ENOCH OJOTISA : Visit www.akewiartshouse.com for more literary wor...

ENOCH OJOTISA : Visit www.akewiartshouse.com for more literary wor...: This is to bring to your notice that ENOCH OJOTISA has moved a step further in establishing, promoting, and proclaiming #AkewiArtsHouse, by ...

Visit www.akewiartshouse.com for more literary works of ENOCH OJOTISA

This is to bring to your notice that ENOCH OJOTISA has moved a step further in establishing, promoting, and proclaiming #AkewiArtsHouse, by publishing his literary works and other permitted arts on www.akewiartshouse.com ENOCH OJOTISA is really grateful for your warm reception on this BlogSpot-Page, which is the genesis of the online exposure of his literary works.


At ENOCH OJOTISA's AkewiArtsHouse, the following lawful business activities are carried out and really encouraged amidst African youths as a source of encouraging the development of African arts in entirety;

*Publishing
*Printing
*Electronic-Press activities
*Media-Services
*Arts&Crafts
*Entertainment-Services

You can contact AKEWI ARTS HOUSE for any of the above services on;

Email: poetojotisa@gmail.com

BBM: 2BF5288C

FACEBOOK:Enoch Ojotisa

TWITTER: @poetenoch

INSTAGRAM: @Ojotisa

#AKEWI ARTS HOUSE Series 1

SING YOUR SONGS FOREVER MORE
I bet you sing in rhymes?
or in assonance of times?
Keep up your nursery love,
it will be some sweet sound puff.
It will be another love night-shift from you.








HELEN'S COLLECTION*
You should see Helen's footsteps,
and then her long fair legs make a move;
the glorious hips does the dance.
Helen, beautiful lady who is the dancer*

Helen, only time I knew you,
all of us alone, with you time ceased;
with us only, both in our cuddle,
we remain eternal: we are immortal*

With the dance of our ancestors,
coupled with the festival of marriage,
we have seasoned our love, my dear Helen;
and within us, is our cult love*






WHY DIVORCE?
Let’s call a truce Shileola,
The warm hug and the subtle kisses,
Remember the evening love,
Recite those stormy words of feelings you professed,
Our holding of hands in the dark,
The walk around the park and garden in Sri Lanka
What more?

From the mall to the Church hall,
Right from Church to our matrimonial settee,
And from our home to our family clinic,
Omoshalewa remember,
from maternity bed to continuous celebration…
What more can you now give me than divorce papers?








FOR THE GIRL ON THE WINDOW PLANE
Hello Mazal
Teach me how to speak love
And how to approach love.
Show me how to show love Mazal.

Hey boy,
Get hold of her hands in the public,
Treat her like a queen in public,
But inside,
Make to her sweet love,
Such which lets out her tasty watery beast.

Mazal,
Let the sunrise brush your face,
And its rays brighten your smile,
Let me have a loaf of your kisses,
And a drum of your love.
Sail with me,
You captain of this love cruise
Together lets fly home our desire.
I will hold out my hand,
And with it,
Together shall I hold out your breast…
Stark naked in love with them*





I AM THAT FELLOW
Since God is God,
Let him play with me,
So that I will always be full of joy.

Since God is God,
Let him toy with me,
So that I will always be fun to be with.

Since God is God,
Let him toss me round,
So that I will travel round the world.

Since God is God,
Let him kiss my head,
So that I will be wiser.

Since God is God,
Let him bath me,
So that I will be good character.

Since God is God,
Let him carty me,
So that I will know no fear.

Since God is God,
Let him teach me,
So that I will teach teachers.

Since God is God,
Let him smile on me,
So that I will denote to charity

Since God is God,
Let him huge me,
So that no pin of attack will touch me.

Since God is God,
Let him remove from me a rib,
So that next to my heart is a real Eve.

Since God is God,
Let him put me on his shoulders,
So that I will see as a Giant.
















I’M A FEMINIST
My greed for them,
May be that’s why my flesh will never cease!

My love to have them around,
May be that’s why I desire lots of their bodies!

I am a proud feminist,
May be that’s why my smell favours my passion.

Agood feminist I am,
May be that why I married so many.

But also an Intelligent feminist,
May be that why I gave birth to none.

Nonetheless a careful feminist,
So that no male feminist like me will feminize them!.












CHAT

Hello Vivian,
please teach me to love,
tickle my imaginations,
show me why everyman wants you.

Kofi listen, and you Amara also;

Hold Amara dearly in public,
treat her as a queen she is outside.
But inside,
mold her and teach her love.
such love that surpasses a quick feeling.
A sweet love that lets out
her tasty beautiful watery beast.

Amara,
Sail with me,
become the captain of this love cruise,
together, lets wade through this stormy love.
Tonight, I will make you a love,
Sweet Eureka X*

#2015 Politics.

This piece is written by Ademola Adeyeye.



Good Day, Oriade!
Good Day, Obokun!

It is indeed very great to see the Hon. Agunbiade Nathaniel page back on Facebook; I am indeed delighted as it has been a while! This is even as Hon. Wole Oke is as well there… That simply makes us have the flagbearers of the two major parties for the House of Reps on one single page where anyone can post from anywhere in the world and it reaches them!
For me, there are a lot of posers and I will start posing!

Barrister Nathaniel Ige Agunbiade in four years in the House of Reps… What do we have of Bills, Motions, Matter of Urgent Public Importance, Speaking on the Floor, Committee Work, Interventions, Petitions and all that? What do we have as the involvement of our MHR in community service as well as constituency feedback? Do we even have a working Constituency Office… How about staffing; SLAs, LAs and Co? What of the rumoured or rather unsubstantiated collection of funds on your behalf by a one of your top staff members in order to secure jobs for constituents? What about Oversight Functions and the Ecowas Parliament you belong? What House Commitees are you even in? How come we never see you on the floor speak most times like Hons Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Kawu Sumaila or Samson Osagie? Or you simply, in legislative parlance, never catch the speaker’s eye? And Constituency Projects too… Unconfirmed Reports of the 110Million Naira collected annually and supposedly pooled by all Osun Nat’l Assembly Members that have been pushed into the Ipetu Ijesa Water Scheme, building of the megaschools including 1Billion Naira planned to be spent revamping Esa Oke Grammar School, Esa Oke! And by the way, what is your Billboard doing at Olaiya Roundabout when eligible voters in Iponda, Ijeda Ijesa, Ibokun, Esa Odo, Ilahun, Ere and Co don’t even see a billboard of their Candidate! What Bills and Motions do you, through your Legislative Research Team, plan to present on the floor if you get into the eighth assembly? How will these Bills and Motions affect your Constituents if you eventually get elected?
MANY QUESTIONS!

