“Mummy,” said Victoria, “it was actually nobody’s fault. Paul and Ire were playing with their toys when Ire suddenly got up and flung his toy train set against the wall. It broke into pieces at once, and before I could stop him, he ran to the wall, maybe to try get back the train.

The other week, a well-known international fast food chain was fined several thousands of pound sterling by British health authorities because, a cockroach was found during an inspection of its kitchen in London. I wonder how they would react if they were to come and inspect the kitchens of hotels and eateries in this country.

Dear Madam Helen, I felt so sad and sorry for our dear country after reading through your View-Point on ‘World Cup, weight loss and preparedness’. How I wish every Nigerian, especially those in the public offices and government, could read your expose. – Emeka in Enugu.’

Ah! Ah! I know what you are thinking. How dare she use that highly demonized name for our Lord and Saviour? You love the Lord, I love the Lord, and so do thousands of feminists who actually applied that cognomen to Jesus. What is feminism? It is the philosophy that men and women should have equal access to opportunities and resources.

Nigeria is one of the countries in the world where maternal and infant mortality are quite high. You don’t need the wisdom of Solomon to attribute this sad state of affairs to the zero healthcare provision that has been our lot in this country for so long.

It was alleged that all efforts made by the Police to ensure that the child survived failed as the baby later died. The Police image maker advised young girls against unwanted pregnancies and dumping of their babies in toilets or in uncompleted buildings after birth, and he described the action of the suspect as criminal. This advice was given as the poor mother was paraded before newsmen, and in an interview with newsmen, she regretted her action and begged for forgiveness.

The result is shoddy work being done for the government with no accountability whatsoever. Inferior materials are used, and the contractor cannot be called to order because palms have been greased. Some contractors get half or full payment even before they lift a finger.

‘Those who want to be voted for at the next elections should tell us how they will tackle the issue of security in the country. Nigerians should assert their rights and not just cast their votes in favour of anyone or any political party, based on the sentiment of tribalism or religion, or who bribed the most. We should be concerned about our security and ask these politicians what exactly they will do to ensure safety of lives and property in the country. Those who don’t have concrete agenda for this should not be voted for. Period. Funsho, Lagos.’

Madam, sorry I no come finish work on your car yesterday as I promise,” apologized this motor mechanic. “My wife born, and I dey run around plenty plenty.”

‘Hi Helen. Thanks for your write-up on abandoned projects. Nobody seems to care a hoot. All we’re concerned about is second term/tenure. Whatever happened to the textiles factories, steel rolling mills, fertilizer plants, newsprint manufacturing companies, etc. Nobody talks of uplifting the manufacturing sector to create employment and grow the economy.