BRAZIL 2014

Dear diary,

A photoblog has been long overdue on this space. I present to you the 2014 world cup, in pictures!!!

This tournament is one that won't be forgotten in a long time. History was made again and again. Little wonder why it's celebrated every 4 years. 

You could feel the excitement in the air. Every match left you breathless, wanting more and more. We saw the good, the bad and the ugly. 

The teams (32 in number) arrived in style for the tournament. Each team hoping to take the trophy home but alas! There can only be one winner.

The fans came prepared... 

The goalkeepers??? Phenomenal! 

Only goalkeeper to have 19 saves in one match; Tim Howard, won my heart after that match. Others like Ochoa and even our very own Enyeama were quite exceptional. 

There is very little you can do as a goal keeper when your team is not corroborating your effort.

Surely, you do not expect the young black woman not to be partial about her own country. The boys played a goalless draw against Iran, defeated Bosnia Herzigovinia by 1-0, were beaten by Argentina by one goal before they proceeded to the knock out stage. 

At the knock out stage, France knocked us out of the competition. Yeah we didn't get to the semi's like we hoped (dodges slippers and bucket) but at least we didn't go down without a fight. Thumbs up Super Eagles, we await Russia 2018.

There was a particular stage of the competition where matches kept moving into extra time and then penalty kicks. I couldn't even watch, I was just holding my chest like... 

While some goalkeepers stood like this in front of a goal post... 

Underdogs? Surely they did not come for this tournament. Every country was a potential winner. Infact, it was the "bigger boys" that chickened out at the group stage. Countries like Italy, England et Spain (the defending champions) were shown the way out in the most embarrassing way.

Talk about Spain's defeat and all I can do is shake my head.

  

World Cup revelation?James Rodriguez!!! I did not even know that he existed before the World Cup but now that I know, he has got himself a fan for life (until he Suarez's somebody)

The Suarez moment...

Some players went down with serious injuries and they had to watch the rest of the tournament from the bench or in some cases, their home countries. Players like Neymar, Onazi, Babatunde, Dimaria e.t.c. We wish them safe recovery.

There were a lot of tears at this World Cup... 

Never have I seen a player so determined to succeed. Schweinsteiger actually bled for his country in the process...

Germany played Brazil and scored the 2000th World Cup goal. Miroslav Klose became the all time goal scorer of the World Cup with 16 goals to his cap.  Brazil was humiliated in a 7-1 defeat by the German machines. 

It is without doubt, the most humiliating World Cup match of all time. We really missed these guys at the tournament... 

Germany played Argentina at the World Cup finals and truth be told, any of the two teams deserved to win it. The German machines won the competition by a goal margin in extra time...

Congratulations to the 2014 champions, GERMANY!!! 

A few lessons from the tournament:

1. Never, ever underestimate anybody!

2. Don't miss an opportunity to showcase yourself (imagine if J.Rodriguez did not come for the competition, who would have known he had potentials?)

3. Learn to control yourself even in your subconscious (Suarez made a mistake at the world stage and he'll be paying for it for a long time)

4. Every player in a team needs to work cohesively with the other player. A team should play together and not depend on one or two key players.

5. In all situations, give thanks! 

I had fun following this tournament, I can't wait for the next one. Russia 2018, here we come!

*Picture credit: Instagram (Fifaworldcup2014live), twitter, google, my TV :) 

THE SPECIAL ONE

Dear diary, 

How are you enjoying the weather? Since the rains have decided to take residence in this side of the world, we might as well relax and enjoy it while it lasts. Meanwhile, I have something important  to discuss with you, do read.

They kept shouting her name but she just wouldn't turn. Obviously a 7 year old child like her should be able to answer her own name, what was wrong? She was unscrewing the handle of the tap and someone had to stop her before it would burst open. I was the closest to her so I walked up to her and tapped her but she wouldn't budge. I had to force her hand off the tap before she finally let go.

Her hair was cut low like some of her peers that came with her. She had 2 legs, 2 eyes, 2 hands, 2 ears, 2 nostrils and other normal features of the human body. One peculiar thing I noticed is that she smiled more than the others did, revealing some missing teeth. She had a flat face and she opened her mouth more often revealing her tongue which was larger than normal and she salivated a lot. As she walked back to her seat, I noticed that she couldn't walk in a straight line, she walked like she just started learning how to. She looked restless and really enjoyed playing and running about the place. I didn't hear her talk much, but she kept making incoherent sounds. 

