South Africa and xenophobic culture AUGUSTINE C. OHANWE South Africa has abdicated the empire of reason and descended into the sickening level of biting the fingers that once fed her. It has drawn a battle line with the country that played a vanguard role in releasing her from the hideous shackles of apartheid....

Appraising the surgery at Abia State Polytechnic OKECHUKWU K. UKEGBU It has been the utmost desire of Gov Okezie Ikpeazu to leave an efficient civil service system in Abia when he ceases to call the shot as the governor of the state in 2023.

THE CHRISTIAN WALK Come to Texas, United States of America for Breakthrough 2020 MOSHOOD FAYEMIWO, Cameron, Texas, USA As we enter the Year 2020 of our Lord, we want you to avail yourself of the wonderful opportunity provided by the Holy Spirit for our Breakthrough 2020 coming up on January 17-19 here in beautiful Cameron, Texas United States of America. This is a three-day spiritual event you do not want to miss.

Gani Fawehinmi: Our icon of inspiration YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA I am dwarfed literarily to write on phenomenon Late Chief Gani Oyesola Fawehinmi SAM, SAN. Chief Gani who died exactly ten years ago epitomizes the conscience of a nation.

But-me-no-buts to Brexiteers and the children of Brexit YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA Why every newspaper in Britain is now using the headline of my article first published in the early stage of Brexit is interesting!

The ugly narrative of the Hausa-Fulani's power drunkness! LUCAS ANUFORO, Dublin Ireland Religious bigotry and ethnic interest have slowly destroyed the country's fragile unity that was carefully managed since the end of the country's civil war.

South Africa: The flurry of outrage and Nigerian government's diplomacy YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA Xenophobic South Africa has become the axis of evil in subregional Africa. With all the assistance rendered to liberate South Africa from apartheid, the reciprocity for Nigeria's leadership role in dismantling apartheid in South Africa is a reprisal, maiming, and killing of our people for their ugly history.

My Month of Understanding Christianity Pastor AMOS D. DADA, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Based on repeated prophesies, one of the basic phenomena that distinguishes Christianity from other religions, an attribute that only Christianity can lay claim on, we see Jesus emerged in what is known as the New Testament, born of a virgin birth, that qualifies him to be sinless.

UPDATED BY AUTHOR: P&ID $9.6bn judgement debt, a conspiracy to swindle Nigeria ALFRED AISEDIONLEN, London, UK Looking at the Process & Industrial Development Limited (P&ID) case against Nigeria Government at a glance, even as a layman, you will notice that it is a highly, well organised and sophisticated type of advance fee fraud (419).

On Dr. Junaid Mohammed: Why urge the Muslim to embrace peace? IFEANYICHUKWU MMOH, Jos, Nigeria Need we always urge the average Muslim from the north to embrace peace every time the opportunity to speak opened? Are they so dumb or illiterate to not have realized the economic value of peace to any people that they should be reminded of peace all the time?

Before President Buhari returns from Yokohama, Japan! YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA [Buhari] must leverage on the mutually signed agreement or MOU (Memorandum Of Understanding) signed with the Japanese government to bring development to Nigeria. Yokohama cannot underestimate the stupendous wealth, untapped human capital and natural resources providence endowed Nigeria.

Do not give up on Nigeria! (Poem) YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA Some of us were born I; In the slums of our enclaves,; But, the slums were not born in us.; We till; we toil, we struggle; Yet, we will survive amidst Challenges!; Don't give up on Nigeria????!

It's better to reason together, please! YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA After this war on corruption, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, should as a matter of urgency, trigger a referendum to discuss our continued unity as a nation.

Elder Sunny Nwosu and his ANCO OKECHUKWU K. UKEGBU Elder Sunny Nwosu's passion and commitment in piloting the affairs of All Ngwa Cultural Organization know no bounds since he assumed the headship of the organization....

Boko Haram - The unknown face of evil GERALD ONUKWUGHA After the 2014 kidnapping of the 276 schoolgirls Boko Haram announced it would treat the young women as slaves and marry them off. This was a reference to an ancient Islamic belief...

Does the End justify the Means? Fr. PAT AMOBI CHUKWUMA A certain wealthy man snatched the wife of a very poor man. The woman in question was finding life very difficult under her poor husband before she was snatched. For her the snatching is a blessing.

Jesus - The Healer is in the House! Pastor AMOS D. DADA, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Wherever Jesus went two sets of parties are provoked for different reasons. One is healing, peace, joy, deliverance, celebration and liberty to name a few for those who believe in him as Lord and saviour. The other is hate, anger, frustration, jealousy and sadness....

