The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Pay attention

  • Will you pay attention if I say “Please”?

    Betty was excited that her husband had returned from work. She had a lot to tell him, ranging from her day at work to the issues the children had in school. Unfortunately, Fred wasn’t in the mood for any of that. He had a tough day and needed to free his mind from everything by watching a game of football. Betty tried to show how much she cared by asking him about his day at work. For Fred, however, that was the worst conversation he could have at that time, so, he managed a few incoherent statements while keeping his eyes “glued” to football game on the television.

    Since it was obvious that Fred wasn’t ready to share his “day-time” experiences, Betty would readily share hers. So, she started her narration. After a few “hum”, “really”, “ok” responses from Fred, she was certain he hadn’t heard her at all in the last 10 minutes. “Fred, did you hear what I just said?” She asked. “Of course darling, you said…” Fred was once again lost in his game so he didn’t complete his sentence. “Fred!” She called. “Yes dear?” “You weren’t listening!” “Of course I was, I just told you what you said,” he defended. “No you didn’t,” she said. “Ok, please give me a few minutes. I will give you my undivided attention during the halftime,” Fred pleased.

    Finally, it was halftime and Betty started her story again. “Like I was trying to say earlier, I just discovered this morning that the…” “One minute dear,” Fred interrupted, “Francis told me about this commercial at the office and I promised to look out for it”. After the commercial, Fred said, “I’m sorry dear, you were saying…” “No! I was TRYING to say that…” Then there was the sound of a phone ringing. Fred looked around for his phone but couldn’t find it. He frantically moved books, papers, etc until he found his phone. “Hello Billy,” Fred said. “What, he commented on my blog post? That is crazy! And how many likes do I have now? Wow, I’ll check it right away.” All the while, Betty looked on helplessly.

    After the blog post episode, Fred said, “I’m so sorry darling. So, what happened to the kitchen knife?” He was trying to be nice. “Never mind the kitchen knife. There is a major plumbing problem in our room. The bathtub is…” Betty stopped because Fred had sheepishly raised a finger in objection. “What is it this time?” She asked. “May I use the bathroom?” Betty was exasperated but she let him go. A few minutes later, Fred walked into the room while chatting on Whatsapp. In frustration, Betty screamed, “Will you pay attention if I say ‘Please’?” Fred was shocked by the outburst, so he dropped his device and settled down quietly to listen to his wife. But before she could get a statement out, Fred said, “Sweetheart, will you mind terribly if we continue this conversation after the game? The halftime is over.”

    There used to be a time when the problem was lack of information. In this age, however, the problem is information overload. We are told that the term “information overload” was coined by Bertram Myron Gross, an American social scientist, in his 1964 book titled, “The Managing of Organizations: The Administrative Struggle”.  If too much information truly exists, then there must be some direct or indirect consequences. Dr. Marsden, citing Miller’s Law, stated that the “maximum number of pieces of information a human brain can handle concurrently is seven.” If this is true, don’t you think we have a lot of problems today? Too many things are fighting for our attention, yet we can’t attend to all of them at the same time if we must be effective. Marsden also claimed that greater stress and poorer health are linked to information overload. It makes sense, therefore, for people to develop a sorting process through which they determine what is important and what is not. You must take responsibility for what you pay attention to; and whatever you choose to pay attention should be what will profit you.

    Thanks for reading my article today. I would really love to hear from you. So, do share your views with me by sending SMS to 07034737394, visiting www.olanreamodu.com and following me on twitter @lanreamodu. Remember, you are currently nothing compared to what you can become. This can be your year if you want it to be!

     

  • Shippers to Fed Govt: pay attention to port infrastructure

    The Shippers’ Association of Lagos State (SALS) has urged the Federal Government to pay more attention to port infrastructure.

    The government, the group said, should position the ports to meet international best practices.

    Its President, Mr Jonathan Nicol,  gave the charge in a chat with The Nation.

    He called for the resuscitation of the informal sector of cargo management.

    According to him, the informal sector will contribute about 45 per cent of the total cargo throughput (imports and exports).

