Super User

Super User

 

For how long are you going to look for people to lay hands on you? For how long are you going to look for people to pray for you? Grow up.

The salvation of the soul is perfected:

“In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” (2 Corinthians 11:27).

Jesus paid the price. Even though he was God, nevertheless he paid the price.

“Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8)

 Heaven helps those who help themselves. That statement is in the spirit of the scripture:

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13).

The salvation of the soul will not take place without an effort on our part. Health and life will not take place without our own exertion. Jesus said my father is always working. If God works, then you must work. A servant is not greater than his master. Work out what he worked in. Don’t despise the grace of God. God has given you the whole ability, do something useful with it.  

“The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.” (Psalm 78:9).

God armed them, they carried bows, and nevertheless they refused to fight for their own deliverance.

The pastor laid his hands on you, and the anointing fell. My brother, it is only sufficient enough unto the day.  What will happen tomorrow?  Lay your hand on yourself. Prophesy on your own head. Don’t wait for any pastor.  The spirit of God is poured forth.

Jesus said to a paralytic:

“‘Rise, take up your bed and walk.’ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.” (John 5:8-9).

So Daddy, why did you not simply leave it at rise up and walk? 

No! Jesus included the injunction to take up the bed. There were three things that this man had to do.  Even though the Lord had wrought a healing in him, the perfection of his healing was conditional upon his fulfilment of those three requirements. He had to rise, he had to take up his bed, and he had to walk. If he merely rose up and walked, his obedience would not be complete and his healing would not be perfected.

God is not a respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34). The so-called men of God are men of God because they paid the price.  They consecrated themselves and were focussed on the Lord. There is no shortcut. There are no five easy steps to the anointing that breaks every yoke.

Martha thought she was the one putting in all the effort because she was in the kitchen cooking, while her younger sister was sitting in the living room listening to Jesus. Little did Martha know that it is more difficult to listen toJesus than it is to cook in the kitchen.

“She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:39-42).

“Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” (John 12:1-3).

Observe that Mary was always inclined to pay the price, no matter how high.  Martha, on the other hand, refused to learn, but was still specialising in serving.

Did you learn to speak in tongues? No, you simply believed. Yet listen, miracles are worked. They are worked through fastings, and watchings, and praying, and fighting the good fight.

“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast him out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.  However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:19-21).

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.” (Mark 16:17). 

Signs follow believers, but believers work out their beliefs.

“But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18).

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. (Jam 2:24)

Therefore, Paul wrote to Timothy:

“I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6). 

Who is going to stir it up?  You are.  God is not going to do it.  You are going to have to do it yourself.  Therefore be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

“This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare. (1 Timothy 1:18).

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12).

“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.” (2 Timothy 1:13-14).

Hold it fast so they don’t steal it. Keep it by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3).

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Today, we gather to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life and ministry of Bishop Taiwo Akinola as he is elevated to the esteemed position of Charismatic Archbishop. This occasion is not merely a recognition of his ecclesiastical achievements but a testament to a life devoted to faith, service, and the betterment of humanity.

For over four years, Bishop Akinola has graced the pages of NewsScroll with his inspiring columns. Each sermon reflects not only his profound understanding of scripture but also his ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and warmth. His words resonate deeply with readers, often making their way to the top of our most-read lists, a testament to the impact he has on our community.

Beyond his literary contributions, Bishop Akinola embodies the spirit of patriotism that our nation so desperately needs. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigeria is evident in his advocacy for the marginalized and his relentless pursuit of justice and compassion. He has shown that true leadership transcends the pulpit, as he actively supports initiatives aimed at uplifting those in need. I, too, have personally experienced his dedication to the greater good when he graciously supported my campaign for the governorship of Ogun State in 2019. His belief in our collective potential inspires us all.

Bishop Akinola’s ministry stands as a beacon of hope in challenging times. He speaks with conviction for those who often feel voiceless, providing not only spiritual guidance but tangible assistance to those in dire circumstances. His actions reflect a deep sense of responsibility to his fellow Nigerians, demonstrating that faith is not just a private matter but a call to action.

