Thursday, September 26, 2013

**LIFE **

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times. The King’s 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her! One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, “I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I’ll be all alone.” Thus, he asked the 4th wife, “I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” “No way!”, replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, “I have loved you all my life. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” “No!”, replied the 3rd wife. “Life is too good! When you die, I’m going to remarry!” His heart sank and turned cold. He then asked the 2nd wife, “I have always turned to you for help and you’ve always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?” “I’m sorry, I can’t help you out this time!”, replied the 2nd wife. “At the very most, I can only accompany you to your grave.” Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated. Then a voice called out: “I’ll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go.” The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatlygrieved, the King said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!” In truth, we all have 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good or feel good, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity. ''DONT SELL YOUR SOUL'' Are you always inspired by my inspirational/motivational stories? If yes Always follow this blog. @Nedumblaze

**JUST IN!**8,000 women seek husbands in Zamfara

Over 8,000 women on Thursday matched to the Zamfara Hisbah Commission seeking the state government’s assistance to enable them get married. Led by the Chairperson of the Zamfara Widows Association, Hajiya Suwaiba Isa and their patron Alhaji Sa’idu Goshe, the women said they were not living a normal life and needed husbands to become whole. “Many of us cannot afford two meals in a day because there are no men to support us,” they said. The patron, said the association has over 8,000 women, comprising 5,380 divorcees, 2,200 widows, 1,200 orphans and 80 others, whom he said, were looking for men to marry. He said the women also needed assistance to purchase household items such as beds, mattresses and other basic necessities needed to move to their husband houses. Goshe appealed to the commission to assist the association in screening suitors for the women. He said the screening would determine the suitors health status, source of livelihood and ability to maintain a family. Responding, the Chairman of the commission, Dr Atiku Zawuyya, commended the association for the initiative, saying it would assist in ridding the society of women of easy virtues. Zawuyya promised to present the matter to the state government for necessary action, but urged the patron to also set up a similar body for men to make the pairing exercise easier. (Heartland Blaze)

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

**REVEALED!!!** ITS OBASANJO's SISTER's HOUSE!!

By Chinedu Opara Obasanjo’s sister owns Apo building where squatters were killed. The unfinished building where security forces killed at least seven squatters Friday, September 20, in the Apo neighbourhood of Abuja, belongs to Mrs. Adunni Oluwole Salisu, believed to be the sister to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a heartland blaze investigation has revealed. Documents from the Abuja Geographical Information Systems (AGIS) shows that the property, located at No. 8 Bamanga Tukur Street, Gudu District, near the Gudu cemetery, belongs to Mrs. Salisu. Ownership details of property OG247326, point unmistakably to Mrs. Salisu’s land rights, but neither her, nor the former president, could be reached for comment; although authoritative family sources confirmed the ownership and the relationship. The Gudu killings have pitched the Nigerian human rights community against anti-terrorist campaigners in a bitter debate about the threshold of caution that security forces on anti-terror missions ought to uphold where the insurgency is generally armed, and have demonstrated maximum capability for ruthless murder and violence. Soldiers and SSS officials, spurred by intelligence reports that a sleeper cell of Boko Haram insurgents, embedded in the Gudu neighbourhood, were about to strike again in Abuja, pre-emtorily stormed the building inhabited by squatters, mostly tricycles drivers, petty traders and artisans, in the early hours of Friday, killing at least seven and leaving several injured. A spokesman for the tricycle association angrily lambasted security officials on Channels TV, in an interview Monday, claiming that “because two or three Boko Haram people were in the building offers no excuse to kill innocent people.” Security forces have been in anxious alert after the Boko Haram insurgents scored a string of deadly success in missions that targeted This Day newspaper office, the United Nations office, the Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police, and the Anti-Robbery Squad headquarters of the Police- all in Abuja. The sect has also visited punishing attacks on neighbourhood churches killing scores of worshipers. Heartland Blaze gathered, within intelligence sources, Tuesday, that a mood of panic alert in the security community was what precipitated the Apo killings also thought to be “quite frankly an operational failure,” underscoring, top operatives disclosed to Heartland Blaze, “the imperative for deeper and specialized human rights training for agents on anti-insurgency mission.” Residents claim a representative of the owner of the house had given the squatters a week notice to vacate the property. The squatters were killed before the expiration of the notice. Most of the dead and wounded were shot in the back, execution style. It is not known yet whether Mr. Obasanjo played any role in that tragic eviction operation. Meanwhile, multiple security sources have told this paper that the SSS had released most of the squatters arrested at the building after it was unable to link them to any terrorist activities. News of the release of the squatters came just as the Nigerian Senate, the Police and the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, promised to investigate the killings. Chairman of the NHRC, Chidi Odinkalu, told us, it was essential to investigate and verify the death of the squatters. “The facts of this matter should be dispassionately verified,” Mr. Odinkalu said. “That is an obligation everybody must take seriously.”

