10 insight Septeber 2012 by FRSC INSIGHT

FRSC

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION

www.frscinsight.com SEPTEMBER 2012

Social Network and privacy

www.saferoadinnigeria.org

From The Editor-In-Chief

ave you ever wondered why the sky is blue? In fact as the sun shines its lights, though looks white, but the light is made up of all the colours of the rainbow. Light travels in a straight line unless something gets on its travel paths and scatters it into various rainbow colours of lights. We can see the different colours of the spectrum by splitting the light with a prism.

As sunlight goes through the air, it bumps into the molecules and dust. When light hits a gas molecule, it may bounce off in a different direction. Some colours of light, like red and orange, pass straight through the air, but most of the blue light bounces off in all directions. In this way, the blue light gets scattered all around the sky. When you look up, some of this blue light reaches your eyes from all over the sky. Since you see blue light from everywhere overhead, the sky looks blue. This is true of Ifeoma Simeon Abali, a newly employed Assistant Route Commander (ARC) with the Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria who emerged the best graduating course participant of the International Certificate Driving License (ICDL). Ifeoma did allow her enlistment into the Corps barely five months ago to discourage her in excelling at the programme. She equally won an award of excellence from the organisers of the course considering her background as Economists. Of all the accolades, monetary gifts and opportunity for further training won by Ifeoma, the most remarkable was her rare opportunity to have a handshake with the Corps Marshal at an elaborate media event considering her relatively short period of joining the Corps. Brilliant Ijeoma’s story is inspirational as it reflects that length of service, background, gender and obscurity in posting are not enough to make a determined star to shine. At FRSC Insight we feel she is worthy to be featured this month to inspire others to excel. Going forward, FRSC management has introduced ICDL certification for junior officers as partial fulfilment for promotion. This month’s edition therefore exposes all you need to know about the ICDL and why it’s essential to the work processes of an ISO 9001 driven FRSC. The social media is the current fad. But the question is, do the social media compromise privacy? You will find the answer in this edition. Other regular stories can be read in this edition of Nigeria’s 52nd birthday. On behalf of our teeming readers, including the international readers, we wish Nigeria peace and prosperity. Remember all previous editions of FRSC Insight are available on www.frscinsight.com

editorial OC Oladele (CC)

Head, Planning Advisory Unit Editor – In - Chief

FRSC

IN THIS EDITION ■ ICDL - pg 4 ■ Social Network and Privacy - pg 8 ■ Military Medal Awards - pg 14 ■ Quotable Quotes - pg 17 ■ Black Berry Madness - pg 18 ■ Special Interview - pg 20 ■ Typhoid Fever - pg 23

Copyright & Disclaimer . The information contained in this Newsletter has been compiled by Federal Road Safety Corps [FRSC]. It provides general information only. Some photographs and graphics contained therein are only for dramatization (i.e. may not represent any member, client, partner, facilities, employee etc. of Federal Road Safety Corps). No responsibility is accepted for the correctness and completeness of the given information. . Copyright © Federal Road Safety Commission. All rights reserved. Contact Details Federal Road Safety Corps National Headquaters Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 7, Wuse District. PMB 125, Abuja, Nigeria 0700- CALL - FRSC 0700 - 2255 - 3772 0807- 769 - 0362 (Text Messages Only) Email: info@frsc.gov.ng Website: www.frsc.gov.ng

EDITORIAL BOARD Osita Chidoka Corps Marshal/Chief Executive Publisher

OC Oladele (CC) Editor–In-Chief

KD Alegieuno (ARC) Editor

Members VO Ogunnupebi (ACC) AR Obagbemiro (CRC) CB Nwokolo (DRC) DO Enakireru (ARC) 0I IKOKU (ARC)

