THE NATIONAL Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has assured corps members that their monthly allowances would be paid, saying their April and May stipends have not been contributed to the fight against the dreaded Coronavirus, COVID-19.
Recall that a letter circulating on social media which was purportedly signed by the Scheme’s Director-General, Maj. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, had insinuated that corps members would no longer be able to receive their stipends due to the indefinite suspension placed on monthly biometric clearance in keeping with the rule of social distancing.
However, in a statement issued by Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, its Director of Press and Public Relations, the NYSC described the purported letter as handiwork of mischief makers, saying there was no truth in it.
She said, “The attention of Management of the National Youth Service Corps has been drawn to a fake news release, directed at Corps Members, and purported to have been issued by the Director-General, conveying to them that their monthly stipends for April and May would be contributed to the fight against COVID-19.
“A similar mischievous story had earlier been bandied on the social media in February, 2020.
“Management wishes to advise all Corps Members to disregard the poorly written story in its entirety, as there is no iota of truth in it. The story emanated from a fake source.
“It is important to note that payment of monthly stipend for the month of April shall be effected without the usual gathering for Clearance, in keeping with the rule of social distancing.
“It is equally imperative to add that there shall not be clearance for the month of May, 2020. The system shall generate automatic clearance for everyone.”
Adeyemi also assured that the safety and welfare of corps members would be given priority at all times.
“The battle against COVID-19 shall be won if we all stay focused and approach it with a single mind.
“Management appreciates the contributions of Corps Members across the country in the fight against the pandemic.
“Special commendation once again goes to Corps Medical Personnel working tirelessly with medical teams across the country to save lives; and Corps Engineers that fabricated pedal-operated machine dispensing sanitiser, water and soap.
“Management remains very proud of you. In the same vein, you are urged to sustain and deepen this fervour for national development, even after we have won the battle against COVID-19.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says there is no evidence that people who recovered from COVID-19 cannot be re-infected.
In a “Scientific Brief” released from its headquarters in Geneva and posted on its website, WHO warned against propagating the idea of COVID-19 ‘immunity passport’.
“Some governments have suggested that the detection of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, could serve as the basis for an ‘immunity passport’.
“They have suggested that it could serve as an ‘immunity passport’ or ‘risk-free certificate’ that would enable individuals to travel or return to work, assuming they are protected against re-infection.
“There is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection.
“The development of immunity to a pathogen through natural infection is a multi-step process that typically takes place over one to two weeks,’’ WHO said.
It said that it would continue to review the evidence on antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
“Most of these studies show that people who have recovered from infection have antibodies to the virus.
“However, some of these people have very low levels of neutralising antibodies in their blood, suggesting that cellular immunity may also be critical for recovery.’’
As at April 24, 2020, no study has evaluated whether the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 confers immunity to subsequent infection by this virus in humans.”
WHO, however, said that it supported the methodology adopted by countries to test SARS-COV-2.
“Many countries are now testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at the population level or in specific groups, such as health workers, close contacts of known cases, or within households.
“WHO supports these studies, as they are critical for understanding the extent of, and risk factors associated with, the infection.
“These studies will provide data on the percentage of people with detectable COVID-19 antibodies, but most are not designed to determine whether those people are immune to secondary infections,’’ it said.
As the coronavirus lockdown bites harder across the globe and Nigeria in particular , another burden has been placed on the people in the course of enforcing the restriction order. No doubt , the confinement is crucial at this moment in the life of the country as the deadly virus infects and kills with ease . Therefore , the more people are made to stay indoors , the better for them. It is for these reasons that all that it takes should be given to end the pandemic .
Despite a series of efforts and interventions by the federal and state governments , individuals , religious bodies and corporate organisations , people still have one reason or the other to flout the restriction order because the impact of such palliatives and interventions is not felt by the majority of the people. Most people seem to sneak out to eke out a living while some are caught up with the lockdown outside their respective locations of domicile . No matter the excuse, violating restriction orders is not justifiable . The face – off between the people and law enforcement agents can generally be classified into two . In the first instance , security operatives have been reported to aid the illegal movement of persons from one location to another.
