Ignite magazine

EDITOR’S CORNER You must understand that people are dogmatic about

life. Thousand fail in life because they are unwilling to make change. They refuse to change jobs, towns or friends. They stay in comfort zones. Yet thousands of other moves up through a little discomfort to experience a new level in life. People are willing and wanting to walk on water but never stepped out of the boat. If you want something you have never had in your life then you need to do something you have never done before. Jesus JERRY helped His disciples to do what they have never done.

The reason why you have to get things done is because EVAH someone closer to you is in trouble. Everybody hurts somewhere; you are a solution to somebody with a problem. Find them, listen and take action not just because of your comfort but because of their comfort. Maybe you are in the medical field and you are wondering in what way you can be of a solution to those in problem when you don’t know who needs you. Do you actually know that in every 30 seconds a child dies of malaria in Africa? Over 3.8 million are living with diseases in Nigeria and there are over 40 million people living with HIV worldwide.

Maybe you are a parent; you need to understand that lawlessness has eaten the mind of our children. We need to inculcate a Godly heart because of the indiscipline and lack of self-control among the young ones, more than 100 million illicit sex (sexual intercourse) are committed by young ones every day worldwide.

If you are not relevant as a student, you will hardly be relevant in your days as a parent. Do you believe that only three out every of every ten candidates that sit for JAMB (UTME) get admission in Nigeria. One out of every ten graduates gets a job annually in Nigeria.

Years ago someone called Thomas Edison saw the need to be relevant to his generation by his inventions and his name has never been forgotten. To some people you are their life jacket. To some people you are their walking stick. You will begin to succeed in your life when the hurt and problems of other people begin to matter to you. “Those who unlock your compassion are those you have being assigned”. Dr Mike Mudock. The question that should come to our mind should be “how do I get things done?” The revelations of God revealed to you by the Holy Spirit are what will reveal you to your world. Revelation discovers new truth, but inspiration super-intends the communication and the recording of that truth. Gen 2:7 “and the Lord formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into him the inspiration of life and man became a creative being”. (Emphasis mine) The inspiration of God is what makes you creative in every aspect of your life. For everything about you to be alive and to be energized with creativities then all you need is the inspiration of God.

EDUCATION: THE DREAM OF EVERY CHILD Today there are people trying to take away rights that our fathers, mothers, grandmothers and great grandfathers fought for. Our right to vote, our right to choose affordable quality education, equal pay and access to health care. Every child should have the opportunity to receive a quality education because educating a child educates a generation.

The right to a quality education is, I believe the perfect path to bridge the gap between different cultures and to reconcile various civilizations. Without such right, the values of liberty, justice and equality will have no meaning. Ignorance is by far the biggest danger and threat to humankind. A quality education grants us the ability to fight the war on ignorance and poverty.

There is no reason why children in inner cities or rural areas do not receive the same quality of education or opportunities as those in wealthy neighborhood. If we truly believe in all citizens a chance to pursue happiness and pursue their goals, then we cannot continue to marginalize entire group of people. But the fact is, no matter how good the teacher, how small the class, how focused on quality education the school may be none of this matters if we ignore the individual needs of our students.

Economic prosperity and quality education for our children are inexorably linked. We must invest in the future of our children a quality education, job opportunity, family neighborhood that’s what we call Nigeria.

A large number of students in Nigeria don’t really have access to high quality education.

Security is still the most important issue facing most northerners and millions of Nigerians – the security of having a job, of access to affordable health care, of a quality education and of protection and our homeland and defending our nation. If you stop and think about our history, one of the reasons we had a Nigerian dream was because at key points in our history we made very bold decisions about making sure that there was very broad, universal access to quality education. If we don’t empower families to be able to have a quality education to our children then we will not have the same economic opportunities.

As a student myself, I understand the profound effect that good teaches and quality education have the life of our young people.

EDUCATION FIRST-CLASS GRADUATE BUT A THIRD-CLASS MATERIAL Sound education is not about first class certificate. It’s about first class creativity. If your CV is all you have as a proof of your first class intelligence then you are not a first class graduate; you are simply a false class graduate. The proof of education is not about good speaking and dressing skills.

The proof of education is much more about good thinking, creating and serving skills. Man’s education is incomplete if he lacks the ability to see the unseen.

Solomon didn’t request for knowledge so that he can be better than others, Solomon rather asked for knowledge in order to make others better. He never sought for knowledge to outfit others; he rather sought for knowledge to assist others. One major factor we have lost is the service-motive for schooling. Education is not designed to make man “jobful” but to make man “fruitful”.

We must refrain from seeing school as an activity to enhance our ability to make money. Schools are rather designed to enhance our ability to create solutions, to create answers and not to answer questions.

Rather than producing elites that the society can depend on, our schools now produce parasites that depend on the society.

Rather than schooling because of the fear of unproductivity, we now school because of

the fear of unemployment.

School is designed to activate man’s creative energy. You are not a graduate if you cannot graduate solutions from your mind. Illiteracy is the inability to communicate with the world; ill-literacy is the inability to contribute to the world.

Rather than schooling because of the fear of un-productivity, we now school because of the fear of unemployment. Rather than producing elites that the

society will depend on, our schools now produce parasites that depend on the society.

Our land is no more burdened with illiteracy but it’s very much burdened with ill-literacy. Education is not man acquiring knowledge, education is knowledge acquiring man. Man acquires knowledge when man fills his mind with knowledge; but knowledge acquires man, when knowledge becomes the mind of man.

Scarcity is about shortage of things, poverty is about the shortage of thoughts. Scarcity speaks of the inadequate provision for man. Poverty speaks about the inadequate produc-

tion by man. Scarcity speaks of what a man needs that he lacks. Poverty speaks of what a man has that he locks. Scarcity speaks of the unavailability of jobs for men while poverty speaks of the unavailability of men for jobs. The cure to scarcity is provision but the cure to poverty is revelation.

A madman on the street may be dressed in rags or absolutely naked. A gift or trailer load of designer clothing cannot transform the mad man. He would sooner or later reduce the designer clothing to rags. What a madman needs is not a change of clothes but a change of mind.

A madman is not mad by the rags he wears but by the mind he has lost.

There is nothing wrong in becoming a football fan, but everything is wrong in becoming a football fool. A man that watches three football matches in a row should be declared legally dead. - Ermer Bombeck. The information age has thus become an INFUN-MATION age to many.

Rather than being informed, most youths are so IN-FUN that they amount to nothing.

Extracted from “Atomic Knowledge” by Samson Adah Paul. Reading this book will help you to discover ways to use your informal education to achieve results beyond imagination.

EDUCATION

Most students don’t feel like reading because they find reading a boring job. Follow this simple steps (to some they might not be simple) and begin to enjoy and improve your reading quotient.

1. You don’t have to read fast to get to the point: being a great reader does not depend on how fast or slow you read. Some people read fast and remember everything they read. While some people read slowly and take couple of time to get the information. It doesn’t matter as long as you read and you get the information you are seeking. Your ability to understand what you are reading does not depend on how fast or slow you read but on how clear your mind is to your reading.

2. Know why you are reading: you must be able to define your purpose of reading; you have to know if you are reading for entertainment or to learn something.

Decide why you are reading before you start your reading and this will greatly improve your comprehension and your enjoyment. Your purpose of read-

ing will determine the understanding you get after reading.

3. You don’t need to read everything: Not every magazine and email you receive or you see contains information you need.

Be very selective about the choice of the things you read. Some information can corrupt your mind and contaminate the information’s you have previously. What you read determines the kind of information you get. What you read influence your thinking and your thinking will affect your behavior and your behavior will definitely affect your lifestyle.

4. Scan before you read: before you read anything, look at the table of contents, index, topics, headlines and photo captions. These will help you if you have a real interest in what you want to read and what information you might likely get from it.

5. Optimize your reading environment: Your environment will affect your level of assimilation of what you are reading. You will read fast and comprehend more if you read in an environment that’s comfortable for you. If you enjoy reading in a very quiet environment, once you are reading put away all form of distraction that is why my best time for reading is from the hour of 12am-3am.

6. Once you start, don’t stop: read each item straight through if you finish and you have questions, go back and re-read the pertinent section, cross checking is allowed in reading. If you have any question preview is allowed and if you don’t have question and you have gotten what you then you ready to move on.

7. Practice what you read.

What you read and practice becomes your life style.

INTERVIEW

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH TUNDE KELANI

“I started my film making process as a phot o g r ap h e r. . .

Most of my works is on positive image.

That’s the point when you talk about cultural identity of our home.”

Sir, what was your first film making experience like and did that moment changed your life?

I started my film making process as a photographer. I started photography from primary/ secondary school. Advice to youth and I went into it professionally after my study abroad. My first film making experience didn’t change my life like I told you I have been doing photography since primary school. So I enjoyed every minute that I have spent in my work. To me it is a way of life.

Sir, does your background impact of background on your film making process?

