Dear WOMAN: An Ode to Womanhood (by Ebenezer Akinrinade)

Dear Woman,

Your beauty, your radiance,

Your strength, your sweetness,

The totality of your being,

All that is embodied in your feminity

Speaks of GOD's infinite creativity.

You are more than you know.

You are perfect, you are whole.

Dear Woman,

You are the builder, the nurturer,

Daughter, sister, wife and mother.

Without you, there is no completeness.

You are a lover, carer, shaper and moulder.

Every fibre with which you are wired

Is a miracle — you are a wonder!

You carry yourself with grace,

Unshamed by failures and pains.

You trump mountains on your way

Wearing your scars like medals.

You are unbothered by naysayers

Their words makes you stronger.

Dear Woman,

There is healing in your touch

There is power in your words.

You are water.

You are fire.

Authored by: 

Ebenezer O. AKINRINADE

ebenezer.akinrinade@gmail.com

© March 8th, 2023

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Written in commemoration of International Women's Day (IWD) which is annually celebrated on March 8th.

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POST-COVID: OLD NORMAL vs NEW NORMAL

It should interest you to know that while there's a crop of people who have taken smart decisions to learn a skill, start a new venture or dedicated time to repositioning their businesses for the post-covid era, you will also find another group of people who seem to have done nothing tangible with their time during this months of total lockdown. 

Perhaps all they ever did was surf the internet for movies, engage in meaningless banter, share gossip blog posts, follow celebrity gists, and entangle themselves with social media chitchat.

There's no investment whatsoever in their self development. In fact, they tend to consider these stay-at-home period as some form of holiday which will soon be over, so they can later return back to their normal life. They are unaware that there's already a shift from the old normal to the new normal. They sit by doing nothing.

On which side of the divide are you? What new book have you read so far? What new skills have you learnt? What new business are you venturing into? How are you rethinking and repositioning your business?

Are you actually growing and evolving to fit into the new normal or you are waiting and wasting away in expectation for the old normal to return?

It is not too late to task yourself with the duty of upgrading your mind. Start today. Start now. Step out of your comfort zone and learn something new!

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Written by:

— Ebenezer O. Akinrinade

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Press Release: Nigeria's First WhatsApp School Launched as COVID-19 Forces Schools to Shutdown

In the wake of Nigeria's government shutdown of all schools and social distancing as a safety measure to curb the spread of the COVID'19 pandemic which continues to have ravaging effect on the global economy and daily livelihood of billions of people, the Successor Generation Community (SGC), a budding community of young Smart people in Nigeria, an initiative of The Achievers Consortium International recently launched Nigeria's First WhatsApp School Initiative for senior secondary school students with an innovative approach to teaching and learning.

The Initiative known as SGC WhatsApp School is set to run for a 30-Days period with expert tutors to facilitate critical subjects in the Arts, Commercial and Science Department respectively.

Few hours after the registration link was announced and published online, the massive enrollment and feedback from parents have been mind-blowing especially because the enrollment is 100% FREE of cost. Students only need to have data on their mobile devices to access the classes on Edmodo and Google classrooms. 

According to the founder, Johnson Abbaly  the key subjects has been designed in such a way to also adopt the use of Edmodo and Google Classroom platforms as well as resources to enhance the engagement and students learning experience. Tests and assignments will be conducted. Learning will be super fun from the comfort of their homes.

  

SGC has been involved in several community impact initiatives including independence clean up of Ikorodu metropolis, Smart Ex Student summit and recently the 100Days Ghost protocol that saw over 500 youths learn new skills for jobs.

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Published by:

Ebenezer O. Akinrinade

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

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IWD2020: I DONT BELIEVE IN GENDER EQUALITY

For as long as I can remember there has always been an advocation by women for gender equality and in recent times that voice has become louder and bolder. Why is this so crucial I inquired and understanding came to me.

THIS IS MY CONCLUSION on the matter of Gender Equality..

I honestly don't think there is a need for a battle for equality because men and women are created for different and specific fulfilments in this life. Now, unique and perfect in their creation I stand that asking for such equality is denying the very perfection in their differences. A man is built for his specific functions and so is a woman. Asking for equality is asking to ignore the uniqueness of both. I don't believe in gender equality. I believe in equal opportunities for male and female. Its not about gender.

Its about ability and capacity. A man can not be a woman and a woman can not be a man but both can coexist to make the world and humanity a better better place. Opportunity however should not be gender sensitive. If a woman has what it takes to be President, it is criminal to hold her back because of gender.

I love being a man, but this world is nothing without the strength, wisdom, gentleness, firmness, management, beauty and tenderness of a woman...

To celebrate this years International Women's Days themed Generation Equality... My theme and I decided to create something unique. Lets see if u can notice it...

