The Nation Newspaper

Category: Online Special

  • ‘My encounters with God’

    ‘My encounters with God’

    Susie S. Mozell-Smith, US preacher and prophetess who recently published a book titled Lily Grace in an interview with Lekan Otufodunrin speaks on her encounters with God, the end times and other prophetic issues.
    Why the title Lily Grace?

    In the introduction to your book, it was said that Lily Grace is unlike any other book ever written, except for the Holy Bible? What informs this assertion? Lily Grace is a book that God has given to the world to prove that he is the one and only God and he does this by telling the world that he is the element Hydrogen and from it he created all things. The book is one that reveals some hidden secrets of God that has never been uttered to another prophet or prophetess, all backed by scripture.

    The title Lily Grace is the new name that God named me. I am God’s only begotten daughter. When God first told me I was his daughter, I thought he meant because I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, therefore making me a child of God. But what he really meant was that I am his only begotten daughter. What a shock! The full story will come out in the near future, in my next book.

    What informed your decision to write the book at this time?

    I wrote the book because God gave me the instructions to do so and he gave me the knowledge by leading me to the scriptures to back up the information.

    Lily Grace cover

    You talked so much about Grace. Why?

    Grace is God’s unmerited favor. God is showing this world his grace, because he is warning the world by giving us a chance to get right with him. Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou did not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God. (Nehemiah 9:31) Our only hope is God’s grace, his love, forgiveness, and mercy. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Ephesians 1:7-12).

    You spoke extensively on your encounters with God; can you share some with us?

    I had many encounters with God; however, my first one was the most profound one when he answered me and said, “Write a Book.” Another encounter was when he lead me to the scriptures about John the Baptist and began telling me that you know John prepared the way and you are paving the way for Jesus Return. So to me it was okay and I thought that was it. I said to myself why me? Then I later found out that I am the future Bride of Christ. The third shocker was when he told me he has a wife and I said, you got to be kidding me, this don’t make sense. He told me that after he informed me he is hydrogen, Jesus is carbon, the Holy Spirit is oxygen and Satan is nitrogen. Then he later says my wife is helium. I said okay and did not think too much on it, after all God said it, so it is true. This is when I found out Jesus was going to have a wife and it would be me. You will read the full story in my next book. I also had some encounters with Satan; one of them was a few days after God spoke to me to “Write a Book.” I almost badly injured my right hand and I knew then Satan was out to stop me, but he can’t and won’t. God is in control of my life.

    Would you say that the reign of Lucifer, will end soon??

    I say the reign of Lucifer will end when God says it is time.

    With the current happenings across the globe, what do you think the role of preachers should be?

    I think the role of preachers should be to stand up for God and tell the truth, stop diluting God’s word, and going along with things that God is against.

    Has your book being well received in the USA where you reside?

    The USA is influenced heavily by Satan. It is hard to get a story in the news especially one about God. People in the USA and all over the world, have heard so many times that an individual have heard from God, so people have dumbed down the things of God.

    Would you say that there are efforts to keep your book from getting out to the world?

    I have been blocked many times from sending tweets about “God has spoken the end times are here” and that God has given me a book to prove it. Once I made contact with ACJ my message would disappear or I would get blocked from sending messages. I first contacted the President three months after God had spoken to me in regards to writing the book “Lily Grace,” to let him know. I have tried to reach him by phone, mail and through the White House web site and the President has not once responded to me in over a year. I even sent a book to the White House with a letter attached. I have also sent over 15 books to the Washington, DC area with letters as well. I sent two to NASA, then I called and spoke to someone explaining why they are finding water in outer space. I have yet to receive a response from NASA as well. Satan is working hard to keep this book from reaching the world.

    What is your view of the growth of Christianity in Africa?

    I think Satan has done everything he can to stun the growth of Christianity in Africa. Africa is the birth place of civilization, the fertile soul that man came from which is the starting point and strength of Christianity. Christianity in Africa is growing in spite of all Satan’s evilness. Christianity in Africa has strong roots that runs deep and will continue to thrive and grow.

    What is your assessment of the Obama administration? 

    The Obama administration is controlled by Satan, which is very bad. God is taken out of schools, work places, and the military, but Gays get the red carpet treatment and they are honored for coming out. This is happening in the world because Satan is in full force.My job as the End Time Prophetess is to set things in order and to pave the way for Jesus Return.

    How do you deal with somethings that seem so big and challenging?

    I don’t, I let God handle it. I know that God loves me and Jesus loves me and the Holy Spirit is forever present. I am thankful and most grateful. I feel like I am not good enough for such an honor. But I am God’s choice. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16). What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

    Is the book on sale now?

