Fred Nwaozor's CV

 

CURRICULUM VITAE

 

                                                         NWAOZOR, FRED DOC NDU

ORU EAST L.G.A, IMO STATE

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                                                   #31 Old Okigwe Road, Owerri, Imo State
                                                              +234-8028608056
                                                          frednwaozor@gmail.com

______________________________________________________________________________

 

OBJECTIVE: To strive for excellence and precision at all times, in all positions and circumstances, attaining professional distinction and proficiency.

 

EDUCATIONAL

QUALIFICATIONS:        * Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Imo State

                                            B.Tech (Hons) Physics/Electronics                                                  2008

 

                                         *KarROX Computer Education & Training Institute

                                            for Info Tech, Owerri, Imo State

                                            Certificate in Network Engineering/Administration                  2010                                                                          

 

                                          *Goshen Computer & FOREX Institute, Owerri

                                             (In affiliation to University of Port-Harcourt)

                                              Certificate in MS-Office Suite                                                       2010

 

                                          *Quest Taid International Ltd., Nigeria

                                             Certificate in Multimedia, Web Design, Graphics

                                              and Animation                                                                                 2010

 

 

                                          *State High School Oyewole, Agege, Lagos State

                                             Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE)                               2002

 

                                           *Santana Nursery/Primary (Boarding) School

                                              Awo-Omamma, Imo State

                                              First School Leaving Certificate                                                   1995

 

 

 

FINAL YEAR PROJECT:    Design, Construction and Testing of an                                   

      (RESEARCH)                Electronic Power Inverter (EPI)                                                      2008

 

 

WORK

EXPERIENCE:  *Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Abuja          

                            Guest Writer/Commentator                                                            2013 - Date                                  

                    

                          *New Telegraph Newspaper, Nigeria

                            Columnist on Short Stories                                                                         2014 - Date                        

 

                          *Authority Newspaper, Nigeria

                            Columnist on Political/Current Affairs (Cover Page)                   2015 – Date

 

                          *Business Day Newspaper, Nigeria

                             Guest Columnist on ICT & Technology                                          2015 - 2017

       

                           *White-Paper Newspaper, Owerri, Imo State

                              Columnist on Public Affairs                                                             2010 - Date 

 

                          *Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba

                            Guest Writer/Analyst                                                                         2015 - 2017

                       

                          * The Pointer Newspaper, Asaba, Delta State

                             Freelance Writer/Analyst                                                                 2015 - 2017

                       

                          *Oru East Local Government Council, Imo State

                             Chief Press Secretary to the Transition Committee

                             (TC) Chairman                                                                                    2014 – 2015

 

                          *Imo State Civil Guard Corps, Owerri, Imo State

                            Senior Special Assistant (SSA) On Media and Public Affairs

                            to the Commandant General                                                           2014 - 2016

                         

                           *Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA)

v  Special Adviser on Media and Publicity

                                            to the General Manager                                                    2016 – 2017

v  Media Officer                                                                        2017 - Date

 

                          *Rostrum Magazine / Fred Nwaozor’s Blog

                            (http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com)

                             Online Publisher / Blogger                                                              2013 – Date

 

                          *Docfred Resource Hub (DRH), Owerri

                             Executive Director                                                                              2013 - Date

 

                          *The Punch, Guardian, Sun and Nation Newspapers

                              Guest Writer on Political/Public Affairs                                      2014 - Date                                      

 

                           *National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)                                       

v  Ministry of Power & Energy, Asaba, Delta State

v  Asagba Secondary School, Asaba, Delta State.          2014/2015  

                        

                           *Radio Nigeria Owerri, Imo State (Heartland FM)

                             Guest Writer/Contributor                                                              2010 - Date

                    

                          * Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), Owerri

                             Guest Writer/Contributor                                                              2007 - Date

                          

                          * Benjamin Franklin College, Awo-Omamma, Imo

                             Guest Tutor on Mathematics & Further Mathematics            2009                                                                                          

                           

                           * Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), Owerri

                               (FM-Studios, Engineering Dept)

