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unpaid salaries not coming in
14 Feature
School closure: Private school teachers groan under backlog of unpaid salaries
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KELECHI EWUZIE T he uncertainty over the actual date for school resumption in Nigeria, have thrown a good number of teachers in private schools across the country, particularly in Lagos State into lamentation mode.
Some who spoke with BDSUNDAY are lamenting over the economic crunch that has visited them over unpaid salaries, while confirming that they have not received their salaries since March.
They pointed out that not only do they have to battle with loads of pressing financial needs, some also said that although they are currently providing online lessons for their pupils, they only receive paltry sum of money as allowance.
A teacher in one of the private secondary schools in Lagos, who pleaded anonymity, decries the insensitivity of the federal and state governments to the plight of teachers and other workers, due to the continues closure of school which is forcing their employers not to pay salaries and other benefits.
The teacher, who also pointed out that aside from those in the teaching profession, school bus drivers, cleaners and other sundry workers are also lamenting and appealing to the managers of the economy to open schools, especially private ones, so that their proprietors can be able to generate funds to offset the owed salaries, in order to reduce the agony and hunger they have endured in the last three months.
Stakeholders observe that payment of salaries is one peculiar challenge that confronts private school proprietors especially with the continued closure of schools which is their main source of revenue generation.
With academic activities halted in the traditional brick and mortar space, many private school owners are wondering how to go about paying staff salaries, aside from taking care of other necessities.
A cross-section of teachers and, school owners told BDSUNDAY in a separate chat that with lack of vaccine or cure for the coronavirus, as well as government hesitation to re-open the educational institutions across all levels, indeed these are trying times for them.
Chijioke Amadi, a Biology teacher in one of the private secondary schools in Egbeda Lagos, told our correspondent that since Covid-19 forced the government to shut down brick and mortar academic activities in March, he had not received any form of salary from his employer.
Narrating his ordeal, Amadi
…Proprietors say ‘money not coming in’
who is also a father of three children, said with the increased pressure on family budgets owing to the lack of income, he was forced to make a private teaching arrangement for students preparing to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) where he gets money to sustain his family pending when the government decides to re-open schools.
He observes that the worsening economic situation has made it difficult for private school owners especially those with fewer students population to keep to pace with salary payment given that there are other needs contending with a meager fund that comes as income even before the advent of the coronavirus pandemic.
Amadi is not alone in this woes narration, as Tonile Wahab, a mathematics teacher with a private school in Lagos pointed out that purchasing power has dwindled consistently and spending every naira has come with serious deliberations and considerations within families.
Wahab opines that last three months has been challenging, adding that uncertainty over when school will resume had even made things tougher. According to him, “With no vaccine for Covid-19 yet and the unreliable state of government, nobody knows when the government will decide to reopen school and this is really frustrating”.
He said since the government took the issue of coronavirus pandemic serious and closed the schools, management of the school where he works asked all teachers, cleaners, school bus drivers to stay at home.
Commenting on how he has been surviving with no salary
in sight, Wahab notes that he is engaged in-home lessons for students for a fee as a way of survival.
According to him, “It has not been easy engaging students especially those whose parents are also struggling. Again, I also see going to students’ houses to teach them as part of the risk, especially with the fear of contracting COVID-19”. “With this private teaching especially those preparing for WASSCE, I received weekly pay from some of the parents that I teach their children, it is through this that I am able to earn money little by little to be able to feed my family,” he said.
Non-payment of staff salaries especially since the enforcement of school closure due to the outbreak of coronavirus is an aspect
of running a quality education that Segun Ayo, principal, New Covenant School, Lagos find frustrating.
Ayo told BDSUNDAY that things are equally difficult for him as a school owner, adding that there is no way he can force parents to pay school fees for their children and wards.
According to him, if the parents are not paying their children school fees which account for over 90 percent of income, it means the school is not generating revenue, meaning that it is almost impossible for them to pay salaries.
He opines that the reality on the ground is that the situation of things is going to be like this for a while before a solution to the COVID-19 is found. “Even if other things in the country go back to normal, parents may not pay up school fees on time.”
According to him, “Experience has always been that at resumption, parents do find it difficult to pay school fees until examination period, when the schools make it compulsory that “no fees, no examination.”
Another private school owner, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said she had been unable to pay salaries because of paucity of funds.
She complained that even before the outbreak of the coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown, many parents did not pay school fees.
According to her, even before the coronavirus outbreak, it has not been easy running the school. “At times we pay salaries from other family sources and that is how we have been running the school since inception. At times, some parents owe for two terms and when you send their children home, they take them to another school without paying you what they owe you.”
The foot-dragging by the government to provide detailed guidelines on when schools would reopen have also drawn the wrath of the association of private school owners.
They observed that the Federal Government apparent posture on continued closure of schools in the country without the necessary palliative to this strategic sub-sector is not only portraying the Federal Government as being insensitive but could also be taken to mean a lack of concern for the investors, staff and stakeholders in the private education sub -sector.
Yomi Otubela, president, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Nigeria (NAPPS) in a press statement states that Federal Government cannot continue to shut down schools without providing much needed palliatives to bail out private education sub-sector which seems to be on the brim of collapse due to the COVID -19 pandemic.
Otubela opines that with the arrival of the pandemic and the recognition of its virulence and mode of transmission, closure of all the educational institution was not only apt but sensible by any government worldwide and we are not denying that fact. According to him, “The Federal Government’s action of safeguarding the public health through the lockdown obviously was the right steps to curtail the spread of the virus. “But the same Federal Government needs to be reminded of impact the continue closure of schools could have on mental health of individuals who earn their living from this subsector and also private school investors whose multi- billion naira investments in the sub- sector are presently under threat of collapse”.
He further notes that the request for palliatives has become imperative given the strategic position of the sector which has not only been providing succor in meeting the educational needs of a significant number of the Nigerian learners but also employers of labour to a vast number of the Nigerian populace who work as teaching and non-teaching staff. “This is in addition to a lot of jobs indirectly provided through services rendered by school contractors, suppliers etc. Moreover, government can take a cue from the support system of some countries like Germany, to cushion the effect of this pandemic on both their citizens and businesses,” Otubela said.
15 Issue
Column Title: Social Conscience with ‘Nasa Is the world White and Male? The myriad of Social Injustices that pervade our societies I am a Nigerian mother (so I’m Black-African and Female) raising two daughters of the same profile. With these facts, I’m forced to confront the realities that face me in light of the recent racism and rape injustices in America and Nigeria respectively.
First is -I worry about the threat sexual atrocities that our system has failed to protect us from or effectively address. Deep-rooted patriarchal norms still stifle and preclude women from exploring and achieving their potentials because of their gender.
Second is - the stark realisation that I do not have access to a fair playing field of opportunities control over.
You would understand then, why my friend Temi, who is also a mother of two girls says to me “Should we leave the world – as it is apparently White and Male”. Her statement resonated strongly because even I was discombobulated knowing that in 2020, my deep-seated fear, anger of feeling marginalised in my own country because I’m female and therefore myself and my daughoutside my country because of my racial profile. So, it’s almost like a double whammy of unfairand sadness from watching Alex Haley’s Award-winning movie – Roots, in the early 90s, and other ters are susceptible to a myriad of ness owing to factors I have no such movies growing up, have
really not remained that– history movies. Then, hearing stories of young females being gang-raped in different parts of my country, made me question the kinds of humans being bred in today’s world.
To me, racism and rape have two common denominators– inequality and control. It must be a sense of superiority and entitlement that makes a person inflict pain over another without any sense of remorse. For me, such faulty mindsets are enabled from the family units and the system only precipitates it.
For instance, in Nigeria , all sorts of traditional belief systems have existed for decades and remain the basis by which children are raised while precipitating gender inequality in various homes. Such belief systems deepen the patriarchal norms that give the male child an unfounded sense of entitlement while subduing the girl-child. It is the sense of entitlement given to the male child that makes him think even as a man, it’s his right to have his way with a female against her will for all sorts of excuses ranging from being his wife, a sex-worker, a friend etcetera.
Conversely, a child born in America to parents who have always believed that their skincolor affords them access to better opportunities, will only pass on the same beliefs to their children.
