DELE MOMODU WRITES AN EXPOSE ON NIGERIA AND THE BIG ABUSE

This is an article written by Dele Momodu, Quite lengthy and witty, Read on...

Fellow Nigerians, this is a very difficult moment in our country. It is also a confusing period for many of us. The only way to make sense out of the nonsense is to join the madness. We need to put ourselves in the position of those who see nothing wrong with our present predicament. If you’re on social media, you would be amazed at the contributions of some Nigerians who believe we actually live in Eldorado. Perhaps.

I’m beginning to think they are right and we are wrong. May be, we’ve been blinded by our inability to see and appreciate what the Federal Government has been able to achieve monumentally. I have no doubt that they are trying their best. My worry is if they can ever rise above this level even if they spend eternity. I decided to join their train this week and wish to invite you all to join me as I experiment a new style of reasoning.

What you are about to read therefore is the voice from the other side of the divide. I’m determined to discover what drives those guys [in the Presidency], why they don’t feel what we feel and we can’t feel how they feel. Is it that life is so good for them and so bad for the rest of us? For once, let’s try their shoes on and imagine their thought process. Why is it so difficult to accept their way of life and vice versa? Can there ever be a meeting point for us? The number of PDP operatives stuns me. What principle and ideology drives their faith? I see some very bright people and just wonder endlessly.

As I started writing this piece today, one song we used to sing in my childhood days came to my mind: “come and see, American wonder; come and see, American wonder.”

Ours is a wondrously terrific country...... CONTINUE AFTER THE CUT....

WORD FOR TODAY

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WHO AM I? FINDING MYSELF...

Losing and Finding is part of being human. But sometimes we lose so much that we do not realize that we are lost and it affects everything around you.

Losing in this case does not mean failure rather it is a state of mind created by oneself because of the situation they find them-self. At a point in my life i realized that i was getting easily upset with people around me due to a difficulty i was going through. I had to embark on a personal evaluation and find the root cause because i didn't want to be that person.

Losing oneself can be as a result of losing a child, financial instability, unemployment, the death of a very loved one, sometimes heart break etc, the list is endless. Despite all the situation that makes us lose our cool we cannot allow ourselves and humanity go with an indefinite situation. Indeed, situations are indefinite, as a famous saying goes"No condition is permanent". Let not a situation define the man, rather let the man define the situation

To really find yourself you need to ask yourself , WHO AM I?  search the depths of your heart for answers, Who am i? The true man is not what is shown to the world but the man in the heart. When you find out who you are, find out who you were and who you want to become, these questions will be of great value to you. But also knowing who the Creator(God) wants you to be is  the greatest of all. The creator is the first man who knows you, so you must seek him diligently to find yourself.

Finding yourself is realizing that being strong is the option you have. Finding yourself is understanding who God wants you to be, Finding yourself is an opportunity to re-create yourself, finding yourself is Finding Joy.

Have a fine weekend....

SYNAGOGUE CHURCH: SOUTH AFRICAN DEATH TOLL IN COLLAPSED BUILDING RISES TO 84

According to news report, the death toll of South Africans who died in the collapsed building of the Synagogue church of all nations has increased from 67 to 84. The 84 death toll contradicts the 80 death toll being reported by the Nigerian media.

The South Africa's high commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Louis Mnguni, who spoke this Friday morning, said "the number has risen to 84," Mnguni said. "The search... has come to a conclusion. There were still 17 bodies outstanding," said Mnguni

A total of 349 South Africans were in Lagos on matters connected to the church when the disaster occurred.

Out of the 349, 265 were found alive.

The Synagogue church should release the list of people in the building as at the time of the incident to ease the conflicting numbers.

2015 ELECTIONS: PDP ADOPTS JONATHAN AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party Governors Yesterday endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as their sole candidate for the 2015 presidential election. The National Executive Council(NEC) of the party took this decision yesterday at the party's national Secretariat, Abuja.
A similar decision was taken by the PDP led governor's forum on Wednesday and the Board of Trustees of the party.
Yet Still, the unanimous desicion by the party has not moved Mr. president to declare his intensions to either contest or not.

Should GEJ contest again?

COLLAPSED BUILDING: T.B. JOSHUA OF THE SYNAGOGUE CHURCH DESCRIBES SITUATION AS "HARD TIMES".

