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13 Benefits Of CCTV To Your Organization

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13 Benefits Of CCTV To Your Organization

CCTV surveillance system has proven to be a high value tool for safety and security as well as productivity; whether it is deployed to personal, public or industrial settings. Twenty-first century security and safety has come to depend strongly on this technology as a reliable complement to other resources. The acronym CCTV, means Closed-Circuit Television. Its origin dates back to early 1940s when it was used to observe the launch of V-2 rockets (aggregate 4) at Peenemunde Army Research Centre in a suburb of Germany by a notable German engineer Walter Bruch who was credited as the inventor. It is an integrated system that uses Network Video Recorder or Digital Video Recorder, cameras, desktop computers, monitors/video walls, joy stick, mouse and other devices to capture, record/store and broadcast live footage of activities within its coverage. Today, there are about one billion installed CCTV system all over the world. China 200 million, US 59 million, German 52 million, UK and Japan with 5 million each are the top five countries with highest number of deployments.  And the list is growing and evolving. The system has many domestic and industrial uses; its importance and acceptance are growing so fast by the day. On the field operation, the system is used to watch and monitor activities of all persons working within a facility. It is highly essential for deterrence and detection of crime as well as compliance to regulatory requirement amongst others. For your organization to reap full benefits of this surveillance system it is recommended that it must be fully optimized and functional, it should be operated and managed by competent personnel, and it must comply to privacy laws of the country of its operation. One significant subject of regulatory compliance to deployment of CCTV is “public warning”. This is a deliberate attempt to inform the public that CCTV is in operation 24/7 at the location; and that it is been used strictly for purpose of safety and security. If your organization is still asking what it stand to gain from deploying CCTV, or yet to specifically identify and place metrics and key performance indicators on its CCTV resources see below highlights of return on investment from this tool. 13 benefits of CCTV surveillance system to your organization: Enhance general perception of safety and security: the presence of CCTV surveillance in a location would generally enhance public view of safety and security in such area. Magically though; even when these resources are not fully optimized and utilized, this perception will hold water until proven otherwise by incidents related safety and security. Prevent crime: light-hearted or impulse criminals would think twice about committing any sort of crime in the presence of a visible CCTV camera.  It is only a determined attacker who can dare this surveillance to carry out criminal act regardless. Detect criminal: when a crime is committed in the presence of optimized and functional CCTV camera whether visible or hidden; the actor and the act will be captured, recorded and stored by the system. Gather evidence: when a crime is committed in the presence of optimized and functional camera the actor and the act will be captured, recorded and stored by CCTV and the footage will be presented as evidence of such crime during post incident investigation. This will enable Management to take informed decision in line with its policy and standard. Minimize security and safety incident: with presence of fully optimized CCTV surveillance system in a location, the occurrence of security and safety breach will decrease significantly. Minimize cost of security: deployment of CCTV surveillance will save your organization huge fortune comparatively to deploying physical man-guard. 24/7 coverage of locations, capability and reliability can always beat human who would be vulnerable to visibility limitation, exhaustion, fatigue and other factors. Reduce insurance premium: deploying CCTV surveillance in your facility will help lower insurance premiums by reducing the risk of theft, fire, workplace violence, vandalism and other risks. Boost productivity: when employees and others knew they are being monitored through a surveillance or any other digital device, they would most likely mind their business to meet their target. Although, this is a side perk however; it is a function to be credited to CCTV where it applied. Compliance to regulation: some industry regulations have it as mandatory requirement to deploy CCTV surveillance to complement other security and safety resources. While some organization by default deploy this resource just to check out this requirement, others deploy them to maximize the potentials. The latter is a better option – so go for it. Monitor traffic: in a heavy traffic industrial location, CCTV can assist to monitor the flow and ensure it is complying to set standard and use same to promptly respond to incident accordingly. Monitor various retail settings: in the mall, store, warehouse, gym, hotel, restaurant, event hall, etc. CCTV camera can be used to monitor not just safety and security but other human behavior or mannerism that may serve as clue to a developing or active crime incident. With this, prompt response can be activated. Make informed decision: CCTV system analytics (especially post incident) can be used to decide which safety or security concern should be addressed in ways unique to its occurrence. The system can also provide insight to corporate operational risk and its prioritization. Provide employment: CCTV system creates employment to technologists, engineers, researchers, teachers, sales/procurement practitioners, policy makers, managers, operators and others who are important players in the system value chain. In summary, the need to create and sustain a safe and secure business community has place daunting demands on business owners and managers to ensure this obligation is met. Deployment of CCTV surveillance is one sure way to attain this. Organizations who appreciate and deploy fully optimized system shall have various benefits as highlighted above as return on investment. ALSO READ: Five Sources of Workplace Violence and How To Prepare For Its Prevention and Response

Effects Of Climate Change On Human Health – Duplicate – [#85802]

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Climate Change Significant Effects on Human Health

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, and its impact on human health is increasingly evident. The shifting patterns of weather, rising temperatures, and frequent extreme events all pose direct and indirect threats to human well-being. This blog post explores some of the most significant ways in which climate change is affecting human health.   Heat Stress One of the most direct effects of climate change is the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves. Rising global temperatures mean that we are more exposed to heat stress, which can lead to serious health problems, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions.   The body struggles to maintain its normal temperature, and vital organs like the heart and kidneys may be severely affected. Urban areas, in particular, face the risk of “heat islands,” where temperatures can soar due to concrete structures trapping heat.   Hardship Climate change increases socio-economic hardships, particularly in vulnerable populations. As extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and droughts become more frequent, the economic impact on communities becomes more severe.   Homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods are often destroyed, leading to increased poverty, displacement, and migration.  In turn, these hardships contribute to increased rates of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.   Loss of Crops Agriculture is one of the sectors most severely affected by climate change, and this has dire consequences for human health. The loss of crops due to changing rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures, and natural disasters. In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, agriculture is the primary source of income and food.   As crops fail, farmers lose their livelihoods, and the food supply chain is disrupted. This can result in malnutrition, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups. Moreover, the rising cost of food due to scarcity makes it harder for people to access nutritious food, leading to long-term health problems and increased susceptibility to diseases.   Increased Spread of Diseases Climate change also affects human health by facilitating the spread of infectious diseases. Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns expand the habitat range of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. This has led to the spread of diseases like malaria, and fever disease into regions that previously had cooler climates and were less affected.   Additionally, extreme weather events such as floods can contaminate water sources, increasing the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. The combination of climate change and weakened health infrastructure in many regions makes controlling the spread of diseases more challenging.   Mental Health Impacts The mental health consequences of climate change are often overlooked, but they are becoming increasingly apparent. As people face the loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones due to extreme weather events, the psychological toll is immense. Mental health issues are on the rise in communities affected by climate-related disasters. The constant stress of dealing with climate uncertainty, displacement, and loss creates a long-lasting impact on mental health, particularly in children and adolescents. Additionally, the fear of future climate events can cause chronic stress and worry, even in those not directly affected by disasters. Water and Sanitation Issues As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, access to clean water becomes increasingly difficult. Droughts reduce water availability, while floods can contaminate water supplies with pollutants and pathogens. Lack of access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation leads to a range of health problems.   In many parts of the world, climate-induced water scarcity forces people to rely on unsafe water sources, exacerbating the spread of illness. The problem is serious in developing countries, where water infrastructure may already be inadequate, and the impact of climate change only worsens the situation. Also read:  Climate Change: 10 Major Effects On Human Life

20 Safety and Security Tips For Hotel Guests

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20 Safety and Security Tips For Hotel Guests

Hotel is known for leisure and pleasure. It is a place where people run to when there is need for home away from home, exciting experience, relaxation, fun, corporate meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.  Everything about it revolves around exciting and exclusive experience. The industry has been enjoying very wide patronage across globe due to increasing need for people to move around, take time out, and experience a place away from regular work or home environment; sometimes it offers a combination of business and pleasure. Hotels sell excitement and experience open to anyone who can afford it; this presents peculiar challenges to ensure safety and security of guests. Challenge of maintaining improved guests experience and ensuring adequate protection for guests and assets at same time. Operators have demand to ensure integration of safety into hotel ambience. Guests and others visit hotels with various motives. Travelers, fun seekers, business people, criminals, hawkers, barons, gangs and organized underworld groups, etc. patronize hotels for one purpose or the other. The hotel must meet their expectations, else next call may not be possible. Good hotel security system will promote the vision and the mission of the business and still guarantee less security incident. The sure way to go about this is through deterrence-oriented policy and standard rooted on robust security infrastructure, personnel training and guest awareness. This article is guest-centric. It is written for hotel guests. It places the responsibility on the guest to ensure practice of recommended tips to minimize risk of safety and security incident while lodging. As a security or safety manager who has responsibility to proffer risk advisory to employees that seek accommodation in hotel this piece is a ready assistance. Every hotel guest should see themselves as personal chief security officer to self. Reason for this; in some part of the world some people operate a death row under the guise of hotel. As such, instead of selling leisure and experience, they sell pain and calamity to innocent visitors who would never think that such lodge is license to death. Some types of safety and security threats guests may be exposed to in hotel include: Food & drink poisoning Drug & substance abuse Property damage Property theft Pilfering Ritual killing Kidnapping Fire or arson Cyber attack Sexual assault Assassination Pool drowning Armed robbery Physical Assault Excessive indulgence See below 20 Safety and Security Tips To Practice When Lodging in Hotel Research the hotel ahead scheduled lodge, and check online reviews. Do quick mental assessment of the premise and the Front Office Look out for outdoor and indoor CCTV cameras. Ensure the name in public view is the same with name on receipt or transactional document. Nameless hotel has higher risk, variation in name is a clue to safety risk. Share hotel name and location with a trusted person. Note, google map or other digital tool can be used to gather this information. Check strength of the door and the lock. Check door peephole and have it covered from inside. Check all covered or hidden areas in the room; such as under bed, behind curtain, covered roof or floor, bathroom, closet, mini bar, locker/save, adjacent door (if any) etc. Locate nearest emergency exit and check to be sure it is functional. Put off all lights in the room, use your phone camera to scan for hidden cameras (note, this does not work in all phones). Ensure panic alarm device is provided in the room. Ensure Front Office and Security intercom contacts are provided. – if possible, get contact of nearby local Police. Know your room number. Never open door to strange or unexpected knocks. Keep room door partially opened during scheduled or emergency housekeeping. Avoid room on clumsy floor or area. Secure your valuables in locked pack e.g., room locker, your luggage, etc. Do not always trust free public network. Avoid sharing confidential information when using it. Maintain situational awareness at all times. Contact external source for assistance when unfolding incident seems out of hand. Hotels promise experience in form of leisure, glamor, excitement and taste. However; lurking within this cosmetics may be security threats lethal enough to cost life. Always exercise some self-help practices some of which have been highlighted on this piece. Wishing you safe and exciting experience in advance of any hotel lodge. ALSO READ: Traveling with kids: Family Travel Tips for Parents

Effects Of Climate Change On Human Health

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Climate Change Significant Effects on Human Health

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, and its impact on human health is increasingly evident. The shifting patterns of weather, rising temperatures, and frequent extreme events all pose direct and indirect threats to human well-being. This blog post explores some of the most significant ways in which climate change is affecting human health.   Heat Stress One of the most direct effects of climate change is the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves. Rising global temperatures mean that we are more exposed to heat stress, which can lead to serious health problems, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions.   The body struggles to maintain its normal temperature, and vital organs like the heart and kidneys may be severely affected. Urban areas, in particular, face the risk of “heat islands,” where temperatures can soar due to concrete structures trapping heat.   Hardship Climate change increases socio-economic hardships, particularly in vulnerable populations. As extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and droughts become more frequent, the economic impact on communities becomes more severe.   Homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods are often destroyed, leading to increased poverty, displacement, and migration.  In turn, these hardships contribute to increased rates of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.   Loss of Crops Agriculture is one of the sectors most severely affected by climate change, and this has dire consequences for human health. The loss of crops due to changing rainfall patterns, extreme temperatures, and natural disasters. In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, agriculture is the primary source of income and food.   As crops fail, farmers lose their livelihoods, and the food supply chain is disrupted. This can result in malnutrition, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups. Moreover, the rising cost of food due to scarcity makes it harder for people to access nutritious food, leading to long-term health problems and increased susceptibility to diseases.   Increased Spread of Diseases Climate change also affects human health by facilitating the spread of infectious diseases. Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns expand the habitat range of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. This has led to the spread of diseases like malaria, and fever disease into regions that previously had cooler climates and were less affected.   Additionally, extreme weather events such as floods can contaminate water sources, increasing the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. The combination of climate change and weakened health infrastructure in many regions makes controlling the spread of diseases more challenging.   Mental Health Impacts The mental health consequences of climate change are often overlooked, but they are becoming increasingly apparent. As people face the loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones due to extreme weather events, the psychological toll is immense. Mental health issues are on the rise in communities affected by climate-related disasters. The constant stress of dealing with climate uncertainty, displacement, and loss creates a long-lasting impact on mental health, particularly in children and adolescents. Additionally, the fear of future climate events can cause chronic stress and worry, even in those not directly affected by disasters. Water and Sanitation Issues As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, access to clean water becomes increasingly difficult. Droughts reduce water availability, while floods can contaminate water supplies with pollutants and pathogens. Lack of access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation leads to a range of health problems.   In many parts of the world, climate-induced water scarcity forces people to rely on unsafe water sources, exacerbating the spread of illness. The problem is serious in developing countries, where water infrastructure may already be inadequate, and the impact of climate change only worsens the situation. Also read:  Climate Change: 10 Major Effects On Human Life

