Learn to be caring: love, relationships, sundry issues in a modern world

Book Review:

Title of book: Domestic Daddy

Author: Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga

Publisher: Bulkybon Books

Year published: 2012

Number of pages: 230

Reviewer: Michelle Ikpaanyam

Price: USD10

Domestic Daddy is a novel written by Blessed Mudiaga Adjekpagbon. It focuses on different aspects of Nigerian society, especially love, marriage, friendship, family relationships and ethnic differences. The novel also explores how people's past experiences can affect their present lives.

What the reader finds interesting about the book is that it does not talk about love alone. It also shows how people relate to one another, how their backgrounds influence their decisions and how some of the choices they make affect their families and the people around them.

One of the things that stands out in the storyline, is the relationship between three characters such as Adolphus Ugochukwu, Alhaji Dauda and Ilesanmi Adegoke. These characters represent different ethnic groups in Nigeria, and their relationships show that people from different backgrounds can still understand and support one another.  The author seems to use this as an important message to the society because Nigeria has many ethnic groups and cultures. Sometimes, these differences cause unnecessary problems between people. The novel reminds the reader that people do not have to come from the same background to have a good relationship with each other. At the same time, as part of humans imperfection, it shows that misunderstandings and conflicts can still happen between people who should be living peacefully together.

Another thing that catches the reader’s interest is how the author talks about past wars and their effects on society. These references show that some of the problems people experience in modern times can be connected to things that happened in the past. This makes the story more meaningful because it reminds the reader that history is not something that can always be separated from human daily life. Conflicts can leave people with pain and mistrust, and these feelings may continue to affect other people even years later. This makes the novel's message about peace very important because it shows that people need to learn from the past instead of allowing past events to keep creating problems.

Moreover, the way the author uses humour to discuss serious issues is quite captivating. Some of the characters, such as Mrs. Ogheneochuko, Ekaiete, also known as “I-Know-Everybody's-History-In-Nigeria,” Mrs. Rabbit-Must-Not-Escape, Okonoko Darlington and Uduboy, add entertainment to the story. One character that the reader finds particularly interesting is Uduboy, who uses sarcasm to point out some of the problems in society. For example, he makes comments about Ororbor, a student whose father is a serving commissioner. This brings attention to how some privileged people behave because of their wealthy or influential backgrounds. This is a good scenario the author relies on to pass across his message as he uses humour to make readers think about issues such as corruption and irresponsible behaviour, without making the story too serious or devoid of entertainment as it unfolds.

Furthermore, the novel also shows how relationships between people can continue from one generation to another. The children of Ugochukwu and Nwayiocha become connected to Adegoke's family through marriage, while Dauda and Titi's daughter marries Udu's son. The reviewer sees the second relationship particularly interesting because of the feelings Titi had for Udu during their school days. In a way, the relationships between the older characters connect to the lives of their children. This shows how the past can affect the future in ways people may not expect. It also reminds the reader that the relationships people build with each other can have effects that last much longer than they could imagine.

Another important theme in the novel is love and the different ways people approach relationships. Through characters such as Joy, Halimat, Julius and Uzo, the author shows that people do not always have the same expectations when it comes to love and marriage. For example, Uzo's approach to Halimat reflects a more traditional way of looking at relationships because he talks about paying her bride price and starting a family with her. Halimat, on the other hand, has a more daring attitude towards romance and physical affection. This is interesting as it shows how people's backgrounds, beliefs and personal choices can influence the way they approach relationships. What works for one person may not necessarily be what another person wants.

However, the relationship between Joy and Julius shows another side of love. Julius is presented as a playboy who knows how to use sweet words to attract Joy, while Joy acts as though she needs time to think about his proposal even though she already has feelings for him. This part indicates how people sometimes behave differently from how they actually feel, especially when they are dealing with emotions. It also reminds the reader that sweet words do not always expose everything about a person's intentions. Sometimes, it is important to pay attention to people's actions and not just what they say.

