Towards Actualizing Hazard-Free Atmosphere

TOWARDS ACTUALIZING A HAZARD-FREE ATMOSPHERE

       

      The last time I checked, every September 16 remained the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. In other words, yesterday, the global community commemorated the 2016 anniversary of the laudable event. In respect to the sustenance of the widely observed Montreal Protocol, on 19^th of December 1994, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed September 16 of every year as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The day focuses on the importance of protecting human health and the environment in general.

     The ozone layer is a fragile shield of gases that protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet radiation or rays of the sun as well as helps to keep it (the earth) warm, thereby helping to preserve lives on the planet. The ozone layer is composed of ozone, a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms bonded together by a covalent bond – ozone has the chemical formula O3. The ozone layer is essential because it filters harmful ultraviolet radiation as it travels from the sun to the surface of the earth. These ultraviolet rays can harm both plant and animal lives.

      The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, a region of the atmosphere that is about 10 to 50 kilometres above the earth. The stratosphere comprises approximately 90 per cent ozone. The ozone layer, which is part of the stratosphere, is comprised of the major atmospheric gases nitrogen, oxygen and argon, but also contains a significantly higher concentration of the trace gas ozone than the other layers of the atmosphere. The trace gases include carbon dioxide, neon, helium, methane, and the manmade chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The CFCs reaching the stratosphere from the earth’s surface have become a cause for global concern because of the role they play in the chemical reaction that removes ozone from the atmosphere.  

      Mankind have, over the decades, been bewildered by so many environmental hazards and challenges. Currently, the worst of all is mainly attributable to depletion of the ozone layer. A number of commonly used chemicals like halocarbons and/or organic compounds have been found to be extremely damaging to the ozone layer. Halocarbons are chemicals in which one or more carbon atoms are linked to one or more halogen atoms such as fluorine, chlorine and bromine. The halocarbons containing bromine usually have much higher Ozone-Depleting Potential (ODP) than those that consist of chlorine or others.

      The manmade chemicals that have provided most of the chlorine and bromine for ozone depletion are methyl-bromide, methyl-chloroform, carbon-tetrachloride, and families of chemicals known as halons, chlorofluorocarbons and hydro-chlorofluorocarbons. Also, the damaging impact of organic compounds like carbon-monoxide on the ozone layer cannot be overemphasized. Some of the human activities that result to this environmental menace are bush-burning and industrial combustion.

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

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

       In view of the steady progress made under the Montreal Protocol, in 2003, the former UN Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan stated thus, ‘Perhaps the single most successful international agreement till date has been the Montreal Protocol.’ Similarly, during the 2013 commemoration of the Day, which was marked with the theme ‘A healthy Atmosphere: the Future we want’, in his message to the world, the current UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon commended all who had made the Montreal Protocol such an outstanding example of international cooperation. He went further to urge governments, industries, civil societies, and other partners to apply the same spirit to the other great environmental and developmental challenges of our time.

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

      As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the 2016 as well as the 22^nd anniversary, we are expected to contribute our quota with a view to ensuring that we actualize an atmosphere or environment that is totally free from any harmful substance. We can achieve this by embarking on or sponsoring, as the case may be, all forms of awareness campaigns targeted toward thorough sensitization of the general public on the dangers inherent in the uncalled domestic cum industrial acts.  

      Nigeria as a country can encourage this annual event by implementing severe policies that would help to eradicate all the activities opposing the preservation of the ozone layer such as bush burning, inapt use of generators and other household mechanical devices, coupled with other industrial practices that exhibit carbon-monoxide (smoke) alongside other substances that negatively affect the ozone layer. A strict and formidable law, to be enacted by the legislators, would help to rigorously address the aforementioned anomalies, if duly implemented.

      It’s noteworthy that only a sound value system can guarantee a viable environmental condition, and such cannot be actualized without adequate policies and reorientation. People need to fully comprehend that, excessive amounts of ultraviolet penetration pose both health and safety risks for all organisms, including humans; that, without a protective layer of cloud cover, organisms are vulnerable to the sun’s rays, which can cause skin cancer and contribute to the development of cataracts.

      These rays equally reduce the ability of organisms such as plants and phytoplankton, to reproduce. It may also disrupt the reproductive cycles of fish, shrimp and other shellfishes. On the other hand, air pollution prevents the ozone layer from blocking excessive heat emitted by the sun, which in turn warms surrounding environments, thereby resulting to glacier melt and ice thaws. These, among others, are some vital and basic facts people need to be sensitized on. The Information ministry in collaboration with its Environment counterpart, via the effort of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), would be of immense help in this regard.      

