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What Nigerians must do to defeat COVID-19 By Ezrel Tabiowo

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Barely days to the end of a four-week lockdown declared by President Muhammadu Buhari to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease in Nigeria, I’ve seen a few number of “pots and pan protests” on various social media platforms. 


This left me with some questions, amongst which is why a few Nigerians would choose to protest in the face of a pandemic that has shaken the very foundations of advanced healthcare systems in developed countries of the world. 


I also wondered why some other desperate few felt the need to trend online by politicising the COVID-19 situation through unwarranted criticisms of government initiatives and directives. Could this be due to lack of patriotism from a preference to feed the ego over putting the country first? 


My observation from the videos I’ve seen so far is that those championing this protest are not even hungry and poor. 
The reality on ground is that the poor ones still go about making their daily earnings. Just yesterday morning, my electrician came all the way from the Lugbe axis – a satellite town not far away from the Abuja metropolis – to fix an electrical problem I had in my house. Three days ago, my plumber also came to attend to a plumbing problem in my kitchen. 


Somehow, the poor have been able to find their way around despite the lockdown. At least, I can say this with all certainty about those I know personally with a source of income, but not the unemployed. It, therefore, becomes imperative for the Federal Government and citizens to identify the unemployed so as to ensure that government’s palliative trickles down rightly.  


Where this has not been done properly, those superintending over the local government councils must immediately engage their representatives at the State Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly to ensure that the poor are beneficiaries of the scheme. 


Reverting to my assessment on the impact of the lockdown, it is common knowledge that markets are open to the public, and I can tell you that some businesses have found a way of rendering online services that deliver goods, ranging from electronics supply to furniture at your doorstep. So, what is the protest for, really? 


We are at a time when we need to contain the spread of a disease. So far, those behind this protest are just calling out the government without even coming up with suggestions and proposals needed to address the fear of community spread of the dreaded virus should the lockdown be lifted. To be candid, this reeks of hypocrisy and puts to question the motive behind the protest. 


In any case, I think on another count that this swings both ways. If President Buhari decides to lift the lockdown and we see a significant increase in number of infections and deaths, I can guarantee you that these same persons would be handy to advance another anti-government scheme to discredit the administration. Who knows, they would most probably come up with a ‘head-pan and cement’ protest to denigrate the government over the insufficient number of isolation centres and ventilators in the country. And the condemnation goes on in a vicious cycle that helps no one. 


In my view, this moment of emergency calls for collective cooperation and mutual understanding on the part of citizens and the Federal Government, and not attempts to disrupt the activities or sabotage the efforts of the latter. 


Nobody is finding it easy at this time, including myself, but we must continue to harbour optimism that the decision of the Federal Government to be conveyed in a nationwide broadcast by the President on Monday, would again grant us some weeks of reprieve in the face of the grave danger the world currently faces. 


As it stands, the only available and efficient option in the fight against the pandemic for now is the introduction of a partial lockdown to reduce the rapid spread of the disease, while allowing government time to identify infected persons and isolate them from the population.


To compliment government’s initiatives, let us get on board to propose ways in which the fight against COVID-19 can be made more effective. The Presidential Task Force is there to take note of concerns and observations made by Nigerians, and the National Centre for Disease Control helplines are equally available for this purpose. 


It is my hope that we all make it out of this pandemic without recording high number of deaths, whilst at the same time noting the need to develop our health institutions to sufficiently deal with a reoccurrence in the future.

Ezrel Tabiowo, MBSC, Fsca, wrote this piece from Abuja
April 26, 2020

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“If You Don’t Like the Life You’re Living, Change It” By Prudent Ludidi

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Prudent Ludidi on Consequences of Unhealed Emotional Pain and Trauma

“If You Don’t Like the Life You’re Living, Change It” By Prudent Ludidi

 

Let’s talk about a simple yet powerful truth, if you don’t like the life you’re living, change it.

These five words hold the key to unlocking a happy and fulfilled life.

But how often do we forget that we have the power to create the life we want?

We get stuck in routines, relationships, and careers that drain our energy and dull our spark. We convince ourselves that this is just the way life is supposed to be. That we’re supposed to struggle, stress, and settle. But I’m here to tell you that’s not true. You have the power to change your life.

Think about it. You wake up every morning with a choice. A choice to stay in bed or get up and start anew. A choice to complain about your circumstances or take action to change them. A choice to let fear hold you back or push past it and take a leap of faith.

But change can be scary. It’s uncomfortable. It’s uncertain. And that’s exactly why most people don’t do it. They’d rather stick with what they know, even if it’s not working, than risk the unknown. But I ask you, what’s the cost of staying stuck? What’s the cost of living a life that doesn’t align with your values, passions, and dreams?

The truth is, you have the power to create the life you want. You have the power to pursue your passions, nurture meaningful relationships, and live a life that truly reflects who you are. So, what’s holding you back? Is it fear? Doubt? Comfort? Whatever it is, let me tell you, it’s not worth it.