What is sad is that, in both situations (Nigeria and America), the institutions that are meant to protect all individuals irrespective of race and gender have failed to do so. It has thus become a hydraheaded issue that requires a collective effort to address sustainably, starting from the family unit.
If parents would evolve and do away with traditional beliefs and employ a balanced and objective approach to raising children, teaching them empathy and that respect or anything else is to be earned and not demanded, the world would be a lot better for it.
More now than ever, it is clear that the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Reduced Inequalities, Gender Equality, Peace & Justice Strong Institutions are all critical for the true development of our societies.
I’ll end with this reminder from one of the most transformational leaders of our times- “As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest,” Nelson Mandela.
Author: Chinasa Ken-Ugwuh Email Address: chinasacolins@ yahoo.co.uk Follow on Instagram: @with_nasa
COVID-19: e-Commerce offers opportunities for businesses to thrive and explore new territories
SEYI JOHN SALAU S ince the announcement of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 has no doubt impacted a combination of health, economic, financial, supply and logistics, human resource and operational challenges on virtually all aspects of our life, especially businesses.
Businesses in Nigeria, however, must begin to rise and tap into the new opportunities and potentials that COVID-19 presents, especially amidst the resolve by the government to allow more sectors to return to business by easing the lockdown.
As the world settles down into the new normal that the pandemic has foisted on humanity, implementing a recovery and business continuity plan/ strategy is most paramount for businesses to stay afloat.
Therefore, as government continues to reel out measures on easing the lockdown; the need to encourage personal responsibility and enforce compliance of citizens with physical and social distancing protocol that has become part of the new world order, is therefore, an imperative for businesses to begin to think and act smart.
In China and elsewhere, businesses have started adjusting to the new reality by rethinking and repositioning their operations and catering to the new needs of consumers.
By taking time to understand the new market realities, smart businesses are now making COVID-19 the main propeller for new growth and activating dormant potentials especially by moving from the traditional brick and mortal ecosystem to the online space, powered by the eCommerce ecosystem.
Nigeria cannot be an exception as COVID-19 has come with lots of opportunities and potentials for businesses – micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and large corporations, to rebound into profitability.
Much more, for those that can transition from brick and mortar businesses to online by leveraging
e-Commerce backbone provided by viable platforms like Jumia, the sky would be the starting point of rebound and returning to profitability.
Examples of the sectors that businesses can tap into include agriculture of which food is a major segment; healthcare, education and services such as hygiene and sanitation, fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs), sports and gaming, entertainment, IT/ technology and electronics/ electrical appliances. For government business continuity, egovernance is a new opportunity to leverage.
Food is man’s number one existential need and agriculture is the domain of food production and food security. During lockdown, Jumia logistics bridged the supply and logistics challenges that hampered people from ac- cessing agricultural produce especially groceries due to the poor enforcement of inter-state and inter-boundary movement bans.
In spite of the fact that coronavirus has disrupted farming activities this year, surge in demand for food such as fresh groceries, meat and poultry products remains a major trend. In order for consumers to get constant supply of these essentials, it means more storage facilities are needed.
Due to poor power supply in Nigeria , many families, for example, are unable to stock perishable groceries for a longer period. MSMEs can therefore take advantage of this need and invest with e-Commerce operator like Jumia marketplace and logistics serving as the pivot for them.
As more people work remotely from home, demand for essentials including food, water, cooking ingredients, toiletries and appliances will continue to increase. Hence, there is opportunity for FMCGs manufacturers on the Jumia marketplace to push their inventories and put their products in the hands of millions of consumers.
Demand for healthcare and technology-driven products and services will continue to rise, and this also opens a new vista for businesses. Pharmaceuticals, supplements, medical devices, personal protective equipment (PPE), telemedicine, smart hospitals, online consultations, digital medical assistants, apps and miniapps and self-diagnosing medical devices are all opportunities to extend business frontiers.
“Small businesses can also key-in to Jumia Contactless Delivery to provide contact-less systems and enhance delivery of services to their customers. For non-essential goods; as more people are encouraged to work from home, they are likely to do more home chores such as washing of dishes and laundry, make orders and pay online on JumiaPay for electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing and sterilisation machines,” said Juliet Anammah, chairwoman, Jumia Nigeria and group head, Institutional Affairs at Jumia Africa.
According to her, Jumia agents in protective kits can deliver the appliances to them at home under strict no-physical contact protocol.
Similarly, as businesses reduce the number of employees that can converge in line with social distancing rules, there are cost reduction opportunities that organisations can benefit from. They can cut down on office rent or redesign office space and let out a part, build remote work systems, leverage software platforms like Zoom and cloud-based solutions for internal and client meetings.
Businesses can also reduce cost of operations with apps for accounting and HR as well as digital solutions that can minimise paperwork, physical contact and promote the growth of an infinite number of contactless environments.
IT’S A NO TO RAPE AND NO MEANS NO! IT’S A NO TO RAPE AND NO MEANS NO!
in details as a child could and it was such a horrible thing to watch and hear. I will spare you the gory details that followed. Furthermore, with uttermost disgust, I watched Babatunde Adeyeye, the final year student of LASU ‘passionately’ kissing a minor We aren’t happy it took that long but like I said, no matter how long the truth seems buried, it will one day see the light of day. According to Section 31 (3) (a) of the Child’s Rights Act 2003, the age of consent is 18. It states that “Where a person is charged with an offence in details as a child could and it was such a horrible thing to watch and hear. I will spare you the gory details that followed. Furthermore, with uttermost disgust, I watched Babatunde Adeyeye, the final year student of LASU ‘passionately’ kissing a minor who happens to be his ‘younger sister’. Watching him make a video We aren’t happy it took that long but like I said, no matter how long the truth seems buried, it will one day see the light of day. According to Section 31 (3) (a) of the Child’s Rights Act 2003, the age of consent is 18. It states that “Where a person is charged with an offence (of unlawful sexual relations with a child) under this section (31 of the who happens to be his ‘younger (of unlawful sexual relations with a of ‘apology’ saying he never knew same act), it is immaterial that the sister’. Watching him make a video of ‘apology’ saying he never knew it would go viral, and promising he would never do it again was indeed sore to the eyes. I am wondering what else is going on that we do not know. If the video didn’t go viral, would he be ‘remorseful?’ what else has he done that we do not know? How far has he gone that we cannot tell? Also, The Kogi state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulmumuni Danga was accused of assaulting and raping Elizabeth Oyeniyi. She made the horrid reveal saying Danga assaulted her over a Facebook post child) under this section (31 of the same act), it is immaterial that the offender believed the person to be of or above the age of eighteen years.” There have been some reports that it is 11 years but before you debunk it as fake and untrue, how do you explain the raping of children going on back-to-back in recent times? So the Acts says 18 on paper, my question is, in reality, in the Nigeria that you and I live in, is it the case? Isn’t it far from a lie and surely the truth? In section 7 of the Sexual Offences Bill, having sexual intercourse with anyone between the ages of 0 to 18 it would go viral, and promising he would never do it again was indeed sore to the eyes. I am wondering what else is going on that we do not know. If the video didn’t go viral, would he be ‘remorseful?’ what else has he done that we do not know? How far has he gone that we cannot tell? Also, The Kogi state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulmumuni Danga was accused of assaulting and raping Elizabeth Oyeniyi. She made the horrid reveal saying Danga assaulted her over a Facebook post she made about him on her page offender believed the person to be of or above the age of eighteen years.” There have been some reports that it is 11 years but before you debunk it as fake and untrue, how do you explain the raping of children going on back-to-back in recent times? So the Acts says 18 on paper, my question is, in reality, in the Nigeria that you and I live in, is it the case? Isn’t it far from a lie and surely the truth? In section 7 of the Sexual Offences Bill, having sexual intercourse with anyone between the ages of 0 to 18 is punishable by life imprisonment. she made about him on her page is punishable by life imprisonment. on the 29th of March. What was her So, let’s agree that the legal age to on the 29th of March. What was her So, let’s agree that the legal age to offence? She alleged she published have consensual sex is 18, let’s talk offence? She alleged she published have consensual sex is 18, let’s talk a post requesting the Commissioner about consent. Even if the person is a post requesting the Commissioner about consent. Even if the person is to be generous to his immediate 18 and above, and she says “No” it to be generous to his immediate 18 and above, and she says “No” it family, same way he does with the must be respected. When a person family, same way he does with the must be respected. When a person public. Elizabeth said this triggered says “No” and you go ahead, it is public. Elizabeth said this triggered says “No” and you go ahead, it is the Commissioner who she alleged rape. Do you even know that if a KEMI AJUMOBI I t’s becoming ‘regular’ in recent times. Back to back, the news of rape floods our timelines on social media and in the dailies. How did we get here? We are battling a pandemic called COVID-19; we are not even done with it…and this? How do you move from a killer virus to rape? It’s like someone having a cut on his finger and you are preparing the person for chemotherapy…what is the connection? COVID-19, and next is rape? How is rape a lesson learnt from the ongoing pandemic? How do some barbarous individuals in this nation, after spending weeks at home (for our own safety), suddenly begin to think rape is the next thing on the agenda? Even if there are states where COVID-19 hasn’t been detected, when something happens in a state, because the expected reaction is that, as a family in the same nation, you should be bothered about what your fellow ‘family’ members are going through in other states. This is so painful to write about, nevertheless, I must. Let me take you through the unpalatable platter of rape cases I have heard and seen in recent times (only because it was made open), making me daily wonder why it is hard for some people to understand that being a girl/woman is a blessing and not a ‘project’ for misuse by some ill-informed individuals. Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, the 100 level student of University of Benin, was raped and murdered when she went to church to read. How do you perpetuate such appalling act and seal it up with the gruesome killing by smashing a fire extinguisher on her head? The sight of the cut and her lifeless body with blood stains all around, is not one to be forgotten in a jiffy. I am still wondering the audacity to perpetuate such ferocious acts in a ‘sanctuary’…The effrontery is baffling! Then, another shocking tale, the rape of Jennifer, the young girl, by 11 men. How 11 grown men felt it was okay to have sex with a minor is inexplicable. What is it about a child that is sexually beguiling? How do the words ‘child’ and ‘sex’ even dare sit on the same sentence? It is in the news that the pedophiles have been arrested but how many more are out there? When will they be apprehended? Watching Bello Barakat’s mother narrating the ordeal that led to her daughter’s death cannot be properly expressed in words. When she said “How can you as a mother be alive to bury your child?” my heart ached. Barakat was a student of IAR&T, Oluyole, Ibadan. Her home was attacked by armed robbers. Report has it that she resisted the rape and was stabbed to death. S t i l l i n I b a d a n , A d e j u m o k e Oluwaseun’s video that I watched EDITOR Kemi Ajumobi Email: kemi@businessdayonline.com TEAM: Desmond Okon Osaromena Ogbeide Designed by Aderemi Ayeni KEMI AJUMOBI I t’s becoming ‘regular’ in recent times. Back to back, the news of rape floods our timelines on social media and in the dailies. How did we get here? We are battling a pandemic called COVID-19; we are not even done with it…and this? How do you move from a killer virus to rape? It’s like someone having a cut on his finger and you are preparing the person for chemotherapy…what is the connection? COVID-19, and next is rape? How is rape a lesson learnt from the ongoing pandemic? How do some barbarous individuals in this nation, after spending weeks at home (for our own safety), suddenly begin to think rape is the next thing on the agenda? Even if there are states where COVID-19 hasn’t been detected, when something happens in a state, because the expected reaction is that, as a family in the same nation, you should be bothered about what your fellow ‘family’ members are going through in other states. This is so painful to write about, nevertheless, I must. Let me take you through the unpalatable platter of rape cases I have heard and seen in recent times (only because it was made open), making me daily wonder why it is hard for some people to understand that being a girl/woman is a blessing and not a ‘project’ for misuse by some ill-informed individuals. Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, the 100 level student of University of Benin, was raped and murdered when she went to church to read. How do you perpetuate such appalling act and seal it up with the gruesome killing by smashing a fire extinguisher on her head? The sight of the cut and her lifeless body with blood stains all around, is not one to be forgotten in a jiffy. I am still wondering the audacity to perpetuate such ferocious acts in a ‘sanctuary’…The effrontery is baffling! Then, another shocking tale, the rape of Jennifer, the young girl, by 11 men. How 11 grown men felt it was okay to have sex with a minor is inexplicable. What is it about a child that is sexually beguiling? How do the words ‘child’ and ‘sex’ even dare sit on the same sentence? It is in the news that the pedophiles have been arrested but how many more are out there? When will they be apprehended? Watching Bello Barakat’s mother narrating the ordeal that led to her daughter’s death cannot be properly expressed in words. When she said “How can you as a mother be alive to bury your child?” my heart ached. Barakat was a student of IAR&T, Oluyole, Ibadan. Her home was attacked by armed robbers. Report has it that she resisted the rape and was stabbed to death. S t i l l i n I b a d a n , A d e j u m o k e Oluwaseun’s video that I watched EDITOR Kemi Ajumobi Email: kemi@businessdayonline.com TEAM: Desmond Okon Osaromena Ogbeide Designed by Aderemi Ayeni was certainly another heart breaker. The man she married (after she lost her husband to the cold hands of death), who brought her to Ibadan, was sleeping with her 9 year old child. Now wait for the shocker. He had been sleeping with the child right from when the child was 6. Frustrated by the situation, Jumoke decided to speak up. Though late, but glad she found her voice. Jumoke confronted him about it. His nonchalant and contemptible attitude towards Jumoke and her child is aggrieving and inhumane. He sent them out of the house, but I am convinced that help will come her way soon and justice will be served to the reprehensible perpetuator. That is not all. I was in pain listening to this 4 year old girl, sitting on her mother’s laps, slowly and painfully narrating what her teacher did to her as press men and women asked her to share her story. “He wide my legs, he covered my mouth and asked me to shut up…he will put me on his laps…it’s uncle…his name is Elias Oyeke…I am in nursery 1” She spoke slowly and in fear, her description was heart wrenching, but she tried her best to say what her strength could permit, and each time she struggled to say a word, I felt pain all over me…” Her mother, Ayele Esther, stated that every time she went to school to pick her up, her daughter was the last in class and she would be sweating. She said she began to suspect something was wrong because she was often a fast writer at home. When she took her home, she observed that her vagina was ruthlessly bruised. After persuasion, the little girl opened up and told her that every time she was dropped in school, Elias would take her to the back of the school when the others were playing, and would take advantage of her, she narrated was certainly another heart breaker. The man she married (after she lost her husband to the cold hands of death), who brought her to Ibadan, was sleeping with her 9 year old child. Now wait for the shocker. He had been sleeping with the child right from when the child was 6. Frustrated by the situation, Jumoke decided to speak up. Though late, but glad she found her voice. Jumoke confronted him about it. His nonchalant and contemptible attitude towards Jumoke and her child is aggrieving and inhumane. He sent them out of the house, but I am convinced that help will come her way soon and justice will be served to the reprehensible perpetuator. That is not all. I was in pain listening to this 4 year old girl, sitting on her mother’s laps, slowly and painfully narrating what her teacher did to her as press men and women asked her to share her story. “He wide my legs, he covered my mouth and asked me to shut up…he will put me on his laps…it’s uncle…his name is Elias Oyeke…I am in nursery 1” She spoke slowly and in fear, her description was heart wrenching, but she tried her best to say what her strength could permit, and each time she struggled to say a word, I felt pain all over me…” Her mother, Ayele Esther, stated that every time she went to school to pick her up, her daughter was the last in class and she would be sweating. She said she began to suspect something was wrong because she was often a fast writer at home. When she took her home, she observed that her vagina was ruthlessly bruised. After persuasion, the little girl opened up and told her that every time she was dropped in school, Elias would take her to the back of the school when the others were playing, and would take advantage of her, she narrated the Commissioner who she alleged organized some men to take her to his residence where he scourged her and later raped her. He is reported to be in police custody. The occurrences are endless. I mentioned these ones to give you an idea of what is going on, of how rape cases are escalating by the day in Nigeria and how we cannot afford to be silent. Similarly, have you observed the pattern in recent times? Victims are beginning to speak up and in some of those cases, expected actions against the evil perpetuators are being taken. Sadly, only those who have gone through it and are alive, and found courage to do so can truly speak up. Many are not alive to tell their story or share their side of the narrative. One other thing happening is that, past rape occurrences are currently coming up again. The abused is finding her voice and making it known with proof. They are telling their stories and the populace is helping them shed awareness on their plight in the hands of the evil perpetuators. Cases that seemed forgotten because the abuser is ‘connected’ are coming up again. It tells me that no matter how long you attempt to hide the truth, it cannot stay in the dark for long. One day, it will burst out and consequences of taking advantage of the vulnerable will be reaped. Speaking of consequences, a man has recently been sentenced to death in Kaduna for murder. He raped a 2 year old girl to death. He was sentenced by Justice Kabir Dabo of the Kaduna State High court sitting in Dogarawa Sabon Gari in Zaria. The pedophile admitted he rapped the child for 40 minutes which led to her death. Worthy of mention is that this happened in 2015 but justice, though delayed, gave way in 2020. rape. Do you even know that if a married woman isn’t in the mood to have sex with her husband and he insists, and ends up having his way, it is rape? Do you know that even if two consenting adults agree to have sex and one party says “stop” somewhere along the line, and the person continues, it is rape? Consent means permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. Meaning, if