Better Nigeria: The Me For Change Challenge

Our democracy day comes around on the 29th of May every year since 1999. It is an opportunity to take stock of how our democracy has grown in the past year, it is an opportunity to set out the course we want our country to take for the next year. It is an opportunity to celebrate our (not so free) freedom, its an opportunity to ask ourselves what we as individuals have been doing wrong, that has left Nigeria in the corrupt state that we all complain about.

For the Me For Change Initiative it is an opportunity to challenge Nigerians to be better citizens and to see how we can move Nigeria forward. The M4C initiative throws out a challenge to all Nigerian, hopefully we would all come out better citizens after taking the challenge.

What does the challenge entail?

It's very simple, you are to try to go about your daily activities for one week, but the catch is, you are to go about doing them while following due process. For example, where ordinarily you would have given bribe to get things done faster, don't give that bribe, or don't take it if you are in a position to take bribe. Where ordinarily in a bank for example where you know somebody, you could have easily jumped the really long queue to get some money, try leaving your house early so you don't have to stay on that long queue or just join the long queue with the others.

There are various aspects of our lives where we opt for taking the short cut out of situations, the M4C challenge, challenges you to do things differently, challenges you to follow due process. Don't take this challenge as a competition, rather take it as a personal challenge to see how far you can go, to see what you can do differently to help move Nigeria forward.

Take the me for change challenge and share your story with us on our Facebook group, twitter or by sending us a mail.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/meforchange

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/433831589997052/

Email: meforchangeng@gmail.com

Good luck.
Wishing you all a happy and splendid democracy day celebration. 

Better Nigeria: For the Sake of Our Children

By Ella

May 27 celebrations reminded me of recently when i went in search of a new school for my two younger siblings (twins), three  απϑ  half years olds. They have been in another school for almost a year and their is nothing useful to show in terms of learning.

The search led me to several basic private schools in and around the wuse axis of Abuja. I never spared a thought for public schools even though i had one 5 minutes away from our residence, Why? The answer should be obvious but i will come back to it later.

My discovery at  these schools was quite disturbing. The cheapest school i came across quoted its school fees at #75,000 (and does not include uniforms,sports wear,school bus fee  απϑ  lesson fees etc) when added to the rest, the total rises  to about #120,000 per term for a child in pre-nursery (or reception as they are called these days). For both boys i was looking at #240,000 per term.

One of the schools had its fee for that class at #220,000 per child for a term. That makes it #440,000 for the boys! Nothing has been said about the money the parents will spend on the snacks or lunch packs the kids have to take to school every school day. i have 1st hand information on this so trust me when i say the figures are alarming!

Children's' day celebrations got me thinking απϑ  wondering  how we (nigeria) got to this place, where good education has become a luxury only the rich can afford. I am greatly disturbed at the extent of decline  απϑ  decay of our educational system, mostly and especially in public schools.


The quality of education in the country have being in constant decline  απϑ  the sectors gradual decay can be traced back to the 90's. Over time, teachers have become substandard  απϑ  structures poorly or no longer maintained.

Proliferation of private universities is the latest in the trend of our educational sector's decline since the  implementation of the law allowing private tertiary operators was passed in 1993 . This was to  help absorb the number of  students leaving the public tertiary schools due to incessant riots  απϑ  strikes.

Parents who could afford these schools sent their wards there to prevent them from sitting at home  απϑ  wasting away. Those whose parents were financially handicapped either sat at  home restless or in the case of the mischievous ones, turned to a life of crime .

The government authorities in charge has turned a blind eye to this development  απϑ instead government officials have busied themselves with enriching their bottomless pockets   απϑ  has  helped place nigeria on the top of the list of most corrupt nations in the world.

Of course, they don't need the public schools because they can afford to send their children and wards abroad for better education,  ‎so our educational sector can rot away for all they care!

Invariably, the fees of private schools have skyrocketed. According to a report by the United States Diplomatic Mission, the average fee in a private secondary school in Nigeria annually ranges between $1,000 - $2,000 (#160,000 - #320,000) . How many people can actually afford that? Your guess is as good as mine.

I recall watching  few months ago a TV documentary on public schools of one of the states  απϑ  what i saw deeply saddened me. These children had no chairs, desks or good uniforms. They sit on  pot-holed floors in dilapidated classrooms with blackboards that have definitely seen better days. Watching these children plead with the government to come to their aid  απϑ  provide a better learning environment for them broke my heart.

I am presently working with an NGO that focuses on education in the rural communities, so i can confidently say that this is obtainable in most rural communities in Nigeria today.  All this is because our priorities as a nation has been so misplaced!

