Tuesday, June 26, 2012
THE (SCIENTIFIC) DEATH OF JESUS
THE
(SCIENTIFIC) DEATH OF JESUS
At the age of 33,
Jesus was condemned to death .
At the time
Crucifixion was the “worst” death. Only the worst
Criminals were condemned to be crucified. Yet it was
Even more dreadful for Jesus, unlike
Other criminals condemned to death by
Crucifixion Jesus was to be nailed to the
Cross by His hands and feet.
Each nail
Was 6 to 8 inches long.
The nails
Were driven into His wrist. Not
Into His palms as is commonly
Portrayed. There’s a tendon in the wrist that
Extends to the shoulder. The Roman guards knew
That when the nails were being hammered into the
Wrist that tendon would tear and
Break, forcing Jesus to use His back
Muscles to support himself so that He could
Breath.
Both of His feet
Were nailed together. Thus He was forced to
Support Himself on the single nail that
Impaled His feet to the cross. Jesus could
Not support himself with His legs because of the pain
So He was forced to alternate between arching His
Back then using his legs just to continue to
Breath. Imagine the struggle, the pain, the
Suffering, the courage.
Jesus endured this
Reality for over 3 hours.
Yes,
Over 3 hours! Can you imagine this kind of
Suffering? A few minutes before He died,
Jesus stopped bleeding. He was simply pouring water
From his wounds.
From common images
We see wounds to His hands and feet and even the spear wound
To His side… But do we realize His wounds
Were actually made in his body. A hammer
Driving large nails through the wrist, the feet overlapped
And an even large nail hammered through the arches, then a
Roman guard piercing His side with a spear. But
Before the nails and the spear Jesus was whipped and
Beaten. The whipping was so severe that it tore the
Flesh from His body. The beating so horrific that His
Face was torn and his beard ripped from His face. The
Crown of thorns cut deeply into His scalp. Most men
Would not have survived this torture.
“
He had no more blood
To bleed out, only water poured from His
Wounds.
The human adult body contains about 3.5 liters
(just less than a gallon) of blood.
Jesus poured all 3.5
Liters of his blood; He had three nails hammered into His
Members; a crown of thorns on His head and, beyond
That, a Roman soldier who stabbed a spear into His
Chest..
All these without
Mentioning the humiliation He suffered after carrying His own
Cross for almost 2 kilometers, while the crowd spat in his
Face and threw stones (the cross was almost 30 kg of weight,
Only for its higher part, where His hands were
Nailed).
Jesus had
To endure this experience, to open the
Gates of Heaven,
So that you can have free
Access to God.
So that your sins
Could be “washed” away. All of them, with no exception!
Don’t ignore this situation.
JESUS
CHRIST DIED FOR YOU!
He died for you! It
Is easy to pass jokes or foolish photos by e-mail, but
When it comes to God, sometimes you feel ashamed to forward
To others because you are worried of what they may think
About you.
Source: http://phemyodu.wordpress.com
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Eye Witness Account of DANA Plane Crash in Lagos -
Like a scene in a movie, the events of June 3rd 2012 is not one I can ever forget in a hurry. It was 3.56pm and everyone had formed clusters around available TV set in preparation to watch the Nigerian National Football team play their Namibian counterpart in Calabar, a home match for the Eagles. Then came a loud scream from the grocery shop across my house, it was the owner shouting “Ki le leyi?” in Yoruba which by interpretation is “what is this?”
Such yell would arrest anyone, it was certainly an alarm! We all trooped out, since the match had not started, a little amusement could spice up a bright Sunday afternoon. Noone could guess what was behind such a distress shrill.
Getting outside, the feeling was of shock as well as amazement – an aircraft flying so close to the house roof? This must be a movie stunt, I thought at the time.
Haven always had a desire to understand the rudiments of movie-making; I thought it best to search for a camera so I could capture this rare spectacle. Some Nollywood stars must be behind this first-ever, real-live video shoot, I must fast locate the camera crew of this movie-in-the-making, I thought.
Then, it occurred to me that this massive object, with the inscription “DANA Airlines” and as huge as the 3 storey building nearby can in no way be a stunt prop. Too close, the scene too real, too dangerous to be one.
Then poured comments and several questions – “What is the pilot doing?” “Is this a joke?” “This is in no way funny?” came in different languages and from different lips already aghast by the sight of the big bird hovering side to side, up and down. My cousin and I glanced at one another, and then it dawned on us that it was no joke afterall.
Little did we know that the pilot was in his moment of helplessness, confusion, anguish and last-minute attempt to save not just himself, but other one hundred and sixty souls (or thereabout) entrusted into his care just 45 minutes ago in Abuja.
Right at that moment the obviously-distressed aircraft took a sharp plunge straight ahead into a building occupied by a church (Redeemed Christian Church of God) sweeping though a newly constructed but yet-to-be-occupied residential building! Boom! It was a deafening sound. We – my neighbourhood was hit by a sad reality!
Those of us who had thronged out at first ran towards the crashed plane, and many were astounded by the loud sound, not knowing what the cause was. We only could point in the direction, a few of us could mutter “plane”, “ fly” “crash” or any other thing to communicate the horror, the thoughts in most minds was apparently running at a faster pace than words could express. The shock was indescribable!
In a moment, we got close enough but could not see much at first because of the smoke from the plane. A climb up the fence of a building nearby gave a view of the crashed plane.
Some others ran towards a 3-storey building which had a hit from the shredded wing of the plane. That was the house that the family who fell victim lived; they were reportedly seated, ready to watch the football match my entire neighbourhood ended up not watching.