Since the lockdown commenced in the Federal Capital Territory , Abuja as well as Lagos and Ogun states , many intra – city and inter – city roadblocks have been mounted to monitor the movement of people in line with the presidential directives on the enforcement of Section 5 of the Quarantine Act, Laws of the Federation . Apart from civilians classified as engaging in essential services, the other categories of persons that can move freely from one place to another are the law enforcement agents. It is this immunity that the security officers latch on and move about after being compromised and receiving gratification from travellers .
To facilitate easy passage , security agents either serve as escorts to vehicles provided by civilian lawbreakers or they convey people directly , who are crammed into the official vehicles released to them for patrol assignments . This attitude is not only criminal but it also amounts to dereliction of duty, breach of trust , and outright sabotage because the essence of confinement is being defeated as a result of corrupt practices by security agencies . In other words , the security personnel are now conspirators to the spread of the deadly disease . The second context has to do with the people apprehended on the streets violating the restriction order without prior knowledge by law enforcement agents. Rather than arrest and hand over culprits to prosecution authorities , the security operatives usually take the law into their own hands and maltreat the people with impunity.
Nigerians wandering about and apprehended are made to swim inside gutters , frog – jumped, caned , and beaten up , and even killed . It is instructive to state that Section 36 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution ( as amended ) allows every person the right to a presumption of innocence. Section 34 of the constitution equally guarantees the fundamental right to dignity of the human person while the Anti- Torture Act of 2017 makes it a criminal offence for security agents to subject persons to torture , inhuman , or any degrading treatment . Nigeria is also a party to several international and regional human rights standards that prohibit torture and other forms of assault .
A recent gory report by the National Human Rights Commission indicated that a total of 105 complaints were monitored and received from 24 out of the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in which Lagos State had the highest recorded cases with 28 incidents, followed by the FCT with 10 recorded cases bordering on extra -judicial killings , violation of the right to freedom of movement , unlawful arrest and detention , seizure or confiscation of property , extortion, sexual and gender – based violence ( SGBV) , discrimination, torture , inhumane , and degrading treatment .
The NHRC , which decries the impunity, reckless disregard for human life , violation of protocols and rules of engagement for law enforcement, describes the lawlessness as a clear manifestation of the efficiency level and the capacity of law enforcement agents to deal with the civil population . The report further berated the Nigeria Correctional Service , Nigeria Police Force , and Nigerian Army , among other security agencies for the excessive or disproportionate use of force , abuse of power , corruption, and non – adherence to international and national human rights laws , and best practices. Despite assurance by the police and other security agencies high commands to protect lives and property , and respect the fundamental rights of the people, this negative image and perception caused the nation is monumental and cannot be easily shoved aside .
The United States Council on Foreign Relations disclosed that 25 , 794 people encountered violent deaths in Nigeria since 2015 out of which at least 1 , 476 people were killed by state actors alone in the past one year. The British Broadcasting Corporation described the Nigeria police as having a bad reputation for brutality , extortion, and harassment even before the current pandemic began . As it is now , people are being subjected to double -jeopardy. Why would any police or military officer assist anyone to flout regulations? Are they ignorant that social distancing is still in force ? Have they ever reflected that they ( security agents) have become conduits for transmission and putting their own lives at risk too?
Nigerians should endeavour to obey all instructions , regulations, and directives given by the government and health authorities to defeat coronavirus . They should avoid subjecting themselves to avoidable torture and punishment by security operatives that have been known to be lawbreakers over the years . Before now , trigger – happy security personnel are notorious for raping women , shooting indiscriminately in the name of accidental discharge , colluding with unscrupulous persons to commit a crime . Journalists carrying out their lawful duties are not spared from brutality . With due respect to a few of them that are highly committed to securing lives and property , many security agents remain a burden to the nation. They can best be described as a necessary evil and deadlier than COVID- 19 .
