The noun “Boko Haram” is currently used by some jolly-go Nigerians as an adjective. Just as “subsidy” has been revamped into various melodious tunes across the waves of social media, a real joke is also being made of the Boko Haram infestation,  a critical matter calling for national discuss otherwise, an impending (or eventual)intervention of international communities who are already predicting the collapse of the Nigeria State.

With various numbers hitting the ranks, it is painful to study a growing indices of over 200 lifeless bodies littering the streets of Kano. And what did these people die for? Obviously some actions or reactions they never applied for. Whilst Boko Haram served as the catalysts, these innocent lives where the exhibits and samples; warning to our leaders of more grievous retaliations by the dreaded Islamic sect.

We must not even consider the fact the suspect of the December bombings “mysteriously” escaped from the hands of The Nigeria Security Agents, whilst soldiers fully armed to their teeth were parading Lagos State in a view to stop the citizens from expressing their constitutional rights. Ironically, they are perceived to be the threat to national peace and security, while on the other hand Boko Haram keeps getting “goodluck” and extensive diaglouge/ pleas from both traditional and political leaders in the country. There is just one question, which certainly would birth many answers; What luck do the citizenry get at the end of the day? Sacrifice of their lives, or ill-luck each time they try?

It is a shame that with every passing day, the government seem helpless and the people the more hopeless. Boko Haram remains the in-thing, with subsidy the new music to dance to. A school of thought believes that the unavailability of the latter is as good as death. Another opines that this exaggeration is just an expression of the people’s depression and suffering. But considering the fact that Boko Haram still prevails,  then President Goodluck Jonathan has a big task to combat than getting himself worked-up and overwhelmed with subsidy crisis, clearly a discuss for another day. Or maybe another question should be asked; Is the removal of subsidy a sign of goodluck as much as the growing infestation of the Boko Haram sect? If the underlying issues besieging the nation are not deeply collimated, Nigeria would only be dancing to the melodies of a silent music.

This event held at the prestigious Protea Hotel in Maryland Lagos. Present to grace the official unveil of the event were top media agencies in the country. ‘laoluwabimbola also took strong highlights of the event…pictures definitely speak louder than words.

Cross Section of Journalist during the Launch

PIX 0024, L-R: Managing Director, Terminnal (West Africa), Mr Jacky Lee, Managing Director/CEO, Telec, Mr, Tolu Ojo, Channel Director, Huawei Technnologies Co. Nigeria Ltd, Mr Osita Akabueze: and Head of Business Development & Strategy, Telec, Mr Peter Lee, at a Media Briefing on Huawei Technnologies entry into Nigeria Mobile Phone Market, held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. PIX 0031, L-R: Channel Director, Huawei Technnologies Co. Nigeria Ltd, Mr Osita Akabueze Managing Director, Terminnal (West Africa), Mr Jacky Lee, Managing Director/CEO, Telec, Mr Tolu Ojo : and Head of Business Development & Strategy, Telec, Mr Peter Lee, at a Media Briefing on Huawei Technnologies entry into Nigeria Mobile Phone Market, held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. PIX 0031, L-R: Channel Director, Huawei Technnologies Co. Nigeria Ltd, Mr Osita Akabueze Managing Director, Terminnal (West Africa), Mr Jacky Lee :and Managing Director/CEO, Telec, Mr Tolu Ojo,

Cross Section of the Delegates

Mr Jacky Lee, Managing Director,Terminals, Huawei Technologies West Africa Ltd, stated that the technology giant has always been driven by a need to do things differently and better. It is to this effect that it is bringing its “smart technology” which is currently being enjoyed in other markets around the world to Nigerians in the form of hand held mobile communication devices.

Huawei is about Innovation, Simplicity and Dynamism

Lee explained that Huawei is offering mobile communication to Nigerians by providing world class mobile devices which stands shoulder to shoulder with the dominant players in the mobile phone market. He added that the company is making mobile phones accessible to Nigerians across different socio-economic classes.

He added that the company’s focus is on the value proposition to offer intelligent solutions to help telecom operators attract more subscribers and business opportunities and create a simple and fun life for end users.
He noted that being the world’s leading B2B communications brand and partner to a lot of telecom operators, not only supplying innovative cost effective technical solutions but also designs, builds and installs tailored system enhancements, Huawei makes the end users life a bit more pleasurable.

A media officer with a Huawei Delegate

The "Drivers" behind the wheel

The introduction of Huawei phones and mobile devices into Nigeria market will provide the window for unmatched technology already enjoyed in other markets around the world at affordable prices. This is a glaring reason why Huawei is introducing seven affordable phones into the country while pushing its Android Smartphones among the pack.