    It has been over a year now that God has spoken to me to ‘Write a Book’ and it has been seven months since it has been released for sales. The world needs to know the truth. A story like this that is backed up by the word of God needs to be Headline Breaking News on every media outlet for the world to know, but here in the good old USA, God is put not at the top of the list, in fact he is being moved off and Gays have been added, no thanks to Satan. “God has spoken and we are in the beginning of the last age.”

     

  • Who should show more affection in relationship?

    Who should show more affection in relationship?

    Opinion has been divided on who should be more affectionate when it comes to matters of the heart. Different schools of thought have come up with different postulations on the matter. Adetorera Idowu put this question across to the public to feel their pulse.

    Omolade, Policy Analyst

    Both should show the same amount of affection. There is no rule to it. In reality, in my experience at least, it’s like a see-saw; one person is more affectionate at a time

    Bella, HR Manager

    Because of the way women are built, they tend to show more affection, so I would say the woman

    Rotimi, Lawyer

    Both Parties need to show equal affection because a relationship is a joint effort.

    Yeside, Business woman

    The guy should show more affection. Women naturally have good hearts, are loving and affectionate. It therefore behooves on the guy to show more affection so that the lady would know if the relationship is worth it or not. If the guy doesn’t show it, then he doesn’t have it.

    Temitope Kudayisi, Chemist

    A man should show more affection because women show affection naturally but men need to make the effort because it’s not a natural instinct for them

    Abilo, Banker

    That’s a tough question. I think men should because women are more receptive to emotions than men.

    Kunle, Nurse

    I think the man should because men are known to conceal emotions.

    Femi, Businessman

    Men should show because women like love and when they receive a lot of affection from a man, they become more serious about the relationship. In the end, both should show affection because it makes both parties more committed.

     

  • New Bollywood movie

    New Bollywood movie

    One of India’s most celebrated superstars and talented actors, Akshay Kumar, speaks on his new movie; Holiday: A Soldier Is Never off Duty,release date, inspiration and challenges of making the movie.

     

    What is the movie ‘Holiday: A Soldier Is Never off Duty’ all about?

    Holiday is an intelligent thriller, based on the deadly notion of sleeper cells, which has plagued several nations and caused heinous terrorist crimes. I work as a DIA, Defense Intelligent Agent for the Indian Army; I come across a deadly terrorist plot to attack Mumbai. My character is skillful and patriotic, I’ve been protecting the boarders of India, but unfortunately when I return home on Holiday, I get sucked into defeating the ring leader of the terror ‘sleeper cell’ to save the city I was born and raised in. It is a very relevant film, and it deals with an issue which very few people are aware of, however the impact of the film is very transient. With the terror issues going on left right and centre, the screen play to this film and its overall treatment has literally never
    been touched before in India. In that respect, this is something quite unprecedented.

    Can you explain the tagline of the film?

    I am a soldier as well as a secret Army Intelligence Officer. I arrive in my home city of Mumbai on holiday, but suddenly things get out of control and I’m drawn into this deadly terror attack. Basically, a soldier is ‘never off duty’. This is a very different type of film not only for me
    but for my audience, which has not really been seen in Indian cinema before. It is a thriller that draws the audience in with a very strong screen play. I was shocked at my own response to this film, for it really throws you, from fear to emotional turmoil. The story is based on the
    subject of terrorism, which is a global concern, but it makes you remember why we are so safe, we have such an incredible army to thank for keeping us so comfortable in our homes at night. This story is an eye opener for many out there, a true experience to witness.
    What appealed to you about Holiday?

    I said yes when I heard just the first half of the script from VipulAmrutlal Shah. I was so captivated; I couldn’t wait to find out what happens in the second half. I was impressed by the script and how true to life the issues it deals with are. I am proud to be part of a film which
    touches upon reality and the very issues we face today. This is real cinema, not fictional cinema; this is what makes this role very exciting for me. In fact, I’ve learnt about the field of intelligence whilst submerging myself into this role, especially given the unique concept and
    narrative. I’ve heard stories surrounding the notion of sleeper cells, the role they have played in terrorist attacks and the importance of cleaning them up to safeguard populations. This script is raw, gritty and real, and I became addicted to the plot.

    What was it like working with director A.R. Murugadoss?

    I was extremely honoured to work with A.R. Murugadoss. He is a very talented and skilled director. He very quickly learnt my acting style and guided me on how to give the best performance possible. I always joke that even though his height is quite short, his imagination and power is through the roof. He is a man of brains. This is a very special role for
    me to play as it has challenged me and has allowed me to portray a role I was very keen to get my teeth into. I truly hope that I have done the character justice for my fans.
    How long have you been in the film industry?

    It’s been 24 years and counting;

    Was it a challenge to transition from the romantic parts to the more serious aspects that the role demanded?

    Not really. I have been acting for a very long time, and it has become easy to transition from character to character, and from scene to scene. When you have great co-stars like Sonakshi Sinha you can bounce of each other’s onscreen emotions in seconds. One of the best things about this job is creating an atmosphere that draws everyone’s attention and sucks
    them into the film, rather than leaving them bored in their seats.

