Within the last three years, we have been alerted to news of the outbreak of Lassa fever in different states across Nigeria. Hundreds of lives have been victimized by the disease with over a hundred deaths reported thus far, and after the incidence [of the epidemic in 2017, Nigerians would have wished they had heard the last of the disease. But exactly one year later, Lassa fever has made a comeback with Ebonyi state being the worst hit in this latest spread. Cases of the infection have also been reported in Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Edo, Delta, Plateau, Nassarawa, Taraba, Benue, Bauchi, Kogi, Osun, Ondo and Lagos. Of all these cases, thirty-one deaths have been recorded so far- a third of these deaths involved health practitioners.

What is Lassa Fever?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness that can manifest within 2 - 21 days after an individual has been infected with Lassa virus. The disease can be transmitted to humans by direct contact [or after ingesting food contaminated] with the urine or faeces of a particular species of rodent- Mastomys rats being the typical vector [of the virus]. Nonetheless, person-to-person transmission- whereby an exchange of fluid with an infected person occurs or needle/syringe is shared with such a person- is also possible.

Symptoms
With the onset of Lassa fever come symptoms such as malaise, fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat and pain in the chest and muscles. And as the virus begins to take full control of the (human) host cell, other symptoms like diarrhea, cough, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, swelling in the face, bleeding from the nose and mouth among other severe complications could surface.

Preventing the scourge
It is quite worrisome to see how, in the space of one year, the virus has beaten the Lassa Fever Eradication Committee [that set up by the National Center for Disease Control in 2017] to curb the future spread of the disease. Inasmuch as I would not like to dwell so much on the committee’s activities, it is very obvious we all have to effectively play our parts in making sure that Lassa fever is put in check at this very moment- and in the future. To this end, we have got to take the following precautionary measures:
• Ensuring environmental hygiene: One basic preventive step that should be considered is keeping our surroundings clean, and not giving room for creation of breeding grounds for rats [in general] within our living space.
• Providing good food storage facility: Storing away our foods in tightly closed containers will definitely prevent rats from nibbling (at) - or getting in contact with- the food items that are meant for human consumption.
• Avoid bush burning: Burning of bushes should be avoided during this very season as it displace the rodents from their natural habitats thereby causing them to seek shelter in our homes where they could endanger human health.
• Report cases of the disease: Peradventure, you noticed that an individual within your vicinity is showing signs of the infection, it is important that you get in touch with the appropriate authorities in order to have the patient(s) checked and probably quarantined if need be. It pays to allow medical experts handle the situation; you should attempt to manage the situation by harboring the infected individual. You can get in touch with the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) in your local government council OR better still reach the National Centre for Disease Control through the underlisted addresses/numbers:
NCDC Toll-free number: 080097000010
SMS: 08099555577
Whatsapp (NCDC): 07087110839
Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov
Looking to the wider picture; it will not be out of place for the government- and that could include governments across West African countries where the virus thrives- to give a thought to investing in the development of vaccine that will help put a lasting solution to the challenge posed by this deadly virus. I believe some medical experts are already clamoring for this.

Irrespective of your area of residence in Nigeria, you must have noticed the rate at which politicians are now completing projects with great alacrity as they gear up for 2019. And what more? Nigerians are also not nescient of the signs of time; elections are around the corner- but it is about a year from now, you may say; truly so. However, with reference to political horoscope, that time is not far off. The level of anticipation among Nigerians appear to take a spice, and one just have to look at the rumblings that have been renting the air- particularly on social media platforms- on the need for every citizen [within the age bracket qualified to vote and be voted for] to get a permanent voter's card. Well, is the noise really necessary? is another question you may ask.

To address that question, it is important that you understand your position in the political configuration of the nation. But before I go further, permit me to relay this scenario: imagine yourself buying into a franchise and wholly leaving the management of the business in the hands of those you have employed. It is most likely that the affairs of the venture will be run based on how well your employers deem fit, and in some instances, they can even veer off from tolling the path of the vision upon which your business is set. So, how do you bring back order and rescue your business from them in order to remain relevant in the scheme of things? - Probably by exercising your right of ownership, I guess. And in view of what have at hand; democracy is a franchise we have bought into, and one of the ways by which we can exercise our right as citizens [of a democratic state] is by making our voice heard at the polls. However, as the only thing that will make you stand up to your management staff with boldness is your company's licence so does your PVC represent an imprimatur which gives you the confidence to stand as a major stakeholder in the politics of the land.

Whereas the management of the administrative affairs of this nation has been left in the hands of a select group of individuals, we [as citizens] must not lose focus of the critical role we play in the polity of the country. Our understanding should be informed by the fact that democracy, by definition, is centered on the masses [who are meant to hold the aces] and anything to the contrary should not be tolerated.

Failure to obtain your PVC before the elections means you will be disenfranchising yourself from your civic responsibility thus it could be said that you do not really care about what becomes in the future- this attitude means you will be leaving generations coming after you with a 'mountain load of issues' to resolve. Furthermore, failing to make the move to collect your PVC will mean creating a loophole in the democratic setup; giving room for the probability of result manipulations and bringing about an imbalance in a system that already has many 'knots' to untie. So, the challenge is for you to go to the local government secretariat or accredited centers within your area and have your PVC processed for you.
As I conclude, it is important to note that addressing the many problems in the nation goes beyond collecting your PVC [and eventually voting at the polling station when the time comes] but we can all start the journey of building a greater and better Nigeria by taking a simple step- obtaining your PVC. With that PVC and taking the right decision at the polls, we can, once again, start nursing the hope of a new Nigeria where the right policies that will catalyze rapid national development are set in place.

Nigerian players who moved during the winter transfer window
Football is a game that involves a lot of movements both on and off the pitch. On the pitch, movements are made in order to score or defend a goal while off the pitch, movements of players are usually tailored sustaining the team's overall vision and ensuring that the team maintains a competitive edge- this is why the transfer market is seen as a very crucial aspect in club football. The latest being the 2018 winter transfer window which has been a very busy one indeed with major [and big money] moves being sealed with players such as Coutinho, Alexis Sanchez and Aubameyang being among the top stars that switched club in the month of January.
However, as the winter transfer window in most of Europe's top leagues came to a close on the 31st of January, 2018, we will like to focus on Nigerian players that were involved in transfer deals in the course of this very transfer market. And considering the fact that this particular window is the last before the 2018 FIFA world cup in Russia, some of these players have probably made the moves so as to bolster their chances of being selected for the world cup squad while for some (players), it is more about development.
Ahmed Musa: Leicester City to CSKA Moscow (6-month loan deal)
Ahmed Musa must have heaved a sigh of relief as he secured the loan deal away from Leicester City where he has not seen much game time. He will be hoping to pin down a regular spot at CSKA Moscow with a view of making the Super Eagles world cup party.
Brown Ideye: Tianjin Teda to Malaga (6-month loan deal)
Ideye has been in a kind of oblivion in Tianjin Teda where he was demoted to the club's reserve. So, joining Malaga on a 6-month loan should help him gain some confidence back. But there is work to be done as Malaga are currently themselves in the relegation waters.
Isaac Success: Watford to Malaga (6-month loan deal)
Success makes a return to Spain, and this time around, he will be teaming up with Brown Ideye at Malaga as he hopes to get his career back on a progressive track.
Oghenekaro Etebo: CD Feirense to Las Palmas (6-month loan deal)
The 22-year old box-to-box midfielder will be aiming to contribute his quota towards seeing to it that Las Palmas survive the drop. Plus, playing in the Spanish top flight for the remainder of the season could go a long way in boosting Etebo's chances of making the world cup squad.
Shehu Abdullahi: Anorthorsis Famagusta to Bursaspor (two-and-half year contract)
Shehu Abdullahi was among the few Nigerian players who secured a permanent deal. The energetic right fullback joined Bursaspor- where he teamed up with William Troost-Ekong, Mikel Agu and Paschal Okoli- from Cypriot first division side, Anorthorsis Famagusta in a two-and-half year deal worth €600,000.
Anthony Ujah: Liaoning Whowin to Mainz 05 (three-and-half year contract)
Anthony Ujah moved back to the Bundesliga; joining Mainz 05 [on a second stint] from Chinese club, Liaoning Whowin. The ex-Werder Bremen striker signed a three-and-half year deal that will see him turning out in the colors of the O-Fives till 2021. The deal is worth €3.8 million.

