African parenting culture, doesn't exactly seem to be bosom friends with the feminine gender.

A girl child in Africa, is widely considered a future property of her potential suitor, so the need to prepare her (at least marketable enough) for marriage, becomes inherent!

Let's tarry a bit on gender responsibility, as required by the average African society.


A man is often regarded as the sole administrator of the home, who's revered and religiously served by his wife. Little wonder, he's saddled with the huge responsibility of providing satisfactorily for his household (whether in a financially favorable time, or a toxic economy).


On the other hand, the traditionally female line of work for women in many parts of Africa, cuts across:
• Acquiring a reasonable level of formal education
• Committing wholly to the hunt for a husband (either physically/spiritually)
• Speedily bearing his children
• Raising the kids, and promptly attending to the scary heap of domestic chores all in quick succession, in a way that's unarguably considered 'hard-working and efficient!'

Any other duty performed by an African woman (such as pursuing a career or nursing a day job) is perceived as complimentary or surplus to requirements (depending on the rationality of her husband).


Meeting up with these huge marital demands to prove to society that a female is capable and 'marriageable', requires quite a rigorous parental upbringing. Any doubts to the length an African parent can go towards achieving this?


Gender slavery is first learned at home, before it undergoes transition into marriage. A female is constantly reminded of her future wifely roles of serving her husband, so no trait of 'laziness' is tolerated by her parents, as she's regularly yanked off the bed (earlier than normal), while the males are permitted to get some more sleeping time.


A female is intensely taught to multitask heavily with chores, while males are mostly excused. The females are motivated with statements like: "You have to learn to do all of these as a woman, so you can be useful in your husband's house!" Really
I guess, this has prompted a high demand for the very few males who can come correct on a meal they prepared themselves!


African parents, absolutely require a new wave of enlightenment against gender discrimination. There's a lot more to a female, than solely being of sexual/domestic service to her husband.


The male and female, should be trained accordingly, and incorporated into domestic chores, such that, both are accustomed to lending a helping hand, and it doesn't turn out weird when an 'African Married Man' decides to take out the thrash and wipe the dishes regardless of who's watching, while his wife changes the baby's diaper (which by the way, stinks to the high heavens!)

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

By Nimi Princewill


The discomfort that came with the 'immediate past' recession, crash in oil prices and the dwindling generosity of the federal purse, has provided leverage for most state governors to under-achieve and get away smoothly with it!


A little glance at the Nigerian economy, leaves one bewildered with deep concerns like: How do Nigerians survive? What really are their survival techniques in a malicious economy that suffocates the growth of a meager minimum wage, yet continuously witness a scary rise in the prices of essential commodities? Isn't it quite a mystery? Or could it be sheer faith...?


Following the speculative report which suggests that a huge number of states in Nigeria are currently owing salaries, a few other states honorable enough to keep up with payments, are celebrating their 'heroic strides' in granting workers what is due them!


One can't seem to have a sycophant-free leisure time on television, without getting pissed at some henchman to a state governor, who keeps reiterating on the governor's supposed achievements (based on his fictional plans on paper), and how magnanimous his administration has been in paying workers' salaries while the neighboring states aren't.


Payment of workers' salaries, is not an achievement of government! Every worker deserves his pay! It is the right of the worker and not a generous act of political kindness from the government. It's a shame, some state governors now equate their efficiency in office with payment of salaries.


While some state governments unrepentantly continue to owe workers, a few others, have primarily decided to center their administration goals and achievements on payment of salaries (in preparation for the next polls maybe..)


After all, it's a common rumor that gubernatorial elections for incumbents, are first won at the civil service.


I tweet @princewill_nimi

Email: princewill.nimi@yahoo.com

The "Good News" as presented by our smooth-talking, modestly dressed and frequent unexpected guests- The Jehovah's Witnesses, who by the way, always tend to show up at the wrong time, isn't as particularly exciting as it sounds.


Asides the willingness of Witnesses, who are always equipped with materials to engage you in either brief or extensive debates (depending on your energy level and willpower for the day) in defense of their claim as the only "true religion" while others are viewed as "demonically inspired" (which could piss you off a little if you have no chill), there's a lot more to this interesting religious splinter cell.


The Jehovah's Witnesses, are fondly notable for their numerous seclusion from certain conventional practices. In other words, they aren't your regular everyday Christians!


The disregard for patriotism and the slim recognition of 'earthly' political authority by Jehovah's Witnesses, know no bounds!


In line with their belief system that indicts the government of this world as being under the control of Satan, which they believe will eventually be destroyed by Jehovah (God) in the very near future; voting in elections, celebrating birthdays, observing national celebrations or simply reciting the national anthem according to them, doesn't align with Jehovah's will for us. Joining the army in defense of one's country, is also highly forbidden of Witnesses!


Isn't it slightly awkward, trying so hard to make sense of their non-negotiable stand on the issue of donating, storing or transfusion of blood, even in moments of emergency? "I'd rather die on the hospital bed accepting God's will, than consent to an unbiblical blood transfusion" a Witness recently boasted to me.


Witnesses on the lower rung of the food chain, aren't allowed to grow a contrary opinion on their rigid doctrines. Excessive inquiry and a different biblical point of view, could put a Witness at risk of being banished or dismembered from the group, which is also accompanied by a restrictive order to members to discontinue further interaction with the 'demon possessed' expelled victim, even if they were family!


Aren't the Jehovah's Witnesses extremists of some sort?


I guess, this is the point where the pulse of any Jehovah's Witness reading this, would be vibrating with the urge to hurriedly put me in the 'right perspective' with their famous portion of the Bible which remind Christians not to conform to, or take part in the things of this world.


Witnesses have no legitimate recognition of 'wordly authority', yet they persuasively seek to appeal the ban imposed on them by the Russian government, at the wordly court which is supposedly controlled by Satan, and presided over by a wordly judge who's a wordly non-Witness! Funny how things work out...


While I do not subscribe to vindictive policies levied against Jehovah's Witnesses anywhere in the world, I think it's almost certain that although they dwell among us, Witnesses don't belong with us in this current existing world (whether as citizens or co-Christians), and no one can really blame the shrewd Russian government for having a temper towards them.


Twitter: @princewill_nimi

The irreconcilable catfight between modern civilization and some basic tenets of the Bible, continues to degenerate in different dimensions. One of which, includes: Choosing the most appropriate method of parental discipline.


