Opinion I Owelle's Yuletide 'Hamper' For Imo Pensioners

OWELLE’S YULETIDE 'HAMPER' FOR IMO PENSIONERS

The last time I checked painstakingly, the teeming Imo pensioners had released a sigh of relieve. The circumstance wasn’t unconnected with the laudable gesture displayed by the amiable governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Prior to the said scenario, the pensioners were not unlike vulnerable dwellers rather than senior citizens; the pathetic era was occasioned by the ill-treatment they were receiving from the state government, probably owing to paucity of funds and some perceived illegalities.

        

It’s noteworthy that about over 24 months arrears of pension were accruable to the said retirees. Recently, the government led by Governor Okorocha pledged to clear 13 months out of the aforementioned months owed them. Afterwards, the government proposed to pay only 40 per cent (40%) of the total amount involved due to the ongoing economic downturn, but the proposal was reportedly rejected by the Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) as was disclosed by its chairman, Mr. Gideon Ezeji.

        

Funnily enough, without minding the refusal, the government went ahead to distribute forms among the pensioners for them to enter an unconditional undertaking. The form entitled ‘Letter of set off in respect of my outstanding pension arrears’ was targeted to persuade the pensioners towards accepting the proposed 40% payment as well as forfeit the remaining months that would be left after the payment. The letter meant to be duly signed by each of the recipients reads in part, ‘I do hereby release and discharge the Imo State Government and its agents from all past, present and future liability and from all actions, claims and demands in respect of the said accumulated Pension Arrears.’

      

The leadership of the state’s NUP had to cry foul, stating that the government never sought their consent before distributing the forms, thereby urged the pensioners to ignore them. It’s worth noting that, owing to hunger and frustration, most of these supposed senior citizens had already filled the form prior to the arrival of the directive; it suffices to say that they were left with no choice.

       

The final resolution of the pensioners was that the government should pay any amount cum number of months it could afford and leave the remaining for posterity rather than asking them to sign a ‘death warrant’ against their wish. Perhaps they are avoiding following the footsteps of the Imo civil servants. Some months ago, the leadership of the Imo branch of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) led by Mr. Austin Chilakpu, on behalf of the workers, signed an agreement with the government accepting to be paid 70 per cent of the monthly wages due them. Though the step was commendable because it was able to settle the lingered impasse between the two parties, most analysts argued that the NLC goofed. And right now, the workers – particularly those of low cadre – are seriously complaining that the 70% is just a peanut.

        

So, if 70 per cent could be referred to as a ‘peanut’ by someone who is still in service, how would a pensioner regard 40 per cent of his/her pension if eventually paid? The question might seem rhetorical but its answer would definitely serve as a pathway toward acknowledging what actually is at stake on the part of the teeming pensioners. It would as well shock you to note that the gratuities of most of these retirees are yet to be cleared.

        

However, the governor has succeeded in answering the question that seemed rhetorical. Penultimate week, in his radio broadcast for Imolites, while stating that the reason for the 60% cut was due to the astronomical and uncalled rise in the monthly pension for the pensioners – perhaps as a result of ‘ghost pension syndrome’ coupled with the ongoing recession – he disclosed that by January 2017 the government would reintroduce the usual 100% payment. According to him, the cut became necessary because of the amount of money involved. He promised that from January, henceforth, the normal amount due the pensioners would be given to them.

        

It would equally interest you to note that during the previous week, the state government, as earlier promised, issue cheques amounting to thousands or millions of naira, as the case might be, to each of the pensioners in respect of the undertaking signed by them. From my estimate regarding what I gathered, each of them was paid 40 per cent of his/her 12 months pension arrears. Such gesture, which I tagged ‘Yuletide hamper’, was indeed a welcome development, thus I sincerely appreciate the governor for it. If you are being owed #10 and hunger is seriously ravaging you, receiving #40 from the debtor towards quenching the severe hunger ought to be seen as commendable.

      

But I would advise the governor to ensure that the state account that is responsible for the payment is well loaded and viable, so that, none of the pensioners’ cheques would be bounced at the bank. In addition, the governor should ensure that the pensioners receive preference as regards payment in subsequent time, because these persons have meritoriously served their fatherland thus deserved to be pampered without using the ‘Baby Pampers’.

