LEADERSHIP: People Pleaser

How can you be liked without giving in to being a
people-pleaser?

Be Choosy.
As leaders we always have a choice. People-pleasers often feel that they have to say yes when someone asks for their help. Remember that you always have a choice to say no. Ask yourself: Is this something I choose to do?

Be Communicative.
When you clearly communicate
your priorities and values, people can better understand how their requests fit in—or how they don’t. Ask yourself: Am I letting those around me know what’s most important to me?

Be Considerate.
Be considerate of yourself and your
time, and be considerate in your choices. Ask yourself: What are my options?

Be Coherent.
Be clear and consistent in stating your boundaries. When others overstep, let them know.
Healthy boundaries go a long way in eliminating negativity and anger from your life. Ask yourself: Am I
comfortable with where this request may take me?

Be Confident.
The attitude you bring to requests,
whether you say yes or no, is an important part of how your response is perceived. Ask yourself: Why am I doing (or not doing) this? How does this response serve the bigger picture?

Most leaders are the kind of people who want to serve others, and true leadership is knowing that the greatest acts of kindness are those done by choice, not out of fear and guilt.

Written by:
Lolly Daskal

Source:
Leadership: People Pleaser

APPLY: Become a CYFI Fellow 2016

The Carrington Youth Fellowship Iniative (CYFI) is now inviting credible Nigerian youths with passion for driving community-based developmental projects to apply for CYFI 2016 Program (open to Lagos and Port Harcourt).

About CYFI:
Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative, CYFI, is a dynamic youth-based initiative launched in 2011 by the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos. CYFI brings together Nigerian youth of exceptional vision, skills and experience to design and implement projects that have a positive impact on Nigerian society. The CYFI program was named after the Former Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, who was a champion of civil liberties, democracy and closer ties between the U.S. and Nigeria.

CYFI fellows are committed to putting the ideals of Walter Carrington into practice. The CYFI Board of Directors, in conjunction with the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, selects fellows who demonstrate exceptional vision, skills and experience. Fellows are them grouped into teams based on interest, and teams then develop and implement their own youth engagement project over the course of the one-year fellowship duration. In addition to working with their team to bring their project into fruition, CYFI fellows have the opportunity to attend various networking events, roundtables and forums on relevant social issues, hosted by the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos. The year will conclude with an awards ceremony for fellows, where fellows will be inducted into the CYFI Alumni Program.

My Personal Experience:
As a CYFI Fellow 2012, we were the first set to be inducted and I must confess that being a part of the program remains till today as one of the best opportunities I have ever had to learn differently, network effectively and contribute wholeheartedly my quota to empowering unskilled young people with entrepreneurship skills and tools which as of now is helping them to become employers of labour. All the Fellows were fantastic and brilliant crop of young Nigerians who were so committed to making their country a better place. I might as well brag a little that my team was the best because our vocational training project in Ibadan, Youth Entrepreneurship and Creative Academy (YEC-Academy), later won the CYFI Award for Best Youth Engagement Project in 2012. :)

I, Ebenezer O. Akinrinade, is inviting you to be a part of history and make Nigeria proud! Being a CYFI Fellow might just be the perfect platform you need to step up into YALI just like Adepeju Salu (CYFI Alumni and President, YALI Alumni Nigeria).

Application Deadline:
January 11, 2016.

Eligibility:
Lagos and Port-Harcourt.

Official Website:
Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative

CYFI Application Page:
Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative 2016

** Remember to apply and share the opportunity within your professional network.
.

.

The jOhN Syndrome: A Lesson for Entrepreneurs

Cinematography is one of my end games & Photography is one of the roads that will lead me there. In lieu of that fact, I've made it a habit to visit the cinemas at least once a month. Its as if I get divine revelations whenever I visit to watch a movie. I even had to borrow money from a friend last week just to see one of those true life epics. I cried to tears by the time the movie was over. I can be emotional like that sometimes but that's beside my point.

One of those movies that almost always brings me to tears is the movie titled WHITE HOUSE DOWN. Honestly, I don't think any Nigerian alive has watched that movie as much as I have. I place it in my top 5 movies of all time (right beside Pursuit of Happyness & John Q). There are at least 100 lessons you can get from watching the film.

One of my favorite scenes is when the main actor, John, was being interviewed for a position as a secret service agent in the White House. According to all the credentials he had accumulated until that time, he was not qualified for the position. He had graduated University with average scores, been divorced, been dismissed from the army, engulfed in serious debt & never seemed to finish successfully anything he started. But somewhere within him he knew he was qualified for the position.

At the end of the interview, you could see the determination & desperation in his eyes when he concluded his plea to the interviewer (who coincidentally happened to be his ex-girlfriend while he was in George Washington University): JUST GIVE ME A CHANCE. His past qualifications & misachievements was what was visible in the eyes of the interviewer. His application was denied.

