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Op-ed: An Open Letter to All Journalists

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South American Security Forces Reduce  Collective Social Tensions with Invincible Defense Technology

Military Pix
South American Security Forces Reduce Collective Social Tensions with Invincible Defense Technology

 

By Arlene J. Schar and Dr. David R. Leffler

Terrorism has taken a disturbing turn with the horrific murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Apparently the intent of this murder was to send a message to all journalists dedicated to thoughtful criticism of government. Therefore, what would be the most appropriate journalistic response to such blatant censorship? Is it to continue to report in good conscience, and risk brutal death? Or is it to step away from any controversial reporting and deny the truth to those who need to hear it?

There is yet a third response, one which carries no risk to those reporting it. That response would be to publicize a little known means of ending all war and terrorism once and for all: Invincible Defense Technology (IDT).

Throughout time, militaries have sought to achieve invincibility by applying ever-advancing technologies. History shows they have so far been unsuccessful. Adversaries inevitably devise methods to counter any system of offense or defense. However, there is a scientific, military field-tested solution which has arisen from the latest discoveries in the Unified Field theories of physics, neuroscience, and the social sciences–not from approaches utilizing weaponry, and not from the field of politics. 

Invincible Defense Technology: A Non-Religious, Humane and Beneficial Approach

The practical components of IDT are the non-religious Transcendental Meditation (TM) and the more advanced TM-Sidhi programs. When large groups of experts practice these programs together, a powerful field effect of coherence and peace is generated that spills over into the surrounding population. This effect hasbeen shown in extensive scientific research that has repeatedly confirmed measurable decreases in war deaths, terrorism, and crime. Studies have also shown, for example, reductions in verbal hostilities and hostile acts, increased number of cooperative events, and other improvements in quality of life such as reduced accidents, hospital admissions, and infant mortality. These are all tangible signs of reduction of societal stress. Due to this research the non-profit organization Global Union of Scientists for Peace (GUSP) advocates this simple and cost-effective approach for reducing social stress (see: https://www.gusp.org/global-peace-summit).

In highly stressed areas of the globe, establishment of large groups of experts practicing IDT has led to increased prosperity and economic growth, including a decrease in the “misery index,” an indicator of socioeconomic stress, and a significant increase in competitive growth. These positive changes in social trends have occurred concomitant with implementation of IDT approaches. This coherence-creating effect was documented on a global scale in a study published in the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation. When large assemblies of civilian IDT experts gathered during the years 1983-1985, terrorism-related casualties decreased 72%, international conflict decreased 32%, and overall violence was reduced in nations without intrusion by other governments (summaries of this research are available at: https://davidleffler.com/2011/sapratableii). Due to these positive changes, militaries in South America and Africa are now actively field-testing this approach. They have already established IDT Prevention Wings of the Military to reduce crime, quell violence, create prosperity, prevent the rise of enemies, and create the conditions for lasting peace.

Invincible Defense Technology is Cost-Effective

For about the cost of a few modern fighter jets, any military could establish a group of 15,000 warriors trained in this advanced IDT approach. This Prevention Wing of the Military would practice IDT programs twice a day in large groups, which would defuse social tensions not only in their country but also globally. Studies indicate that, once such a program becomes operational, societal conditions in their country and other countries worldwide will immediately improve. The collective consciousness of all populations will rise through the influence of greater harmony and peace. Better solutions will occur to the people and their leaders for improving their own living conditions. Those who have engaged in violence will no longer do so. Studies have shown repeatedly that this method works–and will continue to work as long as the peace-creating group is maintained.

Implementation

The quickest and most effective way to implement this alternative would be for heads of states to issue an order to their militaries to deploy this new method. Once successfully implemented, a social phase transition would immediately begin in which the high societal stress which globally fuels crime, poverty, terrorism, and war would be alleviated. By greatly dissipating these formerly intractable problems nationally and globally, these heads of states would thereby be celebrated as great humanitarians and examples of global leadership.

Nothing Else has Worked.

Given the many approaches previously tried by world leaders that have not worked, including many inhumane actions, it is certainly worth giving this benevolent approach a try. It is simple, inexpensive, and has a track record of high success. Any country large or small could become the global leader of this cutting-edge brain-based technology. With IDT, their country would become invincible, they would be creating lasting peace worldwide, and their military would be globally respected and admired.

It’s Time for Journalists to Advocate Something New and Proven

Journalists have a responsibility to bring truth to the people; in their unique position they also have the capability to enlist the media in creating a better world for all. Here is an opportunity to ensure that Jamal Khashoggi and all others who have stood up for the truth have not died in vain.

