AS NIGERIA UNDERGOES ANOTHER MBER MONTHS

by Fred Nwaozor

The last time I checked, the most famous and controversial mber months is in our midst once again. The months that mark the end of the Gregorian calendar, that invariably start from September and end with December, are generally referred to as mber months. The term ‘mber’ might not be unconnected with the suffix that accompanies the entire months in question. The three basic needs of man remain food, clothing and textile. It’s equally worth noting that the three major desires of any sane being are wealth, fame and power. It’s pathetic that currently mankind has derailed profoundly as regards the avenue being embraced towards obtaining any of these three desires. Unequivocally, the manner in which most Nigerians parade themselves during the mber months has become so worrisome to all concerned, that, if proper and drastic measure isn’t taken by the apt authorities, it might degenerate into an unimaginable state of doom in the nearest future. The uncalled and irrational quest for materialism among mankind, particularly the youth, especially during the mber months, remains one of the rudimentary causes of the various lingering social-vices taking place in all nooks and crannies. Arguably, the current astonishing increase of death rate is attributable to some of these vices, to include cultism, armed robbery, cyber fraud, thuggery, prostitution, kidnapping, drug trafficking, assassination, and what have you. The astronomical prevalence of the aforementioned vices during mber months has made the former to seem synonymous with the latter, thereby making people to perceive the season as forbidden.

Aside the aforementioned vices, there are other countless anomalies associated with the period, such as over-speeding between commercial drivers, and cheating among sellers in various markets. This is the reason road carnage is invariably on the rampage at such a time. The truth is that, no one seems to be safe during the mber months, not just in Nigeria but across the globe. It is a period when an apprentice appears smarter than his master; a period when various law enforcement agents, whom are meant to control the menace, indulge themselves in all kinds of sabotage or unpatriotic acts; a period when an average seller sales food stuffs with a cup’s bottom. The mber months is a time when a commercial driver wants to cover a 7-hour journey within three hours; and of course, a season when a secondary school student feels like dropping from school towards participating in any available ‘moneymaking’ activity. Survey indicates that the ongoing alarming quest for materialism or youth restiveness is mainly occasioned by inconsequential rivalry, greed and/or lack of contentment among the populace. This implies that the anomaly is a product of man’s inability to face reality at a given circumstance, even when the answer to the situation is very glaring. Inconsequential rivalries are those competitions that are not called for, or that seem unreasonable and barbaric. On the average, politicians or established business men often indulge in this practice. It’s usually observed among this set of people during electioneering era or when battling over supremacy, as the case may be.

Some of our youths also indulge in this act toward showcasing they belong to the ruling or most powerful class, with a view to proving that they are ahead of their contemporaries. Some individuals often do all sorts of things to find themselves in such class. Greed or lack of contentment has also contributed immensely to man’s intolerable quest for materialism, thereby setting the period that leads to any festive season, such as the ember months, ablaze. Greed has arguably brought humanity to a state of mockery, and has succeeded in tearing several unions or societies apart. Against this backdrop, it’s needless to state that lack of contentment has remained a colossal nightmare to mankind. As Nigeria undergoes another era of mber months, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the commemoration of the forthcoming festive seasons, Christmas and New Year precisely, takes place in a peaceful atmosphere. Hence, governments at all levels, schools, families, the civil society, religious institutions, the mass media, as well as all well-meaning individuals, are urged to do everything humanly possible towards ensuring that the ongoing mber months would bring nothing but a blessing to the Nigerian society in its totality. This can be actualized by embarking on massive sensitization programme across the country via town-hall meetings, street awareness, and issuance of bulk SMSs, among others. More so, the various relevant law enforcement agencies shouldn’t hesitate to arrest any individual or group caught in any of the above listed acts, and must ensure that the suspect is brought to book at all cost. In view of this, the judicial custodians ought to endeavour to maintain speedy hearing of any case relating to youth restiveness among others; such step would definitely serve as a deterrent to all prospective criminals. Similarly, the concerned security agents assigned to the roads ought to be very watchful and mindful at their respective duty posts towards fishing out bad eggs among commuters. The parents and guardians, on their part, should at all times equally be mindful of what their wards do, where they go to, as well as who they mingle with. Those who are already party to any of these uncivilized and blasphemous acts, or intend joining the chorus, ought to acknowledge that it is only by the grace of God one can acquire laudable and everlasting wealth, power, or fame come rain come shine. Imo needs all of us safe and hearty at all times, hence it’s our individual responsibilities to do the needful to make her proud. Think about it!