Fast forward to 2 hours later. He had surmounted many impossible challenges & situations and was the main reason the President of the United States was alive. He literally saved the President. The stone that the builders, architects & engineers rejected became the chief stone wherein the House would stand on. Despite his CV, he proved to himself &  the world that all he indeed needed was JUST A CHANCE.

He had what I call the jOhN syndrome: that diagnosis that has concluded that one isn't fit for a position or post because of one's past achievements or mistakes. But it is that very syndrome that seems to have driven many into achieving the monumental success that has been ascribed to their names till date. Moses was a stammerer, Saul was shy, David was an errand boy, Ruth was a widow, Solomon was a ************* (not too sure what you'll call someone with 1000 babes), Joseph was a prisoner (though not his fault) & Seun was a deported felon.

Yet that syndrome drove them unconsciously into being qualified to be "stones" that will be significant in the building of success & greatness. It is the reason I seem to gravitate towards the person whose past or present seems to be akin to the fall of Humpty Dumpty. For History has proven that it is mostly people with the jOhN syndrome that have made History.

My encouragement to all reading this who sense they have this type of syndrome is this: do not loose hope for one day, your achievements might save/strengthen a President or a generation. At the end of the film, even John's ex-wife was obviously proud of the achievement of his John. At the end, even your ex & enemies would brag to people about the fact that they once knew a guy like you with the jOhN syndrome.

Oh well, enough of my epistle. I can hear John calling me to go watch the film for the 73rd time this year.

Written by:
'Seun Akisanmi
[Photographer & Writer]

.

.

Aliko Dangote: Was He Really From Rag To Riches As Claimed?

Each time they say Dangote started with five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) I shake my head and tell myself if only they knew what that worth then.
So many religeous leaders and motivational speakers go about with all their unrealistic 'spirikoko' teachings. But at the point in time, I have decided to carefully enlighten you a bit.

When Dangote started with N500,000 at that time, the price of a standard and best Mercedes Benz was less than N5000, Dangote confirmed that himself. So he could have bought 100 cars to be an Auto Dealer, instead he settled for trucks.

Dangote as a firm was founded in 1981. In 1981, a Dollar equivalent to Naira was NGN0.61 (61kobo)
[REFERENCE: Wikipedia - Naira Historical Value]

Imagine what Dangote was worth if he got N500,000 to kick start his business at that period.

Today, a Dollar equivalent to Naira is set at NGN197 (197 Naira). If we multiply N500,000 by 197, we'll have N98,500,000 (98.5Million Naira)

Now you see why I shake my head and wonder why people keep preaching about Dangote been from Rags to Riches when he was actually born into a wealthy Muslim family in 1957.
[REFERENCE: Wikipedia - Aliko Dangote]

Who on earth will lend out 98.5million to today's young enterpreneur? So Teachers, Financial Coaches, Motivational Speakers and Religeous leaders should not try convince (confuse would even be more appropriate) us with what they don't understand. Make your findings and do your research carefully before you start misinforming your audience.

Thank you!

Written by:
Lasisi Olatunbosun

You Will Never See Me Fall - by Josie Macalino

You will never see me fall.
You may see me struggle
but you won't see me fall.
Regardless if I'm weak or not
I'm going to stand tall.
Everyone says life is easy
but truly living it is not.
Times get hard, people struggle
and constantly get put on the spot.
I'm going to wear the biggest smile
even though I want to cry.
I'm going to fight to live
even though I'm destined to die.
And even though it's hard
and I may struggle through it all.
You may see me struggle...
but you will NEVER see me fall.

Written by:
Josie Macalino

REGISTER: Nikon Nigeria Photo/Video Summit

This November, Nikon School Nigeria is giving opportunity professionals and amateurs alike to Interact, Learn & Explore Photography and Video production with Kamil Roxas, Bryan Foong, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Uche James-Iroha, Soji Ogunnaike and Sura Shote at the “Nikon Nigeria Photo/Video Summit” 

|Theme|
"I Am Making Moments"

|Registration Cost|
FREE (Registration is compulsory)

|Date|
Nov. 19th & 20th, 2015 (Thursday & Friday)

|Time|
10am to 5pm daily.

|Venue|
Sheba Centre, 20 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos. 

|Special Side Attractions|
The 1st 100people at the summit on the 19th and 20th respectively will participate in a raffle draw to win Nikon cameras and other accessories.

You can also win $2250 Nikon Voucher in the Nikon Photo-Walk Competition. All you have to do is participate in the PHOTOWALK taking place on the 15th of November to stand a chance.
See the facebook page Nikon Africa or follow @NikonSchoolNG on twitter.
Winners will be showcased and announced at the grand finale on the 20th November at Sheba Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

This event is totally free, but you must register to attend. You can register online via Nikon Nigeria Photo/Video Summit

Seats are limited, so ensure to register in time and bring a copy of your registration confirmation to the venue for admission.

