₦airaland Forum

Welcome, Guest: RegisterLoginWith GoogleTrendingRecentNew

Stats: 3,325,153 members, 8,420,585 topics. Date: Friday, 05 June 2026 at 04:53 AM

Toggle theme

Atunga's Posts

Nairaland ForumAtunga's ProfileAtunga's Posts

1 2 (of 2 pages)

Foreign AffairsRe: Iran Retaliates With Barrage Of Missiles On Israel by Atunga: 12:39pm On Feb 28
geoworldedu:
Even if you are a Muslim, try to be neutral in wars that doesn't concern your country. cool Two country that have chop beleful are fighting. Wetin consign us here?
You could have given this same advice to those supporting USA and Israel against Iran. That would show that you are actually following your own advice of being neutral.
PoliticsRe: Politics Aside, President Tinubu Is Transforming South East. by Atunga: 7:48am On Jan 18
Streetinvestor2:
Coming from people who don't know what is happening in coperate world. Mtn that has been battling with loss for 2yrs now because of Tinubu failed economic policies.
Stop talking about things u don't know about
Tinubu government has delayed the work self
Your statement is not correct. The 2 years of losses suffered by MTN was during Buhari’s administration. MTN made profit in the first year of Tinubu’s administration. I know this because I am a shareholder who received dividend for the first time in 3 years.
Foreign AffairsRe: Trump Threatens Military Action On Greenland by Atunga: 10:53am On Jan 10
fergie001:
Trump speaking with journalists over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory in Denmark;


Donald John Trump


Five biggest political parties in Greenland reject Trump's offer
The making of a new Hitler.
SportsAmorim Sack ‘Imminent’ As Man Utd Board Line Up ‘Reliable Replacement’ by Atunga(op): 10:36am On Aug 29, 2025
Man Utd are looking to line up a ‘reliable replacement’ before sacking Ruben Amorim after a poor start to the new season, according to reports.

The Red Devils had a season to forget in 24/25 with Amorim’s side finishing 15th in the Premier League table and suffering defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham.

However, Man Utd have been regularly sacking managers for decades without achieving close to the levels of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 27-year tenure.

The Red Devils board put their faith in Amorim to turn things around over the summer with the Premier League side spending around £200m to transform their attack.

Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have all arrived for big fees but there has so far been little sign that Man Utd have rectified other issues from last campaign.

Man Utd have started the new season by taking just one point from their opening two matches against Arsenal and Fulham, while they were humiliated in the League Cup against Grimsby on Wednesday night.
After coming from two goals down to take the game to penalties against the League Two outfit, Man Utd lost 12-11 on spot-kicks against Grimsby in a new low under Amorim.

And now Spanish website Fichajes insists that his sacking is now ‘imminent’ after the Grimsby result and his ‘departure is considered virtually certain’.

Despite that, the report adds that ‘the board is first looking for a reliable replacement before making the decision’ with Julen Lopetegui and Zinedine Zidane mooted as options.

Fichajes continues: ‘Everything points to the match against Burnley being the ultimate test: if the team doesn’t get a win, Amorim could be fired before the September international break.

'The names of possible replacements are already starting to be bandied about in the corridors at Old Trafford, including Julen Lopetegui and Zinedine Zidane, although no official contacts have been confirmed.’


https://www.football365.com/news/man-utd-amorim-sack-imminent-board-line-up-reliable-replacement-grimsby
PoliticsRe: Knight Commander: Tinubu Conferred With Saint Lucia's Highest Honour (Video) by Atunga: 7:32am On Jul 01, 2025
Mirasteel:
Someone that doesn't deserve it.


I'm still yet to see Tinubu travel to USA.
https://thecanarypost.com/president-tinubu-jets-out-to-us-for-78th-unga/
PoliticsRe: Rivers State Political Crisis: State Of Emergency Loading by Atunga: 7:48am On May 06, 2025
Just seeing this. You must be a prophet!


SadiqBabaSani:
Fubara and his backers should continue,

It won't be far before state of emergency is declared.

One man cannot be greater than FG
Foreign AffairsRe: US Votes Against UN Resolution Condemning Russia’s War Against Ukraine by Atunga: 8:29am On Feb 25, 2025
Do you mean Friedrich Merz will align with Trump? Have you listened to Merz's speech concerning Europe and US lately?

