The Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, has revealed that he is owed salary by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The Super Falcons coach spoke in a recent chat with ‘On The Whistle’ podcast.

Waldrum said he was owed 14 months salary until three weeks ago when the NFF paid for seven months.

He said some players are owed “per diem and bonuses” from two years ago.

“Up until about three weeks ago, I had been owed 14 months’ salary, and then they paid seven months salary,” the American said.

“Before that, a year and a half to two years, I had been owed for months before I was paid a little bit of it. Starting July, I’ll be eight months behind in salary.

“We still have players that haven’t been paid since two years ago when we played the summer series in the USA. It’s a travesty.”

Waldrum also claimed that FIFA had disbursed $960,000 to all the teams that qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup to prepare for the tournament.

The coach demanded accountability from the NFF regarding the money that was meant to fund the Falcons’ preparation for the World Cup.

“I have a close contact in the US that is very connected to some of the boards at FIFA, and this person told me that in October, every country was given $960,000 from FIFA to prepare for the World Cup. Where’s the money?” he said.

“If we had that money, why did we not build a camp in November?

“FIFA allows your staff to have up to 22 people, but we have only 11. We don’t have scouts to watch the teams in our group or potential opponents.

“In the two-and-a-half years that I’ve been here, I have never had one time that the federation came to me and asked, “What do you need, coach?”

“What keeps me going is the players. Otherwise, I would have walked away from this job a long time ago.”

The development is the latest in the exchange of words between Waldrum and the NFF over the past week.

On June 29, the Falcons’ head coach condemned the NFF over its “lack of support” for the team ahead of the World Cup.

He said the team is “not prepared the way we need to be” for the tournament.

Responding, Ademola Olajire, NFF communications director, said Waldrum was “shooting his mouth off” instead of “admitting to the glaring deficiencies” he displayed in the list of players invited to participate in the tournament.

The women’s World Cup will be hosted by New Zealand and Australia from July 20.

The Falcons are scheduled to play Canada in their first match on July 21 before facing Australia six days later. The team will play Ireland in their last group game on July 31.

Hon. Amobi Ogar, a member of the House of Representatives, has cried out over the rampant cases of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in his federal constituency of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi, Abia State, Daily Post reports.

He disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists after presenting a motion on the development at plenary.

According to him, kidnapping had been rampant and was “becoming like akara business”, as people’s homes were being invaded to pick persons in demand for ransom as low as N50,000.

He noted that the primary purpose of governance is the security of lives of the people.

The House of Representatives while adopting Amobi’s motion, urged the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to direct the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Air Force, Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to intensify checks and other security measures around the Regional Cattle market in Lokpanta along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Uturu-Okigwe Road, Ihube-Isuochi Road, ABSU junction-Akara Road; Uturu-Afikpo Road, Umuaku-Umunze Road and Awgu-Ishiagu Road and environs.

It also urged the Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police and Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to set up a joint patrol team to comb the farmland and forests to root out kidnappers, bandits and all criminal elements in all parts of Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Local Government Areas of Abia State.

The House mandated an Ad-Hoc Committee when constituted, to interface with the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to determine measures aimed at reducing the constant attacks by kidnappers, assassins and bandits in the area.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has disclosed that the average daily consumption of fuel in Nigeria has fallen by no fewer than 28 percent since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the scrapping of fuel subsidies. 

According to new figures released to Reuters by NMDPRA, the average daily petrol consumption fell to 48.43 million liters (13 million gallons) in June, as against the previous average of 66.9 million.

The fuel regulatory industry added that since the scrapping of the subsidy, neighboring countries like Cameroon, Benin, and Togo, which relied on petrol smuggled out of Nigeria, have experienced a collapse in their black market.

It will be recalled that President Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidies, which had kept petrol prices low for decades, during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023.

In his democracy day speech, June 12, the President admitted the decision to remove fuel subsidies would impose an extra burden on the masses, but appealed to the good people of the country to bear the brunt of the decision as it will “save our country from going under.”

