The Nation Newspaper

Tag: puzzles

  • Made in Nigeria Puzzles

    Last week, an interesting educational material was launched in Lagos – the Ethan and Harriet map of Nigeria puzzle.  It is colourful, creative and educative.  It features in two versions – as a floor sized puzzle, and as a wooden portable puzzle.

    It was a product I had longed to see for a long time.  That was why I already had one for almost two months before its launch.  I fell in love with it at a fair that I attended in May – and it was one of my best purchases from the event.

    Apart from the benefits of doing jigsaw puzzles, which includes using both sides of the brain, increasing alertness, concentration, enhances creativity, this particular one teaches both adults and children about Nigeria.

    My four-year old, who is just learning to read, can piece the map of the Nigeria puzzle together.  While I use my ability to read to match the pieces, he uses other skills I cannot readily explain.  But even though he has mastered the puzzle, we are still keeping it to learn about the states and capitals.  Already, he is being taught to memorise the states and capital in school, which I consider an unnecessary exercise for his age.  But, with the puzzle, I am able to show him where Anambra is on the map of Nigeria.  I have also learnt a lot in the process.

    There are so many other areas that educational toys can feel the gap in our national life.  Nigeria is awash with imported educational products that don’t contribute to knowledge of our history, geography, culture, current affairs, name it.  There is opportunity for other firms to come up and fill the gap.  We need puzzles that could paint pictures of village scenes, local festivals, iconic structures, heroes, and all sorts.  We need colour-in books that promote our local heroes, sports, occupation, and give us our own identity and sense of belonging; we could use musical videos with children as cast singing our local folk songs and telling our local stories; we would love cartoons that promote super heroes like those created by acclaimed writer, D.O. Fagunwa, in his book, “Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo Irumole”.

    These educational materials could become souvenirs that would be sold in airport stores.  They would give visitors to Nigeria something to takeaway that gives information about our uniqueness.  The Ethan and Harriet Map of Nigeria Puzzle could not have come at a better time.  I hope this would give other entrepreneurs the push to launch their own home-grown educational products.

  • Puzzles and contradictions

    •The Buhari administration has to reconcile areas of extravagance with its intention of discipline

    Other than the forex policy and treasury single account, it was the first real economic statement of intentions from the Muhammadu Buhari administration. But it sizzled with a few puzzles and what might be regarded as contradictions or inconsistencies.

    The elements of it that gave cheer to the country and fair-minded economists included the emphasis on power, infrastructure and housing as well as transportation, two ministries that operate under two appointees designated as super-ministers.

    They are Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) in charge of the former while Rotimi Amaechi rules the roost of the latter. We have also observed that, unlike its predecessor, the budget moves a notch in capital expenditure, lapping up about 30 percent. The Jonathan administration gulped over 90 percent as a matter of rite. From the perspectives of generating liquidity for the economy, Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s ministry of mineral resources must be seen as brilliant.

    This shows that the Buhari administration taps into the popular yearning for infrastructure work and renewal as the springboard for national rebirth. We also accept with optimism the ratcheting up of energy for agriculture and education, the latter expected to include a free meals programme for wards in the primary schools. The Lagos State government has already announced its plans to flag it off once the academic session takes flight.

    At the bottom of the whole budget though is the sense that discipline and a pruning of the Federal Government’s appetite for extravagance will take a pride of place. Yet it is hard to reconcile this with some of the features of the budget, which include the allocations of over a billion Naira for entertainment in the presidency, about N4.6 billion to acquire BMW cars, N5 billion to build new homes for the vice president, the senate president and the speaker of the House of Representatives.

    For the budget of a government that evangelises its virtues of discipline and austerity, those figures reflect an inexplicable contradiction. Where many citizens gripe over lack of basic amenity, our leaders should not snore in marble places and fatten on cuisines from gold plates. The presidency has responded to criticisms with uncoordinated logic, but it shows that it has a lot of work to do to reconcile integrity with experience.

    Also puzzling is that the budget is based on $38 per barrel of crude oil. This is more than a little sanguine given the volatility of the crude oil market, and the warning from experts around the world that the price will continue a giddy spiral downwards. The budgets in the past often pegged oil prices conservatively and gave much elbow room for a slide. The oil price already has fallen below $34 dollars, and prospects of a rebound remain bleak.

    With this bad news is the value of the Naira. At the time of writing this article, the Naira had fallen to close to N280 to a dollar. This problematises our ability to generate robust commerce and source bountiful foreign exchange.

    The forex policy will compound this scenario as the nation has discouraged foreign investors. How do we reconcile a cash-strapped economy with a policy that discourages inbound investors since they are allowed to bring in money and not take it out? For ministries like mineral resources and agriculture, this will present great challenges. We know many big corporations flush with money want to reflate our economy with their investments. We should not quench the spirit.

