International ADVERTISEMENT TARIFF AS AT 1ST JANUARY 2013 CLASSIFICATION
DIMENSION
SOCIAL EVENTS/ PERSONALITY PROFILE & INTERVIEW Full Page Half Page Quarter Page
COST
N250,000.00 N150.000.00 N80,000.00
POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT EVENTS Full Page Half Page Supplement (Max. 10 Pages) (Extra Pages)
N300,000.00 N200,000.00 N3,500,000.00 Negotiable
Inside Page Inside Front Cover (IFC) Inside Back Cover (IBC) Back Cover
N250,000.00 N300,000.00 N300,000.00 N400,000.00
Bottom Strip (Front Cover) (Inside Pages) Ear piece (Front Cover)
N100,000.00 N50,000.00 N200,000.00
PRODUCTS/SERVICES
SPECIAL POSITIONS
GENERAL CONDITIONS 1.
All artworks must be in full colour.
2.
Materials must be received at least two (2) weeks before production as failure will attract a surcharge of 10% of normal rate.
3.
Stop Press services cost 50% extra charge.
4.
Coverage of event(s) exceeding 24 hours will attract an additional 30%.
5.
Emergency notices received 24 hours prior to event will attract an additional 20%.
Management
For Advert/Event Coverage
Nig eria : 08037825667,, 08162339596, 08055181009, 08098559998, 08027234045 Unit ed Kin gdom: +447924572640 U.S.A: +19406042729 South Afric a: +27765599668, +27733788844
Pix by: Eke Okoro
PASSAGE
OSSOMALA GOES AGOG AS DEC OIL & GAS BOSS,
SIR (Dr.) PATRICK UGBOMA LAID MOTHER, VERONICA TO REST IN FANFARE
I
Late Ezinne Veronica Comfort Ugboma
t is a changeless order of life that there is a time to be born and a time to die; a time to meet and a time to part ways. This scriptural reality played out once again in the sleepy but serene town of Ossomala in Anambra State, on the 15th of February, 2013 as friends, family, business associates and well wishers of Sir (Dr) Patrick Sule Ugboma, gathered to bid his mother farewell. It was more of a celebration of a life well-spent for the children of the ninety-year-old late mother, who was an astute civil servant and a lover of God in her lifetime, than a mere mourning of the departed. The funeral activities which commenced with a service of songs on the 7th February, 2013 at the palatial residence of Sir P S Ugboma in Port Harcourt witnessed a ceaseless flow of tributes in honour of the late mother of three.
As the Sun journeyed to rest by the twilight of the 14th February, relatives, friends and clergy gathered at the family compound of the Ugbomas for the Vigil Mass to offer prayers for the departed. And by the first cockcrow in the next day, Ossomala opened its gate to a flurry of guests from the nooks and cranny of the country. In the community generally, normal daily activities of people were upbeat as both old and young were preparing to bid Madam Veronica Ugboma goodbye. The sights and sounds of cultural troops created a relaxed atmosphere as guests looked on with pleasure. The calibre of dignitaries that graced the occasion is a pointer to the fact that mama's children are people to be reckoned with in their area of endeavours. Among notable dignitaries at the occasion were: Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra State; Fmr Govs: Dr Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia; Senator Andy Uba; Rt. Hon Chinwe, Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Obi of Onitsha (represented by Chief Areh, the Ede of Onisha), Former Deputy Speaker, Austin Opara, Chief Chris Uba, Chief (Dr.) Tony Eze, traditional rulers and chiefs and a host of others. The late Mrs Veronica Comfort Ugboma was described by her only son, Sir P S Ugboma as his first love and true mother. For Ifeoma, her first daughter, her mother fought the fight of life with an unfeigned faith in God. Nneka, her last daughter described her mother as a mother-in-a-million. After the internment, the guests were lavishly treated to a variety of exclusive drinks and sumptuous meal as the children of mama danced to the rhythm of songs from the musicians.
