2014 World Diabetes Day (Aired News-Commentary)

THE NEED TO INTENSIFY AWARENESS ON DIABETES
       

Diabetes is a lifelong medical condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. It is often caused by the insufficiency or lack of the hormone known as insulin, which is produced by the pancreas – a gland found behind the stomach.

The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by insulin. When food is digested and enters the bloodstream, insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into the cells where it’s broken down to produce the required energy.

However this implies that, if one has diabetes, his/her body is unable to break down glucose into energy; because there’s either not enough insulin to move the glucose or the insulin being produced doesn’t work properly.

There are two main types of diabetes namely: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. The former is usually more delicate than the latter which is far more common.

In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. As no insulin is produced, the victim’s glucose level increases, which can seriously damage his body’s organs. Type 1 diabetes is often regarded as Insulin-dependent diabetes; it is also sometimes recognized as Juvenile diabetes or Early-onset diabetes, because it mostly develops before the age of forty (40) or usually during the teenage years.

If one is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, he would need insulin injections for the rest of his life. He would also need to pay very close attention to certain aspects of his lifestyle and health, to ensure that his blood glucose levels stay balanced at all times.

Type 2 diabetes takes place when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it cells don’t react to insulin. This type of diabetes is generally known as Insulin-resistant diabetes. Since Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition, the patient may eventually need medication mainly in the form of tablets.

Type 2 diabetes is in most cases associated with obesity. Obesity-related diabetes is sometimes referred to as Maturity-onset diabetes owing to the fact that it is more common in older people.

During pregnancy, some women possess high levels of blood glucose, which makes their body unable to produce enough insulin to absorb it all. Such condition is known as Gestational diabetes and it affects up to 18 in 100 women during pregnancy. Pregnancy can as well make existing Type 1 diabetes worse.

Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of health problems developing in an unborn baby, therefore it’s very necessary for a pregnant woman to keep her blood glucose levels under control. In several cases, gestational diabetes develops during the second trimester of pregnancy, which is weeks 14 to 26, and disappears after the baby is born. But the truth remains that, women who suffer from gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

The general symptoms of diabetes, which often take place simultaneously, are as follows:

v Feeling very thirsty.

v Urinating more frequently than usual, particularly at night.

v Feeling very tired.

v Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk.

v Cuts or wounds that heal slowly.

v Blurred vision, caused by the lens of the eye becoming dry.

v Itching around the private part or frequent episodes of thrush.

Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days. Whilst, many people may have Type 2 diabetes for years without realizing it because the early symptoms tend to be friendly.

Statistics, according to World Health Organization (WHO), show that about 347 million people worldwide are presently suffering from diabetes. In 2004, an estimated 3.4 million people died from consequences of high fasting blood sugar. The most devastating aspect of diabetes is that, almost half of the people suffering from it do not know that they have the disease. In view of this, WHO stipulates that diabetes would be the 7^th leading cause of death by the year 2030.

Many more people worldwide have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. This is referred to as Pre-diabetes. If your blood sugar level is above the normal range, your risk of developing full-blown diabetes is increased. Thus, it’s absolutely very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it would get progressively worse if left untreated.

In general, diabetes carriers are advised to eat healthily, take regular exercise and carry out regular blood tests in order to ensure that their blood glucose levels remain balanced. Above all, they are also advised to maintain a very cordial relationship with their doctors or health experts.

Penultimate two weeks, Friday November 14 precisely, the world over commemorated the 2014 World Diabetes Day. The World Diabetes Day, which is an annual and international commemoration, was instituted in the year 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to help in raising public awareness on the dangers and control of diabetes.

World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations (UN) Day in 2007 through the passage of the UN Resolution. The day was chosen in honour of the birthday of Frederick Banting who along with Charles Best first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1921. The campaign attached to the World Diabetes Day draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes community and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight.

As the global community commemorates the World Diabetes Day anniversary, I’m using this avenue to urge the general public to endeavour to live a life that would exonerate them from contracting this dreaded disease that has claimed hundreds of millions of souls as well as maimed several lives both in the past and present. They can achieve this by ensuring that they consume balance diets or by staying away from constant intake of starchy or sugary foods without supplementing them with other required classes of foods.

