In 2014, popular kenyan runs girl, Huddah Monroe, posted a photo of the lady named, Sandra Otieno, on her Facebook page and blasted her for trolling.
Even Jesus can not save Nigeria unless we create new sources of revenue - Alibaba
"The economy will remain like this for a long while. Because the strings that pull us into dire straits are still pulling us even much stronger. How did we get here? We were making so much from oil and neglected all other sources of revenue.
We did not only neglected those sources of revenue, we did not invest the revenue from oil in infrastructural development of the country. We were not futuristic in our planning either. Did we increase the number of hostels in our universities to accommodate the new numbers of students? Pay teachers well? Did we build more roads to take care of the millions of cars and transportation needs? Did we improve the services of the police force? Did we use the money to build better hospitals? Did the new industries create more jobs? Did we improve our power supply? Did we have stronger and modified laws that made sure that people who broke the laws were punished adequately to discourage others? Did we tidy up our pension scheme so that people are assured that they did not need to steal to assure themselves of better retirement? What have we done to reduce cost of administration? What kind of enabling environment has government created to grow the economy? What have we done to ensure the right people got elected? Have we developed our tourism potentials to attract foreign investors and revenues? Better banks? What have we done to curb corruption? What steps have we taken in the direction of housing? Who has security votes helped? We have failed to do all of that... NOW OUR ALMIGHTY crude prices that were our saving grace are low. The production is even nearly non existent, thanks to militants. There are backlog of owed salaries? Uncompleted projects. Dead refineries. High unemployment and huge numbers of the unemployable. We are borrowing. EVEN JESUS CAN NOT SAVE US unless we create new sources of revenue. What do I know SEF? Shebi I am an ordinary comedian? I dey look."
Lagos State Task Force officials allegedly harass, assault & detain some men and women (Photos/Videos)
PLEASE help put this incident out there for "justice" of we upstanding citizens of Nigeria, living in Lagos.
I am a chartered accountant by profession. I was out on the 2nd of September with friends and colleagues at "Maroccaine restaurant" in Akin Ogunlewe, off Ayorinde, VI. Due to it being a Friday and into the weekend (Sept 3), we all decided to stay a bit later than usual. At about 1am, I decided to go to my car and change into a pair of comfortable slippers. I had just done that and was in front of my car, about to cross into the restaurant when I was apprehended by 2 men. My immediate reaction was fear of kidnappers because of the way I was grabbed. Security men and friends tried to stop and intervene when all of a sudden, other men in police uniforms came and started beating them, the police/ the task force told the guys that if they should try again, they would shoot these men and would label them as armed robbers. I struggled and pulled up a fight so as not to be grabbed.
While I was struggling, I was beaten, dragged on the road and was put into a van that read: "Lagos State Task Force". While I was struggling, another 2 men joined in and 1 of them put his hands on my "private part" twice. I was in shock and was bundled like a criminal into a "black Maria" truck. I saw lots of women and some men in this truck. I was so scared and asked what was going on. Nobody had an answer. They were all picked randomly from: The Place at Ikeja, The Place in Lekki1, Sip on Akin Adesola, Eko Hotel where suya is being sold.. Shots were equally fired at The Place in Lekki 1, when resistance was met. We were all scared and confused.
We then were driven to The Task Force Office in Alausa... where we were forced down, and taken into an area. We then demanded for what was going on and the next thing we knew, these officers (ALL men and one woman) called us "PROSTITUTES". We started saying no way because there were bankers, Nurses, NYSC servers, a pregnant woman amongst us and more professional upstanding citizens. We were then locked in a cell without light, ventilation and filled with urine. We were told why should we be out by 1am and not in our homes. We argued there was no law prohibiting anyone from being out if there is no sanctioned curfew. I kept telling them that I had been molested and the policemen told me to not say it and equally told me that am I the first person to be touched? I kept insisting that I would not be silent.
'A lady's bra was torn in the process of picking her and her fiance who were out celebrating his birthday. We were all physically manhandled.'
Luckily for me, because I knew someone at the upper echelon, I was released by 6.45am. My uncle was asked to fill a form without paying bail. I called the person whom we knew to inform him that other innocent people where still being held against their will. These ladies and some men where later released at about 10am, after being ordered to pay 10k per person for bail. These task force group collected the money.
"The new kidnappers are these officials who take innocent citizens. Please don't let these people get away with this. I and some of the other women have decided to write a petition and press charges. PLEASE help us out and expose these devious and callous acts against our human rights and person! The trauma is too much, I have cuts and bruises over my body. I can't even sleep, it keeps replaying over and over. It's like a nightmare that wouldn't stop."