Government at all levels and non -state actors should not relent in ensuring that necessary action is taken to prevent further spread of the virus , the exploitation , molestation , and killing of the people. Security operatives found engaging in any of these unbecoming acts should be apprehended , prosecuted , and severely punished. The use of the NHRC App for the electronic monitoring , documentation , and reporting of human rights violations is a welcome development to track abuses and identify erring officers , their collaborators or victims . The NHRC needs aggressive publicity to elicit people’ s cooperation and patronage for desired outcomes .
As obtainable in other climes, security agents have become friendlier and active in the service to their fatherland since coronavirus ravaged the world . They are seen assisting in fumigation , providing support for the elderly and vulnerable, rapidly responding to emergencies , and increasing surveillance to ensure that people are happy and that the burden of the calamity is whittled down. Our law enforcement agents should brace up , turn a new leaf and should desist from giving the impression that they are above the law . This should be their Post – COVID gift to Nigerians .
Linda Ololade sighed heavily as she crumbled some chips at the other end of the phone. Her toddler later squeaked out of the room , prompting her to dump the chips and dash into the room . When she was back on the phone after some minutes of attending to her child , her voice sounded weary, lacking enthusiasm .
For almost four weeks since the Federal Government announced lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory; Abuja , Lagos and Ogun states to curb the coronavirus spread , Ololade, who works at an investment firm at Ikoyi, Lagos , said she had been battling mild depression .
“ Having to stay indoors for close to three weeks now is one of the worst things that has happened to me , ” she told newsmen . “ I ’ m an ‘ outdoor person ’ and if I don ’ t go out in a day , I feel like I want to die . ”
Being an extrovert , Ololade said she loved attending parties and meeting people every day . She loves the noise on the streets – the commercial bus conductors yelling at other road users , the market traders wooing passersby to buy their wares with their high -sounding voices , and the traffic hawkers clinging on to moving vehicles to sell their goods.
“ I ’ m missing the normal Lagos life . I ’ m depressed in a way and I hope this lockdown is not extended again . It has really affected my mental well -being , ” she added .
Also , a resident of the FCT, Mr Mustapha Bichir, said he couldn ’ t wait for the lockdown to be over so he could return to his life again .
According to Bichir , who owns a jewellery store in the Jabi area of Abuja , being forced to be indoors for the past three weeks “ is like injecting me with a needle . ”
He said , “ I love to mingle with people, sit down with friends at a bar and have some nice time . But all these are gone for now . Of course , I ’ m enjoying my family but at the same time , I want to go out .
“ I ’ m bored sitting down at home all day long , eating food and watching depressing news on the TV . Everything is just depressing and I can ’ t wait for this coronavirus to be over . ”
An event planner who lives in the Arepo area of Ogun State , Mrs Bimpe Adeyemi , also said she was plunging into depression due to the lockdown imposed on the state .
Since the lockdown started , Adeyemi said she had lost some money as she had to make refunds to clients who had earlier booked her services.
“ Now I ’ m spending my savings because I ’ m not making any income . I ’ m eating plenty food at home and getting fat in the process . I ’ m just unhappy, ” she said .
According to sociologists and psychologists , the human nature is to interact with others and this is why they are called social beings . Even with the advent of communication technologies such as the Internet and social media , it cannot perhaps be disputed that people still prefer to communicate physically .
They want to sit and talk, have public gatherings , maintain a friendly atmosphere and live in a community rather than in isolation .
This is why it’ s tough times for everyone right now all over the world .
Amid the coronavirus pandemic which started in China in December 2019 and has spread to over 200 countries and regions , governments all over the world ordered movement restrictions and placed a ban on social and religious gatherings .
To curb the virus spread, the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd ), on March 29 ordered the lockdown of the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states for 14 days . Some governors in other states copied same measure to prevent the virus transmission .
