YumYum Cake Affairs

Four steps wedding cake

Have you got birthday, wedding or any anniversary coming up, and you are thinking of making a beautiful cake to complement the event? Then, this is just for you!

Shirt-shaped cake

Birthday cake for the young ones

They also take classes for those who are interested in starting cake business, and be their own boss!

For bookings of affordable cakes, or class registration, contact YumYum on 08055303255, and 08030854909. You can also add them up on bbm... Pin: 226ADD9B

YumYum cake affairs is located at 14, Laoye street, Ashi, Ibadan.

Rebranding the many "evils" people do for money...

In my previous post about the rampant avarice in Nigeria, I spoke a little about "Yahoo boys". If you're yet to read, please do read and post your comments. 

So, I came across an advert in one of  the popular monthly magazine today, and this will make me want to revisit this same issue.

Please take your to read this advert well.

Notice the "...heavy money on Yahuu"?

Now, that's where I'm going...

Checks have revealed that a number of those erroneously referred to as “Yahoo Boys” (Internet fraudsters) have delved into money rituals as the internet business has not been forthcoming as before. Instead of calling it money ritual, they have code named it “Yahoo Plus”. In their own case, perpetrators of Yahoo Plus have taken their game to a higher level by adding jazz to it. At times, unsuspecting girlfriends end up as victims. Most people in Yahoo Plus opted for money rituals after the used of jazz failed to bring the desired results from the “Yahoo Yahoo” trade.

Unfortunately however, money rituals fail at times. Victims have been rejected by medicine men while some have been taken to shrines before they were found unsuitable for particular rituals and might have to be returned. One of the commonest consequences of a failed money ritual is that instead of getting rich, the person might either run mad or even die. These often serve as checks to prevent aggrieved prosperity seekers from spilling the beans and also to ensure that the esoteric secrets behind the rituals remain unknown.

The advert also spelt out "spend money and back to your pocket" (in Yoruba, its called Anobo), "commanding tone medicine without refusal" (Mayehun in Yoruba)...

The fact that this advert got published in the first place is quite disturbing. My question is, are we seriously in support of this "yahoo" thing? 

Will we ever have a sane society devoid of crime or inordinate desire for wealth?

Nigeria’s crime surge

Conceptually, crime can be seen as an infraction of both the basic principles of law and order and the norms of civilised behaviour. No society is immune from this knotty social problem but what differs is the frequency and magnitude of the situation and the response mechanisms to address it.

As part of the human community, Nigeria is currently caught in the web of crime dilemma, manifesting in the convulsive upsurge of both violent and non-violent crimes.

But the most alarming and terrifying is the present escalation of violent crimes and the barbarity, lethality and trauma the perpetrators unleash on the hapless citizenry across the length and breadth of the country. Notable in this regard are the rising incidents of armed robbery, assassination and kidnapping, which are now ravaging the polity and spreading a climate of fears and anxieties about public safety.

So far, the prevalent sky high level of violent crimes in Nigeria has cast asterisk on the political will of some of those in the corridors of power in the country to protect the citizens through the instrumentality of the law enforcement agencies, especially the Nigerian Police Force, which is constitutionally charged with maintaining law and order.

What are the underlying causative factors behind the exponential increase in violent crimes in our present-day society, especially the ugly trends of dare-devil armed robbery , kidnapping and assassination that have put the country in a quandary and instigated the pervasive sense of agoraphobia and “homephobia” among many Nigerians?

And what are the realistic means of containing these worrisome developments, which have come with pernicious effects of threat to the life and property of the citizenry, forced divestment of resources by the government from more productive sectors to the maintenance of internal law and order and discouragement of foreign direct investments?

In fact, responding to these nagging questions would require a viva voce of the crime causative factors in Nigeria. Evidently, the bulk of the causative factors undergirding crime, violence and other deviant acts in the country are structural in nature but, somewhat, are reinforced by the obvious failure of institutional response mechanisms.

Starting with the structural crime causative factors, these include:

·Rampant corruption. This cankerworm has not only dwarfed the prospects of remarkable economic growth and development in the country but has also precipitated abject poverty, deprivation, privation, suffering and despondency among the masses that now fuel crime and violence.

·Deplorable state of the economy. This is attributable to corruption, mismanagement, poor planning, failed structural reform programmes, epileptic power supply and the attendant debilitating economic costs, lull in the manufacturing sector in a petroleum crude driven mono-economy and changes in the international political economy that have tremendously undermined the circumstances for the promotion of a national welfare state.

All these crises of development  have, no doubt, resulted in lack of much economic ventilation and the associated social suffocation that have provoked a ferment among many penurious and disenchanted sections of the population who can no longer cope with the miserable situations and, alas, resort to crime as a “saving grace”.

