San Brnks Vol 3 by SanBRNKS

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CHIBIJAS - Interview

A DETERMINED MIND - Article

SLK - Interview

EMMAOHMAGOD - Interview

BALANCING OUR LIFE AS STUDENTS - Article

SLASHA OMOTOLA AYODEJI - Interview

FOOD BUSINESS IS GOOD BUSINESS - Blessing Okoro

JOHN OKORO - Interview

IS LIFE WORTH LIVING? - Article

DJ COUBLON - Interview

FLOWSSICK - Interview

ARABMONAE - Interview

BRNKS CLOTHING - Slay Collection - Debonaire Collection - Deluxe Monochrome Collection - Tradijean Collection - Vintage Collection

ABOUT JOSH AMOR Ayobamidele "Josh" Majekodunmi is the creative director behind budding menswear label, Josh Amor, a brand debuted March 15th ,2012. Josh Amor is a homegrown brand whose aesthetics strike a cordial balance between street wear and high fashion featuring a range of impeccably tailored jackets, signature style shirts, dapper pants and bespoke suits. Josh Amor has the expertise and understanding of designing and assembling pieces that reflect classic style, making the wearer effortlessly stylish and timeless. The Josh Amor brand believes that "fashion should be Practical, Style-Friendly , above all should reflect one's personal art. A Josh Amor client A man who is an embodiment of all eras in fashion" It is evident that the brand is trying to build its theme on individuality of fashion mixing a sense of street style and high fashion to differentiate between personalities as well as build a connection to the everyday man.

B EDITOR IN CHIEF lbironke Samuel

EDITORIAL

Letter

Abundance of talents , creativity and skills lie wasted in our midst and we all seen to be doing little or nothing about it. Some of us even wonder ; where do all these gifts dwell? The nation is unarguably the most populous black nation of the world . Strategically positioned cartographically , Nigeria is located at the trigger of Africa; which could mean more than just a coincidence . So we ought to be swimming in creativity, innovation and talent but we are not, simply because we are nonchalant in almost everything; from this part of the world . This magazine straddles from , business to fashion to entertainment and to economy. It attempts to highlight major positive contributions and landmarks made by talented , creative and skilled youths of our nation . SanBRNKS magazine is intentioned to become the voice and public relations medium of the youths when good and positive impacts are made to the development of this great nation by them . The Nigerian economy is pregnant with prodigious opportunities; if the youths are given a chance for their voices to be heard , I believe the nation shall wax strong on every sector. Let us aid you identify some of these talented youths as we sail together in this journey.

lbiro nke Oladipupo Samuel

PARTNERS Spotlight Nigeria and Think Possibility Group THO Consulting ASSISTANT EDITOR lbironke Kayode CONTRIBUTING EDITOR John Okoro FASHION EDITOR Akin Faminu CREATIVE HEADS Luke Oyovbaire Brnks FEATURE EDITOR Uzoaku Nwokeocha Seun Salami Ada Oguleru Joe Nkamuke Tayo Olabisi Brnks GRAPHICS Luke Oyovbaire LOGISTICS Brnks

SanBRNKS is a juvenile magazine published quarterly in Nigeria. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. For sponsorship, subscription, back issues and advert enquires , call or visit; BRNKS Twitter:@SanBRNKSmagazine @brnks4real @Brnksclothing Mail: brnks4real@yahoo.com brnks4real@gmail.com lnstagram - @Brnksclothing Tel: 08071251930 07087946930

STYLING Everyth 1ng â&#x20AC;˘

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It is not news that in this part of the world , excluding the fashion toward , quite a lot of people don 't know what fashion styling entails , maybe just the title and a few other things; the intricate details we can 't really say but really we should. Fashion styling in summary is actually one of the most popular emerging professions in the fashion industry and it is the selection of clothing and accessories for lookbook shoots, fashion editorials , magazine covers , advertisement campaigns , Music videos and concerts , public appearances made by celebrities , models and public figures just to mention a few but I have chosen to pay more attention to lookbook styling for this article. Fashion stylists are part of a larger creative team assembled by the client, collaborating with the fashion designer, photographer, make up artist among others and the importance of the fashion stylist cannot be over emphasized. The fashion stylist triggers maximum appreciation of the designs because details really make the difference between class and crap. The designer makes the clothes , the fashion stylist directs on how best to wear them especially because of the in depth knowledge of trends and details. Most of the time the designer doesnt make shoes, belts , hats, accessories, but all of these feature in a lookbook shoot, now you know who 's responsible for bringing them in and using them appropraitely. The fashion stylist is also to a large extent responsible for filling in any gaps and correcting any mistakes made in the course of designing using accessories and props to his advantage.

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The fashion stylist is the backbone of creativity! Fashion succumbs to trends, that Same trend can appear better on one person than the other, a fashion stylist is the one that makes that happen. The fashion stylist also advices and directs the photography of a lookbook shoot. For example, the photographic approaches, the selection of a location, props, clothing, models, make up artists and the overall look for photoshoots. I'm sure you now have an idea of how important fashion styling is, it really is everything!

SanBRNKS Jg

CAN YOU BHARE WITH UB HOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY CAREER BTARTED? My photography career started right from my secondary school. Then, I usually take pictures of random people and moments. At a point, people started seeing the pictures I had been taking and were like; these pictures are really nice and I should go into photography which at first I didn't see as something I really wanted to delve into but with time when I continued, it dawned on me that I could actually do better and also focus on it more. That was how I started.

WHAT /NBP/RED YOUR LIKENEBB FOR PHOTOGRAPHY? My inspiration for photography was as a result of the introduction of facebook. Then, I usually take pictures of myself and other people to upload on the social site. As the enthusiasm ate deep into me, I started using my sisters as models making them dress exquisitely; then we go outside the house and we make our own photo shoot sessions which I later upload for people to see.

WHEN WAB YOUR F/RBT PHOTOGRAPHY JOB AND WHAT WAB THE EXPERIENCE LIKE? My first photography job was carried out at my cousin's wedding. It was good because she (my cousin) was part of the people that saw my works and she was like I should be a part of the photography crew at her wedding; even though I wasn't the official photographer. She gave me her husband's camera which was what I used. It was really a good experience.

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WHEN AND HOW DID YOU GET YOUR F/RBT MAJOR JOB? My first major job was done with a family that resides at Lekki. Some of my pictures got seen by the wife on facebook; so she requested that I come hold a family photo shoot for them but as at that time I was in school, so, I told her that when I come home during the holidays I was going to do it for them. When I got home, I contacted her and she told me the time to come for the photo shoot, which I did and held the shoot for them. I think that was my first major job; because after that, when people came to their house, they saw the pictures which were enlarged already and so, some people requested that she contacted the photographer (me) for them and that was how that shoot opened doors for me.

DO YOU COB/DER PHOTOGRAPHY A BK/LL OR TALENT? HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO WADE OFF COMPETITION? I think it is a talent and also a skill. It is both of them honestly because I actually found out that I could take pictures but I also had to develop myself by practicing and acquiring more knowledge on it. I did not just sit and say Yes! I have the talent, so basically I think photography is a combination of both talent and skill. As regards to competition, I don't know o. I just look at what people have done and I try to do better. Also, when I take pictures; I do give them to experts in the field; so they criticize it and advise me on what to do and how to do it better.

WHO ARE THE FAVORITE BRANDB YOU HAVE WORKED FOR? I have worked for BRNKS, Covenant University Redefinition, Nexus and a host of many others but I think my favorite amongst them is BRNKS.

WHAT ARE YOUR PARENT'B TAKE ON YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY? They are cool with it and really supportive. They also helped me get my camera and encouraged me at times when needed. To them, they see it as a way in which I build myself; so they input their support anyhow and anywhere possible.

AB/DEB PHOTOGRAPHY. 18 THERE ANY OTHER THING YOU DO FOR A LIVING? Nothing at the moment!

WHAT 18 YOUR TYPICAL DAY LIKE? I am not the outgoing kind of person. I like staying indoors, so my typical day if I'm not in school goes thus; I have my breakfast, watch TV, edit my pictures, browse and look for works done by other people comparing them to mine in order to improve, tweet, facebook or if I am not doing any of these, I hang out with friends.

WHAT HAB BEEN YOUR MOBT EMBARRABBING MOMENT? I don't think I have any ...

WHO ARE THOBE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD? First of all, I look up to Moussa Moussa, then my uncle Kelechi Akuewu, Kelechi Amadiobi and Tunji Saromi.

WHAT PUTB YOU ON AND OFF? Honesty and Dishonesty

WHO ARE THOBE YOU COUNT AB YOUR BACKBONE? Firstly, my parents then my siblings, few of my friends and one of my aunties (Chi Chi), she's really supportive.

WHERE DO YOU BEE CHIBljAB PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARB? In the next few years, I want to own my own studio which wouldn't even be in Nigeria. I want to be international. Chibijas photography would be focusing on events, weddings, parties, concerts, fashion shows and the likes.

JI IETEllfllEI lflll by Ada Oguleru

" Nne! Nneoma!! Nneomaaaa!!!" that is my mother's voice, calling out my name for the umpteenth time this morning. I've gone on various errands today, so much so that I've lost count of them . From cooking, to washing and cleaning, in fact it is indeed going to be a remarkable day for the family ... a day we all will live to remember, mother has implored the services of a camera man to cover the event from start to finish, father has bought a goat for the after merriment at home. Everyone is in a festive mood all because my kid sister is going to dance at her school! Yes .. just dance and nothing else. Of course I know it's no big deal for any other African family, but ours has a story behind it. I mean, who would imagine that Chioma my sister, stiff as a stick, would eventually, at J.S.S 3, be the cultural dance leader of her whole school. Those who think they knew her before will surely doubt this new her. " Nnem, have you finished cleaning the car?" this is the third time mother is asking this same question, so I nodded weakly. "Oya go and prepare, we are running late" this is her, finally dismissing me. I run into the bathroom and quickly prepare for the long awaited occasion. We set off for Yaba, to my sister's school and as I sit side by side with her in the back seat of our father's Mercedes benz car, she looks very beautiful in her stunning cultural attire, adorned with coral beads and holding a horse tail, truly an African beauty. My mother turns back at intervals to smile at her and adjust one or two things on her attire. Anyone will think Chioma is going to receive all the prizes today hence its prize giving day at Deluxe Schools, but funny enough, Chioma's name was not even listed as one of those receiving prizes on this particular day ... she is just going to entertain the prize winners with her cultural dance, but my parents seem like the most proud parents at the event. Who would blame them, their daughter who used to be disgraced publicly in the past for being stiff and inflexible, was now cultural leader of the whole school. I remember those days she couldn't participate in the atilogu dance during the annual cultural day celebration at St Michael's Catholic Church, under the guise that she didn't like cultural dance nor did she like dancing in public. She just didn't want the other kids to make fun of her. Poor girl. One memorable event that brought Chioma out of her shell was the governor's visit to her school. I can't forget that very day Chioma was still in primary school then, in primary 5 to be precise, when the then governor of Lagos State was to visit her school. It was the talk of the school and its environs, big preparations were made and some of pupils were to present a cultural dance for the governor. Chioma signed up for the dance presentation amidst excitement in anticipation of the governor's visit to her school. " A small girl like you, why are you too stiff?" That was Aunty Lucy, their then cultural dance instructor, commenting on the first day of dance rehearsals because Chioma couldn't move her waist. She kicked Chioma out of the group. Will I blame the woman? who would have considered someone who could not bend properly, let alone move her waist? All Chioma's efforts at that point, to prove her teacher wrong only attracted laughter and mockery from her fellow pupils.

Chioma came home crying profusely that day and mother calmed her down as she struggled to catch her breath. When she finally narrated her story my mother was alarmed "You can 't be stiff! Not while am still alive o, ehn , have you heard me? Who is that woman that called my daughter stiff? Nne egwu like me ehn ," (nne egwu means the female leader of a cultural dance group). After several fruitless effort to teach Chioma the "egwu ukwu " (i.e waist dance) mother was almost giving up hope but Chioma was determined. At that time , her determination was amusing because no one had seen her so serious about something like she was. She started dancing on her own in her room after school hours while watching the abigbo dance video mother bought her. She even went as far as buying a complete set of cultural attire for her in-door rehearsal. " Chi baby, is this all for Tinubu? " I teased her on one occasion and to my dismay, she let it slide .. wow, that was unlike her. Mother resumed teaching her the dance and she picked up. Chioma ended up dancing for the governor and to top it all , was among the lucky few to receive a handshake from him. (Note: we did not hear the last of this.) Staring at her now, as she dances out, leading the large group , looking beautifully adorned in her cultural attire, I wonder what Aunty Lucy will do upon setting eyes on Chioma 'the stiff one. ' Pride fills me and to be honest I don 't find any fault in my parents ' actions anymore, I can see my mother at this point, pushing the camera man towards my sister and shouting at the top of her voice to other mothers "that's my daughter o.. the leader of the dance group. " She is obviously a proud mother, even her big gele (headgear) says it all. "That small girl?? She 's so flexible. " That was their eager response , with a hint of envy. My father is seen taking extra pictures with his phone "No amount of pictures is too much , besides one can never trust this camera men to be efficient" he explains to those who cared to listen. "Who is that small girl in front of the group? Her own is too much sef. Her oversabi is too much " three girls are busy talking about my own sister behind me. I want to turn back to tell them that the girl in question is my sister and they should shut it, but instead I see myself walking towards Chioma and dancing with her. The joy of seeing this day can never be understood by others even if you explain to them from now till next year, because to the rest of them , it's just a dance and nothing else. This joy and excitement is just for us alone, so why argue with those jealous girls behind me or why try to convince the other parents that Chioma is the 'fairest' of all the students present or why explain why we can 't stop taking pictures of her or why we are all acting as if she won BEST STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD? There 's certainly no need for all that, no one will understand the excitement of it all. While hosting guests afterwards , my mother tells all present why she can 't stop rejoicing " she never gave up on herself even when she should have, Chioma nwa m struggled oo .... her determination stunned us all, she proved to all that she had it in her and today, she has taken after her mother as an nne egwu at thirteen years " and all present laughed heartily amidst eating and drinking.

ADDI NG BEAUTY TO YOUR FASHIO N WE HELP YOU PERFECT THAT FASHlO FOR YOUR OCCASIONS

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MOTOLANI BEADS

ADDING BEAUTY TO YOUR FASHION

CONCEPTUALLY, 'M/55/NG CALL' PLA YB A BLEND OF MYBTERY AND THRILLER - WHERE DID THE NARRATIVE FOR YOUR BHORT ORIG/NA TE? It was the third of four short ideas I got while brainstorming during Sunday service (*laughs*). Coming up with an engaging piece to capture my audience's attention was my main goal not just for this project but for what I intend to do with that 'attention' in future projects.

IT /5 A BTUDENT FILM, BUT HAB BEEN DEBCRIBED AB 'MOVING OUT OF BTUDENT FILMB' - HOW DID YOU COME ABOUT TH/5? I thin k that boils down to the core of 'film making ' - it's an ensemble.

VIBUALL Y, IT'B A GREAT BHORT - WHAT CAN YOU TELL UB ABOUT THE PRODUCTION? The look of the film was very much pre-planned. David Fincher's Gone Girl (2014) was a big inspiration ... and I actually got comments that it felt just like that film which made me quite happy (*laughs*). We shot it on the Canon C300 with L-series lenses and completed it in under 9 hours; as opposed to the two-day estimate; with a crew of five. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THAT? prior fasting and praying ... and I'm not joking.

IT PLA YB OUT AB AN ENGAGING PIECE ALL THROUGH THE FILM - HOW MUCH WORK DID YOU HA VE TO DO WITH YOUR CABT TO GET THE PERFORMANCEB RIGHT?

On this project we tried to put a lot of effort into every detail in every aspect of the filmmaking process; from the character's backstories down to as little as the colour of the clothes in a closet.

I believe once you are done casting , you can only direct the film from there; the rest is really up to the talents. I had a pleasure of working with two amazing talents ... and a cat who refused to act (*laughs*)

WE UNDERB TAND TH/5 /5 YOUR FIRB T; AT THE BAME TIME 'NOT' YOUR FIRB T BHORT?

WHEN IT CAME TO RELEABING 'M/55/NG CALL' ONLINE - DID YOU HA VE A PLAN ON HOW TO GET THE FILM N FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE?

Yes it is. I had made a good number of shorts prior to this including Noise (2015) and Camera (2014) but this was the first time I was going this much in-depth in the story and characterization. Also in terms of actual production, it was my first time working with a full crew (as a director).

Prior to its release, we built up a small Facebook fan base and set up an official webpage; which acted as the backstory of the film; and its currently being submitted to festivals and online film platforms.

ANY BACKGROUND IN FILMMAKING?

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NEXT?

I'm currently rounding up my MSc programme in Cinematography and Post-production in London. Prior to that I've always been self-taught.

I'm currently working on a feature script which is also a psychological thriller that we're really excited about and fingers crossed might turn out to be my debut.

For more information about this film and the filmmaker, Visit www.lukeaire.com

For more information and details on how to make purchases, please follow our media links and visit our website Koba Store - 2.0dunuga str, off Opebi link road, lkeja, Lagos. www.kobofashion.com.ng lnstagram/twitter -@kobofashion Facebook - www.facebook.com/kobofashion Phone - 08080321343

WHY 8LK? *laughs* some people said "Sweet, loving and kind ," others said "Sleek" but actually my brother, I know the real reason. My surname is Salako; you know SLK is sleek but Salako sounds local, so I just removed the vowels that brought about SLK.

