Connect with us

Opinion

Managing Our Domestic Waste

Published

16 years ago

on

The past two decades have recorded an increased sensitisation and awareness about the relationship between our health and the physical environment.

Lots of regional and international agencies have staged campaigns against the depletion of the Ozone Layer (the green house effect) due to the increase in the world’s atmospheric temperature predominantly from gas flares, damage to the marine habitat due to oil spillages and indiscriminate dumping of industrial waste. In Nigeria much advocacy has been made about the protection of our environment from unguided human activities right from the wake of the Niger Delta consciousness which actually took root in the 90’s with Dr. Ken Saro Wiwa as the crusader.

To this day a lot of study groups, Non-Novernmental Organisations, governmental agencies and concerned intellectuals have given this issue so much attention, with the hope that soon the oil multinationals and their related industries in the Niger Delta region would become fair enough to do business with better practice and concern for the environment.

Good as that fight may really seem,  not much of it has been made in the area of domestic waste which equally poses threat – in sensitisation for attitudinal change, enactment of enforceable laws and development of affective modalities for management. Previous government especially under Dr. Konya (Mrs) as Commissioner for Environment did so well in mobilising companies for the collection and disposal of this class of waste and supervision for effectiveness. The present administration of Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi (JP) has stepped ahead in the beautification of the state capital and provision of waste bins along roads and in parks. In spite of these efforts, there appears to be little effect of change – of expected beauty bloom. In most part of Port Harcourt , there are approved collection points but more often, we see a continuous overlow of the waste (End of Club Road/Creek Road, Town) being an example. What do we attribute it to?

Ineffectiveness or non-commitment on the part of the registered companies or could it be the attitude and messy packaging of the waste from household?

Equally worrisome is the increasing volume of polyethene waste- from sachet/bottle water and polyethene bags liltering everywhere and capable of staying for decades before decomposing. In the face of these, what becomes of our environment and health in the nearest future- this is my worry!

It is common to see drivers and passengers throw satchets water bags, biscuit wraps on the roads, market women/men dump waste without consideration. Residents litter environment and even dump waste in drainages without any form of concern for public health and decency. These show of poor attitude are reflection of our collective value system – A system that does not contemplate a tomorrow but today and now, no other person but ourselves, no need but satisfaction of our immediate. This is a challenge!

The location of most of the collection centres are along busy roads. We do see continuous overflow of waste matter which often extend to the roads resulting in obstruction to free flow of traffic (the centre along East/West Road by Rumuodara, town hall-Eneka and the centre already mentioned at the end of (club road). The sight of the overflow offends that sense of decency and civility which the present administration is trying to revive or atleast make us think so. This show of poor organisation of the exercise and management of the project by concerned parties is another challenge.

Almost everybody takes sachet water (popularly known as pure water). Everybody uses polytethene product to bag goods home from markets and stores. Confectioneries use polyethene to wrap their products and many more industries, making the production of polyethene one of the fastest growing business with fastest growing danger on the environment and man in the long run since it takes a very long number of years to decompose (rot). It poisons marine habitat, poisons the soil when buried, emits poisonous gas that is as dangerous as carbon oxide and capable of adding to the already heated global atmospheric condition. Government agencies have only placed tax on the producers of sachet/bottle water but nothing to show for effort at recycling or complete decomposition of this dangerous product. This threat from polyethene products by its nature and by government lack of executable plan to address it in reality is the greatest challenge.

If we see ourselves as belonging to a larger whole and being affected by this whole in one way or another, there would be caution – a change of attitude to the way we dispose our domestic waste as individuals, and households. If people are made to be aware of the danger of polyethene products, there will be care in the disposal of this waste. This entails a whole lot of sensitisation about value enhancement through well crafted messages to arouse interest and secure willingness as slogans on television, radio, Billboards. Taking such messages to drivers and their union collaborating with schools, colleges, Churches and mosques in the sensitisation process will be very effective. Taking this message to the churches and schools will be effective since church leaders have considerable influence on their fellowers and teachers on their pupils and students. The messages on the television should be targeted at parents since the family unit is the base of value development.

I also think that if thorough study of the situation is made and seen to be imperative, there will be the need for effective legislation – legislation that should take cognisance of the realities on ground and reflect the will of the government to actually arrest the situation with a structure for administration and efforcement. Besides, legislation monitoring teams should be inaugurated area by area.

It is also my thinking that modalities be worked –out for effective administration probably as follows:

*By educating households on the need and how, of separating domestic waste into bottles, plastics/rubber, ployethene products, metals and decomposable waste. This will make management and disposal easy and effective.

*By organising street-to-street, area-to-area, market-to-market collection of waste through registered companies. The cost of this collection exercise should be borne by the household, market men and women leaving the government with the cost of treatment and disposal. This share of responsibility in terms of cost will foist a sense of moderation and cut in the volume of waste produced.

*Carrying out thorough supervision of registered collectors, streets, dump sites for performance with a well stipulated disciplinary measure for breach of contractual tems.

*I also think that the inauguration of a council to study the waste production pattern where, when, type of waste, volume of waste, rate of production and life pattern of residents of a particular location. This will form the basis for proactive planning and appropriate allocation of resources by the government.

*Producers of polyethene products and satchet/bottle water producers should equally be made to partner with the government and agencies in the sensitisation and education about the danger of indiscriminate disposal of polyethene products in the long run. They should equally partner to find ways of re-cycling the products or decomposing them outrightly without compromising environmental health in the process.

Now, it is open to all that the present administration has a keen interest in re-packaging the face of Port Harcourt and Rivers State as a whole as could be seen in some areas. However, it may be short of credit if the issue of environmental health is not addressed in totality with a better framework for reviews of previous approaches, re-study of the trend and residents’ habit with a leadership will to do it now and better. Why the government? Because it has influence on the citizens by virtue of its constitutional right. To everybody, this is our state, our environment, our challenge. Let’s do it together, to keep living.

Asuk wrote  from Port Harcourt.

 

Gospel Asuk

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

Published

2 weeks ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”
In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.
One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.
As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.
 Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.
 Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.
These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.
Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

2 weeks ago

on

June 17, 2026

By

Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”
Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.
Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.
Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.
Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.
Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.
 The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.
By;  Confidence Adoo
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’  Prescription 

Published

3 weeks ago

on

June 8, 2026

By

Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”
The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.
Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,
when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.
Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?
Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.
Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Trending