D Block Bathrooms Still in Deplorable States

Weeks after resuming from the 8 month-long ASUU strike, D block occupants still bear the brunt of deteriorating bathroom facilities. Bathrooms on the third and second floor remain unusable due to leaking pipes and constantly accumulating water.

Recall that ZHPO had sampled the opinions of D block occupants on the consternating condition of their bathroom facilities. A cursory investigation revealed that the three bathrooms on the second floor are completely out of commission due to the leakage of water from the overhead pipes connecting to the third floor. As a result, second floor occupants have had to share bathrooms on other floors.

Accumulated water in a bathroom on the second floor

a bathroom on the second floor

another bathroom on the second floor

Similarly, only one of the third floor bathrooms is usable. However, those using the bathrooms have to better the tightrope walking agility of funambulists to avoid slipping on the waterlogged bathroom floors. Closer inspection showed that one of the bathroom tubs is constantly filled with water that seeps out to the bathroom floor.

water accumulation in a bathroom on the third floor

water seeping onto the bathroom floor

It is dismaying to note that this issue remains unaddressed. Considering the level of external usage of D block’s facilities, especially as the Elders Council recently issued a notice against non-D blockites, it is imaginable how most D block occupants grapple with the challenge of using a bathroom on their floor everyday.

Paulo Santini Footwears – Former Zik Hall Social MinisterNow Footwear Brand Owner

Recognising the wave of innovation, industry and insightfulness among student entrepreneurs on campus, ZHPO is unveiling a ZIKPRENEUR column to spotlight Zikites with evidence of entrepreneurial prowess. This initiative aims to shed light on their creativity, discuss the pros and cons of doing business as a student, and drive interest among entrepreneur wannabes.

Our maiden piece focuses on Paulo Santini Footwears, a footwear brand based in Zik hall with a clientele spanning beyond UI. The brand is owned by Olukole Paul, popularly known as Paulo. He served as Minister for Socials in the 2016/17 session in Zik hall and is a graduate of the department of Religious Studies.

ZHPO: Can we meet you?

Paulo: I’m Olukole Paul Temitope.

ZHPO: Can you tell us about your business?

Paulo: My brand, Paulo Santini Footwears is a Nigerian-based fashion brand that specializes in the design and the making of various types of footwear that includes slip-ons, sandals and corporate shoes (brogues etc). In the year 2017, which marked the early days of the business, her operations majorly served the University of Ibadan community, and the city of Ibadan at large, as I, Olukole Paul Temitope was then a student of the said institution.

ZHPO: When did you start?

Paulo: 2017 marked the early years of my Brand.

ZHPO:  How have you been able to pull crowd and have a strong client base?

Paulo: It’s literally not easy pulling crowd, the early days literally made me feel less human, because I was bullied by family and friends. My Parents were like, they sent me to school to study and not to do business, then friends were like I wasn’t to make sales, I would end up wearing all my wears myself. I did quit so many times and did it over and over again. But consistency helped me along the line. It was hard building trust, since everyone had someone that made their shoes for them.

ZHPO: How is your business faring now?

Paulo: Far better than when I started, doing something over and over for 5 years now, has helped me in becoming a master to face many challenges and scaling through, because in business you will cry.

ZHPO: How were you able to cope with business and academics?

Paulo:  It wasn’t easy though, almost had an extra year, because business will split your attention in school…However, I’m back for my M.Sc. programme.

ZHPO: What are the challenges you’d faced in your business?

Paulo: Hmmmm… That’s a very big question, there are several challenges, from customers, from school, from parents not supporting my business, from friends that never trusted in me.

ZHPO: What further plan do you have for your business?

Paulo: Over time I see myself in the leagues of Nike and others, it a continuous step, since Rome isn’t built in a day.

ZHPO: What’s your counsel to Zikites that are afraid of stepping out in their business career?

Paulo: I don’t want to sound like most motivational speakers that deceive people, cause if I say be consistent, how would you be consistent when there’s no food in the stomach. Just do what you know how to do best and be Prayerful.

ZHPO: How can clients reach you?

Paulo: My shop is based in the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, shop 1, University of Ibadan. My social media handles are: Instagram – @paulosantini_footwears; Twitter – @olukoletemitope

New Naira, Who this?

