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Opinion: God won't listen to Nigerian songs | By: Etcetera

“Shoki hey hey Shoki!” cries a voice from the radio to the beat of a nerve-wracking pandemonium that seems designed to drive you insane.
A quick flick of the dial and “Shakiti bobo” is playing. The worse thing is that the raucous noise emitted by the artiste is no match for the loud, odious din coming from the beat. The lyrics are completely lost – which may not be regrettable to some – but the whole tumult sounds more like bad static than music. I tuned the dial again. This time it was Olamide screaming “VANESSA VANESSA.”
As the last strains of the song died away, the OAP cheerfully and enthusiastically breaks in, “Yes, that’s for all you listeners out there. That’s the way we do it right here at your cool station. We personalise our playlist to make you feel cool.”
Cool kor, cooler ni…. I felt like telling the OAP that his choice of songs made me feel SICK. 
This is simply today’s Nigerian music! Something is terribly WRONG with it! Yet millions around the country – especially the young people – listen to it by the hour. WHY?
What is there about this music that is so gripping? How can something so meaningless hold millions under its spell? Why does it serve as a common denominator – as “the tie that binds” – for so many youths?
Judging from how and what they’re saying and singing, it is easy to conclude that some of these artistes should be taken for mental evaluation! Music mirrors our emotions; it reflects our thoughts; it echoes our activities – it shows us the way we really ARE!
Most Nigerian artistes are confused and bewildered – or they wouldn’t sing songs about not being able to tell right from wrong, or songs which purposely don’t say or mean anything, or which try only to “embody an emotional state that points indirectly to marijuana and crazy sex positions.”
Music – just like other forms of art – is like a social barometer. A strong and healthy society produces dynamic and stimulating music; a diseased and decaying society produces sick and decadent music.
It’s a simple matter of cause and effect!
This is now a SICK SOCIETY and, therefore, it produces SICK MUSIC. It’s just that simple! Both parents and the young people are to blame. My point is, we all don’t have to be a part of this sick society – or its sick music.
Even talking about today’s gospel songs, many are lacking in purpose and quality. The gospel singers are forgetting that God believes in QUALITY. Look at the universe He created! He also believes in human improvement and GROWTH. “Become ye therefore perfect” (Matt. 5:48) and “Grow in grace and knowledge” (II Pet. 3:18), He commands.
God wants His people to grow in the right kind of culture – the right kind of appreciation for the finer things in life. He says that mature Christians are “those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to DISCERN both good and evil” (Heb. 5:14).
God wants us to EXERCISE our five physical senses. He wants us to learn what the true values for the enjoyment of the senses are. One of these senses is hearing. And one of the ways we need to exercise our hearing sense is in the appreciation of quality music. Quality in music involves, first of all, the way it is composed or arranged. Secondly, it involves how the music is performed. And thirdly, the setting (the place and occasion) in which the music is heard.
You attend a concert only to see artistes with a hodgepodge of idiotic noise played from a CD and the audience seated at round tables like they are in a canteen, screaming with mouthful of small chops and ‘samosas’ as every new song is introduced by the performer. What utter nonsense! What is WRONG with us? How did we completely lose our sense of value regarding music? Do we even know the purpose of music?
A mother justifies her daughter who’s listening to an obscene song by saying,  
“If you listen to the words of that one, it’s pretty rough. But it has a real good beat. My daughter says she doesn’t pay any attention to the words anyway.” Are we really that naïve? 
What erroneous reasoning! Go along with the crowd – even if the crowd is on the way to suffering, misery, pain, extinction? Do we think that these songs have no part in the tidal wave of promiscuity, venereal disease, illegitimate babies that are all over the country today? If you are one of those who like today’s Naija music, you ought to honestly and truthfully ask yourself WHY.

Must Read! Woman narrates how her 4 year-old son was abused by his teacher.

