Covenant University Work Study Programme - Undeniable Impact

Vice Chancellor Covenant University Professor C.K Ayo 

Covenant University located in Ota Ogun State Nigeria, has not relented in her tireless efforts to drive her striking vision ‘one of ten-in-ten.’ Since the inception of this great institution in 2002, it has been blazing trails in the higher educational sector in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa, and with the number of accolades building up in its archives; the entire world would soon be its playing field.

One of the major ways Covenant University builds the capacity of her students is through the work-study programme. It is a programme that took off in 2006, barely four years after CU was birthed as an institution.

The Management of Covenant University believes that capacity building centres on skill development, and lack of skill can kill any dream. While spirituality and mentality position man for leadership, it is capacity that enables him to deliver.

Speaking on Capacity Building on many occasions, the Chancellor of Covenant University, Dr. David Olaniyi Oyedepo defines it as, “Possessing the ability to deliver a given task.” This is why Covenant University will remain committed to academic excellence and continue to drive her students through the crucible of personal development in pursuit of their individual dreams.

The Chancellor further emphasized that it is skill that turns trash into treasure. In his words, “Our mission is to inculcate an untiring quest for capacity building, enhancement of professional capabilities and personal development into our students. We saw in scriptures how a team of nonentities as reported in 1 Sam. 22:3 turned out to become mighty men of valour by 2 Sam. 23:8 through the "magic" of skill development and capacity building.”

While discussing with Deacon Femi Anlemi, the Principal Assistant Registrar, Academic Affairs, on the scheme, it was gathered that the scheme has so far helped a lot of CU students through difficult times financially, thereby fulfilling one of the key objectives of the Work Study programme.

In his words, “The work-study scheme was put in place to give students work experience while still in school, and to assist those who are financially challenged.”

During an interview session with some of the students on the work study scheme, it was enlightening to note how much insight they have into the benefits of the scheme to their academic pursuits as well as individual visions alike.

One of the work-study participants, Ifeoma Nicole Nwadioke, a 200 Level student of Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management who is currently deployed to the Corporate and Public Affairs Department of Covenant University as an Editorial staff, says she’s very excited about her area of deployment, as writing is her strongest passion.

Miss Nwadioke’s interest in writing makes one wonder if she would not have been better off studying Creative Writing instead of Industrial Relations, but again, that’s one of the benefits of the work-study program; helping students with hands-on experience and practical expression of their potentials.

In her own words, “Writing is not really related to my field of study, but writing is my passion, and since I started, I have been working with very nice people who have been teaching and mentoring me.” She also said she is currently writing a novel which she hopes to publish very soon.

Another work-study student, Mr. Favour Njoku says he is in the programme to make extra income to support himself in school. According to him, the program has been able to help him with his basic upkeep in school. He thanked the management for such an opportunity for students to earn extra income and still have adequate time for their studies.

Mr. Njoku said, “I would have been cash-strapped in school, especially this semester, if not for the financial benefits realized from the work-study programme.”

Commenting on the benefits of the scheme, the Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Charles Korede Ayo, said the University is still working hard to expand the work-study opportunities in order to assist more financially challenged students, so that they are not disadvantaged academically while they are going through their temporary challenges.

The work study programme has indeed been of immense help to CU undergraduates either by way of providing the much needed extra income, discovering hidden abilities and potentials, or gaining work experience.

Nigerian's Victor Olisa Becomes Metropolitan Police Strategic Lead for Diversity And Inclusion

Chief Superintendent Victor Olisa, who became the London Metropolitan Police Commander, Bexley Borough in April 2012, and Borough Commander Haringey in March 2013, was the first Nigerian and black man to assume these positions in the United Kingdom.

He just added another feather to his cap by becoming Metropolitan Lead for Diversity and Inclusion. This is coming as part of the re-organization withing the Metropolitan Police .

Responding to his appointment, Victor said '' It has been a tremendous three years for me in Haringey, a time that I have enjoyed immensely and during which I have had the good fortune to work with many extraordinary members of the community and partner agencies, and many brilliant officers and staff. We have achieved significant reductions in crime, seen confidence in the police increase and developed strong working relationship with many different communities and partner agencies. I shall miss working here greatly."

''It’s a great privilege to be appointed as the Met's new diversity lead and I’m looking forward to continuing Denise’s work. We’ve come a long way but there’s still more we can do to become a police service that’s more diverse and inclusive''

Victor Olisa, is a Warri-born, Delta State indigene and British Citizen, married to his adorable physiotherapist wife with two lovely teenage children. Victor, whose grandfather was a police officer in Nigeria, left the country for the United Kingdom decades back, and in 1982 he started his policing career with Surrey Constabulary after leaving university.

As a police constable and sergeant he gained wide experience of both uniform policing and and criminal investigation.

Victor Olisa transferred to the City of London Police in 1990 and spent three years in the Fraud Squad as a detective inspector in charge of one of the investigative teams.

In September 2003 he went on secondment to the Home Office to work on Stop and Search as part of a small team in the Office for Criminal Justice Reform. During two and a half years at the Home Office the team's work was influential in developing models for improving the effectiveness of Stop and Search.

In 2005 he was awarded a PhD in Criminology by the London School of Economics.

He transferred to the Metropolitan Police Service in April 2006 on promotion to Superintendent and worked at Southwark Borough in a variety of senior management roles.

From October 2009 to December 2010 he led the work on one of the Commissioner's strategic priorities to deliver safety and confidence to Londoners: Professionalism.

In December 2010 he took on responsibility for leading the MPS Stop and Search Team.

In March 2013 he joined Haringey as Borough Commander, having previously served as Borough Commander in Bexley since April 2012.

NINE KEY MILESTONES IN PRESIDENT BUHARI'S FIRST YEAR

Twelve months ago, President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He came to power following the decisive victory of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC over the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The victory ended the 16-year reign of the PDP.

President Buhari campaigned on a promise to fight Boko Haram terrorism and secure the whoe country, fight corruption and develop the economy to the point that it creates jobs for the teeming unemployed.

The campaign message caught on very well with most Nigerians, against the desperate efforts of the Jonathan administration which deployed incumbency as tool for its own campaign. They literally threw the kitchen at candidate Buhari. The government media were used against the opponent. The private media sold their outlets to a free-spending government pouring out venom, hate speech, libel and defamation. The public treasury was personalized and its content poured into a campaign that shared out money for weapons purchase to fight Boko Haram terrorism into the pockets of party leaders and their campaign staff. The Army which served as the glue that held the country as one through the years was compromised to such extent that they claimed not to be aware that a former General in the Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari had a secondary school certificate. Of course the certificate resurfaced shortly after he won the election.