The release of the new 200, 500 and 1,000 naira notes has been the talk of the town this past week. As usual, as with almost everything else in the country, Nigerians seem to have found a funny side to this recent development. The new design which has the 200 naira note in red, the 500 naira note in green and the 1,000 naira note in blue, caused a stir amongst Nigerians with people surprised about the choice of colors and what the effect of this change would be. While it may seem funny and foreign right now, it’s important to understand that this change is necessary.

Currently, currency management in Nigeria faces rising challenges which continue to threaten the integrity of the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the currency itself. This made it a problem for the CBN to perform their key functions — maintaining the integrity of the local legal tender, making its supply effective and promoting efficient monetary policies.

While the new naira would not immediately alleviate all of the problems the currency currently faces as regards foreign exchange, it will help right a lot of wrongs. One of this being that Nigeria has over 80% of the currency in circulation outside the banking system. This alarming situation comes about as a result of consistent and persistent large scale hoarding of the naira. Finding it unacceptable that the country has more than N2.73 trillion of the N3.23 trillion currency in circulation outside the banking sector, the CBN aims to control the supply of money by drastically reducing the cash in the economy — from bank vaults and from the hands of individuals.

Some still argue that inflation might not be tackled due to insecurity and other fiscal problems, the CBN remains adamant that this move is necessary for national security and for the general interest of the economy. The naira redesign also seeks to fight the increasing ease and risk of counterfeiting which has been evidenced by several security reports and to also help in addressing misappropriated election funding that has proved dangerous to the nation’s economy.

By reducing the money in circulation, the CBN is able to adopt its cashless policies which seeks to limit the amount of money in circulation and stops individuals who have large stock of money saved in private residences to be used for fraudulent activities.

Yes, as funny and foreign as the naira notes may look right now, it is important to see beyond this and to focus on the benefits that the change plans to bring. A more stabilized economy, ability to carry out monetary policies conveniently, controlling inflation, fighting corruption and insecurity to mention a few. The redesign couldn’t have come at a better time having to wait 20 years, as the CBN argues that the notes should ideally be redesigned every 5 to 8 years.

The CBN has expressed that this policy is not targeted at any one group but is hugely directed at improving the state of economy by increasing the minting of the eNaira, curbing terrorism and cases of kidnapping and tackling other issues of insecurity.

by The P.A

Ever Unhygienic Zikites…

Dear Zikites, let us face it squarely and tell ourselves the blunt truth about one of the major improprieties we have become accustomed to. It is not unnoticeable that there is a growing deficiency in the level of hygiene in the hall overtime This is not just something a section of the hall is guilty of. From A block and its high number of freshmen to the most elderly parts of D block, this unhygienic trait has persisted. What is even more despicable is the way this habit has been normalized and its consequences ignored.

This anomaly is not hard to decipher. If you cook often, you’d definitely have to use water; and in the course of that you wash plates, rinse the food you want to cook and in the process accumulate dirty water. But you don’t even have to be a regular cook to be guilty of this unhygienic trait. Your usage of water at all in your room and your proximity to the balcony makes you a possible suspect. Well, I speak of no other habit than pouring water off the balcony onto the front of your block below.

The evidence of this impropriety is observable mostly in Blocks B and C, where the grasses in front of the block appear messy and unappealing due to constant pouring of water and food sediments. And before you throw in the argument of wetting the grasses, thank God for rain. It is important to consider the effects of this anti-environmental behavior.

Mosquitoes have always been known to breed in stagnant water. This will inevitably result in the increment of mosquitoes in the rooms. So, even after you’ve bought new nets for your windows and secure your doors every night, the more you maintain the habitat for mosquitoes the higher the tendency of malaria infections. Aside from the possibilities of malaria infection, other health hazard that could creep in can combine with underlying conditions to cause episodes of headache and nausea. Your journeys to Jaja might not be ending anytime soon.

Air pollution is also another environmental hazard caused by stagnant water. This is especially so if you are particularly sensitive to such offensive odour. Aesthetics is another factor affected by throwing waste water off the balcony. You would agree with me that you would feel some form repulsion if you have to walk on the grasses in front of Blocks B and C. Perhaps you might have become accustomed to the sight but you’ll surely feel a little embarrassed if you were to lead your babe across or by those grasses.

When interviewed on the lingering issue of the stagnant water and unkempt balconies, one of the cleaners expressed dissatisfaction over how it has been very difficult for her to carry out her duties effectively. “The water does not just disfigure my work after serious cleaning, there is also the accumulation of dirts that I cannot sweep or pack due to how they have been stuck to the ground from the water poured”, she lamented.

