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Special Report

  • Success by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 3Success is a measuring parameter to assess the impact of the expended energy against the backdrop of the expected outcome. Success as a tool could be likened to virtue which could be applied to sharpening any object into the desired form.

    Success is the ultimate level of achievement whereby destination would be equated with destiny in the lifetime of a man, most especially in the cause of his struggles to make it in life.
    In marketing, the packaging is an essential tool for the successful sale of goods and services.

    Hard work is a major requirement for success.
    At the homefront, success depends on how both parties are able to administer it. Success revolves around happiness and fertility. The success of a  marriage may be determined by so many factors such as infidelity and domestic violence. The efforts to sustain a marriage are, therefore, hinged on premarital counseling and the intervention of the  almighty God in the affairs of the couple.

    Success 1
    The culture of respect and avoidance of abuses or despicable attitude is sacrosanct to the success of the home. In the area of childrearing, parents must ensure that they bring up their children in ways that are morally and religiously acceptable. 
    In the work environment, success depends on productivity, dedication, and efficiency for the employer and the employee.
    Leadership and management would be regarded as successful, when the impact of governance and administration is felt, through a high index of the people's welfare ins reference to their basic needs, amenities, and functional infrastructure.

    The government would only be described as a success when all that makes life bearable for the people are provided.
    Above all, mentorship plays a pivotal role in the quest to attain success. It is only a good leader that would sustain and improve on his predecessor's performances.
    A favorable or desired outcome of any action or process attempted, is, therefore, a good measure of success if it is advantageous and  beneficial to others as well as making the people be prosperous.
    Success is usually arrogated to every human who is able to pursue a cause through a positive concept and mindset.

  • Greed by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

     

    Prof 3Greed is an innate characteristic usually exhibited by people with excessive lust and a craze for materialism.
    Psychologically, it is viewed as hereditary. In this wise, if not curbed at the early stage of childhood, it could become a biological fluid for impunities.
    The affected individual grows up to become greedy by acquiring wealth beyond the fundamental needs of man to live in affluence or an ostentatious manner. This is known as Timocracy.
    This is a state wherein every available opportunity to serve becomes a golden opportunity to accumulate wealth illegally, without recourse to transparency and accountability.

    Greed 4
    The greedy individual eventually becomes selfish by violating the fundamental rights of others to access good life.
    Low Human Development Index in several nations is a fallout of the activities of such nations' greedy leaders.
    Such nations become overwhelmed by various forms of crimes such as pick-pocketing, terrorism, ritual killings, armed robbery, car snatching, kidnapping among others.
    The solution to this is Psychological  Counseling Therapy at the formal and informal educational levels.
    The cultural setting must not compromise the need for every person to uphold the principles of self-esteem and integrity.
    Our value system must not condone vices such as greed, covetousness, and avarice.
    Again, in a sizable number of nations, political office holders who attained positions of trust through the assumption that they are competent and fit to occupy such offices, have proved that the basis of their election and appointments revolved around false premises. Their acts of commission or omission plunged their countries into multifaced economic problems such as unemployment, hunger, and poverty.
    In the final analysis, when we live as solutions to other people's concerns, worries, or problems, we would not be lured into the temptation of greediness, selfishness, and the grasping desire to possess material things.
    Above all, firmness or deterrence is always an effective mitigating tool to reduce or curb vices such as greed or avarice.

     

     


     

  • Religious Intervention to Resolve Crisis By Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 4When one accepts a faith, it is for one to be submitted to the will of his or her creator for the purpose of destiny realization.

    This is because in every religion there is always a mechanism to regulate and control all affairs, most especially in the area of personal rule, social and spiritual control for all activities to be duly regulated in the line with the upheld scripture which must be the supreme consultation by which adherents are supposed to live their lives because all scriptures are considered to have a divine construct, religious curriculum, therefore, is expected to be more superior in value and potency, than the social construct we call the nation's constitution.

    Religion and those who symbolize its existence usually play the tertiary fiddle and are classified into the poor second to the fourth estate of the realm of the government-the Media, which is but equally abused into the poor state of a watchdog for the government to play around most of the time as a pun in the hands of the powerful.

    1Corithians 6: 5-10 alludes to the above observations. ''I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

    6But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

    7Now, therefore there is utterly a fault among you because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

    8Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

    9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be Not Deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

    10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.''

    Rel 1

    This is why in clear terms the Almighty Allah admonished the Muslims not only to be true believers but to truly resolve conflicts through the process of Mediation, Conciliation, and Arbitration and at the utmost level to use the Scripture to adjudicate on any ensuing matters. The Holy Quran refers, ''To thee, we send the Scripture in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: So judge between them by what Allah hath revealed(the Jews through the old Testament, the Christians through the New Testament and the Muslims through the Holy Quran to avoid sentiments or bias for a religion other than that of our faith, with a clear purpose to respect individual fundamental human rights), and follow not their vain desires diverging from the Truth that hath come today to each among you have we prescribed the law and an open way. If Allah has so willed, He would have made you a single person, but His plan is to test you in what He hath given you: So strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah. It is He that will show you the Truth of the matters in which He disputes.''

    For the above reasons, let us all put on the armor of prayer and the virtue of patience, perseverance, and tolerance in our homes, large compounds, communities, and the society as adherents of our faiths that have learned sufficiently enough in the houses of God to the benefit of self and the society through settling conflicts without external intervention.

    The best option to keep up with amity in the home and peaceful co-existence in the society is to live by the Scripture for the benefit of others. Do not allow sins to develop into crimes. They are preventable

  • Beyond the People's Reach

    Poverty 9Strangely, poverty alleviation and reduction seem not to be on the priority list of the state actors at all levels of government.
    The measures in the past years have failed woefully to empower Nigerians to be economically productive, with the sole focus of improving their quality of life.Transfer Money with Wise
    Poverty alleviation programs do not cut across all sectors of the economy, failing to adequately address the problems of low economic growth and high poverty incidence.
    Millions of Nigerians insist that beneficiaries of government advertised empowerment programs are not known to them.
    The insecurity everywhere in Nigeria has foreclosed any way forward in the agricultural sector.
    indeed, unemployment, access to affordable housing, satisfactory Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary health care delivery, quality education, potable water supply, and regular electricity supply among others, constitute the urgent needs of poor Nigerians, who are in the majority are beyond reach. And a result has brought about hunger, poverty, and stunted economic growth.

     

  • Tips with Mrs Hannah Adefunke Mujakperuo

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     Girls in Nigeria have numerous challenges to contend with.

     Poverty, peer pressure, early marriage, unwanted pregnancy, negligence, rape, ignorance, lack of parental care. The list is endless.

    Even though leaders at all levels have made noticeable efforts to give girls a future, a lot still has to be done, in terms of guidance, legislation, interventions, funding and monitoring.

    For parents and guardians-''Ensure you groom your children and wards in the proper way, so that they will not soil your name.

    For society-''Do not cover up wrong deeds, rather expose the same for the uplifting of society

    For the Places of Worship-'' Preach and teach the girls all that will mold them to be God-fearing, responsible, reliable and dependable.

    Mrs Mujakperuo holds a master's degree in Security Studies and is also a doctoral student.

  • Girls ought to be Nurtured and Protected not Exploited-Mrs. Mujakepruo

    Dsc 4879As primary and secondary schools in Nigeria prepare to resume for the third term, the Chief Executive Officer of KEAABS Oil and Gas Limited, Port-Harcourt, Rivers state, Mrs. Hannah Adefunke Mujakperuo, a master’s degree holder and doctoral student, in this interview, advised the government at all levels to do all that is necessary for girls to accomplish.

    Excerpts:

    Schools are about to resume for the third term. What is your advice to the government?

     Girls do not deserve to be exploited, but rather protected and nurtured. 

    The social, economic and political situation in Nigeria has impacted negatively on girls.

    However, it is disturbing to note that parents and guardians are now openly supporting female children to embrace prostitution as a means to an end. This is dangerous for society.

    The government at all levels should do all that is possible to ensure that girls have unhindered access to quality education by making provision for the needed facilities, addressing the issue of shortage of teachers and renovating dilapidated infrastructure in schools.

    It is also very important that counselors are functional in the schools to guide girls on career choices. Girls have a role to play in the future of the nation. Everything must be done for the girls to acquire a quality education.

     

  • Visible Threats

    Download 3Those-in-Charge continue to react violently to visible threats to their continued adventure in public office.

    However, a number of people have refused to shrink from controversy, but rather struggle through it to the consternation of the occupiers of public offices.

    Sadly, the poor are at the mercy of the overlords- a dispensation of extortion and exploitation.

    The greed of the overlords leaves no room for hope.

    Matthew 10:34-40

    heaven.

    34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

    35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

    36And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

    37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

    38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

    39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

    40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

  • Learn a Vocation-C.E.O Tanimowo Foundation to Young Nigerians

    Omk4391The socio-political and economic situation in Nigeria has brought several lessons to the fore in governance. Young Nigerians have now taken to crime to make ends meet.  In this interview, the Chief Executive Officer(C.E.O) of Tanimowo Foundation, Dr. Tanimowo Pelumi advises young Nigerians to learn a vocation alongside education. 

    Excerpts:

    What prompted you to establish the foundation?

    I was brought up in a very difficult environment, it was not easy, so when I was growing up, the surrounding hardships inspired me to establish the foundation. There was nobody to help.

    I started off by organizing seminars in my community. Later on, I forayed into real estate. This is the profession that gave me funds.

    What is your foundation about?

    It is all about agriculture. We empower people. We give out free chickens and fish.

    My aim is to eradicate poverty in society, especially Nigeria. My foundation has empowered people in so many towns and cities in the South West geopolitical zone. We have impacted positively on several lives.

    Do you have any advice for young Nigerians?

    My advice to young people, even if you are going to be educated, try as much as possible to learn a vocation, so that it will give you a source of livelihood. God bless Nigeria.

     

  • Insecurity in Nigeria

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  • Be Filled with the Holy Spirit

    Download 1We should acknowledge the need for God's presence in our lives by choosing to obey God's Word and continually depend on Him.

    Acts 2 :1-13

    And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

    2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

    3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

    4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

    5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

    6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

    7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

    8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

    9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

    10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

    11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

    12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

    13Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

  • God as your Guide

    Union 1Let God be your guide in all you do, so that you will not be led astray.

    Proverbs 3 : 1-12 

    1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

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  • The Lord's Expectation from Us

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    The Lord's expectation from us does not go beyond what we have to offer. However, He wants us to be faithful and render quality service from our maximum ability and capacity.

    Romans 12 : 1-21 

    1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

  • The Zamfara Situation

    Peace 2

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    The leadership in Zamfara state must have taken active steps to address the major security challenge of banditry in villages, including Kwatar, Bungudu and Boko. 
    It is assumed that normalcy has returned to  Mada, Wonaka, Ruwan Bore  all in the Gusau Local Government Area, and other villages that are undereported.
    The people must be rested assured that the government is responsive and sensitive to their plight.

    Perhaps. The leadership has all it takes to restore peace in different parts of the state.

  • Watch Out for the Deceitful

    Matt 1Watch out for those who rely on deceit for survival, they are everywhere.

    Matthew 23

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    1Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

    2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

    3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

    4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

    5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

    6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

    7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

    8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

    9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

    10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

    11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

    12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

    13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

    14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

    15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

    16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

    17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

    18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.

    19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

    20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.

    21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

    22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

    23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

    24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

    25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

    26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

    27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

    28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

    29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

    30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

    31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

    32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

    33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

    34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

    35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

    36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

    37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

    38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

    39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

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  • Believing

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    God's blessing will always come upon those who believe His words without questioning. Your faith goes beyond the ordinary human perception.

    Acts 12 : 1-11

    Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

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  • The Power in God's Word

    RomansThe word of God has tremendous power to change the direction of the lives of millions of people. Be consistent in praying and sharing the gospel with others. God's word saves.

    1 Corinthians 1 : 17-31

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     17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

  • Accept Responsibility when Wrong

    The confessions of sins ensure that we confront the reality of different situations. Our loving and redeeming savior forgives us and renews hope within us. We must accept responsibility for our actions and acknowledge that we are wrong and have committed sins.

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    1 Samuel 7: 1-13 1 And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. 2And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD. 3And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 4Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only. 5And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. 6And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. 7And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. 9And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. 10And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. 11And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar. 12Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us. 13So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.

  • Guiding the Lost

    Mark 2 11 kjv i say unto thee arise and take up thy bed and i41002011 l03Download

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Do not relent, direct and guide those who have gone wrong, in so many instances and situations, back to the right path. Make it your duty to lead those who are lost back to Jesus.

    Mark 2 : 1-12

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    1And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

    2And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

    3And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

    4And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

    5When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

    6But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

    7Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

     

    8And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

    9Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

    10But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

    11I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

    12And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

  • Care for your children and Wards

    Pro 2Parents and guradians should care for their children and wards.

    They must guard against spiritual harm, teach them about the threats of the world, the flesh and the devil.

    Proverbs 29 : 11-17

    A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. 12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. 14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

  • Get Started

    Small 1Get started with a venture by taking a few right decisions and consolidating on some learning.
    A small breakthrough leads to credibility, more contacts and the confidence to go on.
    No matter how little start something that will give you momentum.

     

     

    JUMIA ANNIVERSARY - AFTER PARTY DEALS

  • The Wages of Sin

    JUMIA ANNIVERSARY - AFTER PARTY DEALS

    We must pay the wage for our sin. If you continue to sin, you will pay the penalty of spiritual death: You will not only die physically; you will also die spiritually and be separated from our holy God for all eternity in hell.
    1 John Chapter 1: 8-10

    8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

    9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

     

  • Avoid Sin

    JamesLet us endeavor to have a good understanding of all that has been said, before we react-to avoid committing sin. ways.

    James 1 : 12-21

    12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

     

  • Cater for Others

    Philippians 2 20 21Our savior always caters for our needs in all situations. We should also cater for needs of others because the Lord cares for us.

    Phillippians 2 : 1-30

    1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. 23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

  • Listen to and put to practice the Word of God

    MatthewBe very familiar with the word of God and also, go further to put it practice for you to receive the abundant blessings and protection of God.
    Matthew 7 : 24-29
    24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

    25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

    26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

    27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

    28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

    29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

  • Faith in God

    Hebrews 1In this age of evil characterized by unbelievable and condmenable circumstances, our faith in God will take us through life.

    Hebrews 11 : 1-40

    1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. 24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

     

  • Be Good

    Thessa 1Avoid being led astray to do evil, but always thread the path of good deeds and good will be with you at all times.

    1Thessalonians 5 : 12-23

    12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Disruption of Fraud

    U.S. Law Enforcement Disrupts Networks Used to Transfer Fraud Proceeds, Taking Over 4,000 Actions in Fifth Campaign

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and other federal law enforcement agencies announced today the completion of a three-month campaign that disrupted networks used by foreign fraudsters to obtain fraud proceeds. Multiple law enforcement actions addressed conduct by individuals sometimes referred to as “money mules,” who have been providing critical services to fraudsters by receiving money from fraud victims and forwarding the fraud proceeds to the perpetrators (many of whom are based overseas). Some individuals knew they were facilitating fraud. Others first interacted with fraudsters as victims and may have been unaware that their activity furthered criminal activity.

    Over approximately the last three months, law enforcement took over 4,000 actions against individuals responsible for facilitating a range of fraud schemes. These schemes included those that targeted consumers, such as lottery fraud and romance scams, as well as those that targeted businesses or pandemic funds.

    The thousands of actions taken by law enforcement—which ranged from criminal prosecutions, to civil actions, to warning letters—were designed to punish those who knowingly assisted fraudsters and to advise those who may have been unknowingly helping fraudsters that their conduct furthered crime. These actions are intended to deter overseas fraudsters from relying on U.S.-based individuals to facilitate schemes, and thereby reduce the harm caused by foreign fraud operations.

    This year’s effort marked the fifth U.S. law enforcement campaign disrupting these money transmitting networks. Since the first campaign, during which approximately 400 actions were taken by law enforcement, agencies have collectively taken over 12,000 actions. Investigations have shown that disrupting money transmitting networks has impeded fraudsters’ abilities to receive funds, thereby reducing fraud victimization. These campaigns are part of a global effort to tackle money transmitting networks linked to illegal activity.

    “Law enforcement is committed to reducing fraud using every tool at our disposal. Our efforts to disrupt networks used to transfer fraud proceeds, to educate the public about elder fraud, and to prosecute those involved in these schemes have stymied fraudsters,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “This initiative demonstrates what can be achieved through focused efforts and vigorous enforcement.”

    “The money mule campaign was an effort to educate the public, disrupt criminal enterprises, and provide feedback to financial institutions who go to great lengths to implement anti-money laundering programs,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI values the partnership of DOJ Consumer Protection Branch, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and other federal agencies who work together to disrupt criminal enterprises conducting fraud and money laundering schemes.”

    “Anyone can be approached to be a money mule, but criminals often target students, those looking for work, and those on dating websites,” said Eric Shen, Inspector in Charge of the Criminal Investigations Group. “When those individuals use the U.S. Mail to send or receive funds from fraudsters, Postal Inspectors are quick to step in and put a stop to money mule activities.”

    This year’s effort was coordinated by the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, the FBI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which were joined by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. Participating agencies collectively served over 4,000 letters warning individuals that their activities are facilitating fraud. These letters outlined the potential consequences for continuing to transmit illegally acquired funds. Participating agencies also filed twelve civil or administrative actions. Additionally, more than 25 individuals were criminally charged for knowingly receiving and forwarding victim funds or otherwise laundering fraud proceeds.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District Massachusetts charged a defendant for using his accounting and “virtual CFO” business as a front to launder the proceeds of internet fraud schemes. As part of the alleged conspiracy, the defendant created dozens of shell companies and used those shell companies to open business bank accounts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, through which the defendant laundered the criminal proceeds for his clients in exchange for fees. In total, since 2019, the defendant is alleged to have opened approximately 80 bank accounts (purportedly on behalf of 65 different companies), laundering approximately $35 million.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina charged an individual for facilitating an international, multi-million-dollar tech support fraud. The indictment alleged that the defendant agreed to obtain payment-processing services in his name to process victim payments and laundered the proceeds domestically and internationally to bank accounts located in India, receiving three percent of the revenue in return.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central District of California and the District of Nebraska charged individuals who, despite warnings from law enforcement, continued facilitating fraud. In the Central District of California, an individual was charged for her role in receiving funds from fraud victims, including victims of business email compromises. According to the charges, the defendant opened 11 bank accounts at seven separate financial institutions in furtherance of the scheme. In the District of Nebraska, two individuals were charged for facilitating a lottery fraud scheme, including by receiving cashier’s checks in the mail.

    Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    As in past years, participating agencies are working to raise awareness about how fraudsters recruit and use individuals to assist their fraud operations. Federal agencies conducted outreach to the public and industry, and also expanded partnerships with local, state, and foreign law enforcement agencies. The Commodities Futures Trading Commission released a public awareness message about how fraudsters use and recruit people to facilitate romance fraud and “wrong number” text message scams, where fraudsters strike up conversations touting their wealth and success in trading crypto assets, over-the-counter foreign currency, or gold contracts to try and convince consumers to “invest” in crypto assets.

    The agencies involved in this effort urge consumers to be on the lookout for signs someone is trying to recruit them to receive and transmit fraud proceeds. Do not agree to receive money or checks mailed to you or sent to your bank account for someone you have met over the phone or online. Do not open a bank or cryptocurrency account at someone else’s direction. Fraudsters will lie to persuade you to help them. They may falsely tell you that they are helping you get a lottery prize, initiate a purported romantic relationship and then tell you that they need money, or pretend to offer you a job, an opportunity to invest in a business venture, or the chance to help in a charitable effort.

    For more information on this initiative, please visit https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumerprotection-branch/money-mule-init….

    Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).

    Information about the Department of Justice’s COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force is available at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.

    Source-FBI

     

  • The Lesson of Gratitude

    Untitled 2Let us cultivate the habit of goiving thanks to God in every situation. Learning the lesson of gratitude reduces the negative effects of our expriences in all situation.
    2 Corinthians 12 : 1-10
    It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

    2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

    3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

    4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

    5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

    6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

    7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

    8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

    9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

    10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

     

  • Be a Cheerful Giver

    Cultivate the habit of giving  as a means of expressing to the great Provider our Love and Thankfulness.
    2 Corinthians 9 : 1-15

    For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

    2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

    3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:

    4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

    5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.

    6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

    7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

    8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

    9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

    10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

    11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

    12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

    13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

    14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

    15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

     

  • The Voice of God

    Psalms 29 4 kjv the voice of the lord is powerful the voice of i19029004 l05When we listen carefully with the ears of faith, God reveals His presence  in awe inspiring ways that are  unmistakable.
    Psalm 29

    1 (A Psalm of David.) Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

    2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

    3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.

    4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

    5 The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.

    6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.

    7 The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.

    8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.

    9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.

    10 The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.

    11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

     

  • Selflessness

    Cultivate the habit of selflessness and service to humanity to redeem the decadent society.

    Phillipians 2 : 1-11 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

     

  • Build a Life with Lasting Value

    CorinthLet us build our lives on Jesus Christ, the solid foundation of good works, obedience and faith, so that our lives will have a lasting value.
    1 Corinthians 3 : 9-23

    For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

    10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

    11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

    12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

    13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

    14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

    15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

    16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

    17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

    18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

    19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

    20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

    21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

    22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

    23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

  • Our God Protects Us

    Psalm 2Our God protects us all the time-in the day and in the night.

    Psalm 121

    (A Song of degrees.) I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

    2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

    3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

    4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

    5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

    6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

    7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

    8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

     

  • Be Conscious of Time

    Timing is crucial to success in business.

    Identify a project, work on it and implement it at the appropriate time.

    Let your project revolve around the preferences of customers for you to achieve satisfactory results.

  • Avoid a Deferred Life

    Do all that is necessary in the present time, while you reject the impulse to defer.

    Deferring essential activities that will attract success is a dangerous and frustrating way to order your life.

    Set your own expectations, standards and values. Your experience will take you to the top

  • Strive to Please the Lord

    MarkLet us strive to pleae the Lord and He will condition us to control our physical desires whihc are sin-inclined.

    22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

    23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

    24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

    25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

    26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

    27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

    28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

    29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,

    30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

    31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

    32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

    33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

    34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

    35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

    36 And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

    37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

    38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

    39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

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  • God will not Abandon Us

    UntitledWhen people abandon us at times of need, God will never abandon us.

    2Kings : 1-7

    Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

    2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.

    3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

    4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

    5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.

    6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.

    7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.

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  • The Need for the Urgent Funding of Education in Nigeria by Dr. Francis Amenaghawon

    Dr 1The funding of education is a major challenge in Nigeria.

    Sadly, education funding has been reduced drastically over the years.

    In addition, the poor remuneration of teaching staff at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels has also contributed to the deterioration of education.

    Furthermore, the attitude of parents and guardians towards their children and wards' education is nothing to write home about, including the low quality of training teaching staff pass through have both contributed to the worrisome state of education in the country.

    The quest for wealth is now the focus of parents and guardians at the detriment of the future of their children and wards.

    All the above mentioned have impacted negatively on the academic performance of pupils and students at all levels of education.

    It is high time the Federal Government increases the budget funding for education to the 26 per cent benchmark recommended by UNESCO.

    Above all, the government should strengthen institutions to eradicate systemic corruption and also ensure that the recruitment of teaching staff is transparent based on merit.

    Lastly, the trend is now to promote students who fail to enmasse. This is not good for education. Those who do not exhibit the capacity and capability to learn should either be made to repeat or shown the way out.

    Dr. Amenaghawon is of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

  • The Task Before the President Elect by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 9Nigerians need to be grateful to God who gave us the opportunity to have a successful election exercise that eventually produced a President Elect against all odds and without fatalities.

    The President Elect therefore needs to know the areas of credence and professional capability of his Vice, with whom he must work together for good.

    The challenges ahead generally calling for earlier secession bid of some sections in the country, constitution amendment, need for ease of restructuring to aid and enhance accelerated development for the Nation under them must be promptly addressed.

    The four major areas needing prompt attention and purposeful focus are:1. National Security 2. National Unity3. Effective Economic Management4. Foreign Affairs with good international relations principles.

    It is of common knowledge to the lovers of Nigeria and their agitators' counterparts that Nigeria is already heading for the precipice due to value degradation and collapse of all agents of socialization.

    Value restoration is therefore germane to effectively reinvent Nigeria into a rebranded Nation where democracy will work on the two legs of Justice and Equity for its dividend to produce Peace and Sustainable Development.Regeneration and resuscitation of our past Glory anchored on the theme of our National Anthem - that the efforts of our heroes past shall never be in vain, needs to be our guiding principles.

    The expectations of all Nigerians are high based on the President Elect's antecedent of strategic planning that truly transformed Lagos State into the dream of a mega city for Nigeria and upon which your successors Governor of Lagos State build their feet.

    Your being there as President Elect, therefore, is a matter of no lost hope and fulfilment of destiny for Nigeria to be rightly transformed.Right funding that would be enough to promote functional education is desired.  

    Motivation for teachers and lecturers, and facility updates for dynamic educational institutions is primarily sacrosanct. Enhancement of orientation for students on self-employment with focus on vocation for SMEs as feeder packages for full industrialization is equally a necessity.

    The APC government target on promotion of zero tolerance for corruption and institutional indiscipline must be pursued to sustainable realization point for true accelerated development with enhanced high indicators of development to be achieved.  

    Dignity of labour too must be restored to avoid further waywardness and frivolities in wealth acquisition by Nigerians.

    Above all, sanity must be restored in the key areas of human dynamics vis-a-vis cultural setting, institutional/professional ethics, religious institutions, as well as credibility in leadership for good governance.

    When the socio-spiritual state is normal for all Nigerians, the environment will be able to enjoy the necessary spiritual interventions.May God, the Almighty Allah, bless Nigeria and endow  the President Elect with the knowledge , wisdom and power of a discerning mind to steer the boat of Nigeria safely into the right destination of restoring and reclaiming our cap of giant of Africa.

    Your good performance in office will redeem our image abroad.

    Prof. OlagokeJP is the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide

  • God is our Fortress

    Psalm 1God our creator knows our thoughts,difficulities and needs. Let us rely on HIM in all situations.

    1(To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

  • 2nd Term-NLC's Presence in Oyo Gov.'s Campaigns a show of Appreciation-NLC Secretary

    TradeThe Oyo state council of the Nigeria Labor Congress has declared that some of its members decided to feature prominently in the second term campaign of the state Governor as a show of appreciation for meeting their demands.

    This declaration was made by the secretary of the nlc, Comrade Adebayo Aritbatishe.

    ''The Governor has responded to their demands and they go in groups to campaign venues to show appreciation for what the Governor has done for them. It should be noted that affiliates of the union have various agitations and demands. These demands are tailored through the Joint Negotiation Committee(JNC). And when such demands or agitations are met, it is only proper to show appreciation. They have every right as affiliates.'' Comrade Artibatise also disclosed that the state Governor has paid three out of the five-month unremitted union dues deductions, adding,'' he has promised to pay the remaining at the end of the month.''

  • God Speaks to Us

    DeutGod always speaks to us through His Word, through the apostles and other faithful servants of old. Deuteronomy 30 : 1-20

    1And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee, 2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; 3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee. 4 If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee: 5 And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers. 6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. 7 And the LORD thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee. 8 And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day. 9 And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers: 10 If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. 11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. 15 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; 16 In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. 17 But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; 18 I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. 19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

  • Naira Redesign-Deadline in Order but......-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof 9The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has insisted that the January 31st deadline for the invalidation of the old naria notes remains unchanged.

    However, the Federal House of Representatives and the Senate want the apex bank to extend the deadline to 30th June, for the benefit of millions of Nigerians. Interestingly, a sizable number of Nigerians who have handled the new notes have expressed disappointment and dissatisfaction with the quality of the new notes compared to the old ones.

    In his reaction, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafasudeen-in-Islam worldwide, Prof. Sabitu OlagokeJP, opines that the deadline for the withdrawal of the 200, 500 and 1,000 Naira notes is in order, but warns that this could result in negative consequences. Excerpts:

    What is your reaction to the insistence of the CBN that the January 31st deadline remains unchanged for the invalidation of the old naira notes?

    First and foremost, we should not lose sight of the purpose of the introduction of the new Naira notes, which which is to curb the excesses of politicians and to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) conducts free, fair and credible elections.

    This will usher in the truly chosen ones for the next political dispensation. Vote buying has always been the bane of our struggle to have genuine representatives in power, making the efforts and the huge amount being spent on the election be without impact.

    The January 31st deadline by the CBN, therefore, must have been informed by the advice of its in-house economic experts.

    This advice may revolve around the need to curb the spending tendencies of politicians before, during and after the elections.

    To be fair to the CBN, 80 per cent of Nigeria's money in circulation is outside the box of control of the apex bank.

    However, the following challenges must be addressed without losing focus of the objectives for introducing the new naira notes:

    1)Nigerians, particularly traders across the country o are feeling the impact of the unavailability of the new naira notes.

    2)There are also challenges to getting old naira notes into the banking system.

    3) Businesses are shutting down and markets are operating at a reduced capacity as the deadline for the collection of the old naira notes is near.

    4)The new notes are not easily accessible presently.
    ATM machines are still dispensing the old notes.
    I believe that the January 31st deadline should remain and that Nigerians should bear and cope with the scramble that comes with such changes.
    Stemming from all the accompanying negative developments that have trailed the naira redesign, further efforts to cushion the effects of poverty and hunger must be intensified to be able to achieve rational changes for which the new naira notes are designed.

  • China: Tech giants’ pivot out of China can usher in a human rights reset

    Written by Michael Caster, Asia Digital Programme Manager at ARTICLE 19.

    In late November, protests erupted in a factory manufacturing Apple products in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou amid workers’ discontent about pay. Footage and images from the site showed police beating protesters and arresting them. The turmoil in Zhengzhou was the latest in a series of challenges that have delayed the manufacturing of Apple products in China and led to the company accelerating its plans to move its production elsewhere. Other tech giants are seeking to do the same, concerned about tensions between the US and China and COVID-19-related shutdowns imposed by the Chinese authorities. As these companies start to relocate their operations, they have the chance to account for their human rights record in the communist country. For years, they have bowed to state policies that restrict the fundamental freedoms of Chinese citizens. These companies have to review their human rights records in authoritarian states and commit not to make the same mistakes in the countries where they will relocate their production or grow their markets. It is time for tech companies to undertake a human rights reset. Compliance with censorship Apple, the world’s richest company, has made a significant profit in China, which has also left it vulnerable to pressure from the local authorities to act against its stated human rights commitments. While the size of its production has been politically and economically important to the Chinese government, which in theory would have given the company leverage to oppose such rights abuses, Apple has been seemingly unwilling to push back in meaningful ways. The company has complied with repressive legislation, such as the Cybersecurity Law and others, which require tech companies, among others, to monitor and report politically sensitive content, store Chinese users’ data in China and provide the authorities with access to it. Apple has also engaged in censorship, deleting tens of thousands of apps from its Chinese App Store, including encryption and circumvention tools, such as VPNs needed to hop over the Great Firewall of China. Most recently, in November, Apple limited the parameters for wireless filesharing on its app AirDrop after its use by anti-government protesters in China. The changes allow the option “share with everyone” to be active for just 10 minutes before it switches back to “contacts only”, effectively eliminating its utility during protests. Apple is not alone. Microsoft, another US-based tech giant, has also been compliant with the repressive policies of the Chinese government. Following the implementation of the Cybersecurity Law, the company partnered with the state-owned China Electronics Technology Group to develop a version of its Windows operating system specifically for Chinese government users. This has raised concerns about the company giving backdoor access to its software to the Chinese government. Microsoft is also a member of the Internet Society of China and as such has made a pledge to block websites that offend the Chinese censors. After most services offered by Google were blocked in China in 2010, Microsoft’s Bing has been the only major foreign search engine that works without a VPN. Surely, compliance with Beijing’s censorship demands helps keep it that way. Similarly, LinkedIn, which Microsoft acquired in 2016, was the only big foreign social networking site available in China, after Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube were blocked in 2009. In late 2021, LinkedIn had over 57 million users, making China its third largest market after the United States and India. In exchange for access to this sizeable userbase, LinkedIn too was expected to play the censorship game. The platform geoblocked content belonging to high-profile human rights defenders, such as Zhou Fengsuo, journalists like Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, and corporate investigator Peter Humphrey, along with the posts of millions of Chinese users deemed “sensitive”. Despite its record of compliance, in March 2021 the Cyberspace Administration of China rebuked LinkedIn for not censoring enough. Finally, in October 2021, Microsoft announced it was shutting down LinkedIn services in China due to a “significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements”. Clearly, the cost of tech companies doing business in China’s enormous market, whether producing or selling products and services, has long been to abandon their responsibilities to respect human rights. But it shouldn’t be this way. A human rights reset As big tech companies prepare to reduce their reliance on production in China, they have an opportunity to set new standards for human rights. Apple is looking to shift its supply chain to India and Vietnam. But both of these countries are known to engage in severe censorship as well. India leads the world in internet shutdowns, responsible for 106 of 182 shutdowns documented last year by the #KeepItOn Coalition. In recent years, the Indian authorities have enacted legislation that pressures tech companies to over-censor and retain user data to hand over to the government. It now looks to threaten end-to-end encryption. India has ordered platforms to take down content it didn’t want and warned of severe penalties for noncompliance, including threatening Twitter staff with up to seven years imprisonment. Earlier this year, Twitter sued the government for such “overbroad and arbitrary” regulations. It is also concerning that Apple is expanding into Vietnam, which ranks among the five worst internet freedom abusers in the world, according to US-based pro-democracy organisation Freedom House. Like China, Vietnam’s Cybersecurity Law requires tech companies to comply with data localisation, actively censor content, and make user data available to the authorities. In November, its government announced plans for new rules that would require platforms to remove offending content within 24 hours. Vietnam has also shown that it will hold tech companies financially hostage until they comply with its digital diktats. In 2020, following months of government-backed bandwidth throttling to drastically slow down its services, Facebook, which makes about $1bn a year in the country, agreed to increase censorship of “anti-state” content on its platform. With such repressive policies in place in both India and Vietnam, Apple faces the risk of repeating the same mistakes it made in China unless it changes its approach to dealing with government pressure. The company and other tech giants doing business with repressive states should heed their responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) to address any adverse human rights impacts their activities may have, including on the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information online. They should resist government orders to arbitrarily restrict freedom of expression and implement labour protections in their supply chains. They should be fully transparent about how they negotiate market access and licensing agreements with governments and make such documents publicly available to empower independent oversight. Companies should have a robust policy on how they will adhere to their human rights responsibilities in the face of government pressure and hold open consultations with civil society to establish clear benchmarks and red lines. Companies must commit to independent human rights impact assessments, which should be revised as conditions change, and be publicly available. Shareholder groups in these companies should also impress upon corporate leadership the importance of compliance with their human rights responsibilities. Tech companies can and should do business without hurting human rights. Having a positive human rights record could be just as profitable as bowing down to repressive state policies.

