Please, join me and thousands of other likeminded believers in coming before God and interceding on behalf of Nigeria. Prayer focus:Ephesians 6:13-14; 2 Chr.7:14 Our nation is in a vulnerable position both from a national security standpoint, from economic standpoint and from a spiritual standpoint. With wars continuing to rage across the globe, political leaders missing in action, and unprecedented failure, and policy summersault of the government and political ground standing, instability, corruption, terrorism, kidnapping etc, followers of Christ need to be a source of stabilizing hope during this time of chaos. We are living in very unsettled and turbulent times, but we take comfort in the fact that no matter who holds the reins of power that God remains on the throne. While some might be taken in by the calls for protests and expressions of grievances of various ethnic nationalities and groups, we as the church remain true to the core values we find in scripture, and we will not compromise biblical truth. Scriptures tells us that if the people of God pray and seek His face, that He will heal our land(2 Chr. 7:14). Therefore, I, the undersigned, commit to praying for the security and stability of my country Nigeria, that our nation would return to God, and place its trust in Him. I, as a member of the church and the body of Christ, commit to being a shining light rooted in the word of God, and I am praying for other believers to remain focused on the Lord, and not be tossed about by the waves of political uncertainty as others are. I pray that the Lord would use these unstable times to turn people to Him and redeem Nigeria as a nation under God indeed and in truth.

Political correctness (PC) refers to language, policies, and behaviors that avoid offending or marginalizing certain groups, particularly those related to: 1. Race 2. Gender 3. Sexual orientation 4. Religion 5. Disability 6. Socioeconomic status PC aims to promote inclusivity, respect, and equality by: 1. Avoiding stereotypes and biases 2. Using neutral or inclusive language 3. Recognizing and addressing systemic inequalities 4. Creating a safe and welcoming environment However, some critics argue that PC can: 1. Limit free speech 2. Create a culture of censorship 3. Foster a sense of entitlement 4. Ignore or downplay legitimate concerns The concept of PC is complex and contentious, with varying interpretations and implications. While intended to promote social justice and equality, its implementation can be nuanced and context-dependent.

*BEING THE PRESENTATION OF DR. VICTOR TAIWO, SECRETARY-GENERAL 'COUNCIL OF YORUBA ELDERS' AND NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, 'NEW NIGERIA MOVEMENT' AT THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL INAUGURATION OF 'OGBAKO NDIGBO NILE' (COALITION OF NDIGBO PEOPLE'S UNION WORLDWIDE) HOLDING TODAY SATURDAY 29TH JUNE, 2024 AT THE NUJ PRESS CENTRE OWERRI, IMO STATE NIGERIA*   Topic: *The need for a new Nigeria: An exposition of Nigeria of yesterday, today and the future, the Yoruba perspective*   1.  *Greetings* My first courtesy goes to the great leaders of  the hosting organization *Coalition of Igbo People’s Union* newly christened *Ogbako Ndigbo Nile* in the person of His Excellency Ambassador Akpelu Azunna E. Ph.D who has always maintained the status of a decent Igbo leader and Nigerian patriot. I also pay a very huge homage to that erudite scholar of high repute Prof. Obasi Igwe who we have given the cognomen of *Divine Gift* in the circle of the New Nigeria Movement in his special recognition as a repository of knowledge. I, as well, greet all the executive and members of Ogbako Ndigbo Nile worldwide and the delegates of the New Nigeria Movement from the other zones of the country. 2. *Felicitation* Away from the above courtesy, I need to congratulate all the leaders and members of this organization on the auspicious event of today whose purpose and impact will soon reflect as the foundation of a new development in the history of Igboland on one hand and Nigeria on the other hand. 3.   *Our mission here today* What has brought us here right from our Yoruba region is to pay our solidarity with you people on the ephocal event of the inauguration of the Ogbako Ndigbo Nile which I can see is manifesting as the emerging central and global voice for the Igbo people worldwide. I, therefore, felicitate you all. 4. *My humble capacity* You might want to ask, in what capacity am I speaking here? I am speaking in the capacity of the humble Secretary- General and Leader of the *Council of Yoruba Elders (CYE)* the most veritable voice for the Yoruba people across the world now. Also, I am speaking in the capacity of the Convener & National Chairman of the *New Nigeria Movement*, a national body created to launder a new Nigeria away from the presently bastardized one we are all witnessing and suffering from today. It is designed to bring together all ethnic organizations and well-meaning personalities from all the zones of Nigeria with the aim of restructuring the country into a sane system which will work for everybody and meet our individual ethnic aspirations. This is where and why the (a) Council of Yoruba Elders for the South-West and (b) Ogbako Ndigbo Nile for the South-East got involved among other groups from the six zones of the country. The identities of the other groups that form the New Nigeria Movement are as follows: (c) South-South People’s Nigeria Movement for the South-South, (d) North-East People's Assembly for the North-East (e) Union of the Natives of the North-West Nigeria for the North-West and (f) Middle-Belt People’s Forum for the North-Central. It is, therefore, on the basis of the solidarity with you great people of Igbo nation that I have been requested to present a paper entitled, *The need for a new Nigeria: An exposition of Nigeria of yesterday, today and future, the Yoruba perspective* 5. *My presentation* Without unnecessarily re- inventing the wheel, I will have to do some cullings from a couple of papers I have delivered at one event or the other, engage thorough modifications and string them into a cohesive, meaning whole as to meet the expectation of today. I am earnestly saying this so I don't portray monotony to those who have been reading me before now. I am only doing this to exert the emphasis of my drive. 6. *The thrust of New Nigeria Movement* The thrust of this body is to champion the enhancement and/or facilitate the collective agreement of all Nigerians to sit together at a round table to work out the final solution to the multifarious problems of this country through the inevitable restructuring agenda via *Independent National Conference*. Without any gainsaying, there are serious problems in this country such that has driven the vehicle of the country to a cul-de-sac with all the structures of the country run to a halt. Do we need to start listing the multiple items of the crises rocking our boat into drowning? I think it is literally needless as we all know where the shoes pinch. 