Tourism in Nigeria

TOURISM, OUR PRIDE, OUR HERITAGE ^{www.ipaidabribenaija.com}

Hausa traditional music troupe.

The Home of Hospitality

Nigeria is becoming a destination for tourists and investors because of new regulations put in place by the government through the Nigerian Tourism Development Commission. A foreign tourist once described Nigeria as the country of a thousand festivals and tourist attractions. This is not far from true when one takes a look at the natural endowments spread throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria. Although largely under-utilized, Nigeria offers one of the most attractive destinations to any tourist worldwide. No state in Nigeria is without abundant tourism potential. With such a wealth of tourist attractions, both natural and manmade. Government, through the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, (the NTDC), realized that great potential exists for earning foreign exchange. Some countries, such as South Africa, have fully diversified its economy to the point where tourism now rivals mining in its contribution to the country's GDP.

As an emerging African country in a market-driven economy, Nigeria has correctly identified tourism's ability to catapult it into the first rank of emerging world market economies. The Nigerian government, through the relevant agencies, has consistently treated this sector as one of the priority sectors that can drive the engine of the economy. This is accentuated in the Vision 20-20-20 project, which intends to see Nigeria's economy ranked among the top 20 economies in the world by 2020.
The recently accelerated rate of development in tourism warrants significant attention. There has been increased investment in hotels, resorts and infrastructure, as well as major heritage conservation projects, leading to social and environmental transformations on a multinational scale.
From the grassland areas of Northern Nigeria like Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Katsina, through the middle belt known geographically as the North Central areas of Jos, Makurdi, Minna and Lokoja to the Southern cities of the Delta region of Calabar in Cross River State, Asaba in Delta State, Port Harcourt in River State and Uyo in Akwa Ibom State to the Western cities of Lagos, Oshogbo and the ancient city of Ife, many exciting tourist attractions can be found. These include beautiful ancient archaeology, exotic fauna and flora, amazing waterfalls, beaches, wildlife, rivers, alluring mountain ranges, zoological gardens, great opportunities for fishing enthusiasts and masquerade festivals which can be described as cultural spectacles.
Besides her natural features, it is estimated that Nigeria's cultural assets are among the most attractive in the whole world. She has over 250 ethnic groupings within its geo-polity, and each of them is identified with a unique cultural heritage.

THE BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Badagry is a town close to Lagos, Nigeria's former seat of power. It provides an ideal setting for the hosting of the Black Heritage Festival. The presence of significant historical sites, relics of the slave trade, cultural artefacts and other tangible articles associated with slave trade adds to its relevance for this role. The festival is a rallying point for realizing the yearnings and aspirations of the separated people of African descent in the Diaspora, to be reunited and integrated into their lost African environment, roots and connections. The high point of this ceremony is the initiation, where prominent traditional rulers in Nigeria initiate visiting Africans from the Diaspora in an African setting into the tribe in which they intend to be initiated, which can be one of more than 250 ethnic tribes. It is a colourful festival of reunion.

THE ARGUNGU FISHING FESTIVAL

In the months of February and March every year, tourists from all walks of life assemble in the ancient town of Argungu in Northern Nigeria, which is about 64 miles from Sokoto, to catch a glimpse of how young fishermen use traditional and rudimentary methods to catch the largest fish. During the festival, hundreds of locals engage the river armed with large fish net scoops and gourds to drive the fish close to the shallow parts. This festival has its origin from August 1934 when the late former Sultan, Dan Muazu made a historic visit to Kebbi, where a grand fishing festival was organized in his honour. To this day, the ceremony is preserved and the State Government has added a modern colour to it in order to attract tourists.

Argungu fishing festival, Kebbi.

SUKUR WORLD HERITAGE SITE

This is Africa's first cultural landscape, located in Adamawa State. Sukur lies on the Nigerian side of the Mandara-Cameroon borderlands on an undulating plateau ranging from 1,000- 3,000 feet above sea level. It occupies a landmass of 764.40 hectares. The Sukur Cultural landscape, which is natural, incorporates a unique selection of vernacular architectural features such as stone corratis, grave yards, stone gates as well as delicately fashioned stone grain huts and unique stone settlement clusters with homestead farms, all in the midst of rare species of flora and fauna. It is a must-visit for every tourist.

CROSS RIVER NATIONAL PARK

The name Cross River is synonymous with tourism in Nigeria. This park incorporates the Northern Okwangwo portion and the Southern Oban Hills division. It is internationally recognized as one of the most important sites for the conservation of biological diversity. More than 1,000 plants of different species have been identified at Cross River National Park. The forest contains several endangered species of wild animals, the most noticeable being the lowland gorilla, the drill chimpanzee, the red colobus and the forest elephant. Several species of birds threatened by extinction, such as the red headed rock fowls, are also found in the park. It is an hour's drive from Calabar Municipality.

CALABAR BEACH

The beach is located at the mouth of Calabar River and is uninhabited, save for a solitary fisherman's hut. Flanked by a swamp, it can only be reached by boat or canoe and getting there is half the fun. Its sheer isolation enhances one's fascination with this enchanted locale. It lends visitors the luxury of privacy in a beautiful setting.

OGUTA LAKE RESORT

This attractive complex is situated about 40kms from Owerri, the capital of Imo State. Largely underutilised, it features a large body of clean fresh water, the second largest natural lake in the country after Lake Chad. It has these unique attractions that distinguishes it from other resorts around the area.

Mr. Incredible signs a New Deal

MI renews contract with chocolate city

Amidst the rumours surrounding the current status of popular rapper, Jude Abaga popularly known as 'MI', the J-Town bred MC has extended his contract with his record label chocolate city.
The label shared the good news on April 20, 2012, via their official Facebook Page. 'Despite the rumours, MI renews his contract with Chocolate City – See him with two of the Choc Bosses...Audu Maikori and Okeugo Paul after the contract signing', the statement read.
Two pictures accompanied the statement, showing M.I flanked by the Choc City execs and the other where he was signing a document.
'It's an open policy we run at Chocolate City. M.I has been here for over six years and renewing his contract just shows the kind of trusted relationship we have. We are proud to say we run a successful music company',Audu Maikori, Chocolate City executive said.

One of Nigeria's Finest Celebrity

Nigerian super actress 'Genevieve Nnaji' to star in Chimamanda’s bestselling novel movie “Half Of A Yellow Sun”

The Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji announced on Friday that she has secured a role in the film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's bestselling Novel "Half of A Yellow Sun".
The star actress who was named one of Forbes "Most Powerful African Celebrities" joins the star-studded cast of Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anika Noni Rose and Thandie Newton in the highly anticipated movie. Genny will play the role of Ms Adebayo, another professor who develops a flirtatious relationship with her colleague Mr Odenigbo, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.

The movie will be produced by Andrea Calderwood
This is the second major role landed by Genevieve who recently confirmed a role in the Tony Abulu produced movie "Doctor Bello", which will see her feature alongside US actor Isaiah Washington, Vivica A Fox and Jimmy Jean-Louis and is set for a summer 2012 release.
The novel, which won the Orange Prize for fiction is set during the Nigerian-Biafran War of 1967 – 1970 and explores the impact of this conflict through the twisting story of a University Professor (Ejiofor) and his lover (Newton) her sister, a British ex-pat and a young houseboy.

