₦airaland Forum

It is difficult to say if oil is a curse or blessing to Nigeria. There is a term called RESOURCE CURSE. what it simply means is that most countries that are richly blessed with mineral reosurces are usually ranked as the poorest in the world. The paradox therefore is that the resources that are supposed to make these countries rich turns out to be the bane of the devt. of such countries.

Before oil became a great deal in Nigeria, people could work and earn honest living. There was a great belief in the dignity of labour. infrastructures were very good; there may have mbeen few roads, but they weren't death traps for the people. what is the use of having 1000 roads whose integrity are questionable and snuffs out life from citizens on a daily basis anyway?

The question is not how much we had in our foreign reserve then and how much we have now. the question should what is the quality of life of nigerians now vis-a-vis what was obtainable then? how does the amount in our foreign reserve reflect in the state of our tertiary institutions today? what about our health institutions? things are gradually falling apart and the center grappling seriously to hold them together.

Enough of the preambles. oil in itself is not a curse. it is the type of leadership we have had that is cursed and therefore made oil a curse to Nigeria. God in His wisdom gave the resource to us to be a blessing. However, rather than always blaming developed world and accusing them of trying to deceive us in order to take "our oil" let us begin to seriously think of how we can collectively reverse the resource curse and make oil the blessing God intended it to be. We can begin by stop being very insultive and try to be a bit matured in our analysis of issues on this forum rather than always picking on individuals whose opinions we don't agree with!

Shalom!

@ pilgrim 1

you have not read anything yet. Whenever anyone points out anything doctrine that seems unchristian in the CC, Catholics scream to the highest heavens of being attacked by Protestants. What most people (even Catholics) don't know is that even some of the proests are tired of the whole thing. I have a priest friend who told me "Petra if i had known this thing is like this, I would not have joined the priesthood". He continued "and i have an older brother who is also a priest, he did not tell me it was like this". I know you guys will be quick to want to think i am lying but i tell you on my honour that it is true. As he talked he cried. You know why? There is a constant contradiction within him between what he taught he was going into and what the reality is at the end of the day. I asked him why he still remained, he only said, "Petra, it is not as you think". This Priest is still a very good friend of mine and of my husband (we have not had a Church wedding yet though).

That is why when i hear all these "mass goers" screaming about attacks on their beliefs, i smile sadly cos they do not know what goes on in the caucus.

Let me quickly add that the CC is so organized (and if there is anything i like about the CC, it is the organization, almost impeccable, every detailed worked out and maintained for generations, i give that to the CC) that there are some things that are known only to the Church's hierarchy and these secrets, hmm! for you to hear them, then you must be within. Some Priests do not even know certain things about the CC. That is the truth let alone church goers.

Hey brethren,


For starters, let me quickly say that I believe that opinions should be personal therefore, people should not be criticised for holding a belief they hold dear. In the same vein, those who think what they have got is the best should not go about slandering other people's views about life. The implication of this opening paragraph is that i don't expect anyone to start calling for my head on this forum based on what i am going to say. They are my personal opinions and i believe that constitutionally and religiously I am entitled to my own thoughts and opinions.

Now to the topic in question. I will give a brief introduction about my knowledge of the topic so that after my post, some people will know that i am not ignorant of what i say. I was not born a catholic, but became a Catholic when I was 11, you could say  i was still a child but then i could distinguish between evil and good. As i write this, I have received the sacraments of baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. But i want to let you know that there are some Catholic doctrines that i consider very idolic and unbiblical. Take confession for instance: i don't go for confession because i see no reason why i would rely on a man like myself to pray for the forgiveness of my sins. If we still need to rely on men for forgiveness of our sins, then the sacrifice Jesus made for your sake and mine is become useless. When He was dying on the cros, the veil of the temple did not just rend into two for the fun of it. That incident is very symbolic. The rending of the veil means that Jesus has removed the barrier between God and His people. In the Old Testament, the veil demarcated the priests (who communed with God on behalf of the people) from the people. With the rending of the veil, we are free to go to God at whatever time, for whatever need we have. The Bible says that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of sonship so that we can boldly come into His presence and cry Abba father! So, why timidly go kneel before a man to say "Forgive me Father for i have sinned"? did i sin against him? besides, confession, like most Catholic doctrines, have become nothing but rituals. they don't take what they do seriously.

