The Nation Newspaper

Tag: parents

  • Parents seek support for baby with hole-in-the heart

    Parents seek support for baby with hole-in-the heart

    When his parents called at The Nation’s corporate head office to plead for assistance on behalf of their 15 month-old son, Muktar Owoseni, it was with a reluctant demeanour.

    His mum, Mrs Bashirat Owoseni, explained that the boy, who was born with jaundice, started showing complications when he was three months old. His medical report obtained from the department of paediatrics and child health, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital reads that Muktar was diagnosed with symptoms suggesting of Down syndrome and heart disease.

    “We did an x-ray when he was three months old which showed he has a hole-n-the heart but the doctor said for them to know the extent of the hole, there was a need to do an echo scan.  Last year July when I took him for medical checkup, he was admitted into the hospital and another scan revealed a big hole in his heart,” said Mrs Owoseni.

    The medical report also states that owing to the size of the hole, the surgery cannot be done in Nigeria and thus advised the parents to seek surgical correction in India.  When his medical report was scanned to India, the total amount of money pegged for the surgery alone is $7500, with accommodation and other expenses bringing it to a total of $ 12, 200.

    The boy’s father, Mr Muhammed Owoseni, a business man said he was forced to reach out to people on the pages of newspaper after stretching all his financial limits.

    “We were told to do the surgery before he clocks one but now he is a year and three months old and we have not been able to put the money together. The little we have has been spent on hospital bills and medications. We have gone to the Lagos State Ministry of Health and other Muslim organisations but we have not been able to receive any money from them,” the embattled father lamented.

    Donations for Mukhtar can be made to: 3099692758- First Bank.  Account name: Owoseni Mukhtar Owolabi. His parents can be reached on 08033755636

  • Parents seek justice over son’s death

    Parents seek justice over son’s death

    •Police: he died of cardiac arrest

    How did a 19-year old barber, Gafar Ayoola, die after his arrest by the police last Friday at Oyingbo Market in Ebute Meta, Lagos Mainland?

    A source at Denton Police Station claimed that Ayoola was tortured to death by his colleagues despite not finding any incriminating evidence on the late suspect.

    The policemen allegedly hanged and beat him until he passed out following his arrest for “wandering” by a corporal.

    When the late Ayoola became unconscious, the policemen called their Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and told him the suspect was dying. But the DPO told them the late suspect was just “pretending”.

    When his men insisted that the late suspect was not pretending, the DPO was said to have directed them to take him to the hospital, where he died.

    The police source told The Nation that the suspect’s body was taken to Lagos Mainland Hospital Mortuary at Yaba, without notifying his parents.

    The source claimed that the teenager was tortured and rushed to a hospital on Kano Street, where he died.

    “The boy’s parents reside at 16, Bridge Road, Otto in Ebute-Meta but he was a barber at Okoafo in Badagry.

    “A corporal arrested him around 8:30am at Oyingbo bus stop. The corporal claimed the boy was wandering but nothing was found on him to indicate he was a suspect.

    “I don’t like the way the boy was tortured. The boy was hanged as if he was a notorious armed robber or kidnapper. The worst part is that the station wants to shield the corporal for killing an innocent just like that.

    “The DPO was not around when the boy was arrested and beaten. He was only called on phone and when he was appealing to the bereaved father for peace on Saturday, he told the man that Gafar belonged to a four-man gang of cultists and armed robbers. He claimed that his three other accomplices escaped and that they have been on wanted list. That is a lie. There’s no allegation against him and no exhibit was found on him,” the source said.

    The bereaved parents, Mr and Mrs Sulaiman Ayoola, said some people that told one of their sons that his brother had been arrested.

    Ayoola, a private security guard with First Bank, told The Nation that he was shocked when one of his sons called him around 10pm to tell him that Gafar was arrested and killed by the police.

    “It was around 10pm that one of my sons called me. I was still at work and he told me that he was on his way home when he saw people gathered and they told him that Gafar was arrested by the police and killed.

    “At first, I did not understand what he meant because I did not even understand why police would arrest my son. So, I quickly left for the police station, I asked to see my son whom they arrested in the morning.