                               Industrial Trainee                                                                          2007

 

PUBLICATIONS/

COMPILATIONS:  * The Dreadful Drumbeat; Drama  ( In view)                            2007-‘09

                                * Expensive Expedient; prose            (   “   )                               2008/09

                                * Horrible Hut; prose                          (  “    )                                2009

                                * Real Repentance; prose                  (  “    )                                2009

                                * Pronounced Projectile; prose        (   “   )                                2010

                                * Stained Stewardship; prose           (  “    )                                2010

                                * Tunes for Tuners; poetry                (  “    )                                2009

                                * Solos in Solitude; poetry                (  “    )                                 2010

                                * Scenic Scenarios                           (Published)                           2013

                                * Politics And The Universe              (  “    )                                  2009

                                * The Power of Language                 (  “   )                                   2010

                                    (Author: Fred Nwaozor)

 

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS:   * Member, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)

                              *National Executive Council (NEC) Member, FUTO Alumni Association    
                                 (FUTOAA), and Secretary, Owerri Chapter

                              *Chairman, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri

 

 

ACADEMIC

AFFILIATIONS:   Regular contributor to:

                            *International Journal of Engineering & Science Invention (IJESI)

                            *International Journal of Engineering Research & Applications (IJERA)

                            *International Journal of Modern Engineering Research (IJMER)

                            *Quest Journals Inc.

                            *Int’l Organization of Scientific Research - Journal of Engineering (IOSR-JEN)

                            *International Journal of Engineering & Science (IJES)

                            *American Journal of Engineering Research (AJER); among others.

                                                                  

SOCIAL

AFFILIATIONS:   *Member, Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS)

                             *Member, Rotary International (RI)

                             *Founder / Pioneer General Coordinator, Oru Youths

                                Platform (OYOPLA)

                             *Founder / Pioneer President General, Imo Fans

                               Fortress (IMOFAF)

                             *Founder / National Coordinator, Right Thinkers (RT)

 

Hobbies:             *Reading, Researching, Solving Mathematics, Listening to

                               good music, and Travelling. 

 

Referees:      *Prof. F.C. Eze

                       The Vice-Chancellor,

                       Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO),

                       Owerri, Imo State.

                       eze_fc@yahoo.com

                      

                      *Assoc. Prof. S. I. J. Onwusonye

                        Head of Department,

                        Department of Quantity Surveying,

                        Imo State University (IMSU),

                        Owerri, Imo State.

                        samuelonwusonye@gmail.com

                                           

                      

                                                                         

Evil men do

THE EVIL THAT MEN DO


In Chemistry, a certain term is known as “covalent bond”. In Biology, similar phenomenon is being tagged as “symbiotic relationship”. In sociology, you may see it as “mutual mingling”. But I call it interdependent coexistence. Summarily, they are all talking about the relationship between two or more persons/things in which they benefit from each other.

Since my adolescent stage, I’ve been asking myself one certain question and the question which may seem rhetorical remains, where is the human race actually heading to; or why was it meant to exist? To some of us who are very close to the holy writ, we may reply that we were mandated by the “Almighty” to go into the world and multiply which is the paramount reason for our existence. Then after multiplication through sexual reproduction, what next; in other words, having multiplied ourselves, what is expected of us or where are we meant/supposed to head to? Question yet to be answered by anyone, not even myself. Notwithstanding, I’m not really eager to have the answer but I think we ought to find out the fact behind it in order to save us some necessary urge which may lead to unnecessary tribulation.

Few days ago, a good friend of mine happened to submit the bitter side of his observation over the Nigerian society when I was spending my leisure time with him at one of the relaxation centres in Owerri metropolis. He told me that the recent craze for wealth among Nigerians was really becoming crazy. He proceeded by telling me that if adequate measure is not taken, such societal cankerworm may lead to mayhem. Honestly, his candid comments ushered me into a prolonged state of meditation.