Social Network What's a blog and why do people blog? That’s a ques-tion I have been asking myself ever since my boss asked me for my blog address so he could check it out and “I refused”! Aaaarrrghhh, I practically balked (inwardly though). Yeah, I did! And before you crucify moi you might want to read the full story and arrive at a conclusion on why people really blog. A blog is a contraction of the term ‘weblog’. “We Blog”! geddit? Well, be sure to check that out on Google. A weblog is a series of written record of events or messages in chronological order. It is a journal where people record events, observations and experiences etc. So I would say a blog is basically a diary or journal available on the web. Well, you’ll agree with me that a blog is a collection of text, data, images, and other media objects put together in a chronological order and retrievable through a web browser... See page 8

www.frscinsight.org

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

ICDL

INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER DRIVING LICENSE

he ICDL is an acronym for International Computer driving License. It is an end-user standard out-and-out. To obtain the ICDL a student must demonstrate practical proficiency in each of the most commonly used software tools. The student has to pass all seven modules at a very high level, as high as 75%. The standards for the ICDL have been set jointly by the major European Computer Societies. In Europe it is known as the European Computer Driving Licence. The ICDL is the only European Union recognised IT qualification at present. Worldwide, it is administered by the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation. To obtain the ICDL, a student must pass seven modules. It certifies that the holder has the knowledge and skill needed to use the most common applications practically and productively. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ECDL AND ICDL The ECDL (European Computer Driving License) is an entrylevel computer certification designed to demonstrate a user’s competence in all-round computer use within a typical officelike environment (outside of Europe, the ECDL is known as the ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence), and apart from the name, there is no difference between the two). As an entry-level computer certification, no prior computer experience is necessary to study for the ECDL certification. ECDL/ICDL certification programmes consist of modules which define the skills and competencies necessary to be a proficient user of a computer and common computer applications. Each ECDL / ICDL module provides a practical programme of up-todate skills and knowledge areas which are validated by a test. The ICDL is Platform that test students in the package of their choice. (The various packages tested to date is Lotus Smartsuite, Corel Office, Microsoft Office, Open Office among others. This module enables candidates to gain an under-stan-

ding of the different parts of a computer, as well as some of the key concepts of Information and Communication Techno-logy (ICT), such as those relating to networks and security. MODULE 1 -CONCEPTS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY On completion of this module each candidate will: ■ Understand what hardware is, know about factors that affect computer performance and know about peripheral devices ■ Understand what software is and give examples of common applications software and operating system software ■ Understand how information networks are used within computing, and be aware of the different options to connect to the Internet ■ Understand what Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is and give examples of its practical applications in everyday life ■Understand health, safety, and environmental issues in relation to using computers. ■ Recognise important security issues associated with using computers ■ Recognise important legal issues in relation to copyright and data protection associated with using computers MODULE 2 - USING THE COMPUTER AND MANAGING FILES his module requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge and competence in using the common functions of a personal computer and its operating system. Among other tasks, candidates will learn to operate effectively within the desktop environment and how to manage and organise files and directories/folders. On completion of this module each candidate will be able to:

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

■ Use the main features of the operating system including adjusting the main computer settings and using built-in help features ■ Operate effectively around the computer desktop and work effectively in a graphical user environment ■ Know about the main concepts of file management and be able to efficiently organise files and folders so that they are easy to identify and find ■ Use utility software to compress and extract large files and use anti-virus software to protect against computer viruses ■ Demonstrate the ability to use simple text editing and print tools available within the operating system MODULE 3 - WORD PROCESSING This module enables candidates to demonstrate the ability to use a word processing application to accomplish everyday tasks associated with creating, formatting and finishing smallsized word processing documents such as letters and other everyday documents. Candidates will be able to duplicate and move text within and between documents. They gain competence in using some of the features associated with word processing applications such as creating standard tables, using pictures and images within a document, and using mail merge tools. On completion of this module each candidate will be able to: ■ Work with documents and save them in different file formats ■ Choose built-in options such as the Help function to enhance productivity ■ Create and edit small-sized word processing documents that will be ready to share and distribute ■ Apply different formats to documents to enhance them before distribution and recognise good practice in choosing the appropriate formatting options ■ Insert tables, images and drawn objects into documents ■ Prepare documents for mail merge operations ■ Adjust document page settings and check and correct spelling before finally printing documents MODULE 4 - SPREADSHEETS This module enables candidates to understand the concept of spreadsheets and to demonstrate the ability to use a spreadsheet application. Candidates will understand and be able to accomplish tasks associated with developing, formatting, modifying and using a spreadsheet, in addition to using standard formulas and functions, and demonstrate competence in creating and formatting graphs or charts. On completion of this module each candidate will be able to: ■ Work with spreadsheets and save them in different file formats ■ Choose built-in options such as the Help function within the application to enhance productivity ■ Enter data into cells and use good practice in creating lists. Select, sort and copy, move and delete data ■ Edit rows and columns in a worksheet. Copy, move, delete

