Posted by 9jabook.com on October 25, 2009 at 8:34pm
From Tunde Oyedoyin, London
A 10-year-old Nigerian girl, Adeoti Ogunsola, described as "charming," by her head teacher, attempted taking her life last on Sunday, as Immigration officials were making plans to deport her and her mother from Britain for the second time this year.
advertisement
A couple of months ago, Miss Ogunsola, a pupil at the St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Gillingham, Kent, was detained at the Yarl's Wood immigration centre in Bedfordshire, before being released.
According to Friday's edition of the London Evening Standard, which featured the story, the 10-year old made the attempt on her life at the Tinsley House Immigration removal centre at Gatwick airport, where she was detained alongside her mother, Clementina, who was asleep at the time.
The paper also disclosed that Ogunsola, who was taken from the custody of her aunt and brought to the removal centre on October 15, eventually won a last minute legal battle on Thursday, when a High Court Judge stopped the family's deportation.
However, both mother and daughter had been returned to detention, pending a judicial review next Wednesday.
Though the paper didn't make it clear why Miss Ogunsola attempted the suicide, quoting a child psychotherapist's report, it stated that the girl's "mental state would deteriorate if she was detained again and she might attempt (again) to kill herself."
But lobbyists, including Bernadette Long, the head teacher of her school, had campaigned that the pair should be allowed to remain in the country.
"Adeoti is a charming, friendly, and intelligent little girl. She is passionate about her education and hopes to become a doctor," Long said, in a glowing testimony.
But she noted that the detentions had started to take their toll on the aspiring doctor.
"Her recent experiences while being detained have impacted on her and she has become very anxious about what will happen if she goes to Nigeria," Long said.
However, the UK Border Agency doesn't seem to give a hoot about the girl's condition. David Wood, on behalf of the Agency said:
"When the independent courts find a family has no need for protection, we expect them to return home.
"If they refuse to leave, we have no choice but to enforce their removal and this can include detaining children, but only as a last resort."
Read more…
Part 2
Few Nigerian politicians can match his guts. Since he etched his footprints on the country’s political firmament, immediate past Abia State Governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has been known to walk even where angels fear to tread. To some he is a maverick. Yet others see him as an enigma. From a humble and lowly background, he rose to the pinnacle of a vast business empire before venturing into politics.
Dr Orji Uzor Kalu
advertisement
Elected in 1999 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the former House of Representatives member however fell out with the party at the tail end of his tenure in 2007. And through his effort and political sagacity, the candidate of his newly formed party, Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA), succeeded him in the Umuahia Government House.
But while his grass to grace story has earned him numerous admirers, he has had to contend equally with many in the political class who find his courage to call a spade a spade very discomforting.
Regardless of his wealth, Kalu has not forgotten his roots and is still at home with his ‘Made-in-Aba’ suits and designer outfits.
Like never before, the former governor and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA), in this encounter which aptly passes for the story of his life, fires on all cylinders as he reveals his intimate relationship with former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, and why he parted ways with immediate past President Olusegun Obasanjo among other issues. Excerpts…
I played pranks to avoid being spanked
Only my parents can do justice to that question. All I can say is that I was a good child. I played pranks like any other child but I was a very upright child. I have not changed. At least my parents have told me that much. People from my village also continue to tell me that I have not changed.
I played a few little pranks. I can’t remember all of them now but they were just things I did to avoid being spanked. There were things that my parents forbade me to do and each time I did those things, I had to play pranks to survive. That’s the reality even today with every child.
My father hates politics but politics makes my mother happy
There is no problem between my father and I. The only problem we have at home is that my father is not the society-type. My village people can attest to that. He is not the loud type and he doesn’t like politics. He just likes to live his good quiet life inside his home. That’s all. So, he is not interested in all these noise-making. Left for my father, there will be no politics for me because he believes that Nigeria is not ripe for democracy.
My mother is a politician and she has been in politics since the days of the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP). She was a woman leader in the party during the time of Sam Mbakwe. Mrs. Mbakwe made her the leader of the women’s wing of the party and she has always been in politics. She loves it. Politics makes her happy. Whether I’m governor or not, whether I’m running for an office or not, she has always been an activist on the political scene.
When my father married a second wife…
No, that’s not the issue. He married a second wife and we accepted it. Of course, there was bound to be rift but it was not an open one and it was well managed. However the lesson I learnt from that is it is good for a man or woman to love his or her family, no matter the situation you find yourself. Love is something you cannot buy in the market and it is so precious that it can heal any wound. And I believe it is possible for a man to love two women. The Quran said so, the Bible said so. Go to Isaiah 4: 1-5, it is clearly written there. It is just that preachers don’t preach it. I am not saying it’s right but I’m saying it’s there in the holy books.
I try to give bits and pieces of my time to my family
I have five children and I am very close to them. I try to combine my role as father, husband and politician as well as I can. I am very close to the whole family. I am close to even my stepbrothers and I try to give bits and pieces of my time to every body. I am sure that history will judge me well.
How I met IBB
General Ibrahim Babangida is a man I met through a man called Keri Ahmed, may his soul rest in peace. He used to be the General Manager of NTA.
When the Chadian Nigeria boarder was having problem, occasionally, Babangida was then a Brigadier-General, director of a particular position. From there we got close. I later met with the family. When he became the Chief of Army staff, they left Maiduguri and came to Lagos. Even when he became head of state, we remained friends.
So till today, he’s one of the men I believe in, after God. There is also Jubril Aminu who helped me up. He’s just one of those people that I respect, like General T. Y. Danjuma. These are men I hold in high esteem.
Contrary to what some people believe, what binds IBB and I is not money. It is friendship. IBB is a nationalist, a very liberal man. With him, it does not matter where you come from. I’m not sure anyone keeps money for IBB, no. IBB is a very good Nigerian with a good heart. If most Nigerians were like IBB, Nigeria would have been a better place to be, though he has his own faults.
IBB wanted to return after Abiola’s four years
The Generals that killed June 12 were the elements that turned around to blame IBB. I was there. IBB wasn’t the maker of that fiasco. I’m telling you the truth.
Could he have declared the results of that presidential election? My answer is leadership is not a tea party. While I was still a private businessman, I used to think it was easy. I’ve been in business for more than 25years. People think it’s easy to exonerate yourself from government’s decision. It’s not true. It’s the IBB boys that were making decisions. They were the ones who insisted that June 12 presidential election result must not be released. IBB looked to the left and right and found himself alone.
I believe that General Babangida is partly to be blamed but the substantial blame is not his. I don’t want to call names. Some of them are now old. IBB truly wanted to hand over. He wanted to go, return and re-contest as a civilian president after four years of Abiola’s tenure.
I became chairman of Co-operative and Commerce Bank at age 25
I’m among one of the first Igbo men to lift crude oil. I was very young then. I became chairman of Co-operative and Commerce Bank at age 25. That was before I got married in 1989. I was appointed by governor Commodore Ikwechegh.
I can say authoritatively today that I was the first Igbo man allocated crude oil to.
The first crude oil was actually given to me by Riliwan Lukman. People spread all kinds of stories they want.
I think it’s all about destiny because while at the University of Maiduguri, Jubril Aminu took me under his wings. I started the furniture business and expanded it. This is what God has destined for me and that is why I am never afraid of man. I only respect man. God’s hands are always in everything I do. I can’t explain it myself.
IBB and Mariam
Mrs Mariam Babangida is a wonderful woman. There are a few women like that. IBB and his wife have good hearts and when you have good hearts, goodness will follow you all your life. I only wish that I had a way of paying her back for her goodness to my family.
I admire the way they communicate with each other. They have understanding and that was my idea of a family. Mariam is a wonderful woman, likewise the husband. They communicate wonderfully.
The Jubril Aminu I know
Professor Jubril Aminu was my Vice Chancellor at the University of Maiduguri. He was very close to my parents and everybody in my family. I used to live with Jubril Aminu as a student and when people refer to him as a tribalist, a northern person, I laugh. He is one of the brightest brains in Nigeria, one of the few who truly loves this country.One thing you must know is Jubril Aminu is first an Adamawa person and before he becomes a Nigerian. It’s like that with everybody. I am first an Igbere man before I am a Nigerian.