COULD YOU 8HARE WITH U8 HOW YOUR COMEDY CAREER 8TARTED? Well , I come from a drama family. My father writes , he also directs but that is not what he does full time though. He does it in church , so I grew up like that. I noticed that anytime I act, I make people laugh. Lines flow in my head easily, making it easier to act by inserting even what aren't in the script. Sometime in my SS3 , two girls were like, 'SLK, I think you should do stand-up comedy ' and I was like,' 'who are these ones? ' *laughs* but later in year two, their prophecy was fulfilled. I decided to stand alone and my first show was Emma's show (0 my God laugh concert). After everything, it really felt nice and all but if I had "Bombed " (flopped) , I would not be doing comedy again LOL! but thanks be to God, we are here.

HOW DO YOU FIND IT EA8 Y PUTTING 8MILE8 ON THE FACE8 OF PEOPLE AROUND YOU? How I find it easy? Haaaah! The thing is, I am not the funniest person one-on-one but I actually love to laugh and I find people really amusing. You know when you are natural at something, it flows. If I talk to people, they laugh. I don't necessarily force it neither do I have to say something that is funny. I don 't put pressure on myself just to make people around me laugh but the thing is, I know my strength is creativity so when I am on stage , I know that Yea! I am going to kill. I make people laugh but it is more of a stage thing , it's more of "get on the stage, do your thing ". Chris Rock once said "A true comedian normally most of the time prefers to soak in from the outside, and then on stage bring it out" , that's just how it works for me.

WHAT IN8PIRE8 YOU TO CRACK RIBB (maKe people laugh)? I believe in fulfilling God's purpose. I enjoy seeing people laugh, you don 't understand? When I see people in a place or a group bored , it does me somehow in my intestine LOL! So I just want to see people happy, even if it's not me, let people just laugh. I enjoy stage , I enjoy the Mic ,

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I enjoy acting, I enjoy *thinking* I cannot sing, I wanted to say sing but I thought of it again *laughs* but I will work on it then maybe later I will be able to put it in my CV. I just enjoy stage, I just want to make people happy, enjoy and make them feel what is going on and if I am opportune to do that, why not? Let people feel me too. Some of my radio skits on air started via voice notes. I just looked at my BBM contacts and was like "I just want to make them laugh" I did not intend it to go on air but it went on air by some means.

WHEN. WHERE AND HOW DID YOUR BREAKTHROUGH A8 A COMEDIAN HAPPEN? Hahaha! You will skip that question LOL! Ok breakthrough *thinking*. It depends you know. Someone said breakthrough is gradual. Let me give an example , when Chris Rock did his first special , that was one breakthrough for him, when he hosted the Oscar, that was another breakthrough, similarly when he hosted the MTV awards; so , breakthrough can come in different means , there is no final breakthrough, we are growing. Basket mouth just did comedy central , that was a breakthrough, when he did night of a thousand laugh at a point, it was a breakthrough, then , it wasn't a breakthrough anymore because he was regular at night of a thousand laugh, then he started going abroad, that also was a breakthrough, do you get what I am saying?

18 COMEDY A 8KILL YOU DEVELOP OR A TALENT? It is a talent. I think it's like every other talent you need to develop. I don 't think you can actually learn it but there are just some things you need to add to the fundamentals. Like football for instance, Messi of five years ago is not the Messi we know now. We all know Messi is talented but the fact that he grew overtime shows that there are things you need to gain even though you have the raw talent. People make this mistake, the fact that you are funny doesn't qualify you a comedian. Every comedian is funny but not all funny people can be comedians , so that is the mistake some people make. Comedy is like 50% of you being naturally funny then the other 50 % is shared within several attributes like; Psychology, language, general knowledge , construction , you know different things , you need to understand the audience, that's comedy except you just want to be a clown.

NIGERIA'S OVER-DEPENDENCE ON CRUDE OIL A MONO-ECONOMY THAT SHOULD BE DIVERSIFIED. rude oil for a fact has been the mainstay of the Nigerian economy since 1956 when it was first discovered on the turfs of Oloibiri in Bayelsa state. Indeed one would agree that in light of its past contribution to the national gross domestic product (GDP) especially during the oil boom of 1979, when Nigeria was fortunate to benefit from the embargo placed by the Arabs on crude exports to America. In light of the above stated , one would indeed affirm the service of this capricious sector to the country. Gross figures of Nigeria's export earnings is not enough to elucidate its heavy impact on the country in the past three decades, as it has ridden on the wings of both the up-turn and down-turn of economic events in the country. However, one should question its potency in insuring the country against the recent growing events in the global market especially with regards to vast increase of competition in the international oil market. In recent times , it has become evident that the International oil market landscape is fast changing and this has put pressure on the revenue generated by this mineral resource.

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An article by Amurun in the Niger Delta Standard further confirms this position by revealing shuddering news of Angola 's discovery of an offshore oilfield which could make it the largest oil producer in Africa as well as other oil producing countries in the global oil market. Further research also reveals that the United States of America a major and significant importer of the nation's crude oil has currently declared its interest in becoming a net oil exporter by 2035 and as such US Energy Information Agency (EIA) has prognosticated a one-third reduction of its oil imports by 2014. This shows that Nigeria might soon be up against an already impending storm as actions to diversify and develop other promising sectors like agriculture , power, solid minerals and tourism remains questionable. Currently, steps to grow the power sector which would directly boost production, encourage foreign investment and radically accelerate the rate of exports, all dependent on the foundation of a stable and buoyant power sector given the level of commitment, is still on a dwindling scale. A broad look at the nation 's economic report in recent times disclosed the gross decline in the oil industry's contribution to GDP as it currently stands at 14.7 percent a far cry from its figure in the first quarter of 2009, where it held an 18.89 percent position in regards

to its contribution. In 1961 , crude oil accounted for 7.1 percent of the nation 's exports which gave room for stability of the government's finances and external trade balances on the proceeds from the agricultural sector thus shielding the nation's economy from production shocks and risks in oil price. Now the oil sector accounts for over 90 percent of the nation's external earnings and 80 percent of revenue from the industry, which has crowded out other significant productive sectors in the economy. In reference to one of the objectives of vision 2020 which plans to rank Nigeria among the top 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020; with a GDP of 900 billion dollars and a per capita income of not less than 4000 dollars per annum , the government will do well to increase efforts in developing the non-oil sectors else this vision will be another defunct dream in the long-run. The power sector though in recent times under the regulation of Chinedu Nebo has taken steps to improve the sector's operations by offering 6 generation companies , 11 distribution companies to a consortium of bidders to acquire, one of which currently has Trans corp Conglomerate as a 1DD percent stake holder.

However, it still requires intense concentration and sustained dedication to bring to birth the new development in the power sector which will support the objective to promote production and exporting in the country.

Nigeria currently has the 12th largest iron ore reserve in the world along with other solid minerals like bitumen which to an extent can measure up to Canada's large bitumen reserve. She also has a tangible tantalum deposit (known as coltan in Africa) which is currently one of the mainstays of the A proactive way to deal with the brewing lava Democratic Republic of Congo which Nigeria can awaiting eruption is for Nigerians to proffer covert to increase her export earnings. Amazingly, solutions to this pathetic situation instead of deposits of Uranium have also been discovered in maintain a repining stance. One can start with the some states in the country and this is a concentrated Agro-business which is a money spinning sector nuclear energy source which is used in the production that will increase production and exports as further of electricity, a viable asset to the nation 's developing affirmed by Tukeni Obasi, a Business Day power sector. Furthermore, tin and many other Columnist who disclosed in her article the existence untapped metal resources in the country can be used of a cassava processor that has the ability to to develop and aid construction process in an already recycle the starch by-products of cassava crops , existing automotive part assembly industry. thus; preventing wastage and increasing the The consideration to invest necessary resources in quantity of the processed product for exports as other cash cow products by diversifying the nation's well as sales within the country. This revelation is mono-economy is one that demands utmost attention. one that should spur immediate action from All the nation's economic initiatives among which industrialists and investors as this could potentially include the development of staple crop processing save Nigeria who is currently the largest producer districts in 14 zones across the country should not of raw starch from cassava crops , 1 billion dollars be over-looked. The Discovery of shale oil with in annual starch import expenses. Also attention production expected to reach 14 million barrels of oil should be given to palm-oil production and per day by 2035 in countries that depend largely on processing as well as exporting of groundnuts and crude from Nigeria has put Nigeria in a tight spot. cocoa crops which are widely used by companies According to a study by Price water House coopers in the production of pre-packaged breakfast meals (PwC) , production of shale oil will reduce oil prices like cereals and beverages , as this was a very by 25-40 percent though this will vary significantly lucrative sector in the 1960's and a large by countries. As a result, the adverse effect on contributor to the nation's economy. Nigeria's trade balance will be very steep and the revenue earnings of the country will fall.

Nigeria has reached a point where she should maintain a self-sustained stance. Increase in exports and production though not far-fetched will require intense commitment, control and monitoring of operations to ensure achievement of stipulated goals and objectives. The continuous dependence on crude oil will only restrict her from stretching her trenches. The government is therefore implored to pick up the pace in achieving the vision 2020 dream by engaging in a productive economic diversion as time is far spent.

CAN WE MEET YOU? My name is Emmanuel Edunjobi popularly known as "EmmaOhMaGod ". I'm a musician/music artiste, comedian/MC and a producer.

WHAT PROMPTED YOUR oLOGAN AND oTAGE NAME MEMMAOHMAGOD# ? I like saying "oh my God " and i say it a lot especially when i go on stage .. and people like it when i say it .So i decided to add it to my name by funkifying the "my" to "ma". hence the name EmmaohmaGod and I have also patented the name so it is exclusive to me.

INTEREoTING. COULD YOU KINDLY TELL Uo oOMETHING ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD ? I am the last child from a family of six children and I'm from Ogun state.

IF YOU ARE TO DEoCRIBE YOURBELF IN 3 WORDo. WHAT WOULD YOU BAY? Describing my self in three words .. hmm .. I'm the NEXT BEST THING .

So that's more or less my musical background and it greatly

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU INTO YOUR PREoENT CAREER. WHAT WAo OR lo THE DRIVING FORCE BT/LL KEEPING YOU GOING?

Then I have never liked my environment being dull so i have always tried

What motivated me into my career? ... I've always loved good music since I

my best to keep it lively and that has majorly led to my being funny. But

was a child . I started by learning how to play the recorder which we made

my prospects and potentials as a stand up comedian majorly came to

out of pipe and wood then .. lol (good old memories) , I learnt how to play it

limelight when I got to Covenant university where I was the major stand up

by myself. Then my mom bought me the harmonica which I also mastered by

comedian throughout my 5years of study in the school. I had a high level

myself ... then I learnt how to play the drum set in church , piano and

influenced my career choice as a musician (production came in handy).

guitar .. all by myself. Also I listened to several genres of music .. especially

of appreciation and recognition as regards that and I succeeded in making a lot of people happy. The quest to keep putting smiles on people 's

accapella and jazz .. and I guess that's where I developed some of my

faces has kept growing in me since then even till date. So I'm also a stand

composition skills, producer instincts and also my unique skills of

up comedian

harmonization .

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WE ARE ALL CURIOUo TO KNOW IF THERE lo ANYTHING NEW ABOUT EMMA? ANY UPCOMING PROJECTo? What's new about me? .. I'm presently working on my forth coming album

WITH YOUR GOOD LOOKo AND HUMOROUo PERBONALITY WHICH YOU KNOW LADIEo LOVE. HOW DO YOU COPE WITH FEMALE FANo?

(my proper announcement and introduction into the entertainment world

Ermm I'll say I've been having female fans even since I was a small boy

as it were). All I can say for now is "Watch Out!!! " *in igbo movie advert

from the days of playing piano in church , singing in accapella groups to

guy's voice* .. lol ... But its gonna be a nice one.

university days when I was the "school star" as it were. So as I grew I've

Well I cant wait o!

learnt how to handle them better over time. So its really not a problem at all.

WHAT OR WHO lo YOUR INBPIRA TION? My major inspiration is God; because he has deposited a huge amount on

DO YOU MIND TELLING Uo MORE ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD? Hmm .. growing up ... I was quite pampered as I was the last born . Then I was

creativity in me and he inspires me and gives me new ideas incessantly. I also have a lot of role models. Especially those who have crossed similar

very good academically back in primary and secondary school. I used to

paths to the one I'm crossing .

come first in class all the time. Always getting prizes and plenty attention from everyone ... it really felt good. Also my talents made me stand out amidst my peers and I was kind of a celebrity in my own small world . There

HOW lo YOUR FAoHION 5 TYLE LIKE? WHAT DICTA TEo YOUR FABHION oENoE?

were downtimes too especially because my mom brought all of us her six

Hmm .. do I really have anything that dictates my fashion sense? I just really

children up single handedly and believe me that wasn 't an easy task at

like looking good and my definition of looking good is wearing what I'm

all. So she went through a lot to give us the best. She really suffered for us ..

comfortable and absolutely confident in. Yup! Daris it!!

Most of my downtimes while growing up came from seeing my mother cry. It wasn 't easy for her at all but she did a very great job on all of us.

CONBIDERING THE FACT THAT YOU CHANGED YOUR LINE OF oPECIALITY WHICH lo DIFFERENT FROM THAT YOU DID IN oCHOOL. HOW DID YOUR PARENTo AND FRIENDo TAKE IT?

WE ALL KNOW IT'o HARD THEoE DA Yo FOR A GUY TO BE BINGLE 50 WHAT lo YOUR oTATUo RELATIONBHIP WloE?

I studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering in Covenant University. That was because I didn't get a visa to go study Sound engineering and music technology in London (rme @ dat bald headed guy that conducted my visa interview then .. mtchew! Loi) . Anyways my mom was really supportive with my music and my entertainment runs (she even bought most of my first set of instruments for me ... even my guitar). She just really made me understand that I should make sure I successfully complete my education . That woman played a major role in my life ... I sooo miss her! May her soul rest in peace. #sigh

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HA VE FOR UPCOMING MUBIC ART/5 TEo AND COMEDIANo ?

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGEo YOU FACE IN YOUR CAREER ?

Somborry say #OhMaGod!

The major challenges I face are based on the fact that I'm not signed under any label yet. So I'm the one pushing and promoting myself and that's really not easy and its quite expensive too . But I'm sure its all in good time

ANY ROLE MODELo/HEROEo/MENTORo? I have lots of role models ... Lagbaja (I love his creativity .. especially the fact that he is in a world of his own with his music .. he made me confident about exploring my creativity .. ), TUFACE(l love his "soulfullness"! Its so accentuated in his singing!! He is just too much) .. Others are Kirk franklyn , Agboola shadare, R-kelly .. etc .. Then in comedy ... Holy mallam! , Julius agwu, Alibaba, Basketmouth . One of my major mentors also is Jackie Chan! Loi .. I love the way he made his videos .. I also love the fact that he is not scared of taking risks (that is so obvious in his productions)

Relationship status- > In Love!!! Loi .. I have a girlfriend and we both love each other. .. I guess that's enough info on that

For upcoming music artistes and comedians in Nigeria .. my advice is make sure you are very passionate about what you want to do and make sure you are very good at it too . Your passion and talent will make way for you .

STUDENTS As students the most challenging factor of our time in school has been and will continue to be time management and time utility. Because time is so much limited to only twenty-four hours a day we students evolve the shrewdest of methods to maximize the use of our time and at times it ends up as a situation of "penny wise pound foolish ". The topic is not time management but balancing our life as students, however the topic is centered on time because our time constitutes our life and the act or art of balancing implies management. For a university student balancing one 's life or life activities involves the way and manner we combine our activities to gain maximally and make our life as whole as possible with all the facets as actively attended in such a way that they do not interfere with each other. The main aim of our school stay is our academics , as Africans we are highly religious and as students we need to socialize because the friends we make today could make or mar our tomorrow. These three facets are the main three activities students are rife in during their stay at the university. While some students try to balance these three facets of their school life, some students are extremists and are preponderantly skewed to only one of these three facets of school life.

These extremists have failed to realize that just like the parts of an organ each facet has an important role to play in our life as students and any facet that is left unattended will have negative implications sooner or later in our life. If the academic facet is left unattended or not adequately attended then the purpose of attending a university will most likely be defeated , if the religious and spiritual facet is not well attended to we may face some unanswered questions that plague man and if we do not socialize adequately we may soon find out the true meaning of the saying that goes thus "no man is an island" and trust me it will definitely be an unpleasant discovery to those it may concern. Having defined the key concept and delineated the three main facets students try to balance , we also realize that we cannot carry out a multiplicity of tasks (as regarding the facets of our life in school that we

S a n B R N K S I 22

try to balance) , with that in mind we now delve into how to balance the time we attribute to these facets of our life while in school. I will not draw out any bogus time schedule but will only point out important points that will aid our decision in time management and invariably balancing our life activities as students. 路 The first step in trying to balance our life in school is the realization that time is limited to a point or strict constancy. When we students are conscious or the fact that time is limited and waits for no man then we may see reason to accurately balance our life to maximize the little time we have to spend in school. 路 The next step in trying to balance our lives as students is to set our priorities straight. Not everyone we meet here in school will end up towing the same path that we will. Some people in school actually have their life planned out for them by their parents who possess the resources while some or us have no such luxury. The next step in trying to balance our live here is school is to NEVER follow the band wagon or the crowd, a wise old man once told me that those who often follow the crowd tend to get lost in it. You must do things out or your own personal conviction and not for any flimsy reason. This means attaching purpose to all your activities so that you make meaning or your time. This also helps toJustify the facet or your life you are spending your time on. 路 You must set limit for each facet or your life in school, time is limited and as such any activity or any facet must be timed to perfection or human perfection, his helps to be fair to other facet or your life. It should be noted here that al/ the facets or your student life must not be given equal time, we may have preferences but we must be oqjective in setting those preferences. 路 We must have tomorrow in mind when we are trying to balance the time or our life because the wrong balance or life today may hamper the balance or tomorrow and trust me that will be suicidal.

The following steps above will aid us in the right combination that will give us the perfect balance of the time of our school life and will also aid us in time management and time utilization.

CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURBELF?

WHAT WAB THE JOURNEY LIKE FOR YOU?