Eight Benefits of Planting Trees in Residential Areas

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Eight Benefits of Planting Trees in Residential Areas

Planting trees in residential areas offers numerous benefits that go beyond just improving the aesthetic appeal. Trees contribute to healthier environments, reduced energy costs, and overall well-being. Here are eight significant benefits of planting trees in your residential neighbourhoods. 1. Releases Stress-Relieving Hormone – Phytoncides Trees release a chemical called phytoncides, which have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Phytoncides are organic compounds emitted by trees, particularly coniferous species, that have a calming effect on us, humans. Studies show that being in the presence of trees and green spaces significantly reduces cortisol levels in the body, helping us feel more relaxed. This is why spending time in parks or tree-filled environments leads to better mental health and a more peaceful state of mind. Ecological Restoration Trees play a critical role in ecological restoration, particularly in urban and residential areas where human activities have led to environmental degradation. By planting trees, we help restore natural ecosystems. They also contribute to maintaining the balance in local ecosystems, which in turn supports cleaner air, and water, and improved soil health. Temperature Reduction One of the more noticeable benefits of trees is their ability to reduce ambient temperatures in residential areas. Through the process of transpiration, trees release moisture into the air, helping to cool their surroundings. In addition, their leaves provide shade, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by buildings and roads. This cooling effect can lower the temperature in residential areas by several degrees. The presence of trees can help reduce the need for air conditioning, leading to energy savings and a more comfortable living environment. Encourages Biodiversity Residential areas with trees are essential havens for biodiversity. Trees provide habitat and food sources for various species, including birds, insects, and small mammals. As a result, they promote greater biodiversity in urban environments, which are typically less hospitable to wildlife. The presence of diverse species enriches local ecosystems and contributes to a more balanced environment. By planting native tree species, you can further enhance biodiversity, supporting the survival of local wildlife and plants. Reduction of Accidents Trees can play a surprising role in reducing accidents in residential areas. By strategically planting trees along roadsides, visibility is enhanced, and natural barriers can be created, preventing pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Additionally, studies show that tree-lined streets tend to encourage drivers to slow down, making your neighbourhoods safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The calming effect of trees can also contribute to reducing road rage, resulting in more careful and attentive driving. 6  Controls Soil Erosion One of the major environmental benefits of planting trees is their ability to control soil erosion. Trees anchor the soil with their roots, preventing it from being washed away during heavy rainfall. This is particularly important in residential areas with sloping landscapes or in regions prone to flooding. By stabilizing the soil, trees help protect residential infrastructure from erosion-related damage, reducing the risk of property loss and preserving the natural landscape. Reduction of Noise Pollution Trees act as natural sound barriers, reducing noise pollution in residential areas. Their leaves and branches absorb, deflect, and block sound waves, making homes in tree-filled neighbourhoods much quieter than those in treeless areas. This benefit is especially valuable for residents living near busy streets or highways. A tree-lined street can reduce noise by up to 50%, creating a more serene and peaceful living environment. This improvement in sound quality can significantly enhance your quality of life, contributing to your overall well-being. Sucks in Carbon Dioxide and Releases Oxygen One of the most well-known benefits of trees is their ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen. This process is essential for maintaining air quality, particularly in urban areas where pollution levels tend to be higher. Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 that would otherwise contribute to global warming. In exchange, they release oxygen, which is crucial for human and animal life. By planting trees in residential areas, communities can help mitigate the effects of climate change while improving air quality for all residents. ALSO READ: 7 Health Benefits Of Aforestation

 The Morning That Changed Everything

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The Morning That Changed Everything

