₦airaland Forum

We have war in Sudan, Congo and many other African countries . Yet, our media scape make it seem it’s all Ukraine.

Growing up, I wanted to be independent, and I thought a fulfilling career would be difficult to achieve at the cost of love and companionship.

I have seen a mother sacrifice her potentials to serve a man, sacrifice all that she could achieve just to raise some kids. I have seen senior residents forgo opportunities, tied down by their families to less.

We were like-minded in Alexander Brown Hall: to travel the world unrestrained, to practice across oceans, and must feel no obligation to a society that should judge us by our marital status.

Family was some form of shackles to be rid of - and first we must acquire power over it, such power that any time it’s desired, it was something within our power to get or be relieved of. Boys and men would always be around, and with the successes and accomplishments we craved, we were bound to be greater ultraviolet light, while the best of men would be insects attracted, always courting us.

But winters and summers, or seasons of rains and harmattans. How brief they stay, how quick they come and go. A consultant loses the bearing of her brains for want of love and companionship. Now happy to settle for less, for men they cannot love.

If I could do my life once more, I would be married 12 years ago. For now, I know, I could be married and yet cultivate character, brilliance of mind, and all the depth of contribution I have made. I just had to seek a suitable partner that could give wings to my aspirations. But now I must live, knowing my chances of a suitable partner are not necessarily better off by the additional qualifications or resources I have earned.


Your best chance is when you are ripe for marriage, for when you are overripe esp as a woman, you are less desirable. Let Omotola, Okonjo, Adichie be betters exemplars- they show that we can strive for a life where our professional ambitions and personal desires need not be in disharmony.

Do not seek the lies that we have sought that marriage would imply you sacrifice your aspirations, and that marriage is but an altar of conformity. Do not forge the self-deceptions we made as loneliness creeped in, that loneliness is but a specter to deter from our purposes, and that with work, we would always be in the midst of people. Be more critical, for you may find that the embrace of matrimony is fleeting, but consider it is not fleeting in other places.

Now that I am done with all the self-discovery, branded about with honorific titles and status, I yearn and cry at night, beneath the make-up to shield my wrinkles, for a spouse, for kids… and the presence of this misery beclouds all the other sources of my joy.

A mother faced with a difficult decision. Out of desperation, she sends her young girl away to work as a domestic servant, believing that the opportunities and care the girl might receive elsewhere surpass what they can provide. Not malice. Just clinging to hope.

A lady employs a 13 year old girl as her house help. What should she do if the help steals?

Moral line I: can a man ask if there is a blurred distinction between discipline and abuse? Or ask “What does it mean to "batter" someone?” Is it now merely an act of corporal punishment, or does it carry a deeper connotation of cruelty? Is their manifestation of cruelties in the girl appearance?

A girl screams for help in the market when she saw her employer buy 8 fresh canes. Was she crying out in terror against a history of relentless abuse, or could it be that this a singular act of discipline is blown out of proportion?
I see the girl’s back. Have I lost my conscience to think that a single stroke of a cane can leave a temporary mark on the skin? And this doesn’t look like batter. I wasn’t there. How arrogant to think I can judge from a picture, and how vicious I have become to seek visible scars as evidences of batter.


Moral line II: Can I say most embodies a brand of brutality. Had that girl stolen from the market, the saviors will be a mob that would likely have descended upon her with an unspeakable vengeance. If she were pretty, Men and women of the poor folks tend to be emboldened by collective rage for their ilks: let us strip her naked, leaving her dignity in tatters. Let us record the videos for it will serve our bodily pleasures. If it were a boy, his fate even more gruesome—a public lynching, his body doused in fuel, and a fire ignited by people wielding "justice." Spare tires and gasoline are perpetually available for such acts of vigilantism, yet the same crowd that unleashes such fury now fashions itself as the girl’s savior.

