₦airaland Forum

i agree with lagos boy
though

but a nice article stil.

cheers

lol

sky blue, thanks for giving this info on the conference.

it was painful that i missed the conference due to my network. but By God's grace i will be present in the next conference.

i am really working on the progress of the movement and i pray God be with us all.

so what is the next move you guys have put in place cos i really want to be carried along.

please u have to understand me.

i am not saying it is bad to study the tranlstion. I am a student of USOOL AT-TAFSEER and i get to realise these in my studies.

some of u who find it hard to read all these should just scrool down to the last paragraph to read and understand me.

INTRODUCTION
he title of this book, Usool at-Tafseer (lit. The Fundamental Principles of
Qur’aanic Interpretation), essentially refers to the branches of knowledge
which are necessary to provide an accurate interpretation of the Qur’aanic
texts, such as Arabic grammar and syntax, Arabic literature and Qur’aanic
sciences (‘uloom al-Qur’aan).

TAFSEER OF THE QUR’AAN
he Qur’aan, God’s final book of revelation to man, represents the primary
source of the principles which constitute the way of life known as Islaam.
The passages of the Qur’aan contain advice and guidance in the form of laws,
parables, stories, and arguments for those who choose to believe in God and the
Day of Judgment. Hence, a believer’s success and happiness in this life and the
next largely depend on his understanding.



TRANSLATION OF THE QUR’AAN
he Qur’aan, the final discourse between God and man, was revealed in the
language of the final Prophet (r), the language of the people among whom
he was raised and by whom the last message was destined to be carried to the
ends of the world. Allaah created man in a variety of colors and taught man
diverse languages. Allaah, Most Wise, sent each of His messengers speaking the
language of his people in order to facilitate the transmission of the divine
message. This was clearly stated in the verse:

“I never sent a messenger with other than his people’s language.”1
Consequently, all prophets were raised up from among their own people, even
though they all carried the same basic message:

“Verily, I have raised up in every nation a messenger saying:
‘Worship Allaah and avoid false gods.’ ”2
1 Soorah Ibraaheem (14):4.
2 Soorah an-Nahl (16):36.


Thus, in spite of the final message’s universality, echoed in the verse,

“Say: ‘O mankind verily, I am Allaah’s messenger (r) sent to all of
you,’ ”3
and the verse,

“I have only sent you as a bringer of glad tidings and a warner for all
mankind,”4
this message was revealed in the Arabic language.
The Islaamic state arose in the Arabian peninsula, engulfed it, and quickly
spread to the neighboring lands of Africa, Asia Minor, India, and Asia. Arabic
soon became not only the language of the final revelation of Islaam, but also the
official language of a vast Islaamic empire encompassing diverse cultures and
languages. Some of the people already spoke Arabic, while most did not.
However, within a very short period, Islaam and Arabic spread rapidly among the
people. Some foreign languages absorbed Arabic-Islaamic terms and those who
spoke them began to write them in the Arabic script. Eventually, many of these
languages were overshadowed or replaced by Arabic. The Coptic language of the
Egyptians and Berber of the North Africans are some examples of the
replacement of national languages by Arabic, while Hausa, Persian and Malay are
examples of languages which absorbed large amounts of Arabic words and were
written in Arabic script. In other areas, trading languages developed, made up of a
mixture of local languages and large amounts of Arabic, but even these languages
were written in Arabic script. However, when the ‘Abbaasid caliphate weakened,
Persian and Turkish warlords carved the state into a number of competing
sultanates. Persian was the language of government of many of these states.

Eventually leadership of the Muslim state fell into the hands of Mongols and,
subsequently the Turks, a form of cultural nationalism arose in which the Turkish
language became the official language of the state, and Arabic was deemphasized,
except in religious ceremonies and religious schools.6 The famous
hadeeth of the Prophet (r),

“Whoever reads a letter from Allaah’s book earns a blessing,” 7 took on new
meaning. This statement was made to Arabic-speaking Muslims to encourage
them to read as much of the Qur’aan as possible. The goal behind this
encouragement was increased exposure to Allaah’s message, and it was never
intended to be the mere parroting of the vehicle in which it was brought.
However, with the rise of Turkish cultural nationalism, there arose the concept of
reading the letters and words of the Qur’aan simply for the blessing. Many
students began memorizing the whole Qur’aan without understanding a word of
what they had memorized. Parroting the Qur’aan became an accepted and highly
regarded practice.
With the decline and break up of the Muslim state and the rise of European
colonialism, the transitional process by which Muslim people’s languages were
evolving into Arabic was totally halted. Colonialists divided Muslim territories
and required languages that had not completed the transition to Arabic to be
written in Latin script. Examples of this attempt at reversal can be seen in the
forced adoption of the Latin script by African languages, such as Hausa and
Swahili; Middle Eastern languages, such as Turkish; and Asian languages, such as
Malay.8 Many of the Qur’aanic schools in which Arabic was taught were closed
down or replaced by Christian schools, and the few schools which remained
taught only the pronunciation of Arabic.
Consequently, the vast majority of Muslims remained unable to understand
Arabic, even though many of them continued to read and pronounce its script.

Types of Translation
The Qur’aan is more than the sum total of its words, grammatical
constructions, figures of speech, rhythms, and rhymes. It is a message, a direct
communication between God and man, and it is a permanent inimitable literary
miracle. Neither the Arabs of the past nor the present were able to meet the open
challenge concisely expressed in the verse:

“And if you all are in doubt about what I have revealed to My servant,
produce a single soorah like it.”23
and the verse:

“Or do they say that he has invented it? Say to them, ‘Produce a single
soorah like it.’ ”24
The Qur’aan cannot be translated; any attempt to do so is folly. Arabic
grammatical constructions, figures of speech, rhyme, and rhythm cannot be
expressed in other than Arabic. Besides, in translation the Qur’aan’s inimitable
quality is lost and its challenge becomes meaningless, for no translator, no matter
how great his literary skills are, can claim inimitability. The Qur’aan cannot be

literally translated because Arabic words often have more than one literal
meaning, not to mention their figurative meanings. And, many Arabic
constructions contain subtle shades of meanings which cannot be expressed in
another language. No translation can be called or considered to be God’s word.
God’s word is the Arabic Qur’aan, as He Himself said,

“Verily, I revealed it as an Arabic Qur’aan.”25
Attempts to catch the charm of the Qur’aan in loose or free translations are also
presumptuous, misleading, and doomed to failure. “The inimitable symphony, the
very sounds of which move men to tears and ecstasy”26 exists only in the Arabic.
Any degree of success will only dupe readers into thinking that they are
experiencing the Qur’aan, whereas in reality, they are experiencing the feelings of
the translator and his literary skills. Even claims to translations of the Qur’aan’s
meanings are false because the author of such translations chooses meanings
which he feels are appropriate in the case of Arabic words which have more than
one meaning and words which have no non-Arabic equivalent. He also chooses
between literal and figurative meanings and translates the one which he considers
appropriate. All translations are in fact tafseers, some more accurate than others.
Most translations list in their forewords the names of the classical tafseers and
lexicons on which they relied. This may seem to be a very fine point, but if it
were put in another way perhaps the difference would be more obvious. The
mufassir speaks in an explanatory way as if to say: “This is what I understand
from the verse.” The translator speaks as if he has completely understood the
verse’s meaning and translated it as if to say: “This is what the verse means.” The
difference between the two approaches is quite vast. Hence, translators should
emphasize in their prefaces and titles the fact that this is their personal
understanding of the Qur’aan. Perhaps the best approach for a translator would be
to simply translate the basic text of the classical tafseers using footnotes to
explain other possible meanings and the context of the passages where necessary.
This is not to say that existing “translations” are of no value whatsoever and that
those who do not understand the Arabic should stop reading them.

Existing“translations” serve to convey the basic message of the Qur’aan to those who
cannot get it from the Qur’aan themselves. However, the reader should bear in
mind that what he or she is reading is not a translation of the Qur’aan or all of its
meaning, but only an explanation in another language. Learning Arabic to
whatever degree possible should be among the goals of all Muslims in order that
they may hear Allaah’s words exactly as they were revealed.

oh My God.

i cant beleive this.

well, i think u guys need to change ur view about Nigeria.

The only reason y many people deny Nigeria is because of the situation here. even many nigerian claim they are jamaican, some calin to be south africa without no source.

but i think Nigerian will get better very soon.

all these people claiming that they can choose american because there mum is an american, i am very sure if there father is american and there mum is Nigeria no one would. they only choose america because of the wealth.

but u guys should watch. Nigeria is getting better and u guys will be ashamed of urself.

