How YouTube is putting money into the pockets of the impoverished youth

 

The Powerful YouTube Logo

Everyone, regardless of education level, in developing countries, is familiar with YouTube, a platform for sharing videos. However, many people are unaware that the video-sharing platform has been one of the major sources of income for young people living in poverty in underdeveloped countries.

 

On February 14, 2005, twenty years ago, three former PayPal employees founded YouTube.com to use it as a dating service. Their tagline was "Tune In, Hook Up." Due to their inability to draw viewers, the co-founders Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim made their first YouTube video, "Me at the zoo," which showed Karim at the San Diego Zoo. That was the initial inspiration to pull the crowd.

 

It is hard to underestimate the vision and intelligence of Google, the largest search engine platform in the world. In 2006, the search engine company paid $1.65 billion for the YouTube platform. 

Over the last four quarters, the platform has generated $50 billion in combined revenue from advertising and subscriptions, marking a significant milestone in its transformation from a site for user-generated content to a source of income for both developed and developing nations.

 

Obtaining funding to launch businesses has proven to be a particularly challenging issue for developing nations, and as the saying goes, "the devil has work for the idle hands." 

The youth in Third World countries worldwide are now actively engaged in YouTube, making money by producing videos that range from entertainment to business seminars and books, and even brief posts are already bringing in millions of dollars for content creators worldwide. All thanks to Google.

 

You don't have to be wealthy to make money on YouTube; once you have a little money to purchase a smartphone, the straightforward process of converting knowledge, content, or audiences into cash becomes available, adaptable, and most importantly, real. 

Advertising, subscriptions, gift-giving, course sales, affiliate programs, and information items are a few examples of this. Monetization is no longer merely an opportunity by 2025; it is now a development strategy.

 

The key to monetization is not the quantity of subscribers but rather the value you can provide to your audience; for instance, what counts is the video's content. 

If you're an expert or skilled marketer, you can make money from your knowledge by selling webinars and books on YouTube. According to data from the keyword research and digital marketing platform Semrush, 185 million people visit YouTube each month just through searches on Google.

 

YouTube has long dominated the online video market, whether in Asia, Africa, America, or Europe. While it has been a powerful platform in terms of business for both developed and developing nations, YouTube has been a powerful tool in deterring thousands of young people from committing crimes. 

The Czech Republic: The quirky customs that baffle the world

 

One of the amazing sites the city of Prague has to offer/Photo credit: 99travetips.com

Every country in the world has specific characteristics that are entirely typical of it, in addition to its history. The habits and customs of the inhabitants of this country, however, may startle and seem unusual for someone of a different nationality who visits, since their lifestyle and customs are so distinct. What is so unique about the Czech that it frequently seems strange to others?

 

The Czech Republic, sometimes referred to as Czechia, is a country in Central Europe that shares borders with Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east, Germany to the west, and Poland to the north. Prague, the nation's capital, is located in the center of the country and is landlocked, meaning it lacks any coastlines. Since 2004, Czechia has been a part of the EU. In the past, some linguists believed that Czech and Slovak were dialects of the same language because of their similarities.

 

The languages, however, continued to evolve independently after Czechoslovakia broke up in 1993, making it increasingly challenging for speakers of the two languages to communicate with one another. The Czech Republic has a well-established educational system that allows foreigners who speak Czech to attend public universities for free and on an equal basis with locals. The capital, Prague, is also home to international corporations and offers a wealth of career opportunities.

 

According to an interesting history of the nation, on May 28, 1618, 27 Czech aristocrats overran the Old Royal Palace in Prague Castle and hurled two imperial governors and their scribe out of a window. The victims landed in a pile of manure, which was a huge embarrassment, but they managed to escape with just minor injuries.

 

This act of defenestration (which means "throwing out of a window" in Latin) set Protestant Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) against the Catholic invader, Austria, and precipitated the Thirty Years' War. The Habsburgs, the governing dynasty, exacted retribution on the Czechs after they lost the war. Germans held every important position in the government.

 

Prague became a dilapidated town after the majority of the Czech nobility and intelligentsia were compelled to flee the nation. Czech was outlawed and subsequently reduced to a dialect, while German was proclaimed the official language. Had it not been for the dolls, it would have vanished entirely.

 

As a matter of fact, the legislation only permitted the use of Czech at street fairs when traveling actors and their puppets performed in Czech. Crowds of people gathered to watch them because they were so popular. It is believed that the puppeteers and their wooden puppets contributed to the language's preservation in this way.

