flood in Lagos

Whoa!!! This year, the rain has come down in full force. ITS been raining since February and it looks like this year the floods will be uncontrollable because of roads construction and re-construction of canals all over Lagos.
At the beginning of the year, we made up our mind to send our tenant packing after leaving for Jos and leaving the wife behind who was not ready to pay for services enjoyed in the compound. Even the rent was not paid and electricity bill was not paid either. Unfortunately, we were sharing the electricity bill payment with them so we had to be paying for them. We called the husband who unfortunately had some issues with the her and he did not respond. We had no choice than to ask hem to leave. The guy sent his brothers to come here and pack his things when the wife was at work. The wife called me to stop them but i advised her to talk to her husband. The people that came to pack their belongings were her in laws and I know they wouldn't come without being authorised by her husband. Finally, that was sorted out and all except her kitchen utensils were moved out. Eventually she came to move her kitchen stuffs out. At last the apartment was vacant and we decided to renovate before letting it out. The flat was in a terrible state.
It was in this process of renovation that the torrential rainfall of Wednesday June 22 2011 came.
THE rain started early in our area. In fact in all areas in Lagos it started early. it was only those who left home early for work that were lucky. Those who left late had to contend with the traffic jam while others were stranded at the bus stops. The rain came in torrents and the whole area was flooded.
We all know in Lagos that the rainy season comes with flooding, traffic jam and long waits at bus stops but the rain of few days ago was much more than anticipated. It was really bad to the extent most people did not go to work. I couldn't. My street was so flooded that cars were covered. The few people that dared to walk through the flood were covered to the waist. It rained almost throughout the day because the rain came intermittently from dawn to dusk.
We in Lagos know that the rainy season comes with inconveniences and sometimes nightmares. Most Lagosians would wish it does not rain in Lagos at all. But that is not possible. Whether it is rain or sunshine, there is time for everything. There is a season for everything and God decides that and no man can stop any of the season from coming to pass.
That Wednesday all of Lekki,, Orile Iganmu, Iju, Surulere, Mile two, and Ikeja were almost submerged by flood. Owode Onirin area area on the way to Ikorodu was another story. Every year that area is always overtaken by flood. So the Lagos State Government had advised residents to move out from that area. But most of them claimed getting accommodation elsewhere cost so much so relocation was not an issue to be considered. Last year they were forced to relocate to the camp provided by the government.
In our area it was the blocked canal due to its recontruction that caused it. We have pleaded with the government to ask the contractors to open up the canal so easy flow of water

fathers day

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Today Sunday June 19thh 2011 is Father's day in Nigeria. In my church, the Bishop prayed for all the fathers and admonished them to truly be fathers spiritually and emotionally. Fathers should endeavour to be the best men for their children, families, communities and places of worship.

Times are hard as they say and people are being challenged spiritually, economically, environmentally and politically but a true head must be determined and strong for their children and family.

To truly be the head of the family,

- Father must be financial head of the home and provide for his family at all times.

- Fathers should be the spiritual head, pray with their children and families often.

- Fathers discipline their children with love with or without the rod and not verbal abuse or emotional manipulation.

- Fathers will not disrespect their wives or other women especially before others; this sets an inappropriate and dangerous model for their sons to follow.

- Fathers lead family altars and anoint their children with oil for protection and mercy daily.

- Fathers take time to visit their children's school and talk to the teachers about their children's progress.

- Fathers will happily sacrifice for their families.

- Fathers will visit their children at the appointed time even after divorce.

- Fathers are not afraid to show love to their children. Children need to be reminded they are loved and their opinion respected.

- Fathers spend time just being together with their children and doing things their children like and will remember, not just buying things that will someday be forgotten.

- Fathers teach their children to be responsible and accountable for their actions.

- Fathers must model and teach respect, honor, patience, ethics and fear of the Lord.

- FATHERS must offer timely and godly counsel to their children.

Happy father's day to all fathers in Nigeria and beyond.

