Immorality In Movies And Effects On Youth

As much as Nigerians love Nollywood and their movies, parents are becoming steadily wary of the prominence being given to immorality through X-rated films lately. In this report, RUTH CHOJI examines the place of regulating and censorship agencies in sanitising the industry.

Having become the second largest film industry in the world, most viewers are of the opinion that Nollywood movies would have risen beyond a certain level of immorality and barbarism that could be considered averagely above board. They are daily descending into immorality that is polluting the mind of young audience who are the majority viewers.

Nigeria, nay Africa in general, value the issue of morality because it is embedded in their socio-cultural lives and this includes norms, values, taboos and beliefs. Juliet Chinasa, an actress who spoke with LEADERSHIP Sunday on immorality in Nigerian movies, stated that, “the world has changed and people are more interested in explicit content. They want to see beautiful women with beautiful bodies. Ours is still better because we don’t make love in movies or parade our nakedness. We just wear skimpy dresses and kiss once in a while. This does not mean we are immoral. After all, these things actually happen in secret, even the children know most of the things they see. It is up to parents to control what their children watch, ours is to entertain.”
Another aspiring actor who spoke with LEADERSHIP Sunday is Anita Daniel and she said, “yes I want to be a star but I won’t expose my body to make it in Nollywood. Those who do it are desperadoes. It is against our beliefs and culture. In fact, my father will kill me if he sees me parading naked in films. He doesn’t even like Nigerian movies because of what he sees on TV. I won’t give him reason to ban me from acting.”
Evangelist Peter Ali, who has produced two Christian movies stated that, “immorality in movies was what pushed me to the industry. I don’t like what I see in our secular films and I feel this is one way I can propagate the word of God. The youths need to know that you can watch a movie and enjoy it without learning bad things. The power of television has brought a lot of changes, some for good and some for bad and it is worse in the lives of the teenagers. I don’t like it when I see our movie actors act nude or half naked, smoke weed and also portray some funny behaviours; children watch and pick these habits. A director does not have to use such things to make his film sell. So, when you talk of censorship, it must start with self; that is the director himself must know what is right and wrong, what the society expects from him and what he will like to see his children watch and learn.

There must be a desire to do the right thing without debasing or lowering the taste of the films. Movies to me are supposed to be channels of promoting societal values and norms. Most of these directors allow such things because they want to sell their movies. But it is not all about the money. If you notice, you will see that young people now believe in getting rich quick or die trying because that is what they see on TV. Another problem is that the actors themselves love wearing such clothes. On most sets, the producer and director don’t have a say over what the actors wear because theycdon’t have money to buy the kind of clothes they would want them to wear and so, they overlook such things.
What I believe is that films are meant to educate, socialise and play a therapeutic role in the lives of the audience. Unfortunately, that is not the norm today as most of our movies are based on sex, violence, fetishism, occultism, voodoo, prostitution, sibling rivalry, evils of polygamy, devilish spiritualism and rituals or juju, black magic, sorcery, ritual murder, witchcraft, obscenity, kidnapping and money worship. It is wrong and the producers must stop it. They have the final say because if they don’t produce movies, the actor won’t become an actor. They should be the first censors before the actual censors board can come to play.”
Also speaking on the issue, a lecturer of mass communication, Abdullahi Garba also stated, “I am also worried over the content of our local movies.

What these actors don’t understand is that some audiences hardly can differentiate the disparity between “on-the-screen” character and “off-the screen” character. Most times, they have the perception that the nude display in movies is the natural behaviour of their favourite actors. So, naturally, they want to emulate them. People in Africa attach much importance to dignity and respect in our culture but some local home videos seem to be stereotypical of lack of dignity for womanhood. For a good producer who is concerned with the content of his movies, he must know whether his movie has an educational or entertainment value, apart from promoting Nigerian culture, unity or interest, he or she must also ensure that the movie does not undermine national security, reinforce corruption, does not glorify violence and will not promote African heritage to ridicule. That the movie will not encourage illegal or criminal acts, religious and ethnic discrimination, blasphemy or obscenity nor indecent, or likely to be injurious to (public or private) morality or be filled with nakedness, half nakedness or other acts of nudity that appeal to sexual desire of viewers.

When movies like Domitilla, Glamour Girls, Room 027 where an actor grabbed the boobs of the actress and the other actor was shown in scenes like making love to an actress are few examples among many others. It tells you that we are getting it wrong. Every producer must take into account the cultural disposition of our society before producing their movies. We must go back to the beginning where movies were produced to teach the society lessons, not to corrupt them. Parents must also restrict TV time and watch the movies before allowing their children to view it. Parents must also turn off the TV in the night or select channels that their children would watch even when they are not there.

A cross-section of Nigerians opined that although the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) have been mandated to issue out licenses, monitor, regulate and conduct research in broadcasting in Nigeria, the rate at which producers churn out X-rated movies that erode our values and beliefs have made their work more herculean. They are of the view that the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) must rise to the occasion and start enforcing laws while prosecuting those caught in the act.

Pastor Timothy Goyit, a psychologist and pastor with Living Light And Truth Assembly in Masaka, Nasarawa State, contends that movies, whether Nigerian or foreign, that contain excessive amount of violence watched by children, can make them have less empathy; they will also want to use aggression to solve their problems than dialogue. Such people become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others and may be harmful towards others. They are also more likely to hit people who annoy them, argue, disobey rules and leave tasks unfinished. But Jesus said in the book of Matthew 15:10, ‘it is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man but what proceeds out of the mouth.’ On the case of nudity in movies, God himself made clothes for Adam and Eve so that they could be covered in (Gen. 3:21). So, why should we allow our actors and actresses to be exposing themselves on TV? Christians must reject public displays of nudity on television. The eye is the light of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye watches bad things, your whole body will be affected (Matt. 6:22-23). St Paul warns us that “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’” (1 Cor. 15:33). When we watch nudity on TV, we expose ourselves to things that can make us sin.”

Mallam Abdulazia Yahaya, a Muslim cleric, also stated that, “television viewing is sinful in Islam, it is believed that there is no film that does not have music in it and Islam forbids listening to music. It is Kabirah (great) sin. The female voice in Islam, is Satar, it is to be concealed and men are not supposed to hear it. The Qur’an also states that, ‘and among mankind are those who purchase idle tales so as to lead astray (others) from the Path of Allah. And, they make a mockery of the Laws of Allah.’ Islam also forbids listening and watching fiction that will not let people live in reality to gain Allah’s Pleasure by fixing the gaze on the hereafter and not on the TV screen. Islam demands the concealment of the female body. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) further said that, ‘woman is an object of concealment, not an object of immorality and immodesty, we all know that movies show immodesty and immorality in them and The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Shamelessness (immodesty) is vice, and vice will be in the fire”.

Lily-Rose Depp Named New Face of Chanel

The Number One Relationship Problem, and How to Fix It

The Number One Relationship Problem, According To Therapists — and How to Fix It

What couples fight about behind closed doors—and how to address it.

Studies have shown that sex and money are two of the leading causes for divorce, but statistics don’t always tell the whole story. We reached out to a handful of top relationship therapists to find out what the #1 problem they come across in couples. And believe it or not, neither sex nor money came up once.

Of course, relationships are complex and complicated, and no two marriages are the same. But each expert immediately rattled off a super common—and often extremely reparable—issue they see arise again and again and again.

Whether you’re a year into matrimonial bliss or celebrating a decade of wedlock, you’ll benefit big-time from this romance wisdom. In fact, you don’t even have to be hitched to learn a thing or two about love.

You’re Bad at Communicating

“The number one problem—though I prefer the word challenge—in marriage is indeed effective communication,” said psychotherapist Laura Young. “This includes how to argue with your spouse and not threaten to leave the relationship during a fight, as well as how to recognize—perhaps remember—that the annoying behaviors you feel are now intolerable have probably always been there. Perhaps you even felt they were adorable at one point.”

Although communicating better is the kind of thing you can learn, knowing how to do it in a more effective way is even easier if it’s done from the start of the relationship. “In the past few months, I’ve seen a significant increase in folks seeking ‘pre-marital’ therapy, which is so encouraging,” said Young. “At the beginning, both partners are more willing to discuss their differences and openly explore how they can increase their awareness as well as acceptance that they balance each other out. Married couples who have gotten hardwired in their dance of hurtfulness can, sadly, become so myopic that they would rather be right than happy.”

How to Lose Weight Fast: 3 Simple Steps, Based on Science

There are many ways to lose a lot of weight fast.
However, most of them will make you hungry and unsatisfied.
If you don’t have iron willpower, then hunger will cause you to give up on these plans quickly.
The 3-step plan outlined here will:

Reduce your appetite significantly.
Make you lose weight fast, without being hungry.
Improve your metabolic health at the same time.

All of this is supported by scientific studies.

Step 1 – Cut Back on Sugars and Starches

The most important part is to cut back on sugars and starches (carbs).
These are the foods that stimulate secretion of insulin the most. If you didn’t know already, insulin is the main fat storage hormone in the body.
When insulin goes down, fat has an easier time getting out of the fat stores and the body starts burning fats instead of carbs.
Another benefit of lowering insulin is that your kidneys shed excess sodium and water out of your body, which reduces bloat and unnecessary water weight
It is not uncommon to lose up to 10 pounds (sometimes more) in the first week of eating this way, both body fat and water weight.
This is a graph from a study comparing low-carb and low-fat diets in overweight/obese womem.

The low-carb group is eating until fullness, while the low-fat group is calorie restricted and hungry.
Cut the carbs, lower your insulin and you will start to eat less calories automatically and without hunger.

How to Lose Weight Fast: 3 Simple Steps, Based on Science

By Kris Gunnars |

7,172,572

views

Reduce your appetite significantly.
Make you lose weight fast, without being hungry.
Improve your metabolic health at the same time.

All of this is supported by scientific studies.

