Happy New Year!

Well, I guess the year is far gone for 'Welcome to 2019' But whatever season you are in, I welcome you to a new phase of life. Life is only what we make of it. we may have many plans but ultimately, it is the things we work on that will bear fruits. So don't be busy, be productive. sure the steam will run out in a few weeks or months time, but it is up to you to refuel your fire and keep the passion to achieve burning.

In January when I started writing this post, I wrote this paragraph to cover February 2019 elections in Nigeria: "We are entering a quintessential time in the history of Nigeria as we fall upon yet another 'June 12th' moment. Will democracy yield the best result for us as Nigerians? Will the vast Majority rally around a candidate that holds the most promise to cause a change in our current story? Everyone is asking, who do we vote? Will our votes count? In all these, I want to say, let's seek peace above all else. Don't lose your head or relationships because of political inclinations. Let's be of one mind on what we want and nothing will be impossible for us. Shun ethnic and religious bias in your decision process and vote according to your beliefs and conscience. Let's agree to disagree."

That aside, we are in March. and on March 3rd, the International Wildlife Day, we addressed a very important issue in our history as human beings. Below is an article I wrote for my Connect Nigeria travel column:  

International Wildlife Day

One beautiful part of tourism is taking time out from our world to have a peek at Nature. We long to see animals in their habitat and how they interact. It reminds us of how special the world is.

That is why on March 3rd 1973, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) took a stand on issues relating to protecting endangered species worldwide. They made their plans tangible on the 20^th of December 2013 when March 3^rd was declared as the International Wildlife Day. The aim was to raise awareness of the world’s animals and plants.

March 3^rd was the day of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered species (CITES) of Fauna and Flora before it became International Wildlife Day. It was the set aside in 1973 to make sure international trade does not threaten the survival of wildlife.

Since 2013, UNGA has given March 3rd themes to direct the focus of the celebration of wildlife. In 2015, the focus was on crimes against wildlife; 2016, it was the future of elephants in our hands. While in 2017, the focus was on enlisting the youths in the cause by encouraging them to take responsibility for environmental and wildlife conservation. Last year, the focus was on saving predatory big cats - like lion, leopards, tigers,  - which have become endangered worldwide.

This year, the focus is on Marine life. The theme for the International Wildlife Day 2019 is Life below water: for people and planet. Our coastal areas and its biodiversity have provided humanity with livelihood over the years, contributing to GDPs and enriching lives. There is so much our marine life can offer us. However, marine life is being threatened by humans. Threats range from bleaching of coral reefs and plastic/metals/faecal coliforms/industrial waste pollution to deforestation, urbanisation, poaching, etc.

In Nigeria, rather than be enthralled by or revere marine life, the appeal for the exotic has put many sea creatures on the menu. Also, the fear of the unknown has led to the death of many unique species. E.g. The West African Manatee killed in 2016 at Badagry by people lacking in knowledge on aquatic biodiversity. It’s only crime was being an unidentifiable sea creature. But that isn’t the only case. In 2014, there was a report of Nigerians killing an unidentified sea creature (which looked like a white Humpback whale) found at Eleko beach in Lagos state for food.

Other sea creatures that have been killed on Nigerians shores include a Dolphin, Stingray, Shark, Turtles and Tortoises, etc. Humpback Whales were killed In Ilaje and Ese-Odo, Ondo State and In Brass, Bayelsa For Food in July last year. In January this year, the video of an endangered species, Leatherback Turtle, found at Okpoama Beach in Bayelsa was posted on social media showing its maltreatment while being taunted with a cutlass. This poor attitude towards marine creatures is exactly why we need to get as many Nigerians educated on how to conserve marine life and the environment.

With tourism activities, such as deep sea diving and snorkelling, becoming a thing these days and beach cleanup by tour companies as a voluntourism, there is a growing awareness of protecting Marine life. Just last month, Doyinsola Ogunye, a lawyer and conservationist, rescued a pregnant Leatherback turtle at Elegushi beach, Ikate, Lagos from desperate area boys looking to make quick money from it or mince meal of it.

Hopefully, the celebration of the 2019 International Wildlife Day will help to create an increased awareness on the need to protect the biodiversity of marine life in Nigeria and come up with sustainable development plans for marine species. You can get involved by learning about different species of marine life, the challenges they face and how to help them. Then share what you’ve learned on social media using the following hashtags: #LifeBelowWater, #WWD2019, #MarineSpecies #DoOneThingToday #SDG14. Let us help to make Nigeria a safe haven for the numerous Wildlife within our Borders. Let us help to make Nigeria a safe haven for the numerous Wildlife within our Borders. 

