Season's Greetings

Season's Greetings to you all. Year 2011 has been really challenging to me and I know for most people all over the world. This year, we have had violence all over the World. Even in Countries that were categorised as peaceful by experts experienced one form of violence, bombings, Civil war etc. Because of these upheavals, most relationships faced threat or some of those unpleasant situations. But in all we must thank GOD. I guess without all these problems, we cannot appreciate GOD'S Love and faithfulness.

THIS SEASON: I wish you all everything that is bright and beautiful I wish you all everything that is most precious and dear I wish you all everything that brings joy and happiness I wish you all the love of God that endures I wish you peace that passeth all understanding I wish you all GOD's unchanging Faithfulness. I wish you all these and many more this Season and always.

Thank you for being there for me. Quite comforting and encouraging.

Deaths in the Church

In this Christmas season of love and joy, some people are still thinking of maiming, destroying and killing. It is really sad and unfortunate.

This terrorism is a new form of rebellion and alien to us. We know of strikes to press for demands and the attention of Government. Afterwards, the Niger Delta Youths came up with Kidnapping of Expatriates to force the numerous Oil Companies operating in the Region to start investing a little in the region. What they demanded was infrastructural development and respect for their environment. One of the Oil giant, Shell just devastated the environment with oil spill and refused to clean up. The main source of income of the locals which is farming was gone as the oil spill killed the fishes and left the farmland bare. After years of begging and nothing was done by the Oil Companies and Government, the Youths decided to form militant groups to demand change and payment to the people who had suffered neglect all these years. When the Youths started kidnapping as the last resort, the Government of those Expatriates prevailed on our Government and of course our Government listened. The regions had a Ministry dedicated to it, jobs were created for the teeming youths and Amnesty offered to the Militants. The Niger Delta Youths (the Militants)had a cause they were fighting for. Everyone in the Country and outside including the International Community was aware of the Cause they were fighting for and something had to be done. In the case of BOKO HARAM, can someone tell me what Cause they are fighting for? They said they dont want western education and democracy? Is that possible in this 21st Century? Honestly, if i have access to Government, i will tell them to shut all schools in the Northern Part of the Country and disconnect them from electricity. In fact every form of civilisation, will be erased from the region so they can go back to lliving like barbarians, animals that they are. Why attacking and killing innocent people? Why Christians? Especially in this period of celebration of HE who paid the price for all humanity. Why throwing bombs into the Church for goodness sake? A Holy place of Worship. That is sacrilege.

These people went to worship and celebrate the birth of JESUS CHRIST not knowing that the children of darkness were lurking at the corner street to kill themselves and take as many people as possible with them. I say once again that It is so sad and unfortunate. Unfortunate in the sense that our security agencies are not living up to the expectation of the people. They have failed in information gathering and investigation of these criminals. They need to expand their dragnet and up their surveillance. Enough of these senseless killing and destructions of properties.

Love With Eyes Open

Today Saturday 10TH December 2911, I just got a message from my friend who resides in LEKKI, a sprawling and elitist area of LAGOS CITY that a young girl was killed by her boyfriend because of jealousy. The boyfriend alleged that she was given the latest Blackberry Bold phone by an admirer who probably she was encouraging or had started dating. His reasoning is that no man gives a pretty girl such gift as Christmas present if there is nothing going on between them. That set me thinking. What is LOVE by the way? The Oxford Advanced Learners dictionary defined it as having strong feelings of affection for somebody. It is to care for someone especially in a way that is based on strong affection and a feeling of wanting to protect them rather than sex. To me, LOVE is being very fond of the person that you are willing to sacrifice all to make the person happy. So why would you have this strong feelings for someone and be willing to do so much for the person's happiness and comfort and suddenly turn to be the killer? Where and when did the strong and deep affection become muderous? They say LOVE is blind but I tell you it is not blind. The guy that will kill you will start from day one of dating to show you the signs. But most times, the other half ignores it. When we were in the University, a roommate was in such relationship and everytime we advised her, she would say that he would change. SHe would say that its because he loved her so much that he did not want to see people admiring me. Her excuses were so lame and stupid. Well we left her until the guy sent her to the Specialist Hospital in town for 3 weeks. This is because the school Medical Center did not have the facility to treat her again. The guy was possessive and suspicious of her every move. Even we her roommates were not trusted. If he came into the room and saw other guy talking to us, he would quickly called her out for questioning. At a point they became the butt of jokes on campus but that did not stop the guy. We always knew from raised voices because she would keep quiet about it. Some will call this love but it was not as far as we were concerned. Years later, she regretted being beaten and being stupid. I read a book by Praise George titled

LOVE IS NOT BLIND

. He stated there that

LOVE is the connection you have with the very essence of your partner. It has nothing to do with how good looking a person is or how successful or rich the person is. Love has to do with the character qualities of the person

See when we are stripped down to our innermost selves, what remains are our character traits. its these character traits that people should fall in love with but most times, the physical attributes that would soon fade are the things that we fall in love with. Like the writer stated in his book,

we stumble through a maze of external qualities and material enticements only to discover that what truly matters in a person, what really counts is inside the soul of that person.