The sufferers of the disease ought to also note that they can live as long as possible if necessary precautions are always taken, or if they continually stick to the modus operandi surrounding the disease, such as eating healthily, indulging in regular exercise, carrying out blood tests regularly, and consistent intake of the prescribed drugs or frequent consultation of a physician, among others.

Yes diabetes has no absolute cure but it can be prevented, or managed if contracted; thus it is worthy to acknowledge that we have every opportunity to live without the disease or live healthily if being attacked by it. Think about it!

 

         COMR FRED NWAOZOR

Public Affairs Analyst & Rights Activist

-------------------------------------------------

             +2348028608056  

 

My Candid Note To Nigerian Critics

 MY CANDID NOTE TO NIGERIAN CRITICS

Brethren, I want to let us know that we have the right and every opportunity to bring a positive change or revive any anomaly taking place around us. In other words, the change we anticipate or seek for lies in our bare hands. Honestly it is a fact.

It amuses me each time I see most of us who wish to embrace positive change without making any effort or contributing towards actualizing their anticipations. How could one intend to have something without doing anything in respect to the attainment of his/her goal? Doesn’t it sound crazy? Well, let’s leave the dead to bury the dead.

Some weeks ago during my stay in Lagos State, I was passing through one of the major streets situated in the state; and before I could get to my destination, I sighted at a certain vendor spot along the street in question. The gathering was really generating an enormous pandemonium. Out of curiosity, I decided to reduce my motion in order to ascertain the essence of the uproar. Summarily, it was all about the $9.3 million scandal which the current President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) – Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor is allegedly involved.

Having gotten the headline from the roadside analysts, I didn’t bother absorbing the detail of their respective opinions because I was of the view that it would be all about condemnation all in the name of ‘Criticism’.

Most times our so called critics piss me off when I see them condemning a certain anomaly instead of criticizing it. Frankly, we still need to comprehend the difference between condemnation and criticism. And, this is our prime interest in today’s edition.

Criticism is simply an expression of disapproval of someone or something. It can also be described as a comment in which you say that something has a particular fault. From my individual perspective, criticism is a serious and thorough examination coupled with judgement on a certain scenario or an achievement made by someone. In the same vein, a critic ought to be referred to as a person or professional who publicly expresses his/her opinion about an accomplishment or a certain scenario with the aim of restoring normalcy. Let’s ride on!

There are so many things Nigerian critics need to know. There are basic factors that must be considered by a critic if he/her intends to put up a criticism on any occurrence. Thus, anyone who addresses him/herself as a ‘Critic’ is expected to note some crucial facts that surround the practice (criticism).

First, we must understand that criticism is a profession; and a worthwhile one. Therefore any critic is a professional. And, we must note that a society can never thrive successfully without the contribution of the aforementioned professionals – that’s the critics. Yes, every society requires critics to function adequately.

Secondly, any critic must always be willing and ready to proffer remedy to anything he criticizes. Of course the paramount interest of any critic must be to restore normality if he/she feels that aberration has taken place. You cannot just indicate a fault or flaw without rendering solution on how the flaw (anomaly) would be addressed.

Thirdly, we must understand fully that criticism without the aim of restoring normalcy is simply worthless. Such criticism is known as ‘destructive criticism’; therefore it is only targeted at constituting upheavals in the society in question. Rather than solving the alleged problem, destructive criticism invariably ends up heating the polity excessively.

We shouldn’t be fast in condemning anything we tagged ‘unacceptable’; we are expected to thoroughly think over something before setting up an antagonism. A critic’s opinion is highly needed in any area of life such as politics, economy, education, and what have you, but he must be ready to tender reasonable suggestions and ideas with the view of creating a better and more conducive atmosphere. Needless to say; only a constructive criticism is needed in any circumstance.

Definitely, we have the right and every opportunity to bring a positive change or revive anything we see as an abnormality taking place around us but we must be willing to contribute our quota towards actualizing such dream or goal. And mind you, such change can never take place by tendering condemnation or destructive criticism; rather, a constructive one. Think about it!