The year was 2009, and it was a morning unlike any other in our household. Mum woke us up early for prayers, but something was different. The usual rhythm of our morning devotion was disrupted, replaced by an urgency that hung thick in the air. In the past, our prayer time was a leisurely affair. My three siblings and I would each take turns singing five worship songs, we would then read a chapter from the Bible, share our interpretations, and pray one after another. Mum always concluded with the overall prayer, first in Igbo, then in English. I often found myself imagining God’s reaction to this bilingual approach. In my childish mind, I pictured Him perplexed by the Igbo prayers, only to nod in understanding when Mum switched to English. I couldn’t help but wonder why she bothered with Igbo at all if she was going to repeat everything in English anyway. But this morning was different. There were no individual songs, no lengthy Bible study, and no extended prayers. Mum rushed through a brief reading and said grace, leaving us all a bit bewildered. As we finished, I watched Mum spring into action. She retrieved the flour she had purchased the day before and began mixing it in a large bowl. Water, baking powder, salt, sugar, and butter followed in quick succession. Her hands worked tirelessly until she winced, complaining of chest pain. Without missing a beat, she called my brothers to take over the mixing. While they worked on the dough, Mum darted outside to gather firewood from the pile near our house – the same pile she arranged for sale. She returned with an armful, setting it down on the verandah with determination etched on her face. I watched in fascination as she started the fire and cleaned the enormous frying pan she had bought from Kasuwa (Market). As she placed it on the iron firewood stand, she explained her plan. Our provision business was struggling, and she needed to diversify to increase our profits. We already sold firewood, recharge cards, soft drinks, and foodstuffs. Now, we were about to add fried buns to our inventory, with the possibility of expanding into other pastries in the future. Mum sent me to fetch the groundnut oil for frying. I made my way into our two-room apartment, navigating through the space we had divided with wooden shelves to create our makeshift shop. The other half of the front room and the main room served as our living and sleeping quarters, perpetually cluttered despite our best efforts to tidy up. We held onto many useless items, hoping to sell them to the Hausa kwolabe (Scrap collectors) for some extra change or exchange them with kparo (thrift clothes collectors) women for new household items. “What’s keeping you in there?” Mum called from outside, snapping me back to the task at hand. I grabbed the bottles of groundnut oil and hurried out to join her. By now, our neighbours were stirring, and a chorus of “Good mornings” and “How una deys?” filled the air. Mum greeted everyone warmly, her enthusiasm infectious. As our street came to life, passersby stopped to inquire about our new venture. Their faces lit up with anticipation, promising to return once the buns were ready. Meanwhile, my siblings prepared for their day – my sister heading off to her job as a café attendant, and my brothers leaving for school. I stayed behind to help Mum with the frying. As the delicious aroma of fresh buns wafted through the air, our first customers appeared – school children on their way to class. Mum served them with a smile, even offering extra buns to those who bought four at once. Once we finished frying, Mum divided the buns into two sections. She carefully arranged one portion in a transparent plastic bucket and instructed me to get ready quickly. My heart sank as I realized what was coming next – I was to go out and sell the buns. The walk to our compound’s shared bathroom felt endless. My mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead – hawking fried buns around town, a task that already felt overwhelmingly daunting. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on my shoulders, making even the simple act of bathing a challenge. As I stepped out with the bucket of buns balanced precariously on my head, I could feel the stares of familiar faces boring into my skin. I wanted nothing more than to disappear, to sink into the ground and vanish from sight. With each step down the street, I felt smaller and more exposed. Calls of “Hey, you girl!” “Mai buns!” and “Heys!” echoed around me. The shame crawled across my skin as I spotted my friends on their way to school. I couldn’t bring myself to smile or wave back, wishing desperately for this ordeal to end. I knew the only way to return home was to sell everything. So, against every instinct screaming for me to run and hide, I found my voice and began to shout, “Buy sweet buns!” That morning in 2009 marked a turning point in my young life. It was a harsh introduction to the realities of our family’s financial struggles and the lengths we would go to survive. READ ALSO: Scars That Break Us 

Torn Between Love and Letting Go

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Torn Between Love and Letting Go

