http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/719203
By Yinka Adeyemi

September 2001
Courtesy of AIDS News Service, Vol. 3, No. 2, a publication of Journalists Against AIDS (JAAIDS) Nigeria. www.nigeria-aids.org

In January of 2001, Mauritania, a country with one of the lowest reported HIV prevalence rates in Africa, took a step that Nigerian leaders neglected to take more than 15 years ago: The country's Senate held a Special Session on HIV/AIDS, inviting experts to speak on the nature of the epidemic, and to suggest ways to nip it in the bud, even as the epidemic ravages the rest of the African continent.

The Mauritanian Senate recognized the urgency of concerted action against the epidemic, and suggested the introduction of sexual education in schools as well as a privately managed national agency to play an advocacy role. It is a refreshing, bold step from a country about the size of a few local government areas in Nigeria.

Around 1989, when neighboring countries were reporting an outbreak of HIV/AIDS, Nigeria reported only 11 cases of HIV infection. Officials, unwisely and against every historical epidemiological trend, diverted attention from the virus, focusing instead on mosquitoes and malaria. As they did so, fuelled by apathy and delusion, the virus silently crept into the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, infecting millions and killing thousands.

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Due to bad policy, many Nigerians will have to suffer, and many will die from the virus, barring the sudden development of an efficacious vaccine. Today, even if we take the grossly underestimated figures used by the Nigerian government, the country has a whopping 2.6 million HIV/AIDS cases. And this is primarily the result of callous inaction and arrogance on the part of government. Information was adequate, but officials simply refused to use it or even take it seriously.

It was a familiar pattern in many African countries, with the possible exception of Uganda and a few East African countries. Indeed, rather than begin early intervention to educate and stem the spread of HIV/AIDS, African countries initially engrossed themselves in a wasteful debate over the origin of AIDS.

It all probably started in 1985, at the First International Conference on Virus-Related Cancers in Dakar, Senegal, in which I participated along with the co-discoverer of HIV, Dr. Robert Gallo, and the head of the OAU Scientific Commission, Dr. Williams. It was at this conference that respected scientists articulated their theory about Africa as the origin of not only AIDS, but of many other frightening diseases also. For instance, Dr. Kevin De Cock argued that Ebola virus, Marburg virus and Lassa fever, all thought to be new diseases, "turned out to have been endemic in Africa." Meanwhile, Gallo aired his African-Monkey Connection theory.

Said Gallo at the Dakar Conference: "Viruses closely related to HTLV (Human Type Lymphotropic Virus), but distinct from it, have been isolated from Old World monkeys. This and other facts led us to propose that the ancestral origin of HTLV is Africa."

As I wrote in a syndicated column in 1985, to a people who, barely 20 years earlier were under the yoke of Western colonialism, the Africa-Monkey argument was another indication of racism by Western scientists. Therefore, because of our history of colonialism and slavery, the first impulse of African leaders and opinion formers was to defensively repudiate such Western claims with a display of nationalistic garb.

But while Africans were engaged in this needless debate, intense anti-HIV/AIDS efforts were going on in the West. Pressure groups were forming and national education campaigns on HIV were being launched everywhere.

In Nigeria in 1985, it was difficult to meet one person who did not view HIV/AIDS as a "disease of the white man," and the African connection theory as more evidence of the Western association of Africa with everything negative. Well-meaning people who dared to preach abstinence or condom use as a way to curb the spread of HIV were routinely laughed at as victims of malicious Western propaganda. In the prevailing environment, therefore, many did not see the need for behavioral change. Unfortunately, that attitude persisted for years. Yet, many science writers knew that a major outbreak in Nigeria, with its 100 million people, was only a matter of time.

Such was the prevailing attitude in Nigeria, and it was the principal reason the National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA) was not inaugurated until last year. The Committee's work is cut out for it, and the challenges are daunting.

Although the death of popular musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and the admission by his world-renowned physician brother, Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, that the musician died of AIDS has promoted some awareness and encouraged the use of condoms, many Nigerians still remain unpersuaded. A survey of some Nigerians, selected randomly over two weeks in January 2001, suggests that many are armed with information about the disease. But even those who reported adequate knowledge said they did not see any reason to wear condoms because, "I do not sleep around" or "I know the people I sleep with." Less than 5 percent said they would consider voluntary testing, while the majority said they would rather not know about their HIV status in order not to be ostracized by friends and family.

That is not an irrational fear in Nigeria today. Fela's brother suffered unprecedented assault in the press by commentators who accused him of a criminal vendetta against the more popular musician. Worse than ostracism is the likelihood of an HIV-infected person being fired from gainful employment.

There appears to be no recourse in Nigeria for such people who are wrongfully dismissed from their jobs. In a shocking case that resonated throughout Nigeria, a judge on January 22, 2001, disallowed a former hospital worker, Georgiana Ahamefule, who was dismissed from her job, from appearing in her defense out of fear that she would spread the virus in court! Her case remains unresolved.

The attitude of the judge underscores a desperate need in Nigeria for a national education program on HIV/AIDS, along with comprehensive programs to combat the virus, including condom use, vaccine tests, counseling and treatment.

Political leaders should begin to speak openly about the virus and participate in public blood screenings. Of course, it is probably too late for 2.6 million Nigerians, who, unfortunately, will eventually become the cadavers next door. But far too many Nigerians remain at risk. And they must be saved.

Yinka Adeyemi is a Columnist for the Daily Times of Nigeria and author of "A Media Handbook for HIV Vaccine Trials for Africa" published by UNAIDS. ]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:24:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/719203 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/713369
As the HIV response represents one of the soundest of all possible global investments, it is critical that commitment to HIV efforts be maintained and strengthened in the midst of these economic challenges - Report of the Secretary-General to the 63rd General Assembly.

Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health of South Africa addressed the General Assembly on 16 June 2009
Credit: UN Photo/Jenny Rockett

At the 63rd session of the General Assembly held in New York on 16 June 2009, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented a report on the progress made in the implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS. The first address by UN member states was delivered by Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the new Minister of Health of South Africa. Speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Motsoaledi noted recent progress made in South Africa and in the SADC region in confronting AIDS.

This year’s report provides an update on developments in the AIDS response, looks forward to the agreed 2010 milestones, recommends key actions to accelerate progress and urges renewed commitment to the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

In June 2008, the General Assembly held a High-level Meeting on HIV/AIDS that assessed progress in the response to the global HIV epidemic. Reports from 147 countries showed that important progress had been made, including in the areas of access to antiretroviral therapy and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

However, the report shows that, despite such encouraging developments, considerable challenges remain, including significant access gaps for key HIV-related services. The pace of new infections continues to outstrip the expansion of treatment programmes, and commitment to HIV prevention remains inadequate. While funds available for HIV in low- and middle-income countries increased from $11.3 billion in 2007 to $13.7 billion in 2008, there has been a global economic downturn since the 2008 High-level Meeting.