Also, some B-Blockites, residing on the ground floor, complained about how the stagnant water have been affecting them through the bad odour and the infestation of some insects like mosquitoes, cockroaches, and wall gecko in their rooms. Some of the ground floor occupants alleged that those in upper floors are responsible for the constant pouring of water.

However, there is no problem without solution and the first of it will definitely be individual. Zikites should restrain from waste water into the drainage and grasses to reduce water stagnation. Sinks made available in the kitchenettes should be used. Also, where the waste water has a lot of food sediments. It is advisable to dispose them in bushes far away from the blocks. Floor reps should also increase campaign on proper waste disposal practices and prioritise the aesthetics of their blocks. This will complement the hall-beautification objectives of the Executive Council.

                                                                                                                   by Faith Ẹdun

From Strike to Class to Protest - The Trials of ASUU

The match has been dragging on for quite a while now. The concept of protesting and resisting oppression has always been part of our history as societal beings. There are petitions, cries, demonstrations and strikes when we have unacceptable policies. The larger the scale of the strike, the more effective it is.

Take for example the 2012 NLC General Strike, due to the increment of fuel price. It only lasted a few days but the economy of the country was paralyzed so the fuel price that had been increased from #85 to #150 was reduced to #90 per litre – rapid response. Striking is normally the last resort even in a football match, it has to be quick, clean, swift, and deadly-accurate.

But then our beloved body of academia body, ASUU, has lost its potency in front of goal. This body has struck so many times it has lost its potency. Lightning doesn’t strike twice but these strikers have struck several times that they have lost the public sentiment that had always been on their side. ASUU has now been described as ideologically vulnerable by some quaters.

Despite the legitimacy of the Union’s demands: increased funding for tertiary education, University autonomy, renovation of decayed infrastructure in Nigerian universities, competitive salaries for University professors etc. in recent times the union has been accused of greediness from several quarters, students included.

However, it must be noted that while the blame game and sentiment drag on, critical issues are being left unattended to. The educational system in the country has stagnated and is in a state of decline. It does not equip the graduates with the tools to change the society, alas, the system itself is ill-equipped.

Many of our Nigerian politicians and political office holders send their children schooling abroad. There was a picture of a governor of Nigeria posing with his son on the latter’s graduation day. In the same picture were also other Nigerian governors who have abandoned their duties here to felicitate with the boy’s father.

Recent statistical studies have shown that Nigerians spend around $28.65 billion on foreign college education. And only the rich can send their kids to choice institutions like Harvard and Cambridge although there are some commoners who have managed to send their children to at least, University of Ghana. Just to show how low the quality of education here is. A lot of revenue that could have stayed and help improve our country has been gifted to other nations.

In light of all these, it is really shameful to call the only body that has been protesting the quality of education in the country greedy. They might have had excesses but honestly strikes are the only effective measure with the government we have. Imagine how incapacitated the system of education in Nigeria would have been without ASUU. Oh I’ll show you.

Recently, the House of Representatives read a bill sponsored by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, to introduce tuition fee into Nigerian Public University system. This means very soon, Nigerians will be paying as high as #1,500,000 to study here. And interestingly, the reintroduction of tuition fee had been one of the issues ASUU vehemently opposed. One of the issues for which they went on frequent strikes (16times, roughly 1404 days since the 4th republic began)

ASUU puts its foot down and resisted this arbitrary laws, as it is in the Constitution that every citizen has a right to education. They tried but they couldn’t stand strong. Then after resuming from the last one, with little to no result achieved and being paid half of their salary as consequence despite an agreement of full payment of the months their salary was withheld (Pro-rata payment as the minister put it)

They got an agreement which was reneged almost immediately by the government. It comes as a little surprise that the union has decided not to strike, the UI branch of the union has instead decided to move. To March. They are not sitting back idly, tiredly or even giving up – the quality of their salaries is at stake anyways. They are marching, and have extended an arm of comradeship to the students and the general public.

The students went out on their own during the strike, like they almost always did during previous strikes and protested. Though their protests were louder and almost uncontrollable at some point it simmered down. There were sects among the students, the keyboard warriors who are indifferent to the circumstances surrounding the educational system but are rather worried about their babes, school cruise and graduating.

But graduating Into what? A high number of graduates are unemployed. Even law graduates who are supposed to be more lucrative are doing Charge and Bail, what then do we say of someone studying Yoruba Education.

