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Religion, a tool for national integration – Ooni

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Bayelsa state: Jealous lover killed pastor, Church member over girlfriend

Mothers took children to loot, Government House almost invaded by hoodlums – Nigerian Army tells Lagos Panel



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Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has described religion as a strong tool that could be used to forster peace building and national integration.

This is as he stressed that mentorship is crucial to breeding leaders from the present generation of youths in the country.

The revered monarch disclosed this on Saturday at Ife City Hall, Enuwa, Ile-Ife, during the launching of a book titled, “Religion, Peace Building and National Integration”, written by about 36 scholars within and outside Nigeria in honour of Professor Muibi Opeloye.

Oba Adeyeye said religion, if properly explored, could help endear peace building and national integration, saying the southwestern part of the country, where different religions abound, is a perfect example of cohabiting peacefully.

“Peace is an essential ingredient for nation building, whenever there is peace, we can cohabitate harmoniously. A good example is Southwest region of the country, where there is different religious status living peacefully.

“You will find Muslims, Christians in large number and we are living in peace. We are leading by example, we need to project peace building to other parts and that is the essence of the book launch here. To Foster national integration. Our diversity is our strength, it should not be our weakness.

Our diversity should be what binds us together. If we use religion as a very strong advocacy for peace building, we will get there, it is a very strong advocacy that we should not over emphasises. We should continue to reach out to the high and the low, that is the essence of national integration”, he said.

Ooni Ogunwusi, who described Professor Opeloye as a distinguished son of Ife, stressed the need for mentorship as a way to dictate the right path for the coming generation, calling on clerics in the state to lay emphasise on building a future generation that could take over leadership of the country and led it to promise Land.

In his remark, the Chairman of the event, Mallam Yusuf Alli, SAN said the humility and selflessness of Professor Opeloye prompted scholars to write a book in his honour, calling on those at the corridor of power to always strive to impact positively on masses lives.

While presenting the book, the Registrar, Joint Admission and Unified Matriculation Board, JAMB, Professor Isiak Oloyede while describing Opeloye as a distinguished Professor of inter religious studies, Yoruba land which used to be a model of religion understanding has been impeded by religious bigot, who believed their religion cannot be promoted without infringing on other religions.

“Yorubaland was a model of religious understanding but the culture has been impeded by religious bigot who believed they cannot promote their believe without infringing on other religions. We need to go back to the era where religion does not separate family or friendship bond”, he said.

The book launch was attended by distinguished personalities including, the Editor-in-chief of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Vice Chancellor, Fountain University, Professor Sanni Olalekan, Professor M. O. Abdulrahman of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan among other scholars.

Vanguard News Nigeria 

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European Union To Increase Border Security After Wave Of Extremism Attacks

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European Union To Increase Border Security After Wave Of Extremism Attacks

European Union officials to increase security at the border, reinforce the police agency, and regulate hate speech and online propaganda after an increase in attacks by extremist groups, the Associated Press reported Friday.

Four people were fatally shot by a man who attempted to join ISIS during an attack on Vienna, Austria, on Nov. 2, the AP reported. The man was fatally shot by law enforcement, though the attack spurred calls to suppress Islamic extremism.

Three people were killed by an extremist at a church in Nice, France, last month, the AP reported. Near Paris, a teenager beheaded his teacher over cartoon caricatures of an Islamic prophet.

“The attacks we have seen, not only in recent weeks, have shown the extent of the threat we face from all forms of terrorism. Only together we can put a stop to the terrorists and their backers,” European Ministers said, the AP reported.

The ministers said “Europe’s foundation will not be shaken by the scourge of violent extremism and terrorism” and that they will “do everything in our power to counter this barbaric terror holistically, with all the instruments at our disposal,” the AP reported. (RELATED ‘The Terrorist Risk Is Everywhere’ — Macron Calls For Stricter European Borders After Recent Attacks)

The ministers said they will “strengthen and further develop options for security measures” within the ID-check free travel area within Europe, the AP reported. Denmark, France and Sweden reportedly reinstated security checks over a year ago in response to “terrorist threats” and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The ministers asked the European Commission to come up with a tougher mandate for Europol, and to increase funding and staff, the AP reported. The ministers advocated for a commission proposal to designate hate speech and incitement as criminal offenses.

The ministers reportedly pressed the European Parliament to finalize negotiations around governing online “terrorist content” to be able to remove a post within an hour of publication, according to the AP.

