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By Tony Eluemunor One terrible aspect of the Asaba massacre is not only that it actually occurred, but that 53 years after that grim and despicable flaunting of the worst of the human spirit anywhere, Nigeria does not recognise it as a national tragedy. Thus, every 7th of October, only the people of Asaba commemorate that gruesome mass murder, which meets all definitions of GENOCIDE. The Encyclopaedia Britannica defines genocide as “the deliberate and systematic destruction of a group of people because of their ethnicity, nationality, religion, or race. The term, derived from the Greek genos (“race,” “tribe,” or “nation”) and the Latin cide (“killing”), was coined by Raphael Lemkin, a Polish-born jurist who served as an adviser to the U.S. Department of War during World War II. The term was coined in 1943 by the Jewish-Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin who combined the Greek word “genos” (race or tribe) with the Latin word “cide” (to kill). That such an unprovoked gruesome mass murder of hundreds of people took place at Asaba, is not in question anymore. What really happened that October 1967? As Emmanuel Andrew Chukwuedo Nwanze, BSc. MSc. Ph.D. DIS, Professor of Neurobiochemistry and former Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin said in a lecture: “Asaba people came out from their homes and places of other engagements in response to a call to come out and welcome and receive the conquering Federal troops. When the troops requested them to separate into groups of males and females, they naively complied, never having ever witnessed such an event before. The men were marched away to the more secluded axis of Ogbe Osowe- Ilo-Umuaji-Ogbe Ilo. When the guns started blazing it was too late to escape. The staccato over, only the groans of those on the throes of death could be heard with blood flowing freely: indeed ‘blood on the Niger’. The few alive or not completely dead who had been clobbered to the ground by the falling dead could be heard calling on the soldiers to come on and finish the job. Hence the weak cries of “See me, I never die o” Mr. Chiedu “Cassy” Juwah was about ten years old then. He recalled that “People were dancing in a welcome party at OgbeIlo field. Then soldiers stopped the music and a grim business began. That was how Asaba became a town of landladies. My cousin who had survived the pogrom at Kano, his dad and two elder brothers, were shot. I hid and returned home. The following day, 7th, we were rounded up and shepherded to Oma, opposite today’s Grand Hotel, That’s where we were separated. At Ogbe Osowe, the men were separated from the boys and the women, and I, a boy, joined the women in going to the Convent, now St. John Bosco’s Church at Nnebisi Rd, and Ogbe Osowe became a killing field. My brother, Augustine Juwah, who passed out of St. Anthony’s College in 1964, pretended to be dead and hid among dead bodies there as a machine gun belched fire and death. By 8.pm he made his way home and we started our flight; first to Achala, and from there to Ubulu-Uku. Some people returned home days later and were still killed in the house-to-house combing by the military.” The Federal troops thundered into Asaba on the 5th. The Biafrans had melted away as the immediate commander, the late Col. Joe Achizia (a son of Asaba), opted to retreat to Onitsha as a lorry load of cutlass was all he was given to defend Asaba with. He blew up the Niger Bridge. Then, the indiscriminate killing started. It turned horrendous on the 6th and became hellish on the 7th. About 1, 000 persons died in Asaba in those gruesome three days. Yet, more died later as the town’s folks fled into the bush, trying to escape to the nearby towns and villages. Many were caught outside the town while escaping and were decimated, others died from hunger and unhealed wounds inside the bush. In fact, the killing spilled into Ogwashi-Uku, and several other towns in the Anioma Delta North Senatorial District. In Ishiagwu, a coastal village to which Biafrans would travel to from around Oguta to buy food stuff, having crossed the lordly River Niger by canoe, the Federal troops visited one night and simply killed 400 people who failed to escape and burnt down the village – even as a General Cyril Iweze, a son of Ishiagwu, was fighting on the Federal side. Ibusa suffered genocide and the entire surviving population fled into the bush. READ ALSO: Boko Haram sacks two communities in Borno As late into the war as 1969, the killings were still on. A Benin-City based medical Doctor, Patrick Anyafulu said: In 1969, a company of Federal troops was ambushed and decimated by Biafran troops on the road leading to Asaba from Oko. That incident brought the horrors of war to my sleepy, rustic village. The whole village was razed to the ground. We escaped death through Providence…a heavy rainstorm the previous night delayed their advance from Asaba, and fishermen who had gone to check their nets saw them and alerted the whole village. Shells were already landing in the village and the air was filled with the whine of bullets. We escaped into the forest and lived there until 1970!” So, why has the Federal Government, which has recently acknowledged the evil inherent in denying the late MKO Abiola his June 1993 electoral victory, refused to even recognise the atrocity committed against Asaba and other Anioma towns? As hard as that insult upon injury is difficult to swallow, it is pertinent to remember that for years the Asaba massacre was a totally hushed up topic. A London Times correspondent, Bill Norris, who passed through Asaba in mid-October 1967, sent back photos of hellish destruction there and noted that the town appeared to be largely abandoned. But he said nothing about the genocide. He explained in a 2012 interview that he did not know about the massacre. The first mention of mass killing in Asaba appeared in the London Observer, almost four months later, when Africa correspondent Colin Legum conûrmed that Federal troops took part in the killing. However, his (second-hand) account claimed that a group of ‘implacably hostile’ Igbo attacked troops by surprise as they watched the welcome dance, leading to retaliation. Even both pro-Biafra and pro-Nigeria writers of book on the Civil War left the Asaba massacre well alone. The Nigerian Army made no attempt during or after the Civil War, to investigate the Asaba Massacre. Yet, The London Observer commented on it on 21 January 1968, Le Monde, the French evening newspaper, wrote about it on April 5, 1968, LOOK, the British magazine, did same and even a Canadian Member of Parliament, who served as the UN Observer, Stephen Lewis, was mentioned in the London Observer on October 11, 1968. Yet, the then Nigerian High Commissioner to Britain, Brig. B. O. Ogundipe called the reports “wild rumours”. The Times of London reported in 1968 that Biafran propaganda had instilled fear of federal soldiers in Igbo people, but these fears were unfounded. A year later, the Times reported that an international observer team had “been unable to ûnd one single trace of mass killings of Ibos”. An Asaba indigene, Sylvester Okocha, then senior civil servant in Benin, wrote to the International Committee of the Red Cross describing what had just happened. His letter was intercepted by the military, he was arrested, tortured and incarcerated in Lagos. Now, the truth is out…and it is horrendous. There are only two choices left for Nigeria: to keep ignoring this sordid fact and allow the sore to fester and become food for agents of national disunity or address it so that healing can begin. Yet, the silence has really ended, what continues is national self-deception. An Asaba indigene, and journalist, Emma Okocha published the book Blood on the Niger in 1994 (his father was a victim of that massacre). It lifted the lid off that story and has remained a condemnation on the government’s official silence on the Asaba massacre – that terrible blot on Nigeria’s history. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/10/asaba-massacre-terrible-blot-on-nigerias-history/

Politics

en

THE 1967-70 Nigeria Civil War, for the Igbo was a battle of historic survival against the forces of national darkness that roamed in the form of periodic unrestrained anti-Igbo riots and massacres, and subsequently the chilling pogrom of 1969. It was not only a battle for survival but for the upholding of the Igbo man’s dignity, which, as previously feared got swallowed up by the events of the civil war. Those who supported Biafra did so not because of the capability of the Igbo to win the war against the World Powers-supported Federal might but for the case of conscience. The likes of Presidents Houphouet-Boigny of Cote d’Voire, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, Omar Bongo of Gabon, Papa Doc of Haiti and to some extent Siaka Stevens of Sierra Leone, Jomo Kenyata of Kenya, William Tolbert of Liberia, and the French Government of the time did so out of conscience against the forces of darkness that ruled Nigeria at that time. This explains why, even at the final defeat of the Igbo they never abandoned their vanquished friends-turned brothers. Today there are sprawling Igbo populations in these countries with many of them not only becoming full citizens of their host countries, but even playing very important Government roles. As the Igbo would often say, “no land exists without the presence of the lizard”. So it has become customary to say that no battle takes place without the active roles of saboteurs. The Nigeria civil war, like any such war of its kind no doubt witnessed a number of Igbo citizens playing the Vidkun Quisling role against their own people, sabotaging the survivalist sacrificial efforts of their down-trodden people by supporting the Federal troops, prophesying the doomsday for their people’s struggle for survival. These people not only celebrated the defeat of their own people but shamelessly rushed to seek Federal Government appointments and contracts while those who sacrificed, endured and survived remained in perpetual penury for decades and for life. Today, Reverend Ejike Mbaka in the event of General Muhammadu Buhari’s victory presents himself as a champion of God’s prophecy, just because he vaingloriously assumed that his words are the words of God verbatim. But there remain certain clear indices to determine if an event is truly the act of God in the manner a visioner or soothsayer presented it. We know that Ejike Mbaka is from Awgu district in Enugu State and it is not disputable that his people of Enugu State overwhelmingly voted for President Goodluck Jonathan. Secondly, Mbaka should let us know if the massive failure of the Jega’s rigging machine miscalled Card-readers was the act of God. Thirdly, let Father Mbaka tell Nigerians how the God he worships approved the fraudulent permission of under-aged children to vote in the northern part of the country. For we all know that the God of the Roman Catholic Church of which Reverend Father Mbaka belongs is a just God who hates cheating in whatever form it is presented. Unless Reverend Mbaka is telling us that he has another God other than the one Almighty God we all know and acknowledged.Yes, if the victors said the defeat of Biafra was the act of God, the Igbo could not have denied such a statement, just as the on-going victory of the blood-sucking Islamic State in Syria and the Levante (ISIS/ISIL) and their budding children in Nigeria called Boko Haram could also be attributed to the act of God. Those who truly worship God in truth and spirit through any form or medium truly know that God’s ways are hard to fully predict by mortal man. For whatever it was worth, the massive Igbo support for President Jonathan was a patriotic call to duty. Yes, President Jonathan might not have met the greater part of our expectations from him as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But for the Igbo, he wiped out the ignominious tears of second-fiddlers in Federal Government affairs. For the first time since the end of the Nigeria civil war, the Igbo occupied in one stroke the positions of Secretary of the Government of the Federation, two Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces at the same time – the Army and Navy. At least the second Niger Bridge is presently under construction. Beyond these, the massive Igbo support for the President was a cementing force that eventually obliterated the political cancer of rivalry and mutual mistrust between the Igbo and their South-South ethnic brothers that began with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Professor Eyo Ita in the 1950s. Today, the contentious State creation agitation by these neighbours of the Igbo from the defunct Igbo-dominated Eastern Region has been resolved with the existing multiplicity of States. The civil war has come and gone. But could we say that the reason for which the Igbo took up the arms of defence against the Federal Government no longer exists? The Niger Delta militants took up arms against the Federal Government in defence of their rights and have through that experience chiefly identified who their friends and foes are. Have the Igbo actually identified who their friends and foes are in the matrix of present politics? The historical experience of any people so oppressed like the Igbo, no matter how checkered it might be, fundamentally calls for reflection and in essence a lesson. The emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria most importantly calls for reflection primarily for the Igbo. It is a matter that evidently put the Igbo on the balance of sustained political principle via-a-vis a taciturn principle of progressive opposition or wobbling edifice of political harlotry. The present balance of political equation beckons on true Igbo patriots to stand firm and hold the bull of politics by its horn of emerging political challenges. The greatest political disaster the Igbo will attract on themselves is for the crop of her political leaders to aimlessly drift to the soon to emerge ruling APC in the name of being afraid to be in opposition. What is most important for the present political terrain is for both the South East and South-South to further cement the political gains of common solidarity for Jonathan by building a strong force of opposition. What has become customary in the acquisition of political power in Nigeria today, except for the Igbo, is that ethnic generated conflicts often end in Presidential compensation. President Olusegun Obasanjo reaped from the blood-watering conflict of June 12 presidential election annulment. President Umar Yar’Adua benefited from the dastard incarceration and eventual death of his senior brother in the hands of General Sani Abacha. President Goodluck Jonathan invariably reaped from the Niger Delta struggles for economic emancipation. And now, can one deny the fact that General Muhammadu Buhari evidently reaped from the on-going Boko Haram insurgency? What did the Igbo reap from the 30-month long civil war? The Igbo had since the end of the civil war engaged in competitive licking of the political ass of most past Federal Governments except in fact that of President Jonathan. Will this be the case with President Muhammadu Buhari? Dr. Tony Nwaezeigwe is an acting director , Centre for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/04/igbo-and-the-fallacy-of-mbakas-gods-vindication/#sthash.zJeDQ5l1.dpufJust

Politics

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Quietness can be an amazing asset, frequently more significant than words. Knowing when to stay quiet can save connections, forestall clashes, and lead to better independent direction. The following are a few circumstances where keeping quiet can be gainful, joined by the justifications for why quiet is the most ideal decision in these situations. 1. During Warmed Contentions Significance: Feelings run high during contentions, and expressing something seemingly out of the blue can prompt lament and further acceleration. Staying quiet can forestall expressing terrible or irreversible things. It considers chilling off and moving toward the discussion later with a more clear psyche and more valuable disposition. 2. At the point when You Need Total Data Significance: Talking without the real factors can prompt falsehood, misconceptions, and humiliation. Quietness permits you to accumulate all important data prior to framing an assessment or saying something. It exhibits astuteness and reasonability, showing that you esteem exact data over speedy reactions. 3. Even with Incitement Significance: Answering incitement can frequently heighten what is happening, prompting superfluous clash. Quietness assists with keeping calm and pride. It forestalls providing the provocateur with the fulfillment of a response and holds what is happening back from raising. 4. While Listening is More Significant Significance: Successful correspondence frequently includes more tuning in than talking. Being quiet permits others to put themselves out there completely, which can prompt better comprehension and more grounded connections. It recognizes the speaker and can give you significant bits of knowledge and viewpoints. 5. During Snapshots of Misery or Agony Significance: in the midst of despondency, words can now and again feel lacking or even nosy. Quiet can give a soothing presence and show that you are there for help without compelling discussion. It permits the lamenting individual to deal with their feelings time permitting and way. 6. At the point when You Have nothing Helpful to Add Significance: In some cases, adding to a discussion without valuable info can weaken the message or shift concentrate superfluously. Quietness guarantees that main significant commitments are made, keeping up with the quality and pertinence of the conversation. It shows that you esteem substance over amount in correspondence. 7. At the point when Others are Attempting to Control You Significance: Answering control can wander right into whatever the controller might have had planned. Quiet can act as a guarded procedure, keeping the controller from utilizing your words against you. It gives you an opportunity to painstakingly perceive the control and thoroughly consider your reaction. 8. While Noticing and Learning Significance: Observational learning requires consideration and quietness to completely retain new data. Quiet takes into consideration better perception and comprehension of circumstances and ways of behaving. It helps in gaining from the climate and others without obstruction. 9. While Reflecting or Thinking Significance: Reflection and contemplation require a peaceful psyche to be successful. Quiet works with more profound reasoning, reflection, and self-improvement. It advances mental clearness and close to home security, assisting with settling inward clashes and settle on better choices. 10. During Talks Significance: Quiet can be a strong arranging strategy. It can make the other party self-conscious, frequently driving them to reveal more data or make concessions. It permits you to listen cautiously to the next party's offers and requests, assisting you with figuring out a superior reaction. Quiet isn't only the shortfall of discourse however an essential instrument that can be employed to improve correspondence, forestall clashes, and encourage understanding. Whether in warmed contentions, snapshots of despondency, or exchanges, realizing that when will generally be quiet is an indication of shrewdness and the capacity to understand people on a deeper level. By picking quiet at the perfect opportunities, we can explore life's intricacies all the more really, keeping up with our honesty and advancing amicable cooperations. There are no comments for this story Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

https://vocal.media/lifehack/when-in-life-in-any-situation-it-is-better-to-be-silent

Phones

en

Yes, Jesus rose from the dead in the same body in which He died. In John 2:19-21, Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”1 The Jews, therefore, said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking of the temple of his body.” Jesus prophesied that He would rise from the dead in the very body in which He died. Right now, in heaven, Jesus has a physical body. He has scars on his wrists, ankles, brow, and side. He has retained the wounds of His crucifixion. After His resurrection, He appeared to Thomas. “Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing,'” (John 10:27). Notice that Jesus still retained the hole in His side where he was pierced. “But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately there came out blood and water,” (John 19:34). Some scholars think that when Jesus appeared to the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35 and that the reason they did not recognize Him was that Jesus had been beaten about the face, and His beard had been ripped from His face and was simply not recognizable. It wasn’t until after He broke bread and exposed His wrists that they then saw who He was; but, this is just a theory. Though He was raised physically, His body was a glorified body. It was the same body, but it was different. 1 Cor. 15:42-44 says, “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” We do not know exactly what a resurrected body is capable of doing; but, Jesus did appear in rooms unannounced. Perhaps we might have the same ability at our resurrection. The physical resurrection of Jesus is a very important doctrine. 1 Cor. 15:14 says, “and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.” The reason it is so important is that Jesus’ physical resurrection is the proof that death has been conquered and that we too will be physically resurrected. To say that Jesus did not rise from the dead is to say that death had victory over Him. If that were so, we would be without hope; and sin would still have its power. 1 Cor. 15:53-57, “For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

http://ow.ly/21Gt50N92n5

Religion

en

As many as 25 percent of people with the coronavirus may never show symptoms, says Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield. In a Monday interview with NPR, Redfield said that COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, spreads “far easier” than the flu, in part because it appears people can spread the virus up to 48 hours before they feel sick, if they even show symptoms at all. “This helps explain how rapidly this virus continues to spread across the country because we have asymptomatic transmitters and we have individuals who are transmitting 48 hours before they become symptomatic,” he said. The virus is spreading quickly in the U.S., with 165,870 cases confirmed as of Tuesday morning. Because there is still not widespread testing for COVID-19 in the U.S., it’s not known how many people actually have it. The federal government is urging people to practice social distancing measures, such as working from home and staying at least six feet away from others, to slow the spread of the virus and prevent an influx of patients from overwhelming the health care system. It is especially important for people who appear healthy to follow those measures since they could carry the virus to more vulnerable populations. “So this social distancing that we’re pushing … is a powerful weapon, and that will shut this outbreak down sooner than it otherwise would have been shut down,” Redfield said. Redfield said he expects transmission of the disease to decrease in the U.S. in the late spring and early summer, but the CDC is preparing for a second wave to hit in the fall or early winter. “Hopefully, we’ll aggressively re-embrace some of the mitigation strategies that we have determined had impact, particularly social distancing,” he said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/490391-cdc-head-up-to-25-percent-of-those-with-coronavirus-never-show

Health

en

Between a general and a president Dwight Eisenhower was the four-star general of the United States army who went on to become the 34th president of the country after a blazing military career that saw him take charge of the Allied Forces during World War 2. His time as the supreme commander of the expeditionary forces in Western Europe oversaw the successful allied attack on the shore of Normandy a year before the end of the global conflict. Under Eisenhower, Western Europe was freed from the grip of the Nazis. Later, this American soldier fondly called Ike, took his place in history as he accepted Germany’s surrender and moved on to command the US occupation zone in Germany. But, according to a BBC profile, Ike wasn’t done with mere military triumphs. BBC writes: “In 1952, the popularity which Eisenhower had gained during the war helped him win the Republican nomination for presidency and then the presidency itself. His time in office was dominated by the Cold War. In July 1953, he agreed to an armistice to end the fighting in Korea… Eisenhower was re-elected in November 1956.’’ The historian H. A. Davies in his book, An Outline History of the World, adds more of the outstanding feats of the Eisenhower presidency: it expanded the American nation by admitting Alaska and Hawaii into the Union to bring the number of America’s states to 50. At a critical point when race relations got to a boiling stage, Ike sent fully kitted paratroopers to enforce a Supreme Court ruling on desegregation in a school in one of the states. But although Eisenhower’s flight to fame found its cradle in the military, Americans and observers of contemporary history have shrouded him in ‘presidential’ robes, hardly in military drill. For, they believe, as Ike himself did when, after a victorious military campaign, he chose to go into politics; that you serve your people best on the platform of their summons through the ballot box. So all through his two-term presidency that ended in 1961 and paved the way for JF Kennedy, Ike was never referred to as General Eisenhower. It was President Eisenhower. To be sure, he struck great feats as a soldier. But his martial accomplishments couldn’t take him where the presidency took him. The presidency took him to the abode of the gods on Mount Olympus, whereas his generalship held him to the ground. Eisenhower himself never sought a look into that past. For it would remind him of a discarded past, a yesterday that reminded him of a period he thirsted for fulfillment. Who would wish for a baneful past in a pleasant present? If then, the media or citizenry should take it upon themselves to dress Eisenhower in his old military garment, it would amount to driving him from the present to yesterday. It would be penalty for perceived breach of a sacred duty. That is the bold point The PUNCH newspaper group was making when it announced that its titles were no longer obligated to address Muhammadu Buhari as president in view of his government’s ‘’assaults on the courts, disobedience of court orders and arbitrary detention of citizens .’’ The newspaper declared in its famous editorial with the title, Buhari’s lawlessness: Our stand:’’ As a symbolic demonstration of our protest against autocracy and military-style repression, PUNCH (all our print newspapers, The PUNCH, Saturday PUNCH, Sunday PUNCH, PUNCH Sports Extra, digital platforms, most especially Punchng.com) will henceforth prefix Buhari’s name with his rank as a military dictator in the 80s, Major General, and refer to his administration as a regime, until they purge themselves of their insufferable contempt for the rule of law.’’ Buhari’s media gaffers and all the others rising to lambast the newspaper understand what it translates into to disconnect an old soldier from his new-found presidential love and return him to his ancient habits. It’s real term demotion. It does greatly matter, contrary to what one of the media aides says. There’s something in a name in this case. A name announces who you are. It also announces who you are not, which is more important, if you ask me. If you are an elected president, donning presidential apparel but your gait, outlook, vision and conversation are incongruent with presidential appurtenances, you are a pretender. I should be worried that I am not dealing with the real man. The hood doesn’t make the monk. The hood and monk must come together to make the monk. The hood without the monk is a pretense, a profanity, a pariah. A man and his presidency must abide in the same boat. They can’t be Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Those hitting The PUNCH hard understand what is at play. The newspaper understands too. It is the reason it has decided to take such a strong position. It is a fulfillment of the media’s solemn pledge to protect the people when the other bulwarks of preservation of the land crumble or are cowed into acquiescence. There must be voices to stand up in defence of society. One of such voices has been Wole Soyinka, who himself has lately been recuperating from a blistering shock at Buhari’s ‘lackluster performance’. The Nobel Laureate was among the main characters that created Buhari. That’s where it pains, that what you labour to bring into being turns at you to destroy you and your community. So days before PUNCH, Soyinka began the psychological war that employs titles and prefixes to challenge leaders. Knowing how madly we adore titles, Soyinka, exasperated with the way the Omoyele Sowore has been handled by the Buhari regime, addressed the Nigerian leader thus: President-General Buhari. Did we notice what Soyinka was up to? He refused the president his full regalia to protest his ‘desecration’ of the judiciary when operatives of the executive were running rings around court rulings. So he, Wole Soyinka, master of literary language, also drew a circle of words around our beloved president: President-General Buhari. Pray, what does it mean? Splitting one man into two: a general and a president! I wonder why those at The Presidency didn’t notice it to summon Soyinka to the Villa for questioning. Or did they?

https://thenationonlineng.net/between-a-general-and-a-president/

Politics

en

Biafra: The war rages on by other means “Sincerely speaking, the South-East has not had a fair-share/ since the civil war. Their marginalization is quite obvious/ But if the policy of reconciliation of Gen. Gowon and late/ Gen. Murtala's administration had continued, the agitation by few/ Igbo for Biafra would have been a thing of the past” –– Balarabe Musa IT is fiftieth anniversary of the Nigerian civil war, the war that the people of the defunct Eastern region of the country fought for the survival and sustenance of one of the world's shortest lived states –– the Republic of Biafra. While it is not surprising that the federal government is mute about the significance of the event, in that many conditions –– as Balarabe Musa pointed above –– that made the war inevitable still haunt us today, it is regrettable lugubrious(apologies to Patrick Obahiabon) that no commemoration is planned or organised by any state in the South-East or South-South. The war was declared by Gen. Yakubu Gowon's led military government on 6th July 1967 to bring the defunct Eastern region back to the Nigerian federation. The unity of the country which one of the federal war cry said “is a task that must be done!” was compromised by then Col. Ojukwu who on 30th May 1967 declared the Republic of Biafra. He did that as survivalist mechanism against what could be called state sponsored pogrom against the Igbo people. Igbo people living outside the Eastern Region had since the “Return March of 29th July 1966” made victims of mass slaughter. These for Northerners were in retaliation of their leaders killed in the failed 15th January 1966 coup––the coup they believed, tenaciously, to be “Igbo coup.” So, it was against this backdrop that Ojukwu's declaration of Biafra was greeted with pomp and pageantry. To an average Igbo man then, it was an epiphany of the Igbo race. But that was not to be as what started as a police action in the wee hours of 6th July 1967 turned out to be a full blown war that lasted for thirty months. The events of the war were economically rendered in my poem titled “In the Shadow of Biafra”: Agreement suffered disagreement And canons were let loose Raining in the sky of Biafra, The scavengers called for feast Life and death brawled in a free-for-all But the scavengers had their ways With their cups overflowing in the presence of their enemy, Psalm 23 was in their lips. Were these Biafrans that “heroes fight like”? Ah! Hunger was the weapon of the enemy. Kwashiorkor came knocking at the door, And the death dominoes began to fall. The grim-reaper was the zeitgeist, In the genocidal engagement The rising sun hurriedly departed, And cessation was the secession. With defeat in sight, on 11th January, 1970, Gens. Ojukwu and Alexander Madiebo, the commander of Biafran army, fled for exile. It was the man that the white reporters called F-young (Gen. Philip Effiong) that did the needful by handing over to then Col. Obasanjo the instrument of surrender. So on 15th January 1970, Gen. Gowon received the Biafran delegation and thus announced the end of the war on the terms of “no victor no vanquished.” The argument whether there were victors and vanquished in war was perfectly put to rest by Ojukwu himself who in the BBC documentary on the 40th anniversary of the Biafran war anchored by Prof. Wole Soyinka asked: what did he (Gen. Gowon) do to stop the victor from being the victor and the vanquished from being the vanquished? One glaring indication that Nigeria has failed as a country is that fifty years after the civil war, Biafra is still on the air. This therefore buttressed the incompatibility logic always put forward by many Biafran nationalists. But if after fifty years, the people of the defunct Biafra have not been fully integrated into the mainstream of Nigerian politics, can we say they can ever be integrated? The question that successive Nigerian leadership has failed to answer is: why is Igbo people a threat to the rest of Nigerians? Achebe made us understand in his short masterpiece The trouble with Nigeria that “Nigerians of all other ethnic groups will probably achieve consensus on no other matter than their common resentment of the Igbo. They would all describe them as aggressive, arrogant and clannish.” A cursory foray into the Nigerian history will show that no ethnic group has contributed and sacrificed so much to the development of “one Nigeria” that our Northern brothers are now singing today than the Igbo people. Even when Zik's emergence in the Western Assembly was foiled by chief Awolowo through the infamous cross-carpeting he orchestrated, Prince Umoro Altine of Sokoto successfully emerged as the mayor of Enugu. Zik scarified the post of prime-minister because of “one Nigeria.” Igbo people do not just live in all the nooks and crannies of this country but are also developing them as their homes because of the one Nigeria philosophy ––so where have they wrong their other Nigerian brothers? Any objective analysis of the post-civil war public policies of Nigerian State must come to the views that Balarabe Musa expressed above. This is so because we are still at war. From the 20pounds bank and indigenization policies of Gowon's administration to the present day removal of South-East from the proposed rail project of the federal government, Ndigbo are shortchanged. The problem with Nigeria and the Biafran question can be seen in the Igbo adage that says: Oji onye n'ani ji onwe ya–– 'He who will hold another down in the mud must stay in the mud to keep him down.' Nothing will work in Nigeria so long as the notion that NdIgbo are 'defeated people' still holds water in the process of authoritative allocation of resource. To wake up the sleeping giant that Nigeria is, we must look to the direction of restructuring and fiscal federalism. That said, the governors of states that made up the defunct Eastern Region should bury their faces in shame for not recognizing the sacrifices made by all that were either killed or died in the war especially those that fought on the Biafran side. My greatest epitaph for them is to be found in the words of Robert Laurence Binyon who in his poem –For the Fallen– wrote: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Asikason Jonathan, a public affairs analyst, wrote in from Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra state. *Mr. Jonathan, a public affair analyst, wrote from Enugu-Ukwu, Anambra state. Disclaimer: "The views expressed on this site are those of the contributors or columnists, and do not necessarily reflect TheNigerianVoice’s position. TheNigerianVoice will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements in the contributions or columns here."

https://m.thenigerianvoice.com/amp/news/254723/biafra-the-war-rages-on-by-other-means.html

Politics

en

Coronavirus: Research reveals where it lingers, how to kill it New research from Singapore published shows that patients with the novel coronavirus extensively contaminate their bedrooms and bathrooms, underscoring the need to routinely clean high-touch surfaces, basins and toilet bowls. The virus was, however, killed by twice-a-day cleaning of surfaces and daily cleaning of floors with a commonly used disinfectant — suggesting that current decontamination measures are sufficient as long as people adhere to them. The research letter was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and comes after Chinese cases in which the pathogen spread extensively through hospitals, infecting dozens of health care workers and other patients. This led scientists to believe that, beyond catching the infection through coughing, environmental contamination was an important factor in the disease’s transmission, but its extent was unclear. Researchers at Singapore’s National Center for Infectious Diseases and DSO National Laboratories looked at the cases of three patients who were held in isolation rooms between late January and early February. They collected samples from the rooms on five days over a two-week period. The room of one patient was sampled before routine cleaning, while the rooms of the other two patients were sampled after disinfection measures. The patient whose room was sampled before cleaning had the mildest symptoms of the three, only experiencing a cough. The other two had moderate symptoms: Both had coughing and fever, one experienced shortness of breath and the other was coughing up mucus. Despite this disparity, the patient whose room was sampled before cleaning contaminated 13 of 15 room sites tested, including a chair, the bed rail, a glass window, the floor and light switches. Three of the five toilet sites were also contaminated, including the sink, door handle and toilet bowl — more evidence that stool can be a route of transmission. Air samples tested negative, but swabs taken from air exhaust outlets were positive — which suggests that virus-laden droplets may be carried by air flows and deposited on vents. The two rooms that were tested after cleaning had no positive results. “Significant environmental contamination by patients with SARS-CoV-2 through respiratory droplets and fecal shedding suggests the environment as a potential medium of transmission and supports the need for strict adherence to environmental and hand hygiene,” the authors wrote. SARS-CoV-R is the official name of the pathogen.

https://thenationonlineng.net/coronavirus-research-reveals-where-it-lingers-how-to-kill-it/

Health

en

PHOTO: Getty Images As COVID-19 tests become more widely available across the US, scientists have warned about a growing concern: Many people with negative results might actually have the virus. That could have devastating implications as a global recession looms and governments wrangle with the question of when to reopen economies shuttered as billions of people were ordered to stay home in an effort to break transmission of the deadly disease. The majority of tests around the world use a technology called PCR, which detects pieces of the coronavirus in mucus samples. But “there are a lot of things that impact whether or not the test actually picks up the virus,” Priya Sampathkumar, an infectious diseases specialist at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, told AFP. “It depends on how much virus the person is shedding (through sneezing, coughing and other bodily functions), how the test was collected and whether it was done appropriately by someone used to collecting these swabs, and then how long it sat in transport,” she said. The virus has only been spreading among humans for four months and therefore studies about test reliability are still considered preliminary. Early reports from China suggest its sensitivity, meaning how well it is able to return positive results when the virus is present, is somewhere around 60 to 70 percent. Different companies around the world are now producing slightly different tests, so it’s hard to have a precise overall figure. But even if it were possible to increase the sensitivity to 90 percent, the magnitude of risk remains substantial as the number of people tested grows, Sampathkumar argued in a paper published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. “In California, estimates say the rate of COVID-19 infection may exceed 50 percent by mid-May 2020,” she said. With 40 million people, “even if only one percent of the population was tested, 20,000 false-negative results would be expected.” This makes it critical for clinicians to base their diagnosis on more than just the test: they must also examine a patient’s symptoms, their potential exposure history, imaging and other lab work. – Timing is everything – Part of the problem lies in locating the virus as its area of highest concentration shifts within the body. The main nasal swab tests examine the nasopharynx, where the back of the nose meets the top of the throat. This requires a trained hand to perform and some portion of the false negatives arises from improper procedure. But even if done correctly, the swab may produce a false negative. That’s because as the disease progresses, the virus passes from the upper to the lower respiratory system. In these cases, the patient may be asked to try to cough up sputum — mucus from the lower lungs — or doctors may need to take a sample more invasively, when a patient is under sedation. Daniel Brenner, an emergency physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, described to AFP taking a test after performing a procedure called a bronchoalveolar lavage. This was done on a patient whose nasal swab returned negative three times, but who showed all the signs of COVID-19. Eventually, the patient’s medical team placed a camera down his windpipe to examine the lungs, then sprayed fluid in and sucked out the secretions, which were then tested, resulting in a positive. – No perfect test – Uncertainty in clinical diagnoses is not new, and clinicians are well aware that no type of test for any condition can be considered perfect. What makes COVID-19 different is its newness, said Sampathkumar. “Most of the time when you have tests, you have test characteristics outlined carefully and warnings about tests interpretation,” she said. “We had no test for so long, and when we got the test, we started using it widely and sort of forgot the basics.” After being slow to start mass testing, the US has ramped up production and has tested almost 2.5 million people, with pharmacists now authorized to carry out the procedure. But “the real fear of that is people who are given a false negative test and then decide that they’re safe to go around their daily life and go out and expose people,” said Brenner. Much hope is placed on newly available serological tests which look for antibodies produced by a person’s body in response to the virus and can tell whether a person was infected, long after they recovered. They could also be used to help diagnose a person who is currently infected but whose PCR test results showed a false negative, by waiting a week or so for the body to produce its immune response. “We are excited about the serologic test, but we don’t know how well it will work and we are starting to study it,” said Sampathkumar. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/04/how-false-negatives-are-complicating-covid-19-testing/

Health

en

‘It’s not science’ Is evolution ‘science’ and creation ‘religion’? Anti-creationists, such as atheists by definition, commonly object that creation is religion and evolution is science. To defend this claim they will cite a list of criteria that define a ‘good scientific theory’. A common criterion is that the bulk of modern day practising scientists must accept it as valid science. Another criterion defining science is the ability of a theory to make predictions that can be tested. Evolutionists commonly claim that evolution makes many predictions that have been found to be correct. They will cite something like antibiotic resistance in bacteria as some sort of ‘prediction’ of evolution, whereas they question the value of the creationist model in making predictions. Since, they say, creation fails their definition of ‘science’, it is therefore ‘religion’, and (by implication) it can simply be ignored. What is science? Many attempts to define ‘science’ are circular. The point that a theory must be acceptable to contemporary scientists to be acceptable, basically defines science as ‘what scientists do’! In fact, under this definition, economic theories would be acceptable scientific theories, if ‘contemporary scientists’ accepted them as such. In many cases, these so-called definitions of science are blatantly self-serving and contradictory. A number of evolutionary propagandists have claimed that creation is not scientific because it is supposedly untestable. But in the same paragraph they will claim, ‘scientists have carefully examined the claims of creation science, and found that ideas such as the young Earth and global Flood are incompatible with the evidence’. But obviously creation cannot have been examined (tested) and found to be false if it’s ‘untestable’! The definition of ‘science’ has haunted philosophers of science in the 20th century. The approach of Bacon, who is considered the founder of the scientific method, was pretty straightforward: observation → induction → hypothesis → test hypothesis by experiment → proof/disproof → knowledge. Of course this, and the whole approach to modern science, depends on two major assumptions: causality1 and induction.2 The philosopher Hume made it clear that these are believed by ‘blind faith’ (Bertrand Russell’s words). Kant and Whitehead claimed to have solved the problem, but Russell recognized that Hume was right. Actually, these assumptions arose from faith in the Creator-God of the Bible, as historians of science like Loren Eiseley have recognized. Many scientists are so philosophically and theologically ignorant that they don’t even realize that they have these (and other) metaphysical assumptions. Being like a frog in the warming water, many do not even notice that there are philosophical assumptions at the root of much that passes as ‘science’. It’s part of their own worldview, so they don’t even notice. We at CMI are ‘up front’ about our acceptance of revelation (the Bible). Unlike many atheists, we recognize that a philosophy of life does not come from the data, but rather the philosophy is brought to the data and used in interpreting it. Perceptions and bias The important question is not, ‘Is it science?’ One can just define ‘science’ to exclude everything that one doesn’t like, as many evolutionists do today. Today, science is equated with naturalism: only materialistic notions can be entertained, no matter what the evidence. The prominent evolutionist Professor Richard Lewontin said (emphases in original): “We take the side of science in spite of the patent absurdity of some of its constructs, in spite of its failure to fulfil many of its extravagant promises of health and life, in spite of the tolerance of the scientific community for unsubstantiated just-so stories, because we have a prior commitment, a commitment to materialism. It is not that the methods and institutions of science somehow compel us to accept a material explanation of the phenomenal world, but, on the contrary, that we are forced by our a priori adherence to material causes to create an apparatus of investigation and a set of concepts that produce material explanations, no matter how counter-intuitive, no matter how mystifying to the uninitiated. Moreover, that materialism is absolute, for we cannot allow a Divine Foot in the door.”3 Now that’s open-minded isn’t it? Isn’t ‘science’ about following the evidence wherever it may lead? This is where the religion (in the broadest sense) of the scientist puts the blinkers on. Our individual worldviews bias our perceptions. The atheist paleontologist, Stephen Jay Gould, made the following candid observation: “Our ways of learning about the world are strongly influenced by the social preconceptions and biased modes of thinking that each scientist must apply to any problem. The stereotype of a fully rational and objective ‘scientific method’, with individual scientists as logical (and interchangeable) robots is self-serving mythology.”4 So the fundamentally important question is, ‘which worldview (bias) is correct?’, because this will likely determine what conclusions are permitted to be drawn from the data. For example, if looking at the origin of life, a materialist will tend to do everything possible to avoid the conclusion that life must have been supernaturally created. Science a creationist invention Of course the founders of modern science were not materialists (Sir Isaac Newton, widely considered the greatest scientist ever, is a prime example) and they did not see their science as somehow excluding a creator, or even making the Creator redundant (see The biblical roots of modern science: A Christian world view, and in particular a plain understanding of Scripture and Adam’s Fall, was essential for the rise of modern science.). This recent notion, that science = philosophical materialism, has been smuggled into science by atheists. Michael Ruse, the Canadian philosopher of science also made the strong point that the issue is not whether evolution is science and creation is religion, because such a distinction is not really valid. The issue is one of ‘coherency of truth’. See The religious nature of evolution. In other words, there is no logically valid way that the materialist can define evolution as ‘science’ and creation as ‘religion’, so that he/she can ignore the issue of creation. A valid distinction However, we can make a valid distinction between different types of science: the distinction between origins science and operational science. Operational science involves discovering how things operate in today’s world—repeatable and observable phenomena in the present. This is the science of Newton, Einstein and Planck, for example. However, origins science deals with the origin of things in the past—unique, unrepeatable, unobservable events. This is why it could also be called ‘historical science’. There is a fundamental difference between how the two work, even though both are called ‘science’, and operational science does have implications for origins (or historical) science. Operational science involves repeatable experimentation in the here and now. Origins science deals with how something came into existence in the past and so is not open to experimental verification / observation (unless someone invents a ‘time machine’ to travel back into the past to observe).5 Of course it suits many materialists to confuse operational and origins science, although I’m sure with most the confusion arises out of ignorance. Tertiary (college / university) courses in science mostly don’t teach the philosophy of science and rarely make any distinction between experimental / operational and historical / origins sciences. Both evolution and creation fall into the category of origins science. Both are driven by philosophical considerations. The same data (observations in the present) are available to everyone, but different interpretations (stories) are devised to explain what happened in the past. Note that this distinction between operational science and evolution is not an invention of creationists. High-profile evolutionists such as Ernst Mayr and E.O. Wilson both acknowledged the distinction. The inclusion of historical science, without distinction, as ‘science’, has undoubtedly contributed to the modern confusion over defining science. This also explains the statement by Gould (above), who, as a paleontologist, would have liked there to have been no distinction between his own historical science and experimental science. Gould rightly saw the paramount importance of presuppositions in his own science and assumed that it applied equally to all science. This is not so. Although some presuppositions play an important role in operational science, historical science depends much more strongly on philosophical assumptions.6 Do you believe in hot water? Creationists have absolutely no problem with operational science, because the evidence drives operational science. It does not matter if you are a Christian, a Moslem, a Hindu, or an Atheist, pure water still boils at 100 °C at sea level. However, the true Hindu might still think it is all an illusion, and some atheists embracing postmodernism espouse that ‘truth’ is an illusion. However, origins science is driven by philosophy. One’s belief system is fundamental to what stories one accepts as plausible. Now if the majority of practitioners of origins / historical science have the wrong belief system (materialism), then the stories they find acceptable will also be wrong. So a majority vote of ‘contemporary scientists’ is hardly a good way to determine the validity of the respective stories. And origins science, or historical science, is essentially an exercise in story-telling—Lewontin alluded to this story-telling in the quote above. James Conant, past President of Harvard University, made the point quite forcibly, with a scathing assessment of the inventive scenarios that often characterise historical science. See also Naturalism. The evidence matters Now in pointing out that presuppositions drive what stories are acceptable in historical science, I am not saying that it is merely or solely a matter of those philosophical/religious assumptions. The stories still have to account for the evidence in a coherent manner. That is, the stories provided can often be tested according to the evidence. For example, the claim that coal-bearing geological strata were laid down over many millions of years is flatly contradicted by the evidence of polystrate tree fossils, with their roots broken off, traversing those strata (how did they stand there for millions of years while the layers of deposits built up around them, and all without rotting away?). There are many facts that contradict the evolutionary story: here are 101 evidences that speak against the billions of years of age claimed for the earth: Age of the earth. There are also many counts against the story of biological evolution; see 15 Questions for evolutionists. If the same data could be consistently interpreted in two entirely different ways, then Romans 1 would have no basis for saying that people have no excuse for denying that things were created by God because it is clear from the physical evidence. We can speak of a ‘coherency of truth’ as a test; that a truthful account of history will give a coherent (logically consistent) account of the evidence. Define terms consistently! It also suits materialists to shift the definition of evolution to suit the argument. Let’s be clear that we are discussing the ‘General Theory of Evolution’ (GTE), which was defined by the evolutionist Kerkut as ‘the theory that all the living forms in the world have arisen from a single source which itself came from an inorganic form’.7 Many, perhaps inadvertently, perform this switching definitions trick in alluding to mutations in bacteria as corroborating ‘evolution’. This has nothing to do with demonstrating the validity of the belief that hydrogen changed into humans over billions of years. The key difference is that the GTE requires not just change, but change that substantially increases the information content of the biosphere. See also this discussion of definitions. Predictions or ‘postdictions’? Many evolutionists claim mutations and antibiotic resistance in bacteria (operational science) as being some sort of prediction of evolution (origins science). In fact, genetics (operational science) was an embarrassment to evolution, which could have been a factor in Mendel’s pioneering genetics research going unrecognized for so many years (Mendel’s discovery of discrete genes did not fit Darwin’s idea of continuous unlimited variation). When mutations were discovered, these were seen as a way of reconciling Darwinism with the observations of operational science—hence the ‘neo-Darwinian’ synthesis of Mayr, Haldane, Fisher, etc. What about the predictions of evolution vs creation? The track record of evolution is pretty dismal. See How evolution harms science. On the other hand, modern science rides on the achievements of past creationists—see How important to science is evolution? and Contributions of creationist scientists. For just one clear example of modern-day predictions based on a creationist model, see Beyond Neptune: Voyager II Supports Creation. Many ‘predictions’ of evolutionary theory have been found to be incompatible with observations; and yet evolution reigns. For example, there is the profound absence of the many millions of transitional fossils that should exist if evolution were true (see Are there any Transitional Fossils?). The very pattern in the fossil record flatly contradicts evolutionary notions of what it should be like—see, for example, The links are missing. The evolutionist Gould wrote at length on this conundrum. Contrary to evolutionists’ expectations, none of the cases of antibiotic resistance, insecticide resistance, etc. that have been studied at a biochemical level (i.e. operational science) have involved de novo origin of new complex genetic information. In fact, evolutionists never predicted antibiotic resistance, because historically it took the medical field by surprise—see Anthrax and antibiotics: Is evolution relevant? Contrary to evolutionists’ expectations, breeding experiments reach limits; change is not unlimited. See the article by the creationist geneticist, Lane Lester. This matches what we would expect from Genesis 1, where it says that God created organisms to reproduce true to their different kinds. Another failed evolutionary ‘prediction’ is that of ‘junk DNA’. Evolutionists long claimed that 98% of the human DNA is junk, mere leftovers of our supposed evolutionary ancestry. This has hindered the discovery of the function of this DNA, now known to be at least 80% functional, and probably 100% is functional. See Dazzling DNA. Evolutionists expected that, given the right conditions, a living cell could make itself (abiogenesis); creationists said this was impossible. Operational science has destroyed this evolutionary notion; so much so that many evolutionists now want to leave the origin of life out of the debate. Many propagandists claim that evolution does not include this, although the theories of abiogenesis are usually called ‘chemical evolution’ and normally included within undergraduate courses on evolution.. See Origin of Life for an explanation of the many profound problems for any conceivable evolutionary scenario. Note: Claiming fulfilled predictions as proof of a hypothesis is known as the fallacy of affirming the consequent. However, if a prediction is falsified, it amounts to formal disproof of the proposition, so evolution has been formally disproved with multiple failed predictions. Falsified but not abandoned So, why do evolutionists persist with their spurious theory? For many it’s because they have never heard anything else. For avowed materialists it’s the ‘only game in town’—the only materialistic story available to explain how everything came to be; the materialist’s creation myth. It’s a bit like the proverbial ostrich putting its head in the sand, thinking that all that exists is what it can see under the sand. The ostrich’s worldview excludes everything that it does not find convenient. In the darkness of the sand, all unacceptable facts cease to exist. The persistence of evolutionary thinking in the face of so much contradictory evidence indicates that the philosophical presupposition of materialism (atheism) trumps the facts. The paradigm has priority, no matter what the evidence, because the secularist ‘cannot allow a divine foot in the door’. For a summary of the failed arguments for evolution, see Arguments evolutionists should not use. Light in the darkness! Jesus Christ came as ‘the light of the world’ (John 8:12), when the Second Person of the Trinity took on human nature (see The Incarnation: Why did God become Man?). He came to shed the light of God in dark places. The greatest darkness is to live without God; to live as if you are a cosmic accident, just ‘rearranged pond scum’, as one evolutionist put it. Sadly, many are being duped into thinking that way, and we are seeing the horrendous consequences in escalating youth suicide, drug problems, family break-up, violence, etc. How much we need the light of Jesus to shine! God will hold each one of us accountable—all of us deserve His condemnation. But the Bible says that He has provided a way of escape through Jesus Christ for all that turn to God, humbly admitting our need of forgiveness. See Here’s the Good News. For more information about the above issues, and more, check out the Q&A section, or use the search window to search for articles on subjects of interest. Updated: 20th March 2023 Re-featured on homepage: 25 March 2023 - Causality: the principle that all effects or events are caused by something preceding it that is sufficient to explain the effect or event. This is a basic principle of rationality. Return to text. - Induction: that conclusions drawn from limited observations are applicable to the universe at large. Return to text. - Lewontin, R., Billions and billions of demons, The New York Review, January 9, 1997, p. 31. Return to text. - Gould, S.J., Natural History 103(2):14, 1994. Return to text. - One might object that looking through a telescope to view a star that is a thousand light-years away involves observing the past, because you are observing the star as it was a thousand years ago. However, the observations are of the light rays entering the telescope at that moment. What those observations might tell you about that star 1,000 years ago are inferences, however reasonable. And it is not possible to do an experiment, which requires repeated observations of causes and their effects. As an example of how astronomical observations are subject to interpretation driven by presuppositions, see Clear picture—blurry story? Return to text. - See Sarfati, J., Why does science work at all? Creation 31(3):12–14, 2009. These presuppositions are not controversial because everyone involved in experimental science tacitly accepts them as true. Return to text. - Kerkut, G., Implications of Evolution, Pergamon, Oxford, UK, p. 157, 1960. Return to text. Comments are automatically closed 14 days after publication.

