ShortStory I Unbelievable! (II)

UNBELIEVABLE! (II)

       “And you told me he is your childhood friend?” quoth Chiamaka as they were both seated on the bed, remained in sober mood. “This is unbelievable!”

        Mr. Emeka Okoro was cold, couldn’t fathom the accusation alleged by his wife. “Wait a minute,” he urged. “You mean, the man seated out there was the person who robbed you on that day?”

       “So I am lying, or?”

       “It’s not that I am calling you a liar.” Emeka clarified. “Just that I am trying to figure it out.” he said, paused. “I am very confused here.”

       “Figure what out?” she quarreled. “I can see you are not what you claim to be.”

       “What exactly are you insinuating?” He inquired.

       “Insinuating?” quoth Chiamaka. “Isn’t it obvious that I have been married to an armed robber who poses as a trader…?”

       “How could you say such a thing?” Emeka interrupted. “Haven’t you seen my shops?”

        Emeka who was a dealer of household plastic materials, had about three shops situated at different localities in the city of Onitsha, Anambra State where he alongside his family equally resided.

       “Those shops could be a disguise, of course.” She thought aloud, looking elsewhere.

       “A disguse?” quoth Emeka. “A disguise you said.” he reiterated, paused. “So you have suddenly lost your trust in me?”

        As the melodrama lingered, the 42-year-old Mr. Mezie Alozie was anxiously seated at the house lounge longing for Emeka’s return from the bedroom to brief him on what actually prompted the abrupt change of mood displayed by his wife. He had waited for almost fifteen minutes to no avail as he overheard the couple nagging in the room, though couldn’t fathom what they were really discussing. He had no choice than to continue awaiting the host, and probably his wife.

       “What else do you what me to say?” Chiamaka ranted.

        Emeka was calm, speechless. From his countenance and thoughts, the wife was making sense as regards her presumptions.

       “I am asking you,” she said. “What else do you what to hear from me?”

         He remained mute, felt not unlike a docked person.

       “A man told his wife that he was expecting a childhood friend.” she continued. “Only for her to notice that the expected guest is an armed robber.”

         Emeka couldn’t utter a word, seemed lifeless.

       “How do you explain this?” queried Chiamaka. “No, tell me?”

         Since Emeka knew too well that Mezie was an ex-convict, he had no reason to doubt his wife’s allegation. Besides, the incident in question as was narrated by Chiamaka transpired in Lagos State where Mezie mainly reigned as an armed robber, thus the trueness of her claim wasn’t far-fetched. Emeka was only trying to find a way he would exonerate himself, or convince his lovely wedded wife that he – being her hubby – had never indulged himself in any social-vice let alone robbery. It was very difficult for him to actualize this, because he lied to her in the first place by not letting her realize the real identity of the guest they were expecting.

       “Going by what is on ground,” Chiamaka proceeded. “Who on earth wouldn’t believe that you are a robber?”

      “Enough of this…” Emeka roared, frowned.

      “Rather than telling me what I want to hear,” she said. “You have chosen to shout at me, right?”

      “I am sorry.” He confessed, became so moody.

      “Tell me,” Chiamaka tenderly uttered, looking into his eyes. “What is going on?” she inquired, paused. “Is there anything you are not telling me?”

       “Yes,” Emeka affirmed, stood up. “There’s one thing I didn’t tell you.” He disclosed, backing her.

        Chiamaka shivered, became mute and attentive.

       “But,” he rode on. “I am afraid, if you would believe me.” He said, stood still, still backing her.

        She calmly stood up, walked to where he was, and faced him. “You know I have always believed you since six years now we are married.” She enthused, paused. “All I want to hear is nothing but the truth.”

        He left her, walked to the bed and sat down. “Mezie who is seated out there,” he said. “Is an ex-convict.” He eventually revealed, looking up to her as she stood aloof.

        “What did you just say?” Chiamaka uttered, hurriedly joined him at the bed.

       “I said,” quoth Emeka. “He is an ex-convict.” He reiterated.

       “An ex what?”

       “Yes,” he answered. “He was released from the prison barely one month ago.”

