Running in the Rain is Fun

The alarm went off at exactly 5:40am. I rose, instantly wide-awake. I could hear the patting sound of raindrops as it hit the ground. I was a little discouraged by it and tempted to bury my head back into the pillow for a second round of sleep, but a little dash of hope that the rain would have completely stopped by the time I was done praying and getting ready erased my doubts, plus I couldn't bear to disappoint myself  back to back.

The previous morning, I had woken up about the same time, pulled back the curtain above the headboard to snatch a glimpse of the sky. Seeing it was pitch black, I had retired back, pushed my mental snooze button trusting to wake- say 6ish, at the first gleam of light over the sky. Few minutes later, I had suddenly snapped out of sleep, retrieved my phone from under the pillow to check the time, and to my disappointment it turned out that a few minutes snooze was actually an hour, fifteen minutes. At that point, the sun shone through the translucent curtains, and I could hear my mother's usual countenance to Channel 254's 'Sunrise Daily' as she brewed her tea- some things she couldn't possibly do quietly. It meant I had missed my early morning jog.

I said a short prayer, hopped out of bed and into my work-out gear.

It was still showering, and a bit chilly. 'Such perfect time to be no where else but in snoozeland', I thought. As I descended the stairs I mumbled a wish that the showers would stop. It seemed the rain heard me, because it stopped just as I was about stepping out of the gates.

I hit the road running. I must have ran far enough to have felt warm beads of sweats break out on my head down my back, harmonizing so pleasantly with the chilliness. Just then, the showers began again- at that moment a little heavier. I felt the cold water melting away the Cantu Conditioner in my hair, mixing with the splash of rain and warm sweats on my face down my neck until I felt my garments absorb it all. The closest thing that felt similar was a childhood experience of playing in the rain, slowly emptying my bowel on myself and enjoying the warmness of my pee in contrast to the cold rain.

I briskly walked by a Filling Station, and coincidentally an Igbo Christian song played loudly from invisible speakers- something about 'God sending down rain and fresh air......' I always wrote off songs like that as whiny and uninspiring, but this time I thought this one was apt. I felt like a recipient of a miracle and my heart leapt in gratitude. I lifted up my face towards the sky to feel the sprinkles directly, and a fresh surge of energy swept through me. My brisk walk broke into a run.

I noticed some other people run past me to the shelter in sight and wondered why. Perhaps, the man on suit was too beaten up (for forgetting his umbrella) or the lady with a black bag on her head was only bothered about her hairdo.

To me, I relished how my hair hung loose and dangled with every step. I relished the splash of water when my feet landed in puddles. I relished the brush of breeze and rain on my face.  I relished the strength to run farther tirelessly. I relished.....

If you've never run in the rain, please do.

Whatever Happened To The Sanctity Of Marriage?

Sometime ago, someone I know said marriage was a sham. Her reason? A lot of her married colleagues had made passes at her, while their wives still breathed. She couldn't fathom why couples would make vows that form the basis of their marriages, only to break it. She was pretty much certain, and assertively shook her head to ward off counter opinions, including the ones that suggested that she may be an "ogbanje", needing a quick visit to an exorciser.

At that time, I always believed in the necessity of spousal loyalty, but I found her "marriage is sham" conclusion extreme, and quickly dismissed it as antagonistic. Maybe it's because of some of my random thrilling thoughts of eloping to a Zanzibar beach or a sudden desire to wear a pair of glistening white trainers down the aisle. Yes, sometimes some stupid ideas or likings can momentarily freeze our lucidity, until life quickly jerks us awake to the crucial aspect of  saying "I do". I'm wiser. Examining her view now and noting the contents of marital vows, I believe the context of her argument very well justifies her conclusion. The real "ogbanje" will be habitual docility and dullness in tackling the chief vice that corrupts the sacred institution ordained by God. Infidelity.

At a wedding, the vow is the peak of the ceremony for me. In the usually massive, and hollow Cathedral, when the atmosphere hasn't been infiltrated by the bustle of reception, when couple's voices echo, one after the other- "I...take you.....to be my... I promise to be good to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life. Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". It is a moment to think about the implications of the vows- the promise of honesty, premium devotion, respect, sexual exclusiveness, and how implementations of these promises represent the true essence, beauty, sanctity, supremacy and formidability of a marriage. It is also a moment I'm more courageous to renew my resolutions to rather remain single than sign a covenant of monogamy with someone whose creed is "we men are dogs" or any of such beliefs opposed to what a real marriage should be.

As a Christian, my perception of marriage is spiritual and rooted in the scriptures, even at the risk of it being stereotyped as a lazy or cliched idea. Marriage is sacred and instituted by God to be between a man and a woman, who are emotionally, physically and spiritually committed to love, honour and be faithful to one another as long as they live. For marriage to retain its substance, it mustn't be taken out of this context. Hebrews 13:4 minced no words– "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous". The word "defile"(opposite of undefiled) is such a strong word that connotes extremity and irreparability (well almost). Its meanings, according to Encarta Dictionary are: 1- to corrupt or ruin something; 2- to damage somebody's reputation or good name; 3- to make a holy or sacred thing or place no longer fit for ceremonial use; 4- to make something dirty or pollute. Infidelity ruins the sanctity of marriage because it is against everything marital vows represent- love.

Unfortunately, our culture is dismissive of infidelity, because a lot of us have become accustomed to certain anti-marriage stereotypes that trivialize its severity and classify it as mere marital struggles, which as a result have numbed individuals' senses of empathy and obligation. "Oh, it is the nature of the man to cheat, while the woman should in fact expect and accommodate his sexcapades". "Check his phones? For how long and unto what end? Men will always cheat". And then the victims/"cheatees" modeling as "virtuous superheroes" among them will say "so what if you catch him in bed with someone else, say nothing, endure, keep being a good wife, show him love, cook his best meal and then pray..." It doesn't get any less ridiculous than these. And what are we left with?- a more unrepentant, smug philanderer and a partner who can't be bothered about her husband's act and its effect on their divine union. 

It should NEVER seem like a woman has given her husband liberty to cheat. Lord, No! Marriage is the will of God. Well, so says Genesis 2:18 – "Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” and  Proverbs 18:22 – He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. Both spouses are responsible for helping each other remain on the right track- if you have to, stalk your spouse, check his/her phone(s), his/her mails- speak out, act!

Some funny people (quoting some evolutionary psychologists and sociology experts) have tried to reason that it's human nature of men to cheat which I think is garbage. It's everyone's human instincts to carry out all kinds of mischief, from beating traffic lights or giving our bosses a thump on the head for tormenting us so much, and so on, but do we? Exactly! Because part of our humanity is also our ability to control certain urges that are detrimental to us and the people around us, and not have them control us. Again, the beautiful Book in Matthew 19:4-6 is my witness“Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Of course, no one said it will be easy coping with a farting/snoring husband or a wife who could win in an "I suck at cooking" competition, but it is amazing and unnatural what humans can endure for the sake of protecting their marital vows with the right kind of attitude.


Marriages need help. In my opinion, salvaging it amounts to programing our mindsets to assimilate the fact that fidelity is a prominent criterion to monogamy, and consequently develop an eagerness to foster continuous and exclusive bond with our spouses.What do I mean? Simple!  Loyalty is key to choosing a spouse, even if he has Dangote's sort of riches, Paul Pogba's kind of swag or Beyonce's charm. Marriage is not an opportunity to be free from parents or have sex. It is also not a proof of adulthood, or something to do for money, or because friends are all married, or because time is running out, or tired of being single. There are vows exchanged in God's name. The vow of love and fidelity. A vow that ranks, for instance my spouse's needs over my own needs, keeping in mind always that my husband's happiness is more important than my selfish interest, with confidence that he has the same will. 

Caveat: I chose to fight for an institution that I believe in, that I feel is being deliberately abused and overlooked by the same people who made conscious resolutions to preserve it. I accept the fact that tenets of certain religion or culture may differ from mine. To each his own. Also, my dominant reference to male adulterers isn't because there aren't female offenders, but because infidelity involving men seems justifiable and nothing people (wives especially) should be outraged about, which is wrong.

Something We All Need

"Let me pay for those", the stranger says with an unmistakable air of confidence that I suspect to be triggered by a sense of obligation. I conclude it's not the first time he's ever said those words.

He instantly reminds me of Ms. Bird in Last Holiday-- misdiagnosed with a terminal illness and told she only has a couple of weeks to live, so she decides to "prepare right" and spend those two weeks lavishly-- at a super-elite hotel and spa in Switzerland, eating sumptuous meals and all.

