Wednesday, 17 December 2014
54 soldiers sentenced to death for mutiny
The soldiers were found guilty on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny.
The court however acquitted four other accused soldiers.
Nigerian Pilot gathered that the convicted soldiers are to die by firing squad.
The convicts were mostly officers involved in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in North-East region of the country, who were attached to the 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State.
They included two Corporals, nine Lance Corporals and 49 Privates.
They were charged for conspiracy to commit mutiny against the authorities of the 7 Division on August 4, at the Mulai Primary School Camp in Maiduguri, Borno State.
This is the second batch of Nigerian soldiers condemned to death by the military for mutiny after the first batch was sentenced to death early September this year.
Nigerian Pilot recalls that 12 soldiers were sentenced to death for mutiny and attempted murder on September 16, 2014 after shots were fired at their commanding officer in Maiduguri in May.
The soldiers were angry after a convoy was ambushed on a road frequently targeted by Boko Haram militants.
Five other soldiers were acquitted while one was convicted on another count. They had all denied the charges at a court martial in Abuja.
BUHARI HAS NOTHING NEW TO OFFER - KUKAH
- Nigeria will be better under me, says Buhari
Bishop Kukah added that even the North where Buhari hails from would not fare better under his presidency.
The clergyman stated his yesterday in Sokoto when he briefed journalists ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Sokoto Diocese holding tomorrow.
Kukah allayed fears over the conduct of the 2015 general elections and the possibility of the country breaking up, saying that the polls would come and go like others before it with the country emerging stronger.
According to him, he had not seen any reason why Nigeria would breakup next year, stressing that the country would remain intact despite the fears being nursed by several citizens.
The cleric emphasised that God had not spoken to anybody about the future of Nigeria and that the desired change could only be attained if Nigerians decide to change their attitude.
He said: “God has not spoken to anybody about the future of Nigeria. Today is the tomorrow you dreamt about and if we want 2015 election to be successful, it will start from today. So, I see no reason why Nigeria will just breakup.”
Kukah urged Nigerians not to listen to those who do not wish the country well, saying Nigeria would forever remain united. He remarked that unless we start seeing ourselves as citizens of this country as opposed to Muslims and Christians, this country would not have lasting peace.
He appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be responsive by ensuring that no Nigerian was disenfranchised during the 2015 elections.
He said that part of the activities lined up for the 50th anniversary includes a football match among the four chapters of the diocese in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states.
Nigeria will be better under my watch
But Buhari has urged Nigerians not allow the challenges confronting the nation to lead them into despair because the country would be better under his presidency.
The former head of state told some youths who came to celebrate with him on his 72nd birthday in Abuja yesterday, that the problems of Nigeria which have lasted for years were self-inflicted and could be addressed with the right leadership and the right attitude to governance.
He said: “Dreams for a better Nigeria might have been temporarily halted, but our resolve has never wavered. We must get our acts together and salvage our country. It will be criminal to waste the exciting potential I see in you. What is at stake is the future of Nigeria. The struggle is for the millions of Nigerians who have been driven from their homes by terrorists. It is about the tens of millions of Nigerians who have no jobs, no sense of security and no hope for a better future. It is about putting Nigeria first.
“The need for change is imperative. The future of Nigeria is about your future. The big question is: Do we have the courage to vote for change? Are you ready to join me in securing our country and our future? Let me begin by expressing my profound gratitude to God, who has given me long life and good health and for sustaining my passion and commitment to continue to serve our dear country, Nigeria.
“Usually, reaching another milestone in life is a cause for celebration. And while I appreciate the opportunity to engage with young people who are the future leaders of our country, I cannot pretend to be as happy as I ought to be. Nevertheless, we shall not allow the challenges confronting Nigeria to lead us to despair. I have never wavered from my desire to contribute to a better Nigeria, even in the face of the most daunting challenges. The true mark of character is for one to believe in a good cause, and to have the courage and conviction to fight for that good cause regardless of all obstacles and challenges,” he said.
Buhari has nothing to offer Nigeria
Meanwhile, the Presidency has asserted that Buhari has nothing to offer the country because even the several speeches he had made since he began his campaign have been empty.
It also alleged that the difficulty Gen. Buhari had in picking his running mate was an indication that he would be taking instructions from one man in Lagos to run the country should he become president.
These views were expressed yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, at the Media Presentation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Candidacy in Lagos, yesterday.
He said the President Goodluck Jonathan was living up to his promises and required the support of all Nigerians to continue with his good works.
According to Okupe, though the President was developing every sector of the economy, some Nigerians have resolved to criticise his administration without any basis.
On Buhari, Okupe said: “I have read his speeches everywhere and he has said nothing new. His speeches are empty because if the mind is empty, the mouth will be empty.”
The presidential aide said Buhari’s candidacy is an attempt to return Nigeria to the trenches, adding that, “if Boko Haram attacks under a Buhari President, he will be calling Lagos for directive. Is that the President you want? It is either ‘Goodluck or bad luck.”
