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Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Better Nigeria: I See Change
By Adesuwa
Hello good people of Nigeria and my fellow Abujans, 'Abujans' sounds too proper, LOL.
Am I the only one who has noticed that the traffic lights in Abuja are almost all on and working? Yipeee! So our traffic is better coordinated now.
I was talking to a friend and she was talking about how it was causing traffic and I thought to myself, "we complain too much!", we clamoured for traffic lights now we have them, we complain its slowing us down.
I also noticed how people beat the traffic lights prompts without shame. Have we now become so unruly that we need to be flogged or punished to the right thing?
Well below are some tips that would help us enjoy this new development.
1. Leave for your destination on time! Do not take time for granted and begin to fly on wheels, you may die due to the speed or kill someone else, or you could be tempted to beat the lights and you get caught and spend priceless time and money explaining to the authorities.
2. DO NOT BEAT THE LIGHTS EVEN IF YOU ARE ALONE ON THE ROAD. It’s when no one is watching we know how loyal and law abiding we are.
3. Let's teach our children how to read the signs and obey them. Charity begins at home.
4. Take things easy. If you die today, someone would take your place.
Have a lovely day people!
GOD bless Nigeria and Nigerians
Monday, April 29, 2013
Young and in Charge: Ekpo Chukuemeka Hemtughe
Whenever I have to write an introduction for an interview with a writer, I find myself, typing, deleting and writing again. Our Young Person of the week is a young man with a flair for words and a love for graphic designs, which he combines with an engineering career. This young man who provides 'bespoke services', services tailored to suit the needs of his client, is definetly an inspiration, meet Ekpo Chukwuemeka Hemtughe.
Tell us a little about yourself?
My self confidence transcends the norm, so it could get annoying if you have a problem with people who are sure of themselves. I'm down to earth & my company's fun too; plus I'm sapiosexual, y'all can hit google now.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was challenging because I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I'm glad I had parents that were consistent and provided everything I ever needed at the expense of their personal comfort. Kings College Lagos was one of the formative stages of my life, I got to meet people from different backgrounds and I had certain values imbibed in me without any prior knowledge.
Tell us a little about your educational background?
I studied Petroleum Engineering at the Federal University of Technology Owerri; I put 5 years of my life into that, and though I feel the town stagnated my personal growth...it was a step in the right direction.
So what is Adroit Designs all about? What does it mean and how did the name come about?
Adroit Designs, just as the name implies is a brand that's cleverly skillful and resourceful.
How did you go from reading engineering to writing and graphic designs?
Graphic Designing has always been a passion of mine, and I sought to see it through. Also, I've always had an eye for detail with a penchant for wanting to correct the mistakes others make normally in their designs.
How do you combine all three, it must be difficult?
I have a unique diction and its not really hard doing the blogging bit, I write in my leisure time, do graphic jobs on demand & Engineering is my profession.
What is your typical day like?
Uneventful if work isn't a factor, but nonetheless I try to have as much fun as much as I can, when I can... Life's too short not to enjoy it.
What do you love most about you what you do?
I love what I do, because my skills are bespoke; tailored to fit. I can paint pictures with words, and I portray my client wish through my designs.
What has been your best work ever?
My best work literary, is the piece I did on "The Nigeria of Tomorrow"; it was published 26th of September 2012, on Daily Times Nigeria and also in the "KNOW Magazine" Independence edition for the three states they are currently present in.
What are the difficulties involved?
The greatest difficulty I encounter, for my writing & graphics is lack of inspiration and enthusiasm; there's is no cutting corners with passion, if it aint there, it ain't.
If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?
I'd probably be into sugar mummies & other things I sure can't be proud of, so I'm glad for the dignity in labor & hard work.
Have you ever felt like giving up on any of the three?
Yes! I felt like giving up on my writing, I started to feel like I wasn't good enough after having read pieces from other talented writers.
Who or what inspires you?
No one really and I wouldn't go with the cliche answer and say God, because He already did all he could for me by blessing me with these gifts, so...
Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.
I am 24; there's still enough room to improve and be the best I can be...it pays to discover your talents early.
Asides work, what do you do for fun?
I like to have fun & keep in touch with the times, lest I get carried away with work and suddenly turn old school while still very young.
How do you intend to make a difference with what you do?
Tiny drops of water make a mighty ocean right? I pledge to continue changing the world in the little ways I can; through my words, I can be an inspiration to someone out there and that's a start.
Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.
Be sure of what you really want, passion shouldn't be plagiarized.
Where do you see yourself and Adroit Designs five years from now?
I see myself at the forefronts on all fronts; I hope to be the SA to the President on New Media someday and that could just be in 5years, I'd also love to see my Designs on billboards and TV adverts, will multinational clients and at the helms for big company rebranding.
Chukwuemeka can be reached on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/no1_wordsmith
Phone: 08063704615
Check out his blog here: http://wordsmitch.wordpress.com/
Tell us a little about yourself?
My self confidence transcends the norm, so it could get annoying if you have a problem with people who are sure of themselves. I'm down to earth & my company's fun too; plus I'm sapiosexual, y'all can hit google now.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was challenging because I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I'm glad I had parents that were consistent and provided everything I ever needed at the expense of their personal comfort. Kings College Lagos was one of the formative stages of my life, I got to meet people from different backgrounds and I had certain values imbibed in me without any prior knowledge.
Tell us a little about your educational background?
I studied Petroleum Engineering at the Federal University of Technology Owerri; I put 5 years of my life into that, and though I feel the town stagnated my personal growth...it was a step in the right direction.
So what is Adroit Designs all about? What does it mean and how did the name come about?
Adroit Designs, just as the name implies is a brand that's cleverly skillful and resourceful.
How did you go from reading engineering to writing and graphic designs?
Graphic Designing has always been a passion of mine, and I sought to see it through. Also, I've always had an eye for detail with a penchant for wanting to correct the mistakes others make normally in their designs.
How do you combine all three, it must be difficult?
I have a unique diction and its not really hard doing the blogging bit, I write in my leisure time, do graphic jobs on demand & Engineering is my profession.
What is your typical day like?
Uneventful if work isn't a factor, but nonetheless I try to have as much fun as much as I can, when I can... Life's too short not to enjoy it.
What do you love most about you what you do?
I love what I do, because my skills are bespoke; tailored to fit. I can paint pictures with words, and I portray my client wish through my designs.
What has been your best work ever?
My best work literary, is the piece I did on "The Nigeria of Tomorrow"; it was published 26th of September 2012, on Daily Times Nigeria and also in the "KNOW Magazine" Independence edition for the three states they are currently present in.
What are the difficulties involved?
The greatest difficulty I encounter, for my writing & graphics is lack of inspiration and enthusiasm; there's is no cutting corners with passion, if it aint there, it ain't.
If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?
I'd probably be into sugar mummies & other things I sure can't be proud of, so I'm glad for the dignity in labor & hard work.