Step 1 – Cut Back on Sugars and Starches

The most important part is to cut back on sugars and starches (carbs).
These are the foods that stimulate secretion of insulin the most. If you didn’t know already, insulin is the main fat storage hormone in the body.
When insulin goes down, fat has an easier time getting out of the fat stores and the body starts burning fats instead of carbs.
Another benefit of lowering insulin is that your kidneys shed excess sodium and water out of your body, which reduces bloat and unnecessary water weight (1, 2).
It is not uncommon to lose up to 10 pounds (sometimes more) in the first week of eating this way, both body fat and water weight.
This is a graph from a study comparing low-carb and low-fat diets in overweight/obese women (3).

Bottom Line: Removing sugars and starches (carbs) from your diet will lower your insulin levels, kill your appetite and make you lose weight without hunger.

Step 2 – Eat Protein, Fat and Vegetables

Each one of your meals should include a protein source, a fat source and low-carb vegetables. Constructing your meals in this way will automatically bring your carb intake into the recommended range of 20-50 grams per day.

Protein Sources:

Meat – Beef, chicken, pork, lamb, bacon, etc.
Fish and Seafood – Salmon, trout, shrimps, lobsters, etc.
Eggs – Omega-3 enriched or pastured eggs are best.

The importance of eating plenty of protein can not be overstated.
This has been shown to boost metabolism by 80 to 100 calories per day (5, 6, 7).
High protein diets can also reduce obsessive thoughts about food by 60%, reduce desire for late-night snacking by half, and make you so full that you automatically eat 441 fewer calories per day… just by adding protein to your diet (8, 9).
When it comes to losing weight, protein is the king of nutrients. Period.
Low-Carb Vegetables:

Broccoli
Cauliflower
Spinach
Kale
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Swiss Chard
Lettuce
Cucumber
Celery

How to Lose Weight Fast: 3 Simple Steps, Based on Science

By Kris Gunnars |

7,172,572

views

Reduce your appetite significantly.
Make you lose weight fast, without being hungry.
Improve your metabolic health at the same time.

All of this is supported by scientific studies.

Step 1 – Cut Back on Sugars and Starches

The most important part is to cut back on sugars and starches (carbs).
These are the foods that stimulate secretion of insulin the most. If you didn’t know already, insulin is the main fat storage hormone in the body.
When insulin goes down, fat has an easier time getting out of the fat stores and the body starts burning fats instead of carbs.
Another benefit of lowering insulin is that your kidneys shed excess sodium and water out of your body, which reduces bloat and unnecessary water weight (1, 2).
It is not uncommon to lose up to 10 pounds (sometimes more) in the first week of eating this way, both body fat and water weight.
This is a graph from a study comparing low-carb and low-fat diets in overweight/obese women (3).

Bottom Line: Removing sugars and starches (carbs) from your diet will lower your insulin levels, kill your appetite and make you lose weight without hunger.

Step 2 – Eat Protein, Fat and Vegetables

Protein Sources:

Meat – Beef, chicken, pork, lamb, bacon, etc.
Fish and Seafood – Salmon, trout, shrimps, lobsters, etc.
Eggs – Omega-3 enriched or pastured eggs are best.

Broccoli
Cauliflower
Spinach
Kale
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Swiss Chard
Lettuce
Cucumber
Celery
Full list here.

Don’t be afraid to load your plate with these low-carb vegetables. You can eat massive amounts of them without going over 20-50 net carbs per day. A diet based on meat and vegetables contains all the fiber, vitamins and minerals you need to be healthy. There is no physiological need for grains in the diet.

Fat Sources:

Olive oil
Coconut oil
Avocado oil
Butter
Tallow

Eat 2-3 meals per day. If you find yourself hungry in the afternoon, add a 4th meal.
Don’t be afraid of eating fat, trying to do both low-carb AND low-fat at the same time is a recipe for failure. It will make you feel miserable and abandon the plan.
The best cooking fat to use is coconut oil. It is rich in fats called Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). These fats are more fulfilling than others and can boost metabolism slightly (10, 11).
There is no reason to fear these natural fats, new studies show that saturated fat doesn’t raise your heart disease risk at all (12, 13).
To see how you can assemble your meals, check out this low carb meal plan and this list of low carb recipes.

Step 3 – Lift Weights 3 Times Per Week

You don’t need to exercise to lose weight on this plan, but it is recommended.
The best option is to go to the gym 3-4 times a week. Do a warm up, lift weights, then stretch.
If you’re new to the gym, ask a trainer for some advice.
By lifting weights, you will burn a few calories and prevent your metabolism from slowing down, which is a common side effect of losing weight (14, 15).
Studies on low-carb diets show that you can even gain a bit of muscle while losing significant amounts of body fat (16).
If lifting weights is not an option for you, then doing some easier cardio workouts like running, jogging, swimming or walking will suffice.

Other Weight Loss Tips to Make Things Easier (and Faster)

Here are 7 more tips that can help you lose weight even faster:

Drink Water. One study shows that drinking water half an hour before meals helps you eat fewer calories and lose 44% more weight. It can also boost metabolism slightly (19, 20).
Drink Coffee or Tea. If you’re a coffee or a tea drinker, then by all means drink as much as you want as both can raise your metabolism (21, 22).
Eat Eggs For Breakfast. Studies show that people who replace a grain-based breakfast with eggs feel more full for the next 36 hours, and lose up to 65% more weight (23, 24).
Eat Viscous Fiber. Viscous fiber supplements like glucomannan can help you lose weight, especially around the belly area (25).
Choose Weight Loss Friendly Foods. Certain foods are particularly useful for losing fat. Here is a list of the 20 most weight loss friendly foods on earth.
Use Smaller Plates. Studies show that people automatically eat less when they use smaller plates. Strange, but it works (26).
Sleep Like a Baby. Poor sleep is one of the strongest risk factors for weight gain and obesity, taking care of your sleep is important (27, 28).

Laying Foundation For A Brand New Year

Proverbs 24:27: “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.”
We all are familiar with making resolutions in a New Year with the dictum: “New Year, New Resolutions”
That’s fine. We need firm and disciplined resolve to do something definite to make the New Year really new! Unfortunately, most often, we do not attain our cherished desires because, our resolutions lack the principles and practice necessary to deliver the results we expect. Resolving to have a new year that is really new begins now!
With 3 days to go, having considered the assurance of a right standing before God and the sustainability of our fellowship with Him, what do we do next?
We must intelligently and decisively do four things that constitute solid foundation for meaningful living and successful achievement in the New Year.
1. Pray fervently
Jeremiah 29:11-13: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart”
Believe God’s promise to you that: “THIS IS YOUR YEAR OF DIVINE VISITATION”; Birth God’s promise to you in prayer. Plan as if all depends on planning; pray as if all depends on prayer; work as if all depends on working. Prayer should be the first and last thing you do to actualize God’s promise for you.
2. Project into the future
Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Spend time to think. Talk less and think more; Resolve to think positive things as you neutralize negative thoughts; Dream of a better tomorrow. Do not let your surrounding circumstance limit your creative imagination of the change you so much desire in your relationships, marriage, service, work and career
3. Plan with faith
Proverbs 24:27:”Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.” Plan according to God’s riches in glory by Christ Jesus; Plan with the end in mind; Plan intelligently; Break down your ultimate plan into bits that are time-bound; Have action plans with deadlines and specific resource allocations; Review your plans with emerging opportunities and realities
4. Prepare faithfully
Ezra 7:10: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” 1 Chronicles 29:2: “Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.”
Start with yourself. Renounce permissiveness and embrace self-discipline. Examine your heart. Sustainable achievement is virtually impossible without heart preparation. Explore the limitless possibilities of God’s grace. Write down your plans, prospects and prayer points. Review this progressively. Gather resources you need to execute your plans. Pray for God’s miraculous supplies. Act decisively. Expect challenges. If you handle them aright, they will project and promote you ultimately.
Nothing can stop you except yourself. Never compromise your partnership with God to keep sin and Satan the hinderers out of your way. With all roadblocks and bottlenecks cleared, the assurance of a brand New Year is guaranteed!

Following God’s Direction (4)

NKJV) But an angel rescued Peter from this prison. The angel led him through the first and second gates and past the iron gate that led to the city before leaving. Peter thought it was a vision, but it was real. “And when Peter had come to himself, he said, ‘Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.’” (Verse 11 NKJV)
There was no way Peter could have beaten all the security posts to come out of the prison except an angel led him out. It was supernatural. The Lord shall give you a supernatural deliverance in Jesus’ name. He will send His angels to deliver you and give you direction.
God led Prophets and teachers
In Acts 13:1-3, Prophets and teachers were meeting at Antioch. It wasn’t a commissioning service. But as they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Ghost spoke that Barnabas and Paul should be separated for the work to which he had called them. These prophets and teachers complied. They prayed for them, laid hands on them and commissioned them. The two of them followed God’s direction for their lives, and what a great blessing they were to Christianity! When you follow God’s direction, your life will be a blessing to others.
Conclusion: There are so many cases of divine direction to believers in the early church. In contemporary history, many believers had enjoyed and have continued to enjoy divine direction. There’s a great blessing in receiving and following God’s direction. All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Rom 8:14)
God gave His people direction in the past and is still giving them direction today. He is God; He doesn’t change. (Mal 3:6, Heb 1:12) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Heb 13:8)
Pray to God for divine direction, and be sensitive to receive and follow His direction. When God leads you, it will always be beside the still waters. (Ps 23:2) Shepherds in Israel never led sheep beside roaring or troubled waters. The psalmist cried, “Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before my face.” (Ps5:8 NKJV)
God has promised to lead you. You should trust Him to continue to give you direction that will lead you to fulfill your destiny. (Is 42:16)
Where God’s direction is followed, there’ll always be provision. God’s mercy ensures there’s no lack. (Is 49:10) I pray that you’ll not lack God’s direction. In that area of your life that you currently need God’s direction, may it come to you clearly. You’ll not grope in the dark in Jesus’ name. You won’t go astray.
TAKE ACTION!
If you’re not born again, kindly say this prayer now: “0 Lord God, I come unto you today. I know I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross to save me and resurrected the third day. I repent of my sins and confess and forsake them today. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and surrender my life to him today. I invite Jesus into my heart today. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank you Jesus for saving me and making me a child of God”
I believe you’ve said this prayer from your heart. Congratulations! You’ll need to join a Bible believing, Bible teaching church in your area where you’ll be taught how to live your new life in Christ Jesus. I pray that you flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedar of Lebanon. May you grow into Christ in all things becoming all God wants you to be. I’ll be glad to hear from you. May the Lord be with you.