Barrister (in view) Oluwole Olubusayo Oke who spent eight years in the House of Reps and wishes to contest afresh… First, I am assured you are one astute businessman as it is easily visible that all the money you pool into campaign isn’t just from politics! Anyway you already asked that ‘any politician who can boast of having 100 million naira in his account before entering politics should come out as it is evident you aren’t involving in politics to loot or make money; you are already a made-man! Nonetheless, How many Bills did you sponsor between 2003 and 2011? How many Motions did you raise on the floor? How involved were you in debates and contributions in the hallowed Green Chambers? How come I have never heard of a popular bill or motion in your name? Did you even debate on the floor those years? What of the Constituency Funds particularly then that you were summarily given the cash? Most of the Constituency Projects you initiated, how come they are moribund today? Do you need to go to the House of Reps to revamp then, particularly considering that it’s your party, the PDP that has been at the centre all these years? How about Oversight Functions and the Defence Committee which you chaired… What do you have to say about Boko Haram and the insecurity that pervades us as a Nation today? I am also forced to wonder, you contested the gubernatorial primaries of the PDP and lost to Senator Iyiola Omisore, Isn’t it looking desperate that you simply want to hold on to power by any means available such that if Governor no do, at least I fit go Reps? If you had won, would you still want to be a member of the House of Reps? And is the possibility of you becomes Speaker of the House of Reps realistic with this mantra of Change going on around which might lead to an APC majority house where your party, the PDP, will be in the opposition? What Bills and Motions have your retinue of aides prepared and you plan to bring to the fore, if eventually you get elected again for the 3rd Term in the Green Chambers to further alleviate the sufferings of our people?
MANY QUESTIONS!

I WANT ANSWERS!
Please note that I have asked neither aspirants how many tricycles were distributed to ACOMORAN or the number of Cars bought for Traditional Rulers! I haven’t asked how many of your Party Members got slots to Jerusalem, Mecca or your got jobs in Federal Parastatals and Agencies! I have not either asked about the donations to building the Erinmo Civic Centre or the Ibokun Central Mosque! I have not asked about the plenty and many cash donations to individuals, groups and associations!

I have only asked about your actual legislative responsibilities of LAW MAKING AND OVERSIGHT! I am a ‘legislative person’ and I believe this should be the focal point of manifestoes! I have asked about the motion and bills you will present! I have asked about your thoughts regarding the Economy, Security – Safety of Lives and Properties, and the total well being of our People!
I WANT ANSWERS!





‘Demola Adeyeye (@AAAdeyeye) is the pioneer Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Relations, Nigerian Youth Parliament. He is a theoretical agriculturist, learning counsel, public relations consultant & youth development enthusiast, born again Christianm and esponsive politician.

#Thought you smiled

#Love is madness. Did you just ask why I said love is madness? If the affair is smooth, you think life's good; once it goes soar, a rage of vengeance, madness and hatred starts to overwhelm.



Thought you smiled,
I assumed it was to me.
But I saw you laugh,
I thought I made you happy.
You indeed were happy,
I thought I was the cause of joy.


Thought you slept in my arms,
I felt I was a relief.
But you indeed snored on my chest,
I thought in me you've found comfort.
Thought you were cold,
So my thoughts were vain?

Now I weep,
like a Hyena.
Cloaked as a love predator,
waiting on time to avenge.
This time,
you will "thought" like I did

#the nation in the dark

THE NATION IN THE DARK
I

From Mongo Park’s canoe,
over the river of Niger,
down to Flora Shaw’s orgasm
that named Nigeria,
all is a distorted history.


II


From Royal Niger Company,
to amalgamation,
down to independence
that begat our troubles
all is a misnomer.
From our Republic,
to the 1966 troubles,
down to the failed military revolution,
this impregnated our regions
into continuous cold war.
From the young guerilla soldiers,
to the night of bloodshed
down to the Igbo massacre
that birthed the civil war
all is the handiwork of colonialsim.


III


From our deep history of glory,
to our days of fallen brothers
down to our neglected days,
that resulted in our slavery in a civilian era,
All is the African man’s fault.


IV


There is a train that goes
from Mafoluku Oshodi to Ikeja Along.
There is a girl,
who manages the Tony street down to Allen Avenue.
______ deprived of life.
The train carries young men,
hard working and relentless to survive.


V


The girl labors,
she is a farce of Nigerian democracy.
There is a creek,
Makooko creek, on water, all is done;
bathing, stooling and love making,
all done on the Makooko creek.
Canoe runs Makooko,
a creek, yet in the Urban of Lagos.


VI


I remember,
that Marooko was a slump,
another government said it’s chanties,
rendering people homeless for the few rich,
Who will house the slump dwellers?
The masses,
The Mekunu are starved.
_____ the people need to rise for power!


‪#‎Writing‬ truths of Africa

#CALL YOUR SONS, OGONI

#‎Ogoni‬ ‪#‎Justice‬ ‪#‎Oil‬ ‪#‎Nigeria‬ ‪#‎Revolution‬ ‪#‎Government‬ ‪#‎demand‬

CALL YOUR SONS, OGONI*

Droplets of sweat,
clouds of wisdom,
what of amnesty?
No says, kangaroo court!
For us it’s a long night of persecution.


Let the drums of your heroes sound,
your enemies smitten by your chants.

By determination,
our death should be your drive now!
Ogoni, rise! Avenge your land.

Ogoni, land of the minority,
yet provide for the majority;
Ogoni, do not crack your struggle with corruption,
agitate, demand, rise and fight*
avenge the death of your sons, Ogoni!

Dedicated to Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni Chiefs killed for championing justice for Ogoni people*
© Enoch Ojotisa
poetojotisa@gmail.com

#LOVE IS BUT AN ATTRACTION

Here is a poem I wrote some years back... ‪#‎Love‬ is but an attraction of sweet sensation, yet its taste depends from whom it is desired*


Truly I am no different from the other.
But you shaped me like a porter;
You raised my eyes to yours in the night of mood;
Though the day was crude;
For only a saint might have conquered that hour,
The hour of a woman’s power…
That it might come to past,
So we glued our tongues to last.
But what profit has it brought?
We have actually been lost.
But lost is it? Lost in lust?
Infatuation governs my thought?
Alas woman, you graced my existence with your elegance
And thou only brighten the night of my heart with your remembrance.
That which is not of passing away but of craving and perspiration;
Height of yours I know is an elevation,
Which you have above all; beauty like more of goddess,
I know you own like powers like a priestess,
Offering prayers in the holy closet;
You offer my body in congenial prayers; according to our precept.
You are the moon that is closed in my heart;
Shining over the shadows of earth***
Love is the answer; that made me a better man;
And this I learnt at your heart step; its fate’s plan.


This you prepared in the darkest hour of your heart;
That, which I talk, is the kind expression talk of your heart.
For in the past have I asked;
That will she be there? So love had me masked***
That I thought, positivity will be the result;
But negative print stood on my injury like a salt.
Like an orphan, you raised the dust of fear from my body.
You became a soul in my body to make a whole somebody.
Like a sweet lullaby, so are the rhythms of our memories;
Our sole hours of silence have got many purposes.
Those reasons I cannot depict;
But I have no words of deceit.
Sooth me oh lady like once forever;
Be a love soothsayer; that I may continue to be clever.
You , the bravest of all lights
Surviving heart plights;
Never afraid of the night, I learnt you are.
Every second and promise is for what you are and not who you are.
When the storm arose against me; you faced it like it were for us,
You championed me through like a warrior’s horse.
When the tears rise up; I will hold on all night for you.
And the promises I made; sticks with you.
You make up the factions of my dream;
And so I know you as a soul cream.
Go on!
Once more, you had my cloth of sorrow and fear, torn.

Here is a volume of poems written under the title, CULTURAL IDENTITY*

VOL 1.

I don’t know what autumn is,
Baba l’bule has never told me
in our usual moonlight tale.
But I know seasons of my Ibadan.

I am not aware of what winter is,
Iya-mi-re has also not told me
by my bed-side lullaby.
But I know seasons of my African place.

I am from Ibadan,
large city, built on blood and courage,
Ija-igboro larun Ibadan.
My Ibadan unlike London,
has over 200 gates of entrance.

