₦airaland Forum

The draw for the UEFA Champions League semifinals have just been concluded and here are my thoughts on the fixtures.

Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid have shown that they are masters of the Champions League and they are always hard to beat when they get to this stage as their record 11 victories in this competition indicates. However, if there is any team that can beat Real over 2 legs, it is probably Atletico Madrid. 2 losses in 2 close-fought finals in the last three years to Real will definitely serve as motivation for Diego Simeone and his men.

However, with Cristiano Ronaldo in fine form, it might be a difficult challenge to beat this Real team under Zinedine Zidane, a great player that is also turning out to be a great coach.

I am tipping Atletico to win this one though, they have been rather unlucky in their losses to Real and I just get the feeling this might be their time to get one over their big city rivals in Europe’s premier club competition. Their mixture of Spartan discipline and technical finesse when required could prove decisive this time around.

Monaco vs. Juventus

This is a classic game of the masters of attack against the masters of defence. The margins at this stage of the competition are so small that any of the 4 semifinalists could actually win the competition. Monaco have shown an amazing mentality and attacking philosophy in this competition. Their approach is simple- we do not mind conceding goals because we are going to outscore you anyway. Juventus on the other hand have shown they are excellent at keeping the best strikers in the world quiet considering the fact that Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar could not find the back of the net over 2 legs against Juventus, neither did the rest of the Barcelona team.

But the Mbappe-Falcao partnership is proving to be difficult to resist and going by the way this Monaco team is dispatching some of Europe’s finest, it is hard not to tip them as favourites to go through. I rate them highly and expect to see them at the final.

I am in effect expecting a Monaco-Atletico Madrid final. Now, that would be quite a spectacle.

source: http://www.opinions.ng/analysis-uefa-champions-league-semifinal-draw/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

You have been thinking about launching your own business enterprise but the fear of the unknown grips you that you keep postponing it. You know that procrastinating about starting something can lead to regret later. If you are in this position, it is time to stop thinking and kick off your entrepreneurial journey. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares ways you can quickly start your own business.

Simply start

Yes, you do not have money to start a business. That is a major entrepreneurial problem that cannot be overcome. There will always be financial scarcity. But start with the little you have. Find a solution to a problem or you sell anything in case you do not know the business you want to do.

Ask someone for advice

Have a mentor who will guide you and who you can talk or call anytime for advice. Of course, they must be persons who are willing to share the secret of doing business with you in a Nigerian environment as well as offering assistance when you are stuck. They will also share challenges. This will stop you from giving up.

Work with someone who drives you to do more

You do not want to work with someone that is negative. Sooner rather than later, everything will collapse. Therefore, you should look for an individual who will drive you to your limit. This will prompt you to give everything to your startup or business.

Hire freelance workers

You do not need to hire permanent workers immediately you start your business. You can take advantage of freelancers who will also do a good job for you. The demands of freelancers can’t be compared to that of permanent workers. When your business is a bit stable, you can now engage permanent workers.

Don’t focus on money

For people who focus on money, they will not be patient for their business to start running itself. This is because it may take years before you start profiting from it. Invest your money and relax for it to make returns in few years. You can’t break even immediately.

Interact with your potential customers

Do not be afraid to talk to your friends and potential who you know can patronise your business. Even if they do not do business with you, they know that you have a business you are running. Also, do not forget to use social media to push your business. You can go as far as sponsoring your business on twitter, Facebook or Instagram. It cost less than two dollars to do this.

source: http://www.opinions.ng/6-tips-quickly-launch-business/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

By Nkem Ndem

If you are a fan of Nollywood movies, you probably already have certain impressions about Nigerians and their women especially. The female characters in Nollywood movies are almost always cast in similar roles.

The young girls are often portrayed as damsels in distress who eventually find their purpose after they meet a man; or they are cast as gossips and home breakers driven by jealousy and bitterness. Other times they are money-conscious and beauty obsessed simpletons e.t.c;
The older women are usually depicted as wives whose lives are centered around their husbands; they are over-religious mothers who control their daughters, and mothers-in-law, whose purpose is to antagonize the daughters-in-law.

In general, the movies fail to portray Nigerian females in their diversity and complexity. Of course, there are exceptions where the female character is portrayed differently and given non-traditional roles, but how often do we see those kinds of Nollywood films?

While these movies entertain the viewers, it also serves as a medium through which the cultures and norms of the Nigerian society are disseminated to inform and mold the behavior of the masses. As such, they have the potential to shape young minds in a lot of ways.

Without realizing it, young girls in Nigeria who are exposed to these Nollywood films, learn what it means to “be a woman”. Unfortunately, not all of the lessons Nollywood teaches these girls about feminism are good.

Here are some of the problematic lessons:

Marriage is the end game

From as old as the movie “Taboo” to as recent as the blockbuster “Wedding Party”, a number of Nigerian movies tend to subtly or even strongly pass the message that marriage is a woman’s highest achievement, thus should be the highlight of her existence. Most times disguised as a love story or just plain comedy, it essentially portrays the heroine as someone who is all about getting a man to love and marry her. Some of these movies even portray women as men-mad idiots who will go to great lengths to get a man: betray friends, disown their families, and change their religion e.t.c.

Girls, when they absorb this message, start to believe that they must have a man to eventually lead a complete life. This is possibly why the marriage fever is unending and most women in our society today would rather chase a man than chase their dreams…even when they do not even feel attracted to a man.

Nollywood should strive to diversify their plot to include heroines who are able to achieve their life’s purpose without necessarily being married or being depressed they achieved the success without a man by their side.

Being Feminist means being tough, domineering and acting like a man

Among the myriad Nollywood movies that have been produced over the years, some movies have tried to foster the ‘feminist’ agenda. Some of these movies like “Black Bra” or “women in power”, however, end up giving these female characters “male” attributes while trying to achieve their aim. They make them tough, domineering and even get them do certain things that have been stereotyped as ‘male’ behavior. This defeats the purpose, as the idea of feminism is not that men be removed from earth or be hated.

It should not in any way either suggest that the world will be better run by females. Feminism basically just suggests that the female is of the same status as the male, not less, not better…and this message is what these Nollywood movies should strive to pass across.

This is so that the girls, who are influenced by these movies, are not deluded to think that to be empowered, they have to feel better than men or even despise them.

Women are weak and need rescuing

A classic example is the movie “First lady”. The Heroine already on her own was hoping to be rescued by a Prince Charming. This is a mentality most girls have these days, as a result of the numerous Nollywood movies they have seen on African Magic.
They are unwilling to put in the hard work they need to upgrade their status, or take them out of whatever situation they find themselves entrapped in. They wait to meet a man who will rescue them from an abusive father, or change their lives and take them out of poverty.
This mentality is the reason a lot of our Nigerian girls are still not self-made and not rising up to their full potential.

Nollywood movies that highlight this damsel in distress/knight in a shining amor theme, should be regulated so that we have more girls who are confident and willing to chart their own course.

Being girly is what makes you beautiful, attractive and most of all “normal”

The heroines who get the happy ending are usually costumed and molded to look and behave a certain way. They wear dresses and adorn themselves with jewelry. They also put on make-up and wear hair extensions. They also tend to show a lot of emotion (they cry and throw tantrums). The few times a female character is shown, perhaps without makeup or flashy girly clothes, she is really poor, and usually, she will have to upgrade to or adopt the “girly” image, in order to get her happy ending. Even more, if is she is dressed in certain clothes that have been tagged “male”, automatically she is a lesbian or a thug who probably will not have a happy ending.

The young girls who get these messages become image-obsessed, as they now believe how they look is everything. Perhaps Nollywood movies need to place less emphasis on the outward appearance of the girl focus more on highlighting the qualities in a female character that makes her uniquely female.

