WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTRY TRAINED PERSONNELS

In a bid to deepen the gender components of the security system in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, kicked off a three-day high level Sensitization and Capacity Building Workshop on the revised 2021-2026 National Gender Policy.

Minister Women Affairs Dame Paullen Tallen noted that Nigeria developed its first National Policy on Rights of Women in the year 2000 and was replaced with the National Gender Policy in 2006 as a result of review and integration of lessons learnt from the implementation of the Women Policy 2000. 

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Shinkafi said the aim of the policy was to ensure that national development benefits all and sundry – women, girls, boys and persons with disabilities, the elder, the poor and Strengthen institutions and systems for gender mainstreaming and building partnership with male-led institutions to deliver results oriented for girl-child, women and the socially excluded.

Shinkafi said the overall goal of the 2021-2026 National Gender Policy is to build a just society in which women girls, and other vulnerable groups will enjoy the same opportunities, rights, obligations in all spheres of life, devoid of discrimination; where their needs and concerns are mainstreamed equitably into all sectors of National development.

Others are to advance women’s participation and representation in leadership and governance; Support women and girls’ education, lifelong health, survival and sustainable development; Ensure that gender equity concerns are integrated into social protection and complex humanitarian actions, legislation, policies and programmes of Government.

On her part, Director Gender Affairs Mrs Friya Kimde Bulus noted that the provisions of the National Gender Policy are in line with this administration’s aspiration of achieving a gender sensitive Society and inclusivity in national economic growth and development.

Mrs Bulus stressed that the 2021-2026 National Gender Policy focuses on the Protection of the Girl – child in Addressing violence against Women and Girls with special focus on issues of conflict, especially as it affects women and girls.

Participants at the workshop were from Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce, Department of State Services, Nigerian Correctional Center Service, Immigration, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps among others.

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NIGERIA ARISE

Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, May 14, 2023; 08116181263)

I forcefully hold the belief that those killing our fellow human beings are altered species of humans. Their desperate and determined motivation to spill blood is a clear statement confirming the sorry state of deprivity they found themselves. 

Those who kill at will, killers' sense of reasoning has glaringly slept with their hearts badly condensed like wasted cement. They have been brainwashed and indoctrinated through sustained diabolic, cheap and manipulative orientation and, so, cannot think straight. 

Who will rescue these ones,  our prayers and the determination to halt their proliferation can be achieved through strategic and practical engagement. In a democracy, dialogue means a lot but can fail, especially, in rooting out crass and perennial acts of criminality.

It is important to note that there is no force no matter how strong, can stand the superior and legitimate force of the state. Therefore, it is an ominous sign of failed statism when non-state actors appear emboldened and stronger than the state. 

Oh mother Nigeria, you are called upon to arise and restore your dignity. Let's end the killings in north central, north west, north East, south east, south south, everywhere in the country. 

Our security odds are reversible. Achieving this reversal is not a brainer, rocket science but deliberate political will from our state actors and state institutions - Law enforcement agencies, our law courts and anti-corruption commissions, etc!

As we herald the handing over and taking over of reign of power both at state and national levels in Nigeria. May we witness the dawn of a purposeful government whose only ambition is to make our country productive and better. A new Nigeria is possible even in our time! 

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, May 22, 2023)

HON. DR. GOLU TIMOTHY SIMON: STORY OF AN ACHIEVER

HON. DR. GOLU TIMOTHY SIMON: STORY OF AN ACHIEVER

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, May 14, 2023; 08116181263)*

It was American business woman and founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics incorporated, Mary Kay Ash who once observed that, "There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened." Hon. Dr. Timothy Golu falls in the category of those who make things happened. The evidence of this abounds in his towering profile and achievements.

Born on November 18, 1972, to the humble and God fearing family of retired Pastor, Simon Golu, he has continued to prove himself a worthy son of his parents, community and nation. Just last year November, he celebrated his 50th birthday and for the five decades of being on this planet earth, the honourable has carved a niche for himself in the field of journalism, politics and academics. The speed with which this man of many parts recorded his achievements is relatively legendary and unequal in a country where life is difficult, especially, for peasant families.

Hon. Golu attended the Model primary School Sokoto (where he was born) for his nursery school and the Local Education Authority (LEA) primary school Limpye in present Kanke LGA from 1979 - 1985 where he obtained his First School  Leaving Certificate (FSLC). This was after the civil war and voluntary retirement of his father from the military on health grounds.

Upon the successful completion of his primary school, 'the man in the mirrow' got admission into Gonerit Memorial College (GMC), Tuwan - Kabwir, a missionary school, from 1986 -1991. He then proceeded to the prestigious University of Jos from February 1992 - 1996 where he graduated with Second Class Upper degree in political science.

Between 2005 - 2007, Hon. Dr. Golu pursued and earned a Master's degree (Msc) in International Relations and Strategic Studies which qualified him to embark on the rigourous PhD journey in the same course between 2014 - 2021. Having been convocated on May 13, 2023, we are living witnesses to the successful consummation of the mountain -climbing journey to the peak of his academic career!

Hon. Dr. Golu, a much younger university graduate, at the time, picked up appointment as a News Reporter with the Nigeria Standard Newspaper,  then, the Daily Times, National Interest before joining the Leadership Newspapers where he resigned in December 2010 to join partisan politics. This was after his successful completion of the mandary, one year, National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) from June 1997 - June 1998 where he served at Government Secondary School Biu (located inside Army Barracks),  Biu Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, North East Nigeria. He was the pioneer Politics Editor and Group Political Editor of the popular Leadership newspaper and through due diligence and dedication to duty, he became its political correspondence at the presidential Villa, Abuja from 2004 - 2010. During his stay at the Presidential villa, Golu worked with three Presidents namely: Chief Olusegun Obasanjo 2004 - 2007, Alhaji Umaru Musa Ya’Adua 2007-2009 and Dr Goodluck Jonathan 2009- 2010. During this period Golu travelled to many countries of the world in the course of his work and attended both national and international workshops and seminars in development and investigative journalism.

Golu performed with great distinction until he left to contest for the state House of Assembly  in 2012 in which he won landslide.

The spur brief I got from his achievements at the state assembly indicated that he electrified 7 kilometres road from Sharram to Dungung and power is very stable up to this moment; graded about 24 kilometres rural roads: Dawaki - Tabulung - Somji, Myet - Nemel, Myet - Lerpye roads; construction of about 40 boreholes. Apart from over 40 jobs he gave to his state constuents, he was, also, the first person to clear and open the new Dawaki new market site. And having meritoriously served as the House of Assembly member representing the good people of Kanke and the Chief Whip of the house between  2011 - 2015, he contested and, again, won as member representing the good people Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam (PKK) in the National Assembly where he creditably served between 2015 - 2019. While in the green chambers, he was the Chairman House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research under Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara's led 8th House of Representatives.

Suffice to state that while at the National Assembly, Hon. Golu attracted 4 huge federal road projects to his constituency namely: Pankshin - Ballang (12 billion), Chigwon - Wuseli - Tapshin (N14 billion), Sharram - Babban Lamba (N19.2 billion) and the extension of Bogoro - Gobiya - Talbushi Road. He drilled over 200 motorised and hand pumped boreholes;  two (2) well furnished skill acquisition centres; graded over 10 rural roads; built Dams and other irrigation facilities; two (2) modern Primary Health care centres  at Mwel in Kanke and Talbushi in Kanam LGCs); Fifteen (15) primary schools; donated 1000 bundles of zincs towards community building projects and relief materials. He also gave over 200 various jobs to his constituents amongst others.

During the just concluded 2023 general election, Hon. Dr. Timothy Golu, a very experienced former state and federal legislator was one of the frontline governorship aspirants under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State. Even though he stepped down from the race, I want to believe that his being in the race  significantly expanded and deepened Golu's practical experience of the dynamics of Nigeria and Plateau politics.

Aside politics, Hon. Golu is a successful academic giant (PhD holder). A PhD degree is a 'terminal degree' because it is the highest degree in the academic ladder. How Dr. Timothy managed to combined the rigours of politics and journalism with that of academic pursuit at this level is what has kept many in deep surprise. The great feat is a pointer that with determination and strategy, there is no mountain that one cannot clime in this life.

It is important to note that educational certificates, a PhD degree for that matter, can only be awarded to people who are worthy both in 'learning and character'. By this standard, therefore, Dr Golu has been satisfactorily found worthy in character and learning to be awarded this degree by a prestigious and second generation university like the University of Jos. What is left is for this awardee to bear the ambassadorial torch of the university anywhere he goes and to make the institution proud as an alumni.

The Nigeria's political system is in dire need of moderation or even reconstruction to meet contemporary realities. A juandiced political system cannot guarantee rapid and holistic development in a country. Therefore, hatching political scientists of Dr. Golu's kind in an abnormal and distorted political system like ours is very apt. At this time of Nigeria's history where there are so much contradictions in our political culture, the input of seasoned and practical political scientists like him is necessity to shape our political orientation as a nation.

Combining politics, journalism with academics can be a harculean task but through dexterity and strategy, Hon. Dr. Golu successfully combined the three. He has continued to use his Sunday Leadership newspaper column, "Melting Point",

formerly known as "Point Blank", to shape political discourse in Nigeria. In fact, to maintain a weekly column in a leading Pan Nigeria Newspaper like Leadership is no mean feat. You have to try publishing an article in such newspaper to know how difficult it is to have access.

Hon. Dr.  Golu's developing story is a testament to the power of good habits. His qualitative and winning habit has validated William Makepeace Thackeray thesis that, "successful people aren't born that way, they become successful by establishing the habit of doing things  unsuccessful people don't like to do". This emerging political giant is very determined, resilient and has always demonstrated capacity in travelling roads less travelled and most often he ended up in huge success.

Hon. Dr. Golu is a daring risk taker,a frontal goal getter, dynamic opinion moulder and a practical mentor who became a great  achiever through self development. He is a rallying point and grassroot political mobiliser. The man is a keen political observer, analyst and an active political participant who will not want to be left behind in the scheme of things. Hon. Golu is a respected and committed family man. To say the least, he represents many things to many people.

The story of Dr. Timothy Simon Golu is the story of a distinguished achiever who rose from grass to grace. He is an index of winning ways in a challenging world. He is not in anyway perfect but a lesson in the power of self-development.There is no better route to success than through the power of learning by doing and doing by learning. It is sweet when a man emerged from obscurity to be a man of honour.

The future looks bright for a nation that is committed to the development of human capital. Let me sincerely congratulate Hon. Dr. Timothy Simon Golu and others who were convocated during the 33rd and 34th combined convocation of the University of Jos which took place on May 13, 2023, for attaining this great academic feat. I salute your wonderful accomplishments and look forward to a future where the motivations arising from these sterling attainments will bear noble fruits for the advancement of our country and humanity. Press on, Honourable!

PLATEAU STATE SECURITY EXCO HOLDS EMERGENCY MEETING OVER ATTACKS IN MANGU

The Plateau State Security Council has held an emergency meeting to review and assess the recent attacks in various villages in Mangu Local Government which left many dead, property destroyed and others injured.

The Security Meeting which was held at the Government House Rayfield Jos was chaired by Governor Simon Bako Lalong. 

Governor Lalong while briefing newsmen after the meeting said the council reviewed the situation and resolved that all suspects arrested for allegedly carrying out the attack must be immediately prosecuted transparently and openly to send a strong message to the public that no criminal conduct will go unpunished. 

He said the council condemned the dastardly act and remains committed to sustaining the search for other fleeing perpetrators who must be arrested and dealt with swiftly.

The Governor also stated that the Security Council mandated the security agencies to sustain the presence of their personnel on the ground to rebuild confidence and halt any further affront on innocent citizens. 

Lalong also disclosed that Government will immediately step in to address the plight of displaced persons in the area and work towards restoring normalcy. 

The Governor also announced the plans to step up engagement both at local and State levels which will lead to the setting up of an Engagement Committee to douse the tension generated by the unfortunate incident. 

The council also appealed to citizens to increase vigilance and avoid any action that can lead to escalation of the situation. He assured that Government will not fold its arms to see its citizens being maimed and killed by criminals for no reason.

It would be recalled that the Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, and security Chiefs in the State visited the affected areas on Wednesday. 

Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 

19th May 2023.

SIMON BAKO LALONG @ 60: FINISHING STRONG

By Makut Simon Macham, PhD. 

The Holy Bible in the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 7 verse 8 says “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride” (New Living Translation). This verse does not only convey divine truth that has stood the test of time, but aptly captures the life trajectory of Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG, CON, Executive Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum who turns 60 on 5th May 2023. Incidentally, his 60th birthday is coming as he prepares to handover to the next Governor of Plateau State at the end of his 8 year tenure.  

For the man Simon Bako Lalong, fate, fortune and the grace of God are visible all over him having come from an obscure background from his little-known village of Ajikamai, Nyak, in Shendam Local Government of Plateau State. His story is one of grass to grace built on virtues of humility, love, service, tolerance, broad-mindedness and teamwork which have guided him all through life.

Trained as a lawyer, Lalong started his political journey through youth activism within the socio-cultural organisation of the Gamai people, Gamai Youth Movement as well as the Plateau Youth Council which threw some spotlight on him that later blossom and took him to limelight which he enjoys today.

Right from his childhood, Lalong had the innate feeling that he was called to serve and needed to develop himself particularly through education that will give him the capacity to stand among the high and low and effectively add value to humanity. His passion was to become a lawyer. This perhaps explains why despite so many opportunities for a career in football up to the national stage, he chose rather to pursue academics and fulfill his dream of wearing the wig and gown.

Although he had an offer to be a civil servant at the FCDA Abuja after his youth service, he declined and chose to practice his most cherished ambition of law. This brought him back to Jos where he began practice and later delved into politics.

From his election into the Plateau House of Assembly to represent Shendam Constituency in 1999, Lalong jettisoned his early childhood values that were engraved in his heart by his family and the Catholic Church. Those who know him testify of his loyalty, love, respect, humility and compassion which have grown over the years and opened doors for him across the length and breadth of Nigeria and the world at large.

Many recall his sojourn as the Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly and his travails over refusal to superintend over the illegal impeachment of Governor Joshua Dariye. Because he would not subvert the constitution and tore the path of impunity, dictatorship and criminality, he spent 40 days and 40 nights in EFCC detention. His loyalty to the constitution, the people of Plateau State and Governor Dariye whom he felt should have fair hearing as provided by law was tested and he passed.

This singular act cost him so much and threw him in the cold as his seat was vacated even after he won the election for his recall which was induced by the powers that be in collaboration with Federal Might. However, his good heart and his principled stance to do the right thing coupled with his contentment, trust in God, and love for others was to restore him to limelight again in 2015 when the people of Plateau State remembered his good works as Speaker and chose him to become Governor.

On coming into office, he inherited a myriad of challenges which included insecurity, a despondent and demoralized civil service, uncompleted and abandoned projects, lack of inclusivity in governance, as well as a State that was in dire need of healing, reconciliation and forgiveness. He did not waste time in bringing the people of Plateau State together and addressing the challenges.

He immediately paid 5 months withheld wages under no-work-no-pay policy and cleared inherited salary arrears of 8 months from the past administration. The same story applied to pension arrears of about 10 months which he equally cleared. This earned him the nickname “Governor Alert” bestowed upon by the civil servants.

Rather than embark on ego trip of commencing new projects while the State littered with abandoned projects, Lalong chose to complete those inherited even though from a government of PDP. These include the Mararaban Jama’a road which was just about one lane done as well as the Secretariat Junction flyover; old-airport to Rayfield; Rayfield to Bukuru etc. Same applied to abandoned general hospitals such as Riyom, Langtang South, Kanke which he completed. Sadly, this was to be used against him by his opponents who despite enjoying these infrastructures claimed he never did a “single” project in 8 years - a propagandist lie that unfortunately sank into the gullible.

But Simon Lalong whose heart is like that of a child refused to be intimidated or harassed by frivolities and kept carrying out inherited and new projects. Today, the brand new British American Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Junction Roundabout has been completed and will be commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari soon. Same goes for the High Court Complex Headquarters, the Multi-door Courthouse and ADR Centre; NUJ Secretariat, Kalong-Angwan Dadi bridge (longest in Plateau); Shendam bye-pass and internal roads; of Longvel-Yelwa-Mato Junction-Taraba border road among; Legacy projects among others across the State.

When you talk about peace and security, Lalong gave it his best shot by not only dressing the surface, but going down to the root to tackle the causes. His style has been to remove fear and mutual suspicion from the hearts of citizens who had enjoyed peaceful coexistence for decades until crises merchants succeeded in dividing them along ethno-religious lines. While he strengthened the instrument of law enforcement to deal with criminals, he also came up with the Peace Building Agency which is the first of its kind in the country and backed by law. He ensured that crucial laws were enacted and signed such as the Anti-Land Grabbing and Anti-Kidnapping and Violence against persons. 

Although there is no absolute security yet, citizens of Plateau State, Nigerians and members of the international community who earlier felt unsafe in Plateau have confessed that Lalong scored a goal in security and peace with abundant evidence to show. Nightlife is back to Jos while “no-go-areas” have drastically faded. Public and privates institutions across Nigeria have once more made Plateau State their conference and events capital as they jostle to host one national conference or the other. Hotel and hospitality businesses are booming while many investors who earlier left Plateau have returned. Even property owners have enjoyed a boom under Lalong as Plateau is once more the true Home of Peace and Tourism.

The footprints of Governor Lalong on the Plateau are very visible across all sectors and all Local Governments of the State. Whether it is the education sectors where he took over a moribund Plateau State University Bokkos and turned it into a 7-Faculty institution with 7 convocations in its kitty and a PG School; or the revamping of the Plateau Specialists Hospital with the acquisition of Ultra-modern medical equipment such as Superstar MRI Machine, 64 slices CT Scanner, 4D-Ultrasound Scanner and Digital X-Ray Machine among others; or the deepening of systems for transparency, accountability and good governance in the State which has earned the State national and international recognition, the man Lalong is leaving large footprints in the political landscape of Plateau, albeit quietly as the silent achiever he is.

While some could have disagreed with him over some of his policies and actions, Lalong has never claimed to be a saint or infallible. Indeed those who know him testify that he is one of the meekest persons on the face of the earth who is not afraid to admit any shortcoming just as he can stick to his convictions even when everyone disagrees with him.

His 60th birthday which comes just weeks before he bows out as Governor makes it a day to pause and thank God for sending someone with his temperament, capacity, intellect, humility, courage and love to the people of Plateau and Nigeria at times such as this. Having done his best to serve and with the best intentions, he is eager to go and have some deserved rest and also spend some quality time with his family.

But whether this will be a reality for him is in doubt because having produced the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the DG of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, many expect that he will again play a prominent role in actualizing the Renewed Hope Mandate of Tinubu/Shettima. Also, Lalong who was the leader of the Northern Governors who insisted that power should go back to the south in the interest of fairness and justice remains a strong figure in the ruling APC.

If history is anything to go by, Lalong who is not known to lobby for positions will once again have his past records speaking for him just as they did when he was chosen by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, a position he has used to further demonstrate his capacity on the national stage and also ensure that Plateau remains in national relevance rather than obscurity.

The prayer for this man of peace and love is that God will continue to order his steps and give him more opportunities and make his paths shine brighter to serve humanity which has been his ambition from childhood. As this chapter of his life closes, there is no doubt that God is opening a new phase for him to once again demonstrate that love is the greatest according to Matthew 22: 37-40 which happens to be one of his most favourite scriptures in the Holy Bible.

Happy 60th birthday Your Excellency!

 

Makut Simon Macham, PhD, mnipr, is the Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

 

    

  

 

 

 

 

CRAVING GLOBAL PEACE: AN EXPOSITION

Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, April 27, 2023; loisayuba420@gmail.com; 08116181263)

Peace is the most priceless virtue known to man. The Hausa adage, 'Zaman lafiya ya fi Zaman dan tsarki' which literally translates: To be at peace is worth more than being a king's son says it all. When peace eludes a man, community or nation, there is big trouble because nothing works normally under chaotic atmosphere.

Peace is a fluid concept. While some perceived it as an internal construction; others perceived peace as an external construction. Whichever standpoint one takes, peace is an ideal and a state of mind that is, relatively, at rest from life's contradictions which might be internal or external. In other words, peace is an ideal that is constructed upon the theory of relativity because there is nothing absolute about it.

A classical demonstration of the relativity of peace is rooted in the idea that 'peace is not the absence of war'. Hear exactly what  Mata Amritanandamayi has to say: 'Peace is not just the absence of war' and conflict but must be fostered within individual, within family and within society. Simply transferring the world's nuclear weapons to mesuem will not in itself bring about world peace. The nuclear weapon of the Mind must be eliminated.' This suggest that peace is mindset that is achievable through personal unpacking of one's negative thoughts to allow for the cultivation of faith and patience within a challenging world.

Peace is the single most important ambition in life. It is part of this ambition that the scripture in Psalm 34:14-15 (KJV) commands and cautions people everywhere in the world as follows: "Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry." These are profound cautionary words of command given that crises, are practically unsettling experiences in life that can be settled through righteous actions and prayers to God.

It is unfortunate that despite the clear and definite instruction for men to pursue peace; the world is in a severe state of jeopardy because men have glaringly chosen to violate the onerous instruction of God. In the pursuit of evil schemes or dessires, people have failed to realise that the solution to world's greatest contradictions cannot be found in any 'theory, philosophy, religion or political agenda, but in a person, a totally unique Person' as expressed by Robert and Janet Dann's praise on the book, 'Storms of the Mind: Freedom is a Choice' which was written by Pusonnam Yiri and published in 2015.

The 'totally unique Person' referred to, in that masterpiece is Jesus Christ whom Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) wrote these prophetic lines about his birth: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." In other words, peace is in Christ alone. This implies that when men take their eyes off Jesus Christ, troubles overan them!

The causes of conflicts and strife in human societies or nations, also, are summarily and categorically stated in the scriptures. The gospel according to James 1:4 (NLT), for instance, probes: 'What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?" Certainly, yes! Whenever or where ever there is conflict, check the  morality or quality of the desires of its dwelling members. It will be found that some or all of the members are needlessly and irrationally selfish, bias and or corrupt. It is the constructive deconstruction of these triggers that allow for real and sustained peace in any society or nation.

Individuals, families, business organisations and/or nations desire peace but crises in the world are leading people into frustration (Yiri, 2015). The missing link when it comes to the issues of peace and conflict management, especially, in developing countries like Nigeria is that, there is always desiring but no conscious pursuing of peace. The mechanisms for resolving crises or conflict in these climes are lacking in basic ingredients for efficiency and effectiveness.

The attainment of peace is an action packed process which starts with a desire for it. This desire is further backed with deliberate will to pursue peace and, finally, with all men. In other words, peace is achievable through tripate but interdependent functions of desire, will and inclusiveness. Lasting or sustained peace is an action induced desire that does not discriminate. It is a networking enterprise that is sustained by genuine love for self and others as well!

It is germane to not that threat to peace anywhere is threat to peace anywhere. Nobody boasts of peace when his neighbourhood or neighbours are at war. This means that genuine peace or practical war have bumerang effects on man's ecosystem. Every individual action has corporate implications in a world that has been reduced into a global village.

There is no peace in individualism and exclusivity. When people feel marginalised and excused in a family, community or nation, the tendency is to take on destructive measures that all may lose or for the disadvantaged to gain access. If it is ours, then we can protect it together; if I am not involved, then you do not have to present to me about it; if it is ours together but you want to shortchange me, then there shall be no peace in this house. This is the monologue  and mindset that characterised the marginalised.

There is no peace in competition but collaboration. Competition breed envy and hatred but collaboration promotes understanding and teamwork. The only caveat is that we don't collaborate or partner in crime or compete perpetrating crime. The only health competition that is allowed is one that is centred on selfless value addition.  

There is no peace in social inequality. In Karl Marx's dialectics, all social upheavals stem from class struggle between the rich and the poor. The more a society becomes less stratified or less unequal, the more the chances for peace and tranquility.

There are no peace in poverty. A society or nation whose membership lives in abject poverty is seating on a time bomb. A hungry man, is an angry man, says an old proverb. Therefore, peace building initiatives should be centred around demarketing laziness, free riding, rent seeking and the institution of functional reward system for the society. A balance should be stricken between rewarding hardwork and punishing counter-productive tendencies.

There is peace in work and work in peace; there is dignity in labour and dignity in peace. When people are committed to work and the creation or adding to the value change of society, no one will have the time for conflict. Hence, the peace that comes from the laboratory hypothesis which states that obsession with laboratory activities technically translates into peace, especially why great and novel discoveries are made in the process. Show me idle people and I will show you potential crises merchant in the womb of time.

There is no peace in segregation, stereotyping and prejudices. In the spirit of justice do not label any member of the society; give every one the opportunity to defend himself even when suspected. Do not act blindly but ask questions to be sure. Mark Twain's analogy of the ants drive home the message better.

According to Twain, 'if you collect a 100 black ants and 100 fire ants and put them in a jar, nothing will happen but if you take the jar, shake it violently and keep it on a table, the ant will start killing each other. Red believes the black is the enemy; black believes red is the enemy while the real enemy is the person who shook the jar.' He concluded that same is true of society: Men versus women, black versus white, faith versus science, young versus old, etc. Before we fight each other, we must ask ourselves, who shook the jar?'. This is a profound analogy in costly assumptions and the need to exercise restraint and always ask questions. Doing so will spare innocent persons who would become victims without questions.

To say the least, the world is troubled from every side but not without salient causes which might be remote or immediate. Terrorism and insurgency do not happen;  banditry saparatists movements do not occur; poverty or diseases that are ravaging developing countries like Nigeria do not manifest; drug abuse and criminality do not just happen; climate change and environmental pollution do not just occur; corruption and political thuggery do not just happen; the ongoing clash of civilisation or moral war on social media do not emerge; earthquakes and environmental degradations which individually cause pains or crises of mass destruction in parts of the world often have causes that are mainly linked to tendencies of twisted minds and the remedy is to reset or renew the mindsets of men through godly instruction.

The world should learn from the recent miship in Sudan, Ukraine-Russia on the one hand and Nigerian Civil war, Rwandan genocide, Nazism in Germany on the other. Amongst other dehumanising conflicts, the world had bad times with World War I, World War II as well as the contradictions Liberia, Sierra Leone,  Democratic Republic of Congo; Kenya, etc. The casualty figures, physical and psychological effects these unsettling and hostile circumstances brought upon the world can only be imagine. Peace we need but war, never. Never again shall innocent men and women be consumed by terror of war(s)!

   

Now, I can see clearly why the present Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) emphasise on issues of equity, inclusion and ustainability. Any peace that is built on the foundation of trinity shall stand otherwise doomed. With creative inclusiveness; patriotic equity and the commitment to sustain love and unity of purpose, the world shall be a paradise for all.

When good is done, it is not only the end users that benefit but even those that make it happen. When evil is perpetrated, it is not only the victims that suffer but the perpetrators because the evil that men do lives after them. We are either culprits or victims of the contradictions facing the world today. Can we give peace a chance? Yes, we should!

PASSION FOR PASSION AT EASTER

 PASSION FOR PASSION AT EASTER

(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, April 8, 2023; SMS: 08116181263)

Passion is someone's practical drive or motivation toward achieving something worthy. It is a mix of interest & determination in the process of getting a cause reached!

It is so critical in the world of dreams and works. David Jeremiah's book, "Life Wide Open" which was published in 2003 profoundly chronicles how important passion is through the following statements:

i. Without a purpose fueled by passion, nothing in life matters.

ii. Passion is the inner spark, provided by God, that ignites you to live out your God-given purpose.

iii. I can think of nothing worthwhile in life that was achieved without great passion.

iv. A purpose not fueled by inner drive and enthusiasm is mere drudgery. In other words, passion is purpose and the purpose is passion.

Socrates once wrote that a man who has no passion for anything is not worth living. This means that passion is proof of someone's living. 

Anyone who is lacking in passion only exists and cannot add to the value chain of the society in which he found himself. One is as good as dead when he is bereft of inner drive for something.

Lack of passion is an advanced form of laziness. Laziness is sheer indifference or an unyielding attitude toward work. 

A lazy man fears that work kills and, therefore, submits to the conditions that kill even faster: rent-seeking, dependency, and poverty. These are existential problems that are demeaning in all ramifications even if one survives them!

Passion is what will is, to a man. It is what a wheel is to any locomotive or fuel to automobiles. This shows that passion is necessary for things to move or get done.

Passion is the Revealer of interest. The expression of it tells a lot about what one really cares about. Like a punctured tire, passion goes flat when interest is lost.

Passion is a silent energiser. When situations get tough, only passion can keep someone going. Where there is no passion, even easy tasks are abandoned with no regrets.

It is important to note that nothing good comes easy. Anonymous puts it thus: 'Life doesn't get easy, you just get stronger'. And you know what? Only passion can guarantee one becoming stronger or even strongest!

Passion is an overcoming spirit. It greases the wheel of one's determination to realise a dream. Therefore, to be passionate about something means to go all out for it. It is an insurance for patience and diligence in workplace!

Passion is what love is to a man. It is as strong as death. When it comes, laws and logic are suspended. It gets someone waking up daily to pursue a cause without asking many questions. 

The worth of passion is in its ability to get good things done. This entails that passion is worthless when deployed to crush or destroy someone or anything.

Passion is insistence personified. Like a river, nothing can block its way. Passion will always negotiate its way through and get to its destination with time.

Passion is involved when glass ceilings are shattered and new standards set in the world of work. Show me a man who has achieved any great feat and I will show you a man with passion.

It takes great passion to produce that great engineer you read about in the news. It is passion that is behind that great scientist that discovers the law of motion. Passion makes great sportsmen, women and business moguls. It is the rudder that changes the course of history.

With passion, comes obsession; and with obsession comes unique skills that comes from doing something constantly.

If you have passion for something worthwhile, be it school, business, professional career, etc., pursue it. There is no better charge than this!

This piece: Passion for Passion at Easter, is primarily and summarily all about eulogising the undiluted good news of the Love of God which requires all partakers of the grace of God to passionately uphold and share. 

In Psalm 107: 2 (NIV), the scriptures says: Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim that he has redeemed them from the hand of the for (the Devil). It is a passionate call to duty but a command too: 

''Go tell it on the mountain 

Over the hills and everywhere 

Go tell it on the mountain'' (about the salvation of Jesus Christ). "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations..." (Mathew 28:19). There is a literally easthetic reward: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!' (Isaiah 52:7).

Remember the passion week of Jesus Christ? He gallantly went through the agony of the cross for the sake of passion-cum-love for the redemption of man kind. He went through it all for your sake and my sake too. He has paid it all! It is finished! But the task of publishing the good news has just begun! Happy Easter celebration to christians all over the world!