IN THE FACE OF OPPORTUNITY AND DUTY EXECUTION THERE MUST BE NO GENDER. NO MALE, NO FEMALE, JUST HUMANS.

— Written by: Kyng David

[Source: Originally posted on Facebook]

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CALL FOR APPLICATION: Smart20Under20 Summit

This is a clarion call to the Smartest, Brightest and the Best under the age of 20years.

We would like to bring to the notice of teenagers, parents, youth leaders the call for application for the 1st Smart20Under20 Summit scheduled to take place across four regions in Lagos this June 2018.

 

The Lagos Smart20Under20 Summit is designed to identify, aggregate and mainstream smart teenagers and induct them into the #RitesOfPassage TrackTheGenius programme.

The Final 80 young people will be guests at high profile engagements with corporate leaders, diplomatic corps and policy makers in July and August. They will exchange ideas, network and forge new partnerships towards achieving Agenda2040

 

The Smart20under20  Summit is Co-hosted by Lightfield House International and the Agenda2040 Movement.

We are excited to invite you or young people you know between ages 15 and 20 who fit the profile of smart, innovative, creative, aggressive learners and critical thinkers.

 

The high level of interest for the 2018 summit suggests that the limited slots will be filled out quickly. We are able to only admit 80 young persons across four regions. we therefore encourage all applicants  to register as early as possible. 

Registration deadline is Thursday 14th June 2018.

 

If you are interested in partnership or sponsorship, please email us: ritesofpassagenigeria@gmail.com or call 07065155580.

 

Should you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact us at 07065155580. Thank you for sharing widely.

To Apply, click below:

Smart20Under20 Summit Application

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Teenager's Dilemma: The Pressure Of Adulthood

On my way out for an official engagement last-week, I got a chat message from one of my very young friend who happens to be a teenager, that his 18th birthday is just around and there's a mixed feelings of excitement as well as anxiety about "what happens next?"

Photo Credit: EAphotoMedia

The following conversation later ensued while I was on the BRT bus enroute from Ikorodu to Ojota.

HIS QUESTION:

Please, I have a question to ask you, "how do I start my adulthood life now that am about clocking 18yrs?"

MY RESPONSE:

There's no one perfect answer to this question, however there are certain advice and guidelines I can suggest.

Consider a few of this things as part of your priority and long term commitment if truly you desire to grow into a positive adult:

1.) Put your relationship with GOD above everything else. Learn to enjoy and engage yourself in prayer, daily devotion and spiritual activities.

2.) Learn to build positive interaction with your parents and siblings. Don't take your family for granted for any reason. Love and value them.

3.) Cultivate the culture of conscious learning. Be deliberate about what you read, what you watch and who or what you listen to. Focus on only those things that will make you smart and intellectually equipped at every point in time.

QUESTION:

Thank you. But is it okay for me to have a girlfriend now?

MY RESPONSE:

Talking about relationship, the answer can be a little tricky. Age is actually one of the least criteria for determining who or when it's right to go into a relationship. There are several other critical questions you need to ask yourself. I mean questions like:

* Why do I need a girlfriend?

* What do I want in/from her?

* Will our relationship be a secret or open affair?

* What are the possible dangers of relationships?

* Am I emotional strong enough to withstand sexual pressure?

* Will my parent give their consent to our relationship?

* What impact would the relationship have on my academics, spirituality and emotion? Good or Bad?

HIS FEEDBACK:

Oh really! These questions will be very useful. Thank you and God bless.

IN CONCLUSION

Thinking back to this conversation reminded me of the several questions that bothered my mind growing as a teenager without any advantage of having someone to talk to about it. My peers in school were of no good and as far as I was concerned, we are confronted by the same dilemma, so what's the point asking a lost traveler to show you the right way. 😏

Perhaps, as an adult, I think I owe the next generation a duty of guiding and leading them aright with timely advice and mentoring such that they don't get to repeat my mistakes or suffer the emotional traumas I went through trying to navigate my way from 'teenhood' to adulthood.

It is not enough to condemn and criticize this generation of young people as being lazy, perverts and misguided, while we sit back and do nothing. All you need is to mentor one person, and if each one of us mentors one, we can in no distant time turn things around and create a better future for the youths.

Let's take a cue from people like Teajay Chunu (StepUp Africa), Johnson Abbaly (Rites of Passage Nigeria), Tosin Taiwo (Street to School Initiative), Raquel Jacobs (Beyond The Classroom Project), Ezekiel Akinrinade (Author, Success Equation), Mutiat Olagoke (Kiddies Digest Magazine), Jamiu Akangbe (African Resourcesful Leaders Foundation), Isaac Success (Slum to School Initiative), Praise Fowowe, and countless number of others who are daily giving their all to ensure the next generation does not fall into error.