7. *Diagnosis* Now, what I have always believed makes sense to all that have the faculties in their heads running is that whenever there is an ailment, thorough diagnostic examinations are required rather than mere fire-brigade approach. And so with the level of war of national and individual survival that we are fighting in the country presently, it is absolutely perforce we go to the laboratory for proper diagnostic examinations and adopt the proper medications for our respective continued happy life rather than merely deliberately treating leprosy with the drug meant for eczema. This I regard as self-deception and sheer foolishness. 8. *Looking back into history* Looking back into history, we must have realized our continued co-existence in Nigeria is going to be a very difficult thing unless we the pioneer leaders of this Movement and all well-meaning, patriotic Nigerians are sincere and determined to make things work against all odds. If not, we have come to the end of the country called Nigeria whether we like it or not. Going back memory lane, history will always be there to remind us of the incidences that have culminated in the national tragedies we are contending with in Nigeria today such that all the forces in the world cannot cover the tracks of history and succeed. Kindly allow me to quickly run the following short tale which may look like unworthy self-adulating digression, but you will always get the point in it at the end of the day. In 1994 I wrote one of my numerous books entitled *NIGERIA ON GUNPOWDER* which, with all modesty, I boast of today as being the best compendium of Nigeria’s political history ever written by any author yet in the world. Some five years later I gave the manuscript to the Hon. Justice Adewale Thompson, one of the best judges ever produced by Nigeria, to write the foreword to it. When I got to him on the appointed day to pick the manuscript and the foreword, he looked straight in my eyes with utmost dismay and expressed his absolute admiration for me at the contents of the book. And he asked me of my age when I wrote the book. I told him I was just above 30 years. Then he said how come I was able to know the wonderful facts and figures contained in the book to which he was a witness when most of the events took place and when I was not born? All I said was, 'You gave us education sir and one of the aspects of the education is to learn about our past existence which is History.' The point I am establishing here is that the children yet unborn will read history and understand perfectly their past however much our government may strive to cover the tracks of history by removing History from our educational curriculum. Thus our past in Nigeria is shrouded in confusion as masterminded by the colonialists and aggravated by the incompatibility of the different strange bedfellows with different traits that constitute Nigeria. Should we deceive ourselves that Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Fulani, Hausa, Kanuri, Tiv, Nembe, Ibibio and the rest of the various nationalities in the country are related by consanguinity in the slightest way? Capital NO. Now can we say that the spirit the colonialists deployed to amalgamate us into one was a genuine and altruistic one that could make us sweep our differences under the carpet? No. Were our pioneer political leaders so much loving, tolerant and cooperative among themselves enough as to sacrifice their chauvinism for unity of purpose enough to thin away our background forces? No. Let us examine the submissions of the following masters of the birth and the evolution of Nigeria so we can use them to run through the past, examine our present and project into the future: a. 'The British expected Nigeria to break up' - Harold Smith, a former colonial officer in Nigeria. b. 'It is never an easy task to govern a country like Nigeria. It is somewhat artificial creation' - Margaret Thatcher , a former British Prime Minister. c. 'No European power was in Africa for purely altruistic motives, and one side of the dual mandate which Britain and the other colonial powers had undertaken in Africa was apt to succeed at the expense of the other. The Europeans’ desire to exploit African trade and resources was apt to be a stronger force than the feeling of obligation to help the African people to advance' - Lord Frederick Lugard, former Governor-General of Nigeria. d. 'Nigeria is not a nation. It is a mere geographical expression. There are no Nigerians in the same sense as there are ‘English’, ‘Welsh’ or ‘French ’. The word Nigeria is merely a distinctive appellation to distinguish those who live within the boundaries of Nigeria and those who do not' – Obafemi Awolowo. e. 'It is better for us and many admirers abroad that we should disintegrate in peace and not in pieces. Should the politicians fail to heed this warning then I will nurture the prediction that the experience of the Democratic Republic of Congo will be a child’s play if ever it comes to our turn to play such a tragic role' – Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1964. f. 'The new nation called Nigeria should be an estate of our great grandfather Uthman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change of power. We use the minorities in the North as willing tools and the South as a conquered territory and never allow them to have control over their future' – Sir Ahmadu Bello. g. 'Since 1914 the British government has been trying to make Nigeria into one country, but the Nigerian people themselves are historically different in their backgrounds, in their religious beliefs, and customs and do not show themselves any signs of willingness to unite. Nigeria’s unity is only a British invention' – Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in 1948. h. 'The only way left for rapid progress of both countries i.e. Northern Nigeria and Southern Nigeria is to return to the good old days when the North and South were separate' – Shehu Shagari, a former president of Nigeria. i. 'North can survive if Nigeria divides' – Arewa elders. j. 'Our great country has by that amalgamation gone into hibernation. I don’t know how long it would be in that libenatory state. But as long as the Yoruba country is connected with the sea, we shall not fail, and one day we shall come out of that hibernation to be a free country again' - Alexander Sapara Williams, the first Nigerian practicing lawyer. k. 'The basis for Nigeria’s unity is not there' – Yakubu Gowon. Let us stop the above renditions of discordant lyrics and examine if there has ever been any streak of national unity of purpose in this country until we are now all grounded to the point of no advancement. 