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)

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!

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

Will Ayodele's Story Trend The World Like Jumoke?

There is a long standing popular assertion among the elite and older folks that the present generation of young Nigerians are lazy readers with no zest for book knowledge. Hence the reason for high rate of unemployment, terrorism and other social vices. But in the midst of all these negative characterization of the average youth, a graduating student from the Department of Psychology, Daniel Ayodele Dada, has proven to be a different crop of young Nigerian as he recently sets a new academic record as the first person ever to graduate with 5.0 CGPA from UNILAG. An historic and record breaking feat which has never being witnessed before since the establishment of the prestigeous university.

So many congratulatory messages has been going around the social media space in celebration of our newly discovered genius Ayodele for his academic achievement. More so, few questions have also being raised by concerned individuals on social media if it would ever be possible for Ayodele to have his story featured on CNN or at least trend across the world like that of Jumoke Orisaguna, the bread seller who turned a super model after being discovered by Ty Bello during a street photoshoot?

Because, unlike those in the entertainment industry who from time to time get endorsement deals, media attention and all the paparazzi, it seem Nigeria hardly recognizes or celebrates her own geniuses in the academic settings which of course is one of the reasons why an average kid would rather look up to Olamide YBNL as a role model than aspire to be like Professor Wole Soyinka. I so strongly believe that Ayodele's story will set a new standard for the average Nigerian child and youth, if the same banks, corporate brands and media giants who lavished attention and sponsorship on Olajumoke Orisaguna would extend equal generousity towards Ayodele by pushing him into the limelight so that many uninspired students can take a cue from him and ultimately aspire to be like him--breaking new records.

Daniel Ayodele Dada (image credit: UNILAG Student Portal)

Doing this is very vital especially in a country like Nigeria where there are reportedly over 10million out-of-school children. Projecting Ayodele's story to all and sundry will help build up the much needed motivation amongst young people.

Daniel Ayodele Dada

As an advocate of the Sustainable Development Goal 4, I am using this platform to join my voice in sync with millions of other vital voices to make a clarion call to the Nigerian government, corporate bodies, media houses, international organizations and civil societies to scale up the investment (and efforts) in bringing illiteracy down to zero level in Nigeria.

Many fingers are crossed to observe carefully what the coming days holds for the genius, Daniel Ayodele Dada. As someone said, "Will Nigeria raise more hawkers than scholars?"
I 'hopefully hope' that the question gets the right response.

Written by:

Ebenezer O. Akinrinade
[Photographer| Writer| Social Worker]
Tweet me @gent2smile OR @EbenAkinrinade

REGISTER: YALI Learns with Fela Durotoye

This February, the first YALI Learns Event for 2016 will be kicking-off on a high note and as well unleash new generation of visionary leaders who will take Africa to her next level.

Brace up as the YALI Network Face2Face (Nigeria) will be hosting a one-of-a-kind event in the heart of Lagos--the commercial capital of Africa-- giving an open cheque opportunity to young leaders from across Nigeria (and Africa) to learn and interact with Africa’s Foremost Motivational Speaker, Nation Builder, and Management Consultant.

|Theme|
"Productivity Enhancement Series"

|Speaker|
Fela Durotoye (FD)

|Date|
February 20th, 2016

|Time|
10:00am (prompt)

|Venue|
University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Yaba, Lagos-Nigeria

|Registration Fee|
FREE  (only for registered participants)

|Registration Page|
Register here: YALI Learns Event with Fela Durotoye

|Enquiries|
Send email to: "eldadavid.samuel@gmail.com"

THIS LAND NIGERIA

This land Nigeria
Blessed with rich arts and culture
Her men are handsome, strong and industrious
Her women, beautiful and endowed with natures essence
They are the desire of king's all over the world.

This land Nigeria
Favored with great human potentials and natural resources
Yet, its people wallow in penury because of visionless leadership of some of our leaders.

