Kingsley Osajie

Ozuu: A Nourishing Natural Wine from Nigeria

I can still remember how my father used to go to the farm and get this beautiful naturally flavoured wine. In English it is called Palm Wine. Palm Wine is gotten from Palm trees. This wine can be gotten from short and tall palm trees. I was raised in the village; I used to accompany my father to the farm to tap the wine. The Palm Trees are found in the farm and bush too. At that time, my father would come back from the farm and give me a keg of Palm Wine to go and sell to a local bar which was few poles away from our house. The elderly man who owns that local bar would receive the keg of Palm Wine from me; and he would ask me to test it. He does this by pouring out some quantity into a cup and he then serves it to me to drink. Then I will take it and drink. This is a customary thing to do. After this, he pays me money for the wine then I will go home and give my father the money.

Palm Wine has different names it is called in the different languages of Nigeria. In my native Ika language it is called Ozuu. Palm Wine is a VERY important wine in Nigeria. Suffice to say that palm wine is staple wine in Nigeria. For example, Palm Wine is used in marriage ceremonies in Nigeria. Even in burials too. In Truth, if a man doesn’t include Ozuu in the items he has bought for the Marriage ceremonies; the groom’s family will ask him to go and buy it. Ozuu is always an inevitable and indispensable Wine used in marriages, burials and any other celebrations in Nigeria.

A Palm Wine Tapper Atop a Tall Palm Tree

One thing that is beautiful about this Ozuu is that it does not have age limit. Anyone in any age can drink it. BUT…with one rule. Drink in moderation otherwise you will set yourself up for intoxications!! Ozuu can be drunk naturally or you can refrigerate it if you want. But to get the best taste, once it’s gotten from the farm you put the keg in a cool place. Usually hidden from direct sunlight so that it would not get hot. The only instrument needed is just a cutlass. Then your file for filing your cutlass to make it sharp.

A person who knows how to tap Ozuu can have as many heads of Palm Wine as possible. What I mean is that: you can have up to 20 or even 50 Palm Trees you are tapping wine from. As long as you can maintain your routine of going to the farm to extract the Ozuu from the Palm Tree. The routine is that, you have to wake up very early in the morning to extract the Ozuu from the Palm Tree. Then go back in the evening to tap it and clean it. Then cover it up so that overnight it can flow out for the next day. Ozuu has a good taste and can be sweet too. People usually take it in the morning to serve as an appetizer. It is also very ideal for drinking when eating. Ozuu is just an ideal wine that can be drank at any time of the day! But as with everything; it has a rule: drink in moderation. It is certainly not alcoholic any way; but your common sense should tell you not to abuse it. You know anything you abuse becomes a poison. So it is always best to do everything in decency and moderation.

A Palm Wine Tapper tapping Palm Wine from short Palm Tree

To get the wine, the matured palm trees have to be uprooted and fell down. Then you cut out some branches of the Palm Trees. It must be thoroughly cut and trimmed. Then you cut open a space from the Palm Tree. That space is where you have to be cleaning up to ensure that the Ozuu comes out from the Palm Tree. After which you MUST put a keg under the fell down Palm Tree so that as the Ozuu comes out from the Palm Tree it goes direct into the keg. Another rule to be observed is that; the space you cut open in the Palm Tree MUST be covered back with leaves and parts of the Palm Tree. If you don’t cover it, flies, air and insects gets into it. Once this happens, the Ozuu cannot flow out again. If at all it does, it will become soured.

If it is the tall palm tree you are tapping the Ozuu from, you must have to climb up the tall Palm Tree. You don’t have to fall it down. So it’s always a climbing exercise for those who taps Ozuu from the tall Palm Tree. The tapper puts a keg right there at the top of the Palm Tree. He must have it supported by a trimmed branch of the Palm Tree so that it will not fall down. As children, we did all kinds of crazy things; Lols. Whenever we’re going to the river to fetch water–during my childhood. My brother, Bright and some of our friends would walk into the farm that has the tall Palm Tree; noticing that there is a drop from up the tall Palm Tree to the ground; we would then faithfully and eagerly stay at the direction where it’s dropping down from. We do it turn by turn though. I will be the first to go since I am the youngest there, I’m given a kind of preferential treatment. So I will open up my mouth and let the drop from top of the tall Palm Tree drop into my mouth. Then my brother and the other of our friends will do same. Sometimes we could go there and open up our mouths but nothing drops into our mouths. Lol…. because of this bit of enjoyment we are always looking forward to going to the river to fetch water. It does not matter that the river is far from home. It does not matter if the sun was too hot!! Because of the drop of Palm Wine from the top of the tall Palm Tree we would zealously obey our parent to go and fetch water from the river. Beautiful memories and experiences I must say!!

I could remember one evening I was returning from school. That time I was in college. I was very thirsty. I was walking back to the hostel. Luckily I saw a man tapping wine from a palm tree in the farm near his house. He was there with his two friends. Without further ado, I walked to him and greeted them. He knew why I came….he was already serving his friends the Palm Wine; I just asked to be given. And he willingly and joyfully served me the Ozuu. Ah…it was a really beautiful experience!! The Palm Wine was fresh from the Palm tree. So very refreshing, sweet and nourishing. I felt energized and walked to the hostel with enough energy, joy, gratitude and vitality.

The Palm Tree has proven to be a Tree of abundance!! Why? Because we don’t just get wine (Ozuu) from the Palm Tree. We get broom, chaff for lighting fire, firewoods, soup, cooking oil (red oil), soap and kernels which we get creams from. The shell of the Palm kernel is also used in lighting fire as a catalyzer! The Palm kernels are taken to the industries where oil is been extracted from it which is transmuted into an ingredient used in making modern bathing soaps and creams!!

In Nigeria, family and friends usually have a get-together refreshing and entertaining themselves with this beautiful natural wine called Ozuu. Ozuu is also used during festivals to celebrate; as it has a traditional use. This wine Ozuu is also very medicinal and yes, a beautiful gift from Nature to humanity!

Friends chilling out with Palm Wine to entertain themselves

Photo Credits: All photos used in this post are from Google images

Visit https://www.goodtourcoffee.com/ for everything wine and drinks

How One Prophet Daniel Abodurin Was Eaten by Lions at the Ibadan Zoo in 1991

Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, Nigeria. The city which lies in the south-western part of Nigeria is known for its rich and fascinating cultures, lifestyle and history.

One of the most visited tourist destinations in Ibadan is the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden. It is a popular custom of many families living in Ibadan to visit the zoo during festive periods to hang out and have fun as well.

So, on a fateful (later bloody) day in the Easter season of the year 1991, visitors stormed the U.I zoo as usual to enjoy the serene environment of the enclosure and have fun seeing different animals they have only seen on screens.

Of all the animals in the zoo, the lions attract the highest number of visitors. It can even be concluded that a visit to U.I zoo without seeing the lions is not complete.

As aforementioned, on that day, everybody was at the zoo to have a nice time seeing the animals and taking pictures, except a man, a bold and daring prophet by the name Daniel Abodurin who wanted to show people the ‘work of God of Daniel‘ by walking into the lions’ cage to touch them like Daniel did in the bible without getting mauled.

Prophet Abodurin’s intention was to recreate the biblical story of a young man named Daniel who out of envy was thrown to some lions that turned out to have been mysteriously tamed. The biblical story has it that God sent down some angels to shut the mouths of the lions.

The determined Prophet Daniel Abodurin walked up to some staff of the zoo and pleaded to gain entry into the lions’ cage. No one in his or her right senses will give ears to this kind of plea, so the prophet was turned down. But after much disturbance and persuasion, the prophet’s insane wish was granted.

