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Monday, 8 October 2018

Pulse Blogger: Why do we close our eyes when we pray? [Part ii]

Closing my eyes and praying for you

We continue with the reasons people give for closing their eyes while praying…

Some believe closing one’s eyes is conducive to prayer as a spiritual communion of the soul with God.

Again, this is mere speculation although borne out of a sincere/well-meaning sentiment.  The question for those who hold this view is: what connection does closing the eyes have with the ‘soul’, which is in communion with God in prayer? Or better still, what effect does the closing of one’s eyes have on the soul while in communion with God? If it can be scripturally proved that closing the eyes makes ‘the soul’ more vibrant in prayer, we all should never open our eyes while praying henceforth.     

What’s more, according to some others, they close their eyes to show respect and honour God. While this isn’t a bad sentiment, its application is relative. Honouring God is an action that stems from one’s heart and not subjective to the handling of the sense organs. 

By the way, the mark or sign of respect/honour varies from persons to persons and from a culture to another. It’s okay to close your eyes if you feel it makes you more respectful. It’s okay to close your eyes if, in the course of praying, you feel the urge to do so. However, it’s manipulative to compel others to do so on the basis of your sentiment.

Read Also: Why do we close our eyes when we pray? [Part i]    

 

From Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Matt 6, we understand that prayer is not for showmanship. Rather, it’s a private business between the supplicant and God. Unless in a public gathering, it’s conducted discretely. Except for 1Tim2:8 where Paul instructs that “men pray everywhere lifting up holy hands�, there is no other instruction given concerning the posture/mood to assume in prayer, let alone an instruction to close one’s eyes.

Whatever state one assumes while praying will be reflective of the intensity of the prayer and one’s expression/extent of emotion and desire. Many times, at some point in the period of prayer, the experience gets intense that the shutting of the eyelids happens unconsciously. 

THE ONLY RATIONAL EXPLANATION

So far, the only rational explanation folks have given for shutting the eyes while praying is that it helps to shot out physical distractions and keep one’s mind focused on the prayer. Experts tell us that the eyes and the ears are two sense organs easily prone to distractions.

For instance, what the eyes feed on has the capacity to alter one’s thought process or state of mind. This is because the brain registers whatever the eyes see. Furthermore, experts tell us that closing one’s eyes shut down some stimulus, allowing us to focus better. Thank God for science and its logical explanation of phenomena. However, not all explanations advanced by science are across-the-board.

Although a logical explanation, its application is not always generally attainable. For instance, psychologists tend to agree on the idea that not everyone is able to keep their minds focused and disallow distractions when they close their eyes. I happen to be one of those people. For some, closing their eyes while praying actually make them think about everything mundane. Our minds/ neural systems don’t get to operate the same way in particular situations and settings.

BEYOND THE REASONS

There is no doubt that many times, in the place of prayer, God communicates things to us via mental images/pictures. However, having those images is not necessarily dependent on closing the eyes. The things God communicate are spiritual things. They are beyond the scope of the physical eyes, whether opened or closed. While it’s true that we need to concentrate and turn our mind inwards while praying, many times, keeping one’s mind focused on prayer takes more than closing the eyes.

Take the scenario of a man driving on the highway as a case in point. In order not to end up having an accident (ghastly or fatal), he needs to focus and avoid distractions. However, in focusing, he doesn’t get to close his eyes. Instead, what he requires is a great deal of mental alertness and presence of mind.

Most times, we find solutions to audio distractions: We go to some quite place to pray; shut ourselves up in our closets; gather in a soundproofed building; silence every device that produces sounds… However, no matter how well we address the matter of audio distraction, we always have the visual aspect to contend with.

Read Also: Trousers for women: To wear or not to wear? [Part ii]

 

No matter how isolated/secluded our location is, there is always something to see. Are you on the mountain? That’s a vantage position that offers you a perfect view of the beauty of nature. What about a well-equipped church facility? The eye can’t do without feasting on the state-of-the-art sound/musical equipment, the tasteful interior décor, the movement of others…and the list is endless. Although you can block out the sounds, unless you put conscious effort into it, you can’t shut your eyes for a prolonged period of time.         

