Alarming Rate Of Rape In Nigeria (Aired Viewpoint)

CHECKING THE ALARMING RATE OF RAPE IN NIGERIA

      

It is no longer news that mankind is passing through the twenty first (21^st) century. In other words, every society existing in this lovely universe has embraced or is almost close to a civilized state. But the worrying question that accompanies this fact is: does civilization constitutes a high rate of social-vices?

In recent times, the increasing rate of rape has remained the order of the day as well as a fathomless societal cankerworm in the Nigerian society. And the implementation of a finite and drastic measure as regards its eradication seems like a mirage.

Rape, in a precise tense, is an act in which a man indulges a female human into sex forcedly or against her wish. In the same vein, a rapist is a man or a male human who rapes or has raped a female human.

Over the years, rape cases have been occurring uncontrollably across the country. Currently, the incidence has been lingering in such a dirty manner that it has warranted many concerned individuals or institutions to insinuate that the country was dedicated to the men of the underworlds by our fore-fathers. Suffice to say, the onlookers or members of this lovely rostrum fiercely attacked by these deadly bed bugs have been ushered to a state of imbroglio or conundrum.

Rape could take place indoors or outdoors based on the relationship between the two parties involved. The former happens between a female and a false male lover which often takes place out of seduction via intake of alcoholic/drugged drink, initiation of oral sex, et cetera.

Whilst the latter often takes place between the victim of circumstance and a group of men/boys, and usually at night. In this mode, the victim would be dragged or forcedly carried to a near-by bush or an uncompleted building by the group in order to embrace privacy.

Sometimes rape occurs as a result of the environment the two parties found themselves. For instance, some months ago, one of the national daily Newspapers reported that a certain married woman was allegedly raped at night in the police cell at one of the cities in Delta State by her cellmate who happened to be a man at the age of 22. The news was so shocking and extremely disgusting.

Subsequently several questions emerged from this disheartening information. And the summary of the questions was: on what ground or circumstance would a woman be kept in the same cell with a fellow of an opposite sex to the extent of allowing them to pass a night together?

Analysts are of the view that rape is attributed to several misfortunes including mental disorder/imbalance, immoral dressing, ignorance, intake of alcoholic drinks or hard drugs, deceit and curse which could be grouped into medical, social and spiritual syndromes.

Someone who is suffering from a certain mental disease and not kept under lock and key or any guard is no doubt a societal menace, thus may end up indulging in several social vices such as rape.

A lady who dresses half-nakedly is liable to the wrath of rape as a result of sexual seduction she might ignorantly showcase. Most ladies who indulge in such act do so to attract the attention of the public, unknowingly to them that such practice may beget evil thereby ruining their lives.

Men who cannot live without alcoholic drinks or hard drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, Indian helm, to mention but a few, would always think of, as well as go for something evil such as rape, with the view that it is a pleasurable activity.

More so, several men who are in a certain so called love-affair are usually fond of deceiving their partners through presentation of expensive gifts and/or dishing out emotional eulogies, romantic speeches among other falsehoods which would make them appear extremely affectionate and unique just to actualize their selfish interest. At the long run, he would end up sleeping with the lady/girl in question, which could be against her wish or faith. And most times, the ladies seem so lousy or careless that they can’t differentiate between the real and fake ones, even when the handwriting is boldly and clearly written on the wall.

Above all; someone who has been placed under a certain spell in subsequent to an evil deed he committed in the past, may see rape as an occupation. The members of this group usually indulge in incest.

The legislators have a very vital role to play towards eradicating this sacrilegious act. They ought to enact a law that shall bear a capital punishment such as sentencing anyone found guilty of such loathsome and bastardly act to life imprisonment or any other grievous penalty. Another law should also be enacted stating that any lady caught outside her home or place of residence clad in any immoral wear would be arrested, prosecuted by a mobile court and asked to pay a huge amount of money as fine if found guilty. The last but not the least of the laws should be on how to address the illegal sales and consumption of alcoholic drinks and hard drugs which has proliferated intensely in our noble society.

Secondly, the government should constantly ensure that any individual suffering from any form of mental imbalance is caught and taken to a special psychiatric home, duly treated and catered for. On this note, people must endeavour to report any person suffering from such illness to the appropriate quarters/agency.

Thirdly, the religious organizations are not left out. They should ascertain from members of their congregations whosoever that is suspected to be passing through any spiritual attack or any kind of curse in order to be placed on a special deliverance.

Fourthly, the civil societies and other stakeholders should on charitable basis from time-to-time sponsor seminars and workshops with the object of sensitizing and sanitizing the minds of the youth on rape and other social vices. 

