19. FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING vol 19
World health Day-7 April 2014 celebrated the world over with the theme ‘Vectors and vector borne diseases’,and by popular demand I will be enlightening us about ‘Ebola’.
The much talked about “Ebola” is a virus belonging to a group of viruses that cause Viral Haemorrhagic Fever{VHF}.Ebola virus disease (EVD) or Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) is the human disease that may be caused by any of four of the five known ebola viruses. These four viruses are: Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), Ebola virus (EBOV), Sudan virus (SUDV), and Taï Forest virus (TAFV, formerly and more commonly Côte d’Ivoire Ebola virus (Ivory Coast Ebolavirus, CIEBOV)). EVD is a viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), and is difficult to tell apart from Marburg virus disease (MVD).
VHF is a group of illnesses that affects humans and non-primates. It mostly leads to severe multi-organ damage ,bleeding and in many cases, death within 7- 10days in the case of Ebola. Ebola happens to be the deadliest of the hemorrhagic fever viruses.
* VHF are significant public health disease notifiable to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO).
* VHF viruses because they are so deadly,are considered potential biological warfare and can be used in bioterrorism.
They can airborne
* Ebola Virus; causes Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) formerly known as Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever in humans. There is no specific treatment and the disease has a high rate of death. It typically occurs in outbreaks and occurs in Africa. Historically less than 1000 people a year have been infected.
* EVD outbreaks have a case fatality rate of up to 90%. Thus, every 9 out of 10 patients die
* EVD outbreaks occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests.All epidemics of Ebola have occurred in sub-optimal hospital conditions, where practices of basic hygiene and sanitation are often either luxuries or unknown to caretakers and where disposable needles and autoclaves are unavailable or too expensive. In modern hospitals with disposable needles and knowledge of basic hygiene and barrier nursing techniques, Ebola has never spread on a large scale. In isolated settings such as a quarantined hospital or a remote village, most victims are infected shortly after the first case of infection is present. The quick onset of symptoms from the time the disease becomes contagious in an individual makes it easy to identify sick individuals and limits an individual’s ability to spread the disease by traveling. Because bodies of the deceased are still infectious, some doctors had to take measures to properly dispose of dead bodies in a safe manner despite local traditional burial rituals.
* The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.
* Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered to be the natural host of the Ebola virus.
* In Africa, infection has been documented through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest.
* Ebola then spreads in the community through human-to-human transmission, with infection resulting from direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids.
* Burial ceremonies in which mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased person. In Africa, infection has been documented through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest.
* Ebola then spreads in the community through human-to-human transmission, with infection resulting from direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and indirect contact with environments contaminated with such fluids.
* Men can also play a role in the transmission of Ebola. Men who have recovered from the disease can still transmit the virus through their semen for up to 7 weeks after recovery from illness.
* Health-care workers have frequently been infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed EVD. This has occurred through close contact with patients when infection control precautions are not strictly practiced.
* The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Guinea has notified WHO of a rapidly evolving outbreak of Ebola haemor-rhagic fever in forested areas south eastern Guinea.
* As of April 8, 2014, a total of 100 deaths had been reported. The cases have been reported in Guekedou, Macenta, Nzerekore and Kissidougou districts.
* Four health care workers are among the victims. Reports of suspected cases in border areas of Liberia and Sierra Leone are being investigated.
NB: for those of you bushmeat lovers,I advice you take a break. This is because Bushmeat is dried/roasted bats,antelopes,grasscutters,etc. Also,there are lots of refugees from the war torn central Africa ,so don’t fail to turn in refugees to appropriate authority!!
Remain health informed, guys.
Lastly, watch out for flu-like symptoms of fever, body aches and pains, running nose, tiredness -with or without bleeding from anywhere.
Manifestation of Ebola begins with a sudden onset of an influenza-like stage characterized by general malaise, fever with chills, joint pain, muscle pain, and chest pain. Nausea is accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Respiratory tract involvement is characterized by pharyngitis with sore throat, cough, dyspnea, and hiccups. The central nervous system is affected as judged by the development of severe headaches, agitation, confusion, fatigue, depression, seizures, and sometimes coma.
Cutaneous presentation may include: maculopapular rash, petechiae, purpura, ecchymoses, and hematomas (especially around needle injection sites). In general, development of hemorrhagic symptoms is indicative of a negative prognosis. However, contrary to popular belief, hemorrhage does not lead to hypovolemia and is not the cause of death (total blood loss is low except during labor). Instead, death occurs due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) due to fluid redistribution, hypotension, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and focal tissue necroses.
The average time between contracting the infection and the onset of symptoms is 13 days, but can be as long as 25 days
Not much is being heard from the FGN…in fact, lets just say we are on our own! But emails have been flying everywhere and questions are being asked with little answers so far. There are no human vaccines yet,contrary to information credited to Nigeria’s minister of misinformation and national disorientation.
Vaccines have protected nonhuman primates. The six months needed for immunization impede counter-epidemic uses
Spread the message and share this article with loved ones.
Thank you.
20.
FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING Vol 20
It is always a Good Friday and NEVER a bad Friday
When I was younger,I always imagined why the day Lord Jesus was crucified was called a Good Friday. The crucifixion was horrible and gruelsome. Not only was it described in The Bible,I watched it in many films including the Jesus of Nazereth series on NTA national TV. In my own little mind,I could not imagine why such a day would be called good. Jesus was betrayed, tried unjustly by the high priests and roman authorithies on trumped up charges, flogged, mocked and crucified. There was nothing good about the day.
My parents didnt make things any better when i asked them then. They didnt even explain. Their attitudes was like take it or leave it,or something like never discuss that,it is a sin to call it contrary. They werent helpful in their attitudes nor answers. But I continued to search the Scriptures. Later on, God by His understanding made me understand that Good Friday is only Good because of the events of Easter Sunday. Yes,Jesus did die but gloriously ressurrected on Easter Sunday after 3 days and is alive forever more. Yes,His Ressurrection on Easter Sunday made an otherwise woeful friday to become a glorious one.