I am more than certain that this wasn't the dreams  our heroes past, Zik, Awolowo, Balewa, Enahoro, Opara etc had for the beloved country they fought for.

It is a known fact that performances of students in national examinations like WASSCE, NECO  απϑ  JAMB have taken a nose dive. Results obtained at these exams have been very disappointing. More failures are recorded with each passing year especially in math  απϑ  english. Students are finding it difficult to scale through this examinations each year.

In 2012, only 37.92% of the 413,206 candidates that sat for WASSCE obtained credits in 5 subjects including math  απϑ  english. In other words, about 62% failed to secure credits in 5 subjects including math  απϑ  english. What do these figures tell u?

Each year, huge monies are budgeted for education with no tangible results.  We have slept on this issue for long. We have talked about this too much but to deaf ears. We must begin to ask questions  απϑ  demand answers!  Why is this sector failing us? And more so after billions has been sunk in? What are the monies used for really? Why is there no result? Why aren't  we holding those in charge accountable? Why can't   every Nigerian child enjoy the right to good quality education  in this 21st century?

As we celebrate "children's' day" and i cannot help but wonder what exactly we are celebrating. Children we haven't been fair to? Children who can't boast of free good education  after 52yrs of independence and 14yrs of democracy rule ? A rotten,decaying  απϑ  failing educational system is all they have.

Many of our leaders attended these public schools  απϑ  came out as good products. I myself is a beneficiary of the public school system from Basic primary school up to university. It will be a thing of joy to see our own children benefit from a system that once worked too.

I have some suggestions for the all stake holders that I believe will help revive our public schools:
    •Concerted effort towards a holistic.      review of our education policies should be encouraged. Policy makers should come out with policies that will improve the system απϑ  benefit the people they are serving.
    •Instead of increasing the number of private universities  απϑ  secondary schools in the country which the children of the poor have no access to, the government should look towards improving the quality and standards of these public schools  ‎so no child is left out.
    •Government should equip the public schools adequately with modern infrastructure απϑ create a good maintenance and development structure in other to revive the healthy competition between public  απϑ  private schools that was once was.
    •Also ensure that qualified teachers are employed  απϑ that these schools are not understaffed.

Finally, i will say i am happy with what the governments of Imo state  απϑ  Lagos state are doing to improve public schools in their states. But of course more can  απϑ  should be done especially in our rural communities. The advancement of any society lies in the education of their children.

It is possible for every Nigerian child to go to school and get a good education!

Emmanuella Nwabundo Enweonwu is a lawyer, a volunteer program officer with Society for Community development (SCD), free lance writer and a makeup artist. She is passionate about what she does and very enthusiastic about the quest for a Better Nigeria.

Young and In Charge: Loré

Not everybody has the luxury of doing what they love, some do not have the talent, some do not have the time. I remember the first thing I ever drew, a fish, let's just say that if by some miracle that fish came to life, it would hate me for the rest of its life, yes, it was that bad. Our young person for this week is a mixture of  beauty and talent, not only is she a talented young artist she is also a philanthropist. Meet our Young Person of the week, artist, philanthropist and blogger, meet Loré.

Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Loré and I am a master of many trades.

What was growing up like?
I grew up in three continents and I had a wonderful childhood.

Tell us a little about your educational background?
I finished high school and got my first degree in Finance in the States and my Masters in International Relations in the United Kingdom. Both great schools.

So what is BillionDollarBella all about? What does it mean and how did the name come about?
BillionDollarBella is the name of my blog www.billiondollarbella.com, which is an avenue for me to express my creative side. The name BIllionDollarBella reflects me… I think big, I’m very business-minded and Bella is a nickname I picked up along the way.

How did you go from reading Finance and International Relations to painting?
I have been painting since the age of 2 and it’s always been a passion of mine. By the grace of God, I have been able to paint and still work within my areas of specialization.

Do you see yourself mixing the both of them?
Right now, it’s hard to see the correlation, so I’ll have to say no.

What is your typical day like?
I wake up in the morning, work, do some writing, then paint. I find it easier to paint when I am calm and the stress of the day is behind me.

What do you love most about you what you do?
I love everything about what I do.  But as per painting in particular, I love the fact that I can create anything from a blank canvas. Also, I always tell people, in painting, there are never any mistakes because art is art!

What has been your best work ever?
In terms of paintings, I would say my best work is a painting named “Rebekah,” inspired from the story of Rebekah in the Bible.  That painting is one of my favorites.

What are the difficulties involved?
Making time to do what I love.