This proposed partnership of lecturers and students in the front line of the attack against poor educational quality in Nigerian varsities is perhaps the deal breaker, even moreso when it’s done simultaneously across the country. The teacher and the student charging down the streets, decrying the devaluation of education. One can always hope, however, that we won’t end up on offside. We move together towards the goal.

by KG

Once a Zikite is not Always a Zikite

Sometimes late last week the Hall Management of Ransome Kuti Hall released a circular proscribing “indecent, offensive and grossly improper hairstyles among students of the hall”. The reactions that trailed this regulation ranged from snide remarks like, it can never be my hall, to deeper contemplation of the propriety of the rule with questions as, should the hairstyles of students be the business of the hall management? In any case, the Kuti hall rule on hairstyle tells us one thing, the hall management, and broader, the school management can prescribe rules regulating students’ conduct.

Maybe Zik Hall’s Management will not ask you to skin your head or clampdown on hairstyles but it is prudent to remember that even in Zik hall rules obtain with attached penalties that will force you to rethink the worth of perpetrating certain thoughtless acts. According to the University of Ibadan’s Ethics Governing Halls of Residence certain proscribed acts are identified like; fighting, indecent dressing, littering of premises, buying and selling of bed spaces, operating business in the room, playing loud music constituting nuisance, cooking in the room, smoking, substance use, drinking alcohol, illegally tampering with electrical fittings, even sleeping in the reading rooms among others.

These acts attract punishments from mild ones like reprimands to serious sanctions like eviction and expulsion. And if you doubt the existence of these rules I’d remind you of a time when you were completing your hall registration as a fresher. When you were given a copy of the ethics book and you had to sign a tenancy agreement form which you submitted to the porters. Like the word of God, it can stand against you in the day of SDC.

Consider an alarming situation where a Zikite confronts a trader within Zik hall on a disagreement relating to fake money or what not. The argument gets heated, the Zikite is provoked and in the heat of the moment loses control. Before you say baba Azikiwe he picks up a machete, brandishes it and threatens to use it on the trader. Fortunately, he is restrained. When he comes to himself he begins to prostrate and beg, giving the wanting excuse that his eyes were clouded at the time. Perhaps he is pardoned, seriously reprimanded and the case is closed. But what happens in an alternate reality?

What if this Zikite had, in a fit of blind rage, used the machete and inflicted grievous bodily harm on the trader? Now he has a corpse on his hands, the witness against him is overwhelming, he is whisked away, not to Abefele’s station but to the grim ambience of a real Nigerian police station he only hears about in the news. He is charged with murder, his parents broken and inconsolable, his future dashed. He can forget worrying about classes, assignments, a degree, hustling, sapa, shege, breakfast and other fiddling worries of the average student and only look forward to a life behind bars.

And this can be you! But before you pray God forbid or mentally dismiss the possibility, know that matters can escalate quickly and emotions can run amok. So, remember the rules; one recklessness, one outburst, one fit of anger can end your studentship and drastically alter your life’s trajectory. Once a Zikite is not always a Zikite!   

All correspondence should be addressed to the office of the editor @ 08135476779

Tutorials Will Not Make You Pass Your Exams — Fadaca

“It is not what you learn in tutorials that will actually make you pass your exams.” The hall secretary of Zik hall, Hon. Fabiyi Oluwadamilare aka Fadaca said this on Saturday 27th of November 2022 in an interview with ZHPO.

In a chat with the press to discuss the development and programs of the academic committee, the hall secretary talked about why there is a delay in the commencement of the annual zik hall tutorial program which takes place every semester.

In his words, “most times freshers need more guidance than tutorials, it is not what you learn in the tutorial that will make you pass your exams, that is the truth of the matter, so we don’t want to just jump into the photo hub, posting graphics that we are doing tutorials and at the end of the day, it will not have effects on Zikites. So we want to know what these people’s problems are rather than just saying let’s organize tutorials. You know in tutorials there are no follow-ups, you just come to do what you can do, and it is not possible to teach them everything in one hour”.

When quizzed about the lateness of the program, he had this to say, “we know we are actually behind schedule due to some logistic reasons, but the truth is still that just jumping into tutorials directly might not solve a lot of problems because when I was in 100 level I did tutorials, and I know that, it was what I read myself that made me pass the exams. So it is true that we are actually behind that is why we want to make sure we move them to their respective group this night, we have past questions ready, and slide websites and we will share them with the links today”.