https://creation.com/its-not-science

Religion

en

Africans have been fighting slavery since early ADs. Lourenço da Silva Mendouça, the First world Abolitionist, was a Prince from the royal family of Ndongo Kingdom in Angola. He had successfully convinced authorities to end slavery in Europe. What Nafafé discovered is that in 1684, Mendonça went to the Vatican, where he accused the nations involved in the trans Atlantic slave trade of crimes against humanity. It was not just a petition, it became court cases, undertaken by Black Africans and supported through highly organized international solidarity. Why the Vatican? It was Pope VI who had issued Papal Bull that authorized Spain and Portugal to colonize and enslave Africa, America and the Natives in 1493 AD. Muhammed Ali was on Mike Douglas Show with Sly of The Family Stone as co-host when he complained about Slavery. One of the guests, Rep. Wayne L. Hays, claimed the African Chiefs were paid. What he did not say is that the slave raiders went back, captured the Chiefs and sold them into the plantations as the other slaves. Nafafé explained that “It has never been previously established by historians that Mendonça was an African, which is really incredible – that in the 1600s you had this African man who traveled all over Europe to mobilize an activist movement for the liberation not only of Black Africans, but also of Indigenous people in the Americas ... People always think that the legal abolitionist movement started in Britain, in the late 18th century, but Mendonça really forces us to review our positions on this.” https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/3/10/how-portugal-sil enced-centuries-of-violence-and-trauma Well before 300 AD, Africans had been fighting the Muslim Caliphate from Ghana to Songhai Empires. The Zanj fought and conquered the Abbāsid caliphal empire. Their fight for Freedom and Rebellions led to the Zanj superior power in Mesopotamia that ruled Basra in Iraq into Iran from 869 to 883 AD. It took all combined forces of Arab states before Arabs were later able to overcome them. Bookman, another captured African leader of Maroon and Vodou Houngan, fought for Freedom in Haiti for Independence from France. The wrong notion that freedom for people only exists within the Western Activists is astounding. It is well known in the Diaspora that the Chiefs that sold African slaves were later captured by the same raiders and sold in countries other slaves were. Researchers and genes tracers confirmed many of the slaves in the Americas came from the lines of Kings and Chiefs that sold slaves and were sold into slavery themselves. Many African Americans like the Zanj conqueror of Basra, are aware and proud of their royal blood from Africa. Yet some blame new African immigrants not the raided Chiefs, for selling them out; knowing pretty well that their sellers were also captured about the same time after they were. The African Chiefs that sold Africans into the Diaspora suffered the same fate when the slave raiders brought them into the Diaspora. Stop blaming all Africans at home, many rebeled against slave trade sacrificing their lives like Bookman, at home and abroad. When the African sellers arrived at the plantations, their subjects and fellow African slaves that got there earlier recognized them. Some ridiculed the new arrivals and others welcomed them with hostility. The hostility remained today within African American communities, disrespecting one another and hostile to recent African immigrants. Some African Americans still blame the captured and free Africans that escaped slavery, rebelled and fought against slavery. Muhamed Ali was right, when Sly Stone tried to distract him while answering Rep. Wayne Hays questions, he said: Black people spend so much time attacking one another, some of us become a distraction from the real goal of keeping our energy on the Prize. As the inhumanity of man to man became more vicious, free Africans at home rebelled and ran away as those on the slave ships and in the Diaspora. Indeed, France got reverse reparation from Haiti. Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka was at Cambridge Library Colloquium with Prof. Louis Gate of Harvard University talking about Black on Blacks angers from Nigeria/Ghana to South Africa/other Africans. Prof. Gates raised the issue of recent Africans immigrants. More than forty years after Mohamed Ali and Wayne Hays tangled on the Mike Douglas Show. Prof. Gates, like some African Americans, still thinks the African immigrants that sold them, follow them to America to share their quota. It was embarrassing for all Africans at home and in the Diaspora that the issue is still alive at Harvard of all places. Quota is dead in America. It was threatened by American white students in courts, not recent African immigrants. Indeed, the United States Supreme Court finally nailed it. Though replaced by Affirmative Action, that was also replaced by Diversity for all ethnic groups. The diversity is being threatened by Asians in Court suing that they were cheated in Admission to Harvard; not by the African students. No other ethnic group in America attacks their own from old countries. The Irish created special admission for their recent Irish immigrants just as the Italians, Polish, Ukrainians Americans welcome their recent immigrants. Africans must find better ways to reconcile their differences at home and in the Diaspora. Black on Black crimes must decrease below the level of White on White, Asians on Asians or Natives on Native crimes. People victimize their own at a greater proportion than they victimize others. But Africans have suffered in the hands of others more than any other continent. It is true that the Chiefs sold their own for guns and mirrors to capture more slaves, it does not justify liberty of worst mean spirited habits by individuals to lynch, slash and burn slaves for any or no reason. Indeed, Yoruba tradition cautions that the way a child was born, so was a slave. Bi a se bi Omo ni a se bi Eru. The cry for reparations must be understood as making amends for past injustices, not to displace or favor anyone. Those that have gained from past injustices against Africans and continue to exploit the people and the Continent must look for humane ways to make their profit and pay Africans reparations appropriately to those that are due. Unlike France that demanded and got reparations from its colonies from Haiti to Africa. Despite all the wars Africans fought against the Muslims and Christians coming as explorers and missionaries, sent into the Dark Continent for 500 years, the only miracle is that Africans have not been eliminated from the surface of the Earth. They are strong and resilient. We do not need anymore enemies within. Today we are lured, not forced into slave ships anymore. Most of the new Africans use life savings to buy tickets on Boeing 707 like the looters and their families. The most anguishing part is that Africa, Haiti, and other historically hugely humanly explored parts of the world remain so devoid of prosperity, of tolerance towards minorities, of Justice.

https://www.modernghana.com/news/1183912/slaves-their-seller-chiefs-were-raided-by-arabs.html?_gl=1

Culture

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The Nigerian economy is in deep trouble. When the Government laid out its current five-year development plan, the forecast for 1983 was that production of high-priced oil, at two million barrels a day, would earn the nation $30 billion. As world oil markets faltered last year, the forecast was trimmed in November in an austerity budget based on production of a million barrels a day. At the time, industry analysts reckoned that, for the first quarter of 1983 at least, black Africa's largest oil producer would be able to pump 1.3 million barrels a day, about the December level. The forecasts were wrong: In January, oil industry sources and Nigerian officials said, daily production was no more than 880,000 barrels, despite the expectation of high sales to wintry America and Europe. Early February was worse: 550,000 barrels a day. The implications are serious. Nigeria, which faces elections in August, is spending far more than it is earning. Some prestige projects, like a $2 billion standard gauge railway, have already been shelved. Commercial Payments Slow Moreover, the nation's foreign exchange reserves have fallen to just over $1 billion, enough to finance one month of imports, and that figure, the ecoomist said, is only ''notional'' because outstanding commercial payments are much higher. One Western banker put Nigeria's commercial debts at ''$6 billion minimum.'' Other estimates vary between $5 billion and $7 billion, compared with a relatively low long-term debt of $12 billion. (Banking sources in London said that Nigeria had begun talks aimed at getting a $1 billion credit to repay some of its commercial debts, Reuters reported Tuesday.)

https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/17/business/economic-strains-on-nigeria.html

Politics

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday it has become aware of products being sold online that fraudulently claim to prevent or treat Ebola. The FDA’s warning comes on the heels of comments by Nigeria’s top health official, Onyebuchi Chukwu, who reportedly said earlier Thursday that eight Ebola patients in Lagos will receive an experimental treatment called nano-silver. Erica Jefferson, a spokeswoman for the FDA, said she could not provide any information about the product referenced by the Nigerians. The FDA did not specify any products in its warning. Silver has been used as an antibacterial for centuries. Tiny silver particles known as nano-silver have controversially been incorporated into a variety of consumer products such as socks and bedding to help block odors caused by bacteria and mold. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers nano-silver a pesticide. Manufacturers of products that contain it must register them with the agency. Nano-silver is also sometimes sold online as a dietary supplement even though Danish researchers found in a recent study that nano-silver can penetrate and damage cells. The FDA regulates dietary supplements and said in its statement that “by law, dietary supplements cannot claim to prevent or cure disease.” The agency said it had received consumer complaints about the Ebola claims. “Individuals promoting these unapproved and fraudulent products must take immediate action to correct or remove these claims or face potential FDA action,” the agency said. The Ebola outbreak ravaging West Africa has claimed 1,069 lives so far. Most have been in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Nigeria has confirmed 10 cases of the disease and four deaths. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/ebola-nano-silve-pesticide-says-us-fda

Politics

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ABUJA—South Africa’s economy has regained the position of Africa’s largest in dollar terms more than two years after losing it to Nigeria as the value of the nations’ currencies moved in opposite directions. Based on gross domestic product at the end of 2015 published by the International Monetary Fund, the size of South Africa’s economy is $301 billion at the rand’s current exchange rate, while Nigeria’s GDP is $296 billion. That’s after the rand gained more than 16 percent against the dollar since the start of 2016, and Nigeria’s naira lost more than a third of its value after the central bank removed a currency peg in June. Both nations face the risk of a recession after contracting in the first quarter of the year. The Nigerian economy shrank by 0.4 percent in the three months through March from a year earlier amid low oil prices and output and shortage of foreign currency. That curbed imports, including fuel. In South Africa, GDP contracted by 0.2 percent from a year earlier as farming and mining output declined. “More than the growth outlook, in the short term the ranking of these economies is likely to be determined by exchange rate movements,” Alan Cameron, an economist at Exotix Partners LLP, said. Although Nigeria is unlikely to be unseated as Africa’s largest economy in the long run, “the momentum that took it there in the first place is now long gone.” The South African rand rallied as investors turned to emerging markets with liquid capital markets to seek returns after Britain voted to leave the European Union on June 23, even as the central bank forecast the economy won’t expand this year and the nation risks losing its investment-grade credit rating. The ruling African National Congress’s lowest support since 1994 in the August 3 local government vote led to further gains on speculation that it will pressure the party to introduce economic reforms that will boost growth and cut unemployment. In Nigeria, investors did not flock to buy naira-based assets after authorities removed the peg of 197-199 naira per dollar. The Central Bank of Nigeria raised its benchmark interest rate to a record in July to lure foreign money, even as the IMF forecast the economy will contract 1.8 percent this year. Nigeria was assessed as the continent’s largest economy in April 2014 when authorities overhauled its GDP data for the first time in two decades. The recalculation saw the Nigerian economy in 2013 expand by three-quarters to an estimated N80 trillion. The rand gained 1 percent to 13.2805 per dollar at 4:03 p.m. in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The naira weakened 2.7 percent to N320 per dollar. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/08/nigeria-loses-top-position-gdp-south-africa/

Business

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Years before he became the most expensive player in the world; before his Olympic gold medal; before the Eiffel Tower lit up with his name to greet his professional move from Barcelona to Paris, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, the Brazilian forward known to the world simply as Neymar, faced his first public relations controversy. The year was 2010, and Neymar, then 18, had shot to fame in Brazil after a sensational breakout season. During an interview for the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo, in between a conversation about Disneyland and sports cars, he was asked if he had ever experienced racism. “Never. Not in the field, nor outside of it,” he replied. “It’s not like I’m black, you know?” His answer was heard like a record-scratch across the country. Was this young man in denial about his racial identity? Particularly when in the same interview he outlined his meticulous hair care regime, which involved getting his locks chemically straightened every few weeks, then bleached blonde. Or was there a less alarming explanation behind his comment? Could Neymar merely be pointing out that, as the son of a black father and a white mother, his lighter skin tone shielded him from the racist abuse directed at other players? Had he, at least in his context, reached whiteness? Whatever the interpretation, Neymar’s words revealed the tricky, often contradictory ways that many Brazilians talk, and fail to talk, about race in a country with the largest population of black descendants outside of Africa. When audiences tune in to watch Brazil play, they are treated to a rich spectrum of skin tones flashing vibrantly across the screen. The racial makeup of the Brazilian squad, in fact, generally reflects the demographics of the country. According to 2017 data released by the census department, 47 percent of Brazilians identify as mixed-race, while another 8 percent identify as black. One third of marriages happen across racial boundaries. Such numbers confirm the common belief held by Brazilians, and the millions of international travelers who visited last year, that the country is a racially fluid society. Unlike the national team, however, the upper echelons of most professions in Brazil — be it medicine, media, business, entertainment or government — are occupied by whites. The nation’s raw demographic data paints an accurate portrait of a diverse people; yet it also adds patina to the old myth, promoted for generations by the government and first intellectualized by sociologists nearly a century ago, that Brazil is a democracia racial, or “racial democracy.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/30/opinion/is-neymar-black-brazil-and-the-painful-relativity-of-race.html

Sports

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Our sexuality and gender can form a big part of our identity and those who don’t fit society’s heteronormative ideal can come up against more challenges. Those who identify as LGBTQ+ can be seen as ‘different’ by some, facing discrimination, bullying and a lack of understanding which can lead to mental health concerns. While things in society are slowly moving forward in terms of acceptance, we still have a long way to go. Incredibly, the World Health Organisation only removed ‘homosexuality’ as a formal psychiatric diagnosis in 1992. The fact is, being LGBTQ+ does not lead to mental health problems - dealing with other people’s adverse reactions does. Because of this, those who don’t identify as heterosexual are more likely to experience mental health problems. Here we’ll explore sexuality and mental health in more detail, where to find support and coming out concerns. Sex and relationship therapist Beck Harrison explains how an LGBTQ+ therapist can help with a range of issues, and what to look for when searching for an LGBTQ+ therapist. Sexuality and mental health LGBTQ+ people can be at a greater risk of developing a mental health condition than those in the wider population. According to the Mental Health Foundation, a survey carried out by Stonewall found that half of LGBTQ+ people experience depression and three in five experience anxiety. The reasons for this are complex and not entirely understood, however, most mental health problems experienced can be linked to discrimination, bullying, homophobia, biphobia or transphobia. If you identify as LGBTQ+ and you’re struggling with your mental health, know that you’re not alone. You may be particularly prone to: - Depression - when you experience a low mood for a long period of time. - Anxiety - when you feel especially anxious or worried for long periods of time or at a high intensity. - Self-harm - when you hurt yourself on purpose to cope with difficult emotions. - Suicidal thoughts - when you feel very low and as if there is no way out. You may experience rejection from those around you, including friends, family and work colleagues. Other factors may also complicate things, for example where you live, your ethnicity and religious background. Understandably, this can all have a big impact on your sense of self-worth and your confidence. You may feel the need to hide this part of yourself from others, and this can be damaging in itself. Some people may find they turn to alcohol and drugs to help them cope with difficult emotions. If you’re worried about the way you’re using alcohol or drugs, your doctor, a counsellor or an addiction helpline can offer support. There are hidden covert messages in the media about what it means to be 'normal' which in some way reinforces the message that being different is not acceptable. The notion of 'fitting in' not just in the wider community but within LGBT communities can and does come with its own pressures. - Read more on LGBT mental health. Speaking to a counsellor can help with some of the difficulties you’re facing, such as: - finding it hard to accept your sexuality - coping with other people’s reactions - low self-esteem and low self-confidence - fear of violence or abuse in public places - effects of bullying and discrimination - feeling as if your body does not reflect your true gender (gender dysphoria) If you develop a mental health condition, talking therapies can help you find new ways of coping and either overcome or manage your condition. What’s important is for you to find a counsellor who you trust and feel able to talk to openly about your experiences. For this reason, it can be helpful to check your counsellor has experience working with LGBTQ+ people and/or has had appropriate training. If at any point you feel uncomfortable with your counsellor, remember you have every right to stop your sessions and find a more suitable counsellor for you. I find that people come to me either because they want to discuss their sexuality or gender identity, or because they want that to be understood as something that is a part of them, but it’s not what they’re seeking therapy for. A cisgender, heterosexual therapist will often be able to offer that, but not always. - Jennifer Tomkinson, MBACP (Accred), PGDip, shares tips for finding a therapist if you identify as LGBTQ+ Other forms of support Aside from talking therapy and counselling, many LGBTQ+ people find it helpful to connect with others in the community. You may want to join a support group online or connect with campaigners. There are a number of organisations and charities that support and campaign for LGBTQ+ people, Mind has an excellent list of resources. Discrimination - what’s the law? Attitudes in the UK towards the LGBTQ+ community do slowly seem to be improving, however, there are still some people who discriminate against others based on their gender and/or sexuality. There is a law against this at work and in wider society - The Equality Act 2010. This protects gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people and anyone who experiences discrimination because they associate with LGBTQ+ people. You can find out more about what the Equality Act 2010 covers and includes on the gov.uk website. The term ‘coming out’ is often used to describe when you tell people about your sexual orientation and/or your gender identity. For some, it can take a long time to feel comfortable to do this. It’s important to know that you don’t need to come out at a certain time, you simply need to do what feels good and right for you. Having these conversations can be difficult. You may experience unpleasant reactions and even rejection in some cases. This can make coming out an emotionally trying time. And sadly, for many, coming out isn’t a one-time thing. Every time you meet someone new or start a new job, for example, you may need to consider when or how much of your identity as an LGBTQ+ person you want to share. Despite what may sound like negative repercussions of coming out, this doesn’t happen to everyone. Many people are supported and understood by those they’re coming out to. Hiding who you are, however, can be an incredibly difficult thing to do and can be damaging to your mental health and well-being. I had a realisation that I was gay and that it wasn’t a good thing to be. I began a nine-year battle with hiding the deepest part of who I was. This was one of the heaviest masks I wore. - Read Chris Dudley's experience of OCD and depression. Everyone will ‘come out’ in different ways. For many, it’s a series of conversations that take place between the LGBTQ+ person and the people in their life they want to tell. It’s important for you to come out in a way that feels right for you and your circumstances. Telling someone you trust and believe will be supportive first can be a good idea. They can then provide you with some support as you tell others in your life. Picking a time when you can talk through any concerns and worries is also recommended. Try to keep in mind that although this is likely something you have known about yourself for a long time, for others, it may be a surprise. Initial reactions may be laced with shock, and they may change over time. Creating a support network, whether that includes friends, family members, online communities or professional support (or all of these!) can be incredibly helpful when taking this step. Above all, please remember you are not alone. With greater understanding, kindness and representation hopefully making its way through society - we can only push for progress. - London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard: 020 7837 7324 - Online safety guide for LGBTQ+ community Trust our content We are a PIF TICK 'trusted information creator'. This means you can be assured that what you are reading is evidence-based, understandable, jargon-free, up-to-date and produced to the best possible standard. All content was accurate when published.

http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/sexuality.html

Politics

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By Emeka Anaeto, Business Editor THE World Bank has effected a massive cut in its projections for Nigeria’s economic growth rate for 2018 to 2.1 percent, down from 2.5 percent and 1.9 percent for 2019, down from 2.8 percent. This was contained in its latest World Economic Outlook just released at the on-going spring meeting of the World Bank Group in Washington DC, United States of America. The World Bank’s January 2018 Global Economic Prospect report launched on Tuesday, January 09, 2018 in Washington DC, had said Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by 2.5 percent in 2018 and 2.8 per cent in 2019 and 2020. Though the new projection still shows a huge leap against the actual of 0.8 percent achieved in 2017 and 0.2 percent higher than its projection in October last year, it indicated, not only a reversal of position but also a widening gap between the positions of the Federal Government and the World Bank on the recovery prospects post-recession while sign-posting the Bank’s concerns over possible stalling of growth momentum as the country prepares for a general election scheduled for first quarter 2019. The Federal government had projected GDP growth rate at about 3.5 percent in its 2018 budget. The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP, the government’s medium term economic blue print, had stated: “Real GDP is projected to grow by 4.62 per cent on average over the plan period of 2017 – 2020, from an estimated contraction of 1.54 per cent in 2016. Real GDP growth is projected to improve significantly to 2.19 per cent in 2017, reaching 7 per cent at the end of the plan period.” In its latest report, the World Bank stated: “In Nigeria, the economy is projected to grow 2.1 percent in 2018 and 1.9 percent in 2019 (up from 0.8 percent in 2017), reflecting improved oil prices, revenue, and production and recently introduced foreign exchange measures that contribute to better foreign exchange availability.” The report also indicated that Nigeria would be under-performing the sub-Sahara Africa group of economies which the World Bank projected would rise to 3.4 percent in 2018, up from 2.8 percent actual recorded in 2017, and improve slightly thereafter through the medium term to about 4.0 percent. Though the report did not state reasons for the Nigeria down-grade, it is likely tied to its earlier observations in previous reports that noted the adverse effects of political developments on the economies of sub-Sahara Africa. It also corresponds to the position of the ERGP document which stated: “The slight dip in growth in 2019 is projected to result from the general election in that year with a quick recovery the following year.” The current World Bank report has, however, aligned with inflationary trend in Nigeria while indicating that a possible policy adjustment by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, sometime down this year would sustain the inflation rate at double digit through 2018. Inflation rate in Nigeria measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been on steady downward trend in the past 15 consecutive months dropping to 13.34 per cent in March year-on-year, from 14.33 percent in February according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report for March 2018. The latest World Bank report stated: “Inflation in sub-Sahara Africa is projected to moderate slightly in 2018 and 2019 but is expected to remain in double digits in key large economies, reflecting the pass-through effects of currency depreciation and their impact on inflation expectations (Angola), supply factors, and assumed monetary policy accommodation to support fiscal policy (Nigeria).” Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/04/world-bank-reviews-nigerias-economic-growth-downwards/

Politics

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Turkey’s Islamic-rooted government has authorised the building of the first church in the country in nearly a century, officials said Saturday. The church is for the tiny Syriac community in Turkey and will be built in the Istanbul suburb of Yesilkoy on the shores of the Sea of Marmara, which already has Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Catholic churches. The announcement came after Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met Turkey’s religious leaders in Istanbul on Friday and said no faith that has lived in the country could be regarded as foreign. “It is the first (new church) since the creation of the republic (in 1923),” a government source told AFP. “Churches have been restored and reopened to the public, but no new church has been built until now,” he added. Turkey, which once had large Christian minorities, is now 99 percent Muslim and critics of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have accused it of trying to Islamicise its officially secular society. However, as part of its bid to join the European Union, Ankara has made efforts to widen minority rights and return some seized property as well as restore churches, monasteries and synagogues. Christians now make up less than 100,000 of Turkey’s population of 76 million and are sometimes the target of attacks. But the prime minister insisted that the ruling AK Party “does not discriminate between our citizens… the principle of equal citizenship continues to be our characteristic trait,” he added. He condemned recent attacks on mosques in Europe and urged the religious leaders he met with Friday to “speak up together against Islamophobia”. The country’s ancient Syriac minority, which now numbers less than 20,000, live mostly in the southeast and tend to be either affiliated to the Orthodox or Catholic churches. But their numbers have swollen in recent years by thousands of Syriac refugees first forced out of Iraq by war and sectarian violence and later by others fleeing the fighting in Syria. During his visit to Turkey in November, Pope Francis denounced what he termed the current wave of “Christianophobia” in the Middle East, accusing Islamist radicals of “hunting” Christians. The various Syriac churches are among the oldest surviving Christian denominations, and use Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, in their services. The new Istanbul church will be built on land given by the local council and paid for by a Syriac group, the government spokesman said. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/01/turkey-gives-go-ahead-first-new-church-century/

Religion

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Reading this on your mobile? Chances are that you'll soon be swapping your mini screen for an artificial electronic assistant, according to new research carried out by researchers working for Stockholm-based tech conglomerate Ericsson. The company's ConsumerLab quizzed more than 100,000 customers in tech-savvy Sweden as well as 39 other countries about their opinions and technological desires for the future and says its research statistically represents the views of 1.1 billion people worldwide. It found that half of smartphone users think that mobile technology will be a thing of the past within the next five years, as the growth of artificial intelligence starts enabling interaction with objects without the need for a phone or tablet. "A smartphone in the hand, it's really not that practical. For example, not when one is driving a car or cooking. And there are many situations where display screens are not so good. Therefore, one on two think that smartphones will belong to the past within five years," said Rebecka Cedering Ångström from Ericsson ConsumerLab. Swedes are among the world's most tech-savvy citizens. Photo: Helena Wahlman/Image Bank Sweden According to Ångström, artificial assistants could instead help consumers to multitask, as well as working as teachers, financial advisors and even doctors. "Things just go so fast now from the idea to the mass market. We have not studied the technology, this is just what consumers think," she added. Meanwhile she predicts that evolving technologies could also allow customers to enhance their leisure time. "Just imagine watching football and being able to choose from where you want to see the game from different places in the stands, or perhaps even from the pitch. Shopping is also an area where you could [virtually] try on shoes and see how they fit on your own feet," said Ångström. The research also suggests that customers are becoming less likely to ditch companies if they are disappointed with the service they receive, and more likely to use social networks to seek change. "Previously it has been the case that when consumers are not happy they vote with their feet. But now 32 percent think that the best way to get a company to transform itself is by posting on the company's social media channels," said Ångström. In a separate statement, Michael Björn, Head of Research, Ericsson ConsumerLab, added: "Some of these trends may seem futuristic. But consumer interest in new interaction paradigms such as AI and virtual reality (VR), as well as in embedding the internet in the walls of homes or even in our bodies, is quite strong. This means we could soon see new consumer product categories appearing – and whole industries transforming – to accommodate this development." Ericsson is a Swedish multinational company providing technology and communication services. It has its headquarters in Stockholm and employs more than 110,000 staff worldwide. Ericsson's Stockholm office. Photo: Jessica Gow/TT Here are the firm's 10 hot consumer trends for 2016 and beyond: The Lifestyle Network Effect Four out of five people now experience an effect where the benefits gained from online services increases as more people use them. Globally, one in three consumers already participates in various forms of the sharing economy. Teenagers watch more YouTube video content daily than other age groups. Forty-six percent of 16-19 year-olds spend an hour or more on YouTube every day. AI Ends The Screen Age Artificial intelligence will enable interaction with objects without the need for a smartphone screen. One in two smartphone users think smartphones will be a thing of the past within the next five years. Virtual Gets Real Consumers want virtual technology for everyday activities such as watching sports and making video calls. Forty-four percent even want to print their own food. Fifty-five percent of smartphone owners believe bricks used to build homes could include sensors that monitor mold, leakage and electricity issues within the next five years. As a result, the concept of smart homes may need to be rethought from the ground up. Commuters want to use their time meaningfully and not feel like passive objects in transit. Eighty-six percent would use personalized commuting services if they were available. Social networks may become the preferred way to contact emergency services. Six out of 10 consumers are also interested in a disaster information app. Internal sensors that measure well-being in our bodies may become the new wearables. Eight out of 10 consumers would like to use technology to enhance sensory perceptions and cognitive abilities such as vision, memory and hearing. Everything Gets Hacked Most smartphone users believe hacking and viruses will continue to be an issue. As a positive side-effect, one in five say they have greater trust in an organization that was hacked but then solved the problem. Consumers share more information than ever and believe it increases their influence on society. More than a third believe blowing the whistle on a corrupt company online has greater impact than going to the police. Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected]. Please log in here to leave a comment.

http://www.thelocal.se/20151208/death-of-smartphone-tops-swedish-research

Phones

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Dark web definition. The dark web has become a place of mystery and a lot of horrible things are happening. However, the dark web is not far-fetched from accessing it with just a click of your fingertip. The dark web is the secret part of the internet not accessible by search engines like Google, Yahoo or Bing, and other popular search engines, it, however, requires specialized browsers to access it, normal browsers such as chrome and firefox are unable to access the dark because every website on the internet that is known ends with a '.com','.net' and various other types of extensions. The dark web website ends with '.onion' domain name, this makes it impossible to be accessed on a normal browser or for a search engine to index websites on the dark web. That is the simple reason why the dark web is hidden. You've heard people saying the dark web provides anonymity for its users, as opposed to the open internet. Yes, it does, everyone on the dark web is an unknown person hiding behind a face mask. Researchers have found out that the dark web is full of 57% percent illegal content. If you are looking for information about the dark web, then this article is for you. Keep reading to find out what the internet hides from us, What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web? For you to completely understand the dark web you need to understand some technical definitions of terms, think of these terms as what will sail you through the Atlantic ocean for a better understanding of what the dark web is. The Internet is vast, with millions of web pages, and servers operating around the clock. However, the "visible" Internet can only be accessed using search engines such as Google, and others — is just a small fraction of the internet. The Deep Web: The deep web is a layer of the internet accessible by everyone, but definitely through other tools such as the command line on the various operating systems and also specifically our browsers. The deep web could be considered the bottom of the ocean. when divers dive into the ocean they get to the bottom. The deep web in simple terms is the part of the internet not indexed by the search engine just like the dark web, however, the reason for it not being indexed is not because it could not be accessed by the browser as said earlier at the beginning of this article, but due to set of rules forbidden search engine from indexing it. Have you ever thought of how the cashiers in the bank work, or how the atm machine runs, that is the deep web? They involve internal services like the database admin login page( where the admin blocks users of social forums) and various other things the owner of a particular website might want to hide from you accessing. There are various tools for scrapping those deep web links, however, those are beyond the scope of this article. It would be an encouragement for you to subscribe to my authors' page and register on Vocal Media for me to create more deep knowledge articles on how to actually scrape the deep web. The deep web is not hidden like the dark web, they also include the internet of things, like you, when connecting your internal computer to your home router, the connection is kept between your computer and the router, the router is the only part exposed to the internet. That secret connection between your router, and your computer is the deep web. The Dark Web: Unlike the deep web which is included in our day-to-day life the dark web is a segregated piece of the internet, not compared to the button ocean analogy but compared to something like outer space just like does famous Elon Musk StarShips. The dark web is a layer of interconnected IP addresses that is not accessible to the internet, here rules are not being made to keep admin pages secret, but they are literally not just accessible to us on the internet. It is however worthy to note that the dark web is also part of the deep web, it is like the core of the earth being exposed to space. If this look daunting a bit don't be scared about the explanation just keep reading on, you would understand at the end. Unlike the deep web which means anything behind a paywall, the dark web is a standalone internet created by open source foundations. Here are the basic rules of the dark web: 1. No web browser such as Google Chrome can access it. except specialized dark web browsers made to access the dark web networks. 2.“Internet proxy traffic” via a random methodology of routing traffic. 3. Not accessible to browsers due to the encryption of its network node. A simple access to the dark web website would return an error on a normal browser. This has cleared the difference on both webs. You probably want to check my video on the do's and don't of the dark web, right before you proceed way up above. The surface is the internet accessible to me and you. Our daily lives revolve around it. It is also popularly known as the internet. This is the part of the internet that is indexed by big giant search engines and is also about 5% of the total internet. An example is our popular social media sites, Facebook.com, and various others. It is also worthy to note that the domain name of these our so-called-day-to-day internet always ends with ".com" How does the dark web work Using Tor as the dark web browser? Tor is an anonymizing program that may be accessed using our conventional internet, known as the surface web. It is a tool used to access the dark web that may be downloaded from our regular internet. Tor is like an onion if you've ever seen one. It is like an onion that surrounds the sender's message with encryption. Internet entries or messages are not routed directly through the Tor network. They are instead routed through "nodes," which are various computers set up by Tor users. There is a series connection at each node, where each node knows the address of the previous and next node but not the other nodes on the network. This is the ideal method to hide one's identity. Why do people use the dark web and how to access it. The dark web is a layer of the internet that requires some special skills to access. Firstly you need to keep yourself safe, by blocking out the camera on the computer system, so as not to get hackers from being creepy. Also, you need to connect to a VPN. The dark web uses a .onion domain name. For example "facebookwkhpilnemxj7asaniu7vnjjbiltxjqhye3mhbshg7kx5tfyd.onion " is the Facebook dark web version instead of "facebook.com". If you try to access the onion domain on your browser you would be faced with a glaring error, that you cannot access Facebook over the dark web using your normal browser. Try it, by inputting the dot onion domain name into your browser. However, you would need a browser called Tor for either your mobile device or your computer from https://www.torproject.org/download. Then you would need to access WikiLeaks (https://thehiddenwiki.org) to find a list of onion websites for different purposes. Do not go to illegal websites on the dark web as you may be arrested. You can search on 'the hidden wiki' on Google and then access the website. It shows you a list of services available on the dark web. However, that is not all of the dark webs. You or your friend may set up a charity or a good course website over the dark web only accessible by you both and hidden on the dark web. You can also check an interesting video I made on youtube on how to access the dark web here: The legality of the dark web / endquote The reputation of the dark web has often been linked with the so-called "illegal trading" However, the dark web has also been used for the good course too for allowing journalists to share information without getting scared, and leaked secret papers for public safety. Even the first computer in the world does come with a disadvantage more or less of recent internet nowadays. You should however protect the computer from malware and spyware, they are personal to you, and you do not want your information littered over the internet. Hosting is done on the dark web just like any normal internet but only with specialized settings, you can however build your own simple website over the dark web. Keep Safe folks. You've made it to the end. Hurray. Kindly check on my next article About the Creator I am a Web Developer and a UX designer, a Content Writer and Social Media Manager, and a bug bounty hunter. You can also find me on Medium for more mind blowing stories, Click here: https://medium.com/@eyiteminurain There are no comments for this story Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

https://vocal.media/01/the-dark-web-what-is-it-and-easy-way-to-access-it

Programming

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By Perez Brisibe KOKORI—SUCH were the authority and fame of the late Ubiecha Etarakpo, the founder of the historic African religion, Igbe, that the reigning Oba of Benin at the time had to travel incognito as a leper to Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, to validate his power. Etarakpo, who died in 1926, reportedly cured people of madness and healed men of various diseases even on his sick bed. He detected the undercover Benin monarch as he came in while an Igbe service was on and stood on his altar-like seat in acknowledgment. Worshipers in mortal realm could not fathom the forces at play, but Etarakpo ushered the “strange visitor” to his seat. Marvelling at his act, his members wondered if a tormenting spirit had possessed the sect’s founder, but after the Oba departed, Etarakpo told his bewildered congregation that the person, who just left was no less a person than the Benin monarch. “Three weeks after, the Oba visited Kokori again, this time, he came in his full regalia as an Oba and presented gifts and honoured Etarakpo for his spiritual prowess,” an unabashed Igbe worshiper told Niger Delta Voice at Kokori. His words: “That was when people feared and respected the Igbe religion founded in the 19th century. More so, there was no division in the worship rites, as approved by the founder, Etarakpo, an indigene of Kokori.” Etarakpo allegedly received the call of “God” in 1893 and sat on the throne in 1920 with a female called Oniruesi, also known as Erukainure. According to myth, he went to the farm and fell into a trance after he ate a native chalk given to him during an encounter with a divine spirit. When he woke up from his trance, he became unconventional and acted strangely. Back at the community, a woman known as Oniruesi noticed something mysteriously divine about him, unlike others, who thought he had gone round the bend. Though he later got married to her, he resided in her apartment and continued dancing each passing day, eating nothing but Orhen (native chalk), healing people miraculously by praying for them and giving them the same native chalk to consume. A school of thought said Etarakpo, purportedly mentally imbalanced, was roaming the streets of Kokori when he got a divine call, knelt down along the road, closed his hand and eyes in prayer, went into a trance and when he woke up, he saw a native chalk in his hand. As he marveled at how it came about, a divine spirit ministered to him on the efficacy and how to go about using the native chalk to heal people. This manifestation reportedly led to the beginning of Igbe. “Armed with the power of clairvoyance, Ubiecha’s deeds quickly spread far and wide with persons trooping to Kokori to consult him on their medical and spiritual problems,” the chief priest of Igbe, Chief Oberiko Omonemu, told Niger Delta Voice. Because of the increase of Etarakpo’s followers, who were trooping to Kokori for consultation and healing, he later built a worship house known as Ogwa, where he ministered to his devotees and made prophesies with stunning accuracy. However, following his death in 1926, Igbe, described as Africa’s first monotheistic religion by the Urhobo Historic Society, UHS, had since split into over 50 denominations with some worshipping animals, mermaids and other divinities. The leadership crisis over who would step into his shoes started with three of his children: Igbe-Ibodje, Igbe-Akpokovo and Igbe-Emegalise. Welcoming Niger Delta Voice into his barely lit apartment at Kokori, Mr. Micheal Ejemedefe, who described himself as the life-bearer and final authority of Igbe, being the last link and descendant of the founder of Igbe, whose mother is the eldest daughter of Etarakpo’s second son, Akpokovo, took our team down memory lane on the intricacies that befell the religion. Worship of animals According to him, following the demise of Etarakpo and the birth of the three circuits of Igbe, various offshoots like Igbe-Ubiecha, Igbe-Oghene-Uku, Igbe-Agege and Osanuge-Igbe emerged. He said the offsprings gave birth to the proliferation of Igbe with most of them involved in the culture of mermaids and other divinities, while others even indulge in the worship of animals, which they describe as the custodian of the spirit of “God.” We believe in Jesus Ejemedefe bellowed the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth while making a point prompting the reporter to ask what darkness has to do with light. He explained: “The main Igbe worshipers believe in Jesus Christ as the son of God and also believe in his Father as the Almighty God. “Though Jews call him Yahweh, Islam call him Allah and Christians call him Jehovah, we (Igbe) call him Owheya. “We are also conscious of the fact that religion is not defined as belief in God but the kind of life you live while on earth, hence giving room for our belief in reincarnation and a life of purity while on earth. “Just like the liturgy of the Catholic Church, Igbe also has its liturgy, which involves Eucharistic rites and confessions before an Uku (Priest),” 58-year-old Ejemedefe, said to have amassed several degrees in London, asserted. Clay as prescribed A scholar in Urhobo culture, Mathias Orhero, who confirmed that Etarakpo’s sudden death in his prime, caused a big challenge to the group, shed light on the Igbe religion. He said as evident in the creation of man by God, Igbe adherents believe strongly in the efficacy of native chalk gotten from the earth’s crust. He said: “Do not forget that according to the Bible, Jesus Christ performed series of miracles using clay and even asked some persons to go dip themselves inside a particular river seven times. “With devotees spread across Africa, Europe, North and South America and other parts of the world, the once unified Igbe, as founded by Etarakpo, now has over 50 sects with some of these sub-divisions no longer toeing the line of their founder having introduced the worship of mermaids, divinities and animals in the worship of God.” The chief priest (Igbe Uku), Chief Omonemu, who believes in the worship of mermaids, said mermaid worship and belief in divinities do not affect his belief in Jesus Christ as the Messenger and Son of God. According to him, “Jesus Christ was sent to the earth by God for a purpose and He had since completed the task. But do not forget that there are other spiritual messengers of God. “One of such is what you refer to as mermaid, but we call them divinities and we commune with God through and with these divinities.” “On the contrary, where we differ with those you refer to as Christians is that while they await the second coming of Christ, they failed to realize that He had since come and gone when He presented Himself to Etarakpo, an apparition that gave birth to Igbe,” he said. Praise and worship session Speaking on the spiritual implication of being an Igbe devotee, both Orhero and Omonemu said, “Igbe is a religion of purity and spiritual cleanliness. It believes that your stay here on earth is a reflection of your past life and your present life would determine your future life here on earth hence Igbe believe in reincarnation.” Igbe operates an unwritten liturgy. The Uku (chief priest) initiates and oversees the liturgy of the Oghwa (shrine of divinity) and administers the Orhen on worshipers for their protection and fortification as well as presiding on all rituals performed in the Oghwa. In the traditional African society, virtually everybody believes that witches are extremely powerful and possess the powers to maim and kill people. The Igbe worshiper sees the religion as a counter force against the power of withes and that is where the protection presumably offered by the sect gained acceptance. This reporter attended an Igbe worship session at an Uku in Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli, to comprehend the liturgy better. Akin to the Christian worship in churches, the Igbe liturgy is dramatic. Reminiscent of majority of Christians, who worship on Sundays, the holy (sacred) day of worship for Igbe is once every eight days, known as Edi-Igbe or Edi-Iruo, meaning day of dance or day of work. Like a practiced session, it was observed that all members of the Ogwa seems to adhere to an unwritten program of event, which is reflected in the way and manner they kneel during worship, enter into the Ogwa through a particular entrance and exit via a different direction and same applies to how you kneel. The service includes dancing, praying, spiritual cleansing, confessions, intake of new members and other social/ritualistic functions. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/igbe-religion-torn-apart-by-worship-of-mermaids-animals-conflicting-doctrines/

Religion

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A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has described ‘October 1st’ under President Muhammadu Buhari’s led government as the worst ever in the history of independence day celebrations in the country. Adeyanju’s statement reads: The is typically a day of celebration for Nigeria and Nigerians. It signifies the day Nigeria achieved independence from colonial rule and began the journey towards nationhood. In the past, October 1st was a day celebrated with pomp and pageantry as Nigerians savoured the taste of liberty. In the past, October 1st was a day Nigerians put aside whatever challenges faced us as a nation and, together, shared the very essence of being Nigerian. However, October 1st 2016 is not a day of celebration. It is not a day of pomp nor is it a day to bask in the euphoria of a fulfilled nation. It is a day to spend in deep reflection about the worrying socio-political and economic state of our nation. At the inception of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration on May 29th, 2016 many expected that he would move quickly to heal a nation sharply divided by the election season, and take urgent steps to maintain the Nigerian economy on a path of economic growth. Indeed, the statement in his inaugural speech about belonging to everybody and belonging to nobody gave credence to this hope. Alas, President Buhari has furthered those divides by his words and conduct. It is common knowledge that Nigeria is at its most fractured state, along ethnic and religious lines, perhaps since the Civil War. President Buhari has by his words, actions and inactions constantly stoked the fires of sectarian tensions creating an atmosphere of distrust and strife. This administration has failed Nigerians on so many other fronts in 2016 such that millions of Nigerians simply do not feel Independence Day is worth celebrating. For instance, its human rights record is appalling. Despite an international outcry, the government has failed to prosecute a single person for the mass murder of over 1,000 Shiite Muslims by the military in December 2015. Their leader has been detained since December 2015 along with his wife without charge despite both of them suffering severe injuries during the attack. The military has gone on to summarily execute 100s of members of IPOB without recourse to the rule of law. Opponents of the ruling party, including journalists and online bloggers/social commentators, have been arrested and detained for varying periods without charge or in violation of valid court orders. The greatest freedoms we achieved as a nation by being free is the freedom of association, worship, speech and even freedom after speech which had become more visible from 1999-2016 under the PDP years are freedoms that is now threatened by the tyrannic nature of this regime. At 56, Nigerians now live in fear of expression. On the economic front, the incoherent policies of the Buhari administration have led us into the worst economic crises in 29 years. Consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth confirm that the country is officially in a recession yet no one can point to a coherent, cogent plan to overcome this situation. An unprecedented 4.58million people have lost their jobs since the inception of this administration, the prices of food have risen astronomically to the point where people can no longer afford food and resort to stealing pots of food from the fire, inflation has hit 17.5% which has in the process caused prices of other goods & services to go through the roof and so on. The absolutely shambolic monetary policies of this administration have ensured that the Naira is thus far the worst performing currency globally after the Vietnamese Bolivar and the Suriname Dollar. As the time of writing this, the exchange rate is $1 – N490, £1 – N600 and €1 – N520. While we can appreciate sustained progress in the fight against boko haram, that war is not yet over. Only 3 days ago, BBC reported the capture of several towns by the terrorist group and the hoisting of their flags in those areas. In the North Central region of Nigeria, and parts of Kaduna, the menace of herdsmen has gone on unchecked. It is on record that herdsmen have killed more than 1000 people in 2016 alone, making them the fourth most deadly terrorist group in the world. This administration has barely even acknowledged this ongoing genocide against the peoples of North Central Nigeria. Kidnappings have become brazen and frequent, cultism is rising unchecked in parts of the country and so on. At the time of writing this, reports had just broken out about the kidnap of the wife of the CBN governor. All these indices, paint a picture of the grim reality into which the Buhari administration has forced on Nigeria. These facts paint a picture of the reasons why Nigerians find it difficult to celebrate on Independence Day. Perhaps most painful part of the current socio-political and economic reality that has Nigeria suffers on her 56 birthday is that in the midst of all this – 17% inflation, -2% GDP growth, more than 4millions jobs lost; President Buhari yesterday launched his own photo-book at the State House, Aso Rock. One is hard pressed to escape the conclusion that President Buhari is more concerned about his image than the severe havoc his policies are wrecking on the nation. Another thing that threatens our progress as a nation is the reversing of all electoral gains we have made from 1999-2015. Elections are now either inconclusive or outrightly rigged as it was in the case of #EdoDecides where fake results was announced by INEC and the APC candidate Godwin Obaseki declared as winner. But in all this, we must celebrate the indomitable Nigerian spirit. We must celebrate our ability to preserve in spite of damning odds. We must celebrate our ability to thrive in spite of the government’s determination to be a stumbling block in our path. We must celebrate because as Nigerians, we share a collective ability to bend but not break in the face of horrible circumstances. So even while we take time to reflect on the horrible circumstances in which we are being forced to live, we must take time to celebrate the knowledge that because we are Nigerians – WE SHALL OVERCOME. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/oct-1st-2016-worst-independence-day-since-1960-adeyanju/

Politics

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Pope Francis has outlawed the sale of cigarettes at the Vatican in a bid to lead by example on healthy living. “The Holy Father has decided that the Vatican will cease to sell cigarettes to employees as of 2018,” the Vatican said in a statement on Thursday. “The reason is very simple: the Holy See cannot contribute to an activity that clearly damages the health of people,” it said, adding that smoking claims more than seven million lives every year, according to the World Health Organization. “Although the cigarettes sold to employees and pensioners in the Vatican at a reduced price are a source of revenue for the Holy See, no profit can be legitimate if it puts lives at risk,” it added. Francis, who has only one lung, does not smoke. He has let the locals keep their other guilty pleasure, tax-free alcohol. The cigarettes and booze are sold in a luxury duty-free shop, opened in 2003 in what was once the Vatican’s magnificent railway station but is now home to everything from designer handbags and shoes to flat-screen televisions. Only those with a pass — Vatican employees or pensioners — can shop there, and many pick up goods, food and even fuel inside the city for Italian friends on the other side of the tiny state’s imposing walls. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/11/breaking-pope-bans-cigarettes-sales-vatican/

Religion

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BODO, Nigeria Big oil spills are no longer news in this vast, tropical land. The Niger Delta, where the wealth underground is out of all proportion with the poverty on the surface, has endured the equivalent of the Exxon Valdez spill every year for 50 years by some estimates. The oil pours out nearly every week, and some swamps are long since lifeless. Perhaps no place on earth has been as battered by oil, experts say, leaving residents here astonished at the nonstop attention paid to the gusher half a world away in the Gulf of Mexico. It was only a few weeks ago, they say, that a burst pipe belonging to Royal Dutch Shell in the mangroves was finally shut after flowing for two months: now nothing living moves in a black-and-brown world once teeming with shrimp and crab. Not far away, there is still black crude on Gio Creek from an April spill, and just across the state line in Akwa Ibom the fishermen curse their oil-blackened nets, doubly useless in a barren sea buffeted by a spill from an offshore Exxon Mobil pipe in May that lasted for weeks. The oil spews from rusted and aging pipes, unchecked by what analysts say is ineffectual or collusive regulation, and abetted by deficient maintenance and sabotage. In the face of this black tide is an infrequent protest soldiers guarding an Exxon Mobil site beat women who were demonstrating last month, according to witnesses but mostly resentful resignation. Small children swim in the polluted estuary here, fishermen take their skiffs out ever farther “There’s nothing we can catch here,” said Pius Doron, perched anxiously over his boat and market women trudge through oily streams. “There is Shell oil on my body,” said Hannah Baage, emerging from Gio Creek with a machete to cut the cassava stalks balanced on her head.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/world/africa/17nigeria.html?hp

Politics

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Seven ‘moments’ Nigerian women hit the ‘front-line’ By Alao Abiodun At different points in Nigeria’s rich history, women have taken so many important positions in yearning for change. It should come as no surprise that Nigerian women are sometimes on the front lines of political change. In many ways, history has always repeated itself. Nigerian women have a long history of mobilising for protests and demonstrations, they have been frontliners, driving change where needed. Sometimes, Nigerian women have historically employed ‘naked protests’ to seek change. On July 23, 2020, hundreds of women – mostly naked – staged a protest in the northwestern state of Kaduna, Nigeria. They protested at the killing of people in their community. From the Women’s war protest of the 1910s to the Calabar Women Protest of 1924, the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, the Abeokuta Women’s Revolt of the 1940s, the “Bring Back our Girls” movement of 2014, and the March against Rape of June 2020, #EndSARS movement, in many ways, women have determined the shape of how Nigerians protest. In celebration of International Women’s Day 2021 themed as ‘Choose to Challenge’, here are seven moments in the history of Nigeria where Nigerian women were at the front-line. 1. Women’s war protest of the 1910s In the 1910s, women in Agbaja stayed away from their homes for a month in protest due to suspicions among them that some men had been secretly killing pregnant women. Their collective absence pushed village elders to take action to address their concerns. 2. Aba Women’s Riots of 1929 This was a period of unrest in colonial Nigeria. The “riots” or the war was led by women in the provinces of Calabar and Owerri in southeastern Nigeria in November and December of 1929. The protests broke out when thousands of Igbo women from the Bende District, Umuahia and other places in eastern Nigeria traveled to the town of Oloko to protest against the Warrant Chiefs, whom they accused of restricting the role of women in the government. The Aba Women’s Riots of 1929, as it was named in British records, is more aptly considered a strategically executed revolt organised by women to redress social, political and economic grievances. The protest encompassed women from six ethnic groups – Ibibio, Andoni, Orgoni, Bonny, Opobo, and Igbo. It was reported that the war resulted in the death of 51 women. 3. Calabar women protest of 1924 3,000 women in Calabar went out to protest a market toll that was required by the government. When the Colonial officials announced the toll, the women disregarded it and went about their usual market activities but alas they were driven away by colonial police. This however led to a massive revolt by the women Back then, the presence of women associations and market women networks helped the protest movement. 4. Abeokuta women’s revolt of the 1940s These women spent several years protesting the tax increase and the lack of women representation in government. They believed that until they were granted representation in local government, they shouldn’t pay taxes differently from men. This revolt led to the creation of Abeokuta Women’s Union (AWU) under the leadership of Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti. This political organisaton, united market women and middle-class women and also challenged the colonial rule and patriarchal structure. 5. Bring Back Our Girls movement of 2014 After over 200 girls were abducted from the school in Borno by Boko Haram insurgents, all eyes were on the Nigerian government to act swiftly. When the response of the government was not yielding positive results, women mobilised in Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos and across the country to protest for the rescue of these girls. The #BringBackOurGIrls and #SaveOurGirls went viral and piqued the interest of the international community. Women from all over the world joined the protest and over a million people signed the petition to mobilise world leaders to help rescue the girls. 6. Protest against rape and sexual violence in June 2020 In June 2020, Nigerian women took to the streets after a series of high-profile rape cases caught the interest of the people. Following the story of 22-year-old Uwa Vera who was raped and murdered in a Church, more stories of women getting raped and killed surfaced online and this led to a protest organised by women. Women mobilised and held a protest in Abuja and Lagos. The hashtag #NOmeansNo trended online as more victims of rape shared their story. There was a movement to stop victim-blaming and to discourage people from enabling rape with their silence. 7. #EndSARS movement – Feminist Coalition At the forefront of the revolutionary youth-led movement against police brutality in Nigeria is the Feminist Coalition – a group of young Nigerian feminists collectively mobilizing all facets of the global #EndSARS protests. During the protests the non-governmental organisation raised $385,000 (£290,000) through crowdfunding and spent part of the money on legal services for those protesters who were arrested, to pay medical bills for those wounded, to provide private security at protest points and daily refreshments. The coalition is the brainchild of Dami Odufuwa and Odun Eweniyi. Formed in July, the #EndSars protest was the organisation’s first major project. Although women’s safety and financial equality are at the core of the organisation’s aims, equality for all people is their vision, and so they decided to fight the injustice perpetuated by the squad by joining in the protests. These women, named and unnamed, are the backbone of a series of resistance. By marching, volunteering, mobilizing, tweeting, speaking, donating, and flagrantly trampling on sexist, they are, without a doubt, the amplifiers of this historical Nigerian revolution.