President Buhari came to office amidst massive hope and expectation at home and abroad, that here at last was a leader who would stop the slide and lead Nigeria to progress, development and the realization of her destiny. The mood all over Nigeria, the continent and the world at the time he took over was euphoric.

In line with the promises made, Nigeria under Muhammadu Buhari has begun to show that it will be a radically different country than one the world had become used to. Here is a proof of that:

Promise of Transparency and Accountability

A promise kept by the President is of a government that not only preached but also practiced transparency and accountability. The President and the Vice President made public their assets as declared before they took office on May 29th.

For the first time in the annals of our Executive-Legislative relations, this country had all ministers nominated screened and passed without any casualty. What is important is that not a single incident was reported involving exchange of money in bribery of parliamentarians. The President’s first budget, the 2016 appropriations bill was passed, even though after some delays, without the usual bribery allegations that attended the passage of budgets. The Senate and the House under their current leadership must themselves be proud of this happening at this time.

While still on the budget, the President must take credit for the exposure of a particular kind of fraud, the padding of budget, itself a known and ongoing practice until the whistle was blown by diligent ministers and parliamentarians. For once, the country has a budget, the 2016 appropriations bill that is rid of added billions ending up in the pockets of officials. By putting these changes in place, the government has established a model for transparency in public expenditure.

Implementing the Treasury Single Account,TSA

The President has been trying to right the many wrongs things he inherited, especially in terms of securing government revenues which leaked or were out rightly diverted to private accounts.

President Buhari didn't invent the TSA. What he did is to bring political will to bear on its implementation.

By this, government has a snapshot at any given time of incoming revenue and expenditure following the centralization of government accounts domiciled at the Central Bank.

At the last count, the President said he had saved the country money in excess of three trillion Naira which would otherwise have been wasted or shared out to officials at the end of the financial year.

Minimum Government

The President kept his promise to reduce superfluity in government administration by cutting down on the number of ministers, ministries and government departments. The delay in the coming of ministers was first to reduce the number of ministries, and then set a new set of ground rules to stop the theft of government resources through systemic leakages. Boards of directors will come only when the President is satisfied that agencies of government are brought in line with existing ministries structure and that a new foundation is laid, in all cases, to replace the rotten past that allowed a free-for-all when it came to dealing with public assets.

Fighting Insecurity/Stabilizing the State

The first priority of this government as repeatedly mentioned by the President, is security. "You must secure the country before you can manage it well”, is a classic statement the President has continued to repeat. Where we stand on this today is best captured by the country’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami in saying that “the capacity of Boko Haram to hold territory has totally been decimated. Our focus now is on dealing with the remnants of their forces and re-focusing on the unfortunate humanitarian challenge caused by their activities.” This was achieved following the change in the leadership of the armed forces, the movement of the command and control centre to Maiduguri and realization of how much can be achieved with greater international cooperation. In this respect, the coming together of Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Benin in the Muti-National Joint Task Force under a centralized command had been helpful in forging a common, regional response to the Boko Haran threat.

War against corruption/ending impunity

Nigeria is country of paradoxes, one in which the VIP steals an elephant and runs away with it but the poor man stealing a goat goes to jail for up to 30 years.

The President has severally expressed his frustrations over the fact that known thieves, 419 kingpins fly over our heads in private jets and run around in Jaguars and Rolls Royces, as we wait endlessly for the law to take its course. As military Head of State, what he did was to lock them up until they proved their innocence. As an elected President, he has sworn to uphold the constitution which guarantees citizen rights.

Things are changing with impunity in the country. For the first time, VIP suspects are being asked questions by the investigating agencies and are being charged to court. Many who would have snubbed the bailiff and go scot-free are now standing before undergoing trials. Would anyone have thought that a Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, pretenders to thrones, the children of “natural rulers” including “toy” Sultans, Kings, Emirs and Chiefs will be brought to trial and kept in prisons? Ending impunity is one of key milestones of this administration.

The country today basks in the aura of a major battle against corruption and the impunity that goes with that and world is supporting the President.

In one year of his administration, a miracle has happened, which is that there has been the total absence of multi-billion naira corruption scandals that had characterized the previous administrations.

Global Diplomacy

In one year, the President has successfully reset the relationship between this country and her immediate neighbors and with our lost friends, both far and near. The West, Far East and Middle-East countries as well as our neighbors who walked away from this country on account of the arrogance of our past leaders, corruption and the abuse of human rights have all come back to us.

Over the past one year in which the President traveled to many countries, he has succeeded in convincing the world that Nigeria is now under a responsible management with a government that is inviting of prospective investors. As a result of his travels, Nigeria’s image has improved and the country is occupying a preeminent place in the comity of nations.

President Buhari has indeed been a revelation to the world. In addition to improving the standing of the country, his personal integrity has given him the best ever international attention by any past President of this country. The trips have opened doors that were shut against Nigeria, doors that bring security cooperation, and eventually trade and economic benefits to the country.

Fuel Import Liberalization

The fuel subsidy issue is a well-known cause of trouble in this country. Every government in the past that tried to remove it got tested in its political will and dropped it like a hot metal. There is nothing in this country that is as politically unpopular.

Yet, even those who vocally supported it knew that it wasn't working for the ordinary citizens. The secret service surveyed the price regime of N86 per liter and reported to government five months ago that the price prevailed only in Lagos and Abuja with the rest of the country paying higher. Petrol subsidies served as a scam to line the pockets of officials and cronies in business.

Acting in the best national interest, the President took the very brave action of liberalizing the import of PMS products by first removing subsidy from the budget and then opening the door for marketers to bring the products to sell at a profit, saving the country trillions of naira in fraudulent subsidy payments.

Due mainly to the trust they reposed in him, Nigerians have accepted this change in the belief that the president means for them.

Major Infrastructure Products/Diversification

The President’s campaign for the diversification of the economy, away from over-dependence on oil is already setting the tone for the transformation of the economy into an agaric and industrial one.

The President has equally fared well in his efforts to attract investment into Nigeria following his trips to some of those countries. Discussions are ongoing with a number of them with rich foreign reserves that have indicated a willingness to pour foreign capital to develop the economy and create jobs here. From the sometimes zero capital allocation of the past, his budget this year has 30% of its content devoted to capital projects. After many years of delay, there will be a serious attempt to improve roads and rail transport as well as power projects. His administration is determined to improve the country's infrastructure landscape in a short period of time.