Brethren, we’re discussing or about to discuss the evil that men do. The BBC English dictionary defined evil as “all the wicked and bad things that happen in the world”. On the other hand, the Oxford concise English dictionary described it as “something harmful or undesirable”. In my humble language, I put it as a sacrilegious act. Or, extremely wicked and immoral behaviour. It would be inconsequential to give you an instance of an evil act because irrespective of our ages, we’re no longer unfamiliar with the term “evil” which remains a very popular word in our everyday activity. Thus, evil is not unconnected with the wholesome human race.

The popular citation that says, “The evil that men do lives after them” has been opium of the masses in respect to the ongoing sacrilegious act which cannot be over-emphasized. Despite that shocking citation, the actors of such loathsome act has chosen to remain deaf ear. But I must tell you unequivocally; if I happen to be among those who do evil, I’ll as well be deaf ear to such citation since the negative consequence or nemesis of my evil deed will not affect me directly. Rather, stands to catch up with my offspring as it’s cited in the quotation. Yes, any evil man does not have a living conscience, therefore would never be mindful of the pains to be incurred by those coming after him/her as a result of his/her evil deed.

Many have been analyzing and as well lamenting on this lingering inhuman phenomenon known as evil. The more meditative ones in the midst of the analyst have succeeded in coming up with the question which reads, “Why do people commit evil?” I put it up to you that, in some persons, evil are inborn. And such set of people do not have any reason for any evil they must had committed, rather they do it for pleasure sake. In other words, they will seize to be happy if they don’t indulge in an evil act for a whole day. Apart from this set of people, many others commit evil due to rivalry, jealousy/envy, and craze for wealth/power or fame just to mention a few.

But for whatsoever reason one commits evil, always bear it in mind that there’s no evil person that lives happily. No evil-doer is at peace with him/herself. In other words, the law of karma is still valid. There is no two ways about it. Therefore, the evil that men do lives with them, but not after them as we presume. Apparently, evil and it doers are coexisting interdependently. Think about it!



FDN NWAOZOR

___________________

Social analyst & activist

The doomed churches

THE DOOMED CHURCHES AND THEIR FALSE PROPHESIES


Brethren, it amuses my humble cerebrum each time I realize that many still believe that the sky is the limit of any upward target. Similarly, it beats my psyche whenever I see any fellow who believes that he/she owns or can control the universe.

Maybe you don’t comprehend my insinuation; so let’s have it this way. The last time I checked, I thoroughly understood that millions of Nigerians were yet to acknowledge the true meaning of supremacy. In the same vein, I also realized that many were yet to know that their origin or lineage can only be traced to a certain superior being.

Two weeks ago, a childhood fellow called from Lagos State over the telephone to register his grievances towards some lackadaisical attitudes being displayed by most Nigerian leaders or political office holders. In his preamble, he frankly told me that Nigeria was still sleeping. It was an amusing but challenging preface. Honestly, going by the manner in which he came up with the introduction, it was as if he was seeing Fred Nwaozor as the Nigeria in question. So I urged him to expatiate in an elementary language with the excuse that I had a very stressful day therefore my brain was not meant to function adequately. He proceeded by telling me that if a country like Nigeria was yet to understand democracy or yet to define the term in a language that everyone would understand, apparently she was still day-dreaming. At this juncture, I needed not a prophet, be it false or true to interpret to me that my dear friend was penalizing the political leaders in his God given heart. Who was I to tell the poor man that he was not making sense since every cry must have a cause or an origin.

Lest I forget, we’re discussing or about to discuss the doomed churches and their false prophesies. Before I accepted this topic, I sought for my usual immunity from He who sent me because I knew I was bound to face some challenges or consequences the moment I agreed to write on it. Since my immunity is assured, so He in me is far greater than he that is in the world. Thus, the Lord is good!

Quite alright, many have taken into institutional crime but the worst of it is the idea of establishing religious institutions that do not worth it. It doesn’t just beats my psyche but makes me go crazy each time I realize that many mistake the benevolent attitude of the supremacy to a foolish gesture. On the other hand, I often feel dizzy whenever I come across people living with shallow or minute brains. My observation does not call for any alarm because it’s a fact.

