Photographs of an Amazonian Tribe

While I was surfing the net today, I stumbled on this wonderful news. This is a must read! This is awesome!

"In this image made available Thursday May 29, 2008, from Survival International, showing 'uncontacted Indians' of the Envira, who have never before had any contact with the outside world, photographed during an overflight in May 2008, as they react to the overflight at their camp in the Terra Indigena Kampa e Isolados do Envira, Acre state, Brazil, close to the border with Peru. 'We did the overflight to show their houses, to show they are there, to show they exist,' said uncontacted tribes expert Jos".

EKO O NI BAJE!

This is the new slogan for Lagos State since the emergence of the present Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. "EKO O NI BAJE simply means
- "Lagos shall not deteriorate."
- "Lagos no go spoil"
- "Lagos will not spoil"

In other words, Lagos shall continue to be the Centre of Excellence!

Since I am a firm believer of POSITIVE affirmations, I truly really appreciate the phrase. This is because every time someone says that phrase, the person is making a positive affirmation for Lagos State! Yes. When we keep saying 'Eko o ni baje' we are unconsiously saying a prayer for the State we live in!

With the on going beautification process in Lagos, I see Lagos State returning to the way it was back in the days!

Well done Mr. Governor. I join millions of people in Lagos and I affirm that truly and surely EKO O NI BAJE!

What is in a Lady's Handbag?

Hmmm! That is a tough one.

Well a peek into my handbag right now and I found the following:
(1) My make up bag. Filled with my Mary Kay stuff.
(2) A comb and a hair brush.
(3) My wallet. I keep my notes the right way.
(4) My bunch of keys.
(5) My eye glass
(6) My mobile phones.
(7) The connection cable for my phone.
(8) Writing materials (Pen, Pencils and a jotter).
(9) Some candies! Yeah. I'm a sweet tooth.

Ladies, what do you have in your handbag right now?

Great Food Craft!

Whao! This is awesome! Who could have done such a wonderful artistic work on these food items? Hmmmmmm! Yummmmmmy!

Egg Yoke in a pram!

A Banana Dolphin

Fruity Butterfly

Addressing the flock!

Swimming in the Watermelon

Cabbage?!

Do not put your thumb in an apple . . . . . . Apple Bite! Now this is scary

No more slicing me says Mr. Bread.

Okay lets do it!

Home sweet home

"Hurry up . . . we are running late!

Happy Children's Day!

Happy Children's Day Nigeria!

Every year on 27 May, Nigerians (esepecially the young at heart) celebrate Children’s day!

This is a day set aside to celebrate Children. A day when parents indulge their children with all goodies. A day when the children get to have things done their own way (at least to an extent!) Generally it is a fun filled school free day for children.

A brief on Children’s Day
Sometime in August 1925, people from different Nations of the World, about 54 representatives from different Nations, convened in Geneva, Switzerland for the first ever “World Conference for the Well-being of Children.” It was during this convention that the “Geneva Declaration Protecting Children” was passed.

Some of the crucial issues discussed at the Convention included the following:
· Relief for children in poverty
· Promoting the welfare of children
· Sound education for children
· Child labour
· Spiritual needs of children

After the 1925 Convention, various governments around the world designated a day, different in each country, as Children's Day. In 1954, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that all countries inaugurate a Universal Children's Day. This day is to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children and of activity promoting the welfare of the world's children; a day to encourage and bring joy and smiles to children. The UN General Assembly suggested that the Day should be observed on any date considered appropriate.

In compliance with the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, Countries have set aside a particular day each year as Children’s Day. In most countries Children’s Day is marked as a National holiday, while other countries do not mark it as a National holiday. In Nigeria, May 27 is observed as a National Holiday for children!

Children's Day is a time of festivity for children in any country. The day serves as an opportunity for honouring Children worldwide. Children’s Day serves as an opportunity for Parents to interact with their children and it helps to strengthen the bond between a child and his/her parents. In additional, Children’s Day is a time when children of all receive gifts from their parents, Aunties, Uncles, Grandparents, Teachers, older siblings etc. On this special day, children are given treats, they visit places of interest, and just have a fun filled day! In Japan, the Japanese families fly carp kites (representing each son) on Children's Day. In Turkey, the seats of Parliament are held by children, and a child becomes President for a day. The child President delivers a speech on national television.

