Category: Hannatu Musawa

Each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th. This year, the theme to mark this glorious day will be, “Make It Happen,” in order to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women all over the world, while calling for greater equality. But, as I join women all over the world to mark IWD, while celebrating women who have sacrificed in order to ‘make it happen’ and continue to struggle in order to pave the way for future generations of women, I would like to use this this Woman’s Day to highlight a subject that requires the collective effort of every society to ‘Make It Stop.’ That would be the sexual abuse, degradation and harassment of women.

It has sadly been prevalent that since the beginning of time immemorial, women have been constantly abused and taken advantage of. Though in these modern times, one may forgive another for thinking of women as a “weaker sex”; for now women are Presidents, heads of multi- million organizations and the front bearers in many victories in any given area; be it sports or technological innovations.

A disturbing story in recent times that has highlighted the importance of this topic is the unfolding saga of the once great and talented Bill Cosby. This particular scandal has left a sharp and bitter after taste in the mouths of millions of fans who grew up with nostalgic memories of the hit comedy show “The Cosby’s”. Many a childhood memory has been severely tainted by the poisonous allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power in the worst possible way. For decades Bill Cosby was seen as a beacon of moral upstanding conscience especially in the Black American community. But the mounting allegations of rape, sexual misconduct and incessant drug abuse has shocked the world.

These allegations began on 8 March, 2005 when Andrea Constand, the former director of operations for the Temple University women’s basketball team, filed a lawsuit in respect of how he molested and drugged her in the premises of his Pennsylvania home in 2004. Then, Tamara Green on the Today Show claimed that in the 1970’s, Cosby gave her a cocktail of drugs and proceeded to grope her in the most inappropriate of ways. In the case that later went to court, the Constand case made reference to 12 other women who chose to remain anonymous; all with similar terrible allegations. Beth Ferrier was one of the anonymous women that was later identified; in this case he had supposedly assaulted her inside a car in Denver. The lawsuit with Constand was settled out of court with the agreement not disclosed to the public. The fact that the case was even deemed significant enough to be settled out of court should leave an unsettling feeling with anyone. If facts presented by the prosecution of the case are believed; Cosby sexually assaulted and abused scores of women; some of them had been entrusted to his as unofficial wards and he, ironically, their mentor.

In October of 2014; the murmurings of previous allegations gained a frenzied pitch when the Daily Mail published a story with Barbara Bowman calling Cosby a rapist and a “monster”. Subsequently, several planned appearances and shows were cancelled most likely as the result of mounting accusations. Mr Cosby’s lawyer subsequently released a statement that referred to the allegations as “discredited”, thereby denying the illicit stories. Nevertheless the stories continuously kept appearing in the media with a growing number of women behind each one; every time sounding much worse than the last time. Though this unfolding drama seems very far from being over, it is safe to reach the conclusion that while many of the women claimed to have reported to the authorities even at the time of the assaults; the police just did not seem willing or possibly able to prosecute or charge such a huge and revered personality. One human being no matter how rich, important or popular should not be beyond the long arm of the law in cases of sexually abuse especially.

Sexual abuse is a general term for different types of sexual activity that is inflicted on and unwilling, under-aged or helpless victim. Up until 1970’s, the prevalence of sexual abuse was seriously underestimated. The perpetrators of sexual abuse are prosecuted under the state Criminal Law and are usually given tougher sentences for molesting or raping minors. Most of the victims of sexual abuse are sadly unwilling or unable to testify against their tormentors; usually because this would mean that they were reliving the terrible experience all over again. Also the significant issue of molestation stigmatized by society cannot be overlooked; especially in a country such as Nigeria where communities are governed by appearances and certain expectations of women. Sadly in today’s modern world, sexual abuse is too prevalent because it comes in so many different forms; some of which are not obvious on the surface. This heinous of acts can even occur subtly over a long period of time; at least until the perpetrator gains enough of the victims trust to pose an imminent unstoppable irrevocable danger.

Fast emerging from its traditional past, Nigeria is a growing modern metropolitan country. While its economy is faltering, the industrial and technological growth cannot be ignored. The advent of technology through phones, the internet and social media at large has meant that a growing number of a younger generation of Nigerians have access to vast amounts of information in the global village that has become this present world. Many younger ones take to the internet to vent and express emotions that would otherwise be deemed unfit or unacceptable by the parents, wards and communities at large. Therefore it is not uncommon for girls that have to dress conservatively in public and at home; to make a show of dressing and appearing scantily on their walls on the internet. This platform of secrecy and sometimes “indecent behavior” is a sexual predators dream. They have access to innocent, unwitting victims that would be too terrified or ashamed to come forward and make accusations in the event that they were taken advantage of.