Also, the police authority and other concerned bodies or individuals ought to ensure that on no account or circumstance should inmates that are of opposite sex be kept in the same cell.

Among all, we must always endeavour to tell ourselves nothing but the truth. The men folks should stay away from deceit because it’s highly blasphemous, and it maims and kills too. Learn to tell your beloved partner the gospel truth and always remember that pre-marital sex is nothing but evil.

In addition, our ladies should also be extremely careful and socially conscious of whatever they do at all times. They should first and foremost be aware of what they really want before going for it. They are, as a matter of fact, expected to know virtually everything about whosoever that happens to be their partner in any area of life. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived.

On the other hand; the actors of this evil act should also realize that, they are inviting the wrath of God which may lead them to a state of doom and could be deadly if they fail to embrace real repentance.

Frankly, no one is expected to be insouciant over any thrive regarding the eradication of this aberration that is putting the lives of millions of our innocent women/ladies in state of jeopardy. Therefore everyone is meant to be grief-stricken and act accordingly. We must work assiduously as well as fight tremendously to ensure that this barbaric incidence becomes a thing of the past.

 

 

           FDN NWAOZOR

Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist

__________________________________

              +2348028608056   

 

 

Nigeria's 54th Independence Day Anniversary

A CLARION CALL FOR UNDILUTED SOLIDARITY AS NIGERIA MARKS HER 54TH INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY

 

Every man in his real senses thrives relentlessly towards actualizing a total freedom. In other words; freedom which is the right to do or say what you want without anyone/anything stopping you, remains one of the greatest possessions any man could boast of.

Today Wednesday October 1, 2014, Nigeria in her entirety is commemorating her 54^th Independence Anniversary. Suffice to say that, she is celebrating the 54^th year so far since she got her independence or freedom.

In a period like this, the first question that invariably occurs on the mind of any concerned right thinking individual is: what is the country in question really celebrating? In most cases, such question often seems rhetorical because there is no nation in existence that has nothing to celebrate at any given time.

Nigeria, which is officially addressed as the ‘Federal Republic of Nigeria’, is a federal constitutional republic comprising thirty-six (36) states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the West, Chad and Cameroon in the East, and Niger in the North. Its coast in the South lies on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.

Nigeria is often referred to as the ‘Giant of Africa’ due to its large population and economy. With approximately 174 million inhabitants, it is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous nation in the world. It is comprised of over five hundred (500) ethnic groups, of which the three largest are the Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba.

In respect to religion, Nigeria is majorly divided into two with Christians who live mostly in the Southern and Central parts of the country, and Muslims concentrated mainly in the Northern and Southwestern regions. A minority of the populace practice some indigenous or peculiar religions such as paganism.

Since independence in 1960, the country’s oil reserves have played a very major role in her growing wealth and influence. Presently, Nigeria is considered by the World Bank as an Emerging Market, and has been identified as a regional power in Africa. She is also a member of the MINT group of countries, which are widely seen as one of the world’s upcoming ‘Brick-like’ economies. More so, she is listed among the next eleven economies set to be among the largest in the world.

Nigeria is a member of various global societies including the Commonwealth of Nations, the African Union, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and the United Nations (UN) among other international organizations. It is also interesting to note that she is a member of the United Nations’ Security Council.

Just like other developing nations, Nigeria is currently faced with numerous social, economic, religious and political challenges thereby constituting series of societal crises. Some of these challenges include tribalism, corruption, nepotism, high level of immorality, thuggery, election rigging, rampant establishment of fake churches, kidnapping, massacre, just to mention a few.

The ongoing terrorist activity of the Boko Haram Sect coupled with other criminal activities taking place in the country, which has lingered for several years, is being tagged by both individuals and the international community as one of the most challenges presently faced by the nation, that, if severe and drastic measure is not taken to address the anomaly, it stands the chances of crippling the socio-economic status of the country.

Since Nigeria’s independence on 1^st of October 1960, the country has indeed suffered so many maltreatments from her subjects, especially those referred to as leaders. This is why it would take only a holistic measure to address the ongoing ugly state of the nation.

As Nigeria commemorates her 54^th Independence Anniversary today, there is an urgent need for everyone irrespective of social, political or religious affiliations, to come together towards actualizing a better and more unified Nigeria. On this note, it would be consequential for us to comprehend that all hands must be on deck to ensure that an undiluted solidarity is found among the entire citizenry of the country.

Actualizing a thorough and complete unity is our prerogative, thus ought to remain our watchword if truly we want Nigeria to smile broadly again. And, we should note that embracing the anticipated undiluted solidarity is long overdue, because fifty-four (54) years is not fifty-four days. Therefore it is a priority and shouldn’t be compromised. Think about it!