one party isn’t in agreement at whatever stage they are in the ‘activity’, once she says “STOP”, it is what it is: STOP! We are ‘dealing’ with 18 right? We have agreed that ‘officially’, in Nigeria, the consenting age is from 18 right? Good! But do you know that one in four girls are sexually violated before 18? Do you know that 31.4 percent of girls who had their first ever sexual encounter was through rape? Do you know that 6 out of 10 children in Nigeria experience sexual, emotional or physical abuse before 18? So, to get rid of this horrendous behavior, the sexual offence bill must be enforced, State laws must be reviewed because some of these men hide under it to commit their atrocities. I was happy learning that finger prints on the fire extinguisher used on Vera helped give away the culprits, I am however hoping that such measure will be prominent in investigations in Nigeria because I haven’t heard that in a long while. This had made perpetuators walk free but again like I said earlier; it is no longer going to be the norm. Recently, the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad pushed for tauter consequences for rape in Nigeria which he believes will deter perpetuators. I conclude with a quote from him “We have to save our future, and these girls and women are the future of this nation” organized some men to take her to his residence where he scourged her and later raped her. He is reported to be in police custody. The occurrences are endless. I mentioned these ones to give you an idea of what is going on, of how rape cases are escalating by the day in Nigeria and how we cannot afford to be silent. Similarly, have you observed the pattern in recent times? Victims are beginning to speak up and in some of those cases, expected actions against the evil perpetuators are being taken. Sadly, only those who have gone through it and are alive, and found courage to do so can truly speak up. Many are not alive to tell their story or share their side of the narrative. One other thing happening is that, past rape occurrences are currently coming up again. The abused is finding her voice and making it known with proof. They are telling their stories and the populace is helping them shed awareness on their plight in the hands of the evil perpetuators. Cases that seemed forgotten because the abuser is ‘connected’ are coming up again. It tells me that no matter how long you attempt to hide the truth, it cannot stay in the dark for long. One day, it will burst out and consequences of taking advantage of the vulnerable will be reaped. Speaking of consequences, a man has recently been sentenced to death in Kaduna for murder. He raped a 2 year old girl to death. He was sentenced by Justice Kabir Dabo of the Kaduna State High court sitting in Dogarawa Sabon Gari in Zaria. The pedophile admitted he rapped the child for 40 minutes which led to her death. Worthy of mention is that this happened in 2015 but justice, though delayed, gave way in 2020. married woman isn’t in the mood to have sex with her husband and he insists, and ends up having his way, it is rape? Do you know that even if two consenting adults agree to have sex and one party says “stop” somewhere along the line, and the person continues, it is rape? Consent means permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. Meaning, if one party isn’t in agreement at whatever stage they are in the ‘activity’, once she says “STOP”, it is what it is: STOP! We are ‘dealing’ with 18 right? We have agreed that ‘officially’, in Nigeria, the consenting age is from 18 right? Good! But do you know that one in four girls are sexually violated before 18? Do you know that 31.4 percent of girls who had their first ever sexual encounter was through rape? Do you know that 6 out of 10 children in Nigeria experience sexual, emotional or physical abuse before 18? So, to get rid of this horrendous behavior, the sexual offence bill must be enforced, State laws must be reviewed because some of these men hide under it to commit their atrocities. I was happy learning that finger prints on the fire extinguisher used on Vera helped give away the culprits, I am however hoping that such measure will be prominent in investigations in Nigeria because I haven’t heard that in a long while. This had made perpetuators walk free but again like I said earlier; it is no longer going to be the norm. Recently, the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad pushed for tauter consequences for rape in Nigeria which he believes will deter perpetuators. I conclude with a quote from him “We have to save our future, and these girls and women are the future of this nation”
Sunday 7 June 2020 Sunday 07 June, 2020 Sunday 7 June 2020 www.businessday.ng 17 BDSUNDAY www.facebook.com/businessdayng @Businessdayng @businessDayNG her life. Her husband came back from work and met her in her pull of blood. She had slit her wrist but sent a message to her husband before she did and it read “Since I will be no more, I hope your happiness will be full”. She had lost her pregnancy again and her husband wouldn’t stop abusing her emotionally. She was tired and thought to end life. No one knew she was going through all
her life. Her husband came back from work and met her in her pull of blood. She had slit her wrist but sent a message to her husband before she did and it read “Since I will be no more, I hope your happiness will be full”. She had lost her pregnancy again and her husband wouldn’t stop abusing her emotionally. She was tired and thought to end life. No one knew she was going through all she went through. Aside working in the bank, she was a Sunday school
she went through. Aside working in teacher and everyone always wanted the bank, she was a Sunday school to be in her class. teacher and everyone always wanted She was such a happy woman (so to be in her class. they thought) who other couples She was such a happy woman (so they thought) who other couples would make reference to. Her husband was the choir leader, so in the eyes of every one, a banker who is also a Sunday school teacher and a businessman doubling as a choirmaster was certainly the ‘right couple’. By the time her husband rushed to the scene, her pastor arrived at the same time. She had sent him a good-bye message and as he called to find out where her husband was, he was also on his way home, so they arrived few minutes apart. They had to force the door open and met her almost passing out. She was rushed to the hospital and thank God she survived. After she was discharged, they both began counseling and gradually he began to change. Three months down the
Behind the smile…
would make reference to. Her husband was the choir leader, so in the eyes of every one, a banker who is also a Sunday school teacher and a businessman doubling as a choirmaster was certainly the ‘right couple’. By the time her husband rushed to the scene, her pastor arrived at the same time. She had sent him a good-bye message and as he called to find out where her husband was, he was also on his way home, so they arrived few minutes apart. They had to force the door open and met her almost passing out. She was rushed to the hospital and thank God she survived. After she was discharged, they both began counseling and gradually he began to change. Three months down the line, she realized she was pregnant
Behind the smile…
line, she realized she was pregnant and when due, she had a bouncing
KEMI AJUMOBI and when due, she had a bouncing Her younger brother and sister were baby boy. KEMI AJUMOBI D orothy is the first born of the family of 3. She is that child that every parent prays for. Loving, respectful and God fearing. She studied Accounting and came out with a second class upper. She enjoyed her job and did well at it. She was such a breath of fresh air and everyone around her loved her. Her younger brother and sister were doing well in their own endeavor. They lost their parents in 3 years. First to pass on was her mother, after a battle with stroke and the third year, her father died too. She took responsibility for the family and ‘fortunately’ for her, since her siblings were abroad, she did not have much to worry about. No one knew she was having challenges in her marriage until the 7th year when she almost took baby boy. She would often share her story when opportuned to and often advise couples to truly honour their vows and ensure they seek help when needed because keeping such experience to yourself is indeed a recipe for disaster. Beyond her smile and efficiency at work and church, Dorothy hid her pain behind her smile…don’t hide yours, seek help. DESMOND OKON A Chinese woman, L i J i n g z h i h a s b e e n r e u n i t e d with her son who was abducted as a toddler 32 years ago at a Chinese hotel after he was tracked by authorities using facial recognition 1980s, according to the statement from Xi’an officials. Police tracked down Mao and later confirmed he was the abducted son of Li Jingzhi after a DNA test. Mao’s adoptive parents had renamed him Gu Ningning, and he grew up without any knowledge of his birth parents or that he had been abducted. D orothy is the first born of the family of 3. She is that child that every parent prays for. Loving, respectful and God fearing. She studied Accounting and came out with a second class upper. She enjoyed her job and did well at it. She was such a breath of fresh air and everyone around her loved her. doing well in their own endeavor. They lost their parents in 3 years. First to pass on was her mother, after a battle with stroke and the third year, her father died too. She took responsibility for the family and ‘fortunately’ for her, since her siblings were abroad, she did not have much to worry about. No one knew she was having challenges in her marriage until the 7th year when she almost took She would often share her story when opportuned to and often advise couples to truly honour their vows and ensure they seek help when needed because keeping such experience to yourself is indeed a recipe for disaster. Beyond her smile and efficiency at work and church, Dorothy hid her pain behind her smile…don’t hide yours, seek help. DESMOND OKON A Chinese woman, L i J i n g z h i h a s b e e n r e u n i t e d with her son who was abducted as a toddler 32 years ago at a Chinese hotel after he was tracked by authorities using facial recognition technology. 1980s, according to the statement from Xi’an officials. Police tracked down Mao and later confirmed he was the abducted son of Li Jingzhi after a DNA test. Mao’s adoptive parents had renamed him Gu Ningning, and he grew up without any knowledge of his birth parents or that he had been abducted. The Police used the “aged”, one of technology. The Police used the “aged”, one of Her son, Mao Yin was just two Mao’s childhood photos as a model BY CHEF EBUNOLUWA JAMES T h i s i s a n i c e a n d refreshing way to get the children eating their fruits all season long… yogurt can be added for children that aren’t lactose intolerant.
