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Enenim Ubon: Unfulfilled Dreams Of Young Nigerians, The Journey To Self Discovery

Mohammed Useni
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“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom” – Aristotle.

Any true body transformation starts with self discovery. The average Nigerian youth is yet to discover his/herself. Opinions are influenced by what people say, think or do. This inability to truly discover who we are, where we are going and what we want to be remembered for, is the reason behind most of the ‘unreasonable’ actions we see around us everyday.

I was having a discussion with a friend I met recently and he told me of how he could no longer visit a part of town where he once resided, because all his friends had relocated abroad for studies. He continued, that his dad is the reason why he didn’t join them abroad. I had to ask him, why and how? To my utmost shock, he said his dad stopped him from applying as a ‘repentant niger-delta militant’ to go abroad. I was too stunned to say anything else (I digress).

I believe that to a certain extent the inability of youths to know what they want is the major reason for unfulfilled dreams, mediocre lives and ultimately shattered futures. The Nigerian youth allows his/her opinions about life, marriage, sex, politics, religion, etc. to be shaped by strangers who afterwards do not care whether you succeed or fail. We even attempt to deceive and lie to ourselves because of standards set by people who may have been failures themselves. Self Discovery is a sine qua non for a life of bliss. All the great men that ever walked this path knew what they wanted, with eyes fixed on the price, they moved steadily towards their dreams. Youths must have the inner eyes to see the future and realize that in the end we are all responsible for our actions, no matter who or what influenced such actions. Do big things, be creative, be daring BUT stay within the ‘confines of you’.

“Sometimes you have to kind of die inside in order to rise from your own ashes and believe in yourself and love yourself to become a new person.” Attitudinal re-orientation is very necessary in the journey to self discovery. Discover the true you and stick to your positives no matter who tells you something different. Your understanding of yourself takes you into a deeper region of knowledge and wisdom, which is very vital to the attainment of success. Life is a personal responsibility. You owe it to your self to live your life ‘successfully’ and not act out a script written down by someone else.

“Who in the world am I? Ah,that’s the greatest puzzle.” – Lewis Carrol (‘Alice in Wonderland’)

Folllow Enenim Ubon on twitter @enenimubon.

Ima Niboro Assumes Duty As NAN MD, Calls For Balance Reportage

Mohammed Useni
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Ima Niboro Assumes Duty As NAN MD, Calls For Balance Reportage

Mr Ima Niboro on Friday assumed duty as the new Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), with a call on the agency to ensure objectivity and balance in its reportage of events within and outside the country.

Niboro, who was received at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja by the Chairman of NAN board, Alhaji Ibrahim Buba and other management staff, described the role of the agency’s editorial department as critical to moving NAN forward.

It will be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday appointed Niboro as the new Managing Director of NAN.

He replaces Mrs Remi Oyo whose tenure expired in 2013.

Niboro urged reporters of the agency to always reports facts and get the views of all sides.

“It is very important to play by the golden rule by reporting facts.

“A story may have many sides but no story has one side, so ensure that you get the views of everyone to balance sides.’’

He assured on his commitment to build on the already existing status quo to move the agency forward.

In his remarks, Buba urged the new NAN MD to use his new appointment to contribute towards addressing the various challenges confronting the country.

“We must consider such opportunity as a time to contribute to the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is at a time our job is needed most.

“Every nation has one challenge or the other; so, a way to reduce the challenges is effective journalism that will be allowed to operate freely and in a fair manner.’’

Buba also urged Niboro to improve the agency’s infrastructure to guarantee good working environment needed for efficient services.

He said that paucity of funds posed threat to the agency’s efforts at achieving its mandate.

Buba called for collaboration between the agency’s management and the stakeholders to ensure swift and successful operations of NAN.

He decried the absence of NAN correspondents in major global locations where events needed media attention.

He, however, tasked staff of the agency to accord Niboro the needed cooperation to foster harmonious working relationship, adding that humility, loyalty and commitment were vital for efficient service delivery.

Niboro was former Special Adviser on Media to President Jonathan

“I Chose APC, Because The Party Cares Deeply About Nigeria” Atiku Abubakar

Mohammed Useni
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Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar explains reasons he left the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP for Action Congress, AC then resigned back to the PDP and now has defected again for the All Progressives Congress, APC.. Enjoy excerpts of the interview he shared on his website..
Atiku APC

Q:
Why did you choose APC?

A:
I chose APC, because APC cares deeply about Nigeria, just as I do. I chose APC because the party’s programmes have a lot in common with my own blueprint for change.

In areas such as education, power sector reforms, infrastructure, anti-corruption, employment generation, stimulation of economic growth, better health standards and agriculture.