 

       COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist

___________________________________

              +2348028608056    

      

Truancy Among Government Workers

ALARMING INCREASE OF TRUANCY AMONG GOVERNMENT WORKERS

Greetings brethren! Honestly, even when I don’t think of you, I still see you in my dreams. This is simply because our hearts are connected to each other via covalent bonding.

For those of us who weren’t opportune to offer Chemistry while in Secondary school, you may not comprehend what I meant by “Covalent bonding.” Let me use this avenue to throw more light on that. Covalent bond is a form of bond between two or more atoms or ions of different elements in which the atoms in question share electrons among themselves. That is to say: in covalent bonding, the elements involved benefit from each other.

In biology, such occurrence is known as symbiotic relationship. A symbiotic relationship is one in which the animals or people involved stand to benefit from each other regardless of the circumstance. I want us to note that whenever there’s relationship of this kind, there is always absolute love among the animals/persons concerned. And if you truly love someone, you would end up seeing him/her in your dreams. It is a natural phenomenon.

Penultimate week, I was opportune to be in Akwa Ibom State, Uyo precisely. And during my three-day stay in the state, I discovered a certain anomaly taking place among Nigerian public/civil servants. I was able to fathom the irregularity due to the fact that a friend of mine was personally affected.   

My friend, who works with one of the state ministries, confided in me and told me that one of his colleagues had been away from office for almost a week without any tangible or serious excuse. He made me know that he had been defending the miscreant’s absence with series of lies since he embarked on the uncalled emergency leave. Thus, my good friend was an accomplice and he was really disturbed about it; that was why he disclosed the incident to me. According to him, the young man in question had been known as a truant for quite some time now.

Regarding this recent observation, I’ve concluded that truancy is indeed the order of the day in the Nigerian labour sector having witnessed same abnormality in some other states in the country including Imo my home state.

Most English dictionaries including the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary define truancy as the practice of staying away from school by pupils/students without any permission or legitimate excuse. It is worthy to note that truancy can also be applied in other fields of human endeavour, such as civil/public service, teaching, military/paramilitary, political terrain, et cetera. Let’s ride on!

Frankly the current degree of truancy among government workers in Nigeria is a scenario that requires drastic and severe measure towards ensuring that it is allocated to the history book where it rightly belongs. Without mincing words, the ugly phenomenon which seems like an indelible societal cankerworm has really eaten deep in the nation’s socio-economic sector, that, if apt approach is not taken to eradicate it, the nation in its entirety stands to be savaged by famine in no distance time.

Just take a minute and imagine a situation where every worker in the country decides to follow suit as regards the unacceptable practice. Don’t you think that such unimaginable scenario might result to thorough penury amongst the overall populace? I encourage us to think about this.

To this end, I’m using this medium to urge the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to forward a bill with regard to the termination of this aberration in earnest to the National Assembly. If forwarded, our law makers are expected to encourage the crusade by ensuring that the bill is rapidly signed into law without any iota of delay.

The members of the Executive arm of the government are meant to contribute their anticipated quota in regard to the implementation of the law as soon as it is signed by the legislators. In addition, they must endeavour to release adequate funds that would help to facilitate the said law to ensure that it is not swept under the carpet.

On their parts, other fractional labour unions like National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) must also play their role towards ensuring that the proposed law or regulation is observed at the grass root.

Inter alia, all hands are equally expected to be on deck as regards the eradication of this socio-economic menace. We must contribute our individual quotas in this regard if we actually pray for the betterment of this country.    

As we benefit from Nigeria, we should also allow her to benefit from us in return so that she would invariably see us in her dreams, because everyone definitely wants to be involved in a covalent bonding or symbiotic relationship.

Mind you; if Nigeria ceases to see us in her dreams, I’m afraid, we would be liable to embrace both physical and economic nervous wreck soonest. Think about it!

 

FDN NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com  

2014 World Tourism Day (Aired News-Commentary)

THE NEED TO UPLIFT THE NIGERIA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY AS THE WORLD CELEBRATES THE WORLD TOURISM DAY, TODAY SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2014

No doubt, observing a beautifully looking environment remains one of the prime desires of every man. This is the reason every able-bodied man works assiduously to ensure that his/her immediate surroundings appear enticingly.

Tourism as an area of life or human endeavour is a sector that has, over the decades, pays an optimum attention to how attractive our surroundings look thereby making the sector to be globally recognized as an avenue for revenue generation.

