Packaged by: Mohammed Dikko. All pix by client
HONOURS
Maikasuwa Answers Royal Call, Becomes CIROMAN KEFFI
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mid spectacle and pageantry, Alhaji Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) was remarkably turbaned by the Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chindo Yamusa II, as Ciroman Keffi, thus igniting a festival of jubilation and fanfare. The turbanning which marked the climax of activities as perpetuated by the Central Planning Committee under the Chairmanship of Alhaji Abdul Abubakar Senior (Madawakin Keffi) was entirely electrifying from start to finish as even the elements: the atmospherics and nuances of the dusty Kebbi town, the vegetation and other elements responded in curtsy to the elevation of an illustrious son. There was joy in the air as family members, associates, well wishers from the political wing of the National Assembly, colleagues and several other guests converged on the Palace of the Emir of Keffi to witness the memorable event. Regaled by an assemblage of great personages, he was adorned in confetti of encomiums, both before and after the turbanning. While charging the new Ciroman Keffi who was selected after a quiet race for the coveted traditional chieftaincy title, to work for the greater good of Keffi and the Emirate Council, Alhaji Yamusa who spoke in Hausa, stressed the importance of the title which is reserved for only those from the royal family with prospect of whoever is appointed into office being placed in line to become the Emir in the future.
Alh. Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa
Dignitaries who attended the turbanning, included: Emir of Dass, HRH Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai II, Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Abu Ibrahim (represented Senate President, Senator David Mark), Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Hon. Sada Soli (represented Speaker Aminu Tambuwal), Senate Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi.
Ciroman Keffi
Some others are: Former Nassarawa State Governor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Chairman Senate Services Committee, Senator Sulieman Adokwe, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. John Enoh, Former Speaker of House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Masari, Former Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Adamu Fika, Former Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Nasir Ibrahim Arab, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Labaran Maku, Members of the Executive Council of the Nassarawa State Government, top management staff members of the National Assembly. Alhaji Maikasuwa, who only assumed office as CNA eighteen months ago, is poised to make all the difference in the high office of the traditional chieftaincy title of Ciroman Keffi as his experience at the National Assembly which saw him transform the bureaucratic and political wings for higher productivity in the overall task of growing and protecting the nation's democracy would also be employed in the development of the Emirate.
Ciroman Keffi speaks while Madakin Keffi looks on
Ciroman Keffi Durbar
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HONOURS SOCIETY
Ciroman Keffi & wives, Hajara & Fatima with Hon. Faruk & others
Ciroman with Emir of Lafia (Chairman Nasarawa State Traditional Council)
Sen. Adamu Aliero congratulates the Ciroman Keffi
Ciroman with Hon. Labaran Maku (Min. of Information & Orientation)
Bar. Sani Omolori (Clerk to the House of Reps) with the Ciroman Keffi
Madakin Keffi with some tradition Title holder of keffi Emirate council
Turakin Keffi, Wazirin Keffi, Ciroman Keffi & Jarman Keffi
Hon Usman Boss, Hon. Wada & XCEL Man Mohammed Dikko With traditional rulers and other title holders
Hajara Maikasuwa, Ciroman Keffi, Fatima Maikasuwa with NASS staff
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Ciroman Keffi with colleagues
Marafan Keffi with HRH Emir of Keffi, Alh. Muhammadu Chindo Yamusa II
Congratulations for the Ciroman Keffi
More Congrats for the Ciroman Keffi
Majen Keffi with Dan-Moyin Keffi
More friends and well wishers
Wives of the Ciroman & friends
Wives of the Ciroman & friends Dan Moyin Keffi and other Title holders in Durbar
Madakin Keffi with secretary to the Emirate Council & Fakacin keffi
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The Complete Woman
By Maryann Adibe ften times, females are usually assumed to be weak and fragile; hence their natural endowments such as potentials and talents are habitually overlooked or neglected, to say the least.
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Some major responsibilities and positions in the society are left for men to handle because they are assumed to be tough and better equipped to handle any level of difficulty. However any woman that chooses to limit herself because of these beliefs does that to her peril. The truth is that a woman can actually become whatever she aspires within the confines of norms and laws of the land, if she works towards it. Females ought to be versatile in knowledge because of nature's mandate for us. We should not live inexperienced and unexposed lives because we have major roles to play in life especially when it comes to the home front. We are to raise the heroes of tomorrow. We cannot therefore risk living a life caged in complacency and ignorance and jeopardise the bright future of our lovely children.
However, we must never, no matter how challenging and impressive our chosen career might be, be tempted to run head long and forget a very important obligation we owe the society. The complete woman is one who does not allow any segment of her life suffer deprivation. That you are pursuing career success is not an excuse for forsaking home management obligations. The routines of cleaning, washing, cooking, making the bed and the others must never be relegated to the background. Some mothers and even our younger women just concentrate attention on work or class, books, hanging out with friends and watching romantic home movies. What's the point of receiving all the goodwill and praises from colleagues, bosses and acquaintances when same cannot be said about you at home or when you cannot prepare a simple meal for your the family, at least once in a while. It is a widely acknowledgeable truism that the inability of a woman to manage her home is responsible for the break-ups that have become typical of modern marriages. A man
The fact that you have no idea about the subject being asked in an exam is obviously not a good excuse to fail. It is either you acquire the required information and excel or you don't and fail. In life, challenges come to us and only the prepared can overcome. We shouldn't be satisfied at one or two achievements rather we should build our strength in different areas of life. To say the least, the most successful people are those who have devised a means accommodating different demanding segments of life and still pull through. The woman's world is indeed broad and very challenging. It takes a woman who is decorous enough to maintain a level head in the midst of several demands from family and society and still pursue her life aspirations. Education is a major requirement in life which a 21st Century woman must not neglect. You ought not to be in a world that is constantly changing almost in a speed comparable to that if light, and decide to be left behind. In the present world, a woman in possession of only an O'level and has refused to further her studies is being unwise and has chosen to limit her progress. The modern woman is so many other things aside from the traditionally housewife or sales girl role which the community once bequeathed her. It is understandable that some women achieve instant success in varying business endeavours even without formal education, but every woman should desire to equip herself with at least the least recognizable honourable certificate, notwithstanding amazing achievements shredded in the faculties of personal hard work, determination and informal knowledge. Education added to your acquired wealth is simply put, like an icing on a cake or a pinch of salt to balance the suaveness of that Egusi soup, if you know what I mean. Think about it and act.
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marries a pretty damsel and as time goes on, he observes she cannot cook and is also exhibit laziness towards petty home chores. The truth is that he will be disappointed. Some men may understand, but majority will not. The larger population would simply not comprehend it. Sooner than expected, chaos uninvitedly shows up at the home. Some women are so terrible that they go to buy food from restaurant and pretend to have prepared the meal. How crazy!
obnoxious character is like pouring clean water in a dirty and rejected cup. Some ladies are so rude and ill mannered. They lack manner of approach, are very insulting, always complaining and nagging. Nothing could be truer than the saying that your talent can take you to the top but your character would determine how long you will remain at the top. Such ladies would always say, “That's how I am, I cannot change�. Nothing could further be from the truth. That may truly be how you are now, but it does not mean you should continue to be a hostile woman. In life, change remains inevitable. But you have to decide if you want to change or remain as you are. You need to make conscious effort, read books on character development and pray also. It has worked for many people. Desire to be a person that people will anticipate to meet again. To improve you all around faultlessness, acquire skills such as baking, sewing, computer appreciation, interior decoration, hair making and other reputable skills. Some people have been able to attain international recognition by virtue of such easily despicable skills while their degrees and certificates rest on end in their files. It is very important that you are conversant with the operation of a computer system, the ATM, television, DVD, phones and other gadgets in order not to become a 21st Century novice before your children and friends. The world is evolving. No knowledge is waste. What differentiates great women from mediocre is the appropriate application of the knowledge so acquired. Be a woman of value, have worth, do not be neutral like water. Read healthy books, magazines and articles to enhance your awareness of relevant societal issues. Walk with elegance and sit decently. Improve on your posture and poise. This would help you to speak with understanding and eloquence. Dress neatly and decently, this boosts self confidence. Build you self esteem, fight inferiority complex. Do not be like everyone, be unique, have good principles that guide your life.
