Israel Adeleke

The animal kingdom is brimming with fascinating creatures, many of which remain obscure to the general public.

Today, we embark on an alphabetical adventure to uncover ten astonishing animals whose names begin with the letter ‘A’ and are relatively unknown.

1. Aardwolf

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Resembling a small striped hyena, the aardwolf is actually an insectivore, feasting primarily on termites. Found in the grasslands of Eastern and Southern Africa, this shy creature is nocturnal and lives in burrows.

2. Axolotl

Photo credit: Britannica

Often called the “Mexican Walking Fish,” the axolotl is not a fish but an amphibian. This unique creature has the extraordinary ability to regenerate limbs and is found exclusively in the lake complex of Xochimilco near Mexico City.

3. Aye-Aye

Photo credit: Wikipedia

A lemur native to Madagascar, the aye-aye is often considered an omen of bad luck by locals. With its large eyes, slender fingers, and nocturnal habits, it is one of the most unusual primates in the world.

4. Agouti

Photo credit: National Zoo

Agoutis are rodent species found in Central and South America. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem by dispersing seeds and have a distinctive method of sitting on their haunches to eat.

5. Armadillo Girdled Lizard

Photo credit: Reddit

This reptile from South Africa has a body that resembles an armadillo’s banded armor. When threatened, it rolls into a ball, protecting its soft underbelly.

6. Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Photo credit: PBS

One of the largest tortoises in the world, this gentle giant is native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. They can live for over a century, making them one of the longest-living animals.

7. Amazon River Dolphin

Photo credit: WWF

Also known as the pink dolphin due to its unique coloration, this freshwater dolphin inhabits the Amazon River. It is the largest species of river dolphin and has a very flexible neck.

8. African Clawed Frog

Photo credit: Colorado Wildlife – Substack

A species of aquatic frog native to sub-Saharan Africa, it is known for its claw-like structures on its hind feet. Interestingly, it was the first vertebrate to be cloned in the 1960s.

9. Alpine Ibex

Photo credit: Geeky Planet

Majestic mountain goats with impressive curved horns, Alpine ibexes are found in the European Alps. They are known for their incredible climbing abilities, often seen scaling near-vertical cliffs.

10. Amur Leopard

Photo credit: CGTN

The Amur leopard is one of the world’s most endangered big cats, with an estimated 60 individuals left in the wild. Native to the Russian Far East, it is adapted to cold, snowy environments and has a beautiful spotted coat.

These ten animals are just a glimpse into the vast diversity of life that starts with ‘A’.

Each plays a vital role in their respective ecosystems and showcases the incredible variety of adaptations and behaviors found in the animal kingdom.

FREEDOM TIMES says “Let’s cherish and protect these lesser-known A-listers of nature.”

Watch out for the B’s Animal Kingdom

Israel Adeleke

In a world where digital devices constantly bombard us with notifications, emails, and messages, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

The digital age has brought us closer together than ever before, yet it has also increased our levels of stress and distraction.

This is where the ancient practice of MINDFULNESS comes in, offering a haven of tranquility in the midst of our fast-paced lives.

So the question now is, What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the simple act of paying full attention to the present moment without judgment.

It’s about noticing the sensations in your body, the thoughts in your mind, and the emotions that flow through you.

By practicing mindfulness, we can learn to respond to life’s challenges with clarity and calmness, rather than reacting impulsively.

Oxford dictionary defines it as ​a mental state achieved by concentrating on the present moment, while calmly accepting the feelings and thoughts that come to you, used as a technique to help you relax.

What Are Some Benefits of Mindfulness

Research has shown that mindfulness can have profound benefits on both mental and physical health.

It can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve concentration, and even lower blood pressure.

In the workplace, mindfulness has been linked to increased productivity and creativity, as employees become more focused and less stressed.

Mindfulness, the practice of maintaining a non-judgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis, offers several benefits in the digital age:

Reduced Stress: Mindfulness helps lower stress levels by promoting a sense of calm and centeredness, which is especially valuable in our fast-paced, always-connected digital world.