I just believe no leader should become a Nigerian without sentimental attachment from where he comes from. So, that’s what Jubril stands for and I share that totally with him. I have no apologies thinking like that. If that makes him a tribalist, so be it. I believe no man or woman should forget his/her country or where he/she comes from. When Aminu did the nomadic education, people were shouting his praises. I was impressed by nomadic education. If an Igbo man is made an education minister tomorrow, if he cannot fashion out something that can up lift the Igbo lesser society, then he is not a good person. If a Yoruba minister cannot fashion something that will address the educational needs of the Yoruba people, then he may not be a good person. The nomads are spread all over and that is why Jubril Aminu said they cannot only rear cows but also go to school, that they can follow these cows all over Nigeria and still get educated along the way. I don’t see anything wrong in that.
I have been in the shipping business since 1988
For years I did business with PPMC through a company called Ship and Shore. These shipping companies have been there since 1987. Alhaji Dalhatu Bayero, may his soul rest in peace, was then the General Manager of NAPIMS and later became Group Managing Director of NNPC. He called me one day and said this crude-oil lifting business cannot last, that if another government came they would change the policy and advised I moved to marine services. I went and people like Senator Abubakar from Sokoto State helped us a lot and another Alhaji Abubakar who was also a Senator from Nassarawa state and Lawan Buba, a lecturer from Maiduguri. I used to import PMS on behalf of NNPC for the oil majors. Our vessels carried these products around. It was fantastic. I had been in shipping business since 1988 and I am still in it. So, the shipping business did not just start today. Diamond Bank has also been there for us.
The crude oil business promotes friendship. It does put you in conflict with others. However, I steer clear of business ventures that require me to worship people. I’ve always said my mind, always said what I want to say. I always stood by what I believe in. I’ve always believed in myself. I’m me and nothing can change that.
Stand where you are standing, even when the ground is falling
I tell young managers that are being trained in the oil trading companies today not to mix products. They should not do ‘rice and beans’ which is a terminology in oil and gas for adulteration, flash points are mixed. The last flashpoint you can give to the oil majors is 66, the final NNPC flash point. If we have a flash point of 77, some people want to mix at that point to maximise their profits. I tell the younger ones we are grooming in our oil trading company today ‘don’t do rice and beans’ because the users of those rice and beans might be your father, mother or brother. We avoid adulteration like the plague in our operations. Honesty is still the best policy in business but people don’t know. If you cheat, it is a short cut. Honesty is a longer route but it pays on the long run. Be courageous, stand where you are standing, even when the ground is falling. Stay with your conviction. If God said you will be successful, definitely you will be, because every other thing may stand for a while but only the truth will stand the test of time.
Once you follow those principles, you will succeed. People will know you by your character. I have never cheated anybody. Those who have done business with me know I don’t short-change anybody. Business is business.
Principles of power and leadership
I don’t think I’m a powerful Nigerian, but I think I’m a Nigerian with humane disposition and I’m considerate in my dealings with others. What perhaps makes me a powerful Nigerian is the ability to communicate with the masses and the ability to communicate with the rich, the ability to spread yourself and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Once you have that ability you will be able to move forward. Honesty is a major principle of power and that is what we are lacking in Nigeria.
Yes, because people are not honest to the people they govern. People are not honest to themselves. People are not honest to their families.
A leader must be honest, courageous. A leader must remain resolute on what he wants to do.
A leader must stand strong but accept the opinion of the majority. A leader must implement a majority opinion.
These are things that go with power, whether in private or public business. Remember the late Shehu Yar ‘Adua used to go where the majority opinion went. General Yar ‘Adua used to go with majority opinion, even when that majority opinion was wrong, but later he would call their attention to the errors and futility of such majority opinions.
But first he must do what the majority said. So you find out that a good leader stands on the side of the majority. If you want to be a good leader, you have to stand by the majority. You must be focused on what you want to do. You have to think about the society, about the other side of the society. You should have the capacity to read the situation at every point in time and rid yourself of sycophants, who are a major problem in governance in Nigeria. Because of what a lot of people want to eat, they would tell office holders what they want to hear, not necessarily the truth. Any leader who falls into that trap can never succeed.
So, it is good for a leader to be able to stay away from family business when he is in power.
My mother never slept in the Government House when I was governor
When I was a governor, people were saying it was my mother who was ruling Abia which was a big lie. The present governor of Abia State was my Chief of Staff, the former PDP chairman in Abia State, Dr. Sam Eke; all these people will tell you the truth about who was in charge.
My mother used to beg them to beg me for things she felt strongly about. When people wrote all these rubbish in the newspaper, I laughed. On many occasions, my mother had to beg these people I mentioned to beg me on a decision. My mother never slept in government house throughout my eight years in government. So, you see, the rumour mill here is quite big. People don’t understand the kinds of sacrifice you make in public office. If money was my reason for becoming the Abia State governor, I wouldn’t have been there because I lost so much money as a governor. I lost the Hallmark Bank where I had majority share, the South Gate bank which was about to commence operations before the license was withheld on Obasanjo’s order, my oil bloc, Slok Airline. I lost almost everything I had before I became the governor of Abia State.
I lost a lot of money and goodwill to political office
I’ve been in business for over 27 years and check it, I’m sure I was running neck to neck with a lot of rich Nigerians before I went into politics. I mean every rich Nigerian, except those in the class of the late MKO Abiola, Wahab Folawiyo. Where The Sun newspapers’offices are today were warehouses where I used to pack bags of rice and sugar, cement. There used to be full ship-loads of rice in those ware houses.
We borrowed a lot of money from City bank, HSBC and others because I had international credit rating as a company but when the Obasanjo government and their agencies continued writing negative things about, it affected me and the credit rating of our group. But they are not only damaging me, but also damaging the company and the careers of my employees. I lost so much money, good will abroad, simply by coming to be governor of Abia. It is just that I did not regret it. I thank God because God has given me the opportunity of seeing the other side of Nigeria.
…But I will run for political office again
I would like to seek political office again because I believe the more we leave governance to fools who do not know how to administer, the more the country is losing. If the country’s economy is stable, we will all be better for it. I have five major factories, for instance. I built the vegetable oil factory in Aba in 1986 which was commissioned by the then Major Gen. Haladu, who was the minister of commerce. I built the plastic factory in Otta in 1990. I built the two furniture factories in Lagos between 1991 and 1992. So, if the economy is going on very well, I’ll be able to sell these factories to real investors to come and these factories will yield money.
But now everything is prostrate. We cannot allow people who are not prepared for leadership to continue leading us. This is why I will remain in politics for the rest of my life.
PDP will need 36 Onovos and 36 DIGs to manipulate the 2011 elections
Forget about PDP and all that bragging about being the biggest party.You can make the difference. You are the difference, not PDP.
There are less than two million people who are card-carrying members of political parties in Nigeria. There are over 150 million Nigerians which even you have written about in your column. Those are the real oppositions.
So this is the main opposition that will drive PDP out of Nigeria. It has happened all over the world; in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, South-Africa, Thailand and Pakistan.
It happened in even the United State of America that people who are ruling the nation came from point zero to attain leadership of the country. So, Nigeria will not be an exception. We are going to make the best of opportunities we have. In any case, there is going to be implosion in PDP. Look at what is happening in Anambra, you will know that the real business is still ahead.
What happened in Ekiti would be child’s play. In 2011 , PDP will need 36 IGs and 36 DIGs since they needed the IG and DIGs to get Ekiti. So, they will need 36 Onovos and 36 DIGs to handle the 36 states of Nigeria.
Since it took two Inspector-General of police to go and monitor 63 wards in Ekiti, PDP will have to manufacture more for the 2011 elections.
