Biography of Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye
Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye who was popularly called Gbenga Adeboye, was born on the 30th of September 1959 at Odeomu, Osun State of Southwestern Nigeria.
FG Declares May 2, 3 Public Holidays for Workers’ Day, Sallah
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd May 2022 as Public Holidays to mark this year's Workers' Day and EIdul-Fitr Celebrations.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday night in Abuja.
He said the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.
The statement congratulated workers across the country on this year's celebration.
"Ogbeni Aregbesola commended workers for their hard work, diligence and sacrifice, noting that their efforts are largely responsible for the greatness of the country and the respect Nigeria now commands in the comity of nations.
"Labour is the very essence of humanity. We are alive because we work and only the dead is incapable of working" , the statement added.
The minister enjoined workers to imbibe the culture of productivity, saying "the end of work is productivity. It is productivity that leads to the satisfactory provision of goods and services and wealth creation. It is, therefore, the path to national and individual prosperity".
He urged workers to raise the bar of their trade-in line with the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration's drive to rev up the vehicle of governance and make all Nigerians derive maximum benefit from the nation.
"The Minister also congratulates all Muslims for the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
Ogbeni Aregbesola calls on all Muslims to imbibe and practice the virtues of kindness, love, tolerance, peace, self-denial, sacrifice and good neighbourliness, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).
"The self-restraint, self-denial, sacrifice and deep spiritual consciousness that accompanied the fasting period should not end but be maintained and improved upon, in order to be a better person and true worshipper", the minister advised all Muslims.
Alongside, the minister expressed confidence that the security challenges in some parts of the country will soon be a thing of the past, noting that the government is putting determined efforts and all necessary measures in place for Nigerians to enjoy unfettered peace all around.
He assured Nigerians that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is fully committed to the security of life and property of every citizen and foreigners alike.
Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola Celebrates 118th Posthumous Birthday
Joseph Ayo Babalola who was born on 25th April 1904 and died on the 26th of July 1959 was the founder of the Christ Apostolic Church, popularly called Aladura in Nigeria. He was credited with special healing powers and the anointing of the Holyspirit.
In 1930 Faith Tabernacle affiliated with the British Apostolic Church. Then following a schism in the Apostolic Church about 1940, Bablola went with a new independent church, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), where he continued his healing and revivalistic activities until his death. The CAC regards Babalola as an apostle and his revival ministry as the beginning of the church. A CAC retreat center was built at Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State where Babalola was first called in 1928.
The Christ Apostolic Church has not died along with Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola in 1959. In fact it has grown rapidly over the years, with many churches under the Christ Apostolic Church name but each church with a specific branch name. The Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) a private Nigerian university located in Ikeji-Arakeji in Osun State, established by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide is named after him, located at the place where he says he was called by God in 1928.
He was the first prophet God used to lead a great revival in Nigeria after the raising of a 10 years old boy in 1930.
He was the first General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church, a church that metamorphosed from a prayer group popularly called Egbe Aladura in Nigeria.
The Aladura Movement nucleated at Ijebu-Ode in 1918. Babalola was endowed with healing powers.
Joseph Ayodele Babalola was born of Yoruba parents, David Rotimi and Madam Marta Talabi on April 25, 1904 who belonged to the Anglican Church. The family lived at Odo-Owa, a small town about ninety kilometres from Ilorin in Kwara State, Nigeria. His father was the Ba ba Ijo (“church father”) of the C.M.S. Church at Odo-Owa.On January 18, 1914, young Babalola was taken by his brother M. 0. Rotimi, a Sunday school teacher in the C.M.S. Church at Ilofa, who later took him to Osogbo.
Babalola started school at Ilofa and got as far as standard five at All Saints’ School, Osogbo. However, he quit school when he decided to learn a trade and became a motor mechanic apprentice. Again, he did not continue long in this vocation before joining the Public Works Department (PWD). He was among the road workers who constructed the road from Igbara-Oke to Ilesa, working as a steam roller driver.
Babalola’s was a specific and personal call. Babalola’s strange experience started on the night of September 25th, 1928 when he suddenly became restless and could not sleep. This went on for a week and he had no inkling of the causes of such a strange experience. The climax came one day when he was, as usual, working on the Ilesa-Igbara-Oke road. Suddenly the steam roller’s engine stopped to his utter amazement. There was no visible mechanical problem, and Joseph became confused and perplexed. He was in this state of confusion when a great voice “like the sound of many waters” called him three times. The voice was loud and clear and it told him that he would die if he refused to heed the divine call to go into the world and preach. Babalola did not want to listen to this voice and he responded like many of the Biblical prophets, who, when they were called out by Yahweh as prophets, did not normally yield to the first call. So, Babalola gave in only after he had received the assurance of divine guidance.
To answer the call, he had to resign his appointment with the Public Works Department. Mr. Fergusson, the head of his unit, tried to dissuade him from resigning but the young man was bent on going on the Lord’s mission. The same voice came to Joseph a second time asking him to fast for seven days. The experience led him to a personal retreat in the home of Joseph Fapounda a Christian leader in Christ Missionary Society in Ipetu Ijesa in Ogun State Nigeria.
In a vision he had, Jesus appeared to him in a white robe along with a very tall man who revealed that it was this Jesus who asked me to speak with you. The man in a dazzling robe spoke at length about the mission he was to embark upon. The man also told him of the persecutions he would face and at the same time assured him of God’s protection and victory. A hand prayer bell was given to Babalola as a symbol. He was told that the sound of the bell would always drive away evil spirits. He was also given a bottle of “life- giving water” to heal all manners of sickness. Consequently, wherever and whenever he prayed into water for therapeutic purposes, effective healing was procured for those who drank the water. Thus, Babalola became a prophet and a man with extraordinary powers.