The flagship of the Android phones is the U8520, which is a dual sim smart phone and supports both WCDMA/HSDPA 900/2100 MHz and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 MHz frequency bands.

Ofcourse, because Huawei understands its target group, the young social networkers have more than enough to enjoy from the range of offerings Huawei phones bring to the fray; from social networking opportunities to multimedia maximization, they list of what a Huawei phone can do for you (and to you) is just unimaginable. The young social networkers and those who have the youthful mindset, who often want a top quality phones with great applications, freebees and a great value offer will never regret considering this brand.

Please see the materials below for more information on flagship phones by Huawei in the Nigerian market;

Boulder(U8350) Presentation V2[1].0

HUAWEI U8500 Smart Phone Product Description-(V100R001_03,EN,Normal)

U8520 product presentation V1.0

U8650 PPT

Let it be known our democratic logjam we resolved
After 79 days of tempestuous drift
We, the people’s people
Having weighed all
The doctrine of necessity
Need for peace, security and good governance
In the interest of our nation
And full guidance of our “bosses” past
Signed declaration not minding
To maintain the sanctity of our laws
Without stifling the spirit and intent
Or attending the legality thereof
Not minding obvious mischief and misinformation
Both distortion and ignorance spawn
Our voyage will steadfast drift
Out of this extraordinary time
Having all our resolve and tenacity tried
To a place we long, our solemn unspoken resolution
That whereas goodness and mercy our follower was
From today hence, Goodluck and Patience shall both replace
So help us God.

Femi Osikoya
11 Feb. 2010

Of course it is no news that Samsung has gone gaga with “generation X” innovation and technology, a very good reason why the brand has been tumbling the long time market contenders off the winning mark. With the introduction of ingenious up-do-date (futuristic, I mean) smart phones, the company has strategically positioned itself as the new hype in the “tech” dictionary. It is no wonder why the Ch@t 222 is the next alternative for seekers of fun, conviviality, entertainment and dynamism.

The phone supports 2G network with the bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – SIM 1 and GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – SIM 2. It measures 109.5 x 61.3 x 11.9 mm and has the weight of only 90gm. Okay , that is some “Jupiter to Mass” jaggons you would agree. So in context, it is only fair to say that with so much space to store music, videos and games and more, the phone is definitely the “run-away-with” bride for every smart phone lover. Simply put Ch@t222 is a must-have for every dude and hot chic.

Since the phone gives you the opportunity of using dual sims, then communication obviously just got more interesting. No wonder why the Nigerian Market played up the “Sam and Sung” campaign, signifying the grand opportunity of giving users better “value for two at the price of one”. Cool eh?

With the QWERTY keypad, it has become much easier and interesting whilst browsing the internet and especially connecting with friends, family and business via social sites such as facebook, twitter, LinkedIn and so much more.

Okay, some dudes feel that the camera experience is not as vivid as what the Galaxy S series would provide but you also can’t compare the two phones in terms of pricing and overal features. Hey…don’t let’s go there at all! With Banky W and Sasha, two of Africa’s All-time-Stars and music prodigies, endorsing the phone as “the new thing in the world of innovation and communication, ” then, there must be a greater deal than just buying the phone. It’s simply a lifestyle property carried by those who understand the future and at least the seeming dissatisfaction has been made up for with a 3.5mm ear jack which implies that your music just got “amplified”.The phone also gives you a battery life of 550 hours stand by and 710 minutes for talk time – this is most definitely a life saver asides from other features such as the GPRS support, Bluetooth and USB- so the 3G and WLAN issues are well substituted for.

So how much do you have to pay for all these? Okay the interesting part is that this “wonder” will not cost you an arm and a leg. And even though competition tried the imitation, Ch@t222 has continued to conquer with so much intimidation.