Menace of Boko Haram

Terrorism in Nigeria

The first time Nigeria had a direct link to terrorism was when a Nigerian Abdul Muttalab tried to blow himself and the plane he boarded in December 2009. Fortunately, he failed and he was arrested in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA for alleged terror( the case is still in court and since he is not charged, it is still alleged). The young Muttalab confessed that he is not the only one in Nigeria trained in the act of terrorism in Yemen. Then our government was concerned with removing the Country name from the list of terrorist watch list.
Although Nigeria had some bomb explosions during Abacha draconian regime,it was not terrorism because it was the government that paid people to bomb those areas to implicate critics and activists. It was done then by ABACHA's CSO to implicate his opponents.
Terrorism, terrorists and suicide bombers were not in our vocabulary. We were only seeing them on television and reading about them in the National dailies and on Internets. Suddenly, we woke up one day and suicide bombing and terrorists have taken over the Northern part of Nigeria. Gradually terrorism has crept into our system. In Nigeria there are called BOKO HARAM.

Now we have Islamic extremists who have decided to aggressively prosecute and kill those who are not ready to accept Islamic system of government called Sharia. IT started in Borno State but the Police and other security agencies refused to do anything to stop it claiming the extremists were their brother. I wonder what the Niger Deltan of the South South are? When the kidnapping was at its peak in Nigeria the government ordered the military joint task force to surround the creeks and smoke out the militants. In fact during Obasanjo's regime, the community (ODI) where the armies were killed was shelled and levelled down by the Military.

Why is the present administration not taking a stand on these incessant attacks by Boko Haram suicide bombers on innocent citizens.

The Christian Association of Nigeria raised an alarm some time ago that some extremist groups were being trained in some camps in the North. Nigerian Government were concerned with several points agenda which never took off. THE Government did not take the alarm seriously or heeded the warning. Now we are all faced with the terror unleashed by the BOKO HARAM Sect on Nigerians. Unfortunately, the sect leaders are unknown and the cause they are supposedly fighting for unknown too. We are all speculating and giving reasons which we think can explain why the sect has gone on these killing spree.

The Security Agencies need to wake up and ensure the red alert of security is on. Imagine the Sect bombing Police Headquarters in Abuja? They were in the Police Inspector General convoy from home to the office. It was shocking and unbelievable. But it was true and real.
The Police also need to gather more information, re-strategise and increase their intelligence gathering. The menace of Boko Haram has continued due to poor intelligence.

justice caught up with JAMES IBORI

When the ex convict case came up against the former Delta State Governor, James Onanefe Ibori, many people claimed he was being victimised because he supported Atiku for President in 2003. Many did not even want to critically assess the situation that as an ex convict, he had moral issues that does not qualify him to be a Governor of a State. His supporters and political appointees concluded that the former President Olusegun Obasanjo was behind his travails. He and the former Governor of Edo State were going about as the victims and were wiping up sentiments for their self-imposed plight.

