Grassroots Mirror, Issue 2 (January/February 2018)

RETIREMENT PLANNING: How to Retire Early

REVEALED! How to Profit During a Recession

GRASSROOTS A Bimonthly Publication of NULGE, CRS.

SPECIAL EDITION

Mirror

Labour:

IN

Ayade we trust Workers Salary Guaranteed!

SPECIAL FEATURE: NULGE Holds Special Rally... e

9 779772 086864

GrassrootsMirror.com.ng Issue 2 ₦500 $2.99, £2.49

ON FOCUS INTERVIEW WITH DR. PETER ADIGEB, CHAIRMAN, LGSC

inside

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COVER STORY

Labour:

IN

Ayade

we

trust

Workers Salary Guaranteed!

05

10 03

ON FOCUS

Interview with Dr. Peter Adigeb, Chairman, LGSC

Ayade: Making a Great Impact

21

Wellbeing

27

EVENTS

25

Cross River State President of NULGE Marks Silver Jubilee in Marriage, Launches a Foundation

BUSINESS

Who Else Wants to Profit during a Recession?

22

INSPIRATION

28

INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE:

The #1 Code of Achievements: “DO-IT-NOW!”

Promotional Media and Youth Development in Nigeria

3 Super fruits you need now!

08

30

STATE OF THE UNION: NULGE Holds Rally to Support Ayade In Calabar

31

SUM-UP:

Defining TRUST

Online Edition Career

23

How to Retire Early.

GrassrootsMirror.com.ng LECTURES: Roadmap to Effective

Communication PUBLIC SERVICE: Understanding

the Public Service Rule 02

SPECIAL Interview FOCUS

GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

From the

Editor-in-Chief

ISSUE 2 | SPECIAL EDITION

GRASSROOTS Mirror

Dear readers, A zillion thanks for being a part of the Grassroots Mirror family. We treasure your readership and value your immense contributions as we look forward to interacting with you online via www.grassrootsmirror.com.ng.

Our special edition is packed full with valuable contents, including, a panoramic scope, social, political, inspirational, educational, and intellectual savvy with a larger-than- life portrait of His Excellency, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade on the Cover page.The cover stories " LABOUR: In Ayade We Trust" and " Ayade: Making a Great Impact " are an absolute readability. The special edition is also pregnant with articles that can provoke intellectual discourse.

As is our custom, we have published the exclusive interview with Dr Peter Adigeb, Chairman Local Government Service Commission on the way forward for the unified LG service in the State. Holyns Hogan, our Senior Contributing Editor did a masterly job on " Promotional Media and Youth Development in Nigeria". Facts are well placed, well paced, solidly married and enthusiastically recommended for an intellectual discourse.

Our Event Column by Comrade Ferdinand Ugbong captures the love story of Comrade Godwin Ayendi and wife that will forever remain a passionate flame. Our articles on Health will help elongate your life, while the articles on Entrepreneurship and Inspiration will help enlarge your business coasts and expand your horizon. The publication on " How to Retire Early" is very informative. As usual, we end our publication with a Sum-up page on the definition of " TRUST", a pure pleasure to read. This special edition is a giant step forward for Grassroots Mirror and promises to be an absolute page-turner.

Read on!

Editor-in-chief

Our Mission: To provide accurate and factual information capable of enlightening a wide range of readers and equipping the workforce with vital information to enhance their productivity and competitiveness for sustainable labour growth.

Publisher Godwin U. Ayendi Editor-in-chief Effiong Ekpe Editorial Board Ferdinard Ugbong Godwin Ntumu Eyam Inyang Ovat Senior Contributing Editors Rev. Ubong Eyo, Ph.D Holyns Hogan Contributing Editors Iniobong Umoh Kingsley ‘Et Abang Olatunde Akinwunmi Oka Ubi Ekanem Eyamba Nkanu Nkanu Proof Reader Ekawan Silva Advert hot-line (+234) 813-727-6676 (+234) 803-711-4022

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www.kai.com.ng Grassroots Mirror (ISSN 2733-0045) is published bi-monthly by Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Cross River State.

For Subscription, Copyright Permission, Article Submission, Letters to the Editor-in-chief and General Enquiry: email editor@grassrootsmirror.com.ng or call 08037114022

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GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

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publisher’s note

WELCOME W

elcome to the special edition of Grassroots Mirror, our bi-monthly magazine.

I am pleased to place on record that the last few weeks have been most rewarding. The influx of goodwill messages, phone calls and emails thanking NULGE for providing quality print that is informative, educative, entertaining and engaging.

It totally enlivens my spirit to know that our magazine is truly making a difference in the society.

We heartily acknowledge the critique on magazine size (Page number) and have expanded our pages in our special edition. As a labour union, we are fully aware of the ingredients required in publication: (Patience, perseverance, pluck and pesos) and we are willing to go the extra mile because we are editorially driven to bring quality content worthy of generating intellectual discourse to the Newsstand.

The spot-light of the special edition is on Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, the Labour friendly Governor of Cross River State. Great deeds do not stop in their growth, and those of Ayade will expand in influence as contained in the cover story; Labour: In Ayade we trust and in the article AYADE: making great impact.

Inside you'll find a mixture of varieties of news, features and regular columns on a wide range of topics that will engage your emotions both on print and online.

We whole heartedly extend our thanks to all our comrades, the respected scholars and lovely friends, whose articles, and painstaking efforts contributed to the success of our bimonthly publication.

Relax and enjoy a good read!

Comrade Godwin Aydendi Publisher 04

GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

focus interview

Moving the Unified Local Government Service Forward An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Peter Adigeb, Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Cross River State. A man of character and proven integrity. The interview was conducted by Effiong Ekpe, Editor-in-chief, Grassroots Mirror in Calabar.

GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

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focus interview

“

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... Ayade is the best Labour friendly Governor in the Country. The best indeed!

This is a man who has passion for workers.

He does not like workers being owed and he pays as and when due.

GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

focus interview

“

...As a commission, we have introduced due process in the unified local government system. We are also working assiduously to represent His Excellency to the best of our ability.

GM

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Senator Professor

Ben Ayade The Promise keeper!

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GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

cover profile

GM

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special focus

Ayade:

Making a Great Impact EFFIONG EKPE

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GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

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cover story

Cross River Sancarlos Banana Farm

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GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

special focus

Calabar International Convention Centre

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special focus

Gov Ayade giving highlight on Calasvegas 14

GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

special focus

GM

Calabar Garment Factory View

Calabar power plant

Completed Rice city and boovery ling

GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

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COVER

Labour:

IN

Ayade

we

trust

Workers Salary Guaranteed!

BY COMRADE ADEGBEMI ADEBAYO AKEEM

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GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

STORY

In the new Cross River of our Dream, there is a place and hope for everyone. There will be jobs for the youths and prosperity for the working class. The resurgent middle class shall find anchor for their roots and everyone shall find independence and pride in their work. The wages of honest Labour shall liberate families from the jaws of hardship and no child shall go to bed with an empty stomach. Neither shall any mother be depressed by lack of access to medicare for her children and loved ones… this is our DREAM”

“

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cover story

“

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Any Governor can pay salary on the 25th of every month, for me; that is not challenging, it is nothing extraordinary.

Ayade

GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

cover story

“

Presently in the country, Governor Ben Ayade is rated the best among equals in prompt salary payment to workers.

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cover story

“

How can Cross River State be poor when you have the most civilized soul, a people that are very dependable, people who are not aggressive and materially crazy! How can you have such rich heritage people of such distinctive character and honour and you say the State is poor? To me, I believe that I inherited a very rich State�

Ayade

GM

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GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

business

WHO ELSE WANTS TO PROFIT DURING A RECESSION? How to thrive in times like this OLATUNDE AKINWUNMI

I

GRASSROOTSMIRROR.COM.NG/BUSINESS

t is no longer news that Nigeria is going through a recession, the big question however is why do some people profit from a recession when others suffer losses and go under?

The tragedy of life is not the helplessness in the face of the unexpected. It is the cycle of repeated helplessness every time the unexpected happens. True, there are certain tragedies that never leave you the same. But when you understand that life was designed to operate in cycles, in seasons and in phases, then you would master the forces of change for every season of life.

After rainy season comes dry season, after winter, spring, after night, morning. No man can change that. It's an eternal law! Man must therefore strive to align his purpose with this law. This is the secret of survival. Hitherto, many men died during winter till they learnt how to use animal fur to keep warm during winter. This was critical to survival! The survival instinct in man has ensured he has perpetuated himself regardless of the cycles of life that threaten him.