You deserve to live a life that makes you feel alive. A life that makes you feel proud. A life that makes you feel fulfilled. So, take the first step today. Take a deep breath, let go of your fears, and start creating the life you want.

Start small. Make one change. Take one risk. Have one conversation. And watch how your life begins to shift. Watch how your confidence grows. Watch how your happiness increases.

Remember, if you don’t like the life you’re living, change it. You have the power. You have the strength. And you have the resilience. So, go out there and create the life you deserve!

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Star Entertainers Set for Angel Global Promotions ‘Our Night of Heritage’ Show in UK Nov 29

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Star Entertainers Set for Angel Global Promotions ‘Our Night of Heritage’ Show in UK Nov 29

London city will be agog on Friday, 29th of November 2024, as A-List Nigerian entertainers stage performance at this year’s edition of ‘Our Night of Heritage’ (Ale Asa Wa) show.

 

Aimed at recognizing outstanding achievements in concerts, shows, and cultural events, the event which promises to be a talk-of-the-town, will be held at LOG Hall Abbey Quilting Selinas Lane, Dagenham, RM8 1ES, London SE16 2BD, United Kingdom.

 

 

According to Princess Adetutu Jakande, the chief organizer of Ale Asa Wa and CEO of Angel Global Promotions UK, the 5th edition of the AfriCulture tradition and entertainment awards event serves as a platform for celebrating African culture and entertainment while highlighting the exceptional talents of individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the industry.

 

 

An array of entertainment performers have been lined up to give the night the touch of glamour and class while the event streams live in the media across the globe. They include Gospel star, Biyi Samuel; Alhaji Lateef a.k.a. Student Fuji; Kemi Alayo a.k.a. Idi Ope; Poly Mr Correct; Ekundayo Mr Manna; Alhaji Wasiu Adekunle Classical Fuji; MC Loko a.k.a. Omo Woli; Omoba Ademola a.k.a. Demo Performer, and a whole lots of other stars and side attractions.

 

 

With 30 Pounds entry fee, the organizers have announced that Ankara fabrics are available for smooth access to the event venue and numbers to call are +44745382120, +447960892460, +447308779733. Seasoned Nollywood actor, Kunle Afod, will feature as special guest artiste.

 

 

According to the organizers, there will also be presentation of awards where selected individuals will be recognized for their impactful contributions to the entertainment industry.

Star Entertainers Set for Angel Global Promotions 'Our Night of Heritage' Show in UK Nov 29

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Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

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How Prophet Kingsley Predicted The Rumble In Pastor Adeboye Led RCCG

Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

 

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention in the face of efforts by unscrupulous oil marketers to thwart the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the previous sabotage of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries.

The respected clergyman made the call for nationwide prayers during the November 2024 Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service themed ‘Total Restoration’, which held in the capital city. While Adeboye did not explicitly name the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, his remarks echoed the ongoing attempts by oil marketers to prevent the refinery from functioning as it was designed to.

The Dangote Refinery based in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos is the only facility currently refining petrol in Nigeria, and Adeboye’s comments reflected the dispute between the refinery and oil marketers, who seek to continue importing fuel for personal gain.

Pastor Adeboye reminded the congregation that it was God who raised Aliko Dangote to establish a refinery after years of failed attempts to revive Nigeria’s four public refineries, which had consumed billions of Naira with little result. He questioned the persistence of fuel imports despite Nigeria’s status as a major crude oil producer.

“Are we under a curse?” he asked. “We have four refineries, we poured all kinds of money into them, none of them is working. But God raised someone to build a refinery that works. He is not my relative, he is not from my village. He is not even a Christian, but he is a Nigerian who says, ‘Why should my people suffer when I have the means to build a refinery that can work?’ Now he is refining petrol, and some people want to stop him from selling it, so they can keep importing.”

Adeboye also pointed out the damage caused by the fuel subsidy, describing it as a significant drain on Nigeria’s resources, contributing to the country’s mounting debts and corruption. He stressed that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy in 2023, Nigerians largely welcomed the decision, but oil marketers, who benefitted from the subsidy regime, were furious.

These marketers, the renowned pastor claimed, have formed alliances with some International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other powerful interests to obstruct the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This includes restricting access to crude oil, forcing Dangote to import crude from countries like the United States, among others.

He called for prayer for the total restoration of the country, noting that the Nigerian people are suffering the consequences, as the prices of essential goods have soared, pushing many items beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. “The masses are the ones suffering because these marketers, who are bent on keeping imports alive, already have more money than they can ever spend,” he said.

Despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s entire demand for petroleum products – and even to export surplus fuel – oil marketers continue to pressurise the government to allow ongoing petrol imports. This has placed additional strain on the Naira, which has continued to depreciate.

Recently, the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) urged the government to protect local refineries from unfair competition posed by importers and international petroleum traders, in line with provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

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