and appropriately rename worksheets ■ Create mathematical and logical formulas using standard spreadsheet functions. Use good practice in formula creation and recognise error values in formulas ■ Format numbers and text content in a spreadsheet ■ Choose, create and format charts to communicate information meaningfully ■ Adjust spreadsheet page settings and check and correct spread-sheet content before finally printing spreadsheets MODULE 5 - USING DATABASES This module enables candidates to understand some of the main concepts of databases and demonstrate the ability to use a database application. This includes creating and modifying tables, queries, forms and reports, and preparing outputs ready for distribution, as well as learning to relate tables and to retrieve and manipulate information from a database by using query and sort tools. On completion of this module each candidate will be able to: ■ Understand what a database is and how it is organised and operated ■ Create a simple database and view the database content in various modes ■ Create a table, define and modify fields and their properties; enter and edit data in a table ■ Sort and filter a table or form; create, modify and run queries to retrieve specific information from a database ■ Understand what a form is and create a form to enter, modify and delete records and data in records ■ Create routine reports and prepare outputs ready for distribution MODULE 6 - PRESENTATION This module enables candidates to demonstrate competence in using presentation tools on a computer. Candidates will be able to accomplish tasks such as creating, formatting, modifying and preparing presentations using different slide layouts for display and printed distribution. On completion of this module each candidate will be able to: ■ Work with presentations and save them in different file formats ■ Choose built-in options such as the Help function within the application to enhance productivity ■ Understand different presentation views and when to use them, choose different slide layouts and designs ■ Enter, edit and format text in presentations. Recognise good practice in applying unique titles to slides ■ Choose, create and format charts to communicate information meaningfully ■ Insert and edit pictures, images and drawn objects ■ Apply animation and transition effects to presentations and check and correct presentation content before finally printing and giving presentations

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

MODULE 7 - WEB BROWSING AND COMMUNICATION The first section on Web Browsing requires candidates to understand some of the concepts and terms associated with using the Internet, and to appreciate some of the security considerations. In the second section, Communication, candidates will learn to understand some of the concepts of electronic mail (email), and gain the ability to use email software to send and receive messages, and to attach files to mail messages. The first section, Web Browsing, enables candidates to learn about the Internet and to use a web browsing application. On completion of the Web Browsing section each candidate will be able to: ■ Understand what the Internet is and common terms associated with it. Be aware of some security considerations when using the Internet ■ Accomplish everyday web browsing tasks including changing browser settings ■ Search for information and complete and submit web-based forms ■ Save web pages and download files from the web. Copy web content into a document The second section, Communication, enables candidates to understand some of the concepts of electronic mail (email) and know about other communication options. On completion of the Communication section each candidate will

be able to: ■ Understand what email is and know some advantages and disadvantages of its use. Be aware of other communication options ■ Be aware of network etiquette and security considerations when using email ■ Create, spell check and send email. Reply to and forward email, handle file attachments and print an email ■ Be aware of ways to enhance productivity when working with email software. Organise and manage email ICDL PRODUCTS We have many products on offer, each tailored to suit your needs as a computer user. Equalskills An entry-level certification programme in end-user computer skills for complete beginners. Project Planning ECDL Foundation has developed a new module: ECDL / ICDL Module 13 - Project Planning. The module aims to suit a broad range of candidates who are planning projects - for example, university students planning a research project, individuals planning construction projects of various sizes, managers of content development projects

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

relating to training, or individuals planning an event such as a corporate conference or wedding.