KNOW THIS…

So far, we have not tried to downplay or discourage the act of praying with eyes closed. Rather, we have simply tried to situate the practice within the scriptures to see if it’s ordained for believers. Although there is no biblical prescription for it, it doesn’t necessarily make the tradition unsuitable. Whatever mood we assume in prayer should be to the ends that our minds don’t wander and we don’t pray thoughtlessly.

If praying with your eyes closed helps you to focus and pray more effectively, be sure to keep it closed while you pray. Whether your eyes are closed or opened while praying, ensure that your mind is opened to and before God. Also, take care to pray with the right mind-set and in line with God’s will. Meanwhile, while in a gathering of believers, you will be unruly or disorderly to keep your eyes opened when you are required to close it and vice-versa. Wisdom is profitable to direct.     

Written by Ayansola Ibukun Ademola.

Ayansola Ibukun Ademola is a graduate of English. Among other things, he is a freelance writer, editor and proofreader. You may reach him via ayansolaibukun18@gmail.com

Pulse Blogger: Why do we close our eyes when we pray? [Part ii]



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Robertson: Title race not just between Liverpool and Man City

Liverpool full-back Andrew Robertson

The left-back insists that it is not just a two-horse race, with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all still in touch with the top

Robertson: Title race not just between Liverpool and Man City



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The horse-trading that raised Atiku as APC ratifies Buhari

The horse-trading that raised Atiku as APC ratifies Buhari

The polity was astir, yesterday, over the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as the presidential standard bearers of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, respectively.

Continue reading The horse-trading that raised Atiku as APC ratifies Buhari at Vanguard News.

The horse-trading that raised Atiku as APC ratifies Buhari



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Latest Vacancies at Benedetto

Benedetto is one of the top-tier staffing, training and consulting services company providing recruitment and supply services to clients and individuals globally. The firm has established an impeccable track record of providing key individuals to organizations. Our clients include large multinationals, consultancy, large local groups and up and coming business enterprises across Europe, Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Iran, and Bahrain.
Latest Vacancies at Benedetto



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Ballon d'Or: Gareth Bale among first five nominees to be announced

Wales and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is among the first five nominees announced for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Ballon d'Or: Gareth Bale among first five nominees to be announced



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BBOG Co-convener, Oby Ezekwesili emerges presidential candidate of ACPN

Presidential ticket: Saraki speaks on Atiku’s victory plunging PDP into crisis

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has said that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will not disintegrate following former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as the Presidential flag bearer of the party, at the just concluded national convention of the party held in Port Harcourt. Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on […]

Presidential ticket: Saraki speaks on Atiku’s victory plunging PDP into crisis

Presidential ticket: Saraki speaks on Atiku’s victory plunging PDP into crisis



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LA Hails Atiku’s Emergence As PDP Presidential Candidate 

LEADERSHIP

The Peoples Democratic Party candidate for the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat, Lawal Adamu Usman (Mr LA) has joined millions of well-wishers across the country to congratulate former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for clinching the Party’s presidential ticket. Mr LA, who is also a delegate at the primaries in Port Harcourt where Atiku scored the highest number […]

The post LA Hails Atiku’s Emergence As PDP Presidential Candidate  appeared first on Leadership Newspaper.

LA Hails Atiku’s Emergence As PDP Presidential Candidate 



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Ordeals of Nigerians in Ghana

Ordeals of Nigerians in Ghana

THE Federal Government must hasten and wade into the ordeals of Nigerian traders doing business in Ghana. It requires serious, intensive engagement, else the issue might boil over into xenophobic attacks, which will seriously threaten the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.

Continue reading Ordeals of Nigerians in Ghana at Vanguard News.

Ordeals of Nigerians in Ghana



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Entertainment Roundup: R. Kelly’s former wife details account of abuse in new interview | More stories

Pulse Blogger: Single parents are legends[Part ii]

Single parents are legends

In the previous article, I briefly described my personal experience as a product of single parenting. Without a doubt, my case is just the tip of an iceberg when compared to that of others.

Other cases come in varying shades and degrees.