I imagine if Mr Stranger is dying. Or he is a member of Legion of Mary (on his work of mercy). Or it's always been his prefatory move before he asks for a kidney or calls me his "missing rib". As always, I just suspect he has some motive. Whatever it is, I make up my mind to decline.

I cast a quick look at the checkout clerk for any hint of the scenario, and her eyeballs dart from me to the stranger in what I read as vagueness.

I decide to gauge the situation myself--  glance subtly from the corner of my left eye, notice who Mr. Stranger's focus is on. It's not on the clerk, and it's not on the woman behind him on the queue neither. I break out in warm beads of sweat. Sweats of nervousness and embarrassment. 

I hate being the centre of attention, especially when I have to turn down a nice, gentleman's offer. That's probably unheard-of these days, not to mention snobbish. And what if he really has few months to live? Then it would be mean of me to deny a dying man's wish too. I remain adamant.

"Three thousand and seventy five naira", the clerk announces with a hue of laughter playing out softly in her eyes. Obviously my uneasiness amuses her. I automatically start rubbing my forehead in a bid to wipe off sweats that are probably beginning to be more obvious. By now, all my bought items have been registered, and being put away in a carrier bag by an assisting clerk.

I'm still tongue-tied, and haven't directly looked at Mr Stranger, or acknowledged his dangling offer. I fetch for my wallet, pull a face to appear aloof, hoping that my action and expression will make him backpedal, but he still stands waiting for an approval or something. I look up to the clerk to verify the amount again, and I notice Mr Stranger edge closer. "Let me get that", he rephrases. And so I turn to face him for the first time. He is all dapper in a slightly crispy, checkered, short-sleeved shirt on a blue denim jeans. He has both hands in his pants' pockets, and smiles innocently, appearing unaware of my uneasiness. He is a clean and kind man, I conclude.

I bend my head slightly to the right, instantly feel my face beam, and I say for the first time, in compliance quite shocking to me,"Thank you".

I feel my emotions betrayed my nature yet again. I'm usually reluctant to accept charity, and always turned it down with a pleasant smile, (so that I appear less snobbish). My reason is personal, something you may agree with me as well-- lack of trust. I doubt most times that someone can actually want to be nice to me with no ulterior motive. Of course, I realize that I deserve acts of selfless love and kindness, but in a world that is constantly seeking immediate satisfaction at any cost, it's easy to ignore or even forget totally how I deserve to be treated. 

I could relate to few occasions in the past when someone had rejected my innocent and kind offers to help them. I could relate to a lot of times people tried to justify why that blind wretched beggar by the roadside was a charade and indeed didn't really deserve alms. 

But the truth is no matter how well-off we think we are, we can never get enough of acts of love, and no matter our many reservations, there shouldn't be limits to who, where and when we can extend helping hands. Our world needs it.

Ceding to Mr Stranger's offer, despite my old doubts for once feels right, because it suddenly occurs to me that that act of kindness matters, and is one of the things that makes our world better. At that moment my twisted notion is outshined by a massive hope that true altruism still exists. There are real people in the world who want to help others, and it's only a good thing to let them, and go ahead to pass it on to the next person in many ways-- giving someone a lift, saying hi, waving or smiling at that gateman, adopting a child, leaving the change for the shop cashier...., giving up our spots in the bus for someone, offering to help someone carry her shopping bags, just anything good that basically makes the other person's life better.

Cheers!!!

Flashbacks And Forward In Time

I've come across many new year resolutions that basically bordered on individuals' vows to explore different perspectives, adopt new strategies which are intended to lead to goal actualizations and/or character improvement.  Though I consider it a noble and modest move in the right direction, I wasn't particularly swung towards that trend this year. This is because I figured that the change that I need is required constantly at every point of my existence, and that the rapidity this need arises necessitates that I ascertain core values that simplify adjustments to the demands of these changes.

As a Sagittarian, I'm supposed to be  adventurous, but, in reality I'm averse to change-- intimidated by any idea that I feel invades the "beautiful" and "safe" walls that I have built around me. Contrarily, within my walls are no rooms for mediocrity or imperfections, and so I strive to surmount selfish and fruitless "conveniences" to achieve what I need to achieve. 

I've learned to multitask effectively around the time it seemed some of my responsibilities at home and work were suffering. I finally started using ATM cards. I mastered how to tie "gele". I dropped my English name, started prepping my very long hair for the big chop (story for another day), and so on. I changed. I'm changing.

I tried new things-- ate virtually all the pies baked at Chitis. Apple pie was my least favourite. Steak and Kidney pie tasted the best. About a month after my pie adventure, I ate a whole watermelon to make reparations for the junk food guilt that mulled over my conscience, but chocolate remains my guilty pleasure, plus, of course, new found steak and kidney pie.

I finally started driving the car that I acquired two years ago-- after two weeks of driving lessons. I was too careful not to  hit any vehicle or dent mine, as everyone had predicted. Everything went on well, until a "Keke" got in my way and proved everyone right, followed by a mini bus, and then a Toyota Camry, and a 911 Mercedez. Now, I would want to think I'm an expert from the way I yell at other drivers about how I think their driving skills suck. My colleague nicknamed me Jane Bond, all in a compliment, I think, because my driving is actually nothing like Jane's male counterpart. At least, my tires don't screech. As hard as driving can be on Nigerian roads, I've learned to be more patient, calm and kind.

On the political scene, the nation has been marred by damaging incidents-- the Boko Haram insurgents that have been responsible for killing innocent Nigerians in terrorist bomb attacks and kidnappings, financial misappropriations, the plunge in the nation's economy indicated by the drop in the price of oil in the international market and the devaluation of Naira, and so on. Nigerians are clamouring for change, and the nation is heated up as February 14th, 2015 presidential election approaches. I plan to sit it out reading a book with a glass of Baileys Irish Cream on the rocks. And that is not to say that I care less, but to gloat about my occassional indulgence. I hope and pray that the better person to anchor us towards the desired change wins in the election.

Even if I end up not voting, one thing that I  appreciate in this election is Nigerians' inclinations towards what they perceive to be right as the basis for their suppositions as opposed to ethnic and religious sentiments, as was mostly the case last election. At that time, for me, it was more than where someone was coming from or what, where and how he worshipped. I was more ambitious. At this point, then, I was already certain about my choice and ran personal campaigns in favour of the then candidate for Congress for Progressive Change, General Mohammadu Buhari, a man whom my admiration for sprang from my father's adulation of him. I heard his story-- what a religious fanatic he was, how he limited development only to his ethnic group, and all that propaganda. Despite all of them, seeing him among the other presidential aspirants in 2011 was a breath of fresh air. I had fate he was our own Moses.

However, I feel different about him this election. My trust waned. I'm certain he's still capable of transforming the country, but I wonder if his aspiration is still born out of patriotism. He's become more desperate than passionate, or why else would he go back on his word at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on April 2011 when he said , "this election is the third and last one for me; since, after it, I will not present myself again for election into the office of the President". The argument is that situations in the nation aggravated. To me, that defence, though with a valid reasoning, is porous, when one considers that APC arguably had better members like Babatunde Fashola, whom would have given the president a run for his money. I hope I'm wrong about General Buhari.

Concerning President Goodluck, I never had faith in him from the onset- I felt he lacked strength of character to lead a complex nation like Nigeria. I still do. As much as I couldn't stand his seeming catarrh infected voice, I finally summoned courage to listen to Mr President during the PDP Presidential/Gubernatorial Campaign in Enugu, and most of his address was spent in mudslinging against General Buhari. I had hoped that he would emphasize mostly on relevant and key issues-- his efforts, progress so far in tackling them. Quality time could have been used to address the disastrous and crucial insurgencies in the North (the one thing every Nigerian is desperate to learn about the government's activities and plans towards curbing it) or to disassociate himself from corrupt  practices that his government is being accused of condoling--  like Mrs Oduah's N225 million scandal, his wife's laundering scandal, missing $20 billion from the country's federation, N10 billion private jet scandal involving Deziani, and countless more. He was rather more comfortable listing the sins of General Buhari. I felt insulted, but justified in my belief that President Jonathan is incompetent.

I find myself in a dilemma. What will be our fate with any of of these two as president? Will there still be a country? 2015 and the years ahead remain a mystery. Surely, we will experience change, but I can't predict whether it's for better or for worse, but I pray the former be the case.

Happy New Year to you <3<3<3

Wishful Thinking

I admire mother's courage and brazenness when they bare their breasts in public to nurse their babies, heedless of the uneasiness it might cause the next person. In my case (as the next person), I feel I'm expected to be normal with the whole display simply because I'm a grown woman with breasts too and a prospective mom. 