I am Ojotisa,
descendant of ancient Eba’Odan warriors,
warriors who fought to retain Ibadan’s glory.
I am aware of Oye, Igba-Ojo and Igba-Erun,
No white mind should think less of my cultural identity.





VOL II.

Do you know Williams Shakespeare?
I mean have you come across,
Christopher Marlowe’s works?
Damn it! You need to read slave! Read me only!


Haaahaaa!
Come here, you pink reddish ass man!
Have you heard of Femi Osofisan?
I mean have you read
Helon Habila , Onyeka Nwelue?
Stupid of you!
Your intellectual hallucination must stop!

Hey Negro Hello?
Have you ever read of Napoleon
or the crusaders?
Oh sorry
I forgot you don’t read or write.
I am the king of the world.

Beast of all men,
remember your fathers learnt
and also stole Egyptian civilization,
Your mothers,
never as attractive as Saartjie Baartman.
West,
known as thief of history and civilization.
Everyone is a king of his own world, park well*





VOL III

Catch me mother Sheba,
stretch your hands,
place Africa on her feet again.
Mother, my mother queen Sheba of Africa.


_____ I am a man,
An African man so I am.

Father,
on my way from farm of hospitality,
came a visitor with disguised conviviality.
In his hands,
book of salvation,
in mine was a fertile land of culture.
But as we knelt in trust of prayer,
our destiny was switched.

______ Still a man,
but an enslaved African man.

Mother Sheba,
look after Egypt your first son,
and Libya my brother,
injured in 2011;
help Kenya and Sudan my cousins____
Forget not Nigeria your prodigal son,
he’s diseased of geo-political ailment.

______ I remain your dark skinned son,
Whose skin is said means evil.





VOL IV

Butchered in 1885
Africa is raped,
she’s being maimed.


Africa is robbed,
her effort to resurrect is foiled.

Africa is shared,
her body is dismembered.

Africa is sold,
bought by imperialism and its evil hold.

I am an African,
to see survival if I can.

NIGERIA 2015*

Good Evening, Its the #PoliticalMasterClass. The last 48 Hours has indeed been stressful for a few of us... most of the time we have been on the edge of our seats while we humbly played our part and followed proceedings at the 3rd Convention cum Presidential Primaries of the All Progressives Congress which has led to the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd.) as the flagbearer of the party. FROM THE BEGINNING, BIOMETRIC SCANS WERE STRICTLY DONE FOR DELEGATES, THERE WAS NO BALLOT BOX SNATCHING, NO TEARGAS, NO GUNSHOTS, A CONTEST/COMPETITION AND NOT SOME 'RATIFICATION/CONSENSUS' WHICH IS GOOD FOR DEMOCRACY ACTUALLY HAPPENED, THE PROCESS WAS ENTIRELY RANCOUR - FREE AND YET... THE TOTAL VOTES CAST DID NOT EXCEED THE NUMBER OF ACCREDITED DELEGATES. EVEN AT THE END, EVERYONE ACCEPTS THE OUTCOME AS FREE, FAIR, BALANCED AND TRANSPARENT. IT WILL GO DOWN IN THE ANNALS OF HISTORY OF NIGERIA AS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION IN NIGERIA... ALBEIT ARGUABLY! For me the, APC has kept showing its mettle in the organization of party matters which will of course translate that we are indeed prepared to take over the reins of governace and provide all things necessary in the interest of the average Nigerian. Today and of course once again, I am indeed proud to be a card carrying member of the All Progressives Congress and I solemny assure you, #ChangeIsImminent. The Dday remains 14th February, 2014 and I urge you to #SaiBuhari! @AAAdeyeye We Work Together; We Grow Together - For God and For Country!

My pictures at TedX Ife 2014.

Today, I spoke on the theme "Problems with Nigerian readers and the Nigerian Literary Market" at the Creative Writers' Niche programme. #Africa #Ojotisa #AkewiArtsHouse #Writer #Poet #Author #ProudlyAfrican

Dance of Felabration*

DANCE IN THE SHRINE***
Black women with glowing skin,
buttocks roll to rhythm of Abami-Eda,
feminine faces painted as ancestral spirits.

No sandals to defile the temple___
the temple humming the Afro-beat.

On the atmosphere is written,
Natural Nigerian Grass,NNG!
Queens put on our ritual wears.

Deep expertise without western certificates,
familiar looking breasts, stationed all over.

And to the master priest,
having the love of Africa with him,
fighting against corruption!

Black President,
Fela Anikulapo Kuti, come again our legend!

Tell Iyayi Idemudia Will Win*

TELL IYAYI IDEMUDIA WILL WIN!

Who just dey go again
Among us, wey dem dey yanmutu
from time to time.
Abeg who dem beasts just penme
whether for waka abi sleep
whether as padi abi 'i no go gree'
who dem just...abeg, who?

And if una plenty,
wey dem just put for underground
make una tell Festus
say we don tire for cry
and to dey pray for 'rest in peace'
Tell am say we no forget im word
say na dem Idemudia go bail themselves
from these kleptos and vampires;
say na make workers no look back
to comot dem bamboos
wey no dey work at all;
but dey chop dem all.
Say this system no fit better,
abi make im get Jesus.
Na we must pafuka am
and put we own kajola-
where sorrow go be fable
and liberty go be dailybread.

make dem tell Prof
say even if im don go
im work dem dey our heart
and we go dey follow am
and dey tell dem mekunu
say no messiah dey from heaven.
na we go fit change am for them barawos
wey no go allow us gbadun
from our sweats and commonwaelth.
dem own pikin dey go better school
but Idemudia no get kudi
to send pikin go even the rotten schools.
our health na haram for them
and wetin we go chop no mind dem.

Abeg tell Iyayi
Say im don do well
and we no go forget am.
na make dem Idemudia no dey fear at all
make dem hold 'arms in arms'
To send dem Obofun comot
with dem powerful waka like ants
for the streets and workplaces
make nothing divide us at all,
whether race,religion,or gender.

Abeg tell our comrade
say if dem dey do aluta for yonder
make im do am till uhuru
for we for downtown go continue to dey fight
as im don sure say,one day one day
Idemudia dem go win for here and the whole world!

Iyayi, I throway salute o!


A POEM WRITTEN BY KUNLE AJAYI*

DECLARATION OF NO SUBSIDY

DECLARATION OF "NO-SUBSIDY"
Benson, Jerry and other comrades,
thread that path;
that which took you to the streets.

Hold unto the voice of unity,
which walks behind you all.

Speak with a voice,
cleansed of bribery.
Stand on the rock of the martyr.

Even those fallen comrades,
continue the struggle with us.

For their sake, do not relent.
Take along their agonized death to the battle front,
Hold with you the brutality that whisked them to early grave.

Hold on tight to the yelling...
Remember Mustapha who was killed.

Remember the young Adeola from ogba
that was murdered.
Carry with you Musa, whose intestine was spilled in kano...
When you get to the Promised Land,
take our bones of memory with you.

COMMONER'S SPEECH

COMMONER’S SPEECH BY ENOCH OJOTISA.


