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Dr Bolajoko Olusanya elected a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences

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By Ebinum Samuel

As Nigerians continue to search for remarkable heroes in virtually all the fields of human endeavour, as their beacon – bearers in the dark tunnel of mass ignorance, it is indeed a piece of heart-warming news that one of our own is making
the nation and indeed the African continent proud in the challenging world of academics. She is none other than the erudite paeditrician, Bolajoko Olusanya who was elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences( AAS). And going by her outstanding achievements the prestigious honour is all well deserved.

Described as an exemplary scholar, disability inclusion advocate and social entrepreneur, Olusanya is actively engaged in globally impactful researches outside the traditional university/academic setting. That sets her apart as she stands head and shoulders above her peers. It is therefore, necessary for us all to glean from her vast and varied experiences in the global medical field.

With regards to her proud academic pedigree she is a graduate of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria (MBBS1977 – 1982)
Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital & Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
/FMCPaed (1987 -1998 Paediatrics). Others include the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, ( UK, FRCPCH 2004 Child Health)and the University College London, UK for her PhD in 2008, specializing in Child Health & Audio-Vestibular Medicine.

Based on her feats in medical -related researches she was elected in 2023 as a Fellow of The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and announced in April 2025: (News| AAS Fellow).

Worthy of note is that Dr. Olusanya is the Centre Director of the Healthy Start Initiative (HSI). The Nigerian/UK-trained developmental paediatrician with PhD in Child Health/Audio-Vestibular Medicine from the University College London is also the co-founder of the Centre for Healthy Start Initiative, Nigeria (an Organisation in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council).

Interestingly, she is the Medical Director of First Years Medical Centre and Phonics Hearing Centre in Nigeria and a Senior Collaborator with the Global Burden of Disease (GBD). She is involved in the study based at the Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation (IHME), Seattle, USA as well as being the coordinator/co-founder, the Global Research on Developmental Disabilities Collaborators [GRDDC].

She is a passionate and evidence-driven advocate for children with disabilities, accountability and decolonisation in global health.

Within the academic landscape she has authored or co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed articles with over 120,000 citations spanning paediatrics, otolaryngology, audiology, general/rehabilitative medicine, maternal and child health, and international health policy.

Of great significance is that her scientific work is inspired by her personal experience of inclusive education with congenital hearing loss and is uniquely focused on community-oriented management of developmental disabilities. That is including early detection and intervention programmes, as well as the prevention and management of the associated risk factors. She is academic reviewer for over 100 Medline-indexed scientific journals and serves on several editorial boards including BMJ Paediatrics Open, International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, International Journal of Audiology, PLOS One, Frontiers in Public Health, Frontiers in Pediatrics, and the Christian Journal for Global Health.

It should be highlighted that Dr. Olusanya pioneered the largest hospital-based and community-based universal newborn hearing screening programmes in Nigeria/Africa from 2003 to 2008 (UNHS Nigeria). And she was a leading contributor to the current WHO classification system for hearing loss. She is the lead local investigator for the first and only randomised controlled trial on the use of filtered sunlight phototherapy for treating neonates with severe-to-hazardous hyperbilirubinaemia globally.

She is a Fellow/Member of several professional associations, including the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Royal Society of Medicine, the European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability, the International Epidemiological Association, and the American Psychological Association. She received the 2018 Aram Glorig Award by the International Society of Audiology, in recognition of her contribution to global hearing healthcare. She is listed among the world’s top 2% highly-ranked scientists and has been awarded a lifetime highly ranked scholar status in hearing loss and developing countries in the field of public health by ScholarGPS.

Outstanding is the fact that she is ranked as the leading researcher in paediatrics in Nigeria and among the top 5 in Africa. She is Co-Chair, The Lancet Commission on Hearing Loss and Member, The Lancet Commission on Disability & Health.

BREAKING: Founder Of Defunct Diamond Bank, Paschal Dozie Is Dead

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Pascal Gabriel Dozie, founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has died at 85 from an undisclosed ailment.

Dozie was born in 1939 in Egbu village, Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. He was born into the family of Charles Dozie, a Catholic Catechist.

Dozie attended Our Lady’s School Emekuku where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). He subsequently attended Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

After obtaining his high school certificate, he travelled to London where he studied economics at the London School of Economics and obtained a BSc in economics. Subsequently, he attended City University in London where he studied operational research and industrial engineering and obtained a master’s degree in Administrative Science.

