THE BEAUTY OF CLASSMATE

By Dada Emmanuel Olayinka

1. Classmates Are Family.

• Avoid Things That Divide Family.

1. In Class You Would Always Be ABUBAKAR, EMEKA and ADEWALE etc Despite the PhD, SAN, Hon, Chief, General, Prof, Mr, Dr, Rev, Ustaz etc.
2. Check On, Reach Out To Classmates Who May Be Less Successful.
3. Achievements Are Processes Not Destination; Everyone Has His Time.
4. Class Groups Are Not Places For Intimidation But Co-operation.
5. Classmates Are Not Political Or Cabal Groups
6. Be Humble and Sincere With your Classmates, They Knew You When You were Nobody.
7. A United Class Is a Successful Class, No Matter Who Succeeds First.
8. Never Treat Classmates Like Employees..
9. Be Kind To Classmates, Table Can Turn in Future.
10. 💰 Money Can’t Buy You Classmates’ Support When You are In Trouble.
11. Forgive Classmates’ Mistakes ,They are Human.

Many years ago I was working as a clerk at a faculty in one popular university in Nigeria, then I saw an advert for NDA (Nigeria Defence Academy), I have always loved to go to NDA so I applied, submitted my form and was called for admission examination.

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I had to travel to Kaduna all the way from Osun State, I have a distant uncle that was resident there then. I wrote a letter (no telephone at the time) to my uncle that I was coming to sit for an exam in Kaduna and would love to stay in their house.

I didn’t get a reply to my letter even as my departure date was approaching. I became so worried because I needed to go anyway, as I was talking to a colleague in the office concerning my fear of where to stay, our office cleaner who was a Hausa man overheard us and in his broken English interjected that he knew someone right inside NDA.

Who could he know there? Is it not a cleaner like himself, I unintentionally said it out to his hearing. “Oga no o, the commandant op za NDA na ma classmate and ma priend”. In his bad handwriting, he scribbled the commandant’s name on a piece of paper. “Just mention my name’s por am, him go helf you.”

I reluctantly collected the paper from him, not because I intended to make use of it but because I didn’t want him to feel bad.

The next day, I set out on this long journey by train from Osogbo. I got to Kaduna a day later towards evening. Upon getting there, I went straight to my uncle’s house only to find out that they had relocated from that place and no one knew their new address. I became stranded and it was getting late.

Around after 7pm, I made up my mind to give my cleaner’s contact a shot. I got to the gate of NDA and mentioned the name I was given. To my utmost surprise, everyone in that bit, recognized the name and one person was promptly detailed to take me to his office.

I gave the paper where Kabiru wrote his name and that of his friend to the secretary who took it inside. On sighting the paper, the commandant shouted from the office and followed the secretary outside to usher me in. “Where do you know Kabiru?” “He’s my colleague in the office, Sir,” I answered.
“Where is he? How is he? Hope he’s doing well?” This man was asking me many questions in an obvious excitement.

The look on his face confirmed to me that Kabiru was his beloved friend. He asked me what I came to do in Kaduna and I said it was for the NDA exams. “Wow, do you have where to sleep?” “No, sir.” He immediately called someone to take me to his house. On getting to the house, I was lavishly entertained.

This man came late in the night and he woke me up and took me up on tutorials for the next day’s exams. After the exams, he personally drove me to the park the next day.

When I got back to the campus, I began to look at Kabiru with a different eyes. How on earth does this man know such a powerful person? Needless to say, my name was number four on the list when the results came out.

Friends, I put it to you today that relationship is a currency. Every man needs another man to move up and that man may be the neighbour you look down on, maybe the taxi driver you so despise or even the house help you think is a nobody today.

Relationship is a stream of income. Everything in life actually reproduces on the basis of relationship. Those we know in life matter. Most of us are talented but we need a cupbearer that will tell Pharaoh that there’s a Joseph that can interpret dreams. we need our old school mates irrespective of their status today.
Hook up with your class mates in the primary, secondary and tertiary schools alumni.

There are some heights you may never get to in life until someone tells someone about you even in church or mosque. Therefore, shut the door on relationships gently. You may need to use it tomorrow.

Let us take our relationships seriously. Even if you meet onoline, don’t look down on anyone. You never can tell which of the relationships will be your own key to success

THE BEAUTY OF CLASSMATE

Nigerians return to charcoal stoves, firewood and matters arising

By Tosin Kolade

“Our ‘Joko’ charcoal stoves are a must-have for everyone. Easy to use; cook faster; use less charcoal and super durable.

“Because of its wall insulation, it concentrates all the generated heat onto the food that is cooking for even, and faster cooking.

“The big size sells for N21500, while the small size sells for N15,000, We are not taking online orders for now only store pickups”.

These and many more are what you find available at website of online store of a popular brand that sells locally-fabricated kitchen appliances.