About the Czech people

 

The Czech people take great pride in their national beverage, beer, which is a staple of the local cuisine. Beer is consumed every day by many individuals of both sexes, especially at meals, and in hot weather, multiple times a day. The average Czech, according to some estimates, drinks more beer than their neighbor, Germany, with an annual consumption of about 143 liters. The Czechs are thought to have the highest beer consumption per capita in the world.

 

Like many other Eastern European nations, the Czech Republic has some circumstances where you must say "no" rather than "yes" or do the opposite. For instance, it is considered rude to enter a house with shoes on, even if the host has advised you not to remove them, and it is not customary for locals to accept a gift on the first occasion. When someone asks, "How are you doing?" It's unlikely that you'll say "I'm great!" right away, as that can be perceived as an attempt to impress. Rather, you ought to state that you're doing well while simultaneously admitting that you could do better.

 

Another peculiar aspect of the Czech way of life is their belief that blowing your nose should be done with vigor. For instance, blowing your nose loudly and noisily in public is a common practice in the Czech Republic. The Czechs have no qualms about carrying out these customs in the most unsuitable settings, including theaters, churches, lectures, and even dining establishments. However, sniffing is regarded as being completely wrong.

 

Although fashion is always changing, some habits are hard to break. For instance, during the hot season, some men wear sandals and socks, which surprises tourists. Large travel backpacks are carried by women in dresses, and during the winter, they pair their handbags with athletic jackets. It is important to note, though, that younger and more contemporary Czechs frequently make fun of these "fashions" and work to counter them.

 

The Czechs, who are passionate dog lovers, place a great value on the image of a dog. They take their pet friends with them to restaurants, zoos, cafes, and even places of worship. Additionally, no one looks down on a customer who brings a dog to a restaurant; instead, they all smile and say, "We have a dog too," and every waitress rushes over to pet the shaggy customer, making sure to bring him a bowl of water.

Best tourist destinations

 

There are many fascinating tourist attractions in the Czech Republic that are well-known for their natural beauty, architecture, and historical significance. Aside from Prague, the capital, which is renowned for its magnificent architecture, including the historic Charles Bridge and the Gothic-style St. Vitus Cathedral. The Astronomical Clock and lively street life may be found in the Old Town Square.

 

The magnificent Český Krumlov Castle and its well-preserved medieval architecture make Český Krumlov a UNESCO World Heritage site. The village offers beautiful views from its location along the Vltava River. Karlovy Vary is well-known for its hot springs and spa culture, and tourists from all over the world come to see it every year for the International Film Festival.

 

The second-largest city, Brno, has a thriving cultural scene with lots of museums and galleries, and is renowned for its modernist architecture, which includes the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat. Another UNESCO World Heritage site is Kutná Hora, which is well-known for the Sedlec Ossuary, commonly called the Bone Church. The town's main attraction is the Gothic St. Barbara's Church.

 

Pilsner Urquell Brewery is open for tours; Pilsen is the birthplace of Pilsner beer. The city is home to the Great Synagogue, one of the biggest in Europe, and lovely squares. Třeboň is renowned for its charming fishponds and lakes that are perfect for outdoor recreation. The town is well-known for its spa services and boasts a picturesque historical core.

 

Beautiful limestone formations, caverns, and gorges can be found in the protected Moravian Karst. A well-liked destination for hiking and exploring is the Macocha Abyss. These locations showcase the Czech Republic's stunning natural surroundings and rich cultural legacy, making for a varied vacation experience.

 

The Czechs' lovely foods

 

There are many filling and tasty dishes in Czech cuisine. These are a few of the most well-liked ones:

 

Svíčková: A marinated beef dish with a creamy sauce made from root vegetables, frequently served with bread dumplings. Usually served with bread or dumplings, goulash is a hearty stew cooked with meat, onions, and spices. Knedlo zelo Vepřo: A mainstay of Czech cuisine, roast pork is eaten with bread dumplings and sauerkraut.

 

Česnečka: A potato-based garlic soup that occasionally has cheese or croutons on top. Knedlíky are flour or potato dumplings that are used as a side dish with a variety of dishes, and kulajda is a creamy dill soup with potatoes, mushrooms, and frequently an egg.

 

Czech food: Knedlo Zelo Vepřo, photo credit: nomadparadise.com

 

Bagels are the Czechs' culinary nemesis: as they say, "a lifetime on the hips, hours in the stomach, and seconds in the mouth." The most popular bakery item in the nation is bagels, which have a dubious flavor. 