    Source-Article 19

  • Stemming the Tide

    ProverbsWhen confronted with difficult and hard times, stiff challenges and major disappointments, identify and hold on to those who offer encouragement and hope, if at all, they are brothers, sisters or friends.

    Galatians 6 : 1-5

    ''1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden.''

  • Seek God in all you do

    Bible 1Seek the mercy, grace nd wisdom of God to achieve your spiritual potential and triumph in all spheres of human endeavor.

    Matthew 7 : 7-11

    ''Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?''

  • De-recognition of 50 Schools in Oyo-My View by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 9The Oyo state government recently announced the derecognition of 50 secondary schools in the state for examination malpractices. 26 of the schools are government owned while 24 are privately owned. The Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke in this piece expresses his views on the development.

    Excerpt:

    Examination calls for a process of strict invigilation and supervision underlined by the highest level of discipline to protect the integrity of the alumni of every school. The desire of parents to have their children in a choice of professions and universities, the pressure on children to pursue courses in which they have no aptitude, pressure on teachers who want to gain favor, overcrowded sitting arrangements, parental upbringing, peer group effects, mushroom schools promising good results among others all contribute to examination malpractices. These fundamental causative factors need to be addressed properly by stakeholders-parents, teachers, counselors and the media. If sensitization on the need to instill discipline in the conduct of examinations had been thorough, the shameful act would not have been so embarrassingly great. However, the truth of the matter is that mushroom private schools are endangering the quality of education in Oyo state. They go into partnership with registered schools to register WAEC candidates for examinations without thoroughly taking care of the needs of the students, rather they promise them assistance while writing examinations. Such schools end up indicting the host school that accommodated their students through their inappropriate measures to make their students pass WAEC conducted examinations and other examinations. Another area of serious concern which WAEC itself needs to tidy up is that these students are able to observe examination malpractices through their unholy association with business centers and web operators who sell WAEC questions and answers online with payments via transfers and recharge cards to have access to such questions and answers online. Host schools taking care of candidates from unregistered schools for WAEC or NECO take the risk of indictment because these schools adorn the uniforms of the accredited schools that have accommodated their students to write their WAEC examinations in their schools, giving no room for excuses that perpetrators of the malpractices are not students of the accredited schools, were the examinations were written. School authorities of accredited schools should learn a lot of lessons from this sad experience by putting in place compliance with the rules and regulations guiding education,-WAEC and others. Unregistered schools and those that are registered ones need to cooperate with the Ministry of Education, the government and WAEC on the guiding rules for conducting worthwhile, fraud-free examinations by sensitizing the teachers,students and members of the public on the implications, consequences and penalties. Generally, there is the need to note that leakages of WAEC questions and answers online usually takes place when school authorities connive and through online links share among students in the examinations. The prohibitive amount charged as fines is enough deterrent for offending schools. This should be a lesson for others who are yet to be detected. In the course of building, our nation we must all recognize with passion that the effect of examination malpractices on national development has always been very negative. This is visible in the quality of the educational manpower the country has produced while the educational system strives to inculcate a high level of discipline, diligence, morale and love for others. A country that has become notorious for examination malpractices loses credibility, as evident in the value of the certificates outside Nigeria. Individuals through fraudulent means in educational pursuit are likely to face on-the-job challenges of dismissal, termination, lose of positions, lack of self-confidence and eventual suffering and embarrassment. Products of examination malpractices offer the nation, prevalent bank failures, budiling collapses, economic sabotage vandalizm, kidnapping for ritual and ransome, drug trafficking, fak drug manufacturing and sales! Are these not practical effects of moral decadence emanating from examination malpractices? The fight against corruption will only be realized if examination malpractices are curtailed. Future leaders equipped with a system characterized by academic fraud and dishonesty would certainly manifest questionable behavior in any organization they find themselves. Those who passed examinations by cheating would cheat to get employed, have spouses and even to win elections through electoral violence or their sharp practices. Finally, we must realize that education is a right according to the United Nations Children's Fund(UNICEF). The government must, therefore, realize that education is the bedrock of every society for appropriate development. Let us all do the needful.

  • Changing for the Better

    Titus 1He will change you, once you submit to Him today

     Titus3: 1-8 1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that, the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

  • Demobilize your Enemies

    BibleWhen enemies are very many on your path, God will assist you to demobilize them.

    Psalm 27

    ''1 (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. 9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. 11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. 12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.''

  • Seek God's Guidance in Decision Making

    BLACK FRIDAY

    In the process of making difficult decisions, ask God to guide  you to avoiding making mistakes; and be confident that God is working out His will in your life.

    1 Samuel-23 : 1-5

    Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.

    2 Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.

    3 And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

    4 Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

    5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

  • SWOT Analysis : A Tool for Achieving Religious Uprightness by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Rel 1Prof 8Presently, all over the world, the debate is on the relevant status of religion in the present era of moral decadence. It is surprising to see the defectiveness of the rule of law or sharia in the developed world as it is measurable through a high degree of orderliness and productivity. It is equally surprising to note that religion is never a dominant factor in these countries. Objective observers from Islamic perspectives submit that in this context, Islam by the scripture is at work in the developed world with low or no number of Muslim population, but in countries where religion dominates to determine the politics, economic and social affairs of the people; Muslims dominate without Islamic tenets via the stand of the scripture portending no Islam. People erroneously conclude that religion has failed humanity, whereas it is mankind that treats religion with impunity to the detriment of the expected benefits of offering just worship. The common factor for the lapses is falsehood in place of truth. If we are to go by the dictates of the Holy Quran 2 : 42-44, ''Cover no Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know what it is. And be steadfast in prayer, give zakaat and bow down in worship. Do ye enjoy right conduct in the people, and forget to practise it yourselves, and yet ye study scripture? Do ye not understand?''

     

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    There is a need for all of us to SWOT analyze ourselves and identify our class for ease of adjustment into adaptive learning for maximum development of our body and soul. The Holy Bible Mark 4 : 11-12 is a good reference to this with the implication of fatal consequences on any act of disobedience to the command of God via scripture upholding the religion of one's choice, realizing that no religion teaches evil. ''11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.'' All of them are to correct aberrations and set us on the path of righteousness driven by moral discipline, I and you to achieve due process with zero tolerance for corruption and institutional indiscipline. Finally, therefore, the Holy Quran 2 : 45-46 must become our watchwords to walk the talk to maximally achieve our socio-spiritual desires. ''Nay seek Allah's help with patient perseverance and prayer : It is indeed hard except to those who are humble, who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.''

  • Growing in Our Faith

    HebrewsMeeting together with other believers, ensures that we honor the Lord, grow in our faith, and give a strong witness to the world.

    Hebrews 10 : 19-25

    19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

  • Technical Education for Technology Advancement : A Veritable Tool for Nation Building by Pro. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 7Unfortunately for Nigeria's basic education, there is a dearth of facility to drive Technical Education for our students to be technically sound to meet up with the challenges of technology advancement that drives the present ady knowledge economy.

    Technical education drives the economy of all nations currently, but for Nigeria, our economy is artisan driven to the detriment of our political management which b y polarization is hoodlum driven, exposing us to the whims of quackery in all facets of huma endeavor.

    This is because of the deficiency of meeting up with the quality and standard expected of every nation in domesticating international instrumnets on global best practices. Quackery and sysem collapse during or after completion has direct correlation based on facility design, specification and materials of inferior quality.

    Education must prepare our students for the global market. In Nigeria, education is highly underfunded and has resulted in the myriad of challenges confronting the country presently.

    1)We fail to operationalize the affective domain, producin g literature that are deficient content that can inspire change for the better.

    2)we blindly commercialize education to the detriment of effecting a cognitive domain that would have launched us into research appreciation for development.

    3)We equally neglect the area of pyschomotor domain to produce graduates of rhetoric in the face of the challenges of desing and construction for infrastrcuturer and real development.

    4)Our science lack the intellectual and practical ability of observation, mehtod, procedure and experiment for systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural word to the detriment of our benefit.

    5)Our engineering lakc home patronage of our graduates for employability challenge of desing, building that are mathematics driven for our graduates to use with relative ease, enignes, machines and structure with retraing through foreign partners.

    6)Wile our technology lacks fulk technical education to develop products and produce for the nation due to poor scientific knowledge base to the detriment of right application to change or transform our society for right and correct management of the people and environment.

    The whole world,today, goes for quality and standard concept with global best practices. Graduates are trained to be abl;e to compete favorably in the global market.

    Where are we in the situation of hoodlum hijacked politics/ democracy and artisan driven economy?

    Professionals must be respected to have regard for orgainzational and professional ethics for sanity sake and must equally be respected to be part of decision making for ease of implementation by the government, which must adequately fund education.

    The fellows are not effectively utilized by the government while the artisans are not incorporated despite creating a viilage for them. Fellows need to be consulted for services while the orientation of teh artisans need to be changed through short term proficiency courses to benefit the nation.

  • Leadership and Governance by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    ImagesOrganization and professional ethics are important elements of governance or corporate governance.

    The elite now trample upon the Fundamental Human Rights of the impoverished masses, who have become mere pawns in their(elite) hands for the ease of manipulation to win elections.

    The present dividends of democracy include insecurity, poverty aggravation due to unemployment and high prices of commodities beyond the reach of the teeming population, avarice and greed exemplified through the blood of Timocracy running through the system of our politicians driving them crazy into Kleptocrarcy and deceptive plea bargaining; increasing the fold of cabal, cartel and the vicious cycle of the corrupt people's clubs in Nigeria.

    In all processes involving governance, leadership by appointment, promotion or election, the effective participation of the people matters at all levels of identification, selection, and electoral processes involving voters' registration and the collection of the Permanent Voters Cards(PVC), party manifesto, campaign training and the voting exercise and monitoring, election results, collation of results and the declaration of results.

    The aftermath of this continues to call for effective participation of people in keeping the environment of peace for ease of governance.

    Leaders must be above the parochial sentiments of statism, ethnicity, tribalism, ego-centeredness, materialism, but be spiritually rejuvenated in due process without religious bigotry in dispensing power and service.

    Governance and leadership cuts across all systems for idea and product generation for the purpose of enhancing productivity and sustainable development. Whatever your professional discipline- religion, politics, media practice, broadcasting, business or entrepreneurship, entertainment, medicine, engineering etc.

    We must all be skillful as professionals for us to be able to serve with ethical guidance that will eventually give competence in leadership and credence to due process in governance.

    This will equally enhance effective participation of people for a better society. Leaders must be prepared and trained through the agents of socialization-the home, school, vocation and right empowerment.

    Our educational orientation must be geared towards realizing this for leaders with all authority and confidence to be on the field when challenged to assume office and with outstanding and credible performance.

    However, when we take for granted leadership training needs by allowing people to assume leadership duties, roles and responsibilities, they will lack the ethics and procedures of due process to end up disappointing the people in the discharge of his or her duties, as would be evident in the lack of the rudiment of Management, Administration and Governance.

    Corporate governance under democratic norms is, therefore, recommended since it will instill discipline to enhance efficiency in productivity with high goodwill of peace and sustainable development in an environment that is safe and secured where nobody is denied of his/her right of access and right of justice.

    Prof. Olagoke delivered this paper on Wednesday September 7, 2022 at the Jagaban Commincations Internaitonal 2022 Mega International Summit in Ibadan

  • Reject Doubt

    Holding onto God's word is faith

    Matthew 14 : 22-32

    22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

  • God shall Enable you

    The Lord has made effective leaders and teachers of people who never envisaged that they would,ouucpy leadership positions.

    Judges 6: 1-6

    6 The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of lMidian seven years. 2 And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel, and because of Midian the people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains and mthe caves and the strongholds. 3 For whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites and nthe Amalekites and othe people of the East would come up against them. 4 They would encamp against them pand devour the produce of the land, as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance in Israel and no sheep or ox or donkey. 5 For they would come up with their livestock and their tents; they would come qlike locusts in number—both they and their camels could not be counted—so that they laid waste the land as they came in. 6 And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel rcried out for help to the Lord.''

  • The Potency of Prayers

    Consistent prayers and supplications move mountains.

    Matthew 26 : 36-46 36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.''

  • The Stakeholders for A Secured Future by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 6The government and every proprietor must invest heavily in the functional education of our children despite the current trend of development that dwells on global competitiveness and global best practices through such orientation, which will give learners and graduates of every school a wider view of the world where peace and development will dominate a purposeful educational goal.

    To be able to achieve the above-mentioned updates, facility updates and security issues must be pursued with high assurance of a safe environment for the teachers and the children, including the young. It is sacrosanct to the provision of a conducive environment for learning through adequate funding, total quality assurance and standard attainment. Policy designs on these must be implemented now for a better Nigeria. The stakeholders including parents, government at all levels, schools, students, alumni associations, the media and others must walk the talk on the education enhancement needs without any delay for a better future. Let us realize that the goal of accreditation exercises for various disciplines in our schools and the global exercises for universities across the board is for education not to lose its focus objectives, quality and standards. Working towards achieving this is a challenging task for all nations. Alumni associations of schools must rise up to support the reinforcement needs of our schools for adequate funding to provide for facility updates, and motivate the teachers/lecturers for Nigerian schools to compete well with their counterparts abroad. Afterall, the nation will benefit better if schools are able to provide thoroughbred graduates that are well disicplined with passion to provide for the need of the people for opeace and development to give us safe and secured environment. Above all, let us motivate our teachers to walk the talk to promote knowledge economy. Let us jointly secure the future of our nation, Nigeria.

    Prof. Olagoke delivered this lecture at the Shafudeen Group of Schools end of year 2021/2022 Academic Session party and 8th Valedictory sercvice

  • Causative Factors of Insecurity : The Antidote by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 5The antidote to all forms of insecurity is a functional democracy run through high regards for fairness, justice and equity.
    Any alteration to a functional justice system and equitable distribution of material resources  to the people without marginalization of any kind will ever hurt the polity.
    The Holy Quran 30 : 41-42 refers, ''Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of the need that the hands of many have earned, that Allah may give them a taste of some of their deeds, in order that they may turn back from evil. Say : Travel along the earth and see what was the end of those before you. Most of them were idolaters(driving agents of indiscipline and corruption).
    If the past is bad, sense and sensibilities demand that there must be damage control to correct today's anomalies. The failure to set up this appropriate measure in that respect will impede development.
    Leaders of thought must proceed with sanity promotion exercise using the due process of the culture of integrity, education for civility and development, religion for discipline, moral regulation and control to be able to promote credible leadership, good governance for the wellness of the people in an orderly manner expected of every decent society.
    To say the least, the arrest of offenders must proceed towards  the diligent prosecution of their cases. For example, murder should ordinarily attract the death penalty to curb and prevent  future murderous activities under any guise.
    In Nigeria, for example, no culprit once apprehended must be transferred to Abuja, where often times they are never tried but released to embark again on their aborted missions.
    Read-Profit from this
    If arson, murder, kidnapping and other related crimes are committed in Yorubaland, there is no justified cause to transfer such suspects to Abuja, most especially when it involves indigenes of other states outside the states of the committed crimes. If there is a constitutional bottleneck on it, let it be resolved, restructured and amended immediately.
    The judiciary in a democracy must  be made to be alive for the survival of this political philosophy already adopted to rule over the people.
    The Holy Quran 5 : 8 refers,, ''O ye who believe! Stand out firmly to Allah as witnesses to fear thee, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just, that is next to piety : and fear Allah is well acquainted with all that you do. ''
    Causative factors of insecurity, therefore, such as hunger and poverty have damaged the fabric of democracy for our leaders to go crazy, soaking their hands in indecent acts to promote the culture of timocracy, kelptocracy and ego-centeredness of the medieval times, making the people resort to bestial styles of lfie that has already threatened the glorious peaceful co-existence. There is therefore, a dire need for effective damage control based on doing things accordingly and rightly too, through the fear of Allah as the only antidote.
     

  • Peace and Development require Just Worship by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 5Bad manners corrupt the moral essence of religion and disrupt the expected perfect God/man relation.

    This is the message in the Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians 13: 13, that religion as faith would only be functional and beneficial as a constructive environment for peaceful co-existence. 

    ''3 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.''

    For this to happen, individual adherents must offer just worship based on their belief in their creator the almighty God.

    However, all scriptures submit that there can be no development in an environment of chaos, hence love becomes basic and sacrosanct to any religious practice to have an impact on the people and the society.

    In the book of Isaiah 59: 1-4, the readiness of God to accept our offer, provide for us, and protect us from all forms of evil is established as a divine design.

    Peace

    However, divine intervention will never be realized in an environment of iniquities.

    ''1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

    2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

    3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

    4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity.''

    The Holy Quran equally corroborates and establishes the importance of love in the life cycle of every person-platonic or otherwise.

    The Holy Quran 30: 21 with the essence of marriage, family cohesion, and a happy home formation as case studies states, ''And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them. And He has put LOVE and MERCY between your hearts: verily in that are signs for those who reflect.''

    It is very unfortunate that Nigeria is currently experiencing a gun and sword state of insecurity, where religion is playing a catalyst role to fule the chaos rather than dampening the state of commotion. This is because individual adherents live by hearsay and less of being scripture compliant. Quackery in the houses of God, therefore, offers a satanic state of profanity. This is why the home, society, and the nation are now difficult to be controlled through the moral lessons of the scripture.

    For the world to know peace, and Nigeria to enjoy peaceful co-existence, individual worship must understand the admonitions and guide in the scripture of choice and apply the same to suit real-life situations without going out of bounds of the dictates of God. After all, no religion teaches evil.

  • Pray Ceaselessly to God to end the kidnappings and Killings in Nigeria-Cleric

    Govt 11Christians in Nigeria have been called upon to use the Easter celebration to ceaselessly pray to God to ned the killings, ritual killings, and other violent crimes across Nigeria.

    Read-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt

    This call was made by a Christian cleric, Pastor Opeyemi Ajayi in a chat with Poverty Line.

    ''Christians should make use of the Easter celebration to pray to God to put an end to the kidnappings, killings, ritual killings, and several other crimes in different parts of the country. Be ceaseless in your prayers, victory is on the way. It is a matter of time,'' Pastor Ajayi asserted.

    -Legalizing Crime and Criminality

    -Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality

    -Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach

    -Government Workers-A Subject of Debate

     

     

     

     

  • Ramadan Fast Daily Guide by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke April 9th April 13th, 2022

    Prof 3Saturday, April 9th
    Fear God
    Be reminded that procrastination is the thief of time not to lose the focus of accepting  God wholesomely.
    The essence of the Ramadan fast is to inject into every adherent the culture of the fear of God.
    To be well equipped in becoming wholesome, spiritually, and socially in line with the goal of the Ramadan fast as entrenched in the Holy Quran 2: 183, '' O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may learn correctly the concept of the fear of God as  a way of life.'' Ramadan Kareem.


    Sunday, April 10th
    Be Cultured into Good Adherents of Islam
    In line with the Boys' Scouts motto, Ramadan the great, the teacher, admonishes us to be prepared always to be a survivor of any emerging situation. How far then, are we prepared in character adjustment with respect to body preservation from sins and crimes and soul purification from devilish thought processes.
    A stitch in time saves nine. Decide today to be a good Muslim for tomorrow may be late. Ramadan Kareem.


    Monday, April 11th
    Live a Pious Life
    Do you realize what it takes to be in a good state of piety?
    The Almighty Allah has commanded the angels to continually assess us on character adjustment based on the 10 nutrients of the spiritual diet upon which we can attain the comfort of life without hitch and the bliss of heaven, Janat or paradise as entrenched in the Holy Quran 2: 201-203, take time out to study these verses. Ramadan Kareem.


    Tuesday, April 12th
    Self Assessment Need
    It is imperative that we routinely assess ourselves for character adjustment.
    The Holy Quran 33: 35 for Muslim men and women: '' total submission to the will of God. 2) Level of belief in the almighty Allah must manifest in the way we live our life. 3) Our level of devotion. 4) The factor of being a vanguard of the truth.
    5) Our state of patience must regulate our pursuit of social desire without satanic interference.
    6) Our consistency in serving God and humanity.
    7) Our culture of humility will grow and develop in status.
    8) Our level of care for others through charity.
    9) Our sacrifice of pleasure for others to live.
    10) Our quality of fidelity for a chaste life.
    11) Our acceptance of the concept of puritanism is supplicating God for our social and spiritual desires. How far have we fared? Stop deceiving yourself, make amends. Ramadan Kareem.


     Wednesday, April 13th
    Qualification Factor
    How qualified are you to observe the Ramadan fast, since it is meant for those with absolute belief in God and His injunctions?
    Be reminded, walk the talk for His admonition to become a matter of reality among mankind with the necessary impact that can be felt.
    Assess yourself against the backdrop of the Holy Quran 22: 35.
    Ramadan fast shall therefore be accepted by God on the basis of the following conditions. '' To those whose hearts when Allah is mentioned are filled with fear, who show patience and perseverance over their afflictions, keep up regular prayers and spend in charity out of what We have bestowed upon them.''
    Let us strive to meet up with the conditions to be able to succeed, despite all odds through divine intervention. Ramadan Kareem.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • The Essence of Congregational Worship by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 3An assembly of people is said to be lawful when their activities are productive and it is said to be unlawful, when foul play is suspected form their dynamics.

    Religious assembly must be strong enough to command what is good and pure, and prohibit what is bad and impure.

    This extends to the enforcement of moral discipline, dignity of labor and legitimate earnings as against indolence, waywardness and frivolities as well as corruption.

    The failure of any religious system to promote peace and development through moral reformation and good character building will ever endanger the society into a state of insecurity whereby people will shun due process in doing things but uphold illegalities taking the law into their hands to endanger other people’s lives.

    The religious system is expected to have role model heads who uphold virtues, rather than the ones that would continue to illegally acquire wealth, taking advantage of the peoples’ weaknesses and vulnerability.

    God 1

    The Holy Bible is a good reference point, John 6 : 26–27, revealed the love of man for materialism rather than truth and God.

    ‘’Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

    27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.’’

    In the same manner, the Holy Quran, 7 : 157 admonished that adherents of all religions must seek the kingdom of God first, rather than sheepishly following religious leaders because of their fame and wealth.

    The Holy Bible Matthew 11 : 28–30 states, ‘’Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

    29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

    30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’’

    In the same manner, the Holy Quran promises sincere worshipers of some benefits and admonishes on the need to maintain perfect God/man relation.

    The Holy Quran 7 : 157, therefore, summarizes the essence of congregational worship, ‘’Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him — it is those who will be the successful.’’

    For our nation to have peace and accelerated development, the religious sector must be worked upon to have productive congregational assembly of just worship with love.

    Read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality

             -Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality

             -Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach

             -Government Workers-A Subject of Debate

  • The Powers of Government

    Property 2

    The forceful acquisition of property(land and houses) is the trend in Nigeria presently.

    Those who act out this script are both in the public and private sectors and do not have regard for the contents of the law on ownership of property.

    Read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality

    Hiding under the cover of laughable policies, property of innocent citizens are annexed. Their greed and insatiable appetite for oppressing the people have overwhelmed the humanity in them.

    -Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality

    The Judiciary which is supposed to be the last resort of the common man, are co-travelers with those that call the shots at the Federal, States and Local Governments.

    The only hope for the people lies in divine intervention.

    -Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach                -Government Workers-A Subject of Debate

     

  • Fear God Only by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 3The situation of the world growing wild with accompanying moral rots and institutional indiscipline has led the religious sector to be socio-divinely passive.

    The dying profile of all agents of socialization is, therefore, at the mercy of satanic control.

    The big question is, therefore, on who is to activate what ?

    This is why the Governments of many nations are usually working to fail, making the environment to be ungovernable and uninhabitable through the pockets of emerging states of insecurity. The simple reason is because of change over of the sacred status of the houses of God into that of profanity making religious leaders to aid and abet iniquities.

    The solution, therefore, is for humans to return to God without been fraudulent, using the process of the fear of God.

    From the Holy Bible, Luke 12 : 4–7, ‘’have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

    4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

    5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

    6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

    7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.’’

    God 9

    The essence of attending the houses of God is to learn correctly About God and the process of worshiping Him. This is to allow adherents to have a direct alignment with their creator to establish permanent God/man relations onto God only , therefor every soul or body must direct his or her thoughts.

    Religion, therefore, is a school of faith building on the supremacy of God over all things. 

    The Holy Quran 16 : 49–53 certifies this assertion.

    ‘’And to Allah doth prostrate all that is in the heavens and on earth, whether moving creatures or the angels : for none are arrogant before their lord. They all fear their lord, high above them, and they do all that they are commanded. Allah hath said take not for worship two gods : for He is just One God : then fear Me and Me alone. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth And to Him is the religion always(divine construct) : then will ye fear other than Allah ? And ye have no good things but is from Allah : and moreover, when ye are touched by distress onto Him ye cry with groans.’’

    The worrisome state of human ingratitude make us become a bundle of contradiction . We profess without walking the talk ! 

    The Holy Quran 16 : 54–55 admonish all humans to make timely adjustment to avoid facing the penalty .

    ‘’Yet when ye remove the distresses from you behold some of you turn to other gods to join with their lord. To show their ingratitude for the favors we have bestowed on them ! Then enjoy your brief day but soon will ye know your folly.’’

    My advice, fear only God the almighty Allah.

    Read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality

            -Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality

            -Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach

            -Government Workers-A Subject of Debate

  • The Right to Freedom of Thought Conscience and Religion by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 3Thought is a process of the dynamics of the mind, in establishing ideas or opinions through the thinking flame that in most cases result in actions.
    It could be regarded as cognitive processes energizing sensory stimulation and it can happen independently to every individual, in the areas of judgment, deliberation, reasoning, concept dynamics, and problem-solving.Conscience
    When the result is positive, it favors social and interpersonal relationships.
    And when it is negative it may hurt the feelings of others or damage to a destructive level. This is why it becomes an issue of the right to freedom.               

    Read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
    Generally, therefore, our educational orientation must be directed towards a positive mindset for a right to freedom of thought to be beneficial to all.
    In the same manner, every individual ought to be entitled to the freedom of conscience.
    In religious parlance, we believe that the almighty God dominates to correct the system of man preventing or minimizing wrongdoings and maximizing the moral sense of right.
    It becomes an issue before God and man when one becomes an adolescent starting from the age of puberty. This is a period when one is accountable for any of his deeds.                         

                                                                                             -Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
    Conscience is very important to every human and society as a whole.  Any individual with the right conscience will never indulge in dastardly acts, hence the right of every individual to the free to conscience must be worked on through the correct educational programs. The right to the freedom of religion is equally very important if we are able to view religion from the perspective of the socio-spiritual inspirational school, where faith in a particular belief is considered to be built on the rock of a positive mindset of self-relevance, confidence, self-esteem and a positive mental attitude. This will make an individual be permanently aligned with his creator.                       

                                                                                                                     -Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
    Religion

     

     

     

     

     

    Religion emphasizes the necessity for society to build values such as love, respect, harmony, and empathy.
    The right to freedom of religion, therefore, becomes an issue, where it could not be effectively regulated and controlled into the right and beneficial practices.
    There is, therefore, the dire need to challenge religious leaders to role model the right practices of religion to enjoy the cover of protection under the fundamental human rights charter.
    Generally, therefore, every individual ought to be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, provided all-controlling leaders are able to role model the virtues of life.

    Read-Government Workers-A Subject of Debate

     

  • Adultery Ruins Avoid it by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 3To appreciate the difference between animal and man, the area of mating is pointer.

    Take note that adultery may bring shame and betrayal of trust as well as risking the consequence of divine sanctions and decay.

    The Holy Quran and the Holy Bible are unanimous on this.

    The Holy Quran 17 : 32 refers, ‘’ Never come nigh to adultery : For it is an indecent deed and an evil way.’’

    The Holy Bible Matthew 5 : 27–28 equally emphasizes on sexual sins.

    ‘’You have heard that it was said don’t do the sin of adultery. But I tell you that, if a person looks at a woman and wants to sin sexually with her, then that person has already done that sin with the woman in his mind.’’

    The wisdom of avoiding adultery is captured in the Holy Bible Proverbs 5 : 3–14, ‘’For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:

    4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

    5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

    6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

    7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

    8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

    9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

    10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

    11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

    12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

    13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

    14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.’’

    The Holy Quran, therefore warns that we should avoid adultery with a case study of the penalty of flogging as a preventive measure from plunging oneself into the wrath of God; if and only if one wants to remain a believer.

    The Holy Quran 24 : 2 refers, ‘’ The woman and the man guilty of fornication,-flog each of them with a hundred stripes : let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah; if ye believe in Allah in the Last Day : And let a party of the believers witness their punishment.’’

    Adultery 2

    Since the punishment for adultery and fornication is socaiily lower than the spiritual consequence and that in any of the ways, adultery can create bad blood, big fight and poisonous feud.

    The believers must make it mandatory for themselves to keep chastity against all odds and avoid keeping of bad company not to become victims of people’s snares to slander their names.

    The Holy Quran 24 : 23 warns all of us. ‘’ Those who slander chaste, indiscreet and believing women are cursed this life and in the Hereafter : For them is a grievous chastisement.’’

    Adultery can ruin avoid it, therefore, and role model exemplary lifestyles as we step into the new year.

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  • The Right to Fair Hearing by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 3Fair hearing could be described as the process that ensures that the trial of an individual conforms to the fundamental concept of justice and equality.

    The right to fair hearing, therefore, requires that an individual ought not to be penalized by decisions affecting their rights or legitimate expectations, unless they have been given prior notice of the case.

    Secondly, a fair opportunity to respond must equally be given and thirdly, the opportunity to present their own case.

    Respect for the following four essentials are therefore crucial :

    Adequate notice should be served to the accused.

    2. The accused must be duly informed about the evidence against him, her or them.

    3. The accused must be given the opportunity to present his, her or their cases as well as the relevant evidences.

    4. The accused must be given the opportunity to contest adverse evidences.

    Fair 1

    It must be noted that presumptions, assumptions or insinuations are clogs in the wheel of an enabling environment for fair hearing. Therefore, the sine qua non or essential conditions for fair hearing must be created.

    The right to know the facts of the suit or case must be precondition for the commencement of any hearing.