Have you ever felt like giving up on any of the three?
Yes! I felt like giving up on my writing, I started to feel like I wasn't good enough after having read pieces from other talented writers.
Who or what inspires you?
No one really and I wouldn't go with the cliche answer and say God, because He already did all he could for me by blessing me with these gifts, so...
Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.
I am 24; there's still enough room to improve and be the best I can be...it pays to discover your talents early.
Asides work, what do you do for fun?
I like to have fun & keep in touch with the times, lest I get carried away with work and suddenly turn old school while still very young.
How do you intend to make a difference with what you do?
Tiny drops of water make a mighty ocean right? I pledge to continue changing the world in the little ways I can; through my words, I can be an inspiration to someone out there and that's a start.
Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.
Be sure of what you really want, passion shouldn't be plagiarized.
Where do you see yourself and Adroit Designs five years from now?
I see myself at the forefronts on all fronts; I hope to be the SA to the President on New Media someday and that could just be in 5years, I'd also love to see my Designs on billboards and TV adverts, will multinational clients and at the helms for big company rebranding.
Chukwuemeka can be reached on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/no1_wordsmith
Phone: 08063704615
Check out his blog here: http://wordsmitch.wordpress.com/
News in a Flash: 29th April 2013
By Charles Enoh
World Bank: Foreign remittance to Nigeria in 2012 hit $21billion; India $69bn, China $60bn, Philippines $24bn, Mexico $23bn & Egypt at $21billion.
Health: Federal Capital Territory Administration equips 12 hospitals in FCT with state of the art equipment for hypertension treatment -Bala Mohammed (FCT Minister).
Agric: FG to introduce Graduate Irrigation Farmers Scheme to tackle food insecurity & unemployment in Nigeria -Sarah Ochekpe (Minister of Water Resources).
Abuja Project: ₦1.3trillion spent on FCT infrastructure since creation in 1976 -Bala Mohammed (FCT Minister).
OBJ Goes Hard (OBJ v Jonathan): Probe me, not my Ministers -Olusegun Obasanjo (former president). Faults FG's pipeline protection contract.
Death by Hanging: Court of Appeal, Lagos to hear appeal filed by Maj Hamzat Al-Mustapha (former CSO to Sani Abacha) & Lateef Shofolahan (MKO's aide) on Monday.
AU Health Ministers: Nigeria elected to chair Bureau for the African Union (AU) Conference of Ministers of Health; Biennial conference for review & assessment member states.
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He believes that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Art Imitating Life: Stuck in the Mud
By Adesuwa
Someone hurried past Fola, she turned back and eyed the man scurrying away...
"See space every where yet he had to hit me! Mtchew" she rolled eyes, at his receding back. After a hard day at work and that market place known as 'CAC', even a leaf could succeed in pushing her down.
"Wuse! Berger!" A conductor bellowed right into her ears, so much she cringed. She gave him a hard stare and glanced at the rickety bus. The bus suffered from years of usage. Some parts of its body was rusting and it emitted smoke like its exhaust was totally out.
"Biko! if I enter this one I would surely choke, choking isn't the way I would die" she walked away irritated.
She decided to keep walking, and as she did Fola thought over events of the day. When it came to transactions at CAC, you never know what to expect. Most times, a slap felt appropriate for some unnecessary delays caused by inept officers! She shook her head and ... "Yeeee!" She shrieked
One minute she was on the road next minute she was in the gutter. She had just stepped on one of the slabs covering the gutters around Zone 5 and it gave way.
"Kai! What a way to end today" She glanced around her surroundings. Her shoes sank into thick mud and algae, that the gutter stank was an understatement. Every movement she made pasted mud, algae over her. She felt like screaming. Why is she in this mess? Should SON, COREN not be charged with the responsibility of making sure things like slabs, roads were of good quality? She stepped on a slab and it just gave way! Just like that. No wonder Nigerian roads did not last. "If small me stepping on this slab made me end up in this dump!"
"Sister sorry oh! " A man called into the gutter to her
"Kpele!" Another voice came
"Make we help am come out..she no go fit come out by herself o!" One lady said
Fola was surprised, people had gathered around the gutter, "thank GOD some Nigerians can still be of help" she muttered.
"Bring your hand make we help you!"
Who was she not to "bring her hand" ? She had already brought it before he asked.
As they drew her up, her laps dragged against the rough cemented sides of the gutter and soon she began to bleed profusely. She had tears gathered in her eyes and she now understood the pain her boss went through when she had ended up in a ditch like this sometime back.
As soon as she was brought out, she sat heavily on the ground and held onto her bag, a good samaritan offered to help her to a pharmacy. She had 3 deep lines drawn into her lap all bleeding, the pain was excruciating to say the least. She recognised one of the samritans who drew her up as the man who hurried past her before now.
As she was led away all she could say was "beware of Nigerian slabs...that's not how GOD wants you to end up".
Someone laughed, but isn't it true?
(Inspired by a true story)
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
News in a Flash: 24th April 2013
By Charles Enoh
North West Forum: Gov Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano) & Gov Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (Kaduna) object passage of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).
₦4.5bn Pension Scam: EFCC files fresh charges before Federal High Court, Abuja against 40 suspects.
Ondo Gov: Election Petition Tribunal reserves judgment on petition filed by Olusola Oke (PDP Candidate) & Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (ACN candidate); Gov Olusegun Mimiko (LP) still on the throne.
Jos: Police foils planned attack; Intercepts arms, Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) in Jos, Plateau state -Chris Olakpe (Commissioner of Police).
Ogun: State Magistrate Court, Sagamu sentences 40-year-old man to 6 months imprisonment without option for fine over production & possession of 20 fake numbe plates.
Bayelsa: People of Nembe, Bayelsa state demand $1bn compensation from Shell & Agip oil companies:|; Request made known in petition sent to United Nations (UN).
Telecoms: MTN seals $3bn medium-term loan agreement with consortium of banks for expansion & upgrading of network=)]; Tenure of repayment now 7 years.
UEFA Champions League: Bayern Munich annihilates Barcelona 4-0, with Messi in it, in 1st leg of semi-final match at Allianz Arena.
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He believes that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
News in a Flash: 23rd April 2013
By Charles Enoh
Affordable Houses: World Bank sets aside $300m mortgage financing infrastructure for Nigerians.
LG Polls: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) swears in 14 Local Govt ChairmenB-); Don’t be like PDP absentee LGA Chairmen -Gov.
Gross Misconduct: Taraba State House of Assembly impeaches Istifanus Gbana (Speaker), Abel Diah (Deputy Speaker), principal officers.
Presidential Election: Gov Babangida Aliyu (Niger) dissociates self from campaign posters of Gov Sule Lamido (Jigawa) & Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) in Minna, Niger state.
Legal Metrology Web Portal Launched: ₦755bn lost monthly due to inaccurate weights & measurement scales -Olusegun Aganga (Minister of Trade & Investment).
