Violence cannot precede over education– Obaji

Phillip Obaji Jr.

• Philip Obaji Jr. is the founder of the 1 GAME Campaigns to advocate basic primary education for the over 10.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria. In this interview with David Lawal, Obaji, who is also a Global Youth Ambassador, speaks on the abducted Chibok girls and the duty of government in providing education for all among other issues.

Kindly give a brief insight into your background?
I was born on August 8, 1985 in a town called Ogoja in Northern Cross River State. I am the founder of the 1 GAME Campaign, which promotes basic primary education for vulnerable kids in Nigeria. I am widely known for my activism for rights to education for Children, especially in Northeastern Nigeria. I’m a graduate of Marine Biology from the University of Calabar; a Global Youth Ambassador for United Nations critical education partner, A World at School; a member of International Network for Education in Emergencies; and a champion of Global Partnership for Education. Back home, I am an Executive Committee member of the Cross River State Football Association. I am soft spoken, a Roman Catholic and a man of peace. I believe in Nigeria and in every citizen of this country. And I want to play a role in making it a better place for all of us.
How long have you been into education advocacy? 
I’ve been working for close to 5 years now in education advocacy. It all started in 2010 when 1 GAME Campaign was founded.
What informed your decision to start education advocacy? 
In 2009, I traveled to Ogoja where I was born. I had not visited the town since my family moved in 1988 when I was just three years old. I wanted to learn more about the place I first lived as a child.
I have had numerous conversations with my father about Ogoja, and he would often speak about its people, and how he missed them and their culture. Once arriving in Ogoja after a six-hour journey from Calabar, where I live, I was greeted by a group of young boys and girls at the bus stop, who rushed to me, begging for money. The children were between six and fourteen years. When I asked them where they came from, they confessed that they were ‘Almajiris’ from Northern Nigeria.
They had followed a lorry transporting goods from Maiduguri in Borno State to Ogoja. They said they jumped into the lorry without knowing the driver, and had no idea of where the vehicle was heading. I was overwhelmed by the presence of so many out-of-school children and could not stop thinking about their plight and how to solve this crisis.
Thereafter I founded 1 GAME Campaign aiming specifically at Almajiris helping them to enroll and complete their basic education. The name ‘1 GAME’ means that anyone involved in the campaign, is asked to defeat violence, illiteracy and poverty – using education as a tool.
What is your disposition to the target on children across the world?
There is absolutely no justification for the target on children. Terrorists all over the world target children in order to strike fear and gain publicity. Boko Haram for instance gained global acclaim after the Chibok abductions. They got exactly what they were looking for. There are lots of similarities between Boko Haram which operates here in Nigeria, and the Taliban which operates in Pakistan.
While they both want to enforce full Sharia Law all over Nigeria and Pakistan respectively, they also want to ensure that there is no place for western education in the areas they operate. But let’s not also forget that beyond these things, there is a political undertone to its existence.
About a year since the abduction of school girls from Chibok, what are the chances of seeing the return of these girls?
Honestly, no one is sure about the where about or well-being of the Chibok girls except their captors. They’ve been lots of rumors about them. In fact as we speak, there’s a video circulating round Maiduguri purportedly showing Boko Haram militants raping young girls and shooting those who refused to get laid.
Many people who have seen this video say the girls in the footage are the abducted Chibok girls, but I haven’t been able to get anyone to confirm if that’s true. I can’t really say for sure if the Chibok girls are alive or death or if they are safe where there are. Since there hasn’t been a word for some months from Boko Haram about the girls, no one can be sure about their wellbeing, and whether or not they’ll return.
Considering the present state of education in Nigeria, where do you think we got it wrong?
It started from the attitude of government, and the trend is still continuing. The problem with Nigeria’s education has to do with poor planning, poor funding, and in some quarters, corruption. Take primary education for instance, the Universal Basic Education Scheme was designed
to provide compulsory, free education up to Junior Secondary levels, to be funded by both the Federal and State Governments. The Federal Government keeps 2 percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund into the scheme and allocates money to the states when the states contribute its matching amounts. However, we’ve found out that most of the states never made their matching grants, denying themselves access to the funds; and in states, where they had been given the grants the education sector there is still pathetic. That tells you that these governments are not making education their priority.
The population of out-of-school children in Nigeria according to UNESCO is equal to the total population of the entire Czech Republic (10.5 million), who do you think is responsible for this?
The government has the biggest role to play in ensuring Education for All. In 2000, at the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal, 180 countries including Nigeria signed up to make the six goals of Education For All happen, committing to putting legal frameworks, policies and finance in place so that everyone, no matter what their circumstances, could have an education – one that is available, accessible, acceptable and adaptable.
The richest countries pledged to help make Education for All a reality by committing to principles of international cooperation towards those countries with fewer financial resources. Commitment towards the right to education was also reflected in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, set in 2000 with a deadline for achievement by 2015. Out of the eight Millennium Development Goals two focus on education. Both the EFA and MDG goals are all centered on what governments should do, and not what parents or children should do to create access to education.
But as much as government has a huge role to play, we as citizens must encourage and drive our children to education. Teachers must inspire. Principals must lead. Parents must instill a thirst for learning. And students have got to do the work in school. And if we can all do this together, I assure you we will build great ideas and push this nation away from the stronghold of extremists.
What’s your advice to government on providing education for all?
Government must show more seriousness in achieving the goals of Education for All. Education is achievable if government mobilizes the political will and available resources. Government must recognize that education is a universal human right; that it is the key to poverty alleviation and sustainable human development; and of course, education is its core responsibility. In doing so, it must ensure increased provision of quality early childhood education and care; the eradication of adult illiteracy and a second chance to learn for youth and adults who miss out on formal schooling; an end to child labour; democratic participation of, and accountability to, civil society, including teachers and their unions, in education decision making at all levels; fair and regular salaries for teachers; properly equipped classrooms and a supply of quality textbooks;
inclusive and non-discriminatory provision of services for all; the mobilization of political will and new resources in support of National Education plans to realize the EFA Goals, including adequate public expenditure of at least 6 per cent of GNP. Without this in place, it would be difficult to achieve Education for All.

Source: The Nation

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The late Oganufa

‘Jazz music defines my art’