A disturbing trend of sexual abuse and harassment that has emerged in recent times is taking undue advantage of mostly women in the professional environment. Traditionally it was the secretary that had been shown as being in danger of becoming a sexual subservient to her boss. Unfortunately; this concept has culminated into different scenarios; many of which are disturbingly becoming common rather than uncommon. There are scores of young men and women struggling to either get jobs or “make it” in the workplace that are only too eager and willing to exchange sexual favors to anyone that would take advantage of them. Then even more terrible are those that are married but use the workplace as a den of illicit behavior by molesting, cajoling (sometimes aggressively) and eventually molesting their terrified subordinates. Ironically, the terror may be as a result of losing their jobs and not because of their bodies, which should be a temple to them.

In the competitive banking world in Nigeria, beautiful young women are used as marketing officers in order to lure rich customers. With shorter dresses and faces caked with make up; many marketing approaches can be linked to “legal prostitution”. These victims are given conditional positions in the organization based on their “output” and “performance”. How does a beautiful lady convince a man to give millions to her organization? Even the women that seem to be willing participants in this arrangement still remain victims; for they mostly operate under great duress.

The scenario for sexual abuse though remains disturbingly similar. A victim under influence of a predator is forced physically or emotionally to endure unwanted advances by a menacing dominant figure. Whether it’s a famous personality, a boss, a high ranking member of government or disgustingly an older relative of a victim being accused of sexual molestation; everybody needs to take allegations more seriously than previously. If we do not rise up and defend the victims of this ugly threat; it could be our very own flowers that can be used and abused tomorrow.

As we mark this 2015 International Women’s Day, we should all celebrate the achievements and advancement of women all over the world. But, while we encourage the theme of ‘Make It happen’ regarding positive feats, we must not forget to forge together and ‘Make It Stop’ when it comes to the damaging and abusive behavior that eats away at a woman’s very soul.

2014 was a very challenging year all round. It was, for the most part, characterized with a high level of violence through conflict between nations, disease caused by the near global pandemic of Ebola, and mass murder as a result of the incessant suicide bombings and beheadings by radical Islamist groups. It was also one of the deadliest years in aviation in almost a decade, with a plethora of airplane crashes and tragedies, mainly involving the Asian Malaysia-Indonesian axis based carriers. For Nigeria, it was a year that came with its promise of adversity and disasters of unparalleled magnitude but it was also a year that brought the elements of possible change together. Between world politics, disease and catastrophe, 2014 was a year colored in black and red.

On a national scale, Nigerians encountered their fair share of the misfortunes from the atrocious events that went down during the last twelve months. The year 2014 brought a torrent of dire news for a nation that is all too familiar with receiving ominous news. It was a frantic year stained with death, political intrigue and shame. It was a year for, what I call, Political-Swingers, where Nigerian political office seekers, in anticipation of their aspirations in the upcoming elections, hopped from one party to another, depending on the popularity of the party they were defecting to, in the specific area they were contesting.

It was a year that certainly took a course in reinforcing Nigerian democracy and giving Nigerians the impression that there just may be change. The tighter cohesion of the APC, its ability to knock down regional, tribal and ethnic barriers and the unconditional acceptance of the party to a broad base of Nigerians empowered the party as the most formidable opposition platform we have ever had.  Whether one supports the PDP or APC, the prospect of elections in the New Year has given people hope of a future that provides an atmosphere where the wishes of the majority will be reflected in the polls. And whatever the outcome of the elections, many are confident that 2015 portrays a real scenario where Nigerians will have their say.

It was a year where the globe was forced to unite against one of the greatest enemies of humanity-disease. When Ebola began to ravage Western African countries, the world, largely, turned a blind eye. But, due to the ease of which the virus spread and its potency, the entire world was forced to take notice. In 2014, the Ebola crisis became a very real global threat. In Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, the death and destruction that came with Ebola left many families and individuals devastated. As the year winds down and many affected nations have managed to control the spread of Ebola, we must keep in mind that there are families in West Africa still struggling with the devastation of the virus. Help and aid is still needed in those communities and any support and involvement to help aid the relief efforts in West Africa will be very much welcome. (One can find information on how to contribute online or through the Liberian, Guinean and Sierra Leonean Embassies in their countries).

Undoubtedly, the worst aspect of Nigeria’s 2014 was that it was a year of mass suffering and death. From the start of the year, the violence unleashed by Nigerian Insurgents saw them target innocent Nigerians from the North Eastern States of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, all the way to Kano and through to Abuja where a bomb was detonated in the heart of the capital’s metropolis, Emab and Banex Plaza, with devastating results.