Another account has it that Prophet Abodurin sneaked into the lions’ cage. Sneaking or no sneaking, he eventually found his way into the cage. Many people present at the scene could not believe what their eyes were seeing, and realizing it was not a dream, they prepared their mind for the worst result.

Prophet Daniel Abodurin was clothed in a red robe and under his armpit was a big bible. As he entered the cage, he began reciting bible verses and speaking in tongues and calling unto the ‘God of Daniel’ to perform wonders.

It was gathered that he was shouting Jah, Jah, Jah which was believed to be a shortened form of Jehovah. At first, the lions retreated to a corner of their cage. Unknown to the to-be African version of Daniel, retreating is the first thing lions do when they see something unusual in their territory and later they get rid of it.

Prophet Abodurin thought his faith was really working. He moved nearer to the lions and kept chanting bible verses, then in a flash, the lions pounced on the bemused, confused and horrified prophet. A cold stream of shock ran down the spines of the terrified onlookers.

Prophet Daniel Abodurin battled for his dear life but his strength was no match for that of the hefty lions, and in a moment, he was torn into pieces and devoured. His bloody red robe laid in shreds and his bible which he had flung away at the beginning of the attack was covered in dust.

Stampede ensued in the zoo as people took to their heels after seeing such a horrible sight they will never forget in their lives.

The prophet’s remains were collected and later buried. That was how Prophet Daniel Abodurin met his bitter and horrible end. Yikes!

Source: Explore Quora

“Don’t Come To The School Again”

This Life we are living in is VERY uncertain that we can never tell what will happen in the next minutes. This is my personal experience and what ACTUALLY happened to me. Let me tell you how it all began:

I got a job in a Catholic School as a teacher (Our Lady of Apostles Nursery and Primary School, Obiaruku Delta State Nigeria). I started working in this school in 2020. When I came to the school, I was told about the Rev. Sister who is the Headmistress of the school. Actually, what the staff said about her was not really impressive, uplifting and heartwarming; but I took it to be a perspective of the people who were talking about her. You know people can say anything about someone. And I don’t believe in hearsay. By the way, the name of the Rev Sister is Rev. Sister Assumpta Kolejo.

“What if she (the Reverend Sister) was a kind person”? I told myself. In working in this school, I came to realize that the staffs there are grovellers. Not only are they grovellers; they are not united amongst themselves!! They betray each other, backbite each other. They can convey any word you speak to the Headmistress. Suffice to say that they are snitchers. That is an “informant”. Another thing I observed was that, they were bunch of pretenses. Whenever they see the Rev. Sister coming they run up and down grovelling and behaving ubiquitously obedient and dutiful. But in Truth, they are really not. (I wish not anyone to say I am judging. I am talking from my own actual experiences).

In time, I began seeing things for myself; the way she talks to us the staff without Compassion and Empathy. I began to wonder DEEP within my subconscious mind. I was like: is this Rev. Sister Assumpta Kolejo called? Because when I see the way she does things and talks it doesn’t carry humility, Compassion and Love at all. How could a Rev. Sister not have Compassion? Compassion is what Holy Mother Mary, Mother Theresa and even Jesus Christ set as an example. I thought about this and I kept it to myself. It was not heartwarming at all. Because when someone who is supposed to lead by example is consciously being unkind, heartless and tyrannical; you will understand that it’s not a good reality to live in.

There was a day she even told me that she sacks staff anyhow that was in September 2020. That day we went to the school; it was the beginning of the term. She told me that she has removed me from primary 5 to primary 3. I was begging her to let me stay in primary 5. But she told me to either take the new class she has put me or I leave the school as she sacks staff anyhow. What Mr. Chuks told me as the reason for my removal from primary to primary 3 was that the teacher who was taking primary 3 was not handling it well and that parents are complaining; that they put the teacher in primary 5 to test her ability.

The Beloved, Noble, Laudable, Influential Wise, Altruistic Blessed Mother Theresa (born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxiu) really set the example of Compassion. I also respect and recognize Holy Mother Mary; whose virtues include Compassion and Love. Holy Mother Mary shares the same position and role as Guan Yin (also known as Kwan Yin) the beautiful Bodhisattva and Goddess of Compassion. I love Guan Yin because her message is about Compassion. Compassion is what the world truly needs; as Albert Schweitzer so eloquently puts it: “until Compassion is spread to all of creation; humanity will never find Peace.” I resonate with these two Great Goddesses and Jesus Christ.

I began reading about Mother Theresa when I was in high school. My father used to buy a magazine from a local publisher. In it there is a page for inspirational quotes. I read a quote from Mother Theresa and I felt goosebumps and teary-eyed. It really INSPIRED me with a GREAT COMPASSION AND EMPATHY. I can still remember that sunny afternoon I was lying down reading the magazine. The quote was “unless Life is lived for others it is not worthwhile. A self-centered Life is totally empty.” Other quotes from Mother Theresa that has inspired me are “What you give may be a drop in an ocean but without the drop it will be incomplete.” “Love is a fruit in all seasons and it is within the reach of every hands.”

“Who is this woman”? I asked myself. So I began digging up information on Mother Theresa.

When I gave my book to the Rev. Sister Assumpta Kolejo; I begged her to recommend it for the pupils as it would be very ideal for the children. She never recommended it at all; I gave her a copy of my book. My book is a children’s book Cindy and Her Beautiful Bird. I am very sure the children would love it as it is really colourful and beautiful! But she turned it down.

In March, I had an accident in a motorcycle. I snapped my wounded foot and sent to her through WhatsApp. She did not even show any sign of sympathy and empathy. Instead she snubbed it.

On Monday 13th September, she called me to her office and told me, “When you came to this school I put you in primary 5. From primary 5 I took you to primary 3. From primary 3 I put you in primary 2. That is how I am going to be demoting you until I remove you from this school.”

On Saturday 18th September, I was down with fever. I took drugs but I was not getting better. Till Sunday, it was not even improving. It was worst on Monday morning. I called Rev. Sister and told her that I was down with fever that I would not be able to come to school that I was going to the hospital the Monday morning. The only thing she could tell me is that, I should find a way to come to school. She called me back again minutes later and told me that if I did not come to school today that I should not come to the school again. That she has terminated my appointment.

I was even begging her and telling her on phone: “Sister even when I told you I am going to the hospital you are still telling me to come to school and if I don’t come to school today I should not come to the school again. I am not pretending.” I explained apologetically. She ended the call abruptly. In Truth, it was in the middle of writing my lesson note for week 3 when I started feeling the symptoms of fever. Before she called me back, she first paged me, that’s a short call and she cut it. Then she called me back fully and told me bluntly, “Mr. Kingsley, if you don’t come to school today; don’t come to the school again.” With a very strong warning voice.

It was my mom that carried me to the hospital. I am back from the hospital and I am back home now taking my drugs and getting better and without a job.

Here are my medical records and bills

Below is the staff picture we took in our inter house sport in 2020

Me at left. The Rev. Sister Assumpta Kolejo at the middle

Me and my pupils below

Twitter Ban in Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari: A Sign of Visionless and Unpatriotic Leader!!

The invention of the internet gave rise to the invention of social media platforms all of which have become pivotal and indispensable in our day-to-day life in our modern times as it is customary of every social media platforms and organizations to have privacy policy and terms of service; Twitter was no an exception. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had made a post on Twitter which Twitter deemed unfit for their platform as Muhammadu Buhari speech post on Twitter violated Twitter policy. As usual, Twitter had to remove President Muhammadu Buhari post on Twitter. This action by Twitter infuriated Muhammadu Buhari whereby he banned Twitter in Nigeria. This event took place between 4th-5th June, 2021; the post of Muhammadu Buhari made was targeted and detrimental to the Eastern people of Nigeria who are clamouring for Independence from Nigeria as they (the Easterners of Nigeria) were marginalized…

President Muhammadu Buhari: Nigerian President:
Google Images

Nigerian President Muhammdua Buhari : Google Images

BUT…. that is not the main reason of President Muhammadu Buhari banning Twitter in Nigeria. Because Twitter was a platform that was used during the EndSars Protest in 2020. President Muhammadu Buhari knew that Twitter played a very VITAL role in helping Nigerian youths to fight for the EndSars protests. In fact, Twitter went ahead to donate funds to help the Nigerian youths to carry-on with the protests. Fundraisers were all began to keep the momentum of the EndSars Protests. Through the help of Twitter, foreign aids came in the form of financial assistance to keep the EndSars Protests going. It was a really TERRIBLE situation during the EndSars Protests in Nigeria.

