Dangote, Otedola Should Contest Political Offices –Senator

A Peoples Democratic Party stalwart in Ekiti State, Senator Gbenga Aluko, has urged wealthy businessmen, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Mr. Femi Otedola to go into politics.

Aluko said this in Ode Ekiti on Saturday in an interview with journalists.
He noted that prominent politicians across the globe, including former United States President, George Bush among others, were some of those, who were highly successful in business before going into politics.
Aluko, who is seeking to contest the 2014 governorship election in the state, said corruption would be reduced if wealthy people seek political offices.

Aluko said,  “Politics should not be seen as a  profession.  In America, where we copied our presidential system from, some of their great politicians like George Bush, George W. Bush,  and Al Gore made it big in business before coming into politics.

“George W. Bush was into oil and gas. What these people went for in politics is service and not the wealth  they would  amass. If people like Aliko Dangote and other big businessmen go into politics, they would not be desperate like those who see political offices  as means to corruptly enrich themselves.”
According to him, honest and wealthy people should not shy away from holding political offices, saying their presence in politics, will assist the country to overcome the problem of corruption in public places.
The former lawmaker said the party was ready to return to the Ekiti Government House in 2014.

Read More

Current Vacancies, Aphroden

JOB TITLE: SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALISTJOB SUMMARY:
Define, develop and gain buy-in for the implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing Aphroden Nigeria’s social media engagement activities Build links within social media circles and socialize relevant social media communities on Aphroden Nigeria?s online presence

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create and gain buy-in for a comprehensive social media strategy which includes programmes aimed at utilizing social media marketing techniques to increase visibility, membership and traffic for all Aphroden Nigeria products, services, activities and events
Ensure that implementation of all social media strategic initiatives is in line with Aphroden Nigeria’s overall business and corporate communications objectives
Enhance Aphroden Nigeria’s social media outreach by conducting research to identify relevant online influencers
Collaborate internally on developing and managing online strategic partnerships for all business units/ functional areas and projects
Keep a— of social media tools, trends and applications in order to apply acquired knowledge towards continuously improving and enhancing Aphroden Nigeria’s use of social media in achieving overall corporate objectives
Support the Manager-Public Relations with continued development and promotion of best social media practices and thought leadership
Measure the impact of social media on overall marketing efforts.
Collaborate with other members of the Public Relations team to amplify social media activities
Perform any other duties assigned by the Manager-Public Relations

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
First degree in the Arts, Social Sciences or any other relevant discipline
Between three (3) and five (5) years directly relevant post-NYSC work experience, preferably in a role managing social media for a corporate organization or agency
Experience in digital media and website management will be an advantage
Ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate attitudinal and functional competencies in the following areas:
Extensive familiarity and proficiency with Web 2.0 social networking and collaboration technologies, including the internet, social media sites, search engines, discussion boards, blogs, video sharing sites, podcasting, wikis, webinars, etc
Strong skills in database and information technology management.
Preference for working in a fast-paced work environment with minimal supervision
Strong interpersonal skills with a desire to work in cross-functional teams
Ability to create social media content
Excellent written and oral communication skills
REMUNERATION:
Very Attractive (In Line With Industry)
TO APPLY
Interested & qualified candidates should forward their CV to: aphrodenjobs@gmail.com
DUE DATE: 30 April, 2013

Read More

Wale Odunsi: For a successful merger: Attention Messrs Buhari and Tinubu

The emergence of APC, the genuine APC – All Progressives Congress, has shown that despite ethnic, religious and political backgrounds, strange bedfellows can actually become familiar associates.
The heartening element about the fusion of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); Congress for Progressive Change (CPC); All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP); and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is that for the first time in its fifteen years of its existence (i.e. counting from when it was formed in 1998), the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) now wholly understands the connotation of the term ‘Jitters’.

