issue40 by Barth Emuekpere

XCEL CLOCKS 10: REDEFINES STANDARDS IN CELEBRITY JOURNALISM No. 40 2000 2010

International

10th Anniversary Edition

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A ROYAL CELEBRATION FOR THE DAKORUS IN NIGERIA’S GARDEN CITY, AS QUEEN GLADYS ADDS ONE

GOV. SULE LAMIDO’S SON, MUSTAPHA IN GRAND WEDDING WITH ZAINAB ABDULLAHI ALSO INSIDE:

10 MOST OUTSTANDING NIGERIANS OF THE DECADE

10 MOST RAVISHING BEAUTIES OF NOLLYWOOD

XCEL Fashion Splendor

CITY SOCIALITE CHIEF MKO OFIEAFATE CELEBRATES GOLDEN AGE WITH POMP AND PAGEANTRY IN PORT HARCOURT

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Number 40

International

Presidential Visit Bayelsa In Frenzy Celebration For President Goodluck Jonathan

Milestone CHIEF MKO OFIEAFATE TURNS 50, Celebrate With Fanfare In Port Harcourt.

A Royal Birthday Celebration For The Dakorus As QUEEN GLADYS Adds One 54 XCEL has redefined Celebrity Journalism in Africa

11 Fashion & Style

XCEL Awards

Fashionable Eye Glasses To Get A New Look.

Behold XCEL’s 10 MOST OUTSTANDING NIGERIANS of The Decade 15

Fashion Counsel

Ways to Look Fabulous

Society For Men Only

Gov. Sule Lamido’s Son, MUSTAFA LAMIDO Comes of Age as he takes Beautiful ZAINAB ABDULLAHI As Wife 26

The Beauty Files

DOUGLAS GEORGE in a Glamorous Wedding with BERNY JEPHTHAN In Port Harcourt 44

How To Apply Make-Up

Funfair As Little NICOLE EBI 0LOLO Celebrate One

65 Historic Handshake Across Cultures As MURI DANU & IFY NWARACHE Celebrate Love In A Scintillating Marriage

How To Care For Long Hair 79

Departments

6 XCEL People:

XCEL PEOPLE ...Ten Years After

10 Business & Money: Common Mistakes Start-Up Entrepreneures...

Entertainment 10 Most Ravishing Beauties of Nollywood

Tips For Skinny Men

Damaging your Reputation at work

34 Feminine Talk:

Chimamanda Writes About Being a Woman...

40 Moving Up The Ladder: Living With Purpose

Pageant 21-Year old DESTINY MAJIRI-OGHENE Becomes Miss Face of Nature Nigeria 2010

16 Career Wise:

60 Parenting:

Should You Spy On Your Kid’s Online Life?

68 Thinking Cap:

The Black Gold, Petroleum: Blessing or...

THE PEOPLESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; VOICE The letter by PREYE ABIYE from Bayelsa is the Star Letter of this edition and wins our N1,000 prize money. Congratulations.

Dear Editor, I must commend the publisher for speaking the mind of many in the society, concerning the award of national honours to nond e s e r v i n g members of the society on the 39th edition. It i s a n unfortunate tradition in this country that people like to pay lip service to those that have ill-gotten money in the society, because of what they gain from them, not minding the state of the nation they have plunged into debt, slavery etc. It is rather saddening to note that names of those who genuinely deserve this honour are often missing in spite of their sacrifices and hard work. I must say the truth, I respect you for bringing this evil deeds to the public view, not everybody would like to comment on this, but you took the bull by the horn. I like your spirit. Keep it up. Ibiso Alabo, Port Harcourt. Dear Ibiso, We are gladdened by the fact that you are reading us and much more elated by the fact that you took note of key societal issues raised such as the question of the National Honours bestowed on some Nigerians with questionable character. We shall continue to serve you better bringing to you such critical issues.

Dear Editor, It is interesting how time fly. That XCEL is ten is like a tale but very true. I have followed the development of XCEL for this long and I think you guys deserve some commendation for a job well done. Congrats and keep the flag flying. Kudos. Eddy Kunle Lagos. Thanks Eddy for your comment. Its true that we are ten. Thanks for being by us. We pray you continue with us.

Dear Editor, I am a regular reader of your magazine, especially the health matters page of your 39th edition. The writer is really trying her best in educating the society

on the benefit of birth control. But the society in general would not like to adhere to most of the information; they will claim that it is not part of their culture. But it is likely to pay us more, if we adhere to this with all seriousness, so that we can have children we can afford to take care of. Besides, our economy will benefit from it. It is a sad thing that a country with a large population cannot take care of its people, we should be mindful of this, including the people in the rural areas, who think that large population within the family is a thing of joy. However, such population has its own disadvantages to them and to the general society. Prince Eleanya, Port-Harcourt Hi Prince, Thanks for your observations and for taking time to further ventilate the issues on birth control as elaborated in our Health Matters column. We are quite poised to give you more on health issues so as to enable you remain alive and healthy to continue to read our magazine.

Dear Editor, I must say, the XCEL team is doing a great job in the media industry especially in the discovery of rare people and talents which cut across the society. Imagine the discovery of Peter Okonkwo on the Talent Shop page of your 39th edition. I wish that wellm e a n i n g Nigerians and the government can come to the aid of little Peter and other children that have such gifts, develop them to perfection so that their dreams will not die with them. This indeed are the ways the developed countries catch their inventors young before they start developing sophisticated machines, toys, etc. that are imported into this country, and boost their economy in one way or the other. I pray that our young

talents should be given a chance. Preye Abiye, Yenagoa, Bayelsa Dear Preye, We appreciate your concern about technological development of country, especially by your concerted call on government to come to the aid of young talents like Peter. We also commend you for noticing our input in discovering rare talents. It may please you to know that it is our responsibility. Please keep on reading us.

Dear Editor, Congratulation to all the staff of XCEL as you clock 10. We are proud of you as you have continually championed the positive tale of our continent. Once again, thanks for being there and congrats once again. Eugene Itulah Owerri Dear Eugene, Thanks for your encouraging words and please continue to patronize and advice us to get better

Dear Editor, I commend your feminine talk Columnist of your 39th edition, concerning forgiveness. It is a difficult thing to let go, especially if you are really hurt by someone close to you. It requires courage, humility and sincerity to let wounds heal. But also we should not forget that God forgive us our own sins against Him, therefore we should be prepared to forgive no matter how difficult it is to do so. This is because in the multitude of our sins, God still found a place for us in His heart. Let us therefore leave everything to God. Though it will not be an easy thing, but let us try. Bola Iserin, Akure, Ondo State. Bola, Thank you Bola. The essence of that write up is to actually to make people see the need to forgive one another. I appreciate your impute that though it may be difficult, we must try. Please keep reading

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Barth E. Emuekpere Editor Boniface Onyedi Operations (Nigeria) Dare Adesanya - Kaduna Olawale Osolo - Abeokuta Boniface C. Ihiasota - South-East Mohammed Dikko - North Business Development Mohammed Ladan - North Yakubu Akhagbemhe Foreign Operations Chief Otonye Igoni (UK) Weni Diffa (UK) +447944059488 Ralph Odua +13474995559 (USA) Ossai Ngozi (South Africa) +27827070039 Woods Eyituoyo (South Africa) +27765599668 Frank Ebo Sagoe (Ghana) +233244180012 Columnists Emmanuel Ameh Oluwatoyin Gbadegeshin Photo Journalists Ini Ekpo Billy Efe IT/Web Operations Syswaves Digitech Services p Computer Graphics/Typeset Uzezi Elebe (Head) Chibuike Nwaozor BUREAUX USA 100 Elgar Place,Apt. 17g Bronx NY 10475 USA, Tel: +13474999655 United Kingdom 3 Guildford Road, London, E6 5QS Tel: 0207 476 0804, Mobile: 0793 282 3036 South Africa Xcel Media SA (PTY) Limited. 130 Portobello Place, Camilla Lane off French Lane, off North Road, Morningside, Rivonia - Sandton. Tel: +27727533060, +27827927278 United Arab Emirates African Restaurant Deira-Dubai

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

barth@xcelmediaonline.com and women of honour with exemplary character and commitment to affect humanity positively, and celebrate same as role models for our generation and that unborn. That way, we believe we will spur society to pro-active living. To this end, in this first decade of our existence, we make bold to say that we have lived our promise of celebrating Africans of enviable achievements and character. On our list, we have the likes of Nelson Mandela, Africa's most-

We Have Kept Faith

hen in 2001 your darling magazine debut, one single most important item on our wish-list was to celebrate Africa and her nationals who have distinguished themselves as role models. This, I aptly captured in my maiden message thus: “..we shall religiously pursue our resolve to celebrate Nigerians and other Africans who excel in their various fields of endeavour, believing that it is the only way to convince Nigerians and the rest of the world that something good can and indeed comes out of Africa.” Today, ten eventful years down the bumpy road, it is not just a tale of joy that our doors have remained open, but most interesting, is the fact that we have remained resolute in the pursuit of our golden mission. A mission to change the wrong perception of the world about our people and reposition our continent in the eye of the globe, as one that holds out a beacon of hope for her people. This is the golden mission we have inscribed on our golden plaque, as our guiding principle and the pivot on which XCEL revolves. In the beginning, I opined that Africa had run short of Role Models for the youths to look up to. This in my opinion was because the media, which more often than not sets the agenda for society, had unconsciously given prominence to negative tales of the continent at the expense of celebrating the true African essence of hard work, integrity and forthrightness. Those who made the continent proud were either not celebrated or passively recognized. It was for this reason that XCEL elected to correct this misnomer by crisscrossing the length and breath of the continent to scoop out these men

respected statesman and politician, South Africa's Chief Albert Luthuli who earned for Africa her first Nobel Peace Prize, for his resoluteness and nonviolent advocacy to conflict resolution, even in the face of apartheid. Nigeria's Philip Emeagwali also graced the XCEL pages for his contribution to the development of Information Technology at the global stage, a feat for which he was aptly described by CNN as father of the internet, Wangari Maathai a Kenyan environmental and political activist who brought global acclaim to Africa as the first female Noble Peace Prize winner, for her activism against female marginalisation and the environment, Ethiopia's athlete Gabriel Sellassie, w h o t h o u g h f ro m a d e p r i ve d background, through dint of hard work has risen to become the globally acclaimed greatest runner of all times. President Barack Obama was not left out for what he represents in America's history, so also is Nigeria's Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka who has consistently remained vocal on Africa and global politics and challenges. Again, the trio of Senegal's Viola Vaughan, Malawi's Marie Da Silva and Ethiopia's Yohannes Gebregeogis graced our pages for attracting global attention to our continent by making the list of the final 10 CNN HEROES in 2008. A feat they attained for their various humanitarian contribution to society. The list goes on and on but time and space will certainly not permit me to go ahead. We celebrated these men and women of honour and achievements as a way of showcasing to the world that our continent is not all about negatives. These are Africans who took their exploits to the global arena and excelled in their endeavour, even at the

expense of their counterparts from the developed world. They have done Africa proud and given us reason to beat our chest with pride, lift our heads high to be counted as an integral part of the world. It is against this backdrop that we see our attainment of the decade milestone as worthy of celebration, having kept faith with our philosophy of celebrating Africa and telling her story the African way. Also in keeping faith with our philosophy, in 2005 during our 5th anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt, we instituted the XCEL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE project as a way of recognizing hard work. Since then, we have recognized the likes of late Gani Fawehinmi for his activism and as a dogged human-right lawyer, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for his efforts at remoulding the Nigerian Banking sector, particularly his unprecedented bank merger programme as CBN Governor, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his dogged fight against corruption in Nigeria as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Prof. Dora Akunyili for her contagious patriotism and sustained fight against fake drugs as the DirectorGeneral of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control, football star, Kanu Nwankwo for his contribution to the national image through sports and his immeasurable philanthropic contribution to society through his Kanu Hearth Foundation which offers less-privileged Nigerians with heart p ro b l e m s f r e e o p e ra t i o n a n d treatment. These are only a few of those whose efforts at making society better than they met it, was recognized via our awards and it is our opinion that by this effort, we are reawakening the populace to pro-active living with a purpose to positively affect humanity. It is based on these facts, that we celebrate in this historic 10th Anniversary edition, a special package o n “ 1 0 M O S T O U T S TA N D I N G NIGERIANS OF THE DECADE”, to recognise icons who have in the past ten years taken Nigeria to the forefront of global reckoning. Rapped in this edition too, is one landmark event in the annals of our nation, and that is, the historic home-coming of President Goodluck Jonathan as the first President of Nigeria from the SouthSouth region. To relax your nerves we also take you through the Nigerian entertainment industry as we present exclusively, the 10 MOST RAVISHING BEAUTIES OF NOLLYWOOD. These and many more packages will certainly tickle your fancy as we present to you this archival edition of your darling magazine. Enjoy it as we wish you a Merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year, 2011 in God's abundance.