    The right to fair hearing must be seen to have been achieved, not to give room to coercion or other process that negates the provisions of fair hearing.

    In addition, the right to fair hearing/public hearing before a competent, independent and impartial court or tribunal established by law must be guaranteed.

    The presumption of innocence without molestation without molestation must be guaranteed.

    The right to fair hearing is an essential ingredient of democracy and it ensures that the people’s interests are well taken care of when it comes to civil rights and obligations including any question or determination of by or against any government or authority, whereby a person shall be entitled to fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or other tribunal established by law.

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  • Avoid Falsehood in Transactions by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 3Wise people believe that life is ephemeral and that social desires may become a tantalizing mirage if we live by falsehood to acquire wealth.

    The Holy Bible admonishes us that we must not claim knowledge where ignorance prevails. For us to be able to know our limits, therefore, there is a need to seek for knowledge and clarification.

    Proverbs 30 : 4 submits that, “Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?”

    The Holy Quran, therefore, warned us that education and wisdom demand that we must not claim to know where knowledge is absent.

    The Holy Quran 6 : 93 emphasizes the consequence as been grievous.

    ‘’Who can be more wicked than one who invented a lie against Allah, or saith, I have received inspiration when he hath received none or again who saith, I can reveal the like of what Allah hath revealed ? If thou couldst but see how the wicked do fair in the agonies of death!-The angels stretch forth their hands saying yield up your souls : This day shall ye reward,-chastisement of disgrace for that ye used to tell lies against Allah and scornfully to reject of His signs !''

    Proverbs 30 : 5–6 further warns us to be vanguards of truth always, ‘’Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

    6Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.’’

    Falsehood 1

    In the same way the Holy Quran 2 : 42 admonishes with emphasis, ‘’And cover truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth when ye know what it is ?’’

    What makes people tell lies most often is the affinity for materialism, most especially when due process is abridged for the sake of having undue maximum gains in business or material transaction.

    Proverbs 30 : 7–9 clarifies issues on this, ‘’Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:

    8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

    9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.’’

    Why do wed neglect God and His charges to direct our affairs not to head for the precipice of life.

    The Holy Quran 13 : 26 refers, ‘’Allah doth enlartge, or grant by strict measure the sustenance which He giveth to whom He so pleaseth. The worldy rejoice in the life of this world : but the life of this world is of little comfort compared to the hereafter.’’

    To be an exemplar, all must endeavor to be vanguards of truth in all forms of transactions.

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  • A Viable Condition by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 3Viable condition is necessary for successful restoration and preservation of cultural heritage on core values of integrity would have to depend solely on the understanding and practice of exemplary lifestyles based on values of integrity, otherwise, the system may suffer from unwarranted happenings.
    The viable condition of scripture compliance is sacrosanct, the right practice of every religion for ease of adapting and adopting the dictates of God to put up pious and exemplary lifestyles.
    A critical study of democracy to energize civil rule rests on the viable condition of justice, deterrence, and equity concept application to avoid the challenges of marginalization and agitations by the people over perceived injustice towards them.
    Where such viable conditions are absent there would be system disequilibrium through the heating up of the polity. A further study on the triangle of sustainable development x-rays environment, economy, and the people or society to thrive harmoniously.

    Viable 1
    The economy and other aspects of society must be viable to ensure streamlined development.
    Several nations depend on investments from local and international sources, but no investor will ever come to a conflict-ridden environment to invest. An environment characterized by insurgency,
     natural disasters, violent crimes, dictatorship, and the infringement of the fundamental human rights of the people would never be investment-friendly.
    In the final analysis, the viable condition is an index measure of capability where system functionality leads to the development that is sustainable without recourse to parasitic means.

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  • Knowledge by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke


    KnowKnowledge is either acquired or imbued by the endowment. Knowledge about things is fundamental to human growth and development and it has to do with the need for safety and security consciousness with growth.
    Knowledge makes one be able to, differentiate between predators and friendly beings.
    It determines mand relevance and order of importance to human life and development for the body and psyche to be able to cope with endowed and encountered knowledge. It cal also be classified into the voyage of life in the physical world as well as to that of the unseen which has a direct relation to the spiritual life of every human.
    Education, whether formal or informal must have a process of refining knowledge for the consumption of learners to be directed towards a positive mindset only. Otherwise, knowledge may become a toxic substance that may deform rather than reform because of the associated garbages which religion is struggling to suppress in every human.
    knowledge, therefore, portends that every project to be laudable must be a conglomerate of the network of Science, Technology, Management, and Commerce, in an environment of self-esteem, due process, and the fear of God to mix the realities of the physical world and that of the unseen.
    It must be functional for it to be meaningful.
    Every one of us must be challenged with the dynamics of knowledge but with safety valves that would prevent misuse.
    Knowledge is a must value to promote information, transmission for human comprehension and development and must be regarded as the acquisition through learning, experience to enhance learners'  practical ability into real skill development. We must daily increase our knowledge base for relevance and credbility.

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  • False Teachings and True Riches by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 3Presently,it is very difficult to differentiate believers from unbelievers in terms of attitude.

    The Holy Quran 25 : 44,therefore satisfies the curiosity of the just at the waywardness level of adherents of almost all religious bodies in the nation. 

    ‘’Thinkest thou that most of them listen or understand ? Their holy like cattle,nay, they are farther astray from the way.’’

    The Holy Quran 10 :36 further infers,’’Most of them follow nothing but conjecture : truly conjecture can be of no avail against Truth.Verily Allah is well aware of all that they do.’’

    In the present time several religious practices have been overwhelmed by false teachings and true riches as suggested in the Holy Bible, 1Timothy 6 :3–10, ‘’As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

    4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

    5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

    6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;

    7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

    8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

    9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

    10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;’’

    False 3

    The Holy Quran attests to the submissions above by warning in64 : 15–16,’’ Your riches and your children,but a trial :whereas Allah is with Him is the highest reward.So fear Allah as much as ye can; listen and obey; and spend in charity for the benefit of your own souls and those saved from the covetousness of their own souls-they are the ones that achieve prosperity.

    In the Holy Quran 2 : 45 the right approach recommended by true religious worship makes this assertion for people that want to get rich, most especially through the dignity of labor. ‘’Nay,seek Allah’s help with patience, perseverance and prayer :It is indeed hard except to those who are humble.’’

    The restoration of true teaching and true riches must be based on been scripture compliant as adherents of all sects and denominations in all religious systems.

    The Holy Quran 16 :125 refers,’’Invite all to the ways of the Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching(counseling);and argue(dialogue)with them in ways that are best(without hate speech) and most gracious(without holier than thou or air of arrogance and insult) : for thy Lord knowest best,who have strayed from His path and who receive guidance.’’

    Therefore,let us avoid false teaching and the quick money making syndrome, but instead follow a righteous path of scripture compliance to have the fear of God for the purpose of restoring our core values of integrity,sanity and a well ordered society bequeath able as a legacy for posterity.

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  • A Warning about False teachers by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 4The whole world is in disarray mainly because it has been overwhelmed by false teachings, whereas only truth can avail a nation.

    The Almighty Allah even said in the Holy Quran 29: 44, ''Allah created heaven and the earth in truth: verily in that is a sign of those who believe.''

    Allusion from that proves that a house with foundations of falsehood through materials of inferior quality will never stand the test of time.

    Any idea, conceived, therefore, through falsehood, may not be able to stand the test of quality and standard certification. This extends to friendship, marriage, business, and the worship of God.

    By extension, appointment into positions of power and governance through faulty electoral processes will never be able to deliver the expected services.

    Religion ought to be the last resort for human healing and salvation, most especially in the area of correcting the aberration in the land. 

    False

    However, the religious sector is now having several self-acclaimed clerics driving the vehicle of divinity through juju or the magical wand. This is why many nations are experiencing injustice, marginalization, insecurity, and poverty.

    The Holy Bible in 1 Timothy 4: 1-2 refers, ''Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

    2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;''

    One can now easily understand while several nations fail in management and administration through poor governance, despite the fact that in such nations they could lay claims to having Doctors of Law, religious leaders, and Professors in various fields of human endeavor and with a countless number of houses of God.

    Unfortunately, false teachers with false adherents will ever mislead the nation and plunge resources into waste because they follow false doctrines driven by satanic influences.

    False teachers abuse the sacredness of knowledge, purity of wisdom and prevent ultimately the intervention of the power of a discerning mind.

    A case study of Moses and Pharoah on false doctrines and genuine tenets refers to the Holy Quran 20: 69-70, ''Throw that which is in thy right hand. Quickly will it swallow up that which they have faked: what they have faked is but a magician's trick: and the magician succeeds not. So the magicians were thrown into prostration. They said we believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses.''

    The above analogy of a case study for a paradigm shift from religious adulteration into accepting the concept of puritanism to be holistic in worship as well as the role modeling of exemplary lifestyles devoid of fraud, corruption, murder, and other satanic symbols of destruction. This is a clear warning for false teachers to pray against deceptive teachings, not to throw the nations into a chaotic situation, and not to render the essence of being alive unrealistic and fatal.

    The Holy Quran 4: 50-52 refers, '' Behold! How they invent a lie against Allah! But that by itself is a manifest sin. Has thou not turn thy thought to those who are given a portion of the book? They believe in sorcery, Tagut, and say to the unbelievers that they are better guided in the right way than believers!''

     They are men whom Allah have cursed: and those whom Allah has cursed, thou wouldst find, have no one to help.''

    The expectation of God of mankind is that we should use religion to detoxify the bad blood and ferocity of character into that of a loving, harmless human being with beneficial peaceful co-existence.

    Stop false teaching and be decisive on the truth in teaching the scriptures to produce good citizens and good governance for the nation. Be just.

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  • Hope

    Prof 3Hope is captured in the Scripture as a state that can only be realized through walking the talk of one's chosen faith, but only in an environment of love.
    It, therefore, has a close relationship with one's destiny as a goal of human struggle for survival which can only be realized in part because of the frictions of life against which the energy for the struggle vectorially moves through a relative velocity for one's destiny to be terminated into a destination.
    This is why some scholars see hope as a desire accompanied by an expectation of fulfillment. Hope can be viewed through the perspective of self as an individual and we as a community or nation.
    Hope realization, therefore, is best driven through a self resolution to meet up with all conditions for him or her to be able to blaze the trail.
    This equally subject to the favorable conditions of the 8 pointers of wellness.
    Troubled souls are usually faced with frustrations which if not well controlled may lead to a suicidal note for premature termination of hope, age, and the ultimate, a life of fulfillment. Emotional disturbance is another psychological factor that must be controlled otherwise building of hope would be dashed.
    Finances and physiological needs determine one's access to a better active life upon which hope can be realized when one falls short of this grace, the hope may not materialize in one's desired goal, cutting short one's destiny into a fatal destination.

    Hope 2
    Lazy people, therefore, will suffer from dashed hopes, most especially when such a person lacks goodwill and a positive disposition towards others.
    Hardworking people who follow due process in realizing their hopes and aspirations may take some much time to be appreciated in an environment where double-dealing and other forms of illegalities are the order of the day through devilish connections.
    The hopes of any nation and community, therefore, lie in the ability of their leaders to keep a nation or community without fraud in an environment of zero tolerance to corruption and institutional indiscipline. However, the virtues can only be realized when leaders are visionary with the determination to live by a sense of patriotism for a bequeathable legacy.
    It takes two to tango-the government and the people. If leaders are transparent and accountable, they would become dependable and people will overwhelmingly shower such leaders with their trust, sense of patriotism, and unimaginable sense of endurance.

    When there is an economic downward effect on such a nation, people will naturally persevere through the troubled times and keep their hopes alive that there would be a better tomorrow based on their leaders' efforts and assurances.
    Hope, therefore, is a natural in-built characteristic into every mortal which he or she experiences every day based on the events of the time, most especially in his or her growing period, trying period, and when under the fear of not missing the state of equilibrium in wealth and affluence.
    People should, therefore, not lose hope, but make self-adjustment towards having a good disposition, high spirit to supplement the missing pointers in the state of his or her wellness.

  • Last defendant convicted in nationwide synthetic narcotics distribution

                                                                              Press Release

    HOUSTON – A 47-year-old man will forfeit three real properties and pay a $5 million money judgement for running a multi-million dollar synthetic narcotics distribution network, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

    Daniel Bowles, Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and analogues. He admitted to overseeing call-takers and the operation’s business finances as well as using multiple business entities to conceal the significant amount of its illegal proceeds.

    In 2015, authorities began investigating a smoke shop in Laredo. During that time, they discovered a nationwide mail order business that supplied the shop with illegal synthetic cannabinoid products. Call-takers in several states took orders for the products with names such as “Brain Freeze” and “Death Grip” which was delivered to shop owners from California. Payment was set to Arizona, often into accounts Bowles controlled.

    During the investigation, authorities tracked payments from multiple retail smoke shops throughout the United States and identified several bank accounts involved in the scheme. Financial records show that from February 2012 through 2019, the network received over $15.4 million in illicit proceeds.

    As part of his plea agreement, Bowles also agreed to a money judgment in the amount of $5 million and the forfeiture of three real properties.

    U.S. District Judge George Hanks Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 16. At that time, Bowles faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. 

    Six others have also pleaded guilty to their involvement in the organization. Ratchanee McAuley, 50, also of Phoenix; Thirawat Athikulrat, 42, and Chuanphit Srithongrung, 44, both of Downey, California; Frank Gonzalez, 60, and Ernesto Salazar, 34, both of Mesa, Arizona; and Don Jessop, 52, Salt lake City, Utah.

    McAuley, Athikulrat and Srithongrung each admitted to maintaining warehouses to manufacture the synthetic cannabinoid products. As part of their pleas, Gonzalez and Jessop acknowledged being call-takers, while Salazar admitted to assisting with manufacturing the products and travelling across the county to pick up the proceeds.  

    Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds that mimic the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. These chemical compounds can be applied to carrier mediums such as plant material and ingested using rolling papers, pipes, vaporizers or otherwise taken orally. Synthetic cannabinoids are usually sold in small, foil or plastic bags containing dried leaves (resembling potpourri) and are marketed as incense that can be smoked. It is commonly sold and known on the street as synthetic marijuana, fake weed, legal and by its popular brand names such as Spice, K2, Kush, Klimaxx and many others.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and FBI conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Brain Freeze with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety and sheriff’s offices in Zapata County and Maricopa County, Arizona. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Graciela Lindberg and Lance Watt are prosecuting the case.

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  • Idolatry by Prof.Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 4There are three types of perception by the divided opinions of mankind about creation and the source of their existence and sustenance. One school of thought believes in the evolutionary trend whereby matters only evolve perhaps from micro to macro size.

    Most of what the almighty God declares in the Holy Bible and Holy Quran in terms of good conduct are usually visibly displaced.

    The only thing left is to identify with the scripture that represents the voice of God. A belief, therefore, not in the existence of God as the source of all power could be described as idolatry.

    Another set of people that display traits of idol worship are the ones who adopt effigy as their God, some of the times they may regard this god as an interventionist between them and the almighty God.

    They would, therefore, resort to worshipping such effigies and mythically animate it as an object that answers their prayers.

    Idol1

    Whenever there is a problem in the land, they would believe in the atonement of preparing propitiation or using fellow human beings to appease such gods, they would believe he is angry because of some human shortcomings.

    Matthew 4: 10 int the Holy Bible states, ''10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.''

    The Holy Quran 16: 51-52, ''Allah said: Take not for worship two gods: for H is just One God. Then fear Me and Me alone. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth and to Him is the religion always: then will ye fear other,-then Allah ?''

    From the religious perspective, idolatry may reflect not only is lesser gods with God but may reflect when the believers depart from the holistic approach of worshipping God the almighty Allah.

    Such believers would not only be regarded as anti-scriptural but as hypocrites or apostates when they exhibit such characteristics as living by falsehood or telling lies, propaganda that may be attributed to deceiving people from the actual truth of nonperformance. Above all, occultic power is an aberration in every religion of God.

    It is pure idolatry, therefore, when believers take to magical practices, witchcraft, sorcery, as well as dining with groups of people who deal with the worship of idols and source power from the principalities of darkness.

    A situation in which the identity of a particular religious persuasion is taken to gain favor other things of interest when in actual fact the culprit's belief in doubt, may result in non-performance in public offices on assumption.

    Identity theft is not only a sin but also a crime.

    The Holy Quran 6: 108 refers, ''Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they, out of spite, revile Allah in their ignorance. Thus, we have made it alluring to each people its own doings. In the end, will they return to their Lord and He shall then tell them the truth of all that they did.''

    Letus remember that idolatry goes beyond erecting effigies and worshipping the same, it also involves human thoughts, words, acts, and deeds in whatever spiritual state of an individual.

    It is, therefore, imperative for every man to, without ceasing, ask God to reveal the truth of any matter to him for the needed conviction to be able to practice a belief in a sustainable realm.

                                                       Who owns the land?

                                                       Who owns heaven?

                                                       Who owns the stars?

                                                       Who owns the people?

                                                        Everybody wants to know

                                                       to be able to worship God

                                                       aright and to be able to do

                                                       things without adulteration

    Just as the almighty God is all-encompassing, with the creation of the heaven, earth, and all that are therein contained even though we are unable to see Him, He is all-seeing and all-hearing.

    Also, reflect and meditate on Psalm 53: 1, ''1(To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David.) The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.''

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  • Former Klamath Falls Police Officer Pleads Guilty for Stealing Methamphetamine and Fentanyl from Evidence Room

    MEDFORD, Ore.—A former Klamath Falls police officer pleaded guilty today in federal court after stealing methamphetamine and fentanyl from an evidence room.

    Thomas Dwayne Reif, 28, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge.

    According to court documents, on or about November 27, 2020, Reif is alleged to have entered the Klamath Falls Police Department’s temporary evidence room using an unauthorized key and removed an evidence item containing methamphetamine and fentanyl. Reif briefly left the evidence room before returning the evidence item to the evidence locker and leaving the facility.

    Shortly thereafter, Reif overdosed while operating his police car. The car jumped a median, travelled into oncoming traffic, and caused a multiple-vehicle accident. Reif was rushed to the hospital and successfully revived by medical personnel. Toxicology reports showed that Reif was under the influence of substances including methamphetamine and fentanyl.

    Investigators searched the personal locker assigned to Reif at the Klamath Falls Police Department. Inside the locker, investigators found that Reif had concealed an evidence bag containing methamphetamine.

    On May 20, 2021, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a two-count indictment charging Reif with possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge.

    Reif faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release. He will be sentenced on November 23, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Klamath Falls Police Department cooperated and provided assistance throughout the investigation.

    Source-FBI

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  • Goal by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 3Goal is a celebrity word that every creature and system must appreciate for the dynamic of their existence.

    In this process value worth comes into being to be able to keep up with the expected standard and quality. This is why improvement is a requisite for every existing value.
    When the expected is achieved the system is progressive and if it is the contrary the system is retrogressive.
    Every curriculum, therefore, sets the goal which the teaching/learning cycle must revolve around.
    The technology revolves around set goals. Research has advanced into various successive improvement methods of collecting data has ensured improved value for goal getting.
    In the religious sphere,  the goal is to build faith for adherents to attain a near-perfect God/man relation while the scripture remains constant in values and goals.

    Also read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality

    Goal 1
    Every man, therefore, must strive to identify his goal in life through the readiness to meet up with the goals of integrity as s his or her culture, professional ethics in his or her place of work, Town and Gown pledge is his educational pursuit, God and Godliness spiritual value worth in his religious exercise. In politics, those in positions of authority must vigorously work to better the lives of the people by exhibiting exemplary leadership values of classical and astute management and good governance without blemish.
    In order to avoid failure in life an individual must be humble enough to be rightly guided by mature mentors who believe in the fact that one is not successful until one grooms an outstanding successor who would be able to build upon the set standard.
    The goal is, therefore, a universal concept that applies to values such as growth, child-rearing, courtship, marriage, education, justice dispensation, governing through equity, product development, setting up of institutions, etc.
    When we fail to plan, we plan to fail. Develop a positive mindset to achieve your goal as you go about your daily activities.

    Also read-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality

     

     


     

  • The Value of Education

    Free and compulsory education from the Primary and Secondary levels is a step in the right direction for those who know the value of education.
    The renovation of dilapidated structures in public schools, the building of new classrooms, the provision of functional toilet facilities, water, and fencing all contribute to ensuring that pupils and students have quality education. 
    Sadly, the stoppage of the payment of WAEC and NECO fees by some state governments, most especially in these times of insecurity and economic downturn, has denied indigent students the opportunity to be educated.

    Soc
    Indeed, the educational system in Nigeria is in deep crises, while vital, literacy indicators point to a deplorable condition.
    Most of the schools, in the public and private sectors, have become breeding ground for criminals, trailed by an ever-increasing rate of school drop-outs.
    The quality of education has fallen significantly at all levels, just as cultism, gangsterism, ritual killings, and the use of hard drugs have taken over space.
    A number of teachers have contributed negatively to the sorry situation, even as the absence of adequate teaching aids and recreational facilities have worsened the troubled state of education in the country.
    Poor management, the multiplicity of agencies with duplicated functions, and inadequate coordination are stumbling blocks to available, relevant, accessible, and affordable education, to all irrespective of social and economic status.
    Considering the fact that illiterates constitute the majority of the population, immediate and long-term social and economic returns from education remain a mirage.
    The question Nigerians have continued to ask is-Do state actors know the value of education?

  • Managing Power- A Religious View by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 4Every ruler has a ruler he reports to according to Ecclesiastes 5: 8-9,'' 8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

    9Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.''

    Poor people could be likened to civil servants, if their salary scale is compared to that of the political office holders, most especially in some nations that are underdeveloped amid the abundance of natural and human resources.

    The ratio and the gap are too much between the civil servants and the political office holders creating a social class of dichotomy of kleptocracy for those who are opportune to control the resources of the land and the harsh effects of extreme poverty among the larger number of the population.Transfer Money with Wise

    This situation is usually characterized by institutional indiscipline, corruption, and the emerging state of insecurity.

    To correct the aberration, the relevance of the religious sector must not be undermined.

    This is to promote God and godliness in the lives of the people to be able to do things the right way without having an inordinate ambition to cheat on others.

    Power 2

    The Holy Quran 3: 23 refers, for the consciousness of all rulers and those who are aspiring to hold sensitive positions. ''O Allah! Lord of power and Rule, Thou givest power to who Thou pleasest and thou stripes of power from whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest: In Thine hand is all Good. Verily over all things Thou hast power.''

    The Holy Prophet Muhammad warned that all leaders are not only accountable to the people but their creator, the almighty Allah, so also in Proverbs 22: 22-23,'' 22Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: 23For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.''

    The Holy Quran 6: 165 refers, '' It is He who hath made you the inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some others: That He may try you in the gifts (power) He hath given you: For thy Lord is quick in punishment; yet He is oft forgiven, most merciful.''

    Let us use power wisely and dispense power with caution bearing in mind that we shall all be accountable not only to the society we purport to be serving but without a doubt to our creator from whom we are all from and onto whom we shall all return.

     

     

  • Criminality as a Way of Life

    Inj 2For over a long period of time the Landlords and Tenants Association, community leaders, criminally-minded residents, some unscrupulous officers, and rank and file of the Police have ensured that various categories of criminals in Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Olorunsogo, Molete, Oshodi, Scout camp, Aluko, Felele straight and Rab, among several other communities in Oyo state perpetrate crime with impunity.
    Cultists, armed robbers, car snatchers, kidnappers, ritualists are just a few out of the long list of criminals, who have perhaps, been motivated by the comments of state actors during the end of SARS protests the previous year.Transfer Money with Wise
    How can accountable and responsible leadership appeal to worried residents to dialogue with criminals?
    The body language of state actors indicates that these criminals not only have their consent but also their blessings.
    Interestingly, these criminals continue to commit heinous and grievous crimes on a daily basis without hindrance.
    Notable among the criminals are one Samba, a barber at the Scout camp junction, linking Oshodi street and Aluko street, one samad, a generator repairer, Lekan and Segun Adewale of 8 Kehinde Aderibigbe Street, Olorunsogo, Molete, one Tobi Adesanya, a.k.a Ijoba, one Akin an electrician, who along with his gang operate from an abandoned building on the same street with the Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG)(    Potters house), Olorunsogo, Molete, the Okada riders operating at the Molusi street junction, Molete among others.

  • The need for Accountability

    Govt 6The discussion on the lip of every Nigerian, presently, is the embarrassing absence of the visible impact of the government at all levels on their lives.
    It is not, definitely, the vision of the elected and appointed, to provide basic amenities-water, electricity, and health facilities-rather the preference is for white elephant projects.
    The monetary value of projects embarked on, is on the high side, while such projects have in no way empowered the youths.
    In the place of future leaders, Nigeria is presently grooming future criminals.
    The only way that governance can be felt by the people, is for Those-in-Charge to initiate and execute projects that meet their needs and aspirations.
    The resources of the states are been managed by manpower, who lack commitment, determination, and prudence, while too much focus is on the borrowing and servicing of bank loans revolving around an inefficient and ineffective cash flow management system.
    Modalities for the award of contracts in most states are devoid of transparency, accountability, and due process, even as consultants have finally become an integral part of governance in several states.

    Govt 2
    Since the criminal elements among the commercial motorcyclists(Okada riders) are crucial to the success of Those-in-Charge in the affected states and are significant factors in their investment, banning them is not on the cards.
    Interestingly, the pace of governance is very slow, corruption has hit the rooftops and poverty has taken root in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.
    Perhaps, the only way forward is to ensure that individuals who occupy executive positions are made to be more accountable.

  • Antecedents: Use and Dump

    In a sizable number of states in Nigeria, individuals who presently occupy the Government houses are, perhaps, apostles of the Use and Dump Philosophy.

    For the period these individuals have been there, the people are yet to identify the fresh ideas to take the affected states to the next level of development, rather schemings, intrigues, and maneuvres for self perpetuity is the direction.

    In these states, it is not about the people not wanting good leaders, but it is all about the imposition of mediocrity.

    Sadly, the people never conducted background checks on the antecedents of Those-in-Charge in the states to verify their capacity and capability.

    Use

    The overbearing influence of the helmsmen in the states is given prominence by the docility and silence of political appointees on the government's unpopular policies and actions.

    Indeed, most of the appointees in the cabinets of the affected states are disturbed, but their facial expressions mislead the public to believe the contrary.

    Strangely, crime and criminality are now the norms in the affected states, with the helmsmen making feeble efforts to include dialogue as one of the options to put an end to the wasting of human lives and the destruction of properties.

  • Ramadan Fast(Daily Guide) By Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 2Wednesday 28th April

    In this season of the Ramadan fast for the forgiveness of sins and crimes and total refrain from devilish thought processes, let the opportunity make us awesome to be able to enjoy the promise of overall protection from all forms of life's hazards as exemplified in the Holy Quran 8: 29 and authenticated by the provisions of Proverbs 14: 26-27. The words of God must not be doubted by believers. Let us all work towards receiving grace. Ramadan Kareem.

    Thursday 29th April

    Have you worked on how best to achieve and imbibe the concept of the fear of God in this period of the holy month of Ramadan for you to be one of those who will give testimonies for others to increase in faith and belief. 

    The Holy Quran 8: 29 refers : ''Ho ye who believe! If ye fear Allah, He will grant you a Criterion to judge between right and wrong, remove from you all evil deeds and forgive you: Allah is the Lord of grace unbounded.

    Proverbs 14 : 26-28 refers :

    '' 26In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 28In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. ''

    So let it be with you and our dear nation by walking the talk. Ramadan Kareem.

    Friday 3oth April

    A t this period of the Ramadan fast let us begin to SWOT analyze ourselves to be able to increase in good deeds, as our strength, refrain from all forms of devilish acts that may destroy virtues and values to zero our weaknesses.

    Equally, let us seize the opportunity of this sacred month to be spiritually rejuvenated to be able to live expected exemplary lifestyles. Everybody has his or her areas of threats. For example, poverty and fear as well as insecurity in the land. This is the time to fortify ourselves to be able to break even. Ramadan Kareem.

    Saturday 1st May 

    As we are preparing to enter the harvesting period of the Ramadan fast, let us begin with a self-assessment on the compliance with the rules of holding the prescribed Ramadan fast.

    This is to be able to make necessary adjustments not to be a loser after the end of the socio-spiritual class sessions of the sacred month of Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem.

    Sunday 2nd May

    For ease of rating ourselves, on our performances so far, in our observance of the Ramadan fats, let us use the SMART concept for us to be able to project into the kind of harvest we should expect as we are about to enter the last 10 days of the fast. Routinely, be specific and measurable on the achievable assignments herein contained in the month of Ramadan.

    Be sincere and realistic without deceiving yourself because the Ramadan fast period is either 29 or 30 days time-bound.

    Endurance, tolerance, and perseverance ought to have been learned in this month for possible peaceful co-existence and ease of achievement in the areas of our social desires and development. Ramadan Kareem.

     

     

     

  • Ramadan Fast(Daily Guide) by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 2Friday 23rd April

    The week of mercy must have opened a floodgate of access to good things of life as well as the opportunity to keep a close relationship with the almighty Allah if and only if the month of Ramadan has been respected and the Ramadan fast has been observed with caution, due process and the fear of God. Let us check ourselves on this to make necessary adjustments. Ramadan Kareem.

    Saturday 24th April

    We are already in the second cycle of the Ramadan fast where soberness is required with a sincere reflection on the past to be able to enjoy the target of divine forgiveness as promised all sincere adherents.

    However, the realization of this is a function of the observer's readiness to move away from sins and crimes to have their bodies well preserved for God. Thread gently as a true servant of God, the almighty Allah. (Holy Quran 25: 63)

    Sunday 25th 

    Be right guides of the rules of exemption for those who are permitted to observe the Ramadan fast, the aged are already in the exponential decay region of life, the pregnant women have more than two mouths to feed just like mothers who are breastfeeding their babies and those with terminal diseases who depend on prescribed drugs. A balanced diet and timely attendance by caregivers, ante-natal, and pediatrics shall always be needed for their survival. But for those who are to repay this offer of exemption, the classification is equally obvious. Women in their menstrual period, the sickly, and travelers suffering from ailments such as fatigue, observing these guides will equally be tantamount to having the fear of God. This is the objective of the Ramadan fast. Ramadan Kareem.

    Ramadan 4

    Monday 26th

    The wellness of the people matters most to the almighty Allah as He submitted in the Holy Quran 2: 145, ''Allah intends every facility for you, He does not want to put you to the difficulties.''

    Those who are exempted for one reason or the other, not to fast in this sacred month must not abuse the privileges of mercy and forgiveness and must not lose the focus of the fear of God by been modest in their affairs and other interpersonal relationships.

    The Almighty Allah loves those who live within the ambit of the law. Holy Quran 22: 38, ''Verily Allah will defend from ill those who believe: Allah loveth not any that is unfaithful, ungrateful.'' Ramadan Kareem.

    Tuesday 27th

    As we enjoy the benefits of forgiveness in this sacred month of Ramadan fast, let us learn to forgive those who might have offended us, as our perceived enemies. Let us equally eschew hatred from our hearts and replace it with love. This month extends to divine cleansing of our hearts for the purpose of soul purification from evil thought processes for us to be wholesome as true Muslims right from this sacred month of Ramadan. The benefit of this cannot be overemphasized or over quantified.(Holy Quran 94: 1, 20: 25-26).

  • Anger-A Spiritual Perspective

    ProfAnger is an inborn quality that is easily expressed through reflections over matters when alone or as an outburst of reactions to people's actions considered not acceptable to one's system of perspective.

    However, one is expected to overgrow it as one transit from Id and Ego to superego state of living, when and where one is expected to, through a sense of maturity, overgrow unnecessary passions and emotions with a powerful mechanism of sense of control.

    This is why in Proverbs 25: 28, every human is admonished against loss of bearings of sense of discipline.

    ''“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”

    Also Matthew 5: 21-26 ''Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

    22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

    23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

    24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

    25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

    26Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.''

    It is, therefore imperative that we live in peace with our neighbors by guarding our utterances to prevent hate speech that may hurt others into uncontrollable anger.

    However, the Holy Quran wants us to live above hate with full resistances of perseverance and tolerance even in the height of provocation just to be at peace with ourselves and our neighbors for the society to remain orderly with a peaceful environment as an enabler to peace and development.

    The Holy Quran 25: 26 refers, And the servants of Allah Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say Peace !''

    Ang 1

    For our general lifestyles to be exemplary, we must avoid a state of fire for fire, but rather imbibe that of harmony for acrimony, this is expressed as a concept that should be cultural in the land, to be able to build a society that is more concerned about development, peace, and wellness of the people because of the existing love among the people and high sense of understanding the easily consider other people's weaknesses with a passion to forgive possible offensive actions towards them.

