BILL GATES CONFERRED WITH NIGERIA'S PRESTIGOUS NATIONAL HONOUR

Bill Gates and Goodluck Jonathan

Microsoft founder and co-Chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates has been conferred with the national honours of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The President disclosed this on Monday November 11, 2013 at a meeting of the Presidential Task Force on Polio and Recognition Award held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said the honour was in recognition of Bill Gates' support towards the eradication of poliomyelitis in Nigeria.

Bill Gates immunizing a Nigerian child

President Jonathan applauded the Microsoft founder for his commitment to help fight polio, providing life saving commodities and assisting Nigeria in agricultural development.

Jonathan also used the occassion to commend Alhaji Aliko Dangote for showing high degree of support for government and all sectors of the nation's economy. He reiterated the determination of the Federal Government to continue to partner with all stakeholders in the fight to eradicate polio in Nigeria.

Bill Gates will be decorated with his award at a ceremony that will come up later in Nigeria. 

TONY ELUMELU: THE AFRICAPITALIST AND HIS QUEST TO POWER AFRICA

Tony Elumelu

 

Tony Elumelu, Nigerian entrepreneur and one of Africa's most successful businessmen featured on African Voices, CNN’s International weekly half-hour programme. In the interview, with CNN’s Jill Dougherty, Elumelu talked about Africapitalism.

It's the term created by, to describe what he believes holds the key to the continent's future well-being. According to Elumelu, Africapitalism is the economic philosophy "that the African private sector has the power to transform the continent through long-term investments, creating both economic prosperity and social wealth."

Elumelu champions the idea that long-term focus on key sectors such as infrastructure and power does not only offer high returns but, in the process, can also help Africa deal with pressing problems such as unemployment and food security.

"The information people have about Africa in America and the western world is one of aid, one of squalor, one of poverty, one of religious crisis," says Elumelu, who first found success after turning a struggling Nigerian bank into a global financial institution. "They need to begin to see that Africa is a continent of economic opportunities -- a lot of potential and the returns on investment in Africa is huge."

lumelu also talked about his intentions to transform electricity shortage in Africa, empower young entrepreneurs, and his goals for the future. He also explained why his company Hiers Holding pledged $2.5 billion to President Barack Obama's Power Africa Initiative - a campaign aimed at doubling the access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. Below is an excerpt of the interview.
 

NIGERIA'S SUPER EAGLETS CLINCH THE U-17 WORLD CUP FOR A RECORD FOURTH TIME

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets made history by becaming the first country to win the FIFA Under-17 World Cup for the fourth time, after defeating Mexico 3 to 0 at the El Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The eaglets had previously won in 1985, 1993 and 2007.

An own goal from Eric Aguirre of Mexico, a superb strike from Kelechi Iheanacho and an amazing free kick from captain fantastic Musa Mohammed sealed the victory for the Golden Eaglets. The final was a rematch of the Group F encounter between both teams with Nigeria humbling the Mexicans to a 6-1 defeat.

HEAVEN IS FULL OF JOY: A TRIBUTE TO JOY CHIEDOZIE ALLISON



Joy Chiedozie Allison (1982-2012)

Joy!!! Heaven is full of joy, no more sorrow, heaven is full of joy. Thus went that old church song that reminded us of what an exciting place heaven will be. Apparently we do not sing this kind of songs a lot these days. Apparently, it’s no longer in vogue (In this era of prosperity gospels) and very few people think of life after death.

This song flooded my thoughts early this morning as I sat down to reflect on my life. Yes! It’s something I don’t take for granted, no apologies. As the renowned Greek philosopher would say “an unexamined life is not worth living”. But I must confess this life examination thing doesn’t come naturally.

Yesterday was the first day of the month of November and being a Friday, I decided to hang out with an amazing friend I was recently introduced to but had not met. While we were busy warming up and jeering, I received an email. Before then, I had ignored previous temptations to pick up my phone because I didn’t want to be distracted (It’s not what you are thinking). But I couldn’t ignore this one, “It could be very important”. And yes, I was right.  

It was from the website Forever Missed and it was a reminder that today (November 2, 2013) was my friend Joy Chiedozie Allison’s birthday. And almost immediately, my mind went on those spinning trips. “What befitting gift should I get for ‘My Joy’ on her birthday?” I thought silently amidst the excitement that echoed around me. What present on earth would do justice to angel?

I met Joy during my Post-graduate studies at the University of Lagos. I had a lot of wonderful friends back then but Joy stood out. To be honest, I am not sure if it was because of her effortless beauty or her warm spirit. Unfortunately, the closer I got the more difficult it became to unravel this rare gem.

Joy Chiedozie Allison, you were simply a phenomenon. That special kind of friend we meet just one in our lifetime. There are no known words to begin to describe you or to explain the impact you have made in the lives of all those who knew you. Thinking about it now, I can boldly say you were an angel all along and you were apparently missed in heaven. I hope God is not too angry with us, for we didn’t know it was for a short while. I am grateful to him for the almost two years I knew you.