What is happening today is not new. Every economy experiences crests and troughs, booms & busts, expansion and contraction. In these different periods, jobs will be gained and lost, businesses will grow and others fold up. It is a never ending economic cycle that will come and go.

However, not everyone survives the bad times to experience the good times. That is the reason why you need arm yourself with a weapon that ensures you always survive the different economic cycles. The weapon I am talking about is a SKILL! Companies will lay off workers in order to survive; others will completely shut down, leaving their workers unemployed and vulnerable. Even the government, the largest employer of labor is already feeling the strain of meeting their financial obligations to their workers.

3 MINS READ

Times like this demand a survival strategy in the face of adverse economic conditions.

It is a huge mistake for anyone not to have very precise indemand skills they can take to the market place to exchange for income. Beyond the graduate certificate, the only value you bring to the table that will guarantee continuous income is an in-demand skill. Those working in paid employment already are not exempt. Your skill can serve as a side hustle for additional income. For those not yet employed, having a skill could just be your passport to financial freedom and selfemployment.

Life is an adventure in opportunity.” Opportunity doesn't come but once (sic)”. It comes as many times as we are prepared for it. The secret to success therefore is to design your life to constantly attract opportunity.

Is it possible for opportunity to search you out and present itself rather than the other way round? Yes it is! The key?

Mastery!

When you learn, master and monetize any skill, you unlock the floodgates of opportunity. This secret of success doesn't seem so secret after all. So why isn't everyone profiting from its power?GM

“

It's a huge mistake for anyone not to have very precise indemand skills they can take to the market place to exchange for income.

Olatunde Akinwunmi, an entrepreneur is an inspirational speaker and writer. You can mail and call him: olatundeakinwunmi@yahoo.com & 07030753301 GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

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inspiration

The #1 Code of Achievements “DO-IT-NOW!” KINGSLEY ‘ET ABANG

GRASSROOTSMIRROR.COM.NG/INSPIRATION

O

VER 200 YEARS AGO, Thomas Edison warned that Genius is 1% ideas and 99% work. Till today, many are yet to understand that it is action, not contemplation that gets the job done.

Economist Tyler Cowen points out: “Information isn't what's scarce; it's the willingness to do something with it.”

Everybody has access to information. If you collect information without using it, you will only be frustrated. Reading ten books on meditation isn't as useful as ten minutes spent meditating. You've got to do the thing!

My point is not to act without plans, instead, you need to balance your appreciation for the power of action with your tendency to over-plan and procrastinate. Og Mandino warned: “Never has there been a map, however carefully executed to detail and scale, which carried its owner over even one inch of ground.”

Below are seven antidotes to the “best” excuses that frequently hinder people from taking action:

1. “I'm waiting for help.” The person who tries is the person who gets help. Someone said, “the best helping hand is the one on your shoulder”.

2. “The conditions aren't right.” You may be right. Most of the

time conditions can be frustrating. I don't want to list major corporations that were created in depressions (okay, a couple: Disney Corporation, LinkedIn, Microsoft). Focus on doing the best you can today. If there is no opportunity at the moment, then get as good as you can so when opportunity comes you can jump at it.

3. “I don't know where to begin.” Follow Oliver Wendel Holmes’ advise: “Do what you can with what you have where you are”. Stop expecting to see a clear path to the end.

Coca-Cola started as a pharmaceutical company. Twitter was the side project of guys working in a podcasting company.

You start by trying. If you fail, at least you will figure out what you need to learn and get better at.

4. “Nothing I do will make a difference.” Of course it will. You can't help but make a difference in

<>

GRASS ROOTS

link

people's lives. Sociologists say that even introverted people will influence an average of 10,000 people in a lifetime.

Whether you smile or frown at someone can change their day. Everything you do matters though it might not get your name into the history textbook.

5. “Someone is already doing

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GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

it.” Don't let competition scare you.

Instead, let it prove to you that there is a market for what you are offering. Ask yourself the following questions: < How can I do it better than them? < How can I simplify what they're

doing? < How can I make something more

comprehensive?

6. “I have no resources compared to them.” In his recent book, David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell explains how people regularly win who “shouldn't”. Having less resources can be an advantage. Consider the Wright Brothers. They had a few thousand dollars and beat corporations with millions of dollars in funding. The size of these companies worked against them. The Wright Bros won because of their limited resources.

Find more on his blog Opportunily.com Connect with him at Facebook.com/KingsleyEtAbang

Vision is not enough, it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs. Vaclav Havel

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4 MINS READ

7. “I'm not good enough.” You can improve. I knew nothing about branding as a business ten years ago.