 

FRED NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056

2015 Elections: A Call For Sober Reflection

 2015 ELECTIONS: A CALL FOR SOBER REFLECTION

Brethren, please let your past make you a better person rather than making you bitter. I’m putting up this advice because the last time I checked, most of us often allowed our past to change us for bad instead of the other way round.

Your past is expected to be seen as a recipe required to create a better tomorrow in your life. But on the contrary, most people misuse their past thereby constituting series of pathetic moments for themselves. Believe me everybody has a past, either a good or bad one; but the way we manage or absorb it, is what matters most. Of course the manner in which one manages his/her past is what determines the kind of future he/she would encounter or have.

Penultimate week, one of my childhood friends called me as usual from Holland where he resides. Amidst our lovely discussions coupled with gossip, he decided to enquire some facts concerning the present state of things in Nigeria especially in the area of politics.

Firstly, he asked how were the electorates preparing towards the fast approaching 2015 general elections; and I quickly told him that the elections in question is a call for sober reflection for all Nigerians and lovers of the country.

Truly anyone who has Nigeria at heart irrespective of his place of residence would be deeply concerned about the awaiting elections. Yes any right thinking Nigerian who thinks good of this country, regardless of where he resides, is expected to be worried or filled with anxiety over the incoming elections. No doubt, some of us have embarked on a perpetual or have already concluded, their fasting and prayers in regard to the said forthcoming political tussle.

Notwithstanding, whatever the case might be, we ought to note that the proposed elections is simply a clarion call for sober reflection among the Nigerian citizenry as well as all the concerned fellows across the globe. Frankly the era we are passing through is a period that requires absolute pampering without using the baby ‘pampers’. If it is in football or sports generally, this is the right time to embrace the drawing board for the sole purpose of having a rethink.

Surely, as we earnestly await 2015, we need to cross-examine so many things, so that, we won’t end up dancing ‘Makosa’ when we are meant to dance Hip-hop or vice-versa. Without mincing words, if we fail to soberly reflect on some certain things at this point, we would have ourselves to be blamed. Let’s ride on!

When Nigeria got her Independence via the collective effort of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Tafawa Belewa, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, et al, little did the nationalists know that Nigeria would still be facing some of the challenges she is currently facing. Even in their grave, they still find it difficult to believe that Nigeria is still, at this point, a purported united nation, or still battling with election rigging. Thus for the fact that Nigeria as an independent country is yet to be totally united, there’s no need reiterating the fact that the forthcoming 2015 elections call for absolute sober reflection among the electorates.

Though, every nation or entity has its challenges, and ours is not exceptional. But what matters is the step we are taking to ensure that we overcome our challenges. We are expected to reflect on some certain factors or better still, ask ourselves a few questions as follows: Are we truly taking a sincere step? Do we really want to leave this country better than we met it just as our forefathers did? And lastly but not the least, do our leaders actually strive towards taking this country to the anticipated promised land, or are they only interested in their personal aggrandizement?

At this juncture, I sincerely challenge the Nigerian youths to form a formidable confraternity as regards rebranding the Nigerian society. It is high time we stopped being used or manipulated by the men in power, rather let’s stand firm and thoroughly independent.

I was informed that the Transformation Ambassador Nigeria (TAN) is a non-governmental body, but you would bear me witness that the so-called NGO has been organizing campaign rallies for Dr Goodluck Jonathan, and other political aspirants under the aegis of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). Who is deceiving who?

I’m not here to create faction or to side any party; rather I’m only calling for ‘Sober reflection’ because I’m of the view that we all have derailed profoundly regarding the forthcoming 2015 general elections. I bet you; if we continue like this, it would take us nowhere.

By now, we ought to have learnt from our past. I want us to note that one who takes reference from his or her past stands to have a better tomorrow. Therefore, challenge us to let our past make us better persons rather than giving it a chance to usher us into a bitter mood. The choice is yours. Think about it!

