Date: Thursday, 5 November, 2015
Time: 1pm-3pm
Topic: 'The Problem of Corruption and the Government of Muhammadu Buhari: An Assessment of Issues so far'
Guest Presenter: Dr Bukola Akintola-Adesina, Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan
Discussants: Dr Babatunde Oyedeji & Dr Eno Iwara
Didactic Intervention: Dr Olu Ojedokun: 'The Problematic of Competing or Reconcilable Paradigms in The Adaptation of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Model in Addressing Crimes of Corruption in Nigeria.'
Venue: International Conference Centre, Lead City University, Ibadan.
Expected also are senior officials from ICPC , JDPC and NBA
All are cordially invited.
RSVP: Mr. Akinbowale 08054729995 Dr Oseni (Ag. HOD) 08161198400
Saturday, 31 October 2015
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
Pope: The Bible is a Dangerous Book...
Pope Francis: The Bible is a Dangerous Book
Here is the Prologue written by Pope Francis to the new Youth Bible to be published on Oct 21.
My dear young friends:
If you could see my Bible, you would not be particularly impressed. What—that’s the Pope’s Bible? Such an old, worn-out book!
You could buy me a new one for $1,000, but I would not want it. I love my old Bible, which has accompanied me half my life. It has been with me in my times of joy and times of tears. It is my most precious treasure. I live out of it, and I wouldn’t give anything in the world for it.
I really like this new Youth Bible. It’s so colorful, so rich in testimonies: testimonies of the saints, testimonies of young people. It is so inviting that when you start to read at the beginning, you can’t stop until the last page.
And then …? And then it disappears on a shelf, collecting dust. Your children find it one day and bring it to the flea market.
It must not come to that.
I’ll tell you something: There are more persecuted Christians in the world today than in the early days of the Church. And why are they persecuted? They are persecuted because they wear a cross and bear witness to Jesus. They are convicted because they own a Bible. The Bible is therefore a highly dangerous book—so dangerous that you are treated in some countries as if you were hiding hand grenades in your closet.
It was a non-Christian, Mahatma Gandhi, who once said: “You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down, and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of literature.”
So what do you have in your hands? A piece of literature? Some nice old stories? Then you would have to say to the many Christians who go to prison or are tortured because they own a Bible: “How foolish you are; it’s just a piece of literature!”
No. By the word of God has Light come into the world, and it will never go out. In Evangelii Gaudium (175) I said, “We do not blindly seek God, or wait for him to speak to us first, for ‘God has already spoken, and there is nothing further that we need to know, which has not been revealed to us.’ Let us receive the sublime treasure of the revealed word.”
So you have something divine in your hands: a book like fire! A book through which God speaks. So notice: The Bible is not meant to be placed on a shelf, but to be in your hands, to read often—every day, both on your own and together with others. You do sports together or go shopping together. Why not read the Bible together as well—two, three, or four of you? In nature, in the woods, on the beach, at night in the glow of a few candles … you will have a great experience!
Or are you afraid of making a fool of yourself in front of others?
Read with attention! Do not stay on the surface as if reading a comic book! Never just skim the Word of God! Ask yourself: “What does this say to my heart? Does God speak through these words to me? Has he touched me in the depths of my longing? What should I do?” Only in this way can the force of the Word of God unfold. Only in this way can it change our lives, making them great and beautiful.
I want to tell you how I read my old Bible. Often I read a little and then put it away and contemplate the Lord. Not that I see the Lord, but he looks at me. He’s there. I let myself look at him. And I feel—this is not sentimentality—I feel deeply the things that the Lord tells me. Sometimes he does not speak. I then feel nothing, only emptiness, emptiness, emptiness…. But I remain patiently, and so I wait, reading and praying. I pray sitting, because it hurts me to kneel. Sometimes I even fall asleep while praying. But it does not matter. I’m like a son with the father, and that is what’s important.
Would you like to make me happy? Read the Bible!
Pope Francis
I have gleaned this from Uncle Emmanuel Oladipo's email.
Monday, 26 October 2015
Hot dogs, bacon and other processed meats cause cancer, World Health Organization declares
(WASHINGTON POST)
... A research division of the World Health Organization announced Monday that bacon, sausage and other processed meats cause cancer and that red meat probably does, too.
