Opinion II Still on the Pensioners' Plight

STILL ON  THE IMO PENSIONERS’ PLIGHT

        

The last time I checked, the supposed senior citizens in Imo were pathetically-looking set of individuals, to assert the least. Yes, they currently appear not unlike the overused arms and ammunitions during the Nigerian civil war. Though I wasn’t a living witness to the aforementioned battle field, history has it that virtually every arm deployed for the combat was deeply overused owing to insufficiency.

        

Do you have a pensioner around you? If you do, please do take a walk towards his or her presence with a view to taking a painstaking look on his overall posture. Maybe, just a glance at his person would be enough for you to tender the required commentary. But if peradventure a look isn’t enough, then I would advise you to transcend to engaging him or her on a talk. Probably, a speech from him would be more than enough.

         

But if you don’t have any pensioner within your territory, please endeavour to search for one. I urge you to make effort to see at least one because that is the only way you would assent to the above assertion that reads ‘pathetically-looking set of individuals’. It is only when you witness something or an event that you can authoritatively report on how it looked like, or how it went, as the case may be. Hence, it’s not helpful and wholesome to base our theory on speculations or hearsay.

          

Since I commence my writing career, I have ensured that I don’t write or comment based on what I was told; rather, in accordance with what I verified, or personally learnt. So when I said, our teeming pensioners were looking so pitiable the last time I met them, I was speaking in line with what I saw for myself. In fact, the set of people in question seriously needs to be rescued by the revered Rescue Mission Government graciously piloted by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

          

It is indeed mind-boggling to acknowledge that they willingly entered an agreement with the government penultimate year with a view to salvaging the lingering untold hardship that abruptly befell them, yet they are still ravaged by same monster. At the moment, they unequivocally seem like persons whose intelligences were played on during the period in review. In order not to go into detail that could be boring, the said agreement had it that after the sacrifice they were enjoined to make, which they eventually did, from January 2017 onwards, each of them – ranging from Grade Level one to infinity – shall be receiving hundred per cent (100%) of his or her pension.

         

It would shock you to note that since January till date, none of them has received a dime, let alone the statutory pension accruable to him/her. Worse still, the current proposal is that, those with Grade Level seven and above shall receive only fifty per cent (50%) of their respective pensions, contrary to the previous pledge, or agreement so to say. Whilst, those with Grade Level six and below shall receive full payment. It is not even a proposal, rather the concluded plan of the government, because there is presently no any arrangement for an extensive talk between the two parties involved in that regard.

         

I want to seize this opportunity to announce solemnly that the situation is becoming intensely unbearable for these respected individuals. They are ubiquitously addressed as ‘senior citizens’, but now could best be described as vulnerable. That is the irony of life. This government is widely reckoned to be a listening government, or one that operates with a human face; it’s on this backdrop that I call on the revered governor, to please give the issue the attention it truly deserves. We can’t continue to claim ignorance of the level of hardship these people are passing through.

        

This is the only government that thought it wise to clear the backlog of pensions it met on board, the moment the governor assumed office in 2011. In the same vein, I could recall vividly with passion that some time ago, a pensioner in the state who retired as a school headmaster once addressed Gov. Okorocha as not just a governor but ‘an astute administrator’; the eulogy wasn’t unconnected with the measure the aforesaid political leader was using to ensure that no pensioner in the Eastern Heartland was owed, not even a Kobo.

         

So, we can’t forget in haste that this administration sincerely means well for the ‘senior citizens’. We cannot equally forget in a hurry that all these hullabaloos were occasioned by the ongoing recessionary era that emerged unannounced two years ago. We can’t as well deny that the government is making frantic effort to see that every form of debt is duly cleared. But what we are confused at is why these persons would receive a certain promise just last year, but currently, actualization of such a lofty pledge seems far-fetched.

         

It is on this note I plead with the Rescue Mission Administration to kindly do the needful. It ought to endeavour to rescue these individuals that are presently crying foul in every nook and cranny of the state. As much as I candidly appreciate this government for all the commendable efforts put in place thus far, I want to equally notify it that it would be so shameful and unspeakable for the teeming pensioners to remain in agony when we are celebrating Democracy Day. Think about it!

Comr. FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director,Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

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Twitter: @mediambassador

   

ShortStory II Dream and Quest

DREAM AND QUEST

       Only time could tell what Kunle’s fate entailed. He had refused to further his education having sat for his Senior School Certificate Examination (S.S.C.E) in spite of the fact that he hailed from a revered academic home; his 56-year-old father was an astute Professor of Linguistics, and 53-year-old mother – a Masters degree holder in History Education – was a teacher of a reputable government owned secondary school in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

        The couple, Prof. and Mrs. B. O. Ola kept wondering what had came over their first child who was supposed to take the lead among their five children in terms of academic quest. What baffled them most was that Kunle wasn’t a weakling academically, thus shouldn’t be marred by apathy in that regard. Rather than thinking deeply on how to add a crown to his shoulders, education wise, he had chosen to desperately pursue a career in music, forgetting where he was coming from or the background he was linked to. Hence, they were of the strong notion that the 19-year-old chap who concluded his secondary education two years back was being faced by a hallucination.