Frankly, the PDP has been too comfortable. Right from the outset, they have had it so good that at a point, one of them – lapsed (bleaching) national chairman, Vincent Ogbulafor – who I suppose is now in obscurity, got so carried away that he uttered the following claptrap: “I expect that every Nigerian will soon join the PDP. I don’t care if Nigeria becomes a one-party state”. He then capped it by saying that: “We want to rule this country for the next 60 years and we mean it.” (http://www.nigerianbestforum.com/index.php?topic=1631.0). Ogbulafor made the statement at a dinner he held for newsmen in Abuja in April 2008, weeks after he spoke in same vein at a function: “The time is now and the place is here. PDP will rule Nigeria, whether they like it or not, for not less than 60 years.”

I am glad to inform ‘Nnayi’ that his band may not do more than just over a quarter of his imprudent prediction, as they would have been in power for 16 years by the end of the current administration. On a second thought, considering that the numbers sound alike, he probably might have said sixteen and not sixty.
The leader of the CPC, Muhammadu Buhari is a crowd-puller anywhere in the North – any day, any time. You need not share money or rice or salt, just tell people in that region that GMB is coming around and boom, you have a stampede to grapple with. Indeed, he is somewhat easy to sell as a consequence of his humble demeanor and ostensible incorruptible nature. For as long as I can remember, the only accusation successive PDP governments purport is the case of some briefcases intercepted at a local airport during the regime of the retired General; till date, no evidence to back up the claim. They also make unsubstantiated allegations that Buhari stole money during his headship of the Petroleum Trust Fund; an odd contrast to a 1998 report in New African, the world’s biggest-selling English-language pan-African magazine which praised Buhari for his transparency in PTF, calling it a rare “success story”.

Again, I admire the leading light of ACN, the charismatic Bola Tinubu. His desire to see that the younger generation takes over mantle of leadership deserves is creditable. A methodical scan of numerous brilliant loyalists and protégés he has helped get into public office elucidates that an impressive eighty per cent were fifty years or below as at the time they stepped into office. The list comprise state governors, state and national assembly legislators, local government chairmen and councilors; significant to note that majority are doing exceptionally well.

I am not holding brief for them, neither have I argued that they are saints. However, thus far, one can clearly see that they appear to have ignored their differences in order to guarantee the success of the mega coalition. Educe that the idea of an alliance was mooted pre-2011 general elections. Although it did not get close to crack of dawn, the move demonstrated that such was possible in near future. As seen, the series of meetings held a few years ago eventually became a dais upon which the APC was not only conceptualized but also established.

In as much as one cannot skip the contributions of many other individuals from the four political parties that make up APC, it is evident that Buhari and Tinubu remain the major marksmen. Taking this into consideration, one hopes that the duo will not allow the fact that they are the nucleus of the yet-to-be-registered party, get to their heads.
Presently, some of the issues that have led to dissent include: composition and powers of the National Working Committee; National Executive Committee; the Board of Trustees; and structure of the Interim Management Committee at the federal, state and local government. It is not unhealthy for allied arms to differ on such matters; still, the people are not in the mood for excuses. This time around, they want this to work.

Already, names such as one-time Abuja Minister Nasir El-rufai, pioneer anti-corruption czar Nuhu Ribadu, Governors Babatunde Fashola, Adams Oshiomhole and Rochas Okorocha are in the wings as hypothetical presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Whether any of these men or others unknown will be presented in 2015 is a question that will be answered months to the D-day. But in all APC promoters do, they should totally discard egocentricity for all our sakes!

The onus on is on both men to ensure the opposition gets it right this time. If Buhari and Tinubu allow their ambitions to kill the aspiration of a vast number of electorate patiently waiting to witness the end of “Africa’s largest party”, millions of people that have terribly suffered in these past 14 years will gladly wish them a safe journey to perdition.