If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?
I’m actually doing what I would be doing if I wasn’t doing this, while doing this. Not everyone has that luxury!

Have you ever felt like giving up on what you do?
Never. Sometimes, I might not feel like I am where I would like to be but I always keep my eye on my long-term goals and objectives.

Who or what inspires you? 
God.

Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.
The youths are gonna have to keep itching ;)

Asides work, what do you do for fun?
That’s a great question. I love to travel, cook, read and eat exotic food. I’ll try anything once.

How do you intend to make a difference with what you do?
I am currently involved in an amazing outreach ministry that provides free clothes, food, medicine and medical consultation to those in need, so some of the proceeds from my work goes into helping others. I believe we are all blessed to be a blessing.

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.
Follow your dreams and whatever you do, do it well. Also, know that you have God-given talent; find it, use it and develop it. You never know, your talent can take you to your place of success, joy and fulfillment.

Where do you see yourself and your enterprise five years from now?
Five years from now, I see myself firmly established as an authority within my fields of specialization, painting included.

Keep up with Lore Here

Better Nigeria: Getting Our Roads to World Standards

BY Iphie Obiechina
Growing up in the 90s, road trips were a big part of my childhood, whether it was a trip to Jos to visit my 'Granny Jos', or road trips back to school in Benin or Kaduna or a trip to Delta state for the christmas, you cannot keep an Ibo man from his village, so we migrated every year from Abuja to Delta. I loved these road trips, and I looked forward to them and counted the days till we took our next road trip, and I stayed awake from the beginning of the trip till the horn was hooted for the gates to be opened.
I loved these road trips, because they were an opportunity to bond with my family, we would gist throughout the journey, tell stories, sing songs (sigh, I wish I could relive those days). It wasn't only an opportunity to bond with the family, it was an opportunity to learn about Nigeria. It was an opportunity to learn about the different people that come together to make up the most beautiful country on earth. It was an opportunity to learn their different cultures, to learn about what they ate, what they did for a living. It presented an opportunity for parents to teach their kids the greatest lesson they could ever teach them; the beauty in our diversity.
My Dad would talk from the beginning of the trip to the end, telling us the name of each little village and town we passed through, he always had a story to tell about them.

God smiled on my parents and after a while we were able to make those trips by air, I must admit I miss the road trips. But recently, I found out that if given the opportunity, I wouldn't take a road trip to anywhere, the longest I have been in a car to anywhere in recent years, was a trip from Abuja town to Gwagwalada for a family friend's wedding in November 2011.
Now it is not because I am suddenly an ajebutter that I can't take road trips anymore, it is not because I am suddenly a snob. No these are not the reasons, the reason I can't take road trips anymore is because I am scared of Nigerian roads, and I would rather sit in my house than take a road trip.
Last Christmas, my Dad decided a road trip was in order, so my siblings, Dad and Mum went to village by road, I have never been happier to be in England, when I heard it I was so glad I had a white christmas.
I used to love road trips and quite honestly, I still do. I would prefer to go by road, but I love my life more. I am so scared of Nigerian roads that I am tense once I have to be on a road trip outside Abuja town, if I am not the person driving I find myself pressing down on an invisible brake.

Two weeks ago, my sister and I escorted our brother to Heathrow in the middle of the night, 2:30am and I noticed something, I wasn't scared of travelling by road, my fear was restricted to Nigerian roads. Most of my trips to parts of the UK that are not to London, are by road, and I found myself sleeping in the coach, without a worry in the world. This 2:30am trip got me thinking of things that we could do in Nigeria, so I can go back my beloved road trips.
Some of the ideas that popped up might seem a little harsh, but that doesn't mean it cannot be done.

The first thing I thought of was that, we could do away with the heavy duty trucks on the roads, fuel tankers, luxurious buses, lorries that ferry goods from state to state. We could do away with these if our government set out to fully develop the rail system, and ensure that it is fully functional. This would reduce the number of cars on the road greatly. It might be argued that train accident are always fatal, with little or no survivors but it can also be argued that they are very rare. Lagos State and Abuja seem to be making a head way in this area, Lagos has a functioning rail service, while the Abuja Light Rail is in the process of being built.
In the mean time, before we able to get a functioning railway system, the heavy duty trucks could be restricted to travelling at night. Of course the government has to make sure the roads are in good conditions and are properly lit if this would be successful. Most of the most dangerous accident are usually linked with these heavy duty trucks, losing control, falling etc.