Bowing to images, worshipping images, adoring images, venerating images, whatever name you choose to give it, is WRONG! God is explicitly clear in the first of the ten commandments: don't even make for yourself any image, don't bow to any. Whether you call it God or His Mother or His Son, IT IS WRONG! Most doctrines we have in the Catholic Church are formulated by humans, mere humans. They are formulated in the Vatican Councils we have. The church is so rigid abou them that they have become nothing but dogmas!

Let me give you a scenario of when i introduced my husband to be then to some of my colleagues (by the way i work for the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria which is the Administrative organ of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; i know first hand all of the heinous atrocities committed in the Church, by men of the robes; i know first hand that the kind of politics that take place in Nigeria is child's play compared with what goes on in the church!) they asked me why i wanted to get married to a non Catholic and if i didn't know that the CC is the only true church and that is the only place where there is salvation. I was stunned. (of cos, before then i always knew about the obnoxious sixth commandment of the church. it states that Catholics should not marry non Catholics; however, in the event that there is a "mixed marriage" i.e marriage btw a Catholic and Non-C, the woman and the children that will come from the union will remain Catholics!). I simply told them that I am a Bible believing Christian and will only do what my Bible tells me to do not some supplementary rules laid down by men.

Praying the rosary in the name of asking Mary to pray to her son for as far as I'm concerned is total rubbish. The Bible tells me that the only way to the Father is through Jesus and that there is no other way. If there was, Jesus would have said it. Infact, Jesus Himself said whoever keeps my commandments and does the will of my Father in heaven is my mother and brother. so what are we not talking about! I pray that God will reveal himself to all of us.

I have stopped going to CC, not for anything but because there is no point worshipping with people whose beliefs i no longer share. I have stepped up in my spirituality. I have been there, i still work there, and i definitely know what i am talking about. May God have mercy on us all!

Hi Larry O,
Got this excerpt from Wikipedia. Will answer your question
El cuerpo del Deseo (The Body of Desire) is a Spanish-language telenovela produced by Telemundo and RTI Colombia. This limited-run series is about a man who comes back from the dead and discovers dark secrets about his beautiful ex-wife and daughter. It first aired in 2005 and was a smash hit on Telemundo.
Major characters
• Pedro Jose Donoso - a wealthy industrialist who, at 67, thinks he has everything he ever wanted. He has a gorgeous young wife, despite the age difference and opposition from his only daughter, Ángela.
• Salvador Cerinza - a farmer who lives a sad life with his stingy wife Cantalicia and their son Moncho. Then everything changes when he suffers a mysterious accident.
• Isabel Arroyo - a sensual, ambitious woman who loves her husband, Pedro Jose, at least on the surface.
• Andrés Corona - Pedro Jose’s right hand man and Isabel’s secret lover. Two-faced, astute and ruthless, he will do anything to take everything Pedro Jose owns.
• Ángela Donoso - the only daughter of Pedro Jose, who returns from abroad when she discovers his engagement to Isabel. She also has feelings for Andrés.


The direct translation of El Cuerpo del Deseo is "The body of desire". I guess it is called the second chance based on the plot. You know, Don Pedro is given a second chance to come to life and see what went wrong and how in the body of Salvador Cerrinza

you are welcome jare!

Galaxy TV shows their episodes on Mondays - Wednesdays @ 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm; while Gotel shows theirs on Saturdays & Sundays, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm and on Mondays 8 - 9 pm. Now this is how it is: G65 repeats what Galaxy shows on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on their own Channel on Saturdays and Sundays for the benefit of people like me who miss them due to traffice and late home coming. However, on Mondays, both G65 and Galaxy show fresh episodes with G65 ahead by 30 mins.

Hi Nairalanders!
There is this very interesting soap i stumbled upon on G65 saturday evening (was out of Lagos for a month and could not watch some of these channels we have in Lagos). It is a mexican soap titled Second chance. I got stuck the moment i started watching. Told it's been running for a month now. Could anyone who's been following kindly give a concise summary? Thanks.

By the way, it shows on G65 on Saturdays and Sundays 7:30 - 8:30 pm, Mondays 8 - 9 pm; and on Galaxy TV Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If i have 150m now and someone expects me to to have 1bn after eight years, then that person must be my arch enemy. Jeez! may God forgive all those who derive pleasure in never seeing anything good in Nigeria. Maybe Civil society organizations need to sensitize Nigerians to learn to appreciate whatever steps taken by our leaders that are good. You don't have to mind their political affiliations. Even NLC and ASUU are trying to give this Gentleman a chance! Haba, let us equally give him that chance. When i say "chance", i mean some quality time. We should realize that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown especially a Nigerian crown. Let us remember that Yar' Adua is human and therefore not infallible.