As a woman, you have to wait for love to find you

It is really hard to see any romantic Nollywood movie where the girl took the bull by the horn, and went in search of love. The love stories are always written in such a way that boy meets girl, boy pursues girl, and love conquers all.

In these movies, these girls- even ones that are clearly self-centered and narcissistic- do not need to work on themselves or do anything …love finds them any way.

This is not the case in our real world today. Love does not come easy. At least, not genuine love. It is important that girls know it is alright for them to make the first move sometimes, and go for what they want as opposed to waiting to be pursued.

Also, it is important that they understand that love requires emotional maturity; they may need to work on themselves to attract the kind of love they desire. Nollywood movies should try to reflect that.

Women are destined for subservient roles in the society

In a large number of Nollywood movies, men are depicted as leaders, rulers and successful business men. Women, on the other hand, are mostly captured in domestic settings, their roles constrained to being mothers, daughter, brides, housewives and other related roles. Even in a few movies where the woman is given a sort of ‘masculine’ role or place in a position of power, it is still orchestrated such that she has to submit to a higher boss who is male, or submit to a domineering husband.

This gives the girl the impression that this is all the future holds for her. Her mind is conditioned to accept and even look forward to it. Modern day Nollywood movies should consider the direct and remote messages their moving may be passing across and not ignore them. They can start by ensuring women are not always cast in traditional roles.

What are your thoughts on these points?

source: http://www.opinions.ng/6-problematic-lessons-nollywood-teaches-girls-femininity/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

CEO Coaching International’s founder and CEO Mark Moses once wanted his company to “Make BIG Happen,” so he rode into the annual meeting atop an 8,000-pound African elephant. The elephant became an instant mascot and “thinking big” became a permanent part of the corporate culture. His firm then went from the brink of bankruptcy to achieving their “HOT” or Huge Outrageous Target of doing over a billion dollars in business.

Moses, a successful CEO coach, has spent the last decade teaching his best practices methodology to his clients who are in turn achieving their HOTs. Some of these include Grasshopper, which sold to Citrix for $172 million. A wireless company sold to a private equity firm for a nine-figure number. Carson Wealth recently sold a 29% stake at a value of $135 million, and several others clients have raised meaningful growth capital. His recent, best-selling book Make BIG Happen teaches CEOs how to ask better questions to get better results. The questions outlined in the book are the foundation of every fast-growing profitable business and answering them in the right way can lead to exceptional results.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2oH0qlXLOg

Every year Moses is inspired to try new challenges, see new things, and aim for new achievements. He then adds these goals to a continuously growing dream list and shares them, to be held accountable.

Moses and his wife recently rode elephants in Laos as part of a dream cycling trip to Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

“I have always believed that life is to be lived,” commented Moses.

Mark Moses is the Founding Partner of CEO Coaching International and the Amazon Bestselling author of Make Big Happen. His firm coaches over 140 of the world’s top high-growth entrepreneurs and CEOs on how to dramatically grow their revenues and profits. Mark has won Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award and the Blue Chip Enterprise award for overcoming adversity. He has completed 12 full distance Ironman Triathlons including the Hawaii Ironman World Championship 5 times.

About CEO Coaching International

CEO Coaching International is an executive coaching company that works with the world’s top entrepreneurs, CEOs and companies to dramatically grow their business, develop their people, and elevate their own performance.

source: http://www.opinions.ng/ceo-coach-crazy-enough-ride-elephant-annual-meeting-worked/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

People lie for different reasons and it hurts more when someone you love and trust lies to you. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 8 ways to help you deal with lies and temper its effect on your emotions and perceptions.

Recognize That You Are Being Lied To

Before proceeding to deal with lies, you must first establish that you are being lied to. When you are sure, beyond any doubt, that you have been or are being lied to, you can then proceed to deal with it.

Look for Patterns in the Person’s Lies

This is done in an attempt to understand why the person is lying to you. It is easier to deal with when you can identify why the person is lying to you. However, if after some analysis it seems to you that the person is lying for no reason, then there is a bigger problem at hand – you are possibly dealing with a compulsive or pathological liar. If you are not careful, the person’s lies can distort your reality to the point where you actually begin to believe the lies might be true.

Determine if the Person’s Lies Are Harmful

Truth is there is no such thing as a harmless lie, but some lies are more harmful than others. You need to figure out how the lies affect you, the person lying and others that might be involved. Is the person lying to protect, escape the consequence of an error, or manipulate? More importantly, are the lies manipulating you into making decisions or acting in ways that are unlike you or your personality?

Decide Whether or Not to Confront the Liar

This is a personal choice. After you are sure, beyond reasonable doubt, that you have been lied to, you need to sit down, think and decide on your course of action. Determine the better alternative between confronting the liar and keeping to yourself the fact that you know the truth. You can keep it to yourself to inform your future decisions concerning the liar and anything that has to do with the liar.

Document the Lies

This seems funny but if you neglect this you can be made the fool, especially when you confront the liar for his/her lies. You don’t have to show the documentation to anyone, it is mainly for you so you don’t lose sight of the truth. You should document the instance of the lie and why you believe it is a lie. Do some research (an objective one) to get some evidence proving the lie, you should be able to show the liar (and to some degree even yourself), without a doubt, that a lie or lies have been told.

Talk to the Person Privately

If you must confront the liar, don’t do so in public. That tends to have a less than desired effect and isn’t likely to help the person change. When you talk to the person, don’t be condescending or aggressive, calmly point out the person’s lie(s) with evidence and give them space to react. If the person admits the lie(s), then they are most likely remorseful. You can give the person a chance to explain the lie(s).

If the person doesn’t admit the lie after being caught with evidence, then there is a deeper problem – you are more likely dealing with a compulsive or pathological liar. You should tread carefully and wisely at this point because they are unlikely to admit the truth no matter how aggressive you get.

Prepare for Resulting Trust Issues

After being lied to, prepare for the fact that you are likely going to have difficulty trusting people again because the feeling of betrayal doesn’t fade easily. At this point, it helps to remember that there are still honest people in the world, regardless of how few they might be. Remind yourself that no one deserves to be judged by the mistakes of others – everyone deserves a chance.

Protect Yourself

Dealing with lies can be emotionally exhausting. Ensure that you don’t get wrapped up in a person’s lies again. Ensure that at every point you always have a firm grasp on the truth. If things get out of hand and you have to endure mental and psychological trauma because of a person’s lies, it advisable to distance yourself from the liar, and in more extreme cases, cut the person off completely.

source: http://www.opinions.ng/8-ways-deal-lies/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Doing something for the first time can make you very nervous and anxious. It is even worse if you are boarding a plane. Although the experience may be pleasant, the unpalatable things you have heard about flying may scare you. Beyond this, there are other important things that can disrupt your flight which are probably unaware of because you are flying for the first time. in line with this, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares 9 things first-time flyers must know to enjoy their flight.

Arrive at the airport super early

Whether you are travelling within or outside Nigeria, you should arrive at the airport super early. This will help calm your nerves. But if you are first time flyer and you arrive late, you would be disorganised and uncoordinated. Consequently, you may miss your flight. Alternatively, you can arrive a day earlier and lodge in one of those Lagos airport hotels.

Keep your carry-on bag small and light

You should carry a portable bag where you can keep your valuables like passports and other important travel documents. It is easier to reach, anytime you need them.

Get in your seat and power down

You do not need to show everyone on the plane that you are a first-time flyer. It will simply reveal your stupidity. When you get on board, choose your seatmate carefully, sit and switch off your phone or place it on aeroplane mode.

Do not tip indiscriminately

There is nothing wrong with tipping. You can if you want to. However, don’t just tip everyone that demand money from you. You may end up tipping them with all your pocket money.

Avoid junk food

Eat proper food, not junk. You do not want to throw up at the airport or on the plane. It is highly possible that you may throw up because you are overwhelmed or anxious.

