Friday, July 13, 2012

First Lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan responds to Outrage over Permanent Secretary Appointment – “I will hold Position in Absentia and Earn No Sala

Following the widespread outrage over the appointment of the first lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan as a Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State, Mrs. Jonathan has said she will be performing her duties as a Permanent Secretary but with no salary earnings.

Speaking through her spokesperson, Ayo Osinlu in an interview with Premium Times, Mrs. Jonathan said she will not be relocating to Bayelsa state to perform the duties of a permanent secretary, in line with her new appointment.

“She is on leave of absence,” Mr. Osinlu said. “She is not going to function in the office of the permanent secretary in Bayelsa state.”

Ms. Jonathan however, is apparently delighted at the appointment as her spokesman argued that she had no cause to publicly accept or decline the appointment.

“It is a civil service position,” Mr Osinlu said. “She is a staff of the Bayelsa state civil service.”

Mrs Jonathan will also not collect any pay for the office, Mr Osinlu said insisting that “It will be illegal for her to draw salary from the office.”

The president’s wife, who left the Bayelsa state civil service 13 years ago after her husband became the deputy governor of the state, was elevated to the position, usually reserved for senior civil servants.

However, Governor Seriake Dickson said he made the appointment in line with the constitutional powers conferred on his office because she was on “leave of absence” and not retired from the state’s civil service.

What do you think about her response?

News Source: Premium Times

Happy 78th birthday to a great icon, Prof Wole Soyinka

The author, poet, playwright and Nobel Prize winner was born 13th July 1934. There's a lecture at the Muson Centre today to mark his 78th birthday. Wishing him many more happy years ahead!

The Igbo Boys of Virginia! Hotness!

The Igbo Boys of Virginia USA, getting ready for "Ekere Mgba" (Traditional Wrestling). This is one of the ways they show patriotism in diaspora. Better meat!

Events This Weekend

Freedom Hall presents Omolara
Experience Omolara this Thursday live like never before. Admission is free for all!
Date: Thursday 12th July 2012
Time: 7 PM
Venue: Terra Kulture, Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos
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2012 Abuja Leadership Conference – 360 Leader
The International Conference Centre in Abuja will host the 2012 Abuja Leadership Conference which will feature world renowned pastors and business men including Matthew Ashimolowo, Dr. Mensa Otabil, Tola Odutola and Dr. Sam Chand. The leadership conference which has been tagged ‘’360 leader’’ will take place from Thursday July 12 to Friday July 13 2012 at the Abuja International Conference Centre and admission to this historic event is free.
Date: Thursday July 12th – Friday July 13th 2012
Time: 5PM Daily
Venue: Abuja International Conference Center, Plot 900 Herbert Macaulay Way, Abuja
The event is free but requires registration. You can register by texting 360leader to 33810.

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Celebrity Friday
This Friday, get yourself set and ready to party with 10 of Nigeria’s finest artistes – Shank, Harry Songs, Tunde Ednut, Rayce, Tilla Man. Samklef, Flowssickk, Rilwan, Jugernault and K-Switch at the Celebrity Friday show organised by SS Lounge in conjunction with BellaNaija. Also scheduled to attend are Kaylah, DJ Xclusive, DJ Caise and Anita Isedeh a.k.a Omalicha from Rhythm FM. To attend, call 012700612 or 08163083002 for more info.
Date: Friday 13th July 2012
Venue: 7 Sapara Willams Close off Idowu Martins, Victoria Island, Lagos
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Top Nigerian Chief Executives Gears up for In’Genius Youth Project Dinner
Leading Nigerian Chief Executives, Captains of Industries, Development Organisations as well as Top Government Officials are expected to storm the Civic Centre, Victoria Island ,Lagos on Friday July 13, 2012 for a special dinner event organised by the In’Genius Youth project to showcase to them the best 10 shortlisted ideas proffered as solutions by Nigerian youth to some prevalent problems confronting the nation. The 10 best ideas to be presented on the night are the best adjudged entries out of several received in the just concluded In Genius competition which was introduced by In’Genius Youth Organisation as a medium through which young ideas generators can find a platform for expression and have a chance to win fabulous prizes.
Date: Friday July 13th 2012
Time: 6PM
Venue: Civic Center, Ozumba Mbadiwe Way, Victoria Island, Lagos
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Living On The Edge
Life! Are you struggling with different areas of your life? Do you feel like you are on a road without any particular direction to where you are headed? Do you need direction? Do you want to understand what it means to LIVE for God in these trying times? Are you looking to live a balanced, purpose driven and victorious life? Then “Living on the Edge” is the event for you. Living on the Edge is a 3-day event hosted by The Waterbrook Church (TWB). The event will see popular and noted speakers and authors, Michelle McKinney Hammond and Dwayne Bryant, discuss key challenges of life and offer nuggets for successful living based on the Word and their own life experiences.
The Events
HardTalk (2 Sessions)
Date: Friday 13th July 2012
Time: 3PM