Lauding The International Essay Writing Competition

In the name of Allah “O you who believe, bow down and prostrate yourselves, serve your Lord, and do good that you may succeed” Q22:77
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His noble servant, our master, Muhammad, and his purified progeny.
Jimaada al – Ula is the fifth month of Islamic calendar, which reminds us of memorable historic events, such as the demise of Sayyida Fatima al – Zahra, daughter of the prophet, peace be upon him and his pure progeny, according to a famous narration.
Before I discuss the subject above, I will like to reflect some lessons tied in the forthcoming International Women’s day.
The expression, Yaumul mar’ah, refers to the day. To many, it is recognized as the fifth day of March, as an anniversary declared by the United Nations. This is in line with its first article “To achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or colour.
It was from this perspective, that the recognition was achieved in recent times after hundreds of years of struggle against injustice for women liberation. Issues relating to gender are selectively observed through conferences and rallies, among others.
An attempt to build an international tie by women’s rights’ supporters in the United States and other countries was historically recognized in the late 19th century which led to the formation of advocacy groups and a larger coalition to avert women suffering. This agitation for women’s rights was precisely brought to the United Nations, then League of Nations, in 1935.
It was late in the 1960’s that discrimination against women at work waned, when they began to work for equal rights. In fact, the prominent women’s march – Equal Rights Amendment, (ERA) – chanting for equality, was held in 1970, in New York! This simply tells us how the woman was excessively oppressed and refused her fundamental human rights in the United states and Europe!
Surprisingly, it was not until 1920, that American women were allowed to vote as a right, after amendments were made to their constitution.
This highlights on the social, economic, and political rights that ‘the woman’, was cruelly denied by men. This attitude was very clear and deep seated in western civilization, as women were culturally allowed very limited roles in the society which is not unconnected with their Judaeo – Christian traditions.
Such situational positions and misconceptions about ‘the woman’ was evident in the historic documents of even the highly rated philosophers of the West, such as, Jacques and Rousseau, who claimed that women were frivolous and naturally suited, subordinate companions of men respectively.
With the declaration of the International women’s day generally considered as an achievement not to the womenfolk alone but to their male counterparts, the West encouraged them to indulge in all sorts of evils such as ponography, single parenting and same sex marriage in the name of freedom!
No doubt, portraying the woman as a sex instrument for attraction is an outright abuse to her honour as a dignified human being. And she should not accept this maltreatment to her honourable position.
The Woman from the Islamic Point Of View
Religion, as a practical, ethical, instruction, brought from Allah for the guidance of mankind to happiness, here and hereafter, considers man fully responsible for his/her actions irrespective of sex, ethnicity, geography or social status, but rather, faith and deeds.
Allah states “O men! We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another; verily, the noblest among you in the sight of Allah is the one who is deeply conscious of Him. Behold, He is all knowing, all aware’’. Q49:13
The messenger of Allah has said “no Arab has any superiority over a non – Arab, nor does a non – Arab over a black or the black over white. You are all children of Adam who was created from clay”.
So, Islam cannot accept/support oppression generally, especially as it affects women and children. “And do not incline to those who are unjust, lest the fire touch you. You have no guardians besides Allah, then you shall not be helped” Q11:113
Looking at the significance of a female who grows to become a mother, Islam attaches and draws more attention to her morality and education, because the moral standard of every society, largely, depends on its women. But out of injustice and sentiments, the West always criticizes Islam on disenfranchisement on the human rights of ‘the woman’. This is undoubtedly a lie, but is regarded as a normal criticism, owing to differences in belief and cultural dispositions where Islam encourages moral values as against the West.
FATIMA (AS), THE LEADING LADY.
Yaumul mar’ah, as the International women’s day,is best celebrated on the birthday of Sayyida Fatima al – Zahra on the 20th of Jimada – thani, annually. We believe, as the sayings of the prophet ascertained, that Fatima, is the leading lady, here and hereafter. Here are few prophetic traditions in that respect: “Fatima is the chief of the women of Paradise.” (Sahih al – Bukhari Vol. V,chapter 29); It is reported that Aisha has said “I have not seen a person more similar to the Prophet’s appearance, conduct, guidance, and speech, whether sitting or standing, than Fatima. When she enters, the Messenger of Allah stands up, kisses and welcomes her, then takes her hand and asks her to sit in his place.” (Tirmadhi and Ibn Abdurabbeh in Eqd al-Farid)
“Surely, Allah is angered when you are angered, and is pleased at your pleasure.” (Mustadrak al-Hakim: V.3, p.154.); “The best of the women of the world are four: Maryam bint Imran, Asia bint Muzahim, Khadija bint Khowailid, and Fatima bint Muhammad” (Musnad Ahmad V.2, p.293)
So the event is fully observed on the very day in the Islamic republic of Iran, Lebanon, Bahrain, Iraq and the Islamic movement in Nigeria. And the rationale is to analyse the blessed life of this great lady, who lived as an embodiment of all qualities, worthy of emulation by all.
PERSECUTION OF THE AHLUL – BAIT (AS)
Although, Allah has stated “… no reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin…” Q42:23. The prophet (s) has said “no one shall be able to move from his place of reckoning on the Day of Judgment until he has stated four things: how he spent his life and his wealth, where he got his wealth from and he shall also be asked about the love of the Ahlul, but the progeny of the Messenger have suffered untold hardship.
The world is fully aware of the persecution meted against the purified progeny. Sayyida Fatima, was extraordinarily oppressed and finally martyred around the age of eighteen. After a very long persecution, Imam Ali was also assassinated in Ramadan, forty years after Hijra, while leading the Morning Prayer!
DAY OF NURSING
Birth of Sayyidah Zainab, daughter of Ameerul mu’mineen Ali and Sayyida Fatima (AS), was another historic event, on the 5th of this month. Her life style was very exemplary and worthy of emulation.
As example of her audacity and a bitter exposition of maltreatment against the noble progeny, it is reported that when the headS of Imam Husain and surviving members of the prophet’s family, were taken to Ubaidullah bn Ziyad, Sayyida Zainab disguised herself, refusing to answer Ibn Ziyad’s repeated questions.
“Who is this woman’’? The maids around her answered, “This is Zainab, the daughter of Fatima!’’
Ibn Ziyad said “thanks be to Allah who violated your sanctity, killed you and belied your history!’’ Sayyida immediately replied, “Praise be to Allah who honoured us by Muhammad, to whom may Allah’s blessings be granted, and who purified us with thorough purification, not like what you said. The dissolute is the only one to be punished and the profligate is the only one to be belied!’’
He said “how do you see what Allah hath done to your family members’’? She said “ He hath destined death to them, then they went to their eternal beds. Allah shall let you meet them and you will be judged by Him; and Allah is the best Judge”. Ubaidullah was very angry with her immediate response.
Unlike in the past when information was distorted, exaggerated and misrepresented, the level of message appreciation is very encouraging. We will continue to work and pray in this direction for Allah to expose the culprits and support the believers. Think of the extent of persecution suffered by their children, the grandsons of the noble prophets, Imams Hasan and Husain who were deliberately murdered by whom others blindly respect and consider great.
Generally speaking, in this August occasion, ‘the woman’ is strongly encouraged to strive hard towards perfection as a human being and serve her society as a scientist, philosopher, politician, teacher or public figure. With regard to this, Imam Khomeini has said “the Iranian sisters made a significant contribution to the Islamic revolution, and compared to men, were in the forefront and gave strength to them” .
Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H), leader of the Islamic movement, is on the same track in Nigeria, for which the sisters’ impacts are greatly improved in the overall socio – cultural endeavours.
ABOUT THE ESSAY WRITING COMPETITION
The essay, is part of the annual event organised by the Islamic movement in Kano and its surroundings. The competition was announced as follows:
Topic: “The narrations of Sayyidah Fatima (as) “forty prophetic traditions, are expected as narrated by her.
Words limit: Depending on the need of content.
Deadline for submission: On or before 30th Jimadal – Ula, 1436 H (20/03/2015).
Participation: Exclusively for sisters within and outside the Islamic movement.
Assessment: Normal criteria in essay writing.
Prizes: The champions will be honoured with various prizes including an Automatic Astra wagon with factory fitted air condition and many others which will be disbursed to the winners on the forthcoming Yaumul – mar’ah (to be announced) event to be held in Kano.

CAN Dragged To Court Over Imposition Of YOWICAN President

The Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been dragged to court for alleged imposition of Mr. Daniel Kadzai as the National President of the Youth Wing of Christians Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), and wrongful disqualification of Barr. Samuel Kwamkur from contesting the position of the national President of YOWICAN.
Barr. Samuel Kwamkur, a member of YOWICAN who instituted the case against CAN, the Director of Youth, Apostle E. Fagbule and the winner of the January 29 YOWICAN election, Daniel Kadzai, explained that the processes of electing executives for the youth wing of CAN started last year, 2014, which he expressed interest and his name was forwarded by TEKAN and ECKWA fellowship to the national secretariat of CAN.
According to Kwamkur, who is praying the court to declare the last YOWICAN election none and void, said he prepared for the election which was held on January 29, saying that while screening was going on, the body of CAN conducting the election announced that he has been disqualified, without calling him to present any document.
He explained that he was never given a prior knowledge that he would be disqualified, but was disqualified unexpectedly, saying that the move angered his supporters who were present and wanted to react negatively to the action, but, he was able to prevail on them not to.
The Counsel representing Kwamkur in court, Barr. Okoro Edwin explained to LEADERSHIP that it was later that they saw a letter that was purportedly written sometime in November, that Barr. Samuel Kwamkur was disqualified by the national executives of CAN, because, he printed posters and was campaigning.
“Our contention before the court, is that he was not part of that meeting of CAN executives and he was never invited to defend himself. That was why we went to court. After we filed the case, we got a copy of the minuet of meeting of CAN executives in Markudi, which revealed that Kwamkur issue was never raised at all, not to talk of disqualifying him.
“Therefore, what it means is that some people just sat somewhere and decided to disqualify him, without knowing their motives. We believe that being a Christian organisation, if they cannot be democratic, only God knows what other organisations would do.
“CAN has their constitution and they did not follow it, they have a guild line which they sent to all the five Christian groups, they did not follow the guild line, that is why we are in court. We are suing CAN who is the second defendant, the third defendant is Daniel Kadzai, the purported winner of the election, because, he never contested or indicated interest for the position, but they just came out and announced his name.
“While the Director of Youth told my client that he does not want him to be the President of YOWICAN. We are asking the court to declared the decision of the Director of Youth and CAN to disqualify the plaintiff none and void, as it refers to CAN Constitution 2014 and the 1999 Constitution. We want the court to declare the election invalid. We want the court to grant a perpetual injunction restraining the third defendant, Daniel Kadzai from parading himself as the national Chairman, YOWICAN.
“Justice K. N. Ogbonnaya of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court had on March 2 granted Interim Order retraining CAN from swearing Mr. Daniel Kadzai in as the National President of YOWICAN, pending the determination of our motion on notice for interlocutory injunction which comes up on March 25 for hearing,” he said.
While speaking to the General Secretary of CAN, Rev. Musa Asake, he said that at the moment the Christians association has nothing to say about the allegation since the matter has been taken to court, but that it will not be long the association would speak on it.