The Zik hall tutorial has been a regular program that takes place every semester to prepare students for their academic activities and it has helped many students in coping and preparing for the rigorous academic activities of the citadel of learning.

by Sailor

Zik Hall Academic Committee Begins Direct Mentorship Programme

The Nnamdi Azikwe Hall Academic committee on Saturday 27th November 2022 began its direct mentorship programme for freshmen in the new academic session.

The mentorship program will bring freshers in the same faculty together with selected mentors who will guide them on what they need to know, where and how to go about things, in order to be successful in their academics. These mentors will guide and organize tutorials and any other necessary help that will be needed to carter for the students.

In a chat with the Hall Secretary, Hon. Fabiyi Oluwadamilare, had elaborated on the programme, “basically, we just felt like let’s create a community, this WhatsApp new feature that has community, so when we take community, we did CBNites; faculty of science, technology and all medical students in one group, for social science and Arts in separate groups. Reñewable Natural Resources and Agric separate and Law separate and Economics separate. What we did is that we have three mentors; people on first class from this different faculties, at least three at the moment. We have not started adding freshers to this group at the moment. We want to get enough numbers because right now we have only 59 but we are trying to get up to 100 students and share them into groups on the platform”.

It must be noted that Zik hall has been known over the years for her academic excellence, as many of its students have been seen with evidence to perform well in their various academic activities.

by Sailor

[ART] ANGER, the enemy we love

Sometimes emotions burn up in rage, bones crack out the voice of hell.

The rush to that hot crevice from hell as the flapping of leaves never stop.

Thoughts of evil pop up in a flash, brawl evolve as the devil serve as the referee.

The mind kept the evil burning, the oracles of death of our fellow man. We drag

ourselves off the thorny path despite the cleansing action of conscience. The

conscience has gone far from its touch as evil keep sprouting out, its dimension is

from Mars. The burning emotions push us to the midst of the sharks and the deep blue

sea.

Our skin shiver kabillion times, the reflexes kept rolling.

The eyes turn bitter, the legs turn hardy, the body experience

its own war. An external war from hell as the furnace turns us

to the villain of ourselves. Humanity weed away as seed of hatred

is about to be planted. Sounds of horror kept its motion, the speed

is not from earth. Men have turned ghost because of you, sisters turned

up the death mode as their brothers have used your manual. You kept

enmity on the hill top as every man look up to you from below. You stand

as the snake on the rod, you deceive man by telling him the negation of

wisdom and smartness.

Humanity should joy in forgiveness,

Let the cool breeze of love fill us up to

the brim, a factor on the long run from most men.

Love is a peace agonist, he is ready to make

unity our friend. Live in the gladness of forgiveness,

don’t let death prove out your emotions.

Life goes a long way as nobody knows tomorrow.

Peace be unto our souls.

                                                                                                                by Thunder Balogun

The World Cup: Highlights So Far

The world has been in constant resonance with the ongoing FIFA world cup. Some countries have gotten into a state of shock as they were surprised by the match results so far. The host(Qatar) got whooped in their first two matches. Enner Valencia, an Ecuador striker terrorize the defense of the host as they couldn’t put up with his strength and swiftness, scoring a brace in one of the fixtures. He is currently the player with the highest number of goals at the moment alongside Kylian Mbappe with 3 goals.

The chess game between Ronaldo and Messi continued as both  scored goals in their first matches. Messi couldn’t prove his magic to seal the game for Argentina against Saudi Arabia increasing the disappointment of his fans and providing banter content for his rival’s fans. The coach of the Saudi Arabian team, Harve Renard, was seen motivating his players in the dressing room at halftime. At this point, they were one goal down, he said “Messi at the middle of the pitch, he has the ball, you stay in front of the defense, you don’t know how to mark him in the middle?” The French coach continued by saying “you have nobody, you have to follow him”. This seems to light up the winning spirit in the players as they secured a 2 goal to 1 win over Argentina.

Meanwhile, Portugal pulled a victory in their first game against the Black stars. Ronaldo scored a penalty after he was fouled in the box by a defender of the opposition team. He played some integral roles in the match which earned him the man of the match award, although popular opinion swayed towards Bruno Fernandes for the recognition.

The match was a bit tough for Portugal as some Ghanaian players gave the Portuguese defense hard nuts to crack, and players such as Kudus, a Ghanian forward, troubled the Portugese defense line. Lamptey also showed his mind-blowing skills on the pitch. The score ended 3-2 in favour of Portugal.

