12TH SEZTEMBER
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HOW OBAMA FOISTED A JIHADIST ON Cont. Page 12 NIGERIA By Ukachukwu Okorie
Former Nigeria leader Goodluck Jonathan, have accused immediate past US president, Barack Obama of engineering his defeat at the 2015 presidential election, in which the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari won. Although former President Jonathan made a statement relating to that in 2018 during the launch of his new book, ‘My Transition Hours’ in Abuja, more revelations are coming out.
Africa
World
Woman
THE BIAFRA ROADMAP: MY THESIS ON SABOTAGE PART 1 See Page 2
WHAT DEFINES AN AFRICA WOMAN ? See Page 4
RONALDO SURPASSES 100 INTERNATIONAL GOALS AS PORTUGAL TOP SWEDEN IN UEFA SIX POSSIBLE REASONS BEHIND A MAN'S POOR SEXUAL PERFORMANCE See Page 11 NATIONS LEAGUE See Page 8
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AFRICAWORLD NEWS
UYOKANJO
SHRINE Ukachukwu Okorie EDITORIAL
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ike a devil's alternative, it presents self as the dream platform to make it big in your chosen field, against the gagging policies and intentions of the powers that be, during the era preceding it. The fact is clear, Facebook is a dictator. Reasons abound: Like a smooth operating dictatorship, Facebook presents itself as a life-wire for development and greatness, but on practical terms, it is a clog in the wheel of progress and free press. AfricaWorld Newspaper is a bleeding victim of Facebook's inhuman modus operandi. On their platform, Facebook keeps eating us up like the Hyena tear the flesh of its poor victim while alive. Facebook promote lies, pretending always to be on the right track. How can an organisation be peddling false as if it is right? Facebook staffs falsify figures through deduction if you are on their blacklist, gag free speech and lack transparency in arbitration and review process. We, at AfricaWorld Newspaper are wounded severely, but not out as some in Facebook wishes. Those in Facebook undermining our growth on their platform need to stop behaving like dictators in developing countries.
FACEBOOK IS GUILTY OF GAGGING FREE PRESS
POEMS TRUTH IS LIFE The blind see it. A d e a f h e a r i t . The cripple walk it. Pregnancy deliver it. Like a protruding tummy. Even though we are always r i g h t . The journey will definitely be r i g h t Despite so tight. Was Jesus Christ, not right? Even though his path is so t i g h t . But life is like its path. Truthful like the ways of truth. Show us the mother of facts. Like hen protecting chicks. From the fatal kiss of s e r p e n t s . Fatal, horrible and d e v a s t a t i n g . What a courageous mother hen.
Like the pugilist. Be swift, jab and uppercut. Stand tough for it. Facebook in its character as a Take the boo, hit the target. dictator tried unsuccessfully to I see light at tunnel end. buy our page in 2018. And when we did not oblige it, they removed WHO WILL MARRY ME? our editor's personal account, which begat over twenty different All I get is scolds. pages, including AfricaWorld A l l I h e a r i s p r a y. Newspaper, which they tried to A l l I d o i s c r y. purchase through their proxy. Who will marry me? Prior to their removal of our W h e n m i g r a t i o n i s editor's account, they had closed c o m p u l s o r y . our AfricaWorld TV and S u r v i v a l b e c o m e s AfricaWorld Television, which n e c e s s a r y . were reaching tens of millions, L i f e d e p e n d s o n t h e and fast rising. Like our message a c c e s s o r i e s . states clearly, ”Unless the Who will marry me? hunted gives his account, the Chai! I am a ready bride. story of the hunt will always Now that there is no love. favour the hunter”, we are in this Liquid asset is the new love. to report things as it is, no matter Knowing me, knowing you is whose ox is gored. AfricaWorld n o l o v e . Newspaper was created to serve Who will marry me? and inform, so the continuous H e s a y s I w a n t y o u . sabotaging of our efforts only S h e w a n t s I n e e d y o u . energize us. It is just up to you. Who will marry me? Finally, who checks Facebook I a m o f p a s s i o n . fact checkers? You cannot live in B e l i e v i n g i n e m o t i o n . lies, while protecting certain I d e t e s t c o e r c i o n . elements in the society? We may F o r a s w e e t r e l a t i o n . not have your billions, but we If you got this assertion. have a role to play in our society Y o u c a n a n s w e r m y and Facebook can never stop q u e s t i o n . our march. Come in. Who will marry me? Ukachukwu Okorie
CONDOLENCE TO URASHI Ntooo! Don't you deserve it? Ntooo! What a stubborn fly! Ntooo! Does a planned conflict take a cripple? I dwell on the banks. But my oesophagus thirst. As if I journey on sand dunes. Make haste under the scorching sun Else I shall defecate on your bed. I gnash over terrible sight. Many refuse to go down. Yo u r d r i n k i s n o w b l o o d y. Ye s , I g n a s h o v e r m y v i e w . Yet, your current is still the same. Rise Urashi and quench a thirst. Drown not thy offspring. Send thy mermaids fast Be thy town criers from afar 'cos the blind see heavy downpours. T h i s i s n o t f o r t h e e . Tranquility, they never come with. And this will take the cripple.
THE BIAFRA ROADMAP:
My Thesis on Sabotage PART 1
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aving suffered untold hardship, humiliation and more in the hands of the British, Monday, 24 April 1916 became the catalyst for what we know today as the Republic of Ireland. A land I now call home away from home. On that fateful Easter Monday, a seven-man Military Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood started a rebellion. In what later became the Easter Rising, Irish Republicans, comprising of volunteer groups of men and women challenged the military might of the British Empire, and it lasted for six days. At the end of it, sixteen of the rebellion leaders was executed the following month of May. Initially, it was unpopular as they were jeered and cajoled by the vocal minority, especially the then Irish elite, which found favour in the eyes of their colonial master, those who hitherto, represented the Irish public at the Dublin Castle and other chambers of power. They worked with the British foreign authority to control all levers of public life; the press, economy, commerce and more. These selected few, their families and cronies lived well off the handouts of their British bosses at the detriment of the Irish public. Before and during the Easter Monday Rising, they turned public opinion against the nationalists that carried out the attack, and these brave volunteers were mocked and jeered as they surrendered. However, the manner of their executions, and attendant political developments, ultimately helped increase the popular support needed for Irish independence. Despite challenges like every other nation, the Irish Republic today, is one of the most interesting and flourishing in the world. Why are they in their present good stead today? To a great extent, they defeated sabotage and saboteurs who represented them in that second decade of the 20th century. Having taken cognizance of the situation above, one will understand fully the folly of sabotage and the enemy within. I cannot talk confidently about sabotage without taking a look at the mechanism of the actors. Although the noun Sabotage is complex in understanding, but to simplify it is to say, it is to intentionally prevent the success of a plan or action. In every plot to pull action, there is every tendency that it may be sabotaged by one who knows fully or faintly about details. The one who carries out the plot to sabotage is a saboteur. According to the Christian Bible, a disciple of Jesus Christ named Judas Iscariot was a saboteur. There are classes of saboteurs and forms of sabotage, but my thoughts will walk on the path of the Biafran struggle, starting from their cradle of civilization. In Biafra's three years of existence –1967-70, before this interregnum, there were cases of sabotage, and the enemies were outside and within. It can be argued that the motives for sabotage vary, but in the case of Biafra, like many other places that struggled to attain nationhood, some of the forms of the enemy within take similar cue. Like most places, key factor driving sabotage is greed. To make my discourse easier, I will narrow my arguments into two: Religious and Internal Sabotage. In addendum, I shall proffer solutions to suit efforts for the restoration of Biafra. Three years ago, I kick-started a talking series called LIBERATION GOSPEL, in which I talk and share interactive sessions with my listeners. Around that time, I had a revelation regarding an assignment, which I was mandated to bring a new teaching to the children of the most high. I did not know how this teaching will start due to the psyche of this generation. Nonetheless, I trust the one who sent me, because impossibility is nothing to him. I cannot continue with my thesis on sabotage without dwelling on the spiritual connection between Biafrans and their God. From Igbo clans to their kith and kin among Annang, Ibibio, Efik, Ijaw, Esan, Urhobo-Isoko, Idoma, Igala etc. The majority has always agreed on the supremacy of a Deity that dwell in Heaven. Irrespective of counter claims and distortions that arose with migrations, settlements and historical account, majority laid credence to the authenticity of God the creator. Taking a cue or narrowing it down to the Igbo traditional way of worship and rituals, all prayers and libations are finally directed to God the creator who is also known as Chukwu Okike Abiama. In a different thesis, I will explain more on the waywardness of the igbos in their spiritual search, but for now, it is how those who acted as priests sabotaged as a result of selfishness, greed and idolatry. Although a school of thought argued otherwise, but most Igbos believes they are Heebos or a Jewish tribe that left the Holy Land through the straits of Ethiopia. This claim is strongly among the majority of Igbos, and even those with spiritual gifts of prophecy and vision attests to it. I have done a personal research and looked spiritually inward to support that account. This Cont in P12
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AFRICAWORLD NEWS
From Adolescence to Adulthood
TENT OF YOUTH
By: Ollus Ndomu
A
dolescence is a time between childhood and maturity. It is a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood. At this stage, young people are full of curiosity, dreams, energy, feelings and emotions. Their curiosity place them under the relentless influence of movies, music and internet. For their limited experience of life, young people often fail to properly manage the transition from youth to adulthood. This transition demands balanced personal growth that consists in four dimensions i.e. physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth. Maturing in all the four dimensions of growth is a prerequisite for good adulthood. A matured physical body comes by eating well in addition to exercising and doing daily work. Eating well promotes general body health while exercising and daily works help to shape the body according to one’s desire. Moreover, the importance of work goes beyond shaping the body as it is sure way of making a living. Young people ought to delight in doing daily work at the guidance of their parents or guardians. This often prepares a youth to bear their own financial, personal and family burdens. Intellectual growth on the other hand is cognitive development. This is a growth dimension that gives someone the ability to think and reason. It determines how a person organizes their mind, ideas and thoughts so that to make sense of the world. Intellectual growth distinguishes adults from young people as it enables them to exercise control on their will in the management of life’s affairs. This brings us to emotional growth.
Adulthood is a feud; Women bleed without dying Men find no satisfaction. I call my uncles and aunties perennial scammers; Their stories of adulthood relate to reality like day to night.
In all these four dimensions of growth, parents and guardians have a bigger role to play. Parents are to be disciplinarians, supervisors and role models to their own children. If they shy away from their responsibilities and problems of their young ones, there will come a time when children will be problems to their parents. Parents must out of their busy schedule spare time to contribute positively to the growth of their children. Failure to do so will leave children to the influence of media that is a veritable soup of all content which is capable of raising children into irresponsible, violent and unproductive adults.
ADULTHOOD, A SCAM Adulthood is a public toilet; It is many a regret A scam children admire.
Do not send me to Golgotha for inking your ways; Crucify yourself if not your ways.
Stories told and retold Are always suggesting That I grow up quick; Dumping my childhood For tales of adulthood. I never wanted to grow up No! I say No! Not minding the price of honesty; Paying for sleeping with a woman last. Adulthood, thou art a scam! Uncle hit my heard to grow, Auntie pinched my cheeks for my hesitation, Teachers outlaughed me, Growing up was an only option.
Now I am an adult A woman, I dress to impress A man, I spend to express! Emotional growth is one’s ability to express, understand, and regulate Take me back in time, Let me dress to cover my body their emotions throughout life. This type of growth helps us to manage Let me spend to save life. our social interactions and relations well. Moreover, it enables us to work Adulthood, a con game! in teams and participate in public affairs without hurting others. Growing up exposes us to different people from different backgrounds and us getting along with others is partly rested on our emotional growth which also determines our emotional intelligence.
One last growth dimension is spiritual growth which is assessment and mastery of one's religious narrative and attachment to one's tradition, and expressing it through greater participation in corporate and private worship.
We no longer have Christ to crucify; We have ourselves at Calvary.
MISPLACED AGENDA
In the beginning He made us man and woman; Adam and Eve, eggplant for strawberry.
EPISTLE TO RUTH Listen woman! Do not place your sense of self worth and beauty on what other people say to you, what other people think about your booty, how many fuckboys tell you that you look sexy. These things estrange you from who you really are. You don't owe any man a big booty, inflated breasts nor a sexual experience.
He united Abraham and Sarah Beloved Ruth, place your sense of self worth and Isaac and Rebecca; He let Solomon service wives and concubines for beauty on things that will exist even after all other people are no longer there. If you were the very last nature's cause. person on this planet, you should still be able to know within your heart that you are worthy, you are beautiful, What has gone wrong now? you are wanted. Even if you become the very last Adam wants Abraham; a pencil sharpening a pencil! person on Earth, you should be fully wanted. Want yourself. Know yourself. See yourself as beautiful, see How did we get here? yourself as worthy. Magdalene wants Martha; a sea swimming itself, How wasteful!! All this starts when you remind yourself that no man owes you money, happiness, real love or material Can someone tell me, things. When you know that eating and drinking your How to plant without soils; own sweat is the first chapter to being an independent How germination happens without seeds. and real woman. Invest in personal development. Invest in building your knowledge base not your booty. How does it feel to starve life? Women fingering life's factory; Get an education before getting a man. Men prefer the shithole of brothers How disgusting! I hope to find you at the top.
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AFRICAWORLD NEWS
Africa WorldWoman What defines an Africa Woman ? The definition of an African woman goes beyond color. It is best explained by Socio-cultural norms which identify what society expects of a woman addition to identifying her roles. On this edition of AfricaWorld woman, we look at three influential African woman, each living a balanced life that preserves one's relevance in all spheres of life.
An African woman is someone who was born and bred in Africa. someone who's daily activities reflect her cultural orientation which is primarily based on house keeping regardless of changes that Western education has brought in Africa.
The spread of an education that is Western oriented across the African continent has altered the African family system and the roles of women have to some extent changed.
The change in the roles of women in an African society comes as a struggle The modern world has seen constant among women to remain relevant in calls for gender equality and equity. times that are ever changing. Many societies that have accepted gender calls world-over have seen a change in roles women perform. For example, women that have entered the workforce are performing almost same roles with men.
Contemporary times demand women to meet their financial needs while performing motherly duties as in the case of those in marriages. This is outside the traditional African lifestyle of a woman.
Bogolo Joy Kewenedo is an Economist and Politician, who serves as the Minister of Botswana Investment, Trade and Industry in the Cabinet of Botswana.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian Feminist, Novelist and Author who is know as a fierce campaigner for equal gender rights and woman empowerment.
Bethlehem Alemu is a fierce entrepreneur from Ethiopia who started her footwear company, SoleRebels in 2005 to provide eco- friendly, fair trade jobs to her community. Her firm convert tires into smart shoes. SoleRebels has been expanding rapidly since its founding and currently, it has stores around the world.