Others
Gbenga Arokoyo: Atlanta United - Kalmar FF (3-year contract).
Eze Okeuhie: FK Metalac Gornji Milanovac - Vojvodina (3-year contract).
Emmanuel Emenike: Olympiacos - Las Palmas (6-month loan deal).
Nosa Igiebor: Vancouver Whitecaps FC - Anorthorsis Famagusta (6-month loan deal).
Elderson Echiejile: Monaco - Cercle Brugge (6-month loan deal).
Theophilus Solomon: HNK Rijeka - Omonia (6-month loan deal).
Chidiebere Nwakali: Manchester City - Aberdeen (6-month loan deal).
Nura Abdullahi: AS Roma - Perugia (18-month loan deal).

The cost of establishing cattle colonies
Not so long after the recent carnage that claimed over eighty (80) innocent in some communities in Benue state did news about the government’s intention to establish cattle colonies across all states of the Federation started making the round. With this, I am moved to ask: Has getting away with murder become a norm in some settings, and what becomes of the group that has been implicated in the heinous execution of those defenseless citizens in Benue state?

Before I delve into the subject matter, permit me to relay a thought on the spates of violence and the response of government: some weeks back, I read of how the military claimed it had been able to ‘de-radicalize’ and freed over 200 Boko Haram members- no trials; no judgment. Upon reading that news, the thought that filled my mind was how different groups- tending to pray the ‘favor’ of the executive arm that is dominated/led by someone who is of the same extraction- from specific parts of the nation get to stir up violence in order to have their way. For instance, while the past administration was at the helm of affairs, Nigerians witnessed the onslaught of the Niger Delta militants that specialized in blowing up oil pipes and kidnapping of expatriates and now, the herdsmen seemed to have raised the bar; bringing a reign of terror to the fold…different administrations; different spates of violence and different responses. In the case of the militants, the arsenal of the military did come to the rescue and the result is there for all to see but this has not been the case with the devious herdsmen who are still roaming about freely [with their cows] even after committing a punishable offense.

Rather than bringing the herdsmen that perpetrated the killings to book, the government is making aim [on behalf of the herdsmen] to establish cattle colonies nationwide. And I ask again: Is it ethically and/or legally right for a sitting government to appease a terrorist group by acceding to its demands? This question rings out loud when it dawns on me that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces have all the military machinery needed to deal with the evil herdsmen that were responsible for the deaths of the armless people- which included children, women and men- whose hopes were taken abruptly taken away from them. More so, it is not certain that the establishment of cattle colonies will out-rightly solve the problem, and how do you resolve any other issue that arises in the future should the bloodthirsty herdsmen become increasingly dissatisfied? Probably by giving in to their demands again [until they dominate], right? This is definitely not looking good for promoting rule of law and order in the country.

Cattle colony or Ranch
According to the Cambridge dictionary, colony refers to “a group of people with a shared interest or job who live together in a way that is separate from other people” while ranch is “a very large farm in which animals are kept, especially in North and South America.”
Although the Minister of Agriculture came out to say that the two terms (that is, cattle colony and ranch) are the same but I beg to differ, and the above definitions justify my stance. Considering the droves of cattle herdsmen own, a colony is much bigger than a ranch, and while the ranch is mostly owned by an individual, a colony encompasses different individuals of ‘like minds’- a group with shared interest. Though it is said to be a cattle colony, one cannot take the herdsmen away from the cattle. Owing to this, terming the settlement a ‘colony’ could create a sense of self-governance in the minds of these herdsmen. Again, without the existence of colonies, these herdsmen have visited varying degrees of terror upon Nigerians across different states; so, will it not be easy for the devious herdsmen to carefully and strategically plan out terror attacks against the inhabitants of the communities or states they are residing- with the colony in place- should they feel aggrieved?

What exactly is the cost of cattle colonies?
Virtually all northern states except Benue and Taraba have agreed to cattle colonies in place while governors in all southern states are presently putting up strong opposition to the federal government’s proposal. But looking at it more closely; should every state in the nation eventually have a colony within its confine that would see around 180,000 hectares of the nation’s land mass being given out for cattle rearing. With this, it is quite easy to note how these cattle colonies will take a large span of land that could have been used in some other gratifying ways.

The cost of raising cattle colonies however, is really huge and is much more than the land for it is the blood of men and women whose lives were cut short: think about the pregnant woman whose baby’s life was taken away even before it began; the little child who had to endure the pain from the impact of the machete on his scalp while he breathed his last…think about the family whose loved ones were cut off in the prime and the men who now live in fear not knowing where to turn as their sources of livelihood have been taken away from them. The establishment of cattle colonies is not the way to go since the government of the day cannot assure the citizenry of its commitment to rule in fairness.

Moreover, cattle rearing are a private business, and as such the government does not need to take it upon itself to set apart lands out of the national (land) lot for the cattle rearing. Instead, the herdsmen ought to be mandated to own or get a land- ranch to be precise- for their business enterprise. The protection of lives and properties of the citizens of Nigeria- especially the defenseless- and overall national development should be the core responsibilities of the government at this critical point in time.

Safety on our roads: The impact of air pollutants from automobile exhaust
When you think about safety on Nigerian roads, the very first thing that comes to mind is probably the deplorable state of some road networks or the recklessness of some drivers on the road. But there is a silently lurking danger [which is often overlooked] that Nigerians- whether motor users, passengers or pedestrians- could be subjected to while plying or strolling through the road, and this has to do with the emission of toxic gases from the exhaust of different automobiles. The amount of gases released into the atmosphere from certain vehicles- especially commercial ones- is usually quite high and this create an enormous health hazard for anyone who gets to inhale the fume.