... A research division of the World Health Organization announced Monday that bacon, sausage and other processed meats cause cancer and that red meat probably does, too.
The report by the influential group stakes out one of the most aggressive stances against meat taken by a major health organization, and it is expected to face stiff criticism in the United States. The WHO findings were drafted by a panel of 22 international experts who reviewed decades of research on the link between red meat, processed meats and cancer. The pan el reviewed animal experiments, studies of human diet and health, and cell processes that could explain how red meat might cause cancer. ...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/…/hot-dogs-bacon-and-other-p…/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/…/hot-dogs-bacon-and-other-p…/
Sunday, 25 October 2015
10 communication secrets of great leaders
No one ever became a great leader without first becoming a great communicator.
Great leaders connect with people on an emotional level every time they speak. Their words inspire others to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Great communicators are intentional about it, and there are 10 secrets they rely on to deliver a powerful message. Put these secrets to work in your communication and watch your influence soar.
1. They Know Their Audience
Great communicators don’t worry about sounding important, showing off their expertise, or boosting their own egos. Instead, they think about what people need to hear, and how they can deliver this message so that people will be able to hear it. This doesn’t mean that leaders tell people what they want to hear. Quite the opposite—they tell people what’s important for them to know, even if it’s bad news.
2. They Are Experts In Body Language
Great communicators are constantly tracking people’s reactions to their message. They are quick to pick up on cues like facial expressions and body language because they know this is the only feedback many people will give them. Great communicators use this expertise to tailor their message on the fly and adjust their communication style as needed.
3. They Are Honest
The best leaders know that for communication to be effective it has to be real. They can’t have people parsing every word trying to separate fact from spin. When great communicators can’t share certain information, they come right out and say it because makeshift, half-truth answers breed distrust and anxiety. In good times and bad, honesty builds trust.
4. They Are Authentic
Great communicators don’t try to be someone they’re not just because they’ve stepped behind a podium. There’s a reason Mark Zuckerberg presented Facebook to investors in a hoodie and jeans. Great leaders know that when they stay true to who they are, people gravitate to their message. They also know the opposite happens when leaders put on an act.
5. They Speak With Authority
Great communicators don’t try to cover their backs by being ambiguous, wishy-washy, or unassertive. Instead, they stick their necks out and speak very directly about how things are and how they need to be.
6. They Speak To Groups As Individuals
Leaders rarely have the luxury of speaking to one person at a time. Whether it’s a huddle around a conference table or an overflowing auditorium, great leaders know how to work the room and make every single person feel as if he or she is being spoken to directly.
7. They Have Ears (And They Use Them)
Great leaders know that communication is a two-way street and what they hear is often more important than what they say. When someone else is speaking, great communicators aren’t thinking ahead and planning what they’ll say next. Instead, they’re actively listening, fully focused on understanding the other person’s perspective.
8. They Use Phrases Like “It’s My Fault,” “I Was Wrong,” and “I’m Sorry”
When great leaders make a mistake, they admit it right away. They don’t wait for someone else to find and point out their blunder. They model accountability for their words and actions, even when they could have easily “gotten away” with the mistake. And they do it matter-of-factly, without drama or false humility.
9. They Solicit Feedback
The best communicators never assume that the message people heard is the exact same one they intended to deliver. They check in to verify that their message was understood correctly, and, if it was not, they don’t blame the audience. Instead, they change things up and try again.
10. They’re Proactive
Leaders with the best communication skills don’t waste time playing catch-up. They’re quick to head off the rumor mill by sharing bad news in a timely manner. They also give clear, concise goals and directions so people don’t waste their time heading in the wrong direction.
Bringing It All Together
Great communicators stand out from the crowd. They’re honest. They’re authentic. They listen. They excel in communication because they value it, and that’s the critical first step to becoming a great leader.
What other strategies make for great communication? Please share your thoughts on leadership and communication in the comments section below, as I learn just as much from you as you do from me.
Friday, 23 October 2015
DR. OLU OJEDOKUN SHORTLISTED FOR 'FAITH BASED WRITER' OF THE YEAR
Olu Ojedokun has shortlisted for 'Faith based writer of the year' by Nigerian Writer's Awards 2015 for his two books 'I found my voice' and 'Joy in place of grief'.