Talk Show/Interactive Session
Date: Saturday 14th July 2012
Time: 9AM

Close-out session
Date: Sunday 15th July 2012
Time: 10AM
Venue: ALL events take place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos
For more information and general enquiries E-mail: info@thewaterbrookchurch.org
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Nigerian Leadership Initiative Holds Information Forum for victims of Dana Air Tragedy
The families of the victims of Dana Air Tragedy will be hosted by the Nigerian Leadership Initiative(NLI) on July 14 at the Muson Center, Lagos. An Information Forum is being organized to assist the families and dependents, of victims, with their problems and concerns during the grieving process as well as disseminate information on their options and rights resulting from the tragedy. Specifically, specialist advice and guidance will be offered on a range of issues including: Counselling and Welfare; Rights and options for families and dependants; Next steps and processes in accident investigation of Dana Air flight 992. Contributing to the forum are NLI Senior Fellow Oba Nsugbe QC, SAN, Dr. Femi Olugbile (Psychiatrist), Captain Dayo Awobokun (qualified Pilot and Flight Safety Expert), and Jim Morris (qualified Boeing Pilot and Aviation Specialist) from the UK.
Date: Saturday 14th July 2012
Time: 10 AM
Venue: Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos
Contact: For more info and general enquiries call Ase Taidi on 08158430814 | E-mail ase@nli-global.org
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Stay Fit the Fun Way this Weekend at a Free Aerobics Class
Do you need to get in shape for that occasion? Come join in the fun and stay fit this weekend at an aerobics class for FREE! Bubez Plaiz is organizing an aerobics class for free in Abuja on the 14th of July. To be a part of it, simply login to www.bubezplaiz.com. Go to “never miss a sale/register for aerobics” and sign up. The gate pass is your email address. Alternatively, you can subscribe to receive blog posts and voila! You are qualified to come and join in the fun. There would be free t-shirts for the first five people to register. Don’t worry about water, it would be provided for you!
Date: Saturday 14th July 2012
Time: 7AM – 9AM
Venue: Praise Mall, No. 2 Sakono street, off Adetokunbo Ademola Street opp Poly/AP Plaza Wuse 2 Abuja
Contact: For more info and general enquiries, call 08181095506 | add BB Pin 2209315E | Twitter @bubezplaiz | Log on to their website http://bubezplaiz.com/
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Come Interact With Austin Okere as he shares his Business and Life Experiences
Austin Kwesi Okere is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Computer Warehouse Group, one of the fastest growing information and communication technology companies in Africa which he founded in 1992.
Date: Saturday 14th July 2012
Time: 1PM
Venue: Bogobiri House, 9 Maitama Sule Street, Off Raymond Njoku Street, off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi
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Fab Soiree ExhibitionOfficial Opening
Do you love to shop and you are searching for a fun retail therapy where you can network in a serene environment? Then it’s your lucky day as the maiden edition of the Fab Soiree Exhibition. Attendees at the Fab Soiree Exhibition will get to shop for lots of items including designer accessories, jewelry, bridal outfits, kaftans and abayans, home decor and fragrances, colognes, kiddies outfits, hair products, body scrubs, cosmetics, exotic fabrics, food and drinks at a discounted rate. There will also be a play area for children, non stop music, a relaxing lounge and fabulous gifts for all who attend.
Date: Saturday 14th July 2012 – Sunday 15th July 2012
Time: 9 AM – 7 PM Daily
Venue: The Astroturf Lounge, Sanni Bacha Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos
Contact: For more info and general enquiries, call 08033096581 | 08033016027 | 08073345946 | e-mail info@thefabsoiree.com | like their Facebook Page – www.Facebook.com/TheFabSoiree | follow them on Twitter@TheFabSoiree | log on to their website www.TheFabSoiree.com

