THIS IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I EVER MADE

I had to send an employee $25 that's 2000 in Indian rupees. I sent her $2000 dollars by mistake. I made this stupid error on 31st Jan 2024. She won an award for 25 dollars in January for writing a viral post on Linkedin for one of her clients.

Her name is ADAEZE ANYANWU and she is from Nigeria.

I'm so stupid, I thought I was transferring her money in INR but instead I sent her 2000 in dollars i.e. 169,000.

And this is what happened next...

I didn't realise it.

She did.

I didn't ask her.

She did.

I didn't follow up.

She did.

For days, I didn't notice but when the money hit her bank, she immediately texted me.

To me this was one of the lowest points in my life, I started House of Creators last year and we are completely remote.

She lives in Nigeria, even if I wanted to recover the money from her -I wouldn't have been able to do anything sitting here in India.

She could've chosen to switch off her phone and move on with the extra cash that she got. I mean, 've read a lot about Nigerians scamming the world, and to be honest, I believed most of it. But, not everything you read online is true.

Ada went through the trouble of sending the money back to my account in less than 5 days. She had never done an international transfer before, so for her it was a lot of back and forth with the bank. She took ownership for my mistake and didn't make me feel bad or guilty for it.

She is GenZ and there is a lot of bad stuff we read on the internet about them too. I can say that's all exaggerated and untrue.

This experience changed me.

I've been meaning to write about this for a while. I'm glad I did today.

You know kindness and honesty go a long way.

I'm so happy to share, we've hired more responsible people than me in the team.

And we're growing our team size, looking for 2 more content writers.

If you know someone, who is GenZ with a strong werk human ethic like Adaeze, please tag them so we can get the conversation started.

Ada has taught me to help the team without making them feel bad about themselves.

As a young leader, that's a big lesson for me.

So, thank you, Ada.

PS: I've not made such silly mistakes in the last 3 months from learning and pushing to do better everyday. Now, every time I hit transfer on any transaction, I check it 100 times. I don't want to feel stupid again.

 

Jatin Saini

Co-Founder House of Creators, India

Nigerian Student Wins $10,000 AFS Award

A Nigerian student studying in the United States, Ifeanyi Noel Alumona, has won the 2022 AFS Award for Young Global Citizens becoming the First African to win the prize since its inception in 1914.  

Ifeanyi, who is studying a graduate degree in Special Education at the Vanderbilt University was recognized for his campaign to end violence against women and girls through proper orientation of boys on responsible behaviour. This effort of his won him the award which came with a cash prize of $10,000. 

According to Ifeanyi, his inspiration for creating 'Boys Champions' came to him in the year 2018 after his meeting with President Barack Obama in South Africa as an Obama Foundation Fellow. This connection transformed his worldview and ignited in him the zeal to make a positive impact in his community.

On 1 October 2018, he formed the 'Boys Champions' as a youth focused group committed to providing safe space for young boys and training them to become part of the solution to ending societal violence and prejudice against women and girls in Nigerian communities. 

The AFS Award for Young Global Citizens recognizes the work of young people around the world for their commitment in improving the global community and contribute to a more just, peaceful, and tolerant world. 

Ifeanyi, a proud indigene of Enugu State, went through a very thorough and strenuous selection process beating about 500 contestants to win the award. 

The award was presented during the International Youth Day organized by the United Nations Global Communications Department, the AFS Intercultural Programs and The Youth Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Ifeanyi is a recipient of the Nigerian Goodwill Ambassador Award, Volunteer of the Year Award by Appreciate Africa Network, Beijin China and the African Youth Award. 

Ifeanyi is also a delegate of the United Nations Youth Assembly, an Obama Foundation Fellow and United States Institute of Peace Fellow. 

Muyiwa Oki Elected First Black President, Royal Institute of British Architects

Muyiwa Oki has been elected as the Youngest and First Black President of the Royal Institute of British Architects for a two year tenure commencing from the 1st of September 2023. 

In the first round of voting, Muyiwa secured 2,456 votes representing 40% of the total votes while in the second round, he pulled a winning vote of 2,967 representing 49% as against the 2,733 votes of his closest rival, Bacon.

An elated Muyiwa Oki expressed his gratitude and satisfaction in the electoral process: "I am grateful to the grassroots movement whose support and passion offered a platform to represent architectural workers. Most of all a special thanks to those members and nominators, that responded to this movement, tuned in, and voted - especially those that did so for the first time. 

"We can be proud of an election where people of color, at different stages of their careers, of all identities, can be heard and seen bidding to represent the profession. I hope this is the start of many great things to come for those who feel disenfranchised and under-represented. 