Sequel to the heightened attention human/child rights receive globally (well, at least in countries of advanced civilization), people of divergent opinions- Atheists, ex-Christians, liberal and non-committal Christians, and many other categories of freethinkers, consider it a failure and large indiscretion on the part of the Bible, to suggest the use of the "rod" in enforcing discipline on a child.


The Bible, as accused by it's critics, create the 'negative impression' that efficient parental love and discipline, can only be effectively shown through hitting children with rods, as instructed in the following scriptures:


"Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them."
Proverbs 13:24 NIV


"13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. 14 Punish them with the rod and save them from death."
Proverbs 23:13-14 NIV


"Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of correction will drive it far from him."
Proverbs 22:15 NKJV


"Discipline your child while there is hope, but don't get so angry that you kill him!"
Proverbs 19:18 CJB



Adding gas to the fire, Bible critics further indict the legitimacy of the Bible in giving parental advice, when the God it projects, seem quite driven by a rather weird thirst for blood: when He first demanded the sacrifice of Abraham's son, before having a change of heart, and at a later time, sacrificed His own- only begotten son!

Quite a crowd-pleasing girl fight, isn't it?


While the Bible from the above scriptures, encourages the use of corporal punishment (with love) as an effective method of modifying a child's behavior, it doesn't necessarily promote abusive parenting!


Modern civilization on the other hand, places an embargo on any form of corporal punishment given to children, substituting it with other disciplinary measures that doesn't involve physical pain.


Attempting to analyze which of the conflicting methods will yield a better result in child discipline, could eventually turn out to be an effort in futility, as both methods carry alongside their productive and counterproductive baggage.


It's important to note that there's a thin line between corporal punishment and torture.


The intention of correcting a child with the "rod" as suggested by the Bible, quite all right, deals with disciplining a child with the infliction of a measure of pain, but absolutely not such that warrants physical injuries! This is done through caning a child on the palm or buttocks with a wooden cane, or most recently, as improvised- with a belt, when series of verbal warnings have been ignored.


Although, the biblical method of discipline has proven to be very efficient in some homes and societies (especially in Africa) which I'm quite a huge beneficiary of, the big question remains:

How do we determine an objective measure of pain, that is commensurate with a child's offense? Not also forgetting the fact that some parents could be extremely driven by anger, which sometimes, make it difficult to differentiate punishment from abuse.


On the path of modern civilization, condemning the use of the "rod" (or to be politically correct), tagging corrective measures like- spanking, caning, whipping and so on, as forms of child abuse, isn't exactly incorrect!
A lot of dangers, as well as the possible side effects resulting from corporal punishment gone wrong, can be averted.

But...


A child growing up without the consciousness or fear of the possibility of being physically punished for wrongdoing, may hardly come correct on his or her morals/attitudes, and may likely undergo transition into adulthood with such deep flaws in character.


Perhaps, the absence of corporal punishment for derailing children (as rumored), can be considered a major contributing factor for the widely perceived extreme moral decay and child rebellion, supposedly exhibited in most civilized countries.


The biblical and civilized forms of child-rearing, may continue to run on parallel lines, as both methods can either actualize or sabotage their original intentions. Hence, the application of these methods, will always differ between societies and the individual discretion of parents.

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The Christian Easter festivities have hurriedly come and gone, but one name has remarkably stayed stuck on the lips of a large portion of Christians. As often the case every year, this mysterious name continues to grow even more popular than the celebrated occasion.


Judas Iscariot: A name notoriously synonymous with greed, betrayal and treason. A name heavily loathed by children, despised by adults and provides every preacher with a great point of reference to knock a sermon into shape, and get a sober audience nodding along. A name famous for the romantic public display of affection, which led to the vulnerable timely death of the guiltless Son of God.


A lot of Christians, continue to blackmail Judas Iscariot as the enemy, denying him of his rightful heroic street credibility!


The death and resurrection of Jesus as understood from the Bible, was already predestined to happen with a disciple of Jesus, setting the process into motion. Someone among the twelve disciples, had to do the dirty work! It was unfortunate, but quite heroic for Judas to be singled out by his heavenly recruiters to fit the job description.


The mountainous role played by Judas Iscariot in delivering his master into the hands of his captors (as widely condemned), laid the foundation in giving the Gospel a worldwide facelift, through the death and resurrection of Christ. If Judas hadn't done it, someone else would have stepped in on the job, and will just like Judas, suffer a posthumous tarnished reputation!

How else was Jesus meant to be captured? Any of you blackmailers got an idea?


Why doesn't the name 'Judas' align with contemporary birth names for male children?


Judas Iscariot, had his personal flaws like every other Christian did and currently do.


Paul (while as Saul) slaughtered an outrageous number of Christians. David, likewise his promiscuous son Solomon, was a man LovePeddler! Thomas, was recorded as a doubter and a man of great deficiency in faith. Peter, consciously denied Jesus three consecutive times (as was part of his destiny), and many others.


Christians forgave these men of despicable character and continued over the years to christen their kids after them, but just wouldn't do the same for a remorseful Judas Iscariot, who went as far as taking his own life in remorse for a crime he was already predestined to commit!


Aren't we as Christians, in a way possibly unknown to us, bias and plainly sentimental?


Judas Iscariot, deserves a lot more respect from the Christian community. As a matter of fact, in solidarity to this great heroic biblical figure, one of my boys will bear 'Judas' as a middle name when he arrives in the nearest future!

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

Why Every President Is Mysteriously Hated!




Over the years, it's been more or less, a traditional ritual for an incoming president to enjoy a rite of passage into power as a crowd pleaser.


Sadly, maintaining such romantic connection with the crowd after a little drive off the garage, seem to be a slight misfortune, as they suddenly tend to pick up the pace on the mockery and hate that follows up quite shortly!


Perhaps, it's safe to say- the same people who make a president popular, can as well turnaround to make him scandalously unpopular!


While you nod along in agreement, reiterating in your mind why a president deserves a regular backlash for his 'numerous' inadequacies, when do we come to realize we've been going round in circles with every administration?


We tend to breed so much hate and disgust for an outgoing president we once voted (who according to our impeccable ratings, have done the abominable), then we embrace a new president we likewise voted into power, only to hate on him in a similar fashion and draw a countdown for his exit, hoping for a better one to come by at the next polls!

I worriedly ask...

Are all presidents atrocious and insensitive, yet we chose them anyway?

