We can now all admit that we are at war. The proclamation that slapped a state of emergency on three States—Yobe, Adamawa and Bornu—a while back would seem to suggest as much, especially from the launching of all-out hostilities in certain areas of that region. It did not appear that we were really sure of what was going on these past three to four years during which we had borne the scourge of the Boko Haram. Some of course called it “terrorism” which is, in fact, a measure of warfare.

Two weeks ago, we discussed purposeful living. Today, we shall look at traits of people whose lives are purpose-driven. They are people with vision on a mission. They never rest until they get to their destination. They work hard, physically and, especially, mentally. They work hard on the opportunities that are available to them as a result of their strength.

I am rereading Emefiena Ezeani’s book, In Biafra Africa Died, The Diplomatic Plot and the news ran into me “…Biafra died in 1970 – Ohaneze ndi Igbo.” The two titles struck me and I think I have some comments to make. I am aware that a lot have been said about Biafra; while some people think that it is mischievous for anybody or group of people to resurrect Biafra, some believe that it is the right of citizens to be involved, if they so wish, in self determination. But I must confess, I have not read much of what people have said recently.

The annual Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations global treaty on climate change starts on Monday, November 30 to December 11, 2015 at Le Bourget in beleaguered Paris in the aftermath of the multiple terror attacks where 129 people were killed a fortnight ago. The COP is the supreme body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to make nations have a legally binding and universal agreement on climate to keep global warming below 2p C.

When the society substitutes true spirituality with showy religiosity then conspicuous consistent sinning will abide and recourse to rigourless magical atonements will be the rule. When the tokenistic giving of alms becomes a common penance for iniquity, hypocrisy and beggarliness will be jointly promoted. And because the economic situation has become increasingly desperate even begging has become competitive . In being competitive, it became an art, creativity and imagination are now freely employed.