53 reasons why Nigeria is not there yet

Things will eventually look up in Nigeria, maybe tomorrow or the day after that. But know that it will come someday. Our better day will come eventually.

Taking a peek into history, the name Nigeria was coined by Miss Flora Shaw from the Niger River. Nigeria was colonised by Britain in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Nigeria became a sovereign state on the 1st of October 1960 and became a republic three years later. However 53 years of our own self rule has been characterised with both military and civilian rule.

After all these years, we can all agree on one point, namely; that our dear country is still struggling. Many a cartoonist has captured this scenario in apt imagery of a giant with the lower limbs of a toddler. We have been asking why, and for the days to come, I foresee a lot more “whys” popping up. After all, our philosophy brothers say, the question is more important than the answers!

I have added my own voice to the whys, but I just did not stop there. I have found fifty-three reasons why we have not arrived at the “model-state” level in our democracy. The list is not exhaustive, but I find these contents very disturbing. I shall only throw more lights on a few, the rest is food for thought.

Now to the 53 reasons why Nigeria is not there yet: 

1. Corruption

2. Religious crisis

3. Terrorism

4. Neo-patrimonialism

5. Prebendalism Patron - clientelism.

6. Devaluation of our currency

7. Years of Martial Rule

8. Failed democracy

9. Examination malpractice

10. Ignorance of our fundamental rights

11. Party politics

12. Educational problem

13. Misappropriation of public fund

14. Dishonesty

15. Security problem

16. Poor road network

17. High rate of unemployment

18. Power failure

20. Poor Health policy

21. Money oriented ministers of God

22. Kidnapping

23. Inadequate disposition of information

24. Failure to get and respect public opinion

25. High cost of running the government

26. Poor transport service

27. Inadequate adaptation of Science and Technology

28. Election malpractice

29. Over-dependence on government

30. Infrastructural decay

 31. Lack of innovation over reliance on foreign products.

32. Misplaced priorities

33. Lack of management skills at the top

34. Ethnic differences

35. Over-dependence on crude oil

36. Division of the state

37. Administrative incompetence

38. Unequal allocation of revenue to states

39. Food scarcity

40. Women trafficking

41. Inappropriate taxation

42. Fraud

43. High rate of illiteracy

44. Witchcraft and black powers

45. Emigration of Nigeria's best brains to other countries

46. Cultism

47. Child labour

48. Incessant industrial action strikes.

49. Punctuality problem

50. Judicial independence

51. Inflation

52. Patriotism problem

53. Less prayers

To elucidate briefly on these reasons, it is pertinent to note that some of the setbacks inter-relate. You may jolly well forgive me for that for some of the problems needed to be specifically mentioned.

The foundation of the Nation's problem is corruption; it is an abuse of position of trust in order to gain an undue advantage or willing to act dishonestly in return for money. Corruption has ravaged the whole system, it’s a global issue but its rate in Nigeria is unexplainable, is one thing for a state to be filled with corruption but willing to work towards perfection but it’s another thing altogether for a state to have corruption as a tradition. Some of the fore listed setbacks flow directly from corruption.

The government has in no small measure failed to meet its primary responsibility which entails provision of basic amenities such as electricity, good roads, education, health facilities, security, food, shelter to mention but a few. More policies are needed in this direction.

Religious problems has also weakened our development strength, religious groups that ought to be role models to the society seems to have lost focus. It is disheartening that our religious groups are responsible for the unrest that has taken thousands of lives in the country, instead of them to be preachers of peace. Our churches are now money-oriented places and pastors are now owners of private jets, expensive schools that are beyond the reach of the common man.

The rate of unemployment in the country is about 23.9%, the high level of unemployment has led to so many anti social activities including terrorism, kidnapping, fraud, cultism. It is written that an idle mind is the devils workshop. Nigeria has failed in practising true democracy, according to Abraham Lincoln democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. The sovereignty of every nation resides on the people but in Nigeria it is on the ruling class, with recurrent election malpractice, party politics, prebendalism (godfatherism). Thus jeopardising the doctrine of sallus populus est suprema lex (the welfare of the people is the supreme law).

Other pertinent issues include independence of the judiciary, where the third arm of government is not independently free to make court decisions because they are appointed by the executive arm and ratified by the legislative arm.

Furthermore, high cost of running the government, Nigerian law makers are the highest earners in the world with about 240 million naira per annum in the upper champers and 204 million naira in the lower chambers. The president with large cabinet and even the first lady who has no constitutional recognition gets paid heavily.

