IS NIGERIA A CEMETRY? I WAS SURPRISED TO FIND OUT... 

I just have to share this thought from Damola Oshodi. It's food for thought:

NIGERIANS:

When they loot money, they keep it in SWITZERLAND.

When sick, they go to GERMANY.

When investing, they go over to AMERICA.

When buying Mansions, they visit LONDON/CANADA. 

When shopping, they go to DUBAI.

When on holidays, they visit PARIS&DUBLIN.

When praying, they go To SAUDI ARABIA or JERUSALEM.

But when they DIE, they all want to be BURIED in NIGERIA.

Abeg help me ask dem; NIGERIA na cementery?

Photo Credit: http://www.cwgc.org/Yaba Cemetry




     

 

"MRS OSOFIA, WE WILL HAVE TO 'CUT OFF' 

YOUR BREASTS"

"But Doctor, you don't understand, that is not by portion!"

Mastectomy: is a word not very common in the vocabulary of Nigeria women, much less Nigeria babes. Suppose you were confronted with it...what would you do?

Mrs Osofia's case is called a double mastectomy, a surgical procedure that removes both her breasts.

A cancer/mastectomy research conducted in Nigeria by Adetunji Saliu Oguntola et al in the Pan African Medical Journal (ISSN 1937-8688), breast cancer is the commonest malignancy among women in Nigeria [1].  Only 60 (24.2%) of the respondents believe that cancer of the breast can affect a woman if there is a strong history of death below age 50 years among three or four women in a family with breast cancer while the others 188 (77.8%) do not agree it could happen.

According the National Health Service UK, there are several different types of mastectomy, depending on the areas that are removed.

HOW MASTECTOMY IS PERFORMED

Some of the main types of mastectomy include:

1. Standard mastectomy – all the breast tissue and most of the skin covering it is removed
2. Skin-sparing mastectomy – all of the breast tissue is removed including the nipple, but most of the skin covering the breast is left
3. Subcutaneous mastectomy – a skin-sparing mastectomy where the nipple is not removed
4. Radical mastectomy – when all of the breast tissue is removed, plus the skin covering it, the two muscles behind the breast and the lymph nodes in the armpit, but this is now only carried out rarely 
5. Modified radical mastectomy – a radical mastectomy where the large muscle behind the breast (the larger of the two pectoral muscles) is left in place.

It can happen to any woman, as cancer is non-selective but for those who may be predisposed to it due to their geneticS: from mother or father's side of the family, the chances are higher. Ironically, if I ask how well you know your paternal and maternal health history, can you tell?

Amongst the risk factors conducted in Nigeria by Clement A. Adebamowo, Professor of Surgery and

Chairman of National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria, some of the risk factors for breast cancer in women Nigeria leading to possible mastectomy are:

 Exogenous exposure to estrogens

 Use of hormonal contraceptives 

 Hormone replacement therapy

 Attained height and waist-hip ratio

 Dietary factors

 Animal fat

 Alcohol

 Obesity

 Tobacco smoking

A very famous actress, who may happen to be your favourite celebrity, Angelina Jolie had to take preemptive and drastic action to have both her breast removed. She admitted this in the New York Times after doctors told her she had an 87% risk of breast cancer. But what was her underlying reason for taking this step? She said she wanted to live long enough for her children.

Shocked? You shouldn't. Mastectomy is a reality.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KEEP CHECKING:

Now that you know this, when was the last time you examined your breasts?

The picture below, courtesy of breastcancer.org, takes you through the steps for breast examination.

Step1.           Step 2.  

When was the last time you you did a cervical swab test?

Or are you saying to yourself, it won't happen to me in ... name?

Did you recently see discolouration on your breast, lumps or unusual swelling or liquid secretion?

Then you should go and see you doctor.

Step 3.    Step 4.

                                                                                                                                                   

And like I would always say: prevention is better; don't give room for cure.                                       

Click on this videolink and websites to learn more: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Btllr2Vc6E

http://www.adebamowo.com/Documents/Risk%20factors%20for%20breast%20cancer.pdf

http://www.northwesternplastics.com/baBreast-Reconstruction.html

BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO GET EASIER (confused smiley face)

If 'toasting' to get a mate is hardwork, it’s definitely twice that when you marry or become solid partners. 

The fact is, the toasting MUST continue if that relationship is ever going to be worth it.

Why? Because it takes the same fun-loving but committed discipline that makes you pursue your mate during dating and courtship to never letting that flame die even after marriage and most especially when the children now joins that extraordinary union. 