Read more....http://pulse.ng/prose_poetry/nigerian-writers-award-2015-list-of-231-nominees-shortlisted-in-24-categories-id4287543.html
The two books may be purchased from this site, please go to the side bar to click and purchase your copies.
Read more....http://pulse.ng/prose_poetry/nigerian-writers-award-2015-list-of-231-nominees-shortlisted-in-24-categories-id4287543.html
The two books may be purchased from this site, please go to the side bar to click and purchase your copies.
Saturday, 17 October 2015
‘FAREWELL TO GREAT IFE’
Over the next few months
in 1988, I devoted my attention to my budding ‘legal practice’ on the campus. The Obafemi Awolowo Student’s Union
allowed law students to set up chambers and law offices. It is through these
that many students were represented when they had matters before the Students’
Union Judicial Council. Practising final
Year law students were addressed as ‘Senior
Advocates of the Campus’ (SAC). Pedro Okoro, my friend was elected the ‘Lord Chancellor’ and sat with other
elected judges who adjudicated over various cases. As a result of my practice, I became the
Legal Adviser to the Medical Students’ Association and was involved in
providing them some strategic political advice during their national
convention. I took on a number of cases, spending a significant amount of time
before the Judicial Council. I remember
representing ’Tunde Olupona, my friend and classmate who had been dismissed as
an Editor of the Bang magazine. Through
grit, application and determination we won the case and he was reinstated.
It was with some regret
that I narrowly missed obtaining a Second Class Lower degree and I had to
settle for Third Class honours. It was
International Law that appeared to bring down my cumulative grade point average
and even though I was rebuked by one of my lecturers for the choice of course I
do not regret choosing it. Many of my
friends were not surprised feeling it was a reflection of the limited time I devoted
to my studies. I place things in perspective and believe it was a joy to
graduate, for someone who was rusticated just before promotion examinations; I
am at least very thankful to God. The
pain of a Third Class degree was later erased when I obtained a Masters with distinction
and acquired a Doctorate degree in the United Kingdom at The Nottingham Trent
University. It was onwards to Victoria
Island, Lagos to attend the Nigerian Law School and qualify as a Barrister and
Solicitor. Once I got there, in search
of my father’s identity and achievements, I spent a lot of time visiting the
Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) on the Victoria Island and I
became an Associate member. I felt at
home and dwelt on pleasant memories of my father and was able to meet with his
friend Mr. ’Gboyega Banjo, the Director of Library and Documentation Services
at the Institute. Mr. Banjo had been one
of the librarians at the University of Lagos while my father worked there and
they had struck up a close friendship. I
have kept close contact with him over the years and I appreciate the time he
has always given me.
The Institute’s
buildings were completed in 1965 but its architecture had been designed far ahead
of its time. It had the main building, an
imposing two floors, surrounding with verandas and flats at the top; the ground
floor housed the open plan library. The
lecture theatre was attached to it like a complex and was regularly hired out
to members of the public because of the sedate atmosphere it projected. There
was the octagon shaped council chambers used for roundtable conferences and
other seminars. It was in here all the
portraits of past Directors-General including my father’s adorned the
walls. Later on and extension of a two
story building was added but it struggled to conform to the earlier classical
architecture. It was there the Directors
of the Institute relocated their offices.
At the NIIA, in the
lecture theatre, I became reacquainted with General Olusegun Obasanjo who was
then the former military Head of State of Nigeria. He had been invited to deliver a lecture and
his invitation was solely because of the stature and the added credence he gave
to the event.
In 1985 through the
courtesy of my Uncle Chief Adeagbo Odeniyi, I had visited him on his farm at
Otta. My uncle a budding farmer was
intent on expansion and thought the General could offer a way forward. We were ushered into the presence of Obasanjo
who was bedecked in a simple danshiki and was seated on a table. He looked older and his frame less rotund but
he had maintained his wicked sense of humour.
I had looked forward to sumptuous meal to satisfy the cravings of my
palate, however, all he was able to offer was a visit to the worker’s canteen,
which I politely declined. However, this
was not my only close proximity to the General, his son Olusegun was close to
me at King’s College where I was his senior and then we later became classmates. The General impressed me as someone who had
the good of the country at heart but was too self-opinionated to accept
mistakes when he made them.
