Arik Stowaway boy: The big picture by Theophilus Ilevbare

Nigerians woke up on Sunday 25 August, 2013 to learn of a stowaway teenage boy, Daniel Ohikhena, who flew with Arik’s flight W3 544 from Benin to Lagos, thinking the plane was US-bound! Daniel, probably, had fantasised of life in far away America, watched films where some movie stars in a feign show of bravado, stowaway precariously on fast moving cars and aircrafts , chose to be the hero in reality, difficult to tell if he was oblivious of the risk his bluster involved, how far a flight from Benin to US was, or how he planned to survive extreme weather conditions. Only the intrepid adolescent had the answers to these questions. As mother luck would have it, the flight was Lagos-bound.

In other climes, where security breaches – in the face of increasing global terror attacks – are not treated with kid gloves, heads will roll in the aviation sector. The laxity of airport officials underscores the insecurity in the country. Our ‘smart’ airport officials, come alive when luggage are in sight. Missing baggage and other valuables are common place in Nigeria’s airports.

The war of words and blame trading between Arik Air and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has continued unabated.  FAAN investigations revealed “that a passenger on board the flight called the attention of the cabin crew while the aircraft was waiting to take off at the threshold of the runway, to the effect that they had seen a young boy go under the aircraft and had not seen him re-appear on the other side.” It was gathered that the cabin crew then informed the pilot who radioed the airport control tower to verify. The airport official ignored the request to conduct a check, but instead, gave the all clear for take off.

From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that FAAN officials were complacent, and should accept responsibility that they failed in first, protecting the airports area from intruders and secondly, conducting a thorough check on the plane before take-off. Their lackadaisical attitude and negligence of duty would have brought down the plane in shreds had it been a terrorist was the stowaway. However, security is a responsibility for all players in the aviation industry. Arik could have taken it upon themselves to be thorough. The level of complacency in this country is alarming. If there are no sanctions for this incident, the task of averting future air mishap becomes a mirage. The porous state of airport security calls for worry at a time the nation is struggling to curb the spate of insurgency, terrorists desperate to destabilize Nigeria and spill as much blood as possible are ever lurking.

But how long will it take the Ministry of Aviation to beef up security at the nation’s airports is a question only themselves can answer; starting with the delayed erection of perimeter fences across airports nationwide. Why for example, should armed bandits raid the gateway airport in Lagos seamlessly, even with the avalanche of security agencies at the airport?

Remember how the claims by the former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, that the explosives found on Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, did not pass through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos? The would-be terrorist eventually opened up that he, indeed, passed through the Lagos airport, twice, with the deadly devices undetected. Mutallab was said to have told an American investigator that he got the devices in Yemen and brought them to Lagos. He then transported them from Lagos to Amsterdam. That is how safe our airports are.

The shear bravery exhibited by the adolescent stowaway is what has taken many by awe. Aviation experts are still at a loss how the lad survived the turbulence at such altitude. Information on Wikipedia reveal that stowaways in aircraft wheel wells face numerous health risks, many of which are fatal, which include: being mangled when undercarriage retracts, tinnitus, deafness, hypothermia, hypoxia, frostbite, acidosis or falling off when the doors of the compartment reopen. Thirteen cases of stowaway incidents in the United States alone were reported by a 1997 study, resulting in 8 deaths. The Arik Air flight from Benin to Lagos is a short trip which did not necessitate high altitude cruise, else Daniel Ihekina would not have survived. We would want to think that protocol should have demanded that, the SSS should have first took him for medical examined before commencing their investigation.

His bravery reminds us of the failure of governance. Citizens in droves, take to life threatening voyage, to go across borders in search of greener pastures but never before have we seen a compatriot this young, this daring. There are some points worthy of note.

First, if at his age, he could muster enough courage to stowaway, then such energy if properly groomed by education, his services as a matured adult can be of colossal benefit to the country as a pilot, in the SSS, military intelligence or any of the nation’s security agencies. It is a pointer to the abundant human resources the country possesses. As I write, he has been awarded a scholarship to university level. But was it carefully thought out? Shouldn’t we be mindful of what we reward in the face of mounting security challenges?