In a concise term, Tourism is the business activity connected with provision of accommodation, entertainment, and other hospitable services for people who are visiting a place for pleasure. In other words, a tourist can be described as a person who is travelling or visiting a certain locality for the sake of pleasure.

In the past, our heritages were being used by our ancestors as a means of entertaining themselves as well as their visitors or guests. Presently, the tourism industry has shown that these heritages can also be utilized as a business venture having formally upgraded most of them to international standard.

Noting the positive impact of the tourism industry the world over, it is of no need reiterating the fact that it has contributed massively to the ongoing socio-economic development of most nations. Analysts are of the view that, the industry represents about nine percent (9%) of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and that it is a key revenue sector for developing and emerging economies.

Indeed, tourism plays a very vital role in building blocks of a more sustainable future for all, which is community development. Above all, it is widely acknowledged for its capacity to respond to global challenges. In view of this, there is an urgent need for Nigeria, which is a nation globally recognized as the “Giant of Africa”, to follow suit towards ensuring that the World Tourism Industry which helps to foster global unity is granted a preferential treatment at all costs.

Nigeria can contribute her quota by ensuring that her socio-cultural heritage is optimally uplifted. This proposed measure would not only help to encourage the world tourism industry, but would also go a long way to elevate the country’s Gross National Product (GNP), thus strengthening her economic prowess.

Nigeria as an independent state is made up of over two hundred and fifty ethnic groups; and each of these groups is tremendously blessed with various socio-cultural heritages. These cultural heritages including dancing, masquerading, dressing, hunting, fishing, wrestling, molding of sculptures, inter alia, if well harnessed, would no doubt help to uplift the nation’s Tourism Industry thereby boasting her socio-economic and political pride.

Today Saturday September 27, 2014, the world over is celebrating the World Tourism Day. At its third session held in Torremolinos – Spain in the year 1979, the United Nations Assembly mandated its Member States to observe September 27 each year as the World Tourism Day, having reached a unanimous resolution.

The day of the commemoration was chosen to coincide with an important historic milestone in the world’s tourism sector, which is the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Tourism Statutes on 27^th of September 1970. The first commemoration of the World Tourism Day took place in 1980.

The timing of the World Tourism Day is particularly appropriate, because it comes at the end of the high season in the Northern hemisphere, and at the beginning of the season in the Southern hemisphere when tourism is of topical interest to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held in 2012 emphasized that well-designed and appropriately managed tourism can make a significant contribution to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon further highlighted that, tourism which remains one of the world’s largest economic sectors, is specially well-placed to promote environmental sustainability, green-growth coupled with human struggle against climate change through its relationship with energy.

As the international community celebrates the World Tourism Day today, we are all expected to contribute our quota towards ensuring that our respective environments or surroundings become globally recognized as attractive and human friendly localities, so that, generations yet unborn would  live to remember that an attractive environment is equally a revenue source.

In addition, the Nigerian government ought to note that it is high time the country’s Tourist Industry is uplifted through the realization of the fact that the Oil and Gas Industry may not last for eternity. To this end; embracing diversification as regards the nation’s revenue generation or source is long overdue. “A word is enough for the wise!”

 

        COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Public Affairs analyst & Social activist

________________________________

               +2348028608056    

   

 

The Need To Support The Imo Civil Guard Corps (Aired Newstalk)

A CALL TO SUPPORT THE ‘IMO CIVIL GUARD CORPS’ ABLY LED BY CHIEF HONOURABLE DONATUS EWE EJIFUGHA

      

Just as he desires to see that everything is complete and as well put in place in Imo State at large in line with the famous Rescue Mission Agenda, the governor thought it wise to institute a uniform arm of the Imo Orientation Agency to ease the fight against various traffic cum environmental vices.

Owing to this fact, on July 26 - 2013, His Excellency Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha – OON inaugurated the anticipated state paramilitary corps which was named Imo State Civil Guard Corps. An initiative that attracted numerous commendations from all walks of life in the state and in the diaspora.

Subsequently, on Thursday 8^th May 2014, the bill regarding the legal recognition of the aforementioned corps, which was sponsored by Hon. Victor Ndunagu, was duly passed into law by the impeccable members of the Imo State House of Assembly ably led by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu after one week of the official launch of the corps. Such historic gesture was made possible by the law makers in order to encourage the founder of the corps, Chief Rochas okorocha for the remarkable step he took to ensure that such formidable paramilitary organization is formed in the state, and when it is mostly needed.

In the said law, it was categorically stated that the head of the corps – Imo Civil Guard shall be recognized and addressed as The Commandant General, and he/she shall stay in the office for five consecutive years having been appointed by any serving Governor of Imo State.