The traditional Czechs still prefer their bagels even if stores are now stocked with a wide variety of delectable breads. They purchase packs of ten to fifteen of these oblong white bread rolls, which they eat within a week.

Climate change initiatives: Are we doing enough?

 

The impact of climate change

 

In recent decades, the topic of climate change has gradually ceased to be a subject of discussion only among scientists and environmentalists. Today, climate projects are large-scale international initiatives that affect the lives of every person on the planet. No one can remain indifferent, as the future of the entire Earth is at stake.

 

However, what exactly are these projects? Which countries and organizations are involved? More importantly, how do they contribute to the fight against global warming? Let's explore these questions together. 

Climate change is a global issue that a single country can’t address; the projects involving this issue are coordinated efforts that bring together governments, international organizations, businesses, and social movements.

 

The goal of these initiatives is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote the transition to renewable energy sources, and adapt to changing climate conditions. From a scientific perspective, it is not only the global temperature that is important, but also the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

 

International climate projects are focused on reducing these gases; this is a long-term and complex task that requires numerous collaborative efforts at all levels to create a unified system of control and knowledge exchange, as well as funding and technological support. Thus, climate projects are not just an attempt to protect nature but a strategy that helps to maintain the comfort of life for all people on the planet.

 

Key international climate initiatives: an overview

 

Key international climate initiatives focus on global cooperation to combat climate change and promote sustainability. Let's take a look at some of the most notable initiatives that have revolutionized the way we approach the climate crisis.

 

The Paris Agreement is perhaps the most ambitious international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The countries that signed the agreement have committed to adopting nationally determined contributions, which are specific plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

The main strength of the Paris Agreement is that it has essentially become a collective agreement of all countries in the world, developed and developing, working towards the same goal. This is an important step in establishing transparent rules and reporting, as well as a powerful incentive for investment in green technologies and energy efficiency.

 

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established in 1992, and it provides a framework for international cooperation on climate issues. Hosts annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings to assess progress and negotiate agreements.

 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a scientific body that assesses climate change research and provides reports to inform policy decisions. Its assessments guide international climate negotiations and actions.

 

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established to assist developing countries in financing climate adaptation and mitigation projects. One of its goals is to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020, although actual funding levels may vary.

 

The Global Methane Pledge was launched in 2021; it aims to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. Currently, over 100 countries have joined, focusing on sectors like agriculture, waste, and fossil fuels.

 

Biodiversity and climate initiatives like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognize the interlinkages between biodiversity loss and climate change. Efforts include protecting ecosystems that sequester carbon, such as forests and wetlands.

 

Net Zero Alliances comprise various conditions, such as the Race to Zero campaign, which encourages businesses and governments to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050. These alliances promote accountability and transparency in climate action.

 

Considering all these initiatives, the important question that follows is whether countries are doing enough or fulfilling their promises. Many scientists and activists emphasize that while initiatives are in place, the pace and scale of action must increase significantly to avoid a catastrophic climate impact. 

Will robots lead to a future crisis in unemployment?

 

Robots in agriculture: Photo credit-freepik.com

 

Humanity cannot undervalue how quickly modern technology is changing many facets of daily life, the economy, and society. The internet has made it easier for people to communicate and plan their everyday activities. One thing people should keep in mind, though, is that artificial intelligence-controlled robots are not just science fiction anymore.

 

Robots have already replaced humans in several industries, including packaging and sorting in warehouses, coffee making, surgery, street patrol, and customer service. Scientists predict that the integration of robots into society will become commonplace and inevitable within the next ten years. Would this lead to a global unemployment crisis? That is the crucial question.

 

In the upcoming years, robots will continue to play a part in a variety of industries. Humanoid robots are employed in classrooms to instruct pupils, demonstrating the widespread usage of robotic technology in many areas, including healthcare, agriculture, the food industry, manufacturing, mining, and education. Robots are increasingly being used in the car manufacturing industry and defense activities by the military.

 

Even though a portion of the workforce will be replaced by artificial intelligence robots, experts predict that this will not result in the complete elimination of jobs but rather in a significant shift in the labor market. The global unemployment rate may not be rising significantly; rather, a large redistribution of jobs will be concealed by this macro-metric.

 

Society's inability to adapt to the rapid pace of change poses a greater threat than the robots themselves. The difficulty can be transformed into an opportunity for nations that make investments in education for the future, establish adaptable social support networks, and figure out how to properly share the advantages of automation. 