       “What..!” Chiamaka exclaimed, placing her hands on her head. “This is getting more confusing.” She asserted. “So, what are you doing with an ex-convict?” She managed to inquire.

        “When he was into the act, I never knew,” he proceeded. “Till he was arrested.” he notified, took a deep breath. “It was when the news of his arrest got to the public domain, that I realized who truly he was.”

         Chiamaka was deeply bemused, could not believe her ears.

       “Now that he is out of prison, I can’t despise him.” he continued. “Because, we have known each other from Adam.”

       “But why didn’t you tell me all these when we were expecting him?”

       “I didn’t think it was necessary.” Emeka responded. “I was only trying to avoid anything that could make you not to join me in welcoming him.”

        After all said and done, she outrightly believed him as usual. He as well used the opportunity to plead with her to forgive Mezie, opining that he was now a changed person entirely.

       Mezie on his part, having been thoroughly intimated on what actually occasioned Chiamaka’s sudden change of attitude, equally asked for her forgiveness and went further to strongly assure that he would never go back to such obnoxious lifestyle again. In accordance with the plea coupled with assurance, she therein forgave him wholeheartedly.

       Months later, Mr. Mezie Alozie emerged as a true anointed man of God with the sole purpose of winning souls for the Creator. His church – Holy Ghost Evangelical Ministry – witnessed overwhelming congregants on a regular basis. And, it would interest you to note that Mr. and Mrs. Emeka Okoro were part of the founding members of the outreach.

** The End **

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

___________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador            

http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor  

         

Opinion I Today June 13 is, Int'l Albinism Awareness Day

ADDRESSING ONGOING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ALBINOS AS THE 2017 INTERNATIONAL ALBINISM AWARENESS DAY IS MARKED ON TUESDAY JUNE 13

       

        

Today, June 13, the world over is commemorating the 2017 edition of the International Albinism Awareness Day. On Wednesday 19^th of November 2014, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) adopted June 13 each year as the International Albinism Awareness Day via a historic resolution. June 13 was chosen because it was on that day in 2013 that the UN adopted its first ever resolution on albinism.

         

Albinism is a genetic deficiency of melanin pigment production in which the carrier, either a person or animal, possesses very white skin, white hair and pink eyes. It is usually inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. The carrier of the syndrome is generally regarded as an ‘albino’.

         

In albinism, a number of different chromosomes are involved, depending upon the type. There are two major classes of albinism, namely; Oculocutaneous albinism and Ocular albinism. Oculocutaneous albinism affects the eyes, hair and skin, whereas only the eyes are affected in Ocular albinism.

        

Approximately one in seventeen thousand (17,000) persons worldwide has one of the types of albinism. It is noteworthy that, albinism can affect any race and has been extensively studied in other animal species like mouse.

        

Visual plights are a significant feature of albinism. In albinism condition, melanin is reduced or could be totally absent in the eye, skin, hair as well as the brain, thereby causing mal-development of neural pathways related to vision. Abnormalities in cone morphology have also been detected in the fovea. More so, severe nystagmus, photophobia, strabismus, and reduced visual acuity are common features.

        

The precise appearance of an albino depends on which syndrome or condition that’s involved. Medical analysts are of the view that people with albinism have red eyes, but the colour of the iris varies from a dull grey to blue or even brown. In albinism condition, a brown iris is common among ethnic groups with darker pigmentation.

        

Under certain lighting conditions, there is a reddish or violet hue that reflects through the iris from the retina and the eyes then appear red, similar to the red eye in flash photography. In some types of albinism, the red colour can reflect back through the iris as well as the pupil.

         

Diagnosis is based on careful history of pigment development and an examination of the skin, hair and eyes. The only type of albinism that has white hair at birth is the OCA1. The most accurate test for determining the specific type of albinism is a genetic test, though the test is useful only for families that have individuals with albinism. Hence it cannot be performed practically as a screening test for the general population.

        

None of the available tests is capable of detecting all the mutations of the genes that cause albinism. And, responsible mutations cannot be detected in a small number of individuals and families with albinism. Optical coherence tomography can be a useful adjunct in cases of OCA, which display atypical features.

