Nigeria!! A failed Nation

 Nigeria is on the brink of collapse, with every sector seemingly nearing failure and no new policies in place to benefit its citizens. The nation faces an imminent famine, as food production plummets and bandits increasingly target farmers. The federal government has neglected Nigeria for too long.

After the removal of the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, the price of fuel surged from 170 Naira to 800 Naira, yet the average Nigerian has seen no tangible benefits from this change. Despite enduring these hardships, the Naira's devaluation from 460 Naira to 1,565 Naira has led to severe inflation affecting goods and services. Additionally, electricity tariffs have been raised from 66 Naira per kWh to 225 Naira per kWh.

The government has also pursued costly and impractical projects, such as the 700 km coastal highway estimated to cost over 15 trillion Naira, despite claiming the economy is struggling. This disregard for citizens' needs is evident, as the cost of living becomes increasingly unaffordable.

The current administration has failed to improve the standard of living, with no advancements in free healthcare, quality roads, or education. Instead, it appears the masses are being burdened to cover the excesses of the political elite. For instance, the government spent $100 million on a presidential jet while the Ministry of State for Defence recently disclosed that the armed forces require 600 billion Naira annually for ammunition. Given Nigeria’s status as the poverty capital of the world, with more out-of-school children and over 40% food inflation, it seems more prudent to invest in feeding the population rather than purchasing ammunition. Addressing hunger could reduce crime and improve living conditions.

When does it end?? Domestic Violence in Nigeria

 Domestic violence manifests in various forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and mental abuse. In Nigeria, it is a significant social issue, with women bearing the brunt of this violence. Despite being a violation of fundamental human rights under the Nigerian constitution, there is no capital punishment for abusers, and the problem remains widespread.

Recent media reports highlight the severity of the issue, such as the tragic case of Mrs. Ronke, who was allegedly beaten to death by her husband. Weekly, the media reports on various instances of violence, including cases like a father raping his daughter or a wife fatally stabbing her husband. This growing visibility underscores the increasing prevalence of domestic violence.

Domestic violence impacts not only the victims but also their children. While media coverage and increased awareness are positive developments, government action remains insufficient. Some states, like Lagos, Cross River, Jigawa, Ekiti, and Ebonyi, have enacted laws to combat domestic violence, but these laws lack stringent penalties for offenders.In contrast, the United States has federal and state laws, including the 1994 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which aims to improve victim services and enforce legal consequences for perpetrators.

 Similarly, in the United Kingdom, reported domestic abuse cases in England and Wales increased by 31% between 2013 and 2015, prompting measures like the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to address repeat offenders with potential prison sentences.In Nigeria, abused women often face significant barriers to legal protection. They may be mistreated by the law and marginalized by society, with limited support services available. Even when seeking help, victims might be returned to their abusers by their own families, risking further harm.Fortunately, media outlets are raising awareness about domestic violence, and some churches are actively speaking out against it. However, these efforts alone are not enough to address the issue comprehensively.To combat domestic violence effectively, a multifaceted approach is needed.

 First, there must be a reorientation of women and girls to understand the difference between love and abuse, addressing the high levels of illiteracy and ignorance about their rights. Second, boys and men need to be educated about the unacceptability of violence against women. Finally, the government must enact robust laws with clear penalties for offenders and establish protections for victims. 

The question I would like to leave for my readers is" why do women choose to stay" 

Nigerian Senate Needs A Mandatory Tenure And Retirement Age Limit.

Under the Nigerian laws, senators are to serve a term of 4 years until a general elections. They have unlimited tenure and can remain in the chamber for as long as they are reelected in the general elections. The senate of Nigeria in the National Assembly consist of 109 senators. Each of the 36 States of the federation has 3 senatorial representative and Federal Capital Territory has 1

   The recent general elections where some senators were re-elected after spending about 18 years in the National Assembly now makes the position looks like a retirement home to politician. The likes of senator Ike Ekweremadu, James Manager who has been a senator from as far back as 2003 and they both just got reelected to stay for another tenure is alarming. 

   There should be a stipulated retirement age because with age, the mind and brain function deteriorates. With a faulty mind and brain a lot of mistakes can happen, fresh ideas are no so easy to attain. Some would claim a secretary or an assistant can fulfil the senator's duties, but this is wrong because they were not the ones elected to do those jobs. Most of the times, fresh ideas brought to their table can be disregarded because of lack of understanding that sometimes comes with age. 

  If the senate can dictate tenures and retirement Age for public servants, they themselves shouldn't be left out because they are also public servants. 

In Canada, their constitution was amended a retirement age of 75 for senators was made into law. Besides if there's an entry age of at least 35 years to be elected as a senator, why isn't there any stipulated retirement age?.

  The retirement age for a teacher was recently amended to 65years of age or 35 years of service. That of a supreme court Justice and Judges in the lower court is 70years of age, military officers 62 years of age. 

