Pres. Goodluck Jonathan declares his Intent For The 2011 Presidential Race D

If you care, then read the speech he made yesterday 18th Sept, 2010, on the occasion of the declaration of his candidacy for the PDP Presidential primaries.


PROTOCOL

Forty months ago my predecessor in office and I embarked on a joint ticket in the governance of our great country, Nigeria. Sadly, he passed away on the 5th of May 2010.

MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE, AMEN.

With the death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, the mantle of leadership of our great nation fell on me. However, the days leading to my presidency were very trying times for our nation. We confronted those moments and their challenges to national security with patriotism and care. I appreciate the role played by the National Assembly, Governors, Civil Society groups, the mass media, and other patriotic Nigerians.

The late President Yar'Adua and I shared great dreams for our country. We toiled together to realize those dreams in order to justify the confidence Nigerians reposed in us. Together we swore to execute a joint mandate and today I come before you to make a pronouncement based on that undertaking.

The past four months that I have served as President of Nigeria have opened my eyes to the vast potentials of this office as a potent instrument for the transformation of our country. I discovered that by sheer willpower, I could end the long queues and price fluctuations in our petrol stations. Today, all our refineries are working, saving us huge amounts of funds spent on importation of petroleum products.

I discovered that by insisting that the right things be done, we could begin a turnaround in our power sector by involving the private sector in power generation and distribution. As you can see from the lower quantities of diesel that you are buying today, power generation has significantly improved.

I have put in place new gas policies and very soon, we will be saying goodbye to gas flaring in our oil fields. Working with the National Assembly, we rolled out a law that requires companies operating in the oil and gas sectors of our economy to utilize an appreciable percentage of their goods and services from local sources. We saw to it that normalcy began to return to the Niger Delta by ensuring government's fidelity to its promises, and this has helped to stabilize our national revenue.

In the last few months, I embarked on monumental projects in our road infrastructure to end the carnage on our federal highways. I began several projects to make our water resources available for drinking and farming. I targeted our educational system to return quality and competitiveness to them. I re-addressed our drive for self sufficiency in food production. I have taken bold steps to confront our security situation. In this regard, we are pursuing the revision of our laws to be more responsive to international conventions and more punitive to criminals.

I set the stage for free and fair elections by constituting an electoral commission comprising of Nigerians with impeccable credentials for firmness and incorruptibility. I charged our anti corruption agencies to speed up the war against corruption, and respect no sacred cows in the process. In the management of the economy, I advocated a more transparent banking industry, price stability, low inflation, and aggregate increase in productivity as a way to drive us to a more prosperous economy. In International Relations, I advanced the respectability accorded our country by effective engagement in global fora.

From the moment I was sworn in as President, I came under intense pressure to make a declaration concerning my political future, but declined to do so because it would have immediately distracted us from all the development initiatives we have accomplished so far.

As President and leader of this government, I decided not to place partisan politics above the immediate needs and priorities of our people. I therefore told Nigerians to give me time to concentrate on my work, and that at the appropriate time, I would make a public statement on my political future after widespread consultations.
Those consultations have now been concluded. The Independent National Electoral Commission has recently announced a time table for the 2011 general elections in the country. My party, the Peoples Democratic Party, has also published a timetable for its primaries.

In the circumstances and after a thorough self examination and prayers with my family, I, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan have decided to humbly offer myself as a candidate in the Presidential Primaries of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, in order to stand for the 2011 Presidential elections. I pledge once again to all the people of this nation that they will have a free and fair election, even as I stand to be a candidate. In this race, I have the honour to have as my running mate, Architect Namadi Sambo, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Our country is at the threshold of a new era; an era that beckons for a new kind of leadership; a leadership that is uncontaminated by the prejudices of the past; a leadership committed to change; a leadership that reinvents government, to solve the everyday problems that confront the average Nigerian.

I was not born rich, and in my youth, I never imagined that I would be where I am today, but not once did I ever give up. Not once did I imagine that a child from Otuoke, a small village in the Niger Delta, will one day rise to the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I was raised by my mother and father with just enough money to meet our daily needs.

In my early days in school, I had no shoes, no school bags. I carried my books in my hands but never despaired; no car to take me to school but I never despaired. There were days I had only one meal but I never despaired. I walked miles and crossed rivers to school every day but I never despaired. Didn't have power, didn't have generators, studied with lanterns but I never despaired.
In spite of these, I finished secondary school, attended the University of Port Harcourt, and now hold a doctorate degree.

Fellow Nigerians, if I could make it, you too can make it!

My story is the story of a young Nigerian whose access to education opened up vast opportunities that enabled me to attain my present position. As I travel up and down our country, I see a nation blessed by God with rich agricultural and mineral resources and an enterprising people. I see millions of Nigerians whose potentials for greatness are constrained by the lack of basic infrastructure.
I see Nigerians who can make a difference in the service of their country but are disadvantaged by the lack of opportunities.

My story symbolizes my dream for Nigeria. The dream that any Nigerian child from Kaura- Namoda to Duke town; from Potiskum to Nsukka, from Isale-Eko to Gboko will be able to realize his God-given potentials, unhindered by tribe or religion and unrestricted by improvised political inhibitions. My story holds out the promise of a new Nigeria. A Nigeria built on the virtues of love and respect for one another, on unity, on industry, on hardwork and on good governance.

My fellow Nigerians, this is what has brought me to Eagle Square today. I have come to say to all of you, that Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is the man you need to put Nigeria right. I have come to launch a campaign of ideas, not one of calumny. I have come to preach love, not hate. I have come to break you away from divisive tendencies of the past which have slowed our drive to true nationhood. I have no enemies to fight. You are all my friends and we share a common destiny.

Let the word go out from this Eagle Square that Jonathan as President in 2011 will herald a new era of transformation of our country; an era that will end the agony of power shortage in our country. Let the word go out from here that I will be for the students, teachers and parents of Nigeria, a President who will advance quality and competitive education. Let everyone in this country hear that I shall strive to the best of my ability to attain self sufficiency in food production.