My mum is also an american, but still Niger still remain the bomb.
due to ur laziness make u choose us. u dont want to work but eat. they prefer an already made stuff.

american there to where they are by strugle and hard work. so u guys dont want to work just eat.

no wonder niger never better.


i am a proud Nigeria. and any where i go i will say God bless Nigeria.

mykel09:
@blims ,i reside in abj,the cream coloured three seater with straight arms ,im very interested in,pls send cost to me ,i need a three seater and two seater.webdog09@yahoo.com

plz, i am still waiting to get the correct e-mail address from you.

the email address u provide b4 was not going thru.

thanks

mykel09:
@blims ,i reside in abj,the cream coloured three seater with straight arms ,im very interested in,pls send cost to me ,i need a three seater and two seater.webdog09@yahoo.com

plz, i am still waiting to get the correct e-mail address from you.

the email address u provide b4 was not going thru.

thanks

still waiting to hear from u.

it painful i missed the conference.

i have prepared to attend the conference but my network went down.
i could nto help despite all my strugle.

please send me a mail concerning what was discused in the conference.

discuswithmayor@yahoo.com.

i have also prepared some articles to share together with celebrating a good governance.

here is it.

GOOD GOVERNANCE IS WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR.
WHAT IS GOOD GOVERNANCE
Recently the terms "governance" and "good governance" are being increasingly used in development literature. Bad governance is being increasingly regarded as one of the root causes of all evil within our societies. Major donors and international financial institutions are increasingly basing their aid and loans on the condition that reforms that ensure "good governance" are undertaken.
This article tries to explain, as simply as possible, what "governance" and "good governance" means.
GOVERNANCE
The concept of "governance" is not new. It is as old as human civilization. Simply put "governance" means: the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). Governance can be used in several contexts such as corporate governance, international governance, national governance and local governance.
Since governance is the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented, an analysis of governance focuses on the formal and informal actors involved in decision-making and implementing the decisions made and the formal and informal structures that have been set in place to arrive at implementing the decisions.
Government is one of the actors in governance. Other actors involved in governance vary depending on the level of government that is under discussion. In rural areas, for example, other actors may include influential land lords, associations of peasant farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, research institutes, religious leaders, finance institutions political parties, the military etc. The situation in urban areas is much more complex. Figure 1 provides the interconnections between actors involved in urban governance. At the national level, in addition to the above actors, media, lobbyists, international donors, multi-national corporations, etc. may play a role in decision-making or in influencing the decision-making process.
All actors other than government and the military are grouped together as part of the "civil society." In some countries in addition to the civil society, organized crime syndicates also influence decision-making, particularly in urban areas and at the national level.




Figure 1: Urban actors
GOOD GOVERNANCE
Good governance has 8 major characteristics and any government which fails to show any of these listed characteristics will achieve very little or none.
1. Participatory
2. Consensus oriented
3. Accountable
4. Transparent
5. Responsive
6. Effective and efficient
7. Equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law.
It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.
Figure 2: Characteristics of good governance
Participation
Participation by both men and women is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives. It is important to point out that representative democracy does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable in society would be taken into consideration in decision making. Participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized civil society on the other hand.
Rule of law
Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. It also requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force.
Transparency
Transparency means that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decisions and their enforcement. It also means that enough information is provided and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and media.
Responsiveness
Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.
Consensus oriented
There are several actors and as many view points in a given society. Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. It also requires a broad and long-term perspective on what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of such development. This can only result from an understanding of the historical, cultural and social contexts of a given society or community.
Equity and inclusiveness
A society’s well being depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups, but particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well being
Effectiveness and efficiency
Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal. The concept of efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.
Accountability
Accountability is a key requirement of good governance. Not only governmental institutions but also the private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public and to their institutional stakeholders. Who is accountable to whom varies depending on whether decisions or actions taken are internal or external to an organization or institution. In general an organization or an institution is accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it should be clear that good governance is an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality. Very few countries and societies have come close to achieving good governance in its totality. However, to ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards this ideal with the aim of making it a reality. It is in ensuring that our great country Nigeria became one of the countries that came close to achieving good governance in its totality, we have decided to set up this great forum for change and I hope we all are ready to serve.
LET’S FOCUS ON CHANGE IN NIGERIA
A conceptual gap still exists in the understanding of the principles and practices of place branding amongst Nigeria’s many state and local government officials. Despite the efforts at the centre to promote this novel concept that has been described by branding professionals as one of the fastest growing knowledge sectors in global branding and marketing, it appears that place branding is largely only linked and associated with the various activities embarked upon by the federal government, aimed at improving Nigeria’s image in the international community, and to position her as a good destination for tourism and investment in sub-saharan Africa.
Since the Nigerian government launched the Nigeria Image Project in 2004, which was subsequently re-branded The Heart of Africa Project, not much has been seen from the respective local and state governments in the direction of formulating strategies to attract foreign investors and tourists to their various towns, villages and states. This overwhelming notion that place branding rests with the centre amounts to defeatist and faulty logic because according to Tom Traynor & Ro Breehl ‘every place does have some distinction, some reason to live there, work there, vacation there, rather than some other place’. They also argue that finding that ‘true compelling claim of distinction’ can be hard work which lots of tourism boards, city councils, business improvement districts aren’t prepared for, ‘preferring instead to move directly to (inevitably drab) advertising execution’. This line of least resistance appears to be the one towed by Nigeria’s state and local government officials.
There are many benefits to states and local governments who make conscious efforts to market their regions both to internal and external stakeholders. If the governments in these states and local governments can institute sound fiscal policies and invest in infrastructures, the job of selling their places becomes easier. The starting point would be the development of a branding framework and strategy encompassing their distinctive cultural, tourism, human capital, economic, educational and personality assets. The second stage would be the implementation of the strategy by appointed marketing communication professionals working closely with the commissioners of information and strategy; the local governments could also do a similar thing by appointing qualified supervising councillors to head the information and communication units of the local governments.
The respective state governors and local government chairmen having recognised the strategic importance of managing their brand assets could also set up small committees headed by marketing communication professionals, to coordinate their various place branding efforts. Appointing non-professionals to such positions purely on political grounds is actually counter–productive and could undermine their prospects of reaping the benefits of economic development which strategic place branding may attract.