Officially or Unofficially? *Laughs* Ok. My name is Omotola Ayodeji , also known as "Sias ha". The Slasha has a lot of stories to it. It is the short form of a long Yoruba name "Opemioluwanifemisilasha" meaning God wants us to have thanksgiving as our culture. People just decided to shorten it to Slasha and that was how I adopted the name.

Growing up for me was normal. I come from a family of four, my parents, my elder sister and myself. It's a very small and quiet family. Growing up for me was fun because there were lots of dramas around me. My mother comes from a Muslim background and my father is a Christian. There were lots of things I picked up from different people

KOGA entertainment presents

around me. My mother was strict based on the kind of background she came fromand my father is an academician; he likes reading and that also had an importance on our upbringing. He was not always around with us because he was a banker that got posted frequently, so we were always with our mother. She was our carrot and stick. If you do well she rewards your but if you do wrong she beats the hell out of you. I have some wounds to verify my claims. LOL!

WHAT 18 KOGA ALL ABOUT? Koga entertainment is a media and production outfit. Koga as it is, has a lounge , an online running TV show, audio studios (digital and analog), video studios that people come in to shoot and also an event hall. So , it is a broad but intertwined firm because every department of Koga entertainment rubs on each other. It is just like a business conglomerate that has everything inside. That is what Koga is all about. Currently, I am the associate producer for Koga TV and also the assistant head of production because Koga does events like the "Koga One Night Stand ", so we come up with concepts and things that we use to drive the show. It is a very interesting environment to work in really.

WHAT 18 THE AIM OF KOGA ONE NIGHT 8TAND? Koga one night stand as it is; is a product of Koga entertainment. This event is actually a form of reach-out to upcoming acts. It is like a bridge between upcoming and established acts, so , we bring established acts to the event and upcoming acts also come and watch these established acts perform. So it's also a platform to learn and also network with these established acts. You can talk with them and also learn things from them. Some people have clinched collaboration from one night stand. People that you cannot meet on a normal day, Koga have made it possible to get to these people. You know there are some people; their dream is just to meet D bani, interact with him, and also take pictures with him. That alone can drive and motivate them. Also ," One night stand " is a form of reach-out, because there is an opportunity for people (upcoming acts) to advertise their brands but majorly, it is just like a music platoon where things happen.

HOW 00ÂŁ8 KOGA RECRUIT PER80NNEL8? One mistake that a lot of organizations make is that they are carried away with qualifications as against productivity. If I have a pure water manufacturing company, I don't need to look for someone with a master's degree. Yea! Education has a way to polish what you are doing but someone with a master's degree would look down on other employees and that would affect productivity in the organization. For example I studied Industrial relations and Human resource management. Yes! I didn 't study Mass communication but the knowledge I have being able to pick growing up plus before coming to Koga has helped. When I was in school , I worked as a member of the organizing committee for variety nights that we do every Sunday in school. All those experiences combined helped prepare me for what I am doing now. When you are in an organization and you think you don't have the best hands, what if you

don 't have the money to get what you term the best hands , you just have to utilize what you have to achieve the organization's goals and that is Human resource management. In an organization there are people that are vision-driven why others are survival-driven. Now the vision-driven people regardless of the money go all out to achieve their aim why the survival-driven people are only about the money and how they can get out of where they are. If you marry these two together there would be a friction. So, coming here to Koga is not about education , it is about productivity. Koga looks out for people that they think can work. I came to Koga based on recommendation. A friend also pushed me to the person recruiting here and I met her, we shared ideas together and she felt that Yes! This guy is fit for this job.

WHAT 18 THE GOAL OF KOGA? The motor for Koga entertainment is,"Power to entertain". Koga has the power to entertain in the sense that they have all the facilities to drive entertainment in Nigeria. There is a lounge that people come to have fun , an event hall that is being used for awards and diverse ceremonies. Also , there is a camera we have here that is worth 40million per 1, Koga has two and there are only three of those types of camera in Nigeria. Clarence I knowhas used those cameras to shoot topnotch videos in Nigeria. Though it is expensive to rent but if you want quality, you go for it and you achieve what you want to achieve. So the goal of Koga is to cause a revolution in the entertainment industry.

PER80NALL Y. WHAT 18 YOUR AIM AND WHAT 18 YOUR DRIVING FORCE WORKING AT KOGA? I have learned from different kinds of people. For me , I am a vision-driven person, I catch a vision and I drive it. I have my personal visions and goals, things that I want to achieve on my own and when I see an organization that has similar visions as mine, I go all in and drive it to my best. When you think you are successful on your own then there is a problem because your success is meant to rub on another man 's success so that the person can achieve his own goals. So , there is a chain of success on what one has achieved as success.

WHAT ME88AGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO PA88 ACR088 WITH REBPECT TO KOGA? There is nothing that is not achievable in Nigeria. You have a vision and drive, bring it all together, marry it and use it to achieve what you want to achieve. For Koga a lot of things that we 've done, people criticize because they don 't see beyond right now. The man that drives Koga, the CEO of Koga is a visionary person. When he bought the cameras people called him different kinds of names but right now people are looking for that camera and once they want to use it they come here to rent it. We did a movie last year "Heroes and Zeroes " and it picked up three AMAA awards in 2013. There is a new movie now that has been done. So, for Koga we go the extra mile to get things done , it is not when they say the average score to pass an examination is 45 , and then you aim at 45. If you do that, there is a problem. Why not aim at 60 so that you can be recommended by more than one person? Here, we have not attained perfection but perfection is achievable and that is what Koga is driving at.

l<NOW THIS

BEFORE YOU START A NON PROFIT INITIATIVE IN NIGERIA

Kingsley Bangwell Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum Founder, Youngstars Development Initiative

RESTLESS ABOUT A SOCIAL NEED As someone who has operated a youth Non Profit for over 15 years, I regularly come across many young people who tell me they desire or are about to start a non profit, and my immediate reaction is always to ask "why do you want to start a nonprofit"?. In this thesis , I won't dwell on the answers I have often received , but will rather dwell on what I consider should be the critical motivation for starting a nonprofit in a country like Nigeria. First let me define that a nonprofit is an organization established with the purpose of implementing development projects and promoting citizens voices , with support from grants, donations and sponsorships. In a book I highly recommend by David Bornstein, "How to Change the World ", he gives a classic definition of an entrepreneur below as

"an individual who sees a problem and is obsessed with a new idea solution, who takes the initiative to act on that vision, who gathers resources and builds organizations to protect and market that vision, who provides the energy and sustained focus to overcome the inevitable resistance, and who decade after decade, keeps improving, strengthening and broadening that vision until what was once a marginal idea has become a new norm" I will derive from his definition what I consider critical factors for starting a nonprofit as follows

S a n B R N K S I 26

Until you have proper diagnostics, prescription may be wrong or misleading. From onset, there should be a social need or gap you have identified in the society that you are restless about. I have met many people who started a nonprofit and then began to ask around for problems to solve, so the question is why did you start in the first place? Even if woken up by 2am and asked , why did you start a nonprofit, you should be able to say, "to address youth unemployment in rural areas" , for instance. So be sure about a social need that you are angry and eager to see addressed as a first motivation for starting a nonprofit.

OBSESSED WITH AN IDEA SOLUTION Identifying the social need you are restless about is one great step. Another great and critical step is developing an idea solution as a response. More people can easily state a problem and few people can actually create a solution. When starting a nonprofit, ask yourself, do I have the capacity to task my mind to create practicable solutions? Please I don't mean having so many new ideas and dissipating your energy all over. I mean having a clear cut solution you are passionate about and working into practical solution with tangible measurable results.

I come across many young people with so many ideas in so many different areas, I usually encourage them to narrow them to say 2-3 areas of focus so as to devout as much time to nurture and grow these ideas into solutions. Ideas are not yet solutions until they solve problems and create change!

TAKING ACTION I once read that "the ultimatum of the world cannot be grasped by only contemplation but by action" . Nothing just happens, folks. If you have identified a problem and now passionate about a solution, you then need to step out and take action to transform your idea into real solution that impacts positively on the society. In taking action , it may require setting up an organization , creating a team , mobilizing resources , advocating for certain issues, carrying out certain projects , etc. The bottom line is getting out and doing something about your idea, your action can be the game changer for a life, a community, a society or even a generation. A few examples of people that took action and impacted generations include Dr Martin Luther King Jnr. , Dr Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, just to mention a few.

STAY ON IT As you start your nonprofit, be ready to do the time. Developmental change does not happen in one swoop. It takes time for several reasons. For instance, people may not easily adapt to your new idea, resource to properly implement your project may not as readily available, the implementation may not yield the desired result at onset etc. But stay on it. Malcom Gladwell in his book "The Outliers " talks about the 10,000 Hour Rule which states that if you invest 10,000 hours into a practice, you will most likely become an expert in it. In an age where people want quick success, its important to prepare yourself with this principle, and be ready to dedicate the time required , stay on the idea until what was once a marginal idea in your mind becomes a social norm and reference. This takes years and years , are you ready to do the time?

DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION Not until very recently, the subject of innovation was perceived by nonprofits and development sector as majorly associated with businesses and governments. Moreso, because innovation requires experimentation , failures and uncertainty. Nonprofits especially in a place like Nigeria avoided it. Imagine during a fundraising meeting, you hint to a donor that you are not sure about certain deliverables because this is an experimental innovative project, your proposal may not gain approval. The nonprofit sector is therefore used to workshops and seminar and activities that guarantee certain deliverables. However most recently, there is an increasing paradigm shift especially among the donor community who want to see most result especially having invested nearly 500 billion dollars of aid money in Africa. Recently in March 2014, I was a panelist invited to speak on Innovations at the launching of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Youth Strategy Document in Tunisia. To further dramatise this new paradigm, during the launch a UNDP Innovation Officer actually affirmed that there is an increasing allowance by donors for experimental innovations that has potential to increase impact and value for money. Therefore, innovations in development deliverables are gradually becoming a strong bargaining advantage for considering grant support. It is now time to begin to culture innovation as a non profit. As I conclude my article, one question that may be in the minds of readers is "don 't we already have too much nonprofits in Nigeria?" My answer will be that we need many more hundreds and thousands of genuine nonprofits creating practical solutions that are solving the many challenges facing our people especially in underserved communities . A cursory review of our performances on the Millennium Development Goals targeting 2015 indicates that so much is left to be done. Government is not large enough to reach everywhere and do everything. Nonprofits are actually very important in widening development reach and bridging the gap between the government and the governed . There may be many nonprofits operating in Nigeria, but what we now need are more genuine nonprofits with practical innovative solutions leapfrog development in our country and continent. Raise the game.

WHO 15 TOPE HA55AN Tope HASSAN is Africa's rising Socio-economic entrepreneur seeking positive change through positive impact from the Nigerian economy to Africa's global market. She wears several hats of which she majors in social Development advocacy and business. She is CEO of THO PR and Co-Founder of #MentorME. As a social development advocate, she works tirelessly in providing a platform and a voice for mentorship for young people in Africa. In business, she manages a public relations company specialising in corporate communications and the international relations sector.

WHAT 15 YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND LIKE? Growing up, I had the rare opportunity to study in both developing and developed countries providing a platform to experience standards of living from both sides of the coin. My educational background has been the source of my passionate ambition towards social development. I speak several African languages including French and have a Bachelor's degree in Economics.

BEING A SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR AND A SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ADVOCATE. WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES? HOW WELL HAVE YOU OVERCOME THEM? Well, as a social development advocate, I face challenges like funding, getting the right stakeholders on board and reaching our entire target audience. At THO PR, we have had issues with reaching a relevant client base, accepting underpaid jobs in order to build a portfolio and using limited resources to reach a set target. So all in all, prevalent challenges in both sectors are financing, target audience and adequate resources. So far, we have crossed these hurdles through a self-sustaining fundraising model, leveraging on partnerships and the use of digital publicity while "glocalising" our reach across the globe.

YOU ARE THE CEO OF THO CONSULTING AT THIS AGE. HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO ACHIEVE THIS FEAT? Becoming a CEO is the easy part; achieving Company growth, progressive profit and an increasing Client base is the challenge and it determines your net worth. As a Christian, my Bible has taught me several principles that business entails and apart from that, I read and watch a lot of business case studies .. I go as far as reading stories of my competitors, younger CEOs, great leaders in history etc. I also pride myself in reading and paying closer attention to villains in every story. Somehow, their oppositions and resilience speak to me. Also, Sharing and Mentorship! That's my favourite part. When I get stuck or clueless, I don't cease to share and ask for help especially from my mentors which is why I encourage young leaders to keep relevant mentors in their career path very close.

There is no joy as much as an expert holding your hands and helping you to avoid traffic, accidents, bumps, police etc. just to get you to your destination as soon and smoothly as you can. The Nigerian atmosphere has recently developed in encouraging entrepreneurs in the commercial market however there are still several limitations for young people especially in areas of having access to right stakeholders. So far, my age has provided both sides of the coin. I have gotten used to the underestimation from bystanders and competitors; but enjoyed the success of each business handled.

HOW HAS MENTOR ME BEEN ABLE TO OFFER ITS SERVICES 5UCCE55FULLY 50 FAR TO THE PUBLIC?

THO PR is a public relations consulting company specializing in corporate communications, media publications, digital marketing, small-Medium Enterprise Business and Brand Management, Training and Business Relationship Management. Our single purpose is to "GLOCALISE" brands across the globe. We help our clients reach out to their entire global audience not limiting their reach and yet intensifying their presence in each locality.

#Mentorme has created several success stories not just in Abuja where it started but in different states and spreading across the globe. We had scholarships won, businesses partly funded by mentors or other stakeholders influenced by mentors, not to mention motivating and creating awareness to young leaders. Personally, #MentorMe has established a platform for me to give a voice to the importance of mentorship by sharing my story with fellow young leaders either through public speaking, media discussions and public sector programmes. Presently, I applaud the fact that about 3 in 5 Nigerian youths speak of the values of mentorship in their career path. To me, that's progress compared to when we started out in NYSC camp, youths literally asked us whether mentorship was even a word. So far, we have partnered with several initiatives who are supporting the need for mentorship in Nigerian youths. We organise trainings, forums and pair mentee 'th mentors for a period of time in different states across Nigeria. I hope we can become a platform where all mentorship stakeholders can pitch a tent.

ALSO YOU ARE THE CO-FOUNDER OF #MENTORME. WHAT 15 IT ABOUT AND HOW WHERE YOU ABLE TO START THIS?

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO SEE THAT PEOPLE HAVE A VOICE OF THEIR OWN IN THIS NATION?

KINDLY GIVE U5 A RUNDOWN OF THE VARIOUS SERVICES YOUR COMPANY OFFERS?

#MentorMe started out in 2012 during my NYSC year when we found ourselves alone about to start a new independent adulthood life without all the skills, mechanics and access yet we had our ambitions, energy and time in check. We then decided to create a mentorship forum where we could collectively access experts and leaders of industry in any sector. With the NYSC tag, we reached our goal as we hosted several mentors in the programme including Dr. (Mrs.) Oby EZEKWESILI, Mallam Nuhu RIBADU, Linus OKORIE, Special Advisers to the Presidency in several sectors, Simeon ONONOBI CEO of SimplePay, and other experts in the Public Sectors etc. It was quite difficult managing logistics for the forum considering our sizeable NYSC salaries but it taught us how to manage, forge partnerships to achieve our purpose and concentrate on the most important things, which is the target audience. It has been a successful forum because we are and have several testimonials of mentorships that have helped mentees achieve success stories so far.

I have a mental image of a potential Barack OBAMA, DANGOTE or Oprah WINFREY from Nigeria somewhere tucked in between originating from the slums and hawking Oranges in traffic to pay school fees in hopes of becoming a phenomenal personality. That is enough motivation that gets me out of bed daily to take development to those I can reach.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE NATURE OF YOUR 5PECIALl5ATION REQUIRES THAT YOU MOVE FROM ONE PLACE AND COUNTRY TO ANOTHER. HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO COPE AND WHAT ARE THE UPS AND DOWNS FACED? One of my treasured hobbies is travelling. I grew up as a gypsy trotting one place to another sometimes under undesired conditions or even without quick notice so I was used to hurried goodbyes, change in weather conditions and cultural barrier. I am in love with culture and the more I travel, the more I learn. So rather I don't cope with it, I always look forward to it. It may upset my schedule or get tiresome sometimes, but the stress is less quantified to the reward. My goal is to reach every nook and corner of the globe and help each soul I can touch. That's the only food I eat.

DO YOU THINK THE YOUTHS HAVE ALL IT TAKES TO TRANSFORM THE FORTUNES OF NIGERIA POSITIVELY? IF YES, WHY? Is that even a question? BRNKS, you are a developing success story, transforming the fortunes of Nigeria positively by identifying people like myself to document on your magazine. Take a moment to reflect on the ripple effect your magazine is having on the Nigerian fortune ... then multiply it by thousands of Nigerians already doing the same and the millions we are inspiring through our reach! I read daily of Nigerian entrepreneurs cashing billions of dollars from major stakeholders in the global market. This does not surprise me one bit. While growing up, I was always greeted with a different respect compared to other African citizens simply because Nigeria has carved a niche for herself in the global market from our entertainment to politics and business industries. Regardless of the crisis we go through, we're the leaders of Africa. Our cultural values, history and hardworking character spells it out for us. In this 21st Century, Nigerian youths are actively involved in transformation and developmental decisions of the nation. Definitely, we ARE what it takes.

WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO (MENTORS)? Who in this context is very plural. In no particular order, my mentors include my Papa, Shimite KATUNG, Chief Wale ABODERIN, Blossom NNODIM, Simeon ONONOBI among other exceptional leaders. I have Role models of whom include Maya ANGELOU, Oprah WINFREY, Angela MERKEL, Margaret THATCHER, Kofi ANAN, Michelle OBAMA, Nicolas SARKOZY and the Queens of England ...

WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS FOR THE NATION AND HOW DO YOU WISH TO CONTRIBUTE YOUR QUOTA FOR THESE DREAMS TO MATERIALISE? I do not have dreams for Nigeria. I have plans and goals for Nigeria. I plan to initiate mentorship into the system and represent Nigeria as one of the most influential Nigerian ambassadors upholding the Nigerian brand as a world power competing with top players. I desire a Nigeria that competes not just as an African brand but as a global standard.

A5 YOU PLY YOUR TRADE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR. HOW DO YOU PLAN ON GETTING TO THE TOP? Success is not about getting to the top. Success is simply doing what makes your heart happy and loving the way you do it. I will become an Achiever. Wherever achievers dwell, is where I am heading, through integrity, hard work and passion. I constantly yearn to learn more, help even more, serve more and most importantly, seek God's guidance.

San BRNKS

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WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FEW YEARS FROM NOW? Few years from now, I'll be a great deal better than today. God already knows about it.

HOW CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FASHION LIFESTYLE LIKE? My lifestyle is not complex as I am a workaholic always focused on my business. People say I live life like a gypsy. My closet features outfits for work, events and travel. I love heels especially in green. I think I have just one pair of flats as a gift from my sister Bring me a green court heel and we can discuss business!

CAN YOU LET U5 IN ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP 5TATU5? I don't believe in mere relationships lol. I specialise in partnerships, sponsorships and friendships. Candidly, I have seldom time for relationships besides I would only date a man I see myself getting married to as God leads me.

WHAT ARE YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES? I have a great disdain for people who stand in other people's way to success. It never made sense to me. I like classical music, reading, heaven ... I really have to go there.

WHAT 15 YOUR DESCRIPTION OF YOUR IDEAL MAN? As soon as I find my ideal man, I'll ask him to marry me.

WHAT ME55AGE5 DO YOU HAVE TO PA55 ACR055 TO THE YOUNG ONES AND THOSE STRIVING TO MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD? Dear Youth, You may love entrepreneurship, social development or a professional organisational career. Whatever makes your heart happy, just Do it. Be Phenomenal. Be the things you want us to document about you after you're gone. Contribute your quota to this world as those before us did. When I say no one can influence you, I meant no one. Once you start, each achievement becomes like a pebble ... after a while, look behind you and find a mountain of achievements. That's when your heart smiles. You are doing it! I challenge young leaders to think in absence of the box and build impossible futures.

FOOD BUSINESS IS

GOOD BUSINESS by Blessing Okoro

Nigeria is home to about 1?0million people, this figure still represents more than twice the population of France, and more than 20 percent of the entire population of Europe. If we simply assume that at least each person will eat once every day, we can extrapolate the opportunities that exists, even without further analysis. At a high level; demographic density points to the potential that exists within the food market; other factors like standard of living , and industrial can help to further compress this data to arrive at the exact figure of bankable opportunities within this sector. A recent survey by the NOi polls, an eponymous research and statistical organizations reveals that Nigerians reportedly spend as much as N25.2 billion feeding themselves daily. This was calculated from existing research data, which stated that about 80 percent of Nigerians spend at least $1 on food daily, with only 20 percent spending less . Nigeria is one country in Africa with enormous potential for agricultural growth. With an improvement in the standard of living in Nigeria, the middle class is steadily expanding, and the average purchasing power per family is also increasing . Increasingly, families are now beginning to embrace the sensitivity in the industry and opt for quality and reliability much more than just price.

Blessing Okoro Blessing Okoro is the Director of Partnerships at Agrofocus Group. Before joining the group she had previous experience in Citibank group and Ernest and Young . Blessing holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Economics (summa Cum laude) , and an eBusiness Associate Certificate from EC-Council (UK) .

Furthermore, the sudden reawakening of the policy makers to the attendant malignant challenges posed by excessive dependence on a monoculture economy is one that corroborates the potential that exists in agriculture. When policy becomes more favourable, and the agricultural sector is deregulated and facilitated; this will unlock the inherent potentials in this industry, and create a platform for investors to realize their investment quests. Presently, in Nigeria, the agricultural sector is the largest contributor to the GDP, contributing on the average 40 per cent of the annual GDP in recent years. The activities in the sectors accounts for the livelihood for over 70 million Nigerians as this is the dominant activity in rural areas of the country.

Nigeria's potentials for agricultural production cannot be over emphasized. With an arable land potential of 84 million hectares cultivatable lands, Nigeria's agricultural potential remains untapped , as only 34 million hectares is cultivated or 48% of the available land for agriculture. We have 263 billion cubic meters of water - with two of the largest rivers in Africa. With a minimum wage of 18,000 Naira (11 OUSO) , Nigeria has the availability of affordable and readily available Labour to support agricultural intensification, irrespective of the scale. Finally, investing in agriculture is not just an investment towards profit of investors. It is also a contribution to the development of human capital of the country. Countless researches have proven that Agriculture is one industry with the potential to create jobs and unlock opportunities in Nigeria. Despite the enormous potential in this sector, in investing in Agriculture, investors must take particular care to ensure that there is a thorough understanding of the market for the specific agricultural products or food to be ventured into. More attention needs to be given to ensuring that there is an understanding of the relationship between the value chain and the market forces . Even more attention has to be paid to understanding the dynamics of the distribution network, and the supply chain mechanisms that exists . One option available to investors is to establish agricultural brands as this is the best way to maximize the agricultural value chain , and empower small scale farmers in Nigeria. Consequently, Creating agricultural brands will create a platform to stimulate competition hence improve the quality of products, and produce. This is one of the trends driving the agricultural sector in Africa today. Investors are welcome to combine their technology and technical leverage with the inherent agricultural potential that exists within Nigeria. When the price of gold rises , those that cannot afford it will refrain from buying; when gasoline is scarce, people will leave their cars at home and resort to alternative means for movement from place to place. When Food will always be food ; a necessity for survival!

Food business is good business!

OHN WE KNOW YOU FROM YOUR 8108 IN PUBLIC DOMAIN. BUT CAN WE KNOW YOU IN YOUR OWN WORD8? My name is John Okoro. I am the 2nd of 4 children. I have a brother and two beautiful sisters. My Dad is a Chartered accountant, and my Mum is an Agro-entrepreneur. I grew up in a strict, God-fearing home where integrity, probity, and service to humanity were ingrained in us as precepts and values for living. I finished my first degree at Covenant University. I am presently a professional speaker and business Development consultant. I live in Abuja but travel a lot due to the demands of my professional speaking career.

YOU F/N/8HED WITH A F/R8 T CLA88 IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING. EVERYONE WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT YOU WOULD CON8/DER A CAREER IN THE OIL AND GA8 NDU8 TRY. WHAT IN8P/RED YOU TO CH008E PROFE88/0NAL 8PEAKING AND BU8/NE88 DEVELOPMENT? I think it was two things: Passion and talent. A lot of people know me more for my professional speaking and youth advocacy, but I am also very much involved in business consulting and Project management. I started consulting and speaking from my 2nd year at the University and that was the period I registered my first company. In Covenant University, there were so many opportunities for me to develop my talent in speaking and consulting , and I took advantage of all of them. I took part in speaking competitions , hosted conferences , honored several speaking engagements, and read books and attended conferences to develop myself. I remember back then , due to my several engagements, I had to employ an assistant to take my calls , since we were not allowed to use phones at Covenant University. Although I didn't really make much profit from my consulting , because I spent most of the revenue paying salaries and for running costs , I enjoyed the entire process because it gave me the opportunity to solve business problems , which is something I enjoy doing. I always knew I would go into business and professional speaking but I didn't use that as an excuse to do badly in school. So I took both my academics and my career very seriously.

YOU ARE AN ADVOCATE FOR YOUTH INCLU8/0N IN POLICY FORMULA T/ON. AND YOU RECENTLY 8POKE AT THE LA8 T AFRICAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERA T/ON FOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZA T/ON8. WHY DO YOU CON8/DER YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT TO BE THE MAJOR CHALLENGE FACING AFRICAN ECONOM/ÂŁ8? The reason is this: Facts and figures tell the story. Africa is a very unique continent as far as demography is concerned. According to the world population prospects , 60 percent of Africa's population is less than 25 years old. In just a few years from now, one-quarter of the world 's

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John Okoro is a 22 year old Nigerian who travels a lot speaking and advocating for young Africans. He sits on the board of 5 companies and is an active voice in raising the consciousness of African governments and the international community to issues of youth unemployment, illiteracy in Africa. He recently spoke at the African regional conference of the International Federation for Training and Development Organizations (IFTDO) where he moved the audience almost to tears with the passion with which he enumerated the challenges facing young Africans. In this interview with lbironke Samuel, the editor-in-chief, SanBrnks Magazine, he talks about his life, his career, and his passion for youth advocacy under-25 population will be from Africa. It will be the only continent in the world that has the most young workers in plentiful supply. Let us not forget that when we talk about young people , we are talking about a segment of the population that are largely dependent, energetic and highly resourceful. When young people don't have opportunities to channel their energies, they will become ready tools in the hands of political bigots and conscienceless leaders. A predominant young population also means that when crisis and altercations occur within political enclaves , the majority of those affected would be young people. This is why I use every opportunity available at my disposal to plead with Political and Religious leaders in Africa to embrace peace, unity, and dialogue because of the consequences and effects of instability and conflict on young people. We are always the most affected when things go wrong. And you know , when we talk about young people, we are talking about the future of the continent. So for me, I will continue to advocate for my compatriots. It is time for young people to be at the centre stage of decision making in Africa, because they are the most affected by the decisions made.

TALKING ABOUT YOUNG PEOPLE. YOU WILL AGREE WITH ME THAT THERE ARE ONLY A FEW YOUTHB OCCUPYING KEY P05/TION5 OF LEADERBHIP IN AFRICA. WHY /5 TH/5 50? Well , I agree with you. You see, I have thought about this issue, and I think there are some reasons responsible for this aberration. One major reason is that in Africa , there are few opportunities for young people to occupy key leadership positions. A bias and prejudice towards young people is responsible for this. I recently read that the continental median age in Africa is 20 years old and the median age of African leaders is 62. This fact reveals some of the bias towards young people as far as leadership is concerned. I also believe that this culture of bias and prejudice towards young people has a root in the way most families are organized. Most young Africans grow up in environments where age is used as a yardstick to entrust leadership responsibilities. You can imagine how many young African talents and potential leaders have failed to achieve their dreams because of the lack of the right environment to nurture their latent abilities. But I believe this is starting to get better now. With more old people failing in leadership positions , young people are beginning to have the opportunity to prove their leadership mettle.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ABPIRE TO OCCUPY LEADERBH/P P05/TION5? Whatever field you are in; whether politics, entertainment or business, Leadership is all about service. You must care about people and be passionate about people to serve and influence them rightly. I want young people to see leadership as an opportunity to serve and influence people positively. One more thing I must add is Leadership is not an easy task. It demands preparation, continuous development, and lots of sacrifice. You must never be satisfied with what you know already, you must always explore more ideas, and be willing to learn as a leader. Leadership is about leading, and to lead , it is important to know where you are headed.

WHAT /N5PIRE5 YOU? There are three things that fuel my vision and ignite my passion to create value wherever I find myself: The first is in an appreciation for the privilege of living and being alive. I see this as a gift from God , one I must show my appreciation for by the way I conduct myself towards others. In moments I feel down I go on my knees , and ask for the inspiration to fuel my vision. I do this always. The second is the inspiration that comes from an enduring family legacy. I have been brought up by the most principled of personalities-my Dad and Mum. I feel each day a duty to preserve this legacy of probity and self-lessness by living each day accountable to God , my family, and myself. The third is an inspiration that emanates from an assurance that there are other young people across the world making significant decisions and leaving indelllible footprints within various sectors. This inspires me a lot also.

TH/5 /5 THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR. WHAT BHOULD WE EXPECT FROM YOU TH/5 YEAR? ANY RE50LUT/ON5? Well , for me , I don't operate with the widely accepted calendar called the Gregorian calendar. I have my own bespoke calendar which I designed and have been using since 201 Dto suit my life style and preoccupations. It is called the Johnian calendar , a term I coined. A year for me spans for four Gregorian calendar months. So I have three Johnian years in a Gregorian year. My normal year ends every 1Dth day of August. I plan for the other days on that day. So for me, I am already far into the year. There was a lot I planned for while setting goals for my year. My year is already very

filled with lots of speaking requests and engagements. I also would do lots of self developments this year. There are lots of books to read , trainings to attend , self-improvement templates to adopt. For me self improvement and capacity building is paramount, and this is going to be a major focus for me this year.

WE KNOW YOU HA VE A VERY BUB Y BCHEDULE. WHAT /5 LE/BURE LIKE FOR YOU? I am a renaissance man and a polymath. My interests are multifarious, and my preoccupations are vast. When I am not working , I would be found at home enjoying great moments with my family, or in the church having some good time. I also engage in a lot of sporting activities during my leisure. I enjoy playing golf and lawn tennis. I also play football , basketball, volleyball , badminton , table tennis , and chess. I also listen to classical music a lot, and it is one of my best recipes for thinking and relaxation. I have a peculiar amity for musical instruments , especially membranophones and chordophones. I play the keyboard , bass guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica, acoustic drums , and a bit of the flute. I believe that success is incomplete without a balanced life. Life is too hart to be serious all the time!

WHAT BHOULD WE EXPECT FROM YOU IN THE NEXT FEW YEARB? Well I always like to remind myself of how my humble beginnings looked like. It all started from my University then , I started to get invitations across Nigeria. Now my clientele reach expands across Africa and Europe. So for me, it is of uttermost importance to always deliver value and cutting edge solutions to my clients across the world. I recently just expanded my reach with new affiliations in Europe and the Middle East, I will now be able to reach out to my client in these areas with ease and convenience. So in the next few years , I will look into expanding my reach. I would also invest more time into personal development and capacity building within the next few years. I want to improve my skills in certain areas I feel I need some extra development. Finally, I must say that this hasn 't always been about me. It is always about the young people of Africa who I am always passionate about serving. So whatever I need to do in order to reach out to more people, I won 't mind doing , as long as God grant me the grace.

BORRY FOR BEING NOBY. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE MONEY YOU EARN FROM YOUR BPEAKING ENGAGEMENTB? *Chuckles. Well , I sit on the board of 5 companies; two of them are non-profit organizations. One of the non-profits is into promoting entrepreneurship amongst young people in Africa while the other is into promoting literacy and capacity building amongst young people in Africa. Most of what I earn goes into promoting entrepreneurship , literacy, and capacity building amongst young people in Africa. So when people host me at their events, it is an opportunity to build the capacity of more young Africans and advocate for issues that affect them. So I work very hard, often within very tight schedules, to see how I can reach out to more people in Africa. This is my personal Social Responsibility.

ANY PARTING WORDB? Impossible is an illusion!

15 LIFE WORTH LIVING? I am Adegoke lfeoluwa, a 22 year old girl and already with a child of my own. I know to some, just this piece of my life's information is one likened to be a joyous one; but is my life truly worth living and what am I living for? I come from a family of five and I am the third in the hierarchy of birth. I have got three sisters and a brother. My father is a preacher of the gospel and my mother a business woman. Like the saying goes, "Charity begins at home" but that was never the case for me. I could remember when I was still in my secondary school. I was roughly fifteen years then and already passed my puberty stage. I think my challenges in life began then. As a young girl growing up, I was forced to face life on my own and starved of the proper parental guidance and that is why I wouldn't want just the youths to read up my story; I would also want parents to pick up lessons from it. It was not as if my parents were bad people or not loving and caring people. They were good and charitable people. They just had little flaws as all humans do; me inclusive, which cost me greatly. I have always known my parents to be God fearing and loving people. It was just that my father was so strict and hard on us then, making him unapproachable; while my mum was a submissive wife to her husband and a good Christian mother. I want to believe my life has been emerging in phases (Good, Bad and Ugly) and so, I would like my story to be narrated as such.

PHASE ONE: A NAiVE GIRL. IGNORANT AND LOST IN LIFE Often times, I had seen how my father treated boys that tried rubbish with his daughters; it's scary. I could remember the time a guy living around us slapped me; when my father heard, he ensured that the boy never dared lay his hands on a lady afterwards. All these pictures while I was young kept playing in my head during my secondary school days. Back then, as a young girl going through what is expected to happen to every girl during her time, I got lots of guys liking and making advances towards me which made me disturbed and confused on what to do.

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In my pensive state, I thought of filling my dad in on all these happenings but the courage to muster these words to him wasn't there, simply because to me then, he had portrayed himself to be the strict and no nonsense type and so approaching him was a difficulty. On the other hand, if I had opened up to my mum, as a submissive wife that she is, she would definitely tell my father about it. So what then can I do? I desperately needed a guardian, an adult, a mentor, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry out my challenges on but all my hopes finding one was lost. I could have easily spoken with friends some would say but I believed back then that all I needed was an elderly one who would guide me aright. I condoned the pressure of these guys till my Junior Secondary School Three. As at this time, it was so much that I had no other option than to open up to Emmanuel who happened to be a teacher in school. Emmanuel surprisingly appeared to be a good guy, he gave me all the important advice I ought to have gotten from my parents and finally he became my very good friend and confidant. Emmanuel was so nice to me that he helped me acquire so many things I needed in school then. Life was so wonderful meeting Emmanuel and it was as if a fresh breath of life was blown towards my direction. All through from my Junior Secondary to my Senior Secondary Two, I was absolutely free from the guys disturbing me because Emmanuel was always there to bail me out of their antics. One faithful day, Emmanuel asked me over to his office and I was confused as to why he would do so simply because that was the very first time. On getting to the staff room, I met him and he ushered me to sit down. The very next words that came out of his mouth made me feel like I was being hit by a shotgun. I was thrown into a dilemma and it was as if I was day dreaming. Those words were "lfeoluwa, I do love and care so much about you, so I would really like for us to be in a relationship" After all these I was lost in thought and couldn't believe what I heard. What I was running away from came back getting me unaware. Emmanuel was Twenty-seven and I was just sixteen then. Mere thinking about this got me tearful. . I would never have thought of all people, Emmanuel would look at me in such way. How could I have rejected his proposal after all he had done for me?