Pascal Dozie began his career as an economist at the National Economic Development Office in the United Kingdom. He was also a part-time lecturer at the North Western Polytechnic, London. Between 1970 and 1971 he served as a consulting economist at the African States Consulting Organisation in Uganda.

In 1971 after he left his job in Uganda, he relocated to Nigeria at the request of his mother. In 1971 after his return to Nigeria, with his experience in Econometrics and Industrial Engineering he launched his first company, the African Development Consulting Group (ADCG). ADCG had worked with companies such as Nestle and Pfizer. He was subsequently hired by Clement Isong, then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to conduct some studies on the Co-operative and Commerce Bank.

Fans, friends mourn four gospel artistes killed in Ogun accident…

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Fans, friends mourn four gospel artistes killed in Ogun accident…

Fans and friends of four gospel artistes who died in an accident along the Sagamu-Ikorodu Expressway on Saturday have taken to social media to express their condolences over the death of the singers.

The details News Metro reports that the musicians, including Kekere Jesu, lost their lives in a fatal motor accident along the expressway.

The Public Education Officer of the Ogun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Florence Okpe, had earlier confirmed the incident in a statement.

Okpe identified the deceased as Evangelist Ayodeji Kekerejesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin, and Opeyemi Adesina.

According to the FRSC, the crash occurred when the vehicle conveying the gospel singers collided with another, resulting in a high-impact accident that killed all four occupants.

She disclosed that preliminary investigations attributed the crash to overspeeding and poor visibility on the highway, leading to a multi-vehicle collision that claimed no fewer than 24 lives.

The gospel musicians were reportedly on their way to a ministration when the incident happened.

The death of gospel artistes attracted tributes from fans and friends across social media platforms.

A Facebook user, Victor Odeyale, described the incident as heart-wrenching.

“Heart-wrenching. may the Lord comfort their family and loved ones. Untimely death is nullified in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Walshak Kos wrote, “They are gospel ministers and evangelists, but they still died through accident. They must have prayed against evil during their prayer time, but it still happened.

“This shows life is complicated. Sometimes, you can do everything right and still get it wrong. You can pray hard, and evil still happens to you. Life is just complicated. We only survive by grace, not by strength.

“There are situations in life we can’t have answers to until we meet God face to face. Rest well, Kings and Queens.”

Rotimi Oladele chronicled the childhood journey of two of the musicians while praying for the repose of their souls.

“Kekere Jesu and Iyanu Joseph began their ministerial journey from childhood; I knew Iyanu since 2010, we attended the same CAC church in Ado Ekiti before he was connected with Kekere Jesu.

“They shared the same vision, they were attending the same university here in Ekiti.

They are gone so soon but still, they do exploit the ministry. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace,” Oladele wrote.

Ayeni Abosede recalled how she lost her friends on the same expressway.

“This same Sagamu route was where I lost my bosom friend. Prophet Kekere Jesu, we love you but God loves you most. Cac Oke Agbara Monatan will miss your spiritual outpouring.”

Meanwhile, video footage sighted by our correspondent showed that Kekere Jesu, alongside his brother’s wife, was buried on Monday.

Hashimu Argungu Honors Late Founder of CLEEN FOUNDATION, Innocent Chukuma

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, has declared that the Commission has continued to be guided by the lives and times of the later Founder of CLEEN Foundation, Chief Innocent Chukwuma.DIG Argungu who was represented at the 4th Posthumous Memorial and 3rd Impact and Legacy Annual Lecture series in honour of Chukwuma by DIG Taiwo Lakanu, rtd,fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police in the Police Service Commission said as Chairman of the Commission ” I am reminded daily of Innocents contributions. According to the PSC Chairman, ” His advocacy for Police reform, Community-centered policing and human rights continues to guide our efforts to build a professional, transparent and people -first Police Service.

