What kinds of blogs do you read every day? Are they funny, insightful, telling, emotional, or relatable? Chances are, the blogs you keep coming back to have a theme (though I’m not entirely sure what mine is) I know that having a point to your post or blog will help keep your followers engaged.


It seems there’s a lot of posts out there on what to do for your blog, but not a lot on what not to do.


Here, in my opinion, are 8 things you’re doing that hurt your blog.



– Adding a “Read More”
A “Read More” gives your viewers a snippet of your post, forcing them to click “read more” if they want to continue reading. Unless it’s a particularly juicy story or you are raking in the page views, asking me to read more is annoying. Sometimes I don’t want to click read more and wait for you page to load. Your best bet, especially if you’re starting out, or if you just want genuine readers, is to ditch the “read more” button.

– No Blog Image
You know that having an image for your blog helps your readers identify with your post, but why? Well for one thing, it can help break up the text. But it also contributes to pageviews. You can’t pin an image-less post. For me, Bloglovin is my largest traffic resource to my blog. If there’s no image, Bloglovin can’t pull a feature, making the post on show up on the feed as either blank, or with my signature, which might confuse the reader. They might not read the post at all.

– A Messy Sidebar
This is something I need to work on. With a sidebar full of sponsored ads, Google advertisements, social media links, a photo of myself… and more, it’s hard to keep it clean. Take a look at what is necessary and what you can ditch. The cleaner, the better. This goes for your whole blog design, really.

-No Pin It Button
Sarah has a fantastic tutorial on how to add a pin it button to your blog. Do it. It’s so easy. It goes well with the aesthetic of your blog and encourages people to pin. Win, win. Just don’t make it HUGE so that if someone mouses over the image they can no longer see the picture.

-Not Sharing on Social
Just because your Facebook page doesn’t have a large reach, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t update your new post. I hardly get any hits from Google Plus, but you can bet I hit the +1 every time I publish a new post. You never know where your post might take off from. (P.S. You need a Facebook page for your blog).

-Unclear
Does your title explain or at least hint at your post. Are you talking about someone within the body and I have no idea who they are? Read through it as if you’ve never read this blog before and if it’s confusing to you, change it up a bit.

– Not Editing Photos
I JUST signed up for Photoshop (welcome to 2009, Helene) but I still have a place in my heart for PicMonkey. Regardless, you will need to edit photos at some point in time. Having the wrong size images or messy images just doesn’t cut it. Plus, you might want to add some text to your images.

-When your post has no point
A good old recap of what’s going on in your life is cool, but what is interesting about it? I always ask myself: why would anyone WANT to read this? Listing off the fact that you did laundry and washed your car is fine, but make it interesting.

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/things-youre-doing-that-hurt-your-blog.html

A bite of a juicy rasagulla, or a piece of chocolate after lunch or dinner makes you feel complete and your stomach full. But if you feel that having such comfort foods make you happy and satisfied, then you are completely wrong. You may even be suffering from sugar blues when your body keeps demanding for more sugar. We will explore here why is sugar bad for you.


When you eat sugar, your taste buds are satisfied and your body reaches a happy and exhilarating state. Your energy levels are boosted and you feel motivated to work or study. But when these sugar levels drop down, your body experiences a sudden and rapid crash. This situation is dangerous for the body as it demands more sugar, more calories and may also suffer from mood swings or stress.


Ideally, our body is capable of metabolizing only six teaspoons of sugar in a day. But we have so many yummy, delicious and our favourite sugary foods that are easily available. We have a wide variety of deserts, ice-creams, chocolates, pastries, teas, coffees, soft drinks, etc. The list is endless and so are the issues resulting out of its consumption. Excessive consumption of sugar leads to harmful effects on our body as well as for the brain.


Why is Sugar Bad For You

Let us first understand what is sugar and its various forms are. One should avoid eating all these forms of sugar.

Sucrose
Maltose
Lactose
Glucose
Fructose
Corn syrup
Corn syrup solids
Molasses
Sorghum syrup
Cane sugar
Malt sugar
Sugar alcohols

One has to check the ingredients of a chocolate, or a diet drink or a pastry before you jump to grab it. Even if the word sugar is not indicated on the packet, it contains large quantities of hidden sugars and is named differently.


Even if you are opting for a diet drink or ‘no added sugar’ product, you need to be extra careful. It might not contain refined sugar. But other sugar-based substances are added to it to enhance its sugary taste and make you feel that you safe and healthy. It is better not to ‘trick’ your body by option for such sweet shortcuts.


You can always be natural and opt fruits, dates, dry fruits, etc. to satisfy your sugar cravings.

Why is Sugar Bad For You?
1. Susceptibility to Sickness
Excessive sugar consumption negatively affects your immune system. As a result, your body loses its capacity to fight against diseases. A body needs a nutritious diet and a fitness regime to remain fit and deal against sicknesses. But even if you are taking care of your body but eating a lot of sugar, your immune system gets affected adversely.

2. Obesity
Obesity is the rising malady of our times. One of the primary reasons for obesity is the over-consumption of sugar. Sugar intake calls for more sugar intake. The digestive system finds very difficult to absorb excessive sugar in the body. As a result, sugar gets converted into fats and deposits in areas such as stomach, thighs and hips. Obesity is a major cause of many diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure, arthritis, etc.

3.Tiredness – Why is Sugar Bad for You?
Your body takes considerable energy and time to deal with the excessive sugar that you have consumed. Hence, it becomes tired. When the body suffers from a rapid and sudden crash, it becomes inactive and needs an external boost of energy. It goes on demanding to the brain for more sugar.


Your brain may also experience mental fatigue and tiredness. During the high sugar levels, the brain is energetic and active to take decisions and react to things. But during a crash, the brain does not understand how to react and becomes slow while communicating or deciding something.

4. Diseases Such As Anaemia and Osteoporosis
Well, we are not exaggerating but excessive sugar consumption can lead to dangerous diseases. Over a period of time, sugar depletes the levels of essential minerals from the body. It also reduces the level of calcium from the day. Low levels of iron can lead to conditions like anaemia. Similarly, low calcium levels lead to diseases such as osteoporosis. Thus, sugar does not just stay in the body as it is but it also destroys the essential nutrients needed for a healthy body. Some medical experts even call it as a devil and addiction that declines the healthy body into diseases and ailments.

5. Dental Problems- Why is Sugar Bad for You?
We often scold kids not to eat excess chocolates as it causes cavities. In reality, chocolates and other sugary foods should not be consumed by kids and adults alike. Sugar consumption builds up bacteria and plaque on teeth leading to cavities, gum diseases, etc. So, eating sugary foods such as pastries and desserts will not only cause painful tooth episodes but will also cost considerable dental expenditures for us. Hence, avoid sugar intake.

6. Emotional Disturbances
We are of the opinion that day-to-day deadlines, challenges, technical issues, long-term problems cause stress and mental disturbances. We never feel that what we eat also influences our emotional condition. We never try to evaluate the real reasons of our sleepiness or lack of sleep or anxiety, blaming the sedentary lifestyle we have adopted. We are required to consume a daily diet of rich and nutritious foods that supplies adequate nourishment and energy to our body. But we substitute it with comfort foods. When we consume excessive sugar, it fuels the brain and leads to emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, stress, mood swings, anger and insomnia.

7. Reduction in Vitamin B Content
The fluctuating blood sugar levels cause depletion of Vitamins B, particularly Vitamin B12. As essential minerals are reduced, we experience rapid hair loss and dryness of skin.

8. Skin Concerns – Why is Sugar Bad For You?
If you visit a good dermatologist, then he or she will definitely advise you to stay away from white foods – rice, sugar, maida (flour) and salt. Excessive intake of sugar reduces the content of important minerals, nutrients and vitamins from the body that is very much essential to maintain healthy skin and hair. Soon, you start experiencing skin issues such as acne, irritated skin and dry skin.

9. Affects Brain Functioning
The sugar levels keep fluctuating in our body as we consume excess sugar. Initially, it causes irritation and headaches. An important amino acid known as tryptophan is essential to ensure brain’s smooth functioning and harmony with other body organs. Excessive sugar depletes this substance and affects the efficient working of the brain.

10. Increases Bad Bacteria
More amount of sugar in your body affects the pH balance of the body. This results in the formation of mucous where bacteria and yeast keep growing. A person who consumes excessive sugar can always notice that his or her tongue’s colour is never pink but white. It is because of the bacteria collected on the tongue.

11. Affects Digestive System
As already mentioned before, the digestive organs such as pancreas and spleen go through a lot of difficulties to absorb sugar in the blood. These are the main organs where insulin is activated.


Excessive sugar intake affects the secretion of insulin and results in disorders such as diabetes.


We have seen that why is sugar bad for you. Thus, excessive sugar intake can cause you a lot of trouble. Though relishing on your favourite desert sounds tempting for you, you also have to careful about your health and think of the long-term consequences.

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/reasons-why-you-should-avoid-eating.html

Bad smell from mouth is a common observation and at some point of the day, our mouth smells bad. Foul smell from mouth mars your confidence level and can put you in an embarrassing position. It really creates a bad impression when you are speaking to others and your mouth smells bad. Hence we bring some effective home remedies for bad breath.


Oral health is extremely important as part of hygiene. The main reason behind bad breath is the presence of bacteria in the gums and teeth which contribute to bad smell.


There are other reasons too such as smoking, disease of the tooth and gums, eating junk food and medical condition. In order to maintain oral hygiene, it is essential to brush, floss and clean the tongue daily.


