It was observed that the level of awareness about environmental matters is low in Nigeria that is why we still find heaps and hills of waste and garbage desecrating our environment with filthy odours, which is hazardous to human and animal health.
This low level of awareness has killed and rendered many homeless because of obliviousness about the sustainable use of resources – man-made and natural. Recently, the news of lead poisoning has deposited remains for ravens to chomp because of our nonchalant attitude to the environment.
There is no gain saying that our world is greatly endangered by two hideous hydra headed hobgoblin – proliferation of deadly nuclear weapons of mass destruction and the threat to the environment such as global warning, tsunami, earthquakes, volcanic ash and hurricanes. These two human extinction bitter-capsules, if not managed and maintained maturely has the potency to wipe off human race from the surface of the earth.
The world leaders has continued to toy with the peace in the world by their egocentric and eccentric monocratic creed making nuclear weapon a household utensil especially in the Middle East. Aside this, the scramble for this perilous substance can be likened to the scramble for fecund and fertile Africa many years ago.
Can we just sit and watch while these self-styled and selfish leaders make us history? If the world is able to surmount the imminent extermination which will be caused by careless and carefree free spirits by confabulation, what of the effects of global warming and climate change?
In the world today, the issue of global warming and climate change is the bane of our society and the news of prevailing devastating storms, floods and aggravating landslides, volcanic ash, ozone layer depletion and earth extinction warning continues to hit the roof. It is essential to note that human activities is browbeating man in his own home making him endangered Homo sapiens on earth.
Can we really salvage this world from the dangers of the horrible and horrific horror of environmental disasters that is staring at us? Yes we can.
This can only be through a concerted volition to go green. This going green creed gave birth to the Initiative for Greener Earth, a non-profit initiative which is aimed at an existence of an earth that is sustained through man’s activities which is characterised by sustainability and creating a healthy earth that will meet the demands of this generation without jeopardising the need of the future generation by minimising the risk of doing serious damage to our environment.
It was designed as an antidote to the shuddering of global warming and climate change by a coterie of eco-conscious young people who saw the need to contribute their quota in saving the environment by organising sensitisation and awareness campaigns in schools. Similarly, it has launched the “save the environment” 2000 tree planting campaign which will mitigate the effects of global warming and climate change.
We can not sit back and take a luxury sit on the fence; we all need to go green.
Go green, save the earth.
Agholor N. Henry
greenerearth2020@yahoo.com
henryndunka@rocketmail.com
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
EDITORIAL WHO ARE THESE ENEMIES OF NATURE ? (II)
Last week, the editorial team of SOCIOSCOPE thought it wise to table the issue that pertains to the gross denigration of the environment by the powers-that-be. The reason for the editorial was the aggressive tree-cutting exercise that the school’s authorities embarked upon. If you remember correctly, at the end of the editorial, the people at the helm of affairs were urged to come out plain about the reason for their actions. However, till the time pen was been put to paper for this, no official release has been issued to this effect. That might only mean that the school’s authorities are of the opinion that we, as students, are so inconsequential that we do not have a say in what is done to our environment.
One would have expected the over-zealous tree -cutting exercise to have been watered down a bit by now, but the opposite is the case. It now appears as if the zeal with which they are cutting the trees has only climaxed. Some may see nothing wrong with cutting trees. But the truth remains that the student populace deserves to know the reason for the relentless tree-cutting. The student populace is tired of hearsay. We are tired of rumors. The strongest of all these rumors is that the school’s authorities want to generate revenue by selling the end products gotten from the trees.
If these rumors are anything to go by, one wonders if there are no other veritable ways through which money could be raised. Why have they chosen to embarrass nature in such a manner? If it is indeed true that the school plans to raise money by humiliating nature, one then wonders what is happening to all the money they get from Pre-Degree. Even after breaking the limit of N1000 which NUC set as the highest cost for writing Post-UME, one wonders if the money that was gotten would not be enough for whatsoever the school urgently needs money for. What about monies that are donated by the Alumni?
Even if the school’s authorities eventually derive the revenue they have been said to be looking for, will they use it in any way that will enhance the wellbeing of the student populace as a whole? One would, however, always want to state that something can ever be built on nothing. If the powers-that-be have something good in mind for cutting down the trees, it is important they know that nature deserves more respect than that which they deem fit for her.
Olofinlua Oyindamola
Ediotor-In-Chief
One would have expected the over-zealous tree -cutting exercise to have been watered down a bit by now, but the opposite is the case. It now appears as if the zeal with which they are cutting the trees has only climaxed. Some may see nothing wrong with cutting trees. But the truth remains that the student populace deserves to know the reason for the relentless tree-cutting. The student populace is tired of hearsay. We are tired of rumors. The strongest of all these rumors is that the school’s authorities want to generate revenue by selling the end products gotten from the trees.
If these rumors are anything to go by, one wonders if there are no other veritable ways through which money could be raised. Why have they chosen to embarrass nature in such a manner? If it is indeed true that the school plans to raise money by humiliating nature, one then wonders what is happening to all the money they get from Pre-Degree. Even after breaking the limit of N1000 which NUC set as the highest cost for writing Post-UME, one wonders if the money that was gotten would not be enough for whatsoever the school urgently needs money for. What about monies that are donated by the Alumni?
Even if the school’s authorities eventually derive the revenue they have been said to be looking for, will they use it in any way that will enhance the wellbeing of the student populace as a whole? One would, however, always want to state that something can ever be built on nothing. If the powers-that-be have something good in mind for cutting down the trees, it is important they know that nature deserves more respect than that which they deem fit for her.
Olofinlua Oyindamola
Ediotor-In-Chief
“I AM NOT A RAPIST” Students’ Union CSO says
There was anxiety last week Saturday over a case of attempted rape leveled against the new Chairman of the Security Committee, Mr. Aakson, by three female non-students. The girls were said to have come from Lagos state on the invitation of their boyfriends and friends who were identified as students of the University of Technology, Ile Ife and the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta for sight-seeing. According to the visitors, they were driving out of the campus from New Buka around 10.00 p.m. when the bumper of one of their three cars dropped. When the drivers of the other cars got out to pick the bumper, some boys who claimed to be members of the Security Committee were said to have come from nowhere to pounce on them and they started beating all the boys. The visitors were later detained at the Students’ Union building. At the Union building, the girls were detained but separately from the boys.
Some of the complainants
However, the most surprising part of the narration was done by the girls who alleged that the Chairman of the security committee in the person of Aakson had attempted to rape the three ladies individually, at separate times in the Students’ Union’s toilet.
One of the girls, Omoteniola, said, “We were taken to a building and beaten, the guys amongst us were locked up in a place that looked like a library while the three of us were in another room. Then, he called me and said he wanted to see me at the back. It was a toilet and I entered the toilet. He said he wanted to make love to me. I knelt down and begged him that he should not. Then, he asked me to hug him. I did this and was freed. Then, he called this one” (pointing at another girl).
The girl Omoteniola pointed at while recounting her experience stated, “When he called me, he was asking me about my boyfriend, I said he is just a student … he asked me to pull my skirt. I said no and was shouting. When he saw that I was shouting, he was trying to stop me and suddenly, he threw me away from the toilet. He then came back to me and asked me to allow him suck my nipples. I declined with a loud voice and he hit me with a stick and we went back to where we were detained.”
The third lady also narrated a similar experience. When SOCIOSCOPE correspondents went to the Students’ Union building where the case was meant to be reviewed, the question of who should moderate sparked off a heated agitation between some ideological boys and some other students who were one side and the Union leaders on the other side. At the end of it all, it was resolved by OAU students that the General Secretary of the Union, JJ Thompson, should moderate.
Another interesting but embarrassing angle to the scenario was the throwing of fisticuff that the whole event nearly resulted into.
During the proceeding, Aakson, the chairman of the newly constituted Security Committee denied all the allegations leveled against him while the case was dismissed on the basis of ‘no winner, no loser.’ Efforts to reach Aakson by SOCIOSCOPE correspondents after the dismissal of the case proved abortive.
Immediately after the dismissal of the case, asking the ladies and the boys what they felt about the resolution, one of the ladies cursed in tears, “Those two boys (referring to Aakson and Eleku) will never do well in life. Nemesis will one day catch up with them, unless they did not make an attempt to make love to us because the one in blue jersey also touched some of our sensitive parts.”
One of the boys that were allegedly battered lamented thus, “My friend is still been hospitalized. A bottle was broken on his knee but, as a Muslim, I leave vengeance to God.”
Some of the complainants
However, the most surprising part of the narration was done by the girls who alleged that the Chairman of the security committee in the person of Aakson had attempted to rape the three ladies individually, at separate times in the Students’ Union’s toilet.
One of the girls, Omoteniola, said, “We were taken to a building and beaten, the guys amongst us were locked up in a place that looked like a library while the three of us were in another room. Then, he called me and said he wanted to see me at the back. It was a toilet and I entered the toilet. He said he wanted to make love to me. I knelt down and begged him that he should not. Then, he asked me to hug him. I did this and was freed. Then, he called this one” (pointing at another girl).
The girl Omoteniola pointed at while recounting her experience stated, “When he called me, he was asking me about my boyfriend, I said he is just a student … he asked me to pull my skirt. I said no and was shouting. When he saw that I was shouting, he was trying to stop me and suddenly, he threw me away from the toilet. He then came back to me and asked me to allow him suck my nipples. I declined with a loud voice and he hit me with a stick and we went back to where we were detained.”
The third lady also narrated a similar experience. When SOCIOSCOPE correspondents went to the Students’ Union building where the case was meant to be reviewed, the question of who should moderate sparked off a heated agitation between some ideological boys and some other students who were one side and the Union leaders on the other side. At the end of it all, it was resolved by OAU students that the General Secretary of the Union, JJ Thompson, should moderate.
Another interesting but embarrassing angle to the scenario was the throwing of fisticuff that the whole event nearly resulted into.
During the proceeding, Aakson, the chairman of the newly constituted Security Committee denied all the allegations leveled against him while the case was dismissed on the basis of ‘no winner, no loser.’ Efforts to reach Aakson by SOCIOSCOPE correspondents after the dismissal of the case proved abortive.
Immediately after the dismissal of the case, asking the ladies and the boys what they felt about the resolution, one of the ladies cursed in tears, “Those two boys (referring to Aakson and Eleku) will never do well in life. Nemesis will one day catch up with them, unless they did not make an attempt to make love to us because the one in blue jersey also touched some of our sensitive parts.”
One of the boys that were allegedly battered lamented thus, “My friend is still been hospitalized. A bottle was broken on his knee but, as a Muslim, I leave vengeance to God.”
YES, GOD IS NOT A GOD OF THE YAHOO BOY
Yahoo – a rude, noisy person , according to the advanced learners’ dictionary.
Yahoo Yahoo – an internet based fraud business.
YAHOO – Young Anointed Highly Outstanding Obedient.
One of the most captivating themes of events I have ever heard in my life, for reasons best known to the ‘reasoner’, didn’t hold. This issue was big enough for me to pick up my rusty pen to write. A while ago, OAU was known to be a hyper active community in entertainment and this made me major my journalism prowess in entertainment. For some time now, the shows are beginning to roll up again and I was glad that after a long time of resting my pen, I would make an historic come back until ...
Hmmm, the month of May came and went with disappointments, I thought it was because these guys on campus are young and naïve. But alas, not only here on campus are shows flopping. The “Tribute to Michael Jackson” show that was meant to have been organized by the Social Director of the SUG was the first. After series of auditioning for interested artistes, my hopes were raised and I thought that was going to be the beginning of a new dawn in the OAU entertainment world. I would not like to mention more names but a couple of other shows were ‘flaw-full’ flops. I am not criticizing, get me right, but proper preparation prevents poor performance, as they say (if only it is true). To criticize these guys will be the worst thing for me to do, because they are a bunch of young determined individuals destined to change the world from their little angle. Imagine Durella’s show at Ilorin f**king up also because something was wrong somewhere. All events held in May were, to a large extent, below expectation. This problem is just inexplicable. That was in May.
In June, comes the most anticipated GOD OF THE YAHOO BOY, extremely creative words, loaded with TRIBUTES and INSULTS, the dictionary meaning perhaps doesn’t make any sense in the Nigeria of our time as the first thing that comes to mind when you hear YAHOO is the second meaning written above or at least to the most innocent of all men, an e-mail address. Is GOD the GOD of a YAHOO boy? Make your yahoo anything, it doesn’t change anything about the total concept. GOD is not mocked and I am not trying to do so. Logistics were said to have been put in place which with my ‘koro-koro’ eyes was not in place. My longest revolutionary dreams of OAU crumbled before my very eyes. Before I get too emotional, I congratulate the sponsors and facilitators of the programme, we hope to see more from you but a more appropriate word is most deserving for a proper event. Sh*t happens, as you said it was post postponed, I hope you would get a quarter filled Amphi on the latter date.
Lastly, don’t make this your last, the pros are failing, only the strong are standing. Remember, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. Show us, with a more deserving name, that you can do it; you know what I mean YES GOD IS NOT THE GOD OF A YAHOO BOY.
Segun Adeyemi
Yahoo Yahoo – an internet based fraud business.
YAHOO – Young Anointed Highly Outstanding Obedient.
One of the most captivating themes of events I have ever heard in my life, for reasons best known to the ‘reasoner’, didn’t hold. This issue was big enough for me to pick up my rusty pen to write. A while ago, OAU was known to be a hyper active community in entertainment and this made me major my journalism prowess in entertainment. For some time now, the shows are beginning to roll up again and I was glad that after a long time of resting my pen, I would make an historic come back until ...
Hmmm, the month of May came and went with disappointments, I thought it was because these guys on campus are young and naïve. But alas, not only here on campus are shows flopping. The “Tribute to Michael Jackson” show that was meant to have been organized by the Social Director of the SUG was the first. After series of auditioning for interested artistes, my hopes were raised and I thought that was going to be the beginning of a new dawn in the OAU entertainment world. I would not like to mention more names but a couple of other shows were ‘flaw-full’ flops. I am not criticizing, get me right, but proper preparation prevents poor performance, as they say (if only it is true). To criticize these guys will be the worst thing for me to do, because they are a bunch of young determined individuals destined to change the world from their little angle. Imagine Durella’s show at Ilorin f**king up also because something was wrong somewhere. All events held in May were, to a large extent, below expectation. This problem is just inexplicable. That was in May.
In June, comes the most anticipated GOD OF THE YAHOO BOY, extremely creative words, loaded with TRIBUTES and INSULTS, the dictionary meaning perhaps doesn’t make any sense in the Nigeria of our time as the first thing that comes to mind when you hear YAHOO is the second meaning written above or at least to the most innocent of all men, an e-mail address. Is GOD the GOD of a YAHOO boy? Make your yahoo anything, it doesn’t change anything about the total concept. GOD is not mocked and I am not trying to do so. Logistics were said to have been put in place which with my ‘koro-koro’ eyes was not in place. My longest revolutionary dreams of OAU crumbled before my very eyes. Before I get too emotional, I congratulate the sponsors and facilitators of the programme, we hope to see more from you but a more appropriate word is most deserving for a proper event. Sh*t happens, as you said it was post postponed, I hope you would get a quarter filled Amphi on the latter date.
Lastly, don’t make this your last, the pros are failing, only the strong are standing. Remember, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. Show us, with a more deserving name, that you can do it; you know what I mean YES GOD IS NOT THE GOD OF A YAHOO BOY.
Segun Adeyemi
CULTISTS CAUGHT IN OAU
On Thursday last week, two persons were paraded around campus, bearing cardboards that read: I AM A CONFIRMED CULTIST. The identity was not stamped on them for fashion sake; it was stamped on them after the union claimed to have carried out its own thorough investigation. Besides, the ‘confirmed cultist’ later on, with their mouth confessed to being cultist, they particularly confessed to being members of Black Axe Confraternity.
The entire story began when a one of the cultists, Ese Fregene, an extra student of the History department, approached a Part II student with the intention of making the young man their newest initiate. However, the young man that was approached smelled a dead rat. The intended-initiate alerted Goddey, and in turn, Goddey alerted Osemele who took up the case with assistance of some members of the Security committee. Prior to this time, Ese had invited the intended-initiate to a party in town, which the latter turned down.
It is important to mention that Ese had a record of crime for which he had been declared wanted by the union. The crime for which Ese was earlier declared wanted is that he went to somebody’s house where he beat the person and stole his phone and laptop. After a number of brilliant moves by the union, Ese was later on apprehended by Osemele, with the aid of some other member of the union. He was caught on the basis of his previous criminal record. It was later that the crime Ese had committed was linked with cultism. Ese eventually gave the cue that led to the arrest of his fellow cultist, Phil Odiah, a graduate of Dramatic Arts. When Phil was to be arrested in his house in town, he had already gotten a glimpse of the union personnel that were coming to capture him. On sighting them, Phil jumped down from three-story building in a ploy to escape from the long arms of the law. However, he was eventually caught.
When Osemele was interviewed by SOCIOSCOPE, he said he did not know about the arrest of the third member of the cult. But according Adelu James (BOBBY), the last member of the Black Axe fraternity was also apprehended in town. This last member escaped from the office where he was locked in the union building when the union executive went to the school gate area to intervene in a clash between the some students of OAU and the Nigerian Police Force. The face-off between students and the Police Force was triggered by the high rate of Police brutality to OAU students, especially those that are resident in town.
At the time the cultists were paraded by some union officials, the Students’ Union’s PRO, Bobby raised a pertinent issue about the fact that cultism thrives more in the Niger-Delta. He gave the example of the Killing of Afrika by Efosa, an Edo state indigene.
The cultists were subjected to the conventional Serious Maximum Shi-shi (SMS) of the union. At this juncture, it is imperative that it is mentioned that Ese appeared to have been more resilient in suffering that Phil. This threw a number of issues among spectators. People were wondering if the statutory SMS of the union will bring an end to any trace of cultism on this land. More so, at their initiation, cultists are subjected to punishments that are more gruesome than Great Ife’s SMS.
At the end of the whole show, the union leaders said that the culprits will be handed over to the school authority who will then take the appropriate action.
The entire story began when a one of the cultists, Ese Fregene, an extra student of the History department, approached a Part II student with the intention of making the young man their newest initiate. However, the young man that was approached smelled a dead rat. The intended-initiate alerted Goddey, and in turn, Goddey alerted Osemele who took up the case with assistance of some members of the Security committee. Prior to this time, Ese had invited the intended-initiate to a party in town, which the latter turned down.
It is important to mention that Ese had a record of crime for which he had been declared wanted by the union. The crime for which Ese was earlier declared wanted is that he went to somebody’s house where he beat the person and stole his phone and laptop. After a number of brilliant moves by the union, Ese was later on apprehended by Osemele, with the aid of some other member of the union. He was caught on the basis of his previous criminal record. It was later that the crime Ese had committed was linked with cultism. Ese eventually gave the cue that led to the arrest of his fellow cultist, Phil Odiah, a graduate of Dramatic Arts. When Phil was to be arrested in his house in town, he had already gotten a glimpse of the union personnel that were coming to capture him. On sighting them, Phil jumped down from three-story building in a ploy to escape from the long arms of the law. However, he was eventually caught.
When Osemele was interviewed by SOCIOSCOPE, he said he did not know about the arrest of the third member of the cult. But according Adelu James (BOBBY), the last member of the Black Axe fraternity was also apprehended in town. This last member escaped from the office where he was locked in the union building when the union executive went to the school gate area to intervene in a clash between the some students of OAU and the Nigerian Police Force. The face-off between students and the Police Force was triggered by the high rate of Police brutality to OAU students, especially those that are resident in town.
At the time the cultists were paraded by some union officials, the Students’ Union’s PRO, Bobby raised a pertinent issue about the fact that cultism thrives more in the Niger-Delta. He gave the example of the Killing of Afrika by Efosa, an Edo state indigene.
The cultists were subjected to the conventional Serious Maximum Shi-shi (SMS) of the union. At this juncture, it is imperative that it is mentioned that Ese appeared to have been more resilient in suffering that Phil. This threw a number of issues among spectators. People were wondering if the statutory SMS of the union will bring an end to any trace of cultism on this land. More so, at their initiation, cultists are subjected to punishments that are more gruesome than Great Ife’s SMS.
At the end of the whole show, the union leaders said that the culprits will be handed over to the school authority who will then take the appropriate action.
WATER SCARCITY HITS HARD AGAIN
Last week, long queues for water were noticeable in many halls of residence. The reason for the long queues that were noticeable is not unconnected to the dearth of water. This is because the incidence was so extreme to the extent that some at some points there was no single drop of water at halls of Residence like Faj and Sports. The scarcity especially hit those who habitually wake up late hard. This is the case because, early in the mornings, water runs, but the rate at which it runs eventually reduces as the day gains strength. In some of these halls of residence, residents had to go outside their hall if they would ever get water.
The effect the water scarcity had on the student populace is unquantifiable. Many students who did not know about the scarcity on time went late to their classes. in many other had to take to eating at junk as a result. The sincere desire of the studentry is that a drastic solution should be provided as soon as possible.
The effect the water scarcity had on the student populace is unquantifiable. Many students who did not know about the scarcity on time went late to their classes. in many other had to take to eating at junk as a result. The sincere desire of the studentry is that a drastic solution should be provided as soon as possible.
AUTOCRASH IN OAU: BMV SOMMERSAULTS
Very early on Sunday morning, cataclysm struck on a location on campus. It was a fatal an autocrash that involved a BMW car. The driver of the car was said to have been coming from the initiation of Dramatic Art students at Pit Theatre, heading to New Buka to pick someone up. The car derailed from the road from about eighty metres before it finally somersaulted into a ditch. The point where the accident occurred is the route that adjoins Faj with Awo.
Although the accident was a lethal one, no life was lost. Besides, only the driver was inside the car. The driver of the car came out only with some parts his body bleeding. But some of the onlookers suspected that he must have had some internal bleeding. Spectators, who had earlier rushed to the scene on hearing the noise that car made from their rooms, said that although when the driver was brought out of the car he was very conscious, he smelt of alcohol but it appeared as if he wasn’t drunk. The Students’ Union PRO, Bobby, was called on phone but he said he couldn’t come for security reasons. Prof, who was also called by the ETF hall chair, responded by texting the number of the CSO of the Students’ Union. Some members of the Security Committee who later came were the ones who later took the victim of the accident to the health centre.
A twist was given to the accident when it was discovered that the driver of the car was not actually the owner of the car. He had been driving a borrowed car. When the person who brought the car to school came around, he wept his eyes out. It was also discovered that the person who had brought the BMV to OAU was not even the owner of the car. He had driven his father’s car out without his consent. He was left in a fix.
At the scene of the accident, friends of the ‘owner’ of the car came around in three cars to express their condolence. It appears as though they were not concerned if the victim of the accident was still alive or dead. What seems to matter to them the most was how they would repair the car.
Although the accident was a lethal one, no life was lost. Besides, only the driver was inside the car. The driver of the car came out only with some parts his body bleeding. But some of the onlookers suspected that he must have had some internal bleeding. Spectators, who had earlier rushed to the scene on hearing the noise that car made from their rooms, said that although when the driver was brought out of the car he was very conscious, he smelt of alcohol but it appeared as if he wasn’t drunk. The Students’ Union PRO, Bobby, was called on phone but he said he couldn’t come for security reasons. Prof, who was also called by the ETF hall chair, responded by texting the number of the CSO of the Students’ Union. Some members of the Security Committee who later came were the ones who later took the victim of the accident to the health centre.
A twist was given to the accident when it was discovered that the driver of the car was not actually the owner of the car. He had been driving a borrowed car. When the person who brought the car to school came around, he wept his eyes out. It was also discovered that the person who had brought the BMV to OAU was not even the owner of the car. He had driven his father’s car out without his consent. He was left in a fix.
At the scene of the accident, friends of the ‘owner’ of the car came around in three cars to express their condolence. It appears as though they were not concerned if the victim of the accident was still alive or dead. What seems to matter to them the most was how they would repair the car.
CUTTING OFF THE HEAD TO CURE HEADACHE
There is a code of conduct for every society. Every human being that exists is expected to work within the scope of the rules set by the society. It could however be very disheartening for anyone to make an anomaly of the norm. Although some people have opined that rules are only made to be broken, certain rules in the society should not be broken.
This is not to be a class where morals are to be taught. It is only aimed at making it clear that, if one is wrong in any issue, one should be able to own up for what one has done. Last week, SOCIOSCOPE published news about a particular person that was ‘sexually harassed.’ The news was gotten from very reliable sources after which it was confirmed by the correspondent that carried it. However, maybe in the pang of the guilt and shame, the person whom the story is about came to this board to tear the news. Of course, by her actions, she tried to cover up the truth. However, such people forget that for anyone to attain success, the truth most be owned up to.
Why break a norm, when you are not ready for the repercussions? It is unfathomable why such uncultured people would rather advertise their dirty linens in the public in the first place. By tearing the news from the board, the person in question has further made it public how uncouth she is. It is time one advised her and other people like her to remember that cutting off the head is not the solution to headache. Today will always speak of yesterday.
Oyindamola Olofinlua
… the great soul …
This is not to be a class where morals are to be taught. It is only aimed at making it clear that, if one is wrong in any issue, one should be able to own up for what one has done. Last week, SOCIOSCOPE published news about a particular person that was ‘sexually harassed.’ The news was gotten from very reliable sources after which it was confirmed by the correspondent that carried it. However, maybe in the pang of the guilt and shame, the person whom the story is about came to this board to tear the news. Of course, by her actions, she tried to cover up the truth. However, such people forget that for anyone to attain success, the truth most be owned up to.
Why break a norm, when you are not ready for the repercussions? It is unfathomable why such uncultured people would rather advertise their dirty linens in the public in the first place. By tearing the news from the board, the person in question has further made it public how uncouth she is. It is time one advised her and other people like her to remember that cutting off the head is not the solution to headache. Today will always speak of yesterday.
Oyindamola Olofinlua
… the great soul …
Friday, June 4, 2010
EDITORIAL
WHO ARE THESE ENEMIES OF NATURE?
In this age and time when the world is agog with shouts about climate change, this period when many individuals and government institutions are seriously preaching the gospel of the environment that trees should be planted, in OAU, the life spans of trees are being sporadically shortened by enemies of the environment. Is it that OAU has too many trees than it is supposed to have? Or are we just unlucky that we have many people who are haters of nature in positions of authority?
This is not the first time that the environment will be denigrated by the authorities. However, the rate at which trees are being cut now cannot but make one ask questions. One wonder why these tree-cutters are all snatching the best spaces of birds from them. Is it that the bed spaces of innocent students that were pilfered are so inadequate to the extent that they feel it is imperative that they extend their subjugating tentacles to nature? OAU is noted to the second place in the world that houses highest the highest bat population in the world. So, why does the authority want to disintegrate the family of bats?
It has come to our notice that the most of the trees have been turned into planks. This may just underline the fact that the sole reason why nature is been betrayed in such dastardly way is in order to make the pocket of the authority smile monetarily.
SOCIOSCOPE hereby requests that the authorities come out plan about why they have chosen to deface nature. Let all those that betray nature remember no one backstabs nature and goes without been punished.
Olofinlua Oyindamola
In this age and time when the world is agog with shouts about climate change, this period when many individuals and government institutions are seriously preaching the gospel of the environment that trees should be planted, in OAU, the life spans of trees are being sporadically shortened by enemies of the environment. Is it that OAU has too many trees than it is supposed to have? Or are we just unlucky that we have many people who are haters of nature in positions of authority?
This is not the first time that the environment will be denigrated by the authorities. However, the rate at which trees are being cut now cannot but make one ask questions. One wonder why these tree-cutters are all snatching the best spaces of birds from them. Is it that the bed spaces of innocent students that were pilfered are so inadequate to the extent that they feel it is imperative that they extend their subjugating tentacles to nature? OAU is noted to the second place in the world that houses highest the highest bat population in the world. So, why does the authority want to disintegrate the family of bats?
It has come to our notice that the most of the trees have been turned into planks. This may just underline the fact that the sole reason why nature is been betrayed in such dastardly way is in order to make the pocket of the authority smile monetarily.
SOCIOSCOPE hereby requests that the authorities come out plan about why they have chosen to deface nature. Let all those that betray nature remember no one backstabs nature and goes without been punished.
Olofinlua Oyindamola
NIGERIA: THE INGRATE
People have served Nigeria and are still serving Nigeria, both merituously and haphazardly. However, it has been discovered that Nigeria is not a rewarder of those that faithfully serve her. This is very obvious in the story of the controversial Nuhu Ribadu, the former czar of EFCC, a former Assistant Inspector General of Police. Everyone that really knows about the political temper in Nigeria will know that Ribadu has been the subject of many debates in the past. His recent notorious ‘firing’ from the Nigerian Police Force heightened the long-lasting debates about issues that surround his person.
One may want to know if indeed Nuhu Ribadu deserved to have been dismissed from the police. He was called back into the police last week, but was immediately put on compulsory retirement. Ribadu may not have been the best person to have chaired the EFCC but the truth remains that he was able to track down some corrupt government officials. Some may actually say that he was a puppet in the hands of Obasanjo, his puppeteer, but the truth remains that whether he was a puppet or not, by hook or by crook, ‘corrupt’ people were caught in the web of his anti-corruption strides.
Insult upon injury, some may say. After experiencing more than enough humiliation in the hands of his former masters, he was yet subjected to another humiliation. All these are a part of the grand movie series called Nigeria. Obasanjo and co are the unseen director. At the moment, there are many producers, who may now be described as the replacement for the popular cabal of Madam Turai. At the moment also, the central character (the tragic hero) in this tragic series is Nuhu Ribadu. Williams Shakespeare said: “Like flies to wanton boys, are we to the gods. They use us for their toy.” Nuhu Ribadu is the fly in the hand of the gods. He is the toy in the hands of the powers that be. These powerless powers are after Nuhu because he, as the puppet, at a time, realized that even the puppet deserved to live a life that is independent of the puppeteer.
Now, it is important to make mention of the fact that some may say that all Ribadu has done for Nigeria is treachery, and nothing but treachery. Thus, they may be quick to say that he deserves whatever punishment is meted out to him by whoever. They may also say this is nemesis playing itself out. Nuhu Ribadu is just another Oedipus, who lost sight of the fact that no human being can ever be greater than the gods. In this case, however, the gods are the human beings for whom he had worked, who feel betrayed by the fact that he is like the river that forgot its source. Like that river, Ribadu will dry up. They would most likely say that this is the beginning of all his woes.
Looking beyond the throes of Ribadu, haven’t you noticed that Nigeria is the greatest ingrate ever? Nigeria is a killer of talent. She is a cannibal that kills her own children. Nigeria is wicked. Nigeria is ……….. Mind you, Nigeria, in this instance, refers to you and me.
We are wicked.
We never love our neighbours as ourselves as we ought to.
We kill our own talents.
We murder our own potentials.
We … We … We … We … Nigerians … We …
More often than not, we zero down this ‘we’ to those at the top, forgetting that all are guilty. Even YOU.
But those who blame the leaders are not wrong because it is said that those at the top are the ones that those at the bottom always look up to. Nigerians are one of the most gifted people in the universe. But why do we appear to be the most backward people in the world? (THIS IS FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR ANOTHER DAY).
It is high time Nigerian leaders sacrificed self on the altar of nationhood.
It is high time the followership stopped their ‘siddon look’ approach.
It is time we put an end to this stupidity some call docility.
It is time Nigeria respected her own.
GOD BLESS NIGERIA (YOU).
Olofinlua Oyindamola
One may want to know if indeed Nuhu Ribadu deserved to have been dismissed from the police. He was called back into the police last week, but was immediately put on compulsory retirement. Ribadu may not have been the best person to have chaired the EFCC but the truth remains that he was able to track down some corrupt government officials. Some may actually say that he was a puppet in the hands of Obasanjo, his puppeteer, but the truth remains that whether he was a puppet or not, by hook or by crook, ‘corrupt’ people were caught in the web of his anti-corruption strides.
Insult upon injury, some may say. After experiencing more than enough humiliation in the hands of his former masters, he was yet subjected to another humiliation. All these are a part of the grand movie series called Nigeria. Obasanjo and co are the unseen director. At the moment, there are many producers, who may now be described as the replacement for the popular cabal of Madam Turai. At the moment also, the central character (the tragic hero) in this tragic series is Nuhu Ribadu. Williams Shakespeare said: “Like flies to wanton boys, are we to the gods. They use us for their toy.” Nuhu Ribadu is the fly in the hand of the gods. He is the toy in the hands of the powers that be. These powerless powers are after Nuhu because he, as the puppet, at a time, realized that even the puppet deserved to live a life that is independent of the puppeteer.
Now, it is important to make mention of the fact that some may say that all Ribadu has done for Nigeria is treachery, and nothing but treachery. Thus, they may be quick to say that he deserves whatever punishment is meted out to him by whoever. They may also say this is nemesis playing itself out. Nuhu Ribadu is just another Oedipus, who lost sight of the fact that no human being can ever be greater than the gods. In this case, however, the gods are the human beings for whom he had worked, who feel betrayed by the fact that he is like the river that forgot its source. Like that river, Ribadu will dry up. They would most likely say that this is the beginning of all his woes.
Looking beyond the throes of Ribadu, haven’t you noticed that Nigeria is the greatest ingrate ever? Nigeria is a killer of talent. She is a cannibal that kills her own children. Nigeria is wicked. Nigeria is ……….. Mind you, Nigeria, in this instance, refers to you and me.
We are wicked.
We never love our neighbours as ourselves as we ought to.
We kill our own talents.
We murder our own potentials.
We … We … We … We … Nigerians … We …
More often than not, we zero down this ‘we’ to those at the top, forgetting that all are guilty. Even YOU.
But those who blame the leaders are not wrong because it is said that those at the top are the ones that those at the bottom always look up to. Nigerians are one of the most gifted people in the universe. But why do we appear to be the most backward people in the world? (THIS IS FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR ANOTHER DAY).
It is high time Nigerian leaders sacrificed self on the altar of nationhood.
It is high time the followership stopped their ‘siddon look’ approach.
It is time we put an end to this stupidity some call docility.
It is time Nigeria respected her own.
GOD BLESS NIGERIA (YOU).
Olofinlua Oyindamola
PATIENCE JONATHAN: ANOTHER TURAI?
Many Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry what obtained when Madam Turai Yar’adua was the first lady. And if anyone is to read the minds of many Nigerians, it is very obvious that they would never want a recurrence of the “Turai-saga.” However, the doubt of these people may be leaving the realm of doubt into the realm of reality as we may just have another Turai-in-the-waiting in the person of our new First Lady, Mrs Dame Patience Jonathan.
Mrs. Patience Jonathan and Bola Shagaya at the airport
News carried it recently that the new first lady of Nigeria has been embarking on some ‘trips.’ One of the trips that is at the centre of the storm is that which she had to Dubai to supposedly purchase jewelries—as she is said to be very much in love with gold jewelries. However, in a swift response to the news carried by the media, the Media Assistant to the first lady, Ayo Adewuyi, said that she was merely in Dubai for an unofficial visit that had been scheduled ever before her husband was sworn in as the president.
Reports also carried it that Mrs Jonathan has been under the ‘watchful’ eyes of EFCC for some corrupt practices she had been involved in. She was linked with a sum of N104million which at point was ceased by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She was also linked with a money laundering offence that involved $13.5 million dollars. However, in a rather prompt and swift response, the media assistance to the First lady outrightly denied all the allegation leveled against Madam Patience tracing her supposedly clean record right from she was the wife of Goodluck, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa state to when she was the wife of Goodluck, the Governor of the same state to when she was the wife of Goodluck, the VP, etc till her husband finally became the president. She was even said to have travelled to Dubai, not in first class but economy, showing that she is not an opportunist. According to her media aide, it also shows that she is not new to the dynamics of power, meaning that she is too experienced to be power-drunk (like Turai).
Once bitten, twice shy. Nigerians were bitten several times by Madam Turai when she was the first lady, we do not want to be bitten again this time when ‘Sister Patience’ in ‘in power.’ Some news agencies also carried it that the first lady is curious and jealous about the kind of blissful relationship that exists between her husband – the president – and Madam Diezani Allison-Madueke, Nigeria’s Minister for Petroleum Resources. This ‘rumour’ tends to be more believable as it is rumored that Mr President was very instrumental in her (Diezani Allison-Madueke’s) choice as the minister of Petroleum. This was when Goodluck Jonathan was still the Vice President.
The inquisitiveness of press outfits about the person and moves of Madam First Lady is the case because of the antecedence that has been set by Turai. However, the question to ask is: “Do we really have another Turai in the person of Madam Dame Patience Jonathan?” If anyone that reads this article knows the First lady (or if she herself reads it), she is hereby advised to curb every tendency she has to become another Turai. If she makes any move to become another Turai, Nigerians will not open their eyes and allow it allow dirt domicile in it. I’m sure Nigerians may only be passive; we are not cowards. Are we? Madam Dame Patience Jonathan, BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!
Olofinlua Oyindamola
Mrs. Patience Jonathan and Bola Shagaya at the airport
News carried it recently that the new first lady of Nigeria has been embarking on some ‘trips.’ One of the trips that is at the centre of the storm is that which she had to Dubai to supposedly purchase jewelries—as she is said to be very much in love with gold jewelries. However, in a swift response to the news carried by the media, the Media Assistant to the first lady, Ayo Adewuyi, said that she was merely in Dubai for an unofficial visit that had been scheduled ever before her husband was sworn in as the president.
Reports also carried it that Mrs Jonathan has been under the ‘watchful’ eyes of EFCC for some corrupt practices she had been involved in. She was linked with a sum of N104million which at point was ceased by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She was also linked with a money laundering offence that involved $13.5 million dollars. However, in a rather prompt and swift response, the media assistance to the First lady outrightly denied all the allegation leveled against Madam Patience tracing her supposedly clean record right from she was the wife of Goodluck, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa state to when she was the wife of Goodluck, the Governor of the same state to when she was the wife of Goodluck, the VP, etc till her husband finally became the president. She was even said to have travelled to Dubai, not in first class but economy, showing that she is not an opportunist. According to her media aide, it also shows that she is not new to the dynamics of power, meaning that she is too experienced to be power-drunk (like Turai).
Once bitten, twice shy. Nigerians were bitten several times by Madam Turai when she was the first lady, we do not want to be bitten again this time when ‘Sister Patience’ in ‘in power.’ Some news agencies also carried it that the first lady is curious and jealous about the kind of blissful relationship that exists between her husband – the president – and Madam Diezani Allison-Madueke, Nigeria’s Minister for Petroleum Resources. This ‘rumour’ tends to be more believable as it is rumored that Mr President was very instrumental in her (Diezani Allison-Madueke’s) choice as the minister of Petroleum. This was when Goodluck Jonathan was still the Vice President.
The inquisitiveness of press outfits about the person and moves of Madam First Lady is the case because of the antecedence that has been set by Turai. However, the question to ask is: “Do we really have another Turai in the person of Madam Dame Patience Jonathan?” If anyone that reads this article knows the First lady (or if she herself reads it), she is hereby advised to curb every tendency she has to become another Turai. If she makes any move to become another Turai, Nigerians will not open their eyes and allow it allow dirt domicile in it. I’m sure Nigerians may only be passive; we are not cowards. Are we? Madam Dame Patience Jonathan, BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!
Olofinlua Oyindamola
THE NIGERIA OF MY DREAM
Written by TOSIN OSEMEOBO
Trenoon2000@yahoo.com
www.thebookcity.blogspot.com
Nigeria is a fertile land, full of prospect, rich cultural heritage and a promising future; a land with bright opportunities, far from poverty and decay. But this ever-green land has not yet produced its fruits because of the powers-that-be. I live in a rural area where it appears everything appears to be impossible. With many sick people but few hospitals, many children who cannot afford schooling, gender discrimination, poor security and high rates of unemployment, our leaders do not care for us, the followers.
This country is filled with people who have good ideas, philosophy, concepts, designs, and wonderful viewpoints but still languishes in lack. This is because we only document our ideas, we never implement them. If only we could re-examine our priorities and try our best to transform our ideas into realities, then, we can boldly say that this great country will soon become one of the most desirable places to live, on earth—a place with youth who are far from juvenile delinquencies and adult who are honest in conscience and in deeds.
A place where every child will be educated, all sick people will be able to pay for their hospital bills and a place where stable power supply will be available, affordable and guaranteed in every home is what we long for. A country with free and fair elections, incorruptible uniform men and abundant food from the agricultural sector is the desire of every true lover of Nigeria. Our desire is a great country with leaders far from greed, corruption, environment void of crime, religious crisis, rituals, ethnicity, rape, kidnapping and tribalism. I see a country with stable economy, education and increased employment opportunities, with people who are ready to work hard and solve their community problems. These and many more are what I wake up every morning to see. Nigeria will be great.
Trenoon2000@yahoo.com
www.thebookcity.blogspot.com
Nigeria is a fertile land, full of prospect, rich cultural heritage and a promising future; a land with bright opportunities, far from poverty and decay. But this ever-green land has not yet produced its fruits because of the powers-that-be. I live in a rural area where it appears everything appears to be impossible. With many sick people but few hospitals, many children who cannot afford schooling, gender discrimination, poor security and high rates of unemployment, our leaders do not care for us, the followers.
This country is filled with people who have good ideas, philosophy, concepts, designs, and wonderful viewpoints but still languishes in lack. This is because we only document our ideas, we never implement them. If only we could re-examine our priorities and try our best to transform our ideas into realities, then, we can boldly say that this great country will soon become one of the most desirable places to live, on earth—a place with youth who are far from juvenile delinquencies and adult who are honest in conscience and in deeds.
A place where every child will be educated, all sick people will be able to pay for their hospital bills and a place where stable power supply will be available, affordable and guaranteed in every home is what we long for. A country with free and fair elections, incorruptible uniform men and abundant food from the agricultural sector is the desire of every true lover of Nigeria. Our desire is a great country with leaders far from greed, corruption, environment void of crime, religious crisis, rituals, ethnicity, rape, kidnapping and tribalism. I see a country with stable economy, education and increased employment opportunities, with people who are ready to work hard and solve their community problems. These and many more are what I wake up every morning to see. Nigeria will be great.
I’m Nigerian. And so what?
They say I come from the most populous black land.
They say where I come from as been called “a developing land” for ages, yet there is no meaningful growth.
They say the country I come from is tagged “the eighth wonder of the world” i.e. where anything funny and strange can happen.
They say it’s a pity I come from a country where milk and honey has its residence, but corruption, greed and non-patriotism has made our milk go sour.
They say I, Efosa, come from a country, where the best and most creative hands are not privileged to have their turns.
They say I come from a country where intelligent and patriotic minds take the back seat, fold their hands, smiling even as tears fill their heart for the fear of death for speaking the truth. Yet, they still have good thoughts towards their motherland.
They say I come from a country where leaders are selected and not elected.
I would not forget this! They also say I come from a country where the future of the youths is not respected. They say that is why the leaders find it very difficult to spend meaningfully on education and youths developments
They say I come from a country where human life is seen as chicken life, where the protection of life is at its minimum, a country where the attorney general of the nation was gruesomely murdered and several politicians were also killed (not to mention the common man who has always been a victim of rituals, armed robbery, rape attacks and untimely death without getting at least an aorta of justice).
I was made to remember that it’s a pity I come from a country where human resource management, talent and potential development have nose-dived, thereby reducing the chances of technological advancement, creativity and calculated growth.
To add salt upon injury, the beautiful ones in white skins who seem to believe with great pride that they have been born in their treasure island pointed at me and in conclusion said “You are a Nigerian, what do we expect from you?”
Without wasting time, I replied like a loaded gun whose trigger is impatient to yawn. I started, first of all, by reminding them that it was never and can never be a mistake for me to be a Nigerian or be born Nigerian. In fact, I made it known to them that it’s a blessing and a great privilege to be born ‘omo-Naija.’
It’s not important how people may see me or what they call me. Rather what was important is how I see myself and how much I belief in myself; The degree to which I belief in myself is all that matters. Although Nigeria might be tagged all the wrongs, very soon the storm would be over. This I see. I made them understand that I may not be able to change the Nigeria I see around me but I can change the Nigeria I see within me. And since I can change the Nigeria within me, then I have the right to create a programme to combat the wrongs I see. I believe this is definitely in minds of millions of Nigeria. All over the world, I bet you, very soon Nigerians will shock the world positively.
Dear friends, this is a great challenge to us all, we live in a time when the least is expected from us as Nigerians; but we can shock pessimists. I once spoke with a friend who once told me nothing good can ever come out of our country, from that very day; he ceased to be my friend. The most painful part of all these is that as youths, we have many things at stake, since we still have a long way to go. The best option we have is to think, live and live out the Nigeria of our dreams.
Let’s remember countries like France, Germany, United state of America, Russia, South Africa and a host of others, that even after their independence, had similar situations like those that face Nigeria today. But do you know that the positivity of youths, the visions of their founding fathers and the zeal in their heart in attaining a productive and prosperous state made them what they are today.
As youths, even in the field of academics, we must strike no compromise and rise up to our responsibilities, by having great plans, visions, positive attitudes, a sense of commitment and responsibility to our nation. Above all, always say a word of prayer for Nigeria.
…LAWAL EFOSA…
0703 848 4219
efosarich@yahoo.com
They say where I come from as been called “a developing land” for ages, yet there is no meaningful growth.
They say the country I come from is tagged “the eighth wonder of the world” i.e. where anything funny and strange can happen.
They say it’s a pity I come from a country where milk and honey has its residence, but corruption, greed and non-patriotism has made our milk go sour.
They say I, Efosa, come from a country, where the best and most creative hands are not privileged to have their turns.
They say I come from a country where intelligent and patriotic minds take the back seat, fold their hands, smiling even as tears fill their heart for the fear of death for speaking the truth. Yet, they still have good thoughts towards their motherland.
They say I come from a country where leaders are selected and not elected.
I would not forget this! They also say I come from a country where the future of the youths is not respected. They say that is why the leaders find it very difficult to spend meaningfully on education and youths developments
They say I come from a country where human life is seen as chicken life, where the protection of life is at its minimum, a country where the attorney general of the nation was gruesomely murdered and several politicians were also killed (not to mention the common man who has always been a victim of rituals, armed robbery, rape attacks and untimely death without getting at least an aorta of justice).
I was made to remember that it’s a pity I come from a country where human resource management, talent and potential development have nose-dived, thereby reducing the chances of technological advancement, creativity and calculated growth.
To add salt upon injury, the beautiful ones in white skins who seem to believe with great pride that they have been born in their treasure island pointed at me and in conclusion said “You are a Nigerian, what do we expect from you?”
Without wasting time, I replied like a loaded gun whose trigger is impatient to yawn. I started, first of all, by reminding them that it was never and can never be a mistake for me to be a Nigerian or be born Nigerian. In fact, I made it known to them that it’s a blessing and a great privilege to be born ‘omo-Naija.’
It’s not important how people may see me or what they call me. Rather what was important is how I see myself and how much I belief in myself; The degree to which I belief in myself is all that matters. Although Nigeria might be tagged all the wrongs, very soon the storm would be over. This I see. I made them understand that I may not be able to change the Nigeria I see around me but I can change the Nigeria I see within me. And since I can change the Nigeria within me, then I have the right to create a programme to combat the wrongs I see. I believe this is definitely in minds of millions of Nigeria. All over the world, I bet you, very soon Nigerians will shock the world positively.
Dear friends, this is a great challenge to us all, we live in a time when the least is expected from us as Nigerians; but we can shock pessimists. I once spoke with a friend who once told me nothing good can ever come out of our country, from that very day; he ceased to be my friend. The most painful part of all these is that as youths, we have many things at stake, since we still have a long way to go. The best option we have is to think, live and live out the Nigeria of our dreams.
Let’s remember countries like France, Germany, United state of America, Russia, South Africa and a host of others, that even after their independence, had similar situations like those that face Nigeria today. But do you know that the positivity of youths, the visions of their founding fathers and the zeal in their heart in attaining a productive and prosperous state made them what they are today.
As youths, even in the field of academics, we must strike no compromise and rise up to our responsibilities, by having great plans, visions, positive attitudes, a sense of commitment and responsibility to our nation. Above all, always say a word of prayer for Nigeria.
…LAWAL EFOSA…
0703 848 4219
efosarich@yahoo.com
BOBBY RESPONDS TO THE OMISORE’S VISIT
• Comments on impeachment and suspension of Moremi and Awo hall Chairs respectively
• Comments on accommodation racketeering, blames the school management and federal government
In the light of all that have been happening on OAU campus in recent past, SOCIOSCOPE thought it wise to hear what the PRO of the Students’ Union thinks about it all. This is an excerpt of the interview we had with James Adelu, (aka BOBBY):
SOCIOSCOPE: Permit us to, for the first time, formally congratulate on your election into the office of the PRO of the Students’ Union.
BOBBY: Thank you.
SOCIOSCOPE: Our major reason for coming to this place is just to clarify certain issues concerning some students that collected money from a politician, using the platform of the union, most especially the one that happened recently. According to some sources, you moderated the case and indicated that the person concerned should merely tender an apology letter. Do you think that will go well with the generality of the studentry?
BOBBY: It serves as an utmost disappointment to me as a person. On that particular day, I was coming from class and I saw a helicopter, I never knew that it would have landed on our land. When I got to the mainbowl, I saw the helicopter. I, alongside the Secretary General, was trying to ascertain who brought the helicopter. I put a call to the CSO of the university. Before he appeared, the second-in-command was already with us. Shortly after, the CSO himself arrived. We got different reports from them. One version said the helicopter came as surveillance for Mimiko. The second version said that the helicopter was brought by Segun Oni. And the last one was that it was from Oyinlola. I told them it was not possible for these three people to have brought this single helicopter. And I insisted that the personality of the person must be ascertained. While we were discussing they couldn’t give us the fact and I addressed OAU students. After that, I gave them an ultimatum of two minutes to take away their helicopter. But the CSO told the security operatives around the helicopter not to leave. Immediate, Omisore appeared. I was so disappointed at his appearance and the school rank and file because the CSO did not tell us initially that it was Omisore that brought the helicopter. Before he arrived and wanted to shake hands with me. I had already addressed OAU students. I gave Omisore an ultimatum of two minutes to vacate the campus. Surprising, Omisore did not object to the standing order but while he was leaving some persons were saying that it was this same students that collected N100, 000 from him. I was pissed off because it was democratically ludicrous and ridiculous for some students to have collect money from Omisore.
SOCIOSCOPE: Flowing from all these sir, is it proper to say that there is a communication gap between the office of the PRO and the school authority or are you trying to say you were not aware of Omisore’s pre-entrance into OAU?
BOBBY: While I was trying to ascertain who brought the helicopter. The CSO of the university said Omisore came on the invitation of the faculty of Education. Another person said Omisore came for a meeting in town and immediately he alighted in OAU, he went straight to town. As a union, we had no information about Omisore’s visit either from the school authority or the faculty of Education, knowing fully well that the personality of Omisore like Bayo Ojo, in those days, will never be tolerated by students on their campus.
SOCIOSCOPE: That has been cleared, sir. Now, let’s go back to issue of who collected money, why and how it was collected.
BOBBY: Somebody mentioned Jasper, a graduate of Dramatic Art. As a law student, I could not readily believe unless it had been proven. And that was the reason why I could not announce it that particular day. I summoned Jasper and made it known to him that he collected a sum of N500, 000 from Omisore. Why I mentioned that sum was because I know if an intellectually bankrupt person is being interrogated, the substance of the matter is in most cases exaggerated so that the fact would be easily ascertained. He claimed to have collected the sum of N71, 000. But inasmuch as he had mentioned a certain amount, his act amounts to criminality because at the point of collecting the money, he impersonated a representative of the Students’ Union. It was shown on NTA, Ile Ife, that OAU gave Omisore a thunderous welcome with placards. Jasper claimed to have collected the money on personal platform. But I made him understand that since he was no longer a student, he could have done that outside the OAU community, given what happened in 2007 when Oyinlola claimed to have secured more than thirty thousand votes from OAU campus while students were in their various homes. This is one of the reasons why Saburi and Ogumah were victimized. I asked him to write a letter of disclaimer to be pasted on campus massively and forwarded to the press while also a declaration of a persona non grata on the personality of Omisore is been forwarded by the union. I told that if the letter is not written, the necessary measures will be taken against him. But up till now, I have not seen Jasper. I was too busy to reopen the case because of the symposium.
SOCIOSCOPE: Sir, we noticed that this issue of some union members, both present and out-gone, utilizing the platform of the union to enrich themselves is going out of hand, these days. Because recently, the chairman of the just dissolved security committee, we mean the person of Eluku, also used this same ‘personal’ platform to defraud the union in connivance with … (bobby cuts in) the chairperson of Moremi. Sir, is this not a desecration of the altar of our sacred union by our supposed ‘priest and priestess?’
BOBBY: The union is not a PDP administration, we are primus intepres. What this means is that if a former PRO of the union in the person of Pastor Kay could be flogged publicly sometime ago as a result of misconduct, it meant nobody is above the law. We are in a perfect community but you will agree with me that there is a high level of political apathy. But I have gone round to announce to students that I will get back to them about what the outcome of this case is.
SOCIOSCOPE: We understand from students that the union so far has been treating cases in secrecy unlike what tradition dictates—that cases should be treated openly, with students contributing since nobody has a monopoly of knowledge and now that shove has become push, any attempt to treat this issue in secrecy could become a catalyst that will spark off unpalatable reactions from them. Do you think the union leaders could stand the wrath of students if it emanates?
BOBBY: When we first moderated the case some students were there, although the number was not encouraging. But now that he has disregarded the order, we need the students to come and witness the case or we parade him to a particular café. The PRO may not even be the one to moderate the case. It might be a comrade with a wealth of experience who would moderate the case and the necessary decisions will be taken by Great Ife students, not the union leader.
SOCIOSCOPE: Mr PRO, can you just define the word ‘comrade’?
BOBBY: When I say comrade I mean a person with a wealth of experience who has served the union with merit. There are some students in their Part V who don’t know anything about the union. For instance, a student came to my office and I asked if I was the vice president of the union, knowing conventionally well that the office of the vice president is reserved for female students.
SOCIOSCOPE: Conventionally?
BOBBY: Ladies are the vice president of the Students’ Union, conventionally. The joy of being a union member is to be conversant with happenings on campus and outside campus.
SOCIOSCOPE: Recently, there was a case of suspension and impeachment of two chairpersons of prominent halls, can just let us in into some of these issues?
BOBBY: Conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it. That is according to Uthman Dan Fodio. I was the first person the Moremi hall chairperson contacted when she was evicted from her room. But all these while, I was totally left in the dark until I was confronted with allegation against her which she also agreed to be true. I am not for fraud and I cannot defend fraud. The parliament passed through the proper channel because all through she was given a fair hearing and she was impeached on the basis of fraud.
SOCIOSCOPE: On the basis of fraud?
BOBBY: Yes, on the basis of fraud.
SOCIOSCOPE: Kudos to the parliament. Now, to the issue of Obafemi Awolowo Hall Chairperson, did the parliament also go through the proper channel before placing him on suspension because it is this same parliament that set up a committee to look into the issue of fraud, a more grave offense than an act of indecorum on the floor of the parliament by one of her members. Is it not a case of using a sledge hammer to kill a fly on the question of the Obafemi Awolowo hall chairperson?
BOBBY: The speaker of the parliament referred the case to the judicial council, the report of the Judicial council is subject to reversal by the parliament. If we believe that the judicial council was wrong to have given three month …
SOCIOSCOPE: What we are saying is that the parliament went expressly to refer an act of indecorum which is graver than fraud to the judicial council. Commonsensically, an act of indecorum is just a minor offence compared to fraud and the parliament couldn’t have resolved the issue of fraud within a day – it set up a committee – but an act of indecorum which could have been resolved within a day was taken to the judicial council without the setting up any committee, is this not an issue of ‘putting the cart before the horse’?
BOBBY: The report on the Moremi hall chair emanated from the school authority but the person who came to give evidence that Bako could have been the one who put off the light of the parliamentary seating happened to be his financial secretary. I don’t want to what transpired between the two of them. The report of the judicial council was that the chairperson of the Awo hall be placed on three months suspension unless it is be upturned by four-fifth of the parliamentarians.
SOCIOSCOPE: Now, where is the hope for appeal according to natural and human laws?
BOBBY: In law, if a judgment is passed by the highest court, it could still reverse itself if one of the parties to the case feels dissatisfied and files a cross-appeal. If the chairman of Awo hall files a cross-appeal, I believe the law chancellor as a law student, a prospective lawyer, would review the case because the judicial council stands as the apex court in this regard.
SOCIOSCOPE: The accommodation racketeering, do you have anything to say about it?
BOBBY: While we condemn the attitude of the students who sold their bed spaces, we need to also look at the cause. Since 1975 till this point in time, there is no new structure put in place. The management keeps on aggravating the situation by admitting more student than they can cope with. The students should learn to be their brothers’ keepers especially the ladies because it is more rampant among them. If the management had deemed it fit to put on new structures, nobody would do racketeering. The management and the federal government should be held responsible because this is a federal government school.
SOCIOSCOPE: Thank very much, Mr PRO, we look forward to talking with you some other time.
BOBBY: Thank you, you are welcome.
• Comments on accommodation racketeering, blames the school management and federal government
In the light of all that have been happening on OAU campus in recent past, SOCIOSCOPE thought it wise to hear what the PRO of the Students’ Union thinks about it all. This is an excerpt of the interview we had with James Adelu, (aka BOBBY):
SOCIOSCOPE: Permit us to, for the first time, formally congratulate on your election into the office of the PRO of the Students’ Union.
BOBBY: Thank you.
SOCIOSCOPE: Our major reason for coming to this place is just to clarify certain issues concerning some students that collected money from a politician, using the platform of the union, most especially the one that happened recently. According to some sources, you moderated the case and indicated that the person concerned should merely tender an apology letter. Do you think that will go well with the generality of the studentry?
BOBBY: It serves as an utmost disappointment to me as a person. On that particular day, I was coming from class and I saw a helicopter, I never knew that it would have landed on our land. When I got to the mainbowl, I saw the helicopter. I, alongside the Secretary General, was trying to ascertain who brought the helicopter. I put a call to the CSO of the university. Before he appeared, the second-in-command was already with us. Shortly after, the CSO himself arrived. We got different reports from them. One version said the helicopter came as surveillance for Mimiko. The second version said that the helicopter was brought by Segun Oni. And the last one was that it was from Oyinlola. I told them it was not possible for these three people to have brought this single helicopter. And I insisted that the personality of the person must be ascertained. While we were discussing they couldn’t give us the fact and I addressed OAU students. After that, I gave them an ultimatum of two minutes to take away their helicopter. But the CSO told the security operatives around the helicopter not to leave. Immediate, Omisore appeared. I was so disappointed at his appearance and the school rank and file because the CSO did not tell us initially that it was Omisore that brought the helicopter. Before he arrived and wanted to shake hands with me. I had already addressed OAU students. I gave Omisore an ultimatum of two minutes to vacate the campus. Surprising, Omisore did not object to the standing order but while he was leaving some persons were saying that it was this same students that collected N100, 000 from him. I was pissed off because it was democratically ludicrous and ridiculous for some students to have collect money from Omisore.
SOCIOSCOPE: Flowing from all these sir, is it proper to say that there is a communication gap between the office of the PRO and the school authority or are you trying to say you were not aware of Omisore’s pre-entrance into OAU?
BOBBY: While I was trying to ascertain who brought the helicopter. The CSO of the university said Omisore came on the invitation of the faculty of Education. Another person said Omisore came for a meeting in town and immediately he alighted in OAU, he went straight to town. As a union, we had no information about Omisore’s visit either from the school authority or the faculty of Education, knowing fully well that the personality of Omisore like Bayo Ojo, in those days, will never be tolerated by students on their campus.
SOCIOSCOPE: That has been cleared, sir. Now, let’s go back to issue of who collected money, why and how it was collected.
BOBBY: Somebody mentioned Jasper, a graduate of Dramatic Art. As a law student, I could not readily believe unless it had been proven. And that was the reason why I could not announce it that particular day. I summoned Jasper and made it known to him that he collected a sum of N500, 000 from Omisore. Why I mentioned that sum was because I know if an intellectually bankrupt person is being interrogated, the substance of the matter is in most cases exaggerated so that the fact would be easily ascertained. He claimed to have collected the sum of N71, 000. But inasmuch as he had mentioned a certain amount, his act amounts to criminality because at the point of collecting the money, he impersonated a representative of the Students’ Union. It was shown on NTA, Ile Ife, that OAU gave Omisore a thunderous welcome with placards. Jasper claimed to have collected the money on personal platform. But I made him understand that since he was no longer a student, he could have done that outside the OAU community, given what happened in 2007 when Oyinlola claimed to have secured more than thirty thousand votes from OAU campus while students were in their various homes. This is one of the reasons why Saburi and Ogumah were victimized. I asked him to write a letter of disclaimer to be pasted on campus massively and forwarded to the press while also a declaration of a persona non grata on the personality of Omisore is been forwarded by the union. I told that if the letter is not written, the necessary measures will be taken against him. But up till now, I have not seen Jasper. I was too busy to reopen the case because of the symposium.
SOCIOSCOPE: Sir, we noticed that this issue of some union members, both present and out-gone, utilizing the platform of the union to enrich themselves is going out of hand, these days. Because recently, the chairman of the just dissolved security committee, we mean the person of Eluku, also used this same ‘personal’ platform to defraud the union in connivance with … (bobby cuts in) the chairperson of Moremi. Sir, is this not a desecration of the altar of our sacred union by our supposed ‘priest and priestess?’
BOBBY: The union is not a PDP administration, we are primus intepres. What this means is that if a former PRO of the union in the person of Pastor Kay could be flogged publicly sometime ago as a result of misconduct, it meant nobody is above the law. We are in a perfect community but you will agree with me that there is a high level of political apathy. But I have gone round to announce to students that I will get back to them about what the outcome of this case is.
SOCIOSCOPE: We understand from students that the union so far has been treating cases in secrecy unlike what tradition dictates—that cases should be treated openly, with students contributing since nobody has a monopoly of knowledge and now that shove has become push, any attempt to treat this issue in secrecy could become a catalyst that will spark off unpalatable reactions from them. Do you think the union leaders could stand the wrath of students if it emanates?
BOBBY: When we first moderated the case some students were there, although the number was not encouraging. But now that he has disregarded the order, we need the students to come and witness the case or we parade him to a particular café. The PRO may not even be the one to moderate the case. It might be a comrade with a wealth of experience who would moderate the case and the necessary decisions will be taken by Great Ife students, not the union leader.
SOCIOSCOPE: Mr PRO, can you just define the word ‘comrade’?
BOBBY: When I say comrade I mean a person with a wealth of experience who has served the union with merit. There are some students in their Part V who don’t know anything about the union. For instance, a student came to my office and I asked if I was the vice president of the union, knowing conventionally well that the office of the vice president is reserved for female students.
SOCIOSCOPE: Conventionally?
BOBBY: Ladies are the vice president of the Students’ Union, conventionally. The joy of being a union member is to be conversant with happenings on campus and outside campus.
SOCIOSCOPE: Recently, there was a case of suspension and impeachment of two chairpersons of prominent halls, can just let us in into some of these issues?
BOBBY: Conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it. That is according to Uthman Dan Fodio. I was the first person the Moremi hall chairperson contacted when she was evicted from her room. But all these while, I was totally left in the dark until I was confronted with allegation against her which she also agreed to be true. I am not for fraud and I cannot defend fraud. The parliament passed through the proper channel because all through she was given a fair hearing and she was impeached on the basis of fraud.
SOCIOSCOPE: On the basis of fraud?
BOBBY: Yes, on the basis of fraud.
SOCIOSCOPE: Kudos to the parliament. Now, to the issue of Obafemi Awolowo Hall Chairperson, did the parliament also go through the proper channel before placing him on suspension because it is this same parliament that set up a committee to look into the issue of fraud, a more grave offense than an act of indecorum on the floor of the parliament by one of her members. Is it not a case of using a sledge hammer to kill a fly on the question of the Obafemi Awolowo hall chairperson?
BOBBY: The speaker of the parliament referred the case to the judicial council, the report of the Judicial council is subject to reversal by the parliament. If we believe that the judicial council was wrong to have given three month …
SOCIOSCOPE: What we are saying is that the parliament went expressly to refer an act of indecorum which is graver than fraud to the judicial council. Commonsensically, an act of indecorum is just a minor offence compared to fraud and the parliament couldn’t have resolved the issue of fraud within a day – it set up a committee – but an act of indecorum which could have been resolved within a day was taken to the judicial council without the setting up any committee, is this not an issue of ‘putting the cart before the horse’?
BOBBY: The report on the Moremi hall chair emanated from the school authority but the person who came to give evidence that Bako could have been the one who put off the light of the parliamentary seating happened to be his financial secretary. I don’t want to what transpired between the two of them. The report of the judicial council was that the chairperson of the Awo hall be placed on three months suspension unless it is be upturned by four-fifth of the parliamentarians.
SOCIOSCOPE: Now, where is the hope for appeal according to natural and human laws?
BOBBY: In law, if a judgment is passed by the highest court, it could still reverse itself if one of the parties to the case feels dissatisfied and files a cross-appeal. If the chairman of Awo hall files a cross-appeal, I believe the law chancellor as a law student, a prospective lawyer, would review the case because the judicial council stands as the apex court in this regard.
SOCIOSCOPE: The accommodation racketeering, do you have anything to say about it?
BOBBY: While we condemn the attitude of the students who sold their bed spaces, we need to also look at the cause. Since 1975 till this point in time, there is no new structure put in place. The management keeps on aggravating the situation by admitting more student than they can cope with. The students should learn to be their brothers’ keepers especially the ladies because it is more rampant among them. If the management had deemed it fit to put on new structures, nobody would do racketeering. The management and the federal government should be held responsible because this is a federal government school.
SOCIOSCOPE: Thank very much, Mr PRO, we look forward to talking with you some other time.
BOBBY: Thank you, you are welcome.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
They say I come from the most populous black land.
They say where I come from as been called “a developing land” for ages, yet there is no meaningful growth.
They say the country I come from is tagged “the eighth wonder of the world” i.e. where anything funny and strange can happen.
They say it’s a pity I come from a country where milk and honey has its residence, but corruption, greed and non-patriotism has made our milk go sour.
They say I, Efosa, come from a country, where the best and most creative hands are not privileged to have their turns.
They say I come from a country where intelligent and patriotic minds take the back seat, fold their hands, smiling even as tears fill their heart for the fear of death for speaking the truth. Yet, they still have good thoughts towards their motherland.
They say I come from a country where leaders are selected and not elected.
I would not forget this! They also say I come from a country where the future of the youths is not respected. They say that is why the leaders find it very difficult to spend meaningfully on education and youths developments
They say I come from a country where human life is seen as chicken life, where the protection of life is at its minimum, a country where the attorney general of the nation was gruesomely murdered and several politicians were also killed (not to mention the common man who has always been a victim of rituals, armed robbery, rape attacks and untimely death without getting at least an aorta of justice).
I was made to remember that it’s a pity I come from a country where human resource management, talent and potential development have nose-dived, thereby reducing the chances of technological advancement, creativity and calculated growth.
To add salt upon injury, the beautiful ones in white skins who seem to believe with great pride that they have been born in their treasure island pointed at me and in conclusion said “You are a Nigerian, what do we expect from you?”
Without wasting time, I replied like a loaded gun whose trigger is impatient to yawn. I started, first of all, by reminding them that it was never and can never be a mistake for me to be a Nigerian or be born Nigerian. In fact, I made it known to them that it’s a blessing and a great privilege to be born ‘omo-Naija.’
It’s not important how people may see me or what they call me. Rather what was important is how I see myself and how much I belief in myself; The degree to which I belief in myself is all that matters. Although Nigeria might be tagged all the wrongs, very soon the storm would be over. This I see. I made them understand that I may not be able to change the Nigeria I see around me but I can change the Nigeria I see within me. And since I can change the Nigeria within me, then I have the right to create a programme to combat the wrongs I see. I believe this is definitely in minds of millions of Nigeria. All over the world, I bet you, very soon Nigerians will shock the world positively.
Dear friends, this is a great challenge to us all, we live in a time when the least is expected from us as Nigerians; but we can shock pessimists. I once spoke with a friend who once told me nothing good can ever come out of our country, from that very day; he ceased to be my friend. The most painful part of all these is that as youths, we have many things at stake, since we still have a long way to go. The best option we have is to think, live and live out the Nigeria of our dreams.
Let’s remember countries like France, Germany, United state of America, Russia, South Africa and a host of others, that even after their independence, had similar situations like those that face Nigeria today. But do you know that the positivity of youths, the visions of their founding fathers and the zeal in their heart in attaining a productive and prosperous state made them what they are today.
As youths, even in the field of academics, we must strike no compromise and rise up to our responsibilities, by having great plans, visions, positive attitudes, a sense of commitment and responsibility to our nation. Above all, always say a word of prayer for Nigeria.
…LAWAL EFOSA…
0703 848 4219
efosarich@yahoo.com
They say where I come from as been called “a developing land” for ages, yet there is no meaningful growth.
They say the country I come from is tagged “the eighth wonder of the world” i.e. where anything funny and strange can happen.
They say it’s a pity I come from a country where milk and honey has its residence, but corruption, greed and non-patriotism has made our milk go sour.
They say I, Efosa, come from a country, where the best and most creative hands are not privileged to have their turns.
They say I come from a country where intelligent and patriotic minds take the back seat, fold their hands, smiling even as tears fill their heart for the fear of death for speaking the truth. Yet, they still have good thoughts towards their motherland.
They say I come from a country where leaders are selected and not elected.
I would not forget this! They also say I come from a country where the future of the youths is not respected. They say that is why the leaders find it very difficult to spend meaningfully on education and youths developments
They say I come from a country where human life is seen as chicken life, where the protection of life is at its minimum, a country where the attorney general of the nation was gruesomely murdered and several politicians were also killed (not to mention the common man who has always been a victim of rituals, armed robbery, rape attacks and untimely death without getting at least an aorta of justice).
I was made to remember that it’s a pity I come from a country where human resource management, talent and potential development have nose-dived, thereby reducing the chances of technological advancement, creativity and calculated growth.
To add salt upon injury, the beautiful ones in white skins who seem to believe with great pride that they have been born in their treasure island pointed at me and in conclusion said “You are a Nigerian, what do we expect from you?”
Without wasting time, I replied like a loaded gun whose trigger is impatient to yawn. I started, first of all, by reminding them that it was never and can never be a mistake for me to be a Nigerian or be born Nigerian. In fact, I made it known to them that it’s a blessing and a great privilege to be born ‘omo-Naija.’
It’s not important how people may see me or what they call me. Rather what was important is how I see myself and how much I belief in myself; The degree to which I belief in myself is all that matters. Although Nigeria might be tagged all the wrongs, very soon the storm would be over. This I see. I made them understand that I may not be able to change the Nigeria I see around me but I can change the Nigeria I see within me. And since I can change the Nigeria within me, then I have the right to create a programme to combat the wrongs I see. I believe this is definitely in minds of millions of Nigeria. All over the world, I bet you, very soon Nigerians will shock the world positively.
Dear friends, this is a great challenge to us all, we live in a time when the least is expected from us as Nigerians; but we can shock pessimists. I once spoke with a friend who once told me nothing good can ever come out of our country, from that very day; he ceased to be my friend. The most painful part of all these is that as youths, we have many things at stake, since we still have a long way to go. The best option we have is to think, live and live out the Nigeria of our dreams.
Let’s remember countries like France, Germany, United state of America, Russia, South Africa and a host of others, that even after their independence, had similar situations like those that face Nigeria today. But do you know that the positivity of youths, the visions of their founding fathers and the zeal in their heart in attaining a productive and prosperous state made them what they are today.
As youths, even in the field of academics, we must strike no compromise and rise up to our responsibilities, by having great plans, visions, positive attitudes, a sense of commitment and responsibility to our nation. Above all, always say a word of prayer for Nigeria.
…LAWAL EFOSA…
0703 848 4219
efosarich@yahoo.com
I’m Nigerian. And so what?
They say I come from the most populous black land.
They say where I come from as been called “a developing land” for ages, yet there is no meaningful growth.
They say the country I come from is tagged “the eighth wonder of the world” i.e. where anything funny and strange can happen.
They say it’s a pity I come from a country where milk and honey has its residence, but corruption, greed and non-patriotism has made our milk go sour.
They say I, Efosa, come from a country, where the best and most creative hands are not privileged to have their turns.
They say I come from a country where intelligent and patriotic minds take the back seat, fold their hands, smiling even as tears fill their heart for the fear of death for speaking the truth. Yet, they still have good thoughts towards their motherland.
They say I come from a country where leaders are selected and not elected.
I would not forget this! They also say I come from a country where the future of the youths is not respected. They say that is why the leaders find it very difficult to spend meaningfully on education and youths developments
They say I come from a country where human life is seen as chicken life, where the protection of life is at its minimum, a country where the attorney general of the nation was gruesomely murdered and several politicians were also killed (not to mention the common man who has always been a victim of rituals, armed robbery, rape attacks and untimely death without getting at least an aorta of justice).
I was made to remember that it’s a pity I come from a country where human resource management, talent and potential development have nose-dived, thereby reducing the chances of technological advancement, creativity and calculated growth.
To add salt upon injury, the beautiful ones in white skins who seem to believe with great pride that they have been born in their treasure island pointed at me and in conclusion said “You are a Nigerian, what do we expect from you?”
Without wasting time, I replied like a loaded gun whose trigger is impatient to yawn. I started, first of all, by reminding them that it was never and can never be a mistake for me to be a Nigerian or be born Nigerian. In fact, I made it known to them that it’s a blessing and a great privilege to be born ‘omo-Naija.’
It’s not important how people may see me or what they call me. Rather what was important is how I see myself and how much I belief in myself; The degree to which I belief in myself is all that matters. Although Nigeria might be tagged all the wrongs, very soon the storm would be over. This I see. I made them understand that I may not be able to change the Nigeria I see around me but I can change the Nigeria I see within me. And since I can change the Nigeria within me, then I have the right to create a programme to combat the wrongs I see. I believe this is definitely in minds of millions of Nigeria. All over the world, I bet you, very soon Nigerians will shock the world positively.
Dear friends, this is a great challenge to us all, we live in a time when the least is expected from us as Nigerians; but we can shock pessimists. I once spoke with a friend who once told me nothing good can ever come out of our country, from that very day; he ceased to be my friend. The most painful part of all these is that as youths, we have many things at stake, since we still have a long way to go. The best option we have is to think, live and live out the Nigeria of our dreams.
Let’s remember countries like France, Germany, United state of America, Russia, South Africa and a host of others, that even after their independence, had similar situations like those that face Nigeria today. But do you know that the positivity of youths, the visions of their founding fathers and the zeal in their heart in attaining a productive and prosperous state made them what they are today.
As youths, even in the field of academics, we must strike no compromise and rise up to our responsibilities, by having great plans, visions, positive attitudes, a sense of commitment and responsibility to our nation. Above all, always say a word of prayer for Nigeria.
…LAWAL EFOSA…
0703 848 4219
efosarich@yahoo.com
They say where I come from as been called “a developing land” for ages, yet there is no meaningful growth.
They say the country I come from is tagged “the eighth wonder of the world” i.e. where anything funny and strange can happen.
They say it’s a pity I come from a country where milk and honey has its residence, but corruption, greed and non-patriotism has made our milk go sour.
They say I, Efosa, come from a country, where the best and most creative hands are not privileged to have their turns.
They say I come from a country where intelligent and patriotic minds take the back seat, fold their hands, smiling even as tears fill their heart for the fear of death for speaking the truth. Yet, they still have good thoughts towards their motherland.
They say I come from a country where leaders are selected and not elected.
I would not forget this! They also say I come from a country where the future of the youths is not respected. They say that is why the leaders find it very difficult to spend meaningfully on education and youths developments
They say I come from a country where human life is seen as chicken life, where the protection of life is at its minimum, a country where the attorney general of the nation was gruesomely murdered and several politicians were also killed (not to mention the common man who has always been a victim of rituals, armed robbery, rape attacks and untimely death without getting at least an aorta of justice).
I was made to remember that it’s a pity I come from a country where human resource management, talent and potential development have nose-dived, thereby reducing the chances of technological advancement, creativity and calculated growth.
To add salt upon injury, the beautiful ones in white skins who seem to believe with great pride that they have been born in their treasure island pointed at me and in conclusion said “You are a Nigerian, what do we expect from you?”
Without wasting time, I replied like a loaded gun whose trigger is impatient to yawn. I started, first of all, by reminding them that it was never and can never be a mistake for me to be a Nigerian or be born Nigerian. In fact, I made it known to them that it’s a blessing and a great privilege to be born ‘omo-Naija.’
It’s not important how people may see me or what they call me. Rather what was important is how I see myself and how much I belief in myself; The degree to which I belief in myself is all that matters. Although Nigeria might be tagged all the wrongs, very soon the storm would be over. This I see. I made them understand that I may not be able to change the Nigeria I see around me but I can change the Nigeria I see within me. And since I can change the Nigeria within me, then I have the right to create a programme to combat the wrongs I see. I believe this is definitely in minds of millions of Nigeria. All over the world, I bet you, very soon Nigerians will shock the world positively.
Dear friends, this is a great challenge to us all, we live in a time when the least is expected from us as Nigerians; but we can shock pessimists. I once spoke with a friend who once told me nothing good can ever come out of our country, from that very day; he ceased to be my friend. The most painful part of all these is that as youths, we have many things at stake, since we still have a long way to go. The best option we have is to think, live and live out the Nigeria of our dreams.
Let’s remember countries like France, Germany, United state of America, Russia, South Africa and a host of others, that even after their independence, had similar situations like those that face Nigeria today. But do you know that the positivity of youths, the visions of their founding fathers and the zeal in their heart in attaining a productive and prosperous state made them what they are today.
As youths, even in the field of academics, we must strike no compromise and rise up to our responsibilities, by having great plans, visions, positive attitudes, a sense of commitment and responsibility to our nation. Above all, always say a word of prayer for Nigeria.
…LAWAL EFOSA…
0703 848 4219
efosarich@yahoo.com
Monday, May 24, 2010
EDITORIAL
THE ‘KIDNAP’ OF SOCIOSCOPE
Before any other issue is mentioned in this editorial, it is important to mention that the issue to be raised in this article was not the one that was originally slated to come up for this week. However, the editor’s hand was moved to write by an incidence that happened at the eleventh hour—a few hours before this week’s publications were posted. The editorial team of SOCIOSCOPE on Sunday evening discovered that the board had been carried away from its usual location outside ODLT. The board was replaced by a microcosmic board which belonged to one of the fellowships on campus. Immediately, the Association of Campus Journalists was inundated about the abysmal development. It was later discovered that the board had been ‘kidnapped’ and kept in a covert place.
In life, everyone (especially an achiever) is bound to acquire enemies, and friends alike as they climb the ladder of success. As far as this is concerned, SOCIOSCOPE News Agency is not an exception. But we at SOCIOSCOPE vow to always report the truth and nothing but the truth. It is important to mention that one of the writers of the fellowship whose board was used to replace ours was contacted. She claimed not to have met any board at the usual location of the SOCIOSCOPE board. The question then is: “Who kidnapped SOCIOSCOPE.” If indeed the editorial team of the fellowship had spoken the truth, we strongly advise them to find another location for their board. If they lied, God will judge.
This is also an avenue for us to thank our strongest ally—YOU, our readership, jewels of inestimable value—for continually keeping faith in us. SOCIOSCOPE promises to serve you better even in the face of resilient adversity.
Have a lovely week.
Olofinlua Oyindamola
Editor –in-Chief
Before any other issue is mentioned in this editorial, it is important to mention that the issue to be raised in this article was not the one that was originally slated to come up for this week. However, the editor’s hand was moved to write by an incidence that happened at the eleventh hour—a few hours before this week’s publications were posted. The editorial team of SOCIOSCOPE on Sunday evening discovered that the board had been carried away from its usual location outside ODLT. The board was replaced by a microcosmic board which belonged to one of the fellowships on campus. Immediately, the Association of Campus Journalists was inundated about the abysmal development. It was later discovered that the board had been ‘kidnapped’ and kept in a covert place.
In life, everyone (especially an achiever) is bound to acquire enemies, and friends alike as they climb the ladder of success. As far as this is concerned, SOCIOSCOPE News Agency is not an exception. But we at SOCIOSCOPE vow to always report the truth and nothing but the truth. It is important to mention that one of the writers of the fellowship whose board was used to replace ours was contacted. She claimed not to have met any board at the usual location of the SOCIOSCOPE board. The question then is: “Who kidnapped SOCIOSCOPE.” If indeed the editorial team of the fellowship had spoken the truth, we strongly advise them to find another location for their board. If they lied, God will judge.
This is also an avenue for us to thank our strongest ally—YOU, our readership, jewels of inestimable value—for continually keeping faith in us. SOCIOSCOPE promises to serve you better even in the face of resilient adversity.
Have a lovely week.
Olofinlua Oyindamola
Editor –in-Chief
In this time and age?
From time immemorial, there has always been a discord between light and darkness, the spiritual and the secular, the local and the international among others. This battle of ideals may never come to an end. The world, with the aid of technological advancement, is a global village. Therefore, on a sojourn to Ota, Ogun state, it was very confounding when my eyes beheld masquerades. The funniest part is that the masquerades were not even as fine as the Eyo Maquerade, for instance. One may want to ask if the supposedly archaic cultural norm of masquerades is still relevant in this time and age.
This is in no way berating traditionalism; it is just a musing about the possibility of having a blend of the traditional and the modern. By implication, one may be looking at the possibility of having a masquerade that will be technologically-driven. For example, what s wrong in having a masquerade that is clad in a colorful costume, arrayed with lights of many shades and enhanced with some fascinating sounds?
Don’t the holy scriptures say that one messenger should not inhibit the work of another. The most saddening part of the whole story about Nigerian masquerades is that they have, long ago, ceased to be ‘gods’, they now constitute nuisance, on the major streets (in Ogun state, Ota in particular). The arrival of the masked ones is usually heralded by hooligans. All these contribute to the show of shame some of our traditional practices have become.
The center of discussion is not really about the eradication of traditional ways in favor of the modern. It is a solicitation for the advancement of tradition (if we have to) along the lines of modernism and ‘commonsensism.’ After all, Haruna Ishola, the Yoruba traditional singer of yore, sang that ‘Baye se n yi, ka ma ba yi’ meaning that ‘Everyone should roll will time’s change.’ No wonder, there is now the ‘funkified’ version of Apala music.
It’s been discovered that nations that have achieved milestone in trade and technology were able to do because they have been able to clothe the local in modern. Nigeria as a country might ‘rebrand’ herself if she, for example, properly brands ijebu garri into becoming a world-certified and world-acclaimed product. What if we began to export our very own groundnut cake – ‘kulikuli’ to the world? All that is first needed is that we have faith in our product.
In this age and time, the world awaits the manifestation of Nigerians. We are too loaded to fail. Nigerians, arise and shine.
Olofinlua Oyindamola
This is in no way berating traditionalism; it is just a musing about the possibility of having a blend of the traditional and the modern. By implication, one may be looking at the possibility of having a masquerade that will be technologically-driven. For example, what s wrong in having a masquerade that is clad in a colorful costume, arrayed with lights of many shades and enhanced with some fascinating sounds?
Don’t the holy scriptures say that one messenger should not inhibit the work of another. The most saddening part of the whole story about Nigerian masquerades is that they have, long ago, ceased to be ‘gods’, they now constitute nuisance, on the major streets (in Ogun state, Ota in particular). The arrival of the masked ones is usually heralded by hooligans. All these contribute to the show of shame some of our traditional practices have become.
The center of discussion is not really about the eradication of traditional ways in favor of the modern. It is a solicitation for the advancement of tradition (if we have to) along the lines of modernism and ‘commonsensism.’ After all, Haruna Ishola, the Yoruba traditional singer of yore, sang that ‘Baye se n yi, ka ma ba yi’ meaning that ‘Everyone should roll will time’s change.’ No wonder, there is now the ‘funkified’ version of Apala music.
It’s been discovered that nations that have achieved milestone in trade and technology were able to do because they have been able to clothe the local in modern. Nigeria as a country might ‘rebrand’ herself if she, for example, properly brands ijebu garri into becoming a world-certified and world-acclaimed product. What if we began to export our very own groundnut cake – ‘kulikuli’ to the world? All that is first needed is that we have faith in our product.
In this age and time, the world awaits the manifestation of Nigerians. We are too loaded to fail. Nigerians, arise and shine.
Olofinlua Oyindamola
THREE AUTHORS STORM OAU
It is often said that like minds attract. This is exactly what happened on Tuesday, last week, when three seasoned writers graced OAU with their presence. The writers are Tony Kan, the author of Nights of the Creaking Bed, Sade Adeniran, the author of Imagine This and Adaobi Nwaubani, the author of I Do Not Come To You BY CHANCE. The event was the initiative of the Great Ife Alumni Association of OAU, Home Branch, ably supported by Cassava Republic, the publisher of the three writers. The writers were not alone as the event was attended by teeming readers, budding writers and lovers of books generally. The chairman of the evening of readings was Prof. Bayo Lamikanra, the infamous professor of Pharmacy but a man that has been able to confront the tyranny of the empty page in many ways. Some other distinguished persons like Prof. Segun Adekoya, the HOD of English Department were also at the event.
The authors read from their books, after which questions were asked by members of the audience. In between came the hilarious performance by students of the dramatic art department. An autograph session commenced. Then, the final item on the agenda, “menu-menu”, (which many were earnestly waiting for) came up. The Great Ife anthem was sung and the event came to a close.
The authors read from their books, after which questions were asked by members of the audience. In between came the hilarious performance by students of the dramatic art department. An autograph session commenced. Then, the final item on the agenda, “menu-menu”, (which many were earnestly waiting for) came up. The Great Ife anthem was sung and the event came to a close.
It’s a state of the mind!
There is need to explain that poverty is a state of the mind and not the absence of money. It has been proved also beyond reasonable doubt that fear cripples intelligence and of course fear also exist in man because of the state of mind. I know of a celebrated motivational speaker today, who fumbled the first time he mounted a stage all because of the fear of crowd; after the event he was asked the reason for such an unimpressive performance, he simply explained “I thought the crowd did not like my face and they wanted me to leave.” This is nothing but a state of the mind, which he himself later confessed.
I also once watched a young and brilliant chap on the programme Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. He was three correct answers away from ten million Naira; he was supposed to pick a correct answer as expected. The young chap knew the correct answer, but fear and nervousness corrupted his mind and so, he decided to walk away. After the programme, as usual, he was asked the answer he intended to choose, and expectedly he choose the correct answer. What do you think led to his great loss? Also, it is also a state of the mind that all makes most people lose belief in themselves, thus deciding to go for the less. Some people could even be so scared of becoming a success.
A friend of mine once told me with great displeasure that if we would allow every Nigerian citizen to move to the United State of America and also allow every American citizen to move to Nigeria, he explained with great confidence that in five years Nigeria would be a great country. Of course, I was surprised by his conviction and so I asked him why he believed that to be so. He simply explained that Nigeria is poor, not because we don’t have what it takes to be rich but because the state of the Nigerian mind of an individual is programmed to be negative… All negative! What then is the product of negatives? Of course NEGATIVE. My friend later went ahead to itemize, categorize and explain how rich and blessed Nigeria is compared to most European countries. In other words, we can always trace the roots of our problems and behavior to the thought that dominate our minds. Let’s always remember that it’s only by taking control of our minds that we take control of our lives and destiny.
Here is a story to show how dangerous and powerful a negative state of the mind could be. Little Seyi is six years old. For three terms, she came third in her class. On the last occasion, her father was very crossed with her. So, he tried talking to her to really know why she kept coming third instead of first. To her father’s greatest surprise she said “Dad, in my class, we have a class captain and as the class captain, it’s his responsibility to always take first.” Her father was shocked; how the negative state of mind could also catch up with a young child! So, do you know what Seyi’s dad did for little Seyi? He spoke to her and made her understand that she was born the best and second to known. He also made her understand that because her class captain occupies that position gives him no right to beat you to the third position. He told her that if you would study harder and change that state of mind, she will become first. Expectedly but surprisingly little seyi came first, beating her class captain to the second position.
Dear readers, this is how wonderful the state of mind could be; it could push you to great success or to great failure. Remember the mind is never idle; it’s either building or breaking down. Just like a garden, it can be beautifully and deliberately planned to produce good fruits. On the other hand, it could also be allowed to grow wild.
The choice is yours!
We allow our mind to grow wild when we occupy it and make it feed on thoughts of:
1. Failure
2. Rejection
3. Self-pity
4. Poverty
5. Worry
6. Guilt of the past
7. Sickness
We can also discipline and program our minds to focus and feed on thoughts of:
1. Victory
2. Purity/chasteness
3. Greatness
4. Good health and sound mind
5. Success
6. Excellence and significance.
Lawal Efosa
I also once watched a young and brilliant chap on the programme Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. He was three correct answers away from ten million Naira; he was supposed to pick a correct answer as expected. The young chap knew the correct answer, but fear and nervousness corrupted his mind and so, he decided to walk away. After the programme, as usual, he was asked the answer he intended to choose, and expectedly he choose the correct answer. What do you think led to his great loss? Also, it is also a state of the mind that all makes most people lose belief in themselves, thus deciding to go for the less. Some people could even be so scared of becoming a success.
A friend of mine once told me with great displeasure that if we would allow every Nigerian citizen to move to the United State of America and also allow every American citizen to move to Nigeria, he explained with great confidence that in five years Nigeria would be a great country. Of course, I was surprised by his conviction and so I asked him why he believed that to be so. He simply explained that Nigeria is poor, not because we don’t have what it takes to be rich but because the state of the Nigerian mind of an individual is programmed to be negative… All negative! What then is the product of negatives? Of course NEGATIVE. My friend later went ahead to itemize, categorize and explain how rich and blessed Nigeria is compared to most European countries. In other words, we can always trace the roots of our problems and behavior to the thought that dominate our minds. Let’s always remember that it’s only by taking control of our minds that we take control of our lives and destiny.
Here is a story to show how dangerous and powerful a negative state of the mind could be. Little Seyi is six years old. For three terms, she came third in her class. On the last occasion, her father was very crossed with her. So, he tried talking to her to really know why she kept coming third instead of first. To her father’s greatest surprise she said “Dad, in my class, we have a class captain and as the class captain, it’s his responsibility to always take first.” Her father was shocked; how the negative state of mind could also catch up with a young child! So, do you know what Seyi’s dad did for little Seyi? He spoke to her and made her understand that she was born the best and second to known. He also made her understand that because her class captain occupies that position gives him no right to beat you to the third position. He told her that if you would study harder and change that state of mind, she will become first. Expectedly but surprisingly little seyi came first, beating her class captain to the second position.
Dear readers, this is how wonderful the state of mind could be; it could push you to great success or to great failure. Remember the mind is never idle; it’s either building or breaking down. Just like a garden, it can be beautifully and deliberately planned to produce good fruits. On the other hand, it could also be allowed to grow wild.
The choice is yours!
We allow our mind to grow wild when we occupy it and make it feed on thoughts of:
1. Failure
2. Rejection
3. Self-pity
4. Poverty
5. Worry
6. Guilt of the past
7. Sickness
We can also discipline and program our minds to focus and feed on thoughts of:
1. Victory
2. Purity/chasteness
3. Greatness
4. Good health and sound mind
5. Success
6. Excellence and significance.
Lawal Efosa
GUEST WRITER FOR THE WEEK
KOYE‐LADELE Mogbekeloluwa
Mechanical Engineering Part IV
For a few days now, I have felt under a lot of pressure.
I have repeatedly tried to commit my thoughts to my word processor, in a bid to ease the pressure, but motivation has been long in coming. Even now, as my fingers move lightly around the keyboard in an attempt to coax every last drop from the spigot of inspiration – I cannot shake the feeling that the flow will constrict and eventually die out. In any case, before I allow that to happen, I hope to maximize it.
Let’s do this, shall we?
I was taught by a cruel and unfeeling educational system not to show emotion, as shows of emotion were often rewarded with punishment. I was brought up to believe that crying was synonymous with weakness, that public shows of emotion were only for the faint of heart—to be avoided with all the will power I could muster in demanding situations.
Sadly, in a drastic departure from what I have believed for years, recent happenings have taught me with agreeable force and shown me with stunning clarity ‐ real men cry!
You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a hungry kid who hasn’t eaten in days, yet who refuses your money in an effort to save face for his parents? You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a father who has stuffed his ego down the toilet seat as he asks you for a loan to fix his motorcycle, so he can go out and make some money for his family? You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a sick 3‐year old that cannot afford quality medical treatment, and whom you are almost powerless to help?
I tell you what’s up – I know the feeling!
In recent times, I have come to realize how small a part I play in the grand scheme of things, at the present. It has struck me forcefully how little I can contribute to the growth of Nigeria in my present state.
I have eyes to see with, and I have seen things. I have laughed at some, but I have cried at more.
I have cried for youngsters who hawk all sorts on the streets during school hours, because an unquestionable fate marked them out to be born to less‐privileged Nigerian parents.
I have cried for former classmates who dropped out of school to drive commercial buses and taxis, because insensitive despots have stolen from the future to sate their gluttonous desires in the present.
I have cried for families who have lost children, fathers, and mothers to uprisings in different parts of the country, because we have been saddled with a leadership that puts personal differences before the common good.
I have cried for the budding entrepreneur who set up shop outside my house, but who was forced to close down by the prohibitive cost of generating power, because a connected few are bent on bringing the power sector to its knees.
I have cried for a lady who lost her footing and stepped off a narrow bridge, into the murky depths of a swollen river that had overflowed its banks and flooded the surroundings, because of the existence of a wide gap between what the governed need and what the government has to offer.
I have cried for a president who had enough strength to travel to Saudi Arabia to help open a university, yet lacks the decisiveness to re‐open those in his own country.
I have cried for the Apo Six, and for others who did not get such publicity, yet lost their lives in similar circumstances without redress or compensation to their families, because decades of poor leadership have made a parody out of justice. Alas! These guys should never have died in the first place! Sadly, the police‐cum‐private‐enforcers are seldom properly trained and are often ill motivated.
I have cried in anger and frustration after gaining a new understanding of how much work needs be done to snatch my country back from a mostly illiterate and bigoted political elite who seem hell bent on making a travesty out of it.
I have cried, and I am still crying.
I take a walk on the streets, and I see billboards proclaiming open governance and a better life for all, amidst so much squalor, in places where even Achilles would fear to tread.
I walk on the streets, and I see masked people. They smile at the smallest things, and laugh at crude jokes, in an attempt to hide profound despair. They sigh wearily at the little disappointments that have become a part of their lives, and fight for every today they encounter. These people deserve better, don’t they?
I see monsters masquerading as leaders, bent on robbing the future – to live in the present.
I see governors who show off their temporary‐residences‐cum‐mansions to the entire world, making wishes while walking round comical stars of David, while the governed live in abject poverty in next to destitute conditions.
I see a 49 year old malnourished baby – in need of urgent attention.
I see a 49 year old country that is struggling to find its feet, plagued by all sorts of evils – from poor leadership to a deeply corrupt system, from apathy to antipathy.
I see, and I will not stop seeing. The day I stop seeing, I will surely become like the sightless monsters who I so much resent. Even though it hurts to look, again I will steel myself, and soak in the pain – while clinging to the very last vestige of hope.
I take a break from seeing the things which are, and I look to the future. Through my moist eyes, all I can see is a shimmery oasis in the desert – the famous crazed illusion of fresh water ahead that has driven many a desert traveller to their death. Whether this is an illusion, or reality ‐ I alone cannot tell for sure, but collectively – we can decide which it will be.
We have to act, and we have to do it now. If we don’t fight, we have lost, but if we fight – we may win. You ask, what is the prize? What we want is simple, yet so complex; easy, yet looks so hard: a better standard of life for the Nigerian on the street.
What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Remember the song: I love my country, I no go lie...? I am proudly Nigerian, even though it has never hurt this bad.
God bless Nigeria!
KOYE‐LADELE Mogbekeloluwa
+2348062543654, koyegbeke@gmail.com
Mechanical Engineering Part IV
For a few days now, I have felt under a lot of pressure.
I have repeatedly tried to commit my thoughts to my word processor, in a bid to ease the pressure, but motivation has been long in coming. Even now, as my fingers move lightly around the keyboard in an attempt to coax every last drop from the spigot of inspiration – I cannot shake the feeling that the flow will constrict and eventually die out. In any case, before I allow that to happen, I hope to maximize it.
Let’s do this, shall we?
I was taught by a cruel and unfeeling educational system not to show emotion, as shows of emotion were often rewarded with punishment. I was brought up to believe that crying was synonymous with weakness, that public shows of emotion were only for the faint of heart—to be avoided with all the will power I could muster in demanding situations.
Sadly, in a drastic departure from what I have believed for years, recent happenings have taught me with agreeable force and shown me with stunning clarity ‐ real men cry!
You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a hungry kid who hasn’t eaten in days, yet who refuses your money in an effort to save face for his parents? You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a father who has stuffed his ego down the toilet seat as he asks you for a loan to fix his motorcycle, so he can go out and make some money for his family? You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a sick 3‐year old that cannot afford quality medical treatment, and whom you are almost powerless to help?
I tell you what’s up – I know the feeling!
In recent times, I have come to realize how small a part I play in the grand scheme of things, at the present. It has struck me forcefully how little I can contribute to the growth of Nigeria in my present state.
I have eyes to see with, and I have seen things. I have laughed at some, but I have cried at more.
I have cried for youngsters who hawk all sorts on the streets during school hours, because an unquestionable fate marked them out to be born to less‐privileged Nigerian parents.
I have cried for former classmates who dropped out of school to drive commercial buses and taxis, because insensitive despots have stolen from the future to sate their gluttonous desires in the present.
I have cried for families who have lost children, fathers, and mothers to uprisings in different parts of the country, because we have been saddled with a leadership that puts personal differences before the common good.
I have cried for the budding entrepreneur who set up shop outside my house, but who was forced to close down by the prohibitive cost of generating power, because a connected few are bent on bringing the power sector to its knees.
I have cried for a lady who lost her footing and stepped off a narrow bridge, into the murky depths of a swollen river that had overflowed its banks and flooded the surroundings, because of the existence of a wide gap between what the governed need and what the government has to offer.
I have cried for a president who had enough strength to travel to Saudi Arabia to help open a university, yet lacks the decisiveness to re‐open those in his own country.
I have cried for the Apo Six, and for others who did not get such publicity, yet lost their lives in similar circumstances without redress or compensation to their families, because decades of poor leadership have made a parody out of justice. Alas! These guys should never have died in the first place! Sadly, the police‐cum‐private‐enforcers are seldom properly trained and are often ill motivated.
I have cried in anger and frustration after gaining a new understanding of how much work needs be done to snatch my country back from a mostly illiterate and bigoted political elite who seem hell bent on making a travesty out of it.
I have cried, and I am still crying.
I take a walk on the streets, and I see billboards proclaiming open governance and a better life for all, amidst so much squalor, in places where even Achilles would fear to tread.
I walk on the streets, and I see masked people. They smile at the smallest things, and laugh at crude jokes, in an attempt to hide profound despair. They sigh wearily at the little disappointments that have become a part of their lives, and fight for every today they encounter. These people deserve better, don’t they?
I see monsters masquerading as leaders, bent on robbing the future – to live in the present.
I see governors who show off their temporary‐residences‐cum‐mansions to the entire world, making wishes while walking round comical stars of David, while the governed live in abject poverty in next to destitute conditions.
I see a 49 year old malnourished baby – in need of urgent attention.
I see a 49 year old country that is struggling to find its feet, plagued by all sorts of evils – from poor leadership to a deeply corrupt system, from apathy to antipathy.
I see, and I will not stop seeing. The day I stop seeing, I will surely become like the sightless monsters who I so much resent. Even though it hurts to look, again I will steel myself, and soak in the pain – while clinging to the very last vestige of hope.
I take a break from seeing the things which are, and I look to the future. Through my moist eyes, all I can see is a shimmery oasis in the desert – the famous crazed illusion of fresh water ahead that has driven many a desert traveller to their death. Whether this is an illusion, or reality ‐ I alone cannot tell for sure, but collectively – we can decide which it will be.
We have to act, and we have to do it now. If we don’t fight, we have lost, but if we fight – we may win. You ask, what is the prize? What we want is simple, yet so complex; easy, yet looks so hard: a better standard of life for the Nigerian on the street.
What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Remember the song: I love my country, I no go lie...? I am proudly Nigerian, even though it has never hurt this bad.
God bless Nigeria!
KOYE‐LADELE Mogbekeloluwa
+2348062543654, koyegbeke@gmail.com
GUEST WRITER FOR THE WEEK
KOYE‐LADELE Mogbekeloluwa
Mechanical Engineering Part IV
For a few days now, I have felt under a lot of pressure.
I have repeatedly tried to commit my thoughts to my word processor, in a bid to ease the pressure, but motivation has been long in coming. Even now, as my fingers move lightly around the keyboard in an attempt to coax every last drop from the spigot of inspiration – I cannot shake the feeling that the flow will constrict and eventually die out. In any case, before I allow that to happen, I hope to maximize it.
Let’s do this, shall we?
I was taught by a cruel and unfeeling educational system not to show emotion, as shows of emotion were often rewarded with punishment. I was brought up to believe that crying was synonymous with weakness, that public shows of emotion were only for the faint of heart—to be avoided with all the will power I could muster in demanding situations.
Sadly, in a drastic departure from what I have believed for years, recent happenings have taught me with agreeable force and shown me with stunning clarity ‐ real men cry!
You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a hungry kid who hasn’t eaten in days, yet who refuses your money in an effort to save face for his parents? You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a father who has stuffed his ego down the toilet seat as he asks you for a loan to fix his motorcycle, so he can go out and make some money for his family? You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a sick 3‐year old that cannot afford quality medical treatment, and whom you are almost powerless to help?
I tell you what’s up – I know the feeling!
In recent times, I have come to realize how small a part I play in the grand scheme of things, at the present. It has struck me forcefully how little I can contribute to the growth of Nigeria in my present state.
I have eyes to see with, and I have seen things. I have laughed at some, but I have cried at more.
I have cried for youngsters who hawk all sorts on the streets during school hours, because an unquestionable fate marked them out to be born to less‐privileged Nigerian parents.
I have cried for former classmates who dropped out of school to drive commercial buses and taxis, because insensitive despots have stolen from the future to sate their gluttonous desires in the present.
I have cried for families who have lost children, fathers, and mothers to uprisings in different parts of the country, because we have been saddled with a leadership that puts personal differences before the common good.
I have cried for the budding entrepreneur who set up shop outside my house, but who was forced to close down by the prohibitive cost of generating power, because a connected few are bent on bringing the power sector to its knees.
I have cried for a lady who lost her footing and stepped off a narrow bridge, into the murky depths of a swollen river that had overflowed its banks and flooded the surroundings, because of the existence of a wide gap between what the governed need and what the government has to offer.
I have cried for a president who had enough strength to travel to Saudi Arabia to help open a university, yet lacks the decisiveness to re‐open those in his own country.
I have cried for the Apo Six, and for others who did not get such publicity, yet lost their lives in similar circumstances without redress or compensation to their families, because decades of poor leadership have made a parody out of justice. Alas! These guys should never have died in the first place! Sadly, the police‐cum‐private‐enforcers are seldom properly trained and are often ill motivated.
I have cried in anger and frustration after gaining a new understanding of how much work needs be done to snatch my country back from a mostly illiterate and bigoted political elite who seem hell bent on making a travesty out of it.
I have cried, and I am still crying.
I take a walk on the streets, and I see billboards proclaiming open governance and a better life for all, amidst so much squalor, in places where even Achilles would fear to tread.
I walk on the streets, and I see masked people. They smile at the smallest things, and laugh at crude jokes, in an attempt to hide profound despair. They sigh wearily at the little disappointments that have become a part of their lives, and fight for every today they encounter. These people deserve better, don’t they?
I see monsters masquerading as leaders, bent on robbing the future – to live in the present.
I see governors who show off their temporary‐residences‐cum‐mansions to the entire world, making wishes while walking round comical stars of David, while the governed live in abject poverty in next to destitute conditions.
I see a 49 year old malnourished baby – in need of urgent attention.
I see a 49 year old country that is struggling to find its feet, plagued by all sorts of evils – from poor leadership to a deeply corrupt system, from apathy to antipathy.
I see, and I will not stop seeing. The day I stop seeing, I will surely become like the sightless monsters who I so much resent. Even though it hurts to look, again I will steel myself, and soak in the pain – while clinging to the very last vestige of hope.
I take a break from seeing the things which are, and I look to the future. Through my moist eyes, all I can see is a shimmery oasis in the desert – the famous crazed illusion of fresh water ahead that has driven many a desert traveller to their death. Whether this is an illusion, or reality ‐ I alone cannot tell for sure, but collectively – we can decide which it will be.
We have to act, and we have to do it now. If we don’t fight, we have lost, but if we fight – we may win. You ask, what is the prize? What we want is simple, yet so complex; easy, yet looks so hard: a better standard of life for the Nigerian on the street.
What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Remember the song: I love my country, I no go lie...? I am proudly Nigerian, even though it has never hurt this bad.
God bless Nigeria!
KOYE‐LADELE Mogbekeloluwa
+2348062543654, koyegbeke@gmail.com
Mechanical Engineering Part IV
For a few days now, I have felt under a lot of pressure.
I have repeatedly tried to commit my thoughts to my word processor, in a bid to ease the pressure, but motivation has been long in coming. Even now, as my fingers move lightly around the keyboard in an attempt to coax every last drop from the spigot of inspiration – I cannot shake the feeling that the flow will constrict and eventually die out. In any case, before I allow that to happen, I hope to maximize it.
Let’s do this, shall we?
I was taught by a cruel and unfeeling educational system not to show emotion, as shows of emotion were often rewarded with punishment. I was brought up to believe that crying was synonymous with weakness, that public shows of emotion were only for the faint of heart—to be avoided with all the will power I could muster in demanding situations.
Sadly, in a drastic departure from what I have believed for years, recent happenings have taught me with agreeable force and shown me with stunning clarity ‐ real men cry!
You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a hungry kid who hasn’t eaten in days, yet who refuses your money in an effort to save face for his parents? You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a father who has stuffed his ego down the toilet seat as he asks you for a loan to fix his motorcycle, so he can go out and make some money for his family? You know the feeling you get when you cry alongside a sick 3‐year old that cannot afford quality medical treatment, and whom you are almost powerless to help?
I tell you what’s up – I know the feeling!
In recent times, I have come to realize how small a part I play in the grand scheme of things, at the present. It has struck me forcefully how little I can contribute to the growth of Nigeria in my present state.
I have eyes to see with, and I have seen things. I have laughed at some, but I have cried at more.
I have cried for youngsters who hawk all sorts on the streets during school hours, because an unquestionable fate marked them out to be born to less‐privileged Nigerian parents.
I have cried for former classmates who dropped out of school to drive commercial buses and taxis, because insensitive despots have stolen from the future to sate their gluttonous desires in the present.
I have cried for families who have lost children, fathers, and mothers to uprisings in different parts of the country, because we have been saddled with a leadership that puts personal differences before the common good.
I have cried for the budding entrepreneur who set up shop outside my house, but who was forced to close down by the prohibitive cost of generating power, because a connected few are bent on bringing the power sector to its knees.
I have cried for a lady who lost her footing and stepped off a narrow bridge, into the murky depths of a swollen river that had overflowed its banks and flooded the surroundings, because of the existence of a wide gap between what the governed need and what the government has to offer.
I have cried for a president who had enough strength to travel to Saudi Arabia to help open a university, yet lacks the decisiveness to re‐open those in his own country.
I have cried for the Apo Six, and for others who did not get such publicity, yet lost their lives in similar circumstances without redress or compensation to their families, because decades of poor leadership have made a parody out of justice. Alas! These guys should never have died in the first place! Sadly, the police‐cum‐private‐enforcers are seldom properly trained and are often ill motivated.
I have cried in anger and frustration after gaining a new understanding of how much work needs be done to snatch my country back from a mostly illiterate and bigoted political elite who seem hell bent on making a travesty out of it.
I have cried, and I am still crying.
I take a walk on the streets, and I see billboards proclaiming open governance and a better life for all, amidst so much squalor, in places where even Achilles would fear to tread.
I walk on the streets, and I see masked people. They smile at the smallest things, and laugh at crude jokes, in an attempt to hide profound despair. They sigh wearily at the little disappointments that have become a part of their lives, and fight for every today they encounter. These people deserve better, don’t they?
I see monsters masquerading as leaders, bent on robbing the future – to live in the present.
I see governors who show off their temporary‐residences‐cum‐mansions to the entire world, making wishes while walking round comical stars of David, while the governed live in abject poverty in next to destitute conditions.
I see a 49 year old malnourished baby – in need of urgent attention.
I see a 49 year old country that is struggling to find its feet, plagued by all sorts of evils – from poor leadership to a deeply corrupt system, from apathy to antipathy.
I see, and I will not stop seeing. The day I stop seeing, I will surely become like the sightless monsters who I so much resent. Even though it hurts to look, again I will steel myself, and soak in the pain – while clinging to the very last vestige of hope.
I take a break from seeing the things which are, and I look to the future. Through my moist eyes, all I can see is a shimmery oasis in the desert – the famous crazed illusion of fresh water ahead that has driven many a desert traveller to their death. Whether this is an illusion, or reality ‐ I alone cannot tell for sure, but collectively – we can decide which it will be.
We have to act, and we have to do it now. If we don’t fight, we have lost, but if we fight – we may win. You ask, what is the prize? What we want is simple, yet so complex; easy, yet looks so hard: a better standard of life for the Nigerian on the street.
What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Remember the song: I love my country, I no go lie...? I am proudly Nigerian, even though it has never hurt this bad.
God bless Nigeria!
KOYE‐LADELE Mogbekeloluwa
+2348062543654, koyegbeke@gmail.com
YOUTH EMPOWERMENTS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
Written by TOSIN OSEMEOBO
Education has no universally acceptable definition; it is a concept defined in many ways. Some see it as the acquisition of certain behavioral characteristics; such as skills attitudes, beliefs, logical reasoning, knowledge and other traits, which will enable one to adjust and interact effectively with others in the society. This is the process of schooling the mind to think logically in order to solve certain problems confronting humanity.
We live in a fast changing world, a time when it is only the quality of insight and information available to a person, which will determine the depth of transformation achievable. This is when education becomes inevitable. By potential education, I mean a kind of educational setting that will help unveil certain potentials, develop those that are dormant and instill new ones. Largely, 70 to 80% of the population in schools (secondary and tertiary) is youths. If this hypothetical assumption is correct then you will agree with me that a vote for education is a vote for the youth. A focus on education will automatically be a focus on the youths.
Education for the past few decades has been proven universally as essential to the developmental progress and advancement of any nation; as a result, it plays a crucial role in the growth and development of other sectors of the economy.
The youths are the force of change, when the educational sector of a nation is vibrant; it unveils their potentials, helps to develop their skills and in turn aids the development of that country. This is because the youths are the most energetic working class in any country. That is why their education is important for nation building. In a recent survey by youth organizations around the world, young people were asked to list their major concerns in life and they
Identified them as follows:
1. Early marriage
2. Drug abuse
3. Family problems
4. STDs
5. Lack of opportunities
6. Unemployment
7. Inadequate education
8. Poor empowerment and skill development
These concerns are categorized into three;
1. Social issues.
2. Educational prospects.
3. Skill and unemployment issues.
Taking for instance the contribution of the youths to fight hunger as a form of potential education, this depends on just their sheer weight of number, their early openness to new ideas, pragmatic views, illustrations, personal ambitions and interest, sense of worth, responsibility and adding of value to humanity. All these and more make participation effective and result oriented.
One important thing a country can do for its overall development is to invest in educational empowerment and skill development thereby creating opportunities that will be available, accessible and affordable to all. We cannot deny the fact that thousands of young people in Nigeria live in rural areas, they are illiterate and they lack adequate opportunity for enlightenments that will empower their potentials. Major problems facing these country are severe in the rural areas were education and health facilities are poor, jobs and other useful opportunities are limited.
If the government will address these issues, the youths will be able to fulfill their potentials, play an active role in local resources, implement local programs, gain access to formal education, explore urban technology to their advantage, develop insight which will make them fit into lucrative opportunities and help them compete with their counterparts in the world.
These will have a resultant effect on their own future which is inevitably the future of the nation.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
The government should provide financial allocations (capital) to support local enterprises and create employment programs for the youths. They should support co-operative schemes and youth development banks, involving young people in designing and implementing voluntary service programs for their localities. They should establish skill acquisition centers. Build more schools with subsidized fees. Healthcare centers with free treatment for minor ailments, good roads and rural electrification. These will attract local agricultural investors and bring large market to the farmers. Scholarship should be given to students on merit.
Finally, NGOs can bridge the gap between rural illiteracy and urban intelligence. This is imperative because the youths are the future of any nation.
TRENOON
Your pen link
Education has no universally acceptable definition; it is a concept defined in many ways. Some see it as the acquisition of certain behavioral characteristics; such as skills attitudes, beliefs, logical reasoning, knowledge and other traits, which will enable one to adjust and interact effectively with others in the society. This is the process of schooling the mind to think logically in order to solve certain problems confronting humanity.
We live in a fast changing world, a time when it is only the quality of insight and information available to a person, which will determine the depth of transformation achievable. This is when education becomes inevitable. By potential education, I mean a kind of educational setting that will help unveil certain potentials, develop those that are dormant and instill new ones. Largely, 70 to 80% of the population in schools (secondary and tertiary) is youths. If this hypothetical assumption is correct then you will agree with me that a vote for education is a vote for the youth. A focus on education will automatically be a focus on the youths.
Education for the past few decades has been proven universally as essential to the developmental progress and advancement of any nation; as a result, it plays a crucial role in the growth and development of other sectors of the economy.
The youths are the force of change, when the educational sector of a nation is vibrant; it unveils their potentials, helps to develop their skills and in turn aids the development of that country. This is because the youths are the most energetic working class in any country. That is why their education is important for nation building. In a recent survey by youth organizations around the world, young people were asked to list their major concerns in life and they
Identified them as follows:
1. Early marriage
2. Drug abuse
3. Family problems
4. STDs
5. Lack of opportunities
6. Unemployment
7. Inadequate education
8. Poor empowerment and skill development
These concerns are categorized into three;
1. Social issues.
2. Educational prospects.
3. Skill and unemployment issues.
Taking for instance the contribution of the youths to fight hunger as a form of potential education, this depends on just their sheer weight of number, their early openness to new ideas, pragmatic views, illustrations, personal ambitions and interest, sense of worth, responsibility and adding of value to humanity. All these and more make participation effective and result oriented.
One important thing a country can do for its overall development is to invest in educational empowerment and skill development thereby creating opportunities that will be available, accessible and affordable to all. We cannot deny the fact that thousands of young people in Nigeria live in rural areas, they are illiterate and they lack adequate opportunity for enlightenments that will empower their potentials. Major problems facing these country are severe in the rural areas were education and health facilities are poor, jobs and other useful opportunities are limited.
If the government will address these issues, the youths will be able to fulfill their potentials, play an active role in local resources, implement local programs, gain access to formal education, explore urban technology to their advantage, develop insight which will make them fit into lucrative opportunities and help them compete with their counterparts in the world.
These will have a resultant effect on their own future which is inevitably the future of the nation.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
The government should provide financial allocations (capital) to support local enterprises and create employment programs for the youths. They should support co-operative schemes and youth development banks, involving young people in designing and implementing voluntary service programs for their localities. They should establish skill acquisition centers. Build more schools with subsidized fees. Healthcare centers with free treatment for minor ailments, good roads and rural electrification. These will attract local agricultural investors and bring large market to the farmers. Scholarship should be given to students on merit.
Finally, NGOs can bridge the gap between rural illiteracy and urban intelligence. This is imperative because the youths are the future of any nation.
TRENOON
Your pen link
HAVE YOU NOTICED?
Have you noticed that that the number of those that speak languages that are similar to Hausa have increased on campus? The SOCIOSCOPE correspondent that went around the campus brought back reports that these people who speak ‘alien’ languages are either from Lesotho, Niger or any of the Nigerian northern states. Their presence was particularly conspicuous at Adekunle Fajuyi Hall.
One may want to find out what the reason for the increase in their number on campus may be. Obviously, it appears to be the result of the increase in the level of awareness amongst people to whom education was formerly a “don’t”.
We use this avenue to welcome them to OAU, wishing them a lovely ‘stress-free’ study.
One may want to find out what the reason for the increase in their number on campus may be. Obviously, it appears to be the result of the increase in the level of awareness amongst people to whom education was formerly a “don’t”.
We use this avenue to welcome them to OAU, wishing them a lovely ‘stress-free’ study.
Monday, May 17, 2010
EDITORIAL
ACCOMMODATION: STOP THIS VICTIMIZATION
Many may think that the end has come to issues pertaining to accommodation throes. But the truth remains that the end is yet to come to many problems that accommodation challenges have thrown up. The attention of the Editorial team of SOCIOSCOPE was caught by the fact that many innocent students are, at the moment, suffering because some people somewhere are doing either nothing or the wrong thing.
If you are attuned with the incidents on campus, you would remember that some weeks ago, a list that containing the names of some students who were alleged to have been involved in (illegal) sale of bed spaces was released. From reports that have been gathered so far from reliable sources, some (if not most) of the names of some students on that list are names of people who are innocent. Despite their innocence, they have been made to go through unprecedented problems. According to reports that reached SOCIOSCOPE from very reliable sources, some Akintola Hall executives were fingered as those responsible for putting many students in a precarious situation they are not supposed to be in.
Everyone on OAU campus knows that Akintola (Sports) hall has the least number of buildings—just four buildings. This being the case, one cannot but wonder why the hostel recorded the highest number of ‘victims’—51 victims. According to pity-inspiring narrations by some finalists that were allocated Akintola Hall whose spaces are under the threat of being withdrawn by the school management, the executive of the hall acted very irresponsibly. The Sports hall chairperson, Oyelami Fatimah (TIIMAH), was said to have led the onslaught. The hall chair, in the company of one of the porters, went around in the afternoon, at around one thirty with the intent of ‘catching’ those who had sold or bought bed spaces. But to the amazement of many, the chairperson was said to have written “Absent” in front of the names of those who she did not meet in the room. However, as time later on revealed, those whose names were marked absent also appeared among the names of supposed offenders. As far as this is concerned, one may find it difficult to blame anyone, the school management that released the list, or the hall chairperson that could not differentiate the names of those that sold or bought spaces from the names of those who she marked “Absent”.
SOCIOSCOPE wishes to pass this message to the appropriate quarters—to whoever it may concern. It is high time we stopped punishing innocent students. Inasmuch as one may applaud the efforts of the school authority to separate ‘the weed from the shaft’, the innocent must not suffer with the ‘guilty’. The executives of Akintola Hall is hereby called upon to ensure that the innocent do not suffer with the ‘guilty.’
Olofinlua Oyindamola
Editor-in-chief
Many may think that the end has come to issues pertaining to accommodation throes. But the truth remains that the end is yet to come to many problems that accommodation challenges have thrown up. The attention of the Editorial team of SOCIOSCOPE was caught by the fact that many innocent students are, at the moment, suffering because some people somewhere are doing either nothing or the wrong thing.
If you are attuned with the incidents on campus, you would remember that some weeks ago, a list that containing the names of some students who were alleged to have been involved in (illegal) sale of bed spaces was released. From reports that have been gathered so far from reliable sources, some (if not most) of the names of some students on that list are names of people who are innocent. Despite their innocence, they have been made to go through unprecedented problems. According to reports that reached SOCIOSCOPE from very reliable sources, some Akintola Hall executives were fingered as those responsible for putting many students in a precarious situation they are not supposed to be in.
Everyone on OAU campus knows that Akintola (Sports) hall has the least number of buildings—just four buildings. This being the case, one cannot but wonder why the hostel recorded the highest number of ‘victims’—51 victims. According to pity-inspiring narrations by some finalists that were allocated Akintola Hall whose spaces are under the threat of being withdrawn by the school management, the executive of the hall acted very irresponsibly. The Sports hall chairperson, Oyelami Fatimah (TIIMAH), was said to have led the onslaught. The hall chair, in the company of one of the porters, went around in the afternoon, at around one thirty with the intent of ‘catching’ those who had sold or bought bed spaces. But to the amazement of many, the chairperson was said to have written “Absent” in front of the names of those who she did not meet in the room. However, as time later on revealed, those whose names were marked absent also appeared among the names of supposed offenders. As far as this is concerned, one may find it difficult to blame anyone, the school management that released the list, or the hall chairperson that could not differentiate the names of those that sold or bought spaces from the names of those who she marked “Absent”.
SOCIOSCOPE wishes to pass this message to the appropriate quarters—to whoever it may concern. It is high time we stopped punishing innocent students. Inasmuch as one may applaud the efforts of the school authority to separate ‘the weed from the shaft’, the innocent must not suffer with the ‘guilty’. The executives of Akintola Hall is hereby called upon to ensure that the innocent do not suffer with the ‘guilty.’
Olofinlua Oyindamola
Editor-in-chief
Monday, May 10, 2010
GUEST WRITER OF THE WEEK
GUARDED MISSILES WITH GP
ODE TO A MINISTER OF MIS-INFORMATION
Disclaimer: It is in the words of a sage that I first heard that there are times you speak your mind and there are times you mind your speech. I tender my “reserved” and “insincere” apology to any who may consider this piece a slap on their face. It is in the interest of my fellow Niger-areans who possess a nonnegotiable right to first hand information. It is a fictionalized memoir and thus should not be taken with hard feelings. It is a literary and fictional pogrom directed to change all those concerned.
Once upon a time, there lived in a country called Niger-area, a well respected woman who managed the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) under the administration of an ironical elder states-man who with utmost insincerity fought corruption and has landed the country in her present day of leadership mishap. This woman was a legend and a figure to be reckoned with. Children in schools when asked who they would like to be like in future, they would say I would like to be like Prof. Rado Ayinkuli. That was her name. A name that became a household a name. She fought corruption in the pharmaceutical industries and fought industries that engaged in harmful food items. She saved many lives from death, even at the expense of her and her family security. She lived up to her profession as a veteran pharmacist and a teacher of Pharmacy. Little wonder she received a lot of accolades from within and outside the shores of the Country.
A new book of history was opened for our dear Mama NAFDAC when she was appointed to run the Ministry of Information. The news of her acceptance of the appointment was a startling one on the totality of the countrymen. On hearing this, the first thing that occurred to me was A .E Housman’s poem; “An Athlete Dying Young.” It was in this poem that I first realized that it is better to die holding laurels and praises than to continue to run and be outrun. Prof Rado Ayinkuli thought she would be able to use the same skill, dexterity and enthusiasm she used in her former appointment in this new one. If I were her but God forbid (uwasombaic allusion), I would have resigned from the affairs of politics and go back to classroom. Instead, she opted to be used as a political tool in the hands of the power that be. One of her giant “strides” in the affairs of the country that Niger-areans are yet to recuperate from is the re-run election of a State in the western part of the country. Mrs. Rado Ayinkuli acted in the most brazen way by ordering the Returning officer in that election to come out of her hiding. She had series of close doors meeting with the former refused-to-go- chairman of the Electoral commission. Another Professor of national shame. The “unholy romance” of the two professors during that time led to what we have today in that part of the country: an electoral misgiving.
It was under the nose of this same woman that a particular country abroad described this country as corrupt and symbol of shame yet the minister herself said nothing drastic to retort the statement. The most sickening thing to be thought on planet earth was what she came up with: Re-branding. Prof Rado Ayinkuli came out to deceive us that we are good people and great nation. Yes we are, aren’t we? With the like of the shameless politricians who care less of the common man in the streets, who enrich themselves and impoverish the poor the more. Yes, we are good people and great nation but not with the unreachable election rigging, high rate of militancy, insecurity, corruption and with the signs of world terrorism as manifested in one of our northern brothers very recently in the United States of America. Why won’t this madam re-branding just make us feel bad and corrupt so that we can strive towards change instead of misinforming us, thereby making us disbelieve the evidence of our own eyes. I guess she has forgotten that only the sick need a physician.