Your Eyes

nigerianmailonline.com 

Caring for your eyes

Health — By Damie 'Laoye on April 24, 2012 3:29 pm
The eyes is one of the important parts of the human body but very easy to neglect. It craves for our affection, appreciation and admiration but many people do not seem to notice it.  
William Blake described the eyes as the “windows of the soul.” Practically speaking, our eyes are the windows through which we view the world around us. We have got no choice but to place great value on our eyes and our vision, however, many people often neglect the importance of eye care and do not pay proper attention towards eye care.
Surveys have shown that of the five senses, sight is the one that people fear losing the most. Given the important function our eyes perform for us, it would seem to follow that we’d give them the best care possible, but sometimes we get too busy or we forget to do a few simple things that can keep our eyes healthy.
Below are highlights on how to give your eyes that proper care and attention that it needs:
- Ensure that you eat lot of fruits and vegetables; carrot is a good example and it is very helpful in maintaining healthy eyes.
- You can use an allergen reducing eye drop during an allergy season to ‘get the red out’ or to soothe itchiness on a limited basis but chronic daily use can make the problem worse.
- Using a natural method of preventing puffiness, you can press cold cucumber slices gently against your eyes for 10 minutes before going to sleep
- Be sure to wear goggles or other eye protective wear when working with chemicals or any place with harmful airborne particulates.
- For those who wear contact lenses, whether fashion or optical, be sure to wear it for not more than 19 hours. This can cause a permanent sight damage as well as discomfort to the eyes.
- Do not read in dim light, it causes eye strain but does not damage the eyes. But if you must, do not read for long. If your eyes feel tired, take a break.
- Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can harm your eyes so protect them with a good quality pair of sunglasses.
- Do not look at a bright light directly, be careful while looking at the sun, it may affect the eyes.
- Exercise you eyes at frequent intervals. Eye exercise is simple. All you need to do is just blink several times, then close your eyes and role them in clockwise and anti clockwise direction. While doing this, inhale and exhale slowly and open your eyes slowly after doing this.
- Spending long hours in front of television or computers is part of peoples life today. Especially if you are a computer professional, there is usually no escape from it. This causes many eyes and vision related problems in future. Here are some useful tips for computer users:

• After every 20 to 30 minutes of work, look at a distant away object and blink several times. This will help in better focusing
• Blink frequently. People tend to reduce blink rate while working on computer. This can lead to dry eyes. Try to blink 12 to 15 times every minute.
• Rub your palms against each other till them become warm. Cover your eyes with your warm palms for about a minute. Palming is another great way to relax and soothe your eyes.
• Splashing water on you face during breaks can keep you refreshed. This also helps in cooling your eyes.
• A few minutes of walk during breaks will refresh your body and mind. It is also good for your eyes as walking increases blood supply to your eyes.
• Fix an anti glare screen on to your monitor or use anti glare glass while working on computers. Also position the monitor and lights in such a manner that glare from the screen is minimum.

President Goodluck Jonathan on World 100 most Influencial List

Nigeria: Governors Laud Jonathan Over Time Magazine 100 Most Influential Persons

23 April 2012  allafrica.com

The Northern States Gover-nors Forum (NSGF) has congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan who was listed among 100 most influential persons in the world by the prestigious TIME Magazine for the year 2012.
Also, Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, described the inclusion of Jonathan in the list of 100 most influential persons in the world by TIME magazine as historical and unique.
But Governor of Niger State and Chairman of the Forum, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, who described the recognition as an acknowledgement of Nigeria's relevance in the international community, said the listing of Jonathan among the 100 most influential persons in the world was an affirmation of the fact that giant strides were being taken by the Jonathan administration to transform the nation in spite of huge challenges.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Danladi Ndayebo, Aliyu said: "This recognition should spur the President to work harder in ensuring that the transformation agenda is achieved."
The statement further urged Nigerians to use the Time Magazine nomination of President Jonathan to imbibe the virtues of love for God and country, and to strive consistently for the development of the nation.
The forum said it was optimistic that Nigeria could become a world power "if we all work hard for the good of the country."
Aliyu congratulated the President and Nigerians for the recognition and prayed to God for quick solutions to the security challenges confronting the nation.
Meanwhile, Orji in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ugochukwu Emezue, said the feat was not just a singular honour for Mr. President alone but to Nigerians and the black race.
According to Orji, the recognition has confirmed the confidence the world has in Jonathan's ability to transform Nigeria.
He hinted that this development would no doubt spur the President to go the extra mile in ensuring that this country becomes the envy of the world.
Orji who said this honour was coming few days after Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala's failure to clinch the World Bank top position, said Nigerians have great potentials that will stun the world soon.
"Mr. President is a man of destiny and God has a hand in the affairs of this nation as such he should march on till our collective aspiration as a nation becomes a reality," he said.

Light bulb with 20 year life span

Light bulb with 20-year life unveiled in US on Earth Day

On April 23, 2012 · In News

   www.vanguardngr.com WASHINGTON (AFP) – A prize-winning, super-energy-saving LED bulb from Dutch electronics giant Philips said to last over 20 years went on sale Sunday to coincide with Earth Day.
The bulb that won the US Department of Energy’s “Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize” was available from retailers for $50, down from an initial $60 price tag. The company said it was planning discounts to bring the cost down to as little as $25.
The 10-watt LED bulb (light-emitting diode) was deemed an efficient alternative to the standard 60-watt incandescent bulb, and rated to last 30,000 hours — when used four hours a day, that translates to a more than two-decade life span, according to the company.
For consumers attentive to cost, Philips said the price tag was easily offset by energy savings of $165 over its lifetime.
The new bulb, which gives off 940 lumens, a soft white light, is “83 percent more energy efficient than the standard 60-watt incandescent,” said Philips’ North America executive Ed Crawford in announcing upcoming rebates.
Incandescent bulbs are power-sucking classics being phased out in countries around the world, replaced by energy-efficient CFL versions containing toxic mercury that make them hazardous to toss in the rubbish.
Philips’ omni-directional bulb, which contains no mercury, began life as the sole entrant to the US government competition seeking ways to replace the common light bulb, and was submitted in 2009 after 18 months of testing.
LED bulbs face competition from compact fluorescent lights that approach seek similar efficiency levels, and cost far less.
The symbolic choice of Sunday’s Earth Day release however saw Philips branding their bulb as the environmentally friendly choice.
Now in its 42 year, International Earth Day aims to bring attention to climate change and pollution, and highlight ways to save energy.
According to Philips, if every 60-watt incandescent bulb in the United States was replaced with their prize winner, “the nation would save about 35 terawatt-hours of electricity or $3.9 billion in one year.”
A nationwide changeover would also avoid 20 million metric tons of carbon emissions, said the company — equivalent to removing some 4 million cars from the roads.
“Consumers are no longer looking at a product that will last just six months to a year, they are looking at a product that is much more efficient and will be with them for decades,” Crawford said ahead of the release.
“With LED bulbs, we are looking at a wholesale change in buying lighting technology, going from a disposable good to a durable good,” he added.
Philips said it has partnered with over 280 US utility companies for the rebates and 230 more utility firms are expected to join the program in June.