Unfortunately, this young girl was not lucky as our roommate. She died today. It so sad that her life was cut short suddenly by a jealous, possessive maniac of a boyfriend. The man that pledged undying love to her is the same person that killed her. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

This NEPA na Wah O

This NEPA na wah o

That is the slogan we hear everyday in this part of the World. It means the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, the major and only Electricity generating and distributing company is not living up to people's expectations. Lately, the President has been writing on facebook that Electricity generation has gone up and there is going to be improvement in supply. We were glad the first time he wrote and were eagerly awaiting the miracle. My dears, there is nothing like that. What we have is darkness as usual. As I am writing this, I am using a generating set. In Nigeria, every family generates their electricity. Infact those living in

face-me-i-slap-you

all have

I-better-pass-my-neighbour

generator to light their homes. What a shame? Now, the Federal Government wants to remove the Oil Subsidy claiming the middlemen are the beneficiaries of the subsidy. This time government is determined to increase price of petrol no matter what. But they have forgotten that most Nigerians generate their own power since NEPA has gone to sleep. An increase in price of fuel would lead to higher costs of generating electricity for the people and organisations.

We have been hearing news of repairs of old POWER PLANTS and the building of new ones on paper, Social media and news. But in reality, there is nothing. The other time, Mr. Tony Elumelu led a team from the National Assembly to go round the Country assessing all the contracts awarded for new Power Stations by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo. What they saw were unbelievable and shocking to say the least. In other for them not to reveal what they discovered and the fraud, the contractors and the cabal accused them instead of fraud. They were arraigned and the case died there. Till date, no one has heard anything about the report. ALL the money paid out as mobilisation fees gone and the circle continued. The Government has come up with reasons why the New Power Stations are not built. It's either no gas supply or the foreigners want to run the plants on their own terms. Our Government is clueless on what to do to end this darkness that we are in. If fuel is increased, then majority of Nigeriand would no longer be able to generate electricity for themselves again. What a pity. As if that was not enough, PHCN notified Nigerians that tarriffs would be increased again. Can you imagined paying for what you dont use? Then paying more for a service that is not provided?. We are Tax payers yet we do not know where our taxes are used. No improved Infrastructure, roads still death traps and schools under lock due to decayed structures. Where is the so called dividends of democracy? For GOD's sake Let us have light now! Is that asking for too much. Afterall we were told during campaigns that Nigeria will turn to another America where everything works. Electricity is what our next door neighbours like Ghana, Togo enjoy 24/7. Why is Nigeria's case different?

infidelity

Lately, I have been facing crisis in my marriage and it bothers on infidelity. I have read a lot of books on why men cheat and the article I read in one of the magazines kind of gave several reasons. In the article, Professor Kat Hertlein, PHD., Professor of Human Development at the university of Nevada –Las Vegas and a marriage and family therapist was quoted as saying that men cheat because of lack of sexual satisfaction. The report stated that approximately 40% of men seek sexual satisfaction outside their relationships. Unfortunately that number has not changed much since 1950. This article gave several reasons for infidelity especially from men but i will just list few and summarised the details. One of the reasons men cheat is because they crave sexual variety

. This is according to David Buss, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas and author of the Evolution of Desire; strategies of Human Mating (Basics Books). This could be seen from the recent scandals of men like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tiger woods, Jesse James and John Edwards. I mean these men had lovely and beautiful wives at home and yet went out to seek other women who were lesser in beauty and intellect. Look at Jesse James and the ugly woman nicknamed bommbshell. You cannot compare that woman to Sandra Bullock his wife. These men had it all: talent, fame, money and a beautiful family yet with every thing to lose, they ran after

Sexual variety

and cheated on their wives. The desire to be with different women I guess is stronger and most exciting than any other feeling. Another top reason men cheat is their unhappiness with their mates. Ninety-nine percent of the time, there’s a simple reason which is boredom. Also men cheat especially if they are high-profile guys who have women throwing themselves at them. Women are attracted to men who have power and status, so public figures usually have plenty of opportunity to cheat. Buss says whether yours is a political Animal, an A-list celeb or just a cubicle mat, his motivation to cheat is the same. She Is not What She Used To Be Like Adam, the typical man can’t resist the temptation of riper fruit, especially if the woman in his life has let herself go. At the onset of the marriage, the couple were happy with themselves and their physical look. But gradually, child birth, sedentry lifestyle take its toil on them and the look is no more appealing. Since men are controlled by sight, they start looking out and extra-marital is the next option. Anyway extramarital sex is cheaper and easier to get these days according to Buss.