Nigerians will say no, yes they can. They are taking Nigerians for a ride. They will stand their ground and say no, enough is enough. It is almost 12 years now and the PDP government has not been able to offer Nigerians anything tangible. The economy is still stagnant, no electricity, no roads, schools, students were at home for almost three and half months, how do you reconcile these?
I see change ahead
We all must be ready to be part of the change process. The members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Medical Association, NUJ, NUT members, all Nigerians who are in business will make the change possible. It can no longer be left in the hands of larger political party members. I’m sounding a warning that people should stop leaving politics for politicians. Politics, elections days and election processes should be for all Nigerians, and let us come together and make a change. Change is coming and it must be here and it is going to be a ballot paper change. When you go back to Psalm100, reading from the first verse, God said He would bless us from generation to generation. No generation would be above the other.
Soludo can’t win because he’s popular in Abuja and has a lot of issues he has to provide answers to
Anambra is where we will test where Nigeria is heading. If they rig the election in Anambra, they will question the unity of this country. They can never rig that election, and if they do, they should prepare for war. Let them not think about rigging because people like Soludo are not popular in Anambra. He won’t win. He has a lot of issues to provide answers to. Nobody knows Soludo. Go and carry out an opinion poll in Anambra State. Look at what the Leadership newspapers wrote recently, in the Human Right Watch. It says PPA is the first in the market, in places votes can be cast. If they think they can write the result and exclude PPA, they will find it difficult. Soludo is very popular in Abuja but in not in Onitsha and Awka.
Why PPA picked a woman
No, it was an open system. Journalists even wrote that it was the best primaries we ever had in Nigeria. The Tribune, The Nation, The Sun, The Independent and The Punch all said so. Channels and other major media said it was most transparent.
We have the video clip for everybody to see. If we are able to imbibe internal democracy it means we are prepared for election.
You can never tell what God is going to do, God might be using a woman to change the system. Men have ruled Anambra, perhaps now God wants to use a woman to reposition the battered place. Mind you, Joseph was in captivity for many years, nobody expected him to rule in Egypt. So history will repeat itself in Anambra State. It has happened before. God uses people to redeem a place. And because people have signed sworn affidavits, we have created a legal backing against decamping. If our chairman says that they have sworn affidavit,
it would stand the test of time because doing anything different from what you have sworn to against decamping.
No, Chris Uba has not hijacked PPA
The people of Anambra would only vote for their conscience. They are going to vote against what happened to PPA in Imo State. They will recall that they need independence; that there needs to be a cohesive leadership. They are going to be sympathizing with me, voting for me, that is what they would do. It would be me and the capability of what they can deliver. They have tested the men and want to try a woman. In fact, Nigeria should praise the PPA because we could have changed the result of the primaries that produced Hon Uche Ekwunife between Awka and Abuja because that is what all other political parties would do. So, the women folk should be very sympathetic to Mrs. Ekwunife.
ANPP, PPA Governors defection cases different
That is Zamfara. Ours is different from theirs because one, there was division in ANPP but there was no division in ours. So we will be able to address the issues in court and I’m not going to say how it will affect us. But I’m sure if the people of Zamfara are serious; at least, there are three courts in Nigeria; they should go back to the appellate court and drive it straight to the court of final jurisdiction, which is the Supreme Court.
Why I visited President Yar’Adua after my release from Kuje Prison
He is my president and I have to show my loyalty to him. God says in the Holy Bible that we must respect our leaders and pray for them. As of today till I defeat him, he is still the president of Nigeria.
No grudges over Ikedi Ohakim’s defection to PDP
It doesn’t matter whether President Yar’Adua’s party ‘stole’ one of our governors. That is the mistake people make today. Yar’Adua is not a party; he is only a member of PDP. Likewise, I’m not PPA. I’m just one person. It was like when (Obafemi) Awolowo was alive in the Action Group, he was just a member (of the party). When you say PDP, different groups of people make up the party. Yar’dua is just a person and happens to be the Commander-in-Chief in Nigeria. So, I don’t hold any grudge against him over our governor that defected just as I don’t have grudge against PDP. That is what God wants from us, to face good challenges. We have to face these challenges to enable us get to our destination.
Favourite wristwatch
I have never bought any watch that is worth more than 100 dollars. To be honest with you, what I am putting on now was given to me by the former governor of Bauchi State, (Adamu) Muazu, when I was a governor; and this is Chopad. I have never bought any wristwatch in my entire life that is worth more than a hundred dollars. Such things don’t bother me. Really, I have nothing specially that disturbs me.
Suit maker
Gianni Versacci. All the suits in my house at Igbere were made by Gianni when he was alive. May his soul rest in peace.
I wear ‘Made in Aba’
My Nigerian outfits are designed by local people in Aba. I also make some of my suits in Aba. Some good tailors in Aba make my suits, ties and shirts. When it is not Gianni, I use ‘Made in Aba’ and they are very good. But the fabric for the suit is not made in Aba. I don’t even know the names of the tailors who make these suits for me in Aba. They are local people; they just come, take the measurement and get it done.
Inequality, poverty makes me sad
I will be excited the day I see equality among Nigerians; that is, to see people living together, being equal, being able to afford food three times a day. I pity people when I move around and see how they suffer. It gives me headache to see that I’m living in an air-conditioned environment 24 hours and some people are suffering. Poverty depresses me because I detest it.
Part 2Read more…
Posted by 9jabook.com on October 25, 2009 at 8:25pm
A Nigerian mother, who worked for asylum seekers in Britain, has been stabbed to death in her London home in front of her own children. The victim, who was named as Ayodele Akinsiku, was found a few metres from her front door where she had bled to death after trying to escape from her killer. It is understood that her three young children were inside the home when the murder took place.
The body of a man, who was thought to be the killer, was also found at the scene in Deptford. Police said they were treating the death of the civil servant as murder. The man’s death was officially described as “unexplained.”
Detectives on Friday working on the theory that he had stabbed Mrs. Akinsiku first before turning the knife on himself.
Neighbours of Akinsiku, who lived in a tower block in Evelyn Street, said she was a Christian with three children, aged eight, five and two, and served as a parent governor at Grinling Gibbons Primary School.
Friend, Annette Reid, 34, said Akinsiku dealt with appeals at the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal, and her husband, who was thought to have been out at the time of the killing, had just finished a master’s degree.
Mrs Reid said: “Apparently, there was an altercation the previous night and from what I’ve been told, the man stabbed her and then killed himself.
“She tried to get out of the door but collapsed on the landing. You could see the paramedics trying to resuscitate her. The children saw everything and are very traumatised. That’s what her husband told my husband.”
Mrs. Reid said her friend had previously argued with a man who had been living with the family after moving from Nigeria. Scotland Yard said the man and woman were pronounced dead at the scene at about 8:00 a.m. on Friday.Nigerian Woman Killed In London.
Read more…
i am tired of how Nigerian women do not take care of their physical appearance, we leave ourselves, by the way the men also apply, but am talking about women nowwhat is wrong with having a facials to get rid of pimples, just spending 30mins once a week to steam the face can help remove pores and dirtgoing to the gym or just doing 30mins cardio at home 3times a week can do alot,I am not going to lie, Nigerian women are really beautiful, the only thing lacking is the zeal to make oneself attractive WITH a little efforti dont care how beautiful your cloth looks or how much you spent, its notting if you cant take care of your bodyNow about Omotola Jalade(NOT SURE ABT MY SPELLING), the excuse that most nigerian women use now is that just because you have children you should be fat and not care for yourselves again, that is complete crap Angry, having children does'nt mean its the end of the world, u could still take 5mins out of you time daily to do a little cardio and not forgetting eating healthy
Read more…
WARREN – 2009 How Times Have Changed! »
“Depart From Me I Never Knew You”…who is Jesus talking to???
“I Never Knew You..”
Matthew 7:21 – 23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Of all the scripture that comes to mind, perhaps the saddest and most fearful of all is the very words of Jesus Himself found in Matthew 7 and verse 21 – 23. Here, Jesus tells us that at the second coming, there will be some people who will fully expect to ascend to heaven with Him in the clouds of glory, but He will have to tell them; “….depart from Me, I never knew you.” Can you imagine those words falling from our Savior’s lips? “depart from Me, I never knew you!”
