Charly Boy Symbolizes Evil? An Encounter With Charly (Man) Boy

If you visited Charly Boy, popularly known as Area father, on 15th of September 2012, you'll be disappointed. Because on the said date, the sexagenarian, whose stage name contradicts his age, has fixed an interview appointment with an international state owned Chinese News Agency.

The 61 year old grandfather Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy has been known for getting involved in controversial activities, thus earning him the title as one of "Nigeria's most controversial entertainer" and he has remained one of the gist that garners wide public views.

But what makes him really controversial to many, is not his 80's punk-styled songs, or his creativity in songwriting, television presentation, video production, nor his eccentric entertainment skills... Stick with me, he is different things to different people, at different times. Without holding back, he is the first Nigerian sexagenarian to ever produce nude picture of himself (at least officially), first publicized entertainer who sleeps in coffin, first Nigerian to be disown at 60 by dad, first gay to preach in a Nigerian church (I think he remains uncontested), first Nigerian activist who own a large python as pet, and to be fair enough, the list is endless. He never beats the media eye.

My encounter with Charly Boy has certainly revealed a lot to me. There is this other side of Mr. Charles Oputa that for years, has been kept from the public view. He is a loving father, husband, and a grandfather. Certainly, he has a caring heart. Considering the endless activism to pursue a cause for equality in a society where the disparity between the poor and rich measures in planetary distance.

Many believe Charly Boy symbolizes evil. The reason, as always, is not farfetched. Of course, that he has an altar with inscription, “Welcome to Hell”, in front of his Abuja Mansion, is no news. With a small sculpture of a wizard, background by a large portrait picture of him seating nude in the buddha sitting posture. And holistically speaking, he wears his human skull inscribed rings (often times necklace) on all four fingers of both hands when posing for a photo shoot, interview, and or probably when performing his acts of activism on the streets.

"That man I dey craze" exclaimed an Aboki selling retail goods, as Charly Boy took us around Wuse market in Abuja metropolis. "Sometimes, I go normal, sometimes, I dey craze" He explained.

That Charly Boy is an evil man, would be a misguided assertion. That is stupidity elevated to the height of philosophy to think in such bigotry. He is an entertainer who understands what sells in entertainment industry. Even as a christian, I'll rather I keep my assumptions about the man Charly boy for you to decide. Because, already his personality like poetry tells a different story at different seasons. :)

Boko Haram vs Christians: Who Blinks First?



Attacks on Nigerian churches



A battle line seem to have been drawn in Nigeria's religious circle. Whichever way you chose to describe it, the battle between the Christian faithful and the radical Islamic sect is one that tests the faith of every living Nigerian in all 36 states of the nation. It is a battle of faith versus reality. A battle of either physical self-defense or the belief in a spiritual victory.

No doubt, there is an urgent need for independent intelligence gathering and security step-up in the Christendom as churches in the North have remained second major target, aside the continued attacks on security facilities across the country by the radical Islamic extremist group.

The effects of attacks on Christian faithful are imminent reprisal attacks which usually force many to either trust in the unseen God to defend them or fight with physical weapons in self-defense.

Attacks on churches have always been bloody, deadly and horrific - as the casualties involve both adults and children. In some cases, the priests are not spared. One minute, the people  would leap for joy and begin to rejoice heartily. And for several other hours, their joy would diminish, paving the way for long lasting agonies, wailings and mourning over the loss of a dear one who had been blown apart by the bombs of some defiant messengers of death. The suicide bombers, with an aim to destroy as many lives as possible, often ram their bomb-laden vehicles against the church walls, having outwitted security men. Sadly, the agents of death or suicide bombers as they are literally called, are not always spared of their own evil.

Strengthening the government's effort to curb the recurrent weekend attacks, most churches, streets, highways and government establishments in northern Nigeria are now manned by armed-to-the-teeth military and security operatives. For instance, a visit to the Nigerian national Christian center on a Sunday morning would reveal a long queue of worshippers waiting to be cleared by fully-armed security operatives. With water-tight security in full glare, everyone (young or old) is a suspected "suicide bomber", unless he or she has passed the strings of security check.