Most of the films I have done are about Nigeria especially the Yoruba culture which is where I am from, which is what inspires my films. I’m inspired by great indigenous culture like the Indians, Chinese, and Koreans which displays the richness of their culture through the films. My films really talk about who I truly am.

Sir, what is the response of the new generation audience (youth) towards your films?

There is really nothing older in my works. Most of the films I have made talks about hip hop and its essentially celebrating the youth and identifying the role of women in the society. Most of my works is on positive image. That’s the point when you talk about cultural identity of our home. I brought it to the contemporary side. Have you seen the latest film I made, Dazzling Mirage? It is about young people, it talks of culture like wedding, Naming and things like that so it has something to do with the youth; it is about them. It just that I could set the story back in time or setting in the contemporary time; Just like if you watch any of the Indian movies, their culture is their culture whenever the period it really doesn’t have anything to do with youth.

Sir, what is your take on new generation embrac-

ing western culture and neglecting the importance of indigenous culture?

I don’t know why you talk about the youth as if they aliens and they dropped from the sky. The problem if care is not taken, the youth are going to suffer identity crisis. They don’t belong there, they don’t belong here. They are just trying to be face of no nation forsaking your own culture and are now consuming other people’s culture and you now want to belong to them. How British or American can you become and you think you can uproot your own and then be accepted that way because you speak English, they will take you as an Englishman. It’s stupid to because God is the God of Varieties. So why would you throw away your own and start pursuing other people. It’s wrong. Don’t think because you are educated and civilized you are too good for your own. Who are you? What do you stand for? I think we should leave education for what purpose of education is supposed to be.

When you are educated you have successfully mastered your technology, you are supposed to use it to develop your own. You are not supposed to look

INTERVIEW

back at your own and say its rubbish and then move on. Outsiders are already here, Indians, Chinese and others will take it from you because you have already taken their own so they will take you own from you as well.

Sir you’ve been the film industry for the past 4 decades, what has made you outstanding among others?

Nigeria has been in a turbulence time both economically and socially. What has made me outstanding is the same thing has what I have being doing since. It the major difference is that there is a level of participation from the audience especially audience.

Sir your advice to youth who dream of becoming a great film maker like you They should be creative entrepreneurs, take advantage of technology. They have advantage over the internet and social media in order to market yourself through these media platforms.

TUNDE KELANI LAUNCHES ONLINE TV To catch in on the latest and growing trend in information Technology in Nigeria, veteran film maker Tunde Kelani, has launched an online tv with his rich African themed contents for global viewers. The new online platform, tundekelani.tv which was recently launched is web based and optimum on all mobile devices. The video channel is designed to offer viewers of all ages a refreshing viewing experience of the past and current works of the award winning film maker and other cultural themed contents from different owners across Africa and diaspora.

This is an attempt to respond to the yearnings of our teeming fans of rice African themed contents on the go to take contents closer to the audience need. The tundekelani.tv platform also offers viewers, business owners, private or corporate organ-

izations the opportunity to advertise and promote their brands.

Tundekelani.tv provides a wild range of genre, including movies, high quality drama, interviews and documentaries that focus on issues maninstream media fails to cover adequately. Besides Tunde Kelani’s titles such as Oleku, Agogo Ewo, Saworoide, Thunderbolt (Magun), Narrow Path, Campus Classic play, Yeepa, Dazzling Mirage and many more coming to esteemed lovers of quality African movies. As the new online destination for African themed contents, Tunde Kelani urge all other content owners to get on board.

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW

EEZ YOUNG JOHN

THE WICKED PRODUCER Q. Sir may we meet you?

Young John: “Eez Young John the wicked producer” Q. Can we have an insight on your background?

Young john: “My real names are Udomboso John; I hail from Akwa Ibom State” Q. When did you discover your passion for music making?

Young john: “I started playing musical instruments from the church so it basically from there cos I graduated and grew into it with my laptop and a mini studio I made for myself in my room so that’s pretty much how it started.”

Q. What was your first music making experience and how did it changed your life?

Young john: “There has been a relationship between Hit factory and Olamide even before I came into the picture so that’s pretty much where the connection is from.”

Q. Where does an idea for music usually begin with you?

Young john: “Working with Olamide has been great not only because He’s a big artiste which is basically the reason he’s actually big. Olamide is a brilliant artiste.”

Q. What’s the biggest project you’ve taken on so far?

Young john: “So far, it is still story for the gods” Q. What is your source of inspiration?

Young john: “I grew up in a Chris-

tian background and my dad is a pastor. Growing up was mixed. It was a mixture of both good and bad. There were lot of rosy times, there were pretty bad times too but that’s life anyways.”

Q. What are your challenges working with artistes?

Young john: “Call My Manager Dipson on 08168922387” Q. What and with whom are you currently working with?

Young john: “A whole lot of Bangers from now on.”

Q. What is your word of advice to youth out there?

Young john: “Believe and Try…. Work Hard and Pray.

N.B. thanks to Hit factory CEO (BT)”

INTERVIEW WITH BENNIEBLAIZE

Tell us about you and what you do Am Bennie Chioma Onuoha, known as Bennieblaize on screen, a native of Imo state. Am an On Air Personality currently working with Planet TV, am also a model, a voice over artiste and an event host What motivated and inspired you to start your career in this industry?

I like to standout where ever I find myself, leading is a vital item of my traits. I love the TV job so I went on with it What were d first steps you took?

First I started as a model, then a VJ. I got to practice on my own most times to develop my skills Tell us about your most embarrassing moment if you care to share it with us?

So far don’t think I have had anyone What was your big breakthrough?

My break through job would be when I signed a contract advert with a Telecom network (etisalat) If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

The only thing I would love to change is the fact that more rec-

ognition should be give to vixens and dancers, because they er the ones that make these artists videos look good. Nobody wants to watch a bare video What has been your biggest challenge so far and how do you overcome challenges?

My biggest challenge!! That would be the night life that comes along with the nature of my job. You have to attend some certain events due to one’s participation. So that’s my challenge.

Talking about overcoming... naaa till date am not a night crawler buh I really don’t have a choice, it’s my job What do you love most about your job?

The fact that I helps me build my courage and self-esteem, and of course “talking” I looovee! To talk.

How do you stay motivated through difficult?

I look at my goal, study my aim, think of my haters, remember my fans... and then the strength to move comes on What advice would you give to other budding presenters?

Be consistent in your job, always.

Update your skills, learn from others and Add to yours. Most importantly never try to sound

like another presenter. Be a trendsetter‎.

INTERVIEW

Tell us about yourself My name is Oraka Nnanyelu Nvy, the last born of the family of seven, graduate of the university of lagos, secondary school in saint Gregory collge, CEO sulcata and a very friendly person.

What else to say about me? I am in my late 20s.

What is Sulcata all about?

Sulcata is gotten from the biological name of Tortoise, basically I just love tortoise, first of all from childhood story. We all get different ideas about Tortoise.

But from my own definition a lot of people expect you to live a fast life because they drive fancy cars, live flashy life. I believe that as glorious as the lion is, they don’t have as much stories as tortoise. Tortoise is clever and it can develop it rocket shoot for itself, for me a brain is more important than every other thing. So I just love the concept of tortoise.

What impact do you think Sulcata have on the youth

TIME OUT WITH SUCATA

out there?

First of all, Sulcata was born as an event company, basically our major drive is youth empowerment and people will always think youth empowerment, the next thing they want to do is seminars. We looked at it and said this is not what we intend to do so.

What we planned to do was to use the youth platform, music, event, fashion and all of that, speak to them and empower them through their passion.

Every of our event is targeted at empowering youth, for instance a lot of people will say that they are here for a pageant queen but they forget that there is a lot of people are empowered all the way. We have actually grown to be a youth marketing company, whatever it is or whoever you are. And if you want to get to the youth; we have the attention of the youth and the platform so we can get to them. We are always on the lookout for what will be of benefit to the youth. That’s basically who we are not a pageant queen company. The beauty queen just became so loud that it kind of over shadowed every other.

For youth out there who passions but don’t know how to bring it into reality, do you have any program for them to help bring them to limelight?

Yes we do have, currently what we do is to mentor them and create a platform to mentor youths, we have a mentorship platform, and we take our events to the very peak. We get lot of people from the grassroots and we create an opportunity to connect you in line with what you are doing. I organized the first Miss Unilag in my year three while in school. What I’m saying is that there are a whole lot

of things that you can do so whatever you can find yourself with, focus your passion on that and go ahead to do something to take it to the next level.

What of youth out there who have ideas but don’t know what to do, what should they do?

Start it! Start your idea, when you start your idea, you get an assurance of what you want to do and achieve. It is when you start that the finances are going to come but if you don’t start it, you can’t prove to anybody what you are capable of and make people believe in it. May advice to everyone is to stay with your vision, start your own idea. Don’t wait till you are out of school or get to a certain age. Where you make mistakes, take corrections.

When it comes to success, challenges are inevitable, so what are the challenges you have faced so far?