       

I also, on behalf of the government, appeal to those who are yet to sign the undertaking to do so towards settling the lingered impasse. Please endeavour to forgive the government in any way it has wronged you. Jettison all your swords and embrace peace for the interest of the state at large. It would be ideal and wise to begin this new year with harmony. We all must ignore our respective personal interests toward making Imo a greater state.  

      

The government on its part should ensure that subsequently dialogue is reached with the leadership of the state’s NUP before any action on the senior citizens is taken by any authority. Most importantly, the lingering anomaly concerning ghost pensioners ought to be quenched once and for all. It’s high time the illegality stopped. We can’t continue to rob Peter to pay Paul. Think about it!          

 

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Opinion I When Senior Citizens Become Vulnerable Dwellers

WHEN SENIOR CITIZENS BECOME VULNERABLE DWELLERS

       The last time I checked painstakingly, Imo pensioners were no longer seen as ‘senior citizens’ but vulnerable individuals, probably because they are currently not unlike toothless bulldogs contrary to what they are known for. Their present pathetic physiognomy is occasioned by the ill-treatment they have received from the state government thus far.

        It’s noteworthy that 36 months arrears of pension are accruable to the said retirees. Recently, the government led by Governor Rochas Okorocha pledged to clear 13 months out of the aforementioned months owed them. Afterwards, the government proposed to pay only 40 per cent (40%) of the total amount involved due to the ongoing economic downturn, but the proposal was reportedly rejected by the Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) as was disclosed by its chairman, Mr. Gideon Ezeji.

        Funnily enough, without minding the refusal, the government went ahead to distribute forms among the pensioners for them to enter an unconditional undertaking. The form entitled ‘Letter of set off in respect of my outstanding pension arrears’ was targeted to persuade the pensioners towards accepting the proposed 40% payment as well as forfeit the remaining 23 months that would be left after the payment. The letter meant to be duly signed by each of the recipients read in part, ‘I do hereby release and discharge the Imo State Government and its agents from all past, present and future liability and from all actions, claims and demands in respect of the said accumulated Pension Arrears.’

       The leadership of the state’s NUP had to cry foul, stating that the government never sought their consent before distributing the forms, thereby urged the pensioners to ignore them. However, it’s worth noting that, owing to hunger and frustration, most of these supposed senior citizens had already filled the form prior to the arrival of the directive; it suffices to say that they were left with no choice.

       The final resolution of the pensioners was that the government should pay any amount cum number of months it could afford and leave the remaining for posterity rather than asking them to sign a ‘death warrant’ against their wish. The bone of contention remains that these people are very hungry – thus can cope with any payment at the moment – but not to bludgeon them into submission. Yes they are vulnerable, but not insane.

       Perhaps they are avoiding following the footsteps of the Imo civil servants, which are currently telling on the workers. Some months ago, the leadership of the Imo branch of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) led by Mr. Austin Chilakpu, on behalf of the workers, signed an agreement with the government accepting to be paid 70 per cent of the monthly wages due them. Though the step was commendable because it was able to settle the lingered impasse between the two parties, most analysts argued that the NLC goofed. And right now, the workers – particularly those of low cadre – are seriously complaining that the 70% is just a peanut.

        So, if 70 per cent could be referred to as a ‘peanut’ by someone who is still in service, how would a pensioner regard 40 per cent of his/her pension if eventually paid? The question might seem rhetorical but its answer would definitely serve as a pathway toward acknowledging what actually is at stake on the part of the teeming pensioners. It would equally interest, perhaps shock you to note that the gratuities of most of these retirees are yet to be cleared. We are not unaware of the economic meltdown being experienced across the federation, which Imo isn’t an exception, but using it as the basis to subject the revered pensioners to uncalled torture and slavery is completely unacceptable; hence, such a weird idea ought to be jettisoned headlong.

        I’m not trying to make a case with the government, neither am I in any way putting up a quarrel. On the contrary, I only intend to let it comprehend that the people in question are dropping dead on a daily basis as a result of famine and financial vulnerability. Aside lack of food, an average pensioner in the state, alongside their counterparts in other states that share common fate, can no longer foot his/her hospital bills, thus would prefer to remain at home even when the need to see a physician is compelling or so glaring. As I reprimand Imo, other states owing pensions shouldn’t exonerate themselves.