Let the word go out that my plans for a Sovereign Wealth Fund with an initial capital of $1billion will begin the journey for an economic restoration. This restoration will provide new job opportunities and alleviate poverty. Let the word go out that our health sector will receive maximum priority in a new Jonathan administration, a priority that will ensure maximum health care and stop our brain drain.

Let all the kidnappers, criminal elements, and miscreants that give us a bad name be ready for the fight that I shall give them. Let the ordinary Nigerian be assured that President Jonathan will have zero tolerance for corruption. Let the international community hear that today I have offered myself to lead a country that will engage them in mutual respect and cooperation for the achievement of international peace and understanding.

To help me in these tasks effectively, I will re-train, revamp, and motivate the civil service.

My dear good people of Nigeria, I got here today by the power of God and the support of all Nigerians; all ethnic groups, North, South, East and West. I am here today because of your support and prayers. I want all of you to know that I am one of you and I will never let you down! I want you to know that I will keep hope alive; I want you to know that your time has come.

I stand before you today, humbly seeking your support for me, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, to run for the office of the President of Nigeria with Architect Namadi Sambo as my running mate.

We will fight for JUSTICE!
We will fight for all Nigerians to have access to POWER!
We will fight for qualitative and competitive EDUCATION!
We will fight for HEALTH CARE REFORMS!
We will fight to create jobs, for all Nigerians!
We will fight corruption!
We will fight to protect all Citizens!
We will fight for your rights!

My dear country men and women, give me your support, give me your votes and together we will fight to build a great nation of our dreams!

I cannot end this speech without thanking you all for attending this occasion. Your huge attendance is a loud testimony of your support for us. For this I am very grateful. I pray that the Almighty God abides with you and sees you safely back to your respective destinations.

When you return, tell all those at home that as we celebrate our fifty years anniversary as a nation, Goodluck has come to transform Nigeria and I will never let you down.

Thank You.

May God Bless you all!
And may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!


- GOODLUCK EBELE AZIKIWE JONATHAN, GCFR.

Story by Nigeriafilms.com

Mr. Endowed Becomes ‘The Scapegoat’ – D’Banj Unleashes Follow-up Single

As a follow up to the great video for his song Mr. Endowed, D’banj has released another track titled Scapegoat. It’s definitely a fun listen, like most music churned from the Mo’hits factory. Once again, impressive work by Don Jazzy. We’re totally loving the Highlife feeling on the song. Of course, we see him bringing back his harmonica days on this one.

And according to exclusive word from D’banj himself, “Every true husband is a scapegoat” Food for thought no?

Enjoy.

Babayaro Brings The Best Of Both Worlds To Abuja.

Babayaro Brings The Best Of Both Worlds To Abuja.



Erstwhile Nigerian international goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro, is set for the launch of his debut album in Abuja this weekend. On Sunday, September 19, 2010, the cream of the Nigerian politics, sports, public service etc, would gather to have their first listen to the works of the footballer turned musician and support him in an event organized by his record label, RECTITUDE RECORDS, at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

The event would be chaired by Chief Rochas Okorocha and has the confirmed attendance of Professor Dora Akunyili and a number of other ministers and senators plus past and present members of the Super Eagles of Nigeria including Daniel Amokachi, Ben Iroha, Mobi Oparaku, Osaze Odemwingie, Samson Siasia and, of course, his brother Celestine Babayaro. Performances would be by Cobhams Asuquo, Paul Play, Sound Sultan, label mates, 1924, Emmanuel himself and many more.

Emmanuel’s album entitled BEST OF BOTH WORLDS contains rap, jazz and Hip Hop numbers. It was produced by Cobhams, ID Cabasa, Frenzy and Lalah and has collabos with Cobmans, 1924 and Obyrymz. Listening parties have already been held in Kaduna and Abuja on the 3rd and 4th of this month, respectively. Lagos would follow in October.

Emmanuel Babayaro was a member of the Gold medal Atlanta Olympic team in 1996. He graduated to the Super Eagles but made just a handful of appearances for them. He has been coaching at his youth academy in Abuja since his retirement and return to the country. Speaking on the album and his music, he stated that his parents actually thought he would have a career in music instead of sports. “I have been an entertainer since childhood and during my football years I used to sing and dance to entertain my team mates. I and Celestine were the major entertainers in the national teams when we played. I have always had the dream of taking my music serious after my playing career and I am ready now. I have brought a new dish to the Nigerian music menu and I look forward to really making it big on the Nigerian music scene,” he said.




Story by Dro

I once had a crush on my Reverend's son-Actress Monalisa Chinda

Monalisa Chinda

Since her celebrated separation with her ex-husband, Segun Dejo-Richard, beautiful and gifted actress, Monalisa Chinda, has taken her act to a whole new level. In this engaging and revealing interview with CHIBUEZE OKEREKE, she talks about her crashed marriage, challenges, motherhood and other interesting issues

Apart from being a Glo ambassador, what else have you been doing, especially as not too many movie scripts are coming your way, so to say?

One of the things that have really taken up most of my time from January till now is the setting up of Royal Arts Academy. Apart from this, I have also produced a movie, which is yet to be out. Also, I tried to start my talk show which, somehow, might have to be postponed because it has been difficult getting sponsors. I also registered my NGO called Monalisa Code, which comprises Monalisa Smile and Monalsia Foundation for autistic children.

Why autistic children?

A very close friend of mine has a child who is autistic and she has been devastated ever since. She had the child normally, but we really didn’t know what happened along the way. I was touched by the development. She has been living with it for five years, but she is appearing to be normal now. It’s a very unique problem. I love kids and I really want to know what transforms them overnight. Sometimes, I wonder how the child is able to cope and the trauma that the mother goes through in raising such a child.

What are you going to be doing for them?

There are so many of them out there who really need assistance. I am going to create an enabling environment to bring the desired education and enlightenment on how best to integrate them into the society and also teach the parents on the best ways to relate with their autistic children.

With regard to movie, what are you working on now?

Of course, I miss acting so much. Though I am still acting, very few people are producing movies these days. It’s so bad that some actors have moved base to Asaba, just to get any small job. In fact, some have even been receiving pay cut. But at the moment, I am working on a production titled Catwalk, a magazine soap. It is like this popular foreign series, Ugly Betty. It’s on hold now because Emem Isong, who is producing it, is in America to premiere her movie. We’ve been on it now for like a year, trying to make sure we come out with the best quality production.

If you were getting movie scripts very often, would you have thought about going into production?

Probably not! Sometimes, some things happen for a reason and for people to discover their other sides. Desmond Elliot is a full-time director now. But then, it really cannot be acting forever. The older you become, the more creative and innovative your mind is. Right now, that is what is happening to a lot of us who have been in the industry for, at least, nine to 10 years now. We want to divert and do other things. When you are 40, you don’t expect yourself to act such sassy roles that you used to do when you were 25, and you cannot be seen competing with emerging new actresses on the block. So, you have to think ahead of you. Although there are still roles cut out for me, at the stage I am now, I cannot just take up any script. Back then, most of us used to do it for the money. Now, sometimes, when I see myself on Africa Magic, I marvel at what I was thinking to have taken some roles that I did in the past. Now, for me, it is the passion for making movies and not the money.

What did you want to achieve when you resolved to be writing a column in a newspaper?

Sincerely, I just stumbled on that aspect of my life. I used to have a diary when I was growing up. I was writing virtually all my day-to-day activities. So, when I was going through all that happened in my marriage, I was putting everything down. I noticed that every time I wrote those things down, the Lord often directed me on what to do. So, when the problem started in my marriage, the first person I ran to was my mum, asking her what I should do. With my mum on one side and my book of experiences on the other, my mum advised me to do what my hearts told me. So, basically, I decided to write because I wanted people to see my other side. This is because I know I have this very intimidating posture that can make people call me a no nonsense bitch. But I really wanted people to see my other side, which I am achieving through this column. I really like to touch people’s hearts. I like to feel people’s pains. I know that I have gone through a lot and that has made me to really want to reach out to people. Really, I just needed to write down my inner most thoughts and try to reach out to people who might be going through the same dilemma.

Assuming you were never married and you just want to settle down now, what would you do differently, given your experience?

I am a very deep person; I can stomach a lot of things; and I come across to you as someone that does not have a problem. If I am going through a problem, going by what I went through in my marriage, I just believe that the simple basic rule of understanding will come to play. Sometimes, when things happen, I put myself in the person’s shoes and I ask myself why I am reacting in such a manner. Love conquers all; love is foolishness, but it doesn’t mean that you are foolish.

Based on your experience, what kind of advice will you give your daughter when it comes to choosing a husband later in life?

I really don’t know how to answer this because it’s somehow complicated. I learnt a lot from my mum. My mother and father taught me everything that needed to be learnt, including sex, education and relationship with the opposite sex. Before she gets to that age where she wants to do all that, I would have worked on her, mentally. I will continually tell her to be herself, no matter what. But no matter what I tell my child today, if she still wants to go against my advice, she will.

You are always a busy person; so, how do you juggle motherhood with hustling?

I really don’t know how I get the strength, but I am hard-working. I am not a hustler, but I am hard-working. I don’t hustle or beg people for anything. I work hard and let my work speak for me. If I call one or two highly placed people in the society and ask them to be a part of a project I am working on, I don’t beep them continuously because that can be annoying. If I call you once or twice, I’ll wait for you to get back to me; and if I don’t hear from you, it means you are not interested. So, in the morning, I write out everything I need to do: I know I have to drop and pick my daughter from school; and when I cannot, I make sure that the school bus does that. So, if I can achieve 90 per cent of everything I set out to do in a day, I am most grateful and satisfied.

Are you saying it is as simple as that?

Yes, it is because I am used to it. If you tell yourself that something is difficult for you, it definitely will be. Now, I am a man, a woman and a mother. I don’t have a man helping me. Honestly, I really miss this. I have to be the one that will get the house in order, put the generator on and take my car to the mechanic. These are men’s jobs, but I don’t have anyone to do it. I don’t have to depend on anyone in order not to appear as a weak person. I was doing all these for myself when I was married, so it doesn’t really make a difference. I have always been that kind of person. I don’t like people doing things for me; I took after my dad in that aspect. He would make his bed, drop and pick us from school. My mother was a career woman.

For how long do you think all this can last? What do you do when you really need the presence of a man around you?

Honestly, when I think about things like that, I just open a bottle of wine and relax or what else would I do? Again, I talk to my mum a whole lot. Although I am not saying I am comfortable with it, I guess it’s because of my horrible experience and because it’s still fresh; so, I just don’t want anything that would distract me.

So, are you saying there is no man in your life now?

I would be lying if I say that.

If a movie has to be done about you, what aspect of your life would you love to be given prominence?

It is that part of my life that I showed a great level of perseverance and maturity; it is that aspect of my life where I had to stomach a whole lot of things; and I will want them to show that side of me that I was traumatized. A lot of women are going through all these, but it will be good for people to see how I lived and survived it.

I wonder if any couple would ever disclose whatever is responsible for the break-up of their marriage.

That is very true. You just cannot afford to let some things out. Who will you tell your story, so to say? Is it some young couples who are trying everything possible to keep their marriages? You just cannot say some things.

What was the feeling when your daughter had her first tooth and uttered the first word?

She had her first tooth pretty late; I think she was about nine months and her first word was ‘Daddy’ when she was about six months old. She just said, ‘Da da’ out of the blues… It’s too hurtful when you know that after carrying a child for nine months the first thing that comes out of her mouth is ‘Daddy’. I was very angry. I am with her 98 per cent of the time, yet she only remembered to call her daddy first.

What makes you happy whenever you look at your child?

It is the fact that, at least, I had something from that union. I was happy that, at least, I had something to fall back on; I mean something that constantly reminds me of God’s existence. She is my world; she is everything to me.