Kerux Academic Institute Hosts 2023 Academic Seminar
Kerux Academic Institute (KAI), a nonprofit mentorship program for teenagers/young people is committed to mentoring the next generation of young African/Global Leaders in all spheres of influence. KAI is the brain child of Mr Godspower Oyubu, who is currently working as a Lecturer in the Department of Integrated Science, Delta State College of Education, Mosogar, Nigeria. Mr Godspower Oyubu is a multi-gifted Preacher, Motivational Speaker, Mentor, Life Coach, Prolific Writer, Editor, Project Manager and Human Resource Expert.
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| Group picture at 2023 KAI Academic Seminar |
The 2023 Edition of the KAI Academic Seminar was held on Saturday, 15th of April, 2023 at Avwerosuoghene Ministry Inc. Mosogar, Delta State, Nigeria.
Theme: The Turning Point: Rediscovering The Path To A New Nigeria.
During the welcome address presented by the Director of KAI, Mr Godspower Oyubu, he charged every teenager to take responsibility for their lives and actions. Encouraging every young person present, he said: You are not a product of your locality, you are a product of your mentality! You are not who you are because of where you are, you are who you are because of how you think! He believes the turning point towards building a new Nigeria will begin by rediscovering the true value and worth of education, understanding the significance of building a healthy relationship, and redefining the concept of faith beyond mere religious term. He told the teenagers that faith remains one of the tested and proven attributes that will move them from where they are to where they desire to be.
The key speaker for the Seminar, Dr D.E. Kpomah, the Head of Department of Biochemistry, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa, Nigeria spoke on the topic: The Principles of Success. He encouraged the teenagers to first discover who they are, what they are good at and then, learn to set time bound goals followed up with rigorous self discipline.
A brief interview session was conducted with a pioneer student of KAI, Miss Claris Oki, an undergraduate student of the department of Journalism and Media Studies, Delta State University of Technology, Ozoro, Nigeria. She passionately shared with everyone present how KAI Mentorship helped her in her first year in the University coming up with a 4.5 GPA in her first semester result in 100L! She accredited her remarkable success to KAI Mentorship and encouraged every young person to join KAI.
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| Interview session |
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| Interview Session with Miss Claris Oki, a pioneer KAI student |
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| Dr D.E. Kpomah delivering a powerful lecture to teenagers on The Principles of Success |
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| Mr Godspower Oyubu listening attentively during the Session with Dr D.E. Kpomah |
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| KAI Director, Mr Godspower Oyubu and 2023 KAI Representative, Miss Angel Davidson |
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| Miss Angel Davidson sharing her experience at KAI Mentorship during 2023 Academic Seminar |
Miss Angel Davidson, who represented the 2023 KAI Students spoke eloquently on the impact of KAI on her own life and that of other teenagers within the last few months. She shared with all present how a friend told her about KAI Mentorship, how she resumed in March and the palpable impact in her life in less than two months. She affirmed the spontaneous turnaround in her academic performance and the professional training she had received also from KAI. Miss Angel concluded her speech by encouraging every young person within Mosogar and outside Mosogar to get involved in KAI as the next generation of local, national and global leaders are sure to arise from Kerux Academic Institute (KAI).
KAI Vision: Mentoring Teenagers/Young People Academically, Professionally and Spiritually
Many students and teenagers confirmed the impact of the Academic Seminar on their perspectives about life! Many are beginning to approach life with optimism and great faith believing they have a quota to contribute to national development and global transformation
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| Group Picture with Dr D.E |
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| Welcome Note by Mr Godspower Oyubu, KAI Director at 2023 Academic Seminar |
Barr Onitayo Joseph Felicitates with Christians on this Year’s Easter Celebrations
The Aspiring Youth Leader for the Osun State Executive Position of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Onitayo Joseph felicitates with Christian faith to be in the right standing with God as they celebrate this Year's Easter.
Speaking with News Men in Osogbo on Thursday, he charged Christians to emulate the virtues of sacrifice, togetherness, forgiveness, kindness, love, peace, and patience which were attributes and practices of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by His ministry on earth.
Recalling the essence of Easter, Barr. Onitayo noted that God sent His only begotten son to lay down his life, to save humanity from everlasting condemnation. He thus admonished the Christian community to ensure that the chord of brotherhood is never broken. In his words, "let us remember that the Peace and Development of the state lies in the unity and love we show to one another."
He further urged the Youths and all PDP members to see his ambition as a Clarion Call to liberate the Youth and build a desirable future. He noted that Governor Ademola Adeleke is God sent to the state and he needs a viable candidate like him to promote Youth Agenda.
He is confident that his emergence will bring about Progress to the State at large.
New Man Movement Opens Portal for Gospel Writing Contest Submissions
In an official release which was published in the early hours of Tuesday, 24th January, 2022, on the New Man Movement's website, the gospel organisation announced that it is set to host its annual Gospel Writing Contest.
The New Man Gospel Writing Contest is a yearly project organised by the New Man Movement. According to the release, the writing contest evolved to recognise the efforts and excellence of Christian writers and creatives, show them to the world and ultimately preach the gospel of Christ through creative writing.
In our chat with Mr. Nelson Vincent Ayomitunde, he explained that the 2023 edition of the New Man Gospel Writing Contest is a strategic assignment in line with the ministry's vision to birth new men by bringing them to Christ.
To participate in the
New Man Writing Contest 2023, kindly follow the instructions below.
Theme
The theme of the New Man Gospel Writing Contest 2023 is "Unashamed of the Gospel" (Romans 1:16). All entries must be creatively written in line with the general theme. However, your entries can be in form of:
- Prose/Short Story (maximum of 5000 words)
- Poetry (minimum of 30 lines)
- Drama (maximum of 5000 words)
- Essay/Article Writing (maximum of 2000 words)
These four make up the categories of this writing contest and our top winners will be selected from each of these categories.
Eligibility
Every
Christian and true believer in Christ is eligible to participate in the
New Man Gospel Writing Contest. All participants must be creative in
expression of thoughts, ideas and grammar as our judges will look out
for these qualities in your entries. Each participant is also entitled
to submit a maximum of two entries ONLY. These entries can be in any of the aforementioned categories
Submission Guidelines
All entries must be properly typed in Microsoft Word ONLY. Any submission in an other formats will not be considered. We receive a handful of entries each year and we advise that you follow these guidelines to ensure that your submission is valid. To submit your entry into the New Man Gospel Writing Contest 2023, simply visit our submissions portal here to upload your entry.
