Today is Int'l Mother Language Day!

PROMOTING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MOTHER TONGUE AS THE 2017 INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY IS MARKED ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 21

          

Today, the world over is commemorating the 2017 International Mother Language Day. The day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. The date – February 21 –represents the day in 1952 when the Pakistani students who demonstrated for recognition of their native language, Bangla, as one of the two national languages of the then Pakistan, were shot and killed by the Police in Dhaka – the capital of what is now Bangladesh.

          

On 16^th May 2007, the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution called upon Member States to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world. By the same resolution, 2008 was proclaimed as the ‘International Year of Languages’, to promote unity in diversity and international understanding through multilingualism and multiculturalism.

          

A language can be defined as a system of sounds, written symbols, and/or signs used by the people of a particular country, geographical area, tribe, or status as the case may be, to communicate with each other. It can also be described as the human ability to acquire and use complex systems of communication.

         

There are several forms of languages in existence, such as spoken language, sign language, computer language, and animal language. Estimates of the number of languages in the world vary between five thousand (5,000) and seven thousand (7,000). However, any precise estimate depends on a partly arbitrary distinction between official languages and local/mother languages.

          

Mother language or Mother tongue, which is also widely known as dialect or native language, is the indigenous language of one’s parents which is usually the first language learnt by him/her. In the same vein, it is also referred to as the language of one’s ethnic group. Suffice to say that, one’s Mother tongue is an apparent indication of where he/she hails from.

          

Mother language is often regarded as one’s ‘first language’. Therefore by contrast, a second language is any language that one speaks other than his or her first/native language. The Mother language is noted as ‘first’, because it is regarded as the most important language spoken by anyone due to its hereditary value as well as its cultural impact on the concerned individual.

           

No doubt, Mother language or first language contribute immensely in a child’s personal, social, cultural, intellectual, educational and economic life. Personal; in the sense that a child’s first (native) language is critical to his or her identity. Social; in the sense that when the native language of a child is not maintained, important links to family and other community members may be lost. Cultural; in the sense that sustaining a child’s Mother tongue would help the child to value his or her culture and heritage, which contributes to a positive self-concept.

          

Furthermore, the intellectual aspect of it is that, when students who are not yet fluent in their second/official language such as English or French, but have switched to using only the said official language, would have the tendency of functioning at an intellectual level below their age thereby resulting to academic failure. Educational wise; students who learn second language and continue to develop their native language would have chances of higher academic achievement in later years than those who learn their second language at the expense of their first language. More so, economically; there are available better employment or job opportunities in Nigeria and in the disapora for individuals who are conversant with their official language as well as another language – probably a native language.

           

As the global community celebrates the Int’l Mother Language Day, I call on every Nigerian, both home and abroad, to join in the ongoing crusade of promoting the significance of Mother tongue by acknowledging that Mother languages are the most powerful instruments required to preserve and develop our respective tangible heritages.

           

To this end, I also call on the National Assembly to enact a law that would ensure that every citadel of learning in Nigeria, ranging from primary to tertiary level, offers at least one native language relevant to the area or community where the institution is situated. In addition, the proposed law ought to also mandate the various existing examination boards in the country including the West African Examination Council (WAEC), the National Examination Council (NECO), and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to ensure that the students compulsorily enroll as well as sit for the said native language or subject as it concerns their respective schools or the institution where they are seeking for admission, as the case may be.

           

Indeed, considering the singular fact that Mother Language helps to create full and thorough awareness on cultural traditions coupled with its role in promotion of solidarity among members of any given community thereby uplifting the level of moral, social and intellectual values of our young ones, it is of no gain reiterating that the ongoing crusade regarding uplift of various Mother languages is a task that awaits all and sundry. Think about it!

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Opinion I Today is World Day of Social Justice

UPHOLDING CREDIBLE ELECTION AS WE MARK WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

        

              

The last time I checked, February 20 of every year remained the World Day of Social Justice. This implies that, today, the world over is commemorating the said day. The World Summit for Social Development was held in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1995 and resulted in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action regarding Social Justice. Nearly ten years later, precisely in February 2005, the United Nations’ Member States reviewed the Declaration when they gathered at a session of the Commission for Social Development in New York, U.S.A.