ShortStory II Could it be Real?

by Fred Nwaozor

Wonders, they say, shall never end. The least he foresaw. The bashful Nneka just bashed into his matrimonial room. “Could she be drunk?” he thought while sceptically and astonishly glancing at the pale-looking beautifully created creature that was clad in a white nightgown as she stood at the room entrance leaning on the closed metal door.

Emeka who was lying in his bed in his boxers couldn’t fathom his view. It was unarguably just like a dream. But could he be dreaming while his eyes were widely and enthusiastically open? “Nneka,” he managed to exclaim. “What are you doing in my room at this time of the night?” It was about 11:08pm. “I was feeling lonely,” she shyly responded. “I am sorry.” Nneka was Emeka’s sister-in-law, precisely the immediate younger sibling to his newly wedded wife, Adaku. The couple tied the knot barely a few months back, and Nneka who was awaiting a call-up letter from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) having successfully rounded off her degree course some weeks back, had been asked by the new couple upon request to join them in the city of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State while she await her NYSC. She just arrived their home three days back. Right from when the couple was still courting, Nneka had been attracted to Emeka without his knowledge nor his fiancée’s. Each time he visited their home in the absence of every other person including their parents, she would employ every tactics to prolong his stay even when he was very anxious to take his leave, unknowingly to him that she was up to something. Even on the day the couple tied the nuptial knots in which she was the chief bridesmaid, she felt as if she was the one getting married to him. The fantasies, euphoria as well as the not unusual sensational thoughts peculiar to such epoch-making moment were being nurtured by her person.

On that very night when she appeared at the couple’s matrimonial room unannounced or like a ghost, Adaku – a practising gynaecologist who was engaged with one of the government general hospitals in the city, had been called earlier at the night at about 8pm via telephone to report at the hospital for an emergency and she complied as usual, not knowing her darling hubby was a targeted prey. “You were lonely…?” Emeka verified, still lying in his bed. The fair, slim, and about 5.1-foot tall Nneka nodded calmly. Her sparingly transparent night dress was showcasing her nude boobs coupled with her white panties, thereby making her seemed irresistible. “Was that why you couldn’t even knock at the door?” He queried, though in a friendly tone; kept his head upright with the support of his left arm. “I am very sorry, sir.” She said, gushed out tears and attempted to leave the room having kept the door open.

Emeka was moved by the deceptive tears. “Hold on, hold on.” He urged, stood up from the bed. She stood still, held the partially opened door with her right hand. “Come.” He enjoined passionately, sitting on the bed. She quickly closed the door and walked pitiably to him with tears in her face. “Sit down.” He requested soberly. She complied. He asked her to wipe out her tears and she heeded the advice. They were seated on the bed about two centimetres apart from each other. “What’s wrong with you,” Emeka inquired. “Is there anything you are not telling me?” The 24-year-old Nneka quickly looked into his eyes romantically. “I fell in love with you the very first day I set my eyes on you.” She disclosed vocally. The 37-year-old Emeka who became dumbfounded and depressed, frowned at her, stood up. There was a moment of silence “Are you out of your mind?” He ranted. “Are you insane?” She stood up and joined him, holding his waist with her arms while facing him. Her booms were stylishly touching his bare chest. “I am so sorry,” she dished out. “Just that I couldn’t hide my feelings anymore.”