How long will you keep pretending and admiring what you naturally have the grace to do? The task of managing your home should not be left entirely for house helps before they graduate to your home manager. It is a virtue that can be beautifully adorned with and this would make your man proud. If you are culpable in this, I seriously think you should enrol in a cooking programme. I promise you would not regret it.
Put on a smiling countenance and be nice to all: the good, bad and ugly, rich or poor. Live a balanced life; do not concentrate on only one aspect of life. Do not be comfortable with your present level; you will do better if you add more effort. Aim at being the best. Always go the extra mile, do not give up easily, go back to the places where you failed because you can still succeed. Be strong, be bold, do not allow a heartbreak tear you apart. If they called you a failure, prove to them that you aren't. Always be positive and believe that you can make it.
But we are not finished. Having a successful career and managing your home prudently doesn't yet make you a complete woman. Possessing both qualities with a very
Have a good career, be a good home manager, and have a good character. Have a sound spirit and respectable personality. Be a complete woman.
Pix by: Basoene George
XCEL PEOPLE SOCIETY
Oris Bestman of Mapen Oil & Tech. Services (Marketers of Asara Wines)
Sir Chinyere Igwe, CEO Maurison Communication
THE WINE SHOW PORT HARCOURT DEBUTS IN GRAND STYLE
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s the wind of love swept through the length and breadth of the world, City February 14 2012, Valentine's Day, wine lovers in Port Harcourt were thrilled to an array of the best wines available in this part of the world, as the Garden City hosted the first wine manufacturers-consumers huddle, aptly dubbed THE WINE SHOW PORT HARCOURT. Put together by Maurison Communication Limited, the aristocratic event held at the lavish poolside of the prestigious Algate Congress Hotel from about 7pm Valentine evening till the early hours of the next morning. Some wine brands on display on the breezy evening by the pool were Piccini wine; South Africa manufactured Asara wine, Eve
Bubby Wine which prides itself as the first canned wine, Montecruz wine and Rosendale winery. Chief Executive Officer of Maurison Communication, Hon. Chinyere Igwe in his speech, revealed that the event was an attempt to bring home obtainable practice in more advanced societies where wine manufacturers converge to treat customers to original suave and debonair wine, promising that the event will be improved on other editions. He also disclosed that plans are underway to organize the show in other major cities in Nigeria. It was no doubt a full-filled evening as guest were treated to exhilarating performance from a standby band led by a saxophonist who thrilled them to some alluring music, not leaving out hit tracks of the late Withney Houston who herself received a one minute silence for her demise.
Sir Chinyere & Mr Barth (XCEL Publisher)
Compeered by costumier and actress, Millicent Jack, the event also featured a lecture on wine culture in relation to local delicacies perfectly delivered by Dr. Ofodile.
Reps of PL Global Resources Ltd (Marketers of Montecruz Wine)
Reps of Eve Product Nig Ltd ( Marketers of Eve Bubbly Wine)
Reps of Quill Saver Nig Ltd (Marketers of Rosendale Wine)
Reps of Marketers of Piccini Wines
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Sir. Chinyere Igwe, Mr. Barth with Hon.& Mrs Micheal West
Dr. Ofodile speaking on Wine Culture
Hon.& Mrs Micheal West (Best Couple of the Night)
Dr.& Dr. (Mrs.) E.S Ofodile
Millicent jack & Tima showcasing XCEL (official Magazine of the event)
Zeger (left) with a Guest
Ifeanyi Peter, Hellen Lange, & Ijeoma Ejiogu
Sir Chinyere, Millicent, Mr. Barth, Tima & Ijeoma Ejiogu
Millicent, Hon.& Mrs. Mike West, Koko, Tima & Ijeoma Tima, Sandra, Dr. & Dr. (Mrs) Ofodile, Ijeoma, Koko & Pick Jaja
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Reps of Eve Products Nigeria Ltd. (Marketers of Eve Bubbly wines)
Guest
Ifeanyi Peter, Mr. Barth, Charles Asiegbu & Ijeoma Ejiogu
Mr Levi, Dumo Jack, Ijeoma Ejiogu, Mr Tima, Mrs Jack & Koko
Damiete Douglas & friend
Levi & Tonye with friends
Damiete & CC Johnson performing
The Keyboardist doing his thing
Dumo, Sandra, Sir Chinyere, Millicent, Tima & Ijeoma
Pick Jaja, Mrs Dumo, Sandra, Millicent, Koko, Guest & Tima
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EMMANUEL AMEH
Moving Up The Ladder
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eal success is balanced success, all round success. Glenn Bland, an American author in his book “success' shows vividly that success is much more than money. That money cannot buy happiness and peace of mind. Bland tells of a meeting held at the Chicago Edge water Beach Hotel in 1923 by the world's most successful financiers at that time. At the meeting were Charles Schwab, the president of the largest steel company in America, Samuel Insull, president of the largest utility company, Authur Cuffen, the greatest wheat speculator, Richard Whitney, president of the New York stock exchange, Albert Fall, secretary of the interior in president Harding's cabinet, Jesse Livermore, the greatest 'bear' on wall street, Howard Hopson, president of the largest gas company, Lean Fraser, president of the bank of international settlement and Ivan Krueger, head of the world's greatest monopoly. These men were the shakers and movers of their time. Twenty-five years later in 1948, this was their stories. Charles Schwab, president of the largest steel company went bankrupt and lived the rest of his life on borrowed money. Samuel Insull, president of the largest utility company died in a foreign land, a fugitive and penniless. Howard Hopson, president of the largest gas company was insane. Arthur Cuffen the greatest wheat speculator had just been released from prison. Albert Fall, the secretary of the interior in President Harding's cabinet had been pardoned from prison, and died at home broke. Jesse Livermore, the greatest 'bear' on Wall Street committed suicide. Ivan Krueger, head of the world's greatest monopoly committed suicide. Lean Fraser, president of the bank of international settlement committed suicide. Something went terribly wrong with the lives of these nine powerful men. Their lives were out of balance. Real success comes with balance. If you make all the money in the world, and get all the recognition in the world, but you don't have your priorities straight, you will still end up a failure.
adoyimotivation@yahoo.com
Dear friend, you must win in all areas of your life; Our Lord Jesus Christ is our model for real success; Luke 5:52 says, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”. Wisdom refers to His mental and professional competence, while stature refers to His physical body. Favor with God describes his spiritual life and favor with men describes his social relationships. Dear friend, the fundamental area in which we need to succeed is our spiritual life. This can be challenging particularly for those who have succeeded materially. The more we succeed materially, the less we feel the need for God. We can easily become materialistic and tend to worship our accomplishments instead of God. Dear friend, give your spiritual life priority over everything else in your life. If you put your spiritual life on the back seat, you are denying yourself the inner resources of peace, joy and strength, which you need to pull through tough times. The greatest values that will give you stability as you face tough choices and make tough decisions in life will be your spiritual values. Giving in to immorality can cost you all your lifetime achievement in one day. If you blow it in your spiritual life, you will blow it everywhere else. Today, I ask you to cultivate your relationship with your maker. Pray everyday, confess your faults to God and ask Him to help you, meditate on the word of God everyday, and obey His commandments. Don't make God only a Sunday affair. God wants a relationship with you. He wants the best for you, respond to Him. This will be your best year ever. Real Success is balanced success, all round succeed. Am sure that is your desire and goal to be the best you are created to be, to be an all round winner in life; we must strive to live a balanced life, we cannot afford to sacrifice the other aspect of our lives in pursuit of material things; Growing in wisdom is growing in mental competence and skill. It must be your goal dear friend to become an expert in your profession. When you cultivate expertise, you will not stand before ordinary men; you will stand before kings. All of us begin our journey in life with our minds as clear slates. How we program our
minds will determine the direction of our lives. It is good to realize early that our minds are critical to our success. You see, the quality of your thoughts will determine the quality of your life. You experience transformation through the renewing of your mind. Examine your thinking pattern. Your life will move in the direction of your thoughts. Pay attention to your thoughts; cultivate the habit of thinking positively, expose yourself to materials and environment that will help you mature. The creator designed you in a unique way. Identify your gifts and talents. Then begin to train and develop those unique abilities. Get some education. Take time to read. Learn under experts in your field. Let it be your goal to be among the best in your field. Continue to learn and grow. Be a reader; a student for life. You see, success is a journey not a destination. Don't rest on your oars. Don't stop learning. When you stop learning, you stop growing. What plan do you have for your personnel development this year? Grow in wisdom. Dear friend, take care of your health. A healthy body is one of life's most precious possessions. When we have health we can easily, take it for granted. But in the absence of good health, we cannot enjoy the other blessings of life fully. Regaining good health then takes precedence over everything else. It is said “prevention is better than cure”. Take on that weight reduction plan, loss some weight if you are overweight, read about health, do exercise. Don't say you don't have time; actually you can not afford not to have time. When you have made all the money, you need sound health to enjoy it. Be proactive about your health. Do regular check ups, eat right, pay attention to your health, take time to rest, to take your mind off work. Take a break, plan to take a vacation this year. Taking a vacation may not be a culture yet in our part of the world but is a good habit. Those who desire to live long enough to see the harvest of the seeds they are sowing must cultivate good health habits now. Eat well, work well and rest well. Dear friend, I pray for you that God will preserve you and give you sound health. You will succeed.