Now to the problem arising from the citizens, Firstly ignorance of our fundamental rights embodied in the constitution (chapter 4 sections 33-46). A vast majority of the people are not conversant with their constitutional rights and the few that are aware of these rights still shy away from taking legal action when they are infringed upon.

Secondly over dependence on the government for everything, even those within our capabilities because of the mentality that everything should be handled by the government.

Thirdly, lack of innovative ideas which leads to over reliance on foreign products has been the bane of the Nigerian government. It’s my favourite cliché that ''there is nothing wrong in Nigeria that cannot be corrected with something right in Nigeria.''

Nigeria is 53 today. Take a pause and ask yourself this question, is Nigeria a failed nation at 53 or is it that we the leadership that has failed? This question should be answered in the negative. As a growing nation, it will be reasonable to observe that the country is not yet at the stage of comatose on the grounds that government compositions are still at least functioning. Furthermore, the leadership of the nation is not completely a failure, they are doing their best but just maybe their best is not good enough for the day.

To have a better Nigeria we all dream about, corruption should be eradicated or reduced to its lowest, running cost of the government should be slashed down by 50%, equal attention should be given to other sectors of the economy, most importantly enhancement of human resources, Nigerians should also possess the right mindset towards its growth, that of good and not of evil and finally prayers for the nation should be offered continually.

CBN bans forex in Nigeria

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has banned the importation of the United States Dollar, among other foreign currencies, into the country as part of its monetary policy reforms.

The bank disclosed this in a statement issued on the country's new monetary guideline.

Dr Sarah Alade, the Deputy Governor, Economic Policy at CBN, said the move was aimed at saving the local currency and the economy from “external threats and dominance.”

“In its determination to save the Naira and the Nigerian economy from external threats and dominance, the CBN has banned the importation of all foreign currencies, except with the approval of the CBN,” she stated.

The latest move is sequel to the bank’s withdrawal of the operating licences of 20 Bureaux de Change (BDC) found to have purchased and sold huge sums of United States Dollars with no documentation to show details of the transactions.

Alade said the bank was worried about the existence of strong foreign exchange demand pressures from domestic sources, which were not necessarily linked to increase in the import of goods and services.

She said the management of the CBN also observed the surge in dollar cash importation by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and the huge cash sale of the dollar to the BDCs by the DMBs.

Alade said if the trend was not contained, it could pose “grave threats” to the value of the Naira as well as the Nigerian economy, which she said had gradually become “dollarised.”

CBN earlier this week directed all banks in the country to pay all foreign exchange transfers such a MoneyGram, AfriCash and Western Union in the local currency. 

250 000 jobs to be created in Katsina

Katsina - The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is to create 250 000 direct and indirect new jobs in Katsina State from 2013 to 2015.

The SMEDAN Director-General, Bature Masari, said this on Wednesday in Katsina when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Ibrahim Shema.

He said that the jobs would be created under the National Enterprises Development Programme (NEDEP).

Masari said that SMEDAN would conduct a 'Needs Assessment' in all the 34 Local Government Areas of the state to identify products of comparative advantage that could be developed and processed for sale.

He said that SMEDAN would also partner the state government to establish mini-industrial parks that could accommodate a minimum of 50 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Masari said that another micro-credit system would be established to ease access to finance through collaboration with the Bank of Industry.

He said this would assist to create rural industrialisation, reduce poverty, create jobs and enhance the living conditions of the populace.

According to him, a survey conducted by SMEDAN and Bureau for Statistics in 2010 revealed that only 17.2 million micro, small and medium enterprises existed in the country and provided jobs for 32 million Nigerians.

The governor said that the objectives of SMEDAN were in line with the policy of the current administration in the state.

Shema assured that the state government would provide all the funds for the programmes for the benefit of people of the state.

He said that government would continue to expand its skills acquisition programmes to make unemployed people to be self-reliant. 

Five Careers That Aren't Going Away

LIFE TIME CAREERS

Unless you've got a rich uncle or plan on winning the Lottery, you need your career to last a while. Decades would be nice. And for that to happen you have to find a career that will actually be needed decades from now. But what types of careers are those?

For staying power, think careers that are ingrained in our society's infrastructure, says Deb Hornell, a business and management consultant with 25 years of experience.

"These are jobs that are needed for society to function and thrive," she says. Jobs like nurse, police officer, and even software developer make the list.

Wondering what other careers will likely be around for your lifetime, and your kids'? Keep reading to learn about five jobs that aren't going away.

Everlasting Career #1: Registered Nurse

Projected Job Growth 2010 to 2020: 26 percent, with 711,900 new job opportunities.*

Let's face it, we humans aren't exactly perfect. Unlike the Man of Steel, we get sick, injured, old - and that's with routine check-ups. So the occupation of registered nurse is not only a noble calling, but one that will be needed for the foreseeable future, says Hornell.