COMMENTING ON GOOD GOVERNANCE
Donald Duke, the governor of Cross River state, provides a good model for other states and local governments in Nigeria to copy. He has consciously pursued a policy of shying away from controversy since he became the governor of the state.
Governor Duke’s admirers cut across different age groups and gender, not only because of his boyish looks, social savvy and bespoke fashion sense but also because he is one of the few governors that have actually implemented programmes that have directly impacted on the lives of his people. He has gone a step farther with his Tinapa project (Africa’s premier business resort); a project which when completed would put his state and Nigeria on the map of world tourism. The state government has also set up well-designed and maintained websites – www.tinapa.com and www.crossriverstate.com which serves as its windows to the world. The calabar and Cross River brands have steadily improved as strong Nigerian brands during Governor Duke’s stay at the government house.
Nigeria’s many states and local governments should indeed take advantage of emerging technologies such as the internet and incorporate them as governance tools, many do not yet have functioning websites, and for some that do, their sites lack the professional touch that would help enhance their overall brand image.
Governor Saraki proffers ways forward.
EDUCATION, they say is the best legacy. But this philosophy can only be described and accepted by those who know what education means to humanity and nation building. But Governor Bukola Saraki has since inception as Governor of Kwara State, noted the values and importance of education hence many Arsenals to make sure the system brings forth desirable results by embarking on series of steps to get rid of the rots associated with it.
Kwara from creation in 1967 can only boast of human resource education while many other states enjoyed many natural resources that keep their purses bulging via the Federal Allocation.
This I much believed prompted the actions of Governor Saraki to make sure the best is achieved in the education sector in the State. During his first term of office, an education summit was organized in which all stakeholders in the sector were invited. Ever since then, the face of education in the state changed. All secondary and primary schools teachers sit tight. Even the State owned tertiary institutions are not left out.
Governor Saraki since inception in 2003, has seen that many secondary and primary schools buildings which have been left over the years dilapidated was absolutely renovated. New blocks of classrooms were built. Till this moment renovations and building of new classrooms have not ceased. Books were distributed to schools in the State.
However, Governor Saraki in his quest for quality and quantitative education for every child in the State is not satisfied with renovation and building of classrooms and distribution of books. For this reason, he declared a total war on the sector by bringing up a very formidable REFORM AGENDA in the Sector. Because he much believe all the renovation and erection of new classrooms is far from achieving a desirable goals.
The teachers who inculcate sound teachings into pupils and students ought to be total overhaul for efficiency, hence the screening through TESTs, Training and Re-training of them. What occasioned this, is a primary school teacher who has been in the profession for many years failed a simple Arithmetic Test of primary 4!
This now called for the proper training and re-training of Teachers in the State. This training and re-training will go round Teachers in the State. Those who still cannot walk the trend will have to give way. As the Governor has promised no teacher will be aid off. Not only the practicing Teachers, the state owned Colleges of Education where these Teachers graduated to the labour market will be looked into. That the products out of them will be of good quality and not just push-through graduates. Ever since the administration of Governor Bukola started its Reform Agenda in education sector, tremendous results have been achieved. The students have stopped roaming the streets, Teachers no longer come to school late and their many petty trades in classes stopped. The corrupt principals and headmasters shown the way out. Students of unruly behaviour sent on suspension. All these strict actions have put both Teachers and Students on their toes.
Cultism which was a very strong menace in institutions of higher learning in the state has been stamped out in totality under Governor Saraki’s administration. Also, in his quest for solid and non-stagnant education system, Dr Bukola Saraki who has been the chairman of Governors’ Forum caused the negotiation that eventually brought an end to the nationwide Teachers’ strike that almost crippled the sector.
Currently in the pipeline, is the establishment of SCIENCE VILLAGE where school children can be expose to the evolving trends in the world of science. This was made known through Governor Saraki’s commissioner for education, science and technology, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi.
Mr. Abdullahi said, Governor Saraki brought the idea after one of his numerous trips to UK, where he saw a Science Village for school children. Coming home he saw the need for such in Kwara State. Any moment from now, experts from the UK will come for feasibility study. No wonder, during the launch of KWARA EDUCATIONCHARTER, Governor Saraki stated, “We have got to build an education system that delivers real results and inspires the confidence of parents and community”.
These feats can never be achieved without Governor Saraki trailing the path of one time United States of America President, Mr. Roosevelt who during his time as president of the US, brought on the best BRAINS to his administration. This, the Americans will never forget the tremendous changes witnessed under his administration. Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi is one of the BRAINS behind the soaring success of the Education Reform Agenda in Kwara State. Because he shared the dream of Governor Saraki to transform the education landscape of Kwara State. This he has been pursuing jealously. Therefore, Governor Saraki has a vision for a verile education system because in Kwara there is no OIL DEPOSIT. But HUMAN RESOURCES are in abundance. The reason his government is committed to improved Teacher quality; Better School Inspection, greater accountability and stronger institutions.
As the late Dennis Osadebe said, in one of his poem, WHO WOULD BUY MY THOUGHT…. The States in Nigeria and the Federal Government need buy the thoughts of Governor Saraki on improving the education sector. Because good and quality education system is the only thing that can bring opportunities to learn and for new opportunities to blossom into active citizens who will be able to make real contributions to our society and our economy.
Above all, let our leaders start thinking the Governor Saraki’s way, that, EVERY CHILD COUNTS.
Secondly, Ilorin Aviation College - Another New Dawn
As soon as Bukola Saraki took over the mantle of leadership in May, 2003, from Late Mohammed Alabi Lawal, he started springing surprises with his peculiar type of governance by embarking on developmental programmes that gave direct touch to the hearts and needs of Kwarans.
But in this piece, the point for discussion is not on those developmental programmes he has so far executed in the state. The point for discussion is the establishment of an International Aviation College in Kwara State.
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 was another day that will forever linger in the minds of Kwarans and the good citizens of the entire Nigeria . This I believe will cut across to many African countries that will be very optimistic to share from the blessings that will start hoozing out from the College come May 2009 when full operation will take off. This day, was the day that, the very impressive Governor of Kwara State, Dr Bukola Saraki break yet another new ground like he did when he brought into Kwara, the Zimbabwean Farmers (now New Nigerian Farmers). Now, he brought in, all the way from Dubai, an Aviation Consulting firm, AVIATION TRAINING CONSULTING INSTITUTE, the owner of HORIZON AVIATION ACADEMY, Dubai, in the United Arab Emirate, to sign a MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) with its president, Muhammed Al-Zaabi and other official present.
This will boom the economy of the entire state as many investors will be delighted coming to Kwara from far and near to engage in one business or the other.
What a beautiful initiative, Again, many may be thinking how fund to run such a project will be raised? Raising of fund for this gargantuan project will not be a problem. Because the Chief Executive of the State will not just dabble into what is not realizable, manage and sustained in the course of time. That is why the project is public-private one. The first in Aviation industry in Nigeria.
You can see funding is no problem. Thinking of professionals to run the College? Thats not a problem Everything has been put in place as the Academy will be overseen by seasoned and reputable professionals. Tunde Yusuf, Chairman Bellview Airlines is among those who will run the College.
Aside this, the Aviation Consulting Form handling this project is a World Class one with name, Horizon Academy from Dubai . They have out-of-the-planet facilities to train any willing young Nigerian to become a pilot of international standard.
Therefore, the Ilorin International Aviation College, which will by May 2009, commence operations, has from all angle brought a NEW DAWN to Kwara State.
Nigeria may be known to the outside world as a major oil producer, but the mainstay of its economy is actually agriculture. Although petro-dollars account for 98 per cent of national revenue, the agriculture sector employs more than 70 per cent of our population. Close to three decades of oil wealth has not changed this equation. With this huge percentage of our people engaged in agriculture, you may however wonder why Nigeria has over the years come to rely heavily on food imports. A simple overview of agricultural practices in Africa's most populous nation will not only explain this paradox; it will also provide the clue as to why most people in our oil-rich nation live below the poverty line.
Nigeria has a total land area of 92.4 million hectares and 91 million of this is suitable for cultivation but only about half of it is put to use for both staple and industrial crops. And because they rely on age-old practices, a majority of the people engaged in agriculture are grossly under-employed and indeed under-productive.
The average farm size in Nigeria ranges between 1-2 hectares. The average farmer in Nigeria lacks any form of formal education and he lacks basic management skills or ability to learn from new technologies or existing best practices. He relies on obsolete implements and constantly waits on the rain for farming. Because he lacks education, he is unable to access funds and therefore relies on government for subsidies on major farm inputs like seedling, fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals.
Reports also indicate that up to 70 per cent of the various agricultural credit schemes offered by banks, especially the Central Bank of Nigeria and even the National Agricultural Commerce Bank which had the capacity to provide the level of funding required to achieve significant growth in the sector are under-drawn or not drawn at all because the farmers cannot meet the banks' conditionality. The net result of all these is that agriculture in Nigeria is grossly under-funded and has failed to attract any serious private sector involvement. Our aim is to change this old style and give public orientation and the direction whereby farmers can go directly to bank and get the fund they require. The logical consequence of what was submitted above in terms of low yield and productivity is Nigeria's heavy reliance on food import. Food importation constitutes an estimated 14.5 per cent of Nigeria's import bill. Our country spends about $2 billion annually in importing food items. Recent reports show that each year, Nigeria spends $132 million on importation of milk; $400 million on wheat; $200 million on poultry, especially frozen chicken; and $756 million on rice. Nigeria also imports about 95 million metric tonnes of sugar annually.
Since it returned to democracy mid-1999, Nigeria has however worked very hard to reform her economy and remove the national paradox of “rich country; poor people”. The Federal Government under President Olusegun Obasanjo introduced a package of reforms aimed at stimulating growth across the various sectors of the economy and thereby reducing our dependence on crude oil as a foreign exchange earner. The debt relief granted us by the Paris Club offers us an historic opportunity to build our infrastructure. The reform programme is all-encompassing. In the agriculture sector, which is seen as offering the safest route out of our poverty trap, a series of Presidential Initiatives on specific crops such as rice and cassava have been introduced to improve productivity.
This is exactly what the Kwara state governor focused his attention on in Kwara State over the past few years and which has today made kwara the number one focal state in driving the NEEDS agriculture policy.
Since 2003,They have focused strongly on achieving equitable development in Kwara State. They have tried to reduce poverty, improve human development standards and create the right environment and structures for investments. This has challenged executive capacities to break new grounds and create innovative strategies. It has also compelled a redefinition of the role of government as a facilitator and promoter of economic development by directing investments and interventions in high impact sectors.
Having studied the outstanding success of commercial agriculture in Zimbabwe, They reached out to some of the farmers who had been displaced by the land reform exercise of that country and succeeded in bringing a group of 15 of them to Kwara State to pioneer the commercial agriculture initiative. This initiative started last year on 15,000 hectares of land in an area at the bank of the River Niger. The local community has warmly embraced the project because of the opportunity it offers them to piggy back on the expatriate commercial farmers and learn from them new farming skills and techniques.
The development of local agricultural initiatives by small – scale farmers especially on rice, cashew and cassava is also a major focus of the State's agriculture policy alongside the commercial agriculture initiative. One of the approaches has been to make agriculture attractive and provide employment to youths through the establishment of a Youth Farm Centre, where 100 youths are camped under the tutelage of one of the Zimbabwean farmers. These youths plant maize, soya, rice and cassava on a 100 hectare farm land.
The Kwara State time bound Action Plan on Cassava in collaboration with the IITA is built on the Nigerian Presidential Special Initiative (NPSI) on cassava and it is meant to build up yield and develop processing capacity in the State. Under this action plan, They have set up demonstration and seed multiplication farms in each of our 3 Senatorial Districts. They have also set up the Market Information Service System to facilitate information sharing with existing and potential farmers.
The initiative on rice is built on the State's irrigation scheme in Duku – Lade. This irrigation facility was built by the First Republic Government of Northern Region in 1963. The project was however abandoned, until the present Government revived it in 2004. It was by rehabilitating the scheme that the 200 hectare of first dry season harvests was achieved in May 2005. The irrigation scheme has an installed capacity to cover 4000 hectares.
Therefore, while efforts are made to organize, support and mobilise local peasant farmers for large scale production, a major step-change would be achieved through the commercial agriculture that is also programmed to have multiple trickle down effects in raising the standards in peasant farming practices.
The Kwara State Commercial Agriculture Initiative is intended to generate substantial marketable surplus in food and cash crops that will encourage the development and expansion of local agri-processing and agricultural exports, while at the same time providing farm extension activities designed to transfer knowledge and techniques into the small scale subsistence farming sector.
It is projected that investment in dairy production alone will yield up to 5 million litres of milk per annum (pa) and will take care of domestic needs which is currently characterised by shortfalls, high prevailing prices, and the importation of up to 98% of domestic consumption.
It is also projected that production of broiler chickens would yield 125,000 broiler hens, pa; dry land rice at 15,000 metric tonnes p.a, and irrigated rice at 8,500 metric tonnes p.a.
With all these, projected growth in dairy output in Kwara State alone, excluding growth in other sectors (rice, maize and poultry) will generate a potential $21 million saving in foreign exchange outflow (20% of total whole milk import by Year 3), which will free up considerable potential development funds.
Quite significantly, it is projected that the Zimbabwean farmers would be cash-positive in poultry and diary in the first 3 years, and would declare profit for mixed farming in the first 4 years. It is anticipated that total agricultural output will increase substantially over a 5 year period as production expands and the impact of improved farming methods and techniques are disseminated to the smallholder population through a planned agricultural extension programme.
We are convinced from our experience in Kwara State that commercial farming, with the private sector as its core driver, is the future of agriculture in Nigeria. As the experience of Vietnam has demonstrated however, we have to make targeted investments in developing irrigation in Nigeria. The plan to restrict importation of rice would pose a challenge to domestic production. If we must meet this challenge, we must prioritise irrigation development, not only in Kwara State but in other States of the country with the capacity of large scale farming.
Kwara State government goes to the bond market to raise N30 billion to execute capital projects The projects are as ambitious as the funding. Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State took a bold step in his determination to improve the lives of his people when he announced that he was going to the bond market to raise N30 billion to execute some capital projects. This decision came on the heels of a good assessment by Fitch Rating which said that the state is one of the best managed in Nigeria.
Some of the projects targeted are; truck plazas, a rice mill, an aviation school, cement production, water supply and the state university. Abdulfatah Ahmed, commissioner for finance, unfolded the state’s development master plan at an impressive ceremony in Lagos, Ahmed said the truck plaza project was influenced by the revelation that on a daily basis, about 5,000 trucks move from the South-West to the North and that Kwara State is a terminus for most of them. That is why the state has thought it wise to build a plaza for the trucks where they could repair faulty ones or refuel properly. From this venture, the state hopes to realise N2 billion annually. The success the state government recorded through the Zimbabwean farmers has taken Kwara to another level. Ahmed said it has spurred it to venture into rice farming. “We are fortunate Kwara has the soil and weather very suitable for rice cultivation and we will use this to our advantage,” Ahmed told Newswatch. The government plans to build rice mills to process the product to meet international standard. To ensure an all-year-round farming, Governor Saraki will commit a huge sum to irrigation projects in various parts of the state, especially the farming centres. Currently, Kwara has 14 of such farms. “Farming is what we are best at doing and will do everything to support it.
Also, the state will soon join the league of cement manufacturers. It is partnering with Lafarge, one of the world’s biggest cement manufactures to build a plant. While the latter provides the technical know-how, the state will create an enabling environment by providing electricity, water and motorable road aside from its equity participation. “We found out that there will be a significant impact on the state’s economy if this project is executed.
There is a plan for a massive overhaul of all the dams in the state to boost water supply to the populace. The state hopes to generate considerable revenue from water rates once there is constant supply. The Saraki administration is committed to developing tertiary education in the state. To this end, it has set aside part of the N30 billion it wants to raise from the bond market to build a befitting state university. The governor said that this had become imperative to meet the needs of the state indigenes’ quest for a university education and ultimately boost the manpower development of the state.
LEADERSHIP IS NOT WIELDING AUTHORITY, ITS EMPOWERING THE PEOPLE
An average Nigerian, even the starkest illiterate knows quite too well that the greatest inadequacy bedevilling this nation - state called Nigeria is the problem of 'Leadership' - Good leadership. It is not that Nigeria had not had leadership, but what has or had remained elusive is 'Good and responsible leadership'. The seemingly intractable problems of Nigeria have not really been lack or non- availability of 'resources', human and natural, but rather a leadership that can harness and transform the abundant and ubiquitous resources to a 'total and wholesome' development that Nigerians can accessed and enjoyed.
Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State was named the Best Governor in Healthcare. The Paper wrote that the governor, a medical doctor, has worked relentlessly to improve healthcare delivery in the state. His initiative, D3 (Delta Diaspora Direct), is rejuvenating the health sector in the state. The state is proving free maternal healthcare, in addition to bringing back the state’s medical exports to come and help improve service delivery in the state. The state is also about to take delivery of medical equipment which it sourced from the United States to turn around its healthcare system.
Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State was named the Best Governor in Infrastructure. Because, Fashola, has been widely acknowledged for his articulated approach to governance, but his strides in infrastructural development have drawn attention from far and wide. His efforts at giving the state a facelift through the beautification project as well as road construction are also widely acknowledged
Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city has also done well in this regard and seems to be enjoying a new lease of life, conscious efforts by the federal capital territory (FCT) minister Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and his team to sanitise the city appears to be paying off, some of these efforts though have come at a heavy price such as homelessness for the residents of the houses demolished during the various rounds of demolition exercises in the city. Residents however appreciate the changing face of Abuja and the various recreation parks now available for their use. The FCT minister has embarked on policies to change the face of the city which sometimes appeared controversial. His ban on Okada (commercial motorcycles), importation of London cabs and vigorous pursuit and implementation of the Abuja master plan has led to the demolition of illegal structures in and around the city, and has in so doing reclaimed back lands which have now been transformed into parks for the enjoyment of city residents and visitors. Nigeria’s capital city has also consolidated efforts at re-branding its image through music, art, tourism and business.

The annual Abuja carnival modelled after the Rio de Janerio carnival, Abuja Rocks @ 30 (an entertainment package to celebrate the city’s 30 years and strengthen the consciousness of unity in Nigeria) and the proposed Abuja tower are some of the efforts aimed at repositioning Abuja as a good destination, such efforts would also help to stretch the Abuja brand further
It’s about time that Anambra state, a potential economic and regional tiger wakes up and starts to harness her true potentials for the benefits of her indigenes. Historical sites such as the Ogbunike cave, Agulu lake, Igwe Osita Agwuna’s Obu Ofor Nri palace, Ochanja main market etc should be actively positioned as business and tourist attractions. Also with the rise in interest in Igbo culture and history, packaged and guided tours to the towns in Nri kingdom (the acclaimed cradle of Igbo civilisation and ancestral home of Ndigbo) could also help in extending the Anambra brand worldwide.
The Lagos, Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom state governments have repeatedly failed to capitalise on the rich natural resources abundant in their states, they have also not fully exploited the huge presence of foreign nationals in their states who are active in the oil and gas industry, these expatriates could easily serve as unofficial goodwill ambassadors of these states to their respective home countries and help them to attract additional foreign direct investments in other sectors. Despite the huge revenues these states earn as oil producing states and the blessings of Mother Nature which has richly endowed them with oceans, rivers, fertile farmlands and crude oil, infrastructural development has not been top on the agenda of the respective governments thus making it difficult to leverage on their natural brand assets to successfully brand their cities and states as Nigeria’s favourite destinations for tourism and business.
It is in the interest of the federal government of Nigeria to actively involve the states and local governments in this new drive to re-brand Nigeria, state and local government officials should be encouraged to set up standing committees or to have designated positions responsible for liaising with the officials of Nigeria’s ministry of information and national orientation (the overseeing ministry of the Heart of Africa project), this is in order to share ideas and adopt models of best practice.


cheers

my fellow brothers and sisters,

i think it is important to call our attension to this.

The translation of the Qur'an we are using in the world today, i want you all to no that, that is not the original meaning of the Qur'an. For one to get the original meaning of The Qur'an, we must know arabic language since that is the language of the qur'an.

The translation we are all using is meant to just to pass the ordinary meaning of the Qur'an but not the Original Meaning.

No language match the arabic language in its letters,and for this reason, we can not get the exact meaning of the Qur'an by translating it to another language.

So when u re reading a translation, u should have it at the back of ur mind that u re only reading something to pass u little information about the qur'an but not exactly as what the qur'an is saying.

In this case some meaning cant be expressed the way it should, but since there is no other way to express it, they just use it.

cheers

i just came back online.

kudos to olabowale who have been explaining the facts to u.

so what do u vh to say.

am back

plz, the e-mail u provided was not going through.

giving me failure notice.

plz check and provide me with the correct e-mail address.

thanks

Thanks.

I just sent you the prices to your e-mail.

Thanks

Lets put God first.

and am sure we will suceed

SpiralEx:
My own simple question is this
Why is Islam the only religion that the Prophet of "God" commands them to kill
Other religions may have people who kill but I put it to you that their religious leaders go as far as denoucing such members because it is against their doctrine.

I saw this on the internet!!!:

[b]Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar, an Iranian-born American citizen awaiting trial for nine counts of attempted murder, cited a number of verses from the Qur'an in justifying his attempt to kill civilians, including:[92]

Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not. [Qur'an 2:216]

The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter; [Qur'an 5:33]

But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. [Qur'an 9:5]

Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. The Jews call 'Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth! [Qur'an 9:29-30]
[/b]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_terrorism

Can a moslem deny that Mohammed was not into Killing too
If my memory serves me right, he is the only prophet that converts by force and by invading cities, killing and enslaving and forcing his religion on others.
Is that Mutual respect?
How then do the Moslems want to have respect when even their own master had NO RESPECT for the basics rights of innocent people i.e the right to life and the right to freedom of religion
If you respect me, I respect you.
Non-Moslems are even giving moslems more respect than they f***ing deserve!!!
If Non-moslems decided to embark on "Holy War" too against moslems, they'll be wiped out in less than 24 Hours!!!

My dear, u and the person who quot this verses and translated it got it wrong. and that is why Allah said in the Qur,an,

That ( know me, Before you serve me, because if you dont know me, how will you serve me)

Muhammad’s Ministry in Mecca

Generally Muslims have recognized that Muhammad began his ministry among his own people (the Arabs) in and around Mecca in A.D. 610. For thirteen years he faithfully proclaimed that God alone is God. Yet his followers were few and mostly of lower status. With Muhammad they endured opposition, ridicule and even persecution. Still, throughout this period he responded with restraint. In fact, the Qur’an itself documents how he was to respond to rejection and abuse. The following are a few examples:

I (Muhammad) am but a plain warner. (67:2; passim)[3]

We have not sent thee (Muhammad) as a warden over them. (17:54)

So proclaim that which thou art commanded, and withdraw from the idolaters. (15:94; cf. 15:94-99)

And bear with patience what they utter, and part from them with a fair leave taking. (73:10)

, And to be of those who believe and exhort one another to perseverance and exhort one another to pity! (90:17)

Call unto the way of the Lord, and reason with them in a better way, Grieve not for them and be not in distress because of that which they devise. (16:125-127)

Repel evil with that which is better. (23:96)

All of the above passages are Meccan passages, i.e., passages Muhammad received while he proclaimed Islam in Mecca. As long as he remained in Mecca, he responded to his enemies peacefully and with restraint. He never responded militantly. What a fine resource of Quranic references to demonstrate that Islam is peaceful, non-violent!

Muhammad’s Ministry in Medina

In A.D. 622 Muhammad moved from his home in Mecca to Medina, where Arab tribes had invited him to reside and where they became members of the new Islamic movement. So important is this event in Islamic history – it is called the hijrah ("emigration" – that it actually marks the beginning of the Islamic era.[4]

In Medina Muhammad quickly assumed both religious and political leadership over the whole Medinan community. Soon after he arrived in Medina, he received the first of many Quranic passages (called Medinan passages) which directed him and the Muslim community to fight in the cause of Allah against their enemies. The Qur’an alludes to Muhammad’s conflicts with the Arab polytheists throughout Arabia, with the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) and with the hypocrites (Arab polytheists who feigned conversion to Islam: cf. 49:14). The earliest extant Muslim biographies of Muhammad detail Muhammad’s military struggles.[5] It is these conflicts which serve as the seeds for the traditional Islamic divisions of society into 1. the House of Islam and the House of War and 2. the Muslim Community; the People of the Book (Jews and Christians, cf. 9:29,30); the Polytheists (who could become Muslim or accept death or slavery).

The following are a few of the Medinan passages which refer to jihad as military struggle in the Qur’an:

Sanction is given unto those who fight because they have been wronged, (22:39; cf. 22:39-41)[6]

The (true) believers are those only who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere. (49:15; 22:78; 25:52)

Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors.

And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers.

But if they desist, then lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if they desist, then let there be no hostility except against wrongdoers.

The forbidden month for the forbidden month, and forbidden things in retaliation. And one who attacketh you, attack him in like manner as he attacked you. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is with those who ward off (evil).

Spend your wealth for the cause of Allah, (2:190-195; cf. 2:216-218; 2:244; 8:38-40; 8:65,66; 4:84; 5:33-35; 61:4)

Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free, (9:5)

Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the religion of truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low.

And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah. That is their saying with their mouths. They imitate the saying of those who disbelieved of old. Allah (Himself) fighteth against them. How perverse are they! (9:29,30)

O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites! Be harsh with them. Their ultimate abode is hell, a hapless journey’s end. (9:73)

O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him). (9:123)

As for Jihad’s motivation and benefits:

O ye who believe! Shall I show you a commerce that will save you from a painful doom?

You should believe in Allah and His messenger, and should strive for the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you, if ye did but know.

He will forgive you your sins and bring you into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in Gardens of Eden. That is the supreme triumph.

And (He will give you) another blessing which ye love: help from Allah and present victory. Give good tidings (O Muhammad) to believers. (61:10-13; cf. 9:19-22; 9:111; 2:154; 2:243-245; 47:4-6; 3:195)

, Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than those who sit (at home). (4:95)

From the above Meccan and Medinan verses Muslims have understood that there is a chronological progression in Muhammad’s ministry from peaceful proclamation only in Mecca to peaceful proclamation supported, if needed, by the sword in Medina. This was not to suggest that God had changed His mind and that peaceful proclamation of Islam had ceased. It simply meant that when Muhammad entered Medina, initially he was allowed to defend himself against his enemies with the same weapons they used to attack him and eventually was ordered even to fight all idolaters.