I think the major challenge is still having people to believe in what you are bringing, people believe that if you don’t have a pot belly, drive Ferrari then you don’t know what you are doing. In most cases in event, they look at it and they tend to say ‘Wow! Wow!’ at the idea but that wow! Wow! That is not what we want to hear. So basically finance is the major challenge.

Sulcata has great impact on both young and old. Youth loves Sulcata, so what advice do you have for the youth of today?

First of all, ignite your dreams, have it at back of your mind that Nigeria is full of problems and wherever there are problems, there are opportunities and development yourself.

INTERVIEW

ARTICLE

I AM YOUTHFULL AND USEFUL NOT A HOOLGAN

A nation cannot be built without the recognition and the collective efforts of all citizens, skilled and unskilled, young and old. Young people are a crucial segment of a nation’s development. Their contributions, therefore, are highly needed. Young people are social actors of change; and as the saying goes, “The youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the pillars of today.” It is well known that the most vibrant section of every society is the youth. Therefore, the youth have the responsibility of being at the fore-front of any national exercise.

Awolowo was (37), Akintola (36), Ahmadu Bello (36), Effiong (36), Balewa (34) and

Okotie-Eboh (27), Enahoro (27) led the struggle for independence after the death of Macaulay. Only Zik was 42 at the time. In 1966, the first coup was led by: Kaduna Nzeogwu (29) and countered by Murtala Mohammed (28), Theophilus Danjuma (28), Babangida (25), Nanven Garba (23), Sani Abacha (23), Shehu Musa Yaradua (23), and brought into power Gowon (32), Ojukwu (33), Obasanjo (29), Buhari (24). Most of the military administrators who governed the states under the successive military regimes, most of whom are governors now, were under 30 years. The brief democratic dispensation which interjected the military regime

also saw the House of Representatives in particular populated by majority of members under 30 years as well as some senators. Under 30s were also not in short supply with appointments, we have examples of MT Mbu who became foreign affairs minister at 23 and Pat Utomi who became a presidential adviser at 27 and so on and so forth.

The youth do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it, generation after generation.

Youth is that clay which can be melded in either shape one wants. In our belief, this is the sole reason for both exploitation and utilization of youth in the destruction and construction of any nation respectively. It is a fact that, the nation’s building is highly dependent on youth. “Youth is that spark which needs no ignition”. Youth is that powerful resource, which can either construct or destruct the whole nation. No doubts youth should step forward to take up on the responsibility in developing the nation. The country’s leadership should also embrace youths, as well as youth organisations, as they are the leaders of the future and would contribute to the nation-building efforts.

The period of youth is when a man is full of energy, am-

bitions and zest for life. The power possessed by youth is a recognised force today. The power or the energy can be used for both constructive and destructive purposes.

Youth develop the ability to work with others to create a shared vision and to draw on the talents, skills, and energy of others. Young people should be given a suitable direction so that they can work hard for its fulfilment.

This will make them satisfied by the realisation that they have been assigned roles in the nation building. They would be prepared to work sincerely for the welfare of the society and the country.

N O W : Why is it that this age bracket is today still sleeping in 3 seater chairs in their parents’ homes? Why is it that this age bracket is today still collecting pocket money from their parents? Why is it that this age bracket today is fighting their parents for food when their plate of food is the smallest? Why is it that this age bracket is today still writing JAMB? Why is it that this age bracket is today still sagging their trousers? Why is it that this age bracket is today still searching for jobs? Why is it that this age bracket is today no longer qualified to even be leaders of youth wings of political parties? Why is it that this age bracket is today so docile? Why is it that this age bracket is today still incapable of feeding itself? Why is it that this age bracket is today barred by law from even aspiring to certain political of-

fices? Why is it that this age bracket is today incapacitated, unwilling, unable and incapable of asking questions?

And WHY is it that nothing is written concerning the youth in the national constitution?

There are two ways to approach life. You can be passive. You can sit back and wait for something great to come your way. You can rely on luck and expect opportunities to fall on your lap.

Take action and make your own luck. Have you ever noticed that the most successful people seem to have a curiosity about life? Don’t passively observe. Some people are easily satisfied by sitting back and letting things unfold as they may while some people believe the greatest satisfaction comes from solving challenges, personal growth and inspiring others. Grow your life from the inside out. Your ideas should be able to shine through your actions. This world is full of people waiting for someone to take action.

It is what you allow that prevails in your life. Refuse to blame anybody. Some people blame their age, their parents, family, education, and the government for where they found themselves in life, which is a lazy man’s mentality. Those who constantly look for who to blame always remain lame and uninspired.

People remain in

ARTICLE

failure because they are not willing to accept responsibility. It is easy to dodge our responsibilities but we can’t dodge the consequences of our responsibilities. God gave Adam an instruction that will fully maximize his leadership potentials but Adam failed in this responsibility and when God asked him for the cause for his failure. He blamed Eve who blamed the serpent.

You don’t wait for change, you create change. Change does not come because you want it, change comes to you because you demand but the problem is demand is a force. Your ability to shine depends on your determination to arise and be wakened. It is the empowerment by the spirit of God and His word that brings divine enlightment. Until you arise, you cannot shine. To arise or to awake is to be conscious to your God-given talents, rights, responsibility and authority. When you arise, you became active, aware and available for exploits.

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH OLUMIDE OWORU

Who is Olumide Oworu : Age, Pry n Second Schools, University,Course, Level, Hobbies.

Olumide Oworu is a 21 year old actor, Model and musician. I’ve attended a few schools on my way.

For primary... Sunny Fields Primary School , K. Kotun Memorial Schools and Rotoy Private School.

Secondary... Yaba College of Technology Secondary School and then King’s College Lagos. University...

University of Lagos and Babcock University.

When did you venture into the entertainment industry, and what was your first job as an actor?

Started when I was a kid. My first acting gig was on the TV show Everyday People when I was 6 in 2000.

As an all-rounderin the entertainment Industry, could you pleasa tell us all the projects you have done so far?

Voice over artist and Model (1999-Now), Everyday People (2000-2008), The Patriot (Soap opera) (2009), The Johnsons (2012-Now), Staying Strong

(Sitcom) (2013), MTV Shuga 3 and 4),The Room (2013), The Men in Her Life (2013), Stolen Waters (Movie) (2013),Hammer (2013), VJ on The Scene (2013-Now),New Son (2014), 8 bars and a clef (2014), Lasgidi Cops (2015), A Soldier’s Story (2015) Which of your acting project was most challenging and why?

If I had to pick one, I’d say A Soldier’s Story. Learning and maintaining an accent and traits that aren’t Nigerian was challenging.

Have you faced Challenges as it relates to your academics since you ventured into acting?

I sure have. I’ve missed countless classes and tests.

Most times I have to study extra to catch up with the rest of my class.

Which of your acting experience changed your life and gave you the most mileage/publicity?

Shuga. It’s shown in over 90 countries worldwide. It was after being on the show I realized how popular I

was becoming.

As challenging as the movie industry, how do you balance acting professionally with schooling?

I try my best to listen in class because I know I don’t have much time to study after. I take my assignments serious as well. I try to participate in class when I can.

Presently, you are internationally known for your role as “WEKI” in the MTVShuga seasons 3+4, and as “TARI” in the Africa Magic comedy series. How did you get involved in the two productions?

I auditioned for both shows, and thankfully I got the parts.

In your fifteen years of acting, briefly describe MTVShuga and how it has affected you personally?

Shuga is a show that creates awareness on HIV/ AIDS, sexual health, rape, child abuse and other subjects society shys from addressing openly. The show made me have a better understanding on how to live carefully and also help to understand the situation of lives of people who have HIV/AIDS. I’m more enlightened about the whole situation.

You just won the Africa Youth Choice Awards (AYCA 2015), as “THE BEST NEW ACTOR” in the Movie category. How did it feel? Is this your first? If not, which other ones, and what year?

It felt really good. There was the initial panic and anticipation just before the winner of the category was announced, but I just felt extremely happy when my name was called. The moment was perfect. It’s my third award as an actor. I got two Awards last year. The Scream award for ‘Nollywood revelation of the year’ and the PING award for ‘Most promising Youth actor’ both in 2014.

Are there any new projects you featured in, and would want your fans to go and watch, or, be on the look out for?

A Soldier’s Story is in cinemas nationwide right now. 8 BARS AND A Clef is a movie oub soon. My character is a music artiste in it, and the crime series SCU - Lasgidi Cops is out in December. My character is the tech guru/hacker.

As a model, which brands have worked with?

I’ve done mostly commercial modeling so it’s more of corporate brands.. TV ads, calenders, billboards and magazines. I’ve done radio voice-overs as well. .

I want to give runway a shot.

As a Rap Artist, what is your stage name, and how do you intend to stand out from the crowd in the competitive music industry? Any singles and video from you soon?

INTERVIEW

At the moment my Artiste name is Lumi D. My music is self expression it’s content is things I’m going through, observing or experiencing. I put out a song ‘I’m ready’ two years ago, so it’s been a while.

Acting takes most of my time. I’m featured on another by Beatsbyjayy titled ‘All about you’. That was out this year. I’m Looking to record and release new music soon.

