Good morning. It is an honor for me to be in Accra, and to speak to the representatives of the people of Ghana. I am deeply grateful for the welcome that I've received, as are Michelle, Malia and Sasha Obama. Ghana's history is rich, the ties between our two countries are strong, and I am proud that this is my first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as President of the United States.
I am speaking to you at the end of a long trip. I began in Russia, for a Summit between two great powers. I traveled to Italy, for a meeting of the world's leading economies. And I have come here, to Ghana, for a simple reason: the 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra as well.
This is the simple truth of a time when the boundaries between people are overwhelmed by our connections. Your prosperity can expand America's. Your health and security can contribute to the world's. And the strength of your democracy can help advance human rights for people everywhere.
So I do not see the countries and peoples of Africa as a world apart; I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world — as partners with America on behalf of the future that we want for all our children. That partnership must be grounded in mutual responsibility, and that is what I want to speak with you about today.
We must start from the simple premise that Africa's future is up to Africans.
I say this knowing full well the tragic past that has sometimes haunted this part of the world. I have the blood of Africa within me, and my family's own story encompasses both the tragedies and triumphs of the larger African story.
My grandfather was a cook for the British in Kenya, and though he was a respected elder in his village, his employers called him "boy" for much of his life. He was on the periphery of Kenya's liberation struggles, but he was still imprisoned briefly during repressive times. In his life, colonialism wasn't simply the creation of unnatural borders or unfair terms of trade — it was something experienced personally, day after day, year after year.
My father grew up herding goats in a tiny village, an impossible distance away from the American universities where he would come to get an education. He came of age at an extraordinary moment of promise for Africa. The struggles of his own father's generation were giving birth to new nations, beginning right here in Ghana. Africans were educating and asserting themselves in new ways. History was on the move.
But despite the progress that has been made — and there has been considerable progress in parts of Africa — we also know that much of that promise has yet to be fulfilled. Countries like Kenya, which had a per capita economy larger than South Korea's when I was born, have been badly outpaced. Disease and conflict have ravaged parts of the African continent. In many places, the hope of my father's generation gave way to cynicism, even despair.
It is easy to point fingers, and to pin the blame for these problems on others. Yes, a colonial map that made little sense bred conflict, and the West has often approached Africa as a patron, rather than a partner. But the West is not responsible for the destruction of the Zimbabwean economy over the last decade, or wars in which children are enlisted as combatants. In my father's life, it was partly tribalism and patronage in an independent Kenya that for a long stretch derailed his career, and we know that this kind of corruption is a daily fact of life for far too many.
Of course, we also know that is not the whole story. Here in Ghana, you show us a face of Africa that is too often overlooked by a world that sees only tragedy or the need for charity. The people of Ghana have worked hard to put democracy on a firmer footing, with peaceful transfers of power even in the wake of closely contested elections. And with improved governance and an emerging civil society, Ghana's economy has shown impressive rates of growth.
This progress may lack the drama of the 20th century's liberation struggles, but make no mistake: it will ultimately be more significant. For just as it is important to emerge from the control of another nation, it is even more important to build one's own.
So I believe that this moment is just as promising for Ghana — and for Africa — as the moment when my father came of age and new nations were being born. This is a new moment of promise. Only this time, we have learned that it will not be giants like Nkrumah and Kenyatta who will determine Africa's future. Instead, it will be you — the men and women in Ghana's Parliament, and the people you represent. Above all, it will be the young people — brimming with talent and energy and hope — who can claim the future that so many in my father's generation never found.
To realize that promise, we must first recognize a fundamental truth that you have given life to in Ghana: development depends upon good governance. That is the ingredient which has been missing in far too many places, for far too long. That is the change that can unlock Africa's potential. And that is a responsibility that can only be met by Africans.
As for America and the West, our commitment must be measured by more than just the dollars we spend. I have pledged substantial increases in our foreign assistance, which is in Africa's interest and America's. But the true sign of success is not whether we are a source of aid that helps people scrape by — it is whether we are partners in building the capacity for transformational change.
This mutual responsibility must be the foundation of our partnership. And today, I will focus on four areas that are critical to the future of Africa and the entire developing world: democracy; opportunity; health; and the peaceful resolution of conflict.
First, we must support strong and sustainable democratic governments.
As I said in Cairo, each nation gives life to democracy in its own way, and in line with its own traditions. But history offers a clear verdict: governments that respect the will of their own people are more prosperous, more stable and more successful than governments that do not.
This is about more than holding elections — it's also about what happens between them. Repression takes many forms, and too many nations are plagued by problems that condemn their people to poverty. No country is going to create wealth if its leaders exploit the economy to enrich themselves, or police can be bought off by drug traffickers. No business wants to invest in a place where the government skims 20 percent off the top, or the head of the port authority is corrupt. No person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery. That is not democracy, that is tyranny, and now is the time for it to end.
In the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success — strong parliaments and honest police forces; independent judges and journalists; a vibrant private sector and civil society. Those are the things that give life to democracy, because that is what matters in peoples' lives.
Time and again, Ghanaians have chosen Constitutional rule over autocracy, and shown a democratic spirit that allows the energy of your people to break through. We see that in leaders who accept defeat graciously, and victors who resist calls to wield power against the opposition. We see that spirit in courageous journalists like Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who risked his life to report the truth. We see it in police like Patience Quaye, who helped prosecute the first human trafficker in Ghana. We see it in the young people who are speaking up against patronage and participating in the political process.
Across Africa, we have seen countless examples of people taking control of their destiny and making change from the bottom up. We saw it in Kenya, where civil society and business came together to help stop postelection violence. We saw it in South Africa, where over three quarters of the country voted in the recent election — the fourth since the end of apartheid. We saw it in Zimbabwe, where the Election Support Network braved brutal repression to stand up for the principle that a person's vote is their sacred right.
Make no mistake: history is on the side of these brave Africans and not with those who use coups or change Constitutions to stay in power. Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions.
America will not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation — the essential truth of democracy is that each nation determines its own destiny. What we will do is increase assistance for responsible individuals and institutions, with a focus on supporting good governance — on parliaments, which check abuses of power and ensure that opposition voices are heard; on the rule of law, which ensures the equal administration of justice; on civic participation, so that young people get involved; and on concrete solutions to corruption like forensic accounting, automating services, strengthening hot lines and protecting whistle-blowers to advance transparency and accountability.
As we provide this support, I have directed my administration to give greater attention to corruption in our human rights report. People everywhere should have the right to start a business or get an education without paying a bribe. We have a responsibility to support those who act responsibly and to isolate those who don't, and that is exactly what America will do.
This leads directly to our second area of partnership — supporting development that provides opportunity for more people.
With better governance, I have no doubt that Africa holds the promise of a broader base for prosperity. The continent is rich in natural resources. And from cell phone entrepreneurs to small farmers, Africans have shown the capacity and commitment to create their own opportunities. But old habits must also be broken. Dependence on commodities — or on a single export — concentrates wealth in the hands of the few and leaves people too vulnerable to downturns.
In Ghana, for instance, oil brings great opportunities, and you have been responsible in preparing for new revenue. But as so many Ghanaians know, oil cannot simply become the new cocoa. From South Korea to Singapore, history shows that countries thrive when they invest in their people and infrastructure; when they promote multiple export industries, develop a skilled work force and create space for small and medium-sized businesses that create jobs.
As Africans reach for this promise, America will be more responsible in extending our hand. By cutting costs that go to Western consultants and administration, we will put more resources in the hands of those who need it, while training people to do more for themselves. That is why our $3.5 billion food security initiative is focused on new methods and technologies for farmers — not simply sending American producers or goods to Africa. Aid is not an end in itself. The purpose of foreign assistance must be creating the conditions where it is no longer needed.