They will be able to use the human potential that has been liberated from routine to solve challenging issues, be creative, and enhance people's quality of life.

 

Humans and robots will collaborate in the future rather than fight each other. However, achieving this future calls for a level of preparation, human capital investment, and social cohesion never seen before. The only way to make the integration of robots a benefit rather than a curse is to actively manage the transition. 

A comprehensive guide on training your puppy from biting

 

Adorable puppies. Photo credit: getwallpapers.com

 

Puppies bite things to have physical sensations, and this eventually turns into a negative habit. I experienced the same problem when I had my first puppy, "Allswell,” without any solution. Thanks to the birth of modern technology. Today, there are many articles and videos on this subject. This information, however, will assist dog owners in training puppies to avoid biting.

 

What can be done to prevent a puppy from jumping on and biting its owner? Give your puppy playtime, refocus its focus on a toy, establish a happy environment, employ clicker training, and make sure socialization is done correctly. Maintaining consistency in your puppy's care and training will be crucial to preventing biting. To do this, have patience and realize that the training process will take a long time.

 

Don't scream or strike your pet, since aggression of any kind will erode the trust you have developed with your pet. When engaging with your dog, use loud exclamations, such as"Hey!" or "Ah!" to prevent biting. Show your puppy affection for their good conduct after they have calmed down. If your puppy is misbehaving, refrain from giving them a hug or a pat.

 

Another way to show affection to your puppy is to give it a piece of its favorite food. Everyone likes good treatment; the same thing applies to dogs. That’s how your puppy will earn your trust to avoid biting you.

 

When your puppy has too much energy and they begin to chew on objects. Expert dog trainers advise regular playtime, exercise, and activities to keep your puppy's mind and body active.

 

As puppies grow, they become smart as well. They know the time you go out with them. When they see that it’s time to go out, yet you are not responding, the puppy can bark repeatedly to remind you. When you experience it, you need to stop whatever you are doing to take the puppy out either to play or to answer nature’s call.

 

During the period of milk teeth growth, the puppy is looking for something to soothe the itch and chews everything to relieve the itching during the milk tooth development stage. Do not be provoked when the puppy destroys anything in the house, since its teeth will get sharper as it gets older. A puppy bite that was previously innocuous can cause harm to an adult dog, making the game dangerous instead of enjoyable.

 

If the puppy chews on the owner's shoes and bites various items around the house, refocus its interest on a toy. Make noises, move the toy, and do everything else you can to make it more exciting than biting the owner's hands or grabbing the dress or trousers for attention. Puppies become accustomed to bringing items to the owner, even when they are not playing, or if you throw a ball or a stick.

 

Make sure your puppy has a range of toys that he can gnaw on without any problems. To prevent your pet from chewing on tiny parts and swallowing them, keep an eye on him as he plays and replace any toys that have been chewed up. Puppies use their teeth to try everything in their environment. In this manner, they learn about the bite force, flavor, and social behavior of a certain object.

 

When a puppy is clicker trained, their impulsive behavior and urge to bite will be better controlled. A clicker is a little, portable gadget that, when pressed, produces a clicking sound. The puppy gains an understanding of which behaviors are bad and which are rewarded, thanks to the clicker. The dog gains trust by placing your hand near your puppy's face and pressing the clicker. 

After that, praise and treat your pet, and wave your hand in front of the puppy's face during the following training phase. Click the clicker, give another compliment, and offer a treat if it doesn't bite. The puppy will eventually become used to biting everything that moves. A lot of practice is necessary for clicker training and educating the puppy to understand receiving a treat for not biting.

 

Puppies must be socialized to be raised properly. Through imitation of its mother and other puppies, a puppy learns to control its mouth from birth. A puppy that is brought to a new household too soon loses its identity and acts in an instinctive manner. When puppies are taken from their dependence too soon, before 8 weeks, they show signs of anxiety, aggression, and fear. They also bite inappropriately when playing.

 

Join a dog-training group or take your pet on walks with the local canines. Your puppy will pick up proper dog etiquette and learn that rough play is not appropriate when it interacts with other dogs. Once you are successful, a well-trained and behaved puppy will no longer bite and won't cause any behavioral issues to you and other dogs. 

Ghanaian nationals busted by FBI in massive fraud scheme

 

The FBI agents

Three Ghanaian citizens have been detained for their alleged involvement in a $100 million fraud conspiracy combining romance scams and business email compromise (BEC). Among them are Isaac Kofi Oduro Boateng (also known as Kofi Boat), a man known as Agony, and a close colleague of Shatta Wale, a Ghanaian musician.