As the Death toll of the Collapsed building at the Synagogue church continues to rise, the Founder of the church Temitope Joshua popularly known as T.B. Joshua as described the current situation as a hard time for him. The message which he wrote via the church's Facebook page said “Hard times may test me, they cannot destroy me".
Read more after the cut.....

AYO ORITSEJAFOR OWNS PRIVATE JET CAUGHT WITH $9.3MILLION IN SA

There were reports that a private Jet had been seized in South Africa, yesterday and two Nigerians and an Isreali were been investigated for trying to smuggle in $9.3 million cash into South Africa.

Today, CAN president Ayo Oritsejarfor has claimed ownership of the jet with US registration number N808HG. Although Pastor Ayo via a statement he released today said he had leased the jet to another company and he cannot be held responsible for actions carried out by the company.

"On behalf of Pastor Oritsejafor, we can confirm that although he holds an interest in Eagle Air, the aircraft in question is not operated by Pastor Oritsejafor. The aircraft was leased to, and is operated by Green Coast Produce Limited since August 2” a statement from the church read.

The management of Green Coast Produce Limited also confirmed via a statement that the aircraft was leased to them. But the aircraft was hired by John Ishyaku and therefore they are not liable for any alleged infractions either in Nigeria or South Africa after the hire.

“On the 5th of September 2014 the aircraft was hired from us by a John Ishyaku. The charter to John Ishyaku was upon the following documented terms: (a) Depart Abuja-Johannesburg on the 5th of September 2014 (b) Return to Abuja on the 6th of September 2014 (c) To wait and return with the passengers. All cargoes were accompanied by passenger who could readily defend the contents. We are not and cannot be privy to any alleged extraneous cargo transported on the aircraft other than that declared in the agreed terms of hire. We are not liable and cannot be construed as a party to any alleged infractions, either in Nigeria or South Africa as he case may be, after the hire of the aircraft." the company said.

Two Nigerians and an Israeli who were caught with the money allegedly meant for buying and supplying weapons to the Nigeria intelligence services. A South Africa-based newspaper,City Press, reported that the trio, who are already facing investigations landed at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg on September 5, in the jet from Abuja with the money loaded in three suitcases. 

POPE FRANCIS WEDS 20 COHABITING COUPLES

Pope Francis, today 14th September, held a mass wedding for 20 couples at the Vatican including some who were cohabiting, one whose marriage has been annulled and one with a child.

According to reports,Pope Francis had asked to marry 40 people from different social backgrounds who represented modern couples.

This is the first papal marriage ceremony of its kind in 14 years. Continue to read more and see Pictures....

MAN UNITED DEFEATS QPR 4-0

Manchester United makes their first Glorious win in this season by defeating QPR at the Old Trafford 4-0. Angel Di Maria scored the opening goal, Ander Herrera scored the second goal and his first goal for the club, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata added the other goals. May be the new Playing style seem to have worked for Van Gaal by placing, Rooney, Falaco, Di maria and Persie at the Frontline.

United fans are still expecting the Dutchman to sit in perfectly in the new play style to see him shine. Did i mention that this win has moved us up the EPL table to NO 9 ahead of Everton, well i just did.

I guess all the price tags on our new players were worth it, UP UNITED, UP RED, YIPEE EXCITED. IT IS GOING TO BE A GOOD SEASON FOR THE RED!!!

SYNAGOGUE CHURCH BLAMES STRANGE AIRPLANE FOR BUILDING COLLAPSE

The Synagogue church of All Nations is blaming a strange airplane for the collapse of its  building. Read the article below,written by Freelance journalist Ihechukwu Njoku, who reports for The Synogogue Church of All Nations. They also shared an eerie video(pictured above) purportedly showing a plane flying over the building before it collapsed. Read Njoku's report below....

On Sunday 14th April 2014, Prophet T.B. Joshua played to his congregation and Emmanuel TV viewers worldwide shocking footage captured by security cameras of the horrific moment a guest-house collapsed within the church premises.
Joshua, speaking to a packed auditorium of worshippers seemingly undeterred by the tragic incident that transpired days earlier, began by thanking officials involved in the extensive rescue operation, as well as supporters worldwide for their prayers." Continue..
He then recounted the events that preceded the building collapse at exactly 12:44pm on Friday afternoon. “I know this is not the right time to talk,” the cleric started. “I will just say a little because I don’t want to interfere with the job of security personnel.”
Joshua narrated how on Friday morning at approximately 8am, he left the ‘prayer mountain’ where he ‘lives’ to return to the church, only to be alerted by phone that “there was a jet hovering, moving around at very close range at the mountain which I had just left.” CONTINUE...