https://thenationonlineng.net/seven-moments-nigerian-women-hit-the-front-line/

Politics

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Other forms: terrorists Someone who uses violence, mayhem, and destruction — or the threat of those things — to coerce people or countries into taking a certain action is a terrorist. A terrorist may be motivated by religious fervor, politics, or just plain old-fashioned greed. Terrorist has at its root the word "terror," which comes from the Latin word terrorem, meaning great fear. Great fear is exactly what terrorists hope to create so they can manipulate the situation to their benefit. The label terrorist is a subjective one. To the British, the American colonists who destroyed shiploads of tea in Boston Harbor in 1773 were terrorists. To colonists, they were patriots and heroes.

https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/terrorist

Politics

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WHO welcomes malaria vaccine for children in sub-Saharan Africa The World Health Organisation (WHO) says 29 million to 44 million Africans may get infected with COVID-19 in the first year of the pandemic if containment measures fail, according to a study. The WHO Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo, disclosed this in a statement posted on its website. The UN health agency also said the study revealed that 83,000 to 190,000 people in Africa could die of COVID-19 in the first year of the pandemic. “The research, which is based on prediction modelling, looks at 47 countries in the WHO African Region with a total population of one billion. “The new estimates are based on modifying the risk of transmission and disease severity by variables specific to each country in order to adjust for the unique nature of the region. “The model predicts the observed slower rate of transmission, lower age of people with severe disease and lower mortality rates compared to what is seen in most affected countries in the rest of the world. “This is largely driven by social and environmental factors slowing the transmission, and a younger population that has benefitted from the control of communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis to reduce possible vulnerabilities,’’ it said. The lower rate of transmission, however, suggested a more prolonged outbreak over a few years, according to the study. It also revealed that smaller African countries alongside Algeria, South Africa and Cameroon were at a high risk if containment measures were not prioritised. “Containment measures, which include contact tracing, isolation, improved personal hygiene practices and physical distancing aim to slow down the transmission of the virus so its effects happen at a rate manageable by the health system. “Physical distancing is not about the confinement of people but rather avoiding unnecessary contacts as people live, work and socialise as a means to interrupt transmission,’ it said. The statement quoted Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, as saying:“ While COVID-19 likely won’t spread as exponentially in Africa as it has elsewhere in the world, it likely will smoulder in transmission hotspots. “COVID-19 can become a fixture in our lives for the next several years unless a proactive approach is taken by many governments in the region. We need to test, trace, isolate and treat,” it further stated. It further said that the predicted number of cases that would require hospitalisation would overwhelm the available medical capacity in much of Africa. “There will be an estimated 3.6 million–5.5 million COVID-19 hospitalisations, of which 82,000 – 167, 000 will be severe cases requiring oxygen, and 52, 000 –107, 000 will be critical cases requiring breathing support. “Such a huge number of patients in hospitals will severely strain the health capacities of countries,’’ it stated. It said a survey of health services in the African region undertaken in March 2020 based on self-reports by 47 countries to WHO, revealed that there were on average, nine intensive care unit beds per one million people. “These will be woefully inadequate. Additionally, the physical access to these services to the general population is very low, suggesting many people will not even have the chance to get to the needed care. “Diseases that can be managed can easily become more complicated as a result. “The study recommends that countries across Africa need to expand the capacity, particularly of primary hospitals and ensure that basic emergency care is included in primary health systems,” it said. The statement further quoted Moeti as saying, “The importance of promoting effective containment measures is ever more crucial, as sustained and widespread transmission of the virus can severely overwhelm our health systems. “Curbing a large scale outbreak is far costlier than the ongoing preventive measures governments are undertaking to contain the spread of the virus,” it said. All countries in the WHO African Region were using these results through the WHO country offices to inform their containment actions. The detailed methods and results were currently in press at the British Medical Journal-Global Health after extensive peer review and validation. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/covid-19-may-infect-44m-africans-who/

Health

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Several parts of the country, including the capital Stockholm, have not seen a single hour of sunlight in December according to official measurements. As well as Stockholm, the instruments in Karlstad, the Tarfala Valley in Kiruna and the northern cape of Öland failed to measure any sunlight this month, meteorologist Ulrika Elvgren said on Twitter. Typically, December in Sweden replaces the grey, cloudy weather of November with crisp coolness and clearer skies. But in many places that hasn't happened this year. According to Aftonbladet, the last time sunlight was measured in Stockholm was November 28th, almost two weeks ago, while in Karlstad it was November 27th. And these two cities are in the southern half of Sweden. In the north, it will soon be polar night – the time of the year when the sun does not rise at all. Kiruna, the northernmost city, doesn't see sunrise between December 10th and New Year's Day. And at the northernmost point in the country, Treriksröset, the sun has already set for the last time this year, back in November, while the furthest inhabited village, Keinovuopio, ushered in the polar night on December 2nd. It's not unprecedented for cities further south to experience the entire month of December with no hours of sunlight at all. This happened in Stockholm in 1934, but the good news is that would be very unusual. dark – mörk cloudy – molnig to measure – att mäta polar night – (en) polarnatt sunlight – (ett) solljus Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected]. Please log in here to leave a comment.

https://www.thelocal.se/20201209/stockholm-and-karlstad-havent-had-a-single-hour-of-sunlight-all-month/?ampHmmm

Travel

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A man died after ignoring advice given to people with new tattoos to wait two weeks before going swimming. tattoos The unnamed 31-year-old suffered septic shock and cellulitis – an infection of the deeper layers of skin and the underlying tissue – after swimming in the sea in the Gulf of Mexico. Expert advice normally given to people with new inkings says they should wait at least a fortnight before submerging them in pools or seawater. But the man reportedly swam in the sea just five days after getting a cross tattooed on his right calf, resulting in infection and septic shock which led to his death. His fresh wound became infected with flesh-eating bacteria and he developed a fever and serious rash surrounding his tattoo, the Daily Mail reports. When his condition deteriorated two days later, he was sent to hospital where doctors saw patches on his leg had turned a bruised purple colour. Medics immediately suspected the Vibrio vulnificus infection – which he was at a higher risk of due to suffering from a chronic liver disease. His drinking habits are believed to have weakened his liver, causing him to be more vulnerable to infections due to a decreased number of white blood cells that help fight bugs. Reports say the man’s organs began to fail within 24 hours and he was placed on a life support machine. He then remained stable for a couple of weeks before suffering septic shock, and his kidneys failed completely. Sadly the man died two months after his admission into hospital. The BMJ report which documented the tragic case said: “Despite aggressive initial treatment, the patient developed septic shock and died. “This case highlights the association of chronic liver disease and high mortality associated with infections of V. vulnificus . “Health providers should remain vigilant for V. vulnificus infections in patients with chronic liver disease and raw oyster ingestion or seawater exposure.” According to the NHS, Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that happens when blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level after an infection. This reduces the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches the body’s organs, stopping them working properly. Septic shock can occur as a complication of sepsis , a serious condition that happens when the body’s reaction to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/06/man-dies-ignoring-new-tattoos-warnings/

Politics

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By Elizabeth Uwandu A Nigerian, Job Oyebisi virtual 3D lab for science learning has won the British Council first global “IdeasChangeLives innovation challenge. The competition sought for hyper-innovative ideas that can help find a solution to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. “IdeasChangeLives,” a part of a series of initiatives led by the British Council was a competition that ran from 15 October to 23 November 2018. It invited solutions for six of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 – Quality education; SDG 5 – Gender equality; Decent work and economic growth; Reduced inequalities; Sustainable cities and communities and Peace, justice and strong institutions. The competition will see also see two winners get support to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). If the MVP is successful the British Council will work with the winner to seek partnerships to help scale the MVP across its network in more than 100 countries. It was, therefore, a thing of pride that three Africans proposals came tops from entries from over 2000 people and organisations. Oyebisi alongside Malawi’s mHub, each is set to receive NGN 9,412,100.00 (20,000 GBP) and mentoring to take their products to live. While a proposal from Ghana, DigiCop, highly commended, will receive LOCAL NGN 4,706,550.00 (10,000 GBP) to develop a business plan to use AI technology to improve access to police assistance for Ghana’s 19 million mobile phone users. Ghana’s police to citizen ratio is 1:848 compared to the UN’s recommendation of 1:500. For Oyebisi StanLab in Nigeria, an innovation that use 3D technology hope to address poor performance in STEM subjects across Nigeria and the rest of Africa through. The innovation allows students to do experiments in a 3D virtual laboratory that teaches practical science through a computer or mobile device. This addresses the low quality of hands-on science education and facilities at many schools across Nigeria and aims to improve results and career prospects. The goal is to reach more than half of Nigeria’s 12 million students, contributing towards SDG 4: Quality Education; While Malawi’s MHub application seek to report for sexual assault, reproductive health rights, early marriage, and human trafficking, adding to its function as Malawi’s first community-based human rights platform. Sir Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive, British Council in his congratulatory message said, “Technology, and the rapid increase in connected devices worldwide, offers new opportunities to tackle world problems. This competition has highlighted both the resourcefulness of digitally-capable people around the globe and their desire to solve the issues in their regions. The British Council is proud to enable the development of these winning ideas, and their potential to improve lives.” on his part, Vikas Shah, Judge, and Chief Executive, Swiscot Group said added that “Science education is essential but often costly. StanLab bring a unique, powerfully intuitive and highly engaging deployment of VR, allowing those in even the most remote and underfunded to get the benefits of high-class science education.” Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/02/nigerian-wins-british-council-first-global-innovation-challenge/

Politics

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LAGOS, Nigeria — The collapsed price of oil is putting pressure on oil exporters around the world, from Canada to Kuwait. But perhaps no country is less prepared to survive prices at about $30 a barrel than Nigeria, which until a few years ago relied heavily on petroleum exports for its revenue. While countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia have saved past oil profits for rainy days, Nigeria has no such insulation. What’s worse is that Nigeria is especially dependent on imports of basic goods. The cracks are starting to show: While the official rate doesn’t reflect it, Nigeria’s currency, the naira, is the world’s worst performing this year. The economic troubles could hardly have come at a worse time. Last year, Nigerians elected Muhammadu Buhari as president after he ran on a zealous anti-corruption platform. Unfortunately, Mr. Buhari’s insistence on maintaining the peg at the current official exchange rate is not only crippling production, it is also encouraging corruption. He should abandon it as soon as possible and allow the naira to devalue. Nigeria has pegged the naira to the dollar for decades, adjusting the exchange rate according to international supply and demand. But even as Nigeria’s economy has faltered, since last spring the peg has remained fixed at around 198.5 naira to the dollar. This rate is being maintained at the president’s insistence, undermining any notion of central bank independence. To keep the rate fixed, the central bank has to preserve its foreign currency reserves, a difficult task as oil export revenue has fallen. How does it do that? By making it more difficult for Nigerians to obtain hard currency at the official rate. Primarily, the central bank has restricted access to foreign currency to importers who can demonstrate that the goods they’re bringing into Nigeria are necessary. But Nigerians are innovative. A large parallel currency exchange has taken shape, in which importers trade naira for dollars at up to twice the official rate. The trade is too blatant to be called a black market. Last month, for example, I saw several currency exchange businesses at the Lagos airport that offered 380 naira to the dollar. Nigerian newspapers even include reports of the unofficial exchange rate.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/04/12/opinion/how-to-save-nigerias-economy-and-stop-corruption.html?_r=0&referer=

Business

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By Rotimi Akinyemi The holiday season is upon us and as always, we all are scrambling to get the best deals online and in stores. However, a few wrong clicks this season could land cybercriminals topping your list of people who will be receiving presents this year. This year has witnessed lots of significant breaches ranging from a $40m cyber-heist by a Nigerian bank IT worker to the huge data leakage at Sony, just about a week ago. Information Security expert, Rotimi Akinyele of PhynxLabs said online users can easily put themselves and their devices at risk, unless they take precautions and avoid the common mistakes highlighted below that could compromise their security. Beware of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) Scam The ongoing Bank Verification Number (BVN) introduced by the CBN as a means of uniquely identifying bank customers across the Nigerian Banking industry has provided a fertile ground for cyber criminals to defraud unsuspecting bank customers. Scam emails purportedly sent from Banks/CBN are in circulation urging bank customers to visit a website to activate their BVN online as failure to do so would result in their account(s) and debit cards being deactivated. Please note that BVN registration can only be done physically at a bank’s branch. There is no technology now to replace the physical capture of your biometric data which the BVN seeks to achieve. Do NOT access your accounts from Public WIFi Just because a WiFi is free doesn’t mean you should connect to it any time it’s available. When you’re banking or making other online payments, it’s better to connect with EDGE or 3G, even if it’s slower. It might only be 45seconds of doing an online bank transaction, but if the wireless network has been compromised, that is more than enough time needed for a cyber-criminal to collect your data. Use a secure password It’s crucial to always use strong passwords as passwords are the first line of defense against cyber crooks. Try not to use names of your family, pets, first car, mother’s maiden name, etc. as all these can be easily guessed, brute forced or even available on social media sites like facebook, twitter or instagram. Make sure to use a mixture of characters, numbers, and letters of at least 8 characters when choosing your password; as only this will add a high level of difficulty for any attempted password theft. Also, do not reuse your passwords as a compromise on one would translate to a compromise on all. Stay safe on social networking sites Social media sites are increasingly becoming targets for spams, scams and other online attacks. Asides mining data from tons of “status updates” for targeted attacks, cyber criminals have mastered the act of baiting unsuspecting users with well-crafted short but compelling posts offering free entry to a Christmas competition with a fantastic prize. The general rule is “there is no free lunch or freebies on the internet – if you’re not buying a product then you are the product”. Users who click the links then inadvertently act as accomplices to the cyber-criminals because the malicious scripts would automatically re-post the links, images or videos on their contacts’ walls or timelines. If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. Do NOT click. Protect yourself from fraudulent emails If you receive an email urging you to download an unknown tax payment attachment or an email informing you of an urgent pending transaction and you need to login with your details to verify, DELETE that email. Such emails usually trick users into visiting the site, and once you do, viruses and spywares get downloaded on your device which automatically joins you to a network of enslaved computers that have been programmed to carry out malicious deeds. No reputable organization would send emails to collect user names, passwords, token keys or Debit/Credit card details. The threats to your online accounts increase daily, however, the tips above can help you stay protected online while still providing the convenience online access offers you this holiday. Stay safe online and happy holiday! Rotimi Akinyele is the Chief Security Evangelist at PhynxLabs. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/12/get-embarrassed-politicians-make-provocative-statements-jonathan/?

Politics

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By Bashir Bello KANO — The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF on Wednesday disclosed that Nigeria accounts for 15 percent of out-of-school children in the world. This was also it stated that about 7.6 million girls in Nigeria many from the northern regions remain deprived of the opportunities to go to school. The UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms Cristian Munduate disclosed this during an event organized to commemorate this years International Day of the Girl in Kano. Ms Munduate who raised alarm over the worrisome figures however maintained that it is not just a statistics but a wake up call on the authorities to take steps to reverse the menace. In her words: “Nigeria, alarmingly, accounts for 15% of out-of-school children worldwide. Yet only a mere 9% of the poorest girls have the chance to attend secondary school. This is not just a statistic….it’s a wake-up call.” “The truth is that 7.6 million girls in Nigeria, many from the northern regions, remain deprived of these very opportunities. Their seats in classrooms remain vacant, their dreams momentarily deferred. This leaves them vulnerable to early childbearing, with a soaring adolescent fertility rate. “Kano ranks second in the number of out-of-school girls in Nigeria, revealing a harsh disparity in the access to education. “Since its inception by the United Nations in 2012, the International Day of the Girl Child has aimed to spotlight and address the challenges girls globally confront. Today, more than ever, we need to emphasize the transformative power of education, a tool that not only creates opportunities but actively breaks cycles of poverty. “However, amidst these challenges, we find glimmers of hope. Proven models like the Girls’ Education Project 3, supported generously by the people of UK and UNICEF, have assisted states including Kano in sending 1.5 million girls back to school in just two years. This is the path forward….a path where every girl child in Nigeria receives an education. “As we observe the International Day of the Girl 2023, my plea is straightforward. To our government, communities, traditional institutions, parents, stakeholders, and every concerned Nigerian – let us pledge to build a Nigeria where every girl’s dreams are within her grasp. “While education is the foundation, our girls need more. By investing in healthcare, skills training, and diverse opportunities, we can catalyze their growth into pillars of our society. “Together, let us champion the rights and empowerment of our girls. Let’s dismantle barriers, extend mentorship, and curate an environment where they are poised to thrive. “UNICEF remains committed in its mission. We will continue our engagement with leaders, partners, and stakeholders to amplify our investment in the welfare of our girls, particularly as they face the brunt of conflicts, natural disasters, and the ever-looming threat of climate change,” the UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms Cristian Munduate however maintained. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/10/nigeria-accounts-for-15-out-of-school-children-worldwide-unicef/

Politics

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By Chioma Obinna A new study released by the Lancet has shown that in 2022, more than 1 billion people in the world are now living with obesity. It showed that worldwide, obesity among adults has more than doubled since 1990, and has quadrupled among children and adolescents (5 to 19 years of age). The data also showed that 43 per cent of adults were overweight in 2022. The study further showed that even though the rates of under-nutrition have dropped, it is still a public health challenge in many places, particularly in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Among countries with the highest combined rates of underweight and obesity in 2022 were island nations in the Pacific and the Caribbean and those in the Middle East and North Africa. Malnutrition, in all its forms, includes under-nutrition (wasting, stunting, and underweight), inadequate vitamins or minerals, overweight and obesity. Under-nutrition is responsible for half of the deaths of children under 5 and obesity can cause noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some cancers. WHO has contributed to the data collection and analysis of this study. Speaking on the study, WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the new study highlights the importance of preventing and managing obesity from early life to adulthood, through diet, physical activity, and adequate care, as needed. Ghebreyesus said: “Getting back on track to meet the global targets for curbing obesity will take the work of governments and communities, supported by evidence-based policies from the WHO and national public health agencies. Importantly, it requires the cooperation of the private sector, which must be accountable for the health impacts of their products.” READ ALSO: Obasanjo, Peter Obi hail Chief Imam of Egbaland at 90 He explained that obesity is a complex chronic disease and that the causes are well understood, as are the interventions needed to contain the crisis, which are backed by strong evidence. “However, they are not implemented. At the World Health Assembly in 2022 Member States adopted the WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity, which supports country-level action through 2030. To date, 31 governments are now leading the way to curb the obesity epidemic by implementing the plan. He listed the actions to support healthy practices from day 1, including breastfeeding promotion, protection and support; regulations on the harmful marketing of food and beverages to children; school food and nutrition policies, including initiatives to regulate the sales of products high in fats, sugars and salt in the proximity of schools; fiscal and pricing policies to promote healthy diets; nutrition labelling policies; public education and awareness campaigns for healthy diets and exercise; standards for physical activity in schools; and integration of obesity prevention and management services into primary health care. Speaking, Director of WHO’s Nutrition and Food Safety Department and one of the co-authors of the study, Dr Francesco Branca, said: “There are significant challenges in implementing policies aimed at ensuring affordable access to healthy diets for all and creating environments that promote physical activity and overall healthy lifestyles for everyone. Countries should also ensure that health systems integrate the prevention and management of obesity into the basic package of services.” Branca said addressing under-nutrition requires multisectoral action in agriculture, social protection and health, to reduce food insecurity, improve access to clean water and sanitation and ensure universal access to essential nutrition interventions. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/03/over-1-billion-people-worldwide-suffer-from-obesity-study

Health

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Dr Isuwa Adamu, Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NILEST), Zaria, on Tuesday warned against the consumption of animal hides and skin known locally as “ponmo”. Adamu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the consumption of the product as meat substitute was dangerous to health. According to him, scientifically, ponmo does not have any nutritional value to human health. “In fact, it is not advisable for you to consume ponmo in the sense that some of the animals killed and used for ponmo actually have skin diseases. “Some of these skin diseases are such that boiling them ordinarily, may not kill the bacteria,’’ Adamu said. He added that some of the animals killed had been ill and undergoing injections but the rearers went ahead to kill them, leaving the buyers vulnerable to chemicals in the animal skin. “Some of the animals because of the ailments that they have gone through, are sometimes treated by way of injection with chemicals. “People don’t allow these chemicals to complete its cycle and be removed from the body; they sometimes go ahead to kill these animals. “So, if you consume the ponmo, the tendency is that you are consuming the chemicals directly because the skin part of the animal retains most of the harmful substances. “Remember your skin is the major protective organ of your body and your skin harbours so many of the harmful things that are supposed to penetrate into your body,’’ he explained. He added that the skin of animals harbour so many of the harmful waste materials that the body secretes and boiling only could not remove some of those wastes. The NILEST boss said the institute was putting up efforts to sensitise the public and advise governments on policies that will help to reduce the consumption of animal skin to the barest minimum. According to him, ponmo consumption is a national and traditional issue that just putting up laws may not really help to stop it. Adamu advised the government to come up with policies that could be enforced to reduce the consumption of hides and skin as meat substitute. He added that this would enhance the quality and quantity of raw hides and skin that are available to meet the demands of the tanneries. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/10/ponmo-consumption-dangerous-health/

Food

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There is good news from the health world where researchers say the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be flushed out of its hiding places in the body using a cancer drug. Already, the anti-retroviral therapy, kills the virus in the bloodstream, but leaves “HIV reservoirs” untouched. This latest study shows that the cancer drug is “highly potent” at reactivating hidden HIV. Experts say the findings are interesting, but it is important to know if the drug is safe in patients. A strategy known as “kick and kill” is thought to be key to curing HIV. The kick would wake up the dormant HIV, allowing the drugs to kill it.

http://www.channelstv.com/2015/07/31/hiv-can-be-flushed-out-by-cancer-drug-researchers-say/

Health

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Foreign Investment into Africa is the most deceptive and abused phrase ever used purposely to confuse people of goodwill that International Corporate world is trying to do for Africa what was done for Europe after the War. While it is true that Europe and other continents got richer, the face of poverty shifted from Asia to Africa. This is reality today that most people, with any form of sincerity or conscience, cannot argue with. What most of us do is blame Africans for their own predicament from slavery to neo-colonialism. Of course, there are enough blames, greed, traitors and accomplices to go around. It still takes two tangles. European countries have benefited right from the days of slavery to money laundering today; not by passive accidents but by active designs. While it is true that money laundering incurs consequences for Africans caught in the process, it does not negate the amount of stolen money into European and American banks or economy; into the hands of legal and financial accomplices that are charging about a third of the loot as fees. Helped hide poor countries' foreign reserves abroad. Foreign companies are still at it just as when economic opportunities dried up in 1800 Europe and the Americas, they turned too faraway continents looking for natural and human resources. Even the Moroccans, decided on further South into West Africa to capture the gold after fighting wars that depleted their resources and left them poorer. All these have become ancient history today. But if we do not learn from our past, we are bound to repeat the same mistake in the future. Africa’s future started yesterday. According to OXFAM, it is indisputable that about one trillion American dollars have been lost from Africa to enrich other countries in Europe and Asia. If that is not Foreign Investment (or drain) from Africa, how difficult is it to understand the reverse psychology practices of how Europe (under) developed Africa. It has never been a secret since France, a small country with a tiny “tribal” population still feeds on French Speaking developing countries. African foreign reserves in France Treasury cannot be spent without the approval of France. Indeed, one of their Presidents so admitted publicly. Middle Class Africans, especially the ones trained at the London School of Economics, Wharton Business School, Harvard or University of Toronto have preached to us since Independence that only Foreign Investment can save Africa. Voila, realities have taught us different lessons. Sixty years is a long time, enough to understand the Dynamics of Economics. Somehow African markets have adopted Western and Eastern European Economics, be it capitalist or communist theory like old wine in a new bottle. Obviously, the only missing theory has been African Economics. We must hastily add that it is not out of commission or omission but out of favor to old colonialists to be like them. Those African professors that dared criticize the cramming of Communist or capitalist economic theory as unsuitable or unworkable without adaptation to African market realities, were run out of town as teachers of Voodoo Economics. The reason is not farfetched. Africans longed to be part of the world communities so bad, we were willing to relinquish anything with African appellation or culture. Those that are still preaching African Salvation by the way of foreign investment have not given up. Indeed, their staunch advocates come are Africans. While those old enough to remember the relative economic reprieve Africa had after Independence, they came to realize that it was only political but did not include actual economic independence. The ploughing of African wealth continued as foreign investment. Moreover, Africa's economic fortune declined further with the introduction of Structural Adjustment. Even when the International Monetary Fund and World Bank expressed misgivings at a conference in Ghana that they did not take the sociopolitical factor into consideration, we had some African economists insisting that African countries implemented Structural Adjustment wrongly, as the cause of the problem. Then came Devaluations that paralyzed most African countries in the guise that once our human and natural resources become cheaper for foreign currencies, they would be able to buy more and that would spur economic growth by creating more jobs. Those propagating what we all knew as blatantly false then and now realized that we had no commodity that would enter their market. Even under Obama Administration’s AGOA, most of our commodities were rejected as substandard. Most African businesses do not realize what it takes to get our products into their markets, in their store shelves, even at the risk of a temporary loss in profit. It all boils down to promises into the future prospects or fooled as promising emerging markets that has never been realized. They choose the best countries open for business based on what they can scoop out as fast as they can on demand not on what Africa can gain. We are the fastest growing economies after they have had their lion share with promises of crumbs in the future. They sell us rosy prospects as they did with religious deliverance that we will reap our reward in heaven, as long as we obey and abide by their rules on earth. So, there has never been any reasonable chance that foreign investment from their countries would liberate us in 60 years after Independence or ever as their internal traitors support their chicanery. An attractive charade for a toddler's intelligence. There has always been one-way flow of capital either by money laundering with their corporate firms that source raw materials in Africa before and after Independence. Most, if not all, have never been foreign currency earners into Africa but they dip into meagre reserves to launder money back into their countries under the guise that they have to buy and import foreign materials for our factories; otherwise they layoff local workers. African businessmen have learned well from their foreign masters and partners. Most of them have never earned foreign currency for their countries but dug deep into local reserves as international companies and launder foreign reserves into shell companies. How much longer is this going to take until Africans realized that if they were crawling for over 60 years since Independence, they could have been better off than the abject poverty, disillusionment and obsession the foreign investments have left them. When all along, Africa was the source of foreign investments into Europe, America and Asia.

https://www.modernghana.com/news/976879/foreign-investment-came-out-of-africa-never-into.html

Politics

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We must ask ourselves repeatedly why our African Youths with all their talents and our politicians as useful fools, would rather squander and launder the wealth or talents that freed Asians from abject poverty? The next generation and history will take us to task about how the richest Continent God created abandoned its children like absentee deadbeat parents to the whims and Salvation of those that only see them as instruments of cheap labor. These children of Africa are no longer sold by Chiefs into Slave Ships. African Youths use their first million, all their savings or borrowed money to board expensive planes or cross deserts and seas to reach their "promised land" outside Africa. https://time.com/longform/african-slave-trade/ Despite the numbers of thinkers and historians laborious efforts to inform and educate them constantly. No matter our efforts and information about what awaits them outside, they are blinded and overwhelmed with token few that tell them they saw the "Promised Land". We just have to ask why a reasonable parent would be willing to give up children for adoption by dropping babies by the gutter, in a dustbin, in charge of Asma boys, tonton macoute, pollero/chayote, janjaweed slave traders in Sudan and Chard or drug traffickers as by seashore wishing that the daughter of Pharaoh would pass by and rescue Moses. https://time.com/5042560/libya-slave-trade/ Instead of putting all energy on prayer, we must understand that heaven helps those who help themselves. So who are the Youths traveling out? Believe It or not, most are not the poorest, hungry and the destitute. Many of them are highly educated engineers, physicians, accountants, teachers etc that go out and start their own businesses abroad under strenuous situations worse than at home when they realized there was no other way to survive. Less effort could have rescued their own country. Some look at salaries for their professions overseas compared to local salaries, regardless of standard of living, gross domestic product or growth. Most do not take into consideration the school loans professionals acquire abroad in the course of their study. We have to face the crises of African Youths escaping from their own countries by any means just to make a living. Most of them have training that has not got them their expected reward in the marketplace at home. It is too embarrassing or depressing for them. They would rather go hungry, homeless and underemployed with their skills and certificates outside home. Therefore, we are not talking about the untalented, most wretched Africans fleeing their homes. Actually, most of those fleeing saved or borrowed from relatives, good money that could be used to start a business, rather than pay traveling agents marketing overseas opportunities and paying for tickets with everything they saved in order to escape. There are also slave traders willing to pay their expenses to Europe and America on contracts. They demand guarantee pay back with usury interest abroad. Unfortunately, the girls end up as prostitutes and others used as body parts if their sponsors cannot pay back. Yet, the majority of those escaping “hell” in their countries are not the poorest in the community that cannot have three meals in a day. They are not the ones that either go hungry to bed, do without breakfast or lunch. They are the ones buying tickets or paying travel agents to escape. Most of these agents want some money down which the poor do not have except the use of their bodies. They pay dearly for what they had seen on their expensive Iphones at home. Another lure abroad is their friends that have escaped, telling them they are making tons of money and living big. Even when this is true, they never mention the pains, indignity and the stress of surviving against all odds, no matter how highly qualified they are. How “temporary" are the top positions they hold before being replaced for any or no reason. Those frustrated out of jobs even as the head of dog catchers never relate their frustrations to those at home. The greatest reason most Africans give is that they are ready to go through subjugation, discrimination and rejection overseas as price they have to pay so that their children can have a good education and future. If and only if Africans work half as hard in their countries as they do when they leave Africa, most of our countries would be a better place. The resentment between African Americans and Africans points to this fact that Africans do not have African American experience of the generational subjugation they suffered. Recently, it is filtering through that some of their highly educated colleagues are not only underemployed but forced to take menial jobs to put food on the table for their families. The shame and embarrassment of relating disappointments back home are too great to expose. As most of these so-called highly successful workers abroad grow tired of the daily insults; they take to nefarious activities like drugs. Those too old to return home for lack of investment, become miserable and disappointed. How can parents absorb these without affecting the same children, mentally and physically? It is the beginning of an inferiority complex as their children watch them being relegated to the bottom of their new communities. While it is true that first generation children of immigrants do not tolerate as much abuse as their parents, some of the abuse rub off on them right from kindergarten making it difficult to get into colleges unless they work against the odds inherent in communities abroad. Most of the successful Africans overseas not only work twice as hard, but are also squeaky clean. Put the same persons in charge of funds in Africa, they would loot the allocation dry without a blink of an eye. They know every eye is on them waiting for them to make a mistake, fail or trip. But in Africa, they feel they can steal and go scott free since they know their way around the judicial process. Most of the Nigerian looters convicted for money laundering or facing charges abandoned the loots overseas to enjoy freedom at home. There is no better place to fight for economic justice than in Africa where we still have ownership Rights against those encouraging us to sell ourselves for pittance or instant gratification. Everybody likes readymade and hunger is a very strong motivating force. We have seen homeless folks begging to work for food around the world. One of the most resentful sayings by Umaru Dikko was that he had not seen anybody picking food from garbage cans in Nigeria as he saw in America. Well, that was years ago. Youths now eke out a living on environmental dumps. African politicians, even those old enough to expire, wish to be buried with their loots into the afterlife. They are taking actions against our children that slide us deeper into poverty because they cannot see beyond the immediate wants of their individual families. This is not different from a parent leaving a newborn on the street hoping against hope for a miracle. However difficult it is to reverse this trend, the day we throw up our hands and give up is the day we all perish.

https://www.modernghana.com/news/1072527/live-free-in-africa-or-die-as-useful-fools-slave.html

Politics

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“A foremost” and”penultimate week” – which is the more disturbing catachresis? As it appropriate for me to state confidently or even categorically that most of those reading this piece today do not know that it is a misuse of words and language to say that a person is aforemost writer, surgeon, engineer, sportswoman or socialite? I think so. The reason for this is the fact that I have encountered this misuse of the word foremost not only among averagely literate Nigerians but also within the ranks of the highest levels of the nation’s intelligentsia. When you see a word or a phrase constantly in use by virtually everybody including some of the nation’s most highly educated men and women, you tend to think it is correct and standard usage, even if and when this is not the case. Now, the standard or correct form is the word “foremost” used in conjunction with the definite article as in “the foremost”. Using the word with the indefinite article “a” – as in “a foremost lawyer” – is non-standard and incorrect. In all my professional and non-professional travels throughout the English-speaking world, Nigeria is the only country in which I have encountered this misuse, this catachresis: a foremost historian; a foremost artist; a foremost musician; a foremost actress. It is of course as a social critic and a cultural theorist and not as a grammarian that I am approaching this issue in this piece. Nonetheless, it might be useful to briefly reflect on why the construction “a foremost journalist” is wrong, non-standard and catachrestic. Briefly here’s the reason: foremost is a word, an appellation that is comparative with regard to place, order or rank. Indeed, in its most standard and correct usages, foremost encodes not one but several layers or levels of comparison, what one might call a comparison within a comparison. This can be quite easily seen in one of the most frequent uses of the word, which is in the phrase, “first and foremost”. Every time that the phrase is used, the reader knows that a series of things or events, not a single entity, is involved. This is also why, quite often, what we see in uses of the word that are correct and standard is something along the lines of, for an example, “the foremost among the brightest of the younger generation of the nation’s lawyers”. As can be easily seen in this sentence, the particular lawyer referred to is “foremost”, not among all lawyers without any specifications but among two closely linked subsets, these being the younger generation of lawyers and the brightest among that collectivity. But with the usage that has now become so widespread, so universal in its occurrence in Nigeria as to be a new linguistic normal, this comparative dimension has more or less been completely, though unintendedly obliterated. A person is now “foremost” only and exclusively, it seems, with regards to him or herself. This is what interests me in this topic, this unintended erasure of comparison and distinction in the phrase “a foremost” in our public discourse, together with the related issue of the general decline in language use in Nigeria as a symptom of a deep social and cultural malaise that urgently requires our attention. In order to demonstrate that I am not approaching these issues as a strict or censorious grammarian, let me assure the reader that for me, “aforemost critic” instead of “the foremost among art or literary or music critics” is a very mild and rather innocuous misuse of language. Indeed, it belongs to the order of language misuse that goes by the name of catachresis. As all cultural theorists know, catachresis is very pervasive in the use of language. This is true of all languages, but is even truer of languages that have historically, geographically and culturally strayed far from their autochthonous homelands, as is the case with the English language in our part of the world. Indeed, so common is catachresis in languages that it is often used by poets, novelists, dramatists and comedians to creatively harness its unintendedly quaint or bizarre effects. This is why catachresis is at the root of the appeal and the fame of the colorful and absurd English language use of Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo, alias “4:30” of the famous New Masquerade comedy series on Nigerian television in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Catachresis is also the source of the brilliant inventiveness of the “rotten English” deployed in Ken Saro Wiwa’s Sozaboy and Uzodinma Iweala’s Beasts of No Nation.In both novels, the narrator-protagonists are barely literate and hence are very bad speakers of English. But their “mistakes” are so colorful, so original that they effectively and totally transform the language used in each novel into a new and original creation, especially in conjunction with the tragic, harrowing plot of each respective novel. But having gladly yielded so much room and leeway for catachresis in its self-ironizing and creative expressions, we must also recognize that not every instance of its occurrence is beneficent for a culture, a nation. For instance, when I encounter the use of “luxuriant” when “luxurious” is the clearly intended word, I know that linguistically speaking, something wrong and untoward has taken place. Same thing with the word “being” when the word the writer had in mind is quite clearly “been”. This is a misuse of language that, by the way, I have encountered innumerably in our country – and from the most unexpected of persons or places. In this respect, perhaps the single most egregious catachresis in Nigerian English of the genus of journalese at the present time is – penultimate, as in the phrase “penultimate week”. As nearly everyone reading this piece apparently knows, the supposed meaning is, unambiguously, last week. But this is absurd because “penultimate”does not stand alone in and by itself; it is what comes before the “ultimate” in a temporal or logical sequence. In a book, the penultimate page is the page before the very last page of the book. In an epoch,”penultimate” is the century, decade or year that comes before the very last century, decade or year in the epoch. In other words, you should not use”penultimate” when and if what comes after it will not be the very last in a sequence. Thus, as this week is not going to be the last week in the month of March or the year 2017, to write of last week as “penultimate week” is both a linguistic and logical howler. But this has been so completely normalized in Nigerian journalism that I had to accept the (rotten) state of things and stop railing against it, much to the amusement of my friends, Professors Niyi Osundare and G. G. Darah.Both were very surprised by my temerity in thinking I could make journalists stop using the phrase simply be railing tirelessly against it. Indeed, Osundare and Darah used to tease me about the outrage I felt about this conceptually barbarous thing called – “penultimate week”!But then, listen to what Osundare himself once wrote in a lamentation about the quality of language use in literary reviews in Nigerian newspapers: “Not infrequently, review columns confront the reader with howlers such as”thesecond paragraph” of the poem; “this is X’s second anthology of short stories” (for anthology read collection). And the work is praised as “simplistic” when what the writer means is “simple”. There is a constant mention of “renown” authors, and reviews are hardly balanced in their handling of “strengths and floors”. Too monotonously, our critics “opine that…”. Almost invariably, what passes for a review is bungled content summary without a single word on form and style. Quite often, the reviewer confuses biography with autobiography; “criticism” with “critique”; metaphor with simile; “summarily” with “summary”. Achebe sometimes gets credit as the author of The Concubine. And the pages drip with cheap, whorish clichés! These are, without question, very strong words, justified by both the scope of the problem and the seeming unawareness that the problem exists at all. I mean, don’t we all know that the editors of Nigerian newspapers more or less stopped editing content for errors of grammar, spelling, punctuation, language, and conceptual appropriateness a long, long time ago? In this connection, the constancy and pervasiveness in the use of “penultimate week” is the surest sign of this abdication. But then think of this point, dear compatriot: the editors of our newspapers are not the sole perpetrators or guilty parties in this abdication; the enumeration should include teachers and mentors at the highest levels of our tertiary educational system, the national professoriate itself. This observation is at the root of the title of this piece in its counterpoising of the catachresis of “a foremost” to that of “penultimate week”. What do I mean by this? Well, in both degree and kind of linguistic, logical and conceptual errors, “a foremost” is much milder and perhaps even somewhat benign in comparison with “penultimate week”. This is not merely due to the fact that for the most part, it is only journalists that use the term, “penultimate week” while senior and distinguished professors use the other catachrestic term, “a foremost”. More significantly, “a foremost” seems more excusable and therefore more acceptable than “penultimate week” because its perpetrators constitute the court of last appeal in matters of the cultural and linguistic health of the nation. In making this observation, I feel it necessary to make a confession here: no errors, no instances of the misuse of language and words have been more shocking and perplexing for me than “a foremost” –even as mild and “benign” as it is – precisely because I have encountered it in the circles of the most distinguished individuals and institutions of academia in our country. This leads directly to my concluding thoughts in this piece. If the underlying argument in this piece has led to the question, “so the most learned and distinguished academics and professors can commit errors of language use”, the unequivocal answer is – yes and yes again. For that is not the point since nobody or group is beyond making mistakes. Beyond this, the real point is whether or not it can and will be admitted that an error or errors galore is/are being made. So far, the brotherhood and sisterhood of journalists have refused to perceive or acknowledge that a crisis of language misuse of enormous proportions exists in their profession. Will the eggheads in academia also resort to the same ostrich response? That is the question, compatriots. For behind the catachresis of “a foremost” is the deeper malaise of the collapse of the vocation of true, relevant and humanistic intellectualism in our country and our era. But that is a crisis that I have not even begun to address in this piece. If everybody is and can be “a foremost”, then nobody is really and substantively “the foremost” in a segment, a branch of a discipline or a field of knowledge. This seems “democratic” and egalitarian, but only falsely so. Where, as in our country and our continent, real quality and distinctiveness are being remorselessly wiped out, we are at a great distance, a great remove from real democracy in the institutions and practices of valuable, fulfilling intellectualism.

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-falana-takes-over-resident-doctors-legal-battles-with-fg/Foremost

Health

en

If God is not the author of confusion, what about the Tower of Babel? This isn’t a difficult issue at all. On the one hand, God is not the author of confusion: “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints,” (1 Cor. 14:33). The context of this verse is dealing with the gift of tongues as were spoken in Christian churches in its early years. Foreigners would attend these churches and hear their own languages being spoken. There would often be interpretations of these tongues. Also, Christians would be over-eager in their use of various tongues, which would often lead to confusion as people did not do things in order. Therefore, in the immediate verses before (1 Cor. 14:33), Paul had just instructed on the proper use of the tongues in the church, a use which stated order and sequence. The goal was not to produce confusion among the hearers so that they would not understand the gospel. Instead, it was to produce an orderly service of worship. The Tower of Babel The context of the Tower of Babel is quite different. The people of the earth were attempting to build a tower that would “…reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name; lest we are scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth,” (Gen. 11:4). The sin of the people was their great pride. They were seeking to remain one group in one location under their own efforts. Ultimately, this was defiance of God’s proclamation to fill the earth (Gen. 9:1). God wanted them to spread out. “So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel because there the Lord confused the language of the whole earth, and from there, the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of the whole earth,” (Gen. 11:8-9). Therefore, there is no contradiction since each is a different context and a different subject.

http://ow.ly/ne6J50NcC8b

Religion

en

By Sola Ogundipe Happy new year! At times like this, it is usual to make resolutions. A common New Year resolution is to live healthier than last year. Part of living healthier is eating healthier. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, seeds and beans are all essential parts of a well-balanced and healthy diet, but beware that your food id either edible or poisonous and detrimental to health. While most of us don’t think about the way we consume everyday foods, there are reasons behind why we are trained to eat only certain parts of their anatomy. Even during food processing, there are several procedures that strip foods of their poisons to make them human-friendly. People infected with food-borne organisms may be symptom-free or may have symptoms ranging from mild intestinal discomfort to severe dehydration and bloody diarrhoea. Depending on the type of infection, people can even die as a result of food poisoning. More than 250 different diseases can cause food poisoning. Some of the most common diseases are infections caused by bacteria, such as Campylobacter,Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria, botulism and norovirus. Here are some foods to be wary of this year. Avoid eating Red or Blood Clams, regardless if they’re a delicacy. Known to cause hepatitis A & E, typhoid and dysentery, these red clams have been banned in many countries, but could be encountered as sushi. You can be assured of its safety – as long as you have proof that they were safely cultivated! Illegal imports of clams are common in most Chinatown settlements, so be forewarned! Elderberries, delightful as marmalade, wine and pancake syrup, have a dark secret hidden in its branches: cyanide. While it is a beautiful plant, don’t be fooled! This plant, often used in medicinal syrups, sodas and liquors can cause a severely upset stomach if consumed incorrectly. The flowers are the part of the plant used to make all things elderberry. The stems and various other parts of the plant, when consumed, can cause severe stomach issues. Take caution when drinking herbal teas made of elderberry leaves, and don’t even think about eating the unripe fruits and flowers that contain a toxic alkaloid. There are mushrooms called toadstools, some of which are known for being incredibly poisonous. Some poisonous mushrooms can kill; however, some choice edible species are brightly colored, while most poisonous species are brown or white. An important rule is not to consume mushrooms unless you are 100 per cent sure of what they are. Good rules that apply for avoiding poisonous mushrooms include avoiding mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem and a bulbous or sack like base and mushrooms with red on the cap or stem. Always stick to mushrooms you can buy at a supermarket. They should have a flat cap with no bumps, and the gills within the mushroom should either be grey or have a pink hue. Castor oil comes from the castor bean plant also called African Coffee Tree. Castor seeds are poisonous and lethal dose of castor seeds for adults is about four to eight seeds. Castor oil is produced by pressing ripe seeds that have had their outer covering (hull) removed. The hull contains a deadly poison called ricin, a water-soluble toxin. Ricin is extremely toxic. Castor oil does not contain ricin and is perfectly safe, but poisoning from eating the seed itself is rare but possible. One single castor bean can drop a human to his or her knees. Four can potentially kill a horse. Carefully handle and prepare castor oil. Castor beans undergo strict safety guidelines which must be met in order to be placed on shelves. Bitter almonds, when served raw, are full of cyanide. Although the almonds bought at the grocery store contain a small amount of cyanide, it’s not enough to poison you. However, eating too many bitter almonds, may not be so good for your health and may lead to cyanide poisoning. In order to remove the toxins, they must go through a specialized heat treatment. However the risk is great and even though a delectable treat is best avoided. Bitter almonds that have been processed and heated may however be safe for be consumed. Often enjoyed raw, in pies or in other popular treats, cherries are hazardous. Be wary and cautious of their seeds, which contain hydrogen cyanide. Your body can detoxify small quantities of cyanide compounds. If you accidentally eat a cherry pit in a pie or swallow an apple seed or two, you’ll be fine. Actually, if you swallow several seeds whole, you would absorb a minimal amount of the toxic compounds. However, ingesting just one or two freshly crushed pits can lead to death. Cherry seeds that are crushed, chewed or even slightly injured can be a potential threat. Don’t chew on the seeds. Apples and pears An apple a day will keep the doctor away. That is, unless you eat too many of the popular fruit’s seeds. Apples and pears both have seeds that contain compounds capable of turning into lethal cyanide when ingested. Luckily you’d have to really mash those seeds before the cyanide-making compounds can take effect. The seeds within one apple are not enough to become dangerous. Be aware of your apple consumption, and be sure to pluck the seeds as you go. Apples are a delicious and healthy snack when prepared properly. When we think rhubarb, pies and pudding come to mind. Underrated and easy to grow at home, this plant can be great. However, its leaves contain a double-threat: corrosive acid and oxalic acid, a chemical that’s also used in household bleach and anti-rust products. Eating the leaves can cause burning sensations in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and even death. Even cooking the leaves won’t get rid of the acid. Avoid the leaves and look to the stalk. Make sure they are washed very carefully, and never use frost-bitten stalks. Known for their many beneficiary properties, such as Lycopene, tomatoes also contain the poison Glycoalkaloid in their leaves. Glycoalkaloid is known to cause upset stomach and cause severe cramping and nervousness. Avoid the leaves and stems of the tomato plant. They may be used to enhance flavour when preparing dishes, but must be removed before consuming. Potatoes are another vegetable with poisonous stems and leaves. Depending on how they’re handled, potatoes can produce solanine, a natural pesticide that’s toxic to humans. The compound is particularly concentrated in potatoes that have started to turn green, and especially when they’ve begun to sprout. Vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes cardiac arrest are usual suspects The good thing is that aside from looking kind of unappetizing and tasting slightly bitter, you’d have to eat an excessive amount of green potatoes to actually get solanine poisoning. Potato poisoning rarely occurs, but most fatalities have been attributed to eating green potatoes or drinking potato leaf tea. Avoid eating the stem or leaves. Rice often contains arsenic, a toxin that can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and vertigo when consumed in large quantities. The highest levels are found in brown rice, the lowest in instant rice. Despite the toxin’s presence, it would be incredibly difficult to poison yourself by eating too much rice in one day. That’s not to say nothing bad will happen; consistent exposure to even low doses of arsenic over time can lead to heart diseases and bladder cancer. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/01/beware-poisons-cooking-pot/

Health

en

The World Bank Group has rated Nigeria among the world’s extremely poor countries, promising to assist in ending what it called ‘extreme poverty’ in the nations. Other countries that were also rated as extremely poor are India, China, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Indonesia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya. At the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in Washington on Wednesday, in advance of the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, World Bank President, Dr Jim Yong Kim, stated that the global bank would deal with the extreme poverty in Nigeria and its counterparts in the coming years. Ending Extreme Poverty By 2030 He said: “The fact is that two-thirds of the world’s extreme poor are concentrated in just five countries: India, China, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If you add another five countries, Indonesia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya, the total grows to 80 per cent of the extreme poor.” Dr Kim stressed that the World Bank Group would focus on Nigeria and other nine countries, but emphasised that the plan would not make other countries in the world to be ignored. “We will have a strategy that ensures that no country is left behind, as we move toward the target of ending extreme poverty by 2030,″ he said. The World Bank President also announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening the World Bank Group to better meet the evolving needs of clients, including a $100 billion increase in the lending capacity of the Bank’s lending arm for middle-income countries over the next decade. According to Dr. Kim, this new innovations in financial management, and a boost in the institution’s ability to provide private sector support follows the record $52 billion replenishment of IDA, the World Bank’s fund for the poorest, in December 2013. Kim also outlined how the Bank was positioning itself to better achieve its goals of ending extreme poverty by 2030 and boosting shared prosperity for the lowest 40 per cent in developing countries. “We now have the capacity to nearly double our annual lending to middle-income countries from $15 billion to $26 to $28 billion a year. This means that the World Bank’s lending capacity will increase by $100 billion to roughly $300 billion over the next ten years. “This is in addition to the largest IDA replenishment in history, with $52 billion in grants and concessional loans to support the poorest countries,” he said.

http://www.channelstv.com/2014/04/02/world-bank-rates-nigeria-among-extremely-poor-countries/

Politics

en

IT came as cheering news when the Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Mallam, announced the Federal Government’s N19 billion funding for the control of erosion under the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). The programme is aimed at attacking the ugly menace of gully erosion in 21 sites across seven states, some of which include Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi and Cross River. Coming shortly after a similar gesture, in which the federal government also set aside the sum of N16 billion for the creation of the Great Green Wall Sahara project, Nigeria appears to be getting a little more serious in engaging its daunting environmental challenges which assail the coast, desert fringes and the heartland. In the north, the Sahara Desert is claiming vast amounts of territories as a result of unhealthy environmental practices, such as indiscriminate wood felling, bush burning and unwillingness by the people to plant trees. In the coast, the Atlantic, following global warming, has increased in volume and taken over many communities while sweeping away low-lying coastal lands. In the hinterland, especially the South Eastern areas, gully erosion has taken away huge parcels of land, making it difficult for people to farm. In all instances, this environmental monster has sent many communities packing without a place to call their ancestral homelands. Even though the federal government has, for decades, provided huge sums of money in its annual budget for states to deploy against environmental degradation, little was achieved because of massive corruption. This time, the federal government is working together with the World Bank to source a loan totaling more than 500 million dollars to map out an eight-plan of action to tackle erosion, especially in the South East. Happily, most states involved in the project have paid their counterpart funds. According to the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Marie-Francoise Marie-Nelly, it will be an integrated project, with the federal and state governments working closely with the affected local communities to meliorate the erosion sites and deploy environmental management techniques to forestall its spread in other areas. It is high time we mobilised the youth as agents of environmental reclamation and management. The large number of unemployed youth can be formed into volunteer corps, taught such skills as tree and flower planting and deployed to manage the environment. Environmental awareness and management skills are necessary if we are to keep erosion and deforestation in check long after the fund has been spent. The people must be involved in salvaging their own land and managing their environments by being equipped with the basic skills. The era of leaving the spending of funds meant for the environment in the hands of politicians and their contractor collaborators must end. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/n19-billion-anti-erosion-funding/#sthash.TBUHWTzb.dpuf

Politics

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Many people ask why the God of the Bible, who is supposed to be loving and kind, would permit slavery to exist in ancient times. Why didn’t God stop slavery? If he is all-powerful, shouldn’t he have then used his sovereign control of all things to eliminate that which is oppressive? Critics of the Bible will often cite the fact that slavery was part of the Old and New Testament societies and then condemn God for not removing it. So, why did God permit slavery? Moral Standard Anyone? First of all, condemning slavery, among other injustices, implies that its abolition is what ought to be done. It is then a moral issue. But to raise the issue of abolition based on moral reasoning is to imply that there is a universal truth that we can appeal to in order to condemn it. But, where does this universal moral standard come from, and how is it justified? I could make the case that apart from the Christian worldview, such an objective, a non-subjective universal moral standard cannot exist – not in atheism, agnosticism, or humanism, non, of which, can justify universal moral principles. Why? Because principles are abstractions and abstractions require a mind. But, to say slavery is universally wrong (in all times and places) is to appeal to a universal principle. This implies a universal mind: God. Christianity best provides the necessary preconditions for a universal moral base. But, I digress, and the issue remains: Why didn’t God stop slavery in the Bible? Made in God’s image Basically, God permitted slavery to exist and still does, because of the rebellion and sinful actions of fallen people. God allows various things to occur in the world that he does not approve of, such as murder, lying, rape, and theft. In theology, we call God’s moral revelation his prescriptive will. It consists of such things as “you shall not murder,” and “you shall not lie.” However, in what we call his permissive will, he allows people to murder and to lie. Biblically speaking, we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28). And because we are made in His image, we are responsible for our actions and our choices. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve chose to rebel against God. They exercised their free will and disobeyed him, and sin became a reality along with slavery. But we have to ask, where do we draw the line on what we consider the proper starting point where God ought to intervene and prevent evil. Where we draw the moral line? We know for a fact that murder is wrong. So, should God stop all murder? If we say yes, then what about the thoughts of murder? Should God stop that as well? Or, is it okay to contemplate murdering someone as long as you don’t do it? But is not even the contemplation of murder a morally wrong thing to do? Of course, it is. So, then ought God stop even the contemplation of such evil? Remember, most sins occur because we first think of them before we carry them out. So, ought God control someone’s thinking and stop people from considering doing something wrong in order to prevent it from happening? Or should it be that God allows people to think all kinds of evil are loaded onto them? If so, why is that the right thing to do? The point I’m trying to make is that when people ask why did God permit slavery or stop slavery, then they are asking a moral question about what ought to exist and what not ought to exist. God permits evil in the world, slavery included, because that is the nature of the fallen world that is coupled with our freedom. God gave the garden to Adam and Eve, and it was good. But in their rebellion, sin entered the world (Romans 5:12), and with it came the effect of sin, which has brought pain, suffering, rebellion, death, and damnation. Slavery exists because of the sinful and rebellious freedom of man. The Lord has allowed us to do with their freedom as we desire. And, we ought not to blame God for allowing what we in our sinfulness, as a human race, have permitted. Return to Slavery Page

http://ow.ly/t5Ks50MCQ9c

Religion

en

Young people who smoke cannabis run the risk of a significant and irreversible reduction in their IQ, research suggests. The findings come from a study of around 1,000 people in New Zealand. An international team found those who started using cannabis below the age of 18 – while their brains were still developing – suffered a drop in IQ. A UK expert said the research might explain why people who use the drug often seem to under-achieve. For more than 20 years researchers have followed the lives of a group of people from Dunedin in New Zealand. They assessed them as children – before any of them had started using cannabis – and then re-interviewed them repeatedly, up to the age of 38. Having taken into account other factors such as alcohol or tobacco dependency or other drug use, as well the number of years spent in education, they found that those who persistently used cannabis suffered a decline in their IQ. The effect was most marked in those who started smoking cannabis as adolescents. For example, researchers found that individuals who started using cannabis in adolescence and then carried on using it for years showed an average eight-point IQ decline. Stopping or reducing cannabis use failed to fully restore the lost IQ. The researchers, writing in the US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that: “Persistent cannabis use over 20 years was associated with neuropsychological decline, and greater decline was evident for more persistent users.” “Collectively, these findings are consistent with speculation that cannabis use in adolescence, when the brain is undergoing critical development, may have neurotoxic effects.” One member of the team, Prof Terrie Moffitt of King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, said this study could have a significant impact on our understanding of the dangers posed by cannabis use. “This work took an amazing scientific effort. We followed almost 1,000 participants, we tested their mental abilities as kids before they ever tried cannabis, and we tested them again 25 years later after some participants became chronic users. “Participants were frank about their substance abuse habits because they trust our confidentiality guarantee, and 96% of the original participants stuck with the study from 1972 to today. “It is such a special study that I’m fairly confident that cannabis is safe for over-18 brains, but risky for under-18 brains.” Robin Murray, professor of psychiatric research, also at the King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry but not involved in the study, said this was an impressive piece of research. “The Dunedin sample is probably the most intensively studied cohort in the world and therefore the data are very good. “Although one should never be convinced by a single study, I take the findings very seriously. “There are a lot of clinical and educational anecdotal reports that cannabis users tend to be less successful in their educational achievement, marriages and occupations. “It is of course part of folk-lore among young people that some heavy users of cannabis – my daughter callers them stoners – seem to gradually lose their abilities and end up achieving much less than one would have anticipated. This study provides one explanation as to why this might be the case. “I suspect that the findings are true. If and when they are replicated then it will be very important and public education campaigns should be initiated to let people know the risks.”

http://www.channelstv.com/home/2012/08/28/young-cannabis-smokers-run-risk-of-lower-iq/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

Health

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NOMADIC Fulani herdsmen have become a much-resented group across the country. The resentment has intensified as they have clashed with farming communities across the country. In the Middle Belt, however, it is no longer accurate to call the attitude resentment, just as it is no longer accurate to describe what is happening as a clash. It is a sustained massacre, and it has engendered an attitude that is approaching hatred – the kind of hatred that one reserves for someone who threatens one’s very existence. Recently, hired mercenaries in the pay of Fulani herdsmen massacred 300 people in several Agatu villages, burned down homes, food barns, and churches, and displaced tens of thousands of Agatu people. Fulani herdsmen leaders in Makurdi then brazenly claimed the attack, describing it as payback for cattle theft. The massacre was a reprise of several such murderous invasions across different areas of the Middle Belt – in Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba, Nasarawa, Adamawa, and Benue States. The genocidal rampage of well-armed herdsmen has become a feature of life in the area in the last seven years. Let me make some itemized observations about these killings, what they portend for this country, the issues at stake, and possible ameliorative reforms: - There is a pattern to these massacres; they are not random, spontaneous acts. The pattern is predictable. The Fulani never deny the killings. Instead, they are ever ready with a familiar alibi: the indigenous people stole our cows and this was payback. By this bizarre logic, the theft of cows by a member of a host community is not only a death sentence; it is a death sentence for the thief and all of his kinsmen and women. It is a strange, murderous logic that equates the lives of cattle with those of human beings, including those of women, children, and the elderly. It also advances collective retributive punishment as a form of inter ethnic engagement. The herdsmen basically, and repeatedly, admit to and boast of razing communities and engaging in massacres of defenseless people, including women and children. Yet they have never been held accountable. And their leaders who make these admissions are coddled, dignified, and invited to press conferences with high-ranking police officers and political leaders, where they are given a platform to justify their genocidal operations. Afterwards, they are allowed to freely walk away to plot the next massacre. - The militia members are mostly foreigners. In the rare couple of instances when several of them were captured in some Middle Belt communities, they were discovered to be foreigners from neighboring countries, who had been conscripted by the Fulani herdsmen to commit these massacres. It is not a far-fetched hypothesis to surmise that only foreigners with no historical or mutual existential ties to the targeted Middle Belt peoples would be capable of unfeelingly committing the scorched earth atrocities that have been unfolding in the area, a tapestry of massacres documented in unspeakably grisly pictures of infants, pregnant women, and the elderly hacked or burned to death. Desertion of villages The militias are basically armed, stand-by proxies of the Fulani herdsmen. They have no regard for Nigeria’s security agencies and their capabilities. They rape, murder, burn, and pillage at will. - Every massacre is followed by two developments: the desertion of villages and towns by the surviving members of Middle Belt communities, and a subsequent occupation of these communities by herdsmen and their cattle — a forceful, de facto territorial takeover. - It is wrong to call the massacres clashes. They are not clashes. They are invasions that result in the massacre of defenceless indigenous people in purportedly vengeful orgies of bloodletting. Clashes require two sets of combatants. In these massacres, there is only one heavily armed group of combatants, a militia armed and hired by the herdsmen, a militia that the leaders of the Fulani herdsmen boldly and proudly admit is doing their bidding. - These massacres do not fit into the traditional, familiar mold of “farmer-herdsmen” clashes. No, what is happening in the Nigerian Middle Belt is not that. Clashes between farmers and headsmen are common in Africa. In Nigeria such clashes often pit Fulani herdsmen against largely non-Fulani farmers. Such clashes are even common in the Muslim-majority states of the Northwest. On a research visit to Jigawa state in 2009, I sat in on a mediation meeting between farmers and herdsmen in Dutse emirate. The District Head of Dutse presided over the meeting and later briefed me about the recalcitrant ways of the Fulani nomads who routinely violated rules the emirate made to stem conflicts between herdsmen and farmers. The herdsmen, he said, regularly let their cattle encroach on farmed lands and refuse to pay compensation to farmers whose crops are eaten - Such clashes occur all over the country. But they rarely result in the loss of human life and tend to be amicably settled by traditional authorities through mediation, payment of compensation, and the institution of preventive measures to keep cattle away from farms. The aim of the herdsmen in these instances is never to kill off, displace, or take over territories for their cattle. At any rate, these crises involve roaming nomads who are seasonal migrants, so why should they want territory? Why should they want to seize territory for their cattle? What is happening in the Middle Belt is totally different. It is an organized, systematic and repeated invasion of communities with the obvious aim of displacing them from the land. These nomads are not the familiar seasonal nomads who migrate southward through Middle Belt communities during the dry season and northward during the rainy season. No, these new, unfamiliar nomads camp out in these communities all year, hence the desire to displace the locals so they do not have to obey farmland restrictions. What they are perpetrating in the Middle Belt is a forceful territorial takeover. We need to properly name the problem to stand any chance of solving it. - This hunger for grazing territory — permanent grazing territory — is a zero-sum quest pursued at the expense of the area’s local farmers. It is intensifying as a result of two realities: Nigeria’s population is increasing rapidly, bringing more land into cultivation and habitation; and the arid Sahel region is expanding rapidly in correspondence to the southward expansion of the frontiers of the Sahara desert. - Some people say that we should not couch the massacres in ethnic terms, that is, that we should not refer to them as Fulani herdsmen massacres. They also say we should not use the term indigene to describe local farmers who are being killed and displaced. This argument is not faithful to the sociological realities of the problem. The ethnic idiom is inevitable, since the herdsmen are Fulani by ethnicity. As for “indigenous,” that is a function of the Nigerian constitution, which defines citizenship in terms of ancestry and consanguinity rather than residency. The constitution confers rights of communal land ownership on indigenes, defined by these criteria, not on residents, whether such residents are temporary, migratory, or permanent sojourners. If we are going to reform this constitutional citizenship clause, let us do so holistically through a constitutional amendment instead of making an exception for the Fulani herdsmen or any other group. - One of the causes of the problem is the unchallenged, open bearing of automatic firearms by Fulani nomads. Our laws forbid regular citizens to own or bear automatic weapons, but the Fulani openly carry them and presumably use them. Fulani herdsmen are seen all over the country with these weapons, creating tensions and putting farmers on edge — farmers who are not allowed to bear such arms. This impunity on the part of the Fulani herdsmen is inexplicable. It is as though there are different sets of laws for the Fulani nomads. The nomads have to be disarmed unless the government wants farming communities to similarly arm themselves with sophisticated military-grade weapons. That would be disastrous for everyone and for the country. - Clearly, the Fulani nomads do not yet realize that their brand of cattle husbandry is outdated. From the yield perspective, nomadism diminishes the meat and milk yield of cattle. It precipitates clashes with farmers in the context of increasing populations. What’s more, nomadic grazing exposes cattle to the vagaries of disease, pestilence, and natural disaster and puts them out of the reach of advanced veterinary and scientific interventions that could protect them and improve their yield. Nomadic, long-distance grazing is simply unsustainable in our world, hence the transition to ranching and other sedentary forms of cattle production in many countries. If the Fulani nomads themselves do not get it, for the sake of farming communities across the country, the government should use its bully pulpit and overarching might to convince them to relocate their cattle to watered ranches carefully carved out for them in certain states of the North, where the bonds of ethnicity (and religion) might make the local people more receptive to such ranches and where the abundance of land and low population density would make the ranches more feasible. - It is time to tell truth about the transformation in the herding culture of the nomadic Fulani in Nigeria. Their vocation is a dying one, and many younger nomads are quitting transhumant herding because it has become increasingly hazardous, economically unstable, and precarious. Many inherited herds have been lost to organized rustling, to disease, and to the absence of a scientific, sustainable mode of husbandry. The result is that many nomadic Fulani youths have become bandits and criminals. Familiar with grazing routes and routines, they lead bands of rustlers camped out in forests in the Northwest and parts of the Middle Belt. Others have taken to armed robbery and kidnapping. This is one more indication that the nomadic lifestyle is not one for the future and should be reformed into more sedentary vocations that would give nomadic youths a future outside criminal activities. Most of the rustlers arrested or killed by the security services since the Governors of the northwest states aunched an operation against rustling in that zone turned out to be mostly former nomadic Fulani who knew the lay of the land as it were. Many members of the murderous Fulani militias are former herdsmen who now earn a living as mercenaries for their nomadic kinsmen. - The mercenaries (foreign and local) who perpetrate the massacres in the Middle Belt on behalf of herdsmen have to be dealt with, disarmed, and prosecuted as terrorists. - The Fulani nomads are essential members of the Nigerian fabric. They play a role in providing animal proteins to Nigerians, enriching our dietary repertoire. But they have to realize that their current method is unsustainable, and has already strained the fragile unity of the country. They should therefore cooperate with the government to transform their craft into sedentary ranches. Speaking of ranches, it is now the only viable solution. Previously suggested solutions such as the establishment of grazing routes and grazing reserves are now passé, rendered unfeasible by Nigeria’s charged politics of land ownership, the combustible mélange of ethno-religious self-preservation and the politics of autochthony, and contested access to ancestral lands. Non-Fulani peoples should not be forced to give up their age-long access to ancestral lands in other to solve a problem they did not cause. - Non-Fulani people should not allow recent tragic massacres to transform the search for solutions into an inquest on the Fulani, their culture, their ways of life, and their rights as Nigerian citizens. Negative myths and stereotypes of the Fulani have already unfortunately proliferated across Nigeria and West Africa. The solution to this problem must include non-Fulani people unlearning their anti-Fulani prejudices and stereotypes. - By Moses E. Ochonu Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/fulani-herdsmen-threat-nigerias-fragile-unity/

Politics

en

Saudi Arabia’s execution of the Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr could escalate tensions in the Muslim world even further. In the Shiite theocracy Iran, the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Sunday that Saudi Arabia, which is ruled by a Sunni monarchy, would face “divine vengeance” for the killing of the outspoken cleric, which was part of a mass execution of 47 men. Sheikh Nimr had advocated for greater political rights for Shiites in Saudi Arabia and surrounding countries. Saudi Arabia had accused him of inciting violence against the state. Here is a primer on the basic differences between Sunni and Shia Islam. What caused the split? A schism emerged after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632, and disputes arose over who should shepherd the new and rapidly growing faith. Some believed that a new leader should be chosen by consensus; others thought that only the prophet’s descendants should become caliph. The title passed to a trusted aide, Abu Bakr, though some thought it should have gone to Ali, the prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. Ali eventually did become caliph after Abu Bakr’s two successors were assassinated. After Ali also was assassinated, with a poison-laced sword at the mosque in Kufa, in what is now Iraq, his sons Hasan and then Hussein claimed the title. But Hussein and many of his relatives were massacred in Karbala, Iraq, in 680. His martyrdom became a central tenet to those who believed that Ali should have succeeded the prophet. (It is mourned every year during the month of Muharram.) The followers became known as Shiites, a contraction of the phrase Shiat Ali, or followers of Ali. The Sunnis, however, regard Ali as well as the three caliphs before him as rightly guided and themselves as the true adherents to the Sunnah, or the prophet’s tradition. Sunni rulers embarked on sweeping conquests that extended the caliphate into North Africa and Europe. The last caliphate ended with the fall of the Ottoman Empire after World War I.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/01/04/world/middleeast/q-and-a-how-do-sunni-and-shia-islam-differ.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&referer=cc:

Religion

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French President Emmanuel Macron believes the relationship between Africa and Europe is very important that both continents need each other to succeed. He said this on Wednesday during an interactive session with entrepreneurs from Africa in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. The French leader challenged the young generation to change the African narrative, especially in the areas of entrepreneurship, economy, culture, and sports, among others. “This new narrative is to be built now and ideally, it is your responsibility and it is good for Africa and it is good for France because if Africa doesn’t succeed, France and Euro will never succeed on the long run,” he said. “For two very simple reasons, Europe is not an island and all this migration crisis is exactly due to the fact that we have a common destiny and second, because we have a very important African diaspora in France and the rest of Europe and they cannot live and develop themselves in France or in Europe if in their country people don’t succeed.” Macron, who noted that the new generation has a lot of responsibilities and opportunities to build, promised to support the youths towards achieving the desired objectives. He also asked them to be innovative and take charge of Africa’s future, saying that the only way the continent can tackle its challenges, including illegal migration in search of greener pastures. “Nobody has to decide for our future; we are the ones to decide,” the French President told the audience at the gathering, adding, “Nobody has to lecture us, which means that we have to take our responsibilities, think about the legacy, the sustainability of our deeds, and how we should develop our countries.” “This new narrative is to say Africa is the one to decide for Africa, to explain about Africa, and to create its own model of entrepreneurship with its own culture and to explain it to the rest of the world, and not just to be part of the globalisation,” Macron stressed.

https://www.channelstv.com/2017/09/11/photos-customs-intercept-1100-pump-action-rifles/If

Politics

en

Just like it is never too late to learn Financial literacy, it is never too early as well. Agreeably, a fundamental part of parenting is providing the basics needs for your children. However, starting early to imbibe financial literacy in your children is as good as giving them a head start towards financial independence. Savings transcends safeguarding the future of your children against unexpected twist and turns, an awareness of how money works is a high intelligence quotient for your kids. New York Times bestselling Personal finance author and journalist, Beth Kobliner, says children as young as three years old can grasp financial concepts like saving and spending. Also, a report by researchers at the University of Cambridge commissioned by the United Kingdom’s Money Advice Service revealed that kids’ money habits are formed by age 7. Now that you know how important it is to induct your children into the world of banking early, here are the top 10 savings accounts to help achieve that: 1. Zenith Children’s Account: This is for kids between ages 0-12, while the Zenith bank children’s account for teens is from 13-17 years of age. It has a zero account opening balance, interest rate of 4.2%, Standing order credit option Cheque and draft dividend lodgement. 2. Access Bank Early Savers Account: This is for children below the age of 16 years and even those unborn with an opening balance of N1,000 Minimum. 3. Guaranty Trust Bank Smart Kids Save: This is for children of 0 to 17 years old with a minimum opening balance of N1,000. 4. Unity Kids Account: Unity Bank offers an opportunity to win a scholarship, a free birthday card and a welcome pack for customers who open their accounts with N10,000 and above. 5. First Bank Kids First: This is designed for children between the ages of 0-12 and opened with a minimum operating balance of N1000. 6. Fidelity SweetA Account: This is for kids between ages 0 -17 with operating balance of N1,000 Monthly. 7. Wema Bank Royal Kiddies Account: This is the account designed for kids between 0-12 years of age including a Minimum opening balance of N2k, a minimum operating balance of N5k. 8. UBA U-Care Savings Account: This is an education-based saving account 9. FCMB Kids Account: This is a savings account suitable for kids between ages 0-15 with an opening balance of N5,000. 10. Polaris Rainbow Account: It is designed for children between 0-17 years of age.

https://olatorera.com/top-10-savings-accounts-for-kids-in-nigeria/

Business

en

By Bunmi Sofola WHAT is your conception of love? It’s a question that has inspired everyone from Shakespeare to Sinatra and now scientists believe they have found the answer—and it is not in your head, it is in your heart! According to their research, Dr. Andreas Barlets and Professor Semir Zaki say new insights that could solve some of the mysteries surrounding love has been revealed. For example, is the love between parent and child the same as the emotion felt by lovers? And, are the kinds of love we feel for friends, parents or pets actually separate, different emotions or are they all a single feeling in various forms? “Science say that the reason we fall in love is simple—love brings men and women together so that we can mate, pass on genetic material and ensure that the human race survives,” says part of the reports. “The love we feel for children is there to make sure that they too, live to grow up and pass on their genes in turn. But the human brain is complex and exactly how love helps us along the road to mating has never been revealed. Until now.” Neuroscientist Dr. Barlets and Prof. Zaki at the University College, London, measured brain activity in 22 mothers who viewed pictures of their own children, then other children they know. They also show the mums’ pictures of their partners, a best friend, and an adult acquaintance. The two scientists found love of overlap between the brain areas activated during feelings of romantic love for a partner and those involved in maternal love of their own children. These brain cells are the same ones we use when we are doing something pleasant—eating and drinking for example. “But certain parts of the brain seem actually to shut down when we love someone,” continues the report. “The prefrontal cortex, which helps us make judgments about other people, switches off when we’re in love. And, when we think about our children, areas that deal with negative emotions such as fear and aggression are deactivated. That could explain one of the great mysteries of life. Why we don’t notice obvious faults in our partners and kids, love, it seems really is blind. “The research also shows why it takes so long to see flaws in people we idolise, and why we can end up choosing the wrong person to commit to. But when our love cools, our brains wake up to reality again—and we find ourselves looking at those we once loved with different eyes. Additional experiments have shown that love can affect us in different ways, depending on whom we feel affection for. “When we look at our husbands or partners, we activate a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which in turn pushes out chemicals to arouse us sexually,” continues the report. “But the hypothalamus doesn’t respond when we look at our children. Love for our kids seems to be connected to the part of the brain that helps us to recognise faces. Children and babies change so quickly that our face recognition machinery has to keep updating itself. But this area isn’t very active when we think about our partners. So, perhaps, nature intended us to stay with the same person for our whole lives. “Communication forms a big part of love. And, in order to communicate well, we have to develop insight into what’s going on in other people’s mind so that we don’t offend them and can please them. It should, therefore, come as no surprise to discover that areas of the brain that help us pick up on the signals others give out are active in romantic love. It seems that part of the reward of being in love comes from understanding that someone also loves you. But once again, these areas aren’t so important in parental love. So, knowing that our children don’t feel about us the same way we feel about them doesn’t stop us loving them.” Thanks to these two experts, we now know that when we fall in love, our brains numb down and rule our hearts. That’s why we rush into sex and produce children we also love, no matter what. And, although this may sound a very unscientific way of doing things, it is worked so far. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/12/scientific-proof-that-love-is-really-blind-2/

Romance

en

Lawmaker lauds reintroduction of History A member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has praised the Federal Government for reintroducing history into the primary and secondary school curricular. Oyintiloye told reporters in Osogbo, the Osun State capital that history had been neglected at both primary and secondary school levels. The lawmaker said teaching of History was essential to a nation and its citizens. “I want to commend the Minister of Education for inaugurating new curricular for history in primary and secondary schools. “No nation can develop without teaching his young ones history; history reflects the past and situates the present’ “Without historians, we would not know much about our past, our heroes, our ancestors, their heroic deeds or their epic mistakes. “When pupils and students learn about the values that built the country they live in, the wars that were fought to protect certain ideals, the triumphs and failures of different leaders and societies, they become better for it. “They can better understand how their own society was shaped, and what role they should play. “With a knowledge of history young people have the opportunity to learn from the tragic mistakes of past individuals and societies, and to prevent the same mistakes being made over again.” The History curriculum, unveiled by Education Minister, Adamu Adamu recently is divided into three levels: Primary 1 -3 ( lower basic) , Primary 4- 6 ( middle basic) and Junior Secondary School 1- 3 (Upper basic). Oyintiloye, the House Committee Chairman on Information and Strategy, said the new curriculum would awaken the consciousness of Nigeria’s unity in the minds of upcoming generations.

http://thenationonlineng.net/lawmaker-lauds-reintroduction-of-history/

Education

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“Thought is the original source of all wealth, all success, all material gain, all great discoveries and inventions, and of all achievement.” —Claude M. Bristol One of the most controversial chapters in Brian Tracy’s book, Get Smart!, is “Rich Thinking versus Poor Thinking.” In that chapter, he shares a series of simple ideas you can learn and apply. While I fundamentally disagree with much of the gross over-simplification, there are veins of excellence that we can use to add to our mental toolkit. (Pause for a second before we continue. Just to be clear, this isn’t an article about going from zero to a million in a lifetime. No clickbait here. No, this article is about giving you tools you can add to your mental toolbox.) The Role of Mindset Best-selling author Og Mandino says: There are no secrets of success. There are simply timeless truths and universal principles that have been discovered and rediscovered throughout human history. All you have to do is to learn and practice them to enjoy all the success that you could desire. Sounds a lot like what we’re trying to discover. A lot of us do things not to succeed but to avoid failure. This is what Elon Musk calls the fundamental problem with regulators. Tracy writes: Because of destructive criticism in early childhood and mistakes they have made as adults, they are paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake, of losing their time or money. Even if they are presented with an opportunity, they go into a form of paralysis. Their fear of failure causes them to create all kinds of reasons not to take action. They don’t have the time. They can’t make the minimum investment. They don’t have the necessary knowledge and skills. Like a deer caught in the headlights, they are paralyzed by the idea of failure, which causes them to never take any action at all. As it happens, most fortunes in America were started by the sale of personal services. The people had no money, but they had the ability to work hard, to upgrade their skills, and to become more and more valuable. As a result, more and more doors of opportunity opened up for them. Fearing Disapproval and Criticism This relates to our fear of criticism and disapproval, which results in approval-seeking behavior. And when we’re seeking approval and acceptance, we’re more likely to think conventionally. And when we think conventionally, we’re unlikely to get above-average results. We don’t want to look different. As a result, we stop learning and growing. “I will study and prepare myself and someday my chance will come.” — Abraham Lincoln To achieve something you’ve never achieved before, you must learn and practice something that you’ve never done before. If you’re learning something universal you’ll always have an opportunity to practice what you learn. Putting all of this together becomes tricky. Often we have the courage to think and act differently, we mentally prepare ourselves for the critical feedback and then we dip our toe in the water only to find it’s not to our liking. This is where persistence comes in. Most of us are simply unwilling to sacrifice in order to succeed. We want our cake and we want to eat it too. Most of the people I know that are incredibly successful have suffered some setback that they had to overcome. A lot of people would have given up. Only they persisted. (Of course, there are plenty of people that persist and fail too.) I’m generalizing a bit here but the people who look for the nearest exit when things get tough are usually the ones with the average results. There is only one type of relationship that is sustainable over a long period of time and that’s one where everyone wins. Tracy writes: Rich people are always looking for ways to create value, to develop and produce products and services that enrich and enhance the lives and work of other people. They are always willing to put in before they take out. They do not believe in easy money or something for nothing. Rich people believe that you have to justly earn and pay for, in terms of toil and treasure, any rewards and riches that you desire. Poor people lack this fundamental understanding, the direct relationship between what you put in and what you get out. They are always seeking to get something for nothing or for as little as possible. They want success without achievement, riches without labor, money without effort, and fame without talent. Poor people gamble, buy lottery tickets, come to work at the last possible moment, waste time while they are there, and then leave work at the first possible minute. They line up by the hundreds and thousands to audition for programs like American Idol, thinking that they can become rich and famous without ever having paid the price necessary to develop the level of talent and ability that enables them to rise above their competitors. One of the great secrets of becoming wealthy is to always do more than you are paid for. If you do, you will always be paid more than you’re getting today. And there is no other way. Go the extra mile. Be willing to put in far more than you are taking out. There are never any traffic jams on the extra mile. Fear can often keep us mediocre. We don’t risk being wrong. Getting rich isn’t as simple as changing your mindset. However changing your mindset can go a long way to changing the way you see the world. And when you see the world differently you can behave and respond differently to the stimuli around you. When you do that, you have the potential to outperform.

https://fs.blog/2017/03/rich-thinking-versus-poor-thinking/

Politics

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“Nigeria’s Federal Government lacks the capacity to deal with kidnapping and banditry which are the two problems currently militating against the security architecture of the country.” This position was made known by the distinguished teaching professor of African Studies and the Jacob and Francis Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin, USA, Toyin Falola. The university don stated this while delivering a lecture titled: ‘Is Nigeria on the brink?” during a symposium held in honour of the late Chief Theophilus Adeleke Akinyele. “For Falola, “Kidnapping and banditry are not matters of a few years ago; only that they have grown beyond the capacity of the state to stop them. Agitations for disengagement from the Nigerian entity did not start twenty years ago—all ethnic groups had threatened to secede. Neither is it true that agitators are only just recently meeting their waterloo—Isaac Boro and Odumegwu Ojukwu were visited by state violence. “All these things have been playing out from the onset, and they keep doing so in an endless loop, in a seemingly wash, rinse, and repeat manner. If we wish to make any tangible progress in solving Nigeria’s problems, it is essential that we first study the Nigerian situation. Thus, it is pertinent to ask ourselves: What is Nigeria? “Nigeria is the “afterthought” of a British commissioner, Lord Frederick Lugard. At the allocation of entities on the African continent following the 1884-1885 Berlin conference, the different entities that currently makeup Nigeria fell into the possession of Great Britain. “These entities consisted of distinct kingdoms which shared geographical boundaries—Hausa, Jukun, Ebira, Tiv, Nupe, to mention a few of them, in what is now called northern Nigeria. These kingdoms had their distinct languages, cultures, and people. The kingdoms in the Sokoto Caliphate had their relationships cemented by Islam. “They traded, exchanged ideas, and fought wars. Some groups interacted outside the framework of how the colonial government-defined “states” and “power.” For the benefit of the colonizers, the entities which make up present-day Nigeria were grouped along geographical lines. The first was the grouping into Northern and Southern protectorates, laying the foundation for solid divisions. “The earliest seeds of the fully grown and malignant Nigerian condition can be traced to this epoque, when peoples of different orientations, cultures, value systems, and beliefs were broadly zoned into two protectorates. “However, the seeds were not fully germinated at this time because most of the kingdoms still operated on some degree of autonomy as they still had their fundamental monarchy-based system of governments. All the kings had to do was report back to the commissioners and district officers. “This meant that before 1914, there was nothing known as Nigeria as a country, and the differing cultures had not been fused in the cauldron of a faux unifying culture and identity. At that time, there was no need for the peoples of those different cultures and kingdoms to present themselves as one, and there were no conflicts of interest, all of which make up the Nigerian condition today.” He fingered ethnicity and ethnic loyalty as part of the Nigerian conundrum. “Since its inception, Nigeria has been faced with corruption, a warped sense of national and uniform identity, and nationalism deeply punctured by ethnicity and ethnic loyalty. “These are endemic problems caused by the fact that Nigerians have never entirely accepted the sense of being one nation—we are too apart in our notions, beliefs, social formation, and cultures. The narrative about Nigeria is tied to the region where it is created. People think first of their ethnicity before they think about Nigeria. “During elections, parties permutate along religious and ethnic lines rather than ideological ones: “We have a Muslim Hausa as the presidential candidate, let a Christian Yoruba man be his vice, and an Edo woman his campaign chairperson. The Igbo did not vote for me!” There is nothing for the Igede, and nobody remembers the Esan. “The Edo can wait to produce the chairman of the party!” It has never been about ideologies; it is always about the best ethnic conjunctions producing concoctions that produce constipation. “At the core of the Nigerian society is a problem of internal division. From the inaugural days of the amalgamation down to the challenges of the 21st century, people have been at loggerheads with their affiliation. “Rather than be branded Nigerians, a name that confers fellowship with other ethnic nationalities, many defend their ethnic roots while the nationality is saved for international passports. Attitudes that prevailed in the days of Nigeria’s infancy have been passed down through generations. “Differences along religious and ethnic lines are at the forefront of any political consideration. In Southern markets and communities, Northerners are glared at with suspicion, and in the North, a slight misstep by an “outsider” is all the precedent for crises. This tense relationship and dissonance from a sense of nationality make it challenging to prompt Nigerians out of the Nigerian condition the right way. “When agitators like Nnamdi Kanu, Omoyele Sowore, and Sunday Igboho take up the challenge to call for a revolution or seek the disengagement of their ethnic groups from the Nigerian entity, millions applaud them for the courage to challenge a sitting government. Yes, it is well to applaud them for their one minute of fame. “However, they also remind us of Chukwuemeka Ojukwu’s Biafra, the Mid-Western region’s Republic of Benin, and other secessionist or separatist moves that have been made in the history of Nigeria. In the early 2000s, Afenifere and Ohaneze called for a national conference to examine the legitimacy and plausibility of a federal and united Nigerian state. The years that led up to the country’s independence prove that the citizens have never for once seen Nigeria as a successful “United States of Nigeria.” The agitators for an independent Nigeria saw a failed state even before Nigeria got its independence. Since then, many Nigerians have always advocated for the country’s breakup, which has formed the basis for the Nigerian condition. “Taking a tour through Nigeria’s history will reveal that the Nigerian condition is a phenomenon that has been with us since the first attempt to lump different peoples together to form two protectorates in 1900. “The amalgamation of the two protectorates gave rise to the malignancy of the phenomenon, and it has seemingly become worse ever since then. The failure of the Nigerian state is rooted in the deep sense of commitment to ethnic and regional beliefs. And because the components have never been wholeheartedly invested in making the clumsy center succeed, the center does not hold. “The citizens consider themselves first as Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Efik before considering themselves as Nigerians. This is why the quest out of the Nigerian condition cannot be fully quenched. It will rise, like the phoenix, in another form because the old and the young go through the baptism into ethnic-centric loyalty,” he stated. In proposing a way out of the current imbroglio, the historian identified regionalism, state police and devolution of power as remedies that could trigger the desired change. He however stated that this should be done with caution. “A regional model shifts the bulk of the responsibility from an over-endowed seat in Abuja to half a dozen units across the country. The regions will control their resources and bear the developmental burden using the proceeds. They will also furnish the central coffers with a fraction of these proceeds. Hence, the prevalent state of marginalization is dropped, and people can finally manage their economies. “However, the problem with this lies in a historical record of failure. It also negates the essential value of recognition that the present structure allows. In the past, regional administrations were known to focus solely on their seats of power. Development occurred mainly in political centers such as Ibadan, Kaduna, and Lagos, excluding large swathes of the regions. “Therefore, the question is, if the system that should foster intraregional development once failed in doing so, why should it be implemented again? Also, subsuming states into regions leaves out the fundamental reason for creating those states in the first place. It contradicts the idea of representation which birthed the whole issue of restructuring. “In places where states with a voting population no longer exist, and the administrators of those provinces are chosen, not elected, there is the possibility that minorities who once had a modest recognition will melt into the supervening idea of a region. “Devolution brings governance to the people at the grassroots levels. It promotes engagement between the ruling class and the ruled. Also, there is better access to the benefits of a government than a system where the leadership exists only on screen. On paper, devolution creates room for states to control resources and manage these resources to develop localities because it cedes power. “However, the question of capabilities still presides. Even with a steady stream of federal income in the past, some state administrations have been known for poor management practices. This connotes that while the structure itself may change, the management techniques remain the same. Thus, the problem continues in federating units. “The Nigerian security structure is essentially a federal-driven one. Internal security lies within the precincts of federal administrators, and external forces mainly handle concerns within states. In recent years, the national military has acquired more police responsibilities. “Codenames like Operation Crocodile Smile, Python Dance, Hadarin Daji, Harbin Kunama, and a seemingly endless tally of others now occupy the mainstream. Even non-combatant departments like the fire service are controlled by the federal government, depriving states of power over minor issues. “This creates a delay in administering the security apparatus and, in many cases, a deterioration before an adequate response is received. For needs such as logistics and funding for the police and sister departments to be met, a long wait must first be endured. “In the context of restructuring, therefore, the creation of state-owned police formations is crucial. Under this model, Nigerian states similarly administer their security to what obtains in the United States. The state police structure does not give inalienable powers to the state but provides exceptional instances where the federal government may interfere in internal security. “All of these are provided under statutory dictates; yet, there is a likely problem. Governments in Nigeria are not precisely famous for administrative sanctity. The potential for the abuse of police powers remains an ever-present threat, and this is a kink in the whole arena,” he said. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/11/nigeria-kidnapping-banditry-beyond-governments-capacity-prof-falola/?fbclid=IwAR0TEAmm2jRSkx958IO5UmOY98g7ZUjk0TSy38R_5IW5hy2TXtx2HXg_ig0

Politics

en

The number of people living in extreme poverty will increase by more than 32 million in 2020 due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said in a report released on Thursday. COVID-19 has had a catastrophic economic impact on the least developed countries (LDCs) where the poor has been most affected. According to UNCTAD, between Oct. 2019 and Oct. 2020, the economic growth forecast for LDCs was revised sharply downwards from 5 to -0.4 per cent. “This revision is expected to lead to a 2.6 per cent reduction in per capita income in LDCs in 2020, with 43 out of 47 LDCs experiencing a fall in their average income levels. This is the worst economic outcome in 30 years for this group of countries, and represents a significant reversal of the economic and social progress achieved in recent years, including in terms of poverty and social outcomes,” the report read. The pandemic is also expected to have a dramatic negative impact on global poverty and food insecurity. The average poverty headcount ratio in LDCs with a poverty line of $1.90 per day is expected to increase by 3 percentage points — from 32.2 to 35.2 per cent. “This is equivalent to a rise of over 32 million people living in extreme poverty in the LDCs, and is expected to have the deepest impact on African and island LDCs,” the report said. At the same time, the UNCTAD notes that LDCs were able to cope with the health aspects of the pandemic better than initially predicted due to such specific factors as previous experience with epidemics, measures adopted to counter the pandemic, favorable demographics and low population density. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/12/pandemic-to-push-more-than-32m-people-to-extreme-poverty-un/amp/

Politics

en

“For this end, Africa needs a new type of citizen, a dedicated, modest, honest and informed man. A man submerges self in service to the nation and mankind. A man who abhors greed and detests vanity. A new type of man whose humility is his strength and whose integrity is his greatness” ― Kwame Nkrumah, The fact is that colonialism did not disappear after countries in the developing world officially gained independence from the developed powers of Europe. It was replaced by a new form, which turned out to be more destructive and immeasurably more dishonest than the previous one. At least the British Empire, which at the peak of its power possessed almost a quarter of all lands, admitted that it was an empire. Today's more illusive empire of a global monopoly of financial capital does nothing of the kind. Entire countries such as Yugoslavia, Libya, and Iraq were destroyed for not obeying the requirements, and those who continue to challenge the neoconservative, neoliberal elites, for example, Venezuela, are in constant sedimentation. In order to put even more pressure on victims, the wave of colonization carried out in the interests of the richest people in the richest countries of the world is carried out in the name of democracy and promotion of human rights and is enthusiastically supported by many self-proclaimed progressives. The hypocrisy of the modern imperialists, who criticized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for being a dictator, but who did not welcome the elected hereditary rulers of Saudi Arabia, selling them a deadly weapon, is truly amazing. In the 1940 - 1950s, everything looked completely different. Colonialism seemed to be retreating. Seventy years ago in the same month, August 8, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi began the movement for the independence of India from Great Britain. Seventy years ago, August 14–15, 1947, India and the new state of Pakistan gained independence from Britain. 60 years ago, August 31, 1957, the Malay Federation, now Malaysia gained independence from Great Britain. These are important events that need to be celebrated. But the conviction of progress that decolonization would mean genuine freedom for the colonized countries turned out to be very optimistic. India and Malaysia may have progressed, but for other countries, the wind of change was idle chatter. Independence meant obtaining only the external attributes of national sovereignty- the flag, the national anthem, and the United Nations membership but economic strength and power continued to exist elsewhere, in banks and boardrooms of richer countries. A convinced supporter of pan-Africanism, Kwame Nkrumah, who was then president of Ghana in his 1965 book, Neocolonialism as the Last Stage of Imperialism, explained how neocolonialism replaced colonialism. “In the past, it was possible to transform the country in which the neo-colonial regime was introduced - for example, Egypt in the 19th century - into the colonial territory. Today this process is no longer possible, ”he wrote. In order to build a prosperous state in their own country, the colonies needed to formally be given independence, but this did not mean that they also had to transfer control. The United States used its position as the leading creditor country after World War II, to speed up the formal decolonization process, but only to implant its power in countries where the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands once dominated. Nkrumah cites, for example, South Vietnam, where France was the old colonial power, but the USA had neo-colonial power. In fact, it can be said that the United States was the pioneer of neo-colonialism. While the old-fashioned empire still dominated the rest of the world, the United States used neo-colonial methods, to subordinate the interests of large American businesses to the economies of Latin America. The financial corporate elite of the United States today aims to change the Maduro's government in Venezuela, as in 1913, the US ambassador to Mexico, Henry Lane Wilson conspired with General Victoriano Huerta to overthrow the left regime of President Francisco Ignacio Madero and he was murdered. This scenario was repeated over and over again in the last 100 years. Techniques that Washington has honed in Latin America, support for coups against democratically elected governments seeking to maintain national control over the economy, funding the opposition, and eliminating leaders and politicians who advocated true independence that we saw in Guatemala in 1954, in Brazil in 1964, and Chile in 1973. The list of governments overthrown, directly or indirectly, by America and its allies to achieve economic control will be a complete volume of a book if I have to mention all of them. Nowadays, America uses even a biological weapon as a means to subdue and destabilize a country's economy to take control. Surprisingly, there are fake media, mad scientists and criminal rich individuals, such as Bill Gates, Barack Obama, George Soros, the owner of CNN, Ted Turner etc, which give support to the crimes the US government commits, either calling biological weapons "strange disease or blaming bats, monkeys, chimpanzees etc, responsible for the spread of the disease." “Thought without action is blind. It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity. Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.” ... “Africa is one continent, one people and one nation.”- Kwame Nkrumah

https://www.modernghana.com/news/918341/how-the-imperialists-destroy-the-colonial-countries-for-the.html

Politics

en

For some people, Africa is still shrouded in mystery and a lot still remains unknown about the world’s largest black continent that shelters more than 1 billion people. While the continent takes its time to decide on the path of development, it is worthy of note that there are a few weird Africa facts that may sound unbelievable to the elite mind. Some can be explained while some cannot be explained but still regarded as a fact. Apart from having the most beautifully shaped and distinct map of the modern geographic atlas, there are a few strange and weird facts about Africa which you may never have known. Most bizarre things are products of nature and can only be explained by the same hence, it is not a surprise that Africa has its fair cut of unusual, strange, bizarre and weird objects, formations and customs. Answers Africa presents the list of weird Africa facts: 10. In the months of October to January, you can swim with whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjourah in Djibouti located in the Indian Ocean at the western end of the Gulf of Aden. This is possible because of change in ocean currents and high concentration of plankton in this area during this season. 9. The most luxury train in the world to date is found in South Africa. It is named “The Rovos Rail”. Rovos Rail is a privately owned railway company operating out of Capital Park Station in Pretoria, South Africa and it is arguably the most luxurious train in the world. Its route covers entire Southern Africa, from South Africa to Namibia and Tanzania. 8. The world’s biggest frog comes from Cameroon. It can grow up to 33 cm in length (over one foot) excluding the legs which can also be up to 1 foot long when stretched. They are known to be the largest species of frog on earth and are called Goliath Frog. 7. The Second Congo War killed an estimated 5.4 million people. It started in 1998 and involved eight African countries. It is said to be the largest war in African history. This made the Second Congo War the deadliest worldwide conflict since World War II. The war was officially ended after 8 long years (2006), however, there are still hostile activities till this present day. 6. South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world (5.6 million). That is approximately 9% of the entire population and an adult prevalence rate of 17.8% (15-49 years). This value is the highest in the world and quite significant when compared to Canada with 56,000 and Croatia and Qatar with only 200. 5. Benin, a country in West Africa has the highest national average of twinning, with a whopping 27.9 twins per 1,000 births. This evidence was based on databases for 76 developing countries which forms the most comprehensive study on twins so far for the developing world. This includes data on approximately 2.5 million births by nearly 1.4 million women which were collected between 1987 and 2010. It is on record that of the developing nations studied, 13.6 twins per 1,000 births were born on average. 4. In Tunisia, the images of fish are commonly used because it is believed that it offers protection against evil. You would often find new buildings with fish bones or fishtails embedded in them while construction is ongoing. Cars are not left out as they have brightly coloured fishes attached to them which could be in form of plastic or cloth. This is done to provide protection to the passengers. 3. The skeleton of “Lucy,” a hominid who had lived approximately 3.2 million years ago was identified in 1974 and has been considered a common ancestor of the human family. This jaw-dropping discovery took place in Hadar, Ethiopia and that was not the end. In 1979, a 165-foot trail of the earliest hominid footprints was discovered in the Kibish region of Tanzania. With these facts, North-Eastern Africa was marked as the birthplace of humanity. 2. The “evil eye” originated in North Africa and the Mediterranean region of Africa. It is widely believed that the “evil-eye” causes harm or bad luck especially when the individual is already vulnerable or sick. In Morocco, it is common for men and boys to decorate the backs of their cloaks with bright red eyes to reflect back and cast off the look of the evil eye. 1. Fairy Circles (Circles of life and death): In the sandy desert grasslands of Namibia in southern Africa, mysterious bare spots known as “fairy circles” has been known to appear. The circles would form and then disappear years later for no reason. Sometimes, the largest of the circles can linger for a lifetime. The small fairy circles once formed can stay up to an average of 24 years, while larger ones can last up to 75 years. In 2005, tens of thousands of Fairy Circles formed which exposed the red sandy soil in the area. A short time after the circles formed, a tall ring of grass grows around the border, highlighting the bare area. Looking at the circles, one may assume that they mark underground nests of harvester termites. However, digs have shown no evidence of termite nests under fairy circles and no other explanations has been able to provide an acceptable answer.

http://answersafrica.com/africa-facts.html/4

Culture

en

By Yinka Kolawole Despite continuous government efforts to shore up food production in Nigeria through various intervention programmes, the country recorded foods trade deficit worth N4.92 trillion between 2018 and 2022. Available data shows that Nigeria is not growing enough food for the populace, leaving the country with no option but to import. Consequently, to feed its steadily rising population, the country recorded a 121.7 percent increase in the value of imported foods within the 5 year period, rising to N1.9 trillion in 2022 from N857 billion in 2018. The development may not be unconnected with the heightening of insecurity in the country especially around the agricultural belt, which has forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, thus prompting the government to spend millions of dollars importing food annually. Data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed that the total agricultural imports into Nigeria from 2018 to 2022 amounted to N6.916 trillion while total agricultural exports from the country within the period was N1.997 trillion, resulting in an agricultural trade deficit of N4.919 trillion. The data also show that there have been steady increases in agricultural imports into the country since 2018 which recorded N857 billion imports; and rose to N959 billion in 2019; N1.2 trillion in 2020; N2 trillion in 2021; before a moderate decline to N1.9 trillion in 2022. However, within the same period, agricultural exports from the country amounted to N302 billion in 2018; N270 billion in 2019; N322 billion in 2020; N505 billion in 2021; and N598 billion in 2022, indicating a rise of 98 percent from 2018 to 2022. Some analysts have attributed the increases seen in exports to the aggressive non-oil export promotion programme of the government rather than increased output, a development which they see as counter-productive to the nation’s food security. A related report by the NBS also indicated that the downturn in food production in the country may not be attributable to the impact of insecurity alone. The report indicated that prices of key farming inputs such as seeds, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and agro machinery rose sharply within the period, making it increasingly hard for farmers to expand their production and forcing many to cut down on production. The various interventions by the federal government through the agencies appear to have done little to address the situation. N1.08trn disbursed on anchor borrowers program The federal government has over the years spent billions of dollars on various agricultural programmes to spur local food production. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), earlier in this year, said that apex bank has disbursed a cumulative amount of N1.08 trillion to farmers through the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) in the last seven years, between 2015 and 2022. The bank further noted that between January and February 2023, CBN disbursed N12.65 billion to three agricultural projects under the programme. ABP was launched in November 2015 in an effort to boost agricultural production, improve foreign exchange earnings and reverse Nigeria’s negative balance of trade on food. This is beside other schemes such as the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) and Accelerated Agricultural Development programme, amongst others, all designed to boost the nation’s food production. According to analysts, these programmes, in addition to the ABP, have been valued at over N3.0 trillion over the years. However, there is still no significant impact as the country still has a huge supply gap in most of its staple foods, even as the population growth rate continues to soar. Although agriculture contributes 22 percent of Nigeria’s total GDP and employs over 80 percent of the population, smallholder farmers who are responsible for 90 percent of food production in Nigeria lack the resources to improve their productivity. Analysts attribute this situation to the operating environment characterised by low productivity, high post-harvest losses, low-value addition, fragmented markets, and inefficient value chain logistics. More active govt intervention in agriculture required — CPPE Giving some insight into the situation, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said more active government intervention is required in agricultural inputs, adding that improvement in the security situation would surely boost performance of the sector. His words: “Rising food import bill is extremely worrisome, especially for a country so richly blessed with arable land and numerous other natural resources. “The basic problem is governance. Over the years, especially since the seventies, we have not instituted effective policies and programmes to promote investment in agriculture. “There was practically no subsidy for agriculture for several years, whereas even in the advanced countries, billions of dollars are committed to subsidising agriculture. ”We need active government intervention with regards to agricultural inputs, technology adaptation, financing, processing, marketing, logistics, access to land and storage. “There is a need to improve the efficiency in the entire agricultural value chain – production, processing, transportation, preservation, packaging, etc. “It is impossible for the private sector to provide these support systems. These support systems existed in Nigeria before the incursion of the military into political governance in 1966. “An improvement in the security situation would surely boost performance of the sector. This would impact job creation and food security in the country.” Has negative implication for value of Naira – NACCIMA Engaging with Financial Vanguard on the situation, Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Sola Obadimu, attributed the increasing dependence on food imports on “insecurity, depreciating infrastructure, lack of power/preservation facilities for locally produced agricultural products, etc,” On the implication for the economy, especially the value of the Naira, Obadimu stated: “Naira will apparently continue to lose value. “As I’ve said several times, if we want to strengthen the Naira, we have to export more than we import, demonstrate discipline and commitment to consumption of locally available products, and lessen our unnecessary tastes for imported luxurious items. “Yes, we need to eliminate corruption surrounding the opaque fuel subsidy system as well as the dual forex rates. Also, it is true that people pay more for fuel and utilities elsewhere. However, we have to remember that, in those climes, infrastructure is far better and industries wouldn’t have to worry so much about bad roads, insecurity/kidnapping threats, insufficient public power supply, etc. “It behoves us, therefore, to lessen unnecessary expenses on the different arms of government and upscale the quality of our infrastructure to an appreciable level to justify our full adoption of liberal market forces.” Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/08/govt-efforts-failing-as-food-imports-rise-122-defici