Will the bulk of citizens ever find a president good enough for them?


I then realized, politics go much deeper than the loud cheers and applauses roared at electioneering campaigns from the majority of people who seem to approve.


It is the mystery of running the lives of millions of people who don't really care much about having a great country, but bother more on having a great home!

The moment the GDP can't be tangibly reflected any sooner in their lives on an individual basis, however thoughtful your ideas/policies are on paper, or how charming your smile is on camera, you become a clueless, ugly and corrupt monster from the woods!


Doesn't it feel a bit strange, how the same people who tarried and labored to win long arguments on behalf of a presidential candidate at barbershops and other public hangouts, before heaping large votes on him in trust of his goals and campaign promises, could suddenly swirl in disagreement of the same goals, or his methods of pursuing them?


Every policy, travels on a two-way street. While it gets accommodated by a few, it pisses a lot more off!

That's aside the discontent of a rival political party, who strategically oppose the president's methods, in order to continuously dim the lights of his 'street cred'.


Presidents are sometimes hated for no fault of theirs, although their unorthodox policies, alleged corrupt practices and high-handedness in certain cases, could give the citizens a sudden hankering for their blood!

They are no magicians to swiftly overturn the misfortunes of the people in a split second. Neither can they satisfactorily meet up with every expectation, or sort out the individual needs of every citizen. They can only do the best they can within a time frame and allow the work in progress be inherited by a different administration.


On the other hand, no one can blame the citizens for having several demands or growing a high expectation of their leaders who speak like magicians during election campaigns.


As a result, citizens may continue to be disappointed with every president's political inadequacy and the presidents alongside, will continue to lounge in the flattering quantity of hatred they enjoy!


Twitter: @princewill_nimi

However minor, severe or abominable, almost everybody commits crime!

The adorable part is, not everybody gets caught! Likewise, not everyone who gets caught, gets convicted.

The law is a shrewd old busy woman who's got her hands full everyday, so she bothers very little about the truth. The 'truth' according to her job description, is the assembling of "factual evidence" which although may be crafted in falsehood, can also be proven beyond all reasonable doubt!


Doesn't it feel a bit awkward, how one could be innocent but extremely guilty at the same time? Those sincere teary eyes of innocence, won't do any good in front of a jury (if your savings for the 'rainy day' cannot afford quality legal counsel) when you're caught at the wrong place at the wrong time, with the wrong people!


Isn't it pleasing and quite amusing, to watch notable law offenders (famous for crimes they hold enviable expertise in) roam wild and free, for lack of evidence required in granting them long sabbaticals in jail?

Are such individuals criminals? I'd say yes. In the "eyes of the law?" Absolutely not!


The law isn't as squeaky clean as we presume it to be. So, if we're looking to find true elements of fairness and equality, perhaps we missed the bus and it isn't coming back!


There are more 'innocent' criminals roaming free, than there are, doing time in jail. Well, of course "everyone is innocent in the eyes of the law, until proven guilty" (either through authentic or falsified evidence).


What do you believe will be the fate of an accused person, who cannot hire an attorney and the same state leading his or her prosecution, generously volunteers to provide one?

Are they ensuring such individual gets "fair trial" because they really care? Are they that romantic? Your guess is as good as mine!


Innocence is usually a hard experiment to prove, but arguing in court with deep pockets and a clever attorney, is surely a good way to start!

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

By Nimi Princewill



Wife hunting, has interestingly been modified from a romantic craving, into a more complex form of informal recruitment.

Candidates who scale through the first series of selection (from episodes of friendship, casual dating and even hookups) are ushered into the next round, with the accompanying tag name- "Wife Material." This is often the most crucial stage, as these 'Wife Materials' are thoroughly expected to come correct on their best behaviour!


At this deciding stage, a lady (the wife material) is bound to undergo a secret vetting process from her suitor's family, close friends and sometimes, nosy neighbors and colleagues, to ascertain how befitting she is of the 'wife' title.

Not also forgetting the likelihood of an unpredictable prophecy that could swing either ways, from a clergyman whose 'divine opinion' may possibly be consulted (if they are on the Christian side), to seek "God's permission" on whether to carry on with the affair or stall proceedings if eventually, God's mind is presumably read, and the couple "aren't divinely designed for each other!"


A lot of marriages have been birthed through this thorough recruitment process, yet we can't seem to catch a break from the never-ending tales of separation/divorce! So, how about we pay little credence to people's approval of our choices and stick to whom our hearts feel comfortable with?


The true character of an average 'Wife Material' could be perceived in so many misjudged ways by her secret observers. Probably:

• Her slight indiscretion in maintaining a solid first impression with her partner's family/friends

• Her unwavering confidence and outspoken nature (which could be regarded as arrogance and an evident consequence of tacky home training)

• Her less-fanatic interest in religion (which could automatically project her as a foreseeable 'angel of darkness' to a clergy)

• Her elegant fashion sense (which exposes her 'lack of prudence and extreme materialism')

• Her inability to conceal displeasure over her partner's disrespectful relative (which proves her 'future prospects of breaking the family bond, if married into the home')

• Her disapproval of her partner's overindulgence with his friends (which ultimately portrays her as being overly possessive!)


Your personal depth of conviction on your ideal choice of partner, is all that counts for something! She may treat others 'bad' (in their own understanding of her), but if she treats you right, then that's a good choice for a wife! Her approval rating from your family/friends may be insufficient, but if your heart agrees otherwise, stick with her!


Every woman has got both her attractive and unpleasant side. If people or even a clergy, happens to see just her bad side, it now totally depends on what you see! If what you see in her is pleasant and you're convinced you can handle the unpleasant half, then you've found yourself a great wife!


We aren't perfect ourselves. The 'Wife Material' with a good and bad side, also has a tasking job of accommodating our messy excesses as well. Just follow your heart, your mind and your soul (if they're any different!)

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

The internet has programmed itself, into a non-degree awarding college of diverse knowledge, where almost everyone suddenly runs to for a quick fix on how to polish what's left of their relationship, or dust dwindling emotions off, without necessarily having to endure long hours of exhaustive classroom lectures.


The internet is saturated with so much misconception, through the assumed 'conventional standards' it believes every relationship must meet up with, for it to be considered ideal and not toxic.