The actions of the Nigerian insurgents, with their bloodthirsty abandon and turmoil, that only lunatics and unreasonable zealots possess, has sent a clear message that there is no reasoning or reconciliation with this particular group of murderers. Their level of reckless bloodletting has gone far beyond the point of any possible discussion, amnesty or reconciliation. The sooner everyone directly involved in this battle against the insurgents understands that this war has turned into an ‘all or nothing’ fight, the sooner they will be able to come up with an ‘end-game.’ The sooner civilians and citizens in the most affected area are evacuated and the army, supported by sophisticated air power, goes in and sweeps those areas clear of insurgents, the sooner Nigerian authorities can bring peace to the North-Eastern part of the country.

Just when Nigerians thought they had deciphered the modus operandi of the insurgents as sporadic bombings and bloodletting, a spade of abductions and kidnapping of school children ensued. It was then, in the wee hours of the night, that almost 300 schoolgirls from Chibok were taken… just like that!

It was a year when groups across Nigeria used their voice, banned together and stood in solidarity with the parents and kidnapped children of Chibok. Whether politically motivated or not, they must be given credit for adhering to their conscience and standing for the voiceless in a society that increasingly mulls the voice of the helpless; they found the courage to say, “I refuse.” They refused to continue being conscientious objectors and spoke out for the kidnapped girls, who, no longer had a presence or voice. They stood up and bellowed “#BringBackOurGirls!” It was a cry that was heard in all corners of the world.

It was a year of Nigerian police contravention with a major civil rights violation when the Joseph Mbu led police force made an attempt to prohibit protests of the same #BringBackOurGirls campaign, under the guise of possible security threat to residents of Abuja. With ‘eggs on their faces,’ the police authorities made a U-turn after the campaigners initiated proceedings in court.

It was a shameful year for the Nigerian Army, which imposed death sentences on soldiers accused of mutiny despite the fact that the soldiers alleged they only refused to join operations to confront Nigerian insurgents because they were not properly equipped. After watching footage of what the well-equipped insurgents do to those they capture, I, for one, have a level of empathy for the soldiers who disobeyed orders which would lead to certain death and torture in the hands of the insurgents, purely because they were ill-equipped to face the insurgents. I strongly disagree with the death sentences imposed on them.

The performance of the Nigerian Judiciary in 2014 generated mainly positive reviews. While under the capable watch of Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, much needed reforms; great judicial achievements and quick dispensation of justice were recorded. Even with the unwelcome reversal of corruption cases for some high caliber political personalities through court judgments and the bungling of the case against a prominent Nigerian insurgent, the confidence in the judicial system amplified by the clampdown of Justice Aloma, was not altogether dampened. In-spite of the existence of alleged bad-eggs and reprehensible members of the bench such as Justice Abdul Kafarati, Justice Aloma did an incredible job in trying to reform and stamp out corruption in the nation’s judiciary and restoring confidence in it. However, as Nigeria’s first female Chief Justice retires, hopes are that her successor, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, will continue the reforms she initiated and to flush out those in the judiciary who have been proven to be less than ‘judicious’ and up right.

It was ‘un-arguably’ the greatest year of shock and heartbreak in sporting history. Football to be exact! As Nigerians and other African football fans watched their nations bow out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, their only comfort was that they were ‘not’ Brazilian fans! In a mighty upset that eclipsed the 1950 defeat that Brazil suffered to Uruguay, like a shaky deck of cards, Brazil came tumbling down when Germany scored four goals in six minutes to lead Brazil, the World Cup hosts, 5-0 after only 29 minutes, before winning an unprecedented 7-1 in the quarter finals. As the world watched in shock, Brazil the great champions of football…whittled into its great-dud. To add insult to injury for the shell-shocked ‘former-former-champions, their greatest rival, Argentina, went ahead to become Runners-up to Germany, who emerged as the champions, on Brazilian soil. “Painful, painful and… Ooohhhhh, so, so painful!!!”

For Arewa, Kano specifically, it was a year where some of the most significantly great titans were lost. The death of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and the Galadima of Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim shook the center of commerce to the core and has left a gigantic void in Kano society. Their passing and the passing of so many other great Nigerians contributed to the unmatched flood of pain felt by the entire nation.