As the HIV response represents one of the soundest of all possible global investments, it is critical that commitment to HIV efforts be maintained and strengthened in the midst of these economic challenges, report of the Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General’s report also highlights that despite the many commitments made by Member States to protect the rights of people living with HIV and people vulnerable to HIV infection, many countries have laws and policies that are inconsistent with the commitments and result in reduced access to essential HIV services and commodities.

In 2007, one third of countries reported that they still lacked laws to prohibit HIV-related discrimination, and many countries with anti-discrimination legislation have problems with adequate enforcement. A total of 84 countries reported that they have laws and regulations that present obstacles to effective HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for vulnerable subpopulations. Furthermore, some 60 countries have laws that restrict the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV based on HIV-positive status only. Finally, an increasing number of countries have enacted overly broad laws that criminalize transmission or exposure to HIV, as well as non-disclosure of HIV status. Such measures are likely to lead people to avoid HIV testing, thereby undermining efforts to achieve universal access. Therefore, the report recommends that laws and law enforcement should be improved and programmes to support access to justice should be taken to scale to prevent discrimination against people living with HIV. HIV-related travel restrictions should be eliminated; the criminalization of HIV transmission should be limited to intentional transmission; and laws that burden or impede service access among sex workers, men who have sex with men and injecting drug users should be repealed.

Improved analytic methods have enabled countries to better characterize the magnitude and dynamics of their epidemics, to select appropriate interventions and tailor evidence-informed strategies to address their specific national context. The strategic tailoring of national responses magnifies the results of HIV programmes and reduces waste and inefficiency. Improved monitoring and evaluation systems also permit countries to revise national strategies as their epidemics evolve over time. In their efforts to closely align national strategies with actual national circumstances, countries should work to understand and address the social and structural determinants of HIV risk and vulnerability, such as gender inequalities, social marginalization and stigma and discrimination.

The HIV epidemic presents a long-term global challenge and requires a sustained commitment for an effective long-term response. As the coverage and quality of HIV programmes increase, the report calls to intensify efforts to strengthen the health, education, social welfare and other key sectors, and to integrate HIV with tuberculosis, sexual and reproductive health and other health services.

The long-term AIDS response will be sustainable only if substantially greater success is achieved in slowing the rate of new HIV infections, while providing optimal services for people living with HIV, the report underlines. Bringing to scale the appropriate mix of behavioural, biomedical and structural HIV-prevention strategies would more than halve the number of all new HIV infections between now and 2015. Access to such a combination of prevention strategies, however, remains sharply limited in most countries according to the Secretary-General’s report.

Finally, the report emphasizes that achieving national universal access targets by 2010 will require an estimated annual outlay of $25 billion within two years, necessitating renewed commitment from all providers of HIV-related funding. Sustaining an effective AIDS response will require unprecedented leadership at all levels, including from Governments, civil society and affected communities.
]]> Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:20:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/713369 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/693243 ============================================
Text: Obama’s Speech in Cairo
Published: June 4, 2009
The following is a text of President Obama's prepared remarks to the Muslim world, delivered on June 4, 2009, as released by the White House.
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Thank you very much. Good afternoon. I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al—Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning; and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. And together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I'm grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I'm also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: Assalaamu alaykum.

We meet at a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the world — tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim—majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. All this has bred more fear and more mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles — principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. I know there's been a lot of publicity about this speech, but no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have this afternoon all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do today — to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.

Now part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I'm a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and at the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.

As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam — at places like Al-Azhar — that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities — it was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.

I also know that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President, John Adams, wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, they have served in our government, they have stood for civil rights, they have started businesses, they have taught at our universities, they've excelled in our sports arenas, they've won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers — Thomas Jefferson — kept in his personal library.

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words — within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum — "Out of many, one."

Now, much has been made of the fact that an African American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores — and that includes nearly 7 million American Muslims in our country today who, by the way, enjoy incomes and educational levels that are higher than the American average.

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state in our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That's why the United States government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab and to punish those who would deny it.

So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations — to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. When innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.

And this is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes — and, yes, religions — subjugating one another in pursuit of their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners to it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; our progress must be shared.

Now, that does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: We must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and as plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.

The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

In Ankara, I made clear that America is not — and never will be — at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security — because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as president to protect the American people.

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice; we went because of necessity. I'm aware that there's still some who would question or even justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: Al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.

Now, make no mistake: We do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We see no military — we seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and now Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

And that's why we're partnering with a coalition of 46 countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths — but more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Quran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as — it is as if he has killed all mankind. And the Holy Quran also says whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism — it is an important part of promoting peace.

Now, we also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That's why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who've been displaced. That's why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend on.

Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."

Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future — and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. And I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. And that's why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all of our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its security forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.

And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our principles. Nine-eleven was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.

So America will defend itself, respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.

The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.

America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.

Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed — more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, it is ignorant, and it is hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction — or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews —is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.

On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people — Muslims and Christians — have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than 60 years they've endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations — large and small — that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: The situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. And America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.

For decades then, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It's easy to point fingers — for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought about by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.

That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. And that is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience and dedication that the task requires. The obligations — the obligations that the parties have agreed to under the road map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them — and all of us — to live up to our responsibilities.

Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and it does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign neither of courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That's not how moral authority is claimed; that's how it is surrendered.

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have to recognize they have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, recognize Israel's right to exist.

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.

And Israel must also live up to its obligation to ensure that Palestinians can live and work and develop their society. Just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be a critical part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.

And finally, the Arab states must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab—Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state, to recognize Israel's legitimacy, and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.

America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and we will say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.

Too many tears have been shed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of the three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, peace be upon them, joined in prayer.

The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.

This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is in fact a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage—taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I've made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question now is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

I recognize it will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude, and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It's about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation — including Iran — should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I'm hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.

I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.

That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere.

Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments — provided they govern with respect for all their people.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they're out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power: You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Barack Obama, we love you!

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you. The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.

Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it first-hand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it's being challenged in many different ways.

Among some Muslims, there's a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of somebody else's faith. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld — whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. And if we are being honest, fault lines must be closed among Muslims, as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That's why I'm committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.

Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit — for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We can't disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.

In fact, faith should bring us together. And that's why we're forging service projects in America to bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That's why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action — whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.

The sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.

I know, I know — and you can tell from this audience, that there is a healthy debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

Now, let me be clear: Issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, we've seen Muslim—majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.