Improved Focus and Productivity: By training the mind to focus on the present moment, mindfulness can enhance concentration and productivity, counteracting the distractions of digital multitasking.

Enhanced Well-being Regular: mindfulness practice is linked to increased overall well-being, providing a counterbalance to the often overwhelming nature of digital information overload.

Greater Self-Awareness: Mindfulness encourages self-awareness, which can lead to better self-regulation in the use of digital media and a more intentional approach to digital consumption.

Insight into Digital Habits: Mindfulness can foster enhanced insight into the adverse impacts of our behavior with respect to digital media, helping us recognize and modify potentially harmful patterns.

Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine doesn’t require hours of meditation.

It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before starting your car, savoring the taste of your morning coffee, or listening attentively to a friend without planning your response.

These small moments of awareness can add up to a more mindful and fulfilling life.

Mindfulness and Technology

Ironically, technology itself can be a tool for promoting mindfulness. There are numerous apps designed to guide users through meditation exercises or remind them to take mindful breaks throughout the day.

However, it’s important to use these tools wisely and not let them become another source of distraction.

In conclusion, as we navigate the complexities of the digital age, mindfulness offers a way to stay grounded and centered.

By making a conscious effort to be present, we can enjoy the benefits of technology without becoming enslaved by it.

In the end, mindfulness isn’t about escaping from the world; it’s about engaging with it more fully, one moment at a time.

… Farmers, Traders Bewailed Their Losses, Expressed Frustration Due To The Bad Roads

… Parishioner Opted For Worshipping In The Sanctuary Fortnightly

… “This Community Has Been In Darkness For Over 150 Years”

… One Community, Multiple Challenges

In the tranquil and steadfast community of ASHA, nestled along Oba Road within the boundaries of the Obafemi Owode local government area in Ogun State, the inhabitants have endured a formidable hardship for over a century and a half.

ISRAEL ADELEKE writes on the ordeal, agony, distress, and fortitude of the community that confronts the ruinous effects of poor roads and the persistent absence of other infrastructural amenities.

On a sunny Sunday Afternoon, this reporter embarked on a journey to Asha, an agrarian village which had been in existence for over 150 years.

The mission was to unravel the challenges faced by the residents due to the bad roads that lead to the community and the desperate need for better infrastructure.

The journey, however, was far from an easy ride as the road that connects the community to Abeokuta was a death trap.

Determined to see things for himself, this reporter had to make a decision to trek from Gbokoniyi Ojere road, a settlement a few kilometers away from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY).

The journey on foot was no minor feat, taking several hours under the scorching sun to traverse the roads that spanned between Gbokoniyi Ojere road and Asha community which is several kilometers from Alagada Town.

On the way, this reporter witnessed the appalling condition of the roads, which were riddled with potholes, cracks, uneven surfaces, and obstructions due to the lack of drainage from Olorunsogo, a community that is several kilometers away from Asha community.

The road to the community, Oba Road (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)

The state of the roads poses a peril to motorists, passengers, and other road users, augmenting the likelihood of mishaps and vehicular damage.

OBA road that lead to the community (Photo credit: Israel Adeleke)

However, as this reporter eventually got to the community, the residents welcomed him with open arms, sharing their stories of the hardship they faced.

The Residents spoke of the urgent need for a deplorable road that would connect them to neighboring areas, making it easier to access essential services, transport their agricultural produce, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Mr. Kolamatanmi Adio, who was born and brought up in ASHA village, narrated how the road had caused several accidents, especially an incident of a boy who was living in the community.

Mr. Kolamatanmi Adio ( photo credit: Israel Adeleke).

Mr Adio, who had resided for years in the village explained that a boy named Ayo suffered an accident on his way back home along Olorunsogo road.

He explained that Ayo perceived a truck advancing towards the vicinity of the community from MAPOLY road, so he opted to hitch-hike.

Adio recounted that when the truck reached the Olorunsogo area, the driver, who was oblivious to the fact that a stranger had boarded the vehicle, attempted to manoeuvre the potholes but ultimately met with a mishap in which Ayo was decapitated by the sharp edges of the truck.

