Sister-E, You Left Too Soon!

SISTER-E, YOU LEFT TOO SOON!

     The last time I checked, I learnt I could no longer see nor interact with the amiable and quintessential Director General (DG) of the famous Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC). Evang (Mrs.) Esther Obong Egbuna popularly known as ‘Sister E’ by her teeming friends and fans. When I asked the reason for such assertion which sounded totally weird and irrational, I was instantly told that she had gone to meet with her creator; suffice it to say that she’s not anymore of this world.

     As a realist, as days unfold, the awful reality attached to the aforementioned information continued to dawn on me, but yet, I still find it extremely difficult to concur with the informants. Though I have seen the enlarged picture of the so-called deceased person accompanied by a condolence register displayed outside her Owerri residence, I’m yet seriously trying to fathom the real meaning of the façade that seems not unlike a jamboree.

     This is why on the said register, towards condoling myself, I managed to write ‘Sister-E, please where are you?’ I wanted her to whisper to me where actually she was, so I could go and talk to her; I wanted to let her realize that I was really missing her presence, thus she needed to come back. Even when I arrived at the residence, I told those around that I wanted to see Sister-E, but they told me that ‘she has gone’. Then I asked, what did you mean by ‘she has gone’? Someone unequivocally responded ‘she’s dead!’ That was when I slightly became sober or came back to my senses, and consequently was covered with tears.

     Sister-E, years ago when you joyfully tied the nuptial knots with my beloved uncle, Chief Dr Chike Egbuna (Mr Soul), now late, little did I know that both of you had an arrangement to respectively leave the world when your loved ones needed you most. Even when my uncle unexpectedly left some years back, I never knew you would soon join him. Well, I wouldn’t know; did you join your hubby or your dad who you buried barely few months back? My mum, Mrs Vero Nwaozor (Nee Egbuna) has been consistently asking me ‘Doc, are you sure it is true?’ I don’t know what else to tell her. The only thing she does right now is, weeping.

      Sister E, you would have waited at least a little further before embarking on this eternal odyssey. You were so young, vibrant, healthy and of course hearty. It was no doubt very, very early for you to depart unannounced. No trace of ailment or what have you prior to your departure. Frankly, your so-called eternal exit is making this world seem so scary to my person.

     Besides, you left when the broadcasting world needed your well experienced services most. Your broadcasting prowess and ingenuity, just like that of your late husband – ‘Mr Soul’, is indeed very rare in this part of the world. Whenever you anchored a programme or read the news, a radio-set became irresistible to everyone far and near owing to your gifted charming accent. You undoubtedly carved a niche for yourself in the media industry. Look at how you transformed IBC comprising Orient-FM and Orient-TV within a short while.

     On the 1^st of May 2016 which was coincidently your birthday, I could remember I chatted with you via cell phone as regards your newest giant stride in IBC. The chat read in parts, ‘Greetings, my able DG. You have broken a record having made Orient-FM to be reckoned the first Radio station in the East to broadcast for 24/7. Bravo!!!’ And you gladly replied ‘Thanks Doc. We give GOD all the glory…’ And you equally reminded me that that very day was your birthday.

      I got to realize the latest achievement, which is highly commendable, the moment I returned to the state having being away for some time. I was even planning to appreciate you here on this column regarding the wonderful accomplishment, among others which you’ve recorded since you became the DG of the firm in question; little did I know that death would wickedly and abruptly snatch you away from me at this very critical moment.

     Come to think of it; who did you leave Michael for? Your darling Michael has been so lonely; why not come back, at least for his sake? I could recollect, in one of my recent conversations with you on phone, you told me that Michael is now in his fourth year in FUTO. Consequently, I teased you ‘Sister-E, so you can now boast of a child in 400 Level?’ And you responded elatedly ‘Is God’s doing, my brother’. After the conversation, within me I was of the strong view that my late uncle, even in grave, would be immensely proud of you for having ensured that his beloved son, Michael got to that level by this time. Sister E, the truth is that Michael your boy is now so lean; he has obviously missed you.