APC has a lot in common with my own policy objectives for the radical transformation of Nigeria, including the devolution of powers and restructuring of Nigeria to reduce the level of tension, suspicions and fear of domination by one section or group by another.

Q:
Now that you have joined APC, what is the future of PDM, which is associated with you?

A:
Although PDM is packed with my friends and associates, I have no right to dictate to them how they should run the party. They are right-thinking adults who can take their own decisions. PDM is an independent political entity.

Even after the formation of PDP, PDM was still present behind the scenes. Now they have registered the party. I have no problem with the number of parties. Let Nigerians decide their own future.

Q:
You were a founding member of PDP, but left in 2006 to co-found AC (Action Congress). Why did you leave PDP?

A:
The circumstances that led to my departure from the PDP to join AC are well known to Nigerians. I was pushed out of the PDP; I didn’t leave. I was a victim of deliberate ejection.

If a landlord begins to remove your roof, disconnect your water supply and every other thing necessary for normal habitation, you don’t need anybody to tell you that you are not needed.

The policy of de-registration in 2005 /2006 was directed at my supporters and me and I was eventually suspended from the party for a period longer than what the party constitution provided – three months.

With such a hostile environment created against me, I had to leave PDP. And then I teamed up with like minds and we founded AC.

Q:
Sometime after the presidential elections in 2007 you left AC and returned to PDP. Why did you return?

Upon assumption of office, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua started a policy of reconciliation and I took advantage of it and returned. I was part of the formation of PDP and therefore sentimentally attached to the party. I returned to help rebuild a house in which I was a family member. The late President promised to address the issues that led to the disillusionment of stakeholders like me.

Q:
Is there a possibility that you will again return to PDP?

Let me make this clear: I will not be returning to PDP. The party has drifted from the ideals of the founding fathers, of whom I am one. I have concluded that PDP cannot be redeemed. It has abandoned Nigerians, the very people who gave it life and many electoral victories. It has since lost touch with Nigerians and efforts made by many well-meaning members and stakeholders to bring it back to the vision of its founders have been rebuffed.
Q:
What do you intend to achieve in APC?

A:
The future is here. What Nigeria does in the next election will determine whether that future will be filled with hope and opportunity, or with more of the fear and despair currently assailing us.

The next election will decide if Nigeria will change the way it does business, so that every person who wants to work can have a job and the dignity that comes with it.

The next election will decide whether true security can be provided so that people who go to the market can return safely to their homes and be safe within them.

APC is ready for the next election and so am I. Nobody, however rich or powerful, can bring about the sort of change Nigeria requires, without being in government. To be in government you need a platform.

PDP has made it impossible for me to exercise my membership. I have therefore chosen the APC because the party’s manifesto has a lot in common with my own policy document on the reformation of Nigeria.

Nigeria suffers from poor governance, which is why its oil wealth has not significantly improved the living standards of the ordinary Nigerians.

I have found genuine passion and commitment among APC’s leaders, regarding making Nigeria a remarkably better country to live in. APC does not pay lip service to democracy.

Definitely A Great Tune! Watch Eva Alordiah Mesmerize Us In ‘Deaf’

Mohammed Useni
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Definitely A Great Tune! Watch Eva Alordiah Mesmerize Us In ‘Deaf’

Watch the exciting Visuals for female Rapper, Eva’s single “DEAF”. Directed by Patrick Elis, the visuals were captured on Location around Lagos state, Nigeria.

“DEAF” produced by budding yooung producer “Gray Jon’Z” ,is Off Eva’s soon-to-be Released second E.P which is a pre-release for her Debut Album. Enjoy!

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Rivers Govt. Applauds Supreme Court Judgement

Mohammed Useni
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Rivers Govt. Applauds Supreme Court Judgement

The Rivers Government on Friday expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court judgment which struck out Chief Celestine Omehia’s application.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Omehia was joined by the Court of Appeal in Abuja in a suit filed by Gov. Chibuike Amaechi for direction on his tenure.

Amaechi’s suit at the apex court was to contest that his tenure started in October 2007 and as such would end in October 2015 instead of May 2015.

Reacting on the ruling, the Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, told NAN in Port Harcourt that the court had proven to be the last hope of the common man.

“As a government, we believe that the court remains the last hope that we can go to. We thank God for the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The courts have continued to show that they are the last hope of Nigerian people, and so, we are pleased with this development.

“We are grateful to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Supreme Court that they have continued to maintain the sanctity of the judiciary,” she said

Semenitari urged the people of the state to continue to have faith in the state government by supporting its programmes and policies as well as remain law-abiding.

She also called on the people not to allow themselves to be used by “some selfish persons’’ to cause a breakdown of law and order in the state.