How do you cope with your female fans?

My female fans are the warmest. Very supportive and easy to relate with. I try to keep in touch and have conversations when possible.

The entertainment Industry is impactive, and loved by both the young and old. What advice do you have for the youths of today?

I’d say try and let your material be exemplary. People look up to and imitate entertainment personalities. For the youths outside entertainment, the same applies to whatever they are doing. We have to work to bring about positive change in Nigeria.

As a young Nigerian Actor, do you think that young Actors are celebrated and appreciated like the older ones?

Not as much as we should be... But it is getting a lot better. It’s encouraging to see the talent and work of young actors being appreciated now.

What is your dream, hope and aspiration for your Country?

I want a Nigeria free from uncesasary segmentation and corruption.

INTERVIEW

FACE OF THE MONTH (EJIRO) Tell us about yourself my name is Ejiro Lawretta Egba. I am from delta state and I reside in Lagos. I am a first class graduate of Accounting from Caleb University. I am also an AAT (Association of Account Technicians) and I’m currently in the final stage of ICAN on scholarship. I love reading books. I also love public speaking and I have privileged to speak at a few public gatherings. Modeling is another hobby. Looking good in front of camera is hardly ever a burden. Finally, I love acting.

What do you do?

Currently, I am rounding off service in the Ministry of Economic planning and budget Ibadan, Oyo state. I intend to gain work experience for few years before pursing my Master’s Degree and possibly my PhD. Who is your role model?

Well, this may seem cliché, but my role model is my Dad. Asides the fact that we are in the same field, I believe he is hard working and diligent and he is worthy of emulation. Hence my dad serves as not only my role model but also my mentor. I am a daddy’s girl but of course, I love my mum too.

What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

As far as my goals are concerned, I intend to diversify as much as I can. I have plans to branch into law later in the future. I also intend to take my interest in public speaking to a different level through hosting and presenting.

What are you currently working?

For now, I am setting the best foundation as I can for my future. I am reading a lot of books and gaining adequate knowledge on how I’ll tackle challenges as they may arise.

What is your advice to the Nigerian youth?

My main advice to Nigerian youth is. Stay in school. Pursue your academic to a good level. Then you can follow your dreams. It will help a ton in making the best you can be. Knowledge is power.

INTERVIEW

FACE OF THE MONTH (KEN) Tell us about yourself?

My name is Kennedy Asiriuwa. I’m from a Christian background of four; I have three amazing and stubborn sisters. I’m a native of Edo state. I would say am quite shy, I love jokes (laughing), listening to music alot, also loves swimming and on top of it all, I love watching football.

What do you do?

Well, I’m currently a computer engineering student of North American University in Benin Republic and also the CEO of Nedy’s Dream Clothing and I’m pursuing my modelling career and publicizing Nedy’s Dream Clothing as well.

Who is your role model?

I have a couple of them but Olisa Adibua of the BEAT 99.9FM will be top on my list, Then Bryan Okwara. Then, Timaya, love his music and dress sense, the king of talk himself VJ Adams I love his dress sense too and his charisma and lastly the Dada boi himself EHIZ OF MTV BASE always on point, does his work well.

What are your goals?

First I want to be alive God’s willing; I should be done with tertiary education by then. Hopefully 5 years’ time I can standup and say am a super model as well as an entrepreneur representing us on a bigger platform by His grace.

What is the one thing that you will do even though you are not paid for it?

Hmm…that would be to sleep for a whole day! (Chuckles) I can model for a clothing line without being paid cuz I love fashion (dressing a lot). On a more serious note, with the situation of the economy of the country I don’t think anybody do anything without getting paid because passion must put food on the table.

What is your advice to Nigerian youth?

My advice to them will be to take your hands off your jaw, stand up and do something right now.

And it is not about working hard it is about working smart so whatever you want to do have it at the back of your mind that someone has done it before so be creative. And lastly never forget your root and always put God first in all things.

FACE OF THE MONTH Are you beautiful/handsome, intelligent and purpose driven, between the age of 16-20 and would love to feature as our face of the month? Then you can send us your profile and picture to us: 08188227119, 07019053353 Are you interested in being a member or correspondent? You can post or send us your comments on any of our social media with your details.

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AS FRESH AS A FRESHMAN YEAR

By Comfort Emmanuel

INVENTORS NOT EVENT-TORS Mubarak Muhammad Abdullahi is a Nigerian born in 1983. In 2007, at 24, this young undergraduate student in physics built a helicopter using pieces from old cars, motorbikes and aluminum scrap, among others. Mubarak Muhammad Abdullahi learned the rudiments of flying a helicopter from the Internet and got his first idea of building one from the movies.

Pr. Sandy Tickodri and Ugandan Students from Makerere University's College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology have built Uganda's first electric car (the Kiira EV) in about 30 months under the supervision of Professor Sandy Stephens Tickodri-Togboa.

Goodbye parents, hello freedom! It’s time to make that big transition to the university but before you start celebrating, prepare yourself for the issues that might spring up when dealing with campus life. You have to juggle roommates, new friends and social life, not to mention the passing grades.

Campus life could be a blast but there are few common issues that most freshman have to address.

Roommates: If there is one thing students are most anxious about is meeting their roommates. What will he or she is like? Will we get along? What if we are complete opposite? Not everyone is going to get along with their roommates. If you find that you and your roommates have completely different personalities, look at it as a learning opportunity as we learn from people every day. In university, there is certainly going to be a lot for you to do; between classes, clubs, church and social life. Your schedule will be full. The hardest part of freshman year is balancing study with social life.

There is a general lack of privacy when you’re living on campus especially freshman norms. Students struggle with their new found freedom. You will most likely have the opportunity to party, sleep in, skip classes and stay out late. University affords a lot of freedom but there are rules and to enforce these rules, you will have a multitude of people watching out on you.

A freshman student said: Peer pressure is also one of the very major situation or challenge students face on campus. Living with people from different background and training could be bits challenging you know? If you are well trained from a good home and you get to campus and chose to be friends with bad ones, definitely you will be influenced. Some student wants to among, wear the latest dress and do the big boys or big girl things as they feel they are now free. I tell you choose your friends wisely while on campus. A freshman student said the hardest part of freshman year for me was when I went home to my parent’s house for summer. It was difficult to adjust back to their schedule and rules after my new found freedom.

Living on campus is supposed to prepare you for “real world’ and the four years spent at the university will be the fastest of your life. You won’t have your mom to do the laundry, cook your meal. No one to force you to read or study hard to pass (this is an exciting steps towards independence) you’ll have a lot more responsibility for yourself and if you handle it well, you will have to a wonderful campus life experience.

Coming soon……..…

LIFE AFTER CAMPUS

The car’s batteries have about 80 km autonomy and electricity is the only source of power used to run the Kiira EV (making it a noiseless car) Duro-Aina Adebola, Akindele Abiola, Faleke Oluwatoyin and Bello Eniola; 16, 16, 16 and 17; Nigerian high school teenage students in 2012, invented a urine power generator which could provide safer, affordable and more access to electricity and could create 6 hours of electricity with 1 Liter of urine.

Oyekunle Ayinde (Kunle) Olukotun, from Nigeria, is a pioneer of multi-core processors, in the mid1990s, Kunle Olukotun and his co-authors argued that multi-core computer processors were likely to make better use of hardware than existing superscalar designs.

Sam Kodo is a young student and inventor from Togo who has conceived and built a humanoid robot almost entirely from old TV sets, including TV electronic scraps Sam Kodo’s robots can now interact with humans, recognize faces and objects, speak, execute orders and even play football. Without a doubt, Sam Kodo is a genius.

Ludwick Marishane; 24; South Africa Ludwick Marishane .Prior to inventing Dry Bath, Ludwick invented a healthy cigarette in the 10th grade and his invention won him the Global Student Entrepreneurship Award (GSEA) at the Global Entrepreneur Week (GEW) for two consecutive years.

Kelvin Doe, 18, Sierra Leone is a self-taught engineer who built his own generator and radio transmitter at the age of 13. At 16, he built a battery that provide electricity to homes within his community where there is no constant power supply. Kelvin is today the youngest person to participate in the “Visiting Practitioner’s Program” at MIT.

A team of students in the University of Lagos built an eco-friendly car. They say the car does not emit gas and does not utilize fossil fuel. They built the car under the Project Dove Initiative and have successfully completed their first model, Dove P1, utilizing locally sourced materials and building it right here in the University of Lagos. Well done to them.

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FACTS TO KNOW (Do you know that?)

- The human race is of African origin. The oldest known skeletal remains of anatomically modern humans (or Homo sapiens sapiens) were excavated at sites in East Africa. Human remains were discovered at Omo in Ethiopia that were dated at 195,000 years old, the oldest known in the world.

- The founder of The Apostolic Church (TAC) could recite the whole book of psalms.

- The population of China is twice greater than that of African continent and 800 times greater than that of Gambia and Soa Tome and princie.

- If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.

- Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds, dogs only have about ten.

- Did you know you share your birthday with at least 9 other million people in the world?

- Ibn Haukal, writing in 951 AD, informs us that the King of Ghana was “the richest king on the face of the earth” whose pre-eminence was due to the quantity of gold nuggets that had been amassed by the himself and by his predecessors.

- The Nigerian city of Ile-Ife was paved in 1000 AD on the orders of a female ruler with decorations that originated in Ancient America. Naturally, no-one wants to explain how this took place approximately 500 years before the time of Christopher Columbus!

- The Nigerian city of Kano in 1851 produced an estimated 10 million pairs of sandals and 5 million hides each year for

export.

- Yoruba metal art of the mediaeval period was of world class. One scholar wrote that Yoruba art “would stand comparison with anything which Ancient Egypt, Classical Greece and Rome, or Renaissance Europe had to offer.”

JOKES Uncle: What’s 10 plus 10?

AKPOS: I don’t know.

Uncle: Idiot! You can’t answer such a cheap sum…Your stupidity will kill you.

AKPOS: Uncle, if you saw a 1000 naira note and a 500 naira note which would you pick?

Uncle: 1000 of course AKPOS: Can’t you pick both? Na Poverty go kill you.

A grandma is shopping with her grandson. The grandson picks up a toy and the grandma shouts “Degree put the toy back”! A woman who was shopping there asked, is that his name? The grandma replied “YES, I sent his mother to university and this is what she brought back.”

A child asked his father, “How were people born?” So his father said, “Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on.” The child then went to his mother, asked her the same question and she told him, “We were monkeys then we evolved to become like we are now.”

The child ran back to his father and said, “You lied to me!” His father replied, “No, your mom was talking about her side of the family.”

LET US BE TRUE FRIENDS

By N. Waterman

I Q TEST (Do you think you are smart? Then answer this).

THE BALL How can you throw a ball as hard as you can and have it come back to you, even if it doesn’t bounce off anything? There is nothing attached to it, and no one else catches or throws it back to you.

PHILOSOPHER’S CLOCK one absentminded ancient philosopher forgot to wind up his only clock in the house. He had no radio, TV, telephone, internet, or any other means for telling time. So he travelled on foot to his friend’s place few miles down the straight desert road. He stayed at his friend’s house for the night and when he came back home, he knew how to set his clock.

How did he know?

VIRILES MICROBES A Petri dish hosts a healthy colony of bacteria. Once a minute every bacterium divides into two. The colony was founded by a single cell at noon. At exactly 12:43 (43 minutes later) the Petri dish was half full.

At what time will the dish be full?

A MAN IN THE ELEVATOR A man who lives on the tenth floor takes the elevator down to the first floor every morning and goes to work. In the evening, when he comes back; on a rainy day, or if there are other people in the elevator, he goes to his floor directly. Otherwise, he goes to the seventh floor and walks up three flights of stairs to his apartment.

Can you explain why?

If I knew you and you knew me, if both of us could clearly see with spiritual eyes, and with inner sight so divine, the meaning of your heart and time, I am sure that we would differ less, gossip less and back-bite less. And clap our hands in friendliness; our thoughts would pleasantly agree. If I knew you and you knew me as each one knows his own self, we could look other in the face. And see therein a truer grace of friendship life will be sweeter and better. We will not destroy ourselves with words or thoughts or deeds. The “why” of things our heart would see, if I knew you and you knew me, we will achieve much to the joy of us all.

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I AM JUST BEING SOCIAL Enter social networking, which say is the best way to keep in touch. Hundreds of social networks exist, and the most popular ones “Facebook and twitter” and recently BB has also join the trend of social network. Facebook has more than 800 million members!

And if Facebook were a country, it would be the third largest, behind china and India. A social network allows you to share information within a selected group of friends. Some would say “it’s a great way to stay connected. Why not just write a letter?

Too time consuming; it is expensive if you have to make copies of photos. Why not use the phone?

Again, too time consuming especially since you have to call one person at a time, and some will not be at home or available to talk when you are. What about e-mail? “No one answers email anymore, and even if they do, getting a reply can take weeks. On a social network, I just post a comment about what I’m doing and all my friends can post comments about their day. We are all updated as soon as we log on. It’s easy” but you need to consider these; 1.

Being Social affects your privacy: if you are not careful, your profile information, photos, status updates and comments could reveal too much. For example, they might reveal such things as where you live, when you are and are not at home, where you work, or where you go to school. Your address along with your brief post is enough to tell a thief and when to strike.

People tend to forget that once they post something online, it is in the public domain. Even if they specify their status updates are to be shared with “friends only” they have no control over

what those friends might do with the information. Really, anything posted on a social network shows as public or as material that can easily be made public.

If you are mindful of what you are doing, social network doesn’t lead to trouble unless you let it.

2.

Being Social affects your time: Social network can consume your time and distract you from vital activities. The more contacts you have, the more time you spend and the more addictive it can be. It is hard to get off a social networking site, even when you don’t really like it. It’s almost like an obsession. It is a vortex that sucks you in, and you have no idea that you have been caught until your mom comes home and ask you why the dishes haven’t be done. When you found yourself wanting to get home from school or work as soon as possible just to see who had responded to your posts. And you had to reply all those people and look at all the new photos they have uploaded or the new status they have updated. You’d get in a really bad mood when you are online, and you are being interrupted. Many young people are highly concerned about their social status. If you measure their social worth based on the level of electronic communication activities with friends, this can fuel addiction. Never let social networking or any online activity, interfere with your relationship with your God and with the friendship you should be cultivating within your household.

Because it makes staying in touch easier and keeps family members apart physically, it can keep them apart when they’re at home.

Know when to shut it down.

3.

Being Social affects your reputation: “a good reputation

and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.”prov 22:1. What you post on a social network carves a reputation for you that may be difficult to erase.

It seems that when people go on a social network, they lose their sense of reason. They say things they normally wouldn’t say. Some don’t realize that with one distasteful post, your good reputation can be ruined. Let think about this; ask yourself questions.

“Is this how I want to viewed? If someone looked at my posted photos and had to describe my character as they perceived it.

What terms would likely come to that person’s mind? ‘Flirty?’

‘Sexy?’ ‘party animal?’ if so is that the way you want to be seen when you apply for a job, for example, your prospective employer looks at your page? Do these pictures and posts really represent the value you stand for? ” If you are a young person, ask yourself “what if my parents, teachers, or an adult whom you look up to viewed your page? Would you be embarrassed at what they could see and read you? When it comes to reputation, you will reap what you sow. Gal 6:7.

4.

Being Social affects your friendship: “He that is walking with the wise will become wise, but he that is having dealing with the foolish ones will fail badly.”

Prov 13:20. Your friendship influence how you think and act. The people you follow whether on twitter or in life will determine what will flow in your life and how you will flow. The company you keep on whatsapp or 2go will determine what you will accomplish. The kind of people you continue to look at on your BBM that you definitely look like just a matter of time. So much time could have being saved by being social.

FASHION WITHOUT CULTURE

By Adeloju Adebimpe

FASHION is an expression of self. It is a language on its own and only those who are schooled in the art can understand its message. Some know it, some learn it, and some never will. Fashion is not limited to clothing or accessories. Campus fashion is representing the most perfect or typical example for a campus fashionista. Campus fashion; like the name implies campus fashion is all about how to stay stylish and fashionable in the campus environment without being too loud and extremely unpleasant.

FASHION DO’S AND DON’T DO’S: You can put on a pattern material and a plain material. You can put on a cool colour and a shouting colour.

DON’TS: Don’t put on pattern on pattern. Don’t put on pattern on stripped. Don’t put on stripped on stripped. Don’t put on shouting colours on shouting colours. There could be similarities but there are varieties.

One thing that makes fashion unique is style. Style is described as the process of creating a pattern or prevailing mode of expression.

Many people have great style because of who they are, not necessarily what they wear or they wear it. I go to a school where the religion is ingrained not only in our dressing but almost

everything. So it is not surprise that religion has played a huge part in many collections over the years and each time it has been meeting with missed reviews.

Aside from the technical work and creativity involved in using Jesus and other biblical characters as inspiration showing works like this can rub certain crowds the wrong way to say the least. For example when some people see you on trousers to church, they will show you a biblical passage that says “a woman shall not wear

what you wear. You can’t continue to confess that you love God and continue to dress for the devil with your indecent exposure.

God is not after what you wear but He won’t overlook how you wear what you wear. It is not until you

wear a long flair skirt, long shirt, don’t put earrings and not make up that will make God to love.

God loved you before you try to make your perfect which you can’t on your terms. God is after is your heart and He wants to see modesty flow from your heart.

Fashion is part of the gospel package that can be used to draw souls into the kingdom of God, if not why the woman with the issue of blood rushes to touch the hem of his garment? And why did the soldiers and generals fight and gambled to over the SEAMLESS garment of Jesus Christ? And would what pertains unto a man, neither Jesus climb the top of the mounshall a man put on a woman’s gar- tain to renew his garment. Let us ment ; for all that do so are abom- put on modern mode of fashion ination unto God” Deut 22:5. But and not structure in frustration there is another thing we often that is misinterpreted as fashion overlook, down the chapter 22 of Deuteronomy; it was pointed out in verse 11 “you shall not wear a garment of diverse sorts, as woollen and linen together”.

