Godwin Iheanacho's Blog, page 2

Homosexuals & the African Continent

Africa is one among other continents on the planet. Africa is made up of fifty-four (54) countries and two (2) disputed countries according to a Wikipedia report and over a thousand ethnic interests and still counting. On the world map, the continent – Africa is in bonding ties with the Atlantic Pacific / India Ocean. Of the fifty-four countries in Africa in no particular order, many well Nigerians, South Africans, Kenyans among others have stamped sealed their names in the Guinness Book of World Record for becoming the very first Africans to win Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, gold medal (long jump & football categories) in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta – Georgia, USA, Miss World in 2001, host the FIFA world football tournament in 2010 and 2013 Oscar Award for Best Supporting role in the female category. Indeed, Africa and Africans are truly and richly blessed by the creator of the universe.
Though, a mixed business relationship co-exist between few if not majority of African Nations seeking for Financial Aid from the International Community’s because of the Natural Endowments and beautifully outstanding landmarks in Africa. From the Kilimanjaro Mountain in Tanzania to the Pyramid in Egypt, the slave castle and forts in Ghana to the Olomo Rock, Independence House and National Art Theatre in Nigeria and the prison house where late Nelson Mandela was imprison for twenty-seven during the apartheid uprising in South Africa. Believe it or not, Africa is now a tourist haven for tourist, adventurist, researchers and investors.
I like Africa. I love Africa. I’m a proud African. Wouldn’t you rather want to stop by in Africa for a memorable treats like never before?
Events have been unfolding themselves globally. Be it good, worse or worst. These events once sum up together are what make up history for historians. Many if not some of these events make headline news locally and internationally. One of such event is the recent ninety million dollars ($90m) loan withdrawer by World Bank to the Ugandian Government. Interestly funny, the Ugandian Government has become the ‘escape goat’ and ‘yardstick’ to other African Nation who may be nursing the desire for loan from either World Bank or International Monetary Fund (IMF). The reason ( signing of an anti-gay bill into law by the Ugandian Parliament ) for the sudden with-drawer by the World Bank needs no questioning in any court of law as one can further ask – What then is the criteria for getting loan from the World Bank?
The World Bank reaction reminds me of a closely similar incident sadly in South Africa during the African Nation Championship earlier in 2014. At the time (late January, 2014) the Nigerian Government through its national assembly signed an anti-gay / lesbian bill into law of which any individual or group of individuals caught in the act will be sentenced to a mouth watering fourteen (14) years sentence behind bars.
Then Nigerians in South Africa were mal-treated by fellow South Africans because of ‘man’s selfish pleasurable desires’. Though, the issue did not in any way disturb or stop the football competition as it also brought glamour to the competition as some would say.
Uganda, in October 9 1962 became an independent republican Nation from the British. Two years and eight days after Nigeria also became an Independence Nation. According to reports on the internet, Ugandian Independence was for a Business Venture – Money . A case similar to that of Nigeria if not the continent – Africa in totality. With its capital in Kampala, its population according to the UN in 2012 is 35.6million, a near equivalent to either Lagos or Kano State in western or northern Nigeria. English and Swahili Languages are its official language with Luganda, Bantu and Nilotic as other speaking Languages. Ugandians practice only two forms of religion – Christian and Islam.
In the Christian and Islam communities all over the world including Christian and Islam Scholars, I am yet to come across a phrase, sentence, paragraph or even page in the Holy Bible or Quran that wholly or partly support – Homosexual .
I am bitter. I am hurt. I think it is right time that a consensus is reached on who and who should be rightly and fully in charge of the affairs of nations and continents. In as much as individual rights should and must be respected at all times, that are not a prerogative for imposing whatever practice on an individual, a nation or continent.
For record purpose, the international communities must be reminded that Africans love, respect and uphold very dearly its cultural traditions and practices. I want to believe that it is also on record that Africans that were forcefully bought and taken into slavery are major contributors to the economy of these international communities. So why treat them like second class citizens?It gives me NOpleasure but I just have to say this: ‘white skin folks are full of deceits and dishonesty in whatever affairs that concern black skin folks. The white skin folks do not practice what they teach and preach’ that is why the late afro-beat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti have one of his song titled – ‘ teacher don’t teach me nonsense ’
I want to believe that the international communities and the world want peace. Please, do not get me wrong here. I am not advocating for war of any kind. I love peace and would any day and any time support peace. For peace to take its rightful place in this world, the international communities should allow Africa and Africans be. Africans and Africa are aware that its forcefully elected or forcefully appointed leaders are corrupt but the truth which the world does not want to accept and welcome is that none including UN, IMF, UNDP, UNICEF, World Bank and whatever bodies are not and never innocent. I stand to be corrected for corruption is as old as mankind itself.
Back to the original discussion – Homosexual & the African Continent. Secretly, homosexual is been practice in some African Countries. The wanting to forcefully introduce openly homosexual into Africa is completely unacceptable. The gods of the land in Africa cannot and would not in any way accept or welcome its practice.
This is not a statement of fact but my own personal conclusion about homosexual victims and its practices is simply ‘self esteem’. Not having self esteem of once self is worst than malaria, AIDS and even illiteracy. Homosexual practices in today’s society is man’s (woman inclusive) personal selfish pleasurable desires. Remember, it is disobedience, pride and kingship that lead to the present torture in the world. Think about it!
Shalom!