The removal of the fuel subsidy, which tripled the price of petrol, has affected virtually every part of the economy, leading to an increase in the prices of goods and services across the country.

According to the World Bank in June, despite having spent $2.41 billion on the subsidy in the first five months, Nigeria could save up to $5.10 billion this year from the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange reforms.

The Nigerian government spent no less than $10 billion (£7.8 billion) on the subsidy last year

In a recent correspondence, Prof. Mike A. A. Ozekhome has responded to the proposed demolition of houses in Trademore Estate, located in Lugbe, Abuja, FCT. The professor aims to debunk the insinuation made by the Director of the Development Control Unit, who claims that Trademore Estate lacks the necessary development plan approval.

In regards to the aforementioned subject matter, in a development, Trademore International Holdings Ltd. has taken a firm stance against the insinuation made by the Director of Development Control Unit of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). In a letter penned by Ozekhome, the company has vehemently denied the claim that they lack the necessary Development Plan Approval for the Trademore Estate located in Lugbe, Abuja. The solicitor, acting on behalf of Trademore International Holdings Ltd., has made it clear that he is writing this letter in accordance with his client's explicit instructions and mandate. They aim to debunk the insinuation made by the Director of Development Control Unit of the FCDA. The Director had previously cast doubt on whether Trademore International Holdings Ltd. possessed the required Development Plan Approval for the Trademore Estate. However, the company's solicitor has firmly refuted this claim, asserting that his client has indeed obtained the necessary approvals. The letter, written with utmost humility, seeks to set the record straight and defend the reputation of Trademore International Holdings Ltd. It emphasises that the company has adhered to all relevant regulations and obtained the required Development Plan Approval for the Trademore Estate in Lugbe, Abuja. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Director of Development Control Unit of the FCDA will respond to the letter from Trademore International Holdings Ltd. The company, however, stands firm in their assertion that they have fulfilled all necessary requirements and possess the appropriate approvals for Trademore Estate project.

In an interview, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Development Control Unit of the FCDA, made some speculative remarks about the causes of frequent flooding in Trademore Estate, Lugbe. The interview, which took place on July 4th, 2023, caught the attention of the solicitors client. However, it is important to note that Mr. Galadima's insinuations were found to be erroneous. The interview that has quickly gained widespread attention, a shocking insinuation was made regarding the recurring issue of flooding in Trademore Estate. The individual in question suggested that the solicitors client may have developed the estate without adhering to the necessary protocols of obtaining the required Development Plan Approval. This revelation has sparked a wave of concern and speculation among residents and the wider community.

In a bid to set the records straight, a recent development has emerged regarding this certain matter, Nigerian Real Estate Developer emphasises Proper Allocation and Authorization. In a recent statement, the solicitor's client, the indigenous real estate developer in Nigeria, has underscored the importance of proper allocation and authorization in their development projects with an impressive track record spanning over two decades in the real estate industry, The solicitor's client firmly denies any allegations suggesting that they would engage in development activities without the necessary approval. He said that his client has "successfully secured the rights to the coveted land that encompasses the prestigious Trademore Estate. In a remarkable feat, the development of the Trademore Estate has received the much-awaited Development Plan Approval. This significant milestone paves the way for the construction of over 700 units of houses, marking a major step forward in the real estate sector. The attainment of Development Plan Approval was no small feat, as it required meticulous efforts and strategic planning. The project's success was made possible through the acquisition of substantial bank loans, which played a crucial role in facilitating the realisation of this ambitious endeavor. The Trademore Estate is poised to become a prominent residential hub, offering a wide array of housing options to meet the diverse needs of prospective homeowners. With the green light from the authorities, the development team can now proceed with the construction phase, bringing their vision to life. This significant achievement does not only highlights the dedication and perseverance of the project's stakeholders but also underscores the positive impact it will have on the local community. The Trademore Estate promises to provide a much-needed boost to the housing."

