SOCIETY
The unveiled REAL SUCCESS Magazine
Rev. Emmanuel Ameh, Celebrant
Motivational Speaker,
REV. EMMANUEL AMEH Celebrates 40th Birthday In Style
Rev. & Pst (Mrs) Ameh
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nly recently, the cozy event hall of Royal Garden Hotel, Port Harcourt was packed out by friends, family and well-wishers of motivational speaker, Rev. Emmanuel Ameh in a grand and topnotch celebration of his 40th birthday. The debonair gentleman and host of REAL SUCCESS RADIO BROADCAST on LOVE FM 97.7, Port Harcourt, is the pastor of The Grace Place, Church of God Mission International (CGMI) Elelenwo in Port Harcourt. The birthday fiesta also marked the official unveiling of REAL SUCCESS Magazine, a magazine packaged to communicate scriptural success principles to empower readers to discover their purpose, use their gifts and talents maximally and unleash their potential to be all that God designed them to be. It was indeed a colourful birthday celebration for the celebrant and his guests as it was fun all through.
Celebrant giving his welcome address
Dancing time
Joined by friends to cut the Birthday Cake XL
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Dr. Ik Iweha
Rev (Mrs.) Ihueze
Bishop Imoh
Engr. Iyalla
Celebrant & wife
Pst (Mrs.) Margaret Ameh, Rev. Happiness, Elder Paul & Eberechi
Deacon OJ
Elder Daniel Isegboma proposing a toast
Elder & Deaconess Dede
Elder & (Barr.) Mrs Dada Johnson
Rev. Ameh & friends
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Rev. Ameh & friends
Dorcas & Deacon OJ
Pst (Mrs.) Margaret Ameh & Rev. Happiness
Dr. & Mrs Atamah Pepple
Mr. & Mrs Jackson Ubong
Emilia & Celebrant
Awa & Celebrant
Mr. & Mrs Godwin Igiobor
Mr. & Mrs John Young Harry
Mr. & Mrs Madu Umesi
Daniella & Deaconess Timi Tolofari
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Where Will You Be Five Years From Now? There is nothing this human mind has envisioned that it cannot make happen. Dubai is probably one of the best places in the world. Today it is probably the hottest place for tourism, people come every day. One thing about Dubai is that it changes constantly. If you went there five years ago and you go there today, there is a lot of difference. It is growing rapidly. It's called the land of dreams and the land of possibilities. I saw high rise buildings everywhere like I've never seen in any city in my life; The largest human made island, is in Dubai, Dubai is a sea port and serves trading centre around the mediterian and it is also a vest desert. The tallest building in the world and the best hotels are all in Dubai. What is driving the place is vision. When you go out like that and you see things like that you are tempted to weep for our country. It doesn't take rocket science to build the best city in the world. It's take vision; a dream. Today Dubai has a population of about 3.8million persons, out of which only 20% are indigenes and they don't need to work. One of our tour guides said there is no poor man in Dubai, that means there's no indigenous person that is poor. It doesn't used to be like that all the time. Somebody sat down and saw it. If you see something today, in five years you will be shocked at where you are, five years is too much for your life to change, if you can see something today. One of my dreams is five years from now if I don't work for the rest of any life, my bills can be paid, not that I will stop working, but I've stopped struggling to pay bills. There is enough coming in without me having to work. I've seen life stories of people change dramatically in a short time, because, they
caught a vision, and what I've notice about dream is the moment it begins to pull you, God orchestrates everything around you to work out the dream. It doesn't mean that there'll be no obstacle or hindrances, but there is so much you've seen so it can’t be stopped. Add five years to your life, how old will you be? Two things will happen, you either wake up five years from now and you are where life has put you or five years from now you are where you want to be. Success is actually making your life what you want to be. I've three objectives that will define my life in the next five years. I've started working on them; some of you need people to help you through this process. This is what I want, how do I get here, and what do I do. One of my objectives is aggressive personal development, in the next five years. I want to be a better person, my second is financial freedom. I want to be financially free; I can live the rest of my life and not work, that is to say, I can leave work, not to pastor a church, not work for nobody, I can live very comfortably. My third objective which is top priority for me is to help as many as I can, to empower them to achieve their dreams. Who do you want to be? What will you want to have, what will you want to be doing five years from now? This is not a wishy, wishy, I hope it work. This is what you are working out; The willingness to see the future and to put in maximum work and effort in the present is the key to our next level. Many people don't have a picture of a future that is compelling so they can settle for anything. You can't make sacrifices, if the future you see is not compelling enough. If it is, you can give up your sleep and time, you can give up your food, you can cut off friends, and drive it, and then you have a story to tell. Five
(from page 40) years from now, on your birthday, for example, what kind of house do you want to wake up from, what kind of shop, do you want to enter? It's only Nigeria that produces accidental millionaire because they stumbled into money because they got into power. They steal like there's no tomorrow, but a new Nigeria is rising that is driven by dreams. What have you envisioned that is pulling your life? You can be better that who you are now, you can have what you don't have now; you can do what you are not doing right now. Nigeria is a praying country but many times our prayer is non-sense. When we pray, God is looking for a way to put vision, and dreams in our hearts but we are too preoccupied with shaking our heads and don't receive from God. Prayer time is actually when you receive visions and dreams. When I pray many times that is when I get ideas. Many times when am praying, I have paper and pen to write. As I read through the gospel and found out when Jesus went to pray he wasn't spending time to pray so that God will empower him, but when he spends time to pray, he sees what the father is doing. When He talks to God, He shows him pictures. If you can see it, it will happen. Five years from now, you will walk to the shop and pick the cars you want; Faith calleth those things that be not as though they were. No matter what has happened in your life, nothing can change your life like the power of your dream. If you can see, sit down and write and envision and you will see a glorious future. When you wake up every day of 2014, you will wake up with excitement because you are to fulfill your dream. The days of smallness are over in your life.