Airline Business: A Symbol Of Bad Investment

It is no secret, world over, that the worst investment is in commercial aviation— airline. It is even super risky to engage in airline business in Nigeria because of the unstable government policies; cost of funds, and the general operating environment. Nigeria is the only country in the world whereby a draconian government policy aimed at changing the operating culture of such an expensive business can become effective, almost immediately, without a reasonable timeline.

This country is the most expensive society to practise aviation business, as quasi aviation experts constantly mislead the authority, all for self-aggrandisement. The worst aspect of airline business in Nigeria is the uncontrollable interference of political office holders with little or no consultation with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The overall result is the unlimited number of airline bankruptcies since the explosion of airline industry in the 1980s in Nigeria. I can count beyond 30 airlines that have gone out of businesssince 1981, and many more are on the verge of going under. What makes this scenario precarious and dangerous is the amount of good money invested by hard- working people, who are constantly misled into this low-margin return on investment sector.
Funny enough, even in the most aviation friendly countries, bankruptcy never ceases to hang on airline doors. It is quite a tragic business, yet people see only the glamour, which glitters like gold, but it is far from gold.
There are new policies in the offing to force airlines to increase their share capital to N2 billion from the current level of N1 billion; terminal navigational charges will be increased, and so forth. These policies will naturally truncate industry growth.
According to Greg McFarlane, It’s one of the most enduring folk wisdom dicta in all of commerce. “The airline industry, in its history, has never made money.” If we restrict ourselves to passenger airlines, and ignore the first few decades of flight (when airlines were spawned and folded as quickly as the planes could fly), the profitability of the industry as a whole has been somewhat variable. Until 1930 or so, flight was mostly a way to drop insecticide or deliver mail. At first, it didn’t make economic sense to ship people.
Technological advancement, especially in the areas of speed and airliner capacity, created so much demand that passenger travel was eventually seen as nearly a public utility – something to be preserved and maintained through down periods, even at taxpayers’ expense if necessary.
The landmark event in U.S. commercial aviation history – as important as the incorporation of sound was to motion pictures, or the forward pass was to football – was the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. Prior to its passage, the United States government set rates, fares and schedules, guaranteeing profitability to each oligopolistic airline but doing its best to thwart innovation. Since the law’s passage, prices have dropped about 40 per cent and ridership has increased dramatically. Complaining about flight delays and waiting-room inertia has become a rich mine of material for uninventive comedians and everyday kvetchers, but the alternative would be a world in which the cheapest flight from when airlines became subject to competition, the industry necessarily underwent transition. Some airlines folded (Pan Am, Eastern), others were subsumed by larger competitors (TWA, Piedmont), and still others advanced from regional or nonexistent into positions of national importance.
In the decade from 2002 to 2011, the three largest United States legacy airlines – American, United,and Delta– each filed for bankruptcy. Not only that, but each has or had merged with another large carrier – US Airways, Continental and Northwest respectively – that had also sought legal protection from creditors. The official reasons given ranged from the dubious (increased fuel prices, which would seem to affect every player in the industry equally) to the more candid (competition from low-fare rivals.)
In Nigeria, airlines like Okada, ADC, Savannah, Zenith, Air Nigeria, just to name a few have gone bankrupted. The existing struggling airlines like Arik, Aero, Dana and discovery are submerged in financial debts that will ultimately put them in their coffin.
Bankruptcies have become a way of life for carriers in the aviation industry, every major one having to reorganise in recent years. And yes, it’s true that large-carrier losses have more than offset newer-carrier profits in recent years. However, it’s no longer even accurate to use the term “large-carrier” in reference to the legacy airlines.
You don’t need to graduate with honors from Harvard University to know that your average business would prefer guaranteed profits to ones that it has to fight for in the marketplace. Former American Airlines CEO Bob Crandall, who ran the airline until 1998, even admitted as much:
“The consequences of deregulation have been very adverse. Our airlines, once world leaders, are now laggards in every category… market forces alone cannot and will not produce a satisfactory airline industry, which clearly needs some help to solve its pricing, cost, and operating problems.”
Three years later, Crandall’s former employer announced it was seeking bankruptcy protection. That’s what’ll happen when a corporation loses $2 billion one year, and $2 billion in the previous 2 years, to say nothing of $2 billion in the subsequent year. Fuel indeed got more expensive during that time, but not certainly enough to explain such staggering losses.
The airline industry remains subject to profound change, even after decades of growth and consolidation, especially, abroad. In Nigeria, many airlines will keep going under because there are no incentive to growth as aviation ministers will keep getting ill-advice from the so-called aviation experts that obviously require more knowledge of the industry.

Nigeria’s Aviation Sector: Reform, Not Deform

When Stella Oduah came with her “brand” of aviation reform, the few of us who knew that her motive was going to destroy the fabric of aviation sector, and challenged it, were termed anti-government. Today, it is overly conspicuous that Nigeria’s aviation sector will never be able to recover from the painful damage she inflicted on it.
During her tenure, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was diluted, and its core safety functions compromised; the number of unqualified support staff increased 10 fold, and the agency’s regulatory oversight dwindled. At the same time, aircraft inspector’s training was virtually stopped due to lack of funds as the NCAA’s meagre funds were used for non-safety related projects. Oduah’s transfer of economic aspect of the Civil Aviation Act from the NCAA to the ministry naturally created starvation of funds for the agency that solely relies on 5% levy on airline ticket fares.
By the time she was removed as the minister of aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had lost its regulatory strength, to become almost subservient to the Nigerian Air Space Management Agency (NAMA), and the Federal Airport Airports Authority (FAAN). Financially, the NCAA, due to unstable leadership (three directors-general in three years), could not support itself. Over bloated staff capacity, majority of them unnecessary, led to virtual collapse of the pillar of aviation sector in Nigeria.
The word ‘reform’ in economy could mean two things: (1) the absence of government intervention; the promotion of privatisation whereby government’s role is to provide enabling environment for private enterprises to thrive. (2) the direct intervention of government; the elimination of private investment. Therefore, the use of the word “reform” connotes different meanings to different systems. In the name of reform, Oduah banned the importation of aircraft for some people, while approving same for the very few proxies who misled her into instituting the most corrupt tenure in the history of the industry.
In the name of reform, the Nigerian aviation sector underwent negative transformation in the past four years, and the burden laid on those who constantly invested their hard-earned money in the sector. What is surprising to everyone is how successive ministers of aviation get misled by a group of perpetual, relentless, and self-seeking quasi- professionals who easily give misleading policy advice. Their first chorus is the word “reform”, a natural appeal to any government in power.
The only reform that will make sense to industry players must centre on safety and liberal promotion of competition that will give air travelers comfort at affordable fares. At the same time, those who can afford to buy their own private jets must be encouraged to do so, and create jobs for the numerous, unemployed pilots in the country.
Employment of Nigerian pilots should be based on mutual understanding through moderate persuasion and request for assistance through incentives that will appeal to the conscience of aircraftowners. There is no law that mandates that all aircraft flying in Nigeria must be manned by Nigerians. Aircraft owners have the sole discretion to exercise their rights, since it’s their hard-earned sweat that yielded the financial leverage. But a mutual consensus between the government and aircraft operators is feasible.
If the Federal Government is serious about creating jobs for the unemployed pilots, it should investigate those who benefitted from the N300 billion aviation intervention funds, earmarked during President Yar’Adua’s regime. They should be forced to employ Nigerians, or cough out the money.
Business jets in Nigeria contribute more than 75 per cent of the sector’s revenues, yet operators of these airplanes are always vilified. It’s absolutely irritating when the industry’s reform focus is centred on how to discourage private aircraft ownership, through orchestrated blackmail with sensationalised news of how the government is being ripped off.
One of the dailies, last week, erroneously suggested that the Federal Government loses about N40 billion annually as jet owners who engage in illegal charter services do not pay the mandatory 5% fees on each charter fare. By this analysis, it is then estimated that aircraft charter business in Nigeria is worth N800 billion annually. If this is true, I am wondering why Arik Air, Dana, Aero and Med View airlines would be so naive to engage in purely scheduled services.
This bogus assumption has led to draconian policies against those who risk their money to bring such investment into the country.
To clarify this point, the recurring number of people who actually charter flights in Nigeria today is about 300; with annual charter revenue of less than N20 billion. It is estimated through vigorous analysis that private jet owners pay to NAMA and FAAN, about N20m per day, which amounts to N7.2 billion every year.
A private jet weighing more than 12,500 kg, pays $600 or N120,000 to NAMA for a return trip to Lagos from Abuja. At the same time, the same aircraft pays $400 or N80,000 for two landings: Lagos and Abuja. These charges are for an aircraft with foreign registration. A Nigerian registered aircraft of the same weight pays N12,000 to NAMA for the same return trip and N7,000 to FAAN for the two landings.
Therefore, while a foreign registered aircraft pays N200,000 per trip, it’s Nigerian registered counterpart pays only N19,000. It is therefore, senseless, malicious, and purely unfounded for anyone, with common sense to mislead the public that foreign registered aircraft, which are legally licensed to fly in our national air space should be sanctioned. This loud cry always originates from those whose Air Operating Certificate (AOC) is unproductive because of the owner’s inability to compete in this fragile industry.
It is noteworthy that 35 per cent of all charter flights in Nigeria are operated by the President Air Fleet (PAF) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) aircraft. These two agencies’ aircraft pay no landing nor terminal navigational charges.
If private category aircraft engage in illegal charter services, the best option is for the government to introduce a fee for the NCAA, since NAMA and FAAN collect cash prior to each flight; government can allow commercial privileges for all private jet owners, who must pay government the required 5% surcharge mandated in the regulation as long as there are two or more aircrafts in the fleet. In this respect, there is no way they can run away from paying mandatory charges, especially the 5% tax on charter fares. After all, there are many airlines with AOC without aircraft.
This will be a major reform for the industry and everyone wins in the end — government and aircraft owners. It is another way of keeping the industry calm for a long time.
Another major reform that is long overdue is the privatisation of all the abandoned airport terminal buildings in most of the states.
We are confident that Mr Osita Chidoka, the current minister of aviation, will create an enduring, positive reform for all stakeholders.