In a recent development, the question surrounding Ozehkome's client's possession of a Development Plan Approval has come to light. In a letter addressed to the solicitor's client, the Office of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has shed some light on the matter. Dated March 23, 2010, the letter, penned by the Co-ordinator of the AMMC, highlights the council's careful examination of the case and presents their observations.

It has come to light that; " (a)Your Company, a prominent entity, has been named as a beneficiary of land allocations in Lugbe by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

(b)This allocation has provided an opportunity for Your Company to establish its presence in the area.

(c) Furthermore, it has been revealed that Your Company obtained a significant milestone in 2004 when it was granted a building Plan Approval by the AMAC.

(d) This approval has paved the way for Your Company"

A copy of a significant letter has emerged, shedding light on a matter of interest. Dated March 23rd, 2010, the letter in question has been obtained and is now being made available to the public. Attached herewith, the document has been appropriately labelled as "Annexure A" for reference purposes.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially acknowledged that the Trademore Estate in Lugbe did, in fact, undergo the necessary procedures and was granted Development Plan Approval. This admission comes as a clear concession by the FCTA, affirming the legitimacy of the estate's approval. A matter of internal arrangement has emerged between the Urban and Regional Planning Department of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC). The issue revolves around the approved layout that spans the entire Lugbe axis. According to sources, the approved layout has become a point of contention between the FCDA and AMMC. It was initially expected that the two entities would resolve the matter internally. However, the situation remains unresolved. The disagreement centres on the proper arrangement and organisation of the approved layout. Both the FCDA and AMMC are responsible for overseeing urban planning and development in the area. As a result, it was anticipated that they would be able to find a mutually agreeable solution. The approved layout, which cuts across the entire Lugbe axis, has raised concerns among stakeholders. The FCDA and AMMC were expected to address these concerns and reach a consensus. However, the matter remains unresolved, leaving residents and other interested parties in a state of uncertainty. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the FCDA and AMMC will navigate this internal arrangement issue. Stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a resolution that will ensure the proper development and organisation of the Lugbe axis. In a recent development, the ANLMC (Association of National Land Management Council) has provided additional evidence supporting the claim that the approval of the layout in question was indeed an internal arrangement. Shedding more light on the matter, the ANLMC stated that "The Council has already taken proactive measures by initiating inter-departmental consultations to address the challenge of four layouts in the Lugbe area." This statement comes as the ANLMC seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding the approval process, which has been a subject of debate. By emphasising their efforts to resolve the issue, the ANLMC aims to demonstrate their commitment to finding a satisfactory resolution for the multiple layouts in the Lugbe area. The ANLMC's announcement serves as a response to mounting concerns and criticisms regarding the approval process. With the initiation of inter-departmental consultations, the Council is taking concrete steps to rectify the problem and ensure a unified layout for the Lugbe area. As the matter unfolds, stakeholders eagerly await the outcome of these consultations, hoping for a swift resolution that will address the issue of multiple layouts and bring clarity to the situation.

In a development, it has come to light that Trademore Estate was not the sole party involved, but rather one of several entities implicated in the matter.

New Layout Plan Unveiled for Lugbe Area In the bustling "Lugbe area," Trademore stands tall as one of the prominent estates and residential buildings.

Contrary to the claims made by Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, it has come to light that there were indeed development Plan Approvals for our client's estate. In a recent revelation, it has been confirmed that the Trademore Estate in Lugbe possesses a legitimate allocation and has obtained a Development Plan Approval in accordance with the specifications under which the houses were constructed.

Attention has been drawn to paragraphs 6 (a), (b), and (c) as highlighted above. These specific paragraphs have become the focal point of discussion, prompting further analysis and examination.

In a statement, it has been emphasised that insinuating or alleging a lack of Development Plan Approval as the cause behind the recurring flooding in the Trademore Estate is simply not accurate. The authorities have made it clear that such claims are unfounded and misleading. In a comprehensive report released on the 4th of July, 2023, the remote and immediate causes of the devastating flooding that has plagued our region have been meticulously outlined. The letter, addressed to you, provides explicit details shedding light on the factors that led to this catastrophic event.

In a  development, a copy of a significant letter has surfaced, shedding light on an important event that took place on July 4th, 2023. The letter, which has been marked as "Annexures B," is now available for review.

In a recent statement, it has been emphasised that the issues surrounding flooding in the Trademore estate cannot be attributed to any actions or negligence on the part of our client. Instead, these problems are being attributed to external factors beyond their control. These factors include various government agencies, ineffective dams, and nearby construction projects.

In a plea for assistance, "our client is calling upon the authorities to address the plight of innocent residents in their estate. They are gravely concerned about the potential consequences of additional demolitions, which could lead to significant hardships for these individuals. Urging swift intervention, our client is appealing for the preservation of lives and properties by halting any further demolitions of the residents' houses. In a stunning turn of events, our client's legal team asserts that there is no evidence of any wrongdoing on their part, despite the overwhelming display of governmental authority," he said

Police in Kano State have arrested three suspected ATM card fraudsters with 36 cards of different banks.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the command’s spokesman DSP. Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, and issued to newsmen.

He said the suspects were arrested after police received a report from a resident of Kofar Ruwa Quarters, Kano, that some unknown persons deceitfully swapped her ATM card at a bank on Murtala Muhammed Way, Kano.

Kiyawa said after police received the report, a team of detectives swung into action, and three suspects were arrested.

He said those arrested are; Mu’azzam Sabo, 25 years old of Yakasai Quarters, Kano; Auwal Nasiru, 27 years old of Tudun Maliki Quarters, Kano; and Auwal Sueiman, 25 years old of Medile Hamdala Quarters, Kano.

He said the case is under investigation.

Former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, has said even though he’s a staunch supporter of president Bola Tinubu, he remains a bona-fide member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Speaking with state house correspondent after meeting with Tinubu on Thursday, Fayose said he won’t resign his membership of the opposition party.

Fayose and other top PDP members, including five governors at the time worked against the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the build up to the last general election and during the polls proper.

He, however, said all that was in the past and electioneering was over, adding that it was time focus on governance and make the country work.

He said “But it’s no more time for campaigning or selling a political party, it is time to govern Nigeria for the benefit of children yet unborn and those of us that are still here and to equally let you know that I had a very wonderful time with the President.

He affirmed that although he and some opposition party leaders such as Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, are working with Tinubu, he can never join the All Progressives Congress as he remains a member of the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party.

The former Governor said “I will never be a member of the APC. I am a PDP man. If anything takes me out of the PDP or if I don’t do partisan politics again, I will be the husband of my wife at home.

“It is not a matter of party, Nigeria is bigger than all political parties and all interest groups. You don’t have to take an appointment to make a difference.

“Nigeria is about 200 million population, we all can’t be on the appointment, whosoever makes it, either in the APC or in the attempt to have a government of national unity, it’s all about service.”

The former governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja and other 10 High chiefs are expected to receive beaded crowns as kings today, 7th July, at Mapo Hall Ibadan.

Ladoja had in an interview with the newsmen recently turned down the offer, insisting that he would only accept the crown as Olubadan of Ibadanland not as a glorified Oba.

He said other High Chiefs could accept the offer but not him.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Lekan Balogun had in a letter written to Governor Seyi Makinde requested for the 11 High Chiefs of Ibadanland to receive beaded crowns as Obas.

This is in line with the State Chieftaincy law as amended.

Meanwhile, the President, Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori has thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for granting the request of Olubadan.

Ariori had in a press statement made available to the newsmen said Makinde has carved a niche for himself with the bold step taken in restructuring age-long Ibadan chieftaincy tradition system.

According to Ariori, many people did not know that the Governor is also a titled Chief in Ibadanland.