FOREIGN PARTNERSHIP IN TACKLING BOKO HARAM

Jonathan seeks foreign assistance to tackle Boko Haram

On April 20, 2012 · In News

www.vanguardngr.com

BY Ben Agande & Inalegwu Shaibu
Abuja — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to the German government to assist Nigeria tackle the Boko Haram menace by deploying German technology to track down the terror group.
Jonathan, who is on a state visit to Germany, made the call  during a media briefing with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel in Berlin, Germany.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) chats with Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan during an official welcoming ceremony before their meeting at the chancellery in Berlin April 19, 2012. AFP PHOTO

The president also assured investors that Nigerian government was deploying all arsenals within its disposal to guarantee the security of investors and their investments.
He said:  “As a nation, we have security challenges because most investors talk about security. At present, we have the local terrorist group code named Boko Haram. From publications on this terrorist group, it paints a very gloomy picture as if the whole country is in tatters. These terrorists operate in some states in the north east part of the country but go into other states from time to time.
“But what I can assure the global community, especially our investors from Germany, is that government is working very hard to bring it under control.”
He admitted that the Boko Haram sect took the security services by surprise as they employed tactics that were alien to the security apparatus but assured that government was on top of the situation.
He, however, added that “the area we expect our development partners especially countries like Germany to help is in terms of our security architecture, training and providing us with some modern equipment. You have to fight terrorists with technology because terrorists do not need to come with a rifle and you confront them one on one. They will surprise you, they will not come to engage you except to defend themselves occasionally.
Merkel  reacts
The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, in her contribution  stressed her country’s resolve to work with the Nigerian government to bring the situation of Boko Haram under control, saying that Germany was in agreement with Nigeria on the dangers posed by members of the group to Nigeria and its reputation outside the country.
She added that  the bilateral commission between Germany and Nigeria should be able to discuss the issue with the aim of coming up with greater details of the areas where Nigeria may need help.
She said: “I think what is most important is the resolve of the Nigerian government to deal with such a group and to remain on top of the situation and protect the peace loving people of Nigeria who suffer most from such attacks.”
Italian govt to tackle Boko Haram
Meanwhile, the Italian government has offered to provide security services to the Federal Government to help it tackle the menace of Boko Haram sect.
Special Envoy of the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Margherita Boniver who made the offer, yesterday, while meeting with the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said Italy was willing to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria to help it tackle terrorism, human trafficking and poverty.
She said: “I am here to strengthen our excellent bilateral ties which have been historical for many years. We are ready to help in the areas of terrorism, human trafficking and roll back poverty to enhance international cooperation.”
She also expressed confidence with Federal Government and civil society for their efforts towards tackling terrorism, human trafficking in the country.
According to her, “in my capacity, I have had working sessions with civil society, and government officials and it is very rare that people hear positive appreciation regarding political agenda to end terrorism.”
Ekweremadu regrets death of Italian
Ekweremadu, in his response, said terrorism and human trafficking were condemnable evils that the Federal Government was battling to combat.
He asked the Italian government for assistance in the area of capacity building for security personnel, noting that government has made huge budgetary provisions to combat terrorism.
His words: “For us as a parliament, we condemn terrorism just as we condemn human trafficking and we are doing everything possible with the government to combat these two evils. Prior to 2010, terrorism was completely unknown in Nigeria in any form and we have joined hands with international communities to fight terrorism at the global level.”
“In 2012 budget we made substantial budgetary provision to provide sufficient security architecture that will help us to combat terrorism. We are trying to build capacity of our security agencies to deal with the latest security challenges.
“Like I said, we are never used to terrorism; we never believed that terrorism will come to our land, now it seems to be with us. This calls for help from those of you who are friends in the international community to assist us, to help build capacity to get over terrorism.”
He also regretted the death of an Italian national in 2012 in the hands of kidnappers, saying, “The unfortunate incident about the death of Italian citizen is something that is unfortunate; we use this opportunity to condole you and your government about the unfortunate incident.”

Forbes Top Five Hip-Hop Artists

The Forbes Five: Hip-Hop’s Wealthiest Artists

By Zack O'Malley Greenburg, Forbes  music.yahoo.com

Diddy tops the listBack in 2007, Jay-Z, Diddy and 50 Cent released "I Get Money (The Forbes 1-2-3 Billionaire Remix)." The song was a celebration of the artists' inclusion atop the first-ever Forbes Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, now an annual package on the genre's top-earning artists.

It seems fitting that those same three artists find themselves in an even more exclusive group—the Forbes Five, a short list of hip-hop's wealthiest moguls. Indeed, the original trio boasts a combined net worth well over a billion dollars, rendering their lyrical prognostications accurate. They're joined by Dr. Dre, flush with cash from his Beats headphone line, and Cash Money Records cofounder Bryan "Birdman" Williams.
"One of my motivations in life is to be a billionaire," said Birdman in a telephone interview with FORBES. "We're going to keep working hard until we get our brand to be as big as possible. That's the goal in life, that's what I live for."

In Pictures: Hip-Hop's Most Valuable Artists
Diddy is the closest to becoming a billionaire, leading the pack with a net worth of $550 million. The Bad Boy Records founder has remained a mainstream mainstay for 15 years thanks to his knack for self-promotion. Lately, he's been channeling that energy toward Diageo-backed Ciroc vodka, much to the benefit of his bank account: he receives double-digit millions annually as a share of profits. Sales of the spirit spiked 122% last year in the wake of strong demand for new flavor Ciroc Peach; he is entitled to a nine-figure chunk of cash if the brand is ever sold.
Diddy also boasts stakes in clothing lines Sean John and Enyce, marketing firm Blue Flame, record label Bad Boy and a handful of tech startups. But it's his deal with Comcast to launch cable channel Revolt in 2013 that could push him into billionaire territory. He'll own the channel outright, and based on projected viewership totals, its value could soar into the low-to-mid nine figures within the next few years.
Jay-Z is #2 on the listNext up is Jay-Z at $460 million. Unlike his fellow Forbes Five members, Jay-Z still churns out music and goes on tour—most recently with pal Kanye West—adding to his considerable war chest. He sold his Rocawear clothing label for $204 million in 2007 and signed 10-year $150 million deal with Live Nation in 2008, and also holds stakes in the New Jersey Nets, his 40/40 Club chain, ad firm Translation, cosmetics company Carol's Daughter and other businesses.
Hip-Hop Cash Kings: Hip-Hop's Top 20 Earners
"Who's going to be hip-hop's first billionaire is still to be determined," says Steve Stoute, the advertising guru who founded and co-owns Translation with Jay-Z. "But clearly Jay and Puffy are far and away positioned to surpass that."
Dr. Dre ranks third with $270 million, doubling from a year ago thanks to a major sale. In August, handset maker HTC paid $300m to buy a 51% stake in Beats Electronics, the company founded by Dr. Dre and Interscope chief Jimmy Iovine in 2008.
Sources say each owned a third of the company before the deal, placing Dre's cut at $85 million after taxes. The agreement also values Dre's remaining stake at $100 million, which could increase rapidly as the company continues to expand.
Celebrity 100: The World's Most Powerful Celebrities
Birdman clocks in at No. 4 with a fortune of $125 million. He cofounded Cash Money Records with brother Ronald "Slim" Williams two decades ago, inking very favorable $30 million distribution deal with Universal in 1998. The label's value is increasing with the success of rappers Drake, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne (who shares ownership of sub-label Young Money).
The World's 25 Highest-Paid Musicians
There's even more cash on the horizon: Cash Money's deal with Universal is up this summer, raising the prospect of a bidding war for the right to distribute the label's releases.
"Right now we are with Universal and we're just trying to do the best music possible," Birdman told me. "I'm loyal to my team, and to success. Whoever gives the most benefit to my team, which isf irst, and to its success, that's where we'll end up at."
Full Coverage: Hip-Hop's Most Valuable Artists
Rounding out the Forbes Five is Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson at $110 million. The Queens-born rapper earned $100 million for his Vitaminwater stake in 2007—and tens of millions more from touring, record sales and clothing—but spent freely on cars and renovations to his mansion, formerly owned by Mike Tyson. Still, a nice cushion remains from his back catalog, acting gigs and 50 Cent-themed videogames, shoes and books, as well as his new headphone line SMS. Next up: an energy shot called Street King, which promises to feed hungry children—and 50's bank account.
Still, there's no guarantee that hip-hop's first billionaire will come from this group of five.
"As much as it's easy to say it'll be Diddy or Jay, you don't necessarily know, given what a guy like Kanye or Will.i.am is capable of doing," says Stoute. "In a world where people are creating applications that sell for a billion dollars, you never know who's going to come out of left field."