So, it begins to proffer solutions... "5 Reasons Why He Or She Is Not Right For You", "10 Things You Shouldn't Do For Your Partner No Matter How Much You Love Him/Her", "4 Warning Signs Your Relationship Is On The Brink of Collapse", "11 Accurate Signs To Know If Your Partner Is Cheating" and many others.


Some online dating articles, advice women (including the married ones) to keep an open mind in their relationship, as it is considered healthy to maintain a crush on other men they possibly find attractive. Some others, advice people to walkout on their relationship if they mostly quarrel and argue with their partner (which according to them, is a glaring sign they don't belong together), or if both partners don't seem to share similar interests and aspirations.


Isn't it funny how some commenters on these articles, who possibly endure 'toxic relationships' at home, will advice other people to quit theirs? It's important to note, that while online dating advice can be helpful to some, it could ruin others who haven't put in much work in trying to understand the 'love language' of their partner (which could be extremely different from theirs), or haven't exhausted all available options in reconciliation and vital communication.


You don't really need an online article to validate whether you're doing it right or wrong in your relationship. The quality of love you give and the feedback you receive, provides all the information you require!


On the other hand, if you put in so much love but receive a scarcely positive feedback in return, you're required to invest a lot more love, by consistently giving a healthy series of nag-free communication a shot! A therapist will tell you the same (perhaps in a different language), but of course, at the expense of a little pocket money, which I'm sure you want to hold back in the purse!


Relationships vary, and likewise the love language of the people involved. What works for another, may profit little to you and what ruins your affair, may seem exaggerated to another. Pay more attention to your relationship and recline a bit from getting series of dating advice online. What's good for the goose, may not always be as good for the gander!

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

By Nimi Princewill


Top of the wish list of most 'expecting' first-time mums, as required or demanded by their husbands, extended family or society (whether verbally requested or emotionally concealed), is primarily centered on the divine prospects of birthing a male child.

However, the eventual arrival of a female child, in some cases, don't turn out as glorifying as it would, if it were on the reverse. This situation (depending on the environment/culture), could be anything but pleasant for women who've accumulated more female children for themselves, in their series of consistent attempts for a male.

Enlightening people around the world (including those of advanced civilization) against the awkward discriminatory preference of the male child over the female, could supposedly seem a lot like 'preaching to the choir,' as they logically shouldn't be the target audience.

Well, on the contrary, (before we unfairly slay what's insufficiently left of Africa's reputation, and likewise the rest of the Third World), I realized quite amazingly, that male child preference isn't entirely a Third World practice. Our neighbors of 'higher' civilization, carry out similar practice as well!

The generous assistance provided by ultrasound in predicting sexes, have paved the way for gender-selective abortions, which is gradually evolving into a widely acceptable trend, as witnessed in some countries in Eastern Europe and India. 'Word on the street' has it that gender-selective abortions, also flourish in the United States, although not fully ascertained.

That is a foot away from the neglect, abandonment and sometimes, killing of female children shortly after birth, in some astonishingly popular Asian countries. Currently in Africa (Nigeria and a couple others), a woman with too many female children or perhaps unable to birth a male child, could possibly lose her husband to another woman, who's competent in the 'art' of providing one.

I'll absolutely not dignify this segregative practice, by dabbling into the politics of why a boy child is preferred to a female. I believe every child deserves a fair chance to life and can be useful and successful, regardless of his or her gender.

It is irresponsible to deprive the girl child of her entitlement to life, or make some irrational marital/family decisions, in protest of nature's inadequacy of providing you a male child! #LetTheGirlChildBreathe!

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

By Nimi Princewill


Let's begin on the premise that whatever theoretical knowledge we've acquired, that affirms the equality of all men, is wrong, fictional and in direct contradiction to the original truth!
It's almost unobtainable to say "All Men Are Equal" and relax in the same sentence, without naturally having a little hunch in your spirit, which tends to agree otherwise...
Our academic and faith-based curriculums, have ridden us off the map, as we naively continue to cling to the moral belief that all men are equal. Well, we aren't! (by whatever yardstick).


Interestingly, modern civilization hasn't made much changes from primordial times, where survival was mainly of the fittest.
In our 'enviable' but rather high-speed and competitive 21st century, survival is still of the fittest (maybe not necessarily physical).


The segregative nature of 'Hierarchy' and the unequal balance of political/economic power, coupled with the variations in physical and psychological strength, makes total mockery of equality amongst men!
There will always be an iron curtain between the tough and the weak, the rulers and the ruled, the masters and the serfs and the men and the women. How you survive, solely depends on you!


We're resident in a world where great power, dominance and preference, are fastened on the 'powerful few', who control the affairs of the others.
Does the law promote equality? Not particularly!
The Rule of Law, which is supposedly created to be supreme over everyone, can be limited, compromised and even made redundant by certain 'important' individuals, who are shielded by what is commonly referred to as 'constitutional immunity.'
As often said, "Strive to be among the powers that be, not against them."


On the issue of feminism, women are widely believed to be created with a reduced leadership role in their interactions with men.
While I crusade for women's rights, I believe, women stand a better chance in the pursuit of fair treatment and justice, than they do, seeking equality with men.

The agitation for fair treatment and justice for every individual can be achieved, but equality of humans, can only be a figment of the imagination!

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

By Nimi Princewill


With the torrid economic hardship witnessed across Africa, the resilient people device alternative means of keeping themselves happy and earning a living (however decent or otherwise). The decent means, often include: Seeking respite in religion, with hopes of a sudden miraculous turnaround in both personal and metropolitan adversities.


"If manna fell from heaven in biblical times, a lot more can fall in the 21st century" some poor Africans mutter to themselves, as they troop in large numbers to their various Christian worship centres, equipped with a keen sense of expectation, to hear the latest series of prosperity sermons (which don't come in cheap packages by the way).


With the evolution of the 'gospel' into some sort of spiritual ponzi scheme, the condition for wealth or ability to survive in a toxic economy, depends primarily on the investment of capital (special seeds/prophet offerings), in order to reap accelerated dividends (the materialized prophecies for financial favor). Well, that's a story for another day... Let's narrow down our journey to the topic!


The beginning and tail end of every year, marks the peak period for revelation-bound 'Ministers of The Gospel' to unleash terrifying prophecies, which showcases their 'supernatural ability' of seeing into the future.
These horrifying prophecies, of course as "inspired by God" as they claim, tend to create severe tension and panic amongst their followers, who are left bewildered at how much 'God possibly disregards our existence!'