"I am proud of my campaign, the discourse has been positive, energetic, and inspirational. It has been a privilege to run alongside Jo and Sumita and as RIBA council and Board members, I am looking forward to working with you both to deliver equity, transparency, and innovation in architecture."

Muyiwa Oki is an architect at Mace Group, a construction consultancy.  He is also a mentor and an external speaker for aspiring architects in programs that encourage greater social mobility within the industry. Throughout his career as an architect, he worked on large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the North London heat and power project and the HS2 Euston.

31 Year Old Muyiwa is the founder of the Multi-Ethnic Group and Allies network created with a focus to drive cultural change in the architectural profession.

Stephanie Onusiriuka And Others Shine In South Africa

It was a medal rush for team Nigeria at the 2022 African Gymnastics Club Championship in South Africa.

Despite arriving late, due to delay in visa approval and flight schedule and despite missing one event which knocked out the only boy in the group of ten gymnast, Nigeria still forged ahead winning many medals. 

The very talented Stephanie Onusiriuka, who won five medals and became overall best gymnast last year in Nigeria at the age of 10 clinged Gold in South Africa alongside other young talents.

Stephanie who is now 11 years of age is still proving that she is the best African gymnast. Her ambition is to become the world's best gymnast.

Her recent performance in South Africa further qualifies her for the Olympics but her age is still an impediment as she can only participate until she becomes 15 years of age.

Anambra State Born Stephanie, started her professional career with TIG Gymnastics at the National Stadium Abuja in the year 2018 and participated at the 8th Edition of the  TIG International Level System Gymnastics Championship Competition.

At the 2019 National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State, she won silver and bronze medals and became Nigeria’s youngest medallist in gymnastics.

For the 2022, African Gymnastics Club Championship in South Africa, team Nigeria, presented by Tony International Gymnastics Club, participated in vaults, floors, bar and beam events. 

A list of other gymnasts who won medals for Nigeria at this Championship event are;

Adeela Adedeji (8yrs) Silver, Age group level 4

Chinwendu Okpanku (8yrs) Gold, Age group level 5 

Esther Awah (10yrs) Silver, Age group level 4 

Francisca Okpanku (10yrs) Gold, Age group level 4 

Gbemisola Adebayo (12yrs) Gold, Age group level 5

Harriet (11 yrs) Gold, Age group level 4 

Sofia Awah (6yrs) Gold, Age group level 4

Nigeria undoubtedly is blessed with an endless pool of talents ready to take on the world.

The Unknown Nigeria Launches New Website

The Unknown Nigeria has launched its new website for better reach. 

You can now visit www.theunknownnigeria.com for the latest on THE UNKNOWN NIGERIA .

You can also send in your opinions / articles to :

editor@theunknownnigeria.com or publisher@theunknownnigeria.com

Together we shall rewrite the future...

Lagos and the defining moments of 2016

A major highlight of 2016 in the state and, indeed, the country at large, is the grand entrance of LAKE Rice, the product of a joint agro venture between Lagos and Kebbi states, into the market. The product currently sells at designated points across the state. Considering the current harsh economic reality in the country, its roll out, no doubt, offers good tidings to Lagosians as it is believed that it would cushion the effect of economic recession to a great extent. The price is equally largely reasonable and moderate when compared with that of imported rice of same quantity.

Aside providing succour for local consumers, one major goal of the LAKE Rice project is economic diversification. Presently, the need for economic diversification in our country cannot be over-emphasized. Faced with a bleak economic prospect brought about by an agonising economic recession, this, indeed, is the exact time for governments at all levels to embrace every creative strategy that would fast track economic emancipation. It is, therefore, quite commendable that the Lagos and Kebbi state governments are already leading the way in this direction.

Looking Into Nigeria's Future By Pastor Tunde Bakare - Full Text

Full Text of  Pastor Bakare's sermon on the state of the nation delivered on Sunday, 8 January 2017 with the theme: ‘Looking into the future with the eyes of faith’. Pastor Tunde Bakare is the Pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly, Ikeja Lagos.

SCRIPTURAL TEXT: Isaiah 32:1–8; 15–20 and 33:10–16 (MSG).

Introduction

Fellow citizens of our great country, we are gathered here again at the turn of the year, as has become customary, to take a timely look at our nation – to examine its social, economic and political landscapes, to test the solidity of its value pillars, to interrogate its spiritual foundations, and to envision its future. We do this, first of all, in keeping with the obligations of that high office, the Office of the Citizen[1], then as patriots and nation builders, and ultimately as watchmen who understand the times and know what the nations ought to do, having been commissioned by God to bring direction to Nigeria, our primary place of assignment. This address, which I have titled “Looking into the Future with the Eyes of Faith”, will begin with a brief overview of the year 2016 vis-à-vis the word we received, then I will discuss the centrality of vision to development, the inherent flaws in Nigeria’s structure, and sustainable solutions to our social, economic and political challenges.

