GLOBE-TELLY

INDEPENDENCE DAY: BUHARI’S FULL SPEECH

October 1, 2022 by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in NEWS

INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS BY MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA DELIVERED ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA’S 62ND INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON 1ST OCTOBER, 2022

Fellow Nigerians,

I address you today, with a deep sense of gratitude to God and a high level of appreciation to all Nigerians whose tremendous goodwill gave me the opportunity to provide leadership for our great country at one of the trying times in her history.

Conscious that today’s address would be my last on an Independence Day as your President; I speak to the millions of Nigerians, who believed in me, propelled and stood by me in my quest to bequeath a country where all citizens have equal opportunities to achieve their lives desires in a peaceful atmosphere.

I am honoured to say that my story in the annals of Nigeria’s history is no household secret. My various attempts, failures and eventual success in being elected as a Democratic President in 2015 was made possible by the majority of Nigerians.

When you elected me, I readily acknowledged that the tasks before me were daunting but surmountable because of the growing national consensus that our chosen route to national development was democracy.

This democracy was to be anchored on a clear understanding, application and the principles of separation of powers supported by a reformed public service that is more effective.
I then pledged to Improve the Economy, Tackle Corruption and Fight Insecurity and this was further strengthened by my commitment to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years as the central plank of my second term in 2019.

To the Glory of God and His Grace as well as the commitment and passion displayed by many Nigerian supporters, we have made appreciable progress in these areas but not yet at our destination.

Mindful of the task before us, we took some time in settling down and we re-positioned the Economy by providing strategic interventions in core areas at both the Federal and Sub-National levels.

One of the areas where we have made significant progress is in the eradication of deeply entrenched corruption that permeates all facets of our national development.
We strengthened the Institutions for tackling corruption and also cultivated international support, which aided the repatriation of huge sums of money illegally kept outside the country.

The increasing number of prosecutions and convictions, with associated refunds of large sums of money is still ongoing. Furthermore, we would continue to block opportunities that encourage corrupt practices.
In order to address Insecurity, we worked methodically in reducing Insurgency in the North East, Militancy in the Niger Delta, Ethnic and Religious Tensions in some sections of Nigeria along with other problems threatening our country.

Our efforts in re-setting the economy manifested in Nigeria exiting two economic recessions by the very practical and realistic monetary and fiscal measures to ensure effective public financial management. In addition, the effective implementation of the Treasury Single Account and cutting down on the cost of governance also facilitated early exits from recessions.

Fellow Nigerians, this administration removed several decades uncertainty for potential Investors in the Oil & Gas sector with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. This landmark legislation created opportunities for foreign investments in addition to improving transparency in the management of the sector.

Our administration has given the desired priority to the Agricultural Sector through a series of incentives to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises that resulted in creating millions of jobs. Leading this initiative, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s intervention in a number of areas as well as the Anchor Borrowers Programme had created the required leverages for Nigerians towards self-sufficiency in food and the necessary attraction for farming as a business.
The growing contribution of non-oil exports, especially in agriculture, information and communication technology as well as the performing arts to our national economy will enhance our foreign exchange earning capacity.
We are confronting current economic challenges such as debt burden, growing inflation, living standards and increasing unemployment accentuated by our growing youthful population. These problems are globally induced and we would continue to ensure that their negative effects are addressed in our policies.

This administration will continue to ensure that our fiscal policies are supported by a robust and contemporary monetary policy that recognises our peculiarities in the midst of the growing global economic difficulties.
This is evidenced by the recent Monetary Policy Committee decision to maintain all parameters, especially interest rates and marginally increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 14% to 15.5% and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) from 27.5% to 32.5%. It is projected that this would further insulate our economy from over exposure to uncertainties at the international market by restraining growth in core inflation.

As we continue to de-escalate the security challenges that confronted us at inception of this administration, newer forms alien to our country began to manifest especially in the areas of kidnappings, molestations/killings of innocent citizens, banditry, all of which are being addressed by our security forces.
I share the pains Nigerians are going through and I assure you that your resilience and patience would not be in vain as this administration continues to reposition as well as strengthen the security agencies to enable them to deal with all forms of security challenges.