While I think I grew up under a hard economic condition, my experience was nothing compared to what some others went through as children from a single-parent set up. Conversely, quite a number of children were lucky enough to be nurtured by parents who were financially buoyant to take care of their every need.

WOMEN FARE WORSE AS SINGLE PARENTS

Research has shown that women bear the responsibility of single parenting the most, which is because they are considered naturally as the primary care givers. Except in cases where the father experiences widowhood and is left to take care of the children, most men shy away from being singlehandedly responsible for the children’s upkeep.

The female gender is said to be more tender hearted and affectionate towards their offspring. They are therefore most likely to want to keep the children when the man is avoidably/unavoidably absent. This is the reason why the image of single mothers readily comes to mind whenever the name single parent is mentioned.      

It’s common, in this part of the world, to hear people say that children from single parents always end up being recalcitrant and social menace. This stereotypic notion is prevalent because the African world view detests the idea of single parenting. The nuclear family is seen as the only ideal setting where healthy children can be raised.

Read Also: Why do we close our eyes when we pray [Part i]

Anything short of this standard is an anomaly. For instance, hardly had a spouse been bereaved than he/she is ‘counselled’ to remarry: You can’t train these children by yourself, they’ll say. You need a helping hand. Since men are considered sacred cows in most African societies, women who are single parents are often scapegoats and end up being stigmatized. Most of them are considered self-willed, immoral, and unworthy of respect. 

 

So much is the stigma for single parents that it is reflective in the way many adverts and movies are scripted. Hardly will you find an advert where the lifestyle/activities of a single parent/mother are esteemed. Every advert relating to family has to revolve around the father, mother and the children. In most cases where the storyline of a movie revolves around the single parent, it’s usually stereotypical in nature hence, the child(ren) turn out to be wayward and street urchins.

WHAT IS SAUCE FOR THE GOOSE…

To say that all the children from single parents turn out fine is to tell a big lie. Some end up becoming hooligans and personae non gratae. There are instances of children who, no matter the diligence and care of the single parents, end up making a mess of their lives.

In the same vein, to say that every child brought up under the ‘ideal’ nuclear family setting turn out fine is to be miserly with the truth. Countless numbers of ‘proper parents’ products roam the street as miscreants and reprobates. Loving and caring parents brought some of them up.

Others happened to be raised by ‘proper parents’ who were always at loggerhead, fathers who physically or psychologically harass the mother and perhaps the children, couples that fail to cooperate to train the children as a unit. Bottom line, just as children from single parents have the tendency to go wayward, seeds from ‘proper parents’ can end up worse.

Read Also: Trousers for women. To wear or not to wear.[Part i]

If what goes for the single parent also goes for the ‘proper parents’, it stands to reason that how a child turns out does not necessarily have to do with the singularity or plurality of the parent who brings him up. A child who is unruly or immoral does not have to be a product of single parenting. After all, instances of outstanding products of single parents have been cited earlier. There is much more to how a child turns out than whether he his raised by a single parent or ‘proper parents’.

 

THE REAL DEAL IN PARENTING

The issue is not the number of people that raise a child. Rather, it’s about the personality of the people involved, whether single parents or couples. In essence, the attitude of the caregiver(s) towards parenting is what determines how far the offspring will go.

Just as two loving and forward-thinking couples will do a good job at parenting, a single parent/single mother who is determined to give her child the best will do same no matter the daunting task. Conversely, it’s sometimes better to be trained by a single parent who can go the extra mile for the child than by couples who do not have a sense of commitment and responsibility.

While I do not advocate the practice of single parenting, I also do not appreciate the stigmatization of unintended single parents who are doing their best to give their children a good life. After all, not all couples in a nuclear family setting are responsible enough to do what is right and needful by their kids.

For all its worth, they deserve to be respected and treated fairly. The attitude and sense of responsibility of the individual(s) in charge of the upbringing of a child should be the yardstick for according respect and social recognition and not the status of the individual(s) as a single parent or ‘proper parents’/couples.