Real Success Radio Broadcast Real success radio broadcast is packaged to communicate scriptural success principles to empower you to discover your purpose, use your gift and talent maximally, unleash your potential and be all that God designed you to be. Every one needs a dose of inspiration. Inspiration paves way for revelation, and revelation is the key to transformation. This motivational program will help you move to a higher life that leads
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Pix by: Boniface Ihiasota
SOCIETY
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plethora of gratitude and encomiums to a philanthropist per excellence rained freely at the maiden graduation of the first sect of beneficiaries of the RosyTony Scholarship Foundation held on Tuesday, 3rd January 2012 at the residence of Chief Tony Chukwu, an industrialist and kingpin of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State . Flanked by the adorable wives of the Executive Governor and Deputy Governor respectively of the State, their Excellencies, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha and Mrs. Agbaso, the centre of attention was the glamorous and sensational Lolo Rose Chukwu, Founder of the Foundation and wife of Chief Tony Chukwu. Launched December 2007 because of her desire to make an impact in the academic, moral and social upbringing of the future leaders, the foundation which started out sponsoring twelve students in pursuit of different academic inclinations has within four years, spanned in number as it now sponsors over 50 students in various universities chosen through an aptly organized mock aptitude to ensure that the best crop of students earn the university sponsorship. The event also served as the Fifth Award Giving Day for new awardees. Several guests amongst which included the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ben Uwajimogu, Senator Nwagwu, Hon. Chudi Uwazuruike, members of the Owerri Leaders Forum, Amb. Nonye, Nollywood diva, Kanayo O. Kanayo and a host of others, applauded the project in separate speeches while the cheerful graduates presented a special portrait to the delightful philanthropist who was all smiles.
Rose Tony, Founder, RosyTony Scholarship Foundation
Her Excellency, Nkechi Okorocha & Rose Tony
Rose Tony & Her Excellency, Nkechi Okorocha
Chief Tony Chukwu & Wife, Rose XL
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Chief Tony Chukwu
Mrs. Rose Tony welcomes Her Excellency, Nkechi Okorocha
Helen Chukwu
Her Excellency, Lolo Agbaso (Deputy Gov.’s wife) & Mrs. Uwajimogu (Speaker’s wife)
Tony Chukwu’s brother, Barr. Lulu Njoku & Rose Tony
Tony Chukwu, wife & children
Tony Chukwu, wife & children
Rose Tony & some beneficiaries with Nkechi Okorocha cutting the Cake
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Ugochukwu Chukwu
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Rose Tony & Kanaya O. Kanayo
Tony Chukwu welcomes Her Excellency
Prayers for Tony Chukwu
Hon. Ijezie, Tony, HE, Nkechi Okorocha, Rose Tony & Amb. Nonye
Hon. Uwazuruike Tony Chukwu & Hon. Dimaku
Zeb Okoro, a South East PDP Chieftain, Makon, Prof. Uwazuruike, Chief Tony & Hon. Dimaku
Tony Chukwu & wife with Prof. Dona Anyanwu
Beneficiaries with the organizers & some Rev. Fathers
Beneficiaries presenting Portrait to Rose XL
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Eze Okoro (Chairman of the Occasion) Emeka Duru & an Elder
Amb. Nonye with Their Excellency Nneoma Okorocha & Mrs. Agbaso
Prayer time
Ben Uwajimogu (Speaker IMHA) & Sen. Nwagwu
Tony Chukwu with friends from United States
Rose Tony & friends
Kanayo O. Kanayo and wife
Tony Chukwu congratulating a beneficiary
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Officiating Priests with Chief Tony’s family
Ugochukwu (2nd left) & and friends
Hon. Ekwebelem & members of the family
XCEL’s Boniface Ihiasota & Kanayo (KOK)
Some beneficiaries with Rev. Sisters & Tony Chukwu’s family
Beneficiaries of Rose Tony Scholarship Foundation with Nkechi Okorocha
Mrs Ejiogu, Ugoeze Ohiri with a guest
Some members of Owerri Leaders Forum with Tony Chukwu
Ben Uwajimogu, Tony Chukwu Sen. Nwagwu and Prof. Uwazuruike
Joe Frank with Richard and Wife
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Pix by: Ini Ekpo
SOCIETY
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t was celebration galore recently in Port Harcourt, the Nigerian oil city, when friends and relatives of Sibo and Bettina Briggs joined them to accompany their baby, Damiete Boma Sibo-Briggs to the church to be officially presented and dedicated to God. Sunday February 26, 2012, was the date, the atmosphere bright and fair, the people were beautiful and the event was thrilling. The conspicuous premises of the Victorious Army Ministries International located along the Rumuola axis of the Garden city was venue for the delightful and significant ceremony. After the church dedication, guests who had travelled from far and near for the event were treated to sumptuous and delicious variety of choice meal and drinks at the family's Queens Restaurant situated in G.R.A phase two. Yours, Xcel International was at the memorable event and now present you the highlights.