Time for Correction Fr. PAT AMOBI CHUKWUMA A good teacher after marking the scripts does the correction for the good of all. This helps a lot so that one cannot fail the same questions again in future tests or examination. ... By doing the correction and going through it from time to time, one learns.

THE CHRISTIAN WALK Are you Speaking in Tongues Or Praying in Tongues? MOSHOOD FAYEMIWO, Cameron, Texas, USA I could still remember during the service when the man of God laid hands on me and told me to start speaking in tongues. I was tongue-tied insisting I didn't know what he meant. 'Just start verbalizing out what is in your mind and say it!' Brother Ukachi directed as he laid hands on my head. 'But I didn't know what to say?' I complained. 'Should I verbalize my words in English Language, Yoruba or my native Owo dialect?' I protested.

I am proudly Nigerian: I extol american exceptionalism! YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA I have exceptional loyalty to both countries. Nigeria nurtured my cradle, America cradles my nature, and she is nurturing me to bringing out the best in me.

ASSISTANT PASTOR Part 2 (Mark Angel Comedy) (Episode 226)

The power of choice and the US/FBI-77Naija scammers YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA In the current Nigerian anthropology, it’s not normal to be normal in an abnormal society. If you behave normal, you’re seen as abnormal. Your normality will never make any headlines. But if you behave abnormal, you’re a normal person.

ONYINYE'S MIRROR ON LIFE Fabulous Finds under $5 ONYINYE OYEDELE, Ontario, Canada Thrift stores, garage sales, vintage shops, antique and flea markets - perusing for treasures in other people's castoffs could be a delightful hobby!

In the matter of Atiku versus Buhari: When the courts must make history and restore honor to an oppressed Nigeria judicial system EJIKE ONUOGU, New York, USA

Where is your Nathanael? Pastor AMOS D. DADA, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Nathanael means ‘God has given’ or ‘Gift of God.’ Philip means ‘friend’ or ‘lover’(philos)of horses (hippos). Put together Philip loves Nathanael the gift of God! The bible says - Philip went to look for Nathaneal, take note of the phrase ‘went to look’ that is a precise and deliberate action.

Nigeria: A nation in crisis NNANNA IJOMAH, New York, New York, USA In some ways there exist some similarities between the rise of gun violence in the United States and what presently obtains in Nigeria with regards to the rise of kidnappings, rampaging murderous herdsmen, etc.

Governor Seyi Makinde becomes Oyo State's political renaissance! YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA Governor Seyi Makinde becomes Oyo State's political renaissance!

Resistance is targeted at dismantling evil status quo and not individuals OKECHUKWU K. UKEGBU The deduction from the above is that salvation comes from the oppressed and not the oppressors.

The gain that is loss E O EKE, UK As Nigerians respond to the ruffling up of Senator Ekwerenmadu in far away Germany by members of IPOB, I recall a piece I posted in an Igbo forum two years ago.

God's mistakes Fr. PAT AMOBI CHUKWUMA There was a man who blamed God for creating him a male. According to him, God would have asked him which gender he wanted to be before his conception. He categorically said that God made a serious mistake. In order to correct the mistake, he underwent a plastic surgery and was changed into a woman.

THE CHRISTIAN WALK Differences between Prophecy and Prophetic Words/Utterances MOSHOOD FAYEMIWO, Cameron, Texas, USA There are many born-again Christians, scores of believers and billions of human beings on Earth who do not know there are differences between prophecy and prophetic words and utterances. When a prophet says or writes something, as I do here in this column for example, such ignorant people do not know when a prophecy is delivered from when what is written here is a prophetic utterance or word.

A public and international humiliation of DSP-Ike Ekeweremadu! YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA For or against, the humiliation of the ex-number four in Germany is ominous signal of what to come to our corrupt (kpurut) elected politicians in the nearest future.

Poverty and nothingness compared! YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA The shreds of modernity,; Tend to the squalor of the wretched!"; Two groups in whirlpool world!; One dwells in the sanctuary; Of squalor, the other squats; In the harbor of naughtiness!; The two groups dwell in Nothingness!

Appraising Gov Ikpeazu's quick intervention on the murder of Chimaobi Nwaogu OKECHUKWU K. UKEGBU Recently humanity was thrown into deep agony when the news filtered that a commercial motorcyclist, Chimaobi Nwaogu, was sent to his untimely grave by a soldier identified as Corporal Ajayi Johnson....

