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Temptations to do evil are tests of our trust, faith and confidence in God.

Genesis 3 : 1-19

1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

Governments guided by accountability, responsibility and transparency have always been constant never to retain card-carrying party members who aspired to political positions but failed to emerge victorious in sensitive positions.
Such party members, if allowed to continue in such public offices, would bring to bear their partisanship.
Sadly, high standards have been eroded.
Interestingly, the expectation of Nigerians is that the newly redesigned 200, 500 and 1,000 Naira notes will be made available for everyone through the banking system.
Although the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has insisted that the new naira notes are in abundant supply to the commercial banks, the experience of Nigerians in banking halls, ATM machine points and P.O.S shops has proved the contrary.
Much as the commercial banks would wish to comply with the directive of the apex bank to make the new notes available, the old notes have been, up till this moment, still being dispensed.
Indeed, if there is no hidden motive in fixing the deadline for the withdrawal of the old notes, which is 31st January, the reasonable and rational step to take ought to be for the old notes to circulate side by side with the new ones, until the former is withdrawn.
However, the desperation and hurried actions of the apex bank to withdraw the old notes suggests that there is more to  it than meets the eyes.
Unfolding events in urban, and most especially rural areas indicate that the CBN would have not option but to extend the deadline; only if it is sensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

2023 and Beyond
The daily occurrence of violent crimes, the sorry state of electricity supply and the lingering fuel scarcity in Nigeria are enough advice for the electorate to determine the next crop of leaders in 2023 and beyond. Perhaps
 

-Allegations Baseless-chairman

Worried members of the Non Academic Staff and Associated Institutions Union(NASU), University College Hospital(UCH)branch,Ibadan, Nigeria have accused the executives of the union of promoting self-designed and self-centered interests to the detriment of the union.

The members, who spoke incognito, also lamented the lack of accountability and transparency on the part of the executives.

''The executives of our union have continued to channel the resources of our union to self-driven and self-centered projects and interests. They have been so smart about it, but we have detected the infractions. In addition, they hide under the name of the union to seek pecuniary benefits from politically exposed persons, whom everybody knows have had engagements with the union leaders.''

''And of great worry, is the fact that we, the members of NASU are not carried along in the scheme of the union's activities. There is the need for inclusiveness, accountability and transparency,'' the aggrieved members stated.

In his reaction on behalf of the union's executives, the chairman, Comrade Kehinde Abiona dismissed the allegations, describing them as concocted and baseless.

''The so-called resource diversion is alien to me because we run the union with the mindset of transparent leadership. This our great union is backed by a constitution which stipulates our functions and the terms of stewardship at the beginning and end of our tenure, which is four years and is renewable. There has never been any occasion during which the union's resources were diverted to private interests. Since we came on board on March 13, 2019, we have opened up the resources of the union for the overall benefit of all members.''

Comrade Abiona disclosed that the days of touts and hooligans in the union were gone for good, saying, '' we ensure that there is equality and fairness in the workplace. Anything concerning my members, I must be very interested in it. I am not here as a chairman on my own, there is the secretary and treasurer. Formerly, only the chairman, secretary and treasurer took major decisions, but when we mounted the saddle on March 13, 2019, we opened up the issue of finances, so the five ex-officio members of the union are always part of the decision-making process.

The NASU chairman maintained that the union gave members the opportunity to interface with politically exposed persons, who aspire to become policy makers, saying, ''is it now a crime for a trade union leader to receive and listen to potential leaders in society? Is it a crime for us to have organized a health workers' symposium last year? Our members need to be exposed to several issues. So, what happened is that we exercised our rights to ensure a balance between the leaders, potential leaders and our members. Our engagement with them was just in the interest of our members, nothing else. He attributed the allegation to the fast-approaching elections of the union in March, stressing, ''with the fear of God paramount in our hearts, we are ensuring that transparency is not defeated in our tenure.''

''By the special grace of God, all members of the executive are recontesting in the upcoming elections. The purpose of recontesting is to consolidate and to ensure that the well rebranded image of the union does not relapse to the inglorious days. Expect our score card soon, Comrade Abiona concluded.

The moment we open our hearts to the Lord, He will open our hearts to the lost.