APPLY: Code4Impact Program

As a means of empowering and encouraging the involvement of more female folks in the male dominated field of engineering profession, the HACEY initiative in partnership with Tech4Dev has opened application for CODE4IMPACT PROGRAM.

The application is opened to female students aged 18-24 in tertiary institutions (Lagos only). Code4Impact Program is an experiential learning program that builds digital literacy, especially coding and analytical skills in female students.

With funds provided by the US Mission in Nigeria, the HACEY Initiative is set to create community impact solutions around the new Global Goals.

Interested candidates can apply via Code4Impact Program

FROM PRISON TO PHOTOGRAPHY (Chapter 2)

Glancing through the paper in his hand, he proceeded to ask if I knew 6 other names. At this point, my heart had gotten to my mouth.

It wasn't that I had completely forgotten the names in question; the names were just no longer in my conscious memory.

The date was October 20, 2000. The auction listing I placed on eBay had come to an end. I listed for sale 12 PALM V handhelds at $250 apiece. The retails price for the gadget was $300 so potential buyers knew they were getting a great deal. PALM V was like the release of a new model of iPhone in those days and most gadget-crazed individuals were itching to get one in their hands.

My main reason for selling at a discounted rate was that I needed funds to pay for my school fees. I wanted to desperately relieve my dad of the fees he had paid for me for over 3 years. I would eventually sell the dozen gadgets within 2 days. Within moments, the buyers, including one Christopher Smith, transferred a total of almost $3000 to my Bank of Edwardsville account. I was happy. I was overjoyed.

The truth was that I did not have in my possession any PALM V gadget to mail to any of the 12 buyers. Still, I was confident they'll get the gadget they paid for.

A few days earlier (October 16, 2000), I had met one Michael Jackson on Yahoo Auctions. He claimed to be a distributor of the PALM V gadget, with warehouses in Japan and Canada. He was auctioning them for $150 apiece and I realized I could make some money buying from him at that price and selling to others at a higher price. I realized I could easily make $100 apiece on this breakthrough gadget.

Thinking of those transactions now I've become an ardent believer of that old saying: if it sounds too good to be true, it's probably too good to be true. I would later discover that I was dealing with someone whose name will forever be engraved in my membrane the same way MICHAEL JACKSON (the pop star) was a fan of millions. My life will not be the same.

I ordered a dozen of the gadgets from Michael Jackson and decided to auction them on another website that my company was listed on: eBay. I would later transfer electronically $1800 (from the $3000 I got from the eBay buyers) to my new distributor. I would forward him the addresses of the 12 buyers so he would be responsible for mailing out the gadgets to their respective owners.

I would never forget that moment I clicked the button on my mouse to finalize the transfer. He was happy, I was happy. And I was about to become seriously sad.

5 seconds after I transferred the funds to MICHAEL JACKSON, I got a mail from a Yahoo Auctions seller: "I noticed you were bidding for the PALM V being sold by user michaelj.....I hope you have not paid for them because the guy is a FRAUD."

If I had gotten the mail from that anonymous Samaritan 7 seconds earlier, there's a good chance that things wouldn't have turned out the way it is for me now. If I had gotten that mail earlier, I might not have turned out to be a PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER today.

To be continued ....
.
.
.
Written by:
Oluwaseun Akisanmi
Photographer |Writer |Poet |Host, NiPHEC

Facebook - Seun Akisami
Twitter - @seunakisanmi
WhatsApp - +2348120129149
Email - seunakisanmi@elophotos.com

NB: This is a non-fictional account of 'Seun Akisanmi's journey from PRISON to PHOTOGRAPHY.

Overcoming Challenges

You have to face it. Challenges are a part of life. The earlier one prepares for them, the better he or she becomes. They sometimes arise outside of your span of control. There are economic, cultural, communication, relationship and financial challenges. In dealing with them, you must be careful not to react but to strategically respond. That response first comes in the mind. Getting troubled by challenges is an additional challenge that brings more trouble.

When you face a challenge, you can ask "what is really the challenge here?"."Is it really a challenge and what kind of challenge is it?". Getting to the root cause is useful in getting an effective solution. Classifying challenges in areas of priority is also crucial to making effective decisions. When the major challenge is solved, a major trouble is averted. You can ask "what can I do to eliminate, reduce or avoid this challenge?". In some other cases, solving small challenges puts one in the frame to solve bigger challenges. Also, challenges have their peculiar nature. Some challenges cannot be eliminated, they can only be reduced. However, appropriate planning and proactive action can help prevent challenges. Sometimes, when some challenges spring up, the best response is to ignore them as addressing them can frustrate the most important tasks that you have outlined.