Most Christians are quick to quote verse 5 and ignores verse 11 and this only amount to religious sycophancy. Let not forget that God does not use what you wear to determine your heart but He uses your heart to determine

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MUSIC OR NUISANCE?

By Olajumoke Bolajoko Who doesn’t love music? Some people will say music is life, really music is good it’s kind of a way of life, either soul, hip-hop, gospel or traditional. It all defines a person, who you are and what you represent. So the kind of music you listen to speaks a lot about you. Gone are these days when you will still be able to withstand some music, some are motivational and inspirational, though it might not be out rightly spiritual, but “what is going on these days? this the question I ask myself when a 3years old kid is commenting on a lady’s backside with the lyrics from popular songs we hear these days, there is no longer home training or should I say what kind of music are we allowing to be aired these days. The truth is there is no longer parental guidance again; every artiste is busy looking for money and fame, money that won’t save you when you lose value in the sight of your audience.

How do you feel when you hear a beautiful song from kore, or a lovely worship from Don moen, they lift your soul and remind you about the awesome wonder and mercies of God. Frankly speaking, how do you expect to raise future leaders in this kind of society where our young ladies are no longer ashamed of flashing their breasts before the cameras and even on TV, what is the society doing about all of these, we are all caught up in activities of getting fame and money that we forget the people who will take over from us, our future leaders are on the streets going in and out of studios putting trash together constituting nuisance and calling it music.

Imagine the great number of beautiful music we will enjoy if these noisemaker musicians would repent and realize that God gave them the gifts of singing to glorify Him and impact his generation, music is the heart of the human happiness and password to wining God’s heart. God loves music and that is the reason why you will see so many youths who have the gift of singing. God gave them the ability to sing praises to him, the devil is very aware of that so he finds ways to take their hearts away from singing in church and how do we contribute in making sure that the devil doesn’t succeed. Please let’s stop our youths from the claws of the devil, it begins with every one of us, we start first by seeing the dangerous and evil some of these

songs are causing in our society, and what more it is still going to cause if we don’t do something fast.

There are songs out there already, that is all about singing praises to the devil, these people are not afraid to die, they have sold their souls to the devil and are ready to give more souls to him by using their instrument “music”.

It’s time for you to decide, where do you want your soul to be, in the evil coven of the devil with demons, smoke, fire and blood, or in the peaceful bosom of your maker. It’s up to you. Take care!

MAKING PROFIT WITH YOUR ARTICLE TALENT

Everyone living on the face of the earth is born with a unique way of doing things and getting things done. Every person is born with this seed of potential which makes them the best and leader in their own field of gifting. Talent is endowed natural ability to do something well in a unique way which brings out the gift of God inside of them. Gift is supernatural endowed ability which brings out your inborn seed of potential and gives intelligence to do things well through your talent. So every man is born to do some specific things in a unique way. It might be singing, Acting, Drumming, Dancing or being a good communicator. These talents were indebted inside of you the day you left for this world. Bible confirmed this that it is true “Every good and every perfect gift is from Above and comes from the father of light, with Him there is no variation or shadow of turning”. James 1:17.

So whatever talent you have is a gift from your heavenly father.

Just use what He gave you. God has seen your uniqueness and your ability before He gave you your talent. Wouldn’t you like to have God using your gift and uniqueness in advertising you?

Your talent is not your destiny, your talents are the raw materials used in building your destiny.

Cinderella had a voice to sing but that wasn’t her destiny but her destiny was in the palace bringing life to the palace and the entire kingdom. Her gift of singing, beauty, good heart and what she does brought her to the palace.

“It is the gift of a man that makes room for him and brings him before good men.” Prov. 18:16.

Getting jealous of other people gift will paralyses your potentials and will make you want to be genetic initiator. You can’t be like them; you can appreciate their gift but you must not try to be them because you are the best of your kind. Every talent is a raw material to be extracted and be converted to a gift. It is your gift that makes room for you not your talent. Every talent assumes a state of rest until external force is applied to it. Don’t let it remain dormant. When Jesus gave his servants talents to invest with, He expected them to make use of it and convert it to a gift. Two converted their talents to gift but one never cared about converting his talent to gift and he was casted out to the outer darkness.

What people want to celebrate about you is the uniqueness of your gift not just talent. Bible declared it this way “Stir up the gift of God in you.” 2 Tim. 1:6. This verse brought the education aspect of your gift you have to edu-

cate you gift, fan in flame the gift and also cultivate the gift inside of you. Will your talent make you to be remembered for? Always remember that your passion energizes your gifts, the initiative of the Holy Spirit activate your gift, constant practice propelled by the word of God sharpen your gifts, perseverance and patience sustain your gift and courage test your gift, teachability of the Holy Spirit expands your gifts and character formed from the word of God protects your gifts. Norman Cousine said “Death isn’t the greatest loss in life; the greatest loss in life is what dies inside of us while we live. Having gifts, let us use it for God and his glory, when God has gifted and engraced you to do something give yourself to it because when you do that God gets the glory and you gets then reward. You gift will remain ineffective until it is stirred up with the word of God. Nobody can celebrate your gift until something provokes your gift. The anointing of the Holy Spirit from revelation of the word of God is the power that will provoke the gifting of God upon you. If you don’t sit down with the word of God, you cannot stand out in this world but if you are just sitting down doing nothing but waiting for manifestation then you will soon break down while sitting down.

HEALTH TIPS

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As a college student, you may find it difficult to eat healthy and exercise regularly when you are busy studying for classes, extracurricular activities and social engagements. Maintaining healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and moderating alcohol consumption will help maximize your ability to respond to the stressors of college.

Diet

avoid the temptation of fast food.

Sandwiches or wraps are good meal options, while fruit, cut-up vegetables, mixed nuts and string cheese are healthy snack options.

Exercise Regular exercise increases aerobic capacity and improves muscle strength. It also provides stress relief, improves your ability to concentrate and enhances your mood. Many universities have group-fitness classes and intra-

tine, use active forms of transportation such as walking or biking to increase your activity level.

Sleep Lack of sleep is common among college students, but sufficient sleep is important for maintaining your energy levels, strengthening your immune system, thinking clearly and improving your mood. Studying or socializing late at night can also lead to altered sleep patterns and day-

You may find the fast food and vending machine options on campus to be convenient, particularly if you are time-crunched. Consuming a diet focused on nutrient-rich produce, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fat will provide you with the necessary energy to keep you alert and mentally focused throughout your day. Preparing food ahead of time to take with you can help you

mural sports, which may further motivate you to stay active.

A 2010 study published in the “Journal of Physical Activity and Health” found that in a group of 192 undergraduate students, those who exercised with other individuals were more likely to perceive physical activity as a form of leisure rather than an obligation. If you still struggle to maintain a formal exercise rou-

time napping, which can disrupt the quality of your sleep and increase daytime fatigue.

Being overworked can impair sleep quality due to high levels of stress hormones. Create an environment conductive to sleep by setting a consistent bedtime, creating a relaxing nighttime routine and avoiding caffeine, nicotine and alcohol within three to four hours of going to bed.

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THE RUNNER AWAY MESSENGER Everyone is aware of the story of the Jonah popularly known as the runaway prophet of God. For the benefit of those who don’t know about Jonah, Jonah was given an assignment just like everyone of us that will transform the life of a nation.

He had a message that could be spoken, written, sung and acted out for the transformation of the life of people. But Jonah refused to do God’s assignment and calamities befell him.

Jonah went to do his own despising the word and voice of God. He ran away from God and he began to go down in life. Jonah didn’t seeing favor anymore because he wasn’t in his place of assignment. Favor will only come to you in your place of assignment. Jonah in the cause of running away from God found himself among people who were going the other way (wrong direction), people who were going far away from God and his destiny. The more he was with the Tarshists he farther he gets with God and destiny.

Sometimes troubles and storms happens in your life not because Satan is the originator of trouble but because your disobedience to God’s voice and His course. When you have not settled things with God, things will never be settled with you.

You will begin to realize that whatever you venture into, there is storm there. Your disobedience and negligence to God’s word can bring suffering and pain to people around you, it will sometimes make them loose what might be precious to them. The more Jonah was relunctant the more he went

down to the bottom of the ship of life. When you are comfortable in your trouble, then your ship is about capsize. When people were praying to God for help in the time of desperation, Jonah was sleeping when you are sleeping when you ought to pray. Trouble is in view.

Getting to the root (cause) of your problem will help you get out of your problem. When everything begins to work against you, know that there is a problem. When they realized (that Jonah was) the cause of their problem, they quickly asked him “what was his work” they quickly realized Jonah had dodged responsibility and he was facing the consequence of that responsibility. They asked “where he was coming from” they noticed that his direction in life was wrong. Then they asked him “what country he is from” because they noticed he was odd, things worked against him. They realized that he was not reflecting what he was representing in him. He was denationalizing his home country.

