Posts by solomon2day
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Young People Drift into the Iredeemable Circle
- By solomon2day
- On 13/10/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Vital literacy indicators reveal a deplorable condition in the Nigerian educational system.Indeed, the adult literacy rate is embarrassing, while the number of out-of-school children has reached an all-time high rate.
Trailing the falling standard of education at all levels, is the ever-increasing rate of drop-outs today.
With particular reference to the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels of education, cultism, gangster ism and prostitution have become the popular choice for undergraduates, students and pupils in educational institutions across the states of the federation.
Shortage of qualified teachers, lack of teaching aids, recreational facilities in schools and basic infrastructure are just a few among the sore points of schools in Nigeria.
Of serious worry are the poor sanitation, overcrowding in classrooms, poor conditions of service for teachers, which has resulted in the poor quality of teaching and poor quality of classroom products.
All put together, have become negative signposts of the school environment.
Sadly, poor educational management, a reflection of the poor inter-sectoral allocation, multiplicity of agencies with duplicated functions and inadequate coordination, have all made education administration in most states questionable and fraudulent.
The weak support for education by governments at all levels is a manifestation of the ineptitude of government officials.
The government’s deliberate neglect of the management of the education sector may eventually result in the total collapse of the public education system.
The shortcomings of government have heightened the stakes for private investors and made the education sector very lucrative.
Sadly, the complicity of the government and society, over the years, has prompted the uncontrollable behavior and acts of young people particularly in Ibadan, capital of Oyo state and other major cities in Nigeria.
Surprisingly, the adults watch helplessly as this category of Nigerians drift into the irredeemable circle.
With the profit motive as the major emphasis and driving force, educational institutions are now germinating like pure water factories in every nook and cranny of Nigeria, while at the same time, such institutions are turning out educationally unacceptable products.
With all these in mind, Nigerians are urgently asking :
Can governments at all levels make education available, relevant, accessible and affordable to all Nigerians ?
Can governments at all levels ensure immediate and long term social and economic returns from education ?
Are public educational institutions, considering their present state, competent to produce a skilled workforce ? Answers to these questions are in the public domain with stakeholders vigorously avoiding these questions.
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Service
- By solomon2day
- On 13/10/2024
- In Special Report
We want our heroes to remain on their pedestals, so that we who aspire to be like them may hope one day to share in the honor and privilege they enjoy.Jesus Christ's humility shows itself in his readiness to serve us.
Ours shows our readiness to receive His service.
It is said that it is better to give than to receive.
But it is sometimes harder to receive, it puts us in debt to the one who gives and robs us of the pride of being in the position of giving to others.
Read-Luke 16:13, Joshua 24:15
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The True Vine
- By solomon2day
- On 08/10/2024
- In Special Report
There is no distinction between the vine and its branches. From the moment it emerges from the soil, the vine begins to spread.Earn by taking surveys-click here
It is its branch.
To belong to Jesus Christ is to be part of the true vine.
For this reason, we can pray in complete confidence, because when our wills are united with his, we will pray as part of the living vine.
The image of Jesus Christ is all about growth, which happens organically, from within the very substance of the vine.
Nourished by the sun, by rain and chemicals which feed it from the soil in which it is planted, the vine forces its way into the light.
We have here an image of growth which gives us a powerful understanding of what it means to belong to Jesus Christ.
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The Mao Zedong Model
- By solomon2day
- On 08/10/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Mao Zedong, popularly known as Chairman Mao, was successful with his noble goals for China through despotic means.His leadership was severe, dictatorial and personalized.
For as long as Chairman Mao's Cultural Revolution lasted, thousands of Chinese died of starvation and inhuman labor.
Mao and his co-travelers argued that the same was the price their people had to pay for re-education.
This brand of governance ensured the extermination of the heroes of the civil war and the old party chieftains by the President's armed squad.
Chairman Mao is perhaps the role model of those who hold sway in Nigeria today.
Indeed, the Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai is among several other political office holders, who adore President Muhammadu Buhari.
Those in support of this argument insist that on a number of occasions, the Kaduna state Governor knelt down to greet and/or consult with the President. They maintain that this is only a sign of respect in the traditional African setting.