And it's not all drawing blood and patching up wounds. Nurses also consult with doctors on patient care and management, help perform diagnostic tests, educate families and patients on health, and even provide emotional support in times of need, says the U.S. Department of Labor.

Why It's Everlasting: "There will always be a need for personal care in medicine, no matter how sophisticated medicine gets," says Hornell. And nursing is a very hands-on profession, she says, one that no amount of technology will be able to replace in full.

No wonder the Department of Labor says that not only will registered nurses' job prospects be "excellent," but they are number one on the list of the Department's list of occupations with the largest numeric growth projected from 2010-2020. That's a healthy prognosis.

NEXT STEP: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.

Education Options: The Department of Labor says there are three educational paths prospective nurses follow: a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN), an associate's in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. They must also be licensed.

Everlasting Career #2: Police Officer

Projected Job Growth 2010 to 2020: 8 percent, with 54,600 new job opportunities.*

Unfortunately, we do not live in Shangri-La; crime happens. So until human nature changes a whole lot and we all turn into Good Samaritans, Hornell says we'll need law enforcement and police officers.

But despite what you may see on TV, police work is not all high-speed chases and shootouts. Yes, they give tickets, patrol areas, and arrest bad guys, says the U.S. Department of Labor. They also write detailed reports (the infamous paperwork TV cops always complain about), prepare cases, testify in court, and even give first aid to accident victims.

Why It's Everlasting: "Being a police officer is a very tough job, so these are people for whom it's a calling. It's part of their moral fiber, and that's good, because we will always need them," says Hornell.

She says public safety is always high on the [government's] list of priorities, so this job will never be cut out of society.

NEXT STEP: Click to Find the Right Criminal Justice Program.

Education Options: Police officers must have a high school diploma and graduate from their department's training academy, the Department of Labor says. In addition, many agencies may require some college or a college degree. The Department also says that many colleges have programs in criminal justice.

Everlasting Career #3: Elementary School Teacher

Projected Job Growth 2010 to 2020: 17 percent, with 248,800 new job opportunities.*

As much as some of our dilapidated public schools might suggest it, as a society, we really don't want dumb kids. In fact, education will always be a primary - if underfunded - part of the American infrastructure, says Hornell. So we will always need teachers.

Elementary school teachers do everything from making lesson plans to preparing students for standardized tests to helping individual pupils challenge themselves to gain new skills, says the U.S. Department of Labor. There's also a bit of disciplinary action, as the Department says they enforce classroom rules to teach kids proper behavior. We all remember that.

Why It's Everlasting: "There is a correlation between success in reading in the early grade levels and high school graduation rates and college graduation rates," says Hornell. "So elementary teachers are vital to give kids a strong foundation in learning and success in the early grades. So teachers will always be needed."

And the U.S. Department of Labor says because of the significant number of older teachers reaching retirement age, between 2010 to 2020, the coming years will see new openings for the next generation of teachers.

NEXT STEP: Click to Find the Right Elementary Education Program.

Education Options: Elementary (and kindergarten) teachers must have a bachelor's degree in elementary education and be licensed if they want to teach in public schools, says the Department of Labor. Other requirements vary by state, some of which might require a bachelor's degree in the subject taught, such as math or science.

Everlasting Career #4: Accountant

Projected Job Growth 2010 to 2020: 16 percent, with 190,700 new job opportunities.*

As long as there's a monetary system, there will be a need to keep track of income and expenses. And you know what they say about death and taxes. So count on accountants being around for the duration, says Hornell.

Accountants do a variety of things to help individuals and organizations, such as examine financial records, prepare taxes, and recommend cost-reducing strategies, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Why It's Everlasting: "Accountant may not be the sexiest of jobs, but it's absolutely essential to business. And my sense is that, after some of the scandals that have happened over the last 10 or 15 years, and people being attuned to our businesses being ethical, the need for ethical accounting is very important to businesses," says Hornell.

She adds that the occupation of accountant is part of an essential "economic infrastructure," and therefore will always be needed in our society.

NEXT STEP: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.

Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, most accountant jobs require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.

Everlasting Career #5: Software Developer

Projected Job Growth 2010 to 2020: 30 percent, with 270,900 new job opportunities.*

When was the last time you got through an entire day without interfacing with something that used computer software? In fact, how about a single hour? The fact is, computers are now key to just about every segment of society, from the register that rang up your morning Starbuck's to the smartphone you used to Tweet how good it was.