Secondly, the stowaway’s desperado is a reflection of the frightening level of abject poverty in the county and bleak future starring Nigerian teenagers and youths in the face. If not, the lad wouldn’t have given even a second thought to such a dangerous escapade. What is the government of the day doing to impact the lives of the common man? A teenager of thirteen years already knows he can live a better life in America. He grows up with that mindset that nothing good can come out of his country. For now, to be at par with, or leapfrog America and the rest of the developed world is almost unrealistic, but government can make life less miserable for its citizens. The Nigerian people are not asking for too much, just basic amenities like good roads, electricity, health care, good schools and security of lives and properties that a teenager will never have to fantasise of going abroad. An adolescent in his native country, say Germany, Netherlands, Japan or Qatar never thinks of going overseas in search of greener pastures. Government can work towards a better Nigeria where even air travel becomes affordable to everyone and a teenager won’t have any reason to stowaway, if he ever have to go to the US. And yes, who says Nigeria can’t be greater than America?

The SSS might have to overlook Daniel’s risky adventure if it is found that he had no intent to terrorise, perpetrate a criminal act or pose any threat to passengers onboard. Funny as it seem, some give him credit not only for beating the security officials at their game but also for flying safely. Incredible, isn’t it?

-See more at: http://ilevbare.com/2013/08/arik-stowaway-boy-big-picture-theophilus-ilevbare/#sthash.di18wkNF.dpuf

We are number 35!

Okay, so it is official. We are the 35th most corrupt country in the world. At least that's what those nosey parkers in Berlin will have us believe as opposed to our President's declaration that "No other government has fought corruption as much as this one". True, there is something rotten in the state of Nigeria, but the debate now is whether there is actually a genuine fight against this disease, or whether we are waiting for God to fight it for us as we watch from afar in the comforts of our private jets.

In my, not-so-humble opinion however, the Executive arm of our government cannot be serious about fighting corruption when they still interfere in the independence of the Judicial arm of our government on a very regular basis as the ongoing Ayo Salami saga shows. Yesterday, the President asked a court to throw out a suit brought by some ne'er do wells challenging the continued suspension of the former(?) president of the Court of Appeal. The question then becomes, since the Executive still plays so much of a role in determining who rises within the Judiciary, is it not only logical that the Judiciary will have a bent towards the will of the Executive? Now consider that many ichafos and etibos within the Executive are accused of not-so-straight-and-narrow dealings, it is no wonder why we have adjournments ad infinitum...

One of said ichafos was in the news yesterday (not a new thing). She was telling participants at the National Economic Jamboree that the new PIB will be the best thing since sliced bread. No, better than sliced bread it appears. Apparently, host communities will be encouraged to participate in the protection of oil and gas infrastructure within their zones. No word of improved schools, hospitals and roads for those host communities. It would appear that the host communities have pre-empted DAM's thesis and have already decided that although potentially less risky, protection is less valuable than busting the pipes and participating in trade. So we come to the age old question, which is more profitable? A protection racket or import/export? Who can answer? Is it Don Soprano or Don Ohakim?

Import/Export used to be, or still is a good business, but one that is capital intensive. The age-old belief is that you don't start such businesses with your own money. Remember the movie Other People's Money? That was a lesson well taken to heart by former Red Cap Number One in Imo state, Don Ikedi Ohakim, who according to his successor "borrowed" N6.4 billions from the state's treasury a few days before he shuffled out of office. Problem is, he has forgotten to pay back. It's the economy Rochas, interest never pure. But maybe, just maybe Rochas should stop moaning on the pages of newspapers, and actually complain to the police.

Nigeria's top olopa is swearing that heads will roll over the attack on the SARS office in Abuja ten days ago. I'm not quite sure of the heads rolling considering that this guy did not know that there was already a law under which Boko Haram terrorists can be prosecuted. Word of advice Mo, talk less. I'd recommend you look out your window towards DHQ on how to handle such situations. The guys in charge in Jaji just the day before were rolled over in double quick time.

In any event, there's some work for Mr. Abubakar as the wife of an Ogun state lawmaker, fresh from the US where he went to learn more about the noble art of lawmaking, was nabbed. Ostensibly by a few of the 67 million unemployed Nigerian youths.

