Blog: NELOC News

BASIC NUGGETS FOR A REWARDING LECTURE FREE WEEK

We have come to that period of the semester. EXAMINATION PERIOD!.
EXAM time can be super stressful and sometimes no matter how hard you try to keep your cool, things get on top of you.
As a way of setting a golden precedence embedded with benchmarks of success. Make do with these tips on how to get it right this examination period.

1. GET A TIME-TABLE
Over time, this is a common rule but most students don't see the essential part of it.
If you have more than one exam to deal with...
Draw out a timetable with dates and time of each exam and how many topics need to be covered within the period of time.

2. CREATE AND ORGANISE YOUR READING SPACE.
It may be that before the exam period, you had no organised reading table/space.
•Get enough space to spread your textbook and notes out.
•More lights, comfortable chair, No phones, No laptop (make all necessary research before reading), No games, GET RID OF ALL DISTRACTIONS!.
•LISTEN TO BACKGROUND MUSIC; while this may not help some people, it helps a large number of students. It prepares them for distractions in the exam hall.

3. BE YOUR LECTURER!
Visual aids can be really helpful when revising for exams.
•Challenge yourself to write down you already know about a topic.
•Condence your revision notes into one page diagrams before the exam. This helps you to quickly recall during the exam.

4. PRACTICE PAST QUESTIONS!
It helps you get the format of the questions.
• Time yourself and make sure you spend the right amount of time on each section.

5. LECTURE OTHERS!
• Get a group of friends/classmates/younger ones.
• Explain answers to questions to them. It helps to clear your head.

6. GIVE YOURSELF BREAKS!.
This has been proved by scientists to help retention of knowledge.
• Create a study routine that works for you.
• Do not feel guilty being out enjoying the sunshine, instead of hunched over your textbooks.
• Remember, vitamin D is good for a healthy brain!

7. SPEND YOUR MONEY!.
As silly as this may sound, it is necessary. You need to give yourself treats during this exam period.
• Eat the right food at the right time.
• Little chocolates? Yes, but not much, remember 'sugar may seem appealing but your energy level will crash an hour later.

8. PLAN YOUR EXAM DAY!
This sums up all that has been said so far.
• Never be later to an exam. Work out how long it will take to get there, then add up some extra time.
• Go with friends/classmates. It has been discovered by scientist that the presence of intelligent friends around you in your exam environment boosts your self esteem.

SUCCESS!!!⚡⚡

From:
LSS PUBLICITY COMMITTEE.
Law Students' Society, OAU.

Ifelaw Bags Best Faculty Award, Scoops 15 Individual Categories

The Law Students' Society, O. A. U had overtime shown spirit of excellence in all spheres . In the same bend, on the 2nd of August 2018, the IFELAW Society has it is fondly called, proved that once again.

Observant minds would agree that the university community has been flurried for some weeks now due to the just concluded OAU AWARDS hosted by HOTINC. The nominees of several categories having gone through several voting processes ranging from online votings to the offline balloting.

This year, IFELAW had in record peck of her members nominated for different categories and also Faculty of Law nominated under the "BEST FACULTY" category.

Interesting to record that the "Outstanding Faculty President" category was also clinched by the president of the Law Students' Society, Mr Adedigba Daniel.

Law students, in their usual spirit of unity supported all the nominees from the faculty in all the voting processes and even came out en masse on the day of the award to elicit optimal support and motivation.

FACULTY OF LAW WON "THE BEST FACULTY" and 14 individual categories were won by the law students nomimees.

Categories such as:

Law - Best Faculty
Prima Strata - Best Club
Adedigba Daniel Cortez - Outstanding President
Easy man - Most Influential Male
G1 - Political Icon
Koye LAdele Mofehintoluwa - Best Writer
Abass Oyeyemi (Bazzman) - Student Blogger
Frizzy - Student Poet
Dj Miles - Best DJ
Alaska - Best Clothier
Anu - Face of OAU female
Lexy - Most Fashionable Male
Amupitan Caleb - Best Class Governor
Rotimi - Best Comedian
Gambit - Rookie Male
Alphaglam - Best make-up Artist

After accomplishing such a feat, what comes next is celebration from all law students.We feel elated as we celebrate with those who went forward and made us proud, we are inspirted with the sensation of unity and oneness and we feel the pride of belonging to IFELAW.

Once again, we say huge congratulations to all the winners. GOD BLESS IFELAW.

IFELAW TO HOST HEALTH SUMMIT THIS FRIDAY

The Summit is an Initiative Of the Law Students’ Society, OAU

The Initiative becomes expedient upon the acknowledgment of the need to pay much more attention to the Health as a necessary condition precedent to a sound intellectual mind.

The summit would feature:

HEALTH TALK SESSIONS

The health talk session is to be given by the Director of the Obafemi Awolowo University Medical and Health Centre, Dr Irinoye (Chairman of the Summit) as well as our own Dr Yusuf. The health talk commences by 9:30 at the New Moot and Mock Court Complex.
At the venue, there would be registration and Free Souvenirs (Jotters, Biro among other things) would be given out to the early participants.

MEDICAL SCREENING/TEST

After the talk session at the New Moot Court, we proceed to the Faculty Of Law basement where we would have free medical test to be conducted by Professional Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and Laboratory Technicians.

DISPENSATION OF MEDICATION

Upon a successful screening process, there would dispensation of free medication to screened persons and where necessary, referrals for further check up._

The available test/medication include but not restricted to:

MALARIA
TOILET DISEASE
Cough, Cold and Catarrh
Headache
Blood Test
Body Pain
Diabetes
Hypertension
Asthmatic Patients
Wound Care
Deworming
Arthritis
Sugar Check
High blood pressure
Among a host of others

The IFELAW Health Summit is in its entirety FREE and its with an open direction.

Side attraction similarly abound in music and light refreshments.

Finally, it remains an unshaken resolve of the Law Students’ Society to ensure the general welfare of law Students is paid due attention.

Time : 9am
Date: 3rd of August, 2018
Time : Moot court

LIFE OF A LAW STUDENT

LIFE OF A LAW STUDENT

Episode 3

I once applied for an opportunity to participate in a women leadership conference organized and sponsored by a company in Paris, I wrote a cover letter and attached a document including my GP and other requirements to the email address that was provided on their website, Then I proceeded to google for pictures of Paris and had started having funny dreams of visiting Eiffel tower and locking one of those little padlocks of love with some man I fell in love with in Paris (I know right). Well, those dreams stopped the morning I received an email that started with the words “it is with regret that we…” my heart was too broken to read the rest of the mail. The email I got from tax club started with “Congratulations...” that’s how I know I got in, I read the mail to the end, there was a get together to welcome us by weekend and I had already mentally picked the gown I was going to wear.

I had been chatting with this Dapo guy from Medicine for a week now, and I had agreed to meet him, We agreed to meet around 7pm, From the pictures I saw on his Instagram page, he is dark in complexion and he appeared tall, So when I got outside my hostel where we agreed to meet, I looked straight up in search for the tall dark guy I had been chatting with for a week now, I had looked around, walked forward a bit and was about to call when I looked down and saw a dark, Short, tribal marked face staring back at me, and he was smiling, Now, I wasn’t expecting this, I smiled politely and walked with him towards SUB, We had the awkward first time we’re meeting talk and then we talked about how demanding his course is and how engaging the extra-curricular activities in mine could be, He found me ‘quite funny’, I found him very shy, On our way back to Akintola, He asked if we would do ‘this’ again, I laughed and replied with a yeahhhhh with my teeth held tightly together, in a tone I’m sure he knew was not sincere, I had enjoyed the way I spoke during the entire conversation and every part of what I did, I just didn’t enjoy his company that much, So yeahhhhh, I wasn’t doing that again. I said goodnight to him and smiled my way back to my room.