Software developers are the creative minds behind those programs and apps, says the U.S. Department of Labor. They analyze people's needs, then design and test computer software to meet them, says the Department of Labor. I guess that means we actually needed talking phones and the ability to know what Paris Hilton was up to every four minutes.

Why It's Everlasting: "This is another infrastructure job, from the standpoint of technology. It's part of the foundation of our society and so it will always be in demand." says Hornell.

The Department says that mobile technology, the health care industry, and concerns over cyber security will all result in the need for more programs to be developed. It all spells an increasing demand for software developers.

NEXT STEP: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.

Education Options: The Department of Labor says that software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. Mathematics is also acceptable, they say.

ASUU strike: An appeal to politicians to help!

Is the Honourable Minister of Finance, the Federal Executive Council, The House of Assembly and The Presidency aware of what trouble they are creating by keeping Nigerian University students out of classes for months?

I don't really think so... It hurts me that the Minister of Finance, who has a Ph.d in Economics, would not drop politics and be factual, knowing the effects of government's spending in the lives of Nigerian University students by giving them quality university education! She makes me ashamed to call myself a student of economics. 



I seriously hope she'll have the confidence to tell the Presidency the truth because thousands of idle minded youths who are university students and have an educated creative minds could wake up one morning and offer their creative minds to crime and evil.

In a time where insecurity is a major issue in the country it's highly unwise of the Jonathan-led government to allow Nigerian University students toroam around idle in frustration... I hope this message gets to those I've mentioned, I hope it does!

PDP faction not registered with INEC – expert

Abuja - A faction established within the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has not been registered by the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC), a prominent legal practitioner said.

In the interview on Channels Television programme Sunrise Daily, George Eke confirmed the faction had not been registered with INEC.

“You don’t become a party by press conference,” he said.


He also said the governors who formed a faction within the PDP did so without consulting President Goodluck Jonathan.

Eke went on to praise former president Olusegun Obansanjo for meeting President Jonathan with the aim of resolving the ongoing PDP crisis.

The crisis within the ruling party is a family crisis that can be resolved, Eke said suggesting the PDP should set up a system to monitor its members and their activities.

New Music Video in London by Wizkid

Singer Wizkid is back in the UK, stopping in London to shoot a new music video.

The video was shot by familiar visuals collaborator Mr Moe Musa and styled by Toyin Lawani ofTiannah Styling.

Although the Star Boy boss has been releasing new material almost every week, the anticipation for his second studio album remains at an all time high.

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God Ordained Jonathan says Enang

"President Goodluck Jonathan is constitutionally qualified to seek re-election in 2015," the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, 

The remark was made by Enang, (PDP-Akwa-Ibom, North East), during his meeting with the Akwa Ibom State students in the Nigeria Law School (Abuja Campus).

According to him, Nigerians should continue to support Jonathan if he decides to go for re-election in 2015.

"Without being biased, God has ordained Goodluck Jonathan to be the President of the country at this time.

Therefore, we need to give him all the support he desires and deserves until he seeks another term.

I am praying that if Jonathan seeks a second term, we should all rise up and support him because it is his right to seek a second term.

It is provided for in the constitution and when he seeks, we will encourage the party (PDP) to support him, he will win and then he will go ahead to win the national election," he said.

Enang urged the law students to look beyond the traditional aspects of legal practice and venture into new areas such as legislative procedures and legislative drafting.

He urged them to keep themselves abreast of the level of performance of the various arms of government.

"Legal practice has gone beyond issues of land and contract. There are new frontiers such as legislative procedure and legislative drafting on the preparation of bills and motions in the legislature.

Take special interest in the affairs of this country and don’t concentrate on the existing areas of practice. Explore new areas which will make you versatile and relevant," Enang added.

The leader of the delegation, Mr Alphonsus Okon, commended Enang for sustaining the annual assistance and encouragement to aspiring lawyers of Akwa Ibom extraction.

Okon urged the other politicians to emulate Enang’s passion for service to the people judging by his performance in the National Assembly.

"We urge other Akwa Ibom lawmakers and politicians to emulate your (Enang’s) capacity to share with and serve the people from the depth of your heart.

We are not happy that others have decided to cage the wealth of the nation in their private safes without any care for the people they are representing," he said.
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MULTI-MILLIONAIRES NIGERIANS

To make wealth is an achievement; the way it is spent is style.

In most cases, successful individuals who have created wealth through wise and diligent investments in business hardly squander their money. They usually prefer to reinvest their capital, including the accrued profit over the years, into their businesses to increase their asset base and level of affluence.