LeeSmart:
You need to come see how furious these European countries were yesterday😅😅.
I love how trump is handling dem, thank God for the incoming German chancellor who's also going to align with mr trump.
PoliticsRe: Ngozi Orabueze Unveils Flag Of Biafra In Colorful Ceremony In Finland by Atunga: 10:55pm On Nov 29, 2024
LifestyleTonite:
Ngozi Orabueze Unveils Flag of Biafra In Colorful Ceremony In Finland

Ngozi Orabieze is the Chief of Staff in the Biafra Republic Government in Exile which has detained Simon Ekpa as Prime Minister.

She unveiled the flag today in Finland ahead of the December 2, 2024, declaration of the restoration of Biafra Republic.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0c_TTKIVkM
Another content creator, I guess.
PoliticsTerrorism: Finnish Court Sets May 2025 Deadline For Ekpa’s Trial by Atunga(op): 4:23am On Nov 28, 2024
Pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, is scheduled to face charges in May 2025 potentially, according to Finnish authorities.

A Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, [/b]confirmed to The PUNCH via email on Tuesday that the district court had set May 2025 as [b]the deadline for prosecutors to present possible charges against Ekpa.

The Finnish government had last week announced the arrest of Ekpa alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.

Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, described as the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to promote violence in the South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities

Pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, is scheduled to face charges in May 2025 potentially, according to Finnish authorities.


According to local publication Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

The publication reported that the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests in a statement last Thursday, noting that the other suspects were apprehended for allegedly financing terrorist activities.

Giving an update on the case in response to The PUNCH enquiries, detective Laaksonen noted that the investigation was ongoing, and no further details could be disclosed.

Asked when Ekpa’s case would come up in court, he replied, “Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed.

“The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025.”

He noted that Ekpa and the Finnish authorities may request a re-evaluation after two weeks.

“In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re-evaluated by the district court,” Laaksonen explained.

The case has drawn significant international attention, with Finnish authorities confirming that cross-border cooperation is integral to the investigation.

However, officials have refrained from providing further information about the nature or extent of the international collaboration.

“International cooperation is part of the investigation due to the nature of the case but no further comments can be given on the subject at this point,” the NBI stated.

Ekpa gained notoriety for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which led to violent enforcement measures and attacks on residents.

He was first arrested in February 2023 for inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders to Igbos and other South-East residents.

The suspect’s activities prompted global petitions from Nigerians urging the Finnish and Nigerian governments, as well as the European Union, to take action.

In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, to demand Finland’s cooperation in addressing the threats posed by Ekpa.

Last Thursday, the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered that Ekpa be imprisoned “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”

Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, was accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, while the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism.

As a prominent figure in the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra, he has championed a controversial call for an independent Biafran state.

His rhetoric escalated in recent years, with explicit endorsements of violence and disruptions to Nigerian elections.

Finnish authorities have linked Ekpa to coordinated attacks targeting civilians and the security forces, with investigations tracing some of these activities back to 2021.


His use of social media as a platform for incitement and fundraising is a central element of the case.

The sit-at-home orders enforced by the ESN had caused devastating economic consequences in the South-East.

According to reports, the region has lost over ₦4trn in two years due to these activities and the resulting insecurity.

On the heels of Ekpa’s detention, the Federal Government said it would monitor the legal proceedings in Finland.

In a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Friday, the government described Ekpa’s arrest as a critical step in addressing IPOB’s activities and mitigating the influence of transnational actors on Nigeria’s national security.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the arrest of Mr Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and also neutralising the influence of transnational actors on our national security.

“The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has hailed the arrest of Ekpa in Finland as a significant step toward curbing violence in the South-East.

Abaribe, who spoke in an interview on Channels Television on Monday, expressed hope that Ekpa’s detention would discourage those instigating unrest in the region.

Abaribe accused Ekpa and his followers of exploiting the Biafra agitation to perpetrate crimes, deviating from the peaceful ideals of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

“The arrest of Simon Ekpa is something that is very welcome because this will tell all those people at home, who are purveyors of violence and instigated by Simon Ekpa that he actually said that he is just a content creator and not a serious person,” he said.

The senator stressed that IPOB originally sought a non-violent referendum but lamented how criminals have co-opted the movement to unleash mayhem.

“And what has happened is that a legitimate quest by the IPOB seeking a non-violent referendum was turned by all these kidnappers because they have found a key because, to average Igbo people, when you say Biafra, you must be doing the right thing.

“Whatever they say they are doing in the south-east is not supported by anybody in the south-east. All you have is a band of criminals.

“Also, our security agencies find it difficult to discern between a criminal and somebody who is saying he is doing agitation. So, every little thing that happens, they would say it is IPOB,” Abaribe explained.

Speaking on the purported plot by IPOB to declare the Republic of Biafra on December 2, the counsel for the group, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, called for peace and unity in the South-East, urging those involved in violence and false agitations to abandon their divisive actions.

The lawyer dismissed rumours circulating on social media about the planned Biafran declaration, reassuring that the day would pass without incident.

Ejiofor in a statement on Monday advised residents of the region to reject the baseless claims surrounding the event, emphasizing that freedom cannot be achieved through violence.
https://punchng.com/terrorism-finnish-court-sets-may-2025-deadline-for-ekpas-trial/

PoliticsRe: Edo State Governorship Election 2024: Live Updates by Atunga: 3:10pm On Sep 21, 2024
Available9:
Who is this clown ? Trump won the first one so he wouldn't have requested for a second one...
You are definitely the clown.
PoliticsRe: Edo State Governorship Election 2024: Live Updates by Atunga: 1:56pm On Sep 21, 2024
AfeezShomorin:
If truly she won then why is she the one asking for a rematch?

Have you ever seen where the winner of a boxing or wrestling match is the one asking for a rematch?
Why did Trump ask for another one after his debate with Biden?
Foreign AffairsRe: ‘I Hate Taylor Swift’ - Trump Posts After She Endorsed Harris by Atunga: 11:15am On Sep 16, 2024
Chikel20000:
Trump never said he hate Swift

CrimeTwo Nigerian International Fraudsters Jailed In U.S. For Defrauding American Com by Atunga(op): 6:30am On Sep 05, 2024
A Nigerian national was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison and ordered to pay nearly $5 million in restitution for participating in a computer hacking and business email compromise (BEC) scheme that caused over $5 million in losses to multiple victims in the United States and elsewhere. Franklin Ifeanyichukwu Okwonna, 34, pled guilty on May 20 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for his role in the scheme.

Okwonna’s co-defendant, Nigerian national Ebuka Raphael Umeti, 35, was sentenced on Aug. 27 to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $5 million in restitution. Umeti was convicted by a federal jury on June 13 of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to cause intentional damage to a protected computer, and intentional damage to a protected computer.

According to court documents and evidence presented at Umeti’s trial, between February 2016 and July 2021, Umeti, Okwonna, and their co-conspirators caused millions of dollars in unauthorized wire transfers by sending victim businesses phishing emails. These emails falsely appeared as though they originated from trusted sources, such as a bank or a vendor. After the victim opened an attachment, their computers would be infected with malicious software or “malware” that allowed the defendants and their co-conspirators to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s computer systems and email accounts. 

The defendants and their co-conspirators then exploited that access to obtain sensitive information, which they used to deceive individuals at the victim companies into executing wire transfers to accounts specified by the co-conspirators. 

As a result of this scheme, the defendants and their co-conspirators caused or attempted to cause over $5 million in losses to the victim companies.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

https://gazettengr.com/two-nigerian-international-fraudsters-jailed-in-u-s-for-defrauding-american-companies/
TravelRe: Woman Who "Destroyed Her Husband's Passport" Arrested & Taken To Abuja (Video) by Atunga: 10:41am On Aug 15, 2024
ngwaIgbo223:
Is this news.
YES
PoliticsWe Graduated Together In 79’, Tinubu’s Classmate At Chicago University Speaks by Atunga(op): 4:10am On Sep 15, 2023
A Public Affairs Analyst, Durojaiye Ogunsanya, has identified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as his classmate at the Chicago State University (CSU). 

Speaking on a TVC programme, Ogunsanya said he and Nigeria’s president graduated from the Department of Accounting and Business Administration in 1979.

President Tinubu’s academic record has been a subject of controversy as some of his political opponents have said the Tinubu who attended CSU is a female.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, one of Tinubu’s main challenger in the 2023 Presidential election, has filed a suit in an American court, seeking that CSU produces Tinubu’s academic record.

But speaking on the programme, Ogunsanya said he knew the president back in school.

“We met in a school in Chicago State; we were in the said department, College of Accounting, Business and Administration, with major in accounting, and we were in the same class together and graduated. He did attend the university and graduated in 1979 as I did. So I’m here to testify that he did attend the University, and he was a good student.”

Asked what he thought when people said Tinubu did not graduate from the school, Ogunsanya said, “People were being mischievous in the first place. Because he was a governor for 8 years, somebody who worked for Mobil several years and you contesting that he didn’t go to university. Is that possible? I cannot imagine how that is possible. Sometimes the President might be embellishing, but that does not mean that he didn’t attend the university. He has the record there for people to go and check to confirm all these things that he did.

“I was a bonafide student. I first went to engineering school and nautical engineering. Okay. Then I decided no, it’s not for me. I changed college. That’s when I transfer. The beauty of it all in America is they make it easy for everybody. There is an opportunity for anybody. You can start from scratch and build yourself up. And you do it even with high school GED, they call it you take the exam. Once you pass it. You can apply to any college that go to junior college, which is for two years there you can transfer your your credit to a four year college.

“I think that’s what the President did. He first went to Richard J college and then transfer the credit to a four year college, university. I didn’t go to college. I went to another Junior College. Then I transferred to go State University. And I met him there. When I met him there. One of the professor told me ‘Are you from Nigeria’, I said ‘yes’. ‘Do you know Bola?’ I said ‘no, I don’t know him’. He said ‘oh, you need to know Bola’.

Eventually we met and then I found out that he is from Nigeria and we clicked from there. And one other thing is that we want a member of the Accounting Society. When the time for electron came, the president surprised me that was the time he became the president of the club. People were even laughing at him with his accent, because he had Nigerian accent, but with this, he won as president of the club in 1978/79. Those are facts. Go and check it out. He was very social and ambitious even then. So I am not surprised that he has carved a niche for himself to become the president.”

https://dailytrust.com/we-graduated-together-in-79-tinubus-classmate-at-chicago-university-speaks/
Christianity EtcI Change Private Jets Like Bicycles – Bishop Oyedepo by Atunga(op): 7:03am On Sep 05, 2023
The President of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has bragged that he and his church change private jets like bicycles.

He said his acquisition of a fleet of private jets was by divine mandate.

In a recent sermon, Oyedepo said though God had revealed to him that he would fly in private jets, he and his church never invested any human energy into realising it.

The cleric said he was able to acquire four private jets, including Bombardier Challenger 604, Grumman Gulfstream I (G-159), Gulfstream IV (G-IV) and Gulfstream V (Gee-5), because God has blessed him richly.

“God told us we are going to fly; if He left us to plan to fly, it wouldn’t enter our budget in the next ten years. We are just changing planes like we change bicycles because His blessings make us rich and add no sorrow.

"We didn’t confess; we didn’t pray, pray for the plane to do what? They asked me, which kind of plane and I said any kind. I don’t know the name of any because I wasn’t shopping for it,” Pulse Nigeria quoted Bishop Oyedepo as saying.

https://dailypost.ng/2023/09/03/i-change-private-jets-like-bicycles-bishop-oyedepo/
BusinessNNPCL Disciplines Staff For Fuel Under-dispensing At Retail Station In Viral Vid by Atunga(op): 2:09am On Aug 30, 2023
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has said that it has taken disciplinary action against staff members who were caught on video, under-dispensing fuel to customers at one of its retail stations in the country.

The company made the announcement via its official Twitter account on Tuesday, August 29.

The statement read as follows;

“Dear Valued Customers,Our attention has been drawn to a recent video circulating on social media depicting NNPC Retail Ltd. service agents apparently under-dispensing fuel to customers.While taking these actions very seriously, we would like to inform the general public that we have identified both the station and the individuals involved and have taken appropriate disciplinary action against the staff. Measures have already been put in place to prevent any future recurrence of such incidents across our retail network.In the spirit of open and transparent communication with our customers towards effective service improvement, we encourage our customers to always report any areas in need of improvement at our over 900 stations through our social media channels and customer care lines: 09091000086-7.We regret this unfortunate incident and will continue to uphold the high standards and quality of service that are hallmarks of the NNPC Ltd. brand.”