A master of ceremony scheduled for a wedding reception received a phone call that one of his business equipment had just been stolen. Focusing on the challenge would impair his stage performance and he just prayed to his Creator and went ahead to the event as if nothing had happened. Miraculously, the machine was found far away a day later! Sometimes challenges are present distractions that can impair future outcomes. There is no need making permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances. When challenges get to you, you don't get through where you are meant to go to. Also, it is not all challenges that you must address yourself. You can delegate or hire someone to deal with them and focus on what is most important to you. In some cases, challenges are opportunities; opportunities for growth and creative thinking.

Some people thrive on challenges. Eagles fly on stormy wind. The cheetah's speed is seen in the forest of fast antelopes. Solving challenges is an opportunity for elevation. It is a criteria for recruitment. Fashola is known for turning the challenge of rowdy Lagos to a state with mega city status. Messi's dribbling skills can be shown when defenders are making things difficult. Dangote great by solving Nigeria's dependence on imports. What challenge have you identified? What challenges have you solved? What challenges have you managed to become a better you? You may have just crossed the path of something concrete that can take you somewhere. Your current challenge can well be someone's opportunity. Rather than complaining, get it fixed, controlled or managed. When a challenges begins to weigh you down, you have just discovered a new challenge, you keep moving on and up.

The future is not too far away from those who see themselves there. For those who truly see and desire it, nothing can come between them. See you there!

Written by:
Akintobi Kehinde

Overcoming Challenges

You have to face it. Challenges are a part of life. The earlier one prepares for them, the better he or she becomes. They sometimes arise outside of your span of control. There are economic, cultural, communication, relationship and financial challenges. In dealing with them, you must be careful not to react but to strategically respond. That response first comes in the mind. Getting troubled by challenges is an additional challenge that brings more trouble.

When you face a challenge, you can ask "what is really the challenge here?"."Is it really a challenge and what kind of challenge is it?". Getting to the root cause is useful in getting an effective solution. Classifying challenges in areas of priority is also crucial to making effective decisions. When the major challenge is solved, a major trouble is averted. You can ask "what can I do to eliminate, reduce or avoid this challenge?". In some other cases, solving small challenges puts one in the frame to solve bigger challenges. Also, challenges have their peculiar nature. Some challenges cannot be eliminated, they can only be reduced. However, appropriate planning and proactive action can help prevent challenges. Sometimes, when some challenges spring up, the best response is to ignore them as addressing them can frustrate the most important tasks that you have outlined.

A master of ceremony scheduled for a wedding reception received a phone call that one of his business equipment had just been stolen. Focusing on the challenge would impair his stage performance and he just prayed to his Creator and went ahead to the event as if nothing had happened. Miraculously, the machine was found far away a day later! Sometimes challenges are present distractions that can impair future outcomes. There is no need making permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances. When challenges get to you, you don't get through where you are meant to go to. Also, it is not all challenges that you must address yourself. You can delegate or hire someone to deal with them and focus on what is most important to you. In some cases, challenges are opportunities; opportunities for growth and creative thinking.

Some people thrive on challenges. Eagles fly on stormy wind. The cheetah's speed is seen in the forest of fast antelopes. Solving challenges is an opportunity for elevation. It is a criteria for recruitment. Fashola is known for turning the challenge of rowdy Lagos to a state with mega city status. Messi's dribbling skills can be shown when defenders are making things difficult. Dangote great by solving Nigeria's dependence on imports. What challenge have you identified? What challenges have you solved? What challenges have you managed to become a better you? You may have just crossed the path of something concrete that can take you somewhere. Your current challenge can well be someone's opportunity. Rather than complaining, get it fixed, controlled or managed. When a challenges begins to weigh you down, you have just discovered a new challenge, you keep moving on and up.

The future is not too far away from those who see themselves there. For those who truly see and desire it, nothing can come between them. See you there!

Written by:
Akintobi Kehinde

FROM PRISON TO PHOTOGRAPHY (Non-fiction)

"Can you please follow us to the station to answer a few questions?" The Caucasian campus policeman asked me. A rhetoric question, he wasn't expecting me to refuse his request. Besides, nothing is wrong in answering a few questions at the station especially if you're sure you've not committed any crime.

It was a sunny Tuesday afternoon on June 12, 2001 and I wasn't about to remember it for the special holiday it was known for in Nigeria. I was busy with my daily work routine at my office at 50 Devon Court, Edwardsville Illinois, USA. My internet company, textbooks4less.com was just 9 months old when I heard the sound of the office bell. The policeman coincidentally happened to be one of my friends on campus.

Somewhere in my heart, I sensed this day would come; I just didn't know it was going to be that soon. Without being given an opportunity to shut down my Dell desktop and finish my work in the office, I escorted the courteous policemen to their station downtown Edwardsville.

Sitting nervously in the station, different scenes in "LAW & ORDER" played in my head. It was as if I was about to act out different scripts I had watched in different episodes on tv. I was nervous. I was scared. And little did I know that I was about to end my legal residency in the United States of America.