  Interestingly, a majority of advanced countries practicing democracy has no term limit or retirement age for the legislative houses. Here in Nigeria this practice has to be put in check. Because Nigeria seems to be a peculiar country where people cling to power as if their life depends on it. 

Beauty Redefined: Skin Bleaching On The Rise Amongst Nigerians. Why?

   There is an alarming rise in skin bleaching amongst Nigerians today. According to WHO, an estimated 77% of Nigerian women use skin lightening products. This figure which is reputed to be the world's highest percentage. 

   Recently in Nigeria, a fairer skin is now the " in thing" mostly amongst Nigerian ladies. Although the men are not left out. It is so alarming because there is basically no age restrictions on bleaching amongst Nigerians. Some Nigerian women go to the extent of bleaching their babies and toddlers not minding the adverse effect it can cause on the long run. There is also the abuse of bleaching agents which could cause an immediate damage to their skin. Some damages could be permanent some temporary and can be fixed. 

   This public opinion pool is focused on men and women generally. Respondents where asked bleaching is on the rise amongst Nigerians.

A respondent Mrs Anita stated that many Nigerian women consider light skin to be more beautiful, a high percentage of Nigerian men are more attracted to light skinned women . That even in beauty pageant, light skinned women are majorly selected to compete and usually crowned as the winner. 

Mrs Ayo another respondents stated that there are a few reasons why women bleach. Firstly its due to lack of self confidence, Some just want to look more attractive while some are just following trends. 

Mr Zion an OAP is of the notion that people bleach because of lack of self esteem.

A respondent Miss Anna believes that fair attracts, that people bleach their skin because they want to look more attractive.

Another respondent Mr Chris stated that a fairer skin especially in Nigeria that is categorized with a lot of dark skin is unique and more attractive. So some persons bleach their skin in other to feel unique.

Miss Faith is also of the notion that Nigeria ladies in particular bleach their skin because it makes them feel beautiful and more attractive especially to the men. They feel most men are usually attracted to fair skinned ladies.

Mrs Ray stated that people bleach their skin because low self esteem, some uneven skin tone others because of hyper pigmentation which is a medical condition.

 Mr Moses believe that those persons who bleach suffers from inferiority complex and low self esteem. That beauty is more that skin color or shade. 

 A major problem that is synonymous with the increased rate in bleaching amongst Nigerians, is the indiscriminate use of the users and seller of the products. Even some so called organic products are still been chemicalized for market purposes without any mention of its adverse effect to gullible users of such product.

  There is little or no awareness of the adverse effect of skin bleaching in Nigeria today. From the educated to the least educated are not well informed about the side effects on the long run. The few that are aware are willing to pay the price just to feel beautiful. What's your take on this?

Who Are Nigerian's??

Nigerians are survivors, one of the happiest people on earth despite her travails and life of hardship and lack. A typical Nigerian can be very creative, positively and sometimes negatively ranging from corruption within the country , to online fraud popularly called 419

   Nigerian is a country in west Africa which comprises of 36 states and a federal capital territory in Abuja. It's official language is English, with 3 major tribes namely Hausa , IBO, Yoruba and many other languages. They are referred to as " The Giant Of Africa" owning it to its large population and economy. 

   A typical Nigerian has the ability to adapt to a constant changing economy and environment. Which is why you find  Nigerians in almost every country in the world and thriving. Like the likes of Nigerian born Dr Osatohanmwen Osemwengie who has been an integral member of American Armed Forces, building drones for the United State Army. Chimamanda Adichie , one if the most recognized writer today is also a Nigerian to mention but a few.

   Religion plays a large role in Nigeria. Be it Christianity, Moslem or even traditional beliefs. A typical Nigerian is very religious and they strongly believe in God and his existence. Its a home to some of the richest religious leaders in the world, the likes of Bishop David Oyedepo of the Winners chapel, pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeem Christian church amongst a few. 

   Intellectually, Nigerians have some of the smartest people in the world, although they are mostly unutilized. They were the first African country to have designed, built and launched a satellite(Nigeria Satix) into space. In another scene, Nigeria all female teens emerged as winners of the 2018 Technovation World Pitch in California United States. The team developed a mobile application card "FD Detector" to tackle the problem of fake pharmaceutical product in the country. They defeated teams from United States , Spain , Turkey , Uzbekistan and China. 

   Uniqueness runs in almost every Nigerian. They are so unique that they formulated their own brand of English known as "Pidgin English" , that is duly recognized by BBC Africa. 

 As a country, Nigerian faces a no of societal issues owning primarily to a history of inefficiency in governance, mainly corrupt practices. Despite its vast government revenues from mining of petroleum , yet it's one of the poorest country in world with people living below poverty line of 1$ and 50cent a day.

  In all, the average Nigerian is always hopeful and would keep on going even in tough times, situation and economy. If you have never met a resilient and optimistic person, you are yet to meet a Nigerian.