Why Blatter Must Be Called To Order

WHY BLATTER MUST BE CALLED TO ORDER

Greetings brethren! Of course it is often said as well as widely believed in all nooks and crannies that, sports generally is the only language or group of languages that unites the world in its entirety. If such theory or philosophy holds water, then it implies that football which is the most popular sport ought to be regarded as the most potent and crucial language found across the globe.

Since football remains the most potent language recognized by the entire members of the universe due to its role in uniting people, then it should be guarded jealously by any concerned fellow, so that, it would continue to maintain its dignity or integrity.

Few weeks ago, Tuesday September 9, 2014 precisely, I was glancing at the headlines of the Punch Newspaper and incidentally I encountered a sports headline that gave me a shock. The headline in question reads, “Blatter seeks fifth term.” I was really bemused by the news.

You would recall that Blatter was re-elected as the President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) for the fourth term on 1^st June, 2011. Mr Sepp Joseph Blatter, born on 10^th of March 1936, is a Swiss football administrator who currently serves as the eight FIFA boss. He was first elected on 8^th June 1998, succeeding Joan Havelange whom was the seventh FIFA President. He was re-elected as President in 2002, 2007 and 2011 respectively.

Sepp Blatter was born in Visp-Canton Valais, Switzerland. He studied in Saint-Maurice Switzerland before he bagged a bachelor degree in Business and Economics from the University of Lausanne in 1959. He has had a long and varied career in his native country – Switzerland including posts such as Head of Public Relations of the Valaisan Tourist Board and General Secretary of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation (SIHF). He was the Director of Sports Timing and Relations of Longines S.A., and was involved in the organization of the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games.

Since 1975, Sepp Blatter whom has been married three times and presently has one daughter has been working at FIFA. First, he served as Technical Director from 1975 to 1981, then General Secretary from 1981 to 1998; before his emergence (election) as FIFA President in 1998. Subsequently in 2002, he assumed duty for same position for a second term.  He was reelected unopposed for another four years on 31^st May 2007 even though only 66 of 207 FIFA members nominated him. Let’s ride on!

                  

Blatter’s 1998 election to the FIFA Presidency over UEFA President Lennart Johansson occurred amid much controversy. Also, his 2002 candidacy has been marked with rumours of financial irregularities and backroom dealings culminating to direct accusations of bribery.

In 2011, elections were scheduled for the FIFA presidency in which Blatter was again the incumbent candidate running for a fourth consecutive term. The election took place at the 61^st FIFA congress in Zurich, Switzerland. The only other candidate – Mohammed Bin Hamman of Qatar withdrew from the presidential race on May 28 just before the election, after the earlier withdrawal of Elias Figueroa of Chile. Since there were no other nominations, Blatter ran unopposed in the 2011 FIFA elections. On June 1, he was reelected President for a fourth term with 186 of the 203 votes in his favour.

Blatter had stipulated that, if re-elected in 2011, he would never run again for FIFA President; a vow that was cheerfully received and noted by all and sundry in the FIFA confraternity. But it seems that vow has become irrelevant considering the present look of things.

The prospect of Sepp Blatter continuing as FIFA President in his early eighties (80s) was confirmed in September 2014 when he publicly disclosed that he was aspiring for a fifth term in office come 2015 FIFA general elections. Blatter who would be 79 next year (2015) by the special grace of God and whom was first elected sixteen (16) years ago as FIFA President, made his candidature for another term known in a recorded interview transmitted to delegates at the Soccerex Global Convention.

Brethren, the bone of contention is that, someone who truly loves the present FIFA boss – Mr Sepp Joseph Blatter, ought to call him to order in earnest. Frankly, it’s high time we started thinking rightly; else, we might be subjected to an unforeseen doomed state. How could someone who had spent sixteen good years in a certain position, still be nurturing interest for more four (4) years in the said position? Does it imply that there’s no other competent or legible person that can succeed him? I need an answer, please; because the scenario is really telling on my person.

If Sepp Blatter was an African man, I would have been hearing series of rumours from all facets of the globe. Yes if he was an African, by now, people would have been saying that his intention to vie for the post for the fifth time is not unconnected to a typical Africa mentality or tradition. But for the fact that he hails from Europe, Switzerland to be precise, I’ve been longing to hear any of such silly utterances that usually come from the racists among the western race.

The truth of the matter is that, Blatter must be called to order before something unthinkable happens to our beloved football. For crying out loud, the old man should go and rest; he has worked tirelessly, therefore ought to go for a rest. We cannot pay for his selfishness; rather let him alone cater for it. The time to act is now. Think about it!