Long queue of worshipers awaiting security check

Tucked in Nigeria's capital city of Abuja, the National Church of Nigeria (previously known as the Nigerian Ecumenical Center and officially known as the National Christian Center) is the primary Christian place of worship in Nigeria and the symbol of unity of Christendom in the country.

The National Church, with a rotating altar placed within it, is an interdenominational church, making every Sunday service a remarkable one with full congregation.

National Church of Nigeria

Nigeria has the largest Christian population, compared to any country with Christians in Africa; with more than 70 million of its citizens belonging to churches of various denominations. Although the northern part of the country has the highest domination of Muslim faithful, violence against non-Muslims has increased since the introduction of Sharia penal law in some of the northern states.

What can be done to stop Boko Haram from terrorizing Nigerian Christians? Where and how did Christians offend the Muslims? How do Christians put an end to this religious war? As much as the Christian ideology and doctrine preach and supports peaceful dialogues, these and many more are the questions that continue to traumatize every Nigerian.

Should the Christians pick up arms and face the reality, what will become of the nation? The doctrine of love and peaceful co-existence is long overdue in the face of weekly killings and bombings of yet another family member. If no truce is met as soon as expected, things might continue to fall apart in Nigeria!

Ariticle by: Chi Josh

Thrills Of The Abuja Carnival

Interview with Nigeria's Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke

The 2012 Abuja national carnival has come and gone, but its memory will linger for a long time.
The carnival with the theme, ``Carnival of Peace and Harmony’’ was held in Nigeria's capital city of Abuja from Saturday, Nov. 24, to Tuesday, Nov. 27 amid tight security.

Beautiful faces, cool costumes, warm weather and an ecstatic crowd watched the floats of the Abuja 2012 carnival that delivered beautiful and scintillating performances by various colorfully attired Fancy groups representing different states of the federation as the Carnival climaxed.

Nigeria: Are We Sleeping, Half-Awake Or Just Ignorant?

Sincerely, I really cannot pinpoint what exactly is our problem in this country (Nigeria). Phd holders turn drivers while illiterates are senators or honorable reps?

It is an unfortunate turnout of events, contrary to the good intention of some past leaders who relentlessly fought so hard to prevent intellectual slavery.

In the name of religion, we've all turn nuisance - running around pastors and imams, who in-turn lobby corrupt politicians. The effect of this is that, these religious leaders judiciously brainwash the gullible congregation.

Do we pay tithes, offerings to get brainwashed? In the face of injustice, we're preached about contempt and peace. Yet, when we all complain of not getting enough, we're told that the Israelite suffered in the wilderness for 40 years. I'll be damned! Are these Israelite just reference or a nation that still exists?

Who Is Talking About this??? Austerity In Africa

Joyce Banda, Malawi President

In a recent development, welcomed by the good people of Malawi, Joyce Banda, Malawi President announced that she will take a 30 percent pay cut to show that she will sacrifice personally as part of her government's austerity measures.

The newly appointed Africa's second female president, after Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, came into power in April following the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika and has since then made tremendous efforts to redeem and rebuild the confidence of the great people of Malawi.

In an interview granted to the BBC correspondent, she said, "I am the servant of the people..."

According to her, her mission in life is to help women and youth gain social and political empowerment through business and education.

On the contrary, down here in Nigeria, where we constantly live in the shadow of the past, no one dare confront either of the three tiers of government for salary cuts, even though we (Nigerians) run the most expensive democracy in the world. 

Nigerian Senators receive hypothetically at least N2, 800,000 monthly multiplied by 109 senators = N305, 200,000.

Hon. Reps receive hypothetically at least N1, 800,000 monthly multiplied by 360 Honourables = N648, 000,000.

Are the Nigerian Senators or Honourables really servants? At least, each member of the house of Assembly is allocated certain fund to carry out projects in their various jurisdiction per year. Are they functioning in that capacity?

Perhaps, the problem is not the senators nor the Reps but the media who are the "Fourth Estate of the Realm". The media checkmates the legislators and the executives.

Unfortunately, most media houses down here in Nigeria are owned by politicians. Controlled journalism you'll say. Where journalists are strategically controlled and compelled with starvation to compromise professional ethics. Living from hand to mouth due to poor salary arrangement, running from one press conferences to another to earn enough to sustain.

However, Austerity measure is not a new phenomena in the African democratic settings. You'll recall the great "Abami Eda", Baba Fela Anikulapo, in his song titled "Teacher don teach me nonsense", says ‘austerity makes him laugh because it is beyond crying. 

According to the high-life legend, The government steals money from the country, the same government is introducing austerity measures—forcing the poor people to pay for their own greed and calling it ‘austerity measures’. 

:::Government Propaganda:::

According to Joseph Goebbels, a German politician and Reich Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie.

It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.”

Nevertheless, lies told repeatedly would never metamorphose into truth.

But like they say, "This is Nigeria, and anything can happen."

From my manageable room, down here in Abuja, Nigeria's political hub of Africa's most corrupt government officials, where job availability is uncertain, whereas authority stealing is most assured, I continue to pray for the media revolution.

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Tourist Attraction: Cathedral Church of Christ Marina

I was in Lagos from Abuja for my usual work, and so decided to go on a photo tour for my Nigerian friends in diaspora. A way of bringing back blessed memories and linking them back to motherland.

This is one of the pictures I took and a bit History I dug out about the object / subject in the pix.

::Christ Church Cathedral, Lagos, popularly known as the Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, is the oldest Anglican Cathedral in the Church Of Nigeria Anglican Communion and also one of the finest of Cathedrals in Africa. It is the seat of the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and automatically the seat of the Bishop of Lagos. 

Established in 1869, Christ Church stands on a prominent position on the CMS (Church Missionary Society) suburb of the Marina, of the Lagos Island, overlooking the Lagos lagoon. 

Its current structure, which was completed in 1946, is the third church built to house its congregation and was designed by Architect Benjamin Bagandogi in a Norman Gothic style. 

The growth of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) since the end of the Slave Trade has been a very rapid one.

History has it that, on April 1st 1839, the first set of returnees who were Christians sailed from freetown for Badagry, a former slave port in Western Nigeria. It was from their new abode that they took the initiative to ask for a missionary from the Welseyan Missionary Society. 

It is interesting to know that within two centuries, Christianity and indeed Anglicanism, which started like child's play in Badagry, and Abeokuta has spread like wild fire to all nooks and crannies of our country Nigeria. 

Although, Christianity came into Nigeria in the 15th century through the efforts of Augustinan and Capuchin monks from Portugal. 

However, it was not until 1842 that Henry Townsend of the Church Missionary Society sowed the seed of Anglicanism properly when he landed in Badagry from Freetown Sierra Leone.

This masterpiece structure has continued to stand out in the midst of the bustling and hustling of markets around Marina, in Nigeria's commercial hub, Lagos.

www.datvillageboy.com

Chi Josh

http://www.thecathedrallagos.org/about-the-cathedral.php

Welcome To Zuma Rock

The Zuma rock located near Abuja, Nigeria’s capital state was nominated for the world’s seventh wonders. It’s a famous tourist attraction in Nigeria both locally and international. From far it depicts an image of an African elephant but when close an inscription is seen which keen observers have described to bear a resemblance to a human face.

The image of Zuma Rock is depicted on Nigeria's 100 Naira Note and geographically, it marks the centre of Nigeria.

Local indigenes living around the rock believe the presence of the Zuma rock brings them blessing.

There are mysteries behind the rock. Most of the locals believed that it was the home of powerful spirits. Until very recently, the myth tellers claimed, that any one venturing near the rock will never return.

However, when the reality to this myth was tested by some daring, Russian climbers, they successfully returned unharmed, as conquerors of fear and old age myths.
The ceremony was so captivating that even Senior Government Officials and Ministers of Tourism attended it.

As they say: “Conquering the mountain was as important to the Nigerians as landing on the moon was to the Americans”. From that day on, Zuma has been open to challenges and dare devils.

If you're planning a trip to Nigeria, whether to see a relative, a friend or just to discover the amazing country, there is one thing without which your visit can not be completed. Visiting the Zuma Rock! Gateway to Abuja, Nigeria.

Chi Josh, " The more you see the less you understand; while the more you ask, the less you can comprehend."

HIV Positive Gay Commercial Sex Worker Claims "he sleeps with top Government Officials"

This is one sad and very annoying report, I will like you prepare your mind for what you're about to read. Please feel free to drop your comments.