Childhood is a phase in life where a child is expected to have all the fun in the World. You are a child if you are born of a human! Invariably, WE are ALL children!

HAPPY CHILDREN’S DAY NIGERIA!

GSM

I received a text message on my phone two days ago. The text reads thus:

Pls switch off all ur hand phone 2 nite. According to Metro tv there will be a big Radiation wave circulating thru the phone towers at 11pm tonite. It is very dangerous to humans. Inform others.

Of course in my typical nature, I ignored the text and dismissed it like all other scam texts. My colleagues and I laughed over the whole thing and continued with our work.

Just as I was drifting into dream land, I heard the message tone of my phone notifying me that I have a message. It was a message similar to the one I received earlier today. It reads thus:

Pls switch off your phones b4 11pm tonight. Some one just called me dat there is going to be a disaster and its coming through phones.

Now this time I was perplexed. By my phone time it was 10.02pm! Less than 1 hour to the predicted doom time. Could this be true? How can radiation pass from wherever to my phone? It just does not make any logical sense!

By the next morning all I was hearing was discussions on the strange text that probably started from one ingenious person!

Have you ever received any strange text message of that nature? Please share your views/opinions here.

This is my Story!

My brother, an officer in the Nigerian Army and his colleagues had been in Dafur, Sudan for peace keeping for a little over six months. Last week he informed me he will be back on the 20th day of May. I was so happy!

After much expectations Tuesday the 20th finally came. On my way back home after work on that day, at about 5.30pm, I received a call from my Mum informing me that her son, my brother, who has been away on a peace keeping mission was back in the country. Then she gave me a number to call him with. Immediately, I dialled the number but the network chose that time to be busy. I continued trying to make the call and still could not reach him. No problem. I know he will call me.

At various intervals the next day, Wednesday 21st day of May 2008, I kept on trying to call him through that number, but I never succeeded.

The next morning, Thursday 22nd May 2008, on my way to the office, while we were still basking in the euphoria of the victory of the Manchester FC win over Chelsea FC, I received another call from my Mum. She said she just received another call from my brother with another number. She gave me the number and once again, I tried calling him and as usual the call did not go through.

The happiness I felt when I heard my brother had returned was cut short when I heard there had been a fatal accident, on Wednesday the 21st day of May 2008, which involved the returning troops from Sudan! O my God! Blood of Jesus! That can’t be. No way. Mum said she spoke with him! Father Lord! This can not be true!

When I entered the office I tried calling the number again but the network was still busy. Why is it that whenever one wants to make an emergency call or send an urgent SOS, the network is always busy? Just before noon I tried calling again and thankfully, the call went through and I spoke with my brother! Alleluia! I became very relieved and I thanked God.

On my way home, after work, I heard the sad news on radio! When I got home I called him again, just to make sure that he was alright. This time I asked him to confirm the news I heard on my way home that evening! He was still in shock. O my God! Imagine, after serving for SIX months in a war zone, ensuring peace returns to Sudan, risking their lives and by the grace of God escaping all the troubles there, they came home to die just like that! This is very sad. So sad. Chei!

By the evening of Thursday 22nd day of May 2008 the news was on all TV stations. As I was watching the news, I was crying! The whole thing looks like a dream! But why? Why did this have to happen?

Everyone who knew my brother was due back in Nigeria this month started calling me. I answered the calls and invited each person to join me in thanking God. All I could say to them with tears in my eyes and my shaky voice was that he was not involved. It could have been me! It could have been my family! I really truly sympatise with all the families of the deceased soldiers. I am still in shock!

May God Almighty grant the departed soldiers eternal rest. AMEN. May Almighty God grant their families the fortitude to bear this irreparable lost. AMEN. May such tragic incident NEVER happen again.

