Ekurwe

29/03/2024

*METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA*

*DAILY REFLECTIONS*

WEDNESDAY, 27TH MARCH, 2024.

*THEME: FORSAKEN TO RECLAIM*

*PASSAGE: MARK 15:33-47*
³³Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
³⁴ And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
³⁵ Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!”
³⁶ Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”
³⁷ And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.
³⁸ Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
³⁹ So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”
⁴⁰ There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome,
⁴¹ who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb
⁴² Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath,
⁴³ Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
⁴⁴ Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time.
⁴⁵ So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.
⁴⁶ Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
⁴⁷ And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid.

*THEME: FORSAKEN TO RECLAIM*

*THE MESSAGE*
We have in our passage today, the death of our Lord, Jesus Christ which is the most solemn and important among men. With His death, the work of atonement for the sins of the world was accomplished; the ransom for sinners was fully paid and the Kingdom of Heaven was thrown fully open to all believers.

Jesus Christ was made a curse for us, and bore our sins. It was strikingly brought out in the words at the ninth hour "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

The agonies that some of God's holiest servants go through are so excruciating that it seems that God's favour has been withdrawn from them. In the same manner, God apparently forsook His only Son, Jesus Christ, when all the sins of all the world were laid upon His Head, and found Himself guilty like a criminal; though without sin. He felt His Father's countenance turned away from Him under the heavy pressure of a world's sin imputed to Him!

It should also be noted that God's love never fail even one feels forsaken of God for a time, and be loved by Him thereafter. We also know doubt this, when we know that God is merciful to those who repent of their sins. We know, too, that our Lord was only forsaken for a season, and that even when forsaken He was the beloved Son in whom His Father was well pleased (Matthew 3:17).

It benefits believers to learn from our Lord's experience not to give way to despair, or doubt. We should not to be contented with a sinful disposition, but to search our hearts, and live a sinless life. We should not be bitter against God or others, but say like Job, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15).

https://youtu.be/HdJ1L4ue9bc?si=WeDTJ_DxBXXWzuTi - tune for MHB 422.

*HYMN: MHB 422* (Irregular)
1 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine:
O what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God;
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

_This is my story, this is my song,_
_Praising my Saviour all the day long._

2 Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring fromabove
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

3 Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Saviour am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

*MEMORY VERSE:*
MARK 15: 34
"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabach-thani?" which means, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"

*PRAYER:*
God Almighty, forsake me not and help me to remain in you forever, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Congregational singingGrace Community Church - Sun Valley, CaliforniaText: F***y CrosbyBlessed assurance, Jesus is mine!O what a foretaste of glory divine!He...

29/03/2024

EKURWE: JUST FOR US

John 19:16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.

John 19:17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).

23/03/2024

*TAKE THINGS EASY, LIFE IS A JOURNEY*

23rd March, 2023

In the vast expanse of existence, where time unfurls,
Life's journey beckons, with its twists and twirls.
*Take things easy,* let not worry lead the way,
For life is a journey, let's savor each day.

Life is a battle, a constant strife,
But with courage and resilience, we conquer life.
Amidst the challenges, we find our strength,
In the face of adversity, we go to great lengths.

Each day a chapter, in the tale we weave,
The scale of its impact, we must believe.
For in the process of time, our story is told,
Leaving footprints of love, bravery and boldness.

Life is in faces, in the people we meet,
Each encounter, a moment sweet.
There's no permanent stage, no final act,
Just fleeting moments, that's a fact about Life.

Yet life is too precious, to dwell on the past,
Unpleasant memories, we leave them at last.
For in the canvas of life, we paint anew,
Bright hues of joy, shining through our path and imaginations.

Don't live by others' expectations, be true to yourself,
In the pursuit of happiness, find your wealth.
Life is a gift, a treasure to behold,
Not measured by years, but stories untold.

It's not how long you live, but how well,
In the heart's journey, let love swell.
Live each moment to the fullest, without fear,
Why regret being here? Humanity awaits your manifestation.