        When people begin to beg for their rights, you needn’t be told that things are not anymore at ease; you need not be informed that the constitution is no longer seen as a sacred document; you needn’t be notified that rights have been mistaken for privileges. Notwithstanding, in such a circumstance, we are required to deploy dialogue because resorting to suing the erring party might linger the moment of hardship thereby causing more harm. In other words, we are only expected to sue for peace.

        To this end, I’m earnestly appealing to the governor to wear a human face while addressing this issue. The condition currently faced by these persons that have served the country meritoriously is really unbearable and untold, hence, shouldn’t be overlooked by anyone that means well for humankind. Even the few Nigerians who are steady income earners still lament that there’s severe hunger in the land, let alone those who can’t boast of a dime in a whole month.

        Though the suffering is much, I enjoin the senior citizens and Imolites at large, to give the government the benefit of the doubt. Let’s not allow our resentment to constitute further damage rather than seek redress. Think about it!

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Indelible Merit (II)

INDELIBLE MERIT (II)

       As a result of the incident, the school couldn’t make it to the venue. Therein, the interest of the school’s management headed by Mr. J.O. Dare, the headmaster was shifted to the hospital and morgue where Mr. T.A. Ayo and the deceased pupils were respectively conveyed to.

      “What about Amanda and Kola?” Mr. Ayo asked the headmaster as he lay in the hospital bed.

       Mr. Dare who was flanked by four other staff of the school couldn’t utter a word in response to the question.

      “Sir,” Mr. Dare reiterated. “I said, what of Kola and Chiamanda?”

      “We lost them.” the assistant headmaster, Mr. Adegoke frankly disclosed.

      “How?” Mr. Ayo verified. “What did you mean?”

      “I mean, they are dead.” Mr. Adegoke clarified never minded the repercussions.

      “What…?” Mr. Ayo screamed, attempted to jump out of the bed, ignoring that he was under drip.

      “Calm down, calm down.” the five sympathizers chorused, as Mr. Adegoke whom was closer to him held him firmly to the bed. “Do you want to kill yourself?” Mr. Dare added.

      “I saw no need hiding it from you,” Mr. Adegoke chipped in. “That’s why I told you.” he said, paused. “You have to be a man.” He concluded.

      “But this was not the right time to disclose such news.” The headmaster frowned, facing Mr. Adegoke.

     “I am sorry, sir.” Mr. Adegoke apologized.

      At the venue of the event, everyone was impatiently awaiting the arrival of the prospective participants from Bojeri Grammar School till 1pm, all to no avail. The competition was scheduled to commence at 12.00 noon.

       A few minutes later, the organizers of the occasion got the news of the unimagined incident. Everyone was instantly trapped to the ground, especially the management of the event’s sponsor, one of the prominent manufacturers of beverages in Nigeria.

      There was no how they could continue with the competition without the presence of the bereaved school. It was the final round of the competition, thus only Bojeri Grammar School, Lagos State and one adversary – a private primary school from the North – were meant to slug it out towards determining the overall best. In view of this, the event was outrightly postponed till further notice.

      Consequently, the bereaved families as well as Mr. Ayo were duly compensated by the manufacturing company, although the vacuum created remained a loss they would live to mourn.

       One month on, the new date for the competition was fixed by the organizers; hence, the bereaved school was conscientized to renew their vigour for the race. By this time, Mr. Ayo, the Mathematics tutor had totally recuperated. The school was definitely left with no option than to gather their acts and move on.

      “Mr. Ayo,” the headmaster, Mr. Dare called as the former walked into his office. “Good to see you again.”

        That was the first day Mr. Ayo would be in school after the accident.

       “Thank you, sir.”

       “Please, sit down.”

         Mr. Ayo got seated, remained calm.

       “So, how do you feel now?”

       “I am very strong now, sir.”

       “We really thank God for your life, but…”

       “I know,” Mr. Ayo interrupted. “You mean, Amanda and Kola?”

       “Yes,” Mr. Dare replied. “Those kids died in active service.” he lamented, paused. “When we needed them most.”

        “It’s okay, sir.” Mr. Ayo consoled. “God knows why it happened that way.”

       “Well,” Mr. Dare succumbed. “Who are we to query him?”

