Category: Opinion

  • Productivity Through The Power Of Inclusive Leadership To Factional And Self-Centered Leadership

    Productivity Through The Power Of Inclusive Leadership To Factional And Self-Centered Leadership

    By Cynthia Maduekwe

    Inclusive Leadership, in stark contrast to Factional and Self-Centered Leadership, is a beacon guiding organizations toward a more cohesive, collaborative, and prosperous future. Here are the compelling reasons why:

    1. Harnessing Diverse Perspectives: Inclusive Leadership taps into a wealth of diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents. By fostering an environment where every voice is heard, innovation becomes the lifeblood of the organization, leading to creative solutions and heightened adaptability.

    2. Cultivating a Collaborative Culture: Inclusion breeds collaboration. Unlike factional leadership, where divisions may hinder progress, an inclusive approach promotes teamwork, knowledge-sharing, and synergy among team members. This collaborative culture is the bedrock of heightened productivity.

    Read Also: Enugu Guber: Edeoga Calls For Electoral Reforms, Accepts Court Verdict

    3. Enhancing Employee Engagement: Inclusive Leadership fosters a sense of belonging among employees. When individuals feel valued and included, their commitment to the organization deepens. This heightened engagement translates into increased productivity, as employees are more likely to go above and beyond when they feel their contributions matter.

    4. Embracing Change and Innovation: In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, adaptability is key. Inclusive Leadership, by embracing change and encouraging new ideas, positions organizations to navigate uncertainties with agility. This contrasts with factional leadership, which may resist change, hindering progress.

    5. Strengthening Employee Well-being: A self-centered leadership approach can lead to a toxic work environment, impacting employee well-being. Inclusive Leadership, on the other hand, promotes a supportive culture that values the holistic well-being of team members. This not only enhances job satisfaction but also contributes to sustained productivity.

  • Addressing the Root Causes of Suicide: A Call to Action for Mental Health

    Addressing the Root Causes of Suicide: A Call to Action for Mental Health

    By Cynthia Maduekwe

    In light of the concerning rise in suicide rates globally, we are compelled to address the pressing issues surrounding mental health, with a focus on depression, impression, and expression as key factors influencing this alarming trend.

    Depression, often underestimated, is a silent assailant that affects millions worldwide. Our society must prioritize mental health awareness and destigmatize seeking help. Through education and open conversations, we aim to empower individuals to recognize the signs of depression, fostering an environment that encourages seeking assistance without judgment.

    Impression, the way individuals perceive themselves and their role in society, plays a pivotal role in mental health. Society’s unrealistic standards and expectations can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and isolation. We advocate for a cultural shift towards embracing diversity and promoting self-acceptance, thereby reducing the detrimental impact of societal pressures.

    Expression, the ability to communicate one’s thoughts and emotions, is vital for mental well-being. Creating safe spaces for open dialogue about mental health is crucial. We urge communities, schools, and workplaces to prioritize mental health programs, ensuring that individuals feel supported and understood.

    Read Also: FCCPC Generates Over N56bn, Remits N22.4bn Into Govt Coffers

    The Way Forward: Solutions to Prevent and Cure

    1. Accessible Mental Health Services: Governments and organizations must invest in accessible and affordable mental health services, ensuring that anyone in need can easily access professional help.

    2. Community Support Networks: Establishing community support networks that provide a sense of belonging and understanding can be instrumental in preventing individuals from feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

    3. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Launching comprehensive campaigns to educate the public about mental health, focusing on early identification of symptoms, available resources, and the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues.

    4. Workplace Wellness Programs: Encouraging companies to implement mental health wellness programs that promote a healthy work-life balance, reduce stress, and offer resources for employees facing mental health challenges.

    5. Media Responsibility: Media outlets should play a responsible role in portraying mental health issues accurately and without sensationalism. Promoting positive narratives can contribute to a healthier societal mindset.

    As we collectively strive to address the root causes of suicide, let us foster a compassionate and understanding society where mental health is prioritized, stigma is eradicated, and individuals feel empowered to seek help without hesitation.

  • What is Politics?

