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