I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity — men and women — to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. And that is why the United States will partner with any Muslim—majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro—financing that helps people live their dreams.

Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.

I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence into the home. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing communities. In all nations – including America – this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities – those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.

But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim—majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.

And this is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investment within my country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas when it comes to his part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.

On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America. At the same time, we will encourage more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in online learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo.

On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim—majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim—majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more jobs. We'll open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new science envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, and grow new crops. Today, I'm announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.

All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments, community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world that we seek – a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.

I know there are many – Muslim and non-Muslim – who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort – that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust that has built up over the years. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country – you, more than anyone, have the ability to reimagine the world, to remake this world.

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort – a sustained effort – to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It's easier to start wars than to end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There's one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples – a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Quran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."

The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."

The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you. Thank you very much. Thank you]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:19:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/693243 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/678459 MDGs, NEEDS and HIV/AIDS: ACT NOW Series I.

Organisers:
GYCA Nigeria and every other reliable stakeholders. You are welcome.


Date:
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 by 8.00am to
Thurday, May 28, 2009 by 8am.
(All Day through Night rubbing of minds.)

VENUE:
NAYA Nigeria
Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria,
No. 1, Victoria Way, Oslo,
Beside Oceanic Bank / Oshodi-Isolo Council Office,
Aswami Market Way, Oshodi - Lagos State.

Participation Fee: Free !

Send your name and state to:
08064464545 for confirmation of attendance, please.]]> Mon, 25 May 2009 12:27:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/678459 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/678207
Take it .....
Okechukwu Okorie at 6:44am May 22 via Facebook Mobile
We have many 'Satans' around. So it shd be normal. I'll quickly bcom a Nigerian politician and use him for jobs.


'Fiyinfolu Olugbile at 7:34am May 22
Feel? Send him packing kia masa.

Aliu Nelson at 8:49am May 22
akinbo, u should realise that d devil does not always wear horns, sometimes he appears as chocolate coated candy. we probably live with satan everyday of our lives without realising it

Adebayo Waidi Gbenro at 9:29am May 22
i will be very happy,because the real devil lives in peoples heart.

Ifeanyi Uba at 10:07am May 23
i would go over to his crib and ask him if he is really responsible for all the times people say "it was the devil's work"?

Jimmy Ogunnowo at 6:30am May 24 via Facebook Mobile
I will send OPC there sharp sharp


Ojo Afolabi at 8:27am May 24
oti di ab'esu pin'le niyen

Mbasekei:easily walk in d door and negotiate with him


Akinola:so its either i find another appartment or send him packing if the house is mine


Phillip:I will let him know that God is greater than him

if satan lives next door, I knw it willk be a quiet zone at least people will keep off from you. He may end up being a nice neighbor since he also needs company. Esu


I guess we can ask "If Satan could grant a bad wish for you, what would you ask from him ?"





]]> Mon, 25 May 2009 04:26:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/678207 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/674757
However, it got me thinking (on the naughty side) and i asked:

"If God went on leave, what could happen ?"

Here this from friends...

Dele Oyeniyi, Oluwafunke Taiwo and Olumide Idowu like this.

Olaniyan Kofoworola at 7:05am May 20 via Facebook Mobile
Eh?leave ke??abeg,make he no try am o.

Olumide Idowu at 7:06am May 20 via Facebook Mobile
Hm His kingdom will experience bitterness.

Oluleke Banji at 7:10am May 20
Humans will practise their mutual destructions skills with all intensity and if God doesnt come back on time from the leave, there will be no survivals

'Fiyinfolu Olugbile at 7:11am May 20
Aye ma pare ni

Gbenga Emuwawon at 7:21am May 20 via Facebook Mobile
it would be back to the "Big Bang" all over again!

Oluwafunke Taiwo at 7:29am May 20 via Facebook Mobile
Cormer baba where u they get all dis tinkin frm? Leave ke?

Victor Tafo Buzugbe at 7:35am May 20
i go just die

Dele Oyeniyi at 7:39am May 20
then i don't exit....if God went on leave

JesusFreak Adegbulu at 7:48am May 20
which kain leave be that? God forbid!

Kikelomo Amisu Ashaye at 8:00am May 20
Eni tin pa mi mo ki sun beeni kii togbe. So dat can never happen.lol

Don Cuso at 8:20am May 20
dere will be anoda 911....

Okechukwu Okorie at 8:47am May 20 via Facebook Mobile
Which kin Thot be dat one? If he went on leave, Jesus wld deputise. So no shaking! Anyway, he cant cos, 'He that watches over Isreal/Okechukwu does not sleep nor slumber...

Arodoye Olajide Abiodun at 9:18am May 20
lot of people will perish

Emmanuel A Akinyemi at 9:20am May 20
what are u thinking?

Foluke Tunrayo Opalade at 9:20am May 20
See your life Cornerstone, kai na for where I con know you ooo,Chineke?. God no sleep he no slumber,atrocities full every where upon say hin dey work round the clock o. U con dey dey think of leave for am. Wo within a sec, the whole world go vamouse. Wetin u dey joke with sef, abeg stop am o.

Oludare Lasisi at 9:38am May 20
Devil will take charge.....pending the time God will return..lol

Folagbade Banwo at 11:35am May 20
No problem, if God (the father) is on leave, God (the son) and God (the holy ghost) will take charge.....case close

Ogundijo 'posky' Oladapo at 1:37pm May 20
@ Folagbade.... correct yearn...2ru tok

Olotu Tayo at 2:43pm May 20
I would take over from Him.

Aliu Nelson at 4:24pm May 20
its about time he went on leave. we need to run things so dat things dont run we

Momoh Olufunke
Momoh Olufunke at 7:47pm May 20
the whole world will be in chaos.

Folagbade tripped me (allowed use of words)...and me nko ? I feel it would be nice he stayed in charge. What men can do ? Dont even think of it !

So..."If Satan was next door to you, how would you feel ?"










