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Concerns Raised On the Nigeria Army Proposed “Operation Positive Identification”

By
Ozioma Okey-Kalu
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0

The Nigerian Army (NA) has proposed carrying out what they termed Operation Positive Identification (OPI), aka Operation Show ID Card, in every part of the country. According to NA, this exercise was initially planned to take place only in the North East so as to flush out the insurgents that have developed a stronghold over there. OPI is already operational in the North East but the NA has decided to extend the exercise to other parts of the country.

According to the Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, the exercise will be extended to other parts of the country “to checkmate bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, ethnic militia, cattle rustlers as well as other sundry crimes across the various regions of Nigeria,” (Premium Times, Saturday, November 2, 2019). This exercise is said to be deemed necessary because the NA got some intelligence-led information that Boko Haram and other terrorists groups are spreading their stronghold to other parts of the country.

However, NA has assured the citizens that there will be no additional checkpoints and increase in the number of troops. It stated that the operation will be intelligence based since they will only make arrests and then ask the arrested people to provide means of identification.

This proposed exercise did not sit well with many Nigerians because a lot of things didn’t add up. People kicked against it because they felt uncomfortable with the idea of being stopped on the streets or roads by soldiers who will demand for their ID card. They are also uncomfortable with being arrested by soldiers and not the police. And to crown it all, the NA chief said that the exercise is to “checkmate” criminals within Nigeria. This means that OPI isn’t just for known and identified Boko Haram and other terrorist group members, but for any individual that happens to fall within their parameter of arrestees.

Nobody is trying to stop the NA from doing their job. In fact, every average Nigerian wants to see the end to insurgency and other crimes in the country. But the decision of the NA towards extending OPI to every part of the country seems to be excessive. But if they insist on carrying out this exercise, they should bear the following in mind:

  1. Absence of ID Cards: Most Nigerians do not have any valid means of identification. Ordinarily, the accepted means of identification in Nigeria are National Identity Card, Voter’s Registration Card, Driver’s Licence and International Passport. A lot of Nigerians don’t have any of these ID cards. So, if the NA decides to accept only these above-listed ones, then there will be a problem.

Secondly, Nigerians are not used to moving around with their ID cards. Most people have theirs stuck in their wallets and purses; so they only have them when they are carrying these accessories. This means that if they get arrested when they leave their houses without their wallets or purses, they may encounter some difficulties with the soldiers.

Thirdly, it will be impossible to expect that people will use this short notice to obtain valid ID cards. Anyone that successfully applies for National ID card right now will only be issued with a slip which is seen as a temporary ID card. The problem here is that it is not possible for people to move around with these slips because they can easily damage.

So expecting all Nigerians to provide valid means of identification may not work as expected.

  1. Ruthlessness of Soldiers: Nigerian soldiers easily forget that civilians do not have the same orientation they had. They easily mete out embarrassing punishments on people who question their authorities. They expect people to do whatever they were asked to do without as much as batting an eyelid. This behaviour of the Nigerian soldiers alone makes them unfit to be released into the society to conduct exercises that may throw them into several face-offs with Nigerian citizens.
  2. Disparity in Dress-Code: Ordinarily, soldiers keep their hairs short and neat. This makes it difficult for them to accommodate Nigerian young men that leave theirs long, wavy, in dreads or coloured. News about Nigerian soldiers arresting young men with the above-described hairstyles has been filtering into the internet. A lot of these young men were publicly given embarrassing hair cut by their arresters, and nobody questioned the authority of these soldiers over such inhuman act.

As this OPI exercise is about to be extended to other parts of the country, young men are already wondering if the soldiers will come after them as a result of their hair and dressing styles. Rumours have already started circulating that those with dreads will be the major targets of the officers. There is, therefore, need to state clearly, the parameters that will warrant the search and arrest of any civilian.