It was like a scene from one of those Hollywood movies. People gathered around, not believing their ears as they listened to the young man who was not the least ashamed of his trade. Ifeanyi Benedith Agah told the astounded crowd in the Upper Area Court of Maraba, Nassarawa State how he plied this trade in the suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). And what is his trade? Commercial sex! BLESSING UKEMENA writes

Men are fast becoming part of commercial sex workers especially in major cities of the country. Before now it was mostly done in secret but it has now taken a new dimension with the men standing by the road side soliciting for clients.

According Ifeanyi, he used to stand the streets of Wuse Zone 4 which is acknowledged as one of the red light zones in the FCT or Jabi, a suburb of Abuja for business. He also owned up to having been into the business for about five years.

He said: I have been doing this for five years now. I was disvirgined when I was 12 years. I used to perform in cultural dances with the females in my school. One day my principal saw me, called me and told me that he liked me, that is how we started.

He was the one who initiated me into Being Intimate through the anus.

My parents were not taking good care of me. They left me in the village while they were here in Abuja. It was the principal that was taking care of me by paying my school fees and other such things"

The-17-year-old who hails from Afikpo Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, claimed that, at first his parents were not aware of his intimate activities but when they eventually found out they took him for HIV/AIDS test and it was discovered that he was HIV positive.

HIV WHAT ?!?!?! :o
  
Agahs parents subsequently disowned him and threw him out of the house and so like most persons in the commercial sex; he claimed he went into the trade for economic reasons, adding that he joined the females to stand by the streets for clients at night.

Problem, however, started when he encountered 32-year-old Rabiu who approached him for his services on the March 11, 2012.

According to Agah, he usually charged N10,000 for each round of sex but Rabiu had pleaded with him to accept the same sum for two rounds of sex, but the client gave him only N1,000 after their time together and asked him to return the next day for the balance of N9,000.

The accused person stated that Rabiu did not live up to his promise as he gave him only N3,500 which upset him leading to an argument that landed both parties in police station where they had gone to have the issue resolved but were detained and charged to court the following day.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP SUNDAY, Agah stated that all sorts of persons patronise him for intimate gratification. Some of them are ministers but they will not tell you their full names. The good ones among them will give me up to N40,000 to N45,000 per night and the stingy ones will give N25,000 for three rounds per night

The accused who did not seem repulsed by what he has been doing, further stated, When I sleep with other men I feel like a female LovePeddler. I do not have feeling for females, only the males so they are the ones that take me out for business and treat me well.

I cannot tell them that I am HIV positive because it will spoil business for me. Some of them use condoms. Nobody apart from my parents knows that I am HIV positive. I stay with female LovePeddlers because I do not have my own place. Even the girls I live with do not know that I am HIV positive, he said.

Agah surprisingly told our correspondent that he would not advise anybody to join his trade as he insisted he was in it because of his financial difficulties, just as he said he would advise those in the cat to stop it stating: This is hand work because I need to take care of myself but I would advise others that are doing it to stop it. I am doing this because of my condition. My parents stay in Gwagwa, a suburb of the FCT, but I have not seen them in two years.

Rabiu, however, refused to make any comment as he bemoaned the possibility of going to jail having been found guilty of unnatural offences by the Upper Area Court, presided over by Judge Abdullahi Mariga. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Abu asked the court for preservation of sentence so that more investigation might be carried out as there were other developments while trial was on.

The court convicted the accused as charged and ordered that they remain in police custody till the sentence is passed.


CURLED: LEADERSHIP SUNDAY

30,000 Youths Rendered Jobless In Plateau State

The ban on commercial motorcycling in Plateau will leave 30, 000 youths in the state jobless, idle and open to nefarious activities, the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) has said.

The National President of the association, Alhaji Babagida Maihula, said this on Wednesday in Jos while reacting to the decision of the Plateau Government to ban commercial motorcyclists popularly known as 'okada', in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.

He said that the 30,000 youths could become the "devil's workshop" as a result of idleness resulting from the ban on 'okada'.
"What we have been calling on the government to do is to provide an alternative, provide a palliative measure because you cannot lay off more than 30,000 able-bodied youth and you say you are trying to make peace within the city". He said.

The Plateau government had, after an emergency State Executive Council meeting on May 4, banned commercial motorcycle operation in Jos and Bukuru metropolis, citing the security situation in the state capital as reason.

It also said the law enforcement agencies were ``expected to comply with the law banning motorcycle operations by checking activities of ``those who might want to disregard it in any way".

Businessdayonline.com

South-South Indigene Confesses To Being Part Of Boko Haram

An indigene of Akwa-Ibom states, Augustine Effiong has confessed to be a member of the dreaded Islamist group [Boko Haram].

The South South 25 year-old young man also confessed to Police that he was part of the team who killed worshipers at Bayero University in Kano just of recently where two Professors including 15 other worshipers.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris who disclosed this in a press statement made available to reporters said that, Mr Effiong had confessed to be one of those behind the attack on Christian worshipers at BUK.

Mr Effiong, though an indigene of Akwa Ibom was born and brought up at Maiduguri before he later converted to Islam. The police said, “he has been transferred to Abuja for discreet investigations”.

The command said Mr Effiong was arrested over an attempt to murder a civilian at Danlasan Village in Warawa Local Government Area of Kano state.

During the preliminary investigation, the suspect, a resident of Bulunkutu Abuja Quarters in Maiduguri confessed to have relocated to the Kano state last April.

“He confessed to have participated in a series of attacks, killing of policemen and military personnel in the state (Kano), including the recent attack and killings in Bayero University Kano (BUK),” the police said.

Attackers with bombs and guns opened fire at church services at BUK last month and killed about 20 people including two professors as worshippers tried to flee.

“I was involved in the attack at BUK,” he told reporters in Hausa.

He further confessed to being part of a “20-man killer squad” charged with targeting the security services around Kano.

Boko Haram has repeatedly targeted the security services in Kano and has claimed attacks that have killed more than 1,000 people since mid-2009.

“I killed many people, including five soldiers at checkpoints,” in Kano, Mr Effiong said.


Curled: Dailypost

Kidnapped Pastor Found Dead After Payment Of N500,000 Ransom

The lifeless body of Pastor Anslem Iwuala has been picked up by members of his immediate family, seven days after he was kidnapped and a N500,000 paid to the hoodlums to secure his freedom.

Late Iwuala, who was on his way to his country home, Egberede Nguru, Aboh Mbaise local council area of Imo State, was abducted by gunmen along the ever busy Okpala-Mbaise road.

Narrating the family’s ordeal to newsmen, the deceased’s cousin, Mr. Odinakachi Iwuala, confirmed that his uncle was kidnapped by the hoodlums while returning from Aba.

Odinakachi disclosed that the family made frantic efforts to reach their bread winner, adding that his abductors finally got in contact with the family at about midnight of the ill-fated day and demanded N100 million.

Continuing, Odinakachi revealed that the hoodlums said they were sent to kill the pastor/businessman, promising that they would spare his life if they paid the ransom.

“The family, however, paid the sum of N500,000 to the kidnappers. We all thought that our prayers had been answered until we received a telephone call from his abductors to rush down to Okpala but what we saw was his corpse,” Odinakachukwu lamented.

Although no police officer at Uvuru Mbaise was ready to speak on the issue, Vanguard, however, gathered that the police was making frantic efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of the sordid crime.

Vanguardngr.com

Pix of the day (UP CHELSEA!!!)

This elderly man's Gyration in his nudity has left me in pondering, could this be the future mode of supporting the European Leagues, is this celebration at all, or is he just drunk??? CHAI!!! So, even football have side effects and to the best of my knowledge would be requiring doctor's prescription.


And this man get pikin o!!!

GOOOAALLLL!!!!! UP CHELSEA!!!!!!!!!!

Elrufai To Pastor Adeboye: Quit At 70

The controversial former minister of the FCT, Malam Nasir Elrufai, has given an unusual birthday gift to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye. The controversial minister is asking Pastor Adeboye to resign in a post on his twitter profile.


This has however left many wondering what business Elrufai who is not a member of the RCCG has with the retirement or non retirement of Adeboye.

Na wao!!!

Abeg feel free to read other reports...