America can also do more to promote trade and investment. Wealthy nations must open our doors to goods and services from Africa in a meaningful way. And where there is good governance, we can broaden prosperity through public-private partnerships that invest in better roads and electricity; capacity-building that trains people to grow a business; and financial services that reach poor and rural areas. This is also in our own interest — for if people are lifted out of poverty and wealth is created in Africa, new markets will open for our own goods.
One area that holds out both undeniable peril and extraordinary promise is energy. Africa gives off less greenhouse gas than any other part of the world, but it is the most threatened by climate change. A warming planet will spread disease, shrink water resources and deplete crops, creating conditions that produce more famine and conflict. All of us — particularly the developed world — have a responsibility to slow these trends — through mitigation, and by changing the way that we use energy. But we can also work with Africans to turn this crisis into opportunity.
Together, we can partner on behalf of our planet and prosperity and help countries increase access to power while skipping the dirtier phase of development. Across Africa, there is bountiful wind and solar power; geothermal energy and bio-fuels. From the Rift Valley to the North African deserts; from the Western coast to South Africa's crops — Africa's boundless natural gifts can generate its own power, while exporting profitable, clean energy abroad.
These steps are about more than growth numbers on a balance sheet. They're about whether a young person with an education can get a job that supports a family; a farmer can transfer their goods to the market; or an entrepreneur with a good idea can start a business. It's about the dignity of work. Its about the opportunity that must exist for Africans in the 21st century.
Just as governance is vital to opportunity, it is also critical to the third area that I will talk about — strengthening public health.
In recent years, enormous progress has been made in parts of Africa. Far more people are living productively with HIV/AIDS, and getting the drugs they need. But too many still die from diseases that shouldn't kill them. When children are being killed because of a mosquito bite, and mothers are dying in childbirth, then we know that more progress must be made.
Yet because of incentives — often provided by donor nations — many African doctors and nurses understandably go overseas, or work for programs that focus on a single disease. This creates gaps in primary care and basic prevention. Meanwhile, individual Africans also have to make responsible choices that prevent the spread of disease, while promoting public health in their communities and countries.
Across Africa, we see examples of people tackling these problems. In Nigeria, an interfaith effort of Christians and Muslims has set an example of cooperation to confront malaria. Here in Ghana and across Africa, we see innovative ideas for filling gaps in care — for instance, through E-Health initiatives that allow doctors in big cities to support those in small towns.
America will support these efforts through a comprehensive, global health strategy. Because in the 21st century, we are called to act by our conscience and our common interest. When a child dies of a preventable illness in Accra, that diminishes us everywhere. And when disease goes unchecked in any corner of the world, we know that it can spread across oceans and continents.
That is why my administration has committed $63 billion to meet these challenges. Building on the strong efforts of President Bush, we will carry forward the fight against HIV/AIDS. We will pursue the goal of ending deaths from malaria and tuberculosis, and eradicating polio. We will fight neglected tropical disease. And we won't confront illnesses in isolation — we will invest in public health systems that promote wellness and focus on the health of mothers and children.
As we partner on behalf of a healthier future, we must also stop the destruction that comes not from illness, but from human beings — and so the final area that I will address is conflict.
Now let me be clear: Africa is not the crude caricature of a continent at war. But for far too many Africans, conflict is a part of life, as constant as the sun. There are wars over land and wars over resources. And it is still far too easy for those without conscience to manipulate whole communities into fighting among faiths and tribes.
These conflicts are a millstone around Africa's neck. We all have many identities — of tribe and ethnicity; of religion and nationality. But defining oneself in opposition to someone who belongs to a different tribe, or who worships a different prophet, has no place in the 21st century. Africa's diversity should be a source of strength, not a cause for division. We are all God's children. We all share common aspirations — to live in peace and security; to access education and opportunity; to love our families, our communities, and our faith. That is our common humanity.
That is why we must stand up to inhumanity in our midst. It is never justifiable to target innocents in the name of ideology. It is the death sentence of a society to force children to kill in wars. It is the ultimate mark of criminality and cowardice to condemn women to relentless and systematic rape. We must bear witness to the value of every child in Darfur and the dignity of every woman in Congo. No faith or culture should condone the outrages against them. All of us must strive for the peace and security necessary for progress.
Africans are standing up for this future. Here, too, Ghana is helping to point the way forward. Ghanaians should take pride in your contributions to peacekeeping from Congo to Liberia to Lebanon, and in your efforts to resist the scourge of the drug trade. We welcome the steps that are being taken by organizations like the African Union and ECOWAS to better resolve conflicts, keep the peace, and support those in need. And we encourage the vision of a strong, regional security architecture that can bring effective, transnational force to bear when needed.
America has a responsibility to advance this vision, not just with words, but with support that strengthens African capacity. When there is genocide in Darfur or terrorists in Somalia, these are not simply African problems — they are global security challenges, and they demand a global response. That is why we stand ready to partner through diplomacy, technical assistance, and logistical support, and will stand behind efforts to hold war criminals accountable. And let me be clear: our Africa Command is focused not on establishing a foothold in the continent, but on confronting these common challenges to advance the security of America, Africa and the world.
In Moscow, I spoke of the need for an international system where the universal rights of human beings are respected, and violations of those rights are opposed. That must include a commitment to support those who resolve conflicts peacefully, to sanction and stop those who don't, and to help those who have suffered. But ultimately, it will be vibrant democracies like Botswana and Ghana which roll back the causes of conflict, and advance the frontiers of peace and prosperity.
As I said earlier, Africa's future is up to Africans.
The people of Africa are ready to claim that future. In my country, African-Americans — including so many recent immigrants — have thrived in every sector of society. We have done so despite a difficult past, and we have drawn strength from our African heritage. With strong institutions and a strong will, I know that Africans can live their dreams in Nairobi and Lagos; in Kigali and Kinshasa; in Harare and right here in Accra.
Fifty-two years ago, the eyes of the world were on Ghana. And a young preacher named Martin Luther King traveled here, to Accra, to watch the Union Jack come down and the Ghanaian flag go up. This was before the march on Washington or the success of the civil rights movement in my country. Dr. King was asked how he felt while watching the birth of a nation. And he said: "It renews my conviction in the ultimate triumph of justice."
Now, that triumph must be won once more, and it must be won by you. And I am particularly speaking to the young people. In places like Ghana, you make up over half of the population. Here is what you must know: the world will be what you make of it.
You have the power to hold your leaders accountable and to build institutions that serve the people. You can serve in your communities and harness your energy and education to create new wealth and build new connections to the world. You can conquer disease, end conflicts and make change from the bottom up. You can do that. Yes you can. Because in this moment, history is on the move.
But these things can only be done if you take responsibility for your future. It won't be easy. It will take time and effort. There will be suffering and setbacks. But I can promise you this: America will be with you. As a partner. As a friend. Opportunity won't come from any other place, though — it must come from the decisions that you make, the things that you do, and the hope that you hold in your hearts.
Freedom is your inheritance. Now, it is your responsibility to build upon freedom's foundation. And if you do, we will look back years from now to places like Accra and say that this was the time when the promise was realized — this was the moment when prosperity was forged; pain was overcome; and a new era of progress began. This can be the time when we witness the triumph of justice once more. Thank you.
Read more…
Emmanuel Majebi, Vanguard Law and Human Rights contributor, recently had a sour taste of Lagos robbers, when he was attacked at the Central Business District, Alausa. He recount his experience in this piece.
A few months back the Lagos State Government launched the onslaught on insecurity that pervaded Lagos with much fanfare. Corporate bodies fell over one another to donate brand new patrol vans and other sundry equipments to the Nigerian Police and we heard that the Lagos government was going to augment the salaries of officers and men posted to Lagos in order to buoy their efficiency.
For crime wary Lagosians, we thought that as far as security was concerned “uhuru” had come. In fact the government was so sure of what it had put on ground as far as security was concerned that they had the confidence to order a dismantling of all street gates in Lagos.