In 2017 alone, the following calamities have been prophesied by some notable 'superhuman' prophets:

• Intense scarcity
• More plane crashes
• Increased terror attacks
• Death of a sitting president/governor
• Fire explosions
• Transition from recession to depression
• School building collapse
• Earthquakes and floods, etc.

Not also forgetting the embarrassing outcome of a failed prophecy, which predicted the failure of President Trump at the recently concluded American polls.


Over the years, gospel preachers/doom & fortune tellers (despite their enviable 'familiarity' with God), have proven themselves incompetent in suggesting workable solutions to the continent's political/economic woes, yet milk the poor of the little they can afford, in disguise of supernatural wealth creation.


In these blurry political and economic times, I 'humbly' advice our preachers to kindly adjust their hefty lamentations of doom, to a more consoling prophecy of hope and good tidings for a change, since amassing wealth and reeling off a variation of prophecies, seem to be all the church stands to offer!

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

By Nimi Princewill

Raw talent in soccer, is unarguably a common natural resource littered around every nook in Africa. Then I start to wonder... If such good football is played in Africa, why's the dream of the average African footballer focused solely on crossing the Mediterranean? Hold that thought for a second, I think i get it!
Mainstream Europe is the hub of soccer, so it isn't criminal for African players to nurse a little ambition of plying their trade there.

But what I really can't understand, is why I look through a country's team sheet and I'm left bewildered at the teams these African players ply their trade with overseas. Some are attached to teams of remote leagues in Europe, in countries like Faroe Islands, Albania, Moldova, etc. Some others play for teams in fringe 'footballing' nations like Mongolia, Kuwait and even the Philippines! Perhaps there's more to football after all, than just assembling talented players on the pitch.


Sponsorship revenue have proven overtime, to be very effective in making football leagues very attractive and this is lacking on a broad scale in Africa! With the massive financial stunts the Asians are pulling on a daily, we're left completely stunned at the influx of foreign players trooping in large numbers to China, the UAE and most recently, Japan.

The same can be said for the American MLS, which although has more or less become a campground for retiring legends with tired legs from the rigorous fitness routine in Europe, but the MLS have grown some remarkable reputation for itself!
What's more romantic than wooing a great player with a very generous weekly earning?


The continuous trend of African players scrambling for greener pastures overseas, remain on the increase! If these players unfortunately don't make the cut at the highly competitive ivy league clubs in Europe, they make do with the remote leagues, just to fit into the attractive social status of 'foreign-based professionals'. After all, who cares what team jersey you represent, just play soccer anywhere but Africa!


Football administration isn't exactly at its best in Africa. Also, foreign players from other continents are rarely injected into the leagues, private sponsorship is largely limited and most notably, established African footballers overseas hardly or never consider the prospects of rounding off their careers in Africa, as opposed to the popular style of South Americans.

These few loopholes if efficiently addressed, can work amazing miracles and begin the process of rebranding football leagues across Africa, in such a way that makes it attractive to fans and foreign spectators. Maybe we might be lucky as well, to retain a fat number of the prodigal indigenous talents along the line!

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

By Nimi Princewill

Racism in football may tarry a few more years, so let's not kid ourselves we can do much right now to arrest it.
Deep questions like "Why are there a few black club managers?" and "Why do we have a scanty number of black/African goalkeepers thriving in Europe?" are often asked, but I'm really not privileged with answers.


Racism travels far across Europe. Countries like Italy, Spain and a few others within South America have been major culprits.
Football in England, also isn't as squeaky-clean as it appears to be. Although it's stale news at this time, how a former England manager Graham Taylor was reportedly asked by the English FA to reduce the number of black players in the English national team, but that remains a huge racial indictment of English football!


Black players have grown remarkably, into pretty objects of mockery on the pitch, as obsessed racist fans can't seem to have enough of them. These racist fans imitate monkey sounds or throw banana peels into the pitch, often when a black footballer of an opposing side handles the ball. I really can imagine how that drives a black player nuts!
But regardless, instances of black players crying off the pitch or feeling extremely dejected during moments of racial abuse, quickens a large amount of discomfort in me!


Most recently, Everton Ruiz a black Brazilian footballer, wept uncontrollably in the possibly tender arms of his goalkeeper, after racial noises were directed at him. While I sincerely sympathize with Ruiz for suffering such insane humiliation, I strongly criticize his reaction!

Soaking your jersey in tears, or reacting in such a way that portrays you as emotionally broken or dejected, makes you reek of inferiority, low self-esteem, discontentment with your skin color and a desperate appeal to be accepted. You simply empower those racists with leverage to hurt black players some more!


Famous black footballer Mario Balotelli, had a torrid time during his stint at AC Milan. Part of which were the humiliating monkey chants he endured from the racist fans of his former side Inter Milan, during a game involving both soccer clubs. Given the wild emotional nature of Mario (which many believe, smeared his rise to lofty heights), one would expect him to quit the game, or protest in tears like most black footballers would.

But he kept his composure fully drenched in confidence and pride in his skin color, before placing a commandeering finger on his lips to signal the racist fans to keep quiet!
That seemed pretty much to me, a better way of handling racial provocations (until better ways are discovered!).

Sometime in 2014, former Barcelona player Dani Alves was targeted by Villarreal fans, who threw a banana at him. Alves picked up the banana, peeled it, took a bite and continued his game! That sure sent a strong message to the racial offenders, projecting his unique confidence and mature mental strength!


Black footballers have got to outgrow their cravings for sympathy and accord their skin color a lot more value and respect, especially in the face of racial abuse! Your skin color is black and you owe no apology for that. If some immature racists cannot comprehend that, and choose to throw scornful remarks at you, ignore the losers and carry on with your game.

Consistent ignoring of racial stunts from 'loser-racists', will kill whatever excitement they derive from racial abuse and eventually make the evil practice boring!

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

By Nimi Princewill


Political correctness has evolved quite interestingly, into a common media practice and a cardinal feature of journalistic writing/urban verbal expression. In recent times, you call into a radio or TV program to air your view on certain issues of interest, and you're confined to a restricted freedom of expression.

Your choice of words are monitored and streamlined by policies like: "Be mild and polite" or "Be objective, not offensive" regardless of how pained or aggrieved your concerns are.
You pen down expository journals that seem blunt but are truthful and incisive, and of course you don't get published!