Wives beware because if you get lazy, gained weight or does not just take care of yourself, a guy will start looking at other women,

Santagati says No one loves a Ball Buster Perhaps nothing will drive a married man into the arms of another woman faster than nagging wife. No man wants to be intimate with a cantekerous woman whose only stock in trade is nagging 24\7. Most men desire peace above all so if the house is too hot, the man seeks comfort and peace outside and ends up in another woman's arms. She does not get me Men who cheat say they don’t feel understood by their mate. A deep fear of intimacy can be hard for some guys to overcome. This type of men/husbands are more likely to cheat. It’s the thrill Most guy who cheat claimed there is no sizzle and excitement in their marriage. They like to play with fire. It adds a level of danger which excites and thrills. Blame it on the hunter Often married men who cheat cant guite explain their motivation. They just find themselves compelled to bust out of their day-to-day routine in search of what is new.It is a primitive instint that dates back to their role as hunter and gatherer. Only this time they are hunting and gathering new women. At times it maybe he married too young Satagati says or he just feels as if he hasn’t seen everything. So off he goes to explore. Biology, Baby The Relationship expert says Its the biological nature of men to be with as many female as possible. He said ‘once we have seen a woman nakedness several times, it becomes commonplace. It doesn’t matter if you are Jessica Alba or Sienna miller, the man becomes accustomed to that body and wants to experience something different, lips and body types. He said men are only monogamous because

they realize love and friendship are more important than getting laid

Let me stop here. I had gone through all the reasons and I know, I have tried with the help of GOD to not give my husband any reason to go out but he did and it hurts so bad.

Thanksgiving Day

THANKSGIVING 2011 Today 24 November 2011 is Thanksgiving Day in America. All over the Net and all social media its the buzz.

Thanksgiving 2011 (also called turkey day) is a joyous, family festival celebrated primarilyy in the United States, Canada and other countries with lots of enthusiasm. This is a holiday special and commemorated to express gratitude and appreciation and as well as a sincere thanksgiving to God. It is a day to offer praise to God for all His blessings to the family, loved ones and friends. It is to thank all loved ones for all their support. Traditionally it has been a day to give thaks for a harvest that is bountiful and rich. Thanksgiving day is celebrated in November in the United States that is every forth thursday in November and in Canada it falls on the second monday in the month of October. THE exact origin of Thanksgiving in America cannot be determined but it is commomly believed that thanksgiving first took place at plymouth plantation in Massachsetts in 1621. This festive gathering occured early in hisory and was practiced after harvest festivities. But accoring to Robin Gioia and Michael Gannon, Author and teacher at the university of Florida the earliest' thanksgiving' celebrated in the United States was first celebrated on September 8,1565 by the Spaniards. In Canada, from all i read on the internet and books, there is strong convinction that the celebration started in 1576. Whether it was in the 15th Century or 16th Century, Thanksgiving is good. It gives all glory and honour to God who gives life and power to create wealth to us all. The fact that a NATION sets a day aside to thank God and appreciate Him is commedable. There is no way that Nation will ever lack. God will always show up for that nation. It is one thing to set aside a day to thank God but it another thing to actually thank HIM. I wish all these Countries the best and pray our NATION will emulate these Countries and set aside a day for us all to Thank GOD for His Love and Mercies toward us. iF not for GOD where would we be now?

2011 National Honours Awards

Monday 14th November 2011, Nigerian Government honoured 355 of her Citizens who have distinguished themselves in their chosen field of endeavours. Starting with the current Speaker of the House of Representatives to Political Aides, Entertainers, Scholars, Enterpreneurs and Bankers, these men and women were honoured for their contribution to the upliftment of Nigeria and Nigerians in general. For the Enterpreneurs, they are adding value but those Politicians? I doubt. So many were honoured which to me, we do not have reason to honour them. Some of those Political Aides of the President or Vice that were honoured, why were they honoured? Is it because they ran errands for Mr. President? Why would the Lady that liase between the President and the National Assembly be honoured with National Award? She goes to do

AMEBO

to the President on what transpired on the floor every time the House seats. There are so many unemployed Nigerians who will do better

olofofo

than that idle woman. When she finished idling away sleeping, gisting and sharing money in

Ghana-Must-Go-Bags

to members, she goes back to Aso Villa for downloads of the day. Does that merit an Award? Or do you consider the Comptroller General of Nigeria Custom Service a worthy candidate to be conferred with the National honour when all the contrabands are still finding their ways into the Nigerian market?. Almost all the Heads of Security Agencies were conferred with one title or the other and BOKO HARAM members are killing Nigerians every minutes especially in the North. Or is it those corrupt Governors that have stolen all the money meant for the development of their States that deserve to be honoured? To me most of them had no reason to be there. No wonder PROFESSOR CHINUA ACHEBE rejected the Award when he saw the caliber of people being conferred with the Awards. He stated

the reasons for rejecting the offer when it was first made have not been addressed let alone solved. It is inappropriate to offer it again to me. I must therefore regretfully decline the offer again.