Aside from working with a handful of organizations, both local and international, as a volunteer, I have for over eight years being serving as the Director of Projects & Publicity for African ResourcefuI Leaders Foundation (ARLFoundation) with verifiable record of directly impact reaching thousands of young people, especially teenagers in the secondary school students often with the support of the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

You may not be able to start off a large scale mentoring program on your own, but you can start by leveraging on existing organizations simply by volunteering your time, knowledge and resources to support what they do.

Take for instance, almost every weekend I mentor a small group of teenagers and children having signed up as a volunteer programs manager with LORD's Heritage Foundation (a faith based community NGO) in Asolo-Isawo community of Ikorodu, Lagos.

Go ahead and start something similar in your community or team up as a partner with LORD's Heritage Foundation to supporting the community children in one way or another. Call me and let's talk via +2348027701092 (available on WhatsApp) or +2347035051509.

Written by:

Ebenezer O. Akinrinade

[Carrington Fellow * Social Worker * Writer * Photographer]

Tw: @gent2smile // @EbenAkinrinade

Ins: @ebenezerakinrinade

Fb: @ebenezer.akinrinade

Profile: about.me/ebenezerakinrinade

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TIME OF AWAKENING

Above this tent of green

A blue sky lay overhead

With trees hanging all around

Dancing from side to side

The kisses by the wind

Made every tree to sing

Oh, what a melody!

Sweet sounding symphony

A taste of grandeur

From tree rustling

Sea rumbling

Birds chirping

Wolves howling

And wind hovering

Oh, what a melody!

A melody like no other

Just like heaven's ochestras

Playing with harps and cymbals

Trumpets and drums of thunder

Such a rare symphony

Oh, such a melody!

The sound of awakening

The rise of earth angel

The time of gathering

And homecoming.

Written by:

Ebenezer O. Akinrinade

(Writer & Poet)

[Image by: *Tanium Images* (Canada based partner of EAphotoMedia)]

Meet William, Winner of The Ugliest Man Contest

In an era where the competition for the most beautiful this and that is causing the not-so-beautiful people to fall into depression and forcing a lot more persons to indulge in the use of all kinds of skin treatments and plastic surgery, the story of this award-winning ugliest man —William Masvinu, will definitely serve as a moral booster for those who considers themselves very unfortunate for being so ugly.

Here's a snippet from the official report as published by Punch:

For the fifth time, Zimbabwean man, William Masvinu, has won the title of Mr. Ugly.

He had lost last year to Maison Sere in controversial circumstances. However, he won  this year’s edition of the competition held over the weekend in Ruwa area of Zimbabwe.

The “Ugliest Man in the Land” walked away with $500, and a cow.

Read full story here...

Man Wins Most Ugly Title for Fifth Time

World's First Driverless Flying Car Launches in Dubai

The world’s first self-flying taxi was launched at the Jumeirah Beach Park in Dubai, United Arab Emirates today. The Autonomous Air Taxi (AAT) of Dubai was the brainchild of Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA).

According to Dubai Media Office, the two-seater AAT, capable of transporting people without human intervention or a pilot, has been supplied by Volocopter, a Germany-based specialist manufacturer of automated air vehicles.

The AAT, expected to be put into use in the fourth quarter, is powered by electricity and is highly safe. Its design comprises 18 rotors to ensure secure cruising and landing in case of any rotor failure, said RTA.

“It is environment-friendly as it is powered by clean electricity, and it has very little noise. It has a maximum flight time of approximately 30 minutes at a speed of 50 km per hour, and a maximum air speed of 100 km per hour,” according to RTA.

“After the remarkable success of the first driverless metro in the region, we are glad to witness today the test flight of the Autonomous Air Taxi,” said Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.

“This is another proof of our commitment to positive change. We are constantly exploring opportunities to serve the community and advance the prosperity and happiness of society,” he added.

Source:

Naija Loaded

NEVER STRONG ENOUGH by Ebenezer Akinrinade

This truth I know...

That I am whole

That I am complete

That all I need is in me.

I also know...

That I am human

That I have weakness

That I cannot do all things.

And then I know...

That I am not helpless

That I can rely on good friends,

And on GOD, my ever present help.

Authored by:

Ebenezer O. Akinrinade

[Photographer |Writer |Social Worker]

Call/WhatsApp: 2348027701092

Tweet me: @gent2smile

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Quotes

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"You are never strong enough that you don't need help." ~ Sandeep Dhawan

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you [GOD]." ~ Ps. 56 : 3

The America We Built by Linda Carroll

[Image source: Wikipedia]

Strangers came to this land

And started building their homes and lives.

Winter came and almost killed them.

Natives reached out in humanity;

Would not let them starve,

Treated those strangers as brothers and sisters.