Supreme Court Dismisses Omehia’s Suit Against Rotimi Amaechi

Mohammed Useni
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Supreme Court Dismisses Omehia’s Suit Against Rotimi Amaechi

NAN
Supreme Court on Friday dismissed Chief Celestine Omehia’s suit seeking to invalidate the re-election of Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers in April 2011.

The court upheld the appeal brought by Amaechi challenging the judgment of the Court of Appeal which granted leave to join Omehia in the case.

The appellate court had allowed Omehia, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), to be joined in the appeal.

A Federal High Court in Abuja had in a judgment held that Amaechi’s first tenure ended on May 29, 2011, and ordered a fresh governorship election in Rivers in April 2011.

Justice Muhammad Muntaka-Coomassie, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the Court of Appeal in Abuja erred in law in granting Omehia leave to appeal against the judgment.

Muntaka-Coomassie held that the appellate court erred in joining Omehia in the suit even though he was not a party in the substantive suit that culminated to the appeal.

Earlier, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Amaechi’s counsel, told the court that Omehia was initially not a party to the proceedings in the lower court.

Fagbemi submitted that the appellate court ought not to have allowed Omehia to be joined in the matter as an interested party.

But Omehia’s Counsel, Mr James Ezike, said that the appellate court decision was proper.

Ezike said that that under Section 243 of the 1999 Constitution as amended his client was an interested party in the suit.

Omehia, he said, was “a person, who is affected or likely to be affected by the outcome of any proceedings at the apex court’’.

Puma To Aid Arsenal In Signing Balotelli

Mohammed Useni
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Puma To Aid Arsenal In Signing Balotelli

The new kit sponsors for Arsenal, Puma may help the English side to sign one of their ambassadors, Mario Balotelli at the end of the season.

The Gunners  announced a partnership with sportswear giants Puma last month, and are reported to have plans of signing AC Milan striker Balotelli in the summer.

His huge price tag might be the problem for Arsenal but we hear Puma have stepped in to offer an alternative.

Reports in Italy have it that the company wants to help Arsenal finance a deal to bring the former Manchester City striker to the Emirates Stadium.

Puma wants two of their key brands together; Balotelli and Arsenal and may put in as much as £15million of any deal to make the transfer happen.

The 23-year-old has scored 25 goals in just 38 matches since joining Milan from Manchester City

Milan’s valuation of Balotelli is at about £40million.

I-G Says The Police Force Is Ready For The 2015 General Elections

Mohammed Useni
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Nigeria_Police_logo12
The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Mohammed Abubakar, on Friday in Lagos said the force was set for the 2015 general elections both in terms of personnel and equipment.
Abubakar said this when he briefed the press on the police preparation for the elections during the Pull-Out Parade of seven senior police officers at the Ikeja Police College.
He said that many officers had undergone training and some were still currently on training in different centres, including anti-terrorism training.
The I-G said that the force had taken delivery of different equipment that would help it provide adequate security during and after elections in 2015.
On the posting of Mr Joseph Mbu, the former Commissioner of police in Rivers, Abubakar said that there was nothing special about it.
He said the posting was part of routine movement of officers and men.
“Mbu’s redeployment is just routine in the force to move officers and men to beef up security somewhere.

“There are other officers moved to various places for security strategies,’’ he said.

Abubakar commended the efforts of the retired officers in the force, particularly at the medical unit where some of the officers served for about 30 years.
“I therefore congratulate you and your families for the opportunity which God bestowed on you.

“I also congratulate you for great ideas and excellent services rendered to our nation.
“Your various programmes have greatly uplifted the Nigeria Police Medical Services.

“They have done the entire police populace much good. We shall build on them and stay healthy,’’ Abubakar said.

Responding, Mr Alex Okeke, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police(AIG), in his valedictory speech, thanked the force for the privilege given to him and others to serve in various capacities.
Okeke urged all segments of the force to unite for the success of each unit in the organisation.
“One issue I must comment on is the unnecessary professional rivalry that we have allowed to creep into our service delivery.
“I do not have to remind us that health care delivery is a team effort where every professional group is required to bring its skills to the benefit of the patient,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the officers present were pulled-out by senior officers while family members and friends watched in admiration.
Mr Mike Okiro, Chairman, Police Service Commission, was among dignitaries present.

Iyanya Bags Endorsement Deal With Tech Company, Lenovo

Mohammed Useni
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Iyanya Bags Endorsement Deal With Tech Company, Lenovo

Triple MG star artiste,  Iyanya Mbuk is now a brand ambassador for  Chinese multinational technology company, Lenovo

He posted the photo above on Instagram with the caption:

‘New Product !!! New Ambassador !!! Brand Ambassador !!!! Lenovo !!!! Iyanya !!!! Task Direct 2014 Started #triplemg’

Iyanya really knows how to get these endorsement deals.