In addition, one of the most interesting things about the novel is the difference between Joy and Halimat's experiences in marriage. Despite trying to preserve her chastity, Joy eventually experiences problems in her marriage, while Halimat, who experiences sexual violation before marriage, goes on to have a successful marriage. This challenges the way society sometimes judges women based on their past experiences. People may assume that someone's past determines the kind of future he or she will have, but the experiences of these two characters show that life is not always that simple. The author probably uses this situation to remind readers that people can go through difficult situations that are not their fault, and those experiences should not be used as a reason to judge them.

The storyline also dwells on the importance of female independence as it presents Joy as a character who represents feminism, especially when it comes to the idea that a woman's happiness should not depend entirely on her marriage. This is an important message because women are sometimes made to feel that being married is the most important achievement in their lives. However, women should also be able to make their own decisions and find happiness in other parts of their lives. The novel shows that relationships can be complicated, and sometimes things do not turn out the way people expect them to. It is important for people to understand that a person's worth is not determined by whether their marriage succeeds or fails.

Therefore, what this reader appreciate about Domestic Daddy is that, Adjekpagbon combines humour, love and serious issues to examine different challenges affecting society. The novel’s themes can be identified as corruption, ethnic differences, betrayal and gender expectations, that blends with funny characters and situations that make the story more entertaining. The novel is interesting because readers can enjoy the story while also thinking about the issues being discussed. The title is captivating as it makes the reader curious about who the “Domestic Daddy” actually is from the beginning, and how the title connects to the characters and their relationships. However, as there are various characters and different subthemes in the storyline, readers need to pay attention to how everything connects to understand the bigger picture.

Overall, Domestic Daddy is a novel that encourages readers to think about love, friendship, family and how we treat other people. What  the reviewer find most meaningful is the way the author uses different characters and their experiences to show that life does not always happen the way people expect it to be.

The author’s most outstanding stylistic is his use of humour and simple diction for the discussion of serious problems in society without making the whole story feel too heavy. One of the biggest lessons one can learn from the novel is that, people should not be too quick to judge others because they may not fully understand what the people they are judging have been through. The book also shows the importance of understanding our differences and learning to live peacefully with one another. These are important lessons, especially in a country like Nigeria, where people come from different backgrounds and have different beliefs.

In conclusion, the author is a prolific writer who has over 20 creative and academic books published to his credit. He is a multiple award-winning tutor, poet, playwright, novelist and short stories writer. His works are being used as recommended texts for learners in various primary, secondary and tertiary institutions all over the world. To have a full insight about his background, just type his surname “Adjekpagbon” into google search engine.

END

 

Man cries for help as source of livelihood is destroyed

Mr. Alaraba Muhammed-Salis

 Written by Blessed Adjekpagbon

The issue of illegal demolition of buildings by some individuals who take laws into their hands has been rampant in Nigeria, especially in the city of Lagos over the years.

On December 1, 2022, an incident reportedly happened at a market named after Folashade Tinubu Ojo, the daughter of the APC Nigerian President, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The market sited at Mile 13, Adekunle Bus Stop, along Ikorodu Road, Owode–Elede area of Lagos State,  named "Folashade Tinubu Ojo (FTO) New Plantain Market," has been demolished.  While sharing a sorrowful story of the incident with Bulkybon Periscopes, one major victim   of the demolition, Mr. Alaraba Oluwatunmise Muhammed–Salis whose barbing-shop was destroyed lamented his ordeal.

One of his belongings destroyed

He said “My shop is not sited on the disputed area affected by the illegal demolisher of a plantain market plaza near where my shop was built. Mr. Dele Abdul Akande is a landlord who shares boundary with my own landlord, Chief Adewale Teluwo. But Akande took laws into his own hands by destroying a building close to the one housing the sellers of plantain and other types of items in the guise of taking possession of the land.

“What pained me most is that my shop is not within the space where the disputed plantain market was built.  Yet, without any legal authorization from any court of law, Akande demolished the plantain plaza and also partly encroached on Chief Teluwo’s land where my shop was built, and completely destroyed it and my belongings. His action has put me and my entire family into a serious crisis in these tough times.”