https://nairametrics.com/2023/08/29/nnpcl-disciplines-staff-for-fuel/
PoliticsRe: The Moment Bola Tinubu Took The Oath Of Office As President (Video) by Atunga: 11:12am On May 29, 2023
tj4blues:
may his reign bring peace and prosperity
🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏
Music/RadioRe: Tiwa Savage Performance At King Charles III Coronation Concert (Video, Photos) by Atunga: 12:27pm On May 08, 2023
IboHausaYoruba:
Why Tiwa Savage? Someone who morally cannot be seen as an example of what Nigeria stands for, her indecent sex clip and way of life is there as a pointer. Her tribe was involved in humiliating Igbos before and after election. Her tribal man was rigged into presidency against the will of over 200million people. Tiwa was nowhere to be found during the ENDSARS etc. A combination of matured artists like Onyeka Onwenu and Sunny Ade would have been much appropriate.
Tiwa was there to represent Nigeria and not any tribe. How many African countries have their artistes perform on that stage?

Be happy for Nigeria for once.
PoliticsObi's Detention: Non-compliance With UK Audit Regulations, Shady Campaign Txn by Atunga(op): 8:04am On Apr 14, 2023
Peter Obi’s travails at the Heathrow Airport in London, United Kingdom, may also be connected to his refusal to file the annual account records of Next International Limited, a firm he operates in the country, for a routine auditing process as stipulated by the UK business laws.

Recall that a PREMIUM TIMES investigation had found that the firm was struck off in September 2021 after ignoring repeated notices issued by the Companies House, an executive agency of the British government, for government-mandated checks and audits.

The report highlighted portions of the UK laws stating that a compulsory strike-off is imposed on a company by creditors or by the Companies House for non-submission of annual accounts or failure to notify Companies House about a change of official registered office address. It further said that once a company is struck off, its details will be removed from the Companies House register and the company ceases to exist.

According to sources, Obi’s refusal to surrender his firm’s finances to the government’s searchlight may be related to the PANDORA PAPERS leak which occurred in the same year and which detailed how government officials and political figures, including Obi, concealed proceeds of shady deals, received kickbacks and laundered ill-begotten funds through a network of firms domiciled in different parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom.

The intel derived from the leak has strengthened the institutional capacity of Europe’s anti-money laundering units to trace, detect, and flag illegal cash flows into and within the continent. This knowledge has increased the dread of actors responsible for the act and many have taken moves to either move their funds to a safer haven or temporarily halt transactions that may cause suspicion and set the authorities on their trail.

To analyse the situation, a UK business lawyer was contacted and he told the publication that, “the dots are there to connect and it makes for a plausible story that a man whose firm was de-listed for refusing to comply with UK audit laws, and who was also a prominent mention in a most damaging leak about how corrupt individuals use Europe as a conduit and treasure box for stolen wealth, is now having difficulty travelling into the UK.”

“Any number of things could be happening. The de-listing of his business means that the entity must discontinue operations. Failure to do that could warrant an investigation and possible charge. There is also the possibility of obstruction if the audit is considered a step in piecing together the puzzle of illicit cash flows,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi has also raised eyebrows with the series of campaign fund-raisers he hosted in the United Kingdom and across the pond in the United States of America. Although Nigeria is lax about campaign finance regulations, it remains a serious issue in the UK and America. For example, former President Trump was recently indicted over accusations that he misrepresented details of expenses made from his campaign account, and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues to face questions over his handling of large campaign donations received from donors, including a controversial renovation project carried out at the official residence.

It remains unclear whether Obi acted in compliance with the stringent laws surrounding fund-raising in the country, especially for political purposes whether local or foreign. Recall that the former Anambra governor raised dust when he embarked on a campaign tour in Europe and America during which he was widely reported to have billed attendees staggering amount in ticket prices to watch him speak, in collaboration with organizers who were citizens of the UK, America, and Germany.

There has been no transparent account of how the funds clawed from the event and other fund-raising efforts were managed. Back home in Nigeria, infighting recently broke out in the Labour Party over leadership control, with a different faction accusing Obi and his henchmen of looting and mismanaging party funds. Also, earlier before the election, members of at least two state chapters of the party wrote a public letter demanding the removal of their chairmen, including national figures such as Doyin Okupe, over corruption and embezzlement.

Mr Okupe, the Director-General of the Obi campaign, was disgraced from his position after he was found guilty of money laundering by a Nigerian court. These events have formed a dark cloud around Obi and made him a subject of local and foreign investigation, sources claim.

Another related factor that may have caused Obi’s Easter ordeal is his suspicious links to Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church, who remains banned from entering the UK over alleged money laundering and criminal assault. Bishop Oyedepo was blacklisted by the UK authorities over sundry allegations, including tax evasion involving a sum reported to be around £16 Million. Recently, an audio leak exposed his collaboration with Obi in the execution of divisive campaign antics involving the spread of targeted messages to Christians seeking to persuade them to view the electoral contest as a “religious war.”

There are indications that the West may have more details about the dark collaboration between the candidate, who is suspected of operating illegal businesses and bank accounts abroad, and the brash cleric who is banned from the UK on the account of tax evasion and other suspicious transfer of funds. This is corroborated by a recent leak at the US Pentagon which showed that the Americans surveilled relevant actors in the Nigerian election and obtained intel from communication taps, including phone calls.


https://podiumreporters.com/index.php/2023/04/13/non-compliance-with-uk-audit-regulations-shady-campaign-transactions-other-reasons-obi-spent-easter-in-detention/
Christianity EtcThe “daddification” Of Church Leaders by Atunga(op): 10:26am On Apr 07, 2023
The leaked audio conversation of Peter Obi with Bishop Oyedepo has generated a lot of interests among Nigerian netizens. There are continuing suggestions that the audio is doctored, although a spokesperson of the Peter Obi campaign has confirmed its authenticity, while trying to bat away any suggestion of inappropriateness. For the most part, the reactions have been dominated by determined detractors and fierce loyalists of Peter Obi, generally shouting at each other from entrenched positions, as is often the case. Away from the entertaining dialogue of the deaf, spiced with a good deal of political theatre, I have an entirely different interest in the matter.

Perhaps you have not noticed it, but Mr Peter Obi is 61 years old. Bishop Oyedepo is 68. Both of them are accomplished leaders with high public profiles; Obi in business and politics; Oyedepo in religion and business. Even their most strident detractors will struggle to fault their impacts in the Nigerian public space. There are differences between them, of course. The one that is of particular interest in this piece is the fact that Bishop Oyedepo is a faith leader. And I begin with an acknowledgement that there is something to be said for the merits of spiritual mentorship, and that this is not determined by age differences. In other words, a younger person can be a spiritual mentor to an older person. No problem with that. At any rate, in this case, Bishop Oyedepo is the older guy and presumed spiritual mentor.

Yet, when we set aside a possible political calculation that may have underpinned the act, there is something un-nerving about a 61-year-old addressing a 68-old as “Daddy”. My considered view is that it is unhealthy for both men, intellectually, but also spiritually, it must be stressed. It is detrimental to the quality of public intellection, and by extension, to public good. Let me explain.

A mentor, in the spiritual or professional domain, is one who guides and nurtures the talent of another. The mentor gives space for growth and helps the mentee to reach beyond perceived limitations in the exercise of his or her agency, into spheres of accomplishment and impact that are often outside and above the mentor’s own capabilities and expertise. A “yes daddy” mentality is inimical to this kind of personal growth and professional development. It is painfully suffocating and disabling, even if the victim lives in denial. A “yes daddy” mindset induces a person to a self-cossetting intellectual lethargy and arrested state of consciousness.

And make no mistake, because a “yes daddy” culture is socially constructed, often through the instrument of organised religion, the mechanisms of enforcement are strong and severe. A refusal to join a “yes daddy” bandwagon incurs dire social and practical consequences. Objectors are liable to be marked and thrown out as social outcasts, out of sync with the current of popular culture. It can become a dark place where, unless you happily embrace the tag of a disruptor, even the sane begins to question his or her own sanity, and the talented knowledge producers are pressured to commit intellectual suicide.

I was in a church at Ibadan, Nigeria, last Sunday. A good service overall, parts of which make me rather nostalgic. Yet, I was struck by some of the things the pastor was saying in a church that, when I was in the university, had a reputation of attracting serious minded disciples, who engaged the scriptures vigorously with their minds and souls. It was, for good measure, a church of professors, many of them occupying the highest offices in their respective faculties and departments. There I was, and the pastor, among others, declared almost by fiat that there was “no therapy for depression”. I am sure there were a few professors of clinical psychology and psychiatry in that congregation, and I wondered whether their voices could also be heard among the choruses of “amen” to that declaration! There were also talks of witches flying by night, and an anecdotal reference to a man coming out of his house one day to find a dead bird fallen at his front door; a sign, the pastor said, that another witch had come to her sad end. It is one thing to assert the limitations of medical science, to which all scientists agree, but it is quite another to deny its efficacy outright, however limited. But I was almost certain that no clinical psychologist in the audience would be having a conversation about the sermon with the pastor afterwards. You could sense a palpable fear of being thrown out, metaphorically speaking. That fear is keeping everyone in check.

The thing is: that sermon was almost unthinkable 28/29 years ago, when I was a student at the university and attended the church more than a few times. And yet we had pastors and leaders then who took their roles seriously and engaged diligently and deeply with the scriptures. We drew from their wells of wisdom, not by means of a “yes daddy” posture, but in the Berean spirit of diligent inquiry, humble seeking, unfettered by self-appointed “daddies” holding close the gates of knowledge, much like the pharisees. The Sunday School was, and remains, my favourite part of a Sunday service. I always relish the opportunities to ask questions, not merely for intellectual enrichment, but mainly for spiritual edification. And our leaders were generous in giving, and humble in receiving from we younger folks.

“Yes Daddy” is a destructive cultural phenomenon that needs to be stopped in its tracks by well-meaning citizens, starting with diligent disciples in the church pews. For the health of the Church, and for the good of society, please. Spiritual fatherhood is not a title for ostentation and self-glorification; it is a responsibility that must be undertaken with humility and allegiance to the one Master of all – the Lord himself. And it is the one reason why the Lord warns: “do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9). It is not a denouncement of biological parents, but a repudiation of a “yes daddy” mentality that hampers spiritual growth, stifles intellectual freedom and ultimately retards cultural progress.

Seun Kolade is an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and International Development at Leicester Castle Business School, De Montfort University, Leicester UK.


https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/592024-the-daddification-of-church-leaders-by-seun-kolade.html
EducationHow I Found Out My Student Was My Nursery School Teacher –lecturer by Atunga(op): 8:20pm On Feb 10, 2023
A lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Abia State University, Uturu, Anucha Wisdom, has reunited with his nursery school teacher, who he calls Aunty Ijeoma.

In a Facebook post that went viral on Friday, Wisdom narrated how he found out that his old teacher was now his student.

He wrote, “Early this week, I reconnected with Aunty Ijeoma, who was my Nursery 3 teacher at St. Joseph’s Development Nursery/Primary School Umuchichi Aba. Fortunately, she has been a student in my department and I knew not, not until they came to take my course. ‘Wisdom! Is that you?’, She shouted at me.

“Aunty I.J, it’s your boy,’ I responded, as we threw ourselves on each other. The entire class almost went agog
. Aunty IJ has really added more flesh. She was single then when she taught us.

“Quickly, I peeped into her bag to check if I could still see that her cane she’d always use to ‘design’ our back. Unfortunately it wasn’t there again.

“‘While you spoke, I still heard that your little noisy voice in class those days in school. Wizzy Boy! I am extremely proud of you!’ She concluded.
https://punchng.com/how-i-found-out-my-student-was-my-nursery-school-teacher-lecturer/

SportsCristiano Ronaldo Is Now A Villain In Portugal by Atunga(op): 10:29am On Dec 05, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo is having a hard time assimilating to the decline of his career.

The Portuguese footballer, without a team after his forced departure from Manchester United, arrived at the World Cup 2022 wrapped in a mantle of controversy that not even the heat of the desert has been able to banish.

In addition to alleged bad relations with some of his dressing room colleagues, the Portuguese fans have also begun to turn on him. The same ones who were fond of their idol not so long ago.

In a survey conducted by the newspaper A Bola, 70% of the participants demand that he start on the bench for the Quinas in their round of 16 knockout match against Switzerland.

The ex-Madrid player's performance at this World Cup has been disappointing and he has just one goal to his name, coming from a penalty. It is worth remembering that FIFA awarded Bruno Fernandes the goal against Uruguay.

Ronaldo has lost the support of his supporters and is no longer untouchable on the pitch, where Fernando Santos has substituted him in each of the three matches he has played in the group stage.

Leao, André Silva and Gonçalo Ramos are gaining prominence in the squad and the coach could start one of them against the Swiss.



https://www.sport.es/en/news/world-cup/ex-madrid-star-cristiano-ronaldo-is-now-a-villain-in-portugal-79541592
PoliticsRe: Oyetola: I Leave Behind ₦‎14 Billion Cash, Paid ₦‎97b Debt Without Borrowing by Atunga: 11:19am On Nov 27, 2022
GratefulSoul27:
14billion in cash ke
Osun government no get account?
The money in your account is considered cash.
CrimeRe: Chinmark Investors Cry Out For Help; Say "We Want Our Money Back" by Atunga: 11:37am On Jan 19, 2022
When will these "investors" get brain. Their greed is not allowing them to think straight. So, with all the stories of different Ponzi schemes collapsing right, left, and centre these people are still wasting their hard-earned money.




Source : https://igberetvnews.com/1412581/just-want-money-back-chinmark-investors-cry-help/[/quote]
SportsRe: Samuel Chukwueze’s Mother Seen Praying For Him Before Departing For AFCON (video by Atunga: 7:23pm On Jan 06, 2022
merits:
grin must dey post everything online.nonsense.
Must you read everything you see online?
PhonesRe: Two Months Old Samsung Galaxy S9 Snapdragon 845 Dual Sim For Sale(kogi State) by Atunga: 12:42pm On Jan 06, 2022
Two-month old Samsung S9 indeed.
CelebritiesRe: Black Soot: Hilda Dokubo Cries Out About The Pollution In Port Harcourt (Photo) by Atunga: 8:34pm On Jan 04, 2022
Must everything be turned to politics or tribal sentiments. This is something that has serious health implications for the residents of PH in the nearest future. Even Gov. Wike has issued some directives concerning illegal refineries which are the major culprits of this black soot.

Let's call a spade a spade and stop playing to the gallery. Forget the blackened soles and use a white handkerchief to clean your nostrils and you will realise what you are breathing in. I just pray that the government will be able to at least reduce this menace.



Elvictor:
This is stale, I have lived in Rivers State, and still in Rivers hitherto, this black soot of a thing has been exaggerated and is now a laughable matter.

The owner of that dirty feet, after walking around barefooted what his legs to look like what? Looked at the place his legs is lifted above.

You people have been envious, that Rivers State have been peaceful for a while now, not cultism supremacy battle, and everyone is living fine, the insecurity card of chasing potential investors from Rivers State have been destroyed.

Afonja's miscreants and Lagos A.K.A Tinubu Owambe riff-raffs have started soot card, just to derail Rivers State from being an investors destination.

That the person on that photograph to make his or her environment healthy, and stop displaying his or her feet legs on internet, she or he is now a nuisance.

Nonsense!
Car TalkRe: Five Things You Should Know To Avoid Being Defrauded In A Nigerian Fuel Station by Atunga: 7:27am On Aug 03, 2021
houseontherock:
I just check meter reading, that's all. Check to see the attendant rubs off the last reading-especially if a napep or bike has just bought fuel of 500 or less because they sometimes start from there and if you're buying like 3,000 fuel or thereabouts, you may not notice. As per the nuzzle returning my fuel, that's not something I can help if it still shows the correct amount on their machine! We really need to watch the unnecessarily jovial attendant because truly he/she will mostly cheat you...it happened to me at a Total filling station.
Total Filling Stations' attendants seem to undergo special trainings on how to defraud their customers. They are very notorious.
EducationRe: Why Do They Always Request For Mother's Maiden Name? by Atunga: 10:11am On May 10, 2021
You can't even be sure of that. What if the baby was switched, unintentionally, at birth?

Kabongo1:
It's a security question.

However in this world, the only thing we are sure of is who your mother is, we aren't sure that the man you call your father is your biological father....
CrimeRe: Groom-To-Be Murdered By His Next-Door Neighbour In Kwara For Ritual (Photo) by Atunga: 10:31am On Apr 21, 2021
highbee02:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/04/groom-to-be-allegedly-murdered-by-next-door-neighbour-in-kwara-for-ritual-purposes/
RIP to the dead.

However, the story is too disjointed. Shame to both the writer and editor. How can you refer to the same person as groom-to-be and bride-to-be. Was he planning to marry himself?

1 2 (of 2 pages)