And then there’s the NGOs, they can’t do all things. Is it fair then to say they are eager to cast this narrative in black and white? One NGO will reiterate our outrage: the woman who employed the child is nothing short of a villain! They advocate for her punishment, for they think we cannot save all from their fate, but her suffering will deter others from maltreating children. Let another NGO be with another nuance. That considers the systemic issues that force a child into domestic labour in the first place. That considers the circumstances that pushed the parents to relinquish their daughter. That is cognizant of the structural failures that have allowed this practice to persist. That beyond a moral outrage, hold the government to account.

Moral line III: The police, an institution riddled with its own history of violence can steps in as both judge and jury. And the rest of us—the public—can join the chorus of condemnation.

Let us focus on the optics: The woman is even a mother herself! How could she do this to someone else’s child? Let us ensure a carefully staged photograph of the accused holding her own baby makes the headlines, fueling the people’s collective indignation.

The vicious employer: You demand justice for the girl while ignoring signs that her basic needs might have been met. Was she adequately clothed? You do not even know whether her employer ensure she was attending school. How can these questions fade into irrelevance for you lots. Yes, I disciplined her, but it was not without cause. She stole, and though she has denied, but I know she did. Put my pictures over the internet and banish me into shame. Adopt the girl or return her to parents. Crucify me for not indulging her.

She is in the police cell with the teacher that assaulted a child. I repeatedly slapped a little child in frustration over the course of imparting knowledge. Before you, I was the target of public scorn. My livelihood was stripped away, and I was branded unfit to teach.

Moral line IV: After your livelihood was stripped away, did they stop to question why such incidents occur? Why are teachers left undertrained, underpaid, and overwhelmed?
Our outrage tends to be misdirected. We demand retribution against individuals—employers, teachers, parents—without addressing the societal structures that perpetuate these situations. Why are families so impoverished that they must send their children to work? Why does the state neglect to provide adequate support for education, child welfare, and economic security? Punishing one woman, one teacher, or one parent does little to dismantle the systems that create these tragedies.

The mob: So, create your own NGO!!!

Naija is a theater of contradictions. Those that claim to care for the vulnerable thrive on sensationalism. Until we confront the deeper, systemic issues, we are destined to replay these dramas, casting new villains while the real problems remain untouched.

Ire O!!!

The power that will be supplied during this period will still be better than the best given to many parts in the country.

Our SANs fight each other to defend the looters.

Our professors fight each other to become return officers of rigged elections.

Our religious leaders pray for the looters, hoping to receive more tithes from their ill-gotten gains.

Nnamdi Kanu International Airport, Borno.

Next - to stimulate economic growth, FG should decongest the airports in Lagos and Abuja. International flights to the UK, Canada, and the USA should be rerouted to take off from Borno.

Compare the fundings received and available for the institutions. Even in Europe, government institutions funds excellent frontier research in private universities. Compare the investments. You would realize that the ROI in Nigerian federal universities are probably the best in the world.

No investment, no infrastructures, no incentives. Yet you find lecturers expend personal resource for research, publication and conferences. It’s not so in saner climes. Is it so in Covenant university? I don’t think.

ASUU members basic needs are unmet. Thus, a drive and harvest of our very best minds from the federal universities. When covenant university head-hunt a professor from OAU, his academic history is part of the services they have harvested. It enriches them. It won’t get better.

Wizkid, Baba nla don turn Baba kekere.

E no dey make news again for e talent, e creativity don dry finish…now e dey find attention by attacking other people for no reason.

Baba no fit holla @ di big wahala wey di country dey suffer, e prefer dey show himself, dey do drama. All this e wahala no dey help anybody; e jus dey divert people mind from wetin really matter. Naija people wey don giv am platform deserve better pass this. bring light, holla Sowore and VDM, grant features to upcoming , do a free show and give back to your community- if only Ojuelegba. no be people wey dey use selfish play cause division.

Davido still dey shine, focused on him work and community. Active in the Edo Election, using his platform to lift others up.

We dey mind Wizkid yeye talk? Na so e attack Don Jazzy. Make we Dey reject Wizkid bad behavior.

