The ‘END SARS’ PROTESTS and LEKKI SHOOTINGS: The Aftermath.

By Femi Akinpelu Joseph

Few weeks ago, the very inevitable nationwide #ENDSARS protests broke out across Nigeria. And, from what appeared like a mere child’s play; the movement metamorphosed into an exercise that sparked a wild national participation – with keen interest and attention from the global community.

But just within 2 weeks into the very peaceful series of protests, the military, or the ‘forces beyond the control of Lagos state government’ “intervened” and suddenly interrupted the protests.  They aimed gunshots at the protesters – leaving scores of my fellow citizens killed and seriously wounded; at the Lekki Toll gate.

I remember saying it prayerfully when the protests began that “I hope this current series of pretests turns out a fruitful exercise at the end of the day”. I had said that prayer because I have studied, and have followed trends by which our various government administrations operate – from when I was a child. I had sensed it that they (government power merchants) may eventually turn the whole thing upside down and play out one of their regular political dirty games.

I knew it.

Though it was VERY painful to me, that the killings actually took place. Very painful! We all know the level of crises, lootings and destructions that followed that event.

Now, where do we go from here? WHAT DO WE DO NEXT??

Do you know?

If you ask me, I think I really DO NOT KNOW, too!

But what I do know is – WE ALL NEED TO CHANGE some of our ways! But who and who are those bracketed in this category of people who need to change?

Everybody!

Yes – you, me; your friends, relatives, neighbours, co-workers, and fellow church or mosque members. We all need to change our evil and wicked ways!

For us Nigerians to really experience the CHANGE or the TRANSFORMATION that we so desire; both the elderly and the young people need to go through a thorough and sustained MENTAL CLEANSING AND RESET. This is no joke at all.

From my regular private studies and observations; combined with personal experiences, I can confidently say that a much larger percentage of Nigerians – leader and follower, young and old, rich and poor, educated and uneducated ARE VERY CORRUPT! Yes, we are a corrupt, nonchalant and immoral people. And like we all know, the leaders of today were once followers, yesterday – and it is the same (corrupt) followers shouting and complaining today that would become leaders, tomorrow. Isn’t it?

So, if this is our reality, then what are we really fighting for? Just VANITY!

For this reason – and if truly, you and I wish and desire that this country and the entire Nigeria society is sanitized and filled with sane and disciplined people who possess high moral values; then let it start with YOU.

I want to substitute ‘SARS’ to attribute as many ills that I see in our society as possible. And we must end those evil traits in us before we can possibly have a healthy society to live in.

In the context of this exposition, WHO IS A SARS?

If you are one of them looters – who usually wait for something provocative to happen, so you could take advantage of the general anger, and pounce on people’s investments and cart away their property; you are a SARS.

Those of you that have been hoarding or hiding palliatives, cash or special gifts you were sent to deliver to the less-privileged people, with the plans of cashing out on them; you are a very wicked SARS!

If you have the ideology that the “End SARS” that protest that took place last month was just about some certain jobless and lazy Nigerian youths – who are just making noise and fighting for no serious cause; then you are the most wanted SARS!

If you have built yourself a reputation for owing people and not paying them (their money, service bill/charge, salary, dues, or even things borrowed) – not because you cannot afford to, but just so you could exert some power; to cause them to worship you and make them look up to you always. You a SARS.

You are part of the majority of people who believes that, you can never ‘hammer’ unless you do ‘yahoo yahoo’, join politics, become a runs girl, scam people or collect kickbacks; you are a derailed SARS.

You believe that until you use an iPhone, drive a Benz, live on the Island, join a cult, sleep around to belong, and enslave yourself mentally to people more privileged, then you are really a nobody; you are already a captured SARS!

You go to church and pray every hour and minute of every day, but when someone around you achieves something notable, you quickly become irritated and start planning their downfall, you are such a big SARS!

If you talk bad about people behind them, but when you see them – you begin to laugh with them and start showing fake respect, you are a more dangerous SARS.

You that when certain set of people greet you, you just look away and NEVER answer them; because you assume it is money, they would ask you next, you are an ignorant SARS.

 

All of you that eat snacks in your cars or in public buses, and then throws the wrappers or containers out on the road, or on the street; you are no better than SARS!