Submission Deadline
Entries into the New Man writing contest opens from 31st January, 2023 and runs through till 13th March, 2023. All entries must be submitted on or before 11:59pm on March 13th, 2023. There will be no extension of this deadline.
Entry Judgement and Voting
The
entries will be judged by our competent team of judges which will be
announced before the close of submissions. There will also be a voting
stage where our readers, friends and family members of the participants
are allowed to vote their winning entries. The judgement phase takes a
total of 70 points while the voting stage takes 30 points. As such, both
phases are important for winning this contest.
Prizes
The total prize value to be won this year is #200,000 ($500). This prize value includes:
- Cash prizes worth #20,000 for each category
- Book and Website Publishing packages
- Brand Souvenirs
- Gift Items from Sponsors
- Certificate of participation for all entries and much more.
Partners and Sponsors
Our
official partners and sponsors range from individual to corporates,
brands and organisations. For our 2023 media partners, we are particularly
grateful to DailyReport NG All About Christ.Net, NELOC News, Campus Verve and Chriative Minds Royal Concepts among diverse blogs and media platforms for offering to publish details about the writing contest on their websites.
Winners will be recognised at a special award giving programme to be announced upon completion of the writing contest.
For sponsorship and further enquiries about the New Man Writing Contest, you can send us a message through our contact page or directly chat with a representative by clicking here
If You Can't Build an Online Business, Build Your Business Online - Clement Oyinlola - Head of Operations, Terabyte
If you do not believe the popular saying that running a business without doing advertisement is like winking at a girl in the dark (you know what you are doing but the lady does not), Clement Oyinlola in this interview will convince you. Read his interview with NNI below.
NNI: Can we meet you sir?
Guest: My name is Clement Oyinlola, born on the 18th of February, 1995. I'm a graduate of OAU from the department of Economics after spending my first three years in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, lol. I'm an entrepreneur and a business owner, currently working as the Head of Operations of The Tera Brand (Africa's number one and fastest growing advertisment, marketing and consulting firm). I'm a firm believer and currently serving as the Point Man Delegate of David City Tabernacle (DCT Church), Ile-Ife.
NNI: How has the digital entrepreneurship journey been for you so far?
Guest: Well, it has been a bumpy ride, full of lessons and lots of down-moments. I started business fully in 2015 and failed in my first 2-3 years. I started another business late 2017 and failed just about 12 months after. Then in July 2019, I started the business that's thriving today, The Tera Brand. Of course, I'm prepared for more failures, but I am certain I won't quit until I hit my goals, no matter how long it might take.
NNI: To you, what is the relevance of digital marketing and how can individuals leverage them for growth?
Guest: The world has evolved. Everything can now be done on the internet. My usual saying is if you can't build an online business, build your business online. Either ways, make sure you are leveraging the digital space. Business has never been this easier with the tons of available courses and training videos available online, much more, you can automate your entire business process down to payment and sales tracking. Not to now talk of the deep blue sea called digital marketing where you can access limitless amount of potential customers. The relevance cannot just be overemphasized. Individuals who really wanna gain presence and visibility have no choice but to use the digital space. WhatsApp is part of digital marketing, so if you're posting on WhatsApp status, you're part of the game.
NNI: What digital media lessons have you learnt from establishing a PR Firm like Terabyte?
Guest: When you are true to your values, people will respect you and seek you out. There are lot of copycats and fake people everywhere. Everyone is going about the fake it till you make it. I'm against this phrase, why fake what you don't have? Don't give the impression of who you are not. Be true to your word. I've learnt this practically from clients who request for metrics especially from WhatsApp views. And I always tell myself that if I promise 100k views and I deliver 70k views, I'm not true to my word. I recently underestimated our current reach with The Terabytes to 70k views across 15 campuses but in the real sense, we have about 100k reach. I won't tell customers 100k reach because of whipsaws. So, I'd rather underpromise and overdeliver. When I do this, customers are wowed and they become repeat loyal customers. I'm not out there to impress anyone. I'm out there to deliver value!!!
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| Clement Oyinlola |
NNI: How does startup branding affect the future of digital revolution?
Guest: Your branding is the personality of your business. And your personality is what makes you different from the next person living next door. You are permitted to overlook branding when you're just starting, but you're not permitted to keep overlooking your branding. Apple is where they are because of their branding. They have given themselves that class and others are trying to be like them. Same with Ford, Mercedes, BMW, Coca-Cola, Nike, Disney and many others including Tera (winks). We guys (you know, I'm now sitting in the class of Apple), we guys are revolutionaries. We don't follow the conventional branding strategies, we are enforcing a new strategy that you already know subconsciously. It's called emotional branding. Lemme stop there!
NNI: What do you think of data rates? How do they affect your businesses online?
Guest: There's nothing we can do about that. Just factor it in as part of your operational cost. It's like when you're trying to have an office and you're saying you don't need a generator, remember, this is Nigeria!
NNI: What is your experience so far in the Forex Industry?
Guest: Hmm... I started my Forex journey in early 2017 and it has been full of ups and downs. But in the last one year, it has been consistent ups as a result of the many lessons I've not just learnt but adopted. I'm a learner, in every single thing you can think about. I just wanna keep learning and much more teach as well. I started my personal brand (ClementOyinlola.com) and it's my way to teach individuals on the different ways of earning from the Forex Market and also on marketing, branding and sales. It's still at the starting phase, it's all still rough, but in a matter of 30-60 days, you'll start seeing it everywhere. So, for all Forex traders or aspiring Forex traders, relax, there's legit money in the Forex market, the question is, *are you ready and patient enough* to master how to pick the coins from the mouth of the crocodile?
NNI: Many have results to prove that digital skills do not yield actual conversions. Is there anything they are doing wrong leading to these results?
