The Trials of Mbeku By Greatman Onwukwe: Sir GMAN Scene 1: The Feast in the Sky Mbeku, the cunning tortoise, overheard the birds discussing a grand feast to be held in the sky. Eager to partake, he approached the birds with a proposal. "I am but a humble tortoise," he began, "and I have heard of your feast in the sky." "I beg of you, allow me to join you." The birds, amused by his request, agreed, and Mbeku joined them on their journey to the heavens. Scene 2: The Deception Upon reaching the celestial realm, the birds were greeted with a bountiful spread of food. Mbeku, seizing the opportunity, addressed the assembly. "I come from a distant land, and in my tongue, 'Mbeku' means 'All of you.'" "Therefore, this feast is meant for all of you." The birds, taken aback by his audacity, protested, but Mbeku insisted, and consumed the entire feast, leaving nothing for the others. Scene 3: The Fall Angered by Mbeku's greed, the birds decided to teach him a lesson. They retrieved their feathers, leaving Mbeku grounded. In his attempt to return to earth, Mbeku fell, and his shell became cracked upon landing. Scene 4: The Return Mbeku returned to his village, but his kin, seeing his broken shell, mocked him. "Mbeku," they laughed, "you went to the sky as a king, but returned as a beggar." Scene 5: The Lesson Mbeku's tale serves as a cautionary story about the consequences of greed and deceit. It is a reminder that one's actions, especially those driven by selfish desires, can lead to downfall and ridicule. Scene 6: The Village's Reflection The elders of the village gathered the community to reflect on Mbeku's story. They emphasized the importance of humility and warned against the pitfalls of arrogance and dishonesty. Scene 7: The Rebuilding Inspired by the lessons learned, the villagers worked together to rebuild their community. They organized feasts that celebrated unity and shared resources, ensuring that no one went hungry. Scene 8: The Legacy The story of Mbeku became a cherished tale, passed down through generations. It served as a moral compass, guiding the actions of the villagers and reinforcing the values of honesty, humility, and community. Scene 9: The Song To commemorate the lesson, a song was composed, celebrating the virtues of integrity and the strength found in unity. The song became a staple at community gatherings, reinforcing the moral of Mbeku's tale. Scene 10: The Continuation As time passed, the village prospered. The lessons from Mbeku's story continued to influence the community's culture, fostering an environment where greed was shunned, and cooperation thrived. Scene 11: The Elders' Council The elders established a council to oversee the moral upbringing of the youth. They organized storytelling sessions, where tales like that of Mbeku were narrated, ensuring that the wisdom of the past guided the future. Scene 12: The Reflection On quiet evenings, the villagers would gather by the riverbank, reflecting on their journey. They would recount the trials of Mbeku, reinforcing the community's commitment to the values of honesty, humility, and unity. Scene 13: The Farewell As the episode concluded, the narrator left the villagers in a state of contemplation, pondering the timeless lessons embedded in the story of Mbeku. The tale served as a mirror, reflecting the virtues and vices within themselves, encouraging continuous growth and communal harmony. #greatmanonwukwe #sirgman #TheTrialOfMbeku #AfricanWisdom #storytelling #greediness #lessonslearnedinlife

As the sun sets and the ocean sings, a Tiv queen rises in full glory. Wearing the proud black and white stripes of her people, she rides a horse painted to match the spirit of her tradition. Every stripe, every jewel, every thread of her dress speaks of royalty, strength, and deep cultural pride. She is more than beauty. She is a story of the Tiv people. A reminder that our roots are powerful, our traditions rich, and our women—truly unstoppable. To some, this is a beautiful picture. To us, it is a celebration of identity. -WAN U TIV #TivPride #BenueBeauty #AfricanElegance #TarTivKaBemManDooshima #TivCulture #HeritageInMotion #viralpost2025シ2025 #viralpost2025シ #fypシ゚viralシ #fypviralシ #fypシ゚ #wanutiv

Cardinal Robert Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV, is the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. ⛪️