Syllabus changes are made to keep up with technology. Ensure that your center is offering Syllabus 5.

e-Citizen Allows the candidate to learn about the Internet without requiring prior computer knowledge.

Open ICDL End-User Computing comprised of 7 Modules to an International Standard using Open Office on either a Linux or Windows Platform.

e-Learner e-Learner is an ECDL Foundation endorsed product, currently only available in ICDL SA territory, this territory covering: Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoro Islands, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda. e-Learner equips younger students with a solid foundation for progressing on to the ECDL / ICDL qualification. It is a certified, modular course of progressive ICT skills. Using a unique and integrated approach, e-Learner provides the means to acquire essential ICT skills across a spectrum of 7 units with +/- 30 contact hours. ICDL Core End-User Computing comprised of 7 Modules to an International Standard. The Qualification is Platform and Product independant. A candidate can obtain the qualification in absolutely any product they wish. Note that syllabus 4 cutoff is end June 2011, scroll down to the bottom to download syllabus 5.

ICDL Advanced Specialised Advanced Courses for Word Processing, Databases, Presentations and Spreadsheets. WebEditing A certification that offers Candidates the opportunity to acquire the core skills required to design, create and maintain a website. CAD For anyone using 2-dimensional Computer Aided Design (2D CAD), it is important to have the core skills required to be able to use 2D CAD software to its full potential and to be able to demonstrate those skills to employers and potential employers. Reference Http://www.icdl.org.za, www.cecs.org.za, http://www.ecdl.org

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

social

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

network and privacy By Joy Iregbeyen

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

hat's a blog and why do people blog? That’s a question I have been asking myself ever since my boss asked me for my blog address so he could check it out and “I refused”! Aaaarrrghhh, I practically balked (inwardly though). Yeah, I did! And before you crucify moi you might want to read the full story and arrive at a conclusion on why people really blog. A blog is a contraction of the term ‘weblog’. “We Blog”! geddit? Well, be sure to check that out on Google. A weblog is a series of written record of events or messages in chronological order. It is a journal where people record events, observations and experiences etc. So I would say a blog is basically a diary or journal available on the web. Well, you’ll agree with me that a blog is a collection of text, data, images, and other media objects put together in a chronological order and retrievable through a web browser. OK so what’s the diff between a blog and a website? From the little I know, a blog is much more conversational and interactive than a website. From political blogs to celebrity blogs, arts blog, music blogs to sports blogs and beauty blogs the idea has gradually taken hold and come to stay that any and everyone can blog. So really, why do people blog? From my findings, a lot of people blog as an extension of their hobby, passion, as a way of expressing their thoughts and opinions, giving information or simply just for the fun of it. For whatever reason people blog, one thing is common and it is that they want to be a part of a community-“blogosphere/blogworld”. A world where they could have a sense of belonging, express themselves and, gain respect without the fear of being judged. However, people are quick to embrace advancements in Infotech without being fully informed and aware of the downsides thereof and if they are aware, they pay it no mind until…the red alert starts to blink in which case it is usually too late and irreversible damages already incurred because, like it or not online networks have stripped privacy of its meaning and created a huge playground for fraudsters, stalkers and identity thieves/murderers exempli gratia Cynthia and her Facebook ‘Frienemies’. Yes, you might not like to hear it, just like I don’t but the web is “fraudtolerant” and there is just a fine line between social media networking and privacy and that line is getting more and more blurred by the day. It’s actually in the name World Wide Web! Like I earlier mentioned, a lot of people have embraced social media networking without much consideration for its full impact. Picture this; the idea of blogging comes to you at a time when you need an outlet for some emotions you’re feeling at the moment. You wholeheartedly embraced it and indeed “let it out” lashing out at nobody in particular but enjoying it because although keeping a diary has never been your thingy, you discover that letting your emotions out through writing sure makes you feel better. There are no inhibitions, nobody to judge you, except of course, you conveniently at this time forget that the idea behind a blog is to publish and let others read about your passion, hobby or whatever you write about. By the time you take a step back to view your ‘so-called’ blog in retrospect, BAM you realize your write-ups are just too personal and revealing to publish. I mean common, everyone