        Indeed, Mr. Kunle Ola was academically and morally sound, and had tried to remain one of the best among his peers throughout his primary cum secondary schools’ time. But, how his psyche abruptly became so fixed to pursuing a musical career was something that kept his friends and relatives in a serious sober mood. To him, attending a tertiary institution was a complete waste of time, energy as well as resources since there was no white-collar job that awaited any undergraduate.

        His parents had employed several avenues for the umpteenth time toward urging him to jettison the ‘weird’ idea, all to no avail.

      “Kunle.” Prof. Ola called as he was seated in his home lounge alongside his wife who sat very closely to him, in a sofa.

       “Yes, daddy.” He answered from an adjacent side.

       “Please, can you tell us,” the don rode on. “What exactly prompted this your sudden quest?”

       “Sudden quest?” the chap reiterated.

       “Yes,” said the Prof. while his wife listened attentively leaning on the settee. “Your sudden quest to pursue a musical career?”

       “Dad, I have been into this for almost a year plus..” Kunle argued. “So why tagging it a sudden quest?”

       “I know,” the Prof. concurred. “But all these brouhahas started after your SSCE.” He said, paused. “I could recall that you were so passionate about finding yourself in the university all through your secondary school time.”

        There was a brief silence. “So, why the unannounced change of mind?” the don supplemented.

        Kunle was quiet, speechless.

       “Were you influenced by some friends or what?” quoth Prof. Ola.

       “Dad,” Kunle called. “I was not influenced by anybody.” He clarified, paused. “Rather, I am only pursuing my dream.”

       “But son,” Mrs. Ola interrupted calmly. “This wasn’t initially your dream, like your father pointed out”

       “Mum, what did you mean by initially?”

       “Meaning,” Prof. Ola came in. “This was not your earlier plan.” he said, paused. “You have always dreamt of becoming a work-class engineer.”

        Kunle dished out dazzling smile. “Dad,” he called, looking at the don. “Mum,” he added, turning to his mum. “With your level of understanding, you should know that change is constant.”

       “Hmmm…” Prof. Ola released a deep gas, shook his head.

       “Son,” said Mrs. Ola. “I still believe, you can have a rethink.” She asserted, paused. “Remember the son of whom you are.”

       “That is the problem.” Kunle ranted. “Every time, remember the son of whom you are.” he said, frowning. “Am I a criminal, or have I done anything unlawful?”

       “What has come over you, Kunle.” Prof. Ola inquired furiously.

       “Am I not old enough to nurture my own dream?” the chap thought aloud. “Or, don’t I know what is good for me?” he continued, not minding his dad’s tantrum.

       “Will you shut up?” roared the don. “Do you realize you are seated right before your parents?”

        “Na wa ooh…” Mrs. Ola exclaimed, marvelled.

        “Or, have you lost your senses.” the Prof added.

        “Dad, I am sorry.” tendered Kunle. “Mum, please I am so sorry.” He supplemented.

        There was tranquility. “Just that, I don’t see any reason I shouldn’t be allowed to pursue my dream.” He broke the silence. “As my parents, I expect you to support my ambition rather than discouraging me...” He enjoined submissively.

       “Support you?” his mum interrupted. “Support you in what?”

       “My musical dream, of course.’

       “Is that a dream?” she quarreled. “Who told you that you can get anything done in this twenty-first century without obtaining a basic education?”

       “Mum, I have acquired basic education.”

       “S.S.C.E?”

       “Yes mum,” replied the chap. “That remains the standard basic education anywhere in the world.”

         His dad shook his head sympathetically, remained calm and silent.

       “My dear,” Mrs. Ola called tenderly. “For your information, First Degree is currently the required basic education anywhere across the globe.” She informed strongly. “The era of SSCE has gone.”

       “I totally disagree with you, mum.”

       “Will you shut up?” the don came in again, in a weird mood. “I can see, you are really sick.” He observed, paused.

         Kunle was completely cold over the roar.

       “Have you seen your son?” the don ranted, fixing his eyes on his wife. “You better talk to him.” He added in a jiffy.

       “My son..?” Mrs. Ola said, surprised. “So, he is no longer your son?”

       “How am I sure he is?” He thought aloud, sighed, looking at Kunle.

        Kunle was shocked, remained in cold mood.

       “Prof...” the wife calmed him down over the last utterance. “What are you up to?” She supplemented.

       “Dad,” Kunle broke his silence. “So you have disowned me, simply because I have chosen to pursue a career of my choice?”

       “What stupid career is that?” the Prof. queried, stood up fiercely. “If you must continue with this strange quest of yours, then be prepared to relocate to your own house.”