The videos below show how they were bundled into a vehicle like common criminals, harassed and told to arrange 10k in their cells in order to released. Note: The victim who narrated this incident to LIB revealed she was the third person that was released. Before her, two other girls were released ONLY because their father was an ex military general and handed over to him. When she went back to the office the next day, it was revealed that Para-military men (dressed like touts) were the ones who pick up men for the task force. When the overall boss of the Lagos state task force told her to identify those that picked her up, she could not point out which para military man was involved due to the conditions at the time they were picked but was able to identify two task force officials currently pleading with her not to press charges. Other victims involved have submitted petitions and more interestingly, a supposed high ranking official is allegedly offering to bribe the victims into silence.
A petition has been written to the Lagos State and would be presented before the preliminary hearing at the Lagos State House of Assembly this morning.
Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper go shopping in her vintage Bronco car (photos)
2016 Garden City Advancement Awards & Summit
As an initiative that is aimed at creating a standard and sustainable template for modeling excellence, Garden City Advancement Awards and Summit shall be recognizing distinguished achievers and corporate organizations working tirelessly towards the advancement of the state and nation building. This year’s edition promises to be bigger and better as it introduces a very spectacular category among other categories: The Garden City Man of the Year, this award would go to that man or woman who is a role model by every standard, an exceptional achiever, an exemplary leader with significant accomplishment.
According to the principal partner, Garden City Advancement Awards as one of the most coveted awards project dedicated to outstanding achievers in Rivers State has continued to set a blazing trail as the most anticipated award event in Rivers State. All machinery is being put in place for the successful hosting of this prestigious event this year. The theme of this year’s edition is: BUILDING A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY ON THE PILLARS OF PEACE, SECURITY AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT.
Ms. Rachel Head, corporate planning, stated that the Summit is a technical session that will bring together stakeholders from different sectors of the economy to address key issues bothering on the transformation and development of Rivers State and beyond. Speakers are professionals in their fields of endeavor who are ready to bring their wealth of experience and knowledge to bare.
She went further to say that;
• The Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University of Science and Technology Professor BLESSING CHIMEZIE DIDIA, will speak on the sub-topic: “THE ROLE OF THE ACADEMIA” in Building a prosperous economy on the pillars of peace, security and human capital development,
• CHIEF (BARR) DUMO LULU-BRIGGS An entrepreneur, astute lawyer and philanthropist will speak on the Topic: ”THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURS” in Building a Prosperous Economy on the Pillars of Peace, Security and Human Capital Development, among others…
Mr. Oti R. Ovunda, Director Events & Communications in a chat with newsmen, said “the Garden City Advancement Awards & Summit has succeeded in honoring outstanding individuals and corporate organizations over the years and by so doing inspiring patriotism among well meaning citizens and corporate organizations in the state. He also revealed that Garden City Advancement Awards and Summit was conceptualized for this purpose; to recognize and honor distinguished achievers of repute for their immense contributions to the Garden City, and Further motivate residents and the government for the social advancement of the state, also to appreciate non-indigenous investors and corporate organizations for their contributions towards the advancement of the oil rich region. In the same vain calling on the general public to nominate notable and credible individuals and corporate organizations that have added and is still contributing to the positive advancement of the state and nation building. By send nominees name, reason for nomination and address to gacaaward@gmail.com or info@gacaaward.org.
The Principal Partner commended the supporters for this year’s edition which include: EZ Comms Resources Ltd, Port Harcourt Mall, DLB Group, SilverBird Group, Spice Route, RIWAMA, Alex Reports, BeYou Magazine, TatafoNaija, Master Mind, PressPaly360, Nkiru Homann’s Blog(NHB), Janex Communications ltd, and the official partner Orange Magazine. He further stressed that the Garden City Advancement Awards & Summit will continue annually to celebrate and reward virtues of excellence and also promote the rich cultural heritage and people of Rivers State
Heritage-plus is a creative company incorporated in Nigeria with operational base in Port-Harcourt, Rivers state that focuses on delivering cutting edge technology, wide range of services to diverse clients throughout Nigeria.
Heritage-Plus is a reputable company that has partnered with local and international organizations, and also a strategic partner of African Business School (ABS) and, Institute of Leadership Management (ILM) amongst others.
For more information visit our website www.gacaaward.org or call: 08166668062, 07051583500 email:gacaaward@gmail.com & advancementhp@gmail.com
“People Who Get Married And Have Children Don’t Know How Lucky They Are” – Ex-Nigerian Beauty Queen Ibidun Ighodalo
Former beauty queen Mrs Ibidunni Ajayi-Ighodalo opened up about her search for a child in a rare interview with Thisday’s Nseobong Okon-Ekong.
The wife of Trinity House founder and accountant, Pastor Itua Ighodalo also talked about dedicating her life to helping others through her Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, IIF by funding IVF treatment for couples who are hoping to have their own children.
When the CEO of Elizabeth R got married in 2007, her expectations were like those of every many married woman, to give birth to children. Her wedding to Itua Ighodalo, was celebrated, even if it was attended with a heat of debate from his previous union.
Nonetheless, friends and family members rallied round to give them the much needed support, while other interested members of the public attracted by their individual and combined eminence followed with keen enduring attention.