At the same NIIA
lecture theatre, I also had the privilege of listening to baritone voice of
Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, an ex-minister under President Sheu Shagari, who later
became the Finance Minister under Obasanjo. He had come to deliver a lecture at the
Institute. He shared an anecdote about two
ministers, a Nigerian and an Argentinian in an attempt to describe the extent
of the prevailing corruption. The
Nigerian minister had visited the Argentinian minster in Buenos Aires and was
astonished by the extent of his wealth and the opulence he displayed. The inquisitive Nigerian minister asked the
Argentina about the source of his wealth.
In response, the minister took him to a newly constructed bridge,
pointed to it and I said:
‘You
see that bridge, ten percent of it was mine.’
The Nigerian minister
shook his head assimilated the information and returned to Nigeria. A year later, there was an exchange visit by his
Argentinean counterpart. The minister
was befuddled and confounded by the extent and extravagance displayed by the
Nigerian minister. He wondered aloud to
the Nigeria about the newly acquired wealth.
The Nigerian took him on a tour of a derelict site, a site so extensive
and then pointed to it and told the minister:
‘You
see that uncompleted project out there?
Hundred percent of it was mine.’
After completing Law
School I found myself following my twin’s footpath, she had undertaken her
one-year compulsory National Youth Service in Ogun State and now I discovered I
was posted to the same state of the Nigerian Federation. I arrived early in the morning at Onikolobo,
Abeokuta the Youth Corpers camp, a derelict school, with classrooms set up in
dormitory style. I remain grateful to the then Treasurer of the KCOBA who
ensured I had adequate pocket money at the time. The washing facilities where make shift and
we had to make do with dug up pits in the ground. Abeokuta, a Yoruba town with some very recent
illustrious history behind it, got is name because of its hilly terrain and it
means a town under the rock. Most of its
indigenes were refugees from the ravages of the 19th century Yoruba
Civil War.
I assumed that I would
settle for a quiet life in Ogun State but when I saw Kekemeke D. Isaacs, ’Yinka
Odumakin, Adeniyi Adewunmi and Adeniran at the camp I knew that it would be far
from quiet. I was elected the Chairman
of the Food Committee of the camp and this meant I avoided most of the
strenuous activities other Youth Corp members were expected to engage in. The whole catering operation in the camp was
a hotbed of corruption and Adeniran and I spent most of the time thwarting
attempts by staff to pilfer the food. On
a few occasions the staff attempted to bribe us with choice cuts of prime beef,
but Adeniran and myself took a principled stand and rejected any such attempts.
I made it a point of duty to accompany the staff to the wholesale markets to
establish none of the purchasing processes were inflated. It was at the camp I
became close to a reserved but beautiful lady, Olajumoke Akinkuolie who later agreed
to become my wife. My attempts at
foiling corruption once brought the wrath of one of the caterers who proceeded
to give me a trouncing. It was the quick
thinking of Adeniran and other Camp staff’s intervention that saved me from a utter
and complete mauling.
At the end of the six
weeks camp, to my utter surprise I was elected into the Executive of the
Christian Corpers’ Fellowship as Abeokuta Zonal co-ordinator. This ensured that my time of service was occupied
with spiritual exploits, which I mixed with my new life as a State
Prosecutor. I would hold court in
Oke-Ijeun a nicely proportioned bungalow which Dr. Olufemi Ashley-Dejo the
father of my friend ‘AD99’ had allowed me to use for the year. You could hear many in the locality hailing
me ‘Lawyer, Lawyer.’ It would seem that from now on I would
restrict myself simply to matters, which seemed spiritual.
However, whilst Nigeria
continues to stumble around for lack of leadership I cannot remain silent nor
on the sidelines and the next chapter will begin to explore the way forward for
our nation. I repeat the words of Dr.
Martin Luther King that:
“Our lives begin to end the day we become
silent about things that matter.”
It would seem that my
history, my father’s memories have prepared me for such a time as this.
Wednesday, 14 October 2015
Saturday, 10 October 2015
Friday, 9 October 2015
Thursday, 8 October 2015
‘Aluta Continua!’