It started with CREMATION. A word that Merriam-Webster’s dictionary had featured as the word of the day. Little did I know how this morbid topic would foreshadow the way my life would soon be torn apart. Jenny read about it, googled it, and even dug up a full journal article from a medical science association’s website about cremation. She talked about it for hours. I thought it was crazy, but she found it surprising that people would want such a form of burial and would even decide what should happen to them after death. “Their choice,” she had said. Two weeks later, we were sitting in front of our church’s doctor, holding each other’s hands and listening to his words that confirmed she likely had ovarian cancer. I couldn’t help but think of that word again: “Cremation.” Why had it come up at that point in our lives? Why had Jenny downloaded a medical journal about it and studied it for so long? Why had she told me about it? As we watched the doctor in shock, I kept imagining the cancer cells consuming my wife-to-be and reducing her to a walking corpse, much like the act of cremation. We had come for tests required by our church’s marriage committee: HIV, blood group, genotype, and pregnancy tests. Then they discovered something else that led to another test on her reproductive system, breaking our happy lives and scarring them for good. Jenny thought it would end quickly and she would soon be with God, so she cancelled all our wedding plans and even accepted half the price we had paid for some things because we couldn’t get full refunds. She stopped her master’s program, saying she would write an email to the director of the post-graduate school to tell him she was dying soon. She joined the choir and started forcing herself to sing in tune with others. Then she also started knitting and looking for another lady for me. Cancer and the thought of death reduced her to a shadow, and it broke me daily. I couldn’t do any of the things she was doing. The doctor had asked her to join a closed cancer support group, but they never offered me any support. What happens to the partners of people who are about to lose them to cancer? How should they fight? I watched our prepared future go down the drain, and I couldn’t do anything about it. I was with Jenny through her chemo sessions. I watched her hair fall out gradually until she decided to cut it all off herself. I watched my best friend lose her charm and her smile, and I struggled with the thought of letting go. I couldn’t. Jenny came home one day with a beautiful ring with a big diamond on top and told me it was for her replacement. I should propose to the new lady I would meet after her with the ring. It was her gift to her. Despite the pain I felt, I smiled as I took the ring from her. I couldn’t stop her or chide her for suggesting and doing such things; it was her own way of accepting and even healing. The week before Jenny died, she asked me to wed her in church. It was a Wednesday. Even though I tried to make her understand that I hadn’t paid her bride price or married her traditionally, she insisted I skip all those processes. She wanted to die knowing she had married me at last. I nodded and said I would grant her wish. “One more thing, I want you to bury me with that ring I bought,” she said. I laughed through the tears that gathered in my eyes. “You don’t want me to give it to—” She didn’t let me finish. “I’m already jealous.” “I’m sorry,” I said. I shouldn’t have been making jokes about such a delicate matter. I didn’t grant that wish. I didn’t bury my Jenny with the ring she bought. I wedded her against the many protests from our pastors and parents. I did everything else she asked me to do, but I did not throw that ring into her coffin. READ ALSO: Embracing Love After Life’s Hardest Trials

The Hidden Struggle Against Child Marriage

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The Hidden Struggle Against Child Marriage

In the heart of Northern Nigeria, a silent battle rages beneath the surface of tradition and expectation. It’s a struggle that often goes unnoticed, fought in the hearts and minds of young girls facing the prospect of childhood marriages. While many succumb to societal pressure, some rare individuals dare to resist, their stories are seldom told. I’ve lived here all my life, and though I’m certain there are more, I’ve personally witnessed only one such instance of defiance. It’s the story of a young girl who dared to say no, challenging the authority of her father, a prominent Mallam, and refusing to marry an older man chosen for her. She was my classmate, Talatu, who was just 12 years old at the time. The suitor in question was over 60, and she felt nothing for him. As punishment for her defiance, her father refused to allow her to marry any of the young men she eventually chose for herself. “You will live here with me till you die!” he once told her—a decree he stubbornly upheld. Talatu grew to be 35 and was still unmarried. Her only “crime” was refusing to marry at such a young age to an older man, and above all, she didn’t want to endure the physical consequences of such a union. She once confided in me about her fears of having an “open and watery vagina,” a euphemism for the physical trauma that can result from intercourse at a young age with an older partner. Her fundamental human rights were denied – the right to love, be loved, and choose whom to marry. “I just wanted to marry someone I love. Why should I marry someone I don’t love? I would kill him within a week,” Talatu told me. I looked into her eyes and knew she was telling the truth, but I also knew Talatu wouldn’t kill anyone. She would more likely file for a divorce if forced into such a marriage. “You were not raised to kill!” I said to her. She laughed and threw her head back. I wondered what I’d said that was so funny, but I realized later that she laughed to hide the tears gathering in her eyes. Her laughter was a mask for her pain and frustration. “I just might kill someone else. I’ll be 36 very soon, and he still won’t let me marry,” she said, her voice tinged with desperation. “You will marry soon,” I heard myself say, trying to revive her hope, though I wasn’t sure if I believed it. She blinked back tears and escorted me out when I stood up to leave. I had gone only a few meters when she called after me. “Maryam, I was talking to you and I missed my prayers.” I smiled and suggested she pray later and ask for forgiveness for missing it. She said nothing and only smiled. I smiled too and left the compound. She never came around to pronouncing my name well; she always called me Maryam instead of Maryann. I had grown just like her, I had married, birthed 3 kids and ran a small business in town. Talatu remained my friend and I still make time to come and see her even though our religion were worlds apart but I didn’t mind and she did not too. _________ I lived in a time when young girls were given away early in marriage to men old enough to be their grandfathers. Some are physically traumatised from their wedding night and left to suffer the consequences without proper care. The ignorance surrounding these practices is astounding. “She is cursed,” they would say, “Why would she fall sick and get a disease from having sex?” How can they expect a 10-year-old to be physically or emotionally prepared to engage in such acts? It is sheer madness to demand conjugal rights from a minor. The physical and psychological damage inflicted by these practices are severe and long-lasting. Talatu stood up against this tradition but at a great cost. She didn’t complete her education, stopped at Primary Three, and was held captive by her feelings in her own house. She was destined to die unmarried because she refused to marry a 60-year-old man. Her story is a poignant reminder of the countless women whose lives are controlled and limited by outdated customs and patriarchal authority. This is the world I live in – a world where tradition often clashes with human rights, where the voices of young women are silenced, and where the cycle of oppression continues. Talatu’s story is not unique, but it points to the resilience of those who dare to challenge the status quo, even when the price is their happiness. READ ALSO: How One Girl Faced Her Family’s Dark Legacy