He stressed “Numerous incidents of that nature had occurred, that rendered many people disabled.”

He however, asserted that the community and other neighboring communities had collaborated to fill the potholes countless times but all their efforts were eroded any time it rains.

He ascertained that the state government and the local government attention had been called to the road but none had keen ear to their plight.

… Farmers, Traders Bewailed Their Losses, Expressed Frustration Due To The Bad Roads. 

In a frank and emotional conversation with FREEDOM TIMES, the merchants affected by this calamity did not conceal their discontent, venting their fury towards the dilapidated roads.

They narrated how they had lost their farm products, purchased goods on the roads on countless occasions.

The tears, pain, and pleas of the traders serve as a poignant reminder of the dire consequences of governmental neglect.

Mr. Lasisi Kasali, a long-time farmer in the community, described how challenging it has been to transport his agricultural products to the market outside the community.

Mr Lasisi Kasali (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)

He said “I distribute my merchandise in the rural area and occasionally to the marketplace outside our locality, but this dilapidated road is hampering my commerce, as I cannot convey my goods effortlessly from here to the market in the urban center.”

“I have to incur exorbitant fees on my agricultural produce before the motorcycle courier transports them for me to the market. Often, my goods have fallen off the vehicle and become damaged, and I have to discard them because customers will not purchase them.”

“The poor condition of the road that connects our community to the rest of the city has caused us many losses, as the craters are too deep and numerous, especially during the rainy season, when the road becomes impassable, and many of our products are submerged in the muddy water on the road.”

Mr Kasali, however, appealed to the government to help them pave the roads so that they can be alleviated of the suffering and loss of their goods.

Reiterating his sentiments, Mr. Edwin Ogo, who relocated from Benue state to cultivate crops at ASHA Town, lamented that on numerous occasions he encountered difficulties in transporting his farm products to the market, as he would be stranded for hours before he could find any motorcycle to assist him, and he would pay twice the normal fee because of the poor road conditions.

Mr. Edwin Ogo (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)

He added “In spite of the exorbitant costs incurred from the transportation fare, we do not impose an additional charge on our goods, we offer them at a reasonable rate.”

“Whenever it is the rainy season, the car drivers shun our community because of the terrible roads. We have no alternative but to wait for hours until we see any by chance.”

Similarly, Mrs. Jumoke Matanmi, a provision seller, described her plight on the road. She lamented how horrible it is to transport her goods from the city to her home.

Mrs. Jumoke Matanmi (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)

She said, “When I visit the market to purchase my merchandise, the transportation expenses will have consumed almost all the earnings on my products. Especially when I want to ride a motorcycle, they will refuse to transport me with my cargo because of the poor road conditions. I will have to arrange for another motorcycle that will carry my goods and another that will carry me.”

She declared that despite all this, she still sells her goods at standard prices, that if she charges an extra fee to it, some people will assert they prefer to go to the city to acquire the goods rather than purchasing it at the price she wants to sell it.

She stated that because of all these, they always ensured they were at least two or more whenever they wanted to go to the market to procure their goods, and the rationale for this was that the transport fare could be divided and advantageous.

She observed that on numerous occasions they had tumbled from motorcycles when they encountered the craters on the road.

She asserted that not only the women, but also their children had plummeted from motorcycles repeatedly, returning home to alter their uniforms or skipping the day’s lesson, all because of this atrocious road.

Mrs. Matanmi, however, implored the government to assist them and mend the road, which is the Oba road that connects MAPOLY to Alagada Community.

…Parishioner Opted For Worshipping In The Sanctuary Fortnightly

During a candid conversation with a pastor who presides over a parish in the community, Mr. Ayoola Kehinde, narrated how he has been losing his congregants due to the deplorable condition of the road.

Mr Ayoola Kehinde (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)

He said “My members express their dissatisfaction many times because of the roads. They say the poor road damages their car, and they choose to come every 15 days because of the roads. Many also complained that the motorcyclists charge them exorbitantly, so they have to reschedule their attendance to church.”