Muhammadu Buhari: Twitter deletes Nigerian leader’s ‘civil war’ post

Twitter has removed a post by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari for violating its rules.

The tweet referred to the 1967-70 Nigerian Civil War and to treating “those misbehaving today” in “the language they will understand”.

It follows a recent spate of attacks on offices, mainly in the south-east, blamed on regional secessionists.

President Muhammadu Tweet:

“Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.”

Nigeria’s information minister called Twitter’s move unfair, labelling it “double standards”.

I know you want to ask, what is EndSars Protest? Why were the Nigerian youths protesting for EndSars? Now, let me explain to you how the EndSars Protest began. It all boils down to HOW BAD Nigeria has become!!! Before I go further into the Twitter ban in Nigeria. Let me tell you about the EndSars protest that happened in Nigeria in 2020.

The Cause of the EndSars Protest in Nigeria 2020 End SARS campaign

Efforts to ban SARS increased in October 2020 after a SARS police officer shot a young Nigerian man in front of the Wetland Hotel in Ughelli, Delta State. Video of the incident trended on social media, leading to nationwide protests within a few days. The protests quickly expanded from an online hashtag to widespread street protests in days. Popular Nigerian Twitter influencers Rinnu, FK, Kelvin Odanz, Dr. Dipo Awojide, and several others quickly joined in raising awareness of the protests, which gave End SARS protestors added weight and support. You can read about the EndSARS history here.

Peaceful #EndSARS protestors in Abuja, the nation’s capital, were attacked, beaten, and chased away by federal police officers, but protestors returned as they took the protests to the Police Force Headquarters.

Several reports on international news outlets, including BBC Africa and Al-Jazeera, showed federal police tear-gassing protestors, shooting live ammunition, and using water cannons on them.

On 9 October in Ogbomosho in Oyo State, a protestor named Jimoh Isiaq was shot dead by police officers while participating in the #EndSARS protests. His death at the hands of police officers further increased the anger nationwide as he became a martyr for protesters. Several hashtags, including #EndPoliceBrutality and #RememberJimoh, trended on Twitter. On 10 October, a police station in Ijebu-Ode, South-Western Nigeria, was attacked by protestors angry over the death of Jimoh Isiaq and several others who had died at the hands of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

EndSARS Protester in Lagos, Nigeria: Google Images

In Lagos, protestors marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly to demand an end to SARS. The following morning, an emergency session of the Lagos House of Assembly was held as lawmakers allowed some protestors into the building to observe proceedings. A motion was passed and agreed on by legislators who voted in favour of the protestors to end the rogue police unit SARS and sent the recommendations of the House to the Federal Government.

On 11 October, the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu announced the disbandment of SARS on live television and said a new tactical team would be unveiled shortly.

However, protests continued as Nigerians believed the announcement was just “audio talk” (Nigerian slang used to describe something that is said but not implemented). The new hashtags #EndSWAT and #SARSMUSTEND went international as protestors called for the new unit to be scrapped as they thought several members of the defunct SARS would be integrated into the new unit.

Back in Southern Nigeria, the Rivers State government unconstitutionally placed a ban on all forms of protests in the oil-rich state, asking police to arrest any defaulters. However, on 13 October, EndSARS protestors marched in defiance of the ban, all the way up to the State Government House, where the governor resides.

In Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, protestors marched asking for an end to police brutality and the disbandment of SARS. In Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Benin City, Edo State, thousands of Nigerian youths marched in solidarity asking the government to end police brutality. In Benin City, police tear-gassed protestors and arrested some and charged them with treason and attempted murder. However, according to reports on Twitter and media websites, they were later released after the Attorney-General of the State asked the Police Commissioner to let them go, although arrested protestors were asked to come with a surety to sign on their behalf before they would be released.

The End SARS protests were largely decentralized with no actual leaders, though there were protest organizers in several cities who created WhatsApp groups, fundraised, and supplied protestors on the ground with food, medicine, and other supplies. Legal services were acquired and doctors were deployed on ground to administer first aid to protestors. Protestors had access to ambulance services obtained with funds donated by people in Nigeria and abroad including donations via bitcoin and lawyers went from city to city providing arrested protestors with representation and facilitating bails.

As the protests gained more momentum and exposure in Abuja, protestors returned in the thousands to the Police Headquarters and once again were shot at with water cannons and live ammunition.

Popular Twitter activist Aisha Yesufu was reportedly beaten by male police officers, and her car was damaged by police trucks chasing protestors in the streets of Abuja. Politicians and top government officials kept silent including presidential hopeful Bola Tinubu in Lagos, as police officers in Surulere shot and killed several protestors. Several young people were injured and their cars damaged, while others were brutalized by police officers in police stations.

In total, eight people including a 10-year-old boy were killed in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, by police bullets while at least three were shot dead in Lagos—including an auto mechanic who was not part of the protests but was killed by a SARS officer in Lagos.

On 16 October, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey revealed a new #ENDSARS emoji on Twitter that carries the colors of the Nigerian flag that is added to tweets whenever the hashtag #EndSARS is used as a sign of support for Nigerian protestors. On the same day, after a week and a half of widespread national protests, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in a series of Twitter posts told Nigerians he chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT to set up judicial panels of inquiry, “so [they] can see justice served, and fast”. His statements came as protestors occupied streets and remained defiant until their demands are implemented.

On 18 October 2020, the Nigerian Army announced its annual training exercise “Operation Crocodile Smile VI”, a program which included a cyber warfare exercise component that sought to identify, track, and counter “negative comments on social media across the country”.^[42]^[43] The operation also sought to confiscate arms and ammunition that had been used in violent crimes that escalated during the protests.

In the Lekki Massacre on the night of 20 October 2020, Nigerian Armed Forces shot at End SARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, Nigeria. The number of casualties is disputed, with witnesses and Amnesty International saying several people were shot dead while Nigerian authorities claim there were no fatalities but that 25 people were wounded.

Indeed, the International Community actually condemned the twitter ban in Nigeria by the Nigerian government. Worse yet, the ban of Twitter in Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari has really affected Nigeria’s economy!! Twitter said it chose Ghana because it is “a champion for democracy, a supporter of free speech, online freedom, and the Open Internet”.

“Pyrrhic Victory…”

Olu Fasan described the Twitter ban by President Muhammadu Buhari as: Pyrrhic victory: Nigeria will pay for its punitive Treatment of Twitter.

“Surely, only an anti-intellectual government that belittles education and the diffusion of ideas would ban the use of Twitter. Alas, the Buhari government did!” Olu Fasan

Olu Fasan also shared his own view on the Twitter ban President Muhammadu Buhari

Besides, if Twitter had not “insulted” Buhari by deleting his offensive tweet, the Federal Government wouldn’t have asked it to be incorporated in Nigeria.

Indeed, after Twitter’s choice of Ghana as its Africa HQ, the Minister of Information merely regretted the decision, while adding: “I think Twitter has the prerogative and exclusive right as to where to site its headquarters”. At no point was any provision of CAMA 2020 invoked or the need for Twitter to meet any operating condition mentioned. This makes the Federal Government’s conditions for lifting the Twitter ban an afterthought and a punitive measure.