There was no power supply, so all my room mates were in the room, since there was no light to read, Mama Jesh was talking about her wedding plans…again and the other room mates were talking about how we would buy the Ankara, and travel together, dance her in and all of that. While the gist was going on, Power supply was restored, and just when the noise that comes with the return of power supply came down, Amina, one of our room mates came in screaming that her bride price was gone, She had gone to take her evening shower and had not gone with her scarf, just her short towel and her male classmates who were in the hostel, since it was still past nine had seen her, My room mates went on to crack jokes about how bride price was going to be just one tuber of yam, Bukunmi jokingly said that it would be a handshake and the jokes went on and on, I put on my data and was scrolling through the numerous messages from my classmates who were analyzing the football match between Nigeria and Croatia and how many times Moses had fallen down during the match, and the different things that had happened in the different places they had watched the match, A guy fainted at amphi and some other drama at new Buka, the topic had changed to the pig that had predicted that Nigeria will get to semi-finals when I dozed off with my phone in my hand.
I had a class around 11am the next morning but I didn’t feel like leaving my room, So I deliberately missed it, only to hear later during the day that the class held and as a result of the low turnout of my classmates, he gave a test, just fantastic. If he actually uses the test that it is me losing about 10 marks, So yes, I hope to God that he doesn’t use it. The rest of the week was just full of classes that did not hold from chemical engineering to faculty down to HSLT and then PG, I thought being in part 4 comes with having classes in venues with proximity to the faculty, Boy! I was wrong. Saturday came and it was a rainy day, It had rained all day and was still raining and it didn’t look like it was going to stop, So I got dressed and went out with my umbrella, got a bike man and err, never use an umbrella on a bike, It’s not a good idea, It got bent and rain beat me right from Akintola to the faculty, I got to the faculty wet and shivering, but the welcome party was worth it. As I was scrolling through Instagram ,I saw this picture of egusi, nicely made on Instagram, I am on my way to central market to get the necessary condiments to make mine, I find it very uncomfortable passing Fajuyi to the market, so I decided to take a bike, From the SUB junction, the bike rider started speeding as if we were on road one, It felt good, My hair was in the hair like some kinda flawless lady in an Indian movie, I was actually savoring the moment when all of a sudden, A car coming directly from opposite Faj annex did not stop at the junction, he was speeding and then the bike I was on was still speeding, All I heard next was a loud bang…

Students of the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University

I F E L A W I S O N E
We Are IFELAW
Oba Number ONE
We Are Golden

Introducing the First of the Best 🔥🔥🔥

The Anthem of the Great Faculty IFELAW With a Bang!💥 With Peng!! 💦 And Issa Vibe!!!

One IFELAW would keep you on a cruise of the togetherness of the love within each and every one of us. From the Talents of the grande faculty and powered by the Director of socials, LSS OAU

Download here

Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it

Obviously, NLCOC '18 has come and gone but its legacy lives forever in the history book of our dear society.
The success of the just concluded NLCOC is not only hanging on the actuality but as well as the precedent that has been laid.

It's noteworthy that we call the attention of our esteemed members of the society to the momentous and monumental strides incidental to the success of the just concluded conference.

While giving his address, the Honouree, Dr Liman Hassan Mohammed gracefully assured:

° To award the best graduating law student, hence the Dr Hassan M. Liman's Prize.

° To facilitate the functionality of legal aid clinic for faculty of law.

° The Honouree further expressed his unwavering love and desire to support the Law Students' Society in their bid to provide quality legal education for members of the society.

The University's Vice chancellor who was represented by the University's librarian conferred the title of "Wakili of OAU" (OAU Ambassador) on Dr Liman Hassan Mohammed.

With this we have once again collectively affirmed our society to be the pacemaker and trendsetter for others.

We are indebted to our dear Honouree who has made possible this extraordinary inflection in the Faculty's trajectory.

Very few things in life are entirely the work of just one person – and this is no exception, so It is good we pay tribute to the enormous contributions made by our dear Honouree, his team, guest speakers and invited schools.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has contributed to the success of the program. Most especially, the entire Law Students' Society for the unflinching and invariable support.

We hold the belief that with your unwavering support, the success of NLCOC would be a corollary to greater feats for our beloved society.

The campus Elites

Who would have thought...
things change over time
Wind of change do take some attires off the line
Things get better but atimes they go sore
Castle of Awo fell
Comerades therein fled
Only the brave runs to fight another day
Campus hostel got decongested
All hail the king!!
Everyone went the other way
There are just two sets of students herein
The elites and the masses!

On my campus
The elites are not the ones that spray money around
Neither are they the ones that happens to wear the best
But those who are on okada while others wait for the never-coming bus

On my campus
Elites are not the people who eat with cutlery
Placing the forks and knives rightly
But the privileged few who gets the bus
While other trek to campus gate
A true herculean mission that takes forever

On my campus
The elites are not the ones ones with matching shoes and bags
Neither are they the ones on heels to lectures
But the ones who fling their car keys
When others initiates the unending war of getting into a 'town gboro'
They drive around in their cars
elites are not the 'off campus' livers
But the ones on the inside
As the 'off campuser' joins the struggle of destination daily
The insiders laugh and smile
'my abode is few blocks away'
We know who the elites are

Bello olanrewaju Emmanuel is a part 3 student of the faculty of Law. He is a social realist poet and currently the Assistant General Secretary of the Law Student Soceiety, Obafemi Awolowo University.

We are excited to announce some of the confirmed speakers for the much anticipated NATIONAL LEGAL CAREER OPPORTUNITY CONFERENCE 2018.

Milliscent Adanma Nnwoka MAN, (née Maduagwu) born December 02, 1984) is a Nigerian born lawyer and broadcast journalist with over 15 years experience in the media industry.
Born in Ajegunle Lagos Nigeria, Milliscent was raised in Surulere. Her father Innocent Maduagwu a Christian from Abia state and her mother Christiana Maduagwu fluent in english‎ hails from Imo state and number 4 of five children.
‎After completing a larger part of her elementary education in surulere, Lagos, she gained admission to study Law at the University of Lagos after acing her o'levels. While at Unilag she was an announcer, Newscast presenter featuring frequently on the news bulletins on Unilagfm. During summer holidays, While in school she obtained an upper credit in basic presentation at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria FRCN now called NBA. From there she did a couple of internships at Television stations like Channelstv, and afterwards when school started worked weekends for tv stations like Minaj MBI, and numerous internships elsewhere. While waiting for NYSC she worked with Biscon International owned by Bisi Olatilo where she started reading the flagship “news at ten”. A few months after she was deployed to serve the country under the National Youth Service Corps NYSC where she excelled at her multiple roles on camp and eventually as Legal counsel in Lafia's Ministry of Justice and Nasarawa State Broadcasting Network where she worked as counsel and journalist respectively with her own radio show called "Legal Angle".

In 2009 she went to the Nigerian law school Abuja and was called to the Bar on the 4th of November. She went back to Lagos afterwards and was immediately hired by Superscreen television Onipan. During her early years her first assignment was a voxpop package on the Christmas holiday period. Her unbiased reportage and delivery of news programmes catapulted her to NN24 where she did a lot of interviews, reports and co-anchored a morning show “morning cafe”. After a year she moved back to radio, became host of the Midday Dialogue, for the first talk radio in Nigeria and later prime time co-anchor of Hardfacts, in Port Harcourt. There she anchored the 2015 elections live in the situation room, anchored political programs, socio-economic, quizzes and family shows.

She is an associate member of Diplomacy institute and the Nigeria Bar Association.
Milliscent has a Master of Arts in broadcast journalism from the University of the West of England, Bristol. In the course of her career, Milliscent has trained internationally at several A-list media organizations, some of which include; Bloomberg LP, ITV Westcountry, UJIMA radio Bristol to mention a few.