The well known Egyptian scholar, Sayyid Qutb, notes four stages in the development of jihad: 1. While the earliest Muslims remained in Mecca before fleeing to Medina, God did not allow them to fight; 2. Permission is given to Muslims to fight against their oppressors; 3. God commands Muslims to fight those fighting them; 4. God commands the Muslims to fight against all polytheists. He views each stage to be replaced by the next stage in this order, the fourth stage to remain permanent.[7] To justify the universal and permanent dimensions of jihad he cites the following passages:

They ought to fight in the way of God who have sold the life of this world for the life of the Hereafter; and whoever fights in the way of God and is killed or becomes victorious, to him shall We (God) give a great reward, (4:74-76)

, and fight them until there is no oppression and the religion is wholly for God, (8:38-40)

Fight against those among the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) who do not believe in God and the Last Day, who do not forbid what God and His messenger have forbidden, until they are subdued and pay jizyah (tax on non-Muslims) , (9:29-32)

But, as we sometimes hear, does not Islam teach that jihad as physical warfare is solely defensive? True, a few voices in earlier Islamic history and even more voices from the nineteenth century onwards have held this opinion. No doubt, today also many Muslims in the West espouse this opinion, though one might wonder how familiar some of them are with the source materials and history of Islam. Sayyid Qutb, however, pours scorn upon those who view jihad as solely defensive:

, They are ignorant of the nature of Islam and of its function, and that it has a right to take the initiative for human freedom.

Thus wherever an Islamic community exists which is a concrete example of the Divinely-ordained system of life, it has a God-given right to step forward and take control of the political authority so that it may establish the Divine system on earth, while it leaves the matter of belief to individual conscience.[8]

He then cites, during the early advance of Islam, the Muslim response to the Persian general, Rustum, after Rustum enquired why the Muslim leaders had come to Persia with their army:

God has sent us to bring anyone who wishes from servitude to men into the service of God alone, from the narrowness of this world into the vastness of this world and the Hereafter, and from the tyranny of religions into the justice of Islam. God raised a Messenger for this purpose to teach His creatures His way. If anyone accepts this way of life, we turn back and give his country back to him, and we fight with those who rebel until we are martyred or become victorious.[9]

hi,

i want to know if u can supply computer system to my chairman new hotel, and also provide full wireless access to the entire hotel and it environse. we want anybody who bring his or her own system to be able to browse in the hotel and also we want to be providing wireless internet for the people in the enviroment.

please note that the wireless will be secured in other to charge the people aroung who wants to be using it.

if yes, how can we go about it.

thanks

yanka:
Full Kitchen units with granite work top as shown in the picture. 6.3m X 3.6m.

How much ?

qt247@hotmail.co.uk

Sir, i just sent you a mail now and very soon, i will get back to you.

ohwofasa:
u sure say dis na ur products?abi na from internet u get dose pic?anyway de r fine,where is ur location?y not come to portharcourt 2?

Sir, well it is my pleasure to tell you that 80% of the product are ours. and also if u have any foriegn product u re interested in, we can produce the product for you here in Nigeria with equal accuracy. We are located in abuja and we can come to any part of Nigeria if our service is required.


yes. it's in the picture above. the second of the kitchen cabinets. Thanks

plz provide me with ur e-mail address. i will forward it to you.

Thanks.

yes i no.

the reason y i said that was because u hv been accusing me wrongly in other posts and making poeple say bad things about me. u have been accusing me wrongly as in i have done anything bad b4 to some1. and other people really think u have a valid reason why u directly face me.

This act u did lead to many bad thing which u have no knwoledge about, imagine some1 came to the religious section accusing me of being a scan on travel section. thats ur work and i really get hurt.

but still i remain myself and be real.

well, feel free and no had feelings.
cheers

says who?

is the conference holding just meant for the commite on education or all the committe on the organization.

where is the conference holding?

I will like to add one more note.

i think we should like create an awareness in all the 36 states of Nigeria. trying to allow free anf flow of information

just like the politicl parties. from there we can extend to both town and villages.

and i think all should be in the plab from start tp avaoid unnecesary distraction as we goforward

Who can we refer to as a good leader in Nigeria and why do you think is a good leader? clear evidences plz

I think we need to address this issue

Thanks as u contribute

I think nairaland can produce great leader.


please why cant we just try and start some political campign for change on the forum and allow some 1 like this poster to be the leader i think this will go along way.

or what do u think?


this is a great motivation for nigerians

siena LISTEN, it is u that got me wrong.

because i am assisting people on travelling those not make me a scam.

Thanks for your enquiry,

But i am using this opputunity to tell you that 80% of Those pictures there are the works we did for some of our customers, but some like the conference table are forign product.

Despite that, all the picture displayed there we can produce each and everyone of them to the accuracy u saw in the picture including the foriegn product.

We are located in abuja.

but we can come to any part of Nigeria to produce the furnitures. We produce many hotel furnitures and you will be happy we work for you.

if u need any price of the furnitures, u can send me your email here then i will forward you the price.

Thanks

why are Nigerians denying there country of origin and instead claiming other countries when they travel?



why will a nigerian born father and american born mother be claiming american.

This is the full story.

so u can scroll down to see the information u need.

One day, Abraham woke up and asked his wife Hajar to get her son and prepare for a long journey. In a few days Abraham started out with his wife Hajar and their son Ishmael. The child was still nursing and not yet weaned.

Abraham walked through cultivated land, desert, and mountains until he reached the desert of the Arabian Peninsula and came to an uncultivated valley having no fruit, no trees, no food, no water. The valley had no sign of life. After Abraham had helped his wife and child to dismount, he left them with a small amount of food and water which was hardly enough for 2 days. He turned around and walked away. He wife hurried after him asking: "Where are you going Abraham, leaving us in this barren valley?"

Abraham did not answer her, but continued walking. She repeated what she had said, but he remained silent. Finally she understood that he was not acting on his own initiative. she realized that Allah had commanded him to do this. She asked him : "Did Allah command you to do so?" He replied: "Yes." Then his great wife said: "We are not going to be lost, since Allah Who has commanded you is with us."

Abraham invoked Almighty Allah thus: "O Our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley with no cultivation, by Your Sacred House (the Ka'ba at Mecca); in order, O our Lord, that they may offer prayers perfectly (Iqamat as salat) so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and O Allah provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks. O our Lord! Certainly, You know what we conceal and what we reveal. Nothing on the earth or in the heavens is hidden from Allah." (Ch 14:37-38)

Ibn Abbas narrated: "The first lady to use a girdle was the mother of Ishmael. she used a girdle so that she might hide her tracks from Sarah (by dragging it). Abraham brought her and her son Ishmael while she was suckling him to a place near the Kaba under a tree on the spot of ZamZam at the highest place in the mosque. During those days there was nobody in Mecca, nor was there any water so he made them sit over there and placed near them a leather bag containing some dates and a small water skin containing some water and set out homeward. Ishmael's mother followed him saying: "O Abraham! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything to enjoy?" she repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her. Then she asked him : "Has Allah ordered you to do so?" He said: "Yes." She then said: "Then HE will not neglect us," and returned while Abraham proceeded onwards. On reaching the Thaniya where they could not see him, he faced the Kaba and raising both hands, invoked Allah saying the following prayers: "O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Your Sacred House (Kaba at Mecca) in order, O our Lord that they may offer prayer perfectly. So fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and O Allah provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks." (Ch 14:37)

Ibn Abbas's narration continued; "Ishmael's mother went on suckling Ishmael and drinking from the water (she had) When the water in the water skin had been used up, she became thirsty and her child also became thirsty, She started looking at him (Ishmael) tossing in agony. She left him, for she could not endure looking at him, and found that the mountain of As-Safa was the nearest mountain to her on that land. she too on it and started looking at the valley keenly so that she might see somebody, but she could not see anybody. Then she descended for As Safa and when she reached the valley, she tucked up her robe and ran in the valley like a person in distress and trouble till she crossed the valley and reached the mountain of Al Marwa. There she stood and started looking expecting to see somebody, but she could not see anybody. she repeated that running between Safa And Marwa seven times."

The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "This is the source of the tradition of the Sa'y (rituals of the hajj, pilgrimage) the going of people between them (As-Safa and Al-Marwa). When she reached Al Marwa (for the last time) she heard a voice and she asked herself to be quiet and listened attentively. She heard the voice again and said: "O whoever you maybe! You have made me hear your voice; have you got something to help me?" And behold! She saw an angel at the place of Zam zam, digging the earth with his heel (or his wing) till water flowed from that place. She started to make something like a basin around it, using her hand in this way, and started filling her water skin with water with her hands and the water was flowing out water she had scooped some of it."

The Prophet (pbuh) added: "May Allah bestow mercy on Ishmael's mother! Had she let the zam-zam flow without trying to control it, or had she not scooped from that water to fill her water skin, Zam zam would have been a stream flowing on the surface of the earth."

The Prophet (pbuh) continued: "Then she drank water and suckled her child. The angel said to her: "Don't be afraid of being neglected, for this is the House of Allah which will be built by this boy and his father, and Allah never neglects His people." The House (Kaba) at that time was on a high place resembling a hillock, and when torrents came, they flowed to its right and left.

"She lived in that way till some people from the tribe of Jurhum or a family from Jurhum passed by her and her child as they (the Jurhum people) were coming through the way of Kada. they landed in the lower part of Mecca where they saw a bird that had the habit of flying around water and not leaving it. they said: "this bird must be flying around water, though we know that there is no water in this valley." They sent one or two messengers who discovered the source of water and returned to inform them of the water. SO they all came towards the water. Ishmael's mother was sitting near the water. They asked her: "Do you allow us to stay with you?" She replied: "Yes, but you will have no right to possess the water." They agreed to that. Ishmael's mother was pleased with the whole situation, as she used to love to enjoy the company of the people, so they settled there, and later on they sent for their families who came and settled with them so that some families became permanent residents there. The child (Ishmael) grew up and learned Arabic from them and (his virtues) caused them to love and admire him as he grew up and when he reached the age of puberty they made him marry a woman from amongst them."

The Prophet (pbuh) continued: "After Ishmael's mother had died, Abraham came after Ishmael's marriage in order to see his family that he had left before but he did not find Ishmael there. When he asked Ishmael's wife about him, she replied: "He has gone in search of livelihood." Then he asked her about their way of living and their condition, and she replied, "We are living in misery; we are living in hardship and destitution,' complaining to him. He said: "When your husband returns, convey my salutations to him and tell him to change the threshold of the gate (of his house).'

"When Ishmael came, he seemed to have felt something unusual, so he asked his wife: 'Has anyone visited you?' she replied, 'Yes, an old man of such and such description came and asked me about you and I informed him and he asked about our state of living and I told him that we were living in a hardship and poverty.' On that Ishmael said: 'Did he advise you anything?' She said: 'Yes he told me to convey his salutation to you and to tell you to change the threshold of your gate.' Ishmael said: 'It was my father and he has ordered me to divorce you. Go back to your family.' so, Ishmael divorced her and married another woman from among them (Jurhum).

"Then Abraham stayed away from them for a period as long as Allah wished and called on them again but did not find Ishmael. So he came to Ishmael's wife and asked her about Ishmael. She said: 'he has gone in sof our livelihood.' Abraham asked her; 'how are you getting on?' asking her about their sustenance and living. she replied: 'we are prosperous and well off (we have everything in abundance).' then she thanked Allah. Abraham said: 'What kind of food do you eat?' she said: 'meat.' he said: 'what do you drink?' she said: 'water.' he said: 'O Allah! bless their meat and water.""

The Prophet (pbuh) added: "At that time they did not have grain, and if they had grain he would have also invoked Allah to bless it. If somebody has only these two things as his sustenance, his health and disposition will be badly affected unless he lives in Mecca."

The Prophet (pbuh) continued: "Then Abraham said to Ishmael's wife: 'When your husband comes give my regards to him and tell him that he should keep firm the threshold of his gate.' When Ishmael came back he asked his wife, 'did anyone call no you?' she replied: 'yes, a good looking old man came to me,' so she praised him and added: 'He asked about you and I informed him that we were in a good condition.' Ishmael asked her:' did he give you any piece of advice?' she said; 'yes, he told me to give his regards to you and ordered that you should keep firm the threshold of your gate.' on that Ishmael said: 'It was my father, and you are the threshold of the gate. He has ordered me to keep you with me.'

Then Abraham stayed away from them for a period as long as Allah wished and called on them afterwards. He saw Ishmael under a tree near Zam Zam, sharpening his arrows. When he saw Abraham, he rose up to welcome him (and they greeted each other as a father does with his son or a son does with his father). Abraham said: 'O Ishmael! Allah has give me an order.' Ishmael said: 'Do what your Lord has ordered you to do.' Abraham asked:'Will you help me?' Ishmael said: 'I will help you.' Abraham said: 'Allah has ordered me to build a house here,' pointing to a hillock higher than the land surrounding it.

"Then they raised the foundations of the House (the Kaba). Ishmael brought the stones while Abraham built and when the walls became high Ishmael brought this stone and put it for Abraham who stood over it and carried on building. While Ishmael was handing him the stones, and both of them were saying: "Our Lord! Accept this service from us, verily, You are the All Hearer, the All Knower." (Ch 2:127 Quran)

the Prophet (pbuh) added: "Then both of them went on building and going round the Kaba saying O our Lord! Accept this service from us, verily, You are the All Hearer, the All Knower."; (Sahih Bukhari).

Ibn Abbas narrated a slightly different version: "When Abraham had differences with his wife (because of her jealousy of Hajar, Ishmael's mother), he took Ishmael and his mother and went away. They had a water skin with them containing some water. Ishmael's mother used to drink water from the water skin so that her milk would increase for her child. When Abraham reached Mecca, he made her sit under a tree and afterwards returned home. Ishmael's mother followed him and when they reached Kada, she called him from behind: 'O Abraham! To whom are you leaving us?' He replied: '(I am leaving you) to Allah's care.' she said: 'I am satisfied to be with Allah.' She returned to her place and started drinking water from the water skin and her milk increased for her child.

"When the water had all been used up, she said to herself: 'I had better go and look so that I may see somebody.' she ascended As-Safa mountain and looked hoping to see somebody but in vain. When she came down to the valley, she ran till she reached Al Marwa Mountain. She ran to and for (between the two mountains) many times. Then she said to herself; 'I had better go and see the state of the child.' she went and found it in a state of one on the point of dying. She could not endure to watch it dying and said to herself: 'If I go and look I may find somebody.' she went and ascended al-Safa mountain and looked for a long while but could not find anybody. thus she completed seven rounds of running between As-Safa and Al-Marwa. Again she said to herself: 'I had better go back and see the state of the child.' but suddenly she heard a voice, and she said to that strange voice. 'help us if you can offer any help.' lo! it was Gabriel (who had made the voice) Gabriel hit the earth with his heel like this (Ibn Abbas hit the earth with his heel to illustrate it), and so the water gushed out. Ishmael's mother was astonished and started digging."

Abu Al Qasim, the Prophet (pbuh) said: "If she had left the water, (flow naturally, without her intervention, ) it would have been flowing on the surface of the earth."

Ibn Abbas continued narrating: "Ishmael's mother started drinking from the water, and her milk increased for her child. Afterwards some people of the tribe of Hurhum saw some birds while passing through the bottom of the valley and that astonished them. They said: "birds can only be found at a place where there is water." They sent a messenger who searched the place and found the water and returned to inform them about it. Then they all went to her and said: "O Ishmael's mother! Will you allow us to be with you (or dwell with you)?" Then they stayed there.

"Later on her boy reached the age of puberty and married a lady from them. Then an idea occurred to Abraham, which he disclosed to his wife (sarah). 'I want to call on my dependants I left at Mecca.' When he went there he greeted Ishmael's wife and said: 'where is Ishmael?' She replied: 'He has gone out hunting.' Abraham said to her: 'When he comes, tell him to change the threshold of his gate.' When Ishmael came she told him the same and whereupon Ishmael said to her: 'you are the threshold so go to your family (you are divorced).'

"Again Abraham thought of visiting his dependents whom he had left at Mecca, and told his wife (Sarah) of his intentions. Abraham came to Ishmael's house and asked: 'Where is Ishmael?' Ishmael's wife replied: 'He has gone out hunting,' and added: 'will you stay for some time and have something to eat and drink?' Abraham said: 'what is your food and what is your drink?' she replied: 'our food is meat and our drink is water.' he replied: 'O Allah! Bless their meals and their drink.'

Abu Al Qasim (the Prophet)(pbuh) said: "Because of Abraham's invocation there are blessings in Mecca."

Ibn Abbas continued: "Once more Abraham thought of visiting his family he had left at Mecca and he told his wife (Sarah) of his decision. HE went and found Ishmael behind the Zam-zam well, mending his arrows. He said: 'O Ishmael, your Lord has ordered me to build a house for Him.' Ishmael said: 'Obey the order of your Lord.' Abraham said: 'Allah has also ordered me that you should help me therein.' Ishmael said: 'Then I will do so.' So both of them were saying: "O our Lord! Accept this service of us, verily, You are the All Hearer, the All Knower." (Ch 2:127)

When the building became high and the old man (Abraham) could no longer lift the stones to such a high position, he stood over the stone of Al Maqam and Ishmael carried on handing him the stones and both of them were saying: "O our Lord! Accept this service of us, verily You are the All Hearer, the All Knower.""

Allah the Almighty told us of Abraham's affliction with his beloved son: And he said after his rescue from the fire: "Verily! I am going to my Lord. He will guide me! My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous." SO We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. And when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: "O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what do you think!ý" "O my father! Do that which you are commanded InshAllah (if Allah wills), you shall find me of the patient."

Then when they had both submitted themselves to the Will of Allah and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering); and We called out to him: "O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision!" Verily! Thus do Wereward those who perform good deeds, totally for Allah's sake only. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial and We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (a ram and We left for him ( a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. "Salamun (peace) be upon Abraham!" Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsineen (good doers). Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves. (Ch 37:99-111 Quran)

Time passed. One day Abraham was sitting outside his tent thinking of his son Ishmael and Allah's sacrifice. His heart was filled with awe and love for Allah for His countless blessings. A big tear dropped from his eyes and reminded him of Ishmael.

In the meantime, three angels descended to the earth; Gabriel, Israphael, and Michael. they came in human shapes and saluted Abraham. Abraham arose and welcomed them. He took them inside his tent thinking they were strangers and guests. He seated them and made sure that they were comfortable, then excused himself to go to his people.

His wife Sarah arose when he entered. She had become old and white haired. Abraham said to her: "We have three strangers in the house." "Who are they?" she asked. "I do not know any of them," he answered. "What food have we got?" He asked. Half a sheep." she replied, "Half a sheep! Slaughter a fat calf for them; they are strangers and guests." he ordered while leaving.

The servants roasted and served a calf. Abraham invited the angels to eat and he started eating so as to encourage them. He continued, but when he glanced at his guests to assure they were eating, he noticed that none of them had touched the food. He said to the them: "Are you not going to eat?" He resumed eating, but when he glanced at them again he found that they were still not eating. Their hands did not reach out for the food. HE began to fear them.

Abraham's fears increased. The angels, however were reading his inner thoughts and one of them said: "Do not fear." Abraham raised his head and replied: "Indeed I am in fear. I have asked you to eat food but you do not stretch out your hands to eat. DO you intend me evil?"

One of the angels smiled and said: "We do not eat. We are Allah's angels." One of them then turned towards his wife and conveyed the glad tidings about Isaac (Ishaaq).

Almighty Allah revealed: Verily! There came Our Messengers to Abraham with glad tidings. They said: "Salaam (greetings or peace)!" he answered: "Salaam (greetings or peace)!" and he hastened to entertain them with a roasted calf. But, when he saw their hands went not towards it (the meal), he felt some mistrust of them, and conceived a fear of them. They said: "Fear not, we have been sent against the people of Lot." And his wife was standing there and she laughed (either, because the Messengers did not eat their food or for being glad for the destruction of the people of Lot). But We gave her glad tidings of Isaac, and after him of Jacob.

She said (in astonishment): "Woe unto me! Shall I bear a child while I am an old woman, and here is my husband an old man? Verily! This is a strange thing!" They said: "Do you wonder at the Decree of Allah? The Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be on you, O the family (of Abraham). Surely, He (Allah) is All praiseworthy, All-Glorious." (CH 11:69-73).


Thanks

yes prophet ismail is the father of arab.

but u have to read from the source.

The Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon him) was the eldest son of Prophet Ibrahim (peace he upon him) by his second wife Hajira. As he had no off-spring from his first wife Sarah, he entered into matrimonial allegiance with Hajira, a devoted lady. He did so with the consent of his first wife. The Prophet Ibrahim (peace he upon him) prayed to his Lord to bless him with a son. The Prophet Isma'il (peace he upon him) was born to him in response to his prayers. The Holy Quran makes mention of it in these words:

"Ibrahim said: My Lord! Grant me of the doers of good deeds. So We gave him the good news of a boy possessing forbearance." (Surah 37: Verses 100-101)

Shortly after his birth, in obedience to a Divine behest, he was left by his father Ibrahim (peace be upon him) along with his mother at the place where stands Ka'bah. It was a barren and waterless place with no trace of life in any form. The great Patriarch, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) left them to their fate with a heavy heart and prayed:

"O' Lord! I have made some of my off-spring settle in this barren valley near the Sacred House so that they may keep up prayer." (Surah 14: Verse 37)

The scene of departing Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) from his family was highly pathetic. It is narrated on the authority of Ibn 'Abbàs that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) brought with him his wife Hajira and his son Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon him) whom she suckled. They placed the child close by the spot where Ka'bah now stands. In those days Mecca was uninhabited and without water. The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) placed beside them a bag full of dates and a skin full of water.

When Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) returned, the mother of Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon him) ran after him and said: Ibrahim! Where are you going? Why have you left me in the wilderness where none is to take pity on us. Nothing is available here to eat and drink. She repeated this several times but Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) did not hearken to her voice.

Then she asked him. Have God Commanded you to do so? He replied in affirmative. She said: Then God will cause no harm to me. Thereupon she returned back. When Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) got out of sight, he faced towards Ka'bah and prayed: O' Lord! Grant that the hearts of some men may be affected with kindness towards them and bestow upon them all sorts of fruit so that they may be thankful.

After this the mother of Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon him) began to suckle her child and to drink water out of the skin until it was emptied. Soon after her son felt thirsty. She could not bear to see him in such plight. Hajira ran seven times from the hill of Safa to Marwa in quest of water. As she was about to commence the eighth trip, her attention was drawn to the crying child who in the agony of thirst was kicking the ground.

Lo! the water gushed forth miraculously from the earth in the form of fountain to save Prophet: Isma'il (peace be upon him) from the tortures of thirst. Then she drank the water and suckled her child. May God bless the mother of Prophet Isma'il! Had she left the Zam Zam as it was or had she not filled her skin with water, the Zam Zam would always have remained an overflowing mountain. (Bukhari)"

Trial of Sincerity

The origin of the custom of true believers running between Safa and Marwa at the time of Hajj is deep connected with Hajira, the mother of Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon him). Similarly the rite of sacrifice also owes its origin to the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his obedient son.

He had received a Divine Command to sacrifice his beloved son. Both of them stood the test with credit. The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) decided to fulfill the vision on one hand whereas the Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon him) was ready with alacrity to lay down his life to win the favor and pleasure of Allah.

While they were proceeding towards Mina for the performance of the solemn duty, Satan tried to dissuade them from their firm resolve but to no effect. The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) passed the sharp knife over the throat of his son but an angel turned the knife upside down and a heavenly message forbade the act.

The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was desired to sacrifice in lieu of his son, a ram. So he slaughtered a well-fed ram presented by Allah. When the Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon him) grew up, he married a girl of the tribe but soon divorced her at the request of his father to whom she proved to be discourteous. After this he married a daughter of the Jurhum Chief.

Re-construction of the House of Allah

Ka'bah is the veritable heart of Islam towards which all the prayers of the Muslims flow to vivify their souls. It was built by the Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), the father of the human race. When it was damaged by flood, it was reconstructed on the same foundations by the Prophet Ibrahim (peace he upon him) with the help of his son Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon him), the ancestors of the Arabs.

The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) directed his son to bring a good stone to mark the corner of foundation. He brought one of which the angel Gabriel gave him information. It was the sacred Black stone - "Hajar al-Aswad". When the Prophet Ibrahim and Isma'il (peace be upon them) raised the foundations of the House of Allah they prayed:

"Our Lord! Accept from us; surely You are the Hearing, the Knowing. Our Lord! Make us both submissive to You and raise from our off-spring a nation submitting to You and show us ways of devotion and turn to us mercifully. You are the oft-Returning to mercy, the Most Merciful." (Surah 1: Verses 127-128)

"Our Lord! And raise up in them an Apostle from among them who shall recite to them Your communications and teach them the Book and the Wisdom and purify them. Surely You are the Mighty, the Wise." (Surah 2: Verse 129).

Makkah is Habituated

The Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon him) and his mother settled down in the vicinity of the Ka'bah. His progeny multiplied and ramified into numerous tribes. One of these is known as the Quraish from which the Ishmaelite Arabs sprang up. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) belonged to this family. They habituated the city of Makkah which became the center of Islam.


Finally

cheers

Many times, people often say when they accuse them of not being religious, they say all u just need is to be righteouse.

but i am here to tell u that ur righteouseness can not save u.

Serve God and then be righteouse