But it’s self-defeating, in a globalised world, for an economically fragile country like Nigeria to treat global corporate giants like Twitter with hostility; that signals to foreign investors that the country is not open for business. Let’s face it, the world is shunning Nigeria; it’s not beating its path to Nigeria’s door!

Last week, a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, showed that Nigeria only received $3bn out of the $75bn foreign direct investment that came to Africa between 2015 and 2019. That’s just four per cent! The same report said FDI flows to Nigeria decreased by 48.5 per cent in 2020, compared to 2019. Nigeria simply repels foreign investors.

“…Nigeria will pay for its punitive Treatment of Twitter.” Olu Fasan

But why? Well, Nigeria has poor investment climate and negative investment image. Sadly, government’s heavy-handed treatment of Twitter will inevitably worsen both.

The ABUSE of Church and Religion in Africa!!! (Nigeria as a case study)

It is fully well known that Christianity is a foreign culture. Christianity never existed in Africa before the coming of the Europeans. It was during the colonial era that the Europeans brought in the Christian religion to Africa. Today Africa is predominantly a Continent known for being a Christendom. Suffice to say that Africa has the highest number of Churches. But when it comes to economic development, industries high GDP, high export rate; Africa has very little or nothing to be placed alongside other countries.

Have you also noticed that Africa has the MOST RELIGIOUS leaders in the world? Oh, don’t even get me started with the religious Africans!! The most religious people in the world are Africans!!! Let me give you an example. I will use Nigeria as a case study as it is the most populous Black country in the world and parades itself as the “Giant of Africa”. You might want to wonder; Giant of Africa….yes. BUT…the Truth is: Giant in what sense? Giant in what way?

The Simple and Honest Answer about Nigeria being the Giant of Africa:

Giant in corruption, Giant in bad leadership Giant in poverty, Giant in backwardness, Giant in embezzlement, looting of public funds, Giant in visionless, gullible, groveling, Inferiority Complex-coated leaders, Giant in mentally enslaved leaders. Giant in hate amongst themselves, Giant in producing nothing, Giant in importing foods, matches box, razor, pin, biro, fuel, eraser, pencil and everything you can think of. Giant in owing doctors and teachers salaries, Giant in high rate of unemployment, Giant in blackouts, Giant of a lawless country, Giant of a country that is very notorious in the international community, Giant of hypocrisy, Giant in valuing cows more than human beings. Nigeria occupies a Frontline in the list of most corrupt countries in the world and the least in developed countries.

In Nigeria, after voting and elections. The elected politicians go to Church to give “Thanksgiving” to “God” for their “successful and victorious” election. Now, one would ask, since the Nigerian leaders are VERY religious. Why cannot they lead according to the teachings of the Bible? If you notice, you will see countries that are mostly Atheistic; being more developed than Nigeria. The question is why is it like this? The countries where Bible and Church are paraded are lacking behind!!! The countries where there is very little or no believe in God, Bible and Church are doing very well and being the epitome of an ideal way of living. What is the cause of this? I have addressed the reason for this in my previous post.

The Bible, Church and Religion has been well ABUSED in Africa and Nigeria. I am a Nigerian so I’m writing from actual experiences. Religion has become a form of brainwashing, colonialism and discord. Religion has destroyed many marriages. It does not stop there. Religion is now putting boundaries and disunity among family members. People now worship “Pastors” AKA “Men of God.” For example, the Deeper Life Church has always condemned electronic equipment, jewelries and fashion as evil and “Worldly”. But today they are using the internet to broadcast their Gospel. They also use social media and electronic equipment to print and distribute their magazines. Do you think this kind of Church is actually authentic?

It is SO sad that Churches now focus on money, money, money. Prosperity Gospel. Instead of teaching members about personal development, enlightenment, spiritual formulas and befriending their Higher Selves, Angels and the Universe! Don’t even get me started with the “Man of God” who is under investigation for preaching about miracle bank alert. The same man of God in question has been scolded and cautioned by his fellow Man of God about his miracle money harvest and behaviours.

Who is this man of God in question? He is no other person than Apostle Johnson Suleman. He was the man of God who said that COVID19 should not end in the year 2020 during the COVID lockdown. In my previous post I have also talked about the fact that religion is another way for colonizing and brainwashing people . It sounds so harsh and cray but it is a very bitter truth!!! I also shared an experience of what a Woman of God said to someone who came to her church.

In my next blogpost I shall share with you a life story about another ABUSE of church and religion.

Until next time, EMBRACE SPIRITUALITY and COMPASSION

What do you do when you’ve got no energy left?

Living in this 3D is WORK!!! The density and lowness of this Earth with the lower consciousness is enough to drain our energy and knock us down. The bitter truth is that we cannot always be in a higher vibrations because we live in a lower realm!!! (though it is disappointing to see how many so-called law of attraction experts have been misleading people with a peachy-keen theory of the law of attraction. But I wish it was so. Remember the old saying that if wishes were horse even beggars would ride!! We are like “phone” we need constant charging to be alive and active–if we are to experience a positive life momentum (better reality).

In my previous post, I talked about positive affirmations to help us raise our vibrations and reprogram our subconscious mind. Today, I will share with us what to do when we ave no energy left. This post I am sharing with you today is from Abby Wynne. Abby Wynne is among the spiritual teachers whom I consider to be authentic. I have proof of what I am talking about; I have been following Abby Wynne blog posts for 5 years. And I have also worked with Abby Wynne in 2018 for a healing session.

Without further ado, here is the post from Abby Wynne.

What do you do when you’ve got no energy left?

What do you do when you’ve got no energy left? When you really want to believe that it’s going to be over soon, but deep down inside you know it won’t be?

Play jazz. Loud.

Dance.

Go for a walk.

Paint a picture.

Meet a friend, actually meet them, face to face, for a catch up. A proper one, where you talk about real things, not just roads and weather.

Listen to a podcast about a poem that you never understood.

Look your dog in the eye and forgive him for everything.

Hold your children tight and kiss them all over their faces.

Buy takeaway for dinner. More than once.

Drink wine.

Laugh.

Watch shitty TV. But not the news

Stretch.

Don’t make yourself feel guilty for not doing the thing you said you were going to do.

Don’t talk to your family if you don’t feel like it or don’t want to.

Get in your car and drive somewhere beautiful.

Sing.

Spend an hour looking at a flower.

Plant some seeds.

Don’t try to make them understand.

Buy a book about something that you’ve always wanted to learn. And maybe you will read it.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself surrounded by angels, then open your heart to them and feel them there, really, really feel them, and know you are not alone.

Hold a crystal in your hand and give it all the tension you’re carrying.

Drink hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows.

Cry.

Play computer games.

Scream at God and throw stones.

Have a hot bath.

Book a massage and turn up and pay attention to their hands on your body then give them a big tip if they were good.

Get your nails done.

Try a hair treatment.

Get Reiki.

Drink tea.

Breathe.

All of these things you can do.

So go do them, or others similar.

But above all, don’t forget to breathe.

Then…..

pull yourself into yourself,

draw yourself down and deeply into your body,

that body that’s working so hard for you, yes that one, the one that you think you dislike most of the time. It’s waiting for your love. Give it some. It will thank you for it.

Remember who you are.

Shine outwards, shine your light. Be yourself completely.

Don’t apologise for that.

Don’t hide yourself any more.

We need you now, it’s time.

You have waited many lifetimes for this moment.

And now it’s here.

Say out loud:

I claim my space in the world

I am worthy

I forgive myself completely

I give myself permission to shine

And then do it.

Become the lighthouse.

Grow taller.

Expand outwards

Take up that space that is your birthright.

Root rocky foundations deep into Earth,

stretch arms out wide and touch the sky,

touch other planets,

touch yourself,

your heart.

Don’t worry about being disliked. You already are.

Don’t worry about being liked, you already are.

You will never please all of them, so stop trying to.

And you will find,

over a few days,

your energy levels will increase,

because you have come home to yourself.

Nobody can send you away,

except for you, of course.

So from this day forward promise yourself,

you will never, EVER, do that to yourself again.

And as the lighthouse, you are a beacon in the dark.

You shine.

This is what you were made for and you know it.

Turn on and shine on. Now.

And know your light reaches others who shine alongside you,

and they shine all the brighter because you shine with them.

And you shine brighter because of them.

Together we amplify.

On my own, I have found this post from Abby Wynne to be empowering, practical, helpful and inspiring; hence I decided to share. Yes, I have the permission from Abby Wynne to publish this blog post on my blog.

Photo Credits: Pictures of Phones and laptop charging are from Google images. Pictures with affirmations and person arrayed in light are from Facebook

Water! (Mni Wiconi)

The entire world is carried by Water. More than 50% of the world is covered by Water. Water is a very powerful element; hence the Chinese say that the most powerful thing on Earth is water because it is soft, fluid and able to penetrate anything. It even wears away rock. Apart from my experience with the rain; spending Spending time in nature especially in surroundings as seen in the picture below is an ample way of raising our vibration and stepping into more positive life momentum. I can assure you that the water has a very higher consciousness and vibration.

Water is very mysterious: just look how magical the water is; soft yet powerful. Can penetrate any place. I do go for some healing bath in the river. It is always refreshing. There was a day I went to the river. It was very lonely and quiet; I felt an usual peace and joy within me. In fact, I LOATHED going back home that day. Bathing in the river that day was actually extraordinarily refreshing, heartwarming, blissful and rejuvenating.

So as I was saying… there is something I have come to realize about Water. Being one who is very connected to the Water world; I intuitively began to feel a deeper connection with the rain; so whenever I am in the rain I don’t shiver with cold. Rather, I smile to the rain and I embrace the rain, the wetness and I let it drench me wholly: nourishing my body, mind and spirit. It is really refreshing and rejuvenating. As I type this blog I’m lying in my bed and it’s raining heavily and I can hear the thunder roaring. It is such a beautiful day.

Another thing I have found out for myself is that: if you resist the rain with the feeling of “Arrhh…it is cold. I am feeling cold.” You become cold. But if you embrace the rain with joy, gratitude, mindfulness, levity and love–you feel warmth, blessed, protected, healed and rejuvenated.

Without further ado, here is the video of Water presented by the Dine Navajo, Woman Stand Shining: Pat McCabe. To me, Dine Navajo (Pat McCabe) is a Goddess on her own right and a Woman of Substance.

(Dine Navajo: Pat McCabe: Woman Stand Shining)

Yes, Mni Wiconi. I hope you enjoy the video. I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions about the video.

Speaking to the Water by Pat McCabe: Dine Navajo; Woman Standing Shining

Not Just About Light And Love! Let Us Talk About Darkness!

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness…” Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

When discussing with people especially in the Spiritual Communities; we hear words such as sending you Light and Love, Namaste, etc. I want to ask you a question: do you believe or aware that dark energies/negative energies can be sent to someone? Do you even believe that there are things such as spells, witchcraft activities, hexes, ancestral negative contract, foundational forces, jinxes, enchantment, psychic attacks….? That is why I am addressing this issue in this blog post. Because it is not just about Light and Love: Let Us also talk about Darkness!

Unfortunately, many people in the path of spirituality and some spiritual teachers just present or paint Life here on earth as a peachy-keen-thing. They present it as one-way thing. But it is not always so….once you have began experiencing spiritual awakening and embark on a spiritual journey you will discover a lot. When I was a Jehovah’s Witness we were told that such things do not exist. But deep inside me I knew that they existed!! No, it is not superstitious belief!

This what Laibl Wolf said: “The world that our eyes see and other senses perceived is an elaborate façade, behind which lies the spiritual strings that hold the world of matter and energy intact.” Zoroaster also shared his view on it. “There is one God, and a continuous struggle between the forces of light and darkness.” It may sound crazy; BUT….I cannot help but tell you the TRUTH. There are always Greater Invisible Energies at play in determining the outcome of our lives. These Greater Invisible Energies can be those of Light Realms (Angels, Spirit Guides of Light and Love) or those of Dark Realms (Negative Entities, Demons, etc) just as Zoroaster has said it well.

To quote Dr. John Hagelin: “When we look around us, even at our own bodies, what we see is the tip of the iceberg.” And the Dine Navajo Pat McCabe said it too that, “there are so much magic and mystery all around us if we have the eyes to see it…” Even the Bible also mentioned a wrestling we have against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.

I want to share an experience from Kathy J. Forti (her own personal experience) “In the last few weeks, I have encountered several highly intuitive healers all tell me that they feel they are under some kind of psychic attack from something or someone trying to prevent the Light work they are doing. No, they’re probably not imagining it, which is why I think this is an important issue.

“While the entire Cosmos is being flooded with increased radiant light to facilitate man’s awakening, dark forces are working overtime to prevent and subvert this very process from happening in any way possible.” Kathy J. Forti

To start, sometimes the psychic attack comes from someone we know, perhaps even a friend or family member. It may be intentional or unintentional. They are angry with you. What they feel and think forms a thought entity. Whether consciously or unconsciously, this thought form can bombard you with powerful negative energy which can affect your etheric physical body, your emotional astral body, your mental body, and your spirit.

Since I have experienced this from a former colleague I had to sever all ties to, I know what this can feel like when psychic retaliation is suddenly turned on you. Thinking positive thoughts is simply not enough. The former colleague I referred to was one of those individuals who wouldn’t let go and, unfortunately, suffered a strange accident where they sustained severe ligament injury. Karma works in mysterious ways and there are repercussions.” (Deflecting Psychic Attacks, Empowering One’s Light by Kathy J. Forti).

Mary Kurus also shares eye-opening points—for those who see Law of Attraction as the be all and end all of reality creation. It is time for you to start learning and stretching your mind. There is more than meet the eyes!! Disappointingly, there are many so-called Law of Attraction Teacher and so-called Spiritual Teachers who ALWAYS present Law of Attraction as the Alpha and Omega in creating our reality. I hope you learn somethings from the points below from Mary Kurus.

Psychic Attacks and Dark Negative Energies

Psychic attacks are defined as the manipulation of supernatural energies and forces. Psychic attacks occur when dark and negative energetic vibrations are sent from one individual to another individual or place creating disturbances in the energetic and physical bodies of the person or place. This negative energy can be called a spirit, an entity, a thought form or a dark negative energy. Each of these energies can create harmful effects within the person receiving them.

Not everything that’s considered difficult in a person’s life is the result of a psychic attack, but psychic attacks do happen and they happen more often today than ever before. You will hear some people say that negative energies and psychic attacks don’t exist and cannot happen if you don’t believe in them or give them energy by paying attention to them. This is not true. Problems can and do happen as a result of negative energies and psychic attacks. Recently mothers have contacted me about their teenagers who are practicing bits of black magic wanting to know how to help their children. There are disadvantages as well as advantages to Harry Potter. (Identifying and Removing Psychic Attacks by Mary Kurus; www.mkprojects.com)

Ancient Societies and Psychic Attacks

Societies from ancient times to the present have worked with psychic attacks and dark negative energies. The African and Haitian people practice voodoo and black magic. North American and European cultures practice black magic and witchcraft. Indian, Chinese and South American tribes have similar practices. Australian Aboriginals practice something called “pointing the bone”. Similar practices are recorded from ancient times and continue to be practiced today in all societies. In medieval times they burned people for practicing witchcraft.