2 Corinthians 5 : 12-17

''12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.''

Owners of various categories of shops-make shift and steel containers inclusive-now constitute the majority population in most communities in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.

Most of these petty traders, who trade generally in second-hand and perishable items, are not residents of these communities and have become security threats.

Indeed, a sizable number of them-tradesmen, artisans, market men and women-were empowered by politically exposed personalities who hold public offices.

The personalitites who are desperate to remain in public offices, covertly support the criminal activities of these shop owners Not surprisingly, the crime rate in these communities, which include Olorunsogo, Molete, Molusi, Solanke, IMG Ibuko(the primary school is a den for criminals), Oyegbami, Oshodi, Aluko, Scout Camp, Felele, among others-has been on upsurge in recent times.

However, of worry is the continued threats to kill being issued by the shop owners, criminally minded residents, their children and wards.

Update: Jose Rodolfo Villarreal-Hernandez was arrested Saturday, January 7, 2023, by Mexican authorities. Calvin A. Shivers, assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Matthew J. DeSarno, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Dallas Field Office, announced today the addition of Jose Rodolfo Villarreal-Hernandez, aka “El Gato,” to the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list. A reward of up to $1 million is being offered by the U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program for information leading directly to his arrest. The FBI’s Dallas Field Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Villarreal-Hernandez, who is allegedly responsible for stalking and orchestrating the murder-for-hire of a 43-year-old male victim in Southlake, Texas. On May 22, 2013, the victim and his wife were preparing to depart a shopping center in Southlake, Texas. A white Toyota Sequoia approached the couple’s Range Rover as the wife was loading her purchases into the back of the vehicle. The victim was sitting in the passenger’s seat. The shooter exited the Toyota Sequoia as the driver pulled in behind the couple’s vehicle. The shooter approached the Range Rover from the passenger side and shot the victim multiple times. He then entered the Toyota Sequoia and fled the scene. The victim was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital.

The investigation, led by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office, revealed the victim was stalked by a group of individuals beginning in March of 2011. The investigation further determined this same group allegedly committed the murder-for-hire on May 22, 2013, at the direction of Villarreal-Hernandez. Investigators believe that Villarreal-Hernandez had a personal grudge against the victim.

A federal arrest warrant was issued in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, in 2018. Villarreal-Hernandez is charged with interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire.

“Jose Rodolfo Villarreal-Hernandez is charged with orchestrating a brutal murder that took place in broad daylight at a busy shopping center. The shooter and his accomplices showed no regard for the victim, his wife, or the innocent bystanders who witnessed the murder,” said Special Agent in Charge DeSarno. “The FBI’s ‘Ten Most Wanted Fugitives Program’ allows us to bring this case to the eyes and ears of citizens around the world. We will not rest until Villarreal-Hernandez is apprehended and made to answer for these charges in court.”

“The FBI will continue to use its ‘Ten Most Wanted Fugitives Program’ to locate and arrest violent criminals like Jose Rodolfo Villarreal-Hernandez,” said Assistant Director Shivers. “We will bring to justice those individuals who commit violent acts and threaten the safety of our citizens and our community. However, in order for us to be effective, we need the public’s assistance. We encourage you to reach out to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI if you witness a crime or have information that is beneficial to an ongoing investigation."

Villarreal-Hernandez should be considered armed and dangerous. He has black hair and brown eyes, stands 5 feet 4 inches tall, and is approximately 165 pounds. The FBI believes he may be hiding in Mexico.

Villarreal-Hernandez is the 524th person to be placed on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives”

list. A “Ten Most Wanted Fugitive” poster is available on the FBI’s website and is posted on various social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, digital billboards in several states that border Mexico will publicize Villarreal-Hernandez. The FBI has established a new tip line through the mobile application WhatsApp. Anyone with information regarding Villarreal-Hernandez’s whereabouts should call +1 817-213-6640 through WhatsApp. Tips can also be provided online at tips.fbi.gov.

Source-FBI

Nigerians are disappointed in the poor state of governance at the three tiers of government.

The available resources from the federal allocation have been improperly utilized by political office holders, while internally generated revenue has been misappropriated to the detriment of development and improvement of the welfare of the people.

Supporters, well-wishers, admirers and loyalists of Those-in-Authority have constitute themselves to nuisance in several communities across Nigeria, thus, paving the way for lawlessness and criminality.

Empowerment has now been translated to makeshift shops in residential areas, where alcohol and illicit substances are traded in.

Curiously, the confidence reposed in the representatives of the people at all levels of government has waned drastically, due to the scanty proof of representation.

Unfolding events indicate that the road to election and re-election for political party candidates is now riddled with potholes that pose serious threats to the vehicles they are travelling in. Sadly, all the institutions saddled with the responsibilities of sustaining democracy are working assiduously to scuttle it.

As Schools Resume

The unrestricted display of lawless and criminal behavior of youths, mostly dropouts and children who still attend Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools, residing in Olorunsogo, Molete, Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Oshodi, Aluko, Kehinde Aderibigbe, Scout Camp and Felele communities in Ibadan, Oyo stat, Nigeria, among several other communities, has not only brought to the fore, the poor quality of teachers in public and private schools in the state, but has also exposed the mindset of manpower in educationa agencies in the state. It is now very obvious that most of the schools in the state go beyond imparting knowledge, if the immoral and crime-friendly behavior of pupils and students is anything to go by. The prevalence of pedophilia, homosexuality and prostitution in these communities is another source of worry, as residents watch helplessly.

God's goodness is constant, for this reason, we must remember all the blessing on us. Psalm 103

1(A Psalm of David.) Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Nation building involves creating both a sense of pride in one's country and enhancing a country's status in the eyes of other nations, which naturally is one of the ways to build national unity. Sport is one of the ways because it creates a unified goal and brands all differing groups in a nation under one banner.

Sports is an enabler of sustainable development through the growing contribution of sports to the realization of development and peace, the promotion of tolerance and respect, and the contributions it makes to the empowerment of women and of young people, individuals and communities, as well as to health, education and social inclusion objectives.

Realizing the Full Potential of Aport for Sustainable Development Goals The unifying factor of sports notwithstanding, there are still challenges to fulfillment of its true potential.

Too often there are incidences of intolerance, racism, hatred and violence during sports events. Like many other areas, corruption also affects sports.

Sports organizations, managers, players and fans must do all that is possible to combat this illness and fully harness the positive power of sports. Stakeholders, therefore, should keep fighting abuses, promote the adoption of good governance, integrity and transparency, which places sustainable development goals at the core of all sporting organizations.

Harnessing the tremendous potential of sports by bringing people together from mega-sporting events to grassroots activities through its physical activities provides various social and health benefits.

Fundamental to the true enhancement of global development and the realization of the SDGs, is the establishment of strong and cohesive partnerships among diverse stakeholder networks committed to the use of sports for sustainable development.

The primary focus of extracurricular activities and sports is to teach discipline, focus, dedication, hard work, commitment and team work. And it is our responsibility as adults to value sportsmanship and award the courage to take action rather than focusing on winning or losing. Our slogan, therefore, is that we should all, the youth in particular, say, ''No'' to Thuggery, Hooliganism and Violence, but embrace the spirit of healthy competition for love, unity and improve networking and competence.

This address was delivered by Prof. Olagoke  at the 18th edition of the Rasool Cup-Under 18 Football Competition

Any focused government with vision ought to put machinery in place that will assess and evaluate the levels of performance and service delivery of political appointees.

The only exception to the above-mentioned, is a government that has a lot to hide.

Contract inflation, money laundering and misappropriation of funds are shadows of several political appointees, although cover-ups are not strange in these days of political campaigns.

Indeed, futile attempts have been made to mend fences after the damage has been done.

Political ambitions have scuttled such attempts.A leader must be decisive and not stand aloof. Interestingly, some elements in government are out for full-scale destruction based on the fierce pursuit of self-interest.

Sadly, the apex bank and commercial banks in the country have been caught in the web of intrigues, manoeuvres and sabotage and Nigerians are at the receiving end.

Of worry, is the non-committal stance of Those-in-Authority, which most believe is an ominous sign for Nigeria and DEMOCRACY.

Note-
Lawlessness, crime and all forms of criminality continue unabated while an unspecifed number of men and officers of the law enforcement agency relentlessely undermine law enforcement.