Unfortunately it's never been that simple. It's always an awkward position trying to act comfortable and at the same time, appear not to gawk too much. I'm always wondering-- " has my discomfort become obvious from the sudden interest in my phone", "do I reach for the baby's arm stretching out to me in bliss, which will entail looking in the direction of the breast, or should I ignore a baby's friendliness"? No one probably gives a damn how I feel, but these feelings are real.

At a busy bus stop I usually stop to buy fruits from a particular middle-aged woman, who now calls me "customer". I call her customer too. On the pedestrian pathway and with her 6 months old baby perching on her laps oftentimes, she sits by a wheel barrow full of varieties of fruits, each type demarcated by pieces of wood. She has two more children whom at times would run up to her nagging for something and she would quickly try to pacify them with slivers of bread, and they'd leap off in glee to reunite with their playmates at the background. On the other hand, the baby had mama's breast milk to pacify him. Sometimes, she's too much in a hurry to attend to her buyers that she forgets to dress up when her baby is done, and so the breast is left out there.... In that instance, I look around me, and everyone acts normal, but I just want to take to my heels or scream.

I wish some nursing mothers were like my cousin. She disciplined her then 8 months old son to never crave for breast milk out there in public places.

Normally, he'd throw minor tantrums for some other things that he needed. It may be he got bored from being held and just wanted to roam the church premise like the other kids or he finally got thirsty for his Ribena drink. 

During all his fits, unsolicited busybodies were always on the stand by to advocate for the child, "nye ya ala" (breastfeed him), like they understood the child's moods more than his mother. Depending on her disposition and the frequency busybodies pestered her , my cousin may cast them the mind-your-business look or take a jab at them with, "nye ya ala nke gi" (breastfeed him by yourself), which always shrinks them back into their shells.

I'd never know how she was able to get the child to acclimatize to this pattern, despite his fervent addiction to breast milk, which seemed to explode as soon as we have stepped into the privacy of our home.

I remember it was a moment I cherished to observe-- from his impatient pants of anticipation to his distracted gestures of delightfulness like clenching his raised leg, swinging his arms in the air or protesting grunts when you try to pull him away. 

Well, it didn't feel awkward to watch my cousin breastfeed her baby. She's family.... My "customer" and most nursing women I had encountered in the public weren't.

I'll bet that nursing mothers aren't as bothered about my discomfort or composure as I wonder, and that is the admiration that I have for them. It takes enormous love and sacrifice to rise above self-consciousness to supply the needs of their babies. I may probably do that. Lol! Therefore, my intention is not to stage a protest against public breastfeeding, because I appreciate this love, this sacrifice and the importance of breastfeeding, no matter where or how-- its benefits to the child, and the bond it creates between a mother and child.

Bu at the same time, caution is still necessary when in public places. I'm thoughtful enough to try and give mothers some undeserving privacy, offered to hold their bags when they carry out their businesses. Regardless, seeing strangers' breasts makes me uncomfortable. Nursing mothers should also bear this in mind, because it's my space too. Nursing bras have their functions-- whole breasts don't need to be all out there. It's that simple.

On another note:

1. I also wish people will stop eating boiled eggs in public. I once sat beside a man who had too like 5-6 eggs at a sitting. I lost count. It was a long time ago, but I haven't recovered from the smelly experience.

2. I wish people will stop asking for pens in banks. Every time! It makes me wonder, "didn't he know he was going to need a pen to fill the Deposit or Withdrawal slip"? And the worst part is some forget to return my pen.

3. I wish people knew part of phone etiquette is letting the caller drop the call. Whatever reasons someone called for-- to deliver a message, to say hi, to chit-chat-- it all ends when the person has dropped... Wait that out.

4. I wish toothpick hanging down the mouth would be banned. It's not only accident-prone, it gives someone off as uncultured and difficult to be taken seriously.

5. I wish strangers will stop tagging me to pictures they feel might interest me. Chances are they irritate me, especially when comments start rolling in.

6. I wish rubber bands are extinct, so some ladies can go buy real hair bands, like seriously.

Enough about my whines, how have you been?

What do you wish would stop?

Thankful For......

A lot of times, I'm frustrated by the state of affairs in Nigeria:

I'm infuriated by the daily cruelty in the form of extortion being meted out by our police.

Ranked as the 26th in the world in terms of Gross Domestic Product and the largest economy in Africa, I cannot fathom why potholes litter our highways, disrupting our comfort and in worse conditions, posing threats to our safety.

I bemoan the spill of garbage over our gutters and across our streets, and how our habit of emptying garbage containers in flooding gutters and gullies contributes to it.

I cringe at the lack of adequate bunks, well-fitting and fresh bedding in our major hospitals whenever I go visiting.

I am tired of being surcharged every time I need to obtain important documents from virtually every office in the name of PR, or what some of them call "ego fuel" (money for fuel) or "money for lunch", and workers' rude and lackadaisical attitude to work, especially in government departments.

My heart is thick with pity every time I look at our roaming mentally challenged citizens and street side beggars, obviously with no form of welfare.

A lot of other things alarm me-- Ebola, kidnappings,insurgencies, deception, rampant sexual embarrassments, misappropriation of public fund, degradation of our education and so on.

However, today, I take time to rather reflect on the a lot of the awesomely unique things that distinguish us from the rest:

1. Our people-- hardworking, resilient, determined, ambitious and passionate even in the most difficult conditions.

2. Our diverse tribes, languages and popular cultural values:

3. Our colourful traditional outfits that make us stand out at occasions.

4. Our sumptuous, rich foods that have me drooling and licking my fingers every time.

5. Our rich resources-- both human and natural that put us as one of the largest economy in Africa.

6. Our distinguished and notable citizens who have brought great honour to our country.

I choose to celebrate and count all that we have and had, our achievements and endowments, our greatness and uniqueness, our good luck and wealth, because the truth is, no nation, no matter how "great" is without her demons. Nigeria is no exception. We will continue to fight these demons, starting from inherent demons for the sake of a better future for the nation.

Today, my prayer is that God bless Nigeria.

Happy Independence day, friend.

Here In My Office

I have mixed feelings about my office.

Physically, it is not that appealing to me, although I've received several compliments about its space and the two newly bought philosophical paintings in it.

The space is massive that it could comfortably accommodate five more desks with zero inconvenience. It's partially enclosed with some sheets framed in aluminum scaffolds, and stands tall at about five feet, which means that human heads are most likely to pop up from time to time either to ask how my night was, if I could spare some sheets of paper or it's just a comment on the soft music playing from my computer. 

The roominess and subtle exposure evoked a feeling-- tininess in a corner. It got to the point I had to bring in a second table. Although this move didn't cure my psychological disposition, it helped the typical monotony of my sitting position. At least, the second table is now intended for more urgent works, where and when I don't need distractions from my gadgets or desk clutters.

I admit that my office could use a lot of my personal touch to give it the homey ambiance that I yearn for like a fluffy rug under my table for feet rest, fresh flowers to fan the embers of positivity as well as bring in some air of nature. Maybe I need to also provide a fridge to contain my little chocolatey/groundnuty indulgence, hoping it would also serve my visitors, and finally, replace the photo of GEJ and some other mean faces staring down my head in the most unfriendly gazes with my newly acquired artworks.

Despite these self perceived physical inadequacies and demands, it is still my chamber of inspirations, experiences, convenience and achievements. 

In this haven, I discovered common Q-Tips are irresistible items of distraction and entertainment. The cute transparent container holding them is the first thing people want to reach for before they remember to take a seat. The dreaminess in their eyes, their arched heads and mumblings when they dab their ears cast me into a trance where I am this powerful morphin that is the panacea to all their pains. It is a miraculous feeling. 

Again, in this haven, the idea of Koko Hill was birthed, to name but a few.

I love my limitless space.

I Pledge To Nigeria- To Promote Road Worthiness

He claims to be a friend but is a snarer in an authorized ill-fitted regalia. The peril mothers advise their sons to be wary of.

While his finger clenches the rifle trigger on one hand, forcefully, he flags down my vehicle with the other hand, dishing out orders of "park park park" in the most livid tone, even when it's obvious I am making to park. He doesn't care I'm human and not a deranged dog. Just before I bring the car to a full halt, he taps so frantically on my window. "Easy", I say, feeling creases start to form on my forehead.

Amidst my anger, I greet. The unfriendliness that flash through his bloodshot and stern eyes is all I get in response to my "hello".

