NEVER UNDERESTIMATE AN OLD WOMAN

As usual, I have been reading up stuff everywhere and I read this joke which i think will be okay to share:

A grandmother went into the Bank of Nigeria one day carrying a bag of money.

She insisted that she must absolutely speak with the president of the bank to open a savings account because, "It's a lot of money!"

After much hemming and hawing, the bank staff finally ushered her into the president's office (the customer is always right).

The bank president then asked her how much she would like to deposit.

She replied "1 million Naira" and dumped the cash out of her bag onto his desk.

The president was of curious as to how she got the money, so he asked her, "Ma'am, I'm surprised you're carrying this much money around. Where did you get this money?"

The grandmother replied, "I make bets."

The bank president then asked, "Bets!? What kind of bets?

The grandmother said, "Well, for example, I'll bet you 25,000 Naira that your balls are square."

"Ha! ha ha ha!!!" laughed the president. "That's a stupid bet. You can never win that kind of bet!"

The grandmother challenged, "So, would you like to take my bet?"

"Sure", replied the president, "I'll bet you 25,000 Naira that my balls are not square!"

The grandmother then said, "Okay, but since there is a lot of money involved, may I bring my lawyer with me tommorrow at 10:00am as a witness?

"Sure!" replied the confident president.

That night, the president got very nervous about the bet and spent a long time in front of the mirror checking his balls. Turning from side to side, again and again. He thorougly checked them out until he was sure there was absolutely no way his balls were square and that he would win the bet.

The next morning, at precisely 10:00am the grandmother appeared with her lawyer at the president's office. She introduced the lawyer to the president and repeated the bet: "25,000 Naira says the president's balls are square!"

The president agreed with the bet again and the old lady asked him to drop his pants so they could all see.

The president did.

The grandmother peered closely at his balls and then asked if she could feel them.

"Well, okay," said the president, "25,000 Naira is a lot of money, so I guess you should be absolutely sure".

Just then, he noticed the lawyer was quietly banging his head against the wall.

The president asked the the grandmother, "What the hell is the matter with your lawyer?"

She replied, "Nothing, except I bet him 100,000 Naira that at 10:00am, I'd have the Bank of Nigeria's president's balls in my hand."

IT SURELY PAYS TO BE A NIGERIAN

It Pays to be a Nigerian



A man died & goes to hell. There he finds that there is a different hell for each country and decides he"ll pick the least painful to spend his
eternity.

He goes to the German hell & asks, "What do they do here?" He is told "first they put you in an electric chair for an hour. Then they lay you on a bed of
nails for another hour. Then the German devil comes in and whips you for the rest of the day". The man does not like the sound of that at all so he moves on.



He checks out the USA hell as well as the Russian hell and many more. He discovers that they are all similar to the German hell.


Then he comes to the Nigerian hell and finds that there is a long queue of people waiting to get in...Amazed, he asks, "What do they do here?" He is told "first they put you in an electric chair for an hour, then they lay you on a bed of nails for another hour. The Nigerian devil comes in & whips you
for the rest of the day."
But that is exactly the same as all the other hells, why are there so many people waiting to get in?" asks the man. A concerned fellow calls him aside
and said, "Because there is never any electricity so the electric chair doesn"t work.
The nails were paid for but were never supplied by the contractor, so the bed is comfortable to sleep on. And the Nigerian devil used to be a civil servant, so he comes in, signs his time sheet and goes back home for other business!!"

................. IT PAYS TO BE A NIGERIAN

HOLY COFFIN: PASTORS, CARPENTER ON A WAR PATH OVER HOLY COFFIN

I READ THIS PIECE IN A NEWSPAPER, IT IS VERY FUNNY TO ME, WHAT DO YOU THINK OUT THERE?
SOURCE: SUN NEWSPAPER.

A coffin, naturally, is a fearsome piece of furniture which nobody however rich, would like to buy and keep in the house for whatever reason, irrespective of its artistic design.
But a new design of coffin has now put a carpenter and some pastors in Akwa Ibom State on a collision course.