Guest: Permit me to smile here...lol... Everyone is looking for the magic beans for instant result. Truth is you can manipulate the results you get from the digital space. Remember anything digital can be hacked. Also, some people don't have the concrete understanding of how digital conversion works. For example, you ran an ad on Facebook and Facebook metrics showed you that your ad reached 5,647 people. Those 5000+ people that saw your ad are Facebook's leads. If out of them, only 60 messaged you or clicked your link, those 60 people are Facebook's conversion. At that level, Facebook has done her job and has converted 60 people to you. Now, those 60 people are now your own lead which is your sole responsibility to convert them. If you are able to convert 10, good and if you are able to convert none, it's all on you. Facebook already done her job. So, when you're working as a digital marketer, you need to understand how different leads and conversions actually work. I was forced to come up with a disclaimer for our clients last month that we are an advertisement company, we do not promise that you will make sale, we only promise that we'll show your ad to as many people as possible who are your potential customers. Those who reach out to you (which I'm certain people will), it is your responsibility to convert them to sales.
NNI: Is advertising always a worthy investment?
NNI: What is your view on Global Youth Development and growth as regards the digital world?
Guest: Like I already mentioned, the Digital world has made all those easier. You can attend a summit via teleconferencing and so, there's a positive correlation between global youth development and digital world. Just yesterday, I dropped an idea with my team that we would be working on soon across the entire African continent, it's called THE AFRICAN FACE, we are yet to have the full structure but it's sure going to be a creative strategy for all African youths to connect with each other using the most basic platform.
NNI: What's your believe as regards interconnected growth? Is it absolutely possible for a brand to develop in isolation and without partnerships?
Guest: For the past 11 months, our partners have been our customers and potential clients. We are currently at the stage where we are raising funds for growth through external investors. Our company registration is currently ongoing and so once it's done, we'll be partnering with external investors for our brand growth and development. Apart from business, there's no self-made person, success is not really a lone wolf journey as we have been made to believe. You only need to find the right set of people to be your best set of people. I am partnering with over 800 Nigerian students to deliver value through Tera and I'm also on the lookout for investors to partner with for our growth and development. There's need to connect and partner for growth. You just need to find the right set of people to connect and partner with. Even at that, you'll still meet some Judas (permit me to use that name). I know of people who started with us in some schools and felt like they could also do same. They left the team and started their own brand. It's quite painful but it's expected. The sky is wide enough for anyone and everyone to soar. I'm a keen believer in loyalty and trust and it gives me joy that my managers are loyal and trustworthy. In short, I have the best team and partners.
NNI: Demand is making price for digital skill courses increase. This is fast becoming a problem and turning back potential students. From experience, how can this be solved?
Guest: We stick to the basics. Simple. I was discussing with a friend, you might know her, she's Toluwakemi, the WhatsApp Queen. She was talking about how a particular investment program fee is high and I was like, very soon, yours will be high too, that it's only a matter of time. Same discussion ensued with the co-founder of Tera, and he was also telling me that very soon, we'll become expensive. Inasmuch as I love expensive cause it gives you a class of your own, we should not forget that there's something they call volume and depth. When you're expensive alone, you have depth, that's Apple. But Microsoft leveraged both volume and depth. They are expensive, yet affordable for the masses. You can combine both volume and depth. Segment your packages but make sure each package is valuable enough and allow you to afford the next package. Lemme explain... Assuming I have a community and monthly subscription is $29, I can also have a package for $9 for those who can't afford the $29 such that if you by my $9 package, I'll be able to equip you enough so that you can afford my $29 package. That's value. Not just about me making money, but about making your life better. So, there's a way trainers or tutors can adopt this strategy and it will also build trust in your students and you can easily keep them forever. I mentioned something like this briefly in the last part of my eBook, The Forex Scam (which you can pre-order for $19 against the regular price of $49). So, the more the demand, the more valuable the product is, and the more you can leverage on volume while also building depth.
NNI: What is your advice to fellow young individuals?
Guest: My fellow young individuals, let's prove to the world that we are not lazy. Let's prove to the world that not all Nigerian youths are scammers or fraudsters. Let's prove to the world that we can achieve our dreams legit. That we can put our hands to work and get the results we are proud of. That we are not ready to fail and that we are ready to keep pushing and digging till we find the diamond. That we are ready to wait and endure the growth process and be proud of the person we are becoming. That we are ready to fight our Goliath, walk on water and rise again from the dead.
NNI: What new heights do you hope to scale in the near future?
Guest: I will be launching the V100 project soon. It stands for The Vision 100. The goal is to establish my presence and brand presence (The Tera Brand) in 54 African Countries, 100 Campuses each with nothing less than 200 Active Ambassadors in each campus. The project should last for the next 5 years, so watch out for 2025! There are many other heights I hope to scale, like be featured in Forbes 30 under 30 (well, who doesn't). This has been a goal for me many years back even before I knew what kind of business to do. Also, this may sound funny, but I wish to be appointed as the CBN governor before I clock 40 and before I'm 50, I wish to be on the board of directors for the World Bank.
NNI: Thank you very much for your time sir.
Guest: Thank you for taking your time to follow me! I'm open to new and valuable friends.
The Speciality of Womankind
This article seeks to mirror the SPECIALTY OF WOMANKIND
Who is fragile like a bud, yet strong like an iron rod?
Who is beautiful and yet destroys all beasts?
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on 8TH of March recognizing and appreciating women’s political, economic and social achievements over the decades. Women’s Day was first observed in 1909 in the United States and it is only in 1977 that the United Nations officially declared International Women’s Day celebration on March 8. An event which started as a political affair has evolved over the years and is now celebrated by gifting flowers, greeting cards and gifts to women in most regions. International Women’s Day is also an official holiday in several countries like Belarus, Armenia, Albania, Brazil, and Cameroon.
I am Ananwureyi Ohine Joy and I'm a growing woman.
The world does not know the power a woman possesses.
Muhammad Ali once said:
"There are two powers in the world, one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a great competition between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women".
The theme of this year's IWD is PRESS FOR PROGRESS.