At the inception of this administration in 2015, I provided the funding requirements of the security agencies which was also improved in my second tenure in 2019 to enable them to surmount security challenges. We will continue on this path until our efforts yield the desired results.
As we put in place all measures to ensure that Nigeria takes her place in the Comity of Nations, we recognize the importance of a well-educated populace as a panacea to most of the challenges we face.
We have, therefore, pursued policies and implemented programmes designed to create a literate and proficient society that ensures that citizens are availed with opportunities for life-long achievements.

I must confess that I am very pained by the recurring disruption to our tertiary education system and I am using this Independence Day celebration to re-iterate my call for the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to return to the classroom while assuring them to deal with their contending issues within the limits of the scarce resources available. This administration has made appreciable progress in redressing these issues that have been lingering for over eleven years.
The Federal Government will continue to mobilize resources both internationally and nationally towards funding education to ensure that our citizens are well educated and skilled in various vocations in view of the fact that education is a leading determinant of economic growth and employment generation.
Fellow Nigerians, we have also improved our health facilities, especially during and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which attracted commendation of the global community.

As you are aware, Nigeria was one of the countries that defied global predictions of the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic because of our resilience, commitment and passion with which we individually and collectively managed the pandemic.
This administration embarked on addressing critical ecological challenges across the country in order to mitigate the impact of Climate Change manifesting in the form of flood, soil erosion, desertification, air pollution amongst others
We will continue to ensure that our infrastructure drive remains the key to Nigeria’s economic growth and for which every Nigerian will feel the impact.
The Federal Government is already expanding ports operations to ensure that they provide opportunities for the growth of the Nigerian economy.

We have also continued to accelerate our infrastructure development through serviceable and transparent borrowing, improved capital inflow & increased revenue generation by expanding the tax bases and prudent management of investment proceeds in the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
To further open up our communities to economic activities, we have continued to boost our railway infrastructure with the completion of a good number of critical railways and at the same time rehabilitating as well as upgrading obsolete equipment.

I am pleased to inform my fellow citizens that besides our emphasis on infrastructural development with its attendant opportunities for job creation, employment generation and subsequent poverty reduction, our focussed intervention directly to Nigerians through the National Social Investment Programme is also yielding benefits.
There is hardly any ward, village or local government in Nigeria today that has not benefited from one of the following: N-Power, trader-moni, market moni, subsidized loans, business grants or Conditional Cash Transfers.
All the aforementioned programmes along with various interventions by the National Social Investment programme, direct support to victims of flooding and other forms of disasters have provided succor to the affected Nigerians.

Fellow Nigerians, no matter what gains we make, without a good governance system anchored on electing credible leaders on the basis of free, fair, credible and transparent elections, our efforts would not be enough.
It is for this reason that I have resolved to bequeath a sustainable democratic culture which will remain lasting. The signing of the Electoral Act 2021 as amended with landmark provisions further assures us of a more transparent and inclusive Electoral Process.
Having witnessed at close quarters, the pains, anguish and disappointment of being a victim of an unfair electoral process, the pursuit of an electoral system and processes that guarantee election of leaders by citizens remains the guiding light as I prepare to wind down our administration.

You would all agree that the recent elections in the past two years in some states (notably Anambra, Ekiti and Osun) and a few federal constituencies have shown a high degree of credibility, transparency and freedom of choice with the people’s votes actually counting. This I promise would be improved upon as we move towards the 2023 General Elections.

As we begin the transition process to another democratically elected government, I want to implore all aspirants to conduct issues-based campaigns devoid of hate speeches as well as other negative and divisive tendencies.
I also want to express my wish that we see more female and youth participation in the forth-coming electoral cycle. I am sure that our teeming and energetic youths now realise that violence generally mar elections and so should desist from being used by politicians for this purpose.
Reforms in the public sector are already yielding results especially in the delivery of services. On this note, I urge the general public to demand for citizen-centred services from the relevant authorities.

On the international front, we have continued to take advantage of our bilateral and multilateral platforms to explore cooperation with friendly countries and partners whenever these areas of cooperation are to the advantage of Nigeria.

Fellow Nigerians, in the past few years we have witnessed and overcome a good number of challenges that would ordinarily have destroyed our Nation. However, the indefatigable spirit of the Nigerian people has ensured that we overcome our challenges.
It is in this spirit that I call on all of us to individually and collectively bring to the fore in dealing with all our development issues.
I was called to serve, along with my team, I saw an opportunity to create a better Nigeria which we have done with the support of Nigerians. Almighty God and the good people of Nigeria supported us in laying a solid foundation for the Nigeria of our dreams. I thank you all and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

NIGERIA AT 62: IT’S TIME TO MAKE IT WORK

September 30, 2022September 30, 2022 by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in FEATURE

Our beloved country, Nigeria will celebrate her 62nd independence anniversary on October 1, 2022, though the country is heavily bedeviled with crises.