Wife Killed by her Police Inspector Husband

Police inspector kills wife, flees

On April 17, 2012 www.vanguardngr.com 

By EVELYN USMAN

LAGOS – The Lagos State Police Command has begun a manhunt for an Inspector, who last Friday, allegedly stabbed his wife to death in the Mushin area of Lagos.
The alleged killer, one Sunday Iluegben, attached to Ikeja Division, allegedly stabbed his estranged wife on the head and neck at midnight. She was said to have bled to death.
Vanguard gathered that the couple was living apart, over an unknown cause. But the deceased, Caroline Iluegben, was said to have usually went to visit her four children and sometimes passed the night at the man’s house.
Caroline had reportedly visited her children penultimate Thursday and decided to sleep over. The unexpected occurred after one of her children woke up the next day and found her mother in a pool of blood on a mattress she slept with her husband in the sitting room.
The child’s scream alerted her siblings and neighbours, who contacted policemen at Olosan Police Station.
Police sources quoted the children as saying that their father woke up about 5.30 a.m. and left for work at 7 a.m.
“Their daughter said a scarf stained with blood was used to cover her mother’s mouth. She was rushed to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi-Araba,where she later died at 12 noon on Friday,” a police source said.

Education

Greatness lingers only in nostalgia

Some students near the dilapidated buildings that tell of a once-great school. Below, Fr Grimes. PHOTOs BY Edgar R. Batte 

By EDGAR R. BATTE

www.monitor.co.ug

In Summary

There was a time when the school was regarded with mixed feelings by the public. The focus on co-curricular activities and the importance of confidence in the world out of school was not fully appreciated by some but the fruits of such policies have been seen in today’s society. Old students are represented in all spheres of professional life and leadership.

They are fairly lonely gates one walks through. A site of buildings grown old with algae, brown iron sheets, cows and goats grazing, and further on through a canopy of trees, to a group of men taking shelter. This is Namasagali College.
In the vast compound are a few students. This was once a prestigious college that was a top choice for many students. Reverend Father Damien Grimes grew Namasagali to popularity from the late 1970s to the middle 1990s when the school fell into physical shabbiness.

But even with a grimy and pitiable picture of a less luxurious-looking pool with green water and broken wooden support thanks to good termite efforts and changing rooms with grass at least a few inches long, this is evidence that the alumni of this college had the time of their lives. The list of alumni is formed of some notable names.

But this is part of the history of the 47-year-old college that was established in 1965. James Gaira has shared and experienced 32 of these years of history during which he has served as teacher and has risen through the ranks to become the school’s second-in-command.

Different origins
“This college started out as Kamuli College at the premises now occupied by Busoga High School. Later that year the school was relocated to its present premises and renamed Namasagali College,” Gaira explains. The school gets its name from locals who in the local dialect, Lusoga, are reported to have said, “Namusa gali” (I greet the train). Therefore the school combines the two words to get Namasagali.

“The school was started by the Busoga local government and asked the Mill Hill Fathers to second someone to lead the school. Reverend Father Neville was the first head teacher of the school. He stayed for only one year and in 1966 Reverend Father Damien Grimes took over as headmaster,” grey-haired Gaira adds from the history of the school.

When the Busoga local government was split in 1986, into Jinja, Iganga and Kamuli the contribution of the local government also fell. “This decentralisation affected the financial income of the school. Fr. Grimes was requested by the board of governors to charge high fees which left most of Busoga out because they could not afford. The board then devised a system where they offered half scholarships,” Gaira adds.

Still many parents in Busoga could not afford it. During the period the school saw a bigger number of students come from Kampala. The school fees were at Shs340, 000 per students but even then the school was running broke. Namasagali was a college that created an all-round perspective on life, be it sports, entertainment, academic excellence and even in public presentation.

Swimming upstream
“This prompted Father Grimes to borrow money from three commercial banks, namely Uganda Commercial Bank, Nile Bank and Centenary Rural Development Bank. The school was financially constrained, which prompted His Worship Bishop Williecers to withdraw Fr. Grimes from the school,” the headmaster adds.

Fr. Grimes was withdrawn in 2000 the year that marked the beginning of the decline of Namasagali College. “The board requested me to pursue grant-aiding of Namasagali College from the Ministry of Education and Sports. In 2001, with the assistance of the then Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, and then area MP, Moses Kizige, the school was granted as a government-aided school,” Gaira recounts.

In the same year, 2001, Aggrey Kintu was posted to Namasagali College as the first government substantive head teacher, 36 years after the school was established.
Gaira states and Daniel Douglas Kaima agrees that Fr. Grimes grew Namasagali to fame and was largely the reason for its downfall.

“He was the headmaster and a lot more. He did not allow growing of structures. I wanted to join Namasagali College and we had to go to Nsambya at the Mill Hill Fathers home and Fr. Grimes would merely look at you and like you or not like you. That’s how he selected his students,” Mr Kaima, now headmaster at Kiira College Butiki, explains.

Down but not out
Geresom Musamali, a former teacher at Namasagali College, summarises it all, “If you know the feeling of watching fatally wounded giants steer, smile, and say, ‘We shall soon be up and bouncing about again,” then you know how I felt when recently I returned to the ruins of Namasagali College 18 years after I last taught there,” he wrote in an article in 2009.

But not all is lost. The school, which can accommodate up to 1,400 students, still has a running academic programme with 500 students enrolled, this time largely from Busoga. Efforts by old students are also in effect to revive the lost glory.

The school that partly boomed thanks to running on the National Theatre annual calendar, had a production by old students, Namasagali Students Association (NOSA), early this year. And the school’s alumni is also active online, on Facebook.

Illegal Orphanage

Poilce rescues pregnant girls from ‘baby factory’

On April 13, 2012 · In News

  www.vanguardngr.com
LAGOS (AFP) – The Nigerian police have raided an alleged illegal orphanage where they rescued young women thought to have been forced to bear children with the aim of selling them, a spokesman said Friday.
“We discovered the baby factory in Uruah local government area of the state during a raid following a tip-off,” assistant police superintendent Oyekachi Orji told AFP of the operation in southern Akwa Ibom state.
He said seven women between the ages of 18 and 20, including three who were pregnant, were freed from the home during the April 4 operation. No babies were discovered.
Three suspects including the owner, his wife and another accomplice were arrested, he said.
“The suspects usually lure young girls to get pregnant with a promise of 70,000 naira (340 euros, $445) after having their babies, which they sell to ritualists,” he said.
A number of such “factories” have been discovered Nigeria, often intending to sell children to childless couples.
Human trafficking is widespread in west Africa, where children are bought from their families to work in plantations, mines and factories or as domestic help.
Others are sold into prostitution, and less commonly they are tortured or sacrificed in black magic rituals.

EFCC AND ELUMELU

N5.2bn REA fraud: EFCC appeals Elumelu’s discharge

On April 13, 2012 · In News www.vanguardngr.com

 