In the symphony of life, let laughter ring,
Embrace each moment, let your spirit sing.
For life is a journey, a path unknown,
*Take things easy,* and see everyday as an opportunity to spark a positive change on the stage of life.

*Don't Let That Problem Kill You*
*Treat It As Though It Never Exit*
*Time Has Answers To All Questions*

Copied

23/03/2024

“He received 39 stripes because 40 was known to kill a man. They wanted him alive. They held handfuls of his beard, and hair and pulled it out by the roots. They wanted him alive. They kicked, punched, and spit on him for hours. Until there wasn't a single spot on his body not covered in blood. They wanted him alive.

They shoved a crown of thorns down on his head so harshly it stuck in his skin. They wanted him alive. After hours of being beaten, mocked, whipped, flogged, and tortured they made him walk with a cross. They made him carry it. A rough piece of wood with splinters digging into fresh wounds. They wanted him alive.

They wanted him to feel every ounce of pain they could bring. He had to feel it in order to heal us. Crucifixion was historically one of the cruelest most tortured deaths a human could face. Hours upon hours of torture. Torture most of us can not mentally think of because the cruelty isn't normal. It isn't something our minds can comprehend. We celebrate Easter with pastel colors, happy children hunting eggs, and chocolate. Truth is there was absolutely nothing happy about the day Jesus died. It was cruel, bloody, and nasty.

He could have stopped all of it. He could have called every angel in heaven to demolish every person standing and shouting "Crucify Him!" He didn't. He knew in order to have a Sunday you have to have a Friday. He knew in order to have joy you have to carry your cross. He felt everything that day. He felt how your heart broke wide open when you had to watch your baby die. He felt how heavy your life was when you were staring down the barrel of a gun wondering if the man you called husband was going to shoot you. He carried the weight of the burden you have felt since your spouse died and life just doesn't seem right since.

On that cross he held the ra**st and murderers, the sinner and the saint. He leveled every playing field and said ALL of you are worth it. He knew he had to carry the cross. He never promised the cross you carry in this life would not be heavy. His wasn't. His promise is that Sunday is coming.

No matter how heavy Friday is. Financially, emotionally, mentally, or physically. Friday is heavy. That cross is weighing you down and you are about to crumble under its weight. His promise was simply this. He won't make you carry it alone. What kind of king would step down from his throne for this?

Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God did. For you.
He did every bit of it for you and me. Oh yes it is heavy. So heavy sometimes you do not think you can take one more step. But look up, because Sunday is coming.”

I do not know who wrote this, but it is POWERFUL!

23/03/2024

Bedrock City Entertainment
LADIES, HERE ARE THE FACTS YOU HAVE TO KNOW ABOUT MEN
1. Every male( including a little boy) has the instinct of detecting disrespect and dishonour from your words and actions towards them.

2. Men feed on honour and respect. They value it over food. Do all you like to a man but don't touch his respect and honour.

3. Men hate it when they're talking to you and you are talking back at him. He hates it when he is talking and you are walking away.

4. Men hate to be challenged by their wife. Challenging him is stirring up the beast in him. That is unprofitable for you, woman.

5. Men can do anything for their peace of mind, even it makes them look like a coward. When a man looses his peace at home, his life is about to relocate to another place to seek it with anyone who can give it to him.

6. When a man is complaining about a particular thing, he has reached his breaking points of endurance. Do your best to pay attention to that thing and find a way to help him.

7. When a man is talking to you, he needs you to be silent and pay attention to him by focusing on him. Your calmness can make him reduce the tone of his voice if he was shouting at you.

8. The silence of a woman scares a man naturally, he can do anything just to make sure he finds out what went wrong.

9. A man is never never too busy for the woman he loves.

10. What a man wants from his woman after every day activities is peace of mind. Keep the issues away from him till he has been refreshed with food and warm/cool bath.

11. Whenever a man gets a gift for his woman, it means he has thought about her deeply before doing so.

12. A man is not always far from his investment. He either carries it in his mind or he go with it anywhere he goes.

13. Men love sêx . Women love lo******ng.

14. Men shade the most honest tears after children since they rarely show emotions.

15. Every man you see has a baby side of them that yearn for deep pampering and petting....

Copied

19/03/2024

*Two Economies:*
There are basically two economies in the world and every nation on the face of the earth fall under either of them.