Looking back at 2014, it truly was ‘a year!’ it was a year that saw a mentally disturbed Uruguayan football genius behave as if he was a rabid dog! it was a year that confirmed ‘rice’ as opposed to ‘eba’ was the food of choice in Ekiti State, Nigeria! it was a year that saw Nigeria’s General Buhari emerge, even to his main detractors, as ‘the come-back-kid’ with the ability to make people ‘believe!’ it was a year when the Lunatic-Nigerian-Insurgent-Undead-Food-Trough-Spack leader proved that he has more than 9 lives! it was a year when the world witnessed the epic fall of hollywood’s most beloved dad, bill cosby! it was a year when a great Nigerian leader proved that ‘Diarrhea of the mouth’ can be spun into a tall-tale of fiction in his autobiography, ‘My Watch!’ it was a year when american-race-relations became tested with the non-indictment of police in the ‘questionable killings’ of African-Americans! it was a year when an honorable teenage Pakistani heroin, Malala, proved that ‘greatness’ comes in all sizes when she rose above all to ‘rightfully’ win the Nobel-Peace-Price! it was a year that witnessed the accidental collapse of tb Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos! it was a year when Nigerian lawmakers proved that, if their political careers failed, they could make it in the Olympics if the sport was, ‘jumping hurdles over the National Assembly fences!’ it was a year when the Nigeria immigration service created a scenario that led to a stampede where desperate-job-seeking-youth died in an unsafe and ill-prepared application process! it was a year when the most powerful woman in Nigeria recorded the most remarkable achievement by becoming the first woman to be elected president of OPEC! it was the year when hollywood was exposed in the hacking of intimate photos of actors and actresses and a Sony scandal that upset North Korea! it was a year when the privately recorded prejudice of a closet-American-racist brought an octogenarian basketball owner to his knees in new york! it was a year when Western Nations held Russia responsible for instigating rebellion in crimea, Ukraine and gave it the cold shoulder, not that Russia really cared! it was the year when ISIS & Nigerian insurgents tried to consolidate their blood-soaked growth with the declaration of their very own caliphates! it was the year when that same ‘claim-a-caliphate’ of ISIS and Nigerian insurgents led to the barbaric beheadings of several innocent people! it was the year when Syria continued the decent into civil war! it was a year that Israel unleashed its unsympathetic claws in the Gaza conflict that saw thousands of helpless people murdered! it was a year when press freedom was put on trial with the imprisonment of hundreds of journalists in Egypt, including 3 working for Al-Jazeera! it was a year that saw the deadliest period for nigeria since the Biafran Civil War! it was the year when a hemorrhagic fever caused by a virus proved that it spread faster, is more potent and more lethal than man; it forced man to band together as a specie! it was a year that challenged even the most optimistic of optimists. …looking back at 2014, it truly was ‘a year!’

In Memorium, it was the year we lost Dora Nkem Akunyili, Rilwan Lukman, Aare Abdulazeez Arisekola Alao, Dr. Sheik Umar Khan, Dr. Stella Adadevoh, Umaru Dikko, Robin Williams, Maya Angelou, Barrister Bamidele Aturu, Professor Jacob Festus Ade Ajayi, Justina Obi Ejelonu, Philip Seymore Hoffman, Peter Kassig, Steven Sotloff, Alan Henning, David Haines, Miguel Pajares, Lauren Becall, Joe Cocker, Joan Rivers, thousands in the hands of Nigerian insurgents, 298 in the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 shooting down, almost 8,000 from Ebola, 239 in the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 crash, hundreds from Air Asia Flight QZ8501 crash, hundreds from senseless terrorist attacks, scores from senseless school shootings, hundreds from natural disasters, thousands from poverty, illness and starvation and so many other precious people.

As we bid farewell to a year that, I must say, was not our finest; a year colored black with catastrophe and red with blood, many will be hoping that 2015 will bring many of the conflicts and challenges we just left behind to an end. As we look ahead, one wonders what secrets and challenges 2015 has in store.

In the Chinese calendar, 2015 is regarded as the Year of the Goat, Ram or Sheep and is metaphorically characterized as the ‘period of a passing summer’ – the period of prosperity and wellbeing. According to the Chinese calendar system belief, the year promises much more favorable times as compared to the previous couple of years. It suggests that, in 2015, the processes that have been unfolding and scattering bedlam for the past couple of years may likely come to an end and the world will witness greater stability and harmony. As a result, the general quality of life will improve and the different crisis that has tormented many will, hopefully, reduce. They envisage, that, very early in 2015, global economic issues will take a positive turn and will be replaced with stable economic growth and there will be mass recovery from some of the losses suffered previously.

In regards to political issues, the Chinese system forecasts that there will be progress and a level of harmony in the nature of interaction between acrimonious countries and disputing factions within several nations. It further calculates the prospect of significant advance in space industry, greater attention paid to environmental protection, healthy life style, ecological issues, with a better global appreciation for herbal, traditional and unconventional medicine.