The argument of the government was that the Police in Lagos had been so well equipped and motivated that even if your naeighborhood was attacked by hoodlums the Police are just a phone call away thus there was no need for street gates.
For a Police Force that is not under the command of the Lagos government I thought it was rather ambitious to make such immediate and sweeping changes; which for all intents and purposes amounted to disarming the populace; based on the untested expectations that the force would live to expectations at all times?
Even though I had my doubts about the street gates dismantlement policy; I was so sure that with the numerous vehicle and motorcycle patrols the mayhem unleashed on motorists on the Lagos highways over the years was going to be a thing of the past.
All my confidence in the security network in Lagos fell apart like a pack of cards on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 when I was attacked by some daredevil armed robbers by about 7am in the heart of the Lagos state Administrative and Central Business District-Alausa.
It is a shock that I may never recover from. If anyone had told me that with all the security fanfare that had been going on in Lagos in the past few months robbers could freely operate in Alausa in broad day light I would say such person was probably insane. The greatest tragedy of the whole episode was that I was with my son. I was going to drop him in school in the morning when this incidence occurred.
Ever since I became a self employed professional I had vowed to make up for lost time with my kids. During my ten year sojourn on the corporate world I had virtually lost touch with the kids. I woke up and left for the office before they were up and arrived back home when they were fast asleep. In my son’s 6 year sojourn in primary school I never attended one single parent-teacher association meeting. My wife was always the one to go.
I was thoroughly embarrassed one day when I attended one parent - teacher meeting at my kids school and I got a standing ovation for attending for the first time after over 6 years!! Any way now that I was self employed I vowed that that was all over.
I vowed to drop the kids in school everyday except I had a court session or important morning meeting or I was out of town. I also tried to get home most days before they sleep and discuss the day with them before they slept. On this fateful day I was going to drop my son in school and as we approached the traffic lights on Obafemi
Awolowo Way by Oregun Junction the lights turned red.
There were about 6 cars in front of me (in 2 lanes of 3 cars each). In the twinkle of an eye 3 motorcycles with 6 riders zoomed past our cars and stopped just by the traffic light.
The passengers disembarked whilst the 3 motorcycles speed off. My alarm bells immediately started ringing; the guys looked rough and drugged. My immediate instinct was to put the car in reverse and get out of the there. But I looked into the back mirror and some cars had lined up behind me . They 3 daredevils rush to me and their leader stood right in front of me and drew out an ugly and threatening locally made pistol.
He quickly came to my side and demanded that I wind down the side glass. I obeyed keeping an eye to see if the cars in front of me would move so I could make a getaway! He was getting irritated with my slow moves towards compliance. My head was racing like a stop watch as I began to look around for an escape route. My only problem was my son! Anything I was to do should take him into consideration.
I finally concluded that there was no way out so I brought out my E75 Nokia phone thinking they were one of these phone robbers but the guy simply ignored the phone and shouted “go to the back”.
These guys really meant business they weren’t your run of the mill petty traffic robbers but diehards who wanted more than just mobile phones. For a while I was confused and did not act as fast as he wanted; he aimed a slap for my face which I dodged. I then went into the back seat through the divide between the drivers seat and the front passenger seat and I dragged my son to the back with me as they commanded.
The one with the gun quickly took over the steering, the second one entered the back passenger seat behind the driver whilst the 3rd robber walked towards the back right seat in an attempt to sandwich myself and my son at the back whilst they got away with the car. As he approached I got a brain wave; I suddenly opened the door with all the force I could muster and the door slammed on the one coming in and h
e fell.
My move surprised them and I seized the moment I dashed out and dragged my son with me. Luckily enough my son was rather smart and rose well to the occasion. As soon as we got out I pushed my son in front and shouted “run” I ran after him but as I turned round to see if the robbers were chasing us I stumbled and fell. As I feel to the ground I saw the robbers speed away with my car.
But that was just the beginning of my woes. A Toyota Prado jeep which was behind my car during the robbery, while in a frantic effort to get away from the scene climbed the kerb near where I had fallen and drove partially over my leg.
I felt the pressure of the car tyre on my leg and said to myself “God… my leg is gone… The bystanders began to pound on the jeep and scream “ Stop …..stop….. somebody is under your car”. He stopped but rather that wait for the onlookers to drag me our from under his jeep, he reversed; again partially over my leg and then zoomed off.
Some people are so callous. I heard the bystanders curse him and call him a murderer but I guess he was just pleased to have been able to save his beloved jeep even if in meant crushing a fellow human being to death. Shame on him wherever he is today and I hope he gets to read this piece.
The Police men were later to ask me if I got down the plate number of this murderous jeep; but of course that was an impossibility in the condition I found myself. That I did not suffer even a dislocation from the tires of the jeep running over my leg, not to talk of a fracture is to me the “Miracle of the Year”.
If anyone says that there is no God that person must be stark raving mad! On 24th day of June 2009 I saw first hand; once again; the hand of God in my life. Since this occurrence I now look at life in a different light. Life is so fickle. You are here a moment bubbling with life then the next you could be gone like a vapour.
I always try to put the thought out of my mind any time it comes but often times I cant help but thinking; what if I fell headlong under the jeep? The man would have simply crushed my head and saved his jeep? God is great.
The fact that robbers could operate so openly in the broad day light so close to the seat of government shows that as far as security in Lagos (and the rest of Nigeria I daresay) is concerned it is not yet uhuru. A lot of work still needs to be done for Lagosians to feel safe in this mega city.
There is a resurgence from the Criminals all over Lagos and the government needs to redouble it’s efforts. Even as I write this on my sick bed; a few days after my own experience; a friend who came visiting just witnessed a car jacking at gun point at Opebi in broad day light.
Any keen observer would realize that the hours between 5a.m and 8a.m in the mornings there is virtually a total absence of police men on the streets of Lagos. That is the period that these hoodlums use to harass and maim Lagosians.
A city like Lagos ought to be Policed 24 hours round the clock? Special attention should be given to traffic light locations and areas were there are traffic jams. These have become veritable spots for these hoodlums to operate and terrorise harpless Lagosians. Places like Alausa or Opebi are supposed to be areas where no robber should dare tread. I shiver to think what would be happening in the suburbs, especially now that there are no street gates?
And I never really knew how wide spread these robbery occurrences were until I began to tell my friends about my own experience. It turns out that most of those I talked to had experienced or known of someone who had similar incidences in the very recent past.
I cannot end this piece without putting on record the gallant assistance I received from the DPO and men of the Alausa Police station. They were simply magnificent in spite of the glaring inadequate equipments and daunting conditions under which they operate. They quickly mobilized and in no time my car was recovered from where the robbers abandoned it and they assisted me to get to a hospital quickly.
The incidence only reiterates my belief that our Police could be super efficient if they get the right tools and the proper motivation. I am still trying to give my son adequate therapy: it a gruesome experience for a 12 year old. It is sad to imagine the kind of experiences we are raising our kids with?
Read more…
LAGOS — A THIRTY- NINE-year-old school headmaster identified as Umana Inuanam is presently cooling his heels at the Kirirkiri Minimum Prison, Lagos for allegedly raping a nine-year-old primary five pupil of his school.
The pupil who was identified by her father, Mr. Monday Oritsej, as Damilola attended Meoka Nursery and Primary School, Ishefun, Ayobo where she was allegedly defiled by the suspect at about 5.00 p.m in the school library. The action, it was learnt, took place when other pupils had gone home.
Source said the suspect had told the little girl to wait behind that he had some chocolate for her in the library after school hours. The unsuspecting girl, it was gather, waited patiently for her teacher only to be dragged to a large table in the library and raped with a warning never to tell her parents.