*These are:*

* *The Knowledge Economy*

* *The Religion Economy*

The rich and prosperous nations of the world *belong to the Knowledge Economy* while the the poorest and *poverty stricken nations of the world belong to the Religion Economy.*

The Knowledge Economy is one that engages the brain, asks relevant questions, and proffer solutions to problems.

*The Religion Economy* is one that blackmails God *and dumps every responsibilities on Him.*

*The Knowledge Economy tasks the brain, the Religion Economy numbs the brain.*

*Japan, for example, is a Knowledge Economy*. It has no natural resources but *it is a prosperous nation, one of the richest on the planet.*

*At least six of every ten cars on Nigeria's roads today are Japanese cars.*

Japan is not a religious country, *but it is one of the most corruption-free nations.*

China is not a religious country, *but nations that ignore China today do so to their own peril.*

Nigeria falls under *Religion Economy, everything depends on God.*

Nigeria is one of the most endowed nations with natural resources on the face of the earth, *yet also among the poorest.*

Nigeria wears proudly the badge of *the "poverty capital of the world"* and is one of *the most corrupt nations on the face of the earth.*

It is also one of the most religious countries on the planet.

*It is a nation where everything depends on God,* and God watches in disgust *as we mortgage our brains.*

*Even security agencies that are constitutionally funded from budgets look up to God to carry out their duties.*

*But here is the irony.*

*The two major religions of the world, Christianity and Islam,* emanated from *Israel and Saudi Arabia respectively.*

But none of those two nations fall under Religion Economy.

*None!*

*One of the evidences of their subscription to Knowledge Economy* is the yearly pilgrimages *that generate for them revenues in billions of dollars.*

But hypocritically stupid nations *like Nigeria are comfortable disseminating nuisance to humanity with their glamorization of the Religion Economy.*

People elected and empowered *to do a job will turn around and ask those who elected them to pray.*

God is disgusted with Religion Economy.

*There's a reason He gave man brain and instructed him to subdue the earth.*

If you're a Christian or a Muslim, *who does not commit himself to the pursuit of knowledge your life will become a perfect reflection of Nigeria.*

That's a fact!

*It is an illusion to anticipate wisdom* where people *do not pay attention to Knowledge.*

27/12/2023

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, REV. FR. DR. HYACINTH IORMEM ALIA, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF BENUE STATE, DURING THE HOMECOMING AND 70TH BIRTHDAY COLLOQUIUM/SYMPOSIUM IN HONOUR OF SEN. DR. GEORGE AKUME, CON, SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION (SGF), HELD AT THE MAIN AUDITORIUM, COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES, BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI, ON TUESDAY DECEMBER 26TH, 2023

PROTOCOL

My pride knows no bounds today as I join thousands of our people to welcome home a political colossus, a democratic patriarch, and a man whom upon the birthing of the fourth republic in Nigeria, laid the foundation for successive leadership in our state.

2.​ We are gathered here today not merely to acknowledge the passage of time, but to celebrate a leader—the state pillar of our great Party; a man who has over the years, risen steadily from being a political creation to a creator in our political landscape.

3.​ After very careful thoughts by my administration on how best to honour our leader Sen. Dr. George Akume, CON, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on his 70th birthday anniversary, we decided to put together this colloquium/symposium as part of activities to mark his homecoming. The aim is to also use the opportunity to foster discourse on good governance and national cohesion.

4.​ As a matter of fact, it is the determination of my administration that this colloquium/symposium becomes an annual ritual in honour of a man that is arguably the cradle of the Fourth Republic, as far as our enclave is concerned.

5.​ May I on behalf of all sons and daughters of Benue, use this platform to re-echo our profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for finding Sen. Dr George Akume, worthy of service to our fatherland, in the capacity of SGF.

6.​ We also thank Mr President for several other notable leadership positions which time will not permit me to outline, wherein various sons and daughters of Benue origin, have been appointed to contribute their quota towards national development. This is a clear demonstration that indeed, Benue is seriously being considered in the scheme of things.