The man has shown beyond doubt that his intentions are good. Let us commend him to God for guidance and direction for the "heart of the king is in the hands of God and He turneth it withersoever He willeth".

@ funloving
are u a marriage counsellor or sometin? that was a great advice.

@ gbobalaid
please, take her on some of your trips. that way, you will be able to go about your business and still be with your wife. it may not be always but try to as much as you can. all the best!

i don't think i've ever come across a being - live or on the net - more confused than your statements always say of you! Why don't ever take time to read and digest other people's posts? The way u interpret and quote other people's opinions is the same way u read the Bible; in part, with a biased mind, closed up to learning; immature to take criticisms. As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is. He speaks it, and acts it.

I'm not surpised at u but at other misguided Christians who join you to say unprintable things about their faith. Well, i hope that soon they will come to terms with God so He can teach them what His Words say about Him. The Bible is not like any other book; you have to read the Bible with a spiritual eye and a heart filled with the Spirit, i mean the Holy Spirit which only Jesus sends as a Guide and Comforter to those who beleive in His most Holy Name. [color=#990000][/color]

@babs787
in my struggle to come to terms with what an ignorant fellow u have shown the world u are, i forgot to add that the statements above are for u. now am doing that. Just an advice: wake up from that deep slumber into which the devil has pushed you and see the truth while u still can. The hour cometh when u will want thatsame truth, but lo, i hope u will be able to complete that, at least!

i don't think i've ever come across a being - live or on the net - more confused than your statements always say of you! Why don't ever take time to read and digest other people's posts? The way u interpret and quote other people's opinions is the same way u read the Bible; in part, with a biased mind, closed up to learning; immature to take criticisms. As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is. He speaks it, and acts it.

I'm not surpised at u but at other misguided Christians who join you to say unprintable things about their faith. Well, i hope that soon they will come to terms with God so He can teach them what His Words say about Him. The Bible is not like any other book; you have to read the Bible with a spiritual eye and a heart filled with the Spirit, i mean the Holy Spirit which only Jesus sends as a Guide and Comforter to those who beleive in His most Holy Name.

@stimulus

You are a genius! a, proud to have you as a Christian brother. Keep it up and God bless

you see why i say u will never understand? ur quaran tells you that Jesus is the son of Maryam, no more. But am sure Maryam did not pick him up as an abandoned baby in the bush. So, we are back to square 1. Mary is the mother. Who is the father? Well, now to the education in which i can see you are in a dire need of (and to which by the way you which admitted to lacking) here are a few things for you (if you care to learn):

1. The Bible teaches that Jesus was born of Mary.
2. In Genesis man fell out of grace with God and an atonement was needed to restore man with God once and for all.
3. Jesus presented himself as this holy sacrifice. But he had to come as man to be sacrificed.
4. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit.
5. Joseph was the foster father of Jesus.
6. On various ocassion he refered to himself as the Son of God and refered to God as His Father. (I don't know what kind of Bible you guys claim to read).
i: John 2:16 "And saith unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.[/color] Please note that it is Jesus who said these things.
ii: John 3:18 "[color=#000099]He that believeth on Him (Jesus) is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God"

What more do we tell you? my Christian brothers are saying rubbish, ehn? You asked for it. Aint we very peaceful? We have not taken to the streets killing and maiming our muslim neighbours just because one of their own has decided to use his God given time to propagate calumnous things about other people's beliefs. Unlike some people that i know

You don't believe He is the Son of God, fine! Nobody is begging you to! But don't go formenting unnecessary trouble about it. Abi, why swallow panadol on another man's headache? Abeg o!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@ babyosisi
Speak on speaker!

tell them the truth if only they would listen!

In the beginning (before Adan was) was the Word (Jesus Christ), Bro! you will not understand. Finito!

What kind of senseless thread is this? can u please, compose yourself a bit better? Cause, i honestly don't know what u are talking about

Even if we try to educate you, you would not understand. So why bother ask? You guys have really become desperate about this thing! Your Quaran mentions Jesus Christ as Anabi Isa, whose son does it say he is? You are free to your belief; why bring up stupid, senseless questions that only tell how ignorant you are. You are entitled to your beliefs but learn to respect other people's and stop diturbing your brain with what is above and beyond your feeble mind. PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

You are free to shout till tomorrow. The fact remains that I have not even exposed anything. I have my notes if you care to know that I give to people like to read if they feel like knowing more about religion. I still at times update my knowledge from internet because thats what they are created for, so I see no reason why should contiinue barking like one being possessed.