Pall-bearers doing their thing
Sir (Dr.) Patrick Sule Ugboma Mrs. Nneka Ochonogor
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Mrs. Ifeoma Osondu
Mrs. Ifeoma Osondu (Mama’s daughter) leads the Hearse
Sir Patrick lays Mom to rest
Sir (Dr.) Patrick Sule Ugboma escorted by traditional drummers
The Bishop performs final funeral rites
Sir Patrick Ugboma performs Dust to Dust
Mrs. Ifeoma Osondu performing Dust to Dust
Mrs. Nneka Ochonogor performs Dust to Dust
Sir Patrick with clergymen at the grave side Mrs. Helen Ugboma performs Dust to Dust
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PASSAGE
Prof. John Otaigbe, H. E. Sir Celestine Omehia, P S Ugboma, Mike Aloega & Tony Eze
Sir Patrick Ugboma & wife, Helen
Sir Patrick Ugboma & His Excellency, Gov Peter Obi
Prof. Johny Otaigbe, Sir Patrick Ugboma & Mr. Emeka Obiakor
P S Ugboma in a socio-cultural pose
P S Ugboma with the Religious & an uncle
Sen. Andy Uba & P S Ugboma
Ifeoma, Nneka & relatives
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Mrs. Ifeoma Osondu & sister, Nneka Ochonogor with Ifeoma’s in-laws
Sir Patrick taking some traditional dance steps to the admiration of Gov. Peter Obi
Emeka Ndu with Sir Patrick Ugboma & wife, Helen
E. Ndu, P S Ugboma, Mac Nwogu & Laura
Chief Francis Bruce (2nd right) & guests
Dr Nicks Obogu & Sir P S Ugboma
Mrs. Aku Odinkemelu & Sir Patrick Ugboma
Prof. J. Ikimalo, F. Okeya, P S Ugboma & Eze Ugboma P S Ugboma with Aboh Ladies, Lagos branch
Dwight Rosslee & Sir Partick Ugboma Traditional greetings
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PASSAGE
Emeka, Chris Uba, P S Ugboma & a friend
Rt. Hon. Chinwe, Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly with Mr. & Mrs. Ugboma
Laura, Mac & Patrick
Sir & Lady P S Ugboma with Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Areh & son
Patrick & Members of 12th Committee
Sir Patrick Ugboma, Chief Francis Bruce with friends P S Ugboma & relatives (The Ugbomas)
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Sir Patrick Ugboma & Emeka Okwuosa
Rt Hon. Chinwe (centre) & friends
Chief Areh (Ede of Onisha), Chief Chris Uba & Sir Patrick Ugboma
Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Victor Nwosa
Mr. & Mrs. Uche Onita
Sir Patrick Ugboma & Akpos
Prince & Eddy Amene
Uche welcoming an important dignitary
From 2nd left: Jennifer Eliogu, Mrs. Helen Ugboma & Rita Edoche Ik Egboga (1st left), Sir Patrick Ugboma with staff of GTB
Sir Patrick Ugboma & friends XL
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PASSAGE
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P S Ugboma traditionally welcoming a chief
Ifeoma Osundu with in-laws
Sir P S Ugboma & other Knights of St Mulumba
Sir P S Ugboma with Knights of St Mulumba (KSM)
Tony Chukwuma (2nd left) & friends of P S Ugboma
Friends of P S Ugboma
Sir P S Ugboma with Ladies of St Mulumba (LSM)
Ebi, Ifeoma, Ngozi, Pastor Opuine & Preye
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Sir P S Ugboma with friends
Guests
PASSAGE
Chiazor Agoke, Omire, Emma Cole & Ogaranya
Sir P S Ugboma & friends
Chief Ekine Harry (centre) & others
Mrs. Tina Edo-Osagie & Mrs. A. Cole
Engr. Victor Osundu (2nd right), son in-law with friends
Sir Patrick Ugboma, Rita Edoche, Jennifer Eliogu & a friend (left)
‘Nigerian Friends’ with a female guest
Friends of Sir Patrick Ugboma
P S Ugboma with some Aboh Chiefs
P S Ugboma, the home boy doing the traditional dance
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Mike Aloega, Dr. Patrick Ugoji & Sir Ossy Nwadei
Gov. Peter Obi with some 12th Committee Members
Mrs. Telema Olarenwaju, Tom Bissong, Joe Matthews & Dr. Tom Agbugui
Cornelius, Dr. Sola Olarenwaju & Col. Gary Usman (rtd.)
Friends of P S Ugboma
Guests
Friends of P S Ugboma
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Some Tittled holders at the event
Some members of Ugboma family
Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) members
Relatives from Aboh
Guests at the event
Some beautiful ladies at the event
Sir Patrick doing the traditional thing Chief P S Ugboma with Ossomala Women group
Ugboma family members from Umuoga
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Identifying Strategic Leaders for Business Continuity
I
n the face of cutting edge technology, information overload and stiff competition which drive the business environment, it takes strategic leader to chart a safe and efficient course for business operation and business continuity. In the same direction and from a historical perspective, it takes a generation to grow a business empire or a corporate enterprise because a lot of businesses outlive their owners and if there is no continuity, the future of such enterprise is bleak. As a corollary to this, Profit making is the goal of every business and when a business is not making profits, continuity of such business is a mirage. It takes a manager to maintain profit large enough to run a business in order to keep the business name from extinction, but when an enterprise hopes to attain ground-breaking records in profit-making and to be on top of competition in business, then the strategic leader comes to the fore. While a manager seeks to protect business name and merely keep things running, a strategic leader seeks to take the business name higher and expand the frontiers of the enterprise. As a wise business owner who consciously know he or she may not be around forever and desires that the enterprise lasts for generations, you need to identify and groom people that possess LEADERSHIP QUALITIES, particularly those who have spent years with you in that business and you may likely trust with the continuity of the enterprise. But you must know that the most gifted athletes rarely make good coaches. The best violinist will not necessarily be the best conductor. Nor the best teacher makes the best head of department. It is necessary to distinguish between the skills of performance and the skill of leading the performance, two entirely difference skills. It is also important to determine whether a person is capable of learning leadership. The natural leader will stand out. The trick is identifying those who are able to learn leadership over time. Here are few traits to help identify whether a person is capable of learning to lead or not: LEADERSHIP IN THE PAST: The best prediction of the future is the past. A person's experience in the leadership is a clue to how much leadership finesse he or she possess. Watch out for people that you delegated leadership responsibility to in the past and re-assess their performance THE CAPACITY TO CREATE VISION OR ACT ON VISION: When a person can easily create an idea and set up structure to implement that idea, that person is a leader. A PERSON WHO DOESN'T FILL THE THRILL OF CHALLENGE IS NOT A POTENTIAL LEADER: A potential leader relishes challenges and sees challenges as opportunity to make impact. A CONSTRUCTIVE SPIRIT OF DISCONTENT: Some people call this criticism. There is a big difference in being constructively discontent and being critical.