A Review of the Year 2016

At the beginning of the year 2016, God gave us spiritual leverage to see into the year and understand the nature of the year. We had insights into the events that were to unfold in the nations. During our Watchnight Service and subsequently during a State of the Nation address on Sunday, April 3, 2016, I stood on this platform to unveil the year in the following words:

The year 2016 is a year of global upheavals characterised by extreme uncertainties, intense political suspense, accelerated global terror, and mounting economic pressure due to dwindling resources that will drive nations to the precipice and activate the rage of the poor.[2]

For the keen observer, barely had these declarations been made when the world began to see events unfold as revealed. Permit me to highlight a few of such occurrences that defined the year 2016 as unveiled. This prophecy-guided panoramic tour of the year has become necessary in order to remind our nation and other nations of the earth that God cannot be crowded out of history.

Extreme Uncertainties

The year 2016 turned out to be a year of miscalculations by pundits. From projected economic outputs to election results, forecasts and polls were met with shocking realities.

Intense Political Suspense

Similarly, the year 2016 saw the sudden rise of populist movements, the shaking of establishments, the defeat of incumbents, and victory for underdogs. Political outcomes in Britain, the United States, France, Italy, Gambia, Ghana, South Africa, to mention just a few, left the world in intense suspense.

Accelerated Global Terror

A June 2016 USA Today headline reads: “2016 already marred by nearly daily terror attacks”[3], while a December 2016 headline from the same newspaper describes 2016 as a “year of terror, war and political turbulence.”[4] From Burkina Faso to Cameroon, and from Brussels to the United States, to name but a few, the axis of terror widened, deepened and spread its tentacles of horror.

Here in Nigeria, despite the laudable gains made against Boko Haram by the Buhari administration last year, the later part of 2016 saw a resurgence of attacks[5], one of which resulted in the killing of a great hero of the Nigerian army, Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali, whose legendary courage had helped reclaim several Boko Haram held territories. (May I please request that we observe one minute of silence in honour of Lt. Col. Abu Ali and all gallant soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our collective security, as well as fellow citizens who lost their lives.) May the good Lord comfort and strengthen the families left behind, and may the sacrifices of the departed not be in vain, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

Rice production in Kano increases by 95 percent

Rice produced by farmers in Kano State, north western Nigeria rose from 692, 481 tonnes in 2015 to 1, 551, 720 tonnes last year, reflecting an increase of about 95.2 percent.

The state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who announced this also said “wheat production in the state increased from 9, 495, 024 tonnes in 2015 to 17, 717, 000 tonnes in 2016, showing a swell of 84 percent”.

Mystery Trees in Ogun State Attract Thousands

Thousands of people have thronged the houses of two Christians in Ogun State where the inscription of an Arabic word appeared on two trees.

The inscription is believed to be the name of Allah.

The Moringa trees were located at 6 and 9, Unity Street, Ire-akari Estate, Iloye, Abule Iroko, Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun state.

Balanced scorecard for Nigerian football

By Omagbitse Barrow FCA 

As the African Nations Cup finals commences this January, and Nigeria is absent for the second time in a row, it is a good time to reflect on our football and as we always say go back to the “drawing board”. This time, I suggest that instead of going back to the drawing board, we should be going back to the Scorecard. While we would have all loved to see our darling Super Eagles in the Nations Cup, I am at least gratified that what has been a very busy and hectic January at my School and Office, can remain so, without the distractions of those pulsating matches of the Super Eagles that I will not be watching.

Nigerian Air Force Creates New Unit In Zamfara State

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali today laid the foundation stone for the establishment of a unit of the Nigerian Air Force in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State. The new unit is named 207 Quick Response Group (QRG) and was established about two months ago under the Special Operations Command with Headquarters in Bauchi. 

John Mikel Obi: A decade of success

A Tribute Written By Chelsea FC

John Mikel Obi possessed the happy knack of saving his very best performances for when it mattered most. His big-game ability was never more evident than in May 2012 when we lifted the Champions League for the first time in our history. His outstanding display in the final against Bayern Munich was a key factor in our success that year, and he produced similarly titanic performances in many European and domestic cup finals and semi-finals during his 10-and-a-half seasons at the Bridge.

Signed in the summer of 2006 by Jose Mourinho, the 19-year-old Mikel moved to west London from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo as a talented, raw, powerfully-built attacking midfielder. Mourinho quickly outlined his desire to play the Nigerian in a holding midfield role, however, and it was in that position that he would be deployed in the years to come.

Nollywood defies recession as The Wedding Party breaks record in 2016

Nigerian cinema has best-ever box office returns, thanks to a new generation of quality films and savvy marketing

Despite a gloomy economy and an uncertain outlook, the Nigerian movie industry has just enjoyed its best year at the box-office with an amazing N1 billion from a record 50 locally-produced titles. After years of predictions, it seems that Nollywood is finally delivering on its promise and putting quality before quantity.

As a result, movie-goers have rewarded the industry with a massive increase in cinema ticket sales. The N1 billion bonanza, represents nearly 30 per cent of the N3.5 billion generated from just 28 cinemas across Nigeria, which includes movies from Hollywood and around the world.

The Wedding Party, Nigeria’s latest blockbuster movie, has broken box-office records at every milestone since it was released nationwide to critical acclaim on December 16. It took just two weeks to eclipse the record of N176 million held by AY’s A Trip to Jamaica, emerging with a staggering N200 million before the New Year weekend was over. Both films led a strong lineup of popular Nigerian films in 2016, including Wives on Strike, The CEO, 93 Days and ‘76.

SS 3 Student Builds Nigeria's First Solar Powered Grinder

Oyo State has created Nigeria’s First Solar Powered Mower and Grinder and TOBI AYANWOYE is the inventor of this machine.

A student of Federal Government College (FGC), Ogbomoso, 18-year old Tobi has demonstrated the Nigerian spirit with his creativity.

In addition to this, Tobi has also created an alarm powered Foot Mat and it was exhibited during the School Project Showcase Event recently.

Nigeria Could Teach the West a Few Things

By Tyler Cowen

A trip is often defined by its surprises, so here are my biggest revelations from six days in Lagos, Nigeria.

Most of all, I found Lagos to be much safer than advertised. It is frequently described as one of the most dangerous cities on earth. Many people told me I was crazy to go there, and some Nigerian expats warned me I might not get out of the airport alive.

The reality is that I walked around freely and in many parts of town. I didn’t try to go everywhere or at all hours, and I may have been lucky. Yet not once did I feel threatened, and I strongly suspect that a trip to Lagos is safer than a trip to Rio de Janeiro, a major tourist destination. (In my first trip to Rio I was attacked by children with pointed sticks. In my second I found myself caught in a gunfight between drug lords). Many Lagos residents credit the advent of closed-circuit television cameras for their safety improvements.

So if you’re an experienced traveler, and tempted to visit Africa’s largest and arguably most dynamic city, don’t let safety concerns be a deal killer.

Nigeria economy in 2017... will we bounce back? By Andrew S Nevin

By Andrew S. Nevin PhD

According to Moody's, Nigeria's economy is set to grow at 2.5% in 2017. Some are calling this an improvement (here is Punch's take, for example: http://punchng.com/topmost-global-rating-body-nigerias-economy-will-improve-2017/). And after a year where the economy actually contracted, this can feel like progress. But it is simply not good enough.

To begin with, Nigeria's population is growing at 2.8% per year. Our working age population is growing even faster. So 2.5% economic growth means we are still going backwards, with GDP per capita declining and unemployment increasing, as the growth rate is not enough to absorb all the young people who need to work.

Meet The Youngest Special Adviser In Nigeria

           

By Eval Asikong

Youth have always hoped for the birth of an era where they will be allowed to control the affairs of their own generation. Today, the successful birth of that era has been midwifed by a veteran, an inventor and a professor, as amongst other youth, the youngest Special Adviser, ever, in Nigeria has been appointed by a governor christened, “digital governor”. 

Moving Away From Failure To Success - Ogechi Ogbueri

Be Inspired by this story of Precious Ogechi Ogbueri who wrote JAMB seven times, was labelled a failure but eventually went on to earn seven professional certificates and also qualified as a Chartered Environmentalist in the UK.

After my secondary education, I decided to further my studies.

I wrote the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th JAMB exams and they were all cancelled. I decided to take the bull by the horn. I went to Enugu State University for a pre-degree program. On the completion of the program, I was offered a course in faculty of Science but the cultism in the institution as at then was unbearable for me, having being attacked twice. I decided to use the 5th JAMB that was released to study at University of Port Harcourt. Then ASUU had a protracted strike that lasted for over six months, I needed to write a 6th JAMB and I scored 274 but that score couldn’t offer me admissions as the two JAMBS were combined because the strike entered another year.