         Mr. Ayo nodded, though looked soured.

       “So, are you willing to continue with the task?” Mr. Dare inquired hesitantly.

       “Yes, of course.”

        Mr. Dare nodded in appreciation. “Hope you are aware of the new date?”

        The new date indicated that the competition would take place in the next three weeks.

        Mr. Ayo nodded. “Yes sir.” He added.

      “Alright,” quoth Mr. Dare. “So, go and get the kids ready.”

      “No problem, sir.” Mr. Ayo responded, calmly stood up and left for his office.

       The following week, he returned to Mr. Dare’s office with the names of the two pupils expected to participate in the event. They were Tobi and Bisi; the latter was the female pupil whom was initially dropped due to gender-imbalance. The headmaster assented to the list, thus enjoined Mr. Ayo to continue with the finishing touches.

        Two weeks later, the rescheduled D-day came knocking. On that fateful day being Saturday, the entire staff and pupils of Bojeri Grammar School were deeply perturbed, filled with fear of the unknown. They embarked on the journey in a single bus contrary to the previous arrangement where they moved in two vehicles. While on their way to Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, they prayed, sang praises as well as worship songs to keep heart, body and soul together.

       Finally, at 10am, they arrived at the venue. The organizers were very impressed to have their presence despite all the tribulations encountered thus far. Owing to that singular effort, the school’s headmaster, Mr. J.O. Dare was therein recognized by the sponsor of the event as the ‘Best headmaster of the Year’.

       At eleven O’clock, the competition commenced as planned. Bisi and his male colleague, Tobi were damn prepared for the show. Taking a glance at their respective countenances, one would be convinced that they could not wait to depart from the venue with the awaited feat. Although their counterparts from the private school situated in the Northern part of the country were equally ready to grab the five million naira, Tobi and Bisi appeared to be the best going by their previous performances since the commencement of the competition six months back.

      “I want to remind us once more,” the chairman of the event announced as he stood on the podium. “That the overall winner of this quiz competition would be going home with five million naira.”

        The observers applauded the announcement whilst the intending participants became more motivated and jittery.

       “So, I urge the participants to do their best to ensure that they emerge victorious.”

        Everyone smiled simultaneously.

       “However,” he continued. “The second runner of the competition would be entitled to one million naira cash.” He landed.

        There and behold, in two hours time the competition was over, thus the panel of judges was asked to decide the winner. Unfortunately, the workaholic Bojeri Grammar School couldn’t make it to the peak of the ladder; its counterpart was announced as the overall best.

        Considering the performance of the pupils of the defeated school, the spectators of the event were disappointed in the panel’s judgement. They were strongly of the view that the aforesaid school was robbed of their victory ‘well deserved’. The development generated a lot of mixed feelings and ripples among the participants as they depart for their various destinations.

       The following two days, Mr. J.O. Dare was sensitized to write the appropriate quarters over the perceived maltreatment, and he immediately complied with the request.

       Three weeks on, it was discovered that the school was truly cheated. It was learnt that the purported winner of the competition bribed the judges prior to the day of the event. To this end, the school was shut down indefinitely by the concerned authority, and the management alongside the judges was charged to court for corruption and conspiracy.

       Thereafter, Bojeri Grammar School was handsomely rewarded by the event’s sponsor with ten million naira in addition to other goodies, for a job well done in spite of the inconveniences that befell them.

 

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Indelible Merit

INDELIBLE MERIT

      “Oh,” Mr. Dare exclaimed as he sat in his office. “We just have two weeks to go.” He thought.

       Mr. J.O. Dare was an experienced and astute headmaster who truly knew his onions. It invariably took him nothing to get the best of whatever he so desired; it suffices to say that he effortlessly strived towards excellence. His kin cum junior colleagues respected him for such rare idiosyncrasy. Another remarkable part of his person that was worthy of emulation was that he was so disciplined and easy-going. You hardly saw him quarrel with anyone even while issuing disciplinary directive to any of his staff or family members, as the case might be. He usually reprimanded or scolded anyone found wanting in a polite and mature manner, that, everyone far and near found his presence very attractive. This attribute alone made him maintained a good management–staff cooperation in the public primary school where he was currently serving.