Within hours I would discover that June 12 wasn't just the birthday of a special lady called LB..... It wasn't just a day to be associated with MKO Abiola..... It was about to go down as the day I would begin my 164 days in 4 prisons in the United States of America. It would go down as a Tuesday afternoon I would never forget for the rest of my life.

I nervously eavesdropped as the 2 policemen that brought me in glanced through a couple of papers while simultaneously whispering to one another before approaching my table. I was nervous. I was scared. No one on earth knew at that moment that I was about to be placed in the custody of the United States government.

"Do you know anyone by the name Christopher Smith?" The courteous policeman asked me. With a heavy heart, I muttered that the name didn't ring a bell.

Glancing through the paper in his hand, he proceeded to ask if I knew 6 other names. At this point, my heart had gotten to my mouth......
.
.to be continued
.
.
.
.

Written by:
Seun Akisanmi
(Photographer | Writer | Host, NIPHEC)
.
NB: This is Oluwaseun Akisanmi's non-fictional account of a journey from PRISON to PHOTOGRAPHY. It promises to enlighten you and challenge you to live a life of purpose, integrity and vision.

Feel free to rebroadcast!

YOUTH: A Message To The Hustlers - by EldaDavid Samuel

In the spirit of keeping it REAL! I have a message for the HUSTLERS!

In the history of MANKIND, Hustlers never really make a significant impact in their Generation. Hustlers are not motivated to live for people, hustlers are only concerned about short-term pecuniary gains. Hustlers don’t think of the future. They want immediate gratification. An Hustler is not vision oriented. They are not driven by a purpose.

An Hustler will never really reach the peak of anything or be known for anything in particular because their attention span, focus and commitment to a cause is short-lived. Hustlers are not guided by VALUES, PRINCIPLES OR ETHICS in the conduct of their actions or attitudes, so long at they get that immediate benefit. Hustlers are mostly lone rangers, they don’t have the ability to develop relationships that can be leveraged upon in future. They are mostly predators. I can give you the endless qualities of an HUSTLER!

The word ‘I AM HUSTLING’ is self-derogatory. We don’t hustle, we work HARD and SMART. In working hard and smart, we clearly know what we want, our goals both short and long term are clearly defined and we are able to articulate same to people around us. As an hard and smart worker, you channel all your energies and passion into a particular cause, you are majorly concerned about making a significant impact and building a LEGACY that can and will outlive you. You are people and service conscious and will do all in your best to help others GROW.

In the game of LIFE, Never HUSTLE and NEVER even use the word to describe what you are currently engaged in. You can’t go to a place where you hope to get a million Naira contract and tell them you hustled to get here rather you use LOFTY words like I WAS DETERMINED, I WORKED HARD, I WAS SMART, I KNEW WHAT I WANTED etc...

Once your goals are clearly spelt out and you put in all your energies and resources into achieving them – Then you are not HUSTLING but working hard and smart.

One Love to all Former Hustlers who are now MAKING AN IMPACT WORKING HARD AND SMART.

Written by:
EldaDavid Samuel

NIGERIAN YOUTH, WHY? - Prof. Wole Soyinka

Where did we go wrong? WAKE UP Nigerian youth!

Awolowo was 37 years, Akintola 36, Ahmadu Bello 36, Balewa 34, Okotie-Eboh 27, and Enahoro 27 and they led the struggle for Nigeria Independence after the death of Macaulay. Only Zik was 42 at the time.

In 1966, the first coup was led by: K. Nzeogwu who was 29 years and countered by M. Mohammed 28, T. Danjuma 28, Babangida 25, Garba 23, Sani Abacha 23, and Yaradua 23, and brought into power Gowon 32, Ojukwu 33, Obasanjo 29, and Buhari 24. Most of the military governors who governed the states under the successive military regimes were under 30 years. The brief democratic.dispensation which interjected the military interregnums also saw some Senators, and the House of Representatives, in particular, populated by members under 30. Under 30's were also not in short supply with.appointments - we have examples of M.T. Mbu who became foreign affairs minister at 23 and Pat Utomi who became a federal adviser at 27 and so on and so forth.

NOW: Why is it that this age bracket is today still sleeping in 3 seater chairs in their parents’ homes? Why is it that this age bracket is today still collecting pocket money from their parents? Why is it that this age bracket is today still writing JAMB? Why is it that this age bracket today still sagg their trousers? Why is it that this age bracket is today still searching for jobs, and not yet married? Why is it that this age bracket is today no longer qualified to even be leaders of youth wings of political parties?

Why is it that this age bracket is today so docile? Why is this age bracket today incapable of feeding itself? Why is it that this age bracket is today barred from even aspiring to certain political offices? Why is it that this age bracket is today incapacitated, unwilling, unable and incapable of asking questions? Why is it that this age bracket is not even conscious of their predicament?

GOD BLESS NIGERIA!

Article source attributed to:
Prof. Wole Soyinka (Nobel Laureate)

Security: Uniformed Men Takes Over Ikorodu

Lagos State Government on Saturday explained the heavy presence of security operatives in Ikorodu and its environs, saying the onslaught is part of efforts to liberate residents from hoodlums, pipeline vandals and other undesirable elements that have continued to make the ancient town the base of their nefarious activities.

Briefing journalists after an emergency Security Council meeting, State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said government is committed to ensure that the hoodlums terrorising Ikorodu, disturbing the peace in the town and making life unbearable for residents, do not have a field day any longer.

He said that security surveillance will be carried out 24 hours throughout the week, adding that the activities of the hoodlums and the criminal elements in the area had become unacceptable and uncontrollable, hence government cannot fold its arms, but take necessary actions by deploying security operatives to the area.

“Government will not allow criminal elements in the state and we want to say that the immunity for the vandals is over, the arbitrarily and uncontrollable rape, vandalism and harassment is over”, he said.

Owoseni appealed to residents not to panic as they may witness or hear sporadic gun shots, urging them to go on with their normal activities.
He however cautioned them to restrict their movements to areas where the operations are not intensive.

Assuring residents that innocent citizens will not be harassed or molested during the operations, the Police boss said it has become necessary to restrict the operations of tricycles and motorcycles throughout the period of the onslaught so as to prevent the fleeing hoodlums from using them as get-away transport.

He said the restrictions on both okada and tricycle operations in the area will be total, thereby urging residents to consider the inconveniences witnessed as a result of the restrictions as a necessary sacrifice.

“Residents are advised to restrict their movement and be informed also that we are going to restrict the use of both motorcycle (okada) and tricycles (Keke Marwa) in the area to ensure optimal and maximum performance for the operation”.

“As government, we are concerned about the security situation in the state especially the activities of hoodlums and vandals in the area. We are assuring residents that the end of such activities is near and it won’t be business as usual in the area, they should not panic as we have directed security operatives in the area not to harm innocent civilians but make security of lives of the people their utmost concern” he said.
Among those present at the briefing include the Director, State Security Service, Mr. Kunle Ajanaku, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, the Chief of Staff, Mr Samuel Olukunle Ojo, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, among others.

10 Most Essential Twitter Etiquette You Must Know

Good manners will take you a long way, especially on the Twitterverse. And as a community, Twitter has many unwritten laws when it comes to good etiquette. Here are the most important ones, in 140 characters or less.

=> Don’t overuse Twitter hashtags. Instead, optimize for engagement with up to 2 hashtags per tweet.

=> Give people credit when sharing their content on Twitter, with a mention.

=> Tweet often but do not spam. Instead, spread your tweets evenly throughout the day.

=> Tweet by the 80/20 rule and spend more time talking about others than yourself.

=> Always reply to people who reach out to you on Twitter, unless they are trolls.

=> Avoid sending automatic DMs to new followers, as it can be a major turn off.

=> Tweet in a human, personal tone, but keep it civil.

=> Keep it positive and avoid negative comments that stir controversy.

=> Return the favor and interact with the people that engage with you the most.

=> Choose to tweet content that is relevant and adds value to your audience.

Written by:
Katerina Petropoulou
Follow & Tweet @kat_petropoulou

Source:
Tweetable Twitter Tips

Psychologist: Giving Your Kids iPad is a Child Abuse

Steve Jobs didn’t let his kids use an iPad at home for fear that they would become technology addicts.

According to a leading child psychologist it’s a whole lot more serious than that, however— giving very young children an iPad to play with may be “tantamount to child abuse.”

Describing it as “playing Russian roulette with their development,” Dr. Richard House (sadly not played by Hugh Laurie) argues that that the electronic images seen on an iPad screen can result in children having “an indirect and distorted experience of the world.”

“To confuse children when they have hardly begun to get a handle on this world, by introducing them to virtual, techno-magical worlds, is surely an absurd reversal of the natural order of things,” he continued.

“If this is the case with adults, how much more is it relevant to young children whose brains are still at very early stages of development. It seems that the arrogance of modern technology (together with ruthless commercialism) knows no bounds. On the basis of what I’ve argued here, giving iPads to babies is tantamount to child abuse.”

Personally speaking, it’s a fascinating debate— but one I’d like to see some more empirical research for. It’s also more than a bit annoying to see iPads singled-out as if they were the only tablets on the market, even if this does demonstrate how ubiquitous Apple’s device has become.
Dr. House is far from the only person to talk about the effect of tablets on children, or to single out Apple products. Members of the UK’s Association of Teachers and Lecturers have previously claimed that addiction to iPad and iPhones mean that kids aged between 3 and 4 have no problem swiping a screen, but have trouble understanding real space, and possess “little or no” dexterity in their fingers.