      Considering the social and economic implications of the ozone-layer’s depletion, it’s needless to reiterate that stringent measures and regulations are required with a view to ensuring that the ongoing environmental degradation becomes a thing of the past, towards actualizing a complete hazard-free atmosphere. Think about it!

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Researcher, Blogger, Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Impact of Computing on Routine Office Works

IMPACT OF COMPUTING ON ROUTINE OFFICE WORKS

     Computing is simply the activity of using a computer and writing programs for it. It can further be described as any goal-oriented activity that requires as well as benefits from a mathematical sequence known as algorithm, through the use of systems (computers), among other devices alike. The major fields that involve computing include: Computer science, System engineering, Software engineering, and Information technology.   

      Information Technology (IT), or computing generally, has become a veritable and integral part of every business plan coupled with day-to-day office works. From multi-national firms who maintain mainframe systems and databases, to small establishments that own a single computer, IT obviously plays a key role.

      The impact of computing on everyday activity in the office is so vast. Adequate use of computing can enable any firm, regardless of size or status, to handle its human resources effectively. A sound computing would enable the firm to boast of viable and reliable database of the overall staff alongside their designations. It would also help the company to update the database in terms of death rate, employment, transfer, maternity leave, or what have you. By so doing, the establishment would invariably realize the worth of its workforce towards boosting efficiency and job control. The Nigeria’s human resources, for example, can only be aptly handled via computing.

      Similarly, with a proper use of computing, employment process would be carried out expressly by the human resources department. With IT, also known as information systems, job seekers can apply without getting to the firm/office involved, thereby avoiding foreseen congestion that could compound office stress or workload. And, having applied, the various applicants can be easily and properly assessed via the use of computing. We must acknowledge that manual system of interview is no longer in vogue if we intend to get it right, especially in the area of Aptitude Test.

      Management coupled with communication among the staff or between the existing branches of an establishment cannot be overlooked while discussing the essence of computing. Part of management is gathering and disseminating information, and IT can make this routine more accurate by allowing managers to communicate rapidly. Emailing is quick and effective, but the managers can use information systems even more efficiently by storing documents in folders that they share with the employees who need the information. Such activity can be aided with adequate use of networking system.

      Furthermore, how you manage your firm’s operations depends on the information you have. Information systems can offer more complete and recent info, allowing you to operate your firm/office more efficiently. You can use IT to gain a cost advantage over competitors, or to differentiate your firm’s content by offering better customer service. For instance, sales’ data give you insights about what customers are purchasing and let you stock or produce items that are selling well. Hence, with guidance from the IT, you can streamline your operations. Additionally, apt use of IT would enable the firm to easily reach out to the public via advertisement, thereby boosting sales or services, as the case may be.

      Computing can equally help you make excellent decisions by delivering all the required information. Decision-making involves choosing a course of action from several alternatives and carrying out the corresponding tasks. If you can boast of accurate and up-to-date info, you can make the choice with confidence. If more than one choice seems appealing, you can use the available information system to x-ray different scenarios. For each possibility, the system can calculate key indicators such as costs, sales/services, and profits, toward helping you determine which channel gives the most beneficial result.

      Record purposes are not left out. Your establishment needs records of its daily activities for financial and regulatory purposes, and for ascertaining the causes of problems towards taking corrective measure. Computing enables the firm to store the needed documents as well as revisit histories, communication records, and operational data. The trick to exploiting this recording capability is organizing the data and using the system to process and present it as useful historical information. You can use such information to prepare cost estimates and forecasts, and to analyze how your actions affected the key indicators of the firm.

      In spite of the overwhelming positive impact of computing on routine office works, mainly in the areas stipulated above, it’s quite appalling that several establishments or parastatals across the country are yet to embrace the routine. To this end, governments at all levels and other relevant stakeholders are expected to make investors and public servants see the routine as priority with a view to embracing a society where every activity would be done at ease, and in an orderly manner.

     Though the roles of computing in office works can’t be overemphasized, it’s worth noting that a wrong use or application of it can cost the user an untold loss. Thus, every establishment enjoying the services must endeavour to regularly consult professionals as well as train its staff on various computer skills. The impact of computing in the present society remains inevitable, but its wrong use ought to be avoided at all cost. Think about it!  