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PEOPLE LOCKED IN STATUS QUO ARE NOT GOOD LEADERS: A strategic leader is dynamic and creative and can never get hooked in status quo. WILLINGNESS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: People that equate responsibility with worry are not leaders. Responsibility doesn't intimidate a leader, because the accomplishment of the vicarious feelings of contributing to other people-is what leadership is all about. PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO A CAUSE: A leader has a deadly committal to his vision or cause and dislike distraction in ever way. MENTAL TOUGHNESS: No one can lead without being criticized o r w i t h o u t f a c i n g discouragement. A personal leader needs a mental toughness. Nobody wants a mean leader, but a tough-minded leader who sees things the way they are and will pay the price. Leadership creates a certain separation from one's peers. The separation comes from carrying a responsibility that only you can carry. ABILITY TO KEEP COUNSEL UNTIL THEY ARE PROPERLY FORMULATED: There is a place of loneliness (separation) in leadership to formulate vision until it is solid. Keep your vision to yourself until they are better
formulated, and the strategy for accomplishment design. PEER-RESPECT: Peer respect does not reveal ability, but it can show personality. Maxey Jarmen, a motivational speaker affirms that, ''it isn't important that people like you. It is important that they respect you. They may like you and not follow you. If they respect you, they will follow you, even if perhaps they don't like you.'' FAMILY RESPECT: Its common knowledge that charity begins at home, therefore it is an attribute of a good leader to enjoy respect in his family. How the family feel about him goes a long way in determining how well he can lead. PEOPLE TO LISTEN TO THEM: Potential leaders have a “holding court� quality around them, so when they speak, people listen. It is not enough to have leadership potential; they must have character and the right setting in which to grow. All in all, a strategic leader is that type of leader that sees and leverages on business opportunities and creates a unique strategy to maximize the opportunities with the aim of gaining competitive advantage over competitors. If you desire that your business should be the best and endures for long, identify and groom strategic leaders over time, and I bet you, the continuity of your business is guaranteed.
SOCIETY
Onengiya & Ibiye full of smiles
THE SPLENDID MARRIAGE BLESSING OF
IBIYE & ONENGIYA IN NIGERIA’S OIL-RICH GARDEN CITY
E
xquisite, fabulous and classic are words that aptly capture the spectacular marriage blessing ceremony of Ibiye Erekosima, a Civil Servant and Onengiya Erekosima, a Niger-Delta Peace Advocate, established businessman and proud director of DVD Picture People-a photography outfit, which took place on the 30th of March, 2013 at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Faith Chapel), Amadi-Ama, Port Harcourt. The magnificent marriage blessing was a culmination of their over 15 years nuptial engagement which has produced two beautiful girls and three handsome boys, Lizzy, Vivian, Dennis, David and Precious. With lofty pride, the five children constituted the bridal train that escorted their mother to the altar. Shouts of joy rented the air as the couples renewed their marital vows in the presence of friends, family and well-wishers. Onengiya & Ibiye cutting the Cake
After the church ceremony, all roads led to Port Harcourt Civic Center (a.k.a Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex), Moscow Road, venue of the reception. The event which was a showcase of a perfect blend of glitz and glamour, humour and eulogy, was dedicated to Onengiya's ideals of peace and non-violence. And in that light, cakes were cut across all the tables, which according to this handsome father of five, symbolizes peace and its possibility across our national landscape. It was enthralling as the lovebirds danced to melodious tunes dished out by gospel artiste Dele Sensational Singer while Slow-Ice of Port Harcourt’s Love FM fame compered the event. The reception was enlivened with acrobatic display in a dance drama titled The Struggle ,depicting the tortuous path of peace struggle which Onengiya had trod in his quest for peace, justice and fairness for the people of the Niger Delta. Onengiya, believed to be one the significant contributors to the restoration of peace in the erstwhile troubled oil-rich Niger Delta Region, enjoyed an outpouring of praises from friends and colleagues for his unflinching and dauntless advocacy for peace. It was indeed an evening well spent for the guests who were treated to a sumptuous delicacy and an array of assorted wines. Indeed for the couple, the event was a time to bless God as they recounted God's goodness and blessing in their lives for the years they have been together.