         

Ophthalmologists and optometrists can help people living with albinism to compensate for their eye problems but they cannot be cured. Astigmatism is the most common eye problem across all the subtypes of albinism, whilst there is a high frequency of hypermetropia in OCA1A patients. However, ordinary glasses or bifocals with a strong reading correction may serve well for many people with albinism.

         

For photophobia, dark glasses or photo-chromic lenses are recommendable. There is no proof that dark glasses will improve vision even when used at a very early age, but they may improve comfort. Recent advances include contact lenses with a special iris tint and clear pupil area as well as bi-level telemicroscopes fitted on to patients’ prescription spectacles.

        

Albinism can be prevented, though could be expensive for low-income families. Gene testing can be used to determine if a foetus has albinism. Amniocentesis is performed at 16 to 18 weeks of gestation. But, those considering such testing should be aware that, if given proper support, children with albinism can function well despite considerable visual handicap and also enjoy normal lifespan. Hence, the UN calls on all stakeholders to use this day to take action that would end stigma, intimidation, humiliation, attacks, and all forms of discrimination against persons living with albinism worldwide.

         

So, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Albinism Awareness Day, we are expected to take action by indulging in, but not limited to, the following: inviting a local organization of persons with albinism to address our respective institutions; creating discussion forums in our workplaces on how we, both individually and collectively, can contribute towards ending the discrimination experienced by persons with albinism through our own belief systems; encouraging our friends, associates, relations, and/or employees, as the case may be, to spend reasonable time with the various societies of persons with albinism in order to assist them in addressing discrimination, among other uncalled treatments; as well as sponsoring a local radio, television or print media campaign on June 13 to raise awareness about the rights of persons with albinism.

        

The last time I checked, an average albino in the contemporary Nigerian society was earnestly yearning for special treatments in some cases or sectors including classrooms, elections, and what have you. Our various schools at all levels ought to endeavour to provide them with enabling materials during learning sections; they should also be allowed to sit at the front. The INEC must equally ensure that they are given preferential treatments such as allowing them to cast their votes first as well as granting them adequate sensitization prior to the polls.

        

The law makers, on their part, are required to pass a bill that would thoroughly address all the challenges being faced by albinos in Nigeria with a view to actualizing a country where fairness and equity are seen as its watchword. Free or subsidized medical treatments for the albinos, as the case may be, should equally be considered in the proposed bill. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

_____________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador 

http://facebook.com/fred4nwaozor

        

Opinion II Yesterday June 12 was, World Day Against Child Labour

KICKING AGAINST ALL FORMS OF CHILD ABUSE AS THE 2017 WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR IS MARKED ON MONDAY JUNE 12

     

        

On Monday, June 12, the world over commemorated the 2017 World Day Against Child Labour. The day was launched in 2002 by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action needed to eliminate it.

         

This year’s anniversary focuses on the impact of conflicts and disasters on child labour. Conflicts and disasters have a devastating effect on people’s lives. They injure, maim, and kill, as well as force people to flee their respective homes, destroy livelihoods, push people into poverty and starvation and trap them in situations where their basic human rights are violated. Children are often the first to suffer as schools are destroyed and basic services are disrupted. Many children are internally displaced or become refugees in others countries, and are particularly vulnerable to trafficking cum child labour.

        

Each year on 12^th day of June, the World Day Against Child Labour brings together governments, employers, NGOs and civil society as well as millions of well-meaning individuals from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.

        

Child labour refers to the employment or engagement of children in any work or activity that deprives them of their childhood rights, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to them. It can also be described as a full-time employment of children who are under a minimum legal age.

        

Child labour is globally considered as an exploitative practice. Many international bodies describe it as an inhumane act. Legislations across the world prohibit it with extreme passion, that, it is widely regarded as a societal monster. Though, these laws do not consider all work by children as ‘child labour’; exceptions include, work by child artists, supervised training, and certain categories of work such as those common among indigenous American children, among other countries that are technologically inclined.