This land Nigeria,
A land where the good people suffer and the bad ones enjoy good
A land where terrorism and corruption stagnates progress
A nation in dire need of peace and betterment.

This land Nigeria,
You can only get better
When your people practice absolute love and honesty
You will regain your glory when your citizens - leaders and led, renew their minds to love God and humanity.

This land Nigeria,
You are the envy of many nations of the world
Because you are loaded with goodies more than the milk and honey in canaanland.

This land Nigeria,
You are the giant of Africa
And must rise up and take your place in the league of nations.

This land Nigeria,
There's no land like you
I am proud to be your citizen
And I will always make you proud.

Written by:
Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha
[Poet | Author | Editor]

FB - Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha
Tweet @ifeanyienocho
Instagram - @ienocho
BBM: 53443863

Ifeanyi is an illustrious Nigeria making a positive difference. His life's goal is to help individuals and organizations better their best. He is a leader at Hinovelty, published author of life-enriching books, pioneer and co-editor of "THE PHENOMENAL WOMAN ANTHOLOGY: Collection of Poems in Honour of Dr. Maya Angelou."

THE SHAME, THE SHAMELESS and THE SHAMEFUL

I took a decision not to comment on what is happening in the country a year ago because commentators hardly change anything and I have kept to that stance. However I woke up with a big burden in my heart as I observed what my dear country is turning into.
I am not as bothered as the looters as I am about the same people whose collective resources has been stolen.
The rapist is a problem but when the raped starts to defend the rapist on the grounds of religion or cultural bias is the burden I have.

So there are three brothers, and the first born is called SHAME. Shame is a smart dude but has never trusted in his ability so right from his school days he would rather plagiarize even when he has the capacity to produce a better content. And that same attitude followed him to governance where he started stealing what he would never need.
Shame is when you are a leader and you are highly remunerated yet you choose to loot what would have made you a legend had it been properly deployed.
Shame is when you steal billions of dollars that is not yours while soldiers die preventable deaths in the hands of terrorists and their wives reduced to emergency widows.
Shame is when you begin to prophesy what God hasn't said simply because a sitting president is from your village. Infact shame is collecting money from politicians while you prophesy to them in the name of the Lord.
Shame is when a nation has got crude yet imports refined oil because there is no functional refinery while her leaders buy estates in other people's nation.
Shame is when a leader finds it difficult to say I am sorry when he has grossly misfired. Shame is when you steal from your boss and yet earn a salary from the same boss pretending that you love the organization.
But shame has got a big brother called shameless because while shame is being grilled in the hands of the law for stealing his nation dry his family members carry banner and placards to cry persecution even when shame never built a road or built an hospital or school for the same people.

Shameless is when you claim you are born again and preach against corruption yet endorse a thief and stand with him when it is clear he is a thief.
Shameless is when you are a bigger thief yet you are making mouth on social media all the while and defending the looters without realizing that the greatest enemies of our nation are united in looting and they never talk marginalization when they loot.
Shameless is when you come out to follow a man to hold a rally and get killed when the same man is not willing to lead the rally or put his children forward to be a part of the rally.
Shameless is when you belief the rhetorics of a so called freedom fighter without asking what he has done for you with his little resources.
Shameless is to seek to kill your president and accuse him of marginalization while your state governor receives allocation and travels all over the world or erect a bogus
Christmas tree or even organize a concert that is meaningless while you are not paid your salaries and he never builds any road.
Shameless is accusing your government of selective prosecution when you have not answered the question 'Did the persecuted steal or not'?
Shameless is when you place party above the collective interest of a people whose future has been mortgaged and may never experience what first world looks like.
Shameless is when you accuse your government of corruption yet you sell fake spare parts as original after a crusade of praise worship and preaching.
Shameless will never weep over his family members bombed in the North yet will light a candle for those killed in France and travel there to march against terrorism.
Shameless loots the economy standing, hale and hearty but shows up for prosecution sick and in dire need of medical attention.
I can go on and on about shameless but there is the bigger boy and that one is shameful.