Through sprinkles of spittle, he dishes out more commands in the most hostile and intimidating tone, probably in retaliation to my "easy" reprimand earlier. Perhaps, he had seen me in his dream the night before as the only female member of a fierce criminal squad that engaged him in a gun battle. I can never tell.

He demands for my papers and commands almost immediately, "come down"! I have a mind to feign sickness as an excuse not to come down, but remember an opportunity I cherish a lot, where I get to toss my hair in the snarer's face and strut the proud walk when he finds no reason to extort from me.  I seize the chance.

I step down, walk to him, and hand him my papers. He looks down on my hand, stops half way in a move to collect the papers. His gaze comes back up to my face. I stand my ground. My confident demeanor infuriates him the more. He casts me a hateful look. I don't budge, but I wonder, "what now"?

As if he's in my head, he asks "didn't you learn to not hand things out with your left hand", "don't you have respect"? A law enforcement officer is furious, faults and abuses me for being a lefty. I sense he wants to provoke me to retaliate. I can easily fall into his trap, because I itch badly to challenge his baseless notion. But I'm aware how others like him tend to amplify and manipulate trivial situations to chalk up pointless leverage, especially when you're guiltless of any actual defaults. They can come up with stuff like how it's unacceptable to ply certain routes or an accusation for being condescending becasue the word "can" appeared in your interactions. 

"It doesn't matter", I tell him, flipping the papers in the air. Well, I am too upset not to retaliate someway.

My lack of remorse further infuriates him. "Get out", he yells angrily at me.

I hesitate a bit, and finally walk to my car, too discouraged by the staggering disrepute and  lack of professionalism in an occupation that should be the noblest. Has the police force become a profession for oppressors, extortionists, bullies, rude and cruel individuals, whose modus operandi is terrorizing the same people they are meant to guard, protect and safeguard?

I moan about my experience, but It gets worse. 

As I write this, a Keke driver is being compelled to fork over part of his hard earned stipend to an inconsiderate and shameless gun wielding police officer or risk having his motor confiscated. Expectedly, a lot of them would rather part with N50 than N10,000 or thereabouts demurrage. Another defaulting bus driver is being left off  the lead, because he bribed an officer. It doesn't matter if he doesn't have his driver's license or current particulars.

How can one begin to justify this? 

Luckily, I find an e-copy of the Nigeria Police Code of Conduct. Unfortunately, the precepts and what is obtainable are a contradiction in terms.

1. Police officer acts as an official representative of government who is required and trusted to work within the law. The fundamental duties of a police officer include serving the community, all to liberty, equality and justice.

Well, many police officers serve nobody but themselves, their bottomless pocket, not the people they vows to serve, and definitely not the government who pays them.

2. All citizens will be treated equally with courtesy, consideration and dignity. Officers will never allow personal feelings, animosities or friendships to influence official conduct. Laws will be enforced appropriately and courteously.

By showing courtesy, consideration and dignity, an officer can yell manically at innocent motorists, rap knuckles on their windows, and then abuse them when they're not guilty of any default.

3. A police officer will not engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will an officer condone such acts by other police officers. Officers will refuse to accept any gifts, subscriptions, favours, gratuities or promises that could be interpreted as seeking to cause the officer to refrain from performing official responsibilities honestly and within the law.

No, no, no, officers DO accept these things either through compulsion or solicitation, and failure to oblige could attract some corporal punishment like frog jumps or other penalties like having one's car impounded (as is the case with commercial motorists mostly).

I'm reading the rest of the guidelines, trying to reconcile it with current situations and I'm shockingly smacked by the gross discrepancies, worse still, the fact that we've endorsed this sin as a normal obligations that have just repercussions if unfulfilled. In fact, it's become the place of passengers to remind drivers to "do the needful and save their times". Yes, that unperturbed. A particular woman almost jumped out of her skin, nudged me abruptly in a way to shush me when I did the unthinkable-- reprimanded an officer for delaying our Keke driver until he "settled"them, even though his papers were intact.

Nigeria is fraught with degenerative corruption. Our tolerance, sponsorship and passivity on the other hand perpetuate it, and have sort of numbed its negative implications. It is evident in our "that's Nigeria for you" slogan we've adopted whenever we try to validate one evil act or another. So, rather than seek to promote goodness/correctness, we adopt degrading survival instincts to cope. The bus driver would rather save lots of N50 notes for every checkpoint than update his particulars. Passengers would rather the driver part with "white" than endure paper checks and the (snarer's) calculated delays to frustrate drivers and passengers.

Well, enough is enough. I reject the connotations of the "that is Nigeria for you" slogan. 

I believe in the Nigeria that is headed for greatness in integrity, honour, goodness and justice.

Therefore, I pledge to Nigeria to present up to date and valid vehicle particulars at checkpoints, wait patiently throughout the check process, instead of N50 naira notes or forged papers. It is called civic responsibility.

On The Ice Bucket Challenge

I had become interested in ALS. The popular Ice Bucket Challenge had awakened my curiosity.

I had first seen Lionel Messi get doused with a bucket of ice-cold water, and wasn't completely aware of the relevance. As one of the people who often wondered why he showed no likelihood or willingness to take off his top in the usual post-match jersey exchange (something I attributed to his reserved nature), my only interest was peeping at an off-the-pitch Lionel Messi with fewer clothes on.

Clothed in fitted red sleeveless polo and black briefs, and dripping wet, I must say he was one eye candy, in a sexy way at that. I had gotten more curious afterwards, and gone on to look up "shirtless leo messi", and it turns out the young man isn't totally shy to bare it almost all. I was impressed with my findings.

Next was Shanel Cooper Sykes. Apparently, someone had nominated her to take on the challenge, and she had gone on to nominate yet more individuals to do same. Roger Federer was next, then Oprah and so on. At this point, I concluded it was an obodo oyibo (Western) thing, until our very own Genevieve Nnaji, Don Jazzy, P Square, Iyanya and others joined the bandwagon, and unfortunately, got blasted for it.

Quite ignorantly, Charles Nova, Yvonne Nelson and Joselyn Dumas had taken to twitter to dictate what awareness/cause our indigenous celebrities should be embarking upon, and according to them, it should be focused on issues more necessary and proximate to us Nigerians and Africans, say malaria, cholera and Ebola virus. Sadly, this handful of people represents many more who know next to nothing about the fatality of ALS.

According to the ALS Association, “model is to find people who are passionate about a cause and then ask for donations or to educate people (like Charles, Yvonne and Joselyn) and then seek out donations. (The ice bucket challenge is) something that’s fun that people can do ... people are taking part in it and then taking the info and donating.” Basically, the dousing and/or donation further the Association's mission to find a cure and awareness for ALS while funding the highest quality of care for people living with the disease.

About ALS in a flash:

• ALS, acronym for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease is an advancing, fatal disease of the motor nerve cells that control the skeletal muscles of the body.

• In this case, the muscles lose their nerve supply and waste away, resulting in weakening and paralysis.

•  ALS affects about 60,000 people WORLDWIDE, affects more males than females within the age range of 20 and 90.

•  ALS patients lose control of their entire nervous system, become unable to eat or speak audibly, produce excessive saliva and drool, may laugh or cry uncontrollably and experience difficulty breathing. 

• Eventually, when the diaphragm muscles become to degenerated to perform their normal functions, death usually results from respiratory failure.

• Contrary to  critics' opinion, I dare say it is possible some Africans had in the past died or presently suffer from this disease unknowing to them and medical practitioners.

• There is no cure yet for ALS. 

Like the Ebola Virus, here's another deadly disease that deserves all the global attention it's generated, whether the participants did it genuinely or for the fame. The cruel, apathetic and foolish thing would be people like Charles/Yvonne/Joselyn underplaying the severity of this disease and undermining their colleagues' involvement in a campaign for a COMMON GOOD that seeks to find a cure. I don't understand what's "second-class mentality" about it, as Charles Nova accused. I wonder if he had similar opinion when America celebrities also got involved in the #bringbackourgirls campaign, when they were miles disconnected from our plight.

For what it's worth, Genevieve, Don Jazzy, et al did more good than them bitching about it on the internet just to score two minutes of fame, if not, I wouldn't know who Charles and Joselyn looked like or what Yvonne ever wrote on her twitter handle. Otherwise, why else would they think they had valid points, especially when none of them spearheaded anything charitable or patriotic for their countries/continents? 

The same way the world rallied around us (for whatever reasons) during the #bringbackourgirls campaign, and still do in the current Ebola epidemic, I also endorse the #icebucketcampaign.

People like Charles, Yvonne and Josyln need to know that apathy to other people's problems because they aren't their problems is worse. ALS doesn't have to affect them directly before they deem it relevant to show compassion to its victims.