·Aggravation of the widening gap between “the haves” (the rich) and “the have nots” (the poor). This untoward development, which is clearly seen in the near decimation of the social stabilising middle class, is not only getting out of hand and creating a social rift of “them” and “us” but is also spelling trouble everywhere through crime and criminality, including armed robbery which now threatens the safety of the affluent class in society.

·Mass poverty. By and large, the abject want, squalor and misery among the vast majority in the country in the midst of plenty have exacerbated the crime rate.

Factors stoking the ember of poverty in the land include corruption, economic crisis, lack of well-articulated social security programmes to cushion the adverse effects of painful economic reforms, worsening income gap between the rich and the poor, high unemployment, rural-urban development imbalance and emerging international economic order.

Unarguably, poverty is the harbinger of most crimes. A recent estimate put the number of Nigerians living below the poverty line at 70 per cent. Regarding unemployment, which has created available market for crime, recent statistics from the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) indicate that 12 million Nigerians are unemployed, this is not to mention those who are underemployed.

·Gradual erosion of community spirit. Regrettably, this has witnessed the eclipse of the lofty values that keep the society on its toes like communalism, altruism, benevolence, empathy, compassion, philanthropy and solidarity and their replacement with the retrograde spirit of narcissistic individualism and hubris and the precipitate selfishness, greed, avarice, apathy and misanthropy that are stealthily  turning Nigeria into a “me-first society”.

The fallout is a dog-eat-dog society  where the survival of the fittest is causing a widening gap between the rich and the poor, loot-and–plunder syndrome, blatant neglect, crime and criminality and rise of angst and alienation induced suicides, as blamed on low “mechanical solidarity” in the society today.

ALHAJI (CHIEF) YISA OLASUNKANMI AKANNI YAGBOYAJU AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIAN MUSLIM YOUTHS: AND INSIDER'S PERSPECTIVE

By: Dr. Dhikrullah Adewale Yagboyaju

Introduction

The initial mixed feelings as to whether I could objectively write this chapter on Alhaji (Chief) Yisa Olasunkanmi Akanni Yagboyaju, were effectively addressed by Professor Siyan Oyeweso's insistence that as academics we should be able to set emotions aside in our ever increasing and demanding search for knowledge. Therefore, even as a child to Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju, I shall be objective as possible in writing this chapter on his life and times. This chapter has four main sections in which the life of Alhaji Yagboyaju will be explored. These are: childhood and formal education, adulthood and foray into commerce; philanthropism, Islamic propagation and focus on Muslim youths;and concluding remarks.

Childhood and Formal Education

Yisa Akanni was born on 30th June, 1933 in Ede, in the present day Osun State. His father, Pa Lawani Adejumo Yaagboyaaju was an illustrious and prosperous cocoa produce merchant whose business empire grew beyond Ede, his native town, to Edunabon, Moro, Ipetumodu, Asipa, Origbo and Ile-Ife, all in the present day Osun State. Yisa's mother, Abadatu Adepeju, who was one of the eight wives of Lawani Adejumo Yaagboyaaju, was blessed with four children but none except Yisa survived beyond the age of 3. This made Yisa Akanni the only child of his mother. It is on record that there was a very deep affection and love between Abadatu Adepeju and her only son, Yisa. It should also be noted that as a child, Yisa had series of health challenges, such that the mother was often afraid that her only son should not die before her.

Despite the anxiety, occasional illnesses and other health related issues, Yisa was enrolled for his elementary education at St. Peters Anglican Primary School, Ede. As a result of a combination of factors like his encounter with health challenges and the need to make the occasional business trips with his father and siblings, Yisa had to complete his elementary education in Origbo Community Primary School. Thereafter, he proceeded to the then Zik College, Sapele, where he could not go beyond the first academic term. This was largely as a result of the fact that his mother could not imagine that little Yisa would have to leave her for that long, especially when she was not sure of the fate of her only child in a "foreign" land. Apart from this, the business empire of his father suffered severe setback around this time and that meant insufficient funds for the whole family. He returned to Ede and did occasional casual jobs with the then Costain West Africa that built bridges, dams, and other physical infrastructures in Ede, Ido Osun, and few other neighbouring communities. He also engaged in such casual jobs at the railway station in Ede, where he and some others helped in the weighing of cocoa and other farm products.

Adulthood and Foray into Commerce

No doubt, Yisa Yagboyaju, as a young man was naturally endowed. He was not only among the best students throughout his school days, he was also his father's secretary and record keeper even when he had elder brothers. In addition, he was very inquisitive and restless. Sensing early in life, that there could be more challenging opportunities outside Ede, he requested his mother to discuss with relevant people who could help out. The mother, Abadatu Adepeju, discussed with her own younger sister, Asia Adepeola (the mother of Professor Laide Abass) who told her own husband, Pa Abass. It was the latter who took little Yisa along with him to Ibadan and secured the job of a clerical assistant for him in the business outfit of madam Raliatu Jadesola (an Ibadan based businesswoman of Ede origin) in 1952.