The first time I noticed my son’s odd habit was when I carried him on my legs in church, I realized he would become quite uncomfortable when my hand was not resting on his crotch, not his thigh, but his crotch, at first I thought maybe he was in pain, and I initially got worried, bit I later noticed his hands where going between my legs, this was not an unconscious action, he knew exactly what he was doing, because I brushed his hand away and gave him a stern look, but moments later I noticed he was doing it again, so I had to drop him off my legs and made him sit on a chair by himself, and did I mention my son was just 4 years old?
When we got home, I brought it to the attention of my husband, and in his usual manner he tried to make light of it, and even chastised me for even thinking our own son would be trying to get fresh with me, maybe he just misses you, he obviously doesn’t know what he is doing or where his hands where, my husband said, and after-all you are gone before he wakes up, and in bed before you return, so don’t blame the boy for trying to get as much attention from you as he possibly can, he added, but I was not convinced, what if my son had been exposed to pornography or had started hanging out with bad kids, I mean it’s never too early to start, especially in this day and age, it made me worry.
The next day I called his teacher on the phone and asked her to keep an eye on him, I told her I had noticed some changes in him and I didn’t want the damage to be irreversible, my son’s teacher assured me she would do her best to make sure he wasn’t exposed to the wrong set of people, satisfied with her response I laid all my worries to rest.
A few weeks later I noticed some strange with my son, I had taken my annual vacation and decided to spend it with my husband and son, on this day I was giving him a bath, and he kept on saying it’s mummy’s turn to suck on the straw, at first I thought it was a nursery rhyme not until I saw him grab hold of his penis, and repeated the words he said earlier “it’s mummy’s turn to suck the straw”, and while he held his penis, I noticed it was getting erect, now don’t get me wrong, I have noticed his erection before, in these cases it usually meant he needed to wee-wee, or he was just waking up from a nap or something, in other words very involuntary actions, but this time I felt he was getting aroused, I was so embarrassed I stood up, brought him out of the bath and quickly wrapped him up in a towel, I did all this without looking at him.
I immediately told my husband, and this time I didn’t take it lightly, he saw the seriousness in me and together we grilled our little boy, until he opened up and told us where he learnt the song.
Sometimes you see a lot of things reported on TV and in the papers, and you say to yourself, do these things really happen, or are they stories fabricated by the media to get the attention of the masses, or for print media and soft sell magazines to make a quick buck, and if at all they happen, who would be so blind as to allow it escalate to such an alarming point. Well I was about to understand that these things actually happened, and it was happening to my little boy, the words I would never forget, after long minutes of question and some threats from my husband, he finally opened up, “aunty Tola said she likes to suck my straw and I should not let anyone suck it, and that I should always put my hands inside her pants because it makes her happy”.
I collapsed on the floor, when I heard my son say those words, at first I didn’t believe him, but I realized how on earth a four year old child, would come up with such a story, I stared at my husband, he stared back at me, we were both speechless, and our son stood between us, weeping, I instinctively pulled him close and hugged him tight, and silently blamed myself for not noticing earlier.
We stormed his school, and went straight to the principal’s office, where we explained everything to him and even got our son to tell him exactly what he had told us, the principal was quite upset and summoned aunty Tola to his office immediately, she denied everything, blaming everything my son had said on him having a very active imagination, at this point my husband was hot with rage, and he began threatening to involve the police, and not until my husband actually brought out his phone and began dialing a number, aunty tola fell on her knees begging and crying, and proceeded to blame the devil, we all stared at her in bewilderment, what on earth would possess a full grown woman to sexually abuse a four year old boy, a child put in your care, to protect and nurture, you turn around and hurt, we called the police and she was arrested, I quit my job, and became a full time mum, what would be my gain, if I had all the wealth and ended up with a disturbed and abused child….
This is a great lesson for parents, pls watch your children and make immediate moves as soon as you get to see any changes or funny acts in them. Above all,teach them in the way of the Lord so as to guide them in everything they do as they grow….KEEP WATCH…
Utterly Speechless!

Victor Moses gets squad number

Nigeria forward, Victor Moses has been assigned the number 20 Jersey on his return from Stoke City on loan. The move subtly reiterates Mourinho’s statement that the attacker is in his plans. 
Similarly, Academy players Dominic Solanke and Ola Aina who impressed in the youth team last season have also been handed the Number 35 and 34 Jersey respectively.

Arsenal have £200M and can buy anyone – club official

Arsenal director, Lord Harris has revealed that the club have over £200M in bank and are buoyant enough to sign any player in the world except Ronaldo and Messi.
Harris told The Daily mail that the club no longer bear the financial implications that stemmed out of the construction of the Emirates stadium.
“Money was tight when we moved to the Emirates but it’s a lot freer now”
“we could go into the market and probably buy any player in the world, apart from half a dozen who are unbuyable. In the accounts, there is over £200M in the bank”.
He also indicated that the club is on the brink of landing a center forward.
“we get a list of the players that Wenger wants and on the list is a center forward but I’m not going to tell you who he is” “you’ve got to get the other team to want to sell him but I think he wants to come”

Online degrees not acceptable in Nigeria – NUC

The National Universities Commission (NUC), Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Ibrahim Yakassai during a press briefing in Abuja yesterday announced that online degrees obtained from foreign institutions will not be recognized in Nigeria as they are not backed by the constitution. He also implored students to avoid  online universities which offer academic programmes without physical contact.