However, those against this order of things, stress that the underlying factors revolve around hypocrisy and boot licking.
Nigerians are yet to stop complaining of constitutional breaches and the unabated trampling of the rule of law in the dust, without noticeable changes by the powers that be.
From recent events in the country, the economic reform programs of the All Progressives Congress(APC) led government at the center and in the states, are modeled along the thinking of a free market economy.
It is doubtful if the government, in most recent times, has managed the economy for the benefit of Nigerians.
Of worry is the state of manufacturing industries, which could be said to be epileptic, even as food security is a mirage, insecurity is the chorus everywhere, while crude oil remains the major hope of the present administration.
Interestingly, the future growth of the Nigerian economy rests comfortably on diversification and focus on visionary and creative people-friendly economic policies, although the government still over-relies and over-depends on crude oil to fund its programs.
Can the present administration turn around the troubled economy ? Nobody knows.
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New Minimum Wage-Only 40,000 Naira was added to our salaries-Federal Workers
- By solomon2day
- On 07/10/2024
- In News
Workers in a number of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the federal civil service have expressed disappointment over the discovery that only 40, 000 Naira was added to each worker's monthly salary in the guise of the new national minimum wage.
The workers insisted that the government,''in the process has caused great problems for them, saying,''workers have been defrauded, there is nothing like consequential adjustment. Just 40,000 Naira was added to the salary of every worker under the pretense of the new national minimum wage.''
''Workers have never had it this bad. The 70,000 Naira as announced by the Federal Government is mere window dressing and a deceit of the highest order. We are now finding it extremely difficult to survive and meet their various obligations,'' they stated.
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Between Good and Evil
- By solomon2day
- On 07/10/2024
- In Special Report
Avoid sowing evil, it only results in destruction. The word of God brings about happiness and peace. The devil is the enemy in the home, who influences all that is evil.Husbands killing their wives and wives killing husbands is common place in society today. Why is this so ? The devil has infiltrated several homes. Fathers and mothers no longer bring up their children according to the word of God.
Teach your children the ways of the Lord, so that when they grow up they will not depart from the word of God.
Don't give the devil the opportunity to take over the affairs of your home, build your home on the foundation of the word of God.
2For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
11But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
15Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
18The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
19They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
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Teachers' Day-Oyo teachers pledge continued loyalty to state governor
- By solomon2day
- On 06/10/2024
- In News
Teachers in Oyo state have pledged their continued loyalty to the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his good deeds to them.The teachers made this pledge on Saturday through the chairman of the state wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers(NUT), Comrade Raji Oladimeji during the 2024 World Teachers Day celebration in Ibadan, Nigeria.
''On behalf of all the teachers in Oyo state, I say thank you father, we will remain loyal. We appreciate the governor for so many things he has done for us. Kindly permit me to mention a few of the laudable achievements so far recorded since the assumption of office as the Executive Governor of Oyo state: 1)Prompt and regular payment of teachers' salaries on the 25th day of every month or earlier should that date fall on a holiday or weekend; 2)Payment of N25,000 palliative to teachers since October 2023, to cushion the negative effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government. 3)Mass promotion of qualifed secondary school teachers to salary Grade Level 17. First of its kind in the annals of the history of Oyo state. 4) Mass promotion of graduate teachers in primary schools to a salary of Grade Level 15, among others.''
Not surprisingly, parents and guardians in the state have continued to express mixed feelings about the behavior and conduct of pupils and students in public and private schools spread across the state.
In a show of appreciation, the NUT chairman named the NUT(Endwell)Model College sports complex, Owode Housing Estate, Apata, after the state governor.
Similarly, in his remarks, the chairman of the state council of the Nigeria Labor Congress(NLC)Comrade Kayode Martins commended the state governor for all his good gestures to workers in the state, saying''we want to appreciate you for giving us so much. You have done so much for us. The NLC Oyo state council appreciate you.''
Awards of excellence were given to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, the majority leader of the state House of Assmebly, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, the commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, the chairman of the state Teaching Service Commission, Pastor Akinade Alamu, the chairman of the state Universla Baisc Education, Dr. Nureni Adeniran and a member of the ninth assembly of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Shina Peller.
