TWELVE TYPES OF PASTORS

*12 TYPES OF PASTORS*
As students of the Bible, we can see that there are at least 12 kinds of Pastors that are visible in the Church today. *Though not a comprehensive list, but these twelve represent majority of Pastors leading Churches and ministries today. I hope we can individually find *who we are* among these twelve descriptions.

*1. BUSINESSMEN PASTORS*
(1 Timothy 6:35; Isaiah 56:10,11; 2:14).
*Description:* They are businessmen and women who see the ministry as *avenue to make money.* They function as the Chief Executive Officers of their Churches. The Church is run with business principles. Their major emphasis is *money, finance, prosperity and how to make it.* They are in absolute control of everything.
*Basic Motive:* Gain and profit. Their programmes are targeted at *how much money is raised.* They are using God’s name, the Church and the Bible to make money and enrich themselves.
*Demerits:* No sense of eternity, disciples and godliness.
*They breed Christians who are greedy of gain, profit-oriented, thieves and crooks. They engage in lying, fantastic promises and spurious prophesies.* They apportion *Church position* to the highest bidder.
*Way Out:* True repentance, freedom from financial lure and restoration of balanced truth to the church. Business Pastors have brought *much bad image* to the Church.

*2. FUNKY PASTOR* (2 Timothy 4:3, 4; Jeremiah 6:13)
*Description:* Worldly, carnal, ungodly Pastors *who watered down the gospel to please people.* They dress anyhow and they allow anything in the Church. They are immoral and sex-maniac who take advantage of people. Their messages are the *Church liberty, ministry on the broadways, easy way to heaven* and making you somebody in life.
*Basic Motives:* Keep the people happy. Don’t offend them by telling them the truth. They exert influence and power over people *in order to get their money.* Youth and young people enjoy these kinds of Pastors.
*Demerits:* No mention of sin, evil, hell or righteousness. *Their focus is miracle, blessing and breakthroughs.* Secular talk shows are allowed. Immorality, extra-marital affairs and pre-marital sex are overlooked all in the belief that God is a loving God. Funky pastors have brought much shame to the Pastoral ministry and their name.
*Way Out:* Genuine repentance and restitution, or else…

*3. VOCATIONAL PASTORS* (Ezekiel 34:2, 3)
*Description:* They are in the ministry, *not as a result of God’s call, but by the call of men.* They see pastoring as a hobby. They love the honour and respect being given to Pastors. *Tribal sentiments, ethnic bias, connection to authority, wealth, status and oratory power* are what was used to make them Pastors. Educational qualifications and greasing of palms also figure here.
*Basic Motive:* To rule over others and to be seen and respected by them. No vision, purpose and commission from the Lord. They therefore lord themselves over the people, *using threats and position to oppress those who are genuinely called.*
*Demerits:* They are not concerned with anyone or the Church once their position is secured. They lead Church backward through *secular management systems.* They don’t train, develop or empower anyone. The Church is always malnourished and spiritually weak under such Pastors. Their ministrations are always devoid of God’s power and their sermons always make people sick. *Vocational or honorary Pastors have caused much havoc for the Church today.*
*Way Out:* Seek the face of God as to His plan for your life, resignation and functioning where God wants you.

*4. YESTERDAY’S PASTORS*
*Description:* They are called by the Lord, but *they are not in tune with the moves of God today.* They are holy, godly and righteous but they are trapped in *yesterday’s ways* because they are ultra-conservative. Old tradition, dogma and doctrinal correctness is their forte. They spend only on their *one gift* to lead the Church, they detest learning and change.
*Basic Motive:* To survive and bring back old time religion. They are therefore prejudiced against growth, change and new strategies. They are good in hymnals, bell-ringing and order of service that has become routine and lifeless today. Their relational skills are weak and very low.
*Demerits:* Lack of vision, purpose and direction in the Church. The work is backward; they are confused because changes that have occurred have left them behind. They therefore experience crisis, breakaway, stagnation and backdoor losses.They do everything in the Church because they don’t trust anybody. They are skeptical of people and change. Pastors of yesterday usually don’t know the new moves of God for today; because they are too busy looking at yesterday.
*Way Out:* Change, personal growth, disabused mindset and new focus on the move of God today.

*5. POLITICAL PASTORS*
(Jeremiah 10:21; Jeremiah 23:11; Micah 3:11)
*Description:* They were once Servants of the Lord, but are now backslidden. *They no longer have time to preach, pray, nourish people and prepare them for heaven.* All their time is taken up with meetings upon meetings. They have become servants of the people. Bad friends, economic hardship and strange teachings have changed them.
*Basic Motive:* To make it, *either by force or by fire.* They therefore engage in Church politics. They become cunning, crafty, arm-twisting and they can speak from both sides of their mouth. Their strategic closeness to Church authority make them to determine the transfer, promotion, discipline and suspension of other Pastors that are many times better than them. Character assassination is their modus–operandi.
*Demerits:* Their Churches always suffer because they are not always around due to frequent meetings. *They are spiritually dry, unable to get fresh insight from God* and the Church suffers spiritually. They get involved in scandals which they use for their *political manouvering* to cover up. Political Pastors need to return back to the Lord, or else…
*Way Out:* Remember where you have fallen, repent and return back to the Lord. Stop Church politics and concentrate on the primary job of pastoring, leading, nourishing and preparing people for eternity.

*6. OCCULTIC PASTORS* (Revelation 2:20,24: Revelation 3:9)
*Description:* These are the people who have no business being in the ministry, but they are there all the same. *Some are former occult practitioners* who claim to be born-again, while *others are herbalists and magicians* who decide to hood-wink people by modernizing as Pastors. They live double lives. They appear to eat at the Lord’s table but also deal with the devil in secret. They use means and demonic power to perform spurious miracles.
*Basic Motives:* Their motive is gain, power and control over people. They therefore use candles, coconut, incense, salt, sponge, soaps, special baths and native roots as “prayer support.” They engage in fake vision, false prophecy and spurious miracles. They read the sixth and seventh books of Moses. They are usually polygamous and womanizers.
*Demerits:* Using other means to ‘Jazz’ up the work so that crowds can come; people under bondage and oppression; making people, children of hell; immorality thrives; witchcraft and calamities in Churches; people dying and losing their destiny in such Churches. Oppressive air of bondage will be thick. No form of godly spirituality among the people. *Occultic Pastors will always be exposed by their traits and they will lose their ministries sooner or later.*
*Way Out:* True repentance and knowing the Lord afresh, turning away from company of Satan.

