₦airaland Forum

^^ i'm not in the self denial business,i just call em as i see em. You can carry on deluding yourself. I'm done here

^^I see you have taken on a very ardous task here. Why not try shutting your eyes and walk a straight line then you'll have a rough idea of what i'm on abt. If the head is rotten the body can't function. Simple as

@op you're preaching to the choir here. Why not take your message to those so called men of God,ripping Nigerians off of their hard earned income with their 'the more you sow the more you reap' mantra. Why not take your message to the politicians plundering our common wealth & impoverishing the masses. A fruit doesn't fall far from its tree,we're only a by product of the society we live in. As long as the head isn't screwed on tight the body cannot proceed in an articulate manner.
This is not in any way meant to justify the fraud being perpetrated by my brothers just saying we seem to be putting the cart before the horse. After all,what's that they say again,charity begins where? Anyways just saying

Aringarosa:
You mean - Honey whisper something dirty in my ear. . . Pdp, pdp, pdp. lol

Yeah that one  

That Pdp,pdp,pdp comment really cracked me up the first time i saw it.Still very funny

I thought there were supposed to be 'good' Christians & Muslims in that country.What are they doing?

^^Can you break that down further?In simple uncomplicated language,are in heaven or not?

Ok seriously,Christians/Muslims why do you want to make heaven/paradise?
The Christian concept of heaven is inextricably linked with the concepts of salvation, redemption, and resurrection. Christians don't believe that "going to heaven" happens automatically; it's the result of conscious decisions made during one's life.
Whilst Paradise or Aljannah is the ultimate destination of all pious Muslims.At least that is the whole idea.
The question is,why do you as an individual want to get there?Have you ever given it a thought?If you have please share.

Ok never mind,already found the meaning.Thanx anyways

tpia@:
looks nice.

some of the villages seem familiar but i guess that's just a general nigerian setting.

i also notice agbegilodos are featured in a lot of the paintings.

Abeg tpia forgive my ignorance o.Which one be agbegilodos again 

(4) Increased visibility and greater roles for women: Women are often times integrated in the decision making processes and exercise a certain degree of power and authority. Some Pentecostal pastors/founders are females and cases abound where the husband is the founder with the wife usually the second-in-command in the hierarchy of power. Wives of deceased founders often times succeed their late husbands. It has turned out that wives of pastors also serve another purpose in the spouses’ ministries: they protect the family’s estate and control most financial dealings in the church. Knowing the power of women to attract men into religious organisations, some churches deliberately exploit this in giving women pastoral duties so that men would be drawn into the fold.

(5) The Economic Character of Pentecostal Churches: The tendency is for Pentecostal churches to have educated, media-savvy leaders. These tend to introduce commercial practices into their organisation in the production of religion and other goods. It is now a common feature not only among the mega-churches, but also medium-sized Pentecostal groups, that they produce a huge array of videos, magazines, CDs, DVDs, books, booklets and pamphlets, stickers, key-holders and other religious memorabilia or ritual paraphernalia (handkerchief, olive oil). The Redeemed Christian Church of God produces and markets all over the world well over half a million copies of its leader’s sermons on DVDs, VCDs, VHS and audio tapes. The church has a media empire called Dove Media which is involved in satellite and Internet television and radio broadcasting as well as the production and sales of home videos. Helen Ukpabio, founder/owner of Liberty Gospel Church, is also the Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Films and Music Plaza, which has produced nearly twenty home videos many of which achieved record sales of nearly 1.2 million copies. In addition to the production of media materials, many of the new churches are proud owners of banks, insurance companies, business schools, bookshops, and other profit- oriented enterprises.

(6) Marketing Strategies: Especially religious advertisements poster and handbills, billboards, branded vest, caps, pens, etc. Some mega-churches own television and radio broadcasting stations; others place advertisements on these electronic media as well as in print media of newspapers and magazines. Pentecostal advertisement serves multiple functions of creating and managing positive social visibility and image for church owners in addition to creating public awareness for church events.