As if in a flash, a fire started in a part of the building. Then came a man shouting from the balcony of the third floor, “What happened?” The yells of “plane!” “fire!” “jump!” from us all saw the man disappeared inside the house, to the bewilderment of everyone. However, he emerged few seconds later with a young child (his child), jumped down with the child wrapped and clutched to his body. As we later found out, the staircase was already crushed by the impact of the crash. I had believed and prided my father the best, but I must confess, I saw the great father in this man.
He landed alive but with a dislocated arm. We could only scream from a distance “Come out”, “Come out”; we were all too scared to go drag him out of the premises for fear another explosion or of the building collapsing. It took him about 3 minutes to get up, as he struggled out through the gate to the waiting arms of those of us who had alerted him.
We were interested in anyone still left in the building; we asked, he could only mutter that his brother-in-law was in one of the rooms, fast asleep while he and his child were waiting for the other members of his family to come back from church. The agony of this moment was beyond words as we knew we could not risk going into the building to help the brother-in-law or anyone left.
Many residents of Iju have by now summoned the sense and courage to make calls continuously to media houses. Every known SOS agencies were contacted and bombarded with calls for help.
By now, the time was 4.30pm. Scores have gathered from everywhere around to catch a glimpse of what was going on. Many living on Olaniyi Street and all around it started evacuating few valuables – TV sets, mattresses, chairs – in fear of an eventual fire to their homes. Generating sets were top priorities for most, as this was thought, and wisely so, a great aid to any inferno.
We could only wait for fire-fighters and rescue teams. The policemen from the nearest police station, Adeshola station came but could not do much. Indeed, no one knew what to do! We tried to break the windows of the burning storey building by throwing stones to allow for space for anyone who might be trapped and searching for a way of escape but none came out.
People started praying in their different religious faiths and tongues. A great many were in agonising tears. I was in tears. Old men with gray hairs were in tears, crying like babies. I have never seen such emotionally-rending scene, never!
There were those who wanted to have a share of the loot but those of those who got to the scene earlier prevented them to the best of our capacity.
The first set of fire-fighters came 40 minutes after the crash to the elation of us all. At least, all the houses would not be razed by this fire, as we all initially envisaged! We were ready to help and we encouraged the safety men so.
Despite the efforts of the fire-fighters, it was clear to us that with the raging fire, from the crashed aircraft or the buildings affected, it would be a miracle for any of the trapped occupants to make it through. The smoke from the airplane has now become a huge raging fireball! No one could go near, the heat was intense. We only could stare helplessly from a distance.
The first fire fighting crew did very well, and by the time they ran out of water, other trucks came. It was 5.40p.m.
Two helicopters were hovering, one belonging to Governor Fashola of the Lagos State (or so I thought) and another of the Nigeria Air Force which could not find a space to land.
The crowd had grown large, in their multitudes. Rescue workers from the Red Cross, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency team, The Police; in fact, every known law-enforcement agency was represented in their droves.
At 6.20pm, the rescue workers could go into the building to bring out victims- many of them, burnt beyond recognition, laid in body bags and whisked away by stand-by ambulances. What a day, what a scene, what a horror!
The quiet Iju community has since become a tourist site for many, robbed of its peace by the cruel angel of death.
- Adeniyi Aliu
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Understanding a man’s libido, and how to assist him in bed
Depression
The brain is an often-overlooked erogenous zone. Sexual excitement starts in your head and works its way down. Depression can dampen your desire and can lead to erectile dysfunction. Ironically, many of the drugs used to treat depression can also suppress your sex drive and make it harder to get an erection.
Alcohol
You might consider having a few drinks to get in the mood, but overindulging could make it harder for you to finish the act. Heavy alcohol use can interfere with erections, but the effects are usually temporary. The good news is that moderate drinking — one or two drinks a day — might have health benefits like reducing heart disease risks. And those risks are similar to erectile dysfunction risks, too.
Medications
The contents of your medicine cabinet could affect your performance in the bedroom. A long list of common drugs can cause ED, including certain blood pressure drugs, pain medications, and antidepressants. Street drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana can cause sexual problems in men, too.
Stress
It’s not easy to get in the mood when you’re overwhelmed by responsibilities at work and home. Stress can take its toll on many different parts of your body, including your penis. Deal with stress by making lifestyle changes that promote well-being and relaxation, such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and seeking professional help when appropriate.
Anger
Anger can make the blood rush to your face, but not to the one place you need it when you want to have sex. It’s not easy to feel romantic when you’re raging, whether your anger is directed at your partner or not. Unexpressed anger or improperly expressed anger can contribute to performance problems in the bedroom.
Anxiety
Worrying that you won’t be able to perform in bed can make it harder for you to do just that. Anxiety from other parts of your life can also spill over into the bedroom. All that worry can make you fear and avoid intimacy, which can spiral into a vicious cycle that puts a big strain on your sex life — and relationship.
