LITTLE THING THAT MATTERS - THE BEGGER AND THE GIVER

By Nnabugwu Chizoba

 

My people, my people. How una dey?

Please make una help me resolve the question below

Between the BEGGER and the GIVER, who does more for the other?

I ask this question mindful of the fact that the BEGGER, makes the GIVER feel very important, more recognized, better placed, indeed superior and in most cases a pillar of sort.

My inability to resolve this seemingly simple and non-issue, as some of you might classify it or claim the subject matter is, stems partly from the fact, that the above feelings are something we all crave for, struggle for and even fight for each time it is denied. Some of us even go as far as attaching themselves to other people, who they feel possess what it takes to be recognized, respected and revered. 

Some members of the society, even use, GIVING to beggers and the down trodden as a means of measuring, and rating how wealthy, rich, popular some members of the society are, and as a determining factor as to how they should be treated by the society. 

The speech of the people governor

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND DEMOCRACY DAY SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, Rt. Hon. BARR. Simon B. Lalong EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE.

PROTOCOL

“OUR RESCUE MISSION, DEBT OF HONOUR AND HOPE OF A BETTER TOMORROW”.

Today marks a memorable and auspicious period of double barrel celebration in the annals of our history. First, is the marking of my administration’s one year in office and second is Democracy Day of our dear country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On these occasions, it is worth thanking Almighty God for His faithfulness, good health, peace and protection. I also congratulate all citizens for the loyalty, patience and continuous support in the journey so far.

Fellow Citizens, you will recall that exactly a year ago, shortly after taking the oath of office I made an inaugural address that delved predominantly on the policy directions of our newly sworn government, the daunting challenges and hope of a better Plateau. This was even with the solemn believed that in spite of the trials and tribulations, we shall overcome. As we take stock of our journey so far, my address is focused on “Our Rescue Mission, Debt of Honour and Hope of a better tomorrow”. By implication, and with great reverence to the trust bestowed on me, it is only proper to remain conscious of the fact that this government came through the Change mantra to rescue our people from years of desolation and hopelessness. This government is conscious of its debt of honour to the teeming populace that massively voted us into power. We have consciousness of living up to the expectations in exhibiting duty of care in service delivery with the promise and hope of a better and prosperous tomorrow.  

TEENS CORNER: PRINCE EMMANUEL C. UMAHI WRITES ON #RAPTURE

This picture is for illustrative purposes only

 ♫ When I heard the preachers say RAPTURE

I listened like a sheep awaiting pasture

And I tried seeing the better picture

By searching the scripture.

OBNOXIOUS CULTURES AND WOMEN: A GENUINE CONCERN

By Becky Emeni

Incidences of denial, torture, intimidation, separation and abandonment are daily occurrences, especially within the family units. Just recently, the media was awash with the news of a woman and her children thrown out from their abode after the demise of their bread winner (the husband).

The above has nothing to do with the inability of the woman and her children to pay the rent, or that the late husband did not live enough for the family. The incident is a fall out of culture and tradition.

This picture has no relationship with the story

Many have fought to stop these uncivilized behaviours, while others have continued to promote them on the grounds of promoting the culture of the land.

Without contradicting the views of the promoters of culture and bringing the issue of the deprived woman and her children to light, Culture, when better understood may bring some sanity to the minds of its promoters.

Culture is a descriptive and complex concept with wide ranging comprehensive connotations and significance. Culture is characterized by integrated patterns and inter-related systems or network of institutions, mores and usages. Culture is good, culture is beautiful. 

COPING STRATEGIES FOR PRESENT DAY ECONOMIC HARDSHIP

By Nnabugwu Chizoba

There is no doubting the fact, that the issues published in this medium in a previous piece, entitled PRESENT DAY DIFFICULTIES, ANY LESSONS TO LEARN? Also by this writer, harbour some elements of truth. 

That the global economy has witnessed very tough times in the last few years, is no news. From Europe, Asia, America, Africa and other continents of the world, the need to spur the economy back to growth has become a major theme.

Different approaches, opinions, propaganda, and shenanigan have played out, by families, individuals, and nations, and in particular, governments, of the western world, in the handling of the challenges presented by the difficult times. 

Of note in this discourse, is the role, repeatedly played by individual citizens and governments of the developing countries, like Nigeria, to present the developed continents of Europe, and America, as where economic challenges and difficulties have been completely eradicated, where money grows on trees and are picked in the streets; and everything is at the beck and call of the citizens. 

Rather than dwell on the issue of propaganda, my attention is drawn to something I consider critical, instructive and also informative. It is the fact that many people, are broke and many more are going broke. This is not limited to Nigeria or Africa, the story, is the same for many countries and continents in the world.

PRESENT DAY DIFFICULTIES, ANY LESSONS TO LEARN?

By Nnabugwu Chizoba

Generally speaking, things are tough, indeed very tough, for many individuals and families, world over. 

The living, today, is faced with numerous challenges, tempting options, stunning preferences, stiff competitions, flashy and pretentious lifestyles, and ostentatious tastes, attractive fashion, including enticing proposals, stifling ambitions, conflicting opportunities, and other demands; from self, relatives, friends and dependents.

The difficulties posed by the preceding developments, to the individuals and family units get complicated on daily basis. To address the challenges, opinion leaders and economic gurus have expressed concerns and proffered different solutions, to what is almost looking like unresponsive world economy – story for another day. 

It is here identified that the tension generated by the challenges of the foregoing, has been heightened, systematically compounded, literarily aggravated, lightly spiced, tastefully garnished, and massively driven and supported, one way or another, by over-information, misinformation, disinformation and/or inadequate information. 

LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTERS:

CHECK WHAT IS FIRING YOUR INTEREST AND PASSION

By Blessing Uche Ekeh

As a teenager, I was so much in love with foreign music, no matter the type - song, rap, R&B, country and the likes, I cared less. As for the lyrics, as long as the rhythm sounds cool, it’s good to go. 

To keep track of new releases, ensure easy reference, quick retrieval and regular updating, I had a book where I wrote latest songs. And to ensure there is no lagging behind, I repeatedly, borrowed music magazines from friends, neignbours and in some cases, strangers; and more often than not, wish they donate same, as their contribution to nurture my interest. 

I had compilation of what was considered my best musicians, maintained excellent record of things that involve them. I did not only relate and admired things about them, but promoted them. By every standard, I wanted to speak, act and dress like them.

To attract my attention, brighten my mood, sway my feelings and in most cases win my support, in those days, all you need do, was demonstrate your likeness for any of the musicians that tickled my fancy. If anybody speaks, acts or dresses like them, he/she instantly wins my favour, rekindles my interest and establishes a closer link with me. And, importantly, those that provided latest information about my best musicians, left indelible mark in my heart.