All these I ask in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Magic Kitchen

Everyday Bakari, (the house boy in one big house) pours himself a glass of wine from the Bar. In order to cover his act, he adds water into the wine bottle to replace went he drank. His Boss became very suspicious and decided to buy Pastis (a French wine that changes color if you add water).

In his usual manner, Bakari drank from the wine and topped it up with water (to replace what he drank).

But unfortunately for him, immediately he added water the Pastis became milky. And when the Boss came back and noticed it, he knew he had nailed Bakari. Bakari also knew that he was in trouble and decided to stay put in the kitchen when his Boss came home.

The Boss told his wife and said he would call Bakari to come and acknowledge his evil deeds. "Bakari!", he called from the sitting room.

Bakari answered: "Yes, Boss".

"Who drank my Pastis?".

No answer.

The Boss asked again: still no answer.

Then the Boss went to the kitchen to meet him there: "Are you insane or what? Why when I call you, you say "yes boss" but when I ask you a question you don't answer me? " Bakari retorted that "when you are in the kitchen you don't understand anything at all, except your name" “Is that so?” asked the boss, "Okay, you stay beside Madam, while I’ll stay in the kitchen, and you will ask me a question ". Bakari accepted.

The Boss went in the kitchen and Bakari shouted: "Boss".

He answered: "Yes, Bakari".

"Who goes into the maids’ bedroom when the Madam is not there?"

No answer.

Bakari shouted again: "Boss, I say who made the maid pregnant?"

No answer.

Third time; "Boss, I say who made the maid pregnant?"

The Boss runs back from the kitchen shouting "Wonders will never cease! Bakari, It is true, when one is in the kitchen, one does not hear anything, except ones name!

Up MAN U!

At least I can join the MAN U fans to say 'UP MAN U! 

The final match of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League, which was between CHELSEA FC and MANCHESTER UNITED FC was played last night. The match which lasted over 3 HOURS ended in penalty shoot outs in which Manchester United FC came out tops 6-5. This is very interesting! 

Although I am not a football fanatic, I can identify some players and or the teams they play for. I just watch the game (if I have to) for mere entertainment. However, when there is a National match I watch a little and then do something else, so as not to have a blood pressure. Watching a live football tournament is like watching a thriller because you are always at the edge of your chair (at least if you are sitting). 

Yesterday, there were several parades by the Nigerian chapter of the various fan clubs, particularly the fans of CHELSEA FC. While the match lasted I heard the shouts, the screams, the jeers and the cheers of the fan club members (Nigeria Chapter) from the nearby viewing center. They were even chanting fans songs. Talk about solidarity! 

The first 90 minutes of the match resulted in a draw. Thereafter the teams played again for another 30 minutes and still no winner! After 120 minutes and no winner, it was then a case of who will score the most goals during the penalty shoot out! At this point, hubby kept pacing between the sitting room and the bedroom. (Tension don grip am!). 

Both teams played VERY well. It was a great game!

Hide and Seek Game finally over!

. . . and Aunty Iyabo emerges!
Monday 19/05/08 marked the ‘official’ end to the ‘hide and seek’ drama between the embattled Senator, Dr. (Mrs.) Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello and the EFCC. She reappeared in order to avoid the issuance of a bench warrant for her arrest by the court. Smart move.

While dismissing an earlier application by Obasanjo-Bello challenging the competence of the charges against her Justice Salisu Garuba held thus:
"it is not right for an accused person to stay at home and ask her counsel to represent her in court. I dismiss the application by the 12th accused person that she should not be molested, abused or arrested by security agents. Accordingly, I hold that the preliminary objection by the 12th accused person is incompetent and it is hereby dismissed."

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello had earlier filed an application asking the Court for an order that she should not be molested, abused and arrested by the EFCC. There was also a Preliminary Objection challenging the jurisdiction of the Court to try her! (If the Court lacks jurisdiction why then was she asking the Court to protect her from the security agents?)

In his Ruling, Justice Garba ruled that the application filed by Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello asking the Court to quash the charges against her on the grounds that the court lacked the jurisdiction to try her (Obasanjo-Bello), was incompetent. The judge said, “It is wrong for an accused person to stay at home and ask her counsel to represent her before the court. Consequently the preliminary objection was dismissed. The Court also dismissed her Preliminary Objection on the ground that it was incompetent.