9. *The way out* From all the above revelations, it is clear that Nigeria is not a nation of one people but different nations of different peoples of the traits or incompatibility. The question we shall, therefore, ask ourselves are these; a. Why have we gone together for this long in spite of our incompatibilities? b. Do we believe we can reverse the trend and bear the country anew for collective good purpose? c. Do we need to deceive ourselves that all is well with us? d. Do we need to coerce ourselves into the spluttering and burning cocoon in the name of unity by force? e. If some of us truly believe in the geo-political entity called Nigeria, can we ever evade sitting down at a round-table to discuss and agree on the terms of our working relationship? Thus what I consider as being the best question to answer is the last item - item e. We need to sit down with all sincerity to address the issue of our further co-existence. And I see this opportunity, talking prophetically, as the last opportunity we have at hand to do so. But here is my fear deriving from the submission of that great mind of yore viz. Samuel Akinola the erstwhile Secretary-General of Anglican Church in Nigeria: ‘A nation that is afraid of forming a forum where grievances can be amicably resolved and fundamental problem tackled is not ready for an enduring democracy, and any structure created on such a foundation ladened with suspicions and grudges will be short-lived’. Now with all the discrepancies among Nigerians, why has it been possible that we are still together till today albeit a union of discomfort? The reason is simple. The oil factor. 10. *The oil factor* Prior to the era of unitary system brought by the military in 1966, the regional arrangement was fostering and giving the best result in the experiment of true federalism whereby each of the regions was sprinting to the best of its ability. Imagine the West making the best of agriculture with cocoa, imagine the North making the best of agriculture with groundnut and imagine the East making the best of agriculture with palm oil. But at the emergence of the unitary government and the discovery of oil in the country in commercial quantity, the rat race for the exploitation of the free money began. Nigeria was so rich from the oil that Yakubu Gowon said money was not the problem of Nigeria but how to spend it. Thus since then up to now, the issue has been oil, and oil and oil alone. Every other direction has no thoroughfare. So, the battle over oil is the battle of Armageddon. The oil comes from the Niger-Delta otherwise known as the South-South geo-political zone. The North will never compromise the oil so much that Muhammadu Gambo a former Inspector General of Police swore that the North would spill blood if anybody tried to take away the oil from them. Should I believe that the South-East is also afraid of cutting away from the Niger-Delta because they believe they can’t survive without their oil? You will have to speak out on this. This is a challenge I am throwing today. So, the oil matter is the cause for the forced cohesion of Nigerians. But here is the tragedy. The oil will either run dry one day or it will lose its value at a point. And come to think of another disaster, the oil has even been mortgaged by the previous government of Muhammadu Buhari that for a long time to come the oil being explored from Nigeria may not belong to us. These aside, even with the oil, where are we today with our economy where we are living on perpetual loans which we may not be able to pay back in the next 40 years? Can the oil sustain us any further and for how long are we going to remain chasing a mirage or, put the other way round, deceiving ourselves? I for one, as a veritable leader from the Yoruba Region, I am never interested in the oil from the South-South. After all, several great countries of the world do not have oil under their soil or water and yet most of them can buy up Nigeria in a twinkle of an eye. How much oil or quantity of oil do Germany, France, Britain, Israel, Japan, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Ukraine, Singapore, India, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland, Panama, Cyprus, Lebanon, Barbados, Austria, South Korea, Mauritius, Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia, Saint Lucia, Maldives, Mongolia, Australia, Sri Lanca, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Bosnia, Jordan, etc. have? Do they not survive? It is only vacuous-headed set of people who will swear that they cannot survive without the oil from another part of the world. This is simply the bane of Nigeria. So, if the intellectuals from all the zones even including the Niger-Delta cannot sit down and fashion out how it can survive without oil, I am afraid the backlash will be worse by the time the realisation of the reality splashes us in the face. Essentially, if each of the zones can begin to think outside the box of the free oil money from somewhere, then this restructuring project would be the easiest for us. But if our concentration is still on the Niger-Delta’s oil, I am afraid we might soon sink under the water. 11. *Assessment of the Nigeria's situation* Now, coming to assess the current government, it is certain that, looking into the horizon with all intellectual apparatuses and doubling the vision with the employment of the crystal ball, sans all self-deception and sentiment, all the global economic indices for radical turn-around of a drowning country as ours are absolutely non-existent on the ground. This is a matter of absolute conviction. And so, the current menace of hunger, inflation and the general collapse of the socio-economic structures may not have an end looming. Therefore, if our case would not be Lilliputian to that of the Ireland's Great Hunger of 1845 where one million people lost their lives out of a population of eight million people, a very urgent and lasting solution must be incubated. No other solution than the quick restructuring of the country so every people can design their collective life according to their aspiration. 