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Breaking the Chains of Addressing Drug Addiction in Nigeria

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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0

The harrowing stories of young individuals like Ayo, Mahmud, Samson George, and Afeez in Nigeria, as reported in The Punch’s January 13, 2019 edition, shed light on a deeply concerning issue plaguing the nation—drug addiction among the youth. These narratives not only reveal the complexities of addiction but also highlight the critical need for a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to address this crisis. This piece delves into the framing and identity construction used in the newspaper and aims to explore the underlying factors contributing to drug addiction while advocating for a more effective intervention strategy.

Framing the Issue

The narratives in the newspaper article employ various frames to depict the issue of drug addiction among Nigerian youths. Several key frames include:

  1. Victimization Frame: Ayo, Mahmud, Samson George, and Afeez are portrayed as victims who were lured into the world of drugs at a young age. Their stories emphasize their vulnerability, especially due to broken homes or difficult circumstances.
  2. Desperation Frame: The stories paint a picture of desperation, showcasing how these youths turned to substances as an escape from their painful lives or as a way to cope with challenging situations.
  3. Resilience Frame: Despite their struggles, these youths also exhibit resilience. They may be trapped in addiction, but their desires to overcome it and lead better lives shine through their narratives.

Identity Construction

Identity construction plays a pivotal role in how these individuals are perceived and how society responds to their struggles. Some key identities constructed in the narratives include:

  1. Victimized Youths: Ayo, Mahmud, Samson George, and Afeez are presented as victims of circumstances. Their identity as young, impressionable individuals who succumbed to drug addiction due to external pressures or lack of support is emphasized.
  2. Resilient Survivors: Despite their addiction, these youths are portrayed as survivors, individuals who continue to fight against the odds. Their determination to seek help and improve their lives contributes to their identity as fighters.
  3. Invisible and Neglected: The narratives also highlight the neglect these youths faced. Whether it’s the absence of parental care or society’s inability to provide them with necessary support, their identities are shaped by the notion that they have been left behind by a system that should protect and nurture them.

Addressing Drug Addiction in Nigeria

To combat the growing epidemic of drug addiction among Nigerian youths, it is crucial to shift the conversation from victimization to empowerment. Here are some steps that can be taken:

  1. Prevention and Education: Implement comprehensive drug prevention programs in schools and communities to educate young people about the dangers of substance abuse.
  2. Rehabilitation and Support: Establish accessible and effective rehabilitation centres and counselling services to help addicted youths recover and reintegrate into society.
  3. Mental Health Support: Recognize the strong correlation between drug addiction and mental health issues. Invest in mental health services to address the root causes of addiction.
  4. Parental and Community Involvement: Encourage parents, families, and communities to play an active role in providing emotional support and guidance to vulnerable youths.
  5. Government and NGO Collaboration: Foster collaboration between government agencies and non-governmental organizations to create a coordinated response to addiction, with a focus on addressing its root causes.

The stories of Ayo, Mahmud, Samson George, and Afeez are not isolated incidents but are representative of a larger crisis facing Nigerian youth. By understanding the framing and identity construction in these narratives, we can recognize the urgent need for a more holistic approach to tackling drug addiction. It is our responsibility as a society to provide support, guidance, and rehabilitation to those struggling with addiction, ultimately giving them a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to Nigerian society. Only through collective efforts and a compassionate approach can we break the chains of drug addiction and create a brighter future for our youth.

Why Nigeria Must Value Its PhD Holders

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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0
University Graduation Cap with Scroll Icon Student Education Symbol Isolated Realistic Design Vector Illustration

In a recent piece by our analyst, discussing the role of a PhD holder in a care worker position, a reader’s comment underscored a prevailing issue in Nigeria— the lack of appreciation for hard work and merit, especially among highly educated individuals. This is a tale all too familiar for many PhD holders in Nigeria, a country where the pursuit of academic excellence often seems at odds with the economic and societal reality. The story shared by the reader, who had the rare opportunity to serve as a volunteer lecturer in an African country after obtaining a PhD, is a stark reminder of the challenges facing intellectual capital in Nigeria.

The Struggle for Recognition

Nigeria is a nation with abundant potential, but its failure to harness the value of PhD holders in various sectors is a detriment to the country’s growth and development. The reader’s story epitomizes the struggle that many PhD holders face when they return to their home country after gaining international experience and exposure. Often, they find themselves underutilized and undervalued, forced into roles that do not align with their expertise.

The reader’s experience at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) headquarters is a heartbreaking example of this problem. Despite their distinguished academic achievement, their efforts to secure a position related to their field of study were met with indifference. This not only underutilizes their potential but also results in immense frustration, hampering their motivation and morale.

The Value of PhD Holders in the Nigerian Economy

PhD holders represent an invaluable asset for any country. They are the torchbearers of knowledge, innovation, and progress. In Nigeria, where education should be a cornerstone of development, it is essential to tap into this intellectual wealth. Here are a few key reasons why Nigeria must place a higher value on its PhD holders:

  1. Research and Innovation: PhD holders are research experts, capable of conducting groundbreaking studies and driving innovation in various fields. Their expertise is crucial for addressing local and global challenges, such as healthcare, technology, and environmental sustainability.
  2. Education: These individuals are not only well-versed in their respective disciplines but are also equipped to inspire and educate the next generation of scholars. Their contributions to the educational system can significantly elevate the quality of teaching and learning in the country.
  3. Problem Solvers: PhD holders are problem solvers by nature. Their analytical skills and deep understanding of their subjects enable them to address complex issues facing Nigeria, from economic development to public health.
  4. Global Competitiveness: By recognizing the worth of PhD holders and creating opportunities for them, Nigeria can retain its intellectual capital and even attract skilled professionals from the diaspora. This will enhance the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Building a Merit-Based Society

To truly harness the potential of PhD holders in Nigeria, it is imperative to transform the current system. The government, in particular, must prioritize merit over political connections when making appointments and decisions. It is essential to create an environment where individuals are recognized and rewarded for their qualifications, achievements, and hard work.

The reader’s personal story serves as a poignant example of the challenges that many highly educated Nigerians face upon returning home. Their underutilization and frustration are indicative of a systemic issue that must be addressed. Nigeria must recognize and value the contributions of PhD holders, for they hold the key to the country’s progress and prosperity. By doing so, Nigeria can unlock its hidden potential and build a merit-based society that rewards intellect and dedication, ultimately leading to a brighter future for all.

Nigerian Health-tech Startup Wellahealth Expands to Kenya

By
Ojukwu Emmanuel
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0

WellaHealth, a Nigerian health-tech startup that provides affordable and accessible high-quality coverage, has expanded its subsidiary Healthsend Africa to Kenya.

The startup revealed that it expanded Healthsend Africa to Kenya due to the strong ties it has with the East African country, noting that a significant amount of people in the country have healthcare challenges, hence the need to provide them with quality healthcare services.

Speaking on the startup expansion to Kenya Wellahealth CEO Dr. Neto Ikpeme said,

“I am excited to announce that we are launching our Healthsend product in Kenya. This is a testament to our commitment to bring healthcare to the doorsteps of every African. I built this product to solve the problem of accessing quality medicine and care for my family.

“I am glad to extend this to many families abroad with families back home in Kenya and the rest of Africa. We have willing partners helping us make it easier to serve the loved ones of Kenyans living in the diaspora. After our launch in Nigeria, some Kenyans living abroad kept asking when we would launch in the country. We are now delighted to go live in Kenya to serve them”.

Healthsend Africa by Wellahealth services encompasses the procurement of authentic medications for chronic illnesses for now. Other services provided by Healthsend Africa include the arrangement of doctor appointments, access to health insurance products, and the remote monitoring of health conditions.

Additionally, the platform streamlines the process of transferring funds to cover medical expenses, guaranteeing complete transparency in fund utilization.

The expansion of Healthsend by Wellahealth into Kenya, comes after a successful launch in Nigeria, where the platform has garnered a significant number of users and had been lauded for its innovation and impact.

The expansion plan also marks a significant milestone for Wellahealth, as the company continues to provide much-needed solutions to the challenges faced by both patients and healthcare providers in the African continent, whilst empowering individuals with the ability to confidently manage the health of their loved ones, no matter where they are in the world.