Over time Yisa Yagboyaju became the official representative and procurement clerk of madam Jadesola in different towns like Lagos, Kano, Onitcha, among several others. As he was doing this, young Yisa Yagboyaju also established new friendships and contacts that were so useful later in life. In 1954, he searched for his soulmate Afusatu Anike who had all along stayed with Yisa's parents in Ede. They were joined together ad husband and wife in that year. In 1955, Yisa Yagboyaju secured the approval of madam Jadesola to start his own small business. In no time, the small business grew and blossomed such that the name of the young merchant from Ede reverberated across Ibadan, Lagos and some other prominent towns in the then Western region. His father who was then advanced in age also sustained the respect and prestige for which the name Yaagboyaaju was known in Ede and its environs, particularly when he became the grand patron of the defunct NCNC in his immediate domain.

After the death of Pa Lawani Akanni Adejumo Yaagboyaaju in 1962, it became necessary for his children particularly Yisa and a few others outside Ede to re-establish their presence in the town. For Yisa, one of the ways to do this was by constructing houses. In 1966, he commissioned a residential building at Fashina compound and later in 1970, a commercial property on station road, Ede. It may be necessary to note that all along as Yisa Yagboyaju business thrived, he consistently assisted his friends, relatives and others who were in need at different points in time. Similarly, over time he married his other wives namely Muibat Asande (Late), Wulemot (Late) and Wasilat Bola.

More importantly, it occurred to Yisa Yagboyaju early on life that a better future can only be actualized particularly for the generality of Muslims who embraced the Western form of education through conscious and purposive efforts in capacity building. He identified the acquisition of Western form of education in addition to Arabic and Islamic education and passionately encouraged Muslim youths to embrace it.

Philanthropism, Islamic Propagation and Focus on Muslim Youths
Prior to 1976, when he single-handedly built a replica of the government prescribed block of classrooms at the permanent site of Ede Muslim Grammar School, Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju had engage in many silent contributions to the propagation of Islam. The donation of the block of classroom was quite symbolic. This was an unprecedented feat in the history of Ede, that a single individual will build and donate such a structure. In addition, the building, Yagboyaju block, the oldest permanent structure in the school today, and as one of the requirements by the government at that time, helped in the final approval for the commencement of the school. Remarkably, its probably also contributed to the superlative WAEC result of the school's first set of graduates in 1978.
At about the same time, he became actively involved in the activities of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN). Infact, in 2004 one MSSN marked its 50th year anniversary, it was reported that Alhaji Yagboyaju pioneered individual sponsorship of the Islamic Vacation Course (IVC), missionary campaigns and conferences. He also pioneered the sponsorship of Islamic programmes on TV and radio in the old Oyo state and some other parts of the defunct Western states. Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju also pioneered the printing of Islamic stickers.

 

He was the first single donor of buses to MSSN and NACOMYO.

 

For his support and commitment to the activities of MSS, he was appointed the grand patron to MSSN and a life trustee of the society. Similarly, he was at different times involved in the activities of NYBROSIS, Young Muslims Brothers And Sisters (YOUMBAS), The Muslim Congress (TMC), Nasril'lahi-il-fathi (NASFAT), QUAREEB and many other organizations whose founders were active members of the MSSN at one point or the other.
He championed the advocacy for Muslim judges and lawyers to conduct mosque services to herald the beginning of the legal year as against the joint church programme that was common in the past. He was appointed the grand patron of Nigerian Muslim Student in Kuwait, Egypt and North America in the early 1980s.

Apart from his activities among the Muslim youths which made him the "father" of tens of thousands of children. Alhaji Yagboyaju also helped in building mosques, Islamic mosques and hospitals in many places across Nigeria. He was installed the Asiwaju Odo Musulumi of Yorubaland by the league of Imams and Alfas in Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Edo and Delta state in 1986. He was the pioneer chairman Nigerian Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) in Oyo and Osun state. He was also a life member of NSCIA. He was honoured with a doctorate degree in Islamic religion by Bradley University in United State of America in 1994. He was the pioneer chairman Oyo State Muslim Council on 1989 and patron Muslim Corpers' Association on Nigeria (MCAN).

Also, he was installed Asiwaju Aare-ago of Ede in 1977. He was the national president Federal Council of Ede Descendant Union (FCEDU) between 1990-1998. He organized the first highly successful Ede day celebration 1993. He was one of the biggest supporters and financiers of the modern Ede Central Mosque.

As President of FCEDU, he laid the foundation and commenced the building of the new ultra-modern Ede Town Hall. Similarly, it should be noted that his single contribution to the effort which led to the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Ede, cannot be overemphasized.