This is my judgment: The Labour Party candidate be declared the winner of the election in his family compound and certificate of return be issued to same, as governor of his Edo family house.

ASUU extends the strike notice by 14 days.

That is the story.

ASUU has not declared a 14days strike. (The headline)

…or face fresh strike action.

That is the story.

ASUU is not currently on strike “further strike action.”

…
“Failed in fulfilling” redundant enough not to talk about adding the unnecessary “unfulfilled obligation.”



How about the below??


The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address outstanding concerns.


ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed displeasure with the government's delay tactics in a Wednesday statement.


The union criticizes the government's treatment of members and seeks:


•⁠ ⁠Release of delayed salaries
•⁠ ⁠Conclusion of the revised 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement
•⁠ ⁠Payment of ‘unremitted’ third-party deductions
•⁠ ⁠Release of unpaid salaries for sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments
•⁠ ⁠Funds for public university revitalization
•⁠ ⁠Payment of Earned Academic Allowances


ASUU also demands:


•⁠ ⁠No new universities
•⁠ ⁠Visitation panel reports implementation
•⁠ ⁠Reversal of unlawful Governing Council dissolutions
•⁠ ⁠University Transparency and Accountability Solution instead of IPPIS


ASUU grants the government 14 more days, starting September 23, 2024, to resolve issues.

Big up Dubois!

Everyone beating on AJ: The defeat don’t take away from AJ.

We want an undefeated champion.
Our brains only remember Cristiano’s last game.
We forget that what makes a champion is facing the best of his time again and again.

AJ has had his time and will have his moment again in the future. Dubois is the champ today, and maybe he will be as great as AJ.

He will not take measures to kill the mosquitoes. But he will use all resources to buy malaria drugs.

He will try his luck next time in APC or PDP.

I think it is a shame that this made FP.

No evidence is provided, and yet this post is aimed at damaging the integrity of the medical profession in Nigeria.

Sadly, it achieves that and I am very dissatisfied with the responses from the medical students or medical doctors.

Mostly “Non Sequitur.”

The responses does not logically address the allegation and seem rather evasive.

If students sleep with lecturers to get leaked questions. Then to logically address it, argue that there are many lecturers and they do not share their questions with each other. They only submit it to one central body. That multiple lecturers grade the course does not refute the allegation.

Medical doctors on this platform are not representative of our brilliant medical field. In their responses, tis like unprofessional behavior. Petty insults.

And what is special about the information that civilians shouldn’t be privy to?

Also, why the hostility because some identify with the NDA?

Even the name “Dagger…” . Intimidating civilians or using such names don’t make you good representative of our military institutions.

Still speculations.

The man has got to do what is best for himself.

I know of people who resigned as bank managers to become cleaners in the UK and truck drivers in the US. They earn more as cleaners and drivers. And as either they are able to afford properties back home. However, it all has a great toil on their mental health.

Protect your health.

1. Sunday service isn’t an opportunity to show opulence or demonstrate “steeze.”

We go to church, not to worship ourselves but to worship God.


2. The vehicles constitutes our appearances, and they are testaments of success and prosperity, they are testaments of the blessings of God.

When unbelievers see the vehicles in our church car park, they see the church as a blessed ground. And they want to be a part of us, a part of the success.

So, the vehicles and our appearances are all part of the evangelism.

3. My husband says the church puts a pressure on his mental health.
I am also anxious about what to wear, and how to look.

The church is a place where our poverty is most revealed.

And I feel inadequate in my ability to project a certain image which would enable me to network and connect.

Spiritual nourishment is honestly, secondary.

4. I served as a worker in the church. Volunteered for every service. We treat the wealthy differently. Those who flaunt their opulence- designer clothes, luxury cars. The pastors courted.

They would be made a deacon. The church will enrich their social capital and in turn, the church could get fund to run their services.