 
Nissi Ogulu whose norrd art is making waves right now has just concluded an exhibition in Lagos. A second year Mechanical Engineering student of Warwick University, England, her paintings dwell more on what she describes as phenomenal art, something different from the rest. She spoke to Edozie Udeze on her form of art, why music has come to form the basic component of her form and more.
The peculiarity of her works distinguish her from the rest. This is perhaps why she describes her works as the norrd phenomenon. For young Nissi Ogulu, painting and experimenting with deep colours to give a unique surreal feeling is part of what she has come to learn differently as an artist.
During her just concluded art exhibition at the Terra Kulture, Lagos, Ogulu, a second year engineering student of Warwick University, England, told The Nation that painting is a passion she cultivated and imbibed at a very tender age. A granddaughter of the famous music icon and columnist, Benson Idonije, Ogulu who also plays some musical instruments and often indulges herself in jazz at her spare time, says arts runs in her family. The norrd phenomenon was adopted by her “just to be different from what others have been doing. It is an experiment that is totally unique and not common in the Nigerian society” she says.
The intriguing aspects of her works dwell in her ability to use profound colours in loose and dropping forms to juxtapose her subject. While the exhibition was going on and as guests and art patrons hovered around within the premises to view her array of works, a jazz instrumentalist was busy playing a saxophone in the background. “Yes, Ogulu intones, “parts of what I did in most of these paintings, the times when I conceptualised them, music was indeed playing in the background. I am mostly inspired to draw unique woks when the music is on and I am transported to a higher realm. For me, music and painting go hand-in-hand. My family has deep love for music, for art generally and this is what I often bring to bear in my works”, she says.
The deep etchings of droppings of lines, the endless use of loose colours that define oriental form of painting, all depict strings of musical instruments. These lines are like the jazz instruments, like a huge musical band pelting out series of sounds to sooth the people. Some of the lines drop like tears. But to Ogulu, they are tears of joy, tears of artistic expressions imbued with love; mixed with the inner feelings of someone in a deep nostalgic feeling of ideas. Ideas, like it is usually said, define the line of thought of a committed artist.
Basically, Ogulu brings emotions into her works. “Emotions, real deep inner emotions, reflect in the art of painting. It shows how reflective or otherwise you were when you were doing a particular work. “This is why I often experiment in such a way that my works look unfinished. This is deliberate; but you can see those array of colours of surrealism dropping down the lines on the canvass. What do they say to you? That art is often an unfinished matter. It is just like music that does not end and will never end. It goes on and on and on, seeping into your soul And who can stop the flow of good music? She asks, stooping a bit for emphasis.
In most of her works, the introduction of black and white colours in the background helps to bring out the total epitome of the beauty of the subject-matter. In one of her most outstanding works depicting Massai warriors from East Africa, she shows a complete abstract piece which serves as a reflection of the current times. The theme is instructive of the nature of one of the tribes that make up Kenya as a country. She goes on to situate the Massai warriors in their beauty and as one of the most dreadful in terms of costuming in Africa. Yet, today, the warriors have been integrated into the East African larger society. “If I had used the same colours here, I may not have got the desired contrast,” she explains.
In who am I, one of her most outstanding works on exhibit, she demonstrates life in a global context. “At times, someone doesn’t know who he or she really is. You often look everywhere to discover who you are. It is always for some people to also discover and define what plans God has for them. It is a problem common to people from across the globe. For some people therefore, it can take them a whole length of time to discover the direction they are headed while for others it is not so. In that case, I try to find myself; I try to discover myself from within. It is a total realism of the state of man on earth’, she reflects, smiling.
So in trying to bring something different into the Nigerian art scenes, Ogulu took her time to understudy the situation properly. “I saw that everybody is doing basically the same thing. So, based on this, I asked myself, how can I be different, how can I move away from the routine and give the Nigerian society the sort of art that is unique. It was like artists here are scared of playing with colours. But for me, deep application of colours, give the art its profound meaning and appreciation”. And so the norrd art as defined by Ogulu has come to make issues clearer to appeal to human conscience.
Today, her phenomenal art can be turned into contemporary, yet it brings nostalgic feelings into the minds of those who tend to show interest in and appreciate her works. Initially, when the experiment began to blossom, Ogulu thought the better of it was to forget the usage of black colours completely. But with time, it began to down on her that she could equally use black to make bold artistic statements. “Yet other colours say more about the norrd art, about the uniqueness I have been talking about”, she says.
Over time, she has come to have very vivid and imaginative art form that gives her distinctive signature. “I am realistic and imaginative. Just me, making reality interesting. That is what I really want to do. Be wild and colourful, so that it can be contemporary in its own way, and at the same time remain vibrant. That my works look the way they are is deliberate because I’d like to do things I’ve never seen before. I usually think outside the box. It took me about two years to arrive at this, to be able to say okay even though I am still learning, I am still in the process of experimenting my own form. Let me be who I want to be. For me there is never a defined demographic scene in mind during the process of this creative journey. Once I come up with an idea, I put it down and then I make a piece. I am constantly thinking of reinventing myself. That is indeed my motivation.”
In her art also, she tries to take Nigeria abroad and bring back other people to reflect a total global village. This is what I want to expand; that horizon of art that is all encompassing, all inclusive. A native of Ahoada in Rivers state, Ogulu says she is now set to overcome the world with her form of art.
Culled from Thenationonlineng

Extraordinary world of female boxers

L-R: Oluwatomisin, Coach Adeyeye and Peters

Taiwo Alimi explores the amazing world of female boxers, who are daring all obstacles and impediments to express themselves in the tough and male-dominated world of pugilism.

Except for the twin mounds on their upper sections, there is little about them to suggest they belong to the hallowed fairer gender. Even those, have been temporarily compressed into tiny lumps by their taut sport underwear. Their otherwise bursting locks, are cut low like those of their counterparts; the male boxers. It is only after a closer scrutiny that you could actually distinguish three out of the dozen and a half young boxers during these regular early morning training sessions to be ladies.

The cluster, buoyed on by a lone coach/trainer, takes turn, to attack a red-coloured punching bag hanging droopily on a horizontal long pole that is supported by two others, firmly attached to the bare ground.

For about 30 minutes, they continue to hit hard at the stuffed bag; then, shadow box for another 15 minutes; and then spend another 15 minutes sparring. They use up the final 20 minutes on the vast football field, racing round it five times; taking time in between only to catch their breaths and take new instructions from their coach.

Welcome to the professed gymnasium of Golden Weapon Club Agege, tended by ex-Lagos State boxer turned coach, Yinka Adeyeye. The gym is a tiny portion of a massive football field at Ladoje Primary School, Agege. Here, there is no boxing ring or shed to keep off the baking sun, but makeshift poles, a swollen bag, a trainer and 18 boxers. Here too, there is no preferential treatment; Beijing Conference takes the back seat as the girl boxers compete vigorously with the boys, who outnumber them. They were on their feet for as long as the boys were and one of them actually finished the endurance race ahead of many of the boys. Nothing here suggests it is a man’s world, as the girls radiate in the satisfaction of dominating men in their own field. Welcome to the extraordinary world of female boxers.

In the course of gathering materials for this report, the picture of insufficiency seems to pervade all other boxing clubs and gymnasiums visited, whether in Yaba, Surulere, Somolu, Ilupeju, Bariga in Lagos or Agbado in Ogun State.

From National Sports Festival champions,  Kate Peters, Mutiat Adebayo, Funmilayo Adekunle and Aisha Oriyomi; to potential champions: Tawa Awise, Olayemi Mustapha, Mistura Olalere and Bolanle Kareem; and up-coming Olalude Oluwatomisin; they all express aggressive passion to be counted in the male dominated boxing world.

LOWLY SETTING

Interestingly, a good number of them have taken to boxing of their own volition, while few were attracted to the pugilism trade by the exploits of close friends, family members, and parents. In-fact many have rebelled against their parents, just so they could to learn the fine art of defense and become champions in their locality and state.

Surprisingly, as this reporter discovered, the female boxing culture is fully integrated in many clubs and schools in the states. Amongst them are Golden Weapon Club, Champions Boxing Club, No Shaking Club, Agbado, Smart Club, Agbado and Ashimota Club, Ilupeju. In these places, girl boxers have a core discipleship and like Golden Weapon Club, gender issues do not come up, as girls and boys, women and men are treated alike.

This is not unconnected with their lowly background, as some of them are products of humble homes; many as a matter of fact from poverty-stricken homes.

Olalude Oluwatomisin of Golden Weapon Club lives in the Lagos suburb of Agege, close to Ladoje Primary School, Oko-Oba, where she trains daily before heading off to school. “My father is a boxer and boxing coach with the Nigerian Police. He is now retired from boxing but trains up and coming boxers in his spare time. One of my elder brothers is a fine footballer and I have been boxing for four years now. My father likes to box and it is from him that I picked up the habit. I want to be a great boxing champion one day.”

Eko 2012 gold medalist, Kate Peters lives in the same neighborhood as Oluwatomisin but she lost her father in an auto accident in 2014. She says of her deprived background, “My father was working with local newspaper, PM News when he had an ‘okada’ (commercial motorcyclist) accident and died last year. My mother maintains a grocery shop. Sometimes I go there to help her out when I am not training. I started boxing seven years ago at age 13, even though my parents did not like it.”

Kate just wanted to be different and boxing afforded her that dream. “No member of my family is boxing but people are different and have different choices. Boxing is my own choice and I don’t care if it is dominated by men.”

Asked if it is not too dangerous a game for the soft and gentle female folks, Kate answered in the affirmative before adding, “I used to watch coach (Yinka Adeyeye) training his wards here and I told him I would like to box too. The first thing he told me was that boxing is a tough game and not for girls and soft boys. I told him that I am different and would cope well. And since I have started, I don’t see any guy that can push me around. I am not afraid to get hurt because that is what boxing is all about and so far, my mother, siblings and most importantly, my coach have been there for me.”

An indigene of Akwa Ibom State, Kate was born and bred in Lagos. She has won gold medals twice for Lagos at the Sports Festival in Port Harcourt (2010) and Lagos (2012). She decided to be different and boxing for her fulfils that desire.

Mutiat Adebayo and Aisha Oriyomi are two of a kind. They fell in love with boxing from watching the game in their locality in the dregs of Shomolu/Bariga. “Many great boxers have come out of my area, says Mutiat, who attends a public school, Ilupeju Grammar School. When I got to secondary school, I noticed that they have a thriving boxing club and our boxing coach invited girls to come. So I joined and I have been enjoying myself.”

SELF-PRESERVATION

In a world of violence, boxing seems to find acceptance and that is a factor in female boxing too. Kate emphasizes that crave for self-defense also led her into the pugilist business. “As a trained boxer, I am not afraid of any attack coming from any quarters, be it from a male or a female. I have learnt how I can defend myself, even though as trained boxers, we are forbidden to fight in public. However, because of what I have learnt, I am not afraid of any man. No man can threaten me.”

Kate’s testimony is quite relevant for anyone grow up in the violent- prone settings of Mushin, Shomolu, Agege, Bariga and Agbado areas of Lagos and Ogun States.

For female boxers therefore, strong character, determination and daring to go against the norms, are things they have in common.

PARENTAL CONTROL

Though Oluwatomisin’s father did not stop her from boxing, being a boxing coach, she revealed that her mum wants her to be a lawyer. “My mother wants me to be a lawyer. She does not believe that a girl should be boxing and she has advised me to read my books well, so I can become a lawyer. So, I would like to combine the two and in future become a lawyer as well as a boxing champion.”

For others: Kate, Mutiat, Funmilayo, Assiat and Tawa, they had to take their destiny in their hands, first by revolting against their parents, before their weird choice was accepted. In-fact, Tawa disclosed that her parents are yet to come to terms with her preference. “Kate’s parents,” Coach Adeyeye clarifies, “did not want their daughter to have anything to do with boxing until she started winning laurels and cash prizes. They warned her severally not to go anywhere near boxing because they thought it is not a good sport for girls. When I tried to convince them by following Kate home, they expressed fear that it is only rough people and people of questionable character that indulge in boxing. But because of me, they would permit her and once they see bad changes in her, it is the end of boxing for her. It was not until they started seeing her name in the newspapers and she brought home her winnings in cash and kind that they fully supported her. Now they come to watch all her fights.”

Instances have also been documented where overbearing boyfriends and husbands have truncated dreams of their boxer girlfriends.

SHORT LIFESPAN

“The lifespan of female boxers is very short. As a coach, I know that if I don’t rush them (female boxers) and ensure they achieve on time, as soon as they begin to get into relationships, their boyfriends or husbands can tell them to stop. Men like to dominate their women and many don’t believe that their women should be boxing all over town. Besides, by the time they get married and begin to rear children, they cannot train as hard as they would want to. And once you cannot train hard, your boxing career is over.”

FASHION

Interestingly, training, sparring and sharing with the male boxing folks have robbed most female boxers of the definitive feminine stuff. Kate says she does not ‘party nor like to dress up’ like women love to do.

“I don’t go to parties. I don’t even like it. I like to wear jeans and shirt. I don’t wear dresses because I won’t be free in them.” Makeup is also a taboo to her and she wears her hair low, typical of American marines. “I don’t have time for things like that; boxing is all I think about,” she says.

Olayemi and Kate are as strong as a mule and coach Adeyeye bears witness to this: “I can tell you that some of these girls are tougher and stronger than their male counterparts. For instance, Kate Peters can beat some of my male boxers. I have not seen her kind since I became a coach. She stood through thick and thin. She spars with men. The only time she box with female boxers is at Sports Council and during tournaments. She challenges me too because, she asks many questions and I have to be at my best to contain her. Many of them are like Kate. They are powerful, purposeful, determined, and full of life. They only need to be given equal opportunity to excel.”

CHALLENGES

With the number of female boxers put at a conservative figure of 100 spread all over the country, and Lagos and the South- south states having greater slice of the number, foremost female boxing coach, Gboyega Adeniji-Adele says the figure can double quickly if they are given better attention.

“There are many potential champions in our midst but many of them are discouraged from going deep into it by the poor attention those in sports authority are giving them. They come to me every day, eager and willing to learn, but I have limited facility and equipment to take care of them adequately.”

He further pointed out the natural challenge in female athletes. “Age is a big disadvantage in female boxers and that is why we try to catch them young, because by the time they are in their 20s and looking forward to settling down and starting a family, it would be difficult for them to train hard. And boxing is different from other sports like football and table tennis. You have to be at the peak of fitness to be a successful boxer; so marriage is a great impediment.”

Tawa and Olayemi are of the opinion that female boxing is still overlooked by boxing authority and promoters in the country.

Tawa, a 45kg boxer from No Shaking Club, says: “Most of the time, we end up as spectators at tournaments because it is either there are no bouts or little bouts involving female boxers. We are therefore calling on organisers of the boxing shows to increase the female bouts, so that more female boxers can develop their skills.”

She made particular mention of amateur boxing promoter, Wale Edun, the brain behind the Lagos monthly boxing show. “I thank Wale Edun for promoting amateur boxing through the monthly show, but the female bouts should be increased for more female boxers to also enjoy the benefits. That show has inspired many boxers in Lagos, but he should extend it to more female boxers because we need it more than the male boxers.”

According to Olayemi, female boxers have a unique advantage to cart home medals from regional, continental, and international championships given that; “When you look at all aspects of Nigerian sports, women athletes are doing better, though very little is allocated to them. Look at what (Blessing)  Okagbare achieved in 2014. Even in football, the Falcons have done wonderfully well more than the Super Eagles that we give all the money. Nigerian women are resilient and it is not different in boxing. All we ask for is support from individuals, corporate bodies and government.”

Kate offered near similar opinion while canvassing for more sponsors in female boxing. “Many females have the skills and zeal. I appeal to promoters to organise female boxing competitions for more female boxers to be discovered and nurtured to stardom.”

LAUGHABLE FACILITY

From Agege to Somolu/Bariga and Mushin, down to Surulere, areas of highest catchment for female boxers in Lagos State, you will be amazed at the deprived level of facility for boxers.

What Coach Adeleye refers to as his boxing gymnasium is laughable. It is an insignificant portion of land overlooking a massive football field in downtown Oko-Oba, Agege; an open-air gym devoid of any structure to shield trainers and wards from rain or sun. The visible gears for learning and imparting knowledge are one punching bag, some washed-out pairs of gloves and improvised pipes to hang the bag. After a particular training session, all that was available to restore lost energy, was a bag of sachet water, which the boxers distributed among themselves after over-one-hour energy-sapping training.

At the boxing gymnasium located in the main bowl of the National Stadium Surulere, over 20 boxers cramp into in a 30 by 40 meter hole, almost completely taken by a ring. Here too, the men are mixed with the women boxers.

Veteran female boxer and National Sports Festival champion, Funmilayo Adekunle described the dreadful conditions they pass through to make it to the top. “It is not easy to be a successful boxer in this country. We live and operate in neglect. It is only when we are called to camp that we see some level of comfort-that is when you must have passed through hell to prepare yourself and win at a major tournament. Before that, nobody wants to know how you have been coping. We simply rely on our determination and support of our coaches, who sometimes use their own resources to make us comfortable. We don’t eat good food, or vitamins that are essential for all athletes. To even get to the gym is a problem at times.”

Coach Adeyeye, who is Special Assistant on transport to former Agege Local Government Chairman, Taofeek Abiodun Adaranijo, revealed that out of his meager earnings, he had to support Kate Peters to keep her in the business. “I manage myself as well as my female boxers. Since there is no support from governments, I have to help them out so that they don’t seek that comfort from men, whose only aim is to spoil and impregnate them. Sometimes, when I run into financial difficulty, I seek out friends who support me with loans or give me money out-rightly. That is how I have been managing this gym and my female boxers. I hope that governments, individuals, and corporate bodies will come to our aid.”

HOPE RISING

In the midst of insufficiency, neglect, paucity, and harshness, these special breed of womenfolk still have ample room to dream. Kate says boxing is tough yet interesting. “It is indeed a tough sport but also interesting. I have been boxing for seven years; it is all I think about now and my dream is to one day become a professional boxing champion in Nigeria and abroad.”

In as much as Oluwatomisin would want to satisfy her mother to pursue a career in law, she says, she is looking forward to becoming a ‘lawyer boxer.’ Nothing, she adds, would separate her from this interestingly tough world of boxing.

Whitney Houston’s daughter in danger

kristina

Less than two weeks to the death anniversary of American singer, Whitney Houston, her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, was found unconscious in a bathtub in her home, on Saturday, and has remained in critical condition ever since.