     What about your lovely and loving mother? An ever cheerful woman is now looking like a forgotten river. She’s even too young to go by this time, let alone you; but who am I to query God? The last time I saw her, she wished you remain here on earth while she embark on the journey on your behalf. She was announcing the wish amidst profound sobbing. Until I met her, aside Michael, I never knew someone else could miss you more than me.

     We shared good times together; the joy I received each time you called on phone to register your appreciation whenever you saw my article was overwhelming, just to say the least. You were so supportive; just barely few weeks ago, you asked me to do my best and leave the rest for God my creator. The unending words of encouragement, which I would live to recall, were enormous. Each time I came to your office in IBC, you felt so glad having me around. You weren’t just a model or an aunt to me; you were as well a sister and friend; a friend indeed! No doubt, I knew you candidly loved me. I realized the love your late husband shared with my mum was equally the love we both shared; in other words, love can be transferred.

     Oh death! You chose to remember me at this time I need more supporters and loved ones. Sister E, I want to believe you’re not dead; rather, you only went on a leave or for a break, because I know death cannot possibly defeat you. Hence, I plead with you to quit this unsolicited leave, which you commenced on Wednesday 8^th of June 2016 and return to us because your absence is seriously telling on us as I drop this message amid intense tears.

     The gospel truth remains that, your name isn’t even among those written at the bottom of the list of persons meant to go for such leave at this time. Think about it!

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

Twitter: @mediambassador 

        

       

Commemorating 2016 World Refugee Day

COMBATING CAUSES OF ALL FORMS OF CRISES AS THE 2016 WORLD REFUGEE DAY IS MARKED TODAY MONDAY JUNE 20

      

     Today June 20, the global community is commemorating the World Refugee Day. On 4^th of December 2000, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in its unanimous Resolution decided that, from 2001, June 20 of every year would be celebrated as World Refugee Day. In the resolution, the General Assembly noted that 2001 marked the golden jubilee or the 50^th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the status of Refugees.

     Each year on June 20, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and countless civic groups around the world host World Refugee Day events in order to draw public attention to the millions of refugees and people who are internally displaced worldwide.

     A refugee can be described as a person who has been forced to leave his or her country due to persecution, which could be attributed to his/her race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social affiliation, or as a result of disaster, either natural or manmade, such as massacre, genocide, war, inferno, earthquake, terrorism, climate change, and famine, just to mention but a few. In some cases, the internally displaced individuals within a certain country can also be referred to as ‘Refugees’.

     Recently, the Bornu State government in Nigeria cried foul as well as sought for the financial assistance of the international community in regard to the alarming number of displaced persons recorded in the state owing to the ongoing terrorism of the Boko Haram sect in the area. Such incident is not peculiar to Nigeria, but to many other countries in the world.

     Statistics show that not less than forty-three million people worldwide are presently displaced as a result of conflict and persecution, which is the highest number since the middle of 1990s. More than fifteen million of the aforementioned figure are refugees who fled their home countries, while the rest are people who remain displaced by conflict within their own homelands and they are generally regarded as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    Worldwide, refugees have really suffered an untold hardship in the respective camps or localities they are being hosted or they found themselves; they mostly lack the three basic needs of mankind, which remain food, clothing and shelter. Most of them often feared killed by deadly diseases, or sometimes due to the unbearable hazards attached to the environment they reside in.

     It is worthy to note that, most of the beggars found on the major roads or streets of most cities in Nigeria, likewise other countries, are refugees. A good number of them who hail from the neighbouring countries to include Niger Republic, Chad, Benin Republic and Cameroon, migrated to Nigeria in search of a lasting succour. This implies that more than half of the world’s refugees are in urban environments, not in camps. This set of people invariably fall victim to human trafficking, which is currently on the rampage in several countries.

     No doubt, displaced persons are found virtually in all the nations across the globe. Since refugees are mainly victims of either manmade or natural disasters, there is a compelling need to take appropriate and drastic measures that would thoroughly address all forms of disaster or conflict witnessed by mankind virtually on a daily basis.

     It is noteworthy that, even the natural disasters such as earthquake, depletion of the Ozone layer, climate change, erosion, and what have you, are mostly attributable to human/manmade actions or activities. Needless to say that, any event that could lead to displacement of individuals from their places of residence or country of origin, can be averted by the concerned persons or authorities, as the case may be.