       In spite of the fact that he was heading a government institution, he handled and managed it as he would if it was his. In fact, the school in question was widely reckoned to be a privately owned citadel of learning, thus parents and guardians from all walks of life were, on a daily basis, trouping to the school to get their wards registered. To assert the least, Bojeri Grammar School as the name went, was always ahead of its contemporaries whenever it called for inter-school debate/quiz competitions, among other competitive outings.

       As Mr. Dare was seated in that office on a Monday morning immediately after the school’s assembly period, he was deeply occupied with the ongoing Mathematics quiz competition his school had been participating in, with a few other primary schools across the federation. The preliminary rounds of the competition had already been conducted; hence, Bojeri Grammar School was one of the best and lucky ones that made it to the grand finale that was expected to take place in barely two weeks time.

       “Good morning, sir.” Mr. Ayo greeted the moment he walked into the headmaster’s office.

       “Good morning, Mr. Ayo.”

       “Sir, you sent for me?”

         Mr. T.A. Ayo was the school’s Mathematics expert. The boss had earlier sent a pupil to his office to call him.

       “Yes I did, my dear,” Mr. Dare responded. “Please, sit down.” He urged, gesticulating.

        Mr. Ayo majestically sat on one of the backseats sited opposite Mr. Dare’s. Going by his countenance, he already knew the purpose for the invitation.

      “Please tell me,” Mr. Dare said. “What is the latest?” He inquired.

       Mr. Ayo was silent, trying to employ delay tactics.

       He was the most adored and celebrated teacher in the school at that moment, so he could attend to questions in any manner chosen by him. It wasn’t that he was impudent; he was only trying to showcase how important his services were, which no doubt was a common trait in human behaviour.

      “How prepared are the kids?” the headmaster added in a jiffy.

       He was referring to the primary six pupils whom were meant to represent the school in the said competition.

      “Sir, I must confess,” quoth Mr. Ayo. “The kids are doing very well.”

      “Sure?”

      “Yes sir.”

      “Remember, only two would make it to the competition?” Mr. Dare reminded. “Others would only be there to cheer them up.”

       Mr. Ayo nodded in comprehension.

      “So, who are the two pupils that would represent us?” Mr. Dare enquired. “Or, are you yet to decide?”

      “No sir,” Mr. Ayo answered. “The two are available.”

      “So, who are they?”

      “Amanda and Bisi.”

       The aforementioned girls were among the pupils whom had been actively involved in the race, ab initio, thus the headmaster had nothing to doubt about their competence and reliability.

       “Both of them are girls, right?”

       “Yes sir.”

       “I understand both are competent, but…”

       “But what, sir?” Mr. Ayo interrupted.

       “You see, Lagos is a cosmopolitan state,” Mr. Dare asserted. “So, I wouldn’t want a situation whereby people would think we lack competent boys in a school situated in such state.”

       “How do you mean, sir?”

       “I mean, we need to mix the genders of the proposed participants.” Mr. Dare informed. “Let it not be one-sided.”

       “Sir, are you saying this because both are girls?” Mr. Ayo chipped in. “What of if they happen to be boys?”

       “My dear, don’t let it seem as if I am against a certain gender.” Mr. Dare clarified. “I am only trying to balance the equation.”

       “Sir, I understand where you are coming from, but…”

       “But what?”

       “I am afraid,” Mr. Ayo notified. “Bisi and Amanda are the best heads I can figure right now.”

       “I have always trusted your ability, Mr. Ayo,” the boss enthused. “So, don’t fail me now that I need your services most.” He added, looking into his eyes.

       “I will try my best, sir.”

       “Now you are talking.”

       “I wish to take my leave, sir.’

       “It’s alright,” replied the headmaster. “Please, do get back to me by tomorrow, okay?”

       “Alright sir.” Mr. Ayo said, stood up and walked towards the entrance.

       “One more thing, Mr. Ayo.”

        Mr. Ayo turned, remained attentive while standing.

       “Don’t forget,” quoth the 57-year-old Mr. Dare. “We are targeting five million naira.” He frankly reminded.

        Mr. Ayo smiled and calmly took his leave.

        Mr. Dare smiled too as he watched him depart. “Stubborn man indeed!” He observed amidst the smile.