However, the chairman of Jogor Events Center, Engr. Femi Babalola, also an awardee, was conspicuously absent.
At the 2023 World Teachers day, the special guest of honor of the state council of the NUT was a reputable business executive and philanthropist, Engr. Dotun Sanusi.
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Private school teachers in Nigeria lament poor salaries
- By solomon2day
- On 02/10/2024
- In News
Teachers in primary and secondary schools in Nigeria have expressed worries over their poor salaries and despicable conditions of service.The teachers, who lamented that they were experiencing great difficulties in meeting up with their domestic obligations, stressed that the new minimum wage of N70,000 may not be realistic in a number of private schools in the country.
Mrs. Memuna Ibrahim, a teacher in the Lube area of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) disclosed that salaries in private schools were very ridiculous,''most of these schools pay below N25,000''
However, Ejembi Ada, a teacher in a private school in Akwanag in Nasarawa state, maintains that most private schools don't issue letters of appointment and conditions of service, these schools treat teachers like casual workers.''
Interestingly, Matthew Audu, a teacher in a private secondary school in Lokoja, Kogi state, noted that the poor treatment of teachers in private schools has negatively affected the performance of pupils and students in internal and external examinations.
October 5, annually, is set aside to commemorate international teachers' day.
Teachers in Nigeria, however, insist that they have every cause to celebrate the gift of life, despite the prohibitive prices of foodstuffs, transportation, other goods and services which have gone beyond the reach of millions of disillusioned Nigerians.
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Prisoners of Debt
- By solomon2day
- On 30/09/2024
- In Update with Solomon
People are uncomfortable with language, which suggests hierarchies and power relationships. However, we are happier with the language of equality.None of us is entirely happy with the thought of being a prisoner of a servant.
These are words which have few honorable associations with us.
So what is the mystery which Christ proclaims ?
It is precisely the liberty we most desire, a liberty which is a mystery or infinite treasure because it makes us all members of the body of Christ.
In Christ, we are offered the true equality of belonging.
These days it is very difficult for people to feel that they belong to anything.
We are deeply scarred by the kinds of greed or apathy which set whole communities against each other.
Let us pray for global healing between nations which have made servants of each other and prisoners of debt; let us pray for world unity.
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Economic Hardships-Workers in Nigeria should celebrate life-Labor Leader
- By solomon2day
- On 30/09/2024
- In News
Workers in Nigeria have every cause to celebrate being alive and faced with the excruciating economic hardships in the country.The assertion was made by the chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union and Associated Institutions(NASU) University College Hospital(UCH)branch, Ibadan, Nigeria, Comrade Kehinde Abiona.
''My own position is that anyone that is alive today has every cause to celebrate, basically for the gift of life in the present harsh economic climate in the country. Workers in Nigeria have every cause to celebrate being alive. The economy is biting very hard. However, one thing I want to appreciate the Federal Government for, is the prompt payment of the new minimum wage of N70,000. We at UCH have already received the new minimum wage for September.
Comrade Abiona also appealed to the Federal Government to take urgent steps to salvage the very disturbing economic situation in the country, saying ''I appeal to the government to ensure good living conditions for the citizenry.''
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The People lament
- By solomon2day
- On 28/09/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Millions of Nigerians are complaining that hunger and poverty have taken root nationwide. The insecurity in the land has disabled the productivity of farmers in different parts of the country, while political office holders have been overwhelmed by their pecuniary and self-centered interests.
State actors insist that millions of farmers have benefited from the agricultural subsidies of the government, but the prohibitive cost of food items punctures this claim. For a considerable period of time now, the import of agricultural products has far outweighed exports, confirming the insinuation that state actors are insincere and about the true situation of things in the agricultural sector.
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Attributes of Leadership 7-Enthusiasm
- By solomon2day
- On 27/09/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Enthusiasm is an intense and eager interest in and devotion to a cause, a pursuit or an ideal.An individual possesses a state of mind that does not surrender readily to difficulties, but overcomes them.