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Heartland Blaze vibes: **TRANSFORMING NIGERIA!**

Heartland Blaze vibes: **TRANSFORMING NIGERIA!**: FULL TRANSCRIPT Of President Goodluck Jonathan's Speech At The UN General Assembly The President of the 68th Session of the General Ass...

Heartland Blaze vibes: **TRANSFORMING NIGERIA!**

Heartland Blaze vibes: **TRANSFORMING NIGERIA!**: FULL TRANSCRIPT Of President Goodluck Jonathan's Speech At The UN General Assembly The President of the 68th Session of the General Ass...

**TRANSFORMING NIGERIA!**

FULL TRANSCRIPT Of President Goodluck Jonathan's Speech At The UN General Assembly The President of the 68th Session of the General Assembly; Heads of State and Government; The Secretary-General; Distinguished Delegates; Ladies and Gentlemen Mr President, 1. On behalf of the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I salute you as you preside over the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. I assure you of the full support and cooperation of the Nigerian delegation. 2. I also wish to extend our commendation to the Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and place on record, Nigeria’s appreciation for his focused and committed leadership of the United Nations system. 3. This Session is coming at a particularly trying period when our world faces a number of critical challenges which make it imperative for us to work within the Charter of the United Nations to meaningfully address them. 4. It is therefore apt that the theme, Post 2015 Development Agenda: Setting the Stage, signposts our desire and determination to actively cooperate for the improvement of the overall welfare and well-being of the most vulnerable citizens of the member-states of our Organisation. 5. Nigeria appreciates the consultative nature of designing the Post-2015 development agenda. Earlier in the year, we supported this global outreach through inclusive consultations and surveys of a number of Nigerians who have expressed their aspirations with respect to the world they expect beyond 2015. 6. A major highlight of this process, which has increased national ownership of the agenda, is the emphasis on the eradication of poverty as the overarching principle in the formulation of the successor framework. 7. Indeed, tomorrow, we will be hosting a side event on the implementation of the MDGs, in collaboration with the UN, a number of African countries, and our development partners. 8. As I had cause to say to this Assembly last Session, 2015 is not a destination but only a milestone to a better, safer, healthier and more compassionate world. Let us therefore renew our commitment to the processes that will develop the post-MDGs framework. Mr. President, 9. This objective is of particular resonance to us in Africa where the challenges of poverty, illiteracy, food insecurity, and climate change continue to engage the attention of the political leadership. 10. The good news however, is that in the last decade, a sustained democratization process across the continent has made significant difference in governance processes, institutions and structures. Today, we have a renascent Africa that has moved away from the era of dictatorship to a new dawn where the ideals of good governance and an emphasis on human rights and justice are beginning to drive state-society relations. This is the present reality of Africa that must replace the old prejudices and assumptions about the continent. 11. We are firm in our conviction that democracy is fundamental to achieving the requisite stability that will enable the realization of a sustainable post-2015 development agenda in Africa. 12. This emergent Africa will require the continued support and partnership of the international community. An Africa that is no longer merely a destination for aid but one that is involved in constructive, multi-sectoral exchanges on the global stage. Our continent stands ready to continue to engage the rest of the world as a partner in formulating a global development agenda that will guarantee peace, security and stability. 13. I wish to express my appreciation for Nigeria’s selection as co-Chair of the Expert Committee on Financing Sustainable Development. 14. The importance of this Committee’s assignment cannot be overstated. For the post-2015 development agenda to be realistic, it must be backed by a robust financing framework which I hope will receive the strong backing of our Organisation’s more endowed members. Mr. President, 15. Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable peace and security propels the country to action along with member states of our sub-regional and continental organisations, whenever stability is threatened in our continent. In recent years, Africa has had its share of conflicts notably in Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Somalia. 16. It is noteworthy that African leaders, with the support of the international community, have demonstrated the capacity to work in concert and decisively in pursuit of long-term solutions in the affected States. While a lot more still needs to be done, we are convinced that progress is being made. 17. The recent Presidential elections in Mali herald a new beginning that should translate into peace and prosperity for its people and provide a stronger basis for stability within the sub-region. I congratulate President Boubacar Keita. Similarly, the political transition process in Guinea Bissau holds much promise. Among African leaders, there is a greater determination and focus on the transformation of the continent. This is the required impetus for the achievement of development objectives that will benefit the people, and rebrand the continent even more positively. 18. Although our world has not witnessed a global war since the establishment of the United Nations, there have been several conflicts with devastating consequences and impact in virtually all regions of the world. As global citizens, we have a sacred duty to free our world of wars, rivalries, ethnic conflicts, and religious divisions. Our collective effort in our drive for a better world will continue to bind us together. Mr. President, 19. Nigeria continues to support the efforts of the United Nations in addressing the global initiative to combat the menace of the illicit trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons. We have redoubled efforts to address this onerous challenge within our borders and across the West African sub-region. 