The coffin designed like a Holy Bible by Mr. Friday Bassey Ibanga, at Nung Oku-Ibesikpo, a suburb of Uyo, is the cause of the rift between the designer and the clerics.

Ibanga told Daily Sun that some “wuruwuru pastors” had come several times to warn him against designing such a coffin. “One of them even came to tell me that God asked him to come and warn me to stop designing coffins like a Bible.

“But I’m fulfiling the word of God because God said that somebody will die, so I’m supporting that biblical passage that man will return to sand”.

What, however, seems to push him into the design is the demand. “People like the design a lot but it is difficult to design that is why it is costly. Each costs N60,000 while ordinary coffin is between N20,000 and N25000 depending on the wood. If it were easier to make, I would be producing many because people like it but what scares them is the price”

Bassey, who is from Nsit Ubium Local Government area of the state, said he preferred to construct coffins to other pieces of furniture because it is easier to make and the market is good.
“You don’t have headache if you produce coffin. There is no disappointment. If I get an order today, by tomorrow, the job is complete, that is for ordinary coffin. There is no spiritual attack if you make coffin unless the maker gets involved in some other diabolical things. When I came here newly, I used to sleep inside it until the landlady pleaded with me to come and sleep inside the house. My wife is not against my work”, he explained.

He insisted that he would continue to do the coffin business, especially, the Bible design as long as there is there is demand for it.

But Rev. Inem Eshiet, of Qua Iboe Church and a supervisor of health in Onna Local Government area of the state frowned at such coffin designs. “It is sycophancy. It is making a caricature of the Holy Bible. It is a misnomer. CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) should condemn it in the strongest of terms. I believe the state chairman of CAN or PFN would make a categorical statement on it. As for me, I condemn it.”

The state chairman of PFN, Apostle Cletus Bassey was not in office when Daily Sun called but a pastor in his office, Princewill Daniel, who insisted that he was speaking for himself, said designing a coffin like a Bible was only a “marketing strategy. They are targeting Christians to buy, maybe, to bury their leaders.
“But God is the final arbiter. It doesn’t matter where or how somebody is buried. I know some Christians would be furious thinking that it is sacrilegious; that it is trivializing the Holy Bible, but let’s leave that to God”.

UNBELIEVABLE: NIGERIAN ARMY MAJOR GOES TO JAIL

I READ THIS REPORT THIS MORNING AND I FELT "SERVES THEM RIGHT" THESE SET OF PEOPLE ARE SUPPOSE TO PROTECT THE COUNTRY FROM EXTERNAL ATTACK AND INTERNAL DISINTEGRATION BUT ALAS! THEY SECRETLY SELL ARMS TO THE MILITANTS WHO ARE HELL BENT ON TAKING WHATEVER "BELONGS" TO THEM BY FORCE. THIS SHOULD BE A GREAT LESSON FOR OTHERS TO LEARN FROM.

SOURCE: VANGUARD ONLINE.

AN Army Major and five other soldiers have been jailed for life for selling over 7,000 arms of various descriptions to the Niger Delta militants.

The arms valued at over N100 million were sold to the militants between January 1, 2000 and December 2006.

The arms were said to have been sold to the militants through Sunny Bowei Okah, brother of Henry Okah, now standing trial for the same offence in Jos, Plateau State.

Those sentenced include, Major Suleiman Alabi Akubo; Sergeant Matthias Peter (79/NA/966); Lance Corporal Alexander Davou (79/NA/45/4618); Lance Corporal Moses Nwaigwe (97/NA/45/6565); Lance Corporal Nnamdi Anene (02N/52/5191) and Private Caleb Bawa (96/NA/43/8839).

Two other soldiers, Corporals Kola David and Aliyu Mohammed, who were charged along with the convicted soldiers, were however demoted to private, for their failure to inform the appropriate authorities of the crime.