Social welfare program

President Buhari’s administration is the first in Nigeria’s history to take a major step towards the institution of a social welfare scheme as enunciated by the APC.

One million of country’s poorest of the poor will get a monthly supplement of N5,000.00. Another one million will get start-up loans from the Bank of Industry. Five hundred thousand graduates will get teaching jobs and 375,000 others without degrees will receive training to acquire skills. Under this year’s budget, there is money for scholarship for medical, science and technology students in tertiary institutions and a meal-a-day for five million children in primary school. For the first time, the ordinary citizen can claim that he/she has a budget of his/her own.

In one year in office, the Buhari administration has taken major steps to secure the country and curtailing corruption while attracting investors with a view to promoting industrial growth and job creation. Although Nigeria is confronted with many problems that don’t have quick fixes, the administration has revealed a fine talent for finding lasting solutions to those kinds problems that had defied solution under the past governments. Given the tenacity with which he fought the Boko Haram terrorism and corruption, the economy, which is still work in progress, will receive a lot more attention going forward.

The rate of job creation and manufacturing should improve from the third quarter of the year when the implementation of the budget gathers steam. Happily, voters are still hopeful that President Buhari will produce the cure for the ills of the economy.

While many still believe that it is too early to assess the overall performance of the administration, the sentiment that prevails across the country is that Nigeria will improve a lot under his leadership; that he has a good vision and he is committed to Nigeria and Nigerian people.

Early enthusiasm and high expectations have their challenges especially in times of low earnings from exports. Given this situation, delivery will take time but the promised change will not fail to come.

In one year in office, the President has fused his own ideas with APC’s program which is strong on social welfare. His government has brought hope and respect to Nigeria. He has made a strong start on security, war against corruption, foreign policy although the sticking issue remains the limping economy he inherited which is hamstrung by corruption and the past failure to diversity.

The President is tirelessly working for Nigeria and will continue to do so with hard work, diligence and honestly for the period he is in office.

By Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
Media and Publicity

Nigeria's Olugbenga Babatola Sworn in as the First African Mayor of the Royal Greenwich, London

59-year-old, Nigerian born British Citizen, father of four and grandfather of one, Olugbenga Babatola was sworn in on the 25th of May 2016 as Greenwich's First Mayor of African Descent

Babatola, was a Councillor in the district, representing Thamesmead Moorings Ward.

He was first elected councillor in 2014 due to his inspirational leadership style, within the area, known to be dominated by Africans.

In 2015, Babatola became the first African to be elected deputy Mayor to the Former Mayor, Norman Adams.

Babatola, who says he believes in politics without bitterness, is also a strong believer in kids and power of the youth.

PHOTOS

PHOTO NEWS : BEEN TO GBONGAN JUNCTION LATELY?

If your route falls within *Ibadan to Ile-ife , *Ile-Ife to Ibadan, *Ibadan to Osogbo, *Osogbo to Ibadan, then you are bound to notice the steady improvement of the ongoing construction of the Adebisi Akande Trumpet Interchange (an interchange/fly-over bridge) at the Gbongan junction axis of the Ife-Ibadan highway.

Upon completion, the Ife-Ibadan highway will be one of the safest road in the country.

Adebisi Akande Trumpet Interchange

Adebisi Akande Trumpet Interchange

Adebisi Akande Trumpet Interchange when completed

Lagos signs N844bn MoU on 4th Mainland Bridge

...38km Bridge To Be Completed In Three Years Without Federal Funding- Ambode

In what is set to become a major milestone achievement in its 50 years of existence, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to kick-start the construction of the 38km 4th Mainland Bridge, expected to bring a 14-year old dream to reality.

The Bridge, which is geared towards economic growth in the State, is expected to gulp N844billion in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative and would be delivered in three years.

Speaking at the signing of the MoU held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, said that the need for the bridge had become imperative following the phenomenal growth of the State with a population of over 21 million people, which has in turn increased commercial activities and traffic gridlock.

“This has made it imperative for us to have a 4th Mainland Bridge that will serve as an alternative route to the Eastern axis and decongest traffic in the State.

“More importantly this bridge will provide the required transportation compliment to the rapidly growing industrial activities on the Eti-Osa - Lekki - Epe corridor of the State,” he said.

He said the proposed alignment of the Bridge will pass through Lekki, Langbasa and Baiyeiku towns along the shoreline of the Lagos Lagoon estuaries, further running through Igbogbo River Basin and crossing the Lagos Lagoon estuaries to Itamaga Area in Ikorodu.

The Governor said the alignment will also cross through the Itoikin road and the Ikorodu - Sagamu Road to connect Isawo inward Lagos Ibadan Expressway at Ojodu Berger axis.

He said the Bridge would be made up of eight interchanges to facilitate effective interconnectivity between different parts of the State.

“This structure will be a Four-lane dual carriageway with each comprising three lanes and two metres hard shoulder on each side. The bridge will be constructed to have a generous median to allow for both future carriageway expansion and light rail facility. There is no gainsaying the fact that huge benefits will be derived from this project but most importantly, make life more comfortable for Lagosians,” he said.

According to Governor Ambode, the Bridge which would be a PPP initiative is a testimony to the confidence the partners in the project have in the State Government and the Nigerian economy in general.

Expressing confidence that the project would be delivered on a Win-Win framework for all investors, the Governor said for the first time in the history of the State, the Government was embarking on the construction of a long-span bridge and expressway without Federal funding as the project is to be solely funded by the private sector.

“I am delighted that this project which has been on the drawing board for quite some time is now set to become a reality. This again, is the Continuity with improvement which we promised Lagosians.

“We have started the process with the signing of this MOU which is an expression of the commitment of major stakeholders including the government and the consortium of consultants and investors to the delivery of the project within the scheduled time frame,” the Governor said.

Governor Ambode also reassured Lagosians that his administration would remain committed to improving the State with world class transportation system as a vital component, which according to him is a key requirement for the sustenance of economic growth in the State.

The Bridge, among others would accommodate cyclists and pedestrians and feature two service areas as well as additional pedestrian crossing.

The Bridge would also accommodate three Toll Plazas which are still being tested from financial point of view and it would serve as a major boost to the actualisation of the Lekki Master Plan.

The project is to be financed by Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank and other private investors who have already signified intention to be part of the construction, while Visible Assets Limited would be the coordinating firm.

Prof. Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye; The First Female Professor of Physics

Prof. Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye is a brilliant academic who is highly revered for her contribution to the socio-economic development of Nigeria through hydrocarbon discoveries, and incidentally, she is Nigeria’s First Female Professor of Physics.

Prof Ajakaiye was born in 1940 in the city of Jos, the capital of Plateau State.

She attended the University of Ibadan (U.I.) and graduated in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in physics. She got her master's degree from the University of Birmingham, England, and in 1970, she received her Ph.D. in geophysics from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).

Originally interested in Mathematics she pursued Geophysics because she had in her a burning desire to contribute positively to the growth and development of her country.

Prof. Ajakaiye became the First Female Professor of Physics in Africa in 1980. She has lectured at Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Jos, serving as the Dean of Natural Sciences at the latter. Her work with ‘Geovisualization’ has been used to locate both mineral deposits and groundwater in Nigeria.

She has also created a map of the topography of Nigeria, working with several of her female students. She has been recognized for both her scientific advancements and her aid to the nation of Nigeria. The Nigerian Mining and GeoSciences Society honored her for her work, making her the first woman to receive the award.

She was also the first black African to be named a fellow of the Geological Society of London.

She has written several books and presented at several lectures. She is a recipient of various awards and a member of various organisations. As a member of the AAPG’s Publications Sub-Committee between 2002 and 2005, she co-authored the book, "Course Manual & Atlas of Structural Styles" on Reflection Profiles from the Niger Delta, with A. W. Bally.

The book has become a reference material on seismic studies and research on the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria and similar deltas worldwide. She served as a member of the Advisory Council of AAPG from 2001 to 2004, and was elected for AAPG’s Africa Region President (2005 – 2007).

Prof. Ajakaiye was among the 50 Nigerian women who were honoured with a special award by the First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, on September 29, 2010, at the 50th independence Award for Women of Distinction.

She also garnered the AAPG award for her Distinguished Service in 2011, making her the first and only African listed in that category of awards. She is currently leading NNPC’s quest to increase the nation’s crude oil reserves through the geophysical exploration of the inland sedimentary basins including the Chad Basin, Gongola/Yola Basin, Benue trough, Anambra Basin, Bida Basin, Sokoto Basin and the Dahomey Basin.

The Nigerian Mining and GeoSciences Society honored her for her work, making her the first woman to receive the award.

Atiku breaks new ground with animal feed factory in Abuja

The plan by the Buhari administration to revive the nation’s economy through agriculture and agro-allied industries is set to receive a major boost on Saturday, the 21st of May, 2016 when the foundation laying ceremony of an animal feed factory takes place in Abuja.

The factory, Rico Gardo, when operational will produce animal feeds of various types including for cattle, small ruminants, horse and poultry.

Rico Gardo already produces animal feed in its factory in Numan, Adamawa State.

The feed company to be sited at Idu Industrial District in the Federal Capital Territory would provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs as well as conserve scarce foreign exchange for the country by providing high quality made-in-Nigeria animal feed for the nation’s livestock sector.

Based on the success and impact of the Numan factory, industry analysts and livestock experts say that the Abuja factory when operational would play a significant role in providing feed for millions of cattle that presently roam the country in search of pasture.

Rico Gado Nutrition Nigeria is a private Limited Liability company. The company was incorporated in 2013 as a joint venture agreement between GeseDerdirabe Holdings of Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria, owned by businessman and philanthropist, Atiku Abubakar, a former Nigerian Vice President and Rico GadoNutracao S.A. The group has many years of experience in livestock feeds production and distribution throughout Europe and recently Middle East (Egypt and Saudi Arabia).

The factory in Numan is the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria and it was commissioned in Adamawa State on the 31st of January 2015. Built with state-of-the-art technology in livestock feeds milling, it has the capacity to produce 50,000 metric tonnes of assorted animal feeds annually and would create a network of animal feeds supply. At present, the factory addresses the dire need for animal food supplement in Adamawa State, the entire North East geo-political region of Nigeria, and beyond.

Abundant animal feed, according to analysts will make possible the plan of the Federal Government to limit and control the movement of herdsmen and their cattle through the provision of ranches in selected locations across the country.

Lagos Officially An Oil Producing State

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday declared that Lagos has officially joined the League of Oil Producing States in Nigeria following the discovery of crude oil by Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited in Badagry, Lagos.

Governor Ambode who made the declaration when the management of the company led by the Group Managing Director, Mr. Yinka Folawiyo paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja, commended the firm for their doggedness to achieve the feat after 25 years of hard work, saying that by the provision of Section 162 Sub-Section 2 of the Nigeria Constitution, Lagos has become an oil producing State.

He declared, “I want to thank you very much for this and I say it with all conviction because I know that based on section 162 Sub-Section 2 of the Nigeria Constitution, Lagos becomes an oil producing state and by virtue of this, the 13 percent derivation that is due to oil producing states, Lagos will start to partake from it by your very good gesture. So we officially declare Lagos State as an oil producing state, we also notify the Federal Government by this action that we would be sharing out of the 13 percent derivation. So all we need do is to apply and then we join.”

Governor Ambode also said that the feat has not only placed Lagos in the history books as the first state outside the Niger Delta to become an oil producing State, but has also opened up a new page for revenue generation in the State.

“It also means that by the additional revenue that is coming from this action, we would have more resources to provide infrastructure for Lagosians and this is what we want other investors and businessmen to emulate, so that beyond the issue of profit, you are actually creating impact on people without them necessarily knowing that it is actually coming from a venture like this that you have embarked on,” he said.

He said the resilience of the Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company, an indigenous firm has shown the possibilities and opportunities for investors and businessmen willing to commit their resources to boost local production.

“I want to commend what you have done, it’s a sign that you believe so much in Lagos State. I want to congratulate you, I want to showcase you as a very good example of a dogged entrepreneur, as someone who believes in Nigeria because that’s what you epitomize here.

“The Federal Government has always said that we all need to look back inwards and start to do things for ourselves. Spending 25 years to be able to get to this stage and get something productive shows a lot about your belief, tenacity and doggedness and I want to recommend you to every other Nigerian investor that there is still greater hope for Nigeria and with the likes of you, I don’t see any reason why any Nigerian needs to be afraid because you have just shown by this indigenous discovery that anything is possible in Nigeria.

“This discovery is by a 100 per cent indigenous firm and at times like this when we are experiencing dwindling revenue from different areas of our economy; at times like this when foreign exchange is highly turbulent, it gives one great hope that the future prosperity of Nigeria is assured and is secured by transactions like this,” Governor Ambode said.

Governor Ambode said that what the historic discovery means for Lagos is that the three Senatorial Districts, Lagos West, Lagos East and Lagos Central have all combined to open up the economic and investment potentials of the State.