Stressing that there has been significant improvement in the country under Jonathan’s era, Okupe said: “Let me tell you something about the power sector. From 1960-2007, all Nigeria was able to generate was 2,700 megawatts of electricity. In four years of President Jonathan, it has increased to 4,800 megawatts.
He explained that the nation was yet to benefit fully from the reforms in the power sector because the new owners after the unbundling of the Power Holding Company, PHCN met obsolete equipment. According to him, the power sector was last equipped under the Shehu Shagari administration.
On the criticisms trailing his comparison of President Jonathan with Jesus Christ, Okupe said: “I am a Christian, and in Christendom, they tell us to be like Christ. I cannot blaspheme with the name of God. There is no offence to compare oneself with Jesus Christ as our model.”
He warned the opposition not to use insurgency as basis for campaign for 2015, saying the government was winning the war. He added that as sophisticated as America is, it took her 10 years to track Osama bin Laden.
He explained that the issue has lingered because the military was not trained on fighting insurgency but assured that adequate training was being given to the personnel to combat the situation now.
South African wins Miss World 2014
A 22-year-old South African woman, Rolene Strauss, won the Miss World 2014 beauty pageant in London on Sunday, the organizers said in a statement.
Hungary's Edina Kulcsr came second and Elizabeth Safrit, representing the United States, came third.
This year's pageant, the 64th, was marred by tragedy after a Honduran beauty queen was found shot dead in a suspected crime of passion days before she was due to take part.
The pageant's 124 contestants traveled to the Oxford Union society earlier this month to discuss whether such competitions still had a place in modern society. British media reported that some students from Oxford University were disappointed that the event failed to generate a lively debate on the subject.
Hungary's Edina Kulcsr came second and Elizabeth Safrit, representing the United States, came third.
This year's pageant, the 64th, was marred by tragedy after a Honduran beauty queen was found shot dead in a suspected crime of passion days before she was due to take part.
The pageant's 124 contestants traveled to the Oxford Union society earlier this month to discuss whether such competitions still had a place in modern society. British media reported that some students from Oxford University were disappointed that the event failed to generate a lively debate on the subject.
'Eminem inspired me to do music'
OfficialNaijaTopTen
During an interview, the 26-year-old rapper revealed how her love for
legendary Hiphop artiste Eminem inspired her to start writing her own
lyrics as a teenager.
Eva admitted to taking a break after her first major appearance on Cartiair’s song ‘OWO ATI SWAGGER’ featuring the late rapper, Dagrin, Gino and Terry tha rapman.
MTV One2watch which promotes new, hot and pumping Naija tracks
featured Eva’s latest single ‘Shuga’ as pick of the week.
Headies: Sir Victor Uwaifo wins Hall of Fame
At the end of the just concluded 2014 Headies award, winners emerged in several categories. Apart from the ‘Hall of Fame’ special recognition category that had been announced as part of the pre-event build up as to go to the legendary Sir Victor Uwaifo, other winners in the remaining 22 categories were:
Rookie of the Year: Reekado Banks
Best R ‘n’ B Single: 2face (Let somebody love you)
Best Pop Single: Mavins (Dorobucci)
Best Rap Single: Pyhno (Parcel)
Best Street Hop: Oritsefemi (Double Wahala)
Best Vocal Performance (Male): Timi Dakolo (Iyawo Mi)
Best R ‘n’ B Pop Album: Sean Tizzle (The Journey)
Best Vocal Performance (Female): Niyola
Best Rap Album: Olamide (Baddest Guy Ever Liveth)
Best Reggae Dancehall Single: Patoranking (Girlie O remix)
Best Collabo: Wizzy Pro (Emergency)
Hip Hop World Revelation: Kcee
Recording of the Year: Cobhams Asuquo (Ordinary People)
Best Alternative Song: Bolaji (BOJ)
Producer of the Year: Don Jazzy
Lyricist on the Roll: Jesse Jagz
Next Rated: Patoranking
Best African Artiste of the Year: Sarkodie
Best Music Video Director: Clarence Peters
Song of the year: Davido (Aye)
Album of the Year: Olamide
Artiste of the Year: Davido
Hall of Fame: Sir Victor Uwaifo
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
Kidney disease: How ready is Nigeria to combat high rate of deaths?
Apart from Dr. Bamgboye’s report, there have been quite a number of people who are suffering from kidney disease coming on air to solicit for the help of Nigerians.
Truly, this evidence shows that, Nigeria still has a long way to go in developing nation’s hospitals.
It is regrettable that, often times, Nigerians are flown abroad to get cured of kidney related diseases, especially when it has to do with transplanting and it is indeed sad that, people die of these preventable diseases in the country, yet Nigerian people spend years in universities across the world studying medicine and still have this kind of situations.
Kidney failure or end stage renal disease is becoming a major issue in Nigeria due to increase in its incidence. Available statistics indicate that kidney failure is increasing world -wide by approximately seven percent annually and incidence in Nigeria could be as high as 10 per million population
Despite huge amounts of money allocated to the health sector at each budget year, Nigeria is still unable to establish Kidney foundation or hospital where its citizens who at one time or the other fall victim of this end stage disease can be taken care of.
