APC 's New Nigeria Dream & the Nightmares to come.

Few weeks ago the foremost opposition party in Nigeria, the All Progressive Congress, APC indirectly flagged off her campaign with the APC summit in Abuja. There, her 2015 campaign message became subliminally unveiled. "The New Nigeria" it chorused.

"The New Nigeria...", I pondered on for a long while. This is a very great caption I must confess. But I would not assume that APC understands politics and the aspect of Campaign  that I would keep shut. It will be a case of once beaten twice shy. I cannot forget in a hurry how I watched the opposition play away the opportunity to bring the desired change to Nigeria in 2011.

The New Nigeria concept is a very sellable one. It is an encompassing concept that defines the political behaviour of Nigerians. First, Nigerians have voting apathy. Two, there are more fresh voters in 2015. An average Nigerian on the street is either tired of this government or the country or the both.  It is either you hear an average man say let us break up or let there be revolution. This suggests that proposing something new to them- something different from what is the case- but with the hope of bringing them good governance would win their votes.

The Party's think tank already put the APC in a tight corner. The one that will either win her the polls or expose it to the most humiliating defeat in recent Nigeria. Seriously,  my fear is the possibility of a totalitarian Nigeria. Is that not enough reason to fear? The tyranny of PDP will wield stronger in 2015 and beyond if they ever win than power once again . It would mean 20years of PDP rule by 2019.It would look like the end of the world. Transformation will turn to absolute deformation. It could only get worse my fake patriot, listen to wisdom.

However, APC, should understand that a naked person cannot promise people clothes. The stakes are high now and there will be tougher hurdles on the route.

My bosom friend has a message to add -a Jonathan Apologist though- one of the few young people that I know to be cynical about APC's Change Story.

"You cannot project a new Nigeria under someone who served in the Sector where the greatest kleptocrat stole funds most. Also, it will be hard for you to preach a new Nigeria with the personality of a Candidate who ran as lieutenant in the casted Army." he believes.

How will APC manage to convince the people to believe in her product will be a herculean task especially as it is a poll to unseat the sitting President? It all begins with the right candidates and the best campaign network.


Showunmi Rex is a Writer, Public Speaker, Entrepreneur & Socio-Political Philosopher. His Interests are Business&Politics.
Twitter Handle (@remirex)

publisher........yekipedia

 twitter @yekeme

How to Sell yourself to the World

Brief: We need to Sell what we have and what we are to the World

When we were born we came with innate ideas and natural abilities . Everything we needed to enable our survival, it seems, came with us: a mind to grasp and learn, to function, survive and contribute to humanity.  And then, it’s important to admit: the role of Expression and Communication in all our activities.

When a baby weeps when it is hungry it is communicating to survive, to remind or request for something to quench thirst and hunger, or destroy/defuse pain.  In most cases, the baby gets all that it needs. That is the beginning and we never get satisfied till our last breathe. Even at dying times we still need wishes we may want fulfilled after we are gone.

How do we get all that we want? Some within our reach others with the help  of  people. But, we need to win their heart to get the help. Whether you are a start-up entrepreneur in need of Angel  Investors or a politician seeking election or re- election. Even a salesman trying to increase sales of his product; we all need that charm –attractive feature—that endears us to people’s heart. We need the art of learning  how to sell our person or product to the world.

*Considering these points below can help us achieve that art*

•Re-Examine Yourself:
Socrates, the Ancient Philosopher, brought out a new discourse on Humanity into man’s reasoning. Man know thyself   was the theme of his teachings. We need to introspect and retrospect into the happenings within and without. When we take a fact finding look into happenings around us only then will we understand how some stuffs unfold. It is an unbelievable fact that a large chunk of the world population lives on prejudices. An average Nigerian will get a credit in that . However, looking at things  critically will at least open up our eyes to see the true nature of our challenges and what we need to do about them. It can save us a lot of time and pain .Examining our lives will enable us to re-strategize , figure out what’s functioning in our lives and what is not .Also , we can  see ourselves in the true light of things—just as we truly are.


