The article every Nigerian should read and share

Before the Nigerian Civil  war the rural dwellers hardly buy anything from the market whenever they want to prepare their local dishes. In my compound at Ojor village, Ojoto, we had ogiri tree, oha tree, onugbu, pepper tree, etc, we only went to the market for crayfish and fish - the hunters always supply bush meat for our cooking delight. It was as if we were still at the era of trade by barter - go to the market and sell the things you had in excess and buy the ones you had ran out of before going back home - it was as if there was no economic system at play - we just offer each other the best from our basket full. Life was simple and it was a celebration - a glorious enactment of our belief toward nature and the existence of God in the practice of our culture. Culture was a worship unto what we share as a community, and as a people whose survival depended on the trust we share amongst ourselves.
Then the economic system began to eat on the reserve of the people. We began to draw back on the things we shared, because even greetings is for the people you are in good terms with. We offer the best we have in our homes when a visitor calls, but today we hardly offer anything, and if offered, it may not worthy of something that will prove how we cherish the person's visit - we lack money to express love. It is a cultural thing when we indulge in the things that express how we relate to one another - money shouldn't come between us - when we offer our best to one another, we offer it to God instead. Whatever we do in total expression of our love without considering the monetary cost of what we want to offer to our fellow man, be it neighbour, a friend, a stranger, an enemy, etc, we offer it to God - such act automatically transform into ritual - when the soul of man talks, instead of the mind.
But due to lack of funds, we most of the time think it is religious when somebody goes back to such ritual - it is certainly the reenactment of the old values into a modern outlook. The outlook of things these days are based on what we are going to benefit when we do this, or do that and not what will it benefit the receiver - we only want to feed our flesh - we no longer do things that bring unusual happiness to the soul. Our soul goes hungry whenever we deny it the necessary food that it deserves - offering the best for the person next, and take the least of such services, and such is an act of God such is the way, the only way to God, and for our salvation. The human culture is the direct link unto salvation, and we are being frustrated by the economic system via economic policies in fulfilment of political policy/foundation toward the degrading of the human capacity, as established route to human incapacitation - it is what the Bible calls "mankind."
We resemble the original man but not man - we appear same, but we don't behave same - man walks without conscience, without a heart in his heart, and we work to destroy rather to build. As the environment bears polish outlook, so do the man that lives in them lives in the flesh than in the spirit. And the spirit dies before the flesh, and we operate with a container without a content - and that is why whatever we do lack substance - even though we sleep in churches, we lack God. And whoever operates without God, operates with the Devil. The culture of man is an embodiment of his belief toward the destiny of all things - it is what explains the existence of God, and we act accordingly. Culture is the hope of man - redemption is having the old values living in a modern world, as Christ is for our redemption, so is the culture is the redemption. Culture is of man, not of the Devil - you become evil when you live outside of your own culture - and you live outside of God too.
What is of man if we do not have a way to define our conduct, to measure our behaviours, separating good from bad, promoting what benefits us, and condemning what destroys us. What is of man if we do not have a culture? Who are you outside your identity? Where do you hope to end your journey when this life terminates? Who are we if not what we are? Who are you?

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Living Longer with a Healthier Immune system

 By Anna Kuchnir (From Science In The News)

While man’s eternal search for “the fountain of youth” continues, a study published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that we (at least the gourmands among us) may not like what we find. Scientists have known for decades that reducing the amount of food consumed can extend the lifespan of multiple organisms, ranging from yeast to rats. Exactly how reducing the number of calories consumed prolongs life is unknown, but theories abound. Some researchers believe that ingesting fewer calories slows down the rate at which our bodies metabolize, or break down, food and turn it into energy, thereby slowing the aging process. Others believe that decreased calorie consumption sets loose fewer free radicals, the harmful particles generated as a side effect of metabolism. The most recent theory, proposed by researchers at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), is that long term calorie cutting, or caloric restriction (CR), prolongs life in part by delaying the aging of the immune system. One of the major health problems affecting the elderly is an increased susceptibility to infections and greater severity of disease. For instance, the yearly flu epidemic is rarely more than an inconvenience for a healthy young adult, while to an elderly person it can be life threatening. One of the many possible reasons why the elderly become more frequently and more seriously ill than the young is a gradual decline in the effectiveness of the immune system as the body ages. What is the immune system and what does it do for us? Your body’s immune system is responsible for fending off pathogens, or organisms that cause disease, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. This complex and finely tuned system employs many different strategies to keep pathogens from gaining a foothold in the body and causing disease. The NIA study focused on a particular branch of the immune system, a population of immune cells called T cells, which circulate in the blood stream searching for invading pathogens. So-called “naïve T cells” are those that have never interacted with a pathogen. When a naïve T cell finds a pathogen, it signals for the destruction and clearance of the invader. The naïve T cell then turns into a “memory T cell”, which is capable of remembering and responding to that particular pathogen forever, enabling a swifter and more powerful response than can be provided by a naïve T cell. T cells are made in a gland called the thymus. The thymus is largest in size and most active at birth, pumping out many T cells. As we age, the size and T cell- making capacity of the thymus gradually and steadily shrinks. The thymus of an elderly person generates far fewer naïve T cells than that of younger one. Additionally, the immune system of an elderly person has encountered many different pathogens over a lifetime, and more naïve T cells have become memory T cells. Since fewer naïve T cells are made by the thymus and a large portion of T cells have been converted into memory cells, the variety of new pathogens that the immune system of an elderly person can recognize is reduced. This slow decline in the ability to fight off new infections, or immune senescence, may be partly responsible for the increase in the frequency and severity of infections later in life. The effect of reduced calorie intake on the immune system To determine whether the life-prolonging effects of caloric restriction (CR) in monkeys were due in part to a delay in the onset of immune senescence, researchers at the NIA fed young adult monkeys either a normal diet or 30% less of the same diet, thereby decreasing caloric intake while maintaining adequate nutrition. Both sets of monkeys were maintained on their respective diets for 10 to 14 years, at which time, the monkeys’ immune systems were comparable to those of 60 to 70 year-old humans. The functioning of the monkeys’ immune systems, specifically of their T cells, was then tested over a period of three years. In every test performed, T cells from CR monkeys showed fewer signs of aging than those of monkeys maintained on a normal diet. The CR monkeys had a higher level of naïve T cells than monkeys on the normal diet and these T cells responded to pathogens like those of a younger animal. A healthier immune system may mean that the CR monkeys can fend off pathogens and stay free of disease better than monkeys on a normal diet, although this has yet to be directly tested. Why do we need to worry about aging and disease right now? Aging and age-related diseases are a big concern for the medical and general communities alike. Statistics show that the number of people aged 65 and over is increasing at a faster rate than the rest of the population. it is anticipated that by 2029, people 65-74 years of age Will make up 10% of the population. While 10% does not sound terribly alarming, we should keep in mind that facilities and professionals, such as nursing homes and health care providers, will have to grow in step with the aging population. Projections show that in the future, there is likely to be a shortage of health professionals, such as nurses and pharmacists, needed to take care of the elderly population. Additionally, occupancy rates for nursing home beds are already over 90% in a number of states. Looking ahead to the next few decades, It becomes clear that certain adjustments will have to be made to accommodate the elderly. Scientific advances that can either delay or decrease immune senescence may one day enhance both quality and duration of life by helping the immune system fight off disease. 50, is CR the path to a long, healthy like? While the results of this and other studies suggest that caloric restriction may be beneficial to long term health, cleaning out the fridge and going hungry may be premature. Waiting for scientists to unravel the mechanism responsible for maintaining the immune system in a youthful state while leading a healthy lifestyle, seems a more attractive option. Read more

  Anna Kushnir, Harvard Medical School Reprinted from... http //smi hms.harvard edu flash 2007/issue30

Breaking: OrganisedIabour SuspendsPlaFEJ Nationwide Strike ByInsideStoryNg 2018-11-06

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The Nigerian Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and all other labour unions in the country have suspended their planned nationwide strike scheduled to commence from 12am on Tuesday. The decision was announced after the closed door meeting of Tripartite Committee on new minimum wage. Speaking to newsmen shortly after the meeting, Labour and Employment minister, Chris Ngige said mutual agreement to be made public tomorrow (Tuesday) to President Muhammadu Buhari by 4.15pm. Also Speaking, the Secretary to the government of the federation, Boss Mustapha said overriding interest of Nigerians prevailed at the meeting, assures of speedy consideration by President Muhammadu Buhari. While underscoring the need for harmony, the SGF said it is Nigeria that has won.

On his part, NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, said only one figure will be presented to President Buhari.

The tripartite committee did not reach an agreement as About insisted on N30,000k while the federal

government moved to N24,000 as the minimum wage it will pay. President

Muhammadu Buhari is to look at the two

proposals and make a decision on the new

minimum wage later today.
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Please Help Prince Chinonso Okobi, He Needs N7million for Spinal Cord Surgery..

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I feel bad that I can't help my friend. This picture was taken this morning, you can also see how Prince looked before the bus accident, healthy and macho. The only sin he's ever committed is being poor and not having rich friends. l have tried to get help for my friend but to no avail, reached out to every contact I feel can be of help, every NGO that came to mind, but all seems fruitlessA little over N600,000 was raised for him online early this year, but it's all been used for his upkeep and physiotherapy. His health condition is deteriorating.

Prince needs N7million naira for Spinal Cord surgery at India. Presently he's battling with bed sore and it's killing him. We have been able to secure travel passports for him and his sister, the Indian hospital called Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has sent Medical Invitation and the cost for the surgery to us.This N7million covers his flight ticket and that of his sister, and also cost of the surgery.

Please my beautiful Nigerians, I am back here again for your help. Please help Prince Okobi. Please help me tag every politician from Enugu state, tag the Governor of Enugu State, tag every philanthropist, tag every NGO. Tell them about this Enugu boy who needs their help, tell them this Oji River boy needs their help. God please send us Angels, send us helpersl will attach pictures of their passports and medical invitation from Apollo hospital.

GTB BANK Account Name: Okobi Prince Account Number: 0233598780.

Prince resides in lfite, Awka, Anambra State. You can reach Prince on 08137273429 and his sister Ijeoma on 07064378358.

BREAKING: 'Dozens Killed' As Boko Haram Attacks Villages, IDP Camp In Maiduguri

According to a source, who spoke to SaharaReporters, several villagers lost their lives during the attack which occurred on Wednesday night.

Boko Haram terrorists have attacked four villages and a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

According to a source, who spoke to SaharaReporters, several villagers lost their lives during the attack which occurred on Wednesday night.

Many people were killed in Kofa, Mallumti, Ngomari, Gozari, just as many villagers fled to the Dalori IDP camp for safety.

A statement by the Nigerian Army confirmed the attack, but noted that Kofa Village and the Dalori IDP camp were affected. The Army also claimed that one civilian was "found dead".

According to the statement, the terrorists gained access to the area through a bush path behind the village and came in four vehicles and some motorcycles.

The statement read: "Troops of 251 Task Force Battalion successfully foiled a BHT attempted Attack on Kofa Village and Dalori IDP camp in Maiduguri on 31 Oct 18 at about 10pm. The terrorists gained access through a bush path behind the village in 4 vehicles and some motorcycles. They ransacked the market in front of the IDP camp.

"On sighting own troops that were mobilized to the area, they set some houses and the market ablaze and fled along Maiduguri-Bama Road. However, one civilian was found dead.

"Own troops are presently assisting the villagers who ran into the bush back to their homes while the Borno State Fire Service have contained the inferno." More breaking news

Excessive exclusion of Igbos from relevant political positions; Why Atiku's running mate should not exceed Igbo states to balance the bounce

It might interest you to know that since Nigeria switched over from military government to democracy in 1999 that Igbo nation has produced neither a PDP presidential candidate nor the vice despite their effective participation in the party. It therefore becomes worrisome, which criteria should be met to merit such position.

Looking at it from this perspective, South South has produced a vice presidential candidate for PDP, Goodluck Jonathan who later became the presidential candidate for eight years. South west obviously produced the first PDP presidential candidate by name Olusegun Obasanjo. But South east or Igbos as the case may be have not seen the lights of the day.

You will never be stingy after watching this
When examined from the angle of those who have made it to Aso rock one would be amazed to realize that while the South South has produced both the President and the vice president of the country through Goodluck Jonathan, the South west did the same through Obasanjo and Osibanjo,  South East or Igbo nation entirely produced none.
Unfortunately now that the time has come to balance the political scale to carry every tribe along, the westerners who had always queued to other parties and have enjoyed the party and other parties are now vocal, clamoring for Vice president, their voice so strong even louder than Easterners' who never tasted the seat, the Southerners have joined the race.

The argument to uphold this unjust political advancement is therefore, that South-east does not have the numeric strength to win power for PDP. But how could that possibly be true? Counting from millions of Igbos scattered all over the country that will certainly cast their votes for the interest of their motherland. Or, is the statistics restricted to residents of southeast.

Mistaking Igbo votes to southeast votes is to me the biggest mistake any political analyst would make. They are not synonymous.

Atiku Abubaka wins PDP primary Click to watch  

Though we understand that it's politics and there will always be struggle among different parties, I think it is just right that Atiku picks his running mate from the Igbo states which I believe that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, from Delta state, a renowned technocrat that has and can still give Nigerians what they desire, best fits into the position.Westerners lambast the writers say politics is a game of fittest
I know you will sense contradiction here after claiming to be in favour of the easterners I still bounced back to South south. Well we must get it correctly without sentiments that south east is just an erroneous geographical mutilation masterminded by a non- indigenous head of state who either did not understand anything about the people or understood but wanted to achieve his own goals. Dr. Iweala is just like every other South easterner despite the geopolitical difference.

All in all, we should understand it clearly that Atiku picking his running mate elsewhere would be seen as a disgrace and diminution to Igbo political efficacy, the best politics stands for justice and PDP as they claim to, should maintain equitable allocation of political positions among different segments of people in the party as to balance the bounce.

Comr. JOSIAH UCHENNA OKOH

See what Fani kayode said after reading this; his points will shock you. 

U. S. Blows hot over Shiites - army clashes in Abuja

The United States government says it is concerned by the violence between protesting Shiites and Nigerian soldiers in and around Abuja.

Dozens of protesting Shiites were killed between Saturday and Tuesday by soldiers who accused the protesters of throwing stones and other objects at security forces.

In a statement posted on its website, the U.S. embassy in Nigeria called for thorough investigation of the violence.

“The United States Embassy is concerned by the deaths resulting from clashes between Nigerian security forces and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in areas surrounding Abuja.

“We urge Government of Nigeria authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of the events and to take appropriate action to hold accountable those responsible for violations of Nigerian law. We urge restraint on all sides.”

Following the violence, hundreds of Shiites were arrested by the police and 120 of them arraigned on Thursday in Abuja.

Amnesty International has condemned the clampdown on the Shiites, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), who were demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

Mr El-Zakzaky has been detained since 2015 after a military clampdown on his group left over 300 IMN members dead.

The founder of voice of mbu