Making 6 popsicles MANGO MINT POPSICLES
Her son, Mao Yin was just two when he was snatched outside a hotel in Xi’an in central Shaanxi province in 1988 and sold to a childless couple in neighbouring Sichuan province who raised him as their own son, Xi’an’s public security bureau said in a statement. After the incident, Li launched a search for her son and did not give up until he was recently found by the authorities who acted on a tipoff that a person in a certain area of Sichuan had bought a child in the late 1980s. She told Chinese media (CCTV) that after he was taken, she quit Mao’s childhood photos as a model to scan the national database and found close matches, according to the state broadcaster CCTV. The now 34-year-old had a tearful reunion with his birth parents who had never given up the search for their missing boy. “I would like to thank the tens of thousands of people who helped us,” said Li Jingzhi. “This is the best gift I have ever got.” Child abduction and trafficking have been a problem in China for decades. Although there are no official records, data on Baby Come Back Home website states that there are 14, 893 posts looking BY CHEF EBUNOLUWA JAMES T h i s i s a n i c e a n d refreshing way to get the children eating their fruits all season long… yogurt can be added for children that aren’t lactose intolerant.
Making 6 popsicles MANGO MINT POPSICLES
when he was snatched outside a hotel in Xi’an in central Shaanxi province in 1988 and sold to a childless couple in neighbouring Sichuan province who raised him as their own son, Xi’an’s public security bureau said in a statement. After the incident, Li launched a search for her son and did not give up until he was recently found by the authorities who acted on a tipoff that a person in a certain area of Sichuan had bought a child in the late 1980s. She told Chinese media (CCTV) that after he was taken, she quit to scan the national database and found close matches, according to the state broadcaster CCTV. The now 34-year-old had a tearful reunion with his birth parents who had never given up the search for their missing boy. “I would like to thank the tens of thousands of people who helped us,” said Li Jingzhi. “This is the best gift I have ever got.” Child abduction and trafficking have been a problem in China for decades. Although there are no official records, data on Baby Come Back Home website states that there are 14, 893 posts looking
INGREDIENTS
• 2cups approx 4 big mangoes (cherry preferably) • C o c o n u t w a t e r o r f r e s h pineapples
INGREDIENTS
• 2cups approx 4 big mangoes (cherry preferably) • C o c o n u t w a t e r o r f r e s h pineapples her job and sent over 100,000 flyers to officials and appeared on several TV channels to appeal for his return. In 2007, she started volunteering with a group called “Baby Come for missing boys and 7, 411 looking for girls. It was estimated that 20, 000 children were being abducted each year in China in 2015. In 2009, the Chinese Ministry of Public her job and sent over 100,000 flyers to officials and appeared on several TV channels to appeal for his return. In 2007, she started volunteering with a group called “Baby Come for missing boys and 7, 411 looking for girls. It was estimated that 20, 000 children were being abducted each year in China in 2015. In 2009, the Chinese Ministry of Public • A handful of mint • A handful of mint Back Home”, to help other parents Security set up a DNA database Back Home”, to help other parents Security set up a DNA database • 6 popsicle molds PS: Add 2tbsp yogurt for a creamy • 6 popsicle molds PS: Add 2tbsp yogurt for a creamy look for their missing children. Over the past three decades, Li had followed 300 false leads which has since helped to find more than 6,000 missing children. Also in May 2016, the ministry look for their missing children. Over the past three decades, Li had followed 300 false leads which has since helped to find more than 6,000 missing children. Also in May 2016, the ministry rich textured pop. rich textured pop. to see if they were her missing son, and in the process helped launched a system called Reunion, which brought more than 4, 000 to see if they were her missing son, and in the process helped launched a system called Reunion, which brought more than 4, 000 reunite 29 missing people to their children back to their families by reunite 29 missing people to their children back to their families by
PREPARATION
1. Measure out all ingredients into a blender and blend till smooth 2. Fill up popsicle molds and freeze for 4-5 hours, preferably overnight. 3. To remove from mold, lower the bottom of the mold in warm water and release popsicle from mold. Enjoy frozen. families while her son remained in abducted. But in late April, police in Xi’an were tipped off that a man in Sichuan province had bought a child from Shaanxi in the late June 2019. “I don’t want him to leave me anymore. I won’t let him leave me anymore,” Li said as she held onto her son’s hand at the reunion event, organised by Xi’an police.
PREPARATION
1. Measure out all ingredients into a blender and blend till smooth 2. Fill up popsicle molds and freeze for 4-5 hours, preferably overnight. 3. To remove from mold, lower the bottom of the mold in warm water and release popsicle from mold. Enjoy frozen. families while her son remained in abducted. But in late April, police in Xi’an were tipped off that a man in Sichuan province had bought a child from Shaanxi in the late June 2019. “I don’t want him to leave me anymore. I won’t let him leave me anymore,” Li said as she held onto her son’s hand at the reunion event, organised by Xi’an police.
IT’S A NO TO RAPE AND NO MEANS NO! IT’S A NO TO RAPE AND NO MEANS NO!