@ babs787
i read with great interest all your arguments. never knew we had experts who can interprete the bible and who have even written articles about it. You should establish a Bible college where we would come learn from.   What beats me however is how one can claim 2 understand what he doesn't even know. My dear, the Bible is way beyond your comprehension because God reveals the meaning of its contents to whomever he chooses to and more importantly to those whose hearts are opened to know the truth and which to me you are obviously are not interested in. So, drop this discussion and stop grieving the Holy Spirit!

I'm sure by now you are close to bursting!  

Different strokes for diff folks. I have his and access his mails and even reply to very urgent, official ones on his behalf. there is nothing about our pasts which we do not know. what is in a relationship if there aint trust betw. the two people? note however, that you should know your spouse well to be able to do that. and that is why people should go out wit people with whom they share same values.

My sis, don't be intimidated! I will be your godmother!

I couldn't believe it when i saw it on the screen, but then i heard it! On News! Yes, Buhari, Atiku and others are calling for an interim government. This is the same Atiku that said he was fighting for Democracy! Where inthis world is interim government a component of Democracy? I had always known that Atiku was fighting OBJ for selfish, personal reasons. Good people of Nairaland, please, let's hear your views!

@b adconline

I am really sure you don't know what war does to a nation. don't pray for it, i beg you. besides, it is true utomi has contributed to business. i am sure ur verdict is based on the fact he has established a business school rite? now, let me ask u one question: how many people have gone or can afford to go throuh that school? utomi is a president an ideal nigeria would have, we are in a real nigeria. we have not gotten to the state of utopia yet.

Well, while nothing is impossible, genny comparing nollywood to hollywood is sickening. soon she will say she is better than all hollywood actresses. she just xhibited the trait of one with a complex. abeg don't ask me if it is superior or inferior. i no know.

but seriously most nigerian movies are total rubbish what with churning out movies every week with the same actors and actresses. abegi!

@ agnesoseka
your name sounds like you're from Ogori. Am i right?

i hope you all will overlook the numerous mistakes in my contribution and get the message.

The elections have come and gone but of cos their echoes will continue to linger for longer than most right thinking Nigerians would expect. It is amazing when one hears what Nigerians are thinking and asking for: believe it or not, most people, even those I used to look upto in my place of work, are asking for civil war or military take over. That to me is the height of stupidity on their part. Of all the people that lost their lives during these past elections, i have not heard of any who is even remotely related to any of the contestants. So, who wants to fight the war? What do we stand to gain from military government?

Now wait any minute, while it is true that the elections were massive rigged in favour of pdp, i still believe that he who comes to equity must do so with clean hands! can anyone tell who had the wherewithal to rig and chose not to?

All i said and done, i will continue to maintain my stand that I prefer Yar'Adua to either Buhari or Atiku anyday, anytime. Besides, who knows what a fanatic like Buhari would do should he become president of Nigeria. He could just bring Osama Bin Laden (if he is still alive) or one of his disciples to Nigeria to come train all those almjiris in the north in preparation for a jihad! i don't want to imagine further what it would be like to have Buhari as my president. ENOUGH!!!!!

Fellow nairalanders, i think for once Nigerians should accept the results of the polls and the emergence of Umaru Musa Yar' Adua in good faith. The electoral process was flawed in many ways no doubt. But then, i know a lot of you agree that he is the best man for the job. In the interest of peace, development and sustainability of our very fragile democracy, let us think of how to forge ahead inspite of the numerous social problems we have rather than always joining some very selfish politicians to run down Nigeria by asking for the cancellation of the entire exercise.

One thing that has not ceased to beat my imagination is why people will fight with all they've got to ensure the death of the third term and yet be calling for the cancellation of the elections which can only lead to either the continuation of this present administration or installation of an interim government. Can Nigerians begin to learn to think straight? Pleaaaaaaaaaaaase!

Hey nairalanders!

Let's be hopeful and trust in God. He sure makes everything beautiful in His time. And the time has come to beautify our lives with that NLNG job.

Why not! my fiance is my best friend and i bet you he brags to his friends about what an open a friend i am. I will not hesitate to tell him. If a man with whom i am supposed to spend the rest of my life with does not understand that a situation such as getting raped was not my fault, then he's not worth sharing in my life. Thank God, it is just an engagement ring he has given. I will simply remove it and give back to him. Finito!

BIG congrats to u! i am really happy for you and i know that God who did urs will surely remember all of us. He is indeed a mighty God! Congrats again.