However, sources hinted further that after the girl got home, her father discovered that his daughter was walking with some difficulty and demanded an explaination. She later narrated how she was lured into the school library by her headmaster and had canal knoeledge of her.
The angry father reportedly rushed to Ayobo police station where he laid a complaint against the headmaster who was promptly arrested. He was later arraigned and charged with defilement.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, who confirmed the arrest said the suspect confessed to the crime, adding, however, that the suspect claimed he had sex with the girl with her consent and not rape.
Whatever stance one has taken on the credibility of TB Joshua, the famous (or infamous?) pastor of The Synagogue Church of All Nation’s in Lagos, Nigeria – one fact remains indisputable, his is an incredible journey shrouded in mystery and being written in history. Joshua is easily the most vilified pastor in Africa, yet by far the most sought after. He is the hope of multitudes and yet the headache of religious bodies, who have vehemently disowned him but can’t seem to ignore him. It is a living drama being watched world over, as time’s steady course continues its revealing discourse on truth and authenticity. But what is it about TB Joshua that has actually engendered such outright denunciation and renunciation by his fellow labourers in the vineyard?
Upon perusal of the apparent grouses and grudges of the Pentecostal Leaders of Nigeria against the enigma and personality of Prophet TB Joshua, high up on the list is the issue of his mentorship. “Where was he when he was called to ministry? Who are the men of God who can point at him, that we raised him into ministry, laid hands on him and sent him forth into the ministry?” says Paul Adefarasin, the charismatic founder of House of the Rock, Lagos. “We don't know Joshua's Pastor; we don't know where he was raised from. He has no testimony from where he got born again. So, we cannot accept that he is one of us… There is no proof of his salvation,” explains Matthew Ashimolowo, the prosperity preacher and founder of KICC in London. “There are only two questions Ayo Oritsejafor (President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria) asked us to ask Joshua or anybody who comes from him: When were you born again? Which church did he attend and who was his pastor or mentor?” fumes Bishop Abraham Olaleye, a vice chairman of PFN. “Who were his contemporaries when he gave his life to Christ? What led to his confession of Christ? How did it happen? Where was he baptised? Who baptised him? Who are his pastors? Where did he train? Who is the Paul of his Timothy?” asks Bola Akin-John, a Pentecostal church growth expert.
That miracles and commendable charitable works are happening in his church is attested to by almost all, but such leaders can’t seem to fathom how a man so mightily gifted could have attained such a level without human tutorship and training. As such cannot be explained by the logic and lectures of theological training, they readily write him off as demonic and diabolic. Surely, a man of God of such stature and status could not just spring up without the approval and appraisal of some top-notch Christian leaders? Thus, they have proclaimed to all willing to listen that anyone who associates with TB Joshua does so to their own folly, be him a president or pauper, simply because they have adopted a strong position without investigating its foundational validity.
However, the phenomenon of men being used by the Almighty without human tutelage is not isolated to the instance of Pastor TB Joshua. Thorough biblical exploration would reveal many of God’s generals with no record or register of human mentorship. Who was the mentor of Jeremiah, who the Bible says God called right from his mother’s womb? Who was the mentor of John the Baptist, sent from above to prepare the way for the Saviour? Who was the mentor of Apostle Paul, who was blinded on the road to Damascus while intent on the destruction of Christians, subsequently to become a leading figure in New Testament Christianity? What about Moses, Elijah or King David? Human backing and tuition are clearly not a qualification for divine assignments.
What then is the premise for church leaders today to demand proof of mentorship as a seal of apostleship? Can this assertion be attributed to the application of biblical principles, or to personal misgivings and prejudice? Why has the Nigerian Pentecostal church chosen to adopt a stance on a particular person that contradicts and conflicts with scriptural authority and experience? It appears to be a case of addressing private qualms and jealousies under the guise of Christian comradeship and censorship, misguiding and incensing millions of followers against TB Joshua and projecting the image of a warring and divided church in the process.
The current president of PFN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has consistently remained one of Joshua’s most vocal critics, even expelling any PFN members who attempt to fraternise with him. He makes his stand known clearly on the pulpit and in the pages of newspapers: “T.B. Joshua is not a Christian. If T.B. Joshua can show me his pastor who pastored him before he said he was called into the ministry; if T.B. Joshua can tell me when he got converted and how he got converted, then we would consider him.”
Yet, T.B. Joshua’s own website recounts the extraordinary tale of his calling into the ministry, available for all to read and dissect: “I was in a trance for three consecutive days, then I saw a hand that pointed a Bible to my heart and the Bible entered my heart and my former heart seemed to immerse with the Bible immediately… I heard a voice saying, “I am your God; I am giving you a divine commission to go and carry out the work of the Heavenly Father… I would show you the wonderful ways I would reveal myself through you, in teaching, preaching, miracles, signs and wonders for the salvation of souls”. So, is it a crime for God to call one for His service without consulting certain people or meeting certain manmade criteria? Are we mere mortals in a position to query God’s wisdom and ways?
Chiji Okafor, the celebrated Nigerian columnist and artist, wrote of such a disposition and demeanour: “It is amazing that anybody who lays claim to being a pastor of God should be talking about mentoring in matters of the faith as if talking about some rookie artisan being shepherded into 'freedom' from his master's workshop. Such drivel simply speaks volumes of the man who utters it. It reveals the depth of vulgarity to which our 'modern' men of God have allowed the gospel of Jesus Christ to sink.
“Anybody who boasts in God's vineyard about his mentor and such other inane subjects as earthly endowments has simply not imbibed the lessons of Christ's personal life. Jesus Christ the Son of God could have been born a prince, if He so chose. On the contrary, God made man, decided to come into this world, the son of a wretched carpenter born in, of all places, a manger and side-by-side animals! He had neither an earthly mentor, nor did the Bible tell us that He had doctorate degrees in sacred theology and dogmatic philosophy.
“In His divine wisdom, God chooses whom He crowns king and decides whom He endows with any gift He likes – and we all have our different gifts. Anybody who challenges this wisdom of God Almighty blasphemes against Him, by querying His authority. So, why would God choose a humble, even innocent, or bucolic Temitope Balogun Joshua for the enormous anointing he has received? Why didn't He pick one of those blue-blooded, Oxford-trained peers of the realm?”
Bolu-Olu Esho, a journalist with The Sun Newspaper further wrote on the issue: “Pastor T.B Joshua has a simple background that could tempt one to ask questions about how he achieved the feat he’s known for today. But minds of history would be at ease, as they would consider him as another manifestation of the mystery assigned to God Almighty. The question of academics in the work of God is inconsequential, as God does not consider this as a criterion for choosing people for His work…The stance of these ministers of God against Pastor Joshua makes one question how versed they are in the Word of God. Is it not written in the Bible that God used the foolish things of this world to confound the wise?”
Clearly, the question our revered gentlemen should ask is not, ‘Who is your mentor?’ but ‘By what authority are you acting?’ in conjunction with the biblical standard: ‘By their fruits, you shall know them.’ The attributes and qualities a person possesses speak volumes of their source of strength. The steadfast consistency, prophetic insight, charitable disposition, healing gifting, practical teaching, heavenly wisdom and childlike simplicity of T.B. Joshua cannot possibly be the product of illusion, sorcery or man’s acumen. The testimony of Ghana’s new head, Prof. Atta Mills, alone is enough to confirm the genuineness and greatness of Joshua’s ministry and calling. Has history ever heard of a sitting president visit a church and publically testify that the pastor accurately predicted the outcome and specific details of the election to him? His testimony echoes the tens of thousands who rush to Joshua’s church on a weekly basis to receive a touch from God.
