THE COMING OF THE "FAKE MESSIAH"

My silence is not borne out or fear or poverty, but i've always been guided by some principles entrenched in the Chinese BOOK OF CHANGES - The I - CHING as well as the ART OF WAR!

A REFLECTION on society- (Ndigbo choose your paths)

The life of a sheep is easier than the life of a lion. Sheep are given comfort and protection by the shepherd. But these comforts bind the sheep into slavery.

"A Landlocked Biafra"

I've heard many people from other tribes make utterances regarding the ability of a Biafra based only on south-east states surviving on its own and i feel its an insult to the renowned creativity of my people, hence the need to make these clarifications:

A 20-year-old man reportedly set fire to a Ferrari gifted to him by his father in order to claim insurance to fund an upgrade.

The man from Switzerland reportedly set fire to a Ferrari 458 Italia in an attempt to finance a new model.

3D Printed Food or Downloadable food? A possibility in the nearest future!

As Bio-printing research goes deeper with new technologies emerging. The possibility of someone "downloading" food from his or her computer after a design or over the internet will be a reality in the nearest future! How about a 3d printed biscuit? cake? or other snacks? It wil be a reality soon!

3D Printer

This is my prediction and it shall come to pass. 

Breaking News!!

An unidentified Helicopter have crashed into the lagoon behind Oworonshoki Police station. An eye witness says that the plane made a loud noise before nose diving into the lagoon. The police and Nema officials have began rescue efforts and so far 3 bodies have been recovered.
More details later.

When cheap doesn't sell -- even to the poor

There's affordable, and then there's cheap. One is a selling point, the other an image problem, and makers in India are learning the hard way how important that distinction is.

     Although 60% of India's population of 1.2 billion still live on less than $2 a day, products designed and marketed for this massive segment often fail to catch on.

Sputtering along

In 2009, Tata motors released the ultra-affordable Nano subcompact. It was called the "100,000 rupee car" after its selling price, which was less than $2,000.

     Pitched as a poor family's first upgrade from a motorbike to a four-wheel car, the Nano should have found ample demand among the country's numerous low-income households. In the seven years since its debut, however, the car has sold only 270,000 units. Annual sales have averaged only 20% of what the company estimates is needed to break even.

    So, like many companies in similar positions, Tata has started setting its sights higher, targeting more moneyed consumers. In May, it released the GenX Nano, which comes with Bluetooth connectivity and high-tech automatic transmission. The price -- between 200,000 rupees and 300,000 rupees -- puts it far beyond the reach of India's lower economic brackets.

     The promotional video for the revamped Nano features more than 30 wealthy-looking young people speaking fluent English, further driving home that this model is not intended for low-income drivers.

Marketing basics

"No one, mind you, not even the poor, wants to buy a product that is pitched as a perfect item for the penniless," said Gopalan Sunderraman of Godrej Group.

     Godrej, a major Indian conglomerate, learned the same lesson Tata did, in this case by trying to market a refrigerator specifically for the poor.

In 2010, it launched the ChotuKool refrigerator. Priced at around $69, it was aimed at low-income consumers who could not afford a more expensive one, but sales have not grown as expected.

     So, at the end of 2014, the company started offering customized units for roughly $80. Customers shopping over the Internet can choose different patterns for the exterior of the fridge. If they want to use their own design, the price is nearly double.

    Although Godrej still sells the cheaper, single-color model, its launch of online sales for the customized version means the company is targeting wealthier consumers who can afford an Internet connection. In India, only about 10% of the population has access to the Internet.

     According to Sunderraman, if a model in a certain product lineup becomes popular among the rich, then low-income consumers will buy a lower-end version without hesitation.

     A cardinal rule for marketing to the bottom of the pyramid is to minimize functions, size and price. But this approach does not necessarily work in India. Instead, makers there must find a way to develop products that say "easy on the wallet," not "made for the poor."

read more stories at asia.nikkei.com

Global movement votes to adopt policy to protect human rights of sex workers

11 August 2015, 17:00 UTC
A crucial vote to protect the human rights of sex workers was passed today in Dublin at Amnesty International’s decision-making forum, the International Council Meeting (ICM). Delegates from around the world adopted a resolution which authorized the International Board to develop and adopt a policy on the issue.

“Sex workers are one of the most marginalized groups in the world who in most instances face constant risk of discrimination, violence and abuse. Our global movement paved the way for adopting a policy for the protection of the human rights of sex workers which will help shape Amnesty International’s future work on this important issue,” said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

The resolution recommends that Amnesty International develop a policy that supports the full decriminalization of all aspects of consensual sex work. The policy will also call on states to ensure that sex workers enjoy full and equal legal protection from exploitation, trafficking and violence. 

“We recognize that this critical human rights issue is hugely complex and that is why we have addressed this issue from the perspective of international human rights standards. We also consulted with our global movement to take on board different views from around the world,” said Salil Shetty.

The research and consultation carried out in the development of this policy in the past two years concluded that this was the best way to defend sex workers’ human rights and lessen the risk of abuse and violations they face. 

The violations that sex workers can be exposed to include physical and sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, extortion and harassment, human trafficking, forced HIV testing and medical interventions. They can also be excluded from health care and housing services and other social and legal protection. 

The policy has drawn from an extensive evidence base from sources including UN agencies, such as the World Health Organization, UNAIDS, UN Women and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health. We have also conducted research in four countries. 
The consultation included sex worker groups, groups representing survivors of prostitution, abolitionist organizations, feminist and other women's rights representatives, LGBTI activists, anti- trafficking agencies and HIV/AIDS organizations. 

Amnesty International considers human trafficking abhorrent in all of its forms, including sexual exploitation, and should be criminalized as a matter of international law. This is explicit in this new policy and all of Amnesty International’s work. 

“This is a historic day for Amnesty International. It was not a decision that was reached easily or quickly and we thank all our members from around the world, as well as all the many groups we consulted, for their important contribution to this debate. They have helped us reach an important decision that will shape this area of our human rights work going forward,” said Salil Shetty.

read more at www.amnesty.org

US-based Nigerian Dad Sends Teen Sons to Nigeria to Learn Gratitude

A dad wanting his twin teen sons, accustomed to the comforts of the country club, to learn some gratitude took an unusual step.
According to WPCO, a Cincinnati-based TV station, he sent the 14-year-olds to spend the seventh grade in Nigeria.

The boys, Noble and Evan Nwankwo, spent seventh grade at Mea Mater Elizabeth High School in Enugu. There, the day starts with 5 am exercise and prayer, and continues with a 12-subject course load. There’s no help from mum on homework or washing clothes, either.

“Adversity is important in somebody’s development in life, as far as I’m concerned, because there comes a time when the storm is going to hit you, and if you never had that to fall back on you’re just going to fall apart,” Evans Nwankwo, the father, said. “I strongly believe that because it’s been important in my own development.”

Nwankwo was born and raised in Nigeria. He was one of 13 children. The family was well off. Then, the Nigerian civil war broke out and they were running for safety and scrambling for food, and his father was killed.

He eventually made it to the U.S. and built a business. People around Cincinnati probably know Nwankwo’s work – his construction company is the go-to contractor that has worked on sites including Fountain Square, the Freedom Center and Washington Park.
As the boys were getting ready to go, things in Africa were looking bad. The Ebola outbreak was making headlines, as were attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram on schools in northern Nigeria.

The elder Nwankwo said he had “a lot of apprehension as they were getting ready to go, a lot of anxiety.”
The boys had other concerns.

“I hope I’m not as lazy as I am now,” Noble said before leaving for Nigeria.
It looks like Noble got his wish. Besides being responsible for their studies, basic necessities like water required work to obtain.
“It was kind of eye-opening to see how much you actually have to work to get a simple bucket of water, and how you actually have to use your own strength to carry it back and forth,” Noble said. “And it’s actually pretty tough to hand-wash your clothes with that amount of water. You have to really manage it.”

“You have to be trekking all over the school just to get water to bathe with… Here you can just turn on the tap and there’ll be water flowing like it’s nothing,” Evan said. “There, you’ll, be struggling for it. Sometimes we would go without water for a couple of days.”
Since returning, their dad said he’s already seen a change in his boys.
“I feel that the experience is one that will live with them forever, and they will be forever changed – maybe not on the immediate, but long term.”

Evan and Noble agreed.
“I appreciate the washing machine. I appreciate the running water. I appreciate the shower, so I don’t have to use a bucket of water in a bowl,” Noble said. “I appreciate my electronics. I appreciate my parents a lot more because I realise how much – especially my dad – I really realise how much he had to do to get here.”

Besides the actual experience, they said their dad taught them a lot as well.
“He’s taught me a lot, and he’s made me go through a lot to make me a better person, to make me a person that can just endure,” Evan said.

The trip may turn into a family tradition. Evans said he was going to put aside some money so any future grandchildren can also spend a year in Nigeria.

Read more at ThisDaylive.com 

Tags: News, Nigeria, Featured

Chinese restaurant owner donates profits to save friend’s son

Fu Gaochan, born in the 1990s, is the owner of a suanlafen (hot and sour rice noodles) restaurant in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province. He used to live an ordinary life, just like thousands of others in the city, until he decided to donate all the money he earned to his friend’s leukemia-stricken son, who lives back in their hometown Zhoukou city.

Cross-River chief, 70, still alive 10 yrs after conducting own burial..

WANIKADE—TEN years ago, a 70-year-old man, Chief Ochim Olem, of Wanikade village in North Ukele, 100 kilometres away from Calabar, capital of Cross River State, did the bizarre by conducting his funeral rites, an abomination in the community. He was 60 years at the time. Olem, popularly known as Ekum, gathered hundreds of villagers, well-wishers and curious visitors from across the community in his compound at Wanezeeta from Saturday, January 7 – January 13, 2005, to carry out his interment.

Inhuman!Soldiers punishing a civilian at Mararaba, Nasarawa State, Nigeria on Saturday.

Breaking News! Malaysian searchers find plane window panes, seat cushions on Reunion Island, Malaysian official tells news agency AFP.

Wing fragment is from missing MH370, experts say

Experts have confirmed that the debris found on Reunion Island last week was that of Malaysian Airlines flight 370 that went missing last year, Malaysia’s prime minister said on Wednesday.

The New Suez Canal Opening soon!

This bed will make you no choice but get up on time

In a typical example of how technology changes people’s lives, a British man named Colin Furze has caused a buzz online with his invention of a high voltage ejector bed that could have the laziest people get up on time in the morning.

50 Cent Faked Wealth With Borrowed Jewelry And Cars

More facts on the Pill That Prevents HIV

Rumors are swirling about Truvada, the first drug approved to prevent HIV. Here’s what the research actually says about the safety and effectiveness of that famous blue pill.

Mind-controlled car hits the road in China!

The car is still in the test stages. The features in the car are described below:

Bobby Brown and Wife Welcome Baby Girl

North Korean defector flees to Finland 'with evidence of chemical testing on humans'

A North Korean weapons scientist has defected to Finland, taking with him gigabytes of information on human experiments that he plans to present to EU parliament.

Rapper 50 Cent Files For Bankruptcy

Burundian General Threatens To Lead Armed Uprising Against President Nkurunziza

General Leonard Ngendakumana has threatened to lead an armed uprising against Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza if he follows through with his plan to run for a third term in next week’s presidential elections.

I will deny my husband sex until he pays his debt - wife

A 39-year-old trader, Mrs Modinat Idowu, told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos state on Thursday that she would continue to deny her husband, one Akeem Idowu, sex until he has paid the debt he is owing her.

Iran-flagged ship targets U.S. Navy with laser

A U.S. Navy ship and helicopter were repeatedly targeted by a laser device on board an Iranian-flagged merchant ship beginning on Sunday in the Gulf of Aden, according to a U.S. defense official.

`Humiliating! Man publicly disgraces wife for alleged Infidelity!

A 33-year-old Wang Ni, had allegedly been beaten by her husband Zhang, 37, then forced on a walk of shame in Yushan County, china, while he followed in his car.

2 billion Dollar Excess Crude fallout: Okonjo-Iweala Shifts; Says Jonathan Unilaterally Approved Withdrawal

The immediate past Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has shifted the blame on former President Goodluck Jonathan over the controversial withdrawal of $2bn from the excess crude revenue account (ECA) in December 2014.

Nigerian Army Investigates Allegations By Amnesty International

The Nigerian Army has commenced investigations into Amnesty  International’s  allegations against  Nigerian Army. This  was disclosed by the Chief of administration, Nigeria Army, Major General  Adamu Baba Abubakar at a press briefing on Friday  at the Army Head Quarters Abuja .

Senators’ allowances nine times higher than basic pay

NIGERIANS that have expressed surprise that each senator receives N506,600 per annum as wardrobe allowance may be in for a shocker as the lawmakers receive far more allowances under different other categories.

Investigation by Punch Newspapers showed that senators’ allowances totalled N18,642,880 on annual basis.

A Car that Runs on Air and Water?

Israeli company Phinergy has developed a technology that could revolutionize the use of energy. Among other applications, it would power a car, using just metal, air and water.

Much of the Western world has long been dreaming of the development of an electric car that would eliminate the need for gasoline, thus lowering operating costs, cutting dependence on oil and drastically reducing negative impact on the environment. Today’s driving catchphrase is “sustainable energy.”

HondaJet set for takeoff - Carmaker shatters tech taboos to give dream wings.

TOKYO -- After decades of painstaking preparation on the ground, the HondaJet is finally poised for commercial takeoff, with the first plane slated to be delivered this year.

     The project has drawn considerable attention, as it marks Honda Motor's first

6 Tips that will Change Your Financial Life

Budget Weekly, Not Monthly

One of the reasons we lose control of our finances is because we handle them monthly. In a span of 30 days, you are bound to make transactions which are quite easy to forget about. Now if you are using debit cards as your primary method of expenditure, you know that it can be very easy to reach your spending limit and even go overboard if you aren’t fully aware; leaving you with overdraft fees.

How to Undo Some Common Career Mistakes

Forgetting to Negotiate the Salary

Usually, the excitement of getting hired gets in the way of this discussion, especially if you’ve been in the unemployed club for longer than you’d like! It’s okay, we are glad you have a job – and hopefully one that you like, but take a step back and really think about what you WANT to be getting paid.

Conflict between FG, states hindering health insurance – NHIS

Nigeria will need N1.92tn to achieve Universal Health Coverage, National Heath Insurance Scheme, has said.

The organisation however says the amount should not be difficult to raise as the country presently spends about N2.4tn on issues that are not planned.

The Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Dr. Femi Thomas, who said this in Abuja during a meeting with the 36 Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries in the state Ministries of Health, said this could be amicably resolved with the assistance of the scheme.

Aspiring to be a leader? Find out If You Have the Traits of a Good Leader?

From a very young age, we hear about leaders and that we should all strive to be one. In order to advance your career, leadership qualities are quintessential in guaranteeing success. Unfortunately, only a few people naturally are a good leader, but, luckily, qualities that make you a good leader can be practised.

INTEGRITY AS A FACTOR OF PRODUCTION?

CAPITALISM AND THE NEED FOR A FIFTH FACTOR OF PRODUCTION!

Capitalism as an economic system is based on private ownership of the means of production, in which personal profit can be acquired through investment of capital and employment of labor. Capitalism is grounded in the concept of free enterprise, which argues that government intervention in the economy should be restricted and that a free market, based on supply and demand, will ultimately maximize consumer welfare.

IN DEFENCE OF THE YOUTHS - Bruno Emeka Onuoha

THE YOUTHS IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN SOCIETY

(IT IS OUR TIME TO REIGN!)– PART ONE

In all parts of the world, the youths are regarded as the bedrock of their societies because of their various contributions to the economic, moral and spiritual development of their countries. They are seen as engine for growth in their various societies, and they form the nucleus of the active workforce in any economy. Also in most societies the youths are given leadership positions for maximum impact on their society.  Hence the roles of the youths in any society are pivotal to the growth and stability of that society.