“Nigeria will not recognise online degrees. Online degrees are not accepted in Nigeria at the moment. The Nigerian constitution does not even give recognition to such degrees. Those who run out of Nigeria for study outside this country are those looking for cheaper degrees. It is either they cannot pass the examinations or they do not possess the minimum entry qualifications.” He said.

The commission also took a swipe at the Maryam Abacha American University in Niger Republic over their poor entry qualifications.

“We wish to restate that as the only quality assurance agency for universities in Nigeria, the NUC is maintaining its stand that degrees from Maryam Abacha University will not be accepted in Nigeria.”

The NUC stated that students who enrol for such programmes are only looking for cheap means of acquiring qualifications adding that concerned students were offered admissions on part-time basis with a graduation time of four semesters for programmes including Nursing, Medical Laboratory Sciences and Public Health.
He said, “In Nigeria, the duration for a full time degree programme is not less than three years for direct entry and at least, six years for part-time, while professional programmes in Sciences, Engineering and Health Sciences, including Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science and Public Health are not offered on part-time basis in Nigeria‎”.

"I can play till I'm 40" – Yaya Toure

Manchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure has said he can continue playing active football until he is 40 while also debunking news link him with another club. The ivorian made this known at a press conference in Melbourne where his club will take on Real Madrid today.

“There was too much speculation about me leaving – it’s clear that I have my contract at City and I want to see out my contract. I have always known for 32years that I can play until 40 because I know my quality and that’s all” he said.
Toure, 32, joined Manchester City from Barcelona in 2010 and has helped the club to win a number of titles including the EPL. 

Short Story: Parallel lines | By: Ogechi Nwobia

“I love the way you look at me. It makes me feel truly beautiful.”
Tara’s voice was slightly husky, emotion lacing the edges.
Tade smiled coyly. His eyes were heavy with desire. With his arms still around her, he drew her closer and crushed her lips with his. His right hand traced lines down the back of her head, right to her neck. Tara shut her eyes, the sensation of his fingers sending tremors down her back. She kissed him back fiercely and paused after about a minute only to catch her breath.
“Your body is so perfect. It feels like a temple where I was made to worship.” Tade murmured. Tara giggled and slapped his arms.

“I’ve told you to stop saying that.”
“But it’s the truth. One year married to you and it still feels like I’m dreaming, you know. You are perfection. And I’m talking body, mind, personality, everything.”

Tara smiled.

“You are so poetic.”

“I’m not even trying.”

Tara gently withdrew herself from his embrace.
“I’ve got a flight to catch luv.
Tade stepped forward and kissed her neck, his arms instinctively going around her again.
“I know. But I wish you didn’t. The frequent trips, they make me miss you a lot.”

Tara indulged him for a few seconds before pulling away. She grabbed her top off the corner of his bed and hurriedly threw it on.
“I love you Tade. You are everything. And if this wasn’t work, I swear I’d stay here in bed with you all day.”

She kissed him on the forehead and walked into the bathroom.
Tade sighed and ran his hand over his head. He sat on the bed and drew his laptop close to himself.
Tara walked back into the room a few minutes later, light make-up on, hair neatly in place.
“You should put on a shirt you know. That chest is err… very distracting.”
Tade chuckled and pushed the laptop away.
“Come here darling.”‎ Tara grinned.‎
“Not on your life.”

She pulled out a small bag from the closet and walked to the door.

“32 hours. I’ll be back. Then we can pop a bottle of champagne and I’ll make that fish sauce you really like with fried yams and we can do any and everything you want.”


Tade met her at the door in one swift movement.

“And make a baby perhaps?” Tara smiled

“I’m still not ready yet darling. But we can talk about it when I get back.”

Tade’s face fell.

“Alright then. Have a safe trip babe.”
He kissed her one more time on the lips and walked back into the room.
***
Tara walked out of the airport in Abuja shading her eyes with her hands. She smiled as she spotted the young man with a little girl on his arm and she walked briskly towards them.
“Hey princess!!”
She plastered the little girl’s face with kisses and the young man who carried the child smiled.
“Hey babe.”
Tara looked at the man’s face and grinned.
“Hey heartbeat.”
She kissed him lightly and then lifted the little girl from his arms. He took Tara’s bag and they walked together towards the car park.

“I missed you so much Chris. And Adaora too.”

“You should be home more often then.”

Tara stopped in her tracks but Chris continued walking. She opened her mouth and shut it a few times then joined him at the car.
“You seem rather stiff. What’s wrong?”