    He said  there was need to rebuild dead infrastructure at the ports to enable individuals in the sector to assist in nation-building.

    The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr Hassan Bello, advised members of the group to export, especially non-oil items.

    Bello said so far, 27 shippers associations have been established across the country. He said these associations are formidable bodies for cargo protection.

    “Shippers should endeavour to channel efforts into export-ation of value-adding non-oil exports to generate revenue.

    “The Council is committed to protecting the cargo interest of Nigeria and also enjoins you to remain compliant with both national and international rules guiding global trade practices.

    “The SALS have been very active. I must commend them for their doggedness and laudable ideas and I hope they continue,” Bello said.

    Also, a maritime lawyer, Mr Doipo Alaka, said there was the need for operators to embrace maritime arbitration to resolve issues which emanated from their business.

    He said arbitrators had been in existence for more than 10 years, adding that the arbitrators had assisted several port operators to solve maritime disputes.

     

  • ‘Pay attention to our values’

    Value is fast eroding in our society and if there is no corrective action, the society will continue to go down.”  These were the words of Dr. Greg Okey Nwamadi.

    Dr. Nwamadi is author of two new books, Legend of the lost and Lush Garden in an Arid Land. The books were presented in Lagos

    At the event, he stated that a corrective action to address the problem of information and value in our society needs to be taken by every member of society instead of complaining about the situation

    According to him, value is at the  centre of human conduct and it is fast diminishing in the society ” I didn’t understand it until when I saw a young man embarrassing an old woman”.He added that what he has done is taking a step to correct the situation because everybody is complaining and not taking action.

    He stated that it was this action that led to the establishment of Faith and Value Development Initiative (FVDI) where value and target  it at future leaders is being taught. He said the book, the Lush Garden in an Arid Land, is a product of the seminars with the young ones,  with  the aim of imbibing values, commitment, diligence, hardwork and communication  because people no longer respect  them.

    Nwamadi said  that there is a big gap in communication, and that is why FVDI is planning to pull together people from all spheres of life and enlighten them  about the organisation by charging the young people and getting them more excited about value.

    He added that the advent of technology has made things change which is why his group is trying to maneuver youths all around the society without missing out what value is and also encourage them to make proper use of the technology rather than abusing it.

    Also at the occasion, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture and Real Sector, Mr Dolapo, noted that family value as well as other values are lacking in our society which is why the society is so much relying and criticises the government.

    According to him, it is the family value that can make the country stronger, “we are losing the family value which we  are supposed to have and the church is not supporting it and if we don’t have it, our country will not be what we want it to be irrespective of the party”.

    Dolapo urged Nigerians to join hands with the reorientation moves of government, saying: “People should imbibe the habit of individual value rather than criticising the government. People have so much relied on the government and failed to work towards building their individual values”.

    While reviewing the book, Prof. Adedun Emmanuel stated that the book presents the world that paradoxically features modernity and traditionality, science and religion, preservation and destruction , good and bad, truthful and olderliness. According to him, Legend of the Lost is instructive and prophetic ,it is a synchronisation of science and spirituality, a story in the hours of the days in the year 3035

    He added that, Legend of the Lost is like George Howell’s 1984 that prophesised ahead of the time of publication. the book prophesised the likely event that might take place in 3035 by presenting  smart world where people are inserting Chips on their head and modernity and tradition are interwoven

    According to him, the books present an overview of 3035 events with a prophetic forecast of Africa becoming a United Nation and Nigeria as the headquarter.

     

  • Pay attention to your studies, lawmaker urges students

    Students of Police Secondary School, Itaogbolu, Akure, Ondo State have been advised to shun social vices.

    Deputy Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Ogundeji Iroju, gave the charge at the inauguration of a new boys’ hostel and the Language Laboratory by Parent- Teacher Association (PTA) in the school.

    Iroju, who hailed the school management for its high academic standard, sought assistance from corporate and individuals for the institution established by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    He urged the students to face their studies to attain greater heights.

    “With the quality of education being imparted on you here, it is certain that your future is bright if you are serious with your studies.