B'HARAM: AIR FORCE JET ON BOKO HARAM MISSION DECLARED MISSING

An Alpha Jet belonging to the Nigerian air Force used in combating Boko Haram is missing, including the two fighter Pilots. The Jet disappeared from the radar around Adamawa state after it went for a routine operation attack on Friday September 12th. The Ministry of Defence posted the statement below on its website;

WORD FOR TODAY

We are thankful to God when something good happens to us, in the same vein lets be thankful to God when things turn the other way. Be thankful to God. Don't let the praise be occasional or seasonal. Be Thankful for today, Tomorrow, days gone and the future to come. Be Thankful for everything , for he alone deserves all the praise. Psalm 34:1, Psalm 51:15, Psalm 145:10.

Have a lovely sunday

2 PEOPLE FEARED DEAD AS A BUILDING IN SYNAGOGUE CHURCH OF ALL NATION COLLAPSES

At least 2 persons are confirmed dead, and many others trapped and injured following the collapse of a building in the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, (SCOAN) Ejigbo in Lagos this afternoon around 2pm.
The collapsed building is reserved for foreign guests right behind the headquarters of the Synagogue Church of all Nations.
According to reports, ambulances and emergency services are at the scene trying to removed trapped victims from the debris, and about 30 people are said to have been rushed to the Isolo general hospital.

Photo journalists are been denied access and so far journalists haven't succeeded in taking pictures.

Will bring more details later....

Culled from MDB

ANAMBRA STATE UNIVERSITY ULI RENAMED AFTER ODUMEGWU OJUKWU

The Anambra House of Assembly on today September 11th passed a bill, changing the name of the state-owned university at Uli to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

The bill was passed during the plenary of the legislature in Awka to honour the former Biafra hero.
The decision followed the report of the House Committee on Education which recommended the change of the name.

Mrs Rita Maduagwu (APGA Nnewi South 2), the Chairman, House Committee on Education, recalled that the bill had been read the second time on the floor of the house on Dec. 17, 2013.

She said that the committee found that the university’s name had been changed before from Anambra State University of Science and Technology and that there were a number of provisions in the extant law that required review. Continue......

2015 ELECTION: DESMOND ELLIOT GOES INTO POLITICS

Desmond Elliot has joined the team of Artiste going into politics. Olusola Desmond Elliot is contesting under the Flagship of APC for the position of the Lagos State House of Assembly. 
Desmond Elliot has alot of Agenda for Lagos State. Continue below to read....

OSCAR PISTORIUS FOUND GUILTY OF CULPABLE HOMICIDE

The South-African athlete Oscar Pistorius was not found guilty of pre-meditated murder yesterday. But this morning, Judge Thokozile found Oscar guilty of culpable homicide.

Judge Thokozile Masipa said the athlete acted negligently when he fired shots through the door in the belief that there was an intruder.

The Judge said the state could not prove he(Oscar) intended to kill his girlfriend(Reeva Steenkamp) but was found guilty of the following:

*He was also found not guilty of the first firearm charge - (firing a gun through the roof of his car)
*He was found not guilty of the third firearm charge (unlawfully possessing 38 rounds of ammunition at his home without having a license).
*He was found guilty of the second firearm charge. He discharged a weapon in a public place, a restaurant called Tashas and asked his friend to take the blame. The judge says Oscar was sufficiently trained in the use of firearms, so should not have asked for a firearm in a public place.

Oscar is most likely to get 15 years in jail but legal experts are saying 7 to 10years. The verdict will be passed in a few weeks.

The question is will Oscar Pistorius go to jail or walk away?

EBOLA- NUT THREATENS STRIKE ACTION OVER NEW RESUMPTION DATE

The Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, have threatened to go on a nationwide strike if the Federal government does not shift the date of resumption as well as put in place measures that would protect their members from contracting the deadly Ebola virus while teaching in schools.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Punch, the National President of the NUT, Michael Alogba, said the union had taken a decision not to allow any of its members go into any school to teach if the eradication of the deadly virus has not been scientifically and medically proven. CONTINUE....