7.​ I want to specially commend you Sen. Dr. George Akume, for ensuring that since the inception of the Fourth Republic, you not only develop a whole generation of persons who grow to become, in various respects leaders, but for also allowing that group of people to develop ideas to even contradict and controvert yours many times. And many times, you either gave in to those ideas, or simply walked away without truncating them, all for greater good.

8.​ While some may regard that as foolishness or a weakness, I personally regard it as the greatest virtue of a true democrat who is open-minded and flexible in the marketplace of ideas.

9.​ In Nigeria, only few individuals dedicate their political missions to the advancement of common good. Among these rare individuals stands the Retired Permanent Secretary, a two-term governor of Benue State, a three-term Senator of the Federal Republic, a former Honourable Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, and presently the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

10.​ For over two decades, Sen. Akume has exemplified, both in rhetoric and action, a steadfast commitment to Social Compassion and Welfare Advocacy. This political philosophy, deeply entrenched in the essence of well-being and a profound reverence for human dignity, has served as a guiding principle throughout his tenure in public service, from his days as Permanent Secretary through to date as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

11.​ His enduring commitment to these ideals underscores an uncompromising belief in politics that places the welfare and dignity of every individual at the forefront. It is this principled approach that shapes his legacy, marking him as a leader dedicated to the enhancement of our society.

12.​ For instance, within this short period of your current appointment which I consider to be very strategic, you have played a very pivotal role in the ratification of several federal projects/intervention programmes here in the State. For instance, the approval by Mr President for the establishment of the ‘Renewed Hope Shelter Programme’ pilot scheme in the state, aimed at relocating IDPs back to their various ancestral homes, was partly possible through your instrumentation.

13.​ This is not to mention several other intervention programmes ranging from provision of relief materials to flood victims in the state, to approval of funds for palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

14.​ With particular regards to palliatives, may I respectfully inform you that my administration decided to use some of the funds to cushion the effect through the procurement of 100 buses which have already been handed over to the State-owned Benue Links transport company, so as to ease the movement of people across the state at the most affordable rates possible. As I speak, Benue commuters are already all smiles, thanks to that transportation palliative.

15.​ More so, we have flagged off the distribution of grains and food items as additional palliatives, to households across the 276 council wards in the State.

16.​ Our esteemed leader, it may interest you to know that now that politicking is over, my administration has buckled up and begun work, with a view to bringing forth dividends of democracy to the people with whom we are bound by a social contract.

17.​ Apart from boosting agricultural activities across the state through the timely provision of fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates, we have also begun the construction of 16 strategic roads within Makurdi metropolis, with plans of extending same in due course to other parts of the state.

18.​ Furthermore, while ensuring prompt payment of workers’ and pensioners’ emoluments as at when due, we are also currently in talks with a number of companies and private organisations with a view to resuscitating all the moribund industries across the state, as well as building new ones to boost socio-economic growth.

19.​ The health sector is also a priorty as we have already engendered several reforms, appointments and rehabilitation/opening of some public health facilities/centres across the state, including the Muhammadu Buhari Mother and Child Hospital, amongst others. As I speak, our attention is being shifted to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, where radical reforms are already underway to deliver on our promise of provision of adequate and affordable healthcare services.

20.​ The “Light-up Makurdi” streets light project is ongoing. In addition, our administration in collaboration with Mircosoft, has already sponsored 10,000 youths who are undergoing ICT related training.

21.​ Furthermore, while we are focused on attracting new investments to the State, our administration is making case to be considered for 13 percent derivative given to states with mineral deposits from the Federation Account. By this, we are optimistic that again, you will use your good office to help drive the initiative.

22.​ In the area of security, collaborations with various security agencies and formations in the state have been epic, all geared towards ensuring lasting peace and tranquility. Various stakeholders as well as the civil society, have also been very cooperative in the business of peace and security.