The ABC of Creative Writing Class Vol. 2

WRITING is a profession that commands respect. While many shy away from writing, many like the likes of Chimamanda Adichie, Wole Soyinka and the late Chinua Achebe have grace epoch podiums as well as dine with Royals.

Ordinarily, they can’t but their innate God – given talents and potentials – Writing opened the door and will continue to open as many doors as possible.

None is born a writer. Below are photos from The ABC of Creative Writing Vol. 2








Registration for The ABC of Creative Writing Vol. 3 is now on! Send sms to 0803 526 1606 for details.

Love Gospel

Many waters can’t quench LOVE, neither can flood drawn it’ – Bible
February 14 needs no introduction. Immediately after the New Year celebration, the next fiesta on the agenda of showbiz promoters, motel owners / managers, boutique operators and more is February 14. Simply associated with Red and White colours, February 14 is characterized with lots of activities as business owners also maximize the opportunity to either increase sales via discounts while building relationships.
Over the years, the love extravaganza displayed on the eve and after February 14 has left the question – What is truly LOVE unanswered.
The Roman Catholic Priest Saint Valentine in whose honourand memory the razzmatazz of the now pimped celebration, did not envisage the LOVE celebration to be associated with the obsession for sexual immoralities among teenagers, youth and disgracefully adults enveloped with ‘empty promises’. This is not assumption but factual observation on happenings within my present community and the international communities as read in both the mass and social media. I am an advocate of not judging any person opinion or actions.
Love can’t be ruled out in our daily routines. As the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is celebrated in the honourand memory of Saint Valentine and as we all are receiving and giving LOVE, there is an email I received in September 2013 that positively changed my perception and views for the subject called and known as LOVE.
Enjoy it!
 Date: Saturday, August 31, 2013 11:11 PM
UNCONDITIONAL LOVEAuthor Unknown
But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. – Luke 6:32
A soldier was finally returning home after having fought in Vietnam. He called his parents from San Francisco. "Mom and Dad, I'm coming home but, I've got a favor to ask. I have a friend I'd like to bring with me." "Sure," they replied, "we'd love to meet him."
"There's something you should know," the son continued, "he was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a land mine and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us.”
"I'm sorry to hear that, son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live."
"No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us."
"Son," said the father, "you don't know what you're asking. Someone with such a handicap would be a terrible burden on us. We have our own lives to live, and we can't let something like this interfere with our lives. I think you should just come home and forget about this guy. He'll find a way to live on his own."
At that point, the son hung up the phone. The parents heard nothing more from him. A few days later, however, they received a call from the San Francisco police. They were told their son had died after falling from a building. The police believed it was suicide. The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to the city morgue to identify the body of their son. They recognized him but, to their horror they also discovered something they didn't know. Their son had only one arm and one leg.
The parents in this story are like many of us. We find it easy to love those who are good-looking or fun to have around but, we don't like people who inconvenient us or make us feel uncomfortable. We would rather stay away from people who aren't as healthy, beautiful, or smart as we are. Thankfully, there's someone who won't treat us that way. Someone who loves us with an unconditional love that welcomes us into the forever family, regardless of how messed up we are. That Person is Jesus Christ. He beckons all to come to Him irrespective of their handicap.
You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Comedy by Mr. Makati