One of the reasons for rejecting it before was poor governance and the second was the poor conduct of elections and political structures. The President spoke person in a statement however said that the President was surprised by the Professor's claim. He further stated that the issues which made the Professor to reject the Award seven years ago were addressed by Jonathan. For example, the Electoral reforms undertaken by the administration.

The Jonathan administration has made tremendous efforts to positively change the political architecture complained about by theimprovements in the conduct of the last general election which was credible. Politically, Nigeria cannot be said to be where it was in 2004 as the Jonathan administration has embarked on extensive electoral reforms to institute a regime of electoral integrity that all Nigerians can be proud of.

For Alhaji Aliyu Dangote of Dangote Industries, he deserved the Award and more.

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN justified Federal Government's decision to confer on business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, with the second higest national honour award of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, saying that the recipient deserved the feat because of his contributions to Nigeria's Industrial greatness.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group and member of the National Economic Management Team, NEMT, becomes the first Nigerian who is not a top Politician or Political Appointee to bag the prestigious honour. The President said

I am having the GCFR the highest in the land by virtue of the fact that I am the President of the Country, but if i am not the President another person must be the President of Nigeria. but if Aliko did not have that business acumen to build that empire probably we wouldn't have had somebody to employ.

Quite correct President. Dangote is the highest employer of labour in Nigeria after the Federal Government. He has revived a lot of the ailing industries and build new factories all over Nigeria. He is still building, manufacturing and empowering millions all over the Country. These are the calibre of people to be honoured and not idle politicians whose only claim to fame is hanging around the corridors of power. Congratulations to my Diva, GENEVIEVE NNAJI

Congratulations to Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole. He is a transformer. He has transformed the State from a civil servant State to an industrial Centre.

BOKO HARAM & attacks

Yesterday, 4th November, 2011, BOKO HARAM struck again killing 66 people and maiming several others in Damaturu, the capital of Katsina State. Boko Haram has gradually become an institution to be feared and dreaded by all. At the rate they are operating, if nothing drastic and urgently is done by the Federal government to stop the terrorist sect, the northern part of this country is going into extinction. Boko Haram Sect has so far killed more than 300 people. They claimed it is a holy instruction and one of their leaders said

" Whomever we kill we kill because Allah says we should kill and we kill for a reason''

. The group has so far refused to meet with the Federal Government representatives to negotiate. Up till now, the only reason we know is that the Sect wants the full implementation of strict Shariah Law across Nigeria. Even the strict implementation of Sharia Laws in the North is not possible because some states in the North has more than 40 percents christians. So implementing it across Nigeria is not possible. Sharia Laws is for Moslems and not Christians. They so believed in this implementation of Sharia that one of their leaders that agreed to see the former Head of States, Olusegun Obasanjo for peace was killed. These bombing and killing started years ago mostly in Maiduguri in Borno and Bauchi. But recently, Yobe, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger have had their citizens killed and properties destroyed by this terrorist group. Unfortunately, our security agencies are no match for these terrorists. In 2009, the Police crack down on the Sect and several of them were killed including the leader Mohammed Yusuf who died in Police custody. Instead of them to continue and flush out the group from their hiding places, they went to sleep. The Sect members regrouped and started a well coordinated attack on the Politicians and security agencies. The attacks on the Security Agencies is the Sect revenge on the killing of their leader the year before. The hit men, the Assasins and suicide bombers of the Sect target Government Officials, Police Officers, Soldiers and Clerics who dare condemn their activities. In September, Obasanjo met with the family of Mohammed Yusuf to discuss how to end the carnage and restore peace to the region.The family received the former President and according to the inlaw offered a list of demands and was very hopeful about the chances for peace. Unfortunately, FUGU, that played host to Obasanjo was killed within 48 hours in a dastardly manner. It was so sad. Infact some Governors in the North offered Amnesty to the Sect Members but they refused. Instead of the attacks stopping, it is on the increase. At a point it was rumoured that they were going to attack the 3rd mainland bridge in Lagos (which is the longest connecting bridge from the island of the city to the mainland). The group bombed the UN Office in Abuja in August killing 24 people and wounding more than 118. This attack on friday, the day of their worship is a suspect and its the sect greatest destruction of life and property so far. There were multiple attacks in three major cities, Maiduguri, Potiskum and DAMATURU all in the North Eastern part of this country. The attacks left 80 people dead, worship places destroyed and several public buildings including a bank vandalised. The Boko Haram Sect has claimed responsibility and one of their spokeperson promised

''more attacks are on the way.''