A media person will shrug a bit at this point, reiterating in his/her mind how political correctness is very essential for peaceful coexistence, stability and world peace.
But a lot of times, we've adulterated our linguistic construction, using subtle words to express our dissatisfaction on issues we're discomforted with, yet:

• Citizens continue at loggerheads with each other

• Black people (mostly African-Americans) continue to be mad at Caucasians, no matter the upgrade of terms used in addressing their skin color

• The continuous hankering for the blood of Christians persist in Northern Nigeria, despite the tolerant and sometimes, cowardly nature of the Christians

• Capitalist churches continue to hold back remuneration of taxes to the government, yet amass so much wealth for themselves under the shade of religion. (If Jesus paid his tax, why shouldn't the church?).

• In disguise of civil liberty, humans are gradually on the verge of outgrowing the desire for gay rights, to begin the struggle for lawful recognition of animal/human sexual partnership.

I think it's about time we became 'politically incorrect!'


Almost half the population of the world at this time, breed so much disgust and contempt for President Trump because of his blunt but most of the time, truthful approach to issues. Regardless of the flattering quantity of hatred he enjoys, his 'political incorrectness' surprisingly won him the American presidency!


Famous American preacher Joel Osteen of the Lakewood church, got rattled by a journalist on TV while addressing issues concerning gay marriage. In a bid to be 'politically correct,' he eventually succumbed to pressure, accepting the possibility of attending a gay wedding if the opportunity presents itself, without considering his office as a clergy who logically should be bound by the precepts of the Bible he preaches.


We shouldn't be bullied by the insatiable desires of society to accept or speak mildly against what we don't believe in. If it isn't black, it simply isn't black! And cannot be replaced with shades of grey!

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

Stealing a glance at a patrolling police van in Nigeria, involuntarily create goose bumps on your skin, as one can't be so certain anymore if a mere reflex action like exchanging eye contacts with policemen, can project you as a 'deadly' suspect to them, thereby making you a vulnerable potential candidate for human right abuse.



The Nigeria Police Force can be likened to a providing though abusive husband, who earnestly tries to meet his financial responsibility, but domestically abuse and disrespect his wife. The 'wife' in this context, are the citizens!
Although the police can boast of a few strides in ridding the society of crime, but if they keep violating and stripping the citizens of their rights, the people are eventually left with no respect for them, but fear!



Amazingly, despite the outrageous crime statistics, not all Nigerians have necessarily had a one-on-one face-off with armed robbers or notorious killers, but almost all Nigerians can narrate a personal spiteful experience with the Nigerian Police!



A good thinker at this point, may rightly be pondering... "Why generalize or conscript all policemen into the same category?"
Good question, my answer is simple. If you've had dealings worth relishing with a great police officer, well good for you. Personally for me and a host of others around me, we haven't met any just yet! So could it be a mere coincidence? Or we're possibly at the wrong side of the iron curtain?



Instances of police violations, are extremely numerous in Nigeria!
You're taking a short evening stroll, possibly with your headphones on, as you nod along freely to your favorite song on the radio. And suddenly, you get cornered by a police patrol van(on a sole quest for bail money). They interrogate you with their well-rehearsed, three-in-one signature question: "Who are you?" "Where are you coming from?" "Where are you going?"

You on the other hand; confident, educated, trying to give them a little attitude like "I know my fundamental rights to freedom of movement." How much longer have you got, before you're wrestled to the ground and muscled into their rickety van like a common criminal? They just made your education a wasted jamboree!



Other astonishing instances of violation, includes a police officer assaulting a man on his way back from a night club, simply because a Durex contraceptive was found on him! What crime was that?
Nowadays, some Indian hemp smoking policemen, cunningly plant these substances in the pocket of 'stubborn people' who resist intimidation, in disguise of searching them just to get them implicated!



The Nigeria Police Force are not friends with citizens! Anyone you fear, who doesn't consider your rights valuable, cannot be projected as a friend.

If the Nigerian police cannot come correct on their notorious violation of human rights, there is no love lost between us!

By Nimi Princewill. @princewill_nimi

Every Nigerian at this point, wants to be photographed with a placard which showcases them as being involved in a rather 'empty' protest that will eventually yield absolutely no dividends! The President regardless, will continue in office(in the case he's still alive as claimed), and the toxic economic hardship will persist. No changes recorded after the noisy rants of our dear protesters.

Protests have never permanently solved any problem in Nigeria. What we urgently need, is some sort of a revolution! If we can not afford to take things up a notch and pay whatever price is required, then we'll continue to wallow in our wild goose chase. Our protests will only look good on our social media handles and won't go beyond the cover pages of our national dailies!

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

A typical African, gets really defensive and quickly irritated when the vast areas of his or her intellectual shortcomings are highlighted and compared to people of other races, who by the way, have proven to make better decisions at numerous spheres of national life.
We're quick to condemn criticism however sincere or polite, classifying it as racist, even if it were from a fellow African! Indeed, common sense isn't quite common after all...

From the overwhelming backwardness of the African continent, one can be almost certain to conclude that the bulk of Africans are 'blessed' with specially configured minds that rarely THINK! We just empower the brilliant and crafty few amongst us to do the thinking, while we tag along like abducted little children, lured away with sugar candies by their abductors after school.

THE EXPENSIVE LUXURY OF COMMON SENSE IN AFRICA

• It is the absence of common sense, that makes an individual continue to prioritize political party affiliation, far above the prospects of tangible development or the complete lack of it! It's quite stunning how people continuously stay stuck to political parties that have either impoverished their country in the past(naively believing they've repented and turned a new leaf), or tag along still, with the political party that currently impoverishes them!

• It is the lack of common sense, that grants an entire army of citizens the fortitude and patience to tolerate a flawed democratic system, that continually renews the tenure of a frail power hungry leader(of 92years of age) who has clung to power since independence(almost four decades of that country's existence) and intends to carry along his exalted presidency to the grave! He's already been endorsed as candidate for the 2018 elections!

• It is the overwhelming deficiency in common sense, that prompts a large congregation of African Christian worshipers(comprised of both the 'highly educated' and the pardonable illiterate ones) to eat and drink toxic substances at the command of a weird and creepy prophet! In this modern time of knowledge and enlightenment, this can rarely be done anywhere but Africa!

If collectively as Africans, we cannot evolve our thoughts towards politics, religion and other socio-economic areas that truncate our growth, then we shouldn't be ashamed or embarrassed to bear whatever nickname(regardless of how condescending) our peers from other races tag us as, because that's actually who and what we are, until we decide to rebrand ourselves!