As he steps into this new role as Charismatic Archbishop, we are reminded of the weight of the mantle he bears. His leadership will undoubtedly continue to illuminate the path for many, guiding them with wisdom and grace. We trust that he will remain a steadfast advocate for peace, justice, and unity in our beloved Nigeria.

Today, we honor Bishop Taiwo Akinola—not just for his elevation, but for the countless lives he has touched and transformed through his faith, his writings, and his unwavering commitment to serve. May this new chapter in his ministry be filled with blessings and may his voice continue to resonate as a source of strength and inspiration for all.

Congratulations, Bishop Akinola, on this well-deserved honor. May your journey as Charismatic Archbishop be one of continued impact, profound insight, and unwavering dedication to the glory of God and the upliftment of His people.

The arraignment of 76 suspects, including 32 minors, has ignited widespread condemnation across Nigeria, highlighting severe concerns over human rights violations under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. These children, detained for three months, faced charges including treason for their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests that erupted in August, demanding urgent reforms amidst escalating economic hardship.

Witnesses described harrowing scenes in court, where the malnourished minors were seen scrambling for basic sustenance. As proceedings began, four of the children collapsed from apparent exhaustion and hunger, prompting a suspension of the session as they were rushed out for medical attention. Their condition drew outrage from civil society groups and human rights activists, who criticized the government’s treatment of these vulnerable children.

Leading voices from across Nigeria condemned the actions of law enforcement and the government. The Nigerian Bar Association denounced the use of minors in a Federal High Court, arguing that such proceedings violate both domestic and international legal standards protecting children’s rights. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Isiaka Olagunju, called the detention and arraignment a flagrant breach of the Child Rights Act, insisting that minors should not face such charges outside a family court.

The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, expressed deep concern over the treatment of the minors, likening their courtroom appearance to scenes from a concentration camp. He emphasized that every nation is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable, calling for their immediate release. Peter Obi, another prominent political figure, echoed this sentiment, urging an investigation into the inhumane conditions the minors faced while in custody.

Civil society organizations, including the Take it Back Movement and Enough is Enough Nigeria, branded the government’s actions as tyrannical, demanding the immediate release of the detained children. Amnesty International also condemned the government’s disregard for legal protections for minors, calling for their unconditional release and highlighting the risks these children now face under spurious charges.

This incident has sparked a broader dialogue on governance, human rights, and the treatment of dissent in Nigeria, with citizens across the country uniting in outrage against what many view as an oppressive and authoritarian response to peaceful protests. As calls for justice intensify, the Tinubu administration faces mounting pressure to address these violations and reconsider its approach to civil dissent.

President Bola Tinubu has said that the tax reform bills will remain in the national assembly, despite a recommendation from the National Economic Council (NEC) to withdraw them. In a statement on Friday, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, said that Tinubu acknowledged the NEC’s suggestion but emphasized the importance of allowing the legislative process to continue.

On October 3, Tinubu urged the national assembly to consider and pass four key tax reform bills, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. Additionally, he is advocating for the repeal of the current law establishing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in favor of a new Nigeria Revenue Service.

The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has expressed opposition to these proposed bills, following a meeting with the northern traditional rulers council on October 28. The governors requested that the national assembly reject any legislation that could harm the interests of the northern region, insisting on fair and equitable implementation of national policies to avoid marginalization.

In response to the governors’ concerns, the presidency assured that the proposed laws were not intended to disadvantage any part of the country, but rather to enhance the lives of Nigerians and improve existing tax frameworks. Following this, the NEC reiterated its call for Tinubu to withdraw the bills to allow for further consultations.

However, Onanuga stated that the president believes the legislative process, which is already underway, offers an opportunity for necessary modifications without the need for withdrawal. “President Tinubu commends the members of the National Economic Council, especially Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 State Governors, for their insights,” he noted.

Tinubu remains open to additional consultations with key stakeholders to address any concerns as the national assembly reviews the bills. He established the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform in August 2023 with the aim of enhancing economic productivity and creating a more favorable environment for investment. This goal remains a priority today, the president said.

 

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has voiced concerns over the high logistical costs associated with purchasing petrol from the Dangote refinery, leading members to seek more affordable alternatives at other depots nationwide.