Bits and bobs

For those who have been having power issues (just about every one of you I guess), there is good news. Egbin is set to come back on board. "Total collapse of our system last week caused the drop in power generation, but we are making efforts to stabilise and generate power at our peak," harrumphed the chief screwdriver, Mike Uzoigwe while a generator quietly purred away as background vocals.

I was looking for a story about the National Sports Festival on Complete Football, sorry, Complete Sports, but it would appear that the jamboree is not important enough to them, so content yourself with this one about the National Sports Commission*, and the defence of the N6.8 billion that will be used for the next round of estacode collection.

Err, this newsletter these days would not be complete without another instalment of the ongoing Ojukwu Will drama. Dim's second son, Emeka, says that he does not need a will to take over his father's house. A bit of gist for you, the most senior son, Chukwudebe, the one who wasn't in the will, was acknowledged in life by the late Dim. Problem is that prolific Dim didn't know him until after he (Dim) returned to Nigeria from exile. One day a man came up to him to call him "Nna". Shocked as he was, he'd have inquired from the mother, but she was quite conveniently dead

Source: http://chxta.blogspot.com/2012/12/we-are-number-35.html

What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You

Here’s a new question for you ask on your next date: So….what position do you sleep in? A new study found that sleeping positions affect personality by determining how we feel when we wake up. 

The way you sleep can give startling insights into your personality, even giving away how stubborn, bossy or stressed you are, a body language expert has claimed.

Robert Phipps, a body language expert, has studied the four most common sleeping positions to determine how it reflects a person's personality and outlook on life.

The results, he claims, can identify how stressful your day was, how much you worry and how much control you have over your life.

It is said to reveal traits such as stubbornness, bossiness and fanciful dreaming, as well as how self-critical a person is or whether they feel in control of life.

According to his research, more than half of British adults sleep in the “foetal” position, curled up on their side with knees tucked in.

This stance, favoured by worriers, is said to show the sleeper is seeking to return to their comfort zone after a stressful day. 

Foetal sleepers are conscientious, ordered and like things in their place, according to the study, but are also in danger of over-thinking problems and worrying unnecessarily.

The research, for budget hotel chain Premier Inn, revealed the “log” as the second most popular position, adopted by nearly three in every ten people.

The log position, with a straight body and limbs at the sides, shows a person is inflexible and rigid in thinking, set in their ways and stubborn.

They may appear bossy to others, and so should aim to “stretch themselves” and embrace the challenges and excitement of a new day, it is claimed.

A quarter of people taking part in the study classed themselves as “yearners”, sleeping with their arms stretched out in front as though they are chasing their dreams or being chased.

According to Phipps, this means they want more from life and are willing to “go out there and get it with both hands”, eager to face the next day.

They can be their own worst critics, expecting great results in everything they do and giving up quickly when things don’t go their way.

“Yearners” should take care to go after what they really want and avoid wasting time pursuing whims that do not really leave them fulfilled, it is advised.

A further 17 per cent of respondents classed themselves as “freefallers”, sleeping face down with their arms outstretched.

Often clutching their pillow, they can appearing to be “holding on for dear life” in what is thought to be the most uncomfortable sleeping position for adults.

Those who adopt it can feel as if life “happens around them” and they are just “hanging on for the ride”, believing they lack control over what will happen the next day.

So-called freefallers can wake up feelings anxious, or believing they still have issues and tasks left over from the previous day.

According to the research, they should aim to deal with things one step at a time, taking control of each day so they feel motivated to “be the boss of their own destiny”.

The study, of 1,000 British adults, allowed participants to select more than one option, with some selecting several sleeping positions in their responses.

Premier Inn spokesperson, Claire Haigh, said: "Many people read their horoscopes, but we wanted to give our guests a more unique way to look at how their day might turn out by looking at how they sleep.

“We have worked with Robert to develop 'sleep-o-scopes' and were shocked that the research revealed just how stressed we are as a nation.

"It is important we try and wind down after a long day and get a good night's rest so we wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead."