Master Damiete Sibo-Briggs
Baby Damiete being dedicated
Father, Mom & Son in Church
Mr. & Mrs. Sibo Briggs
Mr. Adonye (Godfather) with Damiete
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Mr. & Mr.s Sibo Briggs with both Mom
Master Damiete Sibo-Briggs
Alice Koko with Damiete
Dr. Cele Kaye & wife
Mrs. Sibo Briggs & Son with Pastor Mike Idudu
Maureen Enwezor, Mrs. Sibo & Damiete
Mr. Greg & Wife
Edna, Menage CEO & Fidelia Mr. & Mrs. Osele XL
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...With family members
Mr. Edgar Agu, Victoria Ifudu, Mrs. Sibo & Son with Prof. & Dr. (Mrs) Ibeanu
Resk & Michael
Furo Brown & Barra
Mrs. Sibo & Son with Mr & Mrs Nnamdi
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Akabueze with son
Elder Chidi Wihioka & Mrs. Sibo
Mr. & Mrs. Victor Briggs with friend (Middle)
Emeka Beke & Leslie Ateke
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Mr. George Amangala & Son
Mr. Taibo Briggs
Mr. Johnbosco
Dr. Chidiebere & Mr. Chuks Ekewenye
Karte, Muri & Supol Etete
Mr. Tony Nwosa (Damiete’s Godfather), Uche & Chocho
Boma, Major, Okosi & Basi
Isobo Jack, Muyewa, Sokibirim Graham Douglas & Hon. Bari
Eddy Wine Bar & Abobby
Major Jack (middle) with Hon. Theodore (right)
Amasi Jack (Damiete’s Godmother), IB Allagoa & Queenett Allagoa
Eyinda, Allwell, Sibo, Mengiye & Ebikeme Mrs. Sibo Briggs with Friends
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CAREER
Wise
“I don't want to buy your kid's overpriced wrapping paper!! I don't care if it is a fundraiser!” That's what you really want to say to that co-worker who's always bugging you to buy her kid's crap. Instead, you take the brochure, find the cheapest damn wrapping paper on it and ask her if you can pay later, to which she inevitably responds with a resounding “No. I need the money now.” This is just one scenario of many that play out over the course of a typical day in cubicle hell. Day in and day out you're forced to co-mingle with the same people and their obnoxious habits. Below are the top 10 annoying habits of coworkers:
10. I'm going to be late … again” He's always late. He misses meetings. He leaves early. Yet he never gets called out on it. What is the deal with this guy? There's always an excuse, too, like “It's a rainy day, got to stay home with the kids!” or “Wow, my kid was really sick this morning, sorry I'm late and you had to do that presentation for me but I still get all the credit.” You know who I am talking about. Tell him he needs this clock for his desk; at least his office mates will have an IDEA of when he might be around. 9. “OMG! We're going to lose our jobs!” Sometimes it's fun to huddle with your work buddies and talk about (embellish) the bad stuff that's happening at work, but constant negativity is a total pain in the A**. Some people get off on it, though. The Debbie Downers and Negative Nancies of the office are a real drag after a while. Tell them to invest in a therapy light. It just might be the cure. 8. For sale! Whether it's the aforementioned wrapping paper, candy bars, cookie dough, M&Ms, whatever, she is always selling something for her kids. What happened to teaching good, oldfashioned salesmanship to your children? Send little Johnny door to door instead. The cubicle-dwellers are tired of being mooched upon! Next time she comes knocking, hand her one of these IOU vouchers and she'll get the drift. 7. “Wow, you reek!” Why do you get stuck sitting next to the guy who smells like an ashtray? Or like he's been in a bar all night and didn't shower before coming to work. Every time he gets up, you know he's taking a smoke break … only to return and bring his stench with him. Next time he comes back from his break, tell him to pony up for this air purifier. 6. “I'll do it! I'll do it!” Everyone has one of these in their office the brown-noser. She is always right behind the boss, taking on projects left and right, sucking up at every turn. It's sickening. And why is it that the brownnoser is usually the person who does the least amount of work? This brown-noser trophy is the ideal gift for her. Make her
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think it's from the boss and she'll display it front and center, guaranteed. 5. “Can I borrow your can opener?” No! No! Not the tuna! Your cubicle mate goes out to lunch almost every day. But on the days she chooses to eat at her desk, she pops open a can of tuna or some other seafood product, ultimately clogging the air with that oh-so-sweet smell of fish stench that never goes away. Make her wear this T-shirt every time she eats tuna in the office. This way everyone will know who the culprit is. 4. Who turned up the volume? Every office has its loud mouth. The guy who blabs so loud on the phone that you're privy to every single detail of his life, whether you care or not. There's not a lot you can do to shut this guy up, so you're forced to drown him out instead. Not anymore. Tell him to strap this portable cell phone booth to his back and keep his conversations to himself. It's the perfect solution. 3. Click, tap, tap, click Maybe constantly clicking her pen eases her nervous habit, but it's driving you to drink. All that clicking and tapping is like scraping fingernails on a chalkboard. Nervous habits are hard to break so if you can't beat her, join her and give her these finger drums. At least she can make sweet music with all that fidgeting. 2. “Oh When the Saints …” If you hear that loud, obnoxious ring tone one more time you might just throw his phone out the window. Cell phone ring tones are sooo over. Have the culprit take this ring tone test to confirm that he is indeed the office nuisance every time the theme song for “Sex in the City” blasts out loud and proud when his wife calls. 1. “Oh no, it wasn't me” The No. 1 annoying habit of an office coworker? Passing the buck. This guy takes the cake (and then blames someone else). Usually the buck-passer is also a suck-up, so it's a double whammy. Avoid him if at all possible. He'll just piss you off every time. But, just for kicks, leave this magic trick on his desk. At least it will make you feel better.
Everyone has to deal with it at some point during their career. Whether your despised colleague hogs the photocopy machine, kisses up to the boss, talks too much or has other annoying habits, knowing how to deal with this obnoxious behavior is unfortunately an unwritten part of your job description. Here's how to handle even the most nerve-grating coworker. 1. Stay clear of the annoying coworker, if possible. If it's not necessary to interact professionally with this employee on a regular basis, then don't. Be polite but refrain from chatting by the water cooler or joining him for lunch. The less contact you have with this irritating person, the better. 2. Voice your concerns politely and pleasantly. If the annoying coworker happens to be your office mate--who just happens to be chatting loudly on the phone on a personal call while you try to respond to company emails, simply say that you'd like her to lower her voice so you can concentrate. Jokingly blame your poor attention span on the request-self-deprecation is a little sugar to make the medicine go down. 3. Take the matter to the authorities if your polite requests don't do the trick. You can warn him first--tell him that if he's not able to better organize his papers so that half of them aren't taking up your desk space, you'll need to tell your supervisor about this problem. The warning might work, but if not, get Human Resources or your manager involved. 4. Consider a Transfer. Transfer departments or find a new job if this annoying coworker truly makes life at the office unbearable. But keep in mind that this is a last resort--and that the new office might contain its share of annoying coworkers as well. 5. Consider whether you have unrealistic expectations of your coworker. While some employees truly are disruptive because of their annoying behaviors, sometimes you just need to be more accepting. For all you know, your coworkers could find some of your habits annoying.
ADVERTORIAL
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n behalf of my entire family, I congratulate my friend and brother, Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere, the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Gov. Rochas Okorocha, on the occasion of his Civic Reception by the people of Mbieri. I commend your unalloyed steadfastness to your mentor and father, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, to whom you have consistently shown uncommon loyalty. It therefore did not come as a surprise when your good people of Mbieri decided to celebrate and honour you as the Ogbuhuruzo 1 of Mbieri. I make bold to say it is a honour welldeserved, and urge you to continue in this steadfastness as there is no doubt that you have only started your journey to greatness. Once again, accept my robust congratulation! Hon. & Mrs. G. A. Njemanze Hon. G. A. Njemanze (Oyiga)
Packaged by Boniface Ihiasota
HONOURS
FESTIVITIES AS MBIERI STOOD STILL IN HONOUR OF GOV. ROCHAS OKOROCHA’S CHIEF OF STAFF
PRINCE EZEAKONOBI MADUMERE
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good name, asserts a very profound African adage, is much more valuable than the enticing allure of riches as riches might fly away, but the integrity of a good name is written on the sands of time. The quiet and peaceful town of Umu-Mbieri recently came alive when its inhabitants converged in oneness of purpose to honour one of their own, whose good name has attracted riches to his doorstep. The story here is about Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere, the amicable Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Imo State, who can now be referred to as the “Ogbuhuruzo 1 of Mbieri” having been so conferred by the Paramount Ruler, Council of Chiefs and people of Umu-Mbiere for his stirring achievements and contribution to the development of the community and the entire Imo State. Prince Madumere, whose humility, loyalty, patience, perseverance and desire to foster the cause of hope for humanity have so strong knot-tied him to the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, in his reception speech, was full of praise for his hometown, which he said has historically proven an indispensable producer of great human resource requisite for the development of any society. Speaking to a huge crowd of varying personalities who had assembled in Orie Mbieri to witness the auspicious occasion, Prince Madumere stressed that the virtues of obedience, loyalty, patience and perseverance are the building blocks on which “a greater tomorrow” can be secured and therefore urged youths to learn from his life story which is primarily structured around them . Touched by the investiture by his people, Okorocha's Chief of Staff surmised that, “this affectionate love you have shown to me today is such that I cannot sum up,” and exoterically asking, “Where else would my strength come from if not first from my cradle? Where else would my preachment of love come from without a reference from my people? Where would people go to find out about Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere without first confronting his brothers?” He urged his people to embrace peace and unity to propel the community to amiable heights.
Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere, Chief Of Staff, Imo State Govt. House
In an address, Governor Rochas Okorocha described his Chief of Staff as the eye through which he sees his people and a son in whom he is well pleased. The visibly excited Governor recalled how his Prince Madumere was the last person standing with him when he ran into troubled waters, adding that he has never withheld any request from him because of his love for him. The Governor afterwards commissioned the palace of the Eze Achi Mbieri, Prince Madumere's father. The occasion was well attended by top Government officials from in and around Imo State. Some of the dignitaries present include, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha, wife of the Governor, Deputy Governor, Jude Agbaso and members of the State Executive Council, House of Assembly members, Party Chieftains, Traditional Rulers and several other notable dignitaries.
Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere acknowledging cheers
Imo State Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha & wife Gov.Okorocha, Speaker, IMHA, Madumere & SSG
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Eze Madumere & son, Prince Ezeakonobi
Prince Madumere & children
Prince Madumere recieves Thier Excellencies, Rochas Okorocha & wife
Madumere with Planing Committee members
An array of Clergymen
Gov. Okorocha unveils the Plaque
Gov. Okorocha commissions Eze Madumere’s Palace Congratulations from members of the Red Cross Society Gov. Okorocha with COS & some IMHA members
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HONOURS
...With first daughter, Adaeze
From right: Auntie Evelyn, Blessing & Madumere’s Children
Enyieze & Ezeakonobi Madumere (Jnr.)
His Excellency, Jude Agbaso & Boniface
Hon. Paschal Obi & wife
Hon. S. Njoku with Sen. Osita Izunaso & wife
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Hon. Chike, Chris Ibe & Hon. Ejiogu
Hon Izunobi, Hon. Okey Dike, Hon. Mac-Donald Akawo & friends
Mrs. Ogechi Ololo, Hon. Njoku & Hon. Ijezie
Jude Okorocha with some Chinese friends
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Eze Madumere & Gov. Rochas Okoracha
Their Excellencies, Mrs Agbaso, Nkechi Okorocha & Prince Madumere
His Excellency, Jude Agbaso & wife
Mrs. Geraldine Obinali, & Gov. Rochas Okorocha
Prince Madumere receieves Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu
SSA Media to the Gov., Chinedu & Chijioke Madumere
Chief Tony Chukwu, Hon. Ejiogu & Prince Madumere
Madumere with members of Imo Council of Traditional Rulers
Charlse, Frank, Blessing, Marshal, S.A. Security & others
Eze Madumere stepping out from his Palace XL
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Gov. Rochas unveils Madumere’s E-Libaray donation to Mbieri people
Prince Chijioke Madumere & Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere
From 2nd left: His Excellency, Jude Agbaso, Boniface & Akunesiobike
Prince Madumere & the SSG after installation
Prince Madumere acknowledging cheers with Ogechi (left)
Eze Ohin, Eze Madumere, Eze Njamanze & others
Hon. Uche Nwaosu (DCoS) & Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi
Sweet Apple & friend Prince Madumere receieving the Hausa community
Prince Madumere, Chief Gerald Okorocha & others
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Prince Madumere & Bob Njamanze, Rector, Imo State Polytechnic
Prince Madumere & Hon. Kemdi
Prince Madumere’s children with Her Excellency, Nkechi Okorocha
Prince Madumere & GM, Rochas Group
Prince Madumere, Ezeakonobi Madumere (Jnr.) & Prince Marcon Nlemigbo
Hon. Justice Njamanze & Prince Madumere
Prince Madumere receiving royal blessing from father
Prince Madumere exchanging pleasantries
Celebrant with Prof. Chidi Ibe Chairman of the ocassion & family
Ogbuhuru-Uzo & the entire rulers that make up Mbieri Clan
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PASSAGE
Mayor of Port Harcourt, Hon. Akarolo Chimbiko (C), Hon. Victoria Nyeche & Hon. Ken Chikere (Member, House of Reps.)
Mayor of Port Harcourt Hon. Akarolo Chimbiko Leads Council to Pay Last Respect to Late Eze Epara Rebisi XI
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n keeping with the age long practice of according requisite honour to whom duly deserves it, the entire workforce of the Port Harcourt City Council, led by its quintessential Chairman, Akarolo Chimbiko recently held a memorable reception of the remains of the late Paramount Ruler of Port Harcourt, Eze Sunday Nnanta Woluchem, at the council premises, shortly before his interment. The remains of the late Eze Epara Rebisi XI of Port Harcourt arrived at the council premises at about 11:30 a.m and was imperially received by some gunshots before being led into the council hall by a procession of traditional rulers and casket-bearers, top notch of the council led by the Mayor, Akarolo Chimbiko, a former mayor, Prof.
Emenike Wami and some notable dignitaries which included Hon. Ken Chikere, representing a section of the Port Harcourt Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Assembly. In separate addresses, by the Mayor, Hon. Chimbiko Akarolo, Head of Local Government Administration, Emechete Chuku and Prof. EmenikeWami, the late paramount ruler was praised for using his position to foster the interest of council area and its people. Lamenting that the “The Royal falcon has flown into the River,� Akarolo asserted that the Eze Epara Rebisi XI would be dearly remembered for the amiable legacies, which includes amongst others, peaceful coexistence he left behind.
Born November 3, 1935 and named Nnanta after his father, Eze Epara Rebisi was chosen and coronated on 23 January, 1977, following the passage of Eze Epara Rebisi X. A humane, yet pragmatic, calm and wise builder of bridges of friendship across Nigeria, Eze Woluchem was once Chiarman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in 1985. In 1994, he was nominated among a handful of traditional rulers to the Constitutional Conference in Abuja. A holder of several honorary degrees from different reputable Universities across the world and an astute administrator per excellence, the late Eze Epara Rebisi XI died at age 76 and is survived by three children: Irene Woluchem, Alexander Ovunda Woluchem and Dr. Chike Woluchem.
From Left: Barr. Franklin P. Ajunwor (JP), Hon. Luke Wonodi, Prof. Emenike Wami, Hon. Victoria Nyeche, Mayor of Port Harcourt, Hon. Akarolo Chimbiko, Hon. Ken Chikere, Chief T. N. Wokekoro, Hon. Achinike Wonodi & Captain Akarolo
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Chief Wokekoro, Hon. Akarolo, Hon. Nyeche, Hon. Chimbiko & Hon. Wonodi
Chief T.N. Wokekoro, & Mayor, Hon. Akarolo Chimbiko
Hon. Achinike Wonodi (2nd left), Hon. Akarolo Chimbiko & others
Hon. Wonodi, Prof. Wami, Hon. Nyeche, Hon. Chimbiko & Hon. Chikere
Eze Woluchem’s remains arrive the Council in a traditional manner escorted by warriors
Eze Sunday Nnanta Woluchem lying -in-state XL
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A CROSS-SECTION OF CHIEFS ADORNED IN TRADITIONAL REGALIA AT THE EVENT
Barr. Franklin Ajunwor (JP)
Prof. Emenike Wami
Barr. Ransome R. Westt (JP)
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A CROSS-SECTION OF OTHER DIGNITARIES AT THE EVENT
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SOCIETY
Hon. Innocent Agonsi Returns Gratitude To God For Abundant Blessings
Sir. & Lady Uwakwem
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very perfect gift comes from God, asserts a popular truism. It therefore is not out of place to return gratitude to him whenever he generously lavishes such perfect gifts on his own chosen. Hon. Innocent Uwakwe Agonsi, a young politician and businessman from Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State, recently got chosen for such perfect blessing and in return for the gracious endowment from the Creator, he gladly assembled both family relatives and associates to shower appreciation on Him. The humble and hardworking Agonsi, a typical epitome of the grass to grace fame, set out, 15 April 2012 to thank God for his numerous good works in his life and for his recent appointment as Knight of St. Christopher of the Anglican Church by St. Paul's Anglican Church, Ugwu Orji. Bishop Osuegbu of Okigwe and Vicar of St. Paul's Anglican Church were the officiating Ministers, while former PDP Chairman, Imo State, Chief M.O Mlemigbo, Chief S.O Ukadike were among the several dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Sir. & Lady Uwakwem
Chief S.O. Ukadike with Sir. & Lady Uwakwe
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Chief Agonsi & family on the alter
Sir & Lady Innocent Uwakwem Agonsi
Chief Enyiogasi (OK 2000), Bishop Osuegbu & other clergymen
Bishop Osuegbu & Arc. Elendu
Chief M. O. Nlemigbo.