Because of Easter Sunday,a once woeful friday became very glorious and Good Friday because the end is better than the beginning. He is alive for evermore because He resurrected and lives for evermore. It is always and will continue to be Good Friday when God’s only begotten Son – Jesus Christ died for the sins of you, I and the sins of the whole world. He ended it and offered Himself as an atonement for the sins of the whole world and ended it by His last words ‘tetelestai” translated ” it is finished”. It is indeed finished. All needed for the Salvation of the whole world is finished and is ONLY found in Jesus Christ.
21.
FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING Vol 21
Gardene of Gestsamene (a poem)
From the garden of Gethsemane
Where Jesus knelt to pray
To the betrayal done by Judas
On that grim and fatal day.
From the mighty hands of Pilate
Who wished to let Him be
To the noble priests and leaders
Who refused to set Him free.
From the crown of thorns upon His head
And lash marks from a strap
To the weight of such a heavy cross
Placed there upon His back.
From the thief who hung beside Him
Crying, “Lord, remember me”
To the gentle words of Jesus
“Today, you’ll be with me.”
From the darkness of the noon time
As He died upon the cross
To the earth that shook and trembled
In response to such a loss.
From the cheering cries of soldiers
As they took His body down
To the caring hands of Joseph
A follower new in town.
From the tomb where He was laid to rest
In linen cloth of white
To the guards who had to stand close by
Throughout both day and night.
From the stone that blocked the entrance
As it gently rolled away
To the miracle that happened
On that third and final day.
From the baffled look of soldiers
As they peered into the room
To the startled face of Mary
When she found an empty tomb.
From the strange events that happened
As the guards all turned and fled
To the words that came from angels
“He has risen from the dead.”
From the frightened eyes of Mary
As she swiftly left that place
To the light that flowed from Jesus
When she saw Him face to face.
From the doubt of His disciples
When she spoke of resurrection
To the fear upon their faces
As He walked in their direction.
From the written word of scripture
He fulfilled in prophecy
To the eleven who had gathered
On a hill in Galilee.
From the words that had been spoken
Before He went away
To His ascension into heaven
Where He lives this very day.
From the bible on the mantel
Tis the words you need to heed
To find wisdom in its pages
And a light to sow a seed.
From the death and resurrection
Of the One we hold so dear
To the coming of His spirit
Now that Easter time is here.
From the colored eggs and candy
And an orchid trimmed in blue
To the truth found there in scripture
Christ Jesus died for you.
Happy Easter once again
22.
FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING vol 22
Easter story
AD 30,
Pilate’s palace
Last watch of the night
The night was eerily silent. The air was still and the normal chirping of the cicadas was absent. The night was cold but she was covered in sweat. The dreams were always the same; since the night before the crucifixion. She dreaded going to bed nowadays- the dreams were horrifying. She looked at her husband lying beside her; he was fast asleep, snoring lightly. She resisted the urge to wake him up; he would dismiss her as usual. If only he had listened to her and not bowed to pressure from the Jewish leaders. She was sure the man was innocent, and was only brought before her husband because the Jewish leaders were afraid to lose their hold on the people. He was killed out of sheer jealousy, and her husband had aided them.
High priest palace
Last watch of the night
Caiaphas stared at the fire, his mind far away. A thought has been disturbing him since the crucifixion of the blasphemer. What if he truly was the son of God like he claimed to be? Strange happenings have been occurring since the evening of the crucifixion. Could these things be signs? The implication of orchestrating the death of God’s son was enormous and he could not bear to think of them. But then if he had been the Messiah like he claimed to be, he shouldn’t have died at the hands of the gentiles; the Messiah was supposed to deliver them from the oppression of the gentiles. The more he thought about it, the more he became sure that even if he had not been the Messiah, the man was definitely a righteous man, only that could explain the strange occurrences. He was experiencing what he hadn’t experienced in a long time – remorse, and a twinge of guilty conscience.
Golgotha
First hour of the day
The sky was turning gray, dawn was coming. The cold was biting. Claudius rubbed his hands together and placed them over the dying fire. He looked at the stone in front of the sepulcher and wondered about the man that was lying inside. He was no ordinary man. He had never believed in the claims of the Israelites about their God; only one God who was creator of all. He had always seen the Jews as proud and arrogant and he hated them because of their claim to belong to the one and true God who created heaven and earth and would refrain from worshipping other gods; they even acted superior because they claimed to be the chosen race. But events of the last few days have begun to change his mind. The man they had crucified was definitely a righteous man and even his claim of being the son of God might not be far from the truth. He kept this to himself however and dared not share it with his friends who were huddled around the fire, cracking anti-Semitic jokes.
The events that happened next were a blur- one minute he was sitting around the fire with friends, the next he was flat on the floor. There were flashes of lightning in the sky, rolling thunder and the ground was quaking. He could hear the fearful voices of his comrades. The sky became brilliantly lit, and a being descended from the sky, his features were indescribable. He went to the mouth of the tomb and rolled the stone away like they weighed nothing. Somewhere at the back of his mind, his military training was telling him to resist but he was paralyzed and couldn’t move- he just stared.
Then something even more amazing happened. The man they had buried three days ago was walking out of the tomb, and was shining like the sun! And the terrible being that came from the sky was paying obeisance to him.
Just then Claudius heard movements to his right and saw that his men were fleeing. Suddenly, he could move again and before he knew what he was doing, he was on his feet and running too.
Jerusalem
First hour of the day
Mary Magdalene was restless. She was pacing up and down the room. What was delaying the others? She mused. Just then the door opened and Joanna and three others came in carrying the ointments they had prepared yesterday. Without further delay, they set out towards the city gates. The city was just about waking up and very soon, the sounds of women going to the well would fill the streets. They hurried towards the gates which were just being opened.