“I will like to let you know that that we have three senatorial zones in Lagos; from the Lagos West axis, we have crude oil coming out of it, from the Lagos East axis, we have the petrochemical refinery factory coming from the Lagos Free Trade Zone by the Dangote Group which will come on board by 2018 and from the Lagos Central axis, it’s the financial district of Nigeria. For Lagos, it’s designed for prosperity and to complement every achievement that is being recorded.

“We are likely to have three Sea Ports in Lagos in another two years; we have the Badagry Deep Sea Port and the Lekki Port and also the Apapa port. So, somehow, in some manner, some things are being put up that seems like a puzzle, but the future prosperity of Lagos is more than well assured and we are happy that we are part of that and this government is heavily committed to complement the efforts of business men like you.

“In supporting endeavors like this, we would do everything to support whatever it is you want us to do to make sure that the arrow head of this particular sector that you have championed will not just go in vain. I can assure you of that,” the Governor said.

Earlier, Mr. Folawiyo said that the discovery of crude oil in Lagos, which has taken over 25 years to achieve, has gone a long way to show the possibilities achievable if Government continues to lend support to indigenous investors and companies.

“At so many points along the way, we could have given up because it was a very rough road, but the point is that only a Nigerian company would have continued to do what we did. The man crux is that we need government and government needs us and where government supports assiduously, it can only be success,” he said.

Asked how much has gone into the investment, Folawiyo said the company has committed about $400million dollars to achieve the feat.

He said the current status of the oil well has the capacity to produce at least 12,000 barrels per day, with a possibility to increase to 25,000 to 50,000 barrels per day in the nearest future.

Folawiyo also presented Governor Ambode with a sample of the crude oil discovered by his company in the State, a confirmation of Lagos becoming the first basin out of the Niger Delta to become an oil producing state, which according to him, is by no means a small feat.

THIS TIME AROUND - FOR TUN AND ALL THAT THERE IS

By Amaka Obidi

TUN African Desk 

So that’s the end of the 2016 London Marathon. Though it is all over and the winners have been publicly recognized and celebrated in the capital,the London Marathon which took place on Thursday, 24th April will forever go down in history as one of the most formidable. It is surely one that will continually resonate in the minds of those who witnessed it firsthand. Though fraught with embarrassing yet commendable moments. The British always have the fever to get into the heat of things for the marathon by supporting a charity for a good cause. It all began in 1981 by founders - former Olympic champion and journalist Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley. It is one of the top six international marathons run over the distance of 26 miles and 385 yards. So far, the marathon has raised over £450 million for charity since inception and holds the Guinness world record as the largest annual fund raising event in the world, with the 2009 participants raising over £47.2 million for charity.

There emerged the victors, pilfers and vanquished. The winners are of African origin. Kenyan- born Elid Kipchoge who has been able to retain his title running the second-fastest marathon time in history. Also, Jemima Sumgong sprung a surprise as she recovered from a dramatic fall five miles from the finish to win during the women’s race.

This can be likened to the launching of TUN as she is once again rolling out her drums to engage all in the celebration of all things Africa starting with Nigeria. It is germane to note however, that discontent is the catalyst for change. A change that inspires, one that tells the tale of those before us and also the fore bearers of tomorrow’s history with circumcised introspection. This is what TUN simply vows to achieve.

Back to the race - thousands of determined competitors took to the streets to show their camaraderie. Surely, it was an arduous 26.2 mile run, a race for only the fit and prepared runner even though a good number of participants were tired within the first hour. One would have to possess endurance, persistence and the finesse to continue. Imagine the amount of time put into training, subjecting the body to strenuous exercise, practicing moderation, changing one’s lifestyle and having a healthier diet to suite the demands of the marathon etc . All these can have catastrophic effects on the human mind and body if done by the flick of the wrist. However, there must always be a winner at the finish line. Evidently, TUN had returned to the war room to strategize, to relaunch with focus, for better outreach in order to provide an increasingly sustainable system where all things laudable, respectable and illustrious are celebrated at a greater volume.

With her re-emergence, TUN is poised for a meaningful impact!

BIOGRAPHY OF CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO G.C.F.R., S.A.N (March 6, 1909 – May 9, 1987)

BIRTH

Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909, to Chief David Sopolu Awolowo and his wife Mary Efunyela Awolowo in Ikenne, Remo, in what is now Ogun State of Nigeria..

EDUCATION
He had his primary school education at St. Saviour's School, Ikenne, and at Imo Wesleyan School, Abeokuta. His education at this early stage was interrupted for several years by the sudden death of his father in April 1920, an event that left him without financial support and compelled him to fetch firewood for sale, and do similar jobs, to support his schooling.

He had higher education at Wesley College, Ibadan (a teachers' college) in 1927, and much later at the University of London as an External Student. He was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) and the Bachelor of Laws by the University of London. He was called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple on November 19, 1946.

MARRIAGE
On 26th December, 1937 Obafemi Awolowo got married to Miss Hannah Idowu Dideolu Adelana. They remained each other's best friend to the end; together they fought for the cause of justice and for the release of their fellow man’s mind from ignorance and the freedom on his body from disease. They had 5 children: Olusegun (1939-1963), Omotola, Oluwole, Ayodele and Tokunbo.

After a brief spell as school teacher, stenographer, and Daily Timesreporter-in­ training, Obafemi Awolowo set himself up in Ibadan as a produce buyer and a transporter. It was in Ibadan that his political life began to unfold: he served there as secretary of the Nigerian Youth Movement before he went abroad to study Law in Great Britain.

Back home from Britain, Awolowo formed the cultural group known as “Egbe Omo Oduduwa” in 1949 and a political party, the Action Group, (AG), in 1951 also known as Egbe Afenifere in Western part of Nigeria as part of the Social Programme for the emancipation of Yoruba race. His party won the first elections ever conducted in Western Nigeria. As a result of that victory, the AG formed the first elected government in the Western Region and Obafemi Awolowo, now a Chief, became the Leader of Government Business and Minister for Local Government in 1952. In 1954, Awo (as he had come to be fondly known within his party) became the first Premier of the Western Region. His party won the elections again in May 1956 and Awo retained his position as Premier. He voluntarily gave up that position when, on December 12, 1959, he was elected into the House of Representatives where he became the Leader of Opposition in Nigeria's central legislature.

He stood up stoutly against mediocrity and drift in government, and began to define alternative channels along which Nigeria's government should go. His own concept of a Nigerian nation was probably too advanced for his opponents, who began to see the Awolowo-led opposition as a major threat. Following a trial for treasonable felony, he was jailed for 10 years in September 1963.

