Ending Unkind Attitudes Among Mankind

ENDING UNKIND ATTITUDES AMONG MANKIND AS THE WORLD MARKS THE 2016 INT’L DAY OF CHARITY ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 5

        Today Monday September 5, the global community is commemorating the 2016 International Day of Charity. In recognition of charity’s key role in alleviating humanitarian crises and human suffering, in 2012, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated September 5 of every year as the International Day of Charity. Suffice it to say that this year’s commemoration marks the fourth edition of the remarkable and laudable event. The date was chosen in respect to the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa whose life and good works for some of the poorest of the poor and the downtrodden while on earth inspired several people across the world.

        The idea of the day was proposed by the Hungarian civil society initiative supported by Hungarian Parliament and Government with the aim of creating a universal platform to raise awareness on the importance of benevolent giving. Upon the initiative of Hungary, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution by consensus to designate 5^th of September - the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity. The resolution was co-sponsored by the forty-four (44) Member States representing all the five regions of the United Nations. The cross-regional support of the initiative reflects the universal recognition of charity and the apparent relevance of selfless giving or services in today’s world.

        It is widely acknowledged that ‘God loves a cheerful giver’. This significantly implies that one who gives freely and cheerfully would definitely receive his/her reward from God, in abundance. In other words, the wellbeing of a freewill donor remains God’s concern.

       Charity, in a concise term, is a kind or generous attitude towards other people. In the same vein, it can be defined as money, gift, or time given to poor or less-privileged people. Some typical examples of charity include:

v Raising funds for the benefit of a certain person or cause.

v Contributing manual labour to help build a house for a low-income family.

v Setting aside half of your coffee money per month and granting that money to an organization that helps the needy.

v Donating food, clothes, and other basic requirements to the motherless-babies homes, from time to time.

v Asking friends and family to donate money to a specific charity organization rather than getting you gifts for birthdays and other anniversaries.

        No doubt, charity contributes to the promotion of dialogue, solidarity and mutual understanding among people regardless of their respective affiliations. Hence, it is the duty of all and sundry to live toward its uplift since it helps to foster a society filled with peace and harmony. And, it is worth noting that no meaningful development can take place in a society that lacks peace and mutual understanding.

        In his introductory speech, the Permanent Representative of Hungary to the UN – Mr. Csaba Korosi, highlighted that charity as a way of thinking, provides real social bonding and contributes immensely to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. According to him, ‘Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care delivery, education, housing, and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and the underprivileged, as well as spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.’

        Indeed, the day is a day to remember those who are less advantaged, and to take appropriate actions to help them. The UN set aside September 5 each year as that day, so that, we all would act collectively or individually in order to alleviate the suffering and pains of the less-privileged around us in our various jurisdictions. Bear in mind that many people are doing charitable work on a daily basis; needless to state that every day is a golden opportunity to assist those in needs.

       Devoting our time or money, as the case may be, would help to end these lingering unkind attitudes found among mankind. No amount of charity is too small; what matters most is the state of your heart while giving. In view of this assertion, we are encouraged not to discard any household material in haste, with a view that, that which you tagged as waste could be very helpful to that your closest neighbour. So, we are urged to continually reach out to our colleagues, associates, relatives, and what have you, towards bringing succour to any of them that yearns for it.

       However, it’s noteworthy that charity isn’t only deserved by less-advantaged individuals, thus anyone irrespective of status could be in need of charity at a given circumstance. To this end, we must always be conscious of the fact that that person whom we see as our boss might be deeply in need of a kind gesture from his/her teeming subjects. Therefore, charity ought to be seen as an interwoven gesture at all times.    

       So, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the fourth commemoration of the annual International Day of Charity as well as the anniversary of Late Mother Teresa, I candidly enjoin every individual and organization in the country at large to use this opportunity to promote their own projects and encourage charitable activities in their respective communities or societies, bearing in mind that this is the only way we can boast of a meaningful development in our various societies. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

Super Eagles, Rohr and Russia 2018

SUPER EAGLES, ROHR AND RUSSIA 2018

      Since 24^th February 2016 Sunday Oliseh resigned as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, the technical committee of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had been relentlessly in search of an astute personnel that would fill the vacuum, till Friday 5^th August when the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF announced the appointment of Gernot Rohr as the new Technical Adviser of the team.