Yakubu Gowon's sermon ABIODUN KOMOLAFE, Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State Gowon was in Osun State with his 'Nigeria Prays' team recently and the message was that of peace and stability of Nigeria. He came here to assure us that, our predicament notwithstanding, what has gone wrong can be remedied only if we can pray.

How can the evil of terrorism be abated? GERALD ONUKWUGHA Sadly, terrorism has almost become a quotidian evil around the world in the past decade. And, while that’s a distressing statement, it’s also an accurate one.

Nigeria's revolution has begun REUBEN RINE Nigeria has been governed by the same group of individuals. Those that truncated Nigeria's democracy and have ruled during the military regimes have also returned with their cronies to champion the cause of democracy.

Nigerian theatre of the absurd, soldiers kill police to release kidnappers E O EKE, UK The cold blooded murder of members of Nigerian elite police leading the war against kidnapping by some Nigerian soldiers in the pay toll of the kingpin, exposes the sordid state of affairs within Nigeria security apparatus.

North’s Islamic agenda, makes break up of Nigeria inevitable E O EKE, UK The utterances and policies of Buhari and governors like El Rufai of Kaduna State and Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state, which advocate and propagate the intolerant, primitive and prejudice form of Islam have not helped.

Celebrating my goodfriend and soccer mentor: Joachins Oguguomakwa Araonu, alias "Gorimapa"! CYRIL C. NWOKEJI, Belgium His performance at school boy's soccer and club level soccer, caught the attention of national team scouts, who invited him to the Super Eagles team that was preparing for the 1980 Nations' cup tournament, hosted by Nigeria. Unfortunately,....

Sowore as a political metaphor YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA It will be disingenuous to claim that pleading for a leniency for Omoyele Sowore; and clamor for his release is to romanticizing Omoyele Sowore's misdemeanor.

Nigeria at Crossroads between Democracy and Sharia Ideology Rev. Fr. FRANCIS A. OBORJI, The Vatican Following the notoriety of lopsided federal government of President Buhari, and the unfolding Islamization agenda of his administration, Sharia ideology and protagonists seemed to have won in the battle against liberal democracy and Common Law in Nigeria.

Deal with your Anger! Pastor AMOS D. DADA, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Many of us even pray in anger. Or how do you explain the type of “fall and die” prayers of our generation! Because someone stole your one hundred dollars phone you say “whoever stole my phone shall not wake up tomorrow”! Is the life of someone equivalent to your iPhone?

Brexit, from Great Britain to little England E O EKE, UK As Britain grapples with the reality of voting to leave the European Union, it is becoming apparent that Brexit is a dream that is turning into a nightmare.

THE CHRISTIAN WALK Heavenly Protocols For Approaching The True Lord God Almighty MOSHOOD FAYEMIWO, Cameron, Texas, USA I was a guest of a prominent government official in an African nation. I had been invited for His Utmost. Words quickly spread that I was around and the president of the country wanted to see me. The protocol department sent two of their officials to work out the detail and modalities for seeing the Number One Citizen.

Marriage between Anger and Hunger Fr. PAT AMOBI CHUKWUMA Mister Anger was born with stone face in Grievance City of Nigeria. His boyhood days were tortuous. His parents died when he was only eleven and half years old. Thus he was left to the care of his grandmother called Madam Sadness.

Missing the mark with God E O EKE, UK It is often bewildering that many religious people fail to understand that religion is a dynamic concept with love, justice, equality, liberty and peaceful coexistence at its centre and any good religion that does not satisfy these standards is false and a fraud.

Sowore must be arraigned or released immediately! YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA I want to enjoin those who have been calling Sowore ugly names to realize that, the recalcitrant and undeterred social activist Sowore is fighting for the restoration of the good life of Nigeria.

Tribute to Toni Morrison 1931 -- 2019 YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA With Toni Morrison as an icon of inspiration, a cerebral image, and quintessence for America and the world, humanity in us must be reordered for reawakening, and for collective hope and optimism of mankind.

Toni Morrison – A Great Black African Dame of Literature: A Tribute Rev. Fr. FRANCIS A. OBORJI, The Vatican In the passing unto glory of Toni Morrison, both African-Americans and Continental Africans, indeed the world in general, have lost one of their greatest voices, storytellers, mentors and motivators.

Atiku Vs. Buhari: So far interesting TAI EMEKA OBASI, Lagos, Nigeria ne of the most important events in the history of our nation is the on-going Presidential Election Petition Tribunal at the Appeal Court in Abuja. On the outcome of that globally-followed exercise revolves the continued existence of Nigeria as an entity.