Home Remedies For Bad Breath

There are some excellent home remedies for bad breath.
Home Remedies For Bad Breath
1. Water
Water is extremely essential to prevent bad breath. Drink sufficient quantity of water to prevent mouth odour. Also, it is extremely essential to clean the mouth with water after food. Food particles sticking to the mouth help bacteria to grow. The bacteria in turn are responsible for food decay and hence bad breath. It is better to swish your mouth thoroughly with water after meals. It is also advisable to brush your teeth twice in a day, once in the morning and night time before going to bed.

2. Fennel Seeds
Just chew some fennel seeds after every meal to remove mouth odour. In Indian tradition, it is a common practice to chew some fennel seeds immediately after meals. These seeds have a pleasant taste and are equally useful in digestion and foul smell.

3. Cloves
Cloves help to prevent bad breath. They can add freshness to your mouth and prevent bacteria from multiplying. Chew 2 cloves as the first thing in the morning. Also you can wash your mouth with cloves solution.
How to Prepare Cloves Solution at Home?
Ingredients-

Cloves
Water

Process-

Boil water in a container and add 2-3 fresh cloves in it.
Let the water boil for another 5 minutes.
Strain this solution and add a pinch of salt to it.
Allow the solution to cool down slightly.

Swish your mouth with this solution whenever you feel your mouth smells bad. It also helps to keep the bacteria at bay.

4. Mint
Now that’s the one!! Yes, we use all mint products such as mint mouthwash, mint toothpaste, peppermint etc. The minty flavor is actually very refreshing for the mouth and you feel fresh all day long. Mint also has antimicrobial properties which inhibits the growth of bacteria. You can either chew fresh mint leaves or wash your mouth with mint solution. Also, include mint chutney in your diet. The tangy taste not only satisfies your taste buds but also prevents bad breath.

5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is extremely effective to prevent mouth odour. You can prepare a mouth cleaning solution easily at home and use it daily to prevent foul smell.
Ingredients-

Baking soda
Water
Peppermint oil

Process-

Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of water.
Pour 2 drops of peppermint oil to this solution.
Swish your mouth with this solution several times in a day especially after meals.

It cleans the mouth and prevents the growth of bacteria which may otherwise lead to mouth smell.

6. Orange Rind
Orange rind is nothing but the outer peel of the orange. Remove the skin of the orange and dry it in bright sunlight for at least a week. Once it is completely dried out, grind it to form powder and store it in container.

This powder can be used in 2 ways-

Add a pinch of this powder to your regular paste and brush your teeth twice daily with this mix. It will help to clean your teeth, remove stains and prevent bad breath.
Add the powder to a glass of water and let it steep for the whole night. Next morning, swish your mouth with this solution to feel a fresh smell all day long.

You can also use lemon rind in place of orange rind. Citric fruits have the power to inhibit bacteria formation in the teeth and gums and impart pleasant smell.

7. Fruit Plate
Crunchy delicious fruits can help you save bad breath.

Pick some crunchy fruits from the market like apples, watermelons, cranberries, grapes and any fruit of your choice.
Cut these fruits into small slices and add 2 tablespoons of fresh yogurt and sprinkle cinnamon powder on it.

Your fruit salad is ready to eat. Consume it religiously which helps to get rid of bad breath in disguise.

This is a yummy way to get rid of mouth smell!!

Important Tips to Keep in Mind

Oral hygiene is very important, hence brush regularly twice in a day.
It is equally essential to floss your teeth as it removes the food particles sticking in between the teeth.
Use a tongue cleaner to rinse your tongue. This will reduce the dead cells which causes bad breath.
Eat healthy and fresh food as this will prevent bad smell. Stale and unhealthy food are the main reason behind mouth odour.
It is equally important to flush toxins from the body as undigested food can lead to mouth smell. It is a common experience that your mouth smells really bad during stomach upset.
Drink lot of water and swish your mouth with water regularly in case of bad breath. This is an instant remedy to reduce the foul smell.
As part of oral hygiene, it is also important to use clean tooth brush and tongue cleaner. Replace your brush and tongue cleaner once every 2 months.
Ensure that you keep your brush clean and moist free as moisture can lead to growth of fungi in the brush which may lead to oral infections and bad smell.

Conclusion
There is nothing very alarming as far as foul smell of mouth is concerned. However, it is really disgraceful when you open your mouth and it smells bad. It is a reflection of your hygiene and at times you can be judged on the same.


On a personal front, hygiene is very important and we can maintain oral hygiene with these simple tips. No one likes to smell bad and hygiene is a habit which we all should nurture.


Human being is a social animal and bad breath can be extremely humiliating and unacceptable at times.


Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/home-remedies-for-bad-breath-how-to.html

President Muhammadu Buhari’s job performance approval rating has increased slightly by five per cent, rising from, 50 per cent as at last month to the current level of 55 per cent.


The new performance rating is the outcome of a survey conducted by NOIPolls, a local evidenced – based social and scientific poll company established by former World Bank managing director and Nigeria’s finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala.


The rise in the President’s job performance rating was seen across the six geo-political zones and the North-East zone with 31-points had the highest proportion of Nigerians in this category. This increase in the job approval rating could be attributed to the President’s return from medical leave and the continued deliberations around the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, with the main objective of restoring growth, investing in and building a globally competitive economy. Additionally, the Central Bank’s policy intervention on foreign exchange which has further improved the value of the Naira in the global market could also have contributed to this increase.



Further findings revealed that the rationale for approval of the President’s job performance was centered around the perceived ‘slight reduction in the prices of goods and services’ (25 percent), ‘improved level of security’ (20 percent) and ‘slight improvement in the economy’ (15 percent) amongst other positive reasons. Conversely, 35 percent of the respondents who disapproved of his job performance reported ‘general hardship and high poverty rate’ (40 percent), ‘high cost of goods and services’ (25 percent) and ‘worsening state of the economy’ (15 percent) as reasons for their disapproval.


The new job rating for the Nigerian President came on a day the United Nations Development Programme ,( UNDP) declared that though Nigeria made a slight improvement of, 13’pet cent in her human development index (HDI) in a decade the overall yearly ranking has remained unchanged at 152 position where it has been for upwards of more than three years.


The result of the Nigeria’s new HDI, which measures and peer reviews countries’ deliberate efforts to improve citizens welfare was made known yesterday at the launch of this year’s Human Development Report by the UNDP in Abuja yesterday.


And in what appeared as worrisome to the Nigerian Government following the stagnation of the country on the same position on the global development ladder in spite of efforts yearly by the UNDP on development tips to nations of the world, the Minister of State. Budget and National planning Mrs Zainab Ahmed who was their guest of honour at the launch requested that the UNDP should consider developing a uniquely Nigerian development plan to enable the country record an impact.


According to Ahmed: “ I can recall that in May 2016, everyone gathered at the Ladi Kwali Hall of Sheraton to launch the 2016 National Human Development Report with the theme ‘Human Security And Human Development in Nigeria’. After almost a year, pockets of flash points are still visible.


This time around, I wish to challenge the UNDP to come up with measures to domesticate and actualise the recommendations in this report. Let me state the report showed a positive outlook for the country as it revealed 13.1 % increase in human development in the last ten years under review (2005-15).


She, however, declared that Government was working proactively to address the current economic challenges facing the Nation and to implement policies and programmes that promote human development and are aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind.


“ We will also strive to ensure that the disadvantaged communities receive the extra support they need. This includes those living in conflict-prone areas, women and girls, and rural communities.


Finally, Government is striving to ensure that human development progress is more resilient to shocks, such as epidemics, economic challenges, conflicts. This is being done through the development and implementation of sound policies and through social investment programmes, “ she further assured.



Nigeria which ranked 152 amongst the 193 United Nations (UN) member states in the latest Human Development is followed closely by Cameroon in number 153 and Zimbabwe in 154 position. The report places Nigeria below neighbouring Ghana which is placed 139, Gabon, 109, Zambia also in 139, Equatorial Guinea, 135.


The global report was officially launched on 25th, March 2017 in Stockholm, while the Nigeria version was launched Tuesday.



According to the report, Norway tops the log as the number one country in the Hunan Development Index and it’s closely followed by Switzerland and Australia which came joint second, Germany on the fourth position and Denmark number five.


Speaking at the public presentation of the Report in Abuja yesterday, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Edward Kallon, called for an urgent action by the government to sustain the gain.

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/buharis-performance-rating-rises-to-55.html

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Nigerian Man, Kehinde Durojaiye Invents Jet Car, That Can Float On Water, Fly in Air And Drive On Land.


It has been tested and it covered 86 miles when Durojaiye drove it from Lagos to Ibadan at the speed of 120 km/hr...


Show Some Love by Sharing this post


Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/nigeria-man-kehinde-durojaiye-invents.html

The word cancer itself brings a fear in mind and there are several people across the globe fighting with this life-threatening disease every moment. We are giving here some home remedies for lung cancer.

What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease which results in an unprecedented growth of cells in the body. This gradually forms into lumps. The cancerous cells look completely different from the normal cells. It is a deadly disease and most of the time turns out to be fatal. Cancer can occur in any part of the body. The different forms of cancer include blood cancer, lymphoma, skin cancer and lungs cancer. Cancer is becoming a common disease these days. Most of the people suffering from cancer undergo chemotherapy to get cured from it.


However chemotherapy has multiple side effects which include weight loss, hair loss, vomiting, nausea and infection. This can take a toll on a person’s health.