By July 1966, Nigeria's problems had become so interactable that disintegration of the country seemed inevitable. A new Federal Military Government promptly opened the gates of Calabar Prison, brought Awolowo out and appointed him as a minister to take charge of the country's treasury and to provide political support as Vice Chairman in the Federal administration. In those two roles, he was one of the major architects of Nigeria's victory over s~cession in the 3D-month Civil War. When the war ended, Awo waited just long enough to give Nigeria a National Development Plan; as soon as the Plan was completed, he resigned from the government, although, to his last day, he remained grateful to the man who gave him an opportunity to serve his country.

When Nigeria's Armed Forces lifted the ban on civilian participation in politics in September 1978, Nigerians who believed in Awo’s political ideas and principles joined him in forming the Unity Party of Nigeria which presented Nigeria with a dynamic programme of socio economic change along democratic socialist lines. Awo led the party until it was banned, along with Nigeria's other political parties, during the military take-over at the end of 1983.

Chief Awolowo was a great political thinker who committed many of his thoughts to writing. From 1946, he had started a long career in political writing, which flourished whether he was in freedom or in detention, whether he was in power or out of it. It continued to flourish till the very end of his life.

ACHIEVEMENTS:
Chief Awolowo’s greatest achievements resulted from the foresight, clear sense of direction and sheer competence that he brought into government.

At the beginning of his career in government, Chief Awolowo quickly reformed the Local Government system of the Western Region and took revolutionary steps to Nigerianise and improve the Western Nigeria Civil Service. An extremely good judge of men’s qualities, he had also put together a very efficient team of ministers. Having taken those steps, he was set to achieve within 5 years a string of "Firsts" in the history of Africa. Between 1954 and 1959, his government­ evolved, and was served by, the most efficient Civil Service in Black Africa;introduced and successfully implemented the first Free Primary Education programme in Africa;introduced and successfully managed the first Free Medical Service programme in Nigeria - for children up to the age of 18;established the first Television Station in Africa;built the Liberty Stadium, the first such modem sports facility in Nigeria;introduced and successfully implemented the first minimum wage policy in Nigeria and actually paid to Western Nigerians from October 1954 a minimum wage that was doublethe amount paid to workers of the same level in some other parts of Nigeria;set up Nigeria’s first industrial complex at Ikeja;set up Nigeria's first commercial Housing Estates at Ikeja and Bodija, Ibadan.

Besides these, Chief Awolowo’s government had­ laid the foundation for development in commerce and industry by creating an efficient Western Nigeria Development Corporation, the ancestor of the present-day O'dua Investment Company;taken successful bold steps to revolutionise the production and marketing of cocoa by farmers in Western Nigeria; and .created the infrastructure for rural development by promoting 900 cooperative societies in about 3 years and by providing within 5 years almost 10 times as many miles of road as he inherited from the British administration.

There is a not-so-visible achievement arising from all these. By making election promises and fulfilling them within a few years, Awo had led his region to evolve a culture that demands and evaluates a socio economic programme from those who seek to govern them.

In the Federal government, Awo managed the finances of Nigeria so shrewdly and so competently that the Federal Government successfully waged an expensive 30-month war against secession without resorting to foreign loans and without compromising its sovereignty.

HONOURS:
In recognition of his intellectual contributions, Awolowo was honoured by the following institutions of learning:
University of Nigeria, Nsukka: LL.D. (1962)
University of Ife, Ile-Ife: D.Sc. (1967)
University of Lagos: D.Litt. (1968)
University of Ibadan: LL.D. (1972)
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria: LL.D. (1975)
University of Cape Coast, Ghana: LL.D. (1976)

He was Chancellor of the University of Ife (1967 -1975) and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1975-1978).
In recognition of his professional contributions at the Bar, he was made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1978.

In recognition of his invaluable service to Nigeria, he was given the highest honour in the land, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR)in 1982.

He was honoured with many chieftaincy titles, including the following:

Asiwaju of Yoruba
Asiwaju of Remo
Losi of Ikenne
Lisa of Ijeun
Apesin of Osogbo
Odole of Ife
Ajagunla of Ado-Ekiti
Odofin of Owo and
Obong Ikpan Isong of Ibibio Land.

In recognition of his esteemed contributions, he was awarded the Grand Band of the Order of the Star of Africa by the Republic of Liberia in 1968, and made Grand-Officer de l’Ordre National du Lion, Republique du Senegal, in 1972.

PUBLISHED WORKS:
Republished many books and still had some in the press at the time of his transition. Among his best-known works are: Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947), Awo - an autobiography (1960), Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution (1966), The People’s Republic (1968), The Strategy and Tactics of the People's Republic (1970), The Problems of Africa: The need for ideological reappraisal (1977), Adventures in Power­Book 1: My March Through Prison (1985). He had planned to launch Book 2 entitled The Travails of Democracy and the Rule of Lawon 6th June 1987.

The oldest privately owned newspaper in Nigeria, the Nigerian Tribune, and two other newspapers (the weekly Sunday Tribune and Irohin Yoruba) were founded and owned by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Acknowledgement : Obafemi Awolowo Foundation

Young Nigerian Living in Sokoto Who Designs Super-cars

PHOTO NEWS

Bashar Aliyu is a Nigerian teenager from Sokoto who has a talent and passion for designing cars and he looks forward to studying Automotive Design in the university.

Photos:

AMBODE RENDERS SECOND QUARTER ACCOUNT, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SERVE LAGOSIANS

• Renders Second Quarter Scorecard
• Says Crime Rate Reduced by 65 Percent
• Approves N2.5bn For Schools Upgrade
• Commences Construction Of Ajah, Abule Egba,    Berger Flyovers

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to remain resolute to serve and justify the trust reposed in him, assuring that he would continue to work tirelessly to deliver good governance for the collective good of all Lagosians.

The Governor, who spoke while rendering his account of stewardship at the Second Quarterly Town Hall Meeting held at the City Hall, Lagos, said his administration will continue to stay true to its overall policy built on a tripod of security, infrastructural development and job creation.

Addressing a large gathering of party chieftains, market men and women, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps as well as top government functionaries, Governor Ambode said his administration is fully aware that a safer Lagos will attract more investments from local and foreign investors, hence he kept to his promise in the first quarter to improve on the security in the state with investment in security equipment worth over N4.7billion.

The Governor reported that the investment in the security equipment has led to the reduction of crime rate in the state by 65 percent in the last quarter of 2015.

“I am happy to report that our State is a lot safer today as statistics show that crime rate reduced by 65% during the last quarter compared to Year 2014,” he said.