    By Vladislav Sotirovic

    There are many official and unofficial as well as academic and non-academic approaches and formal/informal definitions of politics and its functioning in society. However, as the most universal concept, it can be concluded that politics is simply the ability to direct and administer a state (in ancient Greek – polis or a city-state) or some other political organizations (like multilateral, international, supranational, etc.). In essence, the administration of the state or other political subjects is a matter of art.

    The state can be defined as a political association that establishes autonomous/sovereign jurisdiction within defined territorial borders. In addition, sovereignty is the practice of superior political authority that is reflected by the state to be the only and superior creator of laws and power to protect them within the borders of the state (real or imaginable). In practice, there are two types of state sovereignty: external and internal.

    External (political) sovereignty considers the state’s ability to act as an independent actor in international relations. However, practically, it implies two crucial points:

    • 1) That states have to be from different viewpoints (or at least legal) equal in relations with each other; and
    • 2) That the territorial integrity followed by the political independence of a state is inviolable.

    Internal (political) sovereignty of the state, however, refers to the territory within the state borders by the supreme political power (government, in practice backed by armed security forces). Finally, politics is closely related to the concept of authority which is the ability to influence the politics of others, basically, based on required duty and obey.

    Nevertheless, as can be expected, the understanding and especially some official definitions of politics is historically speaking very highly and even essentially contested matter. In practice, there exists a high degree of disagreement about very practical issues on which aspects of social life and human environments can be applied to the art of politics. According to one approach, a person by birth is political which simply means in the practice that the fundamental essence of political life is going to be seen in any inter-human relationship including, for instance, gender relations (male/female). However, in popular usage around the world (but especially in the West), the restricted framework for politics is designed. In order words, it is, basically, understood that politics is working only on the governmental level dealing with state affairs. In Western societies, politics, in addition, has to involve political party competition followed by multiparty elections for different levels of authority. In general, politics as a sociohistorical phenomenon is extremely limited in both space and time.

    The traditional understanding of the phenomenon of politics was that it is “the art and science of government” or “management of the state affairs”. However, in this case, the practical problem is still unresolved: it was never reached a common agreement about the scope of which activities and levels of state management the government is responsible for. For instance, some of the focal questions are:

    • 1) Is the government restricted only to state affairs?;
    • 2) Does the government have the right to interfere in the affairs of the church, local community, or family?;
    • 3) Does the government take place in a (liberal) economy?; etc.

    Historically, the philosophers of political science have been dealing with two crucial questions applied to the phenomenon of politics:

    • 1) Do other creatures except human beings exercise politics; and
    • 2) Is it possible for society to exist without politics?

    Some of them claimed that other creatures (like bees) have politics and that some kind of society, at least theoretically, (like Utopian) can exist without politics. In practice, nonetheless, politics is applied only to human beings; in other words, to those beings who can communicate symbolically and as a result make statements, accept certain principles, argue, and finally disagree. For instance, politics happens in cases when human beings argue about some practical issues in their societies and have certain procedures to resolve the problem in order to find a common agreement acceptable at least by the arithmetic majority (democracy) but not necessary. In the Western (liberal democratic) concept of politics, no (real) politics in cases when there is a monolithic and total agreement on the rights and duties in a society (for example, in the one-party dictatorial/totalitarian system).

    However, from the broadest viewpoint, politics refers to certain activities used by human beings to create, defend, and change rules on different levels under which they are living. Politics was all the time closely linked to both conflicts and cooperation and agreements and disagreements. From one viewpoint, there is the practice of opposite arguments, opposite wishes on how to solve the problem, competing political, economic, social, etc. wishes, and beating the interests of the others. In this case, there is disagreement about the rules under which the people of certain societies are living. However, in many practical cases, for the sake of influencing such rules (law) or forcing their practical implementation, people can work with other people. Nevertheless, politics in essence is an extremely contested phenomenon as it was historically understood as the art of government/state, as public affairs in most general viewpoints, as the non-violent resolution of different disputes, and, finally, as power and the distribution of various kinds of resources. Finally, statecraft (political management of the state) can be defined as the art of conducting public affairs and foreign politics to realize national interest: goals of state foreign policy for (supposedly) the benefit of society.

    In any case of the acting of the state as an independent political actor either in inner or outer politics, the possession of real power is necessary. The phenomenon of political power can be understood as the ability to influence the results of certain actions, which includes the ability of the state to manage political and other affairs within its own borders without the interference of other (outside) political actors. In this sense, state politics and power are in very close relations, basically synonyms.

