5 Things Your Girl Will Say, But Won't Mean

Guys, if you're girl says any of the following things, chances are she doesn't mean them literally. Here's some phrases to watch out for!
1. I’m fine
If your girl says this, I'm 100% sure she isn't fine. Be aware - she will be throwing major passive aggressive remarks at you to after that. Never believe she's fine, until she proves it.
2. Yeah it’s fine if you’re with your girl friends
Ah, there's that "fine" word again. Nope, she isn't okay with it. Maybe there's a particular girl that strikes her as a threat or that has done something to her that you shouldn't be okay with. Don't ever let your girl control who you do and don't hang out with, but consider if you would be okay with her hanging out with a guy that is a threat to you or you've had problems with before.
3. I’m not mad
Yes. Yes she is mad. Again, she'll start throwing passive remarks at you that maybe you'll take the hint at. Chances are, she is mad and she wants to talk about it. However, she doesn't want you to be mad that she's mad, so she'll fake it until you realize it :)
4. I’ll just stay home
What ever you're doing, you better do it with her! No, she doesn't want to stay home while you go out and have a good time with out her. She wants to go too. She wants to make those memories with you too. Or she just wants to be with you and only you that night. Don't ever leave her lonely.
5. Yeah, I promise I’ll order the cheapest thing off the menu
Nah, she just wants to go out fam. She wants to have a nice date night at a restaurant. To be honest, she isn't looking out prices, just whatever she's in the mood for. She doesn't mean to break your wallet either, she's just hungry.

10+ Signs a Guy Likes You but Is Trying Not To Show It

If a guy is attracted to you, you can easily tell as guys are usually simple to figure out than women. You won't need any special algorithms to find if a guy is in love with you or not, but there are women who can get confused to catch these signs. To resolve this, I bring you a list so you can find you the signs a guy likes you but is trying not to show it.

7 Types Of Men Women Can’t Say No To

Always wondered why some guys always manage to get the best of girls? Well, the secret is not good looks or a well-defined six pack, but the fact that women simply get attracted to certain personality traits and flock to men who possess them.
Below are seven of these “ideal types” of guys that women are drawn to, and an explanation as to why these guys are so appealing, reports Fox News. The list could help you understand what women are looking for, and most importantly, to make sure that you fit the bill.

1. The intelligent one
He instigates conversations that are intellectually stimulating, and listens to what she has to say in response. He makes her laugh with his clever sense of humour, and has an uncanny ability to make politics interesting. He can shoot the breeze with her for hours, and it will never get boring.
Why he is so irresistible
An intellectual connection is a big part of what sustains a relationship, and if you can show her that you’ve got that, she’ll be hooked pretty quickly.
2. The confident guy
He is totally secure and sure of himself. He is assertive in public, and gives off an aura of power and control. In a relationship, he doesn’t get jealous of other men; he doesn’t feel threatened by his girlfriend’s male friends or co-workers.
Why he is so irresistible
Women are attracted to confident men. Consider this: If you think you are great, she will probably be influenced to think the same. The confident man doesn’t seek approval from women, and this makes them want him even more.

3. The artistic guy
The artistic guy is spontaneous and lives for the moment. Often, he will use his creativity to woo her, such as with a song he has written about her or a painting he has made for her.
Why he is so irresistible
Every woman wants to feel unique and special. There is no better way to make her feel this way than to use her as your muse or your source of inspiration. She is intrigued by the artistic guy’s creative mind, and especially by the way he incorporates her into his art.

4. The exotic element
He comes from a faraway exotic country, and has a cute accent or a unique way of seeing the world. His social customs, and everyday behaviour can be a little quirky, but he always manages to come off as uniquely charming.
Why he is so irresistible
Women often choose this kind of guy if they are curious about the world, but most of the appeal comes down to a fascination with dating someone from another culture.

5. The considerate guy
He holds open her car door, and pulls out her chair. He foots the bill for dinner, and makes sure to offer her dessert. He always asks her out with reasonable notice, and picks her up at her door. He is generally sensitive to how she is feeling, and when she is ready to go home.
Why he is so irresistible
Once a woman has gone through her share of the bad guy, the rude guy and the not-calling-her-back guy, she will likely re-evaluate her priorities. It takes a bit of maturity on her part to realize this, but eventually most girls come around and realize that they want a guy who will treat them well in the long run. But, think twice before copying any of the above character types, for women can know when you are faking it.

6. Eternal romantic
He believes in classic romance. He is constantly bringing her flowers, chocolate and lighting candles during dinner. He calls her often to let her know he is thinking about her, and looks into her eyes and tells her how he feels.
Why he is so irresistible
A woman loves to feel appreciated, and the romantic guy makes this happen. He uses romantic gestures to show her he is thinking about her. As an added bonus, she feels free to reciprocate and act on her own romantic tendencies.

7. The free spirit guy (aka the Bad Boy)
The free spirit guy goes where the wind takes him, and the wind usually takes him on some kind of whacky adventure. He might ride a motorcycle, or he might skip work to take her on a last-minute road trip, but this guy doesn’t worry too much about the consequences – he just sees where his own devices take him.
Why he is so irresistible
Every woman wants a bit of a rebel. She loves his carefree attitude and hopes that it will rub off on her too. The bad boy spirit adds an element of youthfulness to the relationship, and she loves to try taming him, although she knows she’ll never actually succeed

5 big mistakes people make when choosing a spouse

Marriage they say is not a child's play and the ring they say is the smallest handcuff.

What else could be more frustrating for a bride on her wedding night than a husband with eraser size dick?  (Pinterest)

Marriage they say is not a child's play and the ring they say is the smallest handcuff.

Love they also say is blind but in choosing a life partner it's time you open those closed eyes. Below are five huge mistakes people make when choosing a spouse.

They will change

This is not to say your partner is completely flawed but there are some people that are not compatible. Hence, when you decide to make the person your life partner this would become an issue because you will expect them to change but rather to your disappointment they might never. So If you can't cope with your partner and you two seem to be going in opposite direction it is better to let he/she go than bank on them changing.

I'm getting Old

"All my friends are married"

People are quick to make this mistake and then marry anybody that comes their way. Quite alright you are getting old but then again why jeopardize yourself and marry the wrong spouse all in the name of age. The fact that you are getting old shouldn't be a reason to choose wrongly

Blind Love

You need to understand that you are choosing a life partner in essence this person is going to be with you for life. Don't be blinded by love and ignore some signs and make a big mistake in choosing a partner.

Get intimate quickly

The fact that you and a person click instantly does not mean you have the person figured out. Because you are quick to get intimate and you feel love struck and probably over the moon and you can't control yourself then you feel he/she is the one. Please be wise and know that this is initial overwhelming attitude and it's not a factor in choosing a life partner.

Loneliness

When you try to escape from your state of loneliness and probably unhappiness and then just pick a spouse. Remember it's a life long affair and the fact that you were lonely prior to it won't see you through it.

Marriage is a different ball game hence it needs commitment, zeal, true love, tolerance and other factors you must have weighed to be successful.

2018: Oyadara releases prophecies on Obasanjo, Atiku, Tinubu, Ambode, PDP, Osinbajo

As church leaders and prominent prophets keep announcing God’s revelations to them concerning 2018, the founder and general overseer of Christ for All Peoples Church, Ojoo, Lagos State, Prophet Samuel Oyadara, has revealed what God told him concerning former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

He also dropped revelation concerning a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Ahmed Bolaji Tinubu and Vice President Prof. Osinbajo.

The cleric called on Obasanjo to repent and beg God for forgiveness of his sins before he dies and told Tinubu, to pray against plot to assassinate him in 2018.

Oyadara said all this in his 2018 predictions released to Tribune; he also told Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to pray against accident.‎

He said, “God is warning Obasanjo to repent before he dies. Osinbajo needs to pray hard to escape plan of the enemies. Tinubu should pray against assassination.”‎

He also claimed that there is no God’s anointed presidential candidate for 2019, noting that God revealed to him that President Muhammadu Buhari would be working towards rallying strong political forces in the North to make him win his 2nd Term as president of Nigeria in 2019.

He added, “What Atiku Abubakar must do if he wants to rule Nigeria is that he would need to conquer his strong political enemies through serious prayers.‎

“I saw PDP umbrella rising up,” he said, adding that a former president, who he did not mention, would fall sick in the coming year.

101 Conversation Starters To Get You Started With Anyone

The 101 great conversation openers are simple and effective. Do not be fooled. The most important point to remember when using any conversation starter is they aim to start the conversation . “Ice-breakers” break the ice; they don’t heat up the planet and make mother nature flourish.
Conversation openers are not intended to make people laugh or get people to like you. Guys, you can make a woman think you’re a primal beast to be locked in her room later in the conversation. When you attempt to impress someone with your first words, you get nervous, discouraging you from starting a conversation. It also makes you look like a try hard in need of approval.
The best conversation starters are situation-specific. Most openers given by dating experts, communication trainers, and bloggers are limiting because there is little chance they would work in your situation. Try asking someone, “Have you ever been snorkeling?” or “Who’s your favorite Star Wars character?” and the conversation may end as soon as it began (unless you’re in a diving class or at a nerd function… I’m mean, Star Wars convention.)
While generic openers and stock material can be used in many situations, use proven formulas like opinion openers to construct your own ice-breakers for situations you find yourself in throughout the week.
Here’s an exercise to help you develop excellent openers. Think of the top three situations you find yourself in like at the gym, supermarket, or a bench near work. Now think of 10 things to say in each situation.
Having done that, you already have 30 amazing conversation starters. Do that exercise to always know what to say to anyone . I encourage you to go over the massive list of openers revealed in this article applying the simple exercise you just did.
Before we get started, “Hey” or “Hi” is left out from the 101 starters because it is redundant. You often want to say such a simple greeting first. Also keep in mind some openers placed under one category like “Funny Conversation Starters” can be used in situations filed under other categories like “Conversation Starters for Guys with Girls”.
Let’s get talking and working through this gigantic list of ways to start a conversation based off the Big Talk Training Course – the ultimate guide if you’re shy to talk to anyone and make friends. We start basic because that is enough most times:
Conversation Starters Anyone can Use in Any Situation
1. “I’m [your first name].” Most people reciprocate an exchange of information. Give them your name, they’ll give you theirs.
2. “How are ya doing right now?” “How’s ya day been so far?” Slightly vary the question, “How are you?” No one answers that trite question or gives it any thought.
3. “How’s your [the day of the week] been?” “What’s happened for you today?” “How was your trip?” “How’d you sleep last night?” We’re happy to talk about simple events when they’ve recently occurred. We love to blabber about our delayed flight, the traffic jam, or the sunburn on our arm within a day or so of it happening.
4. “Hey.” Smile then walk away. Repeat each time you meet the person and build towards a casual conversation. Say it in an environment like a gym when you meet someone over and over. Eventually you’ll feel like friends and have something good to talk about. When you have something else to say, have the confidence to say it.
5. “What do you think of that book?” “Looks like a great drink. What is it?” “I love this place because it’s got great energy.” These examples are situational openers – the most common type of conversation starter. Simply comment on your surroundings.
6. “Where are you from?” This is best if you think the person is not from the area or the location is something like a seminar, convention, or university where people from diverse towns come together. Let the conversation spread from their as you talk about the city’s sporting teams, cultural icons, and famous landmarks.
7. “This might seem a little weird, but I like your posture. It makes you stand out nicely.” “Nice shirt. Where did you get it?” “I love your style!” These examples are compliment openers.
8. “It’s so hot today.” “The great sun is burning this afternoon.” “It’s freezing! Do you know the temperature?” Talk about the weather. “Don’t knock the weather,” said American cartoonist Kin Hubbard, “nine-tenths of the people couldn’t start a conversation if it didn’t change once in a while.”
9. “I don’t know anyone around here so I thought I’d come talk to you.” “I’m a little nervous talking with strangers, but I just had to come say hi.” “I know no one here so I thought I’d introduce myself to you.” These examples are what I call the “vulnerable introduction”. Make your opener reveal your anxiety to endear people.
10. “I’m out meeting new, interesting people tonight. Mind if we chat for a minute?” “You guys look like you’re having fun. That’s so cool that I just had to come talk to you.” “I had to come talk to you because your shirt made me laugh.” Reveal your reason for approaching the person or group.
11. “What about the game last night!” “Yankees aren’t doing so well this season.” “Your flowers are looking lovely.” Talk about something you know the person is interested in.
12. “I was just listening to the radio on my way here and can’t believe what happened in Africa. Have you heard about the flying frozen fish?” Study the news before an event to learn what’s hot.
13. “Normally people start a conversation by talking about what’s in the news, but I haven’t been paying any attention. What’s been going on? Is the President dead?” If you’re like me and never consume the daily news (it’s mental pollution from corporations wanting readership), ask about the news. Use humor whenever possible to release tension.
14. “I believe we saw each other at James’ party.” “I think we ran into each other at the trade event last month.” “Did we meet last year at Church?” Start by talking about previous brief interactions.
15. “How’s your Christmas preparations going?” “How’d the New Year go for you?” “Spring Break has been crazy. What’s happened to you at Spring Break so far?” Talk about holiday preparations, experiences, and fun times. The person is guaranteed to do something for holidays like Christmas making it a good opener.
16. Wear a big talk people-magnet. As described in my Big Talk book, big talk people-magnets are items people will approach you to talk about. Such items include earrings, jewelery, tattoos, an unusual hair cut or color, a pinned item on your shirt or top, or a slogan t-shirt. People want to talk to you so help put words in their mouth.
Cold-Read Conversation Starters to Use on Anyone
17. “You look like a [teacher/fashion designer/entrepreneur/some noble profession].” The person will feel appreciated and always ask why you guessed that particular profession.
18. “You seem like a [kind/hard working/problem solving/positive personality trait] person. I like that.” Use this opener when the person displays an admirable trait. The compliment makes the person feel great and can lead the conversation to many directions.
19. “You look like a [outgoing/talkative/friendly/people-magnetic trait] person.”
20. “I’m curious. Would your friends say you’re an [outgoing/understanding/open/positive personality trait] person?”
21. “I like your [necklace/shirt/hair/personal trait or item]. I bet that says a lot about your personality.” No one hates a compliment or someone interested in one’s personality.
22. “You guys know each from work?” “You guys look like you’ve been friends since school.” “You guys spending the night out together?” This one is good for groups. Predict their relationship with one another.
23. “I’m practicing a new skill called ‘cold-reading’ on people I don’t yet know. Let me quickly try it on you. It’ll be fun.” Confidently assert you will cold-read; don’t ask for permission.
Grab my free magical conversation starter for more great advice on coming up with your own cold-reads in conversation to instantly make people like you.
Conversation Starters for Guys with Girls
24. “I need a girl’s opinion about something I was just discussing with a friend who broke up with his girlfriend. He made out with another woman straight after his
relationship break up. Is he a jerk?” Get a female opinion.
25. “I play the field, and it looks like I just hit a home run with you.” “You’re like a dictionary, you add meaning to my life!” “Do you have a sunburn, or are you always this hot?” Tease cheesy pick-up lines . Make sure you say the pick-up line in a joking manner.
26. “Who lies more: men or women?” “Is it wrong to break up with a text message?” Ask a controversial question to a group of women then watch their eyes open wide and hear the chatter break out.
27. “I want a woman’s perspective on this. I was just talking to a friend who broke up. His girlfriend keeps calling. Why does she do it?” Ask a question about someone’s relationship. Women love to share their opinion on relationships.
28. “You caught my attention because you’re cute so I had to come talk to you.”
29. “Nice boots. Do you have your horse parked outside?” “Nice shoes. They look comfortable.” “Nice top. My grandma has one.” Say it playfully. Lightly tease the woman about something she’ll giggle over. Be prepared for banter otherwise you could be eaten alive by a witty woman.
30. “Can I help you?” Ask this in a shop. Playfully pretend to be an employee.
31. “Hmm, are you friendly?” Say it with a suspicious and playful look. Most women will not say no. “Good, I’ll talk to you.” If she does say no, you can overlook it, use it as banter material, or take it as a warning sign to leave the grump alone. This opener is more suited to entertainment venues.
Conversation Starters for Girls with Guys
32. “I need a guy’s opinion on something that just happened with a friend. Would you read your girlfriend’s email if you thought she was cheating on you?” Get a male opinion.
33. “Where can I find a good coffee shop around here?” “I need help rubbing sunscreen on my back. I’m unfortunately not double-jointed. Can you help put it on?” “What’s a great country to visit?” Ask for his help. Guys love to give advice (as if you didn’t know that.)
34. “I’ll do a trade with you. You give me that burger and I’ll give you this awful coffee.” Make a playful trade. You can make up anything based on something each of you have at the time.
35. “Can you take a photo for me to send a friend?” Get him to join in the photo.
36. “Can you reserve my seat for me?” “Can you look after these books until I get back?” Ask him to watch something for you – just don’t leave your bag behind for him. You are opening a conversation for when you return, not putting the country at threat or testing if he would be an honest husband.
37. “Nice [shoes/shirt/bag/material item]. I’ve been thinking of getting one for a friend. Where can I get one?” Question something you complimented.
38. “Oh! Sorry for bumping into you.” “Oh no! I’m sorry for spilling my drink on you.” The accident opener isn’t the best because its subtly may mean you have to spill a drink on the guy three times for him to pick up your interest in starting a conversation. I’ve heard of some women using this conversation starter by burning men with cigarettes! Don’t be talking to me b****! Create an accident if you are absolutely lost for words. Just be careful you do no damage.
39. “You should come talk to me.” Smile over your shoulder as you walk away without giving him a chance to respond. Mystery is sexy.