Regardless of the circumstances of modern life, a typical African woman has remained committed to performing her roles which make for a healthy family. An African woman like in times gone is a mother. She has roles which among others include managing the house, caretaker, providing food, materials, nutrition, health and water. A more informed look at the contemporary African woman confirms that changes in have actually broadened the index of responsibilities for woman. It is in these times that woman are more able to provide for their families regardless of marital status. It is also true that modern life has come at the loss of traditional African life but what matters most in everything is the culture of life.
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AFRICAWORLD NEWS
EVANGELISM By Vincent Arisukwu. www.familypriest.com
lazies about in the palace. He is the one prophesied by Malachi, God's messenger sent like the prophet Elijah to declare God's reign (cf. Mal.3:23-24). Hence Jesus states, "He is the one of whom scripture says: Look, I am sending my messenger in front of you to prepare your way before you. In truth I tell you, of all children born to women, there has never been anyone greater than John the Baptist" (Matt.11:10-11). So, both messages of John and Jesus corroborate one another and do not contradict.
"BE STRONG, FEAR NOT! HERE IS YOUR GOD" (Is.35:4)
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hese are the exact words which God spoke to Abraham while reassuring him of the promise to make him great, "Be strong, fear not..." (Gen.15:1). Today, the prophet Isaiah speaks these words to a people expecting deliverance from bondage. The reading is taken from one of Isaiah's many passages of hope probably after Israel had returned from the Babylonian captivity. The prophet Isaiah attributes the unsuccessful attack of Assyria in 701BC to the power of God. He speaks of messianism, the God who comes to save his people from bondage. Having experienced terrible things in their exile, the Israelites are trembling and are afraid. But the prophet Isaiah declares restoration and hope. He reminds them of the need to believe only in God and not rely on human authority for liberation. God is the reason to be strong, not afraid. He is the God who brings divine recompense and salvation. The prophet declares numerous reasons to trust in God's saving help- "the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; the lame will leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy, they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee". The message of today's readings is that God's presence brings complete restoration to those who believe. The prophet says, "Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not". While Isaiah points to the coming of a messiah who will free the people from bondage, the encounter between Jesus and John the Baptist in the gospel provides the answer to Isaiah's declaration of messianism. Last Sunday, John the Baptist lashed out at the Pharisees while calling them to repentance. He threatened and cursed them, described them as "brood of vipers" who deserve God's wrath. Today, John is in prison and Jesus begins his ministry. John is a bit uncomfortable and perhaps scared that Jesus' approach downplays his persuasive and provocative tone. John's emphasis is on divine anger and Judgment whereas Jesus embodies healing and divine mercy. John wants to confirm his belief or rather his doubts. He sends his disciples to go find out if Jesus is truly the messiah he is working for. Scripture says, "When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with the question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" (Matt.11:2). That is a serious question. It is like saying to your boss, "Now, let's look at the schedule here. Let's put things straight, sir". John's feelings portray frustration for some reasons: 1. Jesus is supposed to speak on behalf of John while he is in prison. 2. The methodology of Jesus seems to contradict his own, and so John needs to be sure that he is really preaching the same message as Jesus. 3. John has palpable fears. Characteristic of Jesus, he addresses John's questions with proofs. Since John preaches about the Kingdom, it is good to let him see proofs of the presence of God's kingdom among his people: "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news proclaimed to them". This is God's kingdom made available to believers. Let's remember that Jesus had earlier declared this mission in the synagogue of Nazareth. Thus Scripture says, "they handed him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah from where he read, "The spirit of the Lord is on me, for he has anointed me to bring the good news to the afflicted. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives, sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim a year of favor from the Lord" (Lk.4:18). After that declaration, he said to his listeners, "This text is being fulfilled today while you are listening" (Lk.4:21). His statement could imply thus, "this text is being fulfilled in me as I speak to you this day". Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, the saving Power of God. He strengthens all trembling hands, calms all weary hearts. Therefore, Jesus confirms John's beliefs and urges him not to take offense at him. On another note, Christ also uses the opportunity to endorse John the Baptist as a prophet sent to declare God's plan of salvation. John the Baptist is a great prophet in the pattern of Elijah. He is not a self acclaimed prophet, "a reed swayed by the wind". He is not a flamboyant figure who
Meanwhile, Jesus is the reason to be strong. He is the source of courage and consolation. He is a consoling presence for believers. He is the reason why the prophet tells us, "Be strong, fear not!" Sometimes we tremble. Sometimes we panic for various reasons in life. Certain forces confront our individual existence and family lives. We experience disappointments and failures in our relationships, in marriage. We experience delays. We experience anxieties caused by sicknesses. We experience denials. We encounter losses. We get scared. The words of the prophet ring out strongly, "Be strong! Fear not!". If you believe in Christ, he gives you the strength, he makes you strong in the midst of temptations. Sometimes, too, those temptations do not go away, but Christ strengthens you with the grace to tackle them. While addressing the Galatian Church, Saint Paul talked about a certain illness in him which would not go away. It was this illness, he said, that first gave him the opportunity to preach the gospel (cf. Gal.4:13-14). Yet, Paul remained strong and committed to the gospel message, converted his weakness to opportunity. In this advent season, God is telling us to be strong. He is inviting all of us to trust in his love and mercy. He is our God, yes, he does not abandon us in times of trouble. He is a saving God. Don Moen sings, "Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the holy one. Give thanks because he's given Jesus Christ, His Son (2ice). And now, let the weak say I am strong. Let the poor say I am rich. Because of what the Lord has done for us (2ice). Give thanks!!!” In Christ, the poor are rich, the weak are strong. In Christ all trembling hands are steadied. In Christ sorrows turn to joy, hunger gives way to fullness and satisfaction. In Christ we are made whole again. Let's go about to declare this message of restoration to those around us. Let us convey hope by our presence which is the love of Christ that we embody. Take this message home with you today to those you meet; say to them, "Be strong! Fear not! Here is your God". He is the God of possibilities By Fr. Vincent Arisukwu Associate Pastor at Christ the King Church, Glen Burnie, Maryland.
Lessons from Saul's conversion
A
cts of the Apostles (9:1-20), is a popular passage in the Scripture which tells the story of Saul's conversion. I'm just marveled at the way God connects the dots. Saul departs on a mission to persecute Christians. God changes his plan, and eventually his entire life. He encounters God in a unique way, then goes blind. What is most puzzling being how God moves different persons as players in Saul's conversion experience! The disciple Ananias is somewhere praying.
COUPLES' CALL Remain in God's love:
“
Remain in me” (John 15:4), is a special invitation to couples. As couple, is a way of reminding you of the source of your sustenance in marriage. Your marriage cannot survive if it does not draw strength from Christ. Christ states explicitly, “Cut off from me, you can do nothing”; “Remain in me as I remain in you”. It is very clear. Once couples start shrinking in their faith, they start shrinking in their love. As Fulton Sheen said, love one another as a gift from God, not as gods. That way, you find in your spouse, an irreplaceable gift that cannot expire. Always recognize that your love flows from the Vine whose branches you are. If you center on yourselves, you get frustrated, wear out and wither. If you concentrate on yourselves alone, then you become exposed to the tortures of self-centered ego. You become jealous. You become possessive. You become more of a receiver than a giver because your love is not refilled by Love itself. I urge you all to make Jesus the center and source of your love. Pray together as couple. Move to God together spiritually. Move along with your partner in faith. Enjoy God’s love together, don’t stay back, and don’t pull the other backwards. God loves you together. That way, you will bear endless fruits in your precious relationship. That way, you won’t contemplate divorce even when the challenges come in your marriage.