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SOCIETY
THREE YEARS AFTER, STANEL OIL CHAIRMAN, STANLEY UZOCHUKWU LIGHTS UP THE CITY OF JOS AS HE DEDICATES TRIPLETS
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ost times in life, when our expectations seems to be far away in the horizon and our souls thirsts for a release from hope and the buffeting of doubts and fear in our hearts, God appears on the scene, hushes down our fears and treat us to doses of thrilling and intriguing miracles and fill our mouth with laughter of joy that knows no bound. In the discharge of His grace and favour, the good Lord graciously sentenced the Uzochukwus to a season of unlimited laughter and favour. We hear of God's faithfulness, but the Uzochukwus are God's faithfulness personified. To the couple, the names: DANIELLA, DANITA, and DANIT are synonymous with divine faithfulness and miracle. On the beautiful morning of Sunday 1st December 2013, Jos, the state capital of Plateau State was filled to capacity with guests, friends and family of the Uzochukwus in a grand and flamboyant celebration and dedication of their new born triplet babies: DANIELLA, DANITA, and DANIT. The event which pulled the crème-de-la-crème of the society across political, industrial, economic divides to Jos, paraded dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria. From Brazil to Texas, USA; from Lagos to Port Harcourt and Abuja. Amongst the important dignitaries in attendance were Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs Nwaobia; Senators from Plateau State led by senator Joshua Dariye; State legislators led by the Speaker Rt. Hon Titus A. Alams; former Governor of Kogi State, Prince Audu Abubakar; Mr. & Mrs George of FAAN; Dr. Shola of College of Forestry, Ambassador Uche, Hon. Taye Garic, Ambassador Bagudu Hirsi, Pastor A. Abraham of Household of Faith, Pastor Agbo, Sir Chidi Ufondu and wife, Mr and Mrs Uchena Igwe of Zenith Bank, and a host of other dignitaries. The testimony of Mrs Irene Uzochukwu, mother of the triplet was a testimony that underscores the scriptural verse that says “all things work together for good for those who are called according to purpose”. In her own words, ''We are not just here to celebrate the birth of our triplet, but to testify. We have gone through turbulent times as we looked up to GOD several years waiting for the Lord's miracle of fruit of the womb.'' As tears of joy rolled down her cheek seamlessly, her testimony continued to reveal that
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Mr & Mrs. Stanley Uzochukwu Chairman, Stanel Oil & wife
Daniella, Danita & Danit
there is nothing the devil can do to change a divine destiny. Mr Stanley Uzochukwu, father of the new born baby girls and chairman of Stanel Oil & Gas, was undoubtedly shorts of words as he narrated the birth pangs and the ordeal they went through as a couple. On the 9th of May 2013, at the Women's Hospital of Houston Texas, USA where the miracle took place, the faith of the debonair gentleman along with his family members were stretched and tested even as they witness the critical labour his adorable wife passed through. It was quite
an intriguing ordeal that he could just not recount without his hands lifted up in praise to God. ‘'She was critically depressed and transformed. Soon, we began to pray fervently. Even the clinical staff joined in the prayers'', he said with voice laden with joyful tears. Done with church event, the dedication fiesta shifted to the family home of the Uzochukwus where the dignitaries were treated to an array of delicious Cuisine.
upon waves of hilarious and rib-cracking jokes alongside “Akanchawa” crooner, Gozie Okeke who also thrill the dignitaries with melodious tunes It was indeed a fun-filled event which will remain in the mind of guests for a long time to come as God's faithfulness to the Uzochukwus was really celebrated without any dull moment.
Ace comedian, Julius Agwu who compered the event unleashed waves
The Uzochukwus
Stylish Mr. & Mrs. Uzochukwu
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AT HOME BEFORE THE CHURCH SERVICE
Proud Dad of triplets
Triplets savouring the moment Proud Mom of Triplets
Even business calls would not seize
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A haven of comfort for the triplets XL
...STILL AT HOME
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DURING THE CHURCH SERVICE
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Mr Uzochukwu, wife & Pastor Bola with baby
Mrs Irene Uzochukwu & daughter
Mrs Uzochukwu giving thanks to God
All the praise......be unto the Lord
Uzor, Chairman of Lake Energy with Mom
Stanleyturns to his emotional wife
Mr. & Mrs Uzochukwu with daughter
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Pastor Abraham Adeshina & Pastor Bola with baby
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Gov. Jona Jang's representatives (c) with the Uzochukwus
Mrs. Irene (r) with friends
Stanley & wife, exchanging pleasantries with His Excellency, Jimmy Chetto
Mrs Irene dancing with Mother-in-law to the admiration of others
Yusuf Sule & Stanley in joyous dancing
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...Dancing with Maj. Gen. Enetie (STF Commander)
Stepping out majestically
Mrs. Uzochukwu (Stanley's Mom) on the dance floor XL
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AT THE RECEPTION
SOCIETY
Daniella, Danita & Danit joined by Proud parents to cut the dedication Cake
Delivering Gov. Jang's Goodwill message
Chairman of Stanel Oil, Stanley Uzochukwu & wife Irene on the Red Carpet
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The lovely triplets - Daniella, Danita & Danit
Mr & Mrs. Stanley welcome Prince Abubakar Audu (former Gov., Kogi State)
SOCIETY
Representative of Gov. Jonah Jang (c)
Prince Audu with some Senior Management staffs of First Bank
Mr & Mrs Stanley on the dance floor
Arc. P. D. Gyang, Hon. Joe Bukar & Sen. Victor Lar
Perm. Sec, Min. of Finance, representing Dr. Okonjo-Iweala & Sen. Joshua Dariye
Hon Taiye & wife ... With Kevin Pam of Big Brother Africa fame
Mrs Oge Jolex (left) & Amb. Uche Onwude (right) raining Naira on the Uzochukwus
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Prince Abubakar Audu (c) & other guests
Rt. Hon. Alams (Speaker, Plateau State) & Rt. Hon. John Clarke (former Speaker)
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley with Hon. Olivia Dazan (Plateau State Comm., Women Affairs)
Arc. P. D. Gyang, Hon. Joe Bukar, MD, Rick Rock & Sen. Victor Lar
Engr. Jimmy Chetto, Moses Siasia & friend
George Uriesi (MD, FAAN) & wife
Chairman, U.U. Martins Oil & Gas with wife
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Pastor Agbo (Living Faith) & wife
Mrs. Jennifer Ituh & friend XL
Some foreign guests
Onwa of Osumenyi
George Uriesi, DG, SSS & Airport Manager
Chairman, Sefcon Doors
Provost, College of Forestry (r) and friends
Vodi Designers boss, Chairman Stanel Oil, Ade of Dantata & Sowei with chairman, CGP Oil & Gas
Chairman, Lake Energy & kings Wali
Stanley & friend
Charbel & Chidi Egbuna of G. E. Oil & Gas
Vodi, Hadar Situare & Chairman, Lake Energy
Solomon of D Hotel & friends
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Stanley & friends
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Mr. & Mrs. Stanley addressing the Media
Triplets Grandmother with friends
Irene with friends
Col. Adedigba & colleague
Amb. Bagudu Hirse (former Foreign Affairs Minister) & Hadjia Mantu
Representative of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, Mrs El- buba & Monica Idris
Hon. James Yakubu (Plateau State Comm., Youth & Sports) with friend
Guests at the event
Uche Igwe & wife Ify Obiefuna & Mrs Kenny Enahoro
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Major Alene Wese & wife
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley addressing the Media
Ade & Julius Agu
Mr. Idoko with Amb. Uche
A cross-section of guests
Amb. Uche rains Naira on Gozie of Akanchawa
Guests
Widows testify to the philanthropic spirit of chairman, Stanel Oil XL
Goemai Masqurades added colour
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Responding to
consequence may be. Remember to keep consequences realistic and short term when the issue is only mild to moderate disrespect. And what you're really doing is showing your child that when she treats others disrespectfully, she's not likely to get many nice things done for her in return.
Disrespectful Children A
child's disrespectful behavior can be a parent's greatest “button-pusher.” A dad recently shared his frustration about his 14-year-old daughter's disrespect: “I told her she couldn't go to a party until her room was picked up and she just exploded. She yelled, told me she hated me and slammed her door. I was so angry and shocked; I told her she was never going to another party until she turned eighteen!” This dad isn't alone. Sometimes disrespect comes along with adolescence; other times a child may show disrespectful behavior from an early age. Either way, it's a behavior that can push any parent's emotional buttons!
T H E
As adults, we expect our children will respect us: our feelings, our home, our authority. And society expects children to be respectful. The phrase, “Children are to be seen, not heard,” comes from a long-held belief that children should be compliant, quiet and do as their parents say. So how can we reconcile our expectation of respect with our child's need to test limits as they assert their independence? Just how far is too far? There are several reasons a child may behave in a way that is “disrespectful.” First, he may not realize the behavior is disrespectful. For instance, questioning a parent's decision may strike adults as rude, but to a child, it may simply be a way of getting his needs met: I want to go to my friend's house. My mom said 'No.' I want to figure out if there's any possible way I can change her mind, because I really want to go. So I question, I argue, I do anything I can think of as a way of getting her to say 'Yes.' Kids also have difficulty asserting or expressing themselves appropriately when feeling angry or frustrated. Adrenaline kicks in and eyes start rolling, voices raise, feet get stomped and doors get slammed. Some kids have difficulty managing the stress and emotions they experience when faced with a limit or being told “no,” and just can't keep themselves from crossing the line. Add in adolescence and hormones and you've got the potential for emotions and irritability to escalate quickly.
