England’s call-up of Anglo-Nigerian striker, Tammy Abraham, seems to have put paid to Nigeria’s hope of having him don the green and white jersey of the national football team. By inviting him for the friendly games against Brazil and Germany, the English FA has acted swiftly and smartly, playing their cards well in order not to lose the services of the prolific striker.

Recall that some few months back, the media was filled with news [being relayed by the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick] of the prospect of Abraham playing for Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup in Russia next year. Only for the striker to publicly debunk the news and made it pointedly clear that he was still available for selection into the English set-up- a wish that has thus far been granted. That debunking had not only shattered the hope of having him play for Nigeria to some extent but also did sink Pinnick’s face in the mud as the football administrator‘s desperation was brought to the limelight.

Inasmuch as one might be tempted to flow along with those who aimed to criticize Pinnick’s handling of the whole situation- he has got faults no doubt- it is important that the premises upon which he acted be put under review. Tammy’s pursuit was informed by the need to create more competition in the forward line. And considering the profligacy of the Eagles in front of goal, it was imperative that other options be sought out, and Tammy was one of such that never came to be in the end.

In a broader view, that the Federation is aiming to get a player in the mold of Tammy Abraham should yet throw a challenge to every player in the forward line as well as every other player in the team. Nigeria is blessed with talented footballers but there seems to be little going in the way of self-development. There are many names that come to mind but after a few seasons at the top, they just seem to fizzle out.

While some Nigerian enthusiasts are finding it hard to understand why Tammy had settle to go with England even with what players like Agbonlahor, Fashanu et al had gone through, we must understand that Tammy Abraham has got his own will and could not have afforded to go with something his heart isn’t committed to- just like every passionate and goal oriented individual would. One can only wish him good luck.

Tammy Abraham may not have been another Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi or Ola Aina; all of whom Nigeria has snatched from England- and that’s down to choice. But as the dust over Tammy Abraham’s situation settles, it is high time we looked inward and make the most of what we have got on hand. The players have to up their game, and the technical crew needs to help these players maximize their potentials. All hands must be on deck in order to turn the country’s national football team into a highly productive force.

Belief appears to be back again as fans now have heightened faith in their darling Super Eagles, and it is not so hard to see why. After a spate of unconvincing performances that saw the national senior football team miss out on the African nations cup on two consecutive occasions intermingled by a not-so-inspiring world cup outing in Brazil, fans saw no reason to keep the verve in supporting the team as they sustain their love for foreign clubs that they have been reverently following.

However, the hope [of the Nigerian football fans] has been raised again with the Eagles having qualified for the world cup in Russia next year with a game to spare- a feat which has been elusive in time past. The game [though a dead rubber game] is against the Fennecs of Algeria. Having met on eighteen (18) different occasions, the two nations are definitely no stranger to each other. They have both had their fair share of victories over one another with Nigeria winning nine (9) of the matches while Algeria has six wins.

The biggest victory Algeria has ever recorded against Nigeria was the 5-1 win at Algiers '90, and Nigeria has also had her pound of flesh over the Fennecs on several occasions. In fact, the last time Algeria beat Nigeria was way back in 1990 when they recorded a 1-0 victory over the Clemens Westerhof led Super Eagles at the final of the Nations cup in 1990.

It is quite interesting yo note that both teams obtained their first world cup ticket at each other's expense- first, Algeria defeated Nigeria 4-1 on aggregate to qualify for the 1982 world cup in Spain while the golden generation of the Nigerian senior national team had some sort of revenge by defeating Algeria 5-2 (aggregate scoreline) enroute qualifying for USA '94. Since then the Super Eagles have have had the Fennecs tucked in their wings, recording six straight wins in the process.

The match at hand
The sting seems to have been taken out of this match as the fates of both teams have been sealed- Nigeria having already qualified sits atop the group with 13 points from five (5) games as Algeria, after a string of poor results, stays rock bottom with just 1 point from the same number of games. Nonetheless, there's still something to play for.

Algeria, on their part will be looking to play for pride, and their new coach will certainly want to start on a good note by registering a win against an opposition that appears to be stronger on paper. For Nigeria- who will be missing the services of some key players like Victor Moses, Moses Simon, Ogenyi Onazi and Mikel Agu- finishing the qualifying campaign untainted is an objective everyone [in the Nigerian camp] is nursing. This is also echoed by the Nigerian coach, Gernot Rohr who will be leading his charge to go for the opponent's 'jugular' right in front of their teeming fans. Plus, the game presents the avenue for the coach to test certain players who have been raring to show what they have got up their sleeves.

A lot has happened since the two teams last met in Uyo about a year ago with Algeria having been under the tutelage of two different coaches- George Leekens and Rajevac Milovan- before Rabah Madjer took over the reins. Madjer was the chief architect of Nigeria's humiliation back in 1990 but it remains to be seen how well an influence he will be from the bench as the Fennecs take on the Super Eagles in this final round of the world cup qualification series.
The match is billed for the 10th of November, 2017 at the the Mohamed-Hamlaoui stadium in Constantine by 8:30 PM Nigerian time.

A few weeks back, I wrote about the saga surrounding Abdulrasheed Maina, emphasizing on the need to have an effective justice system that deals with scandals in public offices without fear or favour since we have had to deal with incidences of perversion orchestrated by individuals who feel they [and those whose interest they served] are above the law. Although the current administration has been able to clamp down on corrupt practices but much still needs to be done.

A major move which has further highlighted the President's commitment to fight corruption in high places is the sacking of Babachir Lawal from office as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and this was followed by relieving Ambassador Ayo Oke of his duties as the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). With these two disengagements, Nigerians have seen the presidency take a definite action on erring parties- this is something that has been amiss for long despite the many cases of corruption we get to hear of, and in essence, the 'abnormal' has pathetically become a 'norm' in our nation.

You will recall that Babachir had been placed on suspension since April 19 for his underhand practice in the award of a N200 million grass-cutting contract while amb. Ayo Oke had been under investigation for the part he played in the non-disclosure of the $43 million [said to belong to NIA] that was hidden in a private apartment situated somewhere around Ikoyi.
The verdict on Babachir's case is quite straightforward and long awaited but the $43 million case is yet encumbered with many intricacies as there appears to be some issues that remain unresolved- and might not even be brought to the knowledge of the public.

Rightfully, Ayo Oke has been sacked for his failure and/or negligence in not informing the appropriate quarters of the said amount of money but the manner in which the whole event unfolded, showed that there are more things (information) that are hidden beyond the cash- even when such information is centred on the way the cash came about. It is hoped that the Economic and Financial Crime Commission will dig into the matter to unravel those things that are not so evident at the moment, and thereby bring justice to full effect. Again, Babachir's should not be brought to a close until he is probed by EFCC, and it is pleasing to know that the presidency has also canvassed for this- that the two men be further investigated by the commission.

The President has indeed scored a gross point with the sacking of Babachir Lawal and Ayo Oke but except one chooses to close his/her eyes to the obvious, it is still a case of two down, and more to go if profound success is to be recorded in the fight against corruption. To wrap this up, I [as well as every dignified Nigerian] look forward to the coming days when the case revolving around Maina's reinstatement will be brought to a conclusive end without any manipulation and/or subversion of justice.

Sadly, it has become commonplace to hear of episodes of misappropriation and/or abuse of power from officials holding positions in public offices- though such acts do not seem to be as emergent as at before. Many times, these occurrences are brought to public cognizance only to fizzle out into thin air without justice being served to bring the erring party to book as those that ought to so do, rigmarole about the whole process- and everything dies out with time.

The latest of such irregularities generating waves in the media, hovers around the former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, AbdulRasheed Maina who was recently reinstated [with honours] into Federal Civil Service as an Acting Director in the Ministry of Interior- his reappointment has since been revoked by the President- under untoward circumstances. Aside Maina himself, the two (2) key players that have been indicted in this drama, are the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) and Interior Minister, Lt. General AbdulRahman Dambazau (rtd.)

Let us spare the thoughts of accusation of the pension fraud levelled against Main a [back in 2012] for a moment, and look at the role played by Malami. It was reported that Malami had circumvented the office of the Head of Service of the Federation as he sought approval for Maina's reinstatement letter after his appeal to have him (Maina) reinstated met a 'brick wall' from the HoS, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita. He (that is, Malami) would eventually have his way through a certain Mustapha L. Sulaiman who signed the letter.

From the foregoing, one could see that Malami [who is the AGF and also the Minister of Justice] has not acted in accordance with the rule of law- not following due process- which he ought to have protected. Furthermore, considering the events that surrounded the dismissal of Main a in 2012, it can be drawn that Malami's action is indicative of one trying to subvert justice which is yet another dent on his 'esteemed' office. Shouldn't he had made Maina to face the law? It should be recalled that Main a had to flee the country while investigation [concerning the pension fraud] was still ongoing in 2012. So, rather than furtively bringing him back into Civil Service, Malami should have insisted that Maina clear the air over the mess he left unattended about five (5) years ago in order to prove his innocence- if he is indeed free from accusations against him. With Malami's desperate moves in this very scenario, one cannot but question his competence and/or loyalty to the offices he precedes over.

Although Dambazau's role in the whole saga is not so clear at the moment but he cannot obviously be said to be free from answering some questions since the reinstated concerns an office in the Ministry he is currently heading. How was it that the reappointment was not challenged before he (Maina) was confirmed for the position of Acting Director?

Another twist to the saga is the claim linking the past administration to what is presently unfolding even as the presidential spokesman posited that Maina is one of the 'monster' created by the past administration. For heaven's sake; how much longer will this blame shifting/shedding continue? The truth is that there are 'rotten eggs' in this administration that need to be cleaned up. Maina's reinstatement came about while the sitting government is ruling, and one needs not divert the Nigerians' attention to other intricate matters- at least for now.

Again, as the media is rife with speculations about the involvement of the presidency in all that is happening, it is expedient that the presidency comes out clean, and get to the very root of this matter without minding whose axe will be gored.

Matters of this magnanimity should not be stalled over like we are seeing with the cases of the former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo One, and suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal. Nigerians are waiting and looking forward for justice to take its right course- without fear or favour.

The World Health Organization's report shows that 31% of the annual global deaths, evolves as a result of heart-related diseases. The high incidence of these (cardiovascular) diseases has been largely attributed to factors revolving around lifestyle and dietary trends. It is in view of this that I have elected to briefly discuss the subject matter while also considering the use of fitness gadgets which are very effective in helping an individual meet his/her fitness goals thus promoting healthy living.

As the awareness on the dangers unhealthy lifestyle trends portend begin to pick, many have become more careful about what- and how- they eat. Plus, some persons now incorporate regular physical exercises into their routine. But one cannot be oblivious of the fact that not everyone has got the time to go on a workout regularly, and that is where the danger often lies. Furthermore, the hours spent at work make it a bit difficult to go on a regular medical checkup. Putting all these into consideration, it becomes kind of necessary to have- in the mold of a handy gadget- that will function as a personal health/fitness monitor.
Fitness gadgets come in varying designs and sizes.

The most commonly used ones are fitness/activity trackers which are usually integrated Bluetooth technology thus making it possible to pair them with smartphones or any other compatible device- in order to get information on one's status through the app [that must have been installed]. While some of these trackers can keep track of basic biometric parameters such as heart rate, calories burned, BMI and breathing rate, some others do more by taking record of certain intricate activities like brainwaves [in order to determine trends such as sleep pattern] and muscle activities thus presenting holistic analysis of a person's health status.

Most fitness gadgets come in form of wearables such as wristlets, earphones or even apparels integrated with specific technology that will make them to function uniquely. The design of these devices make them quite easy to have on the body while on the go. Some examples of such gadgets include Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch, Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless Headphones and so on.

Besides the wearable gadgets, there are others in the mold of an assistive personal health devices that enable an individual know his/her state of health. Hence helping the individual take necessary action(s) and avert impending dangers that might befall the body in the course of time. Like other fitness gadgets, these health-monitoring devices can be synced with smartphones. Although devices such as the digital blood pressure- and glucose level- monitors have since become valuable in some Nigerian homes, others [like the iHealth Rhythm] that offer more in the way of checking temperature, making accurate diagnosis [based on patient's health history] and then giving prescriptions- some even go as far as setting up video consultation with a licensed doctor- should be introduced to the market in Nigeria.

However, the challenge is that most of these gadgets can be pricey as one might have to churn out well over $100- this may be on the high side for the average Nigerian who really needs one. Nonetheless, considering that the greatest wealth anyone could ever wished for, is good health, then the investment is worth it. Again, the gadgets are not very much available in the country- only a few fitness stores have them; this may not be unconnected to the unfamiliarity of the Nigerian populace of all these fitness gizmos.

It is important that Nigerians- especially the working class- start using fitness gadgets more often than not. This would go a long way in ensuring that we have a healthy (-ier) society, and this can in turn bring about increased productive as individuals cut down on certain unhealthy habits, and also optimally get the most out of their exercise routine. Over and above all, discipline is key!

Plainly speaking, the program content of local stations has not been so impressive. Owing to this, Nigerians have been turning to cable network for those premium TV contents which appeal to their fancy. A prominent cable network operator that has thus far commanded huge following for over twenty (20) years now is DSTV [owned by Multichoice], and the Nigerian market is indeed a fruitful one for the PayTV operator with about 1.5 million subscribers in Nigeria alone- a figure that represents around 10% of its subscribers in Africa.

Though in all fairness, the company does offer rich contents but it has not been without some flaws. One of such flaws is poor/slack customer service delivery- this could resulted from the monopoly it has enjoyed over the years. At some point, it was hoped that HiTV would break that monopoly but the satellite TV (that is, HiTV) went into backwaters just after about four (4) years of operation.

It is no-brainer that DSTV has sort of owned the cable television industry in sub-Saharan African countries for some time now. But on comes the hour when the company can no longer fold its hands [and not improve its services] as TSTV and Kwesè TV make entrance into the industry. Already, both appear to be stealing a march on their more established competitor with more flexible payment plan on offer. While Multichoice has not looked beyond the monthly payment plan [on their different bouquets], Kwesè and TSTV will be giving subscribers the avenue to subscribe through the weekly and daily plans [along with the monthly subscription plan] thus ensuring that consumers get optimum content viewing at an affordable rate, and that they do not miss out on their favorite programmes.

A Brief on TSTV and Kwesè TV
TSTV is said to be a Nigerian owned company- it is owned by Mr. Bright Echefu- that is in partnership with ABS (Asia Broadcast Satellite), a telecommunications company which provides services ranging from cable TV distribution to internet backbone services, VSAT transmissions amongst other telecoms services. TSTV was launched on the 1st of October, 2017 but had to defer the rolling out of its decoders till the 1st of November as it sorts out some pending issues. The number of channels on TSTV cannot be ascertained at the moment- there are speculations that there are up to 200 stations on offer.

I will now beam the light on Kwesè which is owned by astute businessman of international renown, Strive Masiyiwa. A lot of background work has been done to get Kwesè up and running- this, you would have noticed if you were following the 'visionaire' on social media as he passionately discussed the vision (Kwesè). Already Kwesè has made a groundbreaking entry with some interesting contents- presently and futuristically- it has got for its viewers.
If DSTV currently owns the exclusive right to broadcast EPL games to sub-Saharan countries, Kwesè has got its own in presenting live NBA games to its subscribers. Plus it also shows EPL games [through one of its channels]- albeit not on a broad scale like DSTV. And for those who are already looking forward to the football world cup taking place in Russia next year, Kwesè TV is there for you in good time as it has won the exclusive free-to-air transmission rights for the games. Kwesè has international channels [such as CNN, Fox, ESPN, CBeebies, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks and much more]. Regarding the price; the decoder and its installation will cost only N10,970 and the monthly subscription for the premium bouquet is N6275 while the 7-day plan and 3-day plan go for N1850 and N990 respectively.

VERDICT: I really hope these two (TSTV and Kwesè) stay rooted in the cable network industry. Nonetheless, I feel Kwesè TV has a brighter chance of thriving in the market. This, I say based on the leap the company is making in its first months of operation. Furthermore, the range of its reach is quite broad and the company is one that is set on value.
As we begin to witness this epoch-making event in the PayTV industry, it remains to be seen how DSTV will respond to the challenge thrown at them by these 'newbies'. PayTV service delivery can only get better as the 'wings of a long-standing monopoly' gets clipped.

The Nigerian situation/story is one of differing interest which is ostensibly down to the nation’s numerous ethnic orientations- a factor that is sometimes viewed as the nation’s strength. But this has not been without some controversies as some persons- or should I rather say ethnic groups- see Nigeria’s formation has being replete with irregularities thus raising the proposition that the country’s foundation was set on ‘unworkable’ principles. And owing to this, there have been calls for restructuring from different quarters. This brings us to the purpose for which this write-up has been put forward: shedding some light on restructuring in Nigeria.

A brief review on the Nigerian situation
Although one might choose to go back to the root [i.e the merge of many nation states into one sovereign unit] as being the reason for our plight but one needs not forget that Nigeria was indeed thriving at some points in past- talk about moments when our educational system was something to be proud of; times when virtually every region saw a commendable level of development and the economy was really promising. If there is anything to draw out of these; it is the fact that Nigeria seemed to have it figured out to an extent irrespective of the ‘faulty’ foundation that some persons could have perceived [to have contributed to the present state of the nation. And its thriving then was a result of the functional policies that were put in place by the founding fathers; those policies were structured and/or centered on (around) the diversified populace. But then, things started to fall apart, and rather than improving on what we had on ground, we began to experience spates of dormancy and subsequently retrogression- that which was once seen as promising gradually began to take a descent into the doldrums of obscurity; the ‘giant’ suddenly becoming dwarfed by the many troubles/uncertainties that stifle its growth.

With all these came the imbalances which has thus far made the ‘abundance’ of the nation to tilt more towards a particular end; leaving the other end with a meagre- in relative terms.
It is in view of the foregoing [coupled with the agitations that have been brewing from certain sections] that the call for restructuring rend the air as top key personalities such as the Ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and APC stalwart, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some other people of renown are now championing the cause for a restructured Nigeria.

Amidst all these, one might be tempted to ask: what are those things that need restructuring?

Well, it is important to understand that the call for restructuring is crucial for practicing true federalism- a position whereby people-oriented policies are drawn based on regional sentiments/needs; a situation where the central government sheds off some weights and/or responsibilities off its shoulder in order to attend to some other core issues that will sustain the security and unity of the nation. Asides that, the modus operandi of many government parastatals should be looked over with the aim of making them more efficient and accountable.

If Nigeria must work again, then the order of the day has got to be challenged as we attempt to go back to the drawing board- not to start afresh but rather to take a cue from some of the policies that were formulated by our founding fathers and seek to improve on such in the best possible way as we seek to chart a course out of the ‘mire of oblivion’ that has thus far veiled our progress- Nigeria’s glory does not belong to the past.

I will like to end with the assertion made by Human Right Activist, Yinka Odumakin in one of the dailies which read: “A Nigeria EARNESTLY restructured is a Nigeria positively restored.”- Emphasis mine. For Nigeria to find her place again both on the local and international fronts, the bond of unity must be sustained, and this can only be actualized when there is a holistic and sincere- devoid of any hidden agenda- approach towards reviewing and objectively reforming the different systems/sectors that are meant to propel the nation’s development.

In Nigeria at the moment, one cannot talk about a Nigerian referendum without bringing Biafra into the picture as the embers of events leading to the civil war in the 70's appears to be re-ignited. But beyond this (Biafra matter), referendum is an act that could have a far-reaching effect, and countries that are truly democratic in setting, have employed this in addressing specific issues of national concern.

So, there lies the question: What is a Referendum? – According to Encyclopedia.com; A referendum is a form of direct democracy in which the entire electorate votes to accept or reject a policy proposal. The given definition has two key components I will like to highlight: ‘the Electorate’ and ‘Policy’. These two (elements) have a tremendous influence on the eventual outcome of the vote- the electorate is been expected to response to the question raised in the referendum by simply choosing to accept or reject.

A referendum is more like seeking a mutual avenue to end a ‘dispute’: putting one forward does not necessarily mean acceding to defeat plus there is no certainty that the victory will sway to one side or another until the votes are counted. However, it is important to state here that the state here that whatever move that is being must not be done without the state legislature’s involvement. In other words, referendum can only be permitted within the ambit of the law. Failure to do this will be tantamount to committing treason.

Now, focusing the lens on Nigeria; it would be injudicious to solely pin the word ‘Referendum’ to Biafra and the activities of IPOB- a scenario that borders on secession. The concept behind referendum is obviously broader than that, and there are a whole lot of issues that can be tackled through referendums. Again, we seem to sort of see referendum in ‘bad light’ in this part of the world so much that a special assistant to the president once put objectivity to the swords by limiting referendum to the Biafra situation. But far from it; the practice, if intently pursued, can help us correct some maladies that are apparent in the nation’s polity since it provides the avenue for the electorate to free express their opinions.

However, the ‘sad truth’ is that there is no such provision in the Nigerian constitution. So, before we can have a Nigerian referendum, there has to be a constitutional review. But who will ‘bell the cat’, and move the notion for the inclusion of referendum in the constitution?
If we are to progress as a truly democratic- with no inkling of dictatorship- nation then the electorate have got to be involved in [a more profound manner] in the decision-making process- not just the general election- especially as it regards passing certain laws.

The Nigerian referendum is not just about Biafra, and should not be limited to that. More so, considering the fact that some of the edicts that are presently in effect were triggered during the military regime, it is necessary to mastermind a means of reviewing some of those policies thus setting the tone for a restructured Nigeria- as such, referendums should be evoked to have this done. Besides, allowing referendums to take place will certainly quell many agitations that have without the use of force rising over the years as we get to reach a point where we agree to disagree.

XENOPHOBIA: A DENT ON THE BLACK NATION
Xenophobia simply means the 'fear of foreign things or people'. This definition is however not sufficient in itself without being accompanied by spates of violence somewhere in South Africa. The incidents in South Africa makes me ponder on 'how can the resolution to get rid of a 'fear' [by the use of physical weapons and rage] bring about freedom without the proponents [of these attacks] being haunted by that fear on the long run'? Should the 'white man' treat a 'black man' with disdain [just because of the colour of his skin], it becomes termed as 'racism'- the reverse also begets the same conclusion- but it is rather perplexing to see a black man visit terror upon another man [who shares the same skin colour] because he is seen as a threat to his welfare and job security- this reason becomes unfounded when you consider that majority of the victims are entrepreneurs whose stalls are eventually looted, upon the onslaught of the attackers.
Looking down the annals of history; one would see that xenophobia and the inherent attacks are not new trends [as these have been a scourge in some South Africa communities over the two last decades] and these have been escalating rather than subsidizing.

The Motive
People do not just act the way they do; there are certain instigating factors that sway men to gravitate in a particular direction. Bringing it down to the xenophobic activities that thus have shattered the bedrock of humanity; the perpetrators often claim that the xenophobic attack [against Nigerians] is a way of purging their communities of drug lords and their 'ignoble' activities- but when did it become the function of a civil group to take charge of such daunting security task and how can 'evil' purge out 'evil'? Barring this claim and viewing the events- surrounding xenophobia- scrutinizingly, one would see that this is a result of sheer hostility that have been fuelled by some underlying and catalyzing factors: one of such is the tagging of immigrants as 'security threats' by the Parliament in the nation- this might have happened way back but it has surely left an imprint in the mind of some mischievous and 'uncivilized' persons. That other countries [with Nigeria playing the role of a 'big brother'] intervened during South Africa's apartheid struggles, was not a means of creating a leverage for their citizens to seek 'greener pastures' in South Africa but rather a means of ensuring that humanity prevails over insanity and injustice. However, years down the line, insanity seems to be gaining the upper hand in a xenophobic ambience- as the humanitarian acts from other nations in the past appears to have evaded the subconscious of these xenophobes. Another reason- though cryptic- is the lack of creativity and laziness of these 'xenophobes' who feel that their own standard of living would take a boost simply by maiming and/or killing those who are courageous enough to start something up- albeit in another man's country.

The Moves thus far
It will be an eyesore for any sane government or humanitarian group to sit hands folded without doing anything about addressing [and curtailing] these despiteful occurrences. Although it would be quite myopic to assume that Nigerians are the only ones that are being victimized in these attacks- other foreign nationals are not left out- but it is incumbent that the Nigerian government acts to ensure the safety of its citizens- not just at home- abroad. And indeed, there have been protests and moves against the backdrop of xenophobia: recently Nigerian delegates- first, the group of lawmakers led by the leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and then the Minister of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau- have visited South Africa in order to forestall the incidence of incessant xenophobic attacks against Nigerians. And from the fallout of the meeting [of the Minister of foreign affairs and his entourage] with South Africa's Minister of International Relations; it is obvious that these attacks- which often occur on broad daylight- have been festering due to security lapses as Nigerian communities do not have easy and on-time access to security operatives that would have helped to quell the emergence and/or escalation of these incidents. This must have been one of the reasons why the Nigerian Minister demanded genuine commitment [towards ensuring safety of foreigners] from the South African government.
To wrap this up: just as it is a dent on the 'black nation', xenophobia is also a dent on globalization since it infringes upon the man's right to live. There are definitely South Africans thriving in other countries and meting out malicious acts at them will only leave our world in disarray; xenophobes need to exfoliate their 'natural' skin/heart and learn how to co-exist peacefully with foreigners. Furthermore, the South African government needs to be at the forefront of the fight against xenophobic attacks- this is not to say that some of the claims [for instance the issue of drug pushing] raised should not be adequately and equitably looked into- and the world- especially the African Union- has got to speak up with one voice against the hostilities [aimed at foreigners] in South Africa.

SAFETY ON OUR ROADS
Each time we leave the convenience of our home in pursuit of our 'daily bread' not knowing what we will be up against on the road but we are filled with the expectation of coming back home to the warm embrace of our loved ones who cherish every moment we share together. However, the 'unexpected' does happen on some occasions: dreams and hopes get shattered and a 'loved one' is taken away and/or made to suffer the pain he/she never envisaged. It is in the light of this that the thoughts [that shall be expressed] in this article find anchorage. How safe are the roads in Nigeria?
There are indeed many factors that contribute to the incidence of accidents on our roads. Most notably is the state of the road and some other factors hover around weather condition; the state of the vehicles plying the road and human judgment/misgivings amongst other things. The worrisome statistics that placed Nigeria among the nations with the highest rate of road accidents fatalities should not be seen as a surprise when you consider the deplorable condition of some roads and also the carelessness and temerity exhibited by road users- tens of thousands of crahes and deaths have been recorded over the last decade in Nigeria.

The deplorable state of the road and reckless driving
Except you are living in a 'seventh heaven' in the nation, would you not have come across a road that is in an abysmal state in your state of residence as this has been a major bane in the transportation network of this nation. Potholes, depression and some other structural failures are synonymous to the Nigerian road network and even the repairs [carried out on such roads] do not usually last for a long period of time.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to point out that the recklessness displayed by road users while plying the road- whether bad or in good condition- is yet another worrisome trend that should be of utmost concern. It is quite baffling to see that even on these 'bad' roads, motorists still burst into top speed without considering the 'unstable' road- and maybe without giving a thought to the delicateness of life. Let me be quick to point out that either on 'smooth' or 'rough' road, top speed remains a dangerous and deadly.

Non-adherence to traffic regulations and signs
The gross disrespect for traffic regulations and signs is one trend that has visibly impacted safety on our roads. For instance; the speed limit sign posts are rarely given attention [in areas where they are made available] as the 'hustling and bustling' of motorists, takes preeminence on our roads on daily basis...the traffic light is another major traffic sign motorists violate.
Disregard for traffic signs is however not limited to motorists only as some pedestrians also have their share of violation: the use of pedestrian bridges have always been one of the 'gospel' the government keep preaching- I can recall vividly [during my childhood], I came across a signpost which read: 'Eba dey sweet. Use the bridge'- but the crossing of express roads remains rampant till this day and some individuals never get to make to the other side as they are unfortunately 'knocked down and out of the world'.

Condition of the Vehicles
Ensuring safety on the road requires holistic measures. As such, it would be unbalanced to streamline the cause of imperilment on the road to just the deplorable state of the road and recklessness of the motorists alone; the state of the vehicles that ply our roads must also be put into consideration. Time and again, we hear of accidents being caused by failed brake leading to loss of lives. Also, rickety vehicles are still permitted on our roads and aside the vulnerability these vehicles portend in causing accidents; the excessive carbon monoxide emitted from the exhaust also constitutes a nuisance to the health/well-being of individuals.

Slackness in enforcing the law
Although some of the regulatory agencies are really giving their best but one of the reasons why things have remained seemingly unchanging, is due to the slackness in the enforcement of certain laws...the fervency [with which regulatory agencies ensure compliance to certain rules] at the onset appears to die out with the passing of time. What we see now is that even in the presence of law regulatory agencies, road users commit varying degrees of misconduct without being brought to order. What has become of the ruling on the use of helmet [by motorcyclists]; the use of seatbelts...to mention a few that has gone [or nearly going into] dereliction?

Making our roads safe(r)
Making our roads safe(r) is incumbent upon those measures that we are conversant with but choose to neglect and/or treat with levity. They are simple and quite basic but it is the commitment and discipline that is channelled in ensuring safety on our roads that will make these measures to work. Some of these measures include:
Strict and consistent enforcement of the law.
Adhering to the penalty set for lawbreakers.
Respect for traffic rules and regulations.
Quality rehabilitation of 'bad' roads.
Evacuation of 'unfit' vehicles from the road.
To wrap this up, I will like to remind the Motorist that: 'Speed kills...go easy' and the Pedestrian: 'Eba dey sweet. Use the bridge when need be'...together we can work to make our roads safer.

THE STATE OF THE NATION
Ask Nigerians how they feel about the present state of the nation and you will get replies that hinge on the ambience of angst [in most cases] or hopefulness but you will rarely hear someone say: 'it's outrightly good' safe for the one who ascribes to view things through 'the eye of faith'. However, one cannot blame the 'doubters' as their concerns cannot be waved aside- as unfounded- when one considers the 'dispiriting' and 'tense' aura that surrounds some topical issues of national concerns.
At this very moment; Nigeria as a nation is contending with a whole lot of issues. Conspicuous among the many issues are the indisposition of the president, who is reportedly recuperating in a hospital in the United Kingdom and volatile and tension-inducing events [like the political and religious agitations] that have been brewing for some times now- although this seems to have abated to some extent over the last couple of time and one could only hope that resolutions that foster peaceful co-existence are reached in good and appreciable time.

The shift in Administration
Before travelling [to attend to his ailing health] on the 19th of January, 2017, the President, Muhammadu Buhari handed over power- this has helped to curtail the incidence of any administrative hiatus that was witnessed during the last administration when there was a similar case of the president's indisposition- to the vice-president who has since assumed the position of the president albeit in an acting capacity. But despite the handing over, Nigerians have been raising concerns over the 'indefinite'/prolonged absence of the elected president and with the rumour mills continually being awashed with different news, the dust might never get settled until the presidency makes an assertive declaration on the state of the president's health.

Unemployment remains a 'bottleneck'
Although one might be right to say that no nation on earth has been able to completely efface unemployment but the rate of unemployment can be sporadically reduced. The Nigerian unemployment situation appears 'unchanged'- rooted to a spot- with no major improvement [in the aspect of job creation] as the unemployment rate stays at 13.3%- which is far beyond the 'endurable' rate for a healthy economy.

Pyramid schemes reign supreme
The rapidity at which different pyramid schemes are emerging has been utterly profound as the state of the economy and financial encumbrance keep lamentations alive in the hearts of the citizens. Thus some have seen these schemes as a way of seeking quick escape from the apprehension of financial insecurity/'malaise'. Nonetheless, the authenticity and trustworthiness of these schemes are still under scrutiny.
Naira gains some ground on Dollar
If there has been any improvement- though maybe meagre- in Nigeria's economy, it is down to how the Naira is gradually regaining some lost grounds as against the downward spiral the exchange rate had been taking before the acting president began to oversee the administrative function of the nation. The effects of the unstable nature of the exchange rate cannot be overemphasized as the prices of various commodities shoot up and one can only hope that the Naira survives- at least to a striking degree- the onslaught.
One could go on and on talking about the problems bedeviling the nation but never would there be any way forward should we, as a nation maintain a 'care-free' attitude- it is commendable to discuss these issues and also seek a redress as push for national development. There has always been a great tendency to 'sweep things under the carpet' and move on with life...and as the African music legend, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti rightly puts it: 'suffering and smiling...', we look to make some obvious facts non-existing but for how long shall continue to do this? The issues facing us as a nation must be addressed with firmness and effective 'mindstorming' before real progress can be made.

This write-up is intended to be the last of the series on the employment situation in the nation and today, the discourse shall hover around a group that seem to hold the highest stake in the labour market. The employers of labour call the shots and could also in some way, determine what becomes of some destinies...as the saying goes: 'he who controls your time, controls your destiny'. You can read previous discourse on the employment situation in the nigeria here: http://www.asknigeria.com.ng/topic/312/employment-situation-in-nigeria-from-the-government-s-angle AND http://www.asknigeria.com.ng/topic/297/employment-situation-in-nigeria-the-prospective-employee-s-angle
The employer is driven by result which is reflected in profit making thus most of the decisions taken are geared toward actualizing this goal- revenue generation. Therefore, his (employer's) utmost desire is to inject creativity and freshness into the organization as growth is being pursued: this is the motive behind recruiting 'qualified' individuals into different positions in the organization. However, when there is a depreciation in value, with employees not living up to expected standard, the employer could relieve the employee of his/her appointment.
But with the realities on ground- economic crunch and unsteady market operations- recruitment/employment has become more difficult as downsizing takes ascendance with organizations [especially private ones] aiming to 'weather the storm' and gain stability...moreover, some organizations that could not manage the situation have since folded up leaving the unemployment gulf ever gaping.
These underlying factors- economic crises- have had some employers of labour ignominiously making the most of the employment situation as they tend to overexploit employees; consistently and ravenously 'mining the employees' gold' without considering their (the employees' standard of living)- although it might be widely accepted that the objective of every employer is to maximize profit while minimizing cost but the standard of living of the employees, needs to be firmly considered and reviewed. The vulnerability of prospects and/or employees who are desperate of finding a job or maintaining their position, is taken advantage of with the employers inaudibly reserving the fact that should one individual fail to accept their 'substandard' offer; another person will gladly embrace the offer. For instance, I have heard of an employee who [upon the downsizing of her company's workforce] had to take charge of three different positions with no increase in her remuneration.
The machines are taking over
Furthermore, it is not uncommon to see automated machines now taking the place of human as technological advances take sway...slots available for prospective employees and even the established ones in organizations are now reduced. A case study is the bank where Automated Teller Machines are being used for transfer, withdrawal and even deposit hence what is the need of having large numbers of cashiers in the banking hall? But it still remains to be seen if the machines will eventually take over majority of the activities within the 'human space'.

In conclusion; it is quite logical that employers take actions directed at sustainability and development of their organizations but in order to fight unemployment in the nation, it is necessary to look beyond recruiting the 'very best' of applicants; they have got to be committed to the personal development of the staff members of their organizations and also prospective employees who are promising...the employer must learn to invest in people and not just the job alone.

THE FRUITLESS TREE
Mark 11:13-14: And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. in response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it.

The primary purpose of any tree is FRUITFULNESS and a good tree is known by the quality of the 'fruits' it bears and based on the capabilities of the tree, its fruits- these encompass everything that the tree brings forth- could serve as food, shelter, etc. It (the tree) basically sustains life. What then is the essence of a tree that has failed in its purpose? - It is simply good for nothing.
Let me drive this home: Man has been planted by the Creator to take root and stand in the area where he will thrive. However, the unfortunate reality [with man] is that he finds it hard to discover and express what has been deposited on his 'inside' hence becoming less productive and failing to feed the world with his fruit.
God, who made us, is result-oriented- though He is patient with us; he expects us to be fruitful and multiply...He desires that we give Him pleasure as He awaits the return on His investment- man. Therefore, failing to act in line with this [glorious] vision alienates us from the will of God. We become just a 'tree' with nothing tangible to impact on the world...the inability to allow your talent find expression gets a firm grip on you and you eventually get old and die with 'dead or rotten fruits'...how tragic! That fruit was never meant for the grave; it was never given to beget wretchedness...it has been given to enrich the world here and now.
It's time to refocus
At this point, I will like to charge you to examine your life and see if you are really living or just existing- going about your work or [earthly] sojourn with no real sense of who they are or what they should actually be doing; are you taking root and bearing fruits or just 'occupying the space'? Is your life reviving a soul? Should you be found wanting [in being fruitful], it is pertinent to tell you this: It's time to refocus and let out the junk. You might have been lost in the thought that it's too late to learn something new or go for that career change you desire...it's time to refocus your energy- from being doubtful and negative to being positive and thus becoming productive. Awaken those things you have left dormant over the years and delight yourself in the glorious future before you. It's time to inject some freshness into your life and start bearing fruits...this is your moment- use it wisely.
Paraphrasing the words of my pastor: "If you being alive say: 'it's too late'; what should the dead say?" You have got this moment...use it...make it count and stop acting dead!

Answers may vary when you ask people from different places in the world: 'which place is the most frequented area?' But looking away from geographical location, there is a place that we could easily [and generally] come to term the 'most frequented'- and that is the 'WORLDWIDE WEB'.

It has become so popular and easily reached that even a 3-year old could feel its impact and it is readily available at our fingertip. The internet has indeed played a huge role in turning the world into a 'global village'. Nevertheless, despite its popularity and usefulness; it has also become commonplace to see how this medium has been abused time and again.

Without further ado, let us now see some of the ways the internet has thus far been abused:

PROPAGATION OF FAKE NEWS: The accessibility of the internet has been very well utilized by propagandists whose 'business' thrives in spreading false news and rumors that have frequently caused spate of animosity among the audience who participate in the discourse. This act [of spreading false news] has been perfected with pictures [that are often doctored] hence leaving even the learned easily caught up in the 'web of deception'. More disturbing and pathetic is the fact that established media outlets have also joined the bandwagon [of internet propagandists] as ignoble act of spreading fake news assumes primacy over newsworthiness.

PROLIFERATION OF PORNOGRAPHIC LINKS: Although the idea behind the evolvement of the internet is information sharing but I doubt if founding fathers- like J.C.R Licklider; Tim Berners Lee and co- of the internet had envisaged that the invention they helped to develop, would someday be a means through which nudity and other degree of obscenities are commercialized. Gone are the days when an individual has to step out of his apartment to satisfy these 'wanton pleasures' as links to pornographic sites are just a click away. These links create a nuisance on social media and in a world where everyone seems to have the right to his/her own view without pondering over the preservation of good moral standards, it becomes nearly impossible to control the proliferation...all that one can do is to be self-disciplined.

STREAMS OF FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES: It is not uncommon to hear and/or see how the internet has been used [by unscrupulous individuals] to visit 'misery' upon unsuspecting individuals. The execution of fraudulent activities takes a different dimension with the use of the internet. Fraudsters derive joy- without caring about whether the purpose of the internet is defeated or not- from activities that look seemingly fiddling to those as weighty as defrauding people of huge sums of money. Therefore, one needs to be careful about how he/she relates on social media as you do not know what lies on the other end.

ADDICTION: Most of us might not be found wanting in the previously mentioned forms of abuses; however, when it comes to getting addicted to the internet [especially the social media] we cease to be 'saints'. The internet is supposed to be engaged with clearly defined purpose but this [purpose] is often upended when we get overtaken by pleasure- like having to check the likes and comments our pictures and status have amassed- without having a good conscience as our comfort zone 'homes us in'. This is one of the reasons why some families seem close but are far apart as relationship goes virtual with everyone [in the family] 'clasping' his/her mobile device in the hand hence, having little or no quality time together as a family. Also the time to have used in adding more value to life- doing other gainful things- is wasted in this act. To address this; it is important to be committed to setting priorities right and be self-disciplined in the use of the internet.

The internet is one of the best things that have happened to mankind but it is quite unfortunate that despite the advancement in information and communication technology; the full potential of the internet is still being undermined- yet another form of abuse: underutilization. One key advantage for its existence [in our generation] is to promote commerce but it appears that most people treat this with laxity or they do not just seem to catch the vision and they end up abusing the 'webspace'...The internet is fast becoming the bedrock of businesses in this era and the earlier one realizes this and breakaway from the habit of misusing the medium; the better for growth and development of businesses.

An anthem is not just another song- it is one that should stimulate one's passion for the country [or body] he/she is representing and this is why we see [on rare occasions] some individuals being driven to tears as the national anthem is being sung. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Anthem as 'a formal song of loyalty, praise, or happiness.' However, the purpose of the anthem is often lost in its musicality as individuals get overtaken by the harmonious composition.

But looking away from the rhythmic appeal- and scrutinizing the wording of the national anthem- one would come to terms with the aim for which the anthem has been put forward. The Nigerian national anthem which was composed by late Benedict Odiase has a rich vein of words and to this end, I shall be dissecting the anthem line by line [following this up with a brief commentary]:

LINE 1-2: Arise, O Compatriots, Nigeria's call obey
Stand up, fellow citizens...stand up to what? [you may ask]- To your responsibility- to contribute your own quota towards national development. Your responsibility is not limited to the job you do as there is a need to raise your voice against the injustice you see around you. Your 'beloved' is calling you out to rise above the shackles that years of mismanagement have visited upon her...Nigeria is earnestly calling out for your service.

LINE 3-4: To serve our Fatherland...With love and strength and faith
It is not just about serving but service must be rendered from the heart with a mind that is attuned towards maintaining good moral standards. The service should not be done with selfish interest which stokes the ember of corruption- I am tempted to ask: 'do the politicians who embezzle national treasure ever get to reason things out before engaging in the act? Furthermore, we are called to serve with vibrancy: many [citizens] have lost this plot because they have been discouraged by the actions of those in administration at different points in time. Nevertheless, to be a faithful citizen, one has got to wane off the negative external factors [that had repressed the mind] and start impacting positive change(s) right from one's area of influence.

LINE 5-6: The labour of our heroes past...Shall never be in vain
Why must you arise, O Compatriots? You should arise simply because that which has been put in place [by our founding fathers] must not be allowed to wobble and fall. Even though you might have doubts over the intentions of past heroes; it is very necessary, at this point, to put aside our differences and work hand-in-hand to sustain our 'beloved'.

LINE 7: To serve with heart and might
Considering SERVICE once again, questions begin to pop up:
Do we still have men who are willing to serve wholeheartedly?
Is there fervency in our commitment to this nation- 'our forgotten beloved'?
Where is the spirit of patriotism?
Rather than asking 'what is in it for me?' [when it boils down to service to the nation] shouldn't we start looking at what our unborn generations would be left with? It is high time we started putting our 'widow's mite' into nation building- whatever [be it time and energy] you can put in would go a long way.

LINE 8-9: One nation bound in...freedom, peace and unity
This final lines of the first stanza of our national anthem is quite weighty as it borders on a whole lot of issues. This nation is meant to be one but how can this oneness be sustained when we have various ethnic groups with some even feeling 'marginalized'? The answer lies in being committed to nation building and promoting national interest above ethnical and political preferences- this goes to citizens and politicians alike.

Again, this one nation was supposed to be bound in freedom, peace and unity...but has this been the case: Is there freedom where we see religious and ethnic violence? Worst still, justice seems unfair to those that have been victimized by these acts of violence. And is there unity where a fellow citizen sees colour and/or ethnicity above the need to preserve humanity?

If this nation is to be held together as one; action plan(s) must be drawn and the foundational values upon which this 'beloved' of ours was built must be reviewed. I believe that we can start the journey of 'making right the wrongs' of many yesteryears by going back to the 'beginning'- our national anthem; singing it with our hearts in it...let's make Nigeria great again...

Arise, O Compatriots,
Nigeria's call obey
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.

The story was told of two children who grew up under the auspices of an alcoholic father...and in adulthood; one of them took after the father's 'unethical' character while the other charted a different- and honorable- path.

They were brought up in the same environment but while one was [negatively] affected by his environment; the other effected a change that offset the norm...they 'became' based what they perceive: one might have perceived his father as a 'role model'- why should one blame him though?- while the other might have seen the negative impact the alcohol was having on his father's sense of reasoning and behaviour thus he decided to be different.

Having said this, I will like to draw your attention to the primal purpose of this article which is intended to look into the factors that get us into where we find ourselves: becoming anything in life is dependent upon two (2) factors:

• Perception

• Words- Your Confession

On Perception: What you see through the eye of your mind will eventually influence what gets drawn to you and what you get drawn to. Your thought process is affected by what you, as an individual, perceives and it is only the thing(s) that you conceive- through your thought process- that you will be able to 'birth'. Hence, when you think lowly of yourself, it becomes impracticable to attain a higher ground...no one gets anything positive dreaming high and seeing 'mediocrity'- this is so because the mind [of such a person] will keep pulling him/her down: there lies the tendency to 'shell up' one's potential. When one fails to address certain thoughts like: 'I don't think I can...'; 'Who am I to attain such a big feat'...; one could gradually [and sometimes ignorantly] open the door to stagnation and backwardness. However, when you rise above your doubts and regressive thoughts- replacing the 'can'ts' with 'can'- you move towards BECOMING the vision that you have conceived or bought into.

Words- Your confession: Words might be of little value to those who do not know its essence of life and/or living but to the person who values life, words can be quite expensive- such persons 'screen' the words they hear and also utter words with utmost care. The Bible even says in Proverbs 18:21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Words communicate your beliefs to the world: a victor can BECOME by virtue of his utterances and so could a victim by made by his words. This is so because words serve as 'building blocks' that shape one's life. Positive confession gets one going even amidst life's struggles...and this is how a victor is imminently made. However, in the life of a person with 'victim's mentality'; utterances which lack substance serve as a means through which life is viewed as 'tasteless'. As the words of a victim appeals to pity; the words of a victor appeals to purpose and fulfillment- irrespective of who or what comes on board. Furthermore, the words of the victim are often bereft of life but the words of the one who has victory in sight connote hope and exude excitement.

To wrap this up: We all desire to BECOME great in life but we seldom pay close attention to the very things that matter as we get overtaken by 'trivialities' and lost the plot of life- however negligible you think this might be, it does count a whole lot. So much events or ideas come up in our mind that we never take charge of...and our words then get to shape our future. Therefore, to get the most out of life- and become the vision or [glorious] future you are picturing; you must start perceiving greatness and imbibe [and appreciate] the culture/power of positive confession.

The top is meant for you...don't stop until you become it: perceive and let your word shape the world you dream of...

Buying a car could be quite challenging at times when one puts some factors- though these factors are sometimes easily overwhelmed by the pride that comes with owning a choice automobile- into consideration.

Firstly, there might exist fears over getting a credible seller [especially when you are aiming to buy a fairly used car]. Another critical factor is the cost: this is a key determinant considering the times we are in at the moment- economic crunch. Hence, the desire to get cars at a cheap rate is triggered. Plus the reason why Nigerians go for 'used' cars, is largely based on the relatively low price of such cars.

Back in time; the common trend among Nigerians was [and probably still is] to directly buy cars from overseas using their foreign contacts. However, with the propagation of online marketplaces [where prospective buyers are linked with car sellers/dealers], it has become much easier to make purchases via the internet.

Some of these online marketplaces where you can get cheap cars include:

Cheki

About the best online car retail and outsourcing store. Cheki offers buyers a range of automobiles with good quality at an affordable price. You can check them out on www.cheki.com.ng

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Carmudi (Jumia cars)

Carmudi stands for quality in service and delivery and you can be rest assured of getting the best at a reasonable price. Visit: car.jumia.com.ng Efritin: Here is another place to visit when you are considering buying cheap cars...the flow of traffic on this site shows that it is an attractive platform to buy from...one of the lures could be the low prices of the cars displayed there.

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Jiji

Jiji serves as a haven for buying used cars as it directly brings prospective buyer in contact with the seller without much hassle. It is important to note that the marketplaces listed above have measures in place to ensure that there is a smooth running of the transaction between the buyer and the seller. For instance; having their officials going to verify and test-run the vehicle before sales are made.

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Other automobile dealership where you can get either 'fairly used' or 'new' cars at a considerably cheap price include:

Tejude Motors

Tejude Motors has both 'used' and 'new' cars on display and this is at an affordable price. They offer used cars at quite a cheap and commendable price 'without putting quality to the slaughter'.
LOCATION: No. 299, Ikorodu Road, Idiroko, Lagos State.

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Affordable Cars

The name says it all...if you desire to get that choice car without having to spend your fortune then this is a place to check out. **LOCATION**: 76, Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

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Banix Motors

Cars- especially fairly used ones- that are in good condition are available here at an inexpensive price...and this is even matched with good customer service. **LOCATION**: 6, Amara Olu Street, Agidingbi Road, 1st gate, Ikeja, Lagos.

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Kefiano Autos

With an array of posh cars on display, one will definitely be spoilt for choice at Kefiano Autos. And these cars come at an affordable price...at least you get a value for your money. They also deal in 'used' cars. **LOCATION**: Plot 760, Mohammed Way, Central Business District, Abuja.

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Lanre Shittu Motors

When it comes to automobile dealership; Lanre Shittu Motors rings a bell. This is a go-to place to get tested and trusted cars at a cut-price rate. **LOCATION**: No. 15, Alhaji Tokan Street, Alaka Estate, Surulere, Lagos State.

The list could go on and on but buying cheap is not limited to established dealership alone as one gets to come across individuals who are willing to sell their cars at a low price.

In ending; 'cheap' might mean 'used' in the Nigerian parlance but 'used'/'cheap' should not translate to total decline in quality hence when buying 'fairly used' cars; it is necessary to check certain things in the car- the mileage, state of the engine and some other vital accessories must be carefully examined.

The South South region- commonly referred to as 'Niger Delta'- is arguably the richest and maybe the most blessed region in Nigeria. This is informed by the fact that majority of the crude oil resources upon which the nation's economy is driven, is derived from different states across this region. Nevertheless, the region is not just about crude oil alone as mineral and natural resources like rubber, timber, plywood, clay, iron-ore, limestone, etc are spread in abundant proportions in the component states.

However, amidst the vast resources of the Niger Delta, the peaceful ambience of its environs has often been interjected by varying degrees of uprisings- most notably 'militancy' and the recent infernal acts of blowing pipelines...nonetheless, all these have not made the Niger Delta lose its uniqueness and colour.

We shall now take a glimpse at each of the states in the South South region:

South South states: Akwa Ibom; Bayelsa; Cross River; Delta; Edo; Rivers.

AKWA IBOM

Akwa Ibom was carved out from Cross River state on the 23rd of September, 1987. The 'Land of promise' has it is fondly called, is currently the highest producer of petroleum resources in the nation; accounting for around 31.4% of Nigera's crude oil production. The state boasts of a wide range of good road networks and good infrastructures. Akwa Ibom is bounded by Cross River State to the east; Rivers and Abia states to the west and the Atlantic ocean to the south. With a population that is well over five (5) million, the state stands as one of the most populous states in the Niger Delta.
Some other facts
Governor: Udom Gabriel Emmanuel
Capital: Uyo
No. of LGAs: 31
Land area: 7, 081sq km
Tourist Attraction Centres: Ibom Plaza; Ibeno Beach; National Museum of Colonial history; Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center; Amalgamation House; Lord Lugard's Residence.
Mineral Resources: lead, zinc, clay, limestone, lignite, coal, laterite, gravel, crude oil, silver nitrate.
Local delicacies: Edikang Ikong; Afang soup; Ekpang Nkukwo (Cocoyam porridge); Afere Ikon; Afia Efere Ebot; Asa Iwa (Cassava porridge); Asa Akpakpa (Corn porridge); Edesi Isip; Anyan Ekpang.
Ethnic groups: Annang; Ibibio; Oron; Andoni; Okkobor; Edet; Ibeno.

BAYELSA

Having been brought out from Rivers state on the 1st of October, 1996, Bayelsa could be regarded as the most nascent state in the Niger Delta. The state is deeply embedded in the south south region as it is bordered by Rivers state on the west; Delta state on the east and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. Furthermore, the state can be adjudged to be an island as it is completely encircled by water. With a population of about 1.9 million, it is the least populated of the south south states.
Some other facts
Governor: Henry Seriake Dickson
Capital: Yenagoa
No. of LGAs: 8
Land area: 9, 415.8 sq km
Tourist Attraction Centres: Oxbow Lake; Peace Park; Isaac Adaka Boro Monument; Oloibiri oil Museum; Mangrove Museum; Akassa Lighthouse; Edumanom Forest Reserve.
Mineral Resources: clay, gypsum, manganese, limestone, uranium, lignite, crude oil.
Local delicacies: Kekefiyai, Ignabeni, Dirima Berima, Obudu, Pulou fiai, Podo podo (cocoyam porridge), Kiri-Ignia
Ethnic groups: Ijaw, Kolokunu, Ekpetiama, Igbriran, Atissa, Biseni.

CROSS RIVER

Cross River state was originally created in the year 1967. The state is bounded northerly by Benue state; westerly by Ebonyi and Abia states; easterly by Cameroon and southerly by the Atlantic ocean and Akwa-Ibom state.
The 'people's paradise' is indeed a 'home of beauty' and this is seen in the picturesque landscapes present in the state. Cross River state has come to be the cynosure of all eyes and it could be forgivable to have considered this paradise, 'the most civilized' state in the south south. The different colourful festivals/carnivals- the Christmas Festival- further projects this state to the world.
Some other facts
Governor: Benedict Ayade
Capital: Calabar
No. of LGAs: 18
Land area: 20, 156sq km
Tourist Attraction Centres: Obudu cattle Ranch and Obudu Mountain Resort; Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary; Kwa Waterfalls; Agbokim Waterfalls; Tinapa Business Resort; Cross River National Park, Calabar slave Park.
Mineral Resources: kaolin, brine, crude oil, gravel, iron-ore, barite, feldspar, granite, limestone.
Local delicacies: Unam Ntong, Editan soup, Afia Efere soup, Ayan Ekpang, Ukwogho Etidot soup, Ukang Ukom, Edikang Ikong, Atama soup.
Ethnic groups: Efik, Bekwarra, Ejagham, Boki, Yala, Yakurr, Bahumono, Adim, Ekoi, Ekajuk, Bachere.

DELTA

Delta state is one of the states with a considerable high amount of crude oil output in the region. The state was created on the 27th of August, 1991 with Air Commodore Luke Chijiuba Ochulor (rtd.) being her first administrator. The state has a mix of core natives; Yoruba-like natives (Itsekiri and Olukumi) and the Igbo-like natives (Anioma) but the most dominant tribe in Delta state is the Urhobo ethnic group as it makes up about 50% of its population- the total being over four (4) million. Although the state capital is Asaba; Warri- which is the commercial base- appears to be the most popular city in the state: this might also be down [in part] to the fact that this very city has produced many top entertainers...Alibaba, Akpororo, Eric Arubayi and so on...plus as the saying goes: 'Warri no dey carry last'.
Geographically, Delta state is bounded by Edo and Ondo states to the north and west; Anambra, Imo and Rivers states to the northeast; Bayelsa state to the southeast and the Bight of Benin to the south.
Aside from being an oil-producing state; vast agricultural activities are engaged in and the land is also blessed with timber, plywood and rubber.
Some other facts
Governor: Arthur Okowa Ifeanyi
Capital: Asaba
No. of LGAs: 25
Land area: 16,842sq km
Tourist Attraction Centres: Araya Bible site; Abraka Turf and Country Club; River Ethiope water source; Otuogu Beach; Living history Museum; Kwale Game Reserve; Okpuzu Fall; Mongo Park Building.
Mineral Resources: kaolin, silica-sand, tar sand, iron-ore, decorative rocks, crude oil.
Local delicacies: Ofe Akwu, Ukhodo, Owgho soup, Ogbono soup, Usi (Starch), Oghwevwri, Iriboto, Okpariku.
Ethnic groups: Anioma, Isoko, Itsekiri, Izondjo, Ukwani, Urhobo.

EDO STATE

Edo state is one of the two states- the other being Delta- to have emerged from old Bendel state in 1991. The state is believed to be what is left of the majestic Benin Kingdom of the 15th century. This is a state with a rich cultural heritage and this could be seen in the transcendence of artifacts and relics down different generations. The state is known for its arts and crafts- bronze casting and woodworks and it is even commonplace to see the women of this land gorgeously adorning varying styles of beadworks. This is one state where the monarch is highly revered and accorded great honour.
The state could be said to be on the extreme of the Niger Delta- as it is the closest to the west- and being an 'inland' state; it is away from the coastline. The land is bordered by Kogi state on the north and east; Delta state in the south and Ondo state in the west.
Some other facts
Governor: Godwin Obaseki
Capitall: Benin
No. of LGAs: 18
Land area: 17, 802sqkm
Tourist Attraction Centres: Okomu National Park; Ogba Zoological Garden; Benin City Museum; Benin City Wall & Moat; NIFOR Estate; Gelegele Fountain; Somorika Hill; Casters & Crafts Center; Oba's Palace.
Mineral Resources: crude oil, limestone, marble, iron-ore, gold, clay, bitumen, crude oil, dolomite phosphate.
Local delicacies: Ogi soup, Omoebibi (Black soup), Omi Ukpoka (corn soup), Pepper rice, Owo soup, Umwonmwen, Ikhiavbor (Okro soup).
Ethnic groups: Ishan, Etsako, Bini, Ebirra, Okpamheri, Owan, Uneme, Igbanke, Ijaw, Emai.

RIVERS STATE

Rivers state is one of the two oldest states of the region- it was created along with Cross River State [upon the schism of the eastern region] in year 1967. The state [with a population of over 6.5 million] is most populous state in the Niger Delta. Rivers State definitely has a stake in the annals of Nigeria's oil exploration history as crude oil was first discovered in Oloibiri- although this settlement is now in Bayelsa. And in terms of industrialization; the state could be adjudged the 'most industrialized' in the region and could even stand as a major force or competitor with Lagos in the years to come.
The state is the furthermost southern state and its landmass is well punctuated by rivers, mangrove swamps and tropical rainforest. Rivers state is bounded by Imo, Abia and Anambra states to the north; Bayelsa and Delta states to the west; Akwa Ibom state to the east and the Atlantic ocean to the south.
Some other facts
Governor: Nyesom Wike
Capital: Port-Harcourt
No. of LGAs:
Land area: 11,077sqkm
Tourist Attraction Centres: Finima Beach; Biseni Forest; Upper Orashi Forest Reserve; Isaka Holiday Resort; Bonny Island; The Nature Park; Isaac Boro Garden Park; Rivers state Museum.
Mineral Resources: silica-sand, crude oil, clay, marble, lignite.
Local delicacies: Onunu, Odu fulo, Buru fulo.
Ethnic groups: Kalabari; Okrika; Ogoni; Ikwerre; Ibani; Opobo.

In conclusion, it is obvious that the Niger Delta is a land of vast resources and beautiful topography however years of exploration [of crude oil] has left the ecosystem of most of its communities in abjectness thus leaving the inhabitants in a hapless state. Therefore, it is necessary for the government- federal and state- to fashion out an effective way of speeding the development of the component states.

In a world where the needs of every individual vary; there are certain commodities that command great appeal from prospective customers. Irrespective of the downward economic trend, these goods still evoke considerable consumer confidence hence a high purchasing order is obtainable in the area of sales.

Overtime, these goods have stood the test of time [as their producers have made them evolve in consonance with market dynamics]; some [FMCG] have however cause huge and commendable stir [upon their introduction to the market] as they tend to move out of stock very quickly.

The handiness; packaging; brand name and quality of these fast moving consumer goods have played a major role in making them 'household names'...items like gala, indomie, soft-drinks, fashion products, etc now occupy a space in our subconscious.

Some of the fast moving consumer goods are discussed forthwith

Packaged/Processed Food: In an 'Indomie' generation- my term for describing a world where people want things available in quick succession- and with food being a basic and essential need; the demand for packaged or processed foods becomes obviously high. Despite the 'junky' nature and probable insatiability of these foods, they still arouse the appetite of prospective consumers. Among these, we have sausage roll (e.g.: gala, meaty, etc) indomie, sardine, plantain chips, snacks and so on.

Cleaning Agents: For the singular reason that no one wants to walk around dirty or inhabit an unhygienic environment; cleanliness takes a focal point in our daily routine. Whether for bathing, washing or cleaning, soap and other cleansing agents become very essential. Soap and detergents like Premier, Imperial Leather, Mama gold, Klin, etc have become regular handy items in and around the home. 'Hypo', for its effectiveness in cleaning and washing white clothings and some vessels (like toilet basins and closets), is also drawing huge patronage from customers.

Phones and Phones' Accessories: The advent of ground-breaking technological advances came along with a 'craze'- that is even catalyzed by man's unquenchable desire to try out something new- that often gets the telephony and/or telecommunications industries terrifically buzzing. It is hard to come by an individual who does not possess a mobile device and phone manufacturers like Samsung, Microsoft, Tecno, Apple, etc have thus far had their products actively landing in the grasps of customers from time to time.
Furthermore, owing to the fragility of some of these devices; phone accessories are also in high demand: screen, battery, screen guard, pouches and so on command substantial purchasing order.

Recharge Cards: In a way, the demand for recharge cards can be viewed as an offshoot of the technological advancement as rudimentary means (like letter-writing, etc) of communication have been nearly phased out. And with communication being an essential aspect of human lives, service providers like Airtel, Etisalat, Globacom and MTN have made [and will continue to make] a fortune through the production and eventual sales of these cards- and even though this could have been through giving out franchise to interested partners.

Beverages/Fruit Juice: The refreshing taste of a cold drink is one temptation consumers find hard to overcome...to the lure; drinks like Coca-cola, Fanta, Sprite, beer [like Gulder, Star, etc] have left an impression on the customers. Coupled with this, you have different milk brands [like Peak, Hollandia, Three crown, etc] and tea [like Milo, Bournvita, etc] that are steadily moved out of stock. Also fruit juices like Dansa, Hollandia yoghurt and so on command great respect in the market.

Clothing/Fashion accessories: The mantra: 'looking good is good business' does ring bell here and to the ones who deal in fashion accessories; there is never an end to the opportunities available to them. Everyone desires to look good hence, as long as we live, clothing materials will remain high in demand. Furthermore, for women [though maybe some] artificial hair and make-up kits are some essentials that cannot be left out of their collection. Permit me to add this: Cosmetics like creams and lotions are also doing well in the market.

In conclusion: it is not uncommon to see consumers who are not concerned about brand names. However, certain brands dominate the market and they can hardly be overlooked: for instance; over the years, Dangote products (e.g: salt, sugar, pasta, cement, etc) have been among the top fast moving consumer goods in Nigeria and this is seen in the company's turnover. Aside Dangote products, another company that is great exploit in manufacturing FMCG is Chi Limited, makers of Hollandia milk...I believe one thing that is setting this company apart is its creativity in reeling out different quality products that bring about customer satisfaction...'Hollandia evap', Hollandia yoghurt, Happy hour, Superbite... just to mention a few are some of the products we have come to love and that we will always love to buy.

Wholesalers and Retailers who understand market trends very well will definitely generate good profit dealing in any of these goods since they readily appeal to customers regardless of his/her orientation- social or anti-social. And the newbies could also venture into marketing any of these goods but with a credible feasibility study and plan.

Man is a creation that has been made to be an initiator of ideas and these ideas are meant to be used for his upliftment and also a way through which he contributes his quota to the development of his immediate society. However, while some succeed in turning their ideas into profitable ventures; some struggle and/or fail in the quest to nurture their ideas into full-blown businesses. Muhammad Yunus, the man who authored 'the Banker to the poor', once said: "All people are entrepreneurs but many don't have the opportunity to find that out". It is in unearthing the entrepreneurial abilities of certain persons [who dare to take the leap] that the input of non-governmental becomes quite appreciable. These NGOs help providing capital; mentorship and probably creating avenues whereby local entrepreneurs get display their innovations to a global audience.

Hence, without further ado, let us see some NGOs that assist in turning an entrepreneur's 'seed' into bountiful harvest:

The Tony Elumelu Foundation: Through the conception of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, the foundation has set out to help entrepreneurs across the African continent actualize their dream of becoming successful business owners. The programme which is a brainchild of influential and successful businessman, Tony Elumelu, will be bankrolled with $100 million over the span of ten (10) years. The objective of the programme is to provide participants- entrepreneurs- with some essential needs (like skill, capital and mentorship) that will enable them develop their businesses. It is envisioned that through this programme, a total of ten thousand entrepreneurs who will in turn help drive development- economic and human resource- in Africa, would have been produced within the next decade. With this programme, the foundation has thus far empowered about three thousand individuals and the 2017 event will be the fourth of its kind...application is currently ongoing for the 2017 programme and interested persons can apply through this link: https://application.tonyelumelufoundation.org/application

LEAP Africa: The LEAP [Leadership, Effective, Accountability & Professionalism] initiative was founded by Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli in 2002. The body aims to help build entrepreneurs with good leadership qualities and also empower them with the skill needed to drive business sustainability. LEAP Africa is in partnership with JP Morgan, Sahara group, Microsoft, Lafarge, Coca-Cola Foundation, Citi Foundation, Aspen Institute...just to mention a few. The office is at 13, Omorinre Johnson Street, Lekki phase 1, Lagos.

Center for Enterprise Development and Action Research (CEDAR): This NGO is located in Ibadan and it is in partnership with the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre and the Center for Development Enterprises (CDE) in Belgium. It has been set up to help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their goal(s) by ensuring that they have access to information on market intelligence; skill acquisition and also micro-credit.

Center for Entrepreneurial Development Lagos (CEDL): CEDL is a Lagos based non-governmental organisation that provide business information and funding to prospective entrepreneurs. The objective of this body is to foster, nurture and promote innovative ideas from individuals and Small and Medium scale Enterprises. The officials of this organization hold an interactive briefing session with interested individuals every last Saturday of the month. Their office is located at No. 36, Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road, Lagos.

FATE FOUNDATION: The FATE foundation was founded over sixteen years ago by former managing director of Guaranty Trust Bank, Fola Adeola. The foundation [through its two major programmes- Aspiring Entrepreneurs Programme and Emerging Entrepreneurs Programme] trains prospects on the skills needed to grow and nurture ideas into burgeoning business. Since its inception, the foundation has equipped over 70,000 entrepreneurs with useful information and mentorship on business strategies. FATE Foundation is in partnership with KPMG, Microsoft, Mainone, Ford Foundation, Bank of Industry and recently joined the Youth Business International Network.

Some other non-governmental organizations with the objective of providing entrepreneurship support for individuals who are passionate about turning their innovative ideas into fortune include:

• Seedstars Africa

• 88 mph

• Center for Citizens' Emancipation and Empowerment

• 440

• Ashoka Africa

• Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ)

• Sir Emeka Offor Foundation

However, it is worthy to note that [at one point or the other] certain professional bodies have set aside some funds for entrepreneurial advancement. For instance, the Y.E.S (Young Entrepreneurs and Students) grant was initiated by the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum in partnership with Heritage Bank; the African Women's Development Fund which is given to organizations, is yet another example among many others.