They asked him of “his family”, they noted that Jonah disobeyed his father and the head of his family and the farther he gets in life productively.

When men try to help you in disobeying God, they complicated your problems. When they realized that getting Jonah up in their “ship”(relationship, friendship or partnership) was the actual cause of their boat sinking down. They let Jonah down into the sea and they began to lift up in life.

God separated Jonah from wrong association and from the

crowd for 3days in the belly of a fish, where he was in total dependence on God in fasting and prayer. God taught Jonah how to pray and be thankful in the midst of trouble and storm.

When Jonah blessed God in his situation, God brought him out of the situation. It was the prayer of Jonah that prompted God to speak to the fish (whatever that holds you up) to release him. Most times people get angry at God when people who don’t meet up to their standard excel more than them.

When you get angry with your creator, creations get angry with you. Read the book of Jonah for more understanding.

RAYS OF LIFE “We have examined this and it is true, so hear it and apply it to yourself” (Job 5:27 NIV)

DO YOU KNOW MY JESUS

He is the first and the last, the beginning and the end; He is the keeper of creation and creator of all. He is architect of the universe and the manager of all times. He always was. He always is, and He always will be unmoved, unchanged, undefeated and never undone. He was bruised and brought healing. He was pierced and ceased pain. He was persecuted and brought freedom He was dead and brought life. He is risen and bring power. He reigns and brought peace. The world can’t understand Him. No army can defeat Him. This is our Jesus.

BUSINESS

BUSINESS TYCOONS AND BABOONS Young entrepreneurs under 30 years old are changing the face of Africa in making the most dramatic impact across the continent.

Opeyemi Awoyemi, Olalekan Olude & Ayodeji Adewunmi, Nigerian, The trio founded Jobberman, Nigeria’s biggest job search engine and aggregator.

Oluwaseun Osewa, Nigerian Founder, Nairaland, Africa’s largest online forum. The site took off. Nairaland now has close to 1 million registered users and is the most popular Nigerian website today. In Nigeria, Nairaland gets more visits than Wikipedia.

Ola Orekunrin, 25 Nigerian Medical Doctor is the founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, West Africa’s first Air Ambulance Service. Flying Doctors Nigeria provides urgent helicopter, airplane ambulance and evacuation services in Nigeria and other countries across West Africa.

Chude Jideonwo & Adebola Williams, Nigerian Founders, Red Media/ The Future Project Jideonwo and Williams are co-founders and Partners of Red Nigeria- a leading full service media-content, communication and Development Company in Nigeria.

What is the secret to the success of the top 20+ richest people in Nigeria? Who are the Nigerian

billionaires and how did they amass their wealth? What are the business success secrets of the successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria? What does it take to become a billionaire in Nigeria? If the answer to any of these questions interests you, then please read on.

1. They are Strong Willed The big boys in are strong willed in spirit. To them, success is not an option; it’s a must. They refuse to be held down by their circumstance; instead, they reached out for their inner strength and went for success. Above all, these entrepreneurs don’t take no for an answer; they simply refuse to give up and that was why they succeed.

2. They thoroughly understand their line of business Take a close look at the Nigerian billionaires listed above and you will see the names of entrepreneurs that thoroughly understand their line of business like the palm of their hands. They know the indepth intricacies of the various businesses they are involved in.

3. They are focused These big boys are focused; they chose a specific business of their strength and stuck to it. If you are ever going to make it big, then concentrate your energy, thoughts and capital exclusively upon the business in which you are engaged in. Having begun in one line, resolve to fight it out on that line; to lead in it.

4. They have a strong business mission and vision The big boys have a strong business mission and vision; and these two factors propel them to greatness. A strong business mission and vision is the reason these men emerged successful.

5. They are excellent networkers The big boys became rich because they are good network-

ers. They network among themselves and even patronize each other’s services and this is why they emerged the richest.

6. They are Competitive The big boys know that nothing comes easy and life is not fair; so they fight with all they’ve got to stay in business. Competitiveness and the ability to stay afloat are essential to survival in business.

7.

They think big One attribute I love about big boys entrepreneurs is that they are big thinkers. They think big and love to do big things. Despite the fact that they started small; they dreamed big.

8.

They are flexible They understand the terrain very well; they know that the government is the most inconsistent body so far, so they prepare themselves forehand. They keep an eye on the ever changing pattern of the government and swiftly adjust their businesses to align with such change.

9. They are opportunist The big boys are opportunists; they know how to take advantage of situations. Where others see problems, these set of individuals see opportunities and start a business around such opportunity.

10. They have strong management team I will say that behind every successful entrepreneur is a strong business management team. The presence of a business team is the reason why big boys entrepreneurs and richest people can swiftly take advantage of opportunities.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT IN A RELATIONSHIP; LOVE, SEX OR MONEY? AWOFODU ELIJAH, ND2 LASPOTECH I believe money is the most important thing in a relationship because when there is money, a guy can take care of his partner.

It takes money to sustain a good relationship and take care of his family.

VOX POP

OBAJIMI OYINDAMOLA, ND2 LASPOTECH To me it is love because love supersedes everything unlike money and sex which has no limit. It takes chemistry, closeness and commitment to make a relationship work. And this makes relationship last longer unlike sex or money.

AISHA MUSTAPHA, 400L Caleb Uni. Hmmm! Some people would say love tho which is true but most times making love (sex) has a strong effect in strengthening the love that exists between couples but I mean money is everything. Lol! It’s rare to find young couples in love when money’s not involved.

KEMI TAWAKALITU, 300L Caleb uni.

To me it’s money o. when there is money in a relationship and as afr as the guy spends; she would surely love the guy and will be ready to even make love with him. It’s just natural. No girl likes a broke nigga, never! Especially this generation.

AKERELE SIDIKAT, ND2 LASPOTECH It is love; love is the most important in a relationship. When you love someone, you don’t care about how rich the person is. You have to accept the person as he/she is. Love is the first thing that brings people together and keep them forever.

GIFT

AJIBOLA SALAMI, 400l Fountain Uni. I believe money makes everything. If you don’t have money you can’t see love. Cant go into relationship, can’t sex cos women so much believe in money. If you no get money, they can’t follow you.

It is love because it’s only love that can sustain it. If you give a relationship sex, the couples will soon get tired of sex. If it’s money you will get tired of money or the money may be gone but when you give it love, love is a process it grows.

IFY Love, because love conquers all, all others are important in a relationship but what stand the test of time is love.

RELATIONSHIP & DATING

RELATIONSHIP & DATING

I WAS JUST MADLY IN LOVE All around me I see people falling in love, walking in love, growing with the love they have found and it accentuates my loneliness for here for here I am, having conceived 2 children, given one away about to bear another one alone.

And all I ever wanted was love. All I ever longed for was a home and strong arms to hold me so I could sleep through the night. I wanted someone who would be there with me to meet the morning.

When I was fifteen, I never thought the next nine years would bring me such despair, emptiness and sorrow. Now at twenty four, I am still alone while you are waiting for love to come to you. I have destroyed the hope of waiting because I was never willing to wait. I was so hungry for love that I tried to taste it all too early, too fast and now there is little left.

The fear you feel when you love someone and say “NO” to him and the pain that could come if he leaves you for saying NO seem awesome and devastating to you now but the greater pain comes when you say YES and he tires of you, calling you not the kind of girl he wants to marry. You may not believe me but it is true. A man who truly loves you will not ask for your body first. He will ask if you are willing to marry him. He will ask to be the one to provide for you and meet the needs. So you can give him all trust and confidence the secret of your soul. He will see the sacred beauty of your gift and handle it with the gentleness of the man beholding the pearl he has sought for long. Value yourself, for you are very precious. Don’t sell out so cheap. Any price you’re given less than love willing to commit itself and willing to wait that price is cheap.

Waiting may seem very hard for you. You think

so because you are young and still carry the impatience of a child. Learn patience, it is the beginning of self-discipline a lesson that must be learned sooner or later. The sooner you learn it the greater your joy, the lesser your sorrow. I know. I have to learn it now and I wish I had learnt it then.

There is only one person now between me and disintegration. That man is Jesus Christ who loves me even as I am, scared, twisted and often broken, not very pretty anymore with eyes that tells the secret of my solitude. But in His eyes alone I’m still a fresh young girl with eyes that catch the twinkle of stars and a smile that does not show any hurt. Learn love from Him, don’t learn it on the street or in the back seat of a car or in a classroom. What you will be given there is in the name of love is poison a perversion of something sacred.