in details as a child could and it was such a horrible thing to watch and hear. I will spare you the gory details that followed. Furthermore, with uttermost disgust, I watched Babatunde Adeyeye, the final year student of LASU ‘passionately’ kissing a minor We aren’t happy it took that long but like I said, no matter how long the truth seems buried, it will one day see the light of day. According to Section 31 (3) (a) of the Child’s Rights Act 2003, the age of consent is 18. It states that “Where a person is charged with an offence in details as a child could and it was such a horrible thing to watch and hear. I will spare you the gory details that followed. Furthermore, with uttermost disgust, I watched Babatunde Adeyeye, the final year student of LASU ‘passionately’ kissing a minor who happens to be his ‘younger sister’. Watching him make a video We aren’t happy it took that long but like I said, no matter how long the truth seems buried, it will one day see the light of day. According to Section 31 (3) (a) of the Child’s Rights Act 2003, the age of consent is 18. It states that “Where a person is charged with an offence (of unlawful sexual relations with a child) under this section (31 of the who happens to be his ‘younger (of unlawful sexual relations with a of ‘apology’ saying he never knew same act), it is immaterial that the sister’. Watching him make a video of ‘apology’ saying he never knew it would go viral, and promising he would never do it again was indeed sore to the eyes. I am wondering what else is going on that we do not know. If the video didn’t go viral, would he be ‘remorseful?’ what else has he done that we do not know? How far has he gone that we cannot tell? Also, The Kogi state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulmumuni Danga was accused of assaulting and raping Elizabeth Oyeniyi. She made the horrid reveal saying Danga assaulted her over a Facebook post child) under this section (31 of the same act), it is immaterial that the offender believed the person to be of or above the age of eighteen years.” There have been some reports that it is 11 years but before you debunk it as fake and untrue, how do you explain the raping of children going on back-to-back in recent times? So the Acts says 18 on paper, my question is, in reality, in the Nigeria that you and I live in, is it the case? Isn’t it far from a lie and surely the truth? In section 7 of the Sexual Offences Bill, having sexual intercourse with anyone between the ages of 0 to 18 it would go viral, and promising he would never do it again was indeed sore to the eyes. I am wondering what else is going on that we do not know. If the video didn’t go viral, would he be ‘remorseful?’ what else has he done that we do not know? How far has he gone that we cannot tell? Also, The Kogi state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulmumuni Danga was accused of assaulting and raping Elizabeth Oyeniyi. She made the horrid reveal saying Danga assaulted her over a Facebook post she made about him on her page offender believed the person to be of or above the age of eighteen years.” There have been some reports that it is 11 years but before you debunk it as fake and untrue, how do you explain the raping of children going on back-to-back in recent times? So the Acts says 18 on paper, my question is, in reality, in the Nigeria that you and I live in, is it the case? Isn’t it far from a lie and surely the truth? In section 7 of the Sexual Offences Bill, having sexual intercourse with anyone between the ages of 0 to 18 is punishable by life imprisonment. she made about him on her page is punishable by life imprisonment. on the 29th of March. What was her So, let’s agree that the legal age to on the 29th of March. What was her So, let’s agree that the legal age to offence? She alleged she published have consensual sex is 18, let’s talk offence? She alleged she published have consensual sex is 18, let’s talk a post requesting the Commissioner about consent. Even if the person is a post requesting the Commissioner about consent. Even if the person is to be generous to his immediate 18 and above, and she says “No” it to be generous to his immediate 18 and above, and she says “No” it family, same way he does with the must be respected. When a person family, same way he does with the must be respected. When a person public. Elizabeth said this triggered says “No” and you go ahead, it is public. Elizabeth said this triggered says “No” and you go ahead, it is the Commissioner who she alleged rape. Do you even know that if a KEMI AJUMOBI I t’s becoming ‘regular’ in recent times. Back to back, the news of rape floods our timelines on social media and in the dailies. How did we get here? We are battling a pandemic called COVID-19; we are not even done with it…and this? How do you move from a killer virus to rape? It’s like someone having a cut on his finger and you are preparing the person for chemotherapy…what is the connection? COVID-19, and next is rape? How is rape a lesson learnt from the ongoing pandemic? How do some barbarous individuals in this nation, after spending weeks at home (for our own safety), suddenly begin to think rape is the next thing on the agenda? Even if there are states where COVID-19 hasn’t been detected, when something happens in a state, because the expected reaction is that, as a family in the same nation, you should be bothered about what your fellow ‘family’ members are going through in other states. This is so painful to write about, nevertheless, I must. Let me take you through the unpalatable platter of rape cases I have heard and seen in recent times (only because it was made open), making me daily wonder why it is hard for some people to understand that being a girl/woman is a blessing and not a ‘project’ for misuse by some ill-informed individuals. Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, the 100 level student of University of Benin, was raped and murdered when she went to church to read. How do you perpetuate such appalling act and seal it up with the gruesome killing by smashing a fire extinguisher on her head? The sight of the cut and her lifeless body with blood stains all around, is not one to be forgotten in a jiffy. I am still wondering the audacity to perpetuate such ferocious acts in a ‘sanctuary’…The effrontery is baffling! Then, another shocking tale, the rape of Jennifer, the young girl, by 11 men. How 11 grown men felt it was okay to have sex with a minor is inexplicable. What is it about a child that is sexually beguiling? How do the words ‘child’ and ‘sex’ even dare sit on the same sentence? It is in the news that the pedophiles have been arrested but how many more are out there? When will they be apprehended? Watching Bello Barakat’s mother narrating the ordeal that led to her daughter’s death cannot be properly expressed in words. When she said “How can you as a mother be alive to bury your child?” my heart ached. Barakat was a student of IAR&T, Oluyole, Ibadan. Her home was attacked by armed robbers. Report has it that she resisted the rape and was stabbed to death. S t i l l i n I b a d a n , A d e j u m o k e Oluwaseun’s video that I watched EDITOR Kemi Ajumobi Email: kemi@businessdayonline.com TEAM: Desmond Okon Osaromena Ogbeide Designed by Aderemi Ayeni KEMI AJUMOBI I t’s becoming ‘regular’ in recent times. Back to back, the news of rape floods our timelines on social media and in the dailies. How did we get here? We are battling a pandemic called COVID-19; we are not even done with it…and this? How do you move from a killer virus to rape? It’s like someone having a cut on his finger and you are preparing the person for chemotherapy…what is the connection? COVID-19, and next is rape? How is rape a lesson learnt from the ongoing pandemic? How do some barbarous individuals in this nation, after spending weeks at home (for our own safety), suddenly begin to think rape is the next thing on the agenda? Even if there are states where COVID-19 hasn’t been detected, when something happens in a state, because the expected reaction is that, as a family in the same nation, you should be bothered about what your fellow ‘family’ members are going through in other states. This is so painful to write about, nevertheless, I must. Let me take you through the unpalatable platter of rape cases I have heard and seen in recent times (only because it was made open), making me daily wonder why it is hard for some people to understand that being a girl/woman is a blessing and not a ‘project’ for misuse by some ill-informed individuals. Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, the 100 level student of University of Benin, was raped and murdered when she went to church to read. How do you perpetuate such appalling act and seal it up with the gruesome killing by smashing a fire extinguisher on her head? The sight of the cut and her lifeless body with blood stains all around, is not one to be forgotten in a jiffy. I am still wondering the audacity to perpetuate such ferocious acts in a ‘sanctuary’…The effrontery is baffling! Then, another shocking tale, the rape of Jennifer, the young girl, by 11 men. How 11 grown men felt it was okay to have sex with a minor is inexplicable. What is it about a child that is sexually beguiling? How do the words ‘child’ and ‘sex’ even dare sit on the same sentence? It is in the news that the pedophiles have been arrested but how many more are out there? When will they be apprehended? Watching Bello Barakat’s mother narrating the ordeal that led to her daughter’s death cannot be properly expressed in words. When she said “How can you as a mother be alive to bury your child?” my heart ached. Barakat was a student of IAR&T, Oluyole, Ibadan. Her home was attacked by armed robbers. Report has it that she resisted the rape and was stabbed to death. S t i l l i n I b a d a n , A d e j u m o k e Oluwaseun’s video that I watched EDITOR Kemi Ajumobi Email: kemi@businessdayonline.com TEAM: Desmond Okon Osaromena Ogbeide Designed by Aderemi Ayeni was certainly another heart breaker. The man she married (after she lost her husband to the cold hands of death), who brought her to Ibadan, was sleeping with her 9 year old child. Now wait for the shocker. He had been sleeping with the child right from when the child was 6. Frustrated by the situation, Jumoke decided to speak up. Though late, but glad she found her voice. Jumoke confronted him about it. His nonchalant and contemptible attitude towards Jumoke and her child is aggrieving and inhumane. He sent them out of the house, but I am convinced that help will come her way soon and justice will be served to the reprehensible perpetuator. That is not all. I was in pain listening to this 4 year old girl, sitting