Truth is, the 'dating' and 'courtship' must continue. Once you stop 'dating' each other, it simply lose steam.

Photo Credit: GE-fACTOR Models - F & F

In the end, Once a woman is sitting, she should do well never to lose the plot. Same for the man. 


Finding the Face of Happiness is truly how YOU PAINT IT. 

Getting married, being in a partnership or getting hooked doesn't bring happiness. Rather it is you that brings happiness into it.

So, Live Life. Give it Meaning. Enjoy it!!!

POLITICAL OBESITY

The very root of Naija's problems? Plenty talk no action. 

Action that has a well thought-out plan that turns strategic planning into exact doable targeted actions that is holistic with the maximum advantage to all.

Once Nigerians are sitting comfortably, they never get up - Political Obesity is the Name of the Game. Social paralysis is the disease.

In the end both the politicians and the electorates cry out "Chai! Chai! There's God o. Chai! Chai! There is God o! 

Change only happens when WE MAKE THE CHANGE; not talk the change.

When the Electorate decides to wake up from this religious slumber of leaving everything in the hands of God when he's already given us the tools to make our lives better, then, and only then, will they live the life that they deserve.

To the Youth, it begins with this current generation. You can change things. When someone asks you to give them your money, your time, your ability, learn to ask for an equivalent value in return. Sometimes it may require you 'demanding' it in very subtle ways without breaking a sweat over it.

Value here is asking for lasting visionary institutions, frameworks, practical implementation of workable policies, respect for the rule of law, learning tools, life skills and platforms of creative engagement. Rewarding excellence and not mediocrity.

Go for it! Value for value; not value for nothing. Sometimes what you need is not cash but a viable, sustainable systems that works. Because when the system works, the cash rolls in which in turn spreads wealth.

It means protecting and sustaining the goose that lays the golden eggs while making sure that all golden eggs laid are used to bring in value in return.

In other words:

Tools + Training + Experience x Mindset = SUCCESS.

photo credit acknowledged

Let us stop this political obesity and kwashioko thinking that is killing an exceptional country with exceptional people blessed with extraordinary resources.

THINK NIGERIA. 

ACT NIGERIA.

After all, 

A Good Plan = Tactical Targets = Execution results in FORWARD PROGRESS.

THOUGHTS>>>>

What Is Your Reason For CONVICTION?

Never be afraid to ASK.
Never be afraid to QUESTION.
When you know you don’t know, that’s an Intelligent Mind at work. 
Don’t bury it by assuming or pretending you know. 
For it distorts the process of a Creative Mind at work.



Never be afraid to Question your Teacher, a Mentor, your Lecturer or Professor.
For to Question is to Know.
To Know is to Learn.
To Learn is to Put to Use.
To Put to Use is to Make it a Way of Life.


Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. 
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. 
Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. 
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. 
But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason, practicality and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.

Learn to zoom into the lens of your mind to see the devil in the details

TO MARRY OR NOT TO MARRY?

Do you think you will never get married? 

Are you afraid that somehow time is ticking away and yet you've not found that special man or woman yet?

Have you ever attended a relationship seminar or event before? If you have, then you're familiar with the scenario. So here I was, invited to speak at a Relationship Seminar on Managing Time in South-East Nigeria. This particular seminar was targeted at single men and women between the ages of 25 and late 30s who are still looking for a mate. The hall was packed full and I could tell from the tense and excited look on their faces that this seminar was a last resort to make it happen.

As the programme went on it became obvious that many did not think they were going to end up finding a marriage partner any time soon let alone find love. Their anxiety was palpable. A dark in complexion lady, age 32 said she's always dated the wrong men who were not willing to settle. Another lady in her late twenties remarked that most of the men wanted sex before marriage. A few of the guys argued that many a lady just want to get as much cash and fun as possible during dating and courtship. However the most common views expressed was the fear of remaining single longer than was necessary. Some stress the word 'single' as though it was a stigmatised label.

The hostess of the seminar called me aside and whispered her concern over their seeming desperation. "How do we address this?" she asked me. So I got up and delivered this impromptu speech:

If YOU CANNOT BE HAPPY LIVING WITH YOURSELF; then you can't bring happiness to a relationship you're not even ready for, neither can you stay attractive enough to the other person who is keen on sharing the rest of his live with you. To tell the truth, history has always shown that women will always be more than men statistically. And when you think about it, all over the world certain cultures and traditions you see have evolved over time are as a result of 'needs' and 'lacks' like these.