Politics

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Prof. Ben Nwabueze By Professor Ben Nwabueze Viewed simply as a physical entity encompassing 75 per cent of the territorial area of the state called Nigeria and 60 per cent of its population, a united Northern Nigeria poses no necessary incompatibility with the unity of the country. The incompatibility lies not so much in the physical characteristics of the entity known as Northern Nigeria, with its massive territorial area and population; it lies more essentially in what the entity has come to signify. It signifies a segment of the country that is separated and disunited in interest, attitude, outlook and vision from the rest of the country by an arbitrary, artificially created boundary line erected by British colonialism. The effect, indeed the purpose, of the British Government’s 1914 Amalgamation of its Protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria is to keep the northern segment apart from the south as a people with separate identity – separate interests, attitude, outlook and vision, and to nurture in its inhabitants a sense or feeling of such separateness by deliberate policy and actions. And so has the entity “Northern Nigeria” come, over the years from 1914, to have such a powerful hold on the thoughts, attitudes and vision of people in the area, and to inculcate in them a desire for the preservation of its unity against the southern peoples. Northern Nigeria ceased to be a single governmental unit after it was split into six autonomous States, later increased to the present nineteen States, as a result of the states creation exercise by the military government in 1967. But, strangely enough, the idea of a “united” Northern Nigeria has persisted as an entrenched fact of life, even after it (i.e. Northern Nigeria) has ceased to be a single governmental unit, and – the point deserving to be specially stressed and noted as the really significant aspect of the matter – has continued to exercise a firm hold on the thinking, mentality and vocabulary of the ruling and political class in that part of the country. Regrettably, the entity, “Northern Nigeria,” after it ceased to be a governmental unit, has been kept alive, in part, by the formation and activities of certain non-governmental or civil society organisations; these organisations have been deliberately and consciously created and nurtured as instruments of power politics in the country’s affairs. The entire territory and peoples in the northern part of Nigeria are embraced within the domain of these organisations. Such are the Arewa (meaning Northern Peoples) Consultative Forum (ACF) of which a man of Yoruba extraction from Kwara State, Sunday Awoniyi, was Chairman for some years; Northern Elders Forum (NEF) comprising in its present membership some notable people from the minority ethnic groups in the Middle Belt area, among whom is Paul Unongo, a Tiv man and a Christian from Benue State, now the Forum’s Chairman after the death recently of Alhaji Maitama Sule; the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, with the Sultan of Sokoto as Chairman; the Northern Governors Forum; the Northern Delegates Forum; Arewa Reawakening; the Arewa Youths; the Northern Senators Forum, among others. The so-called common destiny claimed for the peoples in northern Nigeria is something tendentiously invented to serve the purpose of political domination, control and manipulation by Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and his exclusively northern political party, the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC). His consolidation and perpetuation of the idea of Northern Nigeria, we are told by Sheikh Gumi, “was not borne out of political consideration only”, but was also conceived as “a personal mission” handed down to him by a his forbear, Sheikh dan Fodio. According to Gumi, the Sardauna had “pledged and dedicated himself to work untiringly for the progress and happiness of the North”, thereby creating in the different peoples of the North and inculcating in them, the binding sense of solidarity and unity of the North as one entity with one destiny. The sense of solidarity and unity thus created and studiously nurtured in the different peoples of the North was his distinctive legacy, the effect of which was to deepen the North-South Divide resulting from Lugard’s 1914 amalgamation. His legacy gave impetus to the persistence of the idea of “Northern Nigeria” as one entity, which (i.e. his legacy) inspired the formation and activities of the non-governmental or civil society organisations mentioned above. The detrimental impact on the unity of Nigeria created by the actions of these organisations is well attested by the reaction of the Northern Senators Forum at its meeting in Katsina, Katsina State, on 12 December, 2017 to a resolution by its southern counterpart at its own meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, in November 2017 calling on President Buhari to implement the 2014 National Conference Report. The Northern Senators Forum is entitled to react to the call to the President by its southern counterpart. Its reaction is amazing because of the reasons given for it by its chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former Governor of Zamfara State, in his Opening Address at the Katsina meeting. He said : “It is unfair to ask President Muhammadu Buhari to implement a report to which he was not a party. He was not privy to its underlying philosophy or its primary objectives.” President Buhari is certainly at liberty to refuse to implement the 2014 Conference Report, but not for the reason that “he was not a party to it….. or privy to its underlying philosophy or primary objectives.” The call was not made to General Buhari as an individual, but to him as successor to the government in office when the conference held and issued its report. The continuity of government or its endurance for an indefinitude of time is a basic principle of public administration. Individual presidents come and go but their decisions and actions remain in existence as acts of state, leaving those in control of the government for the time being to act or not to act on them within the framework of the rule of law. Senator Abdullahi Adamu, as a two-time State Governor and a refined, knowlegible gentleman, is supposed to be familiar with this basic principle of public administration. He could only have made the statement quoted above, not out of ignorance, but from a desire to support a President who belongs to the same Moslem North as himself and who is imbued with the same desire to support and promote the idea of a united Northern Nigeria and its interests. The language of the communiqué issued by the Forum at the end of its Katsina Meeting betrays, perhaps unwittingly, a certain confrontational stance. It affirmed that the “North is not afraid of restructuring”, and that “there is need for the North to stand united, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences,” and then goes on to accuse the southern political elites of “intimidating the North with the term restructuring” and of “painting the region as a weak link, parasitic and unproductive region that brings nothing to the table.” But that is not all. The idea of a united Northern Nigeria is based, not alone on the objectives mentioned above, but also on an accompanying ideology, which was powerfully articulated as far back as October 1960 by Sir Ahmadu Bello himself, and studiously implanted in the minds and thoughts of northerners. As so articulated, the object of the ideology is to maintain Northern Nigeria as a theocracy ruled by a Moslem claiming to be divinely directed, with utter disdain for democracy, and with the Sharia as the supreme governing law; the non-Moslem minority ethnic groups in the North are to be used as “willing tools”, and the South is to be subjugated and reduced to “a conquered territory”, which is not to be allowed to “have control over their future.” The Sarduana had conceived a kind of jihad, for which Fulani herdmen, originally lone individuals moving on foot with cattle but now operating as armed militia, are being recruited as advance foot soldiers armed with Ak47 guns. The theocracy ideology was reaffirmed in 2005 by the then Emir of Gwandu, Mustapha Jokolo, and is now being carried into execution through armed insurgency by a Moslem fundamentalist sect called Boko Haram, with the sponsorship of some northern political, traditional and religious leaders. The danger posed to the unity, security, stability and progress of Nigeria by the Boko Haram insurgency, sponsored, as testified by credible sources, by some Northern political, traditional and religious leaders, is more grave than we seem prepared to acknowledge to ourselves. Chinweizu highlights the danger in telling words thus: “These two ideological versions of Nigeria [the other version being the secular – democracy ideology] have been locked in struggle, and until one ideology defeats the other, or until Nigeria divides into two separate entities for those aspiring to each of those incompatible versions, Nigeria will remain unstable, backward; a theatre for recurring bloodbaths; a disgrace to itself and the Black World; and a breeding ground for international terrorism.” The idea of “a united Northern Nigeria” as one entity poses yet another danger to the unity of Nigeria, in that the solidarity and unity of the North is aimed, not only at putting political power in the hands of people from the geographic North, but also at putting control of the strategic function of security in their hands, thereby making the security of the Nigerian state and its people a northern affair. This insidious and pernicious northern design is attested by Bishop Matthew Kukah in his book, Witness to Justice: An Insider’s Account of Nigeria’s Truth Commission. As the Bishop tells us, the design is given maxim implementation under the regime of Gen. Sanni Abacha. The General had, in furtherance of that design, appointed Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, as the Chief Security Officer to the Head of State; Alhaji Ismaila Gwarzo, as the National Security Adviser; Brigadier Gen Sabo, as the Director of Military Intelligence; AVM Idi Musa, as Chief of Defence Intelligence; Alhaji Ibrahim Commassie, as the Inspector-General of Police; and Alhaji Zakari Biu as the Head of the newly created Counter Terrorism Agency, which was assigned “the responsibility of keeping watch over enemies within who might be collaborating with enemies without to destabilize the nation”. As all these appointees were northerners, northern control of the security of the Nigerian state and its people was complete, and has remained largely undismantled uptil now (August 2013). The dream of one Nigeria thus confronts a serious threat, given the incompatibility between it and a security apparatus controlled by just one segment of the country – the northern segment. Those behind the design cannot have meant well for, or cared much about, the unity of the country. President Buhari’s northern – controlled security apparatus simply re-activates Abacha’s design, and is geared towards the same purpose. Perhaps, we may note another disquieting instance (one other instance will be mentioned later) of the adverse impact of a united Northern Nigeria on the unity of the country, viz the manipulation of power to favour the geographic North in the appointment of justices to our apex Court, the Supreme Court. Solomon Asemota SAN affirms: “The long rule of Northern military Heads of State, Murtala Mohammed, Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar was used to fashion a constitution tilted in favour of Muslims. The Islamic Judicial system was elevated to the advantage of Islamic jurists who are not so learned in Western education not to talk of the inherited English common law. Today, we have courts and a Judicial system where a Muslim cleric can rise to the Supreme Court from the lower tiers of sharia courts created for them, a feat which a Christian cleric cannot attain because no special court is established for them as was done for the Muslim clerics. Muslim clerics became a special specie of Nigerian Judges.” The manipulated appointments to the Supreme Court, which seem to evince a gerrymandering intent somewhat akin to Lugard’s boundary gerrymandering at the time of the 1914 Amalgamation and after have ensured an unbroken succession for the past 26 years of eight Chief Justices of Nigeria from the North, seven of whom are Moslems, namely Bello 1987 – 95; Lawal Uwais 1995 – 2006; Alfa Belgore 2006 – 2007; Legbo Kutigi 2007 – 2009; Katsina – Alu 2009 – 2011; Dahiru Musdapher 2011 – 2012; Mariam Mukhtar 2012 – 2015; and Mahmud Mohamed 2015 – 2017. As Solomon Asemota further affirms, “The Council of States was established under the Constitution with the biased intention that it should be dominated more or less permanently by members from the True North. Six months as Chief Justice of Nigeria earns a Northerner, after retirement, a place as member of the Council of State, thus making the Council of State a “Northern” Council of State,” as is borne out by the fact that, except for former President Obasanjo, former President Jonathan, both southerners, the Vice-President and the Governors of the 17 States in the South, all the other present (i.e. as at today) members are from the North – one civilian former President, four former military Heads of State, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Governors of the 19 States in the North, five former Chief Justices of Nigeria, and the serving Attorney-General of the Federation. In the result, a body conceived as a powerful and crucial stabilising force in the government of the country’s affairs has been turned into a largely Northern Council and thereby deprived of serious reckoning in the eyes of Nigerians. The overwhelming evidence and testimonies adduced above compel acceptance of the incompatibility of a “united” Northern Nigeria with the unity of Nigeria. The incompatibility results, as earlier stated, not so much from the mere existence of Northern Nigeria as a physical entity encompassing 75 per cent of the territorial area of Nigeria and 60 per cent of its population, as from the erection of the North as an entity inhabited by peoples marked apart from those in the South by differences in interests, attitude, outlook, vision and even destiny and in whom sentiments based on their separateness from the South have been nurtured in the years since the 1914 Amalgamation. The incompatibility is made more evident when a “united” Northern Nigeria forms an agenda in the programme of an incumbent President of Nigeria, and is implemented by concentrating a great majority of the strategic and other key appointments in the North and other acts of unfair favouritism done with unabashed disdain. The glaring incompatibility makes the much-vaunted talk about the unity of Nigeria not being negotiable and about nation-building generally sound more like a farce. Unity may continue to elude us and become an unattainable object unless and until the idea of a united Northern Nigeria is exorcised from our minds, thought and vocabulary. It is in the context of the objectives, philosophy and ideology underlying the idea of a “united” Northern Nigeria and its practical effects on political life in the country that General Buhari’s first major policy statement as President-elect must be viewed. In a speech delivered before an audience of exclusively prominent Northern Moslem leaders on 2 May, 2015 at Queen Amina Hall, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and which demands recalling here because of its frightful bearing on the issue under discussion, he said: “I charge you to join me as we build a new Northern Nigeria in a generation…..the best investment we can make in the North is not finding oil in the Chad Basin….we will start with one local government in each state until we get to every school in all of Northern Nigeria…..To achieve this, I have secured a Northern rehabilitation fund…..to rebuild the North after the devastation of Boko Haram insurgency…..Join me my brothers and sisters and let us finish the work our forefather, Ahmadu Bello, started.” The speech portrays the picture of someone driven by something more than the ordinary ambition to become President of Nigeria. Besides, it requires something more than that to drive a person to contest presidential election for four consecutive times winning it in the fourth contest. Buhari was driven by a passion, the passion of religious fanaticism or a religious zealot, to become President of Nigeria in order to carry on and finish the work started by his forebear, Sir Ahmadu Bello, including the Sardauna’s fond idea to extend the rule of the Moslem North throughout the country by means of a jihad. This is a factor that must be taken into account as we seek explanation for some of his actions, utterances and postures since assumption of office as President on 29 May, 2015. One last evil consequence of a united Northern Nigeria for the unity of the country remains to be noted. It has trigged the formation in July 2012 of a countervailing pan-Southern Nigeria civil society organisation by the name the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA), which held its third General Conference in Lagos on May 20, 2012 attended by a South-East delegation led by former Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, a South-West delegation led by Rt. Rev. Emmanual Bolanle Gbomigi, while the South-South delegation was led by Chief Edwin Clark. (The earlier General Conferences were held in Uyo and Enugu). The formation of the SNPA is significant because it was triggered by the existence and activities of the pan-Northern Nigerian organisations mentioned above, and was meant to serve as a counterpoise, a counter-vailing platform, to them, as emerges from the speeches by the three delegations. The creation of a pan-southern organisation to match those in the North is a threat to Nigerian unity because of the conflict-laden polarisation of the country into two antagonistic camps of North versus South, which is implied in the statements of SNPA’s objectives, as declared in speeches delivered at the Lagos General Conference. Whilst in his speech, Dr Alex Ekwueme, as leader of the South-East delegation, spoke of “the need for the South to come together and speak with one voice,” which is worrying enough, Bishop Gbonigi, speaking as leader of the South-West delegation, went further to say: “Now that we have a counterpart in the South to the Arewa Consultative Forum, namely the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly, future meetings with the ACF should be with SNPA only and we should put an end to the practice of ACF holding separate meetings with our various zones. We strongly recommend that this Conference should adopt this position.” But it was Chief Edwin Clark, as leader of the South-South delegation, that gave forceful expression to the spectre of antagonistic relations between the North and the South when he said: “We are convinced that if our political leaders and forebears had invested some of their energies, exceptional brilliance and wits in fostering a united Southern Nigeria, the challenges of fragmentation and distrust which have been very clearly exploited by the North to supplant us in virtually all aspects of our political lives would have been avoided. “The unfortunate result was the lack of unity, cohesion and solidarity among their people. Because we could not speak with one voice in matters of common interest, the South became easily manipulated and preyed upon by our detractors whose tactics has always been to divide and rule. Despite their political differences, the North is always united in matters of common interest. This unarguably has remained our albatross.” The creation of SNPA with the unity of the South as its objective raises the question whether the unity of the North against the South, and the unity of the South against the North, translate to the unity of Nigeria or to a drag on it. The question is discomforting. Borrowing Sir Frederick Maitland’s famous aphorism about the continuing dominating influence of the forms of action in English law notwithstanding their abolition and demise, we may say that we have buried Northern and Southern Nigeria as governmental entities, but they still continue to rule us, to dominate our thinking and attitude, from their graves. This is a great tragedy indeed. What should engage our concern and concerted effort is how to bridge the chasm resulting from the North-South Dividecreated by the 1914 Amalgamation of the Protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria. The matter calls for the creation of a national front for the activist pursuit of the National Integration Agenda. It is important to correct the erroneous statement above that Southern Nigerian was ever a single governmental entity except for the 8 year period 1906 – 1914. Before 1914, the South had comprised three distinct political entities, namely the territory under the jurisdiction and administration of the Royal Niger Company, the Niger Coast Protectorate, and the Colony and Protectorate of Lagos, all three of which were amalgamated in 1906 as the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, divided, for administrative purposes, into three provinces – Eastern, Central and Western provinces. And so did the political entity known as the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, or Southern Nigeria for short, come into existence. As a separate political entity, it existed until 1914 – a period of 8 years – when it was amalgamated with the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. For the eight years of its existence as a distinct political entity, the inhabitants of Southern Nigeria did not have implanted in them the idea of a separate identity or a sense of solidarity as a people marked apart from the inhabitants of the North by differences in interests, attitudes, outlook, vision, not to say destiny. After its amalgamation in 1914 with the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria, the South ceased to exist as single political or governmental entity while the North continued to so exist until 1967. Its ceasing to exist as a separate political or governmental entity after the 1914 Amalgamation meant that there was no time or opportunity to sow the seed of a common identity or sense of solidarity among its inhabitants or to nurture it. Not being a single political or governmental entity, and since its inhabitants are not held together by a sense of common identity or a sense of solidarity, Southern Nigeria imports no incompatibility with the unity of Nigeria. It seems pertinent to end the discussion on this critical issue with the following observation put in the form of a question. Fully aware, as he is, of the incompatibility of a united Northern Nigeria with the unity of Nigeria, is it not a palpable contradiction, a disingenuous double-talk, that President Buhari should, while championing a united Northern Nigeria by his actions and utterances, at the same time maintain that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable – a unity stifled by his Northernisation Agenda? Professor Ben Nwabueze Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/one-nigeria-compatible-prof-ben-nwabueze/

Politics

en

LAGOS (AFP) – Nigeria and Shell have done almost nothing to ease oil pollution in the Ogoniland area of the Niger Delta, three years after a landmark UN report called for a $1 billion dollar clean-up, Amnesty International said Monday. Environmental devastation in Ogoniland has for many come to symbolise the tragedy of Nigeria’s vast oil wealth. Decades of crude production filled the pockets of powerful government officials and generated huge profits for oil majors like Shell, while corruption and spills left the people with nothing but land too polluted for farming or fishing. Exactly three years ago, a United Nations Environment Programme report said the area may require the world’s biggest-ever clean-up and called on the oil industry and Nigerian government to contribute $1 billion. “Three years on and the government and Shell have done little more than set up processes that look like action but are just fig leaves for business as usual,” said Godwin Ojo of Friends of the Earth Nigeria, which partnered with Amnesty and three other groups in a new report called “Shell: No Progress”. Shell has not pumped crude from Ogoniland since 1993, when it was forced to pull out because of unrest. Two years later, environmental activist Ken Saro Wiwa, who had fiercely criticised Shell’s presence in Ogoniland, was executed by the regime of dictator Sani Abacha, one of the most condemned episodes in the region’s history. Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999 after Abacha’s death, but critics say the governments elected since have done little to improve pollution in the Niger Delta. “No matter how much evidence emerges of Shell’s bad practice, Shell has so far escaped the necessity to clean up the damage it has caused,” said Audrey Gaughran of Amnesty International. In April of 2013, Shell staff returned to Ogoniland for the first time in two decades to study how best to decommission their decaying assets in the region. The company described the move as “a key step” in complying with the UNEP report. Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer, pumping out roughly two million barrels per day. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/action-shell-nigeria-ogoniland-pollution-report-amnesty/

Politics

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Image from ‘National Cancer Institute’ A Public Health Physician, Dr Chioma Nwakanma has attributed the general belief and saying ‘it is not my portion’ to leading cause of cancer death in Africa. Nwakanma, who is also the Executive Director of Smile With Me Foundation (SWMF), spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Saturday. She said that many people refused to go for screening and imbibe healthy behaviours because they believed they could not have cancer. According to her, cancer screening and early detection makes it easier to treat cancer and it reduces the chances of dying from cancer. Nwakanma said the most common types of cancer were breast, cervical, prostate, colon, rectal, lung, liver, pancreatic and brain cancers. “The Nigeria National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan (2018-2022), states that cancer is responsible for 72,000 deaths in Nigeria every year with an estimated 102,000 new cases of cancer annually. “No one wants to hear the word cancer, as it is one of the most dreaded words in the English language. “The reality is that children can have cancer. men and women can have cancer. The rich and the poor can have cancer. The religious and non-religious can have cancer, Blacks can have cancer and Whites can too. “Cancer is killing more people worldwide than HIV/AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria put together but most people will keep saying ‘It’s not my portion’. “They will refuse to go for screening for early detection and treatment. By the time symptoms starts to appear cancer may have spread and by the time they come to the hospital, it will be too late to treat,’’ she said. Nwakanma said cancer prevention and early detection was key to reducing the high rate of cancer deaths. “Wearing sunscreen can save you from skin cancer, drinking plenty of water can protect your kidneys, not smoking can save you from lung and cervical cancer and limiting or stopping alcohol reduces risk of liver cancer. “It is really the little things that keep us safe,’’ Nwakanma said. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/03/its-not-my-portion-leading-cause-of-cancer-death-in-africa-physician/

Health

en

Nwando Achebe-Ogundimu, historian and daughter of eminent writer Chinua Achebe has been appointed a full Professor of History at Michigan State University (MSU), USA, at the age of 39, making her one of the youngest full-rank professors in the prestigious University. She was recently inducted to the rank with a few other colleagues at a colourful dinner hosted by the University President to honor the recently promoted full rank Professor at MSU. The event was held against the backdrop of the recent publication of Prof. Achebe’s second book, The Female King of Colonial Nigeria: Ahebi Ugbabe (Indiana University Press, 2011), a full length critical biography on the only female warrant chief and king in all of colonial Nigeria, and arguably British Africa. The writing was funded by a generous grant from the Wenner-Gren Foundation. According to the book’s blurb: “Nwando Achebe presents the fascinating history of an Igbo woman, Ahebi Ugbabe, who became king in colonial Nigeria. Ugbabe was exiled from Igboland, became a prostitute, traveled widely, and learned to speak many languages. She became a close companion of Nigerian Igala kings and the British officers who supported her claim to the office of headman, warrant chief, and later, king. In this unique biography, Achebe traces the roots of Ugbabe’s rise to fame and fortune. While providing critical perspectives on women, gender, sex and sexuality, and the colonial encounter, she also considers how it was possible for this woman to take on the office and responsibilities of a traditionally male role.” Nwando Achebe received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2000. She served as a Ford Foundation and Fulbright-Hays Scholar-in-Residence at The Institute of African Studies and History Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1996 and 1998. Her research interests involve the use of oral history in the study of women, gender, sexuality, and power in Nigeria. Her first book, Farmers, Traders, Warriors, and Kings: Female Power and Authority in Northern Igboland, 1900-1960 was published by Heinemann in 2005. She is presently working on a WHO funded grant on polio eradication in northern Nigeria. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/02/nwando-achebe-appointed-one-of-the-youngest-professors-as-her-latest-book-reaches-bookstores/

Literature

en

Youth are on the move. As technology has developed and the world has become a smaller place, young people are travelling more than ever in search of work, education, and health services. According to the 2006 ‘State of the World’ population report published by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), young people aged between 15 and 25 years constitute one third of the total international migration flow worldwide. Add to this figure 25- to 29-year-olds, and the total amounts to half the overall migration flow. While young people travel abroad in search of better opportunities and living conditions, there is a huge downside that is regularly reported in the press. Hundreds of lives have been lost or ruined as people leave their homelands in search of a better life in Europe or North America. Europe’s newspapers carry regular stories of Africans washed up on the beaches of southern Europe, or downed at sea in overcrowded boats. But despite these headlines, the migration continues. Young people leave their homelands for various reasons, but one of the biggest factors is overcrowding and lack of opportunity at home. To begin with, many young people lack a good education. In Africa, just one person in 20 gets a university education, while in Europe, nearly seven people in 10 has a university background It is a similar situation with employment. According to UN data, more than 20 percent of young people in sub-Saharan Africa are unemployed, while 90 percent of job opportunities in Africa and Latin America are low-paid with long hours and no job security “Globally there is this great need for skilled workers, people who are willing and able to work. Today we see the aging populations in Europe and North America; the baby boomers are now coming to their retirement. So, in the global perspective, there is a great need for young skilled people,” said one humanitarian worker, reflecting on the opportunities available to young people. The role of modern media The introduction of the Internet into previously media-starved locations (e.g. refugee camps, urban slums), has created a double-edged sword. While young people are now able to find out more about potential destination countries in the northern hemisphere, they are not necessarily able to access vital information that would warn them of the dangers of migrating north This means that although they see the chance for a better life in the north, they do not learn that to get there and get a good job is very difficult. If they eventually make it to their destination country, they often end up working on the black market in poorly-paid jobs and with dreadful living conditions. According to figures from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more than 190 million people migrated in 2005 alone. Of this number, 35 to 40 million tried to enter Europe and North America illegally – half of them young people European policy on immigrants does not fall in favour of the immigrant While the 1995 Schengen agreement allows for the freedom of movement for European citizens across Europe’s borders, those very borders have remained closed to the great majority of non-Europeans trying to enter the zone. This imbalance gave birth to the term “Fortress Europe” – the fear that Europe will be flooded with needy immigrants This fear overrides economic evidence to suggest that immigrants are a benefit to European and other developed countries Labour analysts and economists claim that immigrants are needed to help build up the workforce of an ageing population in the West. This would mean that an influx of immigrants complements rather than threatens an existing workforce. Politically, however, this is a problem. Young immigrant workers are not encouraged by western governments, who keep immigration procedures tied up in red tape; and an “open door” policy is not a vote-winner. In the face of such opposition, young people have no choice other than to become illegal immigrants According to one Italian diplomat: “In the majority of cases it is not a matter of legislation or rational economic choice. Immigration is a hugely sensitive political subject, and none of the governments in power can afford to treat it in any other way.” Illegal immigrants also face the possibility that their destination countries will detain them and forcibly return them to their home countries One such example is Italy. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Italy has expelled more than 2,800 migrants since 2004, some whom were technically refugees fleeing violence in Darfur, Ethiopia and Eritrea; many of them young people Spain is another European country experiencing regular inflows of illegal immigrants from Africa. According to the Spanish Red Cross, more than 1,000 people died off the coast of the Canary Islands in the first three months of 2006. Half of them were in their twenties; all of them had left Senegal in search of a better life The trend now is for target countries to lay the responsibility of illegal immigrants on the countries of departure This means that young people that have been returned to countries such as Morocco or Libya face human rights and physical abuse. Libya – which has never ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention – does not recognise asylum seekers Eritrean migrant, Tesfai, described her ordeal in Libya to HRW: “They kicked us, beat us, for no reason. When we asked for something to eat, the border policemen showed us a truck full of rotten food that cats were living in and told us to eat that.” “They hung me by a chain from the wall. There was a stick behind my knees, and my hands were tied to it. They hung me up on the wall. I stayed like that for 45 minutes. They were beating me during that time. They told me, ‘If we kill you, no one will know’,” recalled one sub-Saharan African migrant who had also been held in Libya. Young migrants face the greatest dangers when they become part of a human trafficking ring Migrants are given false promises of a job in their destination country, but instead end up without documents, and are forced to work for the crime organisation that ‘kidnapped’ them. Many enter the sex industry; while many others, especially children, are used as slaves or for the illegal trade of human organs According to the IOM Permanent Observer to the UN: “The stark reality for these most vulnerable migrants today is one of physical and psychological abuse, degrading treatment and work conditions, and unreported deaths and disappearances … These migrants remain largely unprotected and isolated from society because of their lack of documentation, their dependence on employers or traffickers, and their overriding fear of detention and deportation.” Libya again comes under fire for perpetrating such crimes; with some of the country’s officials involved in smuggling operations, according to HRW “It is all organised by the Libyan authorities, and in some cases there are Libyan brokers who collect the money in advance,” alleged Ephrem S., a 21-year-old student from Ethiopia The US Department of State estimates that between 600,000 and 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year; around 80 percent are believed to be women and girls, and up to 71 percent are 14- to 25-year-olds. Exact figures are hard to come by due to the illicit nature of human trafficking. There is more than one kind of migration While there are young people who have chosen to leave their country in search of a better life, there are those who are forced to leave their homeland, fleeing war or famine According to UNHCR, of the nearly 13 million refugees across the world, roughly half are under 18 Add to that the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), not legally entitled to UNHCR protection because they remain inside their own countries, and the figure swells further North Uganda alone accounts for nearly one million young IDPs, whose lives are wasting away in overcrowded camps “What chances of future development has a community whose youth are without education and whose lives have been scarred by trauma, abuses and recruitment into armies?” asked the Jesuit Refugee Service in a recent report Young people in IDP camps face their own unique kind of risk A report by the Oxford Refugee Studies Centre claims that: “While they may not suffer death and disease to the same degree as young children, they are more susceptible to a wide range of immediate and long-term threats to personal safety.” Due to their relative physical and mental maturity, young people are targeted by the armed militias or military service. This means they face armed combat. In North Uganda, up to 80 percent of the Lord’s Resistance Army is made up of abducted adolescents Those fortunate enough to avoid being exploited are put to work to support their families. However, others – especially young girls – are treated as slaves or are forced to work in the sex trade (putting them at risk to sexually transmitted diseases) Young people also receive less education and healthcare than younger children “I left school in the fifth year of primary education because my family didn’t have enough money to pay for all of us going to school, and because I had a brother who stayed in school. Parents think that giving education to girls is useless and it is not worth the money,” said an 18-year-old female IDP. More needs to be done to help adolescent IDPs. “Young people find themselves caught in a terrible limbo of exile where they can be alternately ignored, exploited or condemned to a life without hope,” said the UNHCR. The agency believes that education will help draw young IDPs out of their state of despair; however, efforts have been focused on primary education, while teenagers and young adults remain illiterate “We don’t know what we would like to be when we get older. We haven’t thought about it, because we haven’t been to school. If education were available, we would have had aspirations, but as things stand we will go back home and be farmers like our parents and grandparents,” said a group of young IDPs in one of North Uganda’s 200 camps The lack of formal schooling and vocational training could spell disaster for these young people “Their main activity has been to wait for the World Food Programme rations, how could they be prepared for the challenge of reconstruction and for participation in civil life?” commented an aid worker Sometimes, however, those lucky enough to receive an education are made painfully aware of how their counterparts live in the West Trapped in a situation of stalemate - at home, but not at home in their own countries - they become angry with the international organisations that care for them and the governments who they say have forgotten them. The risk of recruitment UNHCR has come under criticism for not doing enough to help young refugees, and critics are concerned that the only option for them will be to join an armed militia Refugee camps have been the target of armed militia looking for a large pool of human resources since the Rwandan genocide. Some observers debate whether IDPs and refugees – who have families to support – ‘volunteer’ to join the militias. Often, they have no choice IDPs, with their lack of identification documents, make ideal recruits for militias; their disappearance into combat roles easily goes unnoticed This is the case with Colombia’s young IDPs, recruited by the rebels and paramilitary forces during the civil war "If the state does not come up with responses to provide vulnerable children in rural areas with a real alternative, rather than just drug crops and the war, then we’re looking at a latent potential figure for recruitment of around two million," said UNICEF’s director in Colombia, Carel De Rooy Meanwhile, in Africa, Sudanese refugees in Chad have been joining the ranks of Sudanese rebel groups “They told me that Sudan was my fatherland; that I had to go and fight for it. I did not want to go, but I was afraid I would be beaten if I refused, so I followed them,” said one young Sudanese boy It is not just coercion – but rhetoric - that forces young people to join militias In Khan Younis refugee camp, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, one 18-year-old fighter with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade told IRIN: “I wanted to defend Palestine against Israel’s attacks. I am not afraid – our lives are in the hands of God. We have one life and we will die once only. So we will die trying to liberate Palestine.” The benefits of migration According to IOM figures, in 2005 a total of US $167 billion was sent to developing countries by relatives working abroad. This supports the idea that international migration is economically beneficial for both the sending and receiving countries The amount of money being transferred continues to rise. The World Bank reported that in 2004 $7.7 million went to sub-Saharan Africa alone. That figure is greater than the amount of Foreign Direct Investment, and represents the major source of foreign currency inflow after international aid While there is a positive financial benefit to developing countries as a result of migration, there are also drawbacks; one such drawback is the ‘brain drain’. While those from poor and impoverished backgrounds seek better opportunities abroad, the same goes for the more educated and skilled elite The comparative abundance of prospects in the West lures skilled workers into jobs from which they seldom return. This means that there is a deficit of trained workers remaining in a country that needs a skilled working class; and that the departure of some of the brightest minds affects research and future development The evidence lies in the figures. According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the continent lost 60,000 professionals (doctors, university lecturers, engineers etc.), between 1985 and 1990. The World Health Organisation meanwhile claims that that almost a quarter of doctors trained in 10 sub-Saharan Africa countries are now working in OECD countries. However, the World Bank points out that the number of highly-skilled workers going through official channels is far less than the number of unskilled and illegal immigrants crossing international borders. The problems are not only economic. There are fears for the future democratic development of the countries of origin. Young people traditionally keep many governments in check by raising awareness of rights issues through their student and youth organisations. These young people are vital for reforms to take place Nation-building is also threatened, as those earmarked for resettlement in a third country tend to be better educated and skilled, and those who do return home are less able to help run their own country “From a pure perspective of nation-building, I think that the resettlement campaign and the resettlement programme negatively effect the reconstruction of the state, because all the bright and able bodied individuals are the ones that are chosen to be resettled to a third country,” explained Mohammed Qazilbash, who works for CARE at Dadaab refugee camp, in northern Kenya “The intelligent and the articulate are the ones that can present their case most eloquently to the resettlement officer and, as a result of their education, can defend and present their arguments in a more coherent and logical manner and thus be awarded with resettlement.” The way ahead The trend in migration is set to expand. However, in addition to the dangers of abuse and exploitation, there are some success stories Young migrants – escaping troubles at home - have proved that they are ready to take on the challenges of new environments and cultures to help them better themselves and help their families. Migration has become a natural response by young people in times of crisis, and has helped them find a second chance at life Migration has become an effective safety valve to avoid increased and intensified conflicts. If young people are allowed to move freely, and if their goals are supported, their countries of origin can be relieved of the pressures imposed by disillusioned youth, poverty and unemployment. This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=47811this

Politics

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Atheism is a mental illness…. The men who founded atheism all shared certain common experiences and a definite psychological pattern is evident. Their early childhoods were marked by some form of spiritual training. They were men whose dominating, overbearing and even abusive fathers led them to rebellion and renunciations of God. They endured cold, ruthless parents, grew up in an environment of bullying and abuse often done in the name of God. These buys hated their fathers, wounds which festered a rebellion against a hostile father they identified with a hostile God. They made it there lives work to destroy the God who had come to symbolize their father. Darwin – he lived the greatest portion of his life in deep depression, there is a history of mental illness in his family. He believed his dad had the power of prediction, He had an endless catalogue of psychosomatic illnesses and lived as a semi invalid barely past thirty. Thomas Henry Huxley- he detested his hot tempered father he suffered terrible bullying at school and had a terrible fear of insanity, which ran in his family. In fact his father died in an insane asylum. His hatred of God was rooted in the fear that the insanity in his family was caused by unclean spirits. He believed he had been poisoned by vapours from a dead body. After his only son dies of scarlet fever he detested God and believed he was cruel, hostile, angry and indifferent to suffering. Nietzsche – Grew up with no male role model , he was a repressed homosexual and a victim of syphilis, depression and senility. He blamed his mom for the death of his father. Freud – he believed a female is a failed boy and he was obsessed with the incestuous conquest of his mother and rivalry with his dad. The desire to have sex with his mother and kill his father haunted his dreams. He believed women wanted sex with there fathers and stories of rape and molestation were fantasies. Instead of victims these women were villains. These four prophets of atheism and many more all had powerful domineering fathers. They were fearful, weak, submissive kids. They all grew up with a history of headaches, depression , obsessive fears, extreme shyness, intestinal disorders, and made it there lives work to destroy God who had come to symbolize there fathers. “ Its Madness”

http://www.news24.com/MyNews24/Atheism-is-a-mental-illness-20120413

Religion

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God has always been a puzzle for Scott Atran. When he was 10 years old, he scrawled a plaintive message on the wall of his bedroom in Baltimore. “God exists,” he wrote in black and orange paint, “or if he doesn’t, we’re in trouble.” Atran has been struggling with questions about religion ever since — why he himself no longer believes in God and why so many other people, everywhere in the world, apparently do. Call it God; call it superstition; call it, as Atran does, “belief in hope beyond reason” — whatever you call it, there seems an inherent human drive to believe in something transcendent, unfathomable and otherworldly, something beyond the reach or understanding of science. “Why do we cross our fingers during turbulence, even the most atheistic among us?” asked Atran when we spoke at his Upper West Side pied-à-terre in January. Atran, who is 55, is an anthropologist at the National Center for Scientific Research in Paris, with joint appointments at the University of Michigan and the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. His research interests include cognitive science and evolutionary biology, and sometimes he presents students with a wooden box that he pretends is an African relic. “If you have negative sentiments toward religion,” he tells them, “the box will destroy whatever you put inside it.” Many of his students say they doubt the existence of God, but in this demonstration they act as if they believe in something. Put your pencil into the magic box, he tells them, and the nonbelievers do so blithely. Put in your driver’s license, he says, and most do, but only after significant hesitation. And when he tells them to put in their hands, few will. If they don’t believe in God, what exactly are they afraid of? Atran first conducted the magic-box demonstration in the 1980s, when he was at Cambridge University studying the nature of religious belief. He had received a doctorate in anthropology from Columbia University and, in the course of his fieldwork, saw evidence of religion everywhere he looked — at archaeological digs in Israel, among the Mayans in Guatemala, in artifact drawers at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Atran is Darwinian in his approach, which means he tries to explain behavior by how it might once have solved problems of survival and reproduction for our early ancestors. But it was not clear to him what evolutionary problems might have been solved by religious belief. Religion seemed to use up physical and mental resources without an obvious benefit for survival. Why, he wondered, was religion so pervasive, when it was something that seemed so costly from an evolutionary point of view? The magic-box demonstration helped set Atran on a career studying why humans might have evolved to be religious, something few people were doing back in the ’80s. Today, the effort has gained momentum, as scientists search for an evolutionary explanation for why belief in God exists — not whether God exists, which is a matter for philosophers and theologians, but why the belief does. This is different from the scientific assault on religion that has been garnering attention recently, in the form of best-selling books from scientific atheists who see religion as a scourge. In “The God Delusion,” published last year and still on best-seller lists, the Oxford evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins concludes that religion is nothing more than a useless, and sometimes dangerous, evolutionary accident. “Religious behavior may be a misfiring, an unfortunate byproduct of an underlying psychological propensity which in other circumstances is, or once was, useful,” Dawkins wrote. He is joined by two other best-selling authors — Sam Harris, who wrote “The End of Faith,” and Daniel Dennett, a philosopher at Tufts University who wrote “Breaking the Spell.” The three men differ in their personal styles and whether they are engaged in a battle against religiosity, but their names are often mentioned together. They have been portrayed as an unholy trinity of neo-atheists, promoting their secular world view with a fervor that seems almost evangelical. Lost in the hullabaloo over the neo-atheists is a quieter and potentially more illuminating debate. It is taking place not between science and religion but within science itself, specifically among the scientists studying the evolution of religion. These scholars tend to agree on one point: that religious belief is an outgrowth of brain architecture that evolved during early human history. What they disagree about is why a tendency to believe evolved, whether it was because belief itself was adaptive or because it was just an evolutionary byproduct, a mere consequence of some other adaptation in the evolution of the human brain. Which is the better biological explanation for a belief in God — evolutionary adaptation or neurological accident? Is there something about the cognitive functioning of humans that makes us receptive to belief in a supernatural deity? And if scientists are able to explain God, what then? Is explaining religion the same thing as explaining it away? Are the nonbelievers right, and is religion at its core an empty undertaking, a misdirection, a vestigial artifact of a primitive mind? Or are the believers right, and does the fact that we have the mental capacities for discerning God suggest that it was God who put them there? In short, are we hard-wired to believe in God? And if we are, how and why did that happen? “All of our raptures and our drynesses, our longings and pantings, our questions and beliefs . . . are equally organically founded,” William James wrote in “The Varieties of Religious Experience.” James, who taught philosophy and experimental psychology at Harvard for more than 30 years, based his book on a 1901 lecture series in which he took some early tentative steps at breaching the science-religion divide. In the century that followed, a polite convention generally separated science and religion, at least in much of the Western world. Science, as the old trope had it, was assigned the territory that describes how the heavens go; religion, how to go to heaven. Anthropologists like Atran and psychologists as far back as James had been looking at the roots of religion, but the mutual hands-off policy really began to shift in the 1990s. Religion made incursions into the traditional domain of science with attempts to bring intelligent design into the biology classroom and to choke off human embryonic stem-cell research on religious grounds. Scientists responded with counterincursions. Experts from the hard sciences, like evolutionary biology and cognitive neuroscience, joined anthropologists and psychologists in the study of religion, making God an object of scientific inquiry. The debate over why belief evolved is between byproduct theorists and adaptationists. You might think that the byproduct theorists would tend to be nonbelievers, looking for a way to explain religion as a fluke, while the adaptationists would be more likely to be believers who can intuit the emotional, spiritual and community advantages that accompany faith. Or you might think they would all be atheists, because what believer would want to subject his own devotion to rationalism’s cold, hard scrutiny? But a scientist’s personal religious view does not always predict which side he will take. And this is just one sign of how complex and surprising this debate has become. Angels, demons, spirits, wizards, gods and witches have peppered folk religions since mankind first started telling stories. Charles Darwin noted this in “The Descent of Man.” “A belief in all-pervading spiritual agencies,” he wrote, “seems to be universal.” According to anthropologists, religions that share certain supernatural features — belief in a noncorporeal God or gods, belief in the afterlife, belief in the ability of prayer or ritual to change the course of human events — are found in virtually every culture on earth. This is certainly true in the United States. About 6 in 10 Americans, according to a 2005 Harris Poll, believe in the devil and hell, and about 7 in 10 believe in angels, heaven and the existence of miracles and of life after death. A 2006 survey at Baylor University found that 92 percent of respondents believe in a personal God — that is, a God with a distinct set of character traits ranging from “distant” to “benevolent.” When a trait is universal, evolutionary biologists look for a genetic explanation and wonder how that gene or genes might enhance survival or reproductive success. In many ways, it’s an exercise in post-hoc hypothesizing: what would have been the advantage, when the human species first evolved, for an individual who happened to have a mutation that led to, say, a smaller jaw, a bigger forehead, a better thumb? How about certain behavioral traits, like a tendency for risk-taking or for kindness? Atran saw such questions as a puzzle when applied to religion. So many aspects of religious belief involve misattribution and misunderstanding of the real world. Wouldn’t this be a liability in the survival-of-the-fittest competition? To Atran, religious belief requires taking “what is materially false to be true” and “what is materially true to be false.” One example of this is the belief that even after someone dies and the body demonstrably disintegrates, that person will still exist, will still be able to laugh and cry, to feel pain and joy. This confusion “does not appear to be a reasonable evolutionary strategy,” Atran wrote in “In Gods We Trust: The Evolutionary Landscape of Religion” in 2002. “Imagine another animal that took injury for health or big for small or fast for slow or dead for alive. It’s unlikely that such a species could survive.” He began to look for a sideways explanation: if religious belief was not adaptive, perhaps it was associated with something else that was. Atran intended to study mathematics when he entered Columbia as a precocious 17-year-old. But he was distracted by the radical politics of the late ’60s. One day in his freshman year, he found himself at an antiwar rally listening to Margaret Mead, then perhaps the most famous anthropologist in America. Atran, dressed in a flamboyant Uncle Sam suit, stood up and called her a sellout for saying the protesters should be writing to their congressmen instead of staging demonstrations. “Young man,” the unflappable Mead said, “why don’t you come see me in my office?” Atran, equally unflappable, did go to see her — and ended up working for Mead, spending much of his time exploring the cabinets of curiosities in her tower office at the American Museum of Natural History. Soon he switched his major to anthropology. Many of the museum specimens were religious, Atran says. So were the artifacts he dug up on archaeological excursions in Israel in the early ’70s. Wherever he turned, he encountered the passion of religious belief. Why, he wondered, did people work so hard against their preference for logical explanations to maintain two views of the world, the real and the unreal, the intuitive and the counterintuitive? Maybe cognitive effort was precisely the point. Maybe it took less mental work than Atran realized to hold belief in God in one’s mind. Maybe, in fact, belief was the default position for the human mind, something that took no cognitive effort at all. While still an undergraduate, Atran decided to explore these questions by organizing a conference on universal aspects of culture and inviting all his intellectual heroes: the linguist Noam Chomsky, the psychologist Jean Piaget, the anthropologists Claude Levi-Strauss and Gregory Bateson (who was also Margaret Mead’s ex-husband), the Nobel Prize-winning biologists Jacques Monod and Francois Jacob. It was 1974, and the only site he could find for the conference was at a location just outside Paris. Atran was a scraggly 22-year-old with a guitar who had learned his French from comic books. To his astonishment, everyone he invited agreed to come. Atran is a sociable man with sharp hazel eyes, who sparks provocative conversations the way other men pick bar fights. As he traveled in the ’70s and ’80s, he accumulated friends who were thinking about the issues he was: how culture is transmitted among human groups and what evolutionary function it might serve. “I started looking at history, and I wondered why no society ever survived more than three generations without a religious foundation as its raison d’être,” he says. Soon he turned to an emerging subset of evolutionary theory — the evolution of human cognition. Some cognitive scientists think of brain functioning in terms of modules, a series of interconnected machines, each one responsible for a particular mental trick. They do not tend to talk about a God module per se; they usually consider belief in God a consequence of other mental modules. Religion, in this view, is “a family of cognitive phenomena that involves the extraordinary use of everyday cognitive processes,” Atran wrote in “In Gods We Trust.” “Religions do not exist apart from the individual minds that constitute them and the environments that constrain them, any more than biological species and varieties exist independently of the individual organisms that compose them and the environments that conform them.” At around the time “In Gods We Trust” appeared five years ago, a handful of other scientists — Pascal Boyer, now at Washington University; Justin Barrett, now at Oxford; Paul Bloom at Yale — were addressing these same questions. In synchrony they were moving toward the byproduct theory. Darwinians who study physical evolution distinguish between traits that are themselves adaptive, like having blood cells that can transport oxygen, and traits that are byproducts of adaptations, like the redness of blood. There is no survival advantage to blood’s being red instead of turquoise; it is just a byproduct of the trait that is adaptive, having blood that contains hemoglobin. Something similar explains aspects of brain evolution, too, say the byproduct theorists. Which brings us to the idea of the spandrel. Stephen Jay Gould, the famed evolutionary biologist at Harvard who died in 2002, and his colleague Richard Lewontin proposed “spandrel” to describe a trait that has no adaptive value of its own. They borrowed the term from architecture, where it originally referred to the V-shaped structure formed between two rounded arches. The structure is not there for any purpose; it is there because that is what happens when arches align. In architecture, a spandrel can be neutral or it can be made functional. Building a staircase, for instance, creates a space underneath that is innocuous, just a blank sort of triangle. But if you put a closet there, the under-stairs space takes on a function, unrelated to the staircase’s but useful nonetheless. Either way, functional or nonfunctional, the space under the stairs is a spandrel, an unintended byproduct. “Natural selection made the human brain big,” Gould wrote, “but most of our mental properties and potentials may be spandrels — that is, nonadaptive side consequences of building a device with such structural complexity.” The possibility that God could be a spandrel offered Atran a new way of understanding the evolution of religion. But a spandrel of what, exactly? Hardships of early human life favored the evolution of certain cognitive tools, among them the ability to infer the presence of organisms that might do harm, to come up with causal narratives for natural events and to recognize that other people have minds of their own with their own beliefs, desires and intentions. Psychologists call these tools, respectively, agent detection, causal reasoning and theory of mind. Agent detection evolved because assuming the presence of an agent — which is jargon for any creature with volitional, independent behavior — is more adaptive than assuming its absence. If you are a caveman on the savannah, you are better off presuming that the motion you detect out of the corner of your eye is an agent and something to run from, even if you are wrong. If it turns out to have been just the rustling of leaves, you are still alive; if what you took to be leaves rustling was really a hyena about to pounce, you are dead. A classic experiment from the 1940s by the psychologists Fritz Heider and Marianne Simmel suggested that imputing agency is so automatic that people may do it even for geometric shapes. For the experiment, subjects watched a film of triangles and circles moving around. When asked what they had been watching, the subjects used words like “chase” and “capture.” They did not just see the random movement of shapes on a screen; they saw pursuit, planning, escape. So if there is motion just out of our line of sight, we presume it is caused by an agent, an animal or person with the ability to move independently. This usually operates in one direction only; lots of people mistake a rock for a bear, but almost no one mistakes a bear for a rock. What does this mean for belief in the supernatural? It means our brains are primed for it, ready to presume the presence of agents even when such presence confounds logic. “The most central concepts in religions are related to agents,” Justin Barrett, a psychologist, wrote in his 2004 summary of the byproduct theory, “Why Would Anyone Believe in God?” Religious agents are often supernatural, he wrote, “people with superpowers, statues that can answer requests or disembodied minds that can act on us and the world.” A second mental module that primes us for religion is causal reasoning. The human brain has evolved the capacity to impose a narrative, complete with chronology and cause-and-effect logic, on whatever it encounters, no matter how apparently random. “We automatically, and often unconsciously, look for an explanation of why things happen to us,” Barrett wrote, “and ‘stuff just happens’ is no explanation. Gods, by virtue of their strange physical properties and their mysterious superpowers, make fine candidates for causes of many of these unusual events.” The ancient Greeks believed thunder was the sound of Zeus’s thunderbolt. Similarly, a contemporary woman whose cancer treatment works despite 10-to-1 odds might look for a story to explain her survival. It fits better with her causal-reasoning tool for her recovery to be a miracle, or a reward for prayer, than for it to be just a lucky roll of the dice. A third cognitive trick is a kind of social intuition known as theory of mind. It’s an odd phrase for something so automatic, since the word “theory” suggests formality and self-consciousness. Other terms have been used for the same concept, like intentional stance and social cognition. One good alternative is the term Atran uses: folkpsychology. Folkpsychology, as Atran and his colleagues see it, is essential to getting along in the contemporary world, just as it has been since prehistoric times. It allows us to anticipate the actions of others and to lead others to believe what we want them to believe; it is at the heart of everything from marriage to office politics to poker. People without this trait, like those with severe autism, are impaired, unable to imagine themselves in other people’s heads. The process begins with positing the existence of minds, our own and others’, that we cannot see or feel. This leaves us open, almost instinctively, to belief in the separation of the body (the visible) and the mind (the invisible). If you can posit minds in other people that you cannot verify empirically, suggests Paul Bloom, a psychologist and the author of “Descartes’ Baby,” published in 2004, it is a short step to positing minds that do not have to be anchored to a body. And from there, he said, it is another short step to positing an immaterial soul and a transcendent God. The traditional psychological view has been that until about age 4, children think that minds are permeable and that everyone knows whatever the child himself knows. To a young child, everyone is infallible. All other people, especially Mother and Father, are thought to have the same sort of insight as an all-knowing God. But at a certain point in development, this changes. (Some new research suggests this might occur as early as 15 months.) The “false-belief test” is a classic experiment that highlights the boundary. Children watch a puppet show with a simple plot: John comes onstage holding a marble, puts it in Box A and walks off. Mary comes onstage, opens Box A, takes out the marble, puts it in Box B and walks off. John comes back onstage. The children are asked, Where will John look for the marble? Very young children, or autistic children of any age, say John will look in Box B, since they know that’s where the marble is. But older children give a more sophisticated answer. They know that John never saw Mary move the marble and that as far as he is concerned it is still where he put it, in Box A. Older children have developed a theory of mind; they understand that other people sometimes have false beliefs. Even though they know that the marble is in Box B, they respond that John will look for it in Box A. The adaptive advantage of folkpsychology is obvious. According to Atran, our ancestors needed it to survive their harsh environment, since folkpsychology allowed them to “rapidly and economically” distinguish good guys from bad guys. But how did folkpsychology — an understanding of ordinary people’s ordinary minds — allow for a belief in supernatural, omniscient minds? And if the byproduct theorists are right and these beliefs were of little use in finding food or leaving more offspring, why did they persist? Atran ascribes the persistence to evolutionary misdirection, which, he says, happens all the time: “Evolution always produces something that works for what it works for, and then there’s no control for however else it’s used.” On a sunny weekday morning, over breakfast at a French cafe on upper Broadway, he tried to think of an analogy and grinned when he came up with an old standby: women’s breasts. Because they are associated with female hormones, he explained, full breasts indicate a woman is fertile, and the evolution of the male brain’s preference for them was a clever mating strategy. But breasts are now used for purposes unrelated to reproduction, to sell anything from deodorant to beer. “A Martian anthropologist might look at this and say, ‘Oh, yes, so these breasts must have somehow evolved to sell hygienic stuff or food to human beings,’ ” Atran said. But the Martian would, of course, be wrong. Equally wrong would be to make the same mistake about religion, thinking it must have evolved to make people behave a certain way or feel a certain allegiance. That is what most fascinated Atran. “Why is God in there?” he wondered. The idea of an infallible God is comfortable and familiar, something children readily accept. You can see this in the experiment Justin Barrett conducted recently — a version of the traditional false-belief test but with a religious twist. Barrett showed young children a box with a picture of crackers on the outside. What do you think is inside this box? he asked, and the children said, “Crackers.” Next he opened it and showed them that the box was filled with rocks. Then he asked two follow-up questions: What would your mother say is inside this box? And what would God say? As earlier theory-of-mind experiments already showed, 3- and 4-year-olds tended to think Mother was infallible, and since the children knew the right answer, they assumed she would know it, too. They usually responded that Mother would say the box contained rocks. But 5- and 6-year-olds had learned that Mother, like any other person, could hold a false belief in her mind, and they tended to respond that she would be fooled by the packaging and would say, “Crackers.” And what would God say? No matter what their age, the children, who were all Protestants, told Barrett that God would answer, “Rocks.” This was true even for the older children, who, as Barrett understood it, had developed folkpsychology and had used it when predicting a wrong response for Mother. They had learned that, in certain situations, people could be fooled — but they had also learned that there is no fooling God. The bottom line, according to byproduct theorists, is that children are born with a tendency to believe in omniscience, invisible minds, immaterial souls — and then they grow up in cultures that fill their minds, hard-wired for belief, with specifics. It is a little like language acquisition, Paul Bloom says, with the essential difference that language is a biological adaptation and religion, in his view, is not. We are born with an innate facility for language but the specific language we learn depends on the environment in which we are raised. In much the same way, he says, we are born with an innate tendency for belief, but the specifics of what we grow up believing — whether there is one God or many, whether the soul goes to heaven or occupies another animal after death — are culturally shaped. Whatever the specifics, certain beliefs can be found in all religions. Those that prevail, according to the byproduct theorists, are those that fit most comfortably with our mental architecture. Psychologists have shown, for instance, that people attend to, and remember, things that are unfamiliar and strange, but not so strange as to be impossible to assimilate. Ideas about God or other supernatural agents tend to fit these criteria. They are what Pascal Boyer, an anthropologist and psychologist, called “minimally counterintuitive”: weird enough to get your attention and lodge in your memory but not so weird that you reject them altogether. A tree that talks is minimally counterintuitive, and you might believe it as a supernatural agent. A tree that talks and flies and time-travels is maximally counterintuitive, and you are more likely to reject it. Atran, along with Ara Norenzayan of the University of British Columbia, studied the idea of minimally counterintuitive agents earlier this decade. They presented college students with lists of fantastical creatures and asked them to choose the ones that seemed most “religious.” The convincingly religious agents, the students said, were not the most outlandish — not the turtle that chatters and climbs or the squealing, flowering marble — but those that were just outlandish enough: giggling seaweed, a sobbing oak, a talking horse. Giggling seaweed meets the requirement of being minimally counterintuitive, Atran wrote. So does a God who has a human personality except that he knows everything or a God who has a mind but has no body. It is not enough for an agent to be minimally counterintuitive for it to earn a spot in people’s belief systems. An emotional component is often needed, too, if belief is to take hold. “If your emotions are involved, then that’s the time when you’re most likely to believe whatever the religion tells you to believe,” Atran says. Religions stir up emotions through their rituals — swaying, singing, bowing in unison during group prayer, sometimes working people up to a state of physical arousal that can border on frenzy. And religions gain strength during the natural heightening of emotions that occurs in times of personal crisis, when the faithful often turn to shamans or priests. The most intense personal crisis, for which religion can offer powerfully comforting answers, is when someone comes face to face with mortality. In John Updike’s celebrated early short story “Pigeon Feathers,” 14-year-old David spends a lot of time thinking about death. He suspects that adults are lying when they say his spirit will live on after he dies. He keeps catching them in inconsistencies when he asks where exactly his soul will spend eternity. “Don’t you see,” he cries to his mother, “if when we die there’s nothing, all your sun and fields and what not are all, ah, horror? It’s just an ocean of horror.” The story ends with David’s tiny revelation and his boundless relief. The boy gets a gun for his 15th birthday, which he uses to shoot down some pigeons that have been nesting in his grandmother’s barn. Before he buries them, he studies the dead birds’ feathers. He is amazed by their swirls of color, “designs executed, it seemed, in a controlled rapture.” And suddenly the fears that have plagued him are lifted, and with a “slipping sensation along his nerves that seemed to give the air hands, he was robed in this certainty: that the God who had lavished such craft upon these worthless birds would not destroy His whole Creation by refusing to let David live forever.” Fear of death is an undercurrent of belief. The spirits of dead ancestors, ghosts, immortal deities, heaven and hell, the everlasting soul: the notion of spiritual existence after death is at the heart of almost every religion. According to some adaptationists, this is part of religion’s role, to help humans deal with the grim certainty of death. Believing in God and the afterlife, they say, is how we make sense of the brevity of our time on earth, how we give meaning to this brutish and short existence. Religion can offer solace to the bereaved and comfort to the frightened. But the spandrelists counter that saying these beliefs are consolation does not mean they offered an adaptive advantage to our ancestors. “The human mind does not produce adequate comforting delusions against all situations of stress or fear,” wrote Pascal Boyer, a leading byproduct theorist, in “Religion Explained,” which came out a year before Atran’s book. “Indeed, any organism that was prone to such delusions would not survive long.” Whether or not it is adaptive, belief in the afterlife gains power in two ways: from the intensity with which people wish it to be true and from the confirmation it seems to get from the real world. This brings us back to folkpsychology. We try to make sense of other people partly by imagining what it is like to be them, an adaptive trait that allowed our ancestors to outwit potential enemies. But when we think about being dead, we run into a cognitive wall. How can we possibly think about not thinking? “Try to fill your consciousness with the representation of no-consciousness, and you will see the impossibility of it,” the Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno wrote in “Tragic Sense of Life.” “The effort to comprehend it causes the most tormenting dizziness. We cannot conceive of ourselves as not existing.” Much easier, then, to imagine that the thinking somehow continues. This is what young children seem to do, as a study at the Florida Atlantic University demonstrated a few years ago. Jesse Bering and David Bjorklund, the psychologists who conducted the study, used finger puppets to act out the story of a mouse, hungry and lost, who is spotted by an alligator. “Well, it looks like Brown Mouse got eaten by Mr. Alligator,” the narrator says at the end. “Brown Mouse is not alive anymore.” Afterward, Bering and Bjorklund asked their subjects, ages 4 to 12, what it meant for Brown Mouse to be “not alive anymore.” Is he still hungry? Is he still sleepy? Does he still want to go home? Most said the mouse no longer needed to eat or drink. But a large proportion, especially the younger ones, said that he still had thoughts, still loved his mother and still liked cheese. The children understood what it meant for the mouse’s body to cease to function, but many believed that something about the mouse was still alive. “Our psychological architecture makes us think in particular ways,” says Bering, now at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. “In this study, it seems, the reason afterlife beliefs are so prevalent is that underlying them is our inability to simulate our nonexistence.” It might be just as impossible to simulate the nonexistence of loved ones. A large part of any relationship takes place in our minds, Bering said, so it’s natural for it to continue much as before after the other person’s death. It is easy to forget that your sister is dead when you reach for the phone to call her, since your relationship was based so much on memory and imagined conversations even when she was alive. In addition, our agent-detection device sometimes confirms the sensation that the dead are still with us. The wind brushes our cheek, a spectral shape somehow looks familiar and our agent detection goes into overdrive. Dreams, too, have a way of confirming belief in the afterlife, with dead relatives appearing in dreams as if from beyond the grave, seeming very much alive. Belief is our fallback position, according to Bering; it is our reflexive style of thought. “We have a basic psychological capacity that allows anyone to reason about unexpected natural events, to see deeper meaning where there is none,” he says. “It’s natural; it’s how our minds work.” Intriguing as the spandrel logic might be, there is another way to think about the evolution of religion: that religion evolved because it offered survival advantages to our distant ancestors. This is where the action is in the science of God debate, with a coterie of adaptationists arguing on behalf of the primary benefits, in terms of survival advantages, of religious belief. The trick in thinking about adaptation is that even if a trait offers no survival advantage today, it might have had one long ago. This is how Darwinians explain how certain physical characteristics persist even if they do not currently seem adaptive — by asking whether they might have helped our distant ancestors form social groups, feed themselves, find suitable mates or keep from getting killed. A facility for storing calories as fat, for instance, which is a detriment in today’s food-rich society, probably helped our ancestors survive cyclical famines. So trying to explain the adaptiveness of religion means looking for how it might have helped early humans survive and reproduce. As some adaptationists see it, this could have worked on two levels, individual and group. Religion made people feel better, less tormented by thoughts about death, more focused on the future, more willing to take care of themselves. As William James put it, religion filled people with “a new zest which adds itself like a gift to life . . . an assurance of safety and a temper of peace and, in relation to others, a preponderance of loving affections.” Such sentiments, some adaptationists say, made the faithful better at finding and storing food, for instance, and helped them attract better mates because of their reputations for morality, obedience and sober living. The advantage might have worked at the group level too, with religious groups outlasting others because they were more cohesive, more likely to contain individuals willing to make sacrifices for the group and more adept at sharing resources and preparing for warfare. One of the most vocal adaptationists is David Sloan Wilson, an occasional thorn in the side of both Scott Atran and Richard Dawkins. Wilson, an evolutionary biologist at the State University of New York at Binghamton, focuses much of his argument at the group level. “Organisms are a product of natural selection,” he wrote in “Darwin’s Cathedral: Evolution, Religion, and the Nature of Society,” which came out in 2002, the same year as Atran’s book, and staked out the adaptationist view. “Through countless generations of variation and selection, [organisms] acquire properties that enable them to survive and reproduce in their environments. My purpose is to see if human groups in general, and religious groups in particular, qualify as organismic in this sense.” Wilson’s father was Sloan Wilson, author of “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit,” an emblem of mid-’50s suburban anomie that was turned into a film starring Gregory Peck. Sloan Wilson became a celebrity, with young women asking for his autograph, especially after his next novel, “A Summer Place,” became another blockbuster movie. The son grew up wanting to do something to make his famous father proud. “I knew I couldn’t be a novelist,” said Wilson, who crackled with intensity during a telephone interview, “so I chose something as far as possible from literature — I chose science.” He is disarmingly honest about what motivated him: “I was very ambitious, and I wanted to make a mark.” He chose to study human evolution, he said, in part because he had some of his father’s literary leanings and the field required a novelist’s attention to human motivations, struggles and alliances — as well as a novelist’s flair for narrative. Wilson eventually chose to study religion not because religion mattered to him personally — he was raised in a secular Protestant household and says he has long been an atheist — but because it was a lens through which to look at and revivify a branch of evolution that had fallen into disrepute. When Wilson was a graduate student at Michigan State University in the 1970s, Darwinians were critical of group selection, the idea that human groups can function as single organisms the way beehives or anthills do. So he decided to become the man who rescued this discredited idea. “I thought, Wow, defending group selection — now, that would be big,” he recalled. It wasn’t until the 1990s, he said, that he realized that “religion offered an opportunity to show that group selection was right after all.” Dawkins once called Wilson’s defense of group selection “sheer, wanton, head-in-bag perversity.” Atran, too, has been dismissive of this approach, calling it “mind blind” for essentially ignoring the role of the brain’s mental machinery. The adaptationists “cannot in principle distinguish Marxism from monotheism, ideology from religious belief,” Atran wrote. “They cannot explain why people can be more steadfast in their commitment to admittedly counterfactual and counterintuitive beliefs — that Mary is both a mother and a virgin, and God is sentient but bodiless — than to the most politically, economically or scientifically persuasive account of the way things are or should be.” Still, for all its controversial elements, the narrative Wilson devised about group selection and the evolution of religion is clear, perhaps a legacy of his novelist father. Begin, he says, with an imaginary flock of birds. Some birds serve as sentries, scanning the horizon for predators and calling out warnings. Having a sentry is good for the group but bad for the sentry, which is doubly harmed: by keeping watch, the sentry has less time to gather food, and by issuing a warning call, it is more likely to be spotted by the predator. So in the Darwinian struggle, the birds most likely to pass on their genes are the nonsentries. How, then, could the sentry gene survive for more than a generation or two? To explain how a self-sacrificing gene can persist, Wilson looks to the level of the group. If there are 10 sentries in one group and none in the other, 3 or 4 of the sentries might be sacrificed. But the flock with sentries will probably outlast the flock that has no early-warning system, so the other 6 or 7 sentries will survive to pass on the genes. In other words, if the whole-group advantage outweighs the cost to any individual bird of being a sentry, then the sentry gene will prevail. There are costs to any individual of being religious: the time and resources spent on rituals, the psychic energy devoted to following certain injunctions, the pain of some initiation rites. But in terms of intergroup struggle, according to Wilson, the costs can be outweighed by the benefits of being in a cohesive group that out-competes the others. There is another element here too, unique to humans because it depends on language. A person’s behavior is observed not only by those in his immediate surroundings but also by anyone who can hear about it. There might be clear costs to taking on a role analogous to the sentry bird — a person who stands up to authority, for instance, risks losing his job, going to jail or getting beaten by the police — but in humans, these local costs might be outweighed by long-distance benefits. If a particular selfless trait enhances a person’s reputation, spread through the written and spoken word, it might give him an advantage in many of life’s challenges, like finding a mate. One way that reputation is enhanced is by being ostentatiously religious. “The study of evolution is largely the study of trade-offs,” Wilson wrote in “Darwin’s Cathedral.” It might seem disadvantageous, in terms of foraging for sustenance and safety, for someone to favor religious over rationalistic explanations that would point to where the food and danger are. But in some circumstances, he wrote, “a symbolic belief system that departs from factual reality fares better.” For the individual, it might be more adaptive to have “highly sophisticated mental modules for acquiring factual knowledge and for building symbolic belief systems” than to have only one or the other, according to Wilson. For the group, it might be that a mixture of hardheaded realists and symbolically minded visionaries is most adaptive and that “what seems to be an adversarial relationship” between theists and atheists within a community is really a division of cognitive labor that “keeps social groups as a whole on an even keel.” Even if Wilson is right that religion enhances group fitness, the question remains: Where does God come in? Why is a religious group any different from groups for which a fitness argument is never even offered — a group of fraternity brothers, say, or Yankees fans? Richard Sosis, an anthropologist with positions at the University of Connecticut and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has suggested a partial answer. Like many adaptationists, Sosis focuses on the way religion might be adaptive at the individual level. But even adaptations that help an individual survive can sometimes play themselves out through the group. Consider religious rituals. “Religious and secular rituals can both promote cooperation,” Sosis wrote in American Scientist in 2004. But religious rituals “generate greater belief and commitment” because they depend on belief rather than on proof. The rituals are “beyond the possibility of examination,” he wrote, and a commitment to them is therefore emotional rather than logical — a commitment that is, in Sosis’s view, deeper and more long-lasting. Rituals are a way of signaling a sincere commitment to the religion’s core beliefs, thereby earning loyalty from others in the group. “By donning several layers of clothing and standing out in the midday sun,” Sosis wrote, “ultraorthodox Jewish men are signaling to others: ‘Hey! Look, I’m a haredi’ — or extremely pious — ‘Jew. If you are also a member of this group, you can trust me because why else would I be dressed like this?’ ” These “signaling” rituals can grant the individual a sense of belonging and grant the group some freedom from constant and costly monitoring to ensure that their members are loyal and committed. The rituals are harsh enough to weed out the infidels, and both the group and the individual believers benefit. In 2003, Sosis and Bradley Ruffle of Ben Gurion University in Israel sought an explanation for why Israel’s religious communes did better on average than secular communes in the wake of the economic crash of most of the country’s kibbutzim. They based their study on a standard economic game that measures cooperation. Individuals from religious communes played the game more cooperatively, while those from secular communes tended to be more selfish. It was the men who attended synagogue daily, not the religious women or the less observant men, who showed the biggest differences. To Sosis, this suggested that what mattered most was the frequent public display of devotion. These rituals, he wrote, led to greater cooperation in the religious communes, which helped them maintain their communal structure during economic hard times. In 1997, Stephen Jay Gould wrote an essay in Natural History that called for a truce between religion and science. “The net of science covers the empirical universe,” he wrote. “The net of religion extends over questions of moral meaning and value.” Gould was emphatic about keeping the domains separate, urging “respectful discourse” and “mutual humility.” He called the demarcation “nonoverlapping magisteria” from the Latin magister, meaning “canon.” Richard Dawkins had a history of spirited arguments with Gould, with whom he disagreed about almost everything related to the timing and focus of evolution. But he reserved some of his most venomous words for nonoverlapping magisteria. “Gould carried the art of bending over backward to positively supine lengths,” he wrote in “The God Delusion.” “Why shouldn’t we comment on God, as scientists? . . . A universe with a creative superintendent would be a very different kind of universe from one without. Why is that not a scientific matter?” The separation, other critics said, left untapped the potential richness of letting one worldview inform the other. “Even if Gould was right that there were two domains, what religion does and what science does,” says Daniel Dennett (who, despite his neo-atheist label, is not as bluntly antireligious as Dawkins and Harris are), “that doesn’t mean science can’t study what religion does. It just means science can’t do what religion does.” The idea that religion can be studied as a natural phenomenon might seem to require an atheistic philosophy as a starting point. Not necessarily. Even some neo-atheists aren’t entirely opposed to religion. Sam Harris practices Buddhist-inspired meditation. Daniel Dennett holds an annual Christmas sing-along, complete with hymns and carols that are not only harmonically lush but explicitly pious. And one prominent member of the byproduct camp, Justin Barrett, is an observant Christian who believes in “an all-knowing, all-powerful, perfectly good God who brought the universe into being,” as he wrote in an e-mail message. “I believe that the purpose for people is to love God and love each other.” At first blush, Barrett’s faith might seem confusing. How does his view of God as a byproduct of our mental architecture coexist with his Christianity? Why doesn’t the byproduct theory turn him into a skeptic? “Christian theology teaches that people were crafted by God to be in a loving relationship with him and other people,” Barrett wrote in his e-mail message. “Why wouldn’t God, then, design us in such a way as to find belief in divinity quite natural?” Having a scientific explanation for mental phenomena does not mean we should stop believing in them, he wrote. “Suppose science produces a convincing account for why I think my wife loves me — should I then stop believing that she does?” What can be made of atheists, then? If the evolutionary view of religion is true, they have to work hard at being atheists, to resist slipping into intrinsic habits of mind that make it easier to believe than not to believe. Atran says he faces an emotional and intellectual struggle to live without God in a nonatheist world, and he suspects that is where his little superstitions come from, his passing thought about crossing his fingers during turbulence or knocking on wood just in case. It is like an atavistic theism erupting when his guard is down. The comforts and consolations of belief are alluring even to him, he says, and probably will become more so as he gets closer to the end of his life. He fights it because he is a scientist and holds the values of rationalism higher than the values of spiritualism. This internal push and pull between the spiritual and the rational reflects what used to be called the “God of the gaps” view of religion. The presumption was that as science was able to answer more questions about the natural world, God would be invoked to answer fewer, and religion would eventually recede. Research about the evolution of religion suggests otherwise. No matter how much science can explain, it seems, the real gap that God fills is an emptiness that our big-brained mental architecture interprets as a yearning for the supernatural. The drive to satisfy that yearning, according to both adaptationists and byproduct theorists, might be an inevitable and eternal part of what Atran calls the tragedy of human cognition.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/04/magazine/04evolution.t.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5088&en=a43cfb7b24423cc6&ex=1330664400&partner=rssnyt&emc=rssMany

Religion

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To achieve the best overall outcome in a lighting installation, it is important to avoid the tendency of rushing straight into luminaire selection before determining more broadly what is required from the system. The use of a structured design process helps to avoid this. The key steps in the design process are: - Identify the requirements - Determine the method of lighting - Select the lighting equipment - Calculate the lighting parameters and adjust the design as required - Determine the control system - Choice of luminaire - Inspect the installation upon completion (and if possible, a few months after occupation, to determine what worked and what didn’t. This is the only way to build up experience to apply to future designs) The five initial stages are considered in more detail in the following lines. This involves gaining a full understanding of what the lighting installation is intended to achieve. This includes the following: - Task Requirements ? - Mood of the space - Relation to shape of space - Things to be emphasised - Things to hide - Direction of light - Interaction of daylight At this stage, consideration is given to how the light is to be delivered, e.g. will it be recessed, surface mounted, direct or indirect, or will up-lighting be used, and its primary characteristics, e.g. will it be prismatic, low brightness or mellow light. Consideration should be given at this stage to the use of daylight to minimise the need for artificial light. Once the method of lighting has been selected, the most appropriate light source can then be chosen followed by the luminaire. The following attributes should be studied when choosing the light source: - Light output (lumens) - Total input wattage - Efficacy (lumens per Watt) - Physical size - Surface brightness / glare - Colour characteristics - Electrical characteristics - Requirement for control gear - Compatibility with existing electrical system - Suitability for the operating environment A number of factors also affect luminaire choice: - Characteristics of the light source and control gear - Luminaire efficiency (% lamp light output transmitted out of the fixture) - Light distribution - Glare control - Finish and appearance - Accessibility of components for maintenance - Ability to handle adverse operating conditions - Thermal management Lighting calculation methods fall into three broad categories: Photometric data for light sources and luminaires is commercially available to contribute to these calculations. There are a wide range of manual computation methods for the calculation of different lighting aspects. These include complex methods for calculating the illuminance from a wide variety of shapes of luminous objects. The majority of these have now been superseded by computer programs (check our free software). The Lumen Method was the mainstay for interior lighting and has remained in use as a quick and relatively accurate method of calculating interior illuminance. Inadequate attention to the assumptions will produce poor results. The basic assumptions are: - All the luminaires in the room are the same and have the same orientation - The luminaires do not have a directional distribution and are aimed directly to the floor - The luminaires are arranged in a uniform array on the ceiling and have the same mounting height - The luminaires are spaced less than the maximum spacing to mounting height ratio nominated in the coefficient of utilisation tables The average illuminance produced by a lighting installation, or the number of luminaires required to achieve a specific average illuminance, can be calculated by means of utilization factors (UF), a UF being the ratio of the total flux received by a particular surface to the total lamp flux of the installation. Lumen method formula // The average illuminance E(h) over a reference surface s can be calculated from the “lumen method” formula. - F – the initial bare lamp flux (lumens) - n – the number of lamps per luminaire - N – the number of luminaires - LLF – the total light loss factor - UF(s) – the utilization factor for the reference surface s of the chosen luminaire Utilization factors can be determined for any surface or layout of luminaires. The “UF” symbol is normally shown followed by an extra letter in brackets, to denote the surface, for example, UF(F) is the utilisation factor for the floor cavity and UF(W) is the utilisation factor for the walls. The lowest surface, the F surface (for floor Cavity), is a horizontal plane at normal working height (i.e. table height), which is often assumed to be 0.85 m above the floor. The middle surface, the W surface (for walls), consists of all the walls between the C and F planes. Although the lighting designer can calculate utilization factors, lighting companies publish utilization factors for standard conditions for their luminaires. The standard method of presentation is shown below. To use this table, it is only necessary to know the Room Index and the effective reflectance of the three standard surfaces (floor cavity, walls and ceiling cavity). Room Index // The Room Index is a measure of the angular size of the room, and is the ratio of the sum of the plan areas of the F and C surfaces to the area of the W surface. For rectangular rooms the room index is given by: - L – the length of the room - W – the width of the room - Hm – the height of the luminaire plane above the horizontal reference plane. If the room is re-entrant in shape, for example L shaped, then it must be divided into two or more non-re- entrant sections, which can be treated separately. Spacing to Mounting Height Ratio (SHR) The Spacing to Mounting Height Ratio (SHR) is the spacing between luminaires divided by their height above the horizontal reference plane. Although it was possible to calculate the luminance of all the surfaces in a room, the calculations were extremely laborious and could only be justified in the most special cases. However, the advent of computer modelling enabled a more flexible approach to lighting design and significantly increased the information available to the designer. - A mixture of luminaires can be used - The luminaires no longer have to be arranged in a regular array - Directional luminaires can be modelled - A large number of calculation points can be considered to give a meaningful uniformity calculation - The illuminance and luminance of all surfaces can be calculate This gives the lighting designer a much greater understanding of what is happening in the room. However there has been considerable research, experience and documentation over the past 80 years that has developed the current thinking in the adequacy of various illuminance levels for various tasks and functions. Although there is some general understanding of the need for appropriate luminance distribution in the vertical plane, there is little information, experience or understanding for many designers to determine: - What the luminance of surfaces should be in varying situations - What is an acceptable luminance uniformity - Whether there should there be a maximum luminance uniformity - What is the desired graduation in luminance - At what point is the luminance distribution of the wall unacceptable It is important in using a lighting calculation program that the output records the type of luminaire used, the location of the luminaires, the assumed lumen output of the lamp, the light loss factor and the aiming points. If this is not recorded you have a pretty picture of the installation and no way of making it a reality. These are programs that create a perspective rendering of the space in levels of detail that vary from a block representation of the space, to photographic quality renderings, depending on the sophistication of the program and the level of detail of the interior to be entered. The programs fall into two basic types: - Flux transfer or radiosity calculations - Ray tracing calculations A Lambertian surface is a perfect diffuser, where light is reflected in all directions, irrespective of the angle of incidence of the light such that irrespective of the viewing angle the surface has the same luminance. A specular surface is a mirror like surface, where the angle of reflection of the light is the same as the angle of incidence. A real life surface is a combination of both surfaces (semi-specular) and has both specular and diffuse characteristics. Some materials are more specular while others are more diffuse. A flux transfer or radiosity program treats all surfaces as diffuse or Lambertian surfaces, as a result their rendering tends to appear flat with soft shadow details. It will tend to overestimate the uniformity. Ray tracing traces the individual rays of light from the source to the eye as it reflects from surface to surface around the room. As a result ray tracing can allow for the specular component of the surfaces. Some programs calculate the entire lighting by ray tracing while others calculate the space on a flux transfer basis and have an overlay of ray tracing of specific areas to improve the quality of the rendering. When ray tracing is added, reflections are added in polished surfaces and shadows become sharper. The programs can show the designer how a specific design will perform but that they cannot reliably be used to assess the acceptability of a design. Irrespective of the form of the visualisation output, it is important that the program provides adequate information to enable the construction and verification of the lighting design. The output should include: - Installation information – the type and location of all luminaires and the aiming information. The lamp details should be included as well as the specific catalogue number of photometric file that has been used. - Light technical parameters – the illuminance, uniformity and other parameters that have been calculated to achieve the design. - Verification information – adequate details to enable the lighting calculation to be verified. This should include the luminaire type, the photometric file, surface reflectances that were assumed, light loss factors, lumen output of lamps and mounting and aiming locations. Go back to Lighting parameters ↑ | Go back to Index ↑ The effectiveness and efficiency of any lighting installation is affected as much by the control system as by the light sources and fixtures chosen. Give consideration to: - Providing multiple switches to control the number of lights that come on at any one time. Using one switch to turn on all the lights in a large room is very inefficient. - Placing switches at the exits from rooms and using two-way switching to encourage lights to be turned off when leaving the room. - Using ‘smart’ light switches and fittings which use movement sensors to turn lights on and off automatically. These are useful in rooms used infrequently where lights may be left on by mistake, or for the elderly and disabled.Make sure they have a built-in daylight sensor so that the light doesn’t turn on unnecessarily. Models which must be turned on manually and turn off automatically, but with a manual over-ride, are preferable in most situations. Be aware that the sensors use some power continuously, up to 5W or even 10W in some cases. - Using timers, daylight controls and motion sensors to switch outdoor security lights on and off automatically. controls are particularly useful for common areas, such as hallways, corridors and stairwells, in multi-unit housing. - Using solar powered lighting for garden and security lights. - Using dimmer controls for incandescent lights (including halogens). This can save energy and also increase bulb life. Most standard fluorescent lamps cannot be dimmed, but special dimmers and lamps are available. If lamps are to be dimmed it is important to ensure that the correct equipment is used, especially when retrofitting more energy efficient lamps. The performance of a luminaire should be considered just as carefully as its cost. In the long term a well designed, well constructed luminaire will be cheaper than a poor quality unit; and the salient features of a good quality luminaire are: - Sound mechanical and electrical construction and a durable finish - Adequate screening of high luminance lamps to minimise discomfort and glare - Adequate heat dissipation to prevent over-heating of the lamp, wiring and ancillary equipment - High light output ratio with the appropriate light distribution - Ease of installation, cleaning and maintenance Reference // The Basics of Efficient Lighting – A Reference Manual for Training in Efficient Lighting Principles – National Framework For Energy Efficiency The VAMC in Northport is looking for virtual training session (a basic overview) on Photometrics and using them, for our Engineering Department. Basically this article, minus the drawing program. Do you have anyone that is wiling to do this for us? It can be a virtual session, we just need to educate ourselves. We are at a VAMC in NY (Long Island) We would be open to scheduling a sales session separately. lighting adequacy study need n our petrochemical plant. pl suggest lorganisation You had mentioned 7 steps in the title but only listed six. Can you provide step 7 An architectural plan of a two floor public hospital with the electrical wiring design diagram as a teaching guide for my electrical engineering diploma class. Really useful since documents in this nature are rare Funny how usually such technical articles published on EE portals, but in real life, applications are dominated by architects or interior designers. Surprised that only Dialux was mentioned and not Relux and other lighting design packages. Perhaps you should do a comparison article ? Criteria for selection of Total Light Loss factor. Amazing article how I can save it? See the blue button ‘Get PDF’ on your left? That’s your answer, create the PDF out of this or any technical article and save it. um very happy to have this article. thank you a million. Amazing information, I need this article to be sent to my email. You can subscribe to full technical articles and you will receive complete technical articles on your email: The article on illumination is good. I have not studied earlier this type of article informative & valuable article, thanks You’re welcome, glad you like it. A very informative article. Concise and complete. Thank you Mark. Wow, this is an amazingly comprehensive article on a topic that is so relevant and so confusing! Hehe, thank you mate :)

http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/7-key-steps-in-lighting-design-process

Education

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The extended five-week national lockdown has postponed South Africa's worst-case Covid-19 scenario to September, a government projection shows. With no lockdown, South Africa was estimated to reach its peak coronavirus infections in July. A five-week lockdown, that has paralysed the economy, is buying the government two more months to prepare for a flooding of hospitals at the end of winter. This is according to a presentation made to Parliament's portfolio committee on health this week by the acting director general of the department of health, Anban Pillay, a copy of which News24 has obtained. It is the most detailed official analysis yet of the current situation that has been made public since the first infection was reported at the beginning of March. Other key findings in Pillay's presentation include: - In a worst-case scenario, Gauteng would see over 1.5 million Covid-19 infections at the end of winter, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with one million; - The country has less than half the number of ventilators needed to deal with peak infection. Public and private hospitals currently have a total of 3 216 ventilators, compared to the 7 000 we need, and - The country currently has 4 909 critical care hospital beds available, but the need for beds in intensive care units could exceed 14 700 at the highest level of infection. Only "severe to critical Covid-19 patients" will be treated at hospitals, while "mild to moderately infected patients" will be accommodated at field hospitals where basic medical care will be provided. The government's "readiness for worst case scenario" plan was informed by research from UCT's Modelling and Simulation Hub Africa. According to this scenario, if the lockdown was suspended this Thursday after three weeks, the peak would have hit the country around 18 August. Pillay told MPs during a digital meeting of the committee that the health department is seeing a different trajectory in the infection rate compared to countries such as South Korea, Britain, the United States and Spain. According to Pillay's presentation, based on statistics prepared by Professor Tulio de Oliveira of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation & Sequencing Platform (KRISP), the gradient of the curve is flatter than some countries which have been seriously affected. The presentation, which also covers the state of readiness of both the public and private sector, tracking and tracing strategy as well as detail about hotspots across the country, was given to MPs the day after President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday announced an extension to the lockdown until the end of April. Although Ramaphosa said there is "sufficient evidence" to show the lockdown is working, but that it is too early to make a "definitive analysis of the progression of the disease", he did not expand on which datasets, epidemiological modelling, or projections the government used to base its decision on to expand the lockdown. It is known that the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), that conducts testing on behalf of government, is not close to reaching is target of 36 000 tests per day. The president did consult widely before he announced his decision, including with opposition leaders, provincial premiers and representatives of business and labour, but he has not made public what the exact statistics or projections which informed the decision to extend the lockdown from three to five weeks are. The presidency on Friday and Saturday did not respond to questions for comment. A detailed set of questions was sent to presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko on Friday enquiring what metrics the national command council, which is co-ordinating the government's response to the coronavirus, used to determine that the lockdown must be extended. She did not return a call or respond to a message on Saturday. John Steenhuisen, the DA leader and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, says the lack of data on the spread of the virus is concerning. "There's a complete absence of empirical data or detail about which metrics government will use to measure whether the lockdown is successful or not. They're not playing open cards with the public." A senior government official privy to the decision-making process said on Saturday afternoon Ramaphosa is informed "by the best brains in the country" before he makes decisions and that extending the lockdown was based on scientific evidence put before him. The projections which swayed Ramaphosa are "scary", the official said, and added that government did not want to create panic. Professor Cheryl Cohen, one of the lead epidemiologists at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) told News24 that she hopes the projections given to government will be released soon. Martin Kingston, the executive chairperson of Rothschild & Co in South Africa, who is co-ordinating the response to Covid-19 by all business formations through Business for South Africa, told News24 he is "satisfied" that the decision to extend the lockdown was based on "the best available scientific evidence at the time". "We are in constant dynamic contact with government, from the minister of health to National Treasury, the department of labour and the department of trade and industry. I am absolutely satisfied that the decision was taken with the best available scientific evidence at the time. "But we all know, and government acknowledges it, that testing is inadequate and needs to be expanded," he said. The presentation made to MPs gives insight into the the healthcare system's state of readiness: - According to the latest available information the country has less than half the number of ventilators needed to deal with peak infection. The public healthcare system currently has 1 111 operational ventilators, with 2 105 operational in the private healthcare system for a total of 3 216 ventilators. According to projections the healthcare system would need 7 000 ventilators to deal with the virus, a shortage of 3 784. - There are currently only 3 318 critical care beds available, with 2 140 of those in private hospitals; there are 2 722 high care beds in the country, with only 1 082 of those in the public sector; there is a total of 119 416 hospital beds available, across South Africa. - During peak infection in an optimistic scenario, and with one lockdown enforced, the peak need for beds in intensive care units could exceed 14 700 beds at the highest level, and 4 100 in the lowest level. Siviwe Gwarube, the DA's spokesperson for health, says she is concerned that although the presentation went into more detail than anything seen before, there is still a lack of data available. "We're trying to access data, but what we've got now is wholly inadequate." Stay up to date and stay healthy. Subscribe to Health24’s Daily Dose newsletter for important updates on the spread of the coronavirus. Register and manage your newsletters in the new News24 app by clicking on the Profile tab

https://m.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/sa-government-plans-for-covid-19-to-peak-in-september-but-questions-about-data-remain-20200411

Health

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A World Bank report has revealed that the Nigerian Diaspora community remitted $168.33 billion to the country in the past eight years. The remittance was made even as the foreign investments inflow into the country remained unstable during those years caused by a scarcity of foreign currency which has since led to the free fall of the naira. According to data from the World Bank and Budget Office of the Federation, Nigeria’s Diaspora remittances have played a huge contribution in cushioning the adverse effects of foreign exchange scarcity and keeping the country’s forex reserve afloat. In 2022, the World Bank stated that remittances flow to sub-Saharan Africa grew by 5.2 per cent to $53 billion, with Nigeria getting the largest share. The figures from the global bank revealed that between 2015 and 2022, a total of $168.33 billion was sent home by Nigerians in the Diaspora. A breakdown of the figures revealed that in 2015, the Diaspora remittance was $21.2 billion; it plummeted to $19.7 billion in 2016; and rose to $22bn in 2017. It further stated that in 2018, it was $24.31 billion. It soon fell to $23.81 billion in 2019, and the pandemic caused it to fall to $17.21 billion in 2020. It came back stronger to $19.2 billion in 2021 and by 2022 the World Bank estimated that the inflows into the country had reached $20.9 billion. Prior to 2020, Nigeria’s remittance inflows had only fallen below $20 billion once, when it fell to $19.7 billion in 2016. According to the World Bank, Diaspora remittance one of the top sources of non-oil foreign exchange for the country in 2022. It noted that the sustained increase in Diaspora inflows since 2021 has been because of several new policies from the Central Bank of Nigeria. As of April 19, 2023, data from the CBN showed that Nigeria’s forex reserve was $34.43 billion, an 18.4 per cent increase from the $29.07 billion it was in 2015. While Diaspora remittances have helped hugely, the Nigerian Diaspora community recently stated that the current global economic hardship may affect its ability to transfer a lot of funds home. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/04/nigerians-abroad-remitted-168bn-in-eight-years-world-bank-report/amp/

Politics

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What was Africa's greatest invention? The first evidence of both mathematics and astronomy are in Africa. The stone circles in South Africa known as Adam's calendar may be the oldest human-made structure. The use of tally sticks and bones show people doing math up to 44,000 years ago. What has Africa given to the world? The earliest human inventions such as the hand-axe and manipulating fire originated in Africa. People in Africa developed inventions used up to the modern day, including fish hooks, bows and arrows, and boats. The most important center of learning in the ancient world was the library of Alexandria in Egypt. Many of the most important Greek contributions to math, science, medicine, astronomy, and more were made in Alexandria. The origin of the human species was on the African continent, and so it should come as no surprise that ancient African inventions were the first in human history. Even the ancestors of Homo sapiens, Homo erectus, had developed wooden tools, stone tools, and the ability to use fire. Physically modern humans emerged in East Africa between 200,000-150,000 years ago. By around 100,000 years ago there is evidence to show that humans had fully developed modern brains and cognitive function. Once human language had developed with toolmaking and use people began to migrate both within and outside of Africa to other continents. Some of the earliest inventions and African technology include hand axes, fishing hooks, bows and arrows, and even boats. Many of the African inventions in history pre-date the use of the written word by tens of thousands of years. There is a long and rich tradition of both oral and institutional knowledge in Africa in medicine, math, and education. Many traditional medicinal practices involved using plants that have chemical compounds used in modern medications, such as salicylic acid, now used in aspirin and kaolin, used to treat diarrhea. In Egypt the ancient polymath Imhotep developed systems of medicine so popular and effective that he was deified in the Egyptian pantheon, and was also recognized as a divine figure by many Greeks and Romans. Also in Egypt, the library of Alexandria was perhaps the best and largest repository of knowledge in the ancient world. In the Middle Ages, Timbuktu, in the Kingdom of Mali, was an important center of learning. The university at Sankore especially thrived in the 14th century under the patronage of Malian king Mansa Musa. The oldest university that still educates students today was founded in the 9th century in Fez, Morocco. Using records from Timbuktu and even traditional games such as Mancala as evidence, scholars have shown that Africa had a rich and complex indigenous traditions of mathematics long before the arrival of the Arabs or later European colonizers. African Technology and Architecture One of the most iconic architectural feats in Africa are the pyramids in Egypt. Just to the south, the Nubian pyramids are smaller, but much steeper and more numerous in modern-day Sudan. Mozambique and Zimbabwe boast of impressive stone structures, the most notable being the complex of Great Zimbabwe. The main mosque in Timbuktu is a prime example of traditional mud brick techniques in parts of Africa. Unfortunately, because mud brick and some other building materials are sensitive to the elements and need constant maintenance, not all of the old structures have survived into the modern day. Egyptian medicine was highly developed through millennia of constant refining of techniques with medicines combined with beliefs in magic. The architect Imhotep was also an accomplished scientist and established the idea that diseases and illnesses had natural causes, and therefore could have natural treatments, as opposed to strictly supernatural ones. These ideas were flourishing in Egypt thousands of years before the works of Hippocrates. Egyptian practitioners of medicine required both education and training in their field. Contributions to Math The oldest evidence of people using mathematics is found with the Lebombo bone in Southern Africa. Radiocarbon dating places the bone between 43,000-44,000 years ago. The bone has notches that indicate a lunar month. Some scholars have even postulated that the first mathematicians in human history were African women tracking menstrual and lunar cycles. Games such as Mancala in West Africa and Gebet'a from Ethiopia date centuries before the Common Era and involve mathematical skill. Even the Yoruba language uses a system of counting that requires mathematical functions to express many numbers. During the trans-Atlantic slave trade, many African scholars were kidnapped from their civilizations and were renowned for their skills. These include the "Virginia Calculator," who was forcibly taken from his home at the age of 14 and re-named Thomas Fuller. Tragically, many of these skills were passed down orally between generations, and the slave trade wrecked many of these educational ties. The Calendar and Astronomy The oldest calendars and evidence of astronomy came from Africa. Scholars are still debating the exact date and meaning of stone circles found in South Africa, known as Adam's calendar. The oldest estimates are up to 75,000 years old, and the alignment of the stones and materials show strong evidence of a calendar based on celestial bodies. As part of institutionalized education in Egypt there was comprehensive observation and study of the heavens, including records of Sun and Moon cycles. The Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to develop a written calendar. The division of days of the year in the Egyptian calendar informed the Julian calendar developed centuries later by the Romans. The Gregorian calendar used in many parts of the world today is a correction of the Julian calendar, and therefor a descendent of Egyptian contributions. The Use of Metal Some of the earliest and most impressive works of technology in Africa involve metallurgy. In the early middle ages (and possibly before) African smiths were able to create ovens that burned hundreds of degrees hotter than their contemporaries. Archeology suggests African societies created high quality carbon steel 2,500 years before the rest of the world. Some of the metal products in Africa would not have a rival in quality until the industrial revolution. In addition to practical uses, metallurgy in Africa had also developed to produce stunning works of art such as the Benin Bronzes in the Middle Ages. While many traditions and education in Africa have been transmitted orally, there were also important institutions of education. The most impressive institutional centers of education was Alexandria, Egypt. A range of lasting contributions of Greek scholars such as Ptolemy, Pythagoras, Eratosthenes, Hypatia, and many more were made thanks to education in Alexandria. The library of Alexandria was the largest in the world and an important center of education for mathematicians, astronomers, doctors, and many other fields of study. The education and library in Alexandria enriched scholarly fields both in and beyond Africa. Human history began in Africa. Ancient African inventions are humanity's earliest technology. From the very earliest times African technology such as the use of fire and hand-axes helped humans to survive and thrive in their environment. Inventions became more complex and spread outside of Africa to other continents. The richness and diversity of inventions in Africa has been developed both through oral traditions and through institutional knowledge. The earliest examples of the use of mathematics can be found with tally sticks used to record quantities, such as the Lebombo and Ishango bones found in Swaziland and the Democratic Republic of Congo, respectively. Possibly the oldest human-made structure in the world is a series of stone circles known as Adam's calendar in South Africa. Metallurgical techniques developed in ancient Africa were of a higher quality than any contemporaries, and evidence suggests that in East Africa people had developed Carbon steel centuries ahead of the rest of the world. Before many civilizations had even adopted writing, ancient Egypt had begun formal training of students, and ongoing practices of astronomical observations and medicine. The library of Alexandria was unparalleled in quality and quantity of ancient knowledge. Many of the most well-renowned Greek scholars gained their best knowledge and training in Alexandria. Inventors in Ancient Africa The human species evolved on the continent of Africa. This means that Africa has been inhabited longer than any place on Earth, so it's not surprising to learn that some of the greatest inventors in human history were living on this continent. The history of African inventors dates back to before modern humans technically existed. It was our genetic ancestors like Homo erectus who invented stone tools and discovered how to make fire. As soon as anatomically modern humans appeared in Africa, they started creating things too. The fishing hook, bow and arrow, and even boats were first invented by Africans long before the advent of written history. Even as humans started migrating out of Africa, those remaining on the continent just kept on inventing. Let's talk about some of the great inventions that ancient Africans produced, starting with medicine. Human groups likely had some sort of medicine since the earliest days of the species, but what we're talking about here is the development of a systematic medicinal culture. The ancient Egyptians have one of the oldest institutionalized cultures of medicine in the world. Professional healers not only used routine treatments for a variety of ailments, but recorded their knowledge as well. This let them establish schools of medicine, with each generation building upon the accomplishments of the last. As a result, the ancient Egyptians could do some pretty advanced stuff. They were able to complete complex surgeries, mend broken bones, and deal with maladies of the digestive, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. These treatments required medical tools and healing herbs and minerals, as well as magical spells. Math & The Calendar Along with complex systems of medicine, ancient Africans also developed systems of mathematics. Ancient Egyptians institutionalized the learning of math, which resulted in monumental architecture like the pyramids. Further evidence of mathematics stemming from Africa is the finding of tally sticks, long segments of bone or wood incised with markings to denote quantities. These simple devices have been found around the world, but the oldest may be the Lebombo bone that was discovered in Swaziland of southern Africa. At roughly 43,000 years old, it represents the oldest indication that ancient humans were using organized systems of mathematics to account for various quantities. In this case, it's widely believed that the markings relate to the number of days in a lunar month. That brings us to another notable invention: the calendar. Ancient African societies had advanced knowledge of astronomy and had learned from very early dates how to present the movements of the Earth, Sun, moon, and stars into an organized system. The earliest evidence of this dates back to a mysterious structure in southern Africa made up of stone circles, called Adam's calendar. It's a large collection of stone structures, assembled into what appears to be an astronomical calendar. It's basically like Stonehenge, but much older. While this remains one of the most controversial sites in Africa, some scholars have proposed that it may be up to 75,000 years old. If this date is accurate, it would be the oldest human-made structure in the world. Metal is pretty useful. Ancient Africans seem to have realized this early on. While humans in other parts of the world did not start fully utilizing metal until much later, Africans were smelting iron nearly 2,500 years ago. Metal tools can be found across Africa where ancient societies began exploiting rich mineral deposits millennia ago. Some of the most impressive ancient metallurgists may have lived in what is now Tanzania 2,000 years ago. Archeological evidence from this region suggests that ancient peoples may have actually been able to make carbon steel by at least 500 CE, if not earlier. The secret was in the advanced furnaces created by African peoples of this region that burned hotter but used less fuel. In fact, the ancient Tanzanians seem to have been systematically producing steel of a quality that would not be matched until England's Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The last major African contribution we're going to talk about is education. Again, we're not just talking about the passing on of information, humans have always done that. Instead, we're focusing on a systematic, institutional culture of education. The ancient Egyptians began recording knowledge and developed professional groups of academics who specialized in certain areas. Over time, certain regions in Egypt became noted as the centers of education in the ancient world and the first semblances of universities as we know them. The most famous of these was in the Egyptian city of Alexandria. The famous repository of written knowledge in the Mediterranean, the Library of Alexandria, was first constructed around 300 BCE. Even the ancient Greeks often traveled to Alexandria to study and learn. Many systems of geometry, astronomy, trigonometry, and medicine that we still use today were established in Alexandria by scholars like Euclid and Ptolemy, as well as dozens of African intellectuals. With educational centers like Alexandria, Africa remained one of the hotbeds of invention and innovation in all of the ancient world. Okay, let's now take a moment or two to review. As we learned in this lesson, Africa is the oldest inhabited continent on Earth, and home to some of humanity's greatest inventions. This list includes individual inventions that range from fishing hooks to boats to carbon steel, but also many of the first organized systems in the world. For example, ancient tally sticks, long segments of bone or wood incised with markings to denote quantities, suggest that Africans had developed consistent systems of mathematics millennia ago. These systems became advanced enough to allow for monumental structures to be built, sites like the African stone circles (called Adam's calendar) that suggest ancient systems of astronomy, while ancient furnaces were so efficient that they remained unmatched until the modern era. Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, ancient Africans established some of the oldest institutions of education and created systems that would redefine human societies and allow for many more inventions yet to come. Register to view this lesson Unlock Your Education See for yourself why 30 million people use Study.com Become a Study.com member and start learning now. Become a MemberAlready a member? Log In Resources created by teachers for teachers I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. It’s like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. I feel like it’s a lifeline.

https://study.com/academy/lesson/ancient-african-inventions.html

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A Nigerian pediatric surgeon, Professor Oluyinka Olutoye, is making the headlines in the United States and around the world for his success after performing a rare surgical operation. Professor Olutoye, alongside his surgeon partner carried out the delicate surgery on a 23 weeks old foetus who was removed from the mother’s womb, operated upon and returned to the womb to heal and continue to grow until the baby girl was born at 36 weeks. The baby suffered from a tumor known as ‘sacrococcygeal teratoma’, a tumor that develops before birth and grows from a baby’s coccyx, the tailbone. Research says it is found more often in girls than boys, and occurs in one out of every 35,000 births. Doctor Olutoye received his medical degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state south west Nigeria and his Ph.D. in anatomy from Virginia Commonwealth University In Richmond, Virginia in the United States. He shared his experience from this rare surgical feat and suggestions on how Nigeria can harness the talents that abound in the country’s medical space.

https://www.channelstv.com/2016/10/31/u-s-celebrates-nigerian-doctors-rare-surgical-feat/

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Learn about humans to succeed 2017. I once had a friend who worked with a Telecoms firm. She was well paid with good perks, and unfortunately she was always in and out of squabbles with her boss. She was a HR manager’s nightmare. For some reason she would or could not do her job, and would not let anyone else do it. I can’t count the number of times I helped draft response to queries, and counsel/coach her on managing her boss. Then it dawned on me. You see my friend is a super extrovert, and she was hired to do a super introvert’s job. She loved meeting and talking to people, yet her job gave her no avenue to do that, her only contact at work was her computer, talk about a square peg in a round hole. She was intensely dissatisfied with the job until she was asked to leave during a downsizing, and she has gone into other things. The year is about ending, with all the good and bad, challenges and victories. In another couple of weeks people will have made their new year resolutions and have all their pistons firing, ready to go. However, one tool we all need is the ability to study ourselves and other people so that we can be the best we can be, and help others succeed. Something called Emotional Intelligence. So what is emotional Intelligence? It is the ability of individuals to recognize their own and other people’s emotions, to discriminate between different feelings and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behaviour. Coined by Daniel Goleman Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. It is generally said to include 3 skills: - Emotional awareness, including the ability to identify your own emotions and those of others; - The ability to harness emotions and apply them to tasks like thinking and problems solving; - The ability to manage emotions, including the ability to regulate your own emotions, and the ability to cheer up or calm down another person. Arthur Miller, lifelong trainer and consultant has stated that one in two people in the U.S are in the wrong job. This increases job related conflicts and stress both in the workplace and in the employees home or family life. Furthermore, of the several reasons for underperformance in the workplace, poor fit of the individual to the job (being in the wrong job) and, interpersonal problems/ bickering in the workplace, are a result of temperament differences. How? You might want to ask.

http://thenationonlineng.net/itsekiri-leaders-to-jonathan-youre-pursuing-ijaw-agenda/Learn

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By Reno Omokri On the 15th of August 1945, the axis nations fighting in the Pacific theater defeated imperial Japan and two weeks later, Japan formally surrendered to allied forces led by the U.S. General, Douglas McArthur, who formally accepted the signed articles of surrender. But though the U.S. defeated Japan, they never decimated Japan’s great technological and industrial complex. They were visionary enough to distinguish these from Japan’s military industrial complex, which they scrapped. Realizing that Japan was decades ahead of the West in many technologies, the allied powers, led by the US, allowed those industries to remain as a going concern and took the unique step of enacting legislation and policies to enable them flourish. What they did in Japan, they also did in Europe. In Europe, the US, acting unilaterally, even went a step further by introducing the Marshall Plan through which America sent financial and other types of aid to help Europe (and especially Germany) recover from the ravages of the Second World War. The point of the allied and American actions in Japan and Europe is that technological advancement belongs to the human race and should not be allowed to suffer because of a quarrel or war amongst humans. This lesson was thoroughly established in 642 AD when the Library of Alexandria was burnt to the ground during the Muslim conquest of Egypt. It has been argued that that act set the world several centuries back in technological advancement and has become something to watch out for during the prosecution of a war. A war is a quarrel between or amongst people that is settled by means of violence. It is not a quarrel between or amongst technology, so civilized nations have pursued the policy of fighting wars while preserving technology. Gone should be the days of the scorched earth policy which is why despite the bestiality of the apartheid regime, President Nelson Mandela did not do a Mugabe, but rather left intact White owned farms, industry and universities and only insisted that they be opened to Blacks and other races. This brings me to Nigeria. I would like to state a fact that will be argued against, but still a fact that even those who would argue against it know to be true. The Igbo (or Ibo) ethnic nationality of Nigeria are the most technologically advanced Black race on planet earth, bar none! This is a fact. A fact that was proven to be true for 30 months while they were landlocked in their constantly shrinking enclave known as Biafra. Cut off from the rest of the world, the ingenuity of the Igbo came to the fore during the civil war as they constructed the Uli airstrip and when that airstrip was bombed, they repaired it in record time and under the most trying circumstances. They would go on to repair Uli not once and not twice. The Igbos refined petrol from a variety of non fossil fuels, including from but not limited to palm products (from which they also produced diesel) and manufactured surface to air missiles which they also adapted to surface to surface missiles (theOgbunigwe). They converted commercial planes to fighter jets and weaponized them. That was no mean feat in 1967. In fact, when in 2012, the Nigerian Army rolled out the igirigi and promoted it as the first indigenous armored personnel carrier, they were wrong. I am not a Biafran. I am proudly Nigerian. And beyond that, I am a proud dark skinned Black African yet I make bold to say that the igirigi is not the first indigenous APC. In fact, the first indigenous armored personnel carrier in Black Africa is the Red Devil, built by the Igbos during the Nigerian Civil War. The Nigerian Civil War ended in January 1970 and the Nigerian Army unveiled theigirigi in July of 2012. If they had converted the Red Devil to their own use, they would probably be talking about a greater feat in the year 2012. My question is what happened in the intervening 42 years between 1970 and 2012? Why didn’t the Nigerian Army integrate the military industrial complex of Biafra into its Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria, DICON? Why did we have to reinvent the wheel at great cost in terms of time and money? The Nigerian Civil War ended on a note of ‘no victor no vanquished’. That was a watershed moment inspired by the Christlike mind of General Yakubu Gowon. That gesture is to be applauded. But why did we as a nation not go the whole hog and take advantage of Biafra’s technological advances and integrate her scientists into our Research and Development sector much like the US did with German and Japanese scientists? That is where we failed as a nation. I remember growing up as a child and how other Nigerians scoffed at ‘Igbo made’ electronic products. There was hardly anything including electronics, pharmaceuticals, spirits and wines that the Igbos could not counterfeit. And rather than our leaders seeing the potential in those products, we all scoffed at them. Igbo made products were a pariah. Did it ever occur to any of our leaders that if government had supported these technological advancement, Nigeria could have become an industrialized nation today and Igbo made products would have been exported abroad as made in Nigeria products? It would surprise many that a number of the greatest technological advancement and products that came out of America after the Second World War were the work of German or Japanese scientists! In an operation code named Operation Paperclip, 1500 German scientists, engineers and technicians were airlifted to the United States and given US permanent US residency and citizenship immediately after the defeat of Germany in 1945. The primary aim of Operation Paperclip was to prevent these skilled men and women from falling into Soviet Russian hands. Hans Erich (Eric) Hollmann who was one of the fathers of radar technology was one of such scientists airlifted to America. Kurt Lehovec the pioneer of the integrated circuit systems in electrical engineering is another. He was airlifted to America in 1945 where he became a Professor at the University of Southern California and passed on his knowledge to America’s next generation of scientists. The allies had been having issues with the jet engine and were not able to develop planes like the German Messerschmitt Me 262. But after the defeat of Germany, US forces gave safe passage to Rudi Beichel who went to the US and became an adviser to the US army on liquid propulsion. Other German scientists such as Magnus “Mac” Freiherr von Braun and his brother, Wernher Von Braun helped reverse engineer German jets which led to the development of the US American F-86 Sabres, a plane that helped the US dominate the air during the Korean War. More importantly, Wernher Von Braun provided much of the know how that helped America build the Apollo spacecraft which allowed America beat Russia as the first nation to get to the moon. Methamphetamine was invented by Japanese a Japanese chemist, Nagai Nagayoshi and the drug was shared with their German allies and helped their soldiers stay awake and focus. After the war, German scientists helped American scientist synthesize the drug which revolutionized the US health industry. Why can’t we do the same in Nigeria? Can you imagine what our technological base would have been if we as a nation had a policy of patronizing the so called Igbo made products right from the end of the war till today? What if we had absorbed the the Research and Production Organisation of Biafra (RAP as it was then known) into the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers? By now, we may have been manufacturing jets and we would not be dependent on foreign nations for weapons to fight terrorists. This is why I was so disgusted with the minister of science and technology, Ogbonnaya Onu for aspiring, on Nigeria’s behalf, to produce pencils by 2018! I mean this man is the first civilian governor of the old Abia state which today encompasses both Abia and Ebonyi states. Right there, under his own nose, Nigerians of Igbo extraction, without ANY governmental support, are manufacturing electronics and heavy machinery components and Onu is caught up on pencils! Onu should visit Nnewi if he knows where it is. Right there he would see a city that does not wait for government. Nnewi people are so industrious that after years of waiting endlessly for government to provide basic amenities, they have built their own roads, have their own power stations and their own water works. Just like Japan, Nnewi has manufacturers of such things like batteries, pistons, automobiles and other products. These Nnewi manufacturers have built schools for the kids of their workers on site, just like in Japan. You just need to visit Nnewi or Aba to see what is going on in Nigeria. These guys are Nigeria’s most guarded secret because even the federal government is not aware of them. And the reason why this is so is because these people are Igbos! It is time for Nigeria to forgive the Igbos for being Igbo and accept them as full partners and equal partners in the Nigerian project and use the entire strength of the Nigerian federal government to provide them the support to fulfill their destiny as the Black African people that are nucleus of the technological advancement of Africa. Notice I say Africa, not just Nigeria. I don’t say this lightly. All over West and Central Africa, Nigerians of Igbo extraction are the backbone of the commercial and technological sectors. I can say what I have said above without any accusation of self or group interest promotion because I am not Igbo neither am I married to one. I have said the truth as my conscience sees it because I am committed to advancement of the Black Race because as a proud Black man, I know that no black African tribe is as great as the Black Race when it is united. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/08/igbo-blessing-nigeria/

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The disastrous BP oil spill is now believed to be the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history. Even worse than Exxon Valdez. Exxon Valdez stirs up strong memories. Who can forget the images of birds covered in black oil slick? Imagine an Exxon Valdez happening every year for 50 years. Pretty unimaginable. Yet, this is what residents of Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta have been living with for the last 50 years. Experts estimate that some 13 million barrels of oil have been spilt in the Niger Delta since oil exploration began in 1958. This is the equivalent of one Exxon Valdez every year for 50 years. Although the Obama administration has come under much criticism for not responding quickly enough, nor adequately, to the BP oil spill, there is no denying that top government officials, including the president himself, have felt compelled to speak about the spill and to insist that BP will be held accountable. How differently things play out in Nigeria. Not only does the Nigerian government usually not bother to issue statements, it never feels compelled to decry such spills. Even more striking, perhaps, is the very different ways in which the international media deals with oil spills. Of course, it is entirely appropriate that the U.S. media have been giving constant coverage to the BP Gulf spill. But it is not just the U.S. media that have been covering the Gulf disaster with great dedication. Media around the world are covering the Gulf oil spill in a way that not even the Nigerian media covers oil spills in Nigeria. I would be willing to bet that even residents of the smallest Nigerian villages have heard about the Gulf oil spill. By contrast, I know few people in the United States who have heard about the oil spills in the Niger Delta. Yet Nigeria is among the top five suppliers of oil to the U.S. The Niger Delta, which is home to more than 30 million people and is considered one of the world’s most important ecosystems, produces almost all of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings. Dead fish and oily water are part of daily life for Niger Delta residents, as are gas flares. Some middle-aged Niger Delta residents have never had a night of total darkness. There is a law against gas flaring in Nigeria, but it continues to be widely breached. Oil companies operate in Nigeria with little or no oversight from the government. It must be noted that the government has part ownership in the subsidiaries of all the oil multinationals which operate in Nigeria. A year ago, Amnesty International published a report, “Petroleum, Pollution and Poverty in the Niger Delta.” The report focused on Royal Dutch Shell because Shell is by far the largest operator in the Delta. According to the Oil Spill Intelligence Report, a 10-year study commissioned by Greenpeace, although Shell operates in more than 100 countries, 40 percent of all its oil spills happen in Nigeria. That’s simply staggering. The Greenpeace and Amnesty reports tell of spills that had been continuous for years and many that had never been cleaned up (despite claims by Shell to the contrary). According to the Amnesty report, “Oil spills, waste dumping and gas flaring are notorious and endemic in the Niger Delta.” Residents of the Niger Delta “have to drink, cook with and wash in polluted water, and eat fish contaminated with oil and other toxins.” The fish that is not polluted is killed by the oil and toxins, making earning a livelihood impossible for many who depended on the sale of fish. Shell’s response has been that most of the oil spillage is due to sabotage and vandalism. While acknowledging that theft and vandalism are sometimes to blame for the oil spills, Amnesty insists that the oil companies are to blame for the vast majority of spills. Experts predict that as oil companies turn increasingly to the deep ocean and other difficult environments to get oil, more leaks are likely. The pattern in Nigeria also points in the direction of increasing spills. In 2008, Shell reported double the amount of spills in 2007; in 2009 it reported double the spills in 2008. Interviewed by one television station, BP CEO Tony Howard offered a hollow-sounding apology, then quickly added, “I’d like my life back.” When big oil spills happen, ordinary people rarely get their lives back.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/05/opinion/05iht-edejikeme.html

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WASHINGTON – An experimental drug treatment can help monkeys survive an otherwise deadly infection with a tropical virus called Marburg, which is similar to Ebola, researchers said Wednesday. The findings in the journal Science Translational Medicine could speed efforts to bring to market a drug treatment against Ebola, a deadly hemorrhagic virus that is sweeping across West Africa in the largest outbreak to date. There is no available drug or vaccine for Ebola, which has killed 1,350 people and infected 2,473 since March in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea and Liberia. Marburg is from the same family as the Ebola virus and also causes severe bleeding, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Fatality rates range from 25 percent to 80 percent, and like Ebola, it is transmitted via contact with bodily fluids. The study tested a Marburg virus drug, made by Canada’s Tekmira Pharmaceuticals, on 16 monkeys. One group was given the treatment 30-45 minutes after exposure to a lethal dose of the Angola strain of Marburg virus. Other groups were treated one, two and three days following the infection. “All treated animals in all four studies survived,” said lead author Thomas Geisbert, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. – FDA Fast-track – The control group included monkeys that were sickened with Marburg virus but were not given the treatment. They all died, beginning one week after they were infected. The discovery that the treatment worked even three days into the monkeys’ infections shows “real world utility of this technology,” Geisbert told reporters. Experts are hopeful that such a treatment could be useful because symptoms of Marburg virus begin showing themselves around that time. Ebola, too, usually becomes symptomatic within two to 10 days of infection, though the incubation period can last as long as 21 days. “The significance of delaying treatment until three days after infection, which is the earliest time at which diagnosis by viral RNA can be detected and those infected show the first clinical signs of disease, is a critical step in triggering clinical interventions,” said Ian MacLachlan, executive vice president and chief technical officer of Tekmira Pharmaceuticals. The researchers published a study in The Lancet in 2010 that showed the same technology could be used to create a treatment that would completely protect rhesus monkeys against Ebola, Geisbert said. For it to be deployed for “compassionate use during this outbreak” in people, there would have to be “a situation where a country or someone would request that from the company,” he told reporters. He added that there were “no problems” in terms of side effects with the doses given in the monkey tests. Tekmira has begun phase one trials to test safety in people, and in March the company said it was granted a Fast-Track designation by the US Food and Drug Administration to develop its drug, TKM-Ebola. The drug works by interfering with how Ebolas grows once it penetrates the cells of the body. Another experimental Ebola drug, ZMapp, works differently, by delivering the body a cocktail of antibodies that target different parts of the Ebola virus. ZMapp has been given to a handful of people who were sickened in the latest outbreak, including to American missionaries, but it is difficult to make in large amounts. Geisbert said the Tekmira product could be replicated “relatively quickly,” given the proper funding. Experts say that getting enough money to pay for trials and development has been a key challenge for drug makers, due the history of sporadic outbreaks in Africa. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/drug-blocks-ebola-like-virus-monkey-tests/

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By Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò General Reynaldo Bignone died on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at a military hospital in Buenos Aires, where he was serving a life sentence for crimes against humanity [http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-43318136]. General Bignone, who the heck was that? And why should an African audience be interested in him or his fate? His life and the country in which that life was led share many striking similarities to lives and the countries in which those lives are led in Africa. Bignone was the last leader of the military junta that ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1983. Others included Jorge Videla, who led the coup d’état that brought the military to power, and Leopoldo Galtieri, who led the ill-fated invasion of the Malvinas Islands [British: Falkland Islands]. Bignone it was who presided over the return of power to democratically elected rulers in 1983. When Videla died in 2013 at 87, also in prison, I had planned to write a piece like this but it never materialized. With the last of them passing at 90 and a prisoner, the issues that motivated me then have only become more pressing over time. Yes, we lament any death. That is a human thing to do. We celebrate when the life has been long and made a lot of difference for other humans or left the world a better place. Neither Videla nor Bignone could be said to have done the latter. Both of them presided over a military regime that sponsored and prosecuted Argentina’s infamous, brutal Dirty War during which as many as 30000 Argentines were “disappeared”—“a euphemism for kidnapping and murdering opponents” [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-argentina-rights/argentinas-last-ex-dictator-bignone-dies-at-age-90-idUSKCN1GJ2J8], torture of opponents and imprisonment for many leftist politicians and activists. Bignone presided over the kidnapping of the children of many of their leftist victims and the gifting of such children to favored right-wing families in the country. To that extent, there is no reason to lament their deaths. As important as the issues raised by their conduct in office are, they are not the ones that provoked my reflections. Their lives and conduct in office as military rulers were neither unique nor limited to central and south America. The sixties through the eighties of the twentieth century witnessed the heyday of military rule in Africa, Asia, Europe, Central and South America. Back then, a country being under the jackboots of military dictators was par for the course. The crucial question turns on what happened to some of those military dictator-types after they left office. What happened, for instance, to Argentina’s or South Korea’s military rulers after they left office? This is where the lessons for Africa are to be found. Bignone was the one who arranged and enacted the transition to democratic rule in 1983. In other words, he was Argentina’s equivalent of Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo and Ghana’s Jerry Rawlings, both in 1979, and Abdulsalam Abubakar in Nigeria in 1999. In almost every case, the departing military rulers wrangled amnesties from their incoming civilian successors for whatever the former did while they held sway as extra-constitutional rulers of their respective countries. Others inserted clauses in the constitutions they authored for their successors granting them immunity for their activities while in office. Unfortunately for military dictators in Asia, Central and South America, they never reckoned with the elephant in the room of the modern age: democracy. For one thing, present parliaments cannot bind future ones. So, any concessions extorted from incoming legislators at the termination of military rule could not stop successor parliaments from revoking them. Even constitutional enshrinements cannot stop a people whose constitution it is from expunging such provisions. Later parliaments in Argentina and South Korea undid the amnesties and put the military rulers on trial. They were not tried for overthrowing democratic regimes. They were put on trial for acts they performed in office ranging from murder, kidnapping to crimes against humanity. Those parliaments decided that merely putting an end to an illegality—coup d’état and extraconstitutional rule—by handing over power to constitutional governments does not remove the illegality or the taint of it left all that was done while they held office. Secondly, time or “good behavior” in other areas while extraconstitutional rule lasted could not wash clean the crimes that were perpetrated against human dignity by the regimes’ functionaries. Finally, those countries, led by their legislators, were convinced that they could not ensure that NEVER AGAIN would their peoples endure the indignities perpetrated by the extraconstitutional regimes if they allowed the principal officers of those administrations to escape censure or pretend that crimes against humanity had not been committed while the regimes lasted. Argentinians held their military rulers responsible for what they did in office. When Videla died at 87 in 2013, he was not merely serving time for his role in the Dirty War, right up to the time of his death, new convictions were being obtained against him. Bignone, as we pointed out earlier, died at 90, in prison, for the same reasons. He was not convicted till 2010, a full twenty-seven years after he left office and, I am sure, thought all was well. South Koreans, too, held their military rulers responsible for crimes committed while they ruled. Chun Doo Hwan was particularly loathsome. He it was who laid siege to the city of Gwangju in 1980 and mowed down citizens protesting his regime under the leadership of students there. The city is now home to a poignant National Democracy Park dedicated to the memories of the hundreds, yes, hundreds who were killed there. “Mr. Chun [was] sentenced to life in prison and Mr. Roh [his handpicked successor] to 17 years for their roles in the 1979 military coup that brought Mr. Chun to power, for the violent suppression of a pro-democracy uprising in Kwangju in 1980 and for the collection of millions of dollars in bribes from businessmen.” See [https://www.washingtonpost.com/?utm_term=.1233c9b0449b] and [http://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/23/world/2-ex-dictators-leave-korea-jails-pardoned-after-2-years.html?ref=topics]. And then there is Africa. Here I would like to focus specifically on Nigeria. All the things that ex-dictators were held accountable for in Argentina, Guatemala, South Korea, and other places, were all perpetrated in Nigeria by successive military regimes, too. Killing, maiming, unlawful imprisonment, name it, our military rulers did it! Many of those acts qualify as crimes against humanity. Most of all, our military rulers destroyed our country. They destroyed the economy. They destroyed our political institutions. They compromised civil society. They destroyed our education system. Nothing survived their penchant for destruction. Other places know that there is only one way to preempt future impunity: it is by calling out and sanctioning past impunity. There is only one way to ensure that NEVER AGAIN would their citizens suffer the predations of state actors presiding over extraconstitutional rule: hold the perpetrators accountable for the crimes they committed while they held the reins of government. What have we done? We went in the opposite direction. We have rewarded our armies of destruction hugely. We have turned them into heroes for doing what they ought to have done: vacate their illegal regimes. We have allowed their contraptions [constitutions?] for obscuring their crimes to be the ruling charter of our land. We have turned a blind eye to their criminal acts in office. On the contrary, we have continued to entertain their playing central roles in our lives by means of such incubus as the so-called Council of State. Worse still, we have put two of them back in office both of whom came with a heavy baggage of human rights violations that in other climes were designated crimes against humanity. Others we have made into go-to persons on issues of national importance—Abubakar, Babangida, Gowon—or we have provided them with soft landings to become principal functionaries of our so-called democracy—senators, ministers, governors, and so on. Nigeria and Africa are the only places where the military destroyed countries and a continent with absolutely no accountability for their misdeeds. Does anyone still wonder why those other countries have moved forward while we have stagnated, if not regressed? What are we telling the world in terms of how they weigh the issue of human dignity when it comes to their treatment of us? By our refusal to punish ugly violations of our individual and collective dignity by those who claimed to rule us and in our name, we are saying to the world, human dignity is not something that we are invested in. As we would say in Yorùbá, how you style your calabash determines what use the world puts it to. It is beyond sad. Of course, Bignone died a prisoner and was buried with no pomp or circumstance. Wish that were the fate reserved for Babangida, Buhari, Abubakar, and Obasanjo. I am permitted to dream, I hope. Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò teaches at the Africana Studies and Research Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, U.S.A.

http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/06/03/over-22-persons-dead-in-rivers-after-drinking-local-gin/Calling

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‘There was a country’: Ogbunigwe, Abagana ambush; Achebe, Okigbo and Ifeajuna THE OGBUNIGWE BOMB: commonly known as Ogbunigwe during the Biafran war, its fame and mystique traveled wide on both sides of the divide. Considered a technological breakthrough of Igbos during the war, the bomb, which may well be a higher version of today’s I.E.Ds (improved explosive device) was deployed to great effect by the Biafran army. With the economic blockade of Biafra having a telling effect, the people turned inwards, devising survival strategies and apparatuses. Apart from extracting and refining their own petrol; they also had improvised armoured tanks and piloted their planes. The renowned Professor Godian Ezekwe led a team of scientists in what was known as the Biafran Research and Production Unit, RAP. This think-tank group is said to have developed rockets, bombs and telecommunications gadgets. According to Achebe, quoting another great author, Professor Chukwuemeka Ike, the ogbunigwe was put to so much devastating effect against the federal troops that the fear of the explosive was the beginning of wisdom for them; to the extent that the Biafrans succeeded more with it than any imported weapons. Ike in his book, Sunset at Dawn: A Novel about Biafra, captures it thus: “You must have heard that the Nigerians are now so mortally afraid of Ogbunigwe that each advancing battalion is now preceded by a herd of cattle.” Boasting about this feat in what is regarded his last official wartime speech, Ojukwu said: “ in three years of war, necessity gave birth to invention… we built bombs, rockets, and we designed and built our own refinery, and our own delivery systems and guided them far. For three years, blockaded without hope of import, we maintained all our vehicles. “The state extracted and refined petrol, individuals refined petrol in their back gardens. We built and maintained our airports, we maintained them under heavy bombardment… we spoke to the world through a telecommunications system engineered by local ingenuity. “In three years, we had broken the technological barrier, became the most advanced black people on earth.” THE ABAGANA AMBUSH: March 25, 1968 probably remains one of the most memorable days in the Nigeria –Biafra war. It was the day the Nigerian side suffered the heaviest single loss in the war. Known as the Abagana Ambush, the Second Division of the Nigerian Army led by Col. Murtala Muhammed had finally crossed the Niger Bridge after failing in the first attempt (having been repelled by the Col. Joe Achuzia’s guerrilla army and suffering heavy casualties). Having crossed into Biafra, the plan was to link up with the First Division led by Col. Shuwa penetrating the Igbo heartland through the north from Nsukka. As Achebe notes: “The amalgamation of these two forces, the Nigerian Army hoped, would then serve as a formidable force that would ‘smash the Biafrans’”. Col. Muhammed was said to have assembled and deployed, a convoy of 96 vehicles and four armoured cars to facilitate this plan on March 31, 1968. However, Biafran intelligence was said to have got wind of the move and a Major Jonathan Uchendu was charged with working out a counter-attack strategy. With a 700-man team, a counter- attack plan was hatched that essentially sealed up the Abagana Road while the troops lie in ambush in a nearby bush waiting patiently for the advancing Nigerians and their reinforcements. Achebe writes that “Major Uchendu’s strategy proved to be highly successful. His troops destroyed Muhammed’s entire convoy within one and half hours. All told, the Nigerians suffered about 500 casualties. There was minimal loss on the Biafran side.” It was probably the most resounding battle ever won by the Biafrans in the entire war. ACHEBE, OKIGBO AND MAJOR IFEAJUNA: Christopher Okigbo, the cerebral poet and Achebe had known from their Government College, Umuahia days. Though Okigbo was two years junior to Achebe in class, they struck up friendship very quickly and maintained the closeness till Okigbo’s tragic end in the war front. After Umuahia, they were to meet again at the University College, Ibadan, and while Achebe was in the Nigerian Broadcasting Service in Ikoyi , Lagos, Okigbo was West Africa manager for Cambridge University Press. Their friendship was such that Okigbo was godfather to one of Achebe’s sons and on many occasions during the ensuing tumult in Igboland, Okigbo played ‘father ‘ role to the Achebe house- hold. When the war was in full force and all the Igbo personalities had returned, Enugu was the natural settlement for most of the elite returnees in the early days before the ancient town was bombed into submission by the federal forces. It was in Enugu; precisely on Michael Okpara Avenue, that Achebe and Okigbo set up their publishing outfit called Citadel Press. It was indeed the idea of Okigbo who thought out and even worked out the whole project before getting Achebe to come on board. The crux of it all was to publish educational materials, including children’s books and books that would capture the ongoing crisis. The first book Citadel Press worked on was, “How the Dog Became a Domesticated Animal,” by John Iroaganachi. Achebe and Okigbo chose to rework the folktale and turn it around to become, “How the Leopard got its Claws.” This book never got to see the light of the day before the shelling of Enugu became unbearable and most people had to scamper and relocate further into the hinterland. While Citadel still functioned, Okigbo had brought a manuscript from Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, one of the five majors who plotted the January 1966 coup. The twain were thoroughly disappointed with Ifeajuna’s account of that critical event of Nigeria’s life. Hear Achebe: “I read the treatise through quickly and became more and more disappointed as I went along. Ifeajuna’s account showcased a writer trying to pass himself off as something that he wasn’t. For one, the manuscript claimed that the entire coup d’etat was his show, that he was the chief strategist, complete master mind, and executer, not just one of several. He recognized the presence of his coconspirators but did not elevate their involvement to any level of importance.” Chukwuma Nzeogwu, one of the chief protagonists of the January 1966 coup called the manuscript a lie while Achebe and Okigbo thought it too irresponsible to deserve publication. The manuscript was later to vanish to the regret of Achebe who thought it could have been preserved at least as a version of what transpired on that fateful January of 1966. Christopher Okigbo who had become a Major in the Biafran army was to be felled in the war front in August 1967, in Ekwegbe, close to Nsukka. Achebe who had fled from Enugu under the hale of shelling returned to Citadel Press after the war to find the small building reduced to ruble. It was instructive that a number of buildings in the vicinity had been unscathed by the conflict, but this one was pummeled to the ground. It was the work of someone or some people with an ax to grind, he thinks. TOMORROW: THE ECONOMIC BLOCKADE AND STARVATION; EPILOGUE

https://thenationonlineng.net/there-was-a-country-ogbunigwe-abagana-ambush-achebe-okigbo-and-ifeajuna/

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The Greek philosopher Socrates once declared that the unexamined life is not worth living. By this avowal, one is bound to look back and forth to ascertain the meaning of his existence on earth, the worth and the expectations. The uniqueness of man as a sapient, different from the imbecilic nature of animal stands him out as specie created to co-exist with one another and bring about meaningful produce for his existence. However, on no account should man call himself a failure considering his sagacious nature, unless unprecedented inferiority set in which may emanate from his inability to discern his quality and attributes. Against this background, comes this earnest reawakening spirited call by a veteran journalist Peter Anosike to his fellow brethren, the Igbos, to wake up, in a thought provoking and incisive book titled ‘100 years of Amalgamation: Igbos, What Hope in Nigeria?’ The 189 pages book segmented into eleven chapters with forward by Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Ananmbra State, addresses critical issues concerning the Igbos like; “Who are the Igbos, the Igbo Can Do Spirit, Igbo and the Media, The Need for Re-Orientation, The charade called Nigeria’s Census and others, with the last chapter, Reconciling Nigerians: needs for Sovereign National Conference” and three structured appendixes that talked about attempt made by conscious Igbo citizens for Igbo Unity and the formation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-political group that is championing the course of Ndi Igbo. Looking at the title of the book, one may be pricked to ask if the author is calling for a revolution, but the spirit behind the rhetorical question is a straightforward ponder and demand for the Igbos and alike to re-examine themselves, where they are coming from, their travail and the way forward with attentions to those things that would make them a great nation. In a nutshell, the book according to the author is not a praise song for the Igbos and the Igbo nation. He noted, how they have done well in some areas, failed in some, but the irony to a large extent points that the entity itself are part of their problems. It is a kind of mixed bag, applauding the great deeds on one hand, chastising and calling for attitudinal change on the other hand. The first chapter is a narrative section of the origin of the Igbo tribe. By drawing attention from a discovery by an Anglican Missionary, G.T. Baseden, who was of the view that word Igbo came from Hebrew word, Heebo twisted to sound Ibo or Igbo. These tribes have a custom and etymological semblance between them which points to Igbos as descent from Jews: their itinerant nature, resilience, creative instinct, courage and self confidence which are the factors behind their successes in many spheres today. These amazing attributes leads to his second chapter that dealt with “The Igbo ‘Can Do’ Spirit”. Obviously the most persuasive argument here is that the enterprising spirit of an average Igbo man did not develop after the civil war. It is simply part of their make-up and not something borne out of desperation as can be seen from their dominant role in governance before and after independence. As the author proceed from describing a typical Igbo man, he went further by pinpointing how they got it all wrong: The lack of interest by Igbos in utilizing the media extensively,The negative and selfish approach towards politics of national interest in the country and others. Perhaps, chapter five is a respite with the title, ‘the need for re-orientation’. When a man retrieves his steps backwards and find where he faulted, the option left is solution to move forward. Although, for them to achieve this, unity and harmony is important, but the fact remains that other tribes who feels that the Igbos are the black leg of Nigeria or have mentally naturalized in another ethnic group should re-educate themselves to realize that they are leaving gold for bronze. As he progressed with other facts in other chapters concerning the wellbeing of an Igbo race, perhaps the most important is the formation of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Forum, the Aka-Ikenga and other groups that have been working hard for the repositioning of the Igbo race in the nation and diaspora. The book, in its simplified English and devoid of voluminous words is a masterpiece and a tool of change through soul searching and unanswered questions of who Igbo are and also a window of untapped opportunities towards repositioning. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/photos-heroic-welcome-for-buhari-in-kaduna/Igbos

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Previous papals who resigned The Vatican announced yesterday that Pope Benedict XVI will step down on February 28. Although papal resignations are extremely rare, there are precedents in the two millennia history of the Catholic Church. This early church pope abdicated or was deposed in 304 after complying with the Roman emperor’s order to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. He sold the papacy to his godfather Gregory VI and resigned in 1045. Overwhelmed by the demands of the office, this hermetic pontiff stepped down after five months as pope in 1294. Pope Benedict XVI prayed at his tomb in the central Italian city of L’Aquila in 2009. The last pope to resign, Gregory XII stepped down in 1415 to help end a church schism. Culled from the Associated Press

https://thenationonlineng.net/just-in-court-remands-seun-kuti-for-additional-four-days/Previous

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National Epilepsy Awareness Month Recognizing National Epilepsy Awareness Month November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM), and this year we are launching a public awareness campaign to reduce stigma associated with epilepsy. The campaign, Change Our Epilepsy Story, aims to encourage people with epilepsy and their caregivers to share their journey with epilepsy, including struggles living with this condition and challenges they’ve overcome. If we share our epilepsy stories, we can educate those around us and, in turn, address the stigma surrounding epilepsy and seizures. NEAM is the perfect time for our community to share our experiences with seizures and Change Our Epilepsy Story. So spread the word! It is also an opportunity to educate the world on how to be prepared and act safely if someone has a seizure. How Can You Change Your Epilepsy Story? Without you, there is no epilepsy awareness, education, advocacy, or research. Let’s continue to be resilient and build awareness for our community so that collectively, we can Change Our Epilepsy Story. Here are the ways you can make a change: Submit an eJourney Our eJourney blog is a place to share your experiences with epilepsy and the difficulties you've overcome. Your epilepsy story is powerful and can give people hope, empowerment, and safety. Submit an eJourney story. Sign up for a free seizure first aid training The Seizure Recognition and First Aid certification training provides information to increase the knowledge, skills and confidence in recognizing seizures and safely administering seizure first aid. Encourage your friends and family to register for a free seizure first aid training in honor of National Epilepsy Awareness Month. You and your family can also register our for our seizure first aid trainings in Spanish. Share on Social Media Social media can be a powerful tool to leverage in your epilepsy journey. Whether you’re a person with epilepsy or a caregiver, it can connect you with others going through the same things you are. Use #ChangeOurEpilepsyStory and share facts, information, or your personal experiences with your followers on social to spread awareness during this special month. You can also encourage others to share the Epilepsy Foundation’s posts and re-share our content to help raise awareness! Connect, share, and educate on social media. Quick Facts About Epilepsy Sharing facts about epilepsy helps raise awareness and stop stigma surrounding seizures. By educating the public, we can promote understanding and encourage support for individuals living with epilepsy. Knowledge empowers communities to provide better care, offer assistance during seizures, and create a more inclusive and compassionate environment. We've compiled some facts about epilepsy and seizures for you to share on social media or with your friends and family to help them learn more. 1 in 10 people will have a seizure and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. There are 3.4 million people living with epilepsy in the United States; 470,000 of them are children. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect any one of us regardless of race, age, or gender. Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. Not all seizures are the same. Many people with epilepsy have more than one type of seizure. Misunderstanding and misinformation about seizures contribute to continued feelings of stigmatization and negative outcomes for people with epilepsy.1 People with epilepsy may experience "felt" stigma, which leads to shame about their condition and fear of discrimination if they talk about it.2 Felt stigma was linked to higher seizure frequency, younger age at epilepsy onset or longer duration, lack of knowledge about epilepsy, and younger age.5 Felt stigma can reduce the quality of life even when seizures are well controlled.6 References: Epilepsy & Behavior 2015 1, Epilepsia 2007 2, Epilepsia 2022 5, Epilepsy & Behavior 2021 6 We're Here for You Epilepsy affects everyone, everywhere. Here's how we continue to help the epilepsy community: Provide Programs and Education From live On-Demand certification courses to 30-minute basic steps training, our seizure first aid program educates the public on approved procedures for recognizing seizures and responding to someone having a seizure. Raise Awareness and Funds There are many Walk to END EPILEPSY® events throughout the country focused on raising awareness and at least $1.5M combined to fund research, programs, and access to specialty care for people with epilepsy. Our Seizure Safe Schools nationwide initiative calls for state legislation for school personnel to have appropriate training and policies to support students living with epilepsy and seizures; to date, 19 states have passed legislation. Invest in Research and Innovation The Shark Tank Competition is one of several initiatives that advance the development and commercialization of the most promising ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy; since 2012, the Epilepsy Foundation has distributed $1.65M to 33 Shark Tank winners.

https://www.epilepsy.com/make-difference/public-awareness/national-epilepsy-awareness-month

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An experimental Ebola vaccine appears safe and triggered signs of immune protection in the first 20 volunteers to test it, U.S. researchers reported Wednesday. The vaccine is designed to spur the immune system's production of anti-Ebola antibodies, and people developed them within four weeks of getting the shots at the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Half of the test group received a higher-dose shot, and those people produced more antibodies, said the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Some people also developed a different set of virus-fighting immune cells, named T cells, the study found. That may be important in fending off Ebola, as prior research found that monkeys protected by the vaccine also had that combination response. Stimulating both types of immune response is "a promising factor," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, whose employees led the work. The researchers reported no serious side effects. But two people who received the higher-dose vaccine briefly spiked fevers, one above 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 Celsius), which disappeared within a day. Earlier this month, Fauci told Congress this first-stage testing was promising enough that the U.S. planned much larger studies in west Africa, starting in Liberia in early January, to try to prove whether the vaccine really works. Scientists are racing to develop ways to prevent or treat the virus that has killed more than 5,600 people in West Africa, most of them in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Wednesday's publication offered scientific details about the initial testing of the vaccine candidate furthest along, one being developed by NIH and GlaxoSmithKline. Additional safety studies are underway here and abroad. A different Canadian-made vaccine also has begun small safety studies. Many questions remain as larger studies are being designed, including the best dose and how soon protection may begin, cautioned Dr. Daniel Bausch, a Tulane University Ebola specialist who wasn't involved in the study. Plus, monkey research suggests a booster shot will be needed for long-term protection. Ebola update: Africans migrating cities United Nations to miss Sierra Leone target Remains of suspected Ebola case test negative

http://m.news24.com/nigeria/Lifestyle/Ebola-vaccine-seems-safe-in-first-stage-testing-20141127-3

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By Suzan Edeh BAUCHI — AS Muslims in the country celebrate Eid-el Kabir which is characterized by the slaughtering of rams and cows among others, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, Bauchi, Dr Muhammed Alkali has advised the people against eating excess meat to avoid diarrhoea. Eid-el Kabir or Eid al-Adha in Arabic marks the completion of the hajj (pilgrimage) rites at Mina, Saudi Arabia, and is observed by Muslims throughout the world to commemorate the faith of Ibrahim. Alkali who gave the advise in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi said,“ many people are usually rushed to hospitals on Sallah days for diarrhoea. This is caused by eating too much or half cooked meat. People can cope with the season and prevent themselves from contracting both diarrhoea and stomach ache by eating their Sallah meat gradually and making sure it is well cooked and hygienic.” The CMD further warned people against the practice of taking too much or excessive sugary drinks and potash because they were capable of causing ulcer and abdominal pain even as he recommended the consumption of vegetables and honey through out the festive period to ease digestion. Apart from vegetables, Alkali asked the celebrants to take a lot of fruits in addition to the meat and wished the Muslim faithful in the country a peaceful and happy celebration. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/10/eid-el-kabir-doctor-cautions-excess-meat/

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WASHINGTON (AFP) – A US company that makes an experimental drug for treating the often deadly Ebola virus said Monday it has sent all its available supplies to West Africa. Some 961 people have died from the hemorrhagic fever in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria since March during the largest Ebola outbreak in history. “In responding to the request received this weekend from a West African nation, the available supply of ZMapp is exhausted,” said a statement on the Mapp Bio website. “Any decision to use ZMapp must be made by the patients’ medical team,” it said, adding that the drug was “provided at no cost in all cases.” The biomedical collaboration between US and Canadian researchers involves a drug that is manufactured in tobacco leaves and is hard to produce on a large scale. The company did not reveal which nation received the doses, or how many were sent. CNN reported that Liberia was to receive the sample doses. The two American missionary workers who fell ill with Ebola while working in Monrovia last month were given doses of the drug. Both have been transported to an isolation unit at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, where they are receiving continuous care. A Spanish priest who was sickened with Ebola has also been given a dose. The ethics of distributing experimental medications to some people but not others was the focus of a special meeting of the World Health Organization on Monday. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has repeatedly stressed that the drug’s effects are unknown, since it has not been through a process of rigorous clinical trials. There is no medicine or vaccine for Ebola on the world market. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/doses-experimental-ebola-drug-sent-wafrica/

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An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 magnitude hit Southern California Friday evening, just one day after another massive quake (6.4 magnitude) hit the region on the Fourth of July. According to United States Geological Survey, the quake, occurred shortly after 8 p.m. local time, with the epicenter 11 miles away from Ridgecrest, California, approximately where the July 4 earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.4, also originated. Friday night’s earthquake is now ranked the largest temblor in over 20 years, topping Thursday’s quake as well as a 1994 quake in Northridge, which measured 6.6 magnitude. CNN reported that multiple fires, as well as several injuries, were reported in Ridgecrest after Friday’s earthquake, according to Kern County spokeswoman Megan Person. California residents took to social media and tweeted out videos of what the quake looked like for them. USGS reported a second earthquake with a 5.0-magnitude occurring just a little under 30 minutes after the first, rattling the area once again. Dr. Lucy Jones, a seismologist in Southern California, tweeted that the earthquakes are part of the Searles Valley sequence, in which there is a 1 in 20 chance of Friday night’s 7.1-magnitude temblor could be followed by smaller quakes, likely with a magnitude of 5.0 or 6.0. The Associated Press reported one person sustained minor injuries in San Bernardino County, as well as shifting homes, cracking foundation, and walls coming down. In the midst of a city-wide survey, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported no major damage to infrastructure has been found, though they have heard reports of wires down and power outages in several LA neighborhoods. California Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted after the quake the state’s Office of Emergency Services operation center is “activated to its highest level.”

http://thenewsguru.com/nigeria-get-3m-euros-germany-procurement-military-equipment/7

Politics

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The recent decision by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to slash the price of diesel from N1,200 per litre to N1,000 per litre has several potential impacts on Nigeria’s domestic economy and the lives of its citizens. Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, recently said that his refinery’s capacity to sell diesel at greatly reduced prices would offer immediate relief to Nigeria’s inflation challenges. “That can actually help to bring inflation down immediately. And I’m sure when the inflation figures are out for the next month, you see that there’s quite a lot of improvement in the inflation rate,” Dangote said. Meanwhile, here are ten things you could expect from this price reduction: Decrease in Transportation Costs Diesel is a major fuel for transportation, especially for goods. The reduction in its price will likely lead to lower transportation costs for goods and services, potentially translating to lower retail prices for consumers. A decrease in transportation and production costs can help curb inflation, as lower fuel costs can lead to reduced prices for goods and services across various industries. Increased Purchasing Power As inflation rates decrease and goods become more affordable, consumers may find their purchasing power increases. This can lead to higher consumption and potentially stimulate economic growth. Positive Impact on Industries Industries reliant on diesel, such as manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture, may experience cost savings due to the lower diesel prices. These savings can be reinvested in business growth and expansion. Potential Market Stability Lower diesel prices can contribute to market stability, encouraging investment and fostering a better environment for business operations in Nigeria. Encouragement for Domestic Production With the reduction in diesel prices, there could be increased motivation for businesses to produce goods domestically, reducing reliance on imports and boosting local industries. Competitive Edge for Dangote Dangote’s move to lower diesel prices may provide the company with a competitive edge over other suppliers in the market, potentially increasing its market share. Better Business Profitability Businesses in various sectors, including transportation and logistics, that use diesel as their primary fuel source may experience higher profitability due to the reduced fuel costs. The reduction in diesel prices could lead to positive sentiment among businesses and consumers, which could translate to increased confidence in the economy. Improvement in Local Economy As businesses save on diesel costs and potentially pass on savings to consumers, there may be an overall improvement in the local economy due to increased spending and investment. These changes will likely contribute to a more stable and prosperous economic environment in Nigeria, benefiting businesses and consumers alike. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/04/10-key-impacts-to-expect-from-dangotes-diesel-price-cut-to-n1000/

Business

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In the tortuous mythology of the AIDS epidemic, one legend never seems to die: Patient Zero, a.k.a. Gaétan Dugas, a globe-trotting, sexually insatiable French Canadian flight attendant who supposedly picked up H.I.V. in Haiti or Africa and spread it to dozens, even hundreds, of men before his death in 1984. Mr. Dugas was once blamed for setting off the entire American AIDS epidemic, which traumatized the nation in the 1980s and has since killed more than 500,000 Americans. The New York Post even described him with the headline “The Man Who Gave Us AIDS.” But after a new genetic analysis of stored blood samples, bolstered by some intriguing historical detective work, scientists on Wednesday declared him innocent. The strain of H.I.V. responsible for almost all AIDS cases in the United States, which was carried from Zaire to Haiti around 1967, spread from there to New York City around 1971, researchers concluded in the journal Nature. From New York, it spread to San Francisco around 1976. The new analysis shows that Mr. Dugas’s blood, sampled in 1983, contained a viral strain already infecting men in New York before he began visiting gay bars in the city after being hired by Air Canada in 1974.

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/27/health/hiv-patient-zero-genetic-analysis.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0

Health

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Low cost pet vaccinations in Houston allow you to take care of your pets better. Many pet owners tend to put off vaccinations due to the expense involved. Now with low-cost services, one can fulfill their moral responsibilities towards their pets without breaking their budget. Dog owners are able to prevent dangerous diseases such as distemper, rabies, and hepatitis by giving the pets regular vaccinations. These not only protect the health of your furry friends but also keep the entire family healthy. Humans can catch the viruses that the pets may carry and getting regular pet vaccines is therefore good for all. These days due to modern research and development the vaccines are safer and also more effective. Due to advances in drug discovery and development, the drugs are customized to the individual needs of specific dog breeds of any age. Take the dogs to the nearby hospital to get a health checkup. The vet will advise frequent or less frequent vaccinations and with its low cost, it will be affordable to have healthy pets around the house. Professionals in canine health care, such as researchers, veterinarians, immunologists, and specialists in infectious diseases continue to optimize drugs for pets. The nearby pet hospital can tell you which vaccines are more important for your pet and how often they will need to take these. Dogs are different in behavior one from another and the immunization is often tailored to meet the risk factors. The breed of the dog, age, lifestyles and current health conditions are all kept in focus while determining the need for vaccines. If your dog is not very social and does not go out to the dog parks to meet others of its kind you may not need vaccinations very often. The doctors may give it a mild formula while those who are very active may get a more potent drug formula owing to their active behavior. The risk of a specific disease may be higher in one part of the city as compared to the other. Only a vet knows what is right for your dog. Get the low cost pet vaccinations in Houston so the pets can stay safe from life-threatening diseases. It is good to vaccinate puppies when they are six weeks old. An early history of vaccination is good. If you do not vaccinate the dogs at all, giving it the vaccines may be harmful to its health. Some pets may get side effects and make sure while you are at the pet hospital you ask questions for clarifications. Having the right knowledge will help you make sound decisions about pet health care.

http://www.sooperarticles.com/pets-articles/low-cost-pet-vaccinations-houston-easy-budget-1598316.html

Business

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Egypt’s health ministry on Friday confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus, making it the first in Africa. The sufferer was not Egyptian, the ministry said in a statement, without specifying the nationality. “The ministry has taken preventative measures and is monitoring the patient… who is stable,” said health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed. Egyptian authorities had notified the World Health Organization and the patient been placed in quarantined isolation in hospital. The death toll from the epidemic virus has neared 1,400 cases, almost exclusively in China where it was first identified. Deep trade links with China and often overstretched healthcare systems have raised concerns about the capacity of African countries to respond to an outbreak. Earlier this month, Egypt suspended all flights on its national carrier to China. They will remain grounded until the end of the month. Three hundred and one Egyptians were evacuated from Wuhan, epicentre of the virus in China, and have remained in quarantine for 14 days.

https://www.channelstv.com/2020/02/14/breaking-egypt-records-first-coronavirus-case-in-africa/amp/%3ffbclid=IwAR3OdKv0bTzVTlBnSrB_5jMVB52xM_gJ-CpJ4hMSVZb28bk3NKZc6g2GaZ0/

Health

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The concept of life is a reality, thus, a woman’s creation is a symbol of crown, dignity, honour, and beauty. Women are therefore special. I believe the same way every woman see herself or feels. Worldwide, every year, young women are paraded on the podium to search for the most beautiful woman in the world. The question: “Is holding of yearly beauty contest necessary?” What is beauty? Is it the mind, from the heart or the face? There are so many women physically disfigured, through some sort of illness or naturally born with deformity or handicap, that may feel somehow psychologically depressed or rejected in the society when they watch things like “Beauty Contests.” Besides ‘Beauty Contests’ lowers the confidence and self-esteem of many women facing obstacles in life. The birth of modern technology and scientists have provided comfort for human beings, in different fields, including medical. Apart from incubators and other equipment that save lives, no doctor or scientist has been able to put breath in a dead man’s nostrils to bring him back to life. Therefore, why should a panel of judges sit down to classify one as beautiful and the other ugly? However a woman looks like, she needs respect and acceptance in the society. In my own opinion “Beauty Contest” is meaningless. It should be abolished. The late Princess Diana was one of the prettiest women who ever lived, but according to British newspapers, she was a woman suffering in silence before her untimely death. If beauty had played important role in her life and had given her all the happiness she was looking for, from her wayward husband, Prince Charles, she might be alive today. Because many hope to participate in such contests, they experience eating disorder, leading to anorexia. In my opinion, a beauty contest is not necessary and needs to be abolished in our society.

https://www.modernghana.com/news/886432/why-beauty-contests-need-to-be-abolished.html

Career

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As college students, we frequently find ourselves fully engrossed in the realm of academia, diligently studying textbooks and completing assignments. Nevertheless, pausing to investigate the captivating elements of our environment can be invigorating and eye-opening. Discover interesting facts about North America, from its diverse wildlife to its thriving art scene, in this article. 10 Fun Facts About North America - It is the third-largest continent on Earth. - It is home to 23 countries, each with its own unique traditions and heritage. - It covers over 9.5 million square miles. - The name America is derived from that of Italian navigator Amerigo Vespucci, who may have visited the mainland in 1497 and 1498. - It features geographical extremes, from frozen Arctic tundras to lush Amazon rainforests. - With 528 million inhabitants (2008 estimate), it is the 4th most populous continent; the United States ranks 3rd and Mexico 11th in population among the world's countries. - Influential music genres like jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll originated here shaping global music history. - It is home to the world's longest international border, stretching over 5,525 miles (8,891 kilometers) between the United States and Canada. - The continent boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from the vast deserts of the southwestern United States to the stunning Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon. - It is the only continent to have every climatic zone represented, from arctic tundra in the north to tropical rainforests in the south. Learning about the 10 facts about North America, including its diverse cultures, history, geographical extremes, and significant contributions to music, reveals the continent's rich and multifaceted character. Nature's Marvels: Where Can You Find Komodo Dragons? Surprisingly, you can encounter Komodo dragons here! These awe-inspiring reptiles can be found in nature preserves like the Dragon Marsh Preserve in Florida, offering a rare opportunity to witness these prehistoric-looking creatures outside their native Indonesia. This unique location serves as a quest for wildlife enthusiasts seeking to explore the exotic and the extraordinary, offering a rare glimpse into the world of these majestic creatures far from their Indonesian origins. If you're curious about where you can find nature preserves with Komodo dragons in North America, Florida's Dragon Marsh Preserve is one such remarkable destination. Discovering the Wildlife of the North American Continent From the soaring bald eagle to the elusive wolverine, the continent is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. Enchanting interactions with these magnificent creatures can be arranged through exploration of the continent's varied ecosystems. Ancient Residents: Extinct Animals Even though North American continent is famous for its living creatures, it also contains mysteries about long-gone creatures that once lived there. The fossil record contains a wealth of information about extinct animals. Fascinating artifacts from the continent's prehistoric past include the Tyrannosaurus rex and the shaggy woolly mammoth. Fascinating prehistoric animals that formerly lived on this continent include the saber-toothed cat, American mastodon, and giant ground sloth. Facing the Wild: Most Dangerous Animals It is home to some of the world's most formidable animals. From the powerful grizzly bear to the stealthy cougar, understanding these creatures is essential for those exploring the continent's wilderness. Cherishing Native Wildlife: What Animals Are Native to North America? Many animals found here are native to the continent. The iconic North American bison, the swift pronghorn antelope, and the ancient American alligator are just a few examples of the unique and native species thriving here. North America Animals List - Bald Eagle: The majestic symbol of the United States, known for its impressive wingspan and striking appearance. - Wolverine: An elusive and ferocious predator found in the remote wilderness areas. - Grizzly Bear: A powerful and iconic bear species known for its size and strength. - American Bison: Often called buffalo, these massive herbivores once roamed in vast herds across the continent. - Red Fox: A cunning and adaptable predator that can be found in various North American habitats. - Alligator: These reptilian giants inhabit swamps and wetlands in the southeastern United States. - Moose: The largest member of the deer family, often seen in northern forests and wetlands. - Humpback Whale: These majestic marine mammals migrate along North America's coastlines, offering spectacular whale-watching opportunities. - Gray Wolf: An apex predator that roams parts of the continent, known for its social behavior and hunting prowess. - Monarch Butterfly: An iconic insect species that undertakes an incredible migration journey. Harnessing Nature's Energy: Nature Energy North America Energy from the natural world is being harnessed in North American continent at a rapid pace. Sustainable power generation is aided by geothermal wonders such as Yellowstone National Park and hydroelectric dams along the Columbia River. Recently much research has been devoted to developing biofuels—energy from wastes, landfill gas, and crops—as well as to developing solar energy, wind power, and waterpower. Population Insight: How Many People Live in North America in 2023? In the year 2023, the continent is not just a geographical expanse but a vibrant tapestry of human life and culture. It is the 4th most populous continent; the United States ranks 3rd and Mexico 11th in population among the world's countries. The continent also includes Greenland, the largest island, as well as the small French overseas department of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and the British dependency of Bermuda (both made up of small islands in the Atlantic Ocean). With over 579 million people, the continent's population is ethnically and culturally mixed, fostering diversity and bringing together people from various backgrounds. This rich blend of perspectives and traditions adds depth and dynamism to North America's social fabric, making it a truly remarkable and ever-evolving part of the world. Sports and Culture: A Widespread Belief Among Many People in North America A widespread belief among many people in the region is that playing sports is not just a recreational activity but also a significant part of the culture. Events like the Super Bowl and the World Series capture the hearts of millions, showcasing the continent's passion for athletic competition. This cultural emphasis on sports has given rise to numerous legendary athletes, iconic stadiums, and a thriving sports industry that resonates with people across the continent and beyond. Celebrating Artistic Expression: North America Art and Art Schools Famous artists have left an everlasting impression on the North American artistic landscape, creating a vibrant mosaic of inspiration. Famous museums like New York City's Museum of Modern Art and Los Angeles's Getty Center house world-class collections that inspire both art lovers and creators. These establishments have featured the masterpieces of renowned artists like James McNeill Whistler, whose nocturnal paintings, like "Whistler's Mother," have endured the test of time. Warhol also had a significant impact on the pop art movement. His portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Campbell's Soup Cans are just two examples of his colorful and iconic works that have forever changed the face of art and popular culture. Edward Hopper's mysterious and introspective stories in works like "Nighthawks" and "Automat," which depict urban life in the United States, continue to fascinate viewers. American realists hold Hopper in high esteem for his groundbreaking use of light and shadow. Native American art, with its captivating totem poles and intricate beadwork, also reflects the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities. Famous Native American artists who have made significant contributions to art, such as Fritz Scholder and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, have become well-known around the world. The rich artistic heritage is enhanced by the indigenous creative traditions that coexist with the works of renowned classical and modern artists. As a result, the region is a dynamic center for artistic discovery and advancement. Nurturing Creativity: Best Art Schools in North America For aspiring artists, North America offers some of the world's best art schools. Institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), and the Pratt Institute provide top-notch education and opportunities for budding artists to hone their craft. These renowned institutions have produced countless talented artists who have made significant contributions to the global art scene, making the region a hub of creative innovation and artistic excellence. Intercontinental Influences on North American History In the grand tapestry of North America's history, a myriad of global influences has played a vital role in shaping its narrative. The continent's past intertwines with Europe, notably through the United Kingdom, which once set its imperial sights across the Atlantic. This connection mirrors the interactions with South America, where countries like Brazil experienced the transformative discovery of gold and diamonds, altering their trajectories dramatically. Similarly, Oceania and its jewels like Fiji have had their own unique impacts. France and Jamaica represent the diverse cultural influx that has enriched North America's soil, akin to the way Asia and India have contributed to the global mosaic. The legacy of British Colonization is a thread that runs deep, not just in North America but across continents, influencing countries like Kenya in Africa. Speaking of Africa, nations such as Egypt (descendants of the ancient Egyptians, a people who originated in northeastern Africa) the Democratic Republic of the Congo, nation in central Africa, and Burundi, one of Africa’s smallest countries, share a history of complex interactions with North America, each adding a distinct strand to the continent's rich historical fabric. These interactions have often been driven by ideologies influenced by thinkers like John Stuart Mill and by the industrial and economic transformations seen in places like France, where the shift towards technological innovation in aerospace, defense, transportation, and other specialized industries significantly impacted global dynamics. Exploring the Rich Tapestry of North America: A Quest for Discovery Amazing animals, ancient artifacts, and a thriving culture are just a few of the many things that this continent has to offer. North American continent has something extraordinary to offer everyone, whether you're marveling at the beauty of Niagara Falls, immersing yourself in the world of art, or just enjoying a game of sports. It encourages us to embrace curiosity and explore our surroundings. What is the highest peak in North America? What is the longest river in North America? Which desert is located in North America? What is the largest freshwater lake in North America? Which country in North America has the most official languages?

http://www.countriesquest.com/europe/switzerland/economy/manufacturing.htm2

Politics

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Pregnant women appealing to Lagos State governmnent to resolve their differences with the doctors who are currently on strike, yesterday. By Sola Ogundipe Women who go braless may actually be better off health wise, if results of a 15-year study in France are anything to go by. The brand new study shows that brassieres (bras) provide virtually no benefits to breasts and, on the contrary, may actually be harmful to breasts over time. Researchers spent all this time studying the breasts of over 330 French women, and concluded that wearing a bra does not prevent sagging or ease back pain as commonly thought and even warned that breasts do get saggier with a bra. Taking measurements with a caliper, the researchers found that by not wearing a bra, muscles around the breast actually strengthened and the nipple 7 mm per year toward the shoulder. However, they did not recommend all women abandon their bras since their muscles had probably already degraded. According to Jean-Denis Rouillon, a professor at the University of Franche-Comté in Besançon, “Medically, physiologically, anatomically, the breast does not benefit from being deprived of gravity.” In the study conducted at the university’s hospital, Rouillon and others measured and examined the breasts of more than 300 women, aged 18 and 35, taking note of how the additional support provided by bras affects the body over time. (It should be noted the study does not mention breast size.) Overall, they found that women who did not use bras benefited in the long term, as they developed more muscle tissue to provide natural support. They noticed that in women who went braless, the nipples gained a higher lift, in relation to the shoulders. When bras are worn, the restrictive material prevents such tissue from growing, which may actually accelerate sagging, the study concluded. A 28-year-old woman, who participated in the research, found that she breathes easier without the constraints of a bra. Initially, she was a little reluctant to the idea of running without a bra, but got started and after five minutes, had no trouble at all. Despite the findings, the researchers said it would be dangerous to advise all women to take off their bras based on the study’s sample, which may not be representative of the population. They cautioned women who have worn bras for a long time — several decades — from following the recommendation since they would not benefit from taking off their bras now. Nevertheless, being braless is still largely seen as the exception rather than the rule and most ladies may not be as ready to throw away their bras just yet. While going braless is fast becoming politically correct and fashionable, the undergarment industry has continued to come up with increasingly structured and expensive designs, raking up to $11 billion revenue every year according to Business Week. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/04/study-shows-wearing-a-bra-could-hinder-breast-health/

Fashion

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•Loss of appetite for food By Sola Ogundipe Reality star Kim Kardashian was once cautioned by her doctors to stop having too much sex following revelations about the star’s daily multiple sex routine in effort to get pregnant. Kim, who was 34 at that time, had revealed in the Season 10 of their family reality show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” that she and husband, Kanye West, were having “the best sex of their lives” and were going at it about 15 times a day in the effort to give their daughter North West a brother or sister. During a preview for the show, Kim confessed to have “been having sex 15 times a day” but was forced to have a rethink after doctors warned categorically that too much sex was dangerous to her health. There are many couples like Kim and Kanye (and not just in Hollywood) who are hooked on sex orgies and realising almost too late that too much sex can be too much of a good thing. Sex is a normal, healthy, fun part of adult life. Sexual attraction and sexual compatibility are the basis of many successful relationships. Sex is good and glorious, but the truth is that too much sex is no just as bad as too little sex, if not worse. While science suggests sex can improve mood and decrease anxiety by reducing stress signals in the brain, excessive indulgence can interfere with overall quality of health. In fact, it is known that a large appetite for sex can cause loss of appetite for other things including food. Scientists have suggested that people that spend their life on frantic love-making and engaging in marathon sex might not find happiness at the end of it all. “Engaging in too much sex can actually cause unhappiness, if findings by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University are to be taken seriously. They instructed 32 married couples to double the amount of sex they were having, while a control group of 32 other couples kept having sex at their normal frequencies. When questioned afterwards, the couples who had sex more weren’t happier – saying that the increase in frequency led to them feeling less desire for each other. The couples also enjoyed having sex less when they were ‘doing it’ more. “The desire to have sex decreases much more quickly than the enjoyment of sex once it’s been initiated,” said Tamar Krishnamurti, a scientist at the College. So how much sex is ideal, and how much is too much? According to research, youngsters aged18- 29 have sex an average of 112 times per year, while 30-39-year-olds engage in it an average 86 times per year. So if that’s average, what’s healthy? Experts say most couples in a relationship should be having sex at least once per week. According to a therapist Dr. Barry McCarthy, sex once or twice a week is healthy. “During the honeymoon stage, when two people can’t stop thinking about each other, couples often have sex every time they’re together. And when couples first move in together, the frequency of sex increases, but only temporarily. Sexual obsession or hypersexuality, compulsive sexual behaviour, sex addiction and other forms of excessive indulgence in sex could be a sign of loneliness or depression. A study published in 2013 suggests that much of the time, hypersexuality is really just “high desire” and not necessarily a medical issue. Regardless, if sex is being used as a substitute for dealing with a real issue, it requires therapy. “What matters at the end of the day is the quality rather than the quantity. Having sex daily doesn’t mean it’s too much, so long as both partners enjoy it,” sex therapist, Dr Ian Kerner noted. But if partners are regularly having sex and one person feels more satisfied than the other, sex can start to feel like a chore for the less-satisfied party. Really there’s no right way to go about sex, and the preferred amount of sex varies from person to person. For instance, the average male ejaculates three to six minutes after sex begins, so the majority of women don’t feel too left out because most don’t achieve orgasm through penetration alone. “Sex is a bilateral experience,” one expert mooted. “Both partners ought to be instrumental in its choreography and neither one should ever feel that they are being forced to adhere to the other’s agenda. “For a fulfilling sex life that’s just right, it’s helpful to be honest and open with your partner about how frequently you’d like to be intimate. And that doesn’t mean it needs to be a boring discussion. Telling your partner about your desires—in specific terms—can be highly erotic.” One study found that couples who communicate about sex, especially during the act, are more sexually satisfied. So there should be mutual enjoyment, whether that means giving or getting. That said, if you ever feel overwhelmed (either physically or emotionally) by the kind or amount of sex you’re having, let your partner know you need a break. Sex can be dangerous if there’s any sort of pressure or force to do something with which either party isn’t comfortable. Having sex on the regular is part of a healthy, normal adult life. But when sex gets in the way of your day-to-day, it might be time to seek professional help. Appetites for sex grow and shrink, and successful couples are compelled to manage those ups and downs. Sometimes libidos will match up, but when they don’t, Kerner says everyone should take responsibility for their own sexuality. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/what-too-much-sex-can-do-to-you/

Health

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni lagos—An expert has revealed that over 80 percent of waste-water daily discharged in Lagos State if well recycled and treated could be utilized to meet the fresh water requirement of the population in the state. Meantime, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has tasked private sector in waste-water to support and invest in the existing infrastructural deficit of over 90 percent in waste-water management in the state. Ambode had said at a forum that Lagos requires about 720million gallons of fresh water per day, but currently has capacity to produce only 210 million leaving a deficit of about 500 million gallons. The duo spoke yesterday, at a one day waste-water summit, held in G.R.A, Ikeja, with the theme: “Waste-water Management in Lagos; Charting a new vision,” organized to provide platform for stakeholders in the sector to examine frameworks, identify limiting factors, proffer sustainable solutions and chart a new vision for the sector. Ambode, represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Abiodun Bamigboye, noted that over the years, the concept of recycling as a strategy for resource conservation has continued to gain momentum especially in developed economies. He stressed that with the development and application of appropriate technology, it is now possible to create wealth out of waste. 80 percent of Lagos waste-water can be recycled – Expert Speaking with newsmen, one of the resource persons at the summit, Engr, Olalekan Sodeinde, who is also the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LABCA, said with proper waste-water management there will be increase in the availability of fresh water for residents. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/08/80-lagos-waste-water-can-meet-residents-needs-expert/

Politics

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WASHINGTON The United States has discovered nearly $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits in Afghanistan, far beyond any previously known reserves and enough to fundamentally alter the Afghan economy and perhaps the Afghan war itself, according to senior American government officials. The previously unknown deposits including huge veins of iron, copper, cobalt, gold and critical industrial metals like lithium are so big and include so many minerals that are essential to modern industry that Afghanistan could eventually be transformed into one of the most important mining centers in the world, the United States officials believe. An internal Pentagon memo, for example, states that Afghanistan could become the “Saudi Arabia of lithium,” a key raw material in the manufacture of batteries for laptops and BlackBerrys. The vast scale of Afghanistan’s mineral wealth was discovered by a small team of Pentagon officials and American geologists. The Afghan government and President Hamid Karzai were recently briefed, American officials said. While it could take many years to develop a mining industry, the potential is so great that officials and executives in the industry believe it could attract heavy investment even before mines are profitable, providing the possibility of jobs that could distract from generations of war. “There is stunning potential here,” Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of the United States Central Command, said in an interview on Saturday. “There are a lot of ifs, of course, but I think potentially it is hugely significant.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/14/world/asia/14minerals.html?hpAn

Politics

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By Gab Ejuwa His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase II, the Olu of Warri, kicked off his coronation anniversary penultimate Saturday. The anniversary is a week-long affair to be rounded off today. The whole country is bound to celebrate with the Itsekiri nation whose cultural heritage is one of the richest in West Africa, like their Yoruba kith and kin with whom they share many affinities. The week-long celebration witnessed visits to the Olu’s palace to pay homage to this monarch, and activities underscoring the metaphysics of the Itsekiri nation, traditional wears, cultural chants, work songs and boat regattas, climaxing in a church service today, which will wrap everything up. The million Naira question pops up, who are the Itsekiri people and where on earth did they spring from? The Itsekiri people inhabit the area around Benin river, Forcados and Escravos in Western Delta, an area of countless mangrove swamps, although those in Warri, the capital of the kingdom, live on drier land and they are very much influenced by the Benin and Yoruba culture with the effect that they are very different from their Ijaw and Urhobo neighbours. Warri. According to oral tradition, the core of the Itsekiri people of Warri comprised two groups of immigrants: a party of Ijebu from Yoruba country in the early fifteenth century and another party of Edo from Benin in the same century, led by a Bini Prince, Ginuwa. The Olu of Warri who reigned since the 15th century to date include Olu Ginuwa II (1936-1951), he reigned after an interregnum; Olu Erejuwa II (1952-1986), who believed in constitutional monarchy; and Ogiame Atuwatse II (1987 and currently on the throne). Another pertinent question that agitates the mind is: why are the Itsekiri communities neglected in terms of developmental projects? Warri has three LGAs, where the bulk of the oil resource keeping the entire nation going is located. The Itsekiri homeland has suffered monumental devastation and destruction in their cultural and economic lives as a result of exploration and exploitation which give succour to the entire nation, but sorrow, tears and blood to the people who own the land. Apart from the oil sleek coating the coastline and killing marine life, the trauma of dislocation affects the inhabitants of the coastline, who have to look for alternative occupations to keep bodies and souls together. In this way, many families break up. This also precipitates health hazards, as the waters are polluted and rendered unsafe for drinking. Furthermore, many Itsekiri towns and villages were torched during the Warri crisis when the Ijaw and Itsekiri were at daggers drawn. The tragedy affected the morale of the Itsekiri nation adversely, and many Itsekiri are still trying to find their feet many years after. There is, therefore the need for Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to revisit the old issue of infrastructural neglect not to reopen the old wounds, but to ensure that the affected people and communities are rehabilitated fully and integrated into the society. Uduaghan, at the risk of sounding repetitive, must rehabilitate all Itsekiri communities affected by the communal crisis in the three Warri LGAs for them to come back to their bonafide villages and towns and upgrade Koko, Warri and Burutu ports to (EPZ) economic processing zone. Another important assignment is the construction of the proposed Koko-Oghoye-Lekki Road, 45 minutes ride to Lagos and the south-west region which the Federal Government approved in the 2004 federal budget, but for which no funds have been released. Still another is the construction of Omadino Escravos Road approved by the NDDC, but on which nothing has been done to date. History is replete with great political leaders who fought tooth and nail for Itsekiri’s rights. There was Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, a former finance minister. We also had Pa Afred Rewane, a towering figure in Iwereland and the nation’s industrial landscape and a political juggernaut who fought to ensure the unity and survival of the nation. He, too, was one of the leaders the Itsekiri nation has been compelled to sacrifice for the survival of democracy. There are some prominent Itsekiri personalities who gave dazzling accounts of themselves. They include Nanna Olomu, governor of Itsekiri-land 1884-1894. There was Dore Numa, paramount head of Itsekiri nation (1895-1932). We all remember, with stereophonic clarity, the Rewane brothers and Chief Begbo, founders of the first grammar school in Itsekiri-land, Hussey College, Warri, who were so prominent and close to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late sage. Today, there are eminent sons and daughters of Itsekiri who have emulated the worthy deeds of our heroes past. There is the Ugbajo Itsekiri in the U.S. There are the eminent Itsekiris who belong to the Alpha May Club. There is the Women Consultative Assembly and such like groups. It is imperative for us all to sink our differences and exert our collective emergies so that the Itsekiri nation may stride ahead and take our rightful place in the comity of nations. The occasion of the Olu’s coronation anniversary affords us a golden opportunity for stocktaking, articulation of our needs and renaissance of our corporate pre-eminence in the Nigerian nation space. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/counting-itsekiri%E2%80%99s-blessings-amid-the-olu-milestone/

Politics

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Beniam’s family had already lost a relative to the war and hung on every word as the cousin spoke of fear and hunger in Axum, Eritrean troops on the streets, and a sick uncle unable to find diabetes medication. Huddled around the phone, they learned a beloved great-aunt had also died in the months without contact, while a cousin was missing and presumed dead. “It took the air out of the room,” Beniam told AFP from Seattle. “My aunt started crying. Two of my cousins were silent… We were trying to pull it together while the line was active, but once he hung up, we just started all quietly praying.” – Joy and grief – Phone services were briefly restored in parts of Tigray in early 2021 before being disconnected again in June that year. Dormant phone lines came back to life in December last year, a month after a ceasefire halted a conflict that Western nations estimate killed anywhere between 100,000 and half a million people. The truce paved the way for re-opening Tigray, a region of six million people, and the lifting of what internet advocacy groups said was among the world’s longest government-imposed shutdowns. In Mekele, crowds were thronging phone stores day after day to reconnect their old numbers, said a 29-year-old woman who flew to the city after flights resumed on December 28. “My mother cried when she heard my voice after all these months. I also cried,” said a 42-year-old man in Addis Ababa, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, citing security concerns. Others, however, have received devastating news. “They killed him just outside his house,” said Meharit Gebreyesus of her uncle, one of seven relatives she was told were executed by Eritrean soldiers near Adwa in late October. Her aunt was safe in Adwa, having taken refuge after her village was looted and razed. A high-profile story of tragedy came from World Health Organization boss Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who said he learned that an uncle was also killed by Eritrean soldiers. Tigray remains off-limits to foreign journalists and AFP cannot independently verify these accounts. But all sides to the Tigray conflict have been accused by independent observers of atrocities, and charges of ethnic cleansing and deliberate starvation have been made. – Agonising wait – Beniam said not knowing the fate of his family in Axum — where hundreds of civilians were massacred in November 2020 — was agonising. “I wouldn’t wish the last two years on my worst enemy,” he said. “The weight of the suspense kills you alone.” A 25-year-old Tigrayan woman told AFP she was “speechless” when her sister rang out of the blue from Shire, a city heavily bombed in October, to say the family was safe. But she was angry, too, at being kept in the dark so long. “I cannot believe that in this century, I had to dream… just to speak to family (and find out) whether they’re alive or not.” More than two months after the warring sides signed a peace deal, service remains patchy even in major cities, with calls cutting out after a few minutes, or not connecting at all. “Without exaggeration, we had to call more than 100 times for that one phone call to go through,” said a 40-year-old woman who spoke with her parents on January 3 for the first time in 18 months. The state utility said Tuesday that electricity would be fully restored in Tigray within two weeks. A spokeswoman for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told AFP that critical infrastructure had been repaired and telecom services restored in 51 towns in Tigray, but did not offer a timeline for the full resumption of communication services. Inquiries to Ethio Telecom, the state telco, went unanswered. Meharit, meanwhile, still cannot reach her 65-year-old father or six sisters in Negash, in southern Tigray, and can do little but pray they answer the phone. “I don’t know if he’s alive or not,” she told AFP.

http://www.channelstv.com/2012/04/27/azazi-blames-boko-haram-attacks-on-pdp/Thank

Politics

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By Femi Aribisala The same “infallible” bible also credits the killing of Goliath to Elhanan, one of David’s mighty men. One of the myths of Christianity is the infallibility of the bible. Quoting Paul, some Christians insist every word in the bible is “God-breathed.” (2 Timothy 3:16). When you identify contradictions in the bible, they either refuse to acknowledge them or try to rationalise them away with highfalutin apologetics. However, these apologetics have not made the contradictions disappear. All they do is establish that these bible-fanatics are not committed to the truth. Christians generally believe little David killed mighty Goliath, according to the “infallible” account of 1 Samuel 17:50-51. This feat is drummed into us from childhood. We act in plays celebrating David’s victory. We listen to sermons extolling his achievement. However, the same “infallible” bible also credits the killing of Goliath to Elhanan, one of David’s mighty men. This contradiction leads to the inevitable conclusion that while the bible might indeed be a highly inspired book, it is nevertheless not infallible. 2 Samuel says: “There was another battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair from Bethlehem killed Goliath from Gath.” (2 Samuel 21:19). This record of Elhanan (as opposed to David) killing Goliath can be found in the following bible translations among many others: New International Version (NIV); American Standard Version (ASV); New American Standard Bible (NASB); New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition (NASU); The Amplified Bible (AMP); Revised Standard Version (RSV); New Revised Standard Version (NRSV); and Today’s English Version (TEV). Other bible translations of the same 2 Samuel 21:19 say Elhanan killed “the brother of Goliath.” These translations include the King James Version (KJV); New King James Version (NKJV); The Living Bible (TLB); and New Living Translation (NLT). Of the latter, the New King James Version is remarkably unreliable. As a matter of policy, King James sometimes adds its own words to bible verses, effectively doctoring their meaning. In its own defence, it warns its readers in its introductory pages that: “words or phrases in italics indicate expressions in the original language which require clarification by additional English words.” The need for such dubious “clarification” led the New King James Version to alter 2 Samuel 21:19 as follows: “Again there was war at Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaare-Oregim the Bethlehemite killed THE BROTHER OF Goliath the Gittite.” Although the translation says Elhanan slew “the brother of Goliath;” the words “the brother of” are written in italics, indicating that they do not appear in the original Hebrew text but were added at the discretion of NKJV translators. This leads to the following conclusion: either the original Hebrew of 2 Samuel 21:9 was not infallible, or the doctored 2 Samuel 21:9 of NKJV is not infallible. Whichever is the case, it means the bible is not infallible. The bible is a book written and compiled by men; and men are not infallible. Who killed Goliath? However, my purpose here is not just to demonstrate the fallibility of the bible. Bible-worshipping Christians will always reject that fact no matter what. My purpose is to determine if David killed Goliath. Faced with the dilemma of contradictions between 1 and 2 Samuel, the author of 1 Chronicles, written centuries after 2 Samuel; says: “There was another battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath from Gath.” (1 Chronicles 20:5). The question then arises as to which version we are going to believe? Should we believe the classical position that David killed Goliath, or should we believe the equally biblical position that Elhanan killed Goliath? For a number of reasons, the account stating that David killed Goliath is the less believable. It is in the tradition of kings and rulers to take credit for other people’s achievements under their kingdom. David was no exception to this. For example, when Joab captured Rabbah, he tactfully gave the credit to David. David himself went along with this charade and pretended that he was the one who took the city. (2 Samuel 12:26-31). It would appear that originally the killing of Goliath was part and parcel of a collection of tales extolling the exploits of David’s mighty men of war known as “The Thirty.” Elhanan was one of them. He distinguished himself by killing a mighty Philistine called Goliath. But in the process of magnifying the great King David, his substitution as the killer of Goliath was not long in coming. Saul and David The account of David killing Goliath is so full of contradictions that it is clear it is the fabricated version. One of the problems with the account has to do with the inability of bible-writers to determine precisely when David first met Saul. We are told that when Saul transgressed against the Lord, God sent an evil spirit to trouble him. (1 Samuel 16:14). Someone then recommended to Saul that he should hire David to play the harp, offering the dubious thesis that soothing music is a demon-repellent. But then the man recommending David said something strange: he extolled David, a young teenager who was not even old enough to be in the army, as a man of war: “I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war.” (1 Samuel 16:18). This description is a giveaway. It is obviously written after the fact. There is no basis for describing David, a youth keeping sheep, as “a mighty man of valour” and “a man of war.” By all accounts, David was not even a man yet. On this recommendation, Saul sent word to Jesse, David’s father, that his son should be seconded to him. However, David entered Saul’s service not as a harp-playing musician, but as his armour-bearer, even though we are told later that Saul’s armour was too heavy for David. (1 Samuel 17:38-39). Nevertheless, whenever Saul came under attack by the evil spirit, David would play a harp and the evil spirit would depart. Saul quickly took a liking to David, and he sent to his father a second time that David’s secondment to him should become permanent. (1 Samuel 16:22). However, when we get to the incident where David is alleged to have killed Goliath, we discover to our surprise that this same David, who was supposed to be Saul’s armour-bearer/musician, had never met Saul before. In that contradictory account, David was just a young boy tending sheep. His father sent him to deliver lunch to his two brothers at the war-front. On arriving there, he found Goliath terrorizing everybody and offered to fight against him. He was then brought to Saul who, on meeting him for the very first time, said to him: “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” (1 Samuel 17:33). However, in the earlier version, David was specifically introduced to Saul as “a man of war.” Contrary to the earlier account where Saul sent emissaries to David’s father twice, he now did not know who David’s father was. He asked Abner, his military commander: “Whose son is this young man?” (1 Samuel 17:55). (Continued). Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/11/david-kill-goliath-1/

Religion

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One continent, many nations From Algerian to Zimbabwean, New Zealand’s African-born people form a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages and ethnicities. They represent over 40 countries in Africa, and include Europeans, Asians, Indians and Arabic people, as well as numerous black tribes. Most of New Zealand’s African-born people are white. Some came from Africa’s British colonies in the 1870s, but the majority arrived from South Africa in the 1990s. Pre-1990s: black Africans Black people who arrived in colonial times were probably African-Americans. In the 1960s, study programmes brought some black students to New Zealand. But before the 1990s very few blacks arrived, partly because of New Zealand’s restrictive immigration rules. 1991 onwards: refugees Across Africa, wars and brutal political regimes have driven thousands from their homes. In 1991 New Zealand increased the number of refugees it would accept. Often arriving with few possessions and horrific memories, people came from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, Zimbabwe and other countries in crisis. Starting a new life Refugees face huge obstacles. They may have endured imprisonment and violence, loss of family members, and detention in camps. They have to learn English and adapt to an alien culture. Many are poorly educated, and even qualified immigrants struggle to find jobs. A Somali woman commented that most of her friends were either unemployed or doing cleaning or supermarket work. African immigrants live mostly in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. In 2013 the five largest groups by birthplace were Zimbabweans (8,100), Kenyans (1,650), Zambians (1,416), Ethiopians (1,143) and Somalis (1,104). Through the family reunification scheme, some long-lost relatives continue to arrive and swell these communities. Groups such as the Pan-African clubs offer support, and many religions are followed, including Islam, Catholicism and Coptic Christianity. Playing soccer, performing African drumming and dance, braiding hair in traditional styles – these and other cultural activities connect Kiwis and Africans, and help the new immigrants put down roots in a strange land.

http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/africans/page-1Who

Travel

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If Nigeria and South Africa keep growing at their current paces, Nigeria could replace South Africa in the Group of 20 (G20) countries within nine years, according to Stanlib chief economist Kevin Lings. In a recent note he says: “It is entirely feasible that, by then, Nigeria’s economy will have overtaken South Africa’s, making it eligible for G20 membership, possibly at the expense of South Africa. “ The G20 is a group of 19 advanced and developing countries plus the EU, set up in 1999. South Africa is the only African country to be represented. Lings points out that 20 years ago, the domestic economy was 7.5 times the size of the Nigerian economy, in dollar terms. But by the end of 2012 it was only 1.4 times the size of Nigeria’s. “This narrowing of the gap is mainly because Nigeria’s economic growth rate has accelerated meaningfully in recent years, though off an extremely low base, while South Africa’s growth rate has moderated.” According to Nigeria’s central bank, growth in gross domestic product (GDP) averaged 6.8 percent between 2005 and 2013. From 2005 until the global recession of 2008/09, South Africa’s growth rate averaged a little over 5 percent. Since then it has not topped 3.5 percent. Nigeria’s central bank said the fastest growing segments were wholesale and retail trade, and telecommunications. Nigeria’s 170 million people make it the most populous country in Africa and the seventh-biggest in the world. This creates a massive market, attracting investment from across its borders, including from South Africa, which is becoming increasingly aware of the opportunities in servicing this population. In contrast, South Africa’s population is estimated at 51.1 million (5.7 percent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa), making it the fifth most populated country in Africa, Lings says. Location, location, location A study carried out by economists from Economic Information Services and led by Capetonian Barry Standish has “proved” that the property industry maxim “location, location, location” is spot on. Standish’s team, commissioned by the V&A Waterfront to uncover its economic impact on the local environment, used the “Hedonic methodology”, which employs the comparative price per square metre to arrive at it findings that on average Cape Town’s waterfront increased neighbouring property values by R2.8 billion. The study found that residential properties within a 1.5km radius of the waterfront were worth R123 056 more than similar properties elsewhere, and commercial properties were worth R1.14 million more. Residential properties within the V&A Waterfront precinct were worth R3.6m more than similar properties elsewhere in Cape Town. Standish reported: “There is anecdotal evidence to suggest the V&A Waterfront provided the catalyst for the significant upgrading of surrounding suburbs such as Green Point and De Waterkant.” Reacting to these findings, V&A Waterfront chief executive David Green said: “Aside from the obvious benefit to property owners, the report also highlights the knock-on effect for the city of Cape Town in respect of property rates, which in turn has a benefit for residents and businesses in greater Cape Town. In addition to this ripple effect, the V&A Waterfront is the city’s largest ratepayer.’’ The total potential annual rates generated within a 1.5km radius of the waterfront has been estimated at just short of R250m in 2012. In more than 10 years, the waterfront had added nearly R200 billion to the GDP. It had created about 17 000 jobs directly and a further 16 000 indirectly. Success also drives success. Recent residential sales for the new Silo residential development is 80 percent sold in little more than three months, which is about three times the pace at which developments are sold outside the waterfront. It proves that the waterfront’s economic “ripple effect” works too. Banking on reputation Banks in South Africa have emerged from the global financial crisis with their reputations not only intact but generally enhanced. It was not entirely of their own doing, of course, but they managed to avoid becoming embroiled in the sorry mess that was the subprime crisis. Thus there has been no discussion here of banks being too big to fail as there has been in Europe and the US. However, when it comes to bank results’ season, it is impossible not to realise how big our banks are. They are enormous and complex entities that have their fingers entwined in every aspect of the economy. But, while it no doubt pleases the local regulators that they have big entities to oversee, the size of the four major banks makes it virtually impossible for journalists to do anything other than a superficial job in covering their results. Not so much a case of too big to fail as too big to cover. The need to focus on the big picture means that lots of fascinating information tends to be overlooked. Such as way back on page 90 of the FirstRand results released yesterday, you discover that “building and property development” has the highest rate of non-performing loans as a percentage of advances. It has 7.16 percent compared with mining, which has a rate of 0.54 percent. Agriculture’s non-performing loan rate is down to 2.96 percent from 3.40 percent, which either means that the farmers are better off this year or that FirstRand has cut back its lending to them. And then there’s the 2 500 innovations reported at FNB. This is an amazing “fact” and in line with what you’d expect from an innovation leader. Of course, the big question for many FNB clients is whether or not its horrendous new website is included as one of the 2 500. page 19 Edited by Banele Ginindza with contributions from Ethel Hazelhurst, Donwald Pressly and Ann Crotty.

http://www.iol.co.za/business/opinion/business-watch/nigeria-s-growth-rate-may-see-it-replace-sa-in-g20-1.1575846#.UjBcPtKsg6Y

Politics

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Forty-four African countries have signed an agreement establishing a free trade area seen as vital to the continent’s economic development, the head of the African Union said Wednesday. The creation of a free trade area — billed as the world’s largest in terms of participating countries — comes after two years of negotiations and is one of the AU’s flagship projects for greater African integration. “The agreement establishing the CFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) was signed by 44 countries,” said Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairman of the AU commission. However, the agreement will still have to be ratified at a national level and is only due to come into force in 180 days. Nigeria is notably absent from the signatories after President Muhammadu Buhari pulled out of this week’s launch in Rwanda saying he needed more time for consultations at home. One of Africa’s largest markets, Nigeria hesitated after objections from business leaders and unions — a sign that getting the deal through scores of national parliaments may face several hurdles. “Some countries have reservations and have not finalised their national consultations. But we shall have another summit in Mauritania in July where we expect countries with reservations to also sign,” said Albert Muchanga, the AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry. However other economic powerhouses South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia and Algeria — known for strict protectionist policies restricting imports and exports — did sign the deal. If all 55 African Union members eventually sign up, it will create a bloc with a cumulative GDP of $2.5 trillion (2 trillion euros) and cover a market of 1.2 billion people. Currently, African countries only do about 16 percent of their business with each other, the smallest amount of intra-regional trade compared to Latin America, Asia, North America and Europe. And with average tariffs of 6.1 percent, businesses currently pay higher tariffs when they export within Africa than when they export outside it, according to the AU. “If we remove customs and duties by 2022, the level of intra-African trade will increase by 60 percent, which is very, very significant,” Muchanga told AFP in an interview before the summit. Proponents of the deal argue that African economies on their own are too small to support economic diversification and industrialisation on their own and will benefit from having a unified platform to negotiate trade deals with wealthier nations. The “CFTA will make Africa one of the largest economies in the world and enhance its capacity to interact on equal terms with other international economic blocs,” said Faki in a speech before the signing ceremony. “The world is changing, and changing at a great speed. International competition is fierce. It leaves no room for the weak.” However, critics highlight a dearth of roads and other infrastructure linking different African nations, as well as the fact that many countries do not manufacture goods their neighbours may want to import, as challenges to the deal. Sola Afolabi, a Nigeria-based international trade consultant, told AFP the fact already-existing regional trade blocs were not working, should be a red flag. “If there is no reward for compliance and there is no punishment for non-compliance, then it is going to be a very nice agreement without any teeth or any legs,” he said. Faki acknowledged that Africans “have seen so many proclamations remain a dead letter, so many commitments without practical execution that they have come to doubt the strength of our commitment.” He urged for a break in this trend, calling for a deal that “must confound those who, outside Africa, continue to think — with barely-concealed condescension — that our decisions will never materialise.” The CFTA is a key part of the AU’s long-term development plan Agenda 2063, which calls for easing trade and travel across the continent. At its most recent summit in Ethiopia in January, AU member states agreed to a common air transport market that could drive down airfares, as well as plans for visa-free travel for Africans across the continent. Also on Wednesday, 27 countries signed the protocol agreeing to the free movement of persons across the continent.

https://www.channelstv.com/2018/03/21/nigeria-absent-as-44-african-nations-sign-free-trade-area-agreement/amp/

Politics

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There are many reasons to respect our adult children when they are focused and well behaved but hardly any reason to fear them. All cultures preach respect and honor for our parents especially in their old age. It is the responsibility of parents to take care and provide for children. When we can, children should take care of their parents and if they are not able, show them kindness and love, even if they are financially independent. Women have to be protected, not only from abusive husbands but also from their own sons that may have gone haywire. The same children some women suffered for in abusive relationships so that they can have a man at home. There is no superwoman strong enough in a single family home. But it is even worse if the woman ends up maimed or dead in any abusive relationship. One horrible video that went viral of a young man that beat and abused his mother was enough to haunt most people. The men and Youths in the community tied him to a tree and caned him appropriately. We do not beat or hardly abuse our parents in Africa. When young adults become unreasonable and uncomfortably distant from their parents, it is time to part ways. No matter what, unlucky mothers realize that the respect and fear of the husbands they rejected, may have been passed on to an unruly son. There are also good and conscientious men out there who have never beaten their wives but suffer from neglect. Broke and dejected after spending all their goodwill and life savings on families that turned out to be ingrates. Many women would bear the fault of their children, especially sons for habits they hardly tolerate from husbands. Yet, women rightly depend on fathers to discipline erring kids. Some adult children hold this against their fathers. Nevertheless, parents fear unpredictable behavior of some children, especially their sons. It gets worse when the father is absent. Grown children are just more difficult for single parents to nurture. Providing for children in single family homes may require two or three jobs taking parents out of the house most of the time. Without adults at home, children take to the unpredictable jungle and drugs in the mean streets. The world is changing and some parents are losing control of their children before they become adults. A son may become more domineering than his father, claiming to be the new man of the house. As soon as they start making a little money, though not enough to take care of themselves, some of them grow wings. But if either of their parents threaten to kick them out, they complain of an unkind father. Strong single parent mothers are overwhelmed. Some of these sons exploit it as a weakness or love of their mothers. Even when children make more money than their parents, they may take advantage of their old lady by asking for favors from the little money mothers have. Since their fathers would query some bad spending habits more than mothers. By the time they leave home, children of the middle class would come home and raid the goodies at their parents' home. The mothers are always happy to be generous while their children's poor colleagues would furnish the homes of parents with groceries and more. Some parents may end up living with their children because they moved back home or one of the parents may move in with one of their children to babysit since she may be too old to live alone. It is much easier for the mothers than the fathers. The rules change and are more complicated especially for parents that used to be in charge of their own houses. Moving in with sons, some little competition for the attention of their sons arise. Son may be torn between them, usually between wife and mother. It gets complicated or frivolous when the wife and the mother demand to sit beside their husband or son (in the car). By the way, it happens everywhere, though rare in Africa. We may not generalize but family sanity is much better in Africa than for Africans in the Diaspora. It was U.S. President Reagan Housing Secretary Patricia Harris that said she did not just stop being the slave of the white man just to become the slave of the Black man. Well, some sons in Africa and the world missed that memo. Women did not stop being the slave of husbands only to be cowed by their sons. Indeed strong women would not take from their sons the behavior they rejected from husbands. Mothers are easier to manipulate or manage than fathers. They are also more useful at home than fathers. When mothers are staying with their adult children's family, they help out in the house cooking and babysitting while husband and wife are working. But the fathers hardly stay long with their children's family or help out in the house. There is not enough room in the ship for two captains. One must stand down. There are enough warnings out there that fathers should save some money they would need when the time comes. Since the fathers are not as useful to their children as the mothers in their adult years, he may become lonely in his old age. Most fathers spend all their time working in order to make enough to take care of families. Those wealthy enough go beyond the call of duty, send their children overseas for "good education" that turned sour. Unfortunately, what they considered good education abroad alienated their children from African culture, a duty to parents especially in their old age by miseducation. These children only come back home on short holidays or whenever either of the parents passes away. In short, they become a lost generation. They are hardly tolerated or respected abroad and in most cases underemployed working under natives that are far less educated or as qualified. There are enough warnings to men that women have come a long way. They are no longer the mothers they grew up with. So, men are advised to prepare for their old age and make adequate preparation for their physical and financial health. No matter how much contribution a man made to the family, only a fool will compete for the attention of children with their mother. How for do nah! Meanwhile, children bring their mothers closer to their homes in Africa or overseas as they desert their fathers. If these fathers keep enough money for their old age, they can afford to hire help around the house. Other fathers may even marry a younger wife that will take care of their needs. But only if he does not fall into the wrong hands of another "chop and go: igi da eye fo".

https://www.modernghana.com/news/1272344/most-parents-love-and-respect-adult-children-more.html

Family

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The World Bank warned, on Thursday, that sub-Saharan Africa could slip into its first recession in a quarter of century because of the coronavirus pandemic on the world’s most impoverished continent. “We project that economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa will decline from 2.4 percent in 2019 to -2.1 to -5.1 percent in 2020, the first recession in the region in 25 years,” the Bank said in an assessment. The virus has arrived late in Africa compared to elsewhere but is spreading rapidly in some countries, and the continent is highly vulnerable to declining trade and tourism as well as falling prices for oil and mineral exports, it said. “The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the limits of societies and economies across the world, and African countries are likely to be hit particularly hard,” said Hafez Ghanem, the Bank’s vice president for Africa. The impact on African countries will vary, the twice-yearly economic update report said. It warned, however, that real gross domestic product was forecast to “fall sharply” in the three largest economies — Nigeria, South Africa and Angola — because of “persistently weak growth and investment” and declining commodity prices. The continent’s most industrialised country, South Africa, slipped into recession in the final quarter of 2019 and has posted its weakest growth rates ever in the past five years — never exceeding 1.3 percent and in some years falling below one percent. – ‘Catastrophic’ – The collapse in oil prices “is catastrophic” for public finances in the continent’s leading crude producers of Nigeria and Angola, said Albert Zeufack, the Bank’s chief economist for Africa. “We are living in unprecedented times,” Zeufack said. “The world has not seen this since World War II,” he said during a briefing streamed from Washington. “This is going to be the deepest recession globally but also affecting Africa, and the reason why this is so serious is because it is not just a health crisis, it’s a health crisis that’s going to be combined with an economic crisis and potentially a food crisis in African countries.” While governments are taking varying steps to deal with the economic fallout of the pandemic, the bank says African countries will inevitably require debt relief. “There is no doubt there will be need for some sort of debt relief from bilateral creditors to secure the resources urgently needed to fight COVID-19 and to help manage or maintain macroeconomic stability in the region,” said Cesar Calderon, economist and lead author of the report. The Bank said it will giving out up to $160 billion in financial support over the next 15 months to help countries protect the vulnerable, support businesses and shore up economic recovery. The pandemic will also worsen food shortages on a continent already grappling with drought, locust invasions conflict and violence, the Bank said. Domestic currencies are losing value while prices of staple foods are rising in many parts of the continent. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said Wednesday that since December, hundreds of thousands more people had already slipped into the severely hungry category in Zimbabwe, where more than half of the population faces hunger. Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Vanguard newspapers or any employee thereof.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/04/breaking-pandemic-may-cause-africas-1st-recession-in-25-years-world-bank/

Business

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