XCEL PEOPLE

...Ten Years After

he column XCEL PEOPLE, is as old as the magazine itself having featured from the very first edition, represent in a small scale the ideals of XCEL Magazine as it was then called. It is a department created to accord recognition to outstanding Africans of great initiative and footprints. To celebrate People who have exceptionally influenced their generations by the acts of their uncommon contribution resulting to resolution of human challenges and leaving enduring legacies for posterity. This was borne out of the yaw created by the ineptitude of ingratitude in this part of the world. Many of these people are either products of frustration from our continents, or people of outright determination to make it, no matter the local or international odds against them. So, environment and boundary does not deter them form going for the top. They pursue their respective endeavour with zeal and focus, leaving the outcome as benefits to the future generation. When ten years ago this column was created to celebrate these uncommon men and women of African descent, it seemed a daunting task, because the fear of running out of people with exceptional doings was truly overwhelming in a continent percieved as never-do-wells. But this fear has long been relegated to the background as the problem has become time and space to catalogue these ceiling breakers and achievers extraordinaire of our time. Our sojourn in this land of celebrating achievers has opened our eyes to the reality of more men and women of worth strutting the face of the earth craving for innovation. And today, we are justified celebrating these icons of creativity with uncommon faith in themselves. While most may have gotten to the point of departure when their recognition beckoned and that perhaps, resonated their name once more, many others are privileged to enjoy the glory of their innovative story while still alive. Indeed, for the past ten years, XCEL has found some African men and women worthy of gracing this column for reasons of their adding value to existence by virtue of their thoughts and actions. Nigerian-born Rev. E m m a n u e l Onunwor, made history with XCEL as the first to grace the XCEL PEOPLE column in 2001. He was celebrated as the first African elected official in the United States, having taken office Rev. Emmanuel Onunwor as Mayor of the

Viola Vaughn

city of East Cleveland in January 1998. Since then, several men and women of honour have graced the column. For South Africa's Mariam Makebah, aka, Mama Africa, was celebrated as a music icon. She used the tool of music diversely in the African continent. At the peak of colonial subterfuge and siege on the African continent, this epitome of anti-apathied struggle fused the strength of music with the crusade for freedom. She adopted the method p r o v i d i n g entertainment and sending the message of freedom for the African people. Apartheid suffered on the rolling tones of Mariah Makebah and the whites Mariah Makebah b e c a m e uncomfortable. Her voice echoed across the African continent and Europe. No one could suppress this genre and weapon of warfare as both the old and the young danced to the tone of freedom dished out from her musical pot. Makebah lived and died in music. These are the qualities that distinguished her as XCEL PEOPLE. For Africa's oldest Republic, Liberia, her President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made the list of XCEL PEOPLE as the first African female President. For the records Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a Harvard trained economist was elected President of Liberia in a keenly contested election defeating several men, including African football star, George opong Weah. To her credit, peace and stability has since returned to Liberia and she has fired Ellen Johnson Sirleaf w i t h o u t equanimity reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction to return the nation to the path of development and unity. One amazon of the continent is Wangari Muta Maathai, a Kenyan Environmental and Political Activist. Her activism encouraged her not to only be a critic of the diverse damages on the system, but one that propelled her to use her movement to rejuvenate the environment through a project to preserve the biodiversity, promote the rights of women and girls and faithfully called the body â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tree

Yohannes Gebregeorgis

Marie Da Silva

Womenâ&#x20AC;?. Her concerted campaign brought honour to her and Africa as the first female Nobel Peace prize winner in the continent, in addition to several conservative awards. Wangari Muta Maathai is one that graced the XCEL People's page for doggedness and Wangari Muta Maathai resilience in activism against the environment and women. Again in 2008 three Africans brought honour to the continent by making it to the top 10 on CNN HEROES list for their outstanding contribution to mankind. First, Viola Vaughn is one heroin of Africa for taking the challenge of changing the destiny of several thousands of young girls in Senegal. At a time when all hopes seem to have been lost in their lives, Viola Vaughn stepped in to change the trend. And before long this woman of passion who came to Senegal out of the necessity to change base after life's calamity, could not but succumb to the dealings of fate having again lost her remaining joy, her husband. But the remaining strength encouraged her to make a mark on earth, which she did through her 10,000 Girls Programme. Just like Vaughn, Marie Da Silva from Malawi also took up the challenge of fighting HIV/AIDS amongst women in her country. This shot her to fame, and because of the disaster caused by AIDS in Malawi, many children were left in the care of grand-parents who were ravaged by poverty. Da Silva never sat aloof; rather she began to rekindle the hope of these kids. She raised funds and created schools for them. The third, Yohannes Gebregeogis who is also nicknamed Mr. Children Library. His uncommon passion for books encouraged him to return to his country, Ethiopia with over 15,000 volumes of books to emancipate the children from illiteracy to literacy through books. As a promoter of literacy in poverty stricken areas of Ethiopia, Yohannes name remain quite indelible in the hearts of many in the country for giving them light at the most critical time of their lives. For these exceptional and commendable service to humanity which saw them earn the coverted CNN HEROES AWARD, we celebrated them as XCEL PEOPLE in recognition of the positive posture they have created for the continent of Africa. In Nigeria, Professor Wole Soyinka became the torch bearer for Africa when in 1986 he clinched the globally acclaimed Nobel Prize in Literature. This outstanding feat as an

African was worth c e l e b r a t i n g considering what he initially faced in life while in school. His ordeal in the hands of racists' lecturers and so many challenges in life could not stop him writing figuratively on global issues and attacking evil that pervades the entire Prof. Wole Soyinka globe. He is a world acclaimed authority in literature, a feat for which he made the list of XCEL PEOPLE. The same measure applies to the likes of Philip Emeagwali who would have been counted among many million 'talented' Nigerians languishing in Cassava farms today, if not for the hand of fate and destiny that took him out of the shores of Nigeria. Philip after years became renowned for building the fasted computer system to aid internet operations. Despite his early challenges in life, Philp Emeagwali has become an icon to be celebrated across the world. This of course made him a rare gem, w o r t h y o f celebration on our Philip Emeagwali XCEL PEOPLE page. For Barack Obama, an African American, his sporadic rise in the political firmament of America to become President, is quite unprecedented in the history of that nation. This is because in spite of the advancement of that country, the skirmishes of black or white syndrome in critical affairs of the nation still held sway before that great jinx was broken by this enigma. Therefore for Barack Obama an Afro-American of Kenyan descent to emerge President of a World Power, America is definitely worthy of celebration. His emergency signifies hope for the hopeless, and the fact that a lot is possible through dint of hard work. Obama, as a young chap began his political drive from an inconsequential point in life riding through several rough edges. He strut the path of State Legislation through the Senate before anchoring on the presidency. Even at his quest, he received the stiffest opposition of the white conglomerates but having prepared himself for the challenges, he seemingly went through them with d o g g e d commitment to his goal and focus. Thus, when his victory came, it came on the platter of hard work and revolution for a true change for the unity of humanity across Barack Obama the world no matter

where they came from. Since then, Obama has become a model for even local societies and communities with his common slogan of 'Yes! We Can'. A slogan that motivates and encourages people to go out for what they actually believe in and what they desire to have in life as they have the capacity and will power to achieve it no matter the odds before them. He assured them that those obstacles are actually ladders to obtaining victory. He therefore became one of the celebrated XCEL PEOPLE for this landmark achievement in the history of America. Again, Nigeria's Chimanda Adichie holds a glittering future as she broke through the challenges of boundaries and languages to clinch an award in literature. She wrote her way to fame and that also earned her a place in the hallowed list of XCEL PEOPLE. The point is her ability to bring to the world same understanding both in language and thoughts that unite them. It is quite a rare feat considering her continent and age; Chimanda Adichie she cruised to fame without minding the odds. Professor Dora Akunyili also graced the XCEL People's page for her rare feat in the war against fake drugs and resilience in helping to save humanity from the brink of destruction by the merchants of death while piloting the affairs of NAFDAC in Nigeria. Our judgment was later to be confirmed by her elevation as the Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, indicating that our philosophy for XCEL PEOPLE, which is the celebration of exceptional people who are proffering solutions to human challenges and bringing about a new world stands Prof. Dora Akunyili firm as a quality measure for the choice of those that graced the page.

prison until 1989 when his freedom was secured and subsequently emerged the President of South Africa. Because of his uncommon focus in life, Mandela was never prompted by personal gains in leadership, so the quest for a second term was never there and he eventually bowed out when the ovation, they say, was loudest. These are factors that endeared him more to the XCEL PEOPLE'S page as an icon of democratic leadership in Africa. Albert Luthuli, also a South African earned a place as XCEL PEOPLE for resoluteness and non-violent advocacy to fighting apartheid in South Africa. His approach was noncompliant and indifference to every effort of the white dominated government. It worked to the point that Luthuli lost his traditional title and at several times rendered Albert Luthuli incommunicado. When it became obvious that those measures were never effective he was banished from the country. At the end, truth triumphed over evil. He therefore became the first African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize based on his non-violent advocacy to conflict resolution. Gabriel Sellassie is the energetic Ethiopian, who was frequently referred to in the past ten years as the king of marathon. He has made indelible records that from obscurity, Gabriel a n n o u n c e d himself into the global register of athletics. Due to his background, his uncommon doggedness and his achievements as an African young man who had broken grounds in several Gabriel Sellassie international athletic meets, earning him the title as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the greatest runner of all timeâ&#x20AC;?. This feat paved the way for Gabriel Sellassie to be celebrated on our XCEL PPEOPLE page as a source of hope to several other Africans.

It wouldn't have been truly a fair Certainly, time and space will not permit us celebration if the likes of Dr. Nelson to reel out the list of all the great men and Mandela were not put forward as XCEL women who have graced our XCEL PEOPLE PEOPLE. His page over the years. However, to be dogged fight against celebrated as XCEL PEOPLE, you must be apartheid and his an achiever extraordinaire, with lessons rise from prison to as a Role Model to society. This is as presidency was exemplified by these men and women m u c h m o r e discussed above. It is not for nothing. instructive than Some had it via service to humanity, while any African history others are challenged by circumstances in recent times. that worked against their destiny and in Believing that his an effort to confront these challenges, ordeal would have they found solutions to wider challenges broken his spirit, of the world. These are truly the pillars in Nelson Mandela which XCEL PEOPLE column stands and remained resolute have done so in the past ten years without and endured running dry of these quintessential men through in the and women. Dr. Nelson Mandela XL

AFRICA PERISCOPE as compiled by Boniface Onyedi b a c k i n g t o IVORY COAST: Deadlock as rivals Quattara with further threat to name their Governments sanction Gbagbo if he

ike the dictator syndrome that almost tore most African countries apart in the past, President Laurent Gbagbo of Ivory Coast seem to re-enact the forgotten histories of the past. Rather than bow honourably to the wish of the people, who had apparently voted him and his party out of power, Gbagbo against the people's choice and legal declarations had gone ahead to clinch to power. Like the crusader of change he has been, the opposition who won the election, Alassane Quattara had stuck to the result announced that he won the election and also went ahead to swear himself in. Now Ivory Coast as a country has two presidents. This mentality has jolted African leaders who are shocked by Gbagbo's attitude and had sent an emissary of peace to forestall every chances of social and political break-down as the continent has enough war torn countries to mediate on. But like an African adage, a fly that refuses advice follows the corpse to the grave, Gbagbo had remained adamant even at the face of global condemnation of his action. However, the African Union sent the former South African President Thabo Mbeki to resolve the impasse. Mbeki as the mediator had met with the two contenders, Gbagbo and Quattara, but Gbagbo still behaves as the Lord of the Manor.Apparently, decency expects that as he has been magnanimous in conducting the election he should also be magnanimous in accepting defeat. It is always those that have some elements or skeleton to fear that attempts to truncate the people's revolt against their government through out-right voting out. The bizarre in the political firmament of Ivory Coast is unnecessary if Africa is truly prepared for democracy. The people has lost confidence in Gbagbo and his party, thus voting massively for the opposition to rule the country and if we are certainly prepared for peace, development and quality leadership, the African Union should put all its weight behind Alassane Quattara and finally exit Africa from dictatorship and it is commendable that they took that step. From all analysis, the Independent Electoral Commission in Ivory Coast announced provisional results showing Quattara clinching 54 percent of the vote. But most agonizing is the fact that Ivory Coast Constitutional Commission rather declared Gbagbo winner after annulling results from seven regions that are the strongholds of Quattara in the north to pave the way for their master Gbagbo. Even as Gbagbo battles, it is seen as a battle against the will of the people as the US, UN and the EU including the French President Nicolas Sarkozy has urged Ivorian civilians and military to respect the will of the people and given their full

refuses to step aside. Mbeki has seen how tough it is to convince a dictator and an emperor of destruction. Indeed, Ivory Coast is on its way for self destruction in the quest to re-invent itself as a democratic nation. Though Mbeki's assignment stemmed from the peace he brokered in that nation in 2007 while he was still South African president. Even as the people wait, they are not losing sleep on the best approach to tackle Gbagbo. Once considered a beacon of West African stability and economic prosperity, Ivory Coast descended into a bloody civil war in 2002. The 2010 elections, it was hoped, would bring stability to Ivory Coast and restart the Ivorian economic miracle in the world's largest cocoa-producing nation. But the latest post-election dispute has sparked fears that the New Forces rebels, who control the north, could take up arms, sparking bloodshed.