Don’t carry cash

It is not advisable to carry cash when you are flying let alone for the first time. You may lose your money. Before you travel, contact your bank to know how you can get an ATM card that you can use anywhere in the world. Besides, if you want to carry cash, do not carry too much cash.

Do not patronise touts to exchange money

There are all sorts characters at the airport. So, be careful who you deal with. Never patronise touts especially when it has to do with currency exchange. They may change the money at a higher rate or give you fake currencies. There are bureau de Change wherever you are travelling to.

Bring your headset

Your headset will keep you company when you are bored or anxious. You can listen to your favourite music. This will distract you from your worries about flying for the first time.

Don’t be fearful

Do not think about all the stories you have heard about flying. You should believe that nothing will happen. If you dwell on it for too long, you may end up not travelling. It is not easy but you have to ditch your fear or paranoia.


source: http://www.opinions.ng/9-must-know-tips-help-fly-like-pro-first-time/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Uyo is a local government area and the capital of Akwa Ibom state – ‘Land Of Promise’, a major oil producing state. An activity-packed destination featuring culture, outdoor activities, fine museums, attractions and miles of beaches, Uyo presents a picture of enchanting coastal, mangrove forest, beautiful sand beach resorts, and other interesting places one can visit. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, movie lover, golfer, foodie, shopaholic or collector of random facts, you will find there are so many things to do while visiting. And if you are worried you would get bored eventually, Jumia Travel Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site offers 5 ways to spice up your trip to Uyo.

Spend some time playing Golf

Le Méridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort is one of the most beautiful hotels in Nigeria as a whole and definitely the most prestigious destination within Uyo city. Aside from the lodging space, restaurants, and bars, the Golf resort stands out as an ideal location for any golf enthusiast and professional alike. The lush greens of the world class 18 hole golf course, creates the right atmosphere for the most challenging memorable golfing experience. Visit the resort and experience a breathtaking view and Tee-off on West Africa’s Premier lush green Golf Resort. The rates start from N34,500 per room per night in the Deluxe Room or N37,500 per room per night in the Executive Room and the packages include: unlimited Golf and complimentary internet access.

Go shopping at Ibom Plaza

Spend the afternoon browsing the incredible deals at Ibom plaza on your fun-filled excursion to Uyo. Along the way, make a stop at the intriguing monument which symbolizes the unity of the people of Akwa Ibom state and keep your eyes peeled for some famous local personalities. The Ibom Plaza also has an open theater and a double-rolled water fountain within the Plaza. Aside from shopping at its shopping centre, you get an opportunity to appreciate modern history, as the unique thing about Ibom Plaza is that it stands out as the first-of-its-kind in the history of city modernization in Nigeria.

Go meet someone at the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center

Created in the image of Sun City of South Africa and the famous Disneyland in Orlando, Florida, USA, the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre is a marvel. The center, which is a modern leisure and business resort, stuns every visitor. There is usually a crowd at this location and most times, you are bound to make an acquaintance while strolling through its myriad corridors. Meeting someone new is a good way to create fun memories of any place. All you need is your purse and possibly a selfie stick for picture perfect moments.

Go sight seeing

This may sound boring as it is a basic tourist activity, but with Uyo, it can yield a rewarding experience. Visit the National Museum in Uyo L.G.A to view some of the finest carvings, relics, artifacts, and other valuable antiquities such as masquerade costumes, traditional instruments, and pottery; the Ibom International Stadium an all-seater national sports stadium home to the Nigerian Super Eagles as well as a center for various social, cultural, and religious events; Lord Lugard’s residence; the Presbyterian church; and so many other interesting sites. You are bound to learn so much more about the city, its history, culture and way of life.

Explore Ibeno Beach

A 30 km-long beach of clean sea sand, Ibeno beach is a destination in Uyo that attracts visitors not just from neighboring states and cities, but tourists from outside the country on a regular basis. This beautiful sand beach provides recreational facilities with excellent opportunities for water sports. A couple of similar beaches are at Ikot Abasi, Abadia, Nwaniba, and Oron. If you are not keen on doing anything hectic, such as surfing, you can just have a nice picnic with friends or play beach volleyball. Either way, you are bound to have fun.

source: http://www.opinions.ng/5-ways-spice-trip-uyo/

Are you ready to beat your opponents to pulp and knock them out? Are you ready to get bloodied and bruised in the process?

Don’t run away yet. I am writing about entrepreneurship not boxing. You see business is very much like pugilism, your ‘opponents’ might include lack of finance, hostile business environment, competitors, bad partners, bad customers and an almost unending list.

You have to train to acquire all the required skills like Product Development, Marketing, Human Relations, Accounting and of course, Management that will help you overcome these challenges.

No pain, no game is the mantra if you want to be successful in business, you need to learn discipline and delayed gratification, a boxer is required to follow a strict regimen and maintain a proper diet to achieve optimum fitness and performance. You as a businessman have to learn financial prudence and discipline while learning to invest where you will get the best Return on Investment (ROI).

No boxer goes into a match expecting not to be hit with punches, the idea is to either knock out your opponent or outscore them via points at the end of the bout. Entrepreneurship is similar; you are going to experience disappointments and setbacks. You might lose a few big fights but the objective is to counter these with better strategies, new ideas and innovations that will give you the required victories as you strive to get to the top- become a champion.

After you become a champion, you strive to stay on top, beat your top challengers and seek to extend your reign for as long as you can. An entrepreneur whose business has achieved successes and is on top also seeks to maintain market leadership. Ultimately, you are going to lose your coveted position. However, you should seek to reinvent your organization; diversify, improve your core business with new people and technologies. No boxer remains on top forever too; they eventually retire and if they want to remain in the boxing business might go into coaching, promotion or media work. Some move on to other areas of life and use their experience from boxing to aid their success in these new endeavours. Just like the entrepreneur, diversification is important for the boxer.

An entrepreneur really is a boxer of sorts. Therefore, prepare well, get into the ring of business, give more punches than you receive and over time after the pain, blood, sweat and sometimes tears, you might become a great champion.

See you at the top!

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/every-entrepreneur-boxer/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

With the internet of things, communication among devices and gadgets have been made very easy. It doesn’t take forever anymore to connect your laptop to your phone’s hotspot. This is probably why you can now connect your hotspot to your computer for browsing. Regardless, for some people who use hotspot, their mobile data doesn’t last which is not supposed to be. So, they are discouraged from using the hotspot. If this is the case with you, Jumia travel, the leading online travel agency shares tips for maximising mobile hotspot.

Reduce the use of multimedia

If you use hotspot, and you want to save data, you should avoid watching videos and music streaming. This is because more data is required for viewing and playing videos and music.

Turn off automatic update

Whenever you use hotspot, always turn off the automatic update on your phone. It may have been long your computer was updated, and immediately your system is connected to a hotspot, it will begin to update. Before you say, Jack Robinson, your data is exhausted.

Don’t forget to end all downloads

You may be downloading a movie on a public Wi-Fi and you are unable to finish. However, you forgot to stop or end the download and you later connect your hotspot, the download will simply continue from where it stopped earlier with the use of your data.

Optimise Wi-Fi settings

You should activate your hotspot for shorter low-power Wi-Fi. This will make it possible for data to be less consumed while browsing with hotspot.

Observe data level

Notwithstanding the fact that you have enough data on your phone, you should not ignore it when you connect your hotspot with your computer. You should always check it from time to time so that you will be aware of your data balance. This will let you know how to use it carefully and consciously.

Stop all background applications

Like your phone, your laptop also has background apps running. Some of these apps need internet to function optimally. So, end all background applications before you connect your hotspot.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/6-ways-save-data-using-mobile-hotspot/

By Kunle Adebajo

Today is not a good Friday. This is for no other reason than that, on this day, exactly three years ago, terror like no other struck the small village of Chibok. 276 young, innocent students – all girls – were abducted from their hostels by members of the dreaded sect, Boko-Haram. In the dead of the night, their school was burnt down, their belongings were destroyed, and their freedom and dignity got trapped under the grips of oppression. It was barely two weeks away from April Fools’ Day, but this was no joke. Till today, 195 of these innocents remain, at best, in captivity.