Shameful's sense of judgement is messed up but yet he feels he is smart because he knows how to deploy the religious and ethnic tribe to get his way unfortunately the raped never sees it and falls for it even when their own life deteriorates.
Shameful is when you stand for a political office yet clueless about what you need to do to transform the polity and you give excuses all the time.
Shameful is when you have elected a leader and given him the best treatment that your family may never experience yet you start fasting and praying for him to perform in that office.
Shameful is when you have spent so much to build a religious edifice that remains locked up 5days of the week while your members come in on those 2days that is opened to beg God for an office space to transact their business.
Shameful is when you are totally sold out to a leader that you keep defending his error when it is clear to all.
Shameful is when you collective reasoning has been reduced to APC vs PDP hence your inability to speak the truth when your party errs.
Shameful is when you become a mouthpiece for a government and sell your birthright for a morsel of bread yet you still want to retain your respect when your compromise is legendary.
Shameful is when you claim muslims are wicked and hate you yet you escape to Dubai to go and cool off and receive inspiration and you come back and refuse to transform your nation.
Shameful is when you make so much noise to disturb a community with how great religion is without the community feeling your impact in good roads and lights.
Shameful is when you go and do thanksgiving and throw a party when you have just been elected and still throw another one after 4years of non performance.
Shameful is when your state rotates two individuals all your life as candidates even when they have never performed.
Shameful is when you call yourself a fountain of knowledge with the capacity to become the academic capital of the world yet settle for a leader who cuts meat with market women.
Shameful is when you tell the people prayer is all they need to make it and your own life has moved on while theirs has regressed yet they lack the capacity to see that they have been messed up.
Shameful is when you claim terrorists don't belong to your religion yet you fail to rise publicly to speak against their terror that has sent many to their untimely grave.
Shameful is when you obey every law in other nations and breaks the same in your country.
Shameful is when you tell your people to spend their life in religious houses and serve God while you covertly run chains of businesses that they are not aware of.
Shameful is when everyone accuse other people's beliefs or party when they go round yet rationaLIES your own when you go wrong.
Shame, Shameless & shameful are family members and no nation develops by courting them.
The future belongs to those who are not ashamed to do the truth, speak the truth and lead others into the truth.
Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the ungodly, who doesn't stand in the ways of sinners and who sits not in the sit of the scornful.
I hope you will think through this and examine yourself but always remember the enemies of this nation are united at a realm where marginalization, religion or ethnic cards and sentiments loses its power and that realm is the realm of LOOTING. selah

Written by:
Praise Fowowe
(President, Uncommon Man Network)
Follow @PraiseFowowe on Twitter

Frustrations Of An Emerging Generation by George Ashiru

This is how you define frustration:

When a bird is all set to fly, and the wind beneath its wings becomes still.

When a man is sent to war, and he is given only one bullet to win the war.

When a footballer shoots at point blank range, only to find that the post has been shifted.

Our emerging generations are full of passion, and haven honed their skills, stretched out their hands to grab at their future, only to see its been stolen by a crooked cabal of rulers...

That, my friend, is the definition of frustration...Frustration is often militant.

Written by:
George H. Ashiru
| Follow him on twitter @ManOfContrast |

ICT Training for 1000 Nigerian Girls

The Federal Ministry of Communication and Technology in partnership with Huawei Technologies and Youth Alliance on ICT for Development is offering 1000 Nigerian Girls Free 3-day Basic ICT Training. The initiative was launched on 4th November 2013.

The following dates are still open for interested female students to apply:
* 10th – 12th February 2014
* 13th, 14th & 17th February 2014
* 19th – 21st February 2014

Since it was launched, the program has been offering a three (3) days intensive training in different batches to participants who are being trained and equipped with ICT Skills and knowledge in specialized areas like – Telecommunication Networks, Transmission Network and GSM, LTE, WCDMA and other ICT skills.

Youth Alliance on ICT for Development is a program targeting young people through the use of information and communication technology for sustainable development.