I gave so much, and yet, to have to see people receive better treatment just because of their opulence was a struggle. I wanted same. I think I became envious. I began to compare my life to theirs, and couldn’t help but feel inferior and discontent.

Consumed by envy, and wanting to be at par. I began to get clothes and jewelry which I couldn’t possibly afford. Rather than Okada, it was bolt every church meeting. And I was sure, everyone could see me come and go.

Sometimes, it was the money meant for feeding. And gradually, I was drawn into a path of debt and financial struggles. And drawn away from faith.

Joy was no more in the simplicity. It was in showing my IPAD as my Bible. In being ashamed of my apartment and lying so that no one can visit me.

It is all that bothered me about Church.

5. I don’t think you became envious. I think you became motivated. And motivated, you probably began to work harder. You are currently persevering.

But it is ridiculous to suggest we somewhat stop people from coming to church however they seem to come. Whether luxury or not, the church is welcoming to everyone. And we would not make anyone uncomfortable.


Yes they are made deacon, but you also serve God. Even a volunteer cleaner does so much for God as God’s priest. And you could say and ask, ‘I have given even more, my time and my resource, why am I not treated so?’ But you forget that God rewards us all. And it’s God’s treatment that should be your focus. Some are called to be deacons and some are called to ushers or cleaners or traffic volunteers.

Remove your thoughts from all these matters. I could kiss your feet if that makes you feel better. If you insist I don’t, great.

6. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We understand that some of you may have experienced difficulty parking in our car park today. Please be assured that we do not discriminate against any type of vehicle. However, due to limited space, we prioritize those who have paid a fee or who could pay a fee to support our evangelism outreach efforts.

We kindly request that you follow the instructions of our traffic directors to ensure a smooth experience for all. You don’t want to disrupt God’s work or make those who are contributing uncomfortable. So, please help us to prioritize their comfort. It’s the best service you can render to God’s church.

Similarly, our ushers will guide you to available seating areas. Please note that seating in the luxury chairs is not a priority; in fact, those seated in the church extension are often more engaged in the service. The wooden chairs are even more comfortable.

Let us focus on worshiping together in unity, rather than seeking prestige. May God bless us all. Amen.

Headline should be:

Theft at the Top: UNICEF Officials Implicated in Supplement Scandal.

Supplements will not deliver you from hunger. It is meant as a lifeline resulting from the nutritional deficiencies that are dominated in majority of the food available in the north especially for the many impoverished.

Investigation has been done, but no report of prosecution.

there has to be an investigation as to who have illegally sold it, or somewhat profited from selling what should be freely distributed, and they should be prosecuted.

Those in the market selling or peddling the stolen supplements can be a source to discover the thieves or a key to unraveling the web of corruption.

Not just enough to tell stakeholders that another bags of supplements are needed. They also deserve to be assured that controls are now in place to address such thefts. The people also deserve to know who has looted a resource that could alleviate their malnourishment.

At every level, thieves. Let the investigation continue and then we would have the headline: “Theft at the Top: UNICEF Officials Implicated in Supplement Scandal.”

We don’t know any accomplishment of the last one- other than, throw out evidence concerning a rigged election.

One day, the world ideology will embolden government to enforce agreements.

During that period, don’t be shocked if the Nigerian government had sold the country and its people to the Chinese government.

You should be interested in the terms.

Ok

If this were to be an Islamic cleric, you won’t be allowed to comment.

Christians also deserve safe space to discuss issues related to their faith without misinformation from outsiders.

Biko, why are we numb to the carnage on our roads?!

Was a devastating truck accident in Ibadan, earlier in the week. 16 lives lost!

When will we demand accountability?!

Same sad emoji and silly RIPs everywhere, and we are numb to not know that inaction is the death sentence for innocent citizens.

We're all just one wrong turn away from becoming the next statistic.

A truck could careen into your car at any moment, snuffing out your life in an instant. And yet, we do nothing. Numb people!!!

We're paralyzed by our own helplessness.