Sixty-two years ago, there were celebrations across the length and breadth of Nigeria. People rejoiced at the prospect of this new nation – a nation born with heavy birth pangs and the struggles of leaders of the time to give freedom to their people. The founding fathers had big dreams for this nation, they were proud to be Nigerians and had great hope for the future.

Six decades after, there is more of retrogression than progression with the present crop of administrators pursuing personal gains over common good. The handlers of national affairs look clueless in managing practically all sectors of the economy. Every regime seems to be worse than the previous ones. History taught us that in the beginning, it was not so. Where and how we got it wrong as a nation should be a focus of national dialogue if we rise beyond tumbling flood threatening to sweep away the labour of the past heroes. This is definitely not the country, the British handed over to the fathers who fought for the independence. The labour of our heroes past is gradually going into the drains, if not in vain, so much that one begins to question the need for independence.

Giving an insight into how the British governed Nigeria in his book, “There Was A Country”, Chinua Achebe writes “The British governed their colony of Nigeria with considerable care. There was a very highly competent cadre of government officials imbued with a high level of knowledge of how to run a country. This was not something that the British achieved only in Nigeria; they were able to manage this on a bigger scale in India and Australia. The British had the experience of governing and doing it competently…I recalled the day I travelled from Lagos to Ibadan and stayed with Christopher Okigbo that evening. I took off again the next morning, driving alone, going all the way from Lagos to Asaba…that was how it was in those days. One was not consumed by fear of abduction or armed robbery.” Those were the days when people could sleep with their two eyes closed and society had not been invaded by criminal elements in different shades. Indeed there was a country!

Now we have come to understand the reality, that gaining independence was not enough without good leadership to steer the wheel of progress. Nigeria in its present frame has shown poverty of leadership, which is the bane of its problems.

Unemployment is on the rise. Economic hardship is noticeable. Indices of growth and development are increasingly on the decline. Insecurity has worsened, bandits and gun men have become untouchable. The country is divided, many people are very poor. Every now and then, Nigerians disown their country with so much hatred, calling their motherland unprintable names. While people of means are seeking better lives overseas for themselves and families, others want a relief from untold hardship.

These problems notwithstanding, Nigeria has undoubtedly made noticeable socio- economic progress, at least since 1999 when it returned to democracy after years of military interregnum.

Telecommunications in the country had grown substantially with the advent of mobile phones.

Despite the challenges in the education sector like poor funding, ASUU strike etc, Nigeria boasts of about 262 higher institutions, arguably the largest tertiary education sector in Africa. Millions of graduates are released annually, creating the most educated workforce on the continent. However, the energy of this mostly young ones need to be properly channelled.

On the whole, Nigeria is in dire need of a forward looking leader, who is also a unifier. A leader who can harness the available human and material resources for the peace and progress of the country. A leader who will make terrorism and banditry become a thing of the past. A leader who is sound physically and mentally. A leader who can recreate economically viable nation that will be the envy of all. A selfless leader who can restore our lost glory.

As we approach the 2023 elections, let all well meaning Nigerians put aside ethnic and religious sentiments to elect the right candidates at the polls. Collecting stipends from incompetent politicians for “stomach infrastructure” to vote for them will lead to no where. Any decision at the elections next year will affect the country positively or otherwise for another four years. Enough of bad leadership. Nigeria can be great again!

Akinyemi Seun

“JAPA”: NIGERIANS BLAME BAD GOVT.,INSECURITY FOR LEAVING THE COUNTRY

September 20, 2022September 20, 2022 by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in FEATURE

Japa” is a Yoruba slang that could represent leaving a place hurriedly or running away as fast as anyone can. The trending term by Nigerians, especially young people describes leaving the borders of the country for greener pastures overseas.

From finding a new career path to seeking a new lease of life, there seems to be no end to the reasons why Nigerians leave the country.

Some people travel for the sake of education, while others leave the country due to employment offers and the opportunity to relocate their families abroad.