It could be recalled that, during Yar’adua’s regime, much revenue was allocated to health and security sector, which would have boosted the sector and extended its capacity to include building of special centres and training of medical personnel such as nephrologists, that will handle any complications emanating from kidney ailment that always attract foreign expert attention such as heart clinic, liver and kidney centre. The unavailability of this special hospital and high cost of dialysis, however, has led to easy road to death of kidney patients in Nigeria.
The incidence of kidney disease cuts across most ages and the prevalence is among patients aged between 20 and 50 years. This means that a significant number falls within the working population and may pose a serious threat to the future of Nigeria's economy. This means that something must be done now.
Just last year, more than 20 people were shown on television calling on Nigerians to donate money for them to travel abroad for medical attention. The most pathetic was the situation of Mr. James Ngo, a primary school teacher, who was unaware of his diabetes status until it deteriorated to kidney failure. NGO, within a shortest period of being diagnosed with kidney failure, became pale and very poor looking.
James is a father of three, who was just living with a meagre amount as salary. A man who could hardly boost of hundred thousand, was asked to pay 13 million Naira in order to fly him to India for transplantation.
Another pitiable condition is the case of Zainab, a then 200 level mass communication student of University of Maiduguri, who was recently aired on television seeking for the support of Nigerians to raise huge sum, N9million, to seek medical treatment abroad. Unfortunately, the aforementioned kidney patients are both from poor families just like many others. Then, one will now ask how high rate of death caused by kidney related diseases can be reduced if average Nigerians cannot easily get medical attention as at when necessary because of large amounts of money involved.
Experts say, Kidney diseases are treatable and its progression can often be curtailed particularly if caught early, adding that, early detection and treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse, and can prevent the need for dialysis or transplant.
In many teaching hospitals, it was gathered that 16 to 60 new patients are in need of dialysis and as such go out of their way to solicit for help. For instance, at the Gwagwalada Specialist hospital, it costs N19,000 for ‘Normal Dialysis’ and a patient has to go through this, three times in a week, while it cost an average of N75,000 for three rounds of dialysis on a weekly basis.
In addition, a patient has to go through other medications and procedures that have to be done regularly. The cost of renal transplant in Nigeria is in the region of N3million and above, while an average of N150, 000 monthly is required for post transplant treatment. Most privileged patients seek medical attention in countries such as India.
From the findings, Nigerian Pilot learnt that another contributing factor to the high death rate of kidney patients in Nigeria is as a result of lack of medical experts - Nephrologists. According to experts, who said before now, doctors scarcely specialised in Nephrology due to the belief that it was not lucrative instead, they prefer to take to gynaecologist as they also believe it fetches more money compare to the former.
According to reports, Nigeria spends its huge part of revenue sending kidney patients abroad. This money spent abroad would have been saved and channeled to other meaningful economic activities that will yield more income for the nation.
The first paediatric kidney transplantation in Nigeria was successfully carried out at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos in 2009. While the first ever adult transplant was conducted on 31 year-old Suleiman Usman, in September 2010 by experts at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in collaboration with Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital and the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife.
Yemi Raji, a Nephrologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, while speaking at a sensitisation programme, called on the federal government to assist patients with kidney failure. Dr. Raji appears to be beckoning on government to borrow a leaf from advanced countries of the world as well as some African countries, where government renders assistance to patients with kidney failure.
A typical example is Sudan. The cost of treating kidney failure is subsidized, while in Europe and America, government bears the entire cost of treatment. However, in Nigeria, due to the less support from the government, stakeholders used the World Kidney Day which is usually observed every March 8, to raise consciousness on kidney donation, in addition to cautioning members of the public on the commonest causes of kidney failure which include diabetes, and hypertension.
Agbani Darego dazzles at Miss World 2014
Dressed by Nigerian designer, Meena, Agbani, who was one of the judges at the event, looked gorgeous in her lovely purple dress, which fitted her like a glove.
Agbani, the first ever Black African Miss World and also one time face for L’ Oreal, has modelled for notable America designers, including Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren and others.
She recently kicked off her own fashion line, A.D by AGBANI DAREGO and gave out as gifts to the contestants some of the designs from her latest collection.
Monday, 15 December 2014
Pomp, fanfare as PMAN hosts live band competition
The event, which held in partnership with Seagoule was a first of its kind, began with a red carpet which was graced by some entertainment bigwigs such as Nollywood veteran actor, Vitalis Ndubuisi, ace musician, Baba 2010, Hip hop diva, Queen Julietta, music producer, Mecoyo, Tessy Jackson amongst other patrons and patronesses of the Association.
Speaking during the event, PMAN Governor, Abuja Chapter, Mr. Collins Adeyemi reiterated his commitment to take PMAN to different level. He stated that the concept of the event is simple and it will act as a means of empowering musicians in Abuja.