 

The contributions by Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju to the development of Ede are not complete if his pioneering efforts as Commercial farmer are not mentioned. In 1982, he acquired over 200 acres of land, around L'oogun area (Ologobi), and employed about fifty indigenes of Ede as workers in the first commercial farm in the history of the town.

Perhaps, the greatest manifestations of the efforts of Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju in Islamic propagation which, incidentally, did not adversely affect his relationship with his numerous Christian friends and admirers, could be found in the kind of opinions that were expressed across the country after his death in March 2012. The different categories of people who expressed these opinions also speaks volumes. Part of these opinions shall be reproduced in the last section of these chapter.

Conclusion

From all that have been reported in the preceding sections of this chapter about Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju, it can easily be said that he was particularly concerned with all his vigour because, according to him, "the youth are not only the hope of Nigeria and, more importantly, Muslim Ummah's future, they also have very fertile minds that could quickly imbibe positive lessons". Many opinions were expressed on Alhaji Yagboyaju's efforts in socio-eeconomic and religious activism. According to Femi Abbas, "the unassuming but genuinely great man, Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju was popularly known as "Baba Ewe" because of his love for Muslim youths"

To Alhaji Muhammed Sa'ad Abubakar lll, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju lived a life that was based on Islamic principles, despite his material wherewithal. For those who appreciate the values of discipline, Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju was also said to have set a footprint on the sands of time. Dr. Lateef Adegbite, Secretary General NSCIA and first President of MSSN observed that Yisa Yagboyaju was a frontline player in the struggle for unity on Nigeria, despite her multi-ethnic nature and secularity. Meanwhile, according to Dr. Abdullah Jibril Oyekan, former Director, Ministry of Petroleum, "it is a growing tribute to Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju that he made his name and established his name within Ummah".He also reminded us of some of the peraonal traits of Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju. According to him, the first features that one noticed about Alhaji were his compulsive neatness, simplicity and meticulous dressing style which portrayed him as a man of great respect. He also has a welcoming smile and a amiable character. All of these were said to be anchored on his strong faith in his belief.

For Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, Vice-Chacellor, University of Ilorin, Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju was a man, who through self-sacrifice raised the spirit of volunteerism in Yorubaland. Also, while Abubakar Mujahid Asari Dokubo, former Coordinator, NACOMYO, Rivers State observes that Alhaji Yagboyaju was one of the few Muslim leaders who dedicated all their endowments to the Deen without any strings attached. Kunle Sanni noted that he was a unique philanthropist who had many pioneering achievements such as sponsoring Islamic messages for free distribution, and donation of vehicles to Islamic groups, especially MSSN and NACOMYO. To Professor Noib Daud, the Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the death of Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju created a big vacuum in Islamic propagation in Nigeria. He consequently challenged the stakeholders in the field of da'wah to brace up to the challenges of Islamic propagation in the future.
   
The Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola described, Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju as a model for the righteous, whose contributions to Islamic activities, and philantropism were unparalleled in the South West of Nigeria. He declared that the late scholar was a trail brazier and lone ranger in Islamic propagation and nothing would be too much to immortalise him. The Governor however declared the donation of N10 million for the building of a chalet in memory of late Alhaji Yisa Yagboyaju in Ibadan.

Today reminds us its been a year we lost a rare gem, may Allah (SWT) forgive his sins, make Aljanah firdaus his abode (Ameen) and may Allah continue to guide, guard and bless the Muslim Jamaah at large. Inna atainah.

Recognize your antisocial behaviour

Antisocial behaviour can generally be characterized as an overall lack of adherence to the social mores and standards that allow members of a society to co-exist peaceably. Many people who display this type of behaviour may seem charming, but often cause harm to others and show little remorse for their actions. Antisocial behaviour can be part of a larger conduct disorder, or personality disorder, such as antisocial personality disorder, and is seen in men more commonly than women.

Characteristics
A person who displays antisocial behaviour might appear to be charismatic and outgoing at first, but this can hide the fact that such people tend to be extremely selfish and self-centred. The person's lack of concern with other people's opinions can seem liberating to others who might feel trapped inside the roles of society. Activities suggested by someone with a behaviour disorder that at first seem to be daring and fun may soon become dangerous or give no thought to the well-being of others, however. People with antisocial personalities are also more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.

Antisocial behaviour often includes hostility and aggression, which may take the form of verbal or physical. Some people may angrily refuse to follow the rules of a situation, or actively defy the authority of a parent, teacher, or employer. Both children and adults may lie and steal to get what they want or simply to hurt others.

Causes
People of any age can display antisocial behaviours. When children exhibit this behaviour, it's generally referred to as "conduct disorder." Researchers have linked certain factors to conduct disorders in children, finding both environmental and genetic components. While the genetic factor is not yet well understood, some studies suggest that a specific variant of a gene that transports serotonin may be a possible predictor of antisocial behaviour in children. In addition, a child's personality and temperament may affect how he reacts to his environment, as can conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression.