Other Related Links

www.facebook.com/samsungmobilenigeria

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glB6cLs class=MsoNormal>

In the first place, what was Maria thinking when he took that terrible back heel at goal? Did he think he was in a personal training session? Well of course, the always say that “Pride Goes before a Fall”

See video of the mishap goal at

…there are three kinds of men and their actions

determine their disposition to life. Below are areas of focus defining these men:

Opportunities

There are those who dream of opportunities;

those who wait for oppportunities and

Those who go in search of opportunities

Profitability

There are those who are content with what they have;

Those who slip down the ladder and

Those who dare for more

Business 

There are those who market, sell or buy anything

Those who sell or buy ideas only and

Those who market and sell visible solutions

Results

There are those who spend 80% of their resources to gain 20% result;

Those who spend 20-80% of their resources to get 100% of nothing and

Those who spend 20% of their resources to get 100% result

Awareness Vs Results

There are those who place premium value on awareness only then consider results later

There are those who place premium value on either of both one at a time only

There are those who consider the implications (results) of an action(awareness) on a idea

Accountability

There are those who give back exactly the talent allocated to them

There are those who give back the expected profit on value allocated and

There are those who give a 101% result on value allocated

Investments

There are those who think about tomorrow today

There are those who consider “today” today

There are those who think about tomorrow yesterday

Leadership  

There are some leaders who just sit and boss around

There are others who use people to get their own jobs done and

There are leaders who join hands with the team to get the job done

Morale

Finally

There are those who will read this threads and promise to change

There are those who will do nothing about it and

There are those who will act straight away

…Think and Act I would Say

- Olaolu Abimbola 2011

It was known custom to top-up your tank at the filling station and enjoy a free “windscreen review and clean-up). In fact some other filling stations would entitle you to free wheel balancing and alignment. Nigeria grew to understand peace and unity, two key components embodied in the nation’s anthem. The outside world regarded Nigeria as a future force in terms of science and technology, no wonder the man who invented the “poundo-machine” is  a Nigerian. The bond that existed between the inter-tribal regions meant that safety was a key factor embedded in national unity. Asides from cases of deadly armed robbers, poverty was never a mention as the food basket of the country was a continental pride, beaming with groundnut pyramids, cocoa plantations and rivers swelling with oil palm.

The story is not the same today and one can only begin to wonder how a promising nation has brought itself into the dirge of international distrust. The incidences of bombings as a satisfactory measure for anger vetting was never a common phenomena in Nigeria. Although the insurgencies and reactivation of violence and inter religious/tribal attacks have been in the pipeline for a sometime time (especially in the northern regions), no one would have expected the desecration of the nation’s independence day would have been a fair way of solving national disputes and discrepancies.

However, it is widely believed in some quarters that the insurgence had always been in existence, and bombings a superlative action and force required for “call and attention”… but is was just a rotten pod waiting to explode. In fairness to this assumption, history has it that bomb attacks have been a way of quelling or quieting some” factions found to be opposing the actors” .Indeed, the Biafra war could be referred to as just the beginning of many other actions against what can be termed the “need for selective cleansing”. 1967 cannot just be erased from the equation of a wholesome reactive formula. The scares remain anchored in the minds of the Igbos…it can only be imagined and the story passed down the generations.

And yes!!! With technology came destructive innovation. October 19, 1986 was meant to be termed “a no-open-letter-day”, unfortunately, a national hero couldn’t read into the future, so Dele-Giwa, heard the call, and responded to the blast…from his letter. It was a “bomb-letter-day”. So asides from the Biafra where thousands of Igbos were sacrificed for a course that never sufficed, just down the years (about some 20 years or more later), just one person died in a bomb incidence. Not a bad number for the records, but also not a good reason for the statistics. His was a controversial call and believed to be deliberate. Maybe it could also be termed as thebegining of the invention of deliberate bomb attacks on “the enemies”.

The scale of recurrence decided not to diminish, giving room to almost an incidence every one year plus since the time of Dele-Giwa as show below:

May 31, 1995: Ilorin Stadium. Just before the launch of Family Support Programme;

January 18, 1996:Durbar Hotel, Kaduna. Suspected bomber killed. Said to have bought a copy of Wole Soyinka’s book prior to blast;

January 20, 1996: Aminu Kano Int’l Airport, Kano;

April 11, 1996: Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos;

April 25, 1996: Air Force Base, Ikeja;

November 14, 1996: Murtala Mohammed Airport. Claimed the life of the Chief Security Officer;

December 16, 1996: Bomb blast rocked Colonel Marwa’s convoy;

December 18, 1996: Bus belonging to the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation hit;

January 17, 1997: Bus belonging to Nigerian Army hit;

April 22, 1997: Blast in Evans Square claims 3 lives, injures several; December 13, 1997: Lt.Gen Oladipo Diya escapes death at Abuja airport; May 12, 1997: Ibadan gets its first dose in front of Federal Min. of Works and Housing at Eleyele Road, near Jericho Hospital;

Then came the big one in 2002.Just 16 years after the death of Dele-Giwa, a thousand Lagosians perish the case of accidental bomb explosions at the Ikeja Cantonment. A blood-drenched day and a memorial that suddenly seems to be forgotten and buried in the mist.