Nigeria is regarded as the giant of Africa. With massive population, being oil producer and with very large economy, she ranks top among comity of African nations.

Despite these advantages, good leadership and managerial skills seems not to find expression in the decisions of officials at the helm of affairs.

Insecurity still remain a hydra headed demon the nation battles with as Nigerians still complain of banditry and kidnapping. These heinous activities in certain parts of the country have resulted death, loss of properties and homelessness for thousands.

While these situations scare lots of average individuals to make alternative plans, many middle-class Nigerians are also heading overseas, hoping for a better environment to secure their future.

Prominent in the list of those who have relocated is the winner of the sixth edition of the now-rested Big Brother Africa, Karen Igho-Rakos.

Ms Karen shot into the limelight after winning the Big Brother Africa reality show in 2011.Popular artiste, Adekunle Gold has also left the country, though his reasons are shrouded in secrecy.

Fred Acho, a banker is looking forward to jetting out of the country soon after he lost his job with a new generation bank during the company’s downsizing.

“This country has no regard for hardworking people. The government doesn’t provide enabling environment for business to thrive, the private sector is all about nepotism. Imaging all my years of labour, yet they ask me to leave just like that. I have started the process. Leaving this country is the best thing to do”. He said.

For 38 years old Adewale Oladun, a computer engineer and resident of Texas, US since 2019, assisting other Nigerian youths to achieve their dreams of relocating abroad gives him joy.

“Nigeria has failed the youths. I don’t blame whoever wants to leave the country. You can’t sleep with two eyes closed anymore. I am giving support to as many as need my help to fly out. No job, no food e.t.c. This is no more the Nigeria of our dreams” said Oladun

Tunmise Alademehin went as far as selling the only building bequeathed to her by the late parents. She laments the increase in kidnapping and banditry activities in the country. She disclosed that her neighbour was abducted and later killed, though ransom of #5,000,000 was paid.

” I am tired of waking up to news of terror daily. I lost my parents just two years ago to motor accident and it is too early to for me to go and join them. I had to sell the only property my parents left behind to fund my trip. The other day, a neighbour down the street was taking away by unknown gun men. They demanded for #10,000,000 as ransom, but just because the man’s family only raised half of it, they killed him and still collected the money, and nobody is talking about it”. She said

However, with the many challenges confronting the country at the moment, running away completely from our fears may not be the best solution. It behoves on all stakeholders, particularly the youths to rise up and be intentional in the quest of seeing better days ahead. There is a glimpse of hope for Nigeria, with the coming elections in 2023. All hands must be on deck, so that credible and forward looking candidates can be elected to steer the wheel of the country.

Akinyemi Seun

NANS CALLS OUT ASUU , FG

September 20, 2022September 20, 2022 by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in Educational

. Continues Blocking Highways Over Strike

Ibraheem Ogunyemi

The Academic Staff Union University has been on strike for the past 7 months over unresolved issues and failed promises from the Federal Government.

They are seeking improved welfare , revitalization of public universities , salary payment for the period of the strike, academy autonomy and other demands

Two weeks ago , a Nation Executive Council meeting was held in Abuja where ASUU came to the conclusion that the strike will go on indefinitely until all their demands are met .

The Federal Government however claims that they have met the majority of the demands of the union but described some requests as unreasonable , declaring a ‘no work no pay ‘ policy .

The National Association of Nigeria Students who were firmly behind the decision of ASUU at the commencement of the strike action are beginning to have a rethink .

The former President of NANS , Sunday Asefon , disclosed that the most recent demands of ASUU are unreasonable at best and narrowed-interested at worst .

He said the lecturers have clearly not put students who are the biggest losers of the situation into consideration , further adding that the lecturers had no right to ask for payment for services they did not render.

“However, we condemn in totality, the insistence of ASUU on the payment of a six-month arrears salary for the entire period of the strike before they can call off the strike,” he said.

“This demand is not only insensitive; it is also selfish, inconsiderate, and uncharitable.

“The six months are periods of no work. As much as we encourage the government to pay their arrears irrespective, it is unfair to base the resumption of academic activities on full payment of the arrears.

NANS pointed out that students have been suspended and rusticated in the past for making certain basic demands from the university officials.

They’ve called on ASUU to call off the strike as it is no longer justified and necessary.

They’ve also threatened to occupy major highways across the nation in protest of the detestable situation .