The chocolate, plump and about 5.4-foot tall young man couldn’t resist the unpredicted tender touch and lyrics; she was already all over him. Every dick and harry in him was feeling the unimagined warmth sensation, and of course his ancient driller was therein seemingly on her going by its renewed posture. It seemed her sinister motive had been actualized. Apparently, there was no need for a prolonged preliminary since every needed instrument was within their reach. In view of this fact, in less than ten minutes time, the deed had been done. Immediately after the unscheduled tango, they concurrently but coincidently took a glance at the clock hung on the wall – it was 11:45pm. Adaku had called to inform them the moment she got to the hospital that she may be back at the midnight. Could it be real? Did it really happen? Those were the thoughts expected to be running through Emeka’s medulla oblongata as he lay in his bed watched Nneka depart for her alleged lonely room. On the other hand, who knows, would she feel lonely again as she earlier claimed, or had the loneliness been quenched by Emeka’s rugged trustworthy driller? Any good observer who was privileged to observe the melodrama wouldn’t hesitate to ponder over this required inquiry. Who on earth could presume that Nneka, the renowned mouse-like and sanctimonious girl would attempt to seduce a bachelor let alone her brother-in-law. Anyone who knew her very well could swear that she was still a virgin. As the saying often goes, ‘the known devil is better than the unknown angel’. That was the most suitable clause for Nneka’s case. Four weeks on, Nneka who was really obsessed with Emeka, deliberately conceived for him while Adaku was yet to be impregnated. She disclosed the latest development to the father of the unborn baby who frowned at her and consequently persuaded her to get rid of the pregnancy but she refused. Emeka’s wife, Adaku who never knew that wonders were happening under her nose or imagined any antics, was totally kept in the dark until the said pregnancy became conspicuous in two months’ time. When confronted, her kid sister disclosed to her unequivocally that her husband was the owner of the unborn child. The disclosure was tendered when her affluent husband was away to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for one of his numerous business trips. Adaku who couldn’t wait to have her hubby’s presence to confront him with the accusation, felt like an electrocuted creature within the two days and nights that ushered in his return. Upon arrival, the awaited Emeka was issued the query. Surprisingly, contrary to his poor wife’s expectation, he never refuted the allegation, though it was admitted with the aid of an apologetic utterance. Adaku died shortly afterwards owing to the poison she took. She couldn’t bear the awful reality of the news relating to incest.

On World Tourism Day

by Fred Nwaozor

Today, the world over is celebrating the 2021 World Tourism Day. The remarkable event is commemorated annually on September 27. The theme of this year's commemoration is "Tourism for inclusive growth". Tourism has conspicuously emerged as one of the major Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) sources across the global community, and is fast becoming the most highly-rated factor for societal development. At its third session held in Torremolinos, Spain in 1979, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly mandated its Member States to observe September 27 each year as the World Tourism Day having reached a unanimous resolution.

The day was chosen to coincide with an important historic milestone in the world’s tourism sector, which is the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Tourism Statutes on 27th September 1970. The first commemoration of the World Tourism Day took place in 1980. It suffices it to say that this year’s anniversary marks the 42nd edition of the laudable annual event. Tourism has over the years showcased its huge capacity in the area of job creation and human capital development, yet it’s often undervalued. Survey reliably reveals that tourism presently provides about 15 per cent of the entire world’s jobs. In spite of the above revelation, it’s appalling that the tourism sector of most countries across the global community, particularly on the African continent, is currently moribund or forgotten. It’s noteworthy that observing a beautifully-looking environment remained one of the prime desires of every sane being. This is the reason every able-bodied man works assiduously to ensure that his or her immediate surroundings appear enticingly. Tourism as an area of life or human endeavour is a sector that has over the decades pays an optimum attention to how attractive our surroundings look. This makes the area to be globally recognized. Concisely, tourism is the business activity connected with provision of accommodation, entertainment, and other hospitable services for people who are visiting a place for pleasure. In other words, a tourist can be described as a person who is travelling or visiting a certain locality for the sake of pleasure.