It was exactly the same circumstance that led to her mother’s death on February 11, 2012.
It is still unclear why she fell unconscious, but the police was reportedly prompt with life-saving measures, after her husband, Nick Gordon and a friend made a call to 911 from Bobbi’s house.
Bobbi, 21, also daughter of RnB singer, Bobby Brown, was immediately taken by ambulance to a hospital, where doctors stabilised her breathing, and put her in the ICU.
Latest report from sources close to the family said she is in a medically-induced coma for swelling of the brain.
Bobby Brown was said to have arrived the hospital same day, after he put off his trip with Tyler Perry, who was flying from LA to Atlanta for business. Perry had offered to take Bobby with him when the news broke.
Bobbi was said to be found faced down in the tub, with water enough for a bath. Knowing her mother, Whitney, died with drugs in her system while taking a bath, police searched the home, but no drugs were found.

Online shopping: What Nigerians say

There is a gradual shift from the traditional market shopping to online shopping. And most Nigerians are cashing in on this. To meet the demands of the daily increase of online shoppers a number of companies have sprung up. They include; Jumia, Konga, Kaymu, DealDey, among others. But what is really the attraction of Nigerians to online shopping? The Nation spoke to a cross section of Nigerians on their preference for online shopping and quality of service;
Victoria Onuoha, Student
“I use Jumia; I like it because it offers a variety of goods which are quite affordable too. They also deliver their goods to customers on time. They provide an avenue for you to return stuff you have issues with.”
Oluwaseun Owolabi, Student
“I use online shopping malls but I don’t have any preference. I use anyone as long as they have what I want.”
Michael Bamidele, Student
“I like Jumia because they deliver products fast and they are efficient.”
Paul Akerele, Graphic Designer
“I use online shopping malls like Jumia, I do window shopping most times, though. The last time I wanted to get something from them, they didn’t have what I wanted.”
Faith Olisa, Teacher
“I’ve used Kong and DealDey. I prefer Konga because they always deliver the exact product I want and in good time, too. Some other online shopping malls merely apologise for the inconvenience caused by delivering substandard products.”
Tunde, Professional Artist
“I’ve used Jumia and Konga. I also use a variety of foreign online malls. I prefer Jumia because I feel it is more reliable. I have never had a cause to regret, return or complain about any of their products.”
Joseph Ode, Student
“I use online shopping malls very well. I use Konga and Jumia especially. Between the two, I think I prefer Konga because they have categories where you can either buy used or new products. You have to buy new stuff on Jumia. Konga gives me the opportunity to buy from a seller that has already used the product that wants to resell. Especially, when I don’t have money to buy new product. I also think the prices on Konga are cheaper than those on Jumia which are more expensive.”
Chukwuemeka Joseph, Student
“I use online markets and I prefer Konga because it is user friendly. It has a very easy interface. Products are also affordable. On Jumia, you have to buy strictly new products and the prices are not always accommodating. I think Konga is better. Also, the user interface is very easy to use, even a layman can use it. But Jumia’s website is complicated if you look at the graphics.”
Muiz Oreore, Student
“I prefer Jumia because they have quality products even if they are quite expensive, than other online shopping malls that sell less quality at cheaper rates. I like Jumia.”
Oboh Ann, Student
“I like Jumia. It’s popular and their goods are cheap.”
Onyeka Victoria Okorie, Student
“Well, I like V-connect deals. It’s an online shopping mall where you can get a lot of things. You can get kitchen wares, provisions, appliances, toiletries, you can get a number of things from them. They don’t deal in wears though. But you can get phones at cheaper rates. For everything you buy, there is a 10-20 per cent discount. You don’t purchase things at the normal price, but at a lower price. That’s a reason why I like them. They are also very efficient, they deliver quickly depending on what you buy. The delivery fee is also not expensive, if it’s not free. It’s usually between N200-400. You can also buy in bulk. Instead of leaving your house, you can purchase stuff from the convenience of your room with the tap of a few buttons.”
Simi Adeniji, Student
“I love shopping on Jumia. It’s a very good website for shopping for clothes, shoes, accessories and basically anything you need. They give you a list of prices and most times they have discounts.”
Gift Maduka, Student
“Jumia is a good place to shop. Their goods are very affordable and there are nice and durable stuffs to buy. Konga also sells nice stuffs. It all depends on what you really want. I’ll say they both serve the same purpose and they are both effective.”
Peter Ogunojemite, Student
“I like Jumia. It’s the only online shopping market I have used and I am satisfied with their services.”
Irene Nwachukwu, Student
“I use Jumia and DealDey. I prefer DealDey because there is always a discount on everything they sell. Their delivery is also fast.”
Anisiba Chisom, Student
“I like Jumia and Konga. I prefer Jumia because that’s where we buy most things we use at home (TV, Dispenser, Sound System).”
Peter Adewoye, Student
“I like Jumia, because of their advert. All of their adverts look very nice and interesting.”
Wale, Graduate
“I haven’t had any contact with any online shopping mall, this is because my younger sister recently had an experience which was painful. She wanted a tablet and she decided to get it from Konga. On the site, she saw details and all the accessories were complete. She booked for it and the process took a long time. They didn’t deliver it when she needed it. When they finally did, the accessories were not complete. That was when I decided that online marketing is nonsense. I don’t believe in it and I won’t do it.”
Okechukwu Stine Amadike, Student
“I prefer Konga. Their delivery is fast. They have good price rate.”
Abigail Essien, Student
“I love Kaymu. It’s very reliable.”
Yemi Boye
“I’ve used Jumia. I see a couple of things on Konga too. I like Jumia because the website is interactive and friendly. Konga is somehow cumbersome.”

Amber Rose to host D’banj’s 10th anniversary

All seems to be looking good for Nigerian Star singer and song-writer, D’banj as he is set to host his fans from all across the world at his 10th year anniversary this weekend.
In retrospect, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj is capable of featuring many international artistes as he did during his koko concert in 2012.
Thus, American hip hop model and controversial actress Amber Levonchuck, professionally known as Amber Rose has taken to the social media to disclose her visit to Nigeria for the event.
The Philadelphia born fashion designer with a load of controversial photos of herself posted on different social media platforms, last weekend said on Twitter: “Lagos, Nigeria I’m coming to Turn Up with my Friend D’banj January 31st for His 10th year Anniversary Weekend!”
Rose, who also repeated the same declaration on her instagram, is to host the anniversary titled “10th Anniversary Movement” at Oceanview in Lagos, Nigeria.
Similarly, while some other artistes are yet to openly indicate interest to attend, Oritsefemi was quoted by an online platform as saying, “Can’t wait to see Amber Rose in Lagos”.
The post on Amber Rose’s twitter handle with a poster of the event generated about 1000 retweets and over 300 favourites.
In furtherance, D’banj replied on his official twitter handle to Amber Rose’s post saying: “LAGOS SHUTDOWN!!! @darealamberrose is going to be hosting our kick off party #10thanniversarymovement”.

10 things you didn’t know about my father – Halima Buhari

In an interview on Kayode Ogundamisi’s blog, Halima Buhari, daughter of the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate speaks of her father.

What type of father is he?
· He is very realistic and tells you exactly how it is.
·He likes cracking jokes.
·He is very caring and sensitive to our feelings.
· He does not coerce us to do anything we don’t want to do.
· He is very understands unlike what people believe.
·He has a very soft side.
What type of grandfather is he?
·He cares a lot about his grandchildren and plays with them even more than he does with his own children.
·He is very fond of his grand children.
·He gives them all sorts of funny traditional names.
What kind of president will he be?
This is a democratic era, not 1983 – the military regime, so he will certainly be more tolerant and passionate about leading Nigeria and getting it out of every mess that it has seen, the corruption and insecurity which is making thousands of Nigerians lose their lives and is affecting everyone in one way or another.
He will tackle it and make sure he gets his job don
Link- VIDEO: The Buhari Nigerians Dont Know – Halima Buhari Speaks.