The tendency, therefore, is that the richer they are, the more their business interests expand. In line with this corporate tradition, the rich investors get richer and, when they spend, they do so in a big way worthy of mention. This is because of the extensive attention attracted by their rare wherewithal and will to spend, including doling out money on humanitarian grounds. Among Nigeria’s privileged people are:

Aliko Dangote

Nigerian business tycoon Aliko Dangote is the richest man in Africa. He is the founder, Dangote Group, West Africa’s largest publicly listed conglomerate with diverse business interests such as sugar refining, flour milling, textiles, real estate and salt processing. Dangote Cement, Dangote Foods (noodles) and Dansa Juice complete the chain. His total net worth is about $16.1 as at March 2013.

Dangote spends money in philanthropic activities. He has stepped up his philanthropy in recent years, giving over $100 million to causes ranging from education and health through flood relief, poverty alleviation to the arts. He acquired a private jet in April 2010 as a personal gift on the occasion of his 53rd birthday. The Bombardier Global Jet Express XRS (one out of a few) was estimated to cost $45 million. Dangote is also said to have purchased a private luxury yatch at the cost of $43 million made exclusively for his enjoyment. The yatch is named Mariya after his mother.

Mike Adenuga

Otunba Mike Adenuga built his fortune in business from banking, mobile telecom service and oil. He founded Globacom, now Nigeria’s second largest mobile phone network, in 2006. Globacom has more than 24 million subscribers in Nigeria, and also operates in the Republic of Benin. Adenuga made his first fortune at the young age of 26 in the 1970s by distributing lace and other materials. He later had another opportunity to expand his fortune during the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida when he was awarded a contract for the construction of military barracks in some military installations in the country. He is presently worth $4.7 billion, thus justifying him as one of Nigeria’s super-rich businessmen.

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Adenuga is a philanthropist who spends a lot of money on selfless activities aimed at bringing succour and assistance to less-privileged people. Adenuga also takes his philanthropic goodwill to the area of sports development in Nigeria and Africa through his selfless investments in sports.  His demonstration of philanthropic largesse cuts across sponsorship of Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and the Super Eagles. This was one of the points highlighted by President Goodluck Jonathan at his (Adenuga’s) 60th birthday. “You are celebrating 60 years of a remarkable life filled with monumental achievements in high entrepreneurship, philanthropy and dedicated service to God and country,” the president said.

Similarly, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Mr Issah Hayatou, used the occasion of Adenuga’s birthday celebration to appreciate his contributions to the society. He recognised that Adenuga had not only affected Africa positively through his accomplishments in business but has also been the pillar of sports on the continent.

Adenuga loves spending money on what gives him joy. It could be said that, partly for this reason, he acquired a private Bombardier Global Express jet, fitted with the latest flight facilities. It is one of the most luxuriously built private jets in the world, just like that of Dangote. 

Jim Ovia

Jim Ovia started building his fortunes when he founded Zenith Bank Group in 1990. The bank has grown to become West Africa’s second largest financial service provider by market capitalisation and asset base. His sources of wealth are banking, telecommunication and real estate investment.

He also owns Quantum Luxury Properties Limited, a private equity fund with special focus on Africa. Ovia’s total net worth is about $825 million.

He has embarked on the establishment of a free, co-educational high school, James Hope College, in Delta State, the place where he pondered his future as a young man. The school, an 18-month project, launches in September with an initial capacity for 420 students. He is also the founder of Mankind United To Support Total Education (MUSTE), an organisation providing scholarships for the underprivileged.

Abdussamad Rabiu

Lagos-based business tycoon Abdulsamad Rabiu is a son of Khalifa Isiyaku Rabiu, one of Nigeria’s most successful businessmen in the 1970s. Little wonder therefore that he followed in his father’s footsteps in business with interest in importing basic commodities such as rice, sugar and cement in the 1980s.

Abdussamad heads the BUA Group, a conglomerate with $1.9 billion in revenues and interests in sugar refining, vegetable oil processing and flour mills. The BUA Group also operates the BUA Cement, Nigeria’s first floating cement terminal, as well as Nigerian Oil Mill which processes edible oil. According to Forbes magazine report, he is the 21st richest African and is worth $675 million.

Folorunsho Alakija

Billionaire oil tycoon, fashion designer and philanthropist, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija is worth at least $3.3 billion against a recent Forbes’ rating which quoted her net worth as $600 million. She began her professional career in the 1970s as secretary of defunct International Merchant Bank of Nigeria, one of the country’s earliest investment banks.

