₦airaland Forum

Bonnie and Clyde, lovers and criminals who traveled the Central United States during the Great Depression were not considered as romantic back then as they are today.

Their gang was responsible for at least nine police officer and several civilian deaths.

It is unsure how the couple met but it is thought that it was love at a first sight.

When Bonnie and Clyde met (probably in 1930), the latter already had a criminal record but that obviously did not bother Bonnie.

She decided to join him in his criminal undertakings and stayed with him until the very end.

Clyde was suspected of numerous killings and was wanted for murder, robbery, and state charges of kidnapping, according to the FBI.

They were ambushed by the police in Bienville Parish, Louisiana in 1934 and killed, after one of the most colorful and spectacular manhunts the nation had seen up to that time.

The couple wanted to be buried together but Bonnie’s family did not allow it.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/facts-about-bonnie-and-clyde/

Research Title:
The Impact of Leadership and Management on Organizational Performance: A Study of Manufacturing Companies in Lagos State

Abstract

Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) are the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy. Despite the age-long dependence on proceeds from the oil and gas sector, SMEs provide a feasible alternative to the nation’s economic diversification objectives buoyed by continuous fluctuations in global oil prices. However, manufacturing industries in Nigeria contribute over 60% of total SME earnings per year—with huge untapped potentials—and GDP contributions that have been fairly consistent in the last decade. This study examines the impact of poor leadership on employees’ personal and professional development and how this relationship affects organizational performance among industries in the manufacturing sector in Nigeria (Jordan et al., 2019). Data used in this study will be collected via semi-structured questionnaires distributed among 670 research participants who are employees of 10 manufacturing companies, including BAGCO Group, Unilever Nigeria, Nampak Metals, Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc and Dangote Group, among others, located in Lagos State, Nigeria. Responses from the participants will be analysed using a mix of product moment correlation, descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and Z-test (with approximations from independent samples t-test). Results from the study show a statistically-proven relationship between leadership/management failure and neglect of employees’ personal and professional growth. Implication for this study include the need for regular training programs to improve employee productivity. 

Introduction

The manufacturing sector in Nigeria is evolving as a crucial sub-sector that fosters economic growth (Bamidele., 2019). It is a key factor in the successful transformation of global economies (Afolabi., 2018). As a tool for modernization and economic development, it provides employment opportunities to Nigerians and foreign expats—with positive spill-over effects on different sectors of the economy—but there is scarcity of information on how industry managers view employee training and whether poor leadership is responsible for the failure of SMEs in the manufacturing sector (Audretsch et al., 2015a; Ham et al., 2019). This study therefore focuses on selected manufacturing firms in Lagos.
The Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry has grown impressively since its formation with only 14 members in 1888. The non-profit making organization was established to promote and protect trade relations within Nigeria’s business environment as well as to provide a platform where matters affecting the business community (in Lagos metropolis, Lagos Port Complex and Lagos State) can be deliberated and opinions expressed (Alvarez & Barney., 2014). According to a 2019 report from the Chamber, there are over 2,000 fully-registered members making significant contributions in the economic growth of Lagos State in particular and Nigeria in general. The organization’s vision is to provide a model that supports delivery of quality services and sound business ethics among players in the industry. But how companies in the manufacturing sector have adopted good corporate culture that promotes employee training—for personal and professional growth—is a matter of serious concern due to the implications of poor leadership to business management (Amirkhani & Reza., 2015).
According to a 2019 report from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), GDP contribution from the manufacturing sector increased to ₦1,616,584.66m in the third quarter (Q3) of 2019 from ₦1,537,522.17m in the second quarter (Q2) of 2019. The average GDP performance of manufacturing firms in Nigeria between 2010 and 2019 is ₦1,421,794.24m, with an all-time high of ₦1,718,985.30m documented in Q3 2014. The lowest GDP contribution totalling ₦875,408.17m in Q1 2010.

Figure 1: GDP Contributions from the Nigerian Manufacturing Sector

Source: NBS (2019)

Capacity utilization in the manufacturing sector currently stands above 55% and there is ample room for development. Unfortunately, oil and gas companies still get the bulk of foreign direct investment (FDI) and managers in the manufacturing sector attribute neglect of employee training to poor funding (Gnizy., 2019). Moreover, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act of 1995 allows foreign ownership of companies in every sector of the economy except oil and gas—a privilege which has been criticized for favouring foreign expats, with insufficient investment on training programs for indigenous workers. These factors will be analysed in this study using reliable analytical frameworks.

Justification (Academic and Applied)

The Nigerian government adopts limited interference in private sector business, for example, through company ownership. But there are regulations and incentives that encourage entrepreneurship such as tax havens which benefit companies producing for local consumption and exports. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), thus, provides foreign companies with better exchange rate when the owners are injecting new equity into their production projects—particularly those sourcing for raw materials within the country, others implementing programs that support food production (Adeyemo et al., 2010), or the machine tools-producing companies which have multiplier effects Adepoju & Oyewole., 2013). Other incentives include agricultural credit schemes and free access to capital loans from the Bank of Industry (BOI), CBN etc. These efforts from the government aim at increasing productivity levels with direct influence on GDP growth. This objective, however, depends solely on employees’ level of competence, commitment to organizational goals, and inclusion in the decision-making process—and of which are considered “dependent variables” in this study (Aparicio., 2016). Unfortunately, most managers in the manufacturing sector are ignorant of the central role of employee training for personal and professional growth—as an independent variable—and this is a major reason for leadership failure among SMEs (Audretsch et al., 2015a).
Further, on the academic justification for this study, employee training is every manager’s job and an obligation that should not be neglected (Bell et al., 2017). This research will therefore explore to an extent the leadership failure in promoting employees personal and professional development (Appiah-Adu & Amoako., 2016). In essence, the training needs analysis of manufacturing companies in Lagos State, Nigeria will be investigated, with focus on how managers handle internal business processes, communication channels with customers and stakeholders, as well as maximize opportunities from the external environment such as governmental business support (Asante & Affum-Osei., 2019). This will add to the existing pool of academic knowledge and enhance understanding of the factors responsible for leadership failures and neglect of employee training among manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Practically, the research will expose areas of interest in the external environment where managers should look for help in order to understand constraining factors to innovative leadership (Audretsch et al., 2015a). Findings from the research will examine whether formal training is the most reliable learning method for developing new skills required in professional and personal development—in contrast to the traditional culture of profit-making embraced by SME owners as the only approach to business sustainability (Anthony., 2019).

Aim of the Research
The aim of this study is to investigate leadership/management failure within manufacturing companies in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Objectives of the Research
The objectives of this research are:
a) To review existing literature on the effects of leadership and management in organizational growth.
b) To ascertain the current business environment in Lagos State manufacturing sector.
c) To examine the achievements and challenges of leadership in Lagos State manufacturing sector.
d) To analyse contributions of the manufacturing sector to Nigeria’s economic development.
e) What are the opportunities for growth are available to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector?
f) To proffer effective solutions to problems hampering growth of the manufacturing sector in Lagos State.

Research Questions
Based on the aim and objectives outlined above, the main research question is: “How does leadership influence organizational performance?”
Having stated the main research question, other sub-questioned linked to the study are:
i) How does management/leadership influence organizational performance?
ii) What is the current situation of Lagos State manufacturing sector?
iii) What are the achievements and challenges of leadership in Lagos State manufacturing sector?
iv) What is the role of manufacturing industries in economic development?
v) What are the opportunities in local and international manufacturing business?
vi) What are the strategic solutions to transform business in the manufacturing sector?

Delimitation of the Study
This research concentrates on the correlation between poor leadership performance and neglect of employee training among manufacturing firms located in the southwest part of Nigeria, specifically Lagos State. The manufacturing sector was chosen because of its potential, relevance and strategic position in Nigeria’s actualization of the 2030 economic diversification objectives. The study sample is randomly selected from manufacturing companies located in Lagos metropolis only—because, as the commercial hub of Nigeria, Lagos city is saturated with the highest number of top-performing industries. Additionally, over 60 percent of manufacturing companies in Nigeria have their headquarters located in Lagos State. These factors therefore make Lagos the most suitable place for this research.

Literature review
Innovative managers understand the consequences of neglecting employee training. Thus, forward-looking organizations always involve workers in the decision-making process, especially on important matters that affect welfare, job security, and effective performance of duties. This new approach to organizational management is in contrast with the traditional “Command and Control” idea which views workers as a tool for creating profits. According to Kingir and Mesci (2010) and Harvey et al (2018), employers must encourage creativity in staff members in order to enforce change of attitude at work and good citizenship behaviours. Conlon (2014) adds that this objective is best achieved with new, improved managerial approaches that encourage investments in human capital development.

Further, Muhumuza and Nangoli (2019) described innovative and successful managers are those who provide the needed direction for their employees to improve productivity levels. Elaborating on the effectiveness of leadership and organizational performance, Asante and Affum-Osei (2019) argued that a lot depends on managers’ ability to engage in the painstaking-but-rewarding challenge of identifying and developing talents. Audretsch et al (2015) agreed on this managerial task of personnel development.

However, findings show that nearly 50% of SME owners in Nigeria neglect the crucial nature of staff development whereas more than 60% survey participants feel that their bosses do not care about their personal and professional growth (Jordan et al., 2019). According to Taiwo and Falohun (2016), this is more so because top management often consider investments in human capital development as a waste of scarce resources (Muhumuza & Nangoli., 2019). This negligence of managerial responsibility leads to loss of motivation and absenteeism which, in turn, decreases workers’ productivity levels (Na-Nan & Sanamthong., 2019). It is, thus, a truism that “employees don’t quit their jobs, they quit their managers” (Audretsch et al., 2015b). Withorn et al (2019) opined that proper on-the-job training attracts and retains talents. Korthagen (2017), however, delved further into employee retention and found that workers’ resignation or low performance hinges on the following:
• Managers don’t encourage creativity.
• Manage don’t provide an enabling environment that allows workers to pursue their passions.
• Jobs are monotonous, with no intellectual challenges that lead to personal development (Jordan et al., 2019).

Accordingly, the researcher suggested that employees must be respected as the most vital part of an organization, noting that those reasons for which they were initially hired should not be taken for granted. Increasing investment on human capacity development therefore motivates workers—and more so when they understand the management’s interest in employees’ personal and professional growth (Parker et al., 2017). Imoughele and Ismaila (2018) agreed that the time and cost of training workers exceed the financial consequence of neglecting developmental training, which is a major managerial responsibility recognized by innovative organizations (Jordan et al., 2019).

Boso et al (2012) noted that professional development is relevant for the workers themselves, for the organizations, and, in a more macro view, also for the countries. Research in the field shows that professional development is directly related to the day-to-day activities of workers and should be part of a broader process of continuous learning, which results both from formal and informal learning actions (Parker et al, 2017; Korthangen, 2017). The debate proposed for this chapter considers that professional development is more directly related to the combination of cognitive, affective, and behavioural processes that involve learning than the specific results of certain formal or informal learning actions (Larsson & Eid., 2012). Thus, the research will utilize the conceptual model and discuss how the relations established with the leadership in the work environment can influence the professional development of the subordinates besides the type of learning provided to the workers. This discussion can shift the focus of research which currently orbit learning modes to leadership practices for skills development and the consequent career progression of subordinates (Bayraktar et al., 2017).

Additionally, beyond understanding what leadership style can be most effective for the professional development of subordinates (Anthony., 2019), it is also important to know how leaders can contribute to improve this development process (Boohene & Agyapong., 2017). Considering that professional development depends essentially on formal and informal actions of learning at work, it is important that the concept of learning and its models and employed, according to Conlon (2014).

Finally, and in addition to formal workplace education, the leaders also can stimulate the informal learning with actions that are non-systematized, spontaneous, and natural (Larsson & Eid., 2012; Muhumuza & Nangoli., 2019)). Literature in the area of learning in organizations supports the theoretical premise that the psychosocial support of peers and bosses to the use of new skills and innovation in individuals’ work routines is an important variable to support natural learning in organizations (Boso et al., 2012; Gentilviso & Aikat., 2019). In this sense, leaders can foster a learning culture as a gradual, cumulative, and ongoing process with structured learning experiences (Parker et al., 2017).

Methodology
A thorough analysis of the relationship between leadership/management failure and organizational growth in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector requires a cross-sectional survey design which entails collating of data from a defined sample population (Bruton et al., 2008). The primary data will be examined using a qualitative approach. According to Bordens and Abbott (2002), use of this survey method is considered appropriate due to its conformity with correlational research approach that enables fail-proof prediction of human behaviour. In addition, this research method is necessary while analysing the relationship between variables (Ham et al., 2019). Responses sought from employees in the manufacturing sector include: leadership styles adopted by managers; benefits of employee training and support; consequences of poor leadership; managerial strategies that improve workers’ performance; the impact of workers’ involvement in the decision-making process etc (Bayraktar et al., 2017).

The population sample for this study comprised of 670 employees in Lagos-based manufacturing companies. Considering that over 45% of about 5,000 manufacturing firms in Nigeria are located in Lagos State, the metropolis is considered a near-perfect representation of manufacturing companies within Nigeria. This is the researcher’s justification for choosing Lagos State.

A semi-structured questionnaire will be distributed to research participants with the help of field research assistants or via email. Manufacturing companies in Lagos city make up the sample frame, which is subset representative of the total participants from where a sample population is drawn. Research correspondents will therefore include senior management executives of all selected companies who may approached and persuaded to provide answers to questions on the questionnaire. On this premise, the researcher is obligated to enlighten potential or interested participants on the purpose of this study. Manufacturing firms and employees who are concerned about their security and/or are apathetic to the research objectives, will have their decisions respected.

A random sampling technique will be adopted to eliminate bias among research participants (Wang & Rezazadeh Azar., 2019).
According to Cowton (1998), the researcher’s use of primary data is justified because it is the quickest, simplest and most reliable of all analytical tools—especially when results are deemed valid and testable and are to be published.

References

Culled from: https://meziesblog.com/the-impact-of-leadership-and-management-on-organizational-performance/

Georgia officials said Friday their investigation into the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery will include the man who videotaped the killing.
“We are going to go wherever the evidence takes us,” the director of the state Bureau of Investigation said, USA Today reports.

Father and son Gregory and Travis McMichael, two white men, have been charged with murder in the death of Arbery, a black man who was jogging through their neighborhood.

The attack was videotaped by William “Roddie” Bryan, who lives a few doors down from Travis McMichael.

A lawyer for Arbery’s family has said Bryan should be arrested. That’s a possibility, investigators said.

“Once again, a black man was lynched in Georgia,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP president, during a press conference Friday. “That is a sad statement in where we are in this nation.”

President Trump addressed the slaying in an appearance Friday on Fox and Friends. “My heart goes out to the parents and the family and friends,” he said, calling it a “very disturbing situation.”

The president said he’d watched the video, according to the BBC, and found it “troubling”; the footage appears to show Travis McMichael shooting Arbery with a shotgun.

Later Friday, Trump’s press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, left open the possibility of the Justice Department getting involved with the case.

The killing was a “modern-day lynching,” Marcus Arbery, the victim’s father, told CNN.

“He was a very good young man,” Marcus said. “His heart was just bigger than life.” Demonstrations calling for justice were held Friday, which would have been Arbery’s 26th birthday.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/georgia-prosecuting-man-who-recorded-killing-of-ahmaud-arbery/

An ethnic Chinese scientist working on the novel coronavirus in the United States has been shot dead in what police said was a murder-suicide over an “intimate partner”.

Bing Liu, 37, was found dead at the weekend in his home on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, where he worked as a research professor, according to Heavy [https:///3duvWH5]..

The body of his suspected attacker, 46-year-old Hao Gu, was discovered around the corner in what authorities said was a suicide, according to local news channel WTAE.

Police said the incident was the result of a dispute between the two men over an “intimate partner” and that there was no evidence Liu’s murder was connected to his research, WTAE reported on Wednesday.

That did not stop social media lighting up with conspiracy theories that he had been targeted because of his work studying the virus.

China virus crisis deepens as whistleblower doctor dies

“Bing Liu was killed by a corrupt government,” wrote one Twitter user. “He was close to exposing the truth about Covid-19 and how it originated in the US.”

Others reached the opposite conclusion, suggesting there should be an investigation into whether the ethnic Chinese professor was “murdered on orders of the Chinese communist government”.

Liu was mourned by his colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh, who said they would continue his research.

“Bing was on the verge of making very significant findings toward understanding the cellular mechanisms that underlie SARS-CoV-2 infection and the cellular basis of the following complications,” the university said in a statement.

“We will make an effort to complete what he started in an effort to pay homage to his scientific excellence.”

Source: https://meziesblog.com/chinese-research-professor-working-on-coronavirus-in-the-us-shot-dead/

An ethnic Chinese scientist working on the novel coronavirus in the United States has been shot dead in what police said was a murder-suicide over an “intimate partner”.

Bing Liu, 37, was found dead at the weekend in his home on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, where he worked as a research professor, according to Heavy [https:///3duvWH5]..

The body of his suspected attacker, 46-year-old Hao Gu, was discovered around the corner in what authorities said was a suicide, according to local news channel WTAE.

Police said the incident was the result of a dispute between the two men over an “intimate partner” and that there was no evidence Liu’s murder was connected to his research, WTAE reported on Wednesday.

That did not stop social media lighting up with conspiracy theories that he had been targeted because of his work studying the virus.

China virus crisis deepens as whistleblower doctor dies

“Bing Liu was killed by a corrupt government,” wrote one Twitter user. “He was close to exposing the truth about Covid-19 and how it originated in the US.”

Others reached the opposite conclusion, suggesting there should be an investigation into whether the ethnic Chinese professor was “murdered on orders of the Chinese communist government”.

Liu was mourned by his colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh, who said they would continue his research.

“Bing was on the verge of making very significant findings toward understanding the cellular mechanisms that underlie SARS-CoV-2 infection and the cellular basis of the following complications,” the university said in a statement.

“We will make an effort to complete what he started in an effort to pay homage to his scientific excellence.”

Source: https://meziesblog.com/chinese-research-professor-working-on-coronavirus-in-the-us-shot-dead/

Graduate trainee is a nonspecific term for any employee with a higher degree in finance, management, human resources, social or other service, who is furthering his/her knowledge and experience through a formal programme of education.

Graduate Trainee responsibilities include shadowing various staff members, participating in learning experiences, attending meetings and workshops, and traveling to other working environments to gain practical experience.

Smart graduate trainees, however, keep accurate record of their time at the company and should work hard enough to pass a competency test at the end of the program.

To be successful as a Graduate Trainee, you should be willing to learn about aspects of the company that lie outside of your department. An outstanding Graduate Trainee should foster good relationships with staff members and leave a lasting imprint.

Graduate Trainee Responsibilities:

Gathering as much information on the company and participating in on-the-job training wherever possible.

Participating in meetings, workshops, and team-building events.

Taking notes on experiences and keeping a log of things learned.

Compiling reports and making presentations to other staff members.

Analyzing existing systems and offering new ideas for improvement.

Bringing positive energy into the company, and forming lasting professional relationships with staff.

Conducting research and assisting the Manager or Supervisor wherever possible.

Completing fieldwork or visiting different work sites when required.

Upholding the good name of the company at all times.

Writing a test or submitting to some other form of evaluation at the end of the graduate program.

Graduate Trainee Requirements:

Degree in the relevant field.

Previous work experience is not necessary, but may be advantageous.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent research abilities and a willingness to grow.

A positive attitude and a growth mindset.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/graduate-trainee-101/

Neymar is still on Florentino Perez's wish list at Real Madrid.

That information came from football agent Wagner Ribeiro, who was involved in transfers for Neymar, Kaka and Robinho, when he spoke to ESPN's 'Canal do Nicola'.

Ribeiro worked alongside Neymar in his early years and helped with his move to FC Barcelona.

"We received offers from all over the world," Ribeiro said of Neymar's time at Santos.

"We received an official offer from Chelsea when we were in New York, the day Neymar made his debut for Brazil in 2010. We studied the offer but didn't decide anything. On that occasion, like in many others, we passed it onto Neymar and his father to decide."

"Later they were offers from Bayern Munich, Juventus - and we even had a meeting in Turin. Real Madrid called me on a number of occasions because Florentino dreamed about signing Neymar.

"I was with him [Florentino] last year, in May, in his office, and he told me then he still dreamed about signing Neymar." 

Ribeiro also revealed that PSG have put a price on Neymar's head. "It will cost you €164m to sign Neymar today. That price didn't exist a year ago." Although the agent admits there won't be many deals above €50m due to the current coronavirus outbreak.

"He's a lot better than Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. I've never seen Neymar play badly. He always made the difference at Santos, despite getting kicked, as he either scored or assisted. We saw that at both Barcelona and PSG."

Ribeiro said the right environment was crucial to Neymar at this point in his career. "Barcelona is top of the pile. His best friends are there but he's also happy at PSG. A footballer must be professional. It's important he's in the right atmosphere because money isn't an issue for him. He wants to be the best player in the world, despite still being quite young."

Source: https://meziesblog.com/how-much-will-it-cost-real-madrid-to-sign-neymar/

Abstract

This study investigated the ways and manners in which the affairs of banking sector in Nigeria are managed by those charged with the responsibility. It showed there is a relationship between corporate governance and the performance of banks in Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of all the 24 consolidated banks in Nigeria that met the requirement of ₦25 billion capital base as at today. A sample of five of them was considered adequate for generalization. One hundred and thirty questionnaires were administered on the management staff of those selected banks out of which 120 were returned and 10 were not properly filled. Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) was used to analyse the data collected and interpretation of data was done through simple percentages. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test the relationship that exists between efficient Corporate Governance in the banking sector and the roles of external auditor and the composition of the board of directors. The study revealed that, lack of proper corporate governance is the bane of so many banks in Nigeria. The collapse and failure of many banks was as a result of both poor audit control and directors’ negligence to observe due diligence and acceptable standard practices. However, banking sector has greatly contributed to the gross domestic product (GDP) of Nigeria and consequently improved the economy. Therefore, transparency, honesty and objectivity have to be encapsulated in banking operations so as to have a positive effect on the continuity of the organization.

Key-words: Governance, performance, banking, survival

Introduction

There has been a recent revival of concern about the issue of corporate governance due to the challenges, responsibilities, failures and achievements of large corporations all over the world.

Multinationals, include public and private-owned corporations, exist like they are uncontrollable—even in foreign countries, and this makes it look as if corporate organizations have no ethical responsibility to benefit the society at large. Various corporations (such as Enron Corporation in the USA, Polly Peck in US, Maxwell Communication and Bank of Credit and Commerce Industry (BCCI), National Bank of Nigeria, Societe Generale Bank etc) have performed below expectations and eventually collapsed in recent years. The event at Enron and other cases of spectacular failure have helped to shed light on the importance and how strengthening of governance mechanisms could play to improve firm performance.

Bank failures in Nigeria dated back several decades and the consequence has been terrible until lately when the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stepped up vigilance and loan recovery (Sanusi, 2009). Orogun (2009) painted a very interesting picture of the principles governing banking as a developing tool. Quoting the former Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Adeniji (2004) said ‘our banking system must be totally committed to the creation of favourable socio-economic environment for real productive investment and not for speculation’. Therefore, there seems to be a link between the mode of governance and the performance of corporations, which means that the way a corporation is directed, controlled and structured has some effects on the result the organization achieves in terms of its performance (Denis and McConnell 2003). Corporate governance in Nigerian organizations is not only an evolving concept, but is also tied in with the notion of corporations and their practices within the wider society.

Clark and Thomas (2000) defined corporate governance as a set of processes, customs, polices, laws and institutions affecting the way in which a corporation is directed, administered or controlled. Corporate governance also includes the relationship among the many players involved (the shareholders and stakeholders) and the goals for which the corporation is governed. The principal players are the shareholders, management, and the board of directors, the accountants and auditors. Other stakeholders include employees, suppliers, customers, lenders, regulators and the community at large. Kala, (2005) asserted that corporate governance could also be said to be the consistent management, cohesive policies, processes and decision-rights for a given area of responsibility in a separate legal entity that is different from its owners, invisible, artificial and existing only in the contemplation of the law. Parker (2002) considered corporate governance as the processes of activities involved in running an enterprise through the influence of the board of directors and top executive members of the enterprise. According to the researcher, there is a direct and clear causal link between the actions of the board of directors and the success of the organizations measured in terms of such factors as profitability, reputation and share price. He asserted that this link to business performance is rarely strong ranging from satisfactory to weak. Corporate governance therefore refers to the way by which the board of directors sets the framework of action.

Further, Parker (2002) noted that this involves the board of directors in eight key activities which include:

1) focusing on the core activities and being pragmatic

2) adding values and reducing cost

3) building a business culture that embraces change

4) moving with the market but not changing faster than the market

5) leading the market

6) integrating e-business activities, aligning and optimizing resources

7) managing risk and

Establishing and maintaining good corporate governance.

The above listed activities represent some of the issues involved in corporate governance and can be termed the ‘art of corporate governance’ which ensures organizational effectiveness, performance or success in a health and conflict free corporate environment.

Statement of the Problem

There seems to be some elements of doubt if the governance of corporate organizations is really effective considering the rate of bankruptcy and demise of large corporations all over the world, both in Nigeria and foreign countries (Inam 2006). In recent times, the world has witnessed the failure of large corporations; in particular, the Nigerian banking sector is currently experiencing insider abuses of reckless granting of credit facilities running into several billions of naira without adequate security. This is contrary to accepted practice which has been attributed to large scale fraud by directors in connivance with auditors. Also identified by (Mehra 2005) is the problem of window dressing (eye-service) by the directors who are aided by the auditors, as well as the issue of negligence and misfeasance on the part of the auditors when auditing the financial statement of organizations which can be attributed to the lack of independence of the auditors.

One will therefore wonder what was really wrong when a bank which has been declaring huge amount of profits and has been declaring dividends to shareholders is suddenly declared bankrupt (Mehra 2005). With this as the background, this study seeks to examine the nature of corporate governance in practice in the Nigerian banking system to see if those people charged with the responsibility of managing the affairs of the enterprise are religiously following the acceptable practices of corporate governance as stipulated by the regulatory authorities in Nigeria and that of other developed countries of the world.

Research Objectives

i) To assess the significance of Auditor’s independence and its role in corporate governance.

ii) To assess the relationship between corporate governance and the composition of the board of directors.

iii) To examine the organizational structure of the bank and its management.