Since then I have continued to learn more about developing brand strategies, designing visual identity, et cetera. I've learned some things I need to know and I am still learning. My skills are expanding and my understanding is deepening. I'm not good enough to do what I will do three years from now but I'll get good enough, or I'll try.GM Kingsley ‘Et Abang is a Success Coach and Business Development Consultant in Calabar, Nigeria.

career

Want to retire at 55?

Bored with your job? Fed up with commuting? Retire early. You can do it, even if you've never saved a cent in your life

GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

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Let 2018 be the year you maximise every opportunity!

Get instant notiďŹ cations of available opportunities within and outside Nigeria. [+] Business [+] Jobs [+] Scholarships [+] Fellowships [+] Fully paid conferences [+] Internships [+] Deals, discounts/coupons [+] More...

visit www.opportunily.com

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GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

events

Cross River State President of NULGE Marks Silver Jubilee in Marriage, Launches a Foundation

BY COMR. FERDINAND UGBONG

GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

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events

GM

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GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

wellbeing

HEALTH | WHOLENESS | LIFESTYLE | BEAUTY | FITNESS | GIVING BACK

BECOME A HEALTHIER YOU! Good nutrition and combined with physical activity are an important parts of leading a healthy lifestyle, your diet can help you to reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases and promote your overall health.

EXERCISE REGULARLY Get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. You also can do a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. The guidelines suggest that you spread out this exercise during the course of a week.

As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER It helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins, yet many people go through life dehydrated—causing tiredness, low energy, and headaches.

It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger,so staying well hydrated will also help you make healthier food choices.

Aim for 8-10 glasses of fluid per day

EAT HEALTHY FOOD Eating a healthy, balanced diet provides nutrients to your body. These nutrients give you energy and keep your heart beating, your brain active, and your muscles working. Nutrients also help build and strengthen bones, muscles, and tendons and also regulate body processes, such as blood pressure.

Rest and refresh. Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed at a regular time each day and practice good habits to get better sleep. Sleep restores both your mind and body.

Allow yourself some unfocussed time each day to refresh, let your mind wander,go daydream. It’s okay to add ‘do nothing’ to your to-do list!

Sources: www.fitness.gov, www.mayoclinic.org, www.helpguide.org, www.livelifewell.nsw.gov.au, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

3 Superfruits You Need Now!

By Benjamin Plackett | Health.com

Y

ou've heard of Superfoods, but…Superfruits? Not every fruit qualifies. Those deemed "super" by nutrition scientists are packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients that can help you live longer, look better, and even prevent diseases.

who eat five or more apples a week have better lung function than those who don't. So slip an apple into your lunch bag today.

Best of all, most are widely available, even at your local grocery store, promises Keri Glassman, R.D., founder of NutritiousLifeMeals.com and author of Slim Calm Sexy Diet. One caveat: Superfruits are best consumed whole, not processed. So if possible, try to buy and eat these fruits fresh. Experts estimate that you should be eating five to nine portions of fruit or vegetables a day, and most of them should be Superfruits.

Bananas Ever grab a snack but then feel hungry again 20 minutes later? Next time, reach for a banana. This Superfruit is loaded with potassium, which can lower your blood pressure, and is one of the best sources of Resistant Starch, a healthy carb that fills you up and helps to boost your metabolism.

Apples Apples are a great fiber source, but the skin contains quercetin, an antioxidant that packs antihistamine and antiinflammatory power, and therefore may help protect you from heart disease and possibly allergic reactions. A study from St. George's Hospital Medical School in London found that people

10 Biggest Brain Damaging Habits

Grapefruit Remember The Grapefruit Diet? Grapefruit is a Superfruit, but more for your heart than your weight. A grapefruit a day—particularly the ruby variety—can help keep heart disease at bay by lowering cholesterol, according to several studies.

The redder your fruit the better; they contain higher levels of antioxidants.GM

1. Not eating breakfast 2. Smoking 3. Overeating 4. High sugar consumption 5. Air pollution 6. Sleep deprivation 7. Head covered while sleeping 8. Working your brain during illness 9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts 10. Rarely talking World Health Organisation

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PROMOTIONAL MEDIA AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA HOLYNS HOGAN

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GRASSROOTSMIRROR.COM.NG/INTELLECTUAL-DISCOURSE

GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

8 MINS READ

intellectual discourse

GM

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state of the union

NULGE Holds Rally to Support Ayade In Calabar

T

he Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in collaboration with the National Secretariat of the Union and the Local Government Service Commission will hold a solidarity rally to appreciate his Excellency, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade for prompt payment of workers salary, granting approval for the release of promotion letters of LG workers across the state and the peaceful industrial harmony existing between Labour and Government.