There was something special about this child because everybody kept looking at her. 

Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) is a genetic disorder involving an extra chromosome. This extra chromosome is responsible for the physical growth delays, manual dexterity problems, certain facial characteristics we see in special people. The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. They are also called special needs people because they require more attention and care than the average human being.

The society looks at the birth of a child with Down syndrome as a curse upon the family. This alone is one of the many reasons why some mothers abandon such children in the hospitals and bushes. Others do so out of fear of the challenges that may come in the long run. Some parents hide the special child at home and carry the other children to the beach to have fun. Socio-developmentally speaking, that child gets worse. Special people may have issues with making friends therefore the family is the most important unit in that child's life and as such they should not be segregated.

They usually have an intelligence quotient of about 50 meaning they'll usually function like kids half their age. These special people may not be able to compete intellectually with their age mates, but they can be  very creative. They usually have an inkling for the arts and athletics.

Have you recently discovered that your child is a special child? Don't fret. There would be challenges and moments of frustration but they will pass. Early intervention programes with speech therapists, occupational therapists e.t.c should be implemented by the parents. The cost of bringing up such a child can be nerve wrecking, time-wise and financially speaking, but it's important to do so with love and hope.You have been given the responsibility of bringing up a child that the society may frown upon, you might as well do the job beautifully and prove them wrong. No, you are not being punished by God for your sins in the past, You are only being used as an instrument of grace in that child's life. He will not give you more than you can take, so you better believe that you are more than equal to task ahead.

Dear 'society', in your moments of stigmatization and unjust dislike towards these special people, try and put yourself in their shoes and try to see the world through their eyes. Maybe, just maybe, you'll have a changed heart. Show love to them, they are people too. There are ignorant ones amongst us, people that don't know that special children are people like us and not witches or wizards, it's our duty to shed more light and correct these ideologies on the spot.

Dear parents, please don't hide  your child at home, expecting a miracle to happen. Take them out to see things, let them go to school and see children like them. Don't be afraid to take them to the hospital when you discover something you are not comfortable with. Discuss with other parents and find out how they are coping. Education, quality health care and a caring society would give a special child the much needed happiness and strength to cruise through life's journey. You as a parent should strive to make these requirements available. 

At the moment, it seems frustrating and tiring, taking care of the special one but one day you will look back and smile, forever grateful that you raised a special child.

Are you living with a special child? Do you know one? How has the journey been so far? Please share your stories and encourage others.

*Photo credit: Google

JUNE: A pretty pass

Dear Diary,

It has been a while we interacted on this space, how are you doing?

Every month of the year holds different memories for different people. Birthdays and anniversaries are being celebrated. Another month has come to end. The month of June ended well for some, while for others, it is a month they would gladly wish away. What rocked and sucked in the month of June? Find out.

His eminence, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi emerged as the new emir of Kano, following the death of Ado Bayero who was on the throne for about 51 years. Mixed reactions have continued to trail the investiture, still the diary wishes him a peaceful reign.

Former Director General of NAFDAC and one time Minister of Information,  Prof. Dora Akunyili died on the 7th of June after about 2 years battle with cancer. Branama crooner (Kefee Don momoh) passed away on Friday the 13th. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace and may our dear Lord comfort the bereaved. 

The MTV MAMA awards took place on Saturday 7 June with Nigerians carting away most of the award. Also, the BET (Black Entertainment Television) awards took place this month too. Congrats to the nominees, you are all winners.

Ekiti governorship elections took place on the 21st of June with PDP's Peter Fayose coming out victorious. The incumbent governor, Kayode Fayemi was voted out. I must commend INEC for the free and fair election conducted. Another reminder that 2015 is around the corner.