Read More

Kanu writes off £3million Portsmouth debt

Former Super Eagles striker Kanu Nwankwo, has written off Portsmouth debt to the tune of £3million, to help save the South Coast club.
Kanu left Pompey in 2012 and reports at that time stated that he had opened a lawsuit against the club, to recover an estimated £3million he was owed, after a successful six-year stay, in which he scored the winning goal of the FA Cup final in 2008.

However, the former Arsenal and Inter Milan man, has dismissed those stories and revealed he has written off the debt, to help the club, who has since dropped into the third tier of English football.
“I can now reveal the story that has been around since I left Portsmouth,” he said. “I did not ask the club for millions of Pounds; I dropped the whole matter of wage money because I know the club has big problems.”
Kanu has not played for another team since he left England and he has given a hint that it might be time to retire from the game.

He said: “The reason I have not returned is because I feel it is time for me to hang my boots up as a player. I will be coaching and promoting my foundation through football.
“The thing that makes me the most mad is that the media have got the story completely wrong. Life goes on and forgiveness is number one for me. I just enjoy life and hope the best for my former team.”

Read More

Fake army officer arraigned for robbery

An alleged fake army officer, Michael Lawrence, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for impersonating a Nigerian Army lieutenant.
The 24-year-old was alleged to have used the said position to steal property worth N7m.
The suspect was charged with eight counts of stealing, impersonation, armed robbery, among others.
The stolen items are a Lexus SUV, military uniform, wristwatch, BlackBerry and Microwave.

“That you, Michael Oguezi, sometimes in November 2012 whilst armed with a gun and other dangerous weapons did rob one Lexus SUV with number plate MD600AAA valued at N3m, complete military uniform, (N90,000), wristwatch, (N20,000) as well as Nokia phone, Blackberry phone, Microwave oven, shoes, clothes, and a set of Sony television, all worth N243,000. These items belong to one lieutenant S.M. Sule.

“That you, Michael Oguezi on January 8, at about 3.30pm at Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos whilst armed with a gun and other dangerous weapons did rob one Shangai Eclon saloon car with (registration number CD114I) Civil Defence complete uniform, stethoscope valued at N45,000, UBA ATM card, driving licence and recording pen”, the charge had read in part.

Read More

Nollywood to honour veteran actor Justus Esiri

The Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, will be holding a tribute and candlelight procession in memory of Veteran actor, Justus Esiri on April 9, 2013 at O’Jez Restaurant, Lagos.

The remains of the “Village Headmaster” who passed away on February 19, 2013 due to complications resulting from diabetes would be buried at his residence in Abraka, Delta State on April 12, 2013.
Another wake by the family will take place on April 9 at The Church of Ascension, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, with a commendation mass on April 10, at the same venue.

The AGN National Secretary, Yakubu Mohammed, said that the AGN would be hosting the wake in conjunction with the rest of the guilds in Nollywood. He added that a no-work-day will be declared on Friday, April 12, explaining that no production will take place in Nollywood that day.

Read More

Sanusi wants drug test for political office holders

Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on Saturday made case for a drug test for all those seeking elective political office in the country.

The CBN Governor canvassed the view at the Kano State Government House during the flag-off of a three-day Anti-Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign and Train the Trainers Workshop.
According to him “anyone who wants to contest for political office or seeking political appointment should be asked to go for drug test, because If you are in drug you will not have the opportunity to be appointed in any position of authority in this country”.

He also blamed the elites for the prevailing moral decadence in the society, added that there was an urgent need to examine the entire value system in the Nigerian society.

Read More

Accept amnesty in the name of God – Ribadu begs Boko Haram

Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Saturday called on the outlawed Islamist sect, Boko Haram to accept the amnesty offer in the name of God.

The former Presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, who was accompanied by the former aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Aliyu Moddibo, to the Ikenne home of the Awolowo’s residence, while on a condolence visit to the family, noted that the activities of the sect had caused the nation great harm.

He told newsmen that the Federal Government should not be deterred in its peace moves, despite the stumbling blocks on its way, adding that dialoguing with those involved in the criminal acts would bring the desired hope of stopping the carnage.