Many of these brands use different catchphrases and advertising strategies as they hustle for customers in the fast growing charcoal stove market.

From using sponsored advertising campaigns online, the word of mouth and referrals, the advent of charcoal stoves and its acceptability among Nigerians cannot be underestimated.

Due to rising kerosene and cooking gas prices, a Mararaba resident, Hauwa Ladan says she has shifted to charcoal stoves and firewood as primary cooking fuels.

She finds charcoal stoves economical and faster for family meals, and has recommended it to friends and neighbours.

Ladan highlights the considerable impact of high cost of cooking gas, saying that it leaves huge holes in household expenditure in Nigeria.

“Nigerians should go back to charcoal. They believe gas cooks faster, whereas charcoal is better!

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“ There’s no cooking pot you place on charcoal that will go black. It’s only firewood that stains cooking pots’’, Mrs. Elizabeth Moyegun“, told a national daily recently.

The recent blame game by the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) and LPG terminal owners for the high cooking gas prices underscores the complexities in the supply chain.

Industry watchers say such disputes may reveal challenges in distribution, storage, or pricing strategies.

Addressing these issues is crucial to stabilise and potentially lower cooking gas prices for consumers, the NALPGAM says.

President of the NALPGAM, Oladapo Olatunbosun, insists that liquefied petroleum gas, popularly called cooking gas, has risen to at least N1,300 per kilogramme.

Although charcoal and firewood may come handy in this period of expensive cooking gas, experts warn that it comes at a huge cost to the environment.

They come in the shape of deforestation, air pollution, degradation of ecosystems and other potential consequences.

According to a United Nations data, between 2005-2010, Nigeria experienced an annual loss of over 2 million hectares of forest, primarily due to agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development.

Nigeria is a major consumer of fossil fuel for cooking, with over 120 million Nigerians relying on firewood and charcoal for their cooking needs, according to the International Energy Agency.

A report by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), says cooking gas prices surged by 38 per cent, hitting ₦16,250 per 12.5kg cylinder in January 2024.

The NBS says there was a 3.55 per cent month-on-month increase in the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder.

This surge in prices is accompanied by a 37 per cent increase in the price of 1kg of gas, which rose to ₦1,300 from ₦950 during the same period, the agency said.

Dr Temitope Oyetunji, a family health doctor in Abuja, said the use of firewood has dual impact on both users and the environment.

According to Oyetunji, the smoke from burning firewood poses health risks, leading to respiratory and heart diseases when inhaled.

He emphasised that the emitted smoke particles contribute to environmental pollution, impacting the ozone layer.

“The consistent use of firewood and other fossil fuels creates polluted air, affecting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“They include SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 13 (climate action)”.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) points at fossil fuels, as major contributors to harmful emissions, significantly impact global health.

The WHO says 99 percent of the world’s population breathes air exceeding the organisation’s recommended quality limits, thereby posing threats to health.

Consequently, the WHO stresses the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel usage and implement tangible measures to alleviate air pollution.

Analysts say encouraging sustainable alternatives and efficient use of cooking gas could mitigate these environmental impacts and promote a healthier balance between energy needs and environmental conservation.

According to them, promoting sustainable practices, such as reforestation, efficient use of wood, and alternative energy sources, is essential to mitigate these environmental consequences.

An Environmentalist, Mr Newton Jibunoh, underscored the detrimental impact of tree felling for firewood in Nigeria, emphasising that it led to loss of biodiversity.

Jibunoh highlighted that deforestation significantly diminishes habitats for diverse plant and animal species, resulting in a notable decline in overall biodiversity.

According to him, the crucial role trees play in preventing soil erosion cannot be ignored, saying that their removal, as seen in the quest for firewood, can lead to diminished soil fertility and an increase in erosion rates.

He drew attention to the role of trees in absorbing carbon dioxide, noting that widespread removal of trees for firewood contributes to elevated levels of greenhouse gases, thereby exacerbating the challenges posed by climate change.

“The significance of trees in regulating water cycles cannot be underestimated, deforestation disrupts local hydrological patterns, potentially affecting water availability in the region.

“Many communities rely on forests for resources, as deforestation intensifies, these communities experience adverse effects on their livelihoods and cultural practices”.

Experts advocate a shift to sustainable cooking practices in Nigeria by addressing the escalating costs of traditional fuels like gas.

They opine that fostering collaboration and addressing supply chain issues could stabilise and lower cooking gas prices, benefiting both the economy and the environment.

They also propose reforestation and alternative energy adoption to mitigate environmental impacts.

Nigerians return to charcoal stoves, firewood and matters arising

Who will rescue Edo from the grip of cultists?

By Usman Aliyu

In recent times Edo has been grappling with a surge in cult-related violence leading to loss of lives and a pervasive sense of insecurity among its residents.