Even religious evolution and teachings reek of solutions provided for such 'needs'. That is why polygamy in its many shades still exists today and will continue to exist. But that is beside the point here.

Be that as it may the sad truth is that even the 'monogamy ideal' that is being pursued and practiced today by many seems no better, as it is riddled with its own challenges and sometimes failures. Whether we like it or not, some decisions and choices are not necessarily out of cohesion, frustration, duress or conformity, but out of a desire to find a certain fulfilment. In the end this is what I'll say: marriage is NOT a perfect arrangement; it is the imperfect persons in it who makes it look perfect and easy when onlookers sneak a peek in.

In order words, SINGLENESS CAN BE A GIFT; it is not a curse, it is not something to be ashamed of, neither should it be given the status of a stigma. 

And who says marring early = being happily married?

Who says that marring early = having babies earlier?

Who says that you can only be happily married before you hit 35 years as a woman?

Who says having children = being a happy and fulfilled person?

Who says if you don't find the man or woman right for you at 40 years, so therefore you MUST settle for 'anything'?

Who are you even trying to please kpaakpa?

Even the Creator does not make such demands of Us! Why should you my ladies and gentlemen weigh yourself with too much thinking of what people will say or wrongly assume that your happiness lies in being with somebody else?!

If YOU CANNOT BE HAPPY LIVING WITH YOURSELF first, then you can't bring happiness to a relationship you're not even ready for.

Hmm...Now I shall ask: are you a married person, single woman or man for that matter? If you are, look inside in by burrowing this attitude, say this to yourself: 

"I still live each day with laughter in my heart, music in my soul, purpose in my thoughts and activities with my limbs!"

Why should you say this you may wonder...

Because even when you're married, you'll always still be an individual in a 3-fold cord with with a strong awareness of your spiritual connection to the Supreme Being. Marriage is about the union of three identities that forms a solid pyramid: YOU, ME & US! Remove 'me' and there will be no 'us'. And if you try and remove 'US', then there can be no 'you and me'. Smile because when you're ready to be that 'perfect' woman (in character, words, sex, food choices, decision making, relationships building, lifestyle, development, etc.,) the 'perfect' man will come to you!

ME>.......................................< US >..............................<YOU
figure source:http://1.bp.blogspot.com
Text credit: Lady E

So, ARE YOU READY TO BE THAT PERFECT ONE?

Then age and time will not prevent it. Instead use the time and age on your side to become a positive person who attracts positive energies. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. The quality of who you now is the kind of mate you'll attract to yourself. Knowing who you are now, will help you know and attract the type of person that truly suits you.

The most important thought I will leave with you is this: try to develop the ability to LIVE WITH YOURSELF (whatever the choice you eventually make, be it monogamy, polygamy, partnership or choosing to remain single).

I hope today you will choose to find that inner peace and calm to live joyfully even with yourself...

MOVIE REVIEW: My Philosophical POV

CLOUD ATLAS

A six-in one film, the title Cloud Atlas doesn't say much, except perhaps you're quick to deduce the word 'atlas' means globe. Yet the sheer number of themes and sub-themes portrayed in this extraordinary movie is powerfully poignant – a profound incision into the mind of man: why and how history keeps repeating itself.

Each of the six stories is the same in essence but set in different time, space and periods. Each story revealing that when we don’t see the truth, we feed ourselves with poison. Not being fully informed, not being knowledgeable enough, not willing to explore prevents us from seeing things as objectively as they are – and should I dare say – as they truly are.

The entire story shows unequivocally who the true savages, poisons and human eaters are: they are those who believe that they can take away another’s freedom by putting them in bondage – take away their land, their source of income, their identity, their individual and collective freedom, their resources and source of life, and they will capitulate. That is the chant these human destroyers live by.

The sub message of this story proves how so-called colonials, world powers, politicians, business men and dictators who crave for absolute powers and control are the poison who destroys the best in man. They are the ones who prevent us man from reaching his ultimate attainment.

source: http://www.cinemablend.com

However, the key message is about self-freedom from deeply entrenched thinking that hold us down. For you to be truly free, you must takes steps to make that happen. It does not mean taking over the mind of others, neither does it mean trying to control people or how they think using the carrot-and-stick techniques to keep people subservient and docile. It means respect for the lines of freedom even when the meanings are as diverse as the race of mankind – not only in its nature but also in specific terms. We are after all not as individual as we like to think, yet one’s experience no doubt is unique to one.

In the end, we are all HUMANS; All of us from the same source.