The fundamental objects of the Imo Civil guard Corps include Crowd and Traffic Controls, and Guard Services. Suffice to say that, activities such as street trading, hawking, illegal parks location, just to mention but few, are expected to be adequately handled by the corps.

Lest I forget, it is worthy to note that the Imo State Civil Guard Corps is working in synergy with other existing military and paramilitary corps in the state, including the Army, Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, NDLEA, Prisons, Immigration, Customs, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in maintenance of law and order in Imo State.

The most enticing aspect of the Imo Civil Guard Corps is that, the amiable and indefatigable governor – His Excellency Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha appointed a well experienced personnel of no questionable character and a distinguished worthy son of Oru East extraction, Awo-Omamma precisely, in the person of Chief Honourable Donatus Ewe Ejifugha (Odenjiji) to pilot the affairs of the corps as the Commandant General.

Having retired from the Police Force as a senior police officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to be precise, Hon. Donatus Ejifugha was employed by Chief Rochas OKorocha as his personal Chief Security Officer (CSO) prior to his assumption of office as the Imo State Governor. As soon as he became the Governor of the state, he appointed Hon. Ejifugha as his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Security and Advanced Protocols. In the year 2013, he was directed by the Governor to serve as the Sole Administrator of Oru East Local Government Area before he rose to his present position as the Commandant General of the Imo State Civil Guard Corps having been found worthy by his boss to serve in such challenging position.

Among other Senior Officers, the Imo Civil Guard Corps constitutes the Deputy Commandant General, the Commandant, Deputy Commandant, Zonal Commanders, and others too numerous to mention. The offices of the Deputy Commandant General and the Commandant of the corps are currently occupied by Chief Jude Uregbe and Mr. Martins Eke respectively. 

The current recruitment strength of the corps is about 1200. According to the ethics of the corps, after conducting a certain recruitment having undergone an intensive training coupled with thorough orientation, each of the successful new recruits would be assigned to the various established units of the corps that are found in all the twenty-seven (27) Local Government Areas in Imo State, which include the Administrative, Operations, Transport and Provost departments, and as well the Traffic sections; some of them would also be assigned to most of the government offices or parastatals for guard services.

It is no longer news that the officers of the Imo Civil Guard Organization are in all corners of the state and also working round the clock to ensure that their duties are effectively carried out in respect to the directive of the tireless Commandant General, Chief Hon. Donatus Ejifugha. Presently their landmark achievements including the alleviation of illegal parking of vehicles, street trading as well as hawking activities in Owerri metropolis, speak for themselves

Currently, the corps is faced with numerous challenges to include lack of operational vehicles such as Power Bikes, Towing vans, Buses, Hilux vans, and what have you. On this note, I call on all the government functionaries and stakeholders to magnanimously contribute their respective quotas to ensure that the remarkable aim of Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha towards creating a thorough serene environment in the Eastern Heartland is duly actualized. 

 

                COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

   Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist 

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                    +2348028608056

 

2014 International Day of Peace (Aired News Commentary)

A GLOBAL CALL FOR CONDEMNATION OF HOSTILITY AND CONFLICT AS THE WORLD MARKS THE 2014 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE, TOMORROW SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21

 

Hostility is an unfriendly or aggressive behaviour/feelings towards people from other backgrounds. It can also be described as a strong opposition against an idea, a plan or a situation. In the same vein, conflict is a situation in which people, groups or countries are involved in a serious disagreement or argument which often results to violence; it can simply be defined as a state of complete confusion and disorder.

On the other hand, peace is a situation or a period of time in which there is no enmity, violence or war in a certain locality or country. More so, it is the state of being calm or quiet, or living in mutual friendship with others.

Hostility and conflict, or lack of peace, which has subjected mankind to a state of mockery, has indeed arrested the developmental thrives of most nations in the world thereby constituting a severe and uncontrollable poverty among the populace.

Conflict, which is as old as the world, has succeeded in rendering the socio-economic growth of many countries incapacitated due to its cruel and dastardly nature. Conflict or crisis through the emergence of terrorist activities such as assassination, kidnapping, massacre, genocide and what have you, has not only brought endless anxiety to the people, but has contributed immensely to the degradation of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the countries involved. Above all, the dangers of war or the level of the post-traumatic stress disorder attributed to it cannot be overemphasized.

Statistics show that the root cause of several conflicts are directly related to valuable natural resources such as gold, diamond, oil and gas, diesel, coal, kerosene, timber, water and so on. Needless to say; addressing the ownership, control and management of natural resources or endowments is crucial to maintaining peace and security thereby sustaining an ideal development.