     To this end, inferno for instance, which usually takes place as a result of man’s carelessness or lackadaisical attitude, can be prevented by sensitizing the public on the fundamental actions that could lead to such disaster. In the same vein, people ought to be professionally directed on where, when, and how to erect various structures both residential and industrial  as well as in the case of drilling of boreholes in order to help avoid future occurrence of earthquake and other related crises.

     There is also need for legal backing in respect to prevention of the various uncalled attitudes or practices including discrimination, extremism, racism, ethnicity, human rights violation, et cetera, that can result to a life-threatening crisis such as insurgency, terrorism or war. Hence, the bill on prevention of terrorism that is presently lying on the floor of the National Assembly ought to be given a speedy hearing by the 8^th Assembly with a view to passing it into law in earnest.

     As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the sixteenth (16^th) commemoration of the World Refugee Day, there’s a compelling need for the various civil society organizations as well as religious bodies to embark on a massive and rigorous awareness crusade that would educate the entire public on the dangers inherent in any form of crisis, which will go a long way to bring a holistic attitudinal change among the overall citizenry. Think about it!

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

 Twitter: @mediambassador            

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2016 World Albinism Awareness day

ADDRESSING ONGOING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ALBINOS AS THE INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARENESS DAY IS MARKED TODAY MONDAY JUNE 13, 2016

       

      Today June 13, the world over is commemorating the 2016 edition of the International Albinism Awareness Day. On Wednesday 19^th of November 2014, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) adopted June 13 each year as the International Albinism Awareness Day via a historic resolution. June 13 was chosen because it was on that day in 2013 that the UN adopted its first ever resolution on albinism.

     Albinism is a genetic deficiency of melanin pigment production in which the carrier, either a person or animal, possesses very white skin, white hair and pink eyes. It is usually inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. The carrier of the syndrome is generally regarded as an ‘albino’.

     In albinism, a number of different chromosomes are involved, depending upon the type. There are two major classes of albinism, namely; Oculocutaneous albinism and Ocular albinism. Oculocutaneous albinism affects the eyes, hair and skin, whereas only the eyes are affected in Ocular albinism.

     Approximately one in seventeen thousand (17,000) persons worldwide has one of the types of albinism. It is noteworthy that, albinism can affect any race and has been extensively studied in other animal species like mouse.

     Visual plights are a significant feature of albinism. In albinism condition, melanin is reduced or could be totally absent in the eye, skin, hair as well as the brain, thereby causing mal-development of neural pathways related to vision. Abnormalities in cone morphology have also been detected in the fovea. More so, severe nystagmus, photophobia, strabismus, and reduced visual acuity are common features.

     The precise appearance of an albino depends on which syndrome or condition that’s involved. Medical analysts are of the view that people with albinism have red eyes, but the colour of the iris varies from a dull grey to blue or even brown. In albinism condition, a brown iris is common among ethnic groups with darker pigmentation.

     Under certain lighting conditions, there is a reddish or violet hue that reflects through the iris from the retina and the eyes then appear red, similar to the red eye in flash photography. In some types of albinism, the red colour can reflect back through the iris as well as the pupil.

     Diagnosis is based on careful history of pigment development and an examination of the skin, hair and eyes. The only type of albinism that has white hair at birth is the OCA1. The most accurate test for determining the specific type of albinism is a genetic test, though the test is useful only for families that have individuals with albinism. Hence it cannot be performed practically as a screening test for the general population.

     None of the available tests is capable of detecting all the mutations of the genes that cause albinism. And, responsible mutations cannot be detected in a small number of individuals and families with albinism. Optical coherence tomography can be a useful adjunct in cases of OCA, which display atypical features.

     Ophthalmologists and optometrists can help people living with albinism to compensate for their eye problems but they cannot be cured. Astigmatism is the most common eye problem across all the subtypes of albinism, whilst there is a high frequency of hypermetropia in OCA1A patients. However, ordinary glasses or bifocals with a strong reading correction may serve well for many people with albinism.