Pushing the frontiers of education

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Benue and Taraba states have visited secondary schools in their host communities to sensitise pupils on the need to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI (NYSC, Makurdi) and PHILIP OKORODUDU (NYSC, Jalingo) report.
From the hinterland to the riverine areas, Corps members took education campaigns to schools in Benue State. Last Thursday, 10 members of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a Community Development Service (CDS) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), paddled a canoe for about 30 minutes to Bukuru Local Government Area  for educational mission at Binev Secondary School in Agwabi, a riverine village in the council.
Led by their president, Temidayo Adeyemi, the Corps members were received by Mrs Victoria Gbaa, the principal. They were in the school to sensitise pupils on Universal Primary Education, which is the second goal of the MDGs.
Addressing the pupils in the school hall, Ademola Oyinloye, one of the MDGs’ members, told them about the benefits of acquiring education. He advised them to develop passion for learning, saying only education could make them achieve their dreams of being future leaders.
He said: “We live in a century that is controlled by innovation and good ideas. Your role as youngsters is to create a future that you want to live in but this is possible only if you are educated. There is no limit to what you can achieve with sound education.”
Adeolu Oludeke and Airhe Esele  urged the pupils to take advantage of their age to explore the opportunities in learning.
Mrs Gbaa hailed the Corps members, describing the seminar as the best capacity building for the pupils.
Temidayo said the outreach was to fulfil the goals of MDGs to ensure the message got to the grassroots. “We will reach out to as many schools as possible in the state, not only in education but also in sustainable development,” he said.
In neighbouring Taraba State, another set of MDGs members also sensitised for pupils of Calvary Academy in Jalingo, the capital.
Welcoming the Corps members, Mr Dauda Sangore, the principal, told  the pupils that the academy was privileged to be chosen among the schools in the capital city.
The Corps members shared the success stories of MDGs with the pupils. Matthew Adeyeba, a graduate of Mass Communication at The Polytechnic, Ibadan (IBADAN POLY), said also thousands of youths in rural communities had benefitted from the exercise. He encouraged them to acquire skills that will make them employers.
Charles Odey, a graduate of Business Administration at the Federal Polytechnics, Bauchi, told the pupils that though some of the goals had been met, a lot still have been done. He enjoined the pupils to take their studies seriously.
Highlight of the event included an interactive session, where the pupils asked questions bordering on how to become MDGs ambassadors and  to choose career.
In his remark, the Taraba State MDGs president, Ifeanyi Obiamalu, a graduate of Economics at the Anambra State University, Uli (ANSU), thanked the school management for the opportunity to reach out to the pupils. He said education remained the only way young people could grow to become future leaders.
Culled from Thenationonlineng

The new era of Social media

Social media has become a newfound pastime for students and youths. Every minute, social media platforms are busy with discussions, which range from contemporary issues to trivialities. To engage in the discussion, many students are glued to their mobile phones to socialise with people in different parts of the world.
Nowadays, students spend more  on social media and this has got many wondering if they ever have time to focus on their studies with the same zeal they connect to social media.
Apart from wasting time, what students do on social media should  also be a concern to their guardians. Many engage in discussions that are not beneficial to them. Some use their activities on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter to disturb others in the library and classroom.
Social media, according to Wikipedia, is a social interaction among people in which they create, share or exchange information, ideas, and pictures/videos in virtual communities and networks.
Over the years, social media has exposed students continuously to new ideas and offered chance to promote their creativity. Also, the ease and speed with which their pictures and videos can be uploaded has helped the youth to push their skills multimedia further.
Time spent on the new media has helped students develop more familiarity with computers and other electronic gadgets and has helped the young to hone their skills and interact instantly.
In the past, sourcing information on any issues or trending topics came with attendant stress, using the library. But, the advent of social media has made such exercise less stressful and almost instant. Education and other topical issues are discussed every hour on the social media. But in spite of its many positive sides, social media seems to be having negative impacts on education and morality.
In the last four years, results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) released by the regulatory body have been nothing short of a disappointment. According to statistics, 70 per cent of the pupils, who sat for WAEC examinations last year failed. Ditto, Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) results for last year, which had only 49 per cent of the candidates score above 200. Very poor!
It is easy to deduce from this mass failure that many students are no longer interested in academics and scholarship. All they read is update on trivial issues on social media. The trend in our schools today is that, majority of students care more about their activities on social media.
Going by the aforementioned, it is apt to say some of these students, even before graduating from secondary schools, embrace immoral acts, such as smoking, drinking and may engage in all kinds of criminal activities.
Social media’s negative impact on the youth has also been felt in professional institutions such as Nigerian Law School, which recently recorded mass failure. The reason for the woeful performance of the candidates who sat for the Bar examination was said to be their obsession with social media rather than study.
A worrying trend has been added to this phenomenon; some students now use social media to prop up what is called cyber bullying. This involves actions as posting uncomplimentary messages, photos and video online to tarnish the image of particular person. This action is intended to cause distress and or destroy the intended victims’ reputation.
There is also the overall effect on students’ ability to assimilate in classroom as many students rely on the accessibility of information on social media to provide answers to difficult question during examination. This reduces focus on learning and retaining information.
However, whatever might be the success of social media in their lives, young people must understand that they need to be addicted more to their academics than social media and resist the temptation of giving social media total attention. It is very important for students to realise they have to pay more attention to their academic pursuits.
Another good point to note is that, employers investigate applicants’ social networking profiles before granting interviews or acceptance. Anyone who uses social media negatively can be screened out. This is why students must constantly evaluate the content they are publishing online.
Those emulating famous celebrities by posting nude picture or videos on Instagram, a web based photo sharing application, must be aware that it may have serious consequence on them in the future.
Students should try and become conscious that, their use of social media is as important as studying their books. If they must socialise on social media, they must set time limit and put up educative contents that will help their future dreams.

Balikis just finished from Mass Comm., KWARA POLY

Maheeda condemns Fed Govt’s plan to ban porn websites

  

“Why naija sabi suffer themselves? Watin them love them de pretend. Is it me or hypocrisy is part of naija culture? Well.. Abeg make den ban porn for naija, I no live there. It will only make me bigger! I go change my name to Maheeda Holland,”
The above above statement was made by a  Nigerian singer, Caroline Sam, aka Maheeda, who has described the plan by the Federal Government to ban X-rated movies and porn websites in the country as hypocrisy. The self-acclaimed goddess of X voiced out on twitter.
The National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuk however on Sunday said that the Federal Government is planning to introduce a law that will ban and block all porn websites in the country.
Reacting to the report, Maheeda opined that hypocrisy is the reason why government would be planning to carry out such exercise.
Maheeda, who describes herself as a gospel singer, is notorious on the internet for always putting nude or near nude pictures. She recently claimed that she was offered N30million to act in a porn flick, an offer which she claimed to have turned down on the grounds that the money is too small.

Student group supports Buhari, Ambode

An alliance of Nigerian students under the aegis of APC Campus Connect has called on students and youths across the country to come out en masse and vote out the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government. They said the Federal Government had only brought them pains, hardship, suffering and unemployment.
Representatives of the group, which comprisesgraduates and undergraduates from Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and the University of Ibadan (UI), among others, visited the Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Education, Fatai Olukoga at his office in Ikeja.
They declared their  support for APC’s Akinwunmi Ambode for governor and General Muhammadu Buhari for President in next month’s elections.
Opeyemi Eniola, who coordinates the group, said they were campaigning for a change for the better through APC.
Olukoga expressed delight about the youths’ initiative, saying: “What Nigeria needs now is a change from bad to good, from darkness to light and to achieve this, the electorate should wipe out PDP in governance in totality. Enough is enough and Mr. President should know that we are no fools”.
He chided President Goodluck Jonathan over what he called the insignificant reduction in petrol price from N97  to N87 per litre, saying it was merely a political gimmick and an insult on Nigerians.
Olukoga warned government not to take Nigerians for a fool with the hypocritical reduction which, according to him, came few weeks to the presidential elections.
He said: “The reduction is not proportional to the reduction in the prices of crude in the international market. In fact, if this administration is serious at all, the fuel price should be brought down to N67 per litre. From the foregoing, it is evident that the President, government and the PDP lack integrity because they talk from two sides of their mouth and I want to advise the electorate to be wary of any hypocritical carrot they dangle before them at this time.”

He promised me paradise, but all I got was hell!