He said Chukwuma “taught us that reform is not merely about Policies but about people – Officers who serve with integrity and citizens who demand accountability “Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s Head, Press And Public Relations, disclosed that the PSC Chair noted that the late Chukwuma’s legacy “compels us to ask: how do we honour such a life? By ensuring his ideals outlive him””We honour him by bridging gaps between communities and law enforcement, by amplifying marginalised voices and by relentlessly pursuing a Nigeria which justice is not a privilege but a right”.DIG Argungu assured CLEEN FOUNDATION and Innocent Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation that the partnership in this mission will be invaluable adding “let us continue to walk the path Innocent charted, turning his vision into action”.He challenged the attendees at the Annual Lecture series to “leave here today inspired to make the “personal” Political in our spheres – to lead with courage, empathy and an unyielding commitment to the common good”DIG Argungu noted that he is convinced that the memory of Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma “will continue to inspire us to sustain the good causes he championed”He said Chukwuma’s life was a masterclass in the power of conviction.

“He embodied the truth that the ‘personal is political’ – that individual passion, when aligned with purpose can ignite systemic change”.The PSC said his work with CLEEN FOUNDATION redefined the relationship between citizens and law enforcement, proving that trust and collaboration, not fear or force, are the bedrock of effective policing.According DIG Argungu, Chukwuma ” challenged us to see security not as the exclusive domain of Institutions but as a shared responsibility between the people and those sworn to protect them.

The Annual lecture was organised by CLEEN FOUNDATION and the Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation.

AS TINUBU REJIGS THE NNPC

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By Dan Kunle

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, this board is a technical board as I have always advocated. Congratulations to the President and all Nigerians, including myself. All the members of the board have core competencies. They have Good pedigrees and can be found worthy in the global Energy industry. Nigeria is lucky to have these and many more of these Calibers.

Now the work began, the MD CEO, must assemble his best team of management staff that will drive the operations of NNPC LTD. We need a total overhaul, reconfigure the management team, blend it up with brilliant and strong Competent Ladies. Legal services, Commercial and Financial Accounting must be strengthened to allow for confidence from investors all over the world. Most of the Subsidiaries of NNPC LTD must be yank off to stand on their own and subsequently privatised, such as the Refineries and NNPC E&P in Benin. I am inclined to suggest that most of the key positions are head haunted globally.

This will assist the new Board to attract the best brains for the industry recovery in Nigeria. It will also help the NNPC IPO because investors will Trust the entire management team and processes. Nigeria must not miss it again at this very last attempt to recover the industry. Mr President has finally done the right thing, but my greatest fear is in the Work to be done. I hope it is not too late.

May I, in my own little way as an ordinary citizen congratulate the new Appointees, wishing them Success in the endeavours ahead. Your collective responsibility and success in this onerous assignment will definitely shape the economic and political future of Nigeria. Please, let National interest override all issues and critical decisions to be deliberated and decided by your noble Team.

I am an incurable optimist about Nigeria and surely, Mr President has further reinforced my trust in our capacity as Nigerians. Aliko Dangote and his likes are the same individuals who have continued to help us build more confidence in our great Country, for their impressive achievements in Commerce and Industry.

Looking forward to seeing you drive our industry and Country in the most constructive trajectories and value additions. We need more oil and gas out of the ground for cash to build and diversifies our Economy. Long Live President Bola Tinubu, and Forever Nigeria Remain Great. Dan D Kunle contributed this from Dubai, UAE.

Mister politician, what will you be remembered for?

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Quote:” Successful leaders cement legacies through enduring policies, institutionalizing reforms and cultivating strong successors”-QuoraIn its distilled essence, leadership encapsulates the capacity to identify and highlight the most pressing needs and challenges faced by the led majority of the people, by those placed in positions of authority to do so. And they should be able to actualize the methods and mechanisms to satisfying those needs. That explains the imperative of firmly putting in place structures that would ensure that only the best hands emerge to steer the ship of state, through every possible storm. That of course, is based on their strong moral compass and the capability to navigate it to the harbour of the people’s collective hope.Such leaders should possess the sterling qualities of vision, and the 6-C principles of character, commitment, consistency, candour, compassion and the courage to do the right thing, not for personal aggrandizement but for the common good, always.