    “Initially, they denied arresting him. They showed me the names of suspects in their custody and my son’s name was not there. I told them that the person who arrested my son was one Corporal Taiwo but they claimed there was no officer with that name in their station.

    “After much argument, they told me to come back on Saturday after environmental sanitation because the DPO was not around, which I did. By the time I got there on Saturday morning, most of my people were already around and I think they were scared that the people, out of anger might do something crazy.

    “Then, the DPO called us inside and he started begging us to take heart. That we should go and take the body at Mainland Hospital. That the boy was arrested for ‘wandering’ and he died of cardiac arrest, probably because he has never been arrested before.”Despite their effort to cover up the evil they did to my son, whom they did not find any incriminating thing on; at the station, we were told by some people who did not like what happened to the boy that he was hanged and tortured. They said the policemen hanged him and were beating him until he collapsed.

    “The DPO begged us to go and collect the body and bury him but I have not gone there. I cannot go there. My son cannot die like that because he’s not a criminal. I want President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and all Nigerians to help me get justice for my son. Why did the police kill my son and they tried to cover up his death? Why did they arrest my boy without telling anyone? Why are they covering up the officer who arrested my son for ‘wandering’? I need justice for my son,” he said.

    Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent (SP), said the case would be investigated adding:

    “It was learnt that shortly after he was arrested and brought to the division, he complained that he was feeling sick and he was rushed to the hospital. It was while he was receiving treatment at the hospital that he passed on.

    “The leadership of the command and the Force in general are keen about entrenchment of and respect for human rights. The police abhor any form of torture. Therefore, I believe no officer will take that risk. However, we will commence an investigation into the case,” she said.

  • Don’t forgive rapists, NGO urges parents

    An NGO, Jigawa Women Network for Access to Justice (JIWNAJ), on Sunday advised parents of rape victims not to forgive men who rape their children.

    The Chairlady of the organisation, Hajiya Uwani Yunusa, gave the advice in Dutse on Sunday in an interview with newsmen.

    She further urged parents of such victims to always report such incidents to the appropriate authorities in their respective communities.

    Yunusa also warned parents not to wash the genitals of their raped girls until the matter was reported to the police.

    She pointed out that this would enable the police to establish evidence when they take the victim to the hospital for confirmation.

    “ Some parents are being convinced to forgive people who rape their daughters through reconciliation or dispute and conflict resolution in their communities.

    “Parents should always open up and report such cases to the police for appropriate actions to be taken against such suspects.

    “You should also not immediately wash the private part of the victim, you should wait until when the case is reported to the police and evidence taken, “ she said.

    Yunusa also warned parents, particularly mothers, to always monitor the movements of their female children in order to protect them.

    “I am calling on parents, especially mothers, to do their best as God-given duty to protect their children from this recurrent ugly incident.

    “You should also desist from sending girl children on street hawking as they mostly fall victims of rape, “ she said. (NAN)

  • Parents sad

    Parents sad

    Family members of the abducted Chibok  girls, who were taken by Boko Haram two years ago, have kicked against government’s rehabilitation of repentant terrorists.

    They are upset that no one bothered to contact them before deciding to rehabilitate the insurgents that have caused them so much pains.

    An uncle of two of the abducted girls and Vice Chairman, Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA), Nkeki Mutah, told reporters in Abuja that he could not understand how members of Boko Haram who only surrendered because of the superior powers of the military are now being given preferential treatments.

    He said: “  I am demoralised as it is because most of the girls were too close to me, particularly two of my nieces that are part of the girls. The parents are presently in horrible states. A lot of them have died, a lot of them are experiencing serious traumatic situations.

    “The worst part is that personally, if you talk of rehabilitating someone that has caused horrible pains to people, there should be a lot of process. I can’t understand how the people that abducted my nieces, due to the superior powers of our military are now coming out to claim repentance and without contacting the victims of their attacks to hear their feelings and reactions to the situation, the military came out to say they have established rehabilitation centre for them and will be training without us knowing who they are.

    “I was angry on the day of Mr President’s inauguration, after he promised to dig out the sources behind Boko Haram and Governor Shettima of Borno State came out to ask for amnesty for Boko Haram. It was annoying hearing my governor say that but now, all of a sudden the governor’s statement is now the one being used. Now they are training Boko Haram while thousands of Nigerians, including security operatives, are still being held captive by them.”