    The Holy Quran 41: 32-36 refers, to us to ponder and digest into good attitudinal values.

    To live above hate implies that we have overgrown been offended while our consciousness level must have been so sensitive to effectively control our tongues and body language towards others in such a way that they will never be thrown into any state of stress or frustration, making our neighbors happy always must be of major concern. This is the message of today's advice to enrich our knowledge and understanding to a state of wisdom.

    ''A hospitable gift from One, Oft-Forgiven, Most Merciful, who is better in speech than one who calls people to Allah, works righteousness and says I am of those who bow in Islam, that is, total submission to the will of God? Nor can goodness and evil be equal Repel Evil with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate! And no one would be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint-none but persons of greatest good fortune and if at any time an incitement to discord is made to thee by the Satan, seek refuge in Allah. He is the One who hears and knows all things''.

    Exemplary lifestyles that are above hate and anger, most especially by the elderly ones are sacrosanct for effective child-rearing, most especially in the region of the adolescent stage of our youth that demands the right attitudinal correction through an all-encompassing nature nurturing. In this wise, there is every need for me and you to control our anger and make it cultural for our children to be able to imbibe the spirit of tolerating one another.

    This is the best way to create a new world order, where everybody would be able to shun any or all acts that may lead to the disruption of law and order which, if not timely and effectively controlled may lead to a state of violence, anarchy, and war as the worst environment for every human's need for a safe and secured habitation that will be prosperous enough for peaceful co-existence and sustainable development.

    Learn how to control your anger today to have tranquility of the mind and to be at peace with others.

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Faith

    ProfThe issue of belief in God is very abstract to people because it lacks assessment and evaluation yardsticks. This is why prayer is usually misconstrued as mere wishes of the mind.
    Unfortunately, wishes live in the abstract realm of life though always sound positive when considered as a prayer and equally sound corrosively negative when considered as a curse to show the nakedness of wishes. This suggests that lazy people shall have the best of access to good things in life and when they are not realizing on time, they may resort to dastardly acts against all odds to have their way. If we now equate this to prayer, one would justify crimes been committed by a lot of people to live in affluence with influence in the comfort zone of life wielding power to oppress others.
    The position of religion through their various scriptures on the issue of faith is that of a well-ordered set of rules noted to be divine as rungs of the ladder for man to climb to his desired social needs because religion is regarded as a divine construct that is meant for human faith-building in order that such an individual may align with the set of the divine laws to be able to establish a perfect God/man relationship where  100 percent of human social desires would be realized as a matter of destiny actualization for realization.
    Unfortunately, this is a function of the need to keep on with the body preservation from sins and crimes and soul purification from devilish thought processes to be able to obtain a very high degree of a state of piety. In this wise, the fundamental needs of man are perfectly achieved with the tranquility of mind and well, safe and secured environment for the purpose of peaceful co-existence.
    Under this condition the issue of living exemplary lifestyles measurable by a high content of integrity where respect is commanded rather than been enforced from the society, such people are promised a hitch-free comfort zone of life on earth and paradise of the hereafter.
    Unfortunately for mankind, they misconstrue wealth acquisition on earth and earthly power to dominate others as a yardstick to the achievement of destiny. This is erroneous because achievers in the process of acquiring their wealth would have trampled upon the fundamental human rights of others without care which would involve the penalty of divine intervention to avenge the cause of the oppressed.

    Faith 2
    We can't, therefore, use this as faith-based destiny realization because faith has a direct correlation with destiny both of which are pure of the divine construct.
    The issue of faith demands for just worship with an adulterated stand of belief in our chosen religion for it to walk the talk of the scripture for us as adherents to be able to accomplish without hitch our destiny.
    When we fall short of this grace that demands due process in every step we take destiny becomes the destination for faith to become fate.
    It is unfortunate that we forget the difference between faith and fate, the former has a divine connotation while the latter is achieved through social construct borne out of human inordinate ambition for materialism without considering due process demanded by faith or religion.
    The parable of sowing the words of God reveals four classifications of adherents.
    1)Those who receive the words of God but because of psychological troubles of the mind and the craze for materialism, the word grows wings and flies away with the tide of time for satan to feed on. This category is without a guide.
    2)Those who keep bad company will run into the pressure of bad advice not to retain the words of God.
    3) Those who have a negative mindset will never open their hearts for the words of God to be deeply rooted. In them, there is no foundation for the seed to germinate and grow.
    These three categories of people take more than 99 percent of religious worshippers. They only carry the names of their religious affiliations without walking the talk of their scriptures. They only live in the rhetoric of beliefs that can in no way support and sustain them to realize their faith. They grope in the darkness of the world for their lives to be terminated abruptly as their fate, even though they may possess the wealth of the world, they would surely miss and lose heaven, to a disruptive effect of the people they might leave behind. The firmness of purpose in one's religion would afford one to achieve maximally a fate that may be very near one's destiny.
    Build your faith in your religion based on the scriptural dictates and guide, not to live a  fatalistic life of the human construct of fate. Walk the talk to be prosperous, safe, hale, and hearty without any form of regret. No religion teaches evil.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

     

     

     


     

  • Contentment

    Prof 1Contentment achieved through extrinsic perspective has to do with human activities in acquiring wealth to meet up with the needs in the areas of economic, environment and the kind of people that surrounds one from friends and family perspective, whose character and general attitudinal disposition aligns with one's concept of how life should be.

    When it is measured through material acquisition, achievement through legitimate means only, where elements of fraud are absent through the dignity of labor approach.

    Contentment may be inheritable from morally conscious parents, who rear their children in an environment of discipline, such people naturally exhibit these characteristics to the advantage of having the ability to cope with any standard set as value norms in the places of work to the areas outside one's home, including the foreign lands, such people will never live by complaint and they will be diligent at work, with exemplary lifestyles expected of best global practices, taking into consideration the expected ethical values to follow.

    Contentment as a value may be infectious through the polarization effect from those friends, peer groups, subordinates, or bosses at work, who might have upheld the concept of contentment or self-satisfaction around one.

    Contentment must be entrenched as a national value where leaders are expected to role model exemplary lifestyles as the general norm.

    Naturally, economic equations are not disrupted but applied to achieve maximum yield for the system because nobody will live a life of vanity and there would be no need for anybody at whatever level, he or she may find themselves, to envy others that have more, most especially those who are in positions of higher pedigree because one will realize that in the dignity of labor, your efforts or inputs must be commensurate to your earning power, even in the political setting, rivalry to usurp power or to seek for positions of leadership that do not have direct potentials of capability as may be relevant to the responsibilities of such offices will be highly minimal if not absent because people will realize the need to develop themselves to have worthy certificates that can be defended when finally one finds himself in such a position that would require expertise and some technical skills to support the mainframe of service delivery.

    Where the contentment value is absent, greed and avarice naturally build up into Timocracy which usually characterizes covetousness of power, without the wherewithal to manage it because the propelling force would become a biological interference whereby you would want to wield power around yourself mainly to have undue access to the spoils of office at the expenses of the demands of such an office to care for the people and to build the system.

    In such a situation, the arrays of scenes of poverty, hunger, diseases, and summarily a state of underdevelopment emerges.

    Contentment 2  

     

     

       

    Contentment as a value usually manifests at the homefront to demand parental sensitivity on their children's behavior and disposition towards material things.

    It is better cured at their Id level that is dominated by the factors of an impressionable age when one can easily remove or add garbages of interferences into the lives of these children. At the ego level of development of a child, usually dominated by the adolescent stages, the manifestation of lack of contentment easily becomes pronounced as greed or a state of insatiability.

    Lack of contentment, therefore, usually aids one into corrupt practices with a costly undertone of greed and acquisition of materials to live above one's means.

    It is, therefore, necessary for the four domains of the spheres of life-education-culture, education, religion, and politics through the National Orientation Agency to promote contentment as a must of cultural material for the society to be conscious of the need for ethical integrity to be based on the value orientation of contentment.

    This is an effective way to achieve maximally in the areas of good governance and credible leadership for the society to attain zero tolerance to corruption and sustainable national discipline since the people constitute the aggregate of many individuals who deserve to be socially responsible for the success of democratic governance to offer us a safe and secure society, tranquillity of the mind, environmental peace through the value orientation of contentment.

    Aspiration through legitimate means is the only acceptable solution to improving the contentment level.

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

     

  • Ask God Only for all your Needs

    Prof 1By the nature of our creation as mankind, we will continue to live by the sense of want using the yardstick of human physiological needs for his or her wellness.
    Human nature while still alive will continue to live by the following factors that determine his or her state of wellness: The mind that must not be troubled needs the spiritual tranquillity of the mind which is most often derived from our social satisfaction.
    The body needs a balanced diet or good nutrition to grow and the health services to have and maintain sound health.
    Fairness in the participation of one in his community, the work through ethical practices for productivity and profitability needs rational efficiency to be able to deliver. Finances determine social symbols and status in society to be classified as responsive and responsible.
    Human emotional outbursts and essence of control to keep down possibilities of having stress, frustration, or depression. 
    Considering the above, man will continue to be in a sense of want while he gropes in the darkness of the world to make ends meet.
    There is, therefore, a limit to what man can achieve in life in his pursuit of social desires without divine intervention. This is why the Almighty God admonishes all humans to do His will and get closer to Him. This is the basis upon which all religions are built.  All faith-based houses of God, therefore, must teach aright the scriptures for the adherents to imbibe the spirit of moral discipline as a basic condition under which he can have the opportunity to have access to divine communication which all religions offer as the prayer aspect of religious exercises.
    For a man to have unrestricted and unhindered access to dialogue with God, he must be ready to culturally adopt and adapt to the conditions laid down by God in the scriptures.
    For instance, Psalm 24 :3-4 refers, ''3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
    4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.''
    In the same vein the Holy Quran 12: 108 equally shows us the way to be very close to God while doing His will.
    Say thou, '' This is my way. I do invite onto Allah: with certain knowledge. I and whoever follows me(Prophet Muhammad). Glory to Allah and never will I join gods with Allah.''
    Both verses of the Holy Quran and the Holy Bible emphasizes the need to accept and live by the holiness of Allah through pure hearts.
    The Holy Bible, therefore, teaches us that we should continue to ask God for all our needs even when we are very hardworking for ease of maximally achieving our social desires.
    Matthew 7: 7-12 refers, ''7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
    8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
    9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
    10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
    11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
    12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.''
    However, the most important role that will usually facilitate human requests to be answered by the almighty God is that we must do to other people the same thing we want them to do to us, this is a reminiscence of the law of karma for natural social justice. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets. We need to realize that our religious sects or denominations are nothing more than a school of a faith-based building where we learn about how best we can have a perfect streak of God/man relationship.
    Religious sentiments must not becloud our sense of judgment and recognition of our creator as the source of our strength which cuts across our pursuit of wellness through social desires while alive and our struggles to enter the kingdom of God.
    In every religion, the factor of God and godliness exists even beyond our views and perception of the prophets, gods, and goddesses. Onto God, therefore, we must be very close to having direct access to divine communication.
    The Holy Quran 2: 186, equally stands on these categorical statements upon which every mortal must stand, without waiting for the period of travail that will demand our running helter-skelter to seek the favor of God for the cure.
    ''When My servants ask thee concerning Me. I am indeed close to them. I respond  to the prayer of every supplicant when he calleth on Me: That  they may walk in the right way :(Nutrition, Health issues and Wellness assured).''
    To be wise, let us ensure body preservation from sins and criminalities as well as soul purification from the devilish thought processes to be wholesome. 
    For us to be close to God, the almighty Allah, not to lose the opportunities of having access to His grace with pure hearts to continue, therefore, to ask God for all need.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • A Feeble Initiative

    Prof 2The declaration of the Nigeria Immigration Service(NIS) relating to armed men within Nigeria is not only misleading but also devoid of visible professionalism.
    The series of criminal incidents involving gunmen based in the forests in different parts of the country punctures the declaration of the NIS, which seems to be a feeble effort to shield those in charge from the glaring inability to bring the activities of its creation under control.
    Those who are in the service should undergo retraining to bring them abreast of modern trends. The same applies to others with related functions, which revolve around the protection of lives and property.
    Of great worry, however,  is the unbroken loyalty of a  sizable number of uniformed personnel to criminals, who, despite all odds ensure that the former have an unhindered flow of patronage and funding.

     

  • The Menace of Promiscuity

    Prof 1The difference between human and animal kingdoms has a divided line of unguarded freedom and organized interpersonal relationships in the area of mating the two kingdoms have consideration for stages of development, minor stage considered as the immatured and upper cadre of puberty considered as the matured stage.

    Distinctively, the human kingdom has a way of monitoring nature's distribution of guide, but surprisingly the animals naturally respect the guiding principles for the mating stage.

    The weaver bird is a typical example of the lesser animals who naturally respect, fidelity rules, both during and after the courting stage.

    Remarkably too, the horse has never been found guilty of incest in their annals of history.

    However, among human beings, the controlling guides seem not to hold as expected despite all the apparatus of control starting from the home where the two parents are expected to be the Chief Security Officers, whose primary duties are to ensure the children keep up with the principles of fidelity among themselves whereby any form of abuse should not be recorded.

    However, the contrary is the case in many of our homes: most especially where we have girls and boys as siblings perhaps due to carelessness and the nonchalant attitude of the affected parents, who will later run helter-skelter to carry out illegal abortions.

    The question now is on why we as parents degenerate with all lack in our social responsibilities to watch over the growth and progress of our children.

    What have we be doing when they are found watching blue films or hiding in their phones pornography, despite the fact that we know that all these are injurious to their mental and emotional well being.

    Homosexuality, sodomy, and gay practices are commonplace in society today.

    Apart from the social stigma, spiritual sanction as divine penalty goes beyond the rules of law as it may culminate into a jinx for the family, in the process creating low divine immunity for the affected family or by extension the community around which it happens.

    Bestiality has to do with primitivity while mating has to be dignified through organized rules of law that should uphold the sacredness of the Scripture and cultural setting of every society that recognizes and acknowledge the sacredness of marriage and the processes of entering into the holy matrimony including the fidelity factor that should herald in courtship period of attraction and the marriage period of reality checks.

    The spiritual state of the youth today is so poor for the reasons of frivolities and waywardness in their affairs.

    If religion fails to salvage them on this, humanity may go down into the bestial level of existence, with a dire consequence of lack of trust and sincerity of purpose which will continue to negatively affect the human psyche. 

    The Holy books assert that all these hard drugs negatively affect the mental state of the young ones which of course extends to their spiritual lives.

    The Holy Bible Matthew 5: 27-28 refers: '' You have heard that it was said that doesn't do the sin of adultery, but I tell you if a person looks at a woman and wants to sin sexually with her, then that person has already done that sin with the woman in his mind.''

    Any form of erotic fantasy not only affects the psyche, it equally disturbs the whole body to erode away the spiritual substances.

    This is why the Holy Quran warns in 17: 32,''Nor come nigh to adultery: For it is an indecent deed and an evil way''.

    Let us all work to achieve decency in our children and the society for ease of friendly interpersonal relationships with an injury.

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

     

  • Distrust, Action, and Inaction

    Dis 2Dis 3

    The Kano State Government has reverted to the N18,000 minimum wage for workers in the state, in these times of inflation, economic recession, insecurity among other several challenges.
    The action of the State  Government is a reflection of the poor state of finances of several state governments in the country and also an indication that workers have real cause to worry and pray.
    Interestingly, good leaders must either intend to produce good results or viable legacies.
    Is this possible in the present dispensation, considering the scheme of things. Nigerians express great doubts. 
    Making promises than what political office holders can deliver is just one of the many tragic mistakes of the people's representatives.
    The crux of the matter is that for Nigerians and the Government at all levels, trust is at a deficit.
    Sadly, in the last five years or thereabout, the country is not better off as it was in 2014 in terms of development-particularly investment, health, and education, although the forces of evil remain unperturbed.
    Surprisingly, in the middle of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the Government sees nothing wrong in the crowd at the National Identity Management Commission [NIMC] offices nationwide. Obviously,  the National Identity Number(NIN) is more important to the Government than the preservation of human lives.

  • The Restoration of Ethical Practices will Ensure Good Governance-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof 1Ethics are crucial to how the manpower in governance shall positively influence the scheme of things. These are principles of morality, the science of the good, and the nature of the right inclusive. The greater satisfaction in governance, except when the consciousness that comes from being good and doing right are in the minds of all those involved-elected, appointed, and employed. 
    The disregard and disrespect for professional, organizational, and institutional ethics have almost brought Nigeria to its knees. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head, and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabiut Olagoke says that the restoration of ethical practices is a precondition for ensuring the emergence of good leadership and governance. Excerpts :
    The myriad of challenges confronting the country has been traced to the disregard and disrespect for professional and organizational ethics. Why is this so?
    The fundamental fabric for the reinforcement of human existence work together for the purpose of peaceful co-existence and development could be traced to the organized colonies of the ants, termites, and bees because of the natural respect for divine laws among them, their organized ways of doing things follow the ethical principles which are presently been eroded today by human beings, most especially in areas where underdevelopment characterize the features of their programs and efforts. If to date, observers of the ethical practices remain the secrets of their maintained and sustained organizations, human beings, therefore, must think about their follies in been irrational in doing things by resorting to the learn the lost glory from the ants, termites, and bees. The Nigeria situation was not as bad as it is today because, in the colonial era, that gave us the standard quo of the civil and public service ethics of the technical practice of officialdom, from the secretarial firmness in keeping records and auditing professional ethics emerged for the graduates of our institutions who specialized in various disciplines because they are part and parcel of feeder links for the government activities to be productive without loss of goodwill.

    Et
    The laws of the land, based on our culture were respected by all even before the intrusion of religions such as Christianity and Islam. Nigerians who accepted these religions then were happy to discover in the Holy Bible and Quran based on their chosen faith; that they had been following the right path in their culture, at least in the area of the culture and tradition, with respect to good character and the best attitude. For example, there had been keeping of good neighborliness on the ground as well as a high-level power of accommodating visitors. The dignity of labor was part of our grandparents and society will never condone any form of laziness from people. The Hard work principle was their watchword. This was the reason why it was easy for them to be good Christians and Muslims, after accepting Jesus Christ and Allah respectively.
    The only snag with people then was idolatry which could be encouraged to be discouraged because of the fatalistic consequence whenever occasion warranted abuse or misuse of power for those who could not manage their anger or control their temperament.
    One now wonders why the present-day educational rejuvenation and evolution of the emerging houses of God are unable to tame the weirdness of the present time that is dirt-filled of all who had condemned by the tow Holy books, our religious adherents who dominate the entire population is following.
    Today, there is moral disintegration among the people who claim to uphold our culture and traditions.
    There is a need to challenge the relevance of the Mogajis, village heads, and traditional rulers such as the Obas, Emirs, and Obis, on the need to restore human dignity through effective sensitization of the people for the essence of integrity in the society and purposive leadership.
    If this can be achieved, it would be a matter of shame to the adherents of Islam and Christianity, who are used to claiming the superiority of their religions over others, if they cannot restore for us the sacredness of the Bible and the Quran as relevant articles of faith for human survival.
    For in these books or curricula, attitudinal values dominate the subject matter to be instilled in the adherents to be thoroughbred professionally,  with role modeling characteristics of been ethically responsible to save the places of work and the society at large.
    Corruption and institutional indiscipline are now the order of the day, not only among the politicians but also among civil and public servants, religious leaders, and the elite with good academic background and certain traditions, such people must have passed through some schools to attain some degree of educational relevance.
    Each one of them equally must have faith-based organizations he or she attends in the name of religion before finding themselves in any political party or as technocrats in the civil or public service and must have belonged to particular professional bodies before been appointed or elected into various leadership positions to manage in trust our sovereign wealth.
    Lack of ethical practices will ever lead to a loss of goodwill in industries, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, and the government as a whole for the nation to bear the brunt of underdevelopment.
    It is, therefore, a common problem of monstrous dimension for the nation to have clusters of frivolous and wayward people as the best of citizens.
    This is because all problems emanating from murdering merit will bounce back to undermine the need for excellence in our various efforts-be it the community or the nation.
    We must equally remember that character attestation and our acquired aptitude determine our altitude or height of desires in life.
    If we, therefore, continue to make money or create wealth through fraudulent practices, Nigerians will not be able to meet up with global competitiveness or global best practices which may make us be species of inferior quality, who will ever be found wanting outside the shores of Nigeria.
    Equally, when we have defective clusters of agents of socialization the wherewithal to effect changes would be very much difficult starting from the perspective of our culture and tradition, our traditional rulers must embrace merit, good attitudinal values, and value-laden records of antecedents as primary considerations to anybody they want to recognize by giving chieftaincy titles.
    Religious people must teach the scriptures and role model the best characters and moral excellence to their adherents and in society as their contributions to the restoration of ethical practices by all and sundry. The educational pedagogues must live by the behavioral objectives of what they teach, while the government must for effectiveness, fund our education appropriately and accordingly in line with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) and United Nations Children's Fund(UNICEF) recommendations. The institution of marriage must promote good parenting of responsible biological and social responsiveness for the children's wellness to be sustained in an environment of sustainable marriage.
    The issue of fidelity and increasing profile of love must be primary in the areas of managing proposed couples by the counseling psychologists, these are the only way e can have credible people in government who will rather shun business as a usual syndrome in governance, but uphold credibility in leadership, the sacrifice of personal pleasure for the success of the state and proactive measure in policy formulation and implementation.
    The focus of the government must therefore be on the promotion of an inclusive society in an environment of social justice, for the nation to progress and produce strong institutions rather than strong individuals and people of high intellect, who are disciplined.
    The restoration of ethical practices at the individual, organizational, and professional levels are sacrosanct to achieving the leadership desires and the people's expectations in governance.

     

     

  • Put God's Kingdom First

    Prof 1The beastly nature of man tends towards more of the flesh with little faculty input in making decisions to act.

    The Id in a person paly a significant role in controlling the psyche and wish of the infants to the impressionable age level, children will ever wish the best from their parents and arrogate to themselves the achievers' materials of their parents and those who have made it in the society-may car, my house-this is the period beastly manifestation of behavior.

     He later develops into an ego region, when he is conscious of what he says and what he wishes.

    However, the best of growth and development in a man is best achieved through the developed superego, when he has the characteristic senes of control and regulations over the thoughts, wishes acts, and deeds.

     For a man to achieve the superego level, he needs spiritual nutrients in form of inspirational energy with which he would drive the vehicles of his social desires.

    As expressed in the Holy Quran 94: 4-8, (94:4) And did We not exalt your fame? 3

    3. This was said at a time when no one could even conceive how the renown of the one unique individual, who had only a few followers confined only to the city of Makkah, would be exalted throughout the world and what high fame he would achieve. But Allah Almighty gave His Messenger (peace be upon him) this good news under those very conditions and then fulfilled it in a strange way. In the first place, he took from his enemies themselves the task of exalting his renown. One of the methods that the disbelievers of Makkah adopted to defeat his mission was that in the Hajj season when the pilgrims from every corner of Arabia were attracted to their city, they would visit them at their halting places and would warn them to beware of a dangerous man called Muhammad (peace be upon him), who they alleged, worked such magic on the people that father was separated from son, a brother from brother, and husband from wife; therefore, they should keep away from him. The same thing they said to all other people, who visited Makkah on other than Hajj days in connection with pilgrimage or on other business. In this way, although they were trying to defame the Prophet (peace be upon him), yet the result was that his name reached every nook and corner of Arabia and the enemies themselves took him out of his seclusion in Makkah and introduced him among all the tribes of the country. After this, it was but natural that the people should become curious to know as to who this man was, what he preached, what was his character like and who were the people influenced by his magic, and what sort of effect his magic had on them. As the propaganda of the Makkan disbelievers spread, the people’s curiosity also grew. Then, when as a result of this curiosity the people came to know of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) morals, his character and conduct when they heard the Quran and found what teachings it presented and when the people saw how different the lives of those who had been influenced by what was being described as magic had become from the lives of the common Arabs, the bad name started being changed into the good name. So much so that by the time the Hijrah took place, there was perhaps no tribe left anywhere in Arabia from which one or another person, one or another clan had not accepted Islam and in which at least some people had not developed sympathy and interest in the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his message. This was the first stage of the exaltation of his renown. Then from the Hijrah started the second stage in which, on the one hand, the hypocrites, the Jews and the prominent polytheists of Arabia were actively engaged in defaming him, and, on the other, the Islamic State of Al-Madinah was presenting such a practical model of God-worship, God-consciousness, piety, and devotion, purity of morals and community life, justice and equity, equality of man and man, generosity of the rich, care of the poor, the fulfillment of pledges and promises and righteousness in dealings, which was conquering the hearts. The enemies tried by resort to war to impede the growing influence of the Prophet (peace be upon him), but the party of the believers, trained and developed under his own leadership, proved its superiority by their discipline, their bravery, their fearlessness of death, and their adherence to restrictions of morality even in the state of war, so convincingly that entire Arabia had to recognize it as a power to be reckoned with. Within ten years the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) renown become so exalted that the same land in which the opponents had exerted their utmost to defame him, reverberated with the slogan of Ash hadu anna Muhammad ar-Rasul Allah from one end to the other. Then the third stage commenced with the establishment of the righteous Caliphate when his holy name started being mentioned and praised everywhere in the world. This process continues till today and will continue till Resurrection if Allah so wills. Wherever in the world there exists a settlement of the Muslims, the apostleship of Muhammad (peace be upon him) is being proclaimed aloud in the call to the Prayer five times a day, blessings of Allah are being invoked on him in the Prayers, and his sacred remembrance is being made in the Friday Sermons. There is no moment in the 12 months of the year and in the 24 hours of the day when at one or another place in the world, the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) name is not being mentioned. This is a clear proof of the truth of the Quran that when in the initial stage of the Prophethood Allah proclaimed wa rafana laka dhikrak, no one could estimate and imagine with what esteem and to what great extent the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) renown would be exalted. In a Hadith, Abu Saeed Khudri has reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Gabriel came to me and said: My Lord and your Lord asks, in what ways have I exalted your renown. I submitted: Allah alone has the best knowledge. He said Allah says: Whenever mention is made of Me, you too will be mentioned along with Me. (Ibn Jarir, lbn Abi Hatim, Musnad Abu Yala, Ibn al-Mundhir, Ibn Hibban, Ibn Marduyah, Abu Nuaim). The whole later history stands witness that this prediction has proved literally true.

     

    (94:5) Indeed, there is the ease with hardship.

     

    (94:6) Most certainly, there is the ease with hardship.4

    4. This has been repeated twice so as to reassure the Prophet (peace be upon him) that the bad times he was passing through at that time would not last forever, but we're going to be replaced by good times in the near future. On the surface this appears to be a contradiction that hardship should be accompanied by ease, for these two things do not co-exist. But the words hardship with ease instead of ease after hardship has been used in the sense that the period of ease is so close to it as if it were a concomitant of it.

    (94:7) So, whenever you are free, strive in devotion,

     

    (94:8) and turn to your Lord with longing.5

    5. So when you have finished (your duties): When you are free from other occupations, whether occupations in connection with the preaching of the divine message, or teaching and training of the new converts, or domestic occupations of mundane nature. The commandment means: When you are no more occupied, you should spend your time in the labor and toil of Allah’s worship and turn all your attention exclusively to your Lord.''

    This is why the Holy Quran 51: 56, categorically made this submission, ''I have only jinns and men that they may serve Me.

     This is why the Holy Bible in Psalm 53: 1-3 submitted with all authority that only a fool thinks there is no God, People like that are corrupt, evil, malicious and they don't do anything well.

    There really is a God in heaven watching over us. God is looking for wise people who are looking for God! But everyone has turned away from God. 

    Every person is bad, no person does anything good. No, not one person.''

    Let us all be reminded that without God those who labor do so in vain(Psalm 27: 1).

    The Holy Bible, therefore, needs to be followed on the issue of putting God's kingdom first, as the Holy Quran equally emphasizes the essence of being alive. In the Holy Quran 2: 201-202,''(2:201) There are others who say: “Our Lord, grant us what is good in this world and what is good in the World to Come, and protect us from the chastisement of the Fire.” (2:202) They shall have a portion from what they earned; Allah is quick in reckoning.''

    The teaching of Jesus Christ, therefore, in Matthew 6: 25-34(please take patience to read and digest to the application realm to suit the true-life situation) ,''25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

    26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

    27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

    28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

    29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

    30 Wherefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

    32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

    33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

    34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.''

     To all people from all nations, therefore, starting from me and you the almighty Allah admonishes through the Holy Quran 49: 13 on the essence of love, unity, keeping good neighborliness, and abstinence from all acts that may bother one into the deluge of discrimination or despise for others.

    This is for me and you to avoid the situation of losing the kingdom of God which only our closeness to God can guarantee us to have as paradise or Jannat-''O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. The emphasis here is on our ability to understand and internalise the subject matter of the Scriptures or curriculum to comprehension and application level that would suit to resolve issues and control any emerging situations for good, alongside strategic efforts on peace initiatives.

    Let us equally be reminded of the following, Romans 13: 13 is about a triangle of successful and sustainable exemplary life-styles: Faith is about the religion of your choice with the dividend of hope through just worship with sincerity of purpose and that the two would only be functionally beneficial only in an environment of love. '' Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.''

    Let us develop the culture of forgiveness for hatred to be replaced with love for a hitch-free voyage of life. Compulsorily, therefore, we must all submit to the design of God as contained in Quran 15: 99, ''And serve thy Lord until there come unto thee the Hour that is certain.

    Once again, but God's kingdom first.

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Disloyalty Breeds Corruption and other Vices-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof 1Disloyalty has resulted in countless incidents of unimaginable situations. Self and pecuniary interests in a sizable number of individuals have brought about the unthinkable. Disloyalty seems to be the order of the day in all spheres of human endeavors as people strive to make a living. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head, and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that corruption and other practices are products of disloyalty. Excerpts :
    Disloyalty has now taken over space in all spheres of human life, why is this so?
    The word loyalty is an active ingredient for system dynamics in any administrative setting and strategic management structure.
    It is expected to have been learned from one's father/mother relation in the home for a proper child-rearing process to take place, demanding the undertone of Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties.
    When disloyalty happens in a working environment the hierarchical order is disturbed, while charges of insubordination between the boss and his working partners, senior or junior, are alleged with resultant insinuations of disaffection and distrust.  The lessons on loyalty and the implication of disloyalty equally ought to have been learned even by intuition in the cultural environment under which we grew up.
    Like in Yoruba land, age is a critical factor to command others respect, so also are the positions of power, wealth, and acquired influence and affluence. When there is disloyalty in this line of hierarchy, selfless service may be denied to those people that may need it.
    It is then we talk of affront and arrogance. In the house of God, the issue of loyalty and the implication of disloyalty, ought to have been taught and learned through the Scriptures.
    So also in the institutions of learning-Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions, our conduct towards obeying the command of the teachers or lecturers matters most,  otherwise, arrogant students may reap the bitter fruit of the allegation of bad conduct.
    Courses such as Citizenship Education, Religious Knowledge, and General Studies are expected to be dedicated to the issue of loyalty and the implication of disloyalty.
    Nigeria's case in managing our democratic dispensation for governance, whereby the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are regulated and controlled by the civil and public service rules, in order that the due process of officialdom is enhanced to disallow remote and primitive interventions of unskilled interactions among working groups.
    MDAs harmed by the civil and public service rules have all the wherewithal to regulate and control governance activities through the dynamics of political parties.
    However, they are feeders to government activities. Sanity must prevail based on the golden principle of loyalty.
    Whenever there is an occurrence of disloyalty in the system leakages and fraud become the penalty and political interference to defraud the nation may be very, very easy.
    Disloyalty at this level, therefore, has the implication of insubordination to the immediate boss or leader who is expected to hold forth the reign of ground rules for the political class.

    Dis
    Offenders in this realm, therefore, are not only been rebellious to the management of the institution but also rebellious to the state and the nation at large. This is what is responsible for system failure, as it manifests in the way the government believes in seeking for training abroad, rather than making use of the knowledge potentials we have at home.
    Disloyalty to the constituted authority is regarded as a grievous sin in religious and spiritual parlance, this comes with very terrible consequences.
    In social parlance, disloyalty is a criminal activity as it can disrupt the system dynamics. Disrespect for the constitutional provisions on issues is a grievous form of disloyalty against the state.