on her mother’s laps, slowly and painfully narrating what her teacher did to her as press men and women asked her to share her story. “He wide my legs, he covered my mouth and asked me to shut up…he will put me on his laps…it’s uncle…his name is Elias Oyeke…I am in nursery 1” She spoke slowly and in fear, her description was heart wrenching, but she tried her best to say what her strength could permit, and each time she struggled to say a word, I felt pain all over me…” Her mother, Ayele Esther, stated that every time she went to school to pick her up, her daughter was the last in class and she would be sweating. She said she began to suspect something was wrong because she was often a fast writer at home. When she took her home, she observed that her vagina was ruthlessly bruised. After persuasion, the little girl opened up and told her that every time she was dropped in school, Elias would take her to the back of the school when the others were playing, and would take advantage of her, she narrated was certainly another heart breaker. The man she married (after she lost her husband to the cold hands of death), who brought her to Ibadan, was sleeping with her 9 year old child. Now wait for the shocker. He had been sleeping with the child right from when the child was 6. Frustrated by the situation, Jumoke decided to speak up. Though late, but glad she found her voice. Jumoke confronted him about it. His nonchalant and contemptible attitude towards Jumoke and her child is aggrieving and inhumane. He sent them out of the house, but I am convinced that help will come her way soon and justice will be served to the reprehensible perpetuator. That is not all. I was in pain listening to this 4 year old girl, sitting on her mother’s laps, slowly and painfully narrating what her teacher did to her as press men and women asked her to share her story. “He wide my legs, he covered my mouth and asked me to shut up…he will put me on his laps…it’s uncle…his name is Elias Oyeke…I am in nursery 1” She spoke slowly and in fear, her description was heart wrenching, but she tried her best to say what her strength could permit, and each time she struggled to say a word, I felt pain all over me…” Her mother, Ayele Esther, stated that every time she went to school to pick her up, her daughter was the last in class and she would be sweating. She said she began to suspect something was wrong because she was often a fast writer at home. When she took her home, she observed that her vagina was ruthlessly bruised. After persuasion, the little girl opened up and told her that every time she was dropped in school, Elias would take her to the back of the school when the others were playing, and would take advantage of her, she narrated the Commissioner who she alleged organized some men to take her to his residence where he scourged her and later raped her. He is reported to be in police custody. The occurrences are endless. I mentioned these ones to give you an idea of what is going on, of how rape cases are escalating by the day in Nigeria and how we cannot afford to be silent. Similarly, have you observed the pattern in recent times? Victims are beginning to speak up and in some of those cases, expected actions against the evil perpetuators are being taken. Sadly, only those who have gone through it and are alive, and found courage to do so can truly speak up. Many are not alive to tell their story or share their side of the narrative. One other thing happening is that, past rape occurrences are currently coming up again. The abused is finding her voice and making it known with proof. They are telling their stories and the populace is helping them shed awareness on their plight in the hands of the evil perpetuators. Cases that seemed forgotten because the abuser is ‘connected’ are coming up again. It tells me that no matter how long you attempt to hide the truth, it cannot stay in the dark for long. One day, it will burst out and consequences of taking advantage of the vulnerable will be reaped. Speaking of consequences, a man has recently been sentenced to death in Kaduna for murder. He raped a 2 year old girl to death. He was sentenced by Justice Kabir Dabo of the Kaduna State High court sitting in Dogarawa Sabon Gari in Zaria. The pedophile admitted he rapped the child for 40 minutes which led to her death. Worthy of mention is that this happened in 2015 but justice, though delayed, gave way in 2020. rape. Do you even know that if a married woman isn’t in the mood to have sex with her husband and he insists, and ends up having his way, it is rape? Do you know that even if two consenting adults agree to have sex and one party says “stop” somewhere along the line, and the person continues, it is rape? Consent means permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. Meaning, if one party isn’t in agreement at whatever stage they are in the ‘activity’, once she says “STOP”, it is what it is: STOP! We are ‘dealing’ with 18 right? We have agreed that ‘officially’, in Nigeria, the consenting age is from 18 right? Good! But do you know that one in four girls are sexually violated before 18? Do you know that 31.4 percent of girls who had their first ever sexual encounter was through rape? Do you know that 6 out of 10 children in Nigeria experience sexual, emotional or physical abuse before 18? So, to get rid of this horrendous behavior, the sexual offence bill must be enforced, State laws must be reviewed because some of these men hide under it to commit their atrocities. I was happy learning that finger prints on the fire extinguisher used on Vera helped give away the culprits, I am however hoping that such measure will be prominent in investigations in Nigeria because I haven’t heard that in a long while. This had made perpetuators walk free but again like I said earlier; it is no longer going to be the norm. Recently, the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad pushed for tauter consequences for rape in Nigeria which he believes will deter perpetuators. I conclude with a quote from him “We have to save our future, and these girls and women are the future of this nation” organized some men to take her to his residence where he scourged her and later raped her. He is reported to be in police custody. The occurrences are endless. I mentioned these ones to give you an idea of what is going on, of how rape cases are escalating by the day in Nigeria and how we cannot afford to be silent. Similarly, have you observed the pattern in recent times? Victims are beginning to speak up and in some of those cases, expected actions against the evil perpetuators are being taken. Sadly, only those who have gone through it and are alive, and found courage to do so can truly speak up. Many are not alive to tell their story or share their side of the narrative. One other thing happening is that, past rape occurrences are currently coming up again. The abused is finding her voice and making it known with proof. They are telling their stories and the populace is helping them shed awareness on their plight in the hands of the evil perpetuators. Cases that seemed forgotten because the abuser is ‘connected’ are coming up again. It tells me that no matter how long you attempt to hide the truth, it cannot stay in the dark for long. One day, it will burst out and consequences of taking advantage of the vulnerable will be reaped. Speaking of consequences, a man has recently been sentenced to death in Kaduna for murder. He raped a 2 year old girl to death. He was sentenced by Justice Kabir Dabo of the Kaduna State High court sitting in Dogarawa Sabon Gari in Zaria. The pedophile admitted he rapped the child for 40 minutes which led to her death. Worthy of mention is that this happened in 2015 but justice, though delayed, gave way in 2020. married woman isn’t in the mood to have sex with her husband and he insists, and ends up having his way, it is rape? Do you know that even if two consenting adults agree to have sex and one party says “stop” somewhere along the line, and the person continues, it is rape? Consent means permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. Meaning, if one party isn’t in agreement at whatever stage they are in the ‘activity’, once she says “STOP”, it is what it is: STOP! We are ‘dealing’ with 18 right? We have agreed that ‘officially’, in Nigeria, the consenting age is from 18 right? Good! But do you know that one in four girls are sexually violated before 18? Do you know that 31.4 percent of girls who had their first ever sexual encounter was through rape? Do you know that 6 out of 10 children in Nigeria experience sexual, emotional or physical abuse before 18? So, to get rid of this horrendous behavior, the sexual offence bill must be enforced, State laws must be reviewed because some of these men hide under it to commit their atrocities. I was happy learning that finger prints on the fire extinguisher used on Vera helped give away the culprits, I am however hoping that such measure will be prominent in investigations in Nigeria because I haven’t heard that in a long while. This had made perpetuators walk free but again like I said earlier; it is no longer going to be the norm. Recently, the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad pushed for tauter consequences for rape in Nigeria which he believes will deter perpetuators. I conclude with a quote from him “We have to save our future, and these girls and women are the future of this nation”
Sunday 7 June 2020 Sunday 07 June, 2020 Sunday 7 June 2020 www.businessday.ng 17 BDSUNDAY www.facebook.com/businessdayng @Businessdayng @businessDayNG her life. Her husband came back from work and met her in her pull of blood. She had slit her wrist but sent a message to her husband before she did and it read “Since I will be no more, I hope your happiness will be full”. She had lost her pregnancy again and her husband wouldn’t stop abusing her emotionally. She was tired and thought to end life. No one knew she was going through all
her life. Her husband came back from work and met her in her pull of blood. She had slit her wrist but sent a message to her husband before she did and it read “Since I will be no more, I hope your happiness will be full”. She had lost her pregnancy again and her husband wouldn’t stop abusing her emotionally. She was tired and thought to end life. No one knew she was going through all she went through. Aside working in the bank, she was a Sunday school