Milliscent currently works with Nigeria’s premier television station, Channels TV based in Lagos.

Milliscent Nwoka has been confirmed as one of the guests/panelists expected at the upcoming NATIONAL LEGAL CAREER AND OPPORTUNITY CONFERENCE on 29th of June, 2018, an annual conference organized by the Law Students' Society, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Where she would be sharing her experience as a law graduate cum presenter and Tv host.

In an official announcement of the confirmed speakers for the much anticipated NATIONAL LEGAL CAREER OPPORTUNITY CONFERENCE 2018.

Mclively, born Sanni Michael and sometimes also referred to as Mr Agidi is an indigene of Edo State.
He started off with acting at the age of 7 of which at the age of 17, he already had a drama group. His name, Lively, was earned as a result of his extreme enthusiasm in his teenage years.
He had his Law degree from Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University.
During his undergraduate days, he was an active member of the Law Students' Representative Council (LSRC).
Mr Agidi started his career as MC in 2013 before he metamorphosed into a comedian in 2015. Michael is one that sees intersections between the thinking process of a Lawyer and the creative process of a Comedian as he believes they both demand thinking on one's feet and communicating those thoughts in a clear and convincing manner.
His study of Law has equally had great impact on his performances as a Comedian as Law has been a confidence boost. He is one who doesn't see himself practicing law for long but feels the training will forever be with him.
An expert in handling corporate events, dinners, weddings and other social events. Mclively has hosted over 200 events in many states in Nigeria for which they all have been a mark of excellence. He has thus presented himself as a situational and realistic comedian as he has used comedy to address a whole lot of pressing issues in Nigeria. These issues range from the striving and struggles of Nigerian youths to unemployment that has become a problem yet to be solved in Nigeria to corruption that has eaten deep into the system of our fatherland.

Michael has carved a niche for himself through his trademark which is his appearance in white shirt, black trousers and an arm bag to match. This appearance has depicted him as Nigeria's number one agitated and unemployed youth. He is also the co-founder of 'Livelihood Entertainment'. An entertainment outfit that has achieved merging live performances into a cinema setting.

McLively is passionate about entertainment, comedy, acting and has dedicated his life to being an effective host as well as a comedian. MClively has been confirmed as one of the guests/panelists expected at the upcoming NATIONAL LEGAL CAREER AND OPPORTUNITY CONFERENCE on 29th of June, 2018, an annual conference organized by the Law Students' Society, OAU. At the conference, he would be sharing his experience as a Law graduate and as well how he rose to stardom as a comedian cum MC.

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, 5th May, 2018 passed the repeal and re-enactment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act which is said to be the biggest business reform bill in Nigeria in over 28 years.

Speaking on the passage of the new bill , the Senate President , Bukola Saraki on his Twitter handle said , “The passage of the repeal and re -enactment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act is a significant milestone in our legislative agenda. This is by far the most far -reaching legislation ever passed by any legislature in our country”.

“This is a pro-business law. This bill that we have just passed will show the audacity that we have to move Nigerian businesses into a new era of success and development. The CAMA will represent one of the most important legislations, we are truly now walking the talk, to say that we are ready for business in Nigeria, to support small scale industries to promote innovations, and encourage enterprise”, Saraki also said.

What are the benefits, advantages, merits and profitability the New CAMA bill offers?

✔ Single Member Company: one person can now form a company as opposed to the former requirement of two or more persons. This is especially good for start-ups and young entrepreneurs.

✔ Promotes the use of technology: the new CAMA Bill provides online registration of companies. It ensures that Nigerians can now register their businesses from anywhere in the country through the e-registration system that the senate’s amendment gives legal backing.

✔ Removal of all the unnecessary regulatory provisions for small companies. The Bill is one of the most critical pieces of legislation which impacts the Nigerian business climate and the Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs). The Bill ensures more business-friendly regulation of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.

✔ Reduction of the minimum share capital for companies to start-up in Nigeria

✔ The Bill creates a new form of legal identity for Nigerian businesses. For instance, the Limited Liability Partnership

✔ Financial Assistance: Companies would be able to provide financial assistance to their shareholders under the new Bill.

✔ Resolving Insolvency: the Bill introduces a company rescue and insolvency legal regime which is not focused on a company's demise, but on rescuing companies from insolvency through the inclusion of an insolvency framework.

✔ Company's Secretary: the Bill seeks to further ease the regulatory burden of companies by limiting the requirement to appoint a company's secretary to public companies, thereby making it optional for small companies and companies with one shareholder.

✔ Annual General Meeting: Under the new Bill, it is not mandatory for small companies to convene and hold Annual General Meetings.

✔ Minority Shareholder's Rights: the Bill is geared towards ensuring Minority Shareholder's rights.

✔ Beneficial Ownership: the Bill has provisions which mandates the disclosure of beneficial interest in q company's shares and prescribes punitive measures for failing to disclose such interest.

✔ Exemption from Audit: the Bill has provisions which exempt small companies from appointing auditors.

✔ Fewer reporting obligations for small companies: the new Bill reduces financial reporting obligations of small companies.

✔ Time and Cost: there is reduction in the time and cost of setting up a company.

✔ Promotion of Financial Stability: especially with the introduction of the model netting provisions in the Bill.

✔ Increasing Investor Confidence in the Nigerian Financial sector as well as all sectors of the economy: Due to a competitive and business friendly environment where companies are regulated in line with global best practices, investors confidence in the Nigerian economy is increased and all sectors of the economy is expected to significantly improve.

✔ Nigeria may begin to witness increased revenue generation and job creation.

Analysts see the amendment of CAMA as a positive step further to attaining a better business environment in Africa’s largest economy, which in the long term can stimulate economic growth.

The proposed amendments would have the overall effect of making Nigerian Company Law more fit for today’s business realities, improve the business environment and performance across the Nigerian economy as a whole, as well as reduce direct compliance costs for businesses in Nigeria.

Ohine Joy is a writer and poet. She writes from the Faculty of Law Obafemi Awolowo University.

LSS PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK

"The best person is not the most brilliant but the one adaptable to change".
Balogun Ismael, our personality of the week shares his experience on how life on and outside OAU campus has been generally. He talks on how he has been able to shuffle his extracurricular activities with his academics and conclusively advices the fresh students and other students.
Meet our personality of the week: ISMAEL BALOGUN a.k.a I-SHOW

INTRODUCTION:
Balogun Ismael is a 500 level law student of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State. He is currently the President of the National Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS). He is a very active member of the moot and mock committee as he has on many occasions, represented the school on moot competitions. These are some of his contributions to the Law Students Society amongst others.

INTERVIEWER: Can you tell us summarily but generally how your experience on this campus has been?
BALOGUN ISMAEL: Justice Holmes who said that, "the life of the law has always been experience and not logic" has infact said it all. My experience on this campus like most people has been a tasking journey right from my first year days. Not only a tasking journey, it has also been a very long journey with some ups and downs.The courses, the lecturers, the students, everything infact has been very interesting and I thank God for it all.

INTERVIEWER: How exactly were your first year days?

BALOGUN ISMAEL: One very essential thing I would love to share is the importance of perception and adaptation to the change of that perception. Before I resumed school fully, I always had this known perception of being a first class student and I made up my mind not to get involved in any extracurricular activity . All I wanted was to be on a first class. So on resuming school, I interacted with people and listened to their perception about things, some good and others not so good. Subsequently, i decided to speak with a few lecturers who told me to suspend every extracurricular activity with the exception of the moot and mock committee and the debate committee till after my first year. Although coming to school, my parents warned me not to allow anyone direct my decisions, i adhered to the advice of these lecturers and got serious with the moot and mock committee and I have not since then, had any regrets about my decision. Concerning the courses, they were new but I still enjoyed them, read and was happy with the results.