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EU Celebrates Departure of Vote Leave Architect Cummings, Says UK Talks at ‘Make or Break’ Moment

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EU Celebrates Departure of Vote Leave Architect Cummings, Says UK Talks at 'Make or Break' Moment

The European Union is celebrating Boris Johnson’s firing of his chief Brexit architect, Dominic Cummings, as a “make or break moment” in negotiations with the UK on a withdrawal agreement.

Belgian MEP, Guy Verhofstadt, has been leading the EU’s chorus of celebration by lashing out at “unelected bureaucrats” and “unrealistic ideologues,” in a not-so-subtle dig at Mr Cummings.

Mr Verhofstadt Tweeed am image of Mr Cummings leaving No.10 Downing Street with a box of his packed up office items in hand.

“Unrealistic bureaucrats. Unrealistic ideologues… There’s so much irony to the Cummings story. But one thing’s for sure… the legacy called Brexit is damage that unfortunately will not be undone for years,” Mr Verhofstadt opined.

Yet, Mr Verhofstadt was not the only senior EU official to gloat at Cummings’ shock dismissal by BoJo.

Senior German MEP Manfred Weber, reportedly close to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, claimed to BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme that Mr Cummings’ departure was a sign that the Johnson administration is in a “chaotic situation.”

“There are fair questions we are asking. If you want to change in the future, with your background of sovereignty, your subsidies, regulations, then we must have an option an opportunity to react to stop to limit your access to our market,” Mr Weber said.

“I see what is happening now in Downing Street. We can also see this as a quite chaotic situation where we don’t have an idea what is really the line in Great Britain. So don’t tell us [the EU] we should be ready for compromise. We need a clear idea from Boris Johnson now and I think it’s now time for leadership – having all the developments in America in mind where London understood it will be not so easy with Joe Biden to achieve an easy trade deal now … let’s now come to a compromise,” he added.

Mr Cummings, previously one of Johnson’s closest allies on Brexit, has reportedly had increasingly strained relations with the Prime Minister over the past few months. Former Brexit Secretary, David Davis, is reported to have said that Cummings’ relationship with BoJo “fell off a cliff” in recent weeks.

Reportedly, the straw that broke the camel’s back was the discovery by BoJo that Cummings and his pro-Brexit loyalists had been referring to Carrie Symonds, the Prime Minister’s partner, as “Princess Nut Nuts.” Cummings and his allies were said to be growing frustrated with Ms. Symonds, who has allegedly been giving advice to the Prime Minister on Brexit strategy at odds with the staunchly-pro leave bloc, led by Cummings. Broader power struggles were also said to be taking place between those within the government who want a friendlier Brexit more amenable to better relations with the EU, and those who want a clean break, led by Mr. Cummings.

The BBC has reported that Boris Johnson is now ready to “clear the air and move on.”

Mr Cummings’ dismissal by Johnson follows hot on the heels of a resignation last week by Lee Cain, BoJo’s now former Director of Communications, also an ardent Brexiteer and very much seen as part of a no-holds-barred Brexit duo with Cummings.

Some argue that Johnson’s firing of Cummings signifies his intention to take a softer stance toward the EU during the remaining negotiations over a trade deal. There is widespread speculation in Britain that this is possibly being encouraged by the likelihood that Joe Biden, who is seen as pro-EU, will be inaugurated as US president in January and may not grant a favourable trade deal to the UK if it departs the bloc on bad terms.

Boris Johnson may assume a softer Brexit lest he risk crossing Joe Biden, who looks likely to be inaugurated as US president in January, and who is known as being pro-EU.

Leader of the Brexit Party, Nigel Farage, has said that Cummings’ dismissal is a go that a “Brexit sell-out” is on the horizon.

My favorite IG food finds

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My favorite IG food finds

A lot of people have become instant food entrepreneurs because of the pandemic. Selling their products solely online, they have made our food delivery options more varied, and choosing a lot harder.

To help narrow down your choices, here are some items I found on Instagram and have grown to love.

Lotus Leaf Rice from Rolling Pin (@rollingpinph)

Flight attendant Melody Sy is revisiting her love for baking. With her mom Marines, who cooks classic Chinese dishes, she opened Rolling Pin last May. Their lineup of cakes includes a berry-filled version of the trendy burnt Basque cheesecake and an old-fashioned chocolate cake. For savory fare, their bestsellers are the pork and shrimp wontons, machang or lotus leaf rice, pork maki, pork kiampong, chami, lomi and five-spice kikiam.

The Hulk from Naked Bakery

The Hulk from Naked Bakery (@nkd.bakery)

Many started selling sourdough during the lockdown, but none were as pretty as the ones from Naked Bakery, so named because the breads have “nothing to hide.” “My time in Europe taught me to love bread the way Europeans do,” says Harvey Hsieh, 29. “I’ve always wanted to learn how to make bread because I knew that one day I’d have to come back home, and the thought of not being able to enjoy them was not acceptable.” So he honed his skills by watching videos online and consulting with friends. He started selling his 100-percent refined wheat sourdough during the initial stages of enhanced community quarantine, then followed it up with schiacciata, a classic Tuscan flatbread, and his bestseller, the Hulk, which is the schiacciata slathered with herbed butter.

Beef Rendang Empanada from Casa Luisa

Beef Rendang Empanada from Casa Luisa (@casa_luisa)

Because of COVID-19, Jen Gerodias Slagle had to lay off most of the staff from her commissary business. On the bright side, this allowed her to start anew and move to Laguna with her two boys. “Living here, surrounded by fruit trees and foliage and embracing slow living, has inspired me to get back in the kitchen and make things with my own two hands.” In June, she launched Casa Luisa, which offers comfort Filipino food using French techniques. She has sisig, tocino and tapa, but it’s her empanada that sell the most. It’s made with an all-butter pastry that’s treated like a croissant dough. For fillings, she has beef brisket kaldereta, French onion soup, and my favorite, beef rendang with pickles and sambal.

Bangus Belly Sardines from CC Table

Gourmet Bangus Belly Sardines from CC Table (@cc_table)

A former magazine fashion editor, Carole Cuasay Tagle decided to offer her entertaining staples to the public last July. “I wanted to share my own take on comfort food using healthy alternatives and thoughtful ingredients that even kids will love,” she says. Her roster includes mostly bottled goods like Three Cheese Pimiento, All Natural Hummus, Tomato Everything Confit, Organic Chicken Paté paired with Pear Jam, and pan de sal from Masa Bakery, which is her sister’s business. The Bangus Belly Sardines comes bathed in flavored oil, and the fatty belly begs for warm rice.

Baby Back Ribs with Corn Muffins by Maisie (@aMAISIEingGoodies)

What began simply as a quarantine activity for Candy Villaroman-Tuliao’s daughter, Maisie, eventually became a profitable hobby. “I wanted the time spent at home to be productive. This was our way of turning our situation into a positive and meaningful experience,” says the dermatologist. Maisie bakes the snickerdoodle cinnamon cookies herself, while Candy does the baby back ribs, which are oven-baked for hours. And since this has been selling really well, they’re now working on a frozen version, which customers can reheat.

Wagyu Steak Bowl from Ginza Gyu

Wagyu Steak Bowl from Ginza Gyu (@ginzagyuph)

Craving for premium beef bowls, friends and business partners Rich Sanz, Maxine Marcelino, Mikael Jiang and Queen Lee started Ginza Gyu last week. Choices include Wagyu gyudon, grilled salmon, yakinikudon, ebi katsu, eight-hour kurobota chashu and brown butter tenderloin.

Angus Roast Beef from The Purple Wok

Angus Roast Beef from The Purple Wok (@thepurplewok)

The Purple Wok was a longtime idea that finally saw its launch due to the pandemic. “We had to look for means to help our laid-off staff from our other food businesses,” says Portia Vicente-Habaluyas. “They’ve been loyal to us for many years, and there was no way we were going to let them down.” Introduced last September, the brand serves recipes from her home: gambas al ajillo, paella negra with clams and mussels in white wine, and baked lobster tails. Their bestseller has been the US Angus Melt-in-Your-Mouth Roast Beef, which can be ordered with herbed veggies, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, mushroom splice and three sauces—basic gravy, au jus and truffle gravy.

Pollo à la Brasa by Viaje by Kev (@viaje.bykev)

Kevin Jonathan Uy, who graduated from Enderun and trained in restaurants Enoteca in Barcelona and Central in Peru, launched Viaje by Kev in August. “Being a Spanish-speaking, Latin American- and European-trained chef, I felt that I could offer something new and delightful in the face of this crisis,” he says. “The concept revolves around closed borders and open minds. It strives to bring adventure on a plate.” The brand has already become known for its pollo á la brasa set, which includes a whole butterflied grilled chicken, two pepper-based sauces called ajies (rojo and verde), boniatos or sweet potato croquettes and chorizo rice. He also offers a delicious barley risotto, and ready-to-heat callos.

Umami truffle rice with ribs and shrimp by Slow Burn Manila

Truffle Umami Rice with Smokin’ Ribs and Garlic Shrimps from Slow Burn (@slowburnmnl)

Food consultant and chef Chryso Morales, 32, lost some projects and his restaurant job because of the pandemic. To earn a living, he, along with partners Dale Morales and Matthew Ignacio, started Slow Burn Manila last September. “The idea is to offer unique and original flavor combinations on a single plate,” he says. “Putting together truffle and barbecue sauce played in my head, so we started testing and cooking in the kitchen until we got the right recipe.” The result—Smokin’ Ribs with Truffle Rice, Garlic Shrimps with French Beans and Cherry Tomatoes—is their first offering, and it has already gathered a loyal following. Next in line are salmon with squid ink rice, and an herbed and spiced chicken dish.

Forces in Tigray aim missiles at Ethiopian airports – Vatican News

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By Nathan Morley

Rockets hit Gondar in Amhara state, but a projectile aimed at the Bahir Dar airport missed its target.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which holds control of Tigray, said the missiles were fired in retaliation for air strikes conducted by forces of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Last week, Abiy deployed the national Army on an offensive against local troops in Tigray after accusing them of attacking federal troops. He confirmed government warplanes were targeting military facilities in Tigray, controlled by the Tigrayan forces.

Ahmed has said the military would bring an end to the fighting in Tigray region and remove its leadership, which his government regards as illegal.

The African Union and the United Nations are concerned that the fighting could spread to other parts of the country.

Pope Francis has appealed for a peaceful solution to the violence, urging authorities “to reject the temptation of armed conflct. 

Last week, the Catholic Bishops of Ethiopia appealed for peaceful dialogue, urging parties to resolve their differences amicably, in a spirit of respect and understanding.

Listen to Nathan Morley’s report

Caritas Philippines: International help needed in aftermath of 2 typhoons – Vatican News

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Caritas Philippines: International help needed in aftermath of 2 typhoons - Vatican News

 By Vatican News staff writer

The Catholic Church’s social action arm has urged the Duterte government to seek international help as widespread flooding from two recent typhoons inundated several parts of the country. “The nation is in quandary,” is how Father Antonio Labiao, executive director of Caritas Philippines described the situation in the wake of yet another storm.  

Two storms in a fortnight

Typhoon Vamco, called Ulysses locally, made landfall in the Philippines on 11 November, causing massive flooding in various parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila and Cagayan. The 21st storm to hit the Philippines this year has killed at least 53 people, injured 52 and left 22 missing, according to the Philippines police and army.

The storm battered areas still reeling from the Super Typhoon Goni, the world’s strongest typhoon so far this year that claimed 25 lives and destroyed thousands of homes.  Goni made landfall on 31 October. The typhoons struck as the Philippines continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.  On Saturday, 1,650 new coronavirus infections and 39 more deaths were reported.

“Every life matters”

Father Labiao said that in Cagayan, people, in particular children, the elderly and the vulnerable are crying out for help – some have died already. “The Catholic Church, especially the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, is mobilizing all its resources to reach Cagayan Valley the soonest,” he said, adding, “We cannot do this without everyone’s help.”  “All stakeholders need to be on board.”

“We urge our government to seek help from the international community now,” Fagther Labiao said. “It is clear that we cannot do this alone. It is imperative that we leave no one behind. Let us all help each other. Let us save everyone. Every second counts. Every life matters.”

Vincentians

Meanwhile, the Vincentian Foundation is reaching out to the victims of Typhoon Ulysses in Manila.  Vincentian priest Father Dani Pilario appealed for urgent help for illegal settlers living in shanties under bridges because they could be trapped by flooding caused by heavy rain that saw a river in the Marikina area of the metropolis rise by a meter in less than three hours.

The priest noted that the flooding is made worse with dams releasing water or overflowing.  Unaware of this danger, many people, he said, could easily be trapped or washed away altogether. 

Resilience of people

However, Father Pilario was amazed at the resilience of these squatters under bridges who were smiling despite their hard conditions. When the Vincentian Foundation team reached the affected people with relief material, the priest said they looked very relaxed.  “We already know what to do, Father. We have been here for a long time,” they said.

However, Father Pilario said that although this might be the case, they too had their limits: “When a government does not have a housing program which forces families including children to live in such circumstances, then this society is abusing people’s resilience.”.

The Vincentian priest criticized the government saying it is more worried about its own survival and hold on power than sheltering and caring for people during natural disasters. 

The Jesuits of the Philippines have also appealed for help for the affected people.

President Rodrigo Duterte said on 12 November that he had ordered government agencies to mobilize and provide aid to victims.  “Rest assured, the government will not leave anybody behind,” Duterte said on national television.

Dize: You can make a difference and it starts by giving thanks | RELIGION COMMENTARY

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Dize: You can make a difference and it starts by giving thanks | RELIGION COMMENTARY

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Religion briefs: Drop-off sites open Monday for Operation Christmas Child

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Religion briefs: Drop-off sites open Monday for Operation Christmas Child

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in most European countries. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to the EU market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Islam is religion of politeness and care: Sirohey

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Islam is religion of politeness and care: Sirohey

Observer Report

While talking to the monthly ijlas of Shura Hamdard former Naval Chief Admiral Iftikhar Ahmed Sirohey and other scholars of Shura Hamdard said that according to Quaid-e-Azam Pakistan would be al laboratory of Islam in modern world. Allah Almighty sent his messengers in different eras of past for guidance of mankind to the right.
Non-Muslims know that we love our Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) beyond limits but they take advantage of our social, religious division and sectarianism, they avail the chance to disgrace and disrespect Holy Prophet (SAWW). They know that Islam has the ability to dominate through its unique characteristics. According to the teachings of Islam all Messengers, Prophets and religious scholars are respectable.
Islam is a religion of politeness and care. As a Muslim it is part of our belief not to tolerate or forgive anyone who disgraces our Prophet (SAWW). Not only religious but social and political organizations have strictly condemned and protested against France for its current shameful activity.
It is also being suggested that we should ban imports and boycott all the products of France. Our Prime Minister raised his voice against the matter and has written to the Muslim leaders about it. Our country is stepping towards Riasat-e-Madinah. What we need the most is unity and forget sectarianism.
The topic of Ijlas was “BAIN-UL-MAZAHIB HUM.AAHANGI KAY TAQAZAY”. National President of Shura Hamdard Sadia Rashid said that Muslims should collectively raise voice and demand United Nations to constitute a law against blasphemy of our Prophet (SAWW) and all other spiritual and religious leaders.



EU staff reject Chinese Hikvision’s equipment over Uyghur repression

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EU staff reject Chinese Hikvision's equipment over Uyghur repression

Brussels [Belgium], November 13 (ANI): Thousands of staff employed at the European Unions institutions have rejected the use of Chinese video surveillance provider Hikvision technologies in light of the company’s association with China’s human rights abuses and specifically the oppression of millions of Uyghurs.

President Cristiano Sebastiani of the leading European Institution Trade Union, RenouveauDemocratie, representing thousands of staff employed in the European offices, wrote a letter to Johannes Hahn, Commissioner in charge of Budget and Human Resources for the EU Institutions on Wednesday regarding the thermal imaging systems used by the European Commission and the European Parliament, produced by the Chinese technology giant Hikvision, according to a press statement.

The Hikvision cameras have been placed at entrances throughout the European Parliament and installed in the European Commission’s main offices, the Berlaymont and Charlemagne buildings, the statement noted.

The Chinese company Hikvision has been accused of being linked to the oppression of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in East Turkistan, China’s Xinjiang province, including providing surveillance equipment used in the brutal “re-education camps”.

The Chinese government holds a 40 per cent controlling stake in Hikvision via the state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation.

A leaked German Foreign Ministry report estimates that 1 million Uyghur in China are being detained without trial. Ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and members of other Muslim minority groups are also being imprisoned, the report said.

Sebastiani’ letter comes after German Member of European Parliament (MEP) Reinhard Butikofer, head of the European Parliament delegation to China, denounced that the use of Hikvision technology by the European institutions as “extremely worrying” since “Hikvision is a technology company which is deeply complicit in the terrible oppression of the Uighur people in Xinjiang which borders on genocide” and that the European institutions should “immediately create transparency and draw the adequate consequences: i.e. sever any direct or indirect business relationship with Hikvision.”Also, Charlie Weimers, Swedish MEP from the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, said that: “The EU should have no dealings whatsoever with a Chinese firm that is alleged to be involved in some of the most abhorrent human rights abuses in the world” and that “Nobel Prize winners should adhere to a higher standard.”Svenja Hahn, German MEP from the Renew Europe group, addressed a letter to President European Parliament David Sassoli, saying that she found “it outrageous that European taxpayers’ money has been used to purchase monitoring equipment from a company that with their products enables mass surveillance, oppression of minorities and massive breaches of human rights”.

The use of Hikvision technology by the European institutions has provoked strong reactions from EU institutions staff as well and they have expressed their discontent at having to come face to face with a company accused of contributing to human rights violations in China.

Concerning the management of personal data, the spokesperson of the European Parliament confirmed that “the equipment is neither connected to the Parliament’s computer network nor records any data”. (ANI)