FG Pays N166bn Outstanding Fuel Subsidy Claims

The federal government has approved the payment of about N166 billion to petroleum marketers as reimbursement for the 2014 outstanding subsidy claims.
A statement issued yesterday by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) informed that the payment made by the Ministry of Finance is for batch I to part of batch M fuel imports.
“However, the other part of batch M, and batches N, O, and P to the tune of N105 billion are still at the Debt Management Office (DMO) awaiting payment,” the statement read in part.
It added that the part payment is geared towards ensuring stability in fuel supply as well as to encourage banks and other financial institutions, which were, hitherto, reluctant to issue letters of credit to finance petroleum products importation to do so. This is even as the minister of petroleum resources, Mrs Diezani-Alison Madueke, yesterday, approved the release of the First Quarter (Q1) 2015 allocation to marketers for the importation of petroleum products into the country.
According to the PPPRA, the early release is in furtherance to the minister’s resolve to ensure continuous and robust petroleum products supply in the system with a view to sustaining the serenity in the downstream industry. Remarking on the development, the executive secretary of the PPPRA, Farouk Ahmed, while calling on motorists not to engage in panic buying, assured that, there is ample supply of petroleum products in the country, adding that discharges and truck-out had continued in spite of the holidays and the festive periods.
The PPPRA boss further explained that apart from facilitating an improved national fuel supply and stock build-up, the latest effort is also to enable marketers make adequate preparations towards products sourcing and importation early in the new year. Ahmed attributed all the proactive initiatives put in place at ensuring products availability across the nation to the support and direction of the petroleum minister and added that the PPPRA is committed to prompt processing of documents for all imported products brought into the country.

“The petroleum minister had commenced a regime of early release of quarterly PMS allocations in addition to supplementary allocations to complement the national demand,” said Ahmed. “The widely-applauded early approvals, apart from providing additional imports to supplement the prevailing stock level in the system, is now responsible for the sustained availability of petroleum products across the country at regulated prices.”West African exports got a brief boost in August when Brent’s premium to Middle East crude narrowed to less than $2 per barrel from almost $5 in June.
But with Middle Eastern producers now offering even more competitive prices, the advantage has faded.
“A year ago, a $2 premium would have been attractive, but in today’s environment it’s different,” a trader dealing with West African crude said.
West African producers traditionally sold most of their oil to North America and Europe, but exports dwindled given entry of shale oil from the United States and higher output from nations outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
West African crude exports to Asia rose more than 4 percent between January and December, Reuters data shows. China accounted for most of the rise as it took advantage of low prices to build up oil reserves.

Reps Summon NDDC Officials Over Missing N605m Intervention Fund

The House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Affairs has invited the management of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs over an allegedly missing N605 million Zonal Intervention Fund allocated to the ministry.

A member of the committee who disclosed the development stated that the invitation was based on petitions to the House Committee reporting the allegedly missing funds.
The Zonal Intervention Fund, according to the member who pleaded anonymity, is to ensure that vital infrastructural development projects nearing completion are completed before next year’s general elections.
“We (the committee) have asked questions on where the money was kept but the officials of the ministry are not willing to divulge such information. We are inviting all the parties involved… and all avenues would be explored to get positive results.
“Projects scattered all over the region are begging for attention while such a huge amount has grown wings and disappeared into no specific account.
“Contractors that are being owed are already threatening to abandon sites to register their anger,” the member said.
Attempts to reach the chairman of the committee, Warman Ogoriba, to confirm the development failed as all his phone numbers were switched off at press time.

NSE: Capital Market Indices Up by .06 Per Cent

Equity transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Tuesday closed on a bullish note as some blue chips sustained price rally.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nestle led the gainers’ table by N48 to close at N1,043 per share

Seplat came second by N16.88 to close at N372, while Guinness rose by N10.55 to close at N170 per share.

Nigerian Breweries grew by N8 to close at N169, while Mobil Oil appreciated by N6.80 to close at N158 per share.

Consequently, the NSE All-Share appreciated by 20.4 points or 0.06 per cent to close higher at 34,684.32 as against the 34,663.92 achieved on Monday.

Also, the market capitalisation, which opened at N11.479 trillion rose by N7 billion or 0.06 per cent to close at N11.486 trillion.

On the other hand, Total Oil topped the losers’ chart by N7 to close at N150 per share.

Lafarge Wapco followed with a loss of N2.16 to close at N80.21, while Oando Oil dipped by N1.85 to close at N17.15 per share.

CAP lost N1.50 to close at N37.50, while. Stanbic IBTC lost N1.18 to close at N28 per share.

However, a total of 390.821 million shares valued at N6.99 billion were exchanged in 4,637 deals, representing a drop of 36.97 per cent.

NAN reports that this was against a turnover of 620.152 million shares worth N4.68 billion achieved in 4,606 deals on Monday.

ETI drove the activity chart in volume terms, accounting for 53.76 million shares worth N1.01 billion in 83 deals.

It was trailed by Fidelity Bank with a total of 50.24 million shares valued N82.42 million in 73 deals, while Asosavings traded 50.00 million shares worth N25.00 million exchanged by investors in one deal. (NAN)

China Charges Jackie Chan’s Son Over Drug Offence

China’s state prosecutor said on Monday it had formally charged Jaycee Chan, son of kung fu movie star Jackie Chan, with a drug offense, meaning he is almost certain to face trial.
The younger Chan, a 32-year-old actor and singer, was arrested in Beijing this year after testing positive for marijuana, with police saying they found 100 grams of the drug at his home.
In a brief statement on its official micro blog, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate said it had begun legal proceedings against him for “the crime of sheltering others to take drugs”.
It did not elaborate.
President Xi Jinping said in June that China would “harshly crack down” on narcotics, state media reported.
Action and comedy star Jackie Chan, 60, served as a goodwill spokesman for the China National Anti-Drug Committee in 2009, state media reported, promoting anti-drug education.
Jaycee Chan was not available for comment. In August, his father offered the public a “deep bow of apology” for his son’s arrest.
China has detained a string of other mostly B-list celebrities in recent months on drug-related charges, cases that have been publicised widely in both state and social media.
They have included movie and television stars, film directors and a prominent screenwriter.
Drug crimes carry harsh penalties in China, including death or life imprisonment in serious cases.
Illegal drugs, especially synthetic substances like methamphetamine, ketamine and Ecstasy, have grown in popularity in China, in tandem with the rise of a new urban class with greater disposable income. (Reuters/NAN)

Don’t Go Into Music Just For Fame – Essence

For those who have been craving to know why Okoro Uwale (a.k.a Essence) is not blowing her own trumpet like others in the industry, the Itsekiri-born musician who went professional at the age of 18 has provided some answers. The Theatre Arts student with Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka who featured at this year’s LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards, spoke up in this interview with ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM. Excerpts
What’s the feeling like being here today?
It’s an eye opener because for me it’s an opportunity to learn because as artistes, we hardly go for lectures and what have you. But as a Nigerian it’s good that we are involved in things like this. Not just to come and sing or entertain or use our music as tools for information dissemination, but also to get educated and be reminded about things . Also, to reinforce ourselves in our beliefs in our people as Nigerians.

You have been in the industry for quite a while now,how has it been?
Well, based on the lecture I heard a couple of minutes ago, we are told to re-evaluate ourselves then get back to our core values, which, I have translated as an artiste to mean rebranding. Any brand that it sought for always thinks of ways to renew itself in the minds of people and the coming generation. So Essence the brand is rebranding, and thinking of ways of having a core audience because let’s say Coca Cola has its core demographic that it attends to, that shouldn’t be different with an artiste too because you have your core demographics too. Because frankly I can’t sing Fuji because I don’t think I will appeal to you. So it’s just finding where my core demographics are and attending to them.

What do you think about the music industry today?
Looking back from where we started and what obtains now, when we were much younger, we had little sprinkling of international appeal with Onyeka Owenu, Femi Kuti, Christy Essien Igbokwe and the likes, just a handful of them. But now the terrain is open, and people are beginning to look to Nigeria for inspiration for the next big thing, the next trending music. Music has really blown to the roof.

You have featured personalities in the past, what are your plans now?
Hmmm…I’m working on… (laughs) I don’t even know what the title of the album would be called. It doesn’t even have a working title. But I’m working on strictly an RnB album. The real Essence is what everybody is going to see now. On who and who I’m going to feature on the new album, I don’t know for now, because the style of the song would determine who would be on the song. We have to wait and see.

Are you still with Kennis Music?
We are family

I mean are they still in touch with your music?
Ah ah…does your father talk to you? (Laughter) you don’t know what family means? Even if a child grows old and goes to London, the father will say, hey…you come here. We are family. There’s no break up, no dividing, we are one, I’m still with Kennis Music. That’s why I used the word family because we use business eye to look at things. People fall out and all of that and it’s permanent goodbye but in family the bond is still there.

