/her, thereby creating an opportunity for the steward to learn more about the person he is working for and how to convert them into a satisfied client member. Same measure is applicable in a Trader-Customer relationship.

Similarly, in business venture, working or partnering with someone who is patient and able to receive as well as act on criticism signifies that both parties involved can work towards a better or greater outcome. Furthermore; in movie production, criticism enables the producer to know what his audience actually want.

If one always thinks he is right but doesn’t get feedback from anyone else, he wouldn’t know if he is really doing well. Whether you are selling, servicing, performing, or leading, listening and acting on those honest views or reactions will tell you precisely what is good and what could be done better. Perhaps, you can use the information to change your performance, exhibition or product, as the case may be.

In public service, criticism has the tendency of guiding the public servants away from bad practices, and towards good and acceptable ones. It would enable the said workers to take a step back or have a rethink with a view to making amends or adjustment where necessary.

The socio-political arena is not left out while discussing the inevitable role of criticism in nation-building. Undoubtedly, a little constructive criticism from the members of the public such as the civil society groups, the electorate, the religious organizations or what have you, channelled towards the political office holders can yield the anticipated change in the country or society in question.

Considering the positive impact of constructive criticism, there is no gain reiterating the fact that it is indeed a welcome gesture or required factor toward the socio-economic development of any nation; hence, ought to be sustained. To this end, there is need for us to acknowledge that the language we use in response to criticism is vitally important.

Whenever criticism is tendered by any concerned individual or group, the recipient is expected to try at all cost to avoid getting into an argument. Instead, they should turn the exchange into a discussion on how to resolve the predicament; such approach would keep the door open for the required change.

Most importantly, criticisms are not meant to be taken personally. Even if one feels he/she is being criticized unfairly, he shouldn’t retaliate with an extreme knee-jerk reaction; such response will worsen the situation and can even harm the person’s reputation as well. Therefore, it is essential to always remember to not be offended by someone’s remarks even if you think it is a personal attack.

On the other hand; having noted the enormous significance of constructive criticism in nation-building, there is also a compelling need for the critics to be mindful at all times when tendering their criticisms. They should know when they are supposed to tender the criticism as well as how it ought to be presented. It is worthy to note that, some critics lack the orientation on when and how to present their criticism; this set of persons invariably tender their contrary opinions as a form of antagonism thereby making the supposed recipient misunderstand the gesture.

More so, critics are meant to comprehend that criticism is expected to be accompanied by the presumed remedy to the anomaly that is being criticized. Most so called critics usually end up raising a cloud of dust in the name of criticism. Unequivocally, a criticism that is not tendered with a presumed solution to the problem being criticized is simply a mere noise that is intended to cause a pandemonium or controversy rather than addressing the situation at hand.

In view of the aforementioned facts, everyone at all levels including political leaders, followers, craftsmen, traders, businessmen, teachers and public servants, as the case may be, is expected to take criticism seriously regardless of the circumstance in order not to abuse the tool, which has proven beyond any reasonable doubt to be the engine room of any nation-building. Think about it!

 

 

COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)
_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Follow: @fdnnwaozor / @fred_nwaozor  

 

Extrajudicial Killings

STEMMING THE ALARMING RATE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLINGS

An extrajudicial killing is the murder of a person for an alleged crime or offence carried out either by an individual or a group of persons without any official backing, directive or supervision from a court of law of competent jurisdiction through a legal proceeding.

Extrajudicial killing or punishment also known as ‘Jungle justice’, which is usually carried out either by a government agency or an angry mob or sometimes by an individual, has been on the rampage in recent times in such a manner that it requires a severe and drastic approach by the apt authority.

Extrajudicial punishment used to be a feature of politically repressive regimes, but lately even self-proclaimed or internationally recognized democracies have been known to use the measure under certain circumstances. But the truth of the matter is that, it is illegal and barbaric; hence, unacceptable.