Lamenting further, the victim avers that “I am in a serious big debts situation right now. I took loans from various financial houses to set up my barbing saloon to the high standard it was before its illegal demolition by Akande.”

 Alaraba says another demolished structure (measuring (10.973 mm X 4.572mm) was near the spot of the plantain market. He explains that “The illegally destroyed structure was where my shop was located. I rented it from Chief Teluwo.  It was an entertainment place built above a raised surface at 3ft (0.914 metres) height from the ground level due to the fact that the entire landscape is a swampy environment. The area has been used for different entertainment activities such as a Football Arena (DSTV) Premium Super Sport show 24/7), Spanning Games (Playing Station Centre), T-World Gbajamo World (All-inclusive Barber Shop Palour), POS POINT (for all banking transactions) and T-World Marketplace Construction (for variety of business transactions).”

Nonetheless, he recounted his losses, saying that “I lost all the investments of my life and important items I bought over the years to equip my shop. Some of the items I lost include my books, various documents, MP3, radio transistor (my companion), a library of many tabloids of over ten years, data storage devices, used smart phones and gift items I pledged to give to my friends, relatives and customers. In addition, my memorable photographs, files, thesaurus, 8th, 9th, 10th editions of Oxford English Advanced Learners Dictionaries, and copies of business report et cetera, are among my irretrievable mementoes lost to the illegal demolition.

“The destroyed property was built on a marshland. Hence, all my clothes, shoes, trinket (ornaments), canvas (trainers), including generators, Sal wood, used 4 pieces of MP3, StarTime satellite / antenna model decoders (dish and terrestrial) model 265, water containers (drums, plastic baths and buckets) and FTA strong satellite decoder and so on and so forth are among the items destroyed.”

He also informs that “During the time of the illegal demolition, I was lying in bed suffering from vertigo-vestibular. The heartless demolition act caught me totally unaware. However, it was when I later visited the scene that I found out that all my things had been completely ruined. The value of some of my things destroyed are stated thus:  -10.973mm x 4.572mm dimensions, raised surface with Sal wood media (Patako Eki, in Yoruba dialect) and entire floor is worth N1,700,000; -two pieces of play station 5 (Ps5) Component Player worth N650,000 each = N1.3m;  -two pieces of ELEPAQ generator 3.8kva auto operation worth N450,000 each = N900,000; Model A13 5G Samsung 8 RAM Android 128 GB Internal Storage N250,000; four pieces of SMC model K ceiling fan worth N67,000 each  = N268,000; -KDK standing fan N40,000;  -three pieces of TMT and Excel wall fans worth N16,000 each  = N48,000; and -Barber Shop 200 watts UV Sterilizer N45,000 respectively.”

In retrospect, the victim told Bulkybon how he began his business of hair cutting. Going down memory lane, he said “I began the business of cutting hair for people when I was in Form Four at Secondary School in 1984. I later proceeded to Government Technical College, Ajegunle, (AJETECH), Ogun State, where I bagged Levels I, II, and III with ILM City & Guilds Certificate London, in Graphic Art and Printing Technology between 1985 and 1988. I had rented the shop since May 5, 2014. This amounted to nine years 7 months and some days that I have been operating the barbing saloon before its illegal demolition.

“I turned 55 years old on November 11, 2022. This makes me wonder how and where I want to begin my life again. I am totally destabilized. I don’t know where to go or start again. The ruined building had been my home whenever I was away from my family because I reside at Ijoko -Ota, Ogun State. I usually go home every fortnight to see my family and other loved ones.

“I am using this avenue to call on fellow Nigerians and other kind-hearted folks worldwide, to kindly come to my aid right now, especially human right solicitors (Activists).  I am helpless.  Please, come and help me in this hour of my hopelessness. I don’t have any place to go, sleep or relax again whenever I am in Lagos to struggle to make a living to cater for my family. I have been hanging out with some kind hearted friendly customers since the devilish act happened on December 1, 2022.”