Is the ongoing 2014 World Cup the  mother of all world cups yet? Defending champions Spain, were humiliated in a 5-1 loss to Netherlands. Phenomenal Goalkeeper, Iker Cassilas was not in his best of forms at this tournament. The mighty are fallen is my preferred theme for this tournament. Top countries like Spain, England, Portugal and Italy are being shown the way out by the "underdogs". Our very own Super eagles fought a good fight for the better part of the tournament. Even though they were knocked out in the round of 16, we are proud of them. Coach Stephen Keshi has bowed out from the super Eagles camp and the Captain, Joseph Yobo has hung the boots for the national team. With their various achievements for the country, they will not be forgotten. We wish them success in their endeavors. As for Vincent Enyeama, the elastic band that held the team together regardless of the manner in which they played, God bless you.

Did I forget to talk about the bombings and unjust killings in the country? No I didn't. It's quite sad having to recount such ugly incidents In a once peaceful nation like ours. The last week in June was a very sad one for Nigeria. Virtually every day of that week has the blood of innocent Nigerians killed in the most gruesome manner hanging on it. Bomb blast at Banex Plaza, Wuse, Abuja. 21 dead, several others injured. Killing of about 48 people in a church near Chibok, The genocide in Kano. Explosion at Apapa, Lagos. Conflicting reports on whether it was a tanker explosion or a failed suicide bomb attempt. Too many stories, Lord help us.

The Chibok girls are still missing, it's over 70 days and nobody is talking about it anymore. The countries that offered to help us have not been able to yield any tangible result. The Malaysian plane MH370 is still missing and not a clue in site. It is a different thing knowing the fate of a loved one but when you don't know where they are, what has happened to them or what they may be going through, it can be nerve wrecking.

The first half of the year is over and it has been a rough one. Remember when you were in church on the 31st of December, 2013, praying for more blessings and favor in the new year? Well that new near is fast coming to an end. You had a lot of resolutions written down on January 1, 2014, how is that faring? Have you been consistent with them or did you do away with them in the 2nd month of the year? Whatever the case may be don't fret, you still  have 6 months to go. You have to sit up if you desire to achieve those set goals. Diligence, hard work and principles would guide you to achieve them. You have been motivated, please cast off the spirit of procrastination within you and set to work. It's your life and you are responsible for the choices you make. Make smart choices and reap the fruits by the end of the year.

HAPPY NEW MONTH.

THE STORY OF MAY

Dear Diary,

"Where do weary hearts go?"

Following the abducted 234 girls from Chibok, protests started the month of May. The protests took part in different parts of the country. The police that swore to protect citizens were using teargas to scare away peaceful protesters in some areas.

Just when we thought things couldn't get any worse, another blast happened. On workers day, jabi park in Nyanya was bombed leaving several people dead. This blast happened 3 weeks after the Nyanya motor park blast in April that we were yet to recover from.

       

#BringBackOurGirls is now worldwide. The spotlight is on Nigeria but it's all for the wrong reasons. The first 10 days in May were hot, protests left, right and center. Isha Sesay and other correspondents from the international media came into Nigeria to carry out investigative journalism In every sense of the word. Other countries like the Uk, US and France have offered to help nigeria.

B'Haram released a video showing the kidnapped girls covered with hijab, praying. They claimed they have converted them to Islam and they will only be released if the federal government released the detained BH members. So far, Parents have been able to identify about 77 of the abducted girls in the video.

Mr president was supposed to visit Chibok on the 16th of June but it was cancelled as a result of poor security clearance. The visit was publicized worldwide and therefore it had to be cancelled. Yes we expect more from the government but we surely don't want to lose the number 1 citizen in the mix. If he wants to visit, it should be a secret arrangement. Visit the troops, encourage them and leave quietly.

Jungle justice is starting to get comfortable in our society. In the month of May, there were a number of ugly cases. This reminds me of Aluu 4, people that were killed unjustly. Let's not take laws into our hands, allow the law to take it's course.

Hmmm... After 9 solid years of being at the emirates, arsenal finally lifted a trophy. They became FA cup champions on the 17th of May after dragging it with Hull city. It's been a very very very long wait. People actually shed tears that day. Over the years, players had come and gone, fans who had lost hope moved to other clubs. Arsenal had been at the receiving end of jokes over the years but after this victory, things changed for the better. Congrats to the true arsenal fans.

With the World Cup almost a month away, super eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has released the squad for the tournament in Brazil. While some prominent names like Ike Uche are missing, prodigal sons like Osaze Odemwingie have returned home. It is indeed a list of mixed feelings but overall we just want them to perform well and make us proud.