Surely, peace and security are essential foundations for social progress and sustainable development. Thus, we must quench the fire of extremism among us in order to tackle the root causes of conflict, because peace is definitely a long journey that we are bound to collectively embark on. Suffice to say that, we are expected to hold peace in our hearts and minds, and tenderly nurture it so it would grow and blossom.

Regarding the effect of peace to humanity, in 1981, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly through a resolution established the International Day of Peace. The Assembly mandated the UN Member States to observe September 21 of every year as Int’l Day of Peace. The first International Peace Day was celebrated on Tuesday September 21, 1982; the first commemoration was meant to coincide with the anniversary of the United Nations’ opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September.

In addition to the commemoration, in 2001, the UN General Assembly by unanimous votes adopted resolution which established 21^st September of every year as an annual day of non-violence and ceasefire. By this resolution, the United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and raising of public awareness on issues related to peace.

It is no longer news that, armed conflict causes untold grief and hardship to families, communities and the entire countries involved. Indeed, too many are suffering today at the brutal hands of war-mongers and terrorists. This is why, from the onset, we must learn to teach our children and wards the essence of tolerance and mutual respect. Let’s invest in the schools and teachers that will build a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity; fight for peace at all cost, and defend it with all our might.

Therefore, from time to time, we are meant to sensitize our children, relatives, friends, colleagues and associates towards emulating the habit of the UN Messengers of Peace, or the likes of Princess Haya, Daniel Barenboim, Paulo Coelho, Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall, Edward Norton, Steve Wonder, Charlie Theron, Elie Wiesel, just to mention but a few, whom remain distinguished individuals carefully selected from the fields of art, literature, science, entertainment, sports and other fields of public life, who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the United Nations as regards promotion of peace. These prominent personalities or icons volunteer their times, resources, energies, talents and passions to raise awareness of United Nations’ tireless efforts to improve the lives of billions of people worldwide.

The International Day of Peace offers people globally a shared date to think about how they can contribute towards ensuring that natural resources are managed in a mature and sustainable manner, thus reducing potential for disputes as well as paving ways for a sustainable future, which is no doubt the future we want.

As the world over commemorates the Int’l Day of Peace tomorrow, I’m using this avenue to call for a global condemnation of hostility and conflict lingering all over the world in order to sustain a formidable peace needed for both individual and national developments.

 

      COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Public Affairs analyst & Social Crusader

_______________________________

              +2348028608056   

    

 

2014 Int'l Day For The Preservation Of The Ozone Layer (Aired Viewpoint)

COMMEMORATING THE 2014 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE OZONE LAYER, TODAY TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 16

       

Both in the past and present, mankind have been bewildered by so many environmental hazards and challenges. Presently the worst of these challenges is mainly attributable to depletion of the Ozone Layer.

      

The Ozone Layer is a fragile shield of gases that protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet radiation or rays of the sun thereby helping to preserve lives on the planet in question.

       

A number of commonly used chemicals like halocarbons and/or organic compounds have been found to be extremely damaging to the Ozone layer. Halocarbons are chemicals in which one or more carbon atoms are linked to one or more halogen atoms such as fluorine, chlorine and bromine. The halocarbons containing bromine usually have much higher Ozone-Depleting Potential (ODP) than those that consist of chlorine.

       

The man-made chemicals that have provided most of the chlorine and bromine for Ozone depletion are methyl bromide, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and families of chemicals known as halons, chlorofluorocarbons and hydro-chlorofluorocarbons. In the same vein; the damaging impacts of organic compounds like carbon monoxide on the Ozone layer, cannot be overemphasized.

        

The scientific confirmation of the depletion of the Ozone layer prompted the international community to establish a mechanism for cooperation to take drastic action to protect the Ozone layer. This was formalized in the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, which was adopted by twenty-eight (28) countries on 22^nd March 1985. In September 1987, this led to the drafting of the Treaty on The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which was duly signed by all the United Nations Member States.

        

The fundamental aim of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the Ozone layer by taking severe measures to control total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it, with the ultimate target towards their elimination from the basis of developments in scientific knowledge and technological information.

       

In view of the steady progress made under the Montreal Protocol, in 2003, the former United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan stated, “Perhaps the single most successful international agreement till date has been the Montreal Protocol.” His views were shared widely among the international community.

       

In respect to the sustenance of the widely observed Montreal Protocol, on 19^th of December 1994, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed September 16 of every year as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The UN annual Int’l Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer focuses on the importance of protecting human health and the environment in general.

         

The phase-out of controlled uses of Ozone depleting substances has not only helped to protect the Ozone layer, but has contributed immensely and significantly to global efforts of addressing climate change. This year’s commemoration of the Int’l Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is calling for greater awareness regarding the Ozone Layer’s preservation in order to fully actualize the aim of this remarkable globally recognized crusade.