220K farmers take part in ABP: Emefiele

About 220,000 farmers in 17 states of Nigeria are participating in the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor Godwin Emefiele, disclosed.

He said this on Thursday in Jibia, Katsina State at the inauguration of the 2016/2017 Dry Season Farming.

Emefiele said 246,837 hectares had so far been cultivated under the programme.

He said the programme was aimed at supporting farmers with agricultural inputs to enhance productivity, create job opportunities and diversify the country’s economy.

Meet Imo State Mechanic Who Built Own Car

ALEX EPHRAIM is a gifted Mechanic passionate about developing the home front. After his training abroad, he opted for home eager to contribute his quota. Today, his workshop is one of the automated and mechanized ones in Owerri. He also has a manufacturing plant where he designs and builds vehicles.

Boko Haram fighters surrender in Niger

Niger Interior Minister on Wednesday said dozens of Boko Haram fighters have given themselves up to authorities in southern Niger, days after the Islamist group suffered key losses over the border in Nigeria.

Minister Mohamed Bazoum said that 31 young people from Diffa, who were enrolled a few years ago in Boko Haram, decided to surrender.

Sambisa Forest To Serve As Training Ground For Army

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday said Sambisa forest would serve as training ground for personnel of the Nigerian Army as from 2017.

Buratai said this in Damasak, Borno, while celebrating Christmas with troops of 145 Battalion after the road leading to the town was reopened by Gov. Kashim Shettima, three years after closure.

He said troops were already conducting a mop-up operation in the forest after the last stronghold of the Boko Haram terrorists was captured.

Our target’s to make Lagos third largest economy in Africa- Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday said that one of his administration’s objectives is to propel the State from being the fifth to become the third largest economy in Africa.

He said to achieve this, the State Government would focus more on Education (especially vocational training), scaling up of its health facilities, including renewal and building of world class infrastructure in the coming year.

Sokoto strikes coal in large quantity

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has said that coal in commercial deposits had been discovered in the state.

Tambuwal disclosed this in a statement issued by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, on Monday in Sokoto.

The governor described the discovery as a major boost to Federal Government efforts at diversifying the country’s economy.

After Esther – 11 Years, 11 Lessons

By Babafemi Aderounmu

11 years ago I shared the same joy every other kid would have returning home after their first lengthy spell away from home. I wanted so badly to share my freshman experiences. I wanted to tell her all about life in the University while we make reference to what transpired in her days. Unfortunately, life had other plans. Against my wish and expectations, life dealt her biggest blow ever when she took Esther away; the best amongst all. If you ask me today, I could barely remember our last conversation. This hurts me deep. No wonder I yearn daily for one more conversation, one more warm embrace, one more head on her shoulders, one more glance of her smile and larger than life presence.

Like the fighter that I have grown to be, I have moved on, developed the courage to soar and emerge from the shadows of passing through my teenage years without my mother, best friend, number one fan and pillar. Year after year, it’s been a new layer of lesson, one more message and one more food for thought in my journey through life. And if you were in my shoes, below are a few lessons you would have had the opportunity to learn.

Lesson 1

There would come a time when only the important things start to matter. You will crave for new experiences and the illusion called “stability”. Time would not be your best friend as you will have a lot to achieve within the possible 24 hours afforded to you. Being able to make the best out of every 24 hours becomes more important than ever. You will grow wiser with your dreams, possibly lament the chances you didn’t take and crucially learn to make the best use of every opportunity. Sometimes you will get a feeling of being left behind by contemporaries but your persistence, hard work, bigger picture mentality, extensive network built over the years and most importantly your faith in God would matter and become the foundation for the future. They will hold you through the storm and motivate you to keep fighting.

Nigeria launches digital switchover

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday launched and rolled out Digital Switch Over (DSO) on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari. The project is spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Culture and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Buhari said Nigeria is “irreversibly committed’’ to meeting the June 2017 deadline for transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting.

The June 17, 2017 deadline for transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting in West African countries was set by the World International Telecommunication Union Council.

Nigerian wins international writing contest, to be honoured in Hollywood

A Nigerian writer, Walter Dinjos, has won the 2016 edition of the Writers of the Future Award.

The award, given for published fiction works, was described as “the largest, most successful and demonstrably most influential vehicle for budding creative talents in the world of contemporary fiction”.

Mr. Dinjos, who is based in Awka, Anambra State, won with his short story, “The Wood Cutter’s Deity,” published in the annual bestseller, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 33”.

10 places to visit in Nigeria during Christmas holidays

“Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth, sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever,” Richelle Goodrich once said. Unfortunately, it won’t last forever. But you can make it worth remembering when you do things you never did before, or go places you’ve never been before this season.

With only a few days to Christmas, every fun-loving person should be thinking of an amazing place to be with loved ones, aside the traditional trip to the village for extended family reunions.

From the place where nature is at its perfect form, to classic and ultra-modern environment, we present you a list of 10 unique places carefully selected from across the 6 geo-political zones in Nigeria to spend the Christmas vacation.

EKO ATLANTIC

Roads around Eko Pearl Towers taking shape

Eko Atlantic is a magnificent new coastal city being built in Victoria Island Lagos, to solve the chronic shortage of real estate in the world’s fastest-growing megacity. It is attracting major investors who want to capitalise on development growth based on overwhelming demand.

Standing on 10 million square metres of land reclaimed from the ocean and protected by an 8.5 kilometre long sea wall, Eko Atlantic will be self-sufficient and sustainable. It will include state-of-the-art urban design, its own power, clean water, advanced telecommunications and efficient living. The Business District alone covers 700,000 square metres combining Grade A commercial space with residences, restaurants and bars to ensure a cosmopolitan atmosphere. 

Nigeria To Build Nuclear Plants – Minister

The Federal Government says it will embark on building of nuclear plants and careful application of nuclear energy to meet the needs of the country.

Ogbonnaya Onu, the Minister of Science and Technology, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr. Onu said that nuclear energy would bridge the energy gap needed to enhance agriculture, advance health, improve education and boost manufacturing in the country.

Nigeria Army constructs road to Sambisa forest

Nigeria Army has started the construction of road network to Sambisa to ease troops operations in mopping up Boko Haram insurgents in the forest.

Mai. -Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, stated this during a press conference at the Maimalari cantonment in Maiduguri.

Church Of England Appoints Nigeria's Woyin Dorgu As First Black Bishop in 20 Years

The Church of England has appointed its first black bishop in 20 years in a move that significantly increases its handful of minority ethnic clergy in senior leadership positions.

Downing Street announced that Woyin Karowei Dorgu is to be the 13th bishop of Woolwich, and will be consecrated at Southwark Cathedral on 17 March.

Dorgu was born and brought up in Nigeria, and ordained in the UK.

Woolwich, in south-east London, has a significant Nigerian population, many of whom worship in black-majority Pentecostal churches rather than the Church of England.

Kano awards N167.5b for Kanawa economic city construction

The Kano State Government has signed a N167. 508 billion agreements with an indigenous company, Brian and Hammers Ltd., for the construction of Kanawa Economic City, situated at Dangwauro in the outskirts of the state capital.

The project, which will be executed in 72 months, will be cascaded in three phases and will accommodate a world Trade Centre, Educational Institute, Light factories, 160 mega warehousing facilities, banks, a clinic and trailer parks in addition to other auxiliary infrastructure. On completion, it is expected to create about 500,000 jobs for youths in the state.

Mythical Modibbo Adama Mosque

...The Land Rover carrying my guide, Rabi Sule, and driver, Abdurrazak, screeched to a stop at the gate of Jokems Hotel at Jimeta to pick me up at about 7:30 am. I had waited for them near a tea seller’s shade directly across the road for over 30 minutes. 

We took off. We jubilantly snaked through some shortcuts of Jimeta towards ‘Yola, about 10 kilometers away.

As Abdurrazak negotiated the roundabout heralding us into the historical city, Jabbama (Welcome in Fulfulde, boldly written high up on the city gate) we were welcomed in. We snaked into the city’s courteous welcome while I scoffed Rabi for having to carry along a big plastic bottle full of diluted Gestid, however severe her Ulcer was, ‘just for this short trip.’

Nigeria Wins 2016 African Scrabble Championship

Saidu Ayorinde of Nigeria on Sunday emerged the 13th Africa Scrabble Champion winning 23 games of 32 in Tema, Ghana.

Ayorinde dethroned his Nigeria counterpart, Nsikakabasi Etim, the immediate past Africa Scrabble Champion, when he finished first in a 32-game marathon to become the best in the duel.

Crude Oil Discovered in Borno

According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Jamila Shua’ra, who broke the news on Thursday 15th December at the presentation of the 2016 petroleum sector scorecard, Nigeria has discovered crude oil in large quantity in Borno State, North- East. 

Nigeria targets localising 50% of Internet traffic by 2020

By Guardian Nigeria

Nigeria is hoping to localise Internet traffic in the country by as much as 50 per cent by 2020 through the Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) Nigeria currently has.