Such actions typically happen quickly with security forces acting on a covert basis, performed in such a way as to avoid a massive public outcry and/or international criticism that would reflect badly on the state or country. Sometimes, the killers are agents outside the government; some criminal organizations have reportedly been employed for such a purpose.

In most cases, it is carried out by uniformed security forces in order to punish a victim, but under circumstances that would make it appear as self-defence or suicide. The former can be accomplished by planting recently fired weapons near the dead body, while the latter is observed via fabrication of evidence suggesting suicide. In such cases, it could be difficult to prove that the perpetrators acted wrongly.

Because of the dangers inherent in armed confrontation, even police or soldiers as the case may be, who might strongly prefer to take an enemy or a suspect alive may still be tempted to kill under a certain circumstance to protect themselves or the affected civilians, and potentially cross the line into extrajudicial murder.

In some cases, someone may be declared missing having been murdered by a certain group. A disappearance occurs where someone who is believed to have been targeted for extrajudicial execution is nowhere to be found. Their ultimate fate is thereafter unknown or never fully confirmed.  

Extrajudicial punishment may be planned and carried out by a particular branch of a state without informing other branches, or even without having been ordered to commit such atrocity. Other branches sometimes tacitly approve of the punishment in retrospect; they can also genuinely disagree with it depending on the circumstances, especially when complex intra-government or internal policy struggles exist within a state’s policymaking apparatus.

In times of war, natural disaster, societal collapse, anarchy, or in the absence of an established system of criminal justice, as the case may be, there may be increased incidences of extrajudicial punishment. In such circumstance, the Police or military personnel may be unofficially authorized to punish severely individuals involved in looting, riot as well as other violent acts such as massacre, especially if caught red-handed. This measure is sometimes itself corrupted resulting in the death of innocent persons who probably were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

More so, someone whose case is in court may be brutally murdered in cold blood by the aggrieved party or the plaintiff owing to inconsequential and unbearable delay of the court proceeding/hearing. This is why the various judicial custodians must be more proactive in discharging their official duties come rain come shine.

Currently, the most alarming aspect of extrajudicial killing or punishment is the one being carried out by a group of civilians referred to as ‘Angry mob.’ It is usually observed on the street, inside a motor park, or in a market arena when one is accused of stealing, pick-pocketing, or any form of jungle crime.

The mob often accomplish their mission by setting the suspect ablaze at the scene of the incident using fuel and condemned tyre, prior to the arrival of security personnel. The most painful part of the illogical act is that, an innocent person is mostly mistaken for the person who actually committed the crime.

It is worth noting that constitutionally if a suspect is allegedly guilty of a certain crime, he or she shall remain innocent until otherwise proven by any court of competent jurisdiction. Prior to the pronouncement of the final judgement by the concerned judicial custodian, the accused person/group is meant to be free in respect to civil cases or to be kept under the care of the appropriate security agency regarding a severe criminal case. Another fact we must note is that, sparing the life of a culprit would help the relevant security agency to apprehend his/her partners in crime.

Against this backdrop, and considering the enormous negative implication of extrajudicial punishments, there is a pressing need for the appropriate authorities to look inwards toward eradicating the anomaly, which has caused an unquantifiable damage to countries where it is harboured, particularly Nigeria.

Thus, special court especially mobile courts ought to be instituted to try anyone accused of any form of extrajudicial act without any fear or favour irrespective of his/her status or age. On their part, the various security agents must be fast enough while attending to any security call/invitation and should endeavour to live up to the expectation at all cost.

In addition, the civil society is required to sensitize the general public on the dangers of taking the law into their hands; they ought to be made to understand that no individual or group is above the law. By so doing, justice would be given its due regard thereby ushering in a country we have longed awaited. Think about it!

 

COMR FRED D.N NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)

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frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056  
Follow: @fdnnwaozor / @fred_nwaozor  

Matrimonial Battering

MATRIMONIAL BATTERING ON THE RAMPAGE

      

Battering is a pattern of bahaviour used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, which usually include the use of violence. In the same vein, Matrimonial Battering is a situation whereby a woman is battered by her legitimate husband.

