Women
Women In Niger Delta Dev
Nothing comes so quick to my mind than the definition of development which means, “A human – created change to improved or unimproved real estate, including buildings or other structures, mining, dregding, filing, grading, paving, execavating and drilling.” The definition has it that development is human activities and actions that turn underdeveloped property into developed property. This unique dictionary did not attribute development to men alone, it simply says: human created change thereby envisaging that women, as part of human, are also capable of creating activities that could lead to development. Women emancipation in almost every sphere of life has greatly and positively affected the Niger Delta region in terms of development. A few and vibrant women organisations like Federated International of Women Lawyers, (FIDA), the National Women Commission (NWC), the Mothers Union, the Women Guide, the National women’s union which in 1953 metamorphosed into the federation of Nigeria Women’s Society (FNWS), the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, have made some impacts in the region. Niger Delta region comprises of the Rivers State, Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa State, Abia State, Imo State, Delta State, Edo State and Ondo State. The women from these states can effectively bring a different perspective into political, social, economical and religious development using their experiences as mothers. The current battle against kidnapping in the Niger Delta has made more impact ever since the women took the bull by the horn. In one of the television commentaries, a woman leader opined that these kidnappers and militants are “our sons; they are not ghosts”. Only the true mothers can approach their stubborn sons and arrest this ugly situation. It is rightly said that the way to a man’s heart is through the stomach. Our women by virtue of their domestic services to men have direct access to men’s hearts; a sensitised workshop against these social vices could mean that all the road constructions would be easily executed, it would also imply that our children, the leaders of tomorrow shall learn more and more in atmosphere of freedom, it also follows that our water ways and ports would harbour more ship. Stray bullets and accidental discharges from the rifles of the militants and police men would no more be the order of the day. Gender equality, if constitutionally envoked and politically accepted could bring the best in the women of Niger Delta towards achieving these developmental goals. I was of the view that the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua would appoint a woman as the Minister of Niger Delta:- the new ministry created by the President to ensure speedy development in the Niger Delta region the political sharing formula went as usual, men took the lion share. It is high time the women rise against these arbitrary political appointment. Do women’s rights in the Niger Delta exist only on papers? Little wonders why sojourner Truth, the former African – American slave woman said “…. I have ploughed and planted and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! … I have borne thirteen children and seen them most all sold off to slavery … that little man. In black dar, he says women can’t have as much right as man because Christ wasn’t a woman …” Sojourer Truth’s statement provides a poetic back drop to the voice of Niger Delta region based on fundamental rights and freedom, justice, equity and dignity for all. No struggle for development has ever been waged by men alone. Women of Niger Delta are hereby called upon to swell the ranks. The extent and nature of women’s involvement merit in these struggle have been determined by the needs arising out of particular history. No need to say that women have not been spared in the campaign against HIV/AIDS and polio. Almost all the eight first ladies of the Niger Delta region have invited Alhaja Turai Yar’Adua to end the fight against Polio and HIV/AIDS, the Deputy Governors wives and the wives of the chairmen of the local government areas are not left out. Infact, I doft my cap for the Niger Delta women, The FIDA located in the Niger Delta takes up cases on: Violation of women’s rights, rape, torture and other crimes against women free of charge, just like the market women protest against the importation of sub: standard food and inflation. What more is development? Development and growth are two twin sisters that can turn Niger Delta around. The Niger Delta women do not expect 100 per cent sharing formula in political appointments, etc No! They are only crying out that the rate of marginalization of women in the Niger Delta region should be checked, so as not to go back to the state of anarchy and chaos or to reinvite the Aba women riot of 1927. Niger Delta women have the magical wand to cement the diversity among political parties, ethnic groups, religious bodies, among others. Our President in considering political appointments should bear in mind that men, alone, like the proverbial left hard cannot package democratic parcel properly without the support of the right hand. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
IVY-K Fashion by Igiebor Daddy Lucky, a Nigerian-born designer now based in the UK, has launched the latest menswear line, Dapper Man.
One of the collection’s strengths is its classic, clean aesthetic. Dapper Man delivers sharp, structured suits in a timeless black and white color scheme that exudes a sense of luxury and professionalism. The use of high-quality fabrics like wool and silk ensures that the suits not only look high-end but also feel luxurious to the wearer. The designer’s focus on detail is evident in the meticulous tailoring, with fitted blazers and crisp trousers forming the foundation of the collection.
Where IVY-K Fashion shines is in the subtle yet elegant touches. The inclusion of beads as embellishments on lapels and cuffs adds a unique flair, blending traditional craft with modern tailoring. This nod to African heritage gives the collection a distinct identity, offering something more personal and culturally significant than your standard menswear line.