Then he gets this revelation, "Ananias, get up and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is there praying, and in a vision, he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, that he may regain his sight" (Acts 9:11-12). Even though Ananias hesitates for a moment, he has only to play according to God's plan. God has already arranged everything. He knows the result. He provides the destination. Judas' house is the meeting place. Then he gives Ananias the GPS, and leads him off. Ananias is coming from the direction of the sunset while Saul is coming against the sun. The darkness in Saul's heart is meeting the light of God in Ananias, and Saul's life will automatically change. God reveals to Saul what his next step would be. Isn't that amazing that his life will never be the same? We just need to realize that God connects the dots in our lives, as he did for Saul. He has the direction. He provides the meeting place. He produces the result. He is the King of Kings and Lord of lords. Just play into his game-plan. May God connect the missing dots in your life. Amen.
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AFRICAWORLD NEWS
RELATIONSHIP TIPS Healthy Relationship Ways of achieving a healthy relationship Mutual respect: Respect means each person values who the other is and understands the other persons boundaries.* Trust: Each patners should trust each other and give each other benefit of the doubt.
to come up. To avoid that, if discussion goes heated , each should take a short brake away. Healthy sexual relationship partners should engage in sexual relationship that both are comfortable with and should not be forced to engage in sexual activity that is outside his or her comfort zone.
things is what disrespect implies. Being in a relationship does mean you will always have same interests or agree. In fact, what makes you feel the presence of your partner are minor differences in opinion, thought or interests. A relationship where partners always agree is far from existing, in short, it does not exist. However, what matters every time you disagree is your willingness to respect your partner's position of argument. Tolerance of divergence does not mean weakness. Intimidation
Honesty: Honesty builds trust and strengthens relationship. Comparison: Each partner should not always get his or her way, instead each should acknowledge each other’s points of view and be willing to give and take. Good Communication: partners should always be honest and open to avoid miscommunication. Anger Control: Anger is a common thing in human being, how we express it can affect our relationships. We can calm ourselves down by taking a deep breath by counting and take it out . Individuality: Neither partner should compromise each other. Each partner should continue seeing each other doing what he or she likes and be supportive of there wants. Self Confidence: Partners should have confidence in each other. This can also help there relationship with others. Understanding: Each partner should take time to understand what the other partner is feeling. Fighting Fair: Partners should always argue at some point and stick to the subject for insults are more likely
It is not enough to only look at healthy relationships. A balanced view of anything abound in considering both sides of the coin. From this view point, it could benefit us more to look at unhealthy relationships. What qualifies a relationship to be called unhealthy includes the following: Dishonesty
This is the superpower syndrome where one partner tries to control every aspect of a relationship. This is common especially among men. Some male partners always seek to assume absolute power over their partner forgetting that she is also a moral free agent. Intimidation chokes a relationship. A relationship is meant to be two-way, a mutual subjectivity where each partner is free to express their individuality without victimization. Sexual Abuse
This implies the art of being unfaithful to one's partner. Unfaithfulness does not only mean having another relationship in addition to the one you're in. It means doing anything that would threat or plunge your relationship in a crisis if the other partner learned of it. For example, flirting, having sex chats and hiding one's relationship status. Many relationships have broken up because of dishonesty especially now that social media has become part of us.
This is the most commonplaced problem of modern day relationship. The world has completely lost sexual purity and having sex even outside marriage has become a norm. Sexual abuse is pressuring one's partner into sexual activity without his/her consent. This is common because relations between boy and girl or male and female have been sexualized. As a result, those abused don't even have guts to talk about it because it all appears normal.
Physical Abuse
Dependence
This implies use of force by you or your partner to get what they want. This is common in many relationships and in instance where nothing is done about it, death or injuries is possible.
This is when one partner feels he/she cannot live without the other. It is a common problem in relationships involving young people. Studies have showed that dependence is one of the many causes of suicide among partners especially in times of disappointment.
Disrespect
Summarily, we all must pursue healthy relationships. Man and woman are relational beings who cannot avoid being in any form of a relationship. As a matter of fact, man's entire life revolves around the axis of connecting with others, something that is not without glitches.
Lack of regard for your partner's opinions on certain
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AFRICAWORLD NEWS
News in Brief Algeria
Botswana Benin
the fate of journalist Beninnois robbers COVID19 spread disguising as chefs Khaled Drareni suspended goes sporadic target Nigeria bigwigs during appeal On board of fishing boat, 450 Tunisians reach the Italian coast Christians in The UN in Libya is Cameroon abandon negotiating directly churches that deny with Egypt in order to existence of COVID-19 Chad’s former Minister de-escalate LNA arrested for losing hostilities, prompting $31 million questions of Khalifa during negotiations Shea butter processing Haftar’s whereabouts. plant with modern machinery equipment opens in Tema Libyan Parties Reach Constitutional council ‘Comprehensive in Guinea clear President Agreement’ After Conde’s third term bid Talks in Morocco Next month, the UN SecurityCouncil (UNSC) will convene to discuss the future of the ongoing Customs seize more Ex- Malian Minister than 8 tons of China and much-feted “new Lauds sacrifices of bound crab momentum”in Western French soldiers killed Sahara. in Mali
Chad
Cameroon Egypt
Ghana
Libyan
Guinea
Morocco
Nigeria now buy refined oil from Niger Republic
South Africa Clicks racist hair advertisement sparks public outrage as EFF declares a week of protests countrywide
Zambia Government manipulates Voter Registration exercise as opposition files lawsuit
Caught between climate crisis and armed violence in Burkina Faso
Lesotho Local PPE for
SADC region almost ready
Kenya
Activists Petition Treasury to Institute Accountability Measures for Covid-19 Funds
Mozambique Malawi
Mali
Nigeria
Burkina Faso
France Welcomes Morocco’s Revival of Inter-Libyan Political Dialogue
Togo
President of Togo Faure Gnassingbe wins fourth term in landslide
Zimbabwe Julius Malema brands President Emmerson Mnangagwa Africa’s worst sellout
SENEGAL
Akon moves ahead with £4.5bn ‘ real life Wakanda’ Senegal city project
Tunisia In Tunisia, Islamic State group claims attack that killed a gendarme
Swaziland Hundreds of rural women affected by land disputes
Kamuzu Central Hospital records 100% COVID19 recovery
Namibia
President rejects Germany’s reparation offer for mass killing
SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
Oando reaffirms commitment to support development of São Tomé and Principe
AFRICAWORLD NEWS
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Sport News
home from the edge of the penalty area in the 73rd minute. “I managed to beat this milestone of 100 goals and now for the record (109),” said Ronaldo, who is only outscored by Iran’s Ali Daei with 109 international goals. “It’s stepby-step. I am not obsessed because I believe the records come in a natural way.” It’s the second straight victory for Portugal, as they defeated Croatia 4-1 at home last Saturday. They will visit France in October in their third match in Group 3. In Paris, France came from behind to repeat their triumph in the final of the 2018 World Cup, beating Croatia 4-2, despite the absence of striker Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe, scoring the only goal in France’s victory over Sweden on Saturday, tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday and was separated from Didier Deschamps’ squad right after receiving the result. Dejan Lovren scored first for the visitors in the 18th minute, but Antoine Griezmann’s close-range effort and Dominik Livakovic’s own goal gave France the lead before the interval. Josip Brekalo managed to score an equalizer in the 56th minute, but Dayot Upamecano’s header and Olivier Giroud’s penalty secured the win for the hosts. Belgium swept Iceland 5-1 at home to lead Group 2 with two wins, and Denmark drew 0-0 with England as both teams failed to create good chances.