  1. Spreading Anxiety: It is not necessary for the NA to tell every Nigerian to obtain valid means of identification so that they don’t get into trouble. If they actually want to carry out this exercise as they claimed (that is, intelligence-based, no extra roadblocks and no additional troops), they need not announce it because the announcement only ended up spreading more anxiety among citizens living in other parts of the country. Now, people are becoming suspicious of their neighbours.

Besides, it may not really be possible that ID card can show someone’s criminal history, at least not in Nigeria. A kidnapper will not put that in his ID card, and any of those insurgents that migrated will definitely change his name. If this is thoroughly weighed, it will be discovered that people are right to be anxious about the motive behind the OPI.

5. Managing the Rural Areas: The people in the rural area may find it harder to adapt to being questioned in their ‘homestead’. These people may not know what to do when accosted by military officers for their ID. The NA may face more challenges in rural areas than in urban ones. If they truly want to carry out this exercise successfully, they should start now to enlighten the people living in rural areas.

China Clearly Ahead Of US In The Race Of 5G

By
Samuel Nwite
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0
5G network, adaptable business model

The Spring Festival came early for the Chinese 5G.

On November 1, China unveiled its 5G network ahead of 2020 scheduled launch. China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile all unveiled the 5G network that starts with about 128 Yuan ($18) per month.

It has been a race to the finish between China and the U.S. in developing the 5G network. And it appears China has beaten the U.S. to it.

Apart from South Korea, China is the only other country to have a national 5G rollout. 50 cities in China, including the highly populated Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, have a total coverage while the U.S can only boast of a few covered cities.

In the face of a trade war between the U.S. and China, it’s a big win to the Chinese tech industry. Huawei’s hope of leading the 5G pace globally was dashed when the U.S. Government accused the company of using its equipment to spy for the Chinese Government.

All effort to refute the allegation did nothing to quell Huawei’s ouster from the United States’ market, a heartbreaking situation for the mobile phone makers which also has deepened the grudge between the two countries.

But the trade war seems to have inspired China’s push to lead the global quest for 5G network. China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile are all state-owned carriers with uniform services offers – 599 Yuan per month for 300 gigabytes of data and 3,000 minutes of calls: A precedent for the biggest 5G network in the world.

According to mobile industry body GSMA, China is expected to account for the largest number of 5G connections by 2025, commanding a staggering coverage bigger than North America and Europe combined. In 2020, 110 million users are expected to join the Chinese 5G network.

5G in automotive

In the U.S. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint have succeeded in establishing 5G network in a few cities, while Ericsson leads the charge in developing the infrastructure. The gap created by the slow pace of the U.S. to catch up with China in the tussle for global 5G leadership can only be bridged by the potential challenges in China. Pricing, 5G smartphones and convincing users to leave 4G for 5G are among the challenges highlighted to hinder the progress.

Although the services so far have been priced cheaper than 4G on a per gigabyte, there is fear that the price may eventually get too high. Comparing China’s price with South Korea’s, Edison Lee, a Jefferies Analyst said analysts are surprised that China’s 5G services per gigabyte are almost the same with South Korea’s, even though the former has a lower per-capita income.

“We are amazed China’s 5G price plans give an average US $0.39 price per GB that is almost identical to Korea’s US $0.38,” said Lee.

“As China’s per-capita income is 69 percent below that of Korea, similar pricing would likely mean China will have a lower penetration than Korea,” he added.

Talking about the availability of fifth generation phones, there are limited numbers out there considering the number of users expected to embrace the network.

Huawei has Mate 20 X 5G and Mate 30 devices, and there is Samsung Note 10+. Chinese phone producers, Xiaomi, Vivo and ZTE seem prepared to embrace the evolution of 5G with some devices, but they are not enough.

The unavailability of 5G enabling devices is a problem as much as convincing 4G users to move to the fifth generation network. Senior partner at advisory and investment firm Delta Partners, Vinod Nair, told CNBC:

“The real issue is: What does the consumer really see as the big difference between 4G versus 5G?… for a lot of what consumers do today: Very little, there won’t be much difference. That is why it is more challenging on the consumer side.