By Oscarline Onwuemenyi
ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, said it had appealed against the ruling of the court which freedformer Senate Committee Chairman on Power, Senator Nicholas Ugbane, his House of Representatives counterparts, Hon. Godwin Elumelu, Hon. Jibo Mohammed, and six others over corruption and criminal breach of trust charges.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had on March 24, 2012, absolved the former legislators of complicity in the 15-count criminal charge preferred against them by the EFCC, following the alleged role they played in a N5.2 billion Rural Electrification contract scam.
The EFCC’s lawyers, according to the appeal documents obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, claimed that the trial judge, Justice M.G. Umar, erred in law when in his consideration of the 8th respondent’s motion on notice dated July 25, 2011, he held that he was unable to find a prima facie case or complaint disclosed in the proof of evidence against the respondent.
They noted: “The consideration of the question of whether or not a prima facie case has been disclosed against an accused is limited to the proof of evidence filed in support of the charge. The proof of evidence does not have to disclose absolute proof or evidence required at the trial stage; it is sufficient if a prima facie case is disclosed connecting the accused to the offence.
“Using the above-stated parameters, the proof of evidence before the court below clearly reveals a prima facie case against the 8th respondent in relation to the offences for which he was charged. The learned trial judge adopted a wrong parameter in reaching his finding – hence the error.”
Elumelu and eight other suspects were arraigned before Justice Abimbola Banjoko on a 65-count charge bordering on defrauding the government in the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, project.
They accused persons were standing trial for allegedly siphoning about N5.2 billion from the coffers of the Rural Electrification Agency domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria in the guise of paying over 65 alleged fictitious companies that were purportedly awarded contracts for Grid Extension and Solar Electricity project. The three sitting lawmakers had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ugbane, Elumelu and seven others were originally arraigned on October 30, 2009 on a 130-count charge.  The charges were separated thus:  The three lawmakers among them were originally and jointly facing a 62-count charge while the other six accused are jointly facing a 68-count charge.
The three lawmakers are: Hon. Godwin Ndidi Elumelu, Senator Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane and Hon. Jibo Mohammed. The other accused are Engr. Samuel Ibi Gekpe, Dr. Abdullahi Aliyu, Simon Kirdi Nanle, Engr. Lawrence Kayode Orekoya, Abdulsamad Garba Jahun and Barrister Kayode Oyedeji.
One of the fresh count charges reads: “that you Senator Nicolas Yahaya Ugbane, Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, and Hon. Jibo Mohammed, sometime in December 2008, in Abuja within the Abuja Judicial Division of the High court of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, while serving as the Chairman, Senate committee on power, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Power, respectively; abetted the commission of an offence, to wit: criminal breach of trust by public servants in the purported award of 4 (Nos) Solar Electrification contracts to Helping Hands International Ltd, cumulatively amounting to N119,669,654.28( One hundred and Nineteen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Nine Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty Four Naira, Twenty Eight Kobo Only) which contract were unlawfully awarded from the 2008 Amended Budget of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA); and thereby  committed an offence contrary to Section 83(b0 and punishable under Section 85 of the penal code Act Cap 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria(Abuja) 1990.”

HIV SCOURGE IN NIGERIA

70,000 babies test HIV positive annually – NACA

On April 13, 2012 · In News

  www.vanguardngr.com
ABEOKUTA – No fewer than 70,000 babies born in Nigeria every year test positive to HIV.  Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, Professor John Idoko, who disclosed this yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a courtesy call on Governor Ibikunle Amosun said the development was as a result of the inadequate utilisation of available initiatives to prevent the transmission of HIV through the mother-to-child route.
Idoko, who told the governor that the agency was ready to partner with Ogun State Government in the prevention of HIV and  AIDS and other related diseases in the state, stated that the quoted figure was a compilation of the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja.
He said: “It’s the figure we have been utilising. It was collated by the apex Ministry of Health and shows that an average of six million women get pregnant every year in Nigeria out of which 250,000 are HIV positive. If there was no intervention, these women would give birth to 50,000 – 70,000 children who would also be HIV positive.”
Lamenting the relatively high incidence of HIV transmission among pregnant women and their babies in the country, the NACA boss noted that the issue was that something drastic needed to be done to improve the coverage of the efforts aimed at eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the country.
He said: “We are responsible for 30 per cent of the global burden of newborns that are born HIV positive, mainly because women do not take up the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, PMTCT, intervention efforts. This is a development that is worrisome to us and our partners.”
“The problem is that women need to go for antenatal care to get tested and obtain the intervention, but only 40 per cent of these women go at least once, after which they do not come back once they have been tested.”
The Director-General called for the improvement of the State Action Committee on AIDS, SACA, to fight the spread of the scourge, stressing that that NACA was willing to collaborate with any agency to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria.
He appealed to government at all levels to assist the agency in strengthening the fight against HIV/AIDs and other related diseases, promising that NACA would not relent in its efforts at achieving the mandate given to it especially the elimination of mother- to-child transmission.
Earlier, the Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, expressed satisfaction with the decentralization of the activities NACA, saying it would help in touching positively the life of the masses particularly at the grassroots.
He reiterated his government’s   readiness to collaborate with other relevant stakeholders towards reducing the HIV/AIDS scourge and other related diseases in the State.

Lebanese Factories and Death Trap Machines

Worker dies operating machine in Lebanese factory

On April 12, 2012 · In News

  www.vanguardngr.com
By EVELYN USMAN
…Family prevented from seeing corpse
LAGOS—Tragedy has struck again in one of the Lebanese-owned factories in Ikotun area of Lagos, Aliberty Company, following the death of a casual worker on Tuesday, while operating a machine.
The deceased, identified as Mike Aghanenu, who scored 240 in the just- released Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB examination result, reportedly bled to death as his right arm down to his ribs were chopped off by the machine.
It was learnt that the factory workers, who had  resumed after the Easter holidays, were jolted about 11am by the scream of a supervisor, Olotu Fredrick, who had noticed an obstruction in the operation, as the machine used to grind fibre was grinding Mike’s hand instead.
Effort to save the life of the only son of his parent failed as he was reportedly confirmed dead at a hospital where he was reportedly rushed to.
Family attacks firm
However, the bereaved family members have expressed displeasure over what they described as display of “an uncultured manner’’ by management of the company in handling the issue.
The family claimed that the company did not intimate them about the tragic incident, wondering why it had to deposit their son’s body at the morgue without deeming it fit to contact them.
They also raised alarm over plans to sweep the case under the carpet, claiming that they were prevented from seeing the corpse by some plain- clothes policemen.
Father laments
According to father of the deceased, Mr Aghanenu, “As I speak, (12 noon Wednesday), we have not been briefed on the exact circumstance that led to my son’s death. We heard yesterday evening and rushed to the Isolo General Hospital mortuary, where we were told that his body was deposited. Can you imagine that we were prevented from seeing my own son’s corpse?”
When Vanguard visited the company, yesterday,  a police van was stationed opposite the premises with armed policemen, apparently to check any likely protest that could turn violent. Members of the bereaved family were also seen, awaiting the arrival of management of the company.
It, however, took close to two hours before a woman, who claimed to be the company’s spokesperson came out to attend to journalists and the bereaved family.
Asked what transpired, she referred Vanguard to the Police at Ikotun,   saying she was not in the position to explain. Her utterances sparked up the already tensed situation, as members of the family engaged her in a verbal confrontation.
The arrival of the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of Ikotun, Mr. Austin  Akika, at the company, saved the situation from turning violent, as he calmed the enraged family.
Contacted, Lagos State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Joseph Jaiyeoba, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident, adding that the police could not prevent the bereaved family from seeing the corpse of their son.
He argued that those who claimed to be policemen at the morgue could be impostors.

D'banj and Hackers

D’banj accuses hackers of changing Twitter handle

On April 12, 2012 · In Music

 www.vanguardngr.com
By Charles Mgbolu
Just like a pacy plot in suspense novel with it’s endless twists and turns, the gist following the departure of D’banj from the Mo’Hits family doesn’t look to be coming to an end soon.
Venessa Amadi; D’Banj’s spokeswoman has issued a brief statement that accuses hackers of changing the name on the pop star’s Twitter handle causing outrage amongst die hard fans of the singer.