FRSC and our stupyd government should be ashamed.
Mandating nighttime travel for these behemoths is a no-brainer. But no, they'd rather sacrifice human lives on the altar of political expediency.

And what about the owners of these deathtraps?!
Charge them with manslaughter!
Sentence them to life imprisonment!

I repeat:

Charge them with manslaughter!
Sentence them to life imprisonment!

Yes, the owners. Not the drivers!!! It is the driver we lynch. It is not the driver that has killed them. It is the government and the owners of the truck. The officials that take no actions while alcohol is sold to the drivers.

How about we charge the owners of the trucks and the sellers of the drink with manslaughter.
Maybe then they'll think twice before putting profit over people's lives.

But we all know why nothing will change. Abi, I know also my outrage is misplaced.

Dangote's trucks have killed more people than we can count, and yet the government turns a blind eye.

Why?

I know why.

Because Dangote owns the senators, the governors, and the system.

Our outrage is but a fleeting moment of sanity in a sea of apathy. We'll forget, move on, and wait for the next tragedy to strike. I am going to get on to other things.

You are in the abroad, your cousin is in that bus shuttle. But I am going to move on.


it won't just be "them" next time. It could be you, me, or anyone we love.

No amount of wealth or status can protect us from these killers on wheels. Not even a Ferrari can save us.

We're all just pawns in a game of corporate greed and government negligence.

But Enough is enough! Enough is Enough!!!!!!

He masqueraded as a hero, claiming to liberate Nigerians from a corrupt cabal, but in reality, he was a key architect of our economic demise.

His theatrical display of clutching a Bible during his arrest was a cynical attempt to portray himself as a martyr, and to obscure his complicity in the destruction of our economy under the inept Buhari administration.

He knew we are a sheepish people, easily puppeteered.

The lack of oversight at (CBN) enabled his reckless actions, and those who failed to prevent or enabled his malfeasance must face accountability.

Directors and senior managers at the apex bank should be on trial too.

The consequences of his actions will haunt Nigeria for generations to come.

Our current fiscal and monetary chaos will transcend into a turmoil.

Buhari's presidency was a catastrophe, marked by gross incompetence and willful ignorance. Buhari entrenched corruption.

He was utterly unqualified for the role and likely never even bothered to review critical documents, or activities in the agencies of government, leaving the country in ruins.

Tinubu facilitated the Buhari’s presidency for his own self-interest. Osinbajo was his boy. Now, holding the rein, Tinubu is not clueless. He is still there for his own self interest.

The withdrawal of the bill is, in itself, a testament to the power of subversion.

Don't be swayed by the dominant narratives on this platform. If you don't see any issues with the bill, you're not alone.

As a law, it would have countered the tendency of political elites to exploit it as a tool for intimidation. However, our institutions lack the capacity to effectively implement such laws.

When we protest and demand the president's removal, we're not engaging in subversion. But when political elites sabotage policy implementation for personal gain, that's subversion. The propaganda disseminated by certain news media organizations is also a form of subversion. Dangote's historical attempts to undermine our institutions are a prime example of subversion. The IMF and World Bank are currently subverting us because the political organization of our country are corrupt.

Tinubu's presidency was achieved through subverting Jonathan's administration.

If the bill were to be enacted, the political elites would be held accountable.

Its withdrawal isn't a victory for the common man; rather, it's a result of the elites' efforts to subvert it, as they face greater risks under the law.

We, as products of their propaganda and disinformation, are misled into thinking this is a triumph for us. Sheepish us.

They get an allowance for killing their emancipators.

Glad to know about the officer’s survival. Wishing all of them full recovery.

When the police comes out to recklessly say their personnel was killed. I wonder what the aim is, other than to infuriate and instigate anger in the personnels assigned to manage the protest. I hope the police is also fair enough to restrict their personnel. Civilians dead, are piling already.

Would things get better?? No!!!
Antagonism against immigrants will likely now escalate. The UK PM lack of subtlety in reversing the past government immigration policy contributed to provoking the people.