Megalomaniacs in the Pulpit ABI ADEGBOYE The 1990s brought the prosperity gospel which turned our image of Christ and Christianity on its head. Prosperity preachers propounded that contrary to existing theology that Jesus was poor, he was actually a wealthy man.

THE CHRISTIAN WALK The 7 Major Differences between Praise and Worship MOSHOOD FAYEMIWO, Cameron, Texas, USA As I went through my Facebook newsfeed during the week, Mrs. Irabor posted a news item in the form of a question and asked: 'What's the difference between Praise and Worship?' When Mrs. Irabor and I met at the defunct National Concord Newspapers in 1984, I was Moslem.

Why I am not celebrating my birthday this year Rev Fr. STAN CHU ILO, Chicago, USA Let me confess that I feel so undeservedly blessed by God in many ways. I am grateful for my family and numerous friends, colleagues and well-wishers whose love sustains me every day. However, this year I will ask you please don't send me any greetings on Facebook.

The August Visitor Fr. PAT AMOBI CHUKWUMA There was a certain affluent man living in a duplex with his wife and five children in Benin City. After attending church service on a Sunday morning with his family, he informed his gateman that he would be having an August visitor around 12.00 noon on that day.

The triad of Sowore's uncautious approach to "Revolution and a day of rage" in Nigeria YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA The triad (Sowore, the people, and government) of Sowore's revolution anchors on the not-too-smart and stubbornness approach of Sowore; the hopelessness and ignorance of the people, and shoddiness of the Federal government of Nigeria.

My Month of Understanding Money Matters Pastor AMOS D. DADA, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Those who study numbers say the Number 8 stands for New Beginnings. New beginning means starting afresh or anew. It means going back to the basics. So this month I will like us to look afresh into money matters.

Hardliners' socialist campaigns in the Democratic Party will be a beautiful gift to Donald Trump in 2020! YAHAYA BALOGUN, Arizona, USA The Democratic Party's debate on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 were very reassuring and inspirational but they were too me-me in dispositions to win in substance!

Exit of John Mikel Obi: The "tactically erudite" player! CYRIL C. NWOKEJI, Belgium The retirement of Skipper John Mikel Obi from the Super Eagles of Nigeria, after the 2019 AFCON competition, wasn't surprising. It was clear during the competition, the skipper, didn't fit any more into the young team built by Coach Rohr.

Seeking a better understanding of Scripture - Response to Mr. Moshood Fayemiwo's Article of Sunday June 2, 2019 titled "Eight Fallacious Doctrines and Heresies of Seventh Day Adventist World Church" N. H. IBANGA, Austin, Texas, USA Mr. Fayemiwo is 100% wrong. The SDA does not teach that one can earn his/her way to Heaven by keeping the Sabbath. If one could do so, Jesus would not have rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees as He did.

FROM THE ARCHIVES What every Non-Moslem Nigerian must know about the Jihad N. H. IBANGA, Austin, Texas, USA One of the first questions that is always asked by opponents of Sharia criminal code is, 'why now?' Why did Shagari, Buhari, Babangida or Abacha not introduce this? The answer is quite simple if one understands the eight tenets of the Jihad.

Buhari and Miyetti Allah, the audacity of greed and contempt E O EKE, UK The attitude of southern leaders to this Fulani cancer is not a solution. It is cowardice and lack of leadership by ignorant, selfish and self serving leaders, who will do anything to appease evil. Such attitude only emboldens, not assuage, the oppressor. T Y Danjuma was right....

THE CHRISTIAN WALK The True Lord God Almighty Doesn't Love The World MOSHOOD FAYEMIWO, Cameron, Texas, USA It is one of the most famous and popular verses that has been translated into many of the world's languages and dialects.

How to Lose Paradise (A Case Study of Adam & Eve) Pastor AMOS D. DADA, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Ponder on this and remain in paradise on earth to gain entrance to paradise in heaven.

Another hope beckons on Abia Inland Container Dry Port OKECHUKWU K. UKEGBU ...the idea behind the establishment of the dry port was to save importers the trouble of traveling to the coast for their business transactions thereby bring goods closer to the owners.

Solution to complex national problems: Privately funded ranches instead of RUGA ADEBAYO T. E. JOLAYEMI The herdsmen problem is one such area that has polarized the ruled and the rulers. Often programs are proposed without 'testing the waters' or discussing with the people, lacking proper market survey....