Children with conduct disorders are often victims of abuse or have been exposed to environments where harsh punishments are common. Many of these children grew up with parents whose inconsistent behaviour ranged from excessive leniency to excessive punishment. Such inconsistency can cause a child to not know how to react to a challenging situation, causing him to become angry and lash out when he doesn't get his way. The child of a parent with an antisocial personality disorder may learn through example that aggression and a disregard for the needs of others is normal behaviour.

According to research, conduct disorders that develop prior to puberty are more likely to continue into adulthood, while a child who develops antisocial behaviour later, at or after puberty, has a better chance of the behaviour not continuing into adulthood. Many teens develop behavioural issues during puberty, and although they can be severe, most grow out of them. In addition, the longer antisocial behavior persists, the more difficult it is to change. The worst cases, as seen in adult criminals such as murderers, can usually be traced back to earlier conduct disorders as children.

Personality Disorders
In adults, antisocial behaviour can be part of a larger personality disorder, most notably, antisocial personality disorder. Someone with this disorder might be called a sociopath, although that term is mostly used for people with a very severe form. This is a chronic mental illness that often prevents sufferers from forming healthy relationships, holding down a regular job, and staying out of trouble with the law.

Antisocial personality disorder is usually grouped with other, related personality disorders: borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic. These disorders are linked by overemotional or dramatic thinking and behaviour. Some experts also believe that antisocial personality disorder is closely connected to psychopath, in which a person has no empathy for others at all. Research suggests that many people with a psychopathic personality do not display the same tendency toward violence that many people with antisocial behaviour do, however.

Recognizing Antisocial Behaviour in Children
Children or adolescents with conduct disorder will typically show three or more of the following signs consistently in their personality traits:

• Behaves impulsively, thoughtlessly jeopardizing the safety of himself and others. 
• Is manipulative, and lies or cons his way through situations. 
• Does not follow rules, and enjoys breaking the law. 
• Borrows money with no intention of repaying it. 
• Steals. 
• Is overly aggressive, often picking fights. 
• Is willing to hurt others emotionally or physically without showing remorse. 
• Is arrogant and overly confident. 
• Likes to set fires. 
• Is cruel to animals. 

Treatment
Antisocial behaviour in adults is not easily treated by psycho or medication, and it can be difficult to motivate adults to change. Children exhibiting signs of a conduct disorder can often be treated, however, especially if the behaviour is identified early. Cognitive-behavioural therapy can help children and adolescents change their moral reasoning, learn empathy, and deal with frustration in positive ways. The longer antisocial behaviour is allowed to continue, the more difficult it is to treat.

Change of state's name or what?

Ok, I don't get... State of Osun Government? What is Ogbeni (Mr.) Aregbesola really up to, with the change of name?

FIVE STUDENTS EXPELLED FOR RAPE

Five students of Ekiti State University Ado-
Ekiti who allegedly raped female student
have been expelled by the University.

They have also been dragged before a
court of law. The criminals were arrested on Thursday, 7th March, 2013 through a
concerted effort of EKSU Security men, the Nigerian Police, and youths from Iworoko Ekiti, a neighbouring town. Their expulsion was sequel to the report of the University

Disciplinary Committee headed by Professor W. O. Adebayo that tried them.

The names of the expelled students are
Babalola Adedotun Kolawole, a 300 Level
Psychology student with matriculation
number 092819, Omoteye Olalekan Olamide, a 300 Level Psychology student with matriculation number 0902886, Bamigboye Biola Moshood, a Pre-
degree Social Science student, Adekunle Lateef Omogbemileke, a 300 Level Accounting student with
matriculation number 0902865. As at the
time of this report, both Adekunle Lateef Omogbemileke and Okube Gabriel Ogunmoroti were still at large.

A statement from the Deputy Registrar
Information and Public Relations of the
University, Ajibade Olubunmi quoted the
Dean of Students Affairs, Professor I G. Adanlawo as saying that parents should monitor their children closely so that they won't belong to bad groups.

The Vice-Chancellor , Professor Oladipo Aina has on several occasions warned that his administration would flush out bad eggs
among the students and Staff.

Honourable Patrick Obahiagbon and his vocabularies

Honourable Patrick Obahiagbon is well known for his excessive use of vocabularies and from the look of things, the Honourable is more concerned on how impressed people get when he is on "the role". Some of his heavy grammars, although very correct, sounds like insultive words, like the kinds you would call your elder brother or sister who forcefully took your meat.

Hon. Patrick, who in my opinion is like a comic relief to his fellow members, but on a more serious note, it bothers me, because I don't think there is really a need to use such big words in communicating with a diverse audience in Nigeria, especially in the house. 