Make no mistake about it; there will be people on the Day of Judgment that are going to be expecting to go to heaven, yet instead of inheriting the Kingdom,they are going to hear those saddening words of Christ; “Depart from Me, I never knew you.” There will be deacons, deaconesses, Sabbath school teachers, Elders, Pastors, TV evangelists, miracle workers along with countless others (ie. all church people!) that will be turned away–and all because they lacked one very necessary qualification; they didn’t truly know the Lord and so He will be forced to say to them, “…depart from Me, for I never knew you.”
The people Jesus will say He “never knew” will be those who never felt the need to truly “know Him” yet these are people who “think” they are going to heaven!
In the two videos below Nate Pfeil gives an uncompromisingly clear and heart examining message on those whom Jesus will utter those sad and fearful words “…depart from Me, for I never knew you.”
Read more…
Posted by Jane Okinedo on October 24, 2009 at 1:30am
ABOUT 58 Nigerians were yesterday morning deported from Dublin, Republic of Ireland.ADVERTISEMENTThe deportees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos aboard an Air Italy chartered flight with registration number 1924.Italian law enforcement agents accompanied the deportees on board the aircraft, which landed at the airport at 05.25 hours.Immigration sources said of the 58 deportees, 28 were males while 12 were women. The rest were children.The deportees allegedly committed immigration offences in the foreign country.Most of them were let go by Nigerian law enforcement agents, who received them at the airport, as they were not found guilty of any offence.Over 3,000 Nigerians have been deported from various countries in the last three months.Yesterday's deportation came a few days after 734 Nigerians were returned from Libya by the Muammar Gaddafi-led government.On September 27, 2009, Libya deported 150 Nigerians all males aboard aircraft with registration number SUBME.
Read more…
The Rebirth album by Obiwon is an eclectic mix ofcontemporary gospel and RnB as earlier indicated by Obiwonwho granted us an exclusive session months beforethe release of this wonderful album.Click Obiwon's rebirth album to read the interview.The Rebirth features 10 tracks1. Lift Your Hands feat Niyola2. Victorious3. Na U4. Obi Mu O feat Guchi Young5. Bless U Lady6. Birthday7. Obi Mu O the Remix feat Guchi Young, Blaise, M.i, Illbliss8. F.A.T.H.E.R9. Hold On10.The Rebirth (Kene Gi)all beautifully arranged and delivered.I'll let the songs do the talking.Some of these tracks have been featured on this page,just type obiwon in the search box to find them.What I love about "The Rebirth (Kene Gi)"is the way Obiwon infused the ibo language with english...so beautiful!+ he sings like an angelClick play to listen to the 10th track off Obiwon's album. Enjoy!!
Read more…
Posted by 9jabook.com on October 24, 2009 at 12:49am
The foreign media has been rightly accused of always blowing our ugly sides out of proportion while conveniently keeping mum on our good sides. Any time you hear the name Nigeria mentioned in any foreign media, especially CNN, chances are that it will be in the negative. Most times, even a good story about Nigeria is ended with one negative comment or the other.
But in the last few weeks, some young Nigerians were featured in great light to the delight of those who truly love Nigeria. First it was Nigeria’s actress Genevieve Nnaji that was featured on the high-profile The Oprah Winfrey Show. Then it was the award-winning novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie that was featured on CNN’s as the Connector of the Day.
Oprah Winfrey featured Genevieve as one of the Most Famous People in the World. Hate her or love her, Oprah Winfrey is the presenter of the show that is acknowledged as the highest-rated programme of its kind in living history. She is also rated as the most influential woman in the world. Any book she talks about on her programme becomes a bestseller. She was one of those who called on Barack Obama to run for president when he was just a fresh Senator, and was said to have delivered over a million votes to Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic Party’ primaries.
Unconfirmed reports also have it that she said a few years ago that Nigeria is a nation of fraudsters.
ADVERTISEMENT
Also given that the world of most United States ’ citizens starts with the U.S. , touches some part of Europe and ends with Asia , it was pleasantly surprising for Oprah to add a Nigerian lady on that list. That was good public relations for the country, no matter how small it was.
Then last week, CNN featured Chimamanda Adichie as the Connector of the Day on Becky Anderson’s Connect the World. All the questions asked were mainly about Nigeria. In addition to all the awards she had previously won through her two novels Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun, Adichie was recently awarded one of this year’s MacArthur Foundation fellowships, popularly known as “genius grants”, which come with an obligation-free annual grant of $100,000 for a five-year period. That award was highlighted in that interview. The good thing about that interview was that it was part of the international news bulletin, rather than the Africa-focused programmes: Inside Africa and African Voices.
There are a few points to note about these positive achievements recorded by these Nigerians. The first is that none of them is a politician or a government official. Secondly, they are both women. Thirdly, they are of the same generation (the under-40 generation). Fourthly, they were both born and bred at home (in Igboland) before they got international fame.
This goes to prove that even in this unfriendly environment, one can rise to international acclaim. It is also a pointer to the fact that Nigerians as a people are winners in whatever field they may find themselves. They are very intelligent, skilful, resourceful and diligent. It is therefore ironic that while Nigeria as a nation is always rated lowly in all world rankings, her citizens are rated highly in whatever competition they participate in.
Read more…
Posted by Jane Okinedo on October 24, 2009 at 12:02am
Every so often, a story breaks that so unbelievably stupid that it makes one shudder with disbelief at the lack of judgment by Nigerian government officials. We should collectively ask whether the people we designate to manage our affairs, including the President of the Federal Republic have ever been tested for common sense. The answer would be obvious. The latest example of this disreputable policy would be almost laughable if it weren’t so tragically flawed as it involves a Nigerian diplomat who was assassinated in the line of duty in the Czech Republic.Picture this. The year is 2005. A Czech citizen allegedly loses over one million Euros in a 419 Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) investment scam said to have been masterminded by some Nigerian con men. Unable to recover his money, the Czech citizen storms the Nigerian embassy in Prague, Czech Republic where he opened fire, killing a Nigerian Diplomat inside his office in cold blood. The Federal Government through the Nigerian Embassy in Poland with concurrent accreditation to the Czech Republic retains a group of Nigerian lawyers to represent the Nigerian Government and the family of the deceased; in the substantive matter of MUDr. Jiri Pasovsky, Case No. 45 T 21/2004 at the Municipal Court in Prague, as well as before appellate jurisdictions in the murder trial.The case goes to trial and the suspect charged with the killing of Mr. Michael Lekare WAYI is sentenced to eight (8) years imprisonment. Outraged by the paltry sentence, the lawyers inform the FGN of their intention to appeal within the statutory 8-days deadline. The FGN says wait for instructions from Abuja; the lawyers also ask to file a civil suit against the culprit and the Czech government for damages to the deceased’s family. They were again advised to wait until the statutory three-year limitation has run out. To crown it all, the FGN has not honored its obligations towards the Counsel they retained and after four years of trying to navigate the bloated Nigerian bureaucracy, the Presidency informed the lawyers that the FGN was not aware that one of its Diplomats had been killed in the Czech Republic, let alone being familiar with the retention of the legal services in question.This is 2009 and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is Umaru Musa Yar’adua; the Foreign Minister is Ojo Maduekwe and the Justice Minister is Michael Aondoakaa. Together with officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Poland and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these cast of clowns who are actors in the unfolding tragic-comedy of errors. Nigerians are not in doubt that the people pretending to be managing the affairs of the nation are irresponsible. Our people know for a fact that Yar’adua's PDP government are doing far more than disservice to the people, far more selfish than the nation has ever known and far more unreliable and undependable to put in anything for the good of the nation; They do not care about anything; they just steal, steal and steal.The facts of the five-year long saga remain intriguing and reveal a government that has absconded its responsibilities towards its citizens as well as immobilism and lack of coordination amongst various government departments – from the Presidency to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to the Nigerian Embassy in Poland. The Federal Government is now facing a payment order lawsuit to the tune of 150,913.21 Euros being unpaid legal fees for professional legal services rendered by Law Allianz firm retained to represent the Federal Government of Nigeria and the family of the