Now this is the Nation we built,

The United States of America.

Today is Thanksgiving.

Written by:

Linda Carroll

REGISTER: DIGIFIED JOBS Program 1.0

In an economy where job security is no longer certain and employment opportunity has become very slim, the need for young people, especially the unemployed, to seek out for viable alternatives cannot be overemphasized.

As a way of cutting down the unemployment statistics, the Team-7 Project, a youth based and technology driven organization, is putting together a two days Free Digital Marketing & Employability Learning Program for skilled and unskilled unemployed youths.

Event

DIGIFIED JOBS Program

Date

Sept 19 & 20, 2016 (Monday & Tuesday)

Time

9am - 4pm daily.

Venue

No. 12 Osho Street, Opebi/Oregun Link Road (Opposite Enville Institute of Safety and Management), Opebi, Ikeja – Lagos.

How To Register

Digified Job Program (Batch 1)

Who To Attend

Are you unemployed but possess vocational and technical skills that can fetch you income? Are you at loss as to what Career Path to follow based on your Capacity? Do you want to become Self-Aware? Are you unemployed but lack the requisite skill that makes you an Asset to any organization? Or are you at a loss or dilemma on how to go about selling and marketing the vocational and technical skills you possess USING Digital and Social Media Tools? Do you want to convert Social Media into an effective tool for attracting Recruiters and getting Jobs? Do you want your updates on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to influence and affect the opportunities (Jobs and Businesses) you get/miss?

Training Objective (summary)

Attendees of the Digified Jobs Program will learn basic and practical Digital and Social Media Marketing Tools/Skills plus effective ways of using it to attract recruiters and get jobs.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING

• Registration is open to ONLY 50 participants.

• Registration is strictly online and re-confirmation from TEAM7PROJECT!

• Participants will be contacted via email & text.

• Participants will be expected to pay a compulsory commitment charge of =N=5,000 for: Course Materials, Certificates.

(A regular Digital Marketing Training of international standard as in-depth as ours would ordinarily cost between $1,500 - $2,000 USD)

• Payments can be made to the account details that will be sent in a mail to you on confirmation OR at the training venue

Volunteer Opportunity

There are VOLUNTEER Internship Opportunities available (Limited Slots). Interested persons can contact the Team7Project.

For Enquiries / Information

Call: 2348180188858, 2348086034420

WhatsApp: 2348053142987, 2348086034420

Email: info@team7project.org

Register here TO ATTEND:

Digified Jobs Program (Batch 1)

MEST Incubator Lagos: Investing in Tech Startups

MEST Incubator Lagos will be hosting its first event in Lagos City – an interactive session and fireside chat with a focus on Investing in tech startups.

Founded in 2008, the MEST program has invested $20 million to support aspiring African entrepreneurs through the Meltwater Foundation. Over 400 individual entrepreneurs (from 4 countries – Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa) have graduated from the training program and 25 tech companies have been launched with seed funding and mentorship from MEST.

MEST entrepreneurs have developed solutions addressing local and global markets, received follow-on funding from global investors, and have gained admittance to top accelerator programs such as Y-Combinator, 500 Startups and TechStars.  MEST entrepreneurs have also been selected by President Obama to represent at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. and have been named Mandela Washington Fellows, a flagship program of Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

MEST itself is regarded as “one of the largest private investments in Ghanaian economic development” by DFID and has received recognition from Forbes, AlJazeera, CNN, TechCrunch, Wall Street Journal, BBC and MarketWatch. MEST was also recently recognized as Fast Company’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Africa. 

As our influence and scope of operations expand, we are launching incubators across Africa, starting with Lagos in Nigeria. We are excited to host our first event in the city – an interactive session and fireside chat with experienced speakers where we talk about Investing in Tech Startups.

The evening talks will be moderated by MEST Lagos Incubator General Manager, Neku Atawodi -- one of Forbes Africa's 30 under 30 for 2016, and founder of Malaik – an impact-focused approach to equity crowdfunding in Africa.

| Speakers |

* Jason Njoku from Spark & Irokotv

* Alexandra (Lexi) Novitske from Singularity Investments

* Dan Marom from Irrational innovations

* Ngozi Dozie from Kaizen Ventures

* Folabi Esan from Adlevo Capital

* Segun Adeyemi from Amplify

* Dotun Olowoporoku, Potential VC

| Date |

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

| Time |

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (WAT)

| Venue |

Cafe Neo, Adeyemi Lawson Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria

| Registration Link |

MEST Incubator LAGOS 

REGISTER: Lagos Technological Festival

Lagos Technological Festival is the YALI Network Face2Face premier intervention project aimed at showcasing the numerous Technological Solutions, Projects and Programmes available in the Nigerian ICT ecosystem

Oluyemi Imole is Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Pass.ng, Nigeria’s premier e-testing Educational Examining Platform that seeks to test-run the abilities of students preparing for examinations like WAEC, JAMB and NECO in Nigeria.