The move also aligns with Wellahealth’s mission to improve healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality across Africa.

Wellahealth has reliable health care coverage in all 36 states of Nigeria. The startup is currently in over 1,000 pharmacies nationwide and users can access care in the closest pharmacy to them.

The startup basic plan includes malaria tests and drugs prescription, health checks, telemedicine, diet plans, and weekly health tips.

Wellahealth claim process is fast and easy to use. The company prioritizes users’ comfort which is why it has made sure that they can access health care services in less than 15 minutes.

CBN Accuses Banks, Traders For Sabotaging Government Efforts to Mitigate the Fall of Naira

By
Ojukwu Emmanuel
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0

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has accused banks and black-market traders in the country of sabotaging the government effort in preventing the continuous fall of the Naira.

Due to this, the Apex bank is reportedly planning a new set of sanctions targeted at banks and black market traders in the country.

Reports reveal that the CBN intends to probe Deposit Money Banks for hoarding foreign exchange and engaging in round-tripping.

The statement reads,

“Government through the CBN, plans to probe bank hoarding and roundtripping with heavy sanctions awaiting defaulters. This is because the apex bank believed hoarders banks and black parallel operators are responsible for the artificial scarcity that is driving up forex rates. Government plans through the CBN, is to address the issues of speculation comprehensively and through heavy sanctions.”

The report claimed that some banks in the country are speculating, purchasing from the official window and selling for profit in parallel markets, which has led to the continuous fall of the naira against the dollar.

Also, BDC operators have accused Banks of hoarding dollars and selling at a higher rate to make huge profits. Another source in the CBN added that speculators are storing piles of dollars with plans to trade for massive profits in future deals.

As the naira continues to depreciate against the dollar, the CBN warning is not the first time it has issued such, after it repeatedly did so in March and August this year, threatening to sanction commercial banks engaging in illegal sales of foreign exchange. 

This is coming on the heels of the crash of the naira to over N1,200/$1 at the parallel market, as forex scarcity worsens and allegations that the deposit money banks are diverting most of their forex to the unofficial foreign exchange market rather than selling to their customers. 

Meanwhile, in order to mitigate the helpless fall of the naira, reports reveal that Nigeria is expected to receive an anticipated $10 billion of inflows in the coming weeks, providing much-needed relief to a liquidity squeeze that has been adversely affecting the naira.

This was affirmed by Nigeria’s finance Minister Wale Edun while speaking at the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja. This substantial inflow is expected to play a significant role in bolstering Nigeria’s economic stability and alleviating the pressures on the national currency.

Meanwhile, the alarming depreciation of the Naira has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the nation’s economic stability.

The repercussions of the currency depreciation are far-reaching, as it affects businesses and citizens grappling with rising prices of goods and services, as well as economic uncertainty. 

The Ever Diminishing Truth in the Content we Consume

By
John Mc Keown
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0

A building in rubble, and an accompanying narrative of genocidal hopelessness.

This was the pictorial support of an article related to the current middle eastern conflict, and was provided by a well established and respected anchor of US Journalism for several hundreds of years.

However, since the publication of that article, several other articles have come out to counter it, claiming that the photo had been taken at a completely different location, and several days earlier.

When it comes to highly emotive issues, whether they be armed conflicts, pandemics perceived to have been mishandled, tales of historic oppression, or candidate bashing amidst electoral fever, an army of content appears ready to soak into anybody it perceives as a rhetoric sponge.

Now with the skills of Generative AI, everything has been turned upon its head.

It used to be the case, barely one century ago, 80% of anything printed, was accurate enough to be believed. A century earlier still, a well crafted hand written letter, with a wax seal on it, was, in of its very nature, believed to be true irrespective of origin.

In an age when an aristocrat only had a level of educational understanding that a secondary school leaver has today, those privileged enough to have a basic education, simply valued the repute that came with it, and avoided placing mistruths in communiques that might put it at risk.

Meanwhile, back to the present, and an Australian service veteran of the war in Afghanistan has been exonerated after a major network’s reporter portrayed a sources’ recorded statement incorrectly, placing the veteran in a ‘frame’ through some wild conjectures, and unsafe assumptions.

An award was made to Heston Russell of $390,000 and the network issued an apology.

There used to be a saying: ‘I wouldn’t believe it, until I see it with my own eyes’…

Well it seems now, trusting our senses has to be done in reverse order, and our eyes can be the biggest liars, or, to be more precise, they are the easiest sense to be cleverly manipulated.

One of the favourite means of spreading falsehoods, especially when they are emotively charged, is to port content, particularly visual content, from one platform to another, so chain of custody isn’t preserved, and end-viewer has no means of validating the source.

This crime is frequently committed by porting unverifiable content to LinkedIn from either Tik Tok or X.

I now block post authors that frequently do this. Very little of the content from those platforms is helpful to the aims of 9ja Cosmos anyway.

As I am writing this, new content is disrupting me, telling me that Vladimir Putin has suffered cardiac arrest, and is on some kind of life support, while a double is carrying out his official duties, including having a phone conversation with Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and meeting Kazbek Kokov, head of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.

Some of this stuff, you just couldn’t make up. I will have to wait for corroborating evidence from independent sources.

The world of blockchain and Web 3 has been nowhere near immune from the phenomenon.

A spotlight has been shone on the world of web3 since the demise of Sam Bankman Fried who can’t even consistently tell the same lies to his own lawyers.

The information inferno from Fake News is real.

Cas Piancey of Protos reporting on the blatantly fraudulent reporting of Cointelegraph:

‘A couple of days ago crypto news outlet Cointelegraph put out a tweet that stated, “BREAKING: SEC APPROVES ISHARES BITCOIN SPOT ETF.” It followed this, 23 minutes later, with a slightly amended version that read, “BREAKING: SEC APPROVES ISHARES BITCOIN SPOT ETF, REPORTEDLY.”

What it failed to point out was that the “REPORTEDLY” part was reported by Cointelegraph.

The call was coming from inside the house.

Nine minutes after this, Cointelegraph reached out to BlackRock, confirmed that the Bitcoin ETF hadn’t been approved, and deleted the tweet.

One hour and one minute after the initial ETF message, Cointelegraph posted a tweet apologizing for the dissemination of inaccurate information and stated that an investigation was beginning.’

This isn’t the first rodeo on misleading content by Cointelegraph either.

Following the demise of the W3DA which 9ja Cosmos abandoned interest in last year, an article by Judith BannermanQuist claims it as an authority on Web 3 Domains and with 50+ members.

The reality is none of those represented are in the business of making Web 3 Top Level Domains available.

Web 3 top level domains have many use cases, of which, acting as a secondary domain generator is only one.

Top Web 3 Domain Guru ‘EngineUX’ who inhabits Discord and X, lists some of the many use cases of Web 3 top level domains.

It appears the list is merely one operator whose activities are solely confined to using a Web 3 TLD as a Secondary Domain Generator. The others mentioned appear to be service partners to the owners of these generated secondary domains.

There are no Web 3 Top Level Domain ecosystems in the group at all.

The largest Web 3 TLD ecosystem is the Handshake ecosystem, which has surpassed the issuance of 12 Million TLDs.

Be careful out there… eating Fake News can give you data indigestion, which can lead to ulceration of your perception of reality!

9ja Cosmos is here… 

Get your .9jacom and .9javerse Web 3 domains  for $2 at:

.9jacom Domains

.9javerse Domains

Visit 9ja Cosmos

Follow us on LinkedIn HERE

 

All reference sites accessed between 24/10/2023

msn.com/en-gb/news/world/vladimir-putin-in-intensive-care-as-body-double-meets-brazil-leader-claims-telegram/

protos.com/cointelegraph-screwed-up-lets-talk-about-verifying-news/

nytimes.com/2023/10/17/world/middleeast/gaza-hospital-explosion-israel.html

voxmagazine.com/true-false/2013/reviews/panel-recap-every-cut-is-a-lie-editing-the-truth/article_525dcc23-dd20-51eb-8b65-56caaf9ad2ba.html

2gb.com/exclusive-abc-war-crime-witness-apologises-to-heston-russell/

fstoppers.com/opinion/when-your-photographic-edits-become-lie-640222

cointelegraph.com/news/web3-domain-alliance-expands-with-51-new-members

 

 

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