In late 2013, the toy manufacturer Fisher-Price came under fire for selling a newborn-to-toddler “apptivity” baby seat , which came with an in-built iPad holder.

Among older children, overexposure to these kinds of technologies have supposedly “eroded” children’s memories to the point that they are unable to complete traditional pen and paper exams.

I have no doubt whatsoever that parents should rely on more than just iPads to entertain their children (see: human contact), but blaming “techno-magical worlds” for reversing “the natural order of things” sounds a bit too much like blaming real-world violence on video games or comic books for my money.

Do you allow your kids use tablets, smartphones and the like? Share your opinion in the comments box below.

Sources:
* TheSun

* Cult of MAC

AN OPEN LETTER TO PARENTS OF CHILDREN AGED 7 - 17YRS

Dear Parents,

We hope you will enjoy this piece and see some reasons not to allow your children miss this year’s Summer Camp Nigeria.

Summer Camp Nigeria is a unique 2-weeks adventure offering both day and boarding options for young children to connect with one another. It is a camp that seeks to develop understanding and appreciation of different cultures and help strengthen young individual’s moral character. We hope to achieve this through activities covering:

(A) Self Development Classes:
* Self Discovery
* Goal Setting
* Emotional Intelligence
* Core value…etc

(B) Skill Acquisition Sessions:
* Photography & Video Recordings
* Graphic Designs
* Arts & Craft
* Leather Works…etc

(C) Sports and Games:
* Basket ball
* Football
* Table tennis
* Athletics & Indoor Games

(D) Others activities include:
* World & African Heritage Activities
* Language Class
* Summer Camp Olympics Tournament
* Field Trip (Excursion)
* Scavenger Day
* Brain Fitness Activities
* Group Research & Presentation
* Cooking Class
* Career Talk Day
* Movies…etc

We are confident that by the end of the two weeks, participants would have had so much to learn about in a fun environment and be refreshingly ready for the new term.

Date:
2nd - 16th August, 2015

Eligible age:
7 - 17 years

Venue:
Grange School, 6 Harold Shodipo Crecscent, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Registration Options
* Boarders: N99,500
* Day Campers: N55,000

Payment Method
Account Name: Brainy Educare Services
Account Number: 0014562007
Bank: Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank)

Hurry!, register your child(ren) and enjoy our mouth watering discount of N9,950 off on payments made from now till 30th June,2015...not forgetting also our "MSCA" package as well.
Further discount also available for three or more siblings.

For enquiries, call:
08036966461, 07089793568, 08031990929

Visit our website:
www.SummerCampNigeria.com

THE DAY I SHOT JESUS by Seun Akisanmi

"10 MINUTES TO OUR FINAL DESTINATION." The Captain's voice made me a little  nervous. I had boarded the underground oceanic train that ran across the New Atlantic Ocean. The sight was unbelievable. Who would have thought that an underground train from New York to Israel via the ocean will be feasible. The year was 2137 and I had been commissioned to provide portraits of His Royal Majesty, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ.

He had seen a portrait I did for prophet Jeremiah & Adam in the year 2136 and had been intrigued. He decided he was due for another session. The last time He had a photo shoot was in 2092 in Israel. I would be the 3rd human being (1st African) to give His Royal Majesty a session. How would I go about it. I wondered what specifically intrigued him about Jeremiah and Adam's pictures. What a honour indeed it would be to carve a portrait for the one that created my being. Almost as if he could hear my thoughts, he interrupted: PEACE. Suddenly I  had this overwhelming peace and confidence that this was indeed one of the reasons he had created me.....for such a session. It would be a session after which the world would see another side of Jesus that they had not seen. More importantly, this would be the first portrait that would be taken by a man and exhibited in the Lord's Temple in Heaven. What a privilege.

We passed Jerusalem Institute of Technology and I realized I had just 2 more minutes to the underground train's final destination. I took a last glance at the last portrait that Jesus took. Though blind & crippled in his pre-rapture life, Sou was able to get a portrait of Jesus laughing his heart out. You could see from the picture that the photographer had really said or done something that made the King of Earth burst out in laughter while simultaneously using his hands to cover his eyes. I looked at the scar on His hand. He didn't have to go to the Cross but I'm glad he did. The picture had gone viral and was still considered the most downloaded "real" picture of Jesus in Human history. Who would have thought Jesus could laugh like that.

I turned to my assistant, Folu, and asked if all was good to go. He replied in the affirmative. He confirmed that the makeup artist had arrived at the New Gate Hotel in Jerusalem. Considered the headquarters of the world, Jerusalem had blossomed (in all spheres) in the last few decades as a result of the physical presence of Jesus.

I took another glimpse of my camera before getting off the train. I had just purchased the new SILT K5 which came with a whopping 2.16 zettapixels image sensor. A picture taken with this baby will result in over 2 billion trillion pixels if I take time to count. That should be enough to document the session. I felt fulfilled knowing that the camera's first assignment would be to snap the creator of the universe. I smiled.