deceased; Mr. Michael Lekare WAYI in the substantive matter of MUDr. Jiri Pasovsky, Case No. 45 T 21/2004 at the Municipal Court in Prague, Spalena as well as before appellate jurisdictions in the murder that took place inside the Nigerian Embassy, Prague, Czech Republic.Documents obtained exclusively by Huhuonline.com indicate that on February 10, 2005, the Nigerian Ambassador to Poland, Nuhu N Bajoga Audu duly contracted the Law Allianz firm by signing a certificate of authority authorizing the attorneys to hold brief for the government and the deceased in the case. The task was executed as mandated and the lawyers have been engaged in a frustrating exercise to get payment for their services. In another petition addressed to President Yar’adua’s office, the lawyers explained that after four years of futile efforts to get the Nigerian government pay their bills, they were left with no other option than to file the payment order lawsuit before the statute of limitation runs out. The petition, signed by Edward Asu Esq, lead counsel, enjoined President Yar’adua to use is high office to seek an amicable solution to the matter.Said the petition: “We filed the first demand for payment through the Nigerian Embassy in July 2005 and received a response Ref. No. ENP/PER/44/Vol 1 (Exhibit G). We replied timely. After this reply, we heard nothing from the NE Poland. When the NE Poland ceased to communicate with us, we filled the same demand for payment a second time directly to HMFA, Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji, the Nigerian Embassy, the Director, NIA and the HMJ, Chief Akinlolu Olukinmi and your honourable office, the Presidency. About a Month or later we received a single and only correspondence from your honourable office, Ref. No. SH/COS/09/A/154 dated 12th July 2005 and signed by Ado Ma’aji, for the Chief of Staff to the Presidency. (Exhibit H). We were basically called names as the author claimed that your esteemed office did not know about such a case and neither was your office familiar with the retention of our professional services. This response begs the question, how come the highest office in the land does not know about the assassination of one of its senior diplomats inside her territory? Assuming the office of the Presidency is not aware of this incident as the writer claims, then, it introduces an even more vexatious question, why were the Permanent Secretary of MFA and deputy director of NIA in attendance at the trial? Is it feasible that the MFA and NIA did not advise the office of the Presidency about these events? We think not. There seem to be more questions than there are answers. Our opinion is that our demand for payment was intercepted and returned the MFA to prevent embarrassment; but like every light lamp that cannot be hidden under a bowl but placed on a lamp stand, this correspondence shall return to hunt them…Under Czech rules, the statute of limitations for filling suit is three (3) years, thus, based upon counsel’s advice we were forced to file a payment order suit prior to this date. We advised NE Poland in writing prior to filing this payment order suit. We cannot and refuse to be at the mercy of the FGN for services that we already rendered and expenses paid out of our own pockets. It is noteworthy to state that at trial, the facts and evidence manifestly showed that the late WAYI may have been murdered because the FGN allegedly did not fulfillment (alleged) legal financial obligations – repayment of the investment - to the culprit, MUDr. Pasovsky. Do you see a connection there? In the words of the statesman Benjamin Franklin, "to try and fail is at least to learn. To fail to try is to suffer the loss of what might have been." Apparently, irrespective of whatever anyone might think, there seem to be a nexus and pattern of behaviour here. Having being forced to file suit we have nothing to loose as it stands but we continue to hope that the FGN resolves this matter amicably and out of court by settling our invoices. In this light, our position remains unchanged. And as the late Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) would say, "Stand up for what is right even if you are standing alone". Unfailingly, we shall continue in this regard.”“We reiterate that it is not our intention to humiliate or tarnish the image of Nigeria but as already explained herein, we have run out of all other options and had to institute legal proceedings due to the statute bar provisions, even though we tried our utmost best to refrain from brining legal action. Given the circumstances we rather choose to exhaust all avenues for consultations and amicable resolution of the matter which have proved unsuccessful till date because all our demands have not been dignified with an acknowledgement or response including our second demand for intervention to your esteemed office. “
Read more…
FOR the first time, Bollywood, rated the largest movie producer in the world will meet Nollywood, the second largest producer of movies in terms of titles at the Ion International Film Festival (IONIFF) billed for Port Harcourt in December. Already, Parminder Vir OBE has been appointed programme consultant for the session aimed at connecting the two movie industries.advertisementAn award-winning film and television producer of drama, documentary, current affairs and entertainment with over 20 years experience, Parminder has worked with BBC, ITV, Channel Four and Carlton Television. Her credits include Babymother, reggae musical, with acclaimed documentaries such as Algeria Women at War, The Sex Warriors and the Samurai. She is also the Managing Director of PVL Media Consultants, which specializes in accessing multi cultural markets and raising private equity finance for film and media businesses as well as a non-executive director of Goldcrest Films, advising on investment of an EIS Film fund.A former manager in charge of Ingenious World Cinema, an equity fund set up by Ingenious Media Investment, investing in feature films from the emerging markets, Parminder is pleasantly surprised at the positive reception Bollywood movies had enjoyed in Nigeria for over 50 years."Nigerians have been watching Bollywood movies, embracing the songs, fashion and stories of the film culture. I am always amazed at the ease with which Nigerians will recall the names of the Bollywood stars, the dialogue and even sing the songs, given that this is not their language or culture. Over the years, I have become a great admirer of the Nollywood film industry, which is very similar to the Bollywood film industry with their "can do" attitude. In the absence of government support, both have created an industry which contributes substantially to the wealth of the nation."As part of the programme for the IONIFF, leading Bollywood producers will be invited to share their experience of the industry, its cultural and economic value, and explore collaboration opportunities for Nollywood producers to work with the Indian film industry. There will also be a panel discussion on new models of financing media in terms of developing creative and financial partnerships and accessing new market.The synergy between both movie industries will also be buttressed by celebrating the stars of the world's largest film industries by inviting a major Bollywood celebrity to attend the festival as guest of honour.Meanwhile, in a bid to empower the emerging talent during the festival, the organisers of the event has announced the opening of entries for the workshop series which will be held alongside the international film fiesta in Port Harcourt.According to the Creative Director, Omcomm, Caterina Bortolussi, the workshop series registration officially commenced on October 1 and would run till October 30, to allow interested individuals submit entries for the workshop on Omcomm website. The 3-day workshop, which will be handled by international recognised instructors in the world of cinema is open to filmmakers, students and creative minds from all over Nigeria. It will focus on screen-writing, digital cinematography + lighting, sound composition, budgeting + networking + financing.Attendees will learn amongst others how to develop story from an idea and shape into screenplay, the basic techniques of digital cinematography and lighting, the role of art director, the function of music in film in creating an atmosphere; examining the step-by-step on how to create a budget, and how to develop a strategy to obtain finances for their films.In the spirit of promoting intellectual development and participation of young talents, the organisers waive the course fee, while interested participants are expected to pay a token of N2, 500 as registration fee for the workshop that is expected to parade Julie Dash, John Demps, Kennard Ramsey and Brenda Doby-Flewellyn as facilitators.Julie Dash is an accomplished African American and the first woman to have a full-length general theatrical release in the United States. Her work, Daughters, was listed in O Magazine among its fifty greatest Chick Flicks, while she was honoured earlier this year at the twenty-fifth Annual Newark, with her film Daughter of the Dust, rated as one of the most important cinematic achievements in Black Cinema in the 20th Century.Doby-Flewellyn is principal and cofounder of Film Bankers international. She's one of the premier finance professionals in the entertainment industry. She has financed more than 100 feature films and television series with budgets raging from USD 500.000,00 to USD 50.000.000,00John Demps, who is expected to handle cinematography and lighting workshop, has a long list of television movies, documentary films, studio and independent feature to his credit. Kennard Ramsey, facilitator of the Sound Composition workshop, is an established Hollywood film composer. His work has been released in the Sundance, Toronto and Berlin Film Festival.