Sadly, the gap between the accusers and the accused is ever widening as many leading pastors in Nigeria are becoming more embroiled in the pursuit of money and material gain than the essence of Christ’s gospel and work. Kingdom business seems more like worldly business, with pastors making headlines for expensive acquisitions, lavish living and political speeches as opposed to solving problems, meeting needs and changing lives. Ilobi Austin, a catholic in faith, wrote, “While God is ordering his (T.B. Joshua’s) counterparts to acquire more automobiles and in some cases, private jets with cost in the billion bracket, the same God is asking him to love humanity like himself and consequently, improve their earthly and heavenly fortunes. He is today, father to the fatherless, mother to the motherless, friend to the friendless and government to the government-less. Little wonder then, that the good Lord magnanimously found him worthy for the arduous task of delivering his people from the vice grip of the devil. Such powers in the hands of such ministers, who have made the criticism of his ministries their pastime, would have seen deliverance going to the highest bidders.”
So what has TB Joshua to say on all this? Here is his own response when asked about his non-admission into PFN in a recent interview with The Sun: “As a point of correction, I never applied to be a member of any association. Okay? Two, the way and manner God executes His plan in our lives differ. Some He brought them from this direction, some from another direction. Some He allowed to go to Theology school, some He allowed them to go to the university and they may not even go to Theology school. Some, they may not even go to school at all. Yet they would become whatever God wants them to become. There is a university of God – and in the University of God, however brilliant you may be, you will not be given double promotion – you must take every course, because each course serves a purpose.”
Read more…
According to details received, Michael Jackson’s will states that if Katherine died before him or couldn’t serve as his children’s guardian,Diana Ross would be nominated to care for them.The will leaves everything to the Michael Jackson Family Trust, stating, “I give my entire estate to the Trustee or Trustees...”In other news Ola Ray, remember her? ?She was Michaels "girlfriend" in the Thriller videoNot only did she sue Michael last month for royalties from the thriller video. She made an appearance in front of her home in Sacramento saying how sad she is that she has lost her “HERO”.
Read more…
Heavyweight music producer was not born with a silverspoon,He actually grew up in Ajegunle worshipping at Cherubim and Seraphim church.After second school,Don JazzyHe went on to Ambrosse Alli University but had to drop out as a result of financial issues. Don Jazzy had to sell bean cake (akara) for his mom in Ajegunle and had to become a bus conductor to feed his family.The Most sought after producer never left Nigeria for London for pursue an education. An uncle of his asked him to come play instrumentals for a church in London and after spending sometime in London,he never thought of returning to Nigeria until D’banj persuaded him to, a move that can’t be said to be regretted as today the soft spoken producer seats as the President of one of Nigeria’s most promising and fledging record label,Mo Hits Records.PRODUCER DBANJS THE ENTERTAINER ALBUM1. BackgroundThe Entertainer was named referring to D'banj's skills as an entertainer some of the songs for the album however, were already getting radio play before the album was officially released this increased the public demand for the album2. ReceptionThe album met great reception throughout Africa but performed best Ghana and his home country of Nigeria. The tracks like "Mo Gbono Feli Feli", "Igwe" and "Suddenly" had a huge influence throughout African Clubs3. Track listing# Title Producer(s) Time 1 "Mo Gbona Feli Feli]" D'banj and Don Jazzy 4:18 2 "Kimon" D'banj and Don Jazzy 3 "Celebrate Ft. Wande Coal" D'banj and Don Jazzy 3:55 4 "Olorun Maje" D'banj and Don Jazzy 5 "Suddenley" D'banj and Don Jazzy 3:34 6 "Fall In Love" D'banj and Don Jazzy 4:03 7 "Gbelo Gbelo Ft. Special Kid" D'banj and Don Jazzy 8 "Igwe (D'banj)" D'banj and Don Jazzy 3:50 9 "If I Dey Crase Ft. K-Switch" D'banj and Don Jazzy 10 "Entertainer" D'banj and Don Jazzy 2:26Categories: Orphaned articles from February 2009, All orphaned articles, 2008 albums, Rhythm and blues albums
Read more…
Nollywood actresses, Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji are said to be at dagger drawn over a London based lover called Christopher Obukwelu. This former broadcaster with the MINAJ TV, we gathered , is the brain behind the enmity between these top stars in Nigeria's make- believe industry called Nollywood.As the story goes, Rita and Chris were said to have dated years back. While the romance lasted, Rita’s colleagues tried to snatch the handsome dude from her but her defence was as strong as mount Gibraltar. As you are reading this, there seem to be this strong affinity between the celebrated Nollywood actress, Genevieve and Chris. This new development is said to be bothering Rita whose relationship with Chris hit the rocks a while ago.Why Rita is embittered about the whole scenario is that Genevieve could stoop that low to date her ex. Meanwhile Information at our disposal reveals that Rita and Genevieve are not on speaking term because of Chris. We shall update you as event unfolds.
Read more…
Despite pulling off seemingly impossible ventures in the past – bringing the top musical talents in the world to Nigeria to perform on one stage - the THISDAY Group surpassed itself by convincing R.Kelly to suppress his much-publicized phobia for flying and take his first trip to Africa. R.Kelly rarely tours outside the US and when he did travel to the UK eight years ago to perform at the MOBO Awards, he travelled by sea.However, he performed at the ARISE African Fashion Show in Johannesburg and went to Sun City then Cape Town for the THISDAY Music Festival. Today, he would be at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island to perform for the cream of Lagos Society. The tickets are prohibitive, ranging from 100 to 250k! It better be worth it.Ten in the evening and the venue is abuzz but we can’t go in because the stage isn’t ready. It says 8p.m. on the ticket but this na Naija… we have to chill at the lounge/bar of the Hotel. I’m an observer…got to stay sober. Rising Hip-Hop act, Ajuju walks in with his team. Godwin Tom, MI’s manager says hello. He’s here to lay the groundwork for his artist’s act.I cannot recollect ever seeing this many beautiful women at once… fly chicks, gorgeous ladies; all dressed to murder.Then its 11:15 and we can go in. The gig is outside. The venue is a temporary construction on the lawn. Not sure what to call this…Maybe a large tent would do. You can feel the red carpet embrace your feet through your shoes. Then I was brought out of my reverie by the flashing lights. “Rain,” my brain tells me in milliseconds as I wait for the thunder claps. All I hear are camera clicks. What!? This many flashbulbs? This is blinding! My snug grey suit comforts me. I feel picture perfect.Inside are tables laid in white, seating between six and twelve guests. A hundred tables would be a conservative estimate and they were filling up fast. O boy! …and there is supposed to be a recession. Basket Mouth makes a similar remark. Keke and D1 of Kennis Music are seated on the table ahead; D’banj, Wande Coal, Don Jazzy and the rest of the Mo Hits crew including new recruit, Ikechukwu are to the left.James Ibori is in the building too, although very far ahead. …something to do with some VIPs being more equal than others (apologies George Orwell). Maiden Ibru, Olisa Adibua, Sound Sultan…The smell of food being warmed is really distracting. …and the pop of champagne bottles.The overhead lights keep the confines of the tent well lit; it is almost excessive, like the temperature which borders on freezing. However, there was a reminder that we were still in Nigeria: The quite audible hum of the whatever-size generator outside. Good thing there is a fedora perched on my head. Yizu, the Ethiopian princess, remarks that I look like an Italian assassin. I feel lucky; it’s serving the dual-purpose of shielding my eyes and keeping my head warm.Basket Mouth is doing a good job keeping us entertained while the engineers work on whatever it is they are still working on. It’s past twelve now. The MC mentions it is Segun(?) Agbaje’s (DMD GTB) birthday. Who cares? …Okay, just kidding.Dinner is served. I go through the menu and settle for Roast Potatoes and Mexican Beef Salad. …shouldn’t exceed this glass of champagne. I’m an observer…will need to stay sober. Basket Mouth keeps dissing anyone in sight. “No be by grab for this country o,” he tells a well-built engineer who insists he shouldn’t get on stage, “na as your pocket grab.” And he’s really taking out the Deltans in the house. They don’t feel comfortable seated next to the numerous expatriates at the show, he claims. “Their body dey itch,” he says. “Dem dey find u dem go kidnap.”In the same breath he apologizes