20. In doing so, we also recognize the need for a broad-based global partnership in the on-going battle against trans-border crimes, including terrorism and acts of piracy. It is regrettable that these scourges are sustained by unfettered access by non-state actors to illicit small arms and light weapons with which they foster insecurity and instability across our continent. For us in Africa, these are the ‘weapons of mass destruction’! 21. It is therefore, in the light of our collective obligation and unceasing struggle to end this nightmare, that I congratulate Member-States on the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in April this year. Our hope is that upon its entry into force, the ATT would herald an era of accountable trade in conventional arms which is critical to the security of nations. 22. In line with our continued commitment to this project, Nigeria has signed and ratified the Treaty. We will continue to engage other Member-States for its successful implementation. Mr. President, 23. Terrorism constitutes a major threat to global peace and security, and undermines the capacity for sustained development. In Nigeria, the threat of terrorism in a few States in the North Eastern part of our country has proven to be a challenge to national stability. We will spare no effort in addressing this menace. We are therefore confronting it with every resource at our disposal with due regard for fundamental human rights and the rule of law. 24. Nigeria will like to place on record its appreciation to the international community for its support in this regard. The reign of terror anywhere in the world is an assault on our collective humanity. Three days ago, the stark reality of this menace was again brought to the fore by the dastardly terrorist attack in Nairobi, Kenya. We must stand together to win this war together. Mr. President, 25. Piracy, like terrorism, is another menace that has attained worrisome proportions, especially in Africa’s coastal waters. At the bilateral and multilateral levels, Nigeria has promoted cooperation to mitigate its impact and consequences on the security and economies of the affected coastal states. 26. Indeed, in June this year, the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission met in Yaounde, Cameroon, and came up with practical steps to collectively confront the menace of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. This effort will, no doubt, require reinforcement and wider support and collaborative action on the part of our international partners. Mr. President, 27. The situation in the Middle East remains volatile. The reported use of chemical weapons in the Syrian crisis, is unacceptable. Nigeria condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the use of chemical weapons that are prohibited by International Conventions. 28. We applaud the current diplomatic efforts to avert further escalation of the crisis. We urge all parties involved to end the violence and seek a negotiated solution, including the instrumentality of the United Nations. 29. The threat which nuclear weapons pose to the survival of the human race is to be understood not just in the context of aspirational nations but also the nations already in possession of such weapons. Nuclear weapons are as unsafe in the hands of small powers as they are in the hands of the major powers. It is our collective responsibility to urge the international community to respond to the clarion call for a peaceful universe in an age of uncertainty. 30. We can attain this objective if we adopt measures and policies that will promote nuclear disarmament, protect and renew our environment, and push towards an international system that is based on trust, mutual respect and shared goals. Mr. President, 31. I believe that I express the concern of many about the slow pace of effort and apparent lack of progress in the reform of the United Nations, especially the Security Council. We believe strongly, that the call for democratization worldwide should not be for States only, but also, for International Organizations such as the UN. That is why we call for the democratization of the Security Council. 32. This is desirable for the enthronement of justice, equity, and fairness; and also for the promotion of a sense of inclusiveness and balance in our world. 33. Our support for the United Nations Security Council in its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security has been total and unwavering. We have, in previous membership of the Council, demonstrated both the political will and capacity to engage in key Council responsibilities. Nigeria has therefore decided to seek election for the 2014-2015 Non-Permanent Seat of the UNSC. 34. I am pleased to state that Nigeria has received the endorsement of the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union. We urge this august Assembly to endorse Nigeria’s candidature. Mr. President, 35. Our world continues to be confronted by pressing problems and threats. No statement that will be made during this Session can exhaust the extent of these problems. The world looks to us, as leaders, to provide hope in the midst of crisis, to provide guidance through difficult socio-political divisions, and to ensure that we live in a better world. 36. We have obligations to the present generation, but we have a greater obligation to generations yet unborn who should one day inherit a world of sufficiency irrespective of the circumstances of their birth or where they reside on the globe. We must work to make that world a reality in recognition of our common heritage. 37. We must strive to eradicate poverty, hunger, disease and human misery; we must eliminate the scourge of nuclear, chemical, biological, as well as small arms and light weapons. We must dedicate ourselves to working together to address global, regional and national challenges and deliver a more peaceful, equitable and prosperous world for all. It is our duty. We must not fail. 38. I thank you.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Heartland Blaze vibes: Be the Change you want.