       The following day, the 43-year-old Mr. T.A. Ayo returned to the headmaster’s office with the names of the newly selected pupils for the awaited competition as requested. This time, the chosen ones were Amanda and Kola; needless to say that Bisi had been delisted in order to suit the gender-balance quest of the highly revered headmaster. Kola had equally been amongst the active participants from the outset.

      “This is good and acceptable.” Mr. Dare enthused, as he received the names.

       Mr. Ayo smiled. “Thank you, sir”

      “Now, go and prepare them for the D-day.” The boss urged elatedly.

      “They are already ready, sir.”

      “I know,” concurred Mr. Dare. “I was referring to the finishing touches.”

      “Okay sir.” Mr. Ayo said, stood up and walked away.

       In thirteen days time, the long awaited D-day eventually arrived, thus the school embarked on a trip to Akure, Ondo State – the venue for the event. Kola and Amanda, the prospective participants were travelling in a separate car alongside the car’s driver who happened to be Mr. T.A. Ayo. The car was moving ahead of a Busscar bus that contained the rest of the staff and other participating pupils of the school.

       On reaching the venue of the epochal occasion, something very horrific occurred. Mr. Ayo’s car had a terrible accident owing to the bad state of the road, and the two prospective participants – Amanda and Kola gave up the ghost at the spot but Mr. Ayo survived though he sustained severe injury.

       What transpired consequently ought to be a story for another day. Or, what’s your opinion? Think about it!

 

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Brain Drain

BRAIN DRAIN

       Mr. Chima Onochie had always known himself as a good scientist; needless to state that he trusted his ability too well. Obviously, he needed not anyone, not even his mentor, to tell him how good he was in the field of physical sciences. Ever five years back he graduated from Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) in Imo State, Nigeria with a bachelor degree in Biochemistry, he had been doing very well on his own. He was a sound researcher who knew where to go whenever he was in need of a material, and absolutely how to acquire it. He had seen research works as his life, or a profession his whole life depended on, but his setback had been paucity of funds. Despite the challenge, he remained resolute and persisted with the notion that such predicament wouldn’t be a barrier towards achieving his goal.

       Way back when he was still in the university, he was reckoned to be the ‘encyclopaedia’ amongst his contemporaries. Even medical students, both undergraduates and postgraduate, in the institution were continually trouping into his department purposely to consult him. His ingenuity and unflinching passion in research works fetched him several sobriquets aside the one mentioned above.

       “Onochie,” one of his lecturers, Professor Obi, called. “You are indeed a good chap in this department.” He enthused.

       He made the remark right in his office during one of his numerous interactions with Chima.

      “Thank you, sir.”

      “You are a star,” Prof. Obi rode on. “But, you must not let it get into your head.”

       Chima was attentive.

      “You need to bend down and do your work,” clarified the lecturer. “So that, you wouldn’t fly when you are meant to walk.”

       Chima remained calm and attentive.

      “Am I understood?”

      “Yes sir.”

      “That’s my boy!” the don asserted.

       Professor G.O. Obi was always there for him. He was his closest teacher and mentor. The former was not only looking at the latter’s prospects as a student but the future that lay ahead of him. He was strongly of the view that Chima would go places after his days in the university, thus he invariably took his precious time to nurture him as well as intimate him on the rudimentary facts he needed to acknowledge.

       Five years after his university education, he was still recalling those wise words of Professor Obi. Chima resided in Lagos State, hence the distance was so wide for him to frequent his alma-mater to engage the don in intellectual conversations. Though they often talked on phone, Chima was seeing it as not enough. At the moment, he was carrying out several researches that needed the guideline of the likes of Prof. Obi. His unsteady income was barely enough to cater for his two-square meals on a daily basis, thus he could not afford the financial muscle to sponsor a trip to and fro FUTO whenever he wished.

      Amidst the financial crisis bedeviling his scientific struggles, one day he thought it wise to assess a loan from a commercial bank. When he made the move, the nature of collateral and interest rate involved scared him away.

      “So Manager,” said Chima during his interaction with the bank’s boss. “You mean I can’t assess this loan without collateral?”

      “That wouldn’t be possible, Mr. Onochie.” The boss replied politely. “I am sure you are aware this is a financial institution?”

      “Meaning?”

      “Our primary aim here is to make profit.” He informed unequivocally.

      “Even on the grounds that I intend to utilize the loan on a project that would be useful to the entire nation, if actualized?”