 

FDN NWAOZOR

http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor

Twitter: @fdnnwaozor

BB PIN: 2B0290C8

2014 World Food Day (Aired Viewpoint)

A CLARION CALL TO UPLIFT THE NIGERIA’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR AS THE WORLD MARKS THE WORLD FOOD DAY TODAY THURSDAY OCTOBER 16, 2014

No one has ever boasted of living a healthy life without an adequate food on his or her table. This implies that a healthy living is not unconnected to consumption of required and adequate food.

Food which remains one of the three basic needs of man on earth can only be acquired by continual indulgence or thorough participation in agricultural practices.

Agriculture is simply the act of farming. In a nutshell, farming is the activity of growing crops and/or raising animals on a certain piece of land in a given area or locality.

No doubt, agriculture is an integral part of human existence considering the fact that it is the only means that can guarantee the three paramount needs of man, which are food, clothing and shelter. Of course without agriculture, no one can boast of a clothe or even a shelter. In view of this, agriculture has indeed proven to mankind that it is the epitome of life which was initiated by God himself.

Several countries in the world depend solely on agriculture as regards their internally generated revenue. And those countries jealously safeguard it because they acknowledge that it is the most affordable source of revenue.

Unequivocally, if well harnessed, agriculture is considered as the most important revenue source due to its unending fruitfulness or benefits coupled with easy accessibility that is attached to it. Among all, the fact that no one can live without food is enough reason to say that the positive impact of agriculture on mankind cannot be overemphasized.

The above facts have proven to us that agriculture can function as a revenue source as well as a means of survival to any nation. Suffice to say; sustenance of agriculture remains one of the prime desires of any country in existence.

Due to its challenges, which include access to mechanize farming, undesirable topography, poor climatic condition, unavailability of land, insufficient funds, et cetera, many potential farmers or interested individuals in most developing nations like Nigeria, have over the years lost interest in agriculture thereby endangering the socio-economic status of the nations involved. It is no longer news that lack of participation in either subsistence or commercial farming among the populace of a certain country leads to malnutrition as well as tremendous decline in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country in question.

The most devastating aspect of loss of interest in agriculture is the apathy observed amongst the youth due to their eager quest for white-collar jobs. Frankly, the current lack of participation of most youths in agriculture has contributed immensely to the ongoing scarcity of food witnessed in several nations in Africa and other developing nations across the globe.

History indicates that between 2011 and 2013, a total of eight hundred and forty-two (842) million individuals or about one in every eight persons in the world, were estimated to be suffering from chronic hunger; which simply implies that the said set of people were not regularly getting enough food for themselves to carry out their active life activities.

Due to the unavoidable impact of food on mankind, the World Food Day (WFD) was established during the 20^th General Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) in November 1945. During the conference, all the Member States of FAO resolved that October 16 each year should be commemorated as World Food Day; the Day was meant to coincide with the anniversary of the founding date of the organization (FAO).

The Hungarian delegation led by the former Hungarian Minister of Agriculture and Food, Dr Pal Romany played an active role at the said conference; he suggested the idea of celebrating the World Food Day worldwide. The first commemoration of the World Food Day took place in the year 1946; and since then, the Day is being observed annually in more than one hundred and fifty (150) countries, raising awareness of the issues behind poverty and hunger.

As the world over marks the World Food Day today, I’m using this medium to urge the Nigerian government to wake up from its slumber with the view of ensuring that the country’s agricultural sector is totally and thoroughly uplifted. This can be made possible by providing adequate support for any genuine potential farmer in the country.

I’m therefore soliciting that, the federal government alongside the various state governments through a formidable and reliable Agency, should intercede on behalf of the Nigerian farmers to ensure that the commercial banks are always willing to allocate either soft or hard loan to any potential indigenous farmer. Also, adequate farm land must be provided by any concerned government.

On their part, the farmers in question ought to continually validate membership of all their members and also encourage the intending ones to register, so that through the body, the government or any individual can easily assess all the practicing farmers as well as ascertain the genuineness of anyone who claims to be a farmer.

Above all, the various governments must endeavour to own and manage many mechanized farms in different localities with the motive of supplementing the private owned ones, which would go a long way to see that plenty food is found on our tables thereby creating avenue for diverse revenue sources and more employment opportunities.

 

            

FDN NWAOZOR

Public Affairs Analyst & Rights Activist

_____________________________________

http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor
Twitter: @fdnnwaozor
+2348028608056

Unending ATM Conundrum

THE UNENDING ATM CONUNDRUM

     

Brethren, I sincerely commend you in your entirety for your steadfastness and relentless efforts towards ensuring that the prime motive of this crusade is totally actualized in spite of the ongoing challenges. This implies that, we really comprehend the essence of this race.