Registration Procedure:
Fill out the online registration form by visiting the link
http://bit.ly/1eJ5811

Training Venue:
Huawei Training Centre
Oriental Hotel, 4 Lekki Road,
Lagos, Nigeria.

Enquiries:
All enquiries should be forwarded to
ict@ictyouth.org.ng

Official Website:
www.ictyouth.org.ng

SMART PHONES & PRODUCTIVITY (by Remi Dairo)

Today I will be sharing with you how you can be smarter using the smart phones!

Do you know you can increase productivity by just having a smart phone! Smart phones are not just for calls, sms and playing games!

Below are three (3) powerful ways to use your smart phone to increase productivity:

1. Mind Recalling:
You can use your smart phones to help your mind to recall things!
Your productivity will increase by 50% if you remember what you said you will do or be reminded to do it! You don't have to cram stuff when you have a NotePad on your phone, it helps you to jot down your "quick drops" that you may need to remember later! Calculator, Organizer and To Do App are all available to increase your capacity to produce!

2. Voice Recording:
Most time we attend meetings that we wish we could play back again!
We go for events we wish we could see again! Your brain does not have the capacity to retain all the activities of meetings or events but your smart phone does! You can record voices or videos on your phone, watch them or listen to them over and over again, you will be surprised by your level of productivity after this!
Don't just use your phone to snap use it to bridge gaps!

3. Task Reshuffling:
Friends, you can work and rework on your smart phone!
You can download files, PDF files, documents, powerpoint presentations and other function you use your computer system for! You can read, edit and re-send any document, all these you can do at your comfort at anywhere! Why are you complaining that the lack of a computer has shut down your productivity when you have a smart phone!

As you go out this week, make maximum use of your smart phone and increase your capacity to produce!

Thank You

Remi Dairo
(Your Life & Productivity Coach)
me@remidairo.com
www.remidairo.com

<p>
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NB:
Don't miss the next session of the SCHOOL OF PRODUCTIVITY.
Recommend your staff or family!

Date:
Feb 15th & 22nd.
March 1st & 8th.

Call or send SMS to:
Tomisin - 08180774305.

See you there!

NIGERIA 2015 - We Are Still Waiting (by George Ashiru)

Look around you, very few politicians care about God or righteousness, yet some citizens are screaming religion in campaign mode. Very few political gladiators have done anything consistently in and for their communities, yet, their bigotted ethnic clones are clamouring into high heavens for votes biased with ethnic tones.

Where are the issues, the values, the programmes, the character, as the substance of our debates?

Alas! Even the reformers have gone with ethnic or religious winds...neither of which have taken us out of this developmental cul de sac for 53 years.

We are still waiting for a transformational generation which rises above primordial instincts that even good education finds hard to rub off. God bless the true Nigerians.

Written by:
George H. Ashiru
Blog: Man of Contrasts
Twitter: @ManOfContrasts and @masgee1

THE MEETING POINT with Niyi Adesanya

You are invited to attend the avant-garde interactive forum "THE MEETING POINT" with Niyi Adesanya. This platform is aimed at bridging the information gap between Luminaries (leading personalities who are reference points in their respective industries) and Visionaries (upwardly mobile folks aspiring to make their mark in their chosen fields)

This trailblazing event was envisioned to run through different cities in Nigeria, and in pursuit of that vision, the epoch making interactive meet has been hosted in three major cities in Nigeria just within one month of its start-up.

Following the significant success and noted feedbacks of participants of the previous event held in Lagos on the 17th of August, in Benin on the 14th of September and Ibadan on the 21st September, 2013, we have refined our strategies to ensure that the 2013 round-off edition slated to be held in Abuja on the 7th of December 2013 feature discussions which would be centred around but not limited to:

• Career Advancement: Office Politics, Promotion and Career Change – The Way Forward

• Business Advancement: The Nigerian Environment, Loan and Business Growth

• Political Advancement: Policy or Polity - How Do I Get Involved?