Sir. Uwakwem & Hon. Mrs. Nkeiru
Bishop Osuegbu & Boniface Lady Uwakwem
Bishop Osuegbu
Sir & Lady Innocent Uwakwem Agonsi
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Sir & Lady Innocent Uwakwem Agonsi attending to the Press
Safari Club President, Chief C.C. Ndibe addressing Club members
Hon. Ekwebelem, Hon. Nkeiru, PDP Youth Leader & Barr. Emma
CY & wife, Sir Innocent Uwakwem with Homebase
Lady Uwakwem with colleagues
Chief Osita Nwaneri & Hon Ogu
...in a joyous mood
From 2nd left, Boniface, Sir. Uwakwem & Barr. Emma
Nairarain on Lady Uwakwem
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Friends of Uwakwem
Lady Uwakwem & well-wishers
Hon. Sir. Eze (Centre), Osy Nwosu (left) & some Safari Club members
Safari Club Members
Safari Club Members
Safari Club Members Lady Uwakwem & friends
Lady Uwakwem’s friends
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ne of the most c o m m o n questions parents ask is if it's okay to let their son or daughter have a Facebook page. The first thing I do is gage where they are emotionally with social media. Then I listen. To their concerns. To their hearts. It's a really big deal. Facebook has added an unexpected and sometimes overwhelming dimension to parenting today.
T H E
The good news is that God has given us as parents everything we need to lead these beautiful, expressive, swift-moving digital natives He's entrusted to our care. To clarify, this series is written to Christian parents in general and does not address the exceptions that exist in every family. In general my answer to the Facebook question is yes. You should let your teen have a Facebook page if and only if you intend to monitor it consistently. For teens today, Facebook is a vital connection channel where life, friendship, art, memories, music, and conversation intersect hourlywhether parents agree with that, or even like it. That doesn't mean that Facebook is a free-for-all graffiti wall for kids to write or post anything they feel like. Proverb's directive to Christian parents to “Train up a child in the way he should go” extends to the digital hallways and hangouts. FACEBOOK TIPS FOR CHRISTIAN PARENTS
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1. Put safety first. Go to Facebook's “Help” section. Here you'll find the “Safety Center” and in there, a section for parents called “Help Your Teens Play it Safe.” This is great stuff. Don't skip it. There's also great information for teens here too and very helpful tools and resources to give you and your
teen a solid, safe foundation in the Facebook arena. 2. If your teen has a Facebook page, you need one too. The best way to understand Facebook and monitor your teen's page is to get one of your own. It's also the best way to “model” how to use Facebook in a godly way for your kids. Get started here. 3. Max privacy settings. Parents, don't leave this up to your teen, it's up to you. Set all photos, personal information, and wall posts to private. It's easy, here's how: Go to the “Home” view of the page, click, Privacy Settings. You can set
tight standards for who can view what information and preapproving post and photo tags. 4. Know passwords. Check passwords. This is where some parents (and teens) cringe but in our home, Facebook is a privilege and part of that privilege is giving parents all passwords. Safety trumps privacy with minors. Having a password allows you to check conversations to see if anyone “outside” of the safety loop of friends and family have accessed your teen's page. In our home, if the password gets changed without permission, Facebook gets banned. 5. Discuss what's appropriate to post. This conversation is going to sound different in the Christian household. In addition to the obvious no sexy
photos, no drinking photos, no photos or videos that humiliate others talk candidly to your kids about what it means to be “set apart” by God on Facebook as a Christian. Teach your kids that their Facebook wall is actually a stage and the spotlight is on them. Remind them that their opinions, videos, and jokes matterto God, to your family, and to the people who interact with them online. 6. Talk about the power of words. Teens on Facebook need to be aware of the power of their words, the “tone” of their posts and comments on friends' posts. Remind them (repeatedly) that once they post something online, it's out of their hand seven if they've taken it down some one could have shared it somewhere else. Sign this covenant with your teen and post it by the computer. 7. D i s c e r n teachable moments. For the Christian parent, Facebook can become a series of powerful teachable moments that need to take place under your roof and not be taught to them elsewhere by someone else. Facebook will allow you a glimpse inside your teen's heart what's bugging him or her, what's confusing, and what's important to them. When your kids post questionable comments (and they will), be discerning. Not every post or photo requires your commentary or coaching. Let them find their voice and make (safe) mistakes. However, opportunities critical opportunities will arise about how they might “rephrase,” a comment or reconsider the video or lyrics they've posted or “liked.” If you are paying attention (and keeping a lowprofile) your teen's Facebook posts will open doors to talk to your kids about God's take on integrity, bullying, purity, conflict resolution, gossip, tolerance, and love.
Continued from page 17
SPECIAL REPORT
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AFRICA
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ALAMI LAZRAQ
SAMIH SAWIRIS
OBA OTUDEKO
An architect by training, Alami Lazraq first went to work for the government, then for ONA, Morocco's biggest conglomerate, controlled by the royal family. In 1994 he founded real estate development company Groupe Alliances, becoming the largest builder of hotels in Morocco. The publicly traded company had revenues of $320 million in 2010. Lazraq serves as president.
Samih Sawiris' Orascom Development Holding took a hit, as the drop in tourists to Egypt affected occupancy rates at Orascomrun hotels that include Marriott, Sheraton and Club Med. In July, he turned over the CEO position of Orascom Development to an outsider to manage the company's far-flung real estate operations, including a massive development of a Swiss town. In August, a Cairo court accused him of providing conflicting information over his company's ownership of its hotel subsidiary, and gave him a two-year jail sentence. Charges were lifted after Sawiris was slapped with a $3 million fine. Samih Sawiris' father Onsi and brothers Nassef and Naguib each have billion-dollar fortunes dominated by construction and telecom holdings.
Former banker Oba Otudeko founded conglomerate Honeywell Group in the early 1980s. It has tentacles in oil & gas, flour milling, engineering, real estate and marine transportation; its Honeywell Flour Milling unit is publicly traded but revenues for the rest of the group are not disclosed. Separately, he owns a 14% stake in Bharti Airtel's Nigerian wireless phone operations. Owns a controlling stake of Radisson Blu, a luxurious 5-star oceanfront hotel that recently opened in Victoria Island, Lagos.
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GERRIT THOMAS (GT) FERREIRA
RAYMOND ACKERMAN Raymond Ackerman founded the Pick N Pay Group, a supermarket chain with 870 stores in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australia. Revenues of the publicly traded group are expected to reach $7.5 billion in the year through February 2012. Ackerman built a strong reputation as a consumer champion, fighting supplier cartels in bread, petrol, cigarettes and many other industries. In recent years Pick n Pay has lost market share to Shoprite, controlled by billionaire Christo Wiese. Ackerman no longer has executive responsibilities at Pick N Pay, but his family has maintained control of the company. The Ackerman Family Educational Trust supports university education for about 60 students a year. The trust also helps the mentally and physically disabled.
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UHURU KENYATTA & FAMILY Kenya's Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta is the son of Kenya's first president, Jomo Kenyatta, and heir to some of the largest land holdings in Kenya. He owns at least 500,000 acres of prime land spread across the country. The land was acquired by his father in the 1960s and 1970s when the British colonial government and the World Bank funded a settlement transfer fund scheme that enabled government officials and wealthy Kenyans to acquire land from the British at very low prices. Uhuru and his family also own Brookside Dairies, Kenya's largest dairy company, as well as stakes in popular television station K24 and a commercial bank in Nairobi, among other interests.