    So we hear that the action in Holiday is completely different from your past films?

    Vipulji (Vipul Amrutlal Shah) is a firm believer that if you want something different then you have to go elsewhere to get it, so much so that we brought over one of the best stunt teams in the world from England, to choreograph most of the film’s action sequences. Greg Powell
    and his team of stuntmen were, in my eyes, absolutely brilliant, from their discipline to their style, not to mention their incredible talents; it was beyond refreshing to work with them. One of my favourite sequences in the whole film is the gun fight that we shot in the old abandoned
    kitchens in Bombay. There’s no fancy trickery, no special effects, it’s just me and the fighters, hand-to-hand combat in an enclosed environment. It was a fight like I’ve never shot before, hats off to the stunt team, it may not blow your mind with ‘out of this world CGI’, but it was never
    meant to, it was made to make you go ‘wow!!’ that had to hurt, it’s raw, it’s real, it’s how it would have been done back in the real days.

    We understand your dad was in the army, do you have memories of him in the army at all?

    I don’t really have many memories of my dad being in the army, as he gave up the army by the time I was born. However, I would say he definitely brought me up with military discipline; he would wake me up at 5am and take me jogging with him, after that I was always early to bed and
    early to rise. Because those moments with him were precious, I never messed around when it came to my father; he was a great man and the army knew they were blessed to have him. I appreciated his every word and every movement.

    How was it working with Ghajini famed Murugadoss?

    For a little guy he has an imagination that could scare the crap out of ‘the Incredible Hulk’… He’s absolutely fascinating once you get to know him. At first we were both very quiet with each other, but it didn’t take long for our personalities to shine on set. He’s a very intelligent
    director, he has a certain way of how he perceives things and nothing stands in his way. One minute he’ll be sitting there not saying a word, then he’ll jump out of his box with sheer excitement for his shot, or scream for a gun if he’s not happy, he literally wears his heart on his
    sleeve, his emotions vary in seconds. He’s amazing to work with.

    How would you describe your overall experience with Holiday?

    It was fantastic. Playing an army office is in itself a great experience, but I especially enjoyed working with the director, A.R. Murugadoss. When you work with a director who knows exactly what he’s doing, and has a clear plan for his vision, it makes the actor’s job so much easier. Murugadoss is an exceptional talent, and it was an absolute pleasure getting the opportunity to work with him.

    When you eventually get to take a break from your busy schedule, what is your favourite holiday destination?

    I love Goa. It’s very chilled out. Everyone knows me there and everyone say’s hi, without being intrusive. It’s the only place in the country where I can roam around and enjoy myself. My family and I travel the world, but there’s no place like our little Portuguese cottage in Goa, we spend every Christmas there and have the best family memories.

    How supportive is your wife, Twinkle of your career?

    Tina is a breath of fresh air when it comes to working in this industry. She has the sharpest, wittiest tongue, but I always know where I stand and what she truly thinks of my films. Her taste is very different to most, but her love and support over the years has kept me standing strong, for there is always a strong woman standing behind any successful man. She’s been through everything with me, my fans should really thank her more than me!!!

    What was your relationship like with you father-in-law, legendary Bollywood Actor, Rajesh Khanna?

    I knew Kakaji even before I met his daughter. He was a producer and in my struggling days, I had visited his office 5-6 times to look for work. On one of my visits, he told me that he was making a film with Chunky Panday, post which I should come to him. He would often say to me, ‘Buddy what are you doing?’ He was a very chilled out man. One of my favourite memories was when we all went to Goa for a family holiday, it was unforgettable. Even though he was very sick, we insisted he came to enjoy himself, and why not!! What I liked most about him was that he was very lion-hearted, and he was a yaron ka yaar. Jo bol diya soh kar diya. He
    liked the fact that I was taking good care of his daughter and he loved my
    son Aarav a lot.

    A great father, a good actor and a successful businessman too… is there something in your life that you still long for, after achieving so much in life?

    I have got more than I have ever dreamt of. I consider myself very blessed. I love my life and my job has taken me places and given me a life I never believed existed. All I can ask for now is health and happiness for myself and my family.

    What do you do to emotionally de-stress?

    I am not a very talkative person, so I don’t talk much. I can offload 30-40% to my wife. That’s it. Otherwise, I deal with my stress myself. A good game of cricket in the garden usually does the trick, but I’m not the kind of man that takes my worries home with me, work is work, but it has
    no place in my family home, what happens in the outside world stays there.
    When I walk through my front door, I leave as much stress or anxiety there and walk in with a light heart so my kids don’t feel my pressure.

    Do you get to spend enough time with your kids?