]]> Thu, 21 May 2009 11:31:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/674757 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/659987 Warrior kings at rest
Ancestors of our mother land
Awake! Awake! Awake!
For too long these dark
And stormy clouds of oppression
Have flooded our hearts with
Pains, sorrow and frustration
Deities! Arise! Arise! Arise
And avenge these tears we cry
Ogun, lakaye oshimole
Smite their first borns
Let your sword of anger shine
In the rays of your vengeance
Esu, convincer confuser, ain
Rain confusion on the center of their household
Songo, olukoso okoya, advocate for justice
Jungle, but just justice
Rain thunder bolts on their ancestral homes
Obaluaye o! elempe ajobo, nana gbuku
Dispenser of thousands of rash dots
Sopona, cover them with the stink
Of humanities stench to carry to the grave
Oro! The sorrow of generations gone
Do not let go in vain…echo their cry
None so blind as those who will not see
None so deaf as those who will not hear
It is wisdom that makes a man run from a
Charging bull, still the world witness these deeds
Yeye Oshun o! Owner of strings of coral beads
Block the womb of their mothers
Block the womb, of daughters
Block the wombs of unborn generations!!
When olukoso strikes your home with thunder
You can not say you are not guilty
Songo! Scourge their souls for eternity!
To Him that never sleeps…
Eledumare! We fall to our knees
In supplication we raise our hands to heaven
Rescue us from this haven
Where the unclean advocate peace
But rape and plunder this land of riches
This land of forgotten bliss

Emmanule kalu Uduma]]> Thu, 07 May 2009 14:53:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/659987 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/658849
Let them speak for themselves.....

Biodun Awosusi at 10:57pm May 5
Man U of course!

Lamii Opere at 11:10pm May 5
Gunners' moooooooihn...so he'd gun 'em all down!

Foluke Tunrayo Opalade at 11:16pm May 5
He is in charge of winners. MAN U, dole. No lele.

Smart Olufemi at 11:31pm May 5
Old boy, nawao. Man U were really good, but they should wait till they meet the team!!!

Odebode Ojo at 4:56am May 6
Man U is the team

Oluwafunke Taiwo at 6:55am May 6 via Facebook Mobile
Who else do u think, if its not Manchester united

Arodoye Olajide Abiodun at 7:56am May 6
eyimba

Debayor Dejumo Sawyer at 8:27am May 6 via Facebook Mobile
Na all lie God is not arrogant so he cnt be in man.u cos he will NEVER WALK ALONE.
We all pray never to be alone dat he shuld be wit us.ynwa

Debayor Dejumo Sawyer at 8:33am May 6 via Facebook Mobile
Remember man u are RED DEVILS,and we put the fear of the LORD in them this season.ynwa

Ademilola Olaide Abidogun at 9:12am May 6
Liverpool 4 sure cos we neva walk alone n dat means whr eva we re God is alwys wit us. MAN U kee? dn't u kno red is a sign of Danger n d God we serve is not a Danger God..

Olabode Oshodi at 9:13am May 6
Manchester United ni


Chidinma Ogunnowo at 10:28am May 6
man u 4 life

Precious Aigbiremhon at 10:58am May 6
Chelsea FC: reasons becos he love Blue. How? Look up to the sky what colour do u see? B.L.U.E look to the sea what colour do you see? B.L.U.E. Blues for real.....Don't say anything EM.

Oladipo Ajayi at 11:41am May 6
the colour you see in the sky depends on the time and season you look. If you look in the night, it might be black, late afrternoon could be yellow, etc

the colour you see in the sea also depends on which of the seas you look at. Remember there is red sea. Lol

Chelsea had only 2 seasons, they were gone with Morinho

Debayor Dejumo Sawyer at 12:01pm May 6 via Facebook Mobile
@Precious chelsea f.c are nt d real blues dey r d PENSIONERS.try to find out.Morinho made u all.ynwa

Badejo Jadesola at 5:29pm May 6
i think liverpool


Now that i feel right to be blue, "If God was Nigerian President, what should be His first priority as a man ?"



]]> Wed, 06 May 2009 15:33:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/658849 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/658845
What do you put in a toaster?

Say "silk " five times. Now spell "silk.." What do cows drink?

If a red house is made from red bricks and a blue house is made from blue bricks and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black bricks, what is a green house made from?

It's twenty years ago, and a plane is flying at 20,000 feet over Germany (If you will recall, Germany at the time was politically divided into West Germany and East Germany.) Anyway, during the flight, two engines fail. The pilot, realizing that the last remaining engine is also failing, decides on a crash landing procedure. Unfortunately the engine fails before he can do so and the plane fatally crashes smack in the middle of "no man's land" between East Germany and West Germany. Where would you bury the survivors? East Germany, West Germany, or no man's land"?

Without using a calculator - You are driving a bus from London to Milford Haven in Wales. In London, 17 people get on the bus. In Reading, six people get off the bus and nine people get on. In Swindon, two people get off and four get on. In Cardiff, 11 people get off and 16 people get on. In Swansea, three people get off and five people get on . In Carmathen, six people get off and three get on. You then arrive at Milford Haven.
What was the name of the bus driver?]]> Wed, 06 May 2009 11:37:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/658845 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/657599
Well, i guess He better throws a birthday bash with some of the friends i have. Some called, other texted...guess am a little lazy at the moment to type it all out...check this anyway...

Olumayowa Kushimo at 8:18pm May 3
I will buy him a handcuff based on one condition..he has to share it with me 24/7...lol


Oluwafunke Taiwo at 10:15pm May 3 via Facebook Mobile
I WILL GET HIM A BIRO, ASK ME WHY

Akinbo A. A. Cornerstone at 8:08am May 4
Why ?

Kolawole Ijitola at 12:25pm May 4
Well,i will get my soul 4 him.

Oluwafunke Taiwo at 1:12pm May 4 via Facebook Mobile
So that he will b able to write my name in d book of eternity.

Kabiawu Olurotimi at 12:28am May 5
He is already my Best friend All i would give is ALL He or any other friend ever wanted My love, My Time and My attention:" God talks to the man who cares"- Pastor Chris Oyakhilome


...and stay connected to the flow ! So, ''If God was a FOOTBALL COACH, what team would He belong ?'']]> Tue, 05 May 2009 16:43:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/657599 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/657575
http://www.facebook.com/groups/create.php?success=1customizegid=166194795036#/group.php?gid=166194795036


Vice-President,
Lagos Zone.
+2348064464545]]> Tue, 05 May 2009 16:38:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/657575 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/657183 copy and paste link...
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=73794473610#/event.php?eid=73794473610

Change in venue:
Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria,
No. 1, Victoria Way, Oslo,
Beside Oceanic Bank / Oshodi-Isolo Council Office,
Aswami Market Way, Oshodi - Lagos State.

Still trying to locate US in Nigeria ?

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=35322941650

You are welcome !]]> Tue, 05 May 2009 05:23:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/657183 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/656677
( I know the Comrades would like these),I am writing to inform you that i need your help. I need you to make somethings happen to save humanity from his inhumanity to humanity. To mail you all, i tried clicking on "Add All". It did not work out.I tried making a short note, it did not work out. So, i took my time to look at each face as i added you to the list. If you are my friend, you will ACT. Nigerians or Not !!