    About the Author

    Dr. Vladislav B. Sotirovic
    Ex-University Professor
    Research Fellow at Centre for Geostrategic Studies
    Belgrade, Serbia
    www.geostrategy.rs
    sotirovic1967@gmail.com © Vladislav B. Sotirovic 2023

    Personal disclaimer: The author writes for this publication in a private capacity which is unrepresentative of anyone or any organization except for his own personal views. Nothing written by the author should ever be conflated with the editorial views or official positions of any other media outlet or institution.

  • The Unending Rivers Political Pattern

    The Unending Rivers Political Pattern

    By Christie Obiaruko

    The drama in the political space of Rivers State which has taken center stage in the media does not in any way hit those who are conversant with the real issues as a surprise development.  This has been the pattern since the advent of democracy in the oil and gas-rich state that serves as the traditional headquarters of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

    The current faceoff between the incumbent Governor, His Excellency Sim Fubara, and his erstwhile Godfather, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, the predecessor of Fubara and currently the Minister of the Federal  Capital Territory. Both men belong to the same political party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Although Wike lost out on the power play in the PDP to contest for the presidency, he has since pitched a tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and serving under the Federal Government headed by His Excellency, Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

    The factionalization of the APC in the state has been an advantage to Wike who seems to have nailed the coffin with his alliance with the APC Chieftains at the party’s headquarters as well as the residents of the seat of power, Aso Rock. Wike has been enjoying the mixed blessings until the rage of the storm in his backyard. This time, it was not the unfriendly knock of a familiar enemy but that of an untimely resistance by a political godson whom he baptized into the murky waters of Rivers politics.

    Sim Fubara without a word, stood up to his father, mentor, and benefactor in a manner that proved that power has the capacity and ability to make boys into men.

    Read Also: Tinubu assures foreign investors of diligent, predictable fund repatriation

    If everyone is shocked at the developing story, Wike should not have been since his political journey in 1998. He ought to have realized that he is not and would never be the head of all principalities with the supernatural powers to overrun a system that has become an age-long pattern.

    Even Wike in one of the political campaigns before the Governorship elections expressed his reservations about reserved people being more dangerous than loquacious politicians. This was in response to Fubara’s comment at a rally that Accountants talk less but show more action. He was responding to social media reports where opposition parties mocked him for not being able to speak for himself but allowed Wike to do the talking while he watched.

    What is more intriguing in the whole drama is that even those who revered Wike as the doer of the impossible are now on the side of the Governor, apparently seeking an end to Wike’s envious reign in the  Rivers political stage. Those who hailed Wike yesterday on this are now berating him! The average Rivers man prefers the treasure of the seat of power, formally known as the Brick House, then looking for money to board a flight to Abuja. It has always been the pattern. It is not expected that the erstwhile followers of the FCT Minister would relocate to hang around him in Abuja.

    The State has enough to cater to those who come around the Government. If only Gov Fubara can be as generous as those before him, then he will gain more support, across party lines and ethnic affiliation.

    Only a handful of Wike’s men can afford the hotel bills in Abuja to wait for empowerment. The rest will switch to Fubara.

    It happened when Odili relocated to Abuja. It was recorded in Amaechi’s days as Minister. This time around, there won’t be anything different! It is a repeated pattern just like the “Abiku” by Wole Soyinka.

    It only remains for the Governor to sustain the favor of the President. I only hope Fubara will not be sacrificed the way Amaechi was by the former President.

    In all of these, I can say that there are familiar spirits in a territory that are difficult to cast out. I didn’t mention karma, even though some may wish to interpret it as such.

    Wike will not be the first leader to be in a fierce battle with his political godson. But he will be the first to have defied all odds to successfully enthrone a successor, since the history of democracy in Rivers State. Ada George was unable to bring a successor. His former deputy, Peter Odili became Governor through others. Amaechi who was originally Odili’s choice was stopped by the President then. He eventually found his way to power through others, after Odili endorsed Omehia as a replacement. Then came Dakuku as a preference to succeed Amaechi, it was scuttled by Wike through the instrumentality of Dame Patience Jonathan, the former President’s wife. Amaechi and Wike had fallen out.