12. *What modality of restructuring* Yes, the emphasis is that the solution to the problem on ground is the restructuring of the country. However, the question now is, what form of restructuring are we talking about? It is the restructuring back to regionalism or true federalism. But here is a snag. Are we saying we should revert to the old three or four regions? No. But there is always a way to it. Here is the clue: For God’s sake how do people equate Western Region or South-West zone to Yorubaland? South-West is not Yorubaland and Yorubaland is not South-West. The old Western Region extended from today's Lagos to Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo and Delta States. The point is, if Yorubaland extends to Edo and some part of Delta States namely, the Itsekiriland, how related are we to Asaba an Igbo enclave? Then how insanely could it be to regard Kwara State and the Okunland of Kogi State as part of Northern Region? Crazy, is it not? Thus the first and foremost exercise of the restructuring agenda is to do the proper re-delineation of the geography of Yorubaland which will emerge as the regional entity of Yorubaland namely, Yoruba Region or Re-defined Western Region with a new map projection. Ditto the sheer absurdity in the composition of the Eastern Region. The largest ethnic nationality in the old Eastern Region is Igbo. Today the enclave of Igbo people are by the current Nigerian arrangement restricted to five states namely, Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo and Ebonyi. But in real, practical terms, Igboland extends to 13 states of Nigeria namely, Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Kogi and Benue. Let us leave the analysis to these two of the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. Thus the restructuring has to begin with the identification of the ethic groups and their geographical spread for consummation from the disparate units into a cohesive whole thus moulding their watchword into ‘One people, one destiny’.   13. *The modus operandi* Now, what is the modality employable? Either of two things - let the country be peacefully dissolved like in the experience of the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia, or we restructure the country without further procrastination. But coming to terms with the adopted agenda of this organization New Nigeria Movement, the restructuring modality is our focus. Essentially the summation of the above epistle is that the inevitable solution to the multifarious problems of Nigeria is the restructuring of Nigeria via reversion to the old regional system whereby each people will be able to determine its destiny without being hampered by any clogging factor in the world. The race to this destination is what New Nigeria Movement has set itself to pursue to a logical conclusion with all the vigour it can muster. 14. *Restructuring: the Yoruba perspective* Lest I veer off the course of my expectation, let me prod you all to memory that the topic allotted to me is; *The need for a new Nigeria: An exposition of Nigeria of yesterday, today and the future, the Yoruba perspective* Every people have their different inclinations and aspirations. Some have for agriculture, some for craft, some for education, some for religion, some for commerce, some for wood planting, some for tourism, some for sharia, some for culture et cetera, et cetera. So, in a restructured Nigeria nobody should be bamboozled into any unwilling adoption. Rather, let the room be given to each people whatever their natural aspiration is. Thus as for me and my Yoruba people, our non-negotiable inclination and aspiration are to join the club of the first-world and super-power countries with grim determination to trail and march up with the current world champion in magical technological spin namely, China within a space of unimaginable time. This aspiration is what will remain a dream in sleep till eternity should we remain in this present composition of Nigeria where all the states must go bowls in hand to take allocation from the centre. So, this aspiration can be met in a regional arrangement where we can go at our own pace. So, if the Igbo nation or Kanuri nation wants to share our aspiration, let the race for competition be set. It is only through this system that Nigeria can grow. Outside this, let us all begin to sing the threnody of Nigeria. 15.  *The imperative for mutual understanding between the Yoruba and Igbo* I need to quickly make this following statement in a manner of proactiveness and prognosis or prognostication. And that statement is that, if the restructuring agenda must succeed, there are two of the zones or nationalities among the rest that must play a pivotal role. These are the Yoruba people and Igbo people. Ask me, why? Without being invidious in the slightest manner, among the six geo-political zones in the system of the New Nigeria Movement, South-West (Yoruba) and South-East (Igbo) are the ones operating at the same wavelength of advancement in the consummation of all arrangements while the rest are even yet to find their feet. Thus if we must anchor the other zones to a desirable length, then the cooperation between the Yoruba and Igbo is inevitably imperative. And come think of something, it is very unfortunate that when you watch and read the various social media communications that have saturated the entire hemisphere, you will see our Yoruba and Igbo zealots throwing venomous tantrums against one another portaying themselves as perpetual and irredeemable enemies. I call it ignorance on the parts of both sides. If only the Yorubas are conscious of the fact that they are going nowhere without carrying the Igbos along, they would have seen no sense in fighting the Igbos. If only the Igbos know they are achieving nothing without synergizing with the Yorubas in the context of Nigeria, they would  have thought twice before quarreling with the Yorubas. This is where I found it quite unstrategic in exhibition when our brother Nnamdi Kanu made Yorubas his objects of superlative hatred and unleashment of acidic invectives. Hmmm. Ignorance. Essentially, given the above analysis, if the Yorubas and Igbos don't relate like brothers and sisters, we shall both remain in perpetual enslavement and eternal stagnancy forever. And the rest of Nigeria will never know peace and progress. It is, therefore, not only imperative but inevitable that we bury our pride and ego, let us forget our differences, let us put aside our past misdemeanors,  misconceptions, misinterpretations and misunderstandings whatever they are and let us embrace one another for the good of our collective tomorrow. Here I anchor.    *08126923916*      Please share widely.                              

Here is a list of the political demography of Ogun State in Nigeria ¹: - Current Governor: Prince Dapo Abiodun (All Progressives Congress) - Deputy Governor: Noimot Salako-Oyedele (All Progressives Congress) - Senators: o Shuaibu Salisu (All Progressives Congress) o Gbenga Daniel (All Progressives Congress) o Solomon Adeola (All Progressives Congress) - Representatives: 20 local government areas - Number of local government areas: 20 - Total population (2006): 3,751,140 - Rank (population): 16th - Land area: 16,762 km² - Rank (land area): 24th - Main ethnic groups: Ẹgba, Ijebu, Remo, Egbado, Awori and Egun - Religion: Islam, Christianity and traditional Yoruba animism - Senatorial districts: Ogun Central, Ogun East and Ogun West.