If, as the Chinese calendar predicts, the Year of the Goat, Ram or Sheep will be a period of prosperity, wellbeing and high hopes, as the positive events in the year start to take center stage, people of many countries will breathe a sigh of relief and welcome it with open arms.

Whether the guesses of the Chinese calendar for 2015 are accurate, one thing is for sure-although the scars sustained in Nigeria and throughout the globe from the different tragedies will forever be visible; many are ready to move on. Many will be looking to the horizon, dreaming and praying for a golden age. In Nigeria, whether that dream will come via ‘change’ or a ‘rehabilitation of the same’ in the February 2015 elections, the dream for ‘something better’ can only be realized if and when we start working towards it.

In the next 365 days, we each have a choice to ‘know better’ so we can ‘do better.’ And as the Chinese calendar 2015, Year of the Goat, Ram or Sheep prescribes; “The creative side of the (Year of) Ram; its diligence applied to hard work ensures prosperity”

In the next year, …People of the World please, let’s all work harder to ensure prosperity to all.

“Welcome to 2015 folks… I wish you a very Happy New Year!”

EWS that Muhammed Ali’s battle with the incapacitating disease, Parkinsons, has reached a point where he is unable to speak is not shocking but still, so, so heartbreaking.

At the premiere of a film focusing on his family life last week, a statement was released saying that the legendary icon was too ill to attend the screening. Recently, his son, Ali Jnr, had also said that his father was “so ill” he believed there was “no chance” the former boxer would survive until the end of 2014.

This news isn’t really a surprise because the three-time world heavyweight champion, 72, has battled with the deliberating illness for decades. At the peak of his career Muhammed Ali delighted audiences with his charisma, excess skill and humor but Parkinsons has left him a shell of his former self and robbed this most verbose and loquacious of men his physical co-ordination and speech. Images of him a couple of years ago at the London Olympics exposed the silhouette of a man so frail and so sick he was barely holding on to dear life. It was such a departure from the Ali, who was famed for his quick wit and lightning speed in the ring, that the world knew. However throughout his illness, no matter how bad it gets, his dignity never fails to shine through.

Since I began writing over a decade ago, every couple of years, I have made it a point to periodically write about Muhammed Ali and a very small group of other ‘living’ global personalities and famous people as my contribution to spreading their message and story. (While there are many other deceased personalities that have impacted me, this particular list is made up of non- Nigerians who were alive at the time I started writing in 2003). For me, this group have inspired me, shaped my viewpoint, impacted me in a very significant way and continue to do so. It is also a group whom I have come to admire, absolutely adore and celebrate. During the span of my writing, some have passed away while some are still living and the list continues to expand. That group consists of, Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Deedat, Pope John Paul II, Margaret Thatcher, Wangari Maathai, Jerry Rawlings, Maya Angelou, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Fatou Bensouda, Hillary Clinton, Mo Ibrahim, Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Shirin Ebadi, Michael Jackson, Prince Charles, Angelina Jolie, Boris Johnson, Mo Farah, Andy Murray and now Malala Yousafzai.

With the news that his condition has deteriorated to a level where he is struggling to hold on, I feel the need to pay homage to this incredibly special person and tell another generation, who may not be aware, the story of a man who is the epitome of brilliance, humor, spirit and will power. He is an incredibly remarkable personality and his story should never stop being told. Whether one followed his career or not or agreed with his political views and lifestyle, there is no arguing the fact that Muhammed Ali remains a spectacularly unique and fascinating person. For a very traditional Hausa/Fulani girl, from a rural African village in North Western Nigeria to be so moved by him that she developed an interest in the sport of boxing says a lot about his ability to inspire from afar.

I am often asked why and when I began to develop an interest in writing. My interest in writing and style was actually ignited by Muhammed Ali. When I started writing, I started by writing poetry and spoken word pieces inspired by Muhammed Ali’s poetry and spoken word. Often, before or after a match or during interviews, Muhammed Ali, a keen poet, would express himself in rhyme form and he would tell stories in the wittiest way using poems. For instance, when he was about to fight Joe Frazier he summed up his predictions in an interview when he rhymed, “Joe’s going to come out smoking. But I ain’t gonna be joking. I’ll be picking and poking, pouring water on his smoking. This might shock and amaze ya. But I’m gonna destroy Joe Frazier.” Then after the “Thrilla In Manila” fight with the same Frazier he said, “It will be a Killer, And a chiller, And a thrilla. When I get the gorilla in Manila.”

Clips such as the one on the following link show how very captivating, hilarious and endearing he was when expressing himself in that form.