D'banj

His tweeter handle had gone from Dapo D’banj Oyebanjo @iamdbanj Good music/Mo hits!!!DKM.Number 1 Entertainer. world wide. http://www.mohits records.com to Daniel D’banj Banjo @iamdbanj DB/GoodMusic/IDJ world wide.
D’banj had been accused by fans of further attempting to extradite himself from every known links he may still have with the Mo’hits family hopefully to acclimatise himself more with the American music market.
Vennesa in the statement wrote “Over the past few weeks Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo aka D’Banj has experienced a series of vicious hacks on several of his social networking sites including his Facebook page and more recently, his Twitter of which his account name was wrongfully changed.
Unfortunately the hackers managed to carry out a number of hurtful, damaging activities directly aimed to deceive D’Banj’s fans with false information.
With the help of the security teams at both Twitter and Facebook, we have managed to regain full control of the said sites which are currently being operated personally by D’Banj.
Fans can continue to interact with D’Banj at his official Twitter handle @IamDbanj and his official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DBanj. Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo is known and celebrated worldwide for his originality and distinctive sound and is committed to staying true to that foundation.
D’Banj apologies for any inconvenience caused by the hacking and thanks his beloved fans for their continued support.”
However, many who have seen this brief are taking it with a pinch of salt. After the ‘battle’ by Twitter’s security teams to salvage his page, D’banj’s Twitter handle was not returned to the original version. His new Twitter handle now reads D’banj Kokomaster @iamdbanj DB/GoodMusic/IDJ world wide

Nigeria Going Broke?

Okonjo-Iweala raises alarm over depleting Excess Crude Account

On April 13, 2012 · In News

 www.vanguardngr.com
By Emma Ujah,Bureau Chief, & Mitaire Ikpen
ABUJA – Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, yesterday raised alarm over the depletion of the Excess Crude Account, which stands at a mere $ 3.6 billion.
Speaking at the first civil society forum organized by her ministry to acquaint civil society groups with the Jonathan transformational agenda, Okonjo-Iweala also appealed to state governors challenging the constitutionality of the Sovereign Wealth Fund to have a re-think, noting that the Fund is critical to national survival given Nigeria’s mono-economic status.
According to her, the nation could go broke in the next few years if it does not initiate savings from oil proceeds while lamenting that the Excess Crude account which has depleted to $3.6bn cannot sustain the nation in the event of an economic crisis.

“Should the price of oil drop we have no question. The $3.6bn in the excess crude account is not enough to sustain Nigeria for any period of time. Now that the price of oil is high we should be happy but because the quantity we produce as a country has dropped, we are not selling expected quantities so not much money is coming in. We are selling below budgeted quantities”.
She also disclosed that the Sovereign Wealth Fund which was created from the excess crude account could have been launched with more than $1bn but for stiff opposition from state governors who only sanctioned its creation with a capital of $1bn.
She allayed fears among state governors and Nigerians that $1bn-capital Sovereign Wealth Fund would be mismanaged by the Federal Government, pointing out that the Sovereign Wealth Act which establishes the Fund adequately provides for accountability in its management.
The Minister noted that fiscal federalism has created problems for the management of the Nigerian economy, saying “Nigeria, because of fiscal federalism cannot save. The constitution says the President should manage the economy for the benefit of everybody. The decision to save is also part of the management of the economy for the benefit of the people of Nigeria. Every state can save but the Federal Government can save for all Nigerians. The governors can insist on accountability in the management of the SWF as a guarantee against their apprehension.
“It is difficult getting governors to agree to $1bn savings for the SWF. We had the state governors saying they can only allow $1bn. Now they say it is illegal and the country is not able to save. In the excess crude account today we have left only about $3.6bn. Should the oil price drop today we have no cushion because $3.6bn for this economy is not enough to take us to any length of time.”
“The fear is that the Federal Government is dipping hands into these accounts but it is not true. We can tell you at any point in time how much is in what account. So there should be no fear that these monies would disappear.”
According to the minister, the Nigerian economy is being affected by developments in the global community that depends, especially as the nation’s only main foreign exchange earner, oil, is consumed mainly in Europe and America, regions that now face severe economic problems.
“There is no money stacked up anywhere, which is why I am pushing for savings in case the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) does not sell crude oil or cannot remit money as is being experienced in recent times.  60 per cent of our money and products comes from and goes to Europe and USA, if they are not doing well we suffer too. Unemployment in the USA is at a crisis level same as in Europe.
“That product determines how the economy grows and the nation’s expenditure fluctuates with revenue, such volatile pattern of development crashes the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). To make expenditure smooth necessitated budget benchmarking,” she said.
Giving an insight into why she supported the controversial fuel subsidy removal at the beginning of the year, the finance minister said it was economic suicide for government to subsidize products that are laundered to neighboring countries at the detriment of developing critical national infrastructure.
She admitted that had the government taken time to explain the subsidy removal to Nigerians, the policy could have attracted support instead of disdain.
She however regretted that the petroleum subsidy was not removed before she resumed as finance minister, hence she was labeled as the proponent by Nigerians.
“I prayed for subsidy to be phased out before I came back otherwise it would be said that Okonjo-Iweala is the propagator and proponent of subsidy and that is exactly what happened. Of course I subscribed to the subsidy phase-out, make no mistake and I will tell you why.
By the time I got back I spoke with DG Budget that we were up to N1.3 trillion in (subsidy) payments and we were alarmed because this amount kept mounting. Now in finance we don’t know how much is consumed but we know how much is imported and it is against that that we disbursed after the accountants have checked and certified to us that the invoices are valid.
“So we did what any finance Ministry in any country would d and that is what we discussed with Mr. President. Now why it was on that day we cannot debate that but the essence of what happened is that the president was trying not to play into the hands of corrupt people and ship more of our resources into their hands.
And that was really it, we didn’t explain ourselves well the way we should have maybe, and not long enough but that really was the crux of the matter and it still faces us today because we are still paying that subsidy partially.”

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Jama atu Ahl-Sunnati Lil Da awati Wal Jihad threatens The President of The federal Republic of Nigeria

Boko Haram threatens Jonathan

On April 13, 2012 · In Headlines

 www.vanguardngr.com
BY EMEKA MAMAH & SAM EYOBOKA with Agency reports
KANO – Islamist sect, Boko Haram, has threatened to bring down the Federal Government led by President Goodluck Jonathan within three months. Purported leader of the sect said this in his second video posted on the Internet yesterday.
The 14 minutes, two seconds video of Abubakar Shekau seen on YouTube was in response to Jonathan’s comments while in South Korea, about two weeks ago, that the Boko Haram phenomenon would be under control by the middle of this year.

The sect’s threat came even as police yesterday confirmed that the death toll from an attack by unknown gunmen suspected to be members of the Islamist group on a town along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon has risen to no fewer than 10. Boko Haram’s attacks have left over 1,000 people dead since mid-2009. Apart from the latest attack in Borno, about 46 people died following bomb attack on residents of Kaduna on Easter day.
Christians from the 17 Southern states of the country had at an extraordinary meeting in Lagos on Wednesday appealed to the Northern elite, including religious leaders and politicians to rise to the challenges of insecurity which is capable of breaking up the country.
See video here
“You, Jonathan, cannot stop us; instead we will devour you in the three months like you are boasting,” Shekau said in the video entitled “Message to Goodluck Jonathan”. He was flanked by four masked men holding rifles as he spoke.
“We are proud soldiers of Allah; we will never give up as we fight the infidels. We will emerge as winners … we will finish you and end your government,” Shekau said in Arabic and the Hausa languages.
Boko Haram, has killed hundreds in bomb and gun attacks in northern Nigeria and around the capital Abuja this year.