COMMONER'S SPEECH, is a collection of poems, which informs the outside world of Africans by and large, of the tribulations that are enshrined in their civilization. It relates simultaneously, the edifying cum philosophical ethics that have gone into oblivion; and newly transferred neo-millennium anti-African social norms. As a matter of fact, it has lucratively navigated the root of our political implosions, which have caused the twinge of power which Africa now experience all over her territories. But in other to save Africa from a misleading notion of 'hasty generalization', the author, ENOCH OJOTISA, decided to use the political on- goings in Nigeria, as a metaphorical cushion in place of Africa. This piece, COMMONER’S SPEECH, like a mother in birth-pangs, yells out to her audience, the reality which must be told about Africa and her countries. It is not the case that such truths have not been chanted...rather, it is the case, that those truths are gradually been accepted as an epoch of fate. Fate is a result of destiny; destiny is the actual reflect of life; and life is the scenery of man. So if a man does not choose which life to live by working out his option of destiny, then, he has opted for any readily available fortune, which is regret. The author, ENOCH OJOTISA, has also carefully traced out the political frustrations by African rulers on their people, not only as a result of imperialist power, but as a result of long forgotten cultural norms, which in fact, is a pane into how Africans are originally erected to survive and be governed. He has successfully opened eyes of willingly Africans to magnitude of history, culture, tradition and quality liberty of belief in Africans as African born, as paraphernalia of change for a recovered Africa. Apart from revealing the façade behind the nations’ wealth of mineral resources, which have been traded with corrupt imperialist countries’ support, by African rulers: the piece, COMMONER’S SPEECH, also reveals the besmirched fashion madness, which like a disease has infected a large cut of women in the social order. Now, every evil and good man in the society, all want to accomplish wealth and riches, just to be satisfied with any woman of one’s choice. It is for this cause, that the author has tagged women as architect of social disorder in one of the poems herein.(to this the author expects an hue and cry)* Lastly, the author has been able to consign substance on activism, by recalling names of students who have contributed to students’ movement in the fatherland. The book, COMMONER’S SPEECH, narrates a cavernous legend of hurt that students’ movement leaders have passed through. Bags of students’ movement leaders, who out of true fortitude of change and revolution suffered a great cause were mentioned and fittingly praised. The spirit behind ‘COMMONER’S SPEECH’ is a clarion call to stand up and back the revolution of change in the country. For those who have died, those who are presently being haunted, and for those on whose memory the revolution will be anchored, the author, ENOCH OJOTISA, says, Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!!!

Latter Day Rogue (Excerpts)

I got to know Helen some years back. Pretty young dashing girl, Helen. But before I knew Helen, I had seen her come to our office some weeks back. She was wearing a dark slim fitted shirt, with some very nice leather shoes...from her dressing, I could affirm that Helen had a spicy dress sense. I was marveled because, the reigning thing then, in the 80's was for ladies to wear high heels with a set of winged fixed nails. But Helen didn't pick after all these. Another time she came to our office, that was when she came to work as a media editor assistant for our press media outfit. This time around, words beyond the depth of human thought, flowed. I walked straight to her desk. I remember that day I came to the office a bit late; because I had to carry out a final collection on an information about the death of a foremost socio-political Journalist. He was killed, murdered, brutally dismembered by the process of a letter bomb. I approached her desk, "Good morning Miss" She stood up in a convivial mood, "morning sire". "sir, I am Helen, Helen Motunde...officially resumed for the position of media editor assistant..." "well, bravo. I am the Chief Editor and also Director of our Truthful Times Newspaper....you look sharp and pretty. Hoping to work with you soonest".

AFRICAN MIND

LETTER TO MY COUNTRYMEN There are times I have sought for deep interpretation of what my society stands for; how my society had existed prior the advent of colonial rule; how my society had been able to stand solidly on morals; and what in it actual self constituted morals and society in my African continent. Without any iota of synthesizer cloudy talk, I must proceed to say, that, I want to expose the JURISPRUDENCE of African society which had long been subservient to other cultural schools of life and influenced by *civilization/ neo-colonization. Justifying first the basic idea behind this piece, is nonetheless a means of hiding behind the mass of racism or Western or Eastern antagonism. I would like to justify this piece with the words of one of the Nationalist and co Pan-African founding fathers in Africa, Kwame Nkrumah; who said that, “We neither face the West nor the East; but we face forward only, for there is no place like Africa.” *Africanism is not an idea of racism or established orthodoxy. It is an idea of communal philosophy and literary culture with metaphysical tradition.* Now, from this point would I want to enunciate the African philosophy of life and society which I had earlier on mentioned in the first paragraph, and it is in this philosophy, that other proponents such as Law take its gesture from. These ingredients of philosophy of Life and Society are: * Spiritualism or Metaphysical doctrines * Morality and its values * Good-will Character * Communality * Collective Approach * Land Symbolism * Link of Past, Present and Future generation * Life after Death Now, for every of the ingredient mentioned above, there is a value attached to each. And there is one of them which in Africa stands as the most important of all. And that is the last ingredient which is coined as “life after death”. It stands not only as a literary or deep philosophical question, but it also brings to the table of theology or critical analysis of religious studies, the food of what in actual fact could constitute life after death. This particular ingredient of the African community, majorly regulates the attitude of everyone towards one another, and also guides people towards what may later constitute the value of their action in the world beyond, as always said in Africa. Without much ado, I would not want to delve into the argument of relative philosophy whether there is in actual fact, another life elsewhere outskirt this world, or whether, there is some predestined world where our actions are being controlled from, or whether, there is free-will or not. Such philosophical questions as these tend to shift us away from our core lesson on how our own Africa had operated as a community and not as a POLICE STATE. The life after death issue cannot in anyway be explained, without branching out and budding from the first ingredient which is that of “Spiritualism or Metaphysical doctrines”. There is this point I would like to clarify in Africa, there is no genuine or true African who would claim his or herself an atheist. In Africa, our core existential support is in GOD and his roving heralds. So, too much foreign ideas and other nuts of deceitful tongues seem to have choked the African man in any Black man who claims he or she is an atheist*** So the idea of life after death, is nonetheless a medium of holding firm that which is first to be built in any African man which is on the issue of spiritualism or metaphysical doctrines, and it is in all, like a different set of cinemas or theatre, all built for the purpose of staging plays and other entertaining events. The worshipping of GOD and apprehension of the basic fact of his existence and supreme power, is nothing else than a dramatic play of praise for GOD. But coming to the actual sense of it, the depth and length in which the dramatic understanding of GOD is conceived by such African fellow, is the belief of how is life after death will be determined by the almighty GOD. Which is what then takes us to the second ingredient which is “Morality and its values”; and this is where questions of how morality and religion or religious doctrines come to show. In fact, it has over the time raised deep philosophical heated debate, on how and why some believe strongly that the moral values in Africa have helped substantiated the Christian and Islamic doctrines well in Africa more than any other place in the world. And also, that has then led some to the questionable belief that, if then the African morality and its values has even to a large extent contributed to the establishment of big-wig religions such as Christianity and Islam in Africa, then there may not be need in actual sense of it to even follow suit of any other foreign religion other than the indigenous religions already practiced in Africa. But this is my own opinion which is subject to debate but never subject to change of my own confidence about it; and it is that, firstly in Africa, we hold spiritualism and GOD in very high esteem. But as a matter of fact, all the gods being worshipped and celebrated are done so in accordance that they are not in actual fact GOD in the real sense, but they are itinerant couriers who are believed by Africans that these gods can and do take their prayers and supplication to GOD and also they can in return give their answers to them; also, these gods are seen and viewed as powerful spiritual police beings which hold morality as a whip against anyone who commit taboo. Then, if in actual fact we then see an African man like myself who decides to follow Christianity first as his or her own religious African commitment to Spiritualism and life after death, such should not be condemned and seen as an outcast from true Africanism. This is because Africanism is in itself a non-material philosophical existence of rites and how you worship. And secondly, the two supreme laws of Christianity which is “love your GOD with all your heart and your soul; and also loving your neighbour as yourself” is quite a shorter version of all the moral values we hold in Africa. So, if Christianity for example has shortened all our values into two great laws, then I for one, see no reason why I should not follow suit in other to hold high the African doctrine. Please note, that I for one is not a fanatic Christian. But I chose to use Christianity as a medium of establishing my point since that is the religion I practice and that which I am sure of its beliefs well enough. But then, we are still on the issue of Morality and its values. I have explained Morality and its values from the spiritual aspect of view. But as am chanced now, I would want to show you all, what and how morality operates in the physical form only without borrowing its explanation from any metaphysical arm of talk. You and I know as children, that certain things which are referred as taboo were told to us. For instance, my grandmother would say to me when I was very much of younger age that I should not wash my clothes at night, and that if I do, a cock would pee on them. The truth is, she wanted me to know that washing at night is not so conducive especially without any ray of light; but I didn’t get to know this until I was admitted to boarding house, where I had to wash my ‘house-wear’ over-night and no cock peed on it. So, the African society is governed with loads of moral values so as to bring a utilitarian end result for the society in general. But in all, as all these moral values or rules are put into place, certain calibre of people in the African community still defiled and broke some of these moral rules. It is quite painful that there is nothing as sanction in the African community to help bring to force the command of morality. And this is to show us that the African society is built on trust and character. For in any African society, the character of every occupant in that community is a determinant for the kind or nature of issues that will be brought to such person. For instance, if it is a well known fact that a particular Chief is sentimental and emotional to issues, such Chief may not be told to settle a fight involving his first son and that of another chief from another town because he’s likely to settle the fight unequally and which may lead to war. And the ingredient of Moral value leads us to the next which is that of GOOD-WILL Character. And as matter of fact and cognisance as already spoken of in the above paragraph, the establishment of morality in the African society is upheld by trust of Good-will character. Majorly it is believed that only those with the good-will character are prejudiced and predestined to uphold moral values of the African society. When I mean predestined, I am not in any way saying that it is already planned or written. But what I am inferring is that, only those who have built themselves into Good-will character fellows in the society, are believed to also hold dearly to mind the moral values of the society. Well enough, that moral value has been categorically discussed, but also it is quite imperative to be aware of the notion that there can never be a holy society here in our world of mortal bodies. No matter how good moral values are and easy as those two Christian laws, some people without any explanation are just bound to bear fruit of bad character. And without much ado, referring to the ingredient of life after death, it is well believed in Africa, that such persons have no place in the good heavens after they are dead. Now, other ingredients of Communality, Collective approach, Land and Link of Past, Present and Future generation will be taught all together. Starting from the ingredient of communality, it is very imperative and for the sake of the pragmatism of this lesson to note that, a true African man or woman cannot live outskirt the communal sense of belonging to others living around him or her. Also, the Collective approach is a dialectical thesis of our African Communalism. And if properly looked at* into*, it will be noticed that the so called collective approach, is more or less the procedural channel of arriving at the theoretical explanation for the so called African communalism. A pure African mind is a communitarian who is after the collective support and upbringing of moral values and the whole of operation and governance of the African community system. And to the issue of Land in Africa; land in Africa is a symbolism of a man’s ego, pride and success, even in death and for his family or lineage left behind. Here in Africa, no matter how free or constrained a man’s finances maybe, he struggles to own a land which is believed must be passed on from one generation to another. Another symbolism of land in Africa and its communal existence, is that, every man in the society, no matter how bad such man’s character is, he is given a piece of land to be remembered of; a place where he’s believed that his spirit will emerge from after some time into abyss or the good heavens. And this leads us into the ingredient of linkage of the past, present and future generation. Apart from the land inheritance symbolism in Africa, it is of some opinion in the African society that the belief of ANCESTORS is of great importance to the continual survival of such generation. And that brings us to the juncture of belief that the African society is also built on the realm of REINCARNATION. I was told in person by my grandmother that I am the reincarnated form of my grandfather, of which she gave her physical and foretelling spiritual proof. So, Africa is a society that is monitored by belief of celestial Supreme Being called GOD and pushed on the cart of Moral values machinery. THIS IS AFRICA, A PLACE WHERE EVEN MEN BECOME gods AND the gods ARE MADE MORTAL AGAIN***