      The manager smiled. “Thank God you said, if actualized.” he observed. “Meaning that there’s no hundred percent guarantee.”

       Chima was perplexed.

      “Besides,” the boss proceeded. “In the CBN’s directive, there’s no clause that recognizes preference.”

      “What kind of country is this?” the puzzled dude ranted, stood up, attempted to dash out.

      “Mr. Onochie.” The manager called tenderly, looking up to him.

       Chima stopped, reciprocated the look.

      “If it is something I can do for you,” he said. “I would have loved to help.”

       Chima was stagnant as he stood aloof.

      “All the same, I wish you good luck.” The boss said, dipped his hand into his trousers’ pocket and brought out two thousand naira comprising #1000 mint notes. “Please, use this for your transport fare.” He offered, stretching out his right arm.

      “Thank you.” Chima responded imprudently, shunning the offer. “I can take care of myself.” He notified, angrily took his leave.

       The manager shook his big skull as he watched him depart from the office.

       “Hello!” someone on steering called Chima as soon as he left the bank’s premises.

      The caller had parked the car by the roadside before calling on him having caught the sight of him from a distance.

       Chima walked towards the black Toyota Camry car, looked into it. “Denco oooh..!” he shouted.

       Dera, ‘Denco’ as he was fondly called, was his course mate way back in the university.

      Dera smiled, hurriedly opened the car door, walked out and they hugged each other. “Chimo oo!” Dera hailed. “How far nah?”

       “My brother, I just deh ooh,” quoth Chima. “Come, is this your car?” He added.

       “Yes, of course.”

       “Where do you work?”

       “I am with Swift Bank.”

       “A biochemist in a bank?” Chima quickly thought. “I thank God for you.” He managed to utter.

       “Yes ooh!” Dera concurred. “What about you?”

       “My brother,” Chima replied. “I still dey struggle ooh.”

       “Ah-aah, Chima!” Dera lamented. “You mean, you are still job-hunting ..?”

       Chima was speechless.

      “You used to be one of the best brains those days in school.” Dera enthused. “You are still jobless after four years you completed your NYSC?” He said, gesticulating

      “Actually,” quoth Chima, still standing alongside Dera. “I am not searching for job.”

      “What?” exclaimed Dera. “How do you mean?”

      “I have so many researches I need to develop.” he responded. “All I seek is the capital to facilitate them.”

       “Hmm…” Dera took a deep breath.  

       “Besides,” Chima continued. “Working under someone would deprive me of my time and freedom.”

       “If this is your dream and you strongly intend to pursue it,” Dera asserted. “Then, I suggest you leave this country for a Western nation.” He advised, paused. “Where your talent would be valued.”

       “I think you have a point.” He concurred thoughtfully.

       “You have to start thinking in that direction.” Dera enjoined. “I know you will make it over there because you have the brain.”

       “Thank you very much for the candid advice.”

       “You are welcome.” responded Dera. “Please, don’t hesitate to contact me whenever you need my assistance.” He added, stretched his right arm into his car’s pig-hole and brought out his complimentary card. “This is my card.” He said, handing it over to him.

       “Alright.” Chima said as he collected the card.

        Dera equally dipped his hand in his suit’s pocket, brought out five thousand naira comprising #500 notes and gave it to him.

       “Thank you so much.” Chima appreciated.

       “You are highly welcome.” replied Dera. “Please, let me take my leave; someone is waiting for me in my office.” He notified, stretched out his right arm for a departing handshake.

        Chima reciprocated.

        Dera hopped into the car and drove off.

        Chima waved at him as he watched him depart.

        Thereafter, the frustrated 32-year-old Chima started processing his visa to leave Nigeria for Canada with the help of his parents and his friend, Dera. As God would have it, everything worked out successfully as planned.

       When he got to Canada, fascinatingly, he was adopted by the Canadian government having made his talent and research works known to them. Within three months time, he commercialized one of his patents, which was a vaccine for a particular endemic disease. This accomplishment alone, tremendously improved Canada’s net worth.

        Few months after, Mr. Chima Onochie metamorphosed into a totally different person, both finance and fame wise. He was provided with all he needed as a man to ensure that he wouldn’t think of leaving Canada for his home country, Nigeria again for whatsoever reason.