•Determine What your True Goals are:
 When we understand ourselves better we can bring to fore our true heart yearning as goals. Discovering our passion will navigate  us  to push forward in the direction of our goals. Our passion writes and shapes our goals. It  increases our drive and strengthens our focus, too.


•Find an Association:

As a social being, man always find it necessary to associate or be a part of a group. For one to sell himself   to the world he needs a platform, it  often begins unconsciously. One’s immediate family are the first observers of one’s capabilities and that’s where the first ‘advert comes from.
 However, as growth increases, stage to stage has its relationship formations; friendship, falling in love , choice of sport, hobbies, political affiliations ,Fraternity ,  etc. You are as good as your association.
Anyone willing to sell himself to the world must first be a part of a formation who will first accept him and take cognizance of his potentials and qualities. They will act as an outreach for launching himself. The church is one of the most viable association to attach to. Most great musicians often give credit to the Choir as where it first began. Also, people have risen to greatness because of the connection, assistance  and the relationship they kept over time.
These days Social media is forming a stronger bond across ties. Entertainment, politics, Business,etc  have social network platforms to relate with family, friends, associates and partners as well as the world at large.

•Being and Giving the Best:

In the Business world, as it is in any endeavour, building a brand is as important as anything. Business thrives on the belief that dealings will be handled by the best hands. If your work depicts quality it won’t take time to be easily noticeable while people are willing to pay through their nose to get value for their money. The Holy scripture talks about a diligent man that would ‘stand before kings and not mean men’. The biblical story of Joseph explains this better: when the need arose to solve the King’s problems, it didn’t take much thinking before Joseph was recommended. Hardwork and giving  the best are like necessary beings. You cannot bring forth the best without hardwork, I mean smart work. Continuous mastery of  your craft , more than anything else, endows a man with charming personalities.

•Value and character:
 You can belong to an association, give quality services but if you have a character flaw, you are bound to face huge resentments in acceptance by people. Sporting World explains this concept very well. Talents and hard work are secondary to discipline and character. When you share constructive moral values people will easily like and stand for you. You have won a special place in their heart. As a wise saying quotes: 'people dont care how much you know until they know how much you care. '




By SHOWUNMI REX (@remirex)

Showunmi Rex is a Writer,  Public Speaker, Socio-political Philosopher and Entrepreneur.  His Interests are Business and Politics.

Publisher........Yekipedia
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Choosing Vision Over Gains; Model For Leadership

The political arena in Nigeria is now dominated by stakeholders and

helmsmen who put personal benefits ahead and above serving the people- their primary responsibility. Their system of new politics is to loot voraciously funds from state treasury with the cliché "dividend of

democracy".

Their actions have brought us to the point where we ask ourselves

a very fundamental question whether political interests should be

based on gains or visions? Perhaps we are missing the purpose of governance

Unlike many developed countries in the world where politics is played based on vision and ideologies, ours seem to have deviated from this very essence. We now see elections without clear and meaningful manifestoes as normal provided their message tickle our ears or sound interesting. Mind you, once candidates share gifts and money in the name of mobilisation the election is a done deal. Highest bidder electioneering.

We can hardly change much about this situation, the electorates already have this mindset that the electioneering season is the best and only time they can benefit from the largesse of state.

Niger Delta politicians exhibits more of this "gain devoured” politics

With Chief Ibori and Chief Alamieyeseigha as veterans based on the "badge of honor" they proudly carry. We can't ignore the traits and efforts of Diezani

Alison-Madueke and Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. What a man can do a woman can do better. NOI and DAM's latest saga help validate the

above assertions.

Though it is a fact that many of our politicians

today are accidental politicians (El-rufai wrote a book to emphasize

that) and their sudden entry into the "lucrative business" was due to

the fact that those with genuine intention to build and develop our

country did not believe in the dish the military was serving in 1999.

So those who were bold enough to handle it were solely interested in

what they could get out at least before any military usurpation as it happened in 1993.

Looking at the political arena of Delta State at the moment, the major

players and stakeholders are keen on protecting their interests in other to

remain relevant. This term, in Nigerian politics, means how much money or contract you can get from the government? As if not enough, those pests use their influence and relevance to

seek for fresh ways to loot and embezzle state funds for personal

gains and frivolous activities.

