How Poor Access to Water May Affect a Girls Education:Meet Salome

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Number 5, which is gender equality and Goal 6 which is clean water and sanitation are very critical goals the Federal Government of Nigeria needs to focus more attention on.

In this Audio Special report https://soundcloud.com/avidarau/salomemp3 I took a look at how gender inequality and poor access to water affects the girl child in Kayache Community of Kuje Area Council of the FCT Nigeria.

https://soundcloud.com/avidarau/salomemp3

How Poor Access to Water May Affect a Girls Education:Meet Salome

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Number 5, which is gender equality and Goal 6 which is clean water and sanitation are very critical goals the Federal Government of Nigeria needs to focus more attention on.

In this Audio Special report https://soundcloud.com/avidarau/salomemp3 I took a look at how gender inequality and poor access to water affects the girl child in Kayache Community of Kuje Area Council of the FCT Nigeria.

https://soundcloud.com/avidarau/salomemp3

The Bomb Called Ebola.

The Bomb Called Ebola!
Today I was told a joke of a man who having fell sick for a while decided to go for a medical check-up, and when the results of the tests he ran came through, it was discovered he was HIV positive. The first thing the man mouthed was Aaaah 'thank god its not Ebola!'
Now that's how dreaded Ebola is;
Before the headline further confuses the reader, let me go straight to the point.
Ebola is not a Bomb! no, it is not 'Fat man' or ' Little boy' dropped in Negasaki and Heroshima in 1945 that ended the 2nd world war.
 Ebola is a disease caused by a Virus, and just like HIV and Aids is has no cure. Unlike HIV which can stay in ones body for a long time without the victim showing any symptoms, Ebola only has an incubation period of 2 -21 days before the symtoms manifest.
Many Nigerians do not know anything about Ebola especially those in the rural areas, they do not know what it is yet alone apply preventive mechanism. Suffice you to know that even in Abuja Nigeria's Federal Capital which is the perfect example of an urban area, people do not know what Ebola virus disease is.
A police sergeant I gave a ride sometime last week saw these tiny pieces of papers in my car... baraudavid.blogspot.com

To be Gay is now a crime in Nigeria- By David Barau

Its official, it's now a crime to be Gay in Nigeria. This followed the signing of the Anti Gay act into law by president Goodluck Jonathan.

After huge sanction threats by the international community from the west and threat of Aid withdrawal by the United Kingdom ,president Jonathan went ahead to sign the act into law.

This was the only single thing that the ruling party and opposition party's agreed upon and applauded the decision.

The law had a smooth sail in the parliament with both chambers given the anti Gay act a unanimous vote and speedy passage.

This law says anyone caught in sexual activity with the same sex risks a prison term of not less than 14 years.

Also 'a person who registers, operates or participate in gays clubs society or organisations or directly or indirectly makes public show of same sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits and offense and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years in prison'

Nigeria joins 75 countries of the world to Outlaw Gay activities.

UN human rights chief denounces new anti-homosexuality law in Nigeria

GENEVA (14 January 2014) – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Tuesday expressed her alarm at a “draconian” new law in Nigeria that criminalizes same-sex unions, saying it violates a wide range of human rights

The Senate approved a revised version of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill in December, and President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Act into law earlier this month. The Act includes a provision for a 14-year prison term for anyone who enters into a same sex union, and a ten-year prison term for anyone who ‘administers, witnesses, abets or aids’ a same sex marriage or civil union ceremony. The law states that ‘a person or group of persons who … supports the registration, operation and sustenance of gay clubs, societies, organizations, processions or meetings in Nigeria commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.’

“Even before this Act was signed into law, consensual same sex relationships were already criminalized in Nigeria – violating rights to privacy and to freedom from discrimination, both of which are protected by the Nigerian Constitution, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Nigeria has ratified,” the High Commissioner said.

“This draconian new law makes an already-bad situation much worse,” she said. “It purports to ban same-sex marriage ceremonies but in reality does much more. It turns anyone who takes part in, witnesses or helps organize a same sex marriage into a criminal. It punishes people for displaying any affection in public towards someone of the same sex. And in banning gay organizations it puts at risk the vital work of human rights defenders who speak up for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and intersex people.”

“Rarely have I seen a piece of legislation that in so few paragraphs directly violates so many basic, universal human rights,” Pillay said. “Rights to privacy and non-discrimination, rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, rights to freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention: this law undermines all of them. In addition, the law risks reinforcing existing prejudices towards members of the LGBT community, and may provoke an upsurge in violence and discrimination.”