Psychic Attacks -What Are They?

Psychic attacks involve the manipulation and movement of different types of dark energies, entities and spirits. They involve the transferring of dark and negative energies into someone’s physical and/or energetic bodies. Some of the dark energies and entities that find their way into physical and energetic bodies, and homes are sent without awareness, even though they are sent by humans. Others are sent intentionally to create harm and damage, often to control, manipulate or punish the individual. They can involve ritualistic techniques or ceremonies or use the psychic powers of the mind or a combination of both.

Auras are weakened by repressed emotions, negative emotions, through the regular use of drugs and alcohol, through smoking and a variety of diseases. The physical presence of fungus, parasites, worms, or metal, chemical or atomic poisons can seriously weaken an aura. Therefore the care and protection of your energetic body is as important as the physical body so you can repel psychic attacks and stay strong and healthy.

Intentional Psychic Attacks, Spells, Curses, Voodoo, Witchcraft

The dark and negative energies sent intentionally by others are called psychic attacks and can seriously affect humans and animals at a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. Psychic attacks can include spells, voodoo, mantras, invocations, negative energy rays, or other types of black magic. They attack psyches and can produce debilitating effects on the overall health and energy level of the affected person. Psychic attacks can also be sent unintentionally by someone who has the ability to send these but is not aware that they have this ability.

Dark Spirits and Entities

There are dark spirits and entities that can move into physical bodies and auras affecting what people think, speak, do, desire, and feel. The human who is invaded by these spirits or entities can take on the physical attributes, illnesses and behavior of the spirit or entity occupying the person to such a degree that there appears to be a complete personality change.

Negative Thought Forms

Another major type of dark negative energy that can be sent to others is through negative thinking, anger, wishing harm to others, jealousy, animosity, seeking revenge, vindictiveness, or other forms of thought that are based in anger, rage and fear. These are called thought forms and they can be lodged in a person’s body or various layers of their auras causing a wide range of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual difficulties.

Degrees of Strength of Psychic Attacks

Psychic attacks and other dark negative energies, entities and spirits can have a wide range of effect from low to medium to high. The symptoms or changes in health or behavior can also range from low to medium to high. Not all health problems or behavior changes are caused by psychic attacks since there can be so many causes for the same symptoms. Confusion often exists when other physical and emotional difficulties are present in an individual’s life. It’s important to carefully assess all possible sources for the difficulties including physical factors, energetic factors and emotional factors.

Can We Draw Dark Energies To Ourselves?

We definitely can draw dark energies, entities and spirits into ourselves without any influence whatsoever from external sources. Prolonged states of anger, rage, resentments, bitterness, vindictiveness, and many types of fears, will draw and attract these negative energies. It’s normal to get angry or fearful when things happen in our lives. These occurrences do not draw the dark side in to us. It’s the long-term and prolonged states that set up the energetic attraction. Ongoing repressed negative emotions can eventually turn into a certain type of entity.

Violence of all types, physical, emotional and mental is a very powerful draw for negative and dark types of energies. The regular use of drugs and alcohol also draws these types of energies. Now one glass of wine is a social habit and does not affect our energy fields. However, when we become drunk, be it from alcohol or drugs, our auras becoming weakened substantially and negative invaders are attracted to the energy set up by this state. Smoking also greatly weakens the energy field and leaves us very vulnerable to negative influences.

Symptoms of Psychic Attacks and Dark Energies

There are many different symptoms that can indicate negative and dark psychic energies, spirits or entities.

Suddenly acting totally out of character
Major changes in behavior for no reason
A loss of memory
Major changes in clarity of thinking or analytical ability
Sudden ongoing fatigue for no apparent reason
A drained feeling
Icy cold feeling on part or all of your body
Hearing someone’s voice regularly
Hearing voices
Recurrent or frequent nightmares
Strange or recurring accidents
Feeling someone is watching you
A discomfort or fear in a specific room or area in your home or office
A loss of self-confidence
A sudden loss of energy
Sudden illnesses that elude diagnosis
Imagining monsters, animals or frightening shadows
Sudden depression without an apparent cause
Seeming ongoing bad luck
Visions or hallucinations
Irrational fear, anger or sorrow
A negative obsessive thought, desire or fetish that won’t go away

How Do You Pick Up Negative Energies, Entities and Dark Energies?

Negative entities, spirits, and dark energies can be picked up almost anywhere where negative people, emotions or thoughts exist. They are drawn to negatives. Therefore you can pick these up at meetings, in stores, at any type of gathering, or in your own home. At times when individuals have suffered prolonged pain in a certain place, the energies of this pain can remain there even though a person has left that place.

Negative entities, spirits and dark energies are strongly drawn to individuals who use drugs and alcohol. When people get stoned, their auras get weak and these negative entities and energies can easily penetrate into a person’s aura or body. Humans are quite defenseless when they are stoned.

Smoking cigarettes or any other type of drug seriously weakens an individual’s aura making them quite vulnerable to the entry of negative entities, spirits, and dark energies. Smoking eventually creates holes in an individual’s aura so that their vital energy can seep out making them feel fatigued as well as making them vulnerable to negative energies.

Negative energies can be absorbed or can attach themselves to objects during the process of being made or by resting somewhere where negative energies exist. If you have the opportunity, ask an experienced antique dealer to tell you some of their stories about negative energies in antique furniture.

Negative energies can attach themselves to an object when it’s being made or just by where it lives. These can be very difficult to eliminate. This past Christmas I received a gift of a small box as gift given in love. One day as I was checking my desk I realized that negative energies were attached to this little box. They had attached themselves from dark energies in the store they were sold from. I placed the box in the sun but that was not sufficient to clear the box. I then washed it thoroughly with soap and water and then placed it in the sun again and that finally cleared the box. It is much more difficult to clear old energies from antique pieces.

Sex and Negative Energies, Entities and Spirits

It’s important to look at sex as an exchange of energies, entities and potential vulnerability rather than from a moral perspective. When you have sex with another human being you absorb their very essence mixing it with your own essence. You literally absorb their good stuff as well as their bad stuff.

If you have sex with someone who has negative energies, entities or spirits, it is almost guaranteed that some of this negative energy will be transferred into your body and/or aura through the physical act of sex. It’s very important to ensure you want to absorb the very essence and energetic elements of the other person before having sex with that person. The more sex partners you have, ensures the greater diffusion of your own very special essence. It amounts to not being quite yourself anymore.

“A client told me the story of her father who had an affair with a neighbor who happened to be a Wicca witch. This lady conducted many ceremonies and cast many spells. After a period of time, this man, his wife and their children were all invaded by negative energies and entities. Be careful of the company you keep.” (Identifying and Removing Psychic Attacks by Mary Kurus; www.mkprojects.com)

In my next post I will share my own personal experience with you.

Photo Credits: All pictures were sourced through Google Images.

Positive Affirmations to Raise Your Vibration and Reprogram Your Subconscious Mind

In my previous post, I have talked about raising our vibrations using the Kwan Yin Mantra. We all know what affirmations are. So, today I felt I should share with us affirmations. I hope that these affirmations help you to raise your vibration, reprogram your subconscious mind and set the tone for a positive life momentum for YOU!!! On my own, I have found these affirmations to be very useful and practical.

You are worthy

The first affirmation below is from Kelly Howell.

The founder of Brain Sync.