Uganda's Kiplimo is back By: Prince Martin
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hat Joshua Cheptegei can do, Jacob Kiplimo will strive to emulate. Ugandan 19-year-old former junior world champion Kiplimo on Tuesday showed he will be the man World record holder Cheptegei keeps an eye on, after he pulled off a stunning come-from behind 5000m win at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava. As Ethiopian World Championship silver medalist Selemon Barega mounted an assault on Stephen Cherono’s meet record of 12:48.81, Kiplimo had other ideas, stunning him in the last 400m to set a new personal best and meet record of 12:48.63. Barega came second in 12:49.08. Kiplimo has been out of action due to injury in the past year, but his comeback time is the second fastest this year in the 5000m after Cheptegei’s 12:35.36 last month, indicating some interesting races in the distance await the world from the two Ugandans. The 20-year-old Barega, the 5th-fastest man in history (12:43.02 pb), gave it his all, and set the pace but with four laps to the end, Kiplimo emerged among the race leaders. “Kiplimo kept the pressure on and with two laps remaining he went to the lead. Barega responded and stayed right behind him until the finishing stretch. Coming off the final turn, Barega moved wide to try to pass Kiplimo and fans got to witness a fantastic finish,” is how Lets Run described the race, adding that, ” Barega pulled almost dead even with Kiplimo but in the end Kiplimo got the win in a massive pb of 12:48.63, which also was a meet record.”
Burkina Faso Champion is also an Engineer
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ughes-Fabrice Zango is an engineer and a triple jump champion. When he is not training for the Olympic Games, he is preparing his thesis in electrical engineering. From 8AM to 4PM, Monday to Friday, Zango works as a researcher in the university laboratory. After 6PM and during weekends, he trains in athletics with the French national sport institute (INSEP). "The company was very magnanimous," Zango, said. "When I told them about my status as a sportsman and my ambitions to achieve my dreams of the Olympics and all that, the company was very understanding and we just set ourselves goals. There you go, there is not necessarily this commitment in terms of hours and all that, it's really achieved the objectives over time." Born in Kugudu, Burkina Faso, the 27 year-old moved to France last year to study at the Arthois University. “He is determined," Zango's INSEP coach, Teddy Tamgho, a triple jump world champion. "That is to say, when you know that you have an individual who leaves his country all alone, who comes to live in France, in addition to the north of France, and there is a big difference in climate with his native country, and who adapts perfectly, who excels academically, who also excels athletically... excuse the term, but he 'reeks' of determination." Zango's busy schedule and hard work are paying. At the 2016 Summer Olympics, Zango ranked 34th best out of 47 athletes for the triple jump. In 2019, he won the bronze medal at the World Championships in Doha. Next week, he will be competing at the French Championships in southwestern France.
Ronaldo surpasses 100 international goals as Portugal top Sweden in UEFA Nations League By: Prince Martin
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ristiano Ronaldo made history in Portugal’s 2-0 win over Sweden, as the legendary footballer became the first European to reach 100 international goals with the first of his two goals in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday.
Champions League finish the target for Arteta
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ikel Arteta is preparing for his first full season as Arsenal manager and there is quiet optimism among supporters about what's to come following the FA Cup-winning finish to the previous campaign. The Gunners endured bitter disappointment in the Premier League last season, limping to an eighth-placed finish - their lowest in a quarter of a century - despite appointing Arteta to replace Unai Emery in December.
The reigning champions visited Sweden with their captain Ronaldo back in the squad after the 35-yearold Juventus forward missed their opening Nations League match due to a toe problem three days earlier.
But the former midfielder has made a big impression in the dugout, and Arsenal's FA Cup triumph, in which they beat Manchester City in the semi-finals and Chelsea in the final, hinted at a promising future.
The veteran opened the score by firing a freekick before the break, then added a second by curling
Could a busy summer in the transfer market now help them crack the top four?
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AFRICAWORLD NEWS
Safari Sport Waterbuck in front of Tanzania's Mt Kilimanjaro
Namibian Zebra
Okavango Delta of Botswana
Lion pounces on Buffalo in Mt Kenya National Park
Elephants at play in Mt Kenya national park
Lion couple captured in Kenya National Park
Rhinos in Kafue National Park, Zambi
Cheetah eyeing prey, Kenya wild
Angry Elephant captured in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Zambian eagle in ight
Secretary bird from Botswana's Kalahari
Helmeted Guinea Fowl testing her wings, Zambia wild
Zimbabwe's KingďŹ sher
One of the seven world wonders, the Victoria Falls located between Zambia and Zimbabwe
Monkey family meeting in Mosi-oa-Tunya national park
Botswana Pangolin
AFRICAWORLD NEWS
Since January 2020 to date, killings, maiming, burning, looting and kidnappings have continued unabated from village to village in Southern Kaduna, dominated by Christians. It was gathered that between January and May, there have been over 63 terrorist attacks in which over 107 people have been killed and over 50 persons injured including women and children.
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Photo News
Opposition supporters protest against disputed presidential elections results at Independence Square in Minsk on Aug. 18, 2020. Sergei Gapon—AFP/Getty Images
Days after celebrating his 34th birthday, Usain Bolt has tested COVID-19 positive, as per a report. A radio station in Jamaica has reported that Bolt took a test for the Coronavirus a few days back, results of which came on Sunday, confirming that he had been infected. The Jamaican has been isolated and is yet to comment on the same.
Scotland wins Czech Republic 2-1 in the Nations League on Monday after quarantine rules a ected the latter. The Czech side, featuring nine debutants, was put together at the last minute after a coronavirus outbreak in the team.
The Geneva lawyer representing de São Vicente said last week that he denies any wrongdoing. His wife, who is a daughter of Angola’s former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos and an ex-deputy minister in the ruling MPLA party, said in a statement to Reuters he would be proved innocent. “The Angolan attorney general’s office has initiated an investigation process related to evidence of crimes of embezzlement, conspiracy in economic activity, influence peddling and money-laundering,” state broadcaster TPA reported on Tuesday. “It has decided to seize AAA buildings, IU and IKA hotels located throughout the country,” a TPA reporter added. An online company profile posted by AAA Activos LDA, which lists de São Vicente as an official contact, said it holds more than $1.4 billion in assets and owns 86 buildings, including one belonging to the IKA hotel chain and 12 to IU hotels. AAA was not immediately available for comment on the report.
Assets Linked to Carlos Sao Vicente Seized
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ngola’s attorney general has seized buildings and hotels belonging to AAA, a company associated with Carlos Manuel de São Vicente whose $900 million fortune has been frozen by Swiss authorities.
De São Vicente was a key figure in Angola’s oil industry, heading a group of companies, including AAA Seguros, which sold insurance and reinsurance contracts to state oil company Sonangol. An Angolan presidential decree revoked AAA’s insurance role over the oil industry in 2016, citing its “allegedly non-transparent management.”
Switzerland froze $900 million held in accounts belonging to de São Vicente in 2018 in a money-laundering investigation, marking one of the largest freezes of personal assets in Swiss history.