The Yoruba people of Nigeria, in times like this, have a habit of saying, “omo eni ku san ju omo eni ni lo” – it is better for one’s child to be dead than for that child simply not to be found. The Yorubas understand that it is easier for a person to come to terms with an irredeemable situation than for them to recover from terribly prolonged misery. They understand that nothing can be worse than a drive around the roundabout of hopeful hopelessness.

It is under this condition of prolonged misery that 195 – or double – parents have laboured for not one, not two, but three solid years. For three years, they have bitterly protested without yield. For three years, their heartbeats have changed gear from the usual to the unusual. For three years, the colour in their lives and the pleasantness of their meals have been stolen without hope of remedy. Like Vladimir and Estragon, for three years, they have more or less been waiting for Godot.

Dr. Martin Luther King once famously remarked that ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’. At another time, he said that ‘our lives begin to end the day we keep silent about things that matter’. It is thus surprising to see that many Nigerians are not only going about their lives as if the event of April 14 2014 never was, they are agitating for those dedicated to justice to quit, forget and just move on. As Mrs Aisha Yesufu, the BBOG group convener, noted, “many people have said 24 of them were rescued and that we should go back, but we have 195 reasons to keep marching.”

Three years ago, they came for the Northern child and many kept quiet. Distant people from across the globe were more vocal against the king-sized injustice. When they do come for the Southern daughters or the Eastern sons, if they do come, no doubt the key to padlocks shutting our lips will be miraculously found. But we need not wait till then. With our words and actions, we can make sure ‘then’ never arrives.

The climax of this tragic chronicle does not even lie in the apathy from the Nigerian people, but in the fumbling of the government in whose hands rest the mandate of protection, of lives and of property. The government is weak, its will is feeble, and its zeal misplaced. This fact has been demonstrated over and over that, for the scientist, it may in fact qualify not only as theory but as law.

The drafters of the Nigerian Constitution were certainly not drunk when they wrote within its second chapter that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” Security of lives is not a matter for a session of AOB (Any Other Business). It is a primary agendum, which must be addressed before any other for without tranquillity of mind, the motions of the limbs are bound for vanity.

After the tragic incident which occurred during the Presidency of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the administration remained silent for several weeks under the ridiculous pretence, as was later revealed, of fear of not compromising details of investigation. Besides that deafening silence, the unresolved Dasuki loot of funds destined for security is another fact attesting that our failures are a result of our poor choices not of our stars. The fault indeed lies nowhere but with us.

In saner climes, the life of each and every citizen is important, regardless of status or amount of titles. Even though he travels to the other end of the planet, a citizen of such lands can rest assured that his government has got his back. But not here, though we claim communalism as our core value, each man is on his own. Each man is his own government. Unless you are the mother of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala or an ex-minister like Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, the reverse of your misfortune may never be a priority.

For instance, we all know, sadly, that the 2012 diplomatic face-off between Nigeria and South Africa due to alleged fake yellow cards would have never been a big deal but for the Senator who was on board. For those who know our leaders all too well, it was never about the one hundred and twenty four Nigerians on that South African Airways aircraft. It was about that one senator whose parachute of dignity was too precious to be pierced.

And until we advance into a nation where all lives matter, be they from up there or down here, be they rich or poor, be they Hausa or Yoruba, development and respect will continue to dodge us like a leprous limb. I do not know if the Chibok girls will ever return, but if we learn nothing from the vacuum they have since left behind, then their abduction by Boko-Haram is much better than the abduction from our minds, of sympathy, of sanity and of solidarity. This mental abduction was the hole in the wall whence Boko-Haram elements crept into the sacred institution of the school to wreak havoc. It is the hole for which reason the three-year wound has refused to heal. And, if we refuse to rather err on the lane of caution, this same hole might be our grave as a people.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/chibok-girls-abduction-three-year-wound-refused-heal/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Why the EFCC Must Quickly Identify Who Owns the N15 Billion and other Related Legal Issues

The Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has Wednesday announced that it uncovered foreign currencies and naira notes that are worth about N15 billion in a four-bedroom apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos. The funds have been reported to be proceeds of unlawful activity while investigations are said to be ongoing. As laudable as this development is, it is rather very depressing that the owner of the huge money is yet to be named or identified.

First, there is need to state from onset that the EFCC has been doing much of arrests than prosecuting. Every now and then, we hear series of news that the anti-graft agency has arrested suspected economic and financial looters. But, it is always very surprising that it usually ends at that. The number of news of arrest we read in papers is far more than the number of the suspects that were or will be later brought to book. Maybe the effect of Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (herein referred to as 1999 Constitution) which provides that “every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed to be innocent until proven guilty” is what has caused the failure to ensure the prosecution of financial and economic criminals parading the streets of our society.

It need to be made clear that the writer is not saying that the anti-graft agency should ensure that it jails all suspected looter by all means. No. That is not the spirit of law. The law provides that prosecutors should ensure justice and not just ensure jail terms are meted. But, does it mean this all of those suspected looters that have been arrested are saints?

By virtue of Section 6 of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004, the classical reason why the commission was established is to fight corruption prevailing in our society. How did they go about this? The above section of the Act has provided for the series of functions imposed on the commission. For the purpose of this piece however, two of the functions will be highlighted below.

Section 6(h) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act provides that: “the commission shall be responsible for the examination and investigation of all reported cases of economic and financial crimes with a view to IDENTIFYING individuals, corporate bodies or groups involved” (emphasis supplied by me).

Section 6(j) (i) of the Act has also provided that the function of the EFCC is to ensure “the IDENTIFICATION, DETERMINATION OF THE WHEREABOUTS AND ACTIVITIES OF PERSONS SUSPECTED OF BEING INVOLVED IN ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES” (emphasis supplied by me).

With the sacrosanct provisions of the Act that established the EFCC highlighted above, it is very clear that the EFCC power and function is not all about doing arrests. Of utmost importance is also the identification and apprehension of the suspected looters by the EFCC. The duty imposed on them by law has not been successfully carried out; since in the instant case the suspected looters are yet to be identified.

The EFCC, as a matter of urgency should be more up and doing in the dispensation of their duties. For about 4 days after the huge sum was recovered, the EFCC is yet to get who owns or is linked with the money. The agency is yet to make any arrest as to persons suspected to have connections with the money. Does this sense any form of efficiency at all?

While the EFCC has told the citizens the usual story that “investigation” is ongoing, it will be trite to submit that if the investigation lingers for about a week without it identifying the owner of that huge sum, the functions imposed on the EFCC by the law has appeared not fulfilling.

Many have opined on social media that the EFCC may not at the end of it all identify the owner of the money for plethora of reasons. If this comes true, then, it is a hint that the EFCC is not in fact complying with the law that creates it – section 6 of the Act. And if the agency itself is not complying with its establishment law, it will be reasonable to submit that it lacks locus standi to bring to book erring citizens.

More importantly, there is need to state clearly that forfeiting trillions of naira is not just the interest and the reason while the EFCC was created. The EFCC was established in order to ensure that justice is done on those that have been found guilty of embezzling and misappropriating public funds. Uncovering money is not the deal, ensuring that those that have committed offences established by the Act are convicted is the main task.

And that is why the Act expressly provides for the identification and apprehension of the suspected looters – Section 6 (h), (j) (i) of the EFCC Act. As such, the onus is on the EFCC to ensure that the owner of the N15 billion is identified, as provided by its law. And this must, as a matter of fact, be done as quickly as possible since “vigilantibus non dormientbus jura subveniunt” – delay defeats equity. Therefore, if the EFCC decides to sleep on their right and duty for too long a time, there is possibility the owner of the money may be undiscovered for life. See the case of NWAKOBI V. NZEKWU (1964) 1 W.L.R. 109.