Since her celebrated separation with her ex-husband, Segun Dejo-Richard, beautiful and gifted actress, Monalisa Chinda, has taken her act to a whole new level. In this engaging and revealing interview with CHIBUEZE OKEREKE, she talks about her crashed marriage, challenges, motherhood and other interesting issues

One way or another, she is a constant reminder of your marriage.

(Cuts in) Honestly, she is not. She does not remind me of him at all.

Are you saying that her presence does not bring back the bad memories you had in your marriage?

Sincerely, she replaces everything with joy. Looking at her brings back that feeling of relief and happiness. In short, when I look at Tamar, I don’t think I remember all the things I went through. She reminds me of God’s love. Although she is supposed to be a constant reminder of the past of me where I had to waste five years of my life, she does not. When I look at everything, I just give God the glory. What would have happened to me if I did not come out with a child?

Does the child ever ask of her father?

Well, she is still pretty young and she does not know anything yet. When I left the house, she was still very young. Secondly, she is in school and she sees her friends being picked up by their daddies and some even talk about their daddies; so, naturally, she knows there must be a daddy somewhere. If she sees any man that is dark- skinned, she runs to him. For instance, there is this cousin of my ex-husband who is still my friend. Whenever he comes around, Tamar clings to him and refuses to let him go. I often wonder why she does that; and if she continues to do that, she is going to probably put me under pressure to get a permanent man in my life.

Is there any attempt to make her know her father?

(Laughs heartedly)…

When you are not working for Glo, acting or even writing, what do you do in your spare time?

I am often relaxed and I watch television a lot. I just stay with my child because she is my joy. I don’t have a man; so, she is everything to me.

Most women are used to calling honey to come and fix the car when it breaks down somewhere. But how do you manage?

Well, for me, there is no honey to call. What I do is just service the car when necessary and make sure it is in perfect working condition. Since I know that no one else is there to do that for me, I have to assume both the role of a man and woman to get things done for myself. Because there is money, I really don’t struggle so hard to get things done. However, I have got good friends like Zik Zulu who comes once in a while to check on us; and sometimes, when my car is at the Nissan shop, he gives me his car and driver to help me around. I also have some caring friends who try to be of help when it is most needed. I have got my uncle, Mr. Cool, and some male friends who assist me.

You are doing well for yourself now. Do you think your freedom has allowed you to be more focused on your life goals?

Well, I would say it was because I was in a wrong marriage. One can still achieve all this, even if one is married. There are some married people who are doing good things, but mine was a wrong marriage. It could be probably because I was in a very, very insecure union called marriage. Everything was scripted; everything was just not right. Yeah, I have the freedom and I’m really fulfilled. But I have to curtail this freedom. I tell myself every time that because I am free doesn’t me I shouldn’t just let go. Sometimes, I get so excited that I really want to go crazy, but I always caution myself and that is what makes me a woman and not a man. Men are free to do whatever they want, but should a woman try to exercise her freedom, she is seen as a whore in this country. So, you have to have self-control.

But can you recall any fond memory you had while the marriage lasted?

In all fairness, there were good memories. This is because in the beginning, it was excitement and that was because my man thought and believed that I was an epitome of a complete woman compared to his previous relationships. When I was pregnant and lost it, he used to be very devastated. Domestically, he was nice, but things just changed all of a sudden. Really, in the beginning, there were signs of it, but you know women always have this mindset that they would change and grow out of it. Everybody has his or her different sides of life and I really cannot judge him by that.

I remember you once told me in an interview that you won’t smoke or portray the devil’s agent. But all this changed; so, what happened?

One of the things you have to realize is that my husband then portrayed me in a certain way he wanted me to look. He was directing me. I was under a man and whatever thing he wanted, I had to abide by it. I am not a very spiritual person, but I know that I am at peace with my God. So, nothing happened; I was just trying to obey the man up there (laughs).

Could you recall the craziest thing you did when you were young?

(Laughs) I had a crush on our reverend’s son back then. But funny enough, we didn’t express our likeness for each other. But I knew he liked me too.





Story by CHIBUEZE OKEREKE

Oba’s curse on kidnappers or those who aid kidnappers refines Nigerians knowledge and extends debates

Security, what does this word mean in relation to life as we know it today in Nigeria? For the most part, it means safety and freedom from worry. It is said to be the end that all men strive for, but is security a utopian goal or is it another word for rut? All over the whole world, security has become an issue of great concern, ranging from kidnapping, serial killing to terrorism. Wanton kidnapping emerged in Nigeria, and has become a herculean task to curb. Like a wild fire, it has spread too fast to many places in Nigerian cities and villages. Hence night life and moonlight folk tales are now turning history in our society because no one wants to be a victim of kidnap.

In an attempt to weaken this menace, the Oba of Benin, Ereduawa Omonoba of Edo State, marshalled out the traditional priests/priestesses of the African cultures and traditions in his dukedom who gathered together at Urhokpota Hall in Benin to invoke curses on all those who either kidnap or aid kidnappers as well as armed robbers and their abetters. The Chief Priest of Benin Kingdom, Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, said, “The exercise is to protect our people’s lives and property as well as the government. For us, the traditionalists, we know when crimes are going to the extreme; the police and security agents cannot do anything. We have the power to invoke the gods of the land and that is what we are doing right now. It is always the last resort.” Priests from Sango, Olokun, Aiyelala, Ashigidi, etcetera, were all dressed in their ceremonial regalia. Sculptors, amulets, talismans, gong, etcetera was taken round the city and some were buried. The land of Benin was cursed orally against the men of the underworld on the 10th to 12th of June 2010. This act, however, raised eyebrows. Different opinions ensued among Nigerians: from the traditional and the religious perspectives. From East, West, North and South of Nigeria, people were either in support of the act or were against.

This writer investigated the different opinions of people on the saga and anonymously or unanimously chronicled the opinions of the debaters. Those that were against this practice were of the opinion that it was illogical to be glamorizing myths and oral tradition in the 21st Century, as opposed to written records. They said that Africans should keep out from idol worshipping, even the moon, as a god in the name of culture and tradition, whereas other developed worlds were busy exploring scientific ways that would better the lots of the human race. The documented fact that civilization began in medieval Egypt has provoked questions among scholars on when did Africa start retrogressing.