Threat to President Jonathan

In the new video, Boko Haram otherwise known as the Jama’atu Ahl-Sunnati Lil Da’awati Wal Jihad stated that President Goodluck Jonathan cannot end its insurgency in June as publicly stated.
Sheik Abubakar Imam Shekau the leader of the group also said that the Nigerian security agencies cannot take down the sect by June 2012 as earlier promised by Jonathan.  The sect leader appeared agitated throughout the video recording.
In the preamble of the message, Shekau vowed that it must destroy Christians and Christianity in Nigeria particularly those killing Muslims in Nigeria just as it said it will also kill all Muslims aiding the arrest and harassment of its members.
Shekau further said: “If death is your worldly gain, for us, it is eternal victory to die working for Allah. Our joy is to die in Jihad for Allah against infidels like you…
“We are also aware of some Muslims using our name to make money, we will say nothing but let them continue, and they will meet Allah in the last day.
“We are not doing physical human service, but Allah’s work and it is clear your aim is killing us. Let me tell you with Allah we will triumph over you and your men in hundreds. We are not boasting.
“Allah that finished Pharaoh and other wicked rulers that you are not up to, will finish you and end your government. We are not afraid because we are not doing man’s work but Allah’s work. And we will see who will carry the day.”
Suspected Boko Haram members burnt down immigration and customs posts in the town of Banki in Borno state Tuesday night, and also tried to set fire to a police station where officers repelled them.
An Army spokesman earlier confirmed five people, including one customs and an immigration officer killed.
Borno State police Commissioner Bala Hassan told the international media yesterday  that five suspected Boko Haram members were also killed during a shootout when they attempted to attack the police station.
”The attackers tried to burn down the Banki police station during the attack but the police repelled them and killed five gunmen in the shootout.
”We recovered two AK47 rifles with 12 rounds of ammunition and a car used by the attackers,” he said.
Banki has a popular market patronised by traders from Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad.
However, criminal gangs have also carried out robberies and assaults under the guise of Boko Haram.
The Federal Government, Tuesday, flagged off the building of some Almajiri Boarding Primary Schools in some states across the North in an attempt to appease the Boko Haram sect but a Kaduna-based rights activist, Shehu Sani dismissed the idea, describing them as ‘’white elephant projects.’’
Meanwhile, rising from their emergency meeting in Lagos Wednesday, southern Christian leaders urged northern leaders to curtail the alleged excesses of adherents of the Islamic sect.
In a 10-point communiqué at the end of its inaugural meeting at the Bola Memorial Anglican Church, Ikeja,  the Christian leaders agreed to establish a group to be known as “Southern CAN”, asking the Northern leaders to save the nation from imminent collapse by helping to curtail the activities of  Boko Haram.
The communique signed by the chairman, vice chairman and secretary of the group, Anglican Primate, Nicholas Okoh; Archbishop George Amu and Apostle Joseph Ajujungwa respectively also urged President Jonathan to remain steadfast and resolute in delivering his election promises to Nigerians.
The interdenominational Southern CAN, which would now serve as a rallying point for Christians in the 17 southern states condemned the incessant bombings and blood letting in different parts of Northern Nigeria and urged the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to find an end to the menace.
They also pledged the unalloyed loyalty of the group to the leadership of the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria,CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and “enjoined all Christians to do same and always speak with one voice.

Helpfull Tips on Income Diversification

Diversify your income

On July 23, 2011 · In Fashion Flair

 By IFY MBUK
Budgets and penny-pinching are all well and good, but if you’re looking to give your income a serious lift, there is no substitute for entrepreneurial grit.
Many turn talent and expertise into a second source of income, providing consulting services on the side, for example, while maintaining their full-time jobs. Others put more skin in the game, making major investments to start local franchise operations or purchase rental property in pursuit of passive income.
But all who call themselves successful share similar character traits: a rock-solid work ethic and a willingness to roll up their sleeves. If you count yourself among them, the following money-making opportunities might help give you the raise you deserve.
Share knowledge for profits
The obvious first step is to use what you know to create part-time gigs you can do on nights and weekends. Speak a second language? Offer classes at your local library or community center.
Are you good at math? Start tutoring, which can command up to N2000 per hour for specific aptitude tests. Start a home decorating service, become a fly-fishing guide, offer workshops on creative writing, cake decorating, wedding photography — the opportunities are limitless and those who differentiate themselves can generate an extra N100,000 per month.
You can double that figure if you’re handy with computers. IT consultants charge a lot per hour or more, while Web designers charge anywhere from N50,000 to several thousand naira to create company Web sites.
Franchise to freedom
You could also make a bundle by buying a franchise, in which you pay for the right to use a company’s trademark and name. That includes food chains, health clubs, hair care studios, cleaning services and financial support service firms.
Typically, the franchisor provides startup expertise, marketing strategies, management guidance, financial assistance and training — making it easy to hit the ground running. But most also require minimum cash on hand to even start the discussion — which can come from savings, home equity, or stock portfolios.
Investment to establish a restaurant ranges from N5million to N15million depending on the size and location. This can come from cash and business loans. Some franchises, including Fast food chains, even cater to the home-based crowd.
Just be sure to do your homework before signing on and find a product you can sell. It’s hardly a sure thing, but successful franchisees can easily clear six figures a year.
Drive for money
A less conventional, but potentially lucrative way to generate extra cash is to drive recreational and specialty vehicles to the dealerships where they’re sold — including school buses, RVs, Buses, armored vehicles and ambulances, which don’t fit on the back of car carriers.
Most manufacturers that hire drivers require a commercial driver’s license, which requires a small investment of time and money on your part. Full-time drivers can earn upward of N50,000.. The job is particularly well-suited to students and teachers during holidays, as well as retirees.
Find a roomate
If you live alone, you might consider renting out your spare bedroom or basement. Depending on where you live and the amenities in your home, you could bring in extra cash monthly without lifting a finger.
Just be sure to screen your candidates carefully. Do a criminal-background check. Get referrals from prior landlords, and independently confirm their employment.
Create passive income
To truly attain financial freedom, you’ll have to pursue passive sources of income, meaning investments that generate wealth with little ongoing involvement from you. Examples include publishing royalties, profit from business partnerships, dividends from equities and rental income.
Purchasing a rental property requires a significant upfront investment, but the potential payoff is huge. Focus on buying several multifamily units rather than one single-family home. And don’t forget, you have someone else helping you pay off an appreciating asset.
Public Speaking
Afraid of public speaking? You’d better get over it, and fast. Those able to draw a crowd, like best-selling authors, politicians and celebrities, can command N500,000, N2,000,000 — even more per engagement.
Without the benefit of notoriety, however, the rest of us are more likely to fetch from N50,0 00 to N200,000 per gig — but only if you bring something fresh to the table. (You may also have to start off speaking for free.) Troll your areas of expertise for subject matter and start organizing your message. And don’t limit yourself to financial workshops or motivation lectures.
In today’s economy where job security is uncertain, the importance of diversifying your income cannot be overstated. Some business ventures, however, have a bigger potential payoff than others. Your available assets and appetite for risk will determine which course of action is right for you.
Email:yfyservices@yahoo.com

Beautiful Steph

Stephanie Okereke confirms wedding date?

On April 7, 2012 · In Home Video People

  www.vanguardngr.com
Nollywood actress Stephanie Okereke may have confirmed that on Saturday, April 21, 2012, she will  walking down the aisle with her fiancee and business partner Linus Idahosa.
The news was confirmed by her publicist in a statement sent to newsmen.

*Stephanie Okereke

‘It is with great pleasure that I can tell you that Stephanie has indeed set a date for her wedding on  April 21, 2012. We will not be sending out any official release with details as this is a private event that is very special to the couple. As always, I will keep you up to date on all things Stephanie. Thank you again for your continued support of Stephanie Okereke’, the statement read.
Recently, speculations regarding her marriage have been the talk of the town. In an interview she granted in February, the actress debunked a story claiming she was getting married that month, and discussed the annulment of her previous marriage to Chikelue Iloanusi, the Super Eagles player.