*7. SHALLOW PASTORS* (Zephaniah 3:4)
*Description:* These are proud, garrulous, self-centered and self-willed Pastors. They are islands; too busy to attend conferences or seminars or listen to anybody’s tape. They believe that everyone should learn from them but they cannot learn from others. Their anointing has grown to the extent that they don’t need to read the Bible everyday, have time of prayer and fast unto the Lord.
*Basic Motives:* Their motive is to succeed in ministry financially, materially and socially. They therefore spend Church money to buy *expensive shoes, clothing, cars and properties.* They have nothing to really give to people spiritually. *They thrive on stories, noise, demonstrations, pushing people and mimicked styles and prophecies.* Their sermon dwell on their worth, wealth and fame.
*Demerits:* People are fed half truths, lies, motivational talks. They are always on the move, have nothing really to share and give to the people. The people are therefore largely unsaved, carnal, sinful, ungodly and religious. They therefore move away to where the grass is green and the water is still. Shallow Pastors will always lose serious Christians to other Churches.
*Way Out:* Return to the Lord, load yourself and prepare to feed people with balanced diet of the Word.

*8. MINISTRY PASTORS*
*Description:* These are ministry-focused Pastors. *They are committed to and consumed by the work of the ministry.* In their order of priorities, ministry is number one and everything else takes secondary position. *These Pastors neglect their families, children and personal lives* in the name of doing ministry. Their children are wayward, bitter, uncatered for, angry and unconverted. Their wives are miserable, frustrated, neglected; feel cheated and lonely.
*Basic Motives:* To fulfill their ministry irrespective of anything or anybody. Their desire is to prove themselves and the readiness to neglect everything for the ministry. *They move from crusade to revivals, from prayer mountains to special seminars.* They are too spiritual to play, pray, enjoy and relax with their wives, children and family, because sinners are perishing. They are always in a hurry.
*Demerits:* They experience divorce, have wayward children, unsettled homes and unfulfilled ministry. Their wives become demonized or engage in extra–marital affairs due to frequent absence and lack of care. *Pastors that give ministry the number one priority above their God, home and personal development will always experience crisis, breakaway and being forsaken by the Lord.* Lack of peace, progress and tranquility, both in the Church and personal lives will always be the outcome of the mistake of putting ministry before God and your family. Ministry Pastors will always experience burn out and frustration in ministry.
*Way Out:* Return back to the Lord. Make your God and family as number one and two, and ministry as number three.

*9. SICK PASTORS* (Revelation 3:14-19)
*Description:* physically okay but *spiritually sick.* Sick because they don’t know the Lord, they are sinful, ungodly, evil, immoral and wicked. Though they sometimes find themselves leading large congregations, yet, they preach the Jesus they have not met. They only use their spiritual activities to cover their spiritual nakedness.
*Basic Motives:* They don’t know why they are in the ministry. They want to be like others. They are copycats. They struggle with sin, evil and low self-image. They take out their anger, sin and frustration on the people.
*They are sick because they lack basic leadership skill.* They are sick because they are not good examples and role model to follow. They are sick because they operate under curse and disobedience.
*Demerits:* Destroyed lives of people under them; carnal, covetous, stinginess, unforgiving spirit, and readiness to curse and destroy people who dare question their ungodly activities. They usually kill Churches and cause stagnation by making the saints to sin and backslide. Sick Pastors will always produce sick Churches that will find growth very difficult and stagnation very easy.
*Way Out:* Repent, seek the Lord, apologize and do a new work.

*10. WOUNDED PASTORS*
*Description:* They have experienced back-stabbing, disappointment and calamities in ministry. Their work has dealt them a hard blow. Through some mistakes and ignorance, they have been wounded in ministry. They are therefore bitter, sad, hurting and hateful in the ministry.
*Basic Motive:* Vengeance, retribution and survival. They have been wounded by sin, devil, people, partners, colleagues and members. Some have lost wives, husbands, children, name, properties and health in the course of doing ministry. Some have deep pain due to betrayal by mentors, leaders, associates and spouses. And the wound is fresh and new.
*Demerits:* Bleeding hearts, hurtful feelings, lack of trust, discouragements, frustration and quitting the ministry. They don’t help anybody in the ministry and they are always skeptical of people’s intentions. The unforgiveness in their hearts hinder the flow of God’s spirit in them. As long as you don’t allow the Lord to heal you, your Church will always suffer the hangover of your wounded heart.
*Way Out:* Release the past; handover your hurts unto the Lord and march on in faith. Forgive and forbear.

*11. TECHNOLOGY PASTORS*
*Description:* They are Pastors on the move, who are always on the fast lane of life. Moving from city to city, nation to nation, making money at the expense of the souls under them. They spend weeks away from the Church. They travel from place to place in the name of doing ministry while the Church at home is dying and scattering. They monitor by means of audio and video messages of sermons.
*Basic Motive:* Money, pleasure and properties. They use God to better their lot in life. Their living standard is above the income of their Church. They always travel for ministration and business deals. While traveling, they continue to monitor the Church through phone, emails, websites, phone-in-conference. They use these technologies to conduct services on Sunday and at vigils. In some cases, they stay permanently abroad and control the Church from there.
*Demerits:* Their associates are not trusted; they are given responsibilities without authority. The Church goes through turmoil, murmuring and lack of care, nurture and empowering. Such Pastors lose their Churches, their people and they eventually capitulate to the God of mammon, pleasure and fame. They lose their God and their ministry.
*God usually replace them with capable people* who have a heart for things of eternal value.
*Way Out:* Genuine repentance, restoration and rediscovering the basic purpose of ministry.

*12. GROWING PASTORS*
*Description:* Very few, but these are Pastors after God’s heart. They are called and commissioned by the Lord. They pursue a god-given vision. They display high integrity, character, godliness and a heart for things of eternal value. They are not perfect, but growing everyday. They are balanced, learning, open to change and full of the Holy Spirit.
*Basic Motive:* They desire to make impact for God. They want to see lives,  families, nations and cities transformed for the Lord. They have no personal empire to build; rather they want to extend the frontiers of God’s kingdom throughout the whole world. They see ministry as opportunity to serve, help and empower others. They de-emphasize money, gain and pleasure.
*Strengths:* They invest in people; sharpen their leadership skills; maintain good relational skills; work over their weaknesses, build godly character; empower, equip and enable others to rise up to their highest potentials. They are not threatened by the gift of others. They speak the truth with grace and seek to disciple everyone for the Lord. They ensure that the Church is built on the truth, undiluted and balanced Word of God. They Pastor growing Churches where the people are genuine Christians that continually grow in the things of the Lord. They raise leaders and equip them to carry on the work of God.
*Results:* Good, great and growing Churches that will go on to affect things positively for God.