LETTER TO COUNTRY MEN ON 2011 AND STUDENTS’ UNIONISM IN NIGERIA. I t is true that the year 2011 has become a sound of hastening intuition of news everywhere in the country. But, it seems as if the students at all levels; most especially those at the tertiary level are quiet about it and are feeling soothing. Students’ unionism has over the years been eaten by the cancerous disease battling the human race; fear. A lot of our students are living in the realm of carefree stance to the helm of the state of the political farce of the country. I say this with all apprehension and good yearning for the movement of my country and the students’ struggle pressure group. While some will surely say that what is the students’ movement? Or what in question constitutes the students’ movement? It is bestowed on me as a person, as a Law student and as a Pan-African Socialist, to explain to you all (students and the public), what is meant by students’ movement and what in actuality, history and also by conduct constitutes a students’ movement. Maybe I should start from explaining what unionism entails; what is meant by saying Students’ unionism. But, I think it will be very apt for me to even start from the very point of relating and also defining what a union is. “A union is an institutional expression of the basic political tension and collectivity of the community and value of people who constitute it as a body.” It is primarily a political organ. Its sense of duty and structure is majorly political. The bona fide quintessence of a Students’ union is not only over the welfare of her students; but also over the political movement in the country. And this was precise enough in the early 70s’ to late 90s’. But due to the fact that the society is fast derailing from the intellectual society to the moral society: the studentry and the masses are bagging the nuts and bolts of collective movement that hold our interest. The union of the students, is by definition and function, an opposition to the anti-students’ policies and actions of the government in the country. The students’ union as a body of collective strength, cannot abandon its opposition value without also neglecting its function for its members. And the greatest threat to a Union of allegiance is the accusation that such a union has probably sold out to the management or the government of the day. So to say a union is an institution, it is thus a political body built for materialist reasons and provisions of her members; its behavior must be determined by its survival needs. And its survival needs as a matter of fact and necessity, depend upon the political struggles, so as to maintain its survival, rather than becoming a mere body of social association. The basic lie that has served well as a political propaganda against our students’ movements in the country has been by the management of tertiary institutions and by both the federal and state government. And that propaganda has been the word called ‘STRIKE’. When the movement of students calls for strike, it is never a means of disrupting the academic calendar of the various institutions; rather, it is the last resort of weapon, used by this pressure group, called Students’ union. The general propaganda against the students’ movement in Nigeria is that those who constitute the leadership of such collective and dependable bodies of students’ movements are thugs or rogues: and maybe that is why they normally embark on strike. But that is not the case. Fellow men and women, you the people of this country called Nigeria, till when are we going to smile and laugh in the face of chameleonic civilian rule? The country generates more than billions of naira within a week and they allocate more than usual and enough for public political officers who are not even sincere with the society. The Nigerian society is that which has got no regards for education and health. If truly our health sector is sound like those of our contemporaries in overseas as it is usually posed on media, why are the rich ones going to fetch for themselves health care in the overseas? If truly the educational sector is something to write home about, why are their children schooling in overseas? If truly our education is more than that of ABC, why are they sending their wards to private and expensive tertiary institutions? These are what the public should ask themselves. When dialogue can no longer give one what is necessary, then left of one, is nothing but the use of resistance against such a misdeed. I whole-heartedly borrow from that revolutionary anthem of Great Ife, which says, “ALUTA AGAINST ALL OPPRESSION…” Strike, is the main political weapon of any union; it is the emotional affirmation of union solidarity and of the common cause of the workers and students, which constitute most what is called the masses. An old adage of the students’ union says, “No strike is ever lost.” What the above aphorism means is that, it is true that not all the strike embarked upon can really fetch the students’ movement the answer to what is demanded. But there is a strong belief in the fact that, if we (students) fight against the bad policies and governance, we may win or lose; what is most important is that, we seek the conquest of justice and good governance. It is true that when there is a protest, an agitation for what ought to be done and then neglected, some persons who are agents of the underworld in power, will try as far as possible to blackmail and perforate such a movement, it is then of utmost importance, for the leadership of such a struggle, to keep the mob/masses in control: for only in the face of struggles, protests and persecutions that the attitude of true leadership of the students’ movement is shown and demonstrated. And if the leadership of such movement can try to keep the movement in boundary, then the evil political propaganda of the evil public men will be as useless as they are. Even a protest can be done without the leadership of the students’ movement, if such students’ movement is not sincere with its self and its members. If a movement of students is jeopardized by the insincerity of their leaders, then such movement will be trampled upon as we have mostly on present day Nigerian campuses. The Nigerian studentry have failed in all ramifications towards the continuity and ideal faithfulness to students’ unionism and the state of the nation. N ow to 2011: I am pretty sure that people reading this piece will think I am about to make a full critical analysis of the electoral saga that betroths the 2011. But the purpose of commenting on 2011 aside it being as a topic is to possibly decipher what 2011 should be and would be for the people of the country and for all unions in the country. The pregnant year, 2011, is a season in history that will epitomize the new pages of history in the country. Permit me to use these literary words that, the new pages maybe comic ended or tragedy ended. 2011, is a year that will set a new pace and findings for the country; most especially in the political dominion of the country. It is either, there is a continuation of the present bourgeoisie parties or let say, it is either the government of the rich and the influential ones continues, or there is a radical change in the system of the governance of the people. This I mean by the fact that, it is either the masses, the workers rule the country. I want us not to have the likes of the governor of Edo state in mind, because, he has displayed total betrayal and personal avariciousness and nothing less. He is merely driven by ambition. Though I am as neutral as the constitution thinks of a civil servant to be in the political realm in the country; but I am concerned with the political situation in my country as a students’ activist. Oshiomole is a man driven by position, power, fame and money; and who does not know that Ibrahim Babangida does not worth to become the president of this nation once again? But power and money has made an Oshiomole to lick the foot of an IBB; oh I remember, one man, one vote (one man, one poverty and one corruption). If truly the students of this nation want to save themselves from the continuous suffering and poor/underfunding of education, they should try as much as possible to stop an IBB and that confused/political sycophant, called ATIKU. These are men of corruption, shame, greediness, unfaithfulness and gross social misconducts. And it is at this juncture that I will like to seriously and genuinely advice the Nigerian youths. In the sense that, the national body that seems to represent the interest of the students, is far from what it ought to do. And I am talking about that corrupt and thuggish organization called NANS. The original duty of NANS, which is to conscientize the Nigerian youths about the political situations in the country, has not been fulfilled. This body called NANS is a pressure group and that was why I explained supra, the functions and definitions of a collective body of an enterprise of a group of people. If truly NANS were to be sincere with their original course, how come they were nowhere to be found during the four months strike that held our students, lecturers and workers to ransom? They are not sincere with us. The only time you hear that NANS exists is when they congratulate a PDP politician on radio or television or on the pages of newspapers, so as to have individual connection and recognition from such a person or administration. The first thing to note, is that this same body, that claims to be fighting for the Nigerian students at large, have not in the recent years staged a national protest against the extortive and oppressive policies of the Nigerian government. The truth is bitter they say. But it is an open wound, which only conscience will surely heal. The leadership of NANS has finally betrayed the Nigerian students at large. They have proved to us that NANS has compromised the interest of the Nigerian students; and that NANS is now an annex political party; and also an arsenal of thuggery and gangsterism for those pot-bellied, corrupt politicians in our country, Nigeria. I must also press forward on the issue of NANS that, if truly NANS has been sincere and it is still sincere, why has it not stopped the Hell Fire of VICTIMIZATION OF STUDENTS’ ACTIVISTS on Nigerian campuses? If truly NANS is objective and dedicated to the course of struggle, why have they not done something to the increment in the school fees of both the state and federal tertiary institutions? I say, if it is true that NANS is still the political body which is still in support of the Nigerian students and not anti-students, why are they not pressing both the federal and state governments to pay the bursaries to the Nigerian students on campus? Even the U.S that has less significance to trade unions , still pay monthly allowance to her students, because they know and they are not blind to see that a society without education is not yet and may never be civilized enough to progress in all sectors. Fellow Nigerian students, during the four months break, a body which has not yet even gained solidarity from Nigerian students, but which has a genuine course of Nigerian students in mind, was the one that issued press statements, conferences and protests throughout the whole nation, signifying that NANS has ceased to function and that there is an urgent need to revitalize the genuine spirit of students’ unionism in the country. That body that was part of those that helped negotiates and restores the victory: named, EDUCATION RIGHTS CAMPAIGN (ERC). It is true this organization started from my citadel of learning, OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY (OAU); but it does not connote that we are trying to seize control of students’ unionism as some political intellectual vegetables and neophytes will say. The truth is that, the interest of the Nigerian students matters a lot to the country herself. Lastly fellow Nigerian students: since NANS has failed us for so many years, I humbly implore you all that NANS which has displayed total un-commitment to the course of the Nigerian students and youths, should be dumped and trampled upon by the Nigerian students because they have failed the Nigerian youths and students. Let us deliberate, should EDUCATION RIGHTS’ CAMPAIGN (ERC) be adopted as the new national body of Nigerian students, or should there be an avenue for deliberations and submissions to form a new true and sincere collective body that will fight for Nigerian students? STUDENTS OF ALL NATIONS; FIGHT FOR STANDARD AND QUALITATIVE EDUCATION! ENOCH OJOTISA (COMRADE ORACLE) FACULTY OF LAW, OAU poetojotisa@yahoo.com ; 07031816797