Communication is better when simple words are used. Sometimes, I imagine how he communicates with his family. Although, the wife once said, Hon. Patrick practically "sleeps" with dictionary. And that, to me, is quite alarming. Even the Nobel Laureate winner doesn't do such.

Some of the "big grammars" used by Hon. Patrick...

"Parliamentary modus operandi, Political brouhaha, Self abnegation, Spiritual immolation, Egocentric chauvinism, Epileptic Nepotism, Animalistic pugnacious (This is redundant. Couldn't he have just said "hostile"?), Maniacally bewildered, Gymnosophic gyration".  The list goes on and on.

He also once said: Orthonological specimen of identical plumage invariably conglomerate in the same vicinity. What he meant was that Birds of a feather, flock together.

"Is that the incineration officer? Please gravitate here with tremenduous acceleration and alacrity, because a gigantic conflageration has engulf my domiciliary habitation".

I pity his constituency. Having him represent them at the National level. How can he make any meaningful contribution that will help his constituency and the nation at large if nobody understands the load of of rubbish he calls grammar? When you communicate, you must communicate in a way that ohers could understand. Otherwise you are just a rabble rouser seeking for undue attention. In my opinion, his years in the house of reps is a waste to the nation. Let somebody mention a bill he sponsored or any reasonable contribution he made to any bill. As soon as he finishes speaking, he is ignored and his speech is seen as an unnecessary distraction to a serious discussion. So unfortunate.

The rampant avarice in Nigeria

 
Corruption is likely to appear on everyone's list of factors obstructing the Nigeria's path towards sustainable development. Yet, rather for it decrease,  corruption has proliferated to to all segments of Nigeria, making it the "common cold" of Nigeria social ills.

One may pause for a moment and ask, what is this evil that men do and yet lives after them?

The answer to the above question has been a contentious one for ages. However, corruption has been broadly defined as a perversion or a change from good to bad. Corruption or corrupt practices have been said to involve the violation of established rules for personal gain and profit (Sen, 1999). In his own words, Nye (1967) defined corruption as behaviour which deviates from the formal duties of a public role, because of private gains regarding personal, close family, private clique, pecuniary or status gains. It is a behaviour which violates rules against the exercise of certain types of duties for private gains regarding influence.

According to A. J. Ogunleye, Corruption is a cankerworm that introduces arbitrariness and discrimination in decision makings so that rules, regulations and procedure are circumvented within a course of action for selfish gains. Corruption is a concept, a harmful phenomenon to personal growth and the economic development of a nation. A corrupt individual is better referred to as a sociopath who will often require the attentions of a personologist; and or behaviour.

Corrupt behaviours  include; misappropriation, nepotism, fraud, embezzlement, extortion, favoritism, rigging of elections, and falsification of voters register, over-invoicing, money laundering, examination malpractices and even the present day cultism; (most especially  among students).

Socially, the effects of corruption could be enormous. For example, the current call for privatization of Nigeria Power Holding Company and deregulation of the Nigeria economy that is being critically opposed by some Nigeria elitists resulted in revealing the recently submitted result of the oil subsidy probe in Nigeria, as reported by Vincent Ovia, where it was found out by the Honourable Lawan Farouk probe panel that fuel consumption in Nigeria was inflated by about 30 million litres per day and thus resulting in the government expend of over 2.4 trillion Naira in the year 2011 alone (ThisdayLive, 15th April, 2012
Another example is the internet fraud, which is popularly referred to as "yahoo yahoo" can be quite disturbing. It is dishearten to find undergraduates and even graduates involved in this so-called Job. We see it as fraud but they see it as a Full Time Job, and they keep saying Yahoo Yahoo is a very difficult task. Boys ranging from age 17 - 40 something, now make a whole lot of money through this "channel of money-making", and if they are being questioned, usually, the reply you get is, "Na our money wey oyinbo don collect from our parent, na him we dey collect and we never collect am finish".

This problem has eaten too deep and I am afriad the authorities have no capacity to stop it. Months ago, a neighbour of mine was caught in Ado-Ekiti because of this yahoo yahoo thingy. Few days later, I saw him and he was like he paid N750,000 as bribe to the EFCC.
                         
Just like what African China said in his song " poor man wey steal maggi na them we dey see for crime fighters". So when the so-called EFCC is said to now takes bribe to set some culprits free what else can be done? Its more like a merry go round.

It is pertinent to record that corruption is at its' top in Nigeria because most Nigerians measure good life with flamboyant affluence and conspicuous consumption. An individual, in Nigeria, whose age ranges between 18 and 45 years and yet has no house(s) and car(s) (exotic and sleekly) of his own is rather perceived  as cursed and doomed for life. An attempt to prove to the world and Nigerians that one is not cursed, and, or doomed, accounts for why many Nigerians engage in dubious activities to cut corners to affluence.