Having said much on the duty of the EFCC to identify the owner of the huge money, there is also need to address the rights of the owner to claim the money. It is not a crime to own any amount of money once the means of getting it is legal. Equally, there is no law compelling citizens to keep large amount of money in banks. It is only a matter of choice. And as such, it is at the discretion of citizens to exercise the right to keep money in banks or not, no matter the amount.

Section 44 of the constitution grants on citizens of Nigeria the right to own moveable property. And subsection (1) of the same section provides in part that “no moveable property or any interest in an immovable property shall be taken possession of compulsorily and no right over or interest in any such property shall be acquired compulsorily in any part of Nigeria…” With this provisions, it will be apt to say that the yet to be known owner of the N15 billion has the right to own the money and nobody can deprive such owner of it.

However, since in law for every rule there is an exception, so also are exceptions to this provision. Section 44 (2) (k) of the Constitution provides that: “nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall be construed as affecting general law relating to the temporary taking of possession of property for the purpose of any examination, investigation or enquiry”. The effect of this subsection is that it is reasonable and justifiable for the EFCC to TEMPORARILY deprive the owner of the N15 billion for the purpose of investigation.

The yet-to-be-known owner has all the legal right to reclaim the money. First, because the law has stated expressly that the seizure is only temporary; secondly, because the purpose of the seizure is for investigation. All that the owner has to do is to show up and the onus is on the prosecution i.e. the EFCC to prove that he got the money through any illegal means that’s within the web of the EFCC act. The duty of the owner is therefore to disprove the allegations, if there is any and if the allegations are not false. And if the allegations have not been proven beyond reasonable doubt as provided by Section 36(5) of the Constitution, the accused or owner will go scot-free with the huge amount of money.

But, all these will be applicable only where the owner has no skeleton in the cupboard. This is because; it is a settled law that he who comes into equity must come with clean hands. This means that the owner of the money who wants to claim it must ensure that he has conducted himself in a fair and proper manner. He must also show that his past record in the transaction is clean; for he who has committed iniquity shall not have equity. See VIATONU V. ODUTAYO (1950) 19 N.L.R. 103.

Thus, should the owner have a clean hand on the matter, he should go forward to exercise his right to claim the money. But if otherwise, since any reasonable man will not come forward to face the consequence, the EFCC should ensure that the owner of the money is brought to book as imposed by Section 6 (h) and (j) (i) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/efcc-must-dentify-n15-billion/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Snapchat is fast becoming one of the most used multimedia mobile application in the world. According to statistics, users of the application sent over 2 billion videos daily as at May 2015.

With Snapchat, you can shoot videos and share pleasant memories with friends and also be used capturing precious memories. For most people, a wedding day is one of the happiest periods of their lives and with Snapchat, you can share real-time stories at the wedding and have fun while at it. How do you do this? Jumia Travel shows you how.

Give guests a virtual tour

We are in a digital age and your friends should be on social media; Snapchat inclusive. So, on the morning of your wedding, you can give the invited guests a virtual tour of the venue. You can show them event centre, where to park, where the reception will take and if you want where to place their gifts. Unknown to you, you are making good efforts to ensure that everything is smooth for your guests even if you do it virtually.

Hand Snapchat over to a trusted guest

If you want to get the best out of Snapchat, you must hand over your phone to your friend who could take all the important snaps of the wedding and post it online. Doing this will ensure that you do not miss the important moments of the best day of your life.

Send a Virtual “wish you were here” Snap

Not everyone will be able to attend your wedding. So, to inform them that you have them in mind, you can send them a wish you were here Snap. It will not be a bad idea if they also snap you bad!

Show Highlights

When the wedding comes to an end, you can send out a quick wedding highlight through photo snaps of decorations and even your beautiful dress. This will give your invitees a chance to relive their favorite wedding moments and memories.

Send a Quick Thank You to Your Guests

The quickest and most creative way to thank your guests is to thank your guests is via Snapchat. A 10 second snap with a few friends will go a long way. You should send it to your friends with Snapchat accounts.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/5-exciting-ways-use-snapchat-wedding-day/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Lagos is bubbling because it is Easter. You will not only go to work, there are also a handful of fascinating events happening during the long Easter holiday. You don’t need to worry about which event to attend as jumia travel, the leading online travel agency gathers some of the events for you. As you go to this event, don’t forget to book your favourite Lagos hotel as some of them may run into the night.

Fela! The Broadway Musical In Concert

This is one of the many entertainment shows lined up to celebrate Lagos at 50. The concert is to celebrate late Fela Kuti, the founder and pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre. The musical will reenact Fela’s life and music live on stage. It will feature the original cast members of the Broadway musical FELA. It will be held at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites. The show starts at 8 pm and runs from 13th through to the 15th. Admission is 5,000 and regular ticket cost 15,000.

AY Live 2017

This is arguably the most popular event during Easter. Ay Live has become a comedy show that many anticipated. It is organised by well-known comedian Ayo Makun and you are assured of experiencing hilarious jokes and songs from your favourite comedians and artists. The show is at 7 pm at Eko Hotel & Suites. Regular ticket is 6,000 and VIP ticket is 25,000.

Wakaa The Musical (London Edition)

Wakaa The Musical is an exciting play about the successes, failures and experiences of 6 young graduates from a different background. Want to know more? Attend the the musical at Terra Kulture Arena on Sunday, 16th April. You can either attend the 3 pm or 7 pm show. Regular 5,000 and VIP 25,000.

Easter Monday Beach Fiesta

If you have been dreaming of going to Inagbe resort, this is perhaps the best time. Inagbe Resort and Bevents are inviting you to a one-day getaway at the resort on 17th April. It will feature ferry and horse rides, tennis, video games, jungle tour, volleyball and much more. The event start at 11 am and the last ferry to take you to the resort leaves at 12 noon. You have to buy food at the venue. Ticket cost 25,000 and 45,000 for couple.

Isale Eko (Stage Play)

If you love stage plays, then Isale Eko is a must watch for you. Its plot revolves around Lagos’s historical past and it will be staged at the Agip Hall of Muson Centre. It will run on the 14th and 15th (1 pm, 3 pm and 6 pm on each day). This is another event staged to celebrate Lagos @50. Regular is 5,000 and VIP is 25,000.

Silverbird Easter Funfair

The Silverbird Easter Funfair runs through the Easter period at the Silverbird Galleria on the Island. It will feature music, Easter egg hunt, exhibition, fashion & arts. Time is 10 am to 7 pm and it is free!

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/6-fascinating-events-attend-easter-holidays-lagos/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

By Tony Ogunlowo

It’s the in-thing now: if you have it you must flaunt it – your wealth, status, possessions – in the most public way possible.

In this new age of online social media it’s not uncommon to see celebrities – and wannabes – flaunting their wealth on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and other platforms much to the annoyance, and envy, of others.

Showing off has now become an art form with each mindless individual trying to outshine everybody else with their material possessions; whether they be Floyd Mayweather or an overpaid footballer showing off their exotic car collection, Davido bragging about spending a million dollars in three months on luxury goods or Kim Kardashian showing off her diamond rings (sic – and we all know what happened to her in Paris!).

Even bit-part Nollywood actresses, socialites and musicians are busy flaunting their designer handbags (- often fakes!), flashy expensive cars and homes. Some take showing off to a ridiculous new level – posing with huge wads of cash, washing their hands with champagne or wearing multi-million dollar watches!

All this showing off trying to say you’re better off than the next person just says one-thing about the individual – insecurity!

Many will argue that it’s the culture of our people to show off what they have but I disagree; any insecure person feels the need to be seen and known as they have no other way of ascertaining themselves. And the best way for them to announce to the world that they have ‘arrived’ is to show off all their materially possessions.