It was on my birthday last year; I was on my way to Owerri. I decided to stop over at Awka to see my younger brother and the news was everywhere. I naturally felt bad that we had lost so many lives in such a careless manner. But it was only the next day when a course mate put up your picture on her BBM with the dreaded R.I.P acronym that my heart crashed completely.

Am glad you didn’t just leave us because the little angel you left behind has been more than a comfort to us. I have not seen her since the funeral but I promise I will soon. I still talk to a couple of our course mates. Your absence has taken its fair share of sunshine from all of us. To say we miss you is to undermine everything you meant to us. We will eventually stop crying but we will never forget.

As we celebrate your birthday today, we draw strength from the beautiful life you lived and that you are finally home for good. Happy birthday NwanyiOma! I know heaven is filled with so much Joy for you.

You can read more tributes in memory of this angel here http://www.forevermissed.com/joy-chiedozie-joy-joy-girl-allison/lifestory#stories

NIGERIA'S ALIKO DANGOTE IS 64TH MOST POWERFUL MAN IN THE WORLD

 

Just so you know, he was the only black man and African on the list. (except of course for Barrack Obama and Mohammed Ibrahim), So this not a mere feat for our own Aliko Dangote who was yesterday listed as the 64th most powerful person in the world.

 

The publication compiled by Forbes released pitched the Nigerian Business mogul in the 64th position in a list of 72. The publication lists Aliko’s net worth as $ 16.1 Billion which makes him the richest man in Africa.

MEET ZURIEL ODUWOLE, THE NIGERIAN WONDER GIRL BREAKING RECORDS

 

When her peers are busy trying to find their voices, this wonder girl has discovered her purpose at the tender age of 11. She is busy rebranding Africa by showing the positive things about the continent, and making the case for Girl Child education and development in Africa and Emerging Markets. Meet Zuriel Elsie Oduwole, award winning documentary film maker, conference speaker and writer that is taking the African continent and the world by storm.

TWO NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS EMERGE WINNERS AT THE 2013 CNN/MULTICHOICE AFRICAN JOURNALISTS AWARDS



Tolu Ogunlesi & Dr. Susan Mboya
(President, Coca-Cola Africa Foundation)

Two Nigerian journalists Toyosi Ogunseye and Tolu Ogunlesi emerged winners at the CNN/Multichoice African Journalist of the Year Awards which held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, CTICC. It was the 18th in the series of the yearly event.

The two winners are Sunday Punch Editor, Tolu Ogunlesi, a freelance journalist for Ventures Africa, Nigeria, who won in the Coca-Cola Company, Economics and Biz Awards category and Toyosi Ogunseye, who won in the UNICEF-sponsored Environment Category.

Tolu Ogunlesi’s story was an investigative report on the Eko Atlantic City, a mammoth new development on the coastline of Lagos. He dedicated the awards to the millions of down-trodden people in Nigeria and around the world. He dedicated his award to the millions of down-trodden Nigerians and people around the world.



Toyosi Ogunseye & Steven Allen
(Regional Director, UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa)

Toyosi Ogunseye’s story, “The Rich Also Cry”, focused on pollution in an estate in Lagos where gaseous metal had created very serious medical challenges.

The top prize went to Msindisi Fengu and Yandisa Monakali from South Africa and their story was on a students’ hostel which looked like prison cells in South Africa. Other freelance journalists who won awards were Noicola de Chaud, won with a documentary in the Culture Category and Florence Dallu in the Radio General News Category. All the 16 winners were selected from over 1,400 entries.

TWO UNIILORIN STUDENTS CONSTRUCT AN AIRCRAFT PROTOTYPE

Ali David and Patrick Effiong, two final year students of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ilorin, have constructed an aircraft prototype. The duo told journalists in Ilorin that they had nurtured the passion to construct the aircraft when they were in 100 level, adding that it was now their final year project.

Mr. David noted that many of his colleagues were skeptical when they first broached the subject, adding that they were not deterred by the challenges they faced.

“What we are actually working on is a machine that will lift up itself through the law of aerodynamics and having an engine, a propeller and the fuselage,” he added.

Mr. Effiong, on his part, said: “With some of our lecturers backing us, we were motivated; we decided that we can carry out the construction.

Also speaking with newsmen, the project supervisor, Tajudeen Ajiboye, said the students had demonstrated a high level of intellectualism in spite of the challenges they faced.

Mr. Ajiboye, who said the students were faced with the problems of materials and manpower at the initial stage, commended them for their tenacity to accomplish the project.

LOVING GOODLUCK AND HATING JONATHAN

One of the beauties of democracy is that it gives everyone the right or should I say the opportunity to air their views. And you have to give it to Nigerians when it comes to saying what is on their mind. Most times they pay little attention to whether it is harmful or achieves the desired result or not.

It is a common phenomenon now for Nigerians to use democracy as a means of insulting and demeaning others, all in the name of freedom of expression. The combination of unemployment and social media can be a very destructive mechanism. The meaning of 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop' is if you don't focus your mind on something productive it's easy for hateful thoughts to fill your head. People who have nothing worthwhile to think about will usually think of something bad to do or for someone to blame for their situation.