Oluyemi Imole will be a panelist at the YALI Network Face2Face Technological Festival during the plenary session where it allows attendees ask questions based on his achievements as a Young Nigerian Entrepreneur who has built a Tech business regardless of the seeming challenges.

Oluyemi Imole is an avid goal-getter, resourceful and purpose-driven young Chap. He is an unrepentant entrepreneur who sees entrepreneurship as a powerful tool in the hand of youths with which we can turn Africa’s fortune around.

A graduate of Computer Science and Engineering from the prestigious Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. His Passion for design, technology, education and entrepreneurship drove him to establish is first company and publish is first book while still an undergraduate.

A Cofounder at PASS.NG, Nigeria’s No. 1 e-testing platform that has helped over 200 thousand candidates excel in their various examinations since inception, providing practice tests and resources on exams like JAMB, WAEC, Aptitude tests, Job Screening test e.t.c.

He currently heads Product Design and Internal Finance at PASS.NG. Finding time to inspire youths and Teenagers in leadership and Entrepreneurship brings him lots of fulfilment. 

| Date |

August 29 & 30, 2016

| Location |

Lagos, Nigeria.

(To be disclosed to only registered participants).

| Registration |

* Registration link for exhibitors at the Technological Festival:

TechFestExhibitors 

* Register link for conference participants:

TechFestParticipants 

(Note: Registration is compulsory to exhibit or attend).

This event is organized with the collaborative effort of TechHubAfrica, Some Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumnus in Nigeria, Proconnect.ng, Team7Project Youth Technology Development Centre, The League of Young Professionals, Nigeria and the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria that oversees activities of the YALI Network Face2Face in Nigeria including other Technical Technological Partners in Nigeria.

This project is an initiative of TechHubAfrica! 

For more details on the exhibition opportunity, sponsorship and partnership please contact: EldaDavid - 08086034420

Timothy - 08100859365

Lekan - 07061531816

10 Ways to Help A Child Survive Academic Failure

At the end of every academic session, immediately after the promotional examinations, it is common for schools to organize graduation party and award ceremony to recognize students achievements.

And, this is the season when some parents becomes very excited and eager to flaunt the achievements of their brilliant children. You'll find hundreds of pictures of these children almost everywhere from facebook profile picture to instagram, to WhatsApp, BBM, and so on. Parents wants to show off their kids receiving awards and tell the world how much they've made mum and dad proud. Infact, some parents will go to the extent of sharing the testimonies in Church.

However, we have another set of parents who won't have any picture to show nor a reason to celebrate their kids. Reason? Their children didn't win any award. The child didn’t receive any accolades or recognition simply because he/she is an average student or sadly one of the pupils who would have to repeat class.

[Photo credit: EAphotoMedia]

Interestingly, there are more parents in this category. If you happen to be in the first category, congratulations! Remember to celebrate with moderation and thank God for his mercies. Then, it is very important you partner with your child to improve his/her performance or at least maintain it. On the other hand, if your child didn’t win any award and/or is mandated to repeat a class, I have a couple of ideas to share:

1.] Be Objective.
Note that this is the result for a session and not for a life time. It's a one year dash in the race of life. It's not a life time assessment. So, don't take the issue too serious than you should.

2.] Observe and Analyze.
A Students’ report card is a report of several activities. Most report cards focuses on two major area of performance namely, academics and skills/character. Don't focus only on the academics. The section on character and others are equally important. Take time to read the teacher's comments and recommendations. If you child has a major achievement in other areas aside academics, don't hesitate to celebrate him/her.

3.] Listen To Your Child.
Talk with the child. Ask what he or she thinks about the result. Thereafter seek joint problem-solving opportunities to improve the result. Remember to compose yourself very well before the discussion. As you discuss with your child, remember to watch out for what’s said and what’s not said.

4.] Get Teacher's Feedback.
Talk with the class/subject teacher(s). Get his/her views on the issue. Know his/her perspective on the child’s performance. Seek counsel on what to do to improve your child's overall academic performance.

5.] Get Your Facts Right.
Even till now, there's no conclusive research evidence on the benefit of children repeating a class. Therefore, if your child was asked to repeat a class, investigate that decision and ask the right questions. Will the child improve if he repeats the class? What support does the school have to manage his emotions or ego if he has to repeat? What support can you give as a parent?