Heartland Blaze vibes: Be the Change you want.: By Chinedu Felix Opara ARE THE YOUTHS READY FOR CHANGE? The essence of education is to draw out the potentials within To enhance your reas...

Be the Change you want.

By Chinedu Felix Opara ARE THE YOUTHS READY FOR CHANGE? The essence of education is to draw out the potentials within To enhance your reasoning and mental capacity Such that you will be different from someone who doesn't have formal education Unfortunately, many youths today seek for easy way out by engaging in malpractice to get certificate they cannot defend. Are the youths ready for change? That the government officials are not sincere may be correct But how faithful are you in abiding by the law? Common traffic light we can't obey Many times we jump the queue Are the government officials responsible for that too? We embezzle Student Union Government funds We collect bribe in order to cast our votes We go through backdoor for almost everything yet we clamour for change This is not to justify the evils of our leaders. But we need to do our part We can't clamour for change and refuse to change ourselves Change will begin from you and I There is no point asking the youth to lead if we won't do things differently There is no need to seek for leadership when we are not ready to serve The youths are the hope of the future Even if the past generations failed, We can afford to fail Once again I ask Are the youths ready for change? It is a question you and I need to answer with a sincere conscience Backup with necessary actions. To begin the week. Enough of talking about what is wrong It is time to engage our mind positively Let us arise and focus on solution Let us hold our leaders accountable And be the change we seek God bless the youths God bless Nedum Opara God bless Heartland Blaze God bless Nigeria

Heartland Blaze vibes: WORLD PEACE DAY-Chinedu Felix Opara

Heartland Blaze vibes: WORLD PEACE DAY-Chinedu Felix Opara:  By Chinedu Felix Opara PRESS RELEASE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE: "EDUCATION FOR PEACE" DATE: 21ST SEPTEMBER 2013 "Establ...

WORLD PEACE DAY-Chinedu Felix Opara

 By Chinedu Felix Opara PRESS RELEASE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE: "EDUCATION FOR PEACE" DATE: 21ST SEPTEMBER 2013 "Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all that politics can do is keep us out of war". - Maria Montessori (1870 - 1952) We live in a world where selfishness, thirst for power and conflicts emerge on a daily basis and peace is a universal dream we all hope to achieve one day. Various stakeholders have come up with many possible solutions and ways to bring the world together and to establish peace among nations, and among people. United Nations in its devotion to achieve World Peace, created International Day of Peace which is celebrated on 21st September annually to commemorate and spread the ideals of peace among all nations and people. As a young man working tirelessly in support of a peaceful world for the young generation. Nedum Opara has been contributing by defending youth rights. In light with that, the theme for this year's International Day of Peace, "Education for Peace" has drawn a lot of attention from me. because I believe education is a key to a bright future and can open many doors for young people. Through education, the concepts of solidarity, mutual respect and tolerance can be embroidered in the hearts of youth and with these qualities, a ground for peace can easily be set. In addition, I also believe that instillation of peace-based values should start from an early age. It is believed that through children, peace can be attained. Albert Einstein shares these same sentiments as he once stated, "we must begin to inoculate our children against militarism by educating them...I would rather teach peace than war, love rather than hate." Chinedu Opara would like to embrace the International Day of Peace by reiterating my life's mission of implanting the peace-culture amongst our youth. I believe it is necessary to include peace-education in formal academic-curriculum; it can also be initiated as early as possible from the home front. Parents are advised to construct a sound atmosphere where children can clearly feel and learn the value of tolerance and mutual respects not only towards family-members but also to the general members of society. Parents should also be their children's role models by embracing and practicing a peace-culture in their daily lives. I am encouraging young people to show their contribution by setting examples for their peers on how to properly apply the values of tolerance and mutual respect in creating the perfect peace that our world and its population are craving for. I believe that one's single smile is capable of turning others' entire day brighter; now, imagine what respect and tolerance can do for our world! HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE! Yours, Chinedu Felix Opara. (Heartland Blaze). -END

Monday, September 9, 2013

By Chinedu Opara **JUST IN** South East and South South Governor Pledge to Support President Jonathan. The Governors from the South East and South South Geo-Political area has pledge their support on the Presidency of Dr Goodluck Jonathan. The governors in the communique after the meeting yesterday in Asaba, Delta state, agreed for a mutual economic integration and peace in their region. The Re-Elect President Goodluck Jonathan group described the meeting and their deliberations as a welcome development in the subregion, especially now that Nigerians are searching for a lasting peaceful co-existence.