PUNCH Newspaper *The unseen crisis facing Nigerian men (moment Otunba Kunle Akinyele collapsed)* 5th May 2025. Ganiyu Olowu *When Otunba Kunle Akinyele, a respected hotelier in Lagos, slumped and died at his wife’s 60th birthday thanksgiving, the nation gasped in disbelief. One moment, he was celebrating life and love; the next, he lay lifeless at the altar of joy*. The video is haunting — *a man gesturing, gasping, reaching for help in a sacred space, surrounded by those he loved but alone in his final battle.* This was not just a death. It was a metaphor of silent suffering, buried exhaustion, and what men have come to normalise in the name of strength. Akinyele’s case is not isolated. It is one of many chilling examples of how Nigerian men, particularly in their mid- to late years, are collapsing under the weight of responsibilities, unspoken pain, and undiagnosed illnesses. According to the World Health Organisation, men in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, are 2.4 times more likely to die prematurely from preventable causes than women. This alarming disparity is fuelled by cultural and behavioural factors: men are less likely to seek medical help, more likely to suppress emotional turmoil, and often glorify suffering in silence. In Nigeria, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and untreated mental health conditions are among the leading causes of sudden deaths in men. So This Happened (215) Reviews Death Of Lagos... In 2019, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya—admired for his strength and spiritual leadership—passed away quietly after years of enduring deep emotional losses and reportedly ongoing health complications. His resilience was legendary, but it masked what many now see as untreated grief, intense stress, and likely silent medical conditions. Then came the sudden death of veteran broadcaster Ayo Oduleye, better known as MC Loyo, who slumped while compering an event in Ibadan. His charm and humour lit up stages, but in the blink of an eye, the microphone fell silent. Just like that. Similarly, the passing of Mr Ibu (John Okafor) in early 2024, after months of battling illness, reminded the country of how many male entertainers struggle financially and physically behind the scenes, putting on a show while their bodies deteriorate. Masculinity, when warped, can become a silent weapon—not just against others, but against oneself. Globally, the story remains the same. In 2014, beloved comedian Robin Williams died by suicide, a victim of masked depression. And in 2022, cricket legend Shane Warne died suddenly of a heart attack, a casualty of silent coronary disease and an overstretched lifestyle. Yet while statistics shock and headlines haunt, the everyday grind of the average Nigerian man tells an even sadder tale. Take Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital—the city that never sleeps, and where many men now barely do. A significant number of working-class men reside on the mainland or in Ogun border towns like Mowe, Ikorodu, Sango Ota, or Ibafo but must commute to the Island for work—a journey that often begins by 4:00 a.m. and ends by 9:00 p.m. on return. This is no exaggeration. Studies from the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority reveal that Lagosians spend an average of four to six hours daily in traffic—with many men doing these five to six times a week. That is over 1,400 hours a year lost in gridlock—time stolen from rest, from family, from reflection. For these men, the day begins before the rooster crows. They rush into overcrowded buses, endure fumes of frustration, only to return home when their children are already asleep. There is no room for hobbies, hardly any time for checkups, no outlet for pain. Sleep is a luxury. Rest is a myth. And joy is rationed, like fuel in a scarcity season. This modern man is constantly running on empty—physically present but emotionally absent, financially committed but spiritually depleted. And society applauds his hustle, without asking at what cost. The idiom says, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” but what if the crown is invisible, made not of gold but of expectations, bills, unspoken grief, and sacrificial silence? Men are praised for providing, for showing up, for being “rocks”. But even rocks erode—silently, slowly, and then all at once. The greatest tragedy is not that they die, but that they are dying unseen. Consider the tragic case of a 42 year old engineer in Port Harcourt who collapsed at his workstation after weeks of working overtime to meet project deadlines. His colleagues described him as “dedicated to a fault”, but his sudden death revealed the dangers of ignoring signs of burnout and hypertension. Another heartbreaking example is the story of a young entrepreneur in Enugu who passed away in his sleep after complaining of chest pains for weeks. Despite his family’s pleas, he refused to visit a doctor, citing his busy schedule and financial obligations. His autopsy later revealed undiagnosed cardiovascular disease—a silent killer that could have been managed with timely intervention. One unforgettable story is that of Samuel Okwaraji, the gifted footballer and patriot who gave everything to his country on the football pitch. In 1989, during a World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos, Okwaraji collapsed and tragically died of congestive heart failure at just 25 years old. His life, so full of promises, was cut short under the intense demands of national expectation. The harsh conditions of the game that day, combined with the immense physical and psychological pressures he faced, ultimately proved too much. These stories compel us to ask: What are we doing to ourselves in the name