KEL came back from work one day, looking very sad. When I asked him what the problem was, he was silent for sometime, not saying anything.
“Honey, what’s wrong? You have been so quiet since you came home. You barely answered my greeting,” I said when I followed him to the bedroom.
“There’s no problem,” he said brusquely, taking off his shirt and going into the bathroom. Later, after he had eaten and was relaxing in front of the TV he opened up a bit, stating that it was some issues he had in the office that was bothering him.
“We lost a huge IT contract to a rival company and my Chairman is mad at everybody,” he said.
“That’s too bad, dear. Don’t worry too much about it. I bet another one will come,” I said reassuringly. I went to sit besides him on the couch and cuddled up to him, placing my head on his shoulder.
“Thanks, love. I felt really bad because we put in so much effort for us to get the job, but all was in vain,” Kel stated glumly.
“As I said, everything will be alright. God will provide another one,” I said. We watched a popular soap opera on TV for a while before retiring to bed.
Due to the experience I had with my last pregnancy, I was very careful this time around. I avoided things that might pose as a risk such as doing strenuous things like the doctor advised.
That night in bed, when my husband reached for me, I pushed him away gently, giving the baby as an excuse. By then, I was about five months pregnant.
It did not go down well with Kel who grumbled about being denied his marital rights.
“This is the second time you are pushing me away this week. How long will you stop me from making love to you?” he said irritatingly.
“It’s for the sake of the baby, Kel. I don’t want to lose this one too,” I explained.
“Excuses, excuses! That’s all you ever give,” he grumbled. He turned his back on me and soon I could hear him snoring softly.
The contract
About three months later, I was in the kitchen preparing dinner when Kel came home from work. He was earlier than usual and I could see a glint in his eyes that he normally had when he had great news to tell.
It turned out his company was involved in a bidding for a contract with a major Telecoms outfit in the country.
“It’s the same company where your Uncle Thomas is a director,” he announced. Uncle Thomas was one of my late mother’s brothers. He was quite wealthy and had been very good to my siblings and I after our Mum’s death.
“That’s good. I pray you will win this one. God will use this contract to compensate for the last one you lost,” I prayed.
“Thanks for your prayers, dear. But we also need your Uncle’s support to facilitate things for us,” he said.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
He shrugged.
“Well, since he is one of the directors, we could ask him to put in a word for my company; that will definitely give us an edge over our competitors,” he said.
I shook my head before stating:
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. You know how Uncle Thomas is; he is a very strict and straight forward man and likes following the proper procedures when doing things especially when it comes to official matters. Remember what happened to Mike,” I stated. Mike was one of my brothers who had applied for a job in my Uncle’s company along with other applicants to fill some vacancies. Despite Uncle Thomas’s position in the company, Mike did not get the job, much to his annoyance. Later, on being asked why his nephew had failed to secure the job, my uncle had explained that he did not perform up to the required standard the company demanded.
‘The fact that he is my nephew is not an automatic license for his getting a job in the company. He failed in the interview. Period,’ he had told me back then.
“So, dear, I don’t think you should put too much hope on my uncle for his assistance. The best thing is to ensure your company puts in a strong bid and with luck on your side, you will win the contract,” I said.
But Kel still persisted on going through Uncle Thomas, stating that the contract was too important to leave to chance.
“We really need to win this contract. The Chairman has given us a mandate to do all it takes to win it and if that includes seeing your uncle over it, then we have to do that. He has even promised to make me the M.D of the company if we clinch the contract. You know the present M.D will be leaving us soon. So, dear, let’s meet Uncle Thomas, ok?”
I was still not convinced but not to make it look as if I did not want to help, I conceded to his demand.
***
As I had predicted, Uncle Thomas was unwilling to involve himself in the bidding process, stating ethical reasons.
“We have foreign affiliations and our bidding process follows the high standards of our foreign partners. So, I cannot influence it. Besides, I believe in fairplay for all the parties involved in the bid. Jessica, you should have explained the situation to your husband, that it’s something I can’t do. If you are lucky to win the bid, then I can help with facilitating payment of the money or anything to do with the execution of the contract. But till then, all I can do is wish you goodluck,” he said with finality.
Kel was unhappy with my Uncle’s stance, believing it was selfish on his part not to assist him, his niece’s husband.
I tried to pacify him, stating that his company might get the job considering the strong bid they had put in. Unfortunately, my optimism was misplaced. Kel’s company lost the bid to a rival. That evening when he came home from work, he looked furious and barely acknowledged my greeting on entering the house.
He blamed the loss of the contract on my uncle, pointing out that if he had put in a little effort on his behalf, the contract would have been theirs.
“Your Uncle is such a wicked person. A simple thing to do to help a family member is too much for him. What kind of man is that? Selfish bastard!” he stated angrily.
I took exception to his calling my uncle names over a matter that he had no control over and when I told Kel that, he got even angrier. This led to a full blown quarrel between us, one of the biggest quarrels since our marriage.
“Stop blaming my Uncle for your failure! There was nothing he could do about the bid and he explained it to you. The man is innocent. And stop calling him names! He’s not your mate, remember?” I said equally angry.
“So, are you now calling me a failure? How dare you!” he shouted at me. He then slapped me and grabbed my neck in a vice choke. I tried to scream, struggling to extricate myself from his grip but it was nearly impossible as he was much stronger than me.
Then, abruptly, he flung me against the wall and I slid to the floor. I must have fainted for when I woke up, I was in…
To be continued…

What next? Details next Saturday!
We welcome comments/suggestions from readers. All correspondence should be sent to 08023201831(sms only), psaduwa@yahoo.com or psaduwa007@gmail.com
Names have been changed to protect the identity of Jessica, her husband and other individuals in the story.
Names have been changed to protect the identity of Jessica and other individuals in the story.
Culled from Thenationonlineng

Congress’ outcome causes stir at institute at NIJ

NIJ

 

They all demanded a congress but students of Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos were not happy with the outcome of the meeting, held on the institution’s campus on Thursday.
The congress was called by members of Student Representatives’ Congress (SRC), following a growing discontent among the students over certain policies of the management. But, those who turned up at the meeting said the absence of majority of the students cast doubt on the necessity of the congress.
The SRC Chairman, Dayo Oladiti, implored those at the congress to express their minds on what they felt should be changed in the school. He listed areas of interest to the attendees where they may ask questions.
He said questions that could not be answered would be relayed to the management for clarification. Oladiti addressed some of the grievances of the students, including N5,000 penalty for late registration, unhygienic cafeteria, high school fee and additional charges for medical test, among others.
Despite the explanation by the SRC leaders, students still felt the congress was not properly constituted because opinions of majority were not taken.
A student, Paul Samuel, said: “The congress is a complete nonsense, because majority of students were not present, especially the part-time and Higher National Diploma students.”
A student, who did not give his name, said: “The congress is not properly called because every issue we discussed there won’t be referred to the management and those that will be referred would have been manipulated on the way.”
Arafat Sadiq said although it was good for students to meet on challenges they face but urged the SRC to ensure a majority are carried along.