In our course of moving forward, let us endeavor to lift each other up. Let's leave no woman behind in our press for progress.
That reminds me the words of Phylicia Rashad:
"Anytime women come together with a collective intention, it is a powerful thing. Whether it is sitting down making a quilt, in a kitchen preparing a meal, in a club reading the same book, or around the table playing cards, or planning a birthday party; when women come together with a collective intention, magic happens".
The more we show and use the strength of our collective courage, the more it will get beautified.
No one has the power to make you feel inferior. (In marriage, submission doesn't define inferiority).
It's amazing how God made man, and so beautiful how he made woman.
You were not taken from a man's feet to be under him, nor were you taken from his head to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be a helpmeet.
You are not a lesser being
You are a co-creator
You are the only specie not from dust but made from the strong purpose driven man.
No matter how much men are strong from outside, they will always remain less strong than women when it comes to emotional strength (We have such influence
Never think you are any less than others.
Aunty Orifunke Lawal said, "It's time to stop looking at everything and everyone that's against you and start looking at everything and everyone that's for you".
You can simultaneously perform all your duties (no wonder research states we have the power to multitask )
In the worst conditions, you stand tall
Hats off to your spirit and power to fight.
On this day, let's honour every woman of the world for they are special, powerful and unique.
On this IWD, every woman should remember that all life springs from her. So, look at the world and smile, for without you, there would be no life.
We are cute daughters.
We are adorable mothers
We are sweet sisters
We are lovely lovers
We are darling wives
We are source of strength
We are WOMEN
Women are exceptional and a natural brand that cannot be pirated.
#RiseAndShineWomen
#PressForProgress
#InternationalWomenDay
#IWD
On this occasion, we should endeavor building a better world where men and women live harmoniously, free of violence and discrimination.
Cheers to the whole female fraternity
Cheers to you and your immeasurable power
Celebrating International Women's Day 2023
"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women - while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender balance.
Balance is not a women issue. It's a world issue.The fact is things should be changing . Its never about which gender is better, but it is more about dismantling patriarchal systems, changing mindset, unlearning misogyny.
Stereotypes are being challenged and more diverse representation of women is more evident. The race is on for the gender-balanced boardroom, a gender-balanced government, gender-balanced media coverage, a gender-balanced of employees, more gender- balanced in wealth, gender-balanced sports coverage , a gender- balanced world. Gender balance is essential for economies and communities to thrive.
Collective action and shared responsibility for driving a gender-balanced world is key. Everyone has a part to play- everywhere, every time.
Some key targets of the 2030 Agenda includes
By 2030, ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal-4 effective learning outcomes.
By 2030, ensuring that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education.
Ending all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
Eliminating all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking, sexual and other types of exploitation.
Eliminating all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
We've indeed come a long way. From International women's day theme 2015 "Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity" Picture it!, to time is up and 2019 theme being balance for better.
There is still a continuing need worldwide for more progressive mindsets and inclusive behaviors to be forged. We've indeed come a long way but still have mountain to climb. To all the strong women, heroine, Icons, and girl child. There's still more to do than breathing. Continue breaking barrier, shattering glasses and going beyond the status quo. Here's to the exciting future of building a gender balanced world. Better the world, better the balance.
International Women's Day
Balance is not a women issue. It's a world issue.The fact is things should be changing . Its never about which gender is better, but it is more about dismantling patriarchal systems, changing mindset, unlearning misogyny.
Stereotypes are being challenged and more diverse representation of women is more evident. The race is on for the gender-balanced boardroom, a gender-balanced government, gender-balanced media coverage, a gender-balanced of employees, more gender- balanced in wealth, gender-balanced sports coverage , a gender- balanced world. Gender balance is essential for economies and communities to thrive.
Collective action and shared responsibility for driving a gender-balanced world is key. Everyone has a part to play- everywhere, every time.
Some key targets of the 2030 Agenda includes
By 2030, ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and Goal-4 effective learning outcomes.
By 2030, ensuring that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education.
Ending all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
Eliminating all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking, sexual and other types of exploitation.
Eliminating all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
We've indeed come a long way. From International women's day theme 2015 "Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity" Picture it!, to time is up and 2019 theme being balance for better.
There is still a continuing need worldwide for more progressive mindsets and inclusive behaviors to be forged. We've indeed come a long way but still have mountain to climb. To all the strong women, heroine, Icons, and girl child. There's still more to do than breathing. Continue breaking barrier, shattering glasses and going beyond the status quo. Here's to the exciting future of building a gender balanced world. Better the world, better the balance.
International Women's Day
Opinion: Do You Still Give out Your Trust?
Who do you trust?
If you ask me this question, I would reel out a lot of secrets to you and leave you to deduce the answer yourself.
Some people say I am a difficult person and that I will find it hard to get in a relationship because I find it hard to trust people. However, my belief is that relationships are built on trust and that any relationship void of trust in the participants will crumble.
My attitude towards trust is as a result of my past experience. I have trusted people with my deepest thoughts, thoughts that made me cry, thoughts that make me feel down casted. I have trusted people and really, a trial has convinced me.
I had a hard time in my third year in school; things were so bad that money was a very scarce commodity. It was the time Nigeria was going through a serious economic recession with huge debts of school fees to pay. I could tell no one of the difficulties I was going through. I tried a lot of things I thought could help but all was futile with.
My so called friend has been a leader for years and also stood in the position of counseling young undergraduate students while he was in school. He was highly revered and recommended to be capable of holding any leadership post. All these summed up the bases for my judgment that he could be trusted. The fact that he had experienced my present situation added to my trust in him.
I reeled out my problems to him with the hope that I could lean on him for advice. I told him of the difficulties I had only for Him to spill out my secrets in public. He was the first to accuse me of my inabilities which was due to my financial in capabilities. I had little to finance my daily needs and was left with little to fund other needs and he made me a scapegoat publicly. I felt betrayed and disappointed. I looked into his eyes and all I could see was betrayal. I could not say anything against him because he already knew my secrets to the marrow. I blamed myself for telling him too much about me. I could not say anything for I had broken down my entire defence with my hands.