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Shades of Summer Exhibition
You are invited to the Tae Shades of Summer Exhibition
Date: Sunday 15th July 2012
Time: 12 NOON – 6PM
Venue: Cloud 9 Cafe, 33 Sinari Daranijo Street, off Younis Bashorun off Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, Lagos

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The GEC International College Summer Camp
This Summer the Kids are in for a fun and educational treat, GEC educational College are having a Summer Camp full of fun and entertaining events. These range from Basket ball, roller skating and horse riding to cookery and language classes. As a great way to keep your kids busy over the holiday they could have fun and also take part in one of their many courses, which range from Primary, JSS, SS all the way through to SAT, Tofel or GMAT. So be sure to head over or find out more on their facebook or twitter: @GEC_London.
Date: Monday July 16th – Monday August 30th 2012
Time: 9AM – 3PM
Venue: 48 Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Contact: For more information and general enquiries, call 08034015525 for Lagos, 08033160919 for Abuja, 08068446457 for Port Harcourt| Email: geccollege@ng.geceducation.net| Website: http://www.geceducation.net
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The Reopening of Didi Museum and Photo Exhibition Tilted Whispers From the Sahara by Kelechi Amadi-Obi
You are cordially invited to the reopening of Didi Museum, Nigeria’s first private museum. The opening ceremony will be flagged off with a photo-exhibition titled Whispers from the Sahara Desert by Kelechi Amadi-Obi. The pictures to be exhibited were taken during the Newton Jibunoh Desert Warriors Expedition Across the Sahara Desert. The opening ceremony slated for Friday July 13, 2012, is to be chaired by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and is strictly by invitation however the photo exhibition will be a month long affair and admission is free for all.
Date: July 16th – August 13th 2012
Exhibition Hours: 12pm – 7pm
Venue: Didi Centre for Arts, 175 Akin Adesola Street Victoria Island Lagos
Host: Dr. Newton Jibunoh
Contact: For more information and general enquiries, call 0703 717 9392| Email: info@didimuseum.org| Website: http://www.didimuseum.org/

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Become a Certified Make-Up Artist this year by enrolling for MUD Academy’s Intensive Training in Lagos
This July 2012, renowned beauty academy Make-Up Designory (MUD) known for providing quality education in the craft of make-up artistry has officially announced its training set to take place in Lagos, Abuja and for the very first time in Calabar. To commemorate the opening of their Yaba studio, MUD has made preparations to organize a 2 week intensive training in make-up artistry with options of either weekend or weekday training to make it possible for all to learn from the renowned grooming brand while a full month training will hold in its Lekki, Lagos studio as well as in Abuja and Calabar.
Lagos 2 Week Course (Yaba Studio)
Weekday Classes Classes will hold on Mondays to Fridays.
Date: Monday 16th July 2012 – Monday 30th July 2012
Time:11 AM – 3 PM Daily
Weekend Classes Classes hold on Saturdays and Sundays only. There is a 15% discount on tuition if you register before Friday 6th July 2012.
Date: Saturday 21st July 2012 – Sunday 6th August 2012
Time: 2 PM – 5 PM Daily
Venue: MUD Studio, JBL House, 2nd Floor, 40B Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos

1 Month Course (Lekki Studio)
Weekday Classes Classes will hold on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Date: Monday 16th July 2012 – Monday 13th August 2012
Time: 11 AM – 2 PM Daily
Weekend Classes Classes will hold on Saturdays and Sundays only. Early registers will get a 15% discount off tuition fee, if they register on or before Friday 6th July 2012.
Date: Saturday 14th July 2012 – Sunday 12th August 2012
Time: 2 PM – 5 PM Daily
Venue: 12B Fatai Idowu Arobieke Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos
To register, pay the specified amount into MUD’s GT Bank Account, Nationwide. Account Name: Make-Up Designories Nigeria Limited | Account Number0019014350 and get in touch with them.
Contact: For more info and general enquiries, Call 07082978030 | BB Pin 23AB14DF | E-mail info@mudnigeria.com | Log on to their website www.MudNigeria.com

Tiwa Savage Covers OK! Nigeria Magazine

Behind the scenes: Davido & Kcee's music video shoot

Kcee and Davido in South Africa shooting the video for Okpekete remix. Okpekete is a song by Kcee featuring Davido. Really nice song!

Singer Waje Dazzles at Mango Show

Pop and Soul diva, Waje, stole the show at the Mango event which held on Sunday at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos. Waje wore a green flowing dress for her red carpet look and a stunning black dress for her performance at the show. I love her new sexy look!

Lady Gaga steps out in transparent tights and bra

Kanye West finally gets a phone...because of Kim K

Kanye West has never owned a phone, at least according to him. But he has finally relented and bought one...because of new girlfriend, Kim K.

Kanye West "doesn't like to be tied down by technology," says a source, and didn't have a cell before falling for Kim Kardashian.
"It frustrated Kim," adds the insider. "She had to call him through his bodyguard." But West recently caved and got a secret phone. Says a source, "He only uses it for Kim!"

Who wore it better?

Who wore it better?

Bishop Oyedepo's N2billion assault case dismissed

Bishop Oyedepo this morning won his N2 billion assault case in court after Justice Ojo of the Ogun State high court dismissed the case on the grounds that the application lacked merit and that the 'slapped lady' remains a ghost victim.

A Lagos based lawyer, Robert Igbinedion, had filed a lawsuit on behalf of a girl who was filmed being slapped by the founder of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) during a deliverance session a few years back. Mr Igbinedion failed to produce the girl, making it impossible to have a case against the Bishop.

House summons Spanish Ambassador over visa denial to Nigerian Athletes

The House of Reps yesterday Wednesday July 11th invited the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Alvaro Castillo Aguilar (pictured above), to explain why their embassy denied visas to the Nigerian Contingent to the IAAF Junior championship.
The 24-man team was billed to participate in the International Association of Athletics Federations championship which commenced on Tuesday July 10th in Barcelona Spain, but couldn't make it because the Spanish embassy denied the delegation visa to the country. They later gave a flimsy excuse. *hiss*

The House has mandated its Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Sports to investigate the matter and submit a report.

Patience Jonathan Appointed Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State

Our dear first lady made history yesterday by becoming the first First Lady of Nigeria to be appointed Permanent Secretary in a State civil service.

Mrs Jonathan and 17 others were appointed Perm Sec in the state civil service by the governor of Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson. The announcement was broadcast on the state radio station yesterday evening Wednesday July 11th.

Explaining their reason for the appointment, the senior special assistant to the governor on media affairs, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said that the First Lady was a teacher in the state’s civil service and has been on leave of absence since 1999 to join her husband in his political service; first as a deputy governor, governor, vice president, then president. If not for the leave of absence, according to him, Mrs Jonathan would have risen to the status of a permanent secretary by now.

I see! How we ended up with clowns as 'rulers' still beats me!

Peter, Paul and Jude Okoye lose mum

The mother of Paul, Peter and Jude Okoye has sadly passed on. Mrs Josephine Okoye died last night in a hospital in India where she had been flown to for medical treatment. The nature of her illness was not disclosed. The devastated twin brothers, their elder brother Jude and manager may fly to India today to recieve the body of their mum. So sad. May her soul rest in peace...amen.

Spot the difference

Iroko TV Founder, Jason Njoku & CEO of Bakrie Delano Africa, Ladi Delano make Forbes Magazine’s ‘Ten Young African Millionaires To Watch’ List

Two Nigerians, Ladi Delano, the restless 30 year-old founder and CEO of Bakrie Delano Africa, a $1 billion investment vehicle committed to making acquisitions in Nigeria’s mining, energy and agriculture sectors; and Jason Njoku, the 31 year-old founder and CEO of Iroko TV have made the recently released Forbes Magazine ‘Ten Young African Millionaires To Watch’ list.

According to Mfonobong Nsehe, a Forbes Magazine contributor who compiled the list, it consists of a handful of young Africans in their 20s and 30s who have built businesses and amassed enviable million-dollar fortunes. While some are corporate animals; others are empire builders.

There are thousands of young and immensely successful entrepreneurs across the African continent. There’s a growing number of Africans aged 40 and under who are legitimately amassing multi-million dollar fortunes. They don’t inherit stuff; they build it themselves.

The list comprised of:

  • Mark Shuttleworth, 38, South African, Founder, Knife Capital
  • Ashish Thakkar, 29, Ugandan, Co-Founder and CEO, Mara Group
  • Ladi Delano, 30, Nigerian, Founder and CEO, Bakrie Delano Africa
  • Justin Stanford, 28, South African, Founder & CEO, 4Di Group
  • Magatte Wade, 36, Senegalese, Founder, Adina World Beat Beverages & Tiossan
  • Mike Macharia, 36, Kenyan, Founder & CEO, Seven Seas Technologies
  • Vinny Lingham, 33, South African, Founder, Yola Inc
  • Kamal Budhabatti, 36, Kenyan, CEO, Craft Silicon
  • Yolanda Cuba, 35, South African, Executive Director, South African Breweries
  • Jason Njoku, 31, Nigerian, Founder & CEO Iroko TV

Here’s what Forbes had to say about the two Nigerians on the list:

Ladi Delano
The jet-setting Nigerian serial entrepreneur made his first millions as a liquor entrepreneur while living in China. In 2004, at age 22, he founded Solidarnosc Asia, a Chinese alcoholic beverage company that made Solid XS, a premium brand of vodka. Solid XS went on to achieve over 50% market share in China and was distributed across over 30 cities in China, and pulled in $20 million in annual revenue. Delano subsequently sold the company to a rival liquor company for over $15 million and ploughed his funds into his next venture-The Delano Reid Group, a real estate investment holding company focused on mainland China. Today, Delano is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bakrie Delano Africa (BDA) – a $1 billion joint venture with the $15 billion (market cap) Bakrie Group of Indonesia. Bakrie Delano Africa serves as the investment partner of the Bakrie Group in Nigeria. The Indonesian conglomerate has provided over $900 million worth of funds to invest in Nigeria and Bakrie Delano Africa is responsible for identifying investment opportunities in mining, agriculture and oil & gas and executing them.

***

Jason Njoku
The maverick Nigerian Internet entrepreneur is founder of Iroko TV, the world’s largest digital distributor of African movies. Iroko TV has been dubbed the ‘Netflix of Africa’. Earlier this year, Iroko TV raised $8 million in venture capital from Tiger Global Management, a New York-based private equity and hedge fund run by billionaire Chase Coleman. IrokoTV enjoys lucrative content distribution deals with Dailymotion, iTunes, Amazon and Vimeo. Njoku is unwilling to divulge figures, but analysts believe IrokoTV could be worth as much as $30 million. Njoku is the company’s largest individual shareholder.

Only two woman made the list, Magatte Wade of Adina World Beat Beverages & Tiossan and Yolanda Cuba. Yolanda was 29 when she was appointed CEO of Mvelaphanda Holdings, a Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed investment holding company.

What do you think about the entire list and the Nigerians that made it on the list?

Mario Balotelli's pregnant ex writes emotional open letter to him

After asking for a paternity test and saying there was no hope of them reconciling in a statement released last week, the Italian footballer's pregnant ex-girlfriend has penned down an emotional open letter to him. The letter was published in the current edition of Italian weekly magazine, Chi. Below is what she wrote:
This child I desire with all my heart and I want it because it is not a child that arrived by chance but instead it is the fruit of love between two people and you know well what I am talking about.
This letter was the only way I could speak to you. I am happy to take the DNA test but I still have the text messages you sent me from Krakow (during Euro 2012) in which you said you were happy with the news I had given you.
Even if the events of life have separated us you will be a present and responsible father, as well as one being full of love for his child. You know full well where to find me and I will always be ready to speak with you about the future of your child. Of our child.”
I’m writing this letter because I was left deeply hurt as a woman but also as a mother by what you said in your cold statement.
I find it unfair on your part that you wrote (if you indeed did write it) the insinuation that I was cashing in on the birth of our child.
Dear Mario, and allow me to call you that, I have not been paid for any interview in which I spoke highly of you and of the life together I wanted and where I confirmed rumours that I was pregnant – my tummy is getting bigger all the time and it’s not easy to hide.

A Bundle of Wisdom in a Young Mind: Wukeh Egem-Odey, 19 Year-Old Best Graduating Student of Covenant University shares his Inspiring Story

he emerged as the best graduating student in Covenant University, Ota last month. Having completed his undergraduate course in Accounting, he earned an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.89, towering above his peers in the 2012 graduating set of the University.

In this exclusive interview with Adeola Adeyemo, Wukeh speaks about his journey to achieving such a feat, his other interests and his plans for the future. His story is an interesting one. Enjoy!

Hi Wukeh. Congratulations on achieving such a feat. How do you feel right now, making history as the best graduating student this year?
I feel indebted to God Almighty, and like you know, God can’t be repaid. So I feel like a debtor. God has done this marvelous thing in my life and I am truly grateful. Like you said “making history”, so I feel further challenged to forget the past and steer forward to achieve greater heights.

Tell me about your journey to achieving this. Would you say it was tough or smooth ride?
Nothing good comes easy. It was definitely not a smooth ride. Tough times they say don’t last, but tough people do. It was a hell of a ride I tell you. My case was different. I had a lot of challenges, health and otherwise, but God chose to lift me up at the end. I didn’t enroll in school to be the best graduating student, I came to learn and build myself to achieve maximum returns on my parent’s investments. God saw me through all the breakdowns and frowns and even when there was an examination period I literarily did not read for, He provided friends that had my back and will sacrifice their own time to read out the notes to me.

What was the lowest grade you ever had in the University and what course was it in?
My lowest grade was a D but it was in a 0 Unit Course. I did not read and the course was Comptia+(Project Management). Only 25 questions so failing was easier. Seriously, my lowest grade in a credit load was a C and it was in Accounting Laboratory- ACC 229- Peach Tree Accounting. God in heaven knows I got an A, I just don’t know what went wrong. It’s a software course and I am sure they made a huge mistake. Anyway it was 1 unit and I was tired of complaining.

What Primary and Secondary schools did you attend? Were you always at the top of your class in those schools?
I went to Hilcrest in Calabar, then to Stella Maris Primary School in Abuja and I was not exactly the top of the class, but I was academically respected, came in top 3 but I always evaded the 1st position, I don’t know why. But I emerged second in the Federal Common Entrance and I passed the Loyola Jesuit Exam, which was considered a great academic feat at the time and till now. I attended Loyola Jesuit College and there, I was never at the top of the class. I was an average student, among the brightest students. Well I was really playful in school and never realized the essence of education till later on in SS3. Thank God it wasn’t too late.

You’re a graduate at the age of 19. This is a bit rare in the Nigerian society. At what age did you get into Primary school, Secondary school and the University?
Well I got into Stella Maris at 6 from Hilcrest in Calabar. I was in Transition, a class after Reception 1 and 2 in Calabar. When I moved into Abuja, however, my Mum took a risk and started me at primary 3 immediately to see if I could cope. The Hilcrest School operated a Grade 4 system unlike the usual Primary 6. So My Mum figured that since transition was the equivalent of primary 2, I should start up in primary 3. Well God helped me, I coped and I wrote my common entrance in Primary 5 and I passed. I entered Loyola Jesuit College at age 9. Mind you, I was born in November so I entered 9 and turned 10 in JSS1. So after 6 years, I entered into Covenant University at 15 and turned 16 in Year 1. Well, where I am from age is just statistics; you are as old as your mind tells you.

What do you think is responsible for your fast climb up your educational ladder?
It was mainly God speed and my parent’s belief. They never saw us as small as we truly were. Once you could stand it, keep going.

You must have been one of the youngest students in your classes in all the schools you’ve attended. Did this affect your self confidence or performance in any way at any point in time?
Yes o. Infact, I think that is why I didn’t do so well in Secondary School. I had not matured on time. I still saw life as playful as it was in primary school and it took me time to find footing. Sometimes, I was shy about it, sometimes, I wasn’t. As I entered the University, nope, not at all. Truly no one will believe I am 19. I look and talk and behave older. So self-confidence has never been an issue. My elder siblings and my parents took it upon themselves to make sure I did not make the same mistake with my peers. I never played video games, I never did what my peers did. I wanted to, but I didn’t find myself doing them. Since, I had always been in classes higher than my age, I act my class, not my age and so it did not affect my performance in the higher institution, nor did it affect my self-confidence.