Watching him perform was the most remarkable and entertaining thing ever and it was a form of expression that I immediately clung to and tried to emulate. This interest I had in the way he recited poetry led to me writing stories using the same rhyming format and this invariably led to other forms of writing. As weird as it sounds, today, I can honestly say that it is largely to Muhammed Ali’s credit that I write. The story and life of Muhammed Ali is just as colorful and fascinating as his infectious and endearing personality. Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Clay. He began to box at the age of 12 after an incident in which his bike was stolen. Hurt by the theft, he vowed to “whup” whoever stole his bike. A local policeman cautioned him and advised him to “learn how to box” before carrying out his threat. This was enough to inspire him and within weeks he trained, boxed and won fights.

He had 108 successful amateur bouts before his 18th birthday and in 1960, Cassius Clay won the Olympic gold medal in Rome. Due to the segregation of blacks in Southern America during that time, Cassius was refused service at a local restaurant despite his Olympic achievement. This fuelled his ambition to succeed and reach out to minorities. The ultimate glory came when, against the odds, he defeated Sony Liston to emerge heavyweight champion of the world in 1964. While training for that title bout, he announced to the world that he was a member of the Nation of Islam and that his name was Cassius X, latter to be changed to Muhammad Ali. The response to this news was negative but he didn’t let it affect, influence or deter him. Whenever he was asked about his attachment to Islam, Ali joked that he was going to have four wives: one to shine his shoes, one to feed him grapes, one to rub oil on his muscles and one named Peaches!

In 1967, as the Vietnam War was escalating, Ali was called up for induction into the armed services. He refused induction on the grounds of religious beliefs. Typically in a joking manner he said, “…I done wrestled with an alligator; I done tussled with a whale; Clean out my cell and take my tail to jail; ‘Cause better to be in jail fed than to be in Vietnam dead…” And latter he declared, “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Vietcong.”

The national anger in America over the last comment combined with Ali’s refusal to go into the armed services caused the authorities to cancel his boxing licenses. He was convicted, stripped of his championship title, his passport confiscated and he faced a 5- year prison term. Eventually after 2 ½ years, the Supreme Court reversed his conviction and restored his license. This action elevated him to hero-status because he was the first American national figure to speak out against the war in Vietnam.

Among the highlights of his career is the well known, ‘the rumble in the jungle’; a fight between him and a fearsome champion George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire. Before the match, in his usual boastful manner, Ali predicted, “to prove I’m great he will fall in eight…” And true to his word in the 8th round Foreman was knocked out of the match.

To his credit, Ali became the first man to win the world heavyweight title three times. He revolutionised boxing by pioneering a style that went against many of the game’s consecrated traditions. By the end of his career, Ali had fought an impressive 61 bouts with 56 wins (37 by knockout) and 5 defeats (1 knockout). Shortly after his retirement, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and has been battling it ever since.

Before Muhammed Ali started boxing, the sport was said to have largely been controlled by the mob (mafia) but he came along and defended it as a sport. He gave this most uncompromising of sports beauty, grace, style, magnetism, humour, class, sheer excitement and beauty. He fought with emotion and heart. In his usual stubborn way he refused to adhere to the conventional way of boxing and told the establishment, “I don’t have to be what you want me to be; I’m free to be what I want.”

In the ring Ali used a method that flouted boxing logic; for one he had arm reach and used it so that he didn’t have to get close enough for his opponent to hit him. Additionally his powerful legs allowed him to dance, shuffle and float in the ring. The ‘Ali shuffle,’ a foot maneuver invented by him allowed him to elevate himself up and sometimes deliver a blow while dancing. At the time when his career bloomed, boxers never talked to the media but Ali disregarded this by boasting and predicting matches in that very public, bragging and poetic manner. In a rhyme that latter came to define his mode and manner in the ring, Ali said of himself “I float like a butterfly, I sting like a bee; his hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see.” …Floating, stinging, striking, winning or rhyming, many will agree that Ali has today emerged as the world’s most adored athlete and one that the world of sports will forever miss. When asked how he felt about retiring from boxing, Ali correctly proclaimed, “I wont miss Boxing; Boxing will miss me!”

As a boxing fan I must say, it really does. His confidence and egotism was so ‘in-your-face’ it was endearing. For instance, when asked whether he was good in golf, his response of, “I’m the best. I just haven’t played yet” or after failing US army’s aptitude test, his response of, “I said I was the greatest, not the smartest” was not offensive at all. His cockiness in proclamations he often made such as, “I’m so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark” were rather hilarious. He is so much more than a boxer or an endearing personality. In this day, as he battles for his life, his actions outside of the boxing ring continue to speak volumes. In his journey he risked everything; his standing, his title, his achievements and his livelihood, yet he managed to surface as a hero and a man of principle for all time.