          

Subsequently, on 26^th November 2007, the UN General Assembly named February 20 as the annual World Day of Social Justice; the day was scheduled to be first observed in the year 2009. On that day, the General Assembly urged the leaders of the various Member States to allow their citizens to exercise their civic responsibilities as well as grant them their respective entitlements irrespective of background, status, or age.

            

An election is a process in which people or the public choose a person or group of persons to hold an official position through voting. In the same vein; a credible election, in a concise term, could be described as an election in which no one is disenfranchised and no iota of injustice is employed; it can equally be described as an election where each of the electorate is entitled to equal right, and no foul play is witnessed.

         

On the other hand, a social justice is a situation in which individuals or citizens of a certain society are allowed to fulfill their civil obligations as well as receive what is due for them. Social justice, which is a justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society, assigns rights and duties in the institutions of a given society which enables people to receive the basic benefits and burdens of cooperation.

         

Considering the significance of social justice, no doubt, it is only by the acknowledgement of its existence, that, a free, fair and credible election would be guaranteed in any country or organization. This is why thorough practice of social justice is required by any nation that claims to possess a good number of true democrats.

         

It was Abraham Lincoln who said in 19^th May 1856, that, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” Furthermore, in his first inaugural address as the President of the United States of America (U.S.A) in March 4, 1861, he said, “This country with its institutions belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or their revolutionary right to dismember it or overthrow it.”

         

To this end, it is high time the aspirants of any forthcoming election in Nigeria started playing politics of vision to be accompanied by mission with the view that the electorate are the major determinant in every election regardless of its nature/level, rather than the usual alleged believe that the polls do not require the participation of the people for an election to take place, or be successful.

         

On their part, the electorate ought to comprehend that the future of this country lies in their bare hands by ensuring that they concentrate on the real visions of the respective aspirants instead of laying emphasis on his/her ethnic, social, political, or religious affiliation. They must endeavour to focus on the aspirant’s antecedents and background, contrary to the ongoing tradition where aspirants are scrutinized based on his affiliations.

          

In his words John Quincy Adams said, “Always vote for principle; though you may vote alone, but you shall live to cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” Also in his speech, Woody Allen stated, “We stand today at a crossroad: one path leads to despair and utter hopelessness while the other leads to total extinction. Let us hope we have the wisdom to make the right choice.”

            

The Independent National Electoral commission (INEC), which stands as the sole umpire for elections in Nigeria as well as the various states’ electoral commissions, should in their corporate capacities not attempt to compromise the confidence majority of Nigerians have in them. By acknowledging the fact that many Nigerians have become sceptical over the effectiveness of elections in Nigeria due to the porosity of the ones conducted in the past, it is therefore the responsibility of the INEC to prove to the doubtful electorate, beyond reasonable doubts, that subsequent elections in their respective jurisdictions would be the best of its kind in the history of the country. Such measure if taken seriously would help tremendously to eliminate the enormous apathy witnessed among the electorate.

         

As the world celebrates the World Day of Social Justice, there is need for all concerned, particularly electoral stakeholders such as the civil society, religious bodies and the mass media at all levels, to strengthen the ongoing awareness on the need to exercise free, fair and credible polls in the country. As regards this, we are expected to continually preach the gospel of “One man, one vote”, and the need for every Nigerian to participate actively at the polls.

         

We shouldn’t forget that, for us to actualize the future we dream of, all hands must surely be on deck; else, we will end up actualizing a goal we never wished to behold. To this end, I appeal to Imolites to always have the interest of the state at heart whenever they are prepared to cast their votes at the polls. We must note that if we failed to do the needful, we shall all live to exclaim “Had I known” which invariably comes at last. Think about it!

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ShortStory I You're mine

YOU ARE MINE

       She was obviously sociable and accommodating, though too sociable for his liking. He wasn’t discouraged by the flaw, opining that he could moderate it if they became friends. How he would address the outpouring idiosyncrasy wasn’t his headache at the moment, rather how to approach the damsel and disclose the nurtured interest – a gesture which was long overdue.

       The 35-year-old Tayo had been secretly admiring the young maiden since six weeks back he packed into the street. They both resided a few yards apart. Ever since he moved in, there was no evening – after his daily office work – he wouldn’t sit quietly and patiently at his flat balcony situated upstairs to watch her exchange views and pleasantries, as might be the case, with her neighbours and passersby respectively.