He further points out his pathetic situation by informing that “I have been sleeping here and there like a vagabond.  The destroyed structure had been my home in Lagos since 5th May, 2014. Nigerians, where should I begin again? This question has remained unanswered since December 1, 2022.”

“After the nasty occurrence, my feelings have been in a very horrible state with low self-esteem and depression. I am begging for money and food to eat. I also have a family to cater for.”  he concluded.

At present, Alaraba looks very pathetic and ill. He is appealing for assistance from the global public. Any person willing to help him to revive his business can assist him through his bank account thus: United Bank for Africa (U.B.A) account number: 2073436229  and account name: Alaraba Oluwatunmise Salis. 

                                               END

https://bulkybonnews.blogspot.com

Whatsapp: 08059265333

Direct line: 08067538922

Necessity to reshape gender relationships for global development

Title of Book:  The Stake of Gender Inclusivity

Author: Hezekiah James

Publisher: MBK~Darul Hikma Printing Press, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Year Published: 2025

Pages: 162

Reviewer: Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga

The Stake of Gender Inclusivity written by Hezekiah James, mirrors gender issues from a broader point of view beyond only concern for women, as many folks generally believe that it is only women that suffer in one way or another in their relationships with men.

The author points that gender issues are not just a women’s issue but a human issue that affects society as a whole. With insightful explanations and reflections, Hezekiah encourages men and women to rethink how they relate to each other and how society can move towards fairness and cooperation. With a periscope on gender relations and social developments, the book highlights the importance of partnership between both genders in building a better society.

The Seven-Chapter book dwells on the following topics: Gender Background Study, Gender Analytical Reviews, Gender Thriving Controversies, Gender Boundary Landmarks, Gender Case Studies, Gender Sensitivity Initiative and Thrilling Gender Approach respectively. Each of the chapters contain subthemes focusing on various perceptions and perspectives of the subject matter. One of such perspectives is the idea that men should not be left out of the conversation about gender equality.

The author highlights the need for men to play an important role in supporting and promoting robust discussion about women rights. He explains that many societies have long believed that gender discussions are meant only for females or feminist activists. Unfortunately, this assumption creates division instead of progress. According to the author, real progress happens when both men and women work together to address social problems. The author clearly states that men must be seen “Not as benefactors, but as active champions of gender initiatives" (pg 1). This statement introduces the main conflict in the book: the misunderstanding that gender equality is a struggle between men and women rather than a shared responsibility.

Based on the foregoing, Dr. DeWayne Frazier, the President of American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Adamawa State, who wrote the 'Foreword' of the book, says that, "We are living in a moment of heightened awareness around gender, identity, and equity. Yet, while progress is visible in some areas, the path toward true gender inclusivity remains incomplete. Deep-seated cultural norms, institutional biases, and systemic inequalities continue to hinder the fulfillment of gender equality around the world. These barriers are not just personal: they are structural. They do not only affect individuals: they undermine entire communities and economies. This is the landscape into which The Stake of Gender Inclusivity enters: not merely as another contribution to the gender discourse, but as a strategic intervention. With more than words, it is about action and how we can be the 
change that is needed."

Therefore, one of the central themes of the book is cooperation. The author explains that gender equality should not be viewed as a competition where one group wins and the other loses. Instead, he emphasizes that progress can only happen when both sides respect and understand each other. As the author explains, “Gender engagement is not a zero sum game, where progress for one gender equates loss for another” (pg 1). This idea forms the foundation of the book’s message. Rather than blaming men for social problems or portraying women as powerless victims, the book encourages mutual respect and shared responsibility. The author presents men and women as partners who both have important roles to play in shaping society.

Furthermore, the author makes use of real everyday people in society by discussing the roles played by men, women, and families in shaping gender relationships. These roles help the reader understand how gender attitudes are learned and passed from one generation to another. Emphasis on the role of the household as the place where many beliefs about gender are first developed is one of the meats and potatoes in the book. Here, the author says meaningful change begins at the personal level, where individuals reflect on their attitudes and behaviors. By focusing on everyday relationships between men and women, Hezekiah makes the discussion more relatable and easier for readers to understand.