The arrests, which took place in Accra on June 13, 2025, as part of a joint Interpol-FBI operation, come after they were charged with wire fraud and money laundering in a 2023 US indictment. There is still a fourth suspect on the loose.

Kofi Boateng is charged with masterminding the cybercrime that operated out of Ghana from 2016 to 2023. The network allegedly utilized fake letters and spoof emails to pose as executives and scam victims, including eight people and one business, out of more than $100 million.

According to the FBI’s investigation, the group allegedly engaged in romance scams, focusing on elderly victims in false relationships, investments, or emergencies. In March 2025, Ghana's Ministry of the Interior issued arrest warrants in response to a request from the US Embassy.

The accused have now been extradited to the United States of America after being remanded by an Accra court on June 16, 2025. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spearheaded the concerted crackdown, which has revealed a global network of people allegedly scamming victims out of millions of dollars in life savings.

Texas flood tragedy: The world weeps with grieving families

 

Texas emergency crew: Photo credit - CNN

The number of flood-related deaths in Texas has risen to 50, with 15 toddlers and 27 young girls still unaccounted for from the inundated Camp Mystic. Searches for survivors are rapidly coming to an end, despite rescuers continuing to search the damaged area in central Texas. The unexpected disaster has shocked and saddened people all around the world.

 

Kerr County was the hardest hit, especially the sections around the Guadeloupe River, where a rare downpour of rain caused the water levels to rise by 26 feet in just forty-five minutes. A little over a third of a year's worth of rain dropped in a few hours, causing an "extraordinary catastrophe" and entirely overflowing the canals.

 

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha stated, "We have recovered 43 deceased individuals in Kerr County."There are 15 youngsters and 28 adults among those who have passed away. The current confirmed death toll stands at 50 after numerous deaths in neighboring counties, while this number is regrettably predicted to increase.

 

A group of school-age girls who vanished from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp beside the river, are the subject of the most urgent search. Dorm rooms are littered with soaked mattresses and teddies, according to heartbreaking images taken from the destroyed location.

 

Sheriff Leitha reported that 27 of the kids were still unaccounted for on Saturday. All of the missing children's parents have been informed, and many of them have taken to social media to make fervent requests for details about their daughters. According to local sources, their families have confirmed the deaths of up to five girls.

 

The anguished mother of 9-year-old Janie Hunt informed CNN that her daughter was one of the fatalities. The body was discovered, according to a Facebook post made by Renee Smajstrla's relative, who is nine years old. Shawna Salta tweeted: "We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday."

 

Dick Eastland, the director and proprietor of Camp Mystic, is one of the confirmed dead. Hector Nieto, director of the public information office, reported that 13 persons were missing and four confirmed deceased in Travis County, northeast of Kerr, in other parts of Texas. It's still unclear how many people are missing overall.

 

Air, land, and water-based workers were searching the entire Guadalupe River for survivors and the corpses of the deceased, according to Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Department of Emergency Management. "We will continue the search until all those who are missing are found," he stated.

 

Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, announced that he was extending the state disaster declaration and asking President Donald Trump for more federal funding. Abbott also pledged that the task would be given priority and that victims would receive round-the-clock assistance.

 

Credit to the Sun Newspaper: Britain

Europe faces the threat of an abnormal heat wave

 

Europe is experiencing an unusual heat wave, with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius prompting declarations of high weather threat in Italy, France, Spain, and other nations. While labor unions are demanding a temporary ban on outdoor work, authorities have closed schools and recommended that locals stay indoors throughout the day. In the meantime, Greece and Turkey are experiencing bushfires.

 

In June, the temperature in the Huelva region of Spain hit a record-breaking 46 degrees Celsius. Widespread forest fires and comparable temperatures were noted in Portugal, Greece, Italy, and the Western Balkans. A January 2025 study found that the impacts of heat kill about 175 thousand individuals in the WHO European Region per year.

 

Temperatures have also risen to critical levels in Portugal, where two-thirds of the country is under high alert. Temperatures in Lisbon are predicted to rise over 42 degrees Celsius. In order to lower the risk of fires and safeguard the public's health, officials have declared limitations on outdoor activities during the hottest hours.

 

Extreme weather conditions have also impacted Italy. To lower the danger of heatstroke and other heat-related problems, outdoor employment has been prohibited during peak hours in the regions of Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria. Rome, Milan, Naples, and 21 of the 27 main cities have recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.