Middle-Aged Spread
Carrying extra pounds can impact your sexual performance, and not just by lowering your self-esteem. Obese men produce less of the male hormone testosterone, which is important for sexual desire and producing an erection. Being overweight is also linked to high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the penis.
Self-Image
When you don’t like what you see in the mirror, it’s easy to assume your partner isn’t going to like the view, either. A negative self-image can make you worry not only about how you look, but also how well you’re going to perform in bed. That performance anxiety can make you too anxious to even attempt sex.
Low Libido
Low libido isn’t the same as erectile dysfunction, but a lot of the same factors that stifle an erection can also dampen your interest in sex. Low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, and certain medications can all reduce your sex drive. When all those worries are tied up with making love, your interest in sex can take a nosedive.
Your Health
Many different health conditions can affect the nerves, muscles, or blood flow that is needed to have an erection. Diabetes, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis can all contribute to ED. Surgery to treat prostate or bladder problems can also affect the nerves and blood vessels that control an erection.
How to Solve Erection Problems
It can be embarrassing to talk to your doctor about your sex life, but it’s the best way to get treated and get back to being intimate with your partner. Your doctor can pinpoint the source of the problem and may recommend lifestyle interventions like quitting smoking or losing weight. Other treatment options are ED drugs, hormone treatments, a suction device that helps create an erection, or counseling.
——————
Culled from: http://men.webmd.com
Friday, May 11, 2012
Bloom Where You're Planted!
In an effort to be cordial, I asked a certain young man how he
was doing one day. Instead of hearing the common curt response
of "Fine," he said, "I feel like I have dug myself in a hole."
My response to him was, "The only place you start out on top is
when you are digging a hole!" Immediately he retorted,
"I didn't think I was digging a hole; I thought I was laying a
foundation!"
Well, the truth of the matter is that everything is a matter of
perception. Your outlook determines your outcome!
It's better to be in a hole than in a rut.
A rut is simply a grave with both ends kicked out! The hole
that this young man dug for himself was his foundation.
This is a process of life.
You lose before you gain.
You give before you get.
You follow before you lead.
You establish a solid foundation before you build.
Before a farmer sows his fields, he first digs holes.
Every beautiful flower starts out as a seed in a hole.
Every fruit-bearing tree gets its start in a hole.
Most of us are in a hole of debt before we can graduate from
college, but we don't have to stay there!
While digging a hole is dirty work and frustrating at times,
it is necessary. Thomas Edison aptly stated, "Restlessness and
discontent are the first necessities of progress."
So although being in a hole is confining and irritating,
just hang on and learn to bloom where you are planted!
A pearl is formed in an oyster because of an irritant that
enters. That irritant causes a secretion to be released, which
actually forms the pearl. So, while you are irritated, realize
that a valuable pearl is being formed deep within you.
Just keep your mouth closed, and bloom where you are planted!
Courtesy: Bishop Dale C. Bronner, D. Min.
was doing one day. Instead of hearing the common curt response
of "Fine," he said, "I feel like I have dug myself in a hole."
My response to him was, "The only place you start out on top is
when you are digging a hole!" Immediately he retorted,
"I didn't think I was digging a hole; I thought I was laying a
foundation!"
Well, the truth of the matter is that everything is a matter of
perception. Your outlook determines your outcome!
It's better to be in a hole than in a rut.
A rut is simply a grave with both ends kicked out! The hole
that this young man dug for himself was his foundation.
This is a process of life.
You lose before you gain.
You give before you get.
You follow before you lead.
You establish a solid foundation before you build.
Before a farmer sows his fields, he first digs holes.
Every beautiful flower starts out as a seed in a hole.
Every fruit-bearing tree gets its start in a hole.
Most of us are in a hole of debt before we can graduate from
college, but we don't have to stay there!
While digging a hole is dirty work and frustrating at times,
it is necessary. Thomas Edison aptly stated, "Restlessness and
discontent are the first necessities of progress."
So although being in a hole is confining and irritating,
just hang on and learn to bloom where you are planted!
A pearl is formed in an oyster because of an irritant that
enters. That irritant causes a secretion to be released, which
actually forms the pearl. So, while you are irritated, realize
that a valuable pearl is being formed deep within you.
Just keep your mouth closed, and bloom where you are planted!
Courtesy: Bishop Dale C. Bronner, D. Min.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
What the 'Spiritual' Millionaires taught me
Over the years I have had the privilege to spend time with some very financially and spiritually enlightened people.
As a result, my personal life and the way I do business has changed...
In listening to these people talk and observing how they handle their personal and business lives, three very distinct and powerful traits came to my attention.
I believe if all these three traits were applied to your life, they would make such a dramatic change, that in a short time all the things you desire would show up in your life...including as much money as you desire.
I don't say that lightly, I really have been influenced by these three Spiritual Principles and their power. I believe -- no, I KNOW, you will be too, if you apply them in your life.
Principle Number 1: They "KNOW" They Can Create Whatever They Desire...