to Ibori, a prominent Delta citizen. “Na joke I dey joke o! I get plane to catch tomorrow.” That surely is a dig at the ex-governor who was accused of making a plane disappear in mid-air. R.Kelly wasn’t out of bounds either. “Wetin convince Robot (or Robert?) make him fly? Na recession?”The MC practically challenges Wande Coal to sing without instruments because, well…the engineers. He, along with D’Banj kept the audience enthralled for a while. Then D’Banj gets angry and says they are leaving. Why, he wonders, should we be kept waiting by a foreign act while the local ones are disrespected. “If na my show una for don waka,” he says. As how now? And lose your 250k? No way. He probably got a free ticket as an artist…Okay, okay, he has a point. But apparently it’s not R.Kelly’s fault. He has been around – backstage for awhile – but sound-check was taking so long.Then less than five minutes after the Mo Hits crew walk out, the chairman of the THISDAY Group, Nduka “The Duke” Obiagbena, comes on stage. “For those who didn’t believe this was possible, those that say R.Kelly doesn’t fly, this is your answer,” he says.I’m half-expecting to see R.Kelly fly in… then the lights go out. Some seconds later only the ones on stage come on. R.Kelly appears with his mic; to a large roar…no, screams rather. It’s like magic. He has a full complement of live instruments. The drums, the pianos the guitars…his back-up singers – two women (one white) and a guy… This is what live means!He kicks off with Hell Yeah, I’m Fucking You Tonight, We Clubbing and a couple more. But he isn’t impressed with the response. “Isn’t this Nigeria? I can’t hear you. Where I’m from we party hard after getting alcohol in our systems,” he says.O boy, this na Naija. Na big man full here. Especially when you consider the ticket prices.He tries again; Your Body’s Calling, I Wish, Bump ‘n’ Grind, Twelve Play… “I can come back if you like. Should I go?” he asks. For where? No way.“All the sexy ladies in the house come out front. But if you’re with your man don’t come…I’m warning you!” he says. Suddenly the hall is divided in two. Ladies first…guys behind.He tries once more with Strip for You and The Zoo… then the foundations of the construction start to shake. Probably from the piercing screams. Men, these girls no send again o!R.Kelly promises to perform most of the songs he has recorded. As time goes on, the reality of just how many songs this guy has hits you. Ignition, Snake, Fiesta, Slow Wind, Gigolo… This guy is really the King of R&B. No doubt.He’s free-styling now. About a Nigerian girl following him to America. “If you have your passport ready,” he sings, “You can follow me to America.” Meeeehn! Do women actually go around with passports in their bags? Come and see passports o! Plenty passports in the air!
This place is seriously grooving now. The men have caught the bug fully. I guess Gigolo set it off. It certainly did for me. And R ‘n’ B Thug. The songs keep coming…Down Low, Feeling on Your Booty, You Remind me of Something, If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time, When a Woman’s Fed Up… God!Just can’t seem to get enough. This guy knows how to work a crowd. The lights above the audience are back on, right about the time he belts out Step In the Name of Love. Everyone is dancing in earnest. R’Kelly checks his watch. I check mine. It’s 3 in the morning. The lights seem to be the cue that the performance is ending. Oh no!But he’s not done yet. He’s singing Happy People. This is a spot-on description of the mood in the house. Then he takes a bow, while the instruments continue. He had performed for close to two hours. He was the only performer on the night. But was it worth the gate fee? You betcha! Everyone is cheerful. The VIPs, the VVIPs, the VVV… you get the drift.I have to concur: There can be no R&B without the R…
Read more…
Though, a lot of criticisms has been raised against "THE KING OF POP STAR"
, but he remains greatest forever. Even after his death, everywhere
around the world people are devastated and nobody can believe that this
sudden death happened.Many reports has been published about his death,
many rumor has been carried on air with different analysis.
But the only fact that we believe is that Michael is dead which bring a
big sorrow to us the MICHAEL JACKSON ORGANIZATION AND CHARITY. And we
say........... "MICHAEL YOU WILL LIVE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER !!"
Michael Jackson was a true humanitarian, an example to us all. He has
devoted much time and money to a wide range of charities. He loves
children
and takes time out when touring secretly visiting sick children.
He also has special rooms at his home Never land for sick and terminally
ill children to stay over. He was listed in the 2000 edition of the
Guinness
Book Of World Records for breaking the world record for the "Most
Charities Supported By a Pop Star".
We therefore use these medium to seek the support and donations from
everyone and all fans of MICHAEL JACKSON to assist the sick, motherless
and the orphans in the Michael Jackson's organization. We do this, because
this is the way Michael would have wanted and to keep his good work
moving.
We will publish this in face book group the amounts collected, and also we
will publish this officially in local newspapers.So no amount is too small
for
Michael who has changed a lot of life's during his life time.You can send
your donations to us via money gram/western union to our information
below;
WEST AFRICA MICHAEL JACKSON ORGANIZATION AND CHARITY
Receiver Name : Mrs Joan Adun
Adress: 6 zulos close Abuja
Country: west africa
dr.clemm.song@live.com
visite the website http://www.allmichaeljackson.com/heal-the-world.html
Receipt of your donation will be mail to you as soon as we receive your
donation confirmation, you are to reply us with your contact information's
and the reference number of your donation from the money gram/western
union.
YOUR NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE:
OCCUPATIONS:
Money gram/Western Union MTCN#:
test question :
Reply With All The details To dr.clemm.song@live.com R.I.P Michael, we
love you !!
Read more…
Ghanian President John Atta Mills says African leaders are refusing to cooperate with an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir because it is best for Africa.
President Mills says last week's decision by the African Union to ignore the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for the Sudanese leader was hotly debated at the alliance meeting in Libya.
"At the end, we arrived at a decision by consensus," he said. "And let me say that when you belong to a group where you believe in democracy, the decision taken by the group is binding on you, not that I dissented."
President Mills says he was convinced by the argument that the court's case against President al-Bashir differs from cases against former Congolese rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba and Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony.
The International Criminal Court issued its arrest warrant in connection with charges that the Sudanese leader is responsible for human rights abuses in Sudan's troubled Darfur region.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir
President Mills says arresting President al-Bashir would hamper efforts to bring peace to that region, where more than 200,000 Sudanese refugees already live in camps across the border in Chad.
"We need a lasting solution for Darfur," he said. "And the President of Sudan, al-Bashir, is a major part of the solution. So that is why we called for postponement. That is why we expressed the view that with him out, it is going to be very difficult to get any solution in that country. We did that because we thought that was the best for Africa."
The human rights group Amnesty International says the African Union decision undermines its credibility and shows disdain for those in Darfur who have suffered. By supporting a person facing an international arrest warrant for war crimes, the group says the African Union is making a mockery of itself as an international body.
Since the warrant was issued, President al-Bashir has traveled only to countries that have not signed on to the international court and therefore do not fall under its jurisdiction. Khartoum says it believes the African Union decision to ignore the warrant means Mr. al-Bashir is free to travel within Africa without fear of arrest.
Read more…
The Central Bank of Nigeria sold $162.2 million at 145.90 naira per dollar at its daily foreign exchange auction on Wednesday, as demand increased sharply to $191.74 million, traders said on Thursday. The regulator had sold $136.12 million at 145.75 …
ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's new central bank governor, Lamido Sanusi, won strong approval from foreign investors when he used his first policy meeting to unveil a root-and-branch reform of the country's chaotic banking system.
Once a darling of frontier markets, Nigeria's economy -- sub-Saharan Africa's second-biggest -- faltered with the sharp decline in oil prices and the global downturn. Regulators have scrambled to defend the local currency and capital markets in Africa's most populous nation.