Tourism has been proven to be an outstanding industry that can guarantee absolute relaxation for mankind irrespective of background. This implies that no one is exempted when it calls for the essence of tourism among mankind. In the past, our various heritages were being used by our ancestors as a means of entertaining themselves, and their guests. Presently, the tourism industry has shown that these endowments can equally be utilized as business venture by upgrading them to international standard. Noting the positive impact of the tourism industry the world over, it is of no need reiterating that it has contributed massively to the socio-economic development of most nations in existence. Analysts are of the view that the industry currently represents about eleven (11%) of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and that it is a key revenue sector for developing and emerging economies. Indeed, tourism plays a very vital role in building blocks of a more sustainable future for all, which is community development. Above all, it is widely acknowledged for its capacity to respond to global challenges. In view of this, there is an urgent need for Nigeria and her likes to follow suit to ensure that the world tourism industry that helps to foster global unity and complete rest of mind is granted a preferential treatment at all cost. Nigeria can encourage the commendable crusade by ensuring that her countless socio-cultural resources are optimally rejuvenated. This proposed measure would not only help to encourage the world tourism industry, but would go a long way to elevate the country’s Gross National Product (GNP), thus strengthening her ongoing sagging economy. More so, as the world is fast embracing technology and its numerous benefits, it’s imperative for the concerned authorities to consider how to aptly deploy tech measures towards harnessing and showcasing the country’s countless tourism potentials.

To actualize this, we need to first acknowledge the impact of tech on our various activities. Then, we can proceed in engaging capable hands that truly understand the nitty-gritty of the said tool with a view to inculcating it into the sector in question. Hence, the cognoscenti must be well consulted for the way forward. Also, we must reconsider the country’s policy direction in the area of tourism to ensure that tech measures are duly enshrined therein. Nigeria as an independent state is made up of over two hundred and fifty ethnic groups, and each of these groups is tremendously blessed with various socio-cultural endowments. These cultural resources including dancing, masquerading, dressing, hunting, fishing, wrestling, and molding of sculptures, just to mention but a few, if well harnessed, would definitely help to revive the nation’s tourism sector, thereby boosting her socio-economic ego. It’s worth noting that the timing of the World Tourism Day is appropriate, because it comes at the end of the high season in the Northern hemisphere and at the beginning of the season in the Southern hemisphere, when tourism is of topical interest to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The UN Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held in 2012 emphasized that well-designed and appropriately managed tourism can make a significant contribution to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The then Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon further highlighted that tourism, which remained one of the world’s largest economic sectors, was specially well-placed to promote environmental sustainability, green-growth, and human struggle against climate change through its relationship with energy. Ever since its inception, the World Tourism Day is being celebrated to foster awareness among the global community on the essence of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The celebration seeks to highlight tourism potential as regards promotion of the SDGs, as well as how it addresses some of the most pressing challenges the global society is currently faced with.

So, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the remarkable day, we are all expected to contribute our quota toward ensuring that our respective environments or surroundings become globally recognized as attractive and human friendly localities, so that, generations yet unborn would live to remember that an attractive environment is a society we all yearn for. The truth remains that everywhere in Nigeria bears tourism potentials, thus all that is required of the government, among other concerned stakeholders, is to swing into action headlong with the sole aim of doing the needful. The authorities are, therefore, encouraged to revisit the existing policies guiding the country’s tourism sector with a view to making amends where need be. Apt policy formulation and implementation as well as formidable maintenance culture are other inevitable factors. It’s high time we quit retrogressive debates and discussions regarding tourism towards focusing solely on progressive ones. Mind you, the goal cannot be aptly and holistically actualized if we continue to jettison tech value. Think about it!