But in a twist reaction, some reminded those opposed to African beliefs to note that even the Emperor of Japan worships the Sun; and if that is the case, is Japan not far more developed than Africa? It was argued from the supporters of the Oba’s ordinance that those calling Africans backward people are doing so, because their knowledge has done no single input to better Africa, except in condemnation. They added that such people are a big tragedy to Africa. Furthermore, they enthused that as a matter of exigency, there is great need for those who believe in Africa to unite formidably, without those who condemn African heritage. (“To hide under any form of education or civilisation and criticise the customs and traditions of a people that have passed the test of time is hypocritical.").

It was a shocker that the Nigerian authorities pride in giving her citizens freedom of worship, but only recognized and boast with Christianity and Islam as the ‘chosen’ ones, to the detriment of the African traditional beliefs. Against that backdrop, the Nigerian authorities perhaps forgot that the two religions mentioned above are alien. However, Oba’s supporters saw his act as the only way out of the cesspit Nigeria has fallen into in moral decadence, describing Christians who go to church on Sundays and are hell bent in seeing that all Nigerians become Christians with their preachment that they force down one’s throat even when the person was not ready to listen (without many of them exhibiting what they preached) as learning the ‘truth’ only on Sundays. Otherwise christened, “Sunday-truths.”

Does it mean that without the teachings of the two alien cultures – Christianity and Islam – that Africans had no cultural values? Many Nigerians saw the beliefs and principles of the adherents of the two religions as people who learn in awe, eschewing the cosmic ways of life that are deep-rooted in the African cultures and traditions. Criticisms had trailed the Oba’s action from the unbelievers of the Oba’s action. They attributed his action to the axiom: "With Faith, you can move mountains".

However, they do not believe that the curse would have any effect on those it was intended for. They gave their examples thus: “Everybody will sagely nod their head in agreement when you utter that sentiment. But, does anyone really believe it? If Mountain Everest has to be moved or levelled, will faith be the chosen tool? When Aso Rock (Nigeria’s citadel of power) was carved out from a small mountain, was faith deployed? Of course, not! Bombs and excavation tools were the chosen tools, so the theory that faith can move mountains is just feel-good Sunday-truth to be professed in awe, but never acted upon. Similarly, the theory that swearing on the Holy Bible or placing a curse will deter criminal and kidnapping activity is no different”.

While many gave their explications that hammer could be supplemented with a heavy metal in nailing things down the wood, meaning that the Oba’s curse was divine, some felt that Nigerians didn’t know the bottom-line. “Here is the bottom line: A hammer is the right tool for nailing things down, but it is not the correct tool for laundry. Similarly, curses and vigils are not at all the way to stop criminal and kidnapping activity.”

It wasn’t too long this curse was placed in Benin than the ‘insurgents’ wrecked havoc in Abia State, some kilometres from Edo State, and some traditional rulers and police officers were arrested for their alleged involvement in abetting the kidnappers to carry-out their nefarious activities. Before this arrest, it was awash on the media among Nigerians that they knew who the criminals were. “We know the criminals. We know where they hide. Where kidnapping is worse, we know who provides logistic cover – the Police. We know above all the social conditions that ferment this predictable decadence of community values. So, all these prayers and vigils and Babalawo curse-sessions are just beating around the bush. They are creating useless hope while the problem gets worse. We are wasting our own time. When we get serious about solving the problem, we will take the battle to the enemy.”

Following the contribution above, many Nigerians were in contemplative opinions of the efficacy of the curse with reference to government officials taking oath of office with the Holy Bible and Quran and yet deep their necks down the depth of corruption, what the tendency that Oba’s curse would act magic. “You hit the nail on the head! When Nigerian politicians swear with the Bible or Quran and hear the thunderous preaching of the pastor on Sunday and Imam on Friday, do they deter them from crime and corruption?”

Some of the people were of the opinion that even the clerics in the alien religions were not free and left out from corruption and it could be the reason the oath of office the politicians take doesn’t have adverse effect on them when they do the contrary. “Criminals and looters, even the ones in religion-infested Nigeria, are no fools. They know Amadioha will not strike anybody down. They know that the Babalawo curses don't work. They don't expect to spend an eternity in hell for looting the money that was budgeted for the maternity ward or for murdering one million Biafran infants.”

To a large extent, questions and questions were brewing over the curses individuals rain on the alleged thieving politicians, kidnappers and criminals. “The important question is whether these paranormal measures, whether Christian, Islamic or Voodoo really work.” The argument splat Nigerians in the public parliament; a Nigerian threw in his hat in questioning the supremacy of the analyst above on the things of Africans traditional matters and their culture, describing him as one of those who still believe in the myth that Satan is a Black man while Angel, a White man.

“There you go again, writing about things you're not qualified to write about. How many Babalawos have you consulted? You guys tend to believe anything Western scientists say even without proof. For example, you believe everything they say about their encounters on the moon but you have no empirical proof that they are telling you the truth. You are educated in Western ways but can't use the Western ways to achieve anything because the deeper secrets about certain Western things are hidden from the ‘third-worlders’ as you.”

He went further to cite his proof using the chemistry behind the nuclear bomb mechanization as an example of the truths the West hide from the ‘third-worlders’. “You may have PhD in physics, chemistry and whatnot, but the secrets to some of their deepest research will never be revealed to you. What then can you do with your Western education? For certain, it has confused you enough to speak on matters such as Babalawos that you have never experienced. I however supposed that the empiricism of the Western culture which I assume you have imbibed would have led you to seeking the truth about Babalawos before you claimed their curses don't work. Several Europeans have written on their experiences with so called "voodoo or juju". Stephen Farrow, a 1926 missionary to Abeokuta was one of them. Believe me; you don't want to be on the receiving end of a spiritual attack from a Babalawo. And, that is a fact. Denounce it at your own peril.”

They admonished Nigerians that they will realize that the progress made in contemporary civilization, the advances in science and technology and the progress in human and societal developments are all associated with the OPENNESS of knowledge promoted by Oyibo. “There are ways to retain proprietary rights to knowledge and its application, and societal laws have addressed most of these; however, the time-tested truism about knowledge is that the BEST APPROACH to derive the optimum benefits from knowledge is to OPEN IT UP and make it available to all persons, cultures and perspectives. Such an approach will likely further refine the knowledge and extend its application beyond the wildest imagination of the originators.”

Does the African traditional knowledge still lies in secrecy and myths? “One can’t speak of it. People are afraid of abuses; people don’t trust themselves and each other. Consequently, Africa suffers in all sectors, considered to be contributing little beyond arts to contemporary civilization, and reduced to a dumping ground for stale technologies and vague knowledge the people can’t apply to their daily lives. Thus, Africa continues to lag behind and suffer... You and I are the Africans you are talking about. The ball is in our court now; let us play the game. What are we waiting for before we handle knowledge to make progress? Don't we think that we have what it takes to achieve these objectives? Or, do we think that our Western ways of education we received are not enough to do something now?”

While it was said that Africa continued to lag behind and suffer, Africans have been admonished to take care and must do a re-think about how they handle knowledge so that they could make progress. “What we are waiting for to utilize African knowledge and traditional practices to advance Africa? I just said that a fundamental element in the use and application of knowledge is THE OPENNESS and ACCESS to the traditional knowledge by scientists or others, who then apply contemporary analytical and production methods to translate the knowledge into societal benefit/use...”

For instance, the formula (knowledge) of Egbe was asked, invisibility, gun-proof. Somebody said that all sorts of supernatural stories are associated with the knowledge about why it cannot be available to everybody and familiar tales about the spiritual consequences of mishandling the knowledge; and on the end, Africans will go nowhere. “That is our main problem. One solution to this problem is to write a book on the formulary of African traditional knowledge. That way, the knowledge and the cautionary statements or warnings will be there for people to experiment and verify the claims independently. That is how empiricism is built with knowledge, how knowledge is better translated and applied and how knowledge wins regards and respect for its merit and for the originator.”

The people argued that the world people do a lot of heinous things to humankind for economic want. They ascribe that even as dangerous as radioactivity is, people have published volumes to keep the knowledge of it for posterity. “The knowledge is out there. People have even published the contents of the 7 Books of Moses and the Tora that are thought to contain magical formulary used by early Jews, from Moses in the Exodus, to Joshua, Elijah, King David and King Solomon. People (Africans) are free to follow suit and acquire the knowledge and verify their claims, if they so wished. So, why are African knowledge and traditional practices still shrouded in myths, mysteries and superstitions?”

Adherents and adept believers in the African knowledge and traditional practices were admonished to publish a book on them and that African scientists will take it from there. “Mind you, the formula associated with these African knowledge and traditional practices should not require something out of the ordinary (e.g., human body parts, toxic wastes, etc), that will give us problems. Take care... On the contrary, we can't have the knowledge free. We have to pay the prize in money and time to learn the science behind the traditional medicine, Ho! Ha!

To have access to European knowledge you and I paid. Why shouldn't we be willing to respect whatever is our own?”

From the opinions, it was gathered that the bane of African history was the dearth in the art of chronicling events, because according to the people, the European knowledge is available in schools, training centres and vocational institutions, but an opinion said that Africans are not gluttons who sell knowledge for money. The question is: where is the African traditional knowledge? Is there any authentic published works? “Why do you say show you authentic published works. Have you any authentic work in any library in Nigeria I can lay my hands on right now on anything about African you have written to promote African ways of life? Have you gone to Oba's kingdom to register for a course in their science? Have you shown any interest to learn the ways of your fathers, which is free? I don't think so from your actions toward anything Africa.”

One man commented, rebuffing an attack on him by a member, saying that he had not shown himself as an adept of African traditional knowledge. He said that he was using the medium to ask whether there are published works on African beliefs to educate him because, according to him, most of what he had heard were shrouded in secrecy, myths and superstitions, similar to what people know about the traditional knowledge of the Arthurian era of Britain. To him, contemporary civilization is going past that era. Therefore, those who are frequently taking refuge in the demagoguery of “African This, African That”, should lead the way in showing to people the meat that is inherent in African knowledge, without resorting to secrecy, myths and superstitions of course. Thus, he asked, “Where is the beef?”

While he argued that he needed to see books with formulary on African traditional knowledge which he said would challenge people to experiment with them independently and Africans will know they got something and not keep swimming in the benefits/use of the Open and Available Knowledge of other people, riding fancy cars, flying planes, living in comfortable air-conditioned homes, using the Internet, telephones etcetera, one other person said: “...I have seen a book on workplace Voodoo. The problem in Nigeria is with thieves, kidnapping, etc. You can write a book on how to make a band of thieves dance around in someone's compound in confusion until the morning when the owner of the house wakes up to hand the thieves over to the authorities. Am I day dreaming? African tradition works!!! Tell us how to solve the problems in society.”

Odimegwu Onwumere, Poet/Author and Media Consultant, is the Founder of Poet Against Child Abuse (PACA), Rivers State.


Story by Odimegwu Onwumere/Nigeriafilms.com

About The Splendor On Screen Called Ini Edo

Ini Edo

Cal her Thick Madam, for that was the title of the flick that launched pretty Ini Edo into the motion picture industry, in 2003. Since then, the nickname has stuck, although, not on her fans’ lips but in her nature, as she has always developed a thick skin for all that come with her status in the industry.

Ini Edo stands tall where her peers seem to be on tenterhooks. In all of movies she has featured so far, she would tell you she has had a few challenging moments, parts of which are stories peddled here and there about her. These stories, however, have been confirmed to be untrue but her image as a movie star comes as most challenging.

Of course, as a star, she would not escape being harassed either by media smoking guns or men who dance to the dictate of unholy urge but have little to up her career, but she has been saved the error of fallen for both. For the media, she believes maturely that media scandals can’t be slipped by once the target is a public person-a celebrity. Also, she would confess she has always been careful not to fall for sugar-coated male admirers who will add nothing to her image and name and career.