of strength? Why does the world celebrate silent suffering but frown upon seeking help? Dr Salawu Abiola, a psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital in Yaba, offers critical advice for men navigating these pressures. He emphasises the importance of prioritising rest, adequate sleep, and regular health checkups. “If you work and die today, someone will replace you at the workplace, but no one replaces you in the family,” he warns. Abiola advocates setting realistic goals, managing time effectively, and creating moments of joy and relaxation amid life’s challenges. He also highlights the need for men to engage in positive activities, such as exercise, hobbies, and socialising with supportive people, to release built-up tension and foster mental well-being. Check your vitals before you check your wallet. Monthly profit means nothing if your heart gives out unexpectedly. Your strength is not in how much you carry but in how well you manage your load. Therapy is not weakness. It is a repair. Just like a car needs servicing, your mind and soul need realignment. Build relationships where you are more than a provider—where you are allowed to cry, collapse, confess. A good name is better than riches, but good health is the foundation of both. As Chinua Achebe once said, “When the drumbeat changes, the dance must also change.” The drumbeat of life today is faster, louder, and less forgiving. Men must adjust their rhythm. Health is the new wealth. Silence is no longer golden; it is dangerous. *Ganiyu Olowu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos*. punchng.com ©️ 1971- 2025 Punch Nigeria Limited CULLED

WE HARBOUR A MAD MAN IN THE HOUSE TO CHECKMATE THE INTRUDING MAD MAN FROM OUTSIDE !! How the Lobi of Ivory Coast resisted Fulani invasion *By John Ashimota* The only cure for madness is exactly madness. As long as we continue to appeal to Fulani to reason with us, the more they will do worse things. Until we revenge on a grand scale by killing the good, the bad, and the ugly Fulani. The stupidity will not stop. I know I have told the story of the Lobi and Fulani here before. The Lobi live in north western Ivory Coast. The Lobi are a very small ethnic group but filled with courage, determination, and raw rage when they are attacked by strangers. The population of Lobi is about 250,000 in Ivory Coast, but they rose up and resisted Fulani. They didn't wait for the government to help them. They organised and defended their land. They didn't quarrel over donations for arms and equipment. They actually raised the funds in secret, running into millions of dollars. They got their men in the military who trained their young civilians. They organised a secret armed group, no noise,no zoom meetings, no protest to the United Nations, no video showing the plans to attack Fulani, or showing their dead bodies. They mainly cultivate yams. In 2014- 2016, they had Fulani problems killings and their crops being harvested for cattle. After meetings to stop, the madness yielded no fruits. The lobi declared that any Fulani on their land is carrying a death sentence on their head and their cows fair game. For six months without stop, every Fulani settlement in Lobi territory was surrounded and raised, killing every single living thing within it. Even chicken. Those wandering through to graze their cattle did not fair well either. The leaders who came from neighbouring countries to sue for truce didn’t leave alive. It took the government of Ivory Coast, the Sultan of Sokoto ( the current person) to make concessions to the Lobi for them to agree that for the next 10 years no Fulani or cattle can pass through without first getting a permission slip from their king. The truce will end in 2027 !!!

DUST AND DESTINY 🔥 EPISODE 1: The Ash-Girl of Umuchu In the quiet village of Umuchu, nestled between rolling hills and deep green forests, lived a young girl named Olamma. Her mother had died when she was barely five, and her father remarried a woman with two daughters of her own. From the very beginning, Olamma was treated like a servant. While her stepsisters wore fine wrappers and braided their hair with beads, Olamma worked the farm, fetched water, and scrubbed the compound until her hands bled. Her skin was always dusty, her feet always cracked, and she smelled of firewood and sweat. Her stepmother often said, “No man will look at a girl who lives in the ash pit.” But Olamma had something they didn’t see — a heart as kind as moonlight, and a beauty that even hardship couldn’t hide. She sang to the birds, helped the elders, and never stopped dreaming. One day, news spread like wildfire: the prince of Amaudo was seeking a bride, and all maidens were invited to a grand festival where he would make his choice. Olamma's stepsisters prepared for days. They bathed in scented oils, wore wrappers of shining silk, and mocked her the entire time. “You? Go to the palace looking like a bush spirit?” they laughed. But Olamma, wiping tears with her dusty wrapper, whispered to herself, “My story isn’t over yet.”