Appointees: President Jonathan approves appointment of Chairmen, members of Governing Councils for 67 Federal Parastatals & Agencies.
Power: National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to add 4,200MW to national grid by December -James Olotu (MD, NDHPC).
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He believes that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Young and in Charge: Adesunbo Ramon
Growing up, almost everybody wished they had more control over their finances, I sure did, I wished I could control the amount of pocket money I received or the interval between each of them. Our young person of the week thought so too and went ahead to do something about it. Meet Adesunbo Ramon, he took control of his finances.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I am Adesunbo Ramon, born and bred in Lagos but I hail from Ogun State. I am the third child out of of three boys. Islam is my religion.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was fair, Alhamdulilahi, I was not brought up with a silver spoon but now we are here….lol
Tell us a little about your educational background?
I got my first school leaving certificate from Tender-Touch nursery and primary school, Festac Town , I moved on to Federal Governent College, Ijanikin Lagos for my secondary education then unto the University of Lagos, Akoka for my bachelors.
So what is CollegeWear all about? What does it mean and how did the name come about?
The brand name is COLLEGEWEAR. It means so many things…. it stands for the brand college students, prospective college students and post-students wear, it also tells us about a brand that started within college walls. When I was about to launch into the clothing industry, I wanted a unique name, something different from the conventional “bla bla clothing” and the likes, a name that could generate buzz.
A clothing line extraordinaire, we train and consult, sell blanks, prints and transfers, we procure equipment on demand. You can start your brand/label with us.
How did you go from reading Civil Engineering to Tailoring?
I went from reading civil Engineering to making clothes. When people ask me such questions, I tell them to ponder on how Dangote went from making cement to making spaghetti. Like the yorubas will say….ona kan o wo ja
For me, it was the urge to liberate myself from the pocket money syndrome and being financially independent.
Do you see yourself mixing the both of them?
Sure, I see myself mixing both, I am mixing both at the moment already, its not easy though but in sha Allah I pray for a smoother ride.
What is your typical day like?
For now, I wake up in the morning do my morning stuffs and observe Solat and am off to work(my civil engineering job), I get back late in the evening and I rest for the next day’s job….. few times I have to do one or two choking CollegeWear jobs.
What do you love most about you what you do?
I love the fact that I can satisfy people’s need when they are thirsty for some bespoke apparel and also the fact that I can pay my bills ….. ma sha Allah
What has been your best work ever?
Hmmmmm, I cant pick really because I don’t know if it’s the job I got the most profit or the job with the highest monetary value hmmmm…. let say it’s the couple of jobs that comes from out of state, it makes me feel so relevant in the industry and the random hypes I get from people that come across my wears.
What are the difficulties involved?
Honestly, getting quality fabric is a huge task around here. I will say publicity and distribution has been tasking too because one thing it is to make nice clothes and another is to get them to potential buyers.
If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?
Maybe I would be into IT, something like a tech guy, because my hands must be working .. a tech guy that works on cars sounds good though.
Have you ever felt like giving up on CollegeWear?
Nah, never felt like it mehn……… sticking to the master plan.
Who or what inspires you?
I inspire me, Kamoru and Jimmy Adesunbo inspire me, Oyinkansinuola inspires me too.
Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.
Level of successs? Success is still in the pipeline though, it wont be televised, it would be live in our eyes. Its not like a failing ooo. I am 24 sha.
Asides work, what do you do for fun?
Mehnnn.. Seriously I work for fun ooo, there’s nothing more fun than making money. Asides that, I hang out with friends and do movies once in a while.
Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.
The sky is big enough for all the birds to fly, aye po gan. Keep the dream tight and manage resources right, with that everything is gonna be alright.
Where do you see yourself and CollegeWear five years from now?
In sha Allah, collegewear, CW and the CW logo would go viral, we are diversifying, so we are doing more than just clothing. I see us becoming an household name both home and abroad and a force to reckon with in the clothing industry and beyond.
As usual, its time to feed our eyes.
.jpg)
Ramon could be reached on:
Phone: 08054815413
Twitter: https://twitter.com/college_wear
Instagram: http://instagram.com/collegewear89
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegewear89?fref=ts
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/collegewear89
Website: http://www.collegewear.com.ng
Email: info@collegewear.com.ng
Address: 311 Road, B Close, House 7, Festac Town Lagos.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I am Adesunbo Ramon, born and bred in Lagos but I hail from Ogun State. I am the third child out of of three boys. Islam is my religion.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was fair, Alhamdulilahi, I was not brought up with a silver spoon but now we are here….lol
Tell us a little about your educational background?
I got my first school leaving certificate from Tender-Touch nursery and primary school, Festac Town , I moved on to Federal Governent College, Ijanikin Lagos for my secondary education then unto the University of Lagos, Akoka for my bachelors.
So what is CollegeWear all about? What does it mean and how did the name come about?
The brand name is COLLEGEWEAR. It means so many things…. it stands for the brand college students, prospective college students and post-students wear, it also tells us about a brand that started within college walls. When I was about to launch into the clothing industry, I wanted a unique name, something different from the conventional “bla bla clothing” and the likes, a name that could generate buzz.
A clothing line extraordinaire, we train and consult, sell blanks, prints and transfers, we procure equipment on demand. You can start your brand/label with us.
How did you go from reading Civil Engineering to Tailoring?
I went from reading civil Engineering to making clothes. When people ask me such questions, I tell them to ponder on how Dangote went from making cement to making spaghetti. Like the yorubas will say….ona kan o wo ja
For me, it was the urge to liberate myself from the pocket money syndrome and being financially independent.
Do you see yourself mixing the both of them?
Sure, I see myself mixing both, I am mixing both at the moment already, its not easy though but in sha Allah I pray for a smoother ride.
What is your typical day like?
For now, I wake up in the morning do my morning stuffs and observe Solat and am off to work(my civil engineering job), I get back late in the evening and I rest for the next day’s job….. few times I have to do one or two choking CollegeWear jobs.
What do you love most about you what you do?
I love the fact that I can satisfy people’s need when they are thirsty for some bespoke apparel and also the fact that I can pay my bills ….. ma sha Allah
What has been your best work ever?
Hmmmmm, I cant pick really because I don’t know if it’s the job I got the most profit or the job with the highest monetary value hmmmm…. let say it’s the couple of jobs that comes from out of state, it makes me feel so relevant in the industry and the random hypes I get from people that come across my wears.
What are the difficulties involved?
Honestly, getting quality fabric is a huge task around here. I will say publicity and distribution has been tasking too because one thing it is to make nice clothes and another is to get them to potential buyers.
If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?
Maybe I would be into IT, something like a tech guy, because my hands must be working .. a tech guy that works on cars sounds good though.
Have you ever felt like giving up on CollegeWear?
Nah, never felt like it mehn……… sticking to the master plan.
Who or what inspires you?
I inspire me, Kamoru and Jimmy Adesunbo inspire me, Oyinkansinuola inspires me too.
Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.
Level of successs? Success is still in the pipeline though, it wont be televised, it would be live in our eyes. Its not like a failing ooo. I am 24 sha.
Asides work, what do you do for fun?
Mehnnn.. Seriously I work for fun ooo, there’s nothing more fun than making money. Asides that, I hang out with friends and do movies once in a while.
Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.
The sky is big enough for all the birds to fly, aye po gan. Keep the dream tight and manage resources right, with that everything is gonna be alright.
Where do you see yourself and CollegeWear five years from now?
In sha Allah, collegewear, CW and the CW logo would go viral, we are diversifying, so we are doing more than just clothing. I see us becoming an household name both home and abroad and a force to reckon with in the clothing industry and beyond.
As usual, its time to feed our eyes.
.jpg)
Ramon could be reached on:
Phone: 08054815413
Twitter: https://twitter.com/college_wear
Instagram: http://instagram.com/collegewear89
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegewear89?fref=ts
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/collegewear89
Website: http://www.collegewear.com.ng
Email: info@collegewear.com.ng
Address: 311 Road, B Close, House 7, Festac Town Lagos.
News in a Flash: 22nd April 2013
By Charles Enoh
APC v PDP: All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto very poor imitation & bland parody of PDP's manifesto -Olisa Metuh (PDP National Publicity Secretary).
Flood Disaster: Anambra to distribute ₦1bn to farmers affected to cushion loss suffered from disaster -Gov Peter Obi({}).
Subsidy: Global subsidies hit$2tn; Most subsidies misdirected to benefit the rich -M Christine Largarde (MD, International Monetary Fund).
Power Holding Company of Nigeria: Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) to receive $2.6bn (₦410bn) balance from 14 bidders for 15 PHCN successor companies in 2013.
Housing: 25% (250,000) of annual 1 million houses promised by FG to be ready by end of 2013 -Ezekiel Nya-Etok (Vice Chairman, National Housing & Urban Development policies Review Committee).
China Quake: 6.6 magnitude quake hits rural Sichuan, China -US Geological Survey (USGS): No fewer than 160 persons killed & 5,700 injuredO:); At least 710 aftershocks.
Fuel Subsidy (₦1.5m) : Magistrate Court, Lagos quashes charge against Anthony Iheanacho (MD, Integrated Oil & Gas Ltd).
Pen & Pad: May 23, 2013 fixed for interment of renowned author, Prof Chinua Achebe -South-East Governors Forum.
Agriculture: FG through CBN earmarks ₦450bn for small-scale farmers; Construction of ₦4.1bn Strategic Grains Reserve in Bulasa, Kebbi state to be completed by June, 2013.
Naira: CBN ceases to print polymer notes due to quick fading; 2nd generation of lower denomination notes to be produced from mid-2013 -Tunde Lemo (Deputy Gov, CBN).
Not Uncle Ben's: About ₦365bn spent annually on importation of 2.1 million metric tonnes (MT) of milled rice: Nigeria is largest importer of rice in the world -FG.
MNP: Mobile Number Portability (MNP) to be launched in Lagos 2day; Subscribers to switch network & still retain mobile phone numbers -NCC.
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He believes that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.
APC v PDP: All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto very poor imitation & bland parody of PDP's manifesto -Olisa Metuh (PDP National Publicity Secretary).
Flood Disaster: Anambra to distribute ₦1bn to farmers affected to cushion loss suffered from disaster -Gov Peter Obi({}).
Subsidy: Global subsidies hit$2tn; Most subsidies misdirected to benefit the rich -M Christine Largarde (MD, International Monetary Fund).
Power Holding Company of Nigeria: Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) to receive $2.6bn (₦410bn) balance from 14 bidders for 15 PHCN successor companies in 2013.
Housing: 25% (250,000) of annual 1 million houses promised by FG to be ready by end of 2013 -Ezekiel Nya-Etok (Vice Chairman, National Housing & Urban Development policies Review Committee).
China Quake: 6.6 magnitude quake hits rural Sichuan, China -US Geological Survey (USGS): No fewer than 160 persons killed & 5,700 injuredO:); At least 710 aftershocks.
Fuel Subsidy (₦1.5m) : Magistrate Court, Lagos quashes charge against Anthony Iheanacho (MD, Integrated Oil & Gas Ltd).
Pen & Pad: May 23, 2013 fixed for interment of renowned author, Prof Chinua Achebe -South-East Governors Forum.
Agriculture: FG through CBN earmarks ₦450bn for small-scale farmers; Construction of ₦4.1bn Strategic Grains Reserve in Bulasa, Kebbi state to be completed by June, 2013.
Naira: CBN ceases to print polymer notes due to quick fading; 2nd generation of lower denomination notes to be produced from mid-2013 -Tunde Lemo (Deputy Gov, CBN).
Not Uncle Ben's: About ₦365bn spent annually on importation of 2.1 million metric tonnes (MT) of milled rice: Nigeria is largest importer of rice in the world -FG.
MNP: Mobile Number Portability (MNP) to be launched in Lagos 2day; Subscribers to switch network & still retain mobile phone numbers -NCC.
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He believes that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
News in a Flash: 20th April 2013
By Charles Enoh
UN-Habitat Partnership: FG & Ondo state Govt to contribute ₦800m ($5m) to United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
Not ₦97 per Litre: Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) shuts down 3 petrol stations in Kaduna; Discovers 11 illegally built ones in Kaduna & Zamfara states.
Diesel Fraud: Supreme Court upholds dismissal of Rasaki Abiola Ekunola (fmr Asst Director, Building Engineering Services Dept, CBN), Dismissed in February 2000.
SEC: Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) lifts suspension on Ecobank, Arian Capital Management (Ecobank client) used capital from another company as collateral for margin loan from Ecobank.
Refinery: Joint Task Force (JTF) discovers illegal refineries in Okene LG, Kogi state; 7 suspects arrested -Lt Col Gabriel Olufemi (JTF Commander).
French Tourists: Boko Haram releases French family of 7 abducted in Cameroon; No ransom paid -François Hollande (French President).
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He believes that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.
Friday, April 19, 2013
News in a Flash:19th April 2012
By Charles Enoh
Joint Forces: Action Congress of Nigeria's (ACN) National Convention held in Lagos yesterday; Party okays fusion into Alliance for Progressive Change (APC).
ASUP: Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics to commence 7-day warning strike from Monday, April 22, following FG's failure to address union's grievances.
Agric: Osun state Govt invests ₦339.4m in poultry farming & ₦253m in fish farmin -Wale Adedoyin (Commissioner for Agriculture).
Geometric/NIPP Power Station: Abia state Govt commissions 1.4km Geometric access road at Osisioma LG to fast track power project -Gov Theodore Orji (Abia).
EDSIEC: High Court, Benin city orders Edo State Independent Electoral Commission to refund nomination fees to candidates:p; ₦100,000 for Chairmanship & ₦50,000 for Councillorship.