In the early 1980s when banking was seen as one of the most lucrative jobs, she took a bold step towards realisation of her personal dreams by quitting her job in the bank to study Fashion Design in England. She returned to Nigeria a few years later to establish Supreme Stitches, a high-profile fashion firm which provides special services to exclusive clientele. She also founded Rose of Sharon Foundation, a charity organisation.

This fashion design business led her into fortune. She was in a position to make and sell high-level clothing to the fashionable wives of some military big shots and other society women.

In May 1993, Mrs Alakija set out for oil business. It was then she applied for an allocation of oil prospecting licence (OPL) to explore 617,000-acre block granted to her company, Famfa Oil Limited. However, at that time, she had no experience in oil exploration -- she was just a new entrant in the business.

Also, Mrs Alakija is widely reported to own a private jet, Bombardier Global Express 6000 which cost about $46 million, added to acquisition of a property at Hyde Park. This is one of the ways she spends her wealth, which gives her happiness. Furthermore, she is a philanthropist who derives joy in giving assistance to widows and other less-privileged in society.

Tony Elumelu

Mr Tony Elumelu (CON) was born in Jos on March 22, 1963. He is a renowned economist, banker, investor and generous philanthropist. Elumelu is a recognised African leader in corporate business. After leading United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc to a higher level with the acquisition of Standard Trust Bank (STB) during the consolidation of the banking industry in 2005, he retired from the management of UBA in July 2010.

On establishment of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he stated the foundation’s objective as to “prove that the African private sector can itself be primary generator of economic development”. Among the roles of the foundation are deployment of resources to generate reliable solutions to the business constraints that derail and clog the growth of business in the private sector in Africa.

Moreover, Elumelu ploughs a lot of resources in philanthropic activities. Apart from the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he was also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Regional Agenda Council on Africa. He is also part of the Bretton Woods Committee which brings leaders in the global banking industry together. Voluntary development of human capital is one of the cherished interests where Elumelu spends his wealth. He also partners with the Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative (AGI) with high focus on strengthening the role of the private sector in economic transformation policies of some African countries. This partnership is named Blair-Elumelu Fellowship Programme.

Elumelu, the originator of the concept of Africapitalism as an economic philosophy that reflects the commitment of players in the private sector towards the economic transformation of Africa through long-term investment, is a consummate patriot with a full-blown obsession for how he can make his country and continent a better part of the world.

Interest in paying family hospital bills, unpaid school fees, providing for families who cannot provide their needs -- all form part of what Elumelu does through his catalytic philanthropic method of assisting human beings within the shores of Nigeria and Africa.

Hajiya Bola Shagaya

Hajiya Bola Shagaya is hailed as one of Nigeria’s richest businesswomen. She is the CEO of Bolmus International Limited. She has interests in several sectors ranging from oil and gas, banking, cash crops export, real estate, fast-moving consumer goods and photography.

She has been a very influential figure in Nigeria’s corridors of power for decades and has excelled in a society where the role of women has been restricted traditionally. Her rise to affluence and power is not attributed to parental or marital influence. This woman of means has skilfully built her network and wealth from a humble background, and has proven herself as an outstanding power broker with impressive entrepreneurial skills.

In the manner of an astute entrepreneur, she saw opportunities in the populous image-conscious Nigerian market, prompting the expansion of her Konica marketing operations to photo laboratory services; that was the birth of another of her companies – Fotofair (Nigeria) Limited. Today, Fotofair is a leading photo laboratory company in Nigeria with over 30 laboratories spread across the nation.

Hajiya, as she is fondly called, has impressively carved her path in the sixth-largest oil producer’s oil and gas sector. As far back as the late 1980s, during the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida-led military administration, she had steered her oil and gas company through the highly connected and contested Nigerian oil and gas sector to secure allocations for oil blocks. Thus began her reign as an indigenous oil marketer.

Around 2005, she became the managing director of Practoil Limited and, in 2011, she founded another exploration company, Voyage Oil and Gas Limited.

Shagaya, who is of Yoruba extraction, a tribe distinguished as party enthusiasts of the over 200 tribes in Nigeria, often attends the biggest social events dressed in “anko” with Nigeria’s first ladies -- a local practice of Nigerian women indicating bosom friendship by wearing the same traditional attire especially to social functions.

The one-time patron of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) is a collector and retailer of the finest and most exquisite jewelleries from different fashion capitals of the world. “I love fashion, artworks and beautification endeavours,” she said.

The graceful billionaire is not all about heavy-weight work. “I’m also a lover of sports, especially Polo”, she said. She has consistently supported Polo tournaments in Nigeria over the years.

Femi Otedola

Femi Otedola is the CEO of African Petroleum Plc. He was one of only two Nigerians (alongside Aliko Dangote) to appear on the 2009 Forbes list of 793 dollar-denominated billionaires in the world, with an estimated net worth of over US$1.2 billion. Femi Otedola is the Nigerian president and chief executive officer of Zenon Petroleum and Gas limited.

Forbes magazine estimates Femi Otedola’s net worth at $1.2 billion and ranks him as the 601st richest person in the world. According to Encomium magazine, Femi Otedola’s net worth is $3.5 billion.

He owns a private jet called Challenger Global 5000 and a yatch almost similar to Dangote’s named Nana after his wife.

Emeka Offor

Sir Emeka Offor, as he is often addressed rarely grants interviews, rather, he prefers his works, businesses and philanthropy to speak for him.

His multi-million business interest, Chrome Group, is a multifaceted organisation which originally started as an engineering outfit handling projects such as refinery maintenance, has today become by the grace of God, a conglomerate with diverse interests in Oil and Gas, Finance/Investments, Telecommunications, Insurance, Maritime, Destination Inspection, Real Estate and the Power Sector.

He once said in a newspaper interview that he is a son of a policeman, born in Kafanchan in Kaduna State. Offor is a goal-getter and founder of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, a platform through which he doles out millions of naira for philanthropic purposes.

A member of Rotary International and deeply involved in the 4 cardinal pursuits of the Rotary Foundation, which are; peace and Conflict Management, Maternal and Child Death, Basic Education and Literacy, and Polio and Guinea Worm Eradication. He has made an outstanding donation of 250,000 USD for Peace studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, $250,000 for Polio eradication; $250,000 for Guinea worm eradication; and another $250,000 for Women empowerment programmes in Nigeria. He was inducted into the Foundation Circle of the Arch Klumph Society of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, an honour reserved for individuals who have donated over $250,000 to its causes.  Through his Foundation, he has donated over $1 million, making him the highest donor from Africa.

This Anambra State-born politician and businessman has heavily invested in education. The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation is the largest single sponsor of Books For Africa, a non-profitable organization, bringing in over $10 million worth of books, computers and other educational materials to our national institutions of learning and public libraries. He was reported to have also used his money to enthrone a governor in his home state.

Andy Uba

Initially named Nnamdi Uba and currently a member of the National Assembly as a Senator of the Federal Republic, Senator Andy Uba is a member of the famous Uba family in Anambra State. He is stupendously rich and was reported to have declared his assets to be worth N3trillion though he denied ever doing so.

Uba has a lot of lucrative business interests and he is connected with a number of charity works via a Foundation.

Anna Ebiere Banner wins Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2013

A New MBGN Queen is HERE! 18 Year Old Anna Ebiere Banner wins Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2013 Title in Bayelsa

And the 2013 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria is… Anna Ebiere Banner.

Just a few minutes ago, the 18 year old aspiring beauty queen, representing Bayelsa state was crowned MBGN 2013. Anna will go against other beauty queens from around the world at the Miss World 2013 Finale in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The 26th edition of the pageantry took place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

The 1st runner-up 19 year old Stephanie Okwu representing Imo state, will represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe 2013  competition in Moscow, Russia while 20 year old Powede Lawrence representing Adamawa state, will represent Nigeria in the Miss Tourism 2013 competition.

Miss Universe – Stephanie Okwu

Miss Tourism – Powede Lawrence

A huge congratulations to all the winners!

FUNKE - FINALLY CONFIRMS SEPARATION!

After much comedy, volt-faced denial and humpty dumpty court threats, FUNKE AKINDELE FINALLY CONFIRMS MARRIAGE BREAK-UP!

May God continue to guide you in your bright and beautiful new life. Its takes courage to break free from bondage. Happiness is not sold in the market. You either choose to be great or grieve forever.

Neecee Entertainment Funke Akindele's management company has finally issued a statement. 

On behalf of our client, star. actress, Funke Akindele, we want to formally inform you that after due consultation and consideration, she has been separated from Kehinde Oloyede as his wife. 

She hereby urges her fans and all concerned to pray and wish her the best as she moves on in her career. 

Kindly note that this is the first and only official statement from Funke Akindele on the matter and will be glad if her wish is respected.

Real reason I stick to one wife–Obesere

Fuji star and president of Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), Abass Akande Obesere is moving against the grain in fujidom. Unlike his contemporaries who are married to over a dozen women, Obesere has been married to only one woman all is life and she is the mother of his five kids.

The singer revealed this much to The Entertainer in a chat recently, insisting that it was not his doing but God’s plan for him.