He was like a father to me, a brother and a mentor. He was just too nice to me that I couldn't turn him down knowing very well that that was the very first time he would ask a thing of me. I had to agree to his proposal because he had put smiles on my face when in gloom. I could tell how joyful and stunned he was when I agreed to his proposal. My new life as Emmanuel's lover unfolded a new chapter in my life. Drawing close to Emmanuel made me realize that, "You can never know a man's true character until you draw closer to him or step on his toes." Emmanuel had a challenge. He battled with the spirit of jealousy, which makes him get mad at me when I am in the company of boys. Even without having any negative intentions when I am with another guy, Emmanuel hates seeing such sight. He either wants for me to be with him or at most a girl like myself. One day we were having Emmanuel's subject in my class and lectures had begun. A boy by my side asked me a question and as soon as Emmanuel spotted us, he asked me to fall out in front of the classroom as he started flogging me for making noise in the class, even when I never altered a word. Others were lost as to why he would do such. Some were trying to protest for me but all efforts were fruitless and fell on his deaf ears. Only I knew he was flogging me because of his jealousy. After this incidence, it dawned on me that life wasn't as sweet as I thought it was with Emmanuel. I began to ask myself, what exactly it is have I gotten myself into? For days I wept and mourned because I had no one to pour out my feelings to. I did not know where to start from explaining all these to my parents because they saw me differently and never would have thought I was in a relationship. Not even in any random relationship, but one with my school teacher, a man older than me with eleven years. What rational explanation can I give to my parents that they would understand me? My walls were just crumbling on me as I was left to my faith. I endured in the relationship all through my Secondary School and finally summoned courage to call the relationship quit as I was close to graduating. This news nearly killed Emmanuel as he couldn't take it down well. He busted out in tears, caused a scene in school and practically begged me to remain in the relationship on his knees. I was so embarrassed by his entire act that I left him with a mindset that I was through and done with him.

After about a week, Emmanuel apologized severally to me via text messages, calls et al. He was practically helpless and lifeless when I bailed out on him. I often wished not to dwell on this but it saddens me to think that I lost my flower to a guy like Emmanuel. He was a strange guy indeed and he also had anger issues. I could recall so many times when Emmanuel would get mad at me for probably my wrong doings and even when I apologized, Emmanuel never forgave me. He made it crystal clear to me that the only way he can ever forgive me is only when I chanced him to taste out of my fruit. He indeed was an opportunist.

PHASE TWO: A NEW ME REBORN I am so happy and thrilled to have made it into the university. A new page in my life has been opened and I have to move on. It was as if I was reborn. Words got to me that Emmanuel couldn't bear with my moving on that he had to get another girl; my junior, bearing lfeoluwa to be in a relationship with him. I did not let that bother me as I was glad to be free from the hold of jealousy and anger of Emmanuel. Still a novice, it did not occur to me that all I had seen with Emmanuel was nothing compared to what my university life would bring. I thought my nightmares were over; not knowing it was just about beginning. While in the university, I lived on campus and I had made a vow never to get involved with any guy again because they were not worth it. I saw them as evil, vile and opportunists. My first two years in the university were not as bad as I thought it would be, though I could recall when several guys made advances towards me but now I am nineteen and so it was easy for me to get rid of boy's bugs. There was one cult boy I could remember who had liked me right from the inception in my year one. So many times had this guy made advances towards me; that I turned them down. Yes! Lest I forget, after my experience with boys and Emmanuel in Secondary School, I had joined a Christian fellowship in the University. I felt loved again as Christ meant everything to me. Fellowshipping with the brethren filled the void I had in my heart. I just felt relieved and comfortable with the fellowship. I could also recall a time I was making my movement towards school from campus that the earlier talked about cult boy cornered me. He asked my helpless self to get on his bike that I was to follow him to his apartment at all cost. It only took the grace of God that day that the head of my Christian fellowship was around the corner to intervene for me. Asides that experience, I don't think I had any other major problem whatsoever. Probably if I did, they were just minor ones.

It was a dinner get-together of my department and everyone was looking so exquisite and dashing. That was where I came across Gbenga, a part-time student. Gbenga came approaching me on the dinner day and was so keen and interested in knowing more about me. He appeared to be an interesting and friendly guy. Little did I know that my knowing him was me shooting myself on the leg. Gbenga was always supplying my friends and I handouts that we needed in school. One faithful day, I needed a course handout so bad that I needed it for my exam preparations for the next day. None of my friends had the handout and none seemed concerned about its unavailability. I was the only one who seemed concerned and decided to go seek Gbenga for the handout supply. I called my friend to follow me to Gbenga's place but she was not disposed to follow me. I set out on my own in search of Gbenga at his place, littile did I know that he had plans for me. On getting to his place I met him and his friends there and I told him my reason for coming. He offered me a drink and welcomed me, he made me feel comfortable. After a short while, his friends simultaneously left the house like it was all planned out and I was left all alone in the house with Gbenga. Before I knew it, Gbenga had raped me. I felt bad because I was helpless, even when I forced my way out of his grip; it was as if an ant was trying to push over an elephant. I couldn't protect myself. For a moment I thought to myself, why me of all people? What is my sin? After this act, I hated Gbenga from that point on. There was definitely a change in me as my friends asked questions about what was happening to me, but I didn't know how to explain myself to them. I was broken and left with an intense anger and hatred for boys. I did not hear from Gbenga until after a month had passed. He kept calling me to ask how I was doing and to know if I had missed my period. I felt disgusted and bitter with him as I lashed him on the phone. As a novice that I was, it didn't occur to me that, that singular act of Gbenga on me could lead to something else. A month passed and truly I did not see my period. I was so scared because that was happening to me. I later went to see the doctor, only for me to return half dead with the news I got from the doctor. He confirmed me four weeks pregnant. Tears couldn't stop dropping from my eyes as I thought of the shame I had brought upon my family.

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The thought of what my father would do to me kept ringing in my memory. I was confused as to what to do that I had to call Gbenga to inform him on what was going on. Ironically, he was so full of joy and elated that he begged me not to get rid of the pregnancy that he was going to take good care of me and ultimately marry me. I was short of words. I mean, who was thinking of marriage? I thought of so many things. The shame I would go through if I kept the baby and also what would become of my life if I aborted it. All appeared to me then like a dream. My life, my future and ambitions all appeared dented and damaged. Life was not fair to me. I had to run out of school and start living off campus just to avoid the disgrace of going around with a protruded stomach in school. My absence from school activities became so obvious that my immediate elder sister who was in the same university with me got worried and tried contacting me. To cut the story short, the news got to the open and even my parents got to hear about it. Upon hearing the shocking news, my dad asked me never to return to his house again and tagged me as a bad egg in the family. He disowned and rejected me but what was my offence? I had nowhere to go to that I had to pack my bags from school to move in with Gbenga. Life with Gbenga was good as he appeared hospitable and caring. Despite being sad to be dejected by my father, I was happy to be loved by Gbenga who took care of me till I got delivered of the baby.

PHASE THREE MY WORST NIGHTMARE After a while had passed, my father was still not pleased with me and all that I had gone through seemed to be my entire fault in his eyes. I tried reaching out to him but I could not. My mum, a great mother had been there for me always and I know she had tried her all to ensure my dad forgave me. Finally, the baby came forth and now Gbenga had not just two mouths to feed, but three. It was then evident that Gbenga was not ready for the responsibility of fatherhood as we ran dry of funds and resources daily. As supplies kept diminishing, so did Gbenga start changing towards me. The love and woman of his life that he saw in me then suddenly became the devil in his yard clearing all the fruits in his garden.

_,.,. ,,..4l't,,

Even as I knew how bad and tight things were for us, I never for once thought of it that he was the one that crumbled my world to the extent that my family forgot about me. I was more like an orphan even when I had parents still breathing. I always ensured that there is food to eat for the three of us out of the little money I got from my sister or the menial works I engaged myself in. Gbenga never for once appreciated all these sacrifices I had to make for him. Even when I tried to manage funds for us all to benefit from, he forcefully collected every penny I had and spent them unguardedly on himself. This happened continuously that one day my sister heard all that had been happening. Often times, I tried to defend myself from Gbenga when he forced his way to collecting all the money I had on me, that I ended up being bruised. When my sister saw my bruised face, she questioned me as to what was going on and she immediately suspected that my injuries were sustained from Gbenga. I could remember several times when my sister would come and pack my bags from the house and stand against Gbenga for my sake, but I bearing the shame and pain never for once agreed with my sister to leave because now Ayobami my child had been borne. I felt tied to Gbenga. I mean, I kept thinking inwardly, who would still want to get married to me knowing that I have an issue for Gbenga? My sister was so frustrated at me that she passed words to my mum on how I had been living a life of hell on earth in Gbenga's hands. My mum was so bitter with my situation that she pleaded with my father to take me back in. My mum never gave up on me; she kept on calling and encouraging me that all would be well even as Gbenga's torts and assault kept on. Things got so bad that Gbenga succeeded in turning my entire family against me. He insulted my parents several times when they called him to caution him about me. He even went as far as lying against me when my sister came over to the house to fight for me. He claimed I said my sister was a prostitute and my sister in her angered state, left me utterly and I was left alone with my shadow. I wished death could take me away at that point. Nothing seemed to be working for me again as I was hopeless and helpless. Luckily for me, my father finally accepted to take me in and I was full of hope again. In my happiness, I stylishly packed my bags and all my belongings and carried Ayobami to my father's house without the knowledge of Gbenga. When he became aware I was gone, he called me severally to apologize for all his wrongs towards me.

. I can never forget some heartbreaking things Gbenga did to me even when I was doing menial works just to get money for the three of us so we can feed and live. Gbenga on his twenty-sixth birthday went out with several girls to the beach, had a great time womanizing and even taking pictures to upload on facebook. I could remember him tagging me in one of his uploaded pictures of him and some random girls at the beach having a nice time with the caption "Life is good", while I was at home suffering, doing one or two odd jobs just to get money for us all. He on the other hand never for once cared about Ayobami and I as he had the money to be womanizing and having a fun time like I also don't deserve to have some fun myself if I wanted to, after all, he kept me in this position. A single mother that's what it is called. So many heart breaking moments I had while at Gbenga's place, some I never want to remember anymore. One day, Gbenga called me and asked after Ayobami, that he really wanted to see him. I felt I had taken Ayobami from him for too long and he deserved the right to at least see his son. I told my parents about it and they discouraged me from travelling with the baby to see him but I was foolish and stubborn enough to not listen to them. Upon getting to Gbenga's place, I handed Ayobami to him and the next thing I knew, Gbenga kicked me out of his house with Ayobami still in his possession. He said I should look at the baby very well because it would be the very last time I was going to see him again. My joy to be reborn again was short lived as I was all alone in the night with nowhere or no one to turn to. I later went to school but I couldn't concentrate at school because of the shock I got at Gbenga's place. Several weeks passed and I had not laid my eyes on Ayobami. Gbenga had threatened that if I ever come searching for the baby in his house, he would get the police to arrest me. At this point, what can I do? Who can I run to for help? So I asked myself. I had gone to the nearest police station but no one was interested in my case. When my sister heard of all that happened, she took me to a police DPO she knew, who arranged some of his officers to escort me in search of Ayobami. Later that day, we found Ayobami lying on the floor at Gbenga's aunt shop who sells alcohol. I wept bitterly because the cloth I wore for Ayobami the very day Gbenga took him away from me was the same top he was still putting on after several weeks. He was no less than a fugitive in prison. That day, I got hold of my baby and fled back with him to Lagos. I vowed never to have anything to do with Gbenga again and that he would never set his eyes on Ayobami again.

Though, he still sends me messages, begging me to forgive him and at times, he still calls but he is history to me as I have closed his chapter. I forgot to mention this, all the times I had nowhere to go to, Emmanuel took me in and provided for me. He still wants me despite the baby in the picture but I felt bad about myself as I had nowhere or no other person to turn to than Emmanuel. It wasn't as if I wished to be back with Emmanuel or I enjoyed staying with him but my case was one out of pity. I cared less of myself or what Emmanuel does to me in as much as my baby never lacked all he needs as a baby. Countless number of times have I been made to weep as Emmanuel took advantage of me and my body but who was I to complain? If I did, the inflow of money would stop. I just had to endure. I can still remember often when I would ask myself the big question "is this life worth living?" indeed, I had been made to look older than my age by boys. They are just evil and vile. I hate them, so I said not until another phase of my life unfolded.

PHASE FOUR REDEMPTION AND HOPE I was glad and happy to be a Nigerian Youth Carper. I made it despite all the hardship I was made to go through by guys. I believed there was hope and redemption for me again and guess what? My perspective on how I saw guys had changed for the better through a guy surprisingly. Though I haven't ruled the fact that I am a single mother in reality, I just want to enjoy the moment. I know you guys cannot wait to hear this phase of my life but unfortunately, it is still unfolding as this is happening in present time. I would only be able to speak on the little I have been through so far and on the things I have seen. My camp life as a youth carper was just ordinary as I spent all of my time at a Christian Fellowship called "Nigerian Christian Carpers Fellowship (NCCF)". Camp experience was just three weeks and so it was nothing compared to the several months I would spend outside it. As soon as I was posted off camp, I located the nearest NCCF family house closest to my zone and that was where I dwelled. In there was where I met Femi, the guy that changed my perspective on how I saw guys, who had also given me a hope to still cling to my life and has given me a reason to be a proud mother, even at my tender age.

San BRNKS

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I would not dwell so much on this as I intend to wrap up my life's experience. Like I said earlier, it is still unfolding and I am still serving so there is not much I can talk on now. I would just try as much as I can to summarize the few hit points of my service year. As soon as I got posted from camp to my zone, I realized my Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) was so far from the NCCF house and so, I was bitter but prepared for the worst. I mean, what other thing worse could happen to me that I hadn't faced or seen before? Anyway, I thank God that Femi was also posted to a far place close to where I was posted and so we got the chance to see and bond more at the secretariat. I had met Femi on several occasions at the family house but I have never really had a real conversation with him. One day, we saw at the secretariat and I was surprised to see that Femi was in talks with the Local government inspector and CLO to relocate him to town, the North of our zone which is closer to where NCCF was. When I realized that, I ensured they rejected me from where I was initially posted and so I also went to the Local government inspector asking also to be reposted to the North but instead I got posted to another school in the south. After we went on two weeks break and back, I had realized that Femi had successfully relocated to the North but I was not bothered as much as I got appointed to be an executive in the family house. That way I was forced to be living my life technically at the family house while I go to school in the south during the day time. I am happy for that because I had the chance to know Femi more as he also lived in the family house. After several encounters with Femi, I tried as much as possible to hide my true identity from him as a single mother. All I needed was a true friend and so I could not bear to lose one in Femi. Femi came with a twist and often times he tried to open old wounds in my life by trying to know more about me as I noticed he took interest in me. He was a calm, nice and good looking guy as I was scared I would lose his friendship if I told him who I really am, little did I know that often times when we spent time together, I got all emotional and gave him a clue of who I truly am.

Femi was indeed a smart guy and he was quick to know that I don't really appear to be who I claim to be. I don't know what came over me as the times I spent with Femi listening to his words touched my soul that I revealed my true identity to him. At that point, I was prepared for the worse if he decided to leave me because I can't imagine having a life with Femi, while he is in the dark of who I am. Someday, he is bound to find out and when he does, what would be next? So I thought to myself that it is for my best interest that he knew who I am. Femi is and still the only guy I have spoken with about my true self in my service and amazingly, my telling him made him love me more and he has been dare to my life. He is more like my confidant now and life_ is sweet again with Femi in the picture. I have my redemption and a hope for my bright future again. Even though at the back of my mind I have it that one day Femi can change towards me just like Gbenga did, I cannot rule the fact that he has made me feel much happiness than I had ever felt in years. He is like a spark in my dead old life. Here are some key points of my life with Femi and the things he has done for me as I intend closing this book; - He has showed me what true love really means, even more than all the guys I had come in contact with - Though he is not perfect and also have his flaws, he has indeed changed my perspective on how I see guys - He supports me in every way and thinks of Ayobami and I daily - He is comfortable with Ayobami and has taken the responsibility to be a father to him, even as Gbenga has failed - He has helped me set up a business

- He pulled me out of Emmanuel's grip by helping me successfully break of my relationship with him - He holds nothing back from me and he corrects me anytime I am wrong in my decisions - He never castigates me when I do wrong but rather he picks me back up and gets me on my feet even when others would crucify me. - Ultimately, he protects me and Ayobami by making sure that all the information he has heard of my life classified and so much more I can't keep mentioning. Femi seems to be that perfect part of my life that has been missing and I am glad I met him here in service. Though I know he is no superman but human and also that he has flaws, I just pray to God daily not to lose a friend and confidant in him as I wish and hope for the best for the both of us in life. Ayobami would be three years come May 10th and I still ask myself that big question "Is my life worth living?" all thanks to God, my family and Femi, I can boldly say Yes! I have a life worth living. This is a story inspired by the life of someone so dear to my heart. I believe there are lots of lessons to be learnt from lfeoluwa's story which is why I had put all these together. To Whom It May Concern, try ~nd make amen~s. of your ways if this story reflects your hfe story before 1t 1s too late. As far as Emmanuel and Gbenga are concerned, they are history to lfeoluwa. As for her, she should learn to forgive and move on with her life. Thank you! By: Brnks

Onchocerciasis also known as River blindness and Robles is a parasitic disease caused by infection by Onchocerca, a nematode (Roundworm). Onchocerciasis is second in the world to Trachoma as an infectious caused by blindness. It is not the nematode but is endosymbiotic bacteriawolbachiapipentis that causes the severe inflammatory response that leaves many blind. MODE OF TRANSMISSION The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of black fly of the genus simullum. The larva nematode spreads throughout the body. When the worm dies, their wolbachiasymbionts are released triggering a host immune system response that can cause severe itching and can destroy optical tissues in the eye. CLASS/FICA TION Onchocerciasis may be divided into the following types: a. ERISPELA DE LA COSTA: an acute phase. It is characterized by swelling of the face with erythrema and itching. Onchocerciasis causes different kinds of skin changes, which vary in different geographic regions. These skin change "erispela de la costa"of acute Onchocerciasis is most commonly seen among victims in central and South America. b. MAL MORANDO: this cutaneous condition is characterized by inflammation accompanied by hyperpigmentation. c. SOWDA: a cutaneous condition, it is a localized type of Onchocerciasis. Additionally, the various skin changes associated with Onchocerciasis may be described as follows; - LEOPARD SKIN: The spotted de-pigmentation of the skin may occur with Onchocerciasis - ELEPHANT SKIN: The thickening of human skin that may be associated with Onchocerciasis - LIZARD SKIN: The thickened wrinkled skin changes that may result with Onchocerciasis EPIDEMIOLOGY About 99% of Onchocerciasis cases occur in Africa. As of 2008 about 18 million people were infected with the parasite, about 300,000 of these had been permanently blinded. Onchocerciasis is currently endemic in 30 African countries. Due to the vector's breeding habitat, the disease is more severe along the major rivers in the northern and central areas of the continent and severity declines in villages farther from rivers. Travelers who do not stay long in those areas have little risk of developing the diseases as it requires prolonged exposure to the fly bites and parasite introduction.