is entitled to some privacy no matter who they are you tell yourself. In fact, you wonder why that’s not been included among the basic universal fundamental human rights. Ok, so here you are thrilled to have discovered a new way to ease off tension and let it out, but there is a catch; there are no guarantees that you would not be judged. After all, life isn’t fair and the internet or social media certainly isn’t a fair playground. So you push off the idea of publishing or sharing your blog with anyone until you finally push it down (konko-below) where you feel it belongs. Eventually, you stop writing for that blog because you feel the need to do a complete re-evaluation of your motives and strategize on your romance with social media. Scenario 2-You start a blog because…well, ‘it’s the in-thing’ and everyone else is doing it. This is not about embracing new technology for its own sake, it’s just about…#trending! Along the way, something happens. Now like “Basket-Mouth” will say, two things are involved; its either you lost steam or you had no business starting a blog in the first place. True anybody can blog, but believe me gee, not everybody should blog. You gotta ask yourself some pertinent questions. ■Can you regularly update it -- at least five times a week? ■ Do you have something to say other than just linking to others? ■ Do you read other blogs or feeds? ■ Can you provide information of value to others not just to yourself? The big decider is whether or not you can write in the blog almost daily. And this is better done when you have carefully picked a niche. Even if you cannot write in your blog daily, it would help if you can fall in love with expressing yourself through writing. So I humbly submit that yours truly was guilty as charged of the ‘blog crimes’ here mentioned but hereby plead for clemency on the grounds of mitigated circumstances. I also wish to bring to the notice of you honorable readership jury that, moi has since done a careful re-evaluation of my romance with social media and especially blogging, and have put my house in order. I am ready to invest in this relationship I have going with my sweet blog, and since it is not unusual to double-date in the blog world, may I rephrase that to be my sweet honey blogs. I promise not to neglect any of my blogs unnecessarily and perform my duties as expected/required of me, so help me God. *heavy sigh* now I do realize that life still ain’t fair and there still are no guarantees that you ‘fair’ jury won’t judge nor convict me, but I hope that the readership I here build will temper ‘justice’ with mercy for my seemingly "unconventional and pattern less" writing style, drop comments where and when necessary (which I hope will be all of the time), and please be slow to judge me or any of my guest bloggers-do not take the fun out of it. My views or those of my guest bloggers posted on this blog might just be ploys to catch fun and never intended to inflame. Joy Iregbeyen holds a B.A in International Studies & Diplomacy and currently works as a Test Centre Administrator. She is an avid reader and incisive writer.

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

military medal awards

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

wards are given in order to appreciate the good deeds of people which consequently drive them to do more while also motivating those who have not received such award to give in their best with the aim of being honoured. In order to be thankful for the men and women of great deed the military in developed a hierarchy of medals to reward all according to their gallant actions under astonishing circumstances. History of military medal The first known instance of a medal being awarded comes from the historian Josephus who, writing long after the event, accounts that in the fourth century BCE the High Priest Jonathan led the Hebrews in aid of Alexander the Great, and that in return for this, Alexander "sent to Jonathan... honourary awards, as a golden button, which it is custom to give the king's kinsmen." The Roman emperors used both military awards of medals, and political gifts of medallions that were like very large coins, usually in gold or silver, and die-struck like coins. Both these and actual gold coins were often set as pieces of jewelry, worn by both sexes. The history of military medals dates to the Roman Empire, often in the form of a metal disk featuring the emperor's likeness, were bestowed on officers to recognize military campaigns. Similar medals were given to lower-class soldiers and centurions. Queen Elizabeth I of Great Britain issued medals to commemorate England's victory over Spain in 1588. Officers generally enjoyed these honours until the 18th century, and then rank-and-file soldiers were recognized. From the 16th century medals were made, both by rulers for presentation and private enterprise for sale, to commemorate specific events, including military battles and victories, and from this grew the practice of awarding military medals specifically to combatants. CATEGORIES OF THE AWARDS ■ Military Medals: Military medals and decorations function as a way to recognize individuals and units for performing well beyond their expectations or under extreme duress. ■ Campaign Medals: Military medals can be awarded for particular military campaign participation. To receive campaign medals, members must have served in specific areas during the campaign time period. ■ Unit Awards: The Joint Commendable Unit Award goes to units that are recognized for achievements performed during wartime or national emergencies. Eligible units must have been part of a joint unit, which is one that employs multiple service branches. ■ Individual Actions: The Medal of Honour is awarded to individuals who perform extraordinary actions while under pressure from enemy forces, such as direct combat. The secretary of each respective branch establishes the criteria and approves any Medal of Honour recommendation. ■ Purple Heart: The Purple Heart is among the more recognizable military medals. Recipients of the Purple Heart must have been wounded, killed or died as a result of wounds during certain circumstances.