Trust, an abstract which you develop in someone or something based on an evidence of what they have done or is capable of doing is built overtime.
My trust in people has been breached overtime that giving it out to people require a lot of thinking. Someone once told me that I might find it hard to fall in love, well I don't know yet but we all at one time in our lives have experienced the same ordeal in different ways.
However, experience they say is the best teacher but the best and more profitable way to learn is from the experience of other people who have attained certain level of maturity. It is better to always give people an element of doubt that they could breach your trust in them some day so that when they do, you would not have an heart break that could totally mar you but at least a heart that will be amendable………………..my opinion, what do you think?
Power: Looking Towards Heavens (Solar energy) and Earth (coal &Hydroenergy)
Solar energy, radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy incident on Earth is vastly in excess of the world’s current and anticipated energy requirements. In the 21st century solar energy is expected to become increasingly attractive as a renewable energy source because of its inexhaustible supply and its nonpolluting character, in stark contrast to the finite fossil fuels coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
The history of hydropower dates back thousands of years. For example, the Greeks used water wheels to grind wheat into flour more than 2,000 years ago. The evolution of the modern hydropower turbine began in the mid-1700s when a French hydraulic and military engineer, Bernard Forest de Bélidor, wrote Architecture Hydraulique. Many key developments in hydropower technology occurred during the first half of the 19th century, and more recently, the past century has seen a number of hydroelectric advancements.Hydropower technologies generate power by using the elevation difference, created by a dam or diversion structure, of water flowing in on one side and out, far below, on the other.
The benefits of hydropower have been recognized and harnessed for thousands of years. In addition to being a clean and cost-effective form of energy, hydropower plants can provide power to the grid immediately, serving as a flexible and reliable form of backup power during major electricity outages or disruptions. Hydropower also produces a number of benefits outside of electricity generation, such as flood control, irrigation support, and water supply.
Transitioning into Tech: A Lucrative and Rewarding Path - Enioluwa Odunjo
Today, unlike a few years ago, being a 'Tech Bro or Tech Sis' is considered a lucrative profession. As someone who has been in the field for over four years, way before it became cool to be a techie, I can say that it does offer the opportunity to reach financial freedom quickly.
With many tech roles affording one the option to work flexibly and remotely, you can earn in different currencies from the comfort of your home.
However, it's important to dispel the notion that going into tech is a shortcut to wealth, as portrayed by the media. While earning foreign currency is an enticing lure into the field, securing a substantial tech role may not be as easy as it seems.
In a particular year I faced over 100 rejections before landing a single job offer. However that season of daily "Unfortunately" emails gave me the required knowledge and resilience to thrive in the field. The insights I gathered from that rejection experience and my eventual acceptance into a number of companies has equipped me to teach other aspiring tech professionals to transition into remote tech jobs. Here are key learnings to help you succeed:
1. Choose your path wisely
Research tech roles that align with your existing skills, leveraging skills you already have will ease your transition. For instance, a copywriter can easily pursue UX writing, and a marketer can explore growth marketing.
2. Dedicate time to Learning
Allow yourself 3-6 months to acquire the necessary skills. Remember, "Pursuit is proof of desire," so invest the required time and effort.
3. Conduct Smart Research
Analyze different job descriptions from various companies and identify commonalities. You'll notice recurring themes such as specific tools and requirements. Compile these and add to your skillset. As you progress, you will no longer need to consult job descriptions to determine your suitability for a role because you already qualify.
4. Build a Strong Portfolio and CV
This can't be overemphasized. Take the time to showcase your best work effectively. Your portfolio plays a pivotal role in opening doors and should not be rushed.
5. Embrace Rejection
Anticipate receiving some rejection emails before securing your first role. Developing a thick skin is essential, as hiring decisions involve various dynamics.
Transitioning into tech can be a challenging journey, but it's the individuals who persist till the end that succeed. For further insights, watch my talk on this. Feel free to also leave comments or contact me with any questions. All the best!
World Menstrual Hygiene Day: Tackling Period Poverty in Nigeria
Menstrual Hygiene is one of the fundamental issue concerning reproductive health. It is instrumental in raising the dignity and well being of women and girls. Menstrual Hygiene day is an important day to delve openly about periods, help break silence, raise awareness and change negative social norms surrounding menstrual hygiene around the world.
Period are facts of life and integral part of every teenage girls and women's life. Approximately 300 million women menstruate on a daily basis. Yet, there are still stigma associated with period. It is imperative to delve into one of the key issues behind World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the devastating reality of period poverty around the world and its high prevalence in Nigeria.
WHAT IS PERIOD POVERTY?
Periods are highly dreaded and rarely something we look forward to every month. Painful, tiring and inconvenient, plus the accompanying friends it brings along ranging from abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and dizziness are challenging to cope with. But for many women and girls around the world especially in Nigeria, it is way beyond the side effects, the bleeding itself poses a huge problem as well.
Period poverty is when a girl cannot afford menstrual products during menstruation which is approximately three to seven days every month resulting to use of unhygienic practices.
1 in 5 girls are unable to afford sanitary products. They have to improvise using tissue paper, cotton wool, discarded news paper, towels which are unhygienic and may pose risk. Staggering amount of young girls and women are not well enlightened about menstruation and are disadvantaged by their lack of knowledge and access to clean sanitary products in poor urban and rural communities.
Period is inevitable in young girls women's life but it is so disheartening that over 1.2 billion women across the world do not have access to basic sanitation. The National Democracy and Health Survey 2013, revealed that girls make up 60% of the 10.5million out of school children in Nigeria with period povertty contributing immensely to these.
In a country where an estimated 44% of its population live in extreme poverty and high population amidst the adolescent. Lots of parents struggle to make ends meet and see sanitary products as unaffordable luxury especially with high hike and surge in prices of these sanitary products experienced over the years. There have been clamors for subsidizing and removal of taxes on sanitary products with no action taken by the government.