They had a lot of the journalists on their pay roll so any time the Agencies fighting corruptions and embezzlement of public fund make to probe their activities, these journalists will be writing against these Agencies. These Governors were the real aggressors and the most corrupt Governors in Nigeria. A friend once jokingly claimed that James Ibori is richer than Nigeria to the extent that his physique shows it. My friend claimed that there is no space between his shoulders and his chin. He claimed his neck is short and covered with mass of flesh. He was so fat that he needed 6yards of fabrics for his ceremonial wrapper. To my friend, that is the evidence of wealth or having plenty money (People's money). We may want to argue that he was already rich before becoming a Governor but place the pictures before becoming a Governor and after eight year of being Governor of oil rich Delta State. The differences will attest to what we are saying. Have you? Did you see his neck then and now? Were you not seeing the neck before? Now do you see his neck? is it not shoulder and the head? Well if you look closer, you would see what the people of his state are saying.
When Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, the former Economic and Financial Crime Commission boss tried arresting him for prosecution, he played up the immunity for Governors as contained in the Nigerian Constitution. Ribadu tried all the tactics he knew and learnt in the Police Force to arrest him but it was to no avail.
In 2006, the illegal Governors forum with the prompting of James Ibori presented YAR ADUA as Presidential candidate in 2007. With their rigging and ballot snatching, Yar Adua won and was sworn in. James Ibori starting going around as the King makers and the people determining the future of Nigeria.
In 2010, the table turned. A "new Pharaoh that did not know Joseph" became the President of Nigeria. the new president in the person of GOODLUCK JONATHAN, gave the EFFC free hands to arrest and prosecute corrupt government officials and Jame Ibori was one of them. The former Governor did everything he could to avert the calamity that was coming his way but he could not. After using his thugs in his village to confront the police , he flee to Dubai. But the long arm of the LAW caught up with him there.
Finally, he is going to stand trial for embezzling government fund. If found guilty, then he will pay for all the crime committed against his state.

Children and unsafe water

Today is BLOG ACTION DAY 2010. Its a day set aside for bloggers and others to write on the same issue on that day. This year its water and i am so happy because a lot is going on in Nigeria in terms of unsafe water for drinking or other usages.
I have decided to blog about children and the type of condition they are exposed to in Nigeria as it has to do with water.
Water is that clear, tasteless and odourless liquid which can be gotten from natural sources like springs, oceans, rivers etc. In fact water covers 70.9 percent of the earth's surface. Water is found under the earth and in the air like vapour and in the cloud. Water is everywhere by divine creation and arrangement according to Genesis 1 Verse 4. But most times access to good clean water is a challenge especially to third world country like Nigeria. Fela Anikulapo Kuti sang that water no get enemy meaning clean drinking water is essential to human and other lifeforms. Water is very vital to life and the living human or animals.
In other parts of the world especially Europe and America, access to clean drinkable and usable water has improved significantly but in Nigeria it is declining. Initially in Lagos, the government was making adequate provision for the supply of water to its citizenry in all nooks and cranny of the state. After some years, the pipes carrying water from reservoirs to homes got busted and are not repaired and some just got rusted and vandalised. Gradually and steadily access to drinkable and usable water in Lagos metropolis decline to the extent that 'Aboki' or 'Mallams'the water hawkers in Jerry cans became suppliers of waters to homes.It is sad but that is the reality.
Recently in the Northern part of Nigeria, there was cholera outbreak that claimed many life especially that of children. Th outbreak was the result of years of neglect by government and lack of basic amenities. Most of the affected communities are in terrible and unhygienic state. No modern infrastructure, No good accommodation, open drainage, no good drinking water and no good toilet facilities.
Simple hygiene are not being observed or practised in these communities. faeces liter everywhere since most of the houses don't make adequate provision for toilets. Because of economic down turn, shops for provisions and petty trading are constructed without conveniences for the people trading in that locality to use. When nature calls, these people just look around for black nylon and relieved themselves into it and just throw anywhere. This situation happens everywhere in Nigeria. Lagos is trying to be different by driving away the people and arresting street trading by planting trees and beautifying open spaces.
Last week residents of Owode-Onirin, Ajegunle and Mile 12 were sacked by flood. The whole area was overtaken by flood due to the release of water from the dam. The change in climatic condition saw rains being unleashed more than necessary and the water level in the dam getting high.
In that flood and dirt, children were seen playing and swimming in it. A mother was bathing her child in that dirty and animal infested water close to their house. Another child was seen scooping the water in her hand to wash her face because she was inside a boat. Others were fetching the dirty water in pails and going inside their homes. this was a situation of water everywhere but known to use.
Children are the most vulnerable and in unhygienic living conditions are always victims. Most children immune system are not as high as adults so any infection no matter how mild is fatal.
With the flood in Ikorodu, the so called borehole were filled with dirty water so the residents now resort to the use of sachet water for drinking. As for bathing, we are reliably informed that most fetch the water and keep it over night for the dirt to settle and then use the next morning for domestic use. So far skin diseases have taken over and cholera is being battled by the health workers in the locality.
While adult can take care of themselves immediately, can the children do same?
I pray a time will come in Nigeria when the people will have access to clean water for everyday use.
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The World Cup and your health

The World Cup and Your Health

The FIFA World Cup starts today, June 11, 2010 and continues for a month, ending on July 11, 2010.