All of who you are

You deserve love, joy, guidance, fulfillment of dreams

You are loved beyond your imaginations

Embody the fulfillment of your desires

And they will be transformed from dreams into reality

Allow this truth to permeate your inner self

All deep within you as a vibrant, resilient energy that inspires to take action

And draws to you the very things you want

Kelly Howell

The next affirmation is from Sherold Barr. You can rephrase the affirmations to make it more personal

Now is your time

It is your time to make your dream come true

You are a conscious co-creator of your life

With your Divine Right, ask for what you want and live your dreams

You are the designer of your destiny

You were born to be all that you can be

You are a Powerful Force of Nature

You are worthy of your Divine destiny

Of abundance, light, love

You have the Power of your thoughts, words and action to command your future life experience into existence

Your Creator gave you unique gifts and talents to use in this Lifetime

You are here to share your gifts

And to help make great change in the world

You can do this

Sherold Barr

Affirmation is a level of Faith and it has the capacity to set the tone for a positive life momentum for you. Remember, your word is your wand as Florence Scovel Shinn eloquently said it. From my own personal experience; I have actually seen the power of positive affirmations. It happened to me in 2015; at that time I was not really aware about the Law of Attraction: though I would honestly say that we all are practicing Law of Attraction unconsciously.

“Positive affirmations are like light shining through the darkness, replacing despair with hope.” Tana Hoy

Facts About Positive Affirmations

“All physical reality is made up of vibrations of energy. Your thoughts too are vibrations of energy. This is not a concept or theory, but rather the startling new reality that quantum physics now reveals to us. Your thoughts have a powerful influence; they affect what happens to you.” Learn Mind Power

“Every time you think a thought, you send out that thought’s specific vibration. If a thought makes you feel good, if it’s a “positive” thought, it is vibrating at a higher frequency. If a thought makes you feel bad, if it’s a “negative” thought, it’s vibrating at a lower frequency. So, “I hate you” has a much lower frequency than “I love you” Deliberate Receiving

These positive affirmations are for when you’re nervous and afraid. They are from the site Prolific Living:

When you feel insignificant:

I am a unique child of this world.

I have as much brightness to offer the world as the next person.

I matter and what I have to offer this world also matters.

I may be one in 7 billion but I am also one in 7 billion.

When you are nervous or afraid:

I trust my inner wisdom and intuition.

I breathe in calmness and breathe out nervousness.

This situation works out for my highest good.

Wonderful things unfold before me.

From the site Creative Affirmations, here are some of their excellent positive self-affirmations:

I radiate love and joy to all I meet.

I am whole, complete and perfect just as I am, right where I am at.

I am more than capable of bringing my dreams to life.

I release all negativity that is blocking the divine expression of who I am.

I am safe. There is Divine protection surrounding me.

From Dr. Carmen Harra, who wrote these inspiring positive affirmations in Huffington Post, which I am sharing with you because of their beauty that can easily touch your soul:

I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.

Today, I am brimming with energy and overflowing with joy.

My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.

I have been given endless talents which I begin to utilize today.

I forgive those who have harmed me in my past and peacefully detach from them.

A river of compassion washes away my anger and replaces it with love.

I am guided in my every step by Spirit who leads me towards what I must know and do.

Creative energy surges through me and leads me to new and brilliant ideas.

My fears of tomorrow are simply melting away.

From Farnoosh Brock of Prolific Living I am sharing with you:

100 Positive Affirmations to Carry You Through Life

When you feel lonely and sad:

1. I feel the love of those who are not physically around me.
2. I take pleasure in my own solitude.
3.I am too big a gift to this world to feel self-pity.
4. I love and approve of myself all round

When you feel terrified (without your safety being in danger)

5. I focus on breathing and grounding myself.
6. Following my intuition and my heart keeps me safe and sound.
7. I make the right choices every time.
8. I draw from my inner strength and light.
9. I trust myself.

When you are angry

18. I forgive myself for all the mistakes I have made.
19. I let go of my anger so I can see clearly.
20. I accept responsibility if my anger has hurt anyone.
21. I replace my anger with understanding and compassion.
22. I offer an apology to those affected by my anger.

When you feel hopeless and at the end of your rope

23. I may not understand the good in this situation but it is there.
24. I muster up more hope and courage from deep inside me.
25. I choose to find hopeful and optimistic ways to look at this.
26. I kindly ask for help and guidance if I cannot see a better way.
27. I refuse to give up because I haven’t tried all possible ways.

When you feel conflicted about a decision

28. I know my wisdom guides me to the right decision.
29. I trust myself to make the best decision for me.
30. I receive all feedback with kindness but make the final call myself.
31. I listen lovingly to this inner conflict and reflect on it until I get to peace around it.
32. I love my family even if they do not understand me completely.
33. I show my family how much I love them in all the verbal and non-verbal ways I can.
34. There is a good reason I was paired with this perfect family.
35. I choose to see my family as a gift.
36. I am a better person from the hardship that I’ve gone through with my family.

When you are among friends

37. I choose friends who approve of me and love me.
38. I surround myself with people who treat me well.
39. I take the time to show my friends that I care about them.
40. My friends do not judge me, nor do they influence what I do with my life.
41. I take great pleasure in my friends, even if we disagree or live different lives.

When you are around strangers

42. I am beautiful and smart and that’s how everyone sees me.
43. I take comfort in the fact that I can always leave this situation.
44. I never know what amazing incredible person I will meet next.
45. The company of strangers teaches me more about my own likes and dislikes.

When you are at work

46. I am doing work that I enjoy and find fulfilling.
47. I play a big role in my own career success.
48. I ask for and do meaningful, wonderful and rewarding work.
49. I engage in work that impacts this world positively.
50. I believe in my ability to change the world with the work that I do.

When you can’t sleep

51. Peaceful sleep awaits me in dreamland.
52. I let go of all the false stories I make up in my head.
53. I release my mind of thought until the morning.
54. I embrace the peace and quiet of the night.
55. I sleep soundly and deeply and beautifully into this night.

When you don’t want to face the day

56. This day brings me nothing but joy.
57. Today will be a gorgeous day to remember.
58. My thoughts are my reality so I think up a bright new day.
59. I fill my day with hope and face it with joy.
60. I choose to fully participate in my day.

When you worry about your future

61. I let go of worries that drain my energy.
62. I make smart, calculated plans for my future.
63. I am a money magnet and attract wealth and abundance.
64. I am in complete charge of planning for my future.
65. I trust in my own ability to provide well for my family.

When you can’t get your loved ones to support your dreams

66. I follow my dreams no matter what.
67. I show compassion in helping my loved ones understand my dreams.
68. I ask my loved ones to support my dreams.
69. I answer questions about my dreams without getting defensive.
70. My loved ones love me even without fully grappling with my dreams.
71. I accept everyone as they are and continue on with pursuing my dream.

When you come face to face with a problem

72. I am safe and sound. All is well.
73. Everything works out for my highest good.
74. There is a great reason this is unfolding before me now.
75. I have the smarts and the ability to get through this.
76. All my problems have a solution.

When you want to do more with your life but feel stuck

77. I attempt all – not some – possible ways to get unstuck.
78. I seek a new way of thinking about this situation.
79. The answer is right before me, even if I am not seeing it yet.
80. I believe in my ability to unlock the way and set myself free.

When you can’t stop comparing yourself to others

81. I have no right to compare myself to anyone for I do not know their whole story.
82. I compare myself only to my highest self.
83. I choose to see the light that I am to this world.
84. I am happy in my own skin and in my own circumstances.
85. I see myself as a gift to my people and community and nation.

When you feel you are not good enough no matter how hard you try

86. I am more than good enough and I get better every day.
87. I give up the habit to criticize myself.
88. I adopt the mindset to praise myself.
89. I see the perfection in all my flaws and all my genius.
90. I fully approve of who I am, even as I get better.
91. I am a good person at all times of day and night.

When you want to give up

92. I cannot give up until I have tried every conceivable way.
93. Giving up is easy and always an option so let’s delay it for another day.
94. I press on because I believe in my path.
95. It is always too early to give up on my goals.
96. I must know what awaits me at the end of this rope so I do not give up.