The High Commissioner expressed hope that the Supreme Court of Nigeria would review the constitutionality of the new law at the first opportunity. “International human rights law and jurisprudence clearly indicate that States have a legal duty to protect all individuals from violations of their human rights, including on the basis of their sexual orientation. Disapproval of homosexuality by the majority on moral or religious grounds does not justify criminalizing or discriminating against LGBT persons. Indeed, the defence of human rights often requires the State to step in to protect the rights of members of minority communities from the prejudices of the majority,” Pillay said.

When I asked a Senator his take on this issue he simply said 
' David I love Women'

With these words rest my case.

BETWEEN NIGERIA’S ARMED FORCES AND REMEMBERANCE DAY AND AMERICA’S VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATION

BETWEEN NIGERIA’S ARMED FORCES AND REMEMBERANCE DAY AND AMERICA’S VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATION

                                                                     By: David Barau

                                         Veteran's Day Parade 2013 San Diego-California

                                         U.S Marines Corps at a Marchpast on Veteran's Day 2013

                                         Green Barade Vets

                   President Goodluck Jonathan at the 2014 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Celebration

                                   President Jonathan Performing the wreath Laying Ceremony in Abuja

                                             Men of the Nigeria Armed Forces in Solemn Mood

                As a first time visitor to the United States of America, I was still trying to settle down and adapt to the food I’ve been struggling to eat for at least a fortnight and also understand the cultural differences that exist between Nigeria and the United States when I stumbled on a veteran’s day parade on the 11^th November 2013 in the beautiful city of San Diego in the state of California.

                ‘Veteran’s day Parade’ what is it about I asked John and Karen? The two wonderful English Language Officers that have accompanied us from the beginning of the programme that took me to the United States of America. By the way, I was in the United States of America for an International Visitor’s Leadership Programme (IVLP) the   Edward R Murrow programme for journalists; it’s a programme designed for young journalists around the world to share experiences on their profession in their respective countries.

                Well I’m not going to distract you with the IVLP because I’ve an article on it at www.baraudavid.blogspot.com

                Back to the Veteran’s Day Parade; John and Karen were able to inform me that veteran’s day is a holiday set aside to honour the Military personnel as well as persons involved in war in one way or another. ‘That’s exactly our version of Armed forces and remembrance day Celebration’ held on the 15^th of January every year I said unfortunately it isn’t a holiday.

                Unlike what is observed in Nigeria’s Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration, where the whole mood is solemn and quiet, the American’s Veteran’s day parade was upbeat and full of energy.

                San Diego since the fall of pearl Harbour in 1941 has been a military town when the United States Navy moved its pacific Headquarters to the city, it is also home to the Marine corps recruit Depot, as well as the space and Naval warfare systems centre to mention but a few.  So one can imagine the heavy presence of the military and retired officers or Vets as they are popularly called.

                The parade was full of energy as the young Cadets from the Marine Corps depot opened the floor with a beautiful march-past followed by the different war heroes and heroine starting from World War II to the Afghanistan and Iraq war.

                The Veterans Marched in different uniforms, in exotic cars and power bikes all gallantly dressed as the crowd continued to cheer their heroes. The nurses and medical team that took part in wars also marched to the hailing of the crowd who were waving the American Flags.

                 Restaurants and shops offered free food and services to the veterans, different promotions on goods were on going for the vets and their family. It’s a moment when one will feel proud to be a war veteran.

                Children were not left out, they had their parade also, with drums and performed gymnastics as they Marched passed the crowd that kept on cheering and clapping. It was a scene to behold.

                The highpoints of the parade was when the survivor of second world-war stepped out of his convertible Mustang car and decided to march all the stretch of the one kilometre ground. The ovation was loudest as this man who was about a century old began to run. It was fun and excitement all the way as the parade came to an end.

                Although the mood of the Nigeria Armed forces and remembrance day is celebrated in a solemn and quiet manner with wreath laying,  as a result of the significance of the event which is a reflection on the number of Soldiers that died during the first coup d’état and the civil war, many lessons can be drawn from the Veteran’s day celebration; like making it an all-inclusive event where everyone will play a part.( Civilians Women and Children) and the red cross as well as the volunteers in Military affairs.

                Declaring the day a national Holiday will also ensure that people will take time to come out and share the joy of the Unknown soldiers who are our heroes past.

                In Abuja, the security was so tight that only those with Invitations made it to the National Cenotaph, venue of the ceremony, the present security challenge in the country may not be unconnected with the high security presence, but a less agonising security checks can be adopted with better planning.

                The security even refused some of the Legionnaires (retired officers) entry to the venue because they did not present an invitation card, a mild drama ensued when the Men said they do not need an invitation because ‘the ceremony is for us’ where is your invitation? They asked the Security the agent. Who was dumbfounded.