The prosecution told the court that the weapons were stolen from the depots of the Nigerian Army located at the Command and Staff College, Jaji and the One Base Ordnance, Kaduna.

Before giving his verdict, President of the 10-man General Court Martial (GCM), Brig.-Gen. Bala Usara, reviewed the arguments of both the prosecution and defence counsel.

Some of the charges against them read: “Criminal conspiracy, punishable under Section 97 (1) (1) of the Penal Code and triable in a court martial by virtue of Section 114 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“Criminal breach of trust punishable under Section 215 of the Penal Code and triable in a court martial by virtue of section 114 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“Criminal conspiracy punishable under Section 971 of the Penal Code and triable in a court martial by virtue of Section 114 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“Illegal dealings in firearms contrary to Section 9 (1) of the Firearms Act Cap 4 (28) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and triable in a court martial by virtue of Section 114 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“Criminal conspiracy punishable under Section 97 (1) of the Penal Code and triable in a court martial by virtue of Section 114 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“Aiding the enemy punishable under Section 45 (2d) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

According to Usara, “at Jaji and Kaduna both in Kaduna State on various days and occasions between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2006, agreed between and among themselves and others at large to commit the offence of criminal breach of trust to wit: dishonestly disposing off over 7,000 arms of various descriptions, property of the Nigerian Army entrusted in their care to Mr. Sunny Bowei Okah for an estimated sum of over N100 million only and that the offence was committed in pursuance of the said agreement.

“At Jaji and Kaduna both in Kaduna State on various days and occasions between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2006, being entrusted with care and security of arms at One Ordnance Depot, Jaji and One Base Ordnance Depot, Kaduna dishonestly disposed off quantity over 7,000 arms of various descriptions property of the Nigerian Army to Mr. Sunny Bowei Okah for an estimated sum of over N100 million only.

“At Jaji and Kaduna in Kaduna State on various days and occasions between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2006 agreed between and among themselves and others at large to commit the offence of illegal dealings in firearms to wit engage in the sale of over 7,000 arms of various descriptions property of the Nigerian Army to Mr. Sunny Bowei Okah for an estimated sum of over N100million only and that the offence was committed in pursuance of the said agreement.

“At Jaji and Kaduna in Kaduna State on various days and occasions between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2006 not being registered firearms dealers engaged in the sale of quantity over 7,000 arms of various descriptions property of the Nigerian Army to Mr. Sunny Bowei Okah for an estimated sum of over N100 million only.

“At Jaji and Kaduna in Kaduna State on various days and occasions between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2006 agreed between and among themselves and others at large to commit the offence of aiding the enemy to wit: knowingly and without lawful excuse furnished the Niger Delta militants with over 7,000 arms of various descriptions property of the Nigerian Army through Mr. Sunny Bowei Okah for an estimated sum of over N100 million only and that offence was committed in pursuance of the said agreement.

“At Jaji and Kaduna in Kaduna State on various days and occasions between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2006 agreed between and among themselves and others at large to commit the offence of aiding the enemy to wit: knowingly and without lawful excuse furnished the Niger Delta militants with over 7,000 arms of various descriptions property of the Nigerian Army through Mr. Sunny Bowei Okah for an estimated sum of over N100 million only.”

On the issue of lack of jurisdiction by the court to try them, Usara said the GCM was competent to try the case.

In his plea for leniency, Akubo asked the Court Martial to temper justice with mercy, pointing out that he was a lecturer at the University of Jos before he joined the then National Guard from where he joined the Army and that he had always been an officer with good character until he had a problem with the former Registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Brig-Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe.
Counsel to the convicted soldiers, Lt. J. S. Obot, also pleaded with the GCM for a mitigation of the sentence to be passed on his clients.

However, in his judgment, when the court resumed from a short break, President of the GCM, Brig-Gen. Usara, said the convicted officer and soldiers must be sufficiently punished for the offences they committed, to serve as a deterrent to others.

WHAT WE ALL LOVE TO DO!!!!!

People should see what has been discