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
Monday, May 24, 2010
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)