*CONCLUSION*
From these descriptions of twelve kinds of pastors, you can see that *only one* can really lead the Church to true and sustainable growth. This is the reason why majority of our Churches are sick, stagnant, crisis–ridden and are dying today because they are being pastored by the wrong kind of pastors.
*Where are you? You can repent and change today to be a growing Pastor in all ramifications so as to lead the Church according to Perfect Will be no of GOD. Ministry is never about any of us, we are too small, it is about JESUS CHRIST  ALONE. THANKS.

UGBOROKO QUARTER (NO 2):

Ugboroko is the largest quarter both in land area and population with many sub-quarters and numerous streets, is situated in front of the Olowo's palace on the eastern side of the town. Members of the incumbent Olowo's household and their extended families were housed in Ugboroko-nla (big Ugboroko). This quarter was always teeming with people related to the throne among who are the Omolowo's, descendants of past Olowo's and free-born citizens and freed slaves who have become assimilated into the general population. Hence this quarter is often referred to as the Olowo's quarter.

The quarter was and is under the leadership/authority of Chief Ojumu. Chief Ojumu occupies the position of second in rank to the Olowo but lives in Eyin-Ogbe (Ehin-Ogbe) quarter. In any event Chief Ojumu,a stranger could only live in the strangers quarter at Eyin-Ogbe upon his initial admittance into Owo. Ugboroko is also the home of Chiefs Elerewe,Sashere,Ogwadogbon,Osuporu and many other important chiefs.

NOTE: During the reign of Olowo Asunsola (8th Olowo), Chief Oshodi was the second in rank to the Olowo and also presided over Ugboroko before its abrogation by Olowo Omasan (14th Olowo) who later made Chief Ojumu as the second in rank to the Olowo.

Notable streets: Oju-ugboroko,Ugboroko-nla,Otutu,Oludaiye,Oludasa,Okedogbon and many  others..

The meaning of Ugboroko is -Forest full of Iroko trees.

The Ugboroko quarter was founded in the 14th century by the Olowo Ogeja.

RESEARCH ON SUDDEN DEATH AND KIDNAPPING

Summarized Perspectives on Osun, Ekiti and Ondo State Resurgence.

Kidnappers, modus operandi and the way forward.

#Caveat: This is not an all or none law (opinion) on this subject matter.

Disclaimer: This write up are random analysis  based on observations,  psychology of kidnappers, victims experiences, General profiling and attitudinal diagnosis. It is not targeted at anyone and therefore No liability is inclined from misuse and unlawful broadcast without permission.

Groups recently implicated as kidnappers = Herdsmen

Target Population = Anyone, no age, political or religious barrier.
Primary gain = Obedience to hierarchial and expansionist tendency.
Secondary Gain = Financial, Money and Food.

Area of Action:
1. Highways
2. Interstate roads
3. Trunk B roads

Modes of Operation
1. The Spy/Syndicate System
2. The Collegiate System
3. The Cruder Brute Force System

1. THE SPY SYSTEM
Who are the spies?
a. Law enforcement agents. (The Bad Eggs) inclusive of Vigilantes.
b. Jobless Road Repairers
d. Busy bodies sitting at road junctions.
e. Road Side hawkers

Mechanism of Action.
Unauthorised Peeping inside the car by any of those listed above to achieve any of the following:
1. Identify wealthy individuals
2. Identify the presence of armed guards
3. Rating of vehicles as a measure of wealth
4. Identification and Isolation of all vehicles with govt plate number as a MUST for kidnap, even if with the driver alone.

Means of achieving Actions by Spies:
1. Undue friendliness at contact with the bad eggs among security agents
2. Undue familiarity from road side hawkers and persistent hang around vehicles even when there is no intention from road user to patronised them. 
3. Unwarranted/ unsolicited waving @ vehicles by unknown people at road junctions to gauge Drivers mood or see face clearly.
4. Presence and Fiddling with phone by one or all of these spies at contact.
5. Eventual call to Kidnappers in front for actions.

2. THE COLLEGIATE SYSTEM
In this case the kidnappers are of the same tribe working together at very short distance to each other.

Mechanism of Action.
You suddenly see a man in front of you beside the road in an unexplained area,  that is: an area leading to nowhere.
When you drive close to him and after sizing up your car from a distance he enters the bush again in your presence.
Please note that when you drive to the point of his disappearance into the bush, you can't see any road leading to the bush.
By then he has called his colleagues who are at a very short distance away to effect the kidnapping.
Please note the moment you see this group of kidnappers in front, you have already walked Into an ambush as some of them are already behind you.
Any reverse or attempt to escape  = death.

3. THE CRUDE BRUTE SYSTEM
Latest entrants into the kidnapper's strategy as seen with the Osun Prof of recent and those on Kaduna Abuja road.
a. These types are crude and very brutal.
b. They are great risk takers. They care less about security agencies and their actions comes with multiple casualties.
c. They work alone and kidnap anyone they see No matter how poor.
d. They have no time to access anyone.
e. They also kidnap in large number to increase their chances of great profit while collating ransoms on individual heads.

MECHANISM OF ACTION
They jump at any road of their choice at anytime of the day and start shooting at the incoming traffic, no matter the speed.

They kill as many as those hit by bullets at random and carry away those who survive the wreck that ensued after the sporadic shooting.

Post Kidnapping Behaviours and Occurrences
After kidnapping, the kidnappers make everyone to understand that they are in serious business by doing any or all of the following

1. Incessant Threat languages at gun points
2. Regular unforced slaps and kicks.
3. Removal of Shoes and slippers of victims to make them miserable while walking on sharps, thorns, shrubs etc to create injuries on their feet  to ensure early soberness.
4. Walking in circles for hours to disorient the victims in terms of time and place and position.
The victims feel they have walked so far away from the point of kidnap while they are still close to the same point.
They also cannot guess time accurately anymore.
5. Late initiation of negotiation until the victims is thoroughly sober and dying slowly..
6. Release after collection of ransom which are determined by Physique, ID cards, ATM cards, Job papers/signs seen in the car or on the victims e.g. Stethoscope
7. Death.