Aristocracy, religious superiority, world powers, dictatorship are simply terms used by those drunk with the seedy quest for absolute power: that definition that makes them feel powerful in relation to someone else because they have accrued to themselves that aggrandized authority to take away another person’s freedom to express otherwise, so they can impose their whims on them.

The film asks these questions:

- Who do you think you are?

- How far will you go to fight for what you believe?

- What manner will you choose to fight this belief you hold strongly?

That last question is what reveals who you truly are. It is not so much the act as much as the process in which we went through to get to that point when we act.

The film explores issues on:

- Religion, faith and beliefs

- Medicine

- Sexuality

- Activism

- Freedom of rights (individual and collective)

- The power of choice

- Individual goals and actions that enhances a beneficial collective goal

- Ownership

- Exploitation

- Abuse

- Treachery

- Family bonds

- Politics

- Big business, ethics, values and practices

- Environmental degradation

- Cover-ups

- Psychiatry, mind control, the opium of the masses

- Bondage

- Love

- Integrity

And what is the morale of the 6 Stories in one?

That each generation has a moral duty to preserve the past, learn from it and take it to another level so that the torch they now hand over to the future generation is not flawed. We all have to live up to the best within us. Each successive generation must always stand for the axioms of truth, if truth is to triumph. That way, history does not cruelly repeat itself like it has done these past centuries. Otherwise it will continue to be: garbage in; garbage out.

Now that is how to use a movie to tell a brilliant story, a call to action!

So tell me, did you by any chance watch the movie or you’ve got your own movie experience to share?

MISPLACED PERCEPTION (part 2)

It is rogue to say: it’s a man’s world; and it is pretentious to say ‘it’s a man’s world dominated by women’.

I’ll give you another example (in continuation from part 1): a parent has a son who’s a professional gambler or poker player. She denounces his kind of ‘job’ as unethical, stealing and terrible. But when he rakes in money from his professional gambling and buys her a house, suddenly the poker job is okay, justified, even ‘good’ as long as it provides him a source of income. She now begins to defend him to others and say: “It is a legitimate business, you know.” What happened to all that ‘it’s unethical’ bla bla bla?

Another example is this: a mother knows that her daughter at the university does not have a job but every other day when the daughter returns home she comes along with expensive items: phones, jewelries, bags, clothes etc. not to mention food items in plastic bags. Her mother refuses to ask the source where all these comes from but chooses to be content, enjoying her daughter’s gifts. But the day she comes home pregnant and unwed or perhaps named as the mistress of a man, she’s the first to cast the stone of insult and shame as a heap on her daughter’s head. Question: why did the mother’s perception and response suddenly change? Why the pretense of pretending to ignore in the first place?

It is this same treatment of perception that is at the heart of the gay movement. Once you’re in the closet, you’re perceived as normal. You come out, you’re done for. All the good you've been known to do, your contributions to society, family and business development quickly goes down the drain in one swoop! People no longer define you by the contributions that you have made, but instead by the choice of your sex life. I ask: isn't the world saying “we like hypocrisy”? Why even put such a matter on the public burner as a worthy topic of discussion in the first place? And if it is indeed a matter of public debate, both sides must air their views: those against gay and those for it. Nobody should be indicted for not been seen as politically correct on this matter, as been politically correct is often a fad by the way. 

Meriam Yaha Ibrahim and hubby
 sphoto source: http://www.paginadepolitica.ro

When will we learn that a private matter is a private matter? Let those involve in it deal with it whether they choose to be monogamous, polygamous, partners or single. They are after all Consenting Adults (I’m not talking about child marriage here which is against the young woman’s wish) – which is what respecting the individual rights of another means, and not the perception of the collective religious right or begrudged acceptance of a group imposed on an individual. 

That is why it makes no sense that Meriam Yaha Ibrahim who chooses to marry a Christian different from her previous faith of being a Muslim has a right to marry whomever she wants to and so does Janet Jackson who chooses to marry a Muslim has as much right to choose the man that best suits her. It is a personal decision. That is where the line is drawn. When a religion feels it can impose its collective force on someone who has left that religion, it shows how bad that religion truly is even though it hides under ‘doing good’ as a religion. When a wolf leaves a pack, it seizes to be a member of that pack. Simple. But those that mean the other wolves will go hunting the lone wolf? Even nature knows that perception is a very faulty one.

