Scars That Break Us

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Scars that Break Us

Scars are the second horrible thing that can happen to anyone, the first is usually the beating. The severe kicks, slaps, punches and scratches that leave one a defeated spirit with the defences all gone and then they bring the scars. It wasn’t always this brutal. I had my family and my friends, I went to school, I laughed so hard till tears of joy ran down my cheeks, and there were happy moments and days of high-sounding prayers but it came to an abrupt end the day Dad died. Mum promised we would never leave her to go stay with someone else, we believed her. I believed her. When the peanuts she got from everyday hawking weren’t enough to keep the bread crusty; anger, anxiety and depression started to set in and Mum forgot all her promises. I was the first to leave. I went very far from home, away to stay with a woman who was supposed to be my aunt and for the first week, it was bliss then everything changed. The day her husband slapped me for giving their son Capri-Sonne instead of Viju Milk opened the imaginary door for others to follow. It graduated from slaps to blows, to punches — heavier ones, then to flogging with anything in sight- extreme flogging till my skin bled most times and the scars started to appear. It turned me into a liar, a big fat liar to cover up for the pummeled face and purple eyes, for the swollen hand and limping gait. I remember telling my teacher one time that I had hit my face on the door handle at home and it caused the swollen eyes. She knew I was lying because I was way taller than the door handle but she said nothing. What my Aunt had was pure hate; obvious decaying hatred for me no matter what I did or didn’t do. The other day, she pushed me out of her car for wearing a blouse with a big tear at the armpit, the same blouse she refused to give me money to mend. I had to trek the long distance to Church that morning because she didn’t want people to see me with her. That day was mothering Sunday and she had to appear as a pure soul worthy of praise and resemblance to the Ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. A girl in tattered clothes coming down from her car with her kids beautifully dressed would ruin her day. Then it was the hunger strikes, on those days I would be banned from the Kitchen, other rooms were my sphere of play and chores but not the kitchen that housed the food. It would go on till she deems it fit to feed me, most times spanning into days. My depression absorber was my books, I read out my brain and ate the school tests and exams like yams. Maybe, just maybe my Aunt would be proud of me and reduce her brutal treatment but that was so far from it. I stopped schooling after Primary Five because I was too good for her liking. She wondered how I excelled even though other children in my class stayed back for the extra lessons and had tons of tutorials at home, I’d rush home immediately after dismissal to meet up with work before dusk yet I bagged first position at the end of each term. Because I did better than her children, I started staying at home while her kids went to school. According to her, they need the education more than I do. ****** I stood before the woman from DSVA and I explained how it all happened. The day my aunt turned into a dark monster. She asked me to wash her George wrapper for the monthly women’s meeting around 7 pm and spread it outside so it would dry before dawn. I did as I was instructed but the gods ruled against her favour that night, it rained heavily. She woke me up with a slap and asked me to go outside and get her wrappers. I dashed out in the rain but it was no use, it was soaking wet and would never dry before 8 am for her meeting. It annoyed her so much that she locked me outside for making her wrappers wet. I nearly died of cold but it won’t matter to her, I don’t matter to anyone. I lay at the entrance of the house coiled like a snake, shivering and allowing the rain to drown my tears and pain. I was soaked to the skin like her wrappers but I had no choice or anywhere to go. She finally let me in and refused to give me food. I didn’t let it bother me. I have a way of stealing her money and filling my stomach with kpo kpo Garri or akara and bread or even Indomie noodles and eggs when she leaves the house. I’d always find the money no matter where she hid it, I was that good at stealing. She brought out another wrapper and started ironing them for the meeting. She called me into her room minutes later and shut the door. I knew she was still angry because of her wrappers but I never expected what she did next. She tore my clothes and in a flash, the iron on the floor was on the left lobe of my buttocks. The sizzling sound of the hot iron on my raw skin sent me to hell as I screamed in pure agony. She lifted the iron from my body and I could see a thin layer of my skin on it. She held me to a spot with her big hands and since I was so thin, it was so easy for her to hold me and stop me from escaping. The iron came down again on my right breast and I went haywire with … Read more

Cybersecurity Threat Of Social Engineering

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Cybersecurity threat of social engineering

Cyber security 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 include social engineering, malware attack through viruses and warms, man-in-middle attack, denial of service attack, inject attack and supply chain attacks. This article will focus on and briefly introduce cybersecurity of social engineering. Cyber security threats may come 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. Social engineering happens when a criminal 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 attack makes use of tricks and games to get information from ignorant people and use such information to commit cybercrime. It is a malicious activity. Social engineering is gaining popularity. The trend is also disturbing due to increasing presence of innocent and ignorant computer users who knew next to nothing about it. Social engineering exploit human curiosity, feeling, ignorance, greed, naivety and mistakes to strike. Common types of social engineering attacks include; baiting, phishing, vishing, pretexting, and smishing. See below, brief description of these various methods of social engineering. Baiting: the attacker would lure the user through free gifts and/or others largesse. Phishing: the attacker would send fraudulent email pretending to have come from a trusted source. Vishing:   the attacker would use voice phone call and pretend to come a trusted source. Pretexting: the attacker pretends to represent a trusted authority so as to elicit information from the user. Smishing: the attacker would use fraudulent text message to trick the user. Every act of criminality takes advantage of weak controls or ignorance in some cases. This is technically known as opportunity. With this in mind, the dark web guys (the criminals) prowl on cyber space; spying, hunting, exploiting and experimenting with many of the weak links and the ignorance of users; oftentimes they are successful. To avoid being a victim of social engineering see below; a few recommended guidelines you should practice so as to keep you protected from this menace. Activate 2-factor authentication in all online accounts, including social media. Avoid accessing shared links from strangers, always reconfirm shared links from a known sender. Avoid use of public wifi; if you must use it, do not expose personal information while there. Avoid sharing personal information publicly on social media, it exposes you to criminals. You may wish to patronize software which protects against the threats of social engineering. Do not share personal information or “sent code/pin” to those who would call on phone and claim to be agents from your bank or financial service providers. Visit your bank/others for transactions and confirmations. Do not disclose or click a shared link/code/pin from strangers who would claim to be “Admin” from a WhatsApp group you belong to. Call the Admins to verify and reconfirm before taking decision to accept. Maintain situational awareness (that is, alertness) at all times. Cyber security threat of social engineering is real. It is very common in cyber space where contemporary presence is gaining increasing dominance. Many internet users are not aware of this threat, hence this enlightenment. ALSO READ: CYBERCRIME OF IDENTITY THEFT

Clean Energy: 5 Importance Of Utilizing It

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In a revolving world of different industrial changes, and technological advancements, there has been a need for a shift in the variant of energy sources used for man’s actions. This is due to several disintegrating effects of natural energy sources on the atmosphere and the environment. Also, the gradual depleting of these natural energy sources which takes years, to be renewed. Therefore, the use of fossil fuels, wood, coal, and crude has led to issues of global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, ozone layer depletion, and climatic changes in different ways. To combat the issues of climate change which in turn affects human life and actions, the technology of clean energy was invented. The term ‘clean energy refers to a kind of energy technology bordering on sustainable energy sources. A notable fact about clean energy is that it has zero emissions, in that it does not pollute the atmosphere, and carbon dioxide is not released into the atmosphere. Hence, it is a kind of electricity, power, or energy generated that is carbon-free. In contrast to conventional fossil fuels, clean energy sources emit little or no pollution or greenhouse gases. It’s essential to combating climate change and lessening our influence on the environment. Also, clean energy is termed clean because it is sustainable, does not affect the environment, man, or his activities, and can be used with almost no side effects. Clean energy as a technology has evolved through the years and has turned out to be a reliable and sustainable source of energy. The basic examples of clean energy are solar Energy and Wind Energy. Clean energy can also be obtained from nuclear sources, like nuclear energy, geothermal energy, hydroelectric energy, biomass, tidal and wave power. Solar energy as a form of clean energy traps and converts energy from the sun to electric current, which has zero emissions into the atmosphere. The wind energy, in turn, uses blown air from turbines, and energy created by the rotating blades is converted into electricity. Nuclear energy is generated through nuclear fission, where atoms are split into smaller atoms which generate heat/steam to power electricity. Also, geothermal energy is energy obtained from heat from the earth’s core. This is done by drilling holes where steam and water rise to the surface and electricity is generated. Additionally, Photovoltaic cells are how solar power generates electricity from sunlight. It is getting cheaper and more plentiful. Wind power produces electricity using wind turbines. This field is expanding and extremely effective in windy environments. In contrast, hydropower uses the flow of water—typically created by dams on rivers—to produce electricity. It’s among the most traditional and well-established sources of clean energy. Geothermal energy produces power or direct heating by harnessing heat from within the Earth. It can deliver steady electricity and is dependable. Secondly, biomass is the process of creating energy from organic materials (such as garbage, wood, and crops). The clean energy system has several benefits, not only to the environment, and man. Firstly, it leads to the prevention of environmental hazards. Secondly, it helps reduce the occurrence of environmental disasters. Thirdly, it has gravitated to the creation of reliable and sustainable power supplies. Fourthly, it will help in the reduction of air pollution, which in turn reduces harmful smog, toxic build-ups, respiratory diseases, and pollution in the air and water. In addition, the emergence of clean energy is leading to a reduction in over-dependence on natural fuels for energy. Transitioning to clean energy helps mitigate climate change, reduces air and water pollution, and can lead to more sustainable energy systems overall. Then, this also leads to the creation of more jobs due to the emerging sector. Likewise, the use of clean energy helps in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, such as Carbon dioxide, and mercury which in turn lead to health-related problems like respiratory diseases (asthma), allergies, and infectious diseases. Also read; Sustainable Agricultural Practices; Navigating The Future Of Food Production

Climate Change: 10 Major Effects On Human Life

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10 MAJOR CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGES ON HUMAN LIFE

This article you are about to read is an expository on the consequences of climate change on human life and the natural environment. Climate change refers to a shift in the Earth’s temperature and weather conditions as a result of human actions. This is driven primarily by greenhouse gas emissions and has extensive effects on the Earth’s climate system. The impacts of climate change manifest across multiple dimensions. These include temperature increases, altered rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels, among other consequences on natural systems and human infrastructure. As a result of temperature increases, regions around the world now experience global warming. Research has shown that the global average temperature has increased by approximately 1.2°C since the late 19th century, with significant regional variations. This warming trend is attributed to high concentrations of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Also, extreme heat events now occur around the globe, owing to climate changes. Higher temperatures are associated with an increased frequency and intensity of heat waves. According to recent climate models, the likelihood of extreme heat events is projected to rise, with potential impacts on human health, agriculture, and energy consumption. For example, heatwaves have been linked to increased incidences of heat stress, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders. Likewise, climate change is altering global rainfall patterns, which is leading to more intense and frequent rainfall in some regions and prolonged droughts in others. Regions such as the Mediterranean and southwestern United States are said to be experiencing decreased rainfall and increased drought frequency, while monsoon regions like South Asia are facing more intense rainfall. In the same vein, there is now an alteration of rainfall patterns, thus affecting the hydrological cycle. This includes river flow and groundwater recharge in regions of the world. Increased rainfall intensity can lead to more frequent and severe flooding, while reduced rainfall and higher evaporation rates worsen drought conditions in regions experiencing drought. Another consequence of climatic changes is the rise in sea levels. Sea level rise results from the thermal increase of seawater and the melting of ice sheets. Thermal increase contributes approximately 30% of the observed sea level rise, while the melting of ice from Antarctica accounts for the rest. Additionally, rising sea levels threaten coastal ecosystems and human settlements. Coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and increased flooding risk affect infrastructure, agriculture, and ecosystems. According to the National Institute of Health, projected sea level rise of 0.3 to 1.2 meters by 2100 under current emissions scenarios poses significant risks to seaside cities and lowland areas. In addition, climate change is causing shifts in species distributions and affecting biodiversity. For instance, many species are migrating in response to changing temperatures. This is disrupting ecosystems and leading to the loss of habitats and, in turn, species extinction. In oceans, increased CO₂ concentrations are leading to higher levels of carbonic acid in ocean waters, resulting in ocean acidification. Acidification infests marine organisms, which are vital for marine ecosystems and fisheries. Another effect of climate change is on human infrastructure and health. Climate-induced extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heavy rainfall, pose risks to infrastructure. Increased storms can lead to greater damage to buildings, roads, and utilities. In health, its impacts include the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria. This is because changing temperatures and rainfall patterns affect the habitats of disease vectors like mosquitoes. Then, heatwaves and poor air quality from wildfires can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The impacts of climate change are wide-ranging and multifaceted, affecting various aspects of natural systems and human communities. The understanding of these impacts will help develop effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. It is also necessary to address the challenges posed by climate change, as they will inform policy and planning efforts aimed at reducing its adverse effects. Also read: Climate change in Nigeria and its remarkable mark in Agriculture

What is Digital Currency?

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We now live in a digital world where almost everything is now digitalized. Even money itself has now become a become a digital currency. From the looks of this, cash may not be present forever, because there’s been a recent switch in modes of payment which can cause the extinction of cash. This recent development is Digital currency (or money).   What is digital currency? Digital currency (or money) is a form of money or means of payment that is available in only electronic or digital form. It is not physically tangible because they’re in electronic form and can only be accessed with computers or mobile phones with an internet connection. Digital currencies are stored in a centralized or decentralized ledger or block-chains.   Characteristics of digital currency As stated earlier, digital currencies only exist in electronic/digital form. They don’t have any physical form. Digital money can be in centralized or decentralized currency form. An example of a centralized form is the Fiat currency. A decentralized form of currency example is Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.   Types of digital currency Different types of digital currencies exist in the digital world. Here are 2 major types of digital currency; Cryptocurrency: this is a digital token that is unregulated and exists in digital form. It allows people to make payments to one another through an online method. The most common examples of cryptocurrencies are Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Litecoin. Central Bank Digital Currency(CBDC): it is a digital money form that is granted by a central bank and can be accessed by the populace.   Benefits and risks of digital currency Digital currencies can be favorable or unfavorable in the financial world. Some of the benefits of digital currencies include; Speedy deals– deals are faster than the traditional form of payment because the transfer of available funds is made easier through online approaches. No extra fee charge– compared to traditional financial institutions that include an extra fee on every transaction made, the use of digital currencies requires no extra fee charged for any transactions made. Funds tracking– since transactions are made online, you can track your funds for any payment made. Easy accessibility– digital currencies (or money) can be used by anyone since it is done online.   Some risks of using digital currency are; Exposure to hacking– since digital currencies are operated online, they’re vulnerable to hacks, and most times funds are stolen. Instability– most digital currencies are decentralized meaning they are not backed up by central banks or the government. This makes them unstable and may lose or gain value quickly. Criminal accessibility– criminals can scam or exploit individuals with the use of digital currencies because they are easily accessible. They can use digital currencies for laundering money or illegal activities.   Future of digital currency Digital currencies represent the future of finance. Therefore, governments and central banks of countries all over the world are on the look to create their digital currency. Digital currencies, since their launch, offer flexibility in terms of easy accessibility to every individual. It will also help to build the economy of the country because it will be economical, and serve as a quick and easy mode of transaction. Digital currency can help to improve trade and also open up multiple chances to improve the financial state of countries.   Conclusion Due to innovations and digitization of the world now, it can be said that even money is moving in the digital direction. Digital currencies are the future of money/finance. Digital currency is not physical but is available in digital forms making the world a less stressful place by making transactions easy and faster! ALSO READ: Reinvention            

Stay Young And Healthy The Right Way

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  Worried about constant supply of healthy farm produce? Do you desire to stay young and healthy? We’ve got you covered. At OgidiOlu Farms, we tick the right boxes: Health and Safety Standard Sustainable Production Regular Supply of Produce Varieties of Farm Produce Affordable Prices Contact Us: Kilometre 8, Ibadan-Iseyin Expressway, Iseyin, Oyo State. Email: ogidiolufarms.com OgidiOlu Farms…intentional about your feeding   READ ALSO: Silenced By The Gods: The Day I Lost My Voice

Business And Career Opportunities In Private Security Industry

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Private security industry is growing rapidly globally. It is estimated to worth about 235.37 billion USD in 2023. Contemporary society is faced with myriads of security threats. Virtually every aspect of life has one of security challenges or the other. There are challenges in physical, socio-political, health, economic, cyber, and food security amongst others.  Security challenges have kept abreast with societal development. Of recent, the 9/11 2001 terrorist attack at World Trade Centre in New York USA has completely changed the perception of security and pushed it to front burner of budget proposals. Organizations, being it public or private have obligations to protect their assets including people and information. Those who have the required knowledge, competence and skills to assist in fulfilling these needs are creating values, wealth and confidence and earn from it. Business and career opportunities abound in private security industry and the field is large, it is still expanding. For basic understanding, private security industry refers to all security related functions, services and products outside of public law enforcement and the military. It is driven by private individuals but regulated by government of the state. See below, some business and career opportunities available in private security industry. Contractor to military, police and others: provision of services, supply of kits and various accessories to government security agencies, e.g., Military, Police, etc. Security consultancy: proffer and execute advanced security solutions to meet needs that are peculiar to clients. Training consultancy: develop and sell security related knowledge. Guard force service: provide man-guarding solution to clients. Road or Rail escort: provide road or rail escort to people and cargo. Airport protocols: provide meet, greet, & ease services at airport. Cash-In-Transit escort: provide fortified escort for cash movements to financial institutions. Executive protection: provide intelligence, & physical protection to VIPs and their interests. Bouncer/body guard: provide body-guard protection for personnel and for events. Security kits & accessories: supply security uniform kits and accessories to security companies and others. Canine (K9) dog service provision: provide security dog services to clients. Canine dog training (instructor): breed, train and provide dogs for k9 service companies. Private investigation: provide fact-finding security solutions to clients. e.g., due diligence, routine investigation, background screening and vetting as well as undercover security operations. Technical security (IT based): this involves production, installation & management of surveillance system, software development and franchise, vehicle tracking, drone patrol, system & information security, etc. CCTV Control room operation: provide management, administration & operation at CCTV control room. Security Project Management: this involves executing security projects like physical security installations, calibrations and testing, training, security risk assessment, security content design/development, audit. Marketing & branding: identify and provide market for security solutions. Talk show host: provide security related talk show for public enlightenment and education through radio, tv, YouTube, podcast etc. and security event compere/MC. Security operation and management (practitioners): provide direct security functions to organizations or individuals, e.g., guards, officers, supervisors, coordinators, analysts, managers, directors, vice presidents, etc. Security blogging: provide security information to public through blogging and other journalistic writings, e.g., this article you are reading now. Pipeline protection for oil & gas industry: provide physical security to pipelines, jetties and platforms. Ship/Vessel escort: provide maritime security escort to vessels, boats, fishing trolleys, and others. Community vigilante service (CVS): provide security protection using legal vigilante team in a community. Lease security patrol vehicles: provide security patrol vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, horses, etc. on lease or hire. Sale of high-profile security gadget: supply security saves, vaults, doors, etc. Exhibition & trade shows: provide/organize security exhibitions and trade shows. Peace & Security NGO: run humanity-based security non-governmental organization focusing on peace and security, e.g., International Peace Bureau. Chaplaincy service (guidance & counseling): provide faith-based support services to security practitioners in the industry. Self-defense academy: provide training on non-lethal self-defense, e.g., taekwondo, karate, aerobics, martial art, etc. Security awareness coach: provide training on basic domestic security to organizations, individuals, families, homes, groups, etc. Write security text books, podcast, DVDs: research and produce security knowledge in soft or hard copy format, e.g., “Access Control” by Azubuike Nwenewo. Defensive driving school: provide defensive driving (driving against adverse condition and/or mistakes from other road users.) service for security protocol drivers. ALSO READ: You Need A Bodyguard

Silenced by the Gods: The Day I Lost My Voice

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The day I was silenced for life, Mother said was the day the sun kissed the stream in a glorious entanglement that made the water give up steam the moment all that hotness touched all its coolness. Mother also said the clouds came with the sun and one could easily reach out and touch it. I found her story unbelievable but she repeated it continuously to everyone who cared to listen, so much that it became true. After all, when lies are told over and over again, they become true. She told them I became dumb because Amadioha, the god of the sky would strike a beloved one of any person who sees such a phenomenon with a strange sickness. That fateful day, Father was angry that Mother delayed preparing his dinner on time. She had visited Mmiliaku, her friend and the village gossip and stayed there for a long time. Father returned from his farm at Ukanta and met the fireplace cold, no pot close by to signify cooking and no covered plates containing his meal on his table. He was angry and a dark shadow descended on his eyes making them glow with rage. He came outside and found me playing outside the walled fence of our hut with some children from the neighbourhood.  “Nneamaka!” He barked at me. I left my friends and ran back to our hut immediately. “Where is your mother?” He asked. “She went to visit her friend,” I replied, hoping he would dismiss me so I would go back to my play.  Across the fence, a neighbour’s fowl crowed loudly. He scowled and looked into the distance as if his eyes would find my Mother immediately. If eyes could kill, Father’s eyes would have wreaked havoc on my Mother if he saw her at that moment. He shook his head and went inside the room. He went to his hunter’s bag,  brought out his snuff, and settled on his cane chair on the verandah, hitting the little bottle on his lap to unclog the particles. I shifted my weight from one leg to the other impatiently waiting for him to ask me to go but he didn’t, he rather took his snuff and continued looking into the distance. “Papa, it will soon get to my turn to do the Njemanze dance with my friends, can I go back now?” I asked. He looked at me and I suddenly felt stupid. He said nothing and I sat down on the mud steps leading to our house, trying to hold back the tears that rushed to my eyes. He would beat me if he saw that I was crying because he refused to allow me to go back to play, so I fought the tears back. Mother came home that day when the sun was already casting long shadows of the palm trees in our compound on the threshold. She stopped short in the middle of the compound when she saw us: one sitting and brooding angrily, and the other with tears fighting not to spill. “Nna’m biko, ewe n’iwe-” (“my husband, please don’t be angry”) her voice trailed off in Igbo as she tried to explain what happened and why she wasn’t home when he returned and hadn’t prepared dinner. Father was silent, a clear sign that he was so angry. Mother knows that very well and she quickly ran to get her water pot and dashed for the stream. Father called after her, “You must be joking, what wife would leave her home unattended to go and gossip with a friend?” Mother didn’t turn, she was running and soon she disappeared among the clusters of huts following the path to the stream. She didn’t know that it was time for Amadioha to come for a bath, which happens once a month, and usually before dusk: the entirety of the sky would come down to the stream. The day is usually unknown, and it is expected that no one will be at the stream by that time.  Mum was a few meters from the stream when the weather changed. The sky started its descent and she was right there. The sun had touched the stream and the clouds close enough for one to touch and grab the gases when Amadioha saw that a mortal was standing close by. He thundered immediately and a slash of lightning went off. Mum ran back but it was too late. The lightning struck me at home. I was still sitting on the verandah with Father. He was still brooding and shaking his right foot impatiently. I still had tears in my eyes and still longed to go back to play with my friends when the lightning hit me hard and I collapsed on the ground. I went dumb afterwards, my tongue twisted in my mouth and I started making incoherent sounds unable to speak. So Mum would always tell people how it happened, how she was late in preparing dinner and how I was silenced the day the sun kissed the stream. READ ALSO: A Student’s Extraordinary Seminar Defense

When a Student’s Envy Turns Criminal

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Ikemefuna will never get fat. He was the type of person who could eat endlessly without gaining an ounce.  It was astonishing to see him consume large amounts of food without any visible weight gain. A good wonder as I watched in envy as he effortlessly glided from one chair to another in the cafeteria, laughing and whispering with the girls. I wanted his life. Such perfection – his slender, tall, and handsome physique. He was so captivating that all the girls he interacted with showered him with attention and affection. They touched him, some in a modest Christian way that didn’t go unnoticed and some in an open carnal manner. As I sipped on a Coke and devoured a doughnut, I couldn’t help but feel envious. Ikemefuna had eaten the same treats just moments before, yet his body seemed immune to the calories. I couldn’t resist the temptation to indulge, thinking that if he could do it, why couldn’t I? But deep down, I knew it wasn’t just about the food – it was about the injustice of it all. One person got to have it all, while I felt like I was stuck in a perpetual state of inadequacy. I was the antithesis of Ikemefuna in every way. Where he was slender and graceful, I was rotund and clumsy. My body seemed to absorb every calorie, every morsel of food with alarming efficiency. Rolls of flesh hung over my belt, and my cheeks were perpetually flushed and puffy. When I walked, I waddled, my thighs chafing uncomfortably with each step. My ill-fitting school uniform strained at the seams, buttons threatening to pop at any moment. However, what I lacked in looks, I compensated with my brains and so while Ikemefuna had all the girls for a while, they came back to me when it was time for Maths, English, Physics and Chemistry. But despite my academic prowess, I couldn’t help but feel like I was living in Ikemefuna’s shadow. The girls would praise me for my academic achievements, exclaiming, “Cheta, you’re the best!” “Your head is too hot!” and “Man like Cheta!” But their admiration was always tempered with distance. They would never touch me or smile at me the way they did with Ikemefuna. I knew then that no matter how hard I tried, no one would ever find me attractive and then the hate started creeping in. Months later, when they asked why I did it in the juvenile home I was confined to. I told them it was a social experiment, I was a science student and just wanted to see if what our chemistry teacher said about hydrogen peroxide was true. So I poured a little into a can of juice and convinced Ikemefuna to taste it and see if he could tell the difference between that brand and another. Poor Ikemefuna, as innocent and as stupid as he was commented on the strange smell but drank it anyway. I felt the strange pull to stop him and confess what I wanted to do but the resentfulness I felt towards him was greater than anything else. He started to laugh afterwards and told me it tasted awful. I wasn’t expecting an immediate result. In fact, I didn’t know what to expect but I knew that the foaming from his mouth, his eyes rolling to the back of his socket and his muscles contorting in ways that seemed impossible was insane. That image of him haunted me for days even after he was confirmed okay by doctors and I was withdrawn from school. It didn’t make sense to say I wanted the life of a classmate so bad that I had tried to harm him out of envy, so I concocted a story about a social experiment gone wrong. READ ALSO: When Family Becomes the Most Important Destination

Government Security Agencies In Nigeria

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Government security agencies are state security institutions established to carry out public security functions. They are charged with responsibility of ensuring public laws and orders, maintain peace and security. To enforce public rules and regulations in the best interest of the public, and to promote human right of the citizenry. This is an all-important responsibility of government. Accordingly, the primary responsibility of any government is the safety and security of her people. The origin of modern state characterized by social contract which emphasized freedom and equality; also, implicitly underscored that civil state must provide safety and security to the populace to guarantee its continued relevance and avoid relapse to state of nature. To meet this demand, government must create, fund, and manage various (as deemed necessary per time) agencies to secure the sovereignty and internal concerns of the state. Nigeria has laudably taken bold steps and created for public law and order, various institutions, agencies and bodies for safety and security of the people. In the land, in the water bodies, in the airspace and other internal concerns relevance to security; the government have them covered. See below, highlight of the agencies and their areas of responsibilities. While some of them are core security agencies, others are quasi-agencies playing complimentary role for public law and order. Some others are playing roles that include collection of revenue for the government. Nigeria Police Force – NPF: is the principal law enforcement agency in the country. Its main responsibilities include preserving law and order, prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders, protection of lives and properties amongst others. Its origin dates back from 1861 to 1930 when it became the national Police Force. Nigerian Army – NA: is the land-based Nigerian Armed Force charged with the responsibilities of preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country and protect it from all forms external aggression and internal insurrection amongst others. Its origin dates back to 1800s from West African Frontier Force (WAFF). Nigerian Navy – NN: also, a member of the Nigerian Armed Force has security responsibilities which include protecting the country from water front against external aggression and internal insurrection. Its origin dates back to 1956. Nigerian Air Force – NAF: is the air wing of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Its origin was from 1962. Its main duties include to provide air support to ground and sea Nigerian military, and preserve the territorial integrity of the country. Nigerian Customs Service – NCS: was established from 1922. Its duties include collecting and accounting for customs duties and excise, administration of trade and fiscal policies of government, and promoting trade facilitation. Nigerian Immigration Service – NIS: is charged with the responsibility of migration management. it originated from Nigeria Police Force in 1958. Federal Road Safety Corp – FRSC: was founded in 1988. Its duties include preventing accidents on highways, clearing obstruction (unsafe condition) on highways, designing and producing national driver license and vehicle plat numbers. State Security Service – SSS: also, known as Department of State Security (DSS) was part of former National Security Organization which was unbundled in 1986. Its main duties include prevention and detection of crime against the internal security of Nigeria, protection and preservation of all non-military classified matters concerning the internal security of Nigeria. Nigerian Intelligence Agency – NIA: was previously part of former National security Organization, unbundled in 1986. Its responsibilities include general security of Nigeria with focus on outside Nigeria. Defense Intelligence Agency – DIA: had its origin from former National Security Organization which was unbundled in 1986. Its main duties include prevention and detection of crime of military nature against Nigeria, protection and preservation of all military classified matters. Nigerian Correctional Service – NCoS: established in 1872, their functions include to take inmates into lawful custody, produce same in court when it is required, initiate training and reform for inmates, administer prison farms & industry. Nigerian Security & Civil Defense Corp: origin dates back from 1970 to 2003. Their main duties include to assist in maintenance of peace and order, safeguard national infrastructure, respond and rescue civil populace during national emergency, certify, approve and supervise private security guard companies. Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit – NFIU: was established in 2004 under Central Bank of Nigeria. Its mandate is to work with, and provide credible intelligence to law enforcement and other regulatory agencies in the fight against money laundry and other related crimes. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency – NDLEA: was created in 1989. It is in charge of drug policy and control in Nigeria. Economic and Financial Crime Commission – EFCC: was created in 20024. The main duties include investigation of financial crimes, money laundry, contract scam, advance fee fraud, enforcement of all economic and financial crime laws in Nigeria, and prosecution of offenders. Nigerian Quarantine and Agricultural Service – NAQS: is an agency under the ministry of agriculture and food security. It is responsible for the prevention, entry and establishment and spread of foreign pests and diseases of plants and animals in the country. National Agency for the Prohibition and Trafficking in Person – NAPTIP: was created in 2003. It has mission to protect all persons against human trafficking. Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission – ICPC: was established in year 2000 to fight corruption, receive complaints about corruption, investigate and prosecute offenders. Note, that all government security agencies described above were duly and lawfully established by Acts of National Assembly. Their powers and authorities were derived from these Acts, as such they operate as legal entity for government law enforcement. ALSO READ: YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA