Life, Living, and the Afterlife

The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow.  But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”  [2 Corinthians 4: 18, The Message (MSG)] 2024

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the  outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the  inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by  without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small  potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish  celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets  the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone  tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”

2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 [The Message (MSG)]

To the Glory of God Almighty through Jesus Christ  and to those who are wondering what life is all about.

 Human Rights in Life and Death: Basic Considerations for Development Planning

This book is about Africa in an attempt to contribute to

the ongoing dialogue on the development of the continent.

My perspectives and experience since my 1986 inaugural

lecture qualify for a larger, or so to speak, continental

picture of development challenges in the poorest continent

in the world. Over twenty years after that “sermon” on

the ivory tower, I have had the opportunity and privilege

of applying theoretical knowledge of demography and

population studies to real-life situations in dozens of

countries across Africa and the Middle East. Under

the ILO, and later UNFPA, and through consultancy

services with related agencies from 1998 to 2009, I have

executed programs of population policy formulation and

action plans for policy implementation; facilitated the

integration of population issues into development policies

and plans at all levels; supported futures research for the

formulation of long-term development planning; developed modules for capacity building for integrated population

and development planning; supported processes aimed

at facilitating the achievement of the objectives of the

International Conference on Population and Development

(ICPD) Programme of Action (PoA) and the Millenium

Development Goals (MDGs) at national and continental

levels; and above all contributed to training and research

efforts on population and development at national, regional,

and continental levels.

Are you fearful, living in fear of something or someone? This

book is appropriate for your needs. Fear, according to the

Scriptures, is a ‘torment’ and you must confront it by

welcoming the peace of God into your life. As it is written; He

(Jesus) is our peace; through him we all share the same Spirit

and have equal access to the Father.

All you need is to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal

savior. Then you immediately inherit the peace given to all

believers. Remember, when Jesus was about to end His

mission on earth, He left His disciples with only one thing –

peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not

as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be

troubled, neither let it be afraid.” [John 14:27]. Therefore, fear

not, embrace Jesus and His gospel and have the assurance of

earthly peace and everlasting peace. Read this book and

uncover the Divine prescription for peace in the family; at

place of work; in communities; and nations as well. If you truly

love peace, this book is for you! Apart from peace, you will

begin to enjoy as you bear the other elements of the Fruit of

the Spirit: love, joy, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

meekness, temperance.

This book explores the complex relationship between power and authority, and how it plays out in various contexts, from government and politics to business and personal relationships. It examines the legal and constitutional frameworks that are meant to keep power in check, and what happens when those frameworks break down. It also explores the human rights implications of authoritarian regimes, and how ordinary citizens can hold their leaders

accountable. One of the key insights that the book provides is that

power and authority are not the same thing. Power is the ability to

influence others and shape outcomes, while authority is the right to

exercise that power, often granted by a higher authority or by the

consent of the governed.

The various dimensions of authority in governance are also

explored, from the executive branch to the judiciary to the media.

Each of these institutions plays a vital role in maintaining the

balance of power and ensuring that authority is exercised in the

public interest. But as the book shows, the balance can be fragile,

and it needs constant vigilance and active participation from

citizens to maintain it.

The responsibility for promoting good governance lies with those in

positions of power, but with every citizen who values democracy

and the rule of law. You have the power to make a difference,

whether through advocacy, activism, or simply by holding your

leaders accountable.

By working together, we can build a more just and equitable world

where power serves the interests of all people.