Open letter to President Jonathan_Kelechi Amokoh

Sir, let me begin by informing you that recent happenings in the country give me a reason to worry. I believe you would spare time to read this, especially at a time when you have engaged in political campaign in preparation for the next month’s general elections. My president, this letter is simply from a concerned youth who sees light even as darkness pervades everywhere. I am a staunch believer in the transformation of Nigeria from its present state. Our country, which you are highly favoured to lead, is endowed in human and natural resources and as such, it needs good leader to harness these potentials.
As you continue your re-election campaign across the country, I will highlight some of my observations. Your campaign train indeed struck the right chord by starting off in Lagos penultimate Thursday. First was your choice of Tafawa Balewa Square as against the National Stadium. Indeed the crowd was massive and your party bigwigs attended. They spoke with unmatched enthusiasm and it was hard to dispel the logic of their rhetoric.
You said at the campaign: “Today, I am going to address only a segment of the Nigerian population. I am going to address the people who are voting for the first time, those of you who will attain 18 years this year….I do not want to address old people like me, because we are spent already and I will crave your indulgence Nigerian youths, those of you who are here, and those of you watching us at home, listen to what I am saying.”
These were your words at the start of your campaign. I commend you for your foresight. Indeed, this shows your interest in the youths of this nation. As you spoke, I listened with rapt attention to hear my president highlighting his plans for the youths and the nation.
But, your descent into a personal attack negated your intention and I found it rather unacceptable that you said these words: “…somebody who wakes up and tells young people of 23 years old that he wants to fight insecurity. Ask him when he was the head of government, did he buy one rifle for Nigerian soldiers.” This is an unnecessary diversion from issues.
Indeed, the president elected in 2011 was one who had no shoes, rode on emotional appeal and good name getting above 22 million votes. Coming out in 2015 requires more of tact, grounded articulations of achievement and policies.
You are not the first whose second term bid raised some challenges from the opposition. Barack Obama faced the same issue after his inspiring “Yes We Can” campaign in 2008. His re-election bid in 2012 was not a stroll in the park but for the inspiring speech delivered by his predecessor, George Bush, the Republicans might have carried the day.
Yes, you might not be the best orator like America’s Obama but indeed you were short of your meek disposition that has endeared me to your personality. I saw a president who was all out to shame detractors from the “change” camp. I saw the attacks targeted at the opposition leaving little time for the marshalling of the transformation agenda strategies.
I expected my president to boldly speak from the rostrum without attacking anyone. I do not expect my president to sink low and fight dirty with words. It will only place you on the same level with unlettered barbarians. You are a learned man with a PhD from a reputable institution and I trust your intellectual capability.
I know how you feel when your administration is rubbished with words of mouth. There is every tendency to defend attack, bite and roar in defence but indeed in quietness and confidence lays your strength. These have been your selling point from inception.
I therefore urge, as you continue your campaign, Nigerians prefer to hear their cool, calm and composed president speak on consolidation strategies if you eventually win on February 14. I desire to hear how you intend to improve in areas you did not match up.
During your tenure, the power sector experienced changes but the needed transformation is yet to be enjoyed by the masses. How do you intend to build on the current megawatts of electricity?
The agriculture sector with the technocrat in charge really performed yet there are major issues as to why the nation is yet to reap from this viable sector rather than oil. What are the other viable areas the economy of the nation can thrive on?
Unemployment is on the rise despite the YOUWIN and other youth-related initiatives. How well is your strategy to take the young people off the streets and engage them productively?
The Nigeria “beyond-oil” is here. How well is the government of 2015-2019 ensuring the nation suffers no loss as the economy diversifies? We have been told to fasten our belt for this year’s hardship yet we have no commensurate measure from the president.
“Corruption is not stealing,” my President was quoted as peddling such spooky theory. No matter the definition, what is not good is not good. How well will my president be man enough to call the bluff of corrupt officials wagging their tails at the corridor of power? Placing them in crates might not be the solution but which solution are you planning?
Mr President, all I ask from you is to remember your promise during the inauguration of the presidential campaign organisation that you will “flaunt our achievements in all parts of the country, tell the story of what we have achieved and let the facts and the figures be heard in every nook and cranny of Nigeria.”
I am sure somebody provoked you that day. Forget the past, enter action with boldness as you tell Nigerians what you have done and intend to do if they give you the mandate again come February 14.
•Kelechi, 400-Level Mass Communication, UNILAG

UNN stops postgraduate courses over students’ protest

IT started as a peaceful demonstration  but there are fears it may not end that way. Last December, graduate students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State held rallies on the campus to reject what they called “outrageous” increment in their fees.
Following the protests and  meetings with the Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Benjamin Ozumba, that ended in deadlock, the university, last Friday, suspended all its post-graduate programmes indefinitely.
This means post-graduate diploma, Master’s and doctoral programmes have been put on hold.
It all started when the school raised post-graduate programmes fees from N69,000 to N145,000. The students, through their spokesperson, Paul Haaga, condemned the hike, describing it as outrageous.
Haaga said: “We are not against any increment, but it should be reasonable. It is irresponsible to increase fee within nine months from N68, 700 to N145,000 for Sciences, N135,000 for Arts and N32,000 as hostel accommodation, including N2,000 maintenance and N25,000  acceptance fees. Where do they expect us to get that kind of money? I do not think it is a crime for one to further his education in UNN.”
A N20,000 reduction to placate the students was rejected. They are insisting on reverting to the old fee. The school suspensed the graduate programmes when it could not reach an agreement with the students.
It directed the graduate students to vacate their hostels immediately, warning them against destroying properties.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Okwu Omeaku, said the “urgent” decision was taken to avert public disturbance.
The statement reads: “In view of the on-going impasse resulting in the undue post-graduate students’ restiveness, management has directed immediate suspension of all post-graduate programmes till further notice. Students in this category of programme are then directed to vacate their hostels not later than 6 pm today, Friday January 16, 2015. All concerned should please comply to avoid unpleasant consequences.”
CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the management copied the area command of the police and army. But the students condemned the decision and their ejection from their hostels. They described the action as harsh and ill-thought.
On Saturday, university officials moved round the post-graduate hostels to effect the order. The students were ejected from their rooms, with some prevented from taking their personal effects.
Some female students, with nowhere to stay in town, described the action as unfortunate. The management, they said, should have given them some days to arrange for their journey back home.
During the ejection,   CAMPUSLIFE sawuniversity officials throwing out some students’ properties. Some students left peacefully, dragging their bags to motor parks. Those unable  to travel on Saturday passed the night outside the sealed hostels. Some set up  stoves outside to cook.
Mr Emmanuel Anyaegbulem, a post-graduate student at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, said he was shocked by the action. “What we demand is the school fees reduction. We are not asking for improvement in teaching materials across a faculties for the students. We are not complaining about the attitudes of project supervisors who keep students beyond the stipulated period of graduation. We only want a stop to exploitation by the management, but they responded by suspending the programmes. They are throwing away the baby with the bath water,” he said.
Last week, the students wrote a joint letter to the management to demand a reduction in their fees, comparing post-graduate tuitions in notable federal varsities with  UNN’s.
The students said their counterparts at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, the Anambra State capital pay N88,000 for the first 12 months and N44,000 in the subsequent session.
At the University of Ibadan (UI), the students said their colleagues pay N104,000 for doctoral degree in the first year and N54,350 in the returning session. Master’s students in UI, according to them, pay N92,000 in their first year and N44,350 in the returning session.
In the letter, the UNN students said they had presented the fees being paid in other federal schools to Prof Ozumba, but said the management was adamant in reducing the high fees in UNN.
The letter titled: Delay in the reversal of unconscionable hike in postgraduate fees, reads: “Mr. Vice-Chancellor, we presented you with facts and figures about tuitions in other federal universities in Nigeria, which show that the UNN postgraduate programmes, particularly school fees, is not student-friendly.
“Mr. Vice Chancellor sir, we find retrogressive and suppressive the favourable disposition of your administration to foreign postgraduate students at the detriment of Nigerian citizens in their own country. While the fees paid by foreign students were reduced, Nigerians are asked to pay astronomical fee increased by over 100 per cent. This favouritism is not only unacceptable to us but also condemnable.
“Once again, we strongly advise that since the administration is in the process of reviewing the structure of postgraduate programme to bring it at par with best practices in other universities, the review of the fees should be included. We demand total and unconditional reversal to N75,000 for new students and N68,700 for returning students.”
The students demanded freedom to constitute the Post-graduate Students’ Union (PGSU) as their mouthpiece. They also demanded reduction in the length of time of their programmes and the period of project submission. They want improvement in the productivity of aged professors on contract in the university.
When CAMPUSLIFE visited the office of the Dean, Post-Graduate School, on Monday, a non-teaching official, who did not mention his name, said the dean was not in.
He directed our correspondent to  the PRO. At the time of this report, Omeaku did not pick calls from our reporter.
Culled from Thenationonlineng