Over the past month alone, the state has witnessed the tragic loss of more than 35 persons, including a journalist and a prominent head of a security network.

These incidents have sent shockwaves through the state, raising prompting calls for effective measures to address the escalating challenge.

The increase in cult clashes in this state, particularly the capital, in Benin, raises serious concerns as residents are understandably fearful for their safety.

The brazen nature of the attacks attacks has instilled unease and vulnerability among residents.

The impact of these heinous acts extends beyond the immediate loss of life, as it also disrupts the normalcy of everyday life, leaving communities in a constant state of apprehension and distress.

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Media reports indicated that no fewer than 30 persons lost their lives in early part of January in a wave of attacks and reprisal attacks between Black Axe and rivals, Supreme Eiye Confraternity around 2nd East Circular area of Benin,

Another clash between the two fierce rival groups resulted in the death of three persons, according to media reports.

Two of the latest victims simply identified as Denco and Ariba were allegedly killed at a drinking joint at Igun junction between Igbesanmwan and Oza Street, off Sokponba Road in Benin, the reports further said.

The menace is restricted to Benin as media reports show that the killings spread across the state.

A tally published by a national daily revealed that Benin City leads the pack with 97 deaths.

It is followed by Ogbegbe with 31; Ewu-Esan Local Government Areas with no fewer than 13 persons; Egbeta with three deaths; and Ekpoma with two deaths.

According to report, other 34 deaths are spread across several other local government areas in the state.

“The issue of incessant cult killings in the state is really worrisome. The security agencies and the state government should do something urgent about it.

“I remember that in a security summit organised by the state government in 2023, Gov. Godwin Obaseki said his government was putting necessary machineries in place to curtail insecurity in the state.

“He should as a matter of urgency declare a state of emergency on insecurity especially on cultism,” says Umar Idris-Momoh, a Benin resident.

It’s not only Idris-Momoh that is worried, Mrs Esther Idahosa, a business owner whose residence is on the Ekhewan road of the city describes as devastating, the high rate of killings from the renewed attacks which began in December.

Since then, she said, the state has been thrown into a palpable fear and expressed worries that even the innocent, who are non-cult members, are being caught in the cross fire of rival cultists.

“There are cases where family members and neighbours of rival groups’ members are killed simply because they could not find their targets. This is disturbing.

“It is becoming too much in the state, particularly Benin City. There is an urgent need for action from the authorities to restore peace and order,” she says.

Corroborating the call for an immediate action, Mr Tunde Osakwe, a community leader, says night life in Benin is now full of fear, frustration and anxiety.

“They can attack anytime and anywhere. One of the attacks in December was at a place very close to a police station.

“What can be more daring than this,” asked the community leader.

As security agencies and other stakeholders assess the situation, it becomes evident that the prevalence of cult-related violence, poses a grave threat to the peace and stability of the state.

The intricate network of cultism, characterised by rivalries, is also undermining the social fabric of the state.

The implications of this are far-reaching, affecting the economic and psychological well-being of the entire community.

Acknowledging this fact, Obaseki, while receiving the newly deployed Commandant of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to the state, Mr Gbenga Agun, said cultism remains one of the biggest security challenges in the State.

Though he says his administration is reviewing existing laws to ensure proper prosecution of offenders, the governor solicited collaboration amongst the security agencies as one of the strategies to combat it.

“Cultism is one of the biggest challenges we face in the state and it involves abuse of drugs and we are working on strategies to deal with the issue.

“Working with your men and other agencies, we believe that the plan we have in place will make significant progress in the fight against cultism.

“We are working with the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) to update the laws to make it more effective.

“It will enable us to deal with the issue and those causing us problems in the State,” said Obaseki, the Chief Security Officer of the state.

Similarly, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Funsho Adegboye, expressed worries on the exacerbating cult killings as well as the proliferation of firearms in the state.

He assures the public, however, that the police would deploy every means within the law to curtail the conundrum.

The police chief, who assumed duty in the state at the height of the attacks, also acknowledged that the issue of cultism is worrisome.

The top notch of Nigeria Police Force is equally worried.

“We want to assure members of the public, starting from His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State; we have gotten assurances from him and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

“Godwin Obaseki has given us a kind of umbrella backing that whoever we get, not minding where he/she belongs to, that the person should be arrested and we should follow the processes of the law”, said the police chief.

Nevertheless, he appealed to parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against any action that could affect the peace of the state.

The escalating wave of this violence represents a critical challenge that demands urgent attention and concerted action.

To effectively address the scourge, concerted efforts and comprehensive strategies are essential.

By implementing a comprehensive strategy that combines effective law enforcement, community engagement, social interventions, and economic development, it is possible to stem the tide of cult violence and pave the way for a safer, more secure, and harmonious Edo.

The time to free Edo from the grip of cultists is now.

Who will rescue Edo from the grip of cultists?