Couple with Bridal train cut the Cake Ibiye - simply elegant XL
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SOCIETY
Onengiya & Ibiye with children
Pst. Smart Odiaua Zonal Pastor-in-change of Victory Zone
Onengiya & Ibiye feed themselves
Bride, Ibiye responds to the Media
Couple with Eric George (Elder brother of the Groom)
Couple with Son & Daughter (Bestman & Chief Bridesmaid)
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Dele Sensational Singer on the floor with couple
SOCIETY
The Groom being interviewed
Renewing of the Marriage Vow with a Holy Bible
Mummy Daba Harry taking the opening prayer
Couple with XCEL Publisher, Mr. Barth (right) & friend Emeka
... with Hilda Dokubo & Chief Opakiriba Gillis-Harry with the Peace Cake
Olobo, Chief Opakiriba Gullis-Harry & Oluba Egethin
Vivian Erekosima being interviewed by the press
Couple with members of RCCG Chapel of Glory
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Couple with the Men on Senator Suits
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SOCIETY
Groom’s Mom & Mother George
Lolo Erekosma & Oluba Egathin
Guest
Groom’s Eleder Sister Ibiba Edeh, Groom’s Mom, Ethel Evans & Bride’s Mom
Mr. & Mrs Opiribo
Mr. David Amusa & Mrs Mbazie
Walter Tom-George proposing the Toast with Ibim Amachree
Mr. & Mrs Tony
Couple with female Ministers RCCG (Faith zone) Couple with Officiating Ministers & children
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SOCIETY
Groom with Daughters
Couple with IB Georgewill
Couple with Sokari & Tonye (Twin)
Couple with Ene Owukio & Enefa-a Owukio Bride’s Family
Couple with Mrs Biosa & Daughter Boma
Couple with Tonye Azike
Couple with Mr. & Mrs Ebiowei
Couple with Mr. & Mrs Angos
Couple with friends
Couple with Mummy Aba-a & children XL
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SOCIETY
Georgeba (Groom’s Sister), Guluba & Mbraba
Helen with friend & Cynthia
Onengiya’s friends from Abuja
Ada-obi, Oche, Ujuwa & Groom
Onengiya’s friends from Abuja
Eremina Jumbo & Ini, XCEL Photographer
Gift & friends
Ogechi & Sopulu
Mimi, Faith, Hahana & Mina
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Couple with some DVD Staff
SOCIETY
Couple with selected Health Information Ladies
Couple with friends
Guest
Couple with members of Foundation For Peace & Non Violence in Nigeria
Couple with Groom’s family
Couple with Committee of Friends
Couple with DVD Satff
Couple with Teen/children Department of RCCG Chapel of Glory
Couple with Ushers
Couple with Glamour Ushers
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Keeping your KIDS at a
HEALTHY WEIGHT
I
f your child is at a healthy weight now, you may wonder what you can do to help him maintain it. If your child is currently overweight, you may wonder how you can help her stick to a serious diet and exercise plan. Well, according to experts, rigorous diets and exercise plans are not the healthy habits to be striving for. Singling out an overweight kid will just make him feel persecuted and unhappy. It also won't work. Instead, you can help your overweight kid move toward a healthy weight in much the same way you can help a healthy-weight child maintains that healthy weight. How? By making it easy for everyone in your family to make healthy choices and encouraging them to make those choices so consistently that they become your family's healthy habits. Making healthy choices can help an overweight kid who is still growing hold his weight steady so he can grow into his weight as he gets taller. Small healthy choices also give healthy weight kids the habits and foundation to maintain their weight.
T H E
Healthy Habit 1: Choose to eat dinner as a family. You can encourage family health by having the whole family sit down to dinner together as often as possible. It might seem like an odd way to help with your child's weight, but experts say it can help. Studies have found that family meals are associated with a healthier diet and lower rates of obesity. Why? Experts say that social eating is good for us. Family dinners are healthy habits that help us stay emotionally connected. Plus, when kids eat on their own -- especially plopped down in front of the TV -- they might not pay attention to their hunger level and absentmindedly overeat. Finally, when you cook at home, you control the menu, so it's easier for everyone to eat healthy. Healthy Habit 2: Don't let your child set the menu. It's potentially a disservice to your family's health to let a child's limited tastes dictate everyone's diet. If you
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do, you might wind up eating hot dogs and mac and cheese every night. When you're cooking healthy meals - filled with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy -- your child might not like the vegetables that show up on her plate. But keep offering them anyway. Studies show that the more kids are exposed to a food, the more likely they are to try it. When you're making a healthy entrĂŠe that your child might not like, experts recommend that you include a healthy food that she does like -- fruit, for instance -- as a side dish. That way, there's something familiar for her. If she protests, experts suggest that you be firm: Make it clear that her choices are limited to what you've served. Resist the temptation to cave in and make her a separate meal. In time, she'll come to accept the limits that you're setting -- and will start trying some healthier foods. Allow your child to help prepare the meal, which may encourage her to try the new fruits or veggies being introduced. Healthy Habit 3: Choose to reduce TV time. Because many studies have found a clear association between television-watching and obesity, experts say that reducing your kids' TV time makes sense. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than two hours of TVwatching a day for kids aged 2 and older. It's best if children younger than 2 not watch TV at all. Of course, the most effective way to curb your child's TV watching is for you to also limit your time in front of the box. The easiest way to successfully have a healthy family is for you to lead by example. Afraid such healthy goals will challenge your poise and patience? If you're swooping in every 15 minutes, scowling, and clicking off the TV, yes -- you might face a revolt. Or your kids will just scurry off to a different screen -- a computer, a video game, or a TV in another room. To keep your cool (and achieve your goal of having a healthy family), don't focus on what your kids can't do but rather on what they can do. For instance, don't even mention afterschool TV. Instead, create a list of activities -- rain or shine -- that they can do after school, like dancing to favorite songs, playing on the backyard playset, biking in the neighborhood, or helping to prepare dinner. Then, let your child pick something from that list. Healthy Habit 4: Choose not to micromanage your child's eating. As a parent, you don't want to be
watching every bite of food that goes into your kid's mouth. You don't want to be swatting her hand away from the cookie jar all the time. That sort of micromanaging will just make everyone miserable. Instead, the easiest path to raising a healthy family is to remove the source of conflict. Replace the cookie jar with a fruit bowl. After all, kids do most of their eating at home -- that's true even for many teens. Because parents are the ones who shop, you have control over the food that's in the house. When you're at the grocery store, swap the chips and cookies you normally put in your cart with healthier options, like whole-grain versions or treats with less fat and sugar. Don't buy sugary drinks such as soda and juice-like drinks, and limit the amount of 100% fruit juice you buy. Buy only foods that you want your child to eat. It will boost your family's health, and you won't worry so much about which food she's choosing for a snack. Healthy Habit 5: Choose to make sleep more important. Studies have found that a lack of sleep is associated with weight gain. When you don't get enough sleep, changes in hormones and metabolism seem to increase the risk of obesity. To raise healthy kids, enforce a routine bedtime. You can make the transition easier by trying to make the time before bed relaxing. A helpful way to do this is to remove distractions from your child's bedroom -- including TVs, cell phones, and computers. Sticking with the same routine even on the weekends can help eliminate fluctuations in mood from fatigue and avoid that Monday-morning angst from struggling to get back on schedule. Bedtime may get harder with teens. As kids hit adolescence, their body clocks reset, and they become biologically wired to stay up late. Because high school starts so early, many teens are chronically overtired and at higher risk of obesity as a result. As a parent, the best you can do is to work with your teen to encourage healthy sleep habits before bed. Help him see just how much better he feels when he does get enough sleep and how much easier it is to concentrate in school. A healthy amount of sleep helps reduce the risk of obesity in adults too. So prioritize sleep accordingly to set a healthy example for your family.
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...Celebrating People, Events & Places
CAREER
Wise T
he corporate world is inundated with projections and analysis of ideas. The aim of this is to get the workforce to understand the corporate vision, goals, operations and strategy and be able to run with them. The manner of presenting the visions and the strategy to the staff must be done with finesse. Presentations can be positive experiences. There are a few things you can do to ease the strain to ensure that your presentation runs smoothly. This resource has been prepared to assist you with the planning and delivery of your next paper presentation. PLAN Remember that no one style is necessarily the right style; consider the pros and cons of using mediums such as power point or overhead projection. Decide which format will be appropriate for you. Make a basic plan and stick to it. If you digress you might go over time and miss out on articulating valuable information - Tell the audience what the presentation is about; explain the key points and then repeat them in your conclusion Identify your key messages - think about the key messages you wish your presentation to convey - get to the point early - look at interesting ways to emphasise these points Prepare notes or cue cards so that you can speak freely. If you are going to be using slides, do not read directly from them. Plan to get there early to meet and greet your audience as they enter the room. It can help to reduce
PREPARING AND DELIVERING
A WINNING PAPER PRESENTATION anxiety and help create a positive relationship between you and the audience. Be aware of the room layout before the presentation and adapt the presentation to suit your environment. Having a warm drink to sip before you start (and during your presentation) will help warm up your voice. A cold drink can constrict your throat. VISUALS Visuals can be very helpful in focusing the attention of the audience and giving additional clarity to the presentation. Experience suggests that if a presentation is made without visuals, it needs to be short, with stimulating content, delivered in a very lively style. If visuals are used (and we think that usually they should be), keep the following points in mind: Visuals should be closely integrated with and supportive on your main points They should be simple and easy to understand Make sure that everyone in the room can see the visual In explaining visuals, explain (summarize) the whole visual to the audience before explaining its component parts Tie your words to the visual with gestures to keep the viewers eyes fixed on the visual Give the audience a few seconds to absorb visuals before proceeding with the presentation REHEARSE Rehearse! Practice until your delivery is fluent and you are confident with your pronunciation. Get
feedback to improve the design,
legibility and presentation.
content
of
your
Timing is essential. Aim to complete your presentation within a minute of the recommended length. Rehearsing your presentation is an excellent way of checking that your presentation runs to time. Tape your presentation and listen to yourself, it might be painfully embarrassing but it could prove invaluable. DELIVERY Don't waste time. Use your opening line to get straight into your presentation. Don't read text verbatim. Talk about your work and bring it to life, using stories or examples to illustrate key points. Don't rush the delivery. Speak clearly and slowly, varying your pitch and tone to create interest. Avoid 'um', ‘emh’ and such sounds and words you might overdo when nervous. Make efforts to pause instead. Use Laser pointers. It is a good idea to use laser pointer in your presentation as it helps to catch and fix the attention of the audience. However, if you are nervous and your hands shake, the laser pointer will bring attention to this. BODY LANGUAGE Smile, as it create a welcoming impression and helps the audience to relax. Be animated, but don't overdo it. Pacing up and down, and a lot of hand movements can distract the audience. Maintain eye contact with the audience; talk to them, not the screen. When using visual aids, like slides, be careful not to block the screen. Stand next to it so the audience doesn't have to split its attention. Keep an eye on the audience's body language, it will let you know when to move on or create more interest and excitement.