 

Greece is still dealing with natural calamities, as evidenced by the massive forest fires that have already occurred there in recent weeks. As a reminder, a large fire that started south of Athens forced the evacuation of dozens of people from the island of Chios, where it burned for three days. To tackle the fire, the authorities sent out 130 firefighters, 12 helicopters, and 12 airplanes. They also evacuated 40 people from high-risk regions where the fire could spread.

 

Belgium has triggered the warning phase for its high heat and ozone peaks strategy as temperatures continue to rise this week. Forecasts from the Belgian Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) indicate that temperatures will rise over 25°C during the next few days, with many locations in the nation seeing temperatures as high as 34°C on Saturday.

To safeguard the safety of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly and children, local authorities and trade unions are calling for the expansion of restrictions and the implementation of additional measures. Mobile teams have been organized to help individuals in need, and cooling and water distribution centers have already been established in several areas. Due to the risk of forest fires, Italy and Slovenia, neighboring countries, have issued a state of emergency.

How I Met Professor Johan Van Dongen: The Dutch Scientist Who Revealed Aids And Ebola Were Medical Crimes Against Africa

Dutch scientist and  Johan Van Dongen

Since I share every article I write on social media platforms, I have got several readers, writers, and authors interested in my articles, but I had no idea that there is a Dutch scientist who reads every article I share on LinkedIn’s social platform.

Just as a man’s desire and character show who he is, my articles revealed my identity to Professor Johan Van Dongen. He realized that not only that I fearless but also an honest and sincere writer, who is ready to die, far as truth is concerned.

Since we have something in common and have that fearless character, he perceived that I was the right person to collaborate with to warn African leaders about the misuse of Africans, as Guinea pigs, to test drugs manufactured in Europe and America.

The conscience holds many individuals back from committing a crime, and as a scientist, he has the power to join the empire of deceitful scientists to plague Africans with diseases, but he chose to remain neutral.  His research, dating back as far as 1972, revealed that AIDS and Ebola were laboratory-engineered or man-made viruses.

Set to reveal those medical crimes to the world, he first published his books in his native language, Dutch, in Holland. The books were successful, but the Dutch government felt he was a betrayer or whistleblower; thus, they embarked to make his life miserable. He was fired as a lecturer at the university and faced many legal actions in court.

Out of the blue, Professor Dongen introduced himself to me on LinkedIn’s social platform. I secretly started digging into the background of this man, since I don’t trust anybody in a country called Belgium, unless the members of the Jehovah's Witnesses, because I worship with them every week, even though I’m not yet a full member (Not baptized).

Professor Dongen had already contacted a few Africans, including journalists, on those medical crime issues, to help disseminate the news and warnings to African leaders, but he was totally disappointed because of fear. Yes! Africans pull knives and cut their brothers' throats in wars and ethnic conflicts, but believe me, many are very cowardly, indeed.

One can witness the cowardliness of an African in Europe when an African is murdered or manhandled by the police. They will group somewhere to discuss the demonstration. When the time of the demonstration comes, you will never see those you sat down with a couple of hours ago, leaving one or two people at the demonstration ground to be a scapegoat.

I don’t blame them, the food is very delicious, so nobody wants to miss their favorite dish. Fortunately, my scripture reminds me that: “Man shall not live by bread alone, so many times I read the Bible, to feed my life spiritually, to be able to stand any force or wickedness that comes my way.

This is the reason why the police in Holland forgot to feed me the whole day, while behind bars for six days, I didn’t demonstrate. I was able to sleep peacefully without food for the next day. In the morning, when I was served breakfast in my tiny cell, I asked the police officer: “Why I wasn’t given any food the whole day yesterday till this morning?”

My question changed his countenance, and he thought I was joking. “What did you just say?” He asked. I repeated what I said. Confused and downhearted, he went and did his investigations and found out that I was speaking the truth. He apologized and said to me, “You were too quiet, so we didn’t know there was someone in there.”

The mistake they made touched them emotionally to the extent that they gave my passport back to me and asked me to go home. Believe me, the Dutch police don’t free an illegal immigrant. This sounds like a tale, but the police in Amsterdam can confirm this story; above all, this interesting story can be read in my third book: Overseas Chronicle-The Rome And Amsterdam Experience.

After reading much about Professor Johan, satisfied and knew that he is a genuine person, I responded to his invitation. He posted his two books, one captioned “Aids De Grootste Misdaad In De Medische Geschiedenis”- Translated ‘Aids The Greatest Crime in Medical History.’

As our friendship grew stronger, I realized the man’s clean heart, conscience, and love for mankind. I wasn’t surprised to read that he invented an artificial rat to perform his experiments, to prevent animal cruelty. This exceptionally good conscience is hard to find among some of the wolf-scientists in sheep’s clothing.

It wasn’t long before we decided to translate his books into English. Translating the Netherlands into English and all the scientific theory works proved to be a very tough job. We did our best. Whether the translation was good or not, our message is to let the world, including Africa, know that Aids and Ebola were indeed medical crimes against Africa.

African leaders have disappointed us more than the ignorant Africans who claim Aids and Ebola are cursed by God. The fear of dealing with Aids and the Ebola crisis alone, when they confront Europe and America,   haunts them; they chose to remain silent. But the truth is, that silence is seen by Europe and America as a lack of intelligence and cowardliness.

A Glance At Antwerp Under The Administration of Mayor Bart De Wever

The Mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever, and the writer, Joel Savage Photo:@Kouablan Dominique

Not quite long in Belgium, but fifteen years in Antwerp is enough to write a narrative essay, whenever I meet this challenge at an examination hall. 


Even though, Antwerp is a famous city, known for its rich diamond collection and flourishing sea-port, in the early 2000s, the city was very rough and unsafe for both tourists and citizens.

It was this period Leona Detiége, a Belgian politician and member of the Flemish social-democratic party, then mayor of Antwerp, did her best to tackle the problems destroying the reputation of the city of Antwerp, as a tourist attraction center.

She swung into action, focusing on the notorious places, such as De Conincksplein, a neighborhood that harbored all criminal activities, including drug peddling, prostitution, bag snatching, pickpockets, pimps, etc, and De Falconplein, another notorious neighborhood, serving as a red light district for prostitutes, pimps and drug couriers.

Her undertakings weren’t just a bluff, it did really crippled the prostitution industry. Many prostitutes were arrested and deported to their countries of origin and the pimp industry collapsed. 

The Antwerp police received a letter from a group calling themselves ‘The Nigerian Mafia,’ threatening and ready to fight the police to death, for taking their prostitutes off the streets.

Leona stationed a mobile police van at the center of Conincksplein 24 hours daily, and all the nefarious activities and crimes subsided. Apart from that Leona made it uneasy for landlords that stole money from tenants. 

It was a period, criminal-landlords was known as ‘huismelkers’ were making a lot of money from tenants. Like a farmer milking his cow, they steal the three months guarantee paid by tenants. Her actions worked and totally reduced this menace which had taken over Antwerp.

Unfortunately, all the hard efforts of Leona came to a fruitless end, when she left office and Patrick Janssens, a member of the SP.a, succeeded her, as the next mayor of Antwerp. 

Patrick Janssens probably thought the best way to serve Antwerp, is to be friendly with everyone. It was his time drug peddling, which Leona had fought to subdue, increased significantly.

There was time, Moroccans in Antwerp, believe or thought the city is for them. They drive, stop on the street, talk to friends, with a long queue of traffic behind them. Who dares to talk? You will be surrounded and if the police are not around, you will be beaten mercilessly.

At Schijnpoort, a neighborhood in Antwerp, a Belgium driving, stops and asks a Moroccan for help, as he couldn’t find a street he was looking for. 

As soon as his window came down, right in front of me, the Moroccan accumulated a thick saliva in his mouth and spits onto the face of the driver. He picks up a tissue paper, wipes the saliva from his face and drove away. My heart ached when I witnessed this scene.

Under the administration of Patrick Janssens,   the situation in Antwerp grew from bad to worse. More drug trafficking at coffee shops run by foreigners. By the time he decides to take drastic action, it was too late. The people in Antwerp are fed up and really want a change.

I will always remember Patrick Janssens for saving the citizens of Antwerp from the dog’s waste explosion. It was a period one always comes home with a dog’s waste because they are everywhere. He did well to impose a fine against dog owners that leave dogs’ waste in the city after excretion.

The coming in of  Bart De Wever, the leader of N-VA party, as the mayor of Antwerp, took many by surprise. As a politician who has dreams including the creation of an independent state for the province of Antwerp, many don’t like him much, but that didn’t prevent him from winning the seat as mayor of Antwerp.

The man knows that coming into office as a mayor is not all that is important but one’s achievement. De Wever is destined to carve his name as one of the best or probably the best mayor in the political history of Belgium. Since he assumed office, De Wever has done a lot within the shortest period many past mayors couldn’t achieve.

In regard to security and safety, Antwerp is now a safe city at any time of the day, including night. Conincksplein, which used to be a dangerous place in Antwerp is now a safe community for citizens.

The newly completed library adds glamour to the beauty of the area. Antwerp also remains clean since the administration introduced fine for litterers. Alcohol forbidden zones are now in force within the city.

Despite all his achievements, many still don’t agree with him. Some say he is a good man or bad man, others think he is wicked, but whatever name they call him, there is no doubt that Bart De Wever is the best mayor Antwerp has ever got or probably the best in the political history of Belgium.

Would France Be Free From Terrorism Without Colonizing Many Islamic Countries?

“France population consists of dangerous terrorists born and raised in the country, making the country an easy target.” – Joel Savage

The scramble for Africa was very swift. It was an opportunity Europeans made good use of it, but with an iron fist, after discovering Africa’s wealth, in the least advanced continent. 

Even though malaria killed hundreds of Europeans, by 1862, they had reached the source of the Nile, then little later, they traced the route of the Niger and confirmed the reality of Africa’s rich mineral resources- ivory, gold, diamonds, tin, copper, rubber, etc.

Between the 1870s and 1900, Africa experienced European imperialist invasion, diplomatic pressures, military invasions, and eventual conquest and colonization. 

Among other European countries, France had Republic of Benin, Upper Volta, now Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Chad, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, and Republic of Togo in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia in North Africa, then Djibouti, Lebanon, and Syria.

Since most of the countries colonized by France were Islamic countries, Islam became the second-largest professed religion in France, following Catholic-Christians, with an estimated total of 5 to 10 percent of the national population. 

France stands as the largest Muslim country in Western Europe. Do we have to ask: Would France be free from terrorism without colonizing many Islamic countries?

As the story unfolds, France ruled heavy Islamic dominant countries, including the Republic of Guinea, until Guinea, attained its independence in 1958.  

Like Belgium, that couldn’t stand the pain of losing Congo and embarked on ruthless destruction of Congo, both physically and medically, France aimed to destroy Guinea as well.

They emptied all the coffers of the bank and took everything from the statehouse, including the furniture to France. The newly elected Prime Minister Ahmed Sekou Touré inherited a very bad economy and a complete looted country.

France still interested in Africa established its embassies in every country they colonized and continued interfering with African politics. The reason whenever there is a coup in any of the countries France colonized, they quickly send the military to arrest the situation.

France is seen as paradise by nationals from countries they colonized in Africa, had the opportunity to travel to France to study, request for political asylum and to work as immigrants.

Apart from migration, a lot of Muslims were born in France, amounting to 15 percent of the total population, creating Muslim communities throughout France. 

The country, therefore, has a long and complicated relationship with the Muslim world and its own immigrant population, many of whom have been in the country for generations.

Due to the heavy concentration of Muslims in France, the country is, therefore, an easy target for terrorists.  

At the beginning of this year, gunmen shot dead 12 people at the Paris office of French satirical the magazine Charlie Hebdo, in an apparent militant Islamist attack.

That’s where France should have been careful to avoid the present attacks that have killed at least 129 people.

Under President Francois Hollande, France launched its first airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria in September, but external attacks against terrorists, can’t weaken the foundation of terrorism threatening France, because the enemies-terrorists are within the people in the country.

The France government should first fight against terrorism at home, to weaken its foundation, before concentrating on external issues.

TRIBUTE TO JOURNALISTS KILLED IN SERVICE AROUND THE WORLD

One of the dangers in journalism

Journalism, as we know, is the profession for those who contribute regularly to various forms of media. Whether electronic or print media, the work of the journalist is to investigate and make a story out of the information he or she has gathered.

Journalists depend on the public for information when going about their jobs. However, in the course of their work to get the news across to the public, most journalists experience difficulties, tragedies, and humiliation. And death.

According to the report detailing journalists killed since 1992, over 800 journalists have been killed around the world in cases where the Committee to Protect Journalists has been able to confirm the motive.

It's more than a crime to kill a journalist who has no weapon than a pen to write his story, but the killing of journalists around the world never stops, because no serious action is taken against anyone when a journalist is killed.

Afghanistan and Iraq are responsible for the deaths of so many journalists, but the killers are free, just as the killers of British journalist Rupert Hamer are still free.

In every field of work, respect should prevail. One mustn't hate someone because of their profession. Without journalists, there will be no news. Journalists must be given proper protection and encouragement to make the profession interesting than a nightmare.