Golgotha
Dawn
Mary Magdalene was at the head of the procession and even as she was walking briskly, her mind was in overdrive. Her paramount thought was how they were going to move the stone that was set at the mouth of the tomb. From her vintage point, she had seen that it took twenty soldiers to roll the stone to the mouth of the cave, and they were just a bunch of women. She was lost in thought that she did not notice until one of the women gasped. When she looked at what the others saw, she was transfixed: the tomb was open.
Without thinking, she ran the remaining distance to the tomb and stopped just shy of the entrance. She stood there till the others arrived, and gathering her courage, went inside.
The tomb was empty.
Jerusalem
Dawn
Peter was lying on the mat at the corner of the room, staring at the roof. While others slept, he hadn’t slept a wink. To his right was john, he had had a restless sleep, talking in his sleep and tossing severally. Apparently, he was having nightmares about the crucifixion because he kept repeating ‘’yeshua yeshua”. Peter envied his devotion to the master. If only he had been that strong, he wouldn’t have denied him. At the remembrance of that night, fresh tears came to his eyes- he had failed the master, just like the master predicted. If only he had been more watchful and heedful of the master’s warning. But now it was too late. What troubled him most was why the master had allowed himself to be taken, beaten and crucified. Was he not the savior they had been expecting? Surely, he was the son of God, there was no doubt about that, he had seen too much to doubt that. What happens now? He wondered. What was their fate? It had been three days now…
His thought was interrupted by the urgent knocking at the door. He frowned as he stood up to answer the door. Who could that be? At the door, he was greeted by a group of wide eyed and breathless women, all speaking at once. He tried to follow them but he couldn’t. The loud knocking had awakened the others and they now gathered behind him.
They listened with open mouths as they listened to the accounts of the women. Peter didn’t know what to believe.
Who would have moved the body of the Master? That tomb was heavily guarded by the roman soldiers.
He was going to have to see for himself before he believed what he was hearing.
Golgotha
Dawn
Breathless Peter bent over in front of the tomb. It was open alright. His lungs burned from the run. He was the last to arrive; the others were younger than him and so were faster. But none of them had entered- they were waiting for him. After a few moments, he entered the tomb. It was empty.
He scanned the room again not believing. The only thing in the tomb was the linen that had been wrapped around the master’s body at burial. Puzzled he left the tomb along with others. Maybe the governor had given an order to remove his body from the sepulcher, definitely at the instigation of the high priest.
None noticed that Mary Magdalene wasn’t with them; they were too caught in their sorrow to notice.
Mary Magdalene sat at the entrance of the tomb, weeping. They had taken away the body of her Lord. First they accused him wrongly, and then they sentenced him to a horrible death. Even in death, they wouldn’t let him be buried properly. They have dishonored him even in death.
Something caught her attention from the corner of her eye, and she looked into the tomb. There appeared to be someone in there. She went into the tomb to find out and saw two men sitting down where the body of the Master had lain. The men wore shining apparel and their countenances were shining.
“Why are you weeping woman?” they said to her
“They have taken away the body of my Lord” she replied “and I don’t know where they have taken it”
Just then another walked in. Who were these people? She thought. What were they doing here? Were they the ones that moved the body?
The man asked her the same question the two men asked her. She was losing her patience. She needed answers now.
“Tell me where you have taken him to and I will go and carry him” she said to the new man.
“Mary” the man said gently.
She looked at him sharply. How had he known her name? And then recognition hit. She hadn’t bothered to look at him before, that was why she didn’t recognize him.
There he was! And he was alive! Her Lord was alive!
It took a while before her body reacted. She lunged at him.
“Touch me not; I have not yet ascended to my Father” he told her, stopping her.
“Go to my brethren, and tell them I ascend to my Father, and your Father; and to my God and your God”
And then He was gone.
For several moments Mary just stood there taking in the incident. The Lord has risen, and had first appeared to her even before ascending to heaven to appear before His Father- their Father. And He said to go tell His brethren- not friends anymore, not disciples, but brethren!
Jerusalem, upper room
Dusk
The disciples were huddled together after supper, although only few had eaten. Many were talking in hushed tones. The news of the Lord’s resurrection had spread to the disciples and they had all gathered together that evening. Mary was the centre of attention, as many were gathered around her asking for more details about her encounter with the risen Lord.
Peter and the rest of the twelve, except Thomas were gathered together, and discussing. They were afraid of what the Jewish leaders would do should the news of the resurrection get to them. The doors had been locked from the inside and everybody had been ordered to stay indoors.
Then He was there.
“Peace be unto you” his voice rich and comforting. He looked into their eyes and could see despair and sadness, His heart ached for them. He could see disbelieve and fear in some; they thought he was a ghost. He marveled at their unbelief. He showed them His hands and feet.
He could see the joy and hope in their eyes as it slowly returned. His heart swelled. These were his brethren, beloved, chosen from among men to be sanctified unto His God.
Mount Olive
40days later
Jerusalem was filled with news of the Messiah’s resurrection; he who had been condemned to die had overcome death. But the high priest and Jewish leaders wanting to save face had bribed the soldiers to spread a lie that the disciples had stolen the body of Jesus in the middle of the night, and were now claiming he was resurrected. The disciples were not bothered about this; in the past 40days, the Lord had been appearing to them severally and preparing them for the days ahead. They didn’t have Him with them always like before his crucifixion but he has promised them another- the Comforter, His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, who will dwell with them and in them. Now they were gathered together to witness his ascension into heaven, his mission fulfilled. In death, he has birthed life- eternal life; in his life, he has given salvation and dominion- to reign as kings on earth.
So parting, he gave them his final charge and left a promise
“Go make disciples of all nations” he charged them. “I am with you always even unto the end of the world” he promised
Then he began His ascension while they steadfastly looked up into heaven until they saw Him no more.
There was an eerie silence. Uncertain what to do they stared.
And two angels appeared. “Men of Galilee” they said, “why are you all staring intently at the skies? This same Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven shall also come back in like manner as you have seen him ascend”
CREDITS: Ogundare Tope
23.
FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING vol 23
“QUESTIONS MR. PRESIDENT SHOULD ANSWER OR FACE MASS PROTEST BY CONCERNED YOUTHS ON SECURITY:
1. 2013 Budget on Security was N1.055 trillion and no new materials (machines) were bought by the military to combat terrorism.
2. If they claim they bought some , where is it and where was it used and what purpose did it serve?
3. A whopping sum of $470m (N76.bn) was spent on installing CCTV in Abuja and none is in existence and working. This is happening under your nose; order the arrest of the culprits and let them be prosecuted.
4. Tell us as the Commander in Chief of the Armed forces of this federation how many soldiers are presently on the ground at the troubled areas where you declared state emergency and what effort have they made so far in curbing the menace.
5. As the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of this federation , why have you not queried the service chiefs on false reports on the war against Boko Haram insurgence?
Is it not an embarrassment to you and the nation? Mr. President your government is too corrupt , and you can not claim not to know , we will resist your attempt to contest for 2015 presidential election if you fail to address the above mentioned and many more to come.”
24.
FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING Vol 24
The Repentance, Transformation and Metamorphosis of Super Story’s Chief. Ahun – A Message for Nigerian Leaders
Super Story is a great TV drama. It is not only hilarious but it teaches many lessons about life. It debuted on National TV in d late 90s(I think 1998/99) though I’d followed it since inception as a magazine in d 80s b4 d owner decided,after many yrs of success to make it a TV series and dump all mags. It’s been severally voted d best TV drama of the year,many times and you can follow it on local Nigerian TV or cable TV or African Magic channels or WAP TV if you have startimes decoder. I must confess I’ve followed all the series on mag and on TV since inception &without exaggeration,I may have missed none or few to several episodes in any series, I don’t miss d lesson of the series and I get to understand all d series. There are several particularly that I loved and never missed any episode. One of such is “The Second Chance” (the story of Chief. Patrick Aremu Ahun).
Chief.Ahun is a very rich man that lived to the billing of his name.His name means “stingy or miser” in Yoruba language, though the name is an understatement of him. I’ll have preferred to call him in igbo language “Okpa aku eri eri” meaning vers strict miser to himself and others. That descibed Chief.Ahun’s true nature.
Chief.Ahun in the TV series was very miserly to himself and his family and others.He wasn’t willing to go to a specialist to treat his ailing leg,rather he preferred cheap local but ineffective massagers.He won’t take his sick children to hospital but preferred ineffective local herbs.He’ll count d number of meat in d pot to account for any missing.He won’t employ a private tutor for his less than average son&wont give another son money for his project.He preferred he did low cost odd jobs to make up the money.He’ll rather give a paltry #100 to a man that risked his life&missed a job interview to give police important information that rescued his kidnapped daughter, rather than give part or all of the #1million naira the kidnappers demanded as ransom,which his wife forced him to bring out anyway. He preferred to sleep in darkness than buy fuel to operate his generator. What else have I missed out?
He had 4 cars and would rather trek 2km to his company than use any of his cars. In a bid to reserve the fuel he has in the fleet of cars in his house,he decided to trek to work and on the way, Juliana (the person who supplies diesel to chief Ahun’s office) saw him trekking and offered to help him with his bag. In return for her kindness, Chief Ahun falsely accused her of stealing N 200,000 from his bag. She eventually got fired from her office despite all pleas and explanations. He treated his nuclear&extended family members with disdain,even his workers harshly,deducting a week’s pay over flimsy non-existent excuses. He was very wicked, miserly, ungrateful and did many terrible things to others. Surely he’s one man you’ll want to stone or hack to death or wished a very terrible evil befell him.
Thank God who delights in the soul of a sinner that repents&turns to righteousness. God doesn’t want any to die but repent. (Ezekiel 18 v 23 – 32). Chief.Ahun’s case is like that of the prodigal son (Luke 15 v 11-32),though on a flipside. One night,he slept and God took him through a vision of the night.An angel took him on a memory lane through all his past,his present and his future,including what happened in the future due to his wicked actions and how he died,even his obituary& what was written there.That also includes how his money was lavishly wasted on his burial.This touched him and he begged for mercy. He woke up a repented man. Nobody preached to him in reality&these days where we have have so many religious centers filled to the brim,yet the behaviours of members do not reflect even a tiny fraction of what they learn every time. Don’t let’s even talk of hypocritical religious leaders whose ministries you won’t even want to touch with a long pole,talk less of visiting. So much hypocrisy in the land.
Chief.Ahun repented his ways and started with his family.The family thought it was a dream but he was truly changed. He did all he could to restitute to those he offended and right his wrongs.I saw the “Zaccheus” in him. He restituted to those he had wronged. Increased his workers’ pay and sought forgiveness from those he offended,restituting where necessary.Nobody preached the doctrine of restitution to him but he restituted. The hall mark was when he donated d sums of #10mm to d owner of an orphanage&an orphanage respectively,whom he had rejected in d past.He donated for&was present at the Orphanage’s new year party.That was very great repentance in the man and his repentance wasn’t only inside (as some claim),it was also outside and visible to all.
Many people may say Chief.Ahun’s case was exceptional because he had more spectacular chance but the truth is that we all have chances,though different,but all that’ll matter is how we use our chances.The Bible in Job 33 v 29,30 amp ” Behold,God does all these things twice,yes three times, with a man, to bring back his life from the pit of destruction,than he may be enlightened with the light of the living”. This scripture is self explanatory. And the lessons are clear.
How I wish all our leaders will all have this dream and change their ways. I mean all our leaders and even all we followers since in reality we may not really be much different than them bcos a people always choose leaders that they deserve. When I say leaders,I talk of all our political, even religious, social, economic, work place leaders, community, family, educational, organisational and all leaders. Not only leaders but followers too as a people get the leadership they deserve. I wish all our past national leaders,including our oga patapata,all serving and past state governors including we ourselves will repent, change, undergo a positive transformation&metamorphosis.