RESPONDING TO DISRESPECT Most parents face mild to moderate disrespectful behavior from their kids from time to time. But what's an effective way to
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respond? 1. Decide which behaviors need to be addressed. Most kids have engaged in mildly disrespectful behaviors, such as rolling their eyes at a parent, at least a few times in life. Sometimes it's as they're walking away; sometimes they do it before they realize, “Oops, mom's still standing in front of me!” This is an example of a behavior that you may choose to “let go,” and instead focus on larger issues of disrespect (such as yelling, swearing, slamming doors, screaming “I hate you,” depending on your child's age.) Sometimes it's hard for teens to hide their discontent .If your daughter rolls her eyes at you every time you turn around, you may decide that enough is enough and this behavior warrants a conversation. As a parent, it's a judgment call, but most parents agree there are times when you'll want to “pick your battles.” 2. Take responsibility for your child's disrespectful behavior. We have to understand that the behavior of our wards are most of the times reflections of our own character. Also remember your child is watching how you relate with your spouse and others people.If you disrespect others, then expect same from your child as children are known to emulate or learn from their parents. It's obvious that your child will manage her emotions and behaviors by using the tools you provide. 3. Define for your child what disrespect is. Talk to your child about which behavior is respectful and which isn't. We often expect our kids to know things without spelling them out. Kids who are younger tend to think in terms that are “concrete.” You have to actually tell them “When you yell at me, it's disrespectful.” Don't assume that just because your child has reached adolescence, he has insight into how his behavior comes off to other people. Also, let your child know which behaviors will result in potential consequences: “The next time you yell at me, there will be no friends over for the weekend,” or whatever y o u r
4. Give your child alternative problem-solving skills. If your child is handling her frustration or anger in a way that is disrespectful or unacceptable, talk with her about different ways she can express herself appropriately. You can actually role-play different situations with your child. Have her play the parent and you play her. Give her the words she can use to let you know she's disappointed or unhappy. Because in life, she's going to have to express being unhappy or frustrated not just to you, but to others such as friends, teachers and eventually a boss or spouse. It can be valuable to ask yourself, “How am I teaching my child to treat others? Am I modeling for her how to treat others respectfully?” 5. Provide positive reinforcement. Recognize times your child does behave in a respectful way toward you or others and make sure he knows you're aware of it: “You know, I really enjoyed talking to you this way today. I hope we can have more conversations like this.” Even if he was only respectful for a moment, notice and acknowledge it. You want to reinforce the behavior you want to see more often. Focusing only on behavior you don't want to see won't accomplish your parenting goal: to teach your child to behave in a respectful manner toward you and others. It is important to state that disrespect can escalate into a pattern of verbal abuse or more serious rule-breaking. Yes, breaking things in your home or destroying property, staying out past curfew or not following the house rules is disrespectful. But those things are also part of a more serious pattern of conduct and behavioral issues.Even though a child's disrespect can be a frustrating problem, often what we see as problems are a l s o opportunities to teach our children about values and life skills.
RELATIONSHIP
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY By Adams
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t doesn't matter whether your spouse or you are romantic or not, celebrating wedding anniversary is one of the most exciting and fun ways to spice up your marriage. Regardless of whether you want it a private affair or the one involving huge pomp and show, the celebration of your anniversary is the celebration of the love between you and your spouse. To renew it you will have to make him/her feel special. What lies more is the immense trust and happiness which will strengthen your marital bonds. Sometimes you are slammed with work, your boss beats the shit out of you and you find it almost impossible to spend time with your better half. Or perhaps the big day comes and goes, and you don't do anything at all because you are on a tight budget and can't think of something to do that is celebratory, memorable, and won't cost a fortune. Anyway if your creative juices are not flowing, here are ten awesome and unique ways to replenish that old love and have your spouse fall over for you once again. 1. Outdoors There is a reason why so many couples want to go out on an abroad tour on account of their wedding anniversaries. There are many things in the world which are waiting to be seen and the joy of seeing them together with your spouse will double the fun. It will bring you closer and the memories imprinted will last the rest of your lives. You can sit below the fully bloomed cherry trees of Tokyo, go for sightseeing at Obudu Ranch in Calabar, have lunch at the Rodin gardens in Paris, Go for cool afternoon climbing on Idanre Hills in Ondo State or get enchanted by the marble beauty of Taj Mahal in India. 2. Rope in the kids Most wedding anniversary ideas leave the kids out of the picture. However in many cases, it might not be easy to find a sitter on a short notice. So if your kids are above five, why not make use of their enthusiasm to have a truly creative anniversary party! Ask them to lay the table and decorate the party room as best as they can. If they are older, they could even pitch in with preparing the dinner. After the preparations are over, act as a special couple which you are whom they have to attend to. let them do things like opening the door as you come in, handing over the 'menu' and helping you to choose the 'specials of the day'. Your kids will feel special and included and best of all, you will all feel closer as a family. 3. Volunteer for a cause A hugely fulfilling way to celebrate your anniversary could be to volunteer jointly at some community service. It could be at a school