ZIMBABWE ON THE EYE OF HISTORY AGAIN

mperor Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe is at it again. This time he has plan for another election come 2011. But his proposal as usual has suffered a set back after a report from the negotiators to South African President Jacob Zuma all said it was impossible to hold the polls, as the electoral road maps would not be ready. Zuma revealed to his Zambian counterpart, Ruppiah Banda that he had received the report from Zimbabwe and it would be tabled at a special summit to be held in Lusaka early 2011. The negotiators drawn from the three Parties, stated that there were a number of outstanding issues that needed to be settled before the elections and this made it almost impossible for the polls to be held in 2011. It was also revealed in the report that the parties have agreed on the implementation of some issues in the GPA but had failed to find common ground on the swearing in of Roy Bennet, the appointments of Gideon Gono, Johannes Tomana, the governors and ambassadors. Indeed, the report it was learnt made it clear what is needed for a credible election and mentions the electoral Roadmap and at this rate elections cannot be held in 2011. However, the three parties seem frustrated with having to work with each other but needed patience in coming with suitable conditions and finish the work they started if ever there is going to be a credible election. The parties, Tvasangari's party MDC-M and MDC-T as well as Mugabe's Zanu PF. Mugabe as usual has adopted wait and see approach while his party men are plotting seriously fro an early election.

MALAWI: Electoral Body Dissolved Over Fraud

alawi President Bingu wa Mutharika has ordered that the electoral commission be suspended amid talks of grave fraud. Police moved in to seal MEC headquarters in the commercial city of Blantyre after a brief statement from Chief Secretary to the Malawi Government, Bright Msaka. Vehicles belonging to the commissioners have been seized. Staff of the commission were ordered to lie on the floor before body searches were conducted on them. The suspension follows an audit report detailing some US$ 9 million meant for local government elections scheduled for April next year and cannot be accounted for. "This is a grave matter," said Msaka. "His Excellency the President has therefore suspended the Commission in order to allow investigations to be carried out without interference." The audit lacks supporting documents for what the money was used for. This indeed became of the bold steps in recent time to fight corruptuion in Africa. But can the President himself also be clean from the filt? Is the action not meant to forestall his men losing in the forth coming elections. If his action is in good faith, we shall soon know by the deeds that could follow the suspension. If proper investigation is conducted let the findings also be made public. Before the event the president met the sevenmember Commission, headed by Supreme Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Anastasia Nsosa, to inform them of his decision. "It just happened in a flash. Armed police invaded the premises and ordered everyone not to move," an eye witness said. "Officials who resisted the body search were slapped from the uncompromising officers." Computer flash disks and laptops were also confiscated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After the search everyone was ordered not to take with them anything except handbags and mobile phones," said another eye-witness. "Some even left their mobile phones and shoes in their office as everyone was too scared to hang around. Police told officers not to even shut down their desk-top computers. It was drama." Some staff members at the Commission accused police of high handedness. "They acted very unprofessionally," complained one. Though "We understand they received orders to seal our offices but they acted as if they have already found us guilty." Another staffer said the police took advantage of the search by stealing money. "An officer snatched my purse, saying she was looking for a flash [disc] but she ended up pinching my money," complained the lady staffer. But police spokesman Dave Chingwalu defended his colleagues saying they acted professionally. "People would say lots of things just to tarnish the image of the police when they are under investigation," he said. Malawians are scheduled to hold the muchawaited local government elections on April 20 next year. Malawi last held local polls in the year 2000 whose councillors left office in 2005.

BOTSWANA: Prostitution Goodluck: Nigeria opening to the World May Be Legalized resident Goodluck York, Atlanta, Houston and

ome Botswana politicians have called on the country to consider legalising prostitution to fight against HIV/AIDS. Botlogile Tshireletso, a deputy minister, said it was time for the government to discuss the issue. Botswana, which has a high prevalence of HIV, has earned a reputation for being proactive in the Aids battle. There is, however, an unwillingness to legalise brothels. The report said many people in Botswana disapprove of sex workers and they are often harassed by police. Ms Tshireletso, assistant minister for local government, has broken ranks with her cabinet colleagues. "My opinion is: We should consider looking at it because it is there - we should as government take the initiative to do something to help these workers," she noted. Opposition leader Dumelang Saleshando agreed but said it would be an uphill struggle. "Firstly the majority view is very clear, Botswana is against the legislation making illegal sex work a legal economic activity. But at the same time you can't ignore it… the industry itself is one of the drivers of the virus," he said. Figures sourced from the Global Fund and Botswana government indicateed that about 300,000 adults in Botswana are living with HIV, nearly a quarter of the population aged over 15. 150,000 people are on ARVs, and 95,000 are orphans due to Aids. Of the children, 97% now born to HIVpositive mothers are now free of the virus. One of the many truck drivers often travelling through Botswana as they transport goods from South Africa to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, said: "When I'm going to sleep with a girl I use a condom," a driver at the Tlokweng-Zeerust border post with Zambia. Commercial sex workers said they also insist their customers use condoms, but because they work in dangerous places they are open to abuse and rape. "Legalising sex work will help us to stand up for our rights… and get support for HIV and Aids," one sex worker in Ledumadumane, a neighbourhood on the outskirts of Gaborone said. If it is legalised more people are going to engage in commercial sex which means there'll be more infections” Another commercial sex worker said: "I know I'm not safe because when I'm doing it outdoors I can get raped or even the client can rob me." Everyone in Botswana is entitled to free condoms from health centres though sex workers complain that police officers often confiscate their condoms, telling them their trade was illegal, he says. The UN said almost 1,000 babies in subSaharan Africa are infected with HIV through transmission of the virus from their mothers every day. Botswana's government says through its efforts 97% children born to HIV-positive mothers are now born free of the virus.

Jonathan of Nigeria says Nigeria is opening to the world with the increase in direct flights between the populous West African country and the United States. ‘'When I took office on the 6th of May, 2010, we had only one airline operating direct flights between Nigeria and the U.S...I have now been briefed that two airlines, Continental and United are to commence direct flights bringing the number of airlines connecting Nigeria direct from the U.S to 3.,'' President Jonathan said on his facebook fan page recently. ''By the end of the year, persons wanting to visit Nigeria from the U.S can hop on direct flights from New

Washington DC.'’ He said the latest development was due to the improvements made in the nation's aviation sector with the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria Project (TRACON) and the Category 1 certification of Nigeria's airports. Economic implication President Jonathan said with the break through, government would earn billions of Naira in taxes and fees and Nigerian travellers will save billions annually in monies they would have spent on connecting flights to other countries en route to the U.S. ‘'These are funds that will now

be ploughed back into the Nigerian economy to generate jobs and stimulate production,'' Jonathan said. According to the Nigerian leader ''this might appear to some to be a drop in the ocean, but remember that a country becomes great by consistently making progress in both small and big areas.'’

Central African Republic Ex-President Jean-Bedel Bokassa rehabilitated

ean-Bedel Bokassa crowned himself emperor in Bangui in December 1977. The former president of the Central African Republic, Jean-Bedel Bokassa, has been formally rehabilitated by presidential decree. It was a magnanimity shown to celebrate the country's fiftieth anniversary. President Francois Bozize published the decree as part of the country's 50th independence anniversary, returning Bokassa "all his rights". Bokassa was overthrown in 1979 after 14 years in power and died in 1996. He was variously accused of being a cannibal and feeding

opponents to lions and crocodiles in his personal zoo. President Bozize, who himself seized power in a coup in 2003, said his former boss had "given a great deal for humanity". Bokassa was "a son of the nation recognised by all as a great builder", Mr Bozize said. “He built the country but we have destroyed what he built," the president added as he awarded Bokassa's widow, Catherine, a state medal of honour. "This rehabilitation of rights erases penal condemnations, particularly fines and legal costs, and stops any future incapacities that result from them," the decree said. Bokassa came to power in a coup in 1965 and ruled ruthlessly, torturing and killing political rivals. He named himself emperor in

1976 but was overthrown in 1979 when his guards killed scores of schoolchildren during a period of unrest in the capital, Bangui. The children were protesting against Bokassa's proclamation that they would have to wear expensive uniforms only sold by a company that belonged to one of his 17 wives. Crowds vented their hatred on a giant statue of him. For most of his rule Bokassa was backed by former colonial power France. Sentenced to death for murder and embezzlement, Bokassa spent five years in prison before dying of a heart attack in the capital Bangui in 1996. Despite the excesses of his rule there had been a movement to rehabilitate him, with a number of politicians pointing to periods of stability and patriotism.

International Donors Pledge $3.5bn for Eastern Sudan F

rustration in Sudan's east has grown since peace was made with Khartoum four years ago Donors and investors have pledged more than $3.5bn (£2.2bn) to eastern Sudan at a speciallyarranged conference in Kuwait. The crises in Southern Sudan and the western region of Darfur receive much more attention. But eastern Sudan also fought a war against Khartoum, and th e region is seriously underdeveloped. The conference was conceived to revitalise a region which has been all but forgotten. The pledges, announced by a senior Sudanese official, are intended to make a huge

difference to the region. It is not immediately clear if the total includes the more than $1.5bn the Sudanese government has said it will contribute. Among the donors, Kuwait announced grants of $500m. Several Arab states are heavily involved in northern Sudan, though much less so in the nonMuslim south. The south will vote on possible independence in January, so Arab states may be looking to shore up their influence in the north.

However there have been complaints that previous financial pledges have not always been respected. Eastern Sudan - Red Sea, Gedaraf and Kassala states -

have received hardly any investment or development in recent years. The exception is Port Sudan, the country's main shipping hub. Until four years ago eastern rebels fought against the state. But a peace deal secured many of them government jobs, and in theory provided for a more equitable distribution of wealth. All the same, the east remains extremely poor, and frustration is growing.

The pattern of developing the centre while ignoring the periphery has proved disastrous but entrenched in Sudan, as the wars in Southern Sudan and Darfur attest. XL

Common Mistakes Start-Up Entrepreneurs Make by Rosalind Resnick

hen it comes to starting a successful business, there's no sure-fire playbook that contains the winning game plan. On the other hand, there are about as many mistakes to be made as there are entrepreneurs to make them. Recently, after a work-out at the gym with my trainer -- an attractive young woman who's also a dancer/actor -- she told me about a web series that she's producing and starring in together with a few friends. While the series has gained a large following online, she and her friends have not yet incorporated their venture, drafted an operating agreement, trademarked the show's name or done any of the other things that businesses typically do to protect their intellectual property and divvy up the owners' share of the company. While none of this may be a problem now, I told her, just wait until the show hits it big and everybody hires a lawyer. Here, in my experience, are the top 10 mistakes that entrepreneurs make when starting a company: Going it alone: It's difficult to build a scalable business if you're the only person involved. True, a solo public relations, web design or consulting firm may require little capital to start, and the price of hiring even one administrative assistant, sales representative or entry-level employee can eat up a big chunk of your profits. The solution: Make sure there's enough margins in your pricing to enable you to bring in other people. Clients generally don't mind outsourcing as long as they can still get face time with you, the skilled professional who's managing the project. Asking too many people for advice: It's always good to get input from experts, especially experienced entrepreneurs who've built and sold successful companies in your industry. But getting too many people's opinions can delay your decision so long that your company never gets out of the starting gate. The answer: Assemble a solid advisory board that you can tap on a regular basis but run the dayto-day yourself. Says Elyissia Wassung, chief executive of 2 Chicks With Chocolate Inc., a Matawan, N.J., chocolate company, "Pull in your [advisory] team for bi-weekly or, at the very least, monthly conference calls or meetings. You'll wish you did it sooner!â&#x20AC;? Spending too much time on product development, not enough on sales: While it's hard to build a great company without a great product, entrepreneurs who spend too much time tinkering may lose customers to a competitor with a stronger

sales organization. "I call [this misstep] the 'Field of Dreams' of entrepreneurship. If you build it, they will buy it," says Sanjyot Dunung, CEO of Atma Global, Inc., a New York software publisher, who has made this mistake in her own business. "If you don't keep one eye firmly focused on sales, you'll likely run out of money and energy before you can successfully get your product to market.â&#x20AC;? Targeting too small a market: It's tempting to try to corner a niche, but your company's growth will quickly hit a wall if the market you're targeting is too tiny. Think about all the high school basketball stars who dream of playing in the NBA. Because there are only 30 teams and each team employs only a handful of players, the chances that your son will become the next Michael Jordan are pretty slim. The solution: Pick a bigger market that gives you the chance to grab a slice of the pie even if your company remains a smaller player. Entering a market with no distribution partner: It's easier to break into a market if there's already a network of agents, brokers, manufacturers' reps and other third-party resellers ready, willing and able to sell your product into existing distribution channels. Fashion, food, media and other major industries work this way; others are not so lucky. That's why service businesses like public relations firms, yoga studios and pet-grooming companies often struggle to survive, alternating between feast and famine. The solution: Make a list of potential referral sources before you start your business and ask them if they'd be willing to send business your way.

expenses until their company starts turning a profit. Unless you're running the kind of business where everybody's working for sweat equity and deferring compensation, you'll need to raise enough money to tide you over until your revenues can cover your expenses and generate positive cash flow. The solution: Calculate your start-up costs before you open your doors, not afterwards.8. Raising too much capital. Believe it or not, raising too much money can be a problem, too. Over-funded companies tend to get big and bloated, hiring too many people too soon and wasting valuable resources on trade show booths, parties, image ads and other frills. When the money runs out and investors lose patience (which is what happened 10 years ago when the dot-com market melted down), start-ups that frittered away their cash will have to close their doors. No matter how much money you raise at the outset, remember to bank some for a rainy day. Not having a business plan: While not every company needs a formal business plan, a start-up that requires significant capital to grow and more than a year to turn a profit, should map out how much time and money it's going to take to get to its destination. This means thinking through the key metrics that make your business tick and building a model to spin off three years of sales, profits and cashflow projections. "I wasted 10 years [fooling around] thinking like an artist and not a business person," says Louis Piscione, president of Avanti Media Group, a New Jersey company that produces videos for corporate and private events. "I learned that you have to put some of your creative genius toward a business plan that forecasts and sets goals for growth and success.â&#x20AC;?

