Want to Bleach Your Skin?: These are 6 Facts You Must Know Right Now Before You Start!

If you have always loved the idea of bleaching and are thinking of bleaching your skin, then you should go through these note before you start.

 

Illustrative photo

 

Gone are the days when skin bleaching/whitening was considered a culture shock. Today, skin whitening is considered a luxury, an expensive addiction and a tool for attracting and winning over desirable members of the opposite s*x. This is despite the fact that there is damning evidence and an abundance of health-related articles espousing the dangers of skin bleaching.

 Skin bleaching or skin lightening is the practice of using special creams or methods on the skin to make it whiter or paler. It is a very common practice world over, although it is more common among blacks who often do it, not necessarily for its health benefits, but for the simple reason of wanting to attract potential mates.

 Regardless of whether you are for or against it, there is no denying the fact that skin bleaching has come to stay. In fact, it is a multi-billion dollar industry with massive potential and an impressive annual growth rate. According to WHO, Nigeria has the largest market for bleaching creams (over 75% of Nigerian women bleach their skins!). Surprisingly, this practice is unrestricted to women alone: men, as well, are now very active participants.

 Many of people bleach for different reasons, whether it's because of uneven skin tone caused acne scarring, age spots, dark circles under the eyes, some other skin condition, or whether it be for attracting potential lovers. Regardless of the reason(s) for bleaching, it is very important that it is done within the boundaries of moderation, and not abused.

 

Below are 6 facts you must know before you embark on that skin-bleaching joruney:

 

#1. Not all skin bleachings are bad:

 

Contrary to popular beliefs that skin bleaching is ONLY done by those who are morally corrupt and of low self-esteem, skin bleaching often has useful medical applications. Doctors often prescribe ( although under strict guidelines) bleaching creams for skin conditions such as melasma, hyperpigmented scars, severe acne, skin spots associated with aging, etc. And really, for sufferers of these skin conditions, skin bleaching proves a useful remedy.

 

#2. Your skin type determines how well your skin bleaches:

 

Not all skins are the same. According to Fitzpatrick Classification of skin colour, there are six different skin types: type I (very fair) to type VI (very dark). What this means is this: your skin type determines how much melanin (the hormone responsible for skin colour) your skin has. This very important bacause melanin concentration is often used as a metric for determining the extent to which SAFE bleaching is practised. For example, people with skin types I to III, with small amounts of melanin, are more easily and properly bleached than people with types V or VI skin. So before you storm that pharmacy shop demanding those strange, fancy creams, do yourself the great favour of knowing your skin type: consult your dermatologist.

 

#3. Bleaching creams containing hydroquinone, steroids or mercury are toxic:

 

Most European countries have banned the use of hydroquinone, or mercury as active ingredients in bleaching creams. This, primarily, is due to the fact that these compounds have been found to be very toxic. Hydroquinone, the commonest bleaching agent, has been found to cause skin cancer while mercury is the deadliest of the 3, as it is known to damage the liver, brain, kidneys, immune system, heart, eyes, etc. Don't kill yourself bleaching. If you must bleach, do it right and healthy. Always check the labels of the creams you are buying, and if you see any of the 3 compounds, drop it! If you must bleach, do it well.

 

#4. Getting exposed to sunlight affects bleaching:

 

It is counterproductive to overexpose yourself to sunlight when bleaching. This is because bleaching creams make your skin very sensitive to sunlight. The creams readily react with sun rays and cause severe skin damage.

 

#5. Use of natural bleaching products lessens the side effects:

 

Of course, you can decide to use conventional bleaching creams and still achieve similar results as the natural products. But at what cost? Conventional bleaching creams are the primary reason why the health community strongly preaches against skin bleaching. So if you must do it, go 100% natural! This is because natural skin bleachers like vitamin A, vitamin C, kojic acid, arbutin, licorice, etc are safer to use than hydroquinone or mercury-laced creams.

 

#6. Skin bleaching causes serious side effects:

 

The problems associated with skin bleaching are very grave. Even more so when creams containing hydroquinone, steroids or mercury are used for very long periods of time. From skin cancer to mercury toxicity, to bleach burns, to skin thinning and allergies, to coke and fanta skin colouration, the list is endless. So just before you bleach, be aware of these potential side effects and the risks involved. This awareness of the risks, perhaps, would restrain you from abusing bleaching products and endangering your life. If you must bleach, do it according your skin's ability and need for it. Bleach responsibly!

 

***

Written by Damian Avar Via Doctors Hub Nigeria

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Why Fela Married 27 Women in Just One Day

Many people have, over the years, wondered why the legendary musician, Fela, married up to 27 women in just one night. Odega Shawa, in this piece tries to explain why.

Fela

 I just heard someone comment in a rather cordial conversation that Fela is no hero to African values. He didn’t send Femi to school and he married 27 women in one day. And to this guy, who by the way is a musician of the new school, using the two reasons so stated, Fela is no hero and cannot be pointed out to the young to emulate as a role model.

 To everyone that did not understand the language Fela spoke with his actions, the language of freedom and happiness, let me make it clear. Nigeria has no socio-cultural hero more prominent than Fela Anikulapo Kuti. What Fela addressed, bravely, with his life and family as example, is education and morality. Fela asked his generation two questions: What is education and what is morality? The answers he got were unsatisfactory to him, so like every intelligent person, he went out of the box for answers that satisfied him.

 Let me start with education. Traditional African societies trained children, after careful observation of their inclinations during infancy, in what was referred to as occupation, a skill that is life sustaining and takes a period of tutelage to master. The pupil had his own space to move and grow, and the value of that traditional education is evident in the culture that our ancestors all left behind.

 Modern schools lump everybody in one box and brands them, like slaves, as either good or bad. The bad are the F students. The good are the A students. This classification is artificial of course and does not represent the true life prospects of particular students. Schooling is just a monster agent of social chaos. Reality scorns the results of schooling, since in life most ‘successful’ people were F students in school and most ‘unsuccessful’ people were A students at school. There is just a small margin of equilibrium where the system gets it right, but not because the system is any good itself. Just because things have to balance out in any case. Fela recognised this stupidity of formal schooling for what it is and decided to try the way of his ancestors. He didn’t abandon Femi. He trained Femi to play music. And today, Femi, is one of the most globally renowned musicians out of Africa, without the contribution of the University of Lagos.

 Then Fela married 27 women at once. Of course no married man today has had sex outside his marriage 27 times. And no unmarried man has had sex 27 times with either prostitutes or his girlfriends. Yeah, right. Let him who has no sin cast the first stone. But what was morality, as far as Fela was concerned? Well, for Fela morality was blunt honesty and sympathy, not hypocrisy and cruelty. He didn’t have to marry any of those women (he was already sleeping with them anyway) but he did. He married them to protect them from society’s scorn, a scorn he already understood because he has had to deal with it. For the women, Fela took them from illegitimacy and placed them under his legitimate name. People normally hide behind their churches and their mosques to indulge in secret sexual affairs. But Fela is not normal that way, just the same way he said he was not a gentleman. Fela had his affairs out in the open – and he made it all legal too.

 The problem we have with interpreting Fela’s life as a role model is because he was an alternative thinker – and we are all idiots. At least you are more of that if you still imagine that we cannot teach Fela in Sunday schools.

 There is a limit to the level of clarity with which an alternative thinker would choose to do a certain thing for it to become meaningful to everybody. In a world that now has more idiots than people that are ready to use their own brain people like Fela will always be treated shabbily in church and chapel conversations by people who are not even fit to untie the laces of his shoes. But that is the way of life. The guy I argued with told me that St Paul is in heaven and Fela is in hellfire. St Paul told slaves never to aspire to freedom since they would find it in heaven after they die. Fela told the slave master to go shove his chains up his own you-know-what. I don’t know how saints get chosen but if I am a black man with a sensitivity towards enslavement of blacks by whites, especially in America in the 17th century, I don’t know how St Paul is my hero and Fela is my villain. It is just a force of opinion that the same people who accused our ancestors of worshipping wood carvings will not allow me to accuse them back of worshipping wooden crosses. All of a sudden the wooden crosses meant something more than wood, but the wood carvings of the agaba masquerade, by some reason, cannot mean anything more than wood, it cannot be a metaphor for a hidden cosmology just like the cross. Just so some white christian idiot can vilify my ancestors in peace.

Fela understood the world, like our ancestors did, that we are soul spirits just having another human experience. Today we believe we are human beings that can have spiritual experiences.

 Fela was ready to live the wisdom he imbibed, out in the opinion, something Pastors Chris Oyakhilome and Chris Okotie should do well to learn from.  We are all Christians but we have now allowed our religion to wrap us in a mystery of hypocrisy and double life. Fela didn’t want anything to do with any double life. That is why he married 27 women and if we have any brains left in our heads we should know there is wisdom here to teach our children, and to teach ourselves.

 

God bless you. And bless that brother that argued with me too. Heaven help us all.

 

***

 

Written by Odega Shawa

 

IG: @shawa_kalakutabooks

 

Twitter: @shawa2008

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Adeboye's Story: From Lecture Hall to Global Pulpit

Since his announced retirement, Pastor E.A. Adeboye who left the academic field to become a cleric, has become a more celebrated christian icon all over the world.

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye

Two months before his 75th birthday on March 2, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye stepped aside from his position as the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Nigeria, causing a seismic shift, not only in RCCG worldwide, but across religious divides nationally.
Born on March 2, 1942, in Ifewara, Osun State, Adeboye, who holds a B.Sc in Mathematics from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Lagos, worked as a mathematics lecturer at the universities of Lagos and Ilorin before heeding the call into the ministry as a full time preacher.
However, Adeboye’s meteoric rise, from being a mathematics lecturer to a powerful global religious leader, was not as straight forward as a mathematics formula that could be easily decoded by the best PhD brains.
After joining RCCG in 1973, Adeboye worked as the interpreter of the sermons of the church’s founder, the late Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, from Yoruba to English.
Eight years later, in 1981, at the age of 39, Papa Akindayomi’s mantle — like the Biblical Elijah to Elisha — fell on Adeboye, who was then appointed the General Overseer of the church, following the former’s death a year earlier.
For three years, he juggled his work as a mathematics lecturer with his position as general overseer.
Eventually, Adeboye, probably in a moment of divine insight into the future, resigned his position as a university teacher to go into full time ministry as a preacher.
It proved to be a decision orchestrated by divine genius. Since then, RCCG, a church that was hitherto largely unknown prior to Adeboye’s ascension, has experienced astronomical growth; giving rise to about 14,000 branches across Nigeria, and branches in 192 countries worldwide.
Thousands attend a single service in the church’s headquarters in Ebute-Meta, Lagos State, while millions attend the monthly programme dubbed ‘Holy ghost service at its camp ground on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Adeboye had once said that his goal was to plant a church within five minutes trekable distance to every home.
It, therefore, was no surprise when, in 2008, the revered cleric was named one of the 50 most powerful people in the world by internationally acclaimed US magazine, Newsweek.
“Pastor Adeboye has been of tremendous positive influence on me, and on so many other leaders worldwide,” said popular lawyer-activist and an RCCG pastor, Ebun Adegboruwa.
It was a fitting statement about a simple man, but one carrying grace and global influence through the power of divinely inspired words that millions hold on to like life itself.
While a statement from the RCCG later clarified that the revered cleric had only stepped down as head of the Nigerian church and would remain the General Overseer of RCCG Worldwide; millions of RCCG faithful in the country are unsure of what to make of the decision of the great man they have come to love and respect as ‘Daddy G.O.’
Nevertheless, it is without doubt that Adeboye’s national and global influence will not wane.
He is married to 68-year-old Adenike and they are blessed with four children.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Why are Chibok Girls Still Not Been Rescued? - US President-elect, Donald Trump Asks

The transition team of US President-elect, Donald Trump, has asked the State Department why America has not helped with fighting Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Donald Trump

 While speaking in a four-page list of Africa-related questions, the transition team of the United States President-elect, Donald Trump, have asked the US State Department why America has not helped with fighting Boko Haram in Nigeria.

 They also questioned why all the Chibok girls have not been rescued and harped on the need to send foreign aid to Africa. “We’ve been fighting al-Shabaab for a decade, why haven’t we won?” the team asked.

 Another said: “With so much corruption in Africa, how much of our funding is stolen? Why should we spend these funds on Africa when we are suffering here in the U.S.?”

 Monde Muyangwa, the Director of the Africa program at the Woodrow Wilson Institute, stated that the questions were necessary for an incoming government.

“Many of the questions that they are asking are the right questions that any incoming administration should ask,” she said.

 But she also noted that “the framing of some of their questions suggests a narrower definition of U.S. interests in Africa, and a more transactional and short-term approach to policy and engagement with African countries.”

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Religion will Kill Us All in Nigeria If... - Wole Soyinka

Prof. Soyinka has spoken out in the heat of the recent killings of Christians in Southern Kaduna, an incident which has continued to fuel mutual mistrust among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country.

Wole Soyinka

 

Speaking during a book launch of renowned professor and author, Olufemi Vaughan on Thursday in Abuja, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has lamented the rate at which ‘religion’ is killing many in Nigeria.

 The Nobel Prize winner noted that he was not canvassing for religious studies but the study of religion, adding that the innocent ones were the ones who often pay the ultimate price in religious crisis.

 The legendary playwright who called for religion to be critically taught in schools in Nigeria, said, “If we do not tame religion in Nigeria, religion will kill us.

“Many Nigerians have paid the ultimate price because of religion and religion is now embedded in our society.

“The innocent ones are the ones who often pay the ultimate price in religious crisis. Even religious leaders cannot denounce the murdering acts of religion.

“Religion now induce trauma and anxiety instead of solace that it claims to give. Religion is the ironic product of human inadequacy.

“There is a monster always waiting to pounce on innocent Nigerians under the name of religion,” he added.

 Soyinka said this in the heat of the recent killings of Christians in Southern Kaduna, an incident which has continued to fuel mutual mistrust among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Nollywood Gist: Actor, Kanayo. O. Kanayo Goes Back to School

Popular Nigerian actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo has gone back to school to acquire a Law degree.

Veteran actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo

 

Veteran and award-winning Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo has gone back to school after an illustrious career in acting. The top Nollywood man is now taking lecture courses at the University of Abuja.

 From his update on Instagram, it is obvious he is acquiring a degree in Law as he wrote: "Hello People, For the love of you, I owe you the notice that I have resumed classes in school, the University of Abuja. Just finished with morning lecture, Law of Evidence, and on standby for Equity 2-4pm."

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Nollywood Gist: With Tears, Mercy Johnson Reacts to Tonto Dikeh's Apology

Popular Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson has tearfully replied her colleague, Tonto Dikeh, who openly apologised for insulting her and her child some years ago.

Tonto & Mercy

 

We reported earlier today that popular Nollywood actress, Tonto Dike, took to her Instagram page this Friday morning and apologised for making “ill-mannered” comments about Mercy Johnson’s child.

 Tonto Dikeh said she uttered the words a “very long time ago”, and noted that as a new mother who has found God, she now regrets her words, adding that she “disgraced herself” with the act and also begged Mercy Johnson for forgiveness.

 In a swift reaction, actress Mercy Johnson Okojie, has taken to her Instagram page to reply Tonto, saying that she has forgiven her and wished her God's blessings.

 Below is her words in full;

 "@tontolet am shaking and in tears as I read your post.I have learnt the more this morning that the holyspirit is true,cus by him you were in my prayers last night and this morning.am in shock.

 'I always heard of what an Angel you are. Please,I forgave you immediately King came because I knew that u would have understood how it hurt me.

 "I Love you and I am short of words now but thank you and trust me I wish so much happiness and peace.am already hugging you so tightly. it is well and Purity is Blowing you a kiss too.

 "My God Will Bless You and Keep you Ahead always. MAMAPURITY."

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Nollywood Gist: Actress Tonto Dikeh Writes Public Apology to Mercy Johnson

 Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has apologized for making 'ill-mannered' comments about Mercy Johnson's child.

Tonto Dikeh & Mercy Johnson

 

Popular Nollywood actress, singer, and philantropist, Tonto Wigo Charity Dikeh-Churchill, also known as Tonto Dike, has taken to her Instagram page this Friday morning and apologised for making “ill-mannered” comments about her colleague, Mercy Johnson’s child.

 The Rivers State, Ikwerre-born actress, said she uttered the words a “very long time ago”, and noted that as a new mother who has found God, she now regrets her words, adding that she “disgraced herself” with the act and also begged Mercy Johnson for forgiveness.

 Below is her public apology letter in full;

 "Good morning world Since I have your undivided attention I better make good use of it and not miss the blessing in this lesson!!!

"@mercyjohnsonokojie Ever since I had my baby I have been reminded constantly about an ill statement I made about one of your kids a very long time ago.I want to use this media to say I am so sorry,I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart.I had no right to say what I did,I totally disgraced myself with that.

"As a mom I do realize a lot of things I take in because of the love of my son and I know you only took my insult because of that same love.

"I am sorry MJ, I am sorry to your lil' girl or boy. We don't have to love each other to realize when we are/went wrong.

"I have/had no excuse for my behaviour and I also apologize to the fans I hurt/Let down with my words that day many years ago ..To Err is human but to forgive is divine!!!

"Am not trying to be the better person,You deserve this apology for your Child for the Love I have for God..I found God and everything in my life changed,Let me tell you about him sometime.

"God bless you and yours!!! Happy new year.

"Take your time with the process of forgiving my ill mannered words to your infant but pls eventually do!!

"#2017 Amending All my Wrongs

"#2017 my year of positivity #Long over due apology #MAMAKING."

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

CPJ calls on Congolese Authorities to Release Talassa Editor

 New York, January 13, 2017--Congolese authorities should immediately release Ghys  Fortuné Dombé Bemba, editor of the privately owned newspaper Talassa, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. The Republic of Congo's security services arrested Bemba in Brazzaville on January 11, Radio France Internationale reported.

Congolese Public Prosecutor André Oko Ngakala said in a statement the following day that  Bemba was under investigation for "complicity in undermining state security" in connection with Frédéric Bintsamou, also known as Pastor Ntumi, a former rebel leader who the government accuses of terrorism.

Congolese outlet Brazza News reported that officials visited Bemba at his office two days before his arrest in connection with several articles published in Talassa. After Bemba's arrest, various news outlets reported that the journalist could have been detained because the paper had published a statement by Pastor Ntumi, been critical of the military, and had allegedly angered the head of the state-run press regulator.

"We call on Congolese authorities to immediately release Ghys  Fortuné Dombé Bemba," said Angela Quintal, CPJ's Africa program coordinator. "Journalists should be free to publish critical and opposing views without fear of arrest."

Bemba is being held at a local police station, reports said. CPJ could not determine if he has been charged. The public prosecutor did not immediately respond to CPJ's email requesting comment.

Local news reports said Bemba's arrest could have been linked to reports calling for Congolose authorities to force elderly military officials into retirement, and alleging wrongdoing by members of the military.

Radio France Internationale reported that Bemba had allegedly angered Philippe Mvouo, head of the press regulator High Council for Freedom of Communication, with an article in the latest edition of Talassa about an aborted meeting between Congo's President Denis Sassou Nguesso and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Mvouo told Radio France Internationale that Bemba's arrest was not connected to his journalism. 

Talassa has been previously targeted by authorities. In November 2007, CPJ documented how the High Council for Freedom of Communication suspended Talassa for two months in relation to an editorial critical of Congo's president. It was suspended for four months in 2013, along with three other newspapers, CPJ reported.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Senator Jean Tsomelou is New SG of the SDF Party

Jean Tsomelou: SG

Senator Jean Tsomelou, has been appointed as the Secretary General of the Social Democratic Front-SDF. Jean Tsomelou replaces Madame Tamajong Elizabeth who resigned in February 2015. According to reports, Ni Fru Ndi, the Chairman of the SDF, hailed his management of the crisis during the reorganization of the party organs in the Littoral region. It should be recalled that Jean Tsomelou is the first Francophone expression to mount the position Secretary General of the SDF. Worthy to note that in her resignation letter, Tamajong regretted that during the nine years as SG, she had a much more figurative role in this position. Yet it was she who took care of the current affairs of the main opposition political party in Cameroon.

However, the newly appointed SG is not a man to pigeon-hole with given his trappings with the party. He has served the party in several capacities. It is important to know that he served as regional president of SDF in the West. Born on December 20, 1968, Tsomelou became the youngest Member of Parliament in 1997.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Should Donald Trump Continue Tweeting?

The president-elect of America is known to love tweeting out his ideas and thoughts on social media, however not every American is comfortable with that.

Donald Trump

 

It is already public knowledge that incoming US President, Donald Trump has done little to hide his Twitter habit.

 The President-elect, who has 19.5 million followers and counting, has described the social media site as his own personal “newspaper” where “when someone attacks me, I can attack them right back”.

 However, according to The Independent, this does not mean the American public are fans of his penchant for tweeting. On the contrary, a recent poll found 64 per cent of Americans think the billionaire property developer should close his Twitter account.

 According to the latest national survey from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut released on Tuesday, 74 per cent of young people, aged between 18-34, want the incoming President to close his personal @RealDonaldTrump account.

 Voters in every other party, gender, age and racial group were united in their belief he should close it. Republicans are almost equally divided on the issue, with 49 per cent saying Mr Trump should keep the account and 45 per cent suggesting it should be shut.

 “While the president-elect argues his missives inform, many say stow the phone,” Tim Malloy, assistant director of the poll, said.

 After Mr Trump is inaugurated in nine days time, he will inherit the official presidential Twitter account, @POTUS, which has been the property of Barack Obama for the last eight years. More than 300 tweets by the outgoing president will be wiped.

 Sean Spicer, who will serve as White House press secretary in the Mr Trump’s administration, said he expected Mr Trump would tweet from both accounts last week.

 While Mr trump promised to be “very restrained” in his Twitter usage upon winning the presidential election, there has been little sign of his promise being put into action. He has recently been using the social media site to vent his frustrations about China, slam Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Celebrity Apprentice Ratings, and label Meryl Streep an “overrated actress” after her Golden Globes rebuke of him.

 The incoming President, who has sent over 34 thousand tweets, has been a keen Twitter user for years, using the site to promote both his business interests and political opinions. 

  “I have a newspaper – I literally have my own newspaper and it's called @iamdonaldtrump,” he boasted of his Twitter account back in 2012.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Pastor Enoch Adeboye to Change His Decision and Return as General Overseer of RCCG Nigeria

There are indications that Pastor Enoch Adeboye may change his decision and return as the General Overseer of the RCCG in Nigeria after retiring.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye

 Pastor Enoch Adeboye might still return as the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Nigeria if the Governing Council of the church decides in his favour.

 Following his shock announcement that he will no longer oversee activities of the church in Nigeria due to a new law by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, it has been revealed that the only way Adeboye can return as the G.O of the church in Nigeria is if the Governing Council of the Church decides in his favour and wants him back.

 According to the constitution of the church, the highest organ of the church consists of Pastor Adeboye as chairman with 13 other very senior pastors, including Pastor J. H. Abiona, Deputy General Overseer; Pastor J. A. O. Akindele, Assistant General Overseer; Pastor D. A. Ilori, Assistant General Overseer and Pastor M.O. Ojo, Assistant General Overseer.

 Others include Pastor A. A. Aderibigbe, Assistant General Overseer; Pastor P. O. Ojo, Assistant General Overseer; Pastor D. O. Oluwalogbon, National Elder; Pastor C. O. Osho, National Assistant Elder; Pastor D. G. Kuo, Regional Evangelist; Pastor E. A. Odeyemi, SATGO Central Africa; Pastor E.O. Daramola, SATGO South Africa II; Pastor G. Lawal, SATGO/PIC Region 12 and Pastor J. A. Obayemi, who was recently appointed country overseer of the church. 

 The Executive Secretary/CEO of FRCN, Mr. Jim Obazee was sacked as a result of the incident by President Muhammadu Buhari.

 Sources close to the church revealed that the status quo will remain until the governing council decides otherwise, maintaining that no other person in the church can altar the stated changes that had been announced by the General Overseer. 

 However, it was not clear if Pastor Joseph Obayemi has received an official schedule of duties. A source, who preferred to remain anonymous, said there was an office already created for the Country Overseer but declined to confirm if the new man actually resumed duties in the office. 

 According to the close source, in view of the 40-day fasting period which began yesterday, the changes may take some while to be effected, stating however, that Pastor Adeboye remains the General Overseer of the church with presence in over 193 nations.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Lesson from Nigeria: Popular Comedian Buys Petrol Station

The new year has kicked-off in style for some people despite the economic recession as Nigerian comedian, buys himself a petrol station in Lagos State.

Popular Nigerian entertainer, comedian and actor, Koffi Ayinde Idowu Nuel widely known as Koffi, is now an owner if a filling station.

 The funny man, took to his Instagram to share the good news to his thousands of fans. He posted a photo of the new petrol station captioning the photo:

 "#BeastMode Just bought me a 'play' station. Master of ceremony FatgbemsUnveiling New Year New Hustle. We going in. Hit the ground running. #FatgbemsUnveiling#HustleIsReal #FreeFuel."

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

President Yahya Jammeh Takes Major Step to Concede to Adama Barrow

 he President of Gambia may have finally come to his senses as he is now looking for a way to reconcile with the President-elect.

President Yahya Jammeh

 

Gambia’s outgoing President Yahya Jammeh on Wednesday appointed a mediator to facilitate meetings between himself and president-elect Adama Barrow, News Agency of Nigeria reports.

 Jammeh who is in the middle of a heated controversy for his refusal to accept the Dec. 1 presidential polls, which saw him, lose power after over two decades of being in power, is now looking for a peaceful way to reconcile with Barrow.

 West African bloc, Economic Community of West African States has been heaping pressure on Jammeh to do the obvious and respect the constitution of his country or face military action, although top mediators from ECOWAS have agreed to use peaceful means to convince him before the due date of the new president's inauguration.

 Barrow, a former real estate agent, who was little known before he announced his candidacy, is scheduled to take office on Jan. 19.

 The ruling party’s secretary general will mediate between Jammeh’s supporters and the opposition to “resolve any mistrust and issues,’’ Jammeh said in a televised address to the nation early Wednesday.

 He refuses to accept the election result because it was “full of arithmetic errors and anomalies, it also could not be credibly explained,’’ the outgoing president added.

Jammeh ordered the justice minister and national assembly to draft a general amnesty bill, while issuing an executive order not to arrest or prosecute citizens for “acts or omissions’’ committed during the pre and post electoral period, between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31.

 The announcement comes a day after the Supreme Court postponed hearing a court petition filed by Jammeh to challenge the election results. The case was adjourned to Monday, since only one of a required minimum of five judges was present, the court’s registrar said.

 Several West African heads of state meanwhile postponed a meeting with Jammeh aimed at helping to resolve the political crisis from Wednesday to Friday.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

It was Not Easy After Wizkid Disvirgined And Impregnated Me - Sola Ogudugu

Wizkid's baby mama has revealed how she passed through many hard times after finding out she was pregnant with the singer's child.

Sola Ogudugu and her son

 

Sola Ogudugu, Wizkid's baby mama has shared her experience on discovering that she was pregnant for Nigerian for Nigerian singer, Ayo Balogun popularly called Wizkid.

In an interview with YNaija, Ogudugu revealed the ordeal she passed through after Wizkid disvirgined and impregnated her at 19. Sola disclosed that she only found out she was after it the pregnancy had reached 5 months.

 She said: “I remember the day I found out I was preggers! After 5 monthsss… Damn!!! I can’t believe I’m laughing now. I cried for the remaining 4 months… I just kept saying to myself everyday ‘God why me’ Ahhhhh mahn… ThoseWereTryingTimesYo! It was like film trick…”

 The single mother of one further stressed that, being a mother is not an easy job, talk more of being a single mother at the age of 19 years. 

 “That was greatest challenge ever! Was in my finals.. I still struggled and finished Uni with Good grades.. And guess what? My son is 4! I’m still overwhelmed but I thank God for how far he’s brought me and how much my Lil man has grown… I’m THANKFUL.” she added. 

 When asked how she feels, having Wizkid’s child Sola said: “When Jesus Says Yes Nobody Can Say No… That was how God wanted things to go in my life oooo…Boluwatife!” she proudly exclaimed.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

'Yes We Did,' Obama Says in Farewell Address

 Courtesy Good Morning America

"Yes we can. Yes we did. Yes we can."

With these words, President Obama wrapped up the farewell remarks of his presidency with the same soaring rhetoric of hope that he rode into the White House eight years ago.

He took the opportunity of the speech to a crowd in his adopted hometown of Chicago to thank to the American people for the opportunity to serve as president for two terms.

"Every day, I learned from you," he said. "You made me a better president, and you made me a better man."

He made mention of some of his key accomplishments and thanked those who have stood by his side through the past eight years, especially his family, for which he offered an emotional tribute, as well as Vice President Joe Biden and the military.

But Obama, who spoke to a crowd of approximately 18,000, according to the White House, also used the speech to issue a warning about the fragility of democracy. He specifically identified race relations, income inequality and the state of political discourse as threats to the fabric of the republic.

On the issue of race, Obama acknowledged the significant progress that's been made in recent decades but said that it remains an often "divisive force in our society" and noted there was an unrealistic idea after his election that we had entered a "postracial America."

"If we're going to be serious about race, going forward, we must uphold laws against discrimination — in hiring, in housing, in education and the criminal justice system. That's what our Constitution and highest ideals require. But laws alone won't be enough. Hearts must change," Obama said.

"For blacks and other minorities, it means tying our own struggles for justice to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face — not only the refugee, the immigrant, the rural poor, the transgender American but also the middle-aged white man who from the outside may seem like he's got all the advantages but who's seen his world upended by economic, cultural and technological change," Obama said.

"For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn't suddenly vanish in the '60s, that when minority groups voice discontent, they're not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness, that when they wage peaceful protest, they're not demanding special treatment but the equal treatment our Founders promised," he continued.

He warned that "stark inequality is also corrosive to our democratic ideas."

"While the top 1 percent has amassed a bigger share of wealth and income, too many of our families, in inner cities and rural counties, have been left behind — the laid-off factory worker, the waitress and health care worker who struggle to pay the bills — convinced that the game is fixed against them, that their government only serves the interests of the powerful. That's a recipe for more cynicism and polarization in our politics," he said.

The Obama Legacy: A Promise of Hope

Obama scolded a tendency in modern political discourse that encourages partisanship and divisions over compromise.

"In the course of a healthy debate, we'll prioritize different goals and the different means of reaching them. But without some common baseline of facts, without a willingness to admit new information and concede that your opponent might be making a fair point and that science and reason matter, we'll keep talking past each other, making common ground and compromise impossible."

In giving a final speech, Obama continued in a tradition started by George Washington in 1796 and followed by many outgoing presidents since. President George W. Bush gave a farewell speech eight years ago from the East Room of the White House.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Anglophone Problem: Garga Haman Leaves Bamenda with Two Options from Consortium

Garga Haman ADJI

 Garga Haman Adji held an informal meeting with members of The Consortium yesterday January 10, 2017 at Ayaba in Bamenda. During the meeting, members of The Consortium (including leaders of the various teachers trade unions, lawyers, traders etc) were unanimous on the options that would solve the Anglophone Problem. According to a hint, Garga was given only two options as a solution to the present deadlock. The two options according what we gathered were Federation or Secession. The mediator who was vocal over CRTV that he will succeed in his mission may leave Bamenda a little disappointed. Those who took the pains to attend the informal meeting left the hall as they came. Garga, the mediator brought nothing but surely left with two options. Apparently Garga came only to listen. When some members of the Consortium discovered that Garga had nothing to offer or was just playing round, some leaders left without notifying their departure. The meeting was one of the shortest ever. After the short meeting, Garga Haman was to meet Ni John Fru Ndi yesterday evening. Prospects are high at that Garga will also seek advice from SDF chieftain on the precarious situation in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. Though Garga,  it should be noted is still turning around Ayaba hotel and will hopefully meet some personalities before leaving Bamenda.  As to when he will be going back,  no one can tell. Popular opinion holds that the outcome of last January 9, 2017 "Ghost town" has shown the Anglophone community is united and invisible. Apart from a few overzealous anglophones, there is a general consensus that there is a problem and that there is an urgent need for lasting solutions. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Anglophone Problem: Garga Haman Leaves Bamenda with Two Options from Consortium

Garga Haman Adji held an informal meeting with members of The Consortium yesterday January 10, 2017 at Ayaba in Bamenda. During the meeting, members of The Consortium (including leaders of the various teachers trade unions, lawyers, traders etc) were unanimous on the options that would solve the Anglophone Problem. According to a hint, Garga was given only two options as a solution to the present deadlock. The two options according what we gathered were Federation or Secession. The mediator who was vocal over CRTV that he will succeed in his mission may leave Bamenda a little disappointed. Those who took the pains to attend the informal meeting left the hall as they came. Garga, the mediator brought nothing but surely left with two options. Apparently Garga came only to listen. When some members of the Consortium discovered that Garga had nothing to offer or was just playing round, some leaders left without notifying their departure. The meeting was one of the shortest ever. After the short meeting, Garga Haman was to meet Ni John Fru Ndi yesterday evening. Prospects are high at that Garga will also seek advice from SDF chieftain on the precarious situation in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Press Release No 2 by Hon. Fobi Tchinda on those Arrested and Transferred to Y'de

 Posted as Received: Here below is the second press statement from Hon Fobi Nchinda Simon, SDF MP for the Bamenda/Bali Constituency. The Hon MP has been visiting those arrested in the NW and SW Regions and brought to Yaounde for detention since the strike action.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Walking the "Ghost Town" in North West and South West Regions

Bamenda, December 9, 2017. Thomas L. Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The New York Times in his book From Beirut to Jerusalem tells the story of how violence turned Lebanon into a shell-shocked stalemate and green-lined Beirut into “a huge abyss, the darkest corner of human behavior, and an urban jungle where not even the law of the jungle applied.”

The Anglophone populations of the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon have defeated the notion that strikes mean violence.

The empty schools, markets, streets and even movements in villages that captured the picturesque in these two regions could be likened to the description of the old day Lebanon and Beirut. A ghost visited all main the localities in the North West and South West Regions to the point that even mad men and women deserted the streets and village squares.

The type of life that can only be compared to a toad in a heating tube that keeps adapting to the changing temperature as the melody of a ghost town that keep changing to adapting temperatures. A scenario that the Ministers of Basic and Secondary Education angrily left Bamenda after attempts to transform administrators and traditional rulers into classroom teachers flopped woefully. Their prayers for parents and teachers to send students and pupils was responded in what has been described as "Ghost Town".

In Bamenda for example, life was such that no want could predict what he or she is going to see in a ghost city while walking the streets. Yet the inhabitants seem to enjoy themselves in the quarters in a mode that can hardly describe the deadlock that looms high. Along the Bamenda Commercial Avenue and Molyko street in Buea, one could accidentally see a slinking shadow disappearing into the side of a brick wall. They are kids who have transformed their yards into football fields. Only the most courageous were able to open their eyes to what the Ghost town had to offer. The bumpy and dusty nature of the roads made of sand would eventually tell you that the people are angry. Even strangers felt a connection to the people’s past.. But, now as ghosts, as the past bleeds into the present and vis-a-versa, even areas like Mobile Nkwen in Bamenda caught cold. By 10 pm, only two bars were open, few bikes and apparently no cars. The noisiest spots in town were completely dead silent except the few soldiers at road junctions. Every footstep from behind seems to be those of a ghost which remains everyone that you are in a ghost city.

It is a completely an unlike experience than the experience you get in East Cameroon. Here, it is The Consortium that is the symbol of a Wirbanalized symphony that everyone listens to, respects and abide to its decisions. 

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Press Release: English Cameroon Authority Endorses The Consortium

 Posted as Received

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Press Release: The Consortium Says Strike to Continue, Ghost Town Suspended

Po

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Secondary Education Minister Angrily Quits Bamenda after "Bad Market"

Jean Ernest Massena

The Minister of Secondary Education, Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bihehe has angrily left Bamenda for Yaounde after attempts to persuade school reopening in North West and South West Regions flopped woefully. Surprisingly, Jean Ernest Massena who announced a six day stay in Bamenda has spent just three days. Initially, he had planned to visit some schools in Mezam, Ngoketunjia, Bui and Momo, Tuesday and Wednesday before taking off for Yaounde.

However, the fact that schools were deserted pushed the two ministers to abort their trip in the region. The most pathetic of all is that they angrily left Bamenda without inaugurating some structures earlier programmed. It is clear that the  minister did their best but failed to convince teachers and parents to send their kids to schools. Schools in the North West and South West Regions were deserted, reports say. The ministers who brought promises were shocked that even the chiefs who had promised to transform selves into teachers were not in schools. Secondary Education Communication officer who was heard boosting over the phone to his colleagues in Yaounde how they have solved all the problems almost collapsed at Ayaba Hotel. He was even unable to pick calls from Yaounde cronies who were calling to find out the situation in the field.  Streets in the city of Bamenda have been deserted to the point that some now serve as soccer play grounds for children. It is alleged that the Minister of Basic Education also arrived Bamenda yesterday night and allegations are rife at that the Minister of Basic Education also vamoosed by mid day without visiting a school after having a test of the realities of Bamenda.

Bamenda today

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)