“It is very sad when I heard that the Boko Haram sect rejected the amnesty offer, but that does not mean that government should totally relent in the move. Personally, my view from the onset is we should pursue the direction of dialogue and not closing any door against peace,” he added.
Ribadu noted that the Islamist sects were not doing the nation any good by shedding blood of innocent Nigerians, saying the act of terrorism would not be accepted in the country.

“From now, the feelers and body language of the sect is not encouraging, but that does not mean that we should abandon or give up. We should pursue the direction of peace.
“I urged the Federal Government to continue in the line and direction of looking for a way of addressing and stopping this carnage and bloodbath. Even if it means pursuing dialogue, even if there are stumbling blocks on the way, it is not to give up,” he added.

Read More

My Best Friend

I met Robi briefly through a close friend, and later somehow acquired his mobile number. Once in a blue moon, we would SMS each other, just to say hi and find out what the other had been up to. A year or so later, we met again, this time for a longer period of time. Jokes were exchanged and we grew more comfortable around each other. This meeting was the start of a very special friendship, a friendship that later grew to become much, much more...

In the beginning, it was just an occasional SMS here and there. Then came the all night conversations and the more intimate topics of conversation. Things like, "I'm so lonely right now" and "I wish I had someone to hold onto".

Both of us were very single and not liking it too much!! I'd been hurt before and so had he, but his was more recent and we often talked about it - so many times I thought to myself "The stupid girl must've been crazy! Look what she's thrown away!" Not once did it occur to me, that her loss could be my gain... He helped me through my many crushes and broken hearts, and managed to make me laugh with the line "So... would you like me to break his legs? Give me an address and phone number!"

No matter what time of the day or night that I messaged him, he always replied and he always seemed to know exactly what to say to make me feel better. He soon became the first person I looked to for anything - whether I needed advice, reassurance, encouragement, a laugh, a smile, or even just a hug - I turned to him.

He lives an hour away, but he began to drive up to see me and we'd just hang out for the day. I always had so much fun with him!! Then one night, I messaged him once again, crying because I'd been hurt by a guy. He was so sweet to me that night. He asked me if I wanted him to come and see me and he added that if he did, he was gonna give me the biggest hug and never let me go... He also told me that he'd do anything for me and that all I had to do was ask. And deep down inside, I'd already known that! So we agreed to meet up and I ended up going to see him the next day...

We sat in his room and watched TV, I guess cheering me up was on his agenda, so he started a pillow fight. The pillow fight pretty quickly turned into a tickle fight which somehow ended up with us passionate kissing. Straight away, I knew that there was nowhere else I'd rather be. Wrapped up in his arms, feeling so safe with him inside me, I came to the realization that I'd loved him all along. He was my partner in crime, and the one I could turn to no matter what, and that all those crushes that he’d helped me through? Had been just that – crushes.

There’d never been anyone else, and if I have my way, there never will be. What happened that day has changed my life so much and in so many positive ways. He's no longer just my best friend, he's my soul mate and my world. He's everything I’ve ever dreamed of and I love him with all of my heart…

Read More

Very Very Funny.. ha ha ha ha

A woman pregnant with triplets is walking down the street when a masked robber runs out of the bank and shoots her three times in the stomach.

Luckily the babies are okay. The surgeon decides to leave the bullets in because it's too risky to operate.

All is fine for 16 years, and then one daughter walks into the room in tears. "What's wrong?" asks the mother.

"I was taking pee and this bullet came out." replies the daughter.

The mother tells her it's okay and explains what happened 16 years ago.

About a week later the second daughter walks in to the room in tears. "Mom, I was taking pee and this bullet came out."

Again the mother tells her not to worry and explains what happened 16 years ago.

A week later the boy walks into the room in tears. "It's okay," says the mom, "I know what happened, you were taking a pee and a bullet came out."

"No," says the boy, "I was jerking off and I shot the dog."

Read More