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AFRICAWORLD NEWS
H E A LT H
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Menstral health, let's talk about it
Six possible reasons behind a man's poor sexual performance
1. Menstruation is dirty/ bad blood
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any a marriage is on rocks because its sex department has gone down the drain. Some women have resorted to cheating in search of sexual satisfaction. However, this does not solve the problem. Solving the sex problem requires a couple's willingness to determine the underlying cause. Sex is an important part of a couple’s life, and when it goes wrong, it could gradually affect other parts of the relationship. These are some possible reasons why a man could be offering poor sex. Below is a brief discussion of the sex possible reasons behind a man's poor sexual performance: 1. Stress When stressed, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol which can result in a low sex drive. In response to stress, the arteries can also restrict blood flow, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. A study in the journal of Nervous and Mental Disease supported the notion that stress has a direct effect on sexual problems. 2. Lack of Enough Sleep Sleep is very important,and is especially good for a man’s sexual life. A good sleep would lead to a healthy body and mind; sleep provides the opportunity to refresh your body system. A lack of sleep can trigger an elevated cortisol levels, which would lead to poor sexual drive. A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &Metabolism (JCEM) found that men with low testosterone levels also had lower sleep efficiency. 3. Excessive Alcohol intake and Drug Abuse Excessive alcohol intake can also impair a man’ssexual drive. Too much alcohol intake can impair his nervous system, leading to fatigue, which would make it more difficult for him to maintain an erection during sex. Marijuana and other drugs can also affect a man’s sex drive; they can suppress the pituitary gland which regulates the production of testosterone. 4. Low Self-Esteem When a man isn’t feeling confident or capable, this can affect his performance. When a man doesn’t feel good about his body, his organ or himself, he would definitely have a poor time in bed. 5. Erectile Dysfunction Erectile dysfunction is another huge factor for poor performance in men. It is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Having erection trouble occasionally isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but when it keeps coming then it could be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment something the Active man sex powder can correct speedily. 6. Depression There is a definite link between libido and depression. When a man is feeling depressed, he would definitely find it difficult to get excited for sex; it would be almost impossible to get him aroused. A successful marriage includes quality sex. Sources: Department of Health (2012) Compassion in Practice: Nursing, Midwifery and Care Staff: Our Vision and Strategy. Dr.Oyebade Jerry Hood LJ (2010) Leddy and Pepper’s Conceptual Bases of Professional Nursing. Philadelphia PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.
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e get it, menstruation isn’t the favorite topic in the streets. It’s an issue usually spoken in hushed tones. Men/boys have been taught to distance themselves from the issue. It has made them create stigmas and misconceptions. It makes many uncomfortable, cringe, disgusted, shy, quick to snatch sanctuary in cultural sensitivity and well whatever they choose to feel. So, we impressed it would be valuable to clear out a few popular myths about menstruation.
There is no impurity linked to menstruation. It’s not rejected blood. And yes it is different from the blood that moves through the veins. It has fewer blood cells than ordinary blood. Its nature, a gift from God. 2. Menstruation stinks It doesn’t as long as one practices proper hygienic routines. It keeps unnecessary stinking and odors. 3. The cycle is regular in 28 days and 5-7 days of bleeding
What you should know about Coronavirus
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he novel Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is part of a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Periods are not predictable. Bodies vary and function differently. All depending on the diet, genetic factors, environment, and stress levels. 4. Women cannot participate in activities as it is paused risky and dangerous It’s safe for women to participate in sports. It’s healthy and good for cramps. Many girls tend to show fatigue due to inadequate consumption of iron during periods.
Discovered in 2019 in China’s Wuhan, Covid-19 has had a ripple effect on the whole world. Countries across the globe 5. Periods= Bad Moods have imposed bans on flights, alcohol sell, gatherings and schools too have not been spared. First things first women are not always on that “time of the month.” Can’t girl steam off Periods can be a bit uncomfortable for others. It At the height of massive infections and deaths that have been can take one through an unwelcomed roller coaster of emotions recorded world-over, myths surrounding symptoms, treatment because of the hormones. Moods do change but that does not mean and prevention of Covid-19. each time someone is in a bad mood it’s that time of the month. Urgh, a little respect, please. Covid-19 symptoms 6. You lose a lot of blood The symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to those of a common cold and they include: The truth is it might seem like it but don’t worry maybe you haven’t Runny nose lost as much as you think. Women vary when it comes to periods. If Cough you feel yours are beyond your understanding see a doctor. Sore throat Sometimes headache 7. Period poverty is only found in less-developed areas. A fever, which can last for a couple of days. Being in a developed area doesn’t necessarily mean they are Patients who have experienced a mild cough for a week, a mild immune to period poverty. Period poverty is a growing concern in to moderate upper respiratory tract illness followed by many countries shortness of breath leading to pneumonia or bronchitis have reportedly been victims of the virus, (ABSA health report). 8. Period pain/cramps are exaggerated According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Covid-19 self-medication has been popularized especially in Africa, something that has counteracted health guidelines meant to slowdown the spread of the virus. Health experts have always advised against self-medication. Prevention Preventing the spread of the virus is a universal responsibility. Each one of us ought to prevent themselves and others from getting the virus. Health experts have suggested the following measures: Stay home if you are sick Practice social distancing Stay home if you are sick Cover your mouth when coughing and sneeze Mask-up Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to boost your immune system
The pain is real and it differs. Some can be okay after taking painkillers or herbals while others need to go home and curl up in bed. Not all pain should be tolerated. Go see a doctor it could be more and always remember never self-medicate yourself. 9. Periods kill crops and turn wine sour Sounds weird and unreal but a Roman naturalist named Pliny The Elder had some crazy ideas of his own that have circulated and normalized. He states that when a woman who is menstruating comes in contact with new wine it turns sour and crops become barren or die. Many people have their theories on how periods can create havoc but it’s not true. Knowledge is out there, one needs to ask the right questions. Let’s all play our part in ditching the myths. Ask your doctor. By: Rutendo S. Maturure
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AFRICAWORLD NEWS
THE BIAFRA ROADMAP: My Thesis on Sabotage PART 1 cont Historical account accords Nri, the right to being the spiritual centre of the Igbos, hence –Obu Gad-, which is the –House of Gad- situates there. Some of the ritualistic life of the Igbos comes into focus on a closer juxtaposition with aspects of the Bible, especially the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament. A closer look at that book, in many ways, teaches people of faith about God's holiness, expectations and the necessity of ritualistic sacrifice and atonement. It is here that sabotage comes in against the supreme Deity in heaven. From the rituals, names and reference to the highest God whom they believe dwell in heaven, one needless be convinced the Biafrans have a strong connection with the Creator of the universe. Hence, all sorts of chequered history: from slavery, colonial domination, genocide and the global conspiracy to keep quiet, and even shut them up if possible, in the face of the Fulani jihad onslaught, to threats of annihilation. Religious sabotage comes in two ways, idolatry and fake prophets. Over the centuries of their spiritual journey, Igbos and their relatives have digressed from the path to their great God. Many of their ancestors imported different gods for various purposes: some came through marriages; others came through maintaining social class while greed played a part too. As a matter of fact, the reasons cited above have brought about sabotage to the ways of worship and total reverence to Chukwu Okike Abiama, who always maintain that he is a jealous one. Like the sabotage of the Arochukwu slave oligarch from the 16th to 20th century, using Ibini Ukpabi, many had done the same across the length of Biafra land. Most of the shrines we see today were not there originally, but came in