    Wike believed he was different. He brought Some Fubara who was not in the political lineup as a potential successor. Wike made history by breaking the succession jinx. Fubara won and became Governor. Shortly after five months in power, he has been in a fierce battle with Wike.

    It is not still clear how this will end as Wike pulls all strings and still believes “the law has not spoken.”

    Remember that Fubara has won at both the tribunal and the Appeal Court. The case is pending at the Supreme Court.

    No one is sure if Wike will align with Tony Cole of the APC to overrun the Governor. But that may be Wike’s political Golgotha as Cole remains Amaechi’s close friend and political ally. Fubara is enjoying the sympathy of the public even without spending a dime. But sympathy is not enough. While he has taken very fearful steps to stop Wike’s lawmakers from impeaching him, it is not in the public space his counter plans to end the Minister’s influence in the power play of the state.

    But Fubara will be opening his wings if he believes that Wike will retreat without a deadly comeback, even if he anticipates a failed attempt. The Minister who many say is reaping from his sins of the past is not known to chicken out from a fight. Not acknowledging his political sagacity and chameleonic tendencies just to win a battle would be preposterous and inimical to stopping him.

    Though Wike enjoys no special status as Minister, based on the provisions of the Nigerian constitution, he sure has the privilege of presidential backing. His main rival now, Fubara has full-fledged immunity and no President may want to lose the support of the sitting Governor of a state like Rivers. This remains a catch-22 situation for President Tinubu.

    Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe is the Publisher of Beam Newspapers, columnist and political analyst. She can be reached via: beamnews@yahoo.com

  • From Street Style to Red Carpet Glory: The Unconventional Journey of a Street Boy Wearing Aba Adidas Red Polo

    From Street Style to Red Carpet Glory: The Unconventional Journey of a Street Boy Wearing Aba Adidas Red Polo

    By Cynthia Maduekwe

    In an extraordinary turn of events, a street boy sporting an Aba Adidas red polo has risen to prominence through a series of unorthodox and challenging experiences, culminating in a spotlight on the Aba, Abia State fashion event red carpet.

    In a tale that emphasizes the unpredictable nature of success, the individual, who once navigated the streets with resilience and a unique fashion sense, caught the attention of the public and fashion enthusiasts alike. His bold style and distinctive choice of attire became a talking point, creating a buzz that reached beyond the streets and resonated with the masses.

    As fate would have it, the street boy’s journey took an unexpected turn when he found himself not just attending but gracing the prestigious Aba, Abia State fashion event red carpet. The remarkable transformation from street wear to high fashion caught the eye of industry insiders and spectators alike, sparking conversations about the power of authenticity and individuality in the world of fashion.

    Read Also: Court affirms Gov Fubara’s loyalist as Rivers House of Assembly speaker

    The pinnacle of this extraordinary journey came in the form of a surprising endorsement as a brand ambassador from none other than Adidas, the global sportswear giant. The company recognized the street boy’s unique story and authentic style as a testament to the spirit of perseverance and individuality.

    “We believe in stories that inspire and individuals who embody the essence of our brand. This street boy’s journey resonated with us, and we are proud to welcome him as a brand ambassador,” said Spokesperson, representative of Adidas.

    This remarkable story serves as a reminder that success can manifest in unexpected ways, and sometimes, being unconventional and true to oneself can lead to unparalleled opportunities. The street boy’s journey exemplifies the idea that when destiny aligns with determination, even the most unconventional paths can pave the way for success.

  • #100DaysInOffice: Rethinking Sports Infrastructure Development Through the Vision of Senator John Enoh

    #100DaysInOffice: Rethinking Sports Infrastructure Development Through the Vision of Senator John Enoh

    By James Atakor

    In the realm of sports, where dreams are nurtured and champions are forged, a persistent obstacle stifles potential and dims the aspirations of countless enthusiasts—the unavailability of adequate sports infrastructure. This problem stands as one of the major banes of sports development in Nigeria.