  • Acknowledge Spiritual Security

    Prof 1Security issues have a double dimension of social and spiritual significances. Unfortunately, the Government faces the social security issue by voting heavily on the effects rather than the causes of security votes that may not necessarily be accounted for and mass mobilization of security agents to quell emerging crises.
    Unfortunately too, the ugly events claiming the lives and property of the people would later remerge in a more monstrous form, like recurring decimals in Mathematics.
    From esoteric research of spiritual exploration, the causes were usually triggered by diabolical energy of satanic influences which always possess the perpetrators of dastardly acts converting sins into heinous crimes.
    One would expect the Churches and Mosques to fight and shame the devil through the aura of divine inspiration, but for most of them who patronize the devil itself, for the reasons of economic prowess and fame, the faith-based organizations are usually found wanting in wrestling power with satan.
    The people and the nation, therefore, are always at a loss for them to be eager to have a true messiah that would be able to stand the test of time, such as the case of Elijah, Moses, and the Holy Prophet Muhammad, who stood firmly with the words of God as the vanguard of truth to save the people of their time from the wreck of diseases, oppression, and hypocrisy. Thye remains the legends of achievers and change agents of their time with a sustainable legacy that would be followed by subsequent generations to curb the excesses of the rulers and affront of the weak.
    They left the legacy of moderate and the fear of God for me and you to imbibe as a culture of self-esteem and integrity to promote better world order.
    Unfortunately, how many of us are taking after them in the real sense of it to have a better community accelerated, development, and good governance without default.
    Where religious people fail, the government institutions equally stumble, most especially in the areas of controlling social misdemeanor and spiritual set back! Ritual killings in Nigeria started with bad elements in our cultural setting, whereby they would traditionally search for strangers to be sacrificed to their gods and goddesses because it was not timely checked and for the reason of the attached socio-economic enhancement, the elite including the religious people condemned the act by the propaganda of the words of the mouth, but accepted the dastardly act to maintain and sustain the derived gains of power, wealth, influence and affluence from it.
    The Holy books warned vehemently that human beings should dissociate themselves from the antics of satan but get closer to Him to tread the right path of contentment of the mind for the comfort of life and bliss of heaven(paradise or janat)
    The Holy Quran  4: 117-121 refers,'' The people living God(but using religion as a cover-up ) call but upon female deities: They call but upon satan, the persistent rebel, A; Allah did curse him, but he said I will take of thy servants a portion marked off: I will mislead them, and I will create in them false desires, I will order them to slit the ears of cattle and to deface the fair nature created by Allah. Whoever forsaking Allah, takes satan for a friend, hath of a surety suffered a loss that is manifest. Satan makes them promises and creates in them false hopes, but satan's promises are nothing but deception. Those who follow the path of satan will have their dwelling in hell and from it, they will find no way of escape.''
    None of the people we have in positions of power or as elite in affluence can claim to be ignorant of the scriptures of his or her religious faith and all Church or Mosques goers can claim not to know about the demand of God for mankind, why is it them that we are not tapping into spiritual security to wrestle power from satan and cleanse the land for peace restoration. The victims of ritual killings through direct human sacrifices by the herbalists and their collaborators suffer greatly from the cruel process through which their blood was shed and their lives were taken.
    What of the parts of their body that were later mutilated and sold through the human parts contractors who help the rich and powerful to maintain and sustain their wealth and positions of power.
    The Government is expected to beam its searchlight on these wicked acts of spiritism sardonic and the use of the heavy hands of the law on the perpetrators, with consideration for their positions in the society to be able to regulate and control the social challenges of corruption and kidnapping.
    The Holy Bible on the issue of justice, rewards, and punishment states in a clear term in Ecclesiastes 8: 11-13,'' Sometimes people are not immediately punished for the bad things they do. Their punishment is slow to come and that makes other people want to do bad things too. A sinner might do a hundred evil things and he might have a long life, but I know that it is still better to obey and respect God, so those people won't really get good things. Those evil people won't live long lives(except for reasons of the miserable reward). Their lives won't be like the shadows that would become longer and longer as the sun goes down.''
    It is imperative that we must make the four major spheres of life to be functionally alive to their responsibilities vis-a-vis the culture and the traditional rulers to enforce moral discipline for the sanity of society.

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Human Defiance and Religious Impotence

    Prof 1The great challenge between divinity and humanity is that of promiscuous acts which the creator God or almighty A\llah detests, but humanity takes as a form of their own pleasure to pass time.

    After many festivities were borne out of religious systems have been celebrated with all seriousness, most people including the adherents always resort to thanksgiving through the celebration of anti-scriptural events, to mark the beginning of rubbishing the forgiveness essence that always underlines the observance of such activities.

    The roles of the religious leaders, who profess to serve humanity and God and also pretend to keep all the ordinances of God by teaching them to the adherents as well as playing a pedagogue role model on it, are called to question. For example, the Holy Quran, 5: 90 strongly warns, 'Oh ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, sacrificing to stones, and divination by arrows are an abomination: of satan's handiwork. Eschew such abomination that ye may prosper.''

    The almighty God unmistakably emphasized this issue as a statement of challenges. The Holy Quran refers, 'They asked thee concerning wine and gambling.' Say,'' in them is great sin and some profit for men''; but the sin is greater than the profit. They asked thee how much they are to spend. Say ''What is not beyond your needs. Thus doth Allah make clear to you His signs, in order that you may consider their bearings on this life and the year after.'' For us as mere mortals, the almighty Allah admonished us in Quran 17: 32,''nor come nigh to adultery for its is an indecent deed and an evil way.''

    And the Holy Bible corroborates this in Mathew 5: 27-28,'' You have heard that it was said don't do the sin of adultery, but I tell you if a person looks at a woman and wants to sin sexually with her, then that person has already done that sin with the woman in his mind.''

    This is why every parent must groom his or her children in ways that would be uplifting.

    Let us, therefore, heed this admonition from Quran,'' When we make mankind taste of some mercy after adversity has touched them, behold! They take to plotting against Our Signs! Say to plan is Allah, verily, Our messengers record all the plots that they make.'' Let us all stop been defiant to admonitions and corrections-social or spiritual.

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • The Piper Plays the Tune of his Paymaster

    Nigerians are unanimous over the attitude of members of the National and State House of Assemblies.

    They insist that the lawmakers have not been above board in the performance of their constitutional functions.On several occasions in this dispensation, at the Federal and State levels, the withdrawal of public funds without authorization by laws of the National and State assemblies have been commonplace.

    The insinuation is that the lawmakers' hands are tied, as a result of the questionable ways they were elected to represent the people.

    Curiously, in the present time, the majority of these lawmakers are not courageous enough to visit their constituencies, due to protests rocking various parts of the country.

    Sadly, issues of urgent national importance are either not discussed or played down by the lawmakers, so as not to negatively affect the fortunes of those who dictate the tune for the piper to play.

  • The Piper Plays the Tune of his Paymaster

    Nigerians are unanimous over the attitude of members of the National and State House of Assemblies.

    They insist that the lawmakers have not been above board in the performance of their constitutional functions.On several occasions in this dispensation, at the Federal and State levels, the withdrawal of public funds without authorization by laws of the National and State assemblies have been commonplace.

    The insinuation is that the lawmakers' hands are tied, as a result of the questionable ways they were elected to represent the people.

    Curiously, in the present time, the majority of these lawmakers are not courageous enough to visit their constituencies, due to protests rocking various parts of the country.

    Sadly, issues of urgent national importance are either not discussed or played down by the lawmakers, so as not to negatively affect the fortunes of those who dictate the tune for the piper to play.

  • The Promotion of Strong Individuals ended Ethical Practices in Nigeria-Prof. Olagoke

    IProf 1n Nigeria of today, the national ethics of Discipline, Integrity, Dignity of Labor, Social Justice, Religious Tolerance, Self-Reliance, and Patriotism are missing in the daily lives of a significant number of the leadership and followership. Concerned Nigerians insist that the leadership dictate the pace for the followership. This, has, however, sadly, resulted in the disconnect between the leadership and the followership. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head, and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the focus of successive administrations in the country on the promotion of strong individuals rather than strong institutions put paid to the observance of the national ethics. Excerpts :
    Why are all the elements of the National Ethics missing in the lives of a sizable number of Nigerians?
    In the time past, Nigeria was rated very high, and most important dignitaries from abroad including the then Prince of Saudi Arabia received their medical treatment in hospitals in Nigeria. Then, the universities were just about four, but they ranked very high among their counterparts in every part of the world because of the quality of education and the standard of services offered by their lecturers. Though crude oil was discovered in Oloibiri in 1956, it was fully developed after the civil war between 1967 and 1970.
    However, mismanagement of this made successive administrations to abandon agriculture for development. This brought in the era of uncontrollable corruption, making every government be successful in promoting strong individuals rather than strong institutions. In the process, national ethics got lost for institutional indiscipline to take over. The dignity of labor became a farce while the quick money-making syndrome which is not limited to all sorts of human rituals became the order of the day. It is very unfortunate that all agents of socialization have been eroded for things to fall apart. Since the fratricidal war of 1967 to 1970, national ethics have been missing national life. To this extent, ethnic bias and kleptocracy have replaced the senes of nationhood and patriotism, making the leadership totally disconnected from the followership. Using the recent nationwide protests, as an illustration, Nigerian leaders must realize that the ability to control the children, youth, and followership lie in the positive impact one can make while in the position of power to do so. Sanity can only reign when destitution and abject poverty are out of sight.


     

    nce of the national ethics. Excerpts :

  • For a Nation to Be Good Produce Good People

    Prof 1The challenge we have is in producing god citizens to the maximum level to overwhelm the 'bad and crazy guys' even into extinction. The Holy Quran refers,'' Therefore, stand firm in the straight path that hath commandeth-Thou and those who with thee turn unto to Allah(the almighty God)); and transgress not from the path(honor): For He seeth well all that you do and incline not to those who do wrong or fire will touch  you; and ye have no protector other than Allah, nor shall ye be helped.''
    In the same vein, The Holy Bible stands firm on the goodness of purpose. In Prov. 12: 3-9 in its comparative narration of good and evil, ''Evil people are never safe. But good people will be safe and secure. A husband is happy and proud of a good wife. But if a woman makes her husband ashamed then she is like a sickness in his body. Good people are fair and honest in the things they plan to do. But don't trust the things an evil person tells you. Evil people use their words to hurt other people, but the words of a good person can save people from danger. Evil people are destroyed and there is nothing left. But people remember a good man long after he has gone. People praise a wise man but don't respect a stupid person.  It is better to be a person who is not important but works hard  than to be a person who pretends to be important but has no food or value.''
    In the same vein, the Holy Quran emphasizes every nation to produce good people than bad people through the network of the homes, community, state, the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and Government. For the nation to be able to be strong enough in defending the course of its people and protecting the multitude of the youth at a sustainable level.
    Presently, it is imperative to work on our value systems to remove the stigma of worthlessness and international ridicule due to our actions and inaction dictated by the mass population of bad people.
    The Holy Quran 14: 24-26, refers, '' Seeth thou not how Allah set forth a parable ?-A goodly Word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches reach to the heavens, it brings forth its fruits at all times by the leave of its Lord so Allah set forth parables for men in order that they may receive  admonition and the parable of an evil Word is that of an evil tree: It is torn up by the root  from the surface of the earth: It has  no stability.''

    For Nigeria and Nigerians not to lose credibility,  let us decide to be good people to produce good people by shunning bad mannerism, greed,  wicked acts, and games of deceit for true development to emerge through collaborative and collective efforts.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

     

  • The Long Road to Rail Transportation

    N13In 1898, the then administration in Nigeria commenced the construction of the railway and between 1901 and 1909, the railway line had been constructed up to Niger at Jebba-302 miles from Lagos to Jebba.

    This was followed by the Western line running from Lagos to Kano, which was constructed between 1898 and 1913.

    In addition, the River Niger bridge, the major link  between Lagos and  the North, was constructed and opened for traffic by Lord Lugard in 1916, while a railway line from Port-Harcourt  to   Enugu was also constructed in the same year.

    It is to be noted that the railway was extended to Kaduna in 1926 and Nguru in 1`936. Also, the River Benue bridge was constructed and opened for use in 1932,  while the railway lne from Jos to Maiduguri was constructed and opened for use in November, 1964.

    In all, during this period there were 2,500 miles of railway in the country.

    Interestingly, the discovery of mineral resources in the different locations greatly influenced the construction of the railway lines. Today, the debate among Nigerians is the failure of the present administration to justify the rationale behind the humongous amount of money collected as loans from China and the issue of invisible projects all over for the benefit and well being of the people. 

     

  • Nine Road Maps to Prayer Efficacy

    Prof 1Most often we call for divine intervention without considering the fact that the creator is set the standard to attempt the caller's prayer.
    Religion is established as a school for humankind to have an opportunity of having a deep knowledge about their creator to be able to build a cozy rapport environment for a perfect God/man relationship. All the prophets of God have been made to make the work of teaching and learning easy for all humans to purge themselves of all evil thoughts and acts. And to be able to refrain from committing sins and crimes, for worshippers to be wholesome and qualified to relate, without hindrance, with their creator, the almighty Allah.
    The essence of sermons and lectures by religious leaders and scholars through the role modeling approach is thereby emphasized.
    Quran 10: 57,  refers, ''  Oh mankind there hath come to you an admonition from your Lord and healing of the diseases in your hearts,-and for those who believe, a Guidance and Mercy.''
    2Tim 3: 16-17,'' All scriptures are given by God (as a curriculum to drive the vehicle of religion) and all scripture is useful for teaching and showing people the things that are wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching how to live right. Using the scriptures the person who serves God will be ready and will have everything he needs for every good work,(management, administration, and governance).
    For such a prepared individual, the opportunity to call on God for personal reasons or as an intercessor between God and man for the wellness of others and fairness of the state is already to his or her advantage.
    This is why the scriptures emphasize that prayers must be based on the sincerity of purpose and just call for God to intervene in any affair.
    Quran 13: 14 refers,'' To  Him is due, the true prayer and others that they call upon besides Him, hear them no more than if they were to stretch forth their hands for water to reach their mouths but it reaches them not: For the prayers of those without Faith is nothing but vain prayer.''
    James 5: 16-18,'' Always tell each other the wrong things you have done(the essence of confession and transparency) then pray for each other. Do this so  God can heal you. When a good person(the just) prays hard, great things happen. Elijah was the same as us. He prayed that it would not rain and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years! Then Elijah prayed that it should rain and the rain came down from the sky, and the land grew crops again.''
    Countries and their religious leaders must work on the following operational modules of prayer for the efficient and timely outcome as contained in  Olagoke hierarchy of needs for prayer efficacy. They are nine elements  :
    1) Body preservation from sins and crimes.
    2) Soul purification from evil thoughts 
    3)Compacted thoughts that concentrate and focus on the mightiness of God for dialogue(Niyat).
    4)Requests based on statements of fact.
    5)Positive mental attitude for good behavior as extended to the forgiveness of others.
    6) Reflection on perfect leadership and followership essence. that are scripture compliant to have the favor of God(Khubat).
    7)Firm and absolute belief in God as sensitive and benevolent.
    8) Actionable attitude towards the goal.
    9)Prayer outcome at realization and actualization realm, as a sign of prayer efficacy for all time glorification.
    It is therefore essential that  every adherent is sensitized o the nine elements for prayer efficacy through religious leaders exemplary lifestyle to the level of attaining the total personality attributes of a quality value-laden elder statesmanship.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria


     

  • Return to God for Astute Management

    The home is the bedrock of community formation which extends to nation-building.

    However, the role of the parents in running the home in order to give it a strong foundation is highly crucial as this is expected to manifest in the way we rear children.

    From the physiological point of view, the custody of the child for safety and without abuse is paramount, while the growth and the development of the child equally depend on the following three parameters, namely-nutrition for a balanced diet and their regular intake for appropriate supply of adequate calories needed for upkeep.

    The second factor of importance is a function of nutrition to supply good health for enough body immunity that will not allow infiltration of disease attacks into avoidable ailments which can impair the body ailments which can impair the body from properly functioning.

    Good health condition leads to the wellness of the person that will constitute physical fitness, emotional balancing, psychological  fitness and career/financial upkeep. 

    When the home fails to provide for all these,  the Maslow's hierarchy of needs become disrupted for the product of the home to be emotionally challenged and socially disturbed. 

    Maslow opines that parents need to  rear their children through the following-physiological, social, self-esteem and self-responsibility. 

    The Holy Quran  11 : 6,  made this submission, '' There is no moving creature on earth, but its sustenance depended on Allah :  He knoweth its temporary place and its temporary deposit : All is in a clear record.''

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Activate Religion to rescue Nigeria from Collapse

    Prof 1Three things are fundamentally true in life-positive, negative, and neutral. In the electrical wiring system, the three have a significant role they play in helping us to generate light or to make machines work.
    The positive and negative work together for electrical circulation or to produce energy or to make mechanical work in the engine without the intervention of the neutral, the whole system may get burnt or disrupted, whenever there is an upsurge of thunder strike, if not for the third.
    However, this does not work in interpersonal relationships which mainly depends on the algebraic rule of addition that makes them be commutative. This is why Nigeria is having fundamental problems in the polity.
    Nigeria continues to face challenges and threats of insurgence, terrorism, poverty, and a lack of achieving sustainable development to date. The interest of the people with the mandate to rule, therefore, becomes personal with a lot of blood in their hands to protect their wealth.
    This is contrary to the concept of philanthropy, good governance, and passion for the needy which are necessary to run an all-inclusive government, while the able-bodied cry of been denied access to the good things of life, the marginalized ones such as the girl child, women and people with disabilities have no hope under this oppressive condition, rather than resort to faith.
    The religious sector must, therefore, get overhauled and sanitized, to be able to rescue humanity, ab initio Go created the heaven and the earth, Gen. 1: 1-2, ''At first the earth was completely empty or void'. Making the earth to be completely void was a deliberate action by God as a challenge for every human to toil through the principle of dignity of labor, process to cultivate an environment for habitation from a hut to a house, and with an emerging community.
    The essence of teamwork spirit and cooperative attitude,  placing ideas together for the purpose of development and unity is hereby established by God for humankind to embrace as a culture.
    The Holy Quran corroborates this and warns people and nations that, for sustainable development, we must go through the due process of the fear of God by forming a formidable united front based on love.
    Quran 3: 102-104,'' Oh ye who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and die not except in a state of Islam(piety, goodness, love, and legitimacy) And hold fast all together by the Rope which Allah stretches out of you, and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favor on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love so that by His grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the Pit of Fire and He saved you from it, doth Allah make His signs clear to you: Tha ye may be guided.
    If we are all scripture compliant with all consciousness on the need to apply by intuition what we have learned in our Churches, Mosques, and other faith-based organizations, our value system would have been in tandem  with the  scriptural dictates of Quran 3 :104:'' Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining  what is right and forbidding what is wrong:  They are the ones to attain felicity.''
    If we are able to follow this, our houses of God would promote and produce good and well-informed citizenry as well as credible leaders with a common focus on nutrition, health, and wellness of the people to be capable of enthroning the much needed sustainable development devoid of fraud, indiscipline, impunity, and corruption. Let's save Nigeria from collapse.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

     

  • Activate Religion to rescue Nigeria from Collapse

    Prof 1Three things are fundamentally true in life-positive, negative, and neutral. In the electrical wiring system, the three have a significant role they play in helping us to generate light or to make machines work.
    The positive and negative work together for electrical circulation or to produce energy or to make mechanical work in the engine without the intervention of the neutral, the whole system may get burnt or disrupted, whenever there is an upsurge of thunder strike, if not for the third.
    However, this does not work in interpersonal relationships which mainly depends on the algebraic rule of addition that makes them be commutative. This is why Nigeria is having fundamental problems in the polity.
    Nigeria continues to face challenges and threats of insurgence, terrorism, poverty, and a lack of achieving sustainable development to date. The interest of the people with the mandate to rule, therefore, becomes personal with a lot of blood in their hands to protect their wealth.
    This is contrary to the concept of philanthropy, good governance, and passion for the needy which are necessary to run an all-inclusive government, while the able-bodied cry of been denied access to the good things of life, the marginalized ones such as the girl child, women and people with disabilities have no hope under this oppressive condition, rather than resort to faith.
    The religious sector must, therefore, get overhauled and sanitized, to be able to rescue humanity, ab initio Go created the heaven and the earth, Gen. 1: 1-2, ''At first the earth was completely empty or void'. Making the earth to be completely void was a deliberate action by God as a challenge for every human to toil through the principle of dignity of labor, process to cultivate an environment for habitation from a hut to a house, and with an emerging community.
    The essence of teamwork spirit and cooperative attitude,  placing ideas together for the purpose of development and unity is hereby established by God for humankind to embrace as a culture.
    The Holy Quran corroborates this and warns people and nations that, for sustainable development, we must go through the due process of the fear of God by forming a formidable united front based on love.
    Quran 3: 102-104,'' Oh ye who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and die not except in a state of Islam(piety, goodness, love, and legitimacy) And hold fast all together by the Rope which Allah stretches out of you, and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favor on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love so that by His grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the Pit of Fire and He saved you from it, doth Allah make His signs clear to you: Tha ye may be guided.
    If we are all scripture compliant with all consciousness on the need to apply by intuition what we have learned in our Churches, Mosques, and other faith-based organizations, our value system would have been in tandem  with the  scriptural dictates of Quran 3 :104:'' Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining  what is right and forbidding what is wrong:  They are the ones to attain felicity.''
    If we are able to follow this, our houses of God would promote and produce good and well-informed citizenry as well as credible leaders with a common focus on nutrition, health, and wellness of the people to be capable of enthroning the much needed sustainable development devoid of fraud, indiscipline, impunity, and corruption. Let's save Nigeria from collapse.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

     

  • Allow Religion to take its Divine Course

    Prof 1The relevance of all religious houses is to complement the role of the home as an agent of socialization for humankind to be reformed from a state of ignorance to that of a complete agent of change and development by providing the supplement.
    The animal called man attending a faith-based house of worship is expected to be processed into a normal human being that would always exhibit characteristics that are based on a positive mindset.
    Adherents of all houses of God are, therefore, expected to have a positive self-image by been sure of himself or herself always as a relevant entity in any situation such an individual finds himself or herself. For an achievable feat to be recorded by an individual, a faith-based organization must be able to instill in the individual the culture of rational confidence.
    Furthermore, the house of God must be able to help society to promote the culture of integrity through the individual accepting self-esteem as a way of life.
    On the issue of interpersonal relationships that will help us all to live by the concept of keeping good neighborliness as obtained in Mk. 12: 31. Individual adherents must be cloned and cultured into having a positive mental attitude for him or her to be able to make the right decisions that are accurate, fair, and precise on critical issues from the simple to the state for ease fo relocation.
    This is the basis upon which the Holy Prophets including Abraham(ASW), Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ's parents-biological and social, Mary and Joseph, and the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
    In the case of the Holy Prophet Ibrahim,  his relocation from Ur of Chaldeans to Caanan was regarded to be divine but happened to the best decision that brought light into the world up till today.
    Jesus Christ as a baby escaped the wrath of King Herod, who became jealously genocidal upon hearing fo the birth of Jesus Christ.
    His decision to take him to Egypt from Israel was divine and considered a wise decision because a mortal that runs away from trouble spots will ever have the opportunity of coming back at the appropriate time to deliver his message. One can imagine the greatest fortune brought to the whole world by challenging and dwarfing the principalities of darkness from the light to be a sustainable and preferred alternative for mankind.
    On the Holy Prophet Muhammad, his relocation from Mecca to Medina at the time of his greatest height of travail gave him the opportunity to continue to the cleaning exercise in Medina, later to conquer Mecca for God as a holy city that eventually became the home of light and salvation for mankind to realize his spiritual essence.
    Adherents, therefore, in every house of God are expected to be processed into good citizenship with the beneficial gain of the tranquility of the mind s well as the promotion of the culture of safety and security protocols for the society.
    However, all these behavioral objectives that would have endeared us into a perfect God/man relationship are absent amidst us mainly because the administration of the religious system in the country has fallen into the wrong hands of emergency economic driven religious leaders who drive the wheel of spiritual movement through God and mammon of the society to lack the substance of the much needed divine intervention in all human affairs. The recipe for this is for all individual adherents-males and females-to focus on the 10 religious nutrients to have the right spiritual strength as contained in Quran 33: 35-1)Total submission to the will of God. 2)Sincere belief is based on truth. 3) Scripture compliance. 4) Vanguard of truth. 5) Patience, perseverance, and endurance. 6) The fear of God as exemplified in due process. 7) Charity of the concept of charity. 8) Respect for fasting based on the concept of abstinence-soul purification from all evil thoughts and body preservation from sins and crimes. 9) Fidelity: no fornication, no incest, no pedophilia, no prostitution, and no adultery.  10) Constant remembrance of Allah or God exemplified in prayers, business, and routine transactions. 
    Keeping to all these can be likened to a state of wellness based on the right nutrient combination in nutrition and a good state of health condition. 
    Forgiveness of sins, divine protection through enhanced divine immunity are assured for true fulfillment of religious operational activities through just worship in an environment fo love as presented in Corinth. 1: 13  Be guided wisely.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

     

  • God's Promise

    12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

     

    God 1

  • Democracy can only Thrive When Govt Respects Human Rights-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof 1Fundamental human rights are among major components in constitutions of countries across the globe. Sadly, in a sizable number of countries in Africa, the curtailment and derogation of the rights of citizens have become prominent in recent times.
    Arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention without trial, physical torture, and several other forms of inhuman treatment perpetrated by law enforcement and security agents have continued with impunity, with influential personalities in Nigeria featuring as sponsors. In the last five years or there about, an unspecified number of Nigerians have had their rights trampled upon with impunity.  In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head, and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabiut Olagoke opines that the Federal Government must cultivate the habit of respecting the rights of Nigerians for democracy to thrive. Excerpts :
     
    How can Government institutions established to ensure and protect the fundamental human rights of Nigerians be empowered in this democratic dispensation?
     
    The issue of respect for fundamental human rights became a serious concern for humanity after World war 2.
    Unfortunately,  most African countries lead by deceit when it comes to the implementation stage of domesticated laws. Hence, the usual state of chaos and records of human rights violations as always recurring : arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention without trial, physical torture, and several other forms of inhuman treatment perpetrated by law enforcement and security agents. The violation of the rights of the people has different phases-behavioral, economic, environmental, etc. All these usually lead to the creation of a hostile environment for government activities in the areas of the provision of basic amenities leading to the introduction of poverty, hunger, and diseases while the areas of functional infrastructure as the backbone to the reality of industrialization equally suffer a lot to detriment of true development and the welfare of the people!
    Democratic governance can only thrive in an environment of respect for the people's rights which happen to be the focus of every faith-based organization in their expected activities of cloning the adherents into disciplined citizens. If this had been followed, the elements of patriotism for the nation to thrive and respect for our leaders to motivate them into good performances would have produced good synergy between government and the houses of worship in an environment of divinity in which peaceful co-existence is best realized.
    The respect for the human rights of Nigerians is sacrosanct to achieving a bequeath able legacy of sustainable development for the nation.

  • An Executive and Legislative Agenda

    Ni 10The government seems to have adopted strange methods in approaching issues of national interest and general concerns while at the same time promoting sectional and personal interests, even though its appointees have continuously contended with several nasty issues affecting governance and development.

    Attempting to bring back the water resources bill that was rejected in 2018 will never be in the interest of  Nigerians.

    The bill seeks to tamper with the land use act and empower those with self-centered agenda to further their hidden interests.

    Obviously there are a number of those in government, who are desperate to control resources across the six geo-political zones, an agenda of the present administration that was never disclosed to Nigerians.  This indeed has brought to the fore the anti-people plans of the Executive and the Legislature which would not augur well for a nation that is still struggling with its myriad of challenges.

     

  • Nigerians should rescue Religion from its Captors-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof 1Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right provided for in the 1999 amended constitution.

    The constitution also prohibits the adoption of an official religion by the government at all levels, just as the separation of government and religion is a constitutional imperative.

    Indeed, religious leaders have crucial roles to play in making sure that the freedom of religion is assured for all Nigerians. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head, and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olgoke advise Nigerians to make concerted efforts to rescue Religion from those holding it captive. Excerpts :

    How in your views do you think that present administration in Nigeria can ensure the separation of Government and Religion in a way that would not negatively affect the freedom of religion?

    The clamor for restructuring needs to beam its searchlight into the areas of culture, religion, education, and government with respect to their freedom and interconnectivity ab initio by the design of nature or almighty God, there is no way you can separate one from the others because each of them focuses in terms of service and benefits on mankind and humanity.

    The cultural segment is deceptively neglected but always sourced by the other three segments of existence. In the political arena, the  Obaship, Emirship, and Obiship is more recognized by the segment than the religious sector because the apex bodies of these segments are regarded as the custodians of our culture and traditions which are the primary functions to be jealously guided by the regarded fathers of the land through whom government or political parties believed to be important factors in reaching out to the people while traditional rulers enjoy the patronage and remuneration of government.

    They are, however, puns in the hands of the government, who by the design of the constitution, which is a social contract can be removed at will, when they don't dance to the tune of the government in power, while the culture continues to suffer under the resistance of collusion of religion and idiosyncrasies of merging civilization.

    The culture itself becomes unguided to lose a grip of ethics and the much-needed discipline of an environment that is needed for the people to live in harmony without any traces of insanity.

    The constitution on the issue of religion looks very much contradictory because of a lack of understanding of the divine concept of it.

    Generally, the government and the people view religion as Karl Marx's perception of it, as being the opium of mankind.

    The constitution on one hand states that Nigeria is secular instead of been a multiferous religious system, by this, the implication is that religion is trivialized into a speck in an environment where the services of God are not needed, hence religion loses the grip of sourcing for us, the necessary divine intervention, most especially in the times of travails.

    This, on assessment, has put all worshippers into a state of no scripture compliance and mere religious commercial merchants to the generality of the adherents. Religion becomes so weak to sanitize the environment as well as reforming them into morally conscious, disciplined people. By this failure, every successive government in Nigeria that claim to wage war on institutional indiscipline and corruption always end up as failures because the situation has always weakened the fabric of the network of all agents of socialization to be able to get strong enough into the expected responsibilities of reasonable and rational change agents. Under this fatal condition, the project of education-non-formal, formal and informal- get affected to the detriment of helping school attendants to attain the altitude of their life's desire to be true community leaders, nation builders, and ethically based professionals, individuals, and organizations. The environment equally eats into the fabric of the management of the home front to eventually lack good parenting for the society to suffer so much for it.

    If religion is so vital to human life why do we need to trivialize it into having no freedom?

    It is unfortunate that 90 percent of Nigerian religious leaders are fraudulent and unpatriotic to the nation by capturing religion into captivity, making it to be hostile to culture, instead of allowing it to work together for the possible reformation of our religious beliefs like Mary Slessor did in Calabar when she put an end to the killing of twins. The apex body of every religion should not be trivialized into political tools, giving religion the necessary independence would be a direct challenge for the leadership of all religions face the need to eradicate poverty among the majority of their adherents and to be able to use the scripture to correct anomalies of profanity in the houses of God-Tim.16-17, Quran 2: 185.

    The constitution needs to be amended to allow religion which by definition is a school of faith-building where the primary concern must be a focus on perfecting man-God relation for the system to be able to enjoy corporate governance in government, due process in procurement to avoid fraudulent practices, justice management in the Judiciary by incorruptible Judges, equity in material management and distribution, peaceful co-existence and sustainable development among others.

    No religion teaches evil, let us all rescue religion from its captors, for our leaders to become Solomonic in knowledge, wisdom, and power of discerning mind which will never come if we continue to trivialize the issue of religion, bastardize the content of the scriptures by not walking the talk.

    Only the independence of religion in terms of management can address the present areas of weaknesses and threats, so that we are able to have the light at the end of the tunnel, after darkness. The study guide on this includes-Isaiah 29: 11-16, Quran 87: 6-9, and 2: 269.

    Religious people, if thoroughly bred through their houses of worship would be best in management and administration in the process of governance and leadership because hey would be fraud-free. Religious leaders in their various capacities are supposed to be unbiased advisers and opinion molders for government services to be result oriented.

     

     

  • The Period of Mediocrity and Lack of Knowledge

    Quote 7The President and State Governors took oaths of allegiance and office at the commencement fo their different tenures.  

    However, happenings across the federation revolving on crime and criminality-killings and ritual killings, kidnappings, armed robbery, rape among others, are indications that the above mentioned political office holders are yet to justify the oaths they took during their inauguration. Even though the President and State Governors have held regular meetings with all their appointees, the general and domestic and foreign policies of the present administration remain subject to unending debate among confused and distraught Nigerians. 