Spiritual Millionaires choose what they want instead of focusing on what they don't want. They never spend time thinking about what is "missing" from their life. Rather, they make a choice about what they want in their life.
Spiritual Millionaires have 100% confidence in the Law of Attraction. The have no doubt about their ability to create what they desire.
They don't "believe" it - they KNOW it...
There is a world of difference between "believing" and "knowing". When you "know" the truth about anything, there is no doubt.
You have 100% confidence...
Knowing is about trusting that you are the only one who knows what is right for you, that you are capable of handling whatever comes to you, and that you are clear on your intentions or the outcome you choose to create.
I've seen the power of being absolutely clear on my intentions for my life: They come true!
They have for me, and I watched the Spiritual Millionaires as their intentions came to reality for them as well.
Being clear on your intentions is a good first step.
However, a more powerful and life-changing step is trusting that those intentions are ALREADY a reality on the non-physical plane of consciousness, and that they must manifest in your physical reality if you do not hold any opposing thoughts.
And then, "Act As If..." your intentions are reality, now.
Not dishonestly, or outside of your true beliefs. But, to feel it, sense it, imagine how it's going to "show up" in various situations once it manifests in your life.
Principle Number 2: They Take Action...
As I observed Spiritual Millionaires, I noticed that they didn't hesitate to move on their ideas and respond to situations that called for action in order to keep the momentum going.
Do you get the power of what this Principle is about?
Do you get the power of what this Principle is about?
If you're sitting waiting for something to happen, doing other "important" tasks rather than those that you know will produce the results you desire , you are wasting time and you are no closer to your desire.
Trust me on this one, I've waited for so many things in my life that never showed up!
Acting on your desire is habit that you desperately need to cultivate in order to get to where you want to be... Waiting will not do it...
I watched these Spiritual Millionaires, one after another, take immediate action, not out of fear or to ‘force' things to happen, but because the next action they took brought them one step closer to their desire.
And, I saw tremendous results come into their lives... They don't take unnecessary action. Instead, they use the leverage of energy, the same leverage of energy that creates everything in the universe.
I have seen these Spiritual Millionaires step into spaces of discomfort, and have courage to take action. It was also evident that they were as scared to take those steps as you and I are when we're faced with the choice of moving out of our comfort zone.
THE MESSAGE IS...
It's time to "Get Moving", trust your intuition, your sense of knowing what the next step is, and take action...
We often wait for the "feeling to be right" first, before we take the action we know will bring us satisfaction. That's all back-to-front...
The feelings of satisfaction only comes from ACCOMPLISHMENT, not from pondering and procrastinating. (You knew that one, too, didn't you...)
Never try to force things to happen because you are afraid of what will happen if you don't take a certain action. Instead, choose ‘inspired action' that moves you toward what you want, not away from what you don't want.
Acting on your intentions without trying to force things to happen will magnetize your desires by attracting people, places and opportunities into your into reality that you never would have even seen if you hadn't done so.
Principle Number 3: They Maintain an "Attitude of Gratitude...
Spiritual Millionaires maintain an "attitude of gratitude"...
Gratitude does not need explanation -- you know how to be grateful. But did you know that gratitude brings you more of what you appreciate? Gratitude speeds along the manifestation of your desires.
When you find things that you appreciate and you use them as your point of focus, your world has to get better in every area of your life. Spiritual Millionaires know that every time they flood their mind with appreciation or gratitude they attract more of what they desire.
Look around you right now. What can you be grateful for? Make a list. Get into the authentic feeling of true gratitude...
Find something, anything, to be grateful for right now. When you are grateful, you're in a high energy vibration that will attract more things to be grateful for and more good things will come to you magically, drawn in by your feelings of gratitude.
Adapted from: The Secret of Deliberate Creation
by Dr. Robert Anthony
Thursday, April 5, 2012
The cushion of the sea*
A number of years ago, a submarine being tested had to be submerged for several hours. Upon returning to harbor, the captain was asked, “How did that terrible storm last night affect you?” Surprised, the captain exclaimed, “Storm? We didn’t even know there was one!” Their submarine had been so far beneath the surface that it had reached what sailors refer to as “the cushion of the sea” – a depth in the ocean where the waters below are never stirred despite any commotion on the surface.
In our fast-paced world, it is a challenge to slow down and remember that God is in control. We are a society of ‘do-everything,” “go-everywhere,” “get-it-done” people who mistakenly believe we can handle everything if we just keep going. In reality, we need to become so submerged in God’s peace that no matter what’s happening in our lives, we are able to remain calm as “the cushion of the sea.”
If you feel overwhelmed, bogged down, or burnt out, add one more activity to your daily schedule: Spend time with Almighty God. It is the only way to reach the depth needed to find true calm in the midst of any storm.
*Adapted from Pathways by Dr David Jeremiah.
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Friday, March 9, 2012
The African Billionaires 2012
This year, a record 1,226 billionaires made it to FORBES’ annual ranking of the World’s richest people.
African billionaires occupied a little over 1% of the positions on the list. Here are the 16 Africans who made the cut:
Aliko Dangote, $11.2 billion