Gbongan-Ibadan expressway was blocked by a section of NANS last Thursday while the Murtala Muhammed International Airport was also blocked by angry students on Monday .

The new NANS leadership headed by Umar Lawal have however said they do not support the no work no pay policy instituted by the Federal Government , calling on FG to fund the education sector .

They’ve also held meetings with the ASUU leadership over the situation and pleaded with them to suspend the strike in the interest of the students.

Mr Afeez Akinteye, the National Vice-President, NANS External Affairs, said: “Our demand is not new; it is for the government to end the ASUU strike now.

Mr Elvis Ekundina, the NANS Deputy Senate President, said that students would continue to block all the federal roads until the government resolved the issues with ASUU.

Other factions of NANS have also threatened decisive action against ASUU if the strike isn’t called off soon.

It is also worthy of mention that some university based unions who also suspended their activities as a result of unresolved issues with the federal government, nearly similar with the ASUU’s demands, have suspended their own strikes after entering into agreements with the government.

The three unions that have decided to resume work are the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT.

Some lecturers have also called on ASUU to suspend the strike in the interest of everyone .

The Federal government has also filed a suit against ASUU in regards to the ongoing strike .

The government’s application is seeking an order to restrain ASUU from continuing with its ongoing strike “pending the hearing and determination of substantive suit.”
The case is still in court at this moment .

The government wants the court to determine the validity of the strike. It also wants the court to determine whether ASUU members are entitled to emoluments for the period they have been on strike.

“It asked the court to interpret in its entirety the provisions of Section 18 LFN 2004, especially as it applies to the cessation of strike once a trade dispute is apprehended by the Minister of Labour and Employment and conciliation is ongoing,” a statement from the Ministry of Labour said recently.

It is beyond time for all affected parties to get in a room and make the best decision for everyone, most especially in the interest of the students who are the puns in the fight of the titans.

BULLYING IN SCHOOLS : TAKING MORE RESPONSIBILITY

September 19, 2022 by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in Educational

Ibraheem Ogunyemi

Reports of bullying in schools in Nigeria are on the rise and show no signs of abating .

Bullying comes in various forms and can have long-term psychological impacts on victims .

Some students have died painfully and untimely while some have sustained long lasting injury, both physically and mentally.

Experts revealed that this menace could result in low self-esteem for victims, increased violence and juvenile crime within the school environments.

A worrying statistic shows that 70 percent of bullied students did not report the incident while 27 percent said they reported the incident. Also, of the 27 percent who mentioned that they reported, 41 percent of them claimed that nothing was done to the perpetrators after they were reported.

Bullying has become somewhat acceptable in schools and students are sometimes expected to adapt .

An entrepreneur, Michael Udoh, while recounting his experience at Federal Government College, Idoani, said: “We were told that some seniors locked-up a junior student in a dark wardrobe or locker and left him there for days, and he died. We were told how some senior students beat a boy till he passed out, was rushed to the hospital and confirmed dead on arrival.

“There have been several cases of students’ deaths due to bullying and torture, and government does not prosecute or fire any teacher or member of staff who are being paid to groom the young ones.

“I remember the case of one of my classmates who was impregnated by a teacher in my school. She was less than 16, at the time, which automatically makes the sex statutory rape. She tried to commit an abortion, there were medical complications and she almost died. She survived though. This girl was expelled.

Our principal at the time blamed it on those of us wearing shorts and tight uniforms, while the teacher continued teaching in that school.”

An educationist, Mrs. Toluwani Adams, said children being bullied would not like to inform their teachers in order not to be betrayed. “I have discovered that children do not like reporting their bullies, the only way to know that a child is being bullied is through behavioural change. This means teachers must be watchful; the signs are always there to show that a child is being bullied. For example, if a child who used to do well in his studies suddenly begins to lag behind, teachers should intervene.”

An Associate Professor of Development and Clinical Psychology, Mrs. Grace Idowu, defined bullying as a persistent, threatening and aggressive behaviour directed at a weaker, younger and less powerful individual. She added that such action could be verbal or physical.

The psychologist said an individual with the realisation of being bigger and stronger than others could develop the tendency of harassing smaller and younger pupils.

Idowu further stated that bullying starts from homes ,she said: “Children are not born to be bullies, they obviously learnt it from home. If a child grows up in a home where the father constantly bullies the mother, the child might grow up to become a bully, which the child was exposed to. If it is a female child, she may not become a bully, but she may end up acting like a male child. This is because she had been exposed to a rough, aggressive and volatile environment.