At University, the Obafemi Awolowo University, ‘The Struggle Continues’ was a popular
refrain or slogan, depending on what side of the arena you sat. I had become interested in student's union
activities right from secondary school at the legendary King's College, Lagos
and pursued the interest into University.
I had always
fantasised about being a radical, I scribbled and carved pictures of myself on
desks and labelled myself 'Oje the Power'
or 'Oje the Pirate' with an eye patch
shrouding my eye for revolutionary effect, but the reality when I was
temporarily rusticated (but reinstated) from University did not exactly match
the parameters of my fantasy. The label was to fade away with time to be
replaced with that of 'Panaf'.
My twin was extremely
concerned about my 'militant tendencies'
and her response to my rustication was to break down in tears. My twin never
cried for she was as hard as boots, so to shed a tear means how much we meant
to each other.
Today's gym session
was filled with sadness and I shed a tear or two, it is hard, so so hard, but I
keep saying there is light at the end of the tunnel, I know there is, because
my redeemer lives, for without that belief where will I turn to?
I am glad I finally
got my prayer newsletter off yesterday, it should be at least every quarter but
I have not written one for months, this is not good enough and I must do
better. I travel to meet with other co-directors of Friends International
tomorrow and from the meeting, travel out abroad for a few days.
I am so far short
from the man I should be in every department or area, but I know with God's
help, the struggle does not just continue but Victoria Acerta, ad infinitum!
Search Results
Saturday, 3 October 2015
Britain writes FG, requests ex-convict Alamieyeseigha’s extradition to London
By Paulinus Aidoghie
The United Kingdom has said that it has not given up on its efforts to extradite former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, back to Britain to face trial, the Sun Newspaper is reporting today.
The UK said it had already contacted the Federal Government requesting Mr. Alamieyeseigha’s extradition, and was awaiting a response to the request.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Andrew Pocock, told the paper in an exclusive interview that the former governor, who recently got state pardon from his criminal conviction in Nigeria, still has an outstanding case of money laundering to answer to in the UK and that the UK government will not give up until Mr. Alamieyeseigha is brought to justice.
Mr. Alamieyeseigha, then a serving governor, made a dramatic escape from the custody of the British authorities when he fled back to Nigeria from detention in September 2005. He would later be convicted on similar money laundering charges on July 26, 2007 in Nigeria after he was impeached as governor.
Although his recent state pardon by President Goodluck Jonathan hit the UK authorities as a rude shock, Mr. Pocock dismissed insinuations that London was planning to sanction Nigeria over the matter. According to him, “that is not the way we do things”.
The High Commissioner also revealed that UK had earlier requested for Alamieyeseigha’s extradition, but did not get any response.
Mr. Pocock said the UK had asked the Attorney General and Minister for Justice for Alamieyeseigha’s extradition and was still awaiting his position on the issue when President Goodluck Jonathan all of a sudden announced he has been extricated of all wrong doing via the state clemency.
The move to pardon him even when the application for his extradition to Britain was still pending was like daring the applying nation that feels strongly that Alamieyeseigha has a case to answer in their country.
According to Mr. Pocock, “The former governor skipped bail in the UK on a charge of money laundering and returned to Nigeria. So, he has an outstanding charge in the UK, which is there for him to answer.
“We have already discussed it and the Nigerian government knows our views. But we would like to see him return and answer charge in the UK.”
On UK’s past and present efforts to see that Alamieyeseigha is extradited to the UK, Mr. Pocock said: “Yes. I think we asked in the past. I am very sure we asked in the past. But I am not sure we got a formal response. So, we are still waiting for a formal response from the Nigerian government.
“We have asked the Attorney General. He will have to tell us what his position is on extradition. I haven’t had a reply yet, but we still wait for it,” the British envoy added.
SOURCE: The Sun
Friday, 2 October 2015
EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, arrested in London
The immediate past Minister of Petroleum
Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, was on Friday arrested in London, PREMIUM
TIMES can exclusively and authoritatively report.
However, Mrs. Alison-Madueke, accused of several corrupt
dealings, has stayed away from Nigeria since Mr. Buhari was sworn-in as
president.
http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/190933-exclusive-ex-petroleum-minister-diezani-alison-madueke-arrested-in-london.html
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