He has always been known to stand up for his beliefs, loves children and respects women. Muhammed Ali is a super, super, super star; confident, smug and incredibly handsome! Ali will always be a great inspiration to mankind as a whole and black people in particular. We can all learn a great deal from him. He gave people hope and proved that anyone could overcome insurmountable odds to achieve their dream. Even now, as ill as he is, Ali has been a relentless advocate for people in need, having delivered millions of dollars in food and medical relief to third world countries and raising an alleged $100 million for charities throughout the world. For the last three decades the terrible disease that has dogged Ali has done its fair share of crippling him, but he has given it a good fight back. He has fought Parkinson’s disease with the same courage and determination he brought to the ring and to his work aimed at alleviating poverty, hunger and intolerance.

With the recent reports of his deteriorating condition, many around the world shall continue to pray to God to bless him and keep him safe and pain free until the end. He touched the world and in return the likes of myself will always ‘love’ him dearly from the very, very bottom of our hearts. Since the demise of Nelson Mandela, of all living public personalities, Mohammed Ali is the one that I consider as my ultimate personal hero. I thank him for representing so many things in my life; I learnt so much from him, mostly good, some bad. I am so grateful to him for instilling in me the love of poetry, freestyle rhymes and so much more.

Perhaps amongst the adverse and naughty things I learnt from Ali was, how to unleash a fiery temper, a mighty mouth that doesn’t always respond to the need of remaining ‘zip’ and a sense of humor that can, at times, be sarcastic and biting. I also learnt how to successfully beat up boys and bullies all the way back in my school days…and I have never stopped doing it ever since! How does one comprehensively describe the story of a man like Muhammed Ali? Well, one doesn’t need to, because one of the greatest living icons of our time has already described his story himself when he said, “…This is the legend of Muhammad Ali, The greatest fighter that ever will be… He talks a great deal and brags, indeed… Of a powerful punch and blinding speed… Ali fights great he’s got speed and endurance… If you sign to fight him, increase your insurance… Ali’s got a left, Ali’s got a right; If he hits you once, you’re asleep for the night…” For the duration of my life, I will forever continue to adore him and pray for him. Muhammed Ali was, is and will always be; that which he proclaimed to be- “simply the greatest!”

AS we watch man threaten its very existence with its inhumanity to itself, our focus is very dangerously taken off a bigger peril. While we plant bombs and launch arsenals in a bid to win unwarranted wars, a silent war against the human race is being declared by an even bigger threat to humanity.

An ongoing epidemic of the Ebola virus is spreading throughout West Africa. The world’s deadliest Ebola epidemic is currently ravaging many communities in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, among others. So far, the World Health Organization has reported a total of 888 Ebola cases, including 539 deaths since February this year. In a statement, the organization expressed how dire the situation has become by labeling it a ‘precarious’ one which had surged at an unprecedented rate. Figures released by WHO in April indicate that there have been 157 suspected cases, including 101 deaths. Essentially, what we are witnessing is the slippery slope that has the potential of leading to the most severe outbreak of Ebola ever recorded in recorded history, both in the number of cases and fatalities.

With news that a man in Lagos just died from the virus, the impact of Ebola has just become all too real to Nigerians.

The man was a Liberian who had been quarantined when he arrived in Lagos on Sunday, July 20 with symptoms of the Ebola virus. His death is the first recorded case of one of the world’s deadliest diseases ever in Nigeria.

In Liberia, there have already been 21 cases, including 10 fatalities, of which five have been confirmed as Ebola. Mali has seen nine suspected cases with tests showing that two of them did not have the virus. Also, one death has been recorded in Ghana since the outbreak started. Various organizations, including the US Center for Disease Control, European Commission and ECOWAS, have been donating funds and have mobilized personnel to help counter the outbreak.

Heads of West African governments have met under WHO auspices and have agreed on a coordinated regional strategy. However, much more is needed in terms of effort, cooperation and funds and much more is required from every single person living in the West African region, in terms of awareness.

Ebola was first discovered in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). The virus is named after the Ebola River where one of the first recorded outbreaks occurred. Bats are believed to be largely responsible for the Ebola virus. Studies have shown that the virus was originally transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission, with fruit bats of the ‘Pteropodidae’ family considered to be the natural host. The largest-ever outbreak was in 2000-01 in Uganda, with 425 cases, about half of whom died, according to WHO estimates. From the time the virus was identified in humans, pharmaceutical researchers have been unable to develop an effective drug or vaccine to combat the disease.

