5 WAYS TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE

In anticipation of the release of the follow up/second edition of INFOMANIA MAGAZINE, i have decided to share an article from the Editor's desk.

Lead by example. Those may be among the most urgent words we need to hear.

Someone is judging you right now.

Even if they can't see you right now, they can still think about something you said to them earlier. They remember how you acted, or reacted. They noticed what you wore for clothes on your body and what you wore for an expression on your face.

You left an impression, and someone formed an opinion. Then they rendered a judgement.

There are countless ways, but here are 5 to get us started. 

BEAUTIFUL QUOTES OF BILL GATES

Bill Gates, is an American business magnate,philanthropist, investor, computer programmer, man who needs no introduction is probably one of the strongest intellectual to be a drop out and later ruled(still) the world of technology with his great business and entrepreneur skills. Besides being a philanthropist, his quotes and sayings are eye-openers for many people which teaches life-lessons and about success. So, in this post let's have a glance at some of his greatest sayings and quotes.

CHILD ABUSE: THE EFFECTS OF ABUSE ON A CHILD

A video of a house maid beating a child to near death went viral on social networks last week. It was a very painful video to watch as the help did things to the child that was wicked and inhumane. She slapped, kicked and stepped on the child just because the child threw up the food she had forced her to eat. The footage was heart wrenching and anyone who saw it was appalled. It showed how dangerous it is for you to leave your child with strangers and that the issue of child abuse is very real.

PRETTY IN PAIN

The highs and lows of life are already high and low enough, wouldn't you agree?
Well I was driving around in my car the other night and I was listening to one of my favorite albums of all time. The album is called “Speak A Little Louder” by Diane Birch. As I was aimlessly driving, my attention was drawn to a song that started playing.

THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR 2014

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2014 is to be awarded to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzay for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. Children must go to school and not be financially exploited. In the poor countries of the world, 60% of the present population is under 25 years of age. It is a prerequisite for peaceful global development that the rights of children and young people be respected. In conflict-ridden areas in particular, the violation of children leads to the continuation of violence from generation to generation.

INFOMANIA MAGAZINE

The world is one big global village, and everyone is connected by a web, otherwise known as the internet. As digitalisation gradually takes over from the analogue system, INFOMANIA presents a one of a kind digital platform that brings relevant and sort after information directly to your palm via your smart phones, tablets, personal computers and lap tops.

EDITOR’S NOTE

It seems like yesterday, we were carrying boxes on our heads running into the Orientation Camp, forced out of bed courtesy of the bugle, marching till we couldn’t feel our legs, boring lectures, camp fire night, collecting of posting letters, rejection, resumption at PPAs (Places of Primary Assignment), CDS (Community Development Service), I can’t believe it’s a year already.

Well it goes to show how time flies, but the good news is you are the pilot. It’s the end of the service year, but the beginning of another phase, as we climb a step further in life. As Youths we are not the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today. Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time, we are the ones we’ve been waiting for, we are the change that we seek.

ALUU4: JUSTICE YET TO BE SERVED

It has been two years since the murder of four undergraduates of the University of Port Harcourt – Ugonna Ibuzor, Llyod Michael, Tekena Elkanah and Chidiaka Biringa. They were killed in Aluu, Rivers State. They were allegedly beaten to a pulp and then set ablaze by an irate mob over allegations of theft. The incident, captured on video by eye witnesses, attracted widespread outrage and was tagged the most bizarre case of jungle justice to ever occur in Nigeria.

CELEBRATING OUR HEROS

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme was established with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria, as well as the promotion of national unity. The scheme which some ill motivated persons tried to write off at inception and have constantly fired at for either not achieving or has outlived its primary purpose, has since grown to such a level of national importance and acceptance, to the extent that no one can today speak of national unity, or rural development, without mentioning the NYSC.

CORPS MEMBER SETS UP COMPUTER LABORATORY IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, GALADIMA

As a way of giving back to the community, Corps members Akpomedaye Ese Grace of the 2013 Batch C embarked on a Personal Community Development Service Project to set up a Computer Laboratory in Government Secondary School, Galadima.

Prior to commencement of the project, she wrote to the NYSC FCT Secretariat on her intention of setting up a Computer Laboratory in one of the Government Secondary Schools in Abuja. She also served notice to the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and the Principal of Government Junior Secondary School, Galadima.

WHAT NEXT?

I must have asked myself this question more than I can remember especially the past few months after passing out (National Youth Service Corps, I mean). Trust me this is not some clueless or some ‘No Future Ambition (NFA)’ typa rant. (‘tis some rant…but not clueless. Lol)

As a Nigerian, the plan has always been there. Go to the university, study something you love, graduate and go for the compulsory one year service to our fatherland, then… then…
Then… words just seem to fail me. A little help with suggestions would do right now. I feel stuck. The only phrase that keeps playing back like a broken record is “what next”.
Here I am, a nocturnal being by default or reset, watching the sun go down and the moon take charge of the night, then observing the breaking of dawn before hitting the sheets… and snooze…

A CALL TO DUTY

Called to serve your motherland, a duty, an obligation, a sanction, a requirement, a prerequisite. What is it to you? We look towards our service year with anticipation or apprehension for various personal reasons, for some it’s a time to get paid, for others it’s a time to meet people and build up networks, for others it is a time to find opportunities in career building, yet for others the reason is simple, it’s a time to leave home and experience freedom from their parents strong hold. Also there are cases of those whose reasons are more noble, to experience other cultures and develop oneself.

(PICTURES) SENSITIZATION FOR SAFE BLOOD DONATION AT EDITORIAL BOARD CDS

(PICTURES) SENSITIZATION FOR SAFE BLOOD DONATION AT ECOVANGUARD CDS

(PICTURES) SENSITIZATION FOR SAFE BLOOD DONATION AT SERVICOM CDS

(PICTURES) EDITORIAL BOARD CDS 2013 BATCH C EXECUTIVES

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICE (CDS): AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE AND THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY SERVICE YEAR

Since myknowledge of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, I dreaded the day I would be called up to “serve” in ill fitted khaki and hideous jungle boots. Alas, I was “called up” in November 2013.

The first and probably most memorable part of the scheme is the orientation camp and everyone who has recounted their experience to me has either loved it or hated it, no in-betweeners. Those who fall in the former group only come to hold that sentiment in retrospect.They reminisce about the fun activities led by the ‘Man o’war' team, the day they got to show off their traditional outfits and dance, the evening they basked in the exhibition of one another’s talents, and the night they shared humorous stories and food around a bonfire.

MY MUSIC….LIFE TO MY SOUL

Music to me is a collection of Sound waves pleasantly composed to refresh ones soul. It begins as a sensation that flows through your ears to your body and right into your soul. It evokes emotions of various sorts, from joy, to loneliness, to sadness, to excitement, to love. Have you ever wondered why people go crazy in clubs when the music is loud and deafening, it evokes a feeling of reckless abandon in them.

Or have you wondered why people kiss and stare deep into the eyes of their partners in cosy, dimly lit dinner rooms when slow sensational songs are being played, it weaves a tender and loving emotion around them and they lose sight of their surroundings and drink from the soul of the person right before them, it is magical in its own way. What else could we call a thing that does so much to the human mind without even as much as a physical touch?

(PICTURES) CORPS MEMBER BUILDS MEDICAL LABORATORY FACILITY AT THE NYSC ORIENTATION CAMP CLINIC, KUBWA, ABUJA

STREAM THOUGHTS 4 (CORPER WITH A DIFFERENCE)

It is 7 months into my service year and each new day brings me closer to apprehension of what lies ahead, I won’t say its fear but it borders on those lines. The silent messages are beginning to drop, from a wink to a casual promise of job possibilities if only I know how to play. I begin to realise some things I would like to share with you.

The service year is crucially important in the life of a fresh graduate, it has become so since its inception, it has either made or marred in some cases. Our decisions, our life style, and conduct during service have left indelible marks on our immediate future, either for good or bad.

LEADERSHIP VACUUM AS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF A 21ST CENTURY NIGERIA

Leadership is the ability to motivate or inspire people to act and initiate resultant change. The greatest global change in this century is nurturing people for courageous and compassionate leadership, finding passionate individuals capable of bringing lasting solution to several challenges facing our planet through authentic, wise, courageous and compassionate leadership.

Today, there is a leadership vacuum or gap in many nations and corporations around the globe and a widespread call for a new kind of leadership is paramount. Leadership scholars urge for the kind of leadership – transformational change leadership which motivates and inspires people to action and change.

CORPS MEMBER SENSITIZES CHUKUKU COMMUNITY ON ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND DIARRHOEAL SYMPTOMS

Diarrhoeal being a major public health issue suffered by their children in rural communities, Corps Pharmacist Ugochi Agbara Faith of 2013 Batch C in partnership with an NGO, Credible Health Aid and Human Development Initiative (CHADEL INITIATIVE), in which she is a director, embarked on a project to sensitize and issue probiotics to residents in Chukuku Community, a traditional Gbagyi settlement, located between Gwagwalada and Kiyi villages, with about 220,000 inhabitants (according to 2006 census).

A total of 338 women assembled at the Primary Health Care Centre, Chukuku Community, Kuje Area Council, Abuja. The sensitization started at about 10a.m with a lecture on Environmental Hygiene and Diarrhoeal Symptoms by a guest speaker. There was an interactive session between the women and the speaker to ascertain the level of understanding. The women highlighted some community based problems which included access to portable water.

WAR AGAINST POVERTY CDS GROUP VISITATION TO ORPHANAGE HOME

The members of War Against Poverty (WAP) Community Development Service (CDS) group who often gather at the Zoological Garden, Area 1, paid a charity visit to the New Covenant Orphanage Home, Kuje.

In a chat with one of the group’s executives, we gathered that the funds used by the group were raised in house. Prior to the visit, Pledge cards were given to members of the group to give voluntarily whatever they could spare, while a compulsory sum of N400 was paid by all members to cover the expenses of transportation and logistics.

MERCILESS EBOLA – THE STORY BEHIND THE TALE

I don’t think this is funny at all. But truthfully I had a good laugh about it and thought I should share it. Just maybe it could trigger a smile!!!

A lot of inanimate things are being named after people that have lived their lives well. Most of these people perhaps sacrificed their lives for people and a good number of them are seen as heroes and role models.

Now, let’s assume I am a Congolese and I did a lot of good things to the good people of congo and they decided to name a river after me. My name is Ebola John Thomas. I brought what is regarded as close to civilization to the Congolese people and I was rewarded with a river; one of the longest and swift flowing rivers in Congo.

STORY OF ANTNIA

(real names have been withheld to protect privacy)
Today I had made my rounds, round the market hoping to find a perfect print trouser and after enough ups and down I was done for the day. I was grumpy, it was hot, to top it off the sellers weren't nice either, this was against the backdrop that the government had taken down their shades for a better one which most of them could not afford.

With enough sadness to kick the first day of the week, I was out of the market, when I heard that voice. "If you no dey buy the Ugwu (vegetable), abeg drop am".
Ok let me take you a while back, this was less than a decade, when my body frame made me look like a toddler in high school, it wasn't funny sha.

CORPS MEMBER PROVIDES FREE MEDICAL SERVICE

When Dr Trix-Meti Omonigho, a Batch C corps member, serving in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) swore to serve her nation under the sun or in the rain, she was not joking about it. She took the service seriously. Her main objective was to serve humanity to the best of her ability by touching the lives of the people around her. Omonigho decided not only reach out to people in her host community but extend to other communities in Kwali area council.

After the orientation exercise last year, the young vibrant corps member was posted to General Hospital Kwali as her place of primary assignment.
She vowed that her service will not only end at treating patients in the hospital only, but will extend to people, who are not able to get medical help due to one reason or the other, in the communities.
This corps member’s passion to help people pushed her into organising a free medical outreach for the people of Kwaita, a community in the council, which saw over 200 people benefiting from the exercise.

THE RELAY

The journey started some months back, the end not so far anymore, though it will be the end of the race for me and my team, it’s going to be the beginning of the race for some other persons. It’s been an interesting few months to behold, with hurdles, ups and downs, allies turn opposition, mutiny, amongst others, but in summary, against all odds, it’s been a success story in the making.

As we warm up to exchange batons and count down to the grand finale, the past few weeks will surely go down in the memory books as one of the best. A little modification has been made to the existing structure and an addition has been made to the arsenal. It’s up to the team who will be receiving the baton to continue in the same spirit, pace and build on the already laid foundation.

STREAM THOUGHTS (3)

It happened again this morning as I was strolling down my street to the bus stop to hail a cab to my PPA... the same time... Same path I always follow. It dint happen exactly while I was walking... But walking took me where it did happen. Do not worry I will tell you what happened.. It is interesting though how there is a re-occurrence of a particular thing in different places, at different times but with the same person and yet it strikes u one time to stop and take note of it... Ok I’m doing it again. Elaborate speeches just to make a point. Yeah, but it is necessary.

Now as I got in the cab and we moved a few blocks, I saw a corper passing by, just a few more blocks ahead and I saw another pair. Now every time I saw them i took note of their uniforms. But that was it. I thought hey there is a corper just like me! And I fell back into my thoughts. But what struck me today was this. We actually have something that binds us together. Like an invincible umbilical cord.

A PIECE OF LAND OR A LAND OF PEACE

(The religious under pin)

JUGES 17-21 AND JOSHUA 1-12 this bible passages provide a historical background or historical under pin to the Israel- Hamas conflict. During the biblical era in the days of old The Bible says that God chose a special people to be His witness to the world:

"You are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "And My servant whom I have chosen" ... And what nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land ...' (Isa 43.10)(2 Sam 7.23). Although the nation of Israel was scattered some 2500 years ago, the Bible says that it will be re-gathered in the last days of this age:
'"I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone ... and bring them into their own land ..."' (Ezek 37.21)

STREAM THOUGHTS (2)

My eye lids fluttered lazily as I rolled to the right side of my bed, trying to avoid the rays of light streaming in from the curtains… I did not have any blinds behind them and they are so transparent that the first light of day floods my room before the cocks’ even crow… I thought sleepily it must be about 5am now… and I drifted again for a little while or so I thought. Suddenly I came to consciousness and forced my eyes open, this time wide awake. Picked up my phone and checked the time as I had no wall clock adorning my empty walls.

WHAT! It was 8:15am, work starts 8:00am, I panicked and flew off my bed, dressed my bed so hastily that half the bed cover was dangling on one side of the bed. I didn’t even have time to fluff my pillows…. Yeah as if that counts for anything. Well it does to me, I have a thing for well, perfectly laid beds... But I couldn’t dwell on that right now... I also had a bigger thing for turning up early. I am a due process person you see…. Before I drift….. I flew into the bathroom… the water was freezing cold but I had to pretend it was a nice warm bath, in 5mins I was getting dressed and throwing everything I needed into my laptop bag… finally I was ready but it was past 9:00am….. I felt deflated… because as fast as I tried I was still as late as can be.

STREAM THOUGHTS

I am sitting in my office which I share with 3 other people, it’s a little past 12pm, I have my ear piece on, listening to a few boring songs left on my phone, with several thoughts running thru my mind… thoughts bordering majorly on ‘my next step’ in life, with work, my career, my life in general. I have lots of ideas but I am not even sure where I’m going with some of them half the time… hmmm (deep breath). 

I have not really done any thing productive today aside taking a couple off files upstairs … if that counts for anything that is..(Thinking)….. Now did I forget to mention, I am a youth corper, serving in a government office? Yeah that I am... and also a person with dreams, ambitions and future aspirations too… by the way that future is NOW though it doesn’t look like it yet. I know you are wondering why I am going on and on with my thoughts and confusing analogy of this day so far… I am too... but believe me I am going somewhere with this.

NYSC FCT FOOTBALL TEAM SEALS RECORD DEFEAT

It is said that in every game or competition, there is always a loser and a winner. But in this particular game, the standard of the winning side could be look on as an embarrassment on the part of the losing side.

The game between the NYSC Abuja football team against their arch rivals, the Baptist Boys took most spectators back to the world cup game between Brazil and Germany, with many left in absolute awe and bewilderment at the score line that characterized the match in the absence of the coach of the NYSC team, Mr Emmanuel.

NYSC TOURISM CDS GROUP WANTS FG TO FAST TRACK TOURISM SECTOR

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Tourism CDS Group has urged Federal Government to develop the tourism sector to fast track economic growth and youth empowerment in the country.
The group’s President, Mr Ezinwa Chinonso, made the call in an interview.

Chinonso said the move would assist in addressing the challenges of unemployment in the country. He identified lack of interest on tourism as part of the challenges retarding the country’s economic growth, and stressed the need to increase budgetary allocation for the sector.

``Nigerian government do not really have additional budget for tourism, and tourism only have 30 per cent rating in the country,’’ he opined.

EDITORIAL BOARD CDS GROUP VISIT CITY OF REFUGE, DURUMI

As part of its service to communities, the group visited the City of Refuge Orphanage Home at Durumi District, Abuja.
The event which had a large turnout of members, lead by the group's President, gave members the chance to bring good tidings and encouraging words to children who found the City of Refuge a fortress.

Members of the CDS group also had opportunity to interact with the children who have properly been catered for. Speaking to Israel a 5 year old pupil of the Living faith Academy, he told members of the CDS his dreams. According to him “I want to be a Pastor when I grow up and I thank you all for taking time to see us.”

(PICTURES) EDITORIAL BOARD CDS GROUP VISIT CITY OF REFUGE ORPHANAGE HOME

(PICTURES) EDITORIAL FUN CDS JULY 2014

EDITORIAL BOARD CDS VISIT GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, WUSE ZONE 3

The Editorial Board Community Development Service (CDS) group spearheaded by socio-enlightenment sub-group visited Government Secondary School (GSS), Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, to give a presentation on Drug Abuse and Addiction to SS1 and SS2 students.

Corps members Maryam Ibrahim and Aisha Habib Aliyu commenced with an introduction covering the definition of drug abuse and addiction, purpose of the presentation and a general overview of the topic.
Following that, the students broke out into groups and corps members serving as facilitators led interactive discussions on signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction, as well as the side effects and treatment for addiction. The students were very participative and comfortable enough to ask questions.

A PAGE FROM MY CAMP DIARY (PART 2)

“We give you free food, we give free clothes, what more do you want?” asked the dark lanky Camp Commandant. “Money Sir!” we replied in chorus. “We put you in 5 star hotel, we provided light and water for you, what more do you want?” again he asked, and as usual we echoed “Money Sir!” “We give you money, what more do you want?” he asked “More Money Sir!” we replied.

It was one of those cold mornings, we slept late the previous night, thanks to some unending and yet unnecessary arguments in the room. Few hours into dreamland I’m awaken by loud bangs on the bunks and a false fire cry. Everyone runs out with little or no time to dress properly. While some run out with buckets of water, some run out in their night wears and others run out with their luggage.
I'm forced out of bed at about 2:00am courtesy of a fire drill and assembled at the Parade ground, which serves as a muster point, while officials come to take roll-call.

(PICTURES) EDITORIAL BOARD CDS 2013 BATCH B SEND FORTH DINNER & KARAOKE NIGHT

GERMANY WILL WIN THE 2014 WORLD CUP, PREDICTS FIFA VIDEO GAME

Sorry, Brazil -- the next World Cup winner won’t be the host country.
So says EA Sports, at least.

The company simulated the upcoming World Cup using their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil game, running all 32 teams through the brackets in an effort to predict the winner. In an exceptionally tight finale, Germany edged out Brazil 2-1, earning their fourth World Cup title and becoming the first European country to win it in South America.

THE ICT YOUTH INITIATIVE

The NYSC FCT Infotech CDS Group organises the maiden edition of THE ICT YOUTH INITIATIVE #TIYI2014 with the theme; Beyond Social Media: Jobs, Security and National Development.

The conference held at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, was one of the group’s training activities benefited by the host community. Before now the group had gone to secondary schools educating them on Cyber security/Child protection, The Internet and networking, Computer Architecture, among others.

A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA

There are currently over 72 million youths (between 18 – 35 years) in the Nigeria. Thus, youth, more than oil, could be Nigeria’s asset in the following decades.
The Nigerian Government recognizes the important role of the youth in Nigeria’s overall development, and is creating strategic implementation in key areas such as Education and Skills Development, job Creation and Infrastructure, and Health Programs.

On May 29th 2014 (Democracy Day), The Nigerian Youths had the opportunity to interact directly with the President, asking questions, sharing comments and discuss development in Nigeria at the Abuja International Conference Centre in an event tagged “A day with young leaders of Nigeria” to mark the nation’s Democracy Day. The social media was not left out as a channel was open for people to ask through the #AskGEJ.

(PICTURES) EDITORIAL BOARD CDS VISIT TO KINGS CARE HOSPITAL, KUBWA AND PISON HOSPITAL & MATERNITY, KUBWA

(PICTURES) EDITORIAL BOARD CDS VISIT ANGLICAN GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL

EDITOR’S NOTE

While I was in secondary school, everyone told me that when I get to the university I will encounter “life”, in the university, they also told me that when I finished from the university I will encounter “life”, as you may be guessing about now, I wondered what really is “life”?

After one year with the National Youth Service Corps I will say indeed I have encountered “life” even if it may not be as they intended in their admonitions. I met and worked with people of different backgrounds, different perceptions and work ethics, the good the bad and definitely, the ugly. These entire work diversities added up to constitute a very eventful and effective work experience for this past year.

EDITORIAL BOARD CDS VISIT ANGLICAN GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL

The Editorial Board CDS group spearheaded by the socio-enlightenment sub-group visited Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS), Apo, Abuja. This was the second of similar visits by the group to the school for a 45 minute subject choices and career development presentation.

The CDS group was welcomed by over 150 SS1 students at the school dining hall. The day started off with a presentation by corps member Agekoya Rhoda, who teaches Civic Education at AGSS and runs a leadership club. She introduced the presentation and discussed the importance of choosing the right class, enjoying your subjects, making the right choices for your future independent of parental influence and peer pressure, and assessing one’s self and interests.

DEAR DIANA

5th November 2013

I can never forget the first day I stepped into Kubwa Camp for my N.Y.S.C orientation, it was the most memorable day ever and here’s why. As I narrowly escaped a furious soldier, I bumped into the most beautiful girl ever. It wasn’t the fact that she almost caused me to land on the floor but there was something about her that radiated and caught my attention. It was the first time I saw Diana Okwudili.

Diana was tall, fair and very beautiful. It was like she wasn’t of this world. I stared for a while before another soldier coming from behind jerked me into reality muttering “My friend move out of the way”. In the twinkle of an eye, Diana was gone. I had to find her soon. Those were the last words I thought about before I sauntered off to begin the rigorous clearance process.

A TALE OF A HERO

Everyone says that children are the leaders of tomorrow, and many have argued that the youths should be at the helm of affairs or of leadership in this country. In other words, the youths are supposed to be the leaders of today.

Growing up for me wasn’t very luxurious. I became very responsible at a very tender age, never really having the typical childhood that most kids had. I never played much football with the boys, never played spinning the bottle, or anything spin-able, for that matter, and throughout my secondary school year, video games or SLUM BOOKS were not part of my adventures. To add to my repertoire of “childlikelessness” (back then), I didn’t appreciate the simple playfulness of the idea that SS3 students write all over their shirts in plain ink as a way to celebrate the completionof their WAEC and NECO examinations.

SOMEBODY SAVE SABRINA

2nd March 2013.

It was the 2nd of May 2005. I had just finished from evening lectures when I received a call from an unknown number. Puzzled, I answered the call mouthing “Hello!”
“Please, am I on to Sabrina Ademoriyo” the caller responded calmly.
The voice was very unfamiliar but my major concern was what the caller had said before ending the call “Please come to Zoe Medical Hospital, Gbagada”. 

I wearily boarded a bus going towards Gbagada as I sincerely hoped that nothing was wrong. The last time I entered a hospital was to mourn the death of my twin sister who passed away due to lungs cancer at twenty (20) years old. I had cried, prayed, read scriptures, prayed again then cried some more but that night, when I came to drop flowers for her with the intention of telling her that God was going to heal her, I saw a still body on the bed who the doctor later confirmed as dead. 

DEVELOPMENT AND RISK FACTORS OF JUVENILE ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND DELINQUENCY

People particularly adolescents have repeatedly behaved in ways that are perceived or potentially disruptive or social expectations or processes. The behavior may injure someone; deprive another of his or her property; offend the moral values of group of people, perhaps outrageously; or be of a type that is presumed to be indicative of future, more severe problems. In the attempt to control such behaviors, small, informal groups have rules, larger more formal organizations have rules and regulations.

The prevalence of antisocial and delinquent behavior in juveniles has increased dramatically over the past 2 decades, along with the prevalence of other health-endangering behaviors, such as substance use and suicide.

MY CONCERNS

I am concerned about a better world. I'm concerned about justice. I'm concerned about brotherhood. I'm concerned about truth. And when one is concerned about these, he can never advocate violence. For through violence you may murder a murderer but you can't murder murder. 

Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can't establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can't murder hate. 

Darkness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that. -Dr MartinLuther King, Jr. 

THE “GODLY” YOUTH IN AN EVOLVING WORLD

The fact that we are Godly youths does not in any way mean we should be ignorant, uninformed, benighted, unaware, and backward or even lost in the constantly advancing and evolving world we find ourselves. Contrary to this, the bible in Ecclesiastes 11:9a says “Young people, it's wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in.” (NLT), the King James Version (KJV) says “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes.” In light of this, we can say that following trends (whether they are in fashion, music, social media etc) is not in itself wrong at all because as youths these are the things that give our youthful heart cheer & delight our eyes. However, there are a few things we must consider;

THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE

Human consumption of psychoactive substances has been in existence almost since the beginning of human civilization itself. Also the issue of drug abuse has highly been a major problem especially within the industrialized world during the past century especially in Nigeria.

Drug abuse includes addictions to alcohol, illicit and prescribed drugs. In urban and rural populations, youth and adolescents are most vulnerable to drug abuse as of a result of the unemployment rate across the world. Some of these illicit drugs include heroin, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, syrups and tablets with codeine, alcohol, tramadol, flunitrazepam (roofies) and others.

NIGERIA MY COUNTRY

I look up to seeing a country where corruption is myth and our leaders inspired by patriotism; actuated by love of one's country; zealously and selfishly devoted to the service of one's country; as a patriotic statesman, vigilance; people with keen interest in building a nation strong and catering for everyone in it.
I see leaders rising up to the challenge confronting the Nigerian State and stop gambling with the lives of the innocent.

BEYOND NYSC ALLOWEE

Every beginning of a new month rings a bell in the ear of most corps members. It heralds a new adventure; visits to the Cinemas, Spa, Wuse Market, Yahuza Suya spot, “Abacha” joint, just name it!
These are signs that "Allawee don show". However the question is "is this all about the National Youth Service Corps?"

The National Youth Corps was founded in the year 1973. Its aim and objectives were to build graduate youths who are Passionate and selfless to the growth and development of their “father land" Nigeria.
The Pioneers of the National Youth Service Corps did just that. They worked tirelessly through tough and very rigorous conditions. They went to rural communities not thinking of what they would gain from these communities but rather, shared their knowledge and ideas to the populace through voluntary education and awareness, farming, erection of sculptures and construction of various amenities such as bridges, wells, market places and much more. At the end of their service year, they were greatly missed by the communities in which they served.

RELATIONSHIPS THAT WORK

“Everyone desires a perfect relationship; a relationship that is void of quarrels, challenges, obstacles and so on. But the truth is this: there is no such relationship”

A wise person once said that relationships are like houses and when a light bulb is faulty, you don’t buy another house, you fix the light bulb. What this simply implies is that, there are steps you must take for a relationship to work before you think of quitting on the relationship. Every relationship has its own difficulties and that’s why I’ll like to show you factors which when adopted work out any relationship.

1) Be patient and wait for Mr Right
2) Build your relationship
3) Hold on to God

WE FOUND LOVE IN AN UNUSUAL PLACE

Until the first day of my NYSC orientation camp, I had never believed in love at first sight. In fact, I had never truly believed in the concept of love before that fateful morning.

After praying, fasting and basically begging God and my parents to help me get posted to Lagos, I had been shocked and disappointed when I found out I would be serving in Abuja, a city where I had no family, no friends, no car and no accommodation. All the plans I had made to spend my service year in Lagos with my friends had fallen apart and there was nothing I could do about it, it was very upsetting.

I was still in a foul mood when I got to the NYSC camp in Kubwa that morning and a soldier asked me to carry my luggage on my head. He looked like he was joking but the horsewhip in his hand and the stern faces of his colleagues pointed otherwise. I decided to look around for clues and that was when I first caught a glimpse of her, the proverbial damsel in distress, struggling to balance a heavy bag on her head with one hand and carry her stuffed bucket with the other. It was a funny sight to behold, but there was something cute about it, I wanted to see more.

TEN (10) TIPS TO MAKE YOU MORE EFFECTIVE AT WORK

As we round up our Service year- it’s all about job searching and for those of us that got jobs already. How effective are we at our Jobs.
We hear a lot about being effective- What is being effective, what does it actually mean? Well the dictionary definition is productive, persuasive, having a desired result or effect. Synonyms include able, competent, energetic, forceful, and powerful.
The effective person is the person who works smart and hard. One of the real keys is organisation, and for most of us that means having a system that works for us and helps to plan and manage our time.
So whether you use the latest electronic gadgetry or just plain old paper and pencil, you need to devote some “headspace” to thinking about your work, planning and organising it. You don’t want to be the person caught on the hop, totally unprepared for today’s big meeting.

Here are my top ten (10) tips for getting organised.

STILL ON THE CHIBOK MATTER

Chibok, a small town in Maiduguri has ceased to be an unpopular name as it will go down in history for creating a lot of buzz in the international scenery. If one was to search for international trends, it will be noticed that the Chibok girls hash tag, popularly known as #bringbackourgirls, will be at least amongst the top 10, if not number 1.

A lot of vibe has been generated, and developing stories come up almost regularly. Top news channels like CNN and BBC are not left out as they sometimes break their programs in order to provide viewers with developing stories on the matter.

Top celebrities that would have sworn that they had not heard the name “Nigeria” have even contributed their quota by promoting the awareness. Until now, most people abroad unintentionally disregarded African countries -- one may get a glimpse of this attitude from the way the rest of the world refers to Africa as though it were a single state. But all this has eventually come to an end as Chibok has placed Nigeria on the international map. This development, I must say is very regrettable, because I would have wanted this grand recognition to come from something glorious.

A PEEK INTO THE MIND OF GUYS

Guys can't help but stare at other Ladies
It's true, guys just can't control themselves. Ladies the same way when they walk by a window filled with gorgeous shoes, tops, jewelry etc - they just have to look, its natural.

Guys don't take hints
Ladies pride themselves on being able to know intuitively what their friends or boyfriends are thinking, but guys have no interest in reading minds or body language. The secret is "If you don't tell him, he will never know."