With lack of vision and the constant embezzlement of funds, states are left with failed projects and neglected contracts.

Administrators award contracts to their cronies and associate who often times falter in executing such projects, Empowerment. Little wonder all that the youths can

boast of is the state of "no jobs, no income and no assets". This

intense pressure of lack of sustainable means of livelihood has led

several unemployed youths to get involved in crimes and illegal

activities.

When we look far and near there's only one advice to give--- Let's get ready, we too must participate in building our future; we

should focus on ideological leadership and visionaries whose main

interest lies with the people. Men with dreams and vision to build and develop

our state and not kleptocrats and corrupt leaders who are merely

concerned about the gains.

*Kome Agbauduta is the Co-founder of Delta Forte Network and Founding Partner of KREED 

Publisher....yekipedia

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THE COLOSSAL FRAUD IN DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT .............. #SAVEDELTASTATE

The high handedness and fraud of government officials in Delta state is unfathomable, especially with officials in the ministry of education and the bursary board.

Today genuine students of delta state pursuing various degree programmes do not and we insist do not get the yearly bursary entitlement due to them.

Reason been that, it has been PROVEN that the Honourable Commissioner for Education Prof HOPE EGHAGHA, opened over 23000 fake bank accounts used for Bursary racket annually  since 2009. That HOPE EGHAGHA cannot account for the N2billion annually release to him for students scholarship since 2009.

That genuine students are deny payment after fulfilling the application requirements even in most cases paying for the application process yet they don’t get their Bursary.

The above reason has informed students of delta state origin to make their protest known to the world of this evil of the HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER.

We have been also informed that the billionaire hearted Governor in terms of bribes, media campaign and corruption has taken his good time to ensure that police investigation into this issues do not succeed.

If the government of Dr. UDUAGHAN says these allegations are all lies, let them come out to tell the world as we the students are waiting to give our own side of the pains we are going through as a result of government neglect of its primary responsibility.

We urge well meaning Nigerians to join our campaign....... #SAVEDELTASTATE

By
National Assoiciation of Delta State Students {Unilag Chapter}
watch out for the protest

@yekeme

HOW TO BE A RUNS GIRL

To be a successful runs girl in Unilag you have to work for it. You will do practical and theory Oloshology for four years so you can come out and say, “Yes! I have arrived.” Not just lie down and open leg, my dear. There are some things you have to do to get correct clients. Not small small mosquito club boys in school. When you show me that you’re serious, I will take you to Akeem’s house so that he will do gbere for you, two on your breasts and one on top of your powerhouse. Any chairman that enters there has entered for life. I just thank God for this Akeem person, oh! I was walking back to my hostel one day when Akeem just tapped me on the shoulder and downloaded my life story to me. By the time he started telling me about my uncles who were covering my star in their coven, hmmn, I followed him to wash my head in the river before he did my gbere for me. Everything I have now that you see here was bought for me by alhajis and senators. Even the duplex in Ikoyi, it is Senator Lawal that is paying for it.

Uhn, let me not talk too much. What was I saying again?

Ehn hen! You have to gain respect from the wannabes. You know the ones that raise their noses as if your body stinks when you are around but cannot remove their eyes from your Michael Kors when your back is turned? Yes, those ones.  Some will bow down easily but others will not. You have to teach them a lesson when they step on your toes. Like the time one Prisca girl wanted to form Van Damme for me with her face like yesterday's egusi soup. Pimples and spots decorate her face like izz nothing yet she had the audacity to accuse me of stealing her makeup box. To make matters worse, she called me ‘Shakirat’ instead of ‘Shakira’. Imagine! By the time I sat on her and beat her well, she couldn't find foundation in the market for her skin colour. When she sees me now ehn she takes alternative route. So, my dear, if you want to have mouth in this business, you have to work on your fighting skills. Don't let one girl that is still collecting pocket money come and rubbish you in Moremi Hall.