Kudos to thoughtful Genevieve Nnaji, Don Jazzy, P Square, Iyanya, Davido, and every other Naija celebrity who were belittled by some small people for taking part in a noble cause.

I like.

Climate Change: The Loose Policy Of Nigerian Government-- Emeka K. Ezemenaka

In the era of clamor for human security, climate change which is an important factor for human security through environment has been given little attention in Nigeria.  There is no gain saying that, the government have put in policies or have programs running in Nigeria in mitigating climate change effect, when there are lots of loop holes with the strategy adopted. As a matter of fact, the policies adopted for climate change in Nigeria if there is any, is permeable. However, the malignant effect of these actions is tantamount to environmental conflicts affecting the societies which pave way for other protracted problems and conflict within the country. 

Climate change is real and cannot be overemphasized. Though, these changes can be managed and worked on, but where the problem lies with the changes of climate is when there are no concrete measures to address it. The effect of climate change is a global phenomenon and this is why it is a salient issue that needs to be addressed by everyone. Global flaring and venting of petroleum–associated gas is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and airborne contaminants that has proven difficult to mitigate over the years, (Aniefiok E. Ite and Udo J. ibok 2013). Without reservation, the petroleum industry in Nigeria, Africa is the largest industry and main generator of GDP in the continent's most populous nation. Nigeria is a country that plays a major role in Africa and in the world based on its natural resources ranging from Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Coal production amongst others, yet the measures adopted to clean up the mess of human effect on environment through industrialization becomes a major problem. Examples of industrialization effect which distort the ecosystem and in turn affect the climate of Nigeria is seen at the Crude Oil spillage in the Niger Delta regions in Nigeria and Gas flaring. The resultant effect of the problems caused by Oil spillage which adversely affects the climate, environment and livelihood of societies can be seen at Bayelsa and Delta communities where crude oil is produced at larger quantities. 

Schmoozing about Gas flaring which has a direct contact to the atmosphere that comprises of climate configuration, since the production of Natural gas in Nigeria in 1999, the gas is been flared continuously to the atmosphere unabated till now. Nevertheless, the majority of Nigeria's natural gas is flared off and it’s estimated that Nigeria loses 18.2 million US$ daily from the loss of the flared gas. According to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (2014), Nigeria still flares about 40% of the natural gas it produces, while official Nigerian policy is to end gas flaring completely by 2008. The World Bank estimates that Nigeria accounts for 12.5% of the world's total gas flaring and Shell estimates that about half of the 2 Bcf/d of associated gas -gaseous by-products of oil extraction is flared in Nigeria annually. The aforementioned statistics shows how climate is destroyed and forced to change its course austerely.

However, Francis Idowu Ibitoye (2014) findings on additional projects aimed at ending gas flaring activities being planned while some are at various stages of completion by government shows that existing infrastructure will not be sufficient to end gas flaring in the country. The implementation of firm planned projects in the second scenario will only reduce gas flaring to about 10% in 2040. The third scenario of additional projects ensures total elimination of gas flaring. The last two scenarios indicate that 2018 is the year when significant reduction in gas flaring can be achieved in Nigeria. Results also indicate that beyond the firm planned projects in the second scenario, proper timing and sizing of additional projects will be very critical in order to minimize stress on non-associated gas reserves. Furthermore, Aniefiok E. Ite and Udo J. ibok (2013) noted that, over the past fifty years, gas flaring and venting associated with petroleum exploration and production in the Nigeria’s Niger Delta has continue to generate complex consequences in terms of energy, human health, natural environment, socio–economic environment and sustainable development. From an operational perspective, some 45.8 billion kilowatts of heat are discharged into the atmosphere of the Niger Delta from combustion of 1.8 billion cubic feet of gas every day. (Agbola, T., and T. Olurin, 2003). This process affects the atmosphere which have several consequences on the regional and global environment leading to greenhouse effect, increase in temperature or thermal gradient which causes global warming, human health problems, poor agricultural yields, acid rain or acidification of aquatic environment and alteration of ecosystem. 

Emphasis on the effect of human activities on climate change cannot be overemphasized but allowing the problems of climate change to overwhelm us as humans is the choice we make. Nigerian government is fond of acting after envisaged problems/disaster rather than employing preventive measures or control. There are several options and ways to tackle climate changes which are rooted in the policies meted out by the government. At this point, it is a clear indication that the Nigerian government needs to do more in the fight against climate change and should rise up to their duties as leaders. Those in government power and who call the shots were elected for the common good of the polity and not to enrich their pockets while allowing situations or trends such as climate change go awry before acting.  Most importantly, climate change is a joint effort from everyone starting from the domestic to the industrial activities. Thus, this is a wakeup call for everyone and all hands must be on deck to address the issue of climate change. As entry point or guide in addressing the problems of climate change, the government can start by discouraging harmful practices and usage of product that destroy the climate with punitive measures.

References

Agbola, T., and T. Olurin, (2003) “Landuse and Landcover Change in the Niger Delta,” Excerpts from a Research Report presented to the Centre for Democracy and Development.

Aniefiok E. Ite and Udo J. ibok (2013). Gas Flaring and Venting Associated with Petroleum Exploration and Production in the Ngieria's Niger Delta. American Journal of Environmental Protection, pp 70-77.

Francis Idowu Ibitoye (2014). Ending Natural Gas Flaring in Nigeria's Oil Fields. Journal of Sustainable Development   ISSN 1913-9063 (Print)   ISSN 1913-9071 (Online)

NNPC (2014). Development of Nigeria’s oil industry http://www.nnpcgroup.com/nnpcbusiness/businessinformation/oilgasinnigeria/developmentoftheindustry.aspx

You Have To Read To Get The Gist

I felt lucky to have finally found hand sanitizer at a pharmaceutical mall.

I had gone around all major shopping malls that I knew of within Enugu city in vain search of the latest rare fluid.

Apparently, it's become like hotcakes, and sold off even before they got the chance to sit on the shelves, such that my once accessible must-have item has become hard to find.

"We just sold out the last one", or "we're out of stuck" were the two likely replies I normally received from somewhat enthusiastic shop assistants, not sure at first what the triumphal air around them was  about, but certainly annoyed by their expressions of deep-rooted self-importance, which often struck as unresponsive and selfish.

In a particular mall, I guessed they had created a form of entertainment, a gamble probably, to cope with their state of boredom. Their unified exchange of knowing smiles after I had enquired about hand sanitizer reeked of victorious whispers of "I KNEW IT"! Why else would the Antiseptic section be their hang out spot every time?

I mean Ebola is probably the deadliest virus, scary enough to make me give up my sumptuous street food--

Oka ahul'ahu n'ube (roasted corn and local pear)

It is not funny!!!

Perhaps, my frustration was the least of their problems.

Anyway, I greedily rounded up many bottles of Purell displayed on the cashier's desk, a bottle for each person that I wished to put a smile on his or her face. Funnily enough I had come in to buy something else.

P.S. You may want to know that a bottle of hand sanitizer is the best gift you can give to anyone now.

Quite similar to the shop assistants that I encountered in the other malls, this one also appeared amused and eager, but patient enough to wait till I finished my compilations and moved closer to the cash box. "N650 for each bottle", she said, casting a probing look at me, trying to weigh my reaction maybe. As a Nigerian, who lived all her life in a society where shrewd dealers used unfortunate situations to milk on others, I couldn't say I was surprised. However, more than 100% increase was shocking to me. Before Sawyer's unpopular footprints, I bought same 59ml bottle of Purell for N300.

Of course, I paid for the much that I gathered, but disappointed at some people's cruelty. "What if I couldn't afford the new price"? "How about poor Nigerians who can't live up to N650 a day, but still need to guard themselves against Ebola"? "Where is your patriotism"? I ranted more about how our inhumane, selfish, greedy and corrupt tendencies thwart our advancement.

One of them went economic with the "higher the demand, the higher the price" theory, which normally made some sense, considering a possible increase in the cost of production, in which case a slight reasonable inflation was understandable. Still I didn't buy into his reasons, because I just couldn't get past the "Not For Retail Sale"inscription on the bottle. Something's gotta be wrong somewhere. But that wasn't even the issue.

The other shop attendant on the cash register made the most stupid comment which I had heard a million times from other people, often guilty or called out for either flinging a wrap of rubbish through the car window or peeing by the roadside or presenting the wrong date of birth or slipping a N50 note into a policeman's hands, and a host of other evil deeds. "This is Nigeria", she said. I felt the need to yank off my arm just to have something to throw at her. Instead, I said to her, "It's better if you didn't speak at all". She let off a guilty laugh, but I wasn't amused.