Life becomes more peaceful when you stop trying to prove your point to everyone. Many people spend too much time and energy trying to explain themselves, defend their actions, or change how others think. But the truth is, you don’t need to do any of that. People will always have their own opinions. Some will misunderstand you no matter how clearly you speak. Others will judge you even if they know the full story. That’s just how life is. But here’s the good news — what they think has nothing to do with you. Their thoughts are a reflection of them, not of you. The more you try to prove your worth, your truth, or your choices to others, the more stressed and frustrated you become. You may start to feel like you’re not enough or that you always have to explain yourself. But you don’t. You are not here to meet everyone’s expectations. You are here to live your life with peace and purpose. Letting go of the need to prove anything doesn’t make you weak. It means you are wise. It means you know your value, and you don’t need to seek approval from others. So, take a deep breath and let people say what they want. Let them think what they want. You don’t have to react or explain. Protect your energy. Focus on your happiness and your goals. Peace comes when you stop fighting to be understood and start accepting that not everyone needs to understand you. And that’s okay. — The Storyteller 💖☘️🦋

Influence of Culture on Health Culture and health are intricately linked, influencing one another in complex ways. What is Culture? Culture refers to the shared patterns of ideas, customs, and behaviors of a particular group or society. It's dynamic, evolving, and learned through generations. Culture encompasses various aspects, including: • Ethnicity: Shared heritage, traditions, and values • Language: Verbal and non-verbal communication • Religion and Spiritual Beliefs: Faith, rituals, and practices • Socio-economic Class: Economic status, education, and occupation • Age: Generational differences and experiences • Sexual Orientation: Identity, community, and relationships • Geographic Origin: Regional customs, climate, and environment • Group History: Collective experiences, memories, and narratives • Education: Formal and informal learning, knowledge, and skills • Upbringing: Family, community, and socialization How Culture Influences Health Culture affects health in numerous ways¹: • Perceptions of Health and Illness: Cultural beliefs shape understanding of health, disease, and wellness • Health-seeking Behavior: Cultural factors influence when and how patients seek medical help • Treatment Adherence: Cultural values impact patients' willingness to follow treatment plans • Communication: Cultural differences affect patient-provider interactions and understanding • Health Outcomes: Cultural factors contribute to health disparities and inequities

I SAW MY GRANDMA TÚRN INTO A CÁT AT NIGHT😳 My name is Kpokuechukwu. I'm the only son of my father. Or rather, I'm the only product of an intertribal union of an Igbo man and a Yoruba woman. According to my mother, she'd been childless for 8 years and had experienced 3 m¡scarriages before I was finally born. So she called my name Oluwasindara . My parents and I used to live in the faraway city of Lagos. But one December when I was just six years old, we traveled down East to celebrate Christmas with grandma… And that was it, we didn't return to the city😭 Before we embarked on that journey, there was this particular dream I usually have, of a cr££py old woman scaring me. Sometimes she will throw me into a stream, thr£atening to drown me, other times she will be chasing me around a forest with either a long knife or a tongue of fire. Such a night, I will wake up sweating and crying. My mom would be there to comfort me. She would apply some ointment on my forehead, muttering silent prayers. It's as a result of these repeated occurrences that I started sleeping in my parents room. . This story belongs to Joy Ifunanya. One Thursday evening in October, mummy was helping me do my homework in the dining room when dad walked in and told her to start making preparations. “We shall be celebrating Christmas in the East this season”. He announced. I was overwhelmed with excitement. I'd only heard about the village, but never really visited it. During holidays, mom usually takes me down to Badagry to stay with her elder sister who had 4 grown-up children. Although I do enjoy my times with them because there, everyone pampers me, I think traveling to the village will