“Right now, the launch in the consumer market is on a large scale, the sheer number of cities and amount of 5G sites rolled out is quite massive in terms of this scale. That itself will ensure the initial experience is good.

“That, coupled with the pricing, as well as the handset subsidies, should make it easier to upgrade. Having said that, if the upgrades aren’t attractive it won’t be a fast upgrade cycle,” he added.

The U.S. chances to close the gap, right now, can only be narrowed to these challenges. But the crux of the matter remains that the U.S. itself will have the same challenges to contend with especially pricing. And time would have provided a long edge for China to trial and fix the loopholes while the U.S. is dealing with the beginner challenges.

Writers Are Not Poor – An interview with Amy Blaschka

By
Chinedu Junior Ihekwoaba
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“Writing” has been underrated for a long time. Many don’t even consider it as a profession. Growing up as a child, I wanted to major in this profession, but my parents wouldn’t let me.

According to them, it was regarded as a profession for the poor. I wouldn’t blame them, they felt they were doing the best thing for me as at then. However, I vowed to change the narrative. Perhaps, I want to raise more awareness about this beautiful profession – writing.

I have the pleasure of interviewing a Forbes Contributor, a brilliant Ghostwriter and a Published Author, Amy Blaschka.

 

Amy, I hope you don’t mind sharing more about yourself to the audience?

Of course, Chinedu! Like you, my parents wanted to make sure I graduated with a “marketable” major, so I could easily find a job. The problem is that those so-called “marketable” majors bored a creative person like me. I ended up graduating with a Visual Arts degree in Film/ Media and minored in Communication. I’ve always loved the idea of working with people to bring to life compelling narratives. I thought I’d be doing it as a Filmmaker, but I’m thrilled to be doing it as a Writer.

Your LinkedIn profile states that – I help leaders craft their stories to communicate and connect better, I hope you don’t mind elaborating more on that?

To me, wisdom is only valuable if it’s shared. Leaders have a wealth of experience and insights, but often have trouble communicating them in a way that draws others to them, be it their employees, partners, clients, or investors. I help leaders share their stories in compelling ways so they can focus on what and who matters most. This helps build their personal brands and thought leadership in a genuine way that provides value to others.

From your work experience, you have worked as a Branding Consultant, Senior Account Manager, and President & CEO, that is really a wealth of experience. How have those experiences helped you as a professional?

I’ve certainly had a non-linear career path, but I think that’s actually enhanced my ability to understand my clients better. Because I’ve worked in large and small companies, on the agency and client sides, and in corporate and non-profit roles, as well as founding my own business, I can relate to people from all walks of life. Additionally, though the industries in which I’ve worked have varied, I’ve always worked in a liaison role with others, weaving an engaging tale about everything from a theme park to a soda to a destination to a person.

You founded your company 8 years ago, what actually gave you that vision?

It’s funny, even when I was running someone else’s organization, I treated it as my own. Moving from a traditional business role to founding my own company was awesome because it provided me two things I value most: freedom and autonomy. I get to create the life and business I want, rather than trying to force-fit my dreams into someone else’s box. Plus, my talents are put to their highest and best use every day, and I’m paid for them by amazing and appreciative clients.

As a Forbes Contributor, what impact does it have on your business?

Being a Forbes Contributor helps me reach a broader audience and serves as an important endorsement of my writing abilities. The Forbes brand is so recognizable that it provides instant credibility. (Even my parents are impressed by this!) As a ghostwriter, I won’t share my clients’ work because of confidentiality. My Forbes pieces allow potential clients to get a better sense of my writing style and range.  

Many perceived writing as a profession for the poor, being a published author, what is your view on this perspective?

I guess that depends on how much you value effective and compelling communication. (Spoiler alert: I HIGHLY value it!) My professional writing services have made me more far money than being a published author.

Being an active member on LinkedIn, what impact does it have on your business?

It’s incredible! Aside from referrals, I gain almost all my new clients from LinkedIn. Regularly sharing my content, engaging with those who like, comment, and share my work, and engaging with others’ content has allowed me to build relationships and awareness. Clients will tell me that they followed me for a while and reached out because my content and interactions resonated with them.