Nigeria, Sugar, Cement, Flour
Africa’s cement king has shed more than $2.6 billion from his net worth since last year as a consequence of Nigeria’s floundering stock market. But don’t feel sorry: Dangote still remains the richest man on the continent. He famously started trading commodities three decades ago with a business loan from an uncle, then went on to build the $15 billion (combined market capitalization)Dangote Group which now has interests in everything from sugar refineries, flour milling, salt processing and cement plants in Nigeria, Zambia, Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa.
Nicky Oppenheimer & family, $6.8 billion

South Africa, Diamonds
Last November, Oppenheimer agreed to a historic sale of his family’s 40% stake in De Beers, the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds to Anglo American in a $5.1 billion deal. Oppenheimer has vowed to invest a substantial part of the money in Africa. So far, he has invested heavily in Tana Africa Capital, a $300 million private equity joint venture with Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings. The fund will invest primarily in the agricultural and consumer goods sectors across Africa. Passionate cricketer.
Nassef Sawiris, $5.1 billion

Egypt, Construction
Nassef Sawiris, the youngest son of Orascom conglomerate founder and fellow billionaire, Onsi Sawiris, heads Orascom Construction Industries, one of Egypt’s largest publicly-traded companies. Sawiris also owns substantial stakes in cement companies Lafarge and Texas Industries.
Johann Rupert & family, $5.1 billion