Congratulations!

To Resuscitate Jos Wild Life Park, Plateau Govt. Earmarks N2bn

Mohammed Useni
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NAN
Plateau budget
The Plateau Government said on Friday it had earmarked N2 billion to resuscitate the Jos Wild Life Park.
The Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Mr Abraham Yiljap, said this in Jos when he inspected the facilities at the park.
According to him, the present administration in the state wants to “touch tourism sector in a unique way”.

“What we have this year to tackle is that the Jos Wild Life Park is going to receive some action to the tune of N2 billion.
“What we are going to see would just be the first phase of the handling, because we require much more than that.

“We require between N7 billion and N9 billion to completely transform the Jos Wild Life Park into the kind of modern wild life park that we deserve in Plateau State.

“But, we have now set aside N2 billion for resuscitating the wild life park.
“We need to expand it; we need to modernise it to make the animals happier and healthier and to attract more people.’’

He said that facilities at the park would be upgraded and linked to the internet so that the people would access the park from any part of the world.

Yiljap also said that funds had been set aside to upgrade facilities at the Solomon Lar Amusement Park in Jos.

“Even for the Solomon Lar Amusement Park, we have N150 million that was set aside to tackle the expansion that would take care of the children’s playground, for example.
“We want the whole family to come in there. We want to secure the place for them and we want to have more facilities that would enable people to relax with their families.

“You will find that there are no parks in Plateau State that can compete with that particular park.

“Therefore, government’s intention is to pump more resources into that park, maintain it and attract the kind of clientele that would give it a higher prestige.’’

The commissioner said that the state government would take steps to reclaim parks’ lands that had been encroached upon.
He said that a stakeholders meeting would be convened to discuss the issues before any decision would be taken so that people with genuine cases would be listened to.
Earlier, the Manager of the Jos Wild Life Park, Mr Victor Damar, narrated the challenges facing the park such as trespass, vandalism of the park’s facilities, poaching and absence of some animals.
The park manager said that the Jos Wild Life Park which was established in 1972 had 62 workers.

VIDEO: DJ Xclusive featuring Olamide – Ibebe

Mohammed Useni
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VIDEO: DJ Xclusive featuring Olamide – Ibebe

EME Superstar Disc Jockey,Xclusive is out with an awesome and sexy video of his single “Ibebe” which features Rapper, Olamide.

Cameo appearances by Bovi and Chigul on this nice video directed by Lens-whiz Adasa ‘Squareball’ Cookey.

Play

Nat’l Confab: Nigeria Union Of Journalists Seeks More Representation

Mohammed Useni
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Nat’l Confab: Nigeria Union Of Journalists Seeks More Representation

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday advocated for more media representation in the forthcoming national conference.

The President of the union, Malam Mohammed Garba, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Garba said that journalists in the country had sacrificed a lot for the nation’s unity and development.

According to him, a forum such as the national conference will create another opportunity for the media to contribute to the `Nigerian project’.

He said that slots given to the media was not enough for experts in the sector to make adequate contribution.

“I feel that the slots given to the NUJ, NPAN, NGE, NAWOJ and BON is not enough, if you consider what media practitioners have contributed to the development of this nation.

“I believe that there is a lot that the media, through its representatives, can contribute to the success of the conference, so we will reach the government to request for increase in representation from the media,’’ he said.

On the nomination of its delegate to the conference, the NUJ president said the national executive had consulted extensively and had decided to nominate two of its past leaders.

Garba said that stakeholders in the media sector would make efforts to ensure that inputs from the media were adequately reflected in the outcome of the conference.

He said that the union was proposing a pre-confab forum for stakeholders in the media sector to brainstorm on common issues that would be presented at the conference.

Garba, however, hinted that welfare of journalists and making the media environment in Nigeria friendlier, would top the agenda for media delegates to the conference.

He called on Nigerians to support the conference, adding that there was no better opportunity for Nigerians to discuss the progress of the nation than the proposed conference.

Garba called on those opposed to the conference to close rank with the Federal Government and come up with meaningful suggestions on its success rather than outright condemnation.

He said that the NUJ was in support of the modalities and framework for the conference, saying that the structure of the conference as presented so far was satisfactory.

In another interview with NAN, Garba called on the National Assembly to ensure speedy passage of the 2014 appropriation.

According to him, delaying the passage of the budget beyond the first quarter of the year will not be in the interest of Nigerians.

He appealed to the legislature to ensure early passage of the budget to enable government fulfilled its obligation to Nigerians.

NAN recalls that NUJ will be represented by two delegates, while the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) also have two delegates each.

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