PREVENTION Various control programs aim to stop Onchocerciasis from being a public health problem. The first was the Onchocerciasis control programme which was launched in 197 4 and its peak covered 30million people in 11 countries. Through the use of 'LARVICIDE' spraying of fast flowing rivers to control black fly population and from 1985 onwards, the use of IVERMECTIN to treat infected people. The Onchocerciasiscontrol programs a joint effort of the World Health Organization (WTO), World Bank and United Nations Development programme. NOTE: No vaccine to prevent Onchocerciasis infection is available. SIGNS AND SYMTOMS Skin involvement typically consists of intense itching, swelling and inflammation. A grading system has been developed to categorize the degree of skin involvement. ACUTE PAPULAR ONCHODERMA TITIS: Scattered puriticpapulses CHRONIC PAPULAR ONCHODERMA TITIS: Larger papules resulting in hyper pigmentation. LICHENIFIED ONCHODERMA TITIS: Hyper pigmented papules and plagues with edema SKIN ATROPY: Loss of elasticity, the skin resembles tissue paper "Lizard skin" appearance. DEPIGMENTA TION: "Leopard skin" appearance usually on anterior lower leg TREATMENT In Mass drug administration (MDA) programs, the treatment for Onchocerciasis is IVERMECTIN. Infected people can be treated with two doses of lvermectin, six months apart repeated every three years. The drug paralyses and kills the micisfililaria causing fever, itching and possibly oedema, arthritis and lymphadenopathy. lvermectin treatment is particularly effective because it only needs to be taken once or twice a year, needs no refrigeration and has a wide margin of safety with the result that it has been widely given by minimally trained community health workers. ANTIBIOTICS For the treatment of individuals, doxycycline is used to kill the Wolbachia bacteria that live in adult worms.

1,umm,1:v.t Malaria is a mosquito-borne, infectious disease of humans and animals caused by parasitic protozoans of the genus plasmodium. Five species of plasmodium can infect and be transmitted by humans. They are; - Plasmodium falciparum - Plasmodium vivax - Plasmodium ovale - Plasmodium malaria - Plasmodium knowlesi The vast majority of death are caused by plasmodium falciparum and plasmodium vivax while plasmodium malaria causes a generally, milder form of malaria that is rarely fatal.

PREVALENCE OF MALARIA Malaria is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions because rainfall , warm temperatures and stagnant waters provide habitats ideal for mosquitoes. They can 't survive in cold regions but are prevalent in Africa. MODE OF TRANSMISSION The disease is transmitted via a bite from an infected female Anopheles mosquito which introduces the organism from its saliva into a person 's circulatory system. In the blood , it travels to the liver to mature and reproduce. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Symptoms are referred to as what the infected patient complains about to his doctor when suffering from malaria. Signs are referred to as what the doctor observes when the patient with malaria comes for treatment. The signs and symptoms of malaria typically begins between 8-25 days following infection, however, it may occur later in those who have taken anti-malarial medications as preservation. The symptom of malaria is PAROXYSM (A cyclical occurrence of sudden coldness followed by shivering and then the fever and swelling occurring every two days). Other symptoms include headache , sweating, vomiting while the signs may include jaundice, hemoglobin in the urine, retinal damage and convulsions. COMPLICATIONS OF MALARIA There are several serious complications of malaria. Among these is the development of respiratory distress which occurs in up to 25% of adults and 40% of children with severe plasmodium falciparum malaria. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may develop in 5-25% in adults and 29% of pregnant women but is rare in young children. Infection with plasmodium falciparum may result in cerebral malaria, a form of severe malaria that involves encephalopathy. It is associated with retinal whitening which may be a clinical sign in distinguishing malaria from other causes of fever. Malaria in pregnant women is an important cause of still-births, infant mortality (death of the infant) , and low birth weight.

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The WHO (World Health Organization) estimates that in 201 othere were 219million cases of malaria resulting in 660 ,000 deaths. Majority of the cases (65%) occur in children under 15 years old. In sub-Saharan Africa , malaria is associated with up to 200,000 estimated infant deaths yearly. Malaria is presently endemic in a broad band around the equator, in areas of the Americas , many parts of Asia and much of Africa.

Malaria is usually confirmed by the microscopic examination of blood films or by antigen based Rapid Diagnostic Tests (ROT). Microscopy is the most commonly used method to detect the malaria parasite , despite its widespread usage; diagnosis by microscopy suffers from two main drawbacks: 1. Many settings (especially rural) are equipped to perform the test. 2. The accuracy of the result depends on both the skill of the person examining the blood film and the level of parasite in the blood. In the regions where laboratory tests are readily available, malaria should be suspected and tested for on a patient who is unwell and has been in an area where malaria is endemic. In areas that cannot afford laboratory diagnostic test, it has become routine to use only a history of subjective fever as the indication to treat malaria - a presumptive approach exemplified by the common teaching fever equals malaria unless proven otherwise. A drawback of this practice is over diagnosis of malaria and mismanagement of non-malaria fever.

fmยงI Malaria parasite belong to the genus plasmodium (phylum apiomplex) in human malaria is caused by plasmodium falciparum , plasmodium malaria, plasmodium ovale , plasmodium vivax and plasmodium knowlesi. Among these , plasmodium falciparum is the most common species identified followed by plasmodium vivax. Although plasmodium falciparum traditionally accounts for the majority of death , recent evidence suggests that plasmodium vivax malaria is associated with potentially life threatening conditions about as often as with a diagnosis of plasmodium falciparum infection. Plasmodium vivax proportionally is more common outside Africa.

W@@~m,U1 Methods used to prevent malaria include medications, mosquito elimination and the prevention of bites. The presence of malaria in an area requires a combination of high human population density, high mosquito population density and high rates of transmission from humans to mosquitoes and from mosquitoes to humans.

VECTOR CONTROL Vector control refers to preventative methods used to decrease malaria and mortality by reducing the levels of transmission. For an individual protection , the most effective chemical insect's repellents to reduce human mosquito contact are those based on DEET and Picaridin. Insecticide, treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying have been shown to be highly effective vector control interventions in preventing malaria mortality among children in malaria endemic setting.

IIU#ill~~li~II Malaria is treated with antimalarial medications , the ones used depends on the type and severity of the disease while medications against fever are commonly used; their effects on outcomes are not clear. Uncomplicated malaria may be treated with oral medications. The most effective treatment for plasmodium falciparum infection is the use of artemisinins in combination with other antimalarial (known as artemisinin combination therapy) which decreases resistance to any single drug component. To treat malaria during pregnancy the WHO recommends the use of quinine plus clindamycin early in the pregnancy (1st trimester) and Artemisinin combination therapy in later stages (2nd and 3rd trimesters) Recommended treatment for severe malaria is the intravenous use of antimalarial drugs. For severe malaria, Artesunate is superior to quinine in both children and adults. Treatment of severe malaria involves supportive measures that are best done in a critical care unit. This includes the management of high fever and the seizures that may result from it, also includes monitoring for poor breathing effort, low blood sugar and low blood potassium. TayoOlabisi

Facts about

Hyperopia This information was developed by the National Eye Institute to help patients and their families search for general information about hyperopia. An eye care professional who has examined the patient's eyes and is familiar with his or her medical history is the best person to answer specific questions.

Symptoms and Detection

What are the signs and symptoms of hyperopia? The symptoms of hyperopia vary from person to person. Your eye care professional can help you understand how the condition affects you. Common signs and symptoms of hyperopia include: Headaches Eyestrain Squinting Blurry vision, especially for close objects

Hyperopia Defined

What is hyperopia?

How is hyperopia diagnosed?

Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a common type of refractive error where distant objects may be seen more clearly than objects that are near. However, people experience hyperopia differently. Some people may not notice any problems with their vision, especially when they are young. For people with significant hyperopia, vision can be blurry for objects at any distance, near or far.

An eye care professional can diagnose hyperopia and other refractive errors during a comprehensive dilated eye examination. People with this condition often visit their eye care professional with complaints of visual discomfort or blurred vision.

What is refraction? Refraction is the bending of light as it passes through one object to another. Vision occurs when light rays are bent (refracted) as they pass through the cornea and the lens. The light is then focused on the retina. The retina converts the light-rays into messages that are sent through the optic nerve to the brain. The brain interprets these messages. What are refractive errors? In refractive errors , the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing on the retina. The length of the eyeball (longer or shorter) , changes in the shape of the cornea, or aging of the lens can cause refractive errors. Causes and Risk Factors

How does hyperopia develop? Hyperopia develops in eyes that focus images behind the retina instead of on the retina, which can result in blurred vision. This occurs when the eyeball is too short, which prevents incoming light from focusing directly on the retina. It may also be caused by an abnormal shape of the cornea or lens. Who is at risk for hyperopia? Hyperopia can affect both children and adults. It affects about 5 to 10 percent of Americans. People whose parents have hyperopia may also be more likely to get the condition.

Treatment

How is hyperopia corrected? Hyperopia can be corrected with eyeglasses , contact lenses, or surgery. Eyeglasses are the simplest and safest way to correct hyperopia. Your eye care professional can prescribe lenses that will help correct the problem and help you see your best. Contact Lenses work by becoming the first refractive surface for light rays entering the eye, causing a more precise refraction or focus. In many cases , contact lenses provide clearer vision, a wider field of vision, and greater comfort. They are a safe and effective option if fitted and used properly. However, contact lenses are not right for everyone. Discuss this with your eye care professional. Refractive Surgery aims to permanently change the shape of the cornea which will improve refractive vision. Surgery can decrease or eliminate dependency on wearing eyeglasses and contact lenses. There are many types of refractive surgeries and surgical options should be discussed with an eye care professional. The National Eye Institute (NEI) is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is the Federal government's lead agency for vision research that leads to sight-saving treatments and plays a key role in reducing visual impairment and blindness. Source: https ://www. nei. nih. gov/health/errors/hyperopia

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THIS IS WHY I WRITE Joe-Nkamuke, Uzondu (Uzzy) rickyuzzy@gmail.com

Why

the hell would I spend my time writing an article instead of doing something fun ....... Ever since I began writing, it has never occurred to me to ask this question : 'Why do you write? ' Technically, it is supposed to be the first question which I should pose to myself and proffer answer or answers to. Truly, it is supposed to be the answer given that will either make me one who tried to venture into writing and successfully did or one who tried to venture into writing but never did . Until now, I have never thought how embarrassing it would have been to stand indebted before such a costly question and do not pay my debt with something substantially convincing. As I wish that this is supposed to be my first composition as someone who has ventured into writing, I wish to answer that question now and by so doing save myself the breaking of sweat in the nearest future . Many writers give philosophical inclinations to why they write. I do not know if this is going to be different from what I will say here but I will go ahead and say that I write for two reasons: I Owe Myself and I Owe my Environment. "Debt is avoidable, isn't it?" The writer needs to be careful in giving answer to this question , especially if the person asking has done so with the knowledge that the one being asked is or claims to be a writer. This is so because writers are the most indebted both to themselves and their environment. The urge to pick a pen and start writing something creative even when inside a bus stuffed with smelly bodies (mine included) has become not just a mental condition as a writer but has also taken over my physical comfort. This is the debt that I owe myself. In the middle of the night things strike me in the name of inspiration and I cannot but raise my body to find the only way of embracing peace which is to write it down. If something unique strikes me and I postpone its penning I only postpone my peace of mind. This is the nature of my innate personal indebtedness and how I pay in pennies of commitment. The funny thing there becomes that with each payment of a debt owed by a writer to himself, the environment is also receiving its own payment with interests.

My environment is comprised of my cultural and social background put together. In a hyphenated sense, I am a socio-cultural entity. Since I exist within this frame of environment, does it not go to show that I owe this environment my own contribution to its own betterment? This is where the writers owe the environment. Even if we are focusing attention on the group of writers who give us Science Fiction and Fantasy, it is hard to understand these stories outside the traffic of reality in which we are constantly mentally, emotionally and physically jammed as readers and Earthlings. Biology is called an enquiry into life. It has shown us that every living thing is composed of cells which work together for the continuous survival of the organism. As Biology makes enquiry into life as a general occurrence, so do I make enquiries into life as a personal occurrence: I look deep into my life and I discover so many social and cultural aspects to it. These can be regarded as the cells in my own life which are constantly being utilized for my own survival. In this world where expression cannot escape the tag of culture and society, when I pick up my pen it is to do two essential things: To tap from my society and culture and also relay same to those existent in other societies and cultures. Through this I become an organism in full mutual interaction with my environment. I build upon the virtues which nature, or if you so wish Fate, has bestowed upon me to say Yes or No to events unfolding around me or to show my confusion and indecision in the baptismal name of Neutrality. It is in these things that I write my thought in ways that teach the whole of humanity and the world out there (which I have never encountered and do not know if it exists) how mine is different from or like it. It is my moral obligation to pay my debts because my ancestors paid theirs and with the didactic accrual from their oral literature, my ancient environment reached a near-perfect height. If I say that I shall fold my arms and watch my present generation pass on without literary diagnosis, I shall be no morally different from that doctor who neglected a patient to die without even trying the use of his stethoscope. This is why I write! I can 't be through with paying these debts I owe until death.

CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURBELF? My names are Akwuba Charles Ugochukwu from Anambra State and my stage name is Dj Coublon .

HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO GET 5 TARTED WITH WHAT YOU DO? I started way back in Secondary School (Christ the King Catholic College) . Then , I use to make beats on keyboard and people were like "Mehn, I like your craft o" you know, until a friend of mine, Fala Fagbure introduced a software to me. He made me to understand that I could use that software to build my craft and become professional at it. Like joke, like joke; I just got serious about it. Even in the university days, I was still working on it. I was getting better; so I felt I should get serious about it you know, and push it. That was how everything started.

WHAT lo YOUR ÂŁDUCA TIONAL BACKGROUND LIKE? Currently, I am a graduate of Physics with electronics from Veritas University, Abuja. I am hoping to do my Masters but for now, let us still do this music thing *Laughs*.

WHAT HAo BEEN YOUR MOT/VA TION FOR YOUR BACK TO BACK HITo? Mehn! The major challenge is being able to make good music in this kind of atmosphere. By atmosphere, I mean Nigeria as a whole . The stress all around the country alone has become an atmosphere such that if you can survive in it, then you are good. If you can do everything to keep your head up, then you are good. Just stay focused and keep doing what you do. That was the spirit I was working with . Listening to hits back then made me realize that this is what changes the industry and this is the kind of sound you need to do to keep you up there. You don 't have to copy anybody, just keep doing what you do and one day it would surely payoff and when it does pays off, it would be without any hindrance. If you can sustain that energy, I guess you would become better and better. That was my mentality.

IF WE COULD TRACK BACK TO ABOUT TWO YEARo AGO. WOULD YOU BAY YOU HAD IT IN MIND TO GO INTO MUBIC OR YOU HAD OTHER PLANo IN MIND? Mehn! I don 't think I had it in mind to go fully into this. I just thought let me keep doing this thing because then I was still in school. You know , being in school and the whole struggle of it, whatever you do then is just with faith and with the hope that it clicks someday. That was all I had in mind but I did not see this coming . The major thing was that, I was prepared for it. I just felt like, when the day comes, let me be ready. Let it not be that it would just come by surprise. You know , there are people that once that kind of grace hits them by surprise, they do not know how to manage it. But due to the hustle years , I have been able to see how people grow and fall, see what they have done etc. I learnt by their actions and then took mine, so as not to fall a victim . Life is a learning process, so I was just using that stuff to monitor myself, the way I live my life and the kind of people I associate with . All those were being used by me to build myself, so as not to fall out of line.