    Across communities and states in the federation, the absence or inadequacy of proper sports facilities stands as a formidable barrier, limiting access, stunting talent growth, and impeding the pursuit of athletic excellence. The scarcity of proper infrastructure denies aspiring athletes the opportunity to train, compete, and excel, hampering their ability to reach their full potential. At its core, this issue is a disheartening reality for millions of Nigerians, especially in areas where dilapidated fields, outdated facilities, and a lack of resources converge to create a stark contrast to the vibrant and dynamic sporting environments seen elsewhere.

    One endemic issue in Nigerian sports is the quagmire of well-maintained arenas (the lack of it), tracks, courts, and training centers. This problem does not only curtail the development of skilled athletes but also deprives communities of the myriad benefits associated with a thriving sports culture.

    These days, it looks like the narratives might be changing. In the 100 days that John Owan Enoh has been on the saddle as the supremo of the Ministry of Sports Development, he has unrelentlessly dug into viable avenues to improve the sports infrastructure of Nigeria.

    Read Also: FG Blames Naira Redesign Policy, Flooding, Erosion For Rising Food Prices In Nigeria

    As a matter of fact, Senator Enoh’s first action as minister was an inspection tour of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. 24 hours after resuming office, he embarked on the inspection to assess the state of facilities. During a briefing with sports journalists that bright afternoon, he postulated that the Ministry will be as systematic as possible, with the process of driving infrastructural growth. On that inspection tour, the Minister went round the gigantic dual-packaged edifice, assessing the Mainbowl, Facility Building, Power Technical House, etc.

    One of the impressive part of the new minister’s approach is the vision to make major sports facilities self-sustaining, ensuring facilities generate revenue that is more than enough for their maintenance. He had shared his vision to remodel the abandoned hostel at the Abuja National Stadium into a standard hotel accommodation that will house national teams during their assignments and also standard enough to be rented out to external individuals before national teams’ window comes full cycle.

    Senator Enoh’s first trip as a minister was to Lagos, for another inspection tour. He was in Lagos on an inspection tour to the National Stadium, Surulere. In one day, he visited the mainbowl of the National stadium, National Institute of Sports (NIS), Sports Medical Center, Indoor Sports Hall, and other facilities. He also visited the Games Village hostels, and courts of others sports. From his words and poise, one could tell that the Cross Riverian came to the office to work. His passion is contagious, his enthusiasm is infectious and his hard work is admirable.

    During his time in Lagos, he spoke about the process towards the concessioning of the National Stadium, Surulere. He mentioned that he will 100% back any method it takes to bring back the glory of what was once the football palace of Africa. Enoh has been seen wooing private investors, while fostering greater relationship with investors such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chief Adebutu Kessington. These two individuals have strongly supported infrastructure development  in Nigeria.

    By prioritizing the development and maintenance of sports infrastructure, Senator Enoh is sowing the seeds for a more vibrant, equitable, and thriving future. It’s time to convert this lamentable bane into a catalyst for change—an opportunity to build a nation where every aspiring athlete, regardless of background, can pursue their dreams and contribute to a brighter sporting landscape for generations to come. While the journey is still far, Senator John Enoh is definitely on the right track.

  • Untold History of Israel and Palestine: Video Documentary

    This is a weekly documentary film curated by the editorial team at 21WIRE.

    This mini-documentary charts journalist Abby Martin’s on-the-ground investigation in Palestine, looking at the long history of Zionist colonization in the Middle East, and the destructive expansion and expulsion of Palestine’s indigenous inhabitants.

    Giving critical historical context to the occupation today, this timeline explores the creation of the state of Israel and how it came to cover so much land.

    From the early settlements to the Nakba, to its conquest of the West Bank, revealing the brutally honest roots of what is behind the so-called “Israel-Palestine conflict.”

    Watch the video documentary below…

    Run time: 22 min
    Presented by Abby Martin
    Production: The Empire Files on TeleSUR (2016)

  • Argentina: Is President Javier Milei What He Said He Is

    Javier Milei, a 53-year-old far-right economist and former television pundit with no governing experience, claimed nearly 56 percent of the vote, with more than 80 percent of votes tallied. It was a stunning upset over Sergio Massa, the center-left economy minister who has struggled to resolve the country’s worst economic crisis in two decades.

    Voters in this nation of 46 million demanded a drastic change from a government that has sent the peso tumbling, inflation skyrocketing and more than 40 percent of the population into poverty. And with Milei, Argentina takes a leap into the unknown — with a leader promising to shatter the entire system, which the locals now correctly realize, is broken.