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...A world-class event centre
RELATIONSHIP
Coping With a Long Distance Relationship
A
long distance relationship is By Adams a journey that you take with someone that you can't imagine being without. While there may be millions of other potential loves in your local area, none compare to the one that is thousands of miles away. Be warned that a long distance relationship is not going to be easy. Anyone that has been brave enough to experience this emotional roller coaster will agree on one simple fact: These types of relationships are hard. There will be moments in which it feels like every bone in your body aches and longs for your significant other. Couples that are holding hands will make you yearn to feel his touch. You will feel this indescribable envy and sadness when happy couples walk by. If fate has thrown you into a long distance relationship, here are some helpful coping tips from someone who has been there: EXPECTATIONS: At the beginning of your long distance relationship, you must have a serious discussion on what you both expect. Rules and boundaries must be discussed. This will help to prevent
misunderstandings and hurt feelings. For example, will you be allowed to date other people? Is the relationship over if you cheat or will you work through it? Is he as committed as you are? Will one of you relocate? How often should you visit each other? These are important questions that the couple must know the answers to if their relationship is to succeed. STAY LOYAL AND DEVOTED TO THE RELATIONSHIP: Temptation is always there even in the best of relationship. The cute guy at work who showers you with compliments and attention can easily spell trouble for your long distance relationship. Even if there isn't a chance that your boyfriend will know that you cheated, you will know. The guilt of betrayal will corrode and eventually destroy your relationship. Be truthful with yourself. Can you really be faithful to someone that is not in your physical presence? If you can't honestly commit to faithfulness, you will save the two of you a lot of heartache down the road. Do not even begin a long distance relationship if you
know deep down that you can't be faithful to one another.
APPRECIATE EACH OTHER: Don't take your relationship for granted. It is hard to find true love in this world as evident by the millions of dating sites on the web. We are all looking for someone to share our hopes and dreams with. We need someone to travel beside us on our life's path. Count yourself lucky if you find someone that helps you to be optimistic even when it feels as if the world is crumbling at your feet.
TAKE TIME FOR EACH OTHER: There are moments in life when our lives are so busy that it's hard to find time to breathe but its crucial that you find a sliver of time for your relationship. A few minutes can go a long way in maintaining a successful relationship. KEEP A JOURNAL: This will save your sanity when you miss your partner. Write down moments that you have shared together and things that make you smile. Even though he/she may not be with you in the physical sense, this journal is a reminder of how special your relationship is. It will reinforce the reason why you are with him/her and why you are willing to sacrifice so much. ACCEPT THAT YOU WILL FIGHT: Couples that are in a long distance relationship may fight more often. Emotions tend to run very high when you are unable to be with the one you love. Words can easily be misunderstood. Each disagreement should be viewed as an obstacle that you will overcome and will bring you closer together. Always find ways to resolve the issue that caused the fight. Don't let it eat away at your relationship. It is better to deal with it and get past it. Say I love you: If your relationship is at a stage where these three important words have been exchanged, don't forget to say them often. Share your feelings with each other.
CAVEAT FOR HER!
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onsidering our male-dominated sociocultural environment which frowns seriously at promiscuity on the part of the women, it is sine-qua-non for the lady who is in a long distance relation to know that the responsibility of making the relationship work rest more on her than the male. Therefore, it’s expedient that she keeps the following in mind. Do everything that you can to make your partner feel he is a part of your life. Daily e-mails or text messages will let him know that he is in
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your thoughts even if you are physically separated.
with friends and family. Its important that you don't isolate yourself.
Do the unexpected. Send him a surprise gift or flowers and don't tell him about it.
Remember that there are many interesting things in life that are worth exploring. Pursue a new hobby or join a support group for long distance relationships.
Remember how important your relationship is. Never jeopardize it by cheating. If you want to opt out of your relationship, talk to your partner before you get involved with another. Always end one relationship before beginning another. Continue to have your social life. Go out
Realize that it is extremely difficult to make this type of relationship work. Friends and family may not understand why you want to suffer through a long distance relationship.