However, despite the elegance of the Dapper Man collection, there is a lingering sense of missed opportunity. The black-and-white color palette, while classic, feels overly safe. In a fashion landscape where bold colors and daring patterns often make the strongest impact, the collection could benefit from incorporating more vibrant hues or experimenting with unconventional fabrics. Pushing the envelope with color or texture could elevate these designs from simply elegant to truly memorable.
In addition, while the tailoring of the blazers and trousers is immaculate, the collection lacks a sense of playfulness or modern edge that many contemporary menswear lines are embracing. The suits are undoubtedly stylish, but the collection as a whole leans heavily on tradition. Experimenting with asymmetrical cuts, bold patterns, or even layering could add an exciting dimension to Dapper Man. The challenge is to maintain the sleek sophistication of the collection while infusing it with a fresh, innovative spirit.
Another area that could use improvement is the overall cohesion of the collection. While the suits are well-crafted, there is a feeling of repetition across the pieces. More variation in design, such as different lapel styles, pocket configurations, or even bolder accessories, would give the collection greater diversity and visual interest.
In conclusion, Dapper Man by Igiebor Daddy Lucky showcases the designer’s strong grasp of classic tailoring and elegant design, but to truly capture the attention of a broader audience, IVY-K Fashion would benefit from more daring choices. By infusing the collection with bold colors, unexpected textures, and a more modern edge, Dapper Man could move from a well-crafted line to a trendsetting force in men’s fashion. With such a solid foundation, there’s no doubt that Igiebor Daddy Lucky has the potential to lead his brand toward greater heights
The trend of indecent dressing all in the name of fashion is fast becoming a norm in our generation and society at large. Most married women embrace this fashion as competition with single ladies.
Different scholars have given an in depth insight about dressing as a tool of communication. Non-verbal communication has been asserted as the communication between people by the means of signs or symbols. It conveys what we wish to disseminate to the public as either intentionally or not.
According to Paul Ekman and Michael Argyle, communication is carried out through what has been classified as “Presentational Code”. He listed nine codes of non-verbal communication, as body contact, facial expression, gestures, postures, eye movement, proximity, orientation, head nods and appearance.
This, being stated, married and single ladies should understand that their mode of dressing is communicative be it directly or indirectly as such body parts we call “private” are now being made public because of the trends or wearing of transparent dresses and this in turn calls on the attention of men who are weak and prone to illicit thoughts thus, resulting to most rape cases in our society.
This indecent dressing by most ladies has denied many their future husbands. The truth is that a man is attracted to his kind; his desires in marriage. It is often asserted that decency and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder, yet, in trending times of this 21st century, dress code and fashion in nudity form is gaining popularity.
This has become complicated as most men tend to toggle between their emotions (lust) and sanity (rationality) in terms of marriage, thereby setting a wrong foundation upon which most marriages are consummated.
On the other hand, most married women have embraced the trend of indecent dressing nipping it on the state of it being the choice dressing, approved by their spouses, leaving society with the question of what “responsible” man would prefer that the secrecy of the benefit of his marital vow has become the centre of attraction and viewership by the general public.
Hence, communicating with their dressing gas given licence to every male gender who is interested or attracted to what they see to make unsolicited sexual passes at them, which might be considered embarrassing.
At this juncture, it is important to state that ladies should dress decently knowing that they are the epitome of nation-building, they are nation-builders, character moulders and pacesetters not just in the lives of their families but to the society at large.
In most occasions, there are no clear border lines between the married women and the single ladies because of the rate of scanty dressing which has close the gap of differences.
Women and girls should embrace this call awakening to decent mode of dressing. Dresses that are meant to be worn indoors should remain indoors.
It is worrisome to see ladies wear shorts that are supposed to be worn in the living room on the streets without shame. This is an awakening call to our ladies, married and singles that the opposite sex do not expose their private body parts for the public. Sometimes, the ladies go about in the streets without wearing brazziers as to showcase their nipples.
The society should be sanitised of the menace of indecent dressing that is lurking and taking over the entire nooks and crannies of the society and the nation at large.
Let it be known that he or she is addressed in the manner he or she is dressed. There may be no room for a second impression. To the single ladies, your dressing decently will not stop you from meeting your Mr Right rather, it will increase your stake and place you on the list of most valued women in the society.
Dressing speaks louder than words.
Kate Chisom Isiocha
Isiocha is an OND final year student of Temple Gate Polytechnic.