Rather, I came up with an idea to run series, ("I Pledge To Nigeria") on this blog that I hope will change thousands who are like-minded Nigeria who think Nigeria is a junkyard. That change begins with me-- my mindset.

Meanwhile, I wish to introduce you to a friend of mine, who's been towing same line of positive change. My next post is authored by him and titled "Climate Change: Loose Policy of Nigerian Government". It's funny though how he never visited my blog before but now needs me to publish his article.

I hope you've been great.

Remember-- stay Ebola free, always wash your hands with soap and water, avoid body contact (not even sure how that is possible in our society), keep your environment clean, take your own clipper, comb, towel, ear plugs to the salon with you, NO to bush meat. Add salt when you wash veggies and fruits, not in your bathing or drinking water. More information one click away here.

God will see us through.

Reminiscing

I don't want to regret my unfounded certitude in the possibility of the Nigerian Team advancing to a greater extent in the ongoing World Cup -- the quarter finals at least. I had watched our pre - world cup friendly match against USA, and despite our defeat, my convictions  didn't quaver. Not even our imperfect streak of equalizers against Mexico, Scotland and Greece respectively, the omission of key-influential players and obvious technical impediments wobbled me to the other divide where realists believed different, and actually chided me for ignoring real situations on ground.

At the end of every work hours, I tuck my laptop in its pouch always hoping to do some office works at home -- something I seldom do, because either I'm not energetic enough to put away my shoes or I'm able to convince my self that "it's not that voluminous, so I'll do it first thing in the morning (again, something I seldom do)". Of course my procrastinating tendency isn't anything noble to flaunt, and that is not what I'm aiming for here. I mean it's a limitation that has caused me to wear rumpled clothes to church or work on numerous occasions, almost had me running across the highway to a filling station with a gallon for fuel to get my car moving again. What more embarrassment can one endure? It is rather the few times I had beaten the somnolence, started or completed whatever that needed to be started or completed,  Those rare moments, I applaud myself for hauling the poor gadget along ignoring the voice of uncertainties about whether the laptop will remain in the bag untouched or not.

I had reasoned that like me (who never fails to bring the laptop along), Walt Disney who didn't capitulate to a newspaper editor' opinion that he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas", or Michael Jordan who didn't admit defeat after being cut from his high school basketball team, and also considering that lately, our country has been on the news for all the wrong reasons, that our team would fight hard, passionately and determinedly to project us in a positive light or probably in honour of innocent lives lost in all bomb blasts. At least, that was the basis of my conviction.

I watched the the game against France. France was vulnerable, very much permeable, and seemed disorganized and pressurized from Nigeria's pace. It was clear we possessed the physical prowess to win the game. But we lacked the passion, the drive, the hunger, the determination, the motivation, the focus, the attitude to actually win. Mikel strutted so lazily about the pitch like he was taking a walk on the beach, Musa, who proved to Messi that two could play the game was a shadow of himself, Victor Moses' attack looked insipid, Onaze's injury and substitution further did us in. Stephen Keshi's post match statement that African teams didn't always excel in International tournaments because they lacked zeal and focus buttresses my notion.

Evidently, Super Eagles had played the match under a cloud of quarrels with the Nigeria Football Federation over the payment of match bonuses. They had boycotted the training session until they had been paid.  I've always embraced the principles of justice and integrity, and it would be hypocritical of me to hold the players' protests against them, or to translate it to mean they're money-oriented, selfish or unpatriotic. I don't care about what the Greece and Algeria teams chose to do with their bonuses, the players had every right to demand for their entitlements, otherwise, the NFA officials would have siphoned the money and I'm certain they won't give it to charity. Isn't corrupt leadership and docility the reason football in Nigeria and Africa generally appears stagnant? The same thing applies to the leadership of the nation and continent at large.

However, it is one thing to stand for due process and another to have conceded defeat even before the match played out. I daresay the later was the case. I don't have sources for ascertainment, but I saw it in their eyes and body language after the game. It was the expression of surrender, timidity and doubt. It was the expression of "yea, I knew it"! These expressions are enemies of optimism. On that match day, optimism was the edge France had over Nigeria, and that won them the game.

So, I'll never regret having faith in our football team. I'll pray that like Switzerland (against Argentina), they'd come believing no mountain is too hard to climb.

The Labour Of A Hero Past

"A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in" - Dr. Dora Akunyili's closing proverb after her speech at the National Conference.

This day, my commemoration goes out to a graceful amazon. An icon. A rare gem. Late Dr. Mrs. Dora Akunyili, a woman who clenched the baton of leadership as the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and left her footprints in the sands of time having undauntedly transformed so significantly the face of what the agency used to be prior to her appointment. Her unsurpassed achievements there spoke volumes and put her on the pedestal as a patriotic, diligent, courageous, tenacious and selfless public servant.

Unsurprisingly, her academic and professional pedigree earned her this crucial status. Dr. Dora Akunyili got her First Degree in Pharmacy B. Pharm (Hons) in 1978 and PhD in 1985 from University of Nigeria Nsukka. She was a Post Doctorate Fellow of University of London and a fellow of the West African Post Graduate College of Pharmacists. She was also trained on Senior Management Skills Course in RIPA, London and Computer Education Programme by WHO/UNDP/World Bank sponsored in 1998 and 1994 respectively.

From 1978-1981, Dr. Akunyili started her career as a Hospital Pharmacist in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Afterwards, from 1982 to 1986, she ventured into academics as a Graduate Assistant (Research Fellow) in Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in U.N.N. There, she made steady progress from Lecturer 1 in 1986 until when she was made Senior Lecturer in 1990. In 1992, she transferred to College of Medicine, U.N.N. where in 1996, she was made a Consultant Pharmacologist, until her appointment as the Director General of NAFDAC on 12th April 2001. Before this time, she was a part-time lecturer of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, Lagos, Nigeria from 1992-1995 and for four years, served as the Zonal Secretary of Petroleum Special Trust Fund, where she coordinated all projects in the five South Eastern States of Nigeria (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States).

Evidently, the onus to sanitize the nation of substandard foods and drugs at a time sugar syrup and chalk tablets were marketed as actual drugs fell on Dr. Akunyili. Then, various studies put the prevalence and circulation of fake drugs in Nigeria at above 60 percent. Devious individuals made riches from indulging in such deviousness. It meant she was going to step on toes, touch a living lion's tail and endanger her personal safety. Did she cower at the considerable enormity and risk of the task? Not in the least. She just wasn't one of the people who wriggle out of their call and purpose to serve and make the world a better place. She came forward and accepted the mantle, worked so vibrantly, negotiated death threats, rebellious attacks and antagonisms with a sense of purpose, fortitude, integrity and uncommon passion.

She was endowed with so much gifts and she made sure to use them. She worked hard.She achieved so much.She strengthened the modus operandi of NAFDAC, instituted the culture of excellence and honesty by creating relevant channels that tracked the integrity of drugs from conception through production, distribution and dispensation. Brilliantly, she introduced the registration of all drugs by giving them codes as a way of controlling sold and consumed substances in the country. For imported drugs, she went to their countries of origin, established well structured pre-shipment checks before exportation. As a Minister of Information and Communication, she initiated the Good People, Great Nation re-branding project to address Nigeria's negative image, home and abroad. As the member of Federal Executive Council, she revealed the state of health of the immediate past President Umaru Yar'Adua, when everyone else played to the gallery. Such courage and uprightness.

I never met her in person, but greatly admired the eloquence and intensity with which she spoke on air during interviews or conferences. She appeared assertive and thus offered no apologies for her course of actions."Agu Nwanyi", I'd mouthed off on such occasions. She was strong. Her sense of style I appreciated, traditional and elegant. She was an embodiment of the best parts of womanhood. Dr. Dora Akunyili was all that.

I marveled at her passion and bravery, when she stood as a delegate at the National Conference to deliver a speech in frailty, at a time when her doctor probably told her her days were numbered, refusing an offer to rather deliver her speech seated. That, to me is a manifestation of her genuine love for her country. This is no doubt how she would want to be remembered, as someone who fulfilled her pledge to be faithful, loyal and honest, someone who served Nigeria with all her strength, someone who defended Nigeria's unity and upheld her honour and glory. Her legacy lives on.