Sleep positions

1. FOETAL

People who sleep like this are returning to their comfort zone to de-stress themselves from the day's activities. The higher the knees and lower the head the more internal comfort you give yourself. Foetal sleepers are conscientious, ordered and like things in their place but they can over think things and worry unnecessarily.

People who sleep like this for the majority of the night can expect a refreshed awakening having dealt with the previous day's issues compartmentalising and organising while they sleep, allowing them to feel refreshed when they wake and ready to move onward and upward.

Foetal sleepers should be careful not to become too stuck in their comfort zone and be prepared to take on new challenges each day. 

2. LOG

The sleeper in this position fully extends their head, neck, arms, legs and body all stretched out in a straight line. The longer you sleep like this, the more rigid your thinking and you can become inflexible which means you make things harder for yourself.

Loggers are set in their ways and can be stubborn, liking things done their way, which can make them come across as bossy or even aloof.

"Sleep like a log" is the old adage and people who sleep in this straight line can wake up stiffer than when they went to sleep. Try to relax more and let your muscles unwind from the day's hassles and you'll wake up feeling more flexible in your thinking.

Loggers need to stretch themselves each day to reach new goals and then your day is likely to be more exciting, challenging and fun. You'll see and feel the benefits in your body and mind as you embrace being a more relaxed you.

3. YEARNER

The Yearner has two possible meanings with arms outstretched as though you are chasing your dreams, conversely it can mean you are being chased. You feel you want more from life and are willing to go out there and get it with both hands, ready to capture every new and exciting challenge that comes your way.

Yearners are their own worst critics always expecting great results in everything they do, which can mean giving up to quickly with things that don't go their way right from the off.

Yearners wake up eager to face the challenges of the day, seeking out new opportunities. However, take care to make sure what you yearn for is what you really want or you'll spend a lot of wasted time and energy chasing things that don't really fulfil you.

Yearners should face each new day as a fresh start, reviewing where they are going and what they want from the day, then go for it and see it through with full commitment. 

 4. FREEFALLER

With the whole body outstretched flat on their stomach, arms at right angles, hands gripping the pillow as though holding on for dear life, physically the least comfortable position to sleep for most adults.

Freefallers tend to feel like life happens around them and they are just hanging on for the ride, which can make them feel like they're not in control of what happens.

Freefallers can wake up feeling like they still have things leftover from the previous day, which can make them feel over anxious about getting things done today.

Freefallers need to take control of each new day and deal with things one step at a time until you are happy to move to the next step. You will then be more motivated and inspired, creating opportunities for you be the boss of your own destiny.

Premier Inn spokesperson, Claire Haigh, said: "Many people read their horoscopes, but we wanted to give our guests a more unique way to look at how their day might turn out by looking at how they sleep. We have worked with Robert to develop 'sleep-o-scopes' and were shocked that the research revealed just how stressed we are as a nation.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/9617122/What-does-your-sleeping-position-say-about-you.html

Saudi Arabia implements electronic tracking system for women

 