  • Why parents should teach kids by example

    DEAR Harriet, My concern is the level of moral decadence in our society today. Parents who are supposed to be role models to their children are really not leading by example. Instead, some are the ones that are really taking these children through the wrong paths of life.

    Let’s look at the mode of dressing. Some young girls are provocative in their dressing. In addition, it will amaze you to know that a high number of these girls are sexually active with or without their parents’ knowledge.

    The question is who is to blame? Mothers don’t guide and lead their children in the ways of God any more. How many mothers actually give their children moral instructions, or pray with them as the case may be. They would rather sit to watch negative films that have no value added to their lives but destroy them.

    Daughters dress looking like club girls, exposing themselves to danger and all sorts of vices. Correction is totally out of it because their parents see it as the way to belong so they get offended when you try to correct them.

    In addition, the internet access is also an area that most parents have failed because a lot of these young children are pretending to be doing their home work, while all they do is visiting or downloading pornographic films. It beats my heart that in Port Harcourt it has become a common act and a very high percentage of mothers who are meant to be role models to their children engage in extra marital affairs.

    It is so bad that the singles are complaining. Some married women have converted hotels to be their second home. Some are going out with younger boys all with the excuse that their husbands cannot satisfy them in bed. Please, tell me if mothers that are supposed to teach their children how to be decent and how to respect their bodies are busy having affairs.

    Thanks

    Malachi Onumajuru. Port Harcourt.

     

    Thanks for sending us your message. The issue raised is one major challenge that affects our youth. Teach a child the way in which he should go and he will not depart from it.

    Children very carefully observe their parents and unknowingly and unconsciously become just like their parents. It is said that charity begins at home. Everything begins at home: respect, obedience, kindness, attitude, manner and skills.

    Sexuality and sex education is one topic that I will say we put out there almost every other month because of how it affects youngsters. Sex education is so important to the growing up of a youth and must be taught at home first before school. The information about sexuality must be clear and appropriate, according to their ages with good explanation about the physical and emotional changes.

    The reasons for the happenings and how to live a chaste life, to imagine parents encouraging their children in the way of destruction is a great issue of concern because parents are the role models to their children aforementioned, from what you wear as a parent, to your attitude towards others and the kind of life style you live, set out objectives for children’s zeal to achieve their vision and dreams independently. If a parent wants her children to be in a certain way, she must set the pace by living a life worth copying.

    Children act on what they see their parents do. As a result, they can only give what they have. The behaviour of your children tells a lot about you. Indecent mode of dressing exposes young ones to danger, if care is not taken. Parents should learn to teach their children all that they need to know about values through living by example. Let’s face it, a child’s negative way of life comes back to hurt the parents who lead them into it.

    The internet is such a big and open world that anybody can do anything. As a result, a lot of children have been hurt, for example some are experiencing cyber bulling, sexual abuse and verbal abuse at present. Trust me, the motive of parents in providing these technologies is to aid children not to harm them so it’s is your responsibility to know how to keep them safe on line. Some parents feel they don’t really understand how the internet works that their children know more than them, forgetting that technology changes on a day-to- day basis and the best way to stay informed is to get involved (understand the internet and how it works). Sometimes sit with your children, tell them to show you what they are doing and how it works who said it is too late to learn. Parents should monitor the site their children visit online. More so, the aspect of infidelity is also a great issue that we have high number of texts and emails on.

    Tips had been given in the past on this page on specific aspect of infidelity. However, for this present case of married women who are supposed to be role models to their children are now engaging in extra marital affairs, whether to younger boys or men with the excuse that their husbands cannot satisfy them in bed is not acceptable, there is no moral justification to the act of infidelity.

    Marriage is a union ordained by God and must be respected. If a woman discovers that her husband is not meeting up to her sexual desire, instead of bringing destruction to her home, have a discussion with your husband. Be open to him and tell him how it is affecting you or if possible, go with him to see a counsellor who will guide you on how to handle the situation. Your body as a married woman/ man must be respected and protected. Take care of yourself and each other.