THANKS TO THEM

It takes a strong and enduring personality to take on the duties meant for two people and accomplish it successfully. The amount of emotional, physical, psychological, and material input the single parent puts into raising children is so much that one cannot afford to relegate them to the background in the scheme of things. The responsibilities of juggling maintaining a job, caring for the children and keeping up with household chores is overwhelming for them to be ostracized. Well-meaning single parents are legends!            

Written by Ayansola Ibukun Ademola.

Ayansola Ibukun Ademola is a graduate of English. Among other things, he is a freelance writer, editor and proofreader. You may reach him via ayansolaibukun18@gmail.com

Pulse Blogger: Single parents are legends[Part ii]



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Bad luck, Liverpool & Chelsea – De Bruyne return is bad news for Man City rivals

The three sides are level on points but Pep Guardiola’s team have taken the Belgian’s absence in their stride and will surely improve when he returns

Bad luck, Liverpool & Chelsea – De Bruyne return is bad news for Man City rivals



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Business Development Manager at MyMedicalBank

MyMedicalBank is a cloud-based application designed for storing and retrieving essential health information of patients and non-patients and the outcomes of hospitalisation combined with a directory of registered doctors and health facilities in Nigeria.
Business Development Manager at MyMedicalBank



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Customs Intercepts Smuggled Goods Worth N2.24bn

LEADERSHIP

Smuggled items, including nine bulletproof Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and 11,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, with an approximate Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2.02 billion, have been intercepted by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Addressing newsmen on the seizures in Lagos yesterday, the Customs […]

The post Customs Intercepts Smuggled Goods Worth N2.24bn appeared first on Leadership Newspaper.

Customs Intercepts Smuggled Goods Worth N2.24bn



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Oby Ezekwesili: From Nobel Prize Nominee To Presidential Aspirant

Nigeria is blessed with many political parties albeit wriggling to create a niche for themselves.

With all the primary elections and agreements going on in the various parties, one more declaration was made.

Oby Ezekwesili has declared for president. She was the advocate for “Bring back our girls” campaign, she was nominated for a nobel prize but unfortunately did not win one.

She has decided to fight extensively for Nigeria.

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Some Nigerians have a few thoughts on the matter.

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But then the stark reality is;

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Oby Ezekwesili: From Nobel Prize Nominee To Presidential Aspirant



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Delta State University (DELSU) Supplementary JUPEB Admission Form for 2018/2019 Academic Session [UPDATED]

Get admitted into 200 level through JAMB direct entry with DELSU JUPEB. The management of the Delta State University (DELSU), …

Read ‘Delta State University (DELSU) Supplementary JUPEB Admission Form for 2018/2019 Academic Session [UPDATED]

Delta State University (DELSU) Supplementary JUPEB Admission Form for 2018/2019 Academic Session [UPDATED]



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Ijaw group reveals 2019 presidential candidate

The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, has said it will support any presidential candidate that plans to restructure Nigeria and remove the marginalisation of the South-South people from the oil and gas benefits. The IYC President, Pereotubo Oweilaemi, on Sunday stated this while congratulating the presidential flag bearers of various political parties in the 2019 general […]

Ijaw group reveals 2019 presidential candidate

Ijaw group reveals 2019 presidential candidate



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Burna Boy: Watch moment crowd went wild as singer performs 'Ye' at soldout Brixton Academy concert [Video]

On the night of his sold out concert at the Brixton Academy in London, Burna Boy delivered a performance that was absolutely magnificent.

Burna Boy gave a mindblowing performance at his sold out concert at the Brixton Academy, O2 Arena in London.

The much publicized Burna Boy headline concert at the Brixton Academy, O2 Arena in London held on Sunday night, October 7 before a sold out audience, and his performance on the night justified the excitement that his fans had ahead of the concert.

The venue was packed with the crowd formed out of people from different colour, gender and age, who had gathered to see their superstar on his 'Life On The Outside' tour.

Burna Boy made a grand entrance on the night standing on top of a convertible car that drive him to the front of the stage.

He then performed both old and new songs as his setlist covered some of his bangers from his different projects, like 'Giddem', 'Halleluyah'  and 'Devil in California' much to the joy of the crowd.