Research Hypotheses

The following Hypotheses shall be empirically tested through the adoption of Product Moment Correlation;

Hypothesis 1: There is no significance relationship between auditor’s independence and the effective corporate governance.

Hypothesis 2: There is no significance relationship between corporate governance and the composition of the board of directors.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/the-role-of-corporate-governance-in-the-performance-of-nigerias-banking-sector/

Administrative assistant resumes can sometimes fail to present your best experience and qualifications, particularly in an interview setting. Many skills and experiences presented in a resume require further explanation to fully present the value you provide to a hiring manager. It simply isn’t enough to reiterate the bullet points on your resume in an interview setting. You need to arrive prepared to describe exactly how each experience and project has prepared you for the job you are applying for.

Software Experience
Hiring managers are constantly looking for administrative candidates who are ready to hit the ground running when they start a new job. This often involves being familiar with common office software programs used on a regular basis to complete administrative tasks. Be prepared to describe, in detail, what programs (and what versions of those programs) you are familiar with.

Familiarity with common software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel are often required. Help yourself stand out from the crowd by describing your experience with additional programs such as Adobe Acrobat, InDesign, or Sharepoint. If a particular software program is mentioned in the job description that you don’t have a strong background in, drive home your ability to learn new programs quickly and efficiently, and don’t be afraid to use examples of when you have done so in the past.

Provide Real World Examples
One of the most powerful tools at your disposal in an interview setting is the ability to show, not tell, your experiences. When it comes to proving your skills in various software programs, consider bringing samples of your past work. If you don’t have any recent samples available, then come prepared to tell the story of how you have created various spreadsheets in programs such as Microsoft Excel from scratch, exported data from different formats, created tables and graphs, and briefly describe the situation or project that required you to perform these tasks to solidify your experience in the mind of your interviewer.

Focus on Common Administrative Duties
Admin assistant positions are often focused around the need to provide the support and organization high-level employees require to keep up with their business. Expense reports and travel coordination are two examples of common administrative duties that managers require their admin team to assist them with. Coming to an interview prepared with examples of your effectiveness with such tasks will help flesh out the bullet points shared on your resume and drive home how qualified you are for the job you are interviewing for.

Again, it is most helpful to describe and explain your processes to the interviewer, which furthers their understanding of how you approach your daily tasks as an administrative professional.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/how-to-highlight-your-experience-as-an-administrative-executive-in-an-interview/

The death toll in Sunday's Nova Scotia shooting rampage has gone up to 17, including the gunman, the CBC and Global News report.

That makes it the deadliest mass shooting in Canada's history, according to the Associated Press.

A Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer is among the dead.

The gunman identified as Gabriel Wortman age 51 was shot and killedafter a day long manhunt reported the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia.

Other victims of the shooting include onstable Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year veteran of the force who was a mother of two.

Media reports confirm the 51-year-old suspect disguised himself as a police officer and shot several people in their homes and in other locations around Portapique, where he is believed to have lived part-time, starting Saturday night.

The shooter also set several homes in the area on fire.

The suspect, who wore a RCMP uniform and made his car look like a RCMP cruiser, was ultimately intercepted by officers about 55 miles away at a gas station in Enfield by late Sunday morning.

Police say he may have targeted his first victims but then gone on to kill "randomly."

The suspect and police exchanged gunfire at some point and the suspect ultimately died, but it's not clear how.

A male RCMP officer also received non-life-threatening injuries.

Mass shootings are fairly rare in Canada; prior to Sunday, the deadliest one had left 14 dead, plus the gunman, in 1989 at Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnique college.

"This is one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province’s history,” said Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/gunman-kills-16-in-canadas-worst-shooting-rampage/

Cashew farming and Nigeria’s diversification from oil and gas

Nigeria's continuous decline in cashew production between 1970 to 2000 was a result of many factors, particularly unavailability of loans from financial institutions due to collateral. Olomola (1999) cited inadequate storage facilities as one of the major setbacks. On the other hand, the Nigerian economy has leaned on crude oil’s fragile legs in the past 18 years, with no impact on poverty reduction or job creation despite records of huge earnings from the sector. This buttresses the fact that no country can achieve economic advancement without first diversifying its economy (Onodugo., 2015; Adelman., 2001). However, in Nigeria’s current economic quagmire, research shows that GDP growth and economic development are not achieved in a vacuum. A shift from non-oil exports is the only remedial strategy from this self-inflicted torture (Malden., 2017).

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in its 2010 annual report, noted that revenues from the oil and gas sector made up over 80.0% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings whereas the non-oil sector contributed 20.1% despite a decline in global oil prices.


Image 1: Percentage of financial returns from Agriculture and Oil & Gas in 2010 (Source: CBN)

The agriculture sector has performed below expectations notwithstanding several institutional frameworks and policies implemented by the federal government. Such economic growth strategies and policy frameworks include the Structural Adjustment Policy (SAP) in 1986 and Abuja Stock Exchange (ABE), which was established in 2001. These efforts and historic failures highlight the importance of establishing proactive marketing boards for export promotion, providing SMEs and entrepreneurs with low-interest funds, and adopting nationwide and state-centric regulations/strategies to boost agricultural production. However, economic growth is not achieved in a vacuum; no nation can improve its earnings from the agriculture sector without adding value to its products (Osuala., 2006; Uwolloh., 2005).

Further, crude oil production in Nigeria as well as earnings from the oil and gas sector have fluctuated in recent years. On the other hand, Mr. Tola Fasheru, President of National Cashew Association of Nigeria, stated that earnings from cashew farming had been on a steady increase from 2015. According to Onuba (2018), the country realised N284 billion ($813.05m) from its 3-year cashew-nuts business projection between 2015 to 2017. Details are explained in the Figure 1.


Figure 1: Cashew farming contributions to GDP growth

Source: CBN (2017)

The Nigerian government documented a total of $152m, $259m and $402.05m from cashew business in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively. This remarkable achievement in the cashew industry could have been higher except for setbacks from the Apapa gridlock, which the federal government is yet to give a lasting solution. The release of 2,600,000 jute bags and provision of N20 billion to finance cashew exports, Mr. Fasheru said, will aid packaging of cashew nut harvest and increase profits for the year 2018. Nigeria produced 220 metric tonnes of cashew nuts in 2017 but exported only 120,000. But total earnings for 2018 is projected at $480million from last year's $402 million (Odeyemi., 2018).

Nigeria is one of Africa's largest producer of oil and gas, with about 2 million barrels lifted per day. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is also rated first in oil and gas reserves. According to Resource Governance, revenue from the oil and gas industry amounted to $55.45 billion in 2014 (Malden., 2017) and has been unstable till date.


Graph 2: Revenues from the Oil Sector (Source: CBN)

In July 2016, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) noted a decline in the country's oil revenue. Earnings from April 2016 stood at N391.3 billion (oil) and N204.7 billion (non-oil sector), about 47.71% and 52.31% of the gross earnings recorded by the federal government in 2016 and 2017 which were far lower than its April 2015 forecast totalling 52% (N814.87 billion). Nigeria’s apex bank also documented in its Economic Report for the First Quarter of 2016 that N396.47 billion was earned from crude oil and gas sales, PPT and Royalties in comparison to N601.52 billion it recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015 (Odeyemi., op cit.).

Problem Statement:

According to Akinwale et al (2001), over 70% of participants in an agricultural survey conducted to identify the main challenges faced by small-scale cashew farmers in Nigeria agreed on inadequate capital as the major concern whereas lack of storage facilities earned the second-highest votes (5.5%) among others. The following research question will therefore focus on “how adequate finance can solve the problem faced by smallholder cashew farmers in Nigeria.”

Objectives:

This research will focus on the following areas:

To examine cashew farming activities in selected states of the federation.
To assess the prospects of small-scale cashew farmers in Nigeria.
To ascertain the major sources of finance and financial constraints encountered by small-scale cashew farmers in Nigeria.
To suggest ways of transforming the cashew industry for increased production.

Methodology:

The author will employ a mix of qualitative and quantitative analytic methods to review the financial constraints to adding value to smallholder cashew farming in Nigeria, with focus on data gathered from Clynes Farm Ltd, public libraries, published/ unpublished project works, print media, and the internet.

An insight from the Clynes Farm financial forecast shows cashew is a profitable venture with vast untapped potentials for individual farmers, cooperatives, companies, government, foreign investors and businesses.


Graph 3: Cashew Nuts Financial Projections between 2018 to 2022 (Source: Clynes Farm)

Unlike the oil sector’s fluctuating prices and profits, the cashew industry has experienced incremental growth in the past 8 years. Viable investment opportunities are expected in the next five years. Further, the cashew industry has a present net value of 40,541 per tree, and a 4-year financial projection of $64.189 (2019), $87, 838 (2020), $111,486 (2021) and $135,135 (2022), even for a short harvesting period of just 3 months. This feasibility study highlights the lucrative nature of cashew farming as well as the need for a review or establishment of government-sponsored small-scale enterprise program as a foundational measure for financial institutions and corporate investors.