be more fun. I have heard fascinating stories about the rural areas from my friends at school who were privileged to visit their hometown every holiday season. They won't stop talking about how they swim in their village streams all day long, how they go out to watch masquerade, how they go palm kernel hunting, snail hunting, crab hunting and a lot of other adventures. More interesting was how children would gather round the fireplace at night to listen to interesting folktales from the elderly women. I have been hoping to have such an experience one day. So when dad made that announcement that evening, I couldn't control myself. I lifted my hands in the air.. “Yeah, I'm going to see grandma!”. I Daddy smiled and patted my back. However, mummy didn't seem nearly as excited. In fact, she looked rather apprehensive. “Dave, I'm not going to the village with you”. She asked. Daddy frowned at her. “Why? We haven't been to the village for ages” He asked. “Are you asking me why? How do you even want me to travel all the way to the East in this condition?” She quarreled. At that time, I wasn't aware that she was weeks pregnant. “I know, dear. But trust me, you will be safe. Nothing will go wrong, I promise”. He said. “I am still not going. I won't be traveling like this”. She insisted. “Wuraola, I am traveling this December, I missed my mother, it's been five years. Don't you understand?”. Daddy said. “But I'm not stopping you. I just said I am not going. That doesn't mean you can't go and see your mother”. She argued. Daddy heaved a sigh, sat down on the chair close to her and held her hand. He then lowered his voice and began to talk to her. Though I didn't understand what he was saying because he was speaking Igbo language (I was only fluent in Yoruba language), I knew he was trying to persuade her, to make her see the reason she should embark on that journey. I watched them, my heart filled with silent.prayers that she should concur because if Mummy won't be traveling to the village, I won't be traveling either. I'm sure of that. It was during the weekend when Mom and I were visiting her sister in Badagry that I discovered her major reason for not wanting to travel with us. Her sister and her friends were gisting in the living room by the time we came. When Mummy announced about the intending journey to the East, her sister's reaction was intense. She seemed really upset. “What is wrong with your husband?”. She raged. And in order to carry her friends along, she began to recount the events that transpired long before I was born. Since no one asked me to escused them, I sat there in their midst, listening attentively and watching their lips move. I learnt that my grandma never liked my mom. She had wanted to be the one to choose a wife for her son, HER ONLY SON, from amongst our people. But my daddy did not only reject Mama's choice, but went ahead to bring home a woman from a different ethnic background. “Mama, this is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. Her name is Wuraola”. Daddy had said the first day he brought mum home. “Eka aso, Mami”. My mummy had greeted, prostrating before Grandma. Grandma's eyes turned red with rage. “Over my dead body would my only son marry onye ofe mmanu”. Grandma had responded. She couldn't even hide her feelings. NOTE:. OFE MMANU IS THE IGBO MAN'S NAME FOR YORUBA’S OMI OBE AND EWEDU SOUP. NO OFFENSE But despite his mum's disapproval, daddy went ahead to marry my mom. Nobody in my father's family agreed to see reason with her. This made her h@tred of mom very strongly. So strong that she was absent during their introduction and traditional marriage ceremony. A few weeks before their wedding, dad and mum traveled to the village to make peace with her. They knelt before her and apologized for getting married without her blessings. She accepted their apology, and promised to attend their wedding, but with a strict condition. “Your wife will stay back here with me for some time after the wedding”. She had told my dad. “Hmmm, it won't be possible”. Dad said. They returned to the city 2 days later and did their wedding without her. But barely two weeks later, they found themselves back in the village… Dad's business has collapsed. “Nwanyi ofe mmanu bû bádluck bia n' uloa(This Yoruba woman came with bádluck)”. Grandma would taunt dad. But dad didn't take her word to heart. Even when Mom started having a series of m!scarriages, and grandma wouldn't stop bothering him to take a new wife, he refused to give up on mum. “You're my only son, Onyekachi. The nwanyi ofe mmanu you married is bárren! Why don't you marry Akuabata, and start giving me children. I'm not getting any younger”. Grandma would always tell him. It wouldn't end there, she would go ahead to bring the akuabata home to do chores for her. The lady would be parading the compound in a skimpy skirt or gown. Grandma finds pleasure in making mum shed tears. She neither eats her food nor allows her to touch her belongings. Once she returned from the farm and noticed that mom was cooking soup with her pot, she got really angry, stormed into the kitchen, set the pot down from the fire, and threw the soup on the ground. “Ahh! Mami?”