Home Remedies for Lung Cancer
Causes of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the worst forms of cancer and affects the lungs. It is usually caused by the following.

Air pollution
Smoke
Excessive smoking etc.

People suffering from lung cancer can try the following home remedies for lung cancer to get relief.

Home Remedies for Lung Cancer
1. Fruits and Vegetables
Mostly raw food or uncooked food are usually recommended home remedies for lung cancer. Hence fruits and vegetables must be consumed regularly. You can prepare fruit salad by slicing different types of fruits and consume it when hungry. This will keep you full as well as help to prevent the side effects of lung cancer and will heal you slowly. Similarly, vegetable salads and boiled vegetables can be included in the diet regularly.

2. Green Tea
Green tea is known to have medicinal properties and is a proven antioxidant.

In a container heat water and dip a green tea bag in it.
Let it steep for 2-3 minutes and then drink it.
You can also add honey and lemon to it.
Drink at least 2 cups of green tea in a day for best results.

The antioxidants present in green tea helps to fight free radicals which are considered to be the main reason behind cell multiplication and reduced immunity.

3. Milk
People suffering from lung cancer usually should not consume dairy products such as cheese, butter etc. However cow’s milk is beneficial in lung cancer.

Drink 1 glass of warm milk everyday as it is helpful in treating lung cancer.
Milk is a whole food and can be taken regularly.
Also you add ½ teaspoon of turmeric to warm milk which is effective in lung cancer.

You can also opt for skimmed milk which is easily available in the market and can be digested easily.

4. Tuna fish
Tuna fish is rich in Vitamin D and lung cancer patients should have vitamin D rich food. Steam the tuna fish and try to avoid spices as much as possible. Season the tuna fish with salt and pepper and eat at least 2-3 times in a week for best results. Sunlight is a rich source of Vitamin D. People suffering from lung cancer must be exposed to early morning sunlight which helps to fight against the cancerous cells.

5. Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its cancer curing properties. It is beneficial to consume turmeric early morning in empty stomach.

Take a teaspoon of turmeric and add few drops of water to it.
Make small turmeric balls out of it.
Consume it directly in an empty stomach followed by a glass of water.
Also you can mix turmeric with milk and drink regularly which effectively cures lung cancer.


6. Ginger Tea
Ginger alone cannot treat lung cancer but when mixed with turmeric and thyme it is very effective for people suffering from lung cancer.

Take water in a container and heat it.
When water comes to boil add crushed ginger to it.
Allow it to boil for 2 minutes and then add thyme to it.
Strain the liquid and add a pinch of turmeric to it.
Drink this liquid at least 2 times in a day.

This is a wonder liquid and is very helpful in cancer.

7. Cardamom, Turmeric and Lemon
This is an unusual mixture but is effective in treating lung cancer.

Soak cardamom in water for 1 hour and then make a fine paste of it.
Add a pinch of turmeric and few drops of lemon juice to it.
Mix well and consume it followed by a glass of normal water.
You can also add few drops of honey to it. This mix should be taken at least 3-4 times in a week to treat lung cancer naturally.


8. Flax Oil
People suffering from lung cancer are advised not have any form of oil or as little as possible.


However flax oil is an antioxidant and its consumption should not be stopped in lung cancer. Use this oil on the salads as seasoning and regularly include it in your diet. It helps in fighting against lung cancer.

9. Black Pepper
Black pepper also has cancer curing properties. You can use black pepper to season the salads or crush some black pepper to form powder and have it followed by a glass of warm water. Repeat this process regularly for best results and to effectively cure lung cancer. It naturally cures lung cancer.

10. Avoid Sugar and Beef
Patients suffering from lung cancer should avoid sugar up to the maximum extent as sugar is known to enhance the growth of cancerous cells in the patient. Therefore any food which needs sugar to be added to it needs to be avoided. Honey can be used as a replacement for sugar but only up to a certain extent. Same is the case with beef and these foods should not be consumed during lung cancer.

Useful Tips For Lung Cancer

The patient suffering from lung cancer should be kept isolated and should not be exposed to dust, dirt and pollution.
It is important to maintain good hygiene as patients are prone to infection very easily.
Eat less food but several times in a day.
It is important to take adequate rest in lung cancer.
Do not smoke as it may aggravate the lung cancer further.
In case of nausea, it is better not to eat or drink anything for some time.
Rush to the hospital immediately, if the patient catches any form of infection as it may prove to be fatal.

Conclusion
It is undoubtedly true that cancer is a life threatening disease and survival chances are very less unless proper care and medical treatment is given. However, the process of chemotherapy is a 6 month cycle and by following the above mentioned home remedies for lung cancer, the person can stay healthy and increase immunity to fight against cancer.


Apart from medicines and home remedies for lung cancer, it is the mental strength and the willingness to live which helps cancer patient to survive.


Hope you have found this article useful. In case of any suggestion or feedback, please share the same in the comments section below.

Sourcce: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/amazing-home-remedies-for-lung-cancer.html

Juan Benito Druet has just learned that his life may be about to change.


In the next few hours he will receive a healthy kidney thanks to a pioneering system that has made Spain the world leader in organ transplants for the past 25 years.


“We don’t know what will happen. but you have to take a chance,” said Druet, 63, a reserved and moustachioed boilermaker, as he lays in his bed at Madrid’s La Paz hospital.


Hospital staff try to reassure him by telling him organ transplants are carried out every day in Spain.



Doctors performed 4,818 transplants last year, including 2,994 kidney transplants, according to the health ministry’s National Transplant Organisation (ONT).


That means there were 43.4 organ donors per million inhabitants last year, a world record, up from 40.2 donors in 2015.


By comparison in the United States there were just 28.2 donors per million inhabitants in 2015, 28.1 in France and 10.9 in Germany, according to the Council of Europe.


“It is even better than if we had won the jackpot in the lottery,” says Druet’s wife Jeronima, 60, as she sits close to him along with the couple’s two adult children.


Now she dreams of going on a cruise with her husband, something impossible as long as he needed to be hooked to a 15-kilo (33-pound) kidney dialysis machine every night to filter his blood.


– ‘Transplant lives’ –
The transplant operation lasts four and half hours.


Surgeons make a 15-centimetre (six-inch) incision in Druet’s abdomen to transplant a healthy kidney extracted the night before from a woman who died.


After a transplant patients “start to regain weight, their health improves. It is as if we transplant lives,” the founder of the ONT, Rafael Matesanz, tells AFP.


Matesanz oversaw the implementation of a centralised and well-oiled organ donation and transplant system which has been replicated in Portugal and Croatia and inspired others across Europe.


Each hospital has a transplant coordinator, usually a doctor or nurse who specialises in intensive care, charged with identifying patients at risk of a heart attack or brain death.


In both situations kidneys, livers, lungs, pancreas and sometimes even the heart can still work and can be transplanted.


Organ donations are quickly reported to the ONT which searches for the best match from its organ waiting list.


If the patient is far away, a cooler with the organ is sent by plane inside the cockpit with the pilot.


The operation is free under Spain’s public health system, anonymous and available only to residents of the country to avoid organ trafficking.


– Centralisation –
“What makes the difference is the organisation of the system. This network, this centralisation, is the key,” says Marie-Charlotte Bouesseau of the World Health Organisation’s department of ethics.


Worldwide only about 10 percent of all patients who need a transplant receive a donated organ, she adds.


“That means that 90 percent will die while they are on a waiting list,” she explains.


In Spain only four to six percent of patients died in 2016 while they were on a waiting list for a vital organ — a liver, heart or lung.


Ramon Garcia Castillo, 85, a former TV technician, spent 13 months on dialysis before he received a kidney transplant in 2010.


He would previously trek to a hospital three times a week to be hooked up to a machine for three-and-a-half hours.


The kidney transplant “gave me my life back”, says Castillo, who now just needs to take pills to ensure his body does not reject the donated kidney.


– ‘Empathy and respect’ –
The other secret to the success of the Spanish system is training and communication, explains Matesanz.


Since it was set up in 1989, the ONT has trained over 18,000 transplant coordinators who break the news of a person’s death and then gently convince their loved ones to agree to donate their organs.


Spanish law presumes consent for organs to be removed on their death unless they had previously made clear that they were against donation.


But loved ones are systematically consulted.


“You have to have a lot of empathy, sensitivity, respect,” says Belen Estebanez, the transplant coordinator at Madrid’s La Paz hospital.


The work of a transport coordinator was depicted in Spanish director Pedro Almodovar’s 1999 Oscar-winning movie “All About My Mother”. The director consulted with the ONT to prepare the movie.



“If they have a lot of doubts we ask them what the person was like, if they were generous…from there we get them to reflect on an organ donation,” adds Damiana Gurria, another transplant coordinator.


“It comforts many families to know that the organs of their loved ones will live on inside someone else, that people will be thankful for the rest of their lives.”


Castillo said he drinks two litres of water each day and follows a balanced diet since he received his new kidney.


“I have to take care of it, especially since it was given to me. I have to be thankful.


Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/how-spain-became-world-leader-in-organ.html

The Federal Government has said that as soon as the necessary reconciliation process and litigation in some of the cases are concluded, the full account of looted funds will be rendered.


Government also said the success of its whistle-blower policy has shown that Nigerians strongly support the anti-corruption crusade. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who disclosed this yesterday, expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their commitment in helping the government to tackle corruption through the useful leads they have provided to appropriate government agencies.


Mohammed stated that the whistleblower policy has led to the recovery of looted funds in many currencies, describing it as an effective tool to fight corruption in the country.



The whistle blower policy has also drawn the support of retired military officer, Oscar Lam and Kolade Albert, a security consultant with Osberts Konsults.





Lam said: “To the best of my judgment, the policy is going on well and if the government can ensure its sustenance it would go a long way to reposition the country.”


For Albert, the whistle blower protection law should be strengthened to make it a national policy.


Meanwhile, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has condemned the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the way it handled the huge cash discovery in Lagos.


The group urged the commission to unveil the true owner with a view to prosecuting the individual or group.


In a statement by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu at the weekend, CNPP warned that it would mobilise its members, well meaning Nigerians, and civil society groups to resist any cover up of the real owner of the stashed cash.


CNPP further argued: “If it was found that the money and the apartment truly belonged to the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, the cash should be returned to the state’s treasury.”


Speaking in the same vein, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called on President Muhammadu Buhari to clarify the secret surrounding the ownership of the Ikoyi loot.
Executive Director of SERAP, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni in a statement yesterday said that the president must put in place legal backing for his government’s whistleblowing policy at the National Assembly.


And as controversy over the ownership of $43million rages on, Governor Nyesom Wike, has urged Christians to intercede in prayers for the Federal Government to return the money to the state.


He made the entreaty during Easter Church Service at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church in Rumuepirikom, Port Harcourt metropolis yesterday.


Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/why-we-cant-render-account-of-looted.html

oduastates:
Local capacity .
They built and developed their own gas field while Nigerians and leaders their continue to expect their tokunbo gods ( Jesus and Mohammed) to develop their country stomach for them .

hmmm the mysteries of nigeria for you

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani inaugurated five new phases of the South Pars gas field on Sunday, the result of some $20 billion in investment, local media reported.


The ribbon-cutting of phases 17-21 pave the way for Iran to surpass the production levels of neighbouring Qatar, which shares half the offshore gas field, Iranian officials said.


“Our production has reached 575 million cubic metres per day,” said Rouhani.



Iran’s total gas production is 885 million cubic metres per day.


“At the height of sanctions, with the help of Iranian engineers and workers, we succeeded in developing 11 phases of South Pars,” added Oil Minister Bijan Namadar Zanganeh.
South Pars is the largest known gas reservoir in the world.


Iran has the second-largest gas reserves in the world after Russia, and the fourth-largest oil reserves.
In November, French firm Total signed a preliminary accord worth an estimated $4.8 billion (4.5 billion euros) to help develop phase 11 of South Pars, but has since said it will wait for signals from Washington before finalising the deal.


Although many sanctions, including on Iran’s energy industry, were lifted under a nuclear deal with world powers in 2015, the US has maintained a raft of its own sanctions that continue to hamper investment and cause concern among foreign businesses.


Since the nuclear deal came into effect in January 2016, Iran has increased oil production from 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) to 3.9 million, while more than doubling its oil exports.


In January, Tehran approved 29 international companies to bid for oil and gas projects.


However, it is still finalising a new contract for foreign investors — a process that has proved controversial in a country with strong memories of past exploitation by global oil firms.


Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/iran-opens-new-south-pars-gas-field.html

zekepio:

what I understand from their website is that the program is for professionals.
I'm just a secondary school leaver.

wait till June then and i will get in touch with you my dear friend

asuustrike2009:

I am much current but such messages should be ignored especially if it's coming from that blog

the man in question was actually live on a TV programme

iamclime:
THIS IS A GOOD ONE! THANKS FOR THIS INFORMATION.

You are welcome bro....

Please spread the message to other people too because it may be their way of breakthrough...

I wish you the best

Very few people in the world know about the health benefits of banana flower! It is interesting to know that most of us are aware of the health benefits of banana but have rarely heard about the flowers. People across the globe do not even consume banana flowers. It is mostly a diet in the Asian countries.


Banana flowers can be eaten raw as well as in cooked form. Just like the banana fruit, the flower are a rich source of iron and is beneficial for health.

Origin of Banana Flowers
Health Benefits of Banana Flower

The credit of planting banana trees goes to the nomads of New Guinea who first planted the tree and was also seen in the Andes Mountain. However, it is the Asian countries that actually know the health benefits of banana flower and how to consume the banana flower.


In countries like Thailand, these flowers are used in soup, whereas in Malaysia it is mostly used in salads and consumed in raw form. Indians prefer to eat this flower in cooked form..


The banana flower looks amazing. The outer portion of the flower is covered with a purple colour covering which looks like a huge shell. The small flowers are present inside the covering and have a bitter taste.


The banana flower is loaded with Iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin K which makes it ideal to be a part of our diet.

How To Select The Flowers and Store?
It is important to select the right flowers for consumption. Select fresh and soft flowers which do not have any cuts or turned brownish in colour. It is advisable to store it in refrigerator inside a polythene or closed container.


Let’s see Health Benefits of Banana Flower in detail!
Health Benefits of Banana Flower
1. Cures Anaemia
Anaemia is a disease which reduces red blood cells and the haemoglobin content in the body. Banana flowers are an excellent source of iron which is extremely essential to increase the haemoglobin percentage in the body.


It is advisable for patients suffering from anaemia to include either raw or cooked banana flowers in their diet regularly to see a substantial increase in the haemoglobin percentage in the body. Banana flowers therefore help to cure anaemia in a natural way.

2. Fights Free Radicals
Free radicals present in the body are considered to be one of the main reasons behind several health problems. It also reduces the resistance power and lowers immunity. Banana flowers help to fight against the free radicals and reduce chances of malicious disease like cancer. It also prevents early ageing due to its anti-ageing properties.

3. Excellent For The Skin
Banana flowers are packed with essential vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. All these vitamins are excellent for the skin which gives you a younger and healthy skin. Include banana flowers in your diet and get a beautiful flawless skin.

4. Mood Enhancer
Banana flowers have high magnesium content in it. This in turn helps to uplift your mood and you feel active all day. It also helps to control the anxiety levels in a person. Therefore, it helps to cure depression in a natural way.

5. Rejuvenates The Skin
Consuming these flowers on a regular basis deeply nourishes the skin. It rejuvenates the skin in a natural way and keeps it hydrated. Due to its anti-oxidant properties it helps you to get a clear and flawless skin.

6. Improves Lactation
The banana flowers are excellent for feeding mothers. It increases the milk in the breast and helps the mother to feed their baby. Therefore, feeding mothers must consume banana flowers daily.

7. Weight Loss
This flower is ideal for people who want to lose weight in a natural way. It is packed with essential nutrients and fibres which keeps you full for long day. It has zero cholesterol and zero fat which contribute to weight loss.

8. Healthy Uterus
Banana flowers keep any form of uterus problems away. Eat boiled banana flowers to get rid of uterus related issues. It is ideal to boil banana flowers in salt and turmeric and consume the same for increased effectiveness.

9. Prevents Constipation
If you are suffering from acute constipation, then banana flowers are the best for prevent constipation. These flowers are loaded with fibres which make the bowel movement easy in the intestine and help to flush toxins from the body. It is ideal to boil raw banana and the banana flowers together and consume the same several times in a day.

10. Controls Diabetes
It is one of the miracle flowers to bring diabetes under control. It reduces the sugar level to a great extend. Including banana flowers in your daily diet will reduce the sugar levels gradually. Do not expect results overnight, it is a slow yet effective process.

11. Reduces Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are nightmares for women. Even heavy flow is common in women. Banana flowers reduce the menstrual cramps and pain and also reduce excess bleeding. It is better to eat cooked banana flowers along with curd to prevent heavy flow and pain during the menstrual cycle.

12. Keeps Pathogens Away
Banana flowers have anti-bacterial properties and hence prevent any form of infections. The anti-pathogenic nature inhibits the formation of pathogens in the body, thereby raising the immunity levels. It has ethanol as one of its components which is excellent to restrict the growth of bacteria in the body.

13. Essential Minerals and Vitamins
Banana flowers are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals which are essential for the body. Therefore including these flowers in your diet daily will supplement the required vitamins and minerals in the body.

14. Neural Problems
Banana flowers have been found useful in neural disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It helps to fight against the free radicals which are believed to be the source of these diseases and keeps you healthy and feet.


Banana flowers are also useful to eliminate heart diseases as they are rich source of anti-oxidants and flavonoids which keeps the heart healthy.

Conclusion
We have enumerated several health benefits of banana flower and it is ideal to include the flower in your diet. The banana flowers are sticky in nature and leave behind stains on the hand. It is therefore important to apply oils like mustard oil or coconut oil on your palms before extracting the flowers or while cooking them.


In India, these flowers are usually cooked with mustard seeds and curry leaves which make it a tasty and healthy dish. Both raw and cooked flowers have equal benefits and must be taken many times in a week, Eat banana flowers and stay healthy free of any diseases.


Hope you have found this article on health benefits of banana flower useful. In case of any suggestion or feedback please share the same in the comments section below.

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/amazing-health-benefits-of-banana-flower.html

He wrote as follows:

"The disruptive power of the Hausa-Fulani cabal is a structural reality and will only get worse, no matter where the President of Nigeria comes from. It is a seven-fold yoke which we must break for the sake of our children.


1. THE POLITICAL YOKE:
Globally, out of the 16 Federal Republics in the world, Nigeria is the only federation where land mass is used as a primary criteria for creating federating units.

NO Southern leader (civilian or military) has ever had the guts to create any federating unit; all the federating units have been created by Northern military adventurers. 20 federating units were created from only one region (North), while 17 federating units were created from 3 regions (East, West and Midwest).