to act as dwelling places to gods, which gave them the audacity to sabotage the ultimate role of the great Deity in heaven. Let me tell you the factual truth, Christianity was accepted in many hearts of the people due to a couple of reasons, mainly liberty due to slavery, similarities in certain aspects of the puritanical ways of worship and the total control of the lives of the people. These gods, their priests and cult groups became manipulators of the people's religious lives as the centuries progressed. Due to the age-long sabotage, the search for Chukwu Okike has made people vulnerable to transcending manipulations of divergent ways, from what has metamorphosed into aspects of traditional religion and colonial Christianity to what we have now, which seemed to be at daggers drawn with the other, on one hand, and with the original ways of truth and purity in the invocation of Chukwu Okike. It is important that I remind children of Biafra that you don't suck bumps when you have breasts. Due to our sabotage and idolatry, we were enslaved, colonized and now being ruled by filthy people that, ordinarily are less worthy to dine with us. Like I argued earlier on, many of our traditional ways, especially rituals are contained in the ancient books of worship to the most high, for instance the Bible. They are too numerous to mention: New yam festival, circumcision, inheritance of a late brother's wife, abstinence from a periodic woman and sex unless married and more. A closer study and critique of the Igbo Odinala shows adulteration and sabotage from generation to another. As I argued in traditional religion, so it is today. Fake prophets and clergy abound. Our people say that it is the kitchen rat that informs the one that dwell outside that there are smoked fish in ngiga. Colonialism paved the way for Christianity. Although the latter could be argued as a positive development in some aspects due to elements of barbarism and injustice, however, one of the main reasons was the smoked fish in the ngiga. In the autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano (1789), which depicted the horrors of slavery, the former Igbo slave provided a window to view the ways of his people during the 18th century. Apart from occasional views through bilateral contacts with flourishing kingdoms, the European had no authoritative account of the Biafran way of life. Olaudah Equiano provided it when he equated Jewish rituals with that of his people, on reaching the new world. So the colonizer came with some of their missionaries to subvert our Odinala, but the fact remains that it was already adulterated before the arrival of Christianity. On that foundation and spirit of sabotage, Christianity gained ground. This is why I can also argue that Christianity is a tool for trade as Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said; -they took our land when we looked at their Bible. So a Christianity transported into Biafra with aspects of greed met an adulterated Odinala, of which a burgeoning class of traditional elites and priests, who profited from the slave trade, firmly controlled. I can comfortably marshal out instances that buttress my points that both European Christianity and the Biafran Odinala they met were borne out of greed and domination. And these adulterated ways of worship sabotage the ritualistic purity demanded by the creator, Chukwu Okike Abiama. My dad told us a story when we moved from Aba to Egbema where he was transferred by the Board of Internal Revenue as Government Chief Tax Collector. The headquarters was in Mmahu, but one day, he drove us to Obiakpu, a memorable place for Uyokanjo his father and his descendants. My grandfather, Thompson Nnanna Okorie aka Uyokanjo worked as a colonial court official, but he was a bridge between the old and new Igbo land during his time. We went to the relic of the house in which my grandfather had lived in Obiakpu, Egbema. Around the house, my granddad had fought so hard to save new twins that tradition had marked for annihilation. That effort marked the beginning of our relationship with that a particular Obiakpu family, and we savour the union till this day. Despite elements of positive ways in today's worship, we have seen efforts in sabotage being carried out in some places that ought to be called Churches. As I scribble down my points in this thesis, I will not hesitate to marshal out my panacea to this unending woe from saboteurs masquerading as Dibias and the Clergy. Forget the external threats on the road to Biafra, the sabotage is more deadly within. Remember, the dance on the forest path derives inspiration from a drummer nearby. Continue from part 2 next week
Kaduna
HOW OBAMA FOISTED A JIHADIST ON NIGERIA By Ukachukwu Okorie
Cont.
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fricaWorld have seen another viral video of the former Nigerian leader, Goodluck Jonathan informing the world the depth of Obama’s involvement in the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari, who at one time, was nominated by Boko Haram to negotiate on their behalf.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is now hailed as a great leader by many since the man who defeated him sunk Nigeria into a ‘Banana Republic’, revealed further on the popupar Chipok Girls saga. According to Goodluck, the protest and manner of the kidnap was choreographed, and Barak Obama was biased in favour of Muhammadu Buhari during the 2015 elections. The former US president went as far as issuing a video to Nigerians advising them to vote for the ‘Next Chapter’. Even the US first lady, Michelle Obama was seen carrying a placard inscribed ‘Bring Back Our Girls’. On the eve of elections, US foreign Secretary, John Kerry visited Nigeria and travelled to the north, ignoring the president while meeting Muhammadu Buhari and Fulani leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto. It could be remembered that President Obama hosted northern Governors at a time during the Goodluck era. On the issue of the politicized missing Chibok girls, Jonathan said, “I cannot take responsibility for the abduction. I don’t control Boko Haram. They are criminals”. Since 2015, Muhammadu Buhari has been in power, and terrorist groups have been on rampage, and evidence abound on the connivance of some government officials. Today, terrorist groups are now over six in number, killing and maiming Nigerians and their west African neighbours on a daily basis. Wall Street Journal writer, Bernard-Henri Lévy captures the atmosphere in today’s Nigeria, “A slow-motion war is under way in Africa’s most populous country. It’s a massacre of Christians, massive in scale and horrific in brutality. And the world has hardly noticed.” The killing in Nigeria, especially Christians had US President Trump querying Buhari in Washington on April 30, 2018, during the latter’s visit. Although President Trump sources was said to have referred Muhammadu Buhari as ‘Cold’, nonetheless, the US leader sought about the latter’s efforts to end it. According to World Watch Monitor, which reports the story of Christians around the world under pressure for their faith, “There have been almost 47,000 deaths from Fulani militants, bandits and criminals from 2015 up to 31 January 2020).” The government of President Muhammadu Buhari, which have failed to end the Boko Haram rampage as promised, however boost Fulani terrorism through their body language and flagrant donation of government cash. The former US president, Barak Obama is very unpopular in Nigeria today unlike during his time in office. According to AfricaWorld random poll, the ‘curse’ of the Buhari presidency and Fulani bloodletting across the country was brought upon them by Obama. Many Nigerians fear that the Buhari presidency will plunge the country into conflict and eventual disintegration, as a quiet and brutal killing go on against Christians in the middle belt, particularly Kaduna, and indigenous Nigerians over Fulani quest to occupy ancestral lands. The worst of it is that major security apparatus in the country are controlled by the Fulani and those loyal to them. Our source informed that Nigeria is sitting on a time bomb and the world feigns ignorance.
Editorial Board Editor-in-chief - Ukachukwu Okorie Managing Editor - Ollus Ndomu. Reporter - Prince Martin Managing Director, Uyokanjo Group - Uche Muonwe. All correspondence to africaworldnews@gmail.com Ollus +260 97 3231454 Uche +234 816 763 3587
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AFRICAWORLD NEWS
THE 1958 WILLINK COMMISSION REPORT IN NIGERIA THE FEARS AND GRIEVANCES OF MINORITIES: 7. “It was suggested (by non-Igbo petitioners) that it was the deliberate object of the Ibo majority in the Region to fill every post with Ibos (in public post and services).….when, however we came to consider specific complaints about the composition of public bodies, we found them in many cases exaggerated or unreasonable.” 8. “The allegation was put forward by counsel (to petitioners) that the Judiciary (when not European) was predominantly Igbo, with the implication that this caused fear among those who are not Ibos. But it was clearly stated in evidence by Dr. Udoma, the leader of UNIP, that no occasion could be adduced of the judiciary acting with partiality. The fact is that the legal profession is largely Igbos and the reasons for this do not seem to be Government action. It is therefore inevitable that there should be an Igbo preponderance among Judges and Magistrates. Further, it is the declared policy of Government that the Judiciary should be federal and this does not indicate a desire to control it. Again, the operation and composition of Public Service Commission here, as in the West, appeared to us in no way open to reproach.”