In latter fixtures, Messi and his teammates transferred their aggression against Mexico after Saudi Arabia thrashed them. They beat Mexico by two goals to nil with Messi finding his mojo again. E. Fernandez scored the second goal.

The Belgium side, however, suffered at the hands of Morroco after they won their first match against Canada unconvincingly. France has also been winning their games in this tournament so far, beating Australia 4 goals to 1 and Denmark 2 goals to 1. Kylian Mbappe scored in both matches which automatically put him in the golden boot race with Enner Valencia, the Ecuadorian striker.

 Richarlison’s goals against Serbia were magic arts. Serbia suffered in his hands as he scored a brace with one of the goals scored as a volley. Brazil won two goals to nill.

With the heated rivalry between Ronlado and Messi seemingly intensified by their world cup performances, this will probably be a decisive period in the decade-long debate. A world cup checkmate might settle the GOAT debate once and for all.

by Thunder Balogun

Taming the Lion of Aro – a Tale of Sabre-Toothed Zikites anda Peek into the Arosim Policy

By Adebowale Akinjide

An ancient Yoruba adage says; “words are like eggs, when it falls and breaks on the ground, they cannot be packed up again”. During the UCJ UI 33^rd induction ceremony, a well-renowned investigative journalist, who was himself a UIte as an undergraduate, Fisayo Soyombo, asked the question of whether Aroism in Zik Hall had been stopped. One could see the loath that was livid on his face as he asked the question. His facial posture was laced with contempt as his audience echoed: NOOOO! It could be deduced that his conception of Aroism is that of sexual harassment or verbal assault- Or, is it not?

Perhaps perspective can be drawn from a 2021 Zik Hall publication on aroism – the Aroism Policy. According to the document, Aroism can be simply described as the -ism connected to aro. It is the practice system for aro consisting of the beliefs, thoughts and norms associated with it. For better comprehension, the definition for aro as captured in the policy states; the popular name given to the practice of general jesting and satirical/humorous social commentary as practised across the Halls of Residence in the University of Ibadan. Aro is basically used as a tool for lightening the atmospheric mood for those who engage in it and those who (in certain circumstances) it may be directed at.

So, first, the policy establishes that aro is not exclusive to Zik hall alone. Afterall, Indy hall is a known practitioner as well. Also, while it is not often associated with them, halls of residence in the school area – Kuti, Tedder, Melanby, Bello – are known to engage in some form of aro once in a while. In fact, some may even point instances when even members of female halls, the supposed victims of aro, also do it. Nonetheless, the Baluba Kingdom conventionally champions the practice.

As you stare at this piece right now, you are either an Aroer (someone who does Aro) or an Aroee (a victim of Aro), or neither. Whichever of these you are, stay glued.

Aroism: Verbal assault?

Culling from the Aroism policy, aroism, against many misconceptions, is not Zikism. Aroism is not only done in Zik Hall. In the broader context of Nigerian tertiary institutions, aroism is a popular practice of the Obafemi Awolowo Hall of residence in OAU. So, aroism is just an aspect of Zikism. To stress the point, Zikism has a lot to do with chivalry. That is why you will find Zikites washing tanks in female halls or providing immense support in crisis occasions around the campus.

From the early cries of “ebi npa mi o!” (I am hungry) in the morning, to the “e mu’na lo o” (a sarcastic way of complaining about a power outage) in the evening, and the random guy that runs around screaming “iwe nle mi” (my books are purusing me) at 1 am, or  two Zikites picking on themselves sarcastically, to the calls, jests and passing of unprintable comments, on female folks, Zikites majorly see aro as a way of creating a fun atmosphere and an escapade from the strenuous activities of academics. But, should it be to the detriment of the Aroee?

Custodians and protectors of societal norms

The Aroism policy also states that “Aro may involve the objective criticism of the passerby in terms of extremely immoral dressing. In this sense, aro is protective of societal value as an avenue to call out individuals contravening societal norms in an informal or jocund setting”

The obvious question this raises is, who made Zikites the custodian and protector of societal norms? This is one of the instances where the controversy in Aroism gets heated. Moreover, the argument of keeping societal norsm seems to fall flat wen the extremisms of aroism become evident. This happens when Aroer-Zikites explicitly pass insults, sexist comments, and misogynistic calls at innocent passersby. Words are like permanent markers, they are easy to write or say, but hard to erase. A simple “you look good, sister” can lit up an Awoite’s entire day, the same way the shout of “ashawooo” can throw an Idiate into depression.

The Aroism policy explicitly refutes any form of bad Aroism and rather uplifts Aroism in its good use. However, the use of aro as a mercenary protector of morals is debatable. How then can the thin line between sexual harassment and moral preservation be drawn?

Regulating Aro: A Dilemma

ZHPO interviewed the Social Minister of Zik Hall, Azeez Malik, on the keeping the practice of aro in check against extremities, he said, “the line has been drawn already. Criticizing extremely immoral dressing is not compulsorily insulting or using offensive words on the passerby; there are more intelligent ways to go about this so-called criticism without getting on the subject’s nerves. It might even be in form of irony, like, aunty, I like your gown, it’s revealing You don’t have to be outright. That’s why aro runs deeply with a sense of humor”

On this note, then, will the executives saddle themselves with the responsibility of teaching Zikites GES 101: the art of employing figures of speech in Aroism? To this, the Social Minister replied, “it’s a matter of time before aro returns to its normal shape. We have been working on it, the Aroism policy soft copy has been distributed. Constant discussions about it have been held. We’ve indulged ourselves to spearhead most aro practice so Zikites can learn from us”

On the issue of how to best regulate the practice of Aroism in the hall, the Information and Propaganda Minister, Adeniji Uthman (Yamburger) was interviewed on what is being done to inform Zikites against this hurtful act, “the only way I think is better is to keep informing people and in informing them, you state the misconception and the clarification. The Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall publicity team is working on how to solve this problem”, he said.

The Attorney General of the Hall, Emmanuel Otumala, expounds on the punishment that will be meted out on defaulters of the Aroism policy. According to him, “a reported violation of the Aroism policy would result in the accused Zikite being called in and interrogated. After which the ethics and litigation committee will investigate the issue. Punishment could range from a strong reprimand to the prosecution of the accused person by the Attorney general before the Judicial Council of the Hall where a dispute between the parties cannot be resolved amicably”

Aroism and the Tales of Eves

Dearest reader, there’s nothing that says you’re home at Nnamdi Azikwe Hall better than the sound of loud jeers, jibes and the reverberations from constant contact with the railings. Zikites in all of their glory, wind down from a day’s worth of work by indulging in the lightness and fun of Aro. You’d hear Aro talked about as jests and funny commentary aimed at lightening the atmospheric mood.

Aro means different things to different people. “The Aroer and the Aroee are usually friends and most times are just playing with each other” said one Zikite. Another vehemently stood on the grounds of brotherhood and oneness, saying “Aro is just a means for us brothers to have some brotherly fun.” To therefore think otherwise would be to spoil the fun between brothers and for a hall that prides itself on that front — brotherhood, you don’t want to cause problems between family.

However, to other parties, Aroism just might not hold the same zeal. The light and cheerful banter of the great and ever conscious residents of blocks A, B, C, and D have often been the cause of some ruckus between Baluba and other kingdoms.

For context, the tired sounding voice of one passerby said “I just want to go back to my room and sleep after a long day of classes. I don’t need any of this.” He complained about how he thought it was unnecessary and in his opinion a waste of time and energy. 

While this might be laughed off as someone who doesn’t appreciate the fine arts of jest, there is another party that often has strong opinions of Aro. The tales of Eves speak volumes of just what Aro is to them and I’m not sure whether or not it surprises you dear reader but most of those tales would neither refer to Aro as fun or friendly.

It took some doing to water down some of the terms females used in describing Aro. I was mighty surprised by the use of strong language by some of these ladies. According to one, “It’s just so infuriating and I can’t think of other words to describe how I feel about it.” This was after severally referring to the practice as “cow dung”. A good number of responses though, had common words like ignorant, insulting, derogatory and unnecessary. “You guys say Aro is just bants and play, but talking about my body like you have a right to is definitely not a joke” a very pissed Idiate complained.

According to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall’s Aroism policy — yes, such a thing exists — Aro could simply be “an individual shouting funny cliché lines directed at no one in particular or a group of friends directing banter at each other in public for entertainment purposes.” Does this then mean that a group of conscious zikites shouting from their respective floors to very particular sets of people passing through the hall isn’t Aro?