Exams: Senate Committee on Education quizzes Nyesom Wike (Minister of State for Education); FG yet to decide on abolishment of JAMB & NECO.
NIS: Nigeria Immigration Service nabs 17 illegal aliens dwelling in uncompleted buildings in Barnawa, Kaduna state; Deported to Niger Republic.
AA: Taiwo Otegbeye (Oyo State Commissioner for Information) emerges National Leader of Action Alliance Party, Sen Tunde Anifowose-Kelani as National Chairman.
Guaranty Trust Bank: Board of Directors appoints Egbert Imomoh as GTBank Chairman following retirement of Oluwole Oduyemi (70 years).
Power (Up & Down Like Wall Street): National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) to add 4,200MW to National grid by end of 2013 -Niger Delta Power Holding Company).
Joint Forces: Action Congress of Nigeria's (ACN) National Convention held in Lagos yesterday; Party okays fusion into Alliance for Progressive Change (APC).
ASUP: Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics to commence 7-day warning strike from Monday, April 22, following FG's failure to address union's grievances.
Agric: Osun state Govt invests ₦339.4m in poultry farming & ₦253m in fish farmin -Wale Adedoyin (Commissioner for Agriculture).
Geometric/NIPP Power Station: Abia state Govt commissions 1.4km Geometric access road at Osisioma LG to fast track power project -Gov Theodore Orji (Abia).
EDSIEC: High Court, Benin city orders Edo State Independent Electoral Commission to refund nomination fees to candidates:p; ₦100,000 for Chairmanship & ₦50,000 for Councillorship.
Exams: Senate Committee on Education quizzes Nyesom Wike (Minister of State for Education); FG yet to decide on abolishment of JAMB & NECO.
NIS: Nigeria Immigration Service nabs 17 illegal aliens dwelling in uncompleted buildings in Barnawa, Kaduna state; Deported to Niger Republic.
AA: Taiwo Otegbeye (Oyo State Commissioner for Information) emerges National Leader of Action Alliance Party, Sen Tunde Anifowose-Kelani as National Chairman.
Guaranty Trust Bank: Board of Directors appoints Egbert Imomoh as GTBank Chairman following retirement of Oluwole Oduyemi (70 years).
Power (Up & Down Like Wall Street): National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) to add 4,200MW to National grid by end of 2013 -Niger Delta Power Holding Company).
Thursday, April 18, 2013
News In A Flash: 18th April 2013
By Charles Enoh
Roads: Lagos state Govt demands ₦51bn refund from FG for repairs on federal roads. Refund needed for embarkment of new projects -Dr Obafemi Hamzat (Commissioner for Works).
Ogun: State Govt to relocate traders at Kara cattle market, Isheri to a more befitting place on Monday.
Kano: Mob kills suspected bomber after setting off improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Ado Bayero's (Emir of Kano) palace on Wednesday night.
MEDA: Cross River state Govt earmarks ₦400m for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through its development agency, Microfinance & Enterprise Development Agency.
Road Closure: President Jonathan to visit Lagos 2day en route to Ibafo, Ogun stateB-); Visit aimed at scuttling ACN National Convention @ Onikan Stadium, Lagos -ACN.
Cabinet Shake up: Gov Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo; ACN) sacks all political appointees nominated by Rashidi Ladoja (erstwhile Oyo Gov).
Crude Oil Theft & Vandalism: Nigeria lost ₦191bn ($1.23bn) in first quarter of 2013:O; Production fluctuated between 2.1 million & 2.3 million bpd 2.48mbpd projected -NNPC.
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He believes that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Just My 2kobo: Between Religion and Spirituality.
By Ogba Nicole Abah
So this is a topic that a lot of people are beginning to focus on. What does it mean to be spiritual and what does it mean to be religious. Religion as defined by the Oxford dictionary is “The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods; a particular system of faith and worship; a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion”. Spiritual as defined by the Oxford dictionary is “Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material and physical things; having a relationship based on a profound level of mental or emotional communion; not concerned with material values or pursuits”.
Now how is religion killing Nigeria? In my opinion, it’s simply because we do not tie it to spirituality and practice it. I come from a Christian background and I am a witness to this trend. People think it is just okay to go to church on Sundays without studying God’s word daily and looking deeper or applying what has been learnt to their daily living. Also, I spent most of my life in the North of Nigeria and I know a bit about Islam. Nigeria is a very ‘religious’ nation but I have concluded that majority of the people do not have a relationship with God whom they serve. Why do I say so? Look around you, in the Church, the Mosque, the government. What do you see? Even in God’s house, there is corruption and competition. If the churches and mosques are doing their jobs, we would not have the sort of minds we have roaming the streets, in the government and everywhere. Of course, there are exceptions. We all know this but the few different ones are the ones people hurriedly reject and criticise.
England as a country in the United Kingdom is doing well even though they are facing a recession. From knowledge I have gathered over the years, Christianity came to Africa from Europe. England has had its share of wars between the Catholics and Protestants but today they are mostly Atheist and Agnostic. I remember in a class one evening, we were talking about the cosmos (universe) and somehow, a discussion about religion came up. A British lady said “I do not believe in God or any deity up there. I am spiritual and I believe in nature and what is”. I was stunned. What I am getting at is why not practice religion as it should be and use it constructively to make our country a better place? People are using religion wrongly and it is becoming some poison that infects people.
The clashes/crises in some parts of Nigeria are a good example of this. Many people always run up and say it is ethnic and political but why does it always turn out as Muslims and Christians at war, killing each other? Religion should teach us that we are one, teach us to be better. I frankly hate it when people differentiate themselves as Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Pentecostal, Methodist, etc within Christianity. We are all one; Muslims, Christians, Traditional worshippers, Atheists, whatever religion or belief. We can all have our different beliefs and still exist peacefully and channel the energy towards building our country into something greater. We should not lose hope and faith in Nigeria. If we all start change from ourselves, our homes, our places of worship, what we put in our children’s’ heads from the beginning, I believe that we will start to see things turning around. Let us help ourselves and stop blaming each other for all that is going wrong and together we can turn Nigeria into the giant it ought to be.
Nicole Abah is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Sociology at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. She is a believer in a greater Nigeria and stands by this belief.
So this is a topic that a lot of people are beginning to focus on. What does it mean to be spiritual and what does it mean to be religious. Religion as defined by the Oxford dictionary is “The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods; a particular system of faith and worship; a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion”. Spiritual as defined by the Oxford dictionary is “Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material and physical things; having a relationship based on a profound level of mental or emotional communion; not concerned with material values or pursuits”.