Yes, many have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But it’s extremely disgusting to see many as not just sinners but sin producers/manufacturers. God please kindly forgive your poor child if he has judged his fellow mankind, though I strongly believe that I’m communicating as one of your apostles. In other words, I was well ordained by you to do this job.

But if I must analyze, I shouldn’t be disproved in any way because truly men have derailed greatly. If not, why should someone or a mere mortal wake up one morning and sees him/herself as the supremacy; why should my fellow soul assume to be the creator of other souls? This lingering mentality amongst most men has constituted the emergence of several religious outlets in the name of churches, ministries, chapels as the case may be found all over the nooks and crannies in our society. Surely, all crimes are blasphemous but this very one is beyond blasphemy therefore ought not to be seen as a mere crime but a sacrilege.

The issue is not just causing a church/ministry to exist but the high rate of false prophesies attached to it remain the bone of contention. For those of you who are not myopic when it calls for observing the society plight, you will agree with me that the origin/genesis of most divided homes today could be attributed to false prophesy. For instance, a so-called prophet or reverend would walk up to one of the brethren in his congregation and tell him/her that one of his/her brothers or sisters is the sole cause of his/her predicament. So many other similar cases have been taking place in most of these prison yards known as “churches or ministries” found in our blessed society. Beloved, is not just false prophesy, but the rate of rape, murder and other numerous atrocities or social vices allegedly indulge by these “men of God” on a daily basis have remained the order of the day.

Should we continue to be silent, or should we remain dumbfounded or astonished till the whole of our houses/homes would be turned to places of doom. Isn’t it enough; or isn’t a word enough for the wise? Think about it!



____________________

    FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist

Sustenance of a neighbour

SUSTENANCE OF A NEIGHBOUR IN OUR EVERYDAY LIFE


Brethren, from my humble perspective, the three priorities of life remain the following: first and foremost, acknowledging your creator. Secondly, discovering and awakening your potential. And thirdly, adoring your conscience. Remember, every opinion is bound to be challenged or criticized by any concerned individual/group, likewise mine. But, that’s by the way.

In a clearer tone, I wish to state here in a different language the three priorities of life. First; you must understand that you were created by a supreme being. Second; you ought to find out those things you can fit in or those talents you possess and see how you can develop them for the betterment of yourself and the people around you. Third; you must not despise/betray or try to hurt that part of your mind that differentiates the right from the wrong as you stride towards actualizing your dream or developing your talent on a daily basis.

On Saturday, 4th of May to be precise, having concluded the unusual morning chores in my place of residence, I felt like one who fought a lion. But thank God, surprisingly someone came from behind in my neighbourhood to rescue me. I wouldn’t disclose the gender of that fellow but the sole fact or bone of contention remains that I was rescued by a good Samaritan. It isn’t a joke; though it could be amusing. Yes, it’s not a paradox. Let’s ignore the digression and face the business of the day.

Beloved, we’re discussing the sustenance of a neighbour in our everyday activity. To begin with, who’s a neighbour? In a concise term, a neighbour is he who lives, sits or stands near you. Don’t forget, “he” as mentioned above represents both genders.

Having registered the above definition, now the question becomes; who is your neighbour? Let’s save ourselves from the suspense. Your neighbour is that person that lives in your neighbourhood. Your neighbour is also that fellow that sits close to you or works with you at your place of work. More so, your neighbour is that person that walks or runs with you in any professional or casual setting.

Since we have noted these facts, I want us to acknowledge that we can’t do or stride successfully without our respective neighbours. This is why the holy writ advises us to love our neighbours as ourselves. That is, we should cherish our neighbours just as we do cherish/adore ourselves. Thus, your neighbours are expected to be seen or regarded as more important than your relatives provided your relatives are not residing with or living close to you.

On the contrary, in spite of the enormous importance attached to having a neighbour, most individuals/groups have greatly abused the phenomenon. People no longer regard their neighbours. Most times they end up seeing them as disturbances or hindrance to their future pursuit.