Overpaying for customers: Spending big on advertising may bring in lots of customers, but it's a money-losing strategy if your company can't turn those dollars into lifetime customer value. A magazine or website that spends $500 worth of advertising to acquire a customer who pays $20 a month and cancels his or her subscription at the end of the year is simply pouring money down the drain. The solution: Test, measure, then test again. Once you've done enough testing to figure out how to make more money selling products and services to your customers than you spend acquiring those customers in the first place, roll out a major marketing campaign.

Over-thinking your business plan: While many entrepreneurs I've met engage in seat-of-the-pants decision-making and fail to do their homework, other entrepreneurs are afraid to pull the trigger until they're 100% certain that their plan will succeed. One lawyer I worked with several years ago was so skittish about leaving his six-figure job to launch his business that he never met with a single bank or investor who might have funded his company. The truth is that a business plan is not a crystal ball that can predict the future. At a certain point, you have to close your eyes and take the leap of faith.

Raising too little capital: Many start-ups assume that all they need is enough money to rent space, buy equipment, stock inventory and drive customers through the door. What they often forget is that they also need capital to pay for salaries, utilities, insurance and other overhead

Despite the many books and articles that have been written about entrepreneurship, it's just not possible to start a company without making a few mistakes along the way. Just try to avoid making any mistake so large that your company can't get back on its feet to fight another day.

MILESTONE

Aftermath of ten years in operation

“XCEL has redefined Celebrity Journalism in Africa” Only recently, XCEl International Magazine clocked 10 , and in this special interview with Isaac Olamikan, the Publisher, Mr Barth Emuekpere opens up on several issues. Excerpts

Let us meet you sir My name as you are already aware is Barth Emuekpere, and by the grace of God, I am the Publisher cum Editor-In-Chief of XCEL International Magazine. I hail from Etsako West Local Government Area of the Heartbeat of the Nation, that's Edo State. I was born in Lagos and attended University in Rivers State.

Give us an insight into your area of specialization I actually studied Urban and Regional Planning at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, but the media is my second area of interest. Let's ponder on this, an Environmental Scientist berthing in the media world Well, I am one of those who believe that university education is meant to equip you for future challenges wherever you find yourself. The fact that you studied Economics in the university does not necessarily mean you must render services along that line only. University environment is expected to prepare you to be versatile and equip you in such a way that you can adapt and perform creditably in your area of inclination. So, that I studied Environmental Science and I am now into media is not a big deal. Do you find fulfilled as a media practitioner in view of the fact that you studied something else? Like I said earlier, a good university education program is meant to equip the granduands with adaptable skills to enhance effective functionality within the larger and challenging society. And remember, you find fulfillment mostly in the things you are naturally inclined towards and not necessarily what you are taught to do. I believe I am naturally inclined to the media and that's why I find fulfillment investing in the media. I have no regret for delving into the media.

What led to the birth of the nowpopular XCEL I have said it time and time again that the birth of XCEL was simply borne out of the need to correct the erroneous negative perception the world holds about Nigeria and the rest of Africa. You will agree with me that time was where everything about Nigeria was seen from the negatives, when we were seen as a nation of cheats, l a z y a n d fraudulent people. At Airports we were disgraced and searched rigorously Barth E. Emuekpere because we

Publisher/E-I-C

had the green passports. It was humiliating and at that point we felt challenged to contribute our own small efforts at propagating the good news about Nigeria and the continent. So we chose to celebrate Nigerians and other Africans who do us proud as a people. This is the story of our birth in the millennium year. Can you briefly tell us how you started? I just told you our genesis, or what do you mean how we started? I mean in terms of funds and operations? Well, talking about that may shock you that my most important weapon was the serious measure of faith and the confidence that I can make it. I never set aside any money to publish XCEL Magazine. I started with a dogged commitment and utmost belief that if others can, and we put in all our efforts, we will scale through. We never set aside huge sums of money; we never had financiers. Of course, at that point in time it was difficult to convince anybody that you want to start a publication and you need their financial support. Since I knew it was almost impossible to get a sponsor for a project on the drawing board, I thought it wise to struggle to get out a first edition, so I could have something to show. What decision would you say led to the success the magazine is enjoying today? Well to be candid, I can put my finger on two decisions I took before we debuted. First was the decision to burn my ship. You may have heard the story of the General who took his men to war and each time they were being overpowered by the enemies, they will run back to their Ship and return home. So, they kept losing the battle. But in one instance, the General decided to change the strategy. As soon as they alighted from the Ship, he set the Ship on fire and briefed his men thus “I have burnt the Ship and we have no Ship to escape with, so we must fight to defeat our enemies or we will all perish”. Expectedly, they fought like never before knowing that there was no option, and at the end, victory was theirs. In my case, I had a Printing Press, so I decided and sold off the equipments in preparation for the magazine and had no option to fall back on. So many people faulted my decision, but I was resolute. I had only one plan with no option; to make a success of the project and that saw me putting in my all to guarantee success. The second decision was the choice of standard and quality. Since there was no money at that time, I was torn in-between going for an affordable lower quality print with the believe of improving the quality when funds or sponsors become available and heading for the best quality irrespective of cost. Though it took me about two weeks to reach a decision on this matter, I am glad I took the right decision to pursue the best XL

XCEL crew at the Oba of Benin palace quality and standard as this enhance our acceptability and patronage within a short space of time. These early decisions I think enhanced our growth. You want to recall the level of encouragement from the public which has kept you on the newsstand for these ten years. When we started the believe then was that only bad news sells and that good news or news meant to highlight the positive part of a personality do not sell. That was the opinion of most people then. However, when we got into the business with our finesse we proved the notion wrong. A lot of people embraced our concept and patronized us.

Admiral Festus Porbeni receives XCEL Award

tend towards archival materials publication. Materials that will not become stale that you will want to keep in your archives for future references. Our reports are evergreen and fresh for tomorrow not for the now only. The immediate past Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili is a protagonist of rebranding Nigeria. What is XCEL's take on this? You see, I have said it over and over again. Every opportunity I have, I have been unequivocal that the Rebranding Nigeria project initiated by Prof. Dora is one of Nigeria's most ambitious programs. Whereas I may not agree with her on the strategy adopted, I endorse the project. Let me tell you, it's rather unfortunate that it took us all this time to realize how badly we needed to rebrand our country. You see, like I told you earlier on why we started XCEL, it was a passion to right the wrongs in terms of the global perception of Africa. This is simply

Soyinka, Philip Emeagwali, Liberia's President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and a host of others including the world's most powerful man Barak Obama as amongst those who have graced our pages. This definitely is a pointer to the fact that Africans are also glass ceiling-breakers. What else is rebranding?

Now can you take us through your ten years of XCEL Well, sometimes to me it's just like yesterday. Our ten years have been no doubt challenging, especially when weighed against the fact that we are operating majorly from the South-South part of the country. This is a region where no magazine of our standard and class have operated for up to five years without parking-up. At five we celebrated because as it were, we broke Let's look at the challenges. Have you the jinx as the first magazine of our genre to ever at any stage felt like calling it quit for cross the five years mark. Today at ten we are any reason? redefining standards in celebrity journalism. I must tell you the truth. Being in this terrain Time was when celebrity magazines thrived (media publishing) is what one of my friends on scandals of the rich and described as being in a terrain of famous, but today XCEL has mad people. You discover that reversed the trend and it is you spend so much in gradually giving way for positive accomplishing your target in packaging. XCEL is recognizing terms of human and material role models in our society and input. But at the end of the day once again, people are you probably do not get as much beginning to look forward to the as people think you are getting. role models. We are giving hope So, to continue to remain in the to the hopeless as we from time business is like you don't know to time showcase those who what you are doing. That is why a moved up in life from point of friend of mine said that those hopelessness to point of that invest in media are mad recognition. We have reawaken people who despite not getting the spirit of pro-active living in good returns for their huge our people by virtue of our investment still remain in the X C E L A W A R D S O F business. The challenges in the EXCELLENCE where people business are enormous. You talk who make us proud as about the challenges in the Nigerians are honoured. Only distributive channel; challenges Former Head of State, Abdusalami Abubakar congratulates XCEL Publisher recently we have started giving in getting competent manpower back to society for the support what rebranding is all about. This is to tell etc. Sometimes you have a picture of what they gave us with the introduction of the you that XCEL has in the past ten years been you intend to do but how do you get the right unique XCEL PRIVILEGE CARD which in the business of rebranding not just manpower to actualize your dream? The entitles holders to 20% discount from our Nigeria, but the entire continent of Africa. truth is that at many times, quitting just Partner-Hotels nationwide. In all, we have in appears to be the best option, but the love for no small measure, redefined Celebrity the industry keeps you going hoping that Can you take us in on how you have been Journalism in Africa, from a point of Thriving someday you will get to the break-even point doing that? on the scandal of the rich and famous, to a Yeah! When I say we have been rebranding point of positive packaging of our celebrities. Considering that you appear on the Africa, what I mean is that we have elected to tell the positive tales of Africa. This is the newsstands bimonthly, how do you From whatever perspective one assesses whole essence of rebranding. When people reconcile it with the perception of you, you are a success story. So what hear and talk about rebranding, they give it a Nigerians that Newspapers and magazines advice will you give to a greenhorn whole lot of irrelevant colorations, but either come on the newsstands daily or basically rebranding simply means telling coming into your type of media weekly as the case may be? your story in your own way unlike that which publication? It is just like you have in sports. You have is based on people's perception. We have in Well, no one can claim to know the exact some sportsmen whose area is cricket, some the past ten years celebrated Africans who formula for success, but I can tell you play hockey while others play football as the are excelling in their various field of straight away that by trying to please case may be. In the media too we have such endeavour. The likes of South Africa's Nelson everybody you're heading for failure. What I clearly delineated genre. That we find Mandela, Albert Luthuli and Mariam mean is that there are people who for ourselves doing a bimonthly publication Makeba, Kenya's Wangari Maathai, reasons best known to them are not pleased does not in any way affect our own share of Ethiopia's Gabriel Sellassie, Nigeria's Wole with other people's progress. Their criticism the market. Ours is not a news magazine. We

www.xcelmediaonline.com

across board.

Celebrating XCEL at 5 voice of African excellence. sometimes could make you feel like you have not started and if you don't stay focused and committed, then you might fizzle out. You People have the opinion that your genre must realize that to succeed, you don't need of magazine is too elitist. What is your every advice that comes your way. It is in an response to this? attempt to please everybody that you end up I disagree with that because for every crashing out. Also, if you want to succeed, situation there is an exception. So, you you must distinguish between your seed and cannot make a generalization that it is for the your fruit. A lot of people eat up their seed. elites. We cut across. If you look at XCEL When I talk about seed I mean that which you use to grow the business. So, if you eat up what you use to grow the business you end up not having anything to grow the business. Most importantly, you must show more dedication, commitment and love for whatever you're doing. That is the only thing that can guarantee success. Perseverance is another requirement for success in this industry. Ironically, some people exit when they are getting close to success, but if you're able to stay on in spite of the challenges you face, then you may get to a point where you'll say thank God I was Celebrating XCEL at 7 resolute. Finally, money must not take the centre stage. The love and passion for what you you'll see that there is something for do is the only factor that keeps you going everybody. We're very affordable. We're the during trial times. only publication in the genre which for ten years has been sold at a fixed price of five Recently, one of your colleagues in the hundred naira. Others in the genre have shot celebrity magazine publishing decided to their prices far beyond that point. Our join politics and contest for Presidency. quality and standard keeps improving but Do you have any plans in that direction we have refused to increase our cover price. too? This is deliberate because we want to cut I will categorically say no. But as humans we have limitations. I am sure that President Jonathan, thirteen years back did not even think along the lines of being governor neither did he think along the lines of being a local government council chairman. You'll agree with me that his ascendancy is by divine manipulation which is beyond our comprehension. As we speak, I say no. I said that because of the passion I have for the media and my belief that there is still much I will do in the industry.