The rising of MEND and Boko Haram

The statistics above will not be completed without putting into consideration the countless bomb attacks both by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Detla (MEND), and the northern based cult Boko Haram. Both groups have claimed responsibility for the Independence Day Bombing and that of the Police Force Head Quarters in Abuja respectively.

To put in candid words, there assaults perverted by these duo that has encouraged the mass murder of innocent citizens and children at various times can be termed as the “new era of the destroyers” - the beginning of the end if care is not taken. With lives and properties in danger, it is now more than difficult relocating to some parts of the country tagged “red alert-zones”. The gradual spread of violence sweeping through the country, has only led to the asking of more questions: ” Is Nigeria truly free?”

There is a mass movement on-going for the complete cancellation or restructure of the NYSC project and of course the exodus of citizens of the country from particular regions show that somehow, the government is tasked with the assignment of reinvented a stronger security base, as this mayhem seems to overshadow issues of poverty and unemployment.

The final straw was the bombing of the Police Force Head Quarters in Abuja. The base of national security freely threatened in broad day light. It is evident that negative vibes have been sent to all and sundry and the outcry for a quick and urgent reaction to quell the situation cannot be over emphasized. The suggestions and counters as to the real nature of the incidence also tells a big tale about the strength of the police forensic and intelligence unit, the key reason why success rate as to cubing such occurrences has been very low. June 16, 2011 has obviously put to test the resolve of the Nigeria Security Force to harness all its energy is supporting the movement for the true Nigeria Freedom.

In four months time, the nation will celebrate another Independence Day one year after the bomb blast at the Eagles’ Square. Suffice to say that the government have either quietly abandoned the thought that some lives were sacrified on a national day or they really do not know how to go about the who issue. Without much say and ado, it is imperative that the Nigerian police is reoriented and properly equipped to manage and handle to crisis befalling the nation with regards security and peace of mind. Some one has queried that if the President was not safe on the Independence Day of the country, then the nation is only sitting on a one-legged-stool.

The general consensus is that the country might also need to undergo a “cleansing process”, through the ranks and as long as this is not implemented, the real frontiers of national growth and structural development, might not be able to see, talk less of climb the ladder of responsive leadership.

As long as selfishness retains as the driver of a national course, the issues of national segregation will only keep soaring until it reaches a state of complete destabilization. Syria, Yemen, Egypt and Libya remain case studies of failed stated dilapidated over the years.

Will bombings continue without a solution? Will corruption be allowed to dictate the pace? Or will true freedom and justice prevail howbeit painful the process? Obviously, it is much better to pay now and play later.Therefore, Nigeria needs to face this hard facts and act fast!!!

information sourced from:http://news2.onlinenigeria.com/news/100686-history-of-bomb-blasts-in-nigeria.html

The patient, perceived as a weakling

His perspective of life, solely dependent on his state of mind;

Melancholic suppression and pity for the dying form

The bloodline driving towards a meaningless end

The only hope at the theatre is hopelessness

Deaden of the nerves, physiological disjointedness

Fear permeates every corner,

The only sound; the wheel of the stretcher

Now he is no more deemed a weakling

His falling and failing is visible

The noise on the outside is that of a shepherd’s calling

All that can be understood lies in the last prayers of the sheep at the slaughter

Survival becomes scarce, the smell of oxygen an expensive dose,

Self determination to live carry little or no weight, success is now an uncertainty;

Hope, then despair; trust then caution

The gasp gets faster, we fear for drooling approaches.

The medicals for a second assume the position of “the mediocre”

Then the clocks stop and the room is quiet;

There is blood everywhere and the spatulas have done the splitting

Then silence! The most uncomfortable noise in the theatre.

The team begin to depart, the veil covers the victim;

Melancholic music in the air, o not really but the noise of the sympathisers

In a minute of two it should be over- how hard it is to live with the bleed

No pulses, only voices, but from outside, not inside.

Then in the twinkle of an eye the springs shift, and the bed re-rumpled

First of all a scare or the remembrance of “The Invisible Man”

A little jostle of the legs, then the final stretch

We all rush outside, not inside,

Fear in delight, surprise in despair

But now comes the real tears, he is back to normal

A cold cough and more movements

He is alive, somehow he came back

A tear then two, the multitude join in the rejoice

It was a long wind, but success was achieved

At last he is free to go home and live in peace.

We cried for him – in pain, but in return he gave us a smile- in exhalation as we sing!