for underprivileged children with special needs, at an association working for the environment or at an animal shelter any cause that you both believe in. Your time and effort spent here will not only benefit others but leave you with a deep sense of satisfaction at having made a difference in however a small way. 4. Recreate Your Wedding Night Menu Try to recreate your first married meal with your spouse. Work together to choose recipes, go shopping for the ingredients, and cook as a team. For those of you who are really ambitious, try recreating your wedding cake. If you're still not sure what to do, find a new special recipe. End the evening snuggling on the couch, watching the first movie you saw together 5. Relive Your First Date My first date with my husband was at a fast food sandwich restaurant, followed by stargazing. Since then, the restaurant has shut down, and the place where we went
stargazing is no longer accessible. Perhaps the biggest obstacle is that we now live 500 miles from where we first met and dated! Still, even if we can't exactly recreate our first date, we could go to another sandwich place and find another field from which to watch the sky. First dates are usually inexpensive ones, so you can relive those memories at a reasonable price. 6. Have Your Own Personal Photo Shoot Make a list of some of your favorite places around town, load up your camera, and have your own photo shoot! Go to places that hold special meaning to you and your significant other. Perhaps you could stop at the place you had your first kiss or the church where you were married. Ask a passerby to take a couple shots of you. Another idea is to simply take a photo of you together each year on your anniversary. Keep an anniversary album for these special memories.
7. Make an Anniversary Mix CD You can make each other a CD with songs depicting your love story. The first song when you met, dated, danced or had a dinner date. The playlist will narrate about your feelings to your partner when you fell in love, got married and how you feel about them now. The CD will be a reminder for the days you spent time together and the days you fought like cats and dogs. It will also help in coping with the hard times of your marriage. Nonetheless you will have a good collection of music with both yours and your partner's favorites. 8. Write love letters Write to each other a letter every day till the date of your anniversary. Then exchange them on the auspicious day. Read them aloud to each other and try to feel the love. You can also go for scrolls. They are a wonderful way to bring a smile on your partner's face. You can write about all your memories leading up to the day. Tell them how you feel and appreciate their presence in your lives. There may be pretty little things which you find hard to confess. Write them down on a colorful paper, put it in the envelope, seal it with a kiss and deliver it to your love. It is time to get back to the 80s. 9. Renew your vows If you didn't have a grand ceremony for your reception, don't worry. For you can repeat your wedding vows over a dinner party or a private affair just with your friends and closed-ones. Promising each other a happy life ahead full of love and respect for each other is a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary. A candlelit dinner and exchange of vows over it sounds for a perfect getaway from the busy and clamorous schedule of life. If you want peace and romance, go for it. 10. Movie time Rent your favorite movies and hop in for a movie-a-thon. Don't forget to include your wedding video in the list. Give your spouse a surprise by showing it to her. He/she will be abashed to see that you still remember the reminiscences of your marriage and have not forgotten the memories. Hold on an allnight video-a-thon. If your eyes get tired don't put yourself in the trouble of watching more movies just for the sake of it. Sleep off in the arms of your better half. If all other ideas sound a little ambitious for your taste, have your partner pick some movies. In between the movies, discuss what you liked and where you wanted to cry. The flicks would give a hands-on experience and add a nice, thoughtful touch to your night. XL
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Pix by: Ogechi
SOCIETY
MANAGEMENT GURU,
GRANT ORUGBANI DEDICATES HOUSE IN FANFARE
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he need for shelter as a basic necessity of man can not be overemphasised. Having this basic necessity of life is regarded as a sign of accomplishment to so many. For the erudite management guru and National Treasurer of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Mr. Grant Orugbani, it is not about owning a house, but owning an exquisite and functional one. So on January 19th 2014, Mr. Grant Orugbani led his family, friends and political associates to the Church service at Redeemed Christian Pastor Uranta, Area Pastor (RCCG) Fountain of Life Parish leading the prayer Church of God-Fountain of Life Parish, Nkpolu in Port Harcourt where the Orugbanis expressed their gratitude to God in thanksgiving for Emma Omah, and a host of others who came in the entourage of the God's many blessings, love and the ability to build such mansion. former governor. Others include Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, ViceWith service over, all roads led to the Rumuosi axis of Port Harcourt Chancellor of the State owned University of Education and her where the exquisite 5-Bedroom tastefully furnished duplex was husband, Prof. & Prof. (Mrs) Osah Ogulu, Chairman of the Warri unveiled and dedicated to the glory of God amidst much ĂŠclat and Chapter of the NIM with other members and well as Captains of pomp. The house which is the first personal residence owned by the Industry and a host of other dignitaries management maven after 20 years of tenancy in rented apartments, was dedicated by the Area Pastor of RCCG, Pastor Uranta, in the presence of the family and friends of the Orugbanis. In attendance to rejoice with the house owner at the dedication were a host of friends, dignitaries, and well-wishers, amongst whom were, former governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, Mr. Barth Emuekpere, publisher of Xcel Magazine; Mr. Albert Amachree, Hon.