(7) Reconstruction of religious geography: Churches buy up large expanses of land and construct a range of facilities such as auditoriums, schools, guesthouses, dormitories, presidential villas (for VIP guests such as politicians), banks, gas stations and hospitals. These camps, which often constitute an “alternative city”, function to showcase a Pentecostal leader’s charismata, authenticate the claim to divine authorisation, and produce his brand of Pentecostalism through a series of weekly or monthly and yearly ritual activities. The camps provide the physical venues for commercial companies to patronise the churches by sponsoring some of the religious programmes in exchange for marketing their products and services during the events. Similarly, regional and national politicians pay frequent visits to the camps to demonstrate their religiosity, consult the pastors and solicit for votes or public sympathy. These camps are a veritable structure of Pentecostal subpolitics. They represent attempts by Pentecostal pastors and their followers to influence the dynamics of national politicking and to achieve mutually beneficial ends for both pastors and politicians.

Coming so far, it is obvious that Pentecostalism in Nigeria is nothing short of modern-day fraud. It is a business enterprise – plain and simple, the greatest beneficiary being the founder and his family. Stealing is a big problem in present day Nigeria. People steal in various forms – government ministers who misappropriate funds and receive kickbacks, the ordinary messenger who collects bribes before performing his assigned duties, the governor who converts state funds into private use, and so on. However, it is doubly worse when stealing is perpetrated in the name of the Lord. Pentecostalism has not advanced the cause of the black man. The presence of these ever ubiquitous churches has only served to further perpetuate ignorance, tyranny, political misrule, oppression and suppression. And it is still astonishing that a goldmine business with billions in yearly returns and that can comfortably provide unimaginable opulence for its proprietors remain tax-free to date.

Nigeria is gradually dying because of religion. Useful energy is not being expended on meaningful and relevant activities that can free our nation from the yokes of political oppression and suppression. Nigerians will rather gather in their thousands to listen to the earthly messages of religious fraudsters in the name of religion. Our citadels of learning have become mere extensions of the passivity that has befallen the Nigerian nation. The stupor that has kept us in bondage and economic under-development for decades. Gone were the days of vibrant and active student unionism. All we now get is active student fellowship-ism. The sheepishness has equally befuddled the populace who would rather wait for heavenly blessings rather than fight for their rights on earth. Of course, the pastors are not befuddled; they are smarter!

While this great disservice to mankind in the name of Pentecostalism continues, it is perhaps quite relevant to remind ourselves of the words of Leo Igwe. Writing on the controversial Benny Hill Crusade in 2005, he stated, inter alia, “Africa needs science, not superstition; critical thinking, not dogma; open mindedness, not blind faith; reason, not revelation; and industry and technological advancement… Africa needs scepticism, not Pentecostalism.” On this note, I rest my case for a while.

http://www.nigeriansinamerica.com/articles/2890/1/The-Gospel-of-Materialism--Nigerian-Pentecostalism-and-Hypocrisy-Part-3/Page1.html

while many of the founders of these churches claim divine authorisation for establishing what now seems more like an economic empire than a religious organisation, they unabashedly look to principal prosperity preachers and televangelist in North America as their mentors, often clearly copying what they think to be responsible for the “successes” of these American godfathers. Many African proponents of prosperity gospel such as the late Benson Idahosa, E. A. Adeboye of the RCCG and Oyedepo of Winners’ Chapel clearly state their indebtedness to their American mentors. Adeboye frequently cites the influence of Kenneth E. Hagin on his orientation towards prosperity message. Oyedepo also cites the influence of Hagin, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland as well as T.D. Jakes on his thinking and ministry.

It is thus obvious that from this well contrived base grew a huge enterprise with unmistakable features that made it such a success, borrowing heavily from its American influence and amply modified by its sensitivity to the African culture, temperament and inherent materialistic expectations from whichever God is worshipped. These features include:

(1) Preaching of the Prosperity Messages

(2) Faith Healing and performance of miracles (combined with prosperity messages become the “Wealth and Health Gospel”). This area of Pentecostalism, because of the proliferation of Pentecostal churches and the keen competition to carve, cultivate and maintain adherents, has led to specialisation of products. Specialisation enables these churches to cultivate and maintain their respective niches. There are general practitioners and specialists.

a. General Practitioners: those who can heal all diseases without exception. Examples include Christ Embassy and The Redeemed Church of Christ.

b. Specialists: [i] Liberty Gospel Church of Helen Ukpabio specialises in witch-hunting, especially amongst children. [ii] The Laughter Foundation provides barren women with the “fruits of the womb”. [iii] Synagogue of All Nations Church of Pastor T B Joshua is especially specialised in the healing of al those suffering from HIV/AIDS. [iv] Mountain of Fire and Miracles specialises in casting out demons of all specifications.

(3) Company-like Organisational Structure: These Churches are organised as firms or commercial enterprises engaged in the production, distribution and pricing of religious and non-religious commodities with primary motives of making satisfactory profit and maintaining a market share. They are founded and owned by one person who claims a special divine authorisation with a specific mandate with global ramification. Although there is a Board of Trustees (BoTs) appointed by the founder and registered with the appropriate government agency, the locus of control of the organisation is the chairman of the BoTs, who doubles as President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He is a “bank of grace”, a repository of charismata, and a special bridge between his followers and God. He controls both charisma and cash and is the only one who holds a special privilege of interpreting the will of God to his followers. While resources such as money, time, and expertise are mobilised aggressively from followers and the general public (believers and non-believers alike), the control of these is wrested from the contributors and rested solely on the founder/owner of the Church and his/her spouse. In Nigeria the three wealthiest religious organisations are Pentecostal mega-churches: the Christ Embassy owned by Chris Oyakhilome, Winners’ Chapel of Oyedepo and the RCCG of Enoch Adeboye, in that order.

No matter how many times it's been put out there,we'll keep going at it until we emancipate ourselves from mental slavery.

It is an often repeated norm in social sciences that as the human race makes giant strides in science and technology, the tendency is to shift away from religion. However, the massive and uncurtailed growth of Pentecostalism in Nigeria and many parts of Africa, has defied this much extolled view. Pentecostalism with its unapologetic emphasis on the acquisition of wealth at all costs (as part of a spiritual salvation), the shameful deception of the materialistic preachers with their openly-displayed affluence and the seeming indifference of a government that remains insensitive to the needs and yearnings of its people, have all combined to distort our value systems as a nation. The sad news is that untold damages may have been caused to our social, religious, economic and political landscapes.

Pentecostalism is a modern-day commercial enterprise garbed in the cloak of a religion with deception and exploitation as its foundation; its goal being the complete monetisation of the ignorance of its multitude of adherents. It is nothing short of liberal market Christianity heavily prospering from merchandising the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Worldwide, it remains the only legally and politically accepted movement completely based upon systematic fraud, deception and cheating. It is the theology of the Naira. It is also very clear that our unflinching bond with Pentecostalism would ultimately lead to the straining of social, traditional and cultural boundaries.

Many Nigerians, both rich and poor, run after pastors for spiritual protection and fortification from known and imaginary enemies. This is a typical African syndrome which education has failed to influence. The bottom line is the wholesale embrace and exploitation of the people’s fear by modern-day Pentecostalism and hence the multitudes of crusades and revivals to free adherents from the yokes of witchcraft and other forms of sorceries. Belief in the efficacy of charms and amulets was substituted with the introduction of holy oil and holy water. This is psychologically attuned with the prevalent cultural belief; something magical that can work in the supernatural. And since oracles and divinations have to be substituted, prophecy filled the void perfectly. Thus in a way, Africans remain Africans with traditional beliefs substituted with pseudo-Christian formulas amply provided by the mostly educated and suave American-influenced Pentecostal pastors. This is perhaps the secret behind the monumental success of Pentecostalism as compared to missionary Christianity which came to Africa with contempt for traditional African belief and customs.

Ok don't know if this story has already been uploaded cuz i've scoured NL to ensure I wasn't duplicating another thread & found nothing.But if it has ma bad then.

A film actor, Jim Iyke, 35, was on Thursday arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrates' Court charged with N15 million fraud.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Chijoke Okezie, told the court that on Aug. 8, Habiba Abubakar wrote a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IG) to investigate the fraud.

He said that investigation into the case revealed that the accused, a resident of Sunnyville Estate, Abuja, deceived Abubakar into acquiring 15 per cent equity shares to the tune of N15 million from his company, Untamed Records Ltd.

Okezie said the accused admitted that the complainant paid the money into his Oceanic Bank account No. 00500173691, deviating from his initial plan of investment and converted the money to his personal use.

He added that when the complainant confronted the accused, he resorted to beating her and threatened to kill her.

Okezie said the accused was charged with criminal breach of trust, criminal force, assault, cheating and criminal misappropriation which contravened sections 312,265,322 397 and 309 of the Penal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Counsel to the accused, Esther Uzoma, made an oral bail application for the accused in pursuit of section 341(2) of the Criminal Procedural Code.

She prayed the court to grant the accused bail on liberal terms and for self recognition, and promised that the accused would not jump bail.

However, Okezie objected to the bail application, saying that investigation into the case was not completed, and that criminal breach of trust was not ordinarily billable.

Chief Magistrate Okeagu Azubike, said that the bail application had merit and granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He ordered that the sureties must be responsible Nigerians who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

He adjourned the case to Dec. 9, to enable the police complete their investigation.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5747512-146/jim_iyke_in_court_over_n15.csp

publisher:
[size=15pt]Speak for yourself o,i find the hausa accent on their women very sexy! Igbo accent is sometimes manageable,Its the Yoruba accent i cant stand;Yels,Yels,Yels [/size]

  I keep wondering why they do that.Just remove the 'L' and say 'Yes'.It can't be that hard.

Funny how some peeps just lunged at the Op but no one has had the decency to tell us why we should continue with the practice bride price paying.At the same time these same folks screaming 'culture' will tell you why some cultural practices should be discontinued in place of Xtianity

I wonder why SR pulled the article from their site.Probably they considered it too sensitive an article,capable of stoking the embers of war

Rubbish!

lexicon:
Next time the food will not only be tasteless, but also with food poison . . . lol

Missy ★ B:
Be prepared to fast for the rest of your days.  

   

'my ex would have done a better job'

^^Yeah I concur.A lil sprinkling of affection here & there is cool

Btw,i'm recommending this new seatbelt design for enhanced road safety.Probably this could have averted the 34 car pile up along the M5 recently.

So for someone like me who's not into public display of affection,i'd be termed 'arrogant'.O ma se o!

D-sense:
Why he no order from mama kass?!!

And how you take know say no be from Mama Cass him buy the food

baby.me:
The highest i've spent on jeans is 6k. 7k for pant.

I think this should be the 'ceiling spend' on any brand of pants,except designer brands

OSAC/Bureau of Diplomatic Security
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Nigeria (Abuja), Boko Haram Terrorist Threat
Religious Terrorism
Africa > Nigeria > Abuja
11/5/2011
U.S. Embassy Abuja released the following Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens on November 5, 2011:

Following the recent Boko Haram, aka Nigerian Taliban, attacks in Borno and Yobe State, the U.S. Embassy has received information that Boko Haram may plan to attack several locations and hotels in Abuja, Nigeria, during the Sallah holiday. Potential targets may include the Nicon Luxury, the Sheraton Hotel, and the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

All U.S. Government personnel have been instructed to avoid these locations, and previously scheduled events have been cancelled. American citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks in Abuja for the foreseeable future.

The U.S. government has no additional information regarding the timing of the possible attacks.

The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to exercise additional caution. Please maintain a high state of vigilance and personal awareness, particularly in and around Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, near Nigerian government facilities, diplomatic missions, large gathering places, hotels, markets and malls, and places of worship.

We advise all U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings, including local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidences of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos at the numbers below. U.S. citizens should maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad.
U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Nigeria are strongly advised to enroll through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos for up-to-date information on any restrictions. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja is open Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is open Monday-Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies, at +234(9) 461-4000. The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos can be reached by telephone, including after-hours emergencies at +234(1) 460-3600 or +234 (1) 460-3400.

Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or a regular toll line at-1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). You can also stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=11656

^^Americans praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.Not 'Keep calm and carry on'.

Super Mod & Admin,I know you're all powerful & all knowing.The Alpha & Omega of Nairaland but I dare say the rate at which you go substituting my headlines with what 'in your opinion' seems appropriate is alarming way too petty.Just so you know

Honestly,after reading this I shed a tear or two,not for me but for my 'peoples'.I feel really sad.We just lost a rising Nollywood star in the recent attacks.Nigeria has gone to the dogs