 

The entire venue lit up by a sea of phone lights, however, erupted the moment the DJ cued in the hit single, 'Ye', with Burna jumping energetically on the stage transforming the atmosphere into a full dancehall festival.

Skipping from one end of the stage to the another, the crowd were in their fullest elements, chorusing the song, line for line, in one mindblowing moment that captured the very essence of his artistry.

 

 

The energy in the audience was unreal and Burna created a beautiful and distinct feeling of stagecraft and music brilliance within the whole Brixton Academy vibing off the passion, energy and enthusiasm from the crowd.

It was indeed a captivating night, one that will forever be remembered and one that confirms the legacy, that ultimately defines the man, Burna Boy.

Burna Boy: Watch moment crowd went wild as singer performs 'Ye' at soldout Brixton Academy concert [Video]



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Matthew Hayden: Ex-Australia opener 'dodges bullet' after fracturing neck while surfing

Ex-Australia opener Matthew Hayden says he “dodged a bullet” after suffering a fractured bone in his neck and ligament damage while surfing in Australia.
Matthew Hayden: Ex-Australia opener 'dodges bullet' after fracturing neck while surfing



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The Big 5: As APC NWC insists on Shehu Sani’s candidacy, Okorocha picks Senate ticket; Bakare wants Buhari to commence Nigeria’s restructuring | More stories

These are the stories you should be monitoring today:

The Presidency has dissociated President Muhammadu Buhari from a letter that purportedly authorised Governor Nasir el-Rufai to “deal with traitors and disloyal members of APC, especially Senator Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna Central,” while urging Nigerians to disregard the said directive which it said “is not in line with President Buhari’s character.â€�

Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, who made this known in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, stressed that the president is not aware of any such letter, let alone authorising anyone to deal with any party member.

“Given President Buhari’s record, it is inconceivable that he would usurp the role of the party leaders and instruct anyone to punish a party member,” the statement read.


The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reiterated his position that the Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani remains its only senatorial candidate from Kaduna Central.

Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena, who gave the clarification in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, stressed that Governor Nasir el-Rufai cannot dictate to the party.

“Yes election took place in that zone because of the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly but for the senatorial position, the only candidate is Sen. Shehu Sani,” he said.


Convener of the Save Nigeria Group and Serving Overseer of Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, on Sunday delivered his state of the nation address at his church in Lagos, where he called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently proclaim an executive order to facilitate national reconciliation, reintegration and restructuring.

Explaining that the executive order should be proclaimed in consultation with the National Assembly and the council of state, to establish a presidential commission to facilitate the restructuring, Bakare added that restructuring would return Nigeria to the winning formula of the past that facilitated the country’s socio-economic development.

“It is time to build systems that will serve the common good; structure that works for every Nigerian and a nation that caters for every citizen. It is time to make the right choices,’’ the former vice presidential candidate said.


Former Governor of Ondo, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, clinched the ticket of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) on Sunday to emerge as its presidential candidate for the February 16 election.

Mimiko who was elected as a consensus candidate by members of the party in Abuja at its national convention, said his party will lead the process of renewing the Republic so as to afford every segment of the country the opportunity and privilege of development at its own pace, just as he urged members of the party not to be intimidated by the big parties, but concentrate on the size and weight of ZLP ideas.

Similarly, a former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Hamza Al-Mustapha, on Sunday, emerged as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) polling 3,564,262 votes to beat Dr Imuetinyan Igbinnosa and Chief Isiaka Olorunnimbe, who scored 2,183,856 and 1,400,755 votes, respectively.


Former Chief of Staff to Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo, Chief Uche Nwosu, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, defeating other eight aspirants including the state Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere and the senator representing Imo West, Hope Uzodinma, who had earlier boycotted the exercise.

According to the results announced on Sunday, by the Chairman of the Imo APC Governorship Primary committee, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Agbakabia (rtd), who announced the results at the APC headquarters in Owerri, Nwosu polled 269,524 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chucks Ololo, who polled 6,428 votes as well as Uzodinma who had 2,729 votes, while Madumere scored 2,646 votes in the rescheduled governorship primary.