KINI BIG DEAL ABOUT SEX? I wonder why they won’t give me more facts and reasons why I should not have sex when I feel like ’’you’ll get pregnant, HIV is real, there are so many diseases in town now, if you have sex you’ll go to hell fire! That’s all I hear in my house and in my church, even my teachers will say it like a poem to my hearing. Who doesn’t know that unprotected sex leads to pregnancy or even HIV? What else is there to know that I don’t know already? The more you about the purpose of sex the less likely you are to abuse it. There is no such thing as safe sex. Sex can be safer with certain precaution but sex is never “safe”. There are always risks involved. Count the cost before you take your clothes off. Are you willing to pay the price? It is better to wait to have sex than to have constant feelings of guilt after the act. Pregnancy can occur from the very first experience. Those who gives into sexual pressure now lose out later in life. Those who hold out now win when it counts most.

Remember the AIDS virus is many times smaller than sperm.

You can get aids much more quicker than you can get pregnant. Never play around in relationship by leading the opposite sex on. The end result could be problems for you and the oth-

er person. The best thing to do in a difficult sexual situation is to RUN like Joseph in the Bible.

Infact, the bible says RUN away from lust. Always talk to someone older than you who you can trust. They have been there before even if not the exact circumstance. Don’t judge the opposite sex by appearance. The cutest or the most handsome is not always the best. Your peers are often the worst counselors. This is often like the blind leading the blind.

The only thing wrong with being a virgin is that there are not enough people who are smart enough to make this choice. True love comes from the author of love.

All other brands are limitations.

Experience is not always the best teacher when it comes to sex. In sex experience is the best destroyer. Trust is the best teacher. Sex never causes people to love each other. If sex causes love the world would be a very lovely place. Love creates feelings, but love is not a feeling. Don’t let feelings lead you to believing it is love. Always let the opposite sex know about your convictions are regarding sex and relationship. Love is patient and kind, be careful of impatient love.

Love seeks the best in others. Can you say that about the person interested in you? The fastest ticket to misery is to be in a hurry for love. Many young people have

been hurt by being in a hurry.

There is no school for love and relationship. You have to educate yourself before you enter. “if you love me do it with me” run away.

It is the voice of your worst enemy. Being wanted for “night of a life time” can never truly satisfy, fulfill or replace the greatest longing of our hearts from being wanted for a “life time of nights” There is no safe sex; the only safe sex is to avoid sex until you are legally married. Sex cannot be used to compliment love between two teenagers or youth that are not married. Make the right choice “my vision or casual sex?” it is better to say “NO” and lose your boyfriend than to lose your dignity and self-esteem.

You don’t want to be hurt and don’t go around hurting others.

Don’t just go from relationship to relationship messed up and messing others up. Many young relationships are way to physical way too soon and that is what the relationship becomes based on. What you do early on in relationships sets the foundations the rest. honouring her boundaries, chatting about them early on. Physically not touching anything I didn’t have nor ever getting naked. Avoid physical actions that might cause lustful thoughts. Save sex for marriage.

ARTICLE

STUCK BETWEEN LANDLORD CANNOT TWO WORLDS Omotola Betty KICK ME OUT OF MY It hurts being a wallflower HOME The odd one out at school Ayodele Olamilekan

In the beginning, God created all that pertains to life, he initiated changed, managed it and placed it under tutelage and care. He created man with great aspiration and vision, so big that all he could only achieve was 25% and it was recorded in history that God got sad; religion, education, sport and other developmental activities were introduced to man to boost his efficiency and it only affected an increase of 5% and still it wasn’t good enough.

He devised a way to replicate man into another being having like passions considering that two may just be better than one and it worked. He created woman; beings with tender heart, easy to entreat and hard to influence; he bonded them into an institution called marriage (an institution where man leaves his bachelor’s degree and the woman obtains her master degree). Having done this, he created an ideal environment where the institution will function in perfection; he called it the garden (adapted from ‘home’) of ancient Eden (adapted from ‘love’).

Here he planned that marriage will birth home in order to achieve fruitfulness. There are many joining today but few marriages; lots of houses are built across the nation but few homes are birth.

Note: the backbone of every nation is the home.

The country functions like the average home setting. The home is the environment where the man and woman interact to achieve the vision birth in a man. The man has the seed and he plants it in the womb-man to produce innovative insights and inventions relevant in the world at large.

Furthermore, the home carries an aura of responsibilities (of course, it’s a garden and you cannot leave it unpruned); heavy sacrifices must be paid to keep the marriage running. The altimate sacrifice is no other than love, the most important factor of life; love does not appear and disappear, it is planted and built. No home can be established without love; it is the foundation of all things, the basic of all relations.

Note that marriage could be established with or without love via sympathy, oral obligation, tradition, law, parental influence etc. but home stands solely on love. It takes love for two opposite minds to work together to achieve a vision. Therefore, love is not

Always the third wheel In everyone’s roller coaster I have such visions of glory When I think of Martin Luther The thought of Mandela Inspires me to make a change But everyone is so excited About the likes of Usher and Chris Brown No one cares about the heroics And exploits of Zik and others It hurts to be called a prude An old fashioned teenager A social outcast and boring nerd Now I’m stuck between Earning the respect of my elders And the approval of my peers It hurts being stuck between worlds One old dignified and brave The other exciting and careless To which do I lean?

The Old and its Set ways Or a world filled with people Each trying to make a mark Without truly knowing the stakes A world where everything Seems at peace But everyman is at war with himself.

infatuation or feeling we get from within as it goes a lot deeper. Truly it is a seed born within the core of man; it grows into a full blown garden which affects choices, feelings and actions toward a particular subject. It works like this, the seed of love in the heart of courtship level takes root of engagement; grows into a big tree of marriage, produce flowers for the home and bears different kind of fruits; including global world growth, sex, offspring etc.

In contrast to what many believe concerning love in the home; it is never always smooth. You have to wet the ground to get grass. That you love one another does not mean that you won’t disagree, quarrel or possibly fight; let it be known that love is perfected in this. The man likes to be independent and high minded; the woman wants to be heard and be influential; then you expect nothing less than a clash pf ‘will’ but it takes love in the home to agree in the disagreement.

ARTICLE At this point, marriage is soaring high (due to the home influence) and man’s efficiency has gone up to 90%. To further increase the bond fellowship (adapted from sex) as a result of love comes in to produce offspring; an object of joint work between the man and the woman. The children are the reincarnation of the man and woman. The nurture the children receive in this marriage is what determines if they will add or subtract from man’s efficiency.

The greatest man in the world was born in a manger; home of animals. The key factor is the love nurture and not the animal nature. The home consists of love and it made him an embodiment of compassion. The nurture of a child is not borne in a home or hospital; children raised with full knowledge of the ideal environment of Eden grow up strong, wise and graceful; fulfilling their wishes of their parents

and world at large. Note that children raised with words of encouragement (love) and pet names grow up to respect equity and integrity. The future of a nation is rooted in the children born in the homes.

Supposedly, some children are born outside the home into a world of illegitimacy and fear. No man who is rejected by all has love; he is filled with fear; kill or be killed; use government position or be used by government. All these do not produce efficiency and they debase man. They are unwanted; so what happens to them? No one aims to be bad or black but circumstances bend them all. It is the nation that has birth hooliganism unconsciously via practices of match-made marriages, same sex marriage, divorcement, single parenthood, lack of love, premarital sex etc. no leader is bad because he is a product of the people, by the people and to the people. Eight out of ten Nigerians suffer from these deficiencies consciously and subconsciously. Every abnormality in the economy comes from home-nurture deficiency God created man to function like Him and he designed the home to help in achieving this purpose.

And that’s why only believers in their homes; stick together, eat together, pray together, play together fight and reconcile each other in order to establish the necessary environment of love to effect God’s plan and design. The ultimate weapon of mankind fulfillment is love and it can be gotten raw from the home.

THE FINAL STATE OF A DESPERATE ARTIST

The final state of a desperate artist is to expose his private assets to public access. Although this was spoken decades ago, you can’t help but see its relevance for today. If most female artists and actresses had read this quote a few years back, they may not be so tainted by association with halftime antics of disclosure. If our celebrities read this, maybe they would not have exposed their selves for the camera causing more disarray in their already troubled life.

You see this same desperation every time a celebrity uses playboy or bad boy in an attempt to step back into the spotlight of a career whose candle is slowly going out.

The point of this article is obvious when an artist find himself/herself no longer appreciated and valued, they often resort to less in value in hopes of being valued more. Not wanting to lose their fame in the sight of their audience, they give in devilish acts and wonder why they have lost value in the sight of their so called fans during their time of desperation. But stars are not the only people who fall prey to this urge of desperation. Young

(and old) girls and boys fall prey to it because they don’t want to lose their boyfriend/girlfriend who is pressuring them to have sex. Over time, physical involvement than life involvement, and their bed has become bigger while world together has become smaller.

Artistes fall prey to it because fame and popularity has led them to believe Dignity is a stain that must be removed in their lives. Not wanting to be branded, they give in only to find that the dignity they thought was a stain on their lives was actually one thing that gave them so much value in the eyes of the people. It is my belief that most of these so called artistes today share their bodies because it is easier than sharing values in their lives because they don’t have any of it. The requirement needed for a night time value is up with our lives full of desires and empty of designs. The value you place on your body is determined by how you use it.

Don’t let the use of yourself be the final state of a desperate artist.