YouWin Initiative. The ‘moses’ for Nigeria SMEs

The business of economy development, growth and survival for national development, growth and survival is now a serious business. With limited resources available, Nations have to strategize and re-strategize24/7 on workable ways in ensuring that its economy keeps floating on water.
One of such major re-strategies is the sudden shift of attention to SMEs by financial institutions, investors and now the Federal Government of Nigeria. In some scenarios, the financial institutions double as investors. However, the SMEs subject will not be complete without the mentioning of Fate Foundation (www.fatefoundation.com), Nigeria’s foremost institution that have been championing the cause of SMEs via its monthly trainings for over a decade and counting. No wonder, it (Fate Foundation) has its slogan … building world class entrepreneurs.
Before now, policies after policies from numerous economic summits globally have been hoping to yield positive expected results. Rather, the tears from the eyes of SMEs holds no barred. With revolutionary changes happening as the seconds ticks, SMEs are now embracing the development in terms of keeping accurate and timely accounting record systems, functioning and organised structure as well as compliance with the ICT tools – social media platforms on the internet.
In spite of all of these, SMEs are yet to maximize and optimize its full potentials with funding as its major challenge. Taking into record, SMEs are the pillars sustaining the economy of most Nation as some government administration now recognized and give listening ears to SMEs.Action as they say, speaks volume. This has been clearly demonstrated by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration. I salute the presidency for this giant stride towards SMEs in Nigeria with the launch and sustainability of YouWin Enterprise (www.youwin.org.ng) since 2012. Although, the usual administrative bottleneck can’t be ruled out, this initiative to me is a success and it deserve an applaud. I am calling on all SMEs to avail themselves this opportunity with the recent extension of the closing date to January 31, 2014.
For fellow SMEs owners, I want to believe that the businesses in which you are in, you are extremely passionate about it. Irrespective of present and yet to occur challenges, the spirit of enterprise for your business should be vibrant. Endeavor to attend refreshers courses and apply the lessons learnt from the courses into your business. Be flexible to changes but strict with your personal decisions.
Until then, keep walking, talking and dreaming on the success side of life.

God listen. Learn to Pray.

Prayer is FAITH at work - Godwin 3ple-i


For more than three years, I have wanted to write an article with the title – ‘God listen. Learn to Pray’ without misleading my readers and critics with baseless facts but do not know how. I believe strongly in the power of words as I have no intention of rubbishing my brand and integrity. If not today, sometime in the near future it will. Like the saying of the wise – ‘to before warn is to before harm’
Worried and disturbed from within, I wrote the title – GOD LISTEN. LEARN TO PRAY very bold on a mini writing sheet and glued it to the standing fan in my room. Anytime I wake up from sleep, step in and out of the room, the title like thunder lightning flashes my eyes with more torture from within. As you read this, with confidence, guarantee and authority, I can beat my chest and say before president of nations, business moguls, homosexuals, smooth criminals, clergy and the folks walking the streets of New York, Tokyo, Dubai and Lagos that God listen. Learn to Pray.
The beginning of the second decade of the twenty firth century, it was the roughest of times for me. I was financially broke, businesses excluded themselves from me, my relationship crumbled, friends and colleagues dissent me as family members tagged me – ‘the black sheep’ of the family. During this period, I self-published my very first creative nonfiction work titled – Silver Lining. The stigmatization left me completely heart broken, rejected and a complete failure.
Though, the memories still live with me, but I can’t explain to human understanding and comprehension what actually happened. Of my own will-power, it is impossible. I would say it is the honest, sincere and heart felt prayers I said from my heart that did the magic. Today, I am happy and free completely from hate and revenge. Form me to you reading, prayer is faith in action. God did it for me. That same God can do even more once you begin to talk with him in prayer.
Quickly, I will share with you some testimonies from my personal life. Like I did say, I self-published my creative nonfiction book (Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i) with AuthorHouse and later Amazon Kdp. For more than a year, no sale was recorded. But the story changed recently. The last quarter of 2013, I receive and email from both AuthorHouse and Amazon Kdp notifying me of royalty am entitled to. It is not my personal effort via online publicity or other advertisement methods, it is God. Truly, HE listen. Learn to Pray.
The second testimony is in the area of my relationship. Ladies kept turning my marriage proposal offer. The truth is this – I was worried from within but I never stop to trust God and remind him of HIS promises towards me. I held on faithfully and diligently to the word (Jeremiah 29: 11 - 14) of GOD. After receiving about five or there about rejections, the lady next in-line said YES. This is miracle. It is not my physical looks, intelligence or what I have that did it. It is GOD. Simply ask and it is all yours.
The most recent is in the area of my health. The results from my medical test left me demoralized. I was almost feeling dejected and down when I remembered GOD word. I was diagnosis of low sperm count. And alignment that many men can’t talk about in public. I was placed on medication. The medication was not followed as directed not because I want to but the honest truth is that I had no cash with me to continue with the medication. What do I do? Who do I go to? I can’t afford to remain in this state because my marriage would be on-the-line.
I remember the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the mighty one in battle – God. And as a practicing Catholic, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is a greatest prayer to offer. Many testimonies and miracles have happen at and during the celebration of the Divine body and the Precious Blood of Jesus under the appearance of Bread and Wine as directed by Jesus Himself during his earthly ministry which many know today as the last supper.
I made it mandatory to attend the Holy Mass daily and to tell Jesus of my fertility challenge during the consecration of the bread and wine. Like I said earlier, prayer is faith in action. I believe even before coming that it is only Jesus that can restore to me the exact amount of my sperm count so that I can get my wife pregnant.
It is barely a week, I am noticing challenges in my body system based on my interaction with the medical doctor. When I returned, for verification, guess what? My sperm count it now normal. God can do even more if only you can start now to ask HIM in prayer.
The 2014 Lenten season is only some weeks away. According to the Roman Catholic teachings, the period of Lent obliges every catholic practicing or non-practicing to take stock of their spirituality via fasting, arms – giving and prayer.
Remember, the devil smiles when you make plans, laugh when you get too busy but trembles when you PRAY.
Jesus LOVES you.

Nemesis

Reader's Consent - This article that you are about to read was an entry in the just concluded etisalatprize flash fiction competition. I welcome your comments. Enjoy!


After seven unsuccessful attempts in securing a spot to study medicine and surgery in medical school, George was worried, becoming unhappy as disappointments and frustration from a glance is very noticeable even from a distance. Until his twenty-seventh birthday which co-incidental would become his eight attempts as he hopes to secure for himself a spot in medical school.

Amazed. Surprised. But with doubts, George’s eight attempted medical school examination had secured him a spot. After the celebration of his success, while soliloquizing on the way to the medical school, George said to his Father – though ‘m happy, I still question the result.

His Father, smiled. Son, your Mother and I want the best for you. We only used what we have to secure you the spot this time around.

Meaning, George asked.

Your ‘mates’ are already in their second or third year if not graduating from medical school.

George said. You’re not the one going to medical school I am. And I think…

Think what? George’s Father spoke back in a hash and angry tone.

…thirteen years after, George is still a rookie in the medical field. The ‘canker-worm’ of always paying his way through as introduced by his parent some years ago has become for George a way-of-living as a rookie
medical practitioner.

On the eve of George’s golden jubilee birthday and a decade celebration of opening the doors of his hospital to the general public, that a patient was rushed into the emergency unit. This time around, ‘the paying his way through’ pattern couldn’t work. It was a double load of shame, disgrace and George could not save the patient who happens to be his comparing, inquisitive and self-interested Father.

Sex is Beautiful!

Readers Consent. The poem below you are about to read was used with permission from the author (Arthur Zulu). The complete poem is available in the book - Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i. Get yours now! via http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000602511/Silver-Lining.aspx



Sex is Beautiful!By Arthur Zulu
My beauty surpasses Nefertiti's.See my sculptured body and delicate features.Yet, sex makes me more beautiful!Because I allow Casanovas and strangers To explore my "triangle," and ravish my "apples"For that is the mark of megastars and supermodels,
And the curse of ghetto girlsLet the religionists name me a "sex symbol";Or the temple prostitute of Aphrodite.Did not the angels and the Israelite women at PeorAnd the wives of some prophet do the same?Preach not Divine visitation,Nor scare me with eternal plague...
... And sex is beautiful!

Silver Lining

Advertising: The Good. The Bad. The Ugly. Pt 2

It is no longer news that I am obsessed with Advertising, Advertisements or Advertorials. Be it print, electronic or outdoors, it always catches my interest and fantasies. Good ads get accolades from me whereas not too good ads makes me want to get ill.
Just as I can’t have a complete day without either reading or studying, so also it is with ads. Advertising is no different to a tree with branches that produces fruits. These branches include; Art Director, Client Director, Media Director, Visualizer, Copywriter and voice artiste. All these units representing the branches work together in sustaining and making the tree – Advertising flourish in producing its fruits – advertisements for clientele. This is an interesting circle channel.
Like I said earlier, I can’t have a complete day without reading or studying, I picked up the daily Sun Newspaper of Monday November 11, 2013 to read after the day’s office activities. Though with preference to my commandment of reading everything and anything, the comment ‘charlatans have taken the advertising industry’ of Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi the current APCON boss on the BusinessWeek column cover of the Daily Sun stole my attention and interest. The APCON boss comment was funny but calls for urgent attention, action and procedures from all practitioners in the business of advertising to uphold together the dignity and pride of the trade – Advertising.
Every individual with or without emotional attachment loves to protect and tale pride in his / her love. This love could be language or ‘mother tongue’, religious belief, profession, you just name it. No individual wants anything negative to happen to their love so it is with my profession – VOICING in relation  to the beginning of Mr. Lolu’s interview.
One other subject that tingle my interest in the APCON boss interview was the two windows of getting licensed mentioned. Disagreeing with the ₦200million of getting licensed with APCON, the APCON boss said ‘… if you want to operate today as an Advertising Consultant … all you need to pay for the three years is just ₦25, 000’. Frankly speaking, this is too good to be true. I just hope it’s not one of the much lip service PR from the advertising regulatory institution – APCON.
From Africa to Asia, America to Europe, the practice of Advertising may differ, but the goal(s) of Advertising is the same. Respectfully, I hate to say this. But the ONE thing in my opinion continuing from the part one of this article that I noticed and observed is DISHONESTY. From AAAN to OAAN, Ad Agencies to AVOA, DISHONESTY is the master of the game of advertising. However, I stand to be corrected if I am wrong.
Just as the Holy writ puts it ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’. Dishonesty is a reproach to the trade of advertising and any other business venture(s). for the trade advertising to super-excel, practitioners must embrace HONESTY.
I am done. Thank you.
 NB: Order Now the book - Silver Lining via http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Prod...