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Mr. & Mrs. Grant Orugbani with daughter
In addition to abundance of sumptuous dainties and assorted wines for the guests, a live band was on ground and entertained guests with good music. It was indeed an interesting event with fun all the way. Grant Orugbani & wife, Florence
Grant Orugbani & wife, Florence during the Service
Mrs. Florence Orugbani
Grant Orugbani & Commodore Abimbola Ayuba
Chief Ikpan, Grant Orugbani & Mr. Wilson Chuku
Mr. Grant Orugbani & Mr. U. Odoi
Mr. Grant Orugbani & Mrs. Soberekon
Dr. V.C. Thom -Otuya & Wife
Mr. & Mrs. Sopiri Jamaica
Mr. & Mrs Morgan Nani
Mr. & Mrs. E. E Ezekiel with Barr. Pere-gbe
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Barr. Pere-gbe, Dr. Amina Fiberesima & Hope Ighomore
His Excellency, Sir Celestine Omehia, Barth & Albert arrives
Sir Celestine (r) with Mrs. Victoria Okoro, Mrs. Soberekon & Grant
His Excellency, Sir Celestine Omehia & Mr. Grant Orugbani
Some representatives of Ogbele Community welcome Sir Omehia
Florence Orugbani welcomes Sir Celestine Omehia
Mr. Sopi, Hon. Apriala, Grant, Dr. U.N.O. Uwaga & Chf. Dr. Tonye K
Sir Celestine Omehia with Grant, Mrs. Evlyn Orisa & Mrs. Ebiye
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Barr. Dennis Dema & Family
Sir Celestine Omehia with Grant Orugbani & some family members
Mr. Sunny Ikpoko
Grant Orugbani & Barth Emuekpere (XCEL Mag Publisher)
Grant & Commodore Abimbola Ayuba.
Representatives of Ogbele Community honouring Grant for the feat
Prof. Steve Okodudu & Grant
Grant Showcases the Symbol of Honour
A presentation by Mr. Hope Ighomore (NIM Warri Chapter Chairman)
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Grant with members of NIM, Warri Chapter
Dr. Thom-Otuya, Prof.& Prof. (Mrs) Ogulu, The Orugbanis, Solomon & Nathan
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SOCIETY
Sir Celestine Omehia (c), Barr. Dennis Dema (r) & Hon. Emma Omah (l)
Hon. Apriala & Grant Orugbani
Kingdom Nwakola,............ & Albert Amachree
Dr. Ogbonna, Barth Emuekpere & Alhaji Isa
Prof. Osah Ogulu & wife, Prof (Mrs) Rosemond (V-C, University of Edu)
Chf. Dr. Tonye Korubo-Owuye, Dr. U.N.O. Uwaga & Florence Orugbani
Kenneth Kanu Okoro, Ezikpe Anaele & Ben Obiukwu
Chief (Dr) Tonye Kunbo-Owuye, Chief (Engr.) Abiodun & a guest
Maxwell, Ezikiel, Mrs. Jamaica, Grant Orugbani, Austin Ihaza & Sopi Jamaica
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Maxwell, Kuro, Grant, Ruhoma & a friend
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Kuro, Mrs. Florence Orugbani & Hon. Solomon Apriala
Mr & Mrs. Grant Orugbani (c) with Mr & Mrs Dennis Dema
Mr. Ogboka, High Chief Innocent Eyikpu & Mr. U. Udoi
Dr. Ogbonna, Barth, Isa & Dr. Chijioke Manda
Mr. & Mrs. Sopiri Jamaica (R & L), Grant, Dr. Uwaga & Chief (Dr) Tonye
Mrs. Victoria Nwoka & Mrs. Florence Orugbani
Chigozie Enyi, Mr. U Odoi & Chief Whyte Amuso
Some Representatives of Ogbele Comm. Members of Umanta Social Club of Ogbele
Mrs. Victoria Nwoka, Mrs. Roseline, Mrs. Philomina Eleonu, Mrs. Ibifiri & Mrs. Justina Briggs
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INTEGRITY IN BUSINESS: Without it Nothing Works
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n the rush to start a business, keep it running and make money, there's one important detail that can get lost in the hullabaloo: integrity. Integrity isn't something monetized, but when it's part of a business's DNA, there is plenty of money to save and the great potential to make more. It's easy to overlook the role of integrity when running a business -- but incorporating it into all of your business dealings and decisions can advance your company to greater levels of success. Integrity is synonymous with trust in the business world. After all, clients have to trust the people they do business with to keep them, so owning up to every responsibility is paramount. The bottom line is consistency. A company needs to maintain what it says it does, and who it says it is and so is a business leader. No wonder professor Michael C. Jensen of Harvard Business School says, "An individual is whole and complete when their word is whole and complete, and their word is whole and complete when they honour their word". There shouldn't be an external impression of the business that is dramatically different from the internal version. Customers and clients should be able to depend on your words and “go to sleep� knowing that their investments are safe. Especially in rough economic times, to be someone the buying public can trust is priceless. So while it might not seem immediately top on your list, your business can't afford to compromise its integrity in this competitive market. "When people choose to lead with integrity they position themselves at the top of their industry," says Lisa Krohn, a personal organizer and life coach who works to bring the concept of integrity back into businesses. "All the other details, like the product, or service, or whatever, come after integrity because people do business with people they know, like, and trust."
How Integrity Helps Business Trust At the most basic level, all business relationships are built on trust. This is true for both employeremployee and company-consumer relationships. To trust someone or an agency means that you feel confident in their ability to be fair and respectful, do what was promised and act responsibly. When trust is in place in a business, employers and employees are open with each other. They are not afraid to express their true views or opinions. This type of communicative environment lets employers give their employees a certain a m o u n t o f independence, even w h e n t h o s e employees are assigned to groups or teams. In return for this independence, employees exercise increased creativity, which ultimately lets
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a company or businessperson adapt to the ever-changing marketplace to stay competitive. Creativity also lets employees feel as though they have contributed something special, can be proud of their work and are more closely connected to the business. That feeling can keep employees from seeking employment elsewhere or asking for additional perks and compensation. Trust and integrity are inextricably connected. Individuals and organizations use the presence or absence of integrity to determine whether an extension of trust is warranted. Business relationships halt or proceed based on this basic determination.
Reputation Businesses are heartily concerned with their reputation, that is, they care what the public thinks about them. This is because reputation is connected to operations. The higher a company's reputation, the more business it usually draws. The lower a company's reputation, the harder it is for the company to gain and retain customers and workers. When a company acts with integrity, it builds trusting relationships with employees and customers. Its reputation rises as a result, positively affecting productivity and sales. When a company fails to act with integrity, however, the public's view of the business becomes more negative. Over time, this can mean customers turn away and employees leave, drastically lowering the company's profit margin.
Building Integrity In Your Business Integrity is not necessarily present in business by default. Increasing the level of integrity your company has starts with being
more proactive during or changing the scope of your employee selection process. For instance, spend some time during interviews to ask scenario/situational questions (aka, what would you do if‌) instead of focusing only on skill sets or educational background. The journey toward an integrity-rich company doesn't end when employees are hired. After the initial selection process, make it a point to provide training (e.g., seminars, memos, conferences, PowerPoint presentations) on the topic of integrity. With today's business world becoming more diversified and incorporating people from vastly different cultures under a single roof, give examples of what integrity means to you. Enforce integrity-related policies via a formal handbook. Companies who need more integrity also find some relief when managers provide ways for employees to keep tabs on the integrity of each other. A good example is a solid system for reporting offenses to your human resources (HR) department. Having employees work in teams for increased accountability also works. Even when you are careful during hiring, provide good training and establish opportunities for integrity monitoring, nothing is more effective for moving a company toward integrity than setting a good example yourself. People will follow standards they see set by leaders, so if you are steadfast in your actions and beliefs, your employees will build their own integrity over time.
Raising the Bar Integrating integrity into your business does more than just make your company efficient and stable. It also raises the general standard by which all companies operate. The integrity in your business that keeps employee and customer retention high forces other companies to reevaluate their own systems and models failure to do this might mean the inability to offer a s i m i l a r environment, service, product or price. Let your leadership transform the way business is done.
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P wer PROTECT
Government would not tolerate vandalism because of its negative impact on the sector and economy; vandals would be treated as economic saboteurs. Nigeria’s Vice President
There are some acts of vandalism going on the power sector, we do not know by who, it is unthinkable that citizens of the country would again go to vandalise any asset that is designed to provide a basis for comfort and economic empowerment of this country. Electricity touches on everything, for children to read when they come back, and do their homework. For people to power their small business, and so on. That is why it has become the central demand of Nigerians and that is why the president has focused on this. So we must rise up as Nigerians and say no to Vandalism. These are some of the things that we must plead with ourselves as Nigerians and say please, so not cut power lines, do not take copper cables that have been laid. Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Economy
The situation has gotten out of hand with the country continuously grappling with the activities of vandals and the enormous challenge of delivering stable electricity to Nigerians. Occasional vandalism result in hardship due to power rationing but with time Nigerians will mature to a level where we would start regarding infrastructures put in place by government for the empowerment of the people as a sacred trust that should not be abused. Nigerians must see and protect power infrastructure as their own. Nigeria’s Minister of Power
Nigerians are good listeners; with proper awareness on the damages and loss the act of vandalism causes our great Country and also the risk and danger involved. They will restrain and likely Join the awareness campaign. Perm sec., Nigeria’s Ministry of Power
We call on all Nigerians for information sharing and surveillance in the course of protecting power equipment, NSCDC had been protecting infrastructure for all the sectors of the economy since its inception. NSCDC Commander
DO N DON ’T'T SABOTAGE SABPO AGE OWT ER
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AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AGAINST ELECTRIC WIRE, CABLE VANDALIZATION AND POWER SABOTEUR PO
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JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
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Info: +234 7083571483 protectingpower@yahoo.com
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PROTECTING
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THE GOSPEL OF
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hink about the ordinariness of every child birth, the bubbles of joy that follows the very first cry that streams out of the lips of a new born baby as if to tell the world that a savior or hero is born. Such precious thought I hold dear because who knows if another Nelson Mandela is born today. The heart of humans naturally crave for heroes, who in their own right are ordinary people like other humans, but who only get motivated by a passionate desire for a better life for themselves and others and therefore take responsibilityfor the challenges of their time and chart the course of life for others. But my sublime philosophy after a closer reflection on life here on this beautiful planet is that:Life gives to every one of us equal privilege to becomeheroes and write our names in gold as Nelson Mandela did in his own right.