Instances are ritual killings, cases of fraud, forgery, embezzlement and abuse of office; are issues of loss of moral reasoning, moral values, and moral judegment. An example is the recent case of N23.3bn pension fund embezzlement.

These behaviours continue because humans are essentially hedonistic, we tend to learn and internalize behaviours of people who live in affluence and opulence and they, invariably, serve as our models’. This phenomenon is most apparent where, even, persons that have been indicted of corrupt practices are celebrated rather than punished. For example, many of the second republic politicians who were found guilty of corrupt practices, and even a host of the past military leaders who were accused of corruption, are today in the corridors of power in Nigeria. The likes of Salisu Buhari, Jim Nwobodo, Chief Bode George, Boni Haruna, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ibrahim Babangida and Joshua Dariye to mention a few, are some of the individuals who has either been accused, or found guilty of corruption but today dictate the shots in Nigeria. Late Chief S. M. Afolabi was accused of corrupt practices involving the National Identity Card.

A healthy environment devoid of stimulation to learn, internalize and reproduce criminal tendencies and corrupt practices is advocated.

Successive Nigeria governments must wake up to their responsibilities of providing essential services for her citizenry, ensuring a safe haven for peaceful co-existence, and punishing corrupt individuals and other sociopaths adequately, to prevent others from performing other or similar criminal acts.

We must not also lose sight of the fact that a learnt act can equally be unlearned. Therefore, through reinforcements and public enlightenment campaigns, Nigerians can learn to appreciate social values and change their orientation through moral value judgements.

May God bless Nigeria.

The hues to the demolition of buildings in Ibadan

Dugbe Alawo, Ibadan.

    Towards achieving a clean environment, the Oyo state government embarked on the demolition of illegal structures across the state capital.
    Markets at Dugbe, Iwo road, Oje, Molete, Challenge, New Garage, Orita, Apata, Bodija Oju-irin among others were affected by the demolition exercise.

    Indeed, the decision of the state Government to toe the line of its Lagos state counterpart, in the area of the demolition of make shift structures, has caused more worries for residents and migrants alike. The pulling down of these structures is an on going exercise in the state capital.
Even though beautification is the latest song on the lips of the present administration in the state, the government appeals to the people to be patient with it, as it strives to make the state capital clean and investor friendly.
     Government officials disclose that the state government is keen in ensuring that the environment is devoid of structures considered to be eyesore. Those occupying the structures insist that their unflinching support for the ruling party in the 2011 general elections, ensured its victory in
the state.
    A cross section of residents applaud the government’s initiative, but frown at the inability of government to provide alternative locations for the
traders, who are mostly in the category below the low income group.
    Perhaps, to make up for the defect, the state government hurriedly cleared the over grown weeds at the Scout Camp, Molete, belonging to the Scout Association of Nigeria, Oyo state chapter
and unofficially directed the stranded traders to take spaces there.Surprisingly, some officials quickly took advantage of the situation to collect fees for spaces. The state government dissociated itself from the act and warned the public to be wary of such people collecting fees.
     Prostitutes in brothels scattered all over the state capital have equally been flushed out of their abodes. The prostitutes lament that they voted for the ruling party, but the ruling party decided to put an end to their means of livelihood.
     However, the State Commissioner for Environment and Habitat, Lowo Obisesan assures that Government would not be deterred by blackmail and rumour in its bid to ensure that it transforms the state.
     Interestingly, the State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi’s disclosure that his administration has identified 27 locations for the construction of modern neighbourhood markets serves as a temporary soothing balm to the displaced traders
     Sadly, the temporary market at the scout camp had for long served as dump site for residents.
     The traders disregarded the dump site status of their new location and displaced edibles for sale, while cleaners engaged by the state Ministry of Environment and Habitat made spirited efforts to clear the immeasurable refuse.
     At the onset of the demolition of illegal structures/markets at Iwo road, the state Governor had assured that the traders would be moved to a new location.
     "We are moving them to a new location, where they will no longer constitute an eyesore. The message here is that Oyo state must change. We want a clean state. Everybody has been saying Oyo state is one of the dirtiest states in Nigeria. We want to stop that. We therefore want the cooperation of our people".
    "Although there is nothing you do that people will not criticize, you about, for us, we must be courageous enough to make a difference. But I want to assure you that it would have a human face", Ajimobi had promised.
     The President, BRACED Association, the umbrella body of the South/South indigenes resident in Oyo state, Chief Michael Obasohon appeals to the state government to consider the high rate of unemployment, poverty and hunger in the land, as reasons for implementing its beautification plans
with care.
     "Most of these traders rely on what they sell daily, to cater for their families, government should be considerate. However, the plans of government are
commendable, once the interest of the ordinary people are accommodated", Obasohon opined.
     Governor Ajimobi is now the major topic of discussion in almost every area you turn to, in Ibadan. Like the cab I boarded yesterday and this morning, the passengers and driver kept on lamenting on how difficult things have become. At one point, the driver of the cab began to hail Governor Ajimobi with the fear of getting quoted or arrested (I assume) as he thought I was a reporter, because I passed no comment or contributed to their discussion.
      They were all of the opinion that the governor should create a forum or platform for Oyo State residents, so as to foster a democratic form of government, and also to enable people share opinions.
     Now that the present government is bent on cleaning the state through the demolition of illegal structures, the question is, will this last long, even when a new government assumes post?