        The wife was so bemused over the outburst, couldn’t utter a word.

       “Dad…” Kunle exclaimed, flabbergasted. “Are you actually sending me out of your house?”

       “You heard me right,” the don reiterated. “Didn’t you?” He said, frantically walks straight to his matrimonial room.

       “Son, you better have a rethink.” Mrs. Ola conscientized, stood up and joined her hubby.

       “Mum, so you are siding him?” quoth the poor chap as he watched his loving mother take a bow.

        What transpired afterwards ought to be a narration for subsequent edition, so keep a date with us.

        Meanwhile, if you were in Kunle’s shoes, what would you do thereafter? Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor

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Opinion II Today is World Cultural Diversity Day!

REVAMPING THE NIGERIA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY AS WE CELEBRATE THE 2017 WORLD CULTURAL DIVERSITY DAY

    

         

21^st of May each year, the global community celebrates the World Day for Cultural Diversity. This implies that the 2017 edition of the laudable commemoration was marked on Sunday May 21.

         

In 2001, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity; hence in December 2002, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in its unanimous resolution, declared May 21 annually to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The Day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better.

        

Heritage is described as the inheritance such as buildings, monuments, or any property of an individual or a society. Whilst cultural heritage, are the inherited qualities, traditions, ideas, or style of living of an individual or a given society, which have continued over many years, especially when they are considered to be of historical importance.

       

On the other hand, cultural diversity is defined as the situation whereby the cultural heritage of a person, group or society varies or consists of different conditions, qualities, or types. In other words, the diversity of a given culture is the state at which it comprises or made up of varieties.

         

Undoubtedly, cultures such as dancing, masquerading, dressing, sewing, hunting, fishing, singing, wrestling, moulding of sculptures, painting, and so on, are essential developmental tools in any country. Culture is strongly connected with identity; and identity expressed through culture is a necessity for all human developments. It creates the fundamental building blocks in our respective personalities and in the ties that link us to various communities as well as any nation we find ourselves.

        

Culture plays a unique and crucial role in a development policy especially issues relating to human rights. A free and staunch cultural heritage has the tendency of promoting other rights and values to include freedom of expression, diversity and debate about needs in a society. In the same vein, culture is a key player in the link between freedom of expression and democratization.

        

Culture can also encourage the economic growth of either a nation or an individual. For instance, a country that’s tremendously gifted with swimming, which is a globally recognized lucrative sporting activity, can substantially boost its Gross National Product (GNP) if a meaningful attention is given to such heritage. Creative areas including music, paintings, drawings and sewing, can equally serve as revenue sources. In fact, the encounter between culture, creativity, technology and economy embodies a great potential in creating work places and increasing exports, and also contributes to social inclusion.

         

Culture can equally assist in checking socio-political crises or differences. It ensures unity during crisis, and influences identity, debate and dialogue; thus, it is needed for nation building, and for peace and reconciliation. Needless to say; it inspires change, which we all anticipate. Survey indicates that cultural cooperation is one of the most equality-oriented forms of co-operations in existence.

       

The entertainment industry cannot be left out while discussing the impact of cultural heritage in nation building. Similarly, the tourism of any country cannot be discussed without mentioning the country’s cultural diversity. It is obvious that the cultural heritage of any society contributes over sixty-five percent (65%) of its tourist sector, which remains one of the paramount Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) sources of any developed society.   

        

Surely, tourism is one of the backbones or engine rooms of any developed country in the world, and this cannot be possible without the impact of cultural diversity of the country in question. This implies that Nigeria, which is made of over two hundred and fifty (250) ethnic groups in which each of the groups is endowed with different cultural resources, can as well consider harnessing her tourist sector as she is currently thinking of economic diversification or beyond oil and gas.

        

As the world celebrates the World Day for Cultural Diversity, there is a compelling need for us to acknowledge that our cultural diversity is a stimulator of creativity, and investing in the creativity can transform societies. Hence, it is our civic responsibility to develop education and intercultural skills in our young ones as well as learn to live together in the diversity of our cultures, languages and religions in order to bring the desired change.

        

So, as Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating such remarkable event, the Nigerian government needn’t be reminded that it’s another golden opportunity for the President Mohammadu Buhari – led administration to look inwards toward rejuvenating the country’s cultural heritage in its entirety with a view to boosting her tourism industry that’s currently seemingly moribund.

       

In view of this, there is no gain reiterating the fact that it is high time the Nigeria’s cultural heritage is reviewed by the appropriate quarters or authorities, so that, credible ones would be sustained or harnessed via institution of cultural carnivals by both federal and state governments, promotion of the various existing communal cultural festivals, establishment of museums, and other related practices.

        

By so doing, the unacceptable ones would either be addressed or completely abolished, with a sole motive of boosting the country’s tourism industry as well as encouraging human empowerment. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

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