TOP 5 MILITARY MEDALS There are numerous numbers of military medals and decorations that can be achieved by service members of every branch. The following is a list of top 5 military medals ranked by prestige, with fifth one below being the most prestigious. ■ Defense Superior Service Medal: It is awarded by United States Department of defense and is given in the name of the Secretary of Defense. It is a decoration bestowed upon members of the military who “perform meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility” and is usually given to senior military officers. The recipients are awarded this medal only after their accomplishments have been weighed over a significant period of time. ■ The Silver Star: This is the highest medal for “Valour” while in the face of an enemy, and can be earned by a service member of any military branch. It is awarded for “gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States.” It is considered lower than the Distinguished Service Medal due to the fact that it is awarded for actions considered to be less gallantry, and because holding a duty of great responsibility is not required to receive one. ■ Distinguished Service Medals (Army, Navy, Marines, Air force, Coast Guard): This kind of award is awarded to service members who distinguish themselves by their exceptional service to the United States government in a duty of great responsibility, or through exceptional contribution to national security and the defense of the United States. The “Defense Distinguished Service Medal” is the highest award that can be earned during peacetime. ■ Cross (Army, Navy, Air force): There are three military cross’s that share equal precedence; the Navy Cross, the Army Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross. The Cross’s are awarded when an individual displays extraordinary heroism (quite justify a Medal of Honour) while engage with an opposing foreign force, or an enemy of the United States. This act of extraordinary heroism has to be undertaken in the midst of great danger and at great risk of oneself. ■ The Medal of Honour: This medal is the highest military decoration awarded by the United State government. It is bestowed upon service members who have acted with bravery and fearlessness at the risk of their own life. The Medal of Honour is give to those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and have done so while engage in a combat against an enemy of the United States of America. As of April 2, 2008 it has been awarded only 3,465 times, including nineteen recipients who have received the distinguished medal twice. CONCLUSION The impact of award can be so motivating in that the military dream of serving the country perfectly well will propel them to imbibe positive and constructive behavior, which will serve as a standard to set example for others, thus curbing vice tendencies. It is in this direction that FRSC is instituting a culture of medals for meritorious service to our fatherland.

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

uotes ■ He who lives without discipline dies without honour - Icelandic Proverb ■ Let him that would move the world first move himself - Socrates ■ Real glory springs from the silent conquest of ourselves - Anonymous ■ Unite to move forward - American Proverb ■ Progress is the activity of today and the assurance of tomorrow - Ralph Waldo Emerson ■ Fundamental progress has to do with the reinterpretation of basic ideas - Alfred North Whitehead ■ Plan your progress carefully; hour-by hour, day-by-day, month-bymonth. Organized activity and maintained enthusiasm are the wellsprings of your power - Paul J. Meyer ■ If there is no struggle, there is no progress - Frederick Douglass ■ People fascinated by the idea of progress never suspect that every step forward is also a step on the way to the end - Milan Kundera ■ Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change. Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants and the ability to satisfy them - Henry Steele ■ Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation - Oscar Wilde ■ The chief obstacle to the progress of the human race is the human race - Don Marquis