LUMINARIES AT THE MEETING POINT ABUJA

Keynote Speaker - Dr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, Chairman Leadership Group.

Politics
• Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene,
Group Managing Director, Leadership Group
• Col. Kefas Agbu (Rtd)
Chairman, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
• Engr. Umar B. Bindir,
Director General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP)

Career
• Mr. Femi Mokikan, Executive Director, Human Resources, Seven-up Bottling Company • Ms. Pai Gamde, Head, Human Resources, Nigerian Stock Exchange
• Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene,
Group Managing Director, Leadership Group

Business
• Mr. Gabriel Ogbechie,
Managing Director, Rainoil Limited • Mr. Ibrahim Maigari Ahmadu,
Managing Partner Cyberia
• Dr. Ahmed Datti (PhD),
Pro-Chancellor, Baze University, Abuja

DATE: Saturday 7th December 2013
VENUE: Merit House, 22 J. T. Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, FCT Abuja
TIME: 9am (prompt)

ADMISSION IS FREE but by registration

To register, send your "Full Name, Email, and Phone Number" to +2348094709985 or  event@themeetingpoint.com.ng

More details available via www.themeetingpoint.com.ng

Postponement of Nigeria's Doomsday

This pic is an attestation to the fact that evil doth rule the world. That your life is a part of a grand scheme to give the devil dominion over the world.

I look at this in a Religious and Political eyes because both are in play in this picture. We should really feel lucky in Nigeria especially the youths that you can use a Blackberry to update TGIF every Friday yet the living standards in Nigeria is bad, that you can be Igbo, Yoruba or Hausa and your life isn't threatened while Hutus almost wiped out Tutsis some years back in Rwanda, that we didn't have to fight bloody to gain Independence like the South Africans...BUT feel sad because we have only succeeded in shifting our DOOMSDAY forward.

I am a proponent of Idealism as Materialism has only made everybody in Nigeria lazy. We all love Fela yet the deep message in his songs like "Suffering and Smiling" is overlooked while his weeding habit is embraced as if that's all he taught us.

This Generation lived as though it was created to party and get wasted with dwindling moral values. I wonder if the thousands of generations before us were party animals or funseekers like us if anything worthwhile would be accomplished, Karl Marx, Descartes, Carl Benz, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Da Vinci, Jesus Christ...Even money without values soon fades (I dare you to test the theory). What the f**k did our parents eat or do that made us so worthless?! I jammed up my points yes but i will subsequently pick them out for discuss in due time.

Written by:
Moyo John


(culled from facebook status update)

YALA...DO MORE! (by Chunu Teajay)

Have you seen the recent arabian advert for Pepsi? A guy takes the drink and scream YALA! I discovered it was a motivating word to get things done like "let's go", "let's do it"...etc

That idea you only talked and never did, that problem you left for your 'leader' to solve, that child you left for his/her parent to guide on what is right, that habit you are waiting to change in 'it's time'...are part reasons why you face the challenges that frustrate you.

"Many of us have sweet dreams & never see them come true because we forget to wake up" - Archbishop Benson Idahosa.

Change starts in our minds but happens with our hands. So rise up today ready to do that idea, that dream, that thing you postponed...wake up to the responsibilities of your dream/future

Impossibility only exist for those take solace in the comfort & cowardice of inaction. They that KNOW shall be STRONG & DO...now you know...DO MORE.

YALA...Your Actions Literally Advances

Impossible is Nothing!

Chunu Teajay
I am your friend
@unusualteajay

Watch Out for StepUp! 2014
@stepupng

MY ENCOUNTER WITH A FRAUDSTER (True Story)

This morning (September 25th, 2013) I just finished a phone conversation with a fraudster pretending to be a family relative from abroad.

This scrupulous man with his baritone voice called with a private number and fooled himself (not me) into guessing a name of someone I know abroad. After a name had been mentioned, he fell in love with his new found identity and gathered enough confidence to continue his mission. In an attempt to show concern, he asked about how work and family was doing, which I responded nicely to.

Now to the main business, he gave me his new phone number ( +447045715066 ) and said there is an envelope he sent to Nigeria via his friend named Mr Felix Ajayi ( 07033344593 ). The letter was addressed to me and the content therein are (1) BlackBerry (2) Rolex Wristwatch and (3) 500 pounds sterling.

He said he need my assistance to secure a document in Nigeria which he mumbled together as "International Residence Permit" or something like that. His friend Felix Ajayi is on a visit to Kogi State to see a sick family member of his, therefore I am expected to call him and know his movement and how to get the envelope.

My dear fake relative had enough time to explain himself and I was not in a hurry either since my call credit is not going to be deducted anyway.
He went ahead to get me excited by saying the BlackBerry and Rolex Wristwatch are mine and added to that is a token of N30,000 which I am expected to deduct after the pound sterling is converted to Nigerian currency.

Several minutes was spent on explanations and guidelines. After the whole talk and everything, I then asked him what his name was again and he responded with the magic name I gave initially. I smiled, and said to him, "Hello sir, I have spoken to many people like you before and..." but unfortunately he didn't allow me to finish my sentence before he dropped the call.

= Final Note =
It's really a sad thing to note that there are still evil geniuses like this who are determined to destroy the image of Nigeria and Nigerians.

What benefits do they stand to gain by defrauding innocent people? Please let us change our ways and put Nigeria in a positive light. You don't need to be corrupt to make a living. Be creative in a positive way and add value to other people instead of trying to cause them pain and anguish.

I believe in the future of Nigeria and I know things will get better in my own lifetime.

Ebenezer Akinrinade (CYFI Fellow)
Social Worker | Writer & Editor | Social Media Strategist
http://gent2smile.blogspot.com
Tweet @gent2smile
+2348027701092

Apply: Knight International Journalism Fellow (Nigeria)

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) seeks a Knight International Journalism Fellow to be based in Nigeria for 10 months to help amplify the impact of our partners’ innovative health journalism.

We are looking for a media professional, with deep roots in newsrooms, who has managed complex digital innovation projects and teams, and who has a demonstrable track-record for creating ways for audiences to engage with the news.
The Fellow will work with other ICFJ Fellows both in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, as well as local and international technologists, to ensure that our journalist partners produce health stories that engage audiences.

We define audience engagement as measurable instances where citizens:
* Consume and interact with news
* Contribute to and co-create news
* Amplify the news by sharing it online and offline
* Act on news, by responding to issues or events
* Explore issues or data reported in news, by accessing additional information or resources
A major emphasis of our program is to create health news that empowers audiences.

Qualifications and Skills
The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate:
# Experience working in newsrooms
# Experience creating digital and/or mobile news media
# Experience managing digital production teams, while working to tight deadlines
# Experience integrating social media into news media
# Success in achieving measurable audience engagement
# Success at replicating or repurposing technologies to answer local needs
# Strong leadership qualities
# Strong project and time management skills
# Experience in Nigeria or elsewhere in Africa is strongly preferred
# Training or coaching experience is a plus

The fellowship is open to any nationality. The Fellowship duration is 10 months, starting October 1st 2013. If you're interested in applying, get your application (a CV & short motivation about why you're the perfect candidate) in ASAP.

The Knight International Journalism Fellowships are designed to instill a culture of news innovation and experimentation worldwide. The goal is to seed new ideas and services that deepen coverage, expand news delivery and engage citizens in the editorial process.

The program is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The Fellows build on past successes in the Knight program, which has a strong record of achieving impact. They work in countries where there is a good opportunity to create the news media of the future. With additional support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Knight Fellows are empowering journalists in sub-Saharan Africa to use the latest digital tools to tell compelling stories on health and development issues.

Applications should be sent to:
Code4Africa@gmail.com

LEAP Africa: Summer 2013 Youth Leadership Programme

Become Today’s Change Agent
Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Professionalism (LEAP) Africa is a nonprofit organization, which is committed to developing dynamic, innovative and principled African leaders.

Given our conviction that young people can and should serve as change agents in their communities, LEAP offers its Summer Youth Leadership Programme for young people across Nigeria to increase their capacity to transform their communities.

About the Summer Youth Programme

LEAP’s Youth Leadership Programme is modeled after international best practices and emerging lessons from Ford Foundation’s youth leadership efforts across the globe.

The objectives of the leadership programme are to:
* Support youth through the process of “looking within” to take stock of their current skills, talents and inclinations as well as their dreams and visions for the future.

* Expose youth to the concept of leadership, and offer them some tools and skills for effective leadership.

* Encourage youth to commence change projects in their communities in order to test and apply what they have learnt through the training programmes, as well as to improve the lives of others.

Programme cost: N25,000 for five days
(This cost covers programme materials, light refreshment and lunch. Participants get a certificate of participation upon programme completion).
Date: July 22 – July 26, 2013
Venue: LEAP Africa’s Office Lekki Lagos (full address stated below)

Topics Description
Programme topics include: The Act and Art of Leadership, Developing your Life’s Mission and Vision, Goal Setting, the Tower Game, the Trust Walk, Leadership for Change,  Building Self Confidence, Creativity, Patriotism/Social Responsibility, Time Management, Networking, Negotiations, Communications and Moral Ethics.

LEAP utilizes case studies, games, interactive exercises and multimedia to enhance the life and leadership skills of its youth.

Target Participants
Youth between the ages of 15 and 25 who are passionate about community service and have a strong commitment to developing their leadership skills.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact
Ukwori via email at uejibe@leapafrica.org or call
234-1-270-6541/2.

You could also call by LEAP Africa’s office at - 13 Omorinre Johnson Street, Off
Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

A Nation Undivided

You've made my pillow a foam soaked with tears
And now, am wearing a makeup of sadness.
But for every tear that drops...
I remember the battles you fought
For every tear that drops...
I remember the selfless service
For every tear that drops...
All for fairness to all humanity
For every tear that drops...
All for brotherhood love
Of all the soldiers fallen in battle
Of all the massacre of little children
Of all the blood of innocent lives shed
Of all the justice and equity you fought for
I hope the little candle light in my heart
Keeps me believing that somehow,someday
Your dreams of a great Nigeria would come true
And we'ld all be united in one heart.

HAPPY DEMOCRACY DAY to all Nigerians in diaspora!
(We celebrate all our leaders that fought for Nigeria's peace and unity).

Written by:
'Fidara Aderemi

Youth Leadership Training 2013

The Youth Leadership Training 2013 is a capacity building conference organized by Life Care Outreach (LICO) for Youth Leaders and Secondary School Prefects in Aba, Abia State.

Theme: "Raising Youth Leaders with Difference"

Date: Friday, 24th May, 2013

Venue: Nwaniegbo Complex, CKC Bus-stop, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.

Facilitators:
Kingsley Bangwell, Sam Nduka, Ebenezer Kalu, Richie Felix, Ruth-Oyediya Kalu, Ebenezer Akinrinade and others.

Special Feature:
The participants will be watching the advocacy video, "Project 15 Video" produced by ARLFoundation

Program partners:
Youngstars Foundation, CLEEN Foundation and African Resourceful Leaders Foundation.

A Book Written By You (poem)

A new book has just been openned unto you...
The chapters are yet unwritten
And the pages are still blank.
There is a pen right by the side
And the ink in the pen is filled to the brim...
It's a pen specially made for you.
With this pen in your hand
You must write your own story.
Do not ask me about what story to tell
Because this should be your story, not mine.
I can only tell that the world is yearning to read
Especially a book written by none but you.
Therefore, do not delay any further
Get started and be through in time
For I also yearn to read from it, too.

Written by:
Ebenezer Akinrinade (CYFI Fellow)
+2348027701092
gent2poetry@gmail.com