On the Issue of Automobile in Nigeria.

THE DRIVER AND THE ROAD
Once I talked to a young lady and asked her why she preferred travelling in the company of private transport. She answered by saying that, it was due to the fact that private transport companies are well tutored on the modus-operandi of the use of cars, the road itself and the drivers themselves. Now, from what this young lady said, I will possibly draw out my point on the above topic.
It will do us good to start with the arrogant and aggressive way of life of the drivers. Most commercial drivers are reckless with their driving and in such a way make the people refer to them with bad names; and thereby affecting their psychological being; even at times it serves as a sort of disturbance to them.
While it is also very necessary to note, that our Nigerian drivers tend to pose a way-ward nature to their own health. This is more explainable in the sense that, a whole lot of drivers who are majored, based and bound to ply the roads by night, do not in any way take good care of themselves health-wise.
A commercial or private driver who will be travelling at night ought to know that he is bound to sleep real well in the day and also have so much rest with good meals. But this may not be the same for all the drivers. Some are stingy to their own mouth. Some are too economic with money. Remember only those ones alive can spend money got from labour. Though, instead of some too to eat good meals and have a wonderful rest, they mostly look for solace, rest, peace and majorly derive happiness from what is popularly called “PARAGA JOINT”. The truth is that nobody condemns the use of African medicine treatment; but in a situation where boundless number of alcoholic shots are fired down the throat, then we should know that it will have a tell on our health. Note carefully well both drivers and passengers that, the resting place before taking off for a night journey should not be the alcoholic joint.
Also, it is disheartening to realise that most drivers do not visit government or private hospitals regularly to know their state of health. And this ought not to be. Drivers ought to visit hospitals regularly, so as to determine their blood pressure and a whole lot of things.
I was once at a park, and i heard a driver saying he had been feeling not too strong for some days, but yet, he still wanted to travel that same night. These are minor things that drivers over look that can cause sleep driving and result in road accident. Drivers are meant to go for check-up often.
Furthermore, it is relevant to acknowledge the fact that, drivers ought to be the ones to mostly go for eye-check-up. They ought to be the ones to actually worry always about the condition of their sight. A driver for instance, who can only see nearer objects is bound to have a clash if care is not taken on highway.
So, so very painful, sad and pitiful to understand the fact that, most drivers who are aware of the conditions of the bad roads still go ahead to mount care-free speed on the roads; take Ife-Ibadan highway for example; coming from Ibadan to Ife is a bad road with so many death pits; yet most accidents on this road has been as a result of the over speeding. Also, most of our drivers, who do not have a very good idea of how bad a road is, still go ahead to mount high speed on these roads.
It is also important to understand that most Nigerian drivers do not have the regular driving training of the driving school. And as a result, we have drivers who became drivers by the virtue of a “one-day driving lesson”.
It is on this note that I propose to the FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS (FRSC) that, before any on is issued a driving licence, there should be a certificate of driving school which is registered with the government. This will probably help reduce the haunted accidents caused by our drivers on the roads.
And now to the truck drivers! I once saw a truck with a board hung on its back with the inscription of 56km/hr. Yet I was in a car speeding over 100 km/hr; yet this truck was still far speeding ahead of us. Does this not imply something?
Most of our truck drivers are people with little or no care. They are mostly alcohol and violent disciples. It is not necessary for a truck driver to drive truck under the alcoholic influence which will always trigger arrogance of driving a heavy object and also float aggressiveness along with it.
I propose that due to the nature of these trucks, they should ply the roads at night. In the day time for example, they cause traffic jams and block the roads. But at night, they would have all weather conditions in their own favour.
Also, it is very good and sound, if the truck drivers can endeavour to always have two persons to accompany them on a travel. And out of these two or more persons, one should at least be a mechanic.
And lastly to petrol or diesel or gas tanker drivers; it is important for these varieties of drivers to appreciate the fact that they are majorly responsible for most accidents on our roads. Some go as far as speeding with heavily loaded tankers which is very wrong. Some even go ahead to use those tankers for their own personal business “runs” and in such a way to meet up with the original owners’ demand, they rush, drive roughly and over-speed and then end up in accident. Every tanker filled with petrol or diesel or gas should be careful on roads.
Also it is a proposal to our government that, petrol or diesel or gas tankers, should always travel by night too. Our people, lives, property and roads are not safe with the heat caused and burnt by these tankers and their drivers. Let it be known to the populace and the drivers of companies’ trucks or tankers that, there is no immunity or any diplomatic coverage or otherwise against road accidents.
FELLOW DRIVERS, REMEMBER THAT OUR ROADS ARE NOT YET EXPRESS WAYS, DO NOT OVER-SPEED ON THEM!













BY: ENOCH OJOTISA.
FACULTY OF LAW
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY
poetojotisa.blogspot.com +2347031816797
MYSTICISM AND THE DRIVER
Do not be alarmed by the word mysticism. It is only an expression of special belief about God and prayer. I am not in any way writing this piece so as to question the existence of God; neither has it been lettered to doubt that God answers men through prayers. But it is of cause important for us to note that there are certain things which ought to be done out of reason and not all on spiritual mediation.
Though it varies in what each person terms and pictures as God; but for all drivers who at least believe that there is a supreme being called God and who are subjected to his will, then it is beckoning on you all to understand this piece, and be able to differentiate what is what, from which is which. While it is important for each and every driver to always commune his ways and travels to the hand of the Supreme Being called God; it is also necessary for drivers to know that they are bound to do some things.
Firstly, in as much, that in a situation where a driver prays to God to help him evade, escape and omit all accidents on the way, and such driver out of his own folly and outmost negligence omits or let say forgets to check the condition of such a vehicle to be used; and as such that the vehicle develops a mechanical fault on the way and results in a minor or major accident: then, are we to say that God refused answering the driver’s prayers?
A driver should be careful and patient. A driver should not because he had committed his ways to God or one god in the morning; then he should now proceed to do anything contrary to common sense of driving. If we all carry out the ideals of care, patience and goodwill, then we shall have the genesis of achievement of reducing death tolls and accidents off our roads.
It is also expected of drivers to be multi-fast in thinking. This is in respect of the fact that a driver should be able to have a future expectance of all things. E.g. people could suddenly run across the road. A good driver ought to be able to predict and guess what those on the roads could do and so will help guide such a driver in his actions.
Most drivers have accidents even after praying to God due to the following reasons:
• They have so much over-confidence and they believe they are the General Lord of the vehicle on the road and that they can operate it all. But such drivers have swiftly forgot to accustom themselves to the fact that the tyres, engine and other things are not operated by the drivers; but that they only control the steering wheel and the brakes.
• Also, most drivers drive so fast in other to impress themselves, their colleagues and even passengers at times. Once, I heard a driver in the garage been called “USEIN BOLT”. It means he drives on high speed so much more than other drivers in that garage and surely while on road too. Such a driver is endangering his life and other passengers.
• Even though a driver might have prayed to God or use another spiritual means to keep himself; yet, some drivers lose concentration while driving. Some eat or talk or even think about his family and or personal problems while driving. Some lose concentration due to tiredness. Many drive long distances without even resting their body and help their body blood circulation.
• Note that driving after a heavy meal is also hazardous as the blood concentrates in the stomach to absorb the food. This deprives the brain of oxygen and can result in the sleeping of the driver.
• Most drivers pack indiscriminately on roads. Even the maintenance of their vehicles also determines if actually God wants to answer their prayers. A driver who over-takes at a bend is responsible for accidents.
• Also drivers should be encouraged to use seat belts. No matter how you drive, there is always a chance of being involved in accidents. The best protection in a vehicle is the use of seat belts. Drivers should use the mirrors and stay in accordance to the rules of driving.
Once again, it is proposed to federal road safety corps (FRSC), to make driving school a necessity before one can be issued a driving licence. And as such, such a driving school must be government registered.
GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS. BUT MEN MUST WORK TOWARDS THE ANSWERING OF THOSE PRAYERS.