So what’s the message for your fans?
Thank you for keeping the brand going because you are the ones that are making me do what I’m doing to bring out the best in me. Those little words of encouragement -like when I see people and hear them say ‘this your song changed my life.’ That, I think, is the pyramid for any artiste, if your song must really impact positively on someone’s life. Not just seeing an artiste and saying ‘that your song makes me dance o…’ No, but to say ‘your song impacted my life positively.’ That should be the goal of every artiste. And I want to thank all my fans for the great gesture and they should watch out for the rebranded Essence.

What would be you message to upcoming artistes who aspire to get to your level as musicians?
First of all, have the calling. Let me put it that way because the calling comes with passion. It’s not all rosy neither is it fun and games, it’s serious work and if you don’t have the capacity, which is the passion to push through, then you’ll fall by the way side. Don’t come because you want to blow or be famous or that you want people to scream your name. It’s doesn’t work that way.

FBN Insurance Urges Individuals, Corporate Organisations To Embrace Insurance

The management of the FBN Insurance Limited has counselled that insurance is only key instrument to reposition individuals and businesses in the event of any unfortunate eventuality.

The company said that insurance should be embraced by high net-worth individuals, the political class, schools, religious organisations, professional bodies, etc, to sustain themselves when the unexpected occur.
Speaking on the benefits of insurance, the company’s managing director, Valentine Ojumah, said that the FBN Insurance’s strategy is hinged on deepening its footprints in the retail insurance space and expansion into the non-life insurance segment.
He said that the company is particularly concerned about what happens after death and the continuity of the living standards of a family when the bread winner is gone, especially as the death of the bread winner has brought about a total decline in the living standards of the dependants in many homes.
According to him, “We are carving a niche in the retail insurance market through the provision of best-in-class, innovative and solution-driven products that create value for all stakeholders.”
He emphasised that despite the many challenges brimming in the macro environment and the unique demands of doing business in today’s evolving economy, “we will continue to stay true to our aspiration as bastions of stability delivering gold service standards and fit-for-purpose offerings that will address every Nigerian’s insurance needs.”
He further said that the organisation’s existing products, which include group and individual policies, are designed to accommodate differing consumer needs, stressing that these products are in consonance with the company’s commitment to deepen market penetration by providing low cost insurance products through multiple distribution channels that would benefit the mass market in Nigeria.
Ojumah maintained that the company “conducts regular extensive market research that guides our business strategy and policy direction. This provides distilled insights from macroeconomic and industry trends, helps estimate the size of emerging opportunities and understands customer buying patterns and motivations.

2015 Budget: Analyst Cautions FG On Inflation

Mallam Sani Shehu, Kano-based economic analyst, has urged the Federal Government to take measures to prevent inflation following the diversification of the economy on taxation to finance its2015 budget.

He stated this on Sunday in Katsina in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Shehu said that the call was necessary because the government said about 47 per cent of its revenue would be generated from taxes due to continuous fall in crude oil price.
According to him, though the government said that taxes would not affect the poor and middle class, it is envisaged that people would indirectly feel it due to multiplier effects.
‘’The government should, as a matter of urgency, put a mechanism that will assist to check inflation for its adverse effects on the economy,’’ he said.
Shehu said that government should intensify efforts to ensure that some indigenous firms stop exercising power of monopoly to maximise profit.
He said that would assist to curb the inflation, boost production and create jobs for the teeming number of unemployed youths in the country.
He also urged the government to take measures that would prevent mismanagement of public funds and corruption because the government lost a lot on such illegal acts.

Candidates Must Speak On The Economy

The race for electoral offices has revved up, but those in the race have yet to come clean with Nigerians on the economy and what they intend to do about it. For whichever way the tide goes, the gladiators cannot look the other way on the economy: the issue of fuel subsidy, the devaluation of the national currency, the fall in the price of crude oil at the international market and inevitable fall in revenue, the state of insecurity comprising the insurgency in the north east and incessant cases of kidnapping in the south.
All these are all issues for the candidates, and whoever eventually wins, especially at the level of the presidency, must contend with. These issues must take the front burner of any political discourse and they must be the underlining factors determining whatever promises, or goals set by the contenders.
In particular, the continual drop in the price of crude oil, especially the Brent that seems to be on a free fall, should be a major source of concern as dwindling revenue means less funds available for undertaking development projects and programmes and schemes in the social sector of the economy, nor would there be money for investing in the general wellbeing of the people, given that we are a mono-product economy.
As the year draws to a close, the state of the nation is far from pleasant and the reasons are obvious to every discerning mind. There is massive decay of infrastructure in key sectors like power, petroleum, education, health, and transport among others. However, the most worrisome of all is that, in the petroleum sector, we cannot even take enough care of the sector to ensure good resource governance based on global best practices or, at least, emulate practices obtainable in places like the UAE, Norway and Brazil among others. These countries have somehow built up their Sovereign Wealth Fund to secure the economic future of their nations. They did so by ensuring very low corruption levels in their oil and gas sectors. The UAE, which exported its first cargo of crude in 1962, has a sovereign wealth fund to the tune of $ 817billion. It is the seventh largest oil producing nation but it has so diversified its economy that oil now contributes only about 30 per cent of its GDP. Brazil, a developing nation like Nigeria, cut its oil imports from 70 per cent to practically nothing. Brazil moved from the status of a debt-ridden nation to become the world’s sixth largest economy and an international net creditor. Its sovereign wealth fund of $5.6billion is actually built from non-commodity sources which it established in 2008 to cushion the economy from future shocks.
In our opinion, Nigeria, with a dwindling sovereign wealth fund hovering at less than $1.5billon, the governance of the oil resource and the management of the revenue from this sector must be brought to the front burner to enable Nigerians chart a decent course for their collective future.
In this wise, the secrecy shrouding the sector must be undone for the people to appreciate what is going on with this all-important resource.

Brain's 'homing signal' points us in right direction

A new study reveals that our brains have a "homing signal" mechanism that continually updates itself as we move through our environment. Thus, not only can it tell which way we are facing - like a compass - but it can also tell which way we should face in order to reach our goal.

Researchers discovered that the entorhinal region of the brain is responsible for our "homing signals."
Image credit: Hugo Spiers, UCL.

The study explains why some people are better navigators than others - they have stronger homing signals. This is according to researchers from University College London (UCL) in the UK.
The team reports their findings in the journal Current Biology.
The ability to find our way home or to the nest is a fundamental behavior for humans and other complex animals. And a crucial first step in navigating the journey is knowing the right direction to face.
We already know how brain cells can tell which direction we are currently facing.
That discovery was celebrated when UCL professor John O'Keefe was awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering the brain's "inner GPS".
This new study adds to that discovery by revealing where our "sense of direction" comes from. It shows that the part of the brain that signals which direction we face - called the entorhinal region - also signals the direction we need to travel.
Study leader Dr. Hugo Spiers, senior lecturer in UCL's Department of Experimental Psychology, says scientists have thought for years that this type of "homing signal" exists, but until now, it was just speculation:

"Studies on London cab drivers have shown that the first thing they do when they work out a route is calculate which direction they need to head in. We now know that the entorhinal cortex is responsible for such calculations, and the quality of signals from this region seems to determine how good someone's navigational skills will be."

Strength of homing signal influenced navigation performance

For the study, Dr. Spiers and his team invited 16 healthy volunteers to navigate a computer simulation of a simple square environment with four walls. Each wall showed a different landscape and each corner contained a different object.
The volunteers familiarized themselves with the environment using the computer simulation. Then, they were placed in a certain corner and asked to navigate to an object in another corner while the researchers recorded their brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Dr. Spiers says it was a simple test where they just wanted to see which areas of the brain were active as the volunteers thought about different directions.
But they were surprised, he notes, by how "the strength and consistency of brain signals from the entorhinal region noticeably influenced people's performance in such a basic task."
"We now need to investigate the effect in more complex navigational tasks, but I would expect the differences in entorhinal activity to have a larger impact on more complex tasks," he adds.
Lead author Dr. Martin Chadwick, also of UCL's Experimental Psychology department, says the study supports the idea that our "internal compass" updates itself as we move through our environment:

"For example, if you turn left, then your entorhinal region should process this to shift your facing direction and goal direction accordingly. If you get lost after taking too many turns, this may be because your brain could not keep up and failed to adjust your facing and goal directions."

In further tests, the team found that the entorhinal region references what they called "geocentric" information - that is, the internal compass uses the external environment as its reference point and not the body's axis.
The entorhinal region is one of the first areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease, so the study may explain why getting lost and confused about direction is an early symptom.
The team hopes to develop the computer simulation so it can be used as a simple aid to diagnosing and monitoring the disease.

How To Balance Marriage And Career To Save Your Relationship

Career and marriage is the two things most people find difficult to combine successfully. It is understandable that managing career and relationship can be a daunting task if you don’t know how to handle these two critical areas of life. Both of them are important because without a career which mean no job, no money, and you can’t do things you want on your own except relying on others and without a lovely marriage, it’s assume you’re living in a slave land or probably isolated land, you may have all the promotion at work, got all the money but nobody to share your success with when you’re back home.

The question now is how can you balance your marriage and your career since both of them are critical area of life that you can’t do without and to save your marriage from collapse.

There has been an extensive research on the effect of successful marriage on career (entrepreneur, business owners, and other career persons), the discovery after the research shows that people who are successful in their marriage earn more money, live longer, on better health and with less stress.

Time wait for no man as the saying goes; you will need to develop the habit of staying together and longer with your family to bring in the much needed closeness and intimacy and take the issue of your relationship, marriage and family first before any other things. Unfortunately for many couples everything else comes first (their job, their career, their friends, social events, volunteer work, working long hours to acquire wealth, everything!) therefore they have their values and priorities way out of balance. It can be difficult to get it balance in this way but it’s not a mission impossible.

Follow these ideas on how to balance marriage and career

The key to finding balance in your relationship, marriage and career is to make your relationship a high priority and get help if need be from marriage counselors. If you make your relationship a high priority, you will find the success in this area spread over to other areas of life like your career and every other thing else.

2. It is recommended that you stay with your partner for at least 12 hours per week without watching TV, no playing of game that will take your attention away from him or her, no any other side distraction; it must be you and your partner. If in a week you cannot make the 12 hours workable, you can extend the remaining hour to the next week but must not be extended to the weeks beyond.

3. If your work is getting much of your time, plan it in such a way that throughout the weekend you will be available at home with your family.

4. Do not mix work and family together. Try to dedicate time well, for work and for the family too. Your work worries should not intrude the time when you are at home. This should also be followed at work, family and other matters should not disturb you, unless urgent.

5. Try to spend as much time with kids. Take them out once in a while and let them know you are there as a friend and a support. Include the complete family when making important decisions and plans. Respect the inputs and then draw conclusions.

6. Family always comes first, with the support of all; balancing life will not be tough. Learn to appreciate life the way it comes. Do not fog your life with regrets; you may miss the happiness that is in store

7. If perhaps you get early into your career before marriage and you’re the boss, you can transfer your skills, those characters that make you successful in your career into your marriage, skills like time management, scheduling and other good ones but don’t carry home the controlling character as a boss in your home, that will ruin what you’re trying to build.

If you find this write up helpful, don’t hesitate to share the information, someone out there might need something like this to save their marriages and again we will love to hear your thought and contribution to this post. Make use of the comment form below to let us hear your view.

Grooming Solutions To Help Men Care For Their Faces

The majority of men believe their appearance is an important factor in their personal and professional success. As a result, men have become increasingly aware of the need to take better care of their faces – as it tells their story and the life they have lived. If this cultural shift is any indication, carefully maintaining your skin – and facial hair – is a huge part of putting your very best face forward.

For many, that means addressing common skin concerns such as blocked pores, skin dryness and looking tired – in addition to the irritation and ingrown hairs sustained during routine shaving. These are concerns accelerated by the aging process, according to a study by Dove Men+Care. In fact, about half of men recognize that as they age, their skin needs more attention and takes longer to recover. However, facial grooming expert Dr. Allan Peterkin says there is good news. “Following some simple steps and using a skincare line that offers a variety of specific solutions for men’s different skin types can make a huge difference in a man’s appearance, no matter his age.” Here are Dr. Peterkin’s tips on what men can do to finally care for their faces and look sharp, whether bearded or smooth:

Cleanse daily:

Forty-eight percent of men admit they don’t wash their faces, but it’s crucial to eliminating oil and other bacteria that can build up over the course of the day. Use a daily hydrating cleanser like Dove Men+Care Hydrate+ Face Wash, which helps to replenish lost moisture and fight skin dryness at the same time. Those with facial hair aren’t exempt from the daily ritual either. It’s important to wash your beard or mustache and to keep the skin beneath the hair healthy as well.

Prep your face before shaving:

A warm shower, a splash of hot water, or even a moist towel prior to shaving helps to open the pores and softens stubborn stubble that, when untreated, can lead to irritation or ingrown hairs. Try soaking a hot towel in a solution made from tea tree oil – available at the local pharmacy – for an invigorating and decadent deep clean.

Choose the right products:

Shaving without any lather – also known as dry shaving – is a common mistake among men who are crunched for time; meanwhile, using soap lather for shaving can leave skin dry and doesn’t provide protection from razor irritation. Men can finally stop torturing their faces during their grooming routines by using an aerosol moisturizing gel – and finish with a mild post-shave balm. Look for balms that are alcohol free to eliminate discomfort or the common after-shave burn.

Use the right technique:

Be sure to glide the razor over each area of the skin only once, as repeated strokes can leave the skin irritated. Shave with the grain, not against it. Rinse skin carefully in warm water after each shave and let it dry. Another tip: replace the razor every four to five shaves – half of men have used a razor with a dull blade that’s over one month old; this will not only lead to irritation, but also causes bacteria to collect.

Use your facial features to your advantage:

Your facial hair – whether it’s a beard, mustache or goatee – should reflect and accentuate your best features. Round faces, for example, do well with fuller beards, while longer faces are served well by a mustache. It’s great to try something new, so keep your eye out for looks you like on friends, family and celebrities with similar features. Ask your barber for advice too.

Choose a moisturizer with SPF:

In addition to ensuring skin looks healthy and cared for, a product with an SPF – which stands for sun-protectant factor – serves to shield delicate facial skin from damaging rays. Keep in mind that SPF is always necessary – even if when bearded. Non-greasy, absorbent formulas are best, such as the Dove Men+Care Hydrate+ Face Lotion, which offers SPF protection and keeps skin hydrated.

With a few simple steps, men can improve the overall condition of their skin and facial hair. With new products, innovations and a few tips, it’s easier than ever for men to finally care for their faces. For more information on the products recommended by Dr. Allan Peterkin, visit www.dovemencare.com.

How To Get Clean And Smoother Skin All Day Long

Looking beautiful all day long with clearer and smoother skin is possible if you know how to go about it. Though simple but lots of people don’t know much about the simplicity. So, if you’re having a cracked skin, dry or itchy skin, if your skin is still looking ashy as you enter the winter season, then you need to take a serious look at these tips to help you get a clean and smoother skin all day long.

Remove the dead dry skin (exfoliate)

Holding on to dead dry skin will never allow your skin to be smoother and cleaner until you do away with the dead dry skin. This is achieves through exfoliating by using mesh shower sponge or washcloth to rub off the dead skin from your body. Exfoliating glove can even help you with more intense scrubbing that will make it faster in removing the dead skin.

To exfoliate, first of all wet your skin, and then apply little but enough moisturizing body wash to any exfoliating product you most preferred and then apply the exfoliator in a circular motion over your body. Rinse it to remove all the dead dry skin that prevents your skin from shining.

Ensure you get the right cleanser for your skin type

If you use the proper body cleanser for your skin, you’ll be able to achieve more clearer skin than using the type that is not meant for your skin type. You understand the type of skin you have, being it dry, oily, sensitive or middle of dry and soft, that is mild skin, that knowledge will help you in choosing the right cleanser for your body type.

For instance, if you have an oily skin, use cleanser that will provide your skin with enough hydration without adding any oils to your skin.

Please note that, body wash should only be used for the body (from the neck downward) and not the face. It is design to cater for your body only and the properties in it will make your face much more harder to achiever the cleaner and smoother skins you’re trying to achieve. [Read; Get better skin that radiate everywhere you go]

Don’t soap your body anytime you wash but rinse it

It is ok to use body wash when trying to get a cleaner body but you have to ensure you don’t soap your body every time you make use of the body wash, what you need most time is to just rinse your body. Why you should not soap every time is to prevent your natural skin’s oil from stripping. Where you should consider to always wash is under your arm and genital areas.

Make use of moisturizer that contain sunscreen and ensure you moisturize often before bed

As you try to clean up the dead dry skin, you risk exposing your skin to damaging ultraviolet rays (UV rays), ensure your moisturizer has sunscreen or sunblock in it. This will prevent the damaging effect of the UV rays that comes from sun. [Read: Easy Skincare Treatment through a Holistic Approach]

Moisturize often and always before going to bed, the skin will absorb it better especially with the help of the heat that will be generated under the cover. For extra protection on your hands and feet, consider wearing moisturizing gloves and socks.

What about what you eat?

What you eat too play lots of roles in helping you to achieve cleaner and smoother skin you desire. Ensure you drink lots of water and eat fruit that has high water content like water melon. Fruits with high content of vitamin C is also good in prevent your skin from ashy. Ensure you have nothing to do with the food that will get you dehydrated, such food include; Alcohol, Cigarettes, Sodium etc.

These few tips will help you to get cleaner and smoother skin all day long as far and you keep doing it most time.

What else have you been using that helps your skin looking stunning? Please share with us if you have any as contribution to this post.

Skin Care Tips for Fighting the Signs of Aging

As you get older, your skin’s condition begins to suffer. Around your mid twenties, there are already fine lines and wrinkles beginning to develop. By the time you’re in your thirties, the aging process advances rapidly. Collagen production and tissue repair slow down and your skin can’t protect itself as well as it used to. Looking older than you feel doesn’t have to be your fate, though. Modern advances in dermatological medicine have shown that the signs of aging can be prevented and slowed. Here are some anti-aging skin care tips you should try.

Take Vitamin C

Vitamin C’s critical role in looking youthful has been dramatically understated. Your body needs this nutrient in order to synthesize collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives your skin volume and elasticity, and when it’s lacking, skin can become thin, saggy and prone to damage. Vitamin C can be acquired through supplementation, and many quality skin care products also contain it.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Have you ever heard someone say that they need their beauty sleep? As it turns out, there’s something to that old saying. Sleep isn’t just necessary for energy restoration and stress prevention. It’s also important for the health and vitality of your skin. During the deep sleep phase, your body releases higher than normal amounts of human growth hormone. One of the many jobs of this hormone is to produce and repair skin cells.

Use a Good Sunscreen

Chronic and prolonged exposure to the sun is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Sun spots, wrinkles, drying and increased melanin production can leave skin looking and feeling like a leather purse. In order to slow skin’s aging process, it’s recommended that you wear a quality sunscreen whenever you plan to spend time outdoors.

Use Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral for many bodily functions, including skin maintenance and repair. Zinc oxide is added to many skin care products for this purpose. It helps facilitate cell repair and leaves skin soft, pliable and vibrant. It can also help reduce redness and itching from irritation caused by dry air, sunlight and strong winds.

High Antioxidant Diet

The foods you eat will affect your skin’s appearance. Choosing foods that provide an abundance of antioxidant-rich foods, such as tea, fresh fruit, nuts and omega-3 fish oils, helps fight the production of free radicals that destroy your skin and accelerate aging. [Skin care for all ages to looking healthy]

Avoid Alcohol

If you read the labels of skin care products, you’ve probably noticed that many of them contain some form of alcohol. It’s recommended that you avoid products with alcohol in them as it can damage your skin. Alcohol strips away oils and makes skin lose moisture, causing it to become dry, irritated and prone to wrinkles.

This post was created using information sourced from the Cosmos Clinic and Dr. Ajaka’s writings online. If you would like to find out more about Dr. Ajaka, you can find him on and Body Matters.

The Basics

Speak up and ask questions at the doctor’s office. When you play an active role in your health care, you can improve the quality of the care you and your family get.
Most people depend on different doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and insurance programs for their health care. It’s a team effort, and you are the most important member of the team.
To take charge of your health care:

Keep track of important health information.
Know your family health history.
See a doctor regularly for checkups.
Be prepared for medical appointments.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist questions.

Take Action!

Follow these steps to play an active role in your health care.
Keep track of important health information.
Keep all your health information in one place to make it easier to manage your health care. Take the information with you to every medical appointment.
To start your own personal health record, write down:

Your name, birth date, and blood type
The name and phone number of a friend or relative to call if there’s an emergency
Telephone numbers and addresses of places where you get medical care, including your pharmacy
Dates and results of checkups and screening tests
List of shots (and the dates you got them)
Medicines you take, how much you take, and why you take them
Any health conditions you have, including allergies

If you aren’t sure about some of this information, check with your doctor’s office.

Know your family health history.

The health history of your family is also an important part of your personal health record. Use this family health history tool to keep track of conditions that run in your family.
See a doctor regularly for checkups.
Your doctor or nurse can help you stay healthy. If you don’t have a doctor or nurse, check out these tips on choosing a doctor you can trust.
Regular checkups can help the doctor or nurse find problems early, when they may be easier to treat.

Use the myhealthfinder tool to get personalized health recommendations based on your age and sex.
Get information about shots to help you stay healthy.
Protect your health by getting recommended screenings. Check out these fact sheets for more information:
- Men: Stay Healthy at Any Age
- Women: Stay Healthy at Any Age

Write down your questions ahead of time.
Write down any questions you have about your health and take the list with you to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Use this tool to build your list of questions.
Make the most of doctor visits.
Take your list of questions and personal health record with you to the appointment. You may also want to take a family member or friend to help take notes.
Be sure to talk about any changes since your last visit, like:

New medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, herbs or home remedies, and vitamins
Recent illnesses or surgeries
Any important changes in your life, like becoming unemployed or a death in the family
Health concerns or issues
Health information you’ve found on the Internet or heard from others

Follow up after your appointment.
It can take time and hard work to make the healthy changes you talked about with your doctor or nurse. Remember to:

Call if you have any questions or side effects from medicine.
Schedule follow-up appointments for tests or lab work, if you need to.

Health administration

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For management of health information systems, such as electronic medical records, see health information management.

Health Administration or Healthcare Administration is the field relating to leadership, management, and administration of public health systems, health care systems, hospitals, and hospital networks. Health care administrators are considered health care professionals.

Terminology

Health systems management or health care systems management describes the leadership and general management of hospitals, hospital networks, and/or health care systems. In international use, the term refers to management at all levels.In the United States, management of a single institution (e.g. a hospital) is also referred to as "Medical and health services management" "Healthcare management" or Health Administration.
Health systems management ensures that specific outcomes are attained, that departments within a health facility are running smoothly, that the right people are in the right jobs, that people know what is expected of them, that resources are used efficiently and that all departments are working towards a common goal.

Hospital administrators

Hospital administrators are individuals or groups of people who act as the central point of control within hospitals. These individuals may be previous or current clinicians, or individuals with other backgrounds. There are two types of administrators, generalists and specialists. Generalists are individuals who are responsible for managing or helping to manage an entire facility. Specialists are individuals who are responsible for the efficient operations of a specific department such as policy analysis, finance, accounting, budgeting, human resources, or marketing.
It was reported in September 2014, that the United States spends roughly $218 billion per year on hospital's administration costs, which is equivalent to 1.43 percent of the total U.S. economy. Hospital administration has grown as a percent of the U.S. economy from .9 percent in 2000 to 1.43 percent in 2012, according to Health Affairs. In 11 different countries, hospitals allocate approximately 12 percent of their budget toward administrative costs. In the United States, hospitals spend 25 percent on administrative costs.

Training and Organizations

Associated Qualifications

Health care management is usually studied through healthcare administration or healthcare managementprograms in a business school or, in some institutions, in a school of public health.
Although many colleges and universities are offering a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or human resources, a master's degree is considered the "standard credential"for most health administrators in the United States. Research and academic-based doctorate level degrees, such as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Administration and the Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) degree, prepare health care professionals to turn their clinical or administrative experiences into opportunities to develop new knowledge and practice, teach, shape public policy and/or lead complex organizations. There are multiple recognized degree types that are considered equivalent from the perspective of professional preparation.
The Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) is the accrediting body overseeing master's-level programs in the United States and Canada on behalf of the United States Department of Education. It accredits several degree program types, including Master of Hospital Administration (MHA), Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA), Master of Business Administration in Hospital Management (MBA-HM), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Public Health (MPH, MSPH, MSHPM), Master of Science (MS-HSM, MS-HA), and Master of Public Administration (MPA).

Professional Organizations

There are a variety of different professional associations related to health systems management, which can be subcategorized as either personal or institutional membership groups. Personal membership groups are joined by individuals, and typically have individual skills and career development as their focus. Larger personal membership groups include the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Healthcare Financial Management Association, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Institutional membership groups are joined by organizations; whereas they typically focus on organizational effectiveness, and may also include data-sharing agreements and other medical related or administrative practice sharing vehicles for member organizations. Prominent examples include the American Hospital Association and the University Healthsystems Consortium.

Health Insurance / Medical Insurance news

The latest Health Insurance / Medical Insurance news articles published daily. Includes news on legislation and employer health schemes, HSA's, the uninsured and changes to health insurance policies.

Internal Party Democracy On Trial

As the December 18 deadline for all registered political parties to submit the names of their candidates for the 2015 elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) draws near, almost all the political parties are having problems with how to harmonise the list of candidates that emerged from various parallel congresses, which was the hallmark of most of the primaries. Where candidates were not imposed, the political space was frozen to pave the way for the emergence of ‘anointed’ candidates, picked by moneybags, godfathers and party leaders.

Political parties, in our view, are to be purveyors of the democratic ethos, where people who aspire to lead must be guided by the democratic tenets of the right of people to choose, respect for majority decisions, and representation obtained through people’s consent. Because of the sweeping powers-of-state governors, who, in many parties, also double as party leaders, their subjective preferences are foisted on the parties as candidates, without so much as a whimper of contest at congresses and primaries. We are appalled that internal democracy, a desideratum for strengthening the polity, has been sacrificed on the altar of ego and oblique interests. INEC has a role to play in ensuring a level playing ground for all aspirants. Where the level and methods of including party members in decision-making and deliberation within the party structure are substituted, it is a recipe for anarchy and negates good governance. Intra-party democracy must be upheld in order for citizens’ political competencies to be nurtured.
We disagree with the argument that too much democratisation may hinder parties from keeping their electoral promises or winning against opposition in any circumstance. Diluting the power of a party’s inner leadership has nothing to do with the will of the people expressed through the ballot. It is mere hogwash and tantamount to saying some people’s votes count more than the rest of the party members’. We are worried by the series of litigation as a result of the lack of internal democracy in all the parties. A situation where, in the name of ‘guided democracy’ or ‘collegiate system’, credible candidates are substituted and influential elements impose candidates is not acceptable. Democracy thrives when parties’ nomination processes are liberal and leadership recruitment is decided by the majority of members of the party and not limited to a cabal alone. The scale of participation in the nomination of candidates requires a large number of people, to enrich the scope of decision-making.
We enjoin INEC to ensure that imposed candidates are not accredited for the 2015 elections. It is also in the enlightened interest of all that such matters are dispensed with before the general elections, just as it is better for aspirants rejected in the primaries to accept defeat in good faith. Our Electoral Act should also be amended to sanction parties and candidates who cut corners in the leadership recruitment drive.

Pages

Opinion

Immorality In Movies And Effects On Youth

Lily-Rose Depp Named New Face of Chanel

The Number One Relationship Problem, and How to Fix It

How to Lose Weight Fast: 3 Simple Steps, Based on Science

Step 1 – Cut Back on Sugars and Starches

How to Lose Weight Fast: 3 Simple Steps, Based on Science

Step 1 – Cut Back on Sugars and Starches

Step 2 – Eat Protein, Fat and Vegetables

How to Lose Weight Fast: 3 Simple Steps, Based on Science

Step 1 – Cut Back on Sugars and Starches

Step 2 – Eat Protein, Fat and Vegetables

Step 3 – Lift Weights 3 Times Per Week

Other Weight Loss Tips to Make Things Easier (and Faster)

Laying Foundation For A Brand New Year

CAN Dragged To Court Over Imposition Of YOWICAN President

FG Pays N166bn Outstanding Fuel Subsidy Claims

Reps Summon NDDC Officials Over Missing N605m Intervention Fund

NSE: Capital Market Indices Up by .06 Per Cent

China Charges Jackie Chan’s Son Over Drug Offence

Don’t Go Into Music Just For Fame – Essence

FBN Insurance Urges Individuals, Corporate Organisations To Embrace Insurance

Brain's 'homing signal' points us in right direction

Strength of homing signal influenced navigation performance

How To Balance Marriage And Career To Save Your Relationship

Follow these ideas on how to balance marriage and career

Grooming Solutions To Help Men Care For Their Faces

Cleanse daily:

Prep your face before shaving:

Choose the right products:

Use the right technique:

Use your facial features to your advantage:

Choose a moisturizer with SPF:

How To Get Clean And Smoother Skin All Day Long

Remove the dead dry skin (exfoliate)

Ensure you get the right cleanser for your skin type

Don’t soap your body anytime you wash but rinse it

Make use of moisturizer that contain sunscreen and ensure you moisturize often before bed

What about what you eat?

Skin Care Tips for Fighting the Signs of Aging

Take Vitamin C

Get Plenty of Sleep

Use a Good Sunscreen

Use Zinc

High Antioxidant Diet

Avoid Alcohol

The Basics

Take Action!

Health administration

Terminology

Hospital administrators

Training and Organizations

Associated Qualifications

Professional Organizations

Health Insurance / Medical Insurance news

Internal Party Democracy On Trial

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