IMSU students urge govt to come to their rescue

It is the only exit route through which residents of Mbonu Ojike community can access the Imo State University (IMSU). But this shortcut to the university’s rear exit gate has become a criminal’s den. Since erosion washed away part of the road five years ago, it became a nightmare for residents. It is covered with bush and refuse, making it impassable.
Students who live in Mbonu Ojike are worried about the state of the road, which also connects IMSU Primary School with the neighbourhood. Motorists, who used to ply the route, are not happy with its condition.
Following the years of neglect, criminals are cashing on it to wreak havoc on people. During the day and at night, hoodlums dispossess passers-by of their personal effects, including money and mobile phones.
The Mbonu Ojike road is water-logged because of the overflow of Lake Nwaebere, which extends into the university. Since there is no drainage, the water gets to the university rear gate, worsening the condition of the road.
To make the route passable, members of the community constructed a wooden bridge through the bush path. Students and other commuters ply the structure to get to the school. But, the wooden bridge is fragile and users fear that it could collapse.
Because of criminals’ atrocities, students and residents have cried to the  university and the government to come to their rescue. They are demanding the clearing and rehabilitation of the road.
A student, who identified himself as Chibuzor, told CAMPUSLIFE: “I cannot forget the sad experience I had with some boys at the IMSU Primary School gate. I was returning to the hostel with my friends when we were accosted by the boys. They took our phones and money. I was shocked because the incident happened in broad daylight.”
A medical student, Chinwe Alakwe, said she had stopped going to the campus through the rear gate after she was robbed with her colleagues during a football match in the primary school. She said: “It happened like a joke. We were on the field playing inter-departmental football match when we noticed the arrival of a group of buys. Before we knew what was going on, they started collecting our phones. It was a sad experience I cannot forget. I stopped going towards that part of the university after the incident.”
CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the university management had made efforts to check the robberies at the gate. With the measure, some students said the attacks have reduced, but still want the management to make the area passable.
Victor Igiri, a 400-Level Optometry student, said: “The Vice-Chancellor has improved security in the area. We did not hear many cases of phone snatching and harassment last semesters. On that, we are happy but we want the management to do more by stopping constant flooding of the area.”
Divine Israel, a 200-Level Agricultural Economics student, said there should be concerted effort by the university and the government to get the road repaired. “It is not enough to leave the burden on the university, rather, the state should direct the Ministry of Environment to see to the problem of flood. The university cannot do it alone; it needs the help of the state to rescue the university community from this problem,” he said.
To solve the erosion problem at the exit gate, students believe the government must intervene to end their nightmare. But, if help does not come in time, the students fear that the criminals hiding in the area spot could unleash more terror on the residents, including pupils of the primary school.
Culled from Thenationonlineng

Making meaning out of nothing

TITLE: Biblenomics: Before Adam Smith, there was…
AUTHOR: Bayo Sodade
PUBLISHER: The Book Company Limited
NO. OF PAGES: 138
YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2014
Having an insightful, well-researched book on economic concepts,ethical values and management principles which stem from biblical precepts, depicts ingenuity as exhibited by Bayo Sodade in “Biblenomics: Before Adam Smith, there was…”
The book’s publication is a novel idea meticulously conceived through the in-depth knowledge of economics and the Bible, as Sodade deftly underscores modern thoughts in economics, finance and management, in comparison with biblical precepts, flawlessly referencing wisdom nuggets that drive home his points.
It is noteworthy that the Nigerian civil service is characterized by intellectually-gifted elements as the latest book obviously brings to fore the ingenuity of some of its practitioners, most especially, in economic planning, as personified by Sodade.
Having worked at the Lagos State Civil Service, where he garnered his wealth of experience in the area of budget, planning, finance and procurement for 31 years, Sodade has proven his mettle as a versatile economist with this unique presentation.
The author maximises his exploration of the Bible, showcasing a clear understanding of  its concepts, and establishing the fact that economic and management thoughts have their roots in the age-long spiritual book.
Divided into three chapters which explicitly define productivity, division of labour, conflict management, delegation of duties, integrity, nepotism, among others, the book corroborates each economic concept with references from the Bible, with the author copiously quoting the scriptures for clearer understanding.
Chapter one’s analysis is based on contemporary economic and management concepts in comparison with wisdom nuggets from the Bible; Chapter two seeks to identify the scriptural compass to financial success, while Chapter three deals with biblical stumbling blocks to financial success which must be avoided by individuals desirous of economic growth.
Sodade’s submission is that for every value system humanity places premium importance on, the ancient book provides the source. He infers that Adam Smith, whom the world believes to be the father of economics and the most influential thinker in the field, could have drawn his inspiration from the Bible.
“What is the connection between the Bible and Economics? Economics studies human behaviour as it relates to meeting unlimited needs from resources that are not only scarce, but also have alternative uses. The Bible was inspired by a benevolent God who understands human needs and provided divine guidance to prosperity. Our God cannot co-reign with poverty because He is the El-Shaddai-the All Sufficient God….,” he writes.
The author awakens reader’s conciousness as he convincingly establishes the nexus between economics, finance, management and the Bible, giving a road-map into living a successful and God-fearing life.
The book would be of tremendous value to Christians who strive for success in a corrupt-ridden world, and guide them towards its attainment.
“The Bible is a sword, arming the Christian for all earthly battles, including those of poverty and want,” the author stresses.
Having carved a niche as a reputable former facilitator in the Lagos State Treasure Training School, and the incumbent Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Sodade seeks to impact positively on the readers in this book.
Citing gossip, anxiety, pride, procrastination, greed, discrimination, corruption, dishonesty, hypocrisy and envy as some of the avoidable hindrances to success, he makes it crystal clear that the road to economic breakthrough is paved with a myriad of challenges which could deflate ambition and sentence the unwary to a perpetual state of misfortune.

Culled from Thenationonlineng

ASUU seeks protection for UniBen lecturers

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole to respect the rule of law over the demolition of houses of lecturers. ASUU condemned the alleged violence on its members by agents of the state government,
Its president, Nasir Fagge, in a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, alleged that unidentified agents of the government, accompanied by some thugs, brutalised its members occupying university buildings, on which litigation was pending.
He said it was unbelievable that the governor could preside over a state where rather than providing homes for the people, legitimate owners were rendered homeless.
Appealing for police protection for its members, the ASUU president also urged Oshiomhole to respect the rule of law.

Do men prefer women with natural looks or those with makeup?

Do Nigerian men prefer women with natural looks or are they thrilled by and want their women to apply makeup to enhance their beauty?
Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) conducted vox pop on Friday in Abuja to seek the views of a cross section of men on this interesting topic.
Mr. Issac Mbah, a sales rep at a business cafe located in Area 10 Shopping Centre, said he does not have problem with his woman using makeup to enhance her beauty.
“I do not have problem with my woman choosing to wear makeup. If that is what she desires then it is okay with me,” he said.
Mr. Samuel Ikedebe, the owner of provisions store in Area 10 Shopping Centre, said he does not care about makeup.
“If my woman prefers her natural look, I am okay with it and if she likes makeup, I don’t have a problem with that,’’ he said.
On her part, Miss Cynthia Okonkwo, a makeup artist said she loves applying makeup.
“I am in love with makeup and I do not expect my man to tell me he prefers the natural look because it will cause a huge issue in our relationship.
“We women are generally drawn to applying makeup no matter how little. Therefore the option of being natural will be difficult for us,’’ she said.
Miss. Tolulope Adetayo, a student of University of Abuja told NAN that her boyfriend does not care if she applies makeup or go with her natural look.
“Honestly, my man does not care if I apply makeup or not.
“If we are going out, I apply a little makeup to ensure I look good; if makeup would help me look good, then why not,” she said.
Mr. Johnson Benson, a typist at Area 10 Shopping Centre, said he prefers his woman to be natural, adding that he does not like makeup.
“I love my woman to be natural because I do not like makeup generally,” he said

Culled from Thenationonlineng

Students advised on vocational skills

Chief Executive Officer of Suji Moto, Mr Sijibomi Ogundele has adviced Students to acquire skills that will make them self-reliant before their graduation from school.
Ogundele, who was in Lagos State University (LASU) spoke to graduating class of Mass Communication.
The entrepreneur, who spoke on how students could achieve success through the acquisition of vocational skills, said university degree should be an appetizer for students to harness their latent potential. Ogundele described himself as a strong believer in self-improvement, noting that university degree may not be accessible to everybody but adding value to one’s life should be paramount.
He said he became successful after he met Dr Sujimoto Koga, a Japanese, who he said saw great entrepreneurship potential in him and turned his life around. “He gave me an advice and took up the challenge to improve my life,” he said.
After establishing his business, Ogundele said he opened offices in Paris, Accra, Madrid, Dubai and Lagos. He described his life trajectory as the story of patience and perseverance.
He said: “As students, you don’t need many friends around you. You only need two or three valuable friends that would help you accomplish your goals. Jesus loved the world but chose just 12 disciples to enable him achieve his goals; he didn’t choose large population of friends. You need to become reasonable when it comes to your dream; you need the right people who can motivate you when you cannot motivate yourself.”
Ogundele added that he chose to stay at the top because the bottom was crowded. “The man who pushes himself beyond the limits and employs creativity is bound to achieve success at the end,” he said.
He told the students to have a philosophy that would make them succeed, stressing that success was a platform whose key anybody could possess.
He advised the students to count opinions of others as significant but never allow people who do not share their dream to dictate the direction of their lives.
Ogundele was recently featured in Forbes Africa as a young promising entrepreneur. His firm, Sujimoto, is into construction and real estate.