INTERVIEWER: What influenced your study of law?

BALOGUN ISMAEL: Coming from a kind of background and environment where I wasn't exposed really exposed to much, I wasn't opportuned to see lawyers at work and admire the legal profsssion. I didn't have a relative or anyone I knew in the legal professional to look up to. I just knew there was a thing called Law and I read books about it which developed my interests for the profession. Basically, my study of law was decided by me.

INTERVIEWER: So, going back to school, we know peer pressure influence either positively or negatively is very rampant among students. For example, if a friend gets a higher than you, how did you exactly feel? Did that always push you positively or make you have a kind of jealous influence?

BALOGUN ISMAEL: There's this Latin Maxim I really cherish and believe so much. Vita brevis est, ars longo Is a Latin maxim that means "this life is very short and full of calamity". I believe that one rule in life is to understand your ability. I never really feel bad if my grades are not as good as my friends'. I just think that's their own destiny and my own grades also shape my destiny. Plus, sentiment might block my way of achieving other things.

INTERVIEWER: So, from your introduction, you're a 500 level student, the president of NAMLAS and a very active member of the moot and mock committee which is quite impressive. How have you been able to cope with these positions? How have you been able to shuffle these activities with your academics?

BALOGUN ISMAEL: Thanks for the compliment, I really appreciate it. Being a member of the moot and mock, as everyone knows, that committee is really time taking, the president of NAMLAS and also my academics, I have learnt to structure and plan my everyday work so, everything goes smoothly without disrupting each other. Basically, time management had been my strength.

INTERVIEWER: That's very good, now to the future. It is a known fact that law has many fields, so, what part of law would you like to delve into? What are your basic interests in law?

BALOGUN ISMAEL: Well, coming from my type of unexposed background, i have found out that if I don't practice law, it would look really bizarre and disappointing. Also, if I were to choose a particular field of interest now, I think I would deny myself of learning from the other fields of law. So, for now, I would love to be a full time litigation lawyer with basic knowledge of other areas in law.

INTERVIEWER: Hmmm impressive perception. Okay now, for the single ladies eyeing you out there, I would love you to tell us if you're in a romantic relationship or not

BALOGUN ISMAEL: (Laughs) Well, all my life i've been single, no girlfriends, no romantic relationships.

INTERVIEWER: So, what's the reason? Do you think being in a romantic relationships is a distraction?

BALOGUN ISMAEL: I think ladies might be a distraction to you if you don't have sense. My motive of not having a girlfriend yet is not due to the fact that she will be a distraction to me. In my own view, if you have the right person, you don't have to be distracted. The right lady to me is one who is productive, could help you and guide in everything you're doing. I think that's a plus and not a distraction.

INTERVIEWER: So, what do you do during your free time? Are you involved in any business?

BALOGUN ISMAEL: To some extent, I'm always occupied. I really do not like lazying around. So, during my free time I read and sometimes go to see friends, talk about businesses, careers, and general stuffs.

INTERVIEWER: Hmm you mentioned books, what kind of books?

BALOGUN ISMAEL: I read literary works, novels basically. I read books by philosophers like Aristotle and Plato. I read John Bisham's books, the jury is my favorite. Also, I think to be distinguished, you do things no one else does in your environment. So, as a law student, I also read chemistry, physics, and biology.

INTERVIEWER: Being the NAMLAS president, how do you handle people as a leader?

BALOGUN ISMAEL: Basically, patience is the key! I use patience and respect to handle most people which in turn, gains me influence. A leader is expected to have a lot of influence.

INTERVIEWER: Now, the penultimate question. What's your advice to the fresh students?

BALOGUN ISMAEL: One thing the fresh students need, is to know about an environment, particularly the challenges in the environment. They should always get the act right first and not jump into conclusions about everything. They should always inquire from their senior colleagues. Also, they should focus on having a solid foundation. I would also recommend the moot and mock committee and the debate committee for them to be serious with in their first year. When they're done with their first year, they'll have the experience and they can then do anything they want to. But always put their academics first.

INTERVIEWER: The last question now. What advice do you have to every student out there?

BALOGUN ISMAEL: To all students out there, whatever we all are doing, I believe we should do them well and be consistent. Consistence is the key!. Also, with the way we're being trained in this faculty, I believe we'll be prepared for anything that comes outside this school. Be focused, determined and run away from complacency.
On a concluding note,I would love to share this quote, "You must never allow a situation of having to lock a stable door after the horses are debuted"

Interviewing crew: Akinkuotu Ibukun and Adeleke Precious

It is a general belief that it is quite wrong to use immoral means to attain moral ends and it is as just wrong, or even more so, to use moral means to preserve immoral ends. In the same vein would the above statement lie in consonance with the political terrain of Ekiti State, particularly as events start unfolding.
It is no more a news for the vibrant minds in Nigerian political jurisdiction that July 14, 2018 is the day slated for all eligible electorates in Ekiti state to exercise their civic rights. It is a day that would determine how the next four years in Ekiti state would be. Hence, it is as crucial as crux itself, in the history of the state.
In this case, the only "inclined plane" that could be invoked in bringing out the true spirit of democracy, is if and only if all the concerned stakeholders go back to their seats and let the electoral commission performs its duties independently and with no form of interference from any angle.

Going down memory lane, it is apposite that we draw our minds to June 21, 2014 governorship election in Ekiti state. Being the election that ushered in Mr. Ayodele Fayose as the governor of the state, the election has proven itself to be in conformity with the tradition that seeking elective positions in Ekiti state is not for the fainthearted and elections are as usual, being marred by violence, intimidations and long drawn legal tussles.
It should also be recalled that the decibel of accusations and counter-accusations of violence, threats and intimidations has become almost deafening, most especially when elections draw nearer in Ekiti State. The kerfuffle in the state's political arena has reached the crescendo that there has never been a lull in clashes among the various opposing political interests in the South Western state.

To have a clearer picture of the jurisprudence of past Ekiti gubernatorial polls, recourse must be made to the circumstances that surround the June 21, 2014 elections. Casualties recorded include Funsho Ogundare, a supporter of Opeyemi Bamidele, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, who was shot and killed after clashes between Bamidele's supporters and people believed to be faithfuls of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Emure Ekiti. Sequel to the tragic incident was the arraignment of a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly from Emure Constituency, Hon. Kehinde Boluwade, with six other APC members in relations to the killing.

Not only this. Hope we have not forgotten the whistle blower? Yes! I mean Captain Sagir Koli.
The audio recordings and affidavit were provided by Sagir Koli, a Captain in the 32nd Artillery Brigade stationed in Ekiti State, who has since fled the country for fear of reprisal attack. Captain Koli recorded the conversation on June 20, 2014 when he was asked to accompany his Commanding Officer, Brigadier General Aliyu Momoh, to the meeting, which was held at Spotless Hotel in Ado-Ekiti.
In an exclusive interview with the Sahara Reporters' publisher, Omoyele Sowore, the Nigerian Army Captain leaked a 37-minute audio recording. The audio captured a meeting as being attended by the eventual “winner” of the election, Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State; Senator Iyiola Omisore of Osun State; a close associate of Mr. Fayose identified as Honorable Abdulkareem; the Minister for Police Affairs (as he then was) Jelili Adesiyan; and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro who was at the time the Minister of State for Defense and Mr. Chris Uba. They all came to Ekiti with a huge stash of money and soldiers from the East to carry out the assignment.
The audio recordings were analyzed and authenticated by Guardian Consulting, an independent US-based security consulting company. According to a report authored by Guardian Consulting, also in the possession of SaharaReporters, the independent company used Forensic Voice Frequency Comparison technology to identify all voices on the recording with audio available in the public domain.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that all these open-day rapes on democracy don't just occur, they were sequel to series of allegations made by one political bloc against another opposing camp.

Having caught a glimpse of the years back, I think it is high time to look at what the future holds, as far as July 14, 2018 is concerned.

In a visitation made by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Benhard Schlagheck, to the Peoples' Democratic Party's (PDP) Secretariat in Abuja, the party's National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus, while alleged the APC, through the aid of the government at the centre, of hatching plans to manipulate their way to victory at the poll. He continued that the least Nigerians expect from the APC-led Federal Government is free and fair elections in 2019, beginning from the Ekiti gubernatorial poll.
Uche Secondus went further that "July 14 Ekiti State governorship election would be the first test for this administration. We know that the APC and INEC have perfected plans to rig the election..."

The All Progressives Congress' (APC) National Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, during the kickoff of fresh membership registration drive of the Ekiti APC, declared that the Ekiti gubernatorial poll is a must win for the party.
He assured that the party would deploy every available resource to win the election, which he described as a litmus test ahead of the 2019 general elections.
In Oyegun's words, "We will work hard to ensure that Ekiti returns to the progressive fold; after the July 14 election. Although, we are in power at the centre, that doesn’t mean we should not work hard. President Muhammadu Buhari, as you know, will not rig or compromise or subvert the will of the electorate, so, we must work hard to deserve the victory that will come to us".

Furthermore, the winner of the APC's primary election and consequently the party's guber candidate, Dr. Kayode John Fayemi at a meeting in Ado-Ekiti was, in what seems like corroboration of Oyegun's statement, recorded to have said that " the same election that brought in Ayodele Fayose in 2014 is what we are going to have again, come July 14"

Meanwhile, the 2014 guber poll remains one of the most controversial "peaceful" change of government in the state, even that the both of local and international election observers unanimously saw the election as not free, fair and transparent, giving credence to the series of inadequacies that took place prior to, during and after the election.

In view of the foregoing, are we to say that history is bound to repeat itself? Should we be expecting a kind of election, where we will not be counting votes alone, but death toll inclusive? Should we be expecting casualties, all because we want to bring into fulfillment one of the tenets of democracy, which is peaceful change of government?

JOLAOSO Moses Adebare
A 300level student of law
Obafemi Awolowo University.

The 'Future' of Nigerian Youths is 'Present'

If you attended primary or secondary school in Nigeria, you may have been fortunate to have heard the song: “parents listen to your children, we are the leaders of tomorrow…”. I have known this song for over 18 solid years now. However, a sort of interesting thing over the years is that the same sets of leaders have remained in power for about that same amount of years or even more – the gerontocrats. Hold on! It gets further interesting: the first born of my parents also knew this song when she was in kindergarten but now, the look on her face whenever this song is raised, suggests the singer keeps shut. Do not misunderstand me! Whoever composed this song, may Abraham’s blessings be upon him/her and if it flows over, may you remember me. Really, he/she may have seen the need for parents and leaders to train the young minds and prepare them to take the mantle of leadership. Unfortunate, regrettably I must say, this song has sold us out and it appears that it was composed to reflect immortality without actualizing the contents of the lyrics; no fault of the composer, however. I would assume the composer may have also seen the obvious danger of neglecting the youth, and decided to issue a warning to the public in disguise of this beautiful song. It is one thing to send an alert on a forecast of imminent danger however, it is entirely another thing to act on the alert; not just acting, but acting urgently.

It is noteworthy that this is not peculiar only to Nigeria – it is an African deformity. The oldies who pride as African leaders see themselves, unfortunately so, as ordained by ‘god’ to see to the affairs of the nations and continent at large. This gives me a gory imagination of how ‘god’ really ordained them to clinch their araldite fists on power. From East, West, North to Southern African, we have been so “lucky” to be ruled by the oldies, who forget that the older they get, their ability to function effectively depreciates. To make matters worse, their cabinets are filled with people of equal class, whose abilities to proffer solutions, to present day problems, have died a natural death.

When you compare the average ages of world leaders, you would realize that the average ages of African Leaders are from 60s and above against that of the West and Europe – averaged at 30 (if not less) and above. With all these misfortunes that have befallen the youths, can we still sing the song boldly or should we put the song aside and take the bull by the horns? I would prefer the latter.

Imagine you are at a gathering where the guest speaker is Mugabe (former President of Zimbabwe) and he is to give a speech, let’s say, about the youth as the hope of African continent, what will be running through your young mind as a youth? “laughable” you may say, but this happens every now and then: we see it in inaugural lectures, and book lunches on various topics on the youths as the future of the continent. I understand that it is only when we invite the oldies that we get the noisy cheques, and the rather unreasonable donations; then we promise them of our undivided supports at the polls. We keep shooting ourselves on the legs! My Nigerian youths, when are we going to wake up? “We are the future leaders” of a thing is only to give you comfort and get you out of their way. For your information, the future is not in the nearest future – it is now!

They come to tell you “another story” during elections, and fear obstructs your guts; preventing you from telling them it is time for the “future leaders” to take over. Well, the hard truth is that you are being fooled by these oldies and the “future” thing is a scam! The only future I know is the “NOW” future – that is the best future! Nigerian youths, you have to remember that the best time to do something was yesterday and another better time is ‘NOW’. The leaders who have ruled us since 1999 till date all took the bull by the horns and lived by the lyrics of that old song: they were all at least in their 30s when they took the mantles of leadership in various positions. I need not tell you their ages! All you have to know is that most of them were in their 30s. If they thought they were competent to rule the nation in their primes, what has changed now? Why can’t the youths be allowed to take over now? Well, they will give the immoral excuse that the youths are lazy and not ripe enough to plough the apples. Or, “it does not matter who rules (whether young or old) but the important thing is that the job is done", they will say. Brother, sorry to disappoint you, it does matter! Since the return to democracy till date, how many of the jobs have been done? Nigeria and Africa at large desire the 30s and 40s (as leaders) who are sound, burning with zeal and willing to proffer solutions to 21century problems, not some weak oldies who should be playing with their grandchildren in the gardens.

We need to quit the believe that our voices will never be heard. I would rather die trying than live and do nothing!
The future is now! Get you PVC and stop denying us your vote, because you think your vote does not count. Stop selling you vote for bags of rice and roasted meats – they cannot sustain you for the next 4 years. If you are a political thug, or intend to be one in 2019 elections, please do yourself a favor: pause for a minute and ask questions about the children of your political clients. Where are they, what do they look like, where are they schooling, how many degrees do they have, and where do they work? And if you already have children, how are they fairing? Your foolishness pays them and that is why they need you. “ Abeg, our mumu don do”!

A word is enough for the wise!

Nwachukwu Chidozie is a part 5
Law student of Obafemi Awolowo
University.

Interviewer: Can we meet you?

TIJANI Taofeek(Marlow): My name is TIJANI Taofeek, a 500l student of this Faculty. The chairman, Freshers Orientation Committee

Interviewer: What does it feel like being the chairman, did you initially think of saying no thinking about the stress and other things attached. And so far, what has been the challenges?

TIJANI Taofeek(Marlow): Answering the questions as you asked, when I was told I was going to be the chairman, I said no, I did not just think of saying no. I've been in Orientation Committee ever since I left Part 1 and even just as the Assistant Protocol Head, the work was enormous and I wasn't even the head, so you can imagine I would react. I think everyone who has always been appointed said no at first because it's crazy, the amount of work you have to do, the amount of freshmen you've to handle, the amount of Orientation Committee members you've to see to their welfare and make sure everyone works according to their responsibilities, they don't enrol in other people's responsibilities and they don't avoid theirs. All these things are ultimately responsibilities and you've to make sure everything is in place.

Interviewer: Briefly, tell us what you've in store for the Freshmen?