Now how is religion killing Nigeria? In my opinion, it’s simply because we do not tie it to spirituality and practice it. I come from a Christian background and I am a witness to this trend. People think it is just okay to go to church on Sundays without studying God’s word daily and looking deeper or applying what has been learnt to their daily living. Also, I spent most of my life in the North of Nigeria and I know a bit about Islam. Nigeria is a very ‘religious’ nation but I have concluded that majority of the people do not have a relationship with God whom they serve. Why do I say so? Look around you, in the Church, the Mosque, the government. What do you see? Even in God’s house, there is corruption and competition. If the churches and mosques are doing their jobs, we would not have the sort of minds we have roaming the streets, in the government and everywhere. Of course, there are exceptions. We all know this but the few different ones are the ones people hurriedly reject and criticise.
England as a country in the United Kingdom is doing well even though they are facing a recession. From knowledge I have gathered over the years, Christianity came to Africa from Europe. England has had its share of wars between the Catholics and Protestants but today they are mostly Atheist and Agnostic. I remember in a class one evening, we were talking about the cosmos (universe) and somehow, a discussion about religion came up. A British lady said “I do not believe in God or any deity up there. I am spiritual and I believe in nature and what is”. I was stunned. What I am getting at is why not practice religion as it should be and use it constructively to make our country a better place? People are using religion wrongly and it is becoming some poison that infects people.
The clashes/crises in some parts of Nigeria are a good example of this. Many people always run up and say it is ethnic and political but why does it always turn out as Muslims and Christians at war, killing each other? Religion should teach us that we are one, teach us to be better. I frankly hate it when people differentiate themselves as Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Pentecostal, Methodist, etc within Christianity. We are all one; Muslims, Christians, Traditional worshippers, Atheists, whatever religion or belief. We can all have our different beliefs and still exist peacefully and channel the energy towards building our country into something greater. We should not lose hope and faith in Nigeria. If we all start change from ourselves, our homes, our places of worship, what we put in our children’s’ heads from the beginning, I believe that we will start to see things turning around. Let us help ourselves and stop blaming each other for all that is going wrong and together we can turn Nigeria into the giant it ought to be.
Nicole Abah is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Sociology at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. She is a believer in a greater Nigeria and stands by this belief.
News In A Flash: 17th April 2013
By Charles Enoh
FG Portal: FG launches online portal (www.services.gov.ng) as means to deploy ICT to drive transparency in governance -Mrs Omobola Johnson (Minister of Communications Technology).
UNIDO: United Nations Industrial Development Organisation to spend another $200m on industrial sector of Nigeria & other African countries over the next 6 years.
Kidnap: Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), Kehinde Oladapo Bamigbetan, abducted kidnappers demand $1m ransom.
Rivers PDP Exco: Abuja High Court removes pro-Amaechi exco; New Rivers state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) executive committee sworn-in:x; Felix Obuah as Chairman.
Where the Bribees @?: United States Department of Justice fines Parker Drilling Services $11.76m for allegedly bribing Nigerian Govt officials from January to May 2004.
PDP: Peoples Democratic Party sets up 5-man Peace & Reconciliation Committee in each South-Western states of Nigerian.
Pipe Testing: Multinational Technologies Ltd (MTL) secures 3-year contract from Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) for Non Destructive Testing (NDT) services.
Yobe Projects: Gov Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe) approves ₦5.1bn for execution of developmental projects @ Local government level.
Refinery: Aliko Dangote (Africa’s richest man) to build $8bn Nigerian oil refinery by late 2016 400,000 barrels per day capacity:O; Nigeria's capacity currently @ 445,000bpd
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He is that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
FG Portal: FG launches online portal (www.services.gov.ng) as means to deploy ICT to drive transparency in governance -Mrs Omobola Johnson (Minister of Communications Technology).
UNIDO: United Nations Industrial Development Organisation to spend another $200m on industrial sector of Nigeria & other African countries over the next 6 years.
Kidnap: Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), Kehinde Oladapo Bamigbetan, abducted kidnappers demand $1m ransom.
Rivers PDP Exco: Abuja High Court removes pro-Amaechi exco; New Rivers state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) executive committee sworn-in:x; Felix Obuah as Chairman.
Where the Bribees @?: United States Department of Justice fines Parker Drilling Services $11.76m for allegedly bribing Nigerian Govt officials from January to May 2004.
PDP: Peoples Democratic Party sets up 5-man Peace & Reconciliation Committee in each South-Western states of Nigerian.
Pipe Testing: Multinational Technologies Ltd (MTL) secures 3-year contract from Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) for Non Destructive Testing (NDT) services.
Yobe Projects: Gov Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe) approves ₦5.1bn for execution of developmental projects @ Local government level.
Refinery: Aliko Dangote (Africa’s richest man) to build $8bn Nigerian oil refinery by late 2016 400,000 barrels per day capacity:O; Nigeria's capacity currently @ 445,000bpd
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He is that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Young and in Charge: Recap
Hey guys, this week we decided to bring you a recap of all the YICs we have had on the blog since our last recap, a refresher dose of inspiration, nice right. Hope you are inspired. We would also like to use the opportunity to say thank you to all the inspirational young people that have agreed to be featured in the section.
Joy Enechukwu: this young makeup artist braves, the harsh travelling conditions, the terrible roads, for the opportunity to take her clients from ordinary to shining starts. Read about Joy here
Joy can be reached on:
BB - 2827DB9D
Email - dtraceye@yahoo.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jay.enechukwu
Phone no - 08033813779
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tejuspluge
Joy Enechukwu: this young makeup artist braves, the harsh travelling conditions, the terrible roads, for the opportunity to take her clients from ordinary to shining starts. Read about Joy here
BB - 2827DB9D
Email - dtraceye@yahoo.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jay.enechukwu
Phone no - 08033813779
Sophie Alozie: Sophie's story is inspiring because we see her evolve from tomboy to a young dressmaker that combines dress making with engineering and 3D artistry, read about Sophie here
Sophie can be reached on:
Twitter- https://twitter.com/Pinky_ray
Email- sophiealozie@yahoo.com
Facebook- Sophie Raymond
Mercy Akoji: Talent, beauty and brains in one person, meet Mercy, a young lawyer with a passion for fashion. Read about her inspirational story here
Mercy can be reached on:
Email: mercy_akoji@yahoo.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MullsApparel
Okang Ashiwel Ochui: We brought you the story of this inspirational young man who knew he needed an education to go ahead doing what he loves. Read about him here.
Phone: +2347033114838
Email: wordsculpture@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamashiwel
You can also check out his blog http://ashiwel.wordpress.com
Jennifer Osarenkhoe: This young lady saw the potential of having an online store and went ahead with it when no one else was doing it. Read about Jennifer here.
Twitter- https://twitter.com/EsOsa__
Email esosastores@hotmail.com
Pin: 2369244D
Phone Number : 07042181381
Website- http://www.esosastores.com/
Teju Tobun: Teju Tobun, makeup artist to the stars! Has a nice ring to it right? This young lady's dreams are taking her places, read about her here.
Teju can be reached on:
Address: 1,Tobun street Onike yaba Lagos.