23.​ The SGF Sir, we are doing so much already that time wouldn’t permit me to lay all out here for you to see. And so much still needs to be done which we are ready and equal to the task. Besides, that is the reason we signed up for this administrative journey.

24.​ Before I conclude, I want to unambiguously debunk the circulating rumours of discord between the SGF and myself. These speculations exist solely in the imaginative realm of opportunists, instigators of turmoil, and merchants of mischief who thrive on chaos. The said fracas is only a figment of the imagination crafted by those who seek to profit from crisis.

25.​ Meanwhile, for pockets of disenchanted members of our party here in the state, we are already in talks to address various areas of discontent. However, while we try to do so, we shall ensure that the will of the masses who voted us into office, prevails. This is because we are determined not to distort the organic relationship between the people and our government.

26.​ I therefore enjoin each and every one of us to dismiss such baseless notions and focus on the shared commitment to truth, unity, and progress that defines our collective journey.

27.​ As the Chief Host of this triumphant homecoming of our leader Sen. Dr Geoerge Akume, I heartily welcome you home on behalf of all Benue people; and we congratulate you as you turn 70.

28.​ We wish you a happy stay at home until your return to continue your good work with the top echelons.

29. Long live Sen. Dr George Akume!
Long live Benue State!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

21/12/2023

EKURWE: ON A PERSONAL NOTE

Ẹla ochiche ká, ịla á baang á ka yẹ́ agbùù juuhyi.

If Igede land were to be invaded politically through any corner by an external aggressor, would it be right of our political gladiators to sit back and follow certain unwritten protocol and feel not culpable?

Let us stop to celebrate the extreme sense of poor judgement often demonstrated on sensitive occasions. Publicity stunt is outdated and out of fashion.

18/12/2023

EKURWE: OPEN LETTER TO THE YOUTHS OF AN ANONYMOUS KINGDOM 10

TITLE: THE SUBJECTIVITY OF DISLIKE

When anything wey you no like kom turn to become a standard of wetin everyone go join you hate, then know that your pride don wear agbada. When people have skills in recruiting people to follow their insalubrious agenda sheepishly, then know that poverty has done its worst on the mind. That you hate a particular thing does not make it automatically wrong. DISLIKE, IN MOST CASES, IS SUBJECTIVE. Who made you a standard for good or bad? Those joining you to hate the people you hated may do so for lack or poverty. If these same people are gifted 5 million naira, most of them will begin to reason and find fault with your judgments. After the fall of man, the next thing that wreaked havoc on humanity was poverty. Poverty has the ability to format a person’s brain faster than the speed of light.

Funny still, some people have constituted themselves into a demigods, feel locally entitled, and are the arbiters of standards. People are judged and condemned based on their stand on an issue. The adherents of such self-appointed champions believe you are wrong because your perspective does not match theirs. They are standard bearers; anything short of their viewpoint is an error. The only reason why it is wrong is because it does not align with their conclusions or the position of their inherited gods. They could myopically set an agenda and feel everyone should buy into it. Like Fela Kuti said- you are just a local champion.

Know this and have peace, all the desperate gold diggers. The social proof effect is the tendency to conform to the actions or opinions of others in order to feel accepted or avoid social rejection. The importance of independent thinking and making decisions based on our values and beliefs, rather than blindly following another person, makes one mature. Chawowo anu kpehe-ogboomo!, continue to hate by delegation.

In the diverse tapestry of human opinions and preferences, it is natural for individuals to harbour dislikes or disagreements. However, a concerning mentality has emerged among some people, characterised by the tendency to demonise anything they don’t like, elevating personal preferences to the status of an unwavering standard. This mentality not only suffocates and contributes to a polarised and intolerant social landscape but is outmoded.

Dislikes are inherently subjective and shaped by a myriad of personal experiences, cultural influences, and individual values. What one person finds distasteful, another may cherish. Recognising the inherent subjectivity of preferences is crucial in fostering a society that embraces diversity and values open-mindedness.
The demonisation mentality takes root when individuals not only express their dislikes but also actively seek to vilify and delegitimise anything diverging from their personal preferences. This behaviour manifests across various spheres, including politics, culture, lifestyle choices, and even trivial matters like food or entertainment.