South Africa, Luxury Goods
Luxury goods billionaire Rupert serves as chairman and chief executive officer of Richemont, a Swiss holding company that controls premium brands such as Vacheron Constantin, Cartier, Alfred Dunhill, Montblanc and ChloƩ. Also chairs South African investment holding companies, Remgro Ltd and Reinet Investments Manager. The automobile enthusiast established the Franschhoek Motor Museum which houses his personal collection of over 200 antique vehicles.
Mike Adenuga, $4.3 billion

Nigeria, telecom, banking, oil
Reclusive tycoon was the first Nigerian to strike oil in commercial quantities through his firm, Conoil Producing. Today, the company is Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil exploration company producing some 100,000 barrels per day. Also owns Globacom, Nigeria’s second largest mobile telecom operator which boasts over 15 million active subscribers.
Naguib Sawiris, $3.1 billion

Egypt, Telecom
The eldest son of Onsi Sawiris, Naguib built up Orascom Telecom to become the dominant mobile telecoms operator in the Maghreb region. In 2010, he sold off his family’s stake in the company to Russia’s VimpelCom for $6.5 billion. He subsequently made his foray into politics, founding the Free Egyptians party in April 2011 to promote free markets and a secular platform.
Christoffel Wiese, $3.1 billion

South Africa, Retailing
Wiese is the chairman and largest individual shareholder of low-price supermarket chain Shoprite, Africa’s largest retailer. He also owns a 44% stake in discount clothes, shoes and textiles chain Pepkor as well a significant shareholding in private equity firm Brait. His other assets include Lanzerac Manor & Winery, a five-star hotel that produces its own wine, and a private game reserve in the Kalahari.
Onsi Sawiris, $2.9 billion

Egypt, construction, telecom
The legendary patriarch of Egypt’s most powerful business dynasty. The Orascom Group, which he founded, has interests in telecoms, hotels and construction. The companies are all run by his three sons- Naguib, Samih and Nassef.
Miloud Chaabi, $2.9 billion

Morocco, Real estate
As a child, the Moroccan businessman and politician worked as a farmer and goat herdsman. By the time he was 19, he had saved enough to start a small construction company which developed residential properties. Through his Ynna Holding Company, he subsequently expanded his empire into hotels, supermarkets, and renewable energy. Chaabi is one of Morocco’s most vocal critics of political and business corruption.
Patrice Motsepe, $2.7 billion

South Africa, Mining
Born in the sprawling black township of Soweto and then trained as a lawyer, he became the first black partner at Bowman Gilfillan law firm in Johannesburg. Went on to found a small contracting business doing mine scut work, then bought low-producing gold shaft mines in 1994 which he turned profitable using lean management style. Today, his $5 billion (market cap) African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) has interests in platinum, nickel, chrome, iron, manganese, coal, copper and gold. Motsepe owns over 41% of the company. Also owns a 5% stake in Sanlam, a financial services firm outside Cape Town.
Othman Benjelloun, $2.3 billion

Morocco, banking, insurance
His father was a major shareholder in a small Moroccan insurance company. He took over in 1988 and built it into RMA Watanya, one of Morocco’s largest insurance companies. He used RMA Watanya as a springboard to diversify into banking. Today, his $4 billion (market capitalization) BMCE Bank has operations in more than a dozen countries. Through his holding company Groupe FinanceCom, he also has significant interests in telecom, airlines and Information technology.
Mohamed Mansour, $1.7 billion

Egypt, Diversified
Along with his two brothers, Mohammed Mansour runs the world’s largest GM dealership. Among other assets, the Mansour Group also owns the largest supermarket chain in Egypt, the country’s second largest real estate developer, Palm Hills and the Philip Morris franchise in Egypt.
Anas Sefrioui, $1.6 billion