Twitter: @princewill_nimi

Of what use is a broken heart?
To pump blood, and keep me alive to brood over lost emotions?

Of what use is a torn colorful hat?
Even while mended, cannot be as new for the auctions

Love is overrated...
The closest to your heart, turns out to be the one most hated

True love is exaggerated...
Hurting the ones that love us, is the new way humans are created.

@princewill_nimi

Nil

The 'practice' of Christianity in Africa, is gradually on the verge of a wild goose chase. The more impressive the proliferation of churches (the credibility of which cannot be truly ascertained), the higher the population of indecisive religious tourists, who continuously fall victims of marketing hype!

The second coming of Christ as detailed in the Bible, is bound to happen only "when the Gospel has been preached to the WHOLE earth as a witness". Why then is the first instinct of an African Pastor focused solely on erecting his core congregational base within the modernized towns and cities where the gospel have, and is still being preached? The other churches are not doing it right? Or perhaps, evangelizing primarily in the rural areas where poverty and idol worship is largely obtainable would not yield much financial patronage..

We just witness a recycling of church members from one denomination to another. The Pentecostal folks, snatching the members of their colleagues next door, while the Methodist and Baptist denominations, ripping-off what they can from the Catholic! (I once attended a church where a major prayer point was for other churches within the town to bow to theirs!).

Christians "winning the souls" of other Christians! Unnecessary and unhealthy competition among churches in Africa. It was never written of Apostle Paul aiming to win over Peter's congregation, or Matthew prevailing over Luke despite their different scriptural accounts. If each of these Apostles were keen on enforcing their individual philosophies or erecting personal empires with the gospel as opposed to the other, who would have reached the unbelievers?

How many Muslims and Atheists can the average African church claim to have converted, as compared to the number of Christians they've won over from other churches? (with their fancy choirs & lavish buildings). How many of the BIG and revered churches (with giant net worth & audacious faith) are spreading to the Middle East and other volatile areas like North Korea for evangelism? Little or None right? With such humongous amount of faith they preach!

But why I ask? For fear of persecution? Oh! They've got families they love and care for, so it's practically unwise to die for the gospel at this time. It's more comfortable to preach about the great exploits of Apostles who died for the sake of the gospel, but when confronted with the same feat in real life, they rather not tread the same path (after all, wisdom is profitable to them that have it!).

Some Pastors surround themselves with bodyguards or substantial amount of protocol teams. For what exactly? To protect themselves from people? Or shield themselves from any impending form of persecution? The target of the gospel in Africa, now reverses from the originally intended evangelical spread of the gospel across borders, to the building of magnificent empires, otherwise nicknamed "building God a house".

Every church now wants to 'build God a house!' (God is everywhere after all, so He's big enough to live in all of them!). God doesn't need a house! Even if He needed one, your architectural design doesn't qualify! He needs you to dust off the materialism, and evangelize around the world!

If African churches can convert the vast resources invested in building and sustaining large congregations, into carrying out evangelical trips across villages (where voodoo is mostly practiced), and to nations that forbids Christianity (without fear of persecution, which is originally the main idea), we would be halfway towards receiving the second coming of Christ! @princewill_nimi

Error-free compliance with the law was certainly never intended for humans! Even in Heaven (the Christians’ famous land of perfection) Lucifer jilted the law and got himself thrown out! The first humans, Adam and Eve also had their fair share of nasty behaviour when they transgressed at Eden. As a matter of fact, God even pretended as though He wasn’t aware, and came visiting at the cool of the day! Therefore, would it be an intelligent line of argument to project the idea that God being Omniscient, didn’t have a premonition that Lucifer, Adam and his gorgeous wife Eve would attempt at some point to breach the protocol? Hold that thought…

And while you’re at it, the human nature is naturally wired to do the direct opposite of what had been instructed. Isn’t it fun sometimes to just ignore the traffic light when it shows red and you have a good chance of not getting caught? (Cab drivers do that a lot, and I kind of enjoy it when in a hurry! You do too!).

The 10 commandments often referred to as the Mosaic Law, have quite rigid clauses. Whereby, faithful adherence to nine but failure in one, automatically accounts for failure in all! (Keeping the entire 10 commandments now sounds like a whole lot of responsibility right?).
In the New Testament, we’re also required to understand that all sins are equal, and regardless of the fact you’ve been a devout Christian for donkey’s years, a little lie before the Rapture and you’re going to hell! But then, “Thou shall not commit adultery,” yet the adulterous woman was protected by Jesus from her accusers (people of similar or worse weaknesses of their own!) Humans broke all the laws available, yet Christ was still sent for their redemption!

Over the years, we’ve been enslaved by judgmental church doctrines that punish members and relegate them to the back seats, or excommunicate them for a period of time for a ‘taboo’ they committed. Keep aside what an Apostle in the Bible said (which of course is always used as reference) but ask, would Jesus himself have done that? Some African ‘holier-than-thou’ churches place heavy sanctions on defaulters of certain imposed regulations, many of which include: Women putting on trousers / uncovering their hair, or the ‘abomination’ of a woman preaching on the pulpit. You can imagine how judgmental these set of Christians stare at women preaching on the altar, as though they wished they could make them drop dead right there on telepathic command!

We wrestle back and forth as Christians, trying so hard to maintain compliance to religious laws. We forget that we can NEVER be perfect! Everyone has certain weaknesses that drive us to sin and break either of those commands. That’s why we have the concept of ‘GRACE’. Even religious leaders are not guaranteed of their eternity, because as humans, they are also naturally and regularly guilty of various degrees of weaknesses in their closet that cause them to sin (whether or not you’re aware of it!) and of which they have to keep in check at all times.

Is there a law to be kept? I no longer care! I’ll do the best I can, and leave the rest to be taken care of by God. I can’t be perfect or righteous enough on my own.

Grace has salvaged the massive and preconceived failure of the law. So, any supposed Christian Doctrine or Religious law (like Sharia), that subjects you to gruesome punishment for your shortcomings, is highly questionable!

The casual rise of Atheism, or most emphatically, the non-committal, cold and distant 'been there, done that' ex-fanatic Christian & Muslim folks, who don't believe much in anything anymore remains on the constant increase!

