Violence against women the globe over, is real, alive and thriving in all societies, though in varying degrees and intensity, depending on how enlightened the society is about human, and how much respect they have for their female folk.

It is comforting to note in these days when the slogan for many young people’s marriages seem to be ‘ Me & My Interests First’, a few of our young people are holding on to the principle of ‘hanging in there and together, making it work’.

Most of the responses we got with regards to the above-titled write-up were from young people. The few older people who wrote in were concerned about the unwanted pregnancies that each Valentine’s day is responsible for in the country. It seems that the more we embrace the celebration of this day, the more we have gullible young girls who believe that it’s actually a day to celebrate intimacy with their boyfriends.

I was pleasantly surprised that most of the readers who communicated with us, supported my view on the above write-up.

Understandably, more ladies reacted to this write-up than men. Many women and young ladies felt that the way we in the developing world ape our sisters in the western world is not in our best interest. Not only in what we eat and wear, but in our social lives and character.

“I’ve already told my boyfriend what present I would like for this year’s Valentine, and where I would like to be taken to,” said Miss A. “Last year he only gave me a card and couldn’t even take me out to an eatery. If he doesn’t give me something worthwhile this year, I’m going to leave him. It’s not as if he doesn’t work and earn good money. I like him but he’s so mean about presents and money. How can a man give his girlfriend only a card for Valentine’s day?”

We toil, and toil and toil! Then we hoard and hoard and hoard. What for? For the future.
For our old age. That’s the mind set of most human beings. We don’t know what the future holds for us, but we know what we want it to hold. That is, a life of ease and good health, particularly in our old age.

By Helen Ovbiagele, Woman Editor “Look Helen,” whispered a friend to me at her friend’s private school’s end of term and prize-giving day ceremony, “I can’t bear it anymore.

AS Mrs T opened the door to her living-room, five year-old Jack and six year old Mary rushed forward to bid her welcome; helping her with her handbag and briefcase. “Thank you, children. It’s nice to be home.

MADAM, madam,” cried a persistent voice as I was making my purchases in a market recently. I turned and couldn’t quite place the owner of the voice who was now grinning amiably at me. “Good morning,” I greeted cautiously, trying to recall the young man’s face.

WOMEN got much flak in some readers’ response to the write-up with the above title. They felt that women don’t take enough time to scrutinize the men they have a relationship with, but rather, they are dazzled by good looks, money and positions, and they rush into the relationship or marriage, only to discover that the man’s not all they thought him to be.

IT is said that ‘Health Is Wealth’. Any write-up on health issues always generates a lot of interest, especially in the developing world where we’re still trying to find our feet in health matters. Our article on the raised fees recently at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital raised the anger of quite a few readers against the government.

The best thing is for a couple to plan their wedding according to what they and their families can easily afford together

OLD age touches us all, for, if we’re not yet of that range, we have parents, grandparents, and relatives who are. So, old age should be of some concern to everyone. I was glad to receive a few responses from young people, among the many I got, understandably, from the middle-aged and the elderly.

UNTIL our government tackles health issues seriously, we cannot lay claims to being a developing country, because our health system has been steadily sliding since independence.‘Patients groan as UCH hikes fees’ is a pointer that our government is insensitive to the health needs and interests of the masses.