Read more…
Naija!!..some of the U-17 World Cup Media Centres for journalists don't have PCs and internet access..24hrs to the competition starting..& who went to fumigate the pitch,turning the grass frm green to brown.. wat a "great" nation we live in!!JUST like that, I felt a resurgence of inspiration to look forward to another two or three weeks of excitement in sports on African soil, courtesy of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup competition holding in Nigeria from this weekend - and a good outing for the Eaglets. For all it is worth, the best of youths from across the world would be on the big stage to showcase talents in the game of soccer. Reminiscent of the recently concluded Under-20 category in Egypt, football fans should expect no less in entertainment in the cadet championships in Nigeria, starting with the qualifiers in eight centres from October 24.This optimism of course is against the background of the recent deserved victory of Ghana's Under-20 squad in Egypt, a product of skill, hard work, resilience of the boys - all stemming from the organisational capacity of the local football administration. The last factor I believe was a demonstration of re-ordered societal values over a period, following some difficult years for that country on the economic, political and social planes. Credit for that renewed spirit which the Black Satellites ably applied and presented to the world in Egypt of course should go to those leaders who emerged about a decade ago with sincere minds to promote the best of human and Ghanaian values. The focus and the will to make Ghana work again did the magic; the people too were ready to make sacrifices in the interest of the nation. They were toiling while Nigeria slept.The new Ghanaian spirit is the picture Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola - an ardent soccer buff himself - tried to cut in his piece yesterday 'Football is life' where he recommended to Nigerians "a return to the basics", just as Ghana "rebuilt her institutions and entrusted them to men and women who had been tutored in the traditions of the best human values", paving the way for a workable economy, political life and democracy.Any true Nigerian who desires the best for his country should feel depressed by the retrogression in sports development - all sports - in the country, football in particular. There has been no conscious effort to develop the game of football beyond the mediocre level local administrators have carried it and are so contented with their ignorance. They are impervious to criticism even when it is clear their best has not been and might never be good enough for the country.For now, the system only encourages managers to just 'pick and play' for major competitions. What we have on ground is a garbage in-garbage out situation. That is why the Super Eagles would always wait till the very last game of the qualifying rounds of a global competition to determine their suitability for a place among the world best. That is why football administrators would resort to hiring prayer warriors to cause the heavens to effect the downfall of another country's team to allow an easy passage for Nigeria, as if the big stage is reserved for unserious countries.Nigeria '09 is likely to present our youngsters as truly worthy representatives in youth football, thanks to the FIFA-ordered Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests. At least we will now be in a position to truly assess our capabilities for success at that level because real under aged sportsmen are going to step forward to compete. The same goes for other countries in the competition anyway. If at the end we excel, it should call for true celebration of the stuff the country is made of in youth football. But should we wait for FIFA to order tests on bones and teeth or kick against passport-declared ages to tell us what is right?At present, it is a bit difficult to assess the capability of our boys; they are literally rookies - hardly unknown and untested, except for their training tour to Qatar . The only hope the country can hold on to for a rewarding outing is coach John Obuh's assurance to the nation that he has assembled quite good 'shooting stars' who are capable of holding their own on any day. We give him the benefit of the doubt as we pledge our support. It's just that Obuh and his wards should not come back to apologise for some unexpected slip (that has been the fad for a while among our sportsmen). Whatever he needs to do to make an apology become irrelevant should be perfected now.There's nothing bad in being champions again for the fourth time. A champion ought to attract respect really. Ask the losing Germans at Korea 2007. Ask the Brazilians at Egypt '09 against Ghana (for the first time I saw Brazilians crying). The are in a better position to stress that winning is everything. As defending champions at Korea 2007 exploits, the Eaglets are now the team to beat and that is likely to exert some pressure on the boys. But it's all part of the game. At this level, there is nothing like home advantage in a World Cup; that of course would have worked in favour of the Koreans two years ago.A fresh opportunity has been presented by the current FIFA Under-17 show to rebuild a national team that Nigerians can be proud of in the future. Not all them are likely to graduate to that level but at the same time not all them would be discarded as unsuitable. Even from the jaded list featured by coach Samson Siasia in Egypt, there are some promising stars for the future. With proper management of these human resources and other latent talents waiting in the wings, a good manager with an eye for quality will get Nigeria back on the winning path again.Interestingly, many academies are springing up round the country to train and reshape the young ones. This is a good step forward. What remains is to systematically tap and harness the resources for the good of the nation. It is one step to developing world-beaters in the round leather game. The country has had enough of heartaches from its national teams. The Golden Eaglets too would do well to realise that the sky is the starting point for them as they expose their talents to the world in the next few weeks.Africa has never had it so good with FIFA, with the staging of four major global competitions in the continent within a space of time: the Confederations Cup in South Africa, Under-20 World Cup and Under-17 World Cup in Egypt and Nigeria respectively this year, capped by the senior World Cup in under a year from now in South Africa. That is enough for Africa to reciprocate the confidence of the FIFA President Sepp Blatter in the organisational ability of the people and the growing level of the game in the continent.The cup is not beyond the Eaglets' reach if they apply themselves to the task at hand. They have the chance to lift it like any other participating team. That is the same spirit Cote d'Ivoire captain and hit-man for Chelsea FC Didier Drogba is displaying already on the chances of his national team at South Africa 2010. That man's level of confidence is amazing. Africa has risen in global football, perhaps it's time for her to shine at all levels of the FIFA-organised competitions especially at South Africa 2010.
Read more…
Osun House bans smoking in public places
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
OSUN State House of Assembly has passed a bill prohibiting smoking in public places into law.
While passing the bill into law, the Speaker, Honourable Adejare Bello, appealed to the media to assist in promoting healthy living by sensitising the public to the dangers in tobacco smoking.
Honourable Bello said though smoking was a matter of choice, but the government must be able to protect non-smokers from dangers attached to it, hence the need for the enactment of the law.
Entitled Osun State Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Bill, 2009, the bill prohibited smoking in any part of an enclosed or partially enclosed public place or workplace.
According to the letters of the bill, tobacco smoking was prohibited within 500 metres radius of facilities like schools, health centres, sporting areas and any other place prescribed by the government for public use.
Smoking is also to be prohibited in court buildings, factories, cinema halls, theatres, video houses, disco halls and any other entertainment facilities at any time during which it is open to the public.
The state commissioner for environment is empowered to approve any part of the public places as a designated area for the purpose of smoking.
Any person who contravenes the provisions of the bill risks, on conviction, a fine of between N10,000 and N20,000 and or a jail term from three to six months, while a corporate offender shall be liable to a fine of N250,000.
Read more…
The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday in Abuja approved the issuance of provisional licences for the establishment of seven new private universities in the country. Nigeria currently has 96 universities, comprising 27 federal, 35 state and 34 private universities.
The seven private universities are Wellspring University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State; Paul University, Awka, Anambra State; Rhema University, Obeama-Asa, Rivers State; Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State; Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State; Godfrey Okoye University,
Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State, and Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Abuja.
Speaking at the post FEC briefing, which was chaired by Nigerian president, Umaru Yar'Adua, the Minister of Information, Dora Akunyili, and her Minister of State counterpart, Ikra Bilbis, said the Minister of Education, Sam Egwu, presented a memo to the council seeking the approval for the issuance of provisional licences for the establishment of the new private universities.
Mrs. Akunyili said FEC approved the memo after considering the country's rising population. "Considering our rising population and this administration's desire to improve skills and enhance standards as one of the seven-point agenda Council, therefore, considered and approved the issuance of provisional licences for the establishment of the seven (7) private universities," she said.
The Minister of State for Education, Aisha Duku, who also spoke at the briefing, said the universities had to undergo rigorous screening before getting the provisional licences.
