The Story of Sam And Esther – A reminder for us to appreciate our blessings! “LOVE IS ALL THAT MATTERS”

Complete Version of President Obama’s speech to the Muslim World from Cairo, Egypt

Nigeria beats France (1-0) in their first ever international friendly

Nigeria and France in an international friendly soccer game - Photo by Michael SteeleGetty Images

The first ever football meeting between France and Nigeria on the international scene was settled by a single first half goal from Belgium-based striker Joseph Akpala, who tapped in from close range to give the Super Eagles a memorable victory in Saint-Etienne. The result is likely to relieve some of the pressure on Super Eagles coach Shaibu Amodu, who was the focus of protests during last week’s disappointing draw with Ireland. Nigeria play Kenya in Abuja at the weekend in a 2010 World and Nations Cup qualifier before travelling to take on Tunisia two weeks later. France (Les Bleus), former World Cup winners, had started the match with great promise but the Super Eagles quickly showed their class on the break and defended stoutly during the second period to record a fine 1-0 success. The Super Eagles won without several first team players including Taye Taiwo, Joseph Yobo, Mickel Obi and Dickson Etuhu. Nigeria’s defence, which would go on to enjoy a relatively solid game, looked exceptionally nervous in the opening moments, allowing Karim Benzema to lob over before debutant Loic Remy smacked a shot at Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

The match was very entertaining, with chances coming at both ends as Nigeria steadied themselves after an uncertain start. Home goalkeeper Steve Mandanda made a mess of coming out to collect a through ball, allowing the impressive Ikechukwu Uche to lob the goalkeeper. Only a desperate header on the line by Sebastien Squillaci, which saw the ball hit the bar, saved les Bleus. While Uche appealed for a goal, France charged to the other end of the park and had a Benzema shot blocked by a Nigerian defender. But Nigeria’s counterattacking style was enjoying the upper hand at this stage, with Ikechukwu Uche and Peter Odemwingie outstanding. Indeed, the Lokomotiv Moscow man’s ambitious 40-yard lob only served to display his confidence, and the effort was not far away. France still posed a threat, mainly channeled through Franck Ribery and Nicolas Anelka, who would be withdrawn at half-time. The pair took it in turns to play each other in around the 30 minute mark but on both occasions the impressive Enyeama made excellent blocks.

These proved particularly crucial as Nigeria snatched the lead a matter of three minutes later. Ikechukwu Uche would be the catalyst with a strong burst down the right flank, cutting inside Patrice Evra before clattering a shot off the post via the fingertips of Mandanda. The ball bounced back off the DR Congo-born goalkeeper’s back, onto the post once again, and kindly up for Joseph Akpala, who finished easily.  Les Bleus would be kept at an arm’s length for much of the remainder of the match by the excellent Super Eagles defence. Nigeria would also have the better of the late chances in the half, Odemwingie forcing a save from Mandanda before another Uche effort flashed just wide. France were jeered off at half-time by a restless crowd and matters would only grow bleaker for the hosts after the interval. Andre-Pierre Gignac was brought on as a replacement at half-time and was the most dangerous Frenchman on the field after the break.

Courtesy – Nigeria Today Online 6-30-9

British Hostage Turns Down His Release By Hostages: Chooses to become an advocate for their cause…

British hostage Mathew Maguire, who was due to be freed by his captors Monday night as his ‘birthday gift’, has rejected the offer, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said. ”Mr Mathew Maguire has declined the gift of a release from captivity with an argument that he is now an advocate for change in the region and a honorary member of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). ”He insists that his release should only be considered when (MEND leader) Henry Okah is freed to participate in a credible peace process or has been allowed to travel for his urgent kidney surgery,” MEND said in a statement e-mailed to the media Monday night. The militants added: ”This has come as a surprise to us and we cannot forcibly eject him from our camp against his will.”

It was the first time ever that MEND will report a hostage rejecting a freedom offer. Maguire has spent about nine months in captivity since he was ‘rescued’ by MEND from pirates who abducted him, another Briton and 19 others in September last year. All the other hostages, including the other Briton – Robin Barry Hughes – have since been freed.

Courtesy – Nigeria Today 6-30-9

BIKERS IN NIGERIA (Photo of the Week)

BIKERS IN NIGERIA (Photo of the Week) submitted by O. Adaba

BIKERS IN NIGERIA - Photo of the week submitted by O. Adaba

African Feature Artist With a Unity Song – Union Africaine – Sekouba Kandia kouyate

Our feature artist is one of the best musicians from Guinea. We find the content of the song quite positive while the tune is very soothing. The effort to deliver part of the song in English is quite commendable and of course it gives the song a cross-appeal. Enjoy!

Many survived and grew up without today’s technology

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn’t get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As infants &children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.

Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and No ONE ACTUALLY DIED FROM THIS!

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren’t overweight because,

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo’s, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD’s, no surround-sound or CD’s, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms…….

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn’t had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

If  YOU are one of them CONGRATULATIONS!

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn’t it?!?

Courtesy – Gayle’s Tales

Everything a Mom says in a 24 hour period…

We have chosen to feature this version of the “Mom Song” by the Northland Church because of its well paced subtitles. It is set to the “William Tell Overature” (lyrics by Anita Renfroe). The video speaks for itself.  Enjoy!

Coming African Film takes on Women trafficking and Smuggling of African Artifacts

A soon to be released  African feature film takes on illegal trafficking of women and the smuggling of African Artifacts (out of Africa and) to Europe and America.

SPADE: THE LAST ASSIGNMENT is written and directed by Oliver Mbamara of THIS AMERICA and SLAVE WARRIOR. Below is a one minute trailer of the feature film shot both in Nigeria (Nollywood) and the United States of America.

Visit the film’s website www.Spademovie.com for details and how to get a FREE SCREENING PASS to see the entire film. Screening and Premiere will soon be announced.

LEAVE COMMENT … VIST FILM’S WEBSITE … MORE ON THE FILMMAKER

Saving Children Branded as “Witches” in Africa

CRARN Children accused of being witches and wizards, protesting outside Gov's headquarters

Even as we celebrate love, hope, and unity across the world with the dawn of the Obama era, let us remember those who may not have the voice loud enough to bring attention to their plights. Sometime ago, we brought your attention to the plight of the people of the Niger-Delta whose environment have been and continues to be polluted through gas-flaring and other oil production related activities by some of the world’s biggest and richest oil companies. (To read details and see video please scroll down)
Now, we bring you the story of thousands of children branded witches and wizards by some religious and local priests and  institutions in Africa. We wonder what could be the convincing proof for subjecting these children to instant condemnation, harm and death. Also, we wonder how many children have been mistakenly or ignorantly killed because of this belief. For the full story, please see our NOTICE BOARD

NOTE: One British charity worker is fighting to help the children stigmatised as witches.He decided to help raise money for the refuge – the Child Rights and Rehabilitation Network (Crarn) – and try to persuade the parents to take their children back. He has also helped to build a school for the children who are refused places at local schools.
“Any Christian would look at the situation that is going on here and just be absolutely outraged that they were using the teachings of Jesus Christ to exploit and abuse innocent children,” says Mr Foxcroft whose expose of what he describes as “an absolute scandal” will be screened in a Channel 4 documentary on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 9PM.

To help these children, please visit http://crarn.tripod.com/id6.html

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