HAKEEM BELO-OSAGIE Hakeem Belo-Osagie, a Harvard-trained petroleum economist, chairs the Nigerian operations of United Arab Emirates-based telecom provider Etisalat. Through his holding companies, Premium Telecommunications Holdings and MyaCynth, he controls a 12.5%
GT Ferreira, the chair of financial services company RMB Holdings, was one of the three founders of Rand Consolidated Investments in 1977; it later became Rand Merchant Bank. In 1998 it took joint control with mining giant Anglo American of the FirstRand Group, which became the holding company for First Rand Bank, Rand Merchant Bank, and insurance companies Momentum and Southern Life. In 2010 RMB Holdings, the vehicle through which the founders held their investment in the group, unbundled its insurance interests into publicly traded Rand Merchant Insurance Holding (RMI), leaving RMBH with a sole interest of 34% in FirstRand. Much of Ferreira's spare cash has been spent on his Tokara vineyard and winemaker. He says wine is all about ROE, or "return on ego" rather than on equity. Tokara has nonetheless been a success with the critics, winning gold medals every year in the decade since it started to produce wine under its own label stake in Etisalat Nigeria. A dedicated philanthropist, he is one of the largest donors to the African Leadership Academy, a residential secondary institution in Johannesburg, South Africa, which trains Africa's brightest students for a future of leadership. XL
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AFRICA
ABDULSAMAD RABIU
MOHAMMED INDIMI
CHRIS KIRUBI
Nigerian-born tycoon Abdulsamad Rabiu started importing commodities over 20 years ago. Now he heads the multi-faceted BUA Group, one of Nigeria's largest privately held conglomerates. The $1.6 billion (sales) group owns BUA Sugar Refinery, the second largest in Africa behind Dangote Sugar (owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote). Other interests include BUA Oil Mills, the largest vegetable oil processing company in West Africa, and flour milling. The group operates Nigeria's first floating cement terminal. Rabiu is one of the largest financiers of Nigeria's ruling People's Democratic Party and also serves as the chairman of the Bank of Industry, Nigeria.
Mohammed Indimi, a close ally of Nigerian military bigwigs, is the founder and chairman of Oriental Energy Resources, a privately held Nigerian oil exploration and production company. Indimi's Oriental Energy currently has three offshore Nigerian oil and gas projects with daily production of 35,000 barrels. Eight of his children serve on the board of the company.
Kenya's most flamboyant tycoon, Chris Kirubi got an early start buying up small, dilapidated residential and commercial real estate in Nairobi, then renovated the properties and flipped them for a profit. He now owns Nairobi's landmark International House building, one of the city's longest standing and most prestigious commercial properties, as well as several other commercial and residential buildings in Nairobi. Other assets include a 49% stake in Haco Tiger Industries, which manufactures consumer products; a controlling stake in Centum, a Nairobi Stock Exchange-listed private equity firm; UAP Insurance, one of Kenya's largest insurance companies and Sandvik East Africa, a Kenyan construction firm. Also owns the DHL Franchise in Kenya, and Capital FM, Kenya's most popular radio station. Devout disciple of social media keeps active Twitter and Facebook accounts. Avid golfer.
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MICHIEL LE ROUX 32 ’S 40 AFRICA
T RICHES
JANNIE MOUTON Jannie Mouton, known as the "Boere Buffett," was a stockbroker who founded the PSG financial services group in 1995; he still serves as executive chairman. The publicly traded group is active in financial planning and investment banking and owns 37% of Capitec Bank, its most successful startup. He recently published his autobiography "And Then They Fired Me" ?he was fired as head of one of the leading stockbrokers in the country. He chairs and is a major investor in Curro, a chain of independent schools for underprivileged young Africans.
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STRIVE MASIYIWA Zimbabwe's telecom magnate Strive Masiyiwa founded mobile phone company Econet in 1993, though because of objections from the ZImbabwe
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Michiel Le Roux has taken the South African banking sector by storm, offering cheap transactional banking for the emerging middle class through Capitec Bank, which he founded in 2001 and still chairs. The bank has 474 branches and 3.2 million clients, not far behind that of Nedbank, the smallest of South Africa's four universal banks. He previously ran Boland Bank, a small regional bank in Cape Town's hinterland.
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ADRIAN GORE government the cellphone network did not go live until 1998. It soon became the largest mobile telecom operator in the country. Today he serves as its chairman. Publicly traded Econet controls Mascom, which has 70% market share in neighboring Botswana. It also operates in Kenya and Burundi, and is the only African-based company with a telecom license in the UK (Econet Satellite Services). It has won a 3G license in New Zealand and will roll out a network there once the market is fully liberalized. Masiyiwa moved with his family to Johannesburg, South Africa in 2000, where Econet is now based. He was also publisher of the Daily News, Zimbabwe's only independent daily newspaper, which was closed down in 2003. His mother was an entrepreneur involved in the informal economy in what was then called Southern Rhodesia; she made enough money to send Masiyiwa to secondary school in Scotland and then the University of Wales, where he studied electrical engineering. He returned to worked for newly independent Zimbabwe's state telecom company before starting Econet. Masiyiwa created a foundation that provides scholarships to orphans, including those whose parents have died of AIDS.
Adrian Gore is an actuary who transformed the South African medical insurance business. While working at South African insurer Liberty Life in the early 1990s his suggestions to build a new kind of medical insurer were turned down by Liberty's powerful founder (and former billionaire) Donald Gordon. In 1992, he got backing from the cofounder of Rand Merchant Bank, Laurie Dippenaar (ranked #18 on Forbes Africa's Richest list), to set up Momentum Health, which Rand Merchant Bank acquired. It was renamed Discovery Health and listed on the Johannesburg exchange in 1999. Gore proved to a brilliant marketer and self-promoter. Discovery's main competitive edge was its Vitality unit, which rewards members with cheap flights and other perks; bigger discounts go to those who acquire points by going regularly to the gym, eating vegetables and taking regular medical tests. Gore is famously fit, often running the 6 miles (10km) between home and work. As an orthodox Jew he saves the sabbath for family and contemplation. One of his few vices: 10 to 12 espressos a day.
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37 ’S 40 AFRICA
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CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
GIOVANNI RAVAZZOTTI
Former union activist, lawyer and politician Cyril Ramaphosa created the Shanduka Group in 2000 as an African black owned investment holding group, and is now one of South Africa's leading businessmen. Shanduka's investments include stakes in mining company Assore, trading company Bidvest, Standard Bank, and a joint venture with CocaCola called CocaCola Shanduka, plus holdings in real estate, insurance and telecom. Ramaphosa owns slightly more than 30% of the privately held group through a family trust. He first came to prominence in the 1980s as founder and promoter of the National Union of Mineworkers, created to improve the rights of black African workers. In 1991, at age 39, he was elected secretary general of the African National Congress and was the main negotiator with the National Party during the transition to democracy. After less than three years in parliament Ramaphosa resigned in 1997, first joining New Africa Investments and then starting the Shanduka Group. His wife Tshepo is the sister of fellow South African tycoon Patrice Motsepe.
Giovanni Ravazzotti, an immigrant to Johannesburg from Italy, saw the need back in 1969 for affordable tiles and ceramic products in an increasingly urban South Africa. He began importing and retailing them through a company he founded, Italtile. Ten years later, with the first hints that there would be trade sanctions against South Africa in the wake of the 1976 Soweto uprising, he began manufacturing ceramic tiles domestically. In 1992, his retail company Italtile and manufacturer Ceramic Industries were listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Ravazzotti keeps a very low profile, especially since his son and heir Gian-Paolo Ravazzotti died in a plane crash in February 2011. He has maintained dual South African and Italian citizenship. He has been chairman of the Italian South African Chamber of Trade and Industries and in 2009 was decorated Cavaliere in the Order Al Merito della Repubblica Italiana.
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MARKUS JOOSTE Markus Jooste is as well known as a patron of South African horse racing as he is for his day job as chief executive of furniture manufacturer retailer Steinhoff International. The Johannesburg-listed company sells furniture in Europe, the Pacific Rim and
southern Africa and employs 55,000 people; revenues in the year through June 2011 were nearly $5.5 billion. Jooste joined retailer Gommagomma in 1988 as finance director and just a few months later negotiated its sale to Steinhoff's furniture empire. He has become a controversial figure after the South African Revenue Service (equivalent to the IRS) publicly questioned his use of tax shelters to avoid tax earlier this year. Since most of Steinhoff's assets are in Europe, Jooste is considered to be the most travelled businessman in South Africa, apparently spending as many nights on the 11 hour overnight flight from South Africa to Europe as he does at home. He recently moved from Irene near Pretoria to Stellenbosch near Cape Town. With an interest in a nearby wine farm, Jooste is a senior member of the Stellenbosch business clique, alongside Johann Rupert, GT Ferreira and Jannie Mouton.