Because you are a ‘beautiful’ lady, and with a hole somewhere in your body that some men are running after – you now disrespect and look down on every man you come across, you are a SARS, soon going into an extinction.

 

The only reason you are nursing the ambition of becoming a governor, senator, or president is to also go and “chop your own portion of the national cake”, and have power to oppress others; you are a SARS too, sir. We need to end you!

 

The main reason you hustle and struggle to be rich, is so that you can “show them” and “pepper them”, and nothing more; you are an obsolete SARS.

 

You never obey traffic rules whenever you are driving – but you always derive pleasure oppressing pedestrians walking on roadsides, please, you are special SARS agent.

 

You like to always use the excuse of being ‘poor’ and ‘needy’ and then turn yourself to a beggar; you never do any meaningful work and never live a responsible life; you are a miserable SARS!

 

You never attend classes or love to be absent from office, but you ALWAYS ask your friends to sign for you and help you cover up with a lie in the office whenever your boss asks after you; hmmm, you must be under-fire SARS.

 

You see someone doing something very bad, that you know will be detrimental to the good and growth of others, but you kept quiet because you think the consequences will not directly affect you or your family – you are a despicably misplaced SARS.

 

You are very good at changing figures or inflating prices when asked to make purchases on behalf of your company or others, know today that you are a real SARS.

 

If you possess ANY of the negative attributes listed above, and many more, KNOW that you are one of our targets when we say #ENDSARS. You must REPENT and make a TURNAROUND from your evil ways. Otherwise, you will continue to pose a danger to your community and eventually destroy the society at large.  

 

The essence of this write-up is to challenge us all, individually and collectively (including myself) to THINK deeply about our wrong mentality, our daily habits and lifestyle that have been drawing us back as a people. We need to make a great effort to change them and turn on a new leaf – and it is then that we can start expecting people from amongst us to be voted into public offices; and be accountable in all their conducts and in their official assignments.

If not, nothing will change.

We ALL need to make a concerted effort at purging our society of all forms of evil and wicked – reducing wrongdoings to a very bearable minimum. Then, we can now begin to search for light at the end of every dark tunnel in our national life!

RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION… BUT sin is a REPROACH to any people – Proverbs 14:34.

Thank you.

#ENDSARS #EndEveryImmorality #EndBadGovernance #FranklinAvenue #GodBlessNigeria

CORONAVIRUS HOLIDAYS AND THE WORLD

By Femi Akinpelu Joseph

Hello everyone, and happy Corona Holidays!

I believe we are all keeping safe, hopeful and healthy, even in the face of this crazy global epidemic. You see, sometimes, it is good when novel things like this happen; because that is when we get to know who is really who! Don’t get me wrong, I’m never happy that this evil and strange disease broke out in the world and have had to snap precious lives away, but see (for everyone alive at the moment), the book of Proverbs says “If you fail in the days of your adversity, then your strength is small!” You get that?! I didn’t write that – King Solomon did. Really, I’m not here to preach, but to point out few things to all who need to hear.

What have I to bring out from these whole current events of the COVID-19 outbreak? It is the need to live and cope well with the reality and even the effects of this development.

The question that is on my mind to everyone is, has the trend of the covid-19 totally changed you as a person and has left you totally disorganized? Have you lost your mind and your entire sense of reasoning because Coronavirus is the in-thing now – and so you cannot live a normal life again? even though you are still alive. For all those who can honestly say a YES to this question, I’d recommend you carry out a complete physical, mental, spiritual and psychological check on yourself. You should need some reassessing of your whole being. I am not joking. It is a serious matter.

It is true that we have never at any time in the history of the world before, experienced this kind of global health dysfunction and malady. But, you see, the popular Yoruba proverb says “Ohun t’eye ba je, l’eye n gbe fo”. In literal translation, it means, it is whatever a bird has eaten, that it flies with! In other words, it is that which you’ve got (equipped) inside of you that reflects on your outside and gives you strength when the time of trial comes.

It is quite funny how a lot of folks have become so disoriented and easily frightened – they are gripped with so much confusion, fear and despair; and this is because many a people neither have principles nor a person guiding their lives, even before now. With just a little test, they are already trembling, looking for some magical powers, or some invisible gods, and not even God the Creator (as many don’t even find Him capable again), to come and save them. My point here is, the game of running helter and skelter from fear and panic, MUST STOP.