One other noteworthy quality of the book is its logical structure. It begins with personal reflections and gradually expands into broader discussions about culture, religion, law and other social institutions. By examining influences such as traditions, religious teachings, and legal systems, the author shows that attitudes about gender are shaped not only by individuals but also by larger social structures. This approach helps readers to understand why gender inequality continues to exist in many societies. He emphasizes that solving it requires cooperation and collective effort. The author also encourages open dialogue between men and women, suggesting that honest conversations can help reduce misunderstandings while strengthening relationships.

Moreover, another commendable trait of the book is its balanced approach to gender discussions. Instead of creating division, the author tries to build understanding between both genders. The book encourages men to take responsibility for supporting gender equality while also recognizing the important contributions of women in society. This balanced perspective makes the book thoughtful and constructive. It also promotes the idea that cooperation is more effective than conflict when addressing societal issues.

Hence, in terms of writing style, the author is thoughtful and reflective, combining explanation, social observation, and analysis to discuss gender issues in society. Even though gender issues tend to make many men defensive of their own rights as leaders, the tone and diction of the author remains clear, balanced and easy to understand. These make the ideas he propagates comprehensible to a wide range of readers.

Nonetheless, though the ideas Hezekiah advocates are highly commendable, a few weaknesses are in the delivery of some messages in the text. At some points, the discussion borders on theoretical jingoism, which may make it uneasy for some readers to relate to the ideas. This does not in any way diminish the salient ideas in the book, aimed at promoting peace and cooperation concerning gender relationships and social development. The hallmark of the book is that, gender equality cannot be achieved by one group alone but requires cooperation, understanding, and shared responsibility between men and women.

In conclusion, the author encourages readers to have a rethink concerning their previous ideas about gender differences, and ignite meaningful positive social change, which begins with honest dialogue and mutual respect. Therefore, the book is a highly recommended material for policymakers, religious leaders, sociological scholars, students and anyone interested in social development. The book matters in today’s world as gender debates continue to shape politics, education, religion, and family life.

Hezekiah James is a Nigerian author, educator, entrepreneur, and social inclusion advocate whose works focus on advancing sustainable solutions to social development challenges. Some other of his manuscripts are waiting in line for publication. He attended Perfect Memorial Secondary School, Mwari, and further advanced his studies at the University of Jos, Plateau State where he pursued higher education and expanded his intellectual interests. Various organisations such as the Bauchi State Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, as well as NGOs/CSO etc, have shown interest in The Stake of Gender Inclusivity as a worthy text for education and human relationship improvement. These engagements demonstrate the growing relevance of the book in shaping conversations around inclusive development and social responsibility.

END

 

Musings of pain, love, injustice, perseverance intertwined in Africa

Title of book: Hope in the Shadow of Dream\

Author: Maximumdan Solomon Sambo

Publisher: Moving Tech Integrated Concept, Yola, Adamawa, Nigeria

Year of publication: 2024

Reviewer: Michelle Niyang

Hope in the Shadow of Dream is a collection of inspirational, motivational, and socially conscious poems written by Maximumdan Solomon Sambo. The book contains fifty-five poems segmented into five sections, with section part focusing on important human and societal experiences such as pain, faith, perseverance, patriotism, injustice, love, and hope, especially within the African environment. Through simple but expressive language, the poet attempts to encourage readers to remain hopeful despite the many challenges of life.

The opening section of the collection concentrates on suffering, violence, and emotional trauma. Poems such as The Black Night, The Pain, and You Cannot Live in Pain Forever present disturbing images of loss, fear, and communal tragedy. These poems reflect real social conditions like conflict, insecurity, and human cruelty. However, even within these painful descriptions, the poet gradually introduces the possibility of healing, survival, and divine intervention, showing that darkness does not last forever.