Which gases are released from vehicle’s exhaust?
There are different kinds of toxic gases that are emitted from the exhaust of vehicles, and these (gases) have varying health implications. At this point, I shall briefly discuss three (3) air pollutants that are commonly released from the exhaust into the surrounding.
Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless which means its presence could go unnoticed but it can have a marked effect on one’s well-being. With carbon monoxide poisoning comes the manifestation of nausea and dizziness as the brain, heart and other organs suffer oxygen deprivation. Carbon monoxide can also cause a person [who has inhaled a considerable amount of it] lose consciousness.
Sulphur dioxide: Sulphur dioxide is a toxic gas that can be produced as a result of fuel combustion in vehicles. Though invisible to the naked eyes, the gas has a pungent smell and could result in persistent cough, shortness of breath and other respiratory complications. Furthermore, it can cause irritation of the throat, nose and eyes.
Diesel Particulate Matter: This very pollutant emerges from automobiles that are powered by diesel. It comprises of toxic compounds like hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Regular exposure to this gas can bring about lung cancer; it can also cause eye and nose irritations, headache and nausea among other severe health issues.

What must be done?
Although it is impossible to completely rid the atmosphere of these toxic gases but the amount [of these pollutants] can be significantly reduced hence the level of danger becoming drastically lowered. This can be done from different angles- from the motor users down to the regulatory agency.
Firstly, it is expedient that every motor user make sure that his/her automobile is in a good condition at all times. The components of the vehicle- from the air filter to the emission system, valves, carburetor, engine and so on- should well maintained and checked on regular basis.
Secondly, the regulatory agency responsible for checking vehicles’ road worthiness should re-instituted and/or made to be more efficient in ensuring that automobiles that are unfit to be on the road [or such that release so much fume into the surrounding] are taken off the road without delay.
And for the pedestrians and other road users that are open to inhaling these gases on daily basis, it is important that a form of protection- maybe a nose-mask- be on hand. Plus, it is advisable that one moves away from the danger zone as quickly as possible. Just for a mention, some of these toxic gases are emitted from other machines [like generators, gas turbine, etc] with internal combustion engines.

Towards a cleaner Lagos
If you are to take a 50-metre walk from your home around the Lagos suburb, there is probably one unpleasant sight you will likely behold, and that is the heap of refuse littering the roads in the state, and as a result of this, it is easy to conclude that ‘Lagos is dirty’. The state of things in this regard does not behoove the developmental trends that are ongoing in the state; plus it is even making a mincemeat of the mantra that the state government prides itself in. of a truth, the present administration under the leadership of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has been putting in great efforts towards ensuring that the state maintains a high standard in the scheme of things but except one intends to sweep the fact under the carpet will one score the (state) government a pass mark in the area of waste management.
The problem indeed lies in the transition to a new waste management scheme having scrapped the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) and the Private Sector Participation (PSP) program, and the case in the court has not helped matters in any way. Consequent upon all these, residents around the state find no other means of disposing their wastes than dumping them by the roadsides or somewhere around the corners of different streets- a situation which creates a breeding ground for disease pathogens that could lead to the outbreak of an epidemic. And aside this, the indiscriminate disposal of refuse which sometimes extends to the road can affect the flow of traffic in some instances. More disturbing is the manner in which these refuses get to block drainage channels especially with the emergence of flood.
Should a temporary fix not have been put in place?
Considering the fact that waste is a daily part of life [that needs to be properly done away with], the state government should have been very thoughtful in ensuring that these unwanted items from different homes are appropriately disposed without creating any ‘smudge’ on our roads and streets. This could have been done by putting modalities in place to temporarily stand in while plans for the institution and operation of the new waste clearing and recycling agency under the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) are perfected. Also, the local government chairmen should be more involved in seeing to it that waste around the constituencies under their jurisdictions are properly evacuated. It is noteworthy that some local government executives have taken it upon themselves to have their areas cleaned up but more efforts are required, and for those who are yet to come with any plan of contributing their quota towards a cleaner Lagos, the time to act is now.
As the state government inaugurated the board of Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) a couple of days back, it is hoped that the disgusting sight of waste on the roads in the state will be a thing of the past in the not-so-distant future. Notwithstanding, the march towards a cleaner Lagos should not be left to the government alone; the citizens of the state have got to play their part by ensuring that wastes are disposed at designated points- probably after the modalities for Cleaner Lagos Initiative have been fully set in place- at all times.

Before you munch or take another sip
Food is a substance we all eat in order to derive some nourishments. Owing to this, food is frequently seen from the perspective of the end products (that is, the already prepared meal) without much thoughts being given to the substances and/or ingredients that had gone into the food. But since it is impossible to wholly retrieve whatever food or drink that has been gulped, it is important to pay close to the constituents that are used in preparing the consumable good before putting it into the mouth; this is even more necessary when one considers the harmful effects that could be triggered from consuming certain substances found in the foods and drinks one ingests. It is to this end that I have elected to highlight a few constituents [that are not so safe to consume] which are often added to foods in the process of preparation or cooking.
Aspartame
Aspartame is usually classified as a ‘sugar substitute’ since it is a sweetener but what is not always stated is the fact that it is also a carcinogen- a cancer causing substance. It has even been implicated in the cases of diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and some other mental health issues. Aspartame is being used as a sugar substitute in the production of beverages, chewing gum, toothpaste, consumable baked products and so on. So, the next time you get overtaken by the desire to consume a sweet sugar-free consumable beverage or snack, it is advisable that you check out the list of ingredients that had been used in preparing what you are about taking. Other examples of sweeteners [with potential dangers to human health] used in food production are Agave nectar and high fructose syrup.
Sodium sulphite
When consumed, sodium sulphite can get trapped in the respiratory tract where it could cause complications. It has also been found to cause skin irritation and heart problems. Sodium sulphite is the preservative commonly used in wine production, and the rate at which it endangers one’s health increases as the wine goes stale. Again, those who take pleasure in taking dried fruits are also susceptible to retaining some traces of sodium sulphite in their body system.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in foods has more to do with the method of preparation than with the ingredients that are directly added to the food- though smokers tend to have a high level of PAHs in their system. That said, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are usually formed when fats from meat get into the flame used in the preparation of barbecue. So, individuals who often take barbecue- suya, as we love to call it in local parlance- might be in as much danger as a chain smoker. PAHs are known to cause cancer, and can also wreak havoc on the kidney and liver.
Sodium benzoate
Sodium benzoate is another common preservative used in food production; it is usually added to fruit juice, salad dressings, jam and carbonated drinks. When foods and drinks containing sodium benzoate are frequently consumed, it could trigger a bout of nausea, headache, asthma, hypertension, allergic reactions, leukemia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Caramel coloring
Caramel coloring is an additive that is vastly used in the production of foods and beverages; it can be added to beer, custard, confectionery and some consumable baked goods. Caramel coloring is made from a combination of a variety of sugars as well as some other substances. Although there are conflicting toxicology reports as to the connection of caramel coloring to cancer, the consumption of foods and drinks containing this substance on regular basis can lead to instances of high blood pressure and leukopenia- a condition that can amount to the dysfunction of the immune system.
The list of harmful ingredients that may be present in snacks and beverages marked fit for consumption seems to be an endless one hence, it is really important that one is careful about what he/she eats or sips, and it is yet expedient that moderation is not put to the slaughter as the excessive intake of certain foods and drinks could put one’s health in danger.

Education Vs. Entertainment
This very write-up is not intended to debate over which is better between education and entertainment but to rather look into the trend that is attainable in our society. There is no arguing the fact that the Nigeria of years past- say early 90’s backwards- was not the same as what we have now. The changes abound- from technology to the polity of the state- but my focus today is the Nigerian educational system.