Not only is this stupid and childish it also attracts a lot of unwanted attention from those who don’t have making them susceptible to being robbed or kidnapped.

Most you show off your wealth?

If you have the good fortune to become successful and wealthy keep it to yourself! Showing off and rubbing peoples’ noses in it is not necessarily a good thing and can send out the wrong message to a lot of impressionable people out there who want to have what you’ve got without putting in the effort. Hence the reason why the crime rate is always high as people steal, kidnap and rob to get instant wealth they can show off. It’s strange that you’ll never see people like Bill Gates or Aliko Dangote showing off their wealth.

A quick peek at richkidsnaija on instagram will show you how ridiculous it’s become: people in houses with gold-plated furniture – even toilets! (- why do you need a gold-plated toilet?) people posing beside private planes and expensive cars whilst carrying shopping bags bearing well-known labels from Versace, Gucci, Hermes and Louis Vuitton, showing off expensive watches and jewellery (Why spend over a $100,000 on a watch that can only tell the time and do nothing else?). And that’s not forgetting the big high society ‘Owambe’ parties where the crème de la crème go to spray dollars, euros and pounds (- sorry naira holders keep your money in your pocket!).

Nobody needs to know how wealthy you are especially in a country where half of the population can’t afford a single square meal a day.

“..The greatest wealth is to live content with little, for there is never want where the mind is satisfied…” – Lucretius

But the most interesting group of exhibitionists are the wannabes who can’t even afford to show-off. In an attempt to show-off they deck themselves in fake designer clothes and shoes, clutching the latest iPhone and iPad pretending they are rich before slinking off to their nondescript boys’ quarters or rooms in the ghettos. Some even pose for pictures besides other people’s big cars pretending it belongs to them. How many people wear expensive clothes and drive big cars but can’t afford to even feed their own children? All because they want to ‘pose’.

As a Yoruba man will say – “ we meet money in this world and in this world we shall leave it”.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/art-showing-off-celebrities-low-self-image-ridicule-online/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Unfortunately, we very often belittle ourselves and fail to recognize how intelligent we are. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 5 surprising signs that confirm intelligence.

You Don’t See Yourself as Smart

This phenomenon is called the Dunning-Kruger effect. It’s a cognitive bias in which people who are actually smart and intelligent, or in other words high ability individuals, tend to underestimate their intellect, ‘under-sell’ themselves and erroneously assume tasks which are easy for them are easy for others (until they of course find out it isn’t so).

You Have a Good Sense of Humour

You might not be able to pull off stand-up comedy, but you do have a good sense of humour and people tend to find your comments, statements or actions humourous. This is considered a sign of intelligence. Intelligence and a good sense of humour are strongly correlated because humour requires a high level of verbal skills, critical thinking and creativity. It also reveals a good ability to relate with others.

You Had a Reading Habit as a Child

People who had the habit of reading as a child are considered intelligent. This is because children with good average reading skills tend to have higher than average verbal reasoning as they age. They also tend to do well in non-verbal tests and perform well in abstract thinking, general cognition and pattern finding.

You’re Musically Inclined

Research has shown that musicians have structurally and functionally different brains from non-musicians. The areas of the brain used to process music in musicians (be it for a singer, instrumentalist etc.) are more active. The effect of music on cognition and intelligence is so profound that even just learning to play a musical instrument can change the neurophysiology of the brain which can help your mood, memory and ability to learn languages.

You’re Internet Savvy

Knowing your way around the internet to source for needed information and answers to questions is another sign of intelligence. Most experts believe that the internet benefits intelligence and tends to make people smarter, as long as it is used productively.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/5-surprising-signs-intelligence/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

German police have confirmed that Borussia Dortmund have been the subject of an attack as 3 explosions went off near its team bus.

The Guardian (UK) reports:

“Police confirmed there were three separate explosions near the coach, bursting some of the vehicle’s windows. Defender Marc Bartra sustained non-life-threatening injuries from shards of glass and was taken to hospital.”

The UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match against Monaco has been postponed till tomorrow, Wednesday.

UEFA and German authorities are investigating the nature and motive behind the explosions.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/borussia-dortmunds-bus-hit-3-explosions-monaco-game-postponed/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Lucasbalo:
Easy for you to say. Pray the foolish Trump doesn't start a 3rd World war because Africa won't be saved either.

nigeria infact

United States President Donald Trump seems to be ready to do what none of his predecessors has done since the end of the Korean war in 1953–attack North Korea. In his characteristic manner of making important pronouncements on Twitter, he tweeted:

North Korea is looking for trouble. If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2017

He also suggested that China could get a better trade deal with the United States if it helped with resolving disputes with North Korea.

I explained to the President of China that a trade deal with the U.S. will be far better for them if they solve the North Korean problem!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2017

This comes as North Korea says it is “ready for war” following the sending of the aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson and its group of battle warships to waters off the coast of the Korean Peninsula to conduct joint exercises with the South Korean Navy.

President Trump ended a summit with China’s President Xi Jinping on Friday and showed that he is willing to act unilaterally on foreign soil when he ordered missile strikes against a government-controlled air base in Syria on Thursday, last week.

Many observers are hoping that he will not feel the need to do the same with nuclear-armed North Korea and lead the world into what almost certainly be World War 3.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/world-war-3-looms-trump-tweets-north-korea-looking-trouble/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO of Access Bank Plc has been voted the Most Reputable Nigerian Bank CEO in the latest ranking poll of Reputation Management Agency, Reputation Poll with leading PR and Rating Agency, Avance Media and the Institute of Leadership and Management after beating competition off from other 19 CEOs of commercial banks in Nigeria in a public poll.

The 50 years old CEO, since assuming office in January 2014, Mr. Herbert through very challenges have been able to keep the head of the bank high in the industry.

Herbert who is also an Alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Program served as the Chairman of Access Bank Ghana Limited and is the current Chairman of Access Bank (UK) Limited.

The poll which is been undertaken across various countries, recently had his Ghanaian counterpart, Dolapo Ogundimu, CEO of Access Bank Ghana also been voted the 2017 Most Reputable Ghanaian Bank CEO.

Forbes ranked entrepreneur and founder of Reputation Poll, Barr. Rex Idaminabo in a short statement admonished the leadership of Mr. Herbert Wigwe in the Nigerian Banking Industry as endorsed by the participants of the public poll and asked he and other CEOs create very easily accessible platforms where they can mentor young Nigerians to become very diligent in business.

More information from the poll can be accessed on www.reputationpoll.com/nigeriabankceos

Reputation poll is a South African research-based, global performance-management consulting company.

Avance Media is Africa’s Leading Media and Public Relations Agency focused on creating varied contents for the Global Market.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/access-banks-herbert-wigwe-voted-reputable-nigerian-bank-ceo/


cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

We read many articles on ways to deal with difficult people but when faced with the task of dealing with these difficult people, it’s like all the tips we made up on our minds to use to successfully handle the situation escape our memories. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares 7 ways to deal with difficult people that are not only useful but easy to remember.

Be Calm

No matter what, don’t lose your temper. A calm person is seen as being in control, centered and more respectable. When a difficult person sees that you remain calm and unmoved despite what he/she is doing, you will start to get their attention. Remember, never lose your calm.

Try to Understand the Person’s Intention

Understanding can go a long way in helping you deal with difficult people. For most normal people, no one is really being difficult for the sake of being difficult, there’s usually an underlying reason (not matter how properly concealed) motivating them to act that way. Try to uncover and understand it because rarely is this motivation apparent.

Talk to Family, Friends and Loved Ones

You do this to get another perspective on the matter because you might be blind to certain things due to how emotionally invested you are in the situation. These people will be able to see things from a different angle and offer a different (sometimes valuable) take on the situation.