He said Makinde is the Otun Balogun Ajia, Ajia in Ona Ara Local government area of the State, adding that, “our Governor is a future Baale (monarch) in his country home of Ajia as the Alajia of Ajia traditional status as Baale would also be changed to crown-wearing monarch in the new reform.

“Governor Makinde has not disappointed us in Ibadanland. He is showing and displaying the quality of our forefathers as a warrior and true son of Ibadanland. Against all odds, he stuck his neck out for President Bola Tinubu during the Campaign and delivered Ibadan and Oyo State votes to him.

“Our President must patronize our Governor and the great people of Ibadanland who were in the forefront of his aspiration as President. Our sons gave Mr President all the support he needed to win, not only the State but the entire Yorubaland because several Southwest rallies were held at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort for Mr President’s aspiration.

“Our Governor also enjoyed the favours of these great Ibadan sons to win his own election with an unprecedented electoral victory in the State. Our traditional chieftaincy system is getting better under his watch as people’s Governor. May God bless His Excellency.

“The majority of Mogajis, Baales and the High Chiefs themselves are very happy with His Excellency over this traditional system development. The Governor is a great leader and deserves the prayers and cooperation of all of us who desire quality governance and wonderful reforms in our traditional system.

“We are united and very happy with the Governor because a people united can never be defeated. The Governor has displayed gallantry and courage as a full blooded Ibadanman.

“Let me use this opportunity to sound a note of warning to those guys around the Governor who have constituted themselves as cliques around the corridor of power, usurping power of our Governor to constitute themselves as nuisance and clog in the wheel of progress.

“This Governor is not one to be taken for granted as he can bark and bite anyone with unruly behaviours no matter how closely related the person is. Anyone that is against our Governor, whether chiefs or kings from any quarter including these people around him, would have us to contend with because this Governor deserves the respect and support of all of us,” Mogaji Ariori added.

It is celebration galore on, July 7, 2023, at the studios of Eagle7 Sports Radio.

The specialised broadcast station is one year old!

It has been an incredible journey in patience, perseverance, hardwork and belief in the reward of integrity by the Creator of the Universe.

Despite all the challenges of a start up, and the burden of waiting for 18 years to secure a license, the Eagle with the number 7, has continued to soar and rise above all challenges, obstacles and hurdles.

I thank alĺ those that have supported and being a part of this project on a mission to take global listeners (and viewers),with the use of technology, new media and ingeniously creative and entertaining content, to places in broadcasting they have never been before.

I thank all our shareholders for their endless patience and unrelenting confidence and support.

I thank all my young and creative staff that have been a part of the Eagle7 Sports Radio machine.

I welcome all our new and old clients to new experiences as we embark on the route to our second year! This is the multi-media platform to advertise and reach the world.

Join us now and share in the feast of celebrations. Just Click now or at any time of the day, all day today.

Facebook: @eagle7fm
Instagram: @eagle7fm
Twitter: @Eagle7fm1037
YouTube: Eagle7fm

Just Click on https://eagle7fm.com, and eagle7fm.com and be connected to the hottest sports radio station in town.

It was described as a catastrophic implosion — the tragedy of the Titan voyage to the depths of the ocean to find the wreckage of Titanic ship that sank 111 years ago. On June 21, five men comprising the pilot and four passengers embarked upon a 10-day sail from Newfoundland. Each passenger paid $250,000 to journey down the ocean floor. There had been successful trial expeditions in 2021 and 2022 by dive experts, scientists and filmmakers in rehearsal for the great plunge of two weeks ago. OceanGate, the owners of Titan submersible, were confident that with the air pressure inside the Titan remaining “constant and equal to what we experience at sea level, eliminating the need for decompression during the ascent”, nothing could go wrong. According to their tourist brochure seen by foxweather.com “With the click of a button, Mission Specialists can select a camera, monitor the sonar, or view preloaded images of deep-sea species, and the Titanic as they experience an entirely foreign world that only a handful of people have had the privilege to experience.” Even then there were safety concerns and repeated warnings and that the “world of deep sea exploration is not well regulated.” Titan, it was also revealed was “not registered as a US vessel or with international agencies that regulate safety. And it wasn’t classified by a maritime industry group that sets standards on matters such as hull construction.”

Many questions have arisen since the disaster occurred. Was the voyage a suicide mission? Was it in aid of furtherance of science and technological development? As I reported last week with reference to a BBC online, warnings over safety of the Titan submersible repeatedly sent to OceanGate were ignored by the chief executive officer of the company. A leading deep sea exploration specialist, Rob McCallum showed evidence to BBC of his warnings through emails, but the chief executive officer of OceanGate, Stockton Rush, got irritated and would like to be left alone. His response was that “he was tired of industry players who try to use a safety argument to stop innovation.” In one of the emails, McCallum had warned him that he was potentially putting his clients at risk and urged him to stop using the sub until it had been certified by an independent agency. He urged the company to seek certification before using it for commercial tours. “The vessel was never certified or classed. Until a sub is classed, tested and proven it should not be used for commercial deep dive operations. I implore you to take every care in your testing and sea trials and to be very conservative. As much as I appreciate entrepreneurship and innovation, you are potentially putting an entire industry at risk.” However, the entreaties fell on deaf ears. “OceanGate engineering focused, innovative approach …flies in the face of the submersible orthodoxy, but that is the nature of innovation”, was the response from Mr. Rush. Mr. McCallum made the last effort at dissuading him and he wrote to him: “It will be sea trials that determine whether the vehicle can handle what you intend to do with it, so again, take care and keep safe. There is more riding this than Titan and the Titanic.”

Mr. Rush would have none of the warnings; he took the plunge and it ended in disaster in which all on the voyage died — Mr. Rush and the four tourists enthusiastic to sail to the ocean bed to see the wreckage of the Titanic that broke into two and went down. The Titan itself like the Titanic a century before it curiously broke into two also.

As I was saying, predictably, views on the catastrophic expedition will necessarily differ. A great many would see nothing wrong in men’s spirit of adventure despite uneasy feelings which no doubt each of them must have had and ignored or suppressed. Mr. McCallum’s pronouncements were prophetic warnings. Many saw the expedition as the path to discovery: Nothing ventured, nothing gained; He who dares wins. Where there are no pains, there is no gain. Life is all about risk taking. There is the argument that the advancement of mankind has always come with risks. A young public figure friend of mine as I said last week argues that life’s paths to development and progress are strewn with risks. He is among those who see the Titan voyage as an attempt at innovation. It was through such daringness that the world has developed, he had said in his note to me.

He wrote: “They are the men in the Arena. They tried and failed. Sadly they do not have a second chance. I am certain others will learn from their mistakes, improve and succeed. That is the story of mankind. Seemingly a senseless and daring mission upon which mankind’s course was altered for good.” He went on: “Don’t cry for them. When the University of Bologna the first and surviving university in the world started in 1088 AD, it was not certified by anyone. Certification is for established systems. I went to Jamestown with my family and saw the replica of the Susa Constant, the first ship that came from England in 1607. No ship registry will flag the vessel today for human transport. The imploded Titan submersible is a forerunner to our effort to conquer the seas, mountains, and space…Every year, the success rate of reaching Mount Everest peak keeps improving. Between 1990 and 20005 the success rate was around 34 per cent but from 2006 to 2019 the success rate doubled to around 66 per cent.

“The descent to the ocean beds will become normal in the near future and we may yet learn more about the wonderful cosmos around us or just enjoy what those who climb Everest feel when they reach the peak despite the dangers. We try, we fail, we succeed, learn, evolve and improve. That is the story of mankind.”

