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.

A Visit To The National Assembly.

It is funny how you immediately feel like a politician mere stepping into the nation's power hub in the capital city of Abuja.

After thorough security checks of both names and bag(s) at the gate, as mandated, you'll have to drop something valuable. In my case, one of my handsets (others, their Int'l passport or drivers license).

We immediately proceeded for the day's business. But without a proper description of where you're heading to, you'll be lost in no time. As the buildings are flanked apart, with the assembly hall in-between the office of the Senates and office of the Reps.

The National Assembly is Nigeria’s bicameral legislature and the highest elective law-making body of the country.

RUNWAY 3 FASHION SHOW IN ABUJA

Nigeria’s fashion industry Saturday got a fabulous facelift with Runway 3, a fashion and music show, featuring 12 designers showcasing exclusive mixed collections of both men and women's wear, in Abuja, Nigeria's capital state.

This year’s third edition of the annual fashion and entertainment show witnessed designers, models, stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists photographers and fashion journalists all converged at the ThisDay Dome in Abuja's central area, with refreshing interludes of live music and comedy performances by top Nigerian artists.

Although the fashion industry in Nigeria has yet to reach its full potential, the Runway 3 provides platform for small and medium sized fashion designers to participate in a grand scale fashion show to a large reach of youthful audience.

Enjoy beautiful pictures from the event below:

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?

"There Was A Country" By Chinua Achebe

"There Was A Country" - by renowned writer, Chinua Achebe. Just read several pages and I must confess, "It's an archival piece."

The book remains very controversial as it touches both ethnic and tribal issues that led to the most devastating civil war to have hit Africa's most populous nation, Nigeria.

So far, reviews have focused on a part of the book where the author's assertions, especially where he attributed the suffering of Biafrans to the food blockage policy that was championed by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was then the Federal Commissioner of Finance.

Open Letter To "Dundees"

Nigeria!!! I don't understand! Lives and properties seem worthless in the face of recurrent killings and bombings. Brother's keeper now brother's destroyer. Every weekend without a bomb blast now seem a birthday celebration without a gift.

As the government continues to tackle ethnic, tribal and religious crisis on one hand, it loots the land of its resources on the other hand. At least, we're assured of an outpour of condemnation and criticism statements. But, with no arrest nor justice forthcoming, curbing the situation is just another religious mirage of God working wonders without the human machinery.

Although no guarantee for security, jobs, electricity or basic amenities, with full assurance of incessant corruption, we've continued to nosedive more and more into a Banana Republic-like system of government.

My Daddy Is A Liar And A Flirt

‎

 ::: My Daddy Is A Liar And A Flirt

It would be foolish to think facebook will shutdown before your kids learn ABC.

But the sad news is not the shutting down of social networks, but when children grow up to read the comments (foolishness) of their parents.

Be cautious of what you write on social networks. You may not know this, but should know search engines store "caches". Which means, your posts or comments can still be dugged out by generations yet unborn.

Life is not all about "sex", "fame", being "classy" or "style". Stick with me, whether you like it or not, facebook keeps deactivated accounts.

Just as kids are eager to learn about their origin, they'll dig out your past lifestyle out of curiosity.

::: Mummy, daddy said abortion is bad but he's a liar, he aborted aunt Caro's pregnancy but he never told you. I saw it on facebook.

Find me on Facebook: Chi Josh

Or follow me on Twitter: @IamChiJosh

BC to enlighten

26 Years And Still Searching | Dele Giwa

Late Dele Giwa

Today marks exactly 26 years that iconic journalist and one of the founders of Newswatch magazine, Dele Giwa was assassinated through a parcel bomb, the first of its kind in the history of the country.

The circumstance of his murder could only be visualized when watching a high profile thriller movie.

Twenty six years after his murder, no one has been arrested or brought to book for his murder.

"This attitude of the federal government and the security agencies in Nigeria, from time immemorial historically, tells of the nature of the country called Nigeria, and that its leadership (that were filled with foot soldiers with no education, at all) is filled thugs, that are always very disrespectful of human life; and within them, there is no abiding social grace and love, and especially, when the other or victim is from another angle, so called tribe.

Amidst their crimes against humanity in Nigeria, there has been no machinery of accountability establish to grill the so called Nigerian leaders before or when leaving office."

May his humlbe Soul continue to RIP

“Remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall -- think of it, ALWAYS.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Read the interview of Dr. Taiyemiwo Ogunade with SaharaReporters, on the assassination of Dele Giwa:

http://saharareporters.com/interview/%E2%80%9Cmohammed-buba-marwa-delivered-letter-bomb-killed-dele-giwa%E2%80%9D-dr-taiyemiwo-ogunade

Follow discussion on twitter: @IamChiJosh

Or on Facebook: Chi Josh

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.

Follow me on Facebook: Chi Josh

Or follow discussion on Twitter: @IamChiJosh

Please leave a comment and reshare to enlighten your friends and relatives.

How Safe Is Nigeria? U.S. State Department Travel Warning for Nigeria

Nigerians, How safe is your state?

How safe is Nigeria for tourists or Nigerians in Nigeria? What states are no-go-area for you?

As a foreigner, If really you must travel through Nigeria, there are states that the United State government listed early this year that must be avoided. 

So, I'm asking, as a Nigerian, can you help narrow down touring through Nigeria to some (safe) states for a tourist to enjoy his/her tour?

"Based on current safety and security risks, the U.S. government now requires advance permission for essential travel to a number of states in the Niger Delta, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers; the Southeastern states of Abia, Edo, Imo; the city of Jos in Plateau State, Bauchi and Borno States in the northeast; and the Gulf of Guinea."

Using the Nigeria map to avoid those states listed by the US government, is it possible tour to country without being kidnapped, gunned down or even bombed?

Other reports list a number of Northern Nigeria states as more dangerous during the night. But are they really safe during the day for tourist? 

"Curfews are currently in effect for the cities of Gusau (Zamfara State), Kano (Kano State), Maiduguri (Borno State), Minna (Niger State), Potiskum (Yobe State), and Yola and Mubi (Adamawa State). Canadians in affected areas are urged to limit their essential movements to daylight hours, avoid all public gatherings, keep a supply of basic foods on hand, monitor the security situation and closely follow the advice of local authorities, especially with respect to curfews."

"Kidnappings are a particular threat in the Niger Delta region, but can occur elsewhere in the country. On May 31, 2012, an Italian national was kidnapped in Kwara State. On January 26, 2012, a German national was kidnapped in Kano and then killed on May 31, 2012. A British national and an Italian national were kidnapped in Kebbi on May 12, 2011, and killed by their captors on March 8, 2012."

The list of states detailed in by the US government can help narrow down on states that don't pose any threat to life. Relatively, as much as all states in the country are opposed to the recurrent killings and reprisal attacks, you'll notice that most of the states that have more insurgents are either sharing border to other countries, Islamic extremists states or oil rich states.


"The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria, and continues to recommend that U.S. citizens avoid all but essential travel to the following states because of the risk of kidnappings, robberies, and other armed attacks: Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states. "

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=218000

http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/2012/03/01/u-s-state-department-travel-warning-for-nigeria-2/

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5739.html

Nigerians, how safe is your state? 

Contrary to US Gov list of avoidable states, would you recommend your state for tourists?

What's your view or opinion?

Follow me on Facebook: Chi Josh or

Twitter @IamChiJosh

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

Keagan: Big Brother Africa 2012 Winner

Keagan, 22 year old South Africa's contestant, is the winner of the big brother Africa 2012 star game show. The announcement was made few minutes ago by regular host, IK.

The presentation of the $300,000 USD prize at the grand finale was the climax of the BBA reality show, which saw housemates from different parts of Africa spending 91 days approx. three months in the same house. Meanwhile Prezzo came 2nd and also as the first runner-up he got an all expense paid trip to Jayz's concert in New york.

The tension was on an all-time high during the finale as IK announced Wati as 6th, Kylie 5th, Talia 4th, Lady May 3rd, leaving Prezzo and Keagan as top finalists. Wati from Malawi was however evicted at the grand finale.

The finale witnessed live music performance from top Nigerian musicians like D'banj, even the newly wedded Nigerian star,Naeto C.

Earlier before the eviction, Goldie, Janette, Malonza,Alex and some of the other evicted housemates from the BBA star game also came up on stage as IK, anchor, had short interview with them. 

Big Brother Stargame started on Sunday, May 6, 2012 with a total of 35 housemates divided into the Upville and Downville houses. While the Downville had as occupants, regular individuals, the posh Upville catered for the celebrity housemates. Gradually, the number reduced till the final six, out of which the winner emerged.

Congratulations Keagan!

A Day With The Wanted Man

Bart Nnaji is a wanted man—on two continents.

Nnaji is wanted in the United States, specifically at the University of Pittsburgh, where the Alcoa Professor of Manufacturing Engineering is noted for his expertise in robotics and as the architect for a possible new center in e-design.
...
He’s also wanted in his native Nigeria, where members of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) are urging him to run for governor of the southeastern state of Enugu. Actually, urging is too weak a term—members of the political party seemed set to draft him as a candidate.

That is an excerpt from a publication by the University of Pittsburgh official website.

 http://www.chronicle.pitt.edu/media/pcc030224/bart_nnaji.html

Now, occupying the seat of a Minister of the federal republic of Nigeria, where he holds sway as the Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji is distinguished from his fellow colleagues due to his professional background and his non-interest nor partisan in the Nigerian politics.

As his spokesperson puts it, "He says things just as they are," adding: "if it's bad, he tells you it's bad."

He once reacted to a publication that put him in the line of political affiliation, saying: “the article bears my name, but I didn’t write it, There are people in the All Nigeria People’s Party who are trying to put my name out for the governorship and who wrote the article to portray the type of image they want to project of me as a candidate.”

As the minister of science and technology in 1993, Nnaji advocated for employment of Nigerians by multinationals rather than importing expertriates from abroad and to successfully achieve this, he stressed education as a way to build Nigeria’s economy

According to him, when a new company comes to Nigeria, they should be able to hire Nigerians for the jobs. This is evident in the oil industry, where many of the highest-paying jobs went to foreign nationals who had the expertise, instead of Nigerians.

The 2003 New Year’s Day witnessed a remarkable achievement for the Professor of Energy when a leading national newspaper named him as one of the “50 Leaders Nigeria Needs”.

He is indeed a visionary whose advocacy for the weak has gone a long way to reduce the disparity between the rich and low in the society.

He was once quoted as saying: "instead of just selling bananas, we should be able to process the fruit and sell banana juice … the same for guavas, yams, and palms. Nigeria has the natural resources to produce aluminum. I’d like to see us process aluminum and export sheet aluminum.”

He is the founder, Geometric Power Limited - the first indigenously owned private sector power company in Nigeria.

Geometric Power and Renatech in 2001 financed, designed and built an emergency power plant in Abuja, supplying electricity to the Nigerian Electric Power Authority. Geometric Power Limited is currently completing a 400 million U.S. dollars Integrated Power Project (IPP) in Aba, southeast Nigeria.

Dr. Bart Nnaji, 52, a Ph.d holder hails from Nkanu East, Enugu State, Nigeria, where he attended Elementary Secondary Eductaion. He acquired his Doctorate degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering, at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the United States. He is also a tenured professor of Computer Integrated Manufacturing and Robotics in the department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, also in the United States.

Additionally, the rich breakfast we had with him before the interview in which, he once again, expressed his positive belief in overcoming the preponderous and recurrent power failure challenges plaguing Nigeria's development, was indeed a remarkable experience in the minister's mansion in Asokoro, Abuja.

(VIDEO) MayD Leads The Mimic P-Square and Rick Ross Competition

Mimic P Square and Rick Ross Competition” lands in UK in a funny manner you can’t just resist! MayD has just led the crowd in the funniest way anyone could ever imagine.

 UK Fans here's one for all of you, its the "Mimic P Square and Rick Ross Competition"
Have fun making your own short video of P Square and Rick Ross 'Beautiful Onyinye' and stand a chance to win prizes from P Square.
After making your video,share the link on www.facebook.com/itsiroking and RT to @itsiroking.

First Prize: iPad

Second Prize: iPhone

Third Prize: Blackberry

Fourth Prize: iNokia - Don't mind me jare :D


Winners will be announced on stage where they'll receive their prizes.

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."

Audio Conversation Between Farouk Lawan And Femi Otedola Arranging $2.5 million

The text conversation between Femi Otedola and Farouk Lawan arranging to pay/collect the balance of a certain $3 million deal:

Femi Otedola: I don’t want to bring it to my house
Farouk Lawan: You will take it to your house?
Femi Otedola: No, I don’t want to bring it to my house. It’s a lot of money.
Farouk Lawan: Yes, hurry because I am rushing to the…they are at the airport now?
Femi Otedola: Yes, they are at the airport in the aircraft
Farouk Lawan: And before they can come over now….unless I send somebody to…I can’t…by the time they come I should be in the chambers. I have a lot of things to do myself.
Femi Otedola: Is there anybody you trust I can give it to or maybe I should postpone my …till tomorrow
Farouk Lawan: No no it’s ok. I will arrange with someone. Let me give you his number
Femi Otedola: Ok
Farouk Lawan: His number is 080….
Femi Otedola: Hold on hold on…080…
Farouk Lawan: 365133**
Femi Otedola: What’s his name?
Farouk Lawan: Yeah, TJ
Femi Otedola: So, I will give him the balance, that’s 2.5 million dollars yeah?
Farouk Lawan: Hold on, just hold on, I am calling him to be sure



But sincerely, who is guilty? The giver or the receiver?

Nigeria Is Sixth Most Dangerous Country To Live

Now before you go ballistic about patriotism, I would like we all as Nigerians first look within and ask ourselves this question, "Is being sentimental helping us at all?"

 They say, Charity begins at home.

10 Most Dangerous African Countries in 2012

Global Peace Index has recently released a report on global ranking of countries according to their dangerousness, a dozen African countries are among the most affected by war, terrorism and political instability; but Rwanda is not on the list and is positioned among safe ones.

Since 2007, the Global Peace Index, conducted by the Research Institute of Economics & Peace, class 153 countries of the safest most dangerous. Countries affected by civil wars for years, or face regular violence, are part of the top 10 African countries most dangerous.

The ranking evaluates, among other things, the risk of renewed fighting, the resurgence of political instability and terrorist threats. Among the top ten ranked to be dangerous Ethiopia is ranked the Ten (10) on the list.

More than ten years after the war that opposed to Eritrea, Ethiopia still maintains a tense relationship with the country and conflict: the Ethiopian government has not fully withdrawn its troops from Badme area, the north, and attributed to Eritrea, although the International Court of Justice has precisely defined the borders of both countries.

Ethiopia is also home to separatist movements: the Oromo Liberation Front, which affects the most populated region of Ethiopia to the southwest and the birthplace of important natural resources, the National Liberation Front in the Ogaden, based east on the border with Somalia, has an armed wing, Said the global peace ranking.

9 – Burundi: political instability

Burundi has experienced a civil war for fifteen years because of opposition Tutsi and Hutu rebels. Following a cease-fire, the Hutu rebels of the National Front for the Liberation became a political party. The 2010 elections were fire-proof: the boycott of presidential elections by the opposition and the return of violence show that the country is still far from stability.

8 – Zimbabwe: Renewed violence

Zimbabwe has experienced a wave of violence after the disputed presidential election in 2008: Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai, his main rival, both claimed victory in the first round of elections. The situation has eased in 2009 with the establishment of a system with two-headed as president, Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai as Prime Minister.

In 2010, attempts by the Prime Minister to develop the Constitution have been sabotaged by the camp of Robert Mugabe. Public meetings were banned, arbitrary arrests, looting and ransacking, have pushed the country into violence.

7 – Chad: peaceful relations with neighboring countries

Chad has significantly improved its position by improving relations with neighboring countries. Several agreements signed between 2009 and 2010 led to pacify the country. The political situation has also stabilized.

6 – Nigeria: religious war and economic war

The instability still reigns in the center and south of the country where the reelection of Good luck Jonathan has not changed. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa with 155 million inhabitants, is marked by a religious conflict at the center, near Jos, where the killings of Muslims and Christians have killed nearly 20,000 people during the last decade.

But religion is not the only reason for conflict and economic needs have led to the southward migration of landless farmers Christians.

Other economic battle in the Niger Delta in the south: the Nigerian government is facing a terrorist group, the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), which attacks the facilities and personnel of oil companies. Kidnappings of expatriates and attacks on oil pipelines are their predilections, negating attempts Armistice incurred by the State.

5 – Libya: civil war

Following the Arab Spring came in February 2011; Libya has entered into a civil war. The protests led to the downfall of the authority of Muammar Gaddafi in the east. Since then, international intervention under the authority of NATO has still not managed to restore calm in the country.

4 – Central African Republic: an eventful year

New entry in the standings: the Central African Republic. The presidential elections have created an environment of tension and unrest within the country. The presence of rebel groups in the border area with Sudan and Chad is also problematic.

Despite the signing of a peace agreement in 2008, some groups have not signed the agreement, are still active. In south-east, the troops of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony, continue unabated.

This group is part of the most violent in the world, has expanded internationally and is present in the DRC and southern Sudan, where he is engaged in looting and

Abductions of civilians.

3 – Democratic Republic of Congo: Terrorist threats increasingly present

The problems of the Democratic Republic of the Congo residing in these activities at the border of its territory and the presence of several armed groups and terrorists in the east. It is mainly in Kivu, in the Great Lakes region, the situation is more difficult. The origin of the conflict: the massive influx of refugees after the Rwandan genocide. An improvement is noted, however, about the tensions between the forces of the national army (FARDC) and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) on the dominance of territory and resources.

The attempt to integrate SPDC to the regular army and the cease-fire of 2008 is ineffective because regularly violated.

To the east, the Allied Democratic Forces-National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (ADF-NALU), Ugandan rebel movement, is in conflict with the Congolese government. This group is related to the Shabab Somali fundamentalist Islamic group linked to al-Qaida.

2 – Sudan: a multitude of conflicts

The situation in Sudan has worsened from 2010. The country suffers from two years of internal conflict have serious consequences both human and political. To the west, the conflict in Darfur has killed 300,000 people, including those due to famine and disease, and 2.7 million displaced since 2003. Peace, signed in 2006 between the government and the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), one of the strongest rebel groups, is fragile because all factions did not sign. The UN presence is still needed.

In the South, thanks to self-determination referendum in 2011, the conflict in Southern Sudan is in the process of healing. However, the situation in Abyei, remains uncertain.

1 – Somalia: a generalized civil war for over twenty years

Since 1991, Somalia is facing a civil war difficult, the conflict between the Transitional Federal Government, supported by the UN, and several groups of Islamist rebels, some of which are close to al-Qaida.

Unrecognized within the territory of Somalia, the government of Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed cannot impose his reforms across the country. The only piece of territory it controls is part of the capital Mogadishu, the scene of regular fighting between both sides to maintain control.

Over 1.9 million people or over 20percent of Somalis under the Office of the United Nations for Refugees (UNHCR) have fled the country controlled by fear. Stabilizing the country still seems impossible.
Among all the sub-Saharan African countries which experienced wars in the past 10 years Rwanda have not been ranked among the ten most dangerous countries.

Source: Indepth Africa Mag 

Chris Brown, Drake 'Offered $1M Each For Boxing Match'

Sparring singers Chris Brown and Drake have been offered $1 million apiece to continue their bottle-flinging fracas in a boxing ring.

According to New York Daily News, Celebrity Boxing promoter Damon  Fieldman said billionaire soda bottling heir Alki David has offered to write the hefty checks and give another $1 million to charity if the rival R&B stars agree to put up their dukes.

“Obviously they have a grudge. It’s just three 1-minute rounds. No one will get seriously hurt,” Feldman told the Daily News.

He said the pay-per-view event could be in Las Vegas or Los Angeles with a target date of Aug. 25. A Brown representative told The News that the performer’s camp has “never heard” of the offer.
The singers have been linked to a police investigation since their alleged feud left at least eight people injured following the violent melee inside Manhattan’s W.i.P. nightclub June 14.

A police source earlier told The News that investigators were tracking down witnesses to support claims that Drake, 25, taunted Brown and his entourage with overtures related to Rihanna, the sultry singer they’ve both dated.

The brawl left Brown with a busted chin and his NBA pal Tony Parker with enough damage to his left eye that he required surgery and might miss playing for France’s national team in the Summer Olympics.
Feldman said he’d like Rihanna to participate in the proposed punch-fest, never mind that Brown was convicted of beating her bloody in 2009.

Now tell me who you'll bet on, Chris or Drake?

"From that moment onward I knew my life was at risk" - Ghanaian born British consultant under threat in Nigeria

 I Pray this gets to the appropriate authorities

For his persistence in demanding his consultancy fee for over three-year service, Ghanaian born British consultant, Kofi Manu feels threatened by his client turned assailant, one Dr Alhaji Abdulganiyu Obatoyinbo, his wife Iyabo Obatoyinbo.

He said the couple who had accumulated consultancy fee in excess of 869,000.00 British Pounds Sterling have now refused blatantly to pay for his services rendered them since the third quarter of 2009.

Mr. Manu, who has to go into hiding in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country for the safety of his life, said he was originally hired by his alleged assailants for their social care business in Ezy Care Home Services Limited located at 42 Exbury Lane Milton Keynes MK4 4FE in the United Kingdom.

According to him, the couple subsequently invited him to Nigeria, first in February 2009 for further assignments for which he had to return to Nigeria to carry out on their behalf.

“In the third quarter of 2009 when he was unexpectedly retired by the President Yar’Adua government from the Nigerian Civil Service, Dr Obatoyinbo and his third wife, Iyabo impressed upon me to assist them setup Redbricks Consultants for its continuous operation,” the consultant said in an emailed message from his hiding in Nigeria.

This activity, he said kept him in provision of his consultancy services to the Obatoyinbos businesses in England and in Nigeria.

He explained that due to the cordial relationship he had had with his clients he made the mistake of deferring payment for them over the period.

“They appeared genuine and honest, they have invested in properties in England, some held in third party names which I am aware of hoping that if things ever went wrong I could fall back on that. I never considered that deferring payment for them would ever turn the relationship into the ugly monster it has developed into,” Mr. Manu maintained.

The consultant said the projects he worked on for the couple included a proposed multi-million Health and Social Care business with over Two Million Pounds capital requirement in Britain until they withdrew for fear of the downturn in the housing market in 2008 onward.

He said the couple also had existing businesses in Nigeria including Micro Finance Institutions, Water and Beverage Production Line, Micro Hotels and Estates which all were poorly managed.

The consultant alleged that the couple began to show their true nature first when he (Manu) refused to participate in a 98 Million Naira fraud perpetrated against the Nigerian Police under the guise of providing anti-corruption training for senior officers of the Nigerian Police Force in July 2011 in a contract awarded by Ministry of Police Affairs as part of the Nigerian Police Reforms programmes by the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Then the heavens came tumbling down when I hinted Dr Alhaji Obatoyinbo that I wanted a meeting with him and his wife Iyabo to discuss my remuneration with a view to bring my engagement to an end and return home to London,” Mr. Manu stated.

He went on that “on 23rd December 2011 they evicted me without notice from the hotel accommodation they provided for me at Maitama in Abuja – Q Palace Hotel which is owned by Dr. Obatoyinbo; after a bogus meeting they convened on 22nd November 2011, to resolve the issues didn’t go their way.”

“From that moment onward I knew my life was at risk and have to take precaution, and relied on my private investigation skills to ensure my protection,” Mr. Manu added.

When the a Nigerian law firm representing the Ghanaian-born British consultant wrote on June 12, 2012 after a long period of silence, to remind the Obatoyimbos of their indebtedness, they wrote back through one Dr Francis Omotayo Oni (a cousin of Mrs. Iyabo Obatoyimbo) who acts as their legal counsel to deny Mr. Manu ever carried out any work for them.

In addition, the letter signed by the learned Dr. Francis Omotayo Oni, made a criminal counter claim to the effect that Mr Manu who apparently never worked for them, left with their “laptop and expensive softwares” worth a total of 600,000,000 Naira ” about 3,745,000 in USD equivalent or 2,404,000 equivalent in Great British Pounds.

They have even denied the existence of the contractual relationship in England relating to their social care business, which is expressly held in the register of the regulator – Ofsted; says the Ghana born British Investment and Strategic Management Consultant.

At least, for now, Mr. Manu’s Accra office has provided pictorial evidence of activities carried out involving him and his client in Nigeria.

When contacted, Dr Alhaji Obatoyinbo, who first denied knowing anyone by name Kofi Manu, later admitted knowing him by the name Julius Manu.

“He never did any work for me, and I don’t owe him anything,” he insisted, adding that the consultant had stolen his software and laptop.

When told of pictures available of him and Mr. Manu as well as other people at work, Dr. Alhaji Obatoyinbo laughed and asked this reporter to go ahead and publish his story.

Although he admitted owning Redbricks Consultants he denied owning Ezy Care Home Services Limited in the UK.

“He is a wanted man in Nigeria: The Police are looking for him. Ask him to report himself to the police and pay my debt,” he insisted in a telephone interview.

Unperturbed by these claims,. Mr. Manu reiterates that “My only concern for now is my safety. Nigeria is a beautiful country but the systems are not adequate and many things happen untraced.

“They can hire people to kidnap or kill me in cold-blood; I could disappear without a trace if they knew my whereabouts, just to evade liability for my consultancy services.

“They have frantically made several efforts to reach me using their assistants and unconnected associates. My greatest fear is that some senior officers in the Nigerian Police Force could be involved in the 98 Million Naira fraud scheme and by their counter criminal claim I can be unlawfully arrested if found and silenced, I mean murdered whilst in police custody before any investigation can take place.

“That way they get away without payment for my consultancy services, and the vital information I hold relating to the 98 Million Naira Fraud Scheme against the Nigerian Police under the guise of providing Anti-Corruption training to the Nigerian Police also die along with.”

Meet The Man With 100-pound Scrotum Who Rejects Free $1 Million Offer To Perform Corrective Surgery

A Las Vegas man who suffers from a rare condition that made his scrotum swell to 100 pounds is basking in the fame that his giant organ has brought him.

In fact, the attention is proving so intoxicating that Wesley Warren Jr turned down an offer to perform the $1 million corrective surgery for free because he would have had to give up the rights to his story. A second doctor has agreed to waive most of the cost for the procure, but Mr Warren still hasn't taken him up on the offer.
The watermelon-size scrotum Mr Warren carries between his legs has landed him on the Howard Stern Show and the Comedy Central program Tosh.0 and made him a local celebrity in his hometown.

Firecracker Films, the company behind 'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' has already signed a contract to make a documentary about him.

He must wear a hooded sweatshirt on his legs when he's out of public to contain his enormous scrotum. His penis is buried so deeply in the abnormal growth that he is forced to urinate on himself.

He only wanted, he said six months ago, to urinate like a normal man and have a romantic relationship with a woman.

Most disturbing, is his reaction to an offer he received from Dr Mehmet Oz, the celebrity physician whom Oprah made famous.

Mr Warren claims the Dr Oz Show said it would pay for the entire surgery at a top-notch hospital. However, the show would keep exclusive rights to tell Mr Warren's story.

He said he didn't take the TV program up on its offer because Howard Stern wanted him on his show again.

The stars in Mr Warrens eyes might not be the only thing holding him back, though.
The surgery is highly complicated and he fears he could die on the operating table.
The massive swelling is caused by fluid building up in his scrotum. Doctors must remove the excess tissue and then completely rebuild his scrotum.

There's also a chance, and not a small one, that complications could force the surgeons to cut off his penis and testicles if his scrotum won't stop bleeding.

Dr Joel Gelman, a University of California, Irvine surgeon, who has 'never lost a patient or a testicle' while performing the operation has offered to fly to Nevada and perform the procedure for free, as well, the Review-Journal reports.

Mr Warren says he contracted it somehow when he hit his testicle with his own leg while turning in bed one morning.

Health they say is wealth but this is health versus fame!

Nanny Watched As Cleaner Raped 5yr Old Girl In Abuja

The rape of a five-year-old girl is generating the interest of the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Muhammed Bello Adoke (SAN), who on Wednesday applied to a Wuse Magistrate Court to take charge of its prosecution from the Police.

Canadian born Eliana Melekwe was allegedly raped at Bolingo Hotel by a certain Godwin Okon, a cleaner in the hotel

However, counsel to the accused, Suleiman Usman, opposed the application, arguing that the AGF could not takeover a criminal case without the fiat of an attorney general of the state, taking Abuja to possess the status of a state.

After both sides had been heard, Magistrate Folashade Oyekan fixed Monday 25th June for counsel’s submission of written addresses on the propriety of the AGF’s desire.

Mother of the rape victim, Queen Moses Idris, had reported the matter to the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria, citing weakness of Police prosecution. But she was advised to first exhaust all internal mechanisms before inviting the Commission.

She consequently sought the intervention of the AGF, who instructed a lawyer in his chambers to follow the case up.

 In a letter to the AGF, she accused the Police, particularly the IPO of deliberately frustrating the matter by not turning up in court. The house help, Miss. Bright, who was in custody of the minor at the time of the rape, has since been apprehended by the National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP).

According to Idris, her daughter is currently receiving treatment at Kings Care Hospital Abuja, after contracting Sexually Transmitted Virus (STV) from 35-year-old Okon. She said her daughter, who was unable to eat, drink or excrete for more than a week, is suffering from “Yielded profubed staph spotter Utlus” and “mellonotigreen mecid discharge” on her vulva.

“We logged into Bolingo Hotel in Abuja on 11th March 2012. Two weeks later, I secured a 28-year-old house help called Bright, through an agency; and on 8th May, my daughter was sexually molested. I will say rape because it has to do with oral sex,” she said.

“The 35-year-old Godwin Okon, who works as a house cleaner in the hotel, connived with my house help and did anal sex with my daughter. This man is a professional because at the end of the day nothing happened at the front (vagina). He penetrated my daughter through the anus and gave her his manhood for sucking. The house help, being an accomplice, told my daughter that ‘If you tell your mum, she will spank you,’ so my daughter became scared and she didn’t tell me about the first incident.”

Meanwhile, THEWILL can report that the management of Bolingo had in the past few weeks spent huge sums to compromise the case at the local police post where it was first reported.  They also moved to lobby local media houses not to report the incident.

Having failed in their effort to get the media out of the story, management has cooked up a denial saying the infant’s mother owes them over a million naira in unpaid bills adding that she came up with the rape story after she was written to pay up

Source: TheWillNigeria


AAAARRRHHHHGGGG!!!!   So disgusting!!! o_o

Card, ATM & Mobile Expo Africa 2012

To all those who prefer to hide money under the carpet, inside their mattresses, or even in holes in the ground, this is not for you, and you got no reason to read this. However, if you’ve not missed out on the term ‘cashless society/economy’, then read on.

Presenting the 12th edition of the Card, ATM & Mobile Expo Africa 2012 (the biggest of its kind in Africa), taking place from the 12th to the 14th of June, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Please endeavor to partake in this event. There's a lot to learn.

This is what this expo is all about:

Creating awareness on the different methods of cashless payment.

Exhibit their usefulness in various situations

Show how to use these alternatives.

This event is not only educative, as there will be seminars and open workshops, adequate refreshments, but with lots of fun , as souvenirs will be given out, awesome prizes will be won at the raffle draws and on the last day is a Gala nite for networking with the players in the industry.

Air Nigeria Suspended For Safety Checks

Nigeria’s second-largest air carrier has been grounded for safety checks following a strike by its engineers, Officials say.

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority official Harold Demuren said Wednesday that Air Nigeria would be able to fly again after investigators finished their checks. The investigation comes after engineers at the airline carried out an on-and-off strike at the carrier.

A spokesman for the airline could not be immediately reached, though an operator at its call center said the airline hoped to resume flights Thursday.

The temporary grounding of Air Nigeria comes after a Dana Air flight June 3 crashed in Lagos, killing all 153 people on board and others on the ground. A cause for that crash has yet to be determined.

(VIDEO) Beautiful Onyinye - Psquare ft Rick Ross

This is a must watch. Although I'm not much of a music video critics but this video is worth every penny. Right from the lyrics down to the video shoot is just too good too professional.

17yr Old Boy Sentenced To Death By Hanging

When the argument ensued, it was my brother that ran into the house and brought out a matchete which he used to hit me several times. I then went into the house and brought out a gun to defend myself.” Those where the words of 17-year-old Solomon Ezukwa while trying to defend his action after he was charged before Justice Tambe Ebuta of the Calabar High Court.

 His defence, however, couldn't convince the Judge who, on Friday, found him guilty of shooting his step- brother, Joseph Banyio, to death using a locally made single-barrel gun. He was thus sentenced to death by hanging.

The incident took place in Aliki village, Cross River State. According to the prosecuting police officer, Christian Ugwouke, who investigated the matter, the accused intentionally killed his brother. 

Ugwuouke told the court that the two brothers were playing a game when an argument ensued between them. He also tendered a medical report during the trial as evidence which showed that Joseph Banyio di*d as a result of wounds sustained from a gunshot at close range.

I wonder what this world is turning into. Just an argument?

When did cutting off heads become solution for headaches? How can you involve guns and machetes just to come to terms? 


Hmmm...