Try to Build Rapport with Them

It might be difficult and take all the strength in the fiber of your being to do, but you have to try to build some rapport with them. In the end they are human beings, so try to get to know them as people, try to connect with them on a personal level. In the process, let them in on the reason behind your actions and give them the full background and details of all that’s happening; it might help them empathize with your situation. Sometimes they might be resistant and difficult to you because they think you are being resistant and difficult to them.

Treat Them Respectfully

It would be surprising if you treated a person like trash and they weren’t difficult and resistant to you. You should first be sure that you treat them with respect and see if that gesture melts their resolve and makes them less difficult and resistant to you.

Be Willing to Compromise

If you want to move forward with a difficult person, you must learn focus on the things that can be actioned on. Don’t dwell on the things you cannot change, respect one another’s limits, be diplomatic and be willing to give up what you can to make a resolution.

Ignore

If all your efforts to deal with these difficult people are futile and you consider them hopelessly negative and impossible to deal with, the best thing you can do is to ignore them. You’ve done what you can within your means, the next thing to do is to find a way around them to achieve your goal. If there is a higher authority you can escalate to, you can do so if you conclude that’s what you have to do.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/7-easy-remember-ways-deal-difficult-people/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Meningitis has affected 16 states in Nigeria and over 300 people have lost their lives to this outbreak which started in Zamfara, Northern Nigeria. It is, therefore, paramount for you to protect yourself and your family from this outbreak. In line with this, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares some of these practices.

Wash your hands

This is the ultimate way you can protect yourself from any diseases including meningitis. After we tackled Ebola, some Nigerians have abandoned washing their hands and the use sanitizers. So, whenever you go to the toilet, you should never forget to wash your hands and sanitise it.

Be healthy

Protect your immune system by getting enough rest, exercising and eating a balanced diet containing a lot of fruits, and vegetables.

Practice good hygiene

If you share spoons, drinks, foods, and toothbrushes with your friend, you have to stop immediately. This is one of the ways to spread meningitis. This is much more important for children.

Cover your mouth and nose

When you cough or sneeze, ensure that you cover your mouth and nose.

Be conscious of what you eat if you are pregnant

Pregnant women are also susceptible to meningitis because they are carrying a baby. They should be conscious of what they eat and they should also take care of themselves. You do want to protect yourself and your baby.

Immunization

If you have babies or infants who are yet to be immunised, this is perhaps the best time for you to take them to the hospital to immunise them against infant diseases.

Signs and symptoms

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can occur when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected. The possible signs and symptoms of meningitis include Sudden high fever, stiff neck, severe headache that seems different than normal, headache with nausea or vomiting, confusion or difficulty concentrating, Seizures, sleepiness or difficulty waking, skin rash, sensitivity to light, and lack of appetite or thirst.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/6-simple-practices-protect-meningitis/

Public health advisory

TeflonBlixx:

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

What is in your mind?

Dmec:
What do you mean by saying that Owerri is the capital of Owerri

That should be Imo, sorry about that.

Owerri is located in the heart of Igboland in Eastern Nigeria. It is the capital of Owerri and one of the most tourists friendly state in that part of the country. As Easter beckons on us, so many people will be searching for destinations to visit and getaway. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency recommend that you include Owerri to your Itinerary. We share reasons why you visit Owerri during Easter.

You can fly to Owerri as they have the Sam Mbakwe Airport which is about 14 miles (23 km) south of the city. That is if you do not want to go by road.

There is so much to do

You must have heard about the statue of Jesus Christ in Imo State. It was modelled like the statue of Jesus Christ in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. It is located at St. Aloysius Catholic Parish, Abajah and it has a height of 28ft. You can check out the statue. Besides the statue, you have the Oguta lake, Nekede Zoo, Owerri Amusement park, and Mbari Cultural and Arts Centre among others

It is inexpensive

You don’t need to break the bank to travel to Owerri. It is inexpensive to explore the many tourist attractions in the state. It is devoid of all the shenanigans of a typical city like Lagos. In fact, you can book a hotel for as low as 3,000. Wow!

Owerri is always animated during Easter

For Igbos who didn’t travel home in December, Easter is the only opportunity they have to go see his/her people. Hence, Owerri during Easter, Owerri is bubbly and lively and their hospitality and warmth won’t allow you to return to your abode.

Tasty Meals

The gastronomic endowments of Owerri are one of the best in South East Nigeria. You will salivate when they serve you the indigenous Ofe Owerri. This is the most widely eaten soup in Owerri and it is usually eaten alongside Akpu. Just ask a local to take you to the best restaurant in town for you to have a taste of this soup. You will lick your plate. In fact, without tasting this soup; your visit to Owerri is incomplete.

source: http://www.opinions.ng/4-reasons-visit-owerri-easter/

English Premier League (EPL) Champions will not take action against their striker, Nigerian International, Ahmed Musa after being quizzed by the police in the early hours of Wednesday over a domestic incidence widely reported to be a case of wife-beating.

The Independent (UK) reports that Leicester will not take any disciplinary action against Musa:

After receiving an allegation of domestic abuse against the Nigeria international, police spoke to neighbours about the Leicester City player, before he returned home later that night.

Two plain-clothed policewoman then arrested Musa around 1am on Wednesday morning and taken for questioned after being accused of beating his wife, Jamila, but was released without charge.

“We are aware that Ahmed Musa has today cooperated with a police inquiry relating to a disturbance in the early hours of this morning,” a Leicester City spokesman said.

“’The inquiry has since been closed and no further action is to be taken.

“We see no reason for formal action internally, though Ahmed will be given the opportunity to discuss the matter with football management when the squad returns.”

Ahmed Musa has had a difficult time getting into the EPL Champions starting 11 consistently after his move from CSKA Moscow last summer.

http://www.opinions.ng/no-disciplinary-action-leicester-city-ahmed-musa-wife-beating-allegation/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Haters keep wailing
Wailers keep hating
Hailers keep supporting
Friends keep praying
Recession keeps biting
The economy keeps stalling
The people keep complaining
In case you are wondering
Where is this all heading?
It is part of my thinking
That if we stop whining
And start changing
We might be deserving
Of the blessings
We are wanting
Looters are shaking
Thieves are fearing
Because whistles are blowing
And prison is beckoning
Positive change is emerging
If we keep working
It won’t be long in coming

http://www.opinions.ng/lets-encourage-baba-b/

With the U.K. leaving the EU trade bloc, most of the EU cities are eyeing London’s spot as the financial centre and the race is still on. Post Brexit, financial services institutions will be moving out of London and economy would suffer in this event. Hence, UK-based financial entities are now trying to “passport” their services within the European Union under the rules of the Single Market. Some of the analysts are trying to find out which are the cities that will replace London in the race to be the next financial centre.

The withdrawal process by UK government has already started on 29 March 2017 and plans to leave by April 2019, which means EU cities will be competing hard in all possible way but to take the position of London, which has been a major trade and business hub since ages will be a tough task.

Looking at the situation, a corporate accommodation service provider, thesqua.re has invested immense time for research in order to find the strong contenders who can be the future financial hubs of the EU. The study includes views from industry experts and the newly released Liveability scores from the Economist Intelligence Unit.

According to the research and analyses, here are the 4 key European cities that are going to be the next choice for financial centre after Brexit.

Dublin- Also a top-contender to stand the chance of being the next financial hub, Dublin, due to the city’s English-speaking faculties, a high ranking on the ease of doing business, holding strong academic reputation and competitive taxation scheme (at only 12.5%). The city’s Industrial Development Agency is probably the most enthusiastic about embracing and preparing themselves for the wave of large-scale investment, mostly from high finance. The most-affected industry post Brexit will be banking and Dublin currently is home to 2,500 Citibank employees and it is an estimated that Dublin could gain as many as 15,000 overseas staff in the next few years.