       

 Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have considered coming up with this theme on today’s edition. But I thought it wise that it was high time I did, owing to the fact that disclosing my opinion on the theme in question was long overdue. Thus I decided to have a rethink in order to save us from the anticipated nervous wreck, which is tantamount to unimaginable state of doom.

   

My last trip to Lagos State ushered in a scene which I thought only existed in my home state, Imo. In fact, that of Lagos is even more alarming. Initially, I was of the view that I was only viewing a mirage, not until I walked closer to the exact spot of the scene.

   

Having parked my car at the designated spot in front of one of the commercial banks situated at Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos State, I was majestically taking a walk towards the location of the bank’s Automated Teller Machines (ATM), till my panoramic view disclosed a scene which was not unlike the just concluded Independence Day parade that took place in Abuja. My intention was to assess some cash via the ATM, but the unthinkable crowd I encountered or I sighted from afar gave me an instant discouragement.

       

 Yes my morale was instantly dampened because the fathomless number of persons, which formed an unending queue that seemed like an Independence parade, was meant to use the machines before me. Honestly, I calmly walked back to my car and drove off because I knew there was no how I could use any of the machines in less than three hours interval. I thank God for the shock absorber He imposed in my system; if not, I would have fainted at the moment I sighted that deceptive parade. Afterwards, I managed to visit other neighbouring banks for same transaction; all to no avail.

      

Let’s face the reality. It is no longer news that the use of the Automated Teller Machine, which is popularly recognized by its acronym ‘ATM’, is really giving the Nigerian society an unbearable nightmare, that if proper and drastic measure is not taken soonest by the apt authorities, the conundrum is liable to constituting a financial mayhem to the totality of the populace found in the aforementioned society. Let’s ride on!

       

Frankly, a lot needs to be done regarding the use of ATM in Nigeria. The country requires more accurate and efficient technical know-how in the country’s banking industry as regards ATM operations. Of course if we must tell ourselves the gospel truth, you will agree with me that so many challenges are currently faced by the users of the machine in question.

        

Technical irregularities or hitches such as out of service, temporarily unable to dispense cash, issuer or switch inoperative, unreasonable seizing/withholding of transaction cards, among others, which are often encountered while using the ATM must be addressed in earnest. The ridiculous technical anomalies which include debiting an account without any withdrawal made by the owner, is the most devastating aspect of the ongoing ATM conundrum in Nigeria and other developing nations.

     

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which is the mother-bank of all commercial banks in Nigeria, as well as that of other affected countries, is expected to intervene at this juncture. We have suffered greatly; therefore need the intervention of the CBN to ensure that the country’s dream of seeing an arena filled with thorough cashless banking is duly actualized.

      

Inter alia, the routine of loading torn or damaged naira notes in the machines must be put to stop by the CBN. How could notes that are meant to be burnt or replaced be loaded in the ATM thereby creating avenue for frequent circulation of torn naira notes? Does it imply that the country’s Mint and Printing section is incapacitated?

Above all, the various branches that are currently making use of only one Automated Teller Machine (ATM) must as a matter of urgency construct at least two more ones in order to decongest the banking premises/arena thereby curtailing the chances of being invaded or attacked by armed robbers.
        

The CBN alongside other concerned groups like the civil society really needs to take an urgent and severe step towards ending the various lingering abnormalities faced or practised by the commercial banks in regard to the use of ATM; else, it is likely to cost us an unavoidable setback in near future. Think about it!

 FDN NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com  

+2348028608056

Twitter: @fdnnwaozor           

2014 World Teachers' Day (Aired News-Commentary)

THE NEED TO ENCOURAGE THE TEACHING PROFESSION AT ALL COST AS THE WORLD MARKS THE 2014 WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY, TODAY SUNDAY OCTOBER 5

    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In view of the unavoidable impact of teachers in any society, in 1994, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reached a unanimous resolution that October 5 of every year should be observed by all the UN Member States as World Teachers’ Day. The annual World Teachers’ Day, which is aimed at mobilizing support for teachers as well as ensuring that the needs of future generations would continue to be met by teachers, was first commemorated in the year 1994.

According to UNESCO, World Teachers’ Day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and global development. On its part, Education International (EI), which is the global union federation that represents education professionals worldwide, strongly solicits that World Teachers’ Day ought to be internationally recognized and celebrated around the world.

As the world over marks the 20^th anniversary of the World Teachers’ Day today, the civil society and other stakeholders are expected to encourage the teaching profession by ensuring that the following conditions are reached by any employer:

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

v Conducive and charming work environment.

v High quality pre- and in-service training.

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

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

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

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

 

 

             COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist

_____________________________________

                 +2348028608056

The Social Crusader

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