In analyzing the anomalies observe in the issue of neighbourhood, the false prophets or the doomed churches cannot be left aside. The aforementioned religious institutions or officers have separated most household and/or neighbours in the name of “That person living next to you is behind your misfortune”.

At this juncture, I put it up to you that one without a neighbour or anyone who cannot boast of any neighbour(s) is just like a tree or vegetative plant without a root, either fibrous or tap. In other words, everyone requires a neighbour in his/her everyday activity/life.

In Igbo land, there are some worthwhile idiomatic expressions being cited on a daily basis such as, “Mmadu bu chi ibe ya” and, “Nwanne di na mba”. Meaning; your fellow human being stands as your god and, a relative could be found in abroad where none of your blood relations lives respectively. Truly, your friend or neighbour could be the only god you see/know at a given circumstance. On the other hand, in a certain place/locality where no member of your household lives, there is possible tendency of discovering one (a neighbour/friend) who could show you love more than any of them does.

Honestly, we must all stride to make our neighbour(s) happy irrespective of the circumstance. I bet you, towards maintaining or observing the three priorities of life as stated in the first paragraph, the services of a neighbour/friend must be required. Think about it!



_____________________

FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist

Payment of gratuity & pension

PAYMENT OF GRATUITY AND PENSION IN NIGERIA


Brethren, “there are dangers in men’s smile” as it was cited by William Shakespeare. Even as the world over and beyond celebrates and would continue to celebrate the late literary giant, Prof. Chinua Achebe for his unquantifiable contribution towards the global academic growth and promotion, there are many who are yet to know that someone of his kind once came into existence; just as various entities or individuals in the Nigerian South-Eastern region are yet to acknowledge the fact that the late Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu had an exemplary vision towards the emancipation of the Igbo nation which was marginalized. The aforementioned idiosyncrasy or phenomenon is not barbaric; thus, it doesn’t sound crazy, rather, it’s natural. Meanwhile, let’s ride on!

Penultimate week, I coincidentally ran into a young man who happened to be one of my university friends and classmates at one of the relaxation points in Ehime Mbano L.G.A, Imo State. As we were embracing our impromptu get-together, the welcome speech of the man who has known me as an activist right from our school days was that, Nigeria was still in comatose state. In spite of the cruelty, without being asked to expatiate while I was still in my pensive mood, he proceeded by saying that the nation would soon collapse if drastic measure was not taken. Though the preface coupled with the body of his candid speech was so harsh, but it wasn’t thoroughly shocking to me because I’ve come to realize that at recent time virtually every Nigerian youth is aggrieved. Please don’t ask me why.

Besides, our topic of the day is payment of gratuity and pension in the Nigerian society. Gratuity, according to the context of this humble edition, is a large gift/amount of money given to someone when he/she leaves his/her employment or after his/her retirement. In the same vein, pension is a regular sum of money given to someone to serve as an entitlement as a result of his/her retirement, old age, loss of a marriage partner or disability as the case may be.

Going by the definition of the latter, you will find out that apart from a retiree anybody could be entitled or be a beneficiary to pension provided that he/she is less-privileged. Such routine is being adhered to in most civilized/advance countries in the world. In Ireland for instance, there’s a place created by the government which is known as “the old people’s home”. In such home, the old men and women ranging from seventy (70) are being kept and properly catered for. But in Nigeria, the government is only concerned with the retirees; still, the retirees constantly cry out for such entitlement. Considering this aspect of the Nigerian society, what stops a typical or an average Nigerian youth whom I’ve known for decades to be restive from boldly saying that “Nigeria is still in comatose state” as it was cited by my beloved friend and fan.

Not just the pension. What about the gratuity that someone is meant to go home with as soon as he retires or vacates his office for his home having served the country meritoriously for several years. As a worker goes home after retirement, his journey back home ought to be accompanied with his gratuity. He worked for it, thus it’s his entitlement. Therefore, he is not expected to beg for it. Q.E.D.