. Mummy exclaimed. “Mami micha gi onu there! Ekwensu!”. Grandma cμrsed. With that, she went inside and came out again with a hammer and nails with which she pierced the pot in several places before flinging it into the bush. Morning and night, mom would cry, but my dad would always be there to comfort her. It was after six wásted years that uncle Tunde, my mummy's elder brother who resided abroad, remembered his sister. It was him who sponsored them financially. They left the village, back to Lagos, and started afresh. With time, things began to normalize, and that was when I came into the picture. Mom's pregnancy journey wasn't easy, she was hospitalized thrice due to threatened m¡scarriages. However, with Divine intervention I was brought into this world, a year after they returned to the city. **********”******* Though I feel sorry for her, hearing all these stories about mom's mystery didn't deter me from wanting to visit the village. In fact, my excitement only grew stronger. I was still eager to experience village life and make new memories. I couldn't wait shåre my own village experience with my friends. Thankfully, at last, Mummy agreed to the journey. Then came D-Day. It was on December 20th. Very early in the morning, we set out for the East in my dad's car. Myself and my parents, with one woman and her infant son. The journey was tiring. I didn't imagine it was going to be so.I sleep and wake up occasionally and still find ourselves on the road. At one point, I began to cry. “The masquerades in the village will b!te you if they see tears in your eyes”. Mom said. I stopped crying instantly and wiped my tears. As the evening drew in, we continued driving until the woman and her son dropped off at a junction. We then turned onto an untarred road, which seemed to stretch on forever. This story belongs to Joy Ifunanya. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we drove into a wide compound and halted in front of a thatched-roofed bungalow. An old woman was sitting by the side of the wall, picking something from a calabash on the ground in front of her. “Here we are!” Daddy announced. “Village?” I asked, excitement building inside of me. “Yeah! Grandma is here”. Daddy said, pointing towards the old woman. By now, the woman had looked up from the calabash and was staring at our car. “Grandma!”. I screamed out excitedly, and without waiting, I threw open the car door and leaped out “Grandma, grandma!”. I chanted as I ran towards her. But as I drew closer enough to behold her face, my feet seemed to freeze of their own accord. A chill rippled through my body, raising goosebumps on my skin. Grandma was the same woman who had haμnted my dreams…. Typing 2……….. Please, shåre 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 #Story from Joy Ifunanya's story room.

FROM SETTLEMENT TO DEATH - DR PAUL ENECHE "And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran." Genesis 11:31-32. Anytime you begin to settle, you begin to die. Our anchor Scripture gives a very pathetic story. Terah took his son, Abraham, and Lot, the son of Haran, his son and Sarai, his daughter in-law, Abraham’s wife, and they went forth from the Ur of Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there. And in Haran, Terah died. If they had continued to move forward, Terah would have lived, but the moment they settled, he died. Terah therefore, moved from settlement to death. You see, anytime you begin to settle, you begin to die. This death may not be only physical death. It may be spiritual or career death. It may be the death of destiny. When a person begins to settle instead of moving forward, he begins to die. Stagnation brings death. To refuse to move forward is to accept to die. But Abraham changed the narrative after his father’s death. Genesis 12:5 says: And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. Abraham seemed to have said, “My father started a journey to go to Canaan, but when he came to Haran, he settled there and died. As for me, I am going to Canaan and I must reach the land of Canaan.” The truth is, you cannot reach where you have not chosen or decided to reach in life. Nobody can climb to the top and become the President of a country by accident. Nobody can reach the pinnacle of his career by accident. You don’t wake up one morning and begin to command satan, ‘Come out Satan,’ and Satan will come out. Imagine that! You wake up one morning and say, ‘Rise up and walk’ and lame people start walking. It does not happen by chance. It takes a decisive decision backed by orchestrated actions to reach your ordained destiny in life. Anytime you begin to settle, you begin to die. 1. Refuse to settle in life. 2. Always make attempts to move forward. Pray This Prayer: Lord, I ask that You deliver me from every tendency to settle down too early in life. I receive the grace to move forward always, Lord, in Jesus’ Name. NOTE THIS: Where there is premature contentment, there can be no ultimate fulfilment. CULLED FROM: Seed Of Destiny Daily Devotional Guide TO RECEIVE POWERFUL MESSAGES, ARTICLES, SERMONS & CHRISTIAN MOVIES, FOLLOW THESE LINKS BELOW 👇 . TWITTER We are now on X follow us x.com/heavenatlastgg WHATSAPP GROUP chat.whatsapp.com/HQC3cz5HoUm6BMCkaNnn4b TELEGRAM t.me/heavenatlastgodgift INSTAGRAM Instagram.com/heavenatlastgodgift TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@heavenatlastgodgift?_t=8rDf1MmF0qO&_r=1 Join Our WHATSAPP CHANNEL https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va9fMk5002TFcfzq3U3R YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@heavenatlastgodgift?si=BhXm29uU6VZvdGT2 #PaulEneche #DunamisInternationalGospelCenter #GloryDome #HeavenAtLastGodgift

In the heart of Nigeria, where the sun kisses the land with golden warmth and culture flows like an ageless river, three daughters of Benue rise in elegance before a modern sanctuary of dreams. IGede. Idoma. Tiv. Not just tribes—but living poems, stories woven in thread, rhythm, and pride. They stand not just adorned in stripes of tradition, but wrapped in centuries of heritage—each fabric a voice, each bead a heartbeat. The horsetail in their hands? It’s more than an accessory; it’s a scepter of dignity, a symbol of strength passed from ancestors who danced with the stars and spoke to the spirits in whispers of wind. Behind them, the duplex—a marvel of modernity. But in front of it, the soul of identity. This is not just fashion. This is not just culture. This is legacy, beauty, and power—blazing boldly into the future while rooted firmly in the soil of origin. May every young girl from Benue and beyond look at this and know: You are royal. You are history. You are the tomorrow our ancestors dreamed of. #BenuePride #Igede #Idoma #Tiv #CulturalElegance #AfricanQueens #HeritageAndModernity #fypシ゚viralシ #viralpost

*SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES+, 08/05/2025* Senate passes two Tax Reform Bills, defers others till Thursday Nigeria completes $3.4bn IMF loan principal repayment Rising insecurity: FG orders new strategy amid fresh attacks in Borno, Benue Labour Party suspends Otti, Nwokocha, Kingibe, others SSANU, NASU write FG over salary delay Poly students give NELFUND five-day ultimatum over loan disbursements Governors’ wives defend role in governance VDM released after five days in EFCC custody Flying Eagles in AFCON Quarterfinals after 2-2 draw with Kenya Black smoke signaled no Pope elected on day 1 ECOWAS President flays Nigeria-Benin border facilities mismanagement UK govt denies changes to visa rules in Nigeria Police nab Belgium, UAE wanted fugitives in Edo, Enugu U.S. agency blames death of Wigwe, others on pilot error, faulty chopper ----------------------- *DID YOU KNOW?* * The world’s longest-lasting kiss lasted for 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds. The kiss was between Ekkachai Tiranarat and Laksana Tiranarat from Thailand over three days from February 12 – 14, 2013, to mark the sharing of love on Valentine’s Day. * A cluster of bananas is called a “hand.” Along that theme, a single banana is called a “finger.” ----------------------- Senate passes two tax bills, rejects 10% VAT Speaker Abbas redeploys committee chair after summons to Benue, Zamfara govs Reps probe Abuja alternative medicine college funding Reps urge free screening, subsidised treatment of cancer patients Court admits Kanu’s ‘inciting broadcasts, videos’ as exhibits Oil spill: London court hears Bodo community suit against Renaissance EFCC drops Mercy Chinwo’s name from fraud case against EeZeeTee Soldiers foil terrorist attacks in Borno, capture seven NAF boosts air power against terrorists with nine fighter jets IGP Sets Up Special Police Unit For Elite’s Protection Military not inferior to terrorists, Badaru declares Food Security: Fed Govt signs $158m agriculture financing scheme pact Food security: FG disburses N12bn, reclaims northern farmland Power minister opposes construction of 4,800MW nuclear power plants Power consumers owe Discos N54bn in February – NERC Eight varsities to benefit from Education ministry, REA 24-hour electricity deal NELFUND warns tertiary institutions against illegal charges on student Loan Bagudu: Councils, Wards must become centres of development Statistician-General lauds Sanwo-Olu’s achievement in data management architecture CBN spends N306bn on staff severance, related costs New marine policy to unlock Nigeria’s blue wealth, says Oyetola 24 federal higher institutions powered by solar – Minister NNPCL ordered to raise oil output to 2.5m bpd by 2026 Flooding: NEMA alerts governors, urges clearing of blocked drainages FG to support two million children at risk of violence NEPC, NBS sign pact to track $31.8m informal export trade Afreximbank unveils $1bn Africa film fund NIWA, LASWA begin waterways safety campaign Oluremi Tinubu inaugurates Bayelsa hospital, medical outreach Abuja doctors suspend warning strike FUOYE VC seeks N250m damages over alleged defamation MAPOLY rector warns new students against cultism, indecent dressing Miva Open University launches Lagos centre Ribadu to deliver OOU 9th Oba Adetona annual lecture as monarch clocks 91 Saturday CONUA advocates education reform over UTME mass failure C’River senator empowers 34 law students with N8.5m grants Labour to demand cost of living allowance amid worsening economic hardship — Ajaero Arewa Think Tank hails Tinubu on importation ban WHO decries 33-year life expectancy gap between rich, poor nations Google unveils AI Max to improve online visibility Access, Zenith, six other banks grow investment securities to N41.7tn Aradel earmarks $20m for Chappal Energies acquisition Seplat raises oil output to over 131,000bpd ExxonMobil commits to $1.5bn deepwater oil fields investment Rotary Club presents renovated, solar-powered e-library to Delta school Nigeria First Policy: Replace your Escalade with Innoson, Atiku tells Tinubu 2027: PDP leaders renew push for Damagum’s replacement LG poll: Lagos APC pushes for consensus candidates in 57 councils Ekiti PDP defies court order, holds local govt congress Adeleke unveils three fire trucks in Osun, promises more investments Aiyedatiwa seeks farmers’ collaboration to boost cocoa production Security: Makinde hails police, donates operational vehicles Hajj: Makinde gives timeline to airlift intending pilgrims from Ibadan Airport Otti to Abure: you’re a clown in desperate search of crown C’River deputy gov visits Obudu Ranch accident victims Flood threat: Kaduna opens safety camps in 13 LGAs Niger donates 25 operational vehicles to police Over 8,000 properties received approvals in 2024 – LASG Lagos, banks partner to create 10,000 MSME jobs Lagos food bank supported 1.2 million households – Commissioner Rumpus in Ekiti judiciary over exclusion of judge in CJ nominations APC’s Basiru, Osun Assembly clash over proposed jail term for public skating Lagos to divert traffic for APC council primaries Saturday Delta to digitalise land acquisition process to check fraud Lagos kicks off 1.3km road construction in Ikorodu Alaafin not behind US-based Yoruba monarch’s death – Palace spokesman Kwara victims remain in captivity after N14m ransom, as kidnappers want additional N10m 5 siblings die of food poisoning in Anambra, mother in critical condition Police hunt pirates after kidnap of 13 Rivers boat passengers Gunmen abduct 18 bus passengers in Kogi 18-year-old apprentice impregnates 10 girls in five months in Anambra ----------------------- *TODAY IN HISTORY* * On this day in 1886, Coca-Cola was invented. According to legend, Dr. John Styth Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist, produced the syrup which was first intended as medicine, in a brass pot in his backyard. Today, Coca-Cola is one of the world’s most popular soft drinks ----------------------- It’s always worthwhile to make others aware of their worth. – Malcolm Forbes Good morning *Compiled by Hon. Osuji George osujis@yahoo.com +234-8122200446*.