Then you have to work on your skin seriously. When me and Aisha enter the club on Fridays, it is me the alhajis notice because my skin and destiny is bright. Nobody taught me in year one when I found my way to Mama Tega's shop in Yaba (beside the train tracks gangan) to mix cream for me. All these fair girls you're seeing they didn't come like that oh. That's why I don’t follow dark girls to do Throwback Thursday on Instagram. When you become fair, old things are passed away, all things have become ‘tear rubber’. Make sure you use the cream Mama Tega gave you twice a day and in 6 months, your skin will be brighter than Aisha's future. What did you say your name is again? Chiamaka Uchebo? Alright from now, your name is Amy. In this business nobody cares about your surname so let’s forget about that one. You can’t use your real name so that you don’t soil your family name and get into trouble with your family.

Now the main thing in this business is the sex. My dear there is no such thing as love making. If you allow any man fuck you for free, that’s your luck. Money for hand, back for ground/bed/kitchen/cabinet/ironing table/car seat/wherever. Don’t adjust the rules for anybody. If they can’t afford it, tell them to keep it moving. Any style they call for you, do it. If you are not enjoying it, pretend you are so they will keep coming back. Whether you feel it or not, feed their ego and they will feed your bank account, you hear?

Yah, that’s right.

Let me not talk too much. Whenever you’re ready to go to Akeem’s place just let me know. You have my room number, abi? Okay no wahala.

BY.........IBUKUN AKINNAWO 

publisher......yekipedia

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THE OGONI OIL....... MORE OF DOOM THAN BOOM.

 With the discovery of crude oil in any community one would expect that developmental changes follow suit like we have seen in developed countries like Russia and U.S.A where oil boom enhanced their economy. In Nigeria's case, beginning with the discovery of crude oil in Ogoniland, oil is yet to bring any good to the land and people of the host communities. Rather than prosperity, it brought gloom and doom to the people of Ogoni, especially.

The Ogoniland comprises of three local governments in Rivers state-- the Tai, Khana and Gokhana area. Due to its proximity to the Atlantic, situated in the riverine, farming and fishing are the major occupations of the Ogonis. Ogoniland has been the site
of oil industry operations since the late 1950s and with the discovery of crude oil there were lots of expectations from natives and neighbouring communities. Unfortunately, this has now become a Nightmare.

Ogoniland has a tragic history of pollution from oil spills and oil well fires, the people could no longer indulge in their farming and fishing, which is the basic means of livelihood, because of polluted water and land. More so, the Ogonis are exposed to production hydrocarbons in outdoor air. Sometimes, drinking water at elevated concentrations. They are also exposed to health risk through dermal contacts from contaminated soil, sediments and surface water.

With the addition of the crude oil spill in Biara recently, the Ogoni people have suffered over three major spillages in five years. Consequently, this implies reduction of life expectancy, poor soil and contaminated water which endanger their lives and means of livelihood.

Hence, the boom has placed them at a gloomy corner as their positive expectation suffers setback. What then is the point of envy? What is the developmental growth rate of Ogoniland compared to Gusau, Muri or Lafia in the North? Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) was made to pay $1billion as compensation for environmental hazard and clean up, maintenance and infrastructural development. Despite that huge allocation fund, the situation only got worse.

This reality prompts us to ask a very crucial question; Who squandered that money?It is needless to ask anyway .Since corruption, misappropriation and embezzlement are the trademark of our society so why dissipate energy searching for what is resting under somebody's seat?

Ironically, the land that generates the billions of dollars that vanishes every now and then from our economy enjoys abandon and neglect from the government. Starving the hen that lay the golden egg.

I recall vividly my experience as a youth corper in Rivers State when I
walked over 200 metres into an oil spilled area in Gokhana on my way to Bonny Island where I was posted (NYSC place of primary assignment).As an eye witness myself, it dawned on me that the government is more interested in the crude and resources that they get from this area than the people. Their cry for development just sounds like the buzzing of a mosquitoes-- so irritating.

The Ogonis deserve better than the neglect that they enjoy from the government. Unless we are categorically saying that the struggle of Ken Saro Wiwa was in vain.

by

**Kome Agbauduta is the Co-Founder and Associate Publisher of Delta Forte Magazine; Founding Partner, KREED. His interests are Business & Politics.

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Ibukun Akinnawo – An Ocean At The Bottom Of The River

It began five days ago. It began the minute I chose to crawl up the dusty stairs to eavesdrop on this particular conversation. My stepmother’s pastor was telling my father that I was possessed by a marine spirit and that I had killed my mother so that my marine friends could eat lunch. Not exactly his words but that was the message he passed across. My father seemed to age in that minute. I almost tumbled down the stairs when the Pastor turned to look in my direction. I was sure that my father wouldn’t believe this “Pastor”—surely he knew better. Surely! I expected him to swat the story away like a pesky mosquito but two days after that, Dad drove me to MFM for a deliverance session mumbling a weak “we all need prayer” when I asked why. It was there in the way he gripped the steering wheel, in the way the skin on his chin sagged with sorrow. He believed the Pastor. He believed his ten year old daughter killed her own mother.

I bled tears all the way to MFM.

 “Daddy, don’t cry. It’ll be alright.” I dabbed at his face with the hem of my dress while my own tears pooled in my lap. It was mommy’s wake keep and he held me tightly to himself like I was all that kept him from falling apart. He had prayed all year for mommy to get better but the more he prayed the more mommy’s condition deteriorated. The last time I was allowed to see her, her hair was gone, she couldn’t walk and she was in a ward that had a heavy scent of death.

“How are you, Kemi?” she motioned for me to sit on the bed beside her.

“Mommy, come home” I laid beside her instead, breathing her inside me, hoping she would get better but knowing she wouldn’t.

I’m rocking myself back and forth now in my room, hugging my knees, tears blurring my view of the Dettol and the personal deliverance book Pastor Uti pressed into my palm at MFM.

“When you feel any strange presence in your body, use this book and pray the demons out”, he said.

But I wasn’t sure I had anything in me or wanted anything out. I felt hollow and timidly said “But I don’t feel any marine spirit in me”

“You have to pray it out.”

“I am not possessed.”  I wanted to cry but it didn’t matter. Dad believed.

I reach for the bottle of Dettol, squeezing my eyes shut as I put it to my mouth…

No. It is too bitter. There has to be a sweet way to die.

“God,” I start on bended knee, “let me sleep and not wake up so that I can come and meet my mommy in heaven. Give my daddy a replacement daughter just like me—but without the marine spirit. But before I die, in Jesus name every marine spirit in me die by fire!” I shake my head violently like Pastor Uti did with my eyes tightly shut so the spirit can die. I don’t know how long I repeat “die” for but I suddenly feel light. I open my eyes slowly and find a floating mermaid before me. She has lustrous black hair, the bluest of eyes, the fairest of skin.

“What are you doing, Akobi Oya?” she demanded.

I want to say: “My name is Kemi” but Akobi Oya sounds right, like the warm embrace of a long lost friend. In this instant, I know that that has been my name before it was Kemi. In this instant I know that she is my sister and I know she will take me.

“Only a man on fire can try to put out the fire before it consumes him but fire cannot put out itself. You are fire and your work here is done.” She says as she takes my hand and guides me through my room wall, towards the Ogun River.  Transformation creeps upon me as we both dive soundlessly into the water. I close my eyes, running my hands through raven black hair, twirling, revelling in this new body that fits my soul snugly. I swim alongside rainbow-colored fish for what seems like eternity before choosing another path down the river. I know this path like the back of my hand.

Light is just ahead and there are mermaids everywhere cheering, welcoming me, circling me in triumphant joy, as I edge closer to the source of the light. I feel like I’ve been asleep all my life and now is the time I wake from an endless dream. In my heart is a tiny ball of expectant excitement! I’m eager to find the source, the one thing I half-know I will find…

She sits in a circle of light. Her hair is raven black, an ocean at the bottom of the river, glistening with every move her head made.  Her beautifully sculpted features are new yet known to me. The tiny ball has become a planet inside me, bursting and propelling me into her waiting embrace. This is where I belong.

“K’aabo omo mi”, mommy says and I know that I never lost her.

by IBUKUN AKINNAWO
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