Some media publications have always been accused of sensationalism, have you experienced any instance when any of your reports is denied and there is a call for retraction? No! We have never had to retract any report. As a matter of fact, I have always told my media colleagues that objectivity and forthrightness should be the watchword always. If you have done all the necessary things that guide the profession, even the man who is seemingly hurt will know that you have been objective. As long as your report is balanced you have nothing to fear. For us in XCEL, we stand on the promise of objectivity and credibility in our operations. We make bold to say that whatever you read in XCEL magazine, take us up on it and we will gladly defend it. There is this belief that media practitioners are often kept apart from their family because of the tight schedule of the sector. It is absolutely true that work load in the media could keep you away from your family. Most times you are working on deadline and there is no option to delivery. However, if you are fortunate to have a wife that shares in your dream, then you have nothing to fear. This is the situation I find myself. My wife understands that I have a calling in the media and she has been very supportive. Do you have a message for your readers who for 10 years have been with you? Of course I do. I want to thank them for all their support because without them there can be no XCEL. I implore them to continue their patronage as we assure them that like fine wine, XCEL gets better every passing day. We will continue to improve, giving them greater value for their money. Obviously without their patronage we wouldn't be where we're today and that's why I call them Our Jewel of inestimable value. Finally, let's thank the Almighty God for giving us the wisdom to do what we are doing. Thank you for your time sir Thank you too.

Where do we hope to see you in say five years time? I have always said it from the start that XCEL intends to do for Africans what Ebony does for the African-Americans. So, if you ask me, I simply hope to see XCEL driving on the fast lane towards our vision of rising to belong to the top echelon of media organizations in Africa, and take our rightful place as a true Admiral Porbeni with XCEL crew at the 7th Anniversary celebration

CAREER

Wise By Benie Amirize

Damaging your at

Reputation

hile some workers make big, reputation-destroying mistakes (think plagiarism or sexual harassment), the vast majority make a series of choices that can quietly build or ruin their professional image in the workplace. "What I find is that most people undermine their credibility in little ways and they do it because they don't mind their abilities,'" says Emily Bennington, co-author of Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out, and Move Up at Your First Real Job. Think punctuality, dependability, humility, accountability. "It's not so much that they make these major mistakes ... What they do is that they slowly chip away at it."

Hitting "reply all" intentionally Everyone knows the accidental “reply all” can be devastating, but there's plenty of harm in the intentional “reply all.” An Email reply that's terse, caustic, or cryptic might make sense to a single recipient (who knows the writer well) but it rarely translates to a broad audience. A regular habit can leave co-workers with a negative impression that's “almost irreversible,” says Sandy Allgeier, author of The Personal Credibility Factor: How to Get It, Keep It, and Get It Back (If You've Lost It).

Asserting yourself at a meeting: You're a new hire, eager to look good among more experienced colleagues, so you're quick to raise your hand when there's an opportunity. When someone is ambitious and wants to be seen as a contributor, they can have a quick response that is not helpful, says Sandy Allgeier, author of The Personal Credibility Factor: How to Get It, Keep It, and Get It Back (If You've Lost It). “You should really be feeling free to ask more questions,” she adds. “This is especially true of people who are trying to make their mark.”

Letting your boss be You're hard at work on a project and rather than check in with your boss along the way, you're keeping out of his or her hair until the project is done. But unless you know this to be your manager's preference, you risk serious under-communication. If the project isn't done correctly and has to be reworked, that's plenty of time and energy wasted, which won't look good. Your boss may begin to question your judgment in other areas, too.

Ignoring the "-ilities" Very often, reputations are made or lost on the small stuff, or the “-ilities,” according to Emily Bennington, coauthor of Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out, and Move Up at Your First Real Job. Think humility, reliability, likability. “What I've seen a lot with people entering the workforce, it's not so much that they make these major mistakes,” Bennington says. “They slowly chip away at it.”

Not having a reputation E q u a l l y a s troublesome as having a bad reputation is not having one. Some professionals are generic. "They don't stand for anything in the workforce,” Emily Bennington, coauthor of Effective Immediately, says. “It's not so much that they've damaged their reputation, it's that they don't have one at all.” Roy Cohen, an executive coach in New York, says that workers can under-

Work By Dileep Panoli

socialize. “There's a sense that if I work really hard, the work will speak for itself,” Cohen says. Much of the time, it won't.

Never turning down work While there's nothing wrong with ambition, workers can put themselves in a bad position when they overestimate their own abilities and bite off more than they can chew. This is a greater danger today, as the recession has left many workers anxious to impress and keep their jobs, says Roy Cohen, an executive coach in New York. Layoffs and hiring freezes have increased employee's workloads, but taking on more than you can handle will make you look like you can't deliver.

Focusing on your boss So much career advice is centred around an employee's relationship with his or her manager that many workers neglect their relationships with coworkers. “I've noticed that new professionals coming into the workforce don't appreciate that their success is as dependent upon colleagues as it is upon their boss,” says Emily Bennington, coauthor of Effective Immediately. If you land in a management role, you may be perceived as a lone ranger.

Challenging your boss It's easy to embarrass your boss in a meeting with other managers. “Make sure you understand the rules of behaviour,” says Roy Cohen, an executive coach in New York. “That's critical.” For one thing, don't interrupt your boss. It's crucial to have your boss's back when you're in public. Your loyalty should come across as thoughtful, not blind.

Not making your work relevant If your job calls for you to produce regular data charts or reports that you send to colleagues, but you don't make that data understandable to the recipients, most of your reports are likely going in the trash. That means your work will be quickly labelled irrelevant. If management ever needs to slash payrolls, you're making it easy for the decision makers to cut your position.

XCEL AWARDS

BEHOLD XCELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 10 MOST OUTSTANDING

NIGERIANS OF THE DECADE ( 2 0 0 0 - 2 010 )

Nigeria attains 50 years of nationhood, emerging stronger after a smoldering civil war and years of military rule. In the last 10 years of these 50 years, while so many of her nationals have brought shame and infamy to her as a nation, others have placed the country in the international front burner as a nation of worth, set for greatness. While some have broken new economic and technological grounds, others have put their lives on line, fighting corruption. Perhaps, there are some more who even fought to exit the country from the hold of international debt and slavery. Or what could one say of the dogged fight of some others to exit the nation from pariah leadership of the military juntas. It is these outstanding Nigerians that we celebrate for their unequalled contributions to the making of a new Nigeria. It is therefore with pleasure that we present in no special order, the hallowed list of these ten Nigerians of worth, making our fatherland and Africa proud, as worthy sons of the black race As providence will have it, he received the greatest endorsement from God when eventually his boss, late President Umaru Yar'Adua passed on after a protracted illness. Today, Goodluck Jonathan steers the ship of Nigeria unperturbed and quite focused in spite of orchestrated distraction from over-ambitious politicians. On assumption, Goodluck proved to Nigerians that certain things that looked impossible are actually possible with commitment and sincerity of purpose. The long queues on fuel stations disappeared, Nigeria's international image began to soar high, the long ban of Nigeria flights from having direct entry to America was reversed and today flights go directly to any American airports having re-rated

Gen. Abdusalami

ABUBAKAR President Goodluck

JONATHAN

iger State born top military brass and last military head of state, who mid-wifed the present democratic dispensation. A reliable statesman and diligent soldier of immeasurable value. Since retirement, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has turned an asset not only to Nigeria but Africa, becoming peace ambassador in so many troubled spots in the continent. He repeated the feat of promoting the reformation of Africa based on democratic norms, in Liberia in 2006, where he became the major observer and mediator for peace that led to the emergence of the first ever female president in Africa. That action, among others, made Nigerians adjudge him one of the 10 Most Outstanding Nigerians in the last 10 years of Nigeria's 50 years of existence as a nation.

igeria's new helmsman, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is truly a man of goodluck and destiny. He began life as a poor boy from a tiny and serene village of Otueke in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State but today, he is the man of authority in charge from Nigeria's seat of authority, Aso Rock, Abuja. After his educational attainment which enabled him began life as a Science Inspector of Education, later as a Biology Lecturer at the Rivers State College of Education in 1983, he went further to better his chances in life by taking up appointment with the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission (OMPADEC) as Director in charge of Agriculture. The dawn of a new political era in 1999 saw Dr. Jonathan pairing with Chief D.S.P Alamieyeseigha as his deputy on the platform of PDP. The ship was being steered by both steadily before, in 2005 the storm of impeachment took Chief Alamieyeseigha and that gave Dr. Jonathan the state's ship to pilot. In a short while it was obvious that Dr. Jonathan understood his briefs beyond interpretation and that endeared him further into the hearts of the then President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. That relationship culminated in the elevation of Dr. Jonathan to pair with late Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua as vice presidential candidate in the April 2007 Presidential election even after his attempt to seek his people's mandate as their governor. Jonathan truly got the baton of his political party, the PDP, but he rather left the state for a higher calling as the Vice President of Nigeria on his party winning the elections.

Pastor Enoch A.

XCEL AWARDS

ADEBOYE

ave you seen a man enmeshed with uncommon humility and mien? Not just the meek, but one that genuine exudes the Christ-like humble and kind attitude. Such man is here with us in Nigeria, in the person of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). This exceptional man of God had a humble background having been born in Ifeware in present day Osun state. Striving from a rural beginning, which never deterred Adeboye even as a child without foot-wears, this pillar in the House of God remained steadfast in his educational pursuit. Despite his constraints during his early education, Adeboye was focused at God's plans as he graduated from the university in 1967 at the age of 25. Thereafter he advanced his quest for higher degrees between 1967 and 1975 obtaining again a Master of Science degree in Hydrodynamics and a Ph.D in Applied Mathematics. He began a rewarding career as a lecturer and attended the Redeemed Christian Church of God with a heightened passion in search of God and His word. Though he had a Christian up-bring, Pastor Adeboye was yet to surrender to Christ. So on July 29, 1973 Adeboye answered the alter call to surrender fully to Christ. This set his path in the vineyard of God, which culminated in his ordination as a Pastor in RCCG and in 1981 after seven years of dedicated service; he was consecrated as the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Prof. Chinua

ACHEBE

hinualogu Achebe is a prominent Igbo literary icon, with a global acclaim. His novels have indeed described the effects of Western customs and values on traditional African society. Achebe's satire and keen ear for spoken language have made him one of the most highly esteemed African writers in English. Though paralysed from a fatal car accident in 1990, his thoughts and writing skills are still fertile and potent in global affairs. Achebe's Things Fall Apart published in 1958 still makes wave across the globe as evident in its translation into 50 languages. It was one of the novels that announced Achebe in the global literary podium. Achebe is one Nigerian that has both credibility and intellectual respect across the globe. This has indeed been demonstrated by winning the 2007 Man Booker International award. Other awards he received include a Margaret Wrong Prize, the Statesman Jock Campbell Prize, and the Commonwealth Poetry Prize. These are awards given to genuine work of transformation and impact on society. Chinua Achebe was born in Ogidi, Nigeria, the son of a teacher in a missionary school. His parents, though they instilled in him many of the values of their traditional Igbo culture, were devout evangelical Protestants and christened him Albert after Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. In 1944 Achebe attended Government College in Umuahia. Like other major Nigerian writers including Wole Soyinka, Elechi Amadi, John Okigbo, John Pepper Clark, and Cole Omotso, he was also educated at the University College of Ibadan, where he studied English, history and theology. At the university, Achebe rejected his British name and took his indigenous name Chinualogu. In 1953 he graduated with a BA. Before joining the Nigerian Broadcasting Company in Lagos in 1954, he is widely travelled in Africa and America, and worked for a short time as a teacher. In the 1960s he was the director of External Services in charge of the Voice of Nigeria. During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-70) Achebe was in the Biafran government service, and then taught at US and Nigerian universities. Achebe's writings from this period reflect his deep personal disappointment with what Nigeria became since independence.

Since then he had led the flock truly like a servant of God rather than one seen as a boss. A church established in 1952 by Pa Josiah Akindayoumi is believed to have the largest network of churches both in Nigeria and across the globe. The church has indeed spread to over 90 nations that include Nigeria with 10,000 churches, Africa, Britain with 250 branches, USA, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Haiti, Dubai, Kuwait, China etc. The church annual Holy Ghost Service, which began 20 years ago gathers over 50,000 participants just as its London version, tagged Festival of Life also gather over 30,000 followers. These are events Pastor Adeboye has diligently used to win souls to God. He is today adjudged one of the genuine men of God on the face of the earth in the past 10 years.

elevated her to the position of managing director after her resignation on August 3, 2006 following her sudden removal as head of Nigeria's Economic Intelligence team by President Obasanjo. Her reappointment by World Bank on October 4, 2007 reaffirmed her international reputation and global relevance. For these unquantifiable achievements, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been adjudged one outstanding Nigerian in the past 10 years.