The heavy duty trucks are not the most dangerous vehicles on the road, nope, the most dangerous vehicles on Nigerian roads are transport  buses. The drivers drive like drug addicts running to meet up with their drug runner, the drive with no regard for human life, no regard for the responsibility they have to get their passengers to their destination safely. There should be some way to control them right?
I suggest the government and transport service owners start working together, they would save more lives that way. There should be a body set up to screen all transport services, ensure that they meet up to some safety criteria before being allowed to start transport services. On their part, the transport services should have safety standards that have to be met before employing drivers, they should have their drivers properly trained and regularly tested before putting them on the road. I was once told that there is a way ABC coaches were checked for speed even while they were on the road, now I don't know if that is true, but some intelligent person must have invented a means of checking the speed of these buses right, if they havent, take this as a hint to do that, LOL!. But seriously I think there should be a way of ensuring the drivers do not go above a certain speed limit and a means of cautioning them when they are approaching that speed limit. But most importantly, they should make sure they don't put drunk or angry drivers on the road.


Last but not the least, and actually the most important one, all cars allowed on Nigerian roads should pass a fitness test and be issued a fitness certificate and in a situation where your car doesn't meet that standard it should be taken off the road and the owner taxed for each day that the car remains in the premises of the VIO. This might seem a little harsh, but owning a car should be a huge responsibility and if you cannot be responsible then you shouldn't own a car.
Now I must commend the VIO, they seem to be making making an effort to ensure that cars that drive Nigerian roads are fit and have been issued with an MOT certificate, but they are sadly not doing enough. When I came home for the holidays, I was stopped twice while driving out. One of the stops was eventful while the other wasn't, on both occasions I was asked for my papers and licence, which I quickly produced, now here is the ticker due to a lack of an up to date certificate at their office, one of the the certificate issued looked like it had expired while the other certificates showed that I still had a few months to go before the certificates expired. The officer quickly pasted an off the road certificate on the windscreen and asked me to open the door so he could get in and I drive behind the other officers in their truck. No way! being the lawyer that I am, I got down, locked the car and went through the certificates with them and it became clear that the fault was from their office and he let me go. Now the funny thing is that a lot of obviously unfit cars passed us during this exchange of words  and they made no move to stop them. Its obvious the VIO officers were working, they were working for their pockets. They saw a young girl in a good car, if she was unfortunate not to have her papers, they were sure she would part with some money, after all if you can drive a fit car you can part with money, or so they think!  Thats how Nigeria works right, and so they let obviously unfit cars to pass by because they wouldn't get much from these drivers anyway.

Its time for us to taking life more seriously, its time for us to start valuing our lives. It starts with you and I, before you get on the road, make sure your car is fit for the road and that you are fit to drive, be patient with other road users, no need to run to ending your own life and the lives of others. I would rather be alive and short of the cash used to fix the car than dead and cash rich.

YOUNG AND IN CHARGE : IMMACULATE ONYEABOR aka DJ MACC

Hello good people of Nigeria! Welcome to this part of the world where almost every youth hops into Universityl right after high school without really thinking it through, but not DJ Macc. Today we bring you a young upcoming Disc Jockey (DJ) and what's most exciting about this person is not just that she is female, but she is good at what she does and knows exactly what she wants and is not afraid of taking decisions. Did I hear you say "a female DJ?" you have got to be curious about this one! Enjoy...



Can we meet you?
My name is Immaculate Onyeabor. I am a christian, from a family of five, I have two elder siblings- my sister and my brother, mum and dad. I am the baby of the house. I am friendly, blunt, fun/annoying at times that's where the naughtiness starts.

How was growing up like?
 Growing up was fun all the way even though I had few friends of same age and more of adults around me, it was FAB!

Can you tell us about your educational background?
 I attended Arch Bishop Taylor Memorial primary school victoria Island and Ireti junior and senior grammar school south west ikoyi lagos. Still positive minded about higher institution.

What is DeeJay Macc entertainment about?
 Deejay Macc entertainment is all about fun and easing out stress, no dull moment. *smiles*

How did you go right from high school to being a Disc Jockey?
 Well after secondary school everyone of my age wanted to get into university. But I decided doing something different so I said to myself I needed to think *smiles* One beautiful sunday in the month of May-24-2009 a friend came visiting "Isaac Michael" my childhood friend. We got into different conversations and I bluntly told him I want to become a Disc Jockey (DJ) and all he asked me was "CHI ARE YOU SURE?" "YES" I replied". Then he left and came back after few minutes, when he got back he just authoritatively asked me to follow him, without questioning I immediately followed him.......hahahahahahaha seriously I did! The rest is history. That was how it all began. May-31-2009 work started and Deejay Macc started schooling all over again but in a different and fun way. Though sometimes the journey was filled with teary eyes.....hmmmm I am short of words but with a joyful heart. Three months after I started no one knew except Isaac. Sharp badt girl huh ? Hahahaha. The very first friend I told laughed at me and made fun of my height 'DISCOURAGEMENT' but I didn't give up.