Table 6: Clynes Farms Pro Forma Cash Flow (Source: Clynes Farms)

Table 6 shows the costs and returns from cashew production within a 5-year period by costing both fixed and variable inputs. It highlights the viability of Clynes’ net present value (N14,064,458,961) plus the worth of value addition to cashew nuts by the agro-based company.

Clynes’ total budgeted initial capital outlay is N114,647,050 whilst its Net Present Value is N14,064,458,961. Using the Internal Rate of Return Method, the Project potentially has the probability of generating an internal rate of return of 1038% within five years of operation while the Profitability Index Method turns up a probability of profitability index valued at 123.68 within the period under study.


Table 7: Clynes Profitability Index

Using the Discounted Payback Period Method, the Project potentially has the probability of generating cash Inflows to recoup the initial capital outlay within 45 Days of implementation. Results from these appraisal methodologies support the hypothesis that cashew farming presents a great opportunity for economic diversification—with agriculture as the fulcrum.

References:

Source: https://meziesblog.com/cashew-farming-and-nigerias-diversification-from-oil-and-gas/

The city of Bonn is situated in Germany
Montreal is situated on the bank of river Ottawa

The old name of Taiwan was Farmosa

The country famous for its fish catch is Japan

The place known as the Garden of England is Kent

Jeddah Tower is the world’s tallest building rising from the desert. The 3,280-feet-tall (1,000-meter-tall) building in Saudi Arabia opens in 2020. It will knock Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa off its throne as the tallest skyscraper in the world by 236 feet (72 meters). The creator and sponsor of the project is Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, the richest man in the Middle East and a member of the Saudi royal family.

The designing architect of the world’s first 1-kilometer high skyscraper is none other than Adrian Smith, from Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Smith was also the designer of the world’s current tallest building, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and he is, generally, known for his soaring towers in the US, South Korea, and China.

The largest museum in the world is the American Museum of Natural History

The lowest mountain range in the world is the Bhieuna Bhaile

The country known as the Land of Cakes is Scotland

Source: https://meziesblog.com/10-interesting-facts-you-should-know/

Almost overnight, masks in a variety of colours, styles and materials have appeared on the faces of people around us. While it’s good news that many people are doing their part to slow the spread of coronavirus, the bad news is that many people are wearing their masks wrong.

“Wearing a mask takes some getting used to, for sure,” said Dr. Scott Segal, chairman of anaesthesiology at Wake Forest Baptist Health. “You are probably wearing it exactly right if it’s a little stuffy.”

One of the biggest mistakes people make is that they fidget with their masks, and pull them under their noses or completely off their faces to rest under their chins.

“You should absolutely not be pulling up and putting down your mask while you’re out,” said Shan Soe-Lin, a lecturer at the Yale Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. “If you’re going to go to the trouble of using a mask, leave it on.”

Here are the dos and don’ts of wearing a mask.

DON’T: Wear the mask below your nose.

DON’T: Leave your chin exposed.

DON’T: Wear your mask loosely with gaps on the sides.

DON’T: Wear your mask so it covers just the tip of your nose.

DON’T: Push your mask under your chin to rest on your neck.

DO: Wear your mask so it comes all the way up, close to the bridge of your nose, and all the way down under your chin. Do your best to tighten the loops or ties so it’s snug around your face, without gaps.

And once you’ve figured out the correct position for wearing your mask, follow these tips to stay safe:

— Always wash your hands before and after wearing a mask.

— Use the ties or loops to put your mask on and pull it off.

— Don’t touch the front of the mask when you take it off.

— For apartment dwellers, put the mask on and remove it while inside your home. Elevators and stairwells can be high-contamination areas.

— Wash and dry your cloth mask daily and keep it in a clean, dry place.

— Don’t have a false sense of security.

Masks offer limited protection, and work better when combined with hand washing and social distancing. “It’s not that one excludes the other,” said Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University. “They compound the effects of the other.”

Source: https://meziesblog.com/covid-19-how-to-wear-your-mask-properly/

Political apathy, like some sort of living oblivion, is the self-defence of the powerless and yet another luxury which must be trashed by every citizen of all modern societies. In the footsteps of one of America’s founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, who understood the need for an all-rounded education, my humble quest for a master’s degree in Public Policy stems from the experience I garnered during my years in China, where politics is considered a sacred ground for the elite and a selected few among the middle class. I understood why critics say general elections controlled by the Communist Party of China are an avenue for the 1% to take economic and socio-political decisions for the 99%. Policies are designed to ritualistically keep the masses in line by making them believe their opinions are taken into consideration, and thereby perpetuating the lie that democracy continues.

In this modern age, wise citizens of most nations no longer wish to leave governance and policy management in the hands of a few cunning stooges who deceitfully claim to have public interest at heart, and as Rolloy May rightly said in The Courage to Create, apathy adds up, in the long run, to cowardice. It is intriguing how mankind has been able to draw strength from the creation of societies and the multilateral co-operations between political powers, communities, agencies and individuals, without which the world would have remained a jungle void of civilization and development.

I am inspired to explore all forms of political activities, having gained background knowledge in national politics and policy research from exchanges with experienced lecturers, fellow students and group debates. I possess excellent leadership and interpersonal relationship skills and have work experience as a volunteer at Fairfield Christian School, Ohio and an Animal Shelter in Guangzhou.

I am a highly-motivated, tenacious and likeable student who maintains confidence, enthusiasm and positive interactions with others, especially in multicultural academic environments as will be provided at your renowned university, which boasts of esteemed lecturers such as the Ameritech Professor of Public Policy, Don Coursey.

Niccolo Machiavelli, one of my favourite thinkers, said the wise man does at once what the fool does finally. On this background lies my curiosity in governments’ policy-making and implementation processes, as well as its outputs in the polity.

I look forward to undertaking rigorous studies, critical thinking and in-depth disciplinary analysis of modern politics and related challenges with the hope of gathering foundational knowledge, devoid of biases and unverified assumptions, that could proffer effective and efficient solutions to the world’s policy problems. Harris Public Policy has this as its objective, a reason I could never wish to undertake this master’s degree program anywhere else. I can’t wait to begin courses as a future policy leader with a fearless-thinker attitude. It will be a great honour for me to make meaningful impacts in the development of this academic field, and thereby improving my career across public, private and non-profit sectors. A policy degree, without doubts, offers unequalled versality in career options and a wonderful chance to transform the world for mankind.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/sample-statement-of-purpose-sop-for-policy-studies/

The Federal Government declined on Thursday to speak on the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff (CoS), Abba Kyari.

Two ministers – Osagie Ehanire (Health) and Lai Mohammed (Information and Culture) – declined when asked by reporters.

They said the health status is personal to every individual.

At separate news conferences in Abuja yesterday, they gave the list of ministers and top Presidency officials, including Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who tested negative to the virus.

Some ministers and governors also announced yesterday that they tested negative to the virus. Ehanire said: “One aide of the President was tested and is in a secure government facility where he is being monitored and checked. I can tell you that the facility is inside Nigeria.”

Declining to make available the identity of the presidential aide in question, the Health minister said: “I am not free to disclose to you anybody who tested and what their result was because these are personal issues. But, those persons are free to disclose.”

Mohammed said he had no mandate to make any disclosure on the health status of the Kyari, saying the government cannot make any disclosure because the health status is personal to every individual.

He added: “It is a pity that in this part of the world, we have no respect for the right of individual. I have no right to announce the status of anyone. When I went through the test yesterday, only my result was made available to me. I was not privy to others’ results.

“The issue is that we don’t have the right to say X has tested positive or A has tested negative.”

“In the treatment of COVID-19, we have four categories. The first category is that some people will have no symptoms at all; second will have mild symptoms; third will have moderate symptoms; and the fourth category will have severe symptoms, and may require oxygen and may even require a ventilator.

“Those ones with severe symptoms will go to University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada. The other categories will be in facilities where they can be taken care of. The aide who tested positive is receiving treatment at a secure facility, and does not need category four treatment (severely symptomatic), but requires only general medical treatment.

“If anybody gets to the category four level, then, we will move him or her to a higher facility for treatment but that situation has not arisen.”

He added: “It is because we are grading those that have been affected by the coronavirus this way, that is why you have not seen that Gwagwalada is overcrowded – the grading determines those who are going into secure facility or less sophisticated areas. We have capacity to handle cases right now.

He explained that the contact tracing of those who might have had contact with the said aide was efficiently done by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Mohammed also told reporters that he did not memorise the numbers of those involved and therefore, cannot give any figures.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/abba-kyaris-health-status-is-classified-fg/

Common sense is really hard to find in people these days. We need serious re-orientation on this "jungle justice" madness.

An Islamic scholar has allegedly claimed that rape is permissible.

Saud Saleh, who is a professor in Cairo, Egypt, allegedly argued that Allah permits sexual violence between Muslim men and non-Muslim women, adding that the act is often used to “humiliate” infidels and save Muslim women from the pressures of premarital sex.