    Milei, who two months ago was interviewed by Tucker Carlson, has promised to fix Argentina’s perennial economic problems by making drastic budget cuts, replacing the battered peso with the US dollar and shutting down the central bank. He will take office on Dec. 10.

    Massa, from the ruling Peronist coalition, placed first in October’s first round, a remarkable comeback after losing a primary election two months previously. But the dire state of Argentina’s economy, plagued by 143% hyperinflation and a looming recession, posed a challenge too far to his presidential bid.

    “Argentines chose another path,” Massa said in a speech to supporters. Polls before the vote showed Milei with a slight edge over his rival.

    For those unfamiliar with Milei’s unique style, the following clip should be rather informative:

    Commenting on Milei’s victory, Elon Musk predicted that “Prosperity is ahead for Argentina.”

    A Milei presidency will have profound implications for not only the third-largest economy in Latin America, but also the region and the world. In a continent dominated by leftist leaders, Milei could create tensions with governments he has attacked, including crucial trading partner and neighbor Brazil. In an era of growing Chinese influence in Latin America, Milei could become the region’s most vocal antagonist to a country he once called “an assassin.”

    Milei made a name for himself as a television pundit who insulted other guests, and has shown a tendency to fight with the news media. In presidential debates, he has cast doubt on the widely accepted tally of murders during the country’s Dirty War from 1976 to 1983.

    READ ALSO: BREAKING: Terrorists Release Kidnapped Female Student Of Nigeria’s Federal University In Katsina After 45 Days

    He has branded Argentine Pope Francis an “evil” leftist, called climate change a “socialist lie” and said he would hold a referendum to undo the three-year-old law that legalized abortion.

    Wielding chain saws on the campaign trail, the wild-haired Milei vowed to slash public spending in a country heavily dependent on government subsidies. He pledged to dollarize the economy, shut down the central bank and cut the number of government ministries from 18 to eight. His rallying campaign cry was a takedown of the country’s political “caste” — an Argentine version of Trump’s “drain the swamp.”

    Massa was emblematic of that ruling elite — “the king of the caste,” said political analyst Pablo Touzón. The career politician attempted to distance himself from the leftist government of Alberto Fernández and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, the heirs to the populist dynasty first launched by Juan and Eva “Evita” Peron in the 1940s. Along with a grassroots campaign of activists, Massa sought to stoke fear over a Milei presidency they argued could threaten Argentina’s democracy and way of life.

    But ultimately, anger won over fear. For many Argentines, the bigger risk was more of the same.

    “We don’t have anything to lose,” Tomás Limodio, a 36-year-old business owner who voted for Milei in Buenos Aires on Sunday. “We’ve had this type of government for so many years, and things are only getting worse.”

    Credit: TLB
  • What Happened To Baby Jane?

    Commentary by: Bill the Butcher

    The weather on March 6th was foreboding. Not deadly, but that kind of night that would make you cut your cigarette short should you be smoking outside. But Janet wasn’t looking for cigarettes that night. With time alone, she was looking for something a little more, shall we say, mind expanding?

    Janet’s husband was in Houston for the weekend, seeking diversion of his own desire. Their newborn daughter, Jane, had been in hospital since she was born six months ago to the day. A lifetime of drugs had bequeathed little Jane the DNA from hell.

    Released that morning, Baby Jane was working her way through her first day of “life on the outside.” Sleeping quietly in the back seat of Janet’s car, the mother saw no reason to take her into her connection’s house while she scored her drug of choice. She’d be back soon enough, and no one would be the wiser. She secured the baby’s blanket and went to the door of the house.

    Big Red opened the door to someone he didn’t want to see. Janet had been on “the tab” for some time now. Paying for her supply with sexual favors and keeping her addicted husband in the dark. As she progressed from simple grass to speed to crack, she found her way to his door often. On this night there was nothing unusual except the baby that she’d left in the car, something that Big Red didn’t need to know.

    Tonight was meth night. Janet needed to kick it up a notch to make up for all the sobriety she had to endure while portraying herself as a “concerned mother” at the hospital. She had become impatient, waiting for her husband to return from Houston with the usual party favors and a short trip to Big Red’s would take the edge off until her husband returned.