Whats a typical day like for you?
 Hmmmm......busy doing something or not doing anything at all. Just lazying about in the house and I try make my parents laugh out hard. Fun auntie like me abi?

What do you love about what you do?
 First I'm happy that God has brought me this far and that I have really made my mum get use to the fact that I can make her smile each time I talk about Disc Jockeying/my dance moves at home. My dad still can't get enough of me and my noise at home 'Loud music' I spoilt one of his speakers and he keeps asking when they will get the opportunity to follow me to an event and see me DJ.......hahahaha my papa shaaaaa. Well it came to pass and they were happy. I love the fact that am a female, love the fact that I get to surprise people when ever they see me DJ, make them happy on the dance floor and how wonderful what I do is.

What has been your best work so far?
 Haaaa.....you want to put me in trouble? All events I have Disc Jockeyed at has been successful/fun and I'm happy about that. All thanks to my father God Almighty. Let me not say one thing now and my oga "DJ TOY" at the top says another *wink*.
What are the challenges involved in Disc Jockeying?
 First not having your own equipments, some people would want to take advantage of you and not having the right people around you. Every young person wants encouragement just few words can keep them going.
If you were not Disc Jockeying what would you be doing?
Playing Soccer.......hahahahaha, big time! no jokes. Am the runaway female captain of "TALENT HUNT FOOTBALL ACADEMY" by coach "COSMOS UBANI" Coachilalasky... chaii!.Macc!.
Hahahaha.

Have you ever felt like giving up on being a DJ?
 I'm human I have felt that way a lot of times. We all have our ups and downs but because I'm strong, young and in charge *wink* I didn't give up. When ever I remember the first reason I gave to my boss "DJ TOY" that made him agree to teach me *wink* (its a secret) hahaha....well the look he had on his face...hahahahahahaha that alone brings smile and hope back.

Who or what inspires you?
 My parents/God, I know I don't see him but his words alone are enough. My Boss "DJ TOY" and every other DJ that I have learned from when training/words of encouragement one way or the other I say a big thank you to DJ FLIPMO, DJ BIGGIE, DJ NENE, DJ KENZO, DJ DINO of BRILLA FM. My OLPH family Mrs Eje Darlington "Choir" members. etc.

With the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.
 I am just a big baby. Born 20th July *wink*. Sometimes I ask myself how I got this far? All thanks to God, Isaac Micheal a.k.a Slimfit Icekid..........lol, DJ TOY and everyone that has stood by me. *tearsdrop+ smiles*

What do you do for fun?
 I get few peeps upset, get into a little trouble at home.....hahahaha. Go to church, stay home sleep/eat, hangout with my co partners in crime *wink* Oluchi Nwanya and Tabitha Garba.

What's your advise to youths who want to follow in your footsteps?
 My advice for youths out there is that they should put GOD first and always learn to say thank you to him. They should be focused, respectful, humble, they should throwaway their pride, try not to be the person your not, just remain your self. Listen to critics especially those that call themselves your "FRIENDS". The real world is tough do not think is easy O! Surprise them. Always put a smile on and never be scared to express how you feel. Don't give up. You are responsible for all your doing so do not be scared to be scared, you are human.

Where do you see yourself and DeeJay Macc Entertainment in the next five years?
 I see myself going international by Gods grace. I see myself having my own family and having kids, YES O! sure I'll be fun being a mum *smile*, owning a DJ school for young people by the grace of God Almighty won't hurt.

Yea! and so you have heard from our beautiful DJ Macc, as usual we have pictures of her in action.... Feed your eyes!

DJ Macc can be reached through the following contacts:

Facebook- MACC ENTERTAINMENT

Telephone- 08068836494

Better Nigeria: Making My Vote Count

By Iphie Obiechina

2015 is no longer as far as we think, slowly but steadily the four years that we thought would never come to an end is gradually rounding up. In the coming year, we would be badgered with posters, rallies and the campaign antics of those who want to rule Nigeria. One thing remains certain through all this, the power lies in our hand to choose the direction we want our beloved country to head towards.