As a trained performing artiste, he said one of major challenges confronting the association right now is to restore its lost glory and boost its image in order to regain the confidence of those who believe in the association.
“Since I came on board one of the major challenge has been to bring back the image of PMAN. I have helped about 20 musicians to get gigs and they get paid.
He did not also forget to encourage the young musicians.
“Most of the young musicians we have today, they might not be the best, their music might not be what you want to listen to but we are giving them a sense of encouragement. That is why we brought these wonderful judges to help them.
My prayer is that PMAN will continue to shine and get the needed support from well wishers. If you notice any lapses in tonight’s competition, please pardon us. As time goes on we will continue to make corrections and perfect the show.”
Nollywood veteran actor, Vitalis Ndubuisi also express satisfaction for the initiative .He encouraged PMAN to keep the spirit alive and to ensure that the association remains relevant.
The night continued as the 26 contestants took to the stage to perform their own songs because the competition stressed on originality. Big winners of the night are Mike Pila and Celestine Olgar.
Becca features Sakodie on New single, Tell Me
The track will serve as the lead single from Ms. Becca's third solo studio album, following up to her 2013 Time for Me. To date, the album still gets considerable air play on radio airwaves.
Becca started working on her debut studio album, Sugar, in 2007. It was preceded by the lead single "You Lied to Me".
Becca's second studio album, Time 4 Me, was released on May 16, 2013. Becca describes the album as a musical journey inspired by her thoughts, emotions and beliefs. The album consists of 20 songs, including 4 bonus tracks. It features guest appearances from 2face Idibia, M.I, King Ayisoba & Trigmatic, Jay, and Storm Akwaboah. It was supported by the singles "Forever", "Push", "Follow the Leader", "Bad Man Bad Girl", and "No Away".
Becca's 2011 single "Africa Woman" appeared as a bonus on the album. In 2011, Becca released the singles "Forever" and "Push" from the album. The latter features guest vocals from King Ayisoba & Trigmatic.
Reunion: Davido , Wizkid hang out at Lagos club
On Saturday December 13, 2014, Davido’s elder brother, Adewale Adeleke better known as Chairman HKN, celebrated his birthday at Escape Night Club in Lagos and Wizkid decided to come through so as to party with the HKN gang. At the party, over 100 bottles of Champagne flowed freely and both stars partied hard and did not leave until the early hours of Sunday.
It is pertinent to note that that E.M.E act, Niyola also celebrated her birthday at Escape Night Club and for last night’s event, Banky W and other stars were all in attendance and sat on the same table with the HKN Gang. It is also noteworthy to mention that Starboy boss, Wizkid took the liberty to walk over to the HKN table to celebrate with them.
Since the party last night, fans of both stars have been praising their efforts at re-uniting and the photographs of them at the club last night have gone viral online.
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Ronaldo: CR7 deserves Ballon d’Or
Brazil and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo has said he has “no doubt” that Cristiano Ronaldo will win the 2014 Ballon d’Or.
The Portuguese star is favourite to win the individual accolade for a second time in a row and third overall, but faces competition from Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi and Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
However, the double World Cup-winner feels the 29-year-old, who guided his side to the Champions League title this year, has a clear advantage over his rivals.
“It’s very nice to see this Real Madrid team play,” he told Cope. “The team has a lot of quality in midfield and has Cristiano, who is very inspired every time he plays.
“This year I have no doubt that the Ballon d’Or will be for Cristiano. This year he has quite an advantage.”
The former Inter striker believes that Ronaldo and Messi are ahead of every other player in world football but believes his compatriot Neymar will soon join them at the pinnacle of the game, saying: “Neymar will arrive in good time.”
Ronaldo also claims another young Brazilian, Lucas Silva, would make a shrewd signing for Real Madrid following his performances for Brasileirao champions Cruzeiro.
“He is a player who has had a great championship in Brazil,” he added. “ He is young and has quality in midfield. I think he would be a great signing for Real Madrid.”
Real Madrid ‘have potential to eclipse Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona’
Carlo Ancelotti’s record-breaking Real Madrid side are sweeping aside all before them with their brand of counter-attacking football.
How mother of 4 was killed in cold blood
What could have led to the murder of a 35-year old woman in her house in Oke-afa, Isolo, Lagos, by unknown assailants who took nothing away from her is a question on the lips of many residents of the area, who are still in shock on the gruesome murder of Mrs. Martha Ifeayinwa Ifewulu.
To the family, the death of Ifeayinwa has left a pill too bitter to swallow, especially on her four children who will now live the rest of their lives without the tender love and care of their mother.
She was cut down in her prime at a very young age when her family needed her love, care and support most, by those who like to see others sorrow and suffer; those who may also be fathers and mothers, who would like to see their own children grow so as to take care of them personally, but will not like to see other parents take care of their children alive.