A leader must possess enthusiasm. Little can be accomplished in leadership without it.
Genuine interest, knowledge and achievement are crucial in creating enthusiasm in leadership.
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Gerard Schroeder
- By solomon2day
- On 27/09/2024
- In Update with Solomon
In 2004, German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, resigned the leadership of his political party, the Social Democratic Party(SDP) trailed by criticism of his welfare programs.Schroeder had insisted that his administration would not change direction, following mass protests by the opposition party.
He also resigned as the party Chairman as a result of complaints to the party over a freeze on pensions and the introduction of medical fees.
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1 year remembrance-Emulate Eze(Dr.) Anozie's Life-Acting NTICIOUS Chair to Igbos
- By solomon2day
- On 27/09/2024
- In News
The acting chairman of the Non Indigenes Traditional Council in Ibadan and Oyo state, and Onu Igala of Igala, High Chief Firday Okoliko has called on Igbos to emulate the life of the late Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie.Eze(Dr.) Anozie passed on to glory on the 27th of September 2023.
High Chief Okoliko made this call in a chat with the New Federation.
''Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie was our leader, his life was one every individual should emulate. He was humble and was a leader that never discriminated. NITCIOUS is his brainchild. As a leader, he carried everyone along, irrespective of tribe, religion and political persuasion. We miss him greatly,'' he stated.
Similarly, the chairman of Igbo-Ukwu Development Union(IDU)Ibadan branch, Mr. Sunday Anozie described the late Eze as an upright person who was loved by everybody.
He was an upright person, a good Christian, counselor and lived by example,'' Mr. Anozie noted.
For the Ezeoku of Ibadan and Oyo state, Chief Joseph Wigwe, the late Dr. Anozie was a God-fearing leader,'' who resolved conflicts and problems among his subjects. He was a man of good will, who was always ready to make peace. All through his life he ensured peace and unity among Igbos in Ibadasn and Oyo state as a whole.''
However, for Dr. Benard Obiezu, the late Dr. Anozie was an honest and transparent leader,'' who liked helping people in need and that is why he was elected as Eze in 19976 by Igbos in Oyo state.''
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God hears our murmurings
- By solomon2day
- On 27/09/2024
- In Special Report
We should not give room for our faith to falter, for God our creator will continue to guide and protect us.He will make provision for all we need.
Exodus 16:1-10
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Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand
- By solomon2day
- On 20/09/2024
- In Update with Solomon
The Prime Minister of Thailand between 2001 and 2006,Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand, mismanaged and frittered away the country's resources, running into billions.The country's Assets Examination Committee indicted him for corruption and other illegal acts, including becoming extraordinarily wealthy after five(5) years of governance.
Shinawatra went into exile to Britain when corruption charges were about to be filed against him. While sojourning in Britain, he bought the Manchester City Football Club for $168 million.
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God brought His people out of Egypt
- By solomon2day
- On 20/09/2024
- In Special Report
The guidance and protection of God led God's people out of Egypt to the promised land. Psalm 1361O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
7To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
8The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
9The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
10To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
11And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
12With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
13To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
14And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
15But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
16To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
17To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
18And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
19Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
20And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
21And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
22Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
23Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
24And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
25Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
26O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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Attributes of leadership 6-Tact
- By solomon2day
- On 10/09/2024
- In Update with Solomon
A leader with focus must possess the sensitive perception of the feelings of the people, to serve as an input to do what is required, graceful and considered things in every situation.
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God delivered His people
- By solomon2day
- On 10/09/2024
- In Special Report
The people were poor and suffered a lot of persecution. But God in His infinite mercy delivered them from the hands of the Egyptians.Exodus 3:11-22
19And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
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President Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo
- By solomon2day
- On 06/09/2024
- In Update with Solomon
In 2002, President Gnassinbe Eyadema of Togo ordered the release of 5000 prisoners.
174 of the prisoners were from Lomé Civil Prisons, 82 from Kara in the North and 62 from Aneho in the South.
Although a cross-section of Togolese citizens insisted that most of those freed were political detainees, the government stressed that they were common law offenders.
President Eyadema took over the reign of power in a coup in 1967.