CURRENTLY YOU ARE olGNED UNDER MMMG. WHAT HAo BEEN THE CHALLENGEo 50 FAR AND HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO GET A DEAL UNDER THE LABEL? There is this friend of mine, Mike Anyasodo . He was the winner of MTN project fame , season 2. We were really close. One day, he was like, "O boy, make we play reach lyanya side na". I think that day I did not have much on me, so I told him that "Baba I swear, I no get any bar o". He was like I should not worry that I should still come . That lyanya would hear my beats and pay for them , so I just hustled and borrowed cash from a friend of mine to take a cab to the Island. While I was getting close to the island, Mike 's number was switched off and there was no way I could reach my destination . The cab man was there asking, "Oboy, which side you dey go?" and I was like "Baba make you just chill, just they go first ". I was just waiting for either Mike's phone to come on or if I could get a directive from him. I think, in the midst of that drama, that was when I got a text from Mike through another line telling me that I should reach him on another number. That was like a saving grace because I had never taken a cab to the island then . I was hoping that he was going to balance the cab fare. When I got to lyanya's house, we hooked up and then we played some beats. That day, we recorded a nice song and he was like "Bro, we should keep working together". That was how I hooked up with him (lyanya) at first. I was not even hoping to get any contract with them just yet. I just felt; let me keep working with these guys since it is a huge platform from a super star. We kept on working until we had "Le Kwa Ukwu " and subsequent projects like that. We just kept on working until last year, they were like "Let us give this guy a contract" and that was how everything clicked . Even within that period, I still worked with other artistes that were pushing their own materials. All I made sure was that, whatever I lay my hands on was going to be great. That was my priority and I never settled for less.

COMING ON BOARD TO MMMG. HOW WAo THE TMOBPHERE LIKE FOR YOU AND DID YOU FEEL INFERIOR INITIALLY? I already had a thing going for everyone in the family before signing the contract, so I was already cool with everyone. If we are going to talk about being inferior, it was not even until I signed the contract; it was when I got to know them . The major thing is, when I signed the contract, it made everything cool and better for me and I was like "this is a huge step and it was just the beginning" . I captioned it that way and ensured that whosoever I am working with , I made sure I bring out good stuffs. It was a big platform for me to show what I could do, so I never felt the pressure. I was already used to everyone in the house before signing the contract.

WHAT CAN YOU BAY ABOUT YOUR RELA TIONBHIP WITH EVERYONE IN THE TEAM AND WHO CAN YOU BAY YOU ARE CL05ÂŁ5 T TO? I am close to every one of them . It is not like we do not quarrel sometimes, because that one is certain. If you want to know who your real friends are, you just have to step on one or two toes of theirs to know their kind of person. We live like brothers and sisters. Whatever issue that comes up, we let it get settled and we never allow it pass that day. I am used to everyone and the closer I got to each of them , I understood them better and I knew what and what not to say or do to each of them to get them pissed off. I just behaved myself and that way they respected me in return. Everyone just respects himself.

"Plan your way and strategize on how you want to get up there and it would surely happen."

PRODUCED BY: DJCOUBLON

WQrldwide " " " '" " " '

G路 WORLDW IDE ENTERTA INMENT PRE SENT S

PRODUCED

OOUB

CAN YOU GIVE UB A BREAKDOWN OF WHAT YOU THINK ARE THE 5TEP5 ONE NEEDB TO TAKE TO PRODUCE A BEAT THAT MAK EB A HIT? Making a hit depends more on the artiste because the artiste already knows what the producer can do before he puts the call through. The major thing is that, both parties just need to put in their best and they should always put God first so that when they are promoting, God's guidance is with them and their materials do not get into the wrong hands who are desperate to get money and at the end of the day, don 't even promote the song. That is what we all pray against.

WHAT MOTIVATEB YOU? Everything motivates me. Even this piece you are using to record motivates me *Laughs* . The main thing is, just pay attention because it could come from anywhere and you should be ready for it. One other thing I have to say is that, you do not have to stress yourself. Just make sure that you are being focused. You should know that if you are going to do anything, it should be done well and you don 't have to do it halfway.

IT 15 NOW A TREND THAT PRODUCERB THEBE DA YB TURN OUT TO BE ART/5TE5 IN THE LONG RUN. DO YOU INTEND GOING THROUGH THIB BCHOOL OF THOUGHT? For now, I do not have to rush . I just need to move according to God 's speed because he started the journey with me and I am in no position to say I should start doing this or that now without his consent. I do not need to be in haste as everything happens at its own time. All I need is to draw out my plan as I evolve little by little. For now, I do not really have any plans to go into that direction. All I just want to do now is to produce and get good materials out there to shoot up my career.

s a n B R N K s I so

WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO IN THE INDUBTRY? If I am going to be looking up to anyone, I think they would be Don Jazzy, Mastercraft and Sarz.

WHAT 15 YOUR BTRATEGY? Everyone has his or her own selling points and once you have discovered yours, you just have to maintain it. Keep getting better and do not settle for less. There are people who made hits and today they are not up there anymore and that is because they could not back up those hits. The only way you stay relevant in the industry is when you keep delivering and surprising people. That is the only strategy I know. I ensure that whatever goes out there is awesome in every way, even from the topmost artiste to the very least. My own delivery is one hundred percent to whoever I am working with .

WHO CAN YOU BAY 15 THE 8ÂŁ5 T ART/5 TE YOU HA VE WORKED WITH? I cannot say because everyone has been awesome so far.

WHICH TRACK DO YOU CONBIDER YOUR FAVORITE THAT YOU HA VE PUT OUT? My favorite track so far that I have put out is "LAYE".

ANY LABT WORDB FOR UPCOMING PRODUCERB? Well , what I would say is that you should just stay on your lane and keep doing what you do. One day na one day, you do not have to get discouraged. That thing you are currently doing, keep at it because someday it would surely pay off. I know that times would come when you would feel like there is no hope and you want to quit what you are doing but never allow it weigh you down. Just keep doing what you do and never rush or be in a haste. Plan your way and strategize on how you want to get up there and it would surely happen .

We used to fight a lot. Some preferred the term 'cats and dogs' when referring to I and my siblings. We used to turn the house upside down when our parents were not around. We were quickly associated with that kind of lifestyle to the extent that neighbors no longer separated but cheered us when we fought each other or squabbled over irrelevant issues like we used to. My father was hardly ever around; he used to go to work very early and returned almost very late, so he only got to hear of our misbehavior after the situation had occurred. However, mother was mostly the one who witnessed some of our episodes. On one occasion, we were arguing heatedly when she ordered us to stop shouting at each other, but we went into our room, locked the door, and continued the argument until we ended up tearing at each other. That day, my mother was scared that one or all of us might kill each other; she screamed and begged us from outside our room to stop. Later that day, she asked us to lay naked in the sitting room and she flogged us mercilessly amidst words that she repeated like one who stammered. "You .. children .. won't.. won't. .. succee d... in .. kii..killing me .. before my time. Be .. before .. you do that, I'll ki..kill you all first. I did not give my parents heart.. heart.. heart attack, so you won't succeed. Tell those who sent you that you didn't see me. You .. all..have fail..failed .. failed. Stu .. stu .. stupid children."

That day was epic. We screamed and cried out to Jesus. Our neighbors kept shouting from outside the house "Mama ljeoma, you will kill your children o! Pis leave them alone" But my mom was determined to teach us a lesson, one we still didn't learn. I presume she only made us stronger that day, because we still fought two days after that again. I can't really remember what Ekene, my younger brother did to me that very day, but we were fighting when I got hold of a glass cup and threw it at him and it tore his forehead. At that instant, fear gripped me. The sight of Ekene's blood scared me, but I still didn't go to help him as he lay on the floor. I muttered unsure words, blaming him for his predicament. That's what fear can do to a person, I guess. Only God in heaven knew that my heartbeat was so fast that it was over lapping. My mother's sister, Aunty Beatrice chose to come visit us at that instant. She exclaimed her pastor's name (like she always does when there's trouble) when she saw Ekene on the floor, almost lifeless, with blood gushing out of the big cut on his forehead. She didn't ask me questions, she knew the answers already. She just ran to the road and hailed a taxi, then came back with the man to carry Ekene into the taxi. She still didn't say a word to me;

she just kept chanting "Blood of Jesus, blood of Jesus" till she carried Ekene out of the compound and into the taxi. By now I was soaked in my emergency sweat. I stood still, watching like a rain beaten fowl, till the taxi drove out of sight. In that instant, I told myself I was going to finally die that day, my mother was literally going to kill me and my father would be happy to do the burying. When my both parents didn't come back on time that day, I knew that Aunty Beatrice must have informed them of the incident and they were probably with Ekene already. I had different thoughts in my head, what if I had killed Ekene? The thought brought shivers down my spine. I and the rest of my siblings hardly said a word to each other for the rest of that evening, silence seemed like the best option at that time. Ekene's absence reminded us not to say a word to each other for the time being. That experience was probably the scariest we had witnessed. Our parents came in at exactly 10:45pm; my father was carrying a sleeping Ekene, who now had a huge plaster on the spot where the injury had been. My mother looked like she had been crying for hours. We greeted them from a distance but there was no response from either of them. I wasn't surprised. Mother didn't even ask the usual questions;

"Have you children eaten this evening? What did you learn at school today? When did NEPA take the light? Hope you didn't kill yourselves today?" she didn't ask like she normally did. Most shocking, was that my parents failed to ask me or any of my other siblings what transpired earlier that day. They didn't even eat that night. They just walked into their bedroom carrying Ekene, and there we stood, in the dim sitting room, with gloomy thoughts and faces. We went to bed without saying the usual family prayer and for the first time since we knew our names; there was no sound in our room that night. Not even a vicious word thrown from one person to another. We just laid in our double decked beds and drifted slowly to sleep. I can't really remember how early it was the following morning when my mother came into our room and shouted our names as if the house was suddenly on fire. We jumped up to consciousness and the words that came out of her mouth were incomprehensive to us at first so we just stared at her in utmost dismay. "Didn't you hear what I said; you're busy moping at me like a mopol. I said all of you should go and have your bath and get prepared. We're going to see Pastor Andrew today, because if I keep quiet, you little things will kill me and my husband before our time, and my Father in heaven will never allow you succeed." She kept going on and on about how she didn't kill her parents, how she hasn't wronged anybody to deserve such from her children. She went further to lament that; we wanted her enemies to mock her. When we made no move to get up from the bed she removed one of her Dunlop slippers and aimed at us. We scurried out of our beds and started undressing. None of us had set eyes on Ekene that morning but we dared not ask. S a n B R N K S I s2

The trip to the church was a solemn and quiet one. By the time we got there, we were all jittery. We the children were asked to wait at the reception while my parents went into the pastor's office. After forty-five minutes, they all came out and we were led into the church, where a deliverance session was carried out on us. Pastor Andrew and his prayer warriors spoke in different tongues and anointed our foreheads with oil. They prayed against the spirit of violence and war. I seemed to be a specific target. Anuli my immediate younger sister, starting coughing out of impulse and the drama that ensued was hilarious. The pastor immediately diverted his attention to Anuli and exclaimed in a loud voice "Yes Lord! Jesus take over. The anointing is moving. The foul spirit is coming out. Jesus is taking control of this body right now." My mother started jerking forward and backward in prayer, with eyes now wide open and fixated on Anuli. My dad was nodding and answering "Amen." When the cough continued, they all gathered around Anuli and began to shout "FIRE! FIRE!! FIRE OF THE HOLY GHOST" The bewildered girl started crying. She didn't understand the sudden change in event. The rest of us children found it funny, because we knew it was just an ordinary cough. We giggled amongst ourselves and continued screaming "Amen" like we were told to. At the end of the deliverance session, we drove back home after receiving a strong advice from the pastor.

During the weeks that followed, Ekene's cut healed fast, leaving an obvious scar on the spot. Within those weeks, we did not fight nor curse for any reason. How could we? After Pastor Andrew told us we could go to hell fire for constantly fighting each other. He told us to use terms like "God bless you. You're blessed. Jesus loves you." on each other. However, it was not going to last for long. We all knew the pretence was going to end sooner than later, we were bound to go back to our old ways. It wasn't normal to keep still around ourselves. The night it all started again, I knew it was going to happen. We went in to sleep and on this particular night, we were already in our separate beds telling mindless stories when Anuli went out of line and told everyone about the girl Obinna, my elder brother by two years and three months, liked. He didn't find it funny and he made it clear, but the joke was making waves already, we all found it funny. So she kept going. Giving information that wasn't necessary. So when Obinna stood up from his bed and walked towards Anuli's bed, we all knew what was going to happen. We became naturally excited, forgetting our promise to Pastor Andrew. The girls took Anuli's side, but it didn't protect her from receiving Obinna's famous knock on the head. Her scream pierced through the dark night and within minutes our parents came rushing into the room. Not again. My father flogged Obinna without caring to know what Anuli did to him. My mother carried Anuli to their bedroom amidst silent prayers. We slept off without talking to each other that night. That night marked the continuation of our famous lifestyle. We enjoyed picking on each other and our parents slowly began to give up on us.

CAN YOU GIVE A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF YOURBELF? My name is Abiola Aina. I am Yoruba and from Ogun state.

WHAT /8 THE JOURNEY LIKE AB AN ARTIBTE? Growing up, I actually wanted to be a footballer and not a musician. I started writing music at a very young age. Then, I was making CDs and selling tapes in secondary school; so, really, that's where it all started from. Afterwards, I got a deal with 'kollertunz' that paved the way for me. It is more like a humble beginning thus far for me.

THE NAME FLOW88/CK. DO YOU THINK YOU'VE DONE WELL POB/TION/NG IT IN THE HEARTB OF YOUR AUDIENCE? Well, I will say I have done what I can really. I never dreamt I will be where I am at the moment and for me to even be here is something that gives me joy.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY BUPPORT THUB FAR IN YOUR CAREER? Yea! I have had several supports, but Kollertunz have been the biggest support in my career so far. They have been the ones pushing my music to your hearing right from the beginning. I have got my own record label though called "Inglewood Music" and I am promoting that as well.

YOU PARTED WAYB WITH KOLLER TUNEB AT BOME POINT BUT NOW YOU ARE BACK WORKING TOGETHER. /8 THERE ANY REABON FOR THE DIVIDE? Well, we put the egos and the differences aside, and then we were able to come to an agreement. We had issues but as they say men do; Men sit down together and come up with solutions.

IT /8 NO MORE NEWB THAT /NTERNA TIONAL COMPAN/£8 ARE INTEREBTED IN THE MUBIC /NDUBTRY. TRYING TO OWN ART/8TE8 LIKE YOU TO PROMOTE THEIR BRANDB. WHAT HAVE YOU TO BAY ABOUT TH/8? It's good for the Nigerianmusic industry. It is good publicity for us. It is good promotion and exposure for us internationally and both locally. Look at people like D banj for instance; he has been able to put the African music on the map internationally by his song Oliver Twist getting in the top 10 in the UK. It has never been done by any other African artiste. He already paved the way so, I think it is really not going to be a problem for other artistes such as myself to get that far.

/HAVE YOU EVER BEEN APPROACHED BY ANY COMPANY? Well, probably one or two. I have been having meetings with one or two people but there is nothing solid yet.

AB/DEB MUB/C WHAT ELBE 00£8 FLOW88/CK DO? I like football, I play football a lot. I am in school, in business school precisely and I have been on that for a while.

WHAT /8 YOUR NORMAL DAY LIKE? Today, I woke up and I decided I did not want to do anything today. I canceled all my meetings except this one. My plan was to go to the cinemas. I got here around 1Dam and I will probably leave around 11 pm at night. I just want to see every movie I can see and then go home; that's a normal day for me LOL!

WITH THE COMPLEXITY AND DYNAMIBM OF THE MUB/C /NDUBTRY. NOT EVERYONE THAT DELVEB INTO IT ACTUALLY MAKEB A MARK. WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO BAY ABOUT THAT? It depends on you. Some people are unlucky; some people don't have the talent. It goes both ways really. You need luck, grace and hard work. If you can have all these three things together, I think you will go as far as you can.

DO YOU EVER BEE YOURBELF QUITTING MUB/C? Errrm! Yea! definitely. Like some point later in life, I will like to get into other stuffs. Not like quit full time; I will still be involved but not as I am right now. I would not be recording as much and all that.

I don't write music nor do people write for me. I write in my head, I am more like a freestyler 80 WE ARE EXPECTING AN ALBUM BOON? Definitely!

FROM YOUR VIEW. WHAT /8 IT LIKE COLLABORATING WITH OTHER ARTIB TEB AND HOW 00ÂŁ8 IT HELP BUILDING YOUR BRAND?

ANY EMBARRA88/NG MOMENTB? Not really.

Collaborating with other artistes is actually good. I have actually worked with a lot of artistes but actually, I have never put out a song where I featured another artiste because I believe in my brand. I have a lot of people I look up to in the music industry and I feel my music would speak for itself without collaborations.

laughs* I am too fat to be a model. I could try modeling but it is never going to be like the music because I don't have passion for it.

WHAT ARE YOUR LIKEB AND D/BLIKEB?

WHAT ARE YOUR /NBPIRA TIONB?

I like girls, I like money. Everyone likes a good life and stuff you know *laughs*. Dislikes; I dislike people getting in my business when it is not really their business , I dislike people telling me what to do , I dislike people criticizing me. Basically that's pretty much it.

God , my family and girls. I make music about them so they inspire me a lot.

FROM THE 80NG8 YOU'VE WORKED ON AND PUT OUT THUB FAR. WHICH /8 YOUR FAVOURITE?

It has to be D banj because he has been able to take the Nigerian music to the next level. When I was growing up , I never thought I would see a Nigerian musician collaborate with an international artiste and vice versa. He is taking it to that level and has opened the door for everyone so definitely, D banj.

I have a few I really like. I like my new single "Kosiiro". It is a really good work. I have got lots of works I have not put out yet that I really like, but even if I say them .you guys would not know about them. I have stuffs with lyanya, Banky W, Davida et al that I have worked with but I haven't put out. I really can't say which my favorite is.

ANY BPECIAL MEBBAGE DIRECTED TO ANYONE WITH THE ONEB YOU HAVE RELEABED?

I THINK YOU ARE BETTER AB A MODEL. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?

WHO /8 YOUR ROLE MODEL IN THE MUBIC INDUB TRY (LOCALLY)?

HOW DO YOU COME ABOUT YOUR MUBIC? I don't write music nor do people write for me. I write in my head, I am more like a freestyler. When I get into the studio , what inspires me that day is what I drop. I make my music off the top.

Naa! I make music for the general public.

9fJ% OF YOUR 80NG8 ARE ABOUT THE LAD/EB, WHY /8 THAT? That's because they are what I know how to write about. They are what inspire me. Some people like to write about their lives and what they have been through , the struggles and all but I make music about what I know about. I know about women and that is my strong point.

I THINK YOU ARE A CREA T ACT AND FANB OUT THERE WOULD ALBO AGREE WITH ME BUT HOW DO YOU INTEND GROWING BIGGER AND BETTER? Thank you. I am working on a lot of stuffs. Like the saying goes "Rome was not built in a day" so I am really working on myself personally and also my brand. Very soon I will get where I expect myself to be.

YOU HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO PUT OUT AN ALBUM. WHY /8 THAT I have put out a lot of singles but I have not been able to put out an album because I have actually not really felt the need to put out an album. My music is simple economics to me. It is demand and supply. When I see that the public demands an album I will supply. Basically, I haven't seen enough demand for me to supply an album.

WHERE DO YOU BEE YOURBELF IN THE /NDUB TRY IN A FEW YEARB TIME? Probably on top.Probably, the biggest artiste in Africa.

IF YOU BHOULD COME BACK REBORN. WHAT LINE OF BPECIALIZA TION WOULD YOU VENTURE IN? Football. I will be a footballer definitely.

ANY LABT WORDB FOR UB? Shout out to SanBRNKSmagazine , shout out to my fans. Stay in school and for upcoming artistes, you need hard work, grace and luck and to get to where you are going.

My next perception was sharp paralysing pain in my chest, as a great weight pressed my ribs. My chin was being forced up and back and a large piece of the broken red wine bottle pressed against the back of my neck as blows rained on my head. A woman 's laughter coming from the TV. A liquid chugging sound to my right Blorp blorp blorp. But the center of my universe was the demon face above me, its features twisted into a hateful mask. His knee pressed harder, so hard I thought my ribs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -would GrnGk. :J:he broken bottle slowly pierned into the baGk of my neGk- - as I vainly tried to breathe past the agony. "No , baby, no" My mouth You never know how you 're going to die. Nothing really prepares you. formed the words , with no air to give them voice as the glass on the Nothing prepares you for the enigma that is death. No religion or history floor cut through my neck. books, no field of philosophy, no collection of beliefs. Nothing. But yet i lay here, blood seeping out of my body in a consistent red flow and all i felt was numbness. Numbness alongside conscious thinking. It felt like He looked into my eyes for a split of a second , Then all of a sudden his my thoughts were bleeding too. Every memory formed from my eyes widened and he was off me, he looked at his bloody hands and childhood up till this point beaming into my mind in nano short flashes. jerked off like he had been pushed off me and ran out of the kitchen. Darkness coiled around me and I was certain I was going to die. I closed I lay there losing too much blood but too weak to stand up. My head my eyes. throbbed and the shards of glass scattered all over the floor had left cuts

Perceptions

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"Are you sleeping with him?" He yelled at me again. The deep toned voice sending a thunderous echo through the empty house. "Answer me goddammit!" He said now moving towards my cowering frame as I was slowly backing out of the kitchen. "Baby, we 're just colleagues at work, there 's nothing between us" I replied. "Just colleagues , he called to ask if your husband was at home, is that what you do behind my back? Is it?" His eyes widened like he wanted to drill a hole through me. "No baby it was an innocent flirt I'm sure , just calm down while I explain. The doctor said you should always be calm" I said in between sobs. "Again with that damn doctor, so I'm insane now, I'm a mad man?" Raising his voice higher than before. "No baby but the doctor. .. " He lunged at me as I tried to run out of the kitchen. I never made it there. In a blur of movement, a jackhammer seemed to strike me in the chest, knocking me back. My arms shot out instinctively, and I felt an electric shock in my left forearm. The bottle of red wine i was holding dropped from my frail hands splattering shards of glass across the room

******************

everywhere on my skin. This is madness, I should be running , but why wasn 't I? The footsteps approached and before i could move, he came for me again, "Don 't touch me" i managed to shout, "don 't you fucking touch me" I repeated. But he still came "I 'm sorry baby, I'm sorry, let me help you , lf~ mi, I won 't hurt you again" the voice a sharp contrast from the monster i was sure a few minutes ago would take my life. He reached for me this pulling my ragged body close. "i know i lose control sometimes, i'm sorry. but its because i love you" I could feel his body heat and hear the faint beating of his heart as he sobbed uncontrollably like a child. He carried my weightless body. My blood dripping all over the white kitchen tiles. He bust into full tears as he carried me, I looked into his eyes and stifled a smile. As he carried me to the car he kept on repeating "i won 't hurt you anymore" i know he said that last time. This might be last or maybe second to the last, I can 't really tell , but i'm not leaving this man. Judge me all you want. Call me stupid , for remaining in this relationship , but we are told to face our demons, well. .. Its a shame i am in love with mine.

CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOUR8ELF? Akande Mobarak Afolabi is my name, a.k.a Arabmonae , a.k.a Oil Rig Cheda Baby.

WHY DO YOU GO WITH THE NAME ARABMONAE? Due to the kind of family I came from , my friends started using the name Arabmonae to diss me, so that's how the name got glued to me. When I decided to take in to music , I had a little difficulty deciding on which name to go with so it dawned on me that majority of my friends knew me as Arabmonae and so it was very easy for them to recognize me with the name; that was how I adopted it.

THE NAME ARABMONAE 80UND8 LIKE YOUR FAMILY 18 WELL TO DO AND MAYBE HAVING A LINK WITH 80ME RICH ARA88? Glory be to God my family is actually well to do and quite alright everyone says the same thing that "Guy, you get Arab money shey? " so it still goes either ways.

ARE WE EXPECTING BIGGER COLLABORA TION8 IN THE NEAR FUTURE? By God 's grace, but all I can say is that it's going to be a surprise , so you all should watch out.

WE UNDER8 TAND THAT YOU ARE JU8 T THROUGH WITH 8CHOOL; WHAT 18 YOUR NORMAL DAY LIKE. COMBINING IT WITH MU8IC? God has made it all easy for me because apparently, I am in my service year and God has allowed the principal at where I am serve to be considerate and understanding, so he gave me free time to work on my career. I am always in the studio or on the stage performing. It has just been great because even I cannot explain it. God just packaged things smoothly for me.

YOU MADE MENTION OF YOU PERFORMING ON 8 TAGE; LIKE HOW MANY PERFORMANCE8 HAVE YOU CAPPED? Since I graduated from school , I have had close to 10-15 performances.

GIVE U8 AN IN8IGHT ON YOUR MU8IC CAREER? I started this music career from my senior secondary school 3 but I did not come out with it like that, I was just doing an underground hustle, so getting into my 200 level I decided to pursue it fully. I had my mind made up that music was what I wanted to do; so I told my parents about it and surprisingly they were supportive. They are really very supportive and the journey so far isn 't easy; trust me, but I really have to give God thanks.

TALKING ABOUT THE RAVE OF THE MOMENT MOLAMIDC HOW CAN YOU DE8CRIBE HIM? The first time I met Olamide, he was just quiet, cool and calm. Watching his videos you would expect him to be wild and all but it's the other way around; He is an understanding personality, helpful , wonderful and he is like a senior brother to me. I said he is a senior brother figure to me because he is experienced than I am, older than I am in the game and also bigger than I am in this game.

WHAT WA8 IT LIKE FOR YOU? My brother, they have all been crazy (exceptionally mind-blowing).

8INCE YOU HAVE JU8T RELEA8ED TWO TRACK8, YOU DEFINITELY HA VE BEEN PERFORMING YOUR #8ÂŁ8 r TRACK KOMOLE ON 8TAGE... After I finish performing , people rush at me and they would be like "guy that was a great song " and since I don 't want my head to swell LOL! I will be like "Thanks so much , na God "

DO YOU THINK IT 18 BECAU8E OLAMIDE FEATURED IN THE TRACK THAT YOU ARE GETTING MUCH AUDIENCE? First of all , I can say I did a good part; it is not like when people hear it they would be like "Ahh Olamide killed this guy on his track" I did it to the extent that people would acknowledge my efforts. Quite alright,Olamide 's part helped a lot and gave me a good advantage to hit the market.

HOW WERE YOU GUY8 ABLE TO COLLABORATE IN YOUR TRACK 'KOMOLC?

FROM YOUR POINT OF VIEW. IF YOU HAD DECIDED TO GO BOLO ON KOMOLE WOULD YOU HAVE BROKEN INTO THE MARKET LIKE YOU DO NOW?

Surprisingly, it was very easy for me to get to Olamide. I wouldn 't say it was via my effort but I would say it was through God 's help. God made it all possible. How it has been.communicating with him has been wonderful. It still blows my mind that I am in touch with a great act like him.

All glory to God because he made it all possible. I want to mention that I gave it my best and I thank God for that. Quite alright, Olamide 's part als helped like I said earlier onbecause people would want to listen to a song he features in.

WHAT WA8 THE IN8PIRA TION BEHIND YOUR TRACK MKOMOLC AND WHY DID YOU GO WITH OLAMIDE TO COLLABORATE WITH YOU? At first, after I did my part, we listened to the song over and over again and we deliberated on who we felt could feature well in the track. We had options of Wizkid and Olamide and a majority of the votes from my management went Olamide 's way so , that is how we had him involved. As you all can see Olamide did a really good job on the track.

HA8 KOMOLE BEEN YOUR BE8T TRACK 80 FAR? For now I have officially released just two tracks , more are still coming by God 's grace so , you guys should watch out for now. Arabmonae is coming big time. Concerning whether Komole is my best track, well , for now it is but bigger and better tracks are in the labor room waiting to be delivered.

WHAT ARE YOUR LIKE8 AND Dl8LIKE8? I love when someone is not being deceitful so, in essence I like honest people. Also I love the pretty ladies LOL! But character also matters. A beautiful girl without character is a dislike for me.

WHAT CAN YOU 8A Y ABOUT MULTINATIONAL COMPANIE8 GETTINGTHEM8ELVE8 INVOLVED IN THE MU8IC INDU8TRY I feel it is a positive advantage because they are helping each other out. It is a win-win situation from my point of view. They are promoting the artiste while promoting their selves also.

WHERE DO YOU 8EE ARABMONAE IN THE NEXT FEW YEAR FROM NOW? In the next few years , Arabmonae would not be where he is right now o, trust me. Everything is in the hands of God but me and my management has got really big plans for you all , so watch out. Also , you all should kee praying for me and supporting me, God bless you all #YesBoss.

EFUL Tips for young people who want to make a difference So many times , especially after speaking at events, I get requests from young people who want to know how they can create a difference and leave a lasting impression and command higher value for their services. I always share these tips which have guided me through my professional career. I refer to them as the 6 tips for being youthful but useful. I advise you to read them and meditate on them , and try as much as possible to apply them. They are the tips for high flying youths.

Be Original Because so many things compete for attention, people tend to only remember those things that stand out. As a young person who is going to leave a lasting impression within your field or profession , you cannot afford to be usual. You must embrace originality and be able to explore the concept to your advantage. Originality is being able to do differently and perculiarly what others do normally. To be original, you need to look at your field or profession with innovative eyes, and always ask yourself what you can make better and improve upon. Originality begins with embracing your personality, and consciously adopting a way of living or acting that makes you different and inspire others to think in your direction. There has never been any body in history who has made significant difference by being like every other person. This profound statement by George Bernard Shaw bears the significance of being different: 'The ordinary man tried to adapt himself to the world. The extraordinary man tries to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all change and progress depends on the extraordinary man'. Be original!

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Know your profession I am not sure how many people have watched the award winning movie 300. I believe this movie has so much lessons to teach about determination and audacity. One scene that really inspires me is when the Spartans were marching to war, some Archadians wanted to join them to go to battle against the king Xerxes of Persia. King Leonides in trying to access their readiness asked them what their professions were in order to access their abilities to pertake in what he knew will be a fierce battle. Some said they were cobblers , another said he was a bricklayer. Turning to his 300 soldiers , he asked: 'Spartans, what is your profession? ' and they chanted; War, war, war. ' In the same vein , if you are going to be young and relevant, you have to know your profession so well enough that it becomes part of you. I love it when I meet young people who are very good at what they do. When you know your profession well , you will never lack revenue; because people will always look for you and pay you for your services. The key to knowing your profession is to always being open to improvement and self development. You must constantly keep an open mind to the latest developments within your profession. Continuous learning is the key to mastering your profession.

Be Principled Principles define us; they keep us focused , stable , and undeterred. To be relevant, it is important to have principles that guide your life and actions. As a young person, it is important to have and clearly write out your mission, vision , goals, and core values. Most people do not think about these things until much later in their lives , and this is why only a few live fulfilled lives. When you embrace principled living, you win the trust of friends , colleagues , and clients , and even enemies. Principled living also boosts self confidence and improves esteem. Principled living is a must, if you will make a difference as a young person. Responsible youths live by principles.

Never think you are too young to make a difference This is the pitfall of many young people who have the potential to make a difference but fail to do so because they hide under the guise of being too young. No one is too young to make a difference and don 't allow anyone tell you that you are too young to make a difference in any field. Suhas Gopinath became the youngest CEO in the world at the age of 1Dyears. Steve Jobs started Apple computers at the age of 20 years. There are young people across the world who are making significant impacts in various fields of endeavours.

Build the right network The statement: 'your network determines your net worth ' is very true. To be relevant as a young person , you must associate yourself with the right people and always seek advice from the right mentors. The kind of people you associate with can tell a lot about your self worth. It is important to surround yourself with people who are forward looking , and passionate about their vision. Surrounding yourself with the right network will keep you focused. I always advice young people to have a robust network of mentors and adults. Learning from adults and mentors is not only wise but it is also very profitable. There is so much they know that you don't, and you can save yourself from making mistakes and wrong decisions. This is one of my best kept secrets; and I don't joke with every opportunity I have to learn from people that know more that I do.

Always look out for opportunities to add value One secret to remaining relevant is to look out for opportunities to add value wherever you find yourself. Approaching challenges in search of solutions always helps you to add experience to your portfolio, and increase your credibility. People will only remember you for what you give and what value you add. This is one secret to leaving lasting impressions in the minds of those you come across. It is also a secret to making money, and being an entrepreneur or social entrepreneur. Solving problems and having a solution mindset helps you gain relevance within your field. I advice young people to always take out time daily or weekly to think through problems and proffer solutions. Always ask yourself: 'what problems exist that I can solve using what I know, and the network I have?' Focus on a problem at a time , or few problems, and develop initiatives to solve them. Build your solutions into brands , and develop strategies and revenue models around them. This is the key to building great brands and businesses.

John Okoro is an International Consultant and a Professional Speaker. At 22, He sits on the board of several companies , and travels internationally to honour speaking engagements and consulting demands. He is recognized as an expert in Business Development, International Development, and Human Capital Development, and has spoken at various professional conferences and events. He is a member of the prestigious Project Management Institute and is also a Project Management Professional (PMP). He is based in Paris and Abuja.

JOHN ! OKORO Impossible is an illusion

www.johnokoro.com

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FLIP

CLOTHING

VlnTRGE COLLECTIOn A FAd IN A shirt with different patterns and exquisite designs with a well fitted pant, a hat.wrist wears and well-polished shoes to give that simple but classy casual look is a trend in vogue. As an individual, you tend to look more appealing to the eyes when these fashion steps are employed. Vintage collection is another creative concept put out by the management of Brnks clothing. It is another trend set, a fad in vogue, a style to be followed and a concept put together in other to attract individuals from all walks of life that are lovers of casual outfits. Our job at Brnks clothing is to get into your mind and stir up that fashion sense in you in order to give you that look that exudes class, simplicity, elegance and panache.

VOGUE

Take a time out to look into your wardrobe and if you cannot get that vintage outfit that suits your taste , get in touch with us at Brnks Clothing and we assure you not just a change of wardrobe but also a change of outlook. This collection is just a part of the entire Vintage concept. It cuts across age, gender, size and does not discriminate. It is on this note we are publicizing in advance the other part of the vintage concept to come up at the end of the year which is going to comprise of Vintage Jumpsuits, Vintage shorts et al. Get in touch with us today and we assure you of a look that will make you stand out. "It's all in your imagination, be gallant and take that fashion risk" - Brnks

Deluxe Monochrome collection It is one that requires your fashion sense to come alive. An exemption from this would turn you into a laughing stock amongst your peers . Similarly, if the right principle is applied to wearing this unique collection, then you will be creating a positive impression everywhere you go and the cameras would not be far off; You become a total celebrity. The only principle needed for you to create this positive impression wherever you go with this collection is, "Fashion Styling." You just have to know how to style yourself and this trend of styling depicts the selection of clothing accessories that would bring out the true nature of the outfit. Just like gold in its raw form, it is never attractive but as soon as it is processed (Styled), it becomes grand. Deluxe Monochrome collection is rich in quality (after Styling) ; and it is an impression of a single colour. It is also a platform where you get to showcase your fashion sense; bearing in mind the risks involved ; so, it is safe to say that this collection can be appreciated more with a creative and matured sense of fashion.

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Models: Akin Stylist: Akin Photographer: Chibijas Concept: Corporate Slay Collection: SlayCollection

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Models: Akin Stylist: Akin Photographer: Lexash Concept: Casual Slay Coll, ction: Slay Collection

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Models: Akin Stylist: Akin Photographer: Lexash Concept: Casual SI Collection: SI ollection

Models: Wasola Stylist: Akin Photographer: Chibija Concept: Casual Slay Collection: Slay Collection

Models: Brnks Stylist: Akin Photographer: Chibijas Concept: Casual Slay Collection:-Slay Collection

Models: Akin Stylist: Akin Photographer: Chibijas Concept: Casual Slay Collection: Slay Collection

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