Vetting A Startup Business Idea

By Osayi Alile

Business ideas are born everyday, but not every idea will be successful in the market place. So why do people keep coming up with ideas? One of the responses given by entrepreneurs is usually because they saw a gap they discovered by error, research, but mostly because they had a need that was not met. Although there is much evidence about successful businesses that start out of passion; however, throwing yourself head first, without examining the viability of the idea can have consequences.

Lagos commences rehabilitation of Oko-Oba Abattoir

The Lagos State Government has commenced the rehabilitation of the Oko-Oba Abattoir and Lairage Complex, Agege in fulfillment of its promise to develop the red meat value chain and restructure the complex for improved operations.

Nigeria Establishes First SIM Card Production Plant

Nigeria has commissioned the first SIM card production plant which was built with financial assistance from the Bank of Industry (BOI).

The 200 million capacity SIM plant located in Lagos was inaugurated by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, on Monday.

Nigerian Army Makes More Rescue From Sambisa Forest

The Nigeria Army on Wednesday said it had rescued additional 605 women and children during its operation in Sambisa forest.

IT Savvy Nigerian Develops Election App

Mr Shamah Abubakar, a graduate of Bingham University,Karu, has invented an electronic election application that can improve the electoral process in the country.

The President of the University’s Alumni, Mr Haruna Yusuf, said the application called E-Franchise app was invented with the support of the Alumni.

Haruna said during the Alumni’s election in March, the app was used for the electoral process and proved to be a success with members voting and monitoring the electoral process from beginning till the end from their diverse locations.

“When we held our elections earlier this year, it was what we used and it was a success. Every member of the alumni voted electronically and the process was free and fair.

“Every member monitored the process from wherever they were. You don’t have to be physically gathered in one spot to hold an election. For us, we have active members in the diaspora who have voting rights. So this app helped us not to infringe on their rights,” He said.

The Alumni president however revealed that the app is not immuned from setbacks especially hacking hence the recruitment of young anti hackers to thwart the effort of hackers during the alumni election.

“We had anti hackers on standby who made sure no strange activity tampered with the app during the election from start to finish and every member monitored voting and counting till the end. Till date, no one has complained of foul play,” He said.

He also revealed that the Alumni has reached out to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), members of the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to look into adopting the app for the 2019 general elections.

According to him, electronic voting would not only reduce foul play, it would reduce the huge cost of conducting manual voting system and release results as soon as they come in just as it is done in advanced countries.

He said the Alumni was willing to collaborate with relevant government bodies to work to transition Nigeria towards electronic form of voting through its E-franchise app. 

(NAN)

Ayade Inaugurates 2016 Calabar Carnival Village

Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade on Thursday inaugurated the Calabar Municipal Garden, which will serve as the 2016 Calabar Carnival village.

Ayade said the village was chosen because it was central and accessible to residents and tourists.

The Governor said the village would serve as venue for funfair and market for Christmas shopping.

He said adequate security measures had been taken to safeguard tourists and fun seekers at the village.

Ayade said this year’s carnival would be used to highlight the issues of climate change.

“It is to the glory of God that we have witnessed the first and second dry run of the 2016 Calabar carnival.

“I wish to declare the 2016 Calabar carnival village open to all. The 2016 carnival will be better and bigger.

“We have put in place more innovations that would meet the taste of our esteemed tourists.

“I wish to assure all those coming in for the carnival of adequate security.

“Calabar carnival is the largest street party in Africa. It is time for the world to visit Calabar again for that fun fair.

“Calabar carnival is 12 years; the festival had continued to grow from strength to strength.

“We are happy because it had also promoted unity and created strong relationships between the state and the international community,” he said.

The 31-day festival begins on December 1.

Already, major roundabouts along the carnival routes had been decorated with sparkling colors, while shops and buildings are being painted with blue and white to reflect the state colors.

http://aitonline.tv/post-ayade_inaugurates_2016_calabar_carnival_village

The important legal agreement to protect Startups and Founders in Nigeria

By Timi Olagunju

From over 5 years of practice, I have noticed one extremely important legal agreement that most startups in Nigeria are either unaware of or haven’t fully taken advantage of. This agreement is referred to as “the Vesting Agreement”. Quickly, before we go into the nitty-gritty of a vesting agreement, I will like to explain what “vesting” is and what are “vesting agreements or clauses”, strictly in the context of its functionality to a Nigerian startup.

Vesting is a process by which benefits, privilege, authority, rights, or interest in an asset or property passes unconditionally to a person; whether natural or artificial person. A natural person being a human being or an artificial person being a company or institution; a legal entity by virtue of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

In Nigeria, vesting seems more common in an area such as energy (in which electricity generation and distribution companies entered a vesting agreement of 15 years), and less and less in the startup or tech space, which is a huge error. Although, vesting is not expressly provided for under Nigerian law, it is a smart business and contractual consideration that can be enforced in the Nigerian court like any other valid contract.