     

    Harriet Ogbobine is a counsellor and a motivational speaker. Send your questions and suggestions to her on bineharriet@gmail.com or txt message only 08054682598. You can also follow her on twitter: @bineharrietj

  • Theme: Parents – your gateway to blessings!

    Text:” When Jesus therefore saw his mother…he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!….” – John 19:26-27

    Lenten season apart from being a time to draw us closer to God (Joel 2:12-14), an occasion for divine empowerment (cf Acts 14:23), a period to showcase Godly living (Isaiah 58:6-7) and an opportunity to command human and spiritual mountains to be repositioned (Matt. 17:20-21), it is also a time to draw our minds to essential things that need be done for prayers to be answered. This is probably why every fourth Sunday in Lent is dedicated to celebrate and appreciate mothers which is a key that facilitates answered prayers, guarantees longevity and makes way for prosperity.

    The place of biological and spiritual parents in the lives of children cannot be over-emphasized. Apart from the care, concern and love they provided and are providing, which are beyond comprehensive enumeration, the spiritual control and power they have over the lives and destinies of their children are huge and unquantifiable. Jesus Christ laid an example of care for everyone through his life. Even when He was in deep pain and was at the point of death, He looked askance and saw His mother, He forgot His pains and was not concerned about Himself but was drawn unto the responsibility of care that children owe their mothers. He therefore entrusted the subsequent care of His mother not to anyone but to His most trusted ally. He told His mother, “Mama, as from today, this person is your son. Whatever you need from me, ask him and he would provide it”. Then, He looked at His most trusted disciple, “My dear, this is your mother”. From that day, John the beloved took Mary, adopted her as his mother and he took care of her.

    Next Sunday is Mothers’ day – a day that is set aside to express love to mothers and celebrate the joy of motherhood. It is a day that all are supposed to appreciate the women in their lives (wives, mothers, aunts, benefactors etc) and let them know how much they are appreciated, either with gifts, cash or nice words. Children have a spiritual obligation to reciprocate the love of motherhood, take care of the women who took care of them, ensure that they are not neglected when they are weak and lonely, and should accommodate their seemingly overbearing nature, tolerate their exuberances and not forsake them at old age. Very sincerely, this is not supposed to be a once in a year event but a daily activity.

    Paul told the Ephesians to “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2-3). Beloved in Christ, you are obligated to honor your parents, that is to regard or treat them with admiration, respect and accord them special recognition no matter what. Paul emphasized that this is not only a commandment but it is the first with a promise. And, the promises are that anyone who honors parents will be guaranteed of long life and will prosper – whatever that person touches will turn into gold (Luke 6:38; Eccl. 11:1; Psalm 126:5; Matt. 10:42 cf 1kgs 17:8-22; 2 Kings 4:8-17). There is therefore no gainsaying that long life and prosperity is a covenant. If you are faithful with your tithes, invest in mission works, well educated and dutiful at your place of assignment but you ignore your parents, you are opening to yourself a door of austerity and short life.

    Permit me to ask you what your relationship with your parents is like? Are you taking care of them? Are you honoring them? Are you a big man or woman in your club or town to the neglect of your parents? When was the last time you called to inquire about your parents’ welfare? As children of God, it is our obligation so to do. For doors of blessings, good health, peace of mind and good health to be opened unto you during this Lenten season, kindly ensure that you repent of your lack of care to your biological and spiritual parents, amend your ways and begin to pay attention to them. It shall be well with you,in Jesus’ name

    Prayer: Lord, give me grace to take care of my parents, in Jesus’ name

  • Abuja: Ese Oruru arrives Police headquarters

    Abuja: Ese Oruru arrives Police headquarters

    • To be handed over to her parents

    The late arrival of Ese Oruru’s parents to the Police headquarters in Abuja is delaying the handing over of the girl to them.

    The parents were said to have left Yenagoa around 6am to Abuja where she will be handed over to them.

    Ese was said to have arrived the Force Headquarters around 12:55 pm on Tuesday.

    Journalists who seemed impatient with the delay were relocated from the 7th floor to the Peace Keeping Hall in the 5th floor where the IGP, Solomon Arase is expected to brief newsmen.