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

black berry madness By Aladeokin Oluwabunmi

he evolution of telecommunications started in 1999 in Nigeria with different communications company coming into Nigeria, this brought about introduction of several mobile phones which really solved the problems of communication among Nigerians. As the years roll by, more companies dived into the Nigerian telecommunication industry seeing this as a very fertile ground for making tremendous profits. They introduced mouth watering benefits and packages for the readily available customers in the population of over 160 million people. As the most populous black nation, the likes of different phone company came into the country meeting the customers at their needs. This brought about the evolution of smart phones. BlackBerry is a brand of wireless handheld devices and services developed by Research In Motion (RIM). Most BlackBerry devices are smartphones and are primarily known for their ability to send and receive push email and instant messages while maintaining a high level of security through on-device message encryption. They are also designed to function as personal digital assistants, portable media players, internet browsers, gaming devices, cameras and more. BlackBerry devices support a large variety of instant messaging features, with the most popular being the proprietary BlackBerry Messenger service. The evolution of blackberry in Nigeria came about in 2008, the use of this brand of smart phone became widely accepted when network providers reduced the tariff price to become affordable and also the phone itself became affordable to an average Nigeria. Smartphone possess pros and cons in road safety, youths and peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s psychology. The use of blackberry while driving and texting has become a menace to the community causing a lot of major and minor accidents as drivers result to texting or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pingingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; while driving. The led light flashes when there is an instant message, email or missed call thereby distracting the driver from focusing the eyes on the road and taking hands off the wheels. This has caused so many minor and major accidents especially among the youths. Today, the use of phone while driving, reading and sending text messages on the wheel has become the vogue all over the country. In Abuja, it is a common sight to see learners struggling between the steering and their Blackberry phone. In Lagos, Kaduna, Kano and other big cities, the madness has even caught up with okada riders and pedestrians alike as they compete with drivers. Phoning phobia is not just a Nigerian problem, it is global. After all, human beings exhibit same mannerisms irrespective of colour or race. In 2011 in Dubai, traffic accidents fell 20 per cent from average rates on the days BlackBerry users were unable to use its messaging service. One of the ways to curb traffic accidents is to enlighten drivers and road users on the use of using blackberry while driving and also stringent measures should also on defaulters including the pedestrians. The Federal Road Safety Corps should also take this particular offence seriously and make sure proper enlightenment is done. I will suggest that offenders should be made to undergo psychiatric test when apprehended! This will help curb this menace as the urge to use this particular Smartphone seems to be a very contagious especially among the young Nigerians; the future leaders. If this is tackled vehemently now, it would help in reducing traffic crashes to its barest minimum.

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

Recently over one hundred FRSC staff sat the International Certificate Driving License examination with Ifeoma Simeon Abali coming out top. Insight Newsletter had an interview with her.

one-

May we meet you? Name my name is Ifeoma Simeon Abali. I was born in Bauchi and I am from Abia state. I attended Abia state university where graduated in 2009. I did my National Youth Service Corps in Adamawa state in 2010. Which I concluded in July, 2011 and I joined FRSC in March 2012 where I was posted to Abaji Unit Command. I am presently the Staff Officer Admin and a Patrol Officer. Why did you join FRSC? I have always admired the Corps especially whenever I happen to come across the officer; they look smart and neatly dressed. When the opportunity came, I took it without a waste of time. I did my Commander course in Sagamu. The experiment at first was very tough with the physical activities very strenuous. At first, I felt the instructors were brutal but as I got used to it I enjoyed my stay in the camp that I did want to go when the training was over. I enjoyed my time with the combatant. I was a member of the combatant. You attended the ICDL training, how did you know about it? It was a nomination from the command. Every command was asked to send in a nomination and I was selected among others. Actually as at the time of this training I was at the kuje Command, the ZCO sent me there to assist in their ICT training of their staff and that was when I was selected by the Command to attend the course. This means, I owe kuje Command a debt of gratitude because they offered me the opportunity to be nominated for the programme.