Ms Dukku added that currently, out of the 96 universities in the country, only 34 are privately owned, and that more universities are needed to take care of the millions who need admission. She said that over one million candidates applied for university admission this year through the Joint Matriculation Examination and only about 220,000 could be accommodated.
She also said contrary to popular opinion that private universities are concentrated in one part of the country, the seven approved private universities are evenly distributed. Two of them are situated in each of the three zones in the South, while one is in the Federal Capital Territory.
Read more…
It’s well known that, a loving and caring couple will always respect and cherish each other. There can never be a room for snapping, let alone fight .The question is what’s on the mind of a man who uses fist to settle differences with his wife at the slightest provocation. Could it be that he is fade up with the marriage? A lot of articles, seminars, and marriage counselors have concluded that the lust for the forbidden fruit is always instrumental to the cause of such demeaning thing.Whatever is the cause, physical attack has never made any wife more loving or caring. You can’t tear a wife to pieces and expect her to meet your emotional needs. It will be better for couples to avoid the worn-out accusation and complaints that trigger off crisis.But the irony of the situation is most wives would never admit that they have been battered. Even with bodily harm. And, these remains me of the popular adage that says;”Marital problems are best resolved in bed”. This means couple can resolve battering case without legal action. Many wife- battering cases have come and disappeared without the intervention of the third party. Many people who have intervened in such cases are perceived as enemies when the case is finally resolved.Before a husband starts to physically attack his wife or commit any other “marital blunder”, something fundamental has changed in the marriage. When the partners were in their rosy days; they displayed love in public, because they have something unique which they must show to the world that they are romantically bonded. And, those proof quickly disappear during wife battering.That feeling that pushes a man to fight is accumulated anger which he ignored or buried alive in his subconscious. It’s not always noticeable. But can always turn out to become grudges and hatred towards the wife if unexpressed.One top of that, we are in a society where men are regarded as “Mr. Right”. Even most parents displayed it the family circle. So, their children grow up with the unrealistic ideas and practice it in marriage. They simply believe that being severe to their wives is aimed at producing a well-disciplined wife. And justify their rage emotional bursts in the name of wife- battering. When the outburst finally becomes the pattern of parental conduct, their children –especially the male ones may copy it and go along with it for the rest of their life.SOURCE http://luvisgrate.blogspot.comRead more…
Principle of CrowdBird of the same feather flock together. Those who’re negative minded and always complain would always flock with people who behave alike. And, those who’re creative and productive also flock with others who’re the same, because human beings tend to relate with people of the same behavior. And they’re greatly affected by whom they associate with.And, you can never earn extra income when you surround yourself with people who talk you down. They wouldn’t try anything new nor encourage you to try something new. They’re also trapped in those old ways of doing things that have little or no result. They’re so afraid of failure and can spend most of their time planning to avoid mistakes. This die-hard attitude affects everybody in the circle of their friend. People with such mindset never conquer anything great.Lose of Hope and Negative ThoughtThe greatest threat that poses a crisis for humanity today isn’t disease or war. It’s the loss of hope and negative thoughts. All over the world, there are regions marked with extreme poverty caused by hopelessness, fear and anxiety. Whether it’s personal or on a national level, it’s doesn’t matter how much hope one may start a means of livelihood with. Reality always forces people to lose interest quickly.Everybody desires to be successful. To succeed, you must think success even in the midst of life threatening challenges. If you continually think or say,’’ I can’t.’’Not me. I can’t succeed in this business. I am poor. How can I live on this poor pay? I bet my shirt only negatives, like poverty, illness and failures will surround you.Lack of Financial Knowledge.No matter how dry a desert may be, if a river begins to run through it, it will become fertile and living creatures start to revive in it. This simply means that, no matter how financially broke one may be, once he acquires the right financial knowledge and apply it, he’ll experience financial freedom. Every modern civilization today passed through the acquisition of knowledge and skills. And every vocation needs some kind of skills to succeed including earning extra income. Doctors read medicine, lawyers read law and to earn extra income what do you do? Simply get the right information now!source http://realjobzonline.blogspot.comRead more…
Have you visit Dubai lately? Is your visit to Dubai on holidays or for business?Probably you have an Investment or a Property in DubaiWell you should be asking me; why am I so particular about Dubai?Before I tell you why, let me give some information about DubaiDubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates that is built around the principles of free trade, foreign investment, and sound business practices.In 2002, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai had a vision to create the city of the future.Dubai and the UAE's future is focused upon creating a business and tourism environment second to none which centers around incoming foreign investment from commercial institutions and individual investors.Now back home in Lagos Nigeria, some thing is about to happen, the government of Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SANIs embarking on a project called the “Mega-City Project” a functioning city compeer to New York, Paris or TokyoLagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and Nigeria’s former capital struggles to serve both as West Africa’s finance-cum-business hub and as one of the region’s biggest port.It is fast out spaced efforts to plan for growth. A resent census found 8 million residents making Lagos Africa’s most populous city after Cairo; the UN expects that the figure to reach 20 million by the end of the next decade. The governor thinks it will even get bigger. He says that Lagos must plan to be a “mega-city” of 40 million souls by mid-century.What chance has he of crafting a functional city and where is he going to get the space I mean the land?Tow striking questionsLEKKI: Ibeju-Lekki is a local government area in the Epe Division of Lagos State, Nigeria.Original name: LekkiGeographical location: Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, Africa geographical coordinates: 6° 25' 0" North, 4° 6' 0" East (http://www.maplandia.com/nigeria/lagos/ibejulekki/lekki/)Take a drive to Victoria Island, find your way through Ozumba Nbadiwe down to Lekki first roundabout, tell me what you see, that is just a tip of the ice bag, drive on to Ajah , be careful do not look too mush, I think its better you take a walk or fly on an chopper if you can afford it, why? This is because of the massive construction and reconstruction going on along that root, which includeExpansion road constructionReal EstateIndustrial EstateHotelsShopping MallsBanksSchoolsRefineryAirportEtcA new city on the AtlanticOn like Dubai where the authorities had to sand filed to get more space (land)Lekki can still boast of virgin land,There are two phases in the Lekki vicinity, which are Lekki phase I and Lekki phase II. Lekki phase II is considered to be one of the most expensive places to live in Lagos state. This is due to the latest housing developments which are being created on the Lekki phase II axis. It has been predicted by many that the Lekki Peninsula vicinity would be the best places to live and work.A word of advice for people looking to get properties. Many people focus on Lekki phase 1 and the prices of land in Lekki phase 1 keep going up daily. As a matter of fact, prices have tripled in the last one year. There is a lot of infrastructural development which is going to be taking place on the Lekki Epe axis. Every part of this axis will be developed up to Epe why? The extension of the mega city project fall on that axis, the Lagos State government has sited the LEKKI FREE TRADE ZONE on that locationSummary:The Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos State is a perfect location for investors interested in agri-processing, clothing and textiles, food and beverages, forestry, mining, pharmaceuticals, retail, housing and tourism.LANDYou can purchase plots of land in good locations around Lekki-Ajah, and the Lekki-Epe axis at very affordable prices, with original documentation, c of o and governor's consent.For more information on land matters along Lekki-Ajah and Lekki-Epe axis which include The Free Trade Zone long on to http://tinyurl.com/cutou9 for more info on the LFTZ.
Read more…
Posted by 9jabook.com on October 20, 2009 at 8:38pm
THE continued influx of strange persons into Lagos has sent the state police command to the drawing board.
Among other measures evolved by the police to ensure that there is no security breach in the state are provision of updated security tips to residents, crackdown on the sale of dangerous weapons in unauthorised places, and close up on persons with suspicious movement.
The state police commissioner, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, who spoke on the development yesterday, urged the residents to be security conscious and to report all suspicious movement and gathering to the nearest police station.
Akpoyibo said the police was disturbed by the trend because most of the persons trooping into the state had no defined mission or means of livelihood.
Also, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, has urged Governor Babatunde Fashola to check the rising level of immorality, nudity, indecency and pornography in the state.