Another dominant theme throughout the book is hope, resilience, and faith in God. Poems like Turning Point, Never Say Never, and Integrity emphasize inner strength, moral character, and spiritual dependence. The poet repeatedly suggests that perseverance, discipline, and trust in God can transform suffering into victory. The motivational tone of these poems makes the message clear and accessible to a wide audience, particularly young people facing uncertainty about the future.

The collection also gives attention to African identity, patriotism, and leadership challenges. In poems such as Africa My Pride, True Nigerian, Stay United, and We Are One, the author celebrates the beauty, strength, and historical struggles of Africa while criticizing corruption, disunity, violence, and poor governance. These poems function as both appreciation and warning, encouraging citizens to embrace unity, responsibility, and national development. This patriotic concern makes the work socially relevant beyond personal reflection.

In addition, the poet addresses gender inequality and injustice against women. Poems like Plight of a Woman and Clamouring for Justice strongly condemn abuse, violence, and denial of women’s rights. The emotional tone in this section highlights the physical, psychological, and social suffering experienced by victims, while also demanding justice and societal change. This reinforces the book’s broader message about human dignity and equality.

The final section shifts toward love, heartbreak, beauty, and emotional relationships, as seen in poems such as Love Speaks, Heartbreak, and Beauty Queen. These poems provide a softer and more intimate conclusion to the collection while still maintaining the central theme of hope and emotional healing. They remind readers that love, despite its pain, remains an essential part of human existence.

One noticeable strength of the book is its clarity of message and sincerity of emotion. The poet uses straightforward language rather than highly complex poetic structures, which makes the poems easy to understand for general readers. Although some poems rely more on repetition and direct expression than deep literary symbolism, the strong moral lessons and emotional honesty give the collection meaningful impact.

In conclusion, Hope in the Shadow of Dream combines personal reflection with social commentary to deliver a message of perseverance, faith, unity, justice, and love. The poems collectively argue that hardship, violence, and disappointment are real parts of human life, yet they do not have the final authority over the human spirit. Instead, hope remains constant even in the darkest situations. Therefore, the collection serves as a reminder that individuals and societies have the responsibility to choose positive transformation. By promoting moral integrity, national unity, respect for women, and trust in God, the poet encourages readers not only to endure life’s struggles but also to contribute to building a better and more compassionate society. For this reason, the book stands as an encouraging literary work that speaks especially to young Africans searching for meaning, strength, and direction in a challenging world.

END

Succeeding beyond all odds

Title of book: Naija Commando

Author: Mike O. Nwangwa

Publisher: Royal Ray International Limited, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Number of pages: 198

Reviewer: Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga

 

“Naija Commando” is a memoir of a young Nigerian writer, Mike Nwangwa. It talks about his struggles, resilience and triumphs from his primary education to secondary level at Command Secondary School, Jos, Plateau State, and onward to his tertiary accomplishments.

It is a 198-page book made up of Thirty-Seven Chapters, chronicling his struggles with school choices and overcoming financial challenges, vis-a-vis academic bottlenecks, societal expectations and future aspirations.

The themes in the chapters’ border on the importance of political awareness among young folks and the need to embrace good leadership traits from positive minded administrators and elders in the country.

Youth and entrepreneurship development, positive parenting and association with folks that have good goals oriented aspirations, are part of the meat and potatoes of the book’s musings. These and many other issues showcased in the book reminds the reader about a newly published book that dwells on leadership, inequalities, entrepreneurship and gender issues titled “Colours of Leadership and Inequalities,” edited by Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga.

Through a captivating storytelling style, Mike the author of “Naija Commando” paints a picture of many challenges being faced by a typical Nigerian child, from primary school to tertiary level. With an engaging mixture of humour and salient issues affecting the Nigerian child, the author spreads his experiences from elementary school age to his tertiary attainment. The role good mentoring plays in the life of youths within and outside the school environment is also beamed on with counselling electricity.

Therefore, the book is a metaphor of the average Nigerian youth experiences, in terms of what the author passed through and endured, as he takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride about the ups and downs he wrestled with, in a Nigerian military school and beyond its environment.