Frankfurt- Frankfurt has very high chances as it is best-placed and Germany is the largest economy in Europe. Frankfurt is Germany’s financial centre and also boast of world-class transport links to Europe and to the rest of the world. The city is also home to the renowned European Central Bank (ECB), the Bundesbank, and many financial firms like Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank. Moreover, Also, among 8 out of the 10 major banks of London have subsidiaries in the city Frankfurt, making it an eminent player to get benefited after Brexit.

Luxembourg- Luxembourg’s unique blend of its cooperative culture and its great ambition to become a pioneer in the financial industry. When we talk about Luxembourg’s connection with the Britain, they both have a great interplay especially in the financial industry. Now comes the question, with Brexit coming into effect, will Luxembourg get benefit when leading banks are trying to relocate in EU cities? A city that is home to already the number one investment fund domicile in Europe, Luxembourg doesn’t need to try hard to convince anyone of its suitability. Finance minister of Luxembourg Pierre Gramegna said- “the country is already a gateway into Europe and poised for a bigger role”.

Paris – Paris will be facing tough competition from Dublin, Frankfurt and Luxembourg, post Brexit to be the next financial hub. HSBC chief executive- Stuart Gulliver said –”Trading operations that generate about 20% of revenue for the lender’s investment bank in London may move to Paris, after Brexit”. UK based banks are already in talks to shift their offices in Paris but Gulliver said HSBC will “proceed quite slowly”. Not just banks, many other firms have started to consider Paris as potential city where they would like to shift post Brexit.

Brexit is now a testing time for financial service providers, who are presently situated in the UK but it would be interesting to know, which EU city would emerge as a winner and get benefited by the Brexit effect.

Here is the detailed report by thesqua.re complied in an e-book that includes views from industry experts and the newly released Liveability scores from the Economist Intelligence Unit. The research reveals that the 4 key European cities, which have the potential to be the next financial centre post Brexit are Dublin, Frankfurt, Luxembourg and Paris. But the most significant contenders in this race clearly emerge out to be Frankfurt and Luxembourg. It would be interesting to see how things roll out post Brexit and what effects will it have for UK based financial service providers. Article 50 being put into motion, leading Banks have been announcing plans to relocate their services and headquarters away from London and into other EU locations.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/4-cities-replace-london-brexit/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

The new Hiipe app rewards you for communicating as you do already. Chat, talk, share, browse and earn points; redeem through raffles and discounts from merchants worldwide.
Hiipe Features Include:

• Device Independence – You can access your account from any Android or iOS device

• Social Network – Chat with friends and connect with friends of friends

• Smart Points – Earn points for inviting friends, chatting and all you do to stay in touch

• Rewards – Use your points to enter raffles and win prizes or get discounts from participating merchants, worldwide

• Privacy and Security – Keep your phone number private with patented technology and your chat secure with end-to-end encrypted communication.

Hiipe engages users with merchants worldwide. As users have fun doing what they do, they become loyal customers to merchants worldwide. Merchants will have access to all Hiipe customers all over the world and they will be able to create promotional raffle campaigns and offer discounts to the users they target. Why lose up to 50% of your sales in commission fees through services like Groupon and Living Social when you can potentially reach millions of users for free?

Hiipe was founded by Heine Nzumafo, a former U.S Army Officer, who was born and raised in Cameroon, West Africa and who now resides in Lansing, Michigan. He commented, “I created Hiipe after asking myself a simple question – “if you could get frequent flyer miles for flying or loyalty points for shopping why can’t you get points for the chatting you do every day? You should get points and be rewarded for the time you spend on your phone just like you do travelling or shopping!”

“Hiipe does just that, which is why I describe it simply as WhatsApp meets Groupon.”

During beta, Hiipe is offering raffles to users while merchants can pre-register to offer raffles and discounts in the near future. Soon to be released features include improved Android to iOS calling and an enhanced browsing experience.

Hiipe is available for free on iOS and Android. Download Hiipe today at http://hiipe.me/apps

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/new-hiipe-app-founded/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

There are lots of misconceptions about healthy eating out there. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 6 misleading myths about healthy eating you should stop believing.

You’ll Lose More Weight If You Eat Less

This is one misleading food myth you should stop believing. Eating too little food and too few calories tends to disrupt your body’s blood sugar level and metabolism. This causes your body to store every calorie you eat as fat instead of fuel for your body’s activities. A better alternative would be to eat small quantities of your meals three to four times a day and stop when you are like 80% full, rather than eating till your tummy expands so much you can hardly fit in your clothes.

A Detox Is a Good Way to Start Healthy Eating

Whether we like to admit it or not, detox diets are more like crash diets. They restrict certain foods groups and sometimes deprive the body of adequate calories and nutrition for a period of time. The body then feels deprived, and when these foods are reintroduced, the body tends to store up more and gain more weight as if in fear of another starvation or restriction. Detox diets are actually notorious for causing weight gain.

Cut Your Calorie Intake and Loss Weight

Eating less calories than you burn off during exercise might be the foundation of losing weight, but it is not the only factor to consider. Calories are not your enemies and they are not bad for the body. Your body needs fuel for its activities and calories provide this fuel; it only needs to be consumed in moderation. Remember that it’s not about counting calories; it’s about the quality of food you eat.

If I Don’t Work-Out Really Hard All the Time, It’s A Waste of Time

Nothing could be farther from the truth. You don’t have to constantly go to gym or do functional or floor exercises to keep fit. Moderate exercises like walking, playing games, dancing or doing other fun things alongside healthy eating can do wonders for your body. You only have to be consistent with it and try to be as active as you can daily.

Eating Healthily is Expensive

Again, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Considering there isn’t enough time or writing space to go into the details, just know that you are more likely to find a lot of cheap and affordable healthy meal ideas if you change that mindset. When shopping for healthy foods, you should aim to buy what’s local and in season.

Fat Makes You Fat

Eating fat actually helps to cut your diet, boost your calorie burning and prevent fat storage. Cutting down (cut down not stop eating entirely) your sugar and refined carbohydrate (like white rice, pasta etc.) intake, eating more vegetables with fruits, and then consuming fat in form of olive oil, avocados, nuts, butter etc. is one of the fastest and most effective ways to lose weight, rather than completely eliminating fat from your diet. Just make sure it is all done in moderation, don’t be excessive about it.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/6-myths-healthy-eating-shouldnt-believe/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

When you talk about Okrika in Nigeria, what immediately comes to mind are cheap secondhand clothes. The reason for this is that Okrika is the sobriquet for used clothes. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency is not referring to this. We are talking about Okrika in Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria.

Okrika is a local government located on a very small Island south of Port Harcourt. It sits on the north of the Bonny River and on Okrika Island. The riverine town can be reached by vessel. According to the 2006 census, the population of Okrika is 222,026.

People, language and culture

Okrika is one of the major towns that makes up the Ijaw clan. Although they have been eclipsed by Port Harcourt and Ikwerre (for political reasons), they have contributed so much not only to the growth of Rivers. The Kirike is the main dialect of Okrika people while Igbo spoken by a few others.

Occupation

Long before oil was discovered in Okrika, fishing and agriculture were the major occupations of the people. However, since the discovery of crude oil; farming and fishing have taken the backseat. Hence, refined petroleum products are Okrika’s most significant exports. Regardless, the town still has a solid local trade in fish, oil palm produce, locally processed salt, cassava, plantains, and yams.

Cuisine

Some of the foods you will be served at Okrika includes onunu (ripe plantain mashed with yam and palm oil and eaten with peppery fresh fish sauce), and buru fulo (fresh fish pepper soup cooked with yam at the same time).

Hotels to book

There are inexpensive and affordable hotels in Okrika and environs including Conris Place, Chisam Suites, Berenice Hotels Limited and Paloma Hotels.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/destination-port-city-okrika/