May the souls of the departed so far from the attacks of this Sect rest in peace. May GOD help us all and deliver us from evil.

Rams and all

On Monday, the 31st of October, on the way to work, i saw that the whole of Iganmu by Brewery Bus stop was blocked by trailers bringing rams from the North of the country to Lagos for sale.

On tuesday, 1st November, we went to Ikeja to check a new apartment for rent. After checking the house( the house is actually run down) we went out to ask the people in the neighborhood about the environment. IT was outside there that we saw two rams fighting. Ram fighting is a common sight in Lagos during the moslem festivities. Infact a competition is organised annually to pick the strongest and fittest ram.

Find below the many of such ram fighting this season.

Ram fighting only occurs during ''Ileya festivals'' meaning ''going home for celebration'' in yoruba language. It is a fun game and many young and not so young people actually get involved in it. There is a lot of betting involved too and at times, the losing side does not take it easy. The bigger the rams, the fiercest the fights.

FLYING DANA AIR

On Saturday, 1st of October 2011, I took a Dana Air flight from Lagos to Abuja in the afternoon. At the Lagos Airport, my friend just wanted to take any flight on the ground but i insisted that it has to be Dana because i have a business relationship with Aquadana waters (A sister's company). She accepted so we went to their booth. One of the ticketing clerks told us initially that the flight on ground was fully booked but later changed and asked us to pay a higher rate. My friend was questioning the new rate because she came to Lagos on friday and used Dana since she missed her preferred Chanchangi Airline. The ticketing clerk then changed and asked us to pay the normal fare in the next booth. When we paid and was picking up our luggages to go check in, she called out that we should give her money for slashing the Airfare for us. I was shocked. There is supposed to be a standard fare and not as dictated by common clerks who are dubious and corrupt. When we finally boarded, i looked around and saw that the seats in the aircraft were not all taken. The plane was not full. Why was the ticketing clerk lying then? What was she trying to prove? I looked at the passengers and wondered if they were conned too. I realised what the clerk did was to trick people into believing she reduced airfare for us so we should show appreciation by tipping her. I mean her because she is a lady. She is dark in complexion and plump. I really dont want to go into more details because i dont want to give her away. But I think the management should check their staff regularly and probably get people who would monitor them. The organisation can get consultants who would pose as customers. It is not always that someone would book online. With this attitude of their ticketing clerks, i would rather go to an airline where they are professionals and honest. Even when we were weighing our bags, I was waiting to hear what they have to bill me. At that point, i thought they were all out to rip us off. Dont get me wrong, this is not the first time I am taking Dana Air but the attitude of their representatives that day was suspect through and through. Anyway, they gave us cup cakes in the colour of our flag, green and white to celebrate the 51st Independence anniversary. Stayed in Abuja for a week and then headed back to Lagos. I still used DANA Air but this time I had to book online. Did not want stories and being at the mercy of one stupid ticketing clerk. If she has done something deserving of a thank you, I wouldnt mind but to seat in a small booth and using her office to extort and steal is wrong. Unfortunately, the other time, I used Chanchangi instead. .

End of a Dictator

Today, Thursday 20th October 2011, AL JAZEERA Television reported that the 69 years old Libyan former dictator, Muammar Gaddafi was killed by the revolutionary army in his hometown of Sirte. Sirte has been under bloody siege for two months. At a point Gaddafi loyalists resisted the rebels and they had to beat a retreat. The Rebels reteated, regrouped and attacked again and again. The constant attacks paid off. Weeks after, Sirte, the stronghold of Muammar Gaddafi fell and he dead in the process. The above pictures as shown exclusively by the cable television, showed Gaddafi killed by the Army of the National Transistion Council in an undisclosed location in Libya. This is the end of the eight months civil war in Libya. At the onset of the war, Gaddafi boasted that he would crush the rebels and called them rats and cockroaches. He used the military might and emptied the armoury to stop the rebellion when it started but at the end, he lost all including his life and that of his family members. What a shame. Well the bible says he who killed by the sword will die by the sword. The confirmation of Gaddafi's death came from the Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril

we have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Muammar Gaddafi has been killed.