Chris started the car and sighed.
“2 years Tara. 2 years. You’ve been on the road every single month. Adaora barely recognizes you as her mum. And me? I’m not even sure what we are. You stall on marriage, you blame it all on work and you make it seem like you do not want to be with me as much as I want to be with you.”

“Chris. You’re busy too. You work late hours, you claim you understand the importance of my job but lately it’s been looking as though you want me to put my life on hold for you.”

“I’m not asking you to put your life on hold Tara. I’m asking that you settle with me here. Let’s build our lives together. We have a kid. We’re crazy about each other. Why can’t we just be together here?”

“Why can’t we just not fight every time I come around?”

The little girl began to cry and Tara rocked her gently.
“I’m not trying to fight Tee. I’m just saying I want more. You’re making me look like a single father. That is just so weird.”

Tara sighed and remained quiet. Chris did not say anything either until they got to their destination.
As soon as Tara was settled in the living room, she picked up her phone and typed out a text message.
“I think I’m going to lose it. Chris is talking marriage again.”

A response came in shortly.
“You lost it a long time ago. Tired of telling you this. Your life is essentially two parallel lines. Find a way to make them meet.”

***‎

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Ogechi Nwobia writes flash fiction, lifemathics articles and run fiction series on her blog. She’s a people lover and a talkaholic.
Website:yougeecash.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Oge_writes






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Are you a writer? Interested in sharing your short stories on this ‎platform? Be our guest on our Short Story Fridays segment.

Email: [email protected], ololade.olatunji@yahoo/gmail.com
Photocredit: Musteredlady.com

Political party slams Lionel Messi over his shabby appearance at Gabon.

The Union du Gabonais (UPG), a political party in Gabon has derided global soccer star, Lionel Messi over his shabby appearance at the country few days back.
The Barcelona playmaker was in the African country last Saturday  to lay the first stone of the the Port-Gentil stadium, which will host the 2017 African Cup Venue.‎ 
The party members were thoroughly shocked to see the Argentine footballer in a t-shirt and ripped pair of jeans. They aired their disappointment via a press release issued by ESPN. Excerpts below!

“The messiah of football arrived in Gabon like he were going to a zoo: dirty, unshaven and his hands in his pockets, looking for peanuts to throw to them!

“When you’re called Lionel Messi and you’re a multi-billionaire, you don’t have the right to present yourself to officials of a republic, even a banana one, with your hands in the pockets of a ripped, tattered pair of shorts.
“Gabon isn’t a zoo. We don’t know what the Argentine came to Gabon for, but we at least have the right to denounce his negligence and his lack of respect for standards and principles. We are uneasy with Messi’s attitude and his attire. Only for these reasons, linked to respect for the host country, do we condemn the footballer’s indelicateness, to say the least!”

‎Good points raised! We all know Messi’s dress sense is non-existent. His stylist (if he has one) has not been doing a good job at all but then he has a right to appear in whatever outfit he deems comfortable. 

Hands off! De Bruyne is not for sale.

Wolfsburg sporting director, Klaus Allofs has stated strongly that midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is not for sale. It is widely reported that Manchester City have been eyeing the star midfielder and are ready to table a heavy bid to secure his signature.

But Allofs said it makes “no sense” to talk about whether those sums would be enough because the club had still not received any offers.

“We don’t have a game plan for ‘what would happen if,” he told German TV channel Sport 1. 
“If someone comes with that much money… it’s not happened yet so we don’t need to think about it.
“But Kevin is also categorised as not for sale. I think he played a decisive role for our team last year. When you have the sporting ambition that we have, it should be forbidden to let him go.”

De Bruyne was voted the Bundesliga’s outfield player of the year last season, scoring 10 goals and creating 20 more as ‎Wolfsburg finished runners-up to Bayern Munich.‎

"Sergio Ramos will be staying with us" – Benitez

Real Madrid’s manager, Rafael Benitez has affirmed that Sergio Ramos will not be leaving the club.
Ramos has been linked heavily to other clubs over a reported fallout with Real Madrid on wage increment.
The former Liverpool manager said football was a “curious world” and he had “a lot of respect” for United counterpart Louis van Gaal. But asked if he was sure Ramos would stay, the Spaniard said: “For me, 100%. “I insist that it is clear for me and the club, Sergio will be here. He’s a key player for us.”

Ramos, capped 128 times, has made 445 appearances for Real since joining from Sevilla in 2005.
He is part of the Real squad preparing to face Manchester City in a friendly in Australia on Saturday.‎
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