    As a father, seeing my kids grow up is one of the things which makes me happiest. Earlier, when I used to finish shooting, I would come home and hangout with my wife. But after my kids were born, I couldn’t wait to finish work so that I could rush back home and spend time with them before bedtime. Fatherhood changes all your priorities, but there’s one thing everyone knows about me, I always make time for my kids, no matter how small, I miss nothing!

    You’ve done action and comedy. What kind of role would you like to do now?

    I would love to play a negative character. It is the negative characters that rule the screen in those two-and-a-half hours. It is only in the last five minutes that the hero takes over. I have no problem being beaten to pulp in those last few minutes as long as I have had a large
    share of the pie. I enjoyed playing the villain in Ajnabee. It’s nice to get your hands dirty once in a while and be really mean and obnoxious on screen. You should make the audience hate you, mix it up a little bit!

     

  • Research to save TB infected babies

    Research to save TB infected babies

    New research at the Desmond Tutu TB Centre at Stellenbosch University is studying the effects of tuberculosis (TB) drug therapy in children less than a year old. Children have traditionally been excluded from trials but research is needed to be able to adjust therapies according to body weight.

    Babies usually contract TB from their mothers or other infected adults, not from other kids. It most often infects the lungs, but it can also attack other parts of the body, such as the spine, kidneys and brain.

    “Immunity is very weak in a small child and even more so in an infant. They can get seriously ill. If the mother is not treated for TB or has only recently started treatment, it poses a high risk to her newborn baby. We also need to find better ways to treat babies with TB,” says Adrie Bekker, lead researcher and neonatology specialist.

    One million children every year contract TB, according to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, and 400 000 of them die from it. Bekker says without proper preventive therapy, up to 50 per cent of babies infected with TB will develop TB disease.

    “We need to know if we’re treating babies with TB correctly. The study is important to determine whether new guidelines are appropriate to also treat the youngest and most vulnerable TB patients. This research also paves the way to evaluate new TB drugs and treatment regimens in babies,” says Anneke Hesseling, Director of the Paediatric TB Research Programme.

    Bekker’s research is also looking at the intimate relationship between maternal and infant TB, particularly if the mother is HIV positive. TB is second only to HIV/AIDS as the greatest killer worldwide that is caused by a single infectious agent. HIV and TB form a lethal combination causing one fifth of all deaths of people living with HIV.

    “A mother with TB or HIV is twice as likely to have a premature and low-birth weight baby and for a tiny baby, the risk of contracting TB and severe forms of TB is much higher because they have less immunity,” adds Bekker.

    The new research comes at a critical time in the global fight against TB. Last week, in Geneva, the 67th World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO’s highest decision-making authority, approved the “Post-2015 Global Strategy and Targets For Tuberculosis Prevention, Care and Control”.

    The new Post-2015 Global Strategy for Tuberculosis emphasises the importance of early diagnosis of the disease and of new research and development for life-saving medicines. With this new strategy in place, governments are working to end the TB epidemic and achieve a 95 per cent reduction in TB deaths by 2035.

    According to the Stop TB Partnership, the upcoming five-year Plan to Stop TB (2016-2020) will set the direction to achieve these international goals. The strategy is built on the three pillars of integrated, patient-centred care and prevention; bold policies and supportive systems; and intensified research and innovation.

    WHO states that they will promote research and development for new or improved diagnostics, treatment and preventive tools, efficient vaccines, and stimulate new innovations to fight the TB epidemic and save lives.

     

    Dr Couillard is an international health columnist that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and control. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement. He can be reached via: Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard, Twitter and DrCoryCouillard

     

     

     

  • Top 10 trending Apps in Nigeria

    Top 10 trending Apps in Nigeria

    With over 2 million apps in the App and Google play stores combined, Adetorera Idowu spotlights the top ten trending on applications Android and IOS devices in Nigeria listed in no particular order.

    1. BBM: Ever since the launch of the Blackberry messenger app, it has become the go-to application for instant messaging. This is largely due to the fact that the application was previously only available on blackberry devices but now messaging, voice and some video calls can be made on Blackberry, IOS and Android devices
    1. Twitter: Twitter is one of the most popular apps that allow users send and read 140 character messages. Since its creation in 2006, Twitter has slowly but steadily taken the social world with more than 200 million active users around the world.
    1. Facebook: Facebook, since its inception has remained one of the best social networking sites in the world. It’s no wonder that the app has gained and maintained a huge level of popularity. Facebook’s service is constantly updating and has maintained its place on top, It is an app that has stood the test of time.
    1. Whatsapp: This cross-platform mobile messaging app allows its users exchange messages without having to pay for sms. Because this application uses the same internet data plan you use for web browsing and emails, there is no extra cost to messages sent on this platform. Another great thing about whatsapp is the unlimited images, video and audio media messages. It’s not wonder why it has gained huge popularity in Nigeria.
    1. Instagram : Sharing photos on social media is very popular and Instagram is all about the photos. This free photo sharing application has gained popularity with over 100million users sharing photos of their daily lives and events. It allows you to share these photos on a variety of social networking platforms including Facebook and Twitter.
    1. BridePrice app: This is a new app that was only recently launched and has seen a phenomenal statistics just 48hours after it went live including 4 million plus social conversations, 850,000 Facebook referrals, and over a million users so far. It takes a satirical look at the culture of bride price and ‘helps’ women calculate their worth with multiple choice questions ranging from accent to height and everything else in-between. We hope that this app can stand the test of time.
    1. The Holy Bible (You Version): The convenience of having your bible on your smart phone or ipad device has left more and more people are downloading The Holy Bible. With several bible applications to choose from, the you version has gained quite a huge popularity because it also allows you connect and share with other Bible users and has a huge selection of devotionals and Bible study material.
    1. Candy Crush Saga: With its high definition candy images that makes you want to pop one in your mouth, candy crush has become the go-to app for relieving stress or passing time. The game was first launched on facebook and then to other popular app stores. Within a short space of time, it surpasses most of the popular gaming apps with more than 500million downloads worldwide.
    1. Skype: Skype connects users all over the world through voice, video calls and instant messages made over the internet. Although this app uses a lot of bandwith, Skype is popular for its additional features which include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.

         10.    Youtube:  This application owes its popularity to enabling user-generated video clips be viewed on any Adobe Flash  enabled device. Even though YouTube can be viewed on the web, the flexibility and ease off the app, makes it a must have.

     

     

     

  • Democracy Day broadcast by Jonathan

    Democracy Day broadcast by Jonathan

    DEMOCRACY DAY BROADCAST

    BY

    H.E. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR,

    PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

     

     

     

     

    MAY 29, 2014

     

     

     

     

     

    Fellow Nigerians,

    1.    I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.

     

    2.  Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

     

    3.  Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

     

     

    4.  As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.

     

    5.  As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people overthe past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.

     

    6.  On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.

     

    7.   In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.

     

    8.  Significant increase in mobile telephoneand national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.

     

    9.  Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.

     

     

     

    10.                    The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.

     

    11.                       In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.

     

    12.                     Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is ongoing. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.

     

    Dear Compatriots,

    13.                     It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedomwe cherish and celebrate today.

     

    14.                     The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.

     

    15.                     In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been  injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states  is in jeopardy.

     

     

    16.                     There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.

     

     

    17.                      I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.

     

     

    18.                     Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone,  Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.

     

    19.                     Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.

     

    20.                   It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.

     

    21.                     I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.

     

     

     

    22.                    I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

     

    23.                    For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

     

    24.                   My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.

     

    Dear Compatriots,

    25.                    We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

     

    26.                   The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.

     

    27.                    We are a strong, resilient and courageous people.  We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.

     

    Fellow Nigerians,

     

    28.                   Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.

     

    29.                   Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

     

    30.                   Thank you and God bless Nigeria.

     

  • Covenant University Chapel memories

    Covenant University Chapel memories

    Being a faith based University, attendance of Chapel services is compulsory for the students. Last Thursday, former students of institution on Twitter through the hashtag #MemoriesofCUchapel recalled their unforgettable moments during the various services they attended.
    The tweets on the hashtag that was the top trend for hours included statements by the Chancellor of the institution, Bishop David Oyedepo and other officials, pranks by students and awkward moments.

    Below are some of the tweets.

     

    • Why r u looking morose? are u d mother of ROSE – Rotimi registrar
    • The A/C just doesn’t mess up when Papa is around”
    • Remember, appreciation is the application for more
    • In Papa’s voice* Will you stop laughing right now ? STRANGE CHILDREN!!!
    • A 1st class degree without 1st class spirituality makes you A̶̲̥̅ first class fool – Pastor Austin
    • That night when they Kept us till like 2am just cos dey wanted to announce New council members!!
    • Most of y’all be saying #MemoriesCUchapel when truly y’all be stabbing and be having memories of when they release defaulters list
    • When pastor Austin was speaking in tongues and said merci beacoup oduduwa lol
    • Sleeping like you practising how to die
    • And u will be letting them press ur breast like agege bread”- pst Victor”
    • Please someone should cc that choirister that was singing ‘Ka to the left, Ka to the right’ biko
    • I miss papa, pastor Ojeme and pastor Ntia…. I haven’t see such wisdom anywhere”
    • A song writer says’there is something that makes me run into your presence, my helper!’ What’s that man’s name
    • When papa said ‘finally’ and we were still there after one hour
    • That awkward moment when you’re tweeting #MemoriesCUchapel & papa RT’s u. Your expulsion letter will come as a tweet
    • Who remembers that choir gal ” ka ka ka ka ka ka ka (X 20) kabiyesi o ese o
    • If you know u are not with your bible step out now. That’s when you see boys tearing bible into 2
    • She was giving testimony then she said “..and the robbers shot at me and I saw the bullet
    • When attendance unit members switch off the machine and say it has stopped working
    • If you are not grateful, you are a great fool
    • LMAO!!2012 departure service that guys were snatching babes’ scarfs to use as tie.
    • We shall be praying for cofenant unifassity “@ExquisiteJosh: #MemoriesCUchapel Dr Omotosho – In this 2nd leg of Prayer…
    • Since you birds have decided to fly without pearching, we hunters have learnt to shoot without missing -Prof C.K.Ayo
    • Who remembers that departure service papa pursued us and made us all squeeze ourselves inside the chapel?
    • When papa says the girl in white & you know you are wearing a green shirt and you have to check to confirm”
    • We use your school fees to maintain the grasses in this school – papa” … your school fees isn’t in our budget.”
    • NOT GOING TO CHAPEL FOR A WHOLE SEMESTER AND THEN GOING ON THE LAST DAY TO TEAT ATTENDANCE WITH MY FLOOR MATES
    • Luwe luwe luwe…luwe!!!!! Lululuwe..luwe!!!!!
    • When Papa turns up ehn! That man knows his onions. He knows his calling!
    • When Mama said “receive d blessings of d breast”nd some pple still be lookin lyk my T-D board”
    • When they say we shud remain standing cos them lecturers are going out…
    • In Aize Obayan’s voice* Not unto us O God, Not unto us, but unto you
    • In VC’s voice *believe you me*
  • Remembering Amaka Igwe

    Remembering Amaka Igwe

    Nollywood just lost its brain in Mrs. Amaka Igwe’s death. She was a major propellant of Nollywood’s best possibilities, the finest symbol of its daring global ambition and challenge.

    About its most informed voice; its leading bridge and most programmatic TV-filmmaker for social change. I have no doubt that her production on location of an Igbo film must have been her daring drive to return Nollywood to the mother tongue that open its floodgate to global preeminence which the English language films among the Igbo and their Niger Delta neighbours achieved for Nigeria with that stubborn name of recognition, ”Nollywood” that would not be wished away after the phenomenal success of Living in Bondage; the industry maker.

    She conquered television with repeat performances where others succeeded with one title as script writer, producer and director with no pretence to any of these well-earned titles. ”Checkmate”, ”Fuji House of Commotion” would remain long and relevant with us. ”Rattle snake”, ”Violated”, etc her video films will live after her as would her most brilliantly conceived and organised film market, BOB TV; the showpiece of all of Nollywood’s attempts at film festivals.

    Her venturing into radio ownership of TOP FM has been taking its baby steps to relevance.

    This is the woman! This is a tragedy of tragedies to the unemployments that may attend the death of this massive employer of labour with her productive mind freed from the typical Nollywood pettiness.

    I regret that I procrastinated my interview with her in my 7 years long research on Nollywood: The Genius of Our Indigenous Movies; as i did other veterans of the industry who have passed on because of constraints.

    May she rest well having the last laugh against asthma.

    Ofili, former chairman Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos is researching, Nollywood: The Genius of Our Indigenous Movies

     

  • Polio still a global hazard

    Polio still a global hazard

    Just when it looked as if polio was nearing global eradication, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the international spread of polio a public health emergency that warranted aggressive control measures. In response, WHO has urged all nations to carry out more vigorous immunisation campaigns.

    Ten countries currently have active transmission of wild poliovirus; three of these countries are still endemic for the disease and seven are classified re-infected.

    In Geneva last week, experts at the World Health Assembly, the world’s health policy-making body, discussed the emergency measures intended to reach all children with oral polio vaccine.

    All countries are expected to implement phase 1 containment activities for poliovirus by the end of 2015, ensure highly sensitive surveillance for polioviruses, and implement relevant polio vaccination recommendations for travellers.

    These WHO declarations underscore the urgent need to eradicate the disease; and yet, younger generations in many countries have lived in polio-free countries for so long, they don’t know what polio is, or why it’s such a pressing threat.

    Polio is a highly contagious, devastating disease that mainly affects children under five years of age. It invades the nervous system, and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.

    The virus enters the body through the mouth, multiplies in the gut, and spreads easily via faecal contaminated food and water. Initial symptoms to look out for include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck and pain in the limbs.

    There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented through administration with oral polio vaccine (OPV). Given multiple times, it can protect a child for life.

    Reaching every last child

    Since its launch, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a public-private partnership including Rotary, WHO, UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more recently, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and national governments, has reduced the global incidence of polio by more than 99 per cent. More than 10 million people are walking today who otherwise would have been paralysed.

    Until polio is eradicated, all countries remain at risk of outbreaks. Together, we have eliminated 99 per cent of cases since 1988 – when the world saw 1000 cases per day. With only 1 per cent left, we are “This Close” to ending polio for good.

    Rotary International, a spearheading partner of the GPEI, decided to aggressively increase polio awareness by launching an online photo awareness campaign where participants submit a picture making the “This Close” gesture, relaying how close we are to ending this disease.

    As of this week, the World’s Biggest Commercial now has more than 100 000 participants from 171 countries. To spur participation at the launch of the World’s Biggest Commercial campaign, PhRMA donated USD 50 000 to Rotary’s PolioPlus program – enough to provide oral vaccine to protect more than 83 000 children against the paralyzing disease.

    You can take action by showing your support. Be part of the World’s Biggest Commercial. Snap a photo of yourself making the ‘This Close’ sign and upload it into the commercial. Show it to your friends and family and ask them to do the same.

    Your involvement will help convince world leaders that the support for polio eradication is global. It’s time to make history together. Tweet to @endpolionow and let @rotary know what you are doing to help #endpolio and visit http://thisclose.endpolio.org/en to submit your ‘This Close’ photo.

     

    Dr Couillard is an international health columnist that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and control. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement. Reach him via: Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard and Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

     

     

  • How to end Boko Haram attacks

    How to end Boko Haram attacks

    Violence and conflict have plagued mankind throughout history, and the terrorist attacks by Boko Haram are just a current manifestation. How can Nigeria protect itself from future attacks? Ideally, the best way to guard against emerging terrorist threats would be to have no enemies. No enemies no terrorism! An unfamiliar but effective human resource-based approach
    called Invincible Defence Technology would help the military of Nigeria to begin creating a lasting peace by preventing such enemies from arising, both internally and externally.

    Invincible Defence Technology (IDT) is a scientifically validated solution to conflict and violence. There are over 50 published studies confirming its effectiveness. This recently revived method of preventive defense promises to end terrorism and conflict. Its adoption in Nigeria can set an example of peace-based defense for the rest of the world – something all military
    leaders would value.

    Militaries have tried to quell violence and conflict through a dynamic approach, i.e., with weaponry and military personnel. But, interestingly, even with advanced weapons, they cannot eliminate problems like terrorism.

    New terrorist threats constantly emerge, and the number of terrorist cadres and cells continues to grow. Even with more fully equipped police and paramilitary forces, militaries cannot eradicate them. More alarming, defense experts predict that terrorists will soon start using portable,
    easily concealed weapons of mass destruction to launch their attacks around the world. Imagine the dire ramifications for Nigeria if a dangerous terrorist group like Boko Haram could obtain such devastating weaponry.

    War, conflict, violence and terrorism are human problems. They require a human solution. So the question remains: Can war and terrorism be prevented with the military methods used in the past? Again and again, history shows that the answer is “no.” War, conflict, violence and terrorism are human problems.

    Therefore, they require a human solution. Their underlying cause is accumulated stress in society’s collective consciousness. If the collective consciousness is full of tension and fear, then disorder is more likely to erupt into some specific act of violence than if the prevailing mood is one of contentment. Social injustice and unfavorable economic conditions thrive
    in and contribute to chaotic environments. Unresolved religious, territorial, political, and cultural differences further add to the unrest.

    A dissatisfied and frustrated population contributes to its own instability. Thus a dissatisfied and frustrated population contributes to its own instability. The build-up of this sort of tension is dangerous to any nation’s sovereignty, producing an unstable government that is prone to war.

    However, if the collective social stress driving these problems is prevented, negative manifestations would cease. Thus, zero collective stress ultimately means no war and no terrorism.

    Invincible Defense Technology is rooted in the ancient Vedic knowledge of India, which describes the best approach to prevention as Heyam duhkham anagatam (Yoga-Sutra 2.16): “Avert the danger before it arises.”

    Similarly, Yoga-Sutra 2.35 affirms Tat sannidhau vairatyagah: “In the vicinity of Yogic influence – unifying influence, integrating influence, coherent and harmonious influence – conflicting tendencies do not arise.” These ancient principles were effectively applied in past, and they have already been successfully applied in today’s world, with commendable results.

    According to Vedic tradition, conflict results from ignorance – ignorance of how to prevent the build-up of collective stress through the harmonizing influence of coherence. For example, the Ramayana states that “…ignorance will have no access within eight miles from (the Yogi’s hermitage).”The Ramayana describes the ancient city of Ayodhya, whose name means
    “Invincible.” Certainly, Ayodhya relied on the conventional defense technologies of its time. For instance, “It was enclosed by strong fortifications and a deep moat, which no enemy, by any expedient whatsoever, could penetrate.”