Since the confirmation, they have been wild jubilation, celebration and hugging and dancing all over Libya. The joy on the people faces are indescribable. The UN Secretary Ban was quoted as saying

the death of Gaddafi mark an historic transition for Libya

while UK Prime Minister said

the Libyan people now have greater chance of building strong democracy

. Angela Merkel of Germany said that his death means the path is clear for new peaceful start for Libya. French Foreign Minister, Alain Juppe, in his comment said

Gaddafi"s death marks end of tyranny in Libya.

Still waiting for our government to react. Congratulations to the entire Libyans. May the next leader be considerate, compassionate and kind.

My Favourite Food #BAD 11

Today 16/10/2011 is BLOG ACTION DAY and all registered bloggers are to blog about FOOD #BAD 11. I have chosen to write about my favourite food. My favourite food is COCONUT RICE but before I start writing about it, let me briefly define food the way i understand it. Food is any substance eaten to quench hunger and provide nutritional support for the body and the mind. Food must contains essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fat, protein and vitamins. But I have seen in this country of ours that most food consumed by many does not contain all the nutrients. There is poverty and hunger in the land so most people do not mind what is eaten as long as it fills their tummy. We hve several foods in Nigeria but my favourite is Coconut rice becaue it is simple to prepare and very nutriteous. You need the understated ingredients to prepare a delicious and nutriteous Coconut rice: INGREDIENTS 2 cups of rice 11/2 cups of water 3 - 4 cups of coconut milk -Shrimps -Pepper -Onions -Salt -Seasoning -Fresh Fish -Curry leaves (Optional) Many culture have recognisable cuisine and traditional ways of preparing their food so i will describe the way we prepare Coconut rice in Nigeria. DIRECTION FOR COOKING -Boils the rice for few minutes, rinse and drain. -Break the two (2)coconut, drain the liquid in it, and grate the flesh. Add 2 cups of warm water to the grated coconut, stir and squeese. Collect the water and use to cook the parboiled rice. -Cleans the Shrimps by removing all the unwanted scales and tail -Dice onions -grind pepper -Clean the fish and cut it into the desired pieces. Finally, when all the ingredients are ready, pour the Coconut milk into the pot and add the parboiled rice. Put the pot on the fire and then add the shrimps, pepper, onions, salt and seasoning. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes adding the milk a little at a time until the rice is cooked. Sprinkle the curry leaves. Put the pot down. Seasoned the fish and roast for 30 minutes using low heat or until its cooked. Dish out and serve.

Coconut Rice contains all the nutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat, and vitamins)required by the body to function optimally. It is easy to prepare and very tasteful. Happy Blog Action Day #BAD 11 to all bloggers.

FLOODS IN LAGOS

Some months back, the Lagos State Government issued a warning to its citizens living in the boundary between Lagos and Ogun State to evacuate the area to avoid the annual flooding caused by the opening of the dam when its full. The government also advised the residents in Owode onirin, mile 12, Ajegunle in Ikorodu and its environ to relocate but they refused. Lagos being below sea level has been experiencing flooding year in year out. Check out the flooded areas of Lagos,

Nigeria

Betrayed by my husband

Friday, 12 August 2011, my husband left home in the morning for work in his Chambers. Before he left in the morning, he said he would be going to the Redemption Camp for night vigil. Since he said he would be going from the office, i couldnt go with him. But when he was leaving home, he packed a bag with knickers and shirts. I then asked why he was carrying a travelling bag since he was going to pray throughout. I was curious with the change of clothes so i asked him why he was carrying them. I mean if he was going to the camp for the convention, and just a night, why carry change of clothes? He mumbled an answer which i did not pay attention to. Why would i worry when my supposed husband was going to the camp to pray for 'us'? I helped to pack the travelling bag. What a deceit. He lied to me. He lied using God and he is an Assistant Pastor in our Church. A friend from Abuja that was coming to Lagos for the Power Must Change Hands programme at Prayer City called that there was traffic hold-up from the Airport to Ikorodu Road. I called my husband that he should leave the office early so as to beat the Hold-up. In the background when he answered the call, i heard a baby crying. I asked where he was that a baby is crying loudly as if he is carrying the baby. He lied that someone close by was carrying a baby. Why would he lie? I thought we had a beautiful and honest relationship so was not suspecting any betrayal. I then wished him well and hung up the telephone. When he drove home in the morning, as a dutiful and loving wife, ran a bath for him and quickly prepared breakfast for him. He slept and woke up much later. But i noticed he did not talk about the vigil he attended or the normal hectic and choatic driving and indiscriminate parking of vehicles. I waited for a whole day and i had to ask him on sunday morning, how the programme was and he said fine. When i wanted to probe further , the man became defensive and angry. He asked what i meant by saying he did not talk about the programme? He said he was tired. I had to leave him but i was suspicious of the vigil, no sermon, and no discussion on what happened at the camp ground. Even the explanation of the cry of a baby and a woman i heard in the background was not satisfactory. On the 14th of August, he invited his friends from the church to come home for his birthday celebration. I was surprised because he does not like celebrating birthdays. He claimed birthdays are for babies and sometimes women. So we were surprised that he was organising a birthday bash. I was happy for him and started organising people and foods for that day. 15th August 2011, was a monday, the birthday date. I went briefly to the office, ran an errand for a church member and quickly drove home to prepare for the birthday celebration. We cooked and served and everyone was happy and satisfied. But the look on two of his friends made me uncomfortable but i waved it off then. Later i now asked him why he changed his mind about birthday celebration and he said he was happy. Why deny him that happiness? I also promised that next year we will celebrate in Sheraton Hotel. I never thought about anything being responsible for the change of mind. My husband betrayed the trust i have in him. My husband has a mistress and a son because we are still waiting. He did not tell me until i found out myself. My heart is broken. It is only God that will mend this heart.

