Tuesday, 19 November 2024

Inspirational Quotes From Social Media, #135.

364.
"My Testimony: How Cryptocurrency Changed My Life" 

"When I did my first video urging my social media followers to buy Bitcoin in 2021, Bitcoin was trading below $30,000. Please fact-check me. The video is still available on my YouTube channel. 

Here on this platform, I received the greatest insult of my life that day. I had to turn off notifications when the abuse became too much. Today, Bitcoin is above $92,000. This is a coin that I bought at below $21,000. 

I did not steal money when I worked with President Jonathan. That is why I could harass and torment Buhari without the EFCC coming after me. When you see me flying First Class and staying at Five Star hotels as I visit multiple countries in a month, it is because I invested all of the money from my Number One bestselling book, Facts Versus Fiction, the True Story of the Jonathan Years, into Bitcoin, Ethereum and Bitcoin Cash. 

I bought ten units of Bitcoin and multiple units of BCH and Ethereum. 

When Bitcoin hit $50,000, I celebrated by travelling to Saint Lucia, where I stayed at the most expensive hotel in the Caribbean, Jade Mountain Resort, where this photo was taken. It costs a minimum of $2000 a night. 

Then Twitter (now X) started a subscription service in 2022, and all my subscribers began making money. Now, I have the most paid subscribers of ANYBODY in Africa. Because I deliver productivity instead of activity. 

Plus, Business Insider named me the Most Influential Entrepreneur of African origin on the Internet. I overwhelmingly and emphatically defeated the South African entrepreneur, Vusi Thembekwayo, who got so frustrated that he insulted me on social media. In a way, I was the first Chidinma Adetshina. 

As I have often said, poverty and prosperity result from choices. It has nothing to do with village people or paying tithes. Becky Enenche lied. You do not return to square one if you do not pay tithes. Stop allowing these pulpit bandits like Paul and Becky Enenche to deceive you. 

Only three things bring money. Work. Investments. And inheritance. Prayer and tithes do not bring money! 

When you find the right chance and make the right choice, the result is the right outcome. 

Listen, things will never get easier, and the cost of living is not ever going to reduce. You just have to get richer, or you will be pushed lower down the food chain to be eaten by mercantile pastors like the Enenches."-Reno Omokri's post on X-platform (2024).

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Friday, 15 November 2024

Inspirational Quotes From Social Media, #133.

360.
"Four successful children. Two living in US. Two living in Canada. 2 doctors. 1 Nurse. One IT expert. All with good families. All too busy to visit Mama in two years. Mama is dead now and we are preparing for "The most befitting Burial ever" for the woman who died lonely.. Sad"-Olukayode Bakre's post on X-platform (2024).

361.
"The "Japa syndrome" and its effects on Nigerian families are presented in the following photograph:"-Aderemi Adeleye's post on X-platform (2024).
***Source: X-platform 

362.
"THE TRAGEDY OF THE NIGERIAN REVIVAL"

"I see a crowd
 I see cash
 I see cars But I do not see Christ"
 - Pastor S. G. Elton

"A group of foreign intercessors visited Nigeria some years ago to assess the internationally acclaimed revival going on in the country. After their exercise, they wrote a short report as follows: “The Nigerian Church is five miles wide, but one inch deep.”

Undeniably, there was a revival in Nigeria from the ‘70s and it culminated in a massive conversion of souls and the birth of many 'new generation' churches, most of  them evangelical. The orthodox denominations also witnessed a huge expansion. Nationwide, the population of Christians increased. 

Unfortunately, the population increase did not translate into national transformation. As the churches multiplied, darkness rather than light covered Nigeria. All manner of vices assailed the country until bloodshed became a daily occurrence and genocide unfortunately became part of the national identity. Churches were not spared, as scandal upon scandal rocked many churches and their ministers. Churches became known for greed, covetousness, and compromise. To worsen matters, allegations of occult practices, mocked as "charismatic witchcraft," plagued the Church.

What polluted the revival that should have transformed the country and launch it into its assignment as a missionary nation? The answer lay in the desire of some preachers to be famous, wealthy, and influential. The consequence of that evil desire was what God  lamented to Pastor Elton as the proliferation of crowds, cash, and cars, without Christ. Of course, any obsession with those items indicates a separation from Christ. While there is nothing wrong with a crowd gathering to worship, or cash and cars in the church, the problem starts when the motive for acquiring them is personal lust rather than the Kingdom of God.

The first indication that a minister of the gospel has missed the mark is the desire to be celebrated. Some want to be famous, influential, and adored. That inordinate ambition has driven them into seeking 'powers' from the dark world. They appear to have forgotten that Christ didn't call anyone to be a superstar or a celebrity in His Church, but to be servants. It is an anomaly when servants seek to be famous and be treated like celebrities. 

A bishop shared an impactful vision of a valedictory program in Heaven. In the revelation, men were being sent off to the earth to serve God. As each one was departing, a party was thrown to usher him out of Heaven, with the expectation that he was going into the world to do the will of the King of kings and Lord of Lords. It was like the send-forth of a country’s ambassador into a foreign country. What the bishop witnessed in that heavenly realm was lavish and glamorous. However, when it came to his turn, instead of a lavish party, an angel handed him the equivalent of a packet of Cabin Biscuits. There was no trumpet sound, no music, no wine, no rich food, and of course, no rejoicing. Stunned at the “shabby” treatment, he approached the angel who was the Master of Ceremony to protest. As he opened his mouth to complain, the angel’s face turned into fury. His eyes blazed like liquid fire, and he roared in wrath, “That is how all of you are. When heaven sends you to the earth, you are celebrated in the hope that you are going to serve God. When you get there you mess up your assignment. Henceforth, there shall be no celebration for any of you again in heaven. If you complete your assignment and return successfully, you shall be celebrated!”

The bishop said he woke up fearing he was dead. The fury he saw on the face of the angel and the force of the words he heard made him conclude that he was dead. He woke up sweating and shaking in fear. He said he did not know how he managed to survive that encounter.

The Nigerian revival was messed up by men who loved the crowd, the cars, and the cash, more than they loved Jesus Christ, if they did at all. They were servants of Christ all right, but their affection shifted from their Master to the mundane things of the earth. Today, some of them head denominations and ministries, and they are living in luxury like superstars and celebrities. They are celebrated in the Church and in the world, while Heaven mourns their lifestyle. One day, they will return home to render their account. That angel would be waiting.

The condition of Nigeria today is sufficient to make any servant of God sober and mournful. Unfortunately, many ministers of the gospel are carried away with the adulation of men. Some behave as if the church were their private property, and the people of God were gathered to serve them. In fact, many of them refer to the Church of Jesus Christ as “my church," their billboards and banners blazing with the grandiose photograph of 'the man of God' and his wife, their faces digitally edited to be 'without spot or wrinkles.' 

How could there be so many churches in Nigeria with the darkness of corruption, bloodshed, poverty, sexual perversion, and other vices persisting? Jesus Christ described His followers as _“the light of the world”_. If indeed Christians are the _“light of the world”_, how come darkness is covering Nigeria? The answer is, the light is not shinning. Jesus warned, _“take heed that the light in you be not darkness”_ (Luke 11: 35). Children of light can be covered with darkness if they are not careful. That is the tragedy of the Nigerian 'revival.'

Fortunately, the Lord does not give up. Another revival shall come upon Nigeria. Then, the leaders of the revival must be ready to practise Christianity according to the command of the Master. The first example that Jesus gave His disciples was the example of servanthood (Jn. 13:15) while the second was that of enduring suffering (1 Pet. 2: 21). The Lord also taught them that in His Kingdom, the leader was the servant of all. He made it clear that there was only one “Father” of His Church, and that Father is in heaven. (Matt. 23: 9). In verse 8 of the same chapter, He stated, _“all ye are brethren”_. In John 20:17, He included Himself in that structure of brothers and sisters. No one called Jesus Christ “daddy” as a religious honour, or “Brother Jesus.” He was and is still called by his first name, yet He does not mind. Such is the humility of Christ. It is His servants who believe that, unless they are called “Daddy” or "Papa," they have been disrespected.

The practice of calling ministers of the gospel “Daddy” and “Father” is not Christianity but syncretism, the mixture of Christianity and tradition. The oft repeated example of Paul calling himself “father” is not tenable because no one in the New Testament called Paul “father”. Neither did anyone call Peter, James, John, or any other New Testament saints “father”. The Scriptures cannot be broken. The Lord issued a clear command to _“call no man on earth your father.”_

It is time to return to the simplicity and humility of Christ so that our honour can come from God. In John 5:41, the Lord says, _I receive not honour from men_. Thus He chided those who sought honour from men:_"How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?"_ (John 5:44). Another revival is coming. The Church must prepare and learn from the mistakes of the last revival polluted by men.  It is time to return to the narrow path.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Isaiah 42:18, 20
Pray and repent for the blindness and rebellion of ministers of the gospel whose actions polluted the revival which God sent to Nigeria.

2. Rom. 16:17–18
Pray and dissociate the Nigeria Church from the actions and choices of men who place their personal interest above the interest of Jesus Christ in the Church. Declare before God that their actions do not represent the Nigeria Church.

3. Jer. 34:7–12
Pray that the Lord shall seek and regather His people who were offended by the lawlessness in the Church and stopped associating with Christianity.

4. Mal. 3:2–4
 Pray that God will purge the Church and uproot all those who pollute the work of the Holy Spirit.

5. Jer. 3:15
Pray that God will give the Nigeria Church pastors after His heart, who will teach and guide the people of God aright.

6. Ps. 85:4–7
Pray for fresh outpouring of the spirit of revival in Nigeria.

7. Hab. 2:14
Pray that Nigeria shall be 
filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the seas."

"PLEASE SHARE
Copied"-Anonymous author.


Saturday, 2 November 2024

Inspirational Quotes From Social Media, #132.

358.

"I BEG EVERYONE ON THIS PLATFORM ESPECIALLY THE MALE AMONG US, TO READ THIS ARTICLE TO THE END."

"Don't die in silence!!!
    
Eat Cassava

Good news for those who have issues with their prostate, be it enlarged or cancerous.

Let me begin by sharing my own experiences with my prostate.

My father and his younger brother died from prostate cancer, and I've been living with an enlarged prostate since 2006.

I've tried both orthodox, herbal and food supplements with varying degrees of success, but my bladder is never empty, and I have been embarrassed a few times by incontinence.

However, the turning point appeared when in 2021 I traveled in a bus and met with some elderly people.

Before we boarded the bus, I remarked that I would be asking the driver to stop for me to pee along the way, because of my enlarged prostate.

This provided an excellent opportunity for one of the elders to give us the remedy, which he said his own father have been using.

Very simply, cook cassava over a charcoal or wood fire.

DO NOT COVER THE SAUCEPAN . ALLOW THE STEAM TO EVAPORATE FREELY

You can eat the cooked cassava with any stew of your choice.

I must tell you that right from our return I've had cassava cooked for me as prescribed.

I'm in a place without access to a coal pot, so I use gas to cook the cassava.

Since Friday when I got here, my breakfast has been lemon grass +ginger tea and lemon.

Lunch is boiled cassava.

Previously, I woke up after every two hours in the night to pee. Sometimes, I peed twice within the hour. And this affected my health.

But since I started the cassava therapy, I wake up only once in the night.

I don't feel the heat/pain associated with peeing.

I don't feel the urge to rush to the washroom in order to avoid spillage.

I know there are a number of elderly Brothers who have issues with the prostate, and I recommend the cassava therapy to them.

Try it, or recommend it to anyone with prostate issues.

Shared as copied.

 CASSAVA & CANCER CELLS !!!

Don't stop, please read to the end !

After eating cassava for one month, my doctor checked my bladder for cancer. He was surprised because my bladder was completely clean and normal.

As long as I kept eating cassava, I feIt very fit and very healthy. Every three months I would go for a check up and my results remained clean. Since then, I only ate cassava and did not continue other cancer medications.

Mr. Pereira, a 70-year-old man, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His wife at the hospital happened to read my article. They had no money for the cancer treatment and the injection given made Mr.Pereira very weak. His wife gave him cassava to consume. After eating cassava for a week, his situation started getting better. After a month of eating cassava every morning, his PSA test result reduced  from 280-290 to 5.89 !
They visited me with the test results before and after eating cassava. Pereira no longer had any symptoms of cancer after continuing eating cassava.

There was another person who had liver cancer and had to undergo surgery. But from the MRI scan results, the cancer cells still existed. So, she started eating cassava after surgery. A month after eating cassava or ubi kayu, doctors told her there would be no need to undergo surgery anymore because the MRI scan did not show the existence of any cancer cells in her liver.

So why not try cassava for curing cancer? It is cheap, easy to get, easy to cook and very tasty.

SHARED AS RECEIVED !!

This may help someone; please pass it on. (You may try it.)

 Copied. #HealthIsWealth."-Anonymous author.

359.
"High-IQ dogs help their owners buy and sell vegetables."-Haiyan.
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Friday, 1 November 2024

Inspirational Quotes From Social Media, #131.

356.
‘’Character Assassination: I would like to invite you to visit my web page entitled ‘‘Character Assassination’’ using the following link: 
Please feel free to comment on the article. Thank you very much’’.-Aderemi Adeleye’s post on X-platform (2020).

**Addendum: The said article captioned “Character Assassination” is presented in detail as follows:
''False allegations and character assassination are twin evils which the arch enemy of humanity, that is to say, the devil has found to be potent tools for destroying the reputations of innocent persons globally. As a victim of false allegations and character assassination and yet more than a conqueror through the Lord Jesus Christ, I would like to invite you to read this article entitled ‘‘Character Assassination’’ written by an anonymous author and posted on one of the social media platforms recently; Excerpts of the said article (though slightly edited) are presented as follows:
‘‘CHARACTER ASSASSINATION’’
‘‘One mistake you should never make in life, is to allow yourself to be recruited by someone, to hate another person who hasn't wronged you. Hear this: “We must avoid taking hasty conclusion because of what others are saying about someone else..."What people say about others, says a lot about them. I am repeating this more directly: The things you say about others, says a lot about you! I can tell a lot about a person by what they choose to see in others. Character assassination is a pervasive and destructive phenomenon that is found everywhere. You find it in families, places of worship, organizations, work places, etc. Character assassination is the deliberate, malicious, unjustified and sustained effort to damage the reputation or credibility of an individual. Character assassination is the slandering of a person usually with the intention of destroying public confidence in that person. “Character Assassination” is the act of lowering one’s character in a bid to ruin the character of others. There are people that take maximum delight in ruining other's reputation. These set of people have what I will like to call ‘Destructive Tendencies’. They oil their own ego by pulling other people down. PhD (pull him down). False allegations are the most chronic form of mental abuse. When people can’t kill your dreams and purpose, they will try to assassinate your character. There are some people that your spirit will always irritate their demons! Once they realize hating isn’t working they start telling and spreading lies about you. People are assassinated once but ‘Character Assassination’ kills daily! Character assassination is a form of emotional violence against others. Someone once said, “A friend of my enemy is my enemy.” One of the things that hinder us from living a fulfilling and inclusive life is bringing past bias and sentiments into present relationships. A friend of your enemy is not necessarily your enemy; it all depends on intentions and contributions. God can use your enemy’s friend to bless you!`
7 Critical ‘DON’Ts’ that you really need to guard yourself against.
``Refusing to getting trapped in them will help you live a more productive, fulfilling and unbiased life. They are:
1. Don’t conclude about people because of what others say about them: Never draw up conclusions based on what others tell you about someone. It is a lack of social intelligence that makes people draw conclusions on others based on what other people say about them. I know you’ve heard about emotional and financial intelligence, but there is something called social intelligence. This is the kind of intelligence that keeps you sane even when others are trying to pollute your mind against someone else until you have thoroughly confirmed the veracity of the claims before you. Judges are trained to have this kind of intelligence in order to avoid biased judgments.
2.  Don’t inherit other people’s enemy: It is total lack of education and enlightenment when you automatically make your friend’s enemies your own. Don’t make people your enemies just because they are not in good terms with your friends.
3. Don’t use your children as weapons of war:
God can use your enemies to bless your children Stop using them to fight those you don’t like. Your children will need to discern their enemies for themselves; never use your parental influence to make your children hate others. You may often need to guard them with their choice of friends but never plant the seed of discord in the heart of your children against someone else.
 4. Don’t gang up with others to hate someone: Don’t join the majority to hate someone – you may realize that the person has no offence. Someone said, “If you don’t see it with your own eyes, or hear it with your own ears. Don’t invent it with your small mind and share it with your big mouth”. Never join the multitude to hate someone else.
5. Don’t be used as weapon in other people’s battle: It is not every battle that you must involve yourself in. Refuse to be used as weapons in other people’s battle. When people fight dirty, refuse to take sides. Observe deeply before concluding finally.
6. Don’t hate people just because they don’t behave like you: That someone is not your tribe doesn’t make them your enemy. It is a waste of education if the only people you like are those that are like you. The greatest proof of our education is in how we respond to people whose opinions are different from ours. People who think their opinions are superior to others are most prone to overestimating their relevant knowledge and ignoring chances to learn more. The people who don’t think like you are your greatest source of enlightenment. It is normally people that are not like us that help us grow the most. Companies that had maximized growth are really those that value diversity and inclusion.
7. Don’t judge people until you know the whole story: Someone once said, “Beware of the half-truth. You may have gotten hold of the wrong half”. Don’t judge other people’s choices without understanding their reasons.
If people say something bad about you or judge you as if they know you, don’t easily get affected. Remember this, dogs bark if they don’t know the person. People who are intimidated by you talk about you with hopes that others won’t find you so appealing. Stay away from people who talk bad about others daily; these kind of people carry a negative spirit, and a negative spirit is contagious. The real problem is not that they are unhappy about others, but they are unhappy with themselves. Stop the destructive habit of talking about people behind their back. Talking badly about someone else while they aren’t there to defend themselves says more about you than the person you’re talking about. When you have issues with people, try and discuss it with them. Stop discussing it with others. Someone once said, “Don’t talk about me until you have talked to me”. Stop spreading false information and rumours about others. Rumours are carried by haters, spread by fools and accepted by idiots! Stop creating walls of contention, rather help build bridges of understanding among people.’’***
***The end of the article written by an anonymous author.
I must say that the foregoing article will remain relevant as long as humans continue to live on earth. However, a few salient points would now be considered in addition to the ones highlighted in the said article:
1. It should be noted that one of the reasons why false allegations and character assassination have now become so pervasive globally; is because it is easier to deceive people than to convince them that they have been deceived. In this regard, a victim of false allegation and character assassination may live the rest of his/her life trying to prove to people that he/she is indeed innocent. ‘‘A lie is still a lie, even if everyone believes it; the truth is still the truth, even if no one believes it.’’-Anonymous quote. According to the scriptures, “...there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”-Luke12:2. 
2. At times, the devil can influence people to make false accusations against other persons. The scriptures state that ‘‘Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. ‘‘Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.’’-Matthew 5:11-12. I am a born-again Christian, and I can attest to the victories the Lord Jesus Christ gave me as a victim of false accusations and character assassination. To God be the glory. Again, the scriptures assert that “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”-2 Timothy 3:12 
3. Security: People now use false accusations and character assassination as security tools to fight their enemies. This is the most tragic aspect of it. I am stating this based on my experience as a victim of false accusations and character assassination. An innocent person might be falsely accused of stealing something, the next thing that will happen is that people will begin to treat the person falsely accused as a thief where ever he/she goes. People do it because the devil has succeeded in making them believe that they are being proactive by taking such actions against innocent people. 
Finally, a number of references from the scriptures would be cited to buttress the fact that false allegations and character assassination are sinful acts that can separate human beings from God eternally viz:
‘‘A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.’’-Proverbs 19:9 ‘‘...repent ye, and believe the gospel.’’-Mark 1:15
‘‘But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
‘‘For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.’’-Matthew 12:36-37
Would you like to know how you can be converted and become a child of God through the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ? Please read the following excerpts of one of this author's blog-articles entitled ''God’s Judgment: Humanity and Two Available Options.'' viz:
''Four Basic Steps to Salvation.''
''1.   Acknowledge that you are a sinner; ''For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.’’-Roman 3:23
''2.    Repent today, confess and forsake your sins. ''He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.’’- Proverbs 28:13
''3.   Believe in your heart that God loves you and Christ died for you. ''But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’’-Romans 5:8
''4.   Ask the Lord Jesus to come into your life through a prayer of faith, accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will
 come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”-Revelation 3:20 Thank you."-Aderemi Adeleye.

357.
"Dog picks up my daughter from school...@Sodiq Akorede" (2024). Slightly Edited.
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Thursday, 31 October 2024

Inspirational Quotes From Social Media, #130.

354.
"THE FAMILY MEETING."
"My mother did something astonishing and unexpected. She sent us a message for an urgent family meeting at the family house. Four of us gathered there, but surprisingly, Mama didn't welcome us with her usual warmth. Though she responded to our greetings, we could all sense the coldness in her voice.
Even my father was surprised to see all his sons, and he questioned Mama about the reason for the meeting. However, she told him to wait patiently and find out why.
Mama thanked us for leaving our busy schedules to respond to her call. "But I want you all to know that I am not a happy woman. You have all offended me. Anyone who offends my husband offends me."
My father tried to say something, but Mama communicated with him through her eyes, and he just smiled without speaking.
"I don't know about my other siblings, but I know I haven't offended you or Papa in any way," my elder brother said.
"Really?" Mama responded.
"I'm sure, Mama."
The rest of us also reassured her in the same way. She sighed and then smiled sadly.
"When was your father's birthday?" she asked.
We all looked at each other with guilt on our faces.
"Yesterday!" I said.
"If I can remember correctly, not a single call or SMS came from any of you to him. But you wouldn't forget mine. If it were my birthday, you would have posted it on your social media handles, including your wives. I would have received calls from all of you, and my account would be overflowing. I have watched this for years, and I won't allow it to continue," she said.
My father shifted in his chair, clearly surprised by the reason Mama called for the meeting.
"Is there any month you fail to send me money? But how many of you remember to do the same for my husband, or is he not your father? Even when I am not asking, you send me money. What about my husband? How can you show care and love for me and look at my husband as a stranger? In fact, stop sending me anything! You have your father's phone number, yet when you call me, you say, 'Send our regards to our father.' What nonsense!
We became uncomfortable because she was speaking the truth. I remembered how we celebrated her birthday. In fact, I personally invited a saxophonist to play for her.
"Who do you think paid your school fees? Are you all not graduates? Who paid the rent before we moved into our own home? My husband ensured that food was always on the table. Should I mention the other bills he handled? I supported him in the way I could. He was always busy making money, and when he was home, he took you out and was part of your lives. You think he didn't try? You think he doesn't deserve your love and attention? Oh! You think it's only the mother that deserves to be pampered, and your dad should be treated like trash? No way! Not my husband."
Mama wiped away the tears that escaped her eyes.
"So you planned to celebrate my husband in death, buying many cows to make people believe that when he was alive, you all cared. Thank God you are all men with children who are growing. Whatever you sow is definitely what you will reap. You think my husband doesn't cry? He doesn't feel pain? Of course, you wouldn't know."
Mama stared intently at all of us before wiping away another tear that slipped down her cheek.
"I'm not going to be among the group of women who make their husbands irrelevant before their children, who tell their children lies about their father, making it seem as if the man didn't play any significant role in the lives of the children. I know there are men who are bad and irresponsible. I'm not talking about such ones. No role played by a father is small, and I won't allow you to take my husband for granted. This man here is a lion, my crown, the king of my heart, and at 75, he still makes my heart flutter and race. None of you will trample on him," she said, raising her voice.
While we were still speechless and trying to absorb all she had said, she stood up abruptly and went to her room. She soon returned with my father's car key and her purse and took my father's hand.
"Let's go," she said without my father objecting. He just stood up and followed her.
"To where?" my siblings asked in unison.
"I'm taking my husband on a date to celebrate his birthday."
"But Mama..."
She silenced us with her eyes. It was obvious she wasn't giving us an opportunity to say anything.
"Lock the door and gate and take the key along with you," she instructed my elder brother. "I have a spare key."
They entered the car, and Mum drove off. We, the children, had our own meeting and agreed that we had made a mistake. We knew we were not returning to our own homes without settling things with our mother. We called our wives and told them we might sleep over at our parents' home because we didn't know when they will return.
It was almost 7:30 pm when Mama drove into the compound. She wasn't surprised that we were still around, but Dad was. One by one, we apologized to our parents and promised to change. Mama went to her bedroom and returned with a bible. She opened the book of Ephesians and read chapter 6:2 which says 'Honour your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with a promise.
"The Bible doesn't say honour only your mother and forget your father. Beautifully, this commandment comes with a promise. In verse 3, it says, 'that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
Mama took her time to expand on this Bible verse, opening our eyes to what we had never known. At the end, she asked Papa to pray for us. He was so excited that he prayed a heartfelt prayer.
We couldn't return home but chatted late into the night. I must mention that Mama prepared us a sumptuous meal.
Dear reader, Don't wait until Father's Day or Papa's birthday to celebrate him. Pick up your phone and give him a call. Don't forget him in your life.
Wives celebrate your husbands. Don't join those women to incite their children to hate their fathers. Don't turn your children against your husband.
Family relationships are precious and should be nurtured and celebrated continuously. Don't wait for a special occasion to show your love and gratitude to your parents; do it every day."🧏-Anonymous author.

355.
"My dog helps my daughter carry her backpack after she gets off the school bus...@Aliyahda" (2024)
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Monday, 21 October 2024

Inspirational Quotes From Social Media, #129.

352.
"Nigeria’s N121.67 trillion debt worrisome, by Afe Babalola"

"Nigeria’s external debt is the largest amongst all sub-Saharan African nations, despite the fact that it received debt waivers from the Paris Club, London Club or from Independent Creditors. The arrears of this debt have accumulated inexorably, putting Nigeria in the bad books of international financial communities.  Also, Nigeria’s huge debt profile has negatively affected its economy, hence, a big reason to worry.

Nigeria’s vivid debt history

Nigeria’s public debt dates back to its colonial rule. The first recorded public borrowing was in 1923-24 when a loan of £5.7 million was taken by the Nigerian Protectorate at an annual interest rate of 2.5 percent and with a structured repayment time of 20 years. In 1927, another £1 million loan was taken from the Bank of England to finance the construction of the Lago-Port Harcourt Railway.

This loan was guaranteed by the British Government and was repaid in 1938. In 1936, the Nigerian Protectorate took another loan of £4.89 million. From 1946 to 1948, it took additional loan of £5.74 million. In 1958, the Nigerian Protectorate took a loan of £28 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, which is also known as the World Bank to finance the expansion of the Kainji Dam and the Ugheli Power Station. This was repaid in 1978. 

By the end of the Colonial rule, Nigeria had a national debt of $31 million at an interest rate of 3.5 percent per annum and a repayment period spanning two decades. 

Post Independence Debts

Following its independence in 1960, Nigeria continued incurring both domestic and external debt to finance its development needs. It borrowed from the World Bank, the International Development Association, the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank, the European Economic Community and bilateral creditors such as the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Japan and China. The main sources of domestic loans are the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank, the Nigerian Agricultural and Cooperative Bank, and the Nigerian Bank of Commerce and Industry. 

1. Debts under the First Republic 

It is noteworthy that Nigeria took no external loan from 1963 to 1966 when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was president. 

2. Debts under the Military Rule from 1966 till 1979

Post independent. It was under the military that Nigeria started taking foreign loans. 

a. Under the rule of General Yakubu Gowon from 1966 to 1975, Nigeria’s debt profile rose by $1.687 billion. 

b. From 1975 to 1976 under the rule of General Murtala Mohammed, Nigeria’s debt dropped from $1.69 billion to $1.33 billion.

c. Under the rule of General Olusegun Obasanjo from 1976 to 1979, Nigeria’s debt increased by $4.90 billion. 

3. Debts under the Second Republic: Nigeria’s debt increased by $11.33 billion from 1979 to 1983 under the democratic leadership of Alhaji Shehu Shagari 

4. Debts under the Military Rule from 1983 to 1993 

a. Under the rule of General Muhammadu Buhari from 1983-1953, Nigeria’s debt increased by $1.078 billion.

b. Under the rule of General Ibrahim Babangida from 1985 to 1993, Nigeria’s debt increased by $12.04 billion.

5. There was no recorded debt under the Third Republic

6. Debts under the military rule from 1993 to 1999

a. Under the rule of General Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1998 Nigeria’s external debt dropped from $30.7 billion to $30.31 billion. 

b. Under the rule of General Abdulsalami Abubakar from 1998 to 1999, Nigeria’s debt dropped from $30.32 billion to $29.1 billion

7. Debts under the Fourth Republic

a. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo met a foreign debt of $28.04 billion and domestic debt of N798 billion in 1999. Chief Obasanjo was worried about the foreign debts, hence he embarked on a world tour meeting with the Paris Club and other creditors of Nigeria and he pleaded for the forgiveness or reduction of Nigeria’s debts. This led to a huge reduction of Nigeria’s external debt from $28.04 billion to $2.11 billion. Consequent upon his efforts and prudent management, he left the presidential office in 2007 with an external debt of $2.11 billion and domestic debt of N2.17 trillion. This was a total of 31.8% decrease in the Federal Government’s debt from N3.55 trillion to N2.42 trillion.

b. President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua ruled from 2007 to 2011. Within this time, domestic debt increased from N2.17 trillion to N5.62 trillion. Foreign debt increased from $2.11 billion to $3.5 billion. That is an increased debt from N2.4 trillion to N5.62 trillion in four years. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan completed President Yar’Adua’s tenure. In that one year, the Federal Government debt increased from N4.94 trillion to N6.17 trillion.

c. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan commenced his tenure in office in 2011 with a foreign debt of $3.5 billion and left with a debt of $7.3 billion. Domestic debt increased to N8.4 trillion by 2015. This translates to an increase in national debt from N6.17 trillion to N9.8 trillion.

d. President Muhammadu Buhari increased the domestic debt from to N8.4 trillion to N19.24 trillion and external debt from $7.3 billion to $33.62 billion.

e. On assumption of office, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu inherited a domestic debt of N19.24 trillion and external debt of $33.62 billion. By the end of the first quarter of 2024, Nigeria has domestic debt of N65.65 trillion and external debt of $42.12 billion, totalling N121.67 trillion. In addition to this, the states owe a total of N4.07 trillion.

IN 2020, DEBT SERVICE COSTS ACCOUNTED FOR A STAGGERING 83 PERCENT OF REVENUE. BY JANUARY 1, 2024, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S REVENUE WAS N449.7 BILLION WHILE IT SPENT N755.9 BILLION ON DEBT REPAYMENT. NIGERIA’S DEBT IS NOW 168% OF ITS REVENUE. 

THE SAD REALITY IS THAT NIGERIA IS NOW REPAYING DEBTS WITH DEBTS, SINCE ITS REVENUE CAN NO LONGER PAY ITS DEBT. 

It is therefore worrisome that Nigeria is reported to be taking more debts. In September 2024, the world bank approved a $1.57 billion loan for Nigeria to support its health and education sectors and help provide sustainable power. In June 2024, the World Bank approved $2.25 to be disbursed to Nigeria for Economic Stabilization. In the same year, Nigeria took $8.8 billion debt to be repaid with unexplored oil. This is a total of $12.62 billion in addition to already existing debt.

The questions are: 

1. What have we done with all these loans and what are we proposing to do with these additional loans?

2. Where will the Federal Government draw the line on financing the Nigerian economy with debt? 

3. When are we repaying the loans?

4. Where are we going to get the money to repay the loans?

The several trillions of Naira taken as loan has not reflected positively on the economy. Where are the projects on which we spent all these monies? Regrettably at 64 years post-independence, Nigeria still suffers from infrastructural decay, declining foreign investments, declining educational standards from infrastructural deficits, increase in the rate of poverty, unrivaled rates of inflation and an astronomical fall of the value of the Naira in international market. 

NEWSPAPER REPORTS ABOUT EMBEZZLEMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS, EXTRAVAGANT SPENDING, POOR INFRASTRUCTURES, NON-PAYMENT OF SALARIES AND PENSIONS, INFLATION, HUNGER AND POVERTY HAVE RESULTED IN LARGE “JAPA” SYNDROME. 

A passionate plea to rescue Nigeria

The Nigerian debt burden has retarded internal development and hindered economic growth in Nigeria. Most government funds are diverted towards debt servicing rather than essential public services. Governments have also taken to financing their debts through other debts. All these have exacerbated the poverty rate in Nigeria leading to the conclusion that Nigeria urgently needs an economic rescue. 

Recommendations

In view of the dire state of the economy of Nigeria, the Federal Government should:

1. Adopt Chief Obasanjo’s laid down example by approaching the lenders for total forgiveness of the debts or reduction, and in any event the waiver of the payment of the interests on the debts. 

2. Set up committees to investigate and ascertain the actual amounts borrowed, the purposes for which they were borrowed, the accounts into which the monies were paid into and the projects for which the debts were utilised.  

3. Enquire into whether it is true or not that Nigeria’s unexplored crude oil was sold in advance. If so, what the money was spent on.  

4. Urgently revive national oil refineries to reduce the importation of refined oil in Nigeria. This will leave more monies in government coffers which can then be utilised in the repayment of our debts. 

5. Reduce the cost of governance by adopting the practice in the First Republic where law makers regarded their positions as opportunities to serve and only took sitting allowances. 

6. Place premium on infrastructural development and reduce recurrent expenditures on politics or governance.  

7. Use all recovered proceeds of corruption to service national and international debts.

8. Encourage, promote and finance the development of the agricultural sector and discourage the mindset of Nigerians that politics is the only lucrative business in Nigeria.

All imaginable economic woes have visited Nigeria. However, there is still hope for our beloved nation. A hope that needs political will to thrive." 

353.
"A politician divides mankind into two classes: tools and enemies."- Friedrich Nietzsche

Derinco & Associates: Business Consultants and General Merchants 

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