But as the number of cases and deaths increased in more states , the President on April 13 extended the lockdown for another 14 days . He , however , exempted people providing essential services from the restriction . Other residents can also shop for essential items like food and medicine within a certain period of the day .
Meanwhile , as people are being isolated from one another amid the lockdown , health institutions and experts have identified the need for countries to provide mental health services as people are increasingly anxious and getting down with depression .
Hence , the following are seven ways to avoid depression as the pandemic .
Minimise watching news on COVID – 19
The World Health Organisation has asked people to minimise watching , reading or listening to news about COVID- 19 that causes them to feel anxious or distressed .
“ Seek information only from trusted sources so that you can take practical steps to protect yourself and loved ones . Seek updates at specific times during the day , once or twice .
“ The sudden and near – constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel worried . Get the facts ; not rumours and misinformation. Facts can help to minimise fears, ” the WHO stated .
Begin the day with gratitude
Counsellor and author , Dr Raychelle Lohmann , said beginning the day with gratitude was one of the best ways to battle depression during this period .
“ Before your feet hit the floor in the morning , think of something that you ’ re grateful for . Making this a focus for yourself , and teaching your kids to do the same, can have a significant impact on your emotional health .
“ The heaviness of our current situation can quickly weigh us down , and if we begin our day with doom and gloom , then we have set the negative feeling pendulum into full swing , ” she wrote on US News .
Lohmann referenced a study published in the Psychotherapy Research journal , which said writing a gratitude letter could improve a person ’ s outlook and emotional well -being .
“ It ( gratitude ) even seems to change brain activity in a positive way , based on MRI scans of study participants , ” she added .
Create a routine and make a daily schedule
According to Lohmann , depression and anxiety can keep people from being in control of their lives , saying one way to counter that feeling is by making a regular schedule and sticking with it.
She said , “ When you organise and structure your life , you know what to expect . Make sure you have a family routine . Not only will having a plan can help you stay centred , it will keep you focused on the tasks at hand .
“ A study published in the Annual Review of Psychology on psychological habits showed people rely on their routines and habits when they are stressed . That helps them get through difficult times , suggesting that establishing healthy routines could help with physical , emotional and mental health during difficult times like these. ”
Sleep well
According to the National Sleep Foundation in the US , adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night , even as research has shown that the amount and quality of sleep people get has a significant impact on their mental health .
The NSF said the amount of sleep kids needed varied by age. While newborns naturally sleep for between 14 and 17 hours every day , older children need between 11 and 13 hours of sleep time . Teens are advised to get eight to 10 hours of sleep daily .
According to a Lagos – based psychologist , Dr Bola Hammed , people who suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are at an increased risk of insomnia , which could be avoided by sleeping well .
“ In these times when there are palpable fear and anxiety , sleep is of utmost importance , ” Hammed said .
Eat healthy
During these stressful times , Lohmann said it was important for people to watch what they eat .
“ That’ s because what you put into your body will affect how you think and feel . Research has long documented the positive impact nutrition has on mood and that eating well is associated with lower levels of anxiety and stress , ” she said .
Lohmann added that research demonstrated the benefits of eating unprocessed food and having a diet that ’ s rich in vegetables, fruits, unprocessed grains, with fish and only modest amounts of lean meats and dairy.
“ Studies suggest that those who eat this way have lower depression rates of between 25 and 35 per cent than those who consume processed foods, lots of red meat and high intake of unhealthy fats and carbs. The saying ‘ you are what you eat ’ applies as much to mental health as it does to your physical health , ” she said .
Exercise and entertain yourself
A psychologist at the Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Centre in New York , US , Dr Robert Leahy , said rather than thinking of isolation as being in ‘ prison’ , people could see it as having more free time .
“ Try to find moments of happiness in this freedom . Make a list of activities you can engage in . You can still go outside to exercise , or go online to find an exercise or yoga video .