    Indeed,  the citizenry wishes to know 1) If the political office holders are conversant with the real meaning of good governance. 2) If political appointees are without controversy, qualified for the positions they presently occupy. 3) If the above mentioned are not responsible for the worrisome situation in the country presently.

    Of note is the fact that mediocrity, ignorance, illiteracy, and lack of adequate knowledge have become major challenges affecting political office holders and the citizenry. 

  • Restoration of Sanity in the land is a must

    Prof 1The essence of religious houses is to have a school structure whereby adherents of each religious denomination or sect shall be taught lessons of life through the faith-building process to achieve morally based ethics in an environment of discipline to be able to keep sustainable good man/God relationship.  The house of God, therefore, needs to be structured and equipped with the scripture and highly committed clerics or pedagogues that would be able to not only teach the scriptures but become a role model and operationalize the book of life in order that the adherents are able to achieve the much-desired tranquility of the mind and peace driven environment that would be safe and secured. Failure to have qualified clerics in place will lead to poor processing of the adherents and poor maintenance of the house of God, where commercial activities will dominate the expected giving of the much-desired spiritual diet as the bread of life.

    In this wise, religious houses will become havens for fraudsters and sources of anti-societal menace with complete lack of the grace of divine intervention.

    The Holy Quran 3: 187 speaks volumes on this, '' I remember Allah took a covenant from the people of the book to make it known and clear to mankind, and not to hide, but they threw it away behind their backs and purchased with ti some miserable gains!  And vile was the bargain they made !''

    To the above effect, the penalty is aptly expressed in Quran 3: 188-189, Think not that those who exult in what they have brought about and love, to be praised for what they have not done,-think not that they can escape the chastisement. For them, is a chastisement grievous indeed, to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens  and the earth; and Allah has power over all things.''

    The situation in the country is that of deplorable institutional discipline because we fail to role model ideals by not teaching aright and learning correctly. The situation of the nation is aptly described y the Hole Quaran 5: 62,'' Many of them doest thou see raising each other in sin and transgression and their eating of things forbidden. Evil indeed is the things they do.'' To corroborate the stand of the almighty Allah in the above verse of the Holy Quran is Prov. 22: 22-23,'' It is easy to steal from poor people, but don't do it. And don't take advantage of the poor people's court.

    The Lord is on their side He would avenge their cause. He supports them and He would take things away from them.''

    People in affluence or positions of power oppress their people, sending signals of poverty, hunger, and diseases with threats of jail or imprisonment in an environment of injustice. If the governance circle is into this rot of poor performance, the almighty Allah challenges the judiciary to correct the anomalies as expected in Quran 5: 63, '' Why don't Rabbis and the Doctors of law forbid them from their habit of uttering sinful words and eating what is forbidden? Evil indeed is their works. Let us, therefore, restore sanity into the land through institutionalizing discipline and establishing zero tolerance for corruption. 

     

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Suspension of EFCC Boss-Nigeria is soaked in Corruption-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof 1The suspension of the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, his questioning and probe of the activities of the commission from 2015 till date has cast dark clouds on the anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria. However, a cross section of Nigerians are of the opinion that this has exposed the worrisome state of affairs among the leadership. Interestingly, the panel’s roles are not stated in the constitution, even as the insinuation is that it has been five years of chasing shadows. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. SabitU Olagoke says that the country is soaked in corruption. Excerpts :

    The presidential panel on corruption is now saddled with the responsibility of looking into the activities of the suspended Chairman of the EFCC and the commission from 2015 till date. What is your reaction ?

    Consider the present state of institutional indiscipline and impunity on the issue of sins and crimes in all sectors and spheres of life.

    The environment is fraught with rent-seeking, hypocrisy, nepotism, Nigeria loss of identity(lack of patriotism) and kleptocracy where corruption is deeply ingrained in in our collective psyche through institutional indiscipline, impunity, blackmail and intimidation. This land is soaked with corruption, transgression, sins and crimes. Hence, there is a dire need for an enabling act as an antidote. Section(i) of the EFCC Act(2004) limits the appointment of the EFCC Chairman to ; ‘’Serving or retired member of any of the government security or law enforcement agency no t below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police or equivalent.’’

    The law was adjusted to make the EFCC answerable to the Attorney Genetral of the Federation, that should be more of probe, rather than monitoring the looted assets auctioning process profile.

    One expects the agency(EFCC) to be answerable to the Presidency where the Presidential Advisory Committee(PAC) should be doing the monitoring of the process of the looted assets recovery and disposal system through due process.

    This would have made the President to have first hand information and monitoring of the process through direct and timely briefing.

    When will a civilian boss emerge with law background and antecedent of integrity with clean records and relevant experience ?

    The Senate refused to confirm Magu’s appointment twice, based on security reports that declared him as a security risk or ‘danger’ to the anti-corruption war.

    The present moral incompetence charges justify his detractors’ claim.

    The anti-corruption agency has the antecedent of record of being used by the Presidency to witch hunt the opposition or perceived enemies of the powers that be. With this reduced status to a moral blackmail, the agency with its anti-corruption crusade, the whole process will by implication become questionable through doubtful integrity and credibility.

    One expects that lessons ought to have been learnt with full determination of purpose to identify with the charge mantra of the government that appointed Magu as the acting chairman. However, for lack of autonomy the political wind could have beclouded Magu’s sense of professionalism an objectivity.

    The war against corruption ought to have been worn out for the structure and architectural defects as well as attitudinal challenge of officers and the society including, governance, the battle process is always fraught with fictional resistances. All anti-corruption agencies need to be built upon clearly spelt out premises, while the monitor of the terms of references and training that dwell on :

    1. Emphatic policy analysis and implementation process.
    2. Monitoring mechanism and coordination structure.
    3. Sociological consideration for corruption tendency. For example, past records of Timocracy and Kleptocracy at any given opportunity to serve at any level of operation
    4. Sources and environment that enable corrupt practices.
    5. Key trends in the evolution of sharp and corrupt practices.

     Process flow analysis of checking leakages based on the concept of prevention is better than cure, with the regulation mechanism in place such as :

    1. Expenditure controls.
    2. Audit systems and monitoring.
    3. Assessment and evaluation framework.

    All these must be the orientation of all officers of the EFCC and in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies and government functionaries including parastatals, Executive, Judiciary and Legislature with emphasis on on the need of transparency and accountability probity and auditing that corruption is nipped in the bud before it become full blown. To this end the following must be in place

    • Autonomy of the agency is required to be immune from undue political influence. The independence of the anti-corruption agency must be guarded in law to protect its credibility and objectivity for maximum efficiency to produce deterrents .
    • Periodical workshop on best attitudinal attainment for anti-graft officials to be reliable and dependable without disappointing people’s trust is sacrosanct.
    • This must be driven through adequate training, capacity building, adequate resources, professionalism and rigorous ability to prosecute offenders.
    • For effectiveness, the following must be given credence for enhancement :
    • Conceptually grounded system analysis of corruption with basic consideration for :
    • Level and dignity of labor.
    • Location and characteristic attitude of the people in the environment.
    • Magnitude of corruption a the strategy level to be able to restrategize.
    • Keen focus on the drivers and enablers of corruption.
    • Ensure that legal, societal and normal norms are fully aligned within the framework that enable operators to full fight the cabals, cartels and the yahoo yahoo boys and girls on quick money making syndrome.
    • Above all, checks to regulate living not above our means deserve a wider and effective mechanism that would enable the anti-corruption commission and the society at large to naturally identify with the objectives and goals of the anti corruption agencies.
    • Character and judgement are crucial and more important than professional background for the position of chairmanship of the EFCC, hence, the need to try a civilian pedigree in experience, education and impeccable character with a clean state of past records.

     

     

  • Electricity Hike-90 Per Cent of Nigerians have been Impoverished-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof 1Ever since the privatization of the power sector, Nigerians have continued to pay for darkness even though the expectations was that the privatization would ensure that electricity would be stable and regular. Sadly, this is not the case.

    Of worry, is the fact that estimated billing, in the face of the irregular electricity supply all over the country by the Electricity Distribution Companies(DISCO) has been more of a night mare for serious minded Nigerians.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head, Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that increase in electricity is not the way to go since 90 per cent of Nigerians are contending with poverty and hunger. Excerpts :

    Darkness persists despite the privatization of electricity supply in Nigeria, do you think increasing tariffs is the solution?

    Th system of government in Nigeria has always been characterized by insensitivity to the records of the history for its performance to put in place a value system that is not only maintainable but sustainable for the future. The consequence has always has always been a case of worsening situation through successive governments till date.

    The level of corruption at all levels of its management became embarrassingly high to the detriment of our development even in the areas of economic diversification projects, vocational and entrepreneurship ventures and the general economy that is artisan driven. As the home comfort suffers, the industrial sector suffers more.

    The solution to aid better performance became directed towards using metering system to avoid the further issuance of estimated or ’ crazy’ bills even in the absence of regular power supply. It is unfortunate to note that the failure of this sector has adversely affected the realization of the vision 20–20–20 project which experts projected that same would require a minimum of 6,000 megawatts power generation for Nigeria to be able to rise to be among the first 20 economically viable nations in the world.

    It is embarrassing for government to direct its search light towards the masses of which 90 per cent of the population had already been impoverished to pay for the debt they never incurred through their attempted policy to increase the tariffs. It is equally embarrassing for the National Assembly and DISCOS to ask the Federal Government to subsidize electricity consumption without putting in place some measures such as proper metering before such hike could be implemented.

    With the Coronavirus pandemic collapsing the economy and further impoverishing Nigerians who do not have access to jumbo pay, it is not proper to add more to the people’s challenges of coping with the present hardships through the so called cost reflective tariffs.

  • The Home, Morality and Religion

    IndexHuman kind will continue to have challenges of discipline and morality when the primary agents of socialization  fail to function to meet the needs of the individual species constituting the society.

    When the parents fail to meet the needs of their children and wards, the home front would suffer from having effective control and management.

    Unfortunately, the products of the home constitute  the elements of the schools, religious bodies and government establishments. Education without discipline may produce a nuisance, who will have a consequent negative impact on the society.

    Let us remember that most of the prominent armed robbers, drug dealers and fraudsters could be rated to be well educated, but with serious lack on the issues of moral discipline, hence their impact will ever be that of serious security risk and a serious barrier in the way of developing the nation. Hence our present decadence.

    Products of the home are the raw materials in the houses of God, expected to be socially and spiritually rejuvenated under their religious leaders. Unfortunately too, most religious leaders are driven into the houses of God not by self interest or true divine call, but by the desire to boost their lust  for ego and to satisfy their economic needs.

    This condition is making religious adherents  to be worse off in character and attitude, when they are challenged  with the responsibilities of office, this has made the Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Institutions to suffer for lack of discipline and moral upbringing from their various homes and houses of God to their various places of work.

    This is why the erstwhile dignity of labor fabric is already destroyed for all organizational ethics to be set aside for a free fraud spree.

    The process of electing and appointing people into various positions of power is characterized by sentiments of ethnicity, nepotism, tribalism and the goal of business as usual in offices, in place of service in office and selfless service  to humanity.

    It is another institutional indiscipline to have records of non-credible election exercises to have our leaders in place.

    Vote buying and a scenario of juicy positions going to the highest bidder constitute the formation of government, the consequence is the two extreme regimes of kleptocracy by the few and destitution and abject poverty for the largest population of voters with the consequence of government inability to create  or generate employment, provide basic amenities and to facilitate  infrastructural development. Are these environment of poverty not enough to generate a state of insecurity, institutional indiscipline and abuse of opportunities , when impunity dominate our  general attitude to the level of sinful acts and flood of criminality.

    If we are to use the factor of religion to revive education in comatose, raise the hope of the people already distressed, frustrated and depressed, the parents and the clerics need  to work together by agreeing to implement the provisions of the scripture, monitor adherence attitude and develop a mechanism to estimate and evaluate individual understanding and spiritual progress development. Religion presently is too naked to have reasonable impact on the adherents because the divine design of the goal has been trivialized into a poor state of entertainment, false miracles and commercial enterprise against the tenets of free spiritual healing(Matt10 : 7-13, Quaran  11 : 51-52). With these tenets followed, there won't be any need for anybody to dilute the sacredness of religion through unnecessary magical wands.

    Besides this, charity  begins at home, hence there is  the need to work on the provision of  of Quaran 16 : 90 to build a strong base, '' Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and giving to kith and kin, and He forbids all indecent deeds and evil and rebellion : He instructs you, ye may receive admonition.''

    Let this apply to all facets of our lives including the systems of all agents of socialization-home, school, faith based organizations, various associations and unions, Ministries, Departments and Agencies and government as a whole. Let it start from you and  from me.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

     

  • Daily Guide on 2020 Ramadan Exercise for Humanity

    Index

     

     

     

     

    Wednesday 29th, April 2020

    The Ramadan fasting period of 29 or 30 days as guided by the curriculum, has to be followed to achieve the the culture of due process of the fear of God. This has to be taken seriously through effective teaching and learning cycle by the pedagogues or scholars of note and adherents of the Islamic religion.

    The cooperation of the environment of Islam which constitutes other religious systems should be appreciated because several alcoholic shops are closed and the noise emanating from the preparation of Sahur, that is the dead of the midnight meal taken, is not only showing a good Memorandum of Understanding, but extends to the keeping of good neighborliness.

    This act of tolerance and cooperation must continue after the end of the Ramadan fasting exercise. Ramadan Kareem.

    Thursday, 30th April

    In this period of the coronavirus pandemic , there is the need for all Muslims to respect the rules of hygiene in their daily conduct, preparation of food or Iftar, breaking of fast in the sunset and Sahur, that is taking of meal before dawn.

    This is equally a period of soberness which is a precondition to have immediate response to prayer requests. Qiyamu-layl, that is voluntary Nawal-fl in the midnight during the month of Ramadan must be taken with all seriousness, to seek God’s favor on issues of personal interest and on the present challenges of mankind, which is the coronavirus pandemic, this requires divine intervention. Let us capitalize on the injunctions of the Holy Quran 2 : 186, which says that ‘’When my servant asks thee concerning Me(Allah) : I am indeed close to them, I respond to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me : let them also with a will, listen to My call and believe in Me : that they may walk in the right way.’’

    Let us allow the manifestations of God the almighty Allah reflect this benevolence. Ramadan Kareem.

    Friday, 1st May

    The period of Ramadan affords us the opportunity to be closer to God than before by engaging ourselves in reciting the Holy Quran(Tilalatul Quran), that is studying the contents to comprehension level and never be in a hurry because the understanding of it matters most to derive its benefits.

    Developing an ability to apply the content of the Holy Quran to moderate and fix our real life situation is the goal of Ramadan.

    To reform and elevate us spiritually. This is the very time when we must seek beneficial knowledge that will not be touched by Satan. The Holy Quran states in 20 :114 to the Holy Prophet Mohamed, who we must follow in thoughts, words, acts and deeds with all consistency. ‘’ High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth ! Be not in haste with the Quran before its revelation to thee is completed, but say Oh ! My Lord, increase me in knowledge’’.

    May the almighty Allah accept your fast as an act of Ibaadah, that is just worship. Ramadan Kareem.

    Saturday, 2nd May

    Let us all realize that the Ramadan fast is an act of abstinence from eating and drinking during the day. This abstinence extends to all acts that may violate the sacredness of your fast , starting from the dawn of twilight till the sun set throughout the month of Ramadan.

    The purpose of this, is to thoroughly moderate our lives into that of discipline and morality and for us to be able to have the right feeling for the poor in hunger, so that the rich in their lifestyle may be able to see the need to extend their goodwill of caring and sharing towards the poor. The Holy Quran 16 : 17 admonishes the rich to do the needful in this direction. ‘’ Allah has bestowed His gift of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others ; Those more favored are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess to avoid them been equal to them in that respect.’’ Will they deny the favors of Allah ?

    Ramadan has really come to teach us on how to live a fulfilled life through meeting the needs of others when we have the means. Ramadan Kareem.

    Sunday, 3rd May

    The Holy Prophet has a prophetic prayer against epidemic, ‘’Oh Lord I seek refuge in you from leprosy, insanity, elephantiasis and from evil diseases.’’ The likes of this prayer, however, can only be answered in this period of moral decay, if we are able to determine, to refrain from sins and criminality as well as allowing God the almighty Allah to purify our souls.

    Fortunately, this year’s Ramadan fasting period coincides with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, which can only be defeated through divine intervention that requires our sincerity of purpose in our worship. Much as we cannot attempt Tafsirul Quran, that is in depth analysis of the Quran, the opportunity through the media, gives us the chance to listen to sermon as a preferred alternative. The following references from the scripture are tests to this : Psalm 24 :1–10, Quran 10 :57 and Quran 17 : 81–82.

    Let us be scripture compliant to be socio-spiritually fortified. Ramadan Kareem.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria

  • Daily Guide on 2020 Ramadan Exercise for Humanity

    IndexFriday, 24th April 2020

    The Ramadan exercise is an annual activity of socio-spritual importance to mankind, but purposely for the adherents of Islam to keep the body system fit and make its environment safe and secured in order that human interpersonal relationship in every sphere of human endeavor is made cordial.

    Lessons are expected to be learnt for 29 or 30 days in the 9th month of the Lunar calendar. Let us be reminded of the fact that it is a grace and privilege from God for humankind that we are alive to observe it for this reason it must be taken with all seriousness. Ramadan Kareem.

    Saturday 25th April

    Let us all avoid engaging in unwarranted controversies over the fat that it is difficult to start for observations at the same time. What should preoccupy our minds is to appreciate the efforts of those who go through calculations to determine the beginning of Ramadan using the end of Shaaban for the first Tarawih, so that the Ramadan will start on the first day of the 30 day first.

    Let us equally appreciate those who take the patience to observe it through sighting the moon to start the Tarawih for their own length of Ramadan fats to be 29 days in some cases.

    Both of them are expected to go for Eid as thanksgiving period to Allah on the first day of Shawwal which is the 10th month of the Lunar calendar. The fact remains that Ramadan fast must not extend to 31 days or be shortened to 28 days . The basic cause of the differences of opinions is the spherical structure of the earth that makes the sighting of the moon to be difficult to be observed in our different locations at the same time.

    The second point is that of the weather condition which may be cloudy.

    Above all, only those who fast during this month to achieve the set objective of the fear of God matters most to the Almighty Allah. Ramadan Kareem.

    Sunday, April 26th

    Let us appreciate God the almighty Allah for the present condition of mankind in the COVID 19 challenges to coincide with the season of need for repentance from sins and crimes.

    This is because naturally fasting exercises with prayer has always been for mankind, a prescribed solution to ward off evil.

    The Muslims, in this season of soberness must work hard through the Ramadan fasting exercise to achieve preventing the further spread of the Corona-virus, finding permanent vaccines for its cure by seeking for God’s guidance and divine intervention.

    This can only be achieved if we are mindful of the fact that our frivolities ans waywardness including infidelity must have brought about the present human mistakes of the scientists that manufactured the biological culture leading to the present travail of man been brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic..

    No better opportunities can be given by God than that of the Ramadan fast, this period. Let us be more serious on it than before. Ramadan Kareem.

    Monday, 27th April

    Ramadan has a characteristics curriculum which adherents of Islam must recognize and follow to be able to have a resounding success in the 29 to 30 days spiritual training sessions which must reform us to be able to transform our environment for better. For example, Tarawaih, a voluntary Nawafl during the night of Ramadan, although we cannot observe it congregation-ally, this time around because of the closure of Mosques including those in Saudi Arabia which is the source and center of Islamic spread to all the nooks and crannies of the world.

    Muslim faithful should endeavor to seek for divine intervention on the Coronavirus pandemic. Suffice it now to say that no condition can destroy a structure erected by God and the design of God over matters can never be rubbished in the force of all conditions.

    This as observed needs to strengthen your faith in getting closer to God. May God save us from all calamities. Ramadan Kareem.

    Tuesday, 28th April

    Still on the structure of the curriculum for Ramadan fasting exercise as must be observed accordingly for 29 or 39 days, it is compulsory for Muslim adherents to painstakingly observe the exercise in a way that will make him or her achieve the culture of the fear of God or using due process in executing programs.

    For example Sahaur has a divine commutation and it goes beyond mere meal taking during Ramadan fasting before dawn . It is as significant as Iftar period, that is breaking of fast period during the month of Ramadan. Remember that most people are poor to be able to fund the cost of material demand to satisfy the conditions of Sahaur and Iftar. Of equal importance is the opportunity Oiyamu-layl that is voluntary Nawafl in the midnight during the month of Ramadan. This opportunity demands that we pass the test of body preservation for sins and crimes as well as soul purification from evil thoughts for us to be able to commune with God to have a resounding success through visible prayer efficacy-James 5 : 16, Quran 13 : 14. Ramadan Kareem.

    Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide,Wakajaiye, Ibadan, Nigeria


     

  • Action Program – How the Poor Will Survive Covid-19

     
    Covid-19 or the Corona virus is turning the world upside down. The
    response from the corrupt elite is for a lockdown until the virus goes away,
    but it could be 12-18 months before a vaccine is developed and distributed.
    Who can survive at home for that long? The priorities for the poor majority
    remain the same – how to obtain food, water and housing for their families
    and friends. We also need electricity and data to stay in touch with our
    friends, families and colleagues. We need mass testing and tracing of
    contacts to contain the virus and free healthcare for all with protective
    equipment for all health workers. We are however amazed that the World
    Health Organisation has not recommended the Cuban drug, Interferon 2B,
    for the treatment of COVID-19 pandemic. It has so far proved to be the
    most effective drug in combating the virus. It is one of the drugs approved
    by the Chinese Government in containing COVID-19 pandemic.
    We need the power of the NLC/TUC to push for this Action Program. That
    will ensure that the poor majority of Nigerians do not suffer so much from a
    disease that was brought here by the corrupt elite flying in from London,
    Paris, New York and other places.
    We have a particular duty to safeguard those who are most vulnerable,
    those who are already living with hunger, weakened immune systems and
    poor access to healthcare. Greater restrictions and shutdowns may be
    necessary, but they will only work if full support is provided to working-
    class and poor communities. Comprehensive measures are needed if we are
    to avoid disaster. Each of us must act now with our workmates and in our
    communities.  In a society as unequal as ours, we must work together to
    ensure that all safety measures are shared equitably.  
    Income security for all
    In order for people to remain at home, there must be income security for
    all. Government and private sector employers must continue to pay salaries
    or grant sick leave. All retrenchments should be stopped during this time.
    Self-employed, informal workers and those whose income is suspended at
    this time must be supported by the government with cash grants. This is to
    prevent movement by job-seekers and to stop people having to take the
    virus back to their villages. 
    Social protection must be extended to ensure the direct transfer of cash to
    households during this precarious time (with clear safeguards to minimise
    corruption). All defaults on rent, electricity and debt repayments should
    not result in penalties or sanctions. All evictions and electricity or water cut
    offs must be banned. A bold economic stimulus package will be required in
     
    the coming period. These measures must be developed in consultation with
    the NLC/TUC and other trade unions.
    All households, residential institutions, the homeless and the
    informally housed must have easy access to water, safe washing
    facilities and sanitation
    There must be an immediate mass-provision of safe water access points
    with unconstrained flow in areas where there is limited household access to
    water. We also need mass-distribution of safe washing facilities in
    community housing areas. All of these sanitation points must have access
    to free soap and information on the prevention of the virus. Where
    necessary governments should provide tankers with safe drinking water
    and to remove sewage.
    All households, residential institutions, the homeless and the
    informally housed must have access to food
    If we are to stay at home during this time, access to nutritious food is
    fundamental. The absence of the School Feeding Programme due to the
    closure of schools will hit many children and their families hard. A
    coordinated and safe roll-out of free food packages directly to distribution
    points in food-stressed neighbourhoods must be implemented – as has
    been suggested by the Federal Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and for
    Lagos State. Schools could distribute food parcels to their registered
    pupils. The poor and vulnerable, elderly, refugees, IDPs, persons living with
    disabilities, trafficked persons and petty traders should all be included.
     
    Essential private facilities must be appropriated for public use to
    provide a unified and fair distribution of essential goods and
    services to all
    Federal and state resources need to be focused and deployed in order to
    combat the epidemic. Essential services – health centres, food services,
    water and sanitation etc – should be identified for urgent support and
    extension. This may require the conversion of factories and other places of
    production to produce protective clothing, water tanks, soap, food parcels,
    ventilators and other essential medical equipment. The public and private
    health systems need to be regarded as one health system and coordinated
    in the national and public interest. This may require private facilities being
    taken over by the state, as happened in Spain. Finances may have to be
    mobilised through unconventional means. The rich may have to pay higher
    taxes and empty homes may have to be used to home the homeless or over-
    crowded. Regulations to stop price hikes should be implemented. 
     
    There are hundreds of thousands of unoccupied houses and other
    buildings. Internally displaced people (IDP) and homeless people should be
    resettled in these buildings. They should also be made available for people
    living in over-crowded accommodation.
    Most prisoners should be released. All the cases that have been delayed
    must be hurriedly addressed. All prisoners on remand before their trial to
    be released – they are innocent until proved guilty.
    Community self-organisation and local action is critical, as it our
    representation in national coordination
    Civic organisations, community structures, trade unions and faith-based
    organisations will be extremely important in organising on the ground
    during this emergency. We must all take action where we are. Local trade
    union structures must be engaged, supported and given representation on
    state and Federal planning bodies. The distribution of reliable information,
    essential services and care for our people will require a massive coordinated
    effort from trade union and community leaders. Volunteers must be trained
    and organised for safe, coordinated, campaigns at street-level and for those
    living in institutions. Middle-class and wealthy communities and
    organisations have an obligation to make resources available to poor and
    working-class communities. 
    We must identify strategies to calm tensions and divert violence
    in our homes
    Corona virus mainly kills the old and the ill. The death rate for those with
    the disease is probably around one in 500. We do not need to panic. But
    home-based quarantine will escalate family and relationship tensions, and
    may likely lead to more violence against women, children and others most
    marginalised in our families and communities including non-indigenes and
    foreign nationals. We need to identify strategies to calm tensions and divert
    violence in our homes and communities over this time. We need a strong
    education campaign against all forms of violence, especially domestic
    violence. We need to strengthen safe responses from existing
    neighbourhood, regional and national organisations supporting women and
    children. 
    We also need to ensure that existing ethnic and region tensions are
    addressed and minimised. It is all too easy to blame the foreigners and
    non-indigenes but we all need to work together to address this crisis.
    Communication must be free, open and democratised
    There must be an immediate distribution of free phone data to all, so that
    people are able to receive good information, contact loved ones during
     
    isolation and quarantine, and understand the measures that are in place to
    create safety. Access to the best international research should be free and
    public. There must be daily national press conferences from government
    leaders alongside scientists and professionals who can keep all of our
    people informed about the emerging situation. 
    The inequalities within our educational services need to be
    carefully considered, and mitigated, when moving to remote
    learning
    Data and free website content must be made widely available by
    educational institutions for continued learning. However, there is massive
    inequality of access to resources such as computers, electricity, wi-fi and
    learning space, as well as difficult home situations that disproportionately
    affect poor and working-class learners, students and educators. The move
    to online learning should be made carefully, and as a temporary measure.
    We should not extend the inequalities in the education system by affording
    remote education to the few. Schools and universities should consider their
    collective role as community educators and developers facing an
    unprecedented shared experience. Schools, residences and dormitories
    should be understood as a public resource during this time, including for
    the safe distribution of food and other essential services interrupted by
    school closures. 
    We must prevent a nationalist, authoritarian and security-
    focused approach in containing the virus.
    We must guard against the quick deployment of the military and police that
    may create insecurity in our communities and would spread the demanding
    of bribes. We must also prevent creating scapegoats to blame for the
    current crisis. Instead, we must ensure that care and resources are provided
    for the safety and protection of all who live in our country and in our
    communities.  
    How each of us responds to the Covid-19 pandemic will determine who we
    are as a society. The better we respond now, the better we will be after the
    pandemic. We must follow international best practice and the science that
    we have available to us to build an assertive response that works for the
    context of our own history and society. Our response must be just,
    equitable, and redistributive if we are to meet the needs of all our people. In
    times of physical distancing, social solidarity is key. 
     
    This Action Programme is being supported by the following
    organisations and individuals:
    African Action Congress (AAC)
     
    African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
    Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association Of Nigeria (ATSSSAN)
    All Workers Convergence
    Automobile, Boatyards, Transport Equipment and Allied Senior Staff
    Association (AUTOBATE)
    Center for Awareness Reorientation and Empowerment (CARE), Africa
    Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN)
    Centre for Labour Studies
    Civil Liberties Organization ( CLO) Bayelsa State Chapter
    Civil Rights Council (CRC).
    Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/ Transparency
    International in Nigeria
    Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR)
    Femi Falana, SAN
    Green Peoples Environmental Network (GREPNET)
    HipCity Innovation Centre (HipCity Hub)
    Human Rights Agenda Network
    Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER)
    Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP)
    National Conscience Party (NCP) 
    Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC)
    Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Oyo State
    Chapter
    Pegarsus-Zion Community and Environmental Health
    Peoples' Alternative Front (PAF)
    Social Accountability & Environmental Sustainability Initiative
    United Action for Democracy (UAD), Kano

  • Coronavirus-Lock Down has its Disadvantages-Prof. Olagoke

    IndexThe coronavirus has brought in its wake economic, social and religious problems. Reports of crime and criminality, domestic violence inclusive are everywhere in the media space. In this interview the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the restriction of movement by the Federal and State Governments shall result in the spread of other diseases, sexual abuses and other social and economic problems. Excerpts :

    What do you think are the problems trailing the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria ?

    The records of the quality of governance has always been tales of woes of declining profile, whereby the quality of life is always on the depletion side. Even till date, Nigeria rely more on foreign aids for its its people to enjoy products of Science, and Technology, making us to believe not in ourselves as a nation and not in our people as instruments of development, that should be encouraged to compete with global best practices. This is a nation wherein employment is based on knowing the people who matter and where most graduates roam about to manage the irritating new national minimum wage. Poverty and hunger are already like plagues in the lives of millions of Nigerians., adding coronavirus to it, would surely make things worse for our social life. The Federal Government took actions when the virus had successfully entered the country and started its damage. Everybody is susceptible irrespective of social status. The Federal Government is expected to look into the areas of weaknesses emanating from lack of ethical ways of doing things to the various instance of under funding characterizing government culture of providing social amenities and infrastructure including Research Institutes which are solutions to alert the nation of the need to take first aid cover up, in order that the spread of the deadly virus is appropriately controlled.

    However, wealthy Nigerians must realize that this is not the period to keep their wealth on selfish grounds, but to spend it now in the cause of preventing the spread of COVID 19 and curing the victims now.

    Beside this, confining people to their homes and curtailing their movements through curfew as well as preventing interstate entries for a number of days may provide the needed magic.

    But we must realize that there would be unnecessarily rowdy effects in the home front, which could result in various other diseases among the people, while at the same time promoting the spread of COVID 19. If there is no way to monitor them on compliance with the rules of hygiene. Idleness on the other hand may breed socio-psychological problems which must be effectively controlled. For example surveillance must be on to prevent pedophilia, sex abuses, incest, isolation that may even breed depression and consequent suicidal attempts must be looked out for. Effective control of these equally depends on the provision of social welfare and financial packages to remove the probable state of hopelessness which may be brought forth through debts by individual. For the purpose of survival, Government’s directive for Houses of God to close up, is in the right direction to prevent the spread of the pandemic. However, at home the culture of doing things aright must be learnt and we must realize that without good attitudinal change no prayer of any adherent can be answered as referenced in Koran 13 : 14 and the Bible James 5 : 16, while at home adherents must turn towards God to help reduce the eight months scourge of COVID 19 as spiritually revealed to the barest minimum for the wholesome cleansing of the lad to be realized and for the right vaccines to cure the victims to be discovered on time.

     

  • Address Lapses in Education Sector to Improve the Performances of Students in Exams-Prof. Olagoke

    IndexThe April/ May 2020 Senior Secondary School Certificate examinations has been postponed, even though parents, guardians , teachers and school authorities have continued to express mixed feelings over the preparedness of students for the examinations. In most recent times a number of state Governments have expressed reservations over the poor performances of students it registered for the external examinations. This prompted some of these state Governments to withdraw their financial support, in terms of paying for the examination fees. In another breadth these state Governments are working round the clock to ensure that students from their states excel in the examination by all means. Sadly, students of a sizable number of schools in the country focus more on cybercafes and betting centers, while at the same time abandoning their primary aim of attending school. This has to a large extent negatively affected the prospects of improved examination results.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke says the funadmental issues affecting the education sector should be addressee before there can be an improvement in the performances of students in external examinations. Excerpts :

    How do you think the performances of students can be improved on in examinations conducted by the West African Examination Council(WAEC), considering the poor results in recent years ?