6.] Develop An Action Plan.
Study the report card and determine what corrective actions to take. Remember it’s not YOUR Plan so ensure the child is involved in the development of the plan. Don’t rush him/her to develop the plan. Take it gradually. The plan should answer the basic question: What you intend to do to improve? Please ensure YOU (the parent) aren't the one doing everything. The child has a critical role to play. Remember the plan will include, what he needs to stop doing, what he needs to start doing, what he needs to reduce and what he needs to increase. As a parent, have it at the back of your mind that you also have roles to perform. You may consider teaching the child yourself during the holiday, getting a lesson teacher or even changing the school (if need be).

7.] Don't Overreact.
Manage your emotional state. Don't compare the child with others. Don't make his poor academic performance the subject of abuse or feedback. If at all you have to, be very careful what benefits or privileges you deny him of. How you handle this is very important. It can end up being a motivating or demotivating factor for your child.

8.] Be Hopeful and Inspire Hope.
Understand that every child deserves a second chance, and your child is not an exception. As parents, you're not permitted to give up on your child. You must be hopeful for a better future and give the child hope as well.

9.] Get To Work.
A good plan is not good enough until you act on it and achieve results. Start implementing the plans you've drawn out without further delay. You don’t have to wait until the end of the holiday before putting your plans to work. Start now! Keep track of your progress at interval (i.e. daily, weekly or monthly depending on what suits you).

10. Be Patient.
Don't expect sudden change. Progress requires time and consistency. If the change you expect don't come in one or two weeks, please don't be discouraged. Be supportive, be patient and treat your child like a GEM. Though it may seem slow, be assured he will blossom and at his own time. Sooner or later, you'll be amazed by how much your child has improved.

Written by:
Prof. Yomi Fawehinmi

[NOTE: The content of the above article has been re-edited, given new title and subheadings by Ebenezer O. Akinrinade. The name of the original author however remains intact as well as the source].

Article Source:
Child World Connect

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Invest in your child's future by getting a copy of the book: "Success Equation": it's a self-help academic book for students who wants to transition from average performance to academic excellence.

To order for a copy or in bulk, please call Ebenezer on 2348027701092

A Nigerian YALI Fellow dies in the US

It seem so many great people are fallen in this month of June but it's breaks our heart even more that such a young man with a promising future had to bow out so early. Especially at a time when he could have done a lot for his dear country.

It was a black Saturday for many Nigerians as the news broke that John Paul Ojaojogwu Usman, one of the 100 Nigerians selected for year 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship (also known as YALI) in US died on Saturday June 25th. John reportedly had an accident while hiking near the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Before his demise, he was at the school studying Civic Leadership.

As soon as the report of his death was confirmed, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria issued the following statement:

"The U.S. Mission to Nigeria and our colleagues in the United States were deeply saddened to learn of the death of John Paul Ojaojogwu Usman. On June 25, John Paul died due to an accident while hiking near Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he was studying civic leadership as a 2016 Mandela Washington Fellow.
We extend our deepest condolences to John Paul’s family and friends over this tragic loss. John Paul was a rising star, devoted to the causes of sustainable development, children’s rights, and peace building in Nigeria. His selection to the Mandela Washington Fellowship was a tribute to his drive, talent, and dedication to making his country’s civil society even stronger. One of John Paul’s professional mentors at Virginia Tech put it best, “While his time with us was short, he was well loved.” This young man will be remembered fondly as a great citizen ambassador of his country. We mourn his passing."

John will be greatly missed but his impact and legacy surely lives on. May his good soul rest in peace!

An UNFORGETTABLE Experience In An American PRISON (by Seun Akisanmi)

It was sometime in the latter days of July 2001. I can't seem to remember the exact day. I had been incarcerated since June 12 (2001) for committing a felony that attracted a prison sentence of up to 5 years. I had defrauded some clients to the sum of about $2000. They ordered some electronic gadgets from my eBay online store, sent money to my Bank of Edwardsville account, and I failed to deliver the goods. That transaction occurred in October 2000 and I was paying for it in my 3rd prison transfer in late July 2001.

We were having an informal Bible study session in which I was the unofficial "leader". We were on lockdown and could only talk to each other through the small opening (used to pass food to us) in each cell door. Apparently my little knowledge of Bible affairs made me a contact point for all Bible-related questions in my ward. And answering questions I did. Besides, I seemed to have all the time in the world and was seemingly not going anywhere soon.

It was Ben's turn to ask. And ask he did. Ben was someone who had been sentenced to about 5 years for trafficking drugs. He narrated how he once had a scaringly-close relationship with the one we called GOD. He narrated how he had been (& was currently) like the biblical Jonah on the run away from his assignment. His experience would eventually send chills down my spine in a way I would NEVER forget.

About a year earlier, he had lost his 3 year-old daughter to a terrible illness. He considered himself to be a close follower of Christ and eventually went on a prayer retreat to question God on why his only beloved daughter had to die. He eventually got a response that left him emotionally broken. He shared with us God's answer to his prayer: "Now you know how it felt when my ONLY SON died." He was broken. He was in tears. And out of anger, he decided it wasn't in his best interest to follow such a God that will allow a child to die just to get a message across. But he indeed got the message.