I have reproduced his note to serve as background for the basis of my point of view. Another interesting view was forwarded to me after reading this column last week in which it is stated that, indeed, risks taking began from the cradle. It comes with childbearing processes. If it were not so, there would have been no concern over maternal death rate, especially where science has not sufficiently developed to mitigate it. Women, the argument goes, brave all the risks and pains attendant to child bearing and today our world is filled with human beings such that in some countries the talk is about overpopulation. The risk is today taken for granted and all families court it. When the risk succeeds, there is outpouring of love, there are shouts of congratulations; there is dancing and rejoicing. The risks are not over nor are the pains eliminated even though appreciable progress has been made in this sphere with advancement in health care knowledge and practice.

The foregoing points of view are no doubt persuasive, and interesting, no doubt, and the arguments adduced seemingly unassailable. The issues as noted last week are, however, much deeper than that. Who was Mr. Rush and was there any possible connection between him and the disaster of Titanic that sank in 1912, for example? Why was Mr. Rush rushing to put the vessel on the sea to comb its depths to see the unsinkable Titanic that ironically sank 111 years ago? What else could have shown how limited we human beings are? What forces were goading Mr. Rush to be obstinate and pushing him despite warnings and signals about concerns over the viability of his vessel? Was there anything he carried deep within him that connected him with the catastrophic mission of the Titanic, using Titan as the vessel? Mr. McCallum had said…”There is a lot more riding this than Titan and the Titanic.”

What’s in a name? This column has treated the issue of name about twice in which it was stated that there are no accidents in a name. Each person comes to this earth with his name. He is the name he bears. His talents and abilities and destiny are enshrined in the name which is why everyone is at alert that his name is protected; it must be without stain. No alteration or modification is tolerated. He is what he says his name is. Lawan will complain if you call him Lawani. Muhammadu will not answer you if you call him Mohammed or Muhammad. Ishaya will sharply correct you if you call him Isaiah. The tones emitted by the groupings of the consonants and vowels are not without effects as they resound in the bearer; they make all the difference and the bearer is ready to defend his name with all he can muster. So is it that no matter how long it takes and the attendant preparation a family may make to get the name right, at Christening, the child will be given his name, what he comes with. The name is whispered to the prospective mother by the baby itself while in the womb. If the mother is inattentive, it will be received by the father, grandmother or a woman of influence around the family or even a relation from afar. The whispering by the child is normally through connecting radiations between it and the mother.

For the fulfillment of what he carried within him and what is contained in his name, Mr. Rush got himself driven to rush the catastrophic mission. He was the owner of OceanGate which he founded in 2009 and in which he was the chief executive officer. Titan is not much different from Titanic in sound and the tone sent out; every letter radiates, every word sends emits rays which constitute the material for the weaving of the tapestry of life by the Nature Beings. In the case of Titan, the waves of the volition that accompanies it coupled with the rays the letters and sound emit cannot but be without effects. They cannot be ruled out that Titanic is targeted in the volition. There is, therefore, no doubt that there were connection threads between Titan and Titanic. Was Rush in the Titanic? Could he have been the owner of Titanic or the chief captain on its tragic mission? We may not know because of the veil over his inner eyes, but most likely. We can sense that the links are active. What error of judgment could he have committed that he had unquenchable longing to visit the Titanic down the depths of the ocean? He sensed something strongly about Titanic the voyage of which, from his inner stirring, and pull he was undoubtedly connected? Since this expedition ended in disaster, he must come again in a repeated earthlife until there is recognition of his possible guilt that may have led to the unmitigated tragedy and there is atonement and his slate is wiped clean.

From the enlightenment of these times, we are permitted knowledge of events and recognition of possibilities both here on earth and in the Beyond. There are millions of disincarnate souls roaming about in the ethereal world, among them would count victims of the Titanic tragedy of 1912. Many of them who carry deep wounds in their souls may be embittered over the premature termination of their lives on earth through the Titanic voyage. A great number amongst them may have been seeking opportunities to avenge their unsavoury experiences on Mr. Rush out of immaturity instead of moving on to make progress who may be seeking opportunities to avenge their experiences instead of learning from them and moving on. The bitterness and the vengefulness are capable of releasing dark forces to trigger a ship capsizing once they could find anchorage. Such vengefulness compounds woes hindering their progress in the Beyond.