Have you ever been trolled on your work? If yes, how did you cope with it?

Of course, and it’s not fun. At first, I was very upset. I’m a sensitive person, and when someone unfairly critiques you, it can feel very personal. But my attitude changed when someone reminded me that when you have trolls, it’s almost a rite of passage and a sign that you’re doing well! Ironically, when a troll comments on your post, they bring more attention to your work, as everyone in their network now has access to your work. I’ve also found that trolls are cowardly people who hide behind their keyboards and who haven’t published their own work, so I now let their opinions go. In the rare instance that someone is abusive, I have no problem reporting and blocking them. I’m all about spreading positivity, and life is too short to deal with negative people.

You are one of the respected ghostwriters out there, what advice do you have for the young ones who look up to you?

Awww… am I? That’s nice. The best advice I received before starting my writing journey was to stop hiding and take action. As you know, it can be terrifying to put your work (and a piece of yourself) out there for public view and judgment, but the only way to get better at something is to practice! Keep writing and keep hitting publish. Consistently write about what matters most to you, and those who resonate with that message with find and follow you. I also think it’s essential to read— books, articles, other people’s content— because it helps you become better and can fuel your creativity.

In the next five years, where do you see the future of creative writing, ghostwriting, and of course, social media platforms?

With the advances in technology, I can see artificial intelligence being integrated more and more in an attempt to be more efficient. The good news is that computers are not humans, nor can they perform those human-centric and creative skills such as effectively communicating or creative writing. I can see the skill of writing becoming even more valuable in the future because you can’t outsource it to a computer. With social media platforms, I see even more integration between professional and personal lives, where no platform could be labeled as simply for work or play. My hope is that social media platforms to find a way to encourage more significant connection.

What social media platform would you recommend for those considering to pick up writing as a profession?

I’m partial to LinkedIn because it’s the only platform that was established for business and gives you the ability to freely share content in multiple forms. You need to be where your clients are to be able to get their attention, and LinkedIn has proven invaluable.

What else would you love to share about writing that I have not asked?

Though most people know me for my Forbes articles and social media ghostwriting, I also love creative writing, and I’m currently working on my debut thriller/suspense novel.

If the audience wants to contact you for your service, where can you be reached?

I can be reached through LinkedIn, my website, www.amyblaschka.com, or by emailing me at amy@amyblaschka.com. I’m also active on Twitter and Instagram at @amyblaschka.

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It’s been a pleasure to have you around here, Amy. You have solved the major problems facing many aspiring writers out there.

Thank you for the opportunity, Chinedu!

An Interview With Grace Okhimhe, a NEUROFIBROMATOSIS Victim that Was Discriminated for A Job

By
Chinedu Junior Ihekwoaba
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Discrimination of any kind should never have a place in the work environment. Infact, there should be punishment for any company found in such an act.

I was surfing the internet on Friday when I came across a post that shared the story of a young lady. I was deeply moved by the story and decided to look for her through the Instagram handle that was included in the post.

Luckily, I found her and exchanged contact. I had a long conversation with her. She shared the whole story.

  • Why was she discriminated against?
  • How did she handle the scenario?
  • What can we do to eradicate discrimination of any kind in the work environment?

Kindly sit back and enjoy the interview series with my guest, Grace.

Can you introduce yourself to the audience?
My name is Grace Okhimhe. A graduate of Auchi Polytechnic Auchi, Edo state.

It is nice to have you here. Can you elaborate more on yourself?
I attended command secondary School, Lagos. I served in Katsina state in the year 2017.

What year did you graduate from Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi?
I graduated in 2016.

I saw your video about being discriminated against in a work environment that went viral on Instagram, a friend of mine shared with me and said, ”Chinedu, you need to interview this lady.” Would you love to share more about the incident?

Yes, I will.