As we celebrate and enjoy the first World Cup on African soil, it is important for us to pay attention to the possible health consequences of such an event. Because of the passion for football (soccer) worldwide, the events and activities of the world cup tend to generate extremes of emotions, with possible consequences for health.

During previous world cup tournaments, the following had been observed:


• Increased incidence of sudden death

• Increased incidence of heart attacks and stroke

• Increased incidence of domestic violence


In the light of this, it is important for every individual to ensure a good state of health before and during this event.


Remember the World Cup is just another sporting event in which there will be winners and losers. Only one country out of the 32 will win the trophy. Be moderate with your expectations.

Ensure you check your blood pressure before the tournament, and regularly during the tournament.

If you are on treatment for any disease of the cardiovascular system, check with your doctor what level of involvement is safe for you.

Ensure you comply with your blood pressure medications during this period. Same applies to all other medications.

Control your emotions and reaction in the home, and Avoid argument with an agitated spouse.

Seek medical help if you develop any new or unusual symptoms while watching the tournament.


It is important you know your numbers before the World Cup begins in case of emergency.

Happy viewing.

World Cup 2010

HISTORY BEING MADE

South Africa today makes history as it host the first ever FIFA World Cup finals to be played in the African Continent after 80 years of the tournament. IT is a dream come true for the 'Mandiba' Nelson Mandela and other Africans who had prayed and dreamt that one day, the World Cup would be played on African soil. Now it is no more a dream but a reality. I hope no crisis would force the organisers to take it away from Africa.
Football tournament is a tournament that unites everyone all over the World together. Whoever invented Football needs to be commended and thanked for his creativity and passion to introduce a game that all humanity are interested in.
Back to the tournament here in Africa, it is one tournament that Africans want to use to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the continent.
I remember when South Africa bidded like other countries in the world and the kind of doubt and worry that followed their bid. The worry was not misplaced because the country was just coming out of apartheid regime and the crime rate was still high. A Lot of people thought the new administration should concentrate on rebuilding the nation and reintegrating the people into the system of the World. I thought so too. We were wrong because they needed this kind of event in their national life to motivate and challenge them to accelerate infrastructural development and check crime that is getting out of control.
Apart from existing venues that were upgraded, five new stadiums were built to meet the requirements set by FIFA for the hosting of the World Cup. The deadline given for the completion of those projects were met. The junior World Cup played in Nigeria last year was almost shifted to another country because the deadline for the completion of projects was not met. Thank God South Africa met theirs. The public transport system was improved in all the locations to and fro. The underground rail system embarked upon would be completed before the commencement of the tournament. For security, special measures were implemented to ensure safety of life and property of players, officials and visitors to South Africa. The safety and security measures were according to FIFA's requirement. Infact FIFA officials assigned with organising the soccer fiesta rated South Africa's preparedness as very high. Quite impressive. It erases doubt from the thomases who thought Africa cannot do a thorough thing.
On Friday, 11th June 2010, South Africa rolled out drums and put on a show that was applauded all over the world. The country kicked off the tournament with pre-World Cup Concert that features Big names in Music and entertainment in the world. Shakira and the freshly ground sang the tournament song 'Waka Waka. Sadly Madiba's great-grand-daughter was killed in an accident on her way home after the concert. The game continued but we missed the presence of the Madiba at the opening.
The opening ceremony was a show stopper and I pray the performances of African teams on the field would not be dismal.
Well done South Africa. You proved the critics wrong.