        Being an old and lively resident in the area, the lady in question who could best be described as pretty and jovial was very famous that no dweller could pass without recognizing her, so Tayo took advantage of the scenario regarding the ongoing unending moment of distant admiration. Funnily enough, he was yet to know her real name; he only heard people – friends and neighbours – call her all sorts of sobriquets in line with her visible beauty and level of sociability. Perhaps he was awaiting the right time, which was seemingly not forthcoming, to strike the deal.

       Days passed, Tayo was still waiting hopefully, although was yet to make even a slight move. The period of silence lingered unabated not until a close co-tenant of his came to share some intriguing views with him.

      “It seems you like that girl?” Kunle teased as he walked to him.

        The lady in focus was at the moment in her yard amid her fellow tenants and few relatives.

       “Which girl?” Tayo said while seated, shocked.

         Little did he know that someone had been keenly observing him all along.

       “Surprised?” Kunle whispered cheerily, sat in one of the plastic chairs cited within.

       “You haven’t answered my question.” quoth Tayo. “Which girl are you referring to?”

       “That omoge, of course.” He replied, stylishly pointing at the lady.

        Tayo sighed in false pretence. “Why do you think so?” he said.

       “Oh, you thought I have not been watching you?”

       “I don’t know what you are talking about.” He denied.

       “Common guy, open up.” The 37-year-old Kunle urged. “Who knows, I could be of help.” He thought aloud.

        Tayo was struck by the last clause. “Be of help?” he inquired. “How?”

        Kunle was an old resident and a married man too, so he had no reason to doubt him.

        “Of course.” Kunle clarified. “But only if you involve me.”

        “I just like that girl, I don’t know why.” He confessed hesitantly, quickly glanced at her afar.

        Kunle smiled. “Now you are talking.” He appreciated. “Nneka is a happening girl, so that wouldn’t be a problem at all.” He added.

       “Nneka?’ quoth the secret admirer. “Is that her name?”

       “Yes.”

       “She’s an Igbo girl?”

         Kunle nodded.

       “So, what did you mean by she’s a happening girl?”

       “She’s sociable, so you shouldn’t be thinking of how to commence the deal.”

       “But, how do I get her attention?”

       “That one na small thing.”

       “How do you mean?”

       “She’s close to my wife,” Kunle informed. “So, I would ask her to invite her home.”

        “Oh, that would be nice.’ Tayo concurred. “Thank you.”

        “Don’t thank me yet till the deal is done.”

        “But wait, are you sure she’s not dating any guy around here?”

        “She’s a very beautiful lady, so she might have a guy in her life.” Kunle asserted. “But that shouldn’t discourage you if you are really serious.”

       “You are right.”

       “Though, I have not seen her with any guy since I know her.” Kunle added, stood up.

       “Are you going out?”

       “Yes,” responded Kunle. “I want to see a friend along the street.” He notified, walked towards the staircase.

        The following two days, the proposed arrangement worked as planned, thus Tayo got hooked up with Nneka who happened to be in her late twenties. Barely three weeks on, they became best of friends that she could not spend a whole day without visiting him. Many who lived within were marveled the pace at which the intimacy metamorphosed. The most amazing part was that she had never accepted a friendship proposal from any man in the street until Tayo came into the picture; in other words, the dude thwarted her long-lived policy. This was the prime reason that kept people talking.

        However, as the affair proceeded, one thing kept bothering her; it was nothing but the ethnic divide involved. She knew her parents would never accept any marriage proposal from Tayo if he decided to settle down with her as her mother had already warned her to steer clear of the dude, but she (Nneka) had longed for such proposal. She lived with her parents, and none was happy with the relationship, unknowingly to the lover boy.

        In six months time, the anticipated moment came calling. Nneka wept bitterly as soon as the proposal was tendered by Tayo right in his living room.

       “Baby, why are you crying?” he inquired, thinking it was tears of joy. “I thought we have all longed for a moment like this?”

       “This will not work.” She hinted as she stood on the tiled floor.

       “What are you talking about?” he said, standing close to her. “What will not work?”

       “The marriage.” She informed unequivocally.

       “Why?” Kunle screamed. “I thought we loved each other?”

       “It’s not about us.”

       “About who then?”

       “My parents…” she disclosed, sobbed profusely.

        At this point, Tayo became aware of the scenario. “I see..” he murmured, nodding. “I want you to know that you are mine, and nobody can take you away from me.” He said, passionately looking into her eyes.  

        Afterwards, Tayo shared the overwhelming experience with his parents who were resident in the same city but in a different locality. Having been convinced that they were truly in love after Nneka’s series of visits to the parents, the couple conscientized them to pray over it, letting them realize that there was nothing God could not do. They both heeded the advice, thus embarked on rigorous fasting and prayer with the assistance of their spiritual director.

        Amid the fast, Nneka’s father sent for Tayo. The dude’s residence was a stone’s throw from hers, so responding to the invitation didn’t take long. That was the first time he would be in her place since they started dating.

        “You said you love my daughter?” he asked as they were all seated in the parlour.

        “Yes sir.” Tayo replied, shivered.

        “Me and my wife here,” he said, tapping his wife who sat closely to him. “Have agreed to accept your proposal, wholeheartedly.” He landed hesitantly.

        “Oh, daddy..!” Nneka exclaimed joyfully, hurriedly walked to the parents and hugged them.

         She was actually taken by surprise. They never disclose the purpose of the meeting to her.

         Tayo on his part was so astonished and overwhelmed. Therein, he knelt down and appreciated the would-be in-laws, stood up and went to his fiancée and hugged her affectionately. “I told you, you are mine.” He reminded elatedly.

         The reminder gushed out tears of joy from her eyes as she held him tightly right before her parents.

         The following two weeks, they tied the long awaited knot traditionally. Travelling from Lagos to Abia State where she hailed from was indeed a long journey; it suffices to say that the trip lasted for days.

   
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ShortStory I Rare Metamorphosis (II)

RARE METAMORPHOSIS (II)

       When they got to their destination at that ungodly hour, everywhere was tranquil until the caged Rottweiler chose to welcome its boss with a tenderly bark. Stanley, a well-to-do bachelor, lived alone in a separate well fenced three-bedroom bungalow.

        Initially, Rita was abruptly gripped by fear, but later summoned courage since it wasn’t the first time she would be with a stranger in such secluded apartment. “You live alone here?” she tendered the moment they stepped out of the newly painted Mazda 929.

       “Yes,” quoth Stanley. “Any problem?’

       “No.” she said, shaking her roundish head that bore gorgeously retouched hairs.

        The output of the supplied power was apparently up to 220Volt, thus the overall premises were awash with luminous fluorescence, thereby making the arena seemed a bit lively and accommodating. The duo majestically walked towards the lodge’s entrance; the host slightly led the walk. In a few seconds interval, they got to the door, which was made with an impeccable metal material, and within a twinkle of an eye it was let open with one of the keys in his hand. Wow, the interior - precisely the lounge room - was magnificently but decently decorated. As the guest stepped into it, she felt at home and couldn’t stop wondering what the dude did for a living. Therein, she presumably foresaw a hot mutual tango in his supposed sexy bed, although yet to catch the sight of the point in question.

        “Please, make yourself comfortable.” He requested, sat on one of the settees.

        “What are we doing here?” she queried still standing. “Let’s go to your room naow..”

        Apparently, she couldn’t wait to unfold all the styles she was good in. It had occurred to her that a second delay might lead to unforeseen crisis.

       “Relaxed,” Stanley urged. “Won’t you freshen up?” he asserted, paused. “Besides, have you eaten?”

        She was struck by his words. He sounded so caring and lovely; hence, she calmly sat adjacent to him, consequently dropped her bogus handbag right beside the chair. “Seriously, I am hungry.” She confessed, stylishly looking away.

        He smiled. Few seconds on, he stood up and took a walk toward his cookery, never minded he was yet to undress his cute blue caftan.

       “So, he cooks too?” she thought, filled with amazement.

        Some minutes later, he returned with a plate of stewed white rice, and served her. “You were supposed to shower before the meal.” He asserted. “But, I noticed you are very hungry.”   

        She had been yawning all through since they entered the house, so an exegesis was needless. But the fascinating aspect of the scenario was that she was still eager to unleash her romantic prowess amidst the ravaging hunger.