May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

Awake Finally For The Soccer Fiesta in Brazil

The dream was vivid, with Diego Simeone sprinting towards and over the perimeter board that demarcated the spectators stand and the pitch, hugging quite vigorously enthusiastic fans who were majorly clad in white and red striped jersies, and literally over themselves in euphoria that could only be compared to that of a group of miners, whom in search of ore, dug gold instead. Faces turned red from excitement, jubilation and wide grins. Contours of vein could be traced on everybody's forehead as they chanted songs of victory echoingly all over Praça do Comércio stadium. Confetti of white and red paper and sparks of bright red light floated endlessly over their heads.

Iker Casillas nodded in despair as he successively pulled out his gloves with his teeth and made to hug Simeone. Di Maria squatted and wept inconsolably. Benzema stood akimbo with looks of belief written all over his face. Cristiano Ronaldo stuck out his tongue, nodding in shock as well as the unpleasant reality that the game is over and they lost. Pepe and Ramos stood side by side, Pepe appearing to be mumbling something to Ramos.

Athletic Madrid had won the Champions League.

It was the sweetest dream I wished would last forever, but the header from Ramos that sent the ball wild into the goal net brought me to a rude awakening, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

In subsequent days, I discovered I had become phobic to soccer related matters as a result. I turned deaf ears to post match, side street analysis of how Athletico Madrid would have been better winners. I retreated from Facebook and Twitter because I feared stumbling across one of those Goal.com's articles on what Coutois failed to do or Football Funnys' caricature of Diego Costa's injury and how it cost his team. In fact, I didn't want to hear about Mascherano's contract renewal or Balotelli's engagement rumours. I was that heartbroken and the only consolation was Nigeria or Argentina winning the world cup, but then the implausibility of that happening stared me in the face.  That admittance prolonged my bad mood till I saw the second half of Saturday's friendly between Argentina and Slovian, and realized yet again....football is beautiful.

I came alive, cheered Argentina, relished every second, screamed, jumped up and down the stool I was sitting on when Messi scored. With Barcelona's poor run last season, I had forgotten the joy of winning, and there was this game and my zeal was re-ignited.

Now, I can't wait for the first 2014 World Cup in Brazil, quite with regrets though. Regrets over my botched plan to be there live due to an unfortunate incident. I had made all these "stuffs to do in Brazil" list, stuffs like paint my face and each of my nails green, white, green, have the Caipirinha cocktail, watch the Super Eagles train at their Team Base Camp in Campinas, take long walks in Curitiba's popular theme parks and Cuiaba's as well, dash over the perimeter board for a Lionel Messi hug when Argentina and Nigeria play, just before national anthems go off. I was pretty ready to bear the consequence, even if a deportation. At least, I would have achieved one of the world's greatest things. Regardless, I'm thankful that with most of the nightly match schedules, work won't interfere with my noisy palour moments behind what has become my favourite gadget, the telly.

I hope Nigeria, any of the featuring African countries, Argentina, Spain or Brazil wins, otherwise I might recede to my phobic state. Well, only if Portugal or England wins. :D

The Change You And I Need

I'm one of the most positive people around, but this time, optimism eludes me. I'm starting to doubt the  redemption of Nigeria. My motherland seems beyond repair. I'm an 80's baby and I can't remember any time when Nigeria wasn't in one strife or the other, always thorn between wars, poverty, corruption, vandalism, militancy/terrorism besieging and overtaking it. Back when I was a kid and a member of the Block Rosary, we always prayed for "Nigeria in Distress".  In current times "Nigeria in Distress" remains a prayer point. Decades ago, I had relatives and family friends who emigrated in search of better and safer living in western countries. Today, this phenomenon still continues because at frequent junctures, the country had dealt with alarming monstrosity, internal wars and insurrections which have robbed citizens off of their sense of safety.

There's been multiple terrorist attacks in recent times that I've lost counts. Still fresh in my memory is the recent triple incidents of the April 14th bomb blast at Nyanya motor park, the abduction of teenage girls at a government secondary school in Chibok, Borno State on April, 24th and the May 1st bomb blast, also at Nyanya, all in the northern region, which currently seems to be in a state of anarchy with Boko Haram terrorists becoming so powerful and overtaking it. Quite daringly, the sect has stated their responsibility for majority of these felonies, particularly the abduction of more than 200 secondary school girls.

Pessimists on the other hand raised critical arguments disputing the genuineness of the abduction saga. They nurse doubts on the possibility of transporting off more than 200 girls in broad day light in an area under a state of emergency, the possibility of finding this number of science students only in a remote village of Borno state. They also reasoned that the claim by the group's leader, Abubakar Shekau to "market" the girls meant they were still alive, and as result should have featured somehow in his video message if indeed they had them. Their conclusions - the whole abduction scandal is a politically inspired hoax designed to further depict the incompetence of President Goodluck Jonathan to be at the helm of the country's affairs at the moment and in future.

In any case, fact remains that the president failed to take the bull by the horn. In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, Mr Wole Soyinka opined that President Goodluck's government "is not only in denial mentally, but in denial about certain obvious steps to take". From recent developments following the abduction, I think the government is rather confused. The president waited three weeks after the abduction before he gave a public address, probably because he needed to ascertain the authenticity of the incident. He had all the resources, authority and power to do just that, but after he accepted U.S. offer to help in finding the girls, it was obvious he was either confused about what to do, afraid to step on toes or both.

This ineptitude in the face of extreme anarchy on the president's part no doubt is one of the major reasons the country has greatly deteriorated in the past five years, but then our situation is also a product of our individual decisions or compliance with the wrongs which feeds the evil that is now terrorizing us. In the name of bigoted cohesion, majority of us are ready to defend and streamline despicable acts of our leaders because they are of the same ethnic, religious and social group as us. As I stated earlier, some are already trying to rationalize and excuse the enormous failure of the President Goodluck Jonathan government in tackling terrorism in the country thus far. They're bothered more about protecting his second term ambitions, even when results of his first term reign so far has been abysmal.

I was having a chat with a friend, and he cited unpatriotism as the major reason the country is crumbling. Nigerians don't care about the general well being of anyone else, provided that their ethnic group in particular are favourably placed. We lack the spirit of oneness and base the structure of our government on quota and rotational system rather than established capabilities and achievements. In that way, we form various interest groups that seek to foster the political ambitions of the ethnic groups we are members of. For instance, Boko Haram whose other agenda is that Nigeria should be governed by a Northern Muslim otherwise all hell will be let loose, like it already has.

Apparently, we are still being hunted by the forced 1914 amalgamation that saw more than 250 ethnic groups that didn't share any form of cultural, religious, dialectal similarity united as one, forced to accept the Nigerian identity by Lord Lugard and his cohorts in profiting attempt to rule successfully and easily. Therefore, till today, we are still struggling to adapt to the plan of being one Nigerian as against being Efik, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa.

Because this condition has caused us more harm than good by way of ethnic clashes, religious conflicts and terrorism which have thwarted the advancement of our country in general, and as long as we are one Nigeria, we can try to suppress our ethnic inclinations and embrace the spirit of oneness as propagated by our exemplary heroes past.

I join in the universal campaign and demand that our beautiful sisters be freed.

Yes, #Bringbackourgirls.

The Journey of Self Discovery

 Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be. Because you only have one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

Hello friend :D

Phew!!! It's been like forever right? I really need to find other tangible or good enough reasons other than "I've been busy"..... A friend of mine who was upset by my long hiatus felt nothing should encroach on my blogging periods or "this beautiful thing you have gong on", according to him, not even work. Actually, he suggested that I face writing squarely and permanently. And you know what that means.

Though he hesitated when I asked if he'd pay the monthly internet access that I need.., he still raised a good-ponderable point which got me into thinking, thoughts that took me down memory lane.... I feel these thoughts were necessary because I can't know where I 'm or should be going if I don't quite understand how my journey began.

The truth is I never quite grasped my writing skills till most recently. I strongly believe it's a God-given talent that had long existed untapped mostly because it was unbecoming, considering reading wasn't exactly my idea of relaxing, plus I couldn't mute my then lecturer's voice inside my head saying "you must be a voracious reader to be able to write". For this fact, I never really imagined I could artistically pen words together into a piece. However, I must say I'm much better because of my recent improved reading skills.

People attribute my fated course of study in the university as a deliberate sequel to this skill, which they're so sure had always been discovered. The truth is that I settled for Mass Communication because Law wasn't forthcoming as I desired, an outcome I grew to be grateful to God for till forever. The submission to my course of study at that time wasn't born out of any inspiration.