Often I hear people say ‘you’re addressed as you dress’, that may be true sometimes but not all the time. The person, who chooses to address me by the way I dress, tells me that he has a serious issue of perception too. And that is why much of politics is so rotten. Politicians dress up their lies because that is the perception people want to see. It no longer matters if they live up to their promised manifestos. The case of UKIP and not Labour or LibDem or the other political parties wining the European election seats on behalf of Britain shows how powerful perceptions can be misleading. In the same vein, Nigeria’s government treatment and response to the over 200 Girls missing (even this statistics fluctuates), tells us how this misplaced and shifty perception works.  Advertising even Public Relations in more recent time colours perception; that doesn't make it true.

Perceptions should NOT be what you think it is. It is what it is. Perception is NOT pretending that things are different or we hope that what we see is different from how they are. It is what they are. 

That is why we all need to train our perceptive powers. It is not simply about been quick to ‘judge’, ‘discriminate’, or ‘label’ someone or something so we feel better or ‘superior’ than the next person. That is very subjective, careless and maybe foolish. Rather it is about seeing things as whole not because we are currently benefiting from it in the short run, but because we can live with it in the long run and still carry on with our lives accepting the bumps, accidents and misfires. 

There was a time when going to the Moon was labelled ‘an act against God’, a ‘desecration’. And those who went on the mission were labelled names not worthy of re-printing them on this page. Or for that matter when Galileo said the Earth and other planetary systems revolve around the relatively stationary Sun which is at the centre of the solar system, thus favouring Heliocentrism and not Geocentrism how he was subjected to the inquisition? He was not only found "vehemently suspect of heresy", he was forced to recant, and spent the rest of his life under house arrest. The irony? Those persons, who spoke rashly, thoughtlessly and even name-called, were the first grabbers of the benefits of what such knowledge and discoveries have opened to mankind.

So let us always pause a little more often before we utter statements of condemnation or even praise. Let us stop feeding our minds with misplaced and pretentious perceptions. Train your mind to always try to see things as they are. Perceptions matter.

After all, if somebody didn't take the risk, we who didn't dare won’t know what the risks are.

The MOTIFS:

• Truth is singular; its variations are not.

You say he stands for the truth. She stands for the truth. They stand for the truth. 
Take a look again. Does he? Does she? Do they?



• When the “God” hocus-pocus is invoked, what should be changed?
        What becomes inviolable? 

Do we say: 

1. Keep the order as it is?

2. God is silent on the matters concerning women

3. Let them be subjected to abuse, shame, discrimination, rejection and prejudices?

4. This world is not my own, so whatever happens to it and the people in it I don’t care because my stay is temporary and Paradise with God awaits me. 
        The question is: which earth will that paradise be? If you can't make the effort to maintain and sustain what you already have, how do you hope to keep the 'future' one better?



•  ‘The weak are to be eaten by the strong’? Says who? Darwin?
         What does that statement really mean?
         Is it literal, a metaphor or just an expression?
         Is it a state determined by a condition or a pragmatic choice of self defense?
         Or is it a case of greed driven by the desire for absolute power and control?

        

FOOTBALL: The Price of Ignorance?

Football! What a game!! What an arena of emotions boiled over!!!

The game between Nigeria and Iran in Group F, no doubt will make a lot of Nigerians and fans of the Eagles feel 'slightly' disappointed. Over here in the UK from where I'm typing this piece, the roar of pain, shouts of disappointment, and subdued anger mixed with fear of what will happen in subsequent matches, leaves many a 9ja trembling.

Side comments like "Very fake match", "A show of crass mediocrity", "No be 9ja I come watch for world cup. It's serious people like Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, France, naim I kon watch o" became the gist amongst the crowd I watched the football with. A facebook mentee of mine commented on my FB page after the game and said: "opportunity comes but once, they've lost theirs." Another comment said: "Nigerians when it comes to football are Oliver Twist. Am heart broken here", simply shows you the depth of this football matter.

Nigerians are enthusiasts to infinitum. Their passion, love and ownership of the game transcend ethnicity, education, religion, social standing and lifestyle. When the Super Eagles win, they praise God for doing wonders (while most often they ignore commending the coach's and team's effort who made the goals happen - claiming it was God who made them score). They applaud, throw parties, get drunk or simply visualise frame by frame how the winning goal(s) turned the tables in their favour.

source: sugarsports.me

But when the Eagles lose, boy! you don't want to hang around them o. Insults, curses, accusations and counter accusations, condemnations, trading blames and in very rare instances some weird fanatic commits suicide. These are just a few of the ways they vent their anger, disappointments, frustrations over lost bets and dashed hopes.

source: www.rantsports.com

And in this case, there were just too many goal options that never got converted. What happened?