Close to one decade on, the loathing generated in some quarters at the onset of their relationship has definitely receded.
The rumour mill which spewed torrents of lopsided and coloured tales that caused the couple a lot of trauma, even if a bit, has withdrawn, but the pain of those turbulent years live with her still. For one who keeps to herself, the scrutiny of her marriage in the public, led her to sew-up. She reduced the number of persons she called friends to a handful, becoming more and more engrossed with her husband.
“I have heard stories of in-laws calling the woman painful names. Those are hurtful things to say. There are names you don’t want to call a woman that is looking up to God.” Mrs Ighodalo began…
She continued to share her experiences.“People may not want to be mean, but they don’t know that certain statements and body language hurt. When you are waiting on God, you can be sensitive to what people say or do and they might not know it will hurt or hit you. It is good to raise awareness and understanding about childless couples. Friends and relatives should be a bit more sensitive to women or couples who are waiting on the Lord. I know that because of our culture, the pressure is so much. The shoes of women who are waiting on the Lord are not very easy shoes. Emotionally, mentally and psychologically, hormonally, when you are going through treatments, it’s a rollercoaster-you deal with in-laws, society, friends, there’s a lot going on.”
“People who get married and have children don’t know how lucky they are. I mean you are even careful not to get pregnant again, you are so blessed by God, you should thank God every day. It is not easy to find yourself in a situation where your friends are doing school runs, you don’t know what that is, you don’t even know what your first trimester is. The friends you had bridal showers with are having baby showers, it takes the grace of God to remain sane, honestly.”
On her 35th birthday last year, she decided to turn the lemon that life had thrown at her into lemonade. It had become her fashion to write a wish list on the day she was born and then tick-off the accomplished ones on her next birthday.
Every year, she scored high on every point, but one: The issue of childlessness had become a sore point that could not be addressed.
She had prayed and sought different avenues for a medical solution, but the problem just could not be wished away.
Although she enjoyed the understanding and love of her husband and in-laws, the quest for a child consumed her.
“I had tears in my eyes when I told God, ‘you know what? This is enough. You are going to do it when You want to do it, in Your own time and if You are not going to do it, let it be left undone. This is You. I trust You. Right now, it’s ok, I’m going to live my life. I found out that I had stopped living, because that was all I wanted. I said no, I’m going to be happy, live my life and leave it all to God. I’m grateful to God for my own family, for the family I’m married into.”
Those statements to God with tears in her eyes opened a window to air her bottled emotions.
It lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. As she cleared her mind of the cobwebs of trying to have a baby, she was amazed to receive one of the most altruistic ideas with clarity. Her husband was no less enthused when she shared the idea with him.
“My focus now is to help others, one at a time. I want to make a family happy and with the help of God, their prayers would be answered. I know the pain and what it feels like. It will give me joy to see them jumping and rejoicing, saying that they are expecting their own children. I have seen it happen. I have seen the two sides during my course of treatment. I said God help me, let me do this. When you focus on helping others, you don’t know the blessings that come back to you. It is difficult but I said Lord you have put this in me, You have to provide. You know when God gives you a vision, He makes the provision. I have been amazed at the response. It is unbelievable.”
“When I was going through some treatment, I would get to the clinic and someone who has just done a pregnancy test was being told that it didn’t work, it was always so devastating for me to hear them wonder aloud where they would get money for the next treatment. I have met women who came to the hospital to get the treatment but they couldn’t afford it. Some couldn’t even afford the test to know what was wrong. I have also met women who decided to share their burden, this is how financially draining this treatment can be. If you have extra eggs, you can sell them in exchange for the treatment. When women share eggs left from a successful IVF on another women or they use the woman’s extra cycle that has been paid for, these are ways women support one another because getting an egg donor can be very expensive.”
“It is so strange and funny, but when you sit back and think about it, every family has somebody who is waiting on God for a child. The person might be your cousin or mum’s sister. There are certain ways we will treat the person. But do you know that there are certain ways we treat somebody else coming into our family with the same issue? We don’t treat them the same. It is not intentional. If you have in-laws who are not nice to you, they will think it’s your fault. They will call you names, talk down on you. If your in-laws have somebody in their family who is waiting, they will never speak to the person like that. We really need to have a support system and also learn to put ourselves in other people’s shoes.”
The graduate of Microbiology from the University of Lagos is using the platform of IIF to award grants for fertility treatment such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Frozen Embryo Transfer and Intrauterine Insemination. She was forced to change her initial plan to help one or two couples when she received tons of applications. The plan has now changed to accommodate 28 couples.
“There are some couples that have applied that have been married for between 20 and 25 years and when I read their history, they have come to a point where they are tired. I even found out that it was their family that applied for some of them. A lot of people have asked me why I don’t face my life, why am I trying to be Mother Theresa. What is it? Is it that you have so much money you don’t know what to do with it. I can’t even explain it.”
Source: ThisDay
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