Morocco, Real estate
In 1998, the then 31 year-old Anas Sefrioui founded a small real estate development company which bought out small, dilapidated residential structures, renovated then flipped for profit. But he hit it big nearly a decade later when Morocco’s late King Hassan II awarded him an extremely lucrative contract to build 20,000 units of government subsidized houses for the masses. In 2005, he won another $1 billion state contract to build more housing units. His real estate company, Douja Promotion Groupe Addoha went public in 2006. He owns over 60% of the company’s preferred stock.
Yasseen Mansour, $1.6 billion

Egypt, Diversified
The youngest of Egypt’s three Mansour brothers, Yasseen is the chairman of Palm Hills, Egypt’s seconf-largest real estate developer, but the bulk of his fortune is tied up in the family business, the largest seller of GM vehicles in the world.
Youssef Mansour, $1.5 billion

Egypt, Diversified
The eldest of the Mansour brothers owns stakes in real estate developer Palm Hills, Egypt’s largest supermarket chain, Metro and Mansour Group which is the largest seller of GM vehicles on earth. Reclusive philanthropist now devotes his time and energies towards the family foundation which focuses on illiteracy and education.
Mohamed Al Fayed, $1.3 billion

Egypt, retailing
In 2010, Al-Fayed sold his popular Harrod’s department store in London toQatar Holding. Reported selling price: $2.4 billion. He believes the future lies in online retail. Last July, he acquired U.K.-based discount fashion website Cocosa. Other assets include the Hotel Ritz in Paris, the Fulham football club, and a castle in Scotland.
courtesy: Forbes
African billionaires occupied a little over 1% of the positions on the list. Here are the 16 Africans who made the cut:
Aliko Dangote, $11.2 billion
Nigeria, Sugar, Cement, Flour
Africa’s cement king has shed more than $2.6 billion from his net worth since last year as a consequence of Nigeria’s floundering stock market. But don’t feel sorry: Dangote still remains the richest man on the continent. He famously started trading commodities three decades ago with a business loan from an uncle, then went on to build the $15 billion (combined market capitalization)Dangote Group which now has interests in everything from sugar refineries, flour milling, salt processing and cement plants in Nigeria, Zambia, Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa.
Nicky Oppenheimer & family, $6.8 billion
South Africa, Diamonds
Last November, Oppenheimer agreed to a historic sale of his family’s 40% stake in De Beers, the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds to Anglo American in a $5.1 billion deal. Oppenheimer has vowed to invest a substantial part of the money in Africa. So far, he has invested heavily in Tana Africa Capital, a $300 million private equity joint venture with Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings. The fund will invest primarily in the agricultural and consumer goods sectors across Africa. Passionate cricketer.
Nassef Sawiris, $5.1 billion
Egypt, Construction
Nassef Sawiris, the youngest son of Orascom conglomerate founder and fellow billionaire, Onsi Sawiris, heads Orascom Construction Industries, one of Egypt’s largest publicly-traded companies. Sawiris also owns substantial stakes in cement companies Lafarge and Texas Industries.
Johann Rupert & family, $5.1 billion
South Africa, Luxury Goods
Luxury goods billionaire Rupert serves as chairman and chief executive officer of Richemont, a Swiss holding company that controls premium brands such as Vacheron Constantin, Cartier, Alfred Dunhill, Montblanc and ChloƩ. Also chairs South African investment holding companies, Remgro Ltd and Reinet Investments Manager. The automobile enthusiast established the Franschhoek Motor Museum which houses his personal collection of over 200 antique vehicles.
Mike Adenuga, $4.3 billion
Nigeria, telecom, banking, oil
Reclusive tycoon was the first Nigerian to strike oil in commercial quantities through his firm, Conoil Producing. Today, the company is Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil exploration company producing some 100,000 barrels per day. Also owns Globacom, Nigeria’s second largest mobile telecom operator which boasts over 15 million active subscribers.
Naguib Sawiris, $3.1 billion
Egypt, Telecom
The eldest son of Onsi Sawiris, Naguib built up Orascom Telecom to become the dominant mobile telecoms operator in the Maghreb region. In 2010, he sold off his family’s stake in the company to Russia’s VimpelCom for $6.5 billion. He subsequently made his foray into politics, founding the Free Egyptians party in April 2011 to promote free markets and a secular platform.
Christoffel Wiese, $3.1 billion
South Africa, Retailing
Wiese is the chairman and largest individual shareholder of low-price supermarket chain Shoprite, Africa’s largest retailer. He also owns a 44% stake in discount clothes, shoes and textiles chain Pepkor as well a significant shareholding in private equity firm Brait. His other assets include Lanzerac Manor & Winery, a five-star hotel that produces its own wine, and a private game reserve in the Kalahari.
Onsi Sawiris, $2.9 billion
Egypt, construction, telecom
The legendary patriarch of Egypt’s most powerful business dynasty. The Orascom Group, which he founded, has interests in telecoms, hotels and construction. The companies are all run by his three sons- Naguib, Samih and Nassef.
Miloud Chaabi, $2.9 billion
Morocco, Real estate
As a child, the Moroccan businessman and politician worked as a farmer and goat herdsman. By the time he was 19, he had saved enough to start a small construction company which developed residential properties. Through his Ynna Holding Company, he subsequently expanded his empire into hotels, supermarkets, and renewable energy. Chaabi is one of Morocco’s most vocal critics of political and business corruption.
Patrice Motsepe, $2.7 billion
South Africa, Mining
Born in the sprawling black township of Soweto and then trained as a lawyer, he became the first black partner at Bowman Gilfillan law firm in Johannesburg. Went on to found a small contracting business doing mine scut work, then bought low-producing gold shaft mines in 1994 which he turned profitable using lean management style. Today, his $5 billion (market cap) African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) has interests in platinum, nickel, chrome, iron, manganese, coal, copper and gold. Motsepe owns over 41% of the company. Also owns a 5% stake in Sanlam, a financial services firm outside Cape Town.
Othman Benjelloun, $2.3 billion
Morocco, banking, insurance
His father was a major shareholder in a small Moroccan insurance company. He took over in 1988 and built it into RMA Watanya, one of Morocco’s largest insurance companies. He used RMA Watanya as a springboard to diversify into banking. Today, his $4 billion (market capitalization) BMCE Bank has operations in more than a dozen countries. Through his holding company Groupe FinanceCom, he also has significant interests in telecom, airlines and Information technology.
Mohamed Mansour, $1.7 billion
Egypt, Diversified
Along with his two brothers, Mohammed Mansour runs the world’s largest GM dealership. Among other assets, the Mansour Group also owns the largest supermarket chain in Egypt, the country’s second largest real estate developer, Palm Hills and the Philip Morris franchise in Egypt.
Anas Sefrioui, $1.6 billion
Morocco, Real estate
In 1998, the then 31 year-old Anas Sefrioui founded a small real estate development company which bought out small, dilapidated residential structures, renovated then flipped for profit. But he hit it big nearly a decade later when Morocco’s late King Hassan II awarded him an extremely lucrative contract to build 20,000 units of government subsidized houses for the masses. In 2005, he won another $1 billion state contract to build more housing units. His real estate company, Douja Promotion Groupe Addoha went public in 2006. He owns over 60% of the company’s preferred stock.
Yasseen Mansour, $1.6 billion
Egypt, Diversified
The youngest of Egypt’s three Mansour brothers, Yasseen is the chairman of Palm Hills, Egypt’s seconf-largest real estate developer, but the bulk of his fortune is tied up in the family business, the largest seller of GM vehicles in the world.
Youssef Mansour, $1.5 billion
Egypt, Diversified
The eldest of the Mansour brothers owns stakes in real estate developer Palm Hills, Egypt’s largest supermarket chain, Metro and Mansour Group which is the largest seller of GM vehicles on earth. Reclusive philanthropist now devotes his time and energies towards the family foundation which focuses on illiteracy and education.
Mohamed Al Fayed, $1.3 billion
Egypt, retailing
In 2010, Al-Fayed sold his popular Harrod’s department store in London toQatar Holding. Reported selling price: $2.4 billion. He believes the future lies in online retail. Last July, he acquired U.K.-based discount fashion website Cocosa. Other assets include the Hotel Ritz in Paris, the Fulham football club, and a castle in Scotland.
courtesy: Forbes
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