Pix by: Poses & Oge
PASSAGE
Late Mama Felicia Ahiakwo’s children with her remains
Tears and Tribute in Torrents as MAMA FELICIA GOLDE AHIAKWO is Laid to Rest in Omoku Amidst Pomp
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ife is a compartment of times and seasons. There is the known time and season for planting and the known time and season for harvest, but for death there is no known time and season. However, for late Madam Felicia Golde Ahiakwo, a quintessential mother and holder of the title of Ezinne (Great Mother) of many Anglican churches in the Archdiocese of Niger Delta, her life few weeks to her demise affirmed that she probably knew death was around the corner, as she was believed to have prepared for it, and on the 18th of March 2013, in Nigeria's Garden City, Mama moved to the grandstand on the other side of life. As the sun rose out of its long night rest on the beautiful morning of 20th of April, 2013, and gently beamed its light on the serene town of Omoku, the major broadways and corners of Omoku went radiant and colourful with the final preparations for the grand farewell of Mama Ahiakwo. As early as 6 O'clock in the morning on this fateful day, a flurry of guests began to stream into Omoku from different corners of the country, in addition to the hundreds that
arrived days earlier, to celebrate the departure of this great amazon who is survived by 9 children, 27 grand children, 2 great grand children, distant relatives and friends. Considering the influence and commitment of mama to the church, the funeral service which held at St Michael Anglican Church, Omoku was officiated by an array of distinguished clergy. Leading the pack of officiating minister are: Rt Reverend Clement Ekpeye, Bishop of Ahoada Diocese; Ven C.U.N Bella, Archdeacon of Omoku and Vicar St Michael Anglican Church Omoku and others. The service which featured musical rendition from the choir, prayers for the family of the departed, and thanksgiving by the family amongst all other things, showcased an outpouring of eulogy in honours of the good life mama lived when she was alive. The interment which followed immediately after the service at the residence of the Ahiakwos, was laden with emotions as the children performed the dust-to-dust ceremony. Children of the deceased include:
Sir Dimkpa F. Ahiakwo, Sir Nduibisi Peter Ahiakwo, Hon Nwabueze Emenike Ahiakwo, Engr. Ifeanyichukwu Ahiakwo, Ms Ada Ahiakwo, Mrs. Chinyere Ahiakwo-Eiche, Mrs Nwakaego Ugoji, Mrs Eberechukwu Quaye and Mrs Nkemalolam Ajua. Interment over, the temporary site of the Federal College of Education (Technical) omoku was packed with a list of notable politicians, industrialists and professionals amongst whom are Sir Celestine Omehia, former Governor of Rivers State; Prince Felix Obuah, Rivers State PDP Chairman, sen. Nurudeen Abatemi Usman, business moguls amongst whom are Mr. Scott Tommey, Chief Felix Idiga and others for the reception. The array of creme-de-la-creme paraded at the event was not only intimidating, but a pointer to the vast contact of the Ahiakwos. There was indeed no dull moment as guest were treated to an array of delicious meals and assorted wine, different brands of music as well as hilarious joke from the ribcracking maestro David Sikpa with a lot of side attractions.
Reception of the Mama’s body by His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Clement Ekpeye JP
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Rev. Canon Ogbonda, Ven. Adubasim, Ven Iwuji & Rev. Lebara
Mama’s Sons: Sir Ndu, Sir Dimkpa, Engr. Ifeanyi & Hon. Eze
Mr John-Afica Eichie, Mr Richard Ajua & Miss Alaerebo Whyte
Sir Innocent Masi & friend
Sir & Dame Ngozi Abu
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Junior Abere, Mr Ifeanyi Ahiakwo & Sir Angelus Ogbonda
Lois Ahiakwo, Nkem Ajua, Ebere Quaye, Shola Ahiakwo & Chinyere Eichie
Mr & Mrs Uche Ugoji, Lady Blessing Ahiakwo & Mr. Gabriel Emeji
Hon. Awala, Julius & others
Hon Justina Emeji
Mrs. Shola Ahiakwo, Mrs Chinyere Eichie & The Akintola’s
Chief Moses Ololo, Dim, Ifeanyi & wife, Shola
Daughter of Light with Ego Ugoji
Dr. (Mrs.) Ihesinachi Kalagbor with Dr. & Mrs. M. O. B. Ahiakwo
Bright, Tony & Ejike
Dr. (Mrs.) George & Lolo Ololo
Madam G-Glad & son
Sen. Nurudeen Usman & Mr. Scott Tommey
Mama’s Family leader praying at Kreigani
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Cathedral clergy wives with Mama’s daughter-in-law
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His Excellency, Sir Celestine Omehia & Hon. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja
Eulogy by Sir Ndubisi Ahiakwo supported by Eze Ahiakwo
Eulogy by Layreader Ego Ugoji
Sir Dimkpa Ahiakwo Performs dust-to-dust
Cdr. Donbraide, Ndu & Chief Felix Idiga (CEO, JAFAC Const Ltd.)