Battering, which is indeed a criminal act, takes place when a person believes he/she is entitled to control another. In recent times, the most worrisome form of battering is the one that happens between married couples, which has degenerated into an alarming state.

Battering of a family member can take many forms. It may include emotional, economic and sexual abuses as well as isolation, use of male privilege, employment of threats and a variety of other behaviours used to maintain fear, intimidation and power. In all cultures, the perpetrators are most commonly the men of the family; suffice it to say that, women are mostly the victims of matrimonial battering or violence.

Among all forms of battering, it could be classified into two major types namely, physical battering and psychological battering. Physical battering is a situation where the abuser employs physical attacks or aggression, while psychological battering involves verbal abuse/harassment, excessive possessiveness, segregation of the woman from friends and family, deprivation of physical and economic resources, and destruction of the woman’s personal property. It is worth noting that physical battering, which is prevalent in most African particularly Nigerian homes, can also lead to psychological trauma.

Battering, which has taken a different dimension in several families in Nigeria, can be attributed to immaturity, alcoholism, hot temperament, infidelity or lack of love. Other causes include lack of male child, alleged barrenness, selfishness, influence and ignorance. Among these, the most prevalent factor that leads to battering is lack of love because if one truly loves his wife/partner, he can never make any attempt to hurt her even when he is under the influence of alcohol.

Survey shows that battering remains the major cause of the ongoing high rate of divorce or estrangement among married persons in Nigeria. Needless to say that if an adequate and drastic measure/approach is not taken towards curbing the anomaly, it is likely to render millions of our children vulnerable in near future thereby affecting their upbringing.

Acknowledging that marriage is the most intimate relationship two human beings can experience, second only to a relationship with God and that it is the only intimacy that brings out the best in someone, there is no gain saying that everyone has a responsibility towards preventing or eradicating battering or any form of domestic violence against women.

We can individually or collectively join in the crusade aimed at ending domestic violence or abuses against women, which has brought a colossal upheaval in various homes, by challenging any thought or attitude that allows such act to prevail in our respective societies.  

Let’s be conscious of the fact that, a woman who is suffering from matrimonial battering can do anything to protect herself with a view that such aberration would continue to repeat itself. In one of her books titled ‘Trauma and Recovery’, Judith Lewis Herman – an author and psychiatrist stated that, “The guarantee of safety in a battering relationship can never be based upon a promise from the perpetrator no matter how heartfelt. Rather, it must be based upon the self-protective capability of the victim…” She went further to state that, “Until the victim has developed a detailed and realistic contingency plan and has demonstrated her ability to carry it out, she will remain in fear and danger of repeated abuse.”

Considering the aforementioned primary attributes of marriage battering, it is obvious that anyone irrespective of status or age is liable to patronize the monster. To this end; first and foremost, parents or guardians must ensure that their children or wards as the case may be have attained a reasonable maturity stage before they would be encouraged to settle down or get married. In view of this, we ought to acknowledge that maturity is not only based on the age of the parties involved but including their level of exposure or experience.

As regards child bearing, acknowledging the tradition or desire of most men from this part of the world that a marriage that is yet to boast of a male child or a child at all is useless, our men must be meant to understand that a child is a gift from God and not by the making of their wives as they presume. In other words, anyone who is yet to have a male child should remain steadfast in his faith in God, and must note at all times that a woman cannot be confirmed or proven to be barren unless it is stated by her creator.

Inter alia, we ought to always have it at the back of our minds that marriage is “For better, for worse” as written in the Holy books. The religious organizations have a very vital role to play in this regard.

Above all, there is an urgent need for the law makers to enact a law that would assign a capital punishment to anyone found guilty of matrimonial battering or any form of violence/abuse against a woman. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine. Think about it!

 

COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR

(The Media Ambassador)

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056
Follow: @fdnnwaozor or @fred_nwaozor