Teju and Beautiful Women

I’m moved by beautiful women -Teju Babyface

On April 7, 2012 · In Cultivated Man, Entertainment

  www.vanguardngr.com 
Ace comedian, Teju Babyface who recently got engaged to his fiancee, Tobi Banjoko, is one of the few successful comedians in Nigeria.
Sitting atop his popular TV comedy show, The Teju Babyface Show, Teju draws old and young both inside and outside the entertainment industry to his platform, making his show rank as one of the nerve relaxing shows on TV.
Here in this chat with OPEOLUWANI AKINTAYO, Teju talks about growing up, school, comedy, his kind of woman, church and many more.
What was growing up like for you?
It was good. I grew up in a Lagos where my parents were used to host and attend all night parties
Were they entertainers?
No. But it was a norm in those days that if you organize a party and there isn’t a night party then, the event isn’t complete yet. In fact, it got to a point in the early 90s and that people would specifically write on their invitation cards that “no night party”. So, it was fun growing up.
What were those things you did while growing up that gave an insight into what you’re into today?
I used to talk alot. And no matter what my position was in class at the end of the term, if the word talkative was written on my report card, I’d be in trouble with my father.

Tobi Banjoko and Teju

I can imagine you being the shortest among your mates at that time
Why would you imagine that?
Because for your stature to be this small at this age then, you would be smaller at that time and you mates would tease you with it
Ironically, I was like all of my mates. I wasn’t shorter or in any way the shortest. You wouldn’t have been able to pick me out as being disadvantaged among my peers. It’s just that I just stopped growing at one point- I think around age sixteen.
Were you still in secondary school then?
I was already out of secondary school. Even in secondary school, I was average with my mates and there were the smaller guys. The irony of it is that a lot of those small guys ended up growing bigger than some of us. And those of who were average ended up being the way we were. So I wasn’t short I had nothing to cope with unlike Akeem Abayomi and Yemi Kukoluyi and a few other guys.
Does comedy run in your family too?
I don’t really talk. My being a talkative as a child was as a result of me trying to find a medium of expression for myself. But I think I took after my father because he talks a lot.
What stood you out during your university days?
I joined the theater while in school but then, I was in a movie, Diamond Ring. Eventually, I also started doing comedy. So those stood me out in school.
How challenging was it combining academics with those extra activities?
It was that challenging that I had an extra year.
How did it happen?
I had an extra year because I wasn’t attending classes and wasn’t doing my assignments. At the end of the day, I had an extra year and had to keep pushing it until I graduated.

Teju Babyface

And how did you feel when you realized your colleagues left you behind in school?
I didn’t feel anything. Okay sincerely, I felt bad and my parents, especially my father kept lamenting about it till the day he died.

You studied Insurance but ended up doing comedy. Why that decision?
Well, the idea was to get a job and do what normal people do but it didn’t turn out that way
Was it that you couldn’t get a job or that you didn’t look for one?
I never looked for a job
And what was your father’s reaction to that?
Things worked out themselves in a funny way because I started doing comedy right from school. And I also had an extra year. So during that time I was using it to focus more on comedy because I couldn’t look for a job because I wasn’t a graduate. After graduating, I went for my NYSC. As I was waiting for all that to happen, I was already into comedy and making more money that those doing white collar jobs. So there was no need to go look for your job.
Your show, Teju Babyface show, it’s quite distinct from all others because you’ve brought more celebrities even outside the entertainment industry on it. When did that idea come to you?
I’ve always loved the Johny Carson show. So it was the combination of many things. So I wanted something like his show, something that ‘ll give me a platform and stand me out. So that was how it started.
How easy was it getting sponsors for the show?
It’s not so easy and we’ve not got many sponsors as such because we’ve not yet broken even as we would have loved to.
Do you mean you run the show with your own money?
Initially, yes. And even now, 40% of the money is mine. That’s why I said we haven’t broken even yet, we’re still running at a loss. But quality are quality jobs. When you do something that’s worth people’s time, they’ll watch you. For now we have partners. So we hope to work more so that we would get more sponsors to fund the whole of the programme.
These days, you don’t do stand up comedy again. Why?
I do it once in a while for my friends and to support other upcoming comedians. But it’s not just in the primary part of my vision and nobody is a career standup  comedian anymore.

But you started with it
of course. It’s a means to an end and not the end itself.
The society has given you much and they expect much in return. What’s your plan?
I think it’s God that has given me much and I owe him much. Maybe the society should expect much from the politicians who have taken much.
What I’m saying is that you are now blessed and well known. How do you hope to help others?
The issue isn’t about me being popular. There are people who are well known but I don’t want to be like them.
Who and who?
I can’t mention their names. God has given me opportunities and even if he’s blessed me, I don’t see it in terms of material possession. I can only give back to humanity by pursuing those things God asked me to pursue.
Like what?
You can’t claim you have a vision and the vision isn’t about touching other people’s lives. And that’s what I’m doing right now, bringing happiness into other people’s lives.
But when it comes to giving back to the society in terms of material things, for me, it’s neither here nor there. You can steal all the money you want as a politician and build schools everywhere- does that justify your criminal act? But in pursuing your destiny and you bring happiness to people, I think that’s enough.
What if a hungry person comes to you for help. Does that mean you can’t give?
You don’t have to be led by the society to do that. It’s what everybody does every day and I don’t have to feel that I owe someone a debt before doing that.
So since you became popular, what has changed about you?
Nothing has changed about me.
There must be things you enjoyed doing but can’t do anymore because of your new status
In the past, I like to urinate by the bush whenever I’m traveling. But now, before I do that, I’ll make sure the doors are covering me so that no one suddenly comes and take a snap shot of me while urinating. I also used to go to bukas where I’d hold out my plate and would stand on the cue to buy food. But now, I  still visit bukas but I can no longer hold out plates and stand on the cue. What I do is to go there with someone who would do that for me and then I sit and eat inside the canteen.
 Are you sure you still visit buka?
Those who know me well know I still do. I don’t feel like a celebrity because I still have a long way to go in achieving my dreams. So I don’t allow my present little status to affect my life. We intend to establish the biggest entertainment outfit in Nigeria- it’s going to be anything entertainment.
You’re getting fatter. What’s the secret?
I don’t think so because I can’t see that I’ve added weight. I still wear the same clothe size. It was just this morning that I was telling my fiancee that I would give out a suit because it was too big for me. I used to weigh 77 as at last year but now I’ve dropped to 74.
Entertainers are known to like ladies a lot. What attracts you in a lady?
I like beautiful woman because I’m moved by beauty and I have been fortunate to have made acquaintances with many of them. However, I find out that after being attracted to you, there must be a level of corresponding beauty inside you. I like a woman who can roll with the punches. I like a patient woman. I don’t like women who are contentious and easily jump into conclusion.
Is that what attracted you to your fiancee?
I like that she is beautiful. She encapsulates a regal and doesn’t shrink under pressure
Do you mean she had other lady contenders who wanted you?
If you’re a man and you have four women you want to chose from, it means you haven’t got it right yet.  The thing is to find that one person with whom you agree on most issues of life. And when you find that one person, you’ll be he most happiest man.
Was she one of your fans?
No she wasn’t.
So it means you met her on a neutral ground?
Yes. We met at several functions but at that time, we didn’t see each other as such because we were both in different relationships. But later when those relationships broke up, I met her again, she was single and I was single. So we started dating.
Did she prove hard to get?
I’m usually lucky not to come in contact with ladies who prove hard to get. So she didn’t give me any stress. We became friends and things worked out naturally. Later on, I proposed to her and she said yes.
You talk much about God, do you go to church?
Yes I do
Which church do you attend?
I attend House Day Star Christian Center.
A lot of celebrities attend that church. How do you cope whenever you attend church services with all those beautiful ladies there?
Are you sure there are many beautiful ladies there? Well, I sit several rolls behind the pastors. It’s not a special sit- it’s in the congregation. In fact, I sit in on of the last chairs beside the entrance. So on that roll, you don’t find a lot of single beautiful ladies there. In fact, I don’t go there to look at them.
Why?
Besides, my church going habit is different from what you’re used to. I enter the service at the middle of the service and walk straight to my seat. Then at the end of the service when everyone is leaving, I make sure I sit there till the middle of the next service. Then I leave at the middle of the next service so I never get to see if there are beautiful ladies there or not.