CAUSES OF DEATH IN KIDNAPPING
This occur rather too often in some cases from;
1. Exhaustion
2. Ongoing medical ailments prior to kidnap with no available medications for days.
3. Snake bites and bites from other poisonous animals in the bush
5. Dehydration and acute renal injury from lack of water and severe anxiety with over perspiration
6. Hemorrhage from Multiple gang rapes
7. Gunshot from the kidnappers due to:
a. Attempt to stop incoming speeding traffic
b. Attempt to escape
c. Too Weak victim who cannot move again.
d. Failed Rescue operations by security agencies

Kidnappers Collecting Ransom after Death

Why do they still collect ransom after death?
1. The kidnappers see each operation as an investment and hence no matter what happens to the victim(s) they still want to maximize the gains of each operation.

Release of Victim Without Collecting Ransom?

Yes very possible. This is common in the spy system.  Where the spy called them that they have kidnapped the wrong person or that the person kidnapped will generate too much heat and stress for them from the security agencies and the community.

Best Way to Handle Kidnappers
1. Avoidance
2. Avoidance
3. Avoidance
4. Once kidnapped you lost all control, if you attempt to escape you get killed, if you don't try to escape, you may STILL die.
5. Avoidance at all cost.

WAY FORWARD
1. Youth Employment opportunities
2. National  Disorientation and Reorientation on tribalism and expansionist tendencies.
3. Regular and permanent, non stop highway patrols at 10 minutes intervals with security agents in mufti
4. Increase wages and motivational weapons for security agencies
5. High Premium insurance coverage for Security agents 
6. Rapid response helicopter with night vision equiprment and thermal detector under foliage.
7. Consider Amnesty for Kidnappers and engagement in vocational trade and Education
8. Stringent punishement for kidnappers and conspirators. 
9. Community anti-kidnap civilian security measures.
10. Close audit and CCTV monitoring of law enforcement agents in charge of armoury
11. Massive mop up of illegal guns in the community and Neutralization of all Black markets.
12. Employment of spy agents across and within the communities.
13. Whistle blower compensation for anyone who exposes kidnappers, bandits, dangerous herdsmen and terrorist 

Thanks

OLOWO: TRIBUTE TO A GENTLEMAN OBA

The Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr.) David Victor Olateru-Olagbegi III (CFR) who joined his ancestors recently was buried few days ago. Taiwo Abiodun who reported him for 15years pays tribute.

I WOULD have loved to be an  Abobaku  (He who dies with the King) – for I would have gladly accompanied the Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr.) David Victor Olateru-Olagbegi III (CFR), as he journeys to reunite with his ancestors.

But  civilisation does not permit.  In the days of yore,  there were  voluntary  Abobakus in Yoruba land,  people who loved the king so dearly, they voluntarily die with him. There were also  slaves who were forced to commit suicide or killed and buried with  the king. The Yoruba believed that these are the people who would run errands  for  the monarch as he journeyed to the great beyond.

I therefore quote  Thomas De Quincey’s (1785 -1859) words ‘Everlasting farewells! and again, and yet again reverberated -everlasting farewells! Goodnight  Kabiyesi.

How I would have loved to serve His Imperial  Majesty  as his pressman,  as he joined the gods or the Saints as Christians would say.

My relationship the Late Olowo

For over 15 years, I literally became an unofficial staff of the Olowo’s palace, strolling in and out, like it was my father’s house. My then medium, The Nation, also became his favourite newspaper.

And it all started with that first interview – a two-hour interaction, after which he gave me his three cell phone numbers. I can vividly recall the Olowo calling out, as he sighted me from the upper floor of his palace: ”Tola! Tola!! Tell Taiwo  to come upstairs.” Pa Tola later became  Chief Tola  Ogwatowose, theOgwamodun of Owo Kingdom.

Last December when I wrote the story of the late Dele Udoh’s daughter, whom I met  in America, published in The Nation newspaper,  I called  the monarch, who was then in the United Kingdom. He was excited about the story and told me to call High Chief Niran Osuporu to buy copies, so he could read in hard copy on his return.

Earlier, in August of same year, he had also called to personally thank me for my coverage of the World Council of Owo Associations , America ( WOCOA) held in St Louis, Missouri , USA. We were so, so close and spoke at least twice a week. In fact, we spoke two days  (Sunday) before his demise on Tuesday. His chiefs, including Tola Ogwatowose, Ogwamodun of Owo,   Chief Olusola Ogunseye, the  Olubola of Owo   and  Chief Babatunde Olugbade, would always tell me, “Your father is upstairs, go and meet him.” I became a big boy in town, who dined and wined with the king.

What kabiyesi told me

The late  Olowo of Owo, Oba Olateru-Olagbegi III meant many things to me. He was a good historian, with great retentive memory. He  told me many things; some confidential , some  off  the    record, some for my  consumption for  my life’s journey. He told me how  uneasy the seat of Obaship was and his efforts to make sure peace reigned. He told me stories  of his youth and why  he had many wives; of his unflinching love and appreciation  for  his beautiful wife, Yeyesa Ololade,  whom he regarded as his pillar of support.

He told me of how he was disappointed by some people he trusted and how he had forgiven them. He told me his  defence during his father, the late Sir Olateru-Olagbegi II’s case; of how loyal the late High Chief Elerewe Ojo was, and how he [the monarch] sought  God’s face and prayed over it and God told him that his son, Chief Ilori Tunde Elerewe would  bring peace and development to Owo and make it great . He told me about the church he was attending before joining the Redeemed Christian Church. He trusted  me and  called me his ”adopted son”.

Wiseacre king

The late Olowo was a soft spoken and complete gentleman  with  great finesse.

He was renowned as a wiseacre – with his Solomonic  wisdom, while I  called  him  Socrates and Solon. He  told me the untold stories of the tussle for the Obaship  and how he escaped death several times. He also told me about his book, The Wilderness of Life even before it was published in 2013.

Cat with nine lives

Three times he was rumoured  dead  while away in  the United Kingdom, and three times, I had to debunk  it, with single calls to his majesty. Often, we  laughed over it. However, now that the symbolic tree has been felled  according to   tradition, and while  the King’s market (Oja Oba) has been  relocated to Ogwata until another king is crowned, it is confirmed and no longer a rumour. His remains were interred last Thursday with his forefathers in Ugha Moron Courtyard.

Death’s a debt; his mandamus binds all alike – no bail, no demurrer said Richard Brinsley Sheridan, [1751-1816]. OOO, as he was fondly called by his friends, has paid death’s debt.