-’laoluwabimbola copyright 2011

A fast growing economy in wealth and heritage
A people prided in self belief and cultural abundance
A continental pride, a black nation
A good future born through struggle and determination to survive
A generous nation in demography and psychography
A glory waiting to reveal its crown
An ambitious people interested in the end without considering the means
A regional light, an emulation
A hunter’s trigger, the farmer’s water gourd
Today’s hope, tomorrow’s dream

A music band dancing to different tunes
A twined Gunter’s chain waiting for freedom
A hopeful nation…a waiting people…believing in hope
A rulers’ ruler, yet an unruly ruler
A bright future painted in dull colours
A nation driven by passion, but coordinated in selfish ambitions
A tomorrow always waiting for tomorrow
A sleeping army dreaming of victory
An uncertainty formed in the midst of clarity
An insecurity that lives as the night guard
A speculation that ends up as a mere rumour
A deceived nation thriving in the trade of deceit
A conscious people unconsciously seating on a time bomb

…Now is the Time for us to be heard, But most importantly, NOW is the time for us to ACT”

Olaolu Abimbola's Model for National Reformation - 2010

Vertical Solution: This is the orientation of the Nigeria-State from leadership to the people explaining in details the need for change and positive living. When corruption is plotted  against societal development, it is no wonder the nation has remained stagnant for about 30 years. However, this orientation can only be achieved when leadership takes up the challenge of implementing the needed change

Horizontal Solution: This is aimed at ensuring that within ranks, and at all cadres, structural re-alignment is considered as a working tool for national re-calibration. This  will ensure that at each level of governance, there are written and defined codes aimed at outlining the rules of engagement, such that no persons are marginalized.

There is still hope and room for betterment…if and only if the voices reaching out for change are heard.!!!

It would be recalled that time and again olaoluwabimibola.wordpress.com has been advocating for the complete scrapping of the NYSC project or its immediate restructuring.

Just two days ago, five members in service-year were forcefully abducted at Omademe, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State. Immediately after the Corps members were abducted, the kidnappers put them on  phone to announce to their colleagues and relations that they are holding them. Vanguard Newspaper reveal; “A source in the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, who spoke to Vanguard on the issue, said the corps members were on their way from a school in Omademe community in  the council, where they had gone  to inspect a library project they donated to the school as part of their community development service when they were abducted. According to the source, the corps members were driving in their colleague’s car, when the incident occurred.  He said those kidnapped were four females and a male”.

This is not the first of such occurrences as the same was witnessed last year when some  five female corps members residing at Eche Local Government Area of the state were kidnapped and taken to a bush in Abia State. The immediate intervention would result to peaceful dialogue with the abductors. This is an unending process where the reality of the drama through out the period is partially exposed to the general public. This response to the impending danger on innocent lives can be interpreted to mean “mercy after killing”. The real issue is yet to be faced.

It can be argued that kidnapping takes place everyday in every quaters just as the Boko Haram sect keep killing and bombing both themselves and fellow citizens without definition of personality. However, if the system does not accommodate for safety, then the flood gates would keep opening up the evil doers who will continue to pervert justice, law and order. The NYSC system has failed to accomplish its major objective of national unity let alone being used as an instrument for structural order and realignment. It is just an impossible task at the moment giving the nagging  concerns.

Of course it is very difficult to forget the massacre of the NYSC 10 during the just concluded elections where consolations such as  presidential condolences, meager financial compensations and street naming in the FCT were offered for life long investments (irreplaceable with N10m and handshakes). Now, it has gradually become a thing of the past.

Security Efficiency in Nigeria

Insecurity has been touted as  the growing virus in the  Nigeria-System. Poverty, depleted energy and power are fast becoming sub-bullets whilst insecurity is viewed as the “mother of the whole genesis”. The law keepers are only dressed in black khaki uniforms with the sole aim of extorting money from road users asides from being major culprits of road traffic law enforcement. It is very doubtful that the Nigeria Police can single-handedly save the corps members without soiling their uniforms with corrupt waters. A negotiation with the kidnappers will most likely be the most efficient bait.

The Police is even assumed to be the core root of the dilapidated security system in the first place..or maybe they are just victims of the national dis-orientation that had been a growing germ from the beginning of the military eras…this obviously must be the real situation.

Way Forward

1. If you cannot restructure the NYSC to achieve set goals and objectives Scrap the system

2. The Nigerian Police at the moment is not fully and sufficiently equipped and trained to secure lives and properties let alone the nation. Empower them

3. These five youth corps members are very integral part of our society and world. At all cost find them ALIVE!!!

The battle for the realignment of the NYSC system continues…Save the future now