To say that I was touched would be the understatement of the century. I was cut to the heart. His narration had been an answer to one of the inmates' question. The other inmate, Donald, had asked me a question that I never in my life thought anyone would dare ask: "What does the words of John 3 verse 16 mean? For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting LIFE. Seun, what does that mean?"

Ben's interjection during my explanation was an attempt to shed more light on answering the question. I explained to Donald the gospel in what seemed like a few minutes: God created man for fellowship, man erred by disobeying some basic instructions, God punished man for his disobedience and banished him from His presence, man became miserable, lost & unfulfilled without God's presence, God felt sorry for man, God sent His Son to die as a way of redeeming man back to Him, Jesus came & died,  and now man once again has the opportunity to choose LIFE by accepting the deal that was settled on the cross some two thousand years ago.

I explained to Donald that I was in prison not because I didn't know Christ as my saviour. Far from it. I was in prison because I was a follower of Christ but I backslide as a result of the cares of this world. Subsequently that led me to being a hypocrite of the Gospel that saved me. I started living a life of lies, pornography & deceit.

Getting to prison was as a result of a prayer I made out of frustration: GOD MESS ME UP. I was tired of it all. God eventually did mess me up by sending me to that one place that will ensure that I wasn't preoccupied with much to do: PRISON. Funny enough, the most interesting experiences I had in my 59 months in America was the 6 months I spent in 4 prisons. And I'm eternally grateful to God for the lessons I learnt. For it was there that I re-dedicated my life again to the Lord. For it was there that I began my writing career. For it was there that I realized that I had within reach an ultimate resource & friend for whatever I needed in life. For it was there I realized that all things indeed work together for the good of them that love and seek God wholeheartedly.

You might be presently in a prison-scenario which you feel you don't  deserve. The state of your heart might be in disarray. You might even be in a relationship with confusion, lies, lack & frustration. You might have even been an ex-Christian. One thing I've come to realize is this: if the God of Jesus Christ is with you, all will be well. I'm not guaranteeing that things will transform like magic in an instant but at least you'll have peace & fulfillment in your heart. And that is a great starting point for new beginnings.

I subsequently invite you to make the same decision I did years ago believing that today marks the beginning of a new & impactfull YOU. If you would like to give or re-dedicate your life to Christ, please pray this prayer from your heart: Father, I acknowledge that I am a sinner, that Jesus Christ died for me, that you raised Him from the dead, please forgive me. I accept Jesus today as my Lord & saviour. Amen.

Feel free to send me a message if you prayed this prayer wholeheartedly and let's help each other grow in the knowledge & ways of our Lord.

Written by:
Seun Akisanmi
Tel: +2348120129149 (WhatsApp)
Email: seunakisanmi@elophotos.com
FB: Seun Akisanmi
Twitter: @SeunAkisanmi

EXCLUSIVE: Lanre Sings Reveal Plans To Takeover The Music Industry

1.) Tell us a bit about yourself?

Lanre Sings: I am Olanrewaju Akintayo, songwriter, multi-skilled intrumentalist, graphics designer, and graduate student of Computer Engineering from Gateway Poly, Ogun State.

2.) How did you discover your musical talent? I
Was it in-born or a skill you picked up along the way?

Lanre Sings: Hmm, I started music when I was 15, and really, I didn't quite have much interest in music as a kid...but something happened. As a teenager, I was always down with sickness, so on this particular occasion while I was on the sick-bed at the hospital, my mum was so weighed down about my failing health condition and was no longer sure if all will be well. Then she singing very powerful worship songs non-stop for more than 1hour. By the time she'll be rounding up, I could feel a strange, but powerful, sensation in my body. It was as if my body had just been recharged with strength from nowhere. I knew it was a GOD who restored my health through the power of songs. After I was discharged from the hospital, I became very eager to join the church choir. Funny enough, I didn't have a good voice but little by little I started working on myself, and here I am today still working to be my very best.

3.) At what time did you decided to go into music professionally?

Lanre Sings: Professionally, I would say I started in 2015 even though as I said earlier, I have been singing way before then.

4.) What genre does your music fit into?

Lanre Sings: For me, my genre of music is "classic and inspirational"

5.) Your first hit soundtrack, titled "Adejobi" received over 10,000+ downloads in just few hours of release, how does that make you feel?

Lanre Sing: I felt so honoured because...I wasn't expecting such a "wow comments" I got from everyone who listened to the track, why because? Before I recorded the song, alot of people advised that I should do a danceable song, if not, my songs won't sell in Nigeria. With the rate of acceptance via the massive downloads, I think I have reasons to be happy I took my stand. Am keen on making good music and I know it will sell in Nigeria.

Adejobi Soundtrack Cover Design

6.) Considering the massive competition in the mainstream, how ready are you to make your entrance into the music industry a lasting one?

Lanre Sings: Yes, while writing my songs, I try to do something different each time, and that's why I play different instruments so my songs wouldn't sound alike.

7.) Do you write your own lyrics or you have someone you work with?

Lanre Sings: My plan is to keep doing music that aren't the usual everyday sound...songs that can be used to advice like olden days. You know those days when parents would say refer to a line of song while trying to teach or admonish their child on something. I want my songs to uplift the downhearted and give direction to the confused.

8.) What is the inspiration behind the song, "Adejobi"?

Lanre Sings: I write my own lyrics. Some of the lyrics I have written were inspired by wonderful friends like Jola Mogaji, Gbenga Showumi and my band members (The Psalmist Family).

Lanre-Sings at the SGC Ikorodu
Photo credit:EAphotoMedia

9.) What are your plans for the future? Should Nigerians anticipate for more hit tracks or an album?

Lanre Sings: Nigeria should be expecting my album,its going to be a global project. Hoping to drop my album end of the year by the Grace of God.

10.) Are you currently working on any collaborative project?

Lanre Sings: Yes, for the album, I have plans to feature selected artistes and musical groups from across Africa.
A few of the people I have in mind to work with are Onos Ariyo --she's been very supportive all the way, Nathaniel bassey, Simi to mention a few. Although this ought to be "off the radar" but I guess it's okay to let you in on my intending plans to do a remix of Adejobi with either the Soweto Choir or Joyous Celebration Choir. All hands are on deck to establish contact with the mass choirs.

11.) Your advice to upcoming artistes?

Lanre Sings: You are a product of what you listen to, therefore it pays to listen to good music as it will help to stand out from the crowd, and most importantly, sound different from every other artistes in the industry.

12.)  Where can your fans download your latest track "Adejobi"?

Lanre Sings: It is available for download at ADEJOBI (NotJustOk.com) and at ADEJOBI (TinDeck.com)
Fans can connect with me directly on social media platforms:
Facebook - Akintayo Olanrewaju Timothy
Twitter - @Lanre_Akintayo
Instagram: Lanre_sings
For bookings, call 08178348370, 08026406671 or send email to: mhosesadeyemo45@gmail.com, Lanre146@gmail.com

Interview by:
Ebenezer O. Akinrinade
[Photographer |Writer |Social Worker]
Call/SMS: 07035051509
WhatsApp: +2348027701092
Twitter: @gent2smile | @EbenAkinrinade

A BUNDLE OF WOMAN

I wish women everywhere will know who they truly are
The woman is a mixture of soft and hard
Made from bone; to be treated as foam
Hard enough to handle difficult situations
Soft enough to soothe and heal any broken entity

A bundle of surprises she is
Can easily multitask
A brain as good as a man’s
But doesn’t necessarily need to be used as a man’s
‘cause she has the support of her heart

I believe so much in the power of a woman’s mind
The ability to work with both head and heart
Seeing and sensing what some can’t even imagine
Imaginations, ideas, creativity; are a common place for her

Her strength is boundless
Her love is timeless
Her scope is limitless
Can achieve more with less stress

The perfect prescription for a man to have success
Any real man wouldn’t watch his woman lie idle
‘cause real men know that every woman is an army
A bundle of nerves and ideas and thoughts and know hows
Reaching depths that are strange to the lay man

Tap tap dear woman
Wake up to the needy cry of the world
That’s out there and around you, waiting for your touch
Hoping and praying that maybe today
You’ll respond to her cry of dismay

You have all you need within you
Your head, your heart and your God
Enough motivation to play the golf
That will reach out to different ends of the world
Starting with the world headquarter called your mind

Stand up, build up and charge up
There’s more to you than make up
You’re not just a woman
You’re a bundle of all the world needs
To make it a better place
I’m glad to be a woman!

Photo Source: Profile Picture Album (facebook)

Written by:
Patricia Emeza (TRISHA)
Blogger, YOU CAN

Between The Movement And The Monument - by Johnson Abbaly

I didnt do anything wrong...
I just...continued, as always...
I woke up to realise phones not ringing,
No new shows,
No cheques in the mail.
Almost as though I ceased to be...
Old clients...aint returning,
New ones...aint coming.
Then it dawned...
My yesterday's advantage...
Has been depleted by today's trend...
And I had failed to evolve.
People are attracted to the movement,
Not the monument!

#InnerRhythms

Written by:
Johnson Abbaly
[Author| Leadership Expert| Consultant]
Follow @JohnsonAbbaly on Twitter