Back in those days, the educational setup stood out among the very best in the ‘world of excellence’; the products that emerged from different institutions- primary, secondary and tertiary- were very sound and capable of holding their heads high among other colleagues around the world. Moreover, the interest in education as at that time was really profound with students willing to work their socks off in order to churn out masterful results at the end of the academic sessions- though we are still witnessing such scenarios but the rate appears to have dwindled over time.
Now, what has become of our education system is the case of giving out substandard result as students tend towards looking out for shortcuts; wanting to succeed without being ready to pay the ultimate prize through diligent study and effective engagement of their mental faculty. Let me be quick to say here that education does not necessarily have to be about going to school alone; it is quite broad, and as the renowned physicist, Albert Einstein rightly puts it: “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
But should entertainment be faulted for the drop in the interest of students in learning?
Well, wholly attributing the drop in interest or standard of education to entertainment would mean not being out of touch with reality; there are indeed many other factors that can be highlighted. However, entertainment being what it is, gets to attract the attention of these young individuals- the students to be specific- who would rather take great delight in getting entertained than adding more value to themselves. Also, the shift in the value system is another factor that has played a huge part in this regard; take for instance, the saying that ‘education pays’ could sound as fallacious as any other ‘misinformed’ proposition in the hearing of youths in this age we are living in…the reason? – The world, in general, is swayed towards the sphere where ‘things are happening’- or shall I say, ‘where the money’s at’- and with this, we can see a good number of young persons [in their teenage years] modelling their lives after celebrities whose affluence oozes out like a stream flowing with milk and honey. On the other hand, these established celebrities- musicians especially- do extend their generosity to young acts that show great promises of being the next superstars of our time- this, they do by signing the young lads to their record labels. However, this singular action could be deleterious to the future to that young child who is yet to come to grasp with the basics of learning.
Entertainment is not something that can be painted in bad light for through it, many have not only gone ahead to live a fulfilled life but also impacted lives, and learned a whole lot about life itself. The problem however, lies on what or where an individual sets his/her priority. Most individuals [whether young or old] appear to give more attention to getting thrilled by entertaining showpieces than learning and adding to their knowledge, and it is this shift that keeps affecting the interest students put into learning and/or education- whether formal or self-education.

Fruits are all around, and while some of us take them with the intention of getting nutritional benefits out of them; some other persons may take fruits just because of their appetizing taste. Whatever category one finds himself or herself, the truth remains that everyone’s health is boosted by taking fruits. It is in this view that I shall be shedding light on a select group of fruits- juicy fruits- that are known for their healing and refreshing properties, and they are also good for keeping the skin hydrated. I shall henceforth talk about five (5) of these fruits.

Watermelon
Watermelon is a highly nutritious fruit that is majorly composed of water as well as sugars, essential vitamins and minerals. Watermelon can be eaten whole from inside out- the red succulent flesh on the inside, the rind and the seeds inclusive. The seeds can be eaten along with the flesh or consumed after being dried and roasted. Why should you eat the seeds? The seeds of watermelon are rich in magnesium [which aids the body’s metabolic process] and Iron- a very important element that helps to sustain the structure and function of the hemoglobin.

Orange
Oranges are common sources of Vitamins A and C, and other forms of antioxidants which help to fight the harmful effects of free radicals in the body cells. In essence, regular consumption of oranges can help to prevent the onset of cancer. Furthermore, oranges have anti-flammatiory properties, and are also beneficial for the health of the eyes, kidney, heart, skin and immune system.

Pineapple
Another juicy fruit that is in great abundance and also of immense benefit is pineapple. Pineapple contains a variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The fruit is used in the management of a number of diseases- arthritis, asthma, diabetes, obesity and heart disorders. Again, due to the fiber content, it is quite helpful in taking care of disruption/disorder [like constipation] affecting the digestive system and it is great for treating fertility issues.

Cucumber
Though sometimes classified as vegetable, cucumber is one fruits that has a lot of contents packed into it. Notable among its many constituents is cucurbitacin which is an anti-cancer substance found on the outer skin of cucumber. Beyond this anticancer substance, there is an ample of other elements [in cucumber] which makes it a fruit worth consuming regularly. For instance, it has got potassium which aids detoxification; dietary fiber which enhances digestion and it also has antioxidant abilities.

Strawberry
Strawberries are pleasant to the eyes and so do they taste delicious. But there is much more to what one gets from consuming them; like every other fruit [aforementioned in this article], strawberries contain antioxidants which make effective in curtailing the effects of free radicals on the cells in the body. Furthermore, they contain an array of nutrients- anthocyanins, vitamins B and C, manganese, dietary fiber, folate, iodine and lot more- which make them vastly beneficial to human health. Strawberries can help enhance the functioning of the brain, eye, heart and immune system, and can help to prevent cancer and birth defects.

The lingering fuel crisis
The festive season that just went by is one some Nigerians would really love to leave in the recesses of their mind; the reason is because why some persons were at home enjoying the thrills that come with the season, others found themselves in a queue at the filling station pushing to get their automobiles fueled for the journey ahead. That went on for a couple of weeks and the situation was brought under control thereafter- albeit for some moment- but the fuel crisis which was thought to have abated is rearing its ‘ugly head’ again as long lines of vehicles can now be seen at various filling stations. With the reemerging crisis, motor users are now buying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a relatively high price, and some petrol stations are even out of service while commuters are left stranded or paying more to get to their respective destinations.
At the core of the crisis is the rumored hike in the price of the commodity as the airwaves are rife with reports that fuel price could rise from N145 to something in the region of N180. Again, fuel marketers have identified the inadequate supply [of fuel] as being the reason for the lingering crisis. But is it not rather perplexing that a nation that stands as a major oil producing state in Africa cannot provide fuel for its citizens without any struggle?
As it stands, it is obvious that the fuel crisis we are experiencing nationwide has two major sides to it: the first being the issue of pricing and the other, centering on shortage in supply. While marketers’ opinions may vary as it regards the price of premium motor spirit, the government is bent on seeing to it that the price of the commodity remains fixed at N145, and it is good to see officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources going round to ensure that marketers keep selling at this price; with deterrent being hit with sanctions. Nonetheless, DPR officials need to extend their tentacles to some other areas of different states across the nation- this may however require the engagement of the populace [who needs to intimate the regulatory body on cases of illegal pricing] since these (DPR officials) understandably have their limitations.
On a more intricate ground however, the inadequate supply of the commodity is an issue that can be traced to a bigger [and deeper] problem that has bereft the oil sector for a long time now: the non-availability of functional refineries, is in itself a major challenge that has been left unattended. It is appalling that different administrations keep overlooking the need to bring up functional refineries [even when countries with comparatively lower oil production capacity and population density are able to run a refinery]. Notwithstanding, all is not lost as we anticipate Dangote refinery coming into full operation by the middle of the year, and I believe it will not be a bad idea to set up government-run refineries in order to supplement a private establishment like the Dangote refinery. Doing so will, no doubt, boost the supply of fuel across the nation. Again, bringing the refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri back to life will help in an immeasurable way.
And while we look forward to these long-term solutions, it is expedient that the government make concerted efforts towards making the queues that are presently commonplace in different filling stations be a bygone issue in a matter of days without any increment in the price of the commodity.