    The poor performances of Nigerian students in WAEC conducted examinations as a West African issue led to the inauguration of the National Examination Council(NECO) without compromising the standard.

    Luckily, the syllabi is based on the general curricula of education which every secondary school must comply with, right from the Junior Secondary School (JSS)1 to Senior Secondary School(SSS)3. I can remember in 1976 when our set were faced with leakages in the examination, other set of questions were made available, but unfortunately 3 1/4 of the questions were what we were taught in Form Three, while the remaining were from Forms Four and Five syllabi. Then, most of us still came out tops. However, it was during an era of institutional discipline, when even illiterate parents supported the cause of the teachers’ efforts in bringing out the best in the children.

    Since 1985, things have not been the same for the nation in all spheres of human endeavor because of the man made environment of institutional indiscipline and corrupt practices in the quest to realize the best without putting in necessary efforts.

    The core values of self confidence, self esteem and self reliance are no longer there. We have forgotten that the home and the children form the cluster of the micro elements for the society while government and its institutions form the macro, that is exactly the mirror image of the home and its products. From my personal research based on my concern on value deterioration of education I discovered that the time our children spend in school is very insignificant compared to the time they will spend in life, the geriatric period inclusive. What we teach in the classrooms, laboratories and workshops in schools to these children are mere 20 per cent of what they need to survive the ordeals of life without deviating and resorting to committing sins and crimes to be successful in life. The remaining 80 per cent is better learnt based on what they see in their environment, quick money making syndrome without hard work. This is why they fail holistically to learn correctly under mentor-ship and pupil-age interactions for the necessary wisdom.

    The materials to teach in faith based houses of god are equally defective, due to the quest to become successful in the quickest time frame, in this sense through diabolic means .The necessary firmness of purpose is no longer there for those who attend the Church or the Mosque. In the absence of a role model, the poverty of knowledge takes over. This is a psychological problem that needs to be corrected for education to become more beneficial to our children. The structure of education is intact for necessary impact, but the way we impart education is defective. For example, the attitudinal value of the affective domain is no more emphasized, hence the disciplinary aspect of the children lives is watered down. We have become robotic in the application of the cognitive domain and Nigerian children are yet to learn anything about innovation which is the essence of the psycho motor domain because of the attitude of our government towards education.

    Teachers and Lecturers are rarely motivated and challenged because they are only selective with few lucky numbers, when it comes to the essential training needs. This position is worse for Primary and Secondary school teachers who our government will carelessly claim are too many when it comes to the payment of salaries, but in actual fact there is a worrisome shortage of teachers. It is true that the advent of the social media has resulted in the drop in the reading culture, while parents are not ready to correct this lapse.

    These are fundamental issues that must be addressed urgently, before the concerns of the state Governors on the improvement needs of our students in their performances could be resulted oriented.

    In the time past, when academic calendars were never toyed with, teachers and students performances were aspects to reckon with, but presently, there is always instability in the academic calendar ,with students most of the session been at home, with all the attendant distractions of the peer group effect and the poor ones among them hawking the streets to make ends meet.

    Poverty is equally a great factor that is affecting the concentration of students in their studies. A peep into what is happening in Oyo state, as regards the state Government’s attention and focus on education is commendable. All that will aid learning are already in place. Poor parents are been taken care of and compiled Questions and Answers of WAEC/NECO into booklets have been given to the final year students, the teachers’ copies based on the subjects been taught are been photocopied for them by each school to digest well in order that they would be authoritatively fit to put the students through.

    It should be emphasized that the students should not be robotic about the past Questions and Answers. There are 12 reasons why students fail examinations : 1) Inadequate preparation by the trio of the parents, teachers and students 2) Overconfidence by some students . 3) Examination anxiety. 4) Examination misconduct and malpractices. 5)Memory loss. 6)Time management and control. 7) Bad gang effects of negative peer groups and probable hard drug effects. 8) Bad sleeping habits 9) Lack of access to education materials such as books, due to lack of funds. 10) Lack of good reading habits. 11) Intrinsic property of an introvert that may lead to shyness in asking questions. 12) Ignoring instructions in Question and Answer sheets.

    The parents, teachers and counseling psychologists must be able to help the students in order that they overcome the need for positive mindset with respect to positive mental attitude for ease of taking right decisions most especially in their quest to learn, for them to be able to pay back positively to the concerns and efforts of the state Governors in their belief that with adequate preparations no students must fail WAEC or NECO.

  • Stamp Out Poverty and Hunger before Outlawing Street Begging-Prof. Olagoke

    IndexSome states in Nigeria are in the process of outlawing street begging because according to the Powers that Be, it is constituting a nuisance to society. However, poverty and hunger are the twin challenges most homes in the country are contending with presently. A cross section of Nigerians insist that outlawing street begging is callous and inhuman, when Government at all levels have failed to provide the basic needs for good living for the citizens.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines even though it is imperative for government to outlaw street begging, government must first meet its obligations to the people. Excerpts :

    Do you think it is right for government to outlaw street begging considering the poverty and hunger in the land ?

    Street begging is cultural in some of our states, most especially in the Northern geo-political zone of the country due to the fact that it is an age long tradition.

    In the South West, South South and South East geo-political zone, it is alien because it was introduced due to some dispersal processes through mass movement from some areas to the other based on osmotic pressure of economic concern.

    No religion supports street begging but empathy through the concept of philanthropy and altruistic philosophy.

    If it is to be outlawed it would be easier for state governments in the South West, South South and South East, but through determination of purpose and political will.

    Lagos state tried it at a time, bundling strange faces moving around aimlessly. This was after their state of origin had been uncovered. The defect in the exercise was the accompanying hues and cries by the affected states that have no plan to rehabilitate the deportees. Some even said that the exercise was against the principle of federal character and one Nigeria. Besides this, discontinuity in governance that usually led to policy somersaults put a stop to the exercise.

    The symptoms accompanying street begging is the inactivity of government in the areas of provision of basic amenities and the consequent challenges of unemployment for most of the youth and the weaker ones who will prefer begging to more dastardly acts of kidnapping, prostitution, armed robbery, ritual killings and other criminal acts to survive the economic depression.

    Unfortunately, the security votes do not address the aspect of wealth generation and employment creation, hence it is not effective enough to prevent the challenges, but only offers mere mitigation.

    Fundamentally, the physiological needs of man expressed through food, clothing and shelter, when not met would always lead to unsafe habitation and an environment that is insecure.

    Cases of some street beggars turning into kidnappers or hired assassins are daily on the increase in Nigeria contributing to heightening state of insecurity in the state and country at large.

    If it is to be outlawed it would only be a case of relieving a section of the nation to increase the burden of the others because if we remain as one Nigeria nobody may eventually claim to eternally benefit more so when government, both Federal and State alike, are not yet ready to put up effective programs for the alleviation of poverty.

    From the spiritual perspective the Nigerian culture of atoning their sins through giving stipends to the beggars to achieve their desired aims and objectives, we need to change into recognizing the following virtuous codes of life, to be technically fit and well accomplished : dignity of labor, justice, equity, sincerity of purpose, hard work, transparency, accountability to support our drive towards peaceful co-existence, building of strong institutions and achieving promotion of inclusive society in our bid to establish and foster sustainable development.

    Interestingly, accidents resulting in liabilities are usually viewed as excuses to engage in street begging.

    If government is to outlaw street begging, the following factors need to be taken into consideration :

    Government policy on poverty alleviation must be pursued with vigor and it must also be inclusive to take care of the marginalized-women, children and people living with disabilities. 2)There should be rehabilitation programs in place to cater for various interests. For example the out-of-school children issue must be given adequate attention. 3)Cases of the elite aiding and abetting the transportation of poverty stricken souls from one state to the other must be investigated to effectively stop the act. For example in February, two trailer load of people from the North of the country were spotted somewhere in Iwo land, this prompted the Isokan Muslim community to promptly intervene. It was discovered that some Chiefs had collected about 500, 000 Naira each for the act to be possible. However, they were compelled to return the money amounting to about 3.5 million Naira while the migrants were sent back to the destination they came from. Two things might have happened if it had not been detected, street beggars could have been on the increase while some of them would have become security threats in Iwo land.

    Street begging therefore, must be outlawed, but let government do the needful before embarking on this.

  • Nigeria does not need more than Five Political Parties-Prof. Olagoke

    IndexThe Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has de-registered 74 out of the 92 political parties in Nigeria.

    The Inter party Advisory Council(IPAC) insists that the INEC’s action is at variance with the rule of law, while insisting that Nigerians have since lost confidence in the electoral body.

    However, a sizable number of Nigerians argue that INEC ought not to have registered such a high number of political parties in the first instance,just as they also opine that INEC is only playing out a script written by its paymaster.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke insists that Nigeria only need five political parties to ensure national unity. Excerpts :

    Do you think INEC is right to have de-registered 74 out of the 92 political parties in Nigeria ?

    The decision of INEC that led to the de-registration of 74 out of the 92 political parties in the country is a scenario of relieving the electoral process of been too cumbersome. Ab initio, Nigerians are divided over the outrageous number of registered political parties which in the last general elections made the exercise to be worrisome, misleading and embarrassingly made the ballot paper unnecessarily colorful and artistically confusing. It made some voters to become mere robotic objects relying on the remote control of some vote merchants.

    A critical assessment of the 92 political parties raised some questions that probed into how some people got their certificates in school.

    When one compares the performances of such graduates in their places of work to their activities in the wider society, the credibility of the universities which awarded the certificates would be at stake.

    The INEC now has to prove its capability and credibility to de-register what it earlier approved because some schools of thought are of the opinion that the de-registered political parties are victims of circumstances because they have every right to exist even without impact of the society, provided they did not turn their parties into violent or terrorist groups.

    However, a critical look into the competence test for parties already registered was based on their performances in the 2019 general elections. On this account the affected parties failed to meet the requirements of the INEC.

    On a scale of fairness, Nigerians cannot confidently say that those who triumphed actually won the elections justly. The challenge before all of us is on how to tackle the issue of vote buying and the highest bidder syndrome, campaign expenses limit compliance and internal party Democracy to choose the right and popular candidate, rather than those who are imposed. This category are aided by crooked means to win elections.

    The de-registration of 74 political parties would have been a good riddance, if not for the fact that there are still pending applications of the registration of political parties with INEC.

    Nigerian politicians and the political parties have had a negative impact on the economic and security well being of the nation, when one considers our situation of death without war and destitution in the midst of plenty.

    This is so because the existing political parties were not established to salvage the cause of the country, but for the participants to have their own share of the national cake, with a very good opportunity to loot the treasury and earn special packages as salaries, bonuses and allowances.

    This is why the rat race by politicians to get into positions of power threw the Holy Bible into the ocean and the Holy Koran into the lagoon and in the process shunning all cultural values of integrity to toil with the lives of Nigerians who they are supposed to work for and to deplete the resources of the land at the expense of the people’s welfare and national development.

    Our political parties small or big, are bereft of ideological goals and one can hardly differentiate, in terms of values, one from the other.

    Politicians in Nigeria live three lives, when not yet in government they brand themselves as our messiah, when in government they resort to self-enrichment, build egos and castles around themselves to become untouchable, while presenting administration as one for the most difficult and complex Mathematics to solve through protocols and bureaucratic means, using the media to their advantage.

    When they are in opposition they play the holier than thou script and pretend as if they are ready to fight for the masses, the whole exercise is to pull down perceived enemies.

    In these three lifestyles none is exemplary and the truth about Nigerian politicians is that of unpatriotic elements, who only scavenge about to accumulate wealth.

    Nigeria would be better off, when our religious systems focus on the emancipation of humanity and our politicians, who claim to be products of this socio-divine substance would be able to uphold the concept of sacrifice in service, selfless service to others through the principles of philanthropy.

    When political parties are formed through algebraic equations of the democrat on the one hand and the conservative on the other, the ideological goal would be to evolve, while voters would be able to identify with the kind of lifestyles they desire for the nation in the next four years of the new political dispensation which may extend to another four years of grace willingly by the people who may want to appreciate beneficial good governance from party A or party B. Suffice it to now say that political parties performances and impact in the positive direction needs to dwell on respecting people’s fundamental human rights to all good things of life, including education, health, infrastructure and employment, in an atmosphere of the promotion of inclusive society.

    Good governance in which everybody benefits through a people oriented political party is far better than the proliferation of political parties in which many of them would become mere buffer solutions for the bigger ones to win elections.

    Nigeria does not need more than five political parties, each of these political parties must respect religious differences, ethnic and tribal spread in the country and in the general geographical contraption to promote the unity of the country.

    In terms of population strength and geographical spread therefore, a party of national status is needed with distinct ideological goal to market itself.

    The voters themselves would be able to identify lairs among them, this is because in a situation in which oppressors dominate a party, people must not expect development, zero tolerance to corruption, but institutional discipline that usually promote agitation, impoverishment and man made security challenges such as terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.

    The INEC should therefore make use of the National Orientation Agency(NOA) and the Media to sensitize Nigerians on the need for the five political parties that would be competitive enough to address the issues of fundamental human rights and inclusiveness, to be able to achieve in the area of good governance, while the INEC itself need to strategically put up an electoral process that would be free of abuse, but fair and just, in order that Nigeria is able to have in place a good government.

  • To Avoid A Stalemate in Nigeria’s Democracy in the Year 2020 By Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    For every prophecy is limit of time (for its manifestation), and soon shall ye know it.(Q.6 vs 67). For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one little will by no means pass from the law(prophecy) till all is fulfilled(Mathew 5 vs 18).

    SHAFAUDEEN 2020 PREDICTION FOR NIGERIA SYSTEM REGULATION FOR PROACTIVE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO AVOID UNPLEASANTNESS.

    A. The Executive summary of incidence of probable events :

    • There shall be security challenges as usual.
    • Some projects shall receive favorable attention for completion.
    • The usual spate of decamping shall lead to some politicians falling by the way side.
    • Education shall remain relevant and receive some attention despite a lot of challenges against it.
    • There shall be need for conscious and tight security need for surveillance and vigilance.
    • Height of deceit and persecution in religious houses shall be reported.
    • There shall be a clog in the wheel of progress in sporting activities.
    • Pray against road accidents involving heavy duty vehicles.
    • Climate challenge shall make air travel a cautious one.
    • Pray against fire outbreak and unwarranted air attack.
    • Trials in the areas of secession bid shall be met with resistance into fruitless efforts in the Year 2020.

    B. MONTH BY MONTH ANALYSIS OF PROBABLE EVENTS

    January, 2020 :

    • This month shall record little impact of government’s efforts.
    • Wrangling in the political circle among the politicians shall be recorded.
    • Under funding effect shall make the education sector a distressed zone.
    • People shall be security conscious.
    • There shall be a need to rescue religion from its ridiculous comatose state.
    • There shall be conscious efforts to resolve issues in sports.
    • Pray and guide against fire outbreak.

    February 2020 :

    • Favorable month of discoveries and development in politics and education but there shall be the need for security beef up in this month.
    • Education shall be revisited for improvement by Government.
    • Pray and avoid stray bullets syndrome or sporadic shootings not to be victim of the circumstance.
    • This is a favorable month for religion to regain its prominence and relevance.
    • Pray against sports management in disarray for things to work.
    • Rehabilitation work om some roads shall be effected.
    • Pray against air mishap.
    • This is a favorable month to douse fire out break.

    March, 2020 :

    • This is a favorable month for effective planning on physiological needs through agriculture.
    • There shall be wranglings among politicians over the sharing of economic booties.
    • Education shall receive funding boost from Government.
    • Security alertness, consciousness and awareness shall be rife.
    • Religious objectives and focus shall slippery in practice.
    • Favorable month to resolve conflict and avoid stalemate in sports to have a breakthrough.
    • Work on roads may be retarded due to some challenges.

    April, 2020 :

    • This is a month for economic boost for Nigerians.
    • This is a favorable month for political activities and boost for Education and Security.
    • Unification and peaceful co-existence efforts for religions shall face purity issue challenge.
    • Some sports shall rise in performance while others shall drop into coma.
    • Favorable month for free accident wish.

    May, 2020 :

    • Favorable month to beam a searchlight on fraudsters and corrupt people-freshly fresh issue and old changes.
    • Political wranglings shall snowball into whirlwind of problems in some quarters.
    • Education shall receive attention to dividend level.
    • Favorable month of exposure and divine sanction of criminally minded purported people of God.
    • Records of sad news on sporting activities performances.
    • Pray against fire outbreak, threat of air mishap and traffic logjam.

    June, 2020 :

    • This is a favorable month for economic buoyancy but we need to guide against emerging sharp practices and corruption.
    • Pray against wastage and sharp practices in politics and governance.
    • Pray against reckless destruction of farmlands and property by hoodlums and sudden death of a religious icon.
    • Hope shall rise on sports for unrestricted activities.
    • Pray against fire outbreak in this month. Be safety conscious and guided.

    July, 2020 :

    • This is a month of peace but pray against jail break.
    • Favorable month for Education, Security and Sports rehabilitation programs but the month shall be harsh on religious sectors.
    • Favorable month for free or minimal accident.

    August, 2020 :

    • Government activities shall have hope of giving worthwhile dividend.
    • Pray against Government project collapse.
    • Education sector shall receive attention for improvement.
    • Pot holes in religious zones shall be visited to restore sanity on roads, water and air to be accident free shall be noticed.
    • This is a clearing period of debris of past fire out break.

    September, 2020 :

    • This is a favorable month for reconstruction exercises and a dousing period for political imbroglio.
    • Pray to avoid clashes among security agencies. Note, far reaching implications for this.
    • Waning glamour of religion shall be experienced.
    • Avoid shattered hope in sports.
    • Pray against occult plan for road accident and hgih rise building fire out break.

    October, 2020 :

    • Favorable month to harvest dividend of Democracy and realize economic buoyancy for the nation.
    • Pray against clashes between two political giants and their followers.
    • Pray against ploy in the education sector to avoid sabotage.
    • Pray against infighting in the house of Islam.
    • Favorable month for the houses of sports to be revisited for conflict resolution.
    • Conscious efforts shall be rife to make an accident free month.

    November, 2020 :

    • Favorable month for economic dividend of Government activities and Democracy.
    • Pray against fire outbreak and unwarranted discord in the political circle.
    • Favorable month for the improvement in education, security and sanity restoration into religion.
    • Avoid sabotage in sports and its administration.
    • Favorable month for reconstruction and rehabilitation work in the Houses of God.
    • Pray and avoid fear on the road in relation to kidnappers’ rampage and fire out break occasioned by heavy duty vehicles, oil tankers inclusive.

    December, 2020

    • Finishing touches to projects completion shall be rife.
    • Some political parties shall become mere remnants.
    • Leakages in the Education and Security sectors shall be acknowledged to be fraud free.
    • Fake security threats shall be recorded. Exposed fraudsters in religion shall face sanctions and embarrassment.
    • Pray against fatal road accidents.

    CONCLUSION

    Re branding for proper socialization and correct cultural and ethical value orientation for promotion of integrity and discipline for all, must be in place, to allow divine intervention to revamp our economy, promote health and stable polity as well as principle of equity.

    Good governance is a function of Godly leadership, therefore, the essence of this revelation is for the political class to imbibe the culture of tolerance, focus on the issue of the importance of welfare.

    The religious sector must therefore imbibe the spirit of religious harmony to promote peace and be more dedicated to the service of God to save the Nation through their prayers, while all Nigerians must uphold discipline, love and culture of patriotism to move the nation forward. With all these, we may avoid a stalemate in our Democracy.

    — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -

    Rasool, Shafau, Imtizaala Mohammed(SAW)

    Alhaji Engr. Prof. S.A Olagoke, JP, Ph.D FNSE, FNATE, FNIM,FAES

    Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam Shafaudeen In Islam Worldwide

     

  • Corruption and Inefficiency Militates against the Provision of Potable Drinking Water in Nigeria-Prof.Olagoke

    IndexMillions of Nigerians in the six Geo-political zones of the country are complaining bitterly about the absence of potable drinking water.

    Indeed, Governments at all levels insist that in the course of governance, the provision of potable water is no longer a problem, but Nigerians argue that the availability of potable drinking water is not only a problem but a set back to governance, considering the moribund state of several bore hole projects across the country.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke says that corruption and inefficiency pose major threats to the plans of the Federal Government to privatize the water sector. Excerpts :

    What do you think can be done by Government at all levels to ensure the availability of potable drinking water for Nigerians ?

    Simple biological analysis, with respect to the significance of water, points out that 75 per cent of human composition is water, making us to heavily depend on potable water for survival.

    Simple geographical analysis equally expresses that the whole earth is 75 per cent water. Cycle of evaporation and condensation is responsible for rain seasonally.

    The abundance of water on earth, ranging from running water, estuaries, lagoon and ocean are at their raw stage containing debris of impurities making them to be unsafe for drinking and other purposes.

    With this background, part of the mandate of service given to political office holders is therefore focused on the provision of basic amenities of which potable water is of significant value because of its direct relevance in human sustenance.

    The United Nations and the World Health Organization(WHO) work on the standard qualities that must be met in the provision of potable water that would be safe for human consumption.

    In the spirit of this, to avoid the violation of this rule the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration(NAFDAC) mandate equally covers the quality of water for human consumption.

    However, in Nigeria the history of our struggle in providing potable drinking water was that of lapses and retrogressive moves on the part of government.

    In the 60s, urbanization was premium, with the costly neglect of the need to develop the villages as well as in the areas of the provision of primary infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, electrification and potable water.

    The urban city dwellers enjoyed potable water which flowed as public utility with a network of laid pipes at strategic locations, there were reservoirs which helped to ensure an uninterrupted supply of potable water, most especially during the down time of water, when repairs and maintenance are undertaken.

    The common diseases then, referred to as water borne diseases such as guinea worm and others, were remote in the urban centers, but rampant in the villages, forcing us into a state of rural-urban drift.

    With increasing population and without a corresponding expansion water works resulted in urban threats of potable water scarcity.

    The former Public Works Department routine repairs and pipe re-connection stopped abruptly to the extent that even when some water works made attempts to produce, members of the public who were lucky to get water, received dirty and colored liquid due to rust and in most cases the members of the public received nothing from their taps due to leakages, which could not be detected.

    Wells are sunk by individual homes, while bore holes were equally sunk by the elite in communities. It is rather unfortunate that successive governments at all levels resorted to sinking bore holes without considering that many of these could not be relied on mainly because of possible geological reasons-earth crust dislocations and future possible landslides.

    Besides this, the Nigerian factor of the contractors on the issue of sinking bore-holes has made us to witness many white elephant projects.

    Now that government is considering privatization of the water sector, there are some few questions we must ask : What is the success rate of government’s privatization of the power sector ?

    What would become of the various grants usually received in the water sector from international donors ?

    Are the investors, government have in mind, to invest in the water sector indigenous or expatriate ?

    Will the public outcry of the poor performances of the Power Distribution companies, be the same when it comes to the water sector ? If not, then government ought to give Nigerians the strategies it would apply in the water sector privatization.

    The Nigerian factor in handling the affairs concerning the welfare of our teeming population has always been a case of woes and deterioration because water is even more crucial than electricity.

    If our failures in managing Millennium Envelopment Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) are anything to go by, then the Federal Government must look inwards using the SWOT analysis in both government and the Ministries,Departments and Agencies, to effect sanity, sincerity, patriotism and high efficiency for productive end for the sector.

    We have our areas of strength in terms of natural resources and expertise, even if they are not adequate, which may be our areas of weaknesses. Government must be read to fill the gap. Our areas of opportunities are very many, from government resources to that of international aid and interventions.

    Our areas of threat is the culture of corruption and weak sanctioning system which government must pay particular attention to, to be able to break even in achieving the needful.

    If government is unable to identify and fix all possible loopholes responsible for our inaction, then the crop of people who are there are not qualified to be there.

    Government must muster the muscle of political will on the issue of the provision of potable water through our various water works and others that must be built without over relying on sinking of bore holes.

    Nigerians, generally, deserve to be served by their government, which must see governance as service rather than been a source for self enrichment.

  • Poor Governance and Poverty Responsible for Human Trafficking-Prof. Olagoke

    IndexChild and Human trafficking have become means to an end for several Nigerians who have lost hope in the system under the present administration.

    Reports of these ugly trend are recorded on a daily basis, with the law enforcement agencies struggling to stem the tide.

    Baby factories are on the increase while mothers, mostly the young ones, sell their new born babies to cushion the effects of the present economic realities.

    Teenagers and adults are deceived into traveling abroad, but end up as prostitutes or slaves. This trend in not abating.

    In this interview , the Founder, Spiritual Head and Gran Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that poor governance which has brought about poverty is the major cause of child and human trafficking. Excerpts :

    Child and Human trafficking is what a sizable number of Nigerians engage in these days. Why is this so ?

    Nigeria was first a country where discipline, control the fabric of all social spiritual sub systems . It was characterized by very low import index and very high export index. Religious laws were in tandem with the societal norms to create a path of sanity for our interpersonal relationship and our general attitude towards values.

    Unfortunately, the Nigerian youth in the mufti of the military killed the geese that laid the golden eggs. Since then, value erosion crept in to destroy all agents of socialization for the nation, to stand with very weak legs.

    The civil war followed to put us into alien idiosyncrasies, whereby every moral value is replaced with overtures of waywardness and frivolities starting from the home front to push the society into a state of moral decadence.

    The most pitiable aspect was the era of searching for greener pastures in the houses of spirituality whereby we replaced sacredness with profanity and we commercialized, against the tenets of the scripture on the word of God.

    Sins committed by people became the software which now transformed into the hardware of criminality.

    FESTAC ‘’77 promoted culture as if its is a twin brother of satanic practices. We gave voodooism priority to trivialize the essence of puritanism in religious worship, modesty was murdered to be replaced by shameless acts of fraudulent families while dignity of labor was placed into poor second for various malpractices by the youth to be aided by the elders.

    The sociopolitical and economic life as well as our state of spirituality thereafter became badly affected.

    All media is able to report, is a micro version of the real happenings in the land. The issue of child and human trafficking therefore, emanated in the land as a result of the dichotomy been introduced by the ruling class whereby the suffering masses continue to suffer from impoverishment, while the ruling elite turn democracy into a money makig opportunity through the concept of ego centrism to change democracy into kleptocracy as evident in the rising profile of poverty indices, 15 per cent in the 60s followed by a progressive arithmetic of 28.8 per cent in 1983 , 42 per cent, 54 per cent, 65 per cent under the subsequent military regimes while the National Bureau of Statistics presented the economic experts evaluation in 1999 as 70 per cent.

    Since then, up to the 9th National Assembly regime, it is yet to be improved. For example, in 2007 to 2009 more than 849 companies relocated to other African nations because of our bad economic climate for investment.

    Many abandoned warehouses became places of worship that could never provide employment for the teeming masses, most especially those who were retrenched as a result of the collapse of companies.

    The youth who were mostly affected became ordinary pawns in the hands of dubious elders who played the smart card.

    Anti social menace arose, as a result of the emerging proffered alternative to survive in the race and crave for greener pastures. Armed robbery, arson and active participation of the youth in various insurgencies and militant activities were effective as a result of drug addiction with attendant abuses.

    Trafficking 1

    The con people hid under the bad economic situation to deceive the youth into the various illicit practices, ranging from visa scam and cases of forgery of documents, with sweet promises of jobs in abundance without consideration for certificate worth.

    Many died in transit, most especially those who plied Libya en route the desert to the promised abode of succor. Some of them became victims along the journey, whereby they were always hammered into a corner and their kidneys forcibly removed, resulting in their deaths. This practice brought good money for the smart guys in the medical world of kidney transplantation.

    The most popular but destructive form of trafficking , is deceit of the victims by promising them jobs abroad, which later turn out to be prostitution via several underworld conspiracy against legitimate governments.

    The bottom line that is making this bad attitude to flourish is the issue of poverty and poor governance which needs to be squarely addressed through the following steps :

    One, engaging the citizens through effective sensitization through the National Orientation Agency(NOA), and the mass media on the dangers of getting involved in the trafficking of persons.

    Secondly, government must reform all institutions to be effective enough in promoting sanity.

    The judiciary must be firm as partners in progress with quick interventions on emerging cases while the agencies which are directly concerned must be rightly strengthened to do their work without fear or favor and timely too.

    Thirdly, we must revive, for the purpose of the restoration of core values, all agents of socialization such as the parents, schools, religious houses, voluntary organizations and a host of others.

    Be responsive and responsible in the process and crusade of core value restoration.

    Above all, let government officials be role models on the issue of decency, chastity, drug free life, with total pursuance of zero tolerance to corruption with no respect for institutional indiscipline.

    The issue of role modelling of exemplary lifestyles by parents and the elite is equally sacrosanct to the promotion of the issue of integrity as a key factor to core value restoration.

    When government pursues, realistically, the issue of vocation for the establishment of Small Scale Enterprises(SSE) and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises(SME), youth restiveness would be minimized because they would be meaningfully engaged with focus on job creation, self-employment and self discipline.

    Let government use the SWOT analysis to re examine the situation to do the needful in order that we can walk the talk to correct all aberrations at 59.

  • Nigeria at 59-Only The Beneficiaries of the Lapses in Governance have a reason to Celebrate-Prof. Olagoke

    IndexAs Nigeria clocks 59 on Tuesday, 1st October, 2019, millions of Nigerians insist that there is no cause to celebrate.

    They lament that thousands of lives have been lost as a result of the insecurity in the land, while widespread hunger and poverty have taken root in millions of homes. Corruption is not abating, even though the Federal Government claims to be winning the anti-graft fight. In this interview the Founder Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that those who benefited from the bad governance in the country have cause to celebrate Nigeria’s independence.

    Excerpts :

    Nigeria will be 59 on October 1st, is there any reason to celebrate ?

    Celebration is of two fold, celebration with fanfare and glamour, as a result of chains of achievements, in terms of basic amenities and infrastructure and competitive human development index, that should be almost at par with that of the developed countries. The other side has to do with sober reflection, whereby the wailers will bring us back to how to regain our lost strength and wasted opportunities. The wailers will need to continue to challenge us on the need to make amends to minimize the weaknesses and possible areas of threats for Nigeria, we have lost all virtues, while dancing naked in the market of shame. For example, education was very functional at a time, we were pressing for independence, with emphatic no to colonialism. Collectively we forget about our ethnic differences and shunned tribal sentiments to have our way to the reality of independence on October 1, 1960.

    We started with the parliamentary system with a federal system of weak center, to give each region, the liberty to develop on their own, capitalizing on the peculiar value chains, which could be summarily transformed into the North for hides and skins and groundnut pyramids.

    The West, with cocoa and coffee among other agricultural products, while the East was known for the best quality of coal,as well as palm produce.

    In the area of mineral resources, bitumen and asphalt of the best quality as well as other mineral, resources like gold, lead and various rock types for cement production. What about iron and steel ? The regional management of this, made Nigeria excel with high export index, making our currency to be above the Dollar and at par with the Pound Sterling.

    Development became competitive with the West as a pacesetter of development in functional infrastructure. For example, the cocoa house as one of the tallest buildings, the Liberty stadium, WNTV and WNBS, network of good roads and in the area of human capital development,with the first woman drive a car, in the person of the late Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, who championed the cause of women.

    The first Chief Justice of the Federation from the West and we have the history of Herbert Macaulay been the early and First Engineer. All these series of achievements were replicated in the North and in the East, making the nation be project focused for the development of the country.

    Emerging politicians were with ideological goals, unlike these days, when service in office is been replaced by self-aggrandizement and self-enrichment.

    How did we now find ourselves in the appalling situation ? This could be ascribed to the following observations :

    After independence, we reverted to our ethnic and tribal inclinations, losing focus of the unity of Nigeria and resorting to al under hand methods in power sharing.

    Nigeria experienced 29 years of military rule, during this period the economy was battered, while ideological goals were lost.

    The economic profile became jeopardized with ever increasing poverty indices, 15 per cent in 1966, 28.8 per cent in 1983, with subsequent characteristic arithmetic progression of 42 per cent, 54 per cent, 65 per cent and in 1999 at 70 per cent.

    The economic class lost that of the middle package through the political regime of poverty and the upper regime was now controlled by less than 2 per cent, who govern, through kleptocracy, deviating from the normal norm of justice, equity, divinity, peace, sustainable development, security, transparency and accountability demanded by democracy.

    Under these conditions, the celebration of Nigeria’s 59th independence anniversary would be ridiculous to those in the international community, which had expected us to be a role model for other countries in Africa, in terms of good governance.