 

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)
-ICT/Engineering Consultant, Researcher, Blogger, Analyst & Activist-
Founder/CEO, Docfred (Nig.) Ent. - Owerri

____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

http://frednwaozor.blogspot.com
Twitter: @mediambassador                         

Promoting Selfless Service to Humanity

PROMOTING SELFLESS SERVICE TO HUMANITY AS WE COMMEMORATE THE 2016 WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY ON FRIDAY AUGUST 19

      

       August 19 each year, the world over commemorates the World Humanitarian Day. The World Humanitarian Day is an annual and international day dedicated to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives while working for humanitarian causes. The event was designated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly as part of a Swedish-sponsored General Assembly Resolution on the strengthening of the coordination of emergency assistance of the UN.

       The World Humanitarian Day is a time to recognize those who face danger and adversity while helping others. The day was set aside to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad – Iraq, which claimed twenty-two (22) lives including the live of the then Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Iraq in the person of Sergio Vieira de Mello.

       The invention of August 19 as World Humanitarian Day was the outcome of the relentless efforts of Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation coupled with the partnership of the deceased’s family with the Ambassadors of France, Switzerland, Japan, as well as Brazil in both Geneva and New York tabling and steering the draft resolution through the UN General Assembly. All the efforts of the Foundation was to ensure that the tragic loss of the said hero among his twenty-one (21) colleagues, and all the humanitarian personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifices in relieving the suffering of the victims of humanitarian crises were not in vain.

       Sergio Vieira de Mello who was a citizen of Brazil, South America dedicated his lifetime spanning over thirty years in the UN, serving in some of the most challenging humanitarian situations in the world to reach the voiceless victims of armed conflict, alleviate their suffering and draw global attention to their plights. His death alongside twenty-one of his colleagues on 19^th August 2003 in Baghdad, Iraq deprived the victims of armed conflict worldwide of a unique humanitarian leader of unmatched courage, drive and empathy who championed their cause fearlessly and clearly engraved their plight on the world map.

       The tragic event also robbed the humanitarian community of an outstanding leader and intellectual whose thought, philosophy, dynamism and courage inspired all, and remains a timeless legacy to emulate by generations yet unborn. Mindful of this legacy, in 2006 the family of the late humanitarian icon and a group of close friends founded the Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation dedicated to continue his unfinished mission of encouraging dialogue between communities and relieving the predicament faced by the victims of humanitarian crises.

       The World Humanitarian Day was commemorated for the first time on 19^th August 2009. Suffice to say that, this year’s commemoration is the eighth of its kind in the history of the worthwhile event. As the international community marks the event today, we are all urged to borrow a leaf from the indelible landmark achievements of the great warrior and legend – Sergio Vieira de Mello. To this end, we are all expected to strive towards promoting selfless service in our respective endeavours at all costs.

       Surely, the most important thing to any man remains his/her welfare. Welfare could be referred to as one’s well-being, or organized efforts to ensure the basic well-being of people in need. Since the term ‘humanitarianism’ has to do with human welfare, it is of no need reiterating the fact that this remarkable event widely known and recognized as World Humanitarian Day was set aside to sensitize mankind on the cogent need for people to help one another, and for anyone to support any crusade that is targeted to promote lending hand to persons that are in need or victimized.

      We must be willing and ready to volunteer ourselves whenever our services are required in our various jurisdictions. It’s very disheartening to notice that whenever tragic incident occurred, some persons’ intent is usually how they would benefit from the crisis. Rather than preoccupy our mindsets with such devilish intention, we are bound to take into cognizance that no one who benefits from a crisis scene lives a happy life regardless of his/her status. To this end, it’s our duty to ensure that we bring succour to the needy, or those victimized by a crisis such as war, terrorism, religious extremism, massacre, and genocide, just to mention but a few.            

       Furthermore, since no one ever wishes to be in a community or society made up of only him or her, thus we ought to ensure that the sustenance of the well-being of our relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues, associates, or what have you, as the case may be, is at all times our civic responsibility. By so doing, we can boast of a peaceful society filled with thoroughly united individuals.

      So, as Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the World Humanitarian Day, I enjoin every relevant body to include the religious institutions, civil society, mass media, governments at all levels and well-meaning individuals, among others, to do everything humanly possible toward ensuring that selfless service to humanity is deeply promoted come rain come shine. In his words, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, ‘In a world that is ever more digitally connected, each of us has the power and responsibility to inspire our fellow human beings to act to help others and create a more humane world’.

      The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘One humanity’, which signifies that we were all created to be one indivisible body irrespective of our individual affiliations. Hence, we are meant to contribute our quota to ensure that we actualize such laudable motive no matter the challenges. 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