The world has been declared to be in holidays at this moment! Very good. Now that you have this impromptu, unplanned, unscheduled, august break in March, what are you doing with your life? Are you just not interested in knowing or learning of any other thing again, but coronavirus? I see a lot of guys (Nigerians, especially) now breathe, live, eat, sleep, wake and make plans only in, and/or on coronavirus – they speak the language of coronavirus morning, noon, and night; and nothing else now matters to them. Shaking my head. I know someone, who sends unsolicited articles, broadcast messages, videos and all sorts, ALL ABOUT COVID-19 to me, every single day. I consider that very boring and disturbing!
Some have now got themselves the best opportunity to become liars; to be lazy, stupid, and just joke around – they make a ‘coronavirus joke’ out of JUST ANYTHING and EVERYTHING, now. Of course, we have to laugh sometimes and take life easy, but when it gets too far too much, then that becomes a problem.

I saw a beautiful quote recently somewhere, that says “Go home. Read a book. The world is closed”. That’s very thoughtful!

Please, fellow citizens of the world, utilize this opportunity to work on yourself and improve on your productivity. I know a lot of people haven’t had at least, 7 hours of sleep in a day, for over 10 years or more – sleep more now! Spend more quality time with loved ones and share more love. Read books, exercise better this time – don’t just be eating! Go on working on your plans for the year – never throw them aside. Let these “holidays” serve as a very helpful hibernating period for your equipping; not for lazing and goofing around and just reading about coronavirus all day long.

Take a moment to think about what becomes of you after this COVID-19 scourge is all over. Every day as I get up, I set my mind on new things to do and achieve, and I daily look forward to new ways of improving myself – and if there were 999 things on my mind, that I think about everyday this period, coronavirus or Covid-19, would be last on that list! Yet, I’m updated on most of the events in the world (including the 411 on COVID-19).

Keep moving. Keep improving. Keep planning. Keep working. Keep being yourself. And keep keeping safe and healthy. The world may seem to be in a pause at the moment, your life and your future shouldn’t be. And, never say because there is an outbreak of COVID-19, you now begin to renege on the promises you have made to people – unless the situation has totally rendered the fulfillment entirely impossible. In fact, in this same period that we are, I have received some of my biggest favours so far, this year. LIFE MUST NOT STOP because of coronavirus.

PRAY more; MEDITATE the word of God more; LOVE more; SPEAK the TRUTH more; TRUST GOD more and fear-LESS! And remember, the end time is here.

Just like we have been advised, stay at home, keep safe and healthy, and take precautions. But life goes on.

God bless you!
#HappyHolidays #KeepLiving #Covid19 #FranklinAvenue

FACTS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T HAVE ABOUT CORONA-VIRUS (COVID-19)

By Femi Akinpelu Joseph

The deadly Coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19 

broke out from Wuhan, China in late 2019, but became more 

pronounced since the start of 2020; several thousands of people across the world have been badly hit by this epidemic. 

Questions have been asked, speculations are being made, about where it originated from, how it can be contacted, and how to prevent it.

Below are useful information about COVID-19 and tips on how you can protect yourself and your family from getting infected.

The Coronavirus Outbreak - What do you need to know? 

Start here.

      What is a Coronavirus?

     It is a novel virus named for the crown-like spikes that protrude from its surface. The coronavirus can infect both animals and people, and can cause a range of respiratory illnesses from the common cold to more dangerous conditions like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS.

    How contagious is the virus?
According to preliminary research, it seems moderately infectious, similar to SARS, and is possibly transmitted through the air. Scientists have estimated that each infected person could spread it to somewhere between 1.5 and 3.5 people without effective containment measures.

   Where has the virus spread?
The virus originated in Wuhan, China, and has sickened tens of thousands of people in China and at least two dozen other countries.

   How worried should I be?
While the virus is a serious public health concern, the risk to most people outside China remains very low, and seasonal flu is a more immediate threat.

   Who is working to contain the virus?
World Health Organization officials have praised China’s aggressive response to the virus by closing transportation, schools and markets. This week, a team of experts from the W.H.O. arrived in Beijing to offer assistance.