“ Read the books and watch the movies you ’ ve been meaning to . Get around to the chores you ’ ve put off, like cleaning your closets . Get creative about cooking. Maybe you ’ ve been ordering takeout for a while and forgot you have a kitchen , ” he wrote on the New York Presbyterian magazine .
Socialise with family and friends
Yes , you still need to socialise while practising social distancing . Socialising in this regard means you can still talk to your family , friends , colleagues and neighbours via the phone or social media .
According to a psychologist at a private hospital in Ikeja , Lagos , Mrs Funmi Adegoke , lockdown doesn ’ t mean people shouldn ’ t interact with themselves .
She said , “ Everyone can still reach their loved ones thanks to phones and the Internet . Mobile data is getting affordable, so anyone can chat or even send a message to their loved ones . Making video calls is also simple. Contacting one another is one way we can all pull through these difficult times .
“ And if anyone has a loved one who is down with COVID- 19 and they are in the hospital , we can’ t visit them but we can always reach them on the phone to show how much we care .
“ Communication is key and we need it now more than often before . We should keep connected with one another every day . This act can strengthen a lot of people emotionally and will prevent them from getting depressed. ”
The Federal Government granted Nigerian students free subscription to e-learning through some selected sites in partnership with some major networks in the country.
Mr Emeka Nwajiuba, Minister of State for Education, made this known during the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 daily press briefing in Abuja.
He said the federal government granted free subscription to students during the lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that some selected sites could now be accessed by the student for free lectures.
According to him, Airtel users can browse the site for free while MTN and Glo are still adjusting their technical system for their subscribers to access the free site, adding that both Radio and Television stations could also be accessed for the lecture.
He said the online classes were conducted like the offline, adding that the classes could be taken in real time if the students were online and they could also get the lectures after the classes were over and such student was not online at such time.
He said what the ministry was doing was to synchronise them in order to meet the yearnings of the students during the lockdown period occasioned by COVID-19.
Also, the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Mr Festus Kenyamo said the health workers that were recently relieved of their appointment would have to engage the ministry for a possible way out of the impasse.
He said that though the ministry did not have the details of what led to the disengagement of their appointment but “our duty is to act as conciliator, stressing that since the courts were not sitting, the ministry will not sit akimbo.
” The disengaged health workers can get across to the ministry through the email of my personal address on social media for the ministry to act as conciliator,” he said.
He stated that the ministry knew the importance of health workers at this time of COVID-19 pandemic and so, privilege of mediating in the logjam would be provided to the health workers to resolve the disagreement.
The Oyo State Government has indicated that it might return the 1 , 800 bags of rice donated to the state by the Federal Government as COVID- 19 palliative on the grounds that the rice had been infested with weevils.
The state government took delivery of the three trailer loads of rice through the Nigeria Customs Service .
The Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness , Dr Debo Akande, explained that the 1 , 800 bags of rice from the Federal Government had spoilt .
Akande said , “ We received these items from the Federal Government via the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs , Disaster Management and Social Development and we brought them to the warehouse . It was in the process of further inspection that we discovered that the rice had been infested with weevils.
“ On that basis, we formed a committee to re- inspect it so we can be sure of what we have received .
“ We don ’ t want to create another problem while providing solution to another one . We have inspected it; we have done random selection and we have seen that similar things apply across the board.
“ We have agreed to return them to the source but if there are good ones with good quality that could be sent to us as replacement, we will be glad to receive them. ”
Akande promised that the situation would not in anyway delay the planned distribution of palliatives by the state government .
He added , “ We all know that a good number of food items have been received by the Food Security Committee of the Task Force and they would be distributed in the next couple of days . We have in place a robust system for distribution and that we have finalised on it . ”
The Dutch football federation called an end to the 2019-20 season , as the Eredivisie became the first top European league called off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
No team will be declared champions after Ajax and AZ Alkmaar were left level on points at the top of the table.
A KNVB statement read: “Unfortunately, with the cabinet’s most recent corona measures, it has become impossible to complete the 2019/2020 season of professional football competitions in time – it will be crystal clear to everyone involved, from supporters and players to directors and referees, that public health always comes first.