    Speaking on the reason for the delay, the Force Spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawale said: “The handing over is delayed because the girl’s parents are still on their way. Their bus took off around 6am from Yenagoa and we are still waiting for them to arrive.”

  • Ambode urges parents to immunise children against polio

    The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode,  yesterday urged parents to ensure children under five years are immunised against polio.

    Ambode, who spoke at the Flag-off of the Round One of the National Immunisation Plus Day at Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area (LGA), said parents should use the window of opportunity available to them between today and Tuesday to get their children immunised.

    Ambode, represented by his Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga said children from zero to 59 months, that is under-five, should receive two drops of oral polio vaccine (OPV) irrespective of the time they have taken the vaccine.

    He urged the community and religious leaders to ensure children under-five avail themselves of the opportunity.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) Lagos State co-ordinator, Dr Sunday Abidoye said the vaccine is a must take for children within the stipulated age range.

    He said Nigeria has been declared polio-free by the WHO since 2014, adding that the immunisation programme was necessary to prevent the disease.

  • KIKI OMEILI – ‘My parents are my greatest influence’

    KIKI OMEILI – ‘My parents are my greatest influence’

    Nkiruka ‘Kiki’ Omeili is best known for playing the role of the antagonistic Titi Haastrup alongside other Nigerian film actors Funke Akindele, Joseph Benjamin and Joke Silva in the 2012 feature film, Married but Living Single. She is also known for her role as Lovette in the TV Series Lekki Wives.  The medical doctor turned actress shares her acting odyssey with Adetutu Audu 

    What are you working on currently?

    I just completed work on a movie called “Blame it on me”, directed by Ikechukwu Onyeka, opposite the legendary Kanayo O Kanayo. It was a wonderful‎ experience.

    You became more popular with your role in TV series, Lekki Wives. How would you describe your experience on the set?

    The set of Lekki Wives is possibly the most disciplined set that I have ever been on. There was such a wonderful rapport among the actors and the synergy was mind blowing. There was a lot of good energy on the set and of course Blessing Egbe always brings her game. It was pretty cool.

    You acted a new movie, Couple of days, what was the attraction for you?

    I liked the fact that it was a movie that addressed marriage and relationships in general.‎ It has so many lessons for couples to learn from. It really hits the spot because practically everybody can relate to it. That, for me, was the attraction.

    You are known to act antagonistic roles, would you say they are coincidental?

    Well, I think it’s a case of the most popular roles being antagonistic roles. I also play a lot of roles where ‎my character is the victim. I just think the “antagonistic” roles are more popular.

    How do you combine your medical profession and acting?

    With my love for media, I make sure that as much as possible I lend medical advice to those willing to listen. I guest host a health show which will air soon. And I do pro bono health work from time to time.

    When you are offered a role, what do you do next?

    The first thing I do is to read the script. If I can visualise the character from the script and the story sits well with me, then I take it from there. I learn everything about the character, her back story, what informs her decisions about several things, and then, if need be, and I do the necessary research to help me adequately interpret the character.

    Which is your most memorable  moment during the course of your career?

    To be honest, every time my work is appreciated is very memorable for me. It’s great to be recognised for doing good work. That being said, winning the award for best actress in a supporting role at the African Film Awards in 2012, winning the GIAMA award for Best Supporting Actress in 2015 and winning the award for Best Actress at the in short film festival stand out for me.

    How challenging has it been over the years?

    Acting is hard work, that’s a fact. It requires a lot of discipline and dedication. So, it is not easy. There’s also a lot of competition, so one has to constantly reinvent the wheel and prove oneself.

    How do you keep fit mentally as an actor?

    As soon as I’m done with a role, I try to purge myself of the character. It’s possible to get in so deep that one continues to behave like the character even after filming. I just go back to my life, things and people I love.

    How do you take a character in a script to an honest, believable and breathing person?

    As I said, if I can visualise myself in the role, then I believe it. And if I believe it, then the audience believes it. The character comes to life. I’m just the tool through which that happens.

    Describe a memorable character you played?

    Blessing in Walter Banger’s “Gbomo Gbomo Express” will always stand out for me. She was a pidgin-speaking, gun-wielding, uncouth and rough-around-the-edges kind of girl. To pull that off believably is still such a thrill for me.