Let us look at ourselves, the voting masses, as a beautiful bride and the politicians as numerous suitors seeking our hand in marriage. In the Nigeria we live in today, the power ultimately lies in the bride’s hand to pick the man she gets to spend the rest of her life with, gone are the days when the decision was left in the hands of her father, today the bride has a say. It is basically up to us to pick who would get to rule us for the next four years after the 2015 election, we ultimately get to decide who we are seduced by.

The responsibility of choosing a leader that Nigeria needs ultimately lies in your hands; the power to move Nigeria forward and out of all her woes, ultimately lies in your hands. Such an important responsibility should be treated with the highest importance. So ultimately, it is up to you to decide, if you want to keep suffering, or if you want to see change come to Nigeria.

The first step towards changing Nigeria is by educating yourself about the basic requirements for being elected to rule in Nigeria. Grab a copy of the 1999 constitution and read up on what is required of anyone aspiring to be elected into any position that’s up for election. To be able to make a good choice, you have to know what is required of the aspirants and know if they tick off the entire requirement. You need to know what you are talking about before you can to others on the importance of voting right?

Step one complete, next is step two, go out and register!!!! Brave the long line, brave the stress involved, give up a whole day if possible to get yourself registered. This step is really important, without it you are just clog in the wheel of Nigeria’s progress, just like the leaders you have learned to curse everyday.

The last but definitely the most important step is to actually turn up and vote, protect your vote. By turning it to vote, you get to express yourself, by picking the leader you want to move Nigeria forward for the next four years. Now it can be argued that ‘it doesn’t matter if I turn up to vote, they would still rig the election and impose the leader they want’. My counter argument to that is, if you turn up to vote that is one less ballot that they can steal, now imagine if 80% of registered Nigerian turns up to vote, they have less ballots to steal. Don’t give the ‘rulers’ of Nigeria the opportunity to steal your voice, come out and vote. Protecting your vote doesn’t end at just voting, you have to stay back after voting to ensure that the votes are correctly counted and that there are loophole which can be used to rig in a ruler that wasn’t properly voted for. This doesn’t mean, you have to resort to violence, protect your votes in the most peaceful way possible, the elections are not worth killing for or dying for.

But before 2015, you have the opportunity to pick out the leader you want to move us forward. You might think it is too early to pick a leader, we don’t even know who is going to present him/herself for the election. That is true in one sense and false in another sense. You have the opportunity to take the time out to come up with a list of what you want in the leader. Don’t wait till you are bamboozled and wooed by the aspirants, know what you want from the beginning so when you finally have to pick a leader, you pick the leader that ticks all the boxes for you. One thing is important, don’t pick a leader based on his ethnicity, his religion or his affiliation. Pick a leader that you know can pull Nigeria forward, pick a leader based on the qualities you see in him or her that can move Nigeria forward.
Before 2015, you have the opportunity to educate people around your little community about how to about the elections. So educate yourself first, pick up the 1999 constitution. You also have the opportunity to reach out to the young people around you, young people who are prone to being used as thugs to carry out the election crimes. Take the time out to let them know that they would only be punishing themselves by allowing themselves to be used to rig the election, effectively giving the leaders another four years to continue to oppress us.
I was taught, in primary school I think, that if during an election, you are given a bribe to vote for someone, you pocket the bribe and still come out to vote the person you want to vote for since voting is done by secret ballot. I don’t think this is the right approach, but it seems to be working in Nigeria, what do I think you should do when faced with a bribe? I say don’t take it, go ahead and vote for who you want to vote for, taking the bribe only makes the temptation to vote for the bribe higher, since like all humans we have a conscience. Ask yourself this when faced with a bribe, ‘why does he want to lead us so badly that he is willing to bribe everybody to vote for him’? Then go ahead to imagine the corruption and looting that would go on while he is in power and remember how you and your family would suffer for the next four years. If that doesn’t motivate you out of taking the bribe, I don’t know what would.

Leadership of Nigeria doesn’t belong, to a northerner, a southerner, an easterner, a westerner, a Christian or a Muslim. Leadership of Nigeria belongs to a Nigerian. Let us make sure we vote in that Nigerian in 2015.

The Me For Change Initiative (M4C) is an initiative aimed at changing Nigeria one person at a time.
Follow on twitter: https://twitter.com/meforchange
Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/433831589997052/
Let us change Nigeria one person at a time.

News in a Flash: 14th May 2013

By Charles Enoh

Fund Transfer: Daily electronic transactions hit ₦80bn due to introduction of cashless policy -Tunde Lemo (CBN Deputy Gov,  Operations).

Auditor-General’s Query: House of Representative's Public Account Committee (PAC) orders NNPC to refund ₦236bn to coffers of Federal Govt within 1 month.