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MOHAMED BENSALAH Sorbonne-educated Mohamed Bensalah took over Moroccan conglomerate Holmarcom upon his father's death in 1993; he was just 23. He has since expanded into banking and transportation, and owns stakes in insurance company Atlanta, and water company Les Eaux Minérales d'Oulmès. With partners, including Moroccan billionaire Othman Benjelloun, he launched discount airline Air Arabia Maroc in 2009. Sisters Meriem, Fatima and Kenza all have various positions within the family-owned conglomerate.
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PAUL HARRIS Paul Harris is one-third of the banking and finance triumvirate known as the three musketeers or the RMB rat pack. He joined Rand Consolidated Investments soon after it was cofounded by GT Ferreira and Laurie Dippenaar in 1977; it merged with Rand Merchant Bank (then run by Johann Rupert) in 1985. He became CEO of RMB in 1992, and in 1998 after the merger of RMB with First National Bank to form FirstRand, he was made CEO of FirstRand Bank, with Dippenaar as group CEO and Ferreira group chairman. Harris was the chief executive of the FirstRand group from 2005 to 2009. He was charged with setting up the Australian subsidiary Australian Gilt Securities in 1997, now RMB Australia. He is a director of Cricket SA and collects art extensively. He has turned Ellerman House in Cape Town's Atlantic suburbs into one of South Africa's most luxurious boutique hotels. He has recently begun lecturing on business at Stellenbosch University.
Ever thought of a Magazine that does what others do, plus a lot more? ...thats
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s an ardent observer of the political landscape in Nigeria, I could not help cringing at the thought that matters concerning the public primary and secondary school education would be relegated to the background, prior to the April 2011 General Elections. Going by the manoeuvrings and lobbying politicians that characterized the entire process, one was indeed safe to mournfully assert that issues pertaining to the quality bereft sector had become a non-issue. All that mattered was solving a complicated zoning debacle and emerging the "ruling" party's candidate. Little attention was paid to my fate and that of over 30 million Nigerian children. After all, our leaders have their kids safely tucked away in the best schools abroad. So the children of the poor can bear the brunt of the country's failed educational system. Education is a right, and not a privilege. It is an essential and indispensable ingredient for eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development, peace and lasting democracy. Toying with education therefore, as is the case now, would endanger development in our country. By under-funding the educational sector, it appears the government is only paying lip service to her targeted goal of making Nigeria one of the top economies in the world. Saddening facts emerging from the Education Ministry shows that the sector which produces the human resources that drives the economy receives insufficient budgetary allocation as shown in the drop in the percentage allocation from 10.7 percent in 1999 to 8.0 percent in 2007, for instance. This is in spite of the directive by the United Nations Organization (UNO) that education should constitute at least 23 percent of the country's total budget. Teachers, no doubt, are the cradle of any educational system, hence ought naturally to receive the necessary support from our Government. In contrast to this, the plight of teachers in the now sleeping giant of Africa leaves nothing to be imagined. Despite their efforts, teachers have continued to receive poor salaries. Even the last teacher's strike over new salary structure is yet to yield the desired results in some states. This indirectly affects the education of the nation's children because incentives to encourage teachers to improve their teaching methods and work effectively
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By Okpala Chisom are absent. Their morale to teach is virtually low and even lacking in some instances. That is why the average Nigerian teacher in the primary and secondary schools combine their profession with trading. If the truth be told, our public primary and secondary schools, simply put, are in shambles, though there might be some exceptions in a few states were some governors appear to have taken it up as priority. The quality of their staff, teaching aids and research collections of majority of our schools is still nothing to write home about. The infrastructure put in place to facilitate learning calls for urgent attention as they are fast decaying. In fact, in some poverty-stricken states in the north, the state of infrastructure is so bad that school pupils have to learn under trees, usually at the mercy of harsh weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and for all intents and purposes, fierce sunshine, no thanks to the depleting ozone layer. One is tempted to ask if these children can proudly declare that they "studied in the four walls of a classroom," tomorrow. It is an open secret that most government officials cannot stand sending their children to any private schools in Nigeria, much less the public schools which are in a state of disarray. It has also come to public knowledge that a greater percentage of the funds purportedly allocated to the education sector over the years were diverted, misapplied, misappropriated, misused, wasted or siphoned by government officials and their cronies through inflated contracts. Should we then, as tomorrow leaders, fold our arms and watch graft, theft and financial scandals dampen our already tarnished image? There is no doubt that the educational sector is in dire need of resuscitation. I could go on and on to outline and sing about the problems, but without suggesting any worthwhile solutions, the motive for writing this open epistle makes little or no impact. For a start, close synergy between the leaders and followers is required. The leaders have a very sensitive role to play in our quest for functional education. School children, some of whom are too young to understand the benefits of education are usually reluctant to go to school. Awareness campaigns, utilizing the mass media - both print and electronic, should be initiated. There needs to be more awareness campaigns to enlighten parents on the need to send their wards to school. Laws, like the Child Rights Law which already exists in some states of the federation, should be enforced to arrest the parents of children who are not in school during school hours. The project initiated by the governors of some states in which school children are fed lunch in school is quite commendable. In addition to that, funds should be adequately provided to accommodate growth and development in the sector. The educational sector could be financed through the issuance of education bonds, particularly for research and development, salary of teachers, infrastructural projects and free education initiatives. Under-investment in the educational sector is proving to be its most undoing. This calls for Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives to improve the situation. There is need for
government to meteorically increase the allocation for the education sector. The education sector as a matter of urgency - and in a bid to salvage the decaying system - should account for not less than 23 percent of the nation's total budget. This will ensure a continuous availability of funds to embark on auspicious projects. Donor agencies and multinationals should be encouraged to invest on educational projects which with significant impact instead of throwing funds in organizing all manner of singing and dancing competition which would only position us comfortably in the league of m e d i o c r e n a t i o n s . More schools should be built and equipped with functional laboratory and library facilities. Already-existing schools in dilapidated states should be renovated and subsequently expanded to accommodate more pupils. The schools should boast simple facilities like ceiling fans and computer systems, good libraries, laboratories, games facilities and toilets. Teachers are very important in the whole process of education and should be treated as such. Their salaries should be increased to agree with the terms of the Teacher Salary Scheme. This would make them undertake their duties devotedly and in turn achieve effectiveness. It is an unhidden fact that a considerable number of teachers are not duly qualified. This is a dangerous trend, considering the objective at hand. Be that as it may, teachers need periodic seminars and workshops to ensure that they are up to global standard. It should not however stop there. Corruption in any form should be eschewed as it is a monumental factor in bad governance. I make bold to stress this point, considering the fact that our educational system is badly adrift when compared with that of developed nations. Corruption-related commissions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be encouraged to fight corruption because corrupt officials trap the funds meant for educational projects. The fight here is not only identifying the culprits but also meting out appropriate discipline not minding whose ox is gored. Governments at all levels should provide free text and exercise books or sell them at subsidized rates. It is important to stress that teachers and school officials should be warned to desist from selling free books meant for classroom exercises. The situation as it is today calls for urgent action. A lot needs to be done to improve education delivery in our beloved country. Through the reinforcement of quality education, our dear nation would produce even greater Philip Emeagwalis, Chinua Achebes, Gabriel Onyigbos and Chimamandas. This is our chance! It is up to our leaders to discover them through quality education. It behoves on our political leaders to give education the attention it deserves because the future of 30 million children is involved. Presently studying Economics at the Harvard University, Chisom Okpala is a two-time winner of the Maltina National Reading Competition, winner of the maiden edition of the Olatunji Odegbami National Information Technology Competition and one of the winners of last season's EcoBank Children's Day Essay Competition. She is also a Teaching Assistant at the Harvard Department of African and African American Studies.