The road has resulted in the church losing many members, however the pastor ascertained “I am confident that when the road is restored the members will return.”

The road from Alagada that lead to Asha community (Photo credit: Israel Adeleke)

… “This Community Has Been In Darkness For Over 150 Years”

Electricity, a modern convenience, remained an elusive dream for the people of Asha.The lack of power cast the village into darkness every night, hindering not only daily life but also the community’s economic activities and access to information.

Since it has been found, for over 150 years, Asha has been in darkness, the Baale of the village, Mr Taiwo Odebiyi said.

Mr. Taiwo Odebiyi (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)

He elucidated that they had attempted various methods to obtain electricity, such as petitioning the state and local authorities, but to no avail.

He further elucidated that, in order to endure this calamity, they resorted to utilizing solar panels to generate electricity for their house, and if anyone had to venture out in the dark, they carried a torch on their phone.

Confirming the Baale’s remarks, Mr. Monsuru Lasisi, a descendant of a house owner in Asha community, lamented that since he was born in the community and grew up to work in Lagos State, he has never witnessed electricity in the community.

Mr. Monsuru Lasisi (Photo credit: Israel Adeleke)

He stated that he would be turning 42 years old this December and he had never witnessed electricity in the community.

He elucidated that there was no cable anywhere in the community and they had lived in the darkness until they utilized solar panels to produce light.

… One Community, Multiple Challenges

Apart from the poor road and electricity, the community lacks access to clean water, and there is no hospital in their vicinity.

The Residents informed this reporter that their only source of getting water was from the river as there was no feasible means to acquire water in that area.

The river water the residents drink (photo credit: Israel Adeleke)The Baale explained ” We drink river water, because we don’t have a single well or borehole in our community, and we had complained many times to the local government chairman, but they didn’t do anything to our community.”

Nonetheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) asserted that consuming river water or contaminated water can be extremely hazardous for one’s health.

According to them, river water may harbor harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, that can induce diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio.

The WHO estimates that microbiologically contaminated drinking water causes approximately 505 000 diarrhoeal deaths each year.

They consequently said that it is advisable to treat river water before drinking it.

In spite of these adversities, the residents still exercised their votes in the previous gubernatorial and presidential election.

The Baale declared, “We have appealed to the government but they keep on deluding us, and we always cast our vote, especially when it is time for election they canvass to our community but when they assume the office, they neglect their promises and disregard our letter.”

Regarding the hospital, the Baale lamented, “We have attempted many times to appeal for hospital but the government disregarded us so we abandoned the hospital idea.”

He affirmed that he was aware that the plan of building a hospital by the government might not work, but the government should address the road, which is their primary problem.

He, however, implored the government to come to their assistance promptly.

… Local Government Chairman Reacted 

When FREEDOM TIMES contacted the local government chairman, Lanre Ogunsola, he stated that the local government has been working diligently.

He explained that the local government has 1602 CDAs and it is not feasible to attend to all of them simultaneously as they are executing their projects progressively.

Regarding the issue of the bad road, Ogunsola acknowledged that the road that connects MAPOLY to Tobape is in poor condition but the community should exercise patience as the state government is coming to their rescue.

About the community drinking from river water, he said “It is not viable for me to provide each community with a bore hole.”

He elucidated that this is why they came together and agreed that they will be digging a borehole in the major communities that are very close to each other.

He said “Like five villages can be using the borehole for a period of time before the government will continue to do it for each community.”

He, however, said that if they have not reached them, they should be more patient with them as they have limited resources to do all that.

Commenting on the health care, Ogunsola ascertained “we have about 38 health centers in Obafemi Owode Local Government, and there is no way one will not be near them.”

He, however, denied the claim of the community of writing or reaching to him or his office.

He said “I have not met them in person, they have not contacted me, they have not written to my office and I have not met them as a community, and I have not promised.”

He claimed that he just learned about this from this report, “you are the first person that informed me about this”

However, he appealed to the community to be more patient with them and the state government as all of their demands will be addressed.