Embracing Divine Destiny on an Unplanned Path

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Embracing Divine Destiny on an Unplanned Path

Life has a curious way of setting us on unexpected journeys, often leading us to embrace a divine destiny we never anticipated. My path took an unforeseen turn on a seemingly ordinary day at a bustling Nigerian bus park. As I stood at the ticket counter, my diminutive frame dwarfed by the imposing presence of a fellow traveller, I had no inkling of the profound connection that fate was about to forge. With my ticket in hand, I rushed to claim the prized window seat – a small victory for any Nigerian road traveller. As if on cue, he arrived at the vehicle seconds later and chose the second row of seats since I had already taken the first. He sat directly behind me, and both of us were near the window. His face didn’t give him away as Igbo, but his voice did. The numerous calls he received and made were all about business and family, his thick accent punctuating every word. I wanted to turn around and tell him I was Igbo as well, but I couldn’t. The phrase “Abum onye Igbo” (I am Igbo) formed in my mouth, but I held my tongue back and remained facing forward. I heard everything he was saying, knowing he was unaware that I could understand or that anyone else on the bus filled with Hausas might be Igbo.  I longed for a little of the oneness we share with our tribe to rub off on me too, the same way a Yoruba would easily identify with another Yoruba or a Hausa man wouldn’t hesitate to connect with another Hausa man. I wondered what I would say next after introducing myself to him, but I lost the zeal and remained silent almost throughout the journey. My silence would have persisted until we reached our destination if the accident had never happened. The accident was terrible, but we survived. At the hospital ward where we were admitted, my tongue suddenly became loose, and I spoke Igbo with reckless abandon, only occasionally punctuating it with English. It seemed as if the pain in my plastered arm neutralized whatever had been holding me back earlier during the journey. He was surprised to hear me speak to him in Igbo, and I could tell he wondered why I hadn’t introduced myself earlier. His left leg was heavily bandaged. We had been at the hospital for a week, and I had even been unconscious for two days after we were rushed in. As I sat beside him, my mind wandered, eventually settling on an important lesson: the sudden transition to speaking my language highlighted that ‘I do not have to wait for any opportunity to preach the gospel’. Sometimes, the opportunity could come in grave circumstances, even on the platter of an accident. But what if I hadn’t survived? What if he had died? What if I couldn’t say a word before he died? He would have passed away without knowing I was a child of God, without me witnessing to him. The same way he would have died without knowing I was Igbo. A whole lot of ‘not-knowings’ all because I was tongue-tied. I asked how he felt, and he said he was getting better but wished he was with his family instead of in a hospital far from home. I felt sorry for him but said nothing, instead thinking of writing my name and other messages on his leg bandage, just as I had done on my arm bandage. I waited for him to calm down after expressing his woes before telling him about Jesus. Afterwards, we became almost inseparable, always together, talking about Jesus and speaking Igbo. The day I was discharged, he was fast asleep. I got to leave early because my injury was minor. I wrote on a sheet of paper and left it by his bedside in the male ward: Luke 1:37 – With God all these things are possible. You will be fine and you will get to see your family soon. Cheers!!! As I boarded a bus at Gusau, I wished he was there again so I could speak Igbo with him. Just then, I heard the priceless language right beside me from a young girl, about my age, speaking to someone over the phone. I smiled brightly and waited for her to finish first. READ ALSO: God’s Loudest Scream Came in a Silent Dream

Top Cybersecurity Threats of 2024

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Top cybersecurity threats of 2024