     For photophobia, dark glasses or photo-chromic lenses are recommendable. There is no proof that dark glasses will improve vision even when used at a very early age, but they may improve comfort. Recent advances include contact lenses with a special iris tint and clear pupil area as well as bi-level telemicroscopes fitted on to patients’ prescription spectacles.

     Albinism can be prevented, though could be expensive for low-income families. Gene testing can be used to determine if a foetus has albinism. Amniocentesis is performed at 16 to 18 weeks of gestation. But, those considering such testing should be aware that, if given proper support, children with albinism can function well despite considerable visual handicap and also enjoy normal lifespan. Hence, the UN calls on all stakeholders to use this day to take action that would end stigma, intimidation, humiliation, attacks, and all forms of discrimination against persons living with albinism worldwide.

      To this end, we can take action by indulging in, but not limited to, the following: inviting a local organization of persons with albinism to address our respective institutions; creating discussion forums in our workplaces on how we, both individually and collectively, can contribute towards ending the discrimination experienced by persons with albinism through our own belief systems; encouraging our friends, associates, relations, and/or employees, as the case may be, to spend reasonable time with the various societies of persons with albinism in order to assist them in addressing discrimination, among other uncalled treatments; as well as sponsoring a local radio, television or print media campaign on June 13 to raise awareness about the rights of persons with albinism.

     The last time I checked, an average albino in the contemporary Nigerian society was earnestly yearning for special treatments in some cases or sectors including classrooms, elections, and what have you. Our various schools at all levels ought to endeavour to provide them with enabling materials during learning sections; they should also be allowed to sit at the front. The INEC must equally ensure that they are given preferential treatments such as allowing them to cast their votes first as well as granting them adequate sensitization prior to the polls.

     The law makers, on their part, are required to pass a bill that would thoroughly address all the challenges being faced by albinos in Nigeria with a view to actualizing a country where fairness and equity are seen as its watchword. Free or subsidized medical treatments for the albinos, as the case may be, can equally be considered in the proposed bill. Think about it!

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

Twitter: @mediambassador 

        

    

Buhari's One Year in Office

STILL ON BUHARI’S ONE YEAR IN OFFICE

     The last time I checked, the saying that ‘an unexamined life isn’t worth living’ as was propounded by the late great philosopher – Socrates – still held waters in every field of human endeavour. This assertion isn’t unconnected to the fact that any odyssey we embarked on here on earth deserves to be examined at a particular point or having covered a reasonable distance, irrespective of the circumstance.

     Three weeks ago, on May 29, 2016 precisely, the President Mohammadu Buhari-led government clocked one-year since inception. Hence, having covered a tangible distance, which took approximately 365 days, courtesy demands that Mr President ought to thoroughly assess or examine the odyssey to enable him and his allies realize the next step required to be taken. It’s imperative to acknowledge that, most times the assessment in question is best done by the onlookers, not the cabinet members.

      I candidly pledge myself to be unequivocal and whole as long as this critique lasts, because a genuine scorecard doesn’t require an iota of blarney, though eulogy can be accommodated if necessary. Thus, I appeal to those the analysis won’t augur well with, to bear with me. The paramount motive of this piece is to usher in a better Nigeria, which would be beneficial to all.

      Just as it’s well understood that any journey must be characterized by both the good and the bad, this very one isn’t an exception. Prior to President Buhari’s assumption of duty, he categorically disclosed that he was coming to fight corruption and terrorism headlong, as well as tackle all the perpetual crisis bedeviling Nigeria’s economy. It’s obvious that at this point, President Buhari’s administration has been able to combat corruption, which initially seemed like the country’s tradition, to an extent that everyone is marveled how he did it.

     The number one citizen has equally confronted the Boko Haram terrorism, which was on the rampage in the North-Eastern part of the country, tactically that the military had redeemed virtually all the territories that were acquired by the terrorists, thereby making the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to retrace their steps back to their various homes or places of origin. At the moment, the IDPs can exercise at least a glimpse of optimism, contrary to despair which they were formerly preoccupied with.