Nonetheless, Nigerian youths who did not attend military schools can also relate with the author’s experiences, because they live in the same society where the military schools exist. The tumultuous waters of adolescence and a host of societal challenges and expectations in a country where the youths are continuously disappointed by some socalled elders and elite, from the grassroots to the national leadership system, requires a great deal of resilience to succeed in it.

The author’s diction is very clear for any average reader to understand. This makes the book an interesting read. The content is devoid of mechanical or channel noise; thereby making the reader assimilate the messages or information without psychological noise. The material is therefore highly recommended for Nigerian youths to read and adopt the spirit and need to embrace perseverance and good leadership traits, from any positive-minded politician or administrator in the country; rather than allowing themselves to be used as thugs for the settlement of political parties' disputes and politicians' differences.

Interestingly, despite being a Zoologist, the author has displayed that he is a good story writer, as he holds a first degree in Zoology from the University of Maiduguri, Bornu State, and a master degree in Communication Management from Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.

In conclusion, in spite of all the odds he encountered like many other Nigerian youths are still facing, the author has succeeded in various human endeavours, while he is still looking forward to achieving more. This is the hallmark of “Naija Commando”. Other books authored by Nwangwa include “I Believe Miracles Still Happen,” “The Call, The Gift, The Vision,” “Wisdom Of The Treasure Seeker,” “I Plead Guilty,” and “5 Secrets Of Christmas.”

END

 

 

Public toilet dilemma: When facilities exist but still fail

 

With the hindsight of the issues discussed in “The Aftermath (Collection of short stories)” book authored by Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga, this concise article written by Munirah Umar Sadiq, beams on the challenges posed to society by those defecating in open public places, especially in Africa

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

In many regions of Nigeria, people still find a quiet place to discharge themselves every day, whether it's by the water, a roadside, or behind a bush. This is the year 2025. Not only is this an unpleasant reality, but it is also a public health emergency, a threat to the environment, and an indication of structural failure. It's time we called it what it is, a national disgrace, to be honest.

Whether we are aware of it or not, open defecation is a major public health concern that has become one of those topics that people either ignore or make fun of. More than 46 million Nigerians continue to defecate in the open, according to UNICEF. That's nearly a whole nation's population. These are more than simply numbers, though. Families, kids, and the elderly are actual individuals who are compelled to live without the comforts of a toilet. Nothing can prepare you for the fact that someone will actually defecate in public, not out of disrespect but just because they have nowhere else to go. Reading about poverty and underdevelopment is one thing, but seeing how they deprive people of their most basic necessities is quite another.

There are just no functional restrooms in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural areas and urban slums. Some houses don't even have a toilet, especially those in crowded neighborhoods. When there are toilets, they are frequently in terrible shape broken, foul smelling, and useless. When the only public restroom nearby has no doors, is crawling with flies, and smells so terrible it makes you want to gag, can we really blame a woman for going into the bush? Usually, people don't choose to defecate in public. It's a desperate move. That does not, however, imply that we should ignore it. We must cease making it the norm. We must cease making it a standard. Because what begins as a "harmless" act has larger repercussions, including outbreaks of diseases, water contamination, environmental damage, and the loss of dignity.

The consequences for health are concerning. Human garbage doesn't simply vanish. Many people still rely on streams and rivers for cooking and drinking, and when it rains, that garbage is swept into them. This results in watery illnesses like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, which continue to kill people, particularly young children. Furthermore, it goes beyond health. There is also a significant effect on education. The lack of sanitary, private restrooms forces many public schoolchildren, especially females, to skip class or quit completely, especially in remote areas. Imagine having to hold your bladder all day while attempting to focus in class. It's unfair in addition to being painful. This brings to mind an anthology of short stories titled “The Aftermath (Collection of short stories) by Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga. The causes and results of public defecation are well explained in the book. A secondary school student and his family members who are fond of defecating in an open public gutter pays dearly for the condemnable act. It is a book every person should read to fully assimilate the benefits of keeping our environment clean, and those promoting environmental hygiene in the society should be rewarded.