40. Shoo away your friends for a moment to be alone. Many guys talk to women in bars and clubs when the woman’s friends get a drink or go to toilet – it’s the guy’s chance to attack the lonely gazelle.
Conversation Starters for Families or Friends
41. “Where’s [Uncle Terry/New York crew/missing family or friend] today?”
42. “Are you going to Jim’s wedding?” “What celebrations are coming up in your family?” Weddings, births, and birthdays are all memorable events family members and friends can talk about. Divorces are memorable, but depressing.
43. “How have you been this past year?” “Great to see you. What’s changed in your life since the last time we met?” (Recall the last time you met to get bonus points). Catch up on the person’s life – my favorite opener to use with family and friends.
44. Bring up a memorable moment or anecdote your family or friends remember, such as a funny story, an embarrassing mishap, or a trip everyone enjoyed. This starter initiates multiple conversations about similar moments.
45. “What do you have planned for the weekend?” “What’s happening for you Friday?” “What’s on your calendar this week?”
46. “What’s one thing you’re really thankful for?”
47. “What’s something I don’t know about you that you think I should know? Like… are you a stalker?” “What’s one thing that’s new in your life?” “What’s recently changed in your life?”
Conversation Starters for Couples
Most of these are useful when the couple are already in rapport and chatting:
48. “What do you most admire about our [family/home/relationship/something with positive qualities]?”
49. “What’s one thing you’ve wanted to tell me, but haven’t?”
50. “I like how you smile when I come home from work.” Compliments replenish the energy in relationships often drained from criticism. A compliment often leads to a great conversation.
51. “In your dream house, what one room must you have?”
52. “What’s a memory between us that stands out for you?”
53. “What does this [flower/meal/atmosphere/something in the environment] remind you of?” Make sure the object you’re commenting on has history in your relationship.
54. “What three values do you most want our children to carry on throughout life?” “What principles do you want our children to live by?” “How do you want our children to best live life?”
55. “If you happen to leave Earth before I do, how would you like me to remember you?” You’ll discover the ideal image of your partner, which you can use to increase understanding and intimacy.
First Date Conversation Starters
56. “How am I doing so far?” Say it sarcastically once the date starts (you’re making fun of someone needy.)
57. “What’s one defining moment of your life so far?”
58. “What’s one thing you most want to do?” Gather information for a later date to blow their mind away.
59. “What three words best describe you?”
60. “What’s something your friends don’t even know about you?”
61. “Ignoring your criminal history, what’s the baddest thing you’ve done?” You set the frame your partner is the problematic one. It also gives you call-back humor to brighten a dying conversation.
62. “What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done?”
63. Talk about a funny, embarrassing moment you had with a member of the opposite sex to ease tension.
Do not make the first date or any conversation a needy interview. Question sparingly.
Party Conversation Starters
64. “Do you know [the host’s name]?” If they don’t, it doesn’t matter. You’re finding out how they fit into the party, an easy ice-breaker allowing for more conversation about the party and its people.
65. “What’d you get up to earlier today?”
66. “I love this party. People are just having fun. Are you having fun?” “This is an awesome night. How’s your night been?” “The people here are great and add to the fun. Having fun here?” You get the idea.
67. “You better win. I’ve got a bet going with a friend.” Apply this to a game of pool, darts, drinking competition – whatever game you see at a party. If the person loses or wins, you’ve got good call-back humor to bring repeat laughs for the rest of the night: “You’re doing well tonight”, “I think you woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning”, “My house is on you winning this game of poker. If you win, we can go retire in Las Vegas then blow all our money.”
68. “I’m trying to settle a bet with a friend. How many oceans are there in the world?” Mention the bet then ask any piece of trivia.
69. “Can you help me open this bottle?” Good for the ladies to make a guy feel macho. Just make sure it isn’t a plastic screw lid on a soft-drink bottle. If you game like a ditsy blonde, cool by me.
70. If you host the party, get a conversation starter kit with questions on cards to break the ice. Table Topics are a company that make such cards for many occasions like parties, teens, couples, and the dinner table. You can buy them here .
Conversation Starters at the Gym
People serious about working out (yes, the hot ones) don’t like to talk at the gym. You may want to precede all the following gym conversation starters with, “I’ll quickly let you get back to working out, but…” Use the following openers to keep your chat short, leaving your conversation partner feeling respected:
71. “You look like you know what you’re doing. What’s a good exercise to target my lower abs?”
72. “Can you spot me?”
73. “How’s your workout going?” This is good to ask at the watercooler or when both of you are resting between sets.
74. “Can you check my form for this set and give me any feedback?”
75. If you’re female, ask a guy for help moving heavy weights. Let him catch your eye on his arms. He’ll love it. Every gym-going guy wants to flaunt his strength to women. Call it ego, but I opt for a primal endeavor to create attraction by displaying one’s fitness for survival.
Funny Conversation Starters
76. “What was the best thing before sliced bread?” “In an emergency, why do you have to break glass to get a hammer to break glass?” “Can crop circles be square?” Pick a few stock ironic questions to ask anyone. Ask a question with a clueless, serious look then switch your body language over to “I’m playing around”.
77. “You know what they say about people who [run in the morning/drink espressos/talk to themselves/anything the person is doing]?” They’ll say, “No. What?” Giggle and leave the mystery open or say, “Nothing. I’m just messing with ya.”
78. “Why shouldn’t you take a Pokemon into the bathroom? He might Pikachu.” Tell a simple joke. Few people tell a joke to someone they don’t know – it’s never happened to me.
79. “What’s your biggest pet peeve?” People will usually giggle over their pet peeves because we know how silly little annoyances can be.
80. “My mum said I shouldn’t talk to strangers, but you don’t look scary.” “My grandmother said I shouldn’t talk to strangers, but you don’t look like you’d kidnap me.” People with a sense of humor will usually role play being scary or a kidnapper after such a playful opener.
81. “Look at that fighting couple. I’ve never seen so much love before.” This comedic technique is exaggeration. Observe something then exaggerate it to a humorous level.
82. Tell a funny story that relates to the situation.
Deep, Meaningful Conversation Starters
83. “When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?” This question allows both of you to reflect on childhood hopes and dreams.
84. “Are you a person who does their duty or forges their own path?”
85. “I’ve been asking a few people this and want your opinion because you seem like an intelligent person: is it more important to be respected or loved?”
86. “What do you like about this [music/event/holiday/almost anything].” Exploring people’s opinions instead of talking about objective facts makes the conversation personal.
87. “How does this [music/event/holiday/almost anything] make you feel?” Understand the affect something has on the person.
88. “What were the highs and lows of your day, today?” Don’t ask unless you really want to know.
89. “What’s something you regret?” “What one thing would you change in your life at the moment?” “If you could go back in time, what one thing would you change?”
90. “What gives you the greatest joy in life?” “What makes you the happiest?” “If you’re about to die, what do you need to have done to be fulfilled?”
The effectiveness of these openers like many others depend on who you chat with. Ask a teenage dude, “Are you a person who does their duty or forges their own path?” and he’ll roll his eyes thinking you are a weirdo.
There is more to selecting the right topic for a meaningful conversation, however. In fact, what you talk about has little to do with a deep conversation. A meaningful conversation is about connection created from deep rapport. If you want to forge a deep connection with others, grab my Big Talk book.
Conversation Starters that Get People Talking
While most starters up to this point have been your first few words, the following are good sticks to stir a conversational fire. Think of them as “conversation starters that keep the conversation going”.
If any seem awkward, it is a matter of bridging them with a relevant topic. Preface the following statements or questions with something related to avoid looking like you have ADD:
91. “What’s hot in your life at the moment?” Hear about the big event in the person’s life.
92. “What hobbies are taking up your time?” Much more interesting than talking about work again.
93. “What do you do for fun?”
94. “What have you been doing in your time off recently?”
95. “What’s the first thing you notice about a person?” “In your opinion, what makes a good first impression?” “Jill has such a great personality. I wonder why.” Talk about what relates to building friends and influencing people. Ask interesting questions most people never hear.
96. “What countries have you been to?” People love to travel. If they haven’t been overseas, ask, “Where would you like to go?”
97. “If you wrote a book, what would it be about?” “What would you do if [he/the US President/Angelina Jolie/a known person] showed up right now?” “I wonder what your DJ name would be?” Make up an endless array of hypothetical scenarios.
98. “Have you ever [been to Australia/seen a monkey acting human/something unusually interesting]?” One off experiences start a good conversation.
99. “What’s the last thing you purchased online?” Online purchases aren’t a social experience so they can make an interesting conversation.
100. “What movies have you seen lately?” “What’s on your music playlist at the moment?” “Watched any good shows or DVDs recently?” “What book are you currently reading?”
101. “Last time we talked, you were… What happened?” “How’s your new job coming along?” “Who won the game of golf you said you were about to play the last time we talked?” Recall something from a past conversation.
Phew! I hope you enjoyed this whopper list. Never again can you excuse yourself from approaching people.
If these conversation starters fail to elicit much information from the person to get the conversation going, answer your own question and talk about yourself. The “rapid big talk model” I developed states that self-disclosure regulates the speed and degree two persons know each other. If you want someone to answer in-depth the question, “What hobbies are taking up your time?” describe your hobby for a minute. They will become socially compelled to give more than a one-word answer.