In my recent reports about her and Tonto Dike, a lot of her fans have been calling to readdress the issue, for the sake of clarity, I want to seize this opportunity to state that, all the stories are mere speculations and therefore not true. I sincerely apologise for all the erroneous reports by this authority on the versatile Nollywood star. My heartfelt apologies also go to her hubby, Philip Ememagwina, Globacom Telecommunication, the brand she represents and her entire fans.


Story by Alonge Michael

Breaking news! No more free music in Naija from Oct 1 - as COSON engages accounting firm for full copyright licensing.

Mr Chinedu Chukwuji, COSON Acting General Manager; Chief Tony Okoroji, COSON Chairman; Mr. Kehinde Oyeleke, Managing Partner

Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), the nation’s sole government approved collective management organization for musical works and sound recordings has announced that come October 1, 2010, the era of free music on Nigerian air waves and in public places will be gone forever. The announcement was made by COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, at the Boardroom of the society in Lagos during the signing of a royalty collection agreement between COSON and Olusola Adekanola & Co, one of the nation’s foremost indigenous firms of chartered accountants.

The implication of the new regime is that from October 1 all broadcast media organisations, hotels, restaurants, event venues, advertising companies, banks, telecoms establishments, airlines, road transporters, oil companies and such other enterprises in Nigeria which use music in any way to aid their operations will be made to comply with the Copyright Act or face legal consequences.
Omo wahala has sheled...who will agree to pay? Ko ma funny o!
Can this work in Nigeria?

By the agreement, the skills and resources of the two organizations are being aggregated to ensure that starting October 1, no organization using music in a commercial setting or in public anywhere in Nigeria is allowed to do so without the payment of copyright royalties as required by law. According to Okoroji, “Since the government approval of COSON in May, we have engaged the key users of music in continuous dialogue. We have taken the COSON Stakeholders’ Forum around the country and used different media to discuss the issues with all concerned. We did not jump on anyone neither did we harass anyone. We have been very professional about our mandate. The time has finally come for everyone to do their duty. We have respected the users of music. We expect them to reciprocate that respect. Any of them that is not licensed by October 1 may be attracting sanctions from us or will be exposed to the full weight of the other tools in our tool box”

The firm of Olusola Adekanola & Co is very well known in Nigeria when it comes to revenue collection. The firm pioneered the nation-wide Accelerated Revenue Generation Programme (ARGP) which has helped governments across the country to recover billions of Naira owed them in tax revenues. For several years, they have been one of the nation’s top accounting firms.

At the agreement signing ceremony during the week, Chief Okoroji said that the choice of Olusola Adekanola & Co for the COSON assignment was based on the firm’s proven capacity to deliver. He said that their mandate is to use their nationwide infrastructure to reach every nook and cranny of Nigeria and collect the money due to long suffering Nigerian copyright owners. He added that beyond the collection of revenue, COSON is very mindful of the prudent, professional and transparent management of the copyright royalties collected so that at the end of the day the real copyright owners are not short changed. Said Okoroji, “It’s a watershed event that COSON has as partner one of the most celebrated accounting firms in Nigeria to ensure robust enforcement of the Copyright Act. The transparent management of the funds that will arise from this partnership is critical. We don’t want any stories told about the money collected. It must get to the copyright owners accurately. We are stoutly determined to do a good job in the interest of all the stakeholders in the Nigerian music industry”

The Acting General-Manager of COSON, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, described the signing ceremony as “the dawn of a new day for the entire Nigerian music industry”. According to him, the agreement signing ceremony showed that COSON was “ready to deliver the dividends of creativity to rights owners, across the country and beyond,”

The Managing Partner of Olusola Adekanola & Co., Mr. Kehinde Oyeleke, said his company was aware of the enormity of the assignment and as such would put all hands on deck. “We feel excited and challenged. We know expectations are very high and we will give it our best”, Oyeleke said. He promised that his company will carry out its duties diligently, professionally and conscientiously, within the provisions of the law.


Story by ELIZABETHH IKE (MISS)

Source: nigeriafilms.com

Child spacing: How desirable?

The new generation men and women see children as much as nine as a burden.

Today’s men and women say that as a medical doctor, the woman would have devised means of spacing the children. This, therefore, brings us to the issue of family planning, or better referred to as child spacing.

In a typical African setting, if you ask a man how many children he has, he feels reluctant to respond because, it is somehow a taboo to count or number the off springs, (which are believed to be gifts from God).

Funny enough, the African man forgets that in a modern world, demography statistics is vital to government planning for its citizenry.

Gaping or allowing a fallow period between one birth and the next is simply known as child spacing. The method could also allow one to determine and produce the number of children he is able to cater for.

For instance, during the former military President Babangida’s era, four children were proposed for a typical Nigerian family. Whether Nigerians have conformed to this or not is a different tale.

No doubt, when you talk of family planning, the religiously inclined will be quick to quote… ‘be fruitful and multiply”, from the scriptures. But don’t forget that the responsibility of bringing up the child in the way pleasing to the Almighty, (for him to be responsible to the home and the community) lies in you and not spirits or angels.

Certainly, raising children can be one of the most challenging yet fulfilling; a frustrating yet rewarding task any human can attempt.

Is child spacing really necessary? According to Dr Hauwa Larai Goni, a public health physician, “child spacing is good for the womb and the body of the woman to recover fully after delivery”.

Speaking further, she said “this will help the baby’s breastfeeding optimally before the next pregnancy”.

Sadly, most couples do not discuss family planning. It is like a no-go area coupled with the myths surrounding it. “My husband believes that a woman becomes promiscuous with child spacing”, Amina, 28, a mother of six, told TalkShop.

Pitifully, women like Aminat look quite wrinkled and older than their age because their bodies have sagged due to non stop delivery – un-spaced child birth.

Asking who bears the brunt of un-spaced children is crass. For some men, getting sozzled after the birth of a desired sex (as it is in some culture, where only a male is a child, and the female is cheap and irrelevant) is the ultimate; the burden of rearing and educating the child is left to the mother, who some times vends for the children in thick and thin of times.