MADIBAISM mistakes or fail. His belief inthe doctrine of “Ubuntu”-the belief that we are all bound together in ways invisible to the eyes; that there is oneness in humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others and caring for those around us, that was his disposition to life that made him sort of invincible to defeatin his 27 years of imprisonment.His can-do mentality was unequaled. Most of our leaders in Africa are in short supply of this quality.The few of them that have something to offer for the common good seem to be afraid of daring for the fear of failing or making mistakes; but not Mandela. Madiba was a ruthless bull who charged ahead when duty called. He demonstrated that action and ideas are not enough,no matter how appealing they are, they must be chiseled into laws and institutions. Mandela was an icon of peace who
At his inauguration as President, Mandela's solemn vow to his people was that “We enter into a covenant that we shall build a society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.” That was a covenant with his people, a promise to do what is right. It was promise made. It was promise kept. He remained true to his people. He held his mandate sacred and built a South Africa where South Africans stood tall and fearless. African leaders should learn to be people of their word; a people of integrity, which is of greater value than stolen wealth.
True living according to Madiba is that “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that determine the significance of the life we live.” That is the heroic submission of a great son of Africa on the marble of time. Mandela's impact was legendary, cutting across generations and his good deeds are etched on our hearts forever. No wonder at his funeral, US president, Barack Obama said Mandela “belongs to the ages”. Looking at the courageous and legendary life Madiba lived, I am able to glean a number of lessons that African leaders should emulate. First of all, Mandela was a man with unbreakable spirit who fought injustice and evil of his day face to face despite its cost and at the end of the day obtained the joy that he set before himself: the triumph of justice over injustice and the triumph of good over evil. Unlike many African leaders who run away from the reign of terror and injustice in their nations and paying lip service from exile, Nelson confronted apartheid with the bare hypothermic effect of his mental prowess and forcible words. He was always at the forefront of the struggle for the freedom of his people. Mandela was never a coward; he was a dependable leader a feat for which followers were willing to follow him to the hilt. Also Madiba was a man of ideas and action that was not afraid to make
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As the first democratically elected black president of South Africa, Mandela led with utter sense of purpose and sheer integrity. His words were bankable.Unlike many sit-tight Africa leaders who would prefer to rule for life, Mandela voluntarily relinquished power after his first term in office, despite calls to continue in office. It is sad that African leaders do not see the need to emulate this noble virtue. In sharp contrast, the likes of Robert Mugabeis still ruling Zimbabwe since that country's independence over 30 years ago, Paul Biya of Cameroun has ruled for over 29 years, and still ruling; But for the revolution which stopped Col. Moummar Ghaddfi, he had already ruled Libya for 42 years; Mbasago of Equatorial Guinea, 32 years; Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, 25 years; Blaise Campore of Burkina Fasso, 24 years; Omar Bashir of Sudan, 21 years; Idrissu Deby of Chad, 21 years. Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire, 32 years. If the continent must make progress, our leaders must make a detour from this ignoble path and tow the path of selflessness and collective interest driven approach.
reconciledin the true sense of it with those who jailed him and displayed an unusual spirit of true forgiveness towards his enemies, a gesture thatbrought him overwhelming global attention and commendations. This unusual act thus made him a citizen of the world, accepted by all and sundry wherever his feet desire to tread.By his sheer leadership influence and fine character, he brought the degrading and dehumanizing years of hatred and violence between his black majorityand the white minority South Africans to an abrupt end and built a single and virile democratic nation. That is an important lesson for our leaders in Africa.Our leaders must learn to genuinely reconcile and live in peace with those who may not share similar beliefs, association and values with them, and still find a common ground on which they can jointly with such people build a brighter future for the next generations.
When Germany pipped South Africa for the 2006 Soccer World Cup, Mandela dug into his bag of wit:“At least we have the right to get drunk … next time we will win.”A man who cannot laugh at himself is a sad man indeed. Mandela was full of humour and hope. He didn't think a bad World Cup outing was a reason to mope and mourn. He was a man who took defeat with sense of humour and calmness, while making frantic efforts for a glorious comeback in the future. And that is a monumental lesson for us. Mandela is a song that will continually be on the lips of this generation and the generations to come. The bold life that he lived gave all of us the right and courage to dare great and seemingly impossible things. Nelson Rohilala Mandela lives on in our very hearts through his undying legacies. We look with great hope for more Mandelas to emerge in their hundreds all over Africa as we learn from these invaluable virtues of Africa's Madiba, whose life has given us want I will call the gospel of “Madibaism”.