As an analyst, I know there is a way out of this consistently occurring ugly scenario. Since most of the officers in charge of payment of gratuity and pension have cultivated the disgusting habit of running away with our money thereby enriching their respective bank accounts, then we don’t need a prophet to tell us that the remedy to our sleepless nights lies in our precious hands. Let the concerned political office holders understand that the entire citizenry has become used to these reoccurring cock and bull stories being witnessed on a daily basis.

If I may ask, what is actually wrong with our psyche; are we under a kind of spell or something? If yes, then let’s go for thorough deliverance so that we would be totally free from this social and economic mayhem.



But frankly speaking brethren, if properly checked, we will discover that in the midst of several smiles lies a deceit. Truly, there are dangers in men’s smile. Think about it!





COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist

____________________

+2348099250401

Misuse of Godfatherism

NIGERIAN POLITICIANS AND MISUSE OF GODFATHERISM

Brethren, when you say that someone is a mistake, don’t forget that you are actually saying that God made a mistake. Apparently, if you dispute what God created, then you must be ready to absorb the rot that awaits such grievous blasphemous act.

Let’s come down to this level. If you’re yet to acknowledge the fact that the Supreme Being does not make mistakes and shall never make attempt to, then it’s high time you did. Most times, even some of us who understand this fact very well end up being skeptical over nature’s ability by displaying pathetic attitudes that identify them as ignoramuses.

Barely three days ago, someone who happens to be my bosom friend who was sitting right beside me in a political gathering that took place in one of the localities in Rivers State whispered to my humble ear that most of the Nigerian politicians were paradoxes. It ushered in a shock though I stood my ground because prior to that low toned exclamation, I was really in my usual pensive mood. I stood my ground because my senses perceived the message as a polite shock. Yes it was polite because as an analyst, such bitter utterance from the populace was no longer news to my person. Similar utterances I have came across since I know myself as an activist have run into millions, if not billions. Notwithstanding, I still urged the poor fellow to expatiate his view. He further told me that if I was yet to realize that this set of people always contradict themselves whilst dishing out their speeches, then it appeared that I was still sleeping and needed to wake up as a matter of urgency. He said, “If at the long run these people can see their godfathers as a mistake in their political career, then they should be seen as biased men.” At this point, I smiled tentatively having understood where he was actually coming from.

We are discussing the misuse of godfatherism by most Nigerian politicians. To commence with, who’s a godfather? Based on the context of this edition, a godfather is a person or a male superior who directs his junior colleague(s) or beneficiary on how to succeed in life, or in his/her career. We also have a godmother but in this edition, “godfather” stands for both. This means, the aforementioned superior could be a male or a female. Let’s ride on!

Frankly speaking, godfatherism is as old as the world, if not older. Such phenomenon began with God, who stood as a mentor to Adam the first mortal man on earth, though he (Adam) derailed. Christ also followed suit by acting as a godfather throughout His stay or companionship with His twelve disciples, though Judas Iscariot derailed. In other words, godfatherism is a divine and worthwhile phenomenon. It is found in all areas of life or any career in existence. It’s a pathway or scenario instituted by God Himself.

In the religious sector for instance; taking Christianity as a case study, we will discover that any child begotten by any couple must be linked / affiliated to a certain godfather or godmother, as the case may be. The godparent who would be chosen by the biological parents must be someone who they believe would help in bringing up their child in a God-fearing way.

In the political setting also, we have godfathers and it’s quite encouraging because someone must direct you to your success room. Honestly, you must need a coach. It’s a fact. Yes, a fancy fact! A certain Igbo adage which I usually cite says, “Mmadu bu chi ibe ya.” Meaning; one stands as a god to his/her fellow human being. But it’s really disgusting to see most politicians regarding their godfathers who ought to have led them well to their respective success rooms as a mistake they initiated in their political career, thereby resulting to these uncontrolled cacophonies witnessed in all the nooks and crannies.

Surely, there must be misunderstanding in our relationship with others because we’re not the same, but it shouldn’t call for unnecessary mayhem. Yes, some of these bickering do not really worth it.