Governor Ambode said his administration, in another spirited effort to tackle crime, invested towards the “Light Up Lagos” project, which has since restored light on major highways and inner roads in the state at night.

He said an Advisory Committee on Power, chaired by the Deputy Governor was also set up to keep faith with the promise to ensure that every nook and cranny of the state is lit-up, just as he urged residents to key into the project in return for a reward.

“In the past few months, we have fixed street lights from Berger in Ojodu to Lekki, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, the entire Ikeja axis, Victoria Island and Ikoyi. We are taking this project to every part of the State. If we are not yet in your neighbourhood, give us a little time; we will soon be there. As we light up the State, we expect crime to reduce as criminals will have nowhere to hide and operate.
“I call on individuals and corporate bodies to join our “Light Up Lagos” project by adopting a street and lighting it up either by connecting it to your meter or your generator. In return, these individuals and institutions will receive special concessions on Land Use Charge and commendation from the State and Local Governments”.

The Governor also said in the last quarter, 49 transformers were donated to communities that were hitherto in darkness for five years, while electricity has now been restored to 63 Communities starting from Eleko to Ode-Omi in Ibeju Lekki Local Government.
“We also commissioned the 33kva Electrical Sub-Station in Gberigbe Community, Ikorodu. This is expected to improve the electricity situation in that axis,” he said.

On infrastructural development, Governor Ambode said that over 300 roads were rehabilitated during the period under review, adding that 66 major road projects are at various stages of completion while 80 road grading and surface dressing projects will soon be completed in all the LGs & LCDAs of the State.

He listed some of the completed roads to include Afa Nla Road, Agege, CIPM Road, Alausa, Ijegun-Ikotun Road, Mba Street, Ajegunle, 1st and 2nd Avenue, Festac Town, Afolabi Ege Street, Ojo, Thomson Road, Ikoyi, 2nd Avenue, Ikoyi, Queens Drive, Ikoyi, Ebutte Ero Road, Lagos Island and Akin Adeshola Road, Victoria Island.

“In addition to this, the construction of two roads in each of the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Government Development Areas in the State was flagged off last week. A total of 114 roads will be delivered through this intervention in the next six months at a cost of N17.5b,” The Governor said.

Governor Ambode also listed other strides of his administration in the last quarter including the injection of 434 new BRT buses, the commencement of construction of fly-overs in Ajah roundabout, Abule – Egba Junction and Berger Bus stop as well as the resumption of work on the Blue Line Rail Project expected to be completed by December 2016.

He also said that the state government has embarked on the rehabilitation of schools, construction of new classroom blocks and provision of furniture to the tune of N2.5b, jointly funded with the Federal Government under the UBEC scheme with the State adding an additional N526m.

On the projection for the first quarter of 2016, he assured that with the budget already in place his administration will kick-start the N25billion Employment Trust Fund, employ new staff into LASTMA, Fire Service and Hospitals, strengthen the state security infrastructure as well as take the Light Up Lagos Project to more areas. 

He said, “As your Governor, I am resolute in my commitment to you; to serve and justify the trust you have reposed in me and work tirelessly to deliver good governance for the collective good of all Lagosians.

“All we need is your support and cooperation. We thank you for your direct feedback to us. We take them on board but we also need you to always fulfill your side of the social contract by ensuring regular payment of your taxes and willful compliance with the State Laws.

“There are better days ahead. Together, we are building a Lagos that we are all proud of”.

You have to venture to win

By Joseph Chibueze

When Mr. Tunji Olugbodi left Prima Garnet in March 2007 to set up his own company, Verdant Zeal, many saw it as a right move that was wrongly timed. But the question is ‘what is the right time to move?’ It is this fear of the unknown and waiting for the ‘right time’ that has kept many who would have been successful entrepreneurs locked up in what could be described as a fool’s paradise called the comfort zone even when they are no more comfortable.

It was an election year with all its uncertainties, businesses were not willing to make new commitments and investors were holding back to know the direction the country would go after the elections. It all looked gloomy, even more so as he took off from ground zero, with no clients and just a few hands to work with.

But he was not deterred because for him, it is not about how much you have in your pocket or how fair the weather is, but the values you are bringing to the table. 

Just under eight years, Verdant Zeal has become a multinational marketing communication group comprising various corollary businesses. F2M (First to Market), the experiential marketing arm of the group, Gr8 Measures Media (Media Independent), Brainbox I Media (New Media), Red Gecko (Pr & Content development) and Neo Mantra (an intellectual property company with interest in brand and events management).

The company is also now the only Nigerian marketing communication company that has full fledged offices across the West Coast- Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Background
Born in Lagos on March 26, 1964, to the family of Pa Joshua Oyedele Olugbodi, from Ara town in Osun State; his father retired from the Central Bank of Nigeria while his mother, Mrs. Grace Olabisi Olugbodi, a trader, hails from Abeokuta, Ogun State. Tunji attended Salvation Army Primary School, Iyun Road, behind the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos between 1969 and 1974, but had to move to Ejigbo, Osun State for his secondary education, where he attended Baptist High School between 1974 and 1979. “I really couldn’t explain why my parents just decided I should go to Osun State for my secondary school education,” he says. “But my parents knew why they took that decision and I have come to realize that they meant well for me. Today, I don’t have any regrets because part of my experience in my formative years was informed by my experience in Ejigbo. My stay in that rural environment allowed me to appreciate people from different backgrounds. There is something original in that rustic environment. I was lucky to have schooled in a society where people value lives. The spirit of being one’s brother’s keeper is still in me up till now.

“I attended what could be termed ‘regular’ public schools, but I must say these compared well with some of the best private schools we have today. There was professionalism and dedication by the crop of teachers, who took great pride in the development of their pupils.”

For his university education, Olugbodi attended the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, between 1983 and 1987 and read English Language. His father actually wanted him to study law ostensibly so he could accomplish what he himself could not accomplish having dropped out of law faculty of the then University of Ife because he had no one to fund the programme for him. “My father saw my admission as an opportunity for him to realise his dream. I didn’t want anybody to dictate my course of study to me and I decided not to pursue the admission.”

Career
Olugbodi started his career first as a journalist with The Guardian as a judicial reporter and sub editor. After about five years he became a bit restless and wanted to explore new horizons. He then moved to a medium sized agency, called SAAL as a copywriter and just after three months moved on to Promoserve where he had the first real taste of professional marketing communication as a client service and business development. “Promoserve was one of the biggest and most active agencies then, with several blue chip accounts. I had the privilege of working with some of the best brains in the industry then and it was quite enlightening; a great eye opener,” he recalls.