Phone no: 08038010569 and 08188179505
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tejuspluge
Kessena Omonode: This young man bring a lot of beauty into any room he puts his signature on. Read about this young and inspirational interior decorator here.
Kessena can be reached on:
Phone: 08059518145, 080123169310
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kesgates
Email: tradbrigs@gmail.com
Website: http://www.kesgates.blogspot.com/
Ehidiamhen Uabor (Eazybwoi): Our very first interview with an entertainer. 'Move over Davido, there is a new 20 year old in town'. Remember that, Has a ring to it right? Its your boy, Eazybwoi!!! Read about Eazybwoi here.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eazybwoi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dominic.uabor
Email: eazynick@yahoo.com
Sunday, April 14, 2013
News in a Flash: 14th April 2013
By Charles Enoh
NEMA: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to found National Emergency Information Centre (NEIC) for timely response to media enquiries on disasters.
Housing: ₦64.55bn required to pay outstanding applicants for Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Scheme.
FAAC: Federation Accounts and Allocation Committee share ₦518.389bn to 3 tiers of Govt for March; FG ₦273.49bn, States ₦138.718bn, Local ₦106.946bn. Excess Crude Account (ECA) now $7bn.
Marginal Fields: Owners of marginal fields & oil blocks risk forfeiture if not fully operational by March 2015.
Anti-substance Abuse: Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Governor) advocates drug test for all elective & appointed political office seekers in Nigeria.
Camou: Akwa Ibom Govt approves ₦289m for renovation of dilapidated buildings at 6 Infantry Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ibagwa -Gov Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom).
Oil Drilling: Ogoni indigenes demand $30bn (₦4.7tn) from Federal Government & Shell Petroleum Development Company for resumption of activities.
Happy Catholic Mothers Day
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He is that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
News in a Flash: 13th April 2013
By Charles Enoh
Presidential Committee: FG constitutes Committee on Resettlement of Nigerians affected by International Court of Justice Judgment (ICJ) in Lake Chad area of Borno state.
Contraband: Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) impounds 7,552 cartons of imported frozen poultry products worth over ₦77.8m in Owerri, Imo state.
NSE: Nigerian Stock Exchange introduces Industrial Index into Daily Official ListB-); Measures performance of top 10 performing stocks in industrial sub-sector of the equities market -Oscar Onyema (CEO, NSE).
Insurgency: Gov Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe) imposes dusk to dawn curfew (between 6pm & 7am) across state due to increasing spate of attacks.
IMSTMA: Gov Rochas Okorocha (Imo) suspends 290 Imo State Traffic Management Authority workers due to direct complaints to governor.
Lagos Budget: 61% budget performance recorded in 1st quarter of 2013 -Gov Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); ₦499.605bn budget (₦229.729bn recurrent & ₦269.876bn capital expenditure).
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He is that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
News in a Flash:11th April 2013
BY CHARLES ENOH
From 4,517 MW to 3,443MW: Drop in nation's power generation attributed to routine maintenance activities -Prof Chinedu Nebo (Minister of Power).
NFF: Nigeria Football Federation slashes players & coaches pay by 50%, pulls team out of 2014 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in South Africa due to financial difficulty.
Amnesty: Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) National Leader, Mohammadu Buhari, backs FG's planned amnesty for Boko Haram sect.
Police Pension Funds: EFCC re-arraigns Atiku Abubakar Kigo (suspended Permanent Secretary), 6 others over alleged theft of ₦46bn.
Money Laundering: Withdrawal of Chief Prosecutor stalls trial of Adeyemi Ikuforiji (Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly) & Oyebode Atoyebi (PA).
INEC: Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves printing of 33.5 million additional voters cards at ₦2.117bn for elections in the next 10 years -Labaran Maku (Minister of Information)
Charles Enoh a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He is that being in informed is a step in the right direction towards development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Just My 2Kobo: Nollywood or 'NollyDisgrace'
BY IPHIE OBIECHINA
My mother has never been a fan of Nigerian movies and did not let us watch them when we were younger. She had another reason for that, they did not teach any good lessons, rather they left bad impressions on young impressionable minds. I remember getting angry for been scolded once and so in line with that I saw in a Nigerian movie, I went for the laundry rope and tied it to the guava tree, you know where this is heading, but I am still here today so you know I was too much of a coward to see it through. Not only was I afraid of the pain the rope inflicted on my little neck, I was scared that even after I died, my mum would bring me back to life just to flog the stupidity me, then proceed to mourn me. Anyway, that was it for our romance with Nigerian movies in my house, the last Nigerian movie I remember watching as a kid was Living in Bondage, every other thing I knew about Nigerian movies were from gists I heard in school.
This all changed with the introduction of DSTV's Africa Magic, I was in S.S 2 I think, old enough to defy my parents but still scared enough of them not to. The first time I watched African Magic, I was in my family friends's house and after that I watched it a few more times. Then my grandma came to stay with us for a while during my court attachment period, let just say the DSTV downstairs was hers and she watched just African Magic on it. I used to go chill with her everyday after court sessions, and I eventually got used to the stupidity of Nigerian movies. Our househelp did not help matters either, I am a kind of person that sees whatever she starts to the end, so once I start a Nigerian movie I watch it to the end.
For a while I was able to stop watching Nigerian movies, because all I ever did when I watched them was insult every move they made, my friends would always say, 'Iphie if you are going to insult this movie from start to finish why do you bother watching it?' Well the answer was simple, it wasn't the movies per say that I was addicted to, it was pointing out their stupidity that I enjoyed, hehehe! Anyway, fast forward to May 2012, and I was faced with a long summer break, May to the end of September, so I travelled and got tired and so I watched movies and series, you would not believe this, but every series that was out in summer 2012 I watched. So I was left with only Nigerian movies, after I was done with the foreign series and movies, the introduction of Iroko didn't help matters at all, so the yabbing addiction came back. Well I would be the first to admit that not all Nigerian Movies are bad, some are actually so good you wonder if it was really Nigerians that produced them. The Meeting is one of such movies, not everyone would figure out that the main story was the love story between Mr M and Ejura, but the movie also showed the reality of getting things done in Nigeria. Another Nigerian movie I enjoyed during my visit home was Flower Girl. Now I am not trying to hype anyone here oh, but these movies were movies that made me think and I really enjoyed them, not a single insult was let out by me while the movie lasted and neither did my brain cells curse me for the tortue I usually subject them to while watching Nigerian movies.
I know you are asking the point of all my long stories abi! Hmmm, so last week in the process of of writing my dissertation, I was experiencing some sort of writer's block, I discovered a lot about myself in the course of writing this dissertation. Watching and insulting these Nigerian movies helped, release the 'creative' juices that I needed, hehehe. Anyway in my hunt for for Nigerian movies, I came across three movies which shall not be named, no way am I spoiling anybody's day the way mine was spoilt. The opening scene in one of the movies was a gay scene!!! Come on, a gay scene?? They were naked and all oh. They other movies were basically the same thing, no gay sex this time, just more sex and more nakedness.