Brethren, we are bound to comprehend that godfatherism is truly a worthwhile phenomenon, therefore ought to be embraced with absolute wisdom. We shouldn’t bite the fingers that fed us because God never made a mistake making us to be privileged to possess those fingers. Don’t forget, there are many who were not privileged to have such part(s) of the body. Think about it!



____________________

FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist

Man & Religion

MAN AND RELIGION: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT!


In certain contexts, even seemingly innocuous words are taken to be offensive which could make the surroundings to be insalubrious. Notwithstanding, we the analysts shall continue to think in the right direction towards the societal innovation.

From my humble view, irrespective of our ages, everyone belongs to or is affiliated to a certain institution. For instance, a new born-baby is a member of an institution widely known as “Family”. Likewise every other babies or kids. Most times, a kid could be a member of various institutions respective of his/her family background. In other words, an institution/institute is as old as man; if not older. But one fact we must comprehend is that some institution supersede others due to their nature or validity.

Few days ago, one of my childhood friends called from Abuja to inform me that he would soon join that institution that seems to be everlasting. He further told me that he had already picked his membership form and was ready to return the completed form in two weeks time. I understood where he was coming from because it was no longer news that marriage has been seen and regarded as an everlasting institution; or in other words, an institution that is bound to last for eternity. Having known that my friend is a Christian, Catholic precisely; after all other necessary questions, I asked him of which religion/denomination the lady in question belongs to. And he sincerely told me that the issue of religious faith has been a barrier ever since he started planning towards the marriage. At this juncture, I became confused, and biased too. In order to clear the air, he said that the lady is a member of the Jehovah Witness, likewise every other members of her family. According to him, her parents had earlier vowed that none of their daughters would get married to a man of another denomination. Though after all necessary persuasion from members of the extended family, they succumbed to his marriage proposal but insisted that their daughter who happens to be his fiancée must be wedded in their church. What an aberration!

Brethren, we are discussing man and religion. In a concise manner, religion is a belief in a god or gods and the activities connected with this belief.

There are so many branches/kinds of religions in existence, of which Christianity is one of them. According to my Christian Religious Studies (C.R.S) teacher during our days in Secondary School, every Christian believes in Christ or that Jesus Christ actually came to the world and died for our sins. Let’s ride on!

If truly that all the Christians believe in Christ irrespective of our denomination, then what is actually the dichotomy. Or in other words, what is the origin of all these bickering; is it the style of worship or the nature of the doctrines? This is a case study we all must endeavour to consider for the interest of humanity.

Come to think of it, even if the Muslims don’t believe in Christ, who says their faith does not lie in the same God that of the Christians lies? Despite my religious affiliation, I have personally taken time to digest the holy Quran. And I understood that the content is similar to that of the holy Bible. But the most tangible difference is that they misplaced Christ with Mohammed and that has to do with their understanding or acknowledgement. But the only fact remains that, they also believe that God exists just as the Christians do.

Even the Pagans believe that God exists. Have you ever taken time to be around them during their moment of incantation? In Igbo land, you would hear them say, “Obasi bi na elu”. This means, the God that lives in heaven.

More so, after all the tantrums and pandemonium, the philosophers finally agreed that truly God exists. Then ask yourself, who are the philosophers? A very complicated question indeed, though it has an answer.

At this point, I put it up to you that every religious institution believes that God exists. The fact is that some of them willingly or unwillingly chose to be rebels. Our predicament remains misinterpretation. We interpret God’s existence or supremacy in a way that it would suit our respective religious faiths or institutions which is extremely abnormal. We must go back to the drawing board and sincerely ask ourselves some certain sensitive questions such as, who’s God and how do mankind belongs to Him? Else, this crazed behavior would cost us an unbearable mayhem.

Honestly brethren, we are really abusing this worthwhile institution known as “Religion” which remains the nucleus of mankind’s existence instituted by God Himself. We must learn to do this thing right. Above all, we ought to understand that we’re one regardless of our religious affiliations. Think about it!



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FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist