₦airaland Forum

The story of Nigeria is like that of a father who has 36 children. He takes the income of his wealthy children to a central port and distributes it among his 36 children. A good father will encourage all his children to be creative and hardworking so that they can make the money to sustain themselves. A bad father will ignore the larger picture of every child being self-sustaining and insist on redistributing his children’s wealth. The ultimate danger is that you will have children who are extremely lazy and unwilling make good use of their talents and gifts. Every month, they will go to “papa” to give them their own share of the other children’s wealth. It will now reach a stage that they will start complaining that the money is not enough to buy the limousine of their dream.

I understand a bit of the logic of natural resources. The oil in the Niger Delta is a gift of nature, many will argue, since the people played no role in putting it under the ground. So let’s share it—it belongs to all. But so also can we say of human beings—we are not gifted the same way! Michael Jackson could sing better than his brothers and sisters. But it would be wrong to compel Michael to bring his income to the table so that his father could share it among all the Jacksons. If that were the case, Janet or Jermaine or LaToya would have no reason to do any work at all. They would all be waiting for the month to end to collect their own FAAC. But Janet honed her skills and became a success in her own right as an artiste. She may not be anywhere near the success of Michael, but she is certainly a success. The Jacksons can have a common purse where they can contribute resources for the common cause of the family. There is nothing wrong with that. But to make a policy of taking from one Jackson to sustain another Jackson is illogical.

There is no state in Nigeria that cannot sustain itself if the governors understand the art and science of development. If it is natural resources, every state has them. If it is value-added agriculture, every state can become an industrial host. These are the things that can generate employment, generate economic activities, generate tax revenue and shore up the incomes of the states. The real challenge for the governors is: how can they use what they’ve got to get what they need? How can they put the right policies in place to attract the needed investment? How do they spend wisely to make state economies viable? These are the questions they should be asking. But because of the ease of travelling to Abuja for federal allocation cheques every month, forward planning and critical thinking are no longer part of governance.

The eternal reliance on oil revenue has done a lot of damage to the federation. Every day now, we hear the Niger Delta people say “our oil, our oil”. During the petrol price hike crisis last year January, some Niger Delta person, trying to suggest that the protests were unjustly aimed at President Goodluck Jonathan, said something like: “If our son is not good enough to be president of Nigeria, then our oil is not good enough for Nigeria.” This warped logic—which tends to paint oil as the solution to all human problems—defies the fact that the most advanced countries in the world do not rely on oil revenue. Even Norway, the poster boy of successful management of oil revenue, survives on tax. Their oil money is saved largely for the rainy day.

But do you blame us? Why do we need to stretch our brain to dream of building our own Microsoft and Apple when we can look up to Abuja for the flow of petrodollars every month? Why should Bauchi bother to tap its tourism potential? Why should Bayelsa dream of feeding Africa with its FADAMA rice when there is a fat FAAC cheque to be collected in Abuja monthly? Why should we quicken Ajaokuta so that the fourth biggest steel company in the world can begin to operate fully and spice up the economy? Why should Aba be developed into our own Taiwan or Japan? There is no such incentive. The only incentive I can see in Nigeria is federation account.

It wouldn’t even matter if we are utilising federal allocations to develop the most important resource at our disposal: the human capital. Oil is not the real deal, no matter how dominant it has become in our lives. It was human beings that designed cars and made petrol as important as it is today. Human beings are now designing cars that run on bio-fuels, electricity and solar energy. By the time the cars become popularly accepted, the demand for oil could drop. It may not happen in the next 50 years but it would happen someday. So the wise person does not keep emphasising on oil and ignoring human capital. The wise person thinks about a future where our lives will no longer depend on oil but on the quality of the brain. It was human beings that invented aeroplanes, computers and phones, etc. If we are wise now, our energies should be devoted to getting out of this oil trap.

I wish we could discuss these issues honestly without trading insult and threat. The quality of public debate is very poor in Nigeria. We have a real problem in our hands but instead of engaging in fruitful debates to chart the way forward, we specialise in name-calling and blackmail as if that would solve our problem. Those of us who have no interest in politics or politicking will continue to make our point.

Saharareporters just learnt that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission this afternoon arrested immediate past Governor of the Central bank of Nigeria, Charles Soludo in connection with the Australian polymer banknotes bribery scam.


A close relative of Mr. Soludo confirmed to Saharareporters operatives picked up the former CBN governor in Abuja a few hours ago.

A government source told Saharareporters that Mr. Soludo is facing interrogation by the EFCC at its Abuja office with regards to his role in the bribery of CBN officials by an Australian currency mint company, Securency.

The source told our reporters about a dozen other CBN former and serving CBN officials have also been apprehended for questioning on the deal.
EFCC spokesperson could not be reached for confirmation of the arrest.

http://saharareporters.com/news-page/efcc-arrests-former-cbn-governor-charles-soludo

[img]http://2.bp..com/-nxUucxwAIjc/UO_laNXJs_I/AAAAAAABPik/ogCHMmbzGHY/s1600/Untitled.png[/img]

The pastor of our great church, the Household of God, Oregun, Lagos, Rev. Chris Okotie has finally laid to rest speculations about his future marriage which have been the subject of media controversy since his separation from his former wife, Stephanie Henshaw last year.
He announced to the church during the evening service on Wednesday, January 09, 2013, his decision not to remarry which he said is final and irrevocable, having already settled the matter with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Taking cognisance of the wide media interest that this issue is likely to generate, we decided to make this statement to pre-empt mischief makers from distorting the facts.
The pastor assures his well wishers, friends and numerous supporters around the world that he is completely at peace with himself and his God in arriving at this historic decision.

Ladi Ayodeji.
Director, Media & communication Strategy.

http://www.facebook.com/chris.okotie.1

He is one of the very few erudite sports journalists produced in Nigeria. I grew up watching and listening to him and Pa Fabio Olanipekun on NTA and other channels. What a loss! I pray God gives his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Adieu Arena!

Some 12 years ago the Vanguard broke the news of Dr Abalaka’s cure for HIV/AIDS. Immediately the Nigerian intelligentsia and educated elite, a band of cynics, claimed it was no cure; Abalaka, they insisted, was a babalawo, not an educated man – his name suggested it. Quickly, Abalaka was on the TV showing his University of Jos MBBS certificate. They argued, that Abalaka was a doctor didn’t mean he should also involve in medical research; there was a rule to this thing. Again, Abalaka brought another certificate of his PG trainings in one-thing-one-thing. They insisted Abalaka must show prove of whom he had cured. A Nigerian colonel said it was true – 400 of his men back from ECOMOG in Liberia have been cured.

Then the Minister of Health, a man named Tim Menekaya, who was in his sixties but carried the face of a man in his nineties, got real angry. He said the colonel had no right to speak on such matters – and the military hierarchy agreed their colonel spoke out of order. Menekaya advised Abalaka to stop going to the press; convention demands that he, Abalaka, publish his findings first in a medical journal. Doesn’t Abalaka know that educated people don’t announce inventions on the pages of newspaper, he asked. The Nigerian journalists, now behind Abalaka, countered that even the discoverers of the virus, Robert Gallo and Montaigne, also went first to the press.

Abalaka , thoroughly satisfied with this support, gathered the journalists to his Abuja office and, in their presence, vaccinated himself (ingested HIV into his blood). People danced on the streets of Abuja. One journalist said he was leaving for Europe to personally nominate Abalaka for the Nobel.

Then tragedy happened; Abalaka’s wife died. Every Nigerian, including those who have promised to nominate him, ran away. They said the poor woman died of the HIV the husband had ingested. Abalaka struggled to convince Nigerians that his wife died of liver problem. Nigerians said, a man who can cure AIDS should be able to handle ordinary liver damage. Abalaka was no longer a hero but an insane man who self-infected himself with the deadly virus.

Abalaka, an ambitious man, fought not to go down. He would show Nigerians that he was a great man. He went and collected PDP governorship primaries form and, in his first public outing, promised his people of Kogi State and the neighbouring Benue that he would build a hospital at the boundary and cure their AIDS freely. (Benue State is to Nigeria what South Africa is to Africa with regards to AIDS prevalence).

Before Abalaka could submit his form, three men from NAFDAC (the government agency regulating canned food, bottled drinks, biscuits and pharmaceutical products) arrived his Okene village from Lagos and requested he joined them to Lagos. Abalaka felt God has heard his prayers; PDP was going to provide money through NAFDAC to help him win the election.

At Lagos things took a strange dimension. They took off Abalaka’s belt and tie – so that he would not hurt himself. Then when Abalaka realised what was happening, they took his phone; he couldn’t reach Femi Falana, Bamidele Aturu or Festus Keyamo or even his family. The NAFDAC people accused him of defaulting to pay patent fees of [N3000] for his findings!

Abalaka requested they should take him to his bank and he would pay, even though it was no criminal offence requiring arrest. They told Abalaka that they were making their investigations. The investigation took quite long, ran into days. By the time Abalaka was found not guilty and released, the PDP governorship primary was over.

I was in Abuja when Abalaka appeared on the TV. He had become thin and his voice was no longer that of a discoverer but of a man just evicted from 1009. The host asked if he would take PDP to the tribunal. Abalaka replied, he had left it in the hands of God. The host asked if he would sue NAFDAC for illegal detention. Abalaka replied, he had left the matter in the hands of God. The host asked if he was going to research another sickness, say, sickle cell anaemia. Abalaka said, he had left E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G in the hands of God

Some 12 years ago the Vanguard broke the news of Dr Abalaka’s cure for HIV/AIDS. Immediately the Nigerian intelligentsia and educated elite, a band of cynics, claimed it was no cure; Abalaka, they insisted, was a babalawo, not an educated man – his name suggested it. Quickly, Abalaka was on the TV showing his University of Jos MBBS certificate. They argued, that Abalaka was a doctor didn’t mean he should also involve in medical research; there was a rule to this thing. Again, Abalaka brought another certificate of his PG trainings in one-thing-one-thing. They insisted Abalaka must show prove of whom he had cured. A Nigerian colonel said it was true – 400 of his men back from ECOMOG in Liberia have been cured.

Then the Minister of Health, a man named Tim Menekaya, who was in his sixties but carried the face of a man in his nineties, got real angry. He said the colonel had no right to speak on such matters – and the military hierarchy agreed their colonel spoke out of order. Menekaya advised Abalaka to stop going to the press; convention demands that he, Abalaka, publish his findings first in a medical journal. Doesn’t Abalaka know that educated people don’t announce inventions on the pages of newspaper, he asked. The Nigerian journalists, now behind Abalaka, countered that even the discoverers of the virus, Robert Gallo and Montaigne, also went first to the press.

Abalaka , thoroughly satisfied with this support, gathered the journalists to his Abuja office and, in their presence, vaccinated himself (ingested HIV into his blood). People danced on the streets of Abuja. One journalist said he was leaving for Europe to personally nominate Abalaka for the Nobel.

Then tragedy happened; Abalaka’s wife died. Every Nigerian, including those who have promised to nominate him, ran away. They said the poor woman died of the HIV the husband had ingested. Abalaka struggled to convince Nigerians that his wife died of liver problem. Nigerians said, a man who can cure AIDS should be able to handle ordinary liver damage. Abalaka was no longer a hero but an insane man who self-infected himself with the deadly virus.

Abalaka, an ambitious man, fought not to go down. He would show Nigerians that he was a great man. He went and collected PDP governorship primaries form and, in his first public outing, promised his people of Kogi State and the neighbouring Benue that he would build a hospital at the boundary and cure their AIDS freely. (Benue State is to Nigeria what South Africa is to Africa with regards to AIDS prevalence).

Before Abalaka could submit his form, three men from NAFDAC (the government agency regulating canned food, bottled drinks, biscuits and pharmaceutical products) arrived his Okene village from Lagos and requested he joined them to Lagos. Abalaka felt God has heard his prayers; PDP was going to provide money through NAFDAC to help him win the election.

At Lagos things took a strange dimension. They took off Abalaka’s belt and tie – so that he would not hurt himself. Then when Abalaka realised what was happening, they took his phone; he couldn’t reach Femi Falana, Bamidele Aturu or Festus Keyamo or even his family. The NAFDAC people accused him of defaulting to pay patent fees of [N3000] for his findings!

Abalaka requested they should take him to his bank and he would pay, even though it was no criminal offence requiring arrest. They told Abalaka that they were making their investigations. The investigation took quite long, ran into days. By the time Abalaka was found not guilty and released, the PDP governorship primary was over.

I was in Abuja when Abalaka appeared on the TV. He had become thin and his voice was no longer that of a discoverer but of a man just evicted from 1009. The host asked if he would take PDP to the tribunal. Abalaka replied, he had left it in the hands of God. The host asked if he would sue NAFDAC for illegal detention. Abalaka replied, he had left the matter in the hands of God. The host asked if he was going to research another sickness, say, sickle cell anaemia. Abalaka said, he had left E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G in the hands of God

Profound wisdom can be found in the most unusual places and it is not a function of person or time. It may be a statement by a distracted bystander, a confused friend, or even a madman. The main point is for you to find that kernel of insight that takes you to new perspectives perhaps on things you thought you knew well and had always taken for granted. That is the moral of the following narrative about a bum, which was sent to me about ten years ago. As we begin a new year, I find it instructive to illustrate some points about our nation and some unconsidered variables:

“...I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum, a middle aged man. From the looks of this man, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money. There are times you feel generous but there are other times that you just do not want to be bothered. This was one of those days I did not want to be bothered so I hoped the bum would not ask me for any money. The bum came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop but he did not look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes the bum said, ‘that is a very pretty car’ to which I replied, ‘thanks’ but the expected plea from the bum for money never came.

As the silence between us widened, I asked, ‘do you need any help?’ I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand from a bum. But smiling, the bum spoke the three words that shook me: ‘Don’t we all?’ We often look for wisdom in great men and women, not from a bum wandering in the street. I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three striking words hit me like a bullet from a firing shotgun. Those three simple words remained ringing true in my ears forever:

We all need help in so many ways and for so many things. May be not for a bus fare or a place to sleep, or a piece of cloth or a pair of shoes to wear, but we all need help in some form or another. No matter how much wealth we have accumulated as property or cash money in the bank, no matter how much we have accomplished in our professional career, we still need help from each other. No matter how little we have to share, no matter how loaded we are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, we can still give some kind of help to somebody else.

Even if it is just a simple and mere compliment for a little child or other person, we can give help to that child or the other person to build confidence and make a difference in life. We need to understand that we may never know when we may see some people that appear to have it all, but still they are waiting on us to give them what they do not have. Maybe the middle aged man was a real bum, or just a homeless stranger wandering the streets.

Maybe he was more than a bum; maybe he was sent by a power from above that is great and wise, to save the lost souls too comfortable in themselves in their own little world and do not even care about their fellow person next door. Maybe God looked down with sympathy, called an Angel from heaven, dressed him like a bum, then sent him to go and minister to me and others like me who desperately need help...”

y dearest, sweetest, fondest, fantastic, extra-ordinary, paragon of beauty,

I hope this letter meets you in a fabulos state of metabolism, if so dixology

Time and ability plus double capacity has forced my pen to dance automatically on this benedicted sheet of paper.

My principal aim of writing this letter to you is to gravitate your mind towards a matter of global and universal importance, which has been troubling my soul. The matter is so important. Even as i am writing, my adrenaline is100 percent on the Richer scale, my temperature is rising; the wind vane of my mind is pointing North, South and East at the same time, the mirrior in my eyes has only your divine image. Indeed when i sleep, you are the one in my medulla oblangata, and i dream about you. I went out to sea in my dream, and i saw you, surrounded by H20 and in your majesty rose from the abdomen of the sea

Why! this miraculous thing happened is because I love you spontaneously and as I stand horizontal to the wall and perpendicular to the ground I only think of you, since you are a fantastic and fabulous damsel.

Please Stop haranguing with the feelings in my heart because I love you more than a snake loves rat. To me each day starts by thinking of you and ends by dreaming of you. Each time I see you my metabolism suddenly stops and my peristalysis goes in reverse gear.

Crazy crazy crazy you may say but this is true. If only you knew what is going on in my encephalon you would understand. That's why I need to see face to face with you, soon.

I think I have to pen-off here. Catch you later.

Sleep tight and don't let those bed bugs ever bite you coz you are too sweet a thing for them.

Looks like it's getting juicier and messier by the day. I need to watch this fight closely as our traducers tear each other apart. Two presidential agbayas going naked in public is excellent entertainment. President Jonathan, via Reuben Abati, has just done another full double palm flashing "waka" to somebody we were told he respectfully calls Baba just two weeks ago. Speaking from one of the four busy compass points of his mouth, Abati now says that Obasanjo is "confused and unstable". That is throwing unadulterated "waka" in the direction of the founder and father of modern Nigeria. I hope the owners of Reuben Abati cooked him properly when he was born. He is dragging his vegetable head on the path of Ebora Owu, a man who once advised Africa to march on Pretoria with juju and drive out Pieter Botha and his bunch of Apartheid Boers. If Baba believes that his African remote control could deal ruthlessly with White South Africans, what makes Abati think himself safe unless he is properly cooked?

"If this turns out to be true,GEJ is only fulfilling his promise of creating wealth and not reducing poverty."

Every religion that comes begets a new one. Two hundred years from now the people that will occupy this world will look at our era and our religions that we fight for and die for and call our age the Extreme Dark Ages. In another two hundred thousand years, nobody will remember what god we fought for, killed for, or died for. Just like we have no idea what god the people who were on this earth 100,000 years ago fought for, killed for or died for.

It is hard to imagine it now, but after the Third World War and after a nuclear war, a new world will emerge with new religions. The old religions left standing will go through reformation. And subtly and gradually, new religions will replace the old. Because it takes hundreds of years for this kind of transformation to be visible, it is hard for those living in that age to notice the change as it happens. We won’t wake up one day and notice that our religion is dead.

The trouble with religion is that for every religion to survive and gain members and fend off competitions, it has to proclaim itself to be better than the others. That my religion is better than yours is like saying that my moon is better than yours. That my God is better than yours is to say that my sun is better than yours.

To be willing to fight for your God- which is to say, kill and die for your God, is like to climb on top of each other to pull the moon until it stands still on your side of the sky. It may sound stupid but it has been done before and continues to be done.

Those who worshipped the Greek gods used to believe that they had the final answer. Those who worshipped Oduduwa used to think that their story of the creation was the ultimate. The highest level of human stupidity is the belief that our religion is the final answer to these original questions- who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Who made me? The arrogance of that assumption has no equal in human folly.

Religions come and go but the earth remains the same. Until we know the definitive truth about the very beginning; and until we answer the original questions without a doubt, religion will remain attractive. But religion will continue to promise us that we find the answers only when we die. Science is the only one trying to find answers to these questions while we are still alive. And science is the only one trying to get to the very beginning and empirically show it to us for the very first time. It may take science one million years to get there. But I am rooting for science not religion.

My scepticism about homosexuality is based on two reasons. One, as a Christian, I have taken time to study my Bible and I know that homosexuality is NOT of God. All references to legitimate relationships and marriages in the Bible are anchored on man and woman. God created Adam and Eve.” So for us who believe in the Bible, homosexuality is NOT ordained by God, even though some gays and rights activists often labour very hard to insert their own interpretations into the scriptures. Homosexuality is not countenanced in the Bible at all; if anything, it is condemned from Genesis to Revelation. The second basis for my scepticism is that I believe homosexuality is not natural. Copulation in the animal world is based on opposites and diversity. Our sex organs are different and complementary by design.

Sex serves two interlinked purposes: recreation and procreation. A female cannot naturally impregnate a female nor can a male impregnate a male no matter the pleasure derived from the recreational intercourse. Because of the impossibility of homosexual procreation, gay couples are now adopting children. It shows how unnatural same-sex relationships are. It is even more amusing that homosexuals are approbating and reprobating at the same time. On the one hand, they don’t want to go the natural route of procreation; on the other hand, they want the fruit of normal fertilisation. It is contradictory and hypocritical! Nevertheless, the day I see two male dogs mating or two female elephants having sex, I would finally accept that homosexuality is natural. However, I decided long ago that I would not care what people do with themselves behind closed doors as long as they are not forcing me join them.It is their choice. They will be held responsible for that at the end of the day. I have no capacity or justification to hate anybody because he is gay or she is lesbian. After all, am I a better human being simply because I’m not gay? Is sexuality the only standard by which men and women shall be judged? If I’m not gay but do not love my neighbour, does that make me a better human being? Is homosexuality the only thing God hates? Does God love lying, deceit, cheating, stealing, backbiting, treachery, pride, etc

Somehow, we have come to think that the worst thing possible in this life is homosexuality. As it is typical with us, we love rating one sin above the other. We think telling lies is better than homosexuality. So if you tell lies, as long as you are not gay, it is okay. We think adultery and fornication are okay, as long as you’re not gay. We think stealing public money, collection bribes and meting out injustice to the poor are okay as long as you’re not gay. You may find out that the same people who are spending day and night fighting homosexuality actually cheat on their wives and their husbands! The Bible also bans adultery! These people who specialise in corrupting university girls, buying them first-class tickets to Dubai and beyond, think they are better than homosexuals! These guys who pay themselves obscene allowances while the average Nigerian cannot afford a decent meal actually think they are better than homosexuals! Looting the commonwealth to the detriment of development is sheer wickedness.

housands of innocent Nigerians die every year in accidents because of the poor state of our roads. Every year, money is budgeted and pocketed. The schools are in a terrible state. The people who control the budget send their own children to schools abroad or the most expensive schools in Nigeria. Are these looters better than homosexuals?. Ore-Benin road has been a subject of public outcry for over 10 years. The Murtala Mohammed International Airport is an international embarrassment. The air conditioners don’t work.The toilets don’t have water. The conveyor belt is an apology. All these have been going on for years. Yet some people want to make me believe that homosexuality is our problem in Nigeria! Is it homosexuals that are collecting billions of naira everyday in “fake subsidy” payments while the masses it is meant to serve continue to wallow in want? Is it homosexuals that stalled the House of Representatives report on the probe of the power projects? Is it homosexuals that have been obstructing every attempt to probe the finances of NNPC over the years? Is it homosexuals that have left our hospitals in such pitiable state that people are dying like mosquitoes? Is it homosexuals have stalled the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which has the capacity to improve the performance of the oil industry to the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians? Is it homosexuals that are rigging elections and killing political opponents? Is it homosexuals that are ripping off Nigerians at the ports? Is it homosexuals that manipulate university admissions? Is it homosexuals that ruined the banking industry and the stock market, wiping out jobs and the investments of poor Nigerians?

I insist that our problem in Nigeria is far deeper than our leaders and rulers are ready to address. They are addressing the wrong problems. We always get our priority wrong. We major in the minor. The things that deserve urgent attention are of no significance to us; it is those things that add little or nothing to our progress that we concentrate all our efforts on. I long for the day those in government will lose their sleep over the state of our roads, over the state of the schools, over the state of the hospitals, over the state of electricity supply. It is for these reasons that I am not excited about the criminilisation of same-sex marriage. I hate the hypocrisy. I would suggest that the lawmakers also pass a law against adultery and greed.That could help, who knows?

A good development no doubt,if it turns out to be credible.At least better than UNILAG BREAD AND OAU PURE WATER

Less than one week after the convoy of the Kogi State Governor, Captain Idri Wada, was involved in an auto crash, which claimed the live of his ADC, the convoy of the state’s Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Mommoh Jimoh Lawal was also involved in an auto crash along the Okene - Lokoja Road Tuesday, leaving a police constable dead.

According to sources, the Speaker was returning from Okene when the police escort vehicle, a Toyota Hilux van , in which the Police Constable, Akeem Lamidi and others were travelling collided with a truck.

It was gathered that Lamidi, who hails from Erin Ile in Oyun local government area was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja for treatment, where he died the following morning.

http://www.naijapundit.com/news/kogi-speaker-in-fatal-accident-driver-dies-speaker-survives

ACCORDING to Crystal Davies, a language conservationist “Languages often hold the only record of a people’s history, including their songs, stories, and ancient traditions. In particular, many indigenous cultures contain a wealth of information about the local environment and its floral and faunal resources, based upon thousands of years of close interaction, experience, and problem-solving.

With the extinction of a language, therefore, mankind also loses access to local understanding of plants, animals, and ecosystems, some of which have important medicinal value, and many of which remain undocumented by science. Thus, the survival of threatened languages, and the indigenous knowledge contained within, is an important aspect of maintaining biological diversity.”

As a teacher in a school, in Lagos Nigeria, I once asked my class if anyone could name the various ethnic groups that make up Nigeria. James Green stood up before anyone could beat him to it. And with a sense of pride, he reeled out “Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba”. He was greeted with cheers from his mates. And with a sense of fulfillment, he sat.

When I asked which of those tribes he belonged, he thought for a while, rolled his eyes up and down, and replied with a tone of defeat “I don’t know sir”. How sad.

James belonged to the Okrika ethnic group in Rivers State, sadly enough, he didn’t even know this. He only understands and speaks English as his mother tongue, even his name ‘James Green’, contributed in further distancing his little mind from his cultural identity; his parents ofcourse failed to transmit to him, a clear cultural and linguistic identity, which is one of the fastest ways to kill a culture. In this way, Nigeria has lost a good number of her indigenous languages, and many more, according to the National Geographic Society, are on the brink of disappearance.

If the predictions by language conservationists are anything to go by, “Languages are now becoming extinct faster than birds, mammals, fish or plants. Of the estimated 7,000 unique languages spoken in the world today, nearly half are likely to disappear this century, with an average of one lost every two weeks.” It is most likely then that in less than 50 years from now, even some major Nigerian languages, if not encouraged, can become extinct, and lecturers in our Universities would have cause to excite their students with great lectures in a course on, say, ‘ancient’Igbo or “ancient” Yoruba languages, and of which they would speak thus , with nostalgia, ‘They once flourished in the distant past but have now become extinct’.

This is a disheartening possibility for anyone who cares about our indigenous languages, the history and unrecorded knowledge they carry within them.

There is a major reason why everyone should be concerned; the reason is in a new study by The Living Tongue Institute of Languages which shows that already about six Nigerian languages in Bauchi State alone have already gone into extinction and with them, their repositories of knowledge and history of the people.

Bauchi State in North East Nigeria is home to the once famous Yankari games reserve. It is also the home to over 60 ethnic groups—ethnic groups which most people, out of convenience or historical laziness, continue to lump together as Hausa-Fulani. Before the Jihad of 1804 and the subsequent conquest of that area, it was and is still peopled by among others the Hausa, Fulani Ajawa, Gamo-Ningi, Kubi and Mawa, Lere, Shau and Ziriya. Others include the Bure, Bole, Daza and Deno in Darazo Local Council Area. There is also the Dugiri, Dass, and Giiwo who are found in Alkaleri Local Council Area and so on.

These tribes flourished in their uniqueness, preserving their heritage, tradition, knowledge of medicine, folklore and their God given distinctiveness which were all embedded in their languages. They were part of the colours of the cultural rainbow with which the Creator decorated the world. However, the coming of the Jihadist, followed closely by the European colonialists changed all that. Soon the Hausa language became the language of commerce and administration, followed closely by the English Language which sought to upstage the Hausa language as an official language.

At the receiving end of this dual linguistic onslaught however, were the indigenous ethnic nationalities of the Bauchi area. Unfortunately, the indigenes themselves took things for granted and Hausa gradually replaced their indigenous languages, not just at the regional level, but also at the family level, soon, like a terminal disease, their second language began to eat away their mother tongue, with subtle but devastating effects; values which bore much weight in their original tongue was lost, proverbs and anecdotes through which high moral standard were sustained fizzled away, and like most Igbo speakers of today, the Bauchi tribes of “yester years” would have thought to themselves, ‘it doesn’t matter, so long as we can communicate’ .

By way of a gradual but grinding process, most of the 58 tribal and linguistic groups became subdued, while seven have completely lost their sense of unique identity, their languages, their culture and entire heritage. Seven language groups died a tragic death. The Living Tongue Institute of Languages (in 2007) in partnership with the National Geographic Society listed among the dead languages of the world, Ajawa, Gamo-Ningi, Kubi and Mawa, Lere, Shau and Ziriya, all in present day Bauchi state of Nigeria.

These tribes whose descendants still exist could now be likened to bats, an animal that is neither a bird nor a mammal- without any clear identity. Members of these tribes who appear to be totally absorbed into the Hausa group, now speak Hausa and English fluently, yet they are neither Hausas nor Britons. They know who they are not, but they are not certain who they are, because the proof of any distinct group identity lies in their language and culture, both of which members of these once vibrant ethnic groups have totally lost. It is indeed a great disaster for one not to know where he is coming from.

The fate that befell Ajawa, Gamo-Ningi, Kubi and Mawa, Lere, Shau and Ziriya is clearly staring other languages in the face, except the government and well meaning Nigerians wake up to their responsibilities. Except an attempt is made to reverse the decline in the use of mother tongue, even the so-called major languages may soon disappear. It is already happening gradually, particularly with the Igbo language. Igbo and Yoruba parents who would rather speak English and in some cases other languages to their children, at the detriment of their mother tongue, therefore denying their children the right to their heritage, must realize that they are not just doing a great dis service to their children but to humanity. This of course is not to suggest that children should not learn languages other than theirs. Professor Ngugi wa Thiong’o the author of “Weep Not Child” said: “ If you know all the languages of the world and you do know your language, that is enslavement, on the other hand, if you know your language and add all the other languages of the world, that is empowerment.”

•Greg. C. Ugbaja, a member of Subakwa Igbo, an Igbo language group, works for the International Centre for Journalist (ICFJ).

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=109255:yes-the-local-languages-are-in-trouble&catid=203:youth-speak&Itemid=730

Bishop Francis Oke’s article on the stone that builders rejected is very disturbing. The 1975-1982 spiritual awakening in Lagos and other parts of the country stimulated good behaviour among many of us who experienced conversion or what was commonly referred to as Born Again. The experience resulted in restitutions of past bad deeds. Many of us refunded stolen monies from our employers, confessed hidden crimes, embarked on restoring wives and husbands wrongly married, among other significant restitutions. This development led to soberness and regret for our past deeds that people tagged as those who weep when they pray.

The nation began to feel the positive impact and this led to many employers coming to recruit among us to fill vacant positions in their companies. This is the true life of a bible Christian, as written in the Book of Titus, Chapter 2:11-13.

In contrast, the life of the present day Christian is flashy as said by him, devoid of sobriety. During the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration, some Christians were to be probed by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on controversial import licence they obtained from the previous civilian regime. A Christian who worked for a five star hotel in Lagos stole from the hotel’s treasury and attributed it to a strange spirit always coming upon him in his Pentecostal Church. His leader only responded in a manner that calls to question the integrity of the present day Christians.

Many atrocities are daily being committed by these Christians living in affluence because conversion today is completely watered down. No more soberness. No wonder many corporate thieves and rogues are ordained as Christian leaders today. The Christian leaders have turned Christianity into money-churning institutions.

Have the Christian decision makers assisted government in providing jobs for the teeming Christians they are winning today, through counterpart funding, in collaboration with development banks in the country? Are the schools and universities they established through funds raised in the church, admitting the children of the poor among them, through deliberate scholarship schemes?

Bishop Oke says: “They have seen a few jets. They ain’t seeing nothing yet”.

In the Book of Acts of Apostles chapter 4:32-37, the early rich Christians who are genuine converts sold their possessions and helped the poor among them to start up in life. No wonder poverty was banished. There was no more poverty concern after this magnanimity. Rather, everyone was encouraged to work and not become busybody.

Bishop Oke can revisit the Bible and mobilise the rich Christian leaders and members to set up teams of business technocrats to float conglomerates with funds budgeted for more jets as counterpart funds with development banks like BOI, etc.

The Church can offer jobs through strategic interventions like this. Such conglomerates will be run by the Christian business technocrats with application of international best practices. No doubt, more revenue will flow back to the church. If more of such innovations dotted Christian space, joblessness would have been reduced significantly and then you can now invest in the acquisition of jets for evangelism and soul-winning worldwide.

• Adeola Elliott, Christ Freedom Gospel Mission, Ita-Oluwo, Ogijo, Ogun State.

http://ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=109159:christianity-and-true-worship&catid=77:letters&Itemid=613

Taking a cursory look at this thread:https://www.nairaland.com/1139332/nairaland-politics-section-hall-fame/7#13584967 with emphasis on the votes cast so far,I can safely conclude that the self styled Serving Overseer of Latter Rain Assembly,Pastor Tunde Bakare is coasting home to victory,without pre-empting the moderators and those who are yet to cast their votes.

However,below is my tribute to the man I refer to as as a multi-dimensional persona.Tunde Bakare,pastor,politician,lawyer,activist:

Tunde Bakare 58 IS A LAWYER AND PASTOR but he is standing out from the maddening crowd of lewd lawyers and prodigal pastors.He has shown exemplary courage and taken his courage on a road show.He and his group, the Save Nigeria Group, has touched the imagination of his fellow citizens by restoring their right to question and challenge inequitable government policies by unblocking their minds ,which have been weighed down by successive oppressive governments.

However,the consistency with which Bakare challenges the government to do what is right and lawful for the benefit of the Nigerian citizens often portrays as a man who is wont to cause controversy and set the society on fire.He is a man of courage.He has moved against the virulent forces.

When Gani Fawehinmi was alive,people accused the irrepressible human rights lawyer of the love of fame and publicity simply because he showed courage in confronting the establishment when occasions called for it,but he needed neither fame nor publicity because he had both already though his legal writings and publications.For Gani and Bakare,the show of courage is no scheme for advancement,it is no scheme to to humiliate others or to make life comfortable for themselves.For them,the show of courage seems to be a way of life.For real men of courage,fear is afraid of them.

Bakare,the Pastor of Latter Rain Assembly has shown the kind of courage exhibited by the Hebrew midwives,Shiphrah and Puah,who were instructed by the autocratic King Pharoah of Egypt to kill all boys as soon as they were born.The defied the King and let the boys live.Bakare’s courage can also be compared to that of Moses’s mother who hid her newly born son for three months and risked the anger of the King.Her courage saved her boy.

Bakare is the equivalent of the Good Samaritan.Some Pastors are Bad Samaritans,they are truth benders,they scavenge for money by hook or crook,their only desire is to build empires of filth and this vaulting ambition blinds them to the true essence of religion,blinds them from dispensing the gift of Good Samaritanism.At a time of depression,desperation sends people to all sort of places for placation but Bakare is one of the exceptional shepherds who worry about the well-being of their sheep whether the attend his church or not.That is why he would take up the fight for a better Nigeria.

Bakare is also a lawyer.Lawyers are partisan professionals.They are hired by one party,they speak for one party,they defend one party,the party that hires them.As a lawyer,he could have chosen to defend big,thieving multi-nationals who are ripping off poor widows and orphans but he did not.No one hired Bakare but he is defending Nigeria without a fee.That is the stuff of patriotism.

Bakare does not have the gift of flaming oratory.He says commonsensical things in a frank and direct manner.He doesn’t waste words,he just says what needs to be said but what he says touches the nerve because it is true.Truth is oratory.It needs no embellishment,no decoration,no dressing up.And it takes me of courage to say the truth,the inconvenient truth and to fight for its triumph.

A good Nigeria can only be built by courage.As J.M Barrie said “Courage is the thing.All goes if courage goes.”.Tunde Bakare,pastor,lawyer,activist is a man of great courage which is why NAIRALANDERS in my humble opinion has chosen him as winner of the POLITICS SECTION:HALL OF FAME 2012.

Taking a cursory look at this thread with emphasis on the votes cast so far,I can safely conclude that the self styled Serving Overseer of Latter Rain Assembly,Pastor Tunde Bakare is coasting home to victory,without pre-empting the moderators and those who are yet to cast their votes.

However,below is my tribute to the man I refer to as as a multi-dimensional persona.Tunde Bakare,pastor,politician,lawyer,activist:

Tunde Bakare 58 IS A LAWYER AND PASTOR but he is standing out from the maddening crowd of lewd lawyers and prodigal pastors.He has shown exemplary courage and taken his courage on a road show.He and his group, the Save Nigeria Group, has touched the imagination of his fellow citizens by restoring their right to question and challenge inequitable government policies by unblocking their minds ,which have been weighed down by successive oppressive governments.

However,the consistency with which Bakare challenges the government to do what is right and lawful for the benefit of the Nigerian citizens often portrays as a man who is wont to cause controversy and set the society on fire.He is a man of courage.He has moved against the virulent forces.

When Gani Fawehinmi was alive,people accused the irrepressible human rights lawyer of the love of fame and publicity simply because he showed courage in confronting the establishment when occasions called for it,but he needed neither fame nor publicity because he had both already though his legal writings and publications.For Gani and Bakare,the show of courage is no scheme for advancement,it is no scheme to to humiliate others or to make life comfortable for themselves.For them,the show of courage seems to be a way of life.For real men of courage,fear is afraid of them.

Bakare,the Pastor of Latter Rain Assembly has shown the kind of courage exhibited by the Hebrew midwives,Shiphrah and Puah,who were instructed by the autocratic King Pharoah of Egypt to kill all boys as soon as they were born.The defied the King and let the boys live.Bakare’s courage can also be compared to that of Moses’s mother who hid her newly born son for three months and risked the anger of the King.Her courage saved her boy.

Bakare is the equivalent of the Good Samaritan.Some Pastors are Bad Samaritans,they are truth benders,they scavenge for money by hook or crook,their only desire is to build empires of filth and this vaulting ambition blinds them to the true essence of religion,blinds them from dispensing the gift of Good Samaritanism.At a time of depression,desperation sends people to all sort of places for placation but Bakare is one of the exceptional shepherds who worry about the well-being of their sheep whether the attend his church or not.That is why he would take up the fight for a better Nigeria.

Bakare is also a lawyer.Lawyers are partisan professionals.They are hired by one party,they speak for one party,they defend one party,the party that hires them.As a lawyer,he could have chosen to defend big,thieving multi-nationals who are ripping off poor widows and orphans but he did not.No one hired Bakare but he is defending Nigeria without a fee.That is the stuff of patriotism.

Bakare does not have the gift of flaming oratory.He says commonsensical things in a frank and direct manner.He doesn’t waste words,he just says what needs to be said but what he says touches the nerve because it is true.Truth is oratory.It needs no embellishment,no decoration,no dressing up.And it takes me of courage to say the truth,the inconvenient truth and to fight for its triumph.

A good Nigeria can only be built by courage.As J.M Barrie said “Courage is the thing.All goes if courage goes.”.Tunde Bakare,pastor,lawyer,activist is a man of great courage which is why NAIRALANDERS in my humble opinion has chosen him as winner of the POLITICS SECTION:HALL OF FAME 2012.

I am waiting for Reuben Abati's response,I know he would in reply give it to Tinubu ,The O'sanle of Iragbiji more that what he bargained for.

Tinubu: Govt Failing People

Former Lagos State governor and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) national leader Bola Tinubu says President Goodluck Jonathan administration has disappointed many Nigerians because it has failed to deliver on many of its promises, particularly that of transforming their lives.

“This current administration rather than translating its touted transformation agenda into impactful performance has hastened the transformation of most Nigerians into poverty, into a world of unemployment and insecurity, “ Tinubu stated this yesterday in his Christmas message to Nigerians.

He said Nigerians survived the outgoing year through dint of handwork and courage than through the support of the government.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope and to continue in the spirit of Christmas to make the sacrifices necessary to make Nigeria better. He enjoined Christians to continue in steadfast prayers for Nigeria, noting that every good leader needs the support and prayers of the followers to succeed.

“Our faith will never let us down. We must trust in God and pray for a better country. When we pray, God will give Nigeria leaders that are capable, compassionate and committed.

“The situation our country is in today is both sad and unacceptable. We are as a people without a leader, a country with no trustworthy men at the helm of affairs and a nation lost at sea. Our leaders must commit to a better country, not tomorrow, but beginning now, today because time is not on our side and the continued patience of the people may no longer be guaranteed,” Tinubu said

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/news/tinubu-govt-failing-people/

The disturbing tendency for President Goodluck Jonathan to utter statements which amount to a virtual abdication of responsibility made an unwelcome reappearance at the 2012 Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where he announced that he had entrusted Nigeria to God’s care.

In addition, he reassured the congregation, comprising thousands of worshippers, public office-holders and prominent clerics that he would continue to ensure that his administration is transparent and expressed the conviction that the nation would overcome its challenges. He also attributed his victory at the 2011 elections to the RCCG’s respected General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and the support of the church’s teeming followers.

At first glance, it would seem that the President did not do anything out of the ordinary. National leaders routinely invoke the protection and blessings of God upon the countries they lead. Regular reassurances that a people will eventually overcome difficult times are a staple of committed governance in most participatory democracies. If the country in question is one in which strong religious beliefs are common, as is the case in Nigeria, the constant invocation of God’s name is certainly in order.

However, as is so often the case with President Jonathan, a virtue has become a vice. At the RCCG event, he appeared to have forgotten that while Nigerians fervently worship God, He was not on the ballot in 2011. The person they voted for was Goodluck Jonathan. The President did not remember that he made several promises on the campaign trail. He forgot that he swore a solemn oath to work for the upliftment of Nigeria and its people. Instead of taking responsibility for his extremely well-paid office, he sought to turn the burden of governing over to the Creator, while keeping the considerable perks of office for himself and his cronies.

Turning his presidential responsibilities over to God is only the latest in a continual stream of statements in which Jonathan has sought to dodge hard choices and avoid responsibility. When Abuja was bombed during the Independence Day celebrations of 2010, he claimed that terrorism was a global phenomenon and that it was now Nigeria’s turn to experience it. When the Boko Haram menace began to spread, he complained that the fundamentalist sect had infiltrated his government without giving any indication of what he was doing to resolve it. As disappointment with his policies became widespread, he told the nation in a recent media chat that he never promised to end poverty.

Far from reassuring a populace that is becoming increasingly sceptical about his capacity to lead, the President’s remarks at the RCCG convention simply increased growing doubts about his leadership. He spoke about a continuing commitment to transparency and to doing “what is right,” but has lamentably failed to demonstrate this commitment in practice.

Throughout 2012, a succession of scandals in pensions administration, the capital market and the oil subsidy programme provided Jonathan with golden opportunities to demonstrate his adherence to transparency, accountability and the rule of law. Instead of grasping them with both hands, he has shamefully failed to live up to expectation. As can now be seen, his main tactic is to deflect attention from the issues and play for time by setting up committees to investigate scandals, only to undermine them and thereby ensure that their findings are never implemented. It happened in the Dana crash report, the Lawan-Otedola subsidy bribe scandal, the privatisation of power stations and the Ribadu committee report.

To make matters worse, President Jonathan decided to turn a purely religious gathering into a political convention by his dubious references to the alleged support of Pastor Adeboye and the RCCG as a whole in his political campaign. Regardless of what he may think, neither Adeboye nor the RCCG is on record as having endorsed Jonathan’s presidential campaign; to imply that they did so is disingenuous and dishonest. His poor judgement is all the more amazing, given the tensions which currently characterise Nigeria as a multi-religious entity.

Such manipulations like this should serve as a warning to the nation’s religious leaders not to get too close to politicians, especially those holding public office. Such is their fixation on elections that they will use anybody whom they think can help them to achieve popularity. Nigeria’s clerics should follow the example of an individual like South Africa’s Bishop Desmond Tutu, whose commitment to political freedom and social justice was not tainted by any intimacy with those in power.

As for President Jonathan, he should realise that the citizenry is tired of promises, excuses, explanations and committees. He was elected in his own recognition to lead Nigeria to a brighter tomorrow of freedom and prosperity. It is time for him to start leading. God is a hard-working God and He has been playing His part in the country’s affairs; President Jonathan should play his.

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/editorial/goodluck-and-god/

A female Bowen University Student has been expelled for performing an oral intimacy(MouthAction) on another student. According to my source, the guy took pictures and video of their act doing the show.

The picture was said to have been stolen from the young man’s phone by his friends and it is being spread all over the internet.Shortly after, it reached the VC of Bowen University who in turn took necessary action.

Do you believe this is grounds for expulsion?

MY OPINION:This reminds me of the Hebrews in the Bible when they brought a woman to Jesus and said she was caught in the very act of committing adultery. We all know she couldn't have committed the act alone but where was the man? He was never accused of any wrongdoing. This act by the school authority is discriminatory even if the act were to be against the school's rules. Nobody has told us that the male student was also expelled. I think the lady should challenge the action as discriminatory.

Well, was there any rule and regulations, in the school with regard to such act?is this violation of law in the school or just a corruption of public morale?
Did the girl really violate that law?Was the offender sane when committing the act?Is it true that the girl did that act with her consent or will?Did the girl admit committing the act?Was her admission led to her confession?Was her confession voluntarily obtained?

Chinua Achebe

Pastor Tunde Bakare

Oh God may u save us from Namadi Sambo,for we are already use to GEJ cluelessness Sambo will be worse

One of the factors that encouraged my failed attempt at studying Medicine at the University is my passionate dislike for mathematics. I literarily can’t stand numbers and the magic that comes with mathematical procedures. But President Goodluck Jonathan in his infinite capacity for the miraculous sent me back to school for extra classes in Basic Arithmetic on Tuesday 11th December when I read a report that the President had made a request to the National Assembly for a Supplementary amount of N161 billion as fuel subsidy payment for the remaining three weeks in this year as, according to him, the original N881 billion budgeted for that purpose for the whole of the year had been exhausted.

Now, there is no reason to suspect our dear President of falsehood, but the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had on October 21 said the N888 billion allocated for subsidy payments in the 2012 budget should be enough to pay petroleum product importers and that government might not need supplementary appropriation for subsidy payments in 2012. So I thought maybe Mr. President had been misled, yet again, by his retinue of ineffective, over-paid aides into submitting a supplementary budget request for the wrong purpose, or maybe there was a typographic error on the request paper and Mr. Jonathan meant to ask for N16.1 billion, or N1.61 billion. Anyway, I brought out my calculator to crunch some numbers to see where lays the error.

Just so you know how big N161 billion is, at least in budgetary terms, consider how it compares to some selected allocations in the 2013 Budget Proposal presented by President Goodluck Jonathan to the National Assembly some weeks back:

The N161 billion for 3 weeks fuel subsidy is: almost twice the total allocation for Agriculture in 2013 (N81 billion times 2 = N162 billion); more than twice the total allocation for Power in 2013 (N74 billion times 2 = N148 billion); more than thrice the total allocation for Water Resources in 2013 (N47 billion times 3 = N141 billion); more than twice the capital allocation for Education in 2013 (N60 billion times 2 = N120 billion); almost thrice the capital allocation for Health in 2013 (N55 billion times 3 = N165 billion); more than the capital allocation for Works in 2013 (N151 billion); more than twice the total allocation for Niger Delta in 2013 (N63 billion times 2 = N126 billion).

The N161 billion for 3 weeks fuel subsidy is more than twice the Statutory Transfer for Universal Basic Education in 2013 (N72 billion times 2 = 144 billion); more than twice the Statutory Transfer for Niger-Delta Development Commission in 2013 (N57 billion times 2 = N114 billion), more than the Statutory Transfer for the National Assembly in 2013 (N150 billion). Indeed, the N161 billion for 3 weeks fuel subsidy is more than the sum total of the 2013 total allocation for Science and Technology (N31 billion), Mines and Steel (N13 billion), Environment (N21 billion), Lands and Housing (N24 billion); Aviation (N53 billion) (sum total = N141 billion).


Now that we know just how big the additional N161 billion Mr. President is asking for is, please follow me diligently as we go through the arithmetic of year 2012 fuel subsidy payments. Please note that some of the figures used here are approximates.


First let’s go through the basics:

There are 52 weeks in year 2012, out of which we have spent 49 weeks, with 3 weeks left.

So far, we have spent N881 billion on fuel subsidy for 49 weeks, which translates into about N18 billion per week, N2.6 billion per day, N107 million per hour, N1.8 million per minute.

According to Mr. President, we need an additional N161 billion to pay for fuel subsidy for the remaining 3 weeks in the year, which translates into about N53.7 billion per week, N7.7 billion per day, N319 million per hour, N5.3 million per minute.

How much is fuel subsidy?

On January 1st 2012 when the government of Goodluck Jonathan decided to completely remove subsidy on fuel, one litre of PMS sold for N141. After the OccupyNigeria nationwide protests and help from Labour Unions, government agreed to a partial subsidy regime, with PMS to sell for N97 per litre. This means that actual subsidy on one litre of PMS is N44 (N141 minus N97).


How much fuel can we subsidize with N881 billion?

How many litres of fuel can we subsidize with N881 billion at the rate of N44 subsidy per litre?

N881 billion divided by N44 = 20 billion litres.

So the federal government has used N881 billion to, benevolently, subsidize 20 billion litres of fuel between January and now, which puts consumption at 20 billion litres in 49 weeks, 408 million litres per week, N58 million litres per day, 2.5 million litres per hour.


How much fuel can we subsidize with N161 billion?

So how many litres of fuel can we subsidize with N161 billion at the rate of N44 subsidy per litre?

N161 billion divided by N44 = 3.7 billion litres.

So the federal government is going to use N161 billion to, benevolently, subsidize 3.7 billion litres of fuel between now and the end of the year, which puts projected consumption at 3.7 billion litres in 3 weeks, 1.2 billion litres per week, 174 million litres per day, 7.3 million litres per hour.

So government estimates that Nigerians are going to consume three times more fuel in the next three weeks than they did at any point during the past 49 weeks.


How much is fuel subsidy for the entire year?

If the National Assembly approves the N161 billion Fuel Subsidy Supplementary Budget request as made by Goodluck Jonathan, total amount spent on fuel subsidy in year 2012 would be:

Amount spent on fuel subsidy for 49 weeks (N881 billion) plus Amount to be spent on fuel subsidy for 3 weeks (N161 billion) = N1.042 trillion

N1.042 trillion spent on fuel subsidy in 52 weeks translates into about N20 billion per week, N2.85 billion per day, N119 million per hour, N2 million per minute.



How much fuel can we subsidize with N1.042 trillion?

So how many litres of fuel can we subsidize with N1.042 trillion at the rate of N44 subsidy per litre?

N1.042 trillion divided by N44 = 23.7 billion litres.

So the federal government is going to use N1.042 trillion to, benevolently, subsidize 23.7 billion litres of fuel for the whole of year 2012, which puts consumption at 23.7 billion litres in 52 weeks, 455 million litres per week, 65 million litres per day, 2.7 million litres per hour.


How much fuel do Nigerians actually consume per day?

The answer to this question depends on the source you consult. According to Mr. Enoch Kenawa, the Secretary of the Oil Marketers Association, it is 35 million litres per day; according to Mr. Reginald Stanley, the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Nigeria imports 59 million litres of fuel per day, but Nigerians only consume 35 million litres, while the remaining 24 million litres are unaccounted for; while the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation puts national daily consumption figures between 30 and 33 million litres.

So we can safely assume Nigerians consume 35 million litres of fuel per day, which translates into about 245 million litres per week and about 13 billion litres for the entire year.



Subsidy figures based on national daily consumption:

If Nigerians consume 35 million litres of fuel per day, and government pays a subsidy of N44 on each litre:

Subsidy payment per day: 35 million litres times N44 = N1.54 billion per day

Subsidy payment per week: 35 million litres times N44 times 7 = N10.8 billion

Subsidy payment for 3 weeks: 35 million litres times N44 times 7 times 3 = N32.3 billion

Subsidy payment for 49 weeks: 35 million litres times N44 times 7 times 49 = N528 billion

Subsidy payment for a year: 35 million litres times N44 times times 365 = N562 billion

* Please note that the combined daily fuel productions of Nigeria’s four refineries, which are not subsidized, were ignored in this calculation to avoid complications.

* Also note that fuel was not subsidized for the first 3 weeks of year 2012.


Summary:

The federal government claims to have spent N881 on fuel subsidy for the past 49 weeks when in fact that actual amount should be N528 billion

The federal government proposes to spend N161 billion on fuel subsidy for the next 3 weeks when the actual amount should be N32.3 billion

If request for supplementary fund is granted, the federal government would spend a total of N1.042 trillion on fuel subsidy in year 2012 when the actual amount should be just about half of that (N562 billion).

The difference between government’s claims and actual amount is: N480 billion. Haven taken you through the rigours of how big, in budgetary terms, N161 billion is, I won’t take you through that stress for N480 billion. But do note that N480 billion is almost 3 times N161 billion.

Every single day in year 2012, for all of the 365 days in the year, including public holidays, and Sabbaath days which God asked us to keep holy, Goodluck Jonathan is short-changing Nigerians to the tune of N1.3 billion. N1.3 billion disappears from the coffers of the nation, goes into the pockets of the croonies of the criminals in power, and someone somewhere writes on that monumnetal fraud: Fuel Subsidy!

Every single hour in year 2012, N55 million disappears under the government of Goodluck Jonathan. Mr. President has installed an Automated Looting Machine into the cashware of the nation’s finances., he called it Fuel Subsidy. The machine dispenses N55 million every hour, almost N1 million per minute, round the clock. And that machine is about to get really busy in the next three weeks, if the National Assembly rubberstamps that N161 billion request.

Mr. President has declared an end of the year bonanza for his friends, it would cost the nation N161 billion.

Closing:

In closing, I bring you the words of Mr. Enoch Kenawa, the Secretary of the Oil Marketers Association via the Punch, he said: “We have said it continuously in the past that the N888bn fuel subsidy budget for 2012 was inadequate but the finance minister has been proving stubborn and deceiving Nigerians that the amount would be enough. We have been in this business for a long time and we know what the trends are. I am happy that our position has been justified. We are calling on the National Assembly to quickly pass request of the President so that supply of products can increase. Once the money is approved, Nigerians are assured of a good holiday period to ensure adequate supply of fuel during Christmas.”

There, brethren, is the handwriting on the wall, in bold letters for all to see.

By Ogunyemi Bukola

One of the factors that encouraged my failed attempt at studying Medicine at the University is my passionate dislike for mathematics. I literarily can’t stand numbers and the magic that comes with mathematical procedures. But President Goodluck Jonathan in his infinite capacity for the miraculous sent me back to school for extra classes in Basic Arithmetic on Tuesday 11th December when I read a report that the President had made a request to the National Assembly for a Supplementary amount of N161 billion as fuel subsidy payment for the remaining three weeks in this year as, according to him, the original N881 billion budgeted for that purpose for the whole of the year had been exhausted.

Now, there is no reason to suspect our dear President of falsehood, but the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had on October 21 said the N888 billion allocated for subsidy payments in the 2012 budget should be enough to pay petroleum product importers and that government might not need supplementary appropriation for subsidy payments in 2012. So I thought maybe Mr. President had been misled, yet again, by his retinue of ineffective, over-paid aides into submitting a supplementary budget request for the wrong purpose, or maybe there was a typographic error on the request paper and Mr. Jonathan meant to ask for N16.1 billion, or N1.61 billion. Anyway, I brought out my calculator to crunch some numbers to see where lays the error.

Just so you know how big N161 billion is, at least in budgetary terms, consider how it compares to some selected allocations in the 2013 Budget Proposal presented by President Goodluck Jonathan to the National Assembly some weeks back:

The N161 billion for 3 weeks fuel subsidy is: almost twice the total allocation for Agriculture in 2013 (N81 billion times 2 = N162 billion); more than twice the total allocation for Power in 2013 (N74 billion times 2 = N148 billion); more than thrice the total allocation for Water Resources in 2013 (N47 billion times 3 = N141 billion); more than twice the capital allocation for Education in 2013 (N60 billion times 2 = N120 billion); almost thrice the capital allocation for Health in 2013 (N55 billion times 3 = N165 billion); more than the capital allocation for Works in 2013 (N151 billion); more than twice the total allocation for Niger Delta in 2013 (N63 billion times 2 = N126 billion).

The N161 billion for 3 weeks fuel subsidy is more than twice the Statutory Transfer for Universal Basic Education in 2013 (N72 billion times 2 = 144 billion); more than twice the Statutory Transfer for Niger-Delta Development Commission in 2013 (N57 billion times 2 = N114 billion), more than the Statutory Transfer for the National Assembly in 2013 (N150 billion). Indeed, the N161 billion for 3 weeks fuel subsidy is more than the sum total of the 2013 total allocation for Science and Technology (N31 billion), Mines and Steel (N13 billion), Environment (N21 billion), Lands and Housing (N24 billion); Aviation (N53 billion) (sum total = N141 billion).


Now that we know just how big the additional N161 billion Mr. President is asking for is, please follow me diligently as we go through the arithmetic of year 2012 fuel subsidy payments. Please note that some of the figures used here are approximates.


First let’s go through the basics:

There are 52 weeks in year 2012, out of which we have spent 49 weeks, with 3 weeks left.

So far, we have spent N881 billion on fuel subsidy for 49 weeks, which translates into about N18 billion per week, N2.6 billion per day, N107 million per hour, N1.8 million per minute.

According to Mr. President, we need an additional N161 billion to pay for fuel subsidy for the remaining 3 weeks in the year, which translates into about N53.7 billion per week, N7.7 billion per day, N319 million per hour, N5.3 million per minute.

How much is fuel subsidy?

On January 1st 2012 when the government of Goodluck Jonathan decided to completely remove subsidy on fuel, one litre of PMS sold for N141. After the OccupyNigeria nationwide protests and help from Labour Unions, government agreed to a partial subsidy regime, with PMS to sell for N97 per litre. This means that actual subsidy on one litre of PMS is N44 (N141 minus N97).


How much fuel can we subsidize with N881 billion?

How many litres of fuel can we subsidize with N881 billion at the rate of N44 subsidy per litre?

N881 billion divided by N44 = 20 billion litres.

So the federal government has used N881 billion to, benevolently, subsidize 20 billion litres of fuel between January and now, which puts consumption at 20 billion litres in 49 weeks, 408 million litres per week, N58 million litres per day, 2.5 million litres per hour.


How much fuel can we subsidize with N161 billion?

So how many litres of fuel can we subsidize with N161 billion at the rate of N44 subsidy per litre?

N161 billion divided by N44 = 3.7 billion litres.

So the federal government is going to use N161 billion to, benevolently, subsidize 3.7 billion litres of fuel between now and the end of the year, which puts projected consumption at 3.7 billion litres in 3 weeks, 1.2 billion litres per week, 174 million litres per day, 7.3 million litres per hour.

So government estimates that Nigerians are going to consume three times more fuel in the next three weeks than they did at any point during the past 49 weeks.


How much is fuel subsidy for the entire year?

If the National Assembly approves the N161 billion Fuel Subsidy Supplementary Budget request as made by Goodluck Jonathan, total amount spent on fuel subsidy in year 2012 would be:

Amount spent on fuel subsidy for 49 weeks (N881 billion) plus Amount to be spent on fuel subsidy for 3 weeks (N161 billion) = N1.042 trillion

N1.042 trillion spent on fuel subsidy in 52 weeks translates into about N20 billion per week, N2.85 billion per day, N119 million per hour, N2 million per minute.



How much fuel can we subsidize with N1.042 trillion?

So how many litres of fuel can we subsidize with N1.042 trillion at the rate of N44 subsidy per litre?

N1.042 trillion divided by N44 = 23.7 billion litres.

So the federal government is going to use N1.042 trillion to, benevolently, subsidize 23.7 billion litres of fuel for the whole of year 2012, which puts consumption at 23.7 billion litres in 52 weeks, 455 million litres per week, 65 million litres per day, 2.7 million litres per hour.


How much fuel do Nigerians actually consume per day?

The answer to this question depends on the source you consult. According to Mr. Enoch Kenawa, the Secretary of the Oil Marketers Association, it is 35 million litres per day; according to Mr. Reginald Stanley, the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Nigeria imports 59 million litres of fuel per day, but Nigerians only consume 35 million litres, while the remaining 24 million litres are unaccounted for; while the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation puts national daily consumption figures between 30 and 33 million litres.

So we can safely assume Nigerians consume 35 million litres of fuel per day, which translates into about 245 million litres per week and about 13 billion litres for the entire year.



Subsidy figures based on national daily consumption:

If Nigerians consume 35 million litres of fuel per day, and government pays a subsidy of N44 on each litre:

Subsidy payment per day: 35 million litres times N44 = N1.54 billion per day

Subsidy payment per week: 35 million litres times N44 times 7 = N10.8 billion

Subsidy payment for 3 weeks: 35 million litres times N44 times 7 times 3 = N32.3 billion

Subsidy payment for 49 weeks: 35 million litres times N44 times 7 times 49 = N528 billion

Subsidy payment for a year: 35 million litres times N44 times times 365 = N562 billion

* Please note that the combined daily fuel productions of Nigeria’s four refineries, which are not subsidized, were ignored in this calculation to avoid complications.

* Also note that fuel was not subsidized for the first 3 weeks of year 2012.


Summary:

The federal government claims to have spent N881 on fuel subsidy for the past 49 weeks when in fact that actual amount should be N528 billion

The federal government proposes to spend N161 billion on fuel subsidy for the next 3 weeks when the actual amount should be N32.3 billion

If request for supplementary fund is granted, the federal government would spend a total of N1.042 trillion on fuel subsidy in year 2012 when the actual amount should be just about half of that (N562 billion).

The difference between government’s claims and actual amount is: N480 billion. Haven taken you through the rigours of how big, in budgetary terms, N161 billion is, I won’t take you through that stress for N480 billion. But do note that N480 billion is almost 3 times N161 billion.

Every single day in year 2012, for all of the 365 days in the year, including public holidays, and Sabbaath days which God asked us to keep holy, Goodluck Jonathan is short-changing Nigerians to the tune of N1.3 billion. N1.3 billion disappears from the coffers of the nation, goes into the pockets of the croonies of the criminals in power, and someone somewhere writes on that monumnetal fraud: Fuel Subsidy!

Every single hour in year 2012, N55 million disappears under the government of Goodluck Jonathan. Mr. President has installed an Automated Looting Machine into the cashware of the nation’s finances., he called it Fuel Subsidy. The machine dispenses N55 million every hour, almost N1 million per minute, round the clock. And that machine is about to get really busy in the next three weeks, if the National Assembly rubberstamps that N161 billion request.

Mr. President has declared an end of the year bonanza for his friends, it would cost the nation N161 billion.

Closing:

In closing, I bring you the words of Mr. Enoch Kenawa, the Secretary of the Oil Marketers Association via the Punch, he said: “We have said it continuously in the past that the N888bn fuel subsidy budget for 2012 was inadequate but the finance minister has been proving stubborn and deceiving Nigerians that the amount would be enough. We have been in this business for a long time and we know what the trends are. I am happy that our position has been justified. We are calling on the National Assembly to quickly pass request of the President so that supply of products can increase. Once the money is approved, Nigerians are assured of a good holiday period to ensure adequate supply of fuel during Christmas.”

There, brethren, is the handwriting on the wall, in bold letters for all to see.

By Ogunyemi Bukola

President of the Sword of the Spirit International Ministries and the national vice president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has condemned the attack on clerics who own private jets in the country, just as he stated that such stand was uncalled for and that more jets from clergy were coming.

The bishop stated this in a release made available to Tribune Church. “We are being criticised for buying jets! But they forgot that before we started to buy jets, we were winning souls in thousands and millions, turning men and women from darkness to light. We were transforming lives, giving them beauty for ashes. We were empowering people, equipping them with the revelation knowledge of God’s word that lifts men out of the pit of poverty, to the pinnacle of grace and dominion! We were empowering the poor, not only giving them fish to eat but also teaching them how to fish. We were building schools that were giving quality education to the people, empowering them mentally to become prominent (these include those throwing stones at us now!). We were building universities. We were transforming our society, and changing our nation, one soul at a time,” he said.

Oke wondered what Nigeria would have been if not for the efforts of Pentecostalism in the country. “They have seen a few jets. They ain’t seen nothing yet! More of us will yet buy and maintain our jets, because, by the mercy of God, we have been given the wisdom to do so. And we are willing to teach the nation, if they will listen to us, rather than throw stones.

“However, our critics should know that the jets mean nothing to us! They are just tools to do the work that God has given us in a more effective manner. Or how can an Adeboye who has churches in over 160 nations of the earth cope with his pastoral and apostolic responsibilities without some private jets! He does not need just one. He needs some!

“How can an Ayo Oritsejafor, who has to minister around the globe, pastor a very large congregation in Warri, and still attend to critical national matters in Abuja, if he has to keep waiting at the airports, in a system where nothing is predictable? Our critics should, please, note that more of us are following the trail of the like of Adeboye, whose wealth and affluence has never stopped him from being a true shepherd of the poor and downtrodden, in true humility, simplicity and godly sincerity, a shining example of true Pentecostalism and Charismatic wisdom,” he said.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/business-package/2012-10-29-11-36-27/taxation/item/755-expect-more-jets-wale-oke-lashes-out-at-critics

The book is a fraud,at the very best, a work of fiction.I remember vividly back in early 90's,an investigation was launched by the PFN to ascertain its veracity,the outcome was that the book was written by a man who capitalised on the gullibilty of many to make some cash!

How Kidnappers Seized Nigeria Finance Minister Okonjo-Iweala’s Mother From The Palace

The kidnap of Professor Kamene Okonjo, the 82-year old mother of Nigeria's finance minister Ngozi okonjo-Iweala was executed by a group of daredevil kidnappers who disguised as palace guards while her husband was traveling in Abuja.

A man in police custody who allegedly led the kidnappers to Mrs. Okonjo's compound a few minutes before the incident took place was said to have informed the housemaid that he was in the palace to take the queen mother to somewhere in the town for a traditional event.

Other kidnappers numbering 10 were lurking around the palace until Mrs. Okonjo and her maid came down to offer refreshments to some men working to fix the palace gate.

Eyewitness accounts said that as soon as the woman stepped out of the main building, heading towards the gate, the kidnappers moved in from the gate, and pushed her into a waiting Volkswagen Golf car.

In a telephone chat, one of the palace chiefs, who requested anonymity, told our reporter that the abductors were armed to teeth, and that had taken hostage the workers at the gate who were fixing interlocking tiles in the palace, ordering them to lie face down.

“Immediately they saw our king’s wife, the Queen Mother who was coming towards the gate with her maid to serve the workers soft drinks, she was seized and thrown into a waiting Golf car while another car was parked outside”.

Another eyewitness further said: “One of kidnappers, bracing all odds, went upstairs to collect the Queen Mother’s handbag. Another maid who sighted the kidnapper upstairs hid herself in the kitchen.”
Professor Okonjo is a retired profesor of sociology at the University of Nigeria (UNN) Nsukka.

http://saharareporters.com/news-page/how-kidnappers-seized-nigeria-finance-minister-okonjo-iweala%E2%80%99s-mother-palace

I shudder at the values she wants to communicate with her reality show!