This takes my mind back three months ago when the issue of Nigeria's ranking in FIFA was questioned. This is what I think may be playing out here. If only fanatical fans can focus their energy in understanding the game and technique of moving up the game ladder of FIFA's ranking, surely it will help us see how team work matters in converting balls into goals.

Let me share with you a comment made by my friend Muyiwa Oladosu about the question of ranking: "Why do we always grumble over FIFA Ranking System when it's not favourable to us? We were here in 1994, prior to USA '94 World Cup, Nigeria was ranked 5th. Then the system was right. Today we beat Malawi, Burkina Faso, Taihiti, and we expect to move up. And instead of knowing how it is done, NFF, some ignorant sport journalists/Nigerians will be busy abusing FIFA. Play top grade games, beat those above you, and see if you will not move up. The price of ignorance is great!!!"

My position  on the Nigeria-Iran 2014 match? This is saying to Steven Keshi, you've done your bit in preping the team for 2014, what didn't work this time? Let's go get the goals. Surely it's not over until it's over, right?

Roughly two hours later, USA beat Ghana 2-1.
At least Nigeria and Iran pulled off the first draw in the tournament (common, that's got to be something, right?)

Perhaps you think this is all womanese talk?

By all means make your comments too.

PS: My neighbours just drove offf to their respective homes, happy to wear a small defeated smile: Ghana scored a goal - at least they've proven they're fighting for something. That's enough gist for my neighbours later in the day - since they can now join the office gist when the game talk begins (wink!)

HOW MANY CHILDREN SHOULD YOU HAVE?

Picture this: a biological Vector Virus, if inhaled can powerfully alter the human DNA in terms of randomly shuffling the reproductive ability of humans and all races in seven continents cutting across Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Antartica. 

In other words, if you have inhaled the pores of the victor virus into your system, you will never be capable of conceiving if you're a woman. And if you the man becomes the vector carrier, you will never be able to impregnate a woman no matter how hard you try. You think it's impossible?

After reading Dan Brown's novel the INFERNO, of how a genetically engineered vector virus can alter man's reproductive ability in this manner, it struck me how powerful the issue of human population, or rather overpopulation is fast becoming a global discuss. You read about 

The World Health Organisation is also very concerned about the astronomical growth of human population raising issues that borders on human rights and reproductive health choices. The United Nations Economic and Social Affairs Population Division that provides national, regional and world population estimates and projections is not left out in this global concern.

With the current world population hitting over 7 billion on planet Earth, little wonder that the issue of child birth control is now seen not just as a personal decision but as a global one (really?) 

Top 15 Largest Countries by Population (www.worldometers.info)

1	China	1,393,445,645			8	Mexico	123,738,674
2	India	1,266,771,861			10	Philippines	100,026,033
3	U.S.A.	322,478,690			11	Ethiopia	96,406,122
4	Indonesia	252,690,638			12	Vietnam	92,512,167
5	Brazil	201,964,790			13	Egypt	83,331,720
6	Pakistan	185,009,245
7	Nigeria	178,313,052			14	Iran	78,427,972
8	Bangladesh	158,433,413			15	Turkey	75,799,692

      According to Unomaha Education, "the Chinese government has used several method as to control population growth. In 1979, China started the one child per family policy (Juali Li 563). Other methods of population control that have been used by the Chinese government to restrict rising population totals include birth control programs and economic changes. In the early '80's, sterilization target goals were set and made mandatory for people who had two children (Hilali 19). At its peak in 1983, tubal ligations, vasectomies, and abortions amounted to thirty-five percent of the total birth control methods (Hilali 20). In addition, the economy changed from primarily one of agriculture to industry (Hilali 22). 


The government used this to its advantage;spreading the view that economic growth would hinder population growth (Hilali 22)."

On the defensive side however, religions such as Catholicism and some other Christian and non-Christian Faiths have fought any form of birth control, insisting that their adherents not tamper with the reproductive powers of man given to him by God. 

At the rate of population explosion, it seems the issue of overpopulation cannot be ignored as it raises serious concerns regarding: climate change, unemployment, congestion, pollution, spread of contagious diseases, and so on. 

source: http://www.informationng.com

The question therefore begs: 

How many children will you have? One, two, three, four, more or none?

What would be your answer? And why?

Should the government of any country take it upon itself to control its population? 

Is the issue of birth control a religious matter or a personal matter?