Monday, December 1, was a day that will remain indelible in the hearts of the family of the Ifewulu’s from Anambra State, as the day their mother, wife, sister, aunty and daughter, Martha Ifeaninwa Ifewulu, the wife of Mr. Ugochukwu Ifewulu, was murdered in cold blood at their residence at No 45, Salau Aliu Street, Oke-afa, Isolo, Lagos.
The late Ifeyinwa, a mother of four children (two boys and two girls) on that fateful Monday morning prepared her children, aged 11, nine, seven and five, to school and they left for school with one of their little cousins around 14 years, and other members of her family left for their various places of business leaving her behind. But on her way out of the house to her shop, tragedy struck; she was murdered right on her staircase on her way out of the house with a sharp object suspected to be broken mirror; and she died in the pool of her own blood on the staircase.
What could have led to this horrible murder is still not clear. Could the late 35 year old woman have involved herself in some unscrupulous dealings that prompted outright death; or could it be that those looking for her husband but could not get him decided to avenge their anger on the wife; or had she offended some wicked people in one way or the other? All these are puzzles waiting for answers from the police.
When Friday Magazine visited the house, the whole place was cool and calm with friends, relatives, neigbours and other sympathisers coming to console Mr. ifewulu on the death of his wife.
But curious to know what might have gone wrong leading to the murder of Mrs. Ifewulu, Friday Magazine learnt that she was only a petty trader, selling provisions at Ago Palace Way in Okota.
Observing Ifeayinwa’s husband showed that the man is a peace-loving and quiet man who is easily accessable and as such has nothing to hide, as the house itself does not have security or guard to keep watch, an indication that the family has no problem with anybody.
Narrating what happened on that fateful day to Friday Magazine, Mr. Ifewulu in a sorrowful mood explained that on that Monday morning, December 1, he left the wife at home to go for a laboratory test at Noble Laboratory at No 140 Okota Road, because he was not feeling well. But after the test around 12 noon, he called the wife to tell her how it went, but her phone rang severally and she did not pick the call.
According to him, “After series of call and no response, I was angry that my wife did not pick my call to know why I was calling; so I decided from there to continue my journey to the office. I suspected she might have been murdered around 10-11. So due to the Apapa hold up, I got to the office in Apapa late around 3 O’colck and shortly after that, I received a call from the wife of one of my tenants down stair that I should come home immediately that something bad has happened. I was so shocked and terrified that I could not drive and I asked one of my cousins to drive me. When I got home around 5 O’clock, I saw many people gathered in the compound and I climbed up stairs and saw my wife laying dead in the pool of her own blood while the chairman of the landlords association of my area has called the police from Ejigbo Police Station. They came and took some pictures and the body was later deposited at the Isolo mortuary.”
Mr. Ifeawulu explained further that her dead body was discovered by her children who came back from school and saw their mother’s car and with excitement believing that their mother was still at home, climbed the stair case up stair to see her, only to find out blood everywhere on the staircase and her lifeless body covered with blood.
It was gathered that it was the 14-year old cousin who discovered the body of the late ifeayinwa on the staircase and prevented the children from going up further and then alerted her aunt’s friend who sells some items around the area.
What a traumatic experience it was for the little children to know that the same lively mother who bade them goodbye in the morning was dead, killed by an unknown assailants!
Mr. Ifewulu stated that “to show that it was a real case of assassin, nothing was taken away from her, because she has locked the door and was coming down with her car key and phones when the killers met her on the stair case and attacked her and killed her on the stair case and went away without arousing any suspicion. Everything that happened played out on the staircase of the two storey building.”
From observation, probably she was killed with a broken mirror on the staircase as a big mirror was shattered, an indication that her attackers broke the mirror and used some parts of it to slash her throat.
Mr. Ifewulu, a clearing agent in Apapa and the owner of the two story building where her wife was murdered, said that he is a peace-loving man and the wife was a good and peaceful woman who did not deserve that kind of treatment from anybody
On the wall around the staircase, patches of blood can be seen, maybe as she struggled with the murders.
For now the case has been transferred from the Ejigbo Police Station to Panti Police Station for further investigations.
When Friday Magazine asked Mr. Ifewulu if prior to the death of his wife she had complained of any serious quarrel or threat to her life from anybody or on his own side if he had been threatened by anybody, he said nothing of such had ever happened, adding that they had lived in the house for years without having any quarrel with anybody.
It is hoped that the police will get to the root of this matter to unravel the mystery behind this dastard act, because if the killers and their collaborators are not found, this may become a common occurrence based on the conviction of the murders that nobody will ever find them out and they will continue to commit more atrocities.
‘Why I avoid girls at Yuletide’
Christmas is said to be one of the most popularly celebrated day in the world. It is obvious that the remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ leaves excitement in the air. For the young ones, it is a time to change clothes and get beautiful, the streets are illuminated by colourful lights; gifts exchange hands, loud noise in the streets, dancing and songs become the order of the day.
And for the youths it is a time to get married, people travel to their respective states of origin to celebrate with their loved ones; it is often a time for family re-union, a time to re-strategize and focus, it is a time to seek the face of God and make New Year resolutions.
The period incorporates various Christian and secular customs. Christmas Day, usually celebrated on the 25th day of December is a busy epoch, heralded with shopping and preparations for spirituality and a lot of funs.
The celebration wouldn’t be complete without the beautiful Christmas trees that are constructed in most sitting rooms and houses the tree is an integral part of charismas in Nigeria, often rounded by shiny tiny lights that also runs around the sitting room. It reminds us of the festival and helps us keep abreast of the season.
It use to be fun all the way, where most people, especially the Igbos living in different parts of the country and the world return home to share love and joy with their immediate and extended family members. As it were, during this period, people exchange gift items with their family members, loved ones and co-workers, as well as the needy.
In the same way, some communities use the period to settle differences in their respective families, perform both the traditional marriages and wedding ceremonies to enable every member of the family to attend. Due to some public holidays that follow the season, most people use this season to exchange visits to families, friends and well wishers, loved ones and colleagues.
However, some people deviate from the actual merriment associated with the season to dupe innocent commuters eager to return home to see their family members. Transporters normally increase transport fares during this season while a slew of rituals take place by those who are eager to get rich by all means.
On the other hand, some people, especially youths make silly mistakes of their lives during the Christmas season; some get themselves impregnated. Some young guys and ladies use the period to look for their would-be-wives or husbands; some use it to find new lovers whereas others use the yuletide to re-unite with their families and old friends who may be running away from performing their responsibilities.
Some people are of the view that Christmas season is known to be a period of great expenses because most friends and families expect a lot from each other especially in terms of financial performance.
Because of this, most men decide to opt-out of their relationship because of the expenses they might incur in other to satisfy their girlfriends during this period.
The fact that most men shun their girlfriends during Christmas season cannot be over emphasized but all of them have different reasons for doing such thing.
A civil servant, Mr. Abraham Chukwuemeka said that he used to run away from his girlfriend some weeks before Christmas because she demands too much without even considering his pocket. “I usually avoid my girlfriend few weeks before Christmas because she asks too much and she does try to compare me with her friend’s boyfriend not thinking about how much I earn per month, you know that you can never satisfy a woman; so it is better not to spend a penny.”
According to Mr. Gabriel Emmanuel, a building contractor, “I have never done such a thing before but I have a friend who loves breaking up with his girlfriend during festive periods, especially Christmas because he doubles date a lot. So he does not have enough money to cater for all of them”, he noted.
However, Mr Elijah Ademola, who has a different opinion said that the reason why some guys run away from their girlfriends during Christmas period is because they don’t have courage. “The reason why men dump their girlfriends during yuletide is because they lack courage, without money, a courageous man can continue with his relationship without being intimidated by his financial condition, it’s just a matter of being straight forward and truthful; you can tell your girlfriend that you don’t have enough money and you can as well urge her to manage the money you can afford”.
For a corps member, Usman Dukia, “The reason why boys run away from their girlfriends during Christmas or Sallah is that during that time most girls ask their boyfriends for some money to buy things for Christmas or Sallah.”
Zakar Harilu, a recharge card dealer said that he is not doing that kind thing and that is why his relationship with his girlfriend continued to flourish. “For me what I think is the reason is that some girls are calculative, when Christmas is coming, they calculate the amount they will use for their dress and other fashions. Though I am a Muslim but Christmas is for all and I am dating a girl like that for about four years now, so if I am that type, the relationship will not have reached this stage”.
On his part Mr. Joseph opined that there is no reason for him to run away from his girlfriend no matter what happens during the period. He also maintained that the main reason behind guys fleeing from their lovers is that some boys do not really love their girls, so they use the Christmas demands to show them the way out.
In a chat with a music producer, Miss Adewopo, he said real men don’t dump their women because of Christmas expenses. “You can give what you can give and nobody will force you to give what you don’t have. As a man, before asking a woman out, you should know that you have some responsibility as her partner.
“You shouldn’t just walk up to a woman and ask her out if you know you cannot withstand your responsibility properly, as a man looking for a girlfriend, you should look for your level first then study the girl as well and try to figure out if she’s a type that ask too much, if you can meet up with her demands, you stay, if you can’t then you should look for another girlfriend,” he said.
Mr. Elijah Ademola, a reporter said that the reason why men dump their girlfriends during yuletide is that they lack courage. He further added that, without money a courageous man can continue with his relationship without being intimidated by his financial condition, it’s just a matter of being straight forward and truthful, you can tell your girlfriend that you don’t have enough money and you can as well urge her to manage the money you can afford. He said.
In a meeting with Mr. Amos Sunday, he said one of the reasons is that women don’t make effort to assist guys during festive period, they are not concerned about where they are going to get the money from, all they want is to be treated nicely during yuletide session.
“Though the habit of breaking up relationships by men during Christmas seasons is uncalled for, but you can’t totally blame the men doing such thing. Women are supposed to take part virtually in everything that happens during relationships, the entire burden shouldn’t be on the men. As a real woman, you shouldn’t depend on a man to help you carry your entire problems,” he emphasized.