Last year, Goodluck Jonathan set the world record for becoming the most cursed president ever. Thanks to all the wonderful people who expressed their freedom of speech on his social media page. Just imagine how tormenting it is to please a hundred and fifty thousand people not to talk of that number multiplied by one thousand; everyone with his or her own demands and expectations. That is clearly not an easy task for anyone not even when your name happens to be good luck.

If you happen to have stumbled on the president's facebook or twitter page, you will be amazed. More than half the people who throw expletives at whoever is in charge of that account (I doubt if Jonathan sees any of those garbage) are clueless as to what is going on in the country. Empty vessels do make the loudest of noise. Sometimes I wonder if the beef is of personal or national interest.

Do you ever think of what those harsh words and comments you make achieve in the end? I will tell you free of charge that it achieves nothing. Firstly, it doesn't make the President any better; he will keep acting like the leader you portray him as.

I suppose it's the same situation between us and those under us. If you have been privileged to lead at any capacity before, there is a possibility that you must have been a victim of unsatisfied subordinates. We can't even brag about meeting people's expectations of us because we disappoint them once in a while. It is hard to please everybody, don't even try.

It is funny how you are criticizing the actions of those above you while those below you are not faring better under your leadership. And the chain keeps going on and on. Okay, am sounding like a preacher now. The purpose of this article is simply to urge you to pray for the President, so that your life will be blessed and the country will flourish.

To be honest, am not in support of irresponsible leadership but I have never heard of a country where insults have made their leaders more responsible. When we say positive things about people, doesn't it affect them in the end? I should think so.

Okay, what is the solution for all the irresponsible leadership that this country is bedeviled with? The Bible exhorts us to pray for those in leadership over us, indicating that our own personal well being is tied to praying for our leaders. You don't need anyone to tell you that prayers for our leaders will make more positive impact in the country than curses. 

It sounds weird to ask you to just watch and pray right? Well, I will proffer another solution when I find anything more powerful than prayers.

SEEING THROUGH THE EYES OF GOD

I have been extremely excited for a while now and I wish I can tell you why. But not to worry, I will fill you in maybe in another year or two at the appropriate time. Meanwhile, something equally interesting happened somewhere else which I will tell you immediately. Actually, the story I am about to tell you now is more important to you than the former, and this is how it goes.

A prominent golfer Chextah Woods was invited by the Sheikh of an oil-rich country to participate in this charity golf event. The golfer jumped at accepted the invite, and was flown in for the event in the Sheikh’s private jet. The event was very successful and the Sheikh had a good time with the golfer (ermmm….It’s not what you are thinking oh). So when it was time for the golfer to return, the Sheikh informed him that it was part of their bigz boyz custom to always give a parting gift to their guests.

The golfer declined the offer can you imagine informing the Sheikh that he had been a gracious host and that he has had a terrific time (still not what you think) hence he couldn’t ask for anything more. The Sheikh insisted on giving the golfer something that will make him remember his visit. When the golfer realized that the Sheikh was unwavering, he said, "Okay, fine. I am a collector of golf clubs. Just give me a nice golf club". The Sheikh agreed to make the golf club available the moment he got back home.

So the golfer boarded the Sheikh’s private jet and on his flight back home, he couldn't help wondering what kind of golf club the Sheikh might give him (based on his performance). He imagined that it might be solid gold or diamond studded (It’s oil-rich Sheikh we are talking about here).

When the golfer got back home, he kept expecting the moment his golf club will arrive. Finally, several weeks later, he received a certified letter from the Sheikh. The golfer thought that rather strange (Okay, maybe it’s what you have been thinking) and kept wondering where the golf club was. Then he opened the envelope (ghen! ghen!!), and to his astonishment (It was not what you thought), inside it was a deed to a five-hundred-acre golf course. Apparently, the Sheikh didn’t believe such a prominent golfer would only ask for a mere golf club. He assumed it must be an entire golf club. Oh lord let all the Sheikhs responsible for my breakthrough locate me….prayer!

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the truth. Much of your happiness in life depends on how you think God values you. Sadly, many of us have an erroneous idea of God's opinion of us. We base it on what we've been taught, our bad experiences in life, and many other assumptions. We may think God is frustrated in us or that we will never measure up. We may even believe God is angry with us because no matter how much we try, we can't seem to stop disappointing him.

It is very important to know how God sees you, what he thinks of you, and what his desires are for you. The fact is that until you recognize in your heart that God really does hold you in very high esteem, it's going to be difficult to believe his promises for you. You keep singing “I have a very big God oh, who is always by my side” yet you imagine that all he can do is to put food on the table and meet your petty desires. All because you have not realized that you hold the master key to the door of your life.

Until you realize that in the eyes of God you are valuable whether you have 100,000 followers on twitter or not, you will keep settling for less and accepting everything that people life throws at you. So this is the thing, you have to start seeing yourself through the eyes of God and reap the benefits of being his Paddy friend. But here is the twist, it's not enough to just lie down and assume you will get all you desire from God, you have to be willing to prove your mettle. Remember, the golfer got a golf club because the Sheikh had a good time.

And lastly, the day you start seeing yourself through God's eyes, people's negative views and opinions about you will not count or at best matter less’ simply because in the eyes of God, you have everything.