The order for her to appear before the court on May 21 was however set aside when the court was informed of her presence in court.

Aunty Iyabo was put in the dock and her 2 count charge was read to her. Of course she pleaded not guilty to all charges. Having taken her plea, her Lawyer moved an oral application for her bail.

In his argument, Counsel for the 12th accused (Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello) prayed the Court to grant his client bail based on the fact that the other accused persons are already on bail, and as such the discretion of the court should also be extended to his client. He went on to add that the court should also take into cognisance, the fact that his client is a medical practitioner, a Senator and the first daughter of a former President of this country. Counsel for Obasanjo-Bello concluded his argument by urging the court to grant the 12th accused person bail on personal recognition.

The EFCC Counsel opposed the oral application for bail on the following grounds:

1. Given the ugly antecedents of this case, there are some facts that the complainant would want to bring in respect of the 12th accused person.
2. The court had earlier directed that the 11 other accused persons should come formally for bail, and they obeyed that order and today they are on bail.

The EFCC Counsel added that the fact that she is a medical practitioner, a senator and the first daughter of a former President are not relevant here. (Very correct!)

After hearing the arguments by both Counsels, the trial judge, Justice Salisu Garuba then adjourned the matter till 11am for ruling on the bail application.

… she wept
Just before the Judge came out of his chambers to deliver his ruling, Mr. Akomolafe told his Client that she was not likely to be admitted to bail. This made Senator Obasanjo-Bello cry!

The Ruling
In his ruling, the Judge refused the oral application for bail on the reasoning that to accede to the oral application after having refused those of the other 11 accused in the past would amount to "double standard." The Court then ordered that the application for bail should be in written form and on notice.

The EFCC counsel, asked the court to remand the Senator at Kuje Prison. Mr. Akomolafe opposed this and told the court not to remand her either at the prison or at EFCC custody because the operatives of the commission had already threatened to deal with her. This threat, according to Mr. Akomolafe was issued on the day the EFCC raided the Senator’s house.

After hearing Counsel for Obasanjo-Bello, Justice Garuba then ordered that the Senator should be remanded at the Maitama Police Station pending the hearing of the written application for bail which will be taken on Wednesday the 21st day of May 2008.

Aunty Iyabo would be a ‘guest’ in the Maitama Police Station for two nights. The medicine does taste bitter eh!

Counsel for the accused Senator told journalists after proceedings that the reason his client came out of hiding to present herself to the Court is because she thought of the other accused persons. Talk about ‘appropriate timing!’ Hello! Who are they deceiving? If she was really thinking about the other accused persons why did she go into hiding?

The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-yearold grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.

But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."


So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you aking?"Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up."

The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Children are remarkably perceptive. They observe ALL with their eyes. They hear ALL with their ears. They are good listeners. Their minds are sponge . . . always ready to absorb ALL. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives.

Lets bring our Children up the RIGHT way.

Love

I was reading through my emails and I thought I should share the story below with every one through my blog. It is very possible that this story has been over circulated, but I would like to read your views on this.

After 21 years of marriage, John's wife (Mary) wanted him to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. Mary said "I love you but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you".

The other woman that Mary wanted John to visit was his MOTHER! John's mother had been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of his work and his three children had made it possible for him to visit her only occasionally.

That night John called to invite his Mother to go out for dinner and a movie. "What's wrong, are you well," his Mother asked? John's mother, (like most mothers) is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

"I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you," John responded. "Just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment, and then said, "I would like that very much."

That Friday after work, as John drove over to pick her up he was a bit nervous. When he arrived at her house, he noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about their date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.

"I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, "she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting". John took his mother to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. His mother took his arm as if she were the First Lady.

After they sat down, John had to read the menu. His mother could only read large print. Half way through the entries, John lifted his eyes and saw his Mom sitting there staring at him. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.

"It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said. "Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," John responded. During the dinner, they had an agreeable conversation - nothing extraordinary, but catching up on recent events of each other's life. They talked so much that they missed the movie. As they arrived at his mother's house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." He agreed.