Coronavirus symptoms

The viruses can make people sick, usually with a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness, similar to a common cold. Coronavirus symptoms include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, possibly a headache and maybe a fever, which can last for a couple of days.

For those with a weakened immune system, the elderly and the very young, there's a chance the virus could cause a lower, and much more serious, respiratory tract illness like a pneumonia or bronchitis.

There are a handful of human coronaviruses that are known to be deadly.

Middle East respiratory syndrome, also known as the MERS virus, was first reported in the Middle East in 2012 and also causes respiratory problems, but those symptoms are much more severe. Three to four out of every 10 patients infected with MERS died, according to the CDC.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome, also known as SARS, is the other coronavirus that can cause more severe symptoms. First identified in the Guangdong province in southern China, according to the WHO, it causes respiratory problems but can also cause diarrhea, fatigue, shortness of breath, respiratory distress and kidney failure. Depending on the patient's age, the death rate with SARS ranged from 0-50% of the cases, with older people being the most vulnerable.

The Wuhan coronavirus is currently thought to be more mild than SARS and MERS and takes longer to develop symptoms. Patients to date have typically experienced a mild cough for a week followed by shortness of breath, causing them to visit the hospital, explains Peter Horby, professor of emerging infectious diseases and global health at the University of Oxford. So far, around 15% to 20% of cases have become severe, requiring, for example, ventilation in the hospital.

How it spreads

Viruses can spread from human contact with animals. Scientists think MERS started in camels, according to the WHO. With SARS, scientists suspected civet cats were to blame. Officials do not yet know what animal may have caused the current outbreak in Wuhan.

When it comes to human-to-human transmission of the viruses, often it happens when someone comes into contact with an infected person's secretions, such as droplets in a cough.

Depending on how virulent the virus is, a cough, sneeze or handshake could cause exposure. The virus can also be transmitted by touching something an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Caregivers can sometimes be exposed by handling a patient's waste, according to the CDC.

Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed for the Wuhan coronavirus, but experts are now trying to understand who is transmitting it most, who is at most risk and whether transmission is occurring mostly in hospitals or in the community. SARS and MERS were largely transmitted inside hospitals, Horby said. Some people are also considered to be "superspreaders."

Who is affected?

MERS, SARS and the Wuhan coronavirus appear to cause more severe disease in older people, though uncertainty remains around the latest outbreak. Of the cases of Wuhan coronavirus reported so far, none are yet confirmed to be among children, Horby said. The average age is people 40 or over, he said.

Coronavirus treatment

There is no specific treatment, but research is underway. Most of the time, symptoms will go away on their own and experts advise seeking care early. If symptoms feel worse than a standard cold, see your doctor.

Doctors can relieve symptoms by prescribing a pain or fever medication. The CDC says a room humidifier or a hot shower can help with a sore throat or cough.

Drink plenty of fluids, get rest and sleep as much as possible.

Coronavirus and cats, dogs and other animals

Pets can catch coronaviruses and the infections can become severe. Sometimes the viruses can lead to deadly diseases. One can cause feline infectious peritonitis in cats and something called a pantropic canine coronavirus can infect cats and dogs, according to a 2011 study.

Cats can catch SARS, but none of the infected cats developed symptoms, according to the study. The feline coronavirus typically is asymptomatic, but can cause mild diarrhea. Feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP, can cause flu-like symptoms for a cat, but can also be more serious for cats and can cause organ failure, but it is not contagious and will not spread from animal to animal or person to person.

Coronavirus and pregnancy

In pregnant women, the more severe versions of MERS and SARS coronaviruses can be serious. There are cases in which a woman infected with MERS had a stillbirth, a 2014 study showed.

SARS-associated illnesses were linked to cases of spontaneous abortion, maternal death and critical maternal illness, a 2004 study found.

    What if I’m traveling?

The United States and Australia are temporarily denying entry to non-citizens who recently traveled to China and several airlines have canceled flights.

    How do I keep myself and others safe?

   Washing your hands frequently is the most important thing you can do, along with staying at home when you’re sick.

#Coronavirus, #Know, #Covid19, #Health

Sources: New York Times and CNN.com.