TIJANI Taofeek(Marlow): This session, the goal is to pick every single program we've done in the past one by one and do better in every regard including programs organized by Organizations and Chambers. There are also programs that have not been exactly organized before but would be organized.

Interviewer: On the issue of Freshmen's party being dominated and hijacked by senior colleagues as it happened at the Freshmen's party organized last year, how do you plan to avoid a repeat of this?

TIJANI Taofeek(Marlow): It is simple this year as it won't be a dominated party by others but Freshmen. The problem has always been too much leniency and too much leeway for people who have not been going by the rules, therefore, the simple things that has to change this year is that there is less leniency, less leeway for people who don't go by the rules and the rules become stricter in terms of formulation and even, implementation.

Interviewer: What do you have to say concerning some members of the orientation committee who have some other conflicting interests.

TIJANI Taofeek(Marlow): The reason why Freshmen are here is to get help with their screening process and to be inculcated into the Law Students Society through the Orientation Programs. The reason why Orientation Committee however exist is to help Freshmen with what were earlier mentioned, anything outside these is not allowed. Anything outside what you're meant to do is not allowed. The reason why you're doing it is another thing, if it to increase your popularity among Freshmen because you're going for a political move, it's a smart move but the reason why you're there is different from what you've to do there.

Interviewer: Freshmen and Members orientation committee are from different backgrounds and homes as some can tolerate people or be patient and some can't as there's limitation to want we all can take, how do you intend to manage a freshman who's hot tempered?

TIJANI Taofeek(Marlow): Actually, the excuse on behalf of freshmen that decide to be rude is that they are just coming in and not yet used to the system.
But then, you just coming into the system isn't an excuse to be rude! This means you're not rude because of the present circumstance but because you're normally rude.

Interviewer: But what about the frustration Freshmen witness, like going from one place to another, arranging files and all involved.

TIJANI Taofeek(Marlow): Firstly, Freshmen on Monday need to understand that Orientation Members left their individual homes, internships or things that will help their lives to help Freshmen.
Freshmen should not allow frustration get the better part of them as it's in human nature to be frustrated, then, such person will be corrected.
As a Freshman, sit where you're supposed to, submit your files when it's your time but if not yet your time and you get rude, you can start the whole process from the beginning. They won't be greeted with frowning faces or an harsh environment, it will be a pleasant environment until anyone chose to make it unpleasant for him/herself.

Interviewer: what is the plan towards the welfare of members of orientation committee?

TIJANI Taofeek(Marlow): There is a Welfare Sub Committee headed by Seun Akande and Tolani and they are the most credible people that I know in terms of welfare. To the best of the ability of LSS, Orientation members would be fed considerably at the end of a working day, maybe not consecutively but alternatively, Orientation Members will be fed as it's not easy working for long hours or tasking your brain throughout. It's only reasonable to help ourselves.

Interviewer: what's the level of synergy between you and the Principal Liaison Officer (PLO)?

TIJANI Taofeek(Marlow): I've been relating with the PLO in relation to his program; My PLO & I. We already have guests in place and all that's left is the execution of the program.

Ibukunoluwa: Finally, what should Freshmen expect in their week and what will make their orientation week different from the previous ones.

TIJANI Taofeek(Marlow): I can't speak on programs by programs but the general thing that will make the week better than previous orientation weeks is Participation and Interaction from the committee. The best Orientation Week I've ever participated in was the one headed by Miss Monimola Abimbola, 2014/2015 session. The level of interaction between the Freshmen and Orientation Committee and even the Chairman herself was impeccable. Then, people ensured things were in place, interacted with Freshmen really well and looked forward to the next day. So what made that session's Orientation Week stand out was Participation and Interaction. Other things we plan on putting in place is better planning, better documentation and making sure punctuality is of essence.

Ibukunoluwa: On this note, I want to say a big thank you for honouring our invitation. We wish you a wonderful and successful orientation exercise ahead.

INTERVIEW CREW
VINCENT Nelson
AKINKUOTU Ibukunoluwa
ADEBIMPE Morenikeji Fatimah
ADEYEYE Eyitayo

MEDIOCRITY

Mediocrity is the opposite of innovation. It is an attitude which influences what you do and how you do it. Mediocre people are ordinary, average, prosaic, amateur, and uninspiring. They walk in darkness and are ready to bring others into their obscurity. They know nothing yet they pride themselves in their unremarkable ignorance.
The place for excellence is found outside mediocrity zone. Otherwise, a mediocre fellow will beat you to stay and relax for the danger of the unknown. In the journey of life, you have a choice to make to get better. So, you must say NO to mediocrity. Don’t be contented with OK and don’t be OK with the way it is.
Mediocre people find it difficult to pursue their dreams because from their point of view things are always pretty hard and they don't believe in the principle of possibility. A mediocre life is a wasted life and it causes you to be at the mercy of failure. Mediocre people want everything to happen with ease without making any sacrifice or risk. In this sense, they accept the result of their inglorious success.
'People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents’ Andrew Carnegie

Be okay with inspiring, amazing and most especially excellence. The thin line between mediocrity and excellence is willingness. Therefore, you have the will power to move out of your comfort zone, bad habits and all that limit you. If you really want a marked effect, you should never live your life in mediocrity. Reach out for excellence.

My name is Temitope Olowolafe,a student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Faculty of law. I am a writer and the CEO of a social platform called temixpress.blogspot.com which is established with the view of educating all and sundry on how to get transformed to live a meaningful life they've always wanted to live.

The Mirror

"Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? " asked the Queen. "You, my Queen, are the fairest", replied the Mirror. The Queen believed because the mirror said so. What does your mirror tell you? What do you believe your mirror tells you? Does it tell you, 'You are the greatest!' or ' Well, you can NEVER make it '. Guess what, your mirror is you. You are your mirror. You see you on that glass and it is only what you believe that you see.
The power of 'I AM' is as strong as the effect of water on a dying plant. Speak to yourself - who AM I? Then reply with confidence - I am Great. I am Confident. I am Beautiful. I am Extraordinary. You will make it.
All it takes is to believe this. Speak to the mirror today and I promise, you will begin to live it.

© Jemima Okonkwo

Ifelaw Moot and Mock Team Pummels Team Bowen to Clinch Prize

At the "Annual Bowen University Inter School Competition" which started yesterday, the 26th of April, 2018 and ended today, 27th April, 2018, the Ifelaw moot and mock team bagged brace of awards.

At the opening event Yesterday, 25th of April 2018, the ifelaw team participated in the mooting competition and bagged the Best memorial award.

Proceeding to the mock competition today, Ifelaw team pummeled Team Bowen to clinch the inter school moot and mock award.
It was such a glamorous competition which had several schools in attendance, Bowen University,Obafemi Awolowo University,University of Nigeria, Nsuka,University of Ibadan and others.

Members of Ifelaw team are:

The moot counsels
Ikusika Bamidele
Ogunsemoyin Oluwadunsi

The mock counsels are
Agboola Elijah O.
Ikusika Bamidele F.

The witnesses are
Anjorin Deborah
Ogunsemoyin Oluwadunsi
Olajide Mary
Akintade Victor

Other members of the team

Anjorin Deborah
Ogunsemoyin Oluwadunsi
Olajide Mary
Akintade Victor
Abolade Akinkunmi
Amupitan Caleb
Dosunmu Serah
Ucheakonam Chijioke
Taofeeq Azeez
Johnson Boluwatife

IT'S IN YOU

Hello friends,

Are you someone that carries out research for a long essay and expect to find answers from the data supplied by others? The data supplied by others is dependent on the level they have attained. Man can only define you as far as he has been defined. Many are really confused in between what they do and who they are. The truth is that your capacity may be beyond what you do even though there is a strong connection between what you do and your functional self. What you do is much more smaller than your functional self.