      It would be recalled that prior to the recent appointment of Mr. Rohr as the Chief Coach of the Nigeria’s national team, several individuals, both indigenous and foreign, to include Samson Siasia, Paul Le Guen and Salisu Yusuf, had been contracted to man the team. Siasia who was appointed following Oliseh’s resignation, though on an interim basis, was shown the way out owing to his inability to qualify the team for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be hosted by Gabon in 2017.

      Subsequently, in July 2016, the NFF pronounced the appointment of the French 52-year-old football tactician – Paul Le Guen as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, only for the appointee to reportedly reject the offer, perhaps due to inability of the board to consent to some sensitive demands. Following the contract failure, Salisu Yusuf was asked to man the team for the time being, till penultimate month when the new masquerade was unveiled.

      Hence, the appointment of the 63-year-old German, Gernot Rohr as the new substantive manager of the Super Eagles was long overdue. However, his appointment has been greeted by mixed feelings. Some are of the view that he was not qualified for the job, whilst others saw no reason an indigenous coach didn’t deserve the honour. In his words, the Ex-FIFA and CAF executive member, Amos Adamu has unequivocally stated that Nigerian soccer would not get better under the tutelage of the German. According to Adamu who is a past sole administrator of the NFF, the new coach ‘who is relatively unknown’ lacks the pedigree to coach the team.

      Rohr who was contracted for a 2-year term at $47,000 (about #18 million) per month, is a former footballer. Until his appointment, he was working with the German Football Federation (GFF) on developmental programmes. In ’96, he managed Girondins Bordeaux, France to the UEFA cup final, where they lost to Bayern Munich. From October ’98 to April ’99, he was the sports director of Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany. In 2009, he was the head coach of the FC Nantes of France. In 2010, he was in charge of Gabon national team. In September 2012, he became the manager of Niger national team, and resigned in October 2014. In 2015, he was the Technical Adviser of the Burkina Faso national team till in 22^nd December 2015 when he was sacked. Furthermore, in July 2016, he was shortlisted for the Guinea national team job.

      Since Nigeria won’t make it to Gabon come 2017, what currently matters to any Nigerian football enthusiast is for the new coach to ensure that the Super Eagles’ absence wouldn’t be equally felt in Russia come 2018 for the next FIFA World Cup. Thus, the Russia 2018, expected to take place between June 14 and July 15 2018, ought to be seen as the prime target of the new Super Eagles’ boss. Though he has already stated that he would ‘make the Eagles fly again’, I beg to believe more in actions.

      In the qualifying stage of the said global tournament, Nigeria who is in Group B is grouped alongside Algeria, Cameroon, and Zambia. History has it that the aforementioned three teams have, ab initio, been reckoned to be among the best African national teams, till date. Suffice it to say that the highly revered Super Eagles are placed in a tight corner as regards the ongoing search for a ticket that would guarantee their presence as well as participation in the quadrennial event. It has been adjudged that the team is in ‘Group of Death’.

      The first official outing of the new manager took place on Saturday 3^rd September 2016 in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State during the match between the Super Eagles and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania as the remaining AFCON 2017 qualifying fixture, in which both teams played merely for pride considering that the Pharaohs of Egypt has won the only ticket at stake in the group. Although the Eagles defeated the opponent, it’s imperative to acknowledge that Rohr has an enormous task ahead. The defence and the attacking midfield need to be strengthened headlong. And the team must be properly trained for teamwork rather than individual performance.

      On Sunday October 9, the Chipolopolo of Zambia would be hosting the Eagles for their first outing in the qualifying round. Obviously, the days away are too short. It’s noteworthy that the awaited outing would contribute in determining the fate of the Eagles, thus is meant to be taken very seriously by the management of the team.

      Regarding availability, I suggest, the coach should focus more on indigenous players rather than the foreign ones. On this note, he must endeavour to watch the remaining crucial matches of the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to enable him select better legs that can compete against the Zambia. Similarly, he mustn’t rely on one goalkeeper due to contingencies.

     Moreover, Gernot Rohr needs to watch virtually all the past matches of the Eagles in a bid to make consequential amendments. The NFF, on its part, must not trivialize match bonuses of the players and coaches toward avoiding apathy among them. The time might be short, but if well planned, Super Eagles will surely fly again. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador

 

     

                      

The Imo's Disarmament and Okorocha's Stride

IMO, THE MILITANTS AND OKOROCHA’S STRIDE

      The last time I checked, Imo was no doubt agog penultimate week, precisely on Wednesday 14^th September 2016. It was unbelievable, yet very interesting on the said date when hundreds of militants from the ancient state graciously jettisoned their arms, thereby denouncing their barbaric faith having embraced the amnesty declared by the governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha.