The union also poured encomiums on the Governor for the release of staff promotions and called for the proper implementation as contained in the memorandum of understanding signed between Labour and Government.

The great event is scheduled for Tuesday 20th February, 2018 in Calabar. The Deputy Governor Prof.

Ivara Esu, members of the State

This was made known to Grassroots Mirror in Calabar by the State President of the union, Comrade Godwin Ayendi. He said the union in the state is very excited with the signature projects of the Governor

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GRASSROOTS MIRROR - January/February 2018

Executive Council, Chairman and Commissioners of the Local Government Service Commission, National Officers, State Officers and Members of the Union will be in attendance.

His Excellency Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, the labour friendly Governor, a wonderful promise keeper, will be the man of the moment GM

sum-up

Defining TRUST I

n a social context, trust has several connotations. Definitions of trust typically refer to a situation characterized by the following aspects: One party (trustor) is willing to rely on the actions of another party (trustee).

In the social sciences, the subtleties of trust are a subject of ongoing research.

In sociology and psychology, the degree to which one party trusts another is a measure of belief in the honesty, fairness, or benevolence of another party. The term "confidence " is more appropriate for a belief in the competence of the other party.

Sociology When it comes to trust, sociology is concerned with the position and role of trust in social systems. Trust is one of several social constructs, an element of the social reality. It does not exist outside of our vision of the other. This image can be real or imaginary, but it is this one which permits the creation of the Trust. Other constructs, frequently discussed together with trust, are: control, confidence, risk, meaning and power. Trust is naturally attributable to relationships between social actors, both individuals and groups (social systems). Society needs trust because it increasingly finds itself operating at the edge between confidence in what is known from everyday experience, and contingency of new possibilities. Without trust, all contingent possibilities should be always considered, leading to a paralysis of inaction.

Sociology acknowledges that the contingency of the future creates dependency between social actors, and specifically that the trustor becomes

whether the expectation or belief is favourable or unfavourable.

dependent on the trustee.

Psychology In psychology, trust is believing that the person who is trusted will do what is expected. It starts at the family and grows to others. According to the psychoanalyst Erik Erikson development of basic trust is the first state of psychosocial development occurring, or failing, during the first two years of life. Success results in feelings of security, trust, and optimism, while failure leads towards an orientation of insecurity and mistrust possibly resulting in attachment disorders. Trust is integral to the idea of social influence: it is easier to influence or persuade someone who is trusting. The notion of trust is increasingly adopted to predict acceptance of behaviours by others, institutions. People may work together and achieve success through trust while working on projects that rely on each individual's contribution.

Conversely, where trust is absent, projects can fail, especially if this lack of trust has not been identified and addressed.

Philosophy Some philosophers argue that trust is more than a relationship of reliance.

Philosophers such as Annette Baier have made a difference between trust and reliance by saying that trust can be betrayed, whilst reliance can only be disappointed. Thus, trust is different from reliance in the sense that a truster accepts the risk of being betrayed. The definition of trust as a belief in something or a confident expectation about something leads to eliminate the notion of risk from the definition, because it does not include

Economics Trust in economics is treated as an explanation for a difference between actual human behaviour and the one that can be explained by the individual desire to maximize one's utility. Trust is also seen as an economic lubricant, reducing the cost of transactions between parties, enabling new forms of cooperation and generally furthering business activities; employment and prosperity. It has been claimed that higher level of social trust is positively correlated with economic development.

Politically For decades, scholarly inquiry into political trust has been motivated by concerns about declining levels of public trust in polities. Fundamentally, political trust can be understood as citizens’ support for political institutions such as government and parliament in the face of uncertainty about or vulnerability to the actions of these institutions. While political trust is conventionally treated as a prodemocratic value, its absence is not evidently detrimental to democracy.

Rather, skepticism stimulates political engagement and signals a willingness to judge political institutions by their own merits.

Conclusion Trust is trust be it political, social, philosophical, psychological, sociological or economical. The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them GM

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