The barbarism of Fulani herdsmen: An eyesore to the nation's security setup
Rage and lamentations have rending the air over the dastardly acts of annihilation perpetrated by the Fulani herdsmen across various states in the nation. The latest of their attack is visited upon different communities in Benue state where trails of blood and sorrow have been left with many persons counting their losses as the herdsmen wreaked havoc. These devious herdsmen appear to be out to prove a point of their own as they remain implacable, and every morally sane person can only imagine what this is really about- is there any regard for the sacredness of life?

These herdsmen take delight in satisfying their bloodthirstiness, and are ready to obliterate those who stand in their way. But then how has the government responded to these incidences [of the herdsmen's vicious attacks on their innocent victims]? What we have been hearing are words of promises that those behind these gruesome killings will be brought to book and we earnestly look forward to that very time when the real perpetrators will be persecuted. However, it remains to be seen how much longer we have to wait with the evident dilly-dallying in the deployment of military force to the state. This is even more perplexing when one begins to ponder on the statement attributed to the President, insinuating that the government will not employ force in dealing with the brutal Fulani herdsmen- that, to me, is really disappointing and demeaning considering the devastating blows with which these herdsmen strike those whom they oppress. If not against an enemy of the state in the mold of the 'terrorist herdsmen' then upon which group should the wrath of the military armoury be unleash?

Here is what we have got: the herdsmen are getting more daring as they are now attacking police officers- the attack on the mobile unit at Awashuwa village is just one of such- and this definitely does not augur well for the nation's security arm and the country in general. The attacks on those security operatives is just one of those things that are apparent when the 'sword is left in the sheath' while up against a deadly group like the Fulani herdsmen. It is noteworthy to recall that aftermath the herdsmen's attack on some communities in Benue state back in 2017, members of the Federal House of Representatives proposed that the Federal Government set up a task force to supervise the disarmament of the herdsmen but that (idea) did not appear to make any sense [to the FG], and about one year after that incidence (of 2017), Benue state- and Nigeria as a whole- has been hit once again by violence meted out by the 'unrepentant' Fulani herdsmen.

My heart bleeds the more when I hear top government functionaries trying to bring talks of politicization and also the fact that the herdsmen deserve more from the government into the matter. These are not the kinds of words Nigerians want to hear at this very point in time. There is no need to divert attention; we only wish to know who these 'killer herdsmen' are, and in effect, a call for them to be made to face the full weight of the law. Muddling things up will not do us any good neither would the multitude of condolences assure [the residents of the affected communities as well as the general populace] of the government's resolution to provide them with the needed security.

Protecting yourself against harmattan hazards
The harmattan season is one that we sometimes anticipate with delight. The reason for this may not be unconnected to the cold weather that comes with the season- a good way of being free from the sweltering heat of summer. However, despite the cold weather attainable during this season, there are yet several hazards that are inherent with harmattan, and this is basically owing to the fact that the season is synonymous with dust and dry air- it is no wonder that harmattan is sometimes referred to as 'dust devil'. It is to this effect that it becomes necessary to take certain precautionary and/or safety measures towards maintaining wholeness especially as it regards checking cracked lips, dry skins and other health complications that may arise as a result of harmattan. I shall henceforth share some tips on how you can manage the situation as the (harmattan) season rolls by.

Drink a lot of water
Ordinarily, 'water is life', and that is not a fact that can be debated when one considers that over 70% of the human body is composed of water- or fluid if one chooses to be more technical. With the chances of one getting dehydrated being on the high side during harmattan, it becomes necessary to take a lot of water [during this season]; you do not have to wait until you are thirst before reaching for a glass of water. It is advisable to have a water bottle [filled with water] on hand while you are on the go.

Regular use of moisturizers
It is a known fact that during harmattan season, the lips and skin are susceptible to drying out fast hence moisturizers are really handy to have around- in the home and in one's bag. Lip balm is good for preventing chapped lips while body cream will help to moisturize the skin, and also stop the occurrence of white patches on the skin.

Wear protective gear
The dust that is blown around by the wind can settle anywhere, and that includes the human body system. As such, it is expedient that one uses protective gear to provide some form of cover from the dust. For instance, putting on a pair of sunglasses while you are outdoor will protect the eyes from dust while using a nose mask should help safeguard the nose especially in areas that have so much dust- this will prevent the dust from settling in the respiratory tract where damage could be done. Furthermore, insulating clothing apparels should be worn to keep you from the cold that is feasible during the season.

Take a lot of fruits
It is also good to find pleasure in taking fruits- juicy ones to be precise- during this season. This would provide you with some essential vitamins and minerals, and also help to keep you hydrated. Fruits such as pineapple, carrot, orange, cucumber and watermelon will do you a lot of good. Plus, you should also go for vegetables and diets that are rich in protein during this very period.

Minimize your exercises
The heavy presence of dust and reduction in the oxygen level can make breathing quite difficult in some instances. It is for this reason that one has to play it safe by planning an exercise routine that is not so demanding or one that pushes [an individual] to the limit- no one wants to find himself/herself gasping for breath all in the name of staying fit. So, a light walk or jogging exercise might just do for the time being.

Towards a brighter future: Preparation for 2019 Elections hots up

Save one decides to shy away from what is obtainable, it is quite obvious that quite a considerable number of Nigerians have become skeptical about seeing a ‘better Nigeria’ as the hope they once nursed [to have a great nation where things will function properly] seemed to have been blown away time and again by the politicians whose promises they had held in high esteem. Aside the many issues that affect various sectors, we, as a people, have suffered from ill-administration which has, no doubt, been detrimental to our development. The politicians have thus far had the stakes but shall the voice of the masses be shut forever? – Not in the least; there is always an avenue through which we all can express our feelings and/or opinions, and that is ultimately at the polling unit.

The election [being over one away] might be seen as being far away but what do you expect when you see the clouds gathering? – The downpour of showers, most probably. Relating this to the election that is coming up in 2019, we are already witnessing a barrage of activities from several politicians: projects are now being completed at an alarming rate; propagandas are on the loose as fiction is exalted over fact; those seeking political offices are suddenly turning a new leaf and getting closer to the people. All these point to one thing: the politicians [who know how critical time is to their ambitions] are playing their cards well as they aim to score ‘political points’ but where does this leave you and me- the citizens or better still, electorate?

This is the very moment when we need to start reviewing the situation at hand circumspectly, and make resolutions to do nothing short of ensuring a result that will reposition our nation on the pedestal of greatness- you may not be privileged to be voted for at the moment but you can definitely have your say in seeing to it that things are set aright.

As such, it is expedient that we center on the reputation of the individuals that will be projected as the top aspirants- especially as it concerns the presidential election. We have got to look out for men whose reputation does not betray moral and ethical standards; men whose words are backed up with action. The question that may be popping up your mind is: “Are there still such men in Nigeria’s political hemisphere? And if there are, will they be allowed to carry their respective party’s flag? I will say that the answer to both questions is YES. There are still men of integrity in this nation, and I believe they can be talked up into contesting for the election. On the latter however, I must confess that it would be really difficult to have a say on the candidate a particular party gives its mandate but I believe that these politicians can be made to have a rethink if we show to them that we are a people of value that is desirous of building a nation where future generations will thrive.