Mr. McCallum must have been standing at his post and may have carried out his tasks through his unrelenting warnings and admonitions to OceanGate to sever his own connection with the tragic mission of the Titanic and connection with Mr. Rush. The Creator does not place disaster on man’s way in order for mankind to make progress. Man is surrounded with help, starting from his intuitive perception and helper in the Beyond. The Lord has placed in Creation His Divine Laws to govern Creation. Was there no time when mankind forged links with the Light Region and heavenly melodies filled the earth? That was in the very beginning of human sojourn on earth. There was swinging as it was meant to be and there was joy and rejoicing on this same earth. We are told in the great Work, “A Gate Opens” by Herbert Vollmann, (Heavenly Melody): “The time came when these delicate flames had blossomed forth in purity into human spirits, and in the blossoming there mingled a faint note from faraway lands, which touched the strings of their hearts like gentle hands, awakening that tone which had sounded so beautiful to them as they departed, and they had quietly received into their innermost being. For they were seized by a vehement urge: for they knew the sweet sound of home, and soon their strings resounded more fully, and their song grew into a melody filled with longing.”

The Creator sent Prophets and Teachers of Mankind to teach and lead us human beings from one step of development to the other. At nowhere are we told that they as exemplars for man took risks or taught same. They received guidance for their activities from the Light Region to which they were connected. Indeed, we learn in higher knowledge that God gives to His own in their sleep. There are no inventions, there are only discoveries. All mankind needs are lovingly brought to the earth from a plane called Medium Gross Matter by the servants of the Lord for the use of mankind at the appropriate time consistent with the measure of their maturity. Despite all we have been blessed with, all the technological wonders that daze us, we are told, our best are yet to come! It is not for nothing we are given the faculty to weigh and examine and be guided to choose what furthers our development and progress.

It may be asked: Of what benefit to mankind or Creation is paying a handsome fee of $250,000 US Dollars for a jolly but risky ride of eight hours just to go and see the remains of a ship that got wrecked 111 years ago? Even if it was a journey of scientific investigation, which incidentally, it was not, it is still outrageous. We learn from higher knowledge beaming In the Light of Truth and spreading on earth today: Motion — A Law of Creation, “Man does not gain anything by being the fastest runner, a skillful boxer, a bold driver, or if he knows whether the horse appeared on earth before or after the fly!”

Certainly our sympathy goes to the five occupants of the Titan submersible, and to their loved ones over the tragedy. At the same time we cannot but feel immense pity that they chose to fritter away their precious lives in pursuit of absolutely nothing, for with knowledge we can work on ourselves and alter the course of our journey away from fateful entrapment we are wont to call destiny! The question remains for everyone to ask and it is where to start: “Who am I? Why am I here on earth?”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his government being a responsible government is conscious of the security situation in Nigeria and ready to address all the concerns of Nigerians on the issue.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said this during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) and 160th Anniversary of Nigerian Army on Thursday in Ibadan.

He assured Nigerians of his government’s resolve to address all threats and take care of national security challenges confronting the country within the shortest possible time.

The president said his administration would continue to do all it could and as permitted by the Constitution to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens and the nation’s unity.

“I assure the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces of my commitment to their welfare, and I will address the issue of equipment, insufficient funding and other factors constraining their efficient operation,” he said.

Tinubu added that his administration has put in place a mechanism that would comprehensively address all the challenges facing the Armed Forces for them to effectively carry out their operations.

While calling on all Nigerians to unite and shun all acts capable of dividing the nation, the President commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, had said the Nigerian Army was living up to its constitutional role.

(NAN).