       

During the 2013 commemoration of the Day, which was marked with the theme “A healthy Atmosphere: the Future we want,” in his message to the world, the current UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon commended all who had made the Montreal Protocol such an outstanding example of international cooperation. He went further to urge governments, industries, civil societies, and other partners to apply the same spirit to the other great environmental and developmental challenges of our time.

        

As the world over celebrates the 2014 Int’l Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, today Tuesday September 16, we are expected to contribute our quota towards actualizing an atmosphere or environment that is totally free from any harmful substance.

       

Nigeria as a country can encourage this annual event by implementing drastic and severe measures that would help to eradicate all the activities contrary to the preservation of the Ozone layer such as bush burning, use of generators and other household mechanical devices in open places, coupled with other industrial practices that exhibit Carbon Monoxide or smoke as well as other substances that negatively affect the Ozone layer.

       

It is worthy to note that all hands are equally expected to be on deck towards the actualization of a society completely free from any form of environmental hazard or degradation.

 

   

      COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Public Affairs analyst & Social activist

_______________________________

              +2348054719437    

    

Overheating Of The Polity By Political Aspirants

ADDRESSING THE UNBEARABLE OVERHEATING OF THE POLITY BY NIGERIAN POLITICAL ASPIRANTS

 

Greetings brethren! It’s preposterous to ask how was, or how you spent your weekend, because apparently, your countenances or physiognomies are a tangible proof that you had a splendid week break. Notwithstanding, there’s need to ask, even when we are aware of the answer to the question. In other words, there’s absolutely no harm in asking.

Honestly, little did I know that virtually everywhere in Nigeria is currently faced with same slogan until I recently embarked on a trip to Delta State, Isele-Ukwu to be precise. Few days ago, Saturday September 6 precisely, I alongside members of my household was in the said locality for a traditional wedding ceremony. On my way to the place, every nook and cranny was loaded with unquantifiable bill boards, posters, banners, wall stickers, and what have you; all in the name of ‘political aspiration’.

Having noticed the aforementioned scenario, I was compelled to ask myself some certain questions. One of the questions was: how could someone indicate the position he/she is aspiring-for on the bill board, prior to the anticipated lift or declaration of campaign era by the INEC? The most devastating aspect of the anomaly is that most of them, if not all, end up writing ‘Vote for Mr A for Governor’ or as the case may be. What impunity!

The case is similar in all the states in the federation that are awaiting elections come 2015 or thereabouts. Considering the ongoing abuse or violation of electoral laws, even a-day old child would be subjected to a mood of thorough and frank meditation. And unequivocally, the kid in question might end-up exclaiming that Nigeria is indeed suffering from ‘Paranoia’. But, God forbid!

The abnormality doesn’t even stop at mounting bill boards and other campaign materials; it has transcended to other crazy and ridiculous practices such as antagonism, enmity, inconsequential rivalry, social derailment during occasions, childish media utterances, just to mention but a few, thereby leading to overheating of our innocent and noble polity. It’s really absurd. Let’s ride on!

Frankly the last time I checked, Nigeria in her entirety was regarded by all and sundry as one of the funniest countries the world over. Why wouldn’t she be seen as a very funny nation when those tagged as role-models have started acting like ‘role-cowards’? It is really disheartening to see one to whom writing meant so much suddenly becomes blind. In the same vein, it’s quite appalling to see a musical giant becoming dumb or physically challenged.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) really need to do something drastic towards addressing this absurdity or madness before it leads to something cruel and inhumane. The INEC, which remains the only legitimate ‘Spy’ to all political aspirants in Nigeria, ought to as a matter of urgency wake up from its slumber in respect to these ongoing unacceptable melodramas taking place on our polity almost on a daily basis.

The INEC is expected to enact a strict and severe bye-law that would help to checkmate or contain this odd. If any bill board or poster is mounted/pasted on the roadside by any aspirant, the write-ups or the written words on it must be plain; therefore mustn’t contain any fowl or campaign language. Also, a formidable team comprising trustworthy and illustrious individuals should be set-up to monitor any gathering/occasion irrespective of its nature or the activity of all the aspirants, to ensure that utterances regarding campaign are not dished out during the occasion by any aspirant or his/her supporter. Thus, any social, cultural, political, or religious ceremony occurring anywhere is meant to be duly spied by the team.

In regard to the above suggestion or proposal, I’m using this medium to appeal to INEC to ensure that any one (aspirant) regardless of his/her political position, who by any means violates the stipulated regulation, is sanctioned as well as suspended from any future political aspiration/tussle till further notice.  