 Denied the right to travel without consent from their male guardians and banned from driving, women in Saudi Arabia are now monitored by an electronic system that tracks any cross-border movements.
Since last week, Saudi women’s male guardians began receiving text messages on their phones informing them when women under their custody leave the country, even if they are travelling together.
Manal al-Sherif, who became the symbol of a campaign launched last year urging Saudi women to defy a driving ban, began spreading the information on Twitter, after she was alerted by a couple.
The husband, who was travelling with his wife, received a text message from the immigration authorities informing him that his wife had left the international airport in Riyadh.
“The authorities are using technology to monitor women,” said columnist Badriya al-Bishr, who criticised the “state of slavery under which women are held” in the ultra-conservative kingdom.
Women are not allowed to leave the kingdom without permission from their male guardian, who must give his consent by signing what is known as the “yellow sheet” at the airport or border.
The move by the Saudi authorities was swiftly condemned on social network Twitter — a rare bubble of freedom for millions in the kingdom — with critics mocking the decision.
“Hello Taliban, herewith some tips from the Saudi e-government!” read one post.
“Why don’t you cuff your women with tracking ankle bracelets too?” wrote Israa.
“Why don’t we just install a microchip into our women to track them around?” joked another.
“If I need an SMS to let me know my wife is leaving Saudi Arabia, then I’m either married to the wrong woman or need a psychiatrist,” tweeted Hisham.
“This is technology used to serve backwardness in order to keep women imprisoned,” said Bishr, the columnist.
“It would have been better for the government to busy itself with finding a solution for women subjected to domestic violence” than track their movements into and out of the country.
Saudi Arabia applies a strict interpretation of sharia, or Islamic law, and is the only country in the world where women are not allowed to drive.
In June 2011, female activists launched a campaign to defy the ban, with many arrested for doing so and forced to sign a pledge they will never drive again.
No law specifically forbids women in Saudi Arabia from driving, but the interior minister formally banned them after 47 women were arrested and punished after demonstrating in cars in November 1990.
Last year, King Abdullah — a cautious reformer — granted women the right to vote and run in the 2015 municipal elections, a historic first for the country.
In January, the 89-year-old monarch appointed Sheikh Abdullatif Abdel Aziz al-Sheikh, a moderate, to head the notorious religious police commission, which enforces the kingdom’s severe version of sharia law.
Following his appointment, Sheikh banned members of the commission from harassing Saudi women over their behaviour and attire, raising hopes a more lenient force will ease draconian social constraints in the country.
But the kingdom’s “religious establishment” is still to blame for the discrimination of women in Saudi Arabia, says liberal activist Suad Shemmari.
“Saudi women are treated as minors throughout their lives even if they hold high positions,” said Shemmari, who believes “there can never be reform in the kingdom without changing the status of women and treating them” as equals to men.
But that seems a very long way off.
The kingdom enforces strict rules governing mixing between the sexes, while women are forced to wear a veil and a black cloak, or abaya, that covers them from head to toe except for their hands and faces.
The many restrictions on women have led to high rates of female unemployment, officially estimated at around 30 percent.
In October, local media published a justice ministry directive allowing all women lawyers who have a law degree and who have spent at least three years working in a lawyer’s office to plead cases in court.
But the ruling, which was to take effect this month, has not been implemented.
Source: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/11/22/saudi-arabia-implements-electronic-tracking-system-for-women/

Aliko Dangote is Africa’s richest man

Nigerian billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has once again topped the list of Africa’s 40 richest people.

Dangote topped the list with a combined networth of $72.9 billion, making an increase of 12 per cent from last year.

GLO Telecommunications C.E.O Mike Adenuga also makes the list ranking at 5th place.

Other Nigerians who make the list include Zenith Bank C.E.O Jim Ovia in 19th place, 61-year-old female oil boss, Folorunsho Alakija and Theophilus Danjuma who both tie in 24th place, Oil and Telecoms businessman Sani Bello in 37th place amongst others .

Nigerians Don’t Want To Elect Credible Leaders – Pastor Kumuyi

Respected cleric and General Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, has lamented that the reason why corruption and bad leadership still persist in the country is the inability of the electorate to vote for a responsible leader.

He maintained that until Nigeria elects a credible candidate, the nation’s problem would continue.

The Man of God said this in Abuja yesterday ahead of the forthcoming four-day programme entitled, ‘Divine connection for full freedom’, slated for Friday, September 23.

He said, “Our problem can be zeroed in on the leaders we elect and the people we put in places of power and positions, and this matters a lot. So what I will say first is that what the electorate should do now is to begin to see how we elect the right people to the places of authority and decision making.

“If we can resolve that, I think a lot of our problems will be solved. Many times, the people with money also have good communication and they can get into places of authority; but if we begin to define the kind of country we are looking forward to and the people that can lead us to the place where we want to be, we will get it right.

“I think if we elect people based on what they can deliver rather than what they just say, we will get it right. They can deliver very well, looking at their track records and what they have been before being elected, I think it will be part of the solution to the problem.”

Kumuyi who lamented over the security situation of the country and the natural disaster occasioned by flood that has recently descended on the nation said that all Nigerians must draw closer to God, buttressing that only Him has the answer.

Source: http://news.naij.com/9956.html