    The lawmaker donated N100,000 for the development of the school.

    The PTA Chairman Mr Oluwafemi Adeyemi, noted that the project that  was inaugurated was the first of its kind in the history of Police Secondary/Children School in the country.

    He said 11 projects had been inaugurated by the PTA leadership, including the extension of water to the barracks, building of 1,500-capacity dining hall and four-block classrooms, and sinking of wells, among others.

    Adeyemi noted that the N1,000 contributed by each parent assisted in completing many projects in the school.

    The Principal/Commandant, Austin Peter, a Superintendent of Police(SP), praised the police authority, FEO Ladodo and parents for their support to the school management, which he said facilitated the numerous achievements in the school.

     

  • ‘Pay attention to children’s mental health’

    Psychiatrist, Dr Funto Owolabi has advised parents to pay more attention to their children’s mental health as well as their physical well-being.
    Owolabi, a Resident Doctor at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
    According to him, mental health of a child is as important as physical health, as it determines how a child behaves and acts throughout the journey of life.
    “Just as you can help prevent a child from falling sick, you can help prevent a child from having mental health problems.
    “Mental fitness includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It helps to establish how we cope with stress and adversity, handle success, connect to others and make choices.
    “Right from childhood, through adolescence and throughout adulthood, mental health is crucial,’’ he said.
    According to him, promoting a child’s mental health means helping a child feel secured, loved, to relate well with others and foster his growth at home and at school.
    Owolabi said: “As parents, we have the responsibility to build the foundation of our children’s mental health to ensure they become mentally-healthy adults.

    “Early intervention is the most effective way to address childhood and adolescent mental health concerns.
    “However, it is quite unfortunate that many parents are in denial of the mental health problems and difficulties a child may develop.
    “They would rather attribute such mental disorders to extraordinary circumstances and take the child to prayer houses,’’ he said.

  • NAMA chief to managers: pay attention to safety

    NAMA chief to managers: pay attention to safety

    THE Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has taken measures to further strengthen its air traffic management and surveillance strategy aimed at ensuring a fool-proof safety network in all its operations across the country.

    Towards this end, the Managing Director, Ibrahim Abdulsalam, has issued a fresh directive to airspace managers and air traffic engineers across the nation’s airports to remain extra vigilant and pay utmost attention to minute details that are safety related.

    Abdulsalam gave the directive in at a meeting with airspace managers and air traffic engineers at NAMA headquarters in Lagos.

    He said :” In view of recent incidents involving some airlines and the unfortunate Bristow helicopter crash, it has become imperative that we maintain the highest standards of safety by promptly reporting and dealing with even the slightest safety related issue that comes up.

    “Although  NCAA has commenced an audit of the airlines, as the airspace managers, we must also gear up efforts to compliment what the regulator is doing by going a little further than we used to, in ensuring maximum safety.”

    He charged Air Traffic Operations Managers and Quality Assurance Managers at the various airports to work in close synergy with Airspace Managers to make for a harmonised network of operations.

    He said NAMA will continue to maintain zero-tolerance for aviation incidents.  Abdulsalam also the agency’s personnel to take advantage of the dedicated hotlines for all complaints and enquiries where issues could be promptly reported to the headquarters office for immediate action.

    Meanwhile, NAMA has commenced another training of air traffic controllers and engineers at the Lagos Area Control Centre ahead of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract/Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (ADS-C/CPDLC) billed for deployment this month.

    The three-day training, which took place at the NCAA Training Hall at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was meant to sensitise and train staff on the installation and usage of the facility as inauguration date fast approaches.

    Also attending the training are members of  staff of other aviation agencies as well as stakeholders in the sector.

    While declaring the event  open, the Managing Director of NAMA,  Ibrahim Abdulsalam noted: “The decision to deploy ADS-C/CPDLC to Nigeria falls in line with the agency’s vision of being a leading air navigation service provider in  the world by deploying modern technologies for communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management  within the  airspace.”