    A lot more imagination and tinkering of policies, especially with regards to profligacy and investment restrictions, will help to make this year’s budget relevant to the needs of the day.

  • Yakowa, Azazi: Puzzles in military circles over crash

    Yakowa, Azazi: Puzzles in military circles over crash

    WHY did the helicopter carrying former Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser Andrew Azazi crash?

    The question remained unanswered yesterday but in military circles sabotage is seen as one of the “strong possibilities” being considered– according to sources who pleaded not to be named “because of the sensitivity of the matter.”

    The source, who is a top officer in the Western Naval Command, said: “At the moment, we can’t rule out sabotage as a possible cause of the fatal crash.

    “We have heard reports that the helicopter might have exploded before it hit the ground. There is also yet unsubstantiated rumour that it was shot.

    “For those reasons and the calibre of personalities involved, there is a strong case to assume, just assumption for now, that something beyond mechanical error triggered the crash.”

    The aircraft, which is believed to be one of those attached to the Chief of Naval Staff, crashed on its way from Okoloba. On board with the duo were: Dauda Tosho, Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal, Commander Muritala Daba and Lt. Adeyemi Sowole. They were on their way from the funeral of President Goodluck Jonathan’s aide Oronto Douglas’ father.

    The incident was the topic of discussion in top military circles and at officers’ messes yesterday. Among the puzzles are wther the chopper was gunned down or compromised prior to the fatal trip.

    The aircraft was said to have been on aerial reconnaissance operation in the creek when it was redeployed to the service of the former top military brass.

    The source said: “They said two or five minutes into the air, the helicopter exploded. We don’t know what happened exactly. Investigation has started now.

    “They will soon give us the real story on what actually happened and what really went wrong. There are many rumours. Some allege sabotage.”

    The late Yakowa visited his parents’ graves 14 days before his death, it was learnt yesterday.

    Yakowa’s widow, Amina, also recounted her last encounter with him as sympathisers, including Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and the wife of the Vice President Amina, visited her.

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson was in tears at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa when he went in company of military chiefs to see the bodies of the six victims.

    The naval helicopter that the victims flew went up in flame after take-off before crashing into the creek in Tombi Community, Nembe Local Government Area

    They were in Okoloba, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, for the funeral of Chief Obebara Douglas, father of Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Strategy and Documentation, Mr. Oronto Douglas.

    Recounting his last discussion with the late Yakowa, the President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Ephraim Goje, said the late governor told him on December 1 that he was visiting the grave of his parents for the first time in two years, pointing out that he was using the opportunity of the local government election to do so.

    Yakowa’s widow, Dame Amina, said her husband gave her enough reasons to be happy in the 33 years of their marriage. She described his death as an “act of God”.

    Goje said: “One of the last encounters I had with him that I will never forget was on December 1, which was his 64th birthday. If you remember, he also conducted the local government elections on that day. At about 1 pm, I called to congratulate him on his birthday and for successfully conducting the local government election.

    “He said to me, ‘My President, I am grateful that you have stood by me all these years and for the constant advice you are giving to me. I am proud to have you as the leader of my people. As I speak with you, I am standing by the graveside of my parents. I have not had the opportunity to come here in the past two years and I am using the opportunity of this election to come to their graveside’.

    “He promised to surprise the people of Kaduna State when he presents his 2013 budget and that through the budget, the people would know that he meant business. I told him that ‘wherever your parents are, I am sure that they will be proud to have you as their son, especially rising through the ladder to become the governor’.

    “We are also proud of you and your achievements. On Monday, after the election, I went to his village to see him but he had left for Kaduna. I never knew that 15 days later, he would be no more. We are really grieving and sad.”

    Goje described Yakowa’s death as a great loss to the people, saying: “The death of Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa came to me as a surprise and with great shock. I want to say that Kaduna State has lost a great son and a big vacuum has been created. He was a man with a passion to develop Kaduna State. There was no religious or ethnic considerations in his actions and he was dedicated to the development of Kaduna State. Within his brief stay in office, he succeeded in touching the lives of everybody in the state.

    “We are deeply touched by his sudden exit. I want to say that he tried to surpass everyone before him and he left a mark that will not be easily forgotten. He transformed the Government House and made it a place for serious business and the business of governance.

    “For us as a people, Yakowa meant so much because he represented our aspiration to be given the chance to govern the state. We always agitated for that chance and it finally came with him in the saddle and he was given a four-year mandate. We did not expect that it will be over so soon, but as human beings, we are bound by the dictate of God who is the giver and taker of life. He was just to all and we expect that the new governor will equally be just and fair to all and to all parts of the state. We are looking forward to him following the footsteps of his boss.”