Another very interesting part of the Policy states “the aroer may make comments about how nice and comely a lady’s dressing is, complement her gestures and good looks (excluding sexual connotations or anything akin to catcalling).” An Awoite said “They kept shouting I had yams for legs and that I was the ugliest one amongst my two friends.” According to another, “A lot of derogatory remarks were made but the one that stuck was someone saying I was slept with because of a plate of rice”

Dearest reader, it begs the question, “Is this Aro?” Do you think an assessment of this being some form of harassment is accurate? Or do you think this is a bit extreme? “I feel like this is harassment and abuse. It’s sexual harassment and verbal abuse at the same time” complained an “aroee” she went on to say “People just think it’s fun to say stuff to others without even thinking of how it can affect them. Boys need to start showing a little kindness.” Another report said “Most of these guys can’t even say these things to me face to face, they keep hiding behind their numbers”.

Aroism has been a controversial topic for the longest time. Several people have shared their opinions, thoughts and idea about this ideology but it just seems no one has a clear definition of what Aro is and what it Isn’t. What is light banter for one group is regarded as sexist and derogatory for another. While many say that the juxtaposition between the views is solely based on individual countenance, most times the effects of aro especially on the female populace is negative.

Several ladies spoke of having to go through longer routes to get to classes or get back to their rooms to avoid going through the hall. Some expressed a fear of passing the hall alone and often have to walk in numbers to feel safe. Others talked about their inability to visit the rooms of their friends, colleagues and even partners because of their experiences.

“Aro is an easy means to catch fun or get entertained for both the aroer and aroee” is listed as one of the relevance of Aro. From my findings, dearest reader, it is safe to say that most aroees neither catch fun nor get entertained and that this relevance might only apply to the aroers.

This same policy states that residents of the hall mustn’t make sexual remarks and shouldn’t cause discomfort to anyone, adding that breakers of this rule be reported to the hall executives. How many people can be reported by one person? With heads bent down and feet shuffling to get out of the hall quickly, does one have the time or consciousness to pick out faces or room numbers? “If a guy is going to compliment me, he should walk up to me and say it. Screaming about the size of my behind from two stories up just doesn’t cut it.” reported a passerby.

Dearest reader, just like I’ve done throughout this, I’d leave you with the words of an aroee “I honestly just want to be left alone”

The PA

Benzema, Kante, James, and Other Top Players that Will Miss the World Cup In Qatar

Several players had got their hopes of going to the world cup in Qatar very high as they were producing clutch performances and had their spot in Qatar all but booked, unfortunately, these players will not be going to Qatar.

With the world cup now underway, we take a look at 10 top players who will miss this year’s edition in Qatar.

10. Marco Reus (GERMANY)

Marco Reus has been ruled out of yet another world cup with an aggravated ankle injury. Reus also missed part of the world cup in 2014 when Germany won the title and the Dortmund player also could not feature in the 2018 edition in Russia.

9. Diogo Jota (PORTUGAL)

The forward will miss the tournament due to a calf injury he sustained against Manchester City earlier in the campaign.

8. Timo Werner (GERMANY)

RB Leipzig’s forward, Timo Werner, is on the injury list due to a damaged ankle he sustained during the team’s Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk last month and will miss the rest of 2022.

7. Christopher Nkuku (FRANCE)

The forward sustained a knee injury during team training last week and he has been confirmed to be out of the world cup. The highly sort-after striker will now miss the chance to make his first appearance at the world cup.

6. Ben Chilwell (ENGLAND)

Ben Chilwell suffered an harmstring injury during Chelsea’s victory over Italian outfit Ac Milan in the Champions league. The English left-back is also out of the world cup.

5. N’golo Kante (FRANCE)

Kante has been dealing with an ankle injury for some time now and he had surgery on the ankle a few weeks back automatically ruling him out of the world cup.

4. Sadio Mane (SENEGAL)

Though Mane is not completely out of the world cup, the Senegal international is set to miss the opening stages of the competition and will only probably be available for the latter stages of the competition.

3. Paul Pogba (FRANCE)

Pogba had to have knee surgery in September to repair a damaged meniscus and it has since been confirmed that the 2018 world cup champion won’t be able to make his recovery in time for the world cup.

2. Reece James (ENGLAND)

Despite reassurances from James’ camp that the player will be available for the knock-out stages of the competition, England manager, Gareth Southgate felt it unnecessary to give the right-back a call-up, therefore James will miss the world cup.

1. Karim Benzema (FRANCE)

The latest surprise has been the Real Madrid striker and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema who just suffered an injury while training a day before the competition begins. France will now have to do without their talismanic forward.

With the world cup now underway, all fingers are crossed as we await the thrills, excitement, and fun this tournament has in store and if the absence of the players mentioned above would have any impact whatsoever on the tournament.

the_celestial