    He maintained that the agency’s efforts at developing Nigeria’s air traffic management and airspace capacity, such as this, are geared towards safely and effectively accommodating increasing flight operations in an aviation sector that has witnessed remarkable growth and structural expansion over time.

     

     

  • ‘Pay attention to your health’, says Fashola

    Nigerians have been urged to pay more attention to their health and promptly obtain treatment, when required. This call was made by the wife of the Governor of Lagos, Mrs Abimbola Fashola during her visit to the Martlife Detox Clinic, Maryland, Lagos. It was part of her visitation to the Mart Group of Health services.

    She was received by the Group Chief Medical Director (CMD) Prof Oladapo A Ashiru, his wife, the Managing Director, Martlife Detox Clinic, Mrs. Idowu Ashiru, medics and other staff members of the clinic.

    Mrs Fashola had a tour of the detox facilities such as the Asyra testing, the colon irrigation, massage rooms,  the sea oxygenation, hypoxicator , foot detox, the Physiotherm cabin, the VIP suites, Gym, swimming pool and other areas.  The Martlife detox clinic opened two years ago makes use of the modern Mayr medicine which started about 100 years ago by an Austrian physician to promote health, reduce illness, enhance physiological balance, aids fertility and prevent premature aging and  death, through individualised diagnosis, detoxification and general system cleansing.

    Mrs Fashola said she was highly impressed at the end of the tour of the facilities and enjoined Nigerians to make use of such centres in order to ensure a state of good health and wellbeing. She commended the proprietors for going to great length to put such a highly equipped health and anti-stress organisation for preventive and curative care.

    Explaining the mode operandi of the clinic, Mrs Ashiru said, “Our program provides each participant with individual diagnoses and analysis of his or her ailment using Applied Kinesiology and Asyra test. Applied Kinesiology is primarily a diagnostic method that tests individual muscles and their change in strength using specific stimuli and therapeutic measures to derive insights into functional relationships and potential disorders.

    “Asyria testing is a bioenergetics system that accesses 40 major organs in the body for any defect, and carries out a customized assessment of what remedies can be used to restore balance. After these individualized diagnosis each participant will be given his or her treatment plan which will consist of a battery of the following services: these two tests will also determine food allergies and intolerances.”

    Mrs Ashiru said in order to get rid of these effects; the body needs to go through a cleansing process called Detoxification. “Our program provides a safe and healthy approach where the body can safely rid itself of all the toxins it has accumulated which is leading to mental and physical stress and sub optimal health and well-being.

    “Daily Abdominal treatment is a unique function of the Mart-Life treatment done by doctors using specialised modern techniques to increase bowel movement, increase blood flow to the digestive system, break down abdominal fat, improve respiration and restore the digestive system and return the abdominal organ to their anatomical position. Colon irrigation encompasses a number of alternative and modern medical therapies and machines to remove faeces, heavy metals and non-specific toxins from the colon and intestine.

    “Infra Red Cabin is an advanced form of treatment that uses infra red light which helps the body to release natural endorphins to soothe pains and aches in the body. It detoxifies by removing heavy metals like zinc, copper, and lead out of the body. This process leads to relaxation by promoting circulation, and accelerating the body.”

    She explained that should the health concern be structural, a team of physiotherapists will schedule various daily massages to perform different functions for various organs and parts for each participant lasting 25 to 50 minutes. They come under the name Spa therapy.

    “These massages therapies include Cranial-sacral massage which is a gentle therapy designed to increase circulation to the head and spine and help to alleviate mental stress, neck and back pains, migraines, scoliosis, etc while leaving you with a renewed clarity of mind and ability to focus. Deep tissue massage using specialised massage techniques to penetrate superficial, deep muscle layers and connective tissues to enhance body function, aid in the healing process, remove toxins and promote relaxation and general well being.

    “Lymphatic massage is a technique used to unblock the lymphatic system by manually cleansing the lymphatic system in a clockwise fashion. Increase lymph flow, remove toxins from the body and increase immune function. Used to relieve joint pains, arthritis, menstrual cramps depression, cellulites. Reflexology is a relaxing method of stimulating the body to function optimally,” she stated.