Mobilizing Christians to become stakeholders in Nigerian politics involves a multi-faceted approach that leverages religious, social, and political strategies. Here are several effective methods: 1. **Education and Awareness**: - **Civic Education**: Churches can organize workshops and seminars to educate their members about their civic responsibilities and the importance of participating in politics. This includes understanding the electoral process, the impact of policies, and the role of elected officials. - **Biblical Teachings**: Relate political engagement to biblical principles, emphasizing stewardship, justice, and the common good. This helps Christians see political participation as part of their faith practice. 2. **Leadership Training**: - **Leadership Programs**: Establish programs to train potential Christian leaders in political skills, including public speaking, policy analysis, and campaign management. - **Mentorship**: Encourage experienced Christian politicians to mentor younger members, providing guidance and support for their political ambitions. 3. **Church Involvement**: - **Political Forums**: Hold forums and debates within church communities where political issues are discussed, and candidates can present their platforms. This helps congregants make informed decisions. - **Prayer Groups**: Organize prayer groups specifically focused on the nation’s political landscape, asking for wisdom and guidance for leaders and the electorate. 4. **Advocacy and Mobilization**: - **Social Media Campaigns**: Use social media to reach a wider audience with messages about the importance of political participation. Share information on voter registration, election dates, and candidate profiles. - **Grassroots Mobilization**: Encourage church members to get involved at the grassroots level by joining local political groups, attending town hall meetings, and participating in community organizing. 5. **Voter Registration Drives**: - **Registration Initiatives**: Conduct voter registration drives within church premises to ensure that all eligible members are registered to vote. - **Collaboration with INEC**: Partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to facilitate easy access to registration materials and information. 6. **Policy Advocacy**: - **Advocacy Groups**: Form or join advocacy groups that align with Christian values to influence policy decisions. These groups can lobby for issues such as social justice, poverty alleviation, and religious freedom. - **Engagement with Policymakers**: Engage with policymakers to advocate for policies that benefit the community and reflect Christian values. 7. **Support for Christian Candidates**: - **Candidate Endorsement**: Endorse and support Christian candidates who demonstrate integrity, competence, and a commitment to public service. - **Campaign Assistance**: Provide logistical and financial support to Christian candidates, helping them run effective campaigns. 8. **Interdenominational Collaboration**: - **Unity Among Denominations**: Foster unity among different Christian denominations to create a stronger and more cohesive political influence. - **Joint Initiatives**: Launch joint political initiatives and campaigns that address common concerns across denominations. 9. **Youth Engagement**: - **Youth Programs**: Develop programs that specifically target young Christians, encouraging them to engage in politics and leadership roles. - **Scholarships and Internships**: Offer scholarships and internships for young Christians to study political science, law, and public administration, preparing them for future political roles. By implementing these strategies, Christians in Nigeria can effectively mobilize their followers and become significant stakeholders in the nation’s political landscape, advocating for policies and leaders that align with their values and contribute to the common good.

A presidential candidate preparing for the 2027 elections in Nigeria should focus on several key strategies to enhance their chances of success: 1. **Building a Strong Political Base**: Establishing and maintaining a robust political network is crucial. This involves strengthening relationships with party members, political allies, and influential stakeholders. 2. **Understanding Voter Concerns**: Conducting surveys and focus groups to understand the key issues and concerns of voters. This will help in crafting a campaign message that resonates with the electorate. 3. **Policy Development**: Developing clear and practical policies that address the pressing issues facing Nigeria, such as economic development, security, healthcare, and education. These policies should be well-documented and communicated to the public. 4. **Grassroots Mobilization**: Engaging with voters at the grassroots level through town hall meetings, community visits, and social media interactions. This helps in building a direct connection with the electorate and understanding their needs. 5. **Media and Public Relations**: Establishing a strong media presence through traditional and social media channels. This includes regular press briefings, interviews, and leveraging social media platforms to reach a broader audience. 6. **Campaign Organization**: Building a competent campaign team that includes strategists, communications experts, and volunteers. This team should be well-coordinated and capable of executing the campaign plan effectively. 7. **Fundraising**: Securing adequate funding for the campaign through donations, fundraisers, and financial contributions from supporters and allies. Financial resources are crucial for campaign activities and outreach efforts. 8. **Voter Education and Mobilization**: Educating voters on the electoral process and the importance of their participation. Mobilizing supporters to register to vote and ensuring they turn out on election day. 9. **Debates and Public Engagements**: Participating in debates and public forums to articulate policies and engage with opponents. This demonstrates transparency and willingness to address public concerns. 10. **Legal and Electoral Compliance**: Ensuring compliance with all electoral laws and regulations set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This includes proper documentation, adherence to campaign finance laws, and addressing any legal challenges promptly. By focusing on these strategies, a presidential candidate can build a strong foundation for their campaign and increase their chances of winning the election.

Types of Information You Can Gather With Political Intelligence You can determine what political candidates will likely win an election, which is valuable for investors and businesses. There are four main types of information when it comes to political Intelligence. These include government policy, governmental elections, election results, the organizational structure of a state or entity, public opinion polls, and other surveys. Political Intelligence is a way to get information from political leaders, staffers, and organizations. The data can be used in many ways, such as finding opponents’ weaknesses or helping candidates win elections. The best way to obtain political Intelligence is through public records. Political polling Public opinion on critical issues Analysis of past voting records and campaign promises Voter registration data Candidate biographies, backgrounds, and qualifications Political Parties Political Influencers and their Connections Governmental Agencies and Civil Society Organizations Media Outlets, Journalists, Bloggers, Social Media Personalities Political actions and plans Campaign strategy, including polling data Candidates positions on issues that are important to you A candidate’s voting record or history of public service How the media portrays a candidate Financial information Economic data Information about the company’s employees, including salaries and benefits Company strategy and business plan Intellectual property rights or patents Track voting records and positions of elected officials Monitor upcoming legislation Keep tabs on the voting intentions of public figures and their supporters, including political parties, unions, lobby groups, and interest groups. Gauge the mood of the electorate by surveying voters or conducting opinion polls. Analyze media coverage to identify trends in sentiment toward particular issues. How to Find the Right Political Intelligence for Your Needs Finding the right political Intelligence for your needs can be complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with what’s out there. Our independent research is the best way to get political Intelligence that fits your needs. We can provide you with any information that will help you manage market risk and train employees in compliance issues. Political Intelligence is one of the most critical aspects of discovering what is happening in your political system. The first thing to know is what you want from a political information service. The practical way to answer this question is by asking yourself what purpose the information will serve your business. How to identify a good provider of Political Intelligence Political Intelligence is a crucial element of any political campaign. Knowing the candidates, who fund them, their platforms, and more is essential. This information provider must have credible sources when you want information about politics. For example, you may consider subscribing to a news source with minimal ideological biases and a reputation for making careful distinctions between fact and opinion; The best provider of political Intelligence is the one that enables each client to learn about upcoming political developments. The best political intelligence providers offer in-depth analyses of the issues affecting governments worldwide. There are several ways to identify political intelligence providers. First, ensure they have an established history and track record in providing services. In addition, ensure that you can receive real-time updates about the political situation.

NATION BUILDING: GOD'S WAY! 2004 July-August Douglas S. Winnail Comment on this article From Iraq to Afghanistan, and from Bosnia to Biafra, mankind has watched nations struggle, and has sought to rebuild them. Mankind's record is one of failure, but there are guidelines for success—in the pages of your Bible! In recent years, "nation building" has been transformed from a concern of diplomats into an issue of global importance. Millions have watched the efforts of America, Britain and the United Nations to rebuild Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq and other struggling countries. While it is shocking to see the devastation and suffering caused by war, it has also been sobering to witness the difficulties, frustrations and intrigues that have accompanied these human-driven attempts to intervene and rebuild nations where millions have been abused and exploited. Again and again, the 20th century witnessed the phenomenon of failed nations. All too frequently, the excitement and euphoria of a newly independent nation soured into disillusionment as leaders driven by vanity and greed (and governments riddled with corruption) robbed national treasuries, exploited national resources for private gain, destroyed economies and allowed their nations' infrastructure to decay and disintegrate. The resulting poverty and suffering spawned waves of emigrants fleeing faltering countries in search of a better life. Yet this surge of immigrants and asylum-seekers—which continues into the 21st century—also threatens to overwhelm social services and ignite fires of resentment in host countries that feel the cultural fabric of their own nations weakening and beginning to unravel. Failing nations and cultural decline have made nation building a major concern in our world today. There is no shortage of candidates willing to tackle the challenge. Communists, socialists, monarchists, dictators and democracies—and even religious leaders—have all tried their hand at solving these problems. Yet none have found the key for building truly successful nations or salvaging faltering countries. All nations today are struggling with their own serious problems! So where should we look for solutions? Is there a sound model that clearly explains how to build solid and successful nations? Are there instructions to follow, and specific steps to be taken? It is widely perceived that the U.S. does not know what it is doing; The Economist magazine last year illustrated the point vividly with a cover graphic showing "Uncle Sam" frantically searching through a pile of books, seeking useful information about nation building (March 8–14, 2003). Yet there are solutions and practical guidelines about nation building in a source that is little understood and seldom consulted today. Modern planners do not look into the Bible for answers to complex social problems, because they consider it only a religious book with mythical stories and wispy ideas. However, the Bible contains a blueprint for nation building that God recorded thousands of years ago for our benefit. The gospel of Jesus Christ is about right government and a new world order. God put this information in the Bible for a reason, though that reason has been obscured from most people's vision. As we will see, the Bible contains vital perspectives and practical guidelines for dealing with real problems that face society today. It offers hope—and offers exciting news about the future, in which you could play a role! A PROMISE TO ABRAHAM The Bible reveals much more than sweet promises that "Jesus loves you." Much of Scripture describes God's dealings with the children of Israel—the descendants of Abraham—and how God molded them into a nation He called His "special people" (Deuteronomy 26:18). This process of nation building is recorded as history in the Bible. It is instructive to study the biblical account because the One doing the nation building was none other than God Himself! Bible prophecies indicate that nation building will be one of the major challenges facing Jesus Christ and the saints when Christ returns to this earth to establish the kingdom of God. This is why it is important to understand what God has revealed on this subject. When God began to work with Abraham, God revealed His overall intent and purpose: "I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing [to the world]… in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 12:2–3). This was not an account of some local deity consoling an insignificant tribal group in an arid and insignificant corner of the world. The God of the universe was initiating a process of nation building that was to have global implications with lasting significance! This process of nation building began in earnest when God used Moses to bring the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Moses told the children of Israel that God intended to make them a model nation and an example that other nations could follow (Deuteronomy 4:6). God fully intends that other nations learn how to become great, and that they discover how to "prosper… and be in health" (3 John 2). This is why He has recorded His method of nation building in the Bible. We need to ask: How did God do it? What steps did He take? What model for nation building do we find in the Bible? THE FUNDAMENTAL FIRST STEP (Religious foundation) While it may seem strange to most modern "enlightened" and "secular" minds, God began His process of nation building with religion. His first step was to put the entire nation of Israel on a solid religious footing, with right religious beliefs. The Bible shows that God began working first with the leaders of Israel, and eventually reached the entire nation. God first revealed Himself to Moses by capturing his attention with a burning bush (Exodus 3). The Scriptures do not indicate that Moses was an especially religious man prior to his encounter with God. Moses was an Israelite raised in the court of Egypt's Pharaoh, surrounded by pagan gods. This is why the real God had to make Himself known to Moses (see Exodus 3:3–6, 13–15). God explained to Moses that He would lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage into a promised land where He would fulfill His promise to Abraham and make his descendants a great nation (Exodus 6:6–8). When Moses began to deal with Pharaoh, the real God began to reveal Himself through the plagues that came on Egypt. At first the plagues fell on everyone, but later plagues afflicted only the Egyptians; God spared the Israelites (see Exodus 8:22). As the plagues progressed, it became obvious that the God of Israel was real and all-powerful, and the pagan gods of Egypt were exposed as powerless false gods. When the Israelites left Egypt, their religious reorientation began. At Mount Sinai, they were introduced to the laws of God. Amidst a spectacular display of lightning, thunder and smoke, God gave the Ten Commandments that were to form the foundational values of the new nation (Exodus 20). The Israelites were introduced to God's weekly Sabbath (Exodus 16; 20:8–11) and annual Holy Days (Exodus 23; Leviticus 23), which would mark important milestones on the yearly calendar. The civil laws God gave to the Israelites were designed to create an enlightened and humanitarian society (see Exodus 21–22). The health laws recorded in the Bible were thousands of years ahead of their time (see Leviticus 3:17; 7:23–27; Deuteronomy 23:9–14), given by God to prevent disease and promote health within this model nation (Exodus 15:26). The Bible also contains conservation laws that were given long before there was an "environmental movement" (see Deuteronomy 20:19–20; 22:6–7). Strong warnings were issued about the dangers and consequences of following false gods and misguided religious practices (Deuteronomy 12:29–32; 18:9–14). God's process of nation building began by establishing a right religious foundation. History has shown that when the religious foundation of a nation erodes, or falls into error, the nation will decline. Contrary to what many are taught today, the laws that God gave to Israel were not a burden! These laws were part of the religion that God designed to make His nation stand out as a light and an example to the rest of the world (see Deuteronomy 4:1–8). It is not by accident that America and Britain became great nations; their culture, government and legal systems are based on these same biblical laws! The laws and religion of the Bible are not secrets hidden from the world; they are available for anyone to read and heed. Any nation that adopts these laws and follows the religious instructions of the Bible will experience positive results. God designed the religion and laws of the Bible to build a great nation, and He has made this information freely available so it can be used by anyone in the nation building process. KEYS TO GOOD GOVERNMENT A second vital step in God's process of nation building was the selection and training of leaders to provide good government. No government is better than the character of its leaders. This is why the Bible clearly lists the qualities of character that God looks for in those He has chosen for positions of leadership. In stark contrast to the modern criteria for selecting political leaders—popularity, voter appeal, good television presence, excellence in repartee and skill at fundraising—God chose Abraham because he was responsive to God's instructions (Genesis 12:1–4). Abraham proved that he would teach his household to follow God's righteous law (Psalm 119:172) and justice (Genesis 18:16–18). He learned to set right priorities, putting God first (Genesis 22). God saw that Abraham "obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes and My laws" (Genesis 26:4–5). Because of his character, Scripture describes Abraham as a role model and founding father of the nation of Israel (Romans 4:16–17). Moses was a highly educated man of ability. He was "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and deeds" (Acts 7:20–22). Moses was a general in Pharaoh's army (see Josephus' Antiquities of the Jews, Book II, chapter 10), but the Bible shows that God chose to work with him not because of his leadership, but because he was humble and teachable (Numbers 12:3). God admonished Joshua, who replaced Moses, to "be strong and very courageous… do according to all the law" and do not compromise God's instructions "that you may prosper wherever you go" (Joshua 1:6–9). God chose David as Israel's king because of his deep desire to follow the laws of God (Psalm 119:18, 27, 97, 105, 127). These were important qualities of character that God looked for in the leaders He used to build His great nation. God told Moses to staff his government with "able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness" (Exodus 18:21). God indicated that He would choose the king, that foreigners were not to lead the nation of Israel and that a leader should not use his office to enrich himself (Deuteronomy 17:14–20). Leaders were to make a personal copy of the law of God, and to study it daily so their nation would prosper. The Bible explains that godly leaders should have a good reputation, and be known for their wisdom and the fruits of the Holy Spirit that are visible in their lives (see Acts 6:3; Galatians 5:22–23). It is interesting to note that in God's process of nation building, leaders were appointed on the basis of ability, character and their willingness to follow God's laws; they were not popularly elected by the people (see Exodus 18:21; Deuteronomy 1:15; Acts 6:3; Titus 1:5). God established, in His model nation, a government structured and organized according to levels of responsibility (see Exodus 18:21–26; Deuteronomy 1:15). Leaders were placed over entire tribes, and over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. The economic basis for God's government was the biblical system of tithing (Deuteronomy 14:22–29). Each year, a person who earned a profit was to give 10 percent to the Church and retain 10 percent for observing the Holy Days. Every third and sixth year in a seven-year cycle, an additional 10 percent was given to the poor. Every 50th year was a Jubilee year, when lands were to be returned to their original owners and debts cancelled (Leviticus 25:8–17). It was a simple and equitable system. When the Israelites followed God's instructions for good government, the nation prospered. When they ignored those laws, they experienced problems (see Proverbs 29:2). As Jesus stressed, leaders were to serve the needs of their people—not their own desires (Matthew 20:25–28). RIGHT EDUCATION A third major step in God's process of nation building was to establish a right foundation and focus for education. A nation's educational system molds and shapes its citizens' ideas and perspectives. If the educational system is not built on solid fundamental truths and values, the nation will eventually weaken and crumble. In the last century, we have witnessed how nations that tried to live by the erroneous assumptions and false values of communism and fascism experienced devastating consequences. Our secular, materialistic and amoral societies—which even seek to "remove Christianity" from religious education in schools while "giving atheism, agnosticism, humanism and paganism as much classroom time" (Sunday Express, February 15, 2004)—are heading for a similar fate! This is a fundamental reason for the cultural decline of the Western nations. The biblical model for education stands in remarkable contrast to modern methods. Moses repeatedly emphasized the parents' role in teaching children (Deuteronomy 4:9; 6:1–8; 11:18–21). The biblical model shows that the most vital knowledge to convey to the next generation concerns the laws of God—not nursery rhymes or the liberal arts. Of course, schools certainly existed in ancient Israel, as they do today, and the Bible reveals that curriculum should be based on the word of God. Solomon wrote that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning [starting point] of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). The correct approach to nearly every field of study is found in the Bible—not in Greek or Roman philosophical ideas. Nations that ignore this biblical advice will reap tragic results. God pointed out that the right goals for education are to grow in wisdom (Proverbs 4:7), to gain useful knowledge to serve others (Matthew 20:26–28) and to develop the mind and character of God (Philippians 2:5–11). For most today, however, the primary motivation for education is to earn more money to buy things, or to enhance one's reputation or satisfy personal interests. God's educational system is based on revealed truth, not on the changeable theories of educators. Jesus said: "Thy word is truth" (John 17:17). David wrote: "Your law is truth… all Your commandments are truth… the entirety of Your word is truth" (Psalm 119:142, 151, 160). An educational system built on the solid foundation of truth will produce a great nation, free of false and misleading ideas that bring dangerous and unwanted consequences (John 8:32). This is why it is important to carefully examine and prove what is really true (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Considering these biblical instructions, it is not surprising that modern educational systems have produced dysfunctional societies where crime, violence, greed, dishonesty, drug abuse, divorce, sexually transmitted disease, mental disorders and suicides have skyrocketed to alarming levels. Huge amounts of money are being spent to give students an education grounded in Greek and Roman philosophy, evolutionary theory and secular humanism that rejects God and biblical values. What is the result? Test scores have plummeted, and many graduates can barely read or solve simple arithmetic problems. Many have no sense of purpose in life. While students may learn a few dates in history, most do not have a clue about the lessons of history. Nations that are ignorant of their own history and the great lessons of history are headed for the "dustbin" of history! A CHALLENGING FUTURE Today, for millions around the world, life is a difficult and desperate struggle. Discerning individuals realize that the nations of the world face an ominous future. Robert Cooper, one of Europe's most respected scholar-diplomats, warns that "the twenty-first century may be worse" than any previous time in history, because "the new century risks being overrun by both anarchy and technology… western governments are losing control… of the means of violence [facing terrorism and weapons of mass destruction]. Civilization and order rests on the control of violence: if it becomes uncontrollable there will be no order and no civilization" (The Breaking of Nations, preface). Cooper sees the modern world teetering on the brink of a "descent into chaos." Yet he expresses the hope, shared by many, that science and human ingenuity will save us from the "storm that threatens us" (ibid.). Most today prefer to ignore these looming problems. Some professing Christians believe that their problems will be "solved" when they are rescued from the future disasters by being "raptured" off to heaven. Bible prophecy, however, reveals a very different reality. Scripture clearly states that world problems will grow worse, not better (see Matthew 24:3–8). Human efforts to rebuild nations and manage world affairs will ultimately fail, and God will need to intervene to prevent human extinction and cosmocide (Matthew 24:21, 22, 30). Jesus Christ will return to this earth to establish the kingdom of God. He will assume power over all the nations (Revelation 11:17–18), and will delegate positions of authority to qualified saints (Daniel 7:27) who will reign on this earth as kings and priests—as civil and religious leaders (Revelation 1:6; 5:10). This event will be the crucial turning point for the troubled nations of the world! Jesus Christ and the saints will embark on a global program of nation building. They will set up the government of God, and it will lead to a "restitution of all things" (Acts 3:19–21). The chaos, confusion, suffering and delusion created by failed nations and misguided human reason will end, as nations are restructured and reoriented on a biblical foundation of right religion (Zechariah 14), right government (Isaiah 9:6–7) and right education (Isaiah 30:20–21). Although nations will continue to exist (Isaiah 19:24–25), wars will cease (Isaiah 2:4), the environment will be restored (Isaiah 35:1–2) and roads and cities will be rebuilt (Isaiah 19:23; 61:4). Nations will learn the way to peace (Psalm 119:165), how to build strong families (Micah 4:4–6) and how to live healthful and fulfilling lives. God's process of nation building will begin in Jerusalem and spread around the world (Isaiah 2:2–4; 11:9), ushering in a thousand-year period of peace and prosperity known as the "Millennium" (Revelation 20:4–6). This is what the true gospel of Jesus Christ is pointing toward (Mark 1:14–15), as foreshadowed by many Old Testament prophets (see Daniel 2:44–45; 7:27). Christians who develop the mind and character of God, and learn how to apply the laws of God, will play a role in solving major problems and rebuilding nations in Tomorrow's World. This is the real future—and it is worth preparing for!

From a political ideology article: Political Party Given the understanding of the meaning of politics in the foregoing, Politics is simply that which concerns the state and the citizens. Political Party, therefore, means the association of men and women for the purpose of ascertaining state issues, problems, and defining them for the citizens’ understanding as well as for proffering solutions to such problems with a view to gaining the mandate of the citizens to effect necessary solutions. Political Parties are associations based on like-minded groups of the citizens who by the virtue of their shared political views about the state come together to have common articulation of how best to promote progress and development of the state. Political Party system is about seeking through joint efforts of like minds to wrest state power through citizens’ mandate for deciding how best to advance the course of the state. Corroborating this, Hardy (2012) considers political parties as groups of people with shared interests, understanding and principles which articulate for nomination of candidates for public offices in order to win elections for control of government, and set public policy.

Once you login to Occupy.ng app after registration. Take the next steps. STEP 1: 1. Click on the "menu icon" on the top left of the screen and look for Grassroot Mobilisation navigation link and click on it. 2. From the page that will be shown: Select your state; Select your Local Government; then Select your ward. Then click on the "Save and continue" button. STEP 2: You will be shown the PAC groups at the state, LG and ward levels that you can join. Click on each one to join. Then click on the "Finish" button. Note: if you don't know your Local government or your ward, there is a link on the app page that will take you to the INEC portal where you can find the details, provided you have registered for PVC.