 

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OPINION II Today is Int'l Human Solidarity Day!

CLARION CALL FOR UNDILUTED UNITY AMONG NIGERIANS AS THE 2016 INT’L HUMAN SOLIDARITY DAY IS MARKED ON TUESDAY DECEMBER 20

        

On Tuesday, December 20, the world over is celebrating the 2016 International Human Solidarity Day. The annual International Human Solidarity Day was established on 22^nd December 2005, by the United Nations (UN). Having acknowledged the fact that solidarity is one of the basic and universal values that ought to underlie relations between peoples in the Twenty-First Century, on the aforementioned date, the UN General Assembly decided to proclaim December 20 each year as International Human Solidarity Day.

        

Prior to the adoption of the Day by the UN, by resolution on 20^th December 2002, the General Assembly established the World Solidarity Fund which was duly set up in February 2003 as a trust fund of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Its motive is to eradicate poverty as well as promote social and human development in developing countries, particularly amongst the poorest segments of their populations.

        

Solidarity, in a precise term, can be defined as a complete unity and support among people of a certain group. It can also be addressed as an absolute togetherness showcased by members/occupants of a particular group or locality, as the case might be.

       

Solidarity is identified in the Millennium Declaration as one of the fundamental values of international relations in the twenty-first (21^st) century, wherein those who either suffer or benefit least deserve help or support from those who benefit most. Consequently, in the context of globalization and the challenge of growing inequality, the uplift of international solidarity remains unavoidable.

       

Surely, the concept of solidarity has defined the work of the UN since the birth of the organization. The establishment of the UN drew the peoples and nations of the world together to promote peace, human rights, social and economic developments. The body was founded on a basic premise of unity and harmony among its Member States. It is indeed in the spirit of solidarity that the union relies on cooperation in resolving international plights or misunderstanding of socio-economic, cultural and/or humanitarian origin in order to maintain universal peace and security.

       

Frankly, solidarity is a very vital tool required to solve problems in our interconnected world. We can only reach our shared goals if people are able to participate in the formulation and implementation of plans, policies, programmes, and what have you, to shape our common future, since it is already noted that commitments without empowerment are merely words without meaning.

         

Having noticed that absolute unity is synonymous with solidarity, there is no need reiterating the fact that thorough brotherhood or unity can only be actualized through participation in solidarity-related activities or causes. Thus, adoption of human solidarity by any entity is no doubt a pathway towards actualizing absolute unity, which is no doubt an epitome of exemplary peace and harmony.

        

Since it is apparent that solidarity which guarantees absolute unity is as well a giant step towards alleviating the poverty level of any society, hence there is an urgent need for a right thinking citizen of any poverty-stricken nation such as Nigeria alongside other developing countries across the globe to support the ongoing human solidarity crusade as much as they can. In addition, it is imperative for a country like Nigeria that is currently ravaged by insurgency and other forms of treason to do everything humanly possible to ensure that solidarity among the citizenry becomes the order of the day without much ado.

         

Nigeria can promote thorough brotherhood among her populace by closing the existing gaps including ethnicity, corruption, nepotism, favouritism, religious cum social discrimination, chauvinism, and personal aggrandizement that are invariably found on the country’s socio-political and economic platform. To this end, as the present administration ably led by President Mohammadu Buhari is willing and determined to sweep out corruption, which remains the fundamental bane to unity and societal development, we are cordially expected to rally round the administration with the spirit of solidarity rather than the reverse, with a view to making Nigeria become a country to reckon with in the nearest future.

       

We can contribute our respective quotas by regularly and relentlessly preaching unity in every field of human endeavour we find ourselves, most especially in the schools, markets, worship centres, motor parks, and our immediate communities. More so, parents and guardians ought to sensitize their wards, right from their childhood, on the fact that no one can thrive successfully if he/she chose to stand alone since it is obvious that ‘a tree can never make a forest’.   

       

So, as Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the annual International Human Solidarity Day, I call on everyone who thinks good of the country to borrow a leaf from the country’s fallen nationalists and heroes to include Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, and Chief Tafawa Belewa, just to mention but a few, who believed in the inevitable role of human solidarity in nation building. This is arguably the only way we can actualize undiluted unity among ourselves, which remains the gateway to the long awaited change. Think about it!

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