In what seemed like a rare moment of complete political transparency, David Cameron stepped out of 10 Downing Street last week to tell us that his ministers had cheered and banged the cabinet table when he announced the news of Prince William's engagement.

And cheer they might. Grim news has dominated headlines here lately: strikes, government cuts, rising unemployment, and falling house prices. The perfect formula for a classic north European winter of discontent was facing Cameron's government until Prince William did the Right Thing.

No surprise, then, that wedding news has cleared many of the front pages, inside pages, and TV news broadcasts for days. (One favorite angle was a detailed and wholly imaginary seating plan for the wedding breakfast itself: who sits where, which friends are invited, and which of Kate's more colorful relatives get the brush-off.) Most papers are offering special supplements of as many as 80 pages of photographs, charting the new royal couple’s life. Commemorative wedding china is in production and, in some cases, already on the shelves, and a public holiday has been declared for the wedding day, which was announced Tuesday to be April 29, 2011. (The government had reportedly pressed for “sunnier” weather on a later date than the couple's original choice of March.)

The whole nation has been declared “electric with excitement” by one of the U.S. correspondents rushed over to provide in-depth morning news commentary. If the nation is at all represented by what used to be called Fleet Street here, that description just might be accurate.

But, across a choppy Irish Sea, Britain's biggest trading partner might be forgiven if last week it looked toward its former colonizer with a momentary pang of wistful regret: Republicanism is no match for an aging constitutional monarchy that can still, when backed against the wall, inject a heady dose of economic adrenaline and patriotism into a troubled economy just by tolling royal wedding bells. Ireland's economy is in a major crisis—house prices in Dublin have fallen by half this year, and the country is now brokering an unprecedented multi-billion-euro bailout from the E.U. Things are not quite so bad in Britain, which has promised to help out its neighbor.

Nonetheless, the news about William and Kate is being framed in the UK almost wholly in terms of the severe economic situation here, and, so far, the government, most of the news media, and Buckingham Palace itself seem to be cooperating in a harmonious convergence of interests.

The day after the wedding was announced, newspapers calculated that the British economy would see a boost of some 620 million pounds just from the wedding itself, by way of increased tourism and souvenir sales. Marks & Spencer is promising that a cut-price copy of the blue dress worn by Kate on the day of the announcement will be in their high street shops next week, and we can only imagine what knock-off wedding dress sales worldwide will bring. By week’s end, The Sun newspaper was headlined “THANKS A BILLION, WILLIAM,” reporting another 400 million pounds of good retail news to come. (One letter to the Daily Telegraph this week even suggested that the royal couple, in the interest of national marketing synergy, forego Westminster Abbey in favor of Britain's new 2012 Olympic stadium as the backdrop for their nuptials.)

As important, palace press officers told reporters how eager the royal couple and the government are to strike a balance between a wedding that is fiscally responsible—i.e. not as lavish as Charles and Diana's 1981 St. Paul's extravaganza—and, to paraphrase most newspaper versions, sufficiently swank and impressive to insure that the world knows Britain can still put on a good show. The BBC and other news outlets dutifully reminded the country that royal weddings have taken place in hard times before: The current Queen saved her clothing rationing stamps to put towards the cost of her own wedding dress in 1952, and service men and women lining the royal procession route then wore battle dress rather than ceremonial uniform in a money-saving effort. Royal correspondents in every paper reported that the cost of the wedding would be shared, with Prince Charles paying for some of it out of his own, really quite deep pocket, to ensure the taxpayer did not have to foot the whole bill.

slam is a widely-misunderstood religion. Those who are unfamiliar with the faith often have misunderstandings about its teachings and practices. Common misconceptions include that Muslims worship a moon-god, that Islam is oppressive against women, or that Islam is a faith that promotes violence. Here we bust these myths and expose the true teachings of Islam.
1. Muslims worship a moon-god
Some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Allah is an "Arab god," a "moon god," or some sort of idol. Allah is the proper name of the One True God, in the Arabic language. The most fundamental belief that a Muslim has is that "There is only One God," the Creator, the Sustainer -- known in the Arabic language and by Muslims as Allah. Arabic-speaking Christians use the same word for the Almighty.
2. Muslims don't believe in Jesus
In the Qur'an, stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called 'Isa in Arabic) are abundant. The Qur'an recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, and the miracles he performed by God's permission. There is even a chapter of the Qur'an named after his mother, Mary (Miriam in Arabic). However, Muslims believe that Jesus was a fully human prophet and not in any way divine himself.
3. Most Muslims are Arabs
While Islam is often associated with Arabs, they make up only 15% of the world's Muslim population. The country with the largest population of Muslims is Indonesia. Muslims make up 1/5 of the world's population, with large numbers found in Asia (69%), Africa (27%), Europe (3%) and other parts of the world.
4. Islam oppresses women
Most of the ill-treatment that women receive in the Muslim world is based on local culture and traditions, without any basis in the faith of Islam. In fact, practices such as forced marriage, spousal abuse, and restricted movement directly contradict Islamic law governing family behavior and personal freedom.
5. Muslims are violent, terrorist extremists
Terrorism cannot be justified under any valid interpretation of the Islamic faith. The entire Qur'an, taken as a complete text, gives a message of hope, faith, and peace to a faith community of one billion people. The overwhelming message is that peace is to be found through faith in God, and justice among fellow human beings. Muslim leaders and scholars do speak out against terrorism in all its forms, and offer explanations of misinterpreted or twisted teachings.
More: The Qur'an on Terrorism
6. Islam is intolerant of other faiths
Throughout the Qur'an, Muslims are reminded that they are not the only ones who worship God. Jews and Christians are called "People of the Book," meaning people who have received previous revelations from the One Almighty God that we all worship. The Qur'an also commands Muslims to protect from harm not only mosques, but also monasteries, synagogues, and churches -- because "God is worshipped therein."
7. Islam promotes "jihad" to spread Islam by the sword and kill all unbelievers
The word Jihad stems from an Arabic word which means "to strive." Other related words include "effort," "labor," and "fatigue." Essentially Jihad is an effort to practice religion in the face of oppression and persecution. The effort may come in fighting the evil in your own heart, or in standing up to a dictator. Military effort is included as an option, but as a last resort and not "to spread Islam by the sword."
8. The Quran was written by Muhammad and copied from Christian and Jewish sources
The Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of two decades, calling people to worship One Almighty God and to live their lives according to this faith. The Qur'an contains stories of Biblical prophets, because these prophets also preached the message of God. Stories are not merely copied, but the oral traditions are referred to in a way that focuses on the examples and teachings that we can learn from them.
9. Islamic prayer is just a ritualized performance with no heartfelt meaning
Prayer is a time to stand before God and express faith, give thanks for blessings, and seek guidance and forgiveness. During Islamic prayer, one is modest, submissive and respectful to God. By bowing and prostrating ourselves to the ground, we express our utmost humility before the Almighty.
10. The crescent moon is a universal symbol of Islam
The early Muslim community did not really have a symbol. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad, Islamic caravans and armies flew simple solid-colored flags (generally black, green, or white) for identification purposes. The crescent moon and star symbol actually pre-dates Islam by several thousand years, and wasn't affiliated with Islam at all until the Ottoman Empire placed it on their flag.

Allah will punish al boko haramist and their allies

Far North politicians offcourse.am surprise u are asking,they are d least literate but most corrupt their only way to amass wealth is politics.their current leader is atiku

My dear u are absolutely right.Tanx 4 dis post

She must stop this nonsense if she dosent want to incure d wrath of GOD on her family nd Nig

N/GOV una weldon

No mata what anyone says about OBJ he stil remains a relevant factor in Nig nd Africa

I love this IBB even though he is a mafia his head is correct.If not that his season 4 leadership has expired i would love he returns to leadership.

Alhaji Atiku seems not to be satisfied with the outcome of the PDP primaries has therefore called for a closed door meeting between IBB,Aliyu Gusau and Bukola Saraki so as to consult among themselves on the next step for the north towards the April general election.Lets wait to see the outcome of the Yesterdays Atiku called meeting.
www.bbchausa.com

If not dat ibb has lost his season i would hav lovd him a president

North don die, may allah break their back bone d more

When d hunter bcoms d hunted.Coni man jam coni man we pasam.OBJ weldon i like your style, ALLAH and CHINEKE BLES U

Celebrities gave their thought on New year resolutions. Caroline, Emem Isong and AY still makes New Year resolutions while Uche Jumbo and Charles Novia don’t. See survey below:
POLL: What’s Your New Year Resolution? CLICK HERE TO TELL.

Actually I do, but something always happens along the line that makes me not keep to it. Sincerely, I do believe in it.

Caroline Danjuma,
Actress, Label CEO.

I don’t believe in it and I don’t think I really did it even when I was younger; I really have no reason for not believing in it. My own principle of life is that you work hard because what will be will be. I do my very best and let God handle the rest.

Kefee
Singer and designer

I do, though it is difficult to keep. Truly, it gives you an objective and makes you aspire to achieve something. Though I have tried to keep to some over the years but it hasn’t really been easy. Its actually good if only one can keep to it.

Emem Isong, Movie Producer

I think I stopped doing that about 20 years ago. The thing is that we humans have our frailties, so often times it takes the grace of God to keep to resolutions. I have personal rules that guide me and I try as much as possible to live by it.

Charles Novia, Movie/Music video director

I don’t actually do it. I can make decisions to change my life and not really anytime I have to wait for New Year resolutions before doing so.

Uche Jombo, Actress, movie producer

I am indifferent on the issue. I guess when I was younger I took it more serious, but not really anymore. It’s good though, because there are certain things you did in the previous year that you really did not like and would like to do away with while there are others that you would want to do in the coming year. As for me, I just do what is good, New Year or not.

Jenifffer Eliogu, Actress, compere

New Year resolutions are annual ritualistic conducts designed to help us have a focus or rekindle an existing passion or determination to achieve a set goal. I do believe in it. But my applications are limited to beginning of every New Year.
WHATS YOUR RESOLUTION THIS YEAR?

God continue to bless our African writers

Any body can say anything

Relax they cant try that.

Salvation alone is the qualification for Heaven without works whatsoever.This truthis all over the scriptures but many choose not to believe it.

1. Muslims love Jesus. We also love Abraham, Moses, and Noah, to name just a few other Prophets Muslims revere. May God's peace be upon all of these great messengers of God.
2. Muslims also love the mother of Jesus, the Virgin Mary. We believe she was a pious and noble woman chosen over all of the women of the world.
3. Muslims believe that Jesus was born miraculously of a virgin mother and no father. His birth is miraculous like the birth of Adam, the first human being, who was created with neither mother nor father.
4. Muslims do not believe that Jesus was the son of God. God is so powerful and self-sufficient that He does not need a son or any kind of partner.
5. In Arabic Bible the name for God is Allah. Therefore all Arab Christian call God Allah as Muslim do as well.
6. Jesus did not die on the cross. Rather, God saved him as his enemies were confused about him. Jesus was taken up by God to Heaven.
7. Jesus is called Isa (pronounced Eesa) in Arabic.
8. Jesus performed miracles by the Will of God, like healing the blind and those with leprosy.
9. Jesus prayed to the same God as all Prophets and we pray to.
10. Jesus will return before the end of the world.
BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK AS A CHRISTIAN?

wonderful creativity

Abubakar' first and most senior wife Hajia Titi Abubakar, is believed to be an Ilesha-born Roman Catholic, hailing originally from the Togolese Republic; together they have four children and five grandchildren. He has three other wives: Rukayat (the daughter of the Lamido of Adamawa, an influential monarch whom her husband served as a ranking nobleman of his kingdom); Fatima, a lawyer based in Lagos (Kanuri From Borno State) and Jamila (Formerly Jennifer Iwenjiora, an Ibo woman from Onitsha, who was a former television newscaster and who attained her doctoral degree in the United States). As a result, political associates and critics tend to agree that Atiku is one of the most detribalized northern Muslim aristocrats. All together he has 27 children.
His Controversial Life

In August, 2005 Abubakar surfaced in a report by the BBC World Service, as the intended recipient of a bribe as part of a scheme involving United States Congressman Bill Jefferson to promote Nigeria's adoption of internet technology from the American firm iGate, Inc. According to the FBI, Jefferson allegedly told an informant that he would need to give Abubakar $500,000 "as a motivating factor" for business contracts, but there is no evidence that Abubakar received nor sought[citation needed] such a bribe, which makes some skeptics think that Atiku may be a target of a witch-hunt. Jefferson had allegedly collected $100,000 from a business partner to give to Atiku, but $90,000 of the marked money was later found in the Congressman's house wrapped in a foil and neatly tucked away in a freezer.In August 2009, the court clarified that the former vice-president did not receive any bribe from Bill Jefferson. Atiku said he had consistently maintained that he had no improper relation with Bill Jefferson. Mr. Atiku also insisted that "it is now clear that the plot was hatched at the highest level of the Nigerian government then, in collusion with foreign agencies. The plot was not just to stop me from running for the Presidency; it was aimed at denying the Nigerian people the right to choose their own leader". More comments Please.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atiku_Abubakar

Abubakar' first and most senior wife Hajia Titi Abubakar, is believed to be an Ilesha-born Roman Catholic, hailing originally from the Togolese Republic; together they have four children and five grandchildren. He has three other wives: Rukayat (the daughter of the Lamido of Adamawa, an influential monarch whom her husband served as a ranking nobleman of his kingdom); Fatima, a lawyer based in Lagos (Kanuri From Borno State) and Jamila (Formerly Jennifer Iwenjiora, an Ibo woman from Onitsha, who was a former television newscaster and who attained her doctoral degree in the United States). As a result, political associates and critics tend to agree that Atiku is one of the most detribalized northern Muslim aristocrats. All together he has 27 children.
His Controversial Life

In August, 2005 Abubakar surfaced in a report by the BBC World Service, as the intended recipient of a bribe as part of a scheme involving United States Congressman Bill Jefferson to promote Nigeria's adoption of internet technology from the American firm iGate, Inc. According to the FBI, Jefferson allegedly told an informant that he would need to give Abubakar $500,000 "as a motivating factor" for business contracts, but there is no evidence that Abubakar received nor sought[citation needed] such a bribe, which makes some skeptics think that Atiku may be a target of a witch-hunt. Jefferson had allegedly collected $100,000 from a business partner to give to Atiku, but $90,000 of the marked money was later found in the Congressman's house wrapped in a foil and neatly tucked away in a freezer.In August 2009, the court clarified that the former vice-president did not receive any bribe from Bill Jefferson. Atiku said he had consistently maintained that he had no improper relation with Bill Jefferson. Mr. Atiku also insisted that "it is now clear that the plot was hatched at the highest level of the Nigerian government then, in collusion with foreign agencies. The plot was not just to stop me from running for the Presidency; it was aimed at denying the Nigerian people the right to choose their own leader".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atiku_Abubakar

Good development.

For now i tink it GEJ may be Buhari 2015 or if he wil vice GEJ (imposible tho) the wil make a good team

A visioner,a futuristic planner nd executioner

Doing both.But understanding first

When Nig is fully rebranded we wil hav such,so let al join hands to rebrand instead of REBOMB, GOD BLES NIG

They wil eat their word

Pls do quick

Na wetin be this