“The professional football board, after consulting clubs, players and coaches, and with the approval of the Supervisory Board, has decided to stop the 2019/20 competition and to allow the allocation of European club football seats based on the current league table.
“This is in accordance with UEFA guidelines. In relation to promotion and demotion, it has been decided not to promote and not to be demoted.”
The Federal Government said that wearing of face mask in markets across the country would become compulsory.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Richard Adeniyi Adebayo who disclosed this in Abuja at the weekly engagement with the Emergency Operation Centre of the Committee On Sustainable Production/Delivery of Essential Commodities during COVID-19, said: “I need to stress that, while there is an undeniable need for markets to be opened on some days for people to restock on household supplies, it is most important for the set protocol to be complied with during the process.
‘’The use of face masks and hand sanitisers on market days are non-negotiable to limit the spread of the virus until the scourge blows over.”
Adebayo also used the forum to call on security operatives to allow farmers access their farms for necessary farm activities, such as fertilizing and harvest in order to ensure food sufficiency during COVID-19 and beyond.
‘’The farmers must wear their face masks as well as observe other preventive measures before they are let through.
“ The synergy between our law enforcement agencies, our essential goods manufacturers and the producers and the Ministry, has allowed us to be able to meet critical demands at this time.’’
Barely two days to the end of the second round of a 14-day shutdown of the nation’s capital, Abuja as well as Lagos and Ogun states, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control NCDC has hinted at the likelihood of the extension of the current lockdown, saying Nigeria has not gotten to the point where its containment protocols could be relaxed.
This was even as the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC warned the federal government against deploying the Contributory Pension Fund as Palliatives in the fight against the Novel Coronavirus.
On its part, the Federal Government which promised not to touch the pension fund announced that Nigeria’s insurance industry has offered life insurance to 5, 000 health workers who are in the front line of the fight against Covid-19.
The government also asked farmers in the country to get set to return to the farm as the planting season begins, saying the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has put in place several farming incentives.
These were some of the disclosures yesterday in Abuja at the daily briefing of the Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19.
Lockdown continues
Speaking at the event, Director General of the NCDC, Dr Chikwe Iheakwazu said while relevant authorities are working hard to get to a point where the restriction measures can be eased, the country was yet to get to that point.
He said; “I will like to start by thanking everyone for their continued sacrifice on this journey and their continued cooperation with the lockdown as advised and instituted by Mr President and many other Governors across the country.
As we travelled around the country over the last four days, we could really see how difficult it has been and how hard Nigerians have been trying to do their best. We know it is a difficult journey but we also know that we will eventually exit this stage and we return to our normal lives, but that stage is still a while to come and I ask for your endurance, your support, your patience. A lot of efforts are going on across the world to find new therapies, to find vaccines and everybody is pushing very hard in this direction. So, we need to stay firm.
“Spreading the virus, we do when we go out. We are an outgoing society. We live and work outdoors. So, staying at home and thinking about every movement we make is very important especially when we feel the need to travel. I recognize how difficult these things are at the moment. Many families I know personally have not been able to bury their dead, they have rescheduled their marriages, baptisms and everything they are doing.
So, in a way, it feels like life has been suspended or we have suspended so many of the things that we hold dear. I am sure that as leaders, we recognise the sacrifices being made by all Nigerians but we have to encourage each other to continue. Continue until we get to the position where we can relax some of that, but to get to that place, we have to continue in the short term”, he added.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie came into her own in 2003 when she wrote the widely-successful Purple Hibiscus. The MacArthur Foundation Fellowship recipient has since gone on to write Half of a Yellow Sun (that has since been adopted into a movie), Americanah, Dear Ijeawele or A Feminist Manifesto In Fifteen Manifesto, and The Thing Around Your Neck. The highly-acclaimed Nigerian author has many other achievements including her TED Talks on The Danger of A Single Story and We Should All Be Feminists. Described in The Times Literary Supplement as the most prominent of a procession of critically acclaimed young anglophone authors (who) is succeeding in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature, her works range from novels to short stories to nonfiction. Chiemelie Ezeobi, who recently sat down with the THISDAY Newspaper Woman of the Decade writes that issues surrounding feminism, sexism, training the male child, and the pressure in writing were laid bare on the table
Does your success in any way put pressure on you?