In same vein, Governor Okorocha was declared the APC senatorial candidate for Imo West Senatorial District, polling a total of 141,127 votes  to defeat incumbent Senator, Hope Uzodimma, who scored 1,359 votes and former National Organising Secretary of the party, Senator Osita Izunaso who got 24 votes.


And stories from around the world:

Far-right candidate, Jair Bolsonaro, has won the first round of Brazil’s presidential election, and will face the left-wing Workers’ Party candidate, Fernando Haddad, in the second round on 28 October after he failed to win the 50% of valid votes needed to win outright. (BBC)


The Chinese head of Interpol resigned as Beijing announced Monday he was under investigation for allegedly breaking domestic law, while his wife voiced concern for his life following his disappearance. (AFP)


Read » The Big 5: As APC NWC insists on Shehu Sani’s candidacy, Okorocha picks Senate ticket; Bakare wants Buhari to commence Nigeria’s restructuring | More stories on YNaija

The Big 5: As APC NWC insists on Shehu Sani’s candidacy, Okorocha picks Senate ticket; Bakare wants Buhari to commence Nigeria’s restructuring | More stories



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Musa vows to justify big money move

Musa vows to justify big money move

SUPER Eagles forward, Ahmed Musa has said he hopes to justify the big money Saudi club Al Nassr paid to snap him up from Premier League Leicester City after he scored again and provided an assist in the league.

Continue reading Musa vows to justify big money move at Vanguard News.

Musa vows to justify big money move



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Video: Mothiba's brace makes Strasbourg perfect first half

Lebo Mothiba took his Ligue 1 tally to five goals this season but the South-African international saw his Strasbourg side throw away the lead

Video: Mothiba's brace makes Strasbourg perfect first half



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Sunday, 7 October 2018

20 killed in upstate New York limo horror

Twenty people have been killed after a limousine careened out of control in what investigators described Sunday as the most deadly transportation accident in the United States for nearly a decade.

All 18 occupants of the SUV-style stretch limo died along with two pedestrians on Saturday afternoon in upstate New York, police deputy superintendent Christopher Fiore told a news conference.

He said the 2001 Ford Excursion had failed to stop at an intersection and continued into a parking lot, ultimately crashing into a parked car. Investigators have not yet established if the victims were wearing seatbelts.

“Twenty fatalities is horrific… This is one of the biggest losses of lives that we have seen in a long, long time,” added National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chairman Robert Sumwalt.

“This is the most deadly transportation accident in the country since February of 2009,” he added — referring to the Colgan Air Flight crash from New Jersey to New York, which killed 49.

Pictures posted on Twitter by Jesse McKinley, the Albany bureau chief for the New York Times, showed a hair brush and a fragment of tail light in the grass at the side of the road, in the aftermath. Deep muddy tire tracks disappeared into woodland beyond.

The tragedy unfolded outside the Apple Barrel Country Store and Cafe in the town of Schoharie, southwest of the state capital Albany and a three-hour drive north of New York City.

“That limo was coming down that hill probably over 60 mph… I don’t want to describe the scene. It’s not something I want to think about,” manager Jessica Kirby was quoted as saying.

The Columbus Day weekend is the busiest of the year for the store, Kirby told the paper, noting that it was full of customers from New York City, New Jersey and Albany at the time of the crash.

‘I heard some screaming’
A witness named by local media as Bill Waterson said the limousine was carrying a party on their way to a wedding reception, although this was not confirmed by police.

“This is terrible, terrible, terrible,” he told the Times Union.

“I heard some screaming. It looked serious because people were running back and forth,” a witness identified as Bridey Finegan told local NBC affiliate WNYT.

Road accidents are the fourth leading cause of injury related deaths in New York state, according to federal health statistics.

In 2014, the latest year with available figures, crashes on the state’s highways resulted in $808.1 million in hospitalization and emergency department charges, the Department of Health says on its website.

The Apple Barrel, a popular stop for tourists viewing fall foliage in the area, posted a message on its Facebook page lamenting the “horrific accident.”

It said it would be open for business on Sunday and “hope you will come and share your smiles, love, friendship and hugs with us.”

20 killed in upstate New York limo horror



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