This is a conversation that goes beyond a single day in a year. Our Zoos are lacking in variety of animals while we eat all kinds of animals as bush meat. This is a trend that must stop. If we are not helping to prevent their extinction by ensuring their numbers increase, then we should not be eating them. My heart broke as I read reports of Nigerians eating harmless creatures that balance our ecosystem. isn't it enough that their lives are under threat from global warming and all manners of pollution? It is a shame to have a Ministry for Environment or Minister of state for environment and yet have no documentation or statistics on the range of wildlife within our borders both on land and in the sea? We need to have aquatic museums where our children can visit and glimpse the life of animals under the sea and safe water activities and sports that help us Nigerians to have a healthy interaction with the creatures of the deep. 

We need to do better as a people. The world is changing, let's not become footprints in the sands washed away by the tides of time. 

7 TERRIBLE PEOPLE TO TRAVEL WITH OR MEET AT A RESORT AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM

Sometimes when we go on vacation (as seen in the picture above), we just want to be in a serene space, enjoy the scenery and feel like a million bucks. Note: This article is NOT about the people I've met during our family vacations. I guess you can say we've been lucky not to run into anyone that fits the categories below.

For some people, their vacations do not always go according to plan because there are always a set of persons who indirectly affect your pleasurable trip. Whether it is at your final destination or on your way there, these people are sure to mar your vacation experience. 

They are:

1. Unsupervised kids - I get it, parenting is hard and even parents need a break from their children on a vacay. But having screaming children stuck with you on a long ride from Calabar to Afi Mountain or running around the Omu resort unchecked is just awful. It is frustrating to other guests when it seems the parents are oblivious to the nuisance their children create for others. If you can; intervene. You can call the parent’s attention to it or engage/caution the children if they will listen.

2. Loud angry guests - Bad service is hard to ignore and some establishments lack a standard of excellence. This type of tourists expect a lot and would do anything to get what they paid for. Sometimes rather than take customer’s complaints as valid, some staff turn a deaf ear or clap back. If you can, step in and diffuse the situation by mediating. Harsh words can be cruel, so try not to reciprocate whatever negative energy or words being thrown around. Soft words turn away wrath. If an employee got berated, call them aside and encourage them with a positive affirmation.

3. Attention seekers - These want to show off their skills, other times, it’s just who they are. They could have a loud personality or maybe they are self-centred. It’s either they are acting up or they may be inappropriately dressed like wearing bralletes with bum shorts on a Rainforest Safari. There is no point giving in to their charade, just avoid them if you can. Get away from any vicinity where they are by taking a walk or fixing an excursion trip out of the resort. If you are stuck with them on a trip to your destination, just ignore them.

4. Excessive PDA Couple - some people have no problem being touchy-feely in public. But it can get uncomfortable for others around. A little external romance is okay, like holding hands, a light peck, those are nice. But being pressed to a corner smooching in the pool while others are swimming or on Tarkwa Bay beach when families with kids are also hanging out there is too much. If you notice it is making you and others uncomfortable and also think, “Get a Room”, best to let a staff at the resort call them to order. Otherwise, excuse yourself from that vicinity.

5. Space Hoarders - there is nothing more annoying than to get to any place like Epe Resort and see a bunch of unused chairs with items on it when there is no chair for you to sit on. You could politely ask the hoarders who are keeping seats if someone is using it. Sometimes, they may just be propping their bags on the chair when the chair is actually free. But other times, they may be keeping it for people who may not show up or use it. To avoid causing trouble, you can ask the resort staff for extra seats.

6. Quarrelling companions - These people may not necessarily be shouting at each other but the shade in their conversation can be distracting especially if you are within earshot from them. Other times, it is the passive aggression they exhibit that might affect the mood of everyone around them. The key is to avoid being anywhere they are. If they are next door to you and their verbal conflict is affecting your peace of mind, lodge a complaint at the front desk so a staff of the resort can tell them to keep the noise down.

7. The photo freaks - Taking pictures is cool, but having people push you aside just to take a picture isn’t. Photo freaks don’t care who they are inconveniencing as long as they get the shots they want. They may even be oblivious to you waiting for them to move out the way to take your picture. It is particularly annoying if you are in front of a monument/structure when this happens like Kajuru Castle. If they are using a tablet that is blocking your view, politely ask them to lower their hands, let them know they are in the way. In case that doesn’t work, ask the tour guide for alternate places with a better view. If they are using a selfie stick, find a different angle where they won’t show and snap your picture. But if they are in a prime stop and taking too long with their shots, let go and photobomb them.

If you ever find yourself becoming one of these terrible of tourists, stop and reconsider how it makes those around you feel. The whole point of identifying behaviours that can ruin other people’s vacation is to learn to be considerate of others. Strive to be someone whose company is enjoyable. 

Do you have a story to share about a nuisance encountered during any of your vacation? Do share…