    Let us be reminded of the fact that the environment in which democracy could thrive, includes when there is the culture of having respect for the fundamental human rights of the people. If we are to go by the experiences in the land, human rights violations abound in various forms leading us into a poor environment of endemic corruption and impunity or institutional indiscipline.

    Derisively too, when we claim to hold elections, it is yet to be free and fair, though winners do emerge. Worse still, there is fundamental ethnic coloration the way we treat the emerging leaders.

    In the religious terrain, those with contrary religious beliefs are bickering, while development continues to suffer.

    Unfortunately, the cost of governance is always too high for the overhead to consume the budget, while capital projects continue to suffer from set backs.

    Nigeria’s image abroad has continued to be questionable while insecurity at home does not justify government’s defense of Nigerians held in jails, decapitated or been tried for various drug offenses.

    The process of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation after the civil war had a carry over of lapses which has resulted in several agitations and secession threats, with all the groups hiding under the guise of restructuring.

    Beneficiaries of the lapses in governance are now owners of universities, without having anything to do with academics, but are into it for commercial purposes.

    Various projects were built in other African countries and abroad by the cabals and cartels at the expense of the welfare of all Nigerians, majority of whom live in poverty in the midst of abundant natural resources.

    Was President Donald Trump not right about his definition of Nigerians and his perspective about Africans ?

    Nigeria needs total overhauling.

  • She developed an interest in building self-esteem for women-Lydia Busingye

    Rwanda 8Lydia Busingye is a young woman who was kidnapped and subjected to sexual abuse at the age of thirteen. This tragedy left her with feelings of resentment, self-blame, low self-worth and confidence. As a result she felt discouraged to pursue her dreams of becoming a confident and effective leader someday.

    Over the years that she struggled with her experience, Lydia found inspiration to regain her confidence and self-worth by having successful women role models such as Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, the late Minister Aloisea Inyumba, Joyce Meyer and Oprah Winfrey. Their life stories and achievements motivated Lydia to use the negative experiences from her childhood to rebuild her strength and encourage other women and girls to do the same.

    She developed an interest in building self-esteem for women and girls through restoring hope, dreams and fighting against sexual and gender based violence (SGBV). Lydia’s passion for women and girls issues encouraged her to look for opportunities that empowered her and other women in various ways.

     

    Lydia describes the Rwanda Women Leadership Institute (RWLI) as one such opportunity that has empowered her to be the woman she is today. As a woman who once dreamt of becoming a leader, she commends the program for reigniting her dream through its training in leadership skills.

    One of her most important lessons from the program is from an African proverb that was shared during the training; “if you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together.” According to Lydia, the proverb, reinforces “the importance of working together and supporting one another as women in pursuing our dreams,” and the capacity women have to be leaders that can contribute to meaningful change and development in society. She also learnt the importance of self-love, care, protection/safety of women and girls in any environment.

    As a RWLI alumni, Lydia has used both personal and professional platforms to share information on women’s key role in decision making, transformational leadership and SGBV. She hopes that in sharing with other women and girls, she can help them protect themselves and address issues of abuse as well as motivate them to be agents of change in their respective communities. Lydia describes RWLI as a programme that has given her the right tools to achieve her dreams; “I am now dreaming to be a woman of integrity, a role model, a source of health and wealth in my country and worldwide.”
    RWLI represents one of the projects implemented by Rwanda Women’s Network (RWN) in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion to empower Rwandan women from all walks of life. The institute’s objectives compliment various national and global campaigns that promote women’s rights and gender parity; such as the Rwanda’s national theme for International Women’s Day; “Preserving the Dignity Regained.”
    Rwanda is commended globally for its gender sensitive policies and the highest Parliamentarian representation of women (64%) in the world. The theme outlines the nation’s role in building on these achievements in the empowerment of women. RWN is expanding and contributing to these gains through RWLI and more projects by using holistic approaches to address issues affecting women and girls in Rwanda.
    In line with the global movement #BeBoldForChange, the RWLI program encompasses the importance of women’s active role in influencing change that contributes to empowerment of women and gender parity. 
    RWLI falls under one of the RWN main program areas; Governance and Leadership. It equips women with knowledge and tools to be effective leaders and equal contributors to change and development in their respective sectors and communities. RWLI continues to empower and inspire more women like Lydia to “make their challenges a catalyst for positive transformation,” at a personal, community and national level.

  • Get Rich Quick Syndrome : Blame the Elite-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof sabitu olagoke 2The get rich quick syndrome has caught up with Nigerian youths and adults alike, and this has resulted in an unspecified number of unresolved cases of advanced fee fraud, ritual killings, armed robberies and other get rich quick crimes.

    Distraught parents and guardians are helpless, even as law enforcement and security agencies, who are saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property, have rather been more or less accomplices in these criminal acts

    Indeed, a section of the elite and the political class are a different set of accomplices, whose roles in these crimes have heightened the insecurity in the land.

    In this interview the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafuadeen-in-Islam Wordlwide, Porf. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the elite in society are,to a very great extent, to blame for the get rich quick syndrome among the youth and it would only take a miracle to reverse the ugly trend.

    Nigerians. most especially the youth are increasingly getting involved in get rich quick crimes. What do you think is the cause ?

    The get rich quick syndrome has been with us over the years and it featured some bad elements of the then Nigerian decent society, in an environment of the era of discipline. At this period we began to learn about some elderly people becoming wealthy in society without commensurate work value in their hands.

    The society’s suspicion drove them to realize that such people must have joined some secret societies, which makes it imperative that after death certain parts of their bodies are severed for recompense.

    Another version, is the use of human beings for rituals, most especially one of their children or kinsman.

    The cat would eventually be let out of the bag, either after protracted illness or sudden death after a short life span.

    The reaction of members of the society to the mysterious end of these people

    resulted in the placing of emphasis on the essence of discipline in their children, with the traditional philosophy of work as an antidote to poverty.

    This was the basis upon which our educational foundation were built, with the hope that graduates even of secondary schools, who might not be capable of furthering their education would be able to support their lives with ready made work to justify the little knowledge acquired.

    Unfortunately, people in high places started the bad culture of self-enrichment syndrome, against all odds of possible heavy penalties for breaking the ethics of the profession or the organization.

    This was what led to the first coup in Nigeria, led by 29 year old Kaduna Nzeogwu, whose team struck because of what they term as 10 per cent corruption, in government and business circles.

    The profile of poverty indices due to corruption and state of impunity xrayed by experts, put them into rising profile of 15 per cent in the first republic, 28.8 per cent in the second republic.

    Babangida and Abacha era put it to the maximum of 65 per cent, while the fourth republic failed woefully to control and checkmate these orgies of corruption, to start at 70 per cent, which attracted people’s attention because of its uncontrollable nature, despite all the state apparatus on anti-graft exercise.

    Psychologically, human beings are born robotic as education is for refinement, at least 20 per cent level from the classrooms, while the environment take 80 per cent charges to make or mar the animal called man.

    If negative influences overwhelms man, he returns to the beastly level of operation.

    Unfortunately in Nigeria, education is dysfunctional, with all the domains of education rendered ineffective.

    For example, apart from the literacy advantage of education from the realm of affective domain, attitudinal rectitude is supposed to be critically addressed to be responsible for character building of any graduate produced.

    Unfortunately, it is paradoxically ironical, to note that the so called enlightened elite, who we regard as educated, are to a great extent responsible for all the fraudulent acts in the society, not minding the oath of allegiance, loyalty and discipline already sworn to before taking up any appointment in the scheme of action building.

    Equally unfortunate is that corruption and impunity have for long found their ways into the Judiciary, where the era of incorruptible Justices seem to have gone for good and profanity has replaced sacredness on matters concerning the house of God making justice, equity and divine interventions to elude the society. Hence the travail of poor practices in governance.

    For our youth, they are products of these unfortunate circumstances and except through miracles, it would be very hard to produce children, who will not inherit the blood of timocracy and the culture of get rich quick syndrome. This is because the environment is hostile and all agents of socialization for the support of even growth of children have been broken down to pieces.Again, unfortunately, whenever we want to have any change of government, political manifesto is always absent with no ideological goals in place. Hence, our failure to address all these problems.

    Sad, enough, vote buying has replaced the ethical principles of the conduct of elections, making the society to remain pawns in the hands of any emerging government, that would prefer self enrichment at the expense of the welfare of the people.

    For sanity to reign therefore, we must put in place visionary leaders, who will be ready to sacrifice everything it takes to deliver.

  • Dwindling Tax Revenue : Govt Officials have their Own Receipts-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof sabitu olagoke 2Reports indicate that the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Abba Kyari, sought explanations from the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr, Babatunde Fowler, over the unimpressive tax revenue from 2015 to 2018.

    However, Nigerians have continued to groan under the multiple taxation policy of the Federal Government, even as they insist that the activities of the Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) should be thoroughly scrutinized. 

    In April nine senior officials of the FIRS, mostly from the finance and accounts department including its Director, were arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) for diverting N6 billion tax funds that were supposed to be remitted to the coffers of government.

    In this interview, the Founder Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the fact that government officials have their own receipts, negatively affects revenue generation. Exceprts :

    The Federal Government has expressed worries over the dwindling revenue from taxes, what do you think is wrong ?

    Nigeria became worse under the civilian regime, than under the military for two major reasons : under the civilian rule, privileges are always accompanied with abuse, coupled with daylight collaborations, even to cheat in government.

    The issue of discipline has not been addressed in most civilian regimes. Discipline that ensures that the citizens do the right thing.

    Perhaps,. because our institution of Democracy is always accompanied with no due process and various maneuvers to constitute the executive, legislature and even in the appointment of Judges at all levels.

    This is why poverty indices and tax evasions accompanied with various corrupt practices are always on the increase.

    Firs

    With a direct consequence on government’s poor performance in the areas of the provision of basic amenities for the people, employment and functional infrastructure. The poor signal of virtual independence challenge of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and the Judiciary alos contribute a lot in the areas fo regulation and control.

    Under the such a situation, the whole Nigeria and every sector of the economy wallow in them murky waters of endemic corruption that will never allow us to meet our budgetary targets.

    Apart from the foregoing, salary structure of the civil servants, most especially at the state level, is appalling and to meager to sustain the average Nigeria worker. This is another source of challenge that would ever facilitate the thriving of corrupt practices.

    Successive governments till date, have not been able to explain the reason why there is disparity in the wages of the state workers and that of their counterparts at the Federal level.

    When issue of social justice is to be considered, bearing in mind, that we all visit the same market to buy and sell for survival.

    Equally, government is yet to justify the jumbo pay of the political class, which is on the very high side, when compared to that of the civil servants.

    Are these not established channels to to support corrupt practices in the land ?

    It is on record that political office holders were once members of the civil societies, little wonder then, that they feel comfortable without any concern for the poor remuneration of the civil servants.

    However, if these defects are not corrected in good time, the efforts of the anti-graft agencies will never meet the expectations of the government and people alike.

    It is also on record, that in all tiers of government, Local, State and Federal, some officials, low or high, do have personal receipts which are always carbon copies of the ones government issues.

    This is why we have been having cases of workers on Grades levels 04 to 06 in government service, having fleet of cars and several mighty structures, kept in secret with fictitious names.

    The question now is, why is it that government operatives always fail to discover this kind of sharp practices, before the thieves complete their projects ?

    Why is it also, that offenders judgments, are always delayed and in most cases, influenced by nepotism and ethnicity to bail them out ?

    Lack of punitive measures for offenders is dangerous and would continue to make corrupt practices very attractive to those who believe in material things while shunning decency and exemplary lifestyles.

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service needs to be properly scrutinized and the outcome made public.

    The nine FIRS officials arrested not long ago, is an indictment of the service and an affront to the executive.

    The government will therefor, do Nigerians a great favor through be thorough, firm and blunt to be able to use the case of this government agency as a reference point for the search light to penetrate through all government ministries, departments and agencies which equally have skeletons in their cupboards and unprintable rot in their environment.

    Besides this, government itself, needs to be transparent and accountable for Nigerians to trust it because Nigerians expect period checks on the activities of the Ministers, aides of the President and state Governors as well as each of the policy makers.

    If government wants a high revenue turn over, from taxes, diversification of the economy is sacrosanct to boost production most especially in agriculture, mining and other areas of infrastructural importance.

  • Food Sufficiency : Govt. Ought to stop Importation when Edibles are in Abundance and Affordable-Prof. Olagoke

    Prof sabitu olagoke 2The debate among Nigerians in the present time is on the promise made by President Muhammadu Buhari to cater for the poor and downtrodden in the country, as he positions to make a difference in his second term.

    The President’s promise is coming on the heels of his directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) to stop the issuance of foreign exchange to those who import foodstuff.

    Nigerians, however, insist that since the country is yet to attain food sufficiency, while hunger and poverty still remain in millions of homes, the President’s directive is an indication that the present administration does not have workable plans to rescue majority of Nigerians from the vicious cycle of poverty.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke asserts that the importation of edibles and related products can only be regulated and controlled when when there is food sufficiency in the land. Excerpts :

    What do you think is the best way to ensure food sufficiency in Nigeria ?

    In the areas of the fundamental needs of man, that is food, shelter and clothing, Science and Technology have offered a great mass of opportunity for mass production of the raw materials, in terms of mechanized farming and processing units for varieties of products to cater for Nigeria’s food sufficiency.

    Unfortunately for Nigeria, the endemic culture of corruption will fail again to succeed, with particular reference to the agro-allied and textile industries. This is why Nigeria depends solely on the importation of some raw materials as well as most finished products.

    Nigerians are put in the dark by successive governments till date, on the purpose for the establishment of universities of agriculture, research institutes, Polytechnics as well as universities of Science and Technology.

    The general complaint, is majorly under funding by government coupled with several cases of corruption, that belittles the establishment of SERVICOM( Service Compact (Agreement) between the Federal Government including all its organs and the Nigerian people) and The Anti- Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies and the overwhelming corruption and institutional indiscipline that rubbish all efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) under successive governments till date.

    RiceThis kind of cloudy scene neither favors good governance for productive resources nor Nigeria for the expected development, where Democracy is expected to bring forth prosperity and general welfare of the people.

    It is pertinent therefore, for government to publish state by state statistics of the yield of their adventures in agriculture, for Nigerians to be sure that their claim is not far from the truth. This is because the prices of commodities have not gone down and most of the food and related items in the markets are imported.

    Rice 1When Queen Elizabeth II, visited Nigeria during the tenure of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, she requested the President to take her to some markets in Abuja.

    While at the markets, the Queen took note of the the facial expression of the traders and buyers alike, to conclude that there was poverty in the land.

    After, the visit to the markets, the Queen advised the President to address the issue of poverty in Nigeria.

    It is equally unfortunate that Nigerians continue to complain about the quality of most of the home made goods and agricultural produce, despite the fact the we have research institutes that should continually sensitize the public and train the farmers on modern planting techniques.

    The treating of foodstuff with poisonous chemicals, features daily in news reports, as Nigerians wonder how this came about, even with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria, in place for quality assurance and standardization gauge to ensure people’s safety and security.

    To ensure food sufficiency, government needs to address the issue of middle men and other agents, whose sole objective is profit making at the expense of the people.

    Rice 2Transparency and accountability is the Governance Perception Index essence on all institutions that that have direct or indirect links in terms of reaching the people with any product for purchase or production.

    Besides food sufficiency, the poverty in the land is equally creating problems for millions of Nigerians, in the face of the high cost of commodities that the government claimed to be in abundance.

    Importation of food stuff ought to be regulated and controlled, only when, government is certain of the abundance of raw materials and finished products for the consumption of Nigerians.

    The pulse of the nation is more sensitive, precise and reliable as a measure of government’s performance, when governments officials roam the streets of Nigerian and our local markets, to listen to the people’s views, for the Presidency to know the truth, so as to be able to make necessary amends and curb the wastage. This wastage is brought about by those unpatriotic Nigerians who siphon the nation’s wealth, by virtue of their positions in government.

    Governance by fact finding with the aid of Science and Technology, is more effective and better than consultation of the oracles, which is abstract` and could mislead a focused government.

    President Buhari should beware of the sycophants and take the needed action to justify his good intentions.

  • Promotion in Nigeria Civil Service done in bad Fate-AWC

    Abuja 5

     

     

     

     

    The All Workers Convergence(AWC)has took a swipe at the Federal Government in Nigeria for allowing the release of the 2018 Directorate level Promotion examination results when the major issue of the new national minimum wage was yet to be resolved.

    The AWC's position was made known by its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.

     ''Government has released the July 2018  promotion examination results for senior civil servants and at the same time refused to implement the new national minimum wage. Therefore,government will end up cheating the Nigerian workers, if the new national minimum wage is not implemented as the promotion is also implemented''.

    ''More so, the results were greeted  with mixed feelings as most f the workers are not happy that they were not promoted  and so they have laid their complaints with their various unions in protest against the results that seem to favor a few to the detriment of most civil servants. The AWC is calling on the different industrial unions to intervene in the  recent promotion examination results just released by the Federal Civil Service Commission.''

    ''''It is also important to note that as far as the new national minimum wage is  concerned, Nigerians workers are no longer expectant, workers have surrendered their fate and they have lost hope for a just wage from this government vis-a-vis their thinking that governance has been abandoned for frivolities. Workers are only waiting for the worst to come, especially in the case of a labour movement  that has compromised'', Comrade Emelieze lamented.

     The 2018 Directorate level promotion exercise results indicated  that 2,932 senior civil servants were promoted.

    Of this number, 327 were from  the office of the Head  Civil Service f the Federation, while 70 were promoted from  Senior Grade levels 16 to 17.

    In all those promoted were from SGL 14 to 15, 15 to 16 and 16 to 17.

     

  • The Essence of Ed el Kabir is for Muslims to Show Gratitude to God for Knowing Right from Wrong-Prof. Olagoke

    ProfAs Muslim Faithful in Nigeria make last minute preparations to celebrate the  Ed el Kabir, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke  stresses that  the essence of Ed el Kabir is to be grateful to God for inspiring Muslim Faithful to know the right from the wrong and for giving them the resistance against the incursion of Satan , who is always out to derail mankind from the path of righteousness.

    Excerpts :

    The essence of every celebration is for the comity of nations to be reminded of what brought about the event and the lessons learnt from it, in terms of values for the purpose of adoption to correct possible cases of anomalies or aberration.

    Unfortunately, Nigerians are a particular specie of Homo Sapiens who easily forget the past to be able to build in the right way the present for a better future.

    This year's Ed el Kabir celebration must be a turning point for our society to benefit immensely from its lessons. For example, the fabric of the home is broken in many respects , resulting  in our children and youth swimming in the ocean of sins and crimes,because of the erosion of societal values and norms.

    The household of Prophet Ibrahim happened to be a perfect example of trust and memorandum of understanding. When the issue of barrenness was to be resolved, Sarah advised her husband to have a trial with their maid, whom she equally believed would receive the glory and grace of God, which became prophetic, with the birth of Isaac(Isiaka) through Haggar, after 14 years of  patient wait.

    When the time was up to face the trial of a reneged promise, a ram was mercifully substituted for slaughtering in place of Ismail, while the grace of fertility was equally conferred on Sarah, who conceived and gave birth to Isaac through Ibrahim's fulfilled promise to God.

    By implication, every home must be founded on the platform of trust and transparency, to be able to receive divine intervention, most especially in the times of trouble.

    Another lesson is that we must establish good parenting for every home, which results in good child upbringing. This ensures  the products of good upbringing are  the future leaders for the purpose of sustainable development.

    Besides this, the lessons of unbroken promises and oath of allegiance becomes prominent, most especially in the aspect of upholding ethical principles on justice dispensation and  related services.

    Prophet Ibrahim's stand by his oath of allegiance to God led to his been the father of faith as well as the father of the Jews, the Christians and the Muslims all over the world. What an amazing news of immortality to the family.

    Abuja 3During the celebration, animals such as rams or cows that would be slaughtered for the celebration must be free of diseases and blemish, to fulfill Quran  22 : 35, which states that people whose offering shall be accepted  are those with absolute belief in God without fear of future denial, people who are patient with high resistant to the distresses of life and those who do not deviate  from the righteous path of God.

    They must be practicing Muslims  as must be evident  in observing Solat, besides this, they must be cheerful givers who live by the concept of philanthropy, before, during and after the Ed el Kabir.

    The slaughtered ram must be shared into three, one part for  the orphanages, prison inmates and destitute, the second part for the needy around who ask for it, while the third part is consumed by families and friends.

    The essence of this, lies on good parenting, proper child upbringing and the need for good neighborliness.

    The underlying factor is the need to uphold holiness for Allah which  is the basis for performing the holy pilgrimage so as to attain the height of piety.

    Take note, that religion as a school of faith building, driven by the curriculum of the scripture must get us aligned with our creator for the right inspirational energy to be endowed  in order that man would be able to creditably offer services with the necessary impact in governance through astute management and classical administration.

    The foregoing are the import of Islam for all Muslims to imbibe in their day to day activities.

    The essence of Ed el Kabir is to be grateful to God for inspiring us to know the right from the wrong and for giving us the resistance against the incursion of Satan , who is always out to derail mankind from the path of righteousness.

    This is why the throwing of stones for three days always starts on Ed el Kabir day, so that the grace received by Prophet Ibrahim, his son, Ismail and his wife, Haggar is bestowed on the new Alhajis and Alhajas, to be able to shun evil and other forms of misdemeanor in their routine day to day activities after the holy pilgrimage and Ed el Kabir, to be able to live a just life and create a disciplined society with zero tolerance to corruption.

    If we are able to heed the voice of God and His directives, the lessons of Ed el Kabir on the state of piety, to uphold faith, would easily be granted by God, the almighty  Allah.

     

  • Low Income Workers Ask Unions for Waiver on Check off dues as Federal Govt workers shut down Secretariat in Oyo state

    Nigeria 20Federal Government workers whose  take home pay are insignificant have called on their various unions to waive the mandatory check off dues deducted from their salaries monthly.

    The workers who made this call incognito for fear of victimization, cut across most of the Federal establishments in Nigeria.

    They made their position known on Friday in an interactive session in Abuja.

    ‘’Our monthly salaries are nothing to write home about and for several years our unions have continued to deduct check off dues for our meager salaries on a monthly basis. They should have pity on us by stopping to deduct these check off dues.’’

    ‘’If you ask us for the benefits of been members of our various unions, this will be difficult to pin point, this is the precarious situation we find ourselves’’, the workers lamented.

    In recent times, workers in Nigeria have been agitating for executives of their unions to justify the monthly deductions of check off dues from the source of payment of their salaries.

    Thousands of workers have been unjustly treated, demoted and dismissed by their employers, without any meaningful interventions from their ‘’elected’’ executives.

    Corruption is the trend in most of these unions, at the national, state council, chapter and unit level, the issue of accountability has been the unanswered question.

    To the chagrin of the workers, elections into a sizable number of these unions are by consensus, selection or imposition, with the covert backing of government.

    Meanwhile Federal Government workers under the aegis of All Workers Convergence(AWC) in Oyo state on Monday shut the two entrances into the Federal Secretariat Complex at Ikolaba, Ibadan, to press home their demand for immediate implementation of the new national minimum wage.

    As early as 7.00 am in the morning, the workers had took positions outside the entrance, to ensure that vehicles and visitors were not allowed into the Secretariat complex.

    Workers were noticed discussing the development in groups.

    They chanted solidarity songs, while accusing the executives of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria(ASCSN) of trading the demand of workers for monetary gains.

    In a chat, with Poverty Line the National Coordinator of the AWC, Comrade Andrew Emelieze disclosed that the decision to proceed on an indefinite industrial action was reached in a congress by the workers.

    ‘’By the special grace of God we have shut down this place indefinitely and this is the decision of workers in a congress organized by the All Workers Convergence. They resolved that the non-implementation f the new national minimum wage is a set back to Nigerian workers. And until it is implemented the Federal Secretariat, Ibadan and all Federal Departments and Agencies shall remain shut. We are also protesting against the general insecurity in the land, increasing rate of suicide, high rate of unemployment and poor governance.

    On the demand of low income workers, Comrade Emelieze had this to say ‘’as workers they have the right to air their feelings, though the check off dues is automatic, if they can pursue the cause to a logical conclusion, this will wake up labor leaders from their slumber. This has proven that there is no more free check off dues, but rather labor leaders must work and account for such check off dues they collect.’’

  • Police warn School Girls in Ghana not to give out Personal Information on Social Media

    Ghana 7Girls in Senior Secondary Schools in Ghana have been warned not to share personal information on social media.

    This warning was given on Wednesday by the Head of Public Relations of the Accra Regional Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge at at a Forum of Heads of Girls Senior High School (FOHGSHS) summer camp 2019 at Aburi Senior High School (SHS) in the Eastern Region.

    Tenge noted that such personal information cuold be utilized by criminals, such as kidnappers, to perpetrate crime.

    She also stated that to prevent kidnapping and related crimes, the members of the public be mindful of free rides, undue demands and gifts from strangers.

    "Inform trusted people of your movements and avoid spontaneous schedule and also look out for potential threats and people who approach them in hostile environment," Tenge said.

    The Polic image maker adviced the girls to ensure that their frienda are known to their parents and guardians, while warning them to avoid late night outings.

    She also warned them to turn down odd job offers from people they know

     

  • Malawi Govt Unable to Service its Obligations

    Malawi 6

    The Malawi Government has for sometime been unable to service its  financial obligations to ensure good governance.

    For about two months now, contractors and suppilers have had to put up without badly needed payments from government, which has led to a major cash crunch.

    "The prolonged elections tussle, unavailability of the budget means nothing can be spent on without the budget," a well informed source opined.

    The government is the major source of survival for most businesses  in Africa's most impoverished but resource endowed country.

    Of worry, is the rsing debt of the country, which according to Center for Social Concern(CFSC)Malawi's  debt, both locally and internationally, stands at  about K3.3 trillion .

    CFSC's Economic Governance Programmes Officer Lucky Mfungwe says "The research revealed that on average, 14 percent of the budget is being used to pay loans domestically while one percent is being used on foreign loan," 

    This development is coming on the heels of violent protests over the outcome of the May elections in the country, which opposition parties allege was rigged  to facilitate President Peter Mutharika's re-election.

     

     

  • Govt Ought to Provide Where Nigerians will Dump Refuse at Affordable Rates-Prof Olagoke

    ProfThe poor waste management policies of both the Federal and State Governments has resulted in the need to secure quality environment, adequate for good health and well being of the citizenry.

    However, both levels of government have overtime hidden under various reasons to avoid accepting responsibility for the environmental challenges impeding development.

    Sadly, kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes have been the major cause of government’s visible inability to ensure good governance and development. Of note, is the worrisome programs, summits and talk shops buy government apologists to sway public opinion.

    In this interview, the Founder, Grand Imam and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that every household must therefore have where they should dump their refuse and where refuse contractors will pick the dirt up at affordable rates. Excerpts :

    What do you think can be done to rescue Nigerians from the environmental hazards occasioned by government’s poor waste management policy ?

    The issue of waste management of any nation rests solely on the policy of government, which in the case of Nigeria is not expected to pose any problem, but for the lack of political will at the implementation level, for example, policy drive is not supposed to be limited to cleanliness of the surrounding alone. The area of controlling what to clean, sensitizing and reinforcing who to clean and the general minimization of generating wastes must be revolutionized into a culture with all aggression from the government end, most especially from the beginning. For example, waste generation sources must be identified as it varies from one tribe and geo-political zone to the other.

    Nigeria 15The types must be determined for the purpose of research and control by the professional bodies who will have to see to the collection, transportation, treatment essence and recycling possibilities to develop other useful money spinning products for the society.

    These process areas will not only challenge our professionals and experts on the need to design and articulate equipment development for the purpose, thereby creating job opportunities for many.

    In the culture of recognizing and encouraging our indigenous experts in this sensitive area of human endeavor, the artisans, technicians, technologists, corporate members and fellows at the research level will be meaningfully occupied and engaged with all happiness as significant stakeholders in the scheme of nation building.

    Scientists and other environmentalists will equally need to collaborate in the area of environmental pollution with the aim of controlling the health consequences on the people.

    However, for the people to appreciate government’s efforts on their concerns for the environment, agencies and boards set up for the purpose need to collaborate to ensure that the quality and standard of the environment must be kept to the stipulated recommendations of the World Health Organization(WHO).

    AbujaThis will show our seriousness on the need to domesticate all international instruments, most especially to which we are signatories.

    When every household is sensitized on the issue of maintaining clean environment the culture of keeping neat and sustainable level would reflect in the following ways :

    Patented waste bins to be generated from students’ research efforts in our institutions of higher learning for the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN) to ensure the mass production of the tested and trusted bins, which must also be people-with-disability-friendly for the benefit of government and for the use of the people with government as the major financier. This is because designs and construction of any machine should be based on the peoples’ culture as well as been adaptable by the people that may want to adopt it.

    Every household must therefore have where they should dump their refuse and where refuse contractors will pick the dirt up at affordable rates.

    Nigeria 16Along all streets, commercial or otherwise, there must be befitting waste bins at some meters length interval where you can dump your refuse while walking.

    This will make the controlling law against reckless dumping of refuse to be effective.

    Dumping of refuse at the middle of the road is not only promoting environmental hazards within the time frame of when the contractor is to collect same, for it defaces the aesthetic values of the affected areas,both to the pedestrians and the passersby in the moving vehicles, making it to look like the government is either not in control or unserious.

  • Elusive Contributory Pensions :PFAs Deceived Dead Retirees-Prof. Olagoke

    ProfNigerian retirees who served their fatherland in the three tiers of government are now faced with the reality of the present time.

    While in government service, certain amounts were deducted monthly from the source of their legitimate earnings and labelled contributory pension deductions.

    However, in several states these pension deductions were not remitted to the Pension Fund Administrators(PFA) and has resulted in the pensioners’ inability to access money for their daily sustenance.

    In addition accruals which are supposed to be paid by the Federal Government are not forthcoming.

    With no respite in sight for the precarious situation, the pensioners lament that a sizable number of them have passed on to the world beyond, as a result of their inability to collect their entitlements.

    In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the Pension Fund Administrators only deceived the workers to register for the scheme, that has resulted in the the death of several of them after serving their fatherland all their lives.

    What do you think can be done to salvage pension deductions of retirees by states which failed to remit same to the Pension Fund Administrators(PFA) ?

    In 2004, the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo introduced the contributory pension fund.

    This was considered to be better than the old process for the payment of pensions and gratuity by government.

    Those who joined government service during or before 2004, perfectly fell into this category. For those who had joined before 2004, the service of the Federal or State Governments, their pension funds, after retirement, had to go through the process of reconciliation.

    However, some states failed to join at the time of its commencement, while some are also yet to join the scheme as of now.

    For the states that are yet to join the new scheme, retirees have up till now been contending with a lot of difficulties, when it comes to getting their pensions as and when due, while thousands are still been owed their gratuities, which are very huge amounts.

    In the process of unnecessary delay from government, many retirees have died because of lack of funds to take care of themselves, particularly, feeding and health condition.

    If not for the delay in getting their rights and the fruits of their labor, they wouldn’t have encountered the Waterloo of untimely deaths.

    These deaths are preventable.

    As commendable as the new scheme is, workers prior to their retirement, face a great deal of discriminatory deductions from their employers, when they compare notes with their colleagues from sister places of work, depicting that even before retirement they’ve been putting up with the trauma of playing games with their salaries.

    Pension 2The institution pays 15 per cent of the workers’ salaries, while the Federal Government pays the remaining 15 per cent into the same purse of the workers for their future glorious exit from service or for a better retirement period.

    Unfortunately, even while at work, workers have been very much confused about the truth regarding the myth surrounding the deduction process saga, but they were powerless to resolve issues, even through their so called unions.

    The Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) usually raise the hopes of the intending retirees, through various sensitization programmes, but this is within the limits of what their organizations can divulge as necessary information for the intending retirees.

    In Nigeria life after retirement, usually snow balls into that of frustration, most especially when one experiences unnecessary delay due to lack of the much needed information that could show the stage of development of the processes, regarding the exact time, one’s accrued rights of entitlements would come and the possible amount both for your pension, for a lifetime savings and for gratuity for a lifetime venture and planning.

    PensionThe fifth column in every bank is another headache for the retirees, when the issue of their safety and security is taken into consideration, when the amount eventually arrives.

    The delay been experienced by several pensioners, has prompted members of the public to call for the need for transparency in the calculation of their final entitlements.

    Government on it own must try as much as possible to work on the delays, to disabuse the minds of the public on the fact that politicians in power, usually disregard, the ethical principle of the no go area for the retirees pool of accrued substantial amount of funds, that is meant for their sustenance, after a meritorious service to their fatherland.