      It’s unfortunate that having taken a commendable step in the war against terrorism, other forms of insurgency to include the Biafran agitation, Fulani herdsmen conundrum and the Niger-Delta militancy have resurfaced, or have abruptly become the order of the day, thereby keeping the Nigerian polity in a severe state of jeopardy. It’s indeed pathetic and worrying that the Presidency hasn’t been able to address these anomalies as expected, instead their intensity increases on a daily basis.

     Regarding the country’s economy, President Buhari has been able to tackle the lingered leakages found in various sectors. He has succeeded in addressing the ‘ghost-workers’ syndrome that was the talk of the day in the country’s civil service; though enough is yet to be done as regards the menace. Also, by introduction of the ongoing Treasury Single Account (TSA), several antics that prevailed in the past or that were formerly harboured, are now stagnant or have come to a standstill.

      However, Mr President conspicuously disappointed Nigerians when he announced his ministerial nominees in October 2015. Contrary to his earlier pledge that he would work with, or that his cabinet would comprise, only technocrats, he ended up appointing just a few technocrats to the people’s utmost surprise. I must state that this very step taken by his Excellency, perhaps in order to please his party – the All Progressives Congress (APC), is liable to tell on the country’s economy, which he has vowed to revive.

      Aside the said appointment, merging of the various federal ministries that took place before the assumption of duty of the ministerial appointees, which was a highly commendable approach, equally witnessed a lapse. Scrapping of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and therein embedding it in the Information Ministry was an obvious error, especially noting the fact that it was made at the moment we are deeply concerned about diversification of the sources of the country’s economy.    
      Similarly, just to mention but a few, merging of the Power Ministry with that of Works and Housing was a colossal error. One of the greatest achievements that would be recorded by any administration in Nigeria is ensuring that the residents of the country enjoy a round-the-clock uninterruptible electricity supply, thus the ministry responsible for such anticipated accomplishment wasn’t meant to be merged with another for any reason whatsoever.

      Having tendered the critical assessment coupled with constructive criticism, tradition requests that a way forward ought to be equally submitted to balance the equation. To this end, formidable policies should be implemented to ensure that the blocked leakages are sustained; in addition to the TSA, there’s need for a comprehensive database comprising the details of all the government employees with a view to checkmating the ghost-workers syndrome. Moreover, a bill for a Downstream Petroleum Sector should be passed by the legislators to assist the just implemented deregulation policy in the sector.

      We needn’t to be reminded that Nigeria’s money market is currently wearing a pitiable physiognomy; our Foreign Exchange (Forex) is being suppressed by the so-called parallel market, thus making the official points seem incapacitated. This anomaly needs to be urgently addressed holistically. In the same vein; in the last one year, nothing much has been heard about the education sector, if not the proposed scrapping of the post-UTME which is never the paramount challenge the sector is facing. We must acknowledge that no society can grow beyond its educational standard; in other words, the status of any society or country can never outweigh its educational level. Thus, the 2016 budget should pay greater attention to the country’s education industry. 

      Regarding the reemerged Biafran agitation and the Niger-Delta Avengers, there’s a compelling need to make amends if need be. I’m glad the government has ordered for a ceasefire as regards the latter; the proposed sanitation of the ancient Ogoniland is also a way forward, but the government must be very sincere about it.

      For the above recommendations to be actualized, the ministers are required to be proactive. In view of this, any minister who feels he/she would be a disappointment to Nigerians ought to tender his/her resignation at this point; that’s how it’s being done in an advanced democracy. No appointee is expected to deceive him/herself at the expense of the country’s economy or welfare.

      Inter alia, the opposition hasn’t lived up to the expectations, so far. The members of the opposing political parties tend to misplace commendation with condemnation. Opposition is meant to be a wholesome attribute in any democratic setting, because a viable and sound opposition helps to properly direct the ruling party regardless of the circumstance.

     We wrongly perceive the essence of opposition in this part of the world; that’s the reason we invariably see it as an uncalled recipe. In the real sense, even the civil society is supposed to be at the opposition side. Hence, all the opposing political parties as well as the civil society are required to, henceforth, concentrate only on the needful, for posterity sake. Think about it!  

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

Twitter: @mediambassador