      The disarmament was reportedly carried out at the Government House Owerri in the presence of the governor coupled with other security cum religious stakeholders to include the Commander of Artillery-34 Brigade of the Nigerian Army – Brig. Gen. Kay Isiyaku, the state’s Police Commissioner – Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, the state’s DSS Commander and NSCDC Commandant, as well as a host of distinguished Catholic and Anglican clerics.

       Arms surrendered by the different confraternities namely, the Niger Delta Red Squad, IYC, and the Rescue Force, included AK-47 rifles, Pump Action guns, local pistols, axes and knives, and what have you. Gov. Okorocha who assured the teeming repentant militants that he would take their demands to President Muhammadu Buhari who according to him would formally declare the amnesty, gave those whom were yet to jettison their arms one week ultimatum to do so toward avoiding the government’s wrath.

       It was painful that I was inevitably absent when the epochal incident took place; I was in Abuja on that fateful day. I would have cherished to witness the scenario. When I got the news prior to the D-day, I was of the view it was a mere joke not until that very day when the event actually occurred as scheduled. I kept smiling starting from the very moment I got the phone call that rightly notified me that it was a reality. Right from then, all I wanted, or cared for, was to embrace Imo once again towards observing the new countenance of the ever famous state.

       To say that Governor Okorocha has done noble is undoubtedly an understatement; he has indeed done novel. Though I wasn’t that surprised considering how much the governor has fared ab initio in security matters, it’s pertinent to acknowledge that this very one is conspicuously extraordinary. I really appreciate his Excellency for this giant stride. Since the governor assumed duty as the number one citizen of the highly revered state, he has proven beyond doubts that he is the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the province.

       By the recent achievement, I’m sure other CSOs across the federation, including President Buhari, would gladly wish to consult him with the aim of receiving guideline on how to tackle militancy coupled with other forms of societal ills. It’s a thing of honour to any right thinking individual, especially Imolite.

       Lest I forget; we are not unaware the governor never acted alone. It’s apparent that without the support or efforts of the various concerned security operatives, the laudable intent wouldn’t have been a success. Hence, thumb up for CP Lakanu and Brig. Gen. Isiyaku, to be precise. With this, you have given Imolites additional hope even amidst the economic recession. You all deserve to be celebrated to the best of my knowledge.

       However, posterity wouldn’t forgive my person if I fail to point at some critical issues seeking urgent attention. Now that we have succeeded in arriving at this point, having witnessed series of ungodly acts involving militancy, armed robbery, cultism, and kidnapping in the state - particularly Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta LGAs, for quite some time now, it would be ideal for us to address other crucial issues pertaining to the said security menace.

        I strongly belong to a school of thought that believes that the best way to eradicate any societal plight is to terminate its rudimentary cause(s). It’s not anymore news that incidence of militancy is usually attributable to perceived maltreatment by the actors of the ill, and that of Imo State isn’t an exception. The leader of the Niger Delta Red Squad in the person of Mr. Jibaa Chikere otherwise known as ‘Panga’ had reportedly stated during the event of disarmament that, some of the reasons his men had been vandalizing oil pipelines in the state was lack of attention to the host communities by the government and the oil firms.

       Though suchlike reason wasn’t enough for them to take to crime, or be in possession of arms, it’s imperative to note that the communities in question haven’t gotten a fair share/portion of their entitlements. The oil firms would end up polluting as well as constitute other environmental nuisances in their host communities, but would never make frantic effort to make it up to them. They can’t even boast of social cum basic amenities such as roads, electricity, potable water, and hospitals, among others.

      The government needs to unequivocally mandate those oil firms to rise up to their challenge of developing their respective host communities. Although Gov. Okorocha has already assured the repentant militants of government’s resolve to address their pressing needs, I want to use this platform to appeal to all the relevant stakeholders to, henceforth, take the affected communities very seriously like never before. In view of this, the amnesty ought to be accompanied with lofty and lucrative programmes. We can’t continue to live in the past if we are truly ready to transform some existing things, positively.

      So, as much as I immensely appreciate as well as celebrate the governor alongside the security operatives, I equally urge him to face the reality squarely towards arriving at a more desired point. Let’s not abuse this benefit of doubt the insurgents have given to the government. We may have succeeded in curbing a certain predicament but if the root causes are still relegated to the background, I’m afraid, the problem is yet to be solved. Think about it!

 

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador