Just my 2kobo: Call it what you want

BY EHINOME
So I took a bus today from Federal Housing kubwa, to Zuba. For those of us that move around in buses, you would agree with me that its not much of a distance, and its fare shouldn't cost more than the lowest denomination of Mtn's recharge card..and maybe because of the-for-no-real-reason fuel scarcity, it could be 50naira over.

With that in mind I settled in the bus and made a mental note about the scorching sun, before I got too comfortable I asked the bus conductor "how much?"
"200naira!" He spat... And he peered at me..you know when someone says something and looks at you to be sure you took it well...that was the look he gave me.

I look at him..long and hard. And I repeated "200naira?", he felt my piercing gaze and so focused on something else. I noticed other passengers had gotten interested, one even hissed. The conductor was out to cheat me, but if I wouldn't talk for myself, who are they to?

I was going to say a whole load of stuff, but when I looked at this conductor, all I saw was a Nigerian taking out his frustrations on others. Even if you want to cheat, '50naira!?' Okay, maybe if he collects that from 10 people or more for that day, he would have a sizeable sum to his name. Though I am sorry to say, that money may not do much for him. He may probably "shark up" his system with it at close of work.

Nigerians?! We just like to escalate issues. The funniest thing is, its those who do not earn "so much" that do this, to those they feel are well off...what sinking self esteems! With many people with such esteems parading all over the place, I should say, am very afraid. Why, because, I can buy a flashy-looking-maybe-fake "chanel" bag with myt last cash, and my saloonist would see and charge me 5000naira to wash and set my hair...ladies can relate to this.

A conductor's bus is his office, a tomato seller's shed is her lounge..and so on.  So if "things are hard" as we like to say it, and you go near some of these people they could rip you off.

I don't know if you who's reading or if even I who is writing this article  is ripping people off, all because we want to prey on the situation of our country, but it has dawned on me, we wouldn't go far by doing so.

Young and In Charge: Recap

Following the success of this section, a recap is in order, don't you all think. So here is list of the young people who have inspired young people out there for the past few Mondays. I just want to say a big thank to them for agreeing to share their stories.

Wonuola Sanni: Wonu was our very first young person of the week. She started out with a a borrowed camp gas doing what she loves and she has grown to feeding thousands. To read about Wonu go here

Wonu

You can reach Chef Wonu on 07067983223
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/omowo
Find her on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wonu.sanni?fref=ts
Or drop her a mail: Email-Mailwonu@yahoo.com


Jones Odagwe: Jones love for the camera started at a very young age and this love was nurtured by his Dad who gave a camera when he was in Junior Secondary School. Read about Jones here

Jones

You can reach Jones by:
E-mail- jonessmart1@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonesodagwe?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jonessmart1
BB pin- 298FB083


Kabir Abubakar: Its always amazing to see young people doing amazing things, but what's even more amazing is seeing young people that are making a living from their God given talents that most of us just take for granted. Kabeer's skill in designing clothes is simply amazing. Read about Kabir here

Kabir

You can reach Kabir through any of these means.

EMAIL: kabirabubakar@hotmail.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kabir.abubakarbabiotos?fref=ts

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Kb_Babiotos

WEBSITE:  http://babiotos-couture.tumblr.com/


Audu Wushishi and Vidi Idiyang: These young men decided that the alcohol industry had taken enough outta their pocket and decided it was time for it to give back. And La Vida Vodka was born! How amazing right? Read about Audu and Vidi here

Audu

Vidi

Twitter: https://twitter.com/La_Vida_Vodka

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/LaVidaVodka?v=feed&refid=17

Email: lavidavodka12@gmail.com

Mobile: 08107159906


Dr Nze Sylva Ifedigbo: A Dr that can write, tell me that is not every woman's dream. This young man took his love for writing seriously and never gave up on it and now he is a published author, I remember attempting to write, o boy, no comment, massive respect to anyone that gets to be published. Read about Nze here

Nze

You can visit his website www.nzesylva.com
Follow him on twitter https://twitter.com/nzesylva
And visit his blog www.nzesylva.wordpress.com


Ama Osaze Uzzi: I am very passionate about looking good but I am no success in the make up department and so I duff my hat to anyone that can make a successful career out of it. That is what this young lady is doing, instead of letting herself idle away before she was called up for youth service she decided to attend a make up school. Read about Ama here

Ama

Ama can be reached through the following means

BB: 25DDC591
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/ama.uzzi?fref=ts

Phone: 07036768588                       

Susan Kukah and Kunle Bello: 'In love and in business', I loved coming up with this line, it was my way of saying "oh please" to the person that came up with the line about "not mixing business with pleasure". This couple took their love for each other and their love for business to greater height. Read about them here

Susan and Kunle

Susan and Bello can be reached on:
BB pin: 2A48F725 (Susan)
BB pin: 2957A1B9 (Kunle)
Phone: 07065507326, 08062122150


Toju Onwubiko: Our most recent young person of the week. Our very own 'Jack of all trades, master of ALL', hehehe, I am becoming very good at debunking some of this ridiculous sayings right. This young man has his hand in almost every thing, he is an inspiration to most young people, I think his slogan should be 'As long as you love it, you can do it'. Read about Toju here

Toju

Toju can be reached on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tojubikz
Email: teejaysmail@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisistoju
Toju's blog: http://confessionsofanartaddict.wordpress.com/

Abj Loving, Abuja Living

BY IPHIE MANUELZ
So its our second month as a blog, yayyyyy. And all I can say is thank you to everyone of you that has contributed to the growth of the blog. I can't say thank you enough, for a dream that started out on my bed you guys have sure taken it far.

I can't say thanks enough for all the words of encouragement and all the support I have received so far. For my bb contacts I cant thank you guys enough, you guys know that I used to be a drama mama about BCs but in a dramatic twist of fate, I have become the BC queen, how ironic yeah. My bb contacts are the best in the world, they don't even complain, in fact I have been told by some of my contacts that they look forward to my BCs every Monday morning.

Big things are coming the way of the blog and I hope you all would continue to be a part of it. I am sorry I have neglected the other parts of the blog, I found out that school and blogging doesn't mix. I promise that things would pick up by next year. But I am very proud of the success the Young and In Charge section has become, its become a brand that young people want to be associated with. Guess what, YIC is going national, hopefully one day we would go global, I figured that Abj is not the only place where you can find inspiring young men and women, so why not take it national.

Most importantly, thanks to Adesuwa, she has helped to keep this dream alive.

Young and In Charge: Toritseju Onwubiko

When I first heard of Toju, the first thing that came to my mind was 'jack of all trades, master of none', I mean there was no way one person could have his hands in all these things and be a master of any of them. Now I cover my eyes in shame, how did I even think that. As I got to know him over the course of this interview, I got to see a young man passionate about what he does, not only passionate but also dedicated to what he does. All I can say to myself is, 'Iphie, how did you come up with that statement'. As you would get to see while reading his interview, Toju has perfected the act of balancing all these art and has become a master in the various field.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I  am Toritseju Onwubiko ‘Jnr (Toju for short). I  Come from a family of six, mum, dad and three gorgeous troublesome sisters. As a person, I’m a realist, very sarcastic and I love to mind my business.... that’s as “little” as it gets, and oh! I was born in J TOWN (Jos)!

Toju

Your name sounds very 'Nigerian', Toritseju Onwubiko, that's Igbo and Itsekiri right, we are curious to know the origin.
Let's just say I come from a very "mixed" family dating generations (we've always inter married). I've got fulani n yoruba blood too.... I guess they had so much game that ladies from other tribes couldn't resist... Its inherent in us! (Laughs)

What was growing up like?

In a word, strict! Popsy was the “Don corleon”, Barbara was the “evil younger sister always out to see me cry” mum was the “cushion”. But looking back, it was fun. Vacations (not to London o!), gifts, games, outdoor play time, friends, music and lots of drawing...

Tell us a little about your educational background?

I finished my from FGC Kwali Abuja (back in the day when the uniform was all white, boys were smart and the ladies were pretty as hell), then went on to study architecture in FUT Minna (both first and second degree). ....... and oh, I  didn't write NECO!!! (Laughing hard, every pun intended).

You are an architect, 3D/Graphic designer, a writer and a photographer. Can you tell us about these?

Phew!!  putting it like that makes it sound like a lot. I just like to think of myself as a very creative “fella” thus the various “diversifications”. I’m a lover of the art, so a lot of stuff comes naturally. As an architect, your sole aim is to sell your work to your client and doing a 3D is a form of presentation tool that clients can readily relate to (whether its interior or exterior) and appreciate it unlike 2D’s that is more technical. So I don’t see myself as a “3D designer” it comes with the job. As for the “others”, they all started as hobbies and stuff that I did just for fun and with time people started wanting my help, of course at first for free but in due time I realized I could charge people for these services and that was it. At the end of the day, if you look at what I do, it all takes its root from art.

You studied architecture, 3D designing is sort of related to this. So we are itching to know how photography, Graphic design and writing came into the mix?

Well, as a kid growing up I drew and painted a lot so; being a graphic designer was easy, designing logos, brochures, flyers and the rest was like chewing bubble gum. I could look at stuff and think of a million ways it could possibly turn out.

Photography started as a hobby too, I have the knack to see the moment and capturing it. It started with still photography and moved on. For instance, it’s just fulfilling for you to see maybe a warm embrace between friends or even a conductor hanging out of his bus and you capture it. It is timeless, its emotions and moments paused for ever.

Finally writing, my mum was into literature so, growing up I was surrounded with lots of literature books. My dad on the other hand, was more into “commercial books” and comic books (I still remember “Benbella” from back in the day), so I read alot. I guess being the only guy in the family also contributed ‘cause while the girls played and “cooked eba and egusi soup” with grass n sand, I would talk to myself and make up stories just to amuse myself and kill time.... and so my imagination grew. Today I manage a blog and also develop content for TV and radio shows.

What is your typical day like?

I don’t think I have a typical day, sometimes I wake up by 11am (bliss right?I can imagine the hissing and beefing going on now), sometimes I watch movies the whole day, yes, even on Mondays. But then, most times I’m awake by 4am (Aha, now you can’t talk again ba?) drawing, meeting deadlines, having presentations, having maybe a coke the whole day just because I’m too busy to eat or leave my system.....I guess its life.

In these four spheres, what are your best works ever?

(thinking)...... Seriously?  Omo! that question hard o!  let’s see..

Architecture: I guess it would be between designing Zamfara International Airport and the Cathedral Anglican Fellowship of Nigeria (CAFON) church. We were “crazy” with the design. I remember in the case of CAFON, the structural engineers said it was impossible for the structure to stand without throwing in columns everywhere but we proved them wrong and showed them how it would be possible.

Photography: I was one would be a picture taken in Bayelsa in a remote village, this dude was obviously fed up and was having a cigarette under a palm tree, I captured that. It was African, Nigerian and beautiful. I've done lot of works sha, even covering weddings.

Graphic Designing: I did this logo once for this client, she had met several people and still hadn’t gotten what she wanted and then she asked me to do something. In about an hour I gave her an option, she so loved it that I was embarrassed. I guess that’s why I’ll pick that.

Writing: Content wise; being part of the team that developed content for an upcoming reality show

As regards actual writing; I guess “Free falling” is one of my favourite pieces in recent times.

What are the difficulties involved in these fields?

Well, difficult clients, stingy clients that won’t pay (squeezes face),  yet they want the world, meeting deadlines, long nights up, of course sometimes even getting jobs to do sef....

How do you juggle being an architect, writer, graphic designer and a photographer?

It’s not easy at all o, but here’s the thing, you can’t do it all yourself. With time you learn to let go of some jobs or give out some. Good time management is also a plus and I guess being straight forward from the beginning also helps. Letting your client know that he wanting a job in 3 days would not be possible but you can do 5 or 6 days. That way, you’ll disappoint less and the client knows what’s up.  Happy clients always come back or at least refer others to you.

Which of them do you find most challenging?

They all have their challenges so I wouldn't pick any to be the most challenging.

Which of these is the Top most on your list of priorities? Which do you love the most?

I guess I’ll say architecture is taking priority, because I do the others as side hustle. My company ICRE8 (I create) is basically space management/architecture. We don’t only design your day to day buildings, we also design your interior space n show you what it should be like. So I guess priority lies with architecture. But as to which I love the most ... Come on! You don’t tell a father to choose between his kids. I love none more than the other.

Have you ever felt like giving up on any?

Not really. You get tired, you get frustrated, but once the job comes even if it takes forever, you do it.

Who or what inspires you?

Life generally.  My environment, my experiences.

Asides work, what do you do for fun?

I listen to music, I do movies, I hang up with friends (my favourite), I party with friends too.

Youths out there would be curious to know your age. Would you tell?

(Yimu)  I’m not yet 30, older than 25 but I look 20 or younger sef.. (Rick Ross grunt)

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.

(Laughs hard) Follow in my footsteps? Don’t follow in my footsteps oh! I'm still learning the ropes and making my mistakes, getting stupid and lame advice  still being owed money, I don’t have a hummer, I still get broke like ba kudu, shishi, but I could teach you how to charm a lady though... (Anyone interested?).

The only thing I’ll say is no knowledge or skill is a waste it always could come in handy some time, perfect your hobbies, they could be your life saver with time, have at least a friend that would always tell you the truth cause trust me, you never see yourself falling, you just find yourself in the gutter. Also, as much as possible when dealing with clients always try and collect a “mobilization fee” before you start work o! (At least between 50 to 70%) otherwise, most of them will never pay up (even pastors too). And most importantly be careful who you give your heart to, it could mess you up.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I'm not falling for this again, the last time I did this, five years after i was not even close. So this is what I’ll say (drum rolling, orchestra playing, Wande coal screaming “Are you ready for this”, Chris brown dancing) *coughs* Well, in five years I would definitely not be where I am today, by Gods grace, I would be smiling to the bank with Ariana (that’s my daughter) *winks* (and let the people of God shout a big resounding AMEN!).......


You speak of Arianna, our female readers would like to know if you are still on the 'market'? 
Do we ever leave the market? Even if we ain't buying, we're "window shopping". Anyway.  I'm not married. Arianna's the name of my unborn child (grins... I've got all their names figured out already).

As usual, pictures speak a thousand words

PHOTOGRAPHY

3D DESIGN

Toju

Toju can be reached on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tojubikz
Email: teejaysmail@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisistoju
Toju's blog: http://confessionsofanartaddict.wordpress.com/

Just my 2kobo: Born this way?

BY OGHAYEI

The world over, there's arguably no other phenomenon that evokes deep rooted feelings of emotion and passion than the concept of religion. Many adherents of the various religions hold on tenaciously to their beliefs and guard them jealously and sometimes, violently!

Religion is widely accepted to be humanity's biggest unifying factor. Conversely, history has also shown that religion has also been the singular cause of countless wars, genocides, pogroms and untold destruction in different parts of the world...

Religion is defined as a collection of belief systems, cultural systems and views that connect humanity to spirituality and moral values. According to some estimates, there are roughly 4,200 religions in the world. Also, a recent survey by the Global Index of Religiousity and Atheism states that 59% of the world's population are religious, 23% are not religious, while 13% are atheists. To my mind, the widely recognised religions include Christianity, Islam, Bhuddism, Judaism, Hinduism, African Trado Religions (ATRs) and Taoism.

It is pertinent at this juncture, to state clearly and unequivocally that this piece is NOT an attempt to disparage or denigrate any of the known religions.
That said, one thought that constantly puzzles my mind, is how we all came to 'belong' to our respective religions... Didn't we start going for Jumaat Prayers at that tender age because our family members took us along? Didn't we start attending Sunday Services and Mass because our parents took us along to Church? Did we cry and throw tantrums just so we could go with our siblings to the Mosque, Church, Synagogue or Shrine? No? I thought so too! So, where lies the freewill in the religions that we so profess? I dare say, that our religious inclinations are directly linked to circumstances that precluded us from expressing our independent choices as to which of the various religions to profess! If it were the case that every person had to turn 10 years of age, go through a process of education about the various religious beliefs, before having the choice to choose. If only that were the case...

In conclusion, it is aposite to state, that Karl Marx' powerful thoughts, expressed in the quote: "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people", still rings true today!
Pray! What's that in the sky? "Oh! It's my Pastor's private Jet! NOTHING to worry about!"
(Oghayei is a Legal Practitioner based in Abuja)
Selah! (Selah is Aramaic for peace)

Just my 2kobo: Women, the new men?

BY EHINOME
While growing up, I had the orientation that a man is the head of the house, and I mean in all ramifications. A man provides for his family, this entails food,shelter,general welfare and most importantly love. No matter how a woman might be successful at work or whether she is an heiress, she humbles herself before her husband and wouldn't disrepect him for it.

Fastforward»»»21st century, 2012 to be precise.

The reverse is the case. Women have assumed the position of men. Women now take care of the family, provide food,shelter and all. Some even give their hubbys pocket money o! Shout all you want but truth is bitter.
Well, we know circumstances and situations come up where a man who was once capable of doing his duties, becomes incapable due to unforeseen circumstances, and such a man is trying to get on his feet, so his wife is helping him out. That's not what am talking about. Am talking about stark lazy men..

Yes! One contributing factor to Nigeria's decaying syndrome is the fact that she is breeding so many lazy,focusless men.

Many women would say I never knew he would be like this. Stop there! I say no! you knew! Yes!
You knew when you two were dating and he was content with talking about his dreams and never achieved any even when you pushed him to. You knew when he wouldn't go the extra mile to be useful as a man should, maybe his job is even one you pushed him to apply for. You knew when he would rather use your car or share your flat or borrow money he never paid back. You knew when you got him more gifts more than he did for you and he didn't see that as a challenge to do same. You knew when you saw he used the flashiest things but never saved for his rent. You knew when you saw that his all and all is his job, he doesn't talk of expanding or moving forward or anything like that...should I go on?

All because we see celebrities showing off wealth on tv or we read about huge sums of money in the papers, the craze for instant wealth is the new rave.

Please ladies don't let these men happen to you. Women are strong, we are beautiful. Our place is to help the menfolk. Let's stop babying them. We are Africans, thank GOD atleast 80% of relationships today were instituted because the men asked. So they should brace-up, man-up and do their best to nurture and add value to the women they run after.
Ladies If at some point in your relationship you see yourself doing all the loving, the caring ,the providing..WATCH IT! A lazy man is about to happen to you, that's how it starts.

Building Nigeria takes good men and women who are Nigerians. And good men and women always know their place in the society. The society starts from the family, continues in our places of work, our relationships and so on. Let's build Nigeria. Let's take our places.

Young and In Charge: Susan Kukah and Kunle Bello

The person that came up with the line about not mixing business with pleasure must have been really heart broken and short of a hefty sum of money. Who says love and business does not mix? Then you have to meet Susan and Kunle, who took their relationship from just a lovey dovey one to include business.

Tell us a little about yourself?
Susan: My name is Susan Florence Iye Kukah and am from Kaduna state! I was born on the 16th day of December. Am d first girl out of 3 girls and am d finest (lol).

Kunle: My name is Adekunle Bello,born on May 9th, 1st of two boys, I hail from Kwara State. 5ft9in tall, chocolate in complexion. Studied Business Administration at Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic Zaria,worked at Sterling Bank, Lagos before delving into business.

What was growing up like?
Susan: Growing up for me was really really hard I must confess considering the fact that my parents didn't have enough but to the glory of God,tins are a lot better than they used to and I bless God for everything.

Kunle:  I was born into an average loving family so all I can say is that growing up was fun for me and I give God all d glory.

Tell us a little about your educational background?

Susan: I was born in Zaria. I attended Montessori nursery and primary school in Zaria,proceeded to Jabi primary school Abuja and then our lady of Fatima girls secondary school Kaduna where I obtained my Secondary school leaving certificate and then proceeded to Uniabuja where I studied law.

Kunle: I started my Nursery and primary school at Montesorri in Zaria Kaduna State,then proceeded for my Senior Secondary School at Demonstration Secondary School, ABU Zaria. I Applied for admission into ABU but it wasn't forthcoming so I Decided to run an ND and HND programme at Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic. Graduated and got a Job with sterling bank where I worked for two years. I left to Joined Susan in this business.

So what is Don$u$ all about? What does it mean and how did the name come about?

Susan: Don$u$ is basically all about buying and selling! What I basically do is order stuffs for young girls who want to go into serious business from the UK,Malaysia and Dubai! You pay me 50% of the total amount charged, I place your order, you get it in 14 days max. Truth is I and my Fiancée Kunle are together in dis business cos he has indeed been a source of inspiration to me. He does most of the marketing while I do the ordering so that actually inspired our working together but I am the CEO of this great company. Friends call him Donte and some friends call me Sus or Susan or SK so we thought of a name for dis biz and we decided to call it Don$u$ with d dollar sign! That's basically what we do at Don$u$!

Kunle: Don$u$ is simply all about buying and selling of goods,products and even promoting other firms and individual products. What Don$u$ is basically into is buying goods for people who want to venture into business and once an order is made,we supply within 14 working days. We buy goods from Dubai,Malaysia and the UK. The name Don$u$ came from our names.My friends call me DONTE and my lady is called SUSAN,so we removed the first 3 alphabets of each name and we got Don$u$. That's how the name came about. You may be wondering what the Dollar sign means right? The Dollar sign($) simply means that we don't only deal with Naira but other foreign currencies (lol).

How did you get into it?

Susan: I started doing this early this year but business is something I and mum love to do but she started before me. So what I do is I put everything she sells in my car and go to offices where I have friends and I sell for her. She gives me an opportunity to add say #500 or #1000 on every item sold and that way I was able to gather some money. When I graduated and law school wasn't forth coming I decided to confront my dad for a loan of #100000. My Dad didn't buy the idea but I was determined and with the help of Donte, I was able to order six Indian gowns which cost me about #100000 and I sold them. That was d beginning of Don$u$! So when my dad realised how serious I was he gave me the money I asked for and I ordered a lot of boxes from Dubai and sold them to brides who were preparing to get married.

Kunle: Susan and her Mum have been selling for a long time even before we met so she started with Six Indian gowns from Dubai. Sold it and that was the starting point. She mentioned it to me that she wanted to go into buying and selling, I encouraged her and told her I would join her in the business. We went into full time business early this year and to the glory of God, we are headed to the top.

What is your typical day like?

Susan: My typical day in Abuja is all about hustling! If am not home,am in the bank doing one or two transactions, after that am already too exhausted to go out. I must mention That I went out last week Friday with some girlfriends and stayed out until 11 pm since its been a while.

Kunle: My typical day is all business, but not over the weekend, love to rest and hangout with friends over the weekend.

What do you love most about you and what you do?

Susan: What I love most about what I do is  when I order stuffs and they arrive just in time as promised to a customer and the goods ordered are in perfect shape, that feeling gives me so much joy and satisfaction.

Kunle: Every individual would want to be alone after attaining a particular age. I love the hustling spirit, there is no relenting from the business we do.

What are the difficulties involved? What are the difficulties involved?

Susan: Difficulties I have faced in this business is having to deal with very bad debtors who make promises to pay when I order their goods and fail to fulfil such a promise,it slows me down. But I must say that I won't let it deter me from focusing on my business.

Kunle: BAD DEBTORS: some customers make promises and end up not fulfilling their promise after the deal has been sealed. It's always an issue in this line of business but with the help of God everything is falling in place?PROXIMITY TO CUSTOMER: not being close to some particular customers also pose a difficulty. This is because when goods arrive, those customers who are far will always want their goods sent to them via road,which is dangerous to both of us but we have particular transport companies we work with now and so delivery isn't an issue any more. PACKAGING;when the goods arrive at the airport it is sometimes been manhandled by d security agents and that way we have issues with customers, but in the past few months,we haven't experienced such.

If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?

Susan: Lol! If I wasn't doing this I would be doing this my dear, I've got so much passion for buying and selling. It just keeps you focused and makes you remember that you have a future ahead of you.

Kunle: Ah !!! If I wasn't doing this, I'll still be doing this, because this is what am trained to do..*smiles*.

Have you ever felt like giving up on Don$u$?

Susan: Yes I have, it was just a few months after I started the business, I had to deal with some very personal stuff and it really tried my patience, I thought about giving up but I decided against it. I thank God I didn't give up.

Kunle: Nah !!! Not at all.

Who or what inspires you?

Susan: What inspires me the most is the fact that am independent. My Mum  is also my inspiration. She is a hustler to the core. And I thank God for her honestly. I love independent women who don't always have to wait for the men to do everything for them. That is who Susan is!

Kunle: My inspiration comes from God,my mother and SK (Susan)

Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.

Susan: Am not young and am not old. Just 26!

Kunle: I am 29 years old.

Asides work, what do you do for fun?

Susan:  I hang out once in a while,watch movies at the cinema. That is all.

Kunle: Well,I chill out with SK(Susan)and friends,play Scrabble,Chess and sports.

Where do you see yourself and Don$u$ in the next five years.

Susan: In the next five years, I see myself grown and more matured, married with beautiful kids and a proud owner of a big plaza with so many things to buy and sell by the special grace of God, Amen.

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.

Susan: There may be set backs, but all you need is Determination and Prayers. Without God you honestly won't make it. Be focused, please don't rob God of his own! Pay your tithe always and leave the rest to him to handle.

Kunle: My advice for youths out there is to be focused, determined, plan,and be ready to serve people(customers),its not all about the profit but the satisfaction which you'v provided to someone. MOST of all, be prayerful and pay your TITHE, its works..God bless you.

As usual, pictures speak a thousand words.

Susan and Bello can be reached on:

BB pin: 2A48F725 (Susan)

BB pin: 2957A1B9 (Kunle)

Phone: 07065507326, 08062122150

Abj for JJCs: Car Stunts

By Ehinome
Hey y'all! Abujans! Abj JJCs! What's good in the hood? Are you bored especially at weekends? Well 'Stunts' should brighten up your day a lil.

Yes! Its as the name implies. 'Stunts' is all about young people who pass time during the weekend, doing amazing things with their cars. They would make you go "ooooh" "aaaah". I remember my days in gwags, during club rallies for any of their shows, Dynamix always had the coolest rallies to me, a boy was automatically hot because of the stunts he could pull with his car. The stunts were always a perfect ending to a day out ralling for shows.

 Here is what some abj peeps have to say about 'stunts'.
"You get to see amazing things these people do with cars! Stunts you never thought an everyday car could do"-Jenny

"There's this guy, errr I dnt know his name but when he appears, others clear. He's so good. I like what he does, especially how he goes screeching his car..going round and round in circles with someone standing in the circle! Without mishaps! Wow!"- Anonymous

"Simply awesome"- Anonymous

Its nice to know i can relive my youth by going out to watch these guys.

'Stunts' takes place every Sunday by 5pm around airport road, Just after Citec Mbora Estate.
Go see stunts and be thrilled! But hey! Do not try doing what you see. And dont forget to send us pictures and if you can videos.

Here are some pictures, sure they would awaken your spirit of adventure.

Just my 2kobo: When would the objectification of women stop?

Everyday I turn on my tv to the sight of ass and boobs in my face. Every video out of Nigeria these days is filled with images of women showing off her God given 'talent'. With every video 'better' than the last, oh wait, I guess I didn't know they were in a competition to see who degrades women the most in their video.

For artistes that have these kind of videos, it says just one thing about you, you have no respect for your mothers, sisters, future wives and your daughters. It says nothing good about you, just proves that you chose to throw away the principles you were brought up with, because I don't want to believe any woman would train a child to disrespect women.

For the girls that are in these videos, it says a lot about you too. It says a lot about your self confidence. You have none. Your sexiness should be about what you have up there not about how naked you can get before the whole world.

The artistes are not the only ones that objectify women. You that calls every girl hoe or bitch, yes you, you are an 'objectifier', yes I just came up with the word. Says a lot about how you see your mum, sisters and future daughter and wife, I mean, what exempts them from being hoes and bitches since every other girl in the world is one.

As for the girls that call themselves and other women bitches and hoes, I rest my case. Your case is hopeless, how do you expect to be respected by anybody when you have no respect for yourself and your fellow women folks.

What was my question again? Right, I remember now. I wonder why I asked such a question when I already know the answer to it.The objectification of women would only stop when women refuse to be objectified!! When artistes run out of women willing to get naked before the camera, trust me the objectification would stop.

As for me I have decided to stop watching videos from artistes that I know objectify women. It might not make a dent in their pocket but at least I would not find myself angry for no worthy reason. Musicians like Timi Dakolo are the musicians I intend to watch from now on. Music that has an impact in my life, music that inspires me to make a difference. Watch his Great Nation video and slap me if you are not converted.

*drops mic*, Peace yo, am out!!!

Young and In Charge: Ama Osaze-Uzzi

So, I love to look good but apart from putting lipgloss on and slapping on some sane looking eyebrow I am at a total loss in the makeup department. DIscovering people that can work magic on your face with a makeup brush for assistance is wonderful. Meet, Ama our young person of the week, whose passion for makeup promises to take her places.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am Iroghama Osaze –Uzzi, but  people call me AMA, very simple person and  passionate about make-up.its something I can’t get tired of doing.

What was growing up like?

Growing up was a very nice experience, however being the first child, there was a lot of responsibilities,  I thought it was too tasking, but it has actually taught me a lot, like responsibility , thanks to my mum who taught me how to be independent.

Tell us a little about your educational background?

I  started my education in benin-city, I attended  University  Of  Benin  Staff  School (Primary), then I went to Presentation National  High school for my secondary education which was also in Benin city and University Of Abuja for higher education.

So what is Tilly’s Signature all about?
What does it mean and how did the name come about?
Tilyz signature is all about make-up and making the ordinary extra ordinary, my work is  to make my clients look beautiful and different. Tilyz signature was gotten from my middle name matilda, but I wanted it to be different and unique at the same time so when people hear the name they don’t  find  it difficult to remember.
 
How did you get into it?

I have always loved make-up, occasionally I help my friends out with their make-up, when I finished from the university I was thinking of what to do with myself before NYSC and my friend Eby said to me you love make-up you can go and learn and become a professional, I went to House Of Tara and learnt it and here I am today happy and loving what I do everyday.

What is your typical day like?

My  day is like every  normal day, atimes busy and atimes not so busy, from time to time I try and make some calls to find out if there is any runway event coming up soon and try and contact them if I could do d make up for that event, wherever I go to I tell people about my work and show them my portfolio of my work. in case of any  make up job. i always try to go through the internet and read magazines to see different make-up artists' work and learn more make-up tips, because with make up you have to keep learning and be innovative.

What do you love most about you what you do?

What I love most about my job is the smile and satisfaction on a clients face when my work is completed, it really gives me joy and when other people around see it and say to me this is so fine she looks different and one thing about makeup you have to keep practising and be innovative.

What’s been your best work ever?

 I don’t think I have a best job that I have done, I love all the jobs I have done though atimes there are challenges when doing a make-up job I just look for a way out or improvise.

What are the difficulties involved?

Atimes when doing a job, a client might tell you they want this they want that and I know that particular thing is not going to suit the client, as a makeup artist my duty is to tell the client what is going to be better, but some client still insist that’s  what they want you have to do it the way they want it(a customer is always right), little things like that are always the problem. But despite that I love my job.

If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?

If  I wasn't a make-up artist I would probably be working in a Federal parastatal or a private company in their finance or accounting department.

Have you ever felt like giving up on Tilly’s Signature?

Not at all, not for one day, it’s something am going to continue doing.

Who or what inspires you?

A lot of makeup artist who have been in the business for so long and have their own makeup line they inspire me never to give up, because everything in this life is time. Another person that inspires me so much is my mum she is also a business person and she has been into business for so long,one thing she always tells me is that in business you have to take risk and be very patience.

Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are?

I am 22years old.

Asides work, what do you do for fun?

I love hanging out with my friends, going to the movies, reading novels.

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps

Always go for what you want, nothing comes easy in life you have to work hard to achieve your goals. Keep believing in yourself because that is the way forward.

As usual, pictures speak a thousand words.

 

 

 

 

Ama can be reached through the following means

BB: 25DDC591

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/ama.uzzi?fref=ts

Phone: 07036768588

 

 

 

 

 

 

Better Nigeria: Be the Change you seek

BY IPHIE MANUELZ 

In the days following the Dana crash, God rest the beautiful souls of all those we lost in that crash, I had the opportunity of speaking to a number of young people. Everybody was pretty vocal at that point, everyone had an opinion on what ought to be done, on how we can avert future disasters.



I stumbled on a rather mind numbing statistics, everybody was looking for the fastest way out of Nigeria. Oh My God. If I spoke to 20 people, 13 were looking for the fastest route out of Nigeria, while 5 were waiting patiently for their turn at helm of power so they could get their hands on a share of the national cake, and only 2 were looking for ways to move Nigeria forward. Dear Lord, I weep for the land of my birth.

I had just one question for all those in a hurry to leave Nigeria,  "if the citizens of the countries you are running to ran to other countries, would you have anywhere to run to?"

My answer to that was a simple and emphatic ‘NO’. If we don’t stay back to build Her, Nigeria would only continue to wallow in her rot.



Truth is the countries they are all running to are not even perfect, far from it. Thanks to my lovely parents, I have had the opportunity to live in the UK for the last eleven month. You want to know what I found out in my first month here, they have port-holes too, the light go off too, their buses are late too, the train has hitches too. But you know what they have that we don’t have? A system that works!! Yes a system that works. And a people that love their country so much. The moment a fault is noticed, it is called in and the authority in charge gets to work the moment it is reported.



The saying we are the change we seek comes to mind any time I think of Nigeria. For Nigeria to get better we have to be the change we want and work towards it. The fact that our leaders have failed us doesn't mean we have to remain stuck in the rot we find ourselves. I mean you work hard to make money; you don’t sit at home and wait for the government to come give you some. Why then does it have to be different for the change we are seeking for Nigeria, you don’t have to wait for the government to bring about the needed change, why not work towards it.



Making Nigeria a better place doesn't require a lot of work, it’s actually quite simple. If everyone just does his or her part, change would come to Nigeria, we would get the Nigeria we want. Truth is, Nigeria is not the problem, Nigerians are, the leaders are not Her biggest problem, Nigerians are. Or you want to blame Goodluck Jonathan for your taking bribe; you want to blame GEJ for your skipping the line in the bank. Is it GEJ’s fault that you decided to work your NYSC posting or it’s his fault that you decided to try your luck as a yahoo boy? You don’t go about taking bribes and expect Mr. B to reject bribes, come on he’s no fool, he would take it just like you. Besides you wouldn't have any moral justification to ask him to stop taking bribe. You don’t go about giving bribes and expect Nigeria to change. If we all just do our parts Nigeria would be great. If I do my job without taking bribes, is that not part of the change I seek, if I get to the front of the line without cutting the line is that not the change I seek. If I do the right things at the right time, is that not the change I seek, if pastors and imams remind their congregation that violence is not the way out, is that not the change we seek.



The truth is change would not come to Nigeria in a big way, it would not just be dropped on Nigerians, it would not happen overnight. Change would slowly creep up on us when we start practising the change we want to see, it would be a gradual process. At first we wouldn't even notice the change, until one day we wake up, and wow, we live in a different Nigeria. That our leaders are bad doesn't mean we have to descend to their level. Truth is they can’t get away with their corrupt ways without our assistance. Let’s assume I work in an office in charge of land allocation, and procedure demands that the papers have to be examined by three of my subordinates to ensure the land doesn't belong to someone else before I append my signature of approval. If I refuse to skip my subordinates' examination because the land in question belongs to the governor’s son and the police man refuses to be used as a thug to harass me into signing the papers. Is the change we seek for Nigeria not creeping up on her slowly?



Say this to yourself every day, 'I am the change I seek, I am the change Nigeria needs'. Do your part and leave the rest to your fellow countrymen.

'Be the change you seek'

I found a song that encourages me to make my little contribution to the change Nigeria needs. Timi Dakolo’s Great Nation. I listen to it every morning, it inspires me to keep fighting for the Nigeria I want.

Better Nigeria: My Little Corner

BY IPHIE MANUELZ AND EHINOME



I sat at my little corner of the world thinking, thinking about everything, from music to food, to fashion to family, to friends that were still around, to friends that were now a memory, to Nigeria and to the sun which had blessed me with its presence that morning. I sat at my little corner of the world, thinking about everything, I sat at my little corner of the world, thinking about Nigeria.

Most of my thoughts lately have been about Nigeria. I think of the greatness Nigeria can achieve, I think of the changes that are coming to Nigeria, I think of this change that I am going to be a big part of. I think of a new Nigeria, I think of a better Nigeria. Each day my thoughts are filled with hope of 'the Nigerian Dream'.
How is this change going to come to Nigeria, how do we achieve this 'Nigerian dream', you ask. My answer is simple, it is a nine letter word, the key to all our problems, EDUCATION. I can see you going 'errmm, what is she on about again'. But yes the key to solving our numerous problems is that simple.
You are wondering how a room, tables and chairs, a blackboard and a teacher can solve our problem right? Well i am not referring to that type of education. What I mean by education is information.It holds the key to solving all of our problems.
Nigerians especially Nigerian youths are not well-informed and now this is no fault of the government. 

Nigerian youths have lost so much faith in their country that they do not care what goes on in it. But alas! We suffer most from our ignorance.

A typical Nigerian youth hardly watches News on TV,if at all we do  we would rather watch CNN..how can we truly grasp what goes on in other countries if we neglect our own? charity begins at home. We won't listen to radio programs..and even when we do, we won't listen to the educative programs on radio...its our parents who call in to contribute to these programs..which is what youths should be doing. 

Nigerian youths teach in classrooms...Do I hear you say tufiakwa! Exactly! How would the future leaders of Nigeria be well educated? We youths are better educated than the older generation..we can impart more knowledge. We have simply refused to rise to the challenge. Let me rephrase Ayei Kwei Armah's "the beautiful ones are not yet born"...for me "the beautiful ones have been born, they have simply refused to live".

How did Nigeria come about?
Who composed our anthem?
Whose picture is on our five naira note? 
Who was the 1st military head of Lagos?

As simple as these questions are, 99% of Nigerian youths do not know. 

Now, technology has come. It was supposed to be for our advancement, but I think not. Phones and laptops have become more of tools that aid evil,idleness,unintelligent rumours!  On facebook, mostly mindless chats and talk go on. On twitter, if we cannot watch news, atleast we can follow news channels and papers, but nooo we won't.  Should I continue? I watch the way videos and  indecent links spread across the country these days,  how I wish productive discourse amongst young people can spread that way too.

Yet, we would bewail our country everytime and everywhere! Yet we are pathetically ignorant. 
Let's stop talking to the government..what we are speaks so loudly they can't hear what we are saying. The youth should be informed about the true position of things. They should know effects of their actions or lack of it, the effect of their words or lack of it. They should know that they can get the Nigeria they dream of, they just have to work for it.

Let's strive to be informed. Let's go back to our history books, let's arm ourselves with the truth. How do you intend to be the 'FUTURE' when you know nothing about your past. Let's be Nigerians! Let's stop looking outside, we have seen enough,let the much we have seen spur positivity in us towards our country.  When we do this, our wailings would be better buttered with facts. And if the government won't listen, we would have moved far ahead of them!. 

Dear Nigerian youths, our ancestors and  parents have fought enough. We have been wanting change. Information is where we should start.

I sat at my little corner of the world, not just thinking or dreaming of a better Nigeria. I sat in my little corner of the world, plotting my return to my motherland. I sat at my little corner of the world perfecting my little plan of educating my people back in my village. 

I sat at my little corner of the world, perfecting my plans for a better Nigeria... 

Young and In Charge: Dr Nze Sylva Ifedigbo

So I have been sitting here struggling with myself to come up with something catchy to say about our young person of the week and I am still coming up empty. Maybe the thought that we have an author as our young person of the week has me quavering in my boots, lol, I don't want to write something that would make him go 'haha, amateur' 

In a country where the reading culture is slowly dying off, its nice to see authors who write purely for the love of it even when the pay is not as glamorous as it should be. Meet Dr Nze Sylva Ifedigbo our honorary Abujan, honorary because he went off on an adventure to discover Lagos a few months ago, but is truly Abuja 'bred and buttered', we know you would be home soon. This young Dr was fortunate enough to discover his love for writing at a young age.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am a young Nigerian writer passionate about my country and about what I do. I was born in Abuja, had my secondary education at school for the Gifted Gwagwalada Abuja and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I am easy going, fun loving and currently I am an ambassador for the coca-cola A billion reasons to believe in Africa campaign.

Nze Sylva Ifedigbo

What was growing up like?

Jeez. The thought of this question fills me with nostalgia. It was really fun growing up. I often think of those years and I feel sorry for the kids of today who in my opinion are short of options. Things were ordinary back then but there was something special about the ordinariness. Every 80’s kid will appreciate what I am talking about. But then, it was strict too. Then, every other mother around was your mother and if you did something wrong outside they pulled you by the ear to your own mother who continued where they stopped. So I will summarise growing up as being both fun and strict.

Tell us a little about your educational background?

As stated earlier I attended school for the Gifted Gwagwalada, then I went to the University of Nigeria where I obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2007. I have in addition since also obtained professional training and certifications in Project Management, Creative writing and Public Relations. Today, I am a writer, op-ed columnist and PR professional in addition to being a Doctor.

Writing must be fun. How did you get into it? When did you get into it?

For me, writing is more than a job or a hobby. It goes way deeper and permeates every aspect of my life such that my every conversation, the expression on every face I see, the news on the radio, every circumstance I find myself in, is a story and they all provide the inspiration to write. I have been writing since the earliest memory I have of myself as a child. Growing up with books as toys has a way of immersing you into that word and one of my biggest fantasies as a child was having my name on the cover of a book. So back then I wrote stories, usually my own versions of stories I had read or been told and I will not rest until I had gotten everyone to read it. It was not hard to identify it as something I had in me and I have since worked to make it shine.

What is your typical day like?

Phew! I recently moved to Lagos and unlike Abuja, this is one hell of a crazy place to live in. My typical day begins at 5am or thereabout. I have developed a habit of first going to twitter to check things up and perhaps dropping some tweets upon waking up.  That is after praying of course. Then there is the usual routine of bathing and preparing for work and then the daily task of wading through Lagos traffic to get to work. I will rather leave out details of work here but it suffices to say that for someone like me who writes what I prefer to call every day stories in addition to having a weekly column dedicated to human interest issues in a daily, everything I encounter: from the news on television before leaving home, the actions of danfo drivers on the streets of Lagos, to the headlines in the papers and discussions with colleagues form writing materials.

What do you love most about you what you do?

There is this almost surreal satisfaction you experience as a writer when you finally tell a story that has been dancing around your thoughts for a while. It’s like giving birth. Or perhaps even more special. But there is even more. Writing is essentially not one of the wonderfully paying jobs but no pay equals that fulfilment when someone buzzes you on-line or drops you an anonymous message or hails you at the lobby of the cinema and says “hey I read your stuff and I loved it. Great job.” Such moments are simply magical. The sense of accomplishment of having contributed to knowledge, of having enriched humanity, of having made someone somewhere happy is priceless and for me and many other writers, this is what keeps us going.

Of all your works, which would you say is your best piece ever?

Arrrghhhh,  (scratches head) now that is a hard one. It’s like telling a mother to pick a favourite from a set of twins.  Really, each of my work means something special to me and are all products of a particular conception.  They are my babies you get? So I wouldn't pick one as a favourite without living with the guilt of having ignored the other. Having said that though, I must add that some of the works have been more successful than others. Some have won awards or been published in international journals while others had not. But in general, I will rather leave the readers to pick which they connected with most.

Have you been published? What are the names of your published works.

Yes I am a published author. Spectrum Books published my novella Whispering Aloud in 2007. Recently my new book The Funeral Did Not End was released by DADA Books. The Funeral Did Not End is a collection of twenty stories that peers into the fabric of the Nigerian Society, offering a delightful insight into the everyday life of Nigerians. The stories are varied in scope and theme and run the gamut, from politics to religion as well as culture, demonstrating in a fascinating way, the problems, challenges, struggles and potentials of greatness embedded in the Nigerian spirit. I also have short stories published in literary journals both at home and abroad and so many opinion articles in various publications both online and in print

What are the difficulties involved?

There is quite a story to this. Indeed I can write a book on it. Writing and publishing in Nigeria is pretty challenging. For starts it is difficult to find anyone who survives just on writing so you find many writers maintaining a full time job and struggling with their writing on the side. And unlike the other arts, such as acting and music, writers are not as celebrated. The state of our publishing industry is another not so happy story. The dearth of publishing houses interested in publishing creative writing as opposed to school text books is a major low and has hindered the discovery of many talents.

If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?

Em em…Perhaps I would have been an actor or may be a Catholic Priest. Hahahahaha. Don’t mind me. It is simply hard to imagine myself doing anything besides this.

In a country like ours where the reading culture is slowly dying out, have you ever felt like giving up writing?

It really gets frustrating at times but you will agree that the fact that people die at war hasn't stopped people from voluntarily signing up to join the army. I was telling someone recently that it is only in Nigeria that you find young people confidently declare as if it is a thing of pride that they don’t read. For me, beyond the fact that this is like we say bad market for the trade I ply, it is something that worries me for the future of this country. There is this joke that if you want to hide something from a Nigerian hide it inside a book. A reading nation, is a great nation and it is no wonder that we are where we are a nation.

Who or what inspires you?

More of what than who really. I am inspired by everything that happens around me from the scramble at rowdy bus parks, to the headlines in the newspapers and even game shows on the television. There are so many stories to tell around us and no one else will tell these stories but us. Someone once said we are often nauseated by the screams of the bus conductors that we fail to notice the poetry in it…the rhyme, the repetitions etc. All these inspire me. 

Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.

Now that reminds me, it’s my birthday next week actually. It gets scary sometimes knowing one is getting older you know. LOL. About my age, well I already said earlier that I am an 80’s kid. I guess that pretty much give it all away.

Asides work, what do you do for fun?

Like most people of my generation, I recently found this amazing tool, twitter which has become my favourite hangout. I guess that’s also writing in a way. What else do I do? I watch movies, I go to the beach, and I watch football…I am a Man United fan, and I love to travel. 

Where do you see yourself in the five years?

Where do I see myself? well I plan to publish more books, just finishing up work on a novel actually, I hope to have picked up a couple of awards and I aim to have become an international writer of repute with my work read in various translations by people of various tongues and creed.

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.

Patience, discipline and hard work is key. First you must be disciplined enough to read widely and write and rewrite rigorously. You must also be patient for the time to come. I waited two years for TFDNE to be published. Due to the dearth of local publishers publishing fiction, young writers in Nigeria are faced with a peculiar challenge. But it is one that is not insurmountable. I urge them to keep working at it and the opportunity will come.

Where can we get copies of your published works?

In Abuja, the book is available at Cassava Bookshop, Shop 62 Abuja Arts & Craft Village (Opposite Sheraton Hotel) as well as at the Silverbird Lifestyle Bookshop inside the Silverbird Galleria. The book is also available in bookshops across the nation. Readers can check out details on my site www.nzesylva.com

At a book reading and signing for The Funeral Did Not End

Cover For The Funeral Did Not End

You can visit his website www.nzesylva.com
Follow him on twitter https://twitter.com/nzesylva
And visit his blog www.nzesylva.wordpress.com