Mrs. Anucha & others
Dr. & Mrs. Bobmanuel
Sir Sambo & Sir Obowu
Chief Justice Ichoku & wife
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Eze, Ifeanyi, Ego, Dim, Ndu & Shola Ahiakwo
Major Jack, Ifeanyi & Stanley Umukoro
Barth (XCEL Publisher), Hon. Elemchukwu Ogbowu & Albert Amachree
Sen. Nurudeem Abatemi Usman & Hon. Felix Obuah
Ven. Akah & Sir Utchy Okirie
The Ahiakwos proceeding for Thanksgiving at St. Micheal’s Church, Omoku
Mr. & Mrs. Eze Ahiakwo with Mr. & Mrs. Ifeanyi Ahiakwo
During the Thanksgiving Service
Sir, Uche Onita & Sir Peter C. Idabor
Sir & Lady Dimkpa Ahiakwo, Mr & Mrs. Uche Ugoji, Sir & Dame Ndu Ahiakwo Prayers for Mama’s children by Ven. C. U. N Bella
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I N H I N K
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n the light of the unwholesome and unforeseen allegations of perpetration of injustice rocking the judiciary, it has become glaring that some of the judges presiding at various levels of our court system are men of low character who place personal aggrandizement over the invaluable responsibility of dispensing justice and ensuring the public's compliance with the laws of the land. It is a truism that power intoxicates. And I could no more agree with Henry Kissinger, a renowned political scientist who described power as “an aphrodisiac, a sort of scintillating sexual elixir both to the person in power and his admirers.” Most of our judges take advantage of the power at their disposal and have betrayed the confidence reposed in them.
The JUDICIARY and its CANKER-WORMS would have passed through! Perhaps some of them have lost children, their business and dreams as a result of the theft. For Justice Naron, he was controversially involved in a series of scandalous election tribunal cases, especially in Osun state, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attorney, Kunle Kalejaiye (SAN) had extensive personal contact with the judge during the 2007 election tribunal case involving Olagunsoye Oyinlola of the PDP. Justice Archibong on his part was sanctioned by the NJC for some scandalous judgments including the case involving Nigeria's renowned rogue banker, Erastus Akingbola of the defunct Intercontinental Bank. Though not long after this indictment the Nigeria Bar Association blamed the Abubakar Talba's judgment on the
As clear as crystal, the judgment of most our judges in Nigeria not only lack integrity, but their constant poor performance is doing great havoc to our national image in the international front. Though the judiciary is usually seen as “the last hope of the masses”, in Nigeria, some of our judges have consistently dashed away this hope of the masses. They have given freedom to political criminals who take advantage of public office and loot national treasury with impunity. The recent indictment of three judges by the National Judicial Council (NJC) is by every means commendable. It reveals the deepseated moral decay at the top echelon of the judiciary. These judges are Justices Abubakar Talba, Thomas D. Naron and Charles Archibong. Justice Talba was indicted following public outcry that greeted his ruling granting a police pension thief, Yakubu Yusuf, a #750,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to the grand theft of billions of Naira from the pension fund. To many, it is the height of wickedness that an institution which is seen as source of hope to the downtrodden could free a man who stole the funds to which thousands of aged and retired policemen, spread across the country, and their families depend upon for survival. Imagine the pains, travail and all forms of trauma these men
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century year old legal system which does not envisage the present day realities, the NJC has, however, suspended the embattled Justice for 12 months . In spite of this, people are still waiting to hear from the NJC on the cases of two other judges, Mr. Ibrahim Buba, the judge that granted a permanent injunction restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting, questioning or interrogating a former governor, as well as Justice Marcel Awokulehin, who cleared former governor James Ibori of all fraud charges in 2009. Unfortunately, while a school of thought
attribute these problems to paucity of support from the executive and legislature to the Judiciary in terms of ensuring that the judiciary have the necessary financial independence and judicial will-power to discharge their duty without fear or favour, another school of thought believes the judiciary is replete with greedy and nepotic judges who, no matter the judicial autonomy, financial independence and support, will pervert justice. In civilized and democratic nations all around the world such as the United States of America and Great Britain, the judiciary is as arm of government that is considered a sacred institution which must keep a clean record in the discharge of its legal functions. It is difficult for offenders to circumvent the course of justice in these countries. Our judiciary need to borrow a leaf from these nations and bear in mind the representation of the symbol of justice as displayed in the blindfolded woman who carries the sword of justice and the weight by which justice is dispensed. The image symbolizes the incorruptible judge who is blinded to favouritism dispensing justice fairly to all and sundry. No society can be orderly without an organized legal framework that emphasizes fairness, Rule of Law and separation of powers. The Judiciary is fundamental to society, being the glue that binds the different institutions in the society together. Therefore, the canker worms of corruption in the judiciary need to be thoroughly weeded out so that Nigerians and international observers around the world can have restored trust in our court system. Drastic and punitive measures need to be instituted and spelt-out by the NJC to checkmate impropriety amongst some of our judges. It is not enough for the corrupt judges to be retired, they should be convicted, jailed and where necessary, their properties acquired through corrupt means, confiscated. A corrupt judge who is compulsorily retired will only go to enjoy his fraudulently acquired wealth which perhaps, without the retirement benefits, may be enough to sustain him and his family for the rest of his life. We have to understand that a judiciary that is free of corrupt influences is sine-qua-non to the delivery of democratic benefits to Nigerians. Nigeria cannot pride herself as the “Giant of Africa” just in words; we need to practically set the pace for other nations in Africa that look up to us for leadership in all ramification of societal life. We have to sit down, think-out and chart a course for our judiciary. We must say “NO” to nepotism in our judicial system and extol the principle of fairness. It is time we take responsibility for the future through fair dispensation of justice to all and sundry. Let us think!