The professor from Al-Azhar University in Cairo said rape of women is permitted during time of “legitimate” war between Muslims and their adversaries.

Speaking during an interview, the controversial professor called on Muslims to abort trafficking of Asian women for sexual satisfaction. Saud argued that slave women provide a legitimate opportunity for Muslim men to explore their sexual fantasies.

The Islamic cleric also explained that slavery existed before Islam, adding that—in those days—it was common to trade “freeborn men and women.”

‘Islam did not end slavery,” Saud said, ‘but it provided rules to regulate when it is allowed.’ 

‘The only legitimately-owned slaves are those captured during wars,’ she said.

On this premise, she allegedly claims that legitimate ownership of slaves (such as female prisoners of war) confers on Muslim men the rights to exploit them for sexual gratification.

‘Female prisoners of war are those whom you own…Those non-Muslim women are humiliated by making them the property of an army commander (Muslim male) who is allowed—by law—to rape any of them in the same way he has sex with his wives.’

Dr Andrew Holt, who is a professor of History at Florida State College, disagreed with Saud’s claims. ‘The alleged comments from a fellow professor are totally disheartening,' he said. 'It is more so because she is a respected scholar from Sunni Islam’s most prestigious university which is more than 1,000 years old.’

Dr Holt admits that Saud’s statement indirectly supports capture, enslavement, and rape of Yazidi women by barbaric ISIS (also known as Daesh). Citing statements from Dabiq (a propaganda magazine owned by Daesh), he said Saud is encouraging Muslim fighters for the fanatical death cult to enslave and "humiliate" pagan women.

In his words, “According to ISIS, the practice of forcing the Yazidis and other religious minorities into sexual slavery is a way to prevent the sin of premarital sex or adultery, as well as a sign that the Final Battle will soon occur.

“In the fourth issue of Dabiq, an article titled ‘The Revival of Slavery before the Hour’ explains that polytheist and pagan women can and should be enslaved.”

Source: https://meziesblog.com/allah-allows-women-to-be-raped-for-a-reason-islamic-scholar-claims/

Prince Harry is said to be happier -- than ever -- since quitting his duties as member of the royal family and leaving the United Kingdom for Canada.

An insider who spoke with US Weekly confirmed that the senior royal and his wife Meghan Sparkle are a lot more relaxed in Canada. ‘So far, Prince Charles’ son and his beautiful wife are very happy with their decision and there’s absolutely nothing to regret…They’re missing nothing.’

Prince Harry and Meghan announced the decision to step down from their duties earlier in January, adding that they would be splitting their time between North America and the United Kingdom.

The power couple are working towards achieving financial independence, having lost some of the privileges that come with their official duties as senior royals in the UK.

According to Prince Harry, the decision to break off as an independent couple became necessary due to loss of privacy to the UK media, particularly the biased process of information management surrounding activities of the royals.

Prince Harry said he doesn’t regret the decision to move over to Canada because ‘protecting his wife and child’ was his priority achieved. ‘He is excited to have successfully carried out the plan,’ a close friend of the family exclusively revealed to Daily Mail.

Meghan Markle is quite happy about quitting the royal family, too. She has been telling her friends that one can actually ‘eat their cake and have it.’

'The sky's the limit,’ she was quoted as saying. ‘It feels like a huge burden has been lifted from Harry and I.’

Multiple sources confirm the Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently made a trip to Miami where Prince Harry spoke at a JP Morgan ‘billionaire’s summit’. There are speculations that the couple made up to $1 million for their appearance at the event where the Duke spoke about his therapy for mental health problems.

Before the event in Florida, USA, Harry and Meghan -- together with their 9-month-old son Archie -- spent time at a $14 million waterfront mansion on Vancouver Island. They family have been there ever since leaving the UK in January.

‘Prince Harry and his wife have been spending quality time together as a family…Meghan has been cooking and making homemade baby food for Archie,' the insider added.

Meghan is also making efforts to relaunch her career. ‘Her work with Disney is far from over…The voice over is just the beginning and there are more partnership jobs ahead,’ the tipster revealed.

It’ll be recalled that the Duchess previously signed a voice over deal with Disney in return for a donation to the charity Elephants Without Borders. The agreement was signed after 35-year-old Prince Harry appeared in a video touting his wife’s skills to Disney boss Bob Iger at the premiere of The Lion King in London in July 2019. 

Although Prince Harry and Meghan’s public appearance in Miami is their first since leaving the United Kingdom, it appears the couple, who declared their hunger to be financially independent after quitting duties as royals, are serious about realizing their life goals. 

‘The royals were “smart” to take the gig,’ an insider said about Prince Harry and Meghan, adding that “it was a very smart move to associate with some of the world’s wealthy class.” The conference in Florida focused on creating wealth for future generations, and making the world a better place – a cause which Harry is committed to.

Speaking of Harry and Meghan’s chance of making a huge amount of money from their appearance, Ronn Torossian (CEO of New York-based PR firm 5W Public Relations) told Daily Mail that the couple is expected to rake in $500,000 and $1 million.

Meanwhile, Simon Huck, who holds position as PR executive in the company—and a close friend of the Kardashian family—thinks Harry and Meghan can make up to $100 million by the end of 2020.  

The Duchess is most likely to revive her acting career which she gave up to marry Prince Harry. ‘This means they won’t find it hard to survive on their own,’ the source concluded.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/how-prince-harry-and-meghan-sparkle-are-surviving-alone-in-canada/

Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna have been laid to eternal rest. Both were buried in a private ceremony on 7 February. Multiple reports confirm the event was held in Corona Del Mar, California.

According to ET, a close relative of Bryant’s widow said the secret burial arrangement was for “good reasons.”

‘Vanessa Bryant and the family needed a private service to properly mourn their loved ones,’ the source said ‘It was a hard decision. The ceremony was extremely painful and still hard to grasp that such two beautiful souls are gone forever.’

Extra TV said the funeral was held at the Pacific View Mortuary in California.

A public memorial service has been scheduled for 24 February at Staples Center, which is also home to Los Angeles Lakers.
The chosen date for Bryant’s memorial is symbolic; in his later years as a Lakers player, the basketball icon wore jersey No. 24 whereas his daughter Gianna was always excited with her No. 2.

Vanessa confirmed the public memorial on Instagram with the caption “#2, #24, #20 years as a Laker and the amount of years Kob and I were together.” She added four heart emojis to the words.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Rk8gHDUq7/?utm_source=ig_embed

Kobe and his daughter were among nine people who died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on January 26. They were going for her basketball practice. Gianna had dreams of playing in the WNBA and touching lives like the NBA champion.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/kobe-bryant-and-daughter-gianna-buried-in-a-private-ceremony/

The Balanced Score Card (BSC) Methodology

Organizations function with distinct management, placement and communication procedures but their BSC remains a workable path which defines value-creation methodologies. In their performance assessment study, Kaplan R. S. and David Norton (2005) opined that successful firms don’t just examine operations with monetary measurements but use other assessment tools such as clients, internal processes, together with learning and development. The researchers suggested four measurement tools made up of finance, customers, the internal business activities as well as development and learning.

Furthermore, the purpose and yardstick of any measurement framework are found in the organizations missions and strategies whereas performance is evaluated with vision. The application of this technique in contemporary societies has triggered concentration on companies’ intangible properties, necessitating thorough reviews on the value of its intangible asset to weigh its contributions, identify shortcomings and apply remedies (Del W. and Kennedy N., 1982).

Image 4: Balanced Score Card (Source: Kaplan and Norton)

BSC as a measurement tool looks into the company’s activities as far as ideas and current approaches, to provide management with an insight of business performance; it also encourages organizations to clarify their strategy and vision and transform them into profits (Bremser & Wagner., 2013). BSC is considered by Kaplan and Norton (1996) as a descent model that provides stability amongst strategies and procedures.

BSC concentrates is strategy-oriented; with regards to its performance assessment function, BSC proffer flawless solutions to organizational problems and questions. Developing this analytical tool requires careful use of company strategies and a far-reaching structure which covers all activities for better assessment of performance.

BSC as a Management System

Most companies used performance assessment tools that incorporate monetary and nonfinancial criteria, but BSC is beyond all previously common estimation framework. According to Simons (1988), innovative companies apply the scorecard as a central system for sieving administration processes. While organizations are encouraged to choose initial BSC with few realistic goals to promote clarity of vision, inspire commonness of purpose, present unified focus on strategy, and ensure that the goals are regularly explained to all workers, Kaplan and Norton said companies experience the real strength of BSC only when it is transformed from a measurement structure to a management framework.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/an-overview-of-the-balanced-score-card-bsc/

Kobe Bryant died alongside eight other occupants of a private holicopter, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and the tragic loss has torn hearts into shreds.

The nine victims are now officially known. Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant (his 13-year-old daughter), Ara Zobayan (pilot), John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, and Sarah and Payton Chester.

Victims of the accident: John Altobelli, is a basketball coach for the Orange Coast Coallege Institute, died with his wife Keri Altobelli and daughter Alyssa Altobelli. Christina Mauser was Kobe's assistant.