So, nothing propels you for success than a knowledge and assurance of your functional self. This assurance is not an exercise that you take a journey into the dictionary for irrespective of whether you are educated or not. It is not plausible to hear one say that he does not know his functional self.

You need courage and sincerity to accept the degree of your imperfection. You are the sole determinant of your progress in life. In this sense, you are in the right position to determine what suits you simply because your present position cannot determine things that are yet to come. The fact that you are a product of an environment does not mean you have to be defined by that environment or be restricted to the environment. You need constant personal evaluation to enhance your capacity when properly channelled. Self-underutilization is as a result of inadequate knowledge of oneself. It is pertinent to define positivity as an aspect of yourself so as to be functional and operational in life for success. Always remember that "the greatest tragedy in life is to be functionally defined to negativity’.

The definition of your functional self should inspire other’s operational self. Don’t just live your life the way it comes, define what you want to achieve in life.

Are you functional towards achieving your goals or are you still aiming?

My name is Temitope Olowolafe,a 300level student of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University.
I am a writer and I run a social platform called 'Temixpress' established with the view of educating all and sundry on how to get transformed to live a meaningful life they have always wanted to live.

New Man Movement Releases 2018 Gospel Writing Contest Final Shortlist

In an official press release signed by Mr. Nelson Vincent Ayomitunde, the Lead Director of the New Man Movement,, via the organisatioon's website (www.thenewman.org.ng), the list of the final shortlist in the writing contest was made public.

In an interview, the president mentioned that the writing contest started the receipt of entries form November 2017 and ended in March this year with a total of 1007 entries.

The New Man Writing Contest is yearly organised for students of secondary schools in Africa in honour of H.R.M, Oba Adedokun Abolarin Omoniyi, the Orangun of Oke-Ila Orangun.

According to the release, having properly selected of 1007 interesting entries in total, (314 prose works, 73 drama/short plays and 613 poems) the New Man Writing Contest 2018 published the entries, being recorded as the final shortlist.

The organisation acknowledged the fact that it was a great privilege to read through miles in the minds of the writers while mentioning that it was an uphill task in selecting the entries in the final shortlist.

At the same time, we are greatly indebted to our volunteers, imdividuals and members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), members of Poets In Nigeria (PIN), members of Creative Writers Association of Nigeria (CWAN) and other literary bodies that ensured the speedy selection of these works.

While we proceed to the final judgement stage where our diligent judges would make the top three selections, we wish all shortlisted entrants, a big congratulations and pray for all the best in this last stage.

Here is the list of the final shortlisted entries:

Poetry-
1. He who mends the world- Adeyoju Adewale Joshua
2. Afreeca- Oyindamola Deborah Tadese
3. The fall of Africa by Oladoyin Ayodeji Victor
4. I am born in a time by Olajide Rotimi Philip
5. Too Late by Christian Ofori David
6. Ajike- Lawal Tobiloba
7. Mama Africa by Olanrewaju Abdulazeez

Prose
1. Imagine by Opeyimika Aremu
2. Ifeoma by Enomah Exploit Ebubechukwu

Drama
1. Royalty and the Tyrant by Jimoh OluwaTobi
2. Is this the Harvest of Our Days? by Muhammad Aural Ibrahim

Congratulations!

WHAT DO YOU DESIRE?

What do you desire?

Remember when you were little and your school teacher asked you, "What do you want to be in future?" Many of us said, "I want to be a lawyer !" with great enthusiasm, some of us said bizarre things such as, "I want to be Obasanjo !" again with great enthusiasm. Well some of us also said, "I want to have a big house, lots of clothes and shoes and I want to be happy too", well some of us that said this were probably laughed at by other kids. So from a young age we became conscious of what we desire, tailoring it according to what other people like, because we want to be respected, we want the acknowledgement and we don't want to be laughed at. Guess what, you are killing yourself for nothing.

The worst thing you can do to yourself is living your life according to the preferences of others. The great men and women of today are known for one thing - chasing their dreams despite all odds. They do not give in to circumstances that may stop them on their tracks. Take Barrack Obama for example, a black man who wanted to become the president of the great United States of America. How possible did that seem? But he went for it and achieved it. There are so many other people who went for their desires despite all odds.

Priyanka Chopra is an international figure today because she seized the day despite all odds. She refused to listen to the little bullies that constantly called her a "Brownie" (Indian). She also looked passed the expectations of her culture, getting married at a young age and having kids for her husband, instead she chose to chase a career - even one different from that of her family. Her parents were doctors but she chose showbiz. Today she is recognized as one of the best actors in India and a movie producer in both Bollywood and Hollywood. Priyanka Chopra produced the popular movie, Bay Watch. She is also an ambassador of UNICEF.

There is no limit to achieving your desires. What's the worst that can happen? You fail. When you fail once, you get back on your feet. Don't let the thought of failing stop you from getting that something that you want so much. Never let people talk you down . In fact, it is those people who will tell you "DON'T DO IT' that will say "I'M GLAD YOU DID IT". Think on this and chase your dreams.

My name is Okonkwo Jemima Chineye.
I'm a freelancer and particularly love to inspire and encourage people through my stories and poems.

THERE IS A COUNTRY BY LINCOLN

THERE IS A COUNTRY

There is a country,
Where suffering and smiling is the order of the day,
Where the commoner is left with his sorrowful thoughts after leaving the village square with a jaunty smile,
Where the leaders cajole the subjects before ascension into office but forget their vows thereafter.

There is a country,
Where embezzlement becomes competition among those in the corridors of power,
Where the strong room is unsafe that the Snake and Monkey are on the looters' list.
No one knows when the Elephant will trumpet.

There is a country,
Where the book and the pen has been rubbished,
When you leave the citadel, no work,
Where you work, no pay,
Even when you strike, they say 'no work, no pay',
But man must survive.

Behold the great country,
Where 2019 is now a popular figure,
Where everyone looks up to the 2019 for the arrival of the saviour.
Hmm! There is a country.

Composed by:

Adesanya Abiodun Samuel (LINCOLN)

MENTAL WELLNESS: NO MAN IS BEYOND DEPRESSION By Okonkwo Jemima Chineye

MENTAL WELLNESS: NO MAN IS BEYOND DEPRESSION By Okonkwo Jemima Chineye

Depression is with every man. Depression is everywhere. It begins with a child and ends with an old man. No man is beyond depression, this is no news. In the world today, people are beginning to identify depression as a major problem of health - physically and emotionally. However, what many of us fail to realize is that the causes of depression are principles, philosophies, situations that we create with our very own hands. The causes of depression are so many that not all will be discussed in this write up.

In the course of analysing the root cause of depression, it has been discovered that depression came in the form of the negative effects of civilization. As man introduced technology and other forms of development in the growing society, depression crept in. As the world grows older, we see greed and envy taking over man. He is unsatisfied. Jealous is another factor in the human society that is responsible for depression. In fact, depression stems from branches that takes its root in Life itself. Life beholds depression, so no one can escape it.

In spite of this realization that depression is embedded in life itself and in fact creation of Man, what is the modern man doing about it? Not much. While the greater percentage of the world advocates depression indirectly, through their actions and inactions, only a minor percentage of the world is doing something about depression. This is precisely the reason why suicide is on a high increase on daily basis.

Is there anyone in this world that has never taught about being rid of planet Earth and the people therein? If not everyone, at least 99.9% have had this thought. There doesn't seem to be much change to the situation. We are only left to adapt. A popular saying goes, "If you can't beat them, you join them". We are all slaves to depression. This is why the 21st century people nurture it rather than exterminate it. How do we do this? Through social media platforms, through ignorance and lack of education. Traditional superstitions and religion, economic recession, unemployment and loss of jobs, among others.