Why Vesting Agreements are important

Now, a vesting agreement (or clause) is an arrangement that spells out which benefits, privilege, authority, rights, or interest in an asset or property (which includes a startup) accrue to who and at what time. Vesting agreements ensure that at the beginning of the startup, founders get their full allotment of shares or equity stake to avoid double taxation, nevertheless, the company has the right to acquire a percentage of a founder’s equity in case he or she walks away. This means that if your partner walks away after a couple of months, he or she will not be able to claim the full worth of the company. The company would reserve the rights to acquire the run-away partners’ equity when he or she leaves the company.

Some years ago, a client who was referred to me called me up complaining that he and his friend started an “App”, but after a while, the other partner got tired and walked away, without looking back. My client decided to keep working on getting traction and investments for it, until one day, a member of the Lagos Angel Network (LAN) offered to buy a large interest in it. This made the news, and it was not long before the run-away partner, gave a phone call to my client asking for half the share of the monies received. This could have been solved by a vesting agreement prepared by a lawyer with understanding on startups.

I will also like to use the Facebook case, since Mark visited Nigeria recently. However, Mark wouldn’t have been “The Mark Zuckerberg” but for a legally binding vesting agreement that secured his interests in Facebook, even in the midst of law suits. How, you might ask? Remember, the movie, The Social Network — Zuckerberg’s friend (besides the twin brothers) returned to demand for his stake as co-founder with significant interest in the Facebook, but his claims couldn’t hold water, because the vesting agreement provided for a significant decline in shares, if a founder is inactive.

In effect, vesting protects partners from each other and aligns incentives so everybody focuses towards the common goal of building a sustainable, rewarding, and successful company, much more than a mere partnership agreement would do.

How startup vesting works

Unlike clauses in a partnership agreement, vesting clauses for startups are usually prepared to last 4 years, with a 1 year cliff. This means that if you had 50% equity and leave after two years you will only retain 25%. The longer you stay, the larger percentage of your equity will be vested until you become fully vested in the 48th month (four years).

Each month that you actively work full-time in your company, 1/48th of your total equity package will vest onto you. However, because you have a one year cliff, if one of the founders leaves the company before the 12th month, then he or she walks away with nothing; whereas staying until day 366 means you get one-fourth of your stocks vested instantly.

Say, for instance, your company gained some traction and raised investment during its 24th month, and the equity was divided 35% for yourself, 35% for your partner and 30% for the investors. Should your partner walk away he will hold 17.5%. What happens with the other 17.5%? Nothing! It virtually disappears after the company has repurchased it from your partner. Remember, when the company was registered, a fixed number of shares- say 2,000,000 units- were issued to cover 100% of equity. If the previously mentioned example occurs, 350,000 shares vanish representing that 17.5%, bringing down the total to 1,650,000 shares. All the other shareholders benefit because now they have a larger percentage of the company. On the other hand, if the startup gets acquired before the founders are fully vested, then each founder (partner) vesting literally accelerates until all – or at least most shares get vested.

A sample vesting agreement

In conclusions, as we have established the significance of a vesting agreement for a startup specifically, here is an example of a vesting clause or agreement I drafted for you below. I must emphasise the importance of seeking legal support from a startup lawyer with the understanding of the Nigerian business climate, in such circumstances.

“Subject to terms of this agreement, vesting will occur based on the following schedule:

Until and through [FIRST VESTING DATE], neither Founder’s shares will vest.

On and not before [FIRST VESTING DATE]– [25%] of each Founder’s shares will vest.

On and not before the 1st of every month thereafter, [1/36TH] of the remaining [75%]will vest.

Thus, on [END DATE] (the “Full Vesting Date”), each Founder will be 100% vested.

If either Founder ceases to provide services to the Company, resigns from the Company, or is terminated from service with the Company by a majority vote of the Founders according to their respective ownership interests, with or without cause or good reason, (the “Terminated Founder”) at any time prior to the Full Vesting Date (the “Termination Date”), none of the Terminated Founder’s additional shares shall vest. The Terminated Founder’s shares which has not vested as of the Termination Date shall be canceled or returned to the Company, and the Founder’s ownership interest shall be reduced by the amount of invested shares so canceled or returned.

{Additional clause on acquisition before full vesting} If both founders are still fully involved with the business and a liquidity event (such as the sale to a third party, an initial public offering, or other liquidity event) occurs, 100% vesting will occur immediately”.

https://techpoint.ng/2016/09/29/vesting-agreements/