Chief Gani

FAWEHINMI C

Ngozi

OKONJO-IWEALA

woman with uncommon erudition and intellectual prowess. A technocrat of no mean repute. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala came into the political limelight soon after erstwhile President Obasanjo won his second term in office and was seeking the participation of technocrats in the diaspora for his new government. One of those quintessential figures of repute that Obasanjo found was Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, who became Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Chairman of his Economic Team.

hief Gani Fawehinmi was born in 1938 in Ondo town in present-day Ondo State, Nigeria and died in 2009. He has thus lived a purposeful life with a great miscellany of attributes, which distinguished him as a lawyer par excellence, an author of profound erudition, a nationalist of unusual courage and (surprisingly, some will say), a traditionalist of incredible ardor. Chief Gani Fawehinmi is one Nigerian whose numerous legal and human rights exploits cannot be conveniently placed in one pigeonhole. One of the greatest lawyers of our time, he is also a politician of an uncommon" hue. He is not just a political activist and a human rights crusader because he is also a philanthropist. He is more than a philanthropist because he is also a nationalist. But he is not only a natIonalist; because he is also a citizen of the world championing with uncommon zeal the values that bind humanity, being the most vocal on issues of public importance. Indeed, the name Chief Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi, is a household one across the landscape of Nigeria and beyond, and exudes that spirit of struggle for the right of the ordinary man as well as hope for the hopeless. He has been a very strong pillar in Nigeria's journey towards a fair democracy and is still an important figure in the nations politics till today As a beacon of hope for the Nigerian people, Chief Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi, was one of the 10 Most Outstanding Nigerians in the past 10 years.

Prior to her ministerial career in Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala was vicepresident and corporate secretary of the World Bank Group. She left in 2003 to become Nigeria's Finance Minister on 15 July. In October 2005, she led the Nigerian team that struck a deal with the Paris Club, a group of bilateral creditors, to pay a portion of Nigeria's external debt (US $12 billion) in return for an $18 billion debt write-off. Prior to the partial debt payment and write-off, Nigeria spent roughly U.S. $1 billion every year on debt servicing, without making a dent in the principal owed. Okonjo-Iweala also introduced the practice of publishing each state's monthly financial allocation from the federal government in the newspapers. She was instrumental in helping Nigeria obtain its first ever sovereign credit rating (of BB minus) from Fitch and Standard & Poor's. Nigeria is considered to have defaulted on its sovereign debt in 1983. She came, saw and conquered by ensuring that Nigeria was removed from debt bondage. She was a woman who read accurately the Nigerian political barometer as she left when the ovation was loudest, when she was posted to pilot affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as Minister. It was obvious then that the beat of tactical manipulations was more than the dream to transform Nigeria's foreign image. Her integrity and credibility was further enhanced when the World Bank re-employed and

Samuel Okon

XCEL AWARDS

PETER

amuel Okon Peter is the Nigeria boxing maverick, popularly referred to as the 'Nigeria Nightmare' in his chosen profession. Dogged and determined to create a new part where many others have surrendered, Peter most likely came into boxing unknowingly. Born on September 6, 1980 in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, Samuel Peter boxing career stemmed from the uncommon passion to make a difference in life no matter the odds. Peter rose to prominence as a professional fighter following a string of spectacular knockout wins in his early career, at a time when the division was fragmented. This helped him walk the ladder of fame, though in a short span, but history will inscribe his name in the column of those who once wore the WBC Heavyweight Champions belt. Samuel Okon Peter, perhaps never have thought of mounting the ring for a boxing contest, as he was before 1992 a soccer aficionado, but had a change of destiny when par chance he met some boxers who came to his school to train. Peter's curiosity arose from then and he requested to be part of the training. Facing an experienced amateur almost fragmented Peter and sent fears into his spine, but the thought of making it in life through boxing fired his zeal to continue. And in no time Peter won the Nigeria Amateur Heavyweight Championship and the African Zone 3 Championship. He prevailed and was given the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the 2000 Sydney, Australia Summer Olympics. This announced him into the international arena and the spree of winning began, the NABF title by defeating Jeremy Williams, won the USBA Heavyweight by beating Yanqui Diaz on January 22, 2005, won the NABA Heavyweight Champion Taurus Sykes and was later defeated on September 24, 2005 by Wladimir Klitschko. Peter regained NABF title on April 28, 2006 by defeating Julius Long. His defeat of James Toney paved way for the WBC World Heavyweight title after Oleg Maskaev pulled out and defeating McCline.

Philip

EMEAGWALI P

hilip Emeagwali remains an icon to be celebrated as among the 10 most outstanding Nigerians. He is one who would have been counted among many million 'talented' Nigerians languishing in Cassava farms today, if not for the hand of fate and destiny that took him out of the shores of Nigeria. Emeagwali is celebrated globally for daring to dare where the gods tread. When ideas seem to have ended in human inventions, young and talented Philip broke the ceiled lines to appear victorious. With a bumpy educational background, Emeagwali turned his destiny around when he took the decision to leave the shores of Nigeria after the Nigerian civil war to study in England. Later he got a scholarship to study at the Oregon University in the United States of America. Like a determined child from a humble background, Philip conquered the world as he stood tall amongst people from diverse ethnic background and nations to receive the best bachelor's degree in Mathematics in 1977. From then, his unquenchable quest to acquire the best of knowledge was absolutely rekindled. But that was not his break-point. Philip Emeagwali distinguished himself in his career based on his discovery of an application of the CM-2 massively-parallel computer for oil-reservoir modeling. He won in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;price/performanceâ&#x20AC;? category, with a performance figure of 400 Mflops/$1M, corresponding to an absolute performance of 3.1 Gflops. In addition, his discovery provided the theory of connecting computers around the world to provide a scalable, network through which to share and process information. Using this concept in conjunction with the existing internet backbone, the World Wide Web would emerge as a new entity for providing communications and enhancing commerce. In 1989, in acknowledgement of his discovery, Emeagwali was awarded the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Gordon Bell Prize which recognizes outstanding achievement in high performance computing applications. Since then he is celebrated across the world including a country that he was almost frustrated out of relevance in early years, Nigeria. Absolutely, Philip Emeagwali is one Nigerian that still remain outstanding for the past ten years and even in years to come as one great ICT ambassador for Nigeria.

In any case, Samuel Peter has registered Nigeria in the World Boxing Heavyweight Championship and shore up the image and rating of Nigeria across the globe as an ambassador of goodwill and sports. He is one outstanding Nigerian of the last decade of the first 50 years of the country as a nation.

the world for this treatment meted to him. Ribadu, 50, by November 2010 studied law at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State from 1980 until 1983, receiving a Bachelor of Laws degree. Following a year at the Nigerian Law School, he was called to Bar in 1984. He also earned a Master of Laws degree from the same university. He is a Ted Fellow and currently a Senior Fellow in St. Antony's College, Oxford University, UK. Indeed, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has served this country with undivided commitment and dedication, in his fight to stamp out corruption, which of course justify why Nigerians see him as one of the 10 Most Outstanding Nigerians in the last 10 years of Nigeria's 50

Alhaji Aliko

DANGOTE T

Mallam Nuhu

RIBADU N

uhu Ribadu has transformed beyond the responsibility of a police officer to that of custodian of credibility for the Nigerian nation. As Chairman of the Economic & Financial Crime Commission, he has made that responsibility supersede any other interest. His commitment to fighting corruption across board irrespective of who is involved, has endeared him more to the ordinary Nigerian. In 2006 alone, Ribadu sensing that many corrupt elements would hijack the political space, with elections coming up in 2007, set stumbling blocks on their way. He also set in motion machinery to release the dossier on corrupt governors whose tenures were expiring as well as those seen as conduit for money laundering.

his northern enigma and industrialist rose from mere trading, first going into haulage business before becoming a first class industrialist. His Dangote Group has played prominent roles in the revival of the Nigerian economy. In 2006 one of his most ambitious investment, the Obajana Cement Factory began operation, it's mission the need to redeem Nigeria from near lack of cement with which to embark on the numerous construction and development works across the country. His personal success has further translated to the tremendous success of the group as he further divested into business opportunities available in the sugar, flour, rice, telecommunications and oil & gas sector. His uncommon pursuit has been instrumental in providing employment for many Nigerians and by extension, affecting a large portion of families positively. He is a man that is ever prepared to take advantage of every investment opportunity to promote the Nigeria economy and its well-being. He is known to be one of the richest man in Africa, but Alhaji Dangote in a very modest manner once said "I think I have to be rated by Forbes magazine first before I can be [called] the richest man in Africa". Though he also claimed to be comfortable in terms of wealth. "He ranked first in Nigeria in the Forbes 2008 list of the richest people in the world with a fortune estimated at 3.3 billion dollars. These towering achievements and dedication made him fit into one of the 10 Most Outstanding Nigerians in for the past 10 years.

He was the pioneer Executive Chairman of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the government commission tasked with countering corruption and fraud. In April 2009, he became a visiting fellow at the Center for Global Development. He lived in exile until 2010 when he returned to Nigeria and declared his intention to run for President of Nigeria under the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Earlier on April 15, 2008, Nuhu Ribadu received the World Bank's 2008 Jit Gill Memorial Award for Outstanding Public Service, for having led a courageous anti-corruption drive in Nigeria, as Head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Unfortunately on August 4, 2008, the Police Service Commission in Nigeria announced the demotion of Mr. Ribadu from Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) to Deputy Commissioner of Policeas part of the calculated attempt to break his spirit and persecute him. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had promoted Ribadu to AIG weeks before the end of his tenure in office in 2007in recognition of his hard work in fighting corruption. As a result of this political persecution, on November 22, 2008, his graduation from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Plateau State was aborted at the last minute. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was initially seated in the hall along with other graduands, was ordered out of the hall allegedly on orders from top administration officials. There were condemnations from all over XL

SOCIETY

Couple, Chief Rasak Pobeni (left), with Prince & Mrs. Jide Agboola Mr. & Mrs. Muri Danu

HISTORIC HANDSHAKE ACROSS CULTURES AS

MURI DANU & IFY NWARACHE CELEBRATE LOVE IN A SCINTILATING MARRIAGE

bagi town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State was agog on November 20, 2010. It was not because of any cultural carnival, but it was the traditional marriage of two love-birds, Ifeyinwa Nwarache and Muritala Danu which in its total evaluation is a marriage of unity. Ifeyinwa a Deltan of Oshimili descent and Murtala a Jigawan of Dutse descent were fused in marriage for the sake of love they found in each other, so defiling the impediments of tribe and tongue they stood firmly to love and live forever. Therefore, guests of invaluable worth gathered at Obagi leaving an enduring memory for the people. The event which took place at the Ishirimah Chinwah's compound had in attendance, the first lady of Rivers State and wife of the governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, the former Commissioner for Sports in the state, Chief Allwell Onyeso, Chief Chidi Wihioka, Prince Jide Agbola, MD of Avilla Motors, Chief John Bosco, George Amangala and a host of others.

Judith Amaechi, Chinedu Ile & Prince Jide Agboola

Quite on hand to spice up the event with melodious tunes of the century include Peter of the Stone Cold Band, Frank D-Nero while ace comedian and actor, Basorge Tariah was the master of ceremony. It was indeed a blissful moment as culture was at its best as Ifeyinwa Nwarache was gloriously handed over to Muritala Danu (Muri) in a grand style and in a glamorous fashion.

Chief Ebi Spiff, Elder Wihioka, Chief Henry &Prince Jide Agboola

Madam Jane, , bride, Her Excellency, Judith Amaechi, Groom & Prince Agboola

Bride & mom, Madam Jane

Alh. Musa, Talimu, Ibrahim, Uba with Chief Emeka Beke

Prince Jide Agboola, MD, Avilla Motors

Couple with groom's sister, Fatu

Cele, Mofe, Augutus, G. Amagala, Chief John Bosco with S. Briggs & wife

Couple with Mr. & Mrs. Isaac

House 36 members

Bride & elder sister, Mrs. Nkechi Amadi

Dama, David, Famous, Boyo, Ken, Austin & mengay

Ihenda, Belema Dikibo & Papa Ugo, Zubi, Ezi & friends XL

PRESIDENTIAL VISIT

BAYELSA IN FRENZY CELEBRATION FOR PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

ature can always create sorts of coincidences. Sometime ago, precisely in October 2006, he was a host to a sitting president as a substantive governor, October 2010, he became a visiting president to same state he once piloted the affairs for 11 months. That of course was the journey of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As the governor of Bayelsa State in 2006, he hosted the then President Olusegun Obasanjo. That visit marked a turning point for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. As his first home coming, Bayelsans were upbeat and the state became a carnival of a sort. Women, men, youths and even children were in high spirit to welcome their own who by the hand of providence became the first President from the minorities of Nigeria, especially the perceived most oppressed, the Ijaw ethnic nationality. It was indeed three days of busy activities for the President as he moved from one project commissioning to another, the scorecard of his host, Chief Timipre Sylva, who was undeterred to showcase the new dawn of the state in development. The area along the new Judiciary building adjoining the Isaac Boro Park were all sparkling in the twinkle lights of beauty to express the development that pervaded the state in the past few years. Other projects commissioned include Diete-Koki Memorial Hospital at Opolo, Plastic Industry to stimulate industrial activities in the state, the repackaged Glory Drive; ground breaking ceremony of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a host of other projects. President Jonathan speaks

A major highlight of the visit was the conferment of Chieftaincy title on Mr. President as the Izon Pere Keni of Izon-Ibe, literally translated as the number-one king of Ijaw land. Besides a Civic reception for the President, he also had an interactive section with the people of Bayelsa State, a banquet and a thanksgiving service at the Gloryland Chapel. For Mr. President, there is no gainsaying that it was indeed a wonderful and glorious home-comming of a man, in whom his people are well-pleased.