And before we make this all about the political power players; have we had our consciences purged of certain trivialities and/or sentiments [we had always held on to] which have thus far not brought us much good as a nation? Are we going to seek a way to bring out [with that one vote and one voice] our nation from the deep pool of decrepitude it has been plunged into? OR Will it be business as usual? Will realism prevail over fictitious propagandas? The quest for ‘your ‘candidate’ to win the (presidential) election should not trump the need together do what is right in the interest of national development: herein lies the call to do what is needful [on your part] for the socioeconomic sustainability of Nigeria’s polity. 2019 Election is coming at us but how are you gearing up for it?

ENDSARSNOW: A call to order

It is often said that when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable- or maybe I should give it a little twist for the sake of this write-up by saying that ‘when the objective of a project/invention is neglected and/or forgotten, waywardness becomes the order of the day. It goes to show that for men to function efficiently at what they do; they must key into the vision of the project at hand, and also walk and work with the consciousness of the obligations committed into their hands- but where does this leave SARS?

‘SARS’ which translates to ‘Special Anti-Robbery Squad’ was set up to curtail the proliferation of armed robbery and other crimes across all the states of the federation. However, with the many accusations that have thus far been raised[ through the ENDSARSNOW campaign] against some of the men of SARS team, it is obvious that there had been more gratuitous functions that have been undertaken by SARS. Cases of harassment, molestation, extrajudicial killings and other activities in the realm of the aforementioned should never have been part of the array of activities that would be named against a security unit that is saddled with the responsibility of offering protection to the citizens of the nation in an unpleasant twist of events.

Notwithstanding, as the ENDSARSNOW campaign surges on with various protestations and online juggernauts, it is important that we spare a thought on what ‘END’ really means and see how feasible it is in the light of the campaign: to end a thing is to wholly terminate it; bringing it to a close. Well, ending SARS without having a viable option on ground could be detrimental to the fight against crime as the perpetrators [of such heinous activities] will certainly take advantage of the loophole. Plus, the move to end SARS can be likened to ‘throwing a baby away with the bathwater’as I believe that there are still officers who are committed to the (crime-fighting) course in SARS. Hence, rather than calling to end SARS, we need to seek a redress in the way in which men of the unit perform the tasks that have been entrusted to them.

In that regard, one cannot but look to the police hierarchy to map out the blueprint for a restructured SRAS unit- and definitely, the Police Force in Nigeria as a whole. Moves should be made towards re-orienting these men, and adesicated monitoring team should even follow up on them as they go about discharging their duties. The ENDSARSNOW campaign came about as a result of grievances from who looked to the police for protection but were instead harassed so, it would not be out of the place for the police authority to have a functional platform where complaints will be laid and earnestly addressed without any attempt to shield erring officers from justice.

The call to end SARS was not borne out of zealousness but the need to bring about corrective measures to a menace that has so tainted the reputation of Nigeria Police Force hence, it will be very appalling for the relevant quarter not to do anything about the situation. It is good to know that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris is already making attempts to put things right, and whatsoever is being done must be far-reaching; not just to quell the campaign but to bring about the expected changes Nigerians are craving for as it regards the operations of SARS. The molestation and other extrajudicial activities must stop now, while we keep working at raising a policing unit that can be trusted, and loyal enough to uphold the purpose for which it has been instituted.

                                               **Still shaming the truth?**

It has been over a month since the drama surrounding the reinstatement of erstwhile chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pensions Reform, Abdulrasheed Maina started and we are yet to get to the root of the matter. The latest trend on the issue regards the activities of the House of Representatives Ad hoc committee [set up to investigate the case and also probe the parties involved. The fall-out from the proceeding has thus far not shown how the reinstatement was sealed as the key characters- Abubakar Malami, Abdulrahman Dambazzau and Winifred Oyo-Ita were all in denial as to who really made the final push even with Mohammed Katu [who stood in as counsel to the embattled former Pensions Reform chairman] made a startling revelation that his client kept collecting his salary package while being out of service. Also invited was the Acting chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Joseph Oluremi who posited that it is not within the commission’s jurisdiction to order such reappointment while Mr. Abubakar Magaji was absent as he was said to be battling with an ailment.
At this juncture, I will like to beam focus on the submissions of each of the three (3) main characters- Winifred Oyo-Ita, Abdulrahman Dambazzau and Abubakar Malami- that seem to hold the aces in the event leading to Maina’s reinstatement.

Winifred Oyo-Ita
The Head of Service, Mrs. Oyo-Ita has made it clear that she had an inkling of the ploy to have Maina reinstated- a move she knew would have a far-reaching consequence as we are now seeing. Owing to this, she never gave her approval, and would later confirm through the media that Maina had not only been officially reappointed but was also promoted. She mentioned that she still has a copy of a letter written to the Federal Civil Service Commission directing that Maina be reinstated. Again, one cannot afford to disregard the fact that Oyo-Ita had earlier said she indeed informed the President of what Maina’s recall would portend.

Abdulrahman Dambazzau
Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau does seem to clear himself of any fault as he made it known that such cases as touching reinstatement is the direct responsibility of the offices of the Permanent Secretary- a position occupied by Mr. Abubakar Magaji in the Ministry [of Interior]- Head of Service and the Federal Civil Service Commission. Furthermore, Dambazzau stated that Maina was not out-rightly dismissed by his predecessor.

Abubakar Malami
Abubakar Malami stated that he had met Maina in Dubai in 2016, and that he (Maina) had been helpful in fast-tracking investigations into pension fraud cases that were discovered during his term in office. But hold on for a minute: should Malami [being the Minister of Justice] not have found a way of making Maina see case he left unattended [as a fugitive] to an end? Why should Malami turn a blind eye to the allegations laid against Maina back in 2013? Malami further said that the letter that effected maina’s recall did not come from his office but I wish he could give a clear answer to this question: did he make the push? If the request to give Maina justice- as he (Malami) might have felt Maina was unjustly treated in respect to the hearing in 2013- should it not have been done by following due process in the law court, and was there not a greater cause to have justice served?
As investigation continues- even though someone [among those invited so far] appears bent on shaming the truth- it is incumbent that the ad hoc committee dig really deep in order to bring this case to a credible conclusion. Plus, with Oyo-Ita claiming to have informed Mr. President of the implications of Maina’s reinstatement, I believe there is a critical part of the puzzle that is still missing, and that is having the President- not a spokesperson- to clear the air on what he knows, and whether or not Oyo-Ita had made an allegation against him- however, will the House have the guts to do so?
We all may be viewing Maina as the evil that has since been rooted out but the matter on ground is about an evil system that needs to be holistically purged with recourse to the rule of law. I will like to end this with the words of Wayne Malcolm: “we’re not wrestling against evil people but against evil systems. Evil systems produce and facilitate evil people.”