Through initiatives like the "Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet" campaign, the Nigerian government has attempted to address the problem. Although that's a positive start, we all know that slogans won't address the issue on their own. Infrastructure for sanitation needs to be invested in more deeply and consistently, particularly in underprivileged regions. Maintaining restrooms is equally as important as building them. It has to do with awareness and education. To change attitudes, NGOs, local governments, and community leaders must collaborate. Not to mention the significance of accountability: initiatives must be finished, money must be spent openly, and community members must immediately experience the effects.

We too have a part to play as college students. We're not too young, too preoccupied, or too far away from the issue. A few of us had personal experience with it. We can increase awareness by using our platforms, voices, and skills. We can contribute to changing the narrative through volunteer outreach, social campaigns, college media, and articles. Because this isn't just about toilets in the end. Respect is at issue. It has to do with health. The goal is to establish a Nigeria where everyone has the right to hygienic, safe, and respectable sanitation, irrespective of where they reside or their income. We often say that godliness comes after cleanliness. Perhaps we should start living it instead of just reciting it.

END

Munirah Umar Sadiq,

Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) Department,

American University of Nigeria,

Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Highly talented upcoming spoken word poetess shares her writing experience

 Interviewed by Blessed Adjekpagbon

In this interview with Bulkybon News, a highly gifted Nigerian upcoming poetess, Peace Ileleji shares information about her background in the field of writing, says “I started writing poems at the age of 10”

Qst: What is your discipline or area of study and which school did you attend?

Ans: I'm a graduate of English and Literary Studies from the Delta State University, Abraka.

Qst: Which genres of literature do you specialize in?

Ans: Poetry and prose.

Qst: When did you start writing and what gives you the inspiration to write?

Ans: I started writing poems at the age of 10 after discovering my talent for poetry at age 7. However, reading the Book of Psalms and performing Prof. Patrick Lumumba's powerful piece, 'If Kwame Nkrumah and Patrice Lumumba were to rise up' at my secondary school's Graduation and Prize Giving Day ignited my passion to craft verses that inspire and uplift. What gives me inspiration is reading and touring because it stirs me up to fill a gap in knowledge via my words.

Qst: Have you written any published creative work either as a book or featured in a newspaper?

Ans: Not yet but soon.

Qst: Are you a member of any writers’ association in Nigeria or outside Nigeria?

Ans: Yes, the Creative Writer's Workshop (CWW).

Qst: Have you attended any writers conference or convention before?

Ans: Yes, last year I attended the Southcosels '23 in Bayelsa State.

Qst: Are you interested in meeting other writers to perform your spoken words with them?

Ans: Yes it will be my utmost pleasure.

 Qst: Will you encourage any of your children (if you are already married or in future) to do what you are creatively involved in now?

Ans: Yes I will because I see life in Word Art. It cultivates critical thinking, creative expression and effective communication.

Qst: Who is your idol in in the field of creativity that you have decided to showcase your skills in?

Qst: Ib Quake.

Qst: What is motivating you to do what you are doing (promoting Nigerian culture through spoken words) now in the present tough situation Nigerians are facing?

Qst: Well, the contemporary Nigeria society is experiencing a silent exodus of her citizens popularly called 'japa' and my daily interactions with youths and teens as a Teens Coordinator in my church, let me into the life of young people and their constant fears about the fate of the remaining citizens of a 'japad' (deserted by many citizens for greener pastures abroad) nation. I recently went on a tour to six different states where I saw the true beauty of nature in Nigeria. So, I believe as we are blessed with these resources, there is definitely hope for a better future.

Qst: How many languages among the many languages in Nigeria do you speak? What is your state of origin?

Qst: I speak Igbo (not perfect though but beginner's level). I'm from Delta State and Urhobo by tribe.

Qst: How do you spend your free time and what is your favourite meal?

Qst: I love spending time with my family and close friends. Also, travelling, reading books, cooking and listening to music uplifts me. Lastly, my favourite meal is Naija jollof and fried plantain.

END