Social media, from the perspective of one who has suffered from depression has done more harm than good. It is no doubt that social media has made the world a global village and things are made so easy. However there are causalities of incidents caused through social media, such as cyber crimes, cyber bullying, et cetera. Also because of the insatiability of human beings, tend to compare themselves with others based on what they see on social media. They therefore look down on themselves developing low self-esteem. This is the step to acquiring depression.

In Africa, even till today, traditional superstitions the African society. Anything and everything related to mental illness is tagged as an "attack". They suddenly remember that the people of their villages have 'witchcraft tendencies'. Africans, we need to stop being fetish and overly religious. Rather than seeking medical solutions to these problems and rending emotional support to the patients, we only make things worse. The mere fact that a mental disorder or depression is caused by a demonic attack will only heightened the effect of the problem of such patient. Many times, ignorance makes it difficult to see something in their true light. This why individuals in Nigeria, and even Africa should educate themselves on matters that concerns their health and that of their loved ones.

Lastly, the upturn of the rate of job loss not to speak of employment in Nigeria is alarmingly high. Individuals lose their jobs on a daily basis. As if this isn't enough, economic recession has tendered people handicap. This is a definitely a cogent reason for an individual who suicidal to want to leave this world, since there is no means for survival. Those who do not have the courage to take their lives live with depression for the rest of their lives.

The good news is that where there is life, there's hope, and when there's a will, there's a way. An individual can be relieved of depression if he so desires. However it is not easy to be rid of depression. It takes consistency and patience, especially with the love and support of loved ones. It is very important that such patients stay connected to the outside world. Being isolated will do them no good. By making phone calls to loved ones, going out on a date, seeing a movie with a friend and other things like things, no matter how little, brings such individuals out of a depressed state. Another step that helps a lot is joining a support group. There's this feeling that one gets when you meet others like you experiencing the same issues. In heart you are glad that you are not alone. If Mr A can get through his problems, then you can do it. This is why support groups are very relevant. Most importantly, patients should endeavor to see a professional. Sometimes, we all need to speak to someone about our problems. That's what relationships are for. However, our loved ones may not understand where we are coming from and what we are driving out, how bad you are feeling. This is why professionals are available to help through such matters.

The world will become a better place if we all can work together to keep ourselves sane and free from depression. Let us take it upon ourselves as a civic duty to helping an individual in need. Speaking to someone who has lost hope and has no reason to live. We can also help ourselves by not comparing ourselves to people we assume are better than us. Even if they are, it doesn't mean you won't make it one day. Let's avoid cyber bullying as much as we can. Cyber crimes may not cease but we can save ourselves from it by being extra careful. Together we can help ourselves and those in our society. Together we can guarantee our mental wellness.

Okonkwo Jemima Chineye
A 300level of student of Faculty of Law
Obafemi Awolowo University.

ONE DISORDER I DON’T MIND AT ALL (concluding part)

What Made the Difference?
One major distinguishing factor between dyslexics and well everyone else is what I like to call non-conformity. Now, dyslexics find it hard to read and write normally. As such, it is entirely difficult for them to survive in a typical school setting. The movie I mentioned earlier taught me
that much. The young boy was criticized so much for his unseriousness to school work, terrible grades, and his inability to read and write properly. Before I go further, it is important to really look at this concept of education. Let’s consider this: a child is born, they go to school and have
to learn Math and Languages and Sciences and Art and History, and at the end of the day, they have a mind so full of the ideas of others that there’s no more room to have any of their own.
You see what I mean? Do I think you shouldn’t learn all of this? Of course not! However, I believe that true education is not so much what you can put into a child but all that you can bring out. Children are born with so much creativity and innovation. A child wakes up one morning
and tells you he’s a super hero and he’s going to save everyone and well be the president of the world! They see the ‘impossible’ and challenge what we call norms. They want to know ‘why?’
The mind of a child is filled with so many layers of creativity and innovation, and true education is unearthing it, helping them find their uniqueness. Sadly, this is not the case all over the world.
As it stands, schools seem to exist to shape your mind into something it is not. It’s like a mold; mass-producing people and making them lose their ingenuity. They give you the answers you are supposed to discover for yourself. Ultimately, if you are not good in standard courses
and subjects, if you do not give back exactly what they want to see (according to the teaching and marking guide), you are automatically branded a failure and told that you are not good enough. So what do we do? We avoid the stigma of being called a failure. We do things exactly
the way we are told. We conform. And overtime, we are put into a box. We become mechanical – robots; and that creativity, innovation and uniqueness remains lost.
Dyslexics however find it near impossible to fit into this system. Try fitting into school without being able to read and write correctly. While dyslexia may be correctable, it requires special education. As a result, most dyslexics, not being able to adapt and conform fall back to that
creative mind and explore it. You begin to see their creativity and ingenuity unleashed. Another amazing thing about dyslexics is that being creative and innovative is the only choice they have.
They explore the side of their minds which they at least have control over and operate from there. Because of their inability to adequately cope in such an academic setting, most dyslexics tend to live in their imagination. Because of that, a common sign of dyslexics is that they are
often easily distracted and daydream a lot.
One underlining factor that keeps recurring in the cases of the famous dyslexics I listed above is that everything they achieved is rooted in creativity, innovation and the power of their imagination; and so we have amazing inventors, artists, painters, pianists, authors, actors,
animators, leaders and so on, who could not be limited by the box in which our educational system has placed us, and had to stand out and explore their minds.
Albert Einstein was an extremely late learner and suffered from poor memory of words. His teachers considered him to be the most unsociable and lazy daydreamer who was not even
worthy to have a positive conversation with. He failed the entrance of college and could not solve some of the simplest questions while in school. Now, Einstein has come to be synonymous with the word ‘genius’. Quite humorously, he said: “Education is what remains after one has
forgotten everything he learned in school” “Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world”. Leonardo Da Vinci is probably regarded as the most famous inventor, engineer, architect, geologist, biologist, mathematician, anatomist, astronomer, painter, sculptor and musician of all time! He is also known to be the greatest painter, famous for his ‘Mona Lisa’.
All in all, the important thing to note here is this: true impact and innovation would not come from all the courses you learn in school; it will come from how much you are able and willing to
expand your mind, use the power of your imagination and explore your creativity and innovation. Bill Gates said something pretty amazing once. He said: “I failed in some subjects in exam, but my friend passed in all. Now he is an engineer in Microsoft and I am the owner of Microsoft”. Don’t just think outside of the box; think like there is no box!
Digressing from dyslexia for a bit, you see billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs who dropped out of school, and you ask yourself, why? Here, you see the same underlining factor –refusal to conform. Now, I am not saying that schools are bad, do not get me wrong. But do not let it limit the extent of your creativity. To truly stand out, you need to learn not to conform. Never hesitate to unleash your creativity and innovation because that is your uniqueness. What
makes you different from the rest millions of people that take the same courses and subjects you take in school? If all there is to you is what you studied in school, then there really is no difference between you and the millions of others that went through the same curriculum.

Conclusion
On the whole, am I saying that dyslexia is desirable? Essentially not. Of course, not all dyslexics have come into prominence and impact. However, these underlining factors really are what make the difference. I believe that for as many that would truly, as though there were no other choice (just like a dyslexic), learn not to become mechanical about life but constantly strive to explore the power of their imagination, they will make massive impact. Consistently live a life of creativity and innovation as though that is the only option you have. Your degree would not make you stand out; it is how you show your innovation by expanding your mind, creating solutions and adding to the knowledge that there already is that will. So I will end by asking you,
what makes you different?

Uchenna Umeano is a freelance writer,
a final year student of law Obafemi Awolowo University.
She's from Anambra State.

About Us

Social Media

Featured Widget

Media Law

Recents

Digital Media

Popular Posts

You may also like

Most Popular