The Nigerian Police Force ranked as worst in the world: How true?
The Nigerian police was recently ranked as the worst performing police force in the world. The result was drawn from the World Internal Security and Police Index (WISPI) for 2016 which was compiled by the International Police Science Association in conjunction with the Institute for Economics and Peace.
But before we get carried away by the result made available by these two bodies, and paint ourselves as being ‘unfair’, it is expedient that we take a brief look at the factors that influenced this result. The performances were measured based on the trends that were attainable from the areas of internal security and policing; capacity; process and legitimacy and outcomes. As the result turned out, the Nigerian police force scored very low in all these areas, and that in turn pushed it down the pecking order. The report considered data obtained from the research carried out on the forces of 127 different nations across the world.
Now, let us relate the result to what we do observe in our different communities. Firstly, in regards to internal security and policing which was particular hinged on terrorism; the Nigerian police performed worst when compared to those of other nations. While it might be impossible to stop men from being evil as the nation witnessed incessant acts of terrorist attacks in the past few years, it is obvious that the police have not been dynamic enough in developing up-to-date strategies that help in grappling the tenacious terrorists- most notably, the Boko Haram group- that seemed to be advancing in its operation leaving the police in the dust prior to the intervention of the military. This, in a way could be a direct consequence of the limited resources that are available for the force to work with. For instance, the report shows that the NPF has 219 police officers to cater for the security needs of 100,000 citizens- a figure which falls far below the index’s standard of 300 officers for that same number of citizens.
The Nigerian Police Force also passed up the chance of bettering their ranking in the aspect of process and legitimacy where some factors [such as the use of force for private gain, bribery, effectiveness in ensuring criminal justice, and adherence to due process] were put under review. The result in these areas only highlighted what we have always witnessed as the abuse of ‘uniform power’ on day-to-day basis. With all these, have come the increased number of individuals that have been victimized by varying degree of crimes as the police, according to the report, have not been able to effectively protect the citizens.
The Nigerian Police Force [through its spokesman, Jimoh Moshood] has since come out to reject the ranking , stressing that the Nigeria police remains the best on the African continent- a position that WISPI has accorded to the Botswani Police Force- and making reference to the positions it occupies in United Nations’ peace-keeping missions and its standing at Interpol. Inasmuch as the hierarchy of the NPF might not take this lightly, I believe the Nigerian Police Force still need to make moves towards purging its system of inherent ‘little foxes’ that are not projecting its image in good light, and that can only begin by knowing and accepting the truth. Moreover, there is no pride in trying to make a ‘bad’ situation look good without having the mind to seek workable solutions towards making things better. The jury is out already, and maybe the Nigeria Police Force is not the worst in the world; it is yet nowhere near being the best- there lies a need for an upgrade. As there is no smoke without a fire; this ranking has not come about based on hearsay so, the NPF ought to make stringent moves to quell the flames of ineptitude [within its rank], and also free itself from the pungency of the smoke that has evolved…denial does not change fact in any way.

One year after: Justice still cries out
Do these two names; Eunice Olawale and Bridget Agbahime still ring a bell? Eunice Olawale was murdered in the Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory on the 9th of July, 2016 as she went about her regular evangelical mission. It was reported that she was stabbed in the stomach, leg and neck while Bridget Agbahime was stoned and beaten to death by an angry mob of Muslim fanatics who had accused her of blasphemy for asking one of their own not to perform ablution in front of her shop in Kofar Wambai, a popular plastic market in Kano state with the killers not even considering the flailing state of the 74 year old woman. One similar trend that is perceptible in the deaths of these two women is religious intolerance.
Though arrests were made following these incidents but no cogent prosecution has been heard of. In the case of Madame Eunice; six (6) different suspects were apprehended with the police being accused of including innocent persons among those that were nabbed with the thoroughness in question. Let us assume that the dark had aided its own as the perpetrators were not seen since the event happened around past 5 in the morning but what about the case of Mrs. Bridget who was murdered in broad daylight as her husband watched on. In the case of the latter; five (5) suspects were arrested, and they were duly identified by the husband of the victim. What is however alarming about the whole situation [aside the murder] is the manner in which the suspects were set free as the case was withdrawn by the Attorney-General of Kano state, Haruna Falali, and the reason for the withdrawal is yet to be made known thus leaving this question begging: ‘shall the judge of the earth not judge right? Thanks to Falali, Ahmad- the prime suspect- and co are still out there leaving in their ‘freedom’ while justice is imprisoned. Falali does appear to have tilted towards the end of religious bias or can one say he is operating under a separate law besides the constitution which he ought to hold forth its bidding.
In the norm of getting cases of this magnanimity swept under the carpet, the cases of Eunice Olawale and Bridget Agbahime seem to have gone into a harbinger of silence. It must be said that the police in Kano state did their utmost in ensuring that the suspects were arrested only for their efforts to be rendered null and void as the Attorney-General saw no reason why the evil men should be made to pay for their heinous acts. The police is however yet to come to a conclusive end on the murder case of Eunice Olawale with those that were initially arrested already released [earlier this year] on the basis that they had no connection with the killing. Nonetheless, the public relations officer at the force headquarters in Abuja gave a reassurance that the police is still very much on the case as the investigation is still ongoing. As weeks keep turning into months and months into years, it is hoped that this will not go down as one of the many murder cases that we have heard and seen in the nation.
But even if the matter looks dead and buried, or we just decide to keep calm or silent; will the blood of the slain keep silent?- maybe for a while but not forever. Will the truth also be slain? - That I know will not be possible. There is a cry that is ringing out loud, and that is the cry for justice- the soul whose mother has been cut in her prime cries out; the blood of the slain cries out for it, and the simple whose life no respite knows because of the presence of the ‘devouring lions’ in human skin that are all around, eagerly cries out for justice to be given a freedom of expression… are you in tune with this cry, o ye rulers and judge of the earth?

A System in Shambles
A couple of weeks back, news emerged that about three-quarter of the thirty-three thousand teachers [in Kaduna state] who partook in a basic four competence test had failed with the pass mark set at 75%. And at the moment, these teachers await their fate- with the state government bent on annulling their appointments. But while the Kaduna scenario remains fresh, one will not be out of context to posit that the matter [at hand] is a microcosm of a failing educational system.
Reviewing the Kaduna case further; in the first place, I personally believe that 75% pass mark for teachers who were taken through trainings is still somewhat average considering that the questions were drawn from basic four syllabus. It is even quite pathetic that officials of the Nigeria Union of Teachers are threatening to go on strike should the Kaduna state government proceed with the sacking. NUT’s point is that the government reneged on the agreement to set the pass mark set at 60%- though not one to support people not keeping to promise but why should it be that low in the first place? Are the teachers not supposed to be a repository of knowledge from which the pupils ought to tap? I believe the teachers ought to be well ahead of the pupils they are teaching. Plus, is NUT now protecting the interest of the affected teachers- that may be the right thing to do but the priority should not be misplaced- to the detriment of the nation’s future. The teachers are meant to be 'shapers' of destinies so, should they not have the wherewithal to expertly deliver the right kind of service or knowledge to the children, there is no reason why they stand in front of the class posing as teachers- allowing such level of incompetence will be tantamount to giving in garbage to beget a ‘heap of garbage’ in the course of time.
Putting the Kaduna state issue aside for a moment, the educational system in the nation is one that is freighted with many faulty trends that have eaten deep into the fabric of the entire setup. A major problem that has been facing the Nigerian educational system is that of poor management strategies as there appears to be no firm grip/control of the administration of these schools by any tier of government. This has thus far left things in a mess as proper monitoring is neglected and/or given little consideration. Furthermore, the politicization that is sometimes exercised in the appointment if teachers has not also done the system any real good as mediocrity eventually gets exalted over merit, and the children are left to bear the brunt.
Other challenges such as the instability of teachers, irregularities in teachers’ training and inadequate equipment/infrastructures have played a part in lowering the standard of education in the country. Where all these have left us is a state of rot that has not only affected the pupils and students at the receiving end but also left a stench in the society at large.
To wrap this up, while the failure rate recorded in the Kaduna test might have once again opened our eyes to the ‘cankerworms’ that have been gnawing at our educational system, one must bear in mind that the problem of having incompetent teachers in service is not limited to Kaduna alone. As such, other state governors need to start taking bold steps at sifting the chaff from the wheat by ensuring that teachers go through competence test on a regular basis. We may not be able to holistically deal with the many problems at once but we can surely start from somewhere- taking bold and decisive steps here and there.