Between November 23rd last year and February 23rd this year when the Late President of this “great” country who was sick in body but sound enough in mind to understand the implication of resigning as a President, went on three months “paternity leave,” we understood this minister of misinformation better. All through the President’s “leave” until his demise, the people of this country never knew the true state of his health. It is obviously due to our poor Ministry of Information and Communication that a foreign news agency will broadcast worldwide that our Ex-President was dead even when he was very much alive. “This is an aberration on the letters and spirit of our sacrosanct constitution” as the Union boys will put it. A six man delegate was sent to find out the state of health of the Late President. But on getting there, they found out that our deceased President had been discharged. The Late President of our country was discharged and had begun his journey back home yet the Minister of Information and Communication was not informed and communicated. What a shame! The delegates got there only to be told he had left. What an insult!
At the outset of the Late President’s sojourn, this Minister of Misinformation appeared as a core loyalist of the bedeviled erstwhile President. She antagonized all attempts to impeach him, became the leader of the Federal Executive Council, boycotted attempts to give more powers to the Vice President and insisted that our Late President was still and will still be our President. On seeing the Vice President on the verge of being enthroned Acting President, this madam mis-information carpet-crossed to the side of those supporting the Vice President and began to speak in favour of the Vice President. What manner of woman is this! A political belladonna and a good example of a bad woman. It was just on the 3rd of March, 2010 that some members of the cabinet urged Mr. Acting President (now President) to caution her against what they called persistent inflammatory remarks. This woman is a perpetrator of political rancour in this country. It was in her case I understood the biblical injunction that women should keep quiet in the church. The church here is the political terrain of this country and one of such women is Prof Rado Ayinkuli. Many interest and pressure groups are sick and tired of her motor mouth and dicey attitude. Permit me to quote verbatim what a particular pressure group said about her “we have watched with utter dismay the unrestricted manner that the Minister of Information has become overly vociferous and galloping without breaks into the pathetic arena of political gamesmanship by talking without consideration for the unity of the country." Why won’t this woman just keep quiet or better still be on one side. If the departed President had fully recuperated, definitely this woman would have assumed a new stance. Before the assumption of the erstwhile Vice President as Acting President, this woman acted so swiftly that she escaped the fate that befell the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. Her attitude is flirtatious and somebody should please help me tell her to change.
The leadership of this country has disappointed me so much to the extent that I feel like crying. But I won’t cry because men do not cry in my father’s village. I almost died of chagrin the day I learnt that this same woman was restored like a deleted document from the recycle bin to the same Ministry were she has failed before. The point however is not that she came back to the Ministry, but that she was not totally dropped from helms of affair in this country. Why on earth are our politricians treating us like this? If we write, they will gaol us for libel, if we speak, they will confine us for slander, if we act, they will detain us for sedition. God please help us to address the case of bad leadership in our country with special attention on the life minister of misinformation. This is my note of supplication.
FINIS
I hope the Minister of Information and Communications of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Dora Akunyili reads this story of mine.
Paul Akpomuje (GP)
08035271972, 08051446022 (sms only).
ODE TO A MINISTER OF MIS-INFORMATION
Disclaimer: It is in the words of a sage that I first heard that there are times you speak your mind and there are times you mind your speech. I tender my “reserved” and “insincere” apology to any who may consider this piece a slap on their face. It is in the interest of my fellow Niger-areans who possess a nonnegotiable right to first hand information. It is a fictionalized memoir and thus should not be taken with hard feelings. It is a literary and fictional pogrom directed to change all those concerned.
Once upon a time, there lived in a country called Niger-area, a well respected woman who managed the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) under the administration of an ironical elder states-man who with utmost insincerity fought corruption and has landed the country in her present day of leadership mishap. This woman was a legend and a figure to be reckoned with. Children in schools when asked who they would like to be like in future, they would say I would like to be like Prof. Rado Ayinkuli. That was her name. A name that became a household a name. She fought corruption in the pharmaceutical industries and fought industries that engaged in harmful food items. She saved many lives from death, even at the expense of her and her family security. She lived up to her profession as a veteran pharmacist and a teacher of Pharmacy. Little wonder she received a lot of accolades from within and outside the shores of the Country.
A new book of history was opened for our dear Mama NAFDAC when she was appointed to run the Ministry of Information. The news of her acceptance of the appointment was a startling one on the totality of the countrymen. On hearing this, the first thing that occurred to me was A .E Housman’s poem; “An Athlete Dying Young.” It was in this poem that I first realized that it is better to die holding laurels and praises than to continue to run and be outrun. Prof Rado Ayinkuli thought she would be able to use the same skill, dexterity and enthusiasm she used in her former appointment in this new one. If I were her but God forbid (uwasombaic allusion), I would have resigned from the affairs of politics and go back to classroom. Instead, she opted to be used as a political tool in the hands of the power that be. One of her giant “strides” in the affairs of the country that Niger-areans are yet to recuperate from is the re-run election of a State in the western part of the country. Mrs. Rado Ayinkuli acted in the most brazen way by ordering the Returning officer in that election to come out of her hiding. She had series of close doors meeting with the former refused-to-go- chairman of the Electoral commission. Another Professor of national shame. The “unholy romance” of the two professors during that time led to what we have today in that part of the country: an electoral misgiving.
It was under the nose of this same woman that a particular country abroad described this country as corrupt and symbol of shame yet the minister herself said nothing drastic to retort the statement. The most sickening thing to be thought on planet earth was what she came up with: Re-branding. Prof Rado Ayinkuli came out to deceive us that we are good people and great nation. Yes we are, aren’t we? With the like of the shameless politricians who care less of the common man in the streets, who enrich themselves and impoverish the poor the more. Yes, we are good people and great nation but not with the unreachable election rigging, high rate of militancy, insecurity, corruption and with the signs of world terrorism as manifested in one of our northern brothers very recently in the United States of America. Why won’t this madam re-branding just make us feel bad and corrupt so that we can strive towards change instead of misinforming us, thereby making us disbelieve the evidence of our own eyes. I guess she has forgotten that only the sick need a physician.
Between November 23rd last year and February 23rd this year when the Late President of this “great” country who was sick in body but sound enough in mind to understand the implication of resigning as a President, went on three months “paternity leave,” we understood this minister of misinformation better. All through the President’s “leave” until his demise, the people of this country never knew the true state of his health. It is obviously due to our poor Ministry of Information and Communication that a foreign news agency will broadcast worldwide that our Ex-President was dead even when he was very much alive. “This is an aberration on the letters and spirit of our sacrosanct constitution” as the Union boys will put it. A six man delegate was sent to find out the state of health of the Late President. But on getting there, they found out that our deceased President had been discharged. The Late President of our country was discharged and had begun his journey back home yet the Minister of Information and Communication was not informed and communicated. What a shame! The delegates got there only to be told he had left. What an insult!
At the outset of the Late President’s sojourn, this Minister of Misinformation appeared as a core loyalist of the bedeviled erstwhile President. She antagonized all attempts to impeach him, became the leader of the Federal Executive Council, boycotted attempts to give more powers to the Vice President and insisted that our Late President was still and will still be our President. On seeing the Vice President on the verge of being enthroned Acting President, this madam mis-information carpet-crossed to the side of those supporting the Vice President and began to speak in favour of the Vice President. What manner of woman is this! A political belladonna and a good example of a bad woman. It was just on the 3rd of March, 2010 that some members of the cabinet urged Mr. Acting President (now President) to caution her against what they called persistent inflammatory remarks. This woman is a perpetrator of political rancour in this country. It was in her case I understood the biblical injunction that women should keep quiet in the church. The church here is the political terrain of this country and one of such women is Prof Rado Ayinkuli. Many interest and pressure groups are sick and tired of her motor mouth and dicey attitude. Permit me to quote verbatim what a particular pressure group said about her “we have watched with utter dismay the unrestricted manner that the Minister of Information has become overly vociferous and galloping without breaks into the pathetic arena of political gamesmanship by talking without consideration for the unity of the country." Why won’t this woman just keep quiet or better still be on one side. If the departed President had fully recuperated, definitely this woman would have assumed a new stance. Before the assumption of the erstwhile Vice President as Acting President, this woman acted so swiftly that she escaped the fate that befell the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. Her attitude is flirtatious and somebody should please help me tell her to change.
The leadership of this country has disappointed me so much to the extent that I feel like crying. But I won’t cry because men do not cry in my father’s village. I almost died of chagrin the day I learnt that this same woman was restored like a deleted document from the recycle bin to the same Ministry were she has failed before. The point however is not that she came back to the Ministry, but that she was not totally dropped from helms of affair in this country. Why on earth are our politricians treating us like this? If we write, they will gaol us for libel, if we speak, they will confine us for slander, if we act, they will detain us for sedition. God please help us to address the case of bad leadership in our country with special attention on the life minister of misinformation. This is my note of supplication.
FINIS
I hope the Minister of Information and Communications of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Dora Akunyili reads this story of mine.
Paul Akpomuje (GP)
08035271972, 08051446022 (sms only).
DESTINY LASHES OUT AT CONGRESS
Great Ife had a congress on Thursday, 6th May, 2010. As expected, the congress was “hot”—it did not disappoint those that that turned out. The congress was mainly called in order to address the numerous issues that are facing the entire student populace of OAU. Rumors had it that the Vice Chancellor was supposed to grace the congress. But to the surprise of many, only the Dean, Division of Students’ Affairs, the Chief Security Officer and the Deputy Vice Chancellor came.
Although many other occurrences happened during the congress, the time Destiny Agogo, the former SUG presidential candidate, came out to talk marked the apogee. He came out amidst the round of applause of students, who had earlier on clamored that he should be given the recognition he deserved. The Students’ Union president, Alaje Paul AKA Prof, refused to call on Destiny to speak until he raised his hands.
Finally, after Destiny had raised his hand, he was called to speak by the Students’ Union president. Destiny, on coming to the podium, was adjudged by many not to have been prepared to talk. So, when he was speaking, some thought he said the right thing at the wrong time. Destiny challenged Prof to come out plain about his alleged role of dissuading some Great Ife student from protesting on Sunday, 25th April, 2010—an action he said totally against the aluta spirit of Great Ife. Destiny accused Prof of quelling the fundamental and inalienable rights of student to speech and expression. This is just one of the challenges Destiny threw at the Students’ Union government. He directly accused them of gross irresponsibility and incapability, which has never been seen from the genesis of student unionism in OAU till date.
At the end of it all, Destiny appeared to have fallen out of favor with those who were formerly supporting him. However, one thing remains sure: the “the battle line” has just been drawn between Destiny and the EXCO of the Students’ Union, Prof, in particular.
Although many other occurrences happened during the congress, the time Destiny Agogo, the former SUG presidential candidate, came out to talk marked the apogee. He came out amidst the round of applause of students, who had earlier on clamored that he should be given the recognition he deserved. The Students’ Union president, Alaje Paul AKA Prof, refused to call on Destiny to speak until he raised his hands.
Finally, after Destiny had raised his hand, he was called to speak by the Students’ Union president. Destiny, on coming to the podium, was adjudged by many not to have been prepared to talk. So, when he was speaking, some thought he said the right thing at the wrong time. Destiny challenged Prof to come out plain about his alleged role of dissuading some Great Ife student from protesting on Sunday, 25th April, 2010—an action he said totally against the aluta spirit of Great Ife. Destiny accused Prof of quelling the fundamental and inalienable rights of student to speech and expression. This is just one of the challenges Destiny threw at the Students’ Union government. He directly accused them of gross irresponsibility and incapability, which has never been seen from the genesis of student unionism in OAU till date.
At the end of it all, Destiny appeared to have fallen out of favor with those who were formerly supporting him. However, one thing remains sure: the “the battle line” has just been drawn between Destiny and the EXCO of the Students’ Union, Prof, in particular.
OPINION POLL
OAU MATRICULATES FRESH STUDENTS
After the post-UME screening exercise, the management of OAU matriculates fresh students on May 5, 2010 at the well known African Amphi Theatre. To this end, SOCIOSCOPE correspondent, Niyi Itiola, went around to get the views of some fresh students.
SOCIOSCOPE: How are you doing? Please what is your name?
AYOOLA: Ayoola Michael is my name.
SOCIOSCOPE: How do you feel today?
Ayoola: This is my happiest moment. I feel on top of the world.
SOCIOSCOPE: Have you had any challenges since your admission into this university?
AYOOLA: The challenge so far has been the rigorous lectures and how to get my 5 point GP this semester.
SOCIOSCOPE: Any wise word for your colleagues?
AYOOLA: I’m using this medium to implore them to face their academic exercise with a serious mind and cooperate with the management.
SOCIOSCOPE: Good afternoon, can I meet you?
OLAWOORE: My name is Olawoore Ephraim
SOCIOSCOPE: Could you tell me about your admission into Great Ife?
OLAWOORE: In fact, my brother, it was not easy because I did post-UME into OAU in 2008 but because of the wrong choice of subjects, I was not admitted. However, in 2009, I was given the opportunity to become a bona fide student.
SOCIOSCOPE: Where will you be in the next five years?
OLAWOORE: By His grace, I will come to the university again to take a law degree.
SOCIOSCOPE: Thank you for giving me your prompt attention. Have a nice day.
SOCIOSCOPE: You are looking great today. Can you introduce yourself to me?
OYINDAMOLA: Oyindamola is my name. I am a student of Public Administration.
SOCIOSCOPE: Could you share with your admission process into OAU?
OYINDAMOLA: In the first instance, I did Pre-Degree. Then, I wrote JAMB, then, Post-UME. That’s all.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you want to share with me your future ambition?
OYINDAMOLA: At the end of my programme here, I want to become a secretary in an organization.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you mean in a political organization?
OYINDAMOLA: I don’t like politics because of its complexity.
SOCIOSCOPE: But going by the words of Aristotle, every human being is a political animal, that is, every human being should take a position in decision making.
OYINDAMOLA: That was then compared to this present moment of politics of assassination, thuggery and the like.
SOCIOSCOPE: Have a wonderful day.
OYINDAMOLA: Thank you very much.
SOCIOSCOPE: Can you please introduce yourself to me?
MICHAEL: Odeyemi Michael
SOCIOSCOPE: How do you feel today?
MICHAEL: This is a nice day, happiest day for me. I give gory to God Almighty.
SOCIOSCOPE: Can you please tell me about the challenges you faced before your entry into OAU?
MICHAEL: It was a big task because after five years since I left Secondary School, I was unable to gain admission into any university. However, I give praises to God for this momentous day.
SOCIOSCOPE: Will like to share future ambition with me?
MICHAEL: By God’s grace, after my programme, I wish to work with a multinational telecommunication company.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you have a word for your colleagues?
MICHAEL: I will say they should put more effort into their academics.
SOCIOSCOPE: Good afternoon, please what is your name?
ANONYMOUS: Please why are you asking about my name?
SOCIOSCOPE: I want to know because you can use this medium to express your feelings.
ANONYMOUS: Please I don’t have time because I have a practical
After the post-UME screening exercise, the management of OAU matriculates fresh students on May 5, 2010 at the well known African Amphi Theatre. To this end, SOCIOSCOPE correspondent, Niyi Itiola, went around to get the views of some fresh students.
SOCIOSCOPE: How are you doing? Please what is your name?
AYOOLA: Ayoola Michael is my name.
SOCIOSCOPE: How do you feel today?
Ayoola: This is my happiest moment. I feel on top of the world.
SOCIOSCOPE: Have you had any challenges since your admission into this university?
AYOOLA: The challenge so far has been the rigorous lectures and how to get my 5 point GP this semester.
SOCIOSCOPE: Any wise word for your colleagues?
AYOOLA: I’m using this medium to implore them to face their academic exercise with a serious mind and cooperate with the management.
SOCIOSCOPE: Good afternoon, can I meet you?
OLAWOORE: My name is Olawoore Ephraim
SOCIOSCOPE: Could you tell me about your admission into Great Ife?
OLAWOORE: In fact, my brother, it was not easy because I did post-UME into OAU in 2008 but because of the wrong choice of subjects, I was not admitted. However, in 2009, I was given the opportunity to become a bona fide student.
SOCIOSCOPE: Where will you be in the next five years?
OLAWOORE: By His grace, I will come to the university again to take a law degree.
SOCIOSCOPE: Thank you for giving me your prompt attention. Have a nice day.
SOCIOSCOPE: You are looking great today. Can you introduce yourself to me?
OYINDAMOLA: Oyindamola is my name. I am a student of Public Administration.
SOCIOSCOPE: Could you share with your admission process into OAU?
OYINDAMOLA: In the first instance, I did Pre-Degree. Then, I wrote JAMB, then, Post-UME. That’s all.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you want to share with me your future ambition?
OYINDAMOLA: At the end of my programme here, I want to become a secretary in an organization.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you mean in a political organization?
OYINDAMOLA: I don’t like politics because of its complexity.
SOCIOSCOPE: But going by the words of Aristotle, every human being is a political animal, that is, every human being should take a position in decision making.
OYINDAMOLA: That was then compared to this present moment of politics of assassination, thuggery and the like.
SOCIOSCOPE: Have a wonderful day.
OYINDAMOLA: Thank you very much.
SOCIOSCOPE: Can you please introduce yourself to me?
MICHAEL: Odeyemi Michael
SOCIOSCOPE: How do you feel today?
MICHAEL: This is a nice day, happiest day for me. I give gory to God Almighty.
SOCIOSCOPE: Can you please tell me about the challenges you faced before your entry into OAU?
MICHAEL: It was a big task because after five years since I left Secondary School, I was unable to gain admission into any university. However, I give praises to God for this momentous day.
SOCIOSCOPE: Will like to share future ambition with me?
MICHAEL: By God’s grace, after my programme, I wish to work with a multinational telecommunication company.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you have a word for your colleagues?
MICHAEL: I will say they should put more effort into their academics.
SOCIOSCOPE: Good afternoon, please what is your name?
ANONYMOUS: Please why are you asking about my name?
SOCIOSCOPE: I want to know because you can use this medium to express your feelings.
ANONYMOUS: Please I don’t have time because I have a practical
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)