In its first monetary policy meeting under Sanusi, a revitalized central bank (CBN) on Tuesday slashed interest rates by 2 percentage points, lifted foreign exchange controls and guaranteed interbank transactions for the next nine months.
"There will be no half-measures when it comes to resolving Nigeria's financial sector problems and supporting growth," said Razia Khan, Standard Chartered's head of Africa research.
"The steps taken (on Tuesday), initiated by the new CBN governor who has promised to prioritise the cleanup of the financial sector, are the most promising yet."
Markets did not immediately react to the news on Wednesday as traders digested the long list of changes.
"Lending rates have not really changed and the interbank rate is still where it was," said Leke Sule, dealer at Fidelity Bank. "We think maybe tomorrow investors will begin to re-price risk, re-assess the yield curve and re-adjust."
Read more…
British taxpayers are to provide £1million for a comfortable jail in nig.e.ria to take convicts whose crimes were committed in the UK.
The prison would house 400 nig.e.rian inmates incarcerated in our own packed prisons who cannot be forcibly sent home to complete their punishments.
Jails there are considered so rough that any prisoner the UK tried to deport could oppose their removal on human rights grounds.
But the Government hopes that by spending as much as £1million turning a rundown nig.e.rian prison into something approaching British standards, the convicts could be repatriated.
Lin Homer, the UK Border agency chief, said it would save taxpayers' mone
Lin Homer, the chief executive of the UK Border Agency, told MPs the deal would save taxpayers' money, because the UK would no longer have to pay the £30,000-a-year cost of keeping inmates in our own jails.
'We are in negotiations with nig.e.ria to help them establish better prison conditions,' she said.
'It's about helping them generate a structure that can cope with the prisoners. It would be well worth the money to do so.'
But Matthew Elliott of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'It's an absolute scandal that British taxpayers may foot the bill for a nig.e.rian prison.
'The Government should not even entertain this nonsense proposal, particularly at a time when our own prison service is so desperately in need of funds.
'If nig.e.rians are here illegally and are going to be deported, we should be sending them home immediately.'
Damian Green, the shadow immigration minister, said: 'This should not mean in the long term we build prisons all around the world instead of sorting out our own deportation processes.'
Ministers have been frantically searching for a solution to the UK's chronic prisoner overcrowding crisis since 2005, when the number of foreign criminals soared past 11,000 - the equivalent of more than one in every eight inmates.
Prisoners have been offered cash windfalls - which some say are bribes - if they returned home voluntarily.
Boy?s feet in shackles at a Young Peoples Home in Jos/nig.e.ria
A prisoner's feet at shackled in Jos jail in nig.e.ria
But this is the first time the Government has announced firm plans to provide funding for a jail overseas.
The idea had been suggested in relation to Jamaica, but never got off the ground.
It would require nig.e.ria to change its laws so prisoners could be sent back without their consent.
Human rights groups say current conditions in nig.e.rian prisons are appalling.
Amnesty International said there was severe overcrowding, and more than half of prisoners are awaiting trial - some for up to ten years.
During the same home affairs committee evidence session yesterday, Mrs Homer updated MPs on how the Home Office is dealing with two scandals - the 2006 foreign prisoner fiasco, and the discovery of up to 450,000 outstanding asylum claims.
Three years on from the mistaken release of 1,000 overseas inmates without them even being considered for deportation, almost two-thirds are still in the UK.
Incredibly, 87 of the 1,000 convicts - who included killers and sex attackers - have yet to be even traced. Of those who have been located, only 348 have been deported or removed.
The remainder have either been told they can stay - often because removal back to their homeland would be a breach of human rights law - or are still going through the deportation process.
Mrs Homer also revealed that, so far, 197,500 of the 450,000 asylum 'legacy' cases discovered by the Home Office in 2006 had been processed.
More than 30 per cent have been awarded asylum, in an exercise that has been described an amnesty by opponents. At current rates, more than 100,000 people with claims dating back years will be awarded permission to stay in the UK.
Read more…
A pet Burmese python measuring more than 8 feet long broke out of a terrarium and strangled a 2-year-old girl in her bedroom Wednesday at a central Florida home, authorities said. Shaiunna Hare was already dead when paramedics arrived at about 10 a.m., Lt. Bobby Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office said.
Charles Jason Darnell, the snake's owner and the boyfriend of Shaiunna's mother, discovered the snake missing from its terrarium and went to the girl's room, where he found it on the girl and bite marks on her head, Caruthers said. Darnell, 32, stabbed the snake until he was able to pry the child away.
"The baby's dead!" a sobbing caller from the house screamed to a 911 dispatcher in a recording. "Our stupid snake got out in the middle of the night and strangled the baby."
Authorities did not identify the caller and removed the person's name from the recording.
"She got out of the cage last night and got into the baby's crib and strangled her to death," the caller said.
Authorities removed the snake from the home Wednesday afternoon after obtaining a search warrant. Once outside the small, tan home, bordered by cow pastures, the snake was placed in a bag then inside a dog crate. The snake was still alive.
this people never hear python na wild animal????????? One cute girl gone because of sheer carelesness. I hope they will be prosecuted. Rubbish
Read more…
Chrome OS, Google’s newly announced computer operating system, is coming this Autumn and promises to revolutionize netbooks and other underpowered machines. Essentially, the OS is a small, fast-booting platform whose purpose is to run a browser, and from there all the Google apps and other web services you know and love. But why bother? Your netbook already has a browser and access to Google’s applications. What could Chrome do for you and your netbook?
Cost
Netbooks are cheap. So cheap that a disproportionately large chunk of the cost is made up of a Windows license. Ever wondered why the Linux versions of netbooks cost around $50 less? Microsoft tax. Chrome OS is based on Linux and will, like most Google products, be free, bringing the price of a $500 netbook down by 10% — not a small discount.
Speed
Windows 7 runs faster than Vista on a netbook. Scratch that. Windows 7 runs on a netbook, period. But Chrome OS is designed to run on low-powered Atom and ARM processors, and web based applications don’t require that much horsepower on the client end so it should be faster still. Better, it will be small. Google is promising boot times measured in seconds, not minutes, so battery life should also get a boost — it will be possible to cold boot instead of sleeping or hibernating the machine, saving precious juice.
Compatibility
Google says that “[Users] don’t want to spend hours configuring their computers to work with every new piece of hardware, or have to worry about constant software updates.” One of the big problems with using anything but Windows XP on a netbook has been drivers. Try installing OS X on one if you don’t believe us, or any version of Linux not specifically designed for your model. If Google can come up with an OS that can be downloaded, dropped onto any machine and then “just works”, we might just have the ultimate portable OS.
Portability
Netbooks are meant for the road. At home, a bigger computer is almost always better but when traveling, a netbook shines. Swapping between the two is a pain, though. With Chrome, you can bet that all of Google’s service - Gmail, Google Docs, Picasa and so on — will be built-in and have offline access via Google Gears. If you are a good Google Citizen and use all these services, you’ll never have to worry about having all your latest data with you, whether you have a net connection or not.
New Applications
With its web services, Google has been slowly duplicating everything that we can do locally on our computers. Almost. There are a few things that Google doesn’t do yet, most notably a video player and a music jukebox. Sure, there’s YouTube, but what happens when you want to watch something other than a skateboarding dog in a blender? There are open-source options: The awesome VLC video player has just reached v1.0, for example, and the Songbird music player, based on Firefox, can even sync with an iPod. Both already run on some flavors of Linux.
Google may use these, buy them or even roll its own. One thing is sure, though: If Google can put out a whole OS that is as clean, fast and focused as its individual web products, the Chrome OS could be a revolution. A free revolution that could be making Microsoft extremely uncomfortable right now.