That also entails self- sacrifice and brings to bear the importance of the 3-H philosophies of humility, honour and honesty of purpose. Above all these is the unfailing significance of the fear of God, who gives wisdom-which is the principal thing – to guide the leaders right.With that, a leader be it in the political, educational, economic, religious or traditional aspect of the national life should be guided by the compelling need to sacrifice his ego, whims and caprices to play his statutory functions within the ambit of the law. He would therefore, in his sober moments ask himself the pertinent questions. For instance:” Am I performing my functions as the local government council chairman, state governor, lawmaker, senator or president according to the rule of law? Or, am I perverting the course of justice just to satisfy my own vaulting ambition and to satiate the epicurean taste of my family members and a few chosen friends, all because they supported me to get into power? In fact, what will I be remembered for after my term of office is over”? That is the million naira question. It has to do with the lasting lessons of legacies.If indeed, a leader spends some time to ask himself about what he would be remembered for, after his term of office expires, or when he is dead and gone citizens of several countries around the world, including Nigeria would not be suffering so much preventable poverty, mass ignorance and avoidable pains.

Like it or not, both political and economic powers are transient. Life itself and all we treasure are ephemeral, or call it sheer vanity. So, how would one be remembered by foisting economic hardship with anti-people policies on the millions of the citizens he claims to lead and yet be comfortable in constant chest-beating and self-righteousness? Worse still, is for a leader to be remembered for the killing spree of hundreds of thousands of the people he led after budgeting billions of naira year after year to curtail the widening wings of insurgency. Call them Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists, bandits or kidnappers their evil mission all dovetails into instilling fear in the mindset of the people they want to control, extort money from them and eventually waste their precious lives. But believe it or not, the day of reckoning beckons on each and everyone of us. Unfortunately, several of those of us still living have blatantly refused to learn from the dead. Yet, we must! For instance, mention the names of Adolf Hitler, Uganda ‘s Idi Dada Amin, Ethiopia’s Mengistu Haile Mariam, Central Africa’s Bedel Bokassa, Zaire’s Mobutu Sese Seko, Liberia’s Charles Taylor, and Haiti’s Jean Claude ” Baby Doc” Duvalier and the images that come to mind is that of despicable dictators, their disgrace and eventual deaths.On the flip side of the political coin however, is the mere mention of such noble names as United States’ Abraham Lincoln, United Kingdom ‘s Winston Churchill, Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah, South Africa ‘s Nelson Mandela and of course, our own Alhaji Tafawa Balewa , Dr.Nnamidi Azikiwe, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Umar Yar’,Ardua ( all of blessed memory).

They were iconic brands of the struggle for political independence, the enthronement of good governance through pro-people’s free education and economic rejuvenation policies. Admittedly, they were not perfect politicians or individuals but the connecting chord that bound them together was that of sacrificing their ego, whims and caprices to work in the national interest. Even if the present generation of Nigerians cannot remember what played out in the days of the Balewas,Ziks and Awolowos they would gladly eulogize Umar Yar’ Ardua. He it was who did not increase the cost of fuel for once. He ensured that the cost of essential items such as food, transportation,, electricity tariff were affordable. Unfortunately, he did not live long enough to see to the immense benefits of the selfless leadership which he canvassed for and walked the talk!Going forward, more than ever before we need political role models and bastions of of hope for a brighter Nigeria.

But the bitter truth is that such cannot be achieved with the current structure that places so much emphasis on huge money packages, to pay for nomination form at the political party level, humongous salaries and emoluments, the domineering king-servant paradigm of the leaders to the people, with the former wanting to be feared and worshipped as some demi-gods. And the latter praising their so called leaders for projects carried out with public funds as if they were achieved through the political leaders’ personal funds. Much more needs to be done on mass enlightenment of the populace, especially the voters, to know their civic duties and responsibilities.Now is therefore, the right time for Nigerian politician to be propelled by the laws of lasting legacies, with the catalysts of selfless leadership. Would you be hailed and commended for your achievements while there in government, or booed and castigated for serving the self instead of the state? The choice is yours. And that is because history is always kind to those who made the needed impact and difference on their people while still in service. But it is unkind to those who killed for power, or stole the common patrimony and have their dates with the courts and the anti-graft agencies.The choice of course, is yours to make.By Ayo Oyoze Baje

Why I would’ve handled Nigeria’s economy better than Tinubu – Obi

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The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for what he described as ineffective economic policies.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News Prime Time on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor expressed concerns over Tinubu’s decision to float the naira without corresponding productivity.

He also condemned the rising debt profile and the increasing cost of debt servicing, which he argued has surpassed budgetary allocations for critical sectors such as health and education.

Obi asserted that if he were president, Nigeria would have experienced significant economic improvements within two years. He emphasized that his approach would focus on injecting funds into productive sectors to create a sustainable and robust economy.

He stated, “The President that is there today, how many years has he stayed? Two years, and look at the turn of things. It means you can change things in two years. That means if I were there, you would have seen considerable change in critical areas. I would tackle corruption head-on, and I would reduce the cost of governance. You would have seen borrowed money invested in critical areas.”

Furthermore, he criticised the high interest rate under Tinubu, asserting that the situation had made it difficult for companies operating in the country to thrive.

“Also, we have a country that is in huge debt. The current administration met a debt of about N17tn; in two years, it has moved to over N170tn.

“The cost of debt servicing is above the budget for critical areas like health, and education. 70 per cent of our primary health care centres are not functioning. I would fix our PHCs and primary schools if I were president,” Obi added.

Meanwhile, Obi, who confirmed that he is still a member of the LP, stated that he is working with Atiku and others for the benefit of Nigeria.

He stated, “Elections are won and lost by the votes of the people. All these things people are talking about are because we are not in a democracy. We are talking about working together for the sake of the country. That is why I am not desperate to be President, but I am desperate to see Nigeria work.

“It was all these alliances that brought Nigeria to where we are today. Because people were blinded. Instead of seeing what they will do to make the country work and make it productive, they are focused on wrestling power. What are we going to use the power to do?

“I ran in 2023 because I wanted to do something different. By now, you would have seen something different in education. I would have even visited schools. In the health sector, we have over 70% of primary healthcare not functional. I want Nigeria to know it is about their country. So many Nigerians today don’t know where the next meal will come from. So, the people have to know that this man can do it.

“You talk about the devaluation of the naira; there is nothing wrong with it. I would have allowed the naira to follow, but there would be productivity.

Because when you don’t have productivity and you devalue your money, it’s a double whammy. So, I would have injected money into productivity.

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“Today, nobody is producing anything. How can you do business when the interest rate is over 40%? So, we need to do the right thing, and we can do it.”

Obi criticized President Tinubu’s administration for the economic difficulties, stating that the President should be accountable to the Nigerian people.

He stated, “It is not enough that your aides are running around. You, as the leader, have to have the idea, the energy, and the competency to do the job. It is not something that you can lease out. You are the leader; you should be answerable to the people. We have too much-delegated responsibility; that shouldn’t be.”

On the crisis rocking his party, he said, “The disarray in the LP is caused by the Federal Government. Yes, I am in the Labour Party. If anything changes, I will let you know.

“If the government is democratic, all these things will work. You have to say you are democratic, practice it, and believe it, whether it works for you or not. What is happening in Nigeria can be turned around with a competent leader.”

Obi accused the present administration of intimidating the opposition, claiming that the Nigerian political space was designed not to accommodate opposition.

He particularly chided the Tinubu government over its handling of the Rivers State crisis that culminated in the declaration of the emergency rule.

“There is no democracy without a functional legislature and an independent judiciary. There is no freedom of speech as people are in detention for what they say. I am also harassed every day.

“What happened in Rivers State was unfortunate as some people made the state ungovernable for political reasons and interests. The declaration of a state of emergency impacts negatively on the little inkling of democracy that we have.

“The Nigerian political space is designed not to have opposition. People say look at South Africa, they have a presidential system like ours. But the difference is they allow their opposition to thrive. There is a proportional representation of the opposition in the legislature and this makes the opposition thrive.

“In those countries, you cannot cross from one party to another without consequences. You lose your seat if you do so. That is why we want a change in the Constitution so as to build a viable system. If I were president, I would make sure the country is democratic and the opposition thrives. Parties should function the way they should. There is a need to fix this democracy. Musa Yar’ Adua started it until his demise,” Obi said.

On vying again for the presidency in 2027, Obi said his concern in discussing an alliance with other political forces is to save Nigeria from the brink.

He stressed that he was not desperate to wrest power to become president but to join forces to realise a Nigeria that works.

“I am reluctant to talk about 2027. Yes, I am part of the coalition. But whatever alignment must discuss the future of the country. We must discuss doing it to invest in education not just to wrest power. We are talking about working together to save Nigeria. I am not desperate to be President but to see Nigeria work,” Obi said.

Legendary Hollywood actor, Val Kilmer, is dead

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Veteran Hollywood actor Val Kilmer has passed away at the age of 65, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed on Tuesday night.

According to The New York Times, Kilmer died on Tuesday in Los Angeles after a prolonged battle with pneumonia.

Kilmer, who came into the entertainment scene with “Top Gun,” was also recognized for portraying Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” Doc Holliday in “Tombstone,” and Batman in Batman Forever.

Kilmer also played large roles in Heat, 1995, The Saint, 1997, Willow, 1988, and more recently, Top Gun, Maverick.

He was one of the biggest Hollywood actors in the 1990s before spats with directors and co-stars and a series of flops dented his career.

Over the years, Kilmer gained a reputation as temperamental, intense, perfectionistic and sometimes egotistical.

According to Mr Kilmer’s daughter, the actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but he later recovered.

Police Operatives In Lagos Begins Manhunt For ‘yahoo Yahoo’ Kingpin Over Attack On His Cahoots

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By Ebinum Samuel

The police operatives in Lagos has began search for a young man said to be a wire transfer fraud expert over attack on two of his cahoots.
The suspect whose name was simply given as Olamide, is being wanted by the police operatives following a written petition sent to the police as mastermind of attack on his patners in the ignoble business by street urchins also known as ‘area boys’ in highbrow area of Lekki.
Sources close to the matter said Olamide, a frequent guest of security agents over his fraudulent escapedes, was said to have asked the urchins to attack and brutalized his cahoots who came to ask him for their share of a deal.


The international fraudster with solid connections with top security agents was last year arrested by operatives of the Inspector-general of Police Intelligence Response Team in Abuja . He then had three of his cars worth over N1.2billion impounded and parked at area F Police headquarters for safe keeping. The vehicles were released to him after he settled the guy who dragged him before IRT operatives .
While the police are on his manhunt, the source disclosed that his wife who was arrested in connection with her husband fraudlent activities has since been released even as the husband refused to show up.
A close associate of the fraudster told Newstower.ng that the young man now disguises
with diplomatic vehicle in order to invade arrest.


“Olamide, a 29 years old fraudster has over 15 houses between Ikoyi and Ogombo. He is always a guest of security agents, but very smart in ‘settling’ these agents. However, he’s a wicked alec when it comes to treating his patners in ‘yahoo yaoo’ fairly” said a cahoot close to the fraudster.

BOOK REVIEW OF’DEAD JOURNEY

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BOOK REVIEW OF
‘DEAD JOURNEY
(Pre-Marital and Extra-Marital Sex)

AUTHOR:
Friday Eshioramhe John

PUBLISHER:
Shalom Publishing House, a subsidiary of Morakinyo Life Fulfilment Ventures, Abuja
(c)2020

ISBN: 978-978-911-310-1

FOREWORD by Pastor E.O.Matthew,
Senior Pastor,
The Choice Bible Church Int’l, Abuja, Nigeria

CHAPTERS :
Seven

NUMBER OF PAGES:
104

REVIEWER:
Ayo Oyoze Baje,
Journalist, Analyst.
Chairman/CEO, Oyoze Creative Concept,Lagos

The first attractive factor of the book, ‘ Dead Journey’ is the alluring cover design with the photograph of a sunset, capturing the silhouette of the Cross on top of a mountain. The sky adorns a typical sunset in orange colour while the mountain is in black. The fact that the word,’Dead’ is in red signifies danger obviously portraying the dangers inherent in illicit sexual intercourse! Ordinarily, the word ‘Journey’ painted in white would have been a sweet, peaceful and memorable one. But it has been cut short, due to the evil and sin which the book warns the reader about.

This introductory feature on the cover design is to break the generally accepted notion that a book cannot be judged by the cover. This one does. And going to the rich, revealing and the ever-relevant thematic focus on the dangers and dire consequences of illicit sexual intercourse, the book conveys the message.

That is especially so with regards to both the pre-marital and extra-marital sex which the author vividly captures with apt quotes, mostly taken from the Holy Bible.

While Chapter One is titled: ‘In the Beginning ‘, Chapters Two and Three are on ‘Purpose of Sex’ and ‘What is Illicit Sex?’. Furthermore, Chapters 4 and Five deal with ‘Causes of Illicit Sex’ and ‘ Why on Dead Journey’. On their own, Chapters Six and Seven shed brilliant light on the ‘Dangers of Illicit Sex’ and ‘How to Avoid Dead Journey’ before the Conclusion.

As highlighted in the Foreword by Pastor Matthew reading through the book should encourage the reader the insight into how to develop moral values. In the Christian’s pilgrim journey faithfulness to God will ensure victory over sudden death traceable to illicit sex. That calls for personal righteousness, purity, moral sanity and a life of ” no spiritual nonsense”.

It was such a personal decision on righteousness that gave Joseph,a ” true child of destiny” divine favour from God that opened the prison’s doors for him, as well as his elevation by Pharaoh that all happened in a foreign land. That is much unlike Samson that capitulated to the whims and caprices of Delilah and ended his life’s trajectory in a bitter manner.

Illicit sex is therefore, as described in Proverbs Chapter 14 verse 12 that:” There is a way which seemeth right into a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”.. This is reflected in the Prologue by the author. That explains why he warns against people treading the paths of ignorance, carelessness, worldliness and the ways of sensuality and flesh-pleasing.

Copious quotes are taken from Proverbs chapter 5 verses 1-3, Romans chapter 12 verses 1 and 2 and John chapter 17 verses 1 -17 to bolster the warning that though “we are in the world but we are not of the world”. And giving example of the lasciviousness of King Solomon who loved many strange women, because of which God tore the kingdom from his hand and gave to his servant we all have to learn to stay away from all manner of temptations from different kinds of women. Righteousness is the best way forward.

The different features of what makes up Lust and that of Love are to be found in the table on page xvviii. That takes us to Chapter One that enlightens the reader on the history perspective of sex, from before the Mid 1900s through moral value, sacredness to what it has metamorphosed to from the Mid1900s till date. He warns against our appearances not to be seductive.Advertisements should keep to high moral standards. Warnings against incest and mating with animals are also given in the chapter.

Quoting from Hebrews Chapter 13 verse 4 it states that: ” Marriage is honourable, and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge”. From Song 7 verses 1 -10 emphasizes that God’s people should keep to the tenets of sexual intercourse.

Further to this Chapter Three talks about kinds of sexual abuse to include homosexuality, polygamy ( in his own view), lesbianism, as well as widow inheritance and unmarried woman concubinage.

The causes of illicit sex are traced to bad friendship, quoting from Samuel Chapter 13 verse s 3-5 about Annob and Jonadab. Over familiarity is another listed factor.

Listed as the causes of Dead Journey are the harsh economic situation, quick money syndrome, social promotion and laziness all in Chapter Five.

The Dangers of illicit sex include premature death, HIV, curses,loss of love and affection barrenness and destruction of the soul. But how do we avoid the Dead Journey’? That is treated in Chapter Seven.

To do so we need God’s help, investment in God’s word, avoiding words that send wrong signals and staying away from over familiarity with others of opposite sex. We should also avoid sleeping alone in a hotel room, visiting pornographic sites, indecent dressing and one should be satisfied with one’s spouse.

As highlighted in the Conclusion, 2nd Corinthians Chapter 5 verse 17 states that: ” Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new”. It means that we should do away with all forms of the factors that lead to illicit sex and avoid a ‘ Dead Journey’.

POSITIVES about the book

The message of abstaining from illicit sex is timely, more so now that the standard of morality has ebbed low; and with people in high places accused of one wrong or the other.

It was written with courage and deep research. The biblical quotes are relevant and insightful. Good enough, the dangers are highlighted in the chapters and the steps to take to avoid them are well discussed.

The presentation is commendable with the deployment of simple, easy – to – read and understand format.

THE MINUSES

Some typographical errors such as ‘Pharaoh hold’ ( instead of holds) the title ‘…on page vii and ‘ There are so many reason ( instead of reasons ) on page 56 should be corrected.

Also, the pages on ‘ ‘What people are saying about Dead Journey’ from page iv to vi should be placed after the Conclusion of the book

RECOMMENDATIONS

This one – of – a – kind book,:with a timeless message of high moral standards is well recommended to parents, educationists, pastors, preachers, worshippers and motivational speakers who interact with the younger generation of Nigerians. Based on the dire consequences of illicit sex which have become pervasive in our society, it is going to generate heated debate on its practicability under the harsh economic realities on ground in the country. But it is a must -read for each and everyone of us.
Price:
N3,000 for hard copy
N1.500 for soft copy
Big kudos to Friday John, the author