IPMAN Secretary Suleiman stated, “If Dangote sets a price at N1,000 per litre and another supplier offers it for N900, we can’t prioritize our relationship with Dangote over profitability. We have to buy where the prices are lower.” He noted that last week, Dangote’s price was N995 per litre, while crude prices globally are on the decline. With additional transport and loading costs, he questioned how they could sell at competitive prices.

Suleiman emphasized the need to support Nigerians during tough economic times by sourcing cheaper fuel. He also criticized Aliko Dangote for not engaging with key stakeholders in the fuel supply chain, which he believes has hindered independent marketers’ access to the refinery.

“Dangote should convene a stakeholders’ meeting with IPMAN, MOMAN, and DAPMAN to collaboratively address these issues,” Suleiman urged. He argued that direct sales to IPMAN at a fair price would significantly reduce fuel costs across Nigeria.

Despite repeated attempts to engage with Dangote, Suleiman lamented that IPMAN’s outreach efforts have gone unanswered, as they seek a partnership that could benefit both the refinery and the marketers.

On October 29, Dangote announced that the refinery has over 500 million litres of petrol available, but oil marketers have not been purchasing the product. In a rebuttal, IPMAN claimed its members have faced delays in loading petrol, alleging that a N40 billion payment to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) was made.

In response, the Dangote refinery stated it has not received any payment from IPMAN for refined products, underscoring the ongoing tension between the two parties.

Ceasefire hopes fade as Israel bombards Gaza, Lebanon

Prospects of a ceasefire between Israel and its foes Hamas and Hezbollah ran aground on Friday as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 68 people in the Gaza Strip, according to medics in the Palestinian enclave, and bombed Beirut's southern suburbs.

The Israeli military said it killed senior Hamas official Izz al-Din Kassab in an airstrike in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis and described him as one of the last surviving high-ranking members of Hamas responsible for coordinating with other groups in Gaza.

U.S. envoys had been working to secure ceasefires on both fronts ahead of the U.S. presidential election next Tuesday.

But Hamas does not favour a temporary truce, its Al-Aqsa Hamas television reported on Friday. The ceasefire proposals failed to meet its conditions that any deal must end the year-long war in Gaza and include a withdrawal of Israeli forces from the devastated Palestinian enclave, it said.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his priority was to enforce security "despite any pressure or constraints".

His office said he relayed this message to U.S. envoys Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk in Israel on Thursday. Israel meanwhile pressed on with its military offensives against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon on Friday.

Medics in Gaza said about 68 people were killed and dozens injured overnight and into Friday morning in Israeli strikes on the city of Deir Al-Balah, the Nuseirat camp and the town of Al-Zawayda, all in Gaza's central area, as well as in its south.

Fourteen people were killed by an Israeli strike at the gate of a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat, according to medics at the camp's Al-Awda Hospital. Another 10 were killed in a car in Khan Younis, medics said.

Hours later, residents said Israeli tanks advanced on the northern and eastern sides of Nuseirat, and medics said an Israeli airstrike killed four people, including three children.

The Israeli military said its troops killed what it called armed terrorists in central Gaza and the northern Jabalia area. It had no immediate comment on the reported school strike, although it habitually denies deliberately attacking civilians.

The heads of U.N. humanitarian agencies said on Friday the situation in north Gaza was "apocalyptic" with the entire Palestinian population there at "imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence" as Israel pursues its offensive against regrouping Hamas militants in the area.

Israel also pummelled Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday morning with at least 10 strikes, Reuters journalists said. It was the first bombardment of the area - once a densely packed district and Hezbollah stronghold - in nearly a week.

The strikes came after Israel issued evacuation orders for 10 separate neighbourhoods of the Lebanese capital.

Hassan Saad, speaking on a Beirut street, told Reuters: "This is a brutal war and Israel does not have the right to do this...There must be a limit put for Israel because it does not abide by any of the laws or human morality."

Another Beirut man, Ali Ramadan, said he believed the Israeli airstrikes were a way to put pressure on Lebanon in the ceasefire negotiations.

The hostilities have undermined hope a truce could be reached before the U.S. presidential election on Tuesday.

Hamas television, quoting a leading source in the group, said the ceasefire proposals did not meet its conditions for a permanent end to hostilities, withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the return of displaced people.

Nor did they address Palestinians' need for security, relief and reconstruction and the full reopening of border crossings, the source said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on Friday discussed a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Lebanon as well as ending the war and addressing dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, the State Department said in a statement.

'ISRAELI STUBBORNNESS'

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Friday accused Israel of blocking any progress in the negotiations.

"Israeli statements and diplomatic signals received by Lebanon confirm the Israeli stubbornness in rejecting the proposed solutions and insisting on the approach of killing and destruction," he said.

Lebanon's health ministry said 52 people were killed on Friday in Israeli strikes on more than a dozen towns in the Baalbek region, which has UNESCO-listed Roman ruins.

An Israeli strike on Friday in Syria near northeast Lebanon forced a border crossing to shut, Lebanon Transport Minister Ali Hamieh told Reuters. Israeli bombing closed the crossing last month and it had partly reopened before the latest strike.

Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in solidarity with Palestinians a day after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's retaliatory offensives have killed more than 43,000 Palestinians and reduced most of Gaza to rubble, as well as killed at least 2,897 people in Lebanon, its health ministry said in an update on Friday.

 

Reuters

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russian missile destroys ‘police building’ – Ukrainian officials

Russian troops have struck a police building in Ukraine’s second-largest city of Kharkov on Friday, killing at least one officer and injuring dozens, Ukrainian officials said.

According to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, a Russian S-400 missile hit an unspecified “facility that housed police officers.” A 43-year-old police colonel has been killed, while 30 police officers, a first responder and nine civilians were injured, the ministry said. Interior Minister Igor Klimenko wrote on Facebook that some of the wounded officers are in critical condition.

Russian military blogger Boris Rozhin wrote on Telegram that Kharkov’s police headquarters had been hit. As of early Saturday morning, Ukrainian officials did not reveal which police site was targeted.  

The Kharkov regional governor, Oleg Sinegub, wrote on Telegram that the city was struck with an S-300 missile on Friday, and that four civilians were injured. He added that 20 apartment blocks and individual houses were damaged. 

Although the S-400 and the S-300 are both surface-to-air missiles, Ukrainian experts previously claimed that Russia was using anti-air missiles to strike ground targets.

Moscow has not commented on its most recent strikes. The Russian Defense Ministry has said in the past that it only targets military and military-linked sites.

In its latest daily briefing, the MOD said that the Russian forces carried out 44 “group strikes”between October 26 and November 1, hitting airfields and railroads that were used to transport troops, as well as energy infrastructure sites that powered “Ukraine’s military-industrial complex.” 

On Friday, the MOD said that the Russian military had struck a drone command and control center in Kiev, along with drone manufacturing sites and UAV stockpiles. 

 

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Ukraine's mortar shell production surge stymied by explosives shortage

Ukraine has increased production of mortar shells from zero before Russia's invasion to millions per year now, but a global explosives shortage is constraining the push to ramp up the weapons industry, Kyiv's top arms official said.

Ukraine is trying to reduce its heavy reliance on Western military aid. Mortar shells, which are cheaper and work at shorter ranges than artillery, are an important weapon against the infantry-led assaults Russia uses to advance in the east.

Herman Smetanin, who was appointed strategic industries minister overseeing wartime arms production in September, told Reuters that Ukraine had increased production across various types of artillery as well as mortar rounds.

"However, this is still not enough," he said in his first published interview in Kyiv as minister.

Smetanin, just 32, was appointed after rising rapidly through the ranks at Ukroboronprom, the state-owned defence industry giant, where he became its chief in June 2023.

Ukraine, he said, had the capacity to make more shells but was being held back by global production bottlenecks and high demand that has created a shortage of explosives.

"The main problem we have now are powders and explosives. However much explosive comes into Ukraine, that's how many shells we will have."

Ukraine has tried to expand almost all aspects of its domestic defence industry since 2022, as its troops are stretched over a 1,000 km (620 miles) front by a much larger foe equipped by a much bigger military industrial complex.

The production figures represent a rapid increase for a country that did not produce any artillery or mortar ammunition before Russia's full-scale invasion.

Ukraine, Smetanin said, was now producing its own artillery shells, including the coveted 155mm calibre used by heavy artillery pieces donated to Ukraine by allied NATO countries. He declined to provide figures.

Ukraine's fledgling shell production is still far less than the output in Russia, which has been investing heavily in its military for years under Vladimir Putin and also inherited vast Cold War-era production capacity.

According to a CNN report in March citing NATO estimates and an anonymous European official, Russia was able to make 3 million shells a year, nearly triple the combined capacity of the United States and Europe.

Artillery, sometimes known as the "king of battle", has been the most important commodity on the front for most of the war.

Ukrainian commanders told Reuters earlier in 2024 they estimated about 80% of casualties on both sides since the war's beginning came from artillery.

Smetanin said that one of his main goals was to build up serial production of Ukrainian missiles, although he conceded this also faced global supply chain barriers which he did not go into detail on.

Ukraine announced earlier this year that it had successfully used both its own ballistic missile and a "drone missile" dubbed the Palyanytsia, which the arms minister compared to a cruise missile.

 

RT/Reuters

I was going to write this piece weeks ago, following the conference hosted by Sheffield Business School on the theme of decolonising management education. Natalie Wilmot had given a thought-provoking keynote talk in which she discussed the concept of epistemic violence and the concomitant idea of epistemic disobedience. I thought it provided a useful framework to revisit the impact of languaging in framing reality, normalising ideas, and shaping public consciousness about established knowledge.

About sixteen years ago, I heard a Caribbean lady in a London school make an impassioned plea about the impropriety of the word “slave” as a descriptive for people. As I recall, it was on a “Black History Month”, with the usual posters of men and women in chains, in an apparent drive to draw attention to the horrors of transatlantic slave trade. This is regular “diet” during the Black History Month, by the way. Probably well intentioned, but you’d be forgiven for assuming the history of Black people began a mere 400 years ago - a disservice to thousands of years of culture and civilisation. But I digress. Back to the school lady. Her intervention challenged her colleagues to re-examine the merits of the word “slave” as a descriptive for human beings. She was ignored and treated like a nuisance. In today’s parlance, You’d say she was cancelled. I suspect many simply found her challenge unnerving, making them uncomfortable and defensive. Yet her challenge was not an affront to any individual, but an admirable and commendable effort to raise consciousness about how language can be used to dehumanise.

Come to think to it: there were, in fact, no slaves, never have been. There are, instead, the enslaved- human beings who were violently deprived of their freedom and dignity by others. The violation of their dignity does not change the eternal fact of their humanity. They were humans before captivity; they remained humans after captivity. To assert otherwise is to deny the intrinsic, inviolable essence of their humanity - as though it is a gift that other humans can give and take away on a whim.

The other phrase I am bringing under scrutiny is “colonial masters”- a phrase that, if you pause a moment and say it to yourself, is truly cringeworthy. It is a curious thing that this phrase still persists in the lexicon of public intellection. The idea of “colonial master” conjures and legitimises the discredited idea of a master race - an idea that many who still use the phrase “colonial master” would readily repudiate with vehemence, but are still caught up in the self-cosseting epistemic laziness that continues to normalise or trivialise its use. It is my view that the phrase “colonial master” is an enactment of epistemic violence: it whitewashes some horrific passages in modern history, an experience from which many nations and peoples are still reeling. No, there were no colonial masters. There were colonial invaders, who through the force of arms imposed foreign rule, extracted resources, and systematically dismantled local cultures and social structures, leaving generations to endure the devastating impacts of exploitation, displacement, and the erasure of indigenous knowledge and traditions. Yes, we must also account for the fact that, in many cases, the colonial invaders did this with active participation of some in the indigenous populations, but this does not make it less horrific, and the language we deploy must do justice.

We must be true to history, but neither guilt nor grievance is the appropriate or helpful response. What is important is being open to challenge and reflection that help raise our collectiveness as society. Old assumptions and lexical orthodoxy should be subject to critical scrutiny as we reflect on the past, make sense of the present, and shape the future.

American start-up Heliospect Genomics is charging wealthy parents-to-be up to $50,000 to screen their embryos for IQ and other desirable traits.

Wish you could ensure your unborn child has a higher-than-average IQ? Well, apparently now you can, with the help of genetic enhancement technology. This is controversial territory, as it tends to normalize the idea of superior” and “inferior” humans, but according to undercover video footage obtained by the campaign group Hope Not Hate, at least one genomic prediction company has begun selling its services to parents who can afford them. Heliospect Genomics has apparently already offered its services to over a dozen parents undergoing in-vitro fertilization, charging them up to $50,000 to screen 100 embryos for IQ and other traits and boasting that their technology could help select children with IQ scores six points higher than those conceived naturally.

Footage obtained by Hope Not Hate and reviewed by The Guardian appears to show Heliospect Genomics employees pitching the company services to prospective clients, claiming that they could screen up to 100 embryos based on “IQ and the other traits that everybody wants”, including sex and height, as well as risk of obesity or risk of mental health problems.

News of the controversial service went viral last month, with several geneticists and bioethicists saying that it raised numerous moral and medical issues. Some argued that it reinforced the idea that social inequality is related to biological causes rather than social ones, while others simply said that it is a grey area that the general public hasn’t even had the chance to really think about.

Asked to comment, a Heliospect Genomics spokesperson said that the US startup is currently in “stealth mode” and still developing, but added that it is preparing for a public launch. The company also stated that it would not condone industrial-scale egg or embryo production or elite selection, and would not offer testing for “dark triad” traits or beauty.

“All we mean by liberal eugenics is that parents should be free and maybe even encouraged to use technology to improve their children’s prospects once it’s available,’ Jonathan Anomaly, an academic on the board of Heliospect Genomics, said.

“Everyone can have all the children they want, and they can have children that are basically disease-free; it’s going to be great,” Michael Christensen, Heliospect’s CEO, and a former financial markets trader said during a November 2023 video call recorded by a Hope Not Hate researcher.

Apart from the controversy around “designer babies, Heliospect Genomics also raised concerns about the way it sources data, with several outlets reporting that its prediction tools are based on data from the UK Biobank, a publicly funded genetic repository mainly used for health-related research.

 

Oddity Central

The National Economic Council (NEC) has recommended the withdrawal of the Tax reforms bill already at the National Assembly.

The NEC headed by Vice-President Kashim Shettima has governors as members.

Speaking to state House Correspondents after a NEC meeting, on Thursday, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said following the controversies that arose as a result of the bills, NEC decided to withdraw them so that stakeholders could be carried along.

Arising from a meeting on Sunday, the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) chaired by Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, announced rejection of the derivation-based model for Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution in the new tax bills.

Later Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa clarified the position of governors from the region, saying they were against the VAT bill because it would be unfair to the north.

Sule said that the governors were not against President Bola Tinubu, saying they brought him into power.

He said, “We can’t bring in Tinubu and then oppose him. If you look at the composition of the meeting you will see that there are people from the APC and the PDP. Some don’t even have a political party. We sat down and took the decision together.

“Some are traditional rulers. If you look at the law, it will be unfair to the north. By the time you say you are going to take something out of the sharing of the FAC and then say you are going to share something similar to something like that because that is the understanding we have based on the proposal. It’s going to be another 13% derivation.

“So, the states that have almost no VAT at the moment will end up actually with the shorter area of the stick. And you know, the 19 states of the north are generating very little when it comes to VAT at the moment.

“It’s very clear. I worked for some of these multinationals. I know how VAT is paid. When we were importing raw material at Dangote at Apapa port, we paid VAT first and then the finished product had VAT added to it.”

Earlier, on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, had spoken about the “misunderstandings and misgivings around the tax reform already embarked upon by the administration.”

Speaking specifically on the proposed derivation-based VAT distribution model, Onanuga stressed that the new proposal, as enunciated in the Bill, is designed to create a fairer system.

“The current model for distributing VAT is based on where the tax is remitted rather than where goods and services are supplied or consumed. The ongoing tax reform seeks to correct the inherent inequity in the current derivation model as a basis for distributing VAT revenue.”

“The new proposal before the National Assembly outlines a different form of derivation which considers the place of supply or consumption for relevant goods and services. This means that states in the Northern region that produce the food we eat should not lose out just because their products are VAT-exempt or consumed in other states,” he had said.

 

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Tom Huddleston Jr. Over the next decade, advances in artificial intelligence will mean that humans…
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NFF appoints new Super Eagles head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach…

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