Barcelona held a minute's silence during training, while the LA Lakers still haven't put anything on their Twitter feed since Bryant's death.

https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona_es/status/1221727394819645440

Actor and LA Lakers fan Jack Nicholson spoke about Kobe Bryant's death. 

"My reaction is the same as almost all of LA, where we think everything's solid, there's a big hole in the wall. I was used to seeing and talking to Kobe. It kills you. It's just a terrible event.

"I sat right behind his jump shot on the left hand side. I can see him going up and I can tell the first instant if it's going in.

"I remember the totality of how great a player he was. We'll think of him all the time and we'll miss him," Nicholson stated.

Spanish basketball star Juan Carlos Navarro on Kobe Bryant's death: "Yesterday was a very sad day. I prayed that it was fake news and, this morning, when I got up, I realised it wasn't, that everything was still as sad. I still can't believe what happened."

The latest football club to release their condolences is Real Betis.

https://twitter.com/RealBetis_en/status/1221850923644923906

Zinedine Zidane has also paid tribute to Kobe Bryant.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B70-EnKi4qf/?utm_source=ig_embed

Ricky Rubio spoke about his pain after hearing of Kobe's death.

https://twitter.com/rickyrubio9/status/1221849691039715330

The conversation between the pilot of the helicopter and the control tower has some to light. Fog now seems to be the most likely cause of the accident.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/heart-touching-tributes-to-kobe-bryant/

Former Lakers star Kobe Bryant has died in a plane crash.

The NBA legend who died at the age of 41 was reportedly on board a helicopter with other eight passengers during the incident which occurred at 10am near Calabasas, a location in north-west Los Angeles.

According to the UK Guardian, the helicopter crashed due to foggy weather, igniting bushfires which made it difficult for firefighters to successfully carry out rescue operations.

Kobe’s 13-year-old daughter named Giana is believed to be among the dead

Media reports confirm that Kobe preferred flying on helicopters during his lifetime to avoid the heavy traffic in Los Angeles.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/kobe-bryant-dies-alongside-8-others-including-13-year-old-daughter/

Lol

A 16-year-old Indonesian boy required emergency surgery to stay alive after a needlefish speared him in the neck.

The boy named Muhammad Idul and his parents were fishing in Buton river located off southeast Sulawesi province when the life-threatening incident occurred on Saturday. A needlefish jumped out of water and landed on the boy’s neck, piercing its sharp-pointed snout straight through the back of his skull.

Muhammad reportedly spent two days at a hospital before the successful surgery was conducted.

Graphic photos from the surgery room has since gone viral on social media.

Local media confirmed the surgery lasted two delicate hours. Without efforts from a team of three experienced surgeons and two anaesthetists, the surgery would have ended in death because removing such a large sharp object around a large vessel in the neck was a high-risk challenge.

Professor Dr. Syafri K. told newsmen that Muhammad is responding to treatment and would be spending more time at the hospital for close monitoring.

‘There are risks of infection but the boy is relatively stable…At the moment, he is still feverish so we need to watch him until the fever subsides…He is recovering well,’ Dr. Syafri said.

Analysing the graphic video on its Facebook page, iFish described it as “the worst nightmare material right here.”

FB users responded with mixed feelings, including one who wrote: “What a real pain in the neck!”

“Amazing he survived,” another one commented.

Muhammad’s father, Saharuddin, said his son was excited about fishing and had taken it as a hobby to go with the family every weekend. No one envisaged such a gory event that Saturday night.

The brave bow managed to get to the land and was able to walk home with the needlefish hanging on his neck. Removing the sharp snout wasted time because hospitals around Sulawesi area lacked proper equipment for the surgery.

Muhammad was later transferred to a better-equipped hospital in Makassar, where where surgeons battled to save his life.

Incidents of needlefish attack are rare around the world. A Sulawesi women was reportedly impaled in the eye and she died shortly afterwards. In 2018, a 22-year-old naval officer named Kriangsak Pengpanich from Thailand was struck dead by a needlefish. He was undergoing a training exercise at that time. A Hawaiian boy also died of same attack in 1977 when the creature pierced through his eye and brain.

The Indonesian needlefish is also known as “the living needle.” It is one of the most dangerous sea creatures. They are easily noticed under water surface but their greatest weapons are the spear-like snout and a lightening speed of 37 miles per hour. Their length measures up to 3 feet.

Attacking with the turbo-needed at a speed of 37m/h makes needlefish a huge threat to humans. Needlefish live in freshwater, oceanic and brackish environments.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/indonesian-teenager-survives-death-after-needlefish-attack/

Drug addiction in South Africa has reached an alarming level.

In its last annual Drug Awareness campaign week, the government of South Africa released statistical figures which indicate a rising level of drug addiction, including the health and financial implications.

At the event held between, Nathan Rogerson (a representative of Akeso Clinics, a private inpatient hospital providing psychological care to drug addicts) said the establishment is taking care of adults and children, some of who became drug users at an early age of 6.

Rogerson noted that several factors are responsible for the increasing rate of drug abuse in South Africa. He cited high level of unemployment, violence, trauma, and poor social support from the affected families, friends and society.

In his words,” Easy access to high-impact and relatively cheap drugs is a major factor in the rising cases of drug abuse in South Africa.”

Marijuana, the most commonly used drug on South African streets, is also known as “dagga.” Alcohol is another commonly-abused substance in the country although cocaine use has been a worrisome trend since 2008 when records showed a 17.5% upward projection from 1.5% in 1996.

Findings in South Africa show that heroin abuse has mirrored trends in the United States due to its cheap prices and availability in every nook and cranny.

Hard drugs in South Africa have different names but the two most popular synthetic drugs with high consumption rates are “Nyaope” and methcathinone. Drug abusers refer to “Nyaope” as plazanza, kwape or whoonga whereas methcathinone goes by the street names “cat” or “bathtub speed”. These stimulants have spread like wildfire across the country—especially in rural communities and city slums. Additionally, narcotic contents of the drugs are usually paint solvent, baking soda, ephedrine, pesticides, chlorine and sulphuric acid. Other strains of hard drugs consumed in the country contain a mixture of ammonia, meth, marijuana.

Generally, some people depend on hard drugs because they cause psychosis (i.e. a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia which is characterized by defective or lost contact with reality). Some drug abusers depend on the hallucinations they experience as a measure against severe sleep deprivation, but for many others, the fun comes from feelings of euphoria and peace of mind gained after using drugs. Signs of stimulants abuse include: talkativeness, irritability, high levels of energy, dilated pupils, anxiety etc.

Unfortunately, these ongoing drug abuse trends are a menace to the South African society. Apart from the financial toll and link to crimes, drug addiction causes rapid breathing and increased heart rate which, in most cases, end in death. For these reasons, the government of South Africa and other addiction treatment providers have embarked on enlightenment campaigns to reduce impact from the epidemics.

In 2017, a Western Cape High Court ruled that people are allowed grow and consume marijuana in their homes. This controversial ruling was taken to the Supreme Court of Appeal for clarifications while drug users were being arrested for "obeying the laws" by allegedly growing and consuming stimulants.

Medical Marijuana as the 'Solution'

Issues surrounding the legality and eligibility for using medical marijuana were squashed in 2018 when Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo of the South African Supreme Court ruled that any laws banning private consumption of medical marijuana as unconstitutional.

Marijuana, or oil from the plant, including other derivatives such as tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol have been prescribed for medicinal use in many countries. This approval does not, in any way, decriminalize use of the stimulant unless where licence has been issued. The negative impact of consuming marijuana is currently underplayed in legal and medical domains, especially in the US,  where medical marijuana gained official approval for patients due to its efficacy in treating epilepsy, chronic pain, and some heart conditions.

Similarly, Business Insider in 2019 reported that about 60 South Africans were granted special dispensation to import and use medicines containing cannabis. According to the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), any other person selling or using medicines containing dagga or its derivatives—excluding the licensed individuals—are doing so illegally and at the risk of their lives,

When will such bad news end?

There is a link between having less sex and early menopause, a new study suggests.

Using a sample population of 3,000 American women, a group of British researchers studied the relationship between women’s menopausal status and sex lives. The 10-year study focused on validating an assertion those who had less sex were most likely to experience early menopause.

Women’s body “revolt” to less sexual activity, the research team claimed, because it is created on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis.

According to Megan Arnot (one of the lead authors and a Ph.D. scholar at University College London), women who don’t engage in sex have no chance of getting pregnant and this forces the human body to regulate against ovulation.

‘There may be a biological energetic trade-off between investing energy into ovulation and investing elsewhere, such as keeping active by looking after grandchildren,’ Arnot said.

She was referring to the traditional “Grandmother Hypothesis” among anthropologists which claims that menopause originally evolved in humans to reduce reproductive conflict between different generations of females, allowing women to increase inclusive fitness by focusing on their grandchildren. This implies that an end to sexual activities in women sends a signal for the human body to begin its physiological transition.

Dr. Jennifer Wu (a US-based gynaecologist/obstetrician working at Lenox Hill Hospital, NY) approved findings from the study, describing it as a good addition to the body of knowledge in women’s sexual health.

According to Dr. Wu, ‘It’s a long-known fact among doctors that regular sexual activity has many health benefits and later menopause can mean better cholesterol levels and stronger bones.’

Dr. Wu also added that other sexual activities that enhance women’s chances of delayed menopause include masturbation, caressing, and MouthAction.

https://meziesblog.com/what-they-dont-tell-you-about-male-masturbation/

https://meziesblog.com/how-frequent-masturbation-reduces-chances-of-cancer-in-men/

‘Importantly,’ she continued, ‘even those women who don’t have sex partners can reap the benefits of later menopause.’

Survey participants comprise of 3,000 women aged 45 as at 1996/97 when they were first interviewed. None of the American women had reached menopause although 46% showed perimenopausal symptoms such as irregular menstrual circle. The other fifty-four percent were confirmed to have no perimenopausal signs.

However, findings gathered from more than 10 years of follow-up indicated that 45% of the participants experienced natural menopause at an average age of 52. No cause or effect was proven. An analysis of records from women who engaged in sexual activities at least once a month and others who had sex every week showed that those who had more sex have their chances of early menopause reduced by 28%. Those who had less sex were about 19% less likely to begin menopause at an early stage.

In their publication which appeared on the Royal Science Open Science journal (14.01.2020), the researchers agreed that having a sex partner or not did not influence the results.

“All women will eventually experience cessation of menses and go into menopause, but increasing frequency of sexual activity in some way affects the reproductive system to delay the menopausal changes,” said Dr. Mitchell Kramer (chair of obstetrics and gynaecology at Northwell Health’s Huntington Hospital in Huntington, New York.

Explaining further, Dr. Mitchell said prior studies have found that married women tend to enter menopause later than single women. He, however, added that there’s a theory supporting claims that married women might have more regular sex.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/can-infrequent-sex-cause-early-menopause/

Raphael Varane has enjoyed a trophy-laden football career, having won a total of seventeen trophies so far—with more in sight.

The 26-year-old defender, however, is thankful to critics who believed he didn’t have the right frame of mind to succeed in football.

As a child, Varane was told he couldn’t face the challenges of professional football because he “was too nice”. He eventually won a World Cup with France. The Frenchman has also broken individual and team records with Real Madrid.

Talking to Onze Mundial about his parents’ influence, Varane explained that his father was a very strict coach who demands so much -- “mentally and physically.”

“He always imposed rules and a structure that must be followed.”

“My mom is a teacher so you can easily understand why she’s serious about my education …She was always on top of my schooling.”

France made it to EURO 2016 finals on home soil but Varane missed the tournament due to injuries—after preparing for 2 years. He said that disappointment was one of the saddest moments of his career mainly because France won’t be hosting a European Championships in the next couple of years.

But the France international footballer doesn't give up easily.

Talking about his dreams and early football years, Varane said: “There are some kids you see and know they'll succeed but that wasn't the case for me…When I was little, I was told that I didn't have the right mentality to succeed because I was kind; I wasn't just ‘rough’ enough…Other kids at my school went to fight, but I was kind and principled.”

At 26, Varane has won 4 Champions League, 1 Cope del Rey and 3 Spanish Supercup titles, among numerous others. Real Madrid signed him for €10m in 2011. Remarkably, the French centre-back from Lens has gone on to become the youngest player with the most trophies in Los Blancos’ history.

Without doubts, Varane can clinch more silverware than any other in Los Merengues' history if he sticks with the team for a few more years.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/people-looked-down-on-me-as-someone-without-a-future-raphael-varane/

If you’ve always worried about how to deal with stubborn yellow stains on your bathroom curtains, it’s normal—and it’s a shared problem—because the shower is one of the few places we can never avoid for so long. No matter how much you hate germs, sickness and diseases, taking a break for that soothing dip in your bathtub, sometimes, looks like the only solution to body pain and problems from your daily life challenges.

Nonetheless, medical experts tell us that some we need some kind and number of bacteria to stay safe. Contradictory as some health tips from doctors may be, I personally find orange stains a turnoff when I sight them anywhere in my bathroom. True. I hate sharing my personal space with bacteria. Not that I suffer from some kind of phobia or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but you wouldn’t like to experience the home cleaning pains I suffered shortly after my wedding and relocation to our new home in Oregon.

It was barely two months in the apartment when we kicked off our tour of the states and, exactly one month later, our return marked the beginning of my sorrows. My husband wanted us to call in a home cleaning company but I declined—to prove myself a “real woman” with good knowledge of how to clean orange stains from shower curtains. I was totally wrong about it.

‘Sweetheart, I can be a city girl but I grew up doing almost everything your grandma believes modern day American women hate so much…Doing laundry is one of them.’

‘Oh, wow!’ He replied, admiring me in appreciation. I never knew what he had on his mind but, obviously, it was positive and inspiring.

I picked up the shower curtains, dumped them in the machines and washed for some minutes. When it was dry and ready for pick-up, all I wanted was to stir in the washing machine, grab our sparkling shower curtains, and brag about my homely nature, cleanliness and washing skills—at least, in my head. I expected to hear my husband showering praise on his beloved wife after seeing the clothing but, alas, the disappointment was more than I could contain.

‘Don’t worry about that, my love,’ he said, ‘I’ve always known such orange stains to be stubborn…My grandma actually has a trick with them.’

‘Really. You know how to clean off these taunting microbes?’

He appreciated my efforts and eventually taught me the secrets of removing orange stains from shower curtains. I love to learn, especially from those with better knowledge than myself. There’s no shame in it at all. Now cleaning stubborn bathroom stains with common household items is a chore I enjoy so much. You too can share in my wealth of experience, particularly if you understand that your hygiene level tells a lot about your personality.

The personal hygiene concepts

I am one of those people who dislike dirty environments—not just because they are appalling—but for the fact that I get goose bumps staring at them. It’s simply gross and nauseating, don’t you agree? Good personal hygiene can extend your lifespan. Likewise, living in unkempt places and taking your bath in mouldy and stuffy bathrooms pose huge threats to your survivability. Orange stains on your shower curtains aren’t good for your health.

Tips on removing orange stains   

Orange stains are found in many places around the bathroom. The number of microorganisms multiply in large numbers on daily basis. However, your diligence and cleaning experience will help reduce or completely eliminate more growth—at least, for a longer period. These are some of the easiest ways to eradicate bacteria growth on your shower curtains:

Go get your lemon juice, bleach, salt and vinegar because you need one or all of them to kill as many germs as are available in your bathroom. The liquid chemical is effective as a home cleaning agent and is specifically made for removing stubborn stains. Professionals in the field thus suggest the following:

Get a little quantity of lemon juice and splash or sprinkle it around the stained area. Some people prefer adding it to their cold, warm or hot water to be used for handwashing the shower curtains.
You may use vinegar, instead. It also acts as a strong and effective cleaning agent. Douse it around the stained area, wait for few minutes, and soak it in water (cold, warm or hot).
Add salt to the wet areas and watch how it absorbs the stains.
Take more salt and brush up the stains. It acts as a safe abrasive.
Use brush for a thorough scrub and rinse in hot, soapy water for a perfect wash.
Your clean shower curtains are clean and ready to be spread indoors or outside.
Alternatively, you can skip the previous steps and use a chlorine-based cleaner. Start with wearing rubber gloves, which is necessary for swishing your fabric in water, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Soak the curtains in, preferably, hot water. Make sure that you drop the bottom first because that part is always the worst stained.
Immerse the materials in water and soak for about 20 or 30 minutes.
Wash it off.
Repeat this process.
Proceed to your washing machine. Add some towels to reduce the hard pressure from your fabric-cleaning technology. The soft, thick materials help preserve and rejuvenate your bathroom curtains.
Viola! Take out your clothing to experience the unbelievable magic of chlorine bleach.

Washing off the orange stains on your shower curtains with household items is one of the best, safest, cheap and non-toxic ways. It is simple as well as easy to learn. You just need to give it a try.

Importantly, you must carefully check the fabric tags to know they are machine-washables.

Whether you are handwashing the bathroom curtains or using a washing machine, it is advisable that you apply caution because washing gently preserves your clothing quality.

Cause of orange stains on shower curtains

Most microbes thrive in water and those orange stains contain lots of disease-causing germs than you can ever imagine. For example, a mixture of water and soap suds on the shower curtains dries up after some time, but not without forming mould, which eventually expands in strength, size and colour if left uncleaned for a longer period. This makes it harder to remove except with effective cleaning methods discussed above. And when the rot comes in contact with your delicate skin, it causes infectious diseases.

Protection

To protect your shower curtains from orange stains and safeguard your health as well as those of your loved ones, you should try the washing methods once every month.

Source: https://meziesblog.com/best-ways-to-deal-with-orange-stains-on-your-shower-curtains/