Why did you not turn down the offer to train the kuje unit staff? I cannot disobey lawful authority, secondly it was a pleasure working with the kuje Unit Command I still miss them as I speak now. What was the ICDL training all about? The training lasted for one week and the examination for another week. It was very intensive, we had to be there from morning until evening, the instructors knew there onion, everyone had a laptop to ensure that we effectively participate in what was taught. You emerged the best overall course participant, how do you feel? I feel grateful to God and very happy I did my best. I did not expect such honour will come but when I got the text yesterday to come for the certificate today, I was overwhelmed as the whole thing was unfolding. I did my best I did not expect such honour. I am still storm at everything that has transpired. When I got the SMS to come for the certificate ceremony and saw COMACE I was overwhelmed. Today is my first time of coming to the national headquarters and I consider it a rare honour being a new staff to have a handshake with the Corps Marshal during this certificate presentation. What are you taking away from this? I am taking away a globally recognised certificate and also the

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

special interview

on-one new knowledge. Before the training, I was not too good with Microsoft Access but now I am better. I am taking away the fact that I had a contact with the Corps Marshal. It is my first time meeting him and received monetary reward from him. When I resume my duties, it will be with renewed energy and vigor for the Corps.

I like reading detective novels, my favourite authors are JD Robb. I also love computers; I play lots of computer games. I love baking and watching movies, which has contributed to my use of glasses.

You emerged the best in a class of over 200 people, what does that signifies to you as a lady?

On patrol what experience do you usually have with offenders?

To me it signifies that anybody is capable of achieving anything. Gender is not an issue as long as you put in your best you will see the result. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe women cannot do certain things. Anything a man can do a woman can do too.

On Abaji route, we usually have very rude and aggressive offenders. Being drivers embarking on long journeys, they are always impatient and hostile. We tackle them with as much tact as we can. This is to avoid any form of riotous situations.

How do you see FRSC in the next 100 years from now?

What type of relationship do you have with your fellow colleagues at work?

Wao! In the next 100 years, FRSC would have covered the entire crannies of Nigeria. It will be one of the best agencies in the country. We are already a leader in class amongst other government organisations in Nigeria. I believe in the next 100 years, we will be competing with the most developed organisations in the world. Who are your role models? Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. I admired her for what she has achieved so far. I admired her as a black Nigerian whom no one can claim not to know what she has done for the country. My parents are the inspirations for all the actions I take, they are my role models.

What are your hobbies?

Very friendly relationship. Most of the officers were my course mate in Sagamu. As Abaji was lacking officers we were 11 of us were posted from the camp to Abaji. What advice do you have for other staff? Is just to keep doing the best they can in everything they do. They should keep on putting in their best, if the reward does not come on earth it will certainly come in heavens. One-day their efforts would be rewarded.

FRSC INSIGHT OCTOBER 2012

typhoidfever WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

yphoid Fever is a common medical condition cause by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. It could also be caused by Salmonella paratyphi bacteria. It is an acute illness associated with fever. It could be mild or severe.

CAUSES / MODE OF TRANSMISSION • When food, fruits or water contaminated with these bacteria is/are ingested, typhoid fever may result! • After the ingestion of contaminated food or water, the salmonella bacteria invades the intestines and enters the blood stream temporarily. • The bacteria are carried by white blood cells in the Liver, spleen and bone marrow • The bacteria then multiply in these organs and re-enter the blood stream SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS • Some people come down with mild illness that easily go unnoticed but they become chronic carriers of the bacteria causing typhoid fever. • Chronic carriers shed large amounts of the bacteria in their stools. • People who come down with Overt illness usually have any of the following symptoms. • Headache • Hotness of the body (Fever) • Generalized body aches • Abdominal aches • Nausea • Vomiting • Change in bowel habit; diarrhoea, constipation DIAGNOSIS Typhoid Fever is diagnosed based on clinical assessment made by the doctor. Investigations using blood and stool samples also help in making diagnosis. TREATMENT The treatment of typhoid fever is by the use of appropriate antibiotics. PREVENTION • Hand washing at critical times; after using the toilet, before cooking and before eating. • Drinking water should be handled under strict hygienic conditions. • Food and fruits should be washed and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

FROM CORPS MEDICAL & RESCUE SERVICES, FRSC HEADQUARTERS