One hallmark of the demonisation mentality is the absolutism applied to personal dislikes. Rather than acknowledging the relativity of preferences, individuals may perceive their dislikes as absolute truths, dismissing alternative viewpoints and experiences.

People should endeavour to possess multiple layers of detail, pattern, or meaning in their thinking corners. Some individuals resort to sweeping generalisations and categorical condemnations instead of engaging in thoughtful analysis or attempting to understand different perspectives. The tendency to seek out information that confirms pre-existing beliefs plays a significant role in the demonisation mentality. Individuals may deliberately or maliciously avoid exposure to diverse opinions, reinforcing their negative views and further entrenching their stance. Individuals should be empowered to question their own beliefs, consider alternative viewpoints, and engage in nuanced discussions.

Embracing the richness of diverse opinions and experiences creates a foundation for a more inclusive and harmonious society. Open your mind when you hate a particular thing; who knows if the fault is from you, maybe, just maybe as a result of your local mentality or stinking over-bloated ego.

10-open letters, no more to go. Thanks for your time.

16/12/2023

Speak your language

15/12/2023

EKURWE: OPEN LETTER TO THE YOUTHS OF AN ANONYMOUS KINGDOM 09

TITLE: THE ONLY ARSENAL

The easiest thing on social media is to drop insulting comments under another person’s post when it contradicts your opinion. The most challenging thing is generating a full article that others will read. The hard reality is that most people who are discourteous and abusive are pathologically lazy writers. Selah!!!

Recently, the rise of social media has provided a platform for individuals to express their opinions and engage in meaningful conversations. However, a concerning trend has emerged, particularly among young people, where some individuals resort to abusive behaviour when confronted with differing opinions. This issue raises important questions about online discourse and the impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

For some, they are well known in the social media space, not because of the quality of their articles or opinions. Year in and year out, their only arsenal is nasty comments and insults on any personality that has contrary opinions to what they either know or believe. Year in and year out, you will hardly come across their 50-word article. Year in and year out, you will hardly see them complement a good write-up. They insult any person at will without critical evaluation of their choice of words.

How do we grow our literary prowess and robust discourse as a people when certain youths who are supposed to write original text for the world to read or do a rejoinder to an article they feel otherwise are only equipped with an abusive arsenal? Dey can insult-ttt, dey can write short comments and at times with unpolished delivery. God should forgive them and also help them.

It is essential to acknowledge that diversity of thought is fundamental to any healthy society. While social media offers a space for the exchange of ideas, it is disheartening to observe instances where disagreements escalate into abusive behaviour. This stifles constructive dialogue and creates an environment that is hostile and unwelcoming.

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of abusive behaviour on social media. The anonymity provided by online platforms can embolden individuals to express themselves without the usual social constraints, leading to a lack of accountability for their words.

Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction: communicating through screens may diminish the sense of accountability that comes with face-to-face interactions. Without the immediate, real-world consequences of hurting someone’s feelings or damaging relationships, individuals may be more inclined to resort to insults rather than engage in a more thoughtful discussion. Some young people may not have developed strong skills in conflict resolution or constructive argumentation. In the absence of effective tools for expressing disagreement, resorting to insults may seem quicker and more straightforward to assert their opinion, especially when emotions run high.

Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Exposure plays a crucial role, as young people need to be made aware of the potential consequences of abusive behaviour and the importance of fostering a respectful online community. Digital literacy programs can teach individuals to engage in constructive discussions, express their opinions without abuse, and critically evaluate information.

By fostering a culture of respect and open-mindedness, we can harness the potential of social media as a tool for meaningful dialogue and understanding rather than a platform for division and hostility. You become a social media influencer when you are known to possess high digital literacy, push out quality content and have respectful online communication. We have a duty to encourage critical thinking, foster a culture of open-mindedness and create a healthier online environment that values constructive dialogue over insults.

Change your arsenal and be decent for once so that all of us can breathe. Social illiteracy can be worked on; make it your end-of-year resolution.

10-open letters, 1 more to go.