The treat of Ebola cannot be underestimated by any of us or by the governments within the region of West Africa. It is a ruthless killer; one of the world’s deadliest viruses, killing up to 90 percent of those infected. Much like so many other incurable and harsh diseases before it, the public seems to be somewhat carefree about learning the facts of it at a time when it can be controlled. Granted, at this very point, the Ebola virus is a huge threat to all of humanity but, at this time, it is also a threat that can be brought under control because the epidemic is still in the early stages.

We must protect ourselves from Ebola. And we can do so by first knowing the facts about the virus and doing everything possible to prevent its spread. We must empower ourselves with knowledge of the symptoms to look for and our government must immediately start a nation-wide awareness scheme.

The disease itself is contracted through contact with infected blood or through the exchange of body fluids from an infected person or animal. Early symptoms of the disease include, fever, headache, chills, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, backache, and joint pains. Later symptoms include bleeding from the eyes, ears and nose, bleeding from the mouth and rectum, eye swelling, swelling of the genitals and rashes all over the body that often contain blood. It could progress to coma, shock and eventually death.

Presently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for the Ebola virus but anyone infected must be admitted into hospital as soon as possible if they are to have any chance of survival.

The view of Ebola from Nigeria is extremely disturbing. The news that the virus has reached Ghana, where a single US citizen was reported to have been infected, is one that Nigerians and the government needs to take very seriously.

Presently, there has only been that single case reported in Ghana, but that one case is all the warning we need! The question now is; exactly how prepared is Nigeria to prevent and combat this scourge, in the event it needs to? Is the Federal Government equipped enough to forestall or limit the Ebola plague if indeed it needed to do so? The fact that the Federal Government is currently inundated with a profound level of insecurity in the nation, primarily by murdering, blood thirsty, evil and crazy insurgents; does it have the wherewithal to preempt such a potential plague? Proactively, other countries across West Africa have already begun bracing themselves against the spread of the epidemic, with countries like Senegal closing the border it shares with Guinea. Liberia and Guinea are now currently doing all they can to try and control the virus from spreading further.

While Nigeria has not reported a case of Ebola, the Federal Government through the Minister of Health, Oyebuchi Chukwu, recently admitted that there is a real threat to Nigeria judging by the rate at which the virus has been moving.

The Minister said, despite the threat, preemptive measures, such as the production of information leaflets, have been taken by the Federal Government. If so, that measure is just not adequate enough in preventing the entry of the deadly virus into the nation’s borders. It is outrageous to think that the mere sharing of leaflets is adequate enough to fight an uncompromising killer like Ebola.

The problem of our porous borders must be addressed, not only to combat security but monitor the influx of disease as well. A ferocious awareness and sensitization campaign, giving the public information on the risk factors and protective measures of Ebola, through mainstream media, social media, in hospitals, schools, markets, industries and government offices must be launched with immediate effect.

The awareness campaign has got to be educative and shocking, particularly in pointing out that the virus is highly infectious and has no known cure or vaccine. Furthermore, the government should ensure that health workers and practitioners have all the information they need in addition to providing them with extra protective gear such as gloves.

While we ponder on the sub-regional scourge of the Ebola virus, its fatal effects, the current threat to Nigeria and the ,realization that there is no known cure for the disease, halting the spread of the virus must involve every Nigerian.

Everyone should be alert, involved and be on the lookout for any signs of the disease. Everyone should do their bit by learning more about Ebola, protecting themselves, ensuring that their environments are cleanly maintained and also improving on personal hygiene, like washing hands often.

We must all maintain methods and practices of disinfection, cleanliness, observation of contacts, rodent control and precaution in any interaction that requires the exchange of bodily fluids.

Infection can occur through eating fruits that have been contaminated with by bats with the virus. As a result, it is vital to wash every fruit before eating. Likewise, the creative manner in which some Nigerians devour bush-meat has to be carried out with utmost caution, because if we have learnt anything from these kinds of diseases, it is that their natural reservoir is usually wild animals, especially wild monkeys and wild rodents.

For now there has been only one reported case of Ebola in Nigeria; one hopes it stays that way. One also hopes the spread of the virus in other West African countries can be brought to a complete halt. As individuals, we each have a responsibility and duty of care in disease control. Let us invest our time into learning about the Ebola virus, let us each make an effort to stop its spread.

So, while man-kind faces the threat to its very existence through the self-inflicted bombs, missiles and wars it imposes on the human race, it would be worth our while to unite and battle the bigger threat currently to humanity… the threat of the Ebola disease.