It’s evident all people get at least a 2nd chance (even more) but what’s important is what you do with that chance. Will you let your second chance slip u by?
25.
FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING. Vol 25
A TALE OF TWO PRESIDENTS
Yar Adua was ill. GEJ is well
Yar Adua declared his assets, GEJ said he doesn’t give a damn about declaring his assets.
Yar Adua reduced the price of Petrol. GEJ increased it.
Yar Adua reduced militancy. GEJ dances while terrorism increases.
Yar Adua sacked a minister of health for corruption. GEJ pardons his godfather and shields the 10billion private jet flying minister of Petrol.
Yar Adua believed in the rule of law, GEJ flaunts it by refusing to reinstate Salami.
Now can you spot the difference?
26.
FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING vol 26
LEST WE FORGET
Events in recent times have alluded to the fact that Nigerians have very short memories. We tend to forget things (or at least pretend to, in deeds&actions&words) very easily. What could be d cause? Maybe we have amnesia problem? Is it genetic, educational, deliberate, socio-economic, ethnic, tribal, religious, retrogade, idiopathic, organic , (forgive my medical language), hypocritical, political, parochial, nutritional, defective, bigotted, jingoistic, selective, self-denial or multifactorial? I can’t answer for every one but my careful observation shows it bears a character of at least one of the above mentioned.
We do forget things easily. At least, most people, if not all will agree with me. As I go further, let me try to remind us of certain stuffs,lest we forget.
Have we forgotten about the over 200 secondary school girls kidnapped in Chibok?
Have we forgotten about the missing $20bn (or $10.8bn as d minister of finance put it) FG funds?
Have we forgotten about the comprehensive audit of NNPC promised by the minister of finance herself?
Have we forgotten GEJ promised to create wealth?
Have we forgotten the ever changing promises of stable power supply,even before CNN’s Christiana Amanpour?
Have we forgotten various probes by the senate& house of reps?
Have we forgotten the promise of very constant fuel supply when GEJ raised petrol prices from #65/L to #97/L?
Have we forgotten the promise of more local refineries GEJ promised us in 2011 while campaigning,also reiterated in 2012 after he increased fuel price?
Have we forgotten the FG Niger Delta amnesty programme is meant to last for less than one year ?
Have we forgotten the billion dollars contract given to ex-militants to protect our pipelines?
Have we forgotten the $3.5bn kerosene subsidy fiasco?
Have we forgotten the Centenary celebration occured just few days after over a hundred pupils were slaughtered in Bunu Yadi?
Have we forgotten the president’s jolly trip to Ibadan and Kano just 24 hours after over 100 people died in Nyanyan bombing ?
Have we forgotten a Federal Executive Council meeting was cancelled just because the Vice President’s brother died?
Have we forgotten Ribadu report on oil?
Have we forgotten the probe into the Immigration job fiasco?
Have we forgotten the reports on the Senate and Reps probe on Oil Subsidy?
And so on (add yours) ?
How many reports have we had? How many white papers? KPMG, NEITI, Ribadu Report, etc. What is the outcome?
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Every onlooker is either a coward or a willing collaborator. Enough of seminars, workshops and conferences.
Don’t be deceived, we have to take back our stolen dreams.
27.
FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING vol 27
Blame God, Nigerians?
I find it annoying when Nigerians expect God to do even laundry for them. I think the country has been sedated under the influence of unproductive religion and if Nigeria has under-performed, we must blame God! God has not yet responded appropriately, and so Nigerians must pray more, and maybe louder.
Nigerians are not yet prepared for the kind of change that some of us have written about. On many occasions the people you think you are talking for, writing for, and fighting for, would tell you that you should be “patient”. They see no reason why you are boiling over for them. They expect you to give them money. That is the language Nigerians understand; they don’t care from where you have got the money. They only want their share. This attitude threatens to weaken our hands. Other Nigerians would respond to us with a question such as, “Are you perfect yourself?”
People that are averse to education and learning are without any hope of development. What our people worship is money. Our politicians know this so well; and that is why they have political longevity in spite of lack of character and what saner people would call “bad reputation”. The Nigerian people are not ready for a better life.
Surely, it is not well with Nigeria. When blood-thirsty Boko Haram militants conduct hours of operation and slaughter our children in their sleep without the intervention of the Nigerian security personnel, how could it be well with Nigeria? When billions of dollars of public money get missing and government officials only meet to “reconcile accounts” and nothing more is done in the public interest, how can it be well with Nigeria? When services like telecommunications and electricity supply remain deplorable and yet citizens are being ripped off without stern reaction by the government on behalf of citizens, how can it be well with Nigeria? When since 1999, the “largest party in Africa” has formed central government in Nigeria and yet not a single kilometer of modern railway has been built, and rather all we hear is the boast about “refurbishing” colonial-era coaches in spite of the hundreds of billions of dollars Nigeria has earned in revenue during the period, how can it be well with Nigeria? When the same old gang that has presided over Nigeria’s decay since independence is charged with organizing a national conference to heal Nigeria, how can it be well with Nigeria? On December 31, 2011, a famous prophet in Nigeria announced to the world that the problem of Boko Haram would be “a thing of the past” from 2012! Alas, Boko Haram is waxing stronger. But Nigerians love to be deceived by their prophets and overseers. We are made to hide under “prayers”, “faith”, and would not accept our individual responsibility.
Nigerians, we have groveled to “God” enough. We must change our ways. The president cannot defend corruption, excuse corruption and encourage impunity and then think that visitations to churches can shield him from the consequences. I want to warn that a deadly consequence awaits mockers of God. But we cannot continue this way and pretend continually. The conspiracy of Nigerian religious leaders, business leaders, traditional leaders and political leaders to hold Nigerians down will not survive scrutiny forever. The Nigerian people can decide when they want the charade in government, religious circles, business sector and traditional institutions to end. We must not be cheerleaders of what is injurious to our commonwealth. We must get rid of the cursed things in the camp. This requires action and not prayer. God will not get rid of these things for us; we must. It is our responsibility. The problem of Nigeria is Nigerians. Our moral temperature is very low—we call wrong right and right wrong. Stop “praying” and start purifying yourselves, for that is the greatest PRAYER. For “if you do my (God’s) will, then you are my friends indeed, and whatever you ask it shall be done for you.” The great prayer warrior is the obedient person. In our obedience we have the power to punish all disobedience.