In a statement made available to journalists yesterday by Gabriel Osu, the Director of Social Communications, Lagos Archdiocese, Okogie warned youths to be wary of the implications of patronising nightclubs because of the danger inherent in such acts.
Akpoyibo told journalists that the mode of entry of the strange persons had become a concern to his command.
He said: "What I intend to do is to simply provide Lagos residents with updated security advice and tips. This is predicated on our determination to promoting proactive policing propelled by intelligence-driven strategies. The command has observed with deep concern the unusual influx of young men, with no defined mission into Lagos metropolis. These young men, who usually arrive from different parts of the country in large numbers and sometimes in groups of fifties and above, have neither any known place of abode, nor any feasible means of sustaining their stay in the city.
"Their influx and mode of entry into the state have raised some security concerns within the law enforcement circle, thus necessitating close monitoring and surveillance of their activities and lifestyle by the state police command. While the command is conscious of, and will continue to respect the constitutional rights of all citizens to freedom of movement and association, we wish to advise that such rights must be exercised and enjoyed within the confines of the law," he said.
Akpoyibo, therefore, urged Lagos residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious gathering to the nearest police division.
"The command therefore wishes to enjoin all Lagos people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious gathering, assembly or movement within their localities to the nearest police station."
He also warned against indiscriminate display and sale of offensive weapons and other dangerous items.
The police chief said his command had also observed "with concern the indiscriminate display and sale of dangerous tools such as knives, cutlasses, cudgels, scissors, hammers, at traffic jams along major highways as well as inner city roads within the state. Apart from the fact that these hawkers obstruct vehicular and human traffic thereby endangering lives and property, hawking or trading on the highways and, other unauthorised places, is in itself an offence under the relevant state laws. The indiscriminate display of these dangerous items in the streets also makes them easily accessible to criminals and persons with criminal propensities who could use them against the society."
He advised dealers, sellers and hawkers of such items to desist from displaying, selling or hawking them in the streets and highways.
Akpoyibo said persons found violating this order would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the relevant laws of the land.
"In addition, law-abiding Lagos residents are encouraged to desist from patronising hawkers of these implements which could easily be converted to tools of terror. This, we believe, will serve as a strong disincentive to their illicit trade. Finally, with the 'ember months' now with us, we wish to re-assure the people of our determination to ensure a crisis and crime-free Yuletide period. We plead for their continued support, co-operation, prayers and understanding, trusting that God will see us through," he added.
Reacting to the increasing number of nude clubs in the metropolis, Okogie lamented that evil had taken over in the state.
He said: "The way things are going, when girls of between the ages of 15 and 25 dance nude and throw caution to the winds, with boys and men as onlookers, is sending to the society a wrong signal, it is pertinent danger; we are sitting on loaded gun.
"Night clubs are increasing in Lagos, those closed earlier are reopening with impunity with a change of name. I hope this is not making mockery of Lagos as a mega city, city of excellence and city of aquatic splendour"?
To check the ugly situation, Okogie said the state government should not allow brothels to operate nightclubs, while gambling should be outlawed.
Parents and guardians were also charged to curb the excesses of young people.
According to him, "it is contrary to the feelings of the people of this state. They are defying government in all intents and purposes. Government must do something now to stem the tide of the evil sweeping across the state. Some prominent persons are among them, some top civil servants are with them, and they lure innocent girls into prostitution. Too bad! Government must look into the immorality in the state urgently before this evil overtakes us."
Read more…
The 2008 Batch C National Youth Service Corps members ended their one-year compulsory national service with passing-out parades (POP) held in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday.
In Lagos, the event was held at the parade ground at the Ikeja Cantonment. According to the state coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ladipo Laniyan, this batch of corps members, who started their service on November 4, 2008 was made up of 1,399 when they were posted to the state. Some were redeployed to other states mostly for health reasons while more were redeployed to Lagos.
Mr. Laniyan said 2,013 corps member satisfactorily completed their service while seven are to be remobilised for abandoning their places of primary assignment.
The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, was represented by the commissioner for Special Duties, Tola Kasali at the event. In his speech read by Mr. Kasali, the governor appreciated the contribution of the corps members to the development of the state.
“At the beginning of your service year 12 months ago, I drew your attention to the various challenges of national development. I am happy to note with interest that you have contributed your quota to nation-building. I wish to formally acknowledge your unparalleled individual and collective contributions to your host communities in the area of community development projects,” he said.
The occasion also featured presentation of awards to some outstanding corps members. Michael Olorunfemi, from Kogi State, a graduate of Human Kinetics, was awarded the best corps member in the batch. He won it for a beautification project he carried out at the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat. He said he did it because he wanted to compliment the efforts of the state government.
After the match past, some of the corps members danced, as the corps band, made up of those still serving, played different tunes while others took photographs and congratulated one another.
However, in spite of the excitement, most of the corps members expressed fears. Some of them that spoke to NEXT expressed uncertainty about their future.
Felicia Oboma, a graduate of Biochemistry said she is really scared because of the level of unemployment. “We are going to join the labour market like millions of other graduates. It is not funny. The situation is really bad. One is passing out, you don’t know what will come next. Our country is really in a bad time. I’ve started applying in different places hoping that I will be lucky,” Ms. Oboma said.
Kayode Mosaku, a graduate of Botany from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, said he has left the future to chance.
“I will try all the options possible, throw my CV to everywhere possible and hope for a good response from somewhere. I have friends who have finished NYSC like two years ago and are still at home without jobs. So I think this NYSC programme is not working. If all the money that is used to run the programme is invested in us, maybe someone might be able to set up, since jobs are not available,” Mr. Mosaku said.
Read more…
Hey ladies wat do u fink? wen I first saw dis I cudnt help but laff, this article is preposterous!1. A man will pay #2 for a #1 item he wants. A woman will pay #1 for a #2 item that she doesn't want.2. A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband. A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.3. A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man.4. To be happy with a man you must understand him a lot & love him a little. To be happy with a woman you must love her a lot & not try to understand her at all.5. Married men live longer than single men - but married men are a lot more willing to die.6. Any married man should forget his mistakes - there's no use in two people remembering the same thing.7. Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed. Women somehow deteriorate during the night.8. A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't. A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change & she does.9. A woman has the last word in any argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.10. There are 2 times when a man doesn't understand a woman - before marriage & after marriage.
Read more…
Posted by Eddy Etuk on October 19, 2009 at 11:30pm
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, goes the a popular quote of William Congrave. And though a jilted woman can indeed be dangerous, a recent incident in Lagos might just show that hell has no greater wrath than disturbed lovers. If you’ve ever seen two snakes doing the preliminaries of copulation, you will get the driftQuadrat Yusuf, the landlady of 46 Ilupeju Road, Lagos recently suffered a broken arm in a brawl that developed from a heated argument over her alleged disturbance of two young lovers. Christian Onuoha, a Medical Engineering graduate of Yaba College of Technology and 27-year-old Hope Ezenwa, a tenant of Quadrat’s, were alleged to have used an iron rod to break the right arm of the landlady, an offence for which they were promptly arrested by the Police.Across Nigeria gathered that trouble started when Hope, who rented an apartment from Quadrat, brought in her lover, Christian, to live with her. This arrangement did not go down well with the landlady and, though Hope still had a few months before the money she paid as rent would expire, she was asked to pack out with her boyfriend.As fate would have it, one day, in an act reminiscent of village boys smoking out rats from their holes, the landlady decided to place her charcoal stove beside Hope’s window and commence cooking. When the lovers could no longer endure the smoke, they complained vociferously. And since there was no love lost between landlady and tenant, a shouting match ensued. Soon, it degenerated into physical assault. In the process, the woman’s hand was alleged to have been broken by the suspects. But they argued that the woman “fell from the chair during the fight and broke her hand”.The landlady was referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, where doctors are treating her. And the lovers have been charged with assault before a magistrate’s court in Lagos. When the charge was read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of N100,000 each, with one surety each in like sum. The matter was thereafter adjourned till 2 November 2009.
Read more…