Governor Ayade Arrives Calabar Carnival on a 'Monster Scorpion Bike' with His Wife (Photos)

People were left in awe as Governor Ayade and his wife arrived Africa's biggest Street Party on a monster Scorpion bike.
Governor Benedict Ayade and his wife arrive the carnival in grand style on top a monster scorpion bike
The Governor of Cross River state, Benedict Ayade stole the show at the ongoing 2017 Calabar Carnival festival in Nigeria, also tagged
“Africa’s Biggest Street Party” , when he arrived with his wife on a 'monster scorpion bike'.
The Governor was cheered by many onlookers who were wowed by the grand arrival. Earlier in the day, we shared photos of former governor of the state, Donald Duke and his wife , Onari, who emerged in another monster power bike to celebrate the event.
The Calabar Bikers Parade in Cross River State has become a ritual at the carnival since it was inaugurated by the Governor.
Calabar Festival was created as part of the vision of making the Cross River State in Nigeria, the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourists all over the world.
The carnival which falls from 1 December through 31 December every year, has boosted the cultural mosaic of Nigeria people while entertaining the millions of spectators within and outside the State, and boosting industry for all stakeholders.

President Buhari’s son cheats death, survives bike accident

Illustration: Bike-accident

President Muhammadu Buhari’s son Yusuf has survived a fatal bike accident which occurred last night around Gwarimpa area in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity said in a statement on Wednesday that the victim Yusuf Buhari, survived the accident and is now in a stable condition.

Shehu also said Buhari junior broke a limb and had an injury on the head as a result of the incident.

“He has undergone surgery at a clinic in Abuja. He is in a stable condition.

“The President and his wife, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, are thankful to Nigerians for the good wishes and prayers for their son,” the spokesman said.

Easy Ways To Be The Person Others Want To Date

To be sure you’re the kind of person other people can’t wait to go out with and keep going out with— here are some things to think about…
You may want more dates … or you may want better dates. You probably want dates with people who have the potential to be the love of your life.
Whatever the case, it’s wise to pause and ask if you’re doing all you can to attract the best.
To be sure you’re the kind of person other people can’t wait to go out with and keep going out with— here are some things to think about…
1. Act “as if …”: If you knew you would meet someone amazing this week, you would probably dress a little nicer and smile more. So do it, because it just might happen.
2. Make yourself feel attractive: Read a self-improvement book, buy a new outfit, get out and exercise, update your look—when you feel attractive, others will find you more attractive, too.
3. Initiate a growth spurt: You will be far more captivating to the opposite sex by continually growing, developing, and moving your life toward a big goal.
4. Check your must-have and can’t-stand lists: Those lists you made to evaluate potential partners are a good place to evaluate your own attractiveness.
5. Love yourself—so you can receive love from someone else: Don’t roll your eyes, this is so true! Having a healthy self-regard, and feeling comfortable in your own skin, sends a powerful message that you are ready to give and receive love.
6. Live with purpose: Everyone wants to be around a person who loves life and lives it fully. Discover what inspires and energises you, and go for it.
7. Project confidence: Since self-confidence is contagious, you’ll boost your odds of finding a partner if you become convinced deep down that you have a lot to offer.
8. Detox your emotional life: Toxic emotions — bitterness, regrets, shame — have a way of leaking out into actions and attitudes. Do whatever you can to work through damaging feelings.
9. Tell it like it is: Everyone appreciates a straight shooter, with no hidden agendas or sales pitches.
10. Let your enthusiasm pour out: Which would you choose—a date who has low energy and seems indifferent, or someone who is upbeat and optimistic? So would your potential dates.
11. Skip the snarky banter: Modern humour leans heavily on sarcasm and cynicism, which may work for stand-up comics and late-night TV hosts, but not so much for potential lovers.
12. Maximise your God-given assets: Look for ways to develop and utilise your talents.
13. Know where you’re going: If you don’t have a solid direction for your life, work hard to develop one.
14. Show genuine interest: Everyone has a story to tell and a desire to be heard. Make the other person feel worthy of your undivided attention. (Put the phone away.)
15. Leave exes out of the conversation: You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating because it’s such a common complaint: No one wants to hear all the terrible details about your exes!

11 Ways To REALLY Compliment A Woman

The best compliment that I have ever gotten is "your personality is mesmerizing." After a compliment like that, every "you look good" or "I like your outfit" seems so meaningless. If you want to compliment a woman, and I mean really compliment a woman, here are some ideas.
1. Compliment her intelligence
"I learn so much from you."
"I could listen to you for hours."
"What are your thoughts on..."
"I bet you do your crossword puzzle in ink."
2. Compliment her sense of humor
"You are hilarious."
"I wish more people could make me laugh like that."
"Jokes are funnier when you tell them."
3. Compliment her uniqueness
"I've never met anyone like you before."
"You are different than other girls."
"Who raised you? They deserve a medal."
"You have such cool interests and hobbies."
4. Compliment her career
"You seem great at what you do."
"If anyone can do it, it is you."
"You are so accomplished."
5. Compliment the way she makes you feel
"You make me want to be a better person."
"You make me feel so comfortable."
"Everyday with you is worth celebrating."
"Every time I look at you I can't help but smile."
"I feel like I can be myself around you."
6. Compliment her kindness
"I see so much warmth in your eyes."
"You have such a positive charisma."
"You are always so happy and kind to others."
"You are incredibly thoughtful."
7. Compliment her accomplishments
"I am so proud of you."
"I'm so excited for you and your future."
"You should be so proud of yourself."
"You are making a difference."
"I love how passionate you are about..."
8. Compliment her confidence
"Confidence looks great on you."
"You are so strong."
"I love the way you can take over a room."
9. Compliment her unchangeables
"Your laugh is contagious."
"I wouldn't change a single thing about you."
"I get lost in your eyes."
"Your personality is one of my favorite things about you."
10. Compliment her specifics
"Do you know that you have a freckle on your neck? It's pretty cute."
"Your eyelashes are so long."
"You have got such toned arms."
"I love how much you love to read."
11. Compliment her actions
"You have impeccable manners."
"You are more helpful than you realize."
"Your ability to recall random factoids at just the right time is impressive."
"You're a great listener."

This is the city with the fastest growing population of cheaters

You know you're curious.

City with most cheaters  (Photograph by Getty Images)

People cheat in every city and town across the country, indeed,across the world.

And while everyone has their own subjective set of reasons for being unfaithful—a lack of satisfaction in their relationship; an irresistible attraction to someone else; a drunken lapse in judgment; un-indulged polyamorous desires; an unabashed sense of personal entitlement; the list goes on—there are apparently a few cities in which cheating is becoming increasingly common.

According to new data from Ashley Madison, an online affair-arranging service, Los Angeles has the fastest growing population of philanderers. In 2017, the City of Angels yielded a 47 percent increase in new Ashley Madison accounts. Apparently, Beverly Hills was particularly primed for adultery, with a 32 percent increase in user sign-ups.

New York, where user sign-ups increased by 40 percent, came in second.Washington, D.C. came in third, with a 34 percent uptick in registrations, whileAtlanta, Phoenix, and Austin, tied for fourth, with a 29 percent upswing each. In Seattle, user intake jumped by 28 percent; inJacksonville, Florida, it went up by 27 percent; and in both Houston and San Francisco, Ashley Madison bolstered its ranks by 24 percent.

"If we look at the top 10 cities on a map, we can see they range from coast-to-coast,”Isabella Mise, Ashley Madison's director of communications, said in a press release."This tells us that stepping out of the marriage really isn’t an isolated occurrence, people across the country are looking to fulfill their unsatisfied needs at a growing rate."

It bears noting, too, that these 10 cities are also among the country's most populous, which might have something to do with the results. In any case, as the company notes, the tendency to cheat does seem to bridge political beliefs, too.

Of course, living in these cities doesn't make you an automatic target for infidelity. But it doesn't hurt to be especially alert of potential signs of cheating if you call these cities home. And if you're feeling tempted join become one of the 57 million subscribers on the infamous site yourself, we recommend you ask yourself these questions first.

5 Steps To A Flat Tummy In 5 Days

Stock You want to wear your favourite saree or figure-hugging dress but are worried about your flabby stomach bulging out. Well, you still have a last option. While you cannot reduce fat, you can lose belly fat by decreasing your total body fat percentage. And you don’t have to completely alter your daily habits to get a flat stomach within 5 days!
Step one:
If you want to build muscle and burn fat at the same time, you have to perform circuit training, three days per week. How can you achieve this? Indulge in full body exercises like lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups, for one set of 15 repetitions. Don’t forget to follow every exercise with one minute of jumping rope. You should be able to burn around 500 to 600 calories per workout.
Step two:
You have to work on your abdominal muscles three times in the week. Crunches and leg raises for three sets of 20 repetitions should be done. Also, do planks by holding your body in a push-up position on your elbows for 30 to 60 seconds for four sets.
Step three:
The kind of food you will eat in this period is vital in bringing about any change. Natural foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and pastas, chicken, beef, fish and low fat dairy should replace processed foods full of sugar.
Step four :
To minimize water retention, lower your sodium intake. This means you need to avoid salt. You can flavour your food with other herbs and spices instead.
Step five:
Stressing and anxiety can cause the over-production of a certain hormone called cortisol, which encourages weight gain about the belly area. So try to keep your cool!

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has prophesized things to expect in the fast approaching 2018.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has prophesized things to expect in the fast approaching 2018.
Adeboye declared that 2018 would be better than the outgoing 2017 for the country.
Pastor Adeboye revealed this during Christmas visitation and “Let’s Go A Fishing” programme organised by his church in Osogbo, capital of the state of Osun.
Adeboye urged Nigerians not to lose hope in future the of Nigeria despite the hardship faced.
“It is imperative for everybody to love Jesus, who is the solution to myriad of challenges, confronting the world.
“Nigerians should be optimistic as the new year will bring favour, better than 2017,” he said.
Making reference to the book of John, Chapter 3, Verse 16, he charged Nigerians and Osun people to love Jesus Christ, noting that solution to problems in Nigeria and the
global community lies in Jesus.

3 Signs Your Wife Will Cheat On You

Past research has suggested that infidelity is one of the leading causes of divorce. But what drives a person to become unfaithful?
Thanks to a new study published in Contemporary Family Therapy , we now have an inside look into why married women cheat.
Researchers Michelle Jeanfreau, Anthony Jurich, and Michael Mong conducted case studies on four women aged 24 to 51 who cheated on their spouses and whose marriages subsequently ended in divorce. Through in-depth analysis, researchers discovered three common risk factors that contributed to the infidelity.

1. Lack of quality time.
According to the study, all four women expressed a desire to spend more time with their husbands but were often denied, making them feel like a second or third priority to their husbands’ jobs or social lives.
Bella, 48, began her affair three years into her marriage and said she often felt anger toward her husband for leaving her constantly. ‘‘After we had our first child, he’d come in from work, take his bath. I had supper ready, [he’d take] a little nap, get up and go out partying all the time and leave me home with the kids.’’
Similarly, 36-year-old Kate, who cheated on her husband after five years of marriage, said their lack of together time led to constant fighting. “He started coming in late at night, and he would leave early in the mornings and it’s like we never saw each other,” she explained to researchers. “We would always argue. I wanted him to spend more time with me and he would always make other plans … do his own thing.”
The women, as the researchers explained, felt their husbands were not reciprocating the same level of desire to maintain a strong connection in the marriage, which made them susceptible to finding that connection elsewhere.

2. Inability to resolve conflict.
An inability to communicate often leads to relationship conflicts going unresolved. In these particular cases, the lack of resolution or change in future behavior left the women feeling frustrated, and many voiced a concern that while problems were recognized, no progress was made to fix them.
‘‘We would try and he would say, you know, I’m (going) to do better….and he never would,” said Kate.
Linda, 51, who divorced after 21 years of marriage but started cheating just six years in, said she and her ex simply failed to address the root of their conflicts. ‘‘I’d usually just leave until he cooled off and then I’d come back and pout and not say nothing to him.’’
The researchers concluded that a lack of communication was a precursor to cheating: “In each case, the attraction to marital infidelity began to grow for the women because the unresolved issues continued to be a source of conflict in the marital relationship, pushing the women further away from their spouses.”

3. Lack of attention.
Through the study, it became clear that all the women craved more intimacy in their marriages. This void was eventually filled by an affair partner.
Bella began thinking about an affair when “somebody started showing me the affection that I needed….the touching and feeling and being wanted.’’
Zoie, 24, who began cheating just seven months into her marriage, said that her husband wouldn’t give her even five minutes of attention, whereas her affair partner would talk to her about anything and everything.

Linda, however, summed up the women’s desires best. “I want somebody in my life that would love me for me. That would just show attention to me for me…And you know made me feel like I was worthwhile. It was just somebody there to have attention with, show me attention…make me feel better about myself,” she said.
What does it all mean?
According to the researchers, none of the women actively sought out affairs. As time went on, however, they grew more frustrated in their marriages and the partner they cheated with became more desirable. When the opportunity arose, there was less hesitation to stray.
Of course, every marriage is different, but the authors of the study note that these specific insights into cheating could help people and professionals identify early warning signs in relationships and work toward fixing them.

Former World footballer of the year, George Weah voted as the new Liberian President

George Weah has made history as he has been voted as the new President of Liberia after trouncing his opponent in Tuesday’s second round of voting
.
The former World Footballer of the Year become the first famous player in the world to clinch the high office of a country after retiring from the game.
The delayed vote on Tuesday pitted George Weah, a 51-year-old ex-international football star and Liberian senator, against 73-year-old Joseph Boakai, who has been the country’s vice president for the last 12 years.
Weah, who topped the first round of voting but did not secure the 50 percent needed to win outright, won the runoff after soundly beating Boakai.
READ 2016 Budget Divides Senate into North-South
Insiders close the the Weah camp have told that the results they have collated so far indicates that the former football star has won the election with about 80% of the votes counted so far.
Weah took to social media to give a disguised victory message telling his supporters he is on ‘the verge of making history for our people’ and thanked the people for their votes.
The finals results are expected four days but efficiency of the electoral body has resulted in votes being counted faster.
According to observers from the EU and the Liberia Elections Observation Network (LEON), a network of civil society associations, voting was conducted much faster than in the first round, thanks in particular to lists of the electorate several days in advance and better training of staff to supervise the vote.
READ You Have No Power To Banish Me, Monarch Tells Okorocha
Nearly 2.2 million people were eligible to vote in the runoff in the West African country.
Initially scheduled for November 7, the vote was delayed after the party of a third candidate filed a legal complaint alleging voter fraud and irregularities.
Both Weah, the candidate for the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), and Boakai, of the Unity Party, had promised to revive Liberia’s struggling economy and kickstart infrastructure projects but it is clear the former footballer will now bear that responsibility.
Liberians are effectively choosing a successor to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state, whose 12-year rule helped cement peace in Liberia after two bloody civil wars, which spanned 14 years before ending in 2003.

Baba Vanga, a mystic who many believe 'predicted' 9/11 and the rise of ISIS, also had two predictions for 2018.
The 85-year-old passed away in 1996 but her predictions are still circulating online over twenty years later.
Regarding the year ahead, Baba Vanga said that China would take over from the United States as the world's number one superpower.
She also predicted that scientists would discover 'a new form of energy' on the planet Venus.
In previous years, it has been suggested that China could potentially overtake the US as the number one global power and considering its current economic prowess, this is a definite possibility.
As regards the second prophecy, the 'new form of energy', a NASA spacecraft entitled the Parker Solar Probe will launch in July.
According to The Mirror, it is not expected to land on Venus but will use the planet's 'gravitational force' to study the outer corona of the sun.
Baba Vanga, originally from Bulgaria, is often referred to as 'Nostradamus from the Balkans' and many believe she predicted many of the world's natural disaster and memorable events.
She is thought to have predicted 9/11, the chilling rise of terrorist group ISIS, President Obama's run in office and Brexit but of course, people are divided about whether Baba's predictions are as authentic as they appear

Prophet Nwachukwu releases 2018 prophecies

Prophet Anene Nwachukwu

Prophet Anene Nwachukwu of Rhema Deliverance Mission, Lagos, has released his prophecies for 2018.

According to him, there will be greater turmoil in the political arena in 2018, months before the 2019 general elections.

He also urged older politicians that have dominated Nigeria’s political space for long to vacate the space for the younger generation with fresh ideas to move the country forward.

In an interview with the Sun Newspaper, he said: “We will witness a better Nigeria in 2018. However, we must pray seriously.

“There will be serious political crises. The National Assembly will be at loggerheads with the presidency and vice versa. There will be a lot of intra and inter-party squabbles.

“Nigerians must pray hard to avert the confusion and its dire consequences.

“We need young men with fresh ideas to carry the youths along. Good people are afraid to come into politics because evil people have occupied the space and frustrate genuine people.

“The older politicians should retire and give the youth a chance to rebuild the country. Nevertheless, we will keep praying for God to sanitise the nation and make Nigeria what it should be.”

LMAO!! See The 4 Nigerian Songs You’ve Been Singing Wrong Your Entire Life

I can’t wait to ruin your childhood memories!!

Everyone waxes nostalgic when they remember their childhoods. If you had a bad childhood, don’t worry I’m about to ruin the ones of those that had good ones.

Growing up in Naija, we had some songs we’ve been singing since we were toddlers. We learnt these songs and joined the multitude that has been singing it wrong for ages.

Here are some songs that many Nigerians have been singing wrong since they were kids:

1. Sandalili Sandalili

Every primary school child from the 90’s knows this song. We sang it and we were proud. But did you know we’ve been singing it all wrong since time immemorial?

Correct: Standard living, standard living.

I wonder how we made the jump from standard living to sandalili.

2. The most excellency is Jesus

This is another song many Christians sing. I bet you will hear this when you go to church on Sunday. The correct wording is:

Correct: The most excellent king is Jesus.

3. Jangilova epo motor

This was another favourite of us when it comes to playing games. I wonder where we got Jangilova when it is:

Jingle over like a motor

4. Osingo Osingo, Praise the Lord

This song is actually “O sing my soul, praise the Lord”. But as Nigerians, we have invented our own version lol.

Our Governor has gone ‘mad’ again?

•Governor Okorocha
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8.
These are really bad times for Imo people. It has been more than six years of choking leadership, and it is worse that the people should be trampled upon by Owelle Rochas Okorocha, a man they laboured so hard to make Governor in 2011 and 2015.
The feeling Imo people get from the beatdown and trampling on the head by the product of their own votes is nothing less than dejection and gnashing of the teeth every morning, afternoon and night – when they return home to meet the weary long faces of their loved ones, who for no fault of theirs cannot find food to eat.
Not minding that Imo people have become weary souls, our Governor shocked the world recently when he went berserk and turned against the same media that made him. Yes, he turned against his critics, and by so doing proved to all Imo people that there is need to ascertain the mental status of every political office seeker before voting them.
To begin with, the Governor had on Thursday 14th December 2017 caused the Department of State Security (DSS) to invite Hon Uche Onyeagucha, his ally-turned-ardent critic, and got him to answer to complaints against him. According to Hon Onyeagucha, the Governor dragged him to the DSS over his comment that Imo people should rise up and resist him for his actions that have clearly shown a leader rising against the people, and showing disrespect to the Rule of Law, Accountability, etc.
The Governor also on December 15 dragged the publishers of the Trumpetta newspaper to the DSS over their publication that he was attacked at the New Market Owerri on December 13, just like thugs said to be working for the Governor in 2011 attacked Nigeria Horn newspaper’s office after it published what they considered offensive.
Like the bees, the comments, activities of Hon Onyeagucha and the publications of Trumpetta newspaper stung the Governor in the head with venom in quantum. And no doubt, it hurts!
Imo people can recall that the Governor had in one news magazine interview claimed that his ideas drive him “crazy”, and has also during his birthday celebration recently referred to himself as a mad man. That is why they might not worry anymore that they have endured this kind of government since 2011, because a good tree can only bear good fruits. With this, Imo people need no longer worry why an elected Governor should engage in berserk acts, such as sacking elected local government officials, the 10,000 jobs beneficiaries and suddenly turning his fangs against his people to whom he had promised rescue.
Since after the berserk actions of June 2011 Imo people are on daily basis fed with more of them. Recall too that it was this Governor that introduced the infamous policy of paying civil servants’ salaries in percentages (70%), and when he had succeeded with it he turned on the pensioners, our aged parents, who had put in their useful days in the service of the state, and decided to pay them 40% of arrears of years of unpaid pension, without regard to the legal status of pensions as contributory contractual obligation between the government and the workers, and that the Governor has no power to slash it for whatever reason.
While Imo people were mourning the death of the senior citizens, little did they know that the worst had yet happened. As if some people in government swore an oath to see that Imo people were denied happiness, and as if someone was on a mission to decapitate the people so as to inject fear in them and ensure that none is courageous enough to raise his voice to oppose him, the Governor embarked on demolition spree, like a dog that has run amok. His first target was the dwelling places of ordinary Imo sons and daughters. Their properties were pulled down in his urban renewal programme, forcing them out of homes and businesses.
Apparently not pleased with the number of people that were forced out of their homes and businesses, the Governor went to work again, this time demolishing the markets, beginning with Ekeukwu Owerri Market in August. He went on to demolish other markets, the latest being the New Market, Owerri.
In the midst of all this wailing and gnashing of teeth that have become daily occurrence in the state, the Governor also banned keke operators, denying more Imo families food from all fronts, especially during the “Yuletide”.
This is unprecedented warfare waged against the people, and if we had a government that wears human face, the implications of these demolitions would have triggered off emergency humanitarian situation of great proportion as never seen before in Imo State. But since Imo people are forced to live with and endure a government that finds joy in seeing tears run down their cheek, they have resorted to bottling up their anger.
While this bottled-up anger is yet to explode, the people have sought every opportunity to say that what exists in Imo is the peace of the hammer and the anvil. Therefore, suppressing the anger of the people is only like trying to suppress a thickening time bomb, which may explode in the face or gather more casualties.
While the people buy their time in the face of suppressive actions, it is most unfortunate that our Governor does not decipher the signs of the time – that they do not speak of love and gratitude – but are ominous signs heralding the coming apocalypse. Like in the days of Noah our Governor is drinking and partying and has rather boasted that neither him nor his Rescue Mission administration has any opposition in the state. He went on to boast that “no reasonable Imo man or woman can come out in protest against” him “or his administration because he has done for them what they never knew could be done by a government in the state”. The Governor also beat his chest and wondered why anyone in Imo would “storm the street against the government”.
From 2011 when it started, it is obvious to Imo people that this government thrives on empty promises and boasting. Nevertheless, if the Governor had been listening he would have heard that the sound of opposition in the state is deafening and choking.
For example, the first sign of stiff opposition the Governor would noticed is that most of the people who began with him have left him. Imo people are not daft. They know that things have fallen apart for the Governor and the Agbasos, Senator Araraume, Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Hon Barr Uche Onyeagucha, Dr Orikeze Ajumbe, etc. Perhaps the greatest opposition the Governor has within is that even his own party has deserted him, as the local government chairmen have pitched their tent elsewhere, in addition to the fact that the Governor’s party, the APC, is nowhere to be seen in the state. These are definitely no tales by moonlight to any serious leader.
Also, Governor Okorocha’s government is the only government in the state that has lost both elite and masses support, and one wonders where else this government can stand if not on false claims and braggadocio. But rather than the false claim of no opposition in the state, the Governor seems so frightened by the power of the people when they wield it. This is the reason he has transformed from an “angel of light” to an “emperor”, and he does not mind using the entire security apparatchik in the state to frustrate the true expression of the feelings of the people in any form.
A Governor who uses security agencies to stop a protest organised by the people will only be delusional to turn around to claim that no one can “storm the streets” against him. Such claim is deflated by the Imo People Action for Democracy (IPAD) which had in collaboration with other civil society groups planned a weeklong protest tagged “Occupy Imo”, to hold from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 December, 2017. This would-have- been mother of all protests was shamelessly stopped by the police, which said they stopped the Occupy Imo’ protest because of “this festive period” and that “Imo people have a right to enjoy the Yuletide period”.
By the way the CP spoke and the Show of Force that was witnesses in Owerri on Monday, December 18, no one needs a soothsayer to know that someone somewhere was afraid of the impending “Occupy Imo”; or someone somewhere feared that Imo was being invaded. But that was just the storm before the rain!
There is also need to point out that Mr CP cannot convince most people with his claim of wrong timing for the protest, because few days before the date for the commencement of the IPAD protest, a group known as Rochas Mandate Movement was allowed to hold a rally for the Governor. And perhaps the CP should tell Imo people whether the demolition of Ekeukwu Owerri Market, New Market, etc, and the banning of keke in Owerri were well timed. He should also tell the people whether anyone is justified to beat up a child and shut him up same time.
But what Imo people have learnt from the IPAD “Occupy Imo” protest and the Governor’s boasting is that, rather than mocking the group the Governor was thanking his stars that by using the police the protest was put on hold. But however you look at it, the statement has been made through IPAD that Imo people are not happy. Nigerians are now aware that it took the entire security agencies in the state to stop the people from storming the street against the Governor, not what the Governor said, that they chickened out.
Imo people are therefore sure that whether the Governor and his collaborators allow the vocal expression of this disappointment now or not, there must be a judgement day. If they cannot protest with their placards today, they will protest with their PVCs.
Also, what is going on in Owerri where Douglas Road and other major streets have become market places is symbolic of the people’s resistance to the Governor’s anti people actions. It calls for sober reflection that despite how wounded and suffocated the traders are, they keep “protesting” by returning to the very locations they were driven from.
The Governor can go on with his boastings but it is clear to most people that nothing is working anymore in Imo State, expect that the government has become the biggest propaganda machine ever.
How can anything work when Accountability, Due Process and the Rule of Law have taken flight? Above all, the man elected to be our Governor believes he has swallowed medicine against iron and steel and nothing can happen to him, even when he has cut himself off from the people, to the point that nothing touches him and he doesn’t feel what the people feel; to the point that he has lost touch and now turns himself into a roaring lion against the same people that gave him their mandate.
But in the whole of this, Imo people are now like the old woman who remembers the days when she was newly married. Imo people remember that under Chief Ikedi Ohakim they held series of protests and called the Governor names unmolested. They organised black masses and even toured the 27 local governments under the inglorious Alliance for Good Governance. They circulated fake documents and took over the newspapers and radio stations. They cloned his voice and said things he never dreamt of. They took the church also and raised high religious sentiments against him. Yet no one was molested. They booed him at a public debate at the Assumpta Cathedral, yet no one touched the Archbishop or destroyed anything belonging to the church. In fact, Ohakim was not spared, but he carried on with amazing equanimity.
But today, Imo people now get the exact opposite as the police is being used as a strong ally of government against the people. This same agency has been accused of collaborating with the Governor to demolish Ekeukwu Owerri and other markets. Whatever happens, this ungodly alliance of the Imo police and the state against the people, no matter how long it lasts, cannot remove the eyes of Imo people from the need to show the bull in a China shop the exit door before it destroys the wares.

12 hilarious wedding photos that will make your day

Weddings are a big deal across the world. They are special events in the life of most people, so a lot of effort and resources are invested into making them successful and memorable. 

Library photo

One of the most important features in the wedding budget is photography. Couples spend good money to hire good photographers to capture what is the best moment in their lives.

And on D-Day, they put forward their best pose in order to get the special pictures that they crave. While it mostly turns out good, there are times that things go wrong.

Here are 12 examples of wedding pictures that went horribly wrong and found their way onto the internet:

When you marry a mechanic who is used to sucking fuel from the car carburetor

When the wife's father does not support the wedding

When the money you spent on the wedding is borrowed, you want to start getting value for money immediately

When you want to prove that you have arrived - the newest groom in town!

Jackie Chan style. This is serious!

When hubby has been watching too much James Bond movies

When there is no money, but the love is too strong.

When hubby is the branch manager of a susu collection company

When hubby is a die-hard Man United fan.

When weed finds its way into the jollof rice eaten at the reception

When the best man sponsored the wedding

I Used To Smoke, Kept Many Girlfriends But I Never Tasted Alcohol, Here Are The Most Shocking Things About President Buhari You Never Knnew

n this concluding part of the interview President
Muhammadu Buhari granted Eric osagie, The SunMD/Editor-in-Chief in company of Paulinus Aidoghie in 2012, he explains why he is not super rich despite being former Head of State.
But don’t you think you went too far?
What do you mean by going too far?
But you went to the extreme that public officers could do no wrong, as if they were saints. You called the decree ‘Protection of Public Officers Against False Accusation,’ and clamped down on the media.
Those who did it, the editors, the reporters, we jailed them. But we never closed a whole institution, as others did. We investigated and prosecuted according to the laws, because shutting a newspaper, it is an institution and we lose thousands of jobs. But we found out who made that false report, who was the editor, who okayed it and then, we jailed them.
No regret?
No regret, because we did it according to the laws we made. We neither closed a whole institution and caused job losses.
Then, you left power, 20 months after…
No. I was sent packing from power.
Ok, you didn’t leave on your own volition?
No.
That is a good one. For Nigerians, they remember War Against Indiscipline you brought. What was the philosophy behind it?
Well, I think we realised that the main problem of
Nigeria , then and now, was indiscipline and corruption. When I say we, I mean the Supreme
Military Council. Those two, are Nigeria’s Achilles heels. And I believe the Nigeria elite knew it then and they know it now. So, we started to discipline them. People must realise their level in the society and accept it. If you go and read hard and get a PhD, certainly you will get the best of life than somebody who hasn’t been to school at all or who has been a drop-out. And then, in the public, people must behave responsibly. If you go to bus stops, it is step-by-step or turn-by-turn, and not to force your way. If you go to bank, you find out if people were there before you. Why can’t you go behind them?
Or you come early and be number one.
Exactly! I think that was accepted. And up till now, I think it is the only thing that survived out of our administration, the queue culture . People accepted it with calmness. And in Lagos , they wouldn’t like to associate themselves with the military, so they call it KAI. That is right. Kick Against Indiscipline. But it is still the same thing. It is the same. The only difference is that one was brought by the military and this one is through democratic system.
When you were eased out of power and you had time to reflect for three years, what did you then see that was wrong?
We gave them the opportunity in the three councils I told you. Those rules are supposed to be in the Nigerian archives, except somebody destroyed them, destroyed the evidence. Otherwise, what did we do wrong to warrant being sacked? For example, when we overthrew the Second Republic, we had what we called the SIP, the Special Investigation Panel that comprised the police, the National Security Organisation (NSO) then and the intelligence community of the military. We did nothing by impulse or ad hoc. We went through the system.
And then, you handed down long jail terms, some 100 years. That was something else. Why did you do that?
They would never see the daylight again to commit another crime against humanity.
Would you say your detention period made you a new person?
I think I have always been the same person. When I came out, I was amazed, amazed in the sense that people in my immediate constituency didn’t seem to bother about the major setback I had. They were still coming to me, expecting me to help them in a way. Not in terms of material help, because they knew that I didn’t operate any money house or any petroleum bloc or any filling station…
How can you say a whole oil minister like you didn’t have any oil licence?
No. Not one, and not any for any blood relation or anybody close to me. Really, somehow, people in my community felt that I can still help them. But with that setback, I was wondering how. So, the only way for me, I think, was to join partisan politics so that I can have a platform to speak about the opinion of my constituency, immediate constituency. But the thing that convinced me more than the pressure from immediate locality was the change in 1991, the collapse of the Soviet Union. I have said this so often that an empire in the 20th century, collapsed and a lot of people ran back home, leaving strategic installations behind, like missile sites, nuclear formation and so on. And now, there are about 18 to 19 or 20 republics. It was then that I believed, personally, in my own assessment, that multi-party democratic system was and is still superior to despotism.
That was your turning point?
That was the turning point. But there is a big caveat: elections must be free and fair! And that is what we need. Elections must be free and fair, otherwise, the whole thing will be something else.
During your tenure, one case kept coming up: the 53 suitcases. You had ordered the border shut and your Aide de Camp (ADC), Major Jokolo, was alleged to have escorted 53 suitcases into the country. What happened? Why were you selective?
There was nothing like 53 suitcases. What happened was that there was my chief of protocol; he is now late. He had three wives, and I think about 12 children. He was in Saudi Arabia as Nigeria Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He was in Libya before, as ambassador and later, he was posted to Saudi Arabia. And then, I appointed him as my chief of protocol and he was coming back. Three wives, about 12 children. And then, by some coincidence, the late Emir of Gwandu, the father of Jokolo, who was my ADC then, was coming back with the same flight. And somehow, some mischievous fellows, everything, including the handbag of maybe, their small daughters, were counted as suitcases. Atiku then was the Commandant of Murtala Muhammed Airport as customs officer. And that day, we were playing squash. Jokolo my ADC and I. At some point, I said to him, ‘Mustapha, is your father not coming back today again?’ He said, ‘yes, sir, he is coming.’ I said, ‘what are you doing here? Why can’t you go and meet your father?’ He said yes, sir. He went to wash and meet his father. I am telling you there was no 53 bags of suitcases. It was a bloody lie. It was a bloody mischief.
So, not that he was detailed?
No, he was not detailed. He was not even about to go. I was the one who made him to go and meet his father. He was a respected emir, in fact, if not the most respected emir in the North then. He was learned, he had fantastic credibility and personal integrity. And this man was just coming on posting with his wives and children and they counted every imaginable thing, they said 53 suitcases.
Was that why Atiku was retired?
I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t think I retired Atiku. I can’t recall because I had nothing against anybody.
But the argument was that the border was ordered shut. So, how did those people then come in?
They came by air. We didn’t stop aircraft coming in. They came by air, from Jedda to Lagos. They didn’t drive through Chad to Maiduguri and… People just say 53 suitcases when all borders had been ordered shut because that is how you can sell your papers.
Then you came into politics and every election you are there. Would you still do politics at 70 years, elective politics, offering yourself for election?
This is what I told the audience that came to listen to my address before we started the campaign for the 2011 elections. But my party and supporters were sending representatives. Up till today, they haven’t stopped. But what I told them was that we are in the process now of reorganising the party and perhaps, come into an alignment with other parties. Whatever the parties decide, whether my party or the new party that align and we are hoping to develop; if they give me the ticket or recommend me, I will consider it. That is the position we are now.
Until you get to that stage you can give a definite answer?
Until we get to that stage, there is no clear answer now. Let’s wait and see.
Is it that you don’t like money? Anytime somebody sees you, they say General Buhari is so austere. What gave you that kind of lifestyle? Nobody is associating you with millions. My reporter here was pointing to one mansion of a former governor who just ruled for eight years. So, how did you develop this frugal lifestyle? Is it that you don’t like good life? How do you unwind? Well, some of us have heard that you used to smoke. Do you still smoke? What are those things you have given up?
I used to smoke, but of course, I abandoned it I think in 1977.
Oh really? Before you became head of state?
Yes, I stopped smoking.
Have you ever taken alcohol?
No.
Never?
Never.
Even as a young man and all that?
No, no. Even in the military tradition, how they break you in, I said well, the military did not stop anybody practising his religion. My religion said no alcohol and no alcohol. So, that was respected. I was never forced to take alcohol and I have never voluntarily taken it because I want to remain alert all the time. There is a tendency that when you drink, you would want to have a bottle more, or a glass more and do something stupid.
As a young man, very handsome because I saw some of your old pictures, did you have women flocking around you? And women like soldiers, people who have power…
I also thought women ought to have taken more interest in me but I don’t know why they didn’t. I must have something they didn’t like. I assure you of that. I didn’t drink, I smoked, I had girlfriends; it was true.
How many did you have?
I hope you won’t publish this because my wife will read the interview. So, you will be very kind to me if you don’t publish that (general laughter).
You joined the army and there was coup and counter-coup and civil war. You still had time to unwind?
You can create it but we had too much eventful time, professional career. It was too eventful. There were too many things happening almost at the same time. If I could recall, the 30 months civil war that we had, I was just having two weeks after every six months to come back home just to see my old mother and some of my relatives because I refused to get married till after the war.
Was it deliberate?
It was deliberate.
Why? I thought that would have been the reason to get married.
No, no. Some of our colleagues, like late Vatsa, like Babangida, they were more adventurous than myself. They took a weekend and had a quick
marriage and went back to the front. I thought I would be putting the poor girl or the poor woman under a lot of stress. So, I said if I survived the war, I would get married, but if I didn’t survive, no woman should cry for me other than my relatives.
Some of your General-colleagues became stupendously rich. Today, they have means. I am not a lawyer taking inventory of your assets or preparing your will, but tell me what property do you have now at 70? I am sure you have a house in Abuja, you have one in Lagos. You have one in Daura and you have one here ( Kaduna ). So, if I count your property, maybe five. Am I right or wrong?
You are right but am not going to read or declare with you. My assets were on record, I told some of your colleagues when they came. When Murtala/Obasanjo regime came, they made sure that certain grades of public officers must declare their assets when they assumed that office and they must declare when they were leaving. So, when I was sworn in as governor of North East, I declared my assets.
What did you declare?
I declared surprisingly, even the number of my cows then. Even if they were supposed to be producing every year, but I declared them the time I was there. And when I was leaving governorship, I became petroleum minister. When I was leaving to go to War College, I declared my assets. I could recall General Jemibewon then, was the Adjutant-General of the Army. He rang me and said he was sending me asset declaration form, that I must fill it, sign it before I left for the United States. And I did. General Jemibewon is still alive. And when I became head of state eventually, I declared my assets again. So, all of us; when I say that, I mean Obasanjo downwards, those who are alive who were governors , ministers , head of states, they had declared assets. So, if you people are serious and interested about political officers becoming multi-billionaires, you can find out from Murtala downwards. And those of us who were not very good in making money you should pity us.
Is it that you don’t like money?
Everybody likes money but I am not very good at making money. Let me put it that way. I borrowed from the banks to build the house in Daura and the one in Abuja that you mentioned and the one in Kano. The bank then was Barclays, now Union Bank. Kaduna State or North Central then housing scheme and the Federal Mortgage Bank for the house I am in and AIB, which was, I think, terminated by Central Bank. So, when you go through the records, you find out that the houses I built, I borrowed from there.
You are a respected former head of state. What is your relationship with others, Obasanjo, your former boss and at a point, your political opponent, General Babangida, the man who took over from you and then, Shagari…
You are very nice. He took over from me and I took over from Shagari. You are very nice.
I want to be polite.
You are very nice. Ok, carry on.
What is your relationship with them. I see some parts of patching up here and there, but when a man is 70, you say it the way it is. What is your relationship with all these people I have mentioned now, deep down?
I think the worst thing anybody can do to oneself is to have either hatred or grudge on daily basis. One thing will happen and you better forget.
Have you forgiven Babangida now? You once said you felt betrayed over the coup against your
government?
I did. Publicly, I did.
You have?
I have and some of your papers published it. I said as a Muslim, I have forgiven him.
But during that period it happened, you must have been really angry?
Of course, I was angry because I can’t recall what I had done for him to mobilise the military to overthrow me and detain me for more than three years. Yeah, it is natural for me to be upset.
Were you going to retire him before your overthrow, as has been alleged? This is an opportunity to lay it because we have heard those speculations that you were going to retire him and he moved against you quickly.
Something like that happened but not him. I moved to retire his Director of Military Intelligence.
Akilu?
General Aliyu, not Akilu.
Aliyu?
Aliyu Gusau.
You were going to retire him?
Yes. I took a paper to Army Council. Babangida was there…
As the Chief of Army Staff?
Yes. Idiagbon was there, Bali was there as Minister of Defence, and I was there as the head of state and commander-in-chief. And reasons for him to be removed was in that memo. Go and find out from him or from Babangida. They are both alive.
Not against Babangida per se?
No.
But if you touched Gusau, his intelligence chief, invariably, you were going to inch towards the Chief of Army Staff, Babangida. Eventually, he might have been touched.
I didn’t know but at that point, it was Aliyu Gusau.
You were inching closer?
Yes, we were inching closer. You could say that.
But you have forgiven him for all that happened.
I have forgiven him. I said it and it was printed by some of your colleagues. But I didn’t say it will be forgotten. It cannot be forgotten. If I say I forget about it, I will be lying. But I have forgiven him, just as I expect Shagari to forgive me as the one who succeeded him.
But Shagari said you detained him and then…
I too, was detained (general laughter).
Ok, whatof Obasanjo? What kind of relationship do you have?
Obasanjo; he mobilized Nigerian voters against me.
But you have forgiven him?
No, I haven’t forgiven him (laughter).
Finally now, finally, finally, finally…
I don’t know when your final will come to a real final.
No, this is the end now. If the end comes, how do you want Nigerians to remember you, if you have the chance to write your epitaph?
I want Nigerians to be fair to me. Like this case of 53, 55 suitcases, like the case of N2.8billion. I want Nigerians to be fair and to be fair, all these documents are in the Nigerian archives. As I said, I didn’t do anything important outside the three organs of government: the Supreme Military Council, Council of States and Council of Ministers. On serious issues, Nigerians should do some research. That is why I always make emphasis on investigative journalism. If you want to be fair and impartial, I am sure you can have the capacity, both intellectual and resource to make an in-depth investigation.
Nigerians should be fair to you?
They should be fair to me.
Your daughter just passed on?
She would have been 40 before she died.
Oh, when life was just beginning.
Yes.
What was the circumstance? Some said she was a sickler; she had sickle cell anemia.
She was a sickler and she had complication when she was delivered by Caesarian.
And that remains a very sad incident for you.
Yes.
Thank you, General.
You are always welcom