    You once forced Time magazine to do a retraction on the interview you granted, what really went wrong?

    Yes, I did in 2014. I granted the interview and the interviewer didn’t have a tape recorder. She later mixed up her notes‎ and wrote that I dropped out of medical school. The fact that I am a medical doctor and never failed a single course when I was in medical school is a thing of pride for me. It was not easy to get that degree. It took a lot of hard work, discipline and dedication. So when I read that, I knew that I‎ wouldn’t rest until they printed a retraction. I have “Law Allianz” to thank for that. That’s the law firm that handled the case for me.

    What is your success secret?

    My attitude to work and life in general. I keep it positive.

    Who are those who influence you in life- the good, the bad and the ugly?

    My parents have been my greatest influences. I thank them every day for the way I turned out. They did a fabulous job, if I say so myself. I honestly can’t think of anybody who has influenced me negatively.

    What’s your style secret?

    I keep it classy, sexy and most importantly, comfortable.

    Has it been rewarding being an actor? Has the take home pay been taking you home?

    I like the way you put that. “Has the take home pay been taking you home” lol? I’ve had a very rewarding career as an actor. I’ve had the opportunity to play a lot of diverse roles, and that’s something that I’m very grateful for. Truth be told, in the beginning, the remuneration was nothing to write home about. But with more recognition and more work under my belt, it’s a world better. So, yes, it does take me home. Lol.

  • ABUAD riot: Parents beg Afe Babalola for mercy

    ABUAD riot: Parents beg Afe Babalola for mercy

    •’We don’t want our children to go to jail’

    Parents of the students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State, accused of participating in the February 7 riot have begged the Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, to “temper justice with mercy”.

    At a meeting with the university authorities at the weekend, the parents went on their knees, wept and expressed sadness at the level of damage done by the children.

    The parents gave an undertaking to collectively write a letter of apology to the police, Ministry of Justice and the court. They said they are ready to render financial and other assistance.

    Speaking on behalf of the affected parents, Mr. Niyi Ogungbuji commended the superlative works being done by the founder to pioneer excellence and innovation in education in Nigeria.

    He said the parents were in the university to condemn what the students had done and to plead with the founder and management to temper justice with mercy.

    At this point, the multitude of the parents who were received in the Owolabi Hall all went on their knees, wailing and begged Babalola to assist them by withdrawing the matter from court and treat it administratively in the university.

    Ogungbuji said: “Baba, we have gone round and we have seen the massive

    damage done by the students. We are not happy about it. It is most unnecessary and most uncalled for.

    “We sent them here because of the excellence you are known for. Certainly, we did not send them here to destroy what you have selflessly put together to better their lot.

    “Baba, please, we are begging you to help us withdraw the matter from the police and treat it administratively at the university level. Baba, you know it that if these children are sentenced to jail, that will be their end. They cannot be anything worth the while again in this country.

    “But we know that this is not your plan for them. It is on this ground that we are begging you to help us withdraw the matter from the police and penalise them the way the university deems fit, including expulsion.

    “We will be more comfortable with that. That is our prayer. That is our plea. Baba, please, we are begging you.”

    Responding, Babalola who was visibly moved by the outpouring of emotions by the parents said: “My dear parents, I sympathise with you. I feel for you. Certainly today is a sad day. This is something that should not have happened. I set up this university to improve the lives of your children and make them better than I am. We will try to see what we can do to make all parties happy.

    “Many of you here know that my classroom education stopped in primary school, but I worked hard, made money and invested it here to change the face of education. Look at what I am getting in return. I could have used my money in some other ways.”

    Babalola, however, made it abundantly clear that the cases of brazen arson, burglary and stealing were entirely criminal. The Supreme Court had decided that the university has no power to entertain or try students who commit criminal offence such as burglary, arson, stealing, attempted murder etc.

    The founder said upon the receipt of the parents’ letter admitting the commission of the crime and apologising to the university, copies of which must be sent to the Ministry of Justice and the Inspector General of Police, the university would see what it can do to ensure that the children do not end up in jail.

    Babalola later went round to hug and shake hands with the parents and consoled those who were still weeping, said the university will await the letter of apology from the parents and then decide on the next line of action to take.