1. “More than 98% of people who inhabit this area (the ‘Igbo Plateau’ of the Eastern region) are Igbo and speak one language, though of course with certain differences of dialect. There are nearly five million of them and they are too many for the soil to support: they are vigorous and intelligent and have pushed outward in every direction, seeking a livelihood by trade or in service in the surrounding areas of the Eastern Region, in the Western Region, in the North and outside Nigeria. They are no more popular with their neighbours than is usual in the case of an energetic and expanding people whose neighbours have a more leisurely outlook on life.” 2. “Though there has been no great kingdom or indigenous culture in the Eastern Region, the coastal chiefs grew on their trade with the (European merchant) ships and they adopted customs, clothing and housing more advanced than those of the peoples of the interior on whom they had at first preyed for slaves. They came during the 19th Century to regard the people of the interior as backward and ignorant, and it was therefore a blow to their pride, as well as to their pockets, when the Ibos began to push outwards into the surrounding fringe of the country and particularly into the Calabar area, to take up land, to grow rich, to own houses and lorries and occupy posts in public services and in the services of large trading firms.” “It was among the Igbos, formerly despised by the people of Calabar as source of slaves and as a backward people of the interior, now feared and disliked as energetic and educated, that the first political party formed.”
9. “In the Police, which in this region alone is wholly Federal, the number of Ibos in the higher appointments is not out of proportion to the Ibos in the region. The force is now federally controlled and although there are a large number of Ibos in the lower ranks, this is due to the fact that it has for long been a tradition among the Ibos to offer themselves for recruitment in this force in far greater numbers than any other tribe.” 10. “we noted that in five years, 1952 – 1957, from a total of 412 secondary scholarships, 216 were awarded to persons living in the COR areas, while the figures for post-secondary scholarships were 211 out of 623. The latter is about the right proportion of onethird, the former considerably in excess. It was suggested that scholarships awarded to non-Ibos were of an inferior kind and that the best scholarships went to Ibos, but we were, unable to see that this claim held any validity. On the evidence before us, we conclude that the allegations of discriminations in the matter of scholarships are unjustified.” 11. “It was further suggested that loans by the Eastern Regional Finance Corporation, the Eastern Region Development Board, and the Eastern Region Development Corporation were made with some degree of preference to Ibos. It did appear that most of the loans made by these bodies were to Ibos, but that is not to say that this was necessarily improper. Ibos constitute two thirds of the population of the region and have a bigger share of financial and commercial responsibility than their numbers warrant.”
12. “That there should be modern streetlight in Onitsha, and not Calabar, was also quoted as example of discrimination; it proved however that 3. “It is important to remember that of this (Ogoja) Onitsha Urban District Council had financed this Province’s 1,082,000 inhabitants, 723,000 are Ibos, measure from their own resources.” almost entirely in Abakaliki and Afikpo (Divisions), while the census classifies 350,000 as “Other 13. “The question of land was repeatedly raised, it Nigerian Tribes.” being resented by the Efiks and Ibibios that the Igbos should acquire land at all in their territory while the 4. The Rivers Province …includes the two divisions of methods by which it was obtained were also Brass and Degema, both overwhelmingly Ijaw, and questioned. There is no doubt that on the Igbo the Ogoni Division. The former Rivers Division also Plateau there is insufficient land for the people and includes over 300,000 Ibos of whom 250,000 are in the Igbos are thrusting outwards where possible they Ahoada Division and 45,000 in Port Harcourt. Port acquire land and use it either for cultivation or Harcourt is a town of recent growth and of rapidly building…..This is a matter which will require increasing importance; it is built on land that blonged legislation sooner or later and it will be delicate to originally to an outlying branch of the Ibo tribe, the handle, but the economic process is in itself healthy Diobus, but is largely inhabited by the Ibos from the and we had little sympathy with a witness who interior who have come to trade or seek remarked that there is much undeveloped land in the employment….Of the total 747,000 in the Rivers district and he was anxious that it should not fall into province, 305,000 are Igbos, 240,000 are Ijaws and the hand of the Igbos… We believe that Governments 156,000 are Ogonis.” in Nigeria should be careful not to try to protect minorities by introducing measures that would restrict 5. “The strip to the south of the Igbo block, is development and progress. physically, divided by a block of Igbo territory, tipped by the important Igbo town of Port Harcourt and N/B: IKWERRE, ETCHE, EKPEYE, OPOPO, tribally divided between the Ijaws and the Ogonis.” IBANI(BONN 7y78URATTA,OGBA, NDOKI ARE ALL INDIGINEOUS IGBO EXTRACTION IN RIVERS 6. “In the whole of this non-Igbo area there is present S TAT E ( R I V E R S I G B O S ) . B E F O R E in varying degree some fear of being over-run, INDEPENDENCE THERE WAS NO IDENTITY commercially and politically, by the Igbos….. if CRISIS AMONG THEM.THIS IS WILLINKS Ahoada and Port Harcourt, which are really Igbo, are COMMISSION REPORT TO QUEEN OF ENGLAND considered with the solid centre of Ibo population, 1958. Credit - Mazi Nnamdi Kanu there are 54 seats for the Ibo area and 30 for COR (Calabar, Ogoja and Rivers) in (Eastern Regional By Udumeze Ukwu House of Assembly).”
Mali 'New Rulers' in consultation amidst pressure
M
ali's military junta on Thursday launched a three-day "national consultation" with political parties, unions and NGOs, facing questions at home and pressure from abroad over its plans for returning the country to civilian rule. Around 500 people are attending the forum, unfolding at a conference centre in Bamako, the capital. The talks mark the second round of discussions between the young officers who overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on August 18 and civilian representatives, many of whom had campaigned fiercely for him to resign. - Foreign pressure Early jubilation among many Malians over Keita's exit has been superseded by questions and also divisions over the speed of the handover and the military's role in the transition period. The coup -- Mali's fourth since gaining independence from France in 1960 - came after months of protests, stoked by Keita's failure to roll back a bloody jihadist insurgency and fix the country's many economic woes. Mali's neighbours have watched with concern, fearing the country could spiral back into chaos -- a scenario that eight years ago helped fuel the jihadist revolt which now rattles Niger and Burkina Faso. The junta initially talked of a three-year transition, corresponding to the time left in Keita's second five-year mandate, that would be overseen by a soldier. - ECOWAS role and demand In contrast, the 15-nation regional bloc ECOWAS has set a hard line, closing borders, banning trade with Mali and insisting that the handover last 12 months maximum. In the runup to the talks, the group said Mali's civilian transition president and premier must be appointed no later than September 15. The so-called June 5 Movement, which engineered the wave of anti-Keita protests, is split.ome voices argue in favour of giving the military a long handover in order to tackle the problems that have driven the country to the brink. Others say that this would simply worsen instability -- four more Malian troops were killed in an attack on the eve of the talks -- and set a poor example for democracy in West Africa. A committee of around 20 lawyers, researchers and academics has drawn up a draft "road map" resulting from a first round of talks on Saturday. This document will be put to the forum "for amendment, improvement and enrichment", its chair, Diarra Fatoumata Dembele, told AFP.
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