However, my intent is to call your attention to nationwide walk that will not only make history but brake cultural biases and bridge a common gap. It would also be made to effect changes in policies and ensure implementation and domestication. Can you hear me ? You Count and you count a lot.

I believe that true Nigerian and lovers of Humanity will do this for the sake of ensuring and "HIV free Society" with a goodbye to "Stigmatization" and all Health and Rights Issues.

Join GYCA Nigeria...our March begins in June 2009. Change is YOU....ACT NOW !


akinbo a. a. cornerstone
+2348064464545


The list i added...just imagine if you invite just 10 to prepare for the movement...just imagine.]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 14:26:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/656677 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/656539
COTONOU, 4 May 2009 (PLUSNEWS) - Many young people in French-speaking Benin are learning English to adapt to globalization, but some young women have another goal: to enter the thriving sex industry in neighbouring Nigeria, where the market is considered more lucrative.

Jenifer, 20, has been taking a course at a language school in Cotonou, the business capital of Benin. "Well, yes, I'm not learning English just for the sake of learning the language, I have other goals to achieve," she said.

Although it is hard to assess the extent of this clandestine trend, Jean-Paul, who is in the same business English class as Jenifer, is aware of his classmate's objective. "Basically, it's English for sex," he said.

Kadi, 19, who has been learning English for the last four months at a large training centre in Cotonou, admitted to IRIN/PlusNews that she would soon be ready to overcome the last barrier to entering the Nigerian sex trade: language.

"It is the sad truth and it is unfortunate. Sometimes our young girls find themselves in this position without wanting to," said Solange Legonou, President of the Benin network of NGOs for female leadership (ROLF).

"Some of them, for example, go to learn English ... in Nigeria, for further study - not all of them go with the intention of becoming [sex workers], but their circumstances push them into it," said Legonou, who emphasized the need to "concentrate on awareness-raising of young girls", particularly to the risk of HIV.

Globalization

Many girls from Benin and other countries in West Africa succumb to the temptation of sex work in Nigeria. "I was told that it was just like the West there," said Aïcha, who studies law by day and is a sex worker by night. "Fellow Beninians in Nigeria, particularly in Abuja [the capital], do very well out of their clients, who come with dollars and euros."

Amy, a young sex worker near one of the big hotels in the city, came from Ivory Coast in 2007. She said she made enough money to rent an apartment for US$400 a month in a suburb of Abuja.

"The world has changed, we need to get moving and we need to meet others. What is true for business is also true for other areas. Why should we think that sex is not affected by this? We need to find ways to adapt ourselves," she said.

"Most of these people are just adapting to the new world and we cannot criticize them for that," commented Amidou Boubacar, a hotel employee in Lagos, the large port city in the south of Nigeria.

HIV risk

Nigeria has 2.6 million people living with HIV - the third highest HIV caseload in the world after India and South Africa - and a prevalence rate of 3.1 percent, compared to 2 percent in Benin, but this does not discourage young people.

"I am well aware that the possibility of catching AIDS is high [but] you don't need to go to Nigeria to be at risk," said Kadi. "I always take precautions."

Marcelline, another student in Cotonou, told IRIN/PlusNews she planned to go to Abuja, "the city of rich men", where some girls had clients who paid around $130 or more for a night.

Some young Beninian students hone their skills in Cotonou while waiting for the big move. "When I finished my English course I started practicing here because there is a large English-speaking visiting client base in [our] country," admitted Christine, 28. "But my real goal is to one day go to the United Kingdom, America ... or even just to Nigeria."]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 14:19:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/656539 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/656241
We are not better off than those that are dead, but God has kept us faithfully to our track. It is impossible to see and say one is blind. Thank you God !

So, i go back to work...articles to write , journals to read, people to meet, lectures to give, smiles to distribute. Here we go !]]> Sun, 03 May 2009 17:03:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/656241 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/655971
I had some friends call in to ask me why the "If Satan Series" was not available yet. I will tell you this...it will come soon. Ten series and we can interchange, OK ?

For now, enjoy the Series at your beck and call. See this reactions for instance...

'Fiyinfolu Olugbile at 12:17pm April 29
I'll do the little things that carry weight but that are so easily ignored and overlooked


Adedayo Taiwo at 2:24pm April 29
i ll turn to BRUCE ALMIGHTY...........I ll answer all prayers LOL

Kunle Afolayan at 5:16pm April 29
i will kill obasanjo and iwu to make all nigerians happy

Jimmy Ogunnowo at 7:25am May 2 via Facebook Mobile
I no like stress...rapture straight

My o my...rapture look like it o! So, "If God was your best friend and had a birthday bash, what would you get for Him ?"

]]> Sun, 03 May 2009 16:22:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/655971 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/655969

It is with great sadness that I announce the death of one of SWA's most dedicated member. On Sunday, April 26, 2009, our Regional Representative for Nigeria, Akponah Charles Osareimen , was tragically killed in a car accident.

Charles has been active with the Student World Assembly since its inception and has contributed greatly to spearheading the organization's activities in Africa. Leading up to his appointment as a Regional Representative for SWA, Charles was the lead organizer of the first SWA Nigeria regional event. As the Regional Representative for Nigeria, Charles has been the figurehead for SWA activities and has successfully guided our hundreds of members in the region with support and guidance.

Throughout his life, Charles has been a staunch supporter of human rights and global democracy. His passion for human rights and youth activism is apparent in his involvement with a myriad of organizations. Upon graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in May 2004, Charles began working with the Federal Ministry of Inter-Governmental Special Duties and Youth Development in Abuja. In addition to his work with SWA, Charles was also actively involved with the World Youth Organization, WSIS Youth Nigeria, the All Nigeria United Nations Students Youth Association, Commission on Sustainable Development Youth Caucus, NGO Committee on Youth, Taking It Global-Nigeria NGOs Group, and Youth Network for Peacebuilding, UNESCO.

Charles's life is an example of the power of one human's belief in change. Without his dedication, vision and perseverance, SWA would not have its prominent presence in Nigeria and beyond. He will truly be missed, and his life and legacy will never be forgotten.

Please visit our discussion forum to share your thoughts, memories, and prayers for Charles's family and friends: http://www.studentworldassembly.org/Discussions/showthread.php?t=150

With Solidarity,

Shahram Hashemi
Executive Director
Student World Assembly
http://studentworldassembly.org/
Promoting Global Democracy, Human Rights and Activism

2 West 64th Street Suite 408, New York, NY 10023
Phone: 1.212.580.3800 Fax: 1.212.580.3808 Cell: 1.917.345.1694
==========================================



Anyone got Gloria's number. Please, holla mii o. I beg !!!]]> Sun, 03 May 2009 16:13:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/655969 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/654757
Thank God for Great Ife...they stood her up and demanded an apology. It scared the organizer and they had to remove my name. I lost what i could have gained and until recently when that decided to try me, i was not in their good books.

Now nko, they want buy me...but the dough no reach. I goo see wuna later bo !]]> Fri, 01 May 2009 15:39:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/654757 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/653549 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:14:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/653549 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/652331 By Reuben Abati

"When any of my customers wants to have sex with me without using condoms, I usually protest. Then we will strike a bargain and we will do it. He won't know that he is buying his death with his own money. However, there are many who will never have sex without using condoms. But I have a way of dealing with them. When I am having sex with such men, I usually shake my buttocks vigorously so as to burst the condom, and if the condom bursts and the man is carried away, he won't bother about fixing another condom".

These lines are taken from a pathetic story in The Sun newspaper of Saturday, April 18. They belong to a young Nigerian lady called Sandra, who has been served the wrong end of the stick by a crazy society where the future is uncertain even for young girls, and who has chosen to become an assassin in protest. There are probably many others like her whose stories move us to tears and frustration and for whom we feel neither disgust nor pity but sympathy.

Sandra's story holds in one explosive capsule, many of the disturbing issues in the Nigerian society: the insecurity of lives and property, the lack of trauma care for victims of circumstances, the abortion of hopes, rape, prostitution, abortion, poverty, the failure of governance, and the likely effect of psychological and social violence on the society at large. Increasingly, everyday, Nigerians are disappointed by society, and in all ways, they turn upon and against each other; such spectacle of man's inhumanity to man, such display of social violence. And yet it is common to hear them proclaim "the grace of God" in their lives.

Sandra's story is shocking says Henry Umahi, the reporter of her story. Indeed it is. Four years ago, the future lay at her feet. She was 17, a virgin, and she had just been offered admission into the Delta State University, Abraka, to study Banking and Finance. Many young Nigerians love to study Banking and Finance. It is certainly not one of those courses of study that former President Olusegun Obasanjo considered useless. She must have dreamt of getting a job in a bank, with a good salary to go with it, nicely cut skirts and the self-confidence that comes with having made something out of one's life. But Nigerian roads are full of dangers.

She had travelled to Asaba to visit her elder brother, her only sibling, who obviously was willing to pay her school fees. Two days after, her brother died in a motor accident. Motor accident is an easy cause of death in Nigeria. The roads are bad. The drivers are reckless. The vehicles are mostly second hand, used vehicles from Europe and North America running on used and worn tyres that are not made for the tropics. Earlier this year, the FRSC reported that over 1.2 million persons died from motor accident-related injuries in 2008 alone! The hospitals are ill-equipped, there is no emergency rescue facility, and concerned passers-by who usually stop to help, have no clues about how to deal with emergencies and save lives. Nigerians survive on the roads, by "the grace of God".

"In fact for me", says Sandra, "life had come to an abrupt end." But the worst was yet to come. "Another tragedy befell me on my way home to tell my poor mother. Our bus was hijacked by five armed men. They took the vehicle into the bush, robbed us and raped the women. I was one of those the bastards raped. At that time I was still a virgin. I had not known a man. It was a very ugly experience and it made me wonder what a cruel world we live in. It was so horrible, I passed out during the gruesome rape. I had pleaded with them, but they wouldn't let go. Before the attacks, I was already in sorrow and tears. It was the worst thing that could happen to anyone and it made me form an opinion about men."

Sandra couldn't tell anyone what had happened to her. Rape is one of the biggest problems in Nigeria, and the unfortunate thing is that the extant law and the fear of social stigma make it extremely difficult for women who have been so abused to get justice. Robbery on the highways is also rampant. Vehicles are waylaid by armed robbers and after looting cash and property, the hoodlums always end up raping the women. Rarely do the victims go to the police. Women are raped in police stations too by police officers and other uniformed men.

When soldiers raided Odi a few years ago, after sacking the community, they asked the women to line up and they raped them one after the other. The Punch newspaper published the photographs but there is no record of any soldier being punished for rape. These days, the newspapers are full of reports of rape: old men abuse young girls, campus cultists rape female students and female lecturers, fathers rape their daughters. The ones who get caught blame the Devil. The country is full of the devil's agents. Unless rape is properly criminalized by protecting the interest of the victim, the problem is bound to persist. The highways also need to become more secure.

Sandra couldn't "bring herself to tell anyone what happened, not even her mother", because she didn't want to be stigmatised. She couldn't seek help, because there are no counseling centres provided by the state. Then all of a sudden, she discovered that she was pregnant. She finally had to confide in her mother. She also chose to abort the pregnancy: those who insist that abortion is anti-God should read her story. She had no choice. Then, after the abortion, she discovered that she had been infected with the dreaded HIV. With her brother dead, there was no way she could take up the offer of admission into university. With the HIV-infection, she felt her world had come to an end. From being a virgin and a prospective university student, circumstances had conspired to turn her into a failure, all within six months.

When one of her friends later suggested that she could go to Lagos and become a commercial sex worker, she readily agreed. Her goal: "to make money and to infect men with HIV". And so she says: "for three years now, I have been distributing the stuff and it makes me really happy. Men are evil; they deserve no mercy. To hell with the men of this world". By the reporter's calculations, Sandra would have infected about 4, 640 men with HIV in the last three years, at the rate of four men per day. These are men who do not want to use condom, or those who fall victim of Sandra's buttocks-wriggling tactics.

Is Sandra the devil-incarnate? Is she suffering as they say around here, "from home trouble?". What is known is that she thinks all the men of this world are evil. If she was sure that the armed robbers who raped her were later arrested and made to pay for their crime, perhaps she would have been satisfied that justice had been done. She believes that the world is cruel and she is willing to promote that cruelty further. Should we blame her? A few years ago, the story was told of a self-respecting lady who was raped by armed robbers. She couldn't stand the shame. She reportedly committed suicide. Sandra is not willing to die, rather she has become an assassin: punishing menfolk for the crime that five of their kind committed. Imagine the number of other women and men that would have fallen victim through Sandra.

Even in her unhappy state, she had cause to smile recently when two soldiers decided to rape her at Tarkwa Bay. She said she not only enjoyed the moment, she "was shedding tears of joy". "The only thing that I regret is that they stole my money and handsets". What a story. Human lives no longer mean anything to her. For her, money and a handset are more important. And "any man that comes her way is an enemy".

And she tells her story with utmost glee. Her story speaks to the failure of government. It is the responsibility of government to inspire confidence in the justice system, so that aggrieved persons may seek justice formally rather than resort to jungle justice and self-help. Sandra's protest is not only directed at men, but also at the Nigerian state which has been unable to protect men, women and human rights and provide equal opportunities for all.

This is also a story that should be circulated among all men who keep multiple partners, including those who do not patronise prostitutes, but who like to play around all the same, buying death with their money. Those who argue that abstinence and fidelity to a single partner is the best way to minimize the risk of HIV infection through sex should be excited by this story. "AIDS no dey show for face," says one advert on television. Sandra's picture is published in The Sun newspaper, with her face blocked out to protect her identity, but the visible outline of her body, gait and gap-tooth suggests that she must be quite attractive. Who would ever suspect that she is an assassin on the prowl? And how many ladies are like her and even men too, looking for ways of spreading HIV?

The Sun newspaper should not stop at telling her story, efforts should be made to bring help her way. Civil society groups working on HIV/AIDS issues should seek her out, and help to wean her from her chosen "mission to kill". She also obviously needs psychiatric help. But more importantly, a lot still needs to be done to enlighten Nigerians about the reality of HIV/AIDS. Until Fela, the Afro-beat maestro died of HIV-related complications and his family chose to disclose the cause of death, many Nigerians regarded HIV/AIDS as Western propaganda. After a few years of so-called general awareness, Nigerians have now gone back to their old state of denial. There are Nigerian men who continue to insist that they will never use condom or that it is unnatural to stay with one partner.

"How can a man be eating the same thing everyday?", they query. "Do you know anybody who is living with HIV/AIDS.? Everywhere you turn: AIDS AIDS, AIDS but I don't know anybody who has died of AIDS. Look more people are dying from malaria and heart attack", one fellow once argued. I have heard people declare cynically that "man must die of something." When you point to national statistics and the HIV sero-prevalence, they readily tell you that those figures have been manufactured by NGOs and government agencies in order to attract foreign funding. And these are supposed to be educated Nigerians.

And so they fall into the hands of the likes of Sandra, with a fine face, murderous condom-negotiating skills and the heart to kill. And the tragedy spreads. What does the law say? Is she insane? Or she should be recommended for arrest, but she would probably end up sleeping with an entire police station, spread more HIV, and walk free.]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:45:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/652331 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/652333 By Reuben Abati

"When any of my customers wants to have sex with me without using condoms, I usually protest. Then we will strike a bargain and we will do it. He won't know that he is buying his death with his own money. However, there are many who will never have sex without using condoms. But I have a way of dealing with them. When I am having sex with such men, I usually shake my buttocks vigorously so as to burst the condom, and if the condom bursts and the man is carried away, he won't bother about fixing another condom".

These lines are taken from a pathetic story in The Sun newspaper of Saturday, April 18. They belong to a young Nigerian lady called Sandra, who has been served the wrong end of the stick by a crazy society where the future is uncertain even for young girls, and who has chosen to become an assassin in protest. There are probably many others like her whose stories move us to tears and frustration and for whom we feel neither disgust nor pity but sympathy.

Sandra's story holds in one explosive capsule, many of the disturbing issues in the Nigerian society: the insecurity of lives and property, the lack of trauma care for victims of circumstances, the abortion of hopes, rape, prostitution, abortion, poverty, the failure of governance, and the likely effect of psychological and social violence on the society at large. Increasingly, everyday, Nigerians are disappointed by society, and in all ways, they turn upon and against each other; such spectacle of man's inhumanity to man, such display of social violence. And yet it is common to hear them proclaim "the grace of God" in their lives.

Sandra's story is shocking says Henry Umahi, the reporter of her story. Indeed it is. Four years ago, the future lay at her feet. She was 17, a virgin, and she had just been offered admission into the Delta State University, Abraka, to study Banking and Finance. Many young Nigerians love to study Banking and Finance. It is certainly not one of those courses of study that former President Olusegun Obasanjo considered useless. She must have dreamt of getting a job in a bank, with a good salary to go with it, nicely cut skirts and the self-confidence that comes with having made something out of one's life. But Nigerian roads are full of dangers.

She had travelled to Asaba to visit her elder brother, her only sibling, who obviously was willing to pay her school fees. Two days after, her brother died in a motor accident. Motor accident is an easy cause of death in Nigeria. The roads are bad. The drivers are reckless. The vehicles are mostly second hand, used vehicles from Europe and North America running on used and worn tyres that are not made for the tropics. Earlier this year, the FRSC reported that over 1.2 million persons died from motor accident-related injuries in 2008 alone! The hospitals are ill-equipped, there is no emergency rescue facility, and concerned passers-by who usually stop to help, have no clues about how to deal with emergencies and save lives. Nigerians survive on the roads, by "the grace of God".

"In fact for me", says Sandra, "life had come to an abrupt end." But the worst was yet to come. "Another tragedy befell me on my way home to tell my poor mother. Our bus was hijacked by five armed men. They took the vehicle into the bush, robbed us and raped the women. I was one of those the bastards raped. At that time I was still a virgin. I had not known a man. It was a very ugly experience and it made me wonder what a cruel world we live in. It was so horrible, I passed out during the gruesome rape. I had pleaded with them, but they wouldn't let go. Before the attacks, I was already in sorrow and tears. It was the worst thing that could happen to anyone and it made me form an opinion about men."

Sandra couldn't tell anyone what had happened to her. Rape is one of the biggest problems in Nigeria, and the unfortunate thing is that the extant law and the fear of social stigma make it extremely difficult for women who have been so abused to get justice. Robbery on the highways is also rampant. Vehicles are waylaid by armed robbers and after looting cash and property, the hoodlums always end up raping the women. Rarely do the victims go to the police. Women are raped in police stations too by police officers and other uniformed men.

When soldiers raided Odi a few years ago, after sacking the community, they asked the women to line up and they raped them one after the other. The Punch newspaper published the photographs but there is no record of any soldier being punished for rape. These days, the newspapers are full of reports of rape: old men abuse young girls, campus cultists rape female students and female lecturers, fathers rape their daughters. The ones who get caught blame the Devil. The country is full of the devil's agents. Unless rape is properly criminalized by protecting the interest of the victim, the problem is bound to persist. The highways also need to become more secure.

Sandra couldn't "bring herself to tell anyone what happened, not even her mother", because she didn't want to be stigmatised. She couldn't seek help, because there are no counseling centres provided by the state. Then all of a sudden, she discovered that she was pregnant. She finally had to confide in her mother. She also chose to abort the pregnancy: those who insist that abortion is anti-God should read her story. She had no choice. Then, after the abortion, she discovered that she had been infected with the dreaded HIV. With her brother dead, there was no way she could take up the offer of admission into university. With the HIV-infection, she felt her world had come to an end. From being a virgin and a prospective university student, circumstances had conspired to turn her into a failure, all within six months.

When one of her friends later suggested that she could go to Lagos and become a commercial sex worker, she readily agreed. Her goal: "to make money and to infect men with HIV". And so she says: "for three years now, I have been distributing the stuff and it makes me really happy. Men are evil; they deserve no mercy. To hell with the men of this world". By the reporter's calculations, Sandra would have infected about 4, 640 men with HIV in the last three years, at the rate of four men per day. These are men who do not want to use condom, or those who fall victim of Sandra's buttocks-wriggling tactics.

Is Sandra the devil-incarnate? Is she suffering as they say around here, "from home trouble?". What is known is that she thinks all the men of this world are evil. If she was sure that the armed robbers who raped her were later arrested and made to pay for their crime, perhaps she would have been satisfied that justice had been done. She believes that the world is cruel and she is willing to promote that cruelty further. Should we blame her? A few years ago, the story was told of a self-respecting lady who was raped by armed robbers. She couldn't stand the shame. She reportedly committed suicide. Sandra is not willing to die, rather she has become an assassin: punishing menfolk for the crime that five of their kind committed. Imagine the number of other women and men that would have fallen victim through Sandra.

Even in her unhappy state, she had cause to smile recently when two soldiers decided to rape her at Tarkwa Bay. She said she not only enjoyed the moment, she "was shedding tears of joy". "The only thing that I regret is that they stole my money and handsets". What a story. Human lives no longer mean anything to her. For her, money and a handset are more important. And "any man that comes her way is an enemy".

And she tells her story with utmost glee. Her story speaks to the failure of government. It is the responsibility of government to inspire confidence in the justice system, so that aggrieved persons may seek justice formally rather than resort to jungle justice and self-help. Sandra's protest is not only directed at men, but also at the Nigerian state which has been unable to protect men, women and human rights and provide equal opportunities for all.

This is also a story that should be circulated among all men who keep multiple partners, including those who do not patronise prostitutes, but who like to play around all the same, buying death with their money. Those who argue that abstinence and fidelity to a single partner is the best way to minimize the risk of HIV infection through sex should be excited by this story. "AIDS no dey show for face," says one advert on television. Sandra's picture is published in The Sun newspaper, with her face blocked out to protect her identity, but the visible outline of her body, gait and gap-tooth suggests that she must be quite attractive. Who would ever suspect that she is an assassin on the prowl? And how many ladies are like her and even men too, looking for ways of spreading HIV?

The Sun newspaper should not stop at telling her story, efforts should be made to bring help her way. Civil society groups working on HIV/AIDS issues should seek her out, and help to wean her from her chosen "mission to kill". She also obviously needs psychiatric help. But more importantly, a lot still needs to be done to enlighten Nigerians about the reality of HIV/AIDS. Until Fela, the Afro-beat maestro died of HIV-related complications and his family chose to disclose the cause of death, many Nigerians regarded HIV/AIDS as Western propaganda. After a few years of so-called general awareness, Nigerians have now gone back to their old state of denial. There are Nigerian men who continue to insist that they will never use condom or that it is unnatural to stay with one partner.

"How can a man be eating the same thing everyday?", they query. "Do you know anybody who is living with HIV/AIDS.? Everywhere you turn: AIDS AIDS, AIDS but I don't know anybody who has died of AIDS. Look more people are dying from malaria and heart attack", one fellow once argued. I have heard people declare cynically that "man must die of something." When you point to national statistics and the HIV sero-prevalence, they readily tell you that those figures have been manufactured by NGOs and government agencies in order to attract foreign funding. And these are supposed to be educated Nigerians.

And so they fall into the hands of the likes of Sandra, with a fine face, murderous condom-negotiating skills and the heart to kill. And the tragedy spreads. What does the law say? Is she insane? Or she should be recommended for arrest, but she would probably end up sleeping with an entire police station, spread more HIV, and walk free.]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:45:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/652333 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/652329
It would bring stakeholders in the MDGs, HIV/AIDS and NEEDS related issue and would be covered for media use and policy advocacy issues.

It would also witness in attendance members of GYCA Nigeria amongst other related organization.

Sub-Theme to be discussed:
1. MDGs and HIV/AIDS in Nigeria
2. NEEDS and Youth: HIV/AIDS in focus
3. Policymakers and MDGs
4. Policy Implementation on HIV/AIDS
5. Stigma and NEEDS: Policy intervention
7. Monitoring and Evaluation of NEEDS

Contributions are welcome. Send your abstract to ippnigeria@gmail.com Deadline is Wednesday, May 13, 2009.


Venue:
HOG and HOB, Moshalashi Bus Stop, Shasha - Akowonjo
Lagos State.

Host:
Council of Nigerian Youths (CNY)

Date:
May 27, 2009.]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:54:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/652329 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/651621

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.


2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.


4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.


5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.


6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.


7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.


8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.


10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.




WHAT CANCER CELLS FEED ON:


a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.


b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells are being starved.


c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.


d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to no urish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try
and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).






e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water--best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.


12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.


14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.


15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.


16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:42:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/651621 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/651223 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:33:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/651223 http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/650667

Comments ranged as follows:

Adedayo Taiwo at 9:30pm April 27
i ll rather live wit him

'Fiyinfolu Olugbile at 9:56pm April 27
I'll move into his room

Elujoba Ibukun Oluwafemi at 9:58pm April 27
I'll just terbanacle right there in his own house, or u think i'll be checking on him every hour? pple wld be toomuch at the entrance to even get in...iwo nko?

Momoh Olufunke at 10:48pm April 27
infact i dont need number of times to visit, I will pitch my tent there .

Jennifer Ehidiamen at 11:37pm April 27 via Facebook Mobile
But He is! Well, to me God is a Nigerian He lives really close. That

Jennifer Ehidiamen at 11:39pm April 27 via Facebook Mobile
*that doesnt mean He has stopped being God, who loves d world...!

Ifeanyi Uba at 6:53am April 28
id be over in His crib like, everyday namean? i'd be more of a pest now that i can see Him like, physical and not just in my prayers. I'd make sure He blesses everyone i know (and even those i don't) friends and foes alike, before i let Him be. I'd write Him songs and compose poems for Him and invent cool new dance steps for His enjoyment



Well, this came up as part of my "If God Series...". Just Imagine what we could do to have the Almighty close to your neighborhood. If you ask me, i did make my routine and fix a time to say hello every second. That would help me a lot to solve the everyday hustle and bustle.

So...what If God was you, what would you do every day to make people happy ?
]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 05:42:00 EDT http://pscornerstone.tigblog.org/post/650667