Kidnap: Octogenarian mother of Mrs Remi Olatubora (fmr Commissioner of Education, Ondo) abducted by unknown gunmen in Ondo state.

ex-Gov: Police parades Adebayo Akala's (fmr Oyo Gov) Beninois cleaner over burglary of former's apartment.

Arsenal (13-by-20ft container): Federal High Court, Lagos sentences Iranian & Nigerian accomplice to 17 years imprisonment each for illegal importation of firearms into Nigeria in 2010.

Electricity: Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) begins new metering scheme. Mandates Distribution companies (DISCOs) to implement Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation
(CAPMI).

Bayelsa CP: Tonye Ebitibituwa (former CP, Enugu; Ondo Indigene) deployed to take charge as Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa state. Replaces retired CP, Kingsley Omire.

Oil Revenue: ₦179.5bn ($1.136bn) earned by Federal Govt from non-oil sector in 1st quarter of 2013 -Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Red Farewell; Blue Sack: Roberto Mancini (48yrs) sacked as Manchester City manager. Assistant Brian Kidd to take charge for remaining games in the season.

Charles Enoh is a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He believes that being in informed is a step in the right direction, towards towards the development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.

Young and In Charge: Korede Awofuwa

Growing up, we all have dreams of what we want to do with the rest of our lives, most of the time, life gets in the way and we either go on to read a course chosen for by either our parents or the exceptions of the society. Our young person of the week, always had a love for arts, he went ahead to read engineering  but his love for the arts stayed strong and eventually took over. Meet our young person of the week, Korede Awofuwa, artist, engineer and writer.

Tell us a little about yourself?
I'm Korede Awofuwa a graduate of Covenant University, a lover of art and an electrical and electronics engineering. I'm from a family of six and the second born amongst four children.

What was growing up like?
Growing up has always been fun to me. Lots of ups and downs but I just have to keep moving. Met so many people with different characters from time to time, place to place but generally growing up has been amazing by Gods grace.

Tell us a little about your educational background?
Had my primary education at LaraDay nursery and primary school, secondary education at Command Day seconday school and university education at Covenant University. By Gods grace my educational stages went smoothly.

So what is Koryarts all about? What does it mean and how did the name come about?
Koryarts Limited  is a company setup to satisfy clients with the best of artistic and creative services and with the help of a super team of experts (Tolu Bamgbose, Michael Onobote, Tosin Oyewole, Dapo Adegboye) we are already achieving great goals. Founded by Korede Awofuwa, an electrical and electronics engineering graduate of Covenant University as well as a superb artist and author of the motivational book "Be The Difference". "I am determined to make Koryarts an outstanding brand in the art world. Our services include Pencil portraits, Cartoon portraits, Photography, Comic strips/illustrations, Graphic designing, Paintings, Creative writing, Branding and Customized handmade cards.
The name Koryarts came from one of my nicknames Kory and I added the arts to it. Luckily. For me, my team members see the dream with me and loved the name.

How did you go from reading engineering to being an artist and a writer?
Engineering to me was a course and I did well in it my passion for arts was and still is stronger so it took over.

How do you combine all three, it must be difficult.
Well, I combine all three and it really isn't difficult. I focus more on my art and writing skills and then use engineering when needed so I enjoy what I do and its really fun to me.

What is your typical day like?
A typical day for me involves thinking, drawing and evolving. Can't afford to have a better yesterday and I ensure I ask God for wisdom and direction. This makes things easy for me.

What do you love most about you what you do?
I love the fact that I'm doing what I love doing and what I love doing makes people happy and amazed.

What has been your best work ever?
Honestly, I've not picked any work as my best because I always work on improvements so if I have a best work today, my tomorrow's work takes that place.

What are the difficulties involved?
Difficulties are experienced in the beginning stages when you have to stand out, be determined and work hard to make people know you know what you're doing and that you are good at what you do. There's also this believe that art does not pay in Nigeria. Well I don't believe because from my experience so far, if you push your art in. The right ways, it will pay.

If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?
If I wasn't into arts now, I think full time business (buying and selling) or probably a full staff in an engineering company is what I'll be into.

Have you ever felt like giving up on any of the three?
Trust me, I've felt like giving up several times but I then realise I was actually born to draw. Nothing makes me happier than doing an art and people appreciate how good it comes out. Passion as well keeps me going. As for engineering, the need comes in once in a while so studying that in the university isn't a loss at all.

Who or what inspires you?
God is. My inspiration. I see myself with these skills and I just want to be a blessing and an icon of encouragement to everyone around me.

Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.
I'm 24 years old

Asides work, what you do for fun?
Movies at the cinemas, reading, basically hanging out with friends.

How do you intend to make a difference with what you do?
I intend to make a difference by rendering world class creative art serivces to clients that will make the world know Nigeria is super blessed in the area of arts. Also I look forward to encouraging young ones to keep up with their dreams and never give up.

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.
Never let anyone discourage you from achieving you dreams. See, work hard and smart, ask God for direction and achieve you dreams.

Where do you see yourself and Koryarts five years from now?
I see myself as a global positive icon the world will be glad to have and I see Koryarts as the number one art brand rendering the best of art services and also a company that gives hope to our generation and those to come.

Korede can be reached through the following means:

Address: 92 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Opp. MAN House, ground floor, back flat, Ikeja, Lagos.

Phone: 08057347070, 08164221388

Website: www.koryarts.com

Email: koryarts@gmail.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/koryarts

Twitter: Twitter.com/koryarts

For Your Listening Pleasure

Hey guys, sorry I havent posted anything lately. Been very busy.

Here is a new song from one of our talented Young person of the week, Eazybwoi. I hope you enjoy it like I did, please, download, share and comment.

Feeling Alright by Eazybwoi- http://t.co/LpvJ9iuHHk

Just My 2Kobo: Advice and the 'Pinchy' Shoes

By Iphie Obiechina
Have you ever given advice that you thought was perfectly sound for the situation, only to have the person turn around and not take your advice? Remember going on about how the person is a fool and how he/she is stupid for deciding to go on with that situation? Remember saying "it’s not your fault, it’s me that refused to keep my mouth shut, it’s me that gave you advice now, next time I would just shut up" ?
Have you taken time out to ask yourself why he or she chose to go on with this situation? Have you ever tried taking your own advice?

Truth is when we find ourselves in similar situations, taking our own advice becomes a herculean task. It’s easy to give out advice especially when we have never been in those shoes, but it is very difficult to take the same advice. Especially when it comes to the matters of the heart, advices come easily, yet it is so difficult to take that same piece of advice.

For instance, a woman whose husband has turned her into a daily punching bag turns to you for advice. As a good friend, your best advice to her is to "leave the b*****d right?" and when she refuses’ to leave him, you tell her about how "stupid and weak" she is right? Sometimes we don’t always say it aloud but we sure are thinking it.

Now, imagine the tables have turned, your boyfriend hits you, say, just once. Taking your own advice becomes a herculean task. You start making excuses for him, remembering all the good times you both had together, using the good times to make up for the bad times. What about the girl with the serial cheat for a boyfriend? As a good friend your advice is, "leave him abeg, he is not the only fish in the sea". Well the tables have turned, yet you are unable to same, unable to take your own advice.

I am not saying your advice is a bad one, far from that. All I am saying is, be gentle on your friends, loved ones or whosoever you are giving advice to when they don’t take this advice. The truth is, until you have been in their shoes, you don’t know how hard it is to take this advice.

Next time, when giving advice, remember to be a strong shoulder to lean on during the implementation of your advice. Don’t get mad when your advice is not taken, just remember to be there for them through it all, that is what is important.

News in a Flash: 1st May 2013

By Charles Enoh
Redline Light Rail Project: Lagos light rail project from Marina through Iddo to Agbado to gulp about $2.5bn (₦400bn).

Borno: Defence Headquarters (DHQ) & National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) submits preliminary reports on killings in Baga, Borno state.

Terrorism: USA to assist Nigeria in offering modern technology for fortification of security @ nation’s borders to curb terrorism.

Fuel Subsidy: Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrests Chairman of Capital Oil & Gas, Ifeanyi Ubah.

Special Funds: FG misappropriated ₦1.04tn from Special Fund accounts out of ₦1.5tn released to account between 2002 & June 2012 -Senate Probe.

Fake Mace Smuggled: Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Otelemaba Amachree, alleges plot by 5 members of the House to impeach Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers).

Immortalisation: Gov Kayode Fayemi names Civic Centre (under construction) after late Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka (fmr Deputy Gov, Ekiti)O:); Atikankan-Baptist Church road in Ado- Ekiti now Funmilayo Olayinka Drive.

GSM, CDMA & Fixed Wired/Wireless Operators: Connected telephone lines in Nigeria now 159.9 million. About 116.6 million active -Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Charles Enoh is a Legal practitioner, who is very passionate about Nigeria. He believes that being in informed is a step in the right direction, towards towards the development especially for Nigerian youths.
Charles Enoh would write the News in a Flash section.