Read more…
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo may have left judgment in the hands of the almighty God and taken the death of his wife, Stella, as what fate brought, but Spanish authorities have not given up as the doctor who handled the surgery that led to her death will on Friday appear in court on a charge of negligent manslaughter.
The cosmetic surgeon from a Marbella clinic in Spain is being tried on a charge which may earn him two years in prison and a ban from working as a plastic surgeon for five years for the 2005 death of the then Nigerian first lady due to complications allegedly caused by the surgery he carried out, reported euroweeklynews.com yesterday.
The news website quoted the public prosecutor’s office as claiming that in August 2005, the 59-year-old late Mrs Obasanjo attended the exclusive Molding cosmetic surgery clinic in the upmarket town of Puerto Banus to enquire about a cosmetic surgery operation.
She was seen by the accused who, following some tests, gave her an appointment for her to return for more tests on October 20 for the procedure to take place the following day.
According to the prosecution, despite the fact that the accused had carried out more than 300 liposuction procedures in the past, he allegedly made several errors that punctured Stella Obasanjo’s liver and colon.
During the hours following the operation and in the post-operation, the prosecution claimed the injuries caused a massive amount of blood loss that led to several complications that eventually caused the patient septic shock that were not diagnosed by the doctor.
When the doctor allegedly eventually realised there were problems, he caused Stella Obasanjo to be transferred to Marbella’s USP Hospital by a clinic vehicle instead of helicopter despite the clinic having an arrangement with the medical helicopter firm. It is thought that she had suffered a severe asthma attack and lapsed into a coma.
The hospital in Marbella said all efforts to revive her failed because she was in an advanced state of shock.
Mrs. Obasanjo died in the early hours of October 23, 2005 in the hospital. The prosecution considers the action of the doctor as constituting negligent manslaughter.
In addition to the prison sentence, the public prosecutor’s office is seeking 120,000 euros in compensation for the victim’s family.
Stella Obasanjo was born into the Abebe family of Iruekpen, Edo State. Her father, Dr. Christopher Abebe, was the first African chairman of the United African Company (UAC). Her mother, Theresa Abebe, is a graduate of the Pitman College, London.
The paths of the mother of the late first lady and the ex-president first crossed in 1976 in London when the then Stella Abebe was studying in England. Obasanjo, then a colonel and ex-war commander was on a course.
Stella started her education at Our Lady of Apostles Primary School, Yaba, Lagos. Young Stella enrolled at the famous St. Theresa’s College, Ibadan, where she obtained her West African School Certificate.
She completed her education with a certificate as confidential secretary from the Pitman College in 1976. She returned to Nigeria in 1976 and soon after married General Obasanjo, who had become Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed.
In 1995, during the military dictatorship in Nigeria, when Obasanjo was jailed on trumped up charges of plotting to overthrow the government of the late Gen. Sani Abacha, Stella campaigned for her husband's release
There are some many things that qualifies one to be called a true born Naija Person..I say the things dem plenty well well..Also,there are many things that are found only in Naija..I mean ways of life..talking,and other things. Check out the List 1:Its only in Naija that Young Guys eat Beans and Bread?2:Na 4 Naija U go hear say Thief dey Rob 4 Church.3:In Naija,When they bring Light(Electricity)Everybody shout Up Nepa4:In Naija,even when you koboless,you can dress like a millionaire.5:In Naija,Men dont give their fellow Men Lifts on the way,except they have booby(U know what i mean)6:Na 4 Naija when you are in a public means of transport,u dont interact..everybody carries a long face.7:In Naija,You can get almost anything in its fake version..Shoes,Clothes,jewry,currency,women ..even these days,their are fake Leaders.8:In Naija no Sociall security.9:Na only for Naija You see People with lots of Cars wasting away in their garage.10:Lastly..na 4 only naija u see politicians spending their ill-gotten wealth on parties and no one talks,afterall na chop i chop...What a country!...yet we still believe things go work out some day...''The Choosen Leaders are not yet Born" He go better!
Read more…
When news that well-loved Nigerian actress Stella Damasus had remarried broke, the majority of her fans began asking. Who did she marry? Soon after we got a name, Emeka Nzeribe but still no details on Mr. Nzeribe were leaked. Not even a photo. Well, there is light at the end of the tunnel as Mode Mag has grabbed the scoop. Their new issue exclusively reveals Mr. Nzeribe. Check out the cover below! from bellaOh well,its been four whole years since jaiye passed on and stella has definitely moved on and gotten her groove back.insiders confirm she wed emeka nzeribe recently in owerri(imo state) and the registry wedding took place inside her lekki home .The sources say it held either on saturday march 7,2009 or sunday march 8,2009 and that ''stella and emeka are passionately in love and the only way to seal their love was to get hooked and they are happy with the choice they have made''.sources also whisper that the new husband will move into his wifes lekki home as it is more convenient.stella met emeka after her relationship to lanre broke up.she dated emeka secretly for a while before taking this plunge into marriage for the second time.emeka is rather very good looking,a little on the plump side,dark skinned and has a fantastic smile.they have both attended star studded events together but arrived venue seperately and left seperatelyHeres PRAYING she she finds fulfillment in this marriage!...we wish her all the best of luck.
Read more…
N.IG.ERIA.NS, from early next year, may be able to buy a brand new car for just N400,000.
Tata Motors announces the launching of the world's cheapest production car, the "Tata Nano"
Indication to this emerged on Friday as it was gathered that India’s largest vehicle manufacturers, Tata, is planning to introduce ultra-cheap car, Nano, into the Nigerian market.
According to reports, the company will, from 2010, introduce the Nano brand along with its Indica Vista hatchback and Sumo Grande models in to the African market with Nigeria expected to be its first port of call.
It said the beautiful car would cost between N375,480 and N400,000 when it is launched in Nigeria in 2010.
According to its website, Tata Nano is the world’s most affordable car in the market. It has an engine of 32 LP, a tank of 624cc, a two-cylinder engine placed at the rear of the vehicle.
It also said the main body of the car is steel while the bumpers are plastic. It weighs 1,322 pounds and has space for four passengers.
However, it could not be ascertained whether the vehicle would be assembled in Nigeria or imported directly from India, but sources said the car and other brands would also be sold in South Africa and Senegal, but that Nigeria would be the first port of call of the car.
Between the ages of 15-20 a woman is like Africa.She is half discovered, half wild.Between the ages of 20-30 a woman is like America.Fully discovered and scientifically perfect.Between the ages of 30-35, she is like India Japan.Very hot, wise and beautiful !!!!!!!!!Between the ages of 35-40 a woman is like France.She is half destroyed after the war but still desirable.Between the ages of 40-50 she is like Germany.She lost the war but not the hope.Between the ages of 50-60 she is like Russia.Very wide, very quiet but nobody goes there.Between the ages of 60-70 a woman is like England.With a glorious past but no future.After 70, they become Siberia.Everyone knows where it is, but no one wants to go there.
Read more…
Eggs: When something starts pecking its way out of the shell, the eggis probably past its prime.Meat: If opening the refrigerator door causes stray animals from a 3block radius to congregate outside your house, the meat is spoiled.Flour: If it wiggles...it's spoiled.Lettuce: Bibb lettuce is spoiled when you can't get it off the bottomof the vegetable crisper without Comet. Romaine lettuce is spoiled whenit turns liquid.Raisins: Raisins should not be harder than your teeth.Potatoes: Fresh potatoes do not have roots, branches or dense, leafyundergrowth.Chip dip: If you can take it out of its container and bounce it on thefloor, it has gone bad.Unmarked item: You know its well beyond its prime when you're temptedto discard the Tupperware along with the food. Generally speaking,Tupperware containers should not burp when you open them.Frozen food: Frozen foods that have become an integral part of thedefrosting problem in your freezer compartment will probably bespoiled (or wrecked, anyway) by the time you pry them out with ahammer and knife.
Read more…