Credits; Leonard Karshima Shilgba
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FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING vol 28
Don’t blame OBJ for your “mistake”,rather blame yourselves
Some folks (wrongly in my opinion) blame Obj for foistering d Clueless One on us.Maybe true but I still disagree with them on many points.He didn’t force us to vote for his candidate.Didn’t we see other northern cand? We said one was a thief&political prostitute&d other a jihadist.We all know better now.Worse than a thief is with us.I told any that cared to listen than Yar’Adua was sick&wont last his tenure.He was just like Hiddenberg in 1932.He showed signs.He didn’t campaign but sat down&waved.He even fainted once(Umoru,are u alive or dead? No baba)!What else do we need! Didn’t we vet his VP? What was his achievement? Negotiating with militants in their bases.Hahahahaha.Despite d fact d election was flawed,d candidate dat had majority of our votes won(I didn’t vote him though).Yet we keep complaining over our mistakes blaming another.
Soon,Love Day is here again.Another opportunity to make ammends but I’m afraid we’ll blow it again.This person said this,that said that,one sponsors Boko Haram( all without any proofs),pastor this said we should vote this; he once had his chance,they’d ruled too long,let’s keep our person there etc and we’ll vote wrongly again yet blame another for our self-inflicted woes.
Alexis de Toucquis said “in every democracy,the people get the government they deserve”
Nigerians think
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FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS FREAKING FREETHINKING Vol 29
Do we really hate President. Jonathan?
I have been asked and wrongly accused of this question many times. Unlearned individuals have wrongly accused me and some others of hating President.Jonathan. How can we hate him when we fought against the injustice that was being done to him as VP when some cabals wanted to remove him extraconstitutionally and dont want him to take over from an incapacitated dying president. They wanted to rule yet the president was sick and the constitution prescribed the VP took over. They wanted to prevent that. We fought against that and he was made acting president and eventually president.
But now,dont let me bother you with details which you know already and much water has passed under the bridge. But now,people accuse us of still hating him. How can we hate him? Anyway,without boring you without boring you with long essays, my friend Teddy Victor has aptly summarised my view. Rather, president Jonathan has made people hate him. He brought on the hate on himself by his very bad ill advised, stupid actions.
In Teddy’s words ” … you said Jonathan won an election but you didnt say how? Would Jonathan had won without these people you perceived hate him now?… Ours brains are dumb the day we stopped to realised a coin has two sides… Jonathan is evil, a terrorist and accomplice, nobody hates him, his actions and comments are full of suspects, what love will you have for a president who said he doesnt give a damn after asking for your votes? What love will you give a president who increased fuel to bring you more adversity on the first day of the year. What love will you give a president that went dancing a day after his citizens were massacred? What love will you give to a leader who said few days ago that he can not sack looting ministers no matter the evidence? What love will you give a president that lies to you every day and you can not trust to defend you? What love will you give a leader who said looting is common stealing? If anyone hates Jonathan, his actions invited the hates. Nigerians are trustrated and tired ”
I think that statement needs no further explanations as it is a summary itself and self explanatory
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FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING. Vol 30
Don’t you think Benfica is jinxed?
Have u ever imagined why Benfica keeps losing d final of successive european cup finals? It even Lost Europa Losers’ League final ystrdy. Why? It’s jinxed. It’s under a curse.
After the 1962 European Cup Final, Guttmann (Benfica coach) approached the Benfica board of directors and asked for a pay rise. It was rumoured they had promised him a pay rise if he could achieve success with them. He’s earlier won d portugese league with Porto,overcoming Benfica’s 5 point lead. He later “ported” to Benfica. He won 2 Portugese league trophies and two European Champions trophies.
However despite the success he had brought the club,his request for a pay rise was turned down. On leaving Benfica, Guttman allegedly cursed the club, declaring “Not in a hundred years from now will Benfica ever be European champion”. Benfica have gone on to lose all eight of their subsequent European finals, including five European Cup finals (1963, 1965, 1968, 1988, and 1990), and three UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League finals (1983, 2013 and 2014).
Before the 1990 final, which was played in Vienna, where Guttmann was buried, Eusébio even prayed at his grave and asked for the curse to be broken. Benfica still lost that match and subsequent finals after that.
Disregard d power of curses to ur peril !
Do u think curses don’t work in real life?
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FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’S FREAKING FREETHINKING. Vol 31
The Chibok girls’s kidnap isn’t a phantom. It’s real !
It is a pity that despite the identification of some of the abducted girls by their parents in the recently released video,some people still doubt the abduction of the girls or accuse the Borno state governor,Shettima of “orchestrating” the abduction saga. It is difficult to convince the deaf and the dumb who have closed their minds to reasoning and empathy.
Parents have identified their Girls from the Video…what are you talking about Bro?
http://dailytrust.info/news/24018-chibok-girls-54-girls-identified-by-parents-in-boko-haram-video
I couldn’t believe it more when my pharmacology professor in school then,Prof Olorundare told us that there are 3 kinds of people on earth -Whites,Blacks, and Nigerians
School girls we’re abducted 4 weeks ago,some said it was a hoax even when the FG confirmed it,they then asked for their names and pictures to be published which was done save the pictures .Now that BH has released the videos of some of the girls,some still don’t believe it citing unreasonable and callous perceptions, some said they’re more mature than school girls,some said it’s not possible they could recite the 1st part of the Quran so well since most of them are Christians
It makes me wonder why we wouldn’t continue to have mediocres as leaders if a considerable size if the nation is thinking this way.
