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Assuming my teeth were white, they would have been wide open, but now it's redness is as thick as clay and the odour so strong that a cow will begin to bark. So, I'm afraid to let it loose. The white corns hidden inside my mouth make all to wonder if I were a direct descendant of homo-habilis; protruding nose with a face pointed as if reaching for a T-junction and panel beated on either side. I can't just laugh. Laughter is far away from me like the missing sun at night. What is my joy when poverty stares at me and threatens even my fundamental human rights? I'm on the run from Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, who are daily hunting down my people as if we were meant to be roasted as beefs (suya). Even the elements of nature had ganged up against me, the waters are drying up, the lakes are leaking and the rains have refused to drop, crops are being destroyed by the blazing sun shining angrily with delight. Would I be able to laugh, when in the wake of epileptic pow

THE POLITICS OF SELFISH INTEREST For the good of the Masses, Behold your servant leader. (Politics and Connecting People) My Campaign Promises “Vote for me, because I am the most reliable and mouthed candidate, my track record surpasses the Usain Bolt’s record-breaking fit and I’m still blazing, even to me it’s amazing. My well fitted designer suit and my investments, home and abroad are testimonies to the passion of love well suited for you in times like this. Can’t you just see? (As if love is written on the forehead). Oh if I begin to count what I plan to execute when I become president, you will cry in awe and may have to find your way to the exit door for the overwhelming joy that could only be contained by visiting a rest room. (Really?) Yes, seriously. If I were lying, you would have known because blood would have been gushing out from my mouth. I promise to build a bridge across the Atlantic to the Sahara without increase in taxes. (Wow!) You ain’t seen anything yet. We

STRESS MANAGEMENT AFTER RETIREMENT - Part of a lecture series for Retired Teachers in Nigeria. Lecture presented and delivered by Olumide Oyekunle (B.sc. Sociology) STRESS – WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT’S NOT •         Stress is not a biological condition, it is the consequence of our inability to adjust to the strains of life encountered in our day to day activities or inactivity. •        Men are more prone to having stress than women. •        Stress is a social fact. •        Stress is not a bad thing, it is normal and necessary for life. •        It is the response to social stimuli •        The maladjustment encountered in trying to cope with such circumstances causes distress. •       SOCIETY AND YOU •        Stress is induced •        How does the society or social expectations affect you after retirement? •        List the various types of expectation as a •        Mother •        Father •        Grandparent •        Elder/Religious lea

It is a question that not only portrays a downward trend in reading culture , but also reflects the consequences evidently sufficient enough for stakeholders to ponder on. It is believed that Teens, that is, those within the age bracket of 13-19 will become tomorrow’s adults and leaders who will be saddled with the responsibility of channeling the course of societies. Therefore, such category of persons must not be defective in knowledge and lacking the wisdom necessary for insightful thinking, critical understanding, knowledge acquisition and a robust mind which reading effectively provides. There is the need however, to distinguish between reading for knowledge acquisition and pleasure as against reading to pursue Academic goals only. It is in this context that we are able to fully comprehend the gravity of the question in its simple hypothetical form. To imply that there is poor reading culture , is to further broaden our perception on the change the society has undergone. The

THE CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUE – A SOCIOLOGICAL CRITIQUE Since Pre-historic times, climate has always changed and it will always change. Despite our scientific exploits which distinguishes us from animals (homosapiens), it is evident that there are indeed forces of nature which humanity will never be able to control.  California wild fires, super storms, earthquakes, super volcanoes, Tsunamis, flashfloods, solar storm, heat waves, comet hitting our planet and other extreme weather are some of the demons to nature’s aesthetics and splendor and no multi-million dollar investment or mere reduction of green house emissions can stop. When nature is furious, it pays no attention to life, property and care less about our policies as it rages on. Change is inevitable and climate is not exempted. The denial of such, as to seek to stop the evolutionary cycle goes against the scientific spirit which agrees to the theory of evolution. Climate change is a critical factor in Darwinian tradition a

5 DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF EXTREMISM - FROM INNOCENCE TO EXTREMISM Human beings are weak at heart. When they are over-shadowed by the cultural environment they find themselves. There are 5 stages of social impact on the individual which determines the state of their moderate disposition or extremism. 1.       The stage of innocence ; this is characterized by early childhood. 2.       The stage of conscious learning ; this is where the individual observes and imitates significant others and internalize customs and behaviours. He takes on roles assigned to him/her by the society and is bound by the norms. At this stage, the individual may not be able to challenge the status-quo as he/she is obliged to adhere strictly to the guidelines of standardized behavior as laid down by the society. 3.       The stage of Integration; this is when the norms and values become part of the individual personalty. The individual find joy, fulfillment and a sense of belonging as a result of his/

A LITMUS TEST FOR ACCOMMODATING REFUGEES As long as there are wars (and there will always be), there will always be refugees. The problem is not about the migration pattern, but of more concern is their impact on the host nations. Notwithstanding the emotions and sentiments, there is the need for caution. History is the mother of all scientific reasoning either present or futuristic. The evidence of history is enough to save us from the shallow reasoning and short-sightedness of emotions. Policies at accommodating refugees must take cognizance of the following; 1.       Individual personality 2.       A test of social loyalty : Will they be loyal to the new establishment in which they find themselves or they find it ‘unholy’ and disgusting? This leads to; 3.       Religious affiliation/Belief system : The rate of accommodation or adaptation of a group depends on the substance of relationship as enshrined in such customs they subscribe to or their articles of faith. 4.