Sachet water; Menace to society

    Nigeria has enough of the discarded plastic and sachets of water which clog her gutters.
    The water sachets are a menace, and the havoc caused by sachet water producers and consumers of sachet water on the environment in the face of sachet water business growth in the country should be echoed out loud.
    Water is a big part of human lives and one of nature’s most important gifts to mankind. Essentially, to life, a person’s survival depends on drinking water and an essential element to good health. It is necessary for the digestion and absorption of food, helps maintain proper muscle tone, supplies oxygen and nutrients to the cell, rides the body of wastes, and serves as natural air conditioning system.
    It is a vital element to the mechanics of the human body such that the body cannot work without water, just as a car cannot run without gas and oil. In fact, all the cells and organs function in the entire anatomy and physiology depends on water for their functioning and it is seen as next to air. In addition, water plays a key role in preventing diseases. Drinking water should always be clean and free of contaminants to ensure proper health and wellness. This human demand for quality water for survival has driven many people, institutions and government to come out with innovative ways of meeting this need for water, one of which is the introduction of the sachet water. As the popular saying goes, water everywhere but not a drop to drink, has become a thing of the past due to the presence of sachet water in every nook and cranny of the country. “Pure water” as is popularly called, is that portable water ( assumed to be of sufficient quality to serve as drinking water), treated and packaged in transparent polythene sachets, with name, address of manufacturer, expiry date, and NAFDAC number and logo boldly printed on it. The agency in charge of foods, drug administration and control gives such numbers after testing the efficacy of a product and certifying it fit for human consumption. Over the years, “ice water”, used to refer to water, usually untreated, packaged in ordinary nylon.
 The pure water business has become an industry, like the little tree that has grown into a mighty oak. It has become an industry to reckon in Nigeria and other parts of Africa in terms of modest contribution to the growth of the economy.
    The growth of sachet water business is alarming, especially where sachet used in packaging the water has now become a nuisance and source of worry to stakeholders who are now calling for measures to contain and control its menace on the environment as well as the health of consumers due to poor conditions under which most of this sachet water are produced and stored.
    Nylon waste may have a terrible impact on tourism, wherever rain water carries the waste.

    Majority of the sachet water is sourced and produced under questionable hygienic environmental conditions and they have had cause to impose a ban on some producers but are unable to monitor compliance due to logistical constraint. Besides, most sachet water on the market does not bear the seal of the NAFDAC and even those who bear them do not meet the required standard.
    Inspite of the above concerns of the sachet business to the environment, the quality and its health implications, the sachet water business is still booming over the years in the Metropolis with it continuous effects on the environment with the government and city authorities spending millions of money to curtail the situation.
    Prof. Amobi Ilika has advised those who consume sachet water (popularly called pure water) exposed to heat to be wary in order to avoid drinking cancerous substances.
    Ilika, who is the Director of Community and Public Medicine at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, said sachet water exposed to heat beyond room temperature could be cancerous.
    He said the heat could melt some of the substances used in making the polythene bags.
    According to him, the polythene bags contain cancerous materials that are harmful to the body.
    “The most important is the deterioration of the water while in polythene bags made of synthetic petroleum; since the polythene bags are weather-sensitive.
    “Some of the properties of the polythene bags made of synthetic petroleum product materials melt into the water after sun-ray or heat exposure.
    “Thus, carcinogenic materials will drop into the water. The polythene bags also develop germs and micro organisms which enter the water through the deterioration of the polythene bag,’’ he said. (NAN)
    The government of Nigeria should attempt to ban the production of sachet water by putting in place measures to weed out companies that are not producing quality water thereby, leaving a few good ones to undertake production with the aim of reducing the amount of plastic waste introduced into the environment.
    Even the idea of weekly sanitation by Oyo State government to clean the state makes me question where all the dirts are coming from, as one would think the weekly sanitation will turn state to a "small paradise". But no, the piles of dirts which the residents of Ibadan bring out every week is quite alarming. And one can not help but notice most of these dirts are accumulated sachets of water.
   We should all forget about the topic no one has banned sachet water popularly known as pure water. The question is, do you think production of sachet water should be banned considering the fact that almost every street you pass by, has so much litter of this sachet . The problem is no longer if its hygienic but jokes apart, this pure water is a big challenge to the environment. I believe it is hindering Nigerian streets from being clean. What do you think?