Their Excellencies in a joyous mood

Govs. Orji, Uduaghan & Imoke with Deputy Gov. Seibarugu

Gov. Sylva, President Jonathan & wife, Patience

Gov. Sylva addresses the people

WHEN BAYELSA STATE TRADITIONAL RULERS GATHERED TO HONOUR MR. PRESIDENT

President Jonathan, wife, Dame Patience & Traditional Rulers in a lighter mood

President Jonathan in a handshake with Mingi X11

President Jonathan, Dame Patience & Gov. Timipre Sylva

Govs. Uduaghan, Orji, Amaechi & Imoke

Prof Akunyili, Prof. Rikyatu, & Chief (Mrs.) Anenih

AT THE STATE BANQUET

Their Excellencies listening to Clint D Drunk

PRESIDENTIAL VISIT

An array of Ministers of the Federal Republic

Their Excellencies, Govs. Theodore Orji & Ikedi Ohakim

Gov. Uduaghan & wife with Gov. Imoke

His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu & wife

HRM, King Diete-Spiff with Timi Alaibe (c)

Sen. David Brigidi & Sen. Tari Sekibo

Caleb Olubolade, Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha (c) with others Chief Ebitimi Banigo (L)

Hon. Jonathan Obiebite & wife

Chief Anderson Esiemokumoh

Chief of Staff, Ogbuku Samuel (r)

Their Excellencies along side First Lady, Dame Patience Joanthan admires the life-size portrait gift from the State

Thank You Gov. Sylva for the gift

AT THE THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Their Excellencies rise in honour of God at the Thanksgiving Service

Mrs. Helen Mark, Justice Abiri & Dame Patience Jonathan

First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan & Mrs. Alayingi Sylva

Justice Kate Abiri (r) XL

73 25

Prof. Akunyili, Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha, Olubolade & Amb. Igali

Packaged by: Mohammed Ladan

SOCIETY

Gov. Sule Lamido’s Son, Mustafa Lamido Comes of Age as he takes Beautiful Zainab Abdullahi As Wife

xquisite, exhilarating and thrilling are the best words to describe the week long marriage fatiha of the cute son of Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Mustafa Lamido with Zainab Abdullahi the delectable daughter of Dr. Aliu Abdullahi, a prominent federal permanent secretary, which turned the sub-urban town of Bamaina into a carnival of a sort. In line with the spiritual fulfillment of a man leaving his parents to be joined with his heartthrob as man and wife, therefore Friday July 30, 2010 became one of those rare moments for Mustafa Lamido to be joined to the love of his life, Zainab Abdullahi in grandeur event. With an uncommon display of glamour and celebration, Zaria City registered a memorable attendance of guests not known in recent times in history. Beside the razzmatazz that accompanied the entire event, it was indeed one that took guests and well-wishers to traverse through Kano City form Jigawa state to the ancient city of Zaria for the marriage. With the bride's uncle as the Sarkin Fulanin Zazzau and secretary of the Zaria emirate council, the palace became a beehive of activities and a melting point for the guests as the Emir of Zaria, His Eminence Dr. Shehu Idris, MFR was right on hand to give them a royal reception. Apart from the representatives of the President and the Vice President, other high profile dignitaries who witnessed the wedlock include former Nigeria military leaders, Generals Abdulsalami Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida, former vice president of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, National Security Adviser to the president, Gen. Aliu Mohammed Gusau, Gen. Gado Nasko and Gen. Wushishi, all retired. The host governor, Mr. Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State along with the father of the groom, Gov. Sule Lamido led the pack of other governors which include, Gov. Dambab Suntai of Taraba, Gov. Babangida Aliu of Niger, and their Zamfara counterpart. The deputy governors on hand are those of Nassarawa, Gombe and of course Jigawa states. It was indeed a gathering of the high and the mighty in the political firmament of Nigeria as it could be mistaken for another political convention. But for the eminent presence of royal fathers which include the representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Sunusi, Emirs of Biu, Bwari, Mubi, Gwandu, and others. Also present are the former governors of Jigawa state, former ministers, members of National Assembly, the diplomatic and business communities, senior government officials as well as women leaders. Apparently, not too long after their bond of friendship, Mustafa Lamido took up the challenge to remain with Zainab forever as one. This perhaps tickled the bride's excitement shortly before stepping-up to the alter to say “yes, I do” in the Muslim tradition. Apparently, the couple could reminiscence on their coming together as one, as the bride reflected by saying; “we actually met in school, though not the unusual way. After sometimes, I noticed that his tongue was too heavy for him to pronounce the word 'marriage' to me”. The peak of celebration did not extinguish at the Zaria end of the fatiha. But because of the exalted traditional offices held by Mustafa Lamido, first, as the Santuraki of Dutse and second, as Hakimi of Bamaina town; which of course, is the traditional title of Dutse Emirate and district head of Bamaina kingdom. Interestingly, these traditional titles, suggest that he is the youngest chief and the youngest district head in northern Nigeria. At the age of 21, Mustafa as heir apparent of his grand parents, became the district head of Bamaina in Birninkudu local government of Jigawa state. And, at the age of 24, he met his heartthrob, Zainab, who did not hesitate to tie the nuptial nut with this charismatic prince of Jigawa on

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The couple stepping out

The Lamidos his 25th birthday. The couple had a routine of activities to hype up their initial nuptial by giving the guests maximum fun, happiness, joy and traditional fanfare. So, on Saturday July 31, 2010, father of the groom, Governor Sule Lamido and his entire family was the cynosure of all eyes at the traditional rights of hawan dabar[horse ride] at the palace in Bamaina. An event organized by Dutse emirate council to honour the couple as their own. Unveiling of the bride had another scintillating colouration which is a significant part of northern marriage. But more amazing and colourful is that the groom's family (the Lamidos) waited patiently for the bride's

arrival with utmost anxiety, and behold, a snaky convoy of exotic cars drove in royalty with unbroken rhythm to the heart of Bamaina, which indeed dazed the entire people. The crowd then surged forth to catch a glimpse of this damsel of a bride that stole the heart of their prince. Suddenly, she appeared like the new moon from one of the creamy luxury cars with a retinue of entourage that includes the deputy governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure who incidentally is also the chairman of the organizing committee alongside Gov. Lamido's Chief of Staff as Secretary. Then the dawn of Sunday 1st August, 2010,

saw Bamaina town wore a glamorous look in preparation for a night of variety. By noon, women of substance as well as friends of the groom that trooped in from far and wide to establish their presence were indeed overwhelming and a sign of the celebration of love. And in no time, the entire venue for the grand-finale dinner had sea of heads swimming across the length and breadth to felicitate with this enigma of a prince of the Bamaina dynasty wishing a blissful married life. Certainly, the Lamidos gave a quality account of themselves as hospitable people and friends of many across the nooks and cranny of the landscape of Nigeria irrespective of their political leanings, which was a fallout of their years of goodwill and camaraderie with other leaders.

Mustapha (Groom)

Gov. Lamido with Mustapha & younger sibling

Zainab (Bride)

SOCIETY

Sitting from left: Atiku Abubakar, Gen. Nasko, Gen. Abdulsalami, Gen. Babangida, Gen. Wushishi, Emir of Zazzau & SGF - Yayale Ahmed

Former VP, Atiku Abubakar & Emir of Zazzau

Gov. Lamido, Gen. Abdulsalam & Gen. Babangida

Gen. IBB, Gen. Wushishi & Emir of Zazzau

Atiku, Gen. Nasko & Gen. Abdulsalam Gen. Nasko & a traditional ruler

SGF-Yayale Ahmed & Gov. Lamido

Dr. Aliu Abdullahi

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VIPs

Guests

Hadjia Amina Lamido (1st Lady) with some Women Leaders

Yayale Ahmed, Gov. Babangida Aliu & Gov. Lamido

Chief of Staff (Jigawa State) & Amb. Kazaure

Gov. Sule Lamido & son, Mustapha

Her Excellency, Hadjia Amina Sule Lamido

Some Women Leaders

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Zainab with Grandmother

Zainab (Bride) with sisters

Zainab with Groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sisters

Zainab in an elegant pose

...Looking good

Zainab & mom

Hadiza Lamido & brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister

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AT THE COLOURFUL RECEPTION HELD IN BAMAINA, JIGAWA STATE

Mustapha & beautiful Zainab

Cutting of the cake

Mustapha feeds Zainab

...Sipping in style

...Zainab takes turn

The wedding cake XL

...A Splendid Stage for the Couple

SOCIETY

With Their Excellencies, Hadjia Amina Lamido & Hadjia Fatima Rafi’a

Couple Couple’s relations

Couple with Brides parents

The Wakili Santuraki & Groom’s uncles

The Lamidos

Couple with Bride’s uncles

Groom’s sisters

Delegates from Kano

Couple with some women leaders

Uncles

Couple with brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friend

Family members

Friends of the groom

Hadiza Lamido (c) & others

Friends of the bride

Friends of the Groom

With relations With friends

Chimamanda Writes About Being a Woman in Urban Nigeria

humid night two years ago, sitting beside a male friend in his car, and I roll down my window to tip a young man, one of the thousands of unemployed young men in Lagos who hang around, humorous and resourceful, and help you park your car with the expectation of a tip. I brought the money from my bag. He took it with a grateful smile. Then he looked at my friend and said, “Thank you, sir!” This is what it is to be youngish (early thirties) and female in urban Nigeria. You are driving and a policeman stops you and either he is leering and saying “fine aunty, I will marry you,” or he is sneering, with a taunt in his demeanour and the question so heavy in the air that it need not be asked: “which man bought this car for you and what did you have to do to get him to?” You are reduced to two options; to play angry and tough and to thereby offend his masculinity and have him keep you parked by the roadside, demanding document after document. Or to play the Young Simpering Female and massage his masculinity, a masculinity already fragile from poor pay and various other indignities of the Nigerian state. I am infuriated by these options. I am infuriated by the assumption that to be youngish and female means you are unable to earn your own living without a man. And yet. Sometimes I have taken on the simpering and smiling, because I am late or I am hot or I am simply not dedicated enough to my feminist principle. I have a friend who is, on the surface, a cliché. An aspirational cliché. She has a beautiful face, two degrees from an American Ivy League college, a handsome husband with a similar educational pedigree and two children who started to read at the age of two; she is always at the top of Nigerian women achievers lists in magazines; has worked, in the past 10 years, in consulting, hedge funds and non-governmental organisations; mentors young girls on how to succeed in a male-dominated world; recites statistics about anything from trade deficits to export revenue. And yet. One day she told me she had stopped giving interviews because her husband did not like her photo in the newspaper, and she had also decided to take her husband's surname because it upset him

that she continued to use hers professionally. Expressions such as “honour him” and “for peace in my marriage” tumbled out of her mouth, forming what I thought of as a smouldering log of self-conquest. Another friend is very attractive, very educated, sits on boards of companies and does the sort of management work that is Greek to me. She is single. She is a few years older than I am but looks much younger. The first board meeting she attended, a man asked her, after being introduced, “So whose wife or daughter are you?” Because to him, it was the only way she would be on that board. She was,

the rent, always, because it was the man's duty to do so. “Even if he is broke and I have money, he will have to go and borrow and pay the rent.” She paused, rolling this contradiction around her tongue, and then she added, “Maybe it is because of our culture. It is what they taught us.” There is, of course, always that “they”. Two years ago, we were slumped on sofas in his Lagos living room, my brother-in-law and I, talking about politics as we usually did. “I think I'll run for governor in a few years,” I said in the musing manner of a person who only half-means what they say. “You would never be governor,” he said promptly. “You could be a senator but not governor. They won't let a woman be governor.” What he meant was that a governor had too much power, and was in control of too much money, none of which could be left to a woman by that invisible “they”. And yet. I realise that 15 years ago he would not have said, “you could be a senator.” Civilian rule brought greater participation of women in politics and the most popular and most effective ministers in the past 10 years have been women. In the next decade, my brother-in-law could be proved wrong. In the next three decades, he will certainly be proved wrong. But she would have to be married, the woman who would be governor.