On average, a woman will menstruate for over 30 years of her life and uses roughly over 9600 pads in her lifetime. Put in the factor that most tampons and pads are not reusable and lots of it go to landfill and the non-organic items take up to 500 years to decompose. Even sometimes, the properties in these pads and most especially tampons are injurious to health as it could cause Toxic Shock Syndrome.
The pandemic has intensified period poverty. Periods dont stop for pandemic and few families are able to afford the products as most people are plagued with hunger, job loss in these crises and have to prioritize food and health care first even though sanitary products are life essentials as well.
Beyond period poverty, lack of access to water and poor or inadequate toilet facilities in schools and public places makes girls stay away from school and prove a high constraint in achieving menstrual hygiene.
Meeting the hygienic needs of all adolescent girls is a fundamental issue of human rights and public health and not something to be treated as a mere triviality. To tackle period poverty in Nigeria, there should be access to sanitary products by girls and women. Sanitary products should be heavily subsidized and distributed freely to secondary school teenage girls and young women.
Demystifying period stigma and shame with awareness on menstrual health and hygienic practices should be given to young girls and boys. Almost every teenage girls have stories to share on being unknowingly stained and being laughed and mocked at by boys. Education needs to go both ways in educating young boys and men that period are normal physiological process and not something to be laughed or mocked for.
Adoption of sustainable alternative products like reusable sanitary products and home made sanitary product to replace its disposable counterparts that can be used continually should be massively produced in Nigeria with affordability given a priority.
It is time for action to ensure that girls and women do not feel limited by something as natural and normal as period through increased education on menstrual hygiene, and affordability reusable sanitary produts. It is time to create an enabling society in which women and teenage girls are empowered to manage their period safely and in a hygienic manner. Its high time to see to the rise of period power and absolute end of period poverty.
Period are facts of life and integral part of every teenage girls and women's life. Approximately 300 million women menstruate on a daily basis. Yet, there are still stigma associated with period. It is imperative to delve into one of the key issues behind World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the devastating reality of period poverty around the world and its high prevalence in Nigeria.
WHAT IS PERIOD POVERTY?
Periods are highly dreaded and rarely something we look forward to every month. Painful, tiring and inconvenient, plus the accompanying friends it brings along ranging from abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and dizziness are challenging to cope with. But for many women and girls around the world especially in Nigeria, it is way beyond the side effects, the bleeding itself poses a huge problem as well.
Period poverty is when a girl cannot afford menstrual products during menstruation which is approximately three to seven days every month resulting to use of unhygienic practices.
1 in 5 girls are unable to afford sanitary products. They have to improvise using tissue paper, cotton wool, discarded news paper, towels which are unhygienic and may pose risk. Staggering amount of young girls and women are not well enlightened about menstruation and are disadvantaged by their lack of knowledge and access to clean sanitary products in poor urban and rural communities.
Period is inevitable in young girls women's life but it is so disheartening that over 1.2 billion women across the world do not have access to basic sanitation. The National Democracy and Health Survey 2013, revealed that girls make up 60% of the 10.5million out of school children in Nigeria with period povertty contributing immensely to these.
In a country where an estimated 44% of its population live in extreme poverty and high population amidst the adolescent. Lots of parents struggle to make ends meet and see sanitary products as unaffordable luxury especially with high hike and surge in prices of these sanitary products experienced over the years. There have been clamors for subsidizing and removal of taxes on sanitary products with no action taken by the government.
On average, a woman will menstruate for over 30 years of her life and uses roughly over 9600 pads in her lifetime. Put in the factor that most tampons and pads are not reusable and lots of it go to landfill and the non-organic items take up to 500 years to decompose. Even sometimes, the properties in these pads and most especially tampons are injurious to health as it could cause Toxic Shock Syndrome.
The pandemic has intensified period poverty. Periods dont stop for pandemic and few families are able to afford the products as most people are plagued with hunger, job loss in these crises and have to prioritize food and health care first even though sanitary products are life essentials as well.
Beyond period poverty, lack of access to water and poor or inadequate toilet facilities in schools and public places makes girls stay away from school and prove a high constraint in achieving menstrual hygiene.
Meeting the hygienic needs of all adolescent girls is a fundamental issue of human rights and public health and not something to be treated as a mere triviality. To tackle period poverty in Nigeria, there should be access to sanitary products by girls and women. Sanitary products should be heavily subsidized and distributed freely to secondary school teenage girls and young women.
Demystifying period stigma and shame with awareness on menstrual health and hygienic practices should be given to young girls and boys. Almost every teenage girls have stories to share on being unknowingly stained and being laughed and mocked at by boys. Education needs to go both ways in educating young boys and men that period are normal physiological process and not something to be laughed or mocked for.
Adoption of sustainable alternative products like reusable sanitary products and home made sanitary product to replace its disposable counterparts that can be used continually should be massively produced in Nigeria with affordability given a priority.
It is time for action to ensure that girls and women do not feel limited by something as natural and normal as period through increased education on menstrual hygiene, and affordability reusable sanitary produts. It is time to create an enabling society in which women and teenage girls are empowered to manage their period safely and in a hygienic manner. Its high time to see to the rise of period power and absolute end of period poverty.
Biography of Ken Eric
Born on 28th February 1985. Ugochuckwu Eric Nwenweh, well known and called Ken Erics, is a 37years old Nigerian actor, music artist and TV presenter that acts or mainly work in Nollwood. Though he was born in the nothern part of the country (Nigeria). He hails from the Eastern part of Nigeria. He's among other siblings his parents have. According to some reports, Ken Eric grew up in a very godly home, hence he's a Christian.
The talented actor, had his primary school education in kano, Nigeria. Due to some reasons best known to him, Ken Eric got his secondary School education in the East (Anambra State). Based on his burning passion for acting, he further bagged a first degree in theatre act at the Prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He didn't just stop there, he moved further to getting a Master Degree in the same field ( tjit happened not quite long).
Trending: Twin Sisters Impregnated by Same man in Akwa Ibom Dedicate Children
Ken Eric has since started acting since he was a child. He joined several drama groups back then in the University. This helped to reshaping him into a better actor. This continued till he left the University. Ken Erics in the year 2001, featured in the movie "Holy Prostitute" That was his first movie.