I’m also using this avenue to plead with these so-called aspirants to endeavour to play politics with absolute maturity. Politics is a game meant for mature minds, thus, shouldn’t be abused by those who are yet to comprehend the game. I’m of the view that, it’s the immature minds that invariably see it (politics) as a dirty game.

The truth of the matter is that, politics is never a ‘dirty game’; rather, it remains the sweetest game on earth because it is the only game that requires thorough meditation, consultation, planning coupled with proper implementation of ideas and strategies, if the person in question really wants to embrace victory at the polls. Think about it!

 

FRED DOC NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com   

 

2014 Int'l Day of Democracy (Aired Newstalk)

A CLARION CALL FOR ERADICATION OF CORRUPTION AS THE WORLD MARKS THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY, TODAY MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2014

Everyone detests with passion seeing his/her voice or speech swept under the carpet. In the same vein, it’s extremely painful and devastating for one to be deprived of his freedom of speech in any circumstance or arena he finds himself. And, this characteristic known as ‘Freedom of Speech’ remains the most distinct feature finds in democracy.

According to BBC English Dictionary, democracy is ‘a system of government or organization in which the citizens or members choose leaders or make other important decisions by voting.’ The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines it as ‘a fair and equal treatment of everyone in an organization or any group of persons, and their right to take part in making decisions’.

In Political Science, democracy is defined as ‘the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.’ From my personal perspective, democracy is the slogan or anthem of a certain organization that is being cited or sung, and understood by the entire members of the organization or union.

Frankly, democracy of any country is the prerogative of the people that make-up the country; therefore ought to be duly sustained because it’s no doubt a welcome development. Thus, any democratic state is expected to be maintained at all costs, owing to the fact that any practice that gives peace to those concerned requires adequate sustenance.

It is appalling that in most developing nations such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Rwanda, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and what have you, democracy has suffered from enormous maltreatment due to corruption. Without mincing words, corruption has remained a blood-sucking cankerworm in the democratic dispensation of numerous countries in the world.

Corruption has indeed hampered the socio-economic and political growth of several nations thereby constituting nuisance to the available human and natural resources of the nations in question. Surely, the various lingering uncalled and questionable attitudes such as personal aggrandizement, nepotism, election rigging, abuse of human rights and rule of law, misappropriation of public funds as well as impunity of most political office holders in a country like Nigeria is solely attributed to corruption. In a nutshell, unequivocally, corruption has obviously rendered so many countries incapacitated, all in the name of ‘democracy’.

Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. On the contrary, Nigeria as a country has failed to uphold this philosophy. This is why the youth are no longer the major dominance of the country’s political arena, as it was during the postcolonial era.

In spite of Nigeria’s bureaucratic nature, the youth cannot boast of at least twenty-five percent (25%) participation in her political strive. Rather, the old men who started the game have vowed to die in service thereby endangering thorough participation of the youth that are regarded as the most productive class, which is purely contrary to the mandate of the United Nations. These and many more factors presently found in the democratic setting of many nations in the world are products of corruption.

Today Monday September 15, the world over is commemorating the 2014 International Day of Democracy. The Day which is annually celebrated was adopted on November 8, 2007 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. In its resolution in 2007, the General Assembly, which believes that human rights and the rule of law are best protected in democratic societies, encouraged governments to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy and also decided that 15^th of September of each year should be observed as the International Day of Democracy.

The Int’l Day of Democracy was first celebrated in the year 2008. The UN General Assembly recognized that the year 2008 marked the 20^th anniversary of the first International Conference of New or Restored Democracies, which gave people a chance to focus on promoting and consolidating democracy worldwide. The event which featured various activities was used to raise public awareness about democracy.

The theme of this year’s commemoration which is tagged ‘Engaging young people in Democracy’ is expected to highlight the challenges and opportunities of young people engaging in democratic processes. It is obvious that people between the ages of 15 and 25 constitute a fifth of the world’s population; statistics has that the proportion is even higher in many developing countries. Yet, several studies show declining faith among young people in politics, with decreasing levels of participation in elections, political parties and socio-cultural organizations across the globe. This apathy applies to both established and emerging democratic states.

As the world marks the Int’l Day of Democracy today, I’m sincerely calling on all concerned civil societies or institutions for total eradication of corruption in our democratic system, through sensitization of the youth as well as promotion of freedom of speech among the electorates, so that, the citizenry of every democratic state shall live to benefit the real dividend of democracy. The time to act is now!

  

      COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Public Affairs analyst & Social activist

_______________________________

              +2348054719437