A System in Shambles
A couple of weeks back, news emerged that about three-quarter of the thirty-three thousand teachers [in Kaduna state] who partook in a basic four competence test had failed with the pass mark set at 75%. And at the moment, these teachers await their fate- with the state government bent on annulling their appointments. But while the Kaduna scenario remains fresh, one will not be out of context to posit that the matter [at hand] is a microcosm of a failing educational system.
Reviewing the Kaduna case further; in the first place, I personally believe that 75% pass mark for teachers who were taken through trainings is still somewhat average considering that the questions were drawn from basic four syllabus. It is even quite pathetic that officials of the Nigeria Union of Teachers are threatening to go on strike should the Kaduna state government proceed with the sacking. NUT’s point is that the government reneged on the agreement to set the pass mark set at 60%- though not one to support people not keeping to promise but why should it be that low in the first place? Are the teachers not supposed to be a repository of knowledge from which the pupils ought to tap? I believe the teachers ought to be well ahead of the pupils they are teaching. Plus, is NUT now protecting the interest of the affected teachers- that may be the right thing to do but the priority should not misplaced- to the detriment of the nation’s future. The teachers are meant to be shapers of destinies so, should they not have the wherewithal to expertly deliver the right kind of service or knowledge to the children, there is no reason why they stand in front of the class posing as teachers- allowing such level of incompetence will be tantamount to giving in garbage to beget a ‘heap of garbage’ in the course of time.
Putting the Kaduna state issue aside for a moment, the educational system in the nation is one that is freighted with many faulty trends that have eaten deep into the fabric of the entire setup. A major problem that has been facing the Nigerian educational system is that of poor management strategies as there appears to be no firm grip/control of the administration of these schools by any tier of government. This has thus far left things in a mess as proper monitoring is neglected and/or given little consideration. Furthermore, the politicization that is sometimes exercised in the appointment if teachers has not also done the system any real good as mediocrity eventually gets exalted over merit, and the children are left to bear the brunt.
Other challenges such as the instability of teachers, irregularities in teachers’ training and inadequate equipment/infrastructures have played a part in lowering the standard of education in the country. Where all these have left us is a state of rot that has not only affected the pupils and students at the receiving end but also left a stench in the society at large.
To wrap this up, while the failure rate recorded in the Kaduna test might have once again opened our eyes to the ‘cankerworms’ that have been gnawing at our educational system, one must bear in mind that the problem of having incompetent teachers in service is not limited to Kaduna alone. As such, other state governors need to start taking bold steps at sifting the chaff from the wheat by ensuring that teachers go through competence test on a regular basis. We may not be able to holistically deal with the many problems at once but we can surely start from somewhere- taking bold and decisive steps here and there.

Argentina 2 Vs Nigeria 4 but it’s not world cup yet
Wild celebrations trailed the Super Eagles’ commanding victory over Argentina. Social media platforms went [and are still] buzzing with excitement on the feat of the youthful eagles’ team, with the major talking point being the comeback show put up by the Nigerian team. The excitement is quite understandable considering the fact that this was only the second time a Nigerian team will be coming out top against a star-studded Argentine team- the first of such being the 3-2 win at Atlanta ’96 which was also a comeback win. And of a truth, considering Argentina’s ranking in world football, this rare victory is worth celebrating- so, once again, bravo to the gallant eagles.
But before we get carried away by the euphoria that has come with the victory, we need to stay calm and look towards the ‘football mundial’ with great expectations [of having a wonderful outing in Russia next year]. This can only be achieved if all hands continue to be on deck.
It is no-brainer that early preparation is very essential to ensure that things turn out well at the world cup. Irrespective of the surety of this fact, fire brigade approach usually witnessed in our football circle has always been the greatest undoing- that said, I do hope complacency will not add up to that as the team is now on an appreciable winning streak. Kudos must however be given to the Amaju Pinnick-led administration that has thus worked around the clock to bring out the best in the team, and also take Nigeria’s football to the pedestal of greatness. It is to this end that I expect the NFF to keep making concerted efforts towards getting the Super Eagles in shape by organizing more grade A friendly matches like the one we just had. Plus, early camping/preparation should also be ensured if we [as a nation] wish to sustain the level of excitement we have caught from the victory over Argentina.
Though it is not world cup yet but beyond the result, there an ample of reasons why the victory is worth celebrating, and some of these (reasons) are henceforth discussed:
The competition looks good
Finally, the team is now looking more competitive as a couple of players from their outstanding display have shown the readiness to upstage the regulars. A major department that has not seen so much competition is the left full-back which had been more of a one-man show for so long now. However, the introductions of ola Aina and Bryan Idowu - who showed his intuitiveness as a modern full-back- into the setup seem to be bringing much verve to that particular position. Another player whose performance was eye-catching in the friendly against the Albiceleste was Ado Den Haag’s defender, Tyronne Ebuehi who has been waiting for his chance to don the green and white jersey of Nigeria. Though Abdullahi Shehu has been quite impressive but having another strong contender for the right full-back position is indeed a great idea. And with a youngster like Francis Uzoho coming up, is there really any reason to have Daniel Akpeyi in the team? It might be early days at the moment but things are looking very promising. Again, John Ogu, who is an old warhorse of some sort, is also looking good thus presenting more options in the midfield. Above all, with the zest we see in the team, and a strong bench in the offing, things are adding up to help the coach put up a strong squad that will be able to hold its head high even against the very best footballing nations.
Tactical flexibility
Nigeria’s national football team has been known tilted more towards 4-4-2 formation but coach Gernot Rohr has so far brought a mix with his different switches, and we have seen the Super Eagles play 4-3-3, 4-5-1 and 3-5-2 formations- the latter being aptly employed in the friendly match. What this portends is that the team’s hope does not have to always be pinned on a particular set of players- nonetheless; it is quite obvious that some players are highly influential- as the coach keeps attempting to make good use of the resources at his disposal. This (flexibility) could be very needful in the eventuality of injuries.
Now that we have beaten the fourth best team in world football- even to the distastefulness of Argentine football legend, Diego Maradona who is very much concern about national prestige- there is no doubting the fact that we have drawn attention to ourselves, and as such, the Nigerian team cannot afford to rest on its oars…there is a bigger fight ahead, and that, we must be prepared for.