Why's that? I'd tell you. In their thoughts, "Why praise or exalt the name and doctrines of a self-glorifying Pastor, or tread the heavily devout principles of an Islamic Sheik(human beings & religious joint-heirs like you & I) when I can find God for myself and evolve my personal depth of understanding of the Bible or the Koran?". These are frequently asked questions, and with the never-ending continuous trend of slavish devotion to Orthodox & Pentecostal doctrines / practices, as well as the steady influx of Islamic extremism, I decided to weigh in my opinion to lend little pieces of advice to my Christian & Muslim brethren.

CHRISTIANS: Doesn't it bother you that your local assembly shares a totally different theological belief and opposing doctrine(s) with the other churches across the hall? Sure it does in your heart, and although you share silent reservations, you tag along with your preacher's point of view anyways.. After all, you always haven't got time to flip through the scriptures for personal research, so your "Man of God's" interpretation becomes superior in all issues to yours. Your seat belts are clung tight to a church that cannot assist members in distress, yet demand 'sacrificial giving' and amazingly judge it's congregation(including poor you) for the quality of offerings and tithes they render, yet you sit lips sealed and nod in partial agreement(sometimes you even clap in naivety!).

If for EVERY problem you have, you always crave the need to run to a Pastor or Prophet, or you strongly believe that continuous prayers, sowing seeds & prophesy without putting to work or developing yourself will amass riches for you, then you've failed overwhelmingly as a Christian! Discover God for yourself through study of the scriptures and develop your skill set! Much said.. Moving on...(Christians can now leave the page)


MUSLIMS: Through current study, I've discovered that the inconsistency between certain Islamic philosophies, doesn't quite have much to do with the sacredness of the Koran, but rather the 'appropriate' & 'inappropriate' interpretation of it's verses. Could it be that some narrations of the Koran may not be accurately conveyed by the narrator, hence misinterpretation and conflict of instructions?

Digging further, I realized disagreement in Islam is not only acceptable, but in fact, "rewarded by Allah" and those who 'qualify' for this reward are only the Islamic Scholars who have the working knowledge of the Koran (in other words, the average Muslims are not permitted to review or uphold personal insight for themselves). Therefore, could this be the reason for Islamic extremism & other rigid philosophies created by these Scholars?

I strongly urge the Muslim brethren to not solely depend on the Imams or Sheiks for interpretation of the Koran. The only difference between you and the Sheik, is the depth of understanding! You can evolve your understanding as well!

Muslims, ask yourselves.. What's the Koran's precise view on Polygamy? Was it stated as a Universal Concept, or a particular instance of the Arab culture? We all know Seventh century Arabs were the first audience of the Islamic practice. So can we be entirely wrong to say the Koran may have been written in a language and way that was relevant to the lives of the Arabs? The same Koran that "permits" a man to marry four wives, also stated that marriage should not be for Lust. In that case, what drives men into accumulating more wives for themselves? Or can a man love four women at the same time?

Secondly, where does the Koran stand on Women Rights? Why do some Muslim men allow their wives pursue their dreams & prospects, while others stifle the freedom of theirs? Is the Islamic Patriarchal nature a cultural inheritance of the ancient Arabs, or a spiritual commandment? Find out for yourself!

Finally, what does the Koran truly say concerning Association with "Infidels?". While some Scholars take some verses out of context and portray Islam as violent & aggressively devout (hence terrorism & Islamic insurgency), other Scholars preach peace and are against forced conversion, as war against "infidels" should only be called for, when Muslims have been expelled by force out of their lands for the sake of their religion (of which neither is the case with Boko Haram or the other Jihadist sects).

We all have got responsibilities as Christians or Muslims to seek for TRUTH ourselves, without being radicalized or religiously enslaved by others who seek the truth for us based on their own understanding and interpretation. #FindOutForYourself! @princewill_nimi

By Nimi Princewill

The large craving for gender equality and a continuous upgrade in affirmative action for women, may yield a generous amount of progress in the liberal world, but will continue quite sadly, to suffer reoccurring setbacks in Africa and the Middle East!


• The Supervised Entitlements of Women In Africa:

Africa is traditionally built around draconian cultures that frown at the allocation of certain privileges to women, which take liberties with gender equality, or promote any form of insurrection towards their male counterparts.

Women's rights are almost extinct in most places in Africa! The heavy occurrence of female genital mutilation and coercion of teenage girls into early marriage in countries like Mali, Chad and Somalia, seems to be a revered and celebrated practice!

In most parts of Nigeria, women who dress in clothes that are perceived to be "indecent" are often mobbed, and in most cases, stripped unclad and subjected to gruesome public ridicule by hoodlums. These events are astonishingly displayed at the spectacle of a cheering narrow-minded audience, comprised of even security agents! (I really cannot understand how a lady's choice of fashion deserves such extreme humiliation, or how her dressing infringes on the fundamental human rights of these mobs!) Could this be the unfortunate effect of illiteracy? Or the hypocritical and judgmental nature of the typical African society?

In some parts of Africa, a woman can be easily expelled from her marriage without any severance package, for being 'incompetent' at conceiving a male child, or 'committing the evil' of birthing too many female children! (of course, not too many Africans embrace the "dangerous idea" of legalizing their marriage at the government registry, so this ultimately yanks off any safety nets for the women when adversity strikes).

Most African husbands, uncompromisingly demand the production of children in quick succession without considering the health and psychological preparedness of their wives.
Treading the part of religion, women are rarely allowed to preach in some rigid African churches. The same counts as blasphemy for the Muslim folks as well...(are women the proponents of sin, or I'm not getting something right?)


• The 'Restraining Order From Freedom' Given To Women In The Middle East:

Islam is practically a 'Male-Centered Religion,' so I'm not naïve to expect the Muslims to be apologetic about that, or suddenly expect them to bend to public opinion(regardless of how prevailing!)
But my point will be made anyway...

The horrible punishment meted out to women for disobedience, or for causing a dent on the family name, commonly referred to as "Honour killing" continues quite strongly in the Middle East! Women are periodically put to death by their male relatives for either converting to a new religion, marrying a suitor of their choice, or embracing western education.

Women in some parts of the Middle East, are often dissuaded(sometimes forcefully) from their desire to acquire education or become literate. It is also a common practice for female rape victims to be compelled by 'law' to marry their defilers!

Achieving a guaranteed provision of Women's Rights in Africa and the Middle East may remain a figment of our imagination, until the deep cultural and religious roots of both environments are reviewed or ultimately reinvented!