"How was your dinner date?" asked John's wife when he got home."Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," he answered.

A few days later, John's mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that he didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, he received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place he and his mother had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son."

At that moment, John understood the importance of saying in time: "I LOVE YOU!" and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve.

Nothing in life is more important than God and your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till "some other time."

. . . still hiding

Today will determine if Aunty Iyabo would come out of hiding!

We are waiting for the Ruling of the Court.

Will the Court issue a bench warrant? Will she submit to the jurisdiction of the Court?

Let's wait and see . . .

Pipeline Explosion!

It was a black Thursday in Lagos yesterday the 15th day of May 2008 as several people died as a result of an explosion from a pipeline in Ijegun in the Alimosho Local Government Area.

It was reported that the explosion which took place at about 10 o’clock in the morning was not as a result of vandalism. A caterpillar/tractor doing some road construction accidentally hit the pipeline, which then resulted in the inferno.

Lots of innocent lives were lost including a child who was just two years old! Over fifty others were reported dead as the fire from the explosion licked through the surrounding neighbourhood. Some of those reported dead were Students of Ijegun Comprehensive High School, Students from Baptist Model High School and Students from Ijegun Community Primary School. Others include some residents, traders and artisans who were said to be all within few metres of the scene of the incident.

It was reported that the fire fighters were present to fight the fire, but they ran out of water in their tanks even before the fire was put out!

The fire which lasted almost the whole day was reduced to a manageable level with thanks to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and NNPC who came ‘foam tender’. A foam tender is an equipment specially designed for containment of petroleum fire outbreak. As at 8pm Thursday, 15 May 2008, the efforts to quench the fire were still on as the fire was still burning and residents vacating their homes!

This is a very sad incident and I sincerely pray that it never happens again. To everyone who lost a loved one in that inferno, accept my sincere sympathy. May the good Lord strengthen you. AMEN.

To the fire fighters thank you for responding on time. However, it would be appreciated if you fight the fire with the right water and or chemicals where applicable.

EKO O NI BAJE!

Hiding Senator

For some weeks now, the question most people are asking is -WHERE IS IYABO?

Where could she be hiding? Why is she frustrating her trial?

The distiguished Senator of the Federal Rebuplic of Nigeria and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has refused, neglected and/or failed to appear before the Federal High Court to respond to the charges against her.

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, is the first daughter of the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obasanjo-Bello (represented by her Lawyer) sees no reason to be in court, but she is challenging the jurisdiction of the Court and at the same time, she is also praying the Court for an injunction to restrain the EFCC from ‘harassing’ her! Hmmm! Aunty Iyabo even wants the Court to QUASH the charges against her! Why? Is she above the Law?

If Mrs. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello really have nothing to hide, then she should submit herself to trial!

For the records, the EFCC is a creation of the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to fight corruption. In a bid to fight corruption, the EFCC has exposed a fraud involving N300,000,000. The right thing and most honourable thing to do is for Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello to appear in court and respond to the allegations against her! She should stop playing the victim here! Nobody is above the law.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) (and most Nigerians) Iyabo is afraid of standing trial in the face of overwhelming evidence against her over the N300 million fraud at the Federal Ministry of Health. If she is innocent as she claims, then she ought to show her face!

Question 1: Why is Aunty Iyabo hiding?

Question 2: What is Iyabo afraid of?

Question 3: How long will the hiding last?

Mothers Day!

I received this email from a friend and I thought I should share it on this blog.

This is to all Mothers, all Women aspiring to be Mothers someday!

Happy Mother's Day!

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?'

God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.

'The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'

Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.

''And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.

''Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.

''But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'

God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'

Your Heart is your Love,

Your love is your Family,

Your family is your Future,

Your future is your Destiny,

Your destiny is your Ambition,

Your ambition is your Aspiration,

Your aspiration is your Motivation,

Your motivation is your Belief,

Your belief is your Peace,

Your peace is your Target,

Your target is Heaven,

Heaven is no fun without FRIENDS