OSCAR PISTORIUS NOT GUILTY OF MURDER SAYS JUDGE

Judge Masipa has read much of her judgement and she's just found Oscar Pistorius not guilty of murder. The judge said there were not enough facts to prove the most serious charge of pre-meditated murder. She said the case was based entirely on circumstantial evidence and dismissed the witness testimony. She said the witnesses were unreliable as they were confused when giving testimony and said most of what they said weren't accurate. She said even if Oscar was evasive with some facts, and was a 'very poor' witness, it doesn't mean he's guilty of murder.

She explained that Oscar's reaction after killing Reeva shows he didn't have criminal intent, hadn't foreseen he'd killed her. She said he could not have faked his reaction minutes after the shooting. She even dismissed the whatsapp message between the lovers, saying relationships are dynamic. She also said evidence did not support the state's claim of second degree murder.

"The state has not proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of premeditated murder. There are just not enough facts to support such a finding'- she said.

While he's not guilty of premeditated murder, he awaits to find out if he's guilty of culpable homicide (manslaughter) which is the negligent death of another. It means there was no intention to kill but the killing is unlawful. The court has adjourned for early lunch.

Culled from LIB

GEJ ORDERS REMOVAL OF OFFENSIVE #BRINGBACKJONATHAN SIGNS

The presidency released a statement today after the campaign billboards went Viral yesterday. See press release below:

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has directed that the #Bring Back Jonathan 2015 signs and banners around Abuja which he and many Nigerians find offensive and repugnant be brought down immediately.
President Jonathan wholly shares the widely expressed view that the signs which were put up without his knowledge or approval are a highly insensitive parody of the #Bring Back Our Girls hash tag.
While President Jonathan appreciates the enthusiastic show of support for his administration by a broad range of stakeholders, he condemns the #Bring Back Jonathan 2015 signs which appear to make light of the very serious national and global concern for the abducted Chibok girls.


The President assures all Nigerians and the international community that his administration remains fully engaged with efforts to rescue the abducted girls and that he will not knowingly promote any actions that will fly in the face of the seriousness of their plight and the anguish of their families.


Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)


September 10, 2014

WORD FOR TODAY

MOVING ON, Part 1

There is only an end to ones life, but as long as you are alive the road to moving on is open. When there is life there is hope.

Moving on from things that are gone. Bad things will happen, surely, but how do you respond to them. Now there are two types of bad things those you can find answers to and those you can not find the answers. Those things we cannot find answers to, like when somebody dies, most times we cannot find those answer. But the things we can find answers to, like when somebody leaves you, friends betrayal, losing out in a contract that should have been yours, in cases like this answers are most likely available, if you seek them and you will find them.
But whatever be the case, the ultimate agenda is that you have to move on, you have answers you don't have them, you have to let go.
I know that thing really hurt you but will you give up a glorious future for something you can not have anymore? I would say NO.

Moving On is more like Forgiveness and Courage, the later helps you move on. You need to forgive to move on, You need courage to move. A heart that cannot forgive can never truly move on.
I want you to get up, seek answers if you can but if you cannot, start writing a new page of your life. God is planning something big and better but if you are crying and heartbroken when the opportunity comes you will miss it.
Moving on is accepting that today's plan did not work out but you are making a choice of re-converging and planning allover again. Moving on is a choice to be happy than be sad, Moving on is gratitude for starting over, moving on is newness, Moving on is forgiveness, Moving on is acceptance.
Moving on is Finding Joy when the expected came crashing. Find Joy today and move.
The Almighty has plans so accept today and each day and be grateful.

I leave you with the word of Walter Anderson, Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself.
You can also read FINDING JOY and THE HEART ( click on the link) to read more.

ISLAM IS A TRUTHFUL RELIGION SAYS IMO TRADITIONAL RULER

A former Chief Sylvester O. Dimunah, the vice chairman of the Council of Village Heads in Imo State, has converted to Islam.
The traditional ruler, whose name is now Musa Dimunah, said that the truthful nature of the religion, is the reason why he made the switch. 

He revealed that the good character of Malam Ibrahim Biobonlomije, the former secretary of the council and the executive secretary of Justice Mamman Nasir Islamic Centre for Peace and Research influenced his decision to embrace Islam.

“I did not accept Islam, I only revert to the religion that our forefathers practice and the universal religion of humanity. I’m impressed by the good nature of Muslims’ love for everybody and hatred for none apart from the way they revere Allah and all the Prophets without discrimination,” he said.“I am also impressed by the brotherhood and mutual respect for each other and other members of the community.”