        “Thanks for the meal,” she appreciated. “But, I don’t think the shower would be necessary.”

       “Why..?”

       “I took my bath before I left home this night.”

       “Home...?” he subconsciously said.

         To him, Rita was nothing but a harlot who wasn’t an affiliate of any home. He was of the view that she resided in the brothel where he picked her.

        “Ya, my lodge.” She responded notwithstanding the suddenness of the inquiry.

        “Well, never mind.” He pleaded. “I was carried away.” He added, resumed his seat.

        She dished out a dazzling smile as she recalled his antics thus far, and then began to devour the food which was accompanied with a glass of chilled water.

       “Please excuse me,” he said, stood up. “I need to freshen up.”

       “Alright.” She concurred.

       “Don’t forget, you still need to take a bath.” He reminded as he walked away.

        She smiled, kept taking care of the good-looking meal.

        About twenty minutes on, approximately at 12:04 midnight, both parties were done with the preliminaries, hence, were already in the bed which she couldn’t wait to embrace.

       “My money.” Rita requested, opening her left palm towards him as they separately sat on the bed.

       She was obviously abiding by the rules of the trade which didn’t tolerate payment in arrears. She was ostensibly ready to offer him the best of her wares only if he stuck to the rules.

       “Which money?” he verified albeit ignorantly.

       “Payment before service.” She informed, still kept her palm widely open.

        To her, that wasn’t an information, rather, a reminder. Of course, if the dude had been in the game, he needed not be told the general principle guiding every ‘professional’ whore.

        Stanley smiled, went to his bed drawer, brought out fifteen thousand naira (#15,000) and handed it over to her.

        “Deal!” she exclaimed, dipped the cash into her handbag that was kept beside the bed. “Now, I am all yours.” She announced cheerfully.

        They both went to bed. It was a family-sized bed, so there was enormous space for the awaited tango. Ironically, till 4:00am, Stanley was still stagnant, never cared to have his own share of the deal.

        “Why are you not moved?” Rita observed. “For your information, I am leaving by five.” She said, paused. “I can’t stay here till daybreak.”

        “Honestly, I am not in the mood.” He notified as he lay on his back.

         She hastily looked at his shorts, which he was only putting on; his cucumber appeared so docile. “How do you mean?” she said, surprised.

        “You see,” quoth Stanley. “From the moment I met you at that chalet, I understood you are different.”

         She was shocked. “How?” she managed to utter.

        “Yes, everything about you is different.” Stanley rode on. “You don’t talk like a prostitute.” He observed, took a breath. “I don’t think this is where you belong.”

         She was attentive, filled with goose bumps.

        “Please tell me,” he said. “Who are you?”

          She involuntarily began to weep.

         “You are crying?” he said, deeply confused. “Why are you crying?”

        “I am a final year student of Adape State University.” she informed amid the sobs as she equally lay on her back. “I am studying Public Administration.” She added in a jiffy.

        “Wha…t?” Stanley screamed, raised his head from the bed and looked fiercely into her eyes. “So, what led you into this?” he inquired curiously.

       “My friend, Kate.” She revealed hesitantly.

        The one I saw with you yester-night?”

        She nodded, still gasping for air.

       “Why?” he said. “I mean, how?” He added, gesticulating.

         Kate who was her schoolmate lured her into the trade few months back. Ordinarily, Rita had no reason to flirt let alone emerging as an institutional harlot, because, financially she was lacking nothing as a student and she hailed from a very decent home. Right in the bedroom, she renounced the profession in respect of Stanley’s importunate request.

         The 38-year-old bachelor had been rummaging for a marriageable lady, and therein, intriguingly, it occurred to him that he had found one. It would interest you to note that the previous day was actually the first time he would patronize a brothel; he was never addicted to such lifestyle.

         Afterwards, they started dating. Eleven weeks on, they got married. Prior to the wedding, Stanley never disclosed to anyone, not even his parents, how he met Rita. They kept the secret to themselves.  
Fascinatingly, Kate was the chief bridesmaid of the epochal occasion; she had as well repented. The happy marriage was thereafter blessed with children.

         If you were in Stanley’s shoes, would you have taken Rita to the altar? Think about it!

** The End **      

               

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