After gaining so much knowledge in his field (career). He joined the Nollwood industry where he started acting fully. Like most beginners starting a career, he wasn't popular then .The movie "The illiterate" was his first role he played in a Nollywood movie, that was about 10years ago. This single opportunity exposed him to many juicy opportunities and of course popularity too. Ever since, the talented actor has been super active in the industry (Nollywood) and has starred in several Nigerian movies. He has also worked with top stars in the Industry, such as Ton to Dikeh, Mercy Johnson etc.
Aside acting, Ken Erics also do music. One of his biggest achievements in recent times is having his own music band.
Ken Erics has been honored with several Awards; This a little way of appreciating his efforts in the industry. Few are mentioned below:
1. Best lead actor in 2014 at Afrifimo Awards (USA).
2. Best Supporting actor at City People Entertainment Awards in the you 2014.
3. Best Actor at City People Entertainment Awards in the year 2015.
These includes many other awards and norminations he has been honored with.
Ken Erics is a successful man. He has assets, connections etc. He's active on all social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram etc, with lots of followers and fans. As at March 2022, his Net-worth is over $500,000.
Ken Erics is currently unmarried and yet to become a father too. However, he was formerly married to Onyi Adada (in 2017). Unfortunately, things fell apart and their marriage went down due to misunderstanding between the two lovers.
The Art of Branding Disability
I
still recall with vivid freshness the rather opinionated and combative
stance with which I approached debates within the deaf community in
those early days. I had come in with this dangerously prejudiced mindset
that much of my unhappiness and dissatisfaction with life could be
traced to my deafness and society’s seeming nonchalant attitude. I was
damn wrong, and entering the deaf community was instrumental to
transforming my perspectives on Disability and Persons living with
Disability.
Now, I wouldn’t say I have been weaned off that tendency to having a mind of my own. After all, a man must do his own living and dying. Still, neither am I as unyielding as in those early days. It’s been learning, unlearning and relearning.
I remember too, with undimmed clarity, sublime piece of advices received from those who have gone before in the world of disabilities. “Attitude is everything”, “keep an open mind”, etc. Deep nuggets. However it took years before I began grasping the timelessness of the wisdom in those words. The truth bore home slowly and steadily.
SEEING THE LIGHT
The Federal College of Education, Oyo, (an institution for special needs education) was my baptism ground. There, I had first glimpse of the light which gradually expelled the darkness in me. At Oyo I slowly came to an understanding that life could be meaningful and interesting despite Disability. It came down to attitude. Again, Oyo opportuned me the privilege of a miracle called “sign language”. A miracle I had long despised until it graciously found and rescued me from my wilderness wanderings. As I gained intellection, latitude, and a certain degree of dexterity in this visual language used for communication by the deaf, my perception kept expanding. I began to see possibilities where before, I saw only obstacles. Oyo was where I encountered people, events, and circumstances which challenged my prejudices and myths about living with hearing loss. Suddenly, I realized what great disservice I had been doing myself and humanity by failing to keep an open mind.
Now, I’d be realistic, and not try to paint a romantic portrait of being deaf. Sure, the experience comes with more crosses than could be just wished away. The key to managing this disability (like any other disability) lies in learning to focus on the sunny side – a skill that requires enlightenment and positive attitudes.
Below, I narrate the beautiful experience which inspired this piece.
AN AFTERNOON WITH A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Every adversity carries within it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit – Napoleon Hill
We sat on the cool, breezy verandah of one of the blocks of classrooms at her place of work on that hot Tuesday afternoon happily chatting away. Blessing was a lady friend from our days at College. I met her through another friend towards the tail end of her final year. The rapport was swift – thanks to her easy-going aura. She was dark-skinned and attractive in it. Slender, petite built, her rather small face bore large, oval eyes, attractively pointed nose and naïve, charming smiles which reveal a fine set of tiny dentition. Her facial and body features blended superbly. Needless to say, I was wowed by this winsome deaf lady.
But what impressed me most about Blessing was the amiable and easy going aura about her. Being deaf and without speech never seemed to bother nor crease her countenance! Cheerfulness and an easy-going personality were her brand.
The last we saw was some two or three years ago, so this reunion came with palpable excitement (the heart, they say grows fonder in absence). Old memories from college were rehashed. We threw hilarious jokes and laughed. Every bit of the moment was savoured. Then, it was time to part. The generous soul that she is, Blessing offered to walk me to the main road and get some light refreshments.
MARKETING THE DEAF BRAND
As we headed towards the gate, we drew curious gazes every now and then. A deaf pair, a beautiful, deaf lady and a young man (both decently attired), and chatting away in an odd, visual language certainly wasn’t a common sight in this community. “A cool pair of love birds”, these stereotypes must have concluded. Anyway, I was enjoying the special attention, give or take. Mulling it over, it still amazes me that just a few years back, I wouldn’t be caught napping identifying as deaf by signing in public. Quite a metamorphosis! Talk about branding Disability.
At the kiosk where we got some snacks and drinks, we struck instant friendships – thanks to this beautiful deaf girl with a great aura that an inability to either speak or hear couldn’t conquer. We didn’t have to pay. A young man we were meeting for the first time insisted on picking our bill. He was bowled over. It was obvious from his reaction that this was his first encounter with a combination of deafness with good looks, polite behavior, and cheerful demeanor in a human being. Guy went on to improvise a way to say: “you are beautiful”. So much for branding.
As we bade each other goodbye that day, my contemplative mind went to work in a bid to make deeper sense of this experience of living with deafness in a predominantly hearing world. I came away with the belief that for PWDs, it hasn’t been all discrimination. My philosophical mindset began to ponder on the many possibilities to be discovered in maintaining a positive attitude, keeping an open mind, and carrying our disabilities with individual originality and confidence.
Yes, living with disability comes with more silver linings than are readily apparent. It’s up to Persons with Disabilities to discover and explore this often hidden truth – which will ultimately set free!