Some people are saying Boko Haram video may be fake because the girls recited the Quran well. I don’t agree with them. A lot of Christians who grew up far North could recite that, at least, especially the indigenous people. Some of my christian friends knew how to recite if from primary school and they still do. As for recitation who does not know if u attend public schools in the north u have to recite Quran? It does not follow religion, hundreds of my christian friends from Adamawa, Bauch, Gombe recites like muslims, The video cannot be fake because the faces of the girls were showing and most of them can be identified. Boko Haram aren’t that ‘ram’, they know a thing or two.
Let me add some folks said the place isn’t a forest. Have they ever travelled up north b4? Were they expecting Shambisa forest to be as thick as rain forest or mangrove swamp or even southern guinea savannah? Sambisa is in d Sahel Savannah. With much desert encroachment and dryin up of lake Chad, it can’t be more than we saw. Only uninformed folks will be expecting a thick forest in d fringes of d sahara. Apart from elementary geography which if u did will tell u Sambinsa will be mostly wood and shrubs because of location, its a known fact that there are villages inside that forest. Fulani heardsmen before boko haram lived in the forest for ages.
On accent, who doesnt have accent? The accent of a person from Kano must be diffrent from Borno, what is unaccented Hausa?
The JTF that the Principal of the Chibok schools made nonsense of their claim that the school girls were rescued should be the first to have told Nigerians and the rest of the world abduction never took place to have at least gotten back at the principal and all behind the cooked up event if truly it is but till today i haven’t read any denial. The presidency also changed their tactics to negotiating for the girls release but some or many Nigerians who have never been to Borno sit or stand comfortably in their houses, offices, cars, etc thinking, saying and typing on social media like Asari Dukobo that the abduction never took place. The SSS and the police also haven’t denied it. Despite all the evidence asked for and given and even by the foreign media going on ground to see first hand the school burnt, interviewed parents, the doubters for reasons none of them except Asari have told us that the people he sees as Gambari want to tarnish Gej’s already seriously over-tarnished image believes the girls were not abducted.
So many thousands of fellow humans and Nigerians have been killed by Boko Haram for the past few years these doubters never came up with this idea that the deaths were cooked up so how did the abduction which is not the first time but the highest in terms of numbers now turn to a cooked up event? ? How come these doubters never asked for pictures, parents, families etc of the people that have been killed? After all the pictures and information required of the 9/11 and the Uk terrorist act are available and even during their memorial some of their familes and loved ones still come up with pictures to show the world. Why? Why? ? ? i asked again did all these doubters refuse to ask for pictures, parents and families to protest with the pictures of their loved ones at all the many thousands that have been killed since boko haram started their evil. . . So many questions but here are just a few for the doubters. Since they’ve been picking holes to ask questions the president, JTF, SSS and police have refused to ask publicly rather they telling us the abduction took place, they also should not run away from simple questions like these!
One shouldn’t be like Apostle Thomas who refused to believe Jesus resurrection, despite all reports . He asked for undeniable proof. When he saw Jesus, he was so shocked he stopped doubting. Let’s not be doubting Thomases. Some ask for links from reputable media houses. I’m providing u at least 3 here.
http://www.punchng.com/news/abduction-army-ignored-advanced-warning-ai/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27344863
http://news.yahoo.com/nigeria-ignored-warning-boko-haram-kidnap-amnesty-143910613.html
Let it not be that when the american and israeli multinational forces rescue the girls that some will believe. Shame and even greater shame on those who’re yet to believe now,despite d undeniable evidences. More shame unto them when the girls are rescued.
Bring back our girls.
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FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS FREAKING FREETHINKING. Vol 32
Stop all these lies and campaign of lies
I don tire to see these annoyingly repetitive ads with glaringly false content on AIT. Martin Luther King, Obama, Nelson Mandela, Lee Kuan Yew won’t find them amusing either… How can u be be comparing a heartless incompetent liar with all these great men. The juxtaposition is too unequal.
There are so many creative ways the government can advertise its real and imagined achievements..but this Lee Kuan Yew, Mandela, Obama, Martin Luther comparison is just another LOW . Obama should sue them or just tell them to stop d misuse of his name. Likewise all d others too. I hope INEC too is watching. It should be a fair umpire. Official campaign hasn’t started. All these unofficial campaigns must stop. All these defenders of prosperity, Transformation initiatives , Promoters of Nigerian Prosperity,bla bla bla must stop d campaigns of falsehood. Where is d 24-hr electricity? With these clowns called DISCOs ? (Abi na skelewu or Azonto ni)
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FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING Vol 33
Don’t let us be carried away and forget
Now that d World Cup is starting,with all its excitement and month long fanfare and fun, I hope we haven’t forgotten about
1. Our missing $20bn CBN funds
2. ASUP strike is over 11mths. Our youths are wasting productive lives at home doing nothing
3. Our Chibok girls are missing. #bringBackOurGirls
4.Boko Haram is still on rampage
5. The Allison Madueke Probe
6. The so called Jonathan’s Conference is still ongoing (but like I’d said countlessly,it’s an exercise in futility)
7.The NGF Nigerian Govs Forum is still factionalised
8. The fate of defecting senators and house of rep members
9. Are more political parties gonna be deregistered or we’ll maintain status-quo
10. Where is d much publicised help of d american,french, british and israeli forces promised? When are they storming Shambisha forest to rescue and bring back our girls? I’m still awaiting watching another “Delta- Force- style, rescue operation on TV”
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FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREE-THINKING vol 34
Who is greater ? An Emir or Mr. President ?
Many of my friends willingly or ignorantly got me wrong over the issue of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi,the new Emir of Kano. Never have I ever said that any traditional ruler be it Oba, Eze, Obi, Ataoja,Etsu, Sultan, Emir, Ooni, Alaafin or any other, is greater than the president or state governor, LG Chairman or any legislator or elected official. Never. They have constitutional roles and are all recognised by the constitution over any traditional ruler. However, by our own tradition and culture, it demands that anybody,no matter how big or small should respect and bow down &pay appropriate obseissance to any traditional ruler He CHOOSES to see. If he fails to do that, not only has he committed a sacriledge and desecrated traditions. That isn’t wise.
It’s a known fact that all former heads of states /presidents, governors, legislators, LG Chairmen,even Jonathan in the past all paid proper respects to traditional rulers, why must there be a change now? It goes beyond politics of APC and PDP.
The choice is GEJ’s. He can choose to ignore going to Kano. I don’t give a damn. I’m sure most people too don’t give a damn. But if he chooses to, he must go visit his enemy – SLS, d new emir of kano and pay proper obseissance to him. He must address SLS as his royal highness and bow down to SLS and say “ranka deede”. I’m waiting for that time too. This time,he mustnt go alone. He should carry my friend Collins Eze to also go pay homage to the emir
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FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING Vol 35
BRAZIL 2014: Harvest of protests and aparty
By tomorrow, the 20th edition of the world cup will be kicking up amid protests. It is quite ironical that this is so given that the mundial is taking place in Brazil, the home of football.
Brazil’s image to the world is determined by her carnivals, the samba girls and most importantly her football. I remember when Brazil was handed the hosting right in 2007; it was greeted with fanfares and celebrations that finally football is returning to its spiritual home after 6 decades of waiting. One can only wonder how within 6 years these supports metamorphosed to anger and protests.
A major factor behind the outrage by Brazilians is the corruption that has marred the handling of the world cup preparation. There has been allegation of fraudulent billing by contractors most of whom are government political sponsors. How do one explain the tripling of the cost of Garrincha’s world cup stadium from just little above $300m to $900m!
Human right violation is another major reason for the violence. Locals have been forcefully evicted from their ancestral homes little financial compensation, sometimes without resettlement. This elitist drive has made over 200,000 Brazilians homeless. Thus they are asking “WORLD CUP FOR WHOM?”
There has also been allegation of overspending. Brazilians have asked rightly, why construct 12 stadia when 8 stadia can successfully host the world cup. This is more worrisome given that 4 of the stadia are located in areas where professional football is nonexistent. This world cup will be costing thrice the cost of Germany 2007 edition.
The love of Brazilians for football explains why they protested using a football tournament ‘Copa Popular’. They believe copa popular is for the people while the World cup is for the elites and tourists.
The only way to calm the nerves of Brazilian is for the Canarinho to fly all the way to the finals, anything short of that would flare up the already tensed situation
A friend was in Rio last year for the Confederation Cup and he was positively shocked to discover that the average Brazilian cares very little about football as the myth outside the country of a soccer crazed country. So many of them couldn’t fathom why anyone should come all the way from Africa just to come and watch football. It was most disheartening.He even tried very unsuccessfully in educating some of them on the possible benefits derivable from hosting the WC,
The issues fueling the riots (which started then) isn’t just about corruption only but also about the socio-economic disparities there. The gap between the wealthy and the poor is so frightenly wide. Much more than in Nigeria.
The slums are worse than any you can see in Naija in Ajegunle, Ijora – Badia, Makoko, PH shanties and the rich areas of Copacabana and Ipenama are as exotic as the finest European town.So beyond corruption, most of the citizenry cannot understand the need to spend so much on the World Cup.
Even more frightening is that the country is still spending heavily to host the Rio de Janerio 2016 summer olympics and are building yet another 4 new stadium to host the football events. Many citizens feel the money being wasted on hosting these two tournaments will have been better used to improve their lives. I quite agree with them even though the government has made many wastages and failed to improve the standard of the people, it should have struck a good balance. The people too should be ready to make small sacrifices but I put most of the blame on the government. I hope the protests won’t disrupt the World Cup.
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FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING Vol 36
REMEMBER JUNE 12 (Three Poems Written in 1994)
1.
…the tainted hue
of mid-noon sky
changing bright haze
to violet mood
-rumours-
…the chords of June
the strings of June
the rape of June
the Twelfth of June
…and the mandate
of a lost June
approaches a bloody anniversary
in the eternal rhapsodies
of an alternative joke
2.
…the mood of the day
the short tail of lizard
the agony of June Twelve
the approaches of war
-gambling men
gambling lives
gambling tide
gambling with history
….and we will remember
these wise men
if we live long enough
to see the conference
and the circumference
of a lost generation
in the wake
of an annulment
3.
… the fate of men
a man of faith
dribbles from a cold season
between the annulment
of history
…and three cats
fought three mice
and drew three lines
of three bloody paths
…and the third line
was cast in the sky
waiting for the season
to touch the unrighteous
…and on June 12
we will all stand
and be counted
in an empty marketplace
otherwise
stay at home!
it is a lousy country
especially for the poor
(From the Collection: Crosses on the Hilltop, Published in 2002)
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FRIDAY FREE FOOD FOR FRIENDS’ FREAKING FREETHINKING vol 37
Nigerians wake up ! Enough is enough!
One OMAR BANGURA from Sierra Leone has this to tell Nigerians; “I don’t think you guys know what you are playing with. You can call each other names and laugh about it now but when you end up inciting hate here as I read through yourposts here and a real civil war start in your country you will regret what you are doingnow. Your religious and political leaders are trying to divide you between religious linesand you are helping them do that rather than standing up and say we are all Nigerians never mind our tribe, region or religion. That’s the only stand that will save your blessed nation. The foreign powers pushing the government to take certain decisions will abandon you when you start killing each other and reject you from running to their countries so be careful. Our 11 years war in Sierra Leone was not even based on religious or tribal difference and see what we did to our country. The worst conflicts are those based on tribal and religious differences. See central Africa,Bosnia. My heart bleeds when I read what you guys are saying bcos I know what this will lead to. You will be theloosers all of you whether Christian, Muslim, ibo, yoruba or hausa stand as one and saveyour nation together bcos you have only one Nigerian that has the potential to lead Africa.
drbiggie 