“Some parents are not aware that the type of environment they create at home goes a long way in shaping their child’s future. Children copy what they see their parents do. My daughter is in Junior Secondary 2; she attends a public school. Nowadays, she does not want to play with her siblings. She always looks withdrawn and lost in thoughts. When I inquired from her teacher about her behavioural change, her teacher said she was being bullied by some of her classmates. The teacher said she had tried many times to caution the pupils, but they have refused to stop the act.”

Another research has shown parents find it very difficult to address bullying .

A psychologist, Fola Oke called on parents to always interact with their children and ask them about their activities in school on a daily basis .

“A child who is bullied would not be happy at school and at home. If the parents notice this behaviour, they should make the child talk. The parents should also inquire from the class teacher about those bullying their child.”

He added that parents and teachers should train children to be more bold and always talk when they have been bullied.

“The child must resist when bullied instead of sulking. He or she must come out of his or her shell. Sensitisation from parents, teachers and developing a bold personality are ways a child can deal with bullying.”

“There is a link among bullying, depression and suicide. When a child becomes depressed, he has no peace of mind, especially in school. He becomes more depressed as time goes on and the only way of escape is suicide.”

Other psychologists have also called on students to always speak and complain of being bullied until it is addressed. either to their parents or school teachers

Most recently , a video was trending on social media , where a senior student from Bingham University, Abuja , was flogging a freshman barbarously.
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The victim’s cousin, Jemima Nnadi, also a fresh student in the school, shared the video, alleging that such inhuman treatment was being meted out to fresh students like them in the university.

“This is what they go through as freshers in the university—bullying. This student should be found and duly prosecuted,” she said.

Although the student has been expelled by the school management , this is just one of the few cases where justice prevailed .

School managements sometimes attempt to cover up some of these situations and the government’s silence can be profound .

A case in point is the matter of one Sylvester Oromoni from Dowen College , Lagos state , a 12 year old who tragically died under suspicious circumstances which led to a public outrage.

It was reported that he was beaten, assaulted and poisoned, an incident that led to his death, the matter is still in court.

There were allegations of cover-up by parents of the victim , the dowen management claimed his injuries were sustained while playing football .

Five students and five employees of the college were also cleared of any wrongdoing by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos state .

Another burning case was the issue of Deborah Samuel ,who was gruesomely lynched in school premises in Sokoto State by her fellow classmates over allegations of blasphemy .

There is no record of the perpetrators of the cime being apprehended till date.

There are several cases of bullying in schools and some universities , but not enough perpetrators have been held responsible.

Despite this , the government has not taken any decisive stance on bullying in schooling institutions.

This needs to change before bullying in schools becomes a national emergency if it isn’t already .

To eradicate this menace , experts said individuals; groups and systematic interventions should be implemented in schools and must include students, teachers, administrators and parents.

They also suggested a more advanced method of monitoring every activity that goes on in schools , while urging appropriate authorities to put stricter laws in place for perpetrators .

September 12, 2022 by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in FEATURE

URGENT 2K”: QUESTIONABLE WAY OF BEGGING

In Nigeria today, especially amongst youths, “Urgent 2k” has become the new normal.

Although it is a valid currency, many see it as more than an emergency fund, a lifesaver, and perhaps a life jacket when you are drowning. In fact, this currency has been recognised to be the cause of several relationship break-ups and a number of fallouts.

It is mostly used to describe the teeming request of financial support by Nigerian ladies from their male counterparts. This cliche is sometimes posted on their WhatsApp status or they slide into the DM of different guys to announce the need for urgent financial rescue. Users of Facebook take advantage of “mutual friends” device to make requests, so that individuals can see and possibly come to their aid.

This “Urgent 2k” is sometimes two thousand naira literarily or it can also be amounts a little more than that depending on the “negotiating skill” of the one asking. Whether the guys are gullible or not is a different thing entirely. More so, if it is not working, it won’t be trending.

No doubt, ladies have needs. While some of them fend for themselves through dint of hard work, many depend on random men to meet their needs. Little wonder “urgent 2k is almost seen as the shortest way to meet needs.

We hardly hear of things like this before the advent of social media. This begging style may have been enhanced through online platforms, but technology experts believe social media is neither good nor bad. What individuals make of it depend on their values in life.

Quite a lot of people will understand that at times someone may need others to render financial assistance, either as students or single guys or ladies, but it should not be a norm. Some people even go to the extent of lying heavily to suit there escapades.

Adamu Ashile, a trader in Mushin, had an unpleasant experience on ” urgent 2k” from an acquaintance who requested for two thousand naira to quickly get medication for her leg which she sustained injury on. Out of pity, he sent the money to the lady, after which he discovered that he was deceived. The lady never had bruises around that time.

“This girls are fraudulent in there ways. How can one display act of kindness again when they lie of having ailment or involved in accidents. This girls don’t have the fear of God”, he said.

Chioma James wasn’t so lucky. She had approached a male friend for “urgent 2k”.

She said “After reaching out to him. He refused to grant the request. When I persisted, he asked me to come down to the site and made me work for an hour, before giving me the money “.

American based public speaker and social commentator, Reno Omokri has advised young men who are still struggling to desist from sending money to ladies. In a lengthy speech on Instagram, Reno explained that some ladies are fond of using men to fund their lavish lifestyle.

“A fool can be described as a man with an iPhone 10 who sends money to a girl that sends him an ‘urgent 2k’ text with an iPhone 12. These girls are marketers. They have their daily target. You are not special to her. You are just one mugu among her many Maliyamungus. Transactional intercourse is devastating your reasoning faculty…And you are there trading in the shares of urgent 2k gangs. At the end of the day, you will start blaming your innocent village people for your predicament.” He said.

Akinyemi

URGENT 2K”: QUESTIONABLE WAY OF BEGGING

September 12, 2022September 12, 2022 by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in FEATURE

In Nigeria today, especially amongst youths, “Urgent 2k” has become the new normal.

“This girls are fraudulent in there ways. How can one display act of kindness again when they lie of having ailment or involved in accidents. This girls don’t have the fear of God”, he said.

Chioma James wasn’t so lucky. She had approached a male friend for “urgent 2k”.

She said “After reaching out to him. He refused to grant the request. When I persisted, he asked me to come down to the site and made me work for an hour, before giving me the money “.

Akinyemi

NIGERIANS DIVIDED ON SAME FAITH PRESIDENTIAL TICKET

September 12, 2022September 12, 2022 by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in Article

Ibraheem Ogunyemi

The Presidential candidate of the ruling party in Nigeria ,All Progressives Congress , Bola Tinubu , recently picked Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate , both of the same religion .

This decision immediately generated ire and outcry in sections of the country .

Some arguments state that the Constitution clearly requires the Federal Government, the embodiment and seat of Nigerian sovereignty, to be inclusive and representative in order to “promote national unity” and “command national loyalty”.

How would a muslim-muslim ticket properly represent the 100 million christians in the country?

Of course the flip side of the argument is this , is Nigeria’s problem a religious matter ? Nigerians should be more concerned about electing the most capable hands regardless of religion and ethnicity.

Members of Christian Association of Nigeria have also expectedly kicked against the ticket .

One Eder Biodun Sanyaolu, Assistant General Secretary, CAN, condemned the act, saying the move would not be supported by members.

The Vice – Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress , Kashim Shettima , has defended the ticket on numerous occasions , pointing out that himself and Bola Tinubu are not coming to represent Muslims or Christians . They want to represent the whole country as one and redefine governance.

“We are not coming into government to represent the Muslim or Christian faith. The Sultan of Sokoto and the CAN President are competent to represent their faiths. We are the Nigerian dream team that will catapult the country to a higher pedestal and we will redefine the concept of modern governance. The Christians have nothing to fear and there is no cause for alarm because we are one people with a common destiny.”

A member of the National Assembly , Senator Smart Adeyemi has hinted that NASS is considering a proposal to ban same faith presidential ticket going forward .

Nigerians have aired their positions on the whole situation .

A resident of Lagos , Adeyemi Sesan , said ‘ I don’t care about the religion or origin of who’s contesting , I just want someone who will solve Nigeria’s problems .Things are really tough at the moment. ‘

Another lagosian , Wasiu Olaniyi , disclosed that while he is not really concerned about a same faith presidential ticket , he can understand the reservations of some Christian citizens. ‘If I be Christian , I for dey vex , I no blame them’

Jabar Ololade, another concerned citizen said “Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket with Shettima will influence the decisions of some voters in the coming election. Nobody plans to make the 2023 election religion based, but the fear (of) Islamisation agenda which Buhari started is becoming too real and too scary.”