When did it become ok to teach our kids, that not only is it ok to be stupid, its also ok to be gay, it is also ok to go around having irresponsible sex whenever we felt like, with whosoever was close by, when did it become ok to go around naked. Have these actors forgotten that they are role models to young minds and that they have the rare opportunity to impact in the lives of of young people. I have a grouse with the producers and directors of these nasty movies, how do they sleep at night? What happened to the Nigerian Film and Videos Censors Board? Are the not the regulatory body charged with checking the kind of movies Nollywood throws into the market.
The truth is that, the movie industry plays a very important role in the society we live in today. It has a role to play in moulding young mind, when we were younger, my parents used to watch even cartoons before they let us watch it, because they understood how impressionable our young minds were. The movie industry has a role to play in portraying Nigeria to the world. I have been asked before if Nigerian really behave the way they do in movies, I simply asked the person if I behave that way, that ended it. Nigerian movies have a role to play in the change we seek for Nigeria.
The Nigerian movie industry has a very important role to play and its high time it starts living up to its responsibilities. It is time for us to start demanding more from these actors, its time for us to show us that they can be trusted with moulding little minds. Maybe we should start treating these actors, directors and producers like the scums of the earth that they portray in their movies, maybe then the mediocre movies would stop. Personally, no more Nigerian movies for me, except they promise to be worthy of my 120minutes, or more, I watched a movie by Uche Jombo yesterday and she had a message for men out there, make a will before you die and don't leave your wife and kids at the mercy of your family members, and for the women, have your own personal savings. We need movies with messages, not just movie that they come up with because they need some change in their pockets. I know, my boycotting these disgraceful movies would not make any dent to their business, but imagine if half of the people in Nigeria decided to do that. Its time for us to start demanding better from the movie industry, it time to tell them to stop insulting our intelligence. I intend to write an open letter to the Nigerian Film and Videos Censors Board, enough is enough!
My mother has never been a fan of Nigerian movies and did not let us watch them when we were younger. She had another reason for that, they did not teach any good lessons, rather they left bad impressions on young impressionable minds. I remember getting angry for been scolded once and so in line with that I saw in a Nigerian movie, I went for the laundry rope and tied it to the guava tree, you know where this is heading, but I am still here today so you know I was too much of a coward to see it through. Not only was I afraid of the pain the rope inflicted on my little neck, I was scared that even after I died, my mum would bring me back to life just to flog the stupidity me, then proceed to mourn me. Anyway, that was it for our romance with Nigerian movies in my house, the last Nigerian movie I remember watching as a kid was Living in Bondage, every other thing I knew about Nigerian movies were from gists I heard in school.
This all changed with the introduction of DSTV's Africa Magic, I was in S.S 2 I think, old enough to defy my parents but still scared enough of them not to. The first time I watched African Magic, I was in my family friends's house and after that I watched it a few more times. Then my grandma came to stay with us for a while during my court attachment period, let just say the DSTV downstairs was hers and she watched just African Magic on it. I used to go chill with her everyday after court sessions, and I eventually got used to the stupidity of Nigerian movies. Our househelp did not help matters either, I am a kind of person that sees whatever she starts to the end, so once I start a Nigerian movie I watch it to the end.
For a while I was able to stop watching Nigerian movies, because all I ever did when I watched them was insult every move they made, my friends would always say, 'Iphie if you are going to insult this movie from start to finish why do you bother watching it?' Well the answer was simple, it wasn't the movies per say that I was addicted to, it was pointing out their stupidity that I enjoyed, hehehe! Anyway, fast forward to May 2012, and I was faced with a long summer break, May to the end of September, so I travelled and got tired and so I watched movies and series, you would not believe this, but every series that was out in summer 2012 I watched. So I was left with only Nigerian movies, after I was done with the foreign series and movies, the introduction of Iroko didn't help matters at all, so the yabbing addiction came back. Well I would be the first to admit that not all Nigerian Movies are bad, some are actually so good you wonder if it was really Nigerians that produced them. The Meeting is one of such movies, not everyone would figure out that the main story was the love story between Mr M and Ejura, but the movie also showed the reality of getting things done in Nigeria. Another Nigerian movie I enjoyed during my visit home was Flower Girl. Now I am not trying to hype anyone here oh, but these movies were movies that made me think and I really enjoyed them, not a single insult was let out by me while the movie lasted and neither did my brain cells curse me for the tortue I usually subject them to while watching Nigerian movies.
I know you are asking the point of all my long stories abi! Hmmm, so last week in the process of of writing my dissertation, I was experiencing some sort of writer's block, I discovered a lot about myself in the course of writing this dissertation. Watching and insulting these Nigerian movies helped, release the 'creative' juices that I needed, hehehe. Anyway in my hunt for for Nigerian movies, I came across three movies which shall not be named, no way am I spoiling anybody's day the way mine was spoilt. The opening scene in one of the movies was a gay scene!!! Come on, a gay scene?? They were naked and all oh. They other movies were basically the same thing, no gay sex this time, just more sex and more nakedness.
When did it become ok to teach our kids, that not only is it ok to be stupid, its also ok to be gay, it is also ok to go around having irresponsible sex whenever we felt like, with whosoever was close by, when did it become ok to go around naked. Have these actors forgotten that they are role models to young minds and that they have the rare opportunity to impact in the lives of of young people. I have a grouse with the producers and directors of these nasty movies, how do they sleep at night? What happened to the Nigerian Film and Videos Censors Board? Are the not the regulatory body charged with checking the kind of movies Nollywood throws into the market.
The truth is that, the movie industry plays a very important role in the society we live in today. It has a role to play in moulding young mind, when we were younger, my parents used to watch even cartoons before they let us watch it, because they understood how impressionable our young minds were. The movie industry has a role to play in portraying Nigeria to the world. I have been asked before if Nigerian really behave the way they do in movies, I simply asked the person if I behave that way, that ended it. Nigerian movies have a role to play in the change we seek for Nigeria.
The Nigerian movie industry has a very important role to play and its high time it starts living up to its responsibilities. It is time for us to start demanding more from these actors, its time for us to show us that they can be trusted with moulding little minds. Maybe we should start treating these actors, directors and producers like the scums of the earth that they portray in their movies, maybe then the mediocre movies would stop. Personally, no more Nigerian movies for me, except they promise to be worthy of my 120minutes, or more, I watched a movie by Uche Jombo yesterday and she had a message for men out there, make a will before you die and don't leave your wife and kids at the mercy of your family members, and for the women, have your own personal savings. We need movies with messages, not just movie that they come up with because they need some change in their pockets. I know, my boycotting these disgraceful movies would not make any dent to their business, but imagine if half of the people in Nigeria decided to do that. Its time for us to start demanding better from the movie industry, it time to tell them to stop insulting our intelligence. I intend to write an open letter to the Nigerian Film and Videos Censors Board, enough is enough!
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