"Phone call for you sir," Folu interrupted. It was the makeup artist. She was wondering why we are yet to get to the hotel. "Don't worry Ofure, we'll be there in 6 minutes." I dropped the call and hurriedly boarded the.....

To be continued....

Authored by:
Seun Akisanmi
Poet | Photographer
Tweet @SeunAkisanmi

LIES WE'VE BELIEVED - by Adeolu Nathan

Lie 1: Goals Motivate People.

Goals give direction to actions, they let us know which way to move, but on their own they do not motivate.

In fact if goals are not correctly set, they can create fear, negativity and procrastination. For people to take effective action, they must understand, ‘why’ the goal is important to them.

Only when people truly feel the importance of the goal are they likely to commit to take the actions required.

“Emotion is required for motivation”

Lie 2: Motivation Has Substance.

Motivation is not a thing, it has no substance; you cannot directly measure it. Motivation is a process that is linked to behaviours.

If a person says that they are motivated to get fit, but take no action, you would seriously doubt their motivation.

VISION and MOTIVATION are not enough, they must be combined with VENTURE. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs.

“There is no motivation without movement!”

Written by:
Nathan Adeolu
Tweet @idealnathan
BB pin - 334015E5
Hashtag: #dailydose

Becoming A Generational Icon

Preschool > Nursery > Primary > Secondary > University > Job Hunting > Employment > Retirement Plan > Retirement > Death....

I have found out that most generational icons; at one point in time had to breakout of these circles of pre-conceived phases existence...
To mention a few,

Bill Gate - Dropped out of Harvard.

Richard Branson - Dropped out of High school.

Pastor Adeboye - Resigned from his lecturing job.

Dangote - Started from Childhood.

Folorunsho Alakija - Resigned from FCMB.

David Oyedepo - Resigned from Federal Ministry of Housing.

Fela Durotoye - Resigned from Phillips Consulting.

Omotola Ekeinde - Commenced after University.

Mark Zuckerberg - Dropped out from University.

Mary Kay Ash - Resigned from work.

True success starts when you detach yourself from these man made "supposed" success pattern imprinted in our subconscious...

Written by:
Daniel-Adeniyi Obafemi

LIFE: Living Through The Ironies

The fact that you are slim doesnt mean you are healthy.

The fact that you are quiet doesnt mean you are humble.

The fact that you are loud doesnt mean you are wise.

The fact that you act nice doesnt mean you are righteous.

The fact that you are rich doesnt mean you are successful.

The fact that you are respected doesnt mean you are loved.

The fact that you are married doesnt mean you are contented.

The fact that you are employed doesnt mean you are not insecure.

The fact that you are beautiful doesnt mean you are adorable.

The fact that are you in love doesnt mean happy forever.

Life is a bittersweet paradox of
uncomplimentary ironies. But love it we must, and live it we shall.

Written by:
George H. Ashiru

APPLY: Technology & Entrepreneurship Program For Women

The US Consulate in partnership with the Women Technology Empowerment Centre (W-TEC), Lagos started a workshop tagged: Technology & Entrepreneurship Program For Women (A One day Learning Program that teaches practical and useful knowledge on Technology and Entrepreneurship in advancing your Career & Business).

In furtherance of this vision, W.TEC is having another phase of the project in partnership with The Young African Leaders Initiative - A Young Professional Platform for raising Future African Leaders in Entrepreneurship, Civic Engagement and Public Management kick started in the year 2014 by Barack Obama. The YALI Network is spread across Africa and Carries intervention programs to empower its members.

Program Details:
Strictly for the Ladies.

Date:
May 16, 2015

Time:
9am prompt

Venue:
Idea Hub, Sabo, Yaba

Training Cost:
Free of charge
(you are only required to bring along a laptop and smart device like phone or ipad - both or   just your laptop)

Note:
Interested Ladies should also provide their full names, email and phone number and also nominate friends to attend the program.

Limited slots are available.

Certificates will be issued at end of the program by INTEL - The Program partners.

You can chat, call or email:
EldaDavid- 08086034420
Email- elda@w-teconline.org
BB Pin- 565C9F34.

It's first come, first serve basis. You can nominate as many people as possible.

Ibadan City ENTRELeadership Summit

The ENTRELeadership Summit is a gathering for the next generation of youth in Ibadan who are tired of living in the shadows of the past and are set to venture the path creativity to "CREATE" a desired future.

You are invited to be a part of this historic event.

Theme:
"Making Creative Youth Out of a Digital World"

Date:
12-14 March, 2015

Time:
4pm and 9am respectively

Venue:
Lead City University Computer Workstation, Block C, Toll-Gate, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Training focus:
LEADERSHIP Development, CREATIVITY Workshop, ICT and Vocational Skill Session.

Convener:
Rotimi Odejayi