Like I said, I was waiting alongside with others for an interview to kick off. I felt like I needed to use the restroom, so I told the girl sitting beside me. She pointed to a place inside and asked me to tell them over there.

I went in and told the receptionist. He asked me to document my name and go in to inform the security in charge of the place, which I humbly complied with.

So after writing my name, I went in. I met a lady and a man. The man was sitting on the couch. I greeted him.

Then the receptionist there asked, ”how may I help you?” I told her that I want to ease myself and she showed me the toilet. After that, I went outside to carry my bag. By then, others were already inside, writing their names.

Then there was a man that passed by and was staring at me. I believed he works there because he had free access to the offices. So when I noticed that he was staring at me, I decided to turn my face elsewhere because I feel uncomfortable when someone stares at me for a long time.

Then some set of people were asked to go inside which I was among. I was standing in front of the receptionist when I heard her say – ”You may leave! We will get back to you.”

When she made that statement, I wanted to be sure of what I heard, so I asked if she was referring to me. But she said nothing.
Then we were asked to go out because the room was congested.

Not quite long, the security man walked up to me and said he was asked to tell me to hand over my CV to him and I should leave. He said that they would get back to me and I was like, ”why are you asking me to give you my CV? I am also here for the interview, why am I the only one been asked to leave?”

But he said that was the instruction. I requested to speak to the person that sent him to me but he refused. He insisted that I dropped my CV or leave if I don’t want to, it is my choice.

I told him I know why they asked me to leave. But I tried as much as possible not to cry. Although I still cried, I handed over my CV to him and turned back to leave. But as I was about to leave, I heard a man asking the security if I dropped my CV, and he nodded – yes.

Then I told the security again, ”I know why you guys are asking me to leave. Out of everyone here, why am I the only one that was ordered to  leave?”

I did not quarrel with anyone nor did I misbehave, why was I treated in such manner?
What were their reasons for sending me out?
Even if I did not fit in to their job, at least they would have interviewed me. I had two interviews that day. So, I just went to the other place crying like a baby. I was so destabilized.

The lady beside me noticed I was crying and she asked if I was okay. But what would I have told her? I just said yes.

I am deeply sorry to hear this happened to you, Grace. Don’t you think companies like that should be named and shamed for the lack of professionalism?
Chinedu, honestly, I don’t think so. Two wrongs don’t make a right. But what they did to me was wrong.

A friend sent me a memo they uploaded on Instagram after they saw my video that went viral, and I decided to visit their Instagram page.

To my great surprise, I saw a comment that says – ”The fact that I was not selected is not a reason for me to be pessimistic.”

Can you imagine?

I was not even given the chance to be interviewed, let alone to be selected.

That is simply unacceptable. They are not professionals. Why did they discriminate against you?
That is the question I keep on asking myself and I think I need an answer from them. What if I had travelled from a far distance for that interview?

That was pathetic. Your video on Instagram talked about the condition of your skin. Can you explain better and how it happened, please?
That condition is called NEUROFIBROMATOSIS or NF.

It is a genetic disorder that causes tumours to grow on the skin. These tumours are not in any way contagious.

It just a genetic disorder that affects the nerve cells and causes tumours to form and grow.

What year did this start?
I have known myself like this and I am 28 now.

How did you cope with it in school?
I don’t really know how I was able to scale through, but I made sure I was well informed about NF. So as to answer any questions when being asked about it. It was not really easy.

I can imagine. Was there any experience of a student not wanting to sit beside you in class?
I always sit beside my friends. But I am always on sleeves. 95 percent of my clothes are sleeves.

But I have had several experiences in the past. One among all was in my ND 2. There was this girl in my group for our final year project, she was always misbehaving and I tried to caution her to be at peace with people so we won’t fail the project.

The next thing she said was, ”if everyone else is talking to me, it should never be you. Someone who can’t take proper care of herself.”

I was like, Jesus!

Did she just say that to me?
I wouldn’t blame her because that was caused by a lack of awareness.

Recently a friend of mine said she had to unfriend one of her friends because he literally body-shamed me.