From the point of view of John Olokoobi , ‘muslims will never allow a Christian-Christian ticket to emerge as the President and Vice-President of the nation , why should we ? Thank God there are other options to vote for. ‘

Some citizens have outrightly called for the ban of the same faith presidential ticket , claiming that it reeks of ‘imbalance and polarity’ .

OKADA BAN: FEAR OF HEIGHTENED CRIME RATE GRIP RESIDENTS.

September 6, 2022 by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in FEATURE

The Lagos State government had announced a ban on the operations of commercial motorcyclists called Okada in four additional LGAs and six LCDAs of the state.

According to the government, the implementation of the extension took effect from September 1, 2022. The LGAs affected by the fresh ban are Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu and Mushin while the LCDAs are Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Bariga, Odi-Olowo and Ejigbo.

The Sanwo-Olu led administration had earlier banned okada operation in six LGAs and nine LCDAs effective from June 1, 2022, due to frequent accidents relating to this mode of transportation and crime related issues. With

this extension, the number of local councils where Okada activities are proscribed are now 25.

This new law is already taking its toll on the residents of the newly affected areas, as they foresee a heightened crime rate and untold hardship among the former riders.

The residents and the motorcyclists, who spoke in separate interviews expressed fear that if the Okada ban was not properly implemented, it would create more insecurity in the city.

Wasiu Azeez is a resident of Alapere, Ketu. He expressed that many of the operators will be rendered jobless and may be recruited by terrorists and bandits to unleash mayhem.

Meanwhile, Ajiroba Ahmed, a biker, decried the already high rate of unemployment among the youths, adding that the ban would increase the number of the unemployed in the labour market.

Reacting to the state government’s assertion that many operators are criminals, he explained that “Our union will fish out the bad eggs among us. We plead with our leaders to revert the ban. We are already having security challenges in the country; the government should not increase it by banning okada. I don’t have any other means of taking care of my family anymore”

According to a petty trader, Ajoke Adigun ” The ban of Okada on the highway is a welcome development, but it should be allowed to ply inner roads so that the operators can earn a living with their families, else they become jobless and engage in heinous acts.”

For Harrison Ayodele, an engineer, aside from making transportation difficult for the poor, the decision would increase the rate of crimes in some communities.

“All I can say is that the masses will suffer a great deal and crime rate may increase. I call on our governor to critically look into the matter” he said.

However, speaking at a press conference on August 18, 2022, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederick Oladehinde, disclosed that a total of 7,500 motorcycles had been impounded and crushed in the ongoing enforcement, saying that resistance had dropped sharply, even as he warned riders who might want to flout the proscription order to desist from it.

He affirmed that the state government had interventions in place to empower the affected okada riders as an alternative means of livelihood, urging them to embrace the intervention programmes which were being coordinated by six government ministries and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).

Akinyemi Seun

SLAIN YOBE CLERIC: KILLER SOLDIERS TO FACE JUSTICE

August 28, 2022 by GLOBE-TELLY, posted in NEWS

The 241 Reece Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Nguru, Yobe has sanctioned two soldiers for their involvement in the killing of an Islamic scholar, Sheikh Goni Aisami, along Nguru-Gashua road in Yobe.

The uproar which threw the community off balance has several Islamic groups calling for the investigation and punishment of the suspects.

President Muhammadu Buhari had also joined in mourning the cleric as he gave army authorities order to ensure justice for the deceased.

Speaking with newsmen, Acting Commanding Officer of the battalion, Lt. Col. Ibrahim Osabo assured that justice will be served for the assassinated scholar shortly after the suspects were de-kited in Nguru.

“You are all aware of what happened a week ago where the two service personnel of this unit went out and committed atrocity and the Nigerian Police personnel arrested them.

“Thanks to Almighty Allah we are able to do the needful. We initiated military police investigation together with the Nigerian Police.

“The outcome of the investigation gave us the latitude to sanction the suspects accordingly and they are now officially dismissed regiment from the Nigerian Army,” Osabo said.

Osabo disclosed that the dismissed men have been handed to the Nigeria Police force for civil prosecution, noting that the former military personnel acted on their own accord and their actions has since been condemned by the Nigerian Military.