Tuesday may 20, witnessed double bombing situation in Jos. One went off by 3 pm and when people gathered to see what happened, another went off nearby at about 3:23 pm. Reprisal attacks started and a lot of people were injured, wounded and killed that day. The university of Jos lost 7 final year students and people that left their homes in the morning did not come back. These are not just numbers, they are human beings!

The most publicized and anticipated wedding of the year finally happened, Kim Kardashian got married to Kanye West this month. We finally saw pictures of Kelly Roland's marriage to Tim Witherspoon. She invited only 13 people to that wedding, cameras and phones weren't even allowed, still the pictures leaked. Sigh! The life of a superstar. Scandal's leading lady, Kerry Washington gave birth to her first daughter, Isabella. Yours truly is wishing them all the best in their new ventures.

The story of May didn't change much from that of April, it even seems to be getting worse. Let's learn to be security conscious even as we pray for a change. Don't spend too much time in public places like the mall, markets e.t.c. Be suspicious of any abnormality in your environment and always be alert. That the bombs have not started going off in your area doesn't mean it can never happen. Abuja and Jos used to be peaceful places until the day a bomb went off.

The sun will surely shine after the rain, but how for how long will it rain?

HAPPY NEW MONTH!!!

STATE OF THE NATION: Bring Back Our Girls

Dear diary, 

         

Have you popped into the Social media sites in recent times? Have you been watching the News? The whole world is agog with #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS. 

What is #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS all about? Here's 21 facts about it:

1. It's about 234 Girls that were abducted on the 15th of April in the early hours of the day from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno state.

2. The girls returned to school to write their W.A.E.C examinations when they were kidnapped (all schools in Borno had been closed due to insecurity in the state)

     

3. Nigeria's insurgent group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the abduction.

4. The girls are teenagers between the ages of 16-18.

5. The men dressed in military uniforms and carted the girls away in trucks.

6. Mothers who could take it no longer, started the protests, crying before state and government houses. 

  

7. It started as an ordinary hashtag on twitter to bring the world to focus on the girls and find ways to rescue them.

8. There have been protests in different parts of Nigeria and all over the world. People who have no ties with Nigeria are standing with us.

 

9. Among the girls that were kidnapped were Christians and Muslims from different parts of the country.

10. The girls are allegedly being held hostage in the thick Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

11. The international media has been very active in the rescue mission to find the girls and they are going the whole 9 yards.

12. The United States of America, United Kingdom and France are some of the countries that have offered to help Nigeria in the rescue mission.

13. Some people still believe that the girls were never kidnapped and that it's all a scam.

14. There has been emotional breakdown in some quarters due to the delicacy of the issue.

15. Some of the girls managed to run away when the men came to abduct the girls from the school while others escaped when the truck broke down along the way.

16. There have been unconfirmed  reports about how the girls have been married off to other countries, how they are raped daily e.t.c. 

17. Amnesty international claims that the Nigerian military headquarters had prior knowledge (4 hrs advance warning) of the abduction but they failed to act.

18. There is intense pressure on the Nigerian government by the international community to find the girls.

19. Celebrities from all walks of life have endorsed the hashtag asking for the safe return of the girls to their homes.

20. The Nigerian Police Force has offered a #50,000,000 reward to anyone with useful information on Boko Haram and their activities 

21. The girls are our sisters, daughters, future wives and mothers. 

#BringBackOurGirls is not just about the girls, it's an accumulation of the frustrations of citizens in recent times. The land is no more green. It is now red with tears, pain and grief. Nigeria is in the spotlight now for all the wrong reasons. Our leaders have been brandished as corrupt by international media and there is little or nothing we can do about it. The only way to salvage the already lost image of the country is to find those girls and bring them back home. 

Some people have taken advantage of the hashtag for their selfish interest, lets remind them that the fight Is not about us but about our future as a nation. The atmosphere in the country at the moment is so thick, you could cut through it with a scissors. Learn to speak with wisdom because things you say (or do not say) may be taken out of context and used against you.

Don't stop the message. Tell somebody to tell somebody that we want our girls back. In faith and hope, we pray that they would be returned safely to the loving arms of their parents.

#BRINGBACKOURGIRLS

*Photo Credit: twitter, google.

*STATE OF THE NATION is a series that discusses issues that affect us as a nation.