“It’s God that has done this and I know it is the way he wants it. I never vowed or went into a covenant with God that I would have only one wife so it has nothing to do with human wisdom but the grace of God.”
However, he is quick to add: “I have not said that I will not marry another wife but I don’t have any plan like that; I have never given it a thought.”

Fiji music is a genre that attracts women and besides his lyrics are obscene. How is he coping with the women?

“I use wisdom to manage them. It’s not every time you give the flesh what it is asking for. You have to be careful as an artiste the way you handle women.”

What if he impregnates a lady outside, would he reject the child?

“If God says yes, I will accept the child,” he says amid laughter, “I, Abass Akande Obesere cannot reject a child. And that is why I say in everything you do, always pray to God for wisdom and he will guide you. It then depends on the choices you make. All my children are abroad.”

So, how many kids does he have? “Yorubas say you don’t count your kids but I will tell you that they are five in number,” he reveals as we share another hearty laugh.

Controversy
One criticism that continues to trail the fuji star is his lewd lyrics which seem to contradict his religious beliefs since he claims to be a staunch Moslem and has been to Mecca a couple of times.
Justifying his music style, Obesere argues that he is just being professional and his religion should not restrict his profession.
“When you say you’re professional in whatever you do, you should be able to handle any occasion; that is my take. The occasion I am invited to determines the kind of music that I will play. I believe in myself and I know that I could always deliver no matter what is at stake. Now that’s what makes me a professional.
“That I am a Muslim and I go to Mecca does not mean I cannot play the kind of songs that I play. My religion cannot stand in the way of my profession; you can’t use that to judge me. It is the music that brings the money that takes me to Mecca and if God does not support it, I won’t be making so much money from it as to want to thank God in Mecca.”
To buttress his point, he argues: “You must note that if God does not accept what I am doing, there is no way I will be successful. He won’t give me the opportunity of going for Hajj. In 2006, I went for hajj. Believe me; the Arab people so much appreciated me. I am the only Nigerian artiste whose picture is at the Kabbah in Riyadh. When you get to Riyadh at the Kabbah, you will see my picture on a big poster. I’m the only artiste whose picture is there and it is because they appreciate me and my music.
“If God is not supporting what I am doing, He would have changed the minds of those whose idea it was to put my picture there in the first place. That means everything that I am doing is the wish of God.”

On Cossy Orjiakor
But for Obesere, we probably would never have heard about boobs star, Cossy Orjiakor. He talks about his relationship with her and how both of them met.
“We are still friends. It’s been long I saw her but I hear she is doing fine,” he volunteers.
Now that she is a singer, would he do a collabo with her?
“That is if she still wants it. I remember then that when she came to Bayowa as a green horn in those days, she came to Bayowa and told him that she wanted to be a star. And Bayowa told her that, ‘you want to be a star? Don’t worry; I am doing one of Abbas’ new jobs. When we want to start shooting the video, we will invite you. You have  what people need to notice and recognize you as a star’. Today, the rest is history.”

The impression in town is that Cossy is lose and immoral. But Obesere was close to her those days and knew her personally. How would he describe her?
“All I would say is that Cossy is a good girl. All those things she does on stage are strictly showbiz. Off the stage she is a different person. Only those close to her know this. She could be very shy and reserved. But when she is on stage she is a tigress and that’s what makes her a professional.”

Al-Mustapha Promoted to Brigadiers General

A yet to be confirmed report according to elombah.com has it that Major Hamza Al-Mustapha may have been Promoted to Brigadier General. The
Nigerian Army on Monday indicated that it would likely reinstate Maj. Al-Mustapha into the service following the dismissal of a murder suit against him.


Al-Mustapha, the former Chief security Officer to former head of state, late Gen. Sani Abacha, regained his freedom on Friday after 14 years in detention.
A Court of Appeal, sitting in Lagos, discharged and acquitted him over an alleged conspiracy and the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, on June 4, 1996.
The court had upturned a death sentence handed down on him on Jan. 30, 2013, by Justice Mojisola Dada, of a Lagos High Court.
The former CSO admitted to journalists that he was still in Army on Sunday during his reception by the Kano state government, a status he claimed the Appeal Court Judges also confirmed in their ruling.
The Nigerian Army has also confirmed the claims made by Major Hamza al-Mustpha that he is still personnel of the Nigerian Army.
Col. John Agim, Chief of Staff in the Directorate of the Army Public Relations told reporters: “With regards to Mustapha’s release, well, I want to confirm that he is still in the army.
“The case is going to be handled by the army administratively in line with the harmonised terms and conditions of service.’’
Thousands of people, including traders and commercial tricycle operators, thronged the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, to welcome Al-Mustapha on Sunday.