Have you always seen this coming? Did you know you were going to have such a grade right from when you got into the University?
Well, I knew that University was going to be a lot different from Secondary School. Reason being I had figured it out. I was more serious. I now knew my left from right and knew what was important. So I had my second chance to redeem the Primary School hero. My Ghanaian teachers were shocked at my Loyola performance; I remember I used to go for lessons upon lessons. So, I knew there would be redemption, but bless God it was to the highest degree. I saw it coming and I kept God close by so that it can truly come. I didn’t know it will be the best grade, but I knew I would do great, not average, not just good, but great.

Most intelligent people like you are usually tagged as unsociable, nerds. Would you say you had a similar experience or did you have an active social life at the University?
Opposite. I was on the other end of the stick. On my convocation, a magazine was released called SPOTTED, and they tagged me “Perfection in Balance”. Truth is, when you are coming from the playful end and you figure it out, it is hard for you to leave the play. You just figure how to fit it in, without suffering the books. I still played basketball, I was the Captain of my level team, I still did a lot of fashion designing and modeling, I hung out with my friends (male and female), though I never had an official relationship, but I met amazing people along the way like Biola, Saida, Pelumi, and Joy and they are really great women. I still stayed “fly”. I tried sha. I loved dressing so I was known as a ‘fashionista’ and I kinda still had that serious look on sometimes but I was always faking it for the ‘swag’. It felt good when I would be playing and people go ‘but he will still pass’. Well people always asked me how I combined it all, especially when I started business in my concluding years, but my answer is 3 letters, GOD.

Did you have any nickname while in school?
My friends called me EGEM. They really dragged it. Others called me Woks, some called me Prof. and towards the end of my stay when I accepted the post as the CPC Chairman, my named changed to CPC.

If there is anything you would have loved to change about your experience or stay at the University, what would it be?
Absolutely nothing. All the dots connected and even the things that went bad were the very things that led to the good things. I loved the whole experience. If there is a gun to my head sha, and I really had to answer this question, I would have loved to know some really cool people earlier, but hey, I still get to know them right? And I would have started business way earlier.

What would you say were your lowest points throughout your stay in the University?
When I lost my friends-Damola Afolabi and Femi Ribadu, those were my lowest points. Great talents called by their father in heaven.

Why did you choose to attend Covenant University? Did you attempt to secure admission into any other University or has this always been your dream?
Dream? No. I wrote the SATs and the TOEFL and I got admission into University of Maryland and into Hawaii Pacific University. I also got admission into the Igbinedion University. Covenant was some arrangement between my mum and my cousin. I heard many things about the school and I just thought I will never be a part of it. As God would have it, it became my reality.

Share with me Wukeh, what’s it like at Covenant University? Is it stiff and boring like most outsiders tend to think it is?
Of course, I cannot say what outsiders say because they will always be wrong. It is like being “out of your mind”- that is exactly how outsider’s views are. It’s got all the rules and regulations and all that and it can be really frustrating if you are below obeying the rules. You must agree with me that boring things happen to boring people. So no matter the environment, if you are an interesting person you would find the place interesting. CU peeps will sha have their fun. Whether it is picnic, dinner, fashion show, drama night, choir concert, redefinition, jamborees, and what have you. By below the rules I mean, if you just obey and live your life, you would really have no issues. It’s those that are bent on breaking them that find out how stiff they are. It’s got all the rules, some could be annoying, I admit, but the trick is find your friends and you will laugh about it, find your place and you will not be disturbed, find your God and tap from the environment. What is stiff and boring about that?

Did you ever feel stifled with the strict rules and regulations that students were compelled to adhere to?
I was vexed sometimes, really vexed. But hey that was when I thought and spoke like a child, now I think and speak like a man. Some rules were just, ah ah, haba! But then I grew to just laugh about it and just obey. Getting angry at the rules will hurt you more because they never run out of new rules.

Did you ever wish you had attended any other University at any point in time and what were your reasons?
Well, I have never attended any University before so I don’t know how it is like in others, but sometimes, like when I really wanted to play interschool games, I wished I was in a more liberal school. Asides that, sometimes when they will really stretch us, I wished I had just gone abroad and studied.