As a student, I'd say I received a good orientation from a sister who always nagged me about the importance of graduating magna cum laude as that will give me enormous edge over the rest in the labour market, a notion that didn't turn out as anticipated. LOL!!! Anyway, that's a story for another day. Plus some strict lecturers who would rather we spent our spare times in the library rather than the parties. Because these people played important roles in my life, their admonitions greatly influenced me, positively. Well, no thanks to them for converting me into a book zombie who knew little about beauty pageants /cultural events or any social activities ever organized in my four years in the university. I was indisputably boring. Not that I'm proud of it or ashamed..... Their orientation only birthed a studious student whose only aim was to make a 2.1 and land a good job as a result, though I wasn't sure what it was I wanted to do.

So, I made plenty of As (even in almighty Critical Writing and Reviews, one of the most challenging exams I ever had to write.) and Bs, few Cs, one D, one E, one F (a moment for some reasons I and my friends found hilarious) and comfortably graduated with a second class, upper division. In between these feat runs, I still hadn't noticed this talent, even though I had an internal resolution that broadcasting was off the chart. However, others did, but I doubted them.

I joined a leadership Institute (still as an undergraduate) aimed at empowering young women to tap and achieve their highest potentials. The lovely women there believed in me, even though I sucked at public speech presentations, because once friendly eyeballs I had grown used to during the course of the training suddenly became like bullets that seemed like they'd pop out of their sockets and make their ways right into my heart. My microphone and camera phobia is understandable after all.  Through them, I met notable and successful Nigerian women, interviewed them and compiled beautiful stories about them, stories that made the organizers recommend a career in Journalism.

I have since embarked on this writing journey, the peak of it so far being this blog, an achievement that I'm currently most proud of. It's not been easy. Sometimes, I lack the motivation to go on, other times, I'm just too lazy to boot my laptop. Regardless, I'm grateful that I've become better over time. I believe there's still plenty of room for improvement, which is why I think my blunt friend (hi ND) wasn't outrageous in his suggestion that I become a full time blogger/writer. Practice makes Chimamanda Adichie. :D

I may not heed his advice (because I'm too chicken to take such a brave step), but I'll definitely strive to be more consistent with my posts even if it means staying up till 2am....

And as for you, hold on to that dream....

Kisses, Hugs, Dream on!!!

In Touch With Humanity

The "human" in human being is what differentiates us from animals. According to the Encarta Dictionary, the adjective "human" means "showing kindness, compassion and approachability. Other words like gentle, warm, caring and charitable can all suffice. This element of our being demands that as sane adults, we should be able to identify and understand other people's emotional states or feelings at all situations. It can also be known as empathy. Apostle Paul emphasized greatly on this when he advised us to always empathize with friends/families/neighbors in their moments of grief, misfortune and revelry. You can look up for the precise message in Romans 12:15-16 and Hebrews 13:3. Now, aside from Christians, this is a generally applicable rule to every human existence, religion and discipline.

As a Mass Communication student back then, I was trained to always embrace the ethics of humanity in the course of my daily duties as a Journalist. I was not to descend to taking "apt" pictures of an accident scene rather than seeking/getting/offering some form of help to susceptible victims. In a similar way, pro bono publico is common in legal profession, marketing, medicine, architecture to provide professional services to indigents.

However, recent phenomena have greatly made me to think over the possibility of the fact that we might have lost all focus on this one distinct human characteristic.

I was on my way back from work sometime last week when I noticed a little fracas between two young men by the road side. At first sight, I dismissed it as a little misunderstanding that would be resolved easily. On a second look, I noticed a number of cheerleaders who were fanning the flames of fight when they could have tried to douse flaring nerves and nipped a fatal outburst in the bud. It was even more horrible that some policemen were present and carelessly replied few pleas to intervene with mantras of "make them kill themselves" . As I dreaded, the fight escalated into a huge menace - more people got involved, the road became the ring, punches were thrown around, weapons were thrown back and forth, there was heavy traffic jam. The throng of entertained arm-folded spectators didn't do more but edged closer to get a better view. Some were recording the "movie"with their phones, to maybe upload it on Facebook later. Like vampires, the smell of gushing blood lured them all the more closer. I was shocked, shocked at the level of people's cruelty and coldness.

At that spot, I was rudely awakened to the reality of the Aluu Four Killing footage, the lack of emotions on some spectators' faces as they audaciously witnessed their fellow human beings being tortured in the most dehumanizing manner. Some mocked while very few cringed.

And a lot more scenarios....

A TV watching mother who yelled "shut up" to her child who wouldn't stop "whining" (according to her) about needing water, a driver who was too impatient to apply the break so that a heavily laden woman under the scorching sun could cross the road, the young man whose eyes were fixed on a heavily pregnant woman standing in a bus, but still wouldn't offer his seat, another young man who scoffed when a lady strutting in her high heels tripped and fell to the ground, two more young men who found the blood stain on the back of a woman's skirt funny, a teenage girl who felt blessed and thanked God when blood trickled down the face of another teenage girl she was fighting with. Yes, I actually witnessed all these happen. These realities and more bothered me greatly and I sought to find out the reason why human beings could be thus cruel and unfeeling towards fellow human beings.

Lack of empathy is basically as a result of bad parenting. Psychologists believe feelings of empathy is innate in humans but its development might be affected by early experience. Therefore childhood (especially within the first five years when 90% of the brain growth takes place) is the critical time for developing empathy. Simple neglect or trauma (which is characterized by failure to cater for a child's physical, psychological, mental and spiritual needs ) at this stage could lead to the child's disconnection between people and pleasure. Undoubtedly, parents can help create a huge difference by helping their kids develop a sense of respect and worth for self and others.

As much as empathy can be learned, it can also be un-learned. Our brains can be desensitized when we constantly feed them with graphic images of horror, devastation or violence to the point where we lose compassion for the people involved. Though the mass media, especially the internet are the greatest inventions in the information transmission, however, they have caused the wane in our feelings of empathy, because...

1. it has generated an unhealthy competition of who can transmit the most gruesome video or picture, the same enthusiasm that could have possibly propelled the paparazzi to take pictures rather than try to rescue accident victims at Princess Diana's accident scene in 1997 and other similar situations.

2. we have lost the natural taste of serenity, and rather overwhelmed continuously with irrelevant distractions from our tellies, phones, computers, Ipads etc. Consequently, our ears and eyes become automatically closed to loved ones' cries for help. How many times have you taken rain checks on an appointment with a friend who had something urgent to discuss because you had to keep up with the Kardashians? How many times have you delayed your kids' dinner with your "just a second"excuse to finish a chat that was as urgent as detangling your Brazilian hair? Perhaps, sometime ago, someone had made for your Blackberry phone because you wouldn't pay full and genuine attention to an actual conversation with him or her.

3. the anonymity of the internet has enabled some of us to be cruel with each other thereby eliminating all traces of empathy and humanity in us. It then means we can condemn, debase, denigrate, and poke fun at other people.

4. "people are more interested in plane crashes than stories of childbirths". Information technology no doubt has fed into this trend by providing the gateway to witness these plane crashes as they happen. Instead of stories that inspire, news is filled with one bomb attack to another, accidents, rape cases and other disasters, doom and gloom.

I am not exempted. Lately, I've grown tired of reading or hearing any more about Boko Haram's genocides and vandalism. I quickly scroll past gory pictures and details of accidents. I've become antagonistic and suspicious towards beggars which has resulted in my reluctance to offer alms. Now, it's easier to scold an about 4 year old beggar to get off the street and go to his mother than dip in my wallet like I normally would have done. I think my feelings are born more out of helplessness and hopelessness than empathy for these people. In my moments of hopelessness, I simply wished I had the power to amend the situations that bad leadership/parenting had created in the first place.

Unfortunately, my wishes can't proffer solid solution to the problem. How can feelings of empathy be instilled, promoted and maintained in people?

At homes, parents can start by creating warm, conducive and safe environment at home, one free of abuse, bitterness, excessive/routine corporal punishments as these can result in fear and aggression in the child. As a parent, you can as well lead by example by showing behaviours of empathy. Children are likely to display compassionate and selfless behaviour if they had seen their parents do the same. Be the person you want your child to become. I recommend you read more here. 

As an adult, pay attention to your feelings next time you come across a link to a graphic video or picture of an accident. Do you feel empathy for the accident victims or do you quickly flick past the video/picture? Ability to identify how you feel is an indication that you're still in touch with yourself and still able to feel compassion for others, adjust your behaviour and form emotional connections with others despite the media's influence on your brain.

This means we have to associate ourselves with other people's unpleasant experiences, no matter how uncomfortable they make us feel, because it is the empathetic thing to do. Failure to do so means that we've lost the essence of our humanity, and in which case we will be needing more advanced psychological help.