Rather than take up responsibility, such men build harem and take pride in having many children as assets.

What is the essence of bearing children you will starve of love? Children need love, wither and without. Anthropologist M .F. Ashely Montagu wrote: “what the human organism requires most for its development is a nutriment of love. The source of virtually all health is an experience of love, especially within the first six years of life”.

Children suffer serious crippling effects when exposed to inadequate diet of love. A loveless and selfish world, no doubt, is a strain in family bond. A place where love thrives regardless the status is a healthy environment.

Children need the best we can give, and the best affects their overlapping physical, intellectual and emotional needs.

What is best or at least good for children is and must be a human development priority for every home or government.

Making it such a priority is the surest proof that one is committed to ensuring the well-being of its people and stemming the tide of poverty, and suffering that threatens to engulf us all.

The truth is that ignorance kills silently and faster than a virus. Let us be responsible and cater for the children who are the future. Visit any family planning centre near you today, there you will be told what is best for you.

Below is TalkShop’s sampled opinion on child-spacing:

“Ever since I found the right method for me, I am relieved. Child spacing has helped me out of the fear of getting pregnant and avoiding unwanted pregnancy”, Nancy, 38, mother of six said.

“My husband believes women become promiscuous with child spacing methods”, Aminat, 28, mother of six explained.

“I am still looking up to God for a child, so I don’t think family planning is for me”, declared Marie, 31.

“Because of the economic crunch, I subscribe to family planning”, Kantudu, 40-year-old father of four and a grocery seller submitted.

“I have not found any method that is suitable for me. All the ones I have tried failed me. If I get any that is okay for me, I will stick to it. I believe child spacing is very good”, Aisha, 41, mother of nine confirmed.

“I have always dreamt of having two kids and I have got them now. Though my wife says three, I strongly recommend family planning, it allows you to give the best to your kids, Arch A.L, father of two noted.


Story by Imabong “Ladipo-Sanusi
Source: nigeriafilms.com

Project Fame: Why Christian Was Sent Out

Christian

Ultima Studios, the producers of MTN Project Fame West Africa have announced that Christian, one of the most likely contenders for this year’s top prize, had to leave the Academy ‘on medical grounds’.

According to inside information, corroborated by a statement from the company, Christian had, earlier in the week, lost his eye-sight, while in his hotel room. ‘It took Doctors about eight hours to help him see again’ a source says.

It happened again the next day, and after running all the tests, the Doctors, an Ultima Spokesperson says, advised he avoid any vigorous activity and go back to Ghana to monitor his health, if possible.

This is sad, on many grounds. The young man was one of the few animated performers who gave his all into learning the music craft, and performing.

Christian left Nigeria for Ghana on Friday, and has already told his friends he’s back to take care of his health, and possibly return to the Academy.

‘It’s another big blow to us’ says Ultima boss Femi Ayeni. Recall that only few weeks ago, the show had to be moved to a temporary studio after Ultima’s Studio got razed by a nasty inferno that spared nothing.

With Christian’s withdrawal, there are now six contestants remaining in the Academy, following the eviction of Adebola during last Saturday’s programme




Story by Victoria Ige

A Ruggedmans’ Ordeal with the Nines.

Ruggedy vs 9ice

Micheal Stevens a.k.a Ruggedman would on the 20th of September 2010 add another year to his roughly mid thirty something years. Never would he have thought that he’d receive a diss track/album as his birthday gift from a colleague that once called him boss, a colleague that championed the hit single off his sophomore album hailing him ‘ruggedy baba the opomulero’ too bad! The Alapomeji camp just released a diss track titled ‘Talk am listening’ which featured Seriki.

The last time I checked Micheal never had it well with the Nine’s, first was the ego battle with erstwhile lyricist Modenine and off recent the very famous phone conversation with 9ice about the rumours of him (Rugged) sleeping with his ex-wife. It’s safe to say the Ruggedman has been doomed by the 9’s. The off recently quiet but twitter vibrant Micheal has evidently run out of ideas as to boosting his musical career even after putting out two singles from his much talked about last album which has taken longer than expected to drop. Teaming up with the Loopy crew, putting Ice Prince on a track and doing all that can be done to impress on the ‘She n my swagga’ track with production from Sossick, the ruggedman still couldn’t make things work, the best thing that has happened to him in recent times has been hosting the Star Quest show and starring in the Glo blackberry advert.

The past few years have not been too impressive for the rapper in the Music Industry from the indirect disses to Modenine urging him to mention his name to the known talking to you featuring Banky W where modenine took a direct jab at him with the famous punchline “you are not a father you’ve got intellect myopia, when I diss a baba its not Ethiopia” followed by the indirect reply by ruggedman in Banging, to the popular death blow part one where the Baba lost any lyrical credibility that he ever had.

The Discord with 9ice began with rumours of him been the cause of 9ice’s broken marriage and also the character portrayed in the song once beaten twice shy; thought to be giving a head by his ex-wife. He thought it as a smart move to record a conversation he had with 9ice on phone, release it online to prove his innocence, but that leak was the beginning and a catalyst for this song. Talk i’m listening 9ice sang repeatedly and in the first verse Seriki whitewashed Ruggedy reiterating one of Modenine’s line in death blow where he said Ruggedman was sleeping with his dancers. In the second verse 9ice went very direct mocking Ruggedman by calling him a bastard repeatedly. 9ice’s ex-wife Toni Payne appears to be caught in the middle in all of this has she tweeted her frustration on the whole scenario, affirming that Ruggedman releasing the phone coversation was a dumb move but 9ice releasing a track/album to that effect was insane and way childish.

The big questions??
Would ruggedman reply this diss song? If he does what would he say? One of the reasons he gave for not replying Modenine in his words was that he was too busy to think of a ‘broke lyricist’. So what would he make the base of his Braggadocio now? Or would he let this also fade away? The truth is whatever he does, Micheal Steven’s musical career did dwindle and the whole diss saga he is surrounded by establishes an unimaginable manifestation of Karma.


Story by Dro