    Mrs Yakowa said at a mass organised to commemorate his death at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna that she would miss Yakowa’s fatherly care and devotion to God.

    “The governor has given me so many reasons to be happy. We are supposed to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary next week, on December 23, but that is not to be. We usually prayed together before coming down for mass, but yesterday (Saturday) I was down with cold. Before coming down, he touched me and urged me to get well soon to meet him in Abuja.

    “I was supposed to travel on Sunday (yesterday) to Abuja to attend the thanksgiving service of Mrs Patience Jonathan in Abuja, together with him.”

    In his homily, the Archbishop of Kaduna, Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, described the late governor as a dedicated man who used his position to promote peace, unity and development in the state.

    Ndagoso advised the family and people not to despair, but rather be positive as the late governor had lived a good life worthy of emulation.

    The archbishop urged Yakowa’s successor to continue with the projects initiated by his predecessor.

    Mr Joseph Hayab, Yakowa’s Special Adviser, Christian Affairs, described the late governor as an incorruptible, hardworking and dedicated person.

    Mrs Sambo was accompanied by a large delegation of women, who were there to condole with Mrs. Yakowa, the government and people of the state.

    Gen. Buhari extolled the virtues of the late governor, saying that in spite of the diverse challenges affecting the state, he promoted peaceful coexistence among the people.

    He advised public officers to emulate the good virtues displayed by the late governor towards promoting peace, unity and development.

    Others who condoled with the family were a former Military Administrator of the state, Brig.-Gen. Lawal Jafaru Isa, former Governor Ahmed Makarfi and former Chairman, National Population Commission, Mr Samaila Makama.

    The late governor’s opponent in the 2011 election, Alhaji Suleiman Hunkuyi, traditional rulers, women groups and members of the Knights of St. Mulumba also commiserated with the family.

  • Many puzzles on Aluu Four killings

    Many puzzles on Aluu Four killings

    SIR: I scribble feebly with a heavy heart and with a sense of shame. Shame for the country I find myself in; shame on the people we live with. Shame on the faces I am familiar with; and on the breed of humans we are gradually turning into. I write to a generation I do not know- neither am I certain of their awakening. I write even if history shoves this journal in her archives. I write even if these pages may be blown up in a timeless memory hole.

    I never realised the magnitude of the killings of the Aluu Four till I went online.

    I could not even bring myself to watch the video: the pictures were real enough to make me sick. I mean it could be anybody; anybody’s child; anybody’s friend, lover, neighbour, brother, uncle, or nephew.

    I saw four naked bodies – stripped of all sense of dignity, hope, and confidence. Bare and vulnerable under the watch of the whole community. Helpless to an inevitable end that was before them.

    I don’t care what they -supposedly-did. That is not how to treat a fellow human. There have been rumours, insinuations and speculations. There have also been whispers, silent arguments, and even loud protests that provide a foundation of excuses and defenses – blowing a cover of “jungle justice.” That sure is ‘jungle’ behaviour, but “justice?” No!

    That is not justice – that is brutal, hasty, anti-society, and selfish. It is murder.

    Let’s take a closer look at this incident -or event- because the whole thing seems pre-empted, premeditated, and calculated. There were willing parties involved; the whole community of Aluu seems to me a group of people observing a familiar ritual. Nobody seemed disturbed, rather it looks like an event where every party had defined roles, and played those roles efficiently. All factors in Aluu collectively ensured the killing of four young men in broad daylight – undisturbed!

    From the person who had the nerve to capture the whole killings on video: the anonymous and silent eye that made the whole world know about the injustice that took place in Aluu. Heroic you might think, but what were his/her intentions? What did he intend to achieve? What emotions was he/she trying to provoke? Did he have underlying motives? There is something definitely missing here – a big hole that needs to be filled. Why did he not use the same power – the media- to source for help? Why did he wait till the whole thing ended- only to replay those horrors on the internet?

    Certainly someone stripped them naked- and just like Saul in the Bible-their belongings were laid at his feet. Someone brought the fuel; someone beat them up; someone in that community was well prepared to kill!

    Ready hands ignited the flames that engulfed the hope of a generation. What about the owner of the local store they patronised? The compound cleaner? Their landlord? The flatmates? For goodness’ sake where was everybody? I could imagine the feeling of betrayal as they pored into those familiar eyes for a clue or hint for their hopeless defeat. Where were their friends? Why didn’t word go out before their brutal end? Where were the students of UNIPORT? They sure could not have killed over 5,000 students? I can feel what seem close to their heartbeat. Inside felt lonely, betrayed and defeated.

    Would this just be another closed chapter buried in our archives of injustice? Would we talk for a while, then say to ourselves “What’s my own?” or “Na dem sabi?”

     

    Oyindamola Adegboye

    Lagos