Chimamanda Adichie

it turned out, a chief executive. And yet. She lives in a city where her friends dream not of becoming the CEO but of marrying the CEO, a city where her singleness is seen as an affront, where marriage carries more social and political cachet than it should. Another friend is a talented writer, a forthright woman who makes people nervous when she speaks bluntly about sex, a woman who describes herself as a feminist, and who talks a lot about gender equality and changing the system. And yet. She earns more than her husband does but once told me that he had to pay

My first novel is on the West African secondary school curriculum. My second novel is taught in universities. One question I am almost always certain of getting during media interviews is a variation of this: we appreciate the work you are doing and your novels are important but when are you getting married? I refuse to accept that the institution of marriage is what gives me my true value, and I refuse to come across as silly or coy or both. The balance is a precarious one. “Would you ask that question to a male writer my age?” I once asked a journalist in Lagos. “No,” he said, looking at me as though I were foolish. “But you are not a man.”

By Chimamanda Adichie As culled from the Financial Times

SOCIETY

CHIEF MKO OFIEAFATE turns 50, Celebrate With Funfair In Port Harcourt fired by His Royal Highness, King Amakiri, who though a little older than him, grew with him and gave a perspective history of how they grew, what he could do and what he could not also do. This w a s f u r t h e r collaborated by Chief Gbo Austine Gboro elect, who said Chief MKO Ofieafate is a likeable person with a heart full of compassion for others and so have endeavoured to empower as much youths and people around him to the glory of God.

Chief Moses Kaizer Ololo-Ofieafate

hen a man attains the golden age of 50, something new enters him. It is the cap of responsibility as one to seek after for wise counsel. He double checks issues and ideas before approval. But more elating is the joy that accompanies that age. On the day of celebration, it is always with a high sense of fulfillment. That exactly expresses the height of joy of the man known in the cycle of Octopus Clan Limited and many in Bayelsa State as MKO. Chief Moses Kaizer Ololo Ofieafate ironically looked much younger than age 50 on that fateful evening of Friday, October 29, 2010 at the exquisite VHotels, in the heart of the Trans-Amadi Industrial Estate. He strut around bantering with friends and well-wishers beaming with illuminating smiles. He could fathom how it looks to be 50, but something in him tells him you are now in the club of 50.

Thereon guests where served with sumptuous delicacies as Chief Moses Kaizer Ololo Ofieafate, the indubitable Executive Director, Octopus Clan Limited, graciously was assisted by the crème of guests at the high table led by HRH King I.C. Atubo Awulu (Olua 1, of Oluasiri), Chief Nimi Dambo Kalabo, HRH King Amakiri, Chief Orutugu James Azaka, and Chief Ayebaesin Iduaghotu Omo amongst other high chiefs. Then, the moment of showing his joy on the dance floor. Chief Moses Kaizer Ofieafate, never hid his youthful dance-steps. He rolled, rocked and jumped as much as he could. He spanned where possible and the grip of excitement and exhilaration overwhelmed him and suddenly he took the microphone and began as a way of vote of thanks. “I never thought I could achieve what I have. But God has helped me. There were times in life that I was living in low profile areas and I also paid N5 to go to toilet. Life then was as if things will not

work. But today, God has so blessed me that even now I can afford to build a house for somebody. I thank God for his marvelous help. I thank all of you that have also come to join me to celebrate. I know that he will also make you to celebrate your 50 and beyond.” This note of remark revealed the other part of Chief MKO Ofieafate and that is the part of being a servant of God in His House for God said; “And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfill. I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee-(Ex 23:25-27-KJV)”. This was further displayed on Sunday October 31, 2010 at the Glory of God Ministries International (a.k.a Glorious Family Church) Borokiri, where family, friends and well-wishers once again converged to give God glory for his bountiful blessings upon the life of this enigma and humanitarian, Chief Moses Kaizer Ololo Ofieafate of the Octopus Clan fame. Like never before, the General Overseer of the Church, Reverend I.H. Pepple was spiritually overwhelmed as he dished out prophecies of the Lord and blessings upon everyone present. He also emphasized on the life of thanksgiving and giving as the pathway to prosperity. Thereafter, Chief MKO Ofieafate's birthday cake was cut joined by both men of God and high Chiefs that attended the Church service to commemorate the 50th birthday celebration. MKO is known to be one of the outstanding patrons of the church especially its ushering unit where he had made some tremendous contributions to the advancement of the unit. After a beautiful photo session, everyone present was treated to some refreshment and that climaxed the celebration of a wonderful phase in the life of a man who cares for others, who is dedicated to his mentors and obliged to the welfare of society, Chief MKO Ofieafate. Indeed, we wish him another 50 memorable years ahead still strong and active.

Chief & Mrs. Moses Kaizer Ololo-Ofieafate

He did not realize much of these until, the message from his master, mentor and chairman of the occasion, Chief James Jephthah, JP, ably represented by Chief Nimi Dambo Kalabo, who declared that his dream is for those working with him or under him to be progressive in life, and so could not hide his happiness for the man, MKO, who as Executive Director Operations of the Octopus Clan Limited has helped in transforming the company to an internationally reckoned corporate entity. In his unique way, Chief Jephthah presented an undisclosed package to Chief MKO Ofieafate as his birthday gift. Then, speeches from child-hood acquaintances showed MKO as a very humble and grasroot person. The salvo was XL

SOCIETY

Chief M.K.O cutting the cake

Chief Kalabo (2nd L), MKO, Chief Sawari, Chief Allen (elect) & Chief Gboro (elect)

Callis, Rojenny, Chief M.K.O, Desmond

Emeka Ezekwe, Stanley, Daminabo & friend

Legi Nambo, HRH Amakiri, Solomon, Chief M.K.O, Ebi Sunday & Frank

Mike Ogolo, Tonworio & Chief MKO

Chief M.K.O & Amoror

Chief, Emma & Ufoma

Barr. Alfred Doibo

Kesiyea, Chief Charlie, Captain Fakuma

Kazim & Amaeze

Ibaralanyo Eldred & Friend

Clement & friend

R-L: Olua 1 of Oluasiri, Chief S.D. Dambo, H.H Amakiri, Chf Azaka & Chf Omo

E.T.K. Amah & Friend

Alex, Ebi Ben-Ololo & Arnold

Tope & Bimpe Elder Sydney (left)

SOCIETY

Cutting of the cake

Chief & Mrs. Moses Kaizer Ololo-Ofieafate

Chief Jephthah, Chief A. Idaughotu-Omo, F. Ikierigha & Chief Kalabo

Chief receiving gift from ushers of the church Madam Bio M.K.O & Mrs Lateh Ebi-Ololo

Madam Bio M.K.O, Mr. & Mrs. F. Alamina & friend

Mrs. Bio M.K.O., Mrs. Shola Ifeanyi & Mrs. Nkem Ajua

Ebi Ben Ololo

Lemuel, M.K.O & family with O.J

with Octopus Clan

Chief & dignitaries

Chief M.K.O & family with Choir

Chief & guests

with ministers

With Palace men

with Nembe Boys

Chief & Mrs. M.K.O & family with ushers

Moving Up The Ladder

EMMANUEL AMEH adoyimotivation@yahoo.com

LIVING with PURPOSE

bundant life begins with the discovery of your purpose. The discovery of purpose begins with the new birth in Christ Jesus. When you have Jesus then your divine destiny is in place. What you lost in Adam can be regained. It will interest you therefore that you aren't just an accident of nature, neither are you just a product of a biological process or mistake of your parents. You are God's creation, planned and designed to fulfill a purpose. You are a creature of destiny; you are a treasure of great value. The outstanding thing about treasures is the value attached to them. That you are valuable to God is obvious because the price paid for you is the Blood of the only begotten Son of God, Jesus. The price of a treasure is a function of its value. You are invaluable and only worth the Blood of Jesus, not just a ram or goat but God Himself. You have so much value in the sight of God. You are a pearl of great price. That it costs God the Blood of His only begotten son to redeem you from perdition goes to show how much God loves and values you. Friends, please place value on yourself. Don't demean what God has esteemed. Celebrate yourself. You mean so much to God. You matter a great deal to His eternal purpose. You are a link in the chain of life. Stop despising yourself. Don't you know you are the apple of God's eye. Can't you see how much He loves you. He loves you enough to die for you. Please appreciate God. You have worth, you have value. You are somebody. You are relevant to creation. You couldn't be here if you are not needed. Statistics puts human population at over 5 billion people. But I am glad to inform you there are no two same persons on earth. There is just you and no one else like you. How do I know that? We are told no two persons have the same finger prints. Friend, your kind has never been before and neither could there be any you after you. You see, God is not a duplicator but a creator. You are not a duplicate. You are original, unique and uncommon. You alone are absolutely perfect and genetically accurate for fulfilling a specific purpose on earth today. Please wake up and live! There will never be another you. Therefore make the most of yourself. It is important you know who you are, because you live the way you see yourself. Actually people tend to also treat you the way you see yourself. Take charge and take control of your life. Life is a product of your choices. The power of choice is the power to direct your thinking and ultimately your action. Your success in life depends on making the right choices. Discover your individuality and accept your responsibility. You are responsible for your life. Stop making excuses, finding faults and fixing blames. God is not your problem or anybody else.

Most of your problems begin and end with you. Take leadership of your life from those forces of fear, low self esteem, frustrations and limitations of life. Leadership is the force that selects your dreams and sets your goals. Leadership is that marvelous consciousness that says, “I have the responsibility for my own destiny. I have the responsibility to make decisions” Your decisions determine your destiny. Living is responding to God's purpose for your life. You have a responsibility to God and to yourself as long as you are alive. You are capable of instigating change in your own life and in the world around you. Success ultimately doesn't come from abilities, talents or territory, it comes from the way you think, especially what you think of yourself. Don't just pass through life. Give your life a meaning by discovering who you are as a person, your uniqueness and purpose. You are just unique and perfectly fitted for your purpose. Don't struggle to be somebody else. Just be yourself and to your own self be true. You see when you listen more to people's opinion than yourself it only means you have given leadership to them. See yourself as GOD sees you: Uniquely unique, uncommon. Purpose is power. The power for living is in purpose. When you find purpose, the energy for living is stirred up, activated and released. God energizes people with a sense of destiny and purpose. The energy of life is enthusiasm. It comes from the word enthused which is derived from two Greek words “in and theos” it means to be in God” when you are in God, in his will, in his purpose and plan for your life, you are excited and motivated. You contact the power for living “Not in your own strength, for it is God who is all the while effectually at work in you (energizing and creating in you the power and desire), both to will and to work for his good pleasure and satisfaction and delight”. Phi. 2:13amp A sense of purpose supplies the energy for living. The journey of life is like climbing the mountain. It is demanding, but it is also exhilarating. Adversity and disappointments become easier to handle when there is a purpose. When you understand that you are doing what God established for you to do before the foundation of the world, you are at rest. Everything ultimately works out for your good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, who are called according to his purpose” Romans 8:25.

There is no greater motivation than to wake up everyday knowing that God has great things for you to accomplish, and all you have to do is walk in the paths that HE prearranged and made ready for you. You will have no problem being motivated when you focus on the destiny and purpose God has established for you. No matter what area of work you feel the Lord has called you to, it will be exciting and motivating to you because you are in God, enthused with the power of your purpose in God. You will have strength, motivation and desire to go all the way. People who don't have a sense of purpose lack motivation. There is no enthusiasm for living. People want to commit suicide when they can't see a tomorrow. They have probably become lonely, depressed or messed up. They see nothing to live for anymore and then suicide becomes a choice. Suicide is a dumb reaction to life. It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. When we get a sense of purpose - a purpose established before the foundation of the world, we are motivated. We are infused and become excited about living. We have a reason to live to the fullest and make the most of every moment. When you are motivated, you can see beyond the immediate circumstances, you can see beyond the horizon. You are inspired with a vision of the breaking of day after the dark night. You understand that the sun will shine again. You believe the birds will sing again. You get tough on the inside. You are persuaded that the dark moments are only a phase, a season. It will pass. You will hold on and win out. When you are motivated, you refuse to settle in a rut of security or some maintenance life just to be another statistical norm or part of the average. Rather, your sense of purpose inspires a vision and you live up to your potentials in God. Living is really hard and boring when there is no motivation. You just seem to drag on. And when life is a drab, it isn't exciting or motivating. Suddenly, a man loses his means of livelihood. He loses his bearing and look for solace in alcohol. Eventually he becomes a drunk, because he was just trying to make a living. But you see, when you have a sense of purpose you will know unemployment is not the end of life but only a phase. Some others have wasted this life energy chasing money or have got hooked on drugs or the occult and are trying to find meaning and significance. Fulfillment in life is only discovered in your purpose in God. Don't waste your life energy looking for relevance where you can't find it. Lay hold on your divine purpose, release the force of motivation and get o n to really live.