Tell me about your family. How would you describe their support to you throughout your educational pursuit?
Amazing. My family gave me all the support there was in the world. My Mum would buy all the clothes in the world so that I can wear and focus. My Dad will spend money on anything educational to make sure I maximized my education. My siblings, especially the elder ones, Wufeh and Benjamin were of so much support. My brother will just send me money at times to make me feel happy and of course it worked. My sister was so selfless, she would sacrifice her laptop for me among other things. I have a very wonderful family and I thank God almighty for that. All through my ailment in school, they kept praying and feeding me with encouragement. Them and God almighty, being the vine, are the reasons behind my success.

Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Mrs. Aize Obayan, Wukeh & Mum

Why did you choose to study Accounting?
Because Accounting is the language of business.

Why Business? Are you interested in running a business of your own?
I love investments, in fact I am investing in the aboki near my house in Abuja. I started business off with investments in other businesses, then I took the bold step to partake in the annual trade fair. I had always been a customer, but this year, I chose to be at the other end. I sold bread, plantain, egg and indomie, with a friend and brother, Kolade and my school aunties. We made good money and split it and some people laughed at me, but “it is foolishness to be shameful of what is gainful”. I was richer than I had ever been. When I saw that money is actually easy to be made, all you have to do is create channels of wealth and start small, and like a postage stamp, stick to it till it gets there. I had very wonderful business partners and we made hundreds of thousands together. KC is his name, a great guy, now it’s on to the millions. I was good at initiating and funding businesses, but not being the one handling it, so I could attract customers and it was fun, because there was no day, at least for my last year in school that I didn’t make something. I lost a lot of money, more than half a million in investments, but I thank God for giving me the strength to jack back up even in spite of my academics. I met Rhema, a very great business partner too and we are on for life. I just became a partner of 2 companies called UPGRADE and BINAZONE after my graduation, so watch out, we will soon be on the stock market.
I am currently a bronze distributor with Avenues 2 Wealth, a great company, and that bronze will soon change to silver and silver to Gold, then Platinum. Also, an Assistant Supervisor in Forever Living Products. My aim is to be a millionaire before I am 20, and by God’s grace, I am already there and beyond. I believe in business for driving change, I am not just interested in making the billions and trillions. I want others to be rich and successful too.

What is the next step for you now in your educational and career pursuit?
I want to take Certification exams in relevant fields, get chartered, get a masters degree and a PhD by God’s grace. Whatever field I will choose to study in event has to be directly relevant to Nigeria’s situation. I am considering furthering my career in Forensic Accounting.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt in life?
Whatever you accept is yours. God doesn’t choose for you. If you think you can’t or if you think you can, you are right. Get up and do something with your life. If you are poor, don’t accept it; if you are sick, reject it; if you are not that intelligent, fight it. Like Martin Luther said, ‘if you can’t fly, run, if you can’t run walk, if you can’t walk, crawl. By all means please keep moving’.

Who wore it better? Mary J Blige vs LIB Reader - Chidinma

Party with Funke Akindele, Yaw, Denrele, Olu Maintain, KSB & DJ Zeez this Sunday at the Official Launch of Islanders Magazine

Bi-monthly society magazine Islanders will officially hold its launch party this Sunday, 15th July 2012 at the Bespoke Events Centre, Lekki, Lagos in grand style.

According to the Magazine’s publisher Ola Muhammed, the event kicking off at 3 PM will be anchored by the very hilarious Jenifa star Funke Akindele-Oloyede and Wazobia FM’s Yaw. Also scheduled to attend are Denrele who will be anchoring the blue carpet by 4 PM, JJC Skillz & Big Boyz All Stars, KSB, DJ Zeez, Sexy Steel, Olu Maintain, Elphex, T Izze, Imagneto Dancers, Cocoice, I Boiz, F.Zero and Diyo.

Renowned for breaking exclusive news and events, Islanders Magazine’s party is one not to miss. For info on how to attend, call 08087251228 | 08080415054 | 018716395. Hope to see you all there.

Date: Sunday 15th July 2012
Time: 3 PM – 7 PM
Venue: Bespoke Events Centre, Lekki, Lagos