    Also, “Ayodhya abounded in warriors undefeated in battle, fearless and skilled in the use of arms, resembling lions guarding their mountain caves.” However, the descriptions of the enlightened, stress-free life of the inhabitants of Ayodhya indicate that its first line of defense was the city’s freedom from collective stress. According to the Ramayana, this low stress level, based on life in harmony with Natural Law, made Ayodhya worthy of its name.
    In today’s modern cities, however, social stress gets generated by countless violations of natural laws (i.e., crimes are committed every day). People’s weakness results in an inability to find positive and life-supporting ways to fulfill their desires. Crime contributes to a growing cloud of negativity for a city and for a nation. When the stress from crime, frustration, unhappiness and lack of national fulfillment grows beyond a certain limit it spontaneously erupts into terrorism and war. Therefore, ignorance, or lack of understanding of how to act in accord Natural Law, is responsible for suffering in human affairs.
    Implementing Ideal National Defense
    Maharishi Mahesh Yogi revived the practical components of this silent approach for national defense. They are all-known around the world as the Transcendental Meditation R and TM-SidhiR program. These programs are evidenced-based solutions, with a substantial amount of published, peer-reviewed research that has accumulated since 1970. Because they are human resource-based technologies, they are easy to implement and practice.

    It is important to note that they do not involve religious belief or practices. Members of many faiths worldwide have practiced these meditation techniques. Extensive scientific research documents the ability of the TM and TM-Sidhi program to dissolve stress on the individual and collective levels.

    Could the ideal of Ayodhya’s preventive defense again be accomplished by militaries today? Yes! It is already starting to happen now. Military-related leaders in the USA, Latin America, and Africa, are applying TM because peer-reviewed scientific papers have confirmed that regular
    practice produces many other wide-ranging, measurable benefits. These include increased intelligence, creativity; reduced stress and improved health; and more fulfilling and harmonious interpersonal relationships.

    Most importantly to warriors, TM increases resilience, mental clarity and physical strength as well enhancing mind-body coordination (See Defence and Security Alert, Vol. 4, Issue No. 8, pages 34-39). Also, from a practical standpoint, the TM program is easy to do and has no religious philosophy attached. For nearly sixty years it has been taught to millions of people (including schoolchildren and their teachers) around the world from every race, cultural background, religion, ethnicity and educational background.

    Are soldiers willing participants in such an unusual endeavor? Again, yes! A study was conducted by Ecuadorian army psychologists to assess the value of the IDT preventive defense program after its soldiers had been practicing it for one month. The results? Over 96% of the soldiers thought it was a very practical activity. Why are these warriors convinced? As the study showed, 92% felt their performance in activity had improved and they were better able to deal with stress; 96% declared their relationships with others had improved; and 95% said their practice of IDT was completely satisfying.

    The operative part of IDT requires having a Prevention Wing of the military. This wing is comprised of a small portion of the armed forces of a country. The rest of the military carries on with their usual duties. The Prevention Wing of the military creates societal coherence by practicing the TM and TM-Sidhi program in large groups morning and evening. Their collective
    practice produces positive benefits for both themselves and their adversaries. Peaceful overtures increase from all sides.

    Similar coherence-creating groups have been deployed in many war zones and conflict-prone areas with great success. Extensive scientific research indicates that when the square root of 1% of the population practices the advanced TM-Sidhi program in a group, a “field effect” is created.
    Scientists call this field effect the “Maharishi Effect.” Many carefully controlled studies have documented and validated positive social trends such as reduced conflict and lowered crime rate resulting from the Maharishi Effect. These studies have been scrutinized and published in respected peer-reviewed journals such as Social Indicators Research, Journal of Conflict Resolution, Journal of Mind and Behavior and Journal of Crime and Justice.

    This coherence-creating effect has also been documented on a global scale in a study published in the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation. When large assemblies of practitioners of the TM-Sidhi program exceeded the Maharishi Effect threshold for the world (about 7,000 at that time) during the years 1983-1985, international conflict decreased 32%, terrorist casualties
    decreased 72%, and violence was reduced in other nations without intrusion by other governments.

    IDT is a force multiplier because it creates coherence for the entire military and the whole country, thus making everyone’s jobs easier. While the majority of the military continues with the dynamic approach (weaponry, equipment, training), the minority implements the silent approach of Invincible Defense Technology. Defense of the nation is perfect, thus
    invincible, when both these approaches are combined.

    The military of Nigeria cannot solve the problem of terrorism by standard military means alone. It also needs a silent approach that will help people focus more on peaceful means of settling differences. Nigeria needs to deploy Prevention Wings of the Military immediately to prevent terrorism, and achieve true invincibility and permanent peace. The authors urge Nigerian leaders to immediately adopt this evidence-based approach.
    Major General Singh (rtd) leads an international group of generals and defense experts that advocates Invincible Defense Technology, while Leffler is the Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Military Science (CAMS).