 

FRED NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com          

+2348028608056       

Increasing Rate Of Road Accidents

INCREASING RATE OF ROAD ACCIDENTS

Brethren, doing what you like is freedom, whilst liking what you do is simply happiness. In other words, it is only total freedom that can make one to do whatever he/she likes; so if someone does whatever he wishes to do, it implies that he’s completely free.

Freedom is indeed an essential recipe deserves by everyone or, required by the human race in its entirety. But the rate at which it is being abused by most of us remains an alarming anomaly that requires an urgent and severe attention.

I’ve come to realize as well arrived at a conclusion that, freedom no doubts, intoxicates thereby constituting series of cacophonies among mankind. Yes most people often go crazy because they have all the rights to indulge in whatever that pleases them. These incessant anomalies produced due to freedom, invariably lead to aberration.

Today, our paramount concern is on the increasing rate of accidents on our roads. If you are a resident of Nigeria, you would bear me witness that the rate at which accident occurs on our major roads has become quite alarming in recent times. Of course it is longer news that every nook and cranny of the nation has lately been littered by fathomless road accident by the automobiles.

Considering the basic causes of the aforementioned plight, several concerned citizens have been tempted to presume that the acclaimed giant of Africa has no road safety personnel. Perhaps, it is not true that the nation has no personnel that oversee the management of our roads to ensure safety, because surely, they are found all over the country. If the assertion or insinuation of the people is not a fact, then the subsequent question would be: what actually causes these perilous occurrences on our major roads?

Apart from hundreds of thousands of them that took place several months ago, within these ongoing Ember months, there have been incidences of innumerable accidents recorded on various high ways across the country to include, Lagos-Ibadan express way, Owerri-Onitsha road, Benin-Ore road, Port/Harcourt-Aba road, Ekiti-Osun road, among so many others. The most devastating aspect of it is that, it takes place virtually on a daily basis simultaneously on the roads in question.

Frankly, something drastic needs to be done in earnest, so that, we won’t wake up one morning to see every part of the Nigeria’s society in shambles as a result of Road accident. Let’s ride on!

First and foremost, the governments must ensure that all the roads are put in appropriate and desirable shapes without any iota of delay. Due to bad road network, sometimes the commuters prefer to operate on ‘One-way’ which severally leads to collisions.

Secondly, the federal government as well as every state government ought to ensure that a special lane is constructed for the trucks or Lorries. Creating a well designed road for the big vehicles would automatically create an avenue for serenity on the already existing roads or high ways meant for the smaller ones.

Thirdly, a law should be passed by our legislators, stating that, before anyone would be issued a Driver’s License, he/she must had passed through a driving school instituted by the Nigerian Road Safety Corps or an institution duly approved or recognized by the said corps.  By so doing, only real drivers would be seen handling the steering, which would go a long way to curtail or restrict reckless driving often indulged-in, by the so called drivers.

Lastly but not the least, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should put up a holistic crusade that would ensure that no bad vehicle is found on any of the roads. Most times you would see vehicles that are meant to be thrown to the waste bin operating freely on the road thereby endangering people’s safety.

The above mentioned aberration is solely caused by the motorists or the car owners. Sometimes you would see a ‘driver’ who never cares to open his car bonnet before making use of it. The uncalled freedom assigned to drivers has made them to lousily forget that the fitness or readiness of any vehicle must be properly checked and crosschecked by its driver before it’s being used for the day.

Above all, mobile courts ought to be instituted by the apt authority in order to try any purported driver who goes contrary to the traffic modus operandi or the laws biding the drivers; and, a capital punishment must be allocated to anyone found guilty. To actualize the aim of this proposed measure, the officers of the Road Safety Corps or any personnel involved must endeavour to exonerate themselves from bribery or any form of extortion.

For crying out loud, it’s high time we stopped these bloody occurrences on our precious roads. And this can only be actualized if the governments successfully implement the above recommendations as well as withdraw the inconsequential freedom presently exercised by the motorists. Think about it!

 

FDN NWAOZOR

+2348028608056

frednwaozor@gmail.com

http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor

Twitter: @fdnnwaozor   

             

  

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  

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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

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