In January 1992, he joined Prima Garnet where he spent 15 years and rose to the position of an executive director. He however quit Prima Garnet in March 2007 to start Verdant Zeal.

His person, his philosophy
Olugbodi who likes to describe himself as a clear minded, easy going person, also sees life as an opportunity God has given to man to be able to do something positive. He believes that whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. “And for you to think of getting something done means that you have the mindset of somebody who wants to venture, somebody who wants to step away from his comfort zone. For many years I was unable to do the things I needed to do because I was living in what I can call a fool’s paradise. I was in a comfort zone where I did not want to rock the boat and I wanted to maintain the status quo. It took time for me to realize that the only way you can make progress in life is by taking a risk, a calculated risk and every risk has its own reward. 

Sometimes it may not be positive but even if it is not positive, it is usually a temporary set back because for every venture you step out to take, there is always something to learn, even if it is to learn how not to do certain things, so that next time you know how to avoid those pitfalls.”

Making a move
For Olugbodi, God has given to each person a fair amount of gifts and aptitudes to do certain things. The only problem according to him is that most people do not take time to search out and understand what these gifts are. In his words, “Because we have not understood what has been deposited inside of us to enable us succeed, sometimes we devalue ourselves which makes us sometimes to look down on ourselves or sometimes makes us lack the confidence to be able to move ahead. So for me if there is anything you want do, you have to make a move.

“In making a move, you also have to know whom to trust, for me, I put my trust in God that if God is with me in anything it will not fail. Next to that is that you have to have faith in yourself. Because you are a reflection of God, if you don’t have faith in God, there is no way you are going to have faith in yourself. So the measure of the faith you have in yourself, is also the measure of the faith you have in God because really, every day living is a risk, every step you take is a risk but if you trust God, he will never leave you nor forsake you. You are not running on your own skills even if it appears so, but you are running God’s programme because he has given you brush so that you can make your own strokes. That is very comforting and reassuring.

“Tied to that is that there must always be a vision. I am driven more by what I see as greater vision of many things that I need to do rather than the small things. And that in itself helps a great deal because it gives the eye of the mind the ability to plot a trajectory, a sort of roadmap and I have discovered that in my own case every road map that I have given some thought to, prayed and meditated over, written down formerly, most often than not usually comes to pass almost the way I have written it down. So that is a big encouragement.”

Sustaining power
What is it that keeps him going even in the face of difficulties? He replies that there are no secrets. According to him, “Every victory and every defeat starts first of all from the mind, so the mindset is extremely important. I will give you an example, as we sit here, I do know there is going to be many challenges in 2015 and maybe beyond, it is obvious, the price of oil is going down, it is not likely to go up any soon and the reasons also are very obvious, politics in Nigeria come with its uncertainties, there is insecurity, so everything points out that the indices are heading south. But what I do know is that in spite of that, in fact most often than none, when there are problems or challenges is when there are opportunities. So in our mind, what we have done is to say we prepare for the worst and hope for the best. So you look at the worst case scenario and say this is the worst that can happen, how do you survive, how do you navigate? In doing that you are able to look at the opportunities that will come from the challenges that we have in the environment, in the economy. And in doing that, you say to yourself, I am going to survive by doing XYZ because I can envision what those challenges will be. So your mindset is extremely important. First and foremost is to accept the reality of challenges and not to live in denials.

“The second thing is, what are the concrete steps that you need to take to make things happen, what are the adjustments you need to make? So for me those are the indices where you have success or victory, it is really about micro managing the issues before they emerge and it is even better when you are able to anticipate what the issues will be and that helps you to take steps that will help you over come those challenges. So you have to think ahead.”

NUGGETS
-Have faith in God and yourself
-Whatever you have to do, do it well
-It is not about the dept of your pocket, it is about the values you bring
-Trust God

First Published in the CRS Watch International Magazine 2015

First Viola Competitions Presents ''Hours with the Masters'' – A Choral Competition Fused With An Art Exhibition

First Viola Competitions - Nigeria's First International Choral Music Competition Platform...

Come 13th February 2016, First Viola Competitions (FVC) - Nigeria’s First International Choral Music Competition Platform would be debuting an event in Nigeria tagged ''Hours with the Masters''.

This event is a Chorale Competition among-st chorale groups in Nigeria which is also fused with an Art Exhibition from Artistes around the world. In addition, there would also be entertaining performances from celebrity singers.

According to the organizers, the idea behind the event is to further develop chorale excellence in Nigeria and beyond, whilst promoting arts and culture.

The aims and objectives of FVC also include the organization of international chorale festivals and competitions to further raise the quality of chorale art and to foster international peace and harmony. 

Furthermore, having regular activities aimed at bringing young people closer to indigenous choral art music, identify, nurture and develop talents among-st other things are key objectives of this organization. 

Choral competitions add value and meaning to the Nigerian life by fostering the creativity and positive impact of choral art music whilst engaging the public in the extraordinary experience of competition performances. It also helps participants develop their talent which leads to a lifelong learning as well as experiencing teamwork, self-discipline, life- long friendships and individual expression.

FVC is managed by First Viola, a global leader in music projects / events that combines high principles of management with a wide range of services.

Details of ''Hours with the Masters'' would be fully unveiled by the organizers, in a crescendo-like-manner, later in the month of January 2016.

Nigerian Lecturer, Opeyemi Enoch Solves 156-Year-Old Mathematics Problem, Wins $1Million

A Nigerian lecturer, Dr. Opeyemi Enoch who lectures at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) has made a name for himself across the globe after solving the 156 years old Riemann Hypothesis, the most important problem in Mathematics.

This enviable feat makes him the fourth person to be able to resolve one of the Seven Millennium Problems in Mathematics. The Riemann Zeta Hypothesis is one of the seven Millennium problems set forth by the Clay Mathematics Institute with a million Dollar reward for each solved problem for the past 16 years and he has won himself a million dollar reward.

The mathematicians is said to have made his presentation on the proof during the International Conference on Mathematics and Computer Science in Vienna, Austria on November 11, 2015. Making it more interesting is that it coincides with the exact day and month 156 years after the problem was delivered by a German Mathematician in 1859.

Prior to this achievement the Kogi state born genius has worked on mathematical models and structures for generating electricity from sound, thunder and Oceanic bodies.

http://www.nigerianmonitor.com/2015/11/16/photo-nigerian-lecturer-opeyemi-enoch-solves-156-year-old-mathematics-problem-wins-1million/