banish ANGER

The Bible says in Eph 4:26

"Don't sin by letting ANGER control you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil"

What this means is that because we are human with emotions, it is expected that we would get angry occasionally over things but God tells us in His word that we must control that emotion, if you allow anger control you, the consequence would be sin. Anger must be dealt with before the sun goes down, if not, it would breed evil thoughts, evil words or evil actions. Anger is bad. Most times our tolerance level for what we considered wrong is so low. When I am angry, my body would begin to shake and it would take sometime for me to calm down. I discovered that this was a trick of the devil to have a foothold in my life and I had to start working on it. I later read that due to the secretions that come into the body from anger,it leads to increased blood flow with no corresponding physical activity, which could result in high blood pressure and heart attack. I didnt need anyone to tell me I had to work on it. Some of the things you can do to reduce your likelihood of getting angry include:- 1) Become more tolerant of others 2) Don't expect too much from people. 3) Pray and try to control your emotions And if you are angry try the following to reduce the effects on you: 1) Be slow to speak - James 1:19 2) Pray to God about the situation and ask God to defend you if you feel offended. He is the avenger. 3) Sit down and engage in breathing exercises 4) Depending on the situation, try talking to the person involved. Most times, people you are angry with do not even know you are. 5) Learn how to see the humorous side of things. It takes more muscles to frown than smile 6) Praise God Prolonged anger over someone or situation can actually be a blessing blocker to you. You must never allow anger over anything linger, if you still discover that it is about to consume you, just drop it at the feet of Jesus and ask Him to help you. When you do this the peace of God that passes human understanding shall be yours. There is an open invitation from Jesus, He says come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Respond to that invitation and receive the rest of God

Gadhafi ouster

Gadhafi had ruled LIBYA for 41 years and the people demanded a change. This change has taken six months and several lives. At the beginning Gadhafi said the rebels were cockroaches and he would crushed them. He was saying that because he had a lot of ammunition to execute the war. As a leader and the President of a country he was not tolerant of others views and criticism. On the other hand, the rebels were just protesters protecting against the one man regime of Colonel Muammar Gadhafi. They were just a rag tag team that was not organised and had no military training to sustain any civil war. But the rebels had strong passion for freedom and determination to fight to the end to oust Colonel Gadaffi. The war was about regime change or termination. That is the termination of decades of misrule, corruption,(that has become the bane of African society) tyranny, abuse and torture. Yesterday just saw what the family did to their maid. It was so horrible. I just imagined what their perceived enemies and opposition went through. (Anyway, most of them fled the country.) Gadhafi wage war on neighbouring countries that are weak and small like chad. He was careless with his words and his opinion on issues affecting other West African countries were undiplomatic. When Nigeria was having internal crises, he suggested that the country should split into two IE NORTHERN NIGERIA and SOUTHERN NIGERIA. Nigeria fought a war in the late 60s to remain one so why would anyone not to talk of the chairman of AU advised the country to split?.

The protest in Libya started around the 14th of February 2011. Six days after, almost 200 people had been killed according to the rebels and human right activists. On the 20th of February, one of the sons of Gadhafi, Seif Al-islam Gadhafi warned protesters that they risk igniting a civil war that would burned Libya's oil wealth. This particular day, the military had fired on thousands protesters in Benghazi. 60 or more people were believed to be killed.
With their Federal might, the Gadhafis were confident and optimistic that their regime would not be toppled like what happened in Tunisia and Egypt. Seif said

"We are not Tunisia and Egypt. Our Leader (that is his father) is leading the battle in Tripoli and we are with. The armed Forces are with him. Ten of thousands are heading here to be with him. We will fight until the last man, the last woman, the last bullet".