BY: ENOCH OJOTISA.
FACULTY OF LAW
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY
poetojotisa.blogspot.com +2347031816797

THE DRIVER AND THE ROAD
Once I talked to a young lady and asked her why she preferred travelling in the company of private transport. She answered by saying that, it was due to the fact that private transport companies are well tutored on the modus-operandi of the use of cars, the road itself and the drivers themselves. Now, from what this young lady said, I will possibly draw out my point on the above topic.
It will do us good to start with the arrogant and aggressive way of life of the drivers. Most commercial drivers are reckless with their driving and in such a way make the people refer to them with bad names; and thereby affecting their psychological being; even at times it serves as a sort of disturbance to them.
While it is also very necessary to note, that our Nigerian drivers tend to pose a way-ward nature to their own health. This is more explainable in the sense that, a whole lot of drivers who are majored, based and bound to ply the roads by night, do not in any way take good care of themselves health-wise.
A commercial or private driver who will be travelling at night ought to know that he is bound to sleep real well in the day and also have so much rest with good meals. But this may not be the same for all the drivers. Some are stingy to their own mouth. Some are too economic with money. Remember only those ones alive can spend money got from labour. Though, instead of some too to eat good meals and have a wonderful rest, they mostly look for solace, rest, peace and majorly derive happiness from what is popularly called “PARAGA JOINT”. The truth is that nobody condemns the use of African medicine treatment; but in a situation where boundless number of alcoholic shots are fired down the throat, then we should know that it will have a tell on our health. Note carefully well both drivers and passengers that, the resting place before taking off for a night journey should not be the alcoholic joint.
Also, it is disheartening to realise that most drivers do not visit government or private hospitals regularly to know their state of health. And this ought not to be. Drivers ought to visit hospitals regularly, so as to determine their blood pressure and a whole lot of things.
I was once at a park, and i heard a driver saying he had been feeling not too strong for some days, but yet, he still wanted to travel that same night. These are minor things that drivers over look that can cause sleep driving and result in road accident. Drivers are meant to go for check-up often.
Furthermore, it is relevant to acknowledge the fact that, drivers ought to be the ones to mostly go for eye-check-up. They ought to be the ones to actually worry always about the condition of their sight. A driver for instance, who can only see nearer objects is bound to have a clash if care is not taken on highway.
So, so very painful, sad and pitiful to understand the fact that, most drivers who are aware of the conditions of the bad roads still go ahead to mount care-free speed on the roads; take Ife-Ibadan highway for example; coming from Ibadan to Ife is a bad road with so many death pits; yet most accidents on this road has been as a result of the over speeding. Also, most of our drivers, who do not have a very good idea of how bad a road is, still go ahead to mount high speed on these roads.
It is also important to understand that most Nigerian drivers do not have the regular driving training of the driving school. And as a result, we have drivers who became drivers by the virtue of a “one-day driving lesson”.
It is on this note that I propose to the FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS (FRSC) that, before any on is issued a driving licence, there should be a certificate of driving school which is registered with the government. This will probably help reduce the haunted accidents caused by our drivers on the roads.
And now to the truck drivers! I once saw a truck with a board hung on its back with the inscription of 56km/hr. Yet I was in a car speeding over 100 km/hr; yet this truck was still far speeding ahead of us. Does this not imply something?
Most of our truck drivers are people with little or no care. They are mostly alcohol and violent disciples. It is not necessary for a truck driver to drive truck under the alcoholic influence which will always trigger arrogance of driving a heavy object and also float aggressiveness along with it.
I propose that due to the nature of these trucks, they should ply the roads at night. In the day time for example, they cause traffic jams and block the roads. But at night, they would have all weather conditions in their own favour.
Also, it is very good and sound, if the truck drivers can endeavour to always have two persons to accompany them on a travel. And out of these two or more persons, one should at least be a mechanic.
And lastly to petrol or diesel or gas tanker drivers; it is important for these varieties of drivers to appreciate the fact that they are majorly responsible for most accidents on our roads. Some go as far as speeding with heavily loaded tankers which is very wrong. Some even go ahead to use those tankers for their own personal business “runs” and in such a way to meet up with the original owners’ demand, they rush, drive roughly and over-speed and then end up in accident. Every tanker filled with petrol or diesel or gas should be careful on roads.
Also it is a proposal to our government that, petrol or diesel or gas tankers, should always travel by night too. Our people, lives, property and roads are not safe with the heat caused and burnt by these tankers and their drivers. Let it be known to the populace and the drivers of companies’ trucks or tankers that, there is no immunity or any diplomatic coverage or otherwise against road accidents.
FELLOW DRIVERS, REMEMBER THAT OUR ROADS ARE NOT YET EXPRESS WAYS, DO NOT OVER-SPEED ON THEM!













BY: ENOCH OJOTISA.
FACULTY OF LAW
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY
poetojotisa.blogspot.com +2347031816797
MYSTICISM AND THE DRIVER
Do not be alarmed by the word mysticism. It is only an expression of special belief about God and prayer. I am not in any way writing this piece so as to question the existence of God; neither has it been lettered to doubt that God answers men through prayers. But it is of cause important for us to note that there are certain things which ought to be done out of reason and not all on spiritual mediation.
Though it varies in what each person terms and pictures as God; but for all drivers who at least believe that there is a supreme being called God and who are subjected to his will, then it is beckoning on you all to understand this piece, and be able to differentiate what is what, from which is which. While it is important for each and every driver to always commune his ways and travels to the hand of the Supreme Being called God; it is also necessary for drivers to know that they are bound to do some things.
Firstly, in as much, that in a situation where a driver prays to God to help him evade, escape and omit all accidents on the way, and such driver out of his own folly and outmost negligence omits or let say forgets to check the condition of such a vehicle to be used; and as such that the vehicle develops a mechanical fault on the way and results in a minor or major accident: then, are we to say that God refused answering the driver’s prayers?
A driver should be careful and patient. A driver should not because he had committed his ways to God or one god in the morning; then he should now proceed to do anything contrary to common sense of driving. If we all carry out the ideals of care, patience and goodwill, then we shall have the genesis of achievement of reducing death tolls and accidents off our roads.
It is also expected of drivers to be multi-fast in thinking. This is in respect of the fact that a driver should be able to have a future expectance of all things. E.g. people could suddenly run across the road. A good driver ought to be able to predict and guess what those on the roads could do and so will help guide such a driver in his actions.
Most drivers have accidents even after praying to God due to the following reasons:
• They have so much over-confidence and they believe they are the General Lord of the vehicle on the road and that they can operate it all. But such drivers have swiftly forgot to accustom themselves to the fact that the tyres, engine and other things are not operated by the drivers; but that they only control the steering wheel and the brakes.
• Also, most drivers drive so fast in other to impress themselves, their colleagues and even passengers at times. Once, I heard a driver in the garage been called “USEIN BOLT”. It means he drives on high speed so much more than other drivers in that garage and surely while on road too. Such a driver is endangering his life and other passengers.
• Even though a driver might have prayed to God or use another spiritual means to keep himself; yet, some drivers lose concentration while driving. Some eat or talk or even think about his family and or personal problems while driving. Some lose concentration due to tiredness. Many drive long distances without even resting their body and help their body blood circulation.
• Note that driving after a heavy meal is also hazardous as the blood concentrates in the stomach to absorb the food. This deprives the brain of oxygen and can result in the sleeping of the driver.
• Most drivers pack indiscriminately on roads. Even the maintenance of their vehicles also determines if actually God wants to answer their prayers. A driver who over-takes at a bend is responsible for accidents.
• Also drivers should be encouraged to use seat belts. No matter how you drive, there is always a chance of being involved in accidents. The best protection in a vehicle is the use of seat belts. Drivers should use the mirrors and stay in accordance to the rules of driving.
Once again, it is proposed to federal road safety corps (FRSC), to make driving school a necessity before one can be issued a driving licence. And as such, such a driving school must be government registered.
GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS. BUT MEN MUST WORK TOWARDS THE ANSWERING OF THOSE PRAYERS.

BY: ENOCH OJOTISA.
FACULTY OF LAW
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY
poetojotisa.blogspot.com +2347031816797