Cybersecurity threat is any criminal activity that has potential to take place through the use of computer devices and the internet. There are many types of cybersecurity threats today, they come from different sources technically known as vectors. Such sources may include state actors, terrorist groups, organized criminal groups, hackers, malicious insiders like; employee, supplier, vendor, competitor, etc. Contemporary world is increasingly being shaped and controlled by automation powered by artificial intelligence, internet-of-things, cloud infrastructure and others; dependence on digital handlers are no longer optional. This development comes with its inevitable security risks. Cyberspace has become the current battle field where criminal elements have continued to innovate various methods of attacks on existing vita resources. Knowledge of these attacks and the vectors is key to planning and implementing preventive and responsive security measures. In no particular order; see below highlight of some top cyber security threats of 2024. Social engineering: this sort of crime occurs when a cybercriminal deceives internet users to provide sensitive personal information; the information given is oftentimes used to commit various kinds of crimes against the person or the organization they represent. Social engineering plays on human intelligence and emotion; it uses of tricks and games to generate personal and confidential information from ignorant people and use same to commit further cybercrimes. Third party exposure: talks about level of potential cyber threats an organization is exposure to due to its relationship with vendors and suppliers within its information technology supply chain. Configuration mistake: otherwise known as misconfiguration, refers to errors in information technology system configuration settings; examples may include fraudulent dataset, hidden data, unstructured data, wrong formatting, failure to patch or wrong patch, non-configuration of firewalls, non-segmentation of network, not using multi-factor authentication, ignorant workforce. These mistakes can occur in any stage of development, deployment and operation of an information technology infrastructure. Artificial intelligence threat: this malicious act could occur when cybercriminals use AI techniques to exploit system vulnerabilities and launch attack. Mobil device threat:  is a threat that take place through use of mobile device. Suffice to say that most known cybersecurity threats can occur via mobile devices. This power tool is also a powerful threat. Insider threat: Insider threat is any security risk that come from people within an organization. This maybe anyone who by virtue of their roles have access to sensitive information and other corporate resources capable of being used against the business. There are two types of insider threat. One is intentional threat, the other is accidental threat. The former is oftentimes premeditated and by impulse, the latter is by ignorance or accidental. State sponsored threat:  this sort of event occurs when some rogue nation states sponsor or directly carry out cyber-attacks against fellow states, prominent organizations or individuals. DNS tunneling: this sort of attack allows hackers to bypass network security by using Domain Name System as conveyor for malicious data traffic. Tunneling is a powerful tool for hackers, and a serious threat for resource owners and managers. Ransomware: this event occurs when malware takes control, locks and encrypt a resource (this could be data, files, or system), render it inaccessible, then makes a demand as condition for its release. Trojan horse: is a virus that disguise as genuine or legitimate program to gain access to a system. Attackers oftentimes use social engineering as delivery channel for this sort of threat. Drive by attack: also known as drive-by download use “exploit kits” to launch automatic download of malware onto a system without a user’s consent. It is usually associated with compromised webpages or plug n play devices. Poor cyber hygiene: cyber hygiene means maintaining healthy cyber practices for security of systems, devices, networks and data. Main goal is to secure sensitive data against attacks. When this is lacking – poor cyber hygiene is the case. Example may include poor network security, lack of configuration management, lack of cybersecurity training for employee. Cloud vulnerability: this refers to weakness in cloud infrastructure which attackers can take advantage of and gain unauthorized access to data resources. Poor data management: this refers to fluid practices that negate the security of data resources. Cyber bulling: this sort of event happens when digital communication channel is used to send intimidating, assaulting and damaging messages to a target. Cyber stalking: this sort of event occurs when digital communication channel is used to track and harass a target (usually a person). DDoS attack: Distributed Denial of Service is a malicious act of disrupting and denying normal traffic flow to a web resource through the use of overwhelming requests that renders the resource incapable. Brute force: is a hacking method that applies trial and error to crack login credentials, encryption keys and pass words to gain unauthorized access to a network or account. It is reported that brute force success rate is rising; making it a simple and reliable tool for cyber criminals. Man-in-the-middle:  also known as MITM or path attack occurs when a cybercriminal secretly intercepts and alters a flowing conversation between two parties without their knowledge or consent. Poor post incident management: this results when after-incident is not properly managed to prevent recurrence. Cybersecurity threats are a serious challenge to businesses. Managing it requires good understanding of different methods in which they may occur. What was discussed in this article is not exhaustive, as such there should be ongoing efforts to uncover and have good insight to more. ALSO READ Cybersecurity Threat Of Social Engineering