Who controls the wife’s salary?
Most of the problems in today’s life stem from the financial decisions a husband and wife make. Life after marriage changes completely and expenses increase manifold. Most of the friction and tension among the young couples, in the modern times happen due to bad management of financial lives. A little effort towards setting their financial basics right would help them live a happier married life. After marriage, what were once individual financial goals become mutual, husband and wife share a life together and consequently education of children, vacations, medical expenses, marriage and eventual retirement are common goals which have to be planned for, together in advance. As the saying goes, “failing to plan is planning to fail”.
As it were, reviewing the financial plan is as important as creating one. A hard look at your budget and your investments would help you understand if you need to make some changes in the way you save, spend or invest. The life immediately after marriage is full of uncertainties and it is only after spending few years that couple understand the importance of smart saving and diversifying their investments. Since it is a start of a new phase the excitement is high and propensity to save and reviewing the plan is less.
Succinctly, deciding and writing down how much to spend and save would help avoid fights between the couple. Without a budget the couple would lead their financial lives as wanderers. The strategy is to stick to the budget and modify only if it is unavoidable. Equally, the couple needs to decide among them, who should manage whoever income at the end of the day to avoid running into deficit in the family.
Sometimes, women are perceived as being best managers of family income.
However, Friday magazine Correspondent went to town and sought the opinion of different people on who should manage the wife income/salary.
Mr. Patrick Nwanze, Delta Speaker’s aide said; let her manage it herself because she is a woman and has her decision to make. So a good wife should use her salary in the interest of the family, she has a right to her salary and she should manage it for the interest of the family.
Comrade Benson Okobi-Allanah a Journalist was of the opinion that the woman is a worker and she has every right to manage her income or salary, and in that wise she will be able to do certain things on behalf of the husband even when he is not around. You know, men are always on the move, so she should be managing her salary and she will now have full autonomy as per control of her finance, she will not be depending on you all the time for you to act. But when she is given a free hand for her to manage her income or salary, when the man is not around, she can always manage the affairs of the house without relying on the husband. So it is good she is allowed to manage her income or salary.
Mr. Vincent Aniekwushie a Civil Servant opined; I believe it should be the wife that would manage her income or salary because they have a retaining venture, they can team up and carry the family to greater heights. But the wife should manage her salary.
Mrs. Eucharia Nzeabi a Teacher, said that it is the woman’s right to manage her salary, should the husband not around, she will be able to sustain the family. And in terms of financial need, it is not everything that she would require the husband to do for her, in case the family runs short of food items in the house, the woman being in custody of money will immediately rush to the market to buy the things needed in the family without waiting for the husband to return home. So it keeps the family moving on peacefully without any hindrance.
Mrs. Comfort Life an Asaba- based Publisher said; I think it is the husband, but not totally anyway. I think they should work together and I think women are better managers of finances. It is a very dicey one; as a young bride when I was newly married, I wanted my husband and I to have a joint account, but somehow, his family did not like the idea. They said that because he was earning very high but I was just a small worker that time, with a newspaper publishing house, but
eventually, looking back now, it was a good decision because women are better managers of money than men, so I think it should be a joint thing.
Mr. Omon-Julius Onabu a Journalist explained; you know that issue of money is very important to the family, so unless you want to deceive yourself, money actually promotes understanding because so many problems will be solved within the family. And there are so many problems to be solved; challenges especially in today’s world but the issue is that, when it comes to managing money, I think a woman should handle her pay package with the husband based on the understanding they have. There are some men who will just give their pay package to their wives because they believe that if they are to manage it for the family upkeep, they believe the woman manages better, so they will just give their wives custody of the house to manage so that she can manage well. But it should not be by force, the place the man decides to keep the woman’s purse, there must be a kind of understanding otherwise, there is no justification for it. This is because if the woman has her own responsibilities, how will she give her purse to the husband? But if it is like a common purse that the two of them decided to put together their financial resources and then to also draw a kind of budget on how to spend the money, it is okay. But when a wife is seen as the type with extravagant lifestyle, the man should keep the purse for the betterment of the family.
Saturday, 13 December 2014
2015: Jonathan sticks with Sambo
President Goodluck Jonathan, in the early hours of yesterday, announced his deputy, Arc Namadi Sambo, as running mate in the 2015 presidential elections.
He chose Sambo as the vice president when he was the governor of Kaduna state in 2010 after the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and his subsequent assumption of office as the President.
In his acceptance speech, the President, who described Sambo as ‘loyal and humble’ said that he would run with him in the 2015 presidential election.
Jonathan, who received 2,812 ‘Yes’ votes out of the 2,812 votes, mounted the podium at 12.45 am to thank his party colleagues for the endorsement.
“I stand before you to accept your nomination as your Presidential flagbearer. I will give my all. I will not let you down. I will not fail the PDP and above all, I will not fail Nigeria.”