    If you are anything like a responsible adult you can see what is wrong with this scenario. Leaving a six-month old baby in the back seat of a car in the wee hours of the morning while you trade sexual favors with a pusher. What could possibly go wrong.

    READ ALSO: Spiritual Problems of Modern Man

    Wanna transcend time and space? Smoke dope! Hours seem like minutes. Minutes melt into timelessness. And with each passing minute little Jane’s medication wore off, and nobody heard her cries. And the angels came and took another Angel home.

    When Janet woke on Big Red’s floor she was vaguely aware of something important. Something she’d forgotten. Slowly the clouds cleared and she fumbled her way to her car. Baby Jane was frozen in time. Both figuratively and literally with her mouth still wide open from her last cry, and all the color gone from her once bright blue eyes.

    In a sane world Janet would be filled with remorse. In a sane world the police would find her dead beside her baby. In a sane world every newspaper would run Baby Jane’s story. But Baby Jane didn’t die in a sane world. She died in a drug world. A world without form, and void. A world with no god, only the Hedonistic satisfaction of base desires. Ruled by the Prince of Darkness.

    Without hesitation, Janet rushed back to the RV that she and her husband lived in. She scrubbed and cleaned as if that would cover her crime. And when she was satisfied she went to her car and brought Baby Jane to her room. Placing her in the crib, covering her with a blanket, she waited for her sister-in-law to come and check on the baby. Then, when the police arrived, she played the distraught mother, overwhelmed with insurmountable grieve at discovering that Baby Jane had passed during the night from SIDS. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. And the secret rests in an unmarked grave to this day. Oh, I’m sorry. You were expecting justice. Sorry. If you go looking for justice, you’ll go crazy.

    About The Author: Bill the Butcher is the purveyor of The Butcher Shop. Whatever cut of literary meat you prefer the Butcher Shop is here to serve.

    Credit: TLB
  • The TCTI is Truly a World-Class Teacher Training Institute in Nigeria – NTI Observers

    Teachers Continuous Training Institute,  Cross River State

    Participants and stakeholders in the just concluded workshop organized by the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna, for forty primary school teachers at the Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Cross River State have rated the Institution as the best teacher training center in Nigeria alongside the NTI.
    Participants of the 3-Day seminar tagged: ‘Global Goals for Sustainable Development’ which was held between 15th – 17th November 2023, lauded the concept, which according to them stands unequaled in terms of hospitality, facilities, formations, training, and research and overall planning.
    According to Malam Suleiman Jibril, a teacher from Kaduna State, ‘The equipment on the ground is in line with the latest technological advancement obtainable in modern learning anywhere. 
    “The TCTI is one of the best teacher training institutions of development l have seen. The facilities are superb and the place is second to none. It is even included in our report”.
    Another teacher, Mr Leonard Iyeje testifies that: “The Institute has inculcated great knowledge into me with its up-to-date training facilities and l am happy that my students and wards back home will have something new to learn from this experience.
    Continuing, Iyeje said “The amenities are the best anyone can imagine in this country. Sincerely, l was amazed at what l saw on the ground.
    An elated Mrs Emilia Matiki noted that “the place is one of its kind. From the location, high-tech facilities, and instructional materials, to the general coordination we were all very impressed with what we saw at the TCTI, and l hope to be there for another training. It was indeed a wonderful experience”.

    The State Coordinator, of Cross River State Chapter of the National Teachers Institute, Mr James Edet affirmed the comments made by the visiting tutors, highlighting the importance of the Institute to national integration and learning.
    Several commendatory reviews received from participants and observers in the pedagogical profession abound before and after the drills.
    Addressing participants after the exhibition, renowned educationist and pioneer Director-General of the TCTI, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, hinted that the Institute is open to local and foreign collaborations as a way to foster learning. Professor Adedoja thanked the NTI for the continued synergy in enhancing teachers’ growth.
    The TCTI, solely owned and financed by the Cross River State government, was conceived to boost manpower development and guarantee quality learning that meets global teaching. It is the first CERTIPORT-approved institution for digital literacy proficiency testing with 
    a view to filling the gaps in knowledge and skills needed for global employability and competitiveness.
    Higgins James writes from Calabar