        

Prior to 1940, several children aged 5-14 worked in Europe, the United States of America and various colonies of European Powers. These children worked in areas including agriculture, factories, home-based operations, and mining. Some worked night shifts lasting twelve hours. Subsequently, with the rise of household income, availability of schools as well as passage of Child Labour laws, the rate of the incidence dropped tremendously.

          

In developing countries with high poverty and poor schooling opportunities like Nigeria, child labour is still prevalent that it requires a keen effort of the concerned authorities towards its holistic eradication. For instance, in 2010, Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest incidence rates of child labour with several African nations including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and many others witnessing over fifty percent (50%) of children aged 5-14 involved in one or two uncalled activities.

          

Survey shows that agriculture is the largest employer of child labour worldwide. More so, vast majority of child labour cases is found in rural settings as well as informal urban economies; in this area, children are predominantly employed by their parents or guardians, rather than factories. Suffice it to say that child labour is fundamentally attributable to poverty and lack of education or illiteracy.

          

According to the World Bank, the incidence of child labour in the world decreased from twenty-five percent (25%) to ten percent (10%) between the years 1960 and 2003. Nevertheless, with the acknowledgement of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), recently by the year 2013, the total number of child labourers remained high involving about 168 million children worldwide.

         

During the Industrial Revolution, children as young as four were employed in production factories with dangerous, and often fatal, working conditions. In view of the recent understanding of the dangers attached to the use of children as labourers, presently it is considered by wealthy countries such as Germany, Japan, France, the U.S.A, et al, as a human rights violation, thereby outlawing its practice. Whilst, some poorer countries still condone child labour.

          

The last time I checked, an average Nigerian child was immensely crying for rescue, particularly in the areas of education, health and social welfare, just as a baby cries for a breastfeed. Child labour has succeeded in depriving a Nigerian child his/her rights or the basic needs of life like the aforementioned ones, just to say the least. It isn’t anymore news that the said menace is currently the order of the day in various parts of the country. 

         

It is noteworthy that, child labour has in recent times deteriorated appallingly in Nigeria. The one that has degenerated into a fathomless eyesore is the ongoing alarming incidence of hawking witnessed on several major streets and roads across the federation. The most devastating aspect of this scenario is a situation where the children in question would be seen hawking their wares when they are meant to be in their classrooms. It is usually noticed that most of these child hawkers are under the care of their so-called guardians or relatives, unknowingly to their biological parents that their children are being subjected to such torture or life-threatening activity.

         

The type observed in the area of prostitution cannot be swept under the carpet whenever child labour is being discussed. In most occasions, female children are cajoled into prostitution by some pimps. The less-privileged parents would be told by the pimp, albeit deceitfully, that their children would be taken abroad for some lucrative jobs; they would also be informed that the children would be privileged to attend one of the best schools in the world.

         

Though in the contemporary Nigerian society it appears slavery has gone or is a thing of the past, when you take a painstakingly study of what most house-helps do in various homes in the country, you would observe that they are not unlike mere slaves. Some of them, aside being deprived of basic education or healthcare, end up functioning like camels in their respective places of assignments.   

         

As Nigeria joins the global community in commemorating this year’s edition of the World Day Against Child Labour, we are requested to do everything within our reach and humanly possible to ensure that poverty and illiteracy, which are the basic attributes of child labour, are drastically and thoroughly alleviated in our respective societies. We can achieve this by acknowledging that our voice and effort count regardless of the circumstance.    
         

The less-privileged parents, on their part, must always be conscious of the social status and occupation of who they lease their child to. They ought to use every means to ascertain the actual background as well as place of residence of the prospective benefactor.

         

More so, there’s a compelling need for the federal government to set up a formidable and reliable agency that would ensure a holistic enforcement of the Nigerian Child Rights Act. The Act needs to also be reviewed toward making amends where necessary.

         

Above all, there’s an urgent need for the governments at all levels to, in their various jurisdictions, make Children Parliament more proactive with a view to giving our children a thorough sense of belonging in the country’s ongoing democratic setting. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

_____________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador

http://facebook.com.fred4nwaozor