She said she uploaded a picture both of us snapped on her whatsapp status and the guy commented, ”why do I look that way?”

She tried defending me but he never agreed and she had to block him. That’s still lack of awareness.

That’s interesting!
In secondary school, a staff once asked me what the tumors were. Then I did not know what they were.

I told her I had no idea. She responded harshly, ”it is because your parents did not take good
care of you.”

I can keep telling different stories. What we need is awareness. So someone else don’t have to go through ill-treatment. Don’t be surprised at the number of NF victims you will see when awareness starts.

I definitely agree with you on this. With regards to getting a job, what did you study?
I studied Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology option).

What did you graduate with?
I graduated with a Distinction.

You are indeed a genius. What role are you looking for in the labour market?
A firm where I will be able to add value to and also learn new skills.

You need to identify the roles you can fill in any of these organisations. Can you be more specific?

I don’t really have any in my mind right now.

What you are currently into?
I help my mom at her shop. She sells baby things

What would you like the government, or people from the private sector, to do for you?
Create possible awareness of  NEUROFIBROMATOSIS. People seem to know little or nothing about it.

For any of our audience that may want to reach out to you, how can you be contacted?
Through my email or social media pages.

Would you mind sharing your contact details?
Email – Okhimhegrace@gmail.com

Instagram handle – www.instagram.com/mz_gracie_special

Thank you, Grace, for your time. I do hope you get your heart desire as soon as possible.
Amen. Thank you, Chinedu, for reaching out to me.

“Joromi” – Testing Nigeria IP Laws By Simi and Victor Uwaifo

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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Since the author shared his piece on Sir Victor Uwaifo taking Simi, a musician, to court, demanding compensation for trademark infringement on “Joromi”, an entertainment character he created, the comments in the community are largely that (1) Mr. Uwaifo should go and sit down, or (2) the author did not “understand” trademark laws.

The entire conversation above developed as a result of a recent fifty million naira law suit filed by Sir Victor Uwaifo on the award winning female musician Simi. Simi is being sued for N50 million as damages for using the word ‘Joromi’ in her song and as the title of one of her tracks. Remember ‘Joromi’ was also the title  Uwaifo gave to his 1979 global hit.

I think the problem here is the fact that her song bears the same title as Uwaifo’s. So if a foreigner walks into a store and asks for Joromi, he or she could be given Simi’s even though it may not be what the person had in mind. These are fundamental issues every musician should know, but is frequently violated by a good number of artistes we have today probably because there have been no consequences for neglecting  such rules.

I have tried to challenge the #2 group, but so far I am unable to get anything the author did not understand. Personally, my understanding is that if I name a toy Elmo, a movie Spider-Man, Godfather, or simply Living in Bondage, a certain level of infringement may be happening. Also, if I launch a spice and call it Maggi or Royco, I may be causing confusion in the market. Also, if I name a song Thriller (originally controlled by Michael Jackson estate), I may be creating fiction in this world, and liable to damages.

Sure, Nigeria does not care. But while we have not followed up, for years, on protecting certain creatives, nothing stops us waking up today. Mr. Uwaifo may be saying – I might not have built a house protected by physical security guards, but I built an “intellectual property estate” on “Joromi” and will use legal guards to protect it. 

Lawyers here – what is it that the author did not understand in the piece? I want to believe that Uwaifo’s legal team is not stupid for asking for this N50 million compensation. Are we saying another bank can launch tomorrow and call itself Union Bank? Even if Joromi is a common word, Uwaifo was the first that used it as a song title. Possibly, as a lay man, Nigeria’s trademark law will allow him to trademark it for music title which means only him can use it in Nigeria for a music title.

Yet, I will need those that understand IP (intellectual property) matters to educate us here within the context of Nigerian law. Simply, I want this question answered: can any musician name his/her album or song title without considerations of existing titles, and making sure customers are not confused?

Trademark Law in Nigeria – The Sir Victor Uwaifo’s Suit Against Simi on ‘Joromi’

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