Competent leaders are easily filtered off by the rigged political structure. At every election, the evil and corrupt Northern cabal needs only a few Southern collaborators to impose any presidential candidate upon the two foremost political parties, only for the electorate to formalize one of the candidates with votes.

That's why Nigeria has been having such mediocre leaders as President, in a country awash with extremely capable presidential materials.

This also explains why since 1960 no Southerner has ever led Nigeria except by accident.

The FIRST coming of ALL 3 Southern leaders - Aguiyi-Ironsi in 1966, Obasanjo in 1976 and Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 - followed the death of Northern incumbents!

The fourth and only other Southern leader was Ernest Shonekan and his coming followed the forced "stepping aside" of a northern Head of State in 1993. He lasted for 3 months after which he was toppled and replaced by another northern military Head of State.

For 2019 the presidential contest is being set for Atiku vs Buhari- two Fulani representatives of the Cabal.


2. THE ECONOMIC YOKE:
Nigeria is the only oil-producing country where oil wells are allocated to individuals. The Hausa-Fulani cabal allocated over 80% of the oil blocks either to the Northerners or to their Southern fronts/allies. The names of these oil block allotees are in the public domain.

3. THE RELIGIOUS YOKE:
No other faith is mentioned in the Nigerian Constitution, except Islam. For instance, in the 1999 Constitution, Christ, Christians and Christianity are not mentioned even once; whereas Islamic signposts are strewn all over the Constitution -

Sharia is mentioned 73 times, Grand Khadi 54 times, Islam 28 times , Muslims 10 times, etc..
That Constitution was written SOLELY by one Muslim Fulani Jihadist named Prof. Auwalu Yadudu (Special Adviser to Abacha on Constitutional Matters).

While the 1979 Constitution emphasized Nigeria’s secularity, the 1999 Constitution of Yadudu is a de facto Islamic Constitution, and the Cabal ensured that Yadudu was there to fight that position at 2014 National Political Conference.

Subsequently, during Obasanjo's govt, the same Northern cabal formally adopted Islam as the State Religion in the core Northern States. Obasanjo refused to even discuss the issue, except to state that it would 'fizzle out'. He knew fully well that it would not 'fizzle out' but was afraid of confronting the cabal.


4. THE CULTURAL YOKE:
The Sultanate forms a major pillar of the Hausa-Fulani cabal. As permanent President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) the Sultan is the permanent leader of all Muslims in Nigeria (whether they are Northerners or Southerners). As the Permanent Chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) the Sultan is the permanent leader of all traditional rulers in all 36 States of Nigeria & Abuja. By the way, the current Sultan was the Brigadier-General Commanding 241 Recce Battalion Kaduna.

Many public policies are determined only with the tacit approval of the Sultanate of Sokoto and the Emirates.

For instance, when the Gender Bill was introduced in the National Assembly, the Sultan 'killed' the Bill simply by criticizing it publicly.


Even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (the world's most revered monarch) would never criticize Parliament publicly, because that would be an abuse of royal privilege.


5. THE ADMINISTRATIVE YOKE:
Nigeria is the only African country that built a new capital from scratch (using resources from the oppressed, deprived and degraded Niger Delta/South East ).

The Cabal claimed that the location of Lagos by the ocean was a security risk, but this was just an excuse to Northernize national public service. A careful look at the map of Africa shows that only 2 nations have central capitals. The most common location for African capitals is at the coast.

London (United Kingdom) is situated at the edge of England on the River Thames. Washington DC (USA) is located along the Potomac River on the East Coast of USA. Paris (France) is located at the edge of France in the north-bending arc of the river Seine.

When Lagos was capital the Governors of Lagos State were from East, West and North. Since the Capital moved to Abuja, NO Nigerian leader has ever had the guts to appoint a Southerner as substantive FCT Minister. The FCT Minister must be a Northerner, preferably a Muslim (the current FCT Minister was appointed while he was Executive Secretary of the Hajj Commission).


6. THE DIPLOMATIC YOKE:
Any Christian leader who questions Nigeria's membership of the two main international Sharia-driven bodies (OIC & D- faces the wrath of the Hausa-Fulani Cabal. So far, only Cdr Ebitu Ukiwe has ever had the guts to seriously question Nigeria's involvement in these Islamic bodies and as a result Ukiwe was summarily dismissed from office.

7. THE MILITARY/SECURITY YOKE:
Nigeria is the only Federation in the world where all MAJOR security agencies are headed by only one section of the Federation and only members of one faith.

Army – Northern Muslim.

National Security Advisor – Northern Muslim.

Minister of Defence – Northern Muslim.

Minister of Internal Affairs- Northern Muslim.

Airforce – Northern Muslim. Police – Northern Muslim.

Economic Financial Crimes Commission- Northern Muslim.

National Civil Defence Corps – Northern Muslim.

Department of State Security – Northern Muslim.

Immigration– Northern Muslim.

Prisons Service– Northern Muslim.

Federal Road Safety Corps – Northern Muslim.

Nigerian Customs Service – Northern Muslim.

Chief of Defence Intelligence – Northern Muslim.

Director of Military Intelligence - Northern Muslim.

Fire Service – Northern Muslim.

National Emergency Management Agency – Northern Muslim.

Nigerian Ports Authority- Northern Muslim.

No southerner has been made substantive Comptroller General of Customs in 30 years.
Even with all his braggadocio, Olusegun Obasanjo dared not break the jinx in all this years as Nigeria's President.

Again no southerner has ever been appointed as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission since the day it was established in 2003.

Finally the only southerner that was EVER appointed National Security Advisor was killed after he was unceremoniously removed from office by Goodluck Jonathan after the cabal blackmailed and arm-twisted him and told him that if he wanted peace he must appoint a northerner back to that post.

The above multi-faceted enslavement to the Hausa-Fulani Cabal is not an accident. Read the book by Harold Wilson which clearly states how and why the British laid the foundation for the Hausa-Fulani hegemony in Nigeria.

The principle guiding the Cabal was clearly set forth by the cabal's patron saint, Sir Ahmadu Bello who said to the media:

"The new nation called Nigeria should be an estate of our great grandfather Othman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change of power. We use the minorities in the north as willing tools and the south as a conquered territory and NEVER ALLOW THEM TO RULE OVER US and NEVER ALLOW THEM TO HAVE CONTROL OVER THEIR OWN FUTURE." – (The Parrot Newspaper, October 12, 1960).

Freedom from the Cabal is NOT about "North versus South". In fact, the greatest victims of the Northern cabal are the Northern masses themselves. The struggle entails "Northern Cabal versus All of Lovers of Freedom".

Nigeria is structurally unworkable and MUST EITHER BE RESTRUCTURED OR BROKEN.


The Hausa-Fulani cabal will resist this with their blood, but there is no other way out of the enslavement for us and our children. We cannot continue 'suffering and smiling' in this un-restructured zoo called Nigeria.

The words of Harriet Tubman are relevant here. She said,
'I freed a thousand slaves: I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves' ".
The author of this brilliant intervention has given us plenty of food for thought.

He argued the matter in a detailed, succinct and concise manner and he stated the case very well.
Though there were one or two omissions, his research is outstanding and his analysis is factual, insightful and incisive. The truth is that he has said it all.

Sadly many in Nigeria do not know that they are slaves to the cabal because they cannot feel the yoke or see their chains.

Yet slaves they are and it is time that we opened their eyes, broke their yokes, cut their chains and freed each and every one of them.

That is precisely why yours truly, and millions of others, insist on restructuring our country or, failing that, dividing her and going our separate ways.

May God deliver us, He concluded.


Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/the-seven-fold-yoke-and-cabal-that-own.html

asuustrike2009:
This look like a typed message emanating from a blogger. Believe this thrash at your own risk

Its show that you are not current with Nigeria Politics

The Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) in conjunction with the Public Affairs Section of the United States Consulate General in Lagos are pleased to invite you to the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program Recruitment Workshop as scheduled below:


DATE: Tuesday, April 18, 2017
TIME: 1– 3pm prompt
VENUE: MRC Auditorium, Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM/LASUTH Complex), Ikeja, Lagos


The purpose of the workshop is to inform prospective applicants on “How to apply successfully for the Hubert H. Humphrey Program”. We’ll be giving you tips on what makes for a competitive application and taking your questions afterwards.


To join in the workshop, RSVP is mandatory. Interested persons should please send an email to AyegbusiCO@state.gov on or before Sunday, April 16, 2017, by providing the following information:

1. Full Name:
2. Organization and Position held:
3. Address:
4. Years of full work experience (excluding NYSC):
5. GSM Number(s):
6. Email address:

Program Overview: The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship program is sponsored by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). This program provides mid-career professionals from designated countries, including Nigeria, with an opportunity to participate in a specialized, 10-month, non-degree graduate-level study, leadership development, and professional collaboration with U.S. counterparts at selected U.S. universities. The objective is to provide Humphrey fellows with an overall experience that broadens their perspectives, enhances their capability to assume greater career responsibilities, and provides opportunities to establish useful professional contacts.


Application and deadline: The application for the 2018/2019 academic year is ongoing and please note that the STRICT deadline for submitting online application and all supplementary documents is June 1, 2017 at 12 noon.


Grant Benefits:

The Fellowship provides for:
· Payment of tuition and fees at the assigned host university;
· Pre-academic English language training, if required;
· A maintenance (living) allowance, including a one-time settling-in allowance;
· Accident and sickness coverage;
· A book allowance;
· A one-time computer subsidy;
· Air travel (international travel to and from the U.S. for the Program and domestic travel to required program events);
· A Professional Development allowance for professional activities, such as field trips, professional visits and conferences.
Humphrey Fellowship Eligibility: The Humphrey program is only for mid-career professionals, those with at least eight years’ experience. Please read the attached word document for additional criteria.

For more details, click the link below.

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/special-invitation-to-hubert-h-humphrey.html

I wish everyone the best that will partake in the program.

zekepio:
I applied for BEA scholarship and I was rejected.
all my hope on USAP

That is why I say relax bro

Check the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program if you are eligible https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/special-invitation-to-hubert-h-humphrey.html

I think the conversation went something like this: “Hey, you know what would be cool? If we took a Nissan GT-R and made it look like the evil cop car from Transformers.” “Yeah! Let’s do that!”


And so here we are, standing outside a parking garage near Times Square with a dozen gawking tourists, staring at a matte black Nissan GT-R with Skyline Metro Police Department emblazoned on the side. The dozens of police strobe lights especially enthrall the kids.


Between a Nissan Rogue built for dogs, another equipped with tank tracks, and this outrageous whatever-it-is, Nissan has gone all out on stunts for the New York Auto Show. And that’s awesome.


So many car companies are focused on building reliable, fuel-efficient cars (including Nissan, to be fair), that sometimes we forget that cars are supposed to make people smile. They’re meant to be outrageous.

“This is nuts, you know that, right?” I said to a Nissan PR person showing me the car, only to get a giggle in response.


Nissan took a standard Nissan GT-R Premium (starting price: $109,990), gave it a matte black wrap, aftermarket coil-over shocks, and crazy 22-inch rims meant to evoke the plain steel rims of a regular cop car. It doesn’t look like a regular cop car. According to a spec sheet, the car has nearly four dozen different LED light elements from Federal Signal, plus a loudspeaker and siren mounted on the front push bar.


Carbon fiber accents abound, with widened fenders, a ridiculous-looking carbon fiber rear wing, and window tint. And, incredibly, all the customization has been designed to be flawlessly removed so the GT-R can eventually be sold (it’s orange underneath). Sadly, the car won’t be at the Nissan booth on the show floor at the New York Auto Show this year, so these pictures will have to do the trick for now.

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/this-nissan-gt-r-looks-like-evil-cop.html

Nigeria's Muhammadu Buhari must stand for re-election in 2019 in the best interest of the country, one of his allies and governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has said.


Sworn in as the country's leader less than two years ago after ousting the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan at the polls, Buhari was heralded into the office like a messiah of a sort. His campaign promises included stamping out corruption through and ushering in a new democratic era free from bitter partisanship.


A biting economic recession accompanied by rising cost of living and a not-so-successful war on graft have, however, watered down his popularity among the people who now see his change agenda as only a tired campaign slogan.



Those problems and his ill-health notwithstanding, El-Rufai said Buhari has done well enough to be given a second term.

"My prayer is that the president gets well...gets back to full health and run again because I still believe his being president...the stability that he brings to the office is in the best interest of Nigeria," El-Rufai said on Friday.


Should Buhari chooses not to stand for re-election, the Kaduna state governor said he would expect him to have a say in who the ruling All Progressives Congress nominates as its candidate.


El-Rufai spoke against the backdrop of controversies generated after his 30-page memo to Buhari was leaked to the media. And the governor, who claimed he was not aware Buhari was sick when he authored the report, has firmly blamed unnamed presidential aide as the persons behind the leak.


"I know who leaked the memo," he said refraining from mentioning the aide's name.


On Friday, he was at the Presidential Villa to observe Juma'at Prayer with Buhari. He declared that though he was aware that some aides on Buhari's team disliked him, that would never prevent him from visiting the president.


“Within the Villa, there are people that like me and there are those who don’t and it is normal. My relationship with the President has never been strained in any way," he explained.


The governor insisted there was no sinister intention behind his authoring the memo, noting that the now famous memo was, in fact, in a "series of memos" he had sent to the president.


"It is not the fist, it is not the tenth. It is probably close to the twentieth memo I have written," he said.


"I have been working closely with Mr President for about seven years, from the time we were in the opposition in the CPC, through the merger into the APC.


"Anytime I see fundamental issues that require to be addressed by him, I discuss with him. When discuss...debate, and I get his thoughts, I would always tell, 'I will go back and articulate a memo and action plan for you.'"

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/why-buhari-must-run-for-second-term-el.html

Smoking-related diseases will claim 200 million lives in China this century and plunge tens of millions into poverty, a report said Friday.


China is the world’s largest consumer and producer of tobacco, and the industry provides the government with colossal sums.


In 2015, it recorded 1.1 trillion yuan ($160 billion) in profits, up 20 percent year-on-year.



But a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said Friday that the Asian giant will suffer an economic toll if it does not urgently reduce its smoking population.


The paper — called “The Bill China Cannot Afford” — estimated that the total annual economic cost of tobacco use in the country in 2014 was 350 billion yuan, up tenfold from 2000.


“If nothing is done to reduce [the death rate] and introduce more progressive policies, the consequences could be devastating not just for the health of people across the country, but also for China’s economy as a whole,” WHO China representative Bernhard Schwartlander said in a statement.


The calculation includes both the direct costs of treating tobacco-related illness and the indirect costs such as lost work productivity.


“The rapid increase in costs associated with tobacco use in China is unsustainable,” Schwartlander added.


Twenty-eight percent of all adults and 50 percent of men in China are estimated to smoke regularly.
Rural-to-urban migrants are more likely to be smokers, the report said, adding that they risk descending into poverty when smoking-related medical costs become too great — a reality at odds with the government goal of eradicating poverty nationwide by 2020.


The organisations recommended a smoke-free policy across the country akin to laws in Beijing and Shanghai, where smoking is banned in most public places.


However, enforcing anti-smoking measures can be difficult in China as the state-owned China National Tobacco Corp, which enjoys a near-monopoly, shares offices and senior officials with the national tobacco regulator.


The report also urged further raising tobacco taxes to make smoking less affordable. While retail tobacco prices increased following a taxation hike in 2015, the average price of a cigarette pack remains just ten yuan.


A 50 percent increase in the retail price of cigarettes would prevent 20 million premature deaths over 50 years, the report said.


Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/smoking-to-kill-200-million-in-china.html

Sri Lankan soldiers arrive to help in the rescue operations at the site of a garbage dump in Colombo, on April 14, 2017, following a massive rubbish dump fire.


Emergency workers dug through tonnes of garbage in Sri Lanka’s capital on April 14, 2017 after a massive rubbish dump buried an estimated 40 homes during the country’s traditional new year.


President Maithripala Sirisena ordered hundreds of troops and police to join firefighters in the Colombo rescue operation after the 300-foot (91-metre) high dump caught fire and collapsed, officials said.LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI / AFP.


At least six people were killed and 10 others injured in Sri Lanka’s capital Friday after a massive rubbish dump buried an estimated 40 homes during the traditional new year.


A 12-year-old boy and two teenaged girls died at the Colombo National hospital where 10 others were being treated after they were rescued, hospital spokeswoman Pushpa Soysa told AFP.


She said three other people who were pulled from the wreckage of homes were already dead by the time they arrived at the hospital on Friday night, raising the confirmed death toll to six.


Police said hundreds of troops had joined the search for survivors after the disaster at Kolonnawa on the northeastern edge of the capital.


President Maithripala Sirisena ordered troops and police to join firefighters in the rescue after the 300-foot (91-metre) high dump caught fire and collapsed, officials said.


Police said the true scale of the damage remained unclear.


“A search for survivors is under way,” the police said in a statement.


Dozens of homes collapsed after heavy rains overnight caused the garbage mountain to shift, officials said. It became further destabilised after a fire broke out, triggering landslides that buried dwellings.


Military spokesman Roshan Seneviratne said 100 soldiers were already digging through mounds of trash. Heavy earth moving equipment was also being deployed, he added.


Local residents said many people had left the area after the night’s heavy rain.


“We think about 40 homes have been destroyed,” a disaster management official told reporters.


Roughly 800 tonnes of solid waste is added daily to the open dump, angering residents who live nearby.


Sri Lanka’s parliament was warned recently that the 23 million tonnes of garbage rotting at Kolonnawa was a serious health hazard.


Efforts are underway to build an electricity plant that could transform the solid waste into fuel.
Friday’s fire broke out as the country marked its traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year and most people were in their homes celebrating.

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/sri-lanka-garbage-mountain-buries-40.html

zekepio:
gabonsky.
where are you?
it's April ooo.

Relax bro

This file photo taken on October 5, 2015 shows US singer Janet Jackson (R) and husband Wissam Al Mana attending Hermes 2016 Spring/Summer ready-to-wear collection fashion show in Paris.


Pop superstar Janet Jackson has split from her husband, the Qatari tycoon Wissam Al Mana, just months after they had a baby, reports said April 10, 2017. Several celebrity news sites, quoting unnamed sources, said that the 50-year-old younger sister of late King of Pop Michael Jackson had separated from Al Mana, her third husband.Miguel MEDINA / AFP.


Pop superstar Janet Jackson has split from her husband, the Qatari tycoon Wissam Al Mana, just months after they had a baby, reports said Monday.


Several celebrity news sites, quoting unnamed sources, said that the 50-year-old younger sister of late King of Pop Michael Jackson had separated from Al Mana, her third husband.


Jackson has kept a low profile before and after giving birth in January to son Eissa, her first child.


She had repeatedly postponed dates on her “Unbreakable” world tour before stunning fans in April by announcing the late-age pregnancy.



A representative for Jackson did not immediately reply to a request for comment and reports gave different accounts on the circumstances of the separation.


British tabloid The Mail on Sunday said the split was amicable and that Jackson would live in London with their son.


But The New York Post’s Page Six said that Al Mana had exercised too much — in the words of one of Jackson’s signature songs — control.


Page Six quoted an anonymous source saying Al Mana insisted that Jackson dress modestly and tone down provocative dance moves.


Jackson — notorious for her “wardrobe malfunction” at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show in which she bared a breast — was upset by the pressure and feared losing her fan base, Page Six said.


Jackson has been discreet about her relationship with Al Mana, whose company sells luxury fashion brands across Gulf Arab kingdoms and who is estimated to be worth $1 billion.


The two married in a private ceremony in 2012 but did not immediately publicize it.


Jackson won a major fan base in the late 1980s with her albums “Control” and “Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814” as she brought pop music and funk together with the emerging genre of hip-hop.


Jackson lyrically identified with women’s empowerment and staged elaborately choreographed live shows.

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/janet-jackson-husband-split-months.html

Diabetes is a tough disease with numerous complications and thus a question always would arise in our minds whether a diabetic woman can become pregnant or not? The simple answer is yes, woman having diabetes can enjoy becoming a mother by following some daily care routine and fitness!


With pregnancy, your life would simply not remain the same and would have to face a lot of complications and changes. Pregnancy is a major step in any woman’s life and especially for the ones with diabetes. From planning a pregnancy to the birth and development of the baby everything requires the consultation of doctors and a proper health care routine which would not only land you to safe pregnancy but would also save your child from various complications! By flowing the correct safety measures and steps as per the consultation, pregnancy with diabetes won’t get that hard to manage!

Here are all the tips you require to follow and now for diabetes in pregnancy by your side!

Tips To Take Care of Diabetes in Pregnancy
Diabetes in Pregnancy

1. Blood Sugar Control
One of the complications which can affect pregnancy during diabetes is high blood sugar. This is the prime and most important aspect to consider during pregnancy. If you already are suffering from diabetes, the increase in blood sugar can lead to various other diseases. Gestational diabetes, diabetes type-2, PCOS etc are the conditions which can affect you if your sugar levels get increased. You can balance your sugar by limiting your sugar intake and regularly monitor the increase and decrease in blood sugar. This is the primary aspect to consider if you have diabetes and want a healthy pregnancy!

2. Go For Regular Diabetes and Pregnancy Related Tests
The conditions, diabetes in pregnancy require some tests to be performed on the regular basis. The constant tests would make you alert if you are gaining anything in excess which can affect your health! For diabetes, go for the blood sugar tests, weight checkup, blood pressure tests and such other regular checkups. Never miss the ultrasound tests, weight checkup, urine, blood and such necessary tests which are carried out during pregnancy. This would help you the track of your health and bodily changes and also avoid the complications! Thus, following eh regular checkups would get you stress free and healthy pregnancy!

3. Never Skip Your Medications
Medications are one of the prescribed solutions for maintaining the correct body balance and for saving you and your baby from various complications. During pregnancy, there are various medications which are prescribed to maintain the health and promote the growth of the baby. Also if the mother is suffering from diabetes, there are various medications to maintain the blood sugar levels, to maintain the blood pressure, to avoid infections and to ensure that proper nourishment is supplied to the mother and baby. You must not skip medications and regularly consume these medications for a fitter pregnancy!

4. Go For A Healthy and Nutritious Diet
Diet and food plays a very important art in our lives. Especially during pregnancy, the mother has to consume the nutrition for both, her body and the baby’s body. The diet must be healthy, beneficial and light weight. Various issues like constipation, gas, heartburns can increase the impact of diabetes and thus, must be avoided. You can eat fiber rich foods, food low in sugar, carbs, protein rich foods and such variety of healthy foods which would make your immune system strong, healthy and get you away from side effects of diabetes. These foods are also awesome for managing diabetes in pregnancy and thus must be consumed. Also, divide your meals into sections. Do not eat too much in a single session. Instead, eat frequently to stay moderately full and healthy!

5. Move a Little
Pregnancy is not a condition where you would require complete bed rest except some severe cases. If you stay in the bed for all the day long, you can face issues like bloating, gas and such complications which can also increase the effects of diabetes. It is very important to stay active and fit during pregnancy. Do not try rigorous high-intensity workouts but you can go for a short walk and perform little stretching to make your body feel free and fit! Walks and household chores can be performed as a low impact workout and for better care for the body!

6. Quit Smoking, Drinking and Caffeine
Being a mother is simply not easy as you have to quit some of the addictive and deadly habits which you love! Morning coffee or cups and cups of caffeine al the day long must be ended if you are suffering from diabetes and are pregnant! Caffeine can cause serious digestion and metabolism issues and can also because of certain issues like gestational diabetes! Also if you have the habit of smoking or drinking alcohol, this would vitally affect your body and increase various complications for you! These habits have to be ended here for a healthy and successful pregnancy with diabetes!

7. Control Your Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Weight gain is quite important during pregnancy but if you are a diabetic, you must keep an eye on the weight you gain every week. Excess weight gain can cause various complications in childbirth and growth if you are a diabetic. Consult your doctor regarding proper and healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Eat the foods which can keep you healthy and balance your weight. These foods would avoid digestion and weight gain issues and would keep you active!


These are the most important things to consider for diabetes in pregnancy. You must know that diabetes can affect you and your baby’s health only if you won’t follow the healthy regime!


It is not a difficult task to get pregnant and have a healthy baby if the above-given measures are taken seriously and followed regularly! Stay pleasant, positive and fight all the concerns and this would help you in having a pleasing and rocking pregnancy!


Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/are-you-pregnant-and-suffering-from.html

The Rivers government yesterday claimed that Governor Nyesom Wike had survived five assassination attempts in last 11 months. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Austin Tam-George, who made the allegation in a statement in Port Harcourt, said it was callous for the police high command to claim that the governor’s life was not at risk.


According to Tam-George, the attempts came when the governor’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) was abruptly withdrawn by the force, claiming that the six police officers dismissed January this year played a key role in foiling the sinister moves.


This unsavoury revelation has further reinforced the no love lost relationship between the force and the executive arm, which predated the last state and federal legislative reruns which held early this year in parts of the state.



His words: “It is no secret that the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration declared war on the government and people of Rivers State, soon after the party lost the governorship litigation at the Supreme Court in 2016.”

The commissioner alleged that the first attempt on Wike’s life occurred immediately after the apex court validated his victory at the April 2015 gubernatorial election. Tam-George further claimed that after a series of futile attempts, two of the dismissed six cops were offered N150 million to execute the malicious job but declined.


Governor Wike had in January this year alleged that the six orderlies were sacked for refusing to play ball. He had told the Aluu Council of Chiefs at the Government House, Port Harcourt that there was a detailed plan by the security agencies to assassinate him but for his security details that resisted the evil plot.


“The policemen were dismissed because they did not allow the security agencies to assassinate me as was planned. They planned to eliminate me, but those attached to me resisted the plot and refused to allow them kill me. That is why they are angry and desperate,” the governor submitted.


But the police have denied the allegation, saying there was no time the Inspector-General of Police ordered the state Commissioner of Police or any officer anywhere in the country to kill or cage the governor.


The IGP, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPPRO), Moshood Jimoh, described the claim as malicious and capable of causing disaffection between the force and the residents.


He noted that 221 police personnel, including an aide-de camp (ADC), a CSO, unit commander, Special Protection Unit (SPO), commander, counter terrorism unit and an escort commander currently provide security for the governor.


He listed others to include a camp commander, an administrative officer to administer the personnel, 54 inspectors, 136 sergeants and 24 corporals, a number, he contended, was more than the strength of some police area commands across the federation.


“The first Commissioner of Police was redeployed to a higher duty post when he was promoted to the rank of a Deputy Inspector General of Police while the second died during a brief illness at an Indian hospital. The third is the current Commissioner of Police in Rivers State,” he clarified.

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/wike-survived-five-assassination.html

Solowande:
What abt the corrupt moslems leaders stealing our money since god know when? What abt boko haram terrorizing the northern part, is these also the fault of the church? Oga Obj, pls park well and take ur advise to the Imam and mosques in the north, they need it more.

Nigeria second name is Corruptancy....

Atiku2019:
That's Why we all Support the Atiku2019 project

Can you tell me five good resons why i should supprt Atiku in 2019?

Tasks Church Leaders To Live Up To Expectation, Teach Members Right Values Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday lamented that all the country’s institutions, including the church had been tarnished by the brush of corruption.He described the fight against corruption in the country as the fight for the soul and survival of Nigeria, warning that church leaders must be at the forefront of the fight against corruption.


Obasanjo who spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said corruption is a systemic problem in the society and must therefore be addressed systematically from the “root, stem and branches.”


“Even in the church, corruption is thriving and this makes it difficult for the church to really play her all-important role of modeling the country in a morally-evidenced manner,” Obasanjo affirmed.



Obasanjo charged church leaders to preach prosperity message with caution and also use their positions to teach their congregations the right values. The church leaders, he said must also tell politicians the truth at all times.


He said: “There is no doubt that all our institutions have been tarnished by the brush of corruption. If the church, as an institution, does not take bribe or get involved in other corrupt practice, the behaviour of some of our men of God leaves much to be desired. They not only celebrate, but also venerate those whose sources of wealth are questionable. They accept gifts (offering) from just anybody without asking questions. This gives the impression that anything is acceptable in the House of God.”


He spoke at a lecture, he delivered as part of activities marking the Annual Convention of the Victory Life Bible Church (VLBC), a popular Abeokuta based Pentecostal Church, presided over by Apostle Lawrence Achudume. He spoke on “The Role of The Church In The Fight Against Corruption In Nigeria.”


Obasanjo who spoke through Dr. Femi Olajide, said: “The rise of public administration and the discovery of oil and natural gas are two major events seen to have led to the increase in corrupt practices in the country.


“In fact, from the revelations we are hearing, it seems the situation is worse than what I met on ground in 1999. The inference is that fighting corruption is not a one-off or one regime affair; it is an all-time and all-regime affair. If we relent, it bounces back with vengeance.”


The General Overseer of the Church, Apostle Achudume earlier in his welcome address attributed the removal of history study from the Secondary School Curriculum by the government as one of the reasons for the rise in corruption.

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/anti-graft-war-is-for-survival-of.html

In my journey through this wilderness called life, I have lost a number of solid, older friends who have influenced my journalism. One of them is the late Ambassador Isaac Aluko Olokun, a very brilliant economist and a voracious reader who was always ready to answer my questions while building my stories as a reporter, writer and editor in Abuja. The versatile economist, corporate manager and strategist was always surprised by the unusual happenings in government he served as a minister and an envoy to three European countries. I recall that the subject the Ijesha-man who trained at the New York State University, was always interrogating before death came calling in January 2011, was whether anything was really wrong with being black.


The former UAC manager was quite concerned about the thesis of an anonymous racist who once claimed that he would not like the “the black man because he can’t handle complexity”. Any time of the day, my big brother who was impressed by my inquisitive frame of mind would call as soon as he read any thing bizarre and unusual about us and ask, “Martins, have you forgotten the white man’s thesis? He was always talking about elder Areoye Oyebola’s construct, the Black Man’s Dilemma and contrasting it with the claim of black man’s being unable to handle complexity. I have missed my big brother who was a supreme intelligence not only on globalization but also on global affairs.


He was buying and reading books and journals as a public intellectual. If Ambassador Aluko Olokun were alive, he would have been interrogating all the executive procrastinations, gerontocratic tendencies, governing and opposition parties’ inertia and anomie and monumental corruption everywhere you go within the context of the allegation that the black man may be perpetually unable to handle complexity, after all. It is certain that Ambassador Aluko-Olokun would have written several articles and granted many interviews on the brand new Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) that has been unveiled twice within three months. The former CBN chief economist, would have read, re-read and analysed all the verbose and grand plans, their action plans and milestones and timelines for the news media – in global context.




Besides, my economic analyst and one time national coordinator of NEPAD’s Peer Review Mechanism (PRM) in Obasanjo administration would have been wondering why the president has not announced clear-cut Chief Economic Adviser and Political Adviser that would have been helping in answering some thorny questions about this complex and complicated presidency. Most of the presidential advisers are attached to the office of the vice president. They are, after all, all president’s men. My big brother, a member of Abacha’s Vision 2010 Committee would have been wondering and disturbing me about the expediency of appealing to people who would like to rebuild the country’s broken walls to come out now and be counted.


My radical mentor would have been talking to many journalists at the same time to begin the process of reporting political recruitment that will usher in a new Nigeria in 2019 where knowledgeable and passionate Nigerians would dominate political leadership. The man who introduced me to how to use data to tell stories would have fallen in love with the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and his regular economic analysis. The big man, a very close friend of Chief Ernest Shonekan, would have been the first person to draw my attention to the Malam Nasir el-Rufai’s Love Letter to the President. He would have bought many copies that vendors are now selling in Abuja for one thousand Naira per copy. A multi-dimensional thinker, who hated mediocrity, would also have been wondering why political leaders in the north would not celebrate some of their best such as el-Rufai and Sanusi in these times.


So this column today is a symbolic tribute to my big brother, Aluko-Olokun , a good passionate Nigerian. It is also a clarion call on all the good people who are interested in rebuilding Nigeria’s broken walls to stand up for 2019 calculations. No one should be intimidated by the anti-corruption agencies and their stratagems. All the good men and women who may have been lamenting on social media and digital platforms about how bad Nigeria has been, should stop agonizing and start organizing for project 2019.


Nigeria belongs to all of us. It is time to retire military leaders who have been dominating Nigeria’s political life since 1966. We can all see their testimony. They have failed the nation. The house has fallen on all of us unfortunately. When they came with their correcting fluids in 1966, they met a good and prospering country. The qualitative education they met in schools and even the universities they seized in 1975 have been destroyed for lack of knowledge. The Daily Times and New Nigerian they also acquired compulsorily in their prime time, are dead (don’t tell me somebody is publishing Daily Times). Let’s tell the military men, the ‘militicians’ that the last of their political brand managers is in power at the moment but no one is impressed by not only his age but the age of his ideas that can’t take us anywhere.


This country is blessed even now with good and knowledgeable men and women that can make the country great again. There are so many young people that have had the best of education from some of the best universities on earth that are doing well in the private sector. But the principalities and powers that have been assigned from the pit of hell to all the geopolitical zones have not allowed good governance in the hapless country. The morons who have been running the country as barons, the dealers that have been masquerading as leaders have destroyed not only the civil service where corruption should be fought and anti-corruption measures institutionalized, they have also polluted the political parties that should be the bastion of policy making and strategic planning. The two political parties in the country today have no party philosophical guidance, let alone national agenda for development.


Now, there is a glimmer of hope. The election management agency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday last week had a stakeholder validation of the Second Strategic Plan (2017-2021). In simple term, the strategic plan has been designed to consolidate the recent progress made by the INEC in conducting credible elections in the country. Things are going to get better and better as the Commission is steadily departing from an ad hoc and quick-fix approach to election management, to a more strategic approach. The validation that I witnessed last week in Abuja was a credible project, which represents a forward and strategic planning of the 2019 and pre-2019 elections. Now the coast is clear for another credible election. Let no one blame INEC for failure to jump into the fray this time. Let all the young and credible men not run away this time. If they do, the political scoundrels that have been imposing even candidates of unsound minds, very unhealthy ones on us will still seize the space.


The struggle for the soul of the opposition party, the PDP has begun – so ruthlessly. The goal is not to rebuild Nigeria’s walls that the same party broke for 16 years. The goal of the old soldiers that are in power is to steal with all their strength and to destroy. The governing party, the APC’s falcons cannot hear the falconers. The vultures that are eyeing some phantom offices in 2019 are daily declaring for the governing party for self and family; not for the common good. So, for those who would like to run the country from 2019, this is what Albert Einstein has to say: The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.


Last week, I watched an angry young man who suggested on a social media platform that the best solution to our underdevelopment is to organize “mass burial for all our leaders”. The boy and all those that have been equally angry about the state of the nation, should note that the only armour against them is “mass burial” of what their ill-gotten wealth represents, “mass burial” of their political parties and ideas. But this will not be easy. It is, however, possible through organizing. That is why we should stop agonising rather we should begin organizing without fear or favour. As Bishop Hassan Kukah has been saying, most of our leaders have been products of emergency recruitments.


Apart from General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, (what did he achieve too?), most of them have been unprepared for the office of the president. They have no blueprint. They don’t have even diary of events. After they have seized power or have been declared winner, they constitute transition committees to write their road map.



That is why the Buhari administration that has been in office for almost two years just launched an economic recovery and growth plan. This is not what will make the most populous black nation on earth prosperous. The point is that those who would like to run the country at all levels from 2019 should get cracking now. Besides, they should be collecting data on the country now. They should begin to educate themselves. They should start to tour the country and take note of details of critical infrastructure deficit. Those who want to run the states and local governments should be involved in this due diligence from now. Whatever cannot be measured, cannot be resolved. There should be document-minded now so that when they win they can hit the road running. They should read three things about the country as it is done worldwide: politics, philosophy and economics. This is not to say that aspirants have to go back to college and study politics, philosophy and economics. They should read them up. Readers are leaders and leaders are readers.


It means modern governance is not for the fainthearted and those who cannot read around these three subjects, among others within the concept of leadership. Young leaders need to read governance issues, public policy, organizational learning and knowledge, change management and managing change issues. Some that have time should actually enroll in good schools and be equipped for effective leadership. The way our leaders at all levels read from scripts and respond to interview questions shows that most of them have been captured by Epicurean spirit. They should have time for reading good books, biographies of successful leaders and good journals on management, reinventing government, etc.


And here is the thing, we have a responsibility to retire these old men who are in office and in power now through proper planning and organisation. Money is important in politics, no doubt about that. But those who desire a better National Assembly, those who would like to see good State Houses of Assembly should take up the gauntlet today and begin planning and data collection. They should begin to document their visions. That is the only way we can have a good and prosperous country. As Victor Marie Hugo, a French poet encourages this generation of leaders, “you can resist an invading army; you cannot resist an idea whose time has come”. So, members of the old setup that have not worked for us, should remember that they should quit the stage now that the ovation is still loud. If they don’t, we should resist them. They have traumatised Nigeria enough. Besides, their talent and credibility have been overrated. Now we know and they should be afraid of the people’s revolt!

Source: https://gabrielatanbiyi..com.ng/2017/04/project-2019-nigeria-needs-leaders-not.html