CSI Peace Foundation

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is implementing the Constitutional Obligation under Directive Principles of state policy in chapter 2 of the constitution. This Directive Principle of the state policy mandate is to the effect that all Nigerians are entitled to quality health care services delivery. In order to implement this constitutional policy, the NHIS was established in 2005.  One of the best concepts meant to directly make an impact on most or all of its citizens was the establishment of the NHIS. What makes this a unique strategy is that each Nigerian, no matter his/her age and status in the country would be a direct beneficiary. After 13 years of its implementation, unfortunately only 3 million Nigerians are enrolled under the scheme. The NHIS was for many reasons seen by concerned Nigerians as another avenue for some people to enrich themselves rather than a scheme to ensure delivery of affordable health care services to ordinary Nigerians. In recent time

LIFE ISN'T FAIR TO ALL A story was told of a hunter boy and his dog who happened upon a trapped crocodile in the shore of an occean. It was unable to free itself nor get help from anyone.  An old horse had earlier came by; "please horse, set me free. I am a mother who came out in search of food for my little ones, but got trapped" pleaded the crocodile. In response, the horse said "I am an old horse, I have worked for my master since I was born, but since I got old and became useless,my master set me free not minding how I will survive. Life isn't fair; that is the law of life" said the horse and walked away leaving the trapped crocodile.  Next came a bird, the crocodile repeated it story. In response, the bird said "you see, I once had little ones, upon going out to find food for them, I came back and found an empty nest. A snake crawled up the tree and ate my little ones, life isn't fair; that's the law of nature". The bird flew

The Birth, Death and Resurrection of a Dream! Learned this some years ago and I remain grateful. Many of us have dreams or have been given dreams and visions. Some dreams have been actualized, some others are in the oven, some others may be looking dead in one way or another. Some are even looking like they may never happen in this lifetime, maybe in another world. Wait a minute, come with me!! . . The birth of the dream: Dreams are born from different kind of wombs. The womb of inspiration, passion, aspiration even a very hot "ginger" after an experience or hearing other peoples' experiences. At the beginning, it all looks so possible, faith is high, abilities are soaring, there is high hope for support and all that. Everything is falling in place, especially on paper, meetings, presentations, etc. And then....... . . The death of the dream. So much brain and even prayer work has gone in but there is little to show for it. the dream is looking gradually

Posterity frowns at those who are unfair to the extent of keeping history. Someone once said “He who forgets his history, lacks a future “. History provides the roadmap with which we transverse to the longitude and latitude of our destiny. 1st The Nigeria’s trajectory from 1914 where the almagamation of the two power blocks/protectorate actually took place till date is an awesome experience. This is a testament to the fact that God truly loves Nigeria. Our long walk to freedom climaxed at a simple but solid and live-changing motion by Anthony Enahoro which ignited the burning passion for a sovereign united entity termed as Nigeria by Flora lugard. The Nigeria Spirit from 1st October, 1960 was a positive spirit built on Unity, faith,Peace and progress. Our forefathers that crafted these core values meant well for Nigeria. But as it is with the case of every strategy, routine appraisal should indicate whether we are still on the part of unity or disunity, faith or disbelief, peace

“Our human compassion binds us one to the other as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.” – Nelson Mandela The 2018 Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18 marks the 100th year anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth. The day was established by the United Nations in 2009 to commemorate Mandela’s legacy of peace that transcends race, nationality, and religion. Every year individuals, communities, organizations, and nations are encouraged to take peacebuilding into their own hands by serving and strengthening the ties that bind people that can seem so separate. Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in Movezo, South Africa. At the time, South Africa was severely segregated along racial and cultural lines. Mandela would join the African National Congress in his youth where he became a pivotal leader in its ranks. In 1964, he was accused of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment. He would spend 27 years in various prison

Where is the peace? We live in a violent society. I had a long talk with one of my childhood friends from Jacksonville, Florida. We talked and discussed the good days growing up in the Sunshine State. Now, my beloved city is in the news as many other cities regarding violent acts. In Baton Rouge, three juveniles that should have been playing basketball or baseball were arrested for murder. Where is the peace? Our news cycle is filled with violence and evil daily. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. would admonish us to walk in peace and love with each other. Nelson Mandela would call us to real relationships and unity. Where is the peace? I recommend the following actions: First, we should teach our children how to resolve conflict in peace and understanding. The sacred scripture calls for us to be peacemakers. Nonviolent direct action as taught by Mahatma Gandhi is still appropriate for us today. How do we handle conflict? If our children see us using violent words, then they will mod

It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness. His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days. Kofi Annan was a global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world. During his distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations he was an ardent champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law. After stepping down from the United Nations, he continued to work tirelessly in the cause of peace through his chairmanship of the Kofi Annan Foundation and as chair of The Elders, the group founded by Nelson Mandela. He was an inspiration to young and old alike. Kofi Annan was a son of Ghana and felt a special responsibility towards Africa.  He

It was Socrates of Athens that once said “unexamined life is not worth living”. To believe in yourself, consistency of self-assertion is a recipe as well as courage and self-discipline. The recipes contain crucial ingredients that propel self-fulfillment, actualization and great happiness. Firstly, an individual must be able to clearly define what constitute his/her personal values, set out his boundaries and ensure the sustainability of such standards. Our minds play critical roles in the definition and retention of our personal values. Like someone said “what the mind of man can believe and conceive, it can achieve” . To believe in yourself, you must literally be able to separate what you can do from what you can not do. Your values and beliefs must align with the reality. Having defined values, their retention requires a determination and persistent adherence to moral principles that compliment the values. Prominent among them is integrity. This is having beliefs based on perfec

When we were growing up in the 80's and early 90's, the name of Plateau State alone was attractive. Tourists from far and near had no better place than Plateau. Combined with the amazing weather, the people were very accommodating and seemed to be more exposed than many from other places. There was a religious tolerance and parents thought their children on being respectful. The story has completely changed today. Most parents don't want to hear the negative actions of their children and others avoid the responsibility of parenting.  And for the religious leaders, "we have a major problem these days in our country where it seems anyone can become a religious leader overnight without any credentials. There are too many ignorant "pastors" and "imams" preaching errors and leading people astray" said the Archbishop of Abuja,  Cardinal John Onaiyekan. In trying to promote for peace in Plateau State, my recent article which was titles "Lal

Joel Scott Osteen is an American preacher and televangelist. He is the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church, the largest Protestant church in the United States, in Houston, Texas.  Osteen’s televised sermons are seen by over 7 million viewers weekly and over 20 million monthly in over 100 countries. He’s been nicknamed as “The Smiling Preacher” . We’ve put together this awesome collection of encouraging and motivating Joel Osteen Quotes: 1. “Don’t live worried, frustrated or upset because of what somebody did or what didn’t work out. Come back to a place of peace. It’s not going to work against you; it’s going to work for you.” – Joel Osteen 2. “Encouragement to others is something everyone can give. Somebody needs what you have to give. It may not be your money; it may be your time. It may be your listening ear. It may be your arms to encourage. It may be your smile to uplift. Who knows?” – Joel Osteen 3. “God will always bring the right people into your life, but

In 1940 Charlie Chaplin delivered this powerful speech in “The Great Dictator”. His message to humanity was clear, and it is just as relevant today as it was back in 1940 Transcript, Charlie Chaplin, The Great Dictator : I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone – if possible – Jew, Gentile – black man – white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness – not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way. Greed has poisoned men’s souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our