What’s more! Kabiyesi did not die in a foreign land.

Who is Olowo of Owo?

Professor Rowland Abiodun in his book,  Yoruba Art  and Language  (SEEKING THE AFRICAN IN AFRICAN ART)  wrote on page 94:

Okun aragbarigbi

Akata-ila bori Ogho male

Ogede so too-too

(The mighty expansive ocean,

The great white umbrella-like shelter  of Owo

The prolific banana tree that bears so much fruits).

The late Olowo of Owo was a king among  kings! He  had finesse with international clout. He had charisma, was powerful, with robust curriculum vitae, but never abused the power he wielded. His sterling and enviable qualities were simply unrivalled.

His humility knew no bounds, and at 77, when some of his age mates would have gone senile, his brain was still active  and alert,  loaded with  great sense of humour  and sense of sound judgement.

The prophet king

The late Oba Olateru-Olagbegi III  was a devoted  Christian; he never missed the  Holy Ghost service  at the Redeemed Christian Church of God ( RCCG) along Lagos – Ibadan express way. He loved God and always played his  tambourine  in church. He was also a prayer warrior, little wonder he bore  names  of the Biblical  David and Victor, two people God loved dearly in the Bible. The Olowo  was always with his Holy Bible, one of the reasons some erroneously believed he had jettisoned culture; but he always maintained that culture is different from religion.

Once I asked why he always took off his crown/cap in church and his reply was ”It is mark of respect for God, as God is the only King.”

When I informed  him of my exit from The Nation newspaper,  he prayed and prophesied  for me. To the glory of God, all what he told me came to pass. Not only that, he once  told me that the ‘guy’ who took The Nation newspaper to court over a story I wrote  some years ago  would fail. His words again came to pass, as he lost both in  High Court and Court of Appeal. He also upheld that there is power in prayer than in juju.

He loved peace and was a peace maker,  for  throughout his reign the ancient town of Owo was peaceful. The town witnessed a lot of development  as the roads were dualised and a number of banks opened their branch in the town. Recently he requested  for  University of Technology from the Vice President Osinbajo when the latter came to campaign few months ago  in Owo; and once told me that Owo will one day become like Ikoyi.

He also used his connection to equip the General Hospital with medical equipment through Dr. Esther Lambo (nee Aragbaiye).

The late monarch was simple to a fault. Contrary to opinions in some quarters that he never listened to advice, he once  asked me, ”How can I listen to advice that I should be vindictive?”

Man of honour

Kabiyesi proved to me that though journalism may not make one rich, it sure brings honour to one who is diligent at his duty. From calling me his ‘adopted son’, to people calling me ‘Omo Olowo,’ I literally amassed so much accolades and honour.

In 2010   during the remembrance of my grandmother, Kabiyesi sent a high powered delegation with  the royal staff of office to  St. John’ s Anglican Church, Iyere -Owo. Ditto when my mother was buried. The St Patrick’s  Church congregation was delighted to receive the Olowo’s representatives with the royal staff of office. He called to commiserate with me from London when he heard the sudden demise of my late wife and was represented by one of the most senior chiefs with the royal staff of office. This is the highest honour any son of Olowo could get from a first class royal father.

Though his departure remains painful and seemingly untimely, but according to Margaret Mitchell [1900-1949]: ”Death and Taxes and Childbirth! There’s never any convenient time for any of them.”

Call him a griot,  archivist, historian, legal luminary, teacher, prophet or visionary leader, and you’re right on point. Born on June 26,1941 in Owo, Ondo State, his father was the late Sir Olateru-Olagbegi II. He studied Law in England and attended Law school in Lagos in 1968. He practised for many years and in 1975 joined the Nigerian Law School as a lecturer, rising to the position of Reader in 1991. He was given the staff of Olowo of Owo in 2003.

Culled from

Menace Of Admitting Underage Children Into Secondary Schools

The trend of parents pushing their children to finish their education at tender age is becoming alarming. These days, parents push their children into skipping primary five and six and jumping into the Junior Secondary School. Even in Senior Secondary school, some parents push their children into taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) when they are still in their Secondary School 2. The 6-3-3-4 system of education in Nigeria was introduced in 1988. It was designed to bring about functionality in the system by producing graduates that can make use of their heads, hearts and hands (the 3H of education). According to the model, a child will spend six years in primary school, three years in junior secondary school and if he/she is sound academically, the child moves to senior secondary where he/she will spend another three years before proceeding to the university to spend four years. The 9-3-3-4 system which took off in 2006, mandates nine years continued education made up of six years primary education and three years junior secondary education, three years of senior secondary education and four years of tertiary education. The system of education is mostly no longer followed by anxious parents who want their children to finish school at a tender age, not minding the consequences. Children below 10 are being admitted to Secondary Schools. The trend is becoming alarming. Speaking to LEADERSHIP, the President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), FCT Wing, *Mrs Olushola Bankole* noted that if nothing is done, the nation will continuously churn out youths who are not ready to face the world. “Sometimes, you see a child just lost in his thought while in school. Sometimes you see a child who has been doing well at the lower level and at the time they are pushed to the secondary school, they begin to fumble and they are neither here nor there. It is giving us concern,” she said. Bankole stated that she had witnessed where a child was doing very well in primary school and later pushed into secondary school after his grade four, adding that the child could not cope with the change and started declining in school. “We are beginning to see grade four children that are barely ten, going to secondary school. They skip primary five and six, whole two classes. Sometimes, the parents just see that they pass exam and they just decide to move them. Most of them begin to decline because they exercise so much energy trying to survive in class. Some of them are coming from primary section where there was a class teacher that stayed with them throughout the day and cater for their need, unlike in secondary schools where different teachers come in to teach different subjects. When a teacher finishes a subject, another one is standing at the door to continue with his or her subject. Sometimes, the child does not have a grasp of what the teacher is teaching. In the primary school, the school teacher can decide to take more time to teach on a subject the children didn’t grasp but in secondary school, it is about covering so much and learning very little. If the children didn’t understand what the teacher has taught, it is really a wasted effort,” she said. She noted that the pressure of meeting up with the stress they were not ready for; sometimes push the children into doing drugs. “The parents do not know the psychological implication of all these. We are beginning to see children in secondary school taking drugs. We are not talking about heroin and cocaine. We are talking about tramadol and codeine. Parents are not aware of all this. A child that was doing well, in Primary school, and suddenly he isn’t, might be introduce to something that will boost his confidence,” she said. Bankole explained that her association had been sensitizing its members to refuse to enroll children to classes they are not of age to be and urged for the government to do its part in curbing that challenge. “NAPPS as a body have been sensitizing our members. We have told them to refuse to enroll a child that is not of age to a class, and they should not graduate those who are young simply because they have passed the class. Exam is not the only measure of intelligence. In Nigeria, we are not just looking for people who are intelligent, we are also looking for people who are emotionally intelligent, financial intelligent that can turn the knowledge they have into money and we are not doing any of that,” she said. For parents, she urged them to only think about the well being of their children. “This spirit of competition is always a killer. Parents are thinking, the child of my neighbor is in this class; let me push my child to that class. They are not even thinking about other things. It isn’t right,” she said. Some parents who spoke to LEADERSHIP on the trend stated that they see no reason to keep their children in a class they feel they are too good to be, simply because they are too young to move to the next class. “My child did pretty well in his primary school. That was the reason I decided he could skip primary five and move over to secondary school. I will tell you that my child is doing well in school,” Mrs Denny Emmanuel, a parent said. However, another parent, Mr Victor Oluwale disagrees with her submission. Oluwale stated that he had because of competition with his friend, rushed his son into school, adding that he had regretted his action and had vowed never to do that with his other children. “My son, Mike is a brilliant child. He did very well in his primary school. He was in the same class with my friend’s child. My friend decided that his son was skipping Primary 5, which means taking the Common Entrance Examination in Primary 4. I decided to do the same for my child. In his Secondary School Education, Mike didn’t impress me at all. Though he was passing through, he wasn’t blazing the way he was while in Primary. I just came to realize that I should not have pushed him. Instead of pushing him in the university, I decided to give him one more year. I registered him in the IJMB. I want him to be more matured before heading to the tertiary institution,” he said. Another parent, Gloria Ude stated that the skipping of school helps save money, adding that though she was planning on doing that for her children, she will not hesitate to keep her children back, if they aren’t coping with the classes they are into. In an interview, a psychologist, Kenny Menyi agreed that most children do not always cope with the stress of skipping classes, adding that though there where extra ordinary children who cope very well, skipping of classes should not be for everyone. “The Primary 5 and 6 classes that most parents pushed their children to skip are very important. There are reasons for this system of education. So why not follow them? These classes help a child to be matured to head to the next phase which is the junior secondary. Maturation is key to excellence. A child must be matured and ready. If he is not, no matter how intelligent he is, he will start dropping or having difficulties in school,” he said. Menyi reiterated that when a child is stressed beyond his or her level, it affects them both physical and emotionally, adding that most children who could not bear to disappoint their parents, resort to examination malpractices, while others go for drugs to boost their confidence. He, therefore urged parents to support their children and allow them finish school the time they should without any pressure. “We parents should learn to support our children. It is not all about intelligence. We should allow our children to complete their primary school before going to secondary school. It will bring about maturity and excellence in education,” he said. Speaking to a director in the FCT education Secretariat who refused to disclose his name, he stated that efforts were being made by the territory to ensure that such trend is quashed. “Now you see children around 8 in Secondary Schools. Many students now write WAEC from SS2 and i think that it has contributed to mass failure in both WAEC and JAMB. Efforts are being made in the territory to curtail all these. There was a time I heard Lagos State said they will clamp down on schools that don’t allow their students to finish the normal primary school education. Other states need to do so to save our nation of youths who can’t think for themselves,” he said.

CULLED FROM LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER
https://leadership.ng/2018/08/02/menace-of-admitting-underage-children-into-secondary-schools/

X-RAY: Ekiti 2018 Election

EKITI 2018: What are the factors that characterized the election?

It is important to draw our attention back to 2014 especially on PDP primary which produced Fayose then.

Yes, it was on record that Prince Dayo Adeyeye stepped down for Fayose. But an insider told me that Fayose never committed himself of supporting Adeyeye in 2018. However, i was informed that Dayo Adeyeye was of the opinion that he will get Fayose's support in 2018. Moreover, Fayose himself declared that once his tenure is over, he is going away with his Deputy.

Why did Fayose then changed his mind three years after that statement? The choice of Eleka by Fayose was the beginning of PDP defeat on Saturday.

After PDP primary, Eleka emerged via Fayose's structures. Dayo Adeyeye left for APC. He did not just leave. He left with some bigwigs.

Owoseni (Ise)
Gbosa (Ikere)
Etc.
Again, because of Fayose's arrogance and 'one-man mopol' style of governance, most of his financiers and supporters who felt aggrieved immediately he became the governor distanced themselves and later left for APC.
Cyril Fasuyi from Ido was another big factor. All of a sudden, emperor Fayose become a god to himself. He shut down every opposition within PDP. He is the alpha and omega. He singlehandedly selected all the HoA members without conceding some to other members. Fayose appoints all the Commissioners, SAs. In fact, there were rumour that he even reduced the number of Eleka's (Deputy Governor) convoy. Slashed his security vote. Fayose was another Pharaoh
Fayose turned Ekiti House of Assembly to another laughing stock. How i wish some of u have an idea of those we called Honourables in Ekiti.

One is called Paso Osoko. The guy does not even know what is a "bill"

One is Olasca from Ido. That one nah Fuji musician.

Iya je wa oo.
There were rumours that those HoA members paid Fayose certain percentage.

Attempt to do something similar with Senator Raji Rasaki (Central) and Senator Olujimi (South) was met with stiffed opposition. Because of Fayose's greediness, he lost Olujimi. Senator Olujimi became an outsider even as a PDP member. Most of her followers waited patiently for July 14.

Again, Senator Raji Rasaki could not work with Emperor Fayose. In fact, Senator Raji Rasaki was more of APC than PDP. Though she later decamped officially.

Thus, in just 3.5years, Emperor Fayose had lost

Prince Dayo Adeyeye
Senator Olujimi
Senator Raji Rasaki
Barrister Owoseeni (His former attorney).
Lemme also remind u that Emperor Fayose because of his dictatorial character, singlehandedly selected Deji Ogunsakin as Eleka's running mate.

Sir/Ma, that decision did not go down well with most PDP members. E.g. Tosin Aluko became aggrieved in Ado. I met some of Tosin Aluko's supporters after that decision. They were so angry. They felt rejected. If u go to their base around "Orita Blessing", u can feel their anger.

They will tell u "who is Deji"? For those of u who do not know who is Tosin Aluko? Go to Ado and u will know how popular she is.

Yes, she did not decamp but her body language speaks volume. Her supporters got her message loud and clear.
Invariably, Emperor Fayose and PDP went into this election with a depleted and torn umbrella. But because he knows how to mobilize for rally, some of u thought he was that same Fayose of 2014.

Ba ba nla scam.
Lemme quickly state here that the choice of Baba Bisi Egbeyemi as APC Deputy Governor was strategic. Baba is from Ado. Immediately Baba accepted that offer, some important PDP members left for APC straight away. I know of Hon Adeleye Adebayo. Immediately, Emperor Fayose lost Senator Raji Rasaki (Ado), Tosin Aluko (Ado) and the emergence of Baba Egbeyemi as APC DG, some of us knew Ado votes will be keenly contested. The result from Ado vindicated us.
Immediately Emperor Fayose lost Prince Dayo Adeyeye and Barrister Owoseeni, some of us knew Ise/Orun LG will be difficult for PDP to win.

Ise Ekiti people simply came out and carried out a protest votes against Fayose for denying their son twice: 2014/2018. Emperor Fayose's calculation was to use Emure LG votes to negate that of Ise/Orun. Sadly, Adeyeye penetrated that axis and APC narrowly lost with just 100votes.

Adeyeye was a GAME CHANGER. Now, why did Eleka who hailed from Ikere performed badly even though PDP won in Ikere.

Lemme explain. After Ado, if i am not wrong, Ikere has the next voting population. Ordinarily, if any candidate win Ikere/Ado with huge margin, trust me u can win Ekiti election. Hon Gbosa from Ikere followed his godfather (Dayo Adeyeye) to APC. That was the first major problem of Eleka in Ikere.

Dont forget, Eleka is not a politician. In fact, he is not even popular in Ikere if not because he was made the DG. Gbosa is another strong grass root politician in Ikere with the likes of Hon Afuye.

They were ready to spoil the votes in Ikere for APC. But that was not the major factor of Eleka's poor performance in Ikere.

It was the issue of Olukere vs Fayose tussle.
Historically, Ikere Ekiti has two kings namely, Ogoga and Olukere. I was informed (not certain) that the Olukere side has more population than Ogoga.

Fayose had issues with Olukere and at a point Emperor Fayose locked the king inside prison for 54days. You locked a whole king up, what a taboo.

That was Eleka's problem in Ikere. Eleka too during this period was silent. Your king was dehumanized yet u keep quiet. Who does that pls?  
When Olukere was eventually released, some of u need to see how he was welcomed back. U need to see the crowd. Well, the King promised to answer Emperor Fayose at the right time. So, the Olukere and his people waited till July 14 and play their own game.
So, APC lost Ado with small margin and even performed excellently in Ikere beyond expectations.

What do u expect, the game was over. Again, another strategic man for APC was BAFEM. In fact, immediately Fayemi won APC primary election, he had to quickly woo BAFEM. The man is just another FAYOSE.

BAFEM is from Omuo Ekiti. The rest was history.

Then Ido-Osi. My local govt. In fact, i can't remember the last time progressive won Ido Osi LG.

Emperor Fayose lost a key figure there. Cyril Fasuyi. My brother and sister, that was all. Couple with how Fayose betrayed Baba Adeniran (Orin), Ido-Osi was lost 4 d 1st time. The bottom line is that, Fayose had created more enemies for himself. Enemies who had at one point in time were his foot soldiers across the 16 LGs. Enemies who fought for his victory in 2014. He lost all of them cos of HIS GREEDINESS and thirst for POWER. He lost all those structures he worked with 4years ago. He pushed them outside the umbrella and the broom family welcomed them.

Is politics not LOCAL?

From Ayo Arise in Oye
Dayo Adeyeye Ise
BAFEM Omuo
Cyril Ido
And hosts of others, Fayose became an isolated child. He was fooling himself.. Thinking he has all the structures across the 16 LGs. He was a FOOL.

Lemme quickly add this. Emperor Fayose, during the two LG elections in the state, singlehandedly selected all thr chairmen and Councilors including all the supervisors.

You dare not challenge his authority. What baffled me most was how Fayose treated all these LG chairmen. In fact, some of them even regretted it. Yes. I am not exaggerating here. Some of them could not even boast of doing anything meaningful for themselves.
No single LG chairman can spend 500k on project. Won ti bi e da. U will have to take it to Oke Ayaba and consult Emperor Fayose. His verdict is final.

See, all these factors got some people angry and the were waiting for July 14 to pay back. Should we talk about how Emperor Fayose lost the Ekiti state civil servants? Those that normally would die for him anytime any day?

In fact, they were patient with him. But at a point, they were tired of his gimmicks and lies on EKTV.  Few days to the election, some of them who are ardent followers of Osoko, started asking questions. Fundamental questions. Questions that Emperor Fayose could not answer. He had run out of lies. The last one was the delay in FAAC. Sadly, workers' votes had been divided. He could not secure their bloc votes. He wanted to play on the teachers but it was late also.

LG 9months salaries
Teachers 7months
EKSU 3months
State workers 6months

They could not STOMACH the INFRASTRUCTURE again.

APC was ready to exploit that on the day of election. I will explain that later

After losing his foot soldiers, Emperor Fayose could not again secure the workers' bloc votes.

Pensioners could not give him their bloc votes.

Old citizens who were enjoying 5k from JKF 4yrs ago which Fayose stopped could not give him their bloc votes.

Game over. Emperor Fayose levelled what he called child tax. For every child in private school, a parent will pay between 500-1000 naira.

Meat sellers tax was increased. At a point, they went on strike in Ekiti. For one cow, u pay 1k. Imagine how many cows they kill everyday.
Those tippers association also went on strike. He increases tax on them. Same thing goes to those selling woods. All these anti-human policies became subject of discussion during the campaign. But Miz Cazorla in Abia wont know this. Running out of idea, Emperor Fayose wanted to employ, 2000 people barely 2weeeks to the election.

The application form does not even has a column showing which position u are applying for. Rather the form has column for PVC, Ward, Polling unit etc.

What kind of madness is that.

He sent the applicants 1,500 each to come to his rally so as to deceive the likes of Atiku that he has the state lock down.

And my SE brothers fell for it. Sad.  A day to election, Emperor Fayose insulted Ekiti workers by crediting their accounts with 3k each calling it EKSG Stipends. That was an insult. A great one. Folks that u are owing 5-9 month salaries?
So, what do u expect on the day of election. You have an emperor who has lost his structures, lost the civil servants, lost the pensioners, lost the old citizens that were getting 5k before but can barely eat now.

Pls, what do u guys expect? Eve to the election, emperor Fayose apart from the 3k that were sent to all the civil servants, his foot soldiers started sharing 4k each to any voter. Moving from one house to another. Collating names and their data.

4k each. Yet he could not pay salary. APC responded on Saturday by sharing their own 5k. In some hot spots like Ikere, i learnt it was 5-10k.
So, both parties shared money.

Was that the defining factor?

Hell No.

People were hungry. People collected part of their stolen money from both parties. Then, they decided to vote for whoever they want.

Am i justifying financial inducement during election? No.

But don't let us treat this issue of inducement in isolation. Something led to it.
By the time i am back, i will discuss the role Igbira's bloc votes in Ekiti and how Yahya Bello's influence was also strategic.

I dey come.

I am back now. Let wrap this up.

At least, since 2003, i know that the Igbiras mostly from Kogi always support Fayose during election. And if there is any place u need to manipulate election in Ekiti, u have to go to those farm settlements populated by Igbiras.  So, APC job was well cut out. Make sure that Fayose does not have his way this time around in those settlements. Thus the need to bring Yahya Bello from Kogi was not only timely but strategic. Bello ensures that the Igbiras bloc votes go to APC.  And yes, from what i experienced on the field on Saturday, Yahya Bello delivered.

Again, emperor Fayose lost out.

Lemme quickly express how emperor Fayose lost in Ikogosi and his axis. This is very key for me because it has to do with folks losing their jobs because of Fayose's inability to understand what governance is all about. Now, Ikogosi is a town in Ekiti state. It is a tourist attraction site where cold/warm water met. The place had not witnessed any meaningful development until JKF came to power in 2010. The town is like a ghost town before the emergence of JKF in 2010.

However, the town witnessed a new life when JKF invested on Ikogosi project. New hotel was built. Actors/Actresses started visiting the place. I even learnt (not sure) that some movies were shot there. Then we had gossy water. UAC was part of those stakeholders that invested in that Gossy water.

Boom. U can imagine the economic activities that greeted those towns around Ikogosi. Jobs were created. Even most of their Youth who are okada riders started making money. U can imagine number of visitors that visit Ikogosi during Xmas, Easter or any festive period.

My brothers and sisters, after emperor Fayose took over, that place is now DEAD.  I mean DEAD. Gossy water no longer function. The resort center is nothing to write home about. Instead of visitors trooping in.. What u see is goats sleeping on the main roads that leads to Ikogosi.

Those villagers waited till July 14 and do the needful .

How will emperor Fayose secured Farmers' votes in Ekiti. Lemme inform u guys that the Ministry of Agriculture has just one tractor that is functioning. In his 3.5 yrs, Fayose did not empower one single farmer.

Yes, u heard me LOUD and CLEAR. All the tractors that were working at the LGs are almost dead. Emperor Fayose has no interest in Agriculture. He prefers the bridge. The conduit pipe for his stolen money. As God liveth, he will cough out our money.
As farmers, we begged him to approach FG for CBN-Anchor. But hell No. Farmers cant get fertilizers at subsidized rate like some other states. Farmers do go to Osun, Kwara, Ondo, Kogi to hire tractors

Pls how do u convince them to vote for u.
How many of u are aware that Emperor Fayose in his 3.5yrs is yet to renovate up to 5schools or hospitals in Ekiti. Some of u need to even visit all the General hospitals across the 16 LGs.

He just doesn't care. How many of u are aware that some Ekiti people lost their jobs because of how his anti-investors policies pushed Coca-Cola out of Ekiti. Same with GTB. We initially even lost Eco Bank.

Here is my conclusion, PDP did not lose this election on July 14. They did not lose cos of 5k because they also shared 4k.

They lost the moment one ARROGANT, SELFISH, GREEDY and TYRANT man made the election about himself.

He is called AYODELE FAYOSE PETER THE ROCK

END

Five things you can do to end plastic pollution

Here are five things YOU can do—starting TODAY ­—to end plastic pollution­­:

Say NO to Plastic Bags​There are an estimated 1 million plastic bagsused every minute, and a single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. Over the last two decades, more and more countries and cities are either banning plastic bags (examples include Rwanda, California, ) or introducing levies and taxes on them (examples include Ireland, Washington D.C.) to discourage people from the plastic option. These actions have had varying degrees of success, but you can set an example by bringing your own reusable bag when you shop. Not the nylon or polyester kind because they're also made from plastic –choose cotton ones instead.Bottle your Own WaterDid you know that humans now buy an estimated million plastic bottles per minute, and that most of this plastic is not recycled ? How many did you buy this week? Here is a quick win … bottle your own water or whatever you are drinking.  Keep a recyclable bottle in your bag, place two on your desk – a mug for the hot drink; a tumbler/glass for something cold. Plastic bottles –typically made from polyethylene terephthalate (Pet) –take over 400 years to naturally decompose.Skip Plastic StrawsPlastic straws are among the top items of marine plastics found around the world, and they’re generally not recyclable. As a customer, use your voice at restaurants, cafes and eateries to refuse straws and plastic stirrers. Help a movement towards paper straws, as Starbucks and McDonaldsare starting to do, or give up straws entirely. If you are desperate to use straws, carry your own. There are metal and bamboo strawsthat are now more widely available.Avoid Plastic CutleryOrdering take-out? Tell the vendor to skip the plastic cutlery. Catering events? Use reusable cutlery (and plates and cups). France became the first country to pass a law that will go into effect by 2020 to ban plastic plates, cups and cutlery–hoping to spur on innovation in biodegradable products. Shop around, and change your own attitude towards choosing more ocean-friendly practices.Make Better Choices at HomeMake Green choices at home in choosing products with less plastic packaging. Move away from the throwaway culture. Avoid cosmetics and personal hygiene products with microbeads.  Microbeads, a type of microplastic, are the little dots in your toothpaste, and facial scrubs. New research shows increasing amounts of damage from microbeads to marine life, leading to potential harm to human health. Shop around before investing in clothing that has synthetic microfibers. Often when these items are washed, they release microfibers into the water, which make their way to oceans, and may then be ingested by fish and other marine creatures.

Today, on World Environment Day 2018, please join the Plastics Detox movement.These five, relatively simple, actions can revolutionize our relationship with plastic. Let’s use our voice, and behavior to stem the tide of plastics pollution. Maybe then we’ll read stories about pristine beaches and happy turtles.