Not really, I have a lot of pressure but it is on myself, I have always been like that. In primary school if I got 97 per cent, I was upset because I wanted to get a 100. As a writer, I do a lot of editing. My editing for Half of a Yellow Sun in particular, I wasn’t ready to let go, I wanted it to be perfect. I kept editing and at some point, my editor said to me Chimamanda this is it, you’re done. You have been done with this book for six months, you’re done. I think it is because there is a part of me that knows that there is no such thing as perfection, but I am still always looking for it.
Americanah’s adaptation into a television program is already in the works, what contribution did you make in them?
No, very much because the way it works is that you don’t really have much of a say. What I did was that I had a choice in who I sell rights to, and who I gave the rights to.
So much attention is focused on the girl-child and nothing is done about the male child. Are you in any way going to do that?
I really want to talk to boys more, I really do, because I think it can not just be girls we have to talk about boys too. Because it’s the same boys that will grow and meet up the girls. And also gender benefits boys and men yes, because the expectations for boys and men are also difficult.
From the time they are two years old, they are told you can not cry, you have to be strong, you have to provide. It is not easy so I think it is important for us to change that, to start to tell people who are raising boys, apart from mothers; let them cry, they don’t always have to provide, if he doesn’t want to do a manly thing leave him alone.
Because it is what you teach the child that the child grows up with, and I really think that many boys were not taught, they don’t know how to communicate, nobody told them how to, so they get married and the women are like he doesn’t tell me he loves me. The man is like but erhm, I bought rice, the woman is like it is not rice I want. Nobody told him from the time he was five years old , he doesn’t know how to do it. So I’m interested really in talking to boys more and more, because I’m used to talking to girls.
On social media, anytime the issue of feminism comes up, you always trend, whether you are involved or not. Can you break down for people that don’t understand, what does feminism actually mean, because there is a twisted knowledge of what feminism actually means Feminism in a very simple definition is the belief that women and men should have equal opportunity in every sphere of life. But really, the reason that it is misunderstood is that it always depends on the context. I think there are some people who don’t want women to be equal, that’s for sure. There are people who do, but don’t understand feminism.
But does that bother you?
Yeah, it bothers me because I want to change their mind and I want to go and convince them. Which is why I’m always open to having a conversation. I like to have a good argument as long as the argument is in good faith and respectful. Because I think sometimes people don’t know somethings. What I say to people is to think about it in terms of justice. We are black people, we know that, maybe not in Nigeria, but in other countries, black people experience racism.
When a black man says I experienced racism, I know he doesn’t want somebody to tell him, go and sit down you don’t know what you’re talking about, there is no racism. So I think, when women still experience sexism we should also listen to them, I think women are often not listened to. Nobody wants to Lord it over anybody, I don’t believe, for example that women are somewhat angels, they are not. Women are just normal, women can do good and do bad, men can do good and do bad.
My point is, we should not say, because you’re a woman you cannot be governor, because you are a woman you cannot continue working if you marry, because you’re a woman you must know how to cook. I say this all the time, the knowledge of cooking doesn’t come from the vagina, everybody learns it and anybody can learn it. There are some women who got married, very intelligent, very industrious, but their husbands says you cannot work. They stay at home, they are unhappy, frustrated, they could have brought in earnings but they are not bringing in.
What are we losing as a society and as a country when we hold these women back, the women who might have run for political office. How do we know that Nigeria would not be better if they had run? So for me, it’s a question of giving everybody equal opportunity, don’t hold people back based on the gender that they are. That’s what it is for me.
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