About the Authors:

Arlene J. Schar is the Executive Assistant at the Center for Advanced Military Science (CAMS). Her husband Dr. David Leffler served as an Associate of the Proteus Management Group at the Center for Strategic Leadership, US Army War College. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director at CAMS (http://www.StrongMilitary.org).

Proposed Abuja Dry Port And Truck Transit Terminal To Cost $150 Million

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Map of Nigeria showing Abuja
Map of Nigeria showing Abuja
Map of Nigeria showing Abuja
Map of Nigeria showing Abuja

 

By Peter Usman,

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA and the Nigerian Shippers Council are to establish a dry port and truck transit terminal valued at over $150 Million.

The partnership is the outcome of a working visit by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, Hassan Bello and his management team to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello.

Receiving the team, the FCT Minister stated that the Abuja master-plan envisaged a dry port and truck transit terminals in the territory, noting that the current growth and development being experienced in the FCT was indicative that Abuja is ripe for all the necessary complements of a mega city.

He announced that a joint team would be constituted to work out the modalities for the implementation of the projects.

Bello informed his guests that the Idu Station is Abuja’s transportation hub, ensuring connectivity by road, air and rail linking Eastern, Northern and Western lines.

The Minister disclosed  that there is also a spur rail line from Minna in Niger State, to Abuja, envisaged to connect to the Baro Port.

He urged the management of the Council to factor these provisions in the project and investment plan.

Bello stated that there is already a bus terminal under construction in Abuja before he invited the partnership of the Shippers Council, adding  that FCT could leverage the network of the Council in attracting investors and partners for the project.

This also includes the Dei Dei International Cattle Market”, which Bello described as, “a massive centre for the transshipment of cattle, fruits and vegetables”, saying the place is also ripe for development.  

FCT Minister added that they already have  a policy governing the operation of articulated vehicles regarding when and where they could ply and that the FCTA was working to strengthen the institutional framework for the enforcement of the regulations.

He congratulated the NSC team on the passage of the Bill transforming them into the National Transport Commission, NTC and appealed to the Council to do something on illegal reconstruction of truck to carry loads above their required tonnage.

Responding, the Executive Secretary of the council, noted that the Nigerian Shippers Council was established in 1978 as an intervention agency with functions such the development of infrastructure on marine, roads , inland waterways and  airports.

Hassan Bello stated that the Transportation Sector is responsible for up to 2.5 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

He commended the FCT Administration for the successful completion of the Abuja Light Rail project as well as the various land mark accomplishments  in the area of infrastructure.

Malaria Elimination: Gombe North East Nigeria To Distribute 2 Million Mosquito Nets

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By Auwal Ahmad

Gombe state in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme is to distribute over two million Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets across the state.

The Senior Manager Vector Control of Catholic Relief Services, Zainab Mai Ali disclosed this on Tuesday at a one-day orientation training for media and stakeholders on the distribution of the nets in Gombe.

She said that the programme was supported by the Global Fund through Catholic Relief Services

Zainab said that the objectives were to ensure that for every 2 persons in Gombe State, there is one bed net to sleep inside.

She appreciates Global fund for providing the resources for the campaign as well as the Government and people of Gombe State for creating an enabling environment for the activity.

“Meeting the health needs of the people can only succeed if we do it together, we appreciated the role of the media in this campaign and we solicited for more support from the media.

Also speaking, the Programme Manager Gombe State Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr. Mohammad Lawal appreciates the efforts of Catholic Relief Services for the plan to distribute over 2 million long lasting insecticidal nets across the state.

He also commended the working journalists in the State for their support and cooperation in the campaign on the importance of the use of treated mosquito nets.

The distribution would be carried out in 868 distribution points across the 11 local government areas of the state.

Nigeria: Kaduna Govt Reviews 24-Hours Curfew, Now To Run 5 PM To 6 AM

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Kaduna State Map
Kaduna State Map

 

Kaduna State Government in northern Nigeria has reviewed the 24-hours curfew imposed on the state capital and environs. It is now dusk to dawn, to be enforced from 5pm to 6am.

 

A statement by government spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan states that the decision follows a review of the security situation by “select committee of the State Security Council” who “reported significant progress in restoring calm” in the area under the curfew.

 

By this, residents have been allowed to conduct their business from 6am to 5pm, until further notice.

 

“Government expects normal banking and other services to resume, and markets to open as normal as from tomorrow. The security agencies will remain vigilant and continue to protect residents. Intensive surveillance of known pockets of potential trouble is also continuing, by troops on the ground and by helicopter patrols,” the statement says.

 

 

The statement also “commended residents for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the four-hour relaxation of the curfew in parts of Kaduna,” which was observed on Tuesday.

 

Full Statement Below:

 

 

Breaking: Breaking: KDSG reviews Kaduna curfew, to enforce dusk to dawn curfew

 

Curfew hours in Kaduna have been reviewed. Effective tomorrow, Thursday, 25th October 2018, residents of Kaduna are free to pursue their legitimate business from 6am to 5pm. Dusk to dawn curfew will be enforced from 5pm to 6am daily, until further notice.

 

The Kaduna State Government took the decision to review the curfew hours following a meeting today of a select committee of the State Security Council. The heads of the security agencies reported significant progress in restoring calm and commended residents for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the four-hour relaxation of the curfew in parts of Kaduna yesterday. The Government is grateful to our citizens for their cooperation while withstanding the unintended inconvenience.

 

Government expects normal banking and other services to resume, and markets to open as normal as from tomorrow. The security agencies will remain vigilant and continue to protect residents. Intensive surveillance of known pockets of potential trouble is also continuing, by troops on the ground and by helicopter patrols.

 

It is obligatory on residents to scrupulously observe the night-time curfew hours, to keep the peace and to cooperate with the security agencies to keep our state safe. Community leaders are enjoined to ensure that hoodlums and other potential threats to peace are promptly reported to the security agencies.

 

Government therefore urges all residents to report any suspicious activity to the security agencies and to refrain from spreading rumours and unverified information. The Security Council advises that there will be no hesitation to reimpose a 24-hour curfew in the event of any breach of the peace.

 

Signed

Samuel Aruwan

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media & Publicity)

Wednesday, 24th October 2018

Nigeria: NGO Provides Safe Water Source To Abuja Community

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Borehole
Hope Spring Water officials and Zhidu community leaders at a borehole provided by the NGO
Borehole
Hope Spring Water officials and Zhidu community leaders at a borehole provided by the NGO

 

A UK-based Non-Governmental Organization, Hope Spring Water, has provided a source of safe water to Zhidu community, a settlement in Lugbe axis of Nigeria’s Federal Capacity Territory, Abuja.

This is in line with the organisation’s aim of assisting people and communities in poor or remote areas in Africa to identify, develop and establish a sustainable source of clean water.

“Zhidu is a community that has experienced water scarcity, so they know what it is to value water. There is no one who values water as much as someone who has experienced water scarcity will. I thank the people for their cooperation and I believe the people will appreciate and maintain this borehole,” said Temple Oraeki, Country Director of Hope Spring Water.

The organisation has executed series of such projects in different communities in countries like Uganda, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone.

Hope Spring Water has also spread her tentacles to Nigeria to alleviate poverty, as well as sanitation and hygiene challenges associated with lack of access to clean water in selected areas.

With successful projects previously carried out across the six geopolitical zones since her commencement in 2017, Hope Spring Water in Nigeria has reached over 20, 000 people in barely a year and remain focused to solving water, sanitation and hygiene problems in the country.

 

Nigeria: Kaduna Relaxes 24Hrs Curfew In Parts Of Metropolis And Kasuwan Magani

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Gov. El-Rufai
Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Nigeria
Gov. El-Rufai
Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Nigeria

 

Kaduna State Government in northern Nigeria has relaxed the 24-hours curfew imposed on the state capital and environs – this however is for select parts of the metropolis for “residents to be able to restock on essentials.”

 

The Government declared 24-hours curfew on Sunday, following unrest that led to the death of at least 23 people and left several others injured.

 

A statement by Government spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, says the curfew is relaxed between 1pm – 5pm on Tuesday only. Soon after that, the 24-hour curfew will be reinstated.

 

Some parts of the metropolis however remain under the 24-hours curfew until further review. These areas include “Kabala West, Kabala Doki, Sabon-Tasha, Narayi and Maraban Rido.”

 

His statement further said, “the curfew in Kasuwan Magani and Kujama is relaxed so that people can move between 6am and 5pm.”

 

According to the statement, the review followed “a meeting of the Kaduna State Security Council which received reports and deliberated on the security situation.”

 

 

The full Statement

 

The Kaduna State Government has selectively varied the 24-hour curfew declared on Sunday in Kaduna metropolis and other parts of the state with immediate effect.

 

This follows a meeting of the Kaduna State Security Council which received reports and deliberated on the security situation.

 

Following the review, the Security Council recommended that the curfew in Kasuwan Magani and Kujama is relaxed so that people can move between 6am and 5pm.

 

The curfew in Kasuwan Magani and Kujama remains but will now be enforced from dusk to dawn – from 5pm in the evening to 6am in the morning, till further notice.

 

The State Security Council determined that threats continue in Kabala West, Kabala Doki, Sabon-Tasha, Narayi and Maraban Rido within Kaduna Metropolis where attacks on places of worship were either attempted overnight or contemplated.

 

Therefore, the Security Council has decided that the 24-hour curfew should remain in these places, and will be vigorously enforced.

 

Any individual that violates will be arrested, and the security agencies directed to engage any hoodlums or unauthorized groups with appropriate force.

 

For the rest of Kaduna metropolis, the Security Council has noted an improvement in the security situation, and therefore decided that a window be provided for residents to be able to restock on essentials.

 

Therefore, the curfew in the rest of Kaduna Metropolis is relaxed from 1pm to 5pm today to enable all markets, shops and businesses to open and operate.

 

Security agents will patrol and protect the markets to ensure safety and deal with any attempts by hoodlums engage in criminal conduct.

 

The 24-hour curfew in Kaduna Metropolis will be re-imposed from 5pm today, and until further notice.

 

The Security Council regrets the inconvenience to residents.

 

But the obligation to secure lives and property necessitates an uncompromising approach.

 

Government will continue to monitor the situation, and make further announcements based on the guidance of the security agencies.

 

Signed

Samuel Aruwan
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media & Publicity)
Tuesday, 23rd October 2018

 

Nigeria: Kaduna Crises, Gubernatorial Candidate Calls For Restraints, Understanding

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AGA
Gubernatorial candidate of All Grassroots Alliance, AGA, in Kaduna State,  Ahmad Tijjani Umar
AGA
Gubernatorial candidate of All Grassroots Alliance, AGA, in Kaduna State,  Ahmad Tijjani Umar

By Amos Tauna

The gubernatorial candidate of All Grassroots Alliance, AGA, in Kaduna State,  Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has called on the people of the state to exercise restraint in the current security Challenges in the State.

Reacting to the insecurity leading to the killings at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru local government area  which spilled over to some parts of Kaduna metropolis, the gubernatorial candidate called on the people to show high sense of maturity and  harmonious relationship among the diverse nationalities in the state.

Ahmad Tijjani Umar  expressed shock and  concern over the alleged rumour that nearly brought the break down of law and order resulting in  the imposition of 24 hour curfew in Kaduna and its environs by the state government.

“The prompt action taken by the state government and the strict compliance of government order by the security personnel in ensuring the people abide with the order given in ensuring orderliness and peaceful coexistence in Kaduna metropolis and its environs is recommendable.

“The cooperation of citizens towards the observance of the curfew imposed by the state government is a manifestation that Nigerians desire peace and understanding in order to forge ahead as a people and go about their civic responsibilities “,  he observed.

While condemning the  violence that erupted at Kasuwa Magani in Kajuru local government leading to the loss of lives and destruction of property of unimaginable magnitude, he stated that steps must be taken by the state government to unearth the perpetrators of the illicit act to serve as a deterrent to others that have like minds.

“Peace must be seen to be maintained. Avenues must be explored by government, security personnel and stakeholders towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.

“I appeal to religious and traditional leaders to up their responsibilities towards inculcating norms and values in the hearts of citizens for proper understanding, respect and harmonious relationship of one another that will ensure a better society,” he charged.

Bus-Truck Collision Leaves 12 Dead In Northern Ethiopia

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Ethiopia
Map of Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Map of Ethiopia

 

Twelve people were killed in Northern Ethiopia on Monday when a passenger bus collided with a truck, authorities said.

 

Several others were injured in the collision, said Mekasha Tesfaye, chief officer of Road Traffic Study Bureau, North Shewa zone, Amhara regional state.

 

He said North Shewa zone has in recent months witnessed a spate of traffic accidents.

 

At least 43 people were killed in three major accidents in the last 5 months.

 

Despite having one of the lowest per capita car ownership in the world, deadly traffic accidents in Ethiopia are common, with blames put on bad roads, a flawed driving license issuance system and lax enforcement of safety rules.

 

Traffic accidents in the year that ended on July 7 led the death of 4,500 people.

 

Xinhua/NAN

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