He continued:
“I want to announce that the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, a loyal and tested partner will be my running mate and Vice Presidential Candidate once again.”
President Jonathan also vowed to continue fighting corruption and insurgency in the country.
“In spite of our challenges, our unity remains solid. What we need today is to consolidate on our gains to secure our future. Only by united efforts can we defeat terror.”
“This government will continue to do whatever is desired to improve security. Our fight against corruption is on course and we will do more in the coming years.”
Before the announcement was made, there had been speculations that Jonathan might opt for someone different from Arc Sambo, who was first named Vice President in 2010. However the choice was made in favour of Sambo.
Low-keyed Xmas preparation in Ebonyi
Christmas celebration is one of the most valued feasts celebrated by the Christians across the world. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas feast is being celebrated on 25th day of December every year in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s birth. To the Christians, it is believed that without the birth of Jesus Christ, human beings would not have been saved from destruction.
A biblical story has it that, after the creation of the world which climaxed the creation of both living and non living things therein, including human beings; Adam and Eve, the first human creature who lived in the Garden of Eden ate a forbidden fruit, which marked the origin of sin in the world. It was in order to save the world that the Lord sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ to come and die so as to save man from imminent destruction. This is why the birth of Jesus Christ is mostly valued by the Christians.
During Christmas celebration, it appears compulsory for individuals and families to go for shopping to get new things in preparation for the feast. People shop for new clothes, foot wears and other materials, including consumable items for themselves, children, relations and loved ones.
People travel home to see their family members and young ones during Christmas. It is also a period when people do all kinds of celebrations; just as it is a period for thanksgiving. Since the feast is celebrated at the last month of the year, people seize the opportunity to give thanks to God for preserving them to the last month of the year.
Prices of goods skyrocket within this period, as virtually every good doubles. Nevertheless, it is a period people go extra mile to ensure that they have all they would use to make the celebration joyful and enjoyable. People use the opportunity to have family meetings whereby issues affecting them are discussed and proffer solutions just as disputes are settled within the period because people that matter in the family usually return home.
As the period for Christmas celebration is around the corner, Friday magazine correspondent who went round Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi state and sampled opinions of residents on the preparation for the feast reports that there is low key preparation for the all important feast this year. However, the people have since begun preparation for the most valued feast; as business activities in the state have increased to a noticeable extent. Business men and women have boosted their stocks with goods and services so as to have enough for consumers whose level of patronage is usually high at this period. Prices of goods have started skyrocketing.
It was also observed that buyers and sellers are on the little increase on daily basis; just as there is a beehive of activities in the Abakaliki Main market popularly called Abakpa. It is common at this period, however, to see adhoc business men and women who display products such as clothes, shoes, food items and other products on the road side along markets and their environs and Ebonyi is not an exception. But unlike in the past, the preparation for the feast appears not have started as expected.
Some of the people who spoke to our correspondent attributed the low-key preparation to party activities which seem to have diverted the interest of the entire people of the state but expressed hope to see improvement as time goes on. Also, marketers on their part told our correspondent that not much has changed in terms of consumers’ patronage; though expressed hope that there might be business boom when the feast draws nearer.
One of them, Mr. Agbo Ogbu said that preparing for Christmas celebration is not unfamiliar with the celebrants since the feast has been an annual event. According to him, the society should not over stretch itself but endeavour to spend within the limit of their resources, adding that much emphasis should be placed on the sober reflection on the birth of Christ rather than the inordinate quest to satisfy their desires momentarily.
“Celebrating the Christmas is not a new experience to me except for the kids whom I know will one day grow up to come to terms with the realities of life.
“The society should know that there is no amount of money spent to commemorate the birth of Christ that will be commensurate with the purpose of the birth of Christ. The celebration should be hinged on the reason why Christ was born.”
A dealer in all kinds of wears at Abakaliki main market, Mr. Ogbonnaya Oche told Friday magazine that though people have begun shopping for the feast, no much boom has been witnessed despite the fast approaching festival. He however noted that he was optimistic that there will be change, starting from 15th December.
“Nothing has changed in terms of patronage as usual but we hope to see changes beginning from 15th of this month. That is the time people troop out en masse for Xmas shopping. However, I have beefed up my stock with more goods ahead of the celebration,” Mr. Oche said.
Mrs. Onyinyechi Nweke, a food stuff seller told Friday magazine that nothing has changed in the level of patronage. She attributed the low preparation by the people to hardship as well as the political activities in the state, which she said has diverted the attention of the people.
An elderly citizen, Mr. Ngwuta Eze noted that Christmas feast has been an annual ritual and a period to give thanks to God. He explained that it should not be seen as a period of splurge. He wondered why people try to get all their needs at all cost within this period. The elder statesman advised the people to see the up coming Xmas as a period of sober reflection. He stated that he has no special preparation in terms of material things but has prepared his mind ahead of the feast.
For the meantime, our correspondent who toured round Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital to sought people’s opinion observed that the preparation for the feast is at the low ebb.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)