When you recognize how powerful, gifted, talented and brilliant you really are:

97. The past has no power over me anymore
98. I embrace the rhythm and the flowing of my own heart.
99. All that I need comes to me at the right time and place in this life.
100. I am deeply fulfilled with who I am.

Having shared these affirmations with you; I am confident and positive that they can help you shift into a higher vibrations and positive life momentum! BUT…I have to remind you of something; affirmations are GOOD; but they do not and should not replace your responsibility of doing your “inner work.” What I mean is, if there is any problem you have—whether an energetic block or whatever it is…it behooves you to seek the help and guidance of an authentic spiritual teacher/healer. If it requires you to have a reading and unravel some things about your life; then do it.

Another important thing I have to tell you is; as much as you do affirmations; keep in mind that we are living in 3D (a lower realm) so you cannot always be in a higher vibrations because of the chaos and challenges of this physical world called Earth!!! Raising our vibrations/personal development is a work in progress. There is no graduation in it because the denseness lower vibration of this earth affects our energy, vibration and life in general.

It is like charging our phone and computer; you charge your phone and your computer and it gets full; but it does not remain fully charged forever; subsequently it runs down as low battery. Same thing with your car; when you fill it with fuel; it does not remain full permanently; it gets exhausted and you refill the fuel tank. The same ting applies to us human beings.

Concluding Thoughts

I would like to end this article with this write up below. It is a mixture of affirmations and wise sayings by Max Erhmann called Desiderata.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann

I BELIEVE YOU HAVE GOT THIS!!!

WHAT HAPPENED TO MOTHER TONGUE?

Mother and Child picture: National Geographic Photos

According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Mother Tongue is “the language that your first learned to speak when you are a child.” I would want to say that mother-tongue does not necessarily mean the language of your mother. Rather, it represents the language of your father and mother. But everyone is considered as a citizen on his or her father’s ethnic background before that of the mother most especially when they are of diverse ethnic groups.

Today in our society (Nigeria and many other African countries as a case study) it is a very common habit that children can no longer speak their mother tongue! And this varies from ethnic group to ethnic group. It is a very ugly trend! I remember asking a boy if he can speak his mother tongue; his response? “I can hear but I can’t speak.” Isn’t that a sickening reply? Is that supposed to be applauded? Who is to blame for this ethnic misfortune? This is what you get these of civilization and without the proper indoctrination. And the hideous thing is that no one seems to be ready to change the course of things as it is. We have continued to stay aloof and this is not helping matters. The question now is; where do we go from here?

The problem is that most parents don’t take time to teach their children their languages. All they do is to anglicize their homes which will serve as a betrayal to the child. The problem starts from home. Most of the time, parents concentrate on their jobs and they spend less time with their children these days. They expect nannies, babysitters or teachers to teacher their kids all they need to know. In this regard, parents are the one to blame for their carefree attitude as far as their children are not able to speak their language. In the times of old, parents took the responsibility of educating their children on the proper way to appreciate their language but the reverse is the case nowadays.

Our language is our identity, if you can’t speak your language fluently; you are lost and you don’t know where you are coming from. You are more or less as a lost Prince if you cannot trace your Kingdom. We need to ask ourselves question—that is, had the owners of English language not develop it, would it have been recognized let alone being a popular language in the world?

I can remember some years back; a former governor in Nigeria built a school and in that school French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and German language is taught. I asked myself, “How many Nigerian languages are they learning in these countries or in oversea? How many African countries are being studied as a course in school in other countries of the world?

For our generation to be a lively one and for us to retain and revive our cultural heritage and identity, we need to improve and develop our language—I mean value it. It is true that Nigeria is been referred to as a country that speak Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa; but I can boldly say that these three original languages has no value as compared to English language and it is given little or no recognition.

I am not an Anglo-phobia, but all I am saying in effect is that we should maintain a balanced view of English language. Nigeria is not the only country colonized by Britain; India is one of them—but in India their native Hindi, Tamil and Creole is spoken with a good accent, pride, joy and love. You recognize an Indian by his or her native dressing and the tone of the Indian language. I am not in any way an Anglo-phobia; I have a bunch of English people as friends and Mentors. All I am saying is that we should maintain a balanced attitude towards English language—I mean we should love and be proud of our language too! I am amazed that in Asia and other European countries; their mother tongues are used as a means of teaching and learning even in their Universities; a trend you can never see in Nigeria or across African countries!

Many Nigerians do not value their language let alone being able to speak it. Now how do you think it will look like when a foreigner ask you to teach him your language and you cannot. Anybody that cannot speak his mother tongue is a stranger in his land. For example, I never expected that someone from Germany would ask me to teach her my mother tongue. In a conversation she was like how do you say good morning and how are you in your language? Now imagine I do not know how to speak my mother tongue; that would have been a shameful thing. But because I knew how to speak my language; I was able to tell her how we greet in our language and she marveled!

I was teaching my pupils in the classroom some time ago and one of them told me “teacher I can speak French language.” I was like, really…? Moved with pride, he began speaking the French language. I let him finish and then I asked him and the other pupils: “How many French people can speak any Nigerian native language? Do you think the French people will like to speak Nigerian native language? How many Nigerian languages are taught in the university in other countries? Then I told my own story. Before I went to college, my parents wanted me to study English language in college; but I told them: “Look, I have learnt English language in the primary and secondary school and that is okay by me. If you insist that I must study English; then I will not go to college. I will just leave home…besides, how many White people are studying our Nigerian language in school?” I am fortunate to have understanding parents. They let me follow my heart—so I studied Political Science and Social Studies. My pupils were dumbfounded to hear me say these. They thought I was going to praise the boy who spoke French; but I did not. Sadly, more than half of them cannot speak their own mother tongue because their parents do not teach them!!

The stronger the children’s mother tongue, the easier it is for them to learn new languages. Children who have a solid foundation in their mother tongue, develop better literacy skills also in other languages that they learn. When parents and other important adults have time to discuss and read in the child’s mother tongue and thus help expand the child’s vocabulary, the child will be better prepared when kindergarten or school starts and can easily learn new languages. Children’s knowledge and skills transfer over languages. Skills learned in the mother tongue will transfer to the other languages learned in school, as long as all languages are supported.

Therefore, it is very important that parents speak their mother tongue at home. Feelings, which are important for the child’s development, are also passed on through the mother tongue. Parents can support their children’s second and foreign language learning by using mother tongue diversely, reading and telling stories. It’s important for the children that parents have a positive attitude towards new languages. If children notice that their parents are supportive of learning new languages, children themselves will then be more motivated to learn. The best way for parents to support their children’s linguistic development is to spend time with their children. Storytelling, discussions, reading books and offering support and encouragement in their mother tongue will aid children on their journey to become multilinguals. Cummins, J. (2001). Bilingual Children’s Mother Tongue: Why is it important for education?

Now, mother tongue has saved so many persons where ethnic crises caused the massacre of innocent citizens. A citizen is caught by his own group and he or she exhibits in ability to speak the language; they might mistake such a person for an impostor and you what that means in times of war. Furthermore, a leader who is unable to speak the language of the subject is in a disadvantageous position.

Skills learned in the mother tongue will transfer to the other languages learned in school, as long as all languages are supported. Therefore, it is very important that parents speak their mother tongue at home. Feelings, which are important for the child’s development, are also passed on through the mother tongue.

The solution to this problem starts from the grassroots. Parents should teach their children their language; they should avoid that “Englishness of a thing” and government in all African countries should try to give more recognition and value to our language just like the English language is given recognition and highly valued. Our educational authorities should put the teaching of indigenous languages in our school curriculum and place more emphasis on it.