After few weeks of senseless bloodshed, President Barack Obama eventually decided to intervene. The Libyan rebels needed the support of the international community especially the United State. With the United State intervention, came NATO and the roll out of USAF gunships. That was five months ago.

By 21ST August 2011, the fierce battles had gotten to Tripoli's International Airport, a military camp and other areas. Explosions and gunfire were rocking the Libyan Capital and this showed that the rebels persistence with NATO's help had paid off. The television reports said the rebels in the western towns of zwawiyah and zliten were just 27 kilometers away from the capital. Already other towns had been seized. AL-Jazeera television also reported that government troops including a high ranking Air Force officer were captured by rebels too.
On Tuesday, 23rd August, 2011 Tripoli fell to the rebels and Gadhafi did not wait to shot the last bullet. He, his sons and family fled. its reported he fled to Sirte, his hometown.
Unfortunately, a lot of people lost their lives and properties.

Riots in London

RIOTS IN LONDON
According to reports from the Police and family, it all started on Thursday, 4th August 2011 when the Metropolitan Police Officers stopped a minicab carrying Mr. Mark Duggan near Tottenham Hale Tube Station in North London for a search. The search was pre planned which means the deceased was under surveillance for a while. The 29 years old black man was shot dead by the Police claiming he was resisting arrest and he shot at the Police. Claims that are being refuted by family and friends. Before you could say JESUS is Lord, the news had spread all over the neighbourhood that Mark Duggan a father of four kids had been shot dead during a pre planned operations by the police.
There are reports that he was a suspected gang member and a gun runner. That he was under surveillance and that evening he was carrying a gun. But some friends said he was a complete family man who was very loving. They believed he couldn't be involved in gangsterism. Being a Father does not mean being crime free or a saint. A friend said Mark Duggan was not violent but was involved in things. What are these things he was involved in? Were these things honest? If he was peaceful, why was the Metropolitan Police Specialist gun unit conducting a planned operation to arrest him? There is a saying that there is no smoke without fire. Or is it because he was speaking out against incessant police raids in the black community? Whatever it was, led the police to him and unfortunately he died leaving behind a family and a community to mourn his untimely death.
For the Police,why were the officers so hasty to shoot at point blank or at close range? Is this a case of racial attack? Is the Police Department getting away with too much in London?.
By Saturday, 6th, the news of Mark's death had spread and the people in anger took to the streets to protest the dead and to record their frustrations with the establishments. Before the people could realised what was happening the youths had taken to looting, vandalism and destruction.
The rioting was unprecedented and mindless. Public properties were destroyed. Shops looted, vehicles burnt and facilities vandalised. Were the rioters dis-enfranchised, jobless, homeless or anti-capitalist activists? Or are they thugs acting out the scripts of some disgruntled Politicians? How many of those businesses were owned by the Police or government that the youths destroyed?.
Whatever it was, the Prime Minister Mr. David Cameron had declared that " if you are old enough to commit the crime then you must be old enough to face the consequences". He further said that the government will not allow a culture of fear to exists on the streets of Britain. He said the government, police and intelligence services were looking at whether there should be limits in social media sites like twitter and facebook that have been used to spread disturbances.
We all need peace. Everything should be done to maintain peace all over the nations.

DA VIVA Fabrics

When Da Viva Prints started appearing in Nigeria markets some years ago, people did not think it would last or pose a threat to other Nigerians fabrics. This was because Nigerian wax and prints manufactured by United Nigerian Textile, NIGERCHEM etc were ruling the fabrics market then. But Da Viva came with beautiful, bright, bold, colourful and eye catching designs. The markets became flooded with DA VIVA Prints and it became affordable to an extent.

Whether you want to sew it as a casual wear or a Sunday best, Da Viva has the fabrics for you. Da Viva has good prints that look good when sown and worn as seen above. Because of this, the print has almost taken over the prints market in Nigeria.

Recently in Abuja, the manufacturer of Da Viva held its first fashion show in Nigeria simply called "Glitz and Glamour". It was really a night of glamour as many Nigerian designers showcased their designs which were produced with Da Viva fabrics.
The fashion show according to the GM, was to create a platform for and support young
Nigerians designers. He believed Nigeria has talents which should be harnessed and supported. He further said that Da Viva is introducing new designs into the fashion industry. I hope our young designers will take advantage of the exposure and upped their game. Well at the show, the young designers showcased a collection full of creativity and style.

It was a night of high fashion and creativity. Wish all the designers good luck. And to DA VIVA, may you continue to produce quality fabrics that will endure.