                ‘If you like shoot us I am a retired colonel but as for me I’m going to the place’ as they continued to make their way towards the cenotaph. It took the intervention of the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion Micah Gayya that prevented a scene at the Arcade.

                The welfare of the Nigerian Legions has always been a front burner during the months that leading to the D-day, with a lot a promises that goes down the drain after the celebrations with the latest being the arrears of their 3 years pension which has been revised to the new rate but has not been paid.

                According to Micah Gayya ‘All Nigeria Legion will rise up and salute President Jonathan when he directs the payment of our three years improved allowances’.

                The Retired Soldiers have played their part in the shaping of Nigeria to what it is today, it’s our duty as a Nation to respect our heroes past by treating them with respect, dignity and above all love.          

                Veterans in the United States have homes and their medical bills are to some extent being taken care of by the government, this is a gesture that our heroes past so that labour shall not be in vain deserve to say the least at it enshrined in the National anthem.

               

               

               

New NYSC DG Brigadier General Johnson Bamidele Olawumi Resumes Office

PAY OUR ALLOWANCES…. FCTA STAFF PROTEST

                PAY OUR ALLOWANCES….         FCTA STAFF PROTEST

                                                                 

                                         Some of the Protesting FCTA Displaying their Placards

                              JUAC Chairman Comrade Ajao Adelowo addressing the FCTA STAFF

                           Permanent Secretary FCTA Engr John Obinna Chukwu Addressing the protesting Staff

                                                 Armed Police At the Main Gate of the FCTA

                                           A cross Section of the Protesting FCTA STAFF

                                          A placard Displaying an Inscription Bala Must Go

                                                              BY: DAVID BARAU

                Aggrieved staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration this morning barricaded the entrance into the premises of the headquarters of the administration  at Kapital street Area 11 Abuja in protest of what they describe  as neglect by the FCT Minister senator Bala Mohammed on staff welfare.

                The staff who were protesting under the auspices of the joint union action committee (JUAC) were seen displaying different placards and chanting solidarity songs and gyrations. Some of the placards reads: “Pay Our Hazard and Call Allowances Now’’ Stop The Abuse of FCTA Workers’ Rights “Return Our Housing Allowance Back to 100% others had a strong  show of grievance like “Bala Must Go; Staff Welfare Zero”.

                The joint union action committee is the umbrella platform of all the individual unions of the FCTA/FCDA.

                Addressing the staff at the entrance of the FCTA headquarters, the chairman of JUAC comrade Ajao Adelowo said the protest became necessary following the refusal of the FCT administration to honour their demands given to them, and after the expiration of the 21 day ultimatum the mass protest is to press home their demands.

                Some of the agitations of the FCTA staff according to the JUAC chairman include the refusal of the Administration to pay the salaries of workers that was stopped by the FCT Minister pending staff verification. “ the biometrics has been done and people have been cleared yet they have not  been paid” he added that the staff training has been stopped for a long time which should not be so “staff training and promotions should not be tied on biometrics they should be released immediately”

                The chairman added that many staff of the FCTA were exposed to risk and hazard in their jobs daily, but the FCT administration has failed to approve Hazard allowances. They also faulted the present FCT administration for reducing the Housing allowances of FCTA staff from 100% of the  annual  basic salary to 60%.

                A mild drama ensued when the permanent secretary of the FCTA Engineer John Obinna Chukwu came to address the crowd as he was booed by protesters who wanted the FCT Minister himself to address them. The timely intervention by the chairman who pleaded with staff saved the face of the Permanent secretary.

                After a moment the permanent secretary addressed the aggrieved staff and promised to meet with the executives of the union later in the day .

                “I’ve seen your demands and today the Management of the FCTA led by the Minister are meeting with the labour union at 1.30PM it was not scheduled yesterday because we’ve been talking, most of your request we have seen, but we do not talk under a non-conducive environment so I appeal to you to just give us today so that we talk with your union.”

                 That idea did not go down with some of the protesting staff who started shouting ‘we no go gree o! we no go gree!’. The assurance by the JUAC chairman that the protest will continue if the meeting did not take place was what calmed the nerves of the edgy protesters.

                Meanwhile as if to intimidate the protesting staff, two trucks full with armed police men stormed the premises of the FCTA but that did not deter the protesters who prevented motorists from coming into the premises or going out.

                It is however unclear if the meeting with the top management and the executives of the union held at 1.30PM, but what is certain is that the protest seems to be the beginning of the end of the relationship between the present administration of the FCTA and the Staff who have said they have seen enough.