she went through. Aside working in teacher and everyone always wanted the bank, she was a Sunday school to be in her class. teacher and everyone always wanted She was such a happy woman (so to be in her class. they thought) who other couples She was such a happy woman (so they thought) who other couples would make reference to. Her husband was the choir leader, so in the eyes of every one, a banker who is also a Sunday school teacher and a businessman doubling as a choirmaster was certainly the ‘right couple’. By the time her husband rushed to the scene, her pastor arrived at the same time. She had sent him a good-bye message and as he called to find out where her husband was, he was also on his way home, so they arrived few minutes apart. They had to force the door open and met her almost passing out. She was rushed to the hospital and thank God she survived. After she was discharged, they both began counseling and gradually he began to change. Three months down the
Behind the smile…
would make reference to. Her husband was the choir leader, so in the eyes of every one, a banker who is also a Sunday school teacher and a businessman doubling as a choirmaster was certainly the ‘right couple’. By the time her husband rushed to the scene, her pastor arrived at the same time. She had sent him a good-bye message and as he called to find out where her husband was, he was also on his way home, so they arrived few minutes apart. They had to force the door open and met her almost passing out. She was rushed to the hospital and thank God she survived. After she was discharged, they both began counseling and gradually he began to change. Three months down the line, she realized she was pregnant
Behind the smile…
line, she realized she was pregnant and when due, she had a bouncing
KEMI AJUMOBI and when due, she had a bouncing Her younger brother and sister were baby boy. KEMI AJUMOBI D orothy is the first born of the family of 3. She is that child that every parent prays for. Loving, respectful and God fearing. She studied Accounting and came out with a second class upper. She enjoyed her job and did well at it. She was such a breath of fresh air and everyone around her loved her. Her younger brother and sister were doing well in their own endeavor. They lost their parents in 3 years. First to pass on was her mother, after a battle with stroke and the third year, her father died too. She took responsibility for the family and ‘fortunately’ for her, since her siblings were abroad, she did not have much to worry about. No one knew she was having challenges in her marriage until the 7th year when she almost took baby boy. She would often share her story when opportuned to and often advise couples to truly honour their vows and ensure they seek help when needed because keeping such experience to yourself is indeed a recipe for disaster. Beyond her smile and efficiency at work and church, Dorothy hid her pain behind her smile…don’t hide yours, seek help. DESMOND OKON A Chinese woman, L i J i n g z h i h a s b e e n r e u n i t e d with her son who was abducted as a toddler 32 years ago at a Chinese hotel after he was tracked by authorities using facial recognition 1980s, according to the statement from Xi’an officials. Police tracked down Mao and later confirmed he was the abducted son of Li Jingzhi after a DNA test. Mao’s adoptive parents had renamed him Gu Ningning, and he grew up without any knowledge of his birth parents or that he had been abducted. D orothy is the first born of the family of 3. She is that child that every parent prays for. Loving, respectful and God fearing. She studied Accounting and came out with a second class upper. She enjoyed her job and did well at it. She was such a breath of fresh air and everyone around her loved her. doing well in their own endeavor. They lost their parents in 3 years. First to pass on was her mother, after a battle with stroke and the third year, her father died too. She took responsibility for the family and ‘fortunately’ for her, since her siblings were abroad, she did not have much to worry about. No one knew she was having challenges in her marriage until the 7th year when she almost took She would often share her story when opportuned to and often advise couples to truly honour their vows and ensure they seek help when needed because keeping such experience to yourself is indeed a recipe for disaster. Beyond her smile and efficiency at work and church, Dorothy hid her pain behind her smile…don’t hide yours, seek help. DESMOND OKON A Chinese woman, L i J i n g z h i h a s b e e n r e u n i t e d with her son who was abducted as a toddler 32 years ago at a Chinese hotel after he was tracked by authorities using facial recognition technology. 1980s, according to the statement from Xi’an officials. Police tracked down Mao and later confirmed he was the abducted son of Li Jingzhi after a DNA test. Mao’s adoptive parents had renamed him Gu Ningning, and he grew up without any knowledge of his birth parents or that he had been abducted. The Police used the “aged”, one of technology. The Police used the “aged”, one of Her son, Mao Yin was just two Mao’s childhood photos as a model BY CHEF EBUNOLUWA JAMES T h i s i s a n i c e a n d refreshing way to get the children eating their fruits all season long… yogurt can be added for children that aren’t lactose intolerant.
Her son, Mao Yin was just two when he was snatched outside a hotel in Xi’an in central Shaanxi province in 1988 and sold to a childless couple in neighbouring Sichuan province who raised him as their own son, Xi’an’s public security bureau said in a statement. After the incident, Li launched a search for her son and did not give up until he was recently found by the authorities who acted on a tipoff that a person in a certain area of Sichuan had bought a child in the late 1980s. She told Chinese media (CCTV) that after he was taken, she quit Mao’s childhood photos as a model to scan the national database and found close matches, according to the state broadcaster CCTV. The now 34-year-old had a tearful reunion with his birth parents who had never given up the search for their missing boy. “I would like to thank the tens of thousands of people who helped us,” said Li Jingzhi. “This is the best gift I have ever got.” Child abduction and trafficking have been a problem in China for decades. Although there are no official records, data on Baby Come Back Home website states that there are 14, 893 posts looking BY CHEF EBUNOLUWA JAMES T h i s i s a n i c e a n d refreshing way to get the children eating their fruits all season long… yogurt can be added for children that aren’t lactose intolerant.
Making 6 popsicles MANGO MINT POPSICLES
when he was snatched outside a hotel in Xi’an in central Shaanxi province in 1988 and sold to a childless couple in neighbouring Sichuan province who raised him as their own son, Xi’an’s public security bureau said in a statement. After the incident, Li launched a search for her son and did not give up until he was recently found by the authorities who acted on a tipoff that a person in a certain area of Sichuan had bought a child in the late 1980s. She told Chinese media (CCTV) that after he was taken, she quit to scan the national database and found close matches, according to the state broadcaster CCTV. The now 34-year-old had a tearful reunion with his birth parents who had never given up the search for their missing boy. “I would like to thank the tens of thousands of people who helped us,” said Li Jingzhi. “This is the best gift I have ever got.” Child abduction and trafficking have been a problem in China for decades. Although there are no official records, data on Baby Come Back Home website states that there are 14, 893 posts looking
Making 6 popsicles MANGO MINT POPSICLES
INGREDIENTS
• 2cups approx 4 big mangoes (cherry preferably) • C o c o n u t w a t e r o r f r e s h pineapples
INGREDIENTS
• 2cups approx 4 big mangoes (cherry preferably) • C o c o n u t w a t e r o r f r e s h pineapples her job and sent over 100,000 flyers to officials and appeared on several TV channels to appeal for his return. In 2007, she started volunteering with a group called “Baby Come for missing boys and 7, 411 looking for girls. It was estimated that 20, 000 children were being abducted each year in China in 2015. In 2009, the Chinese Ministry of Public her job and sent over 100,000 flyers to officials and appeared on several TV channels to appeal for his return. In 2007, she started volunteering with a group called “Baby Come for missing boys and 7, 411 looking for girls. It was estimated that 20, 000 children were being abducted each year in China in 2015. In 2009, the Chinese Ministry of Public • A handful of mint • A handful of mint Back Home”, to help other parents Security set up a DNA database Back Home”, to help other parents Security set up a DNA database • 6 popsicle molds PS: Add 2tbsp yogurt for a creamy • 6 popsicle molds PS: Add 2tbsp yogurt for a creamy look for their missing children. Over the past three decades, Li had followed 300 false leads which has since helped to find more than 6,000 missing children. Also in May 2016, the ministry look for their missing children. Over the past three decades, Li had followed 300 false leads which has since helped to find more than 6,000 missing children. Also in May 2016, the ministry rich textured pop. rich textured pop. to see if they were her missing son, and in the process helped launched a system called Reunion, which brought more than 4, 000 to see if they were her missing son, and in the process helped launched a system called Reunion, which brought more than 4, 000 reunite 29 missing people to their children back to their families by reunite 29 missing people to their children back to their families by
PREPARATION
1. Measure out all ingredients into a blender and blend till smooth 2. Fill up popsicle molds and freeze for 4-5 hours, preferably overnight. 3. To remove from mold, lower the bottom of the mold in warm water and release popsicle from mold. Enjoy frozen. families while her son remained in abducted. But in late April, police in Xi’an were tipped off that a man in Sichuan province had bought a child from Shaanxi in the late June 2019. “I don’t want him to leave me anymore. I won’t let him leave me anymore,” Li said as she held onto her son’s hand at the reunion event, organised by Xi’an police.
PREPARATION
1. Measure out all ingredients into a blender and blend till smooth 2. Fill up popsicle molds and freeze for 4-5 hours, preferably overnight. 3. To remove from mold, lower the bottom of the mold in warm water and release popsicle from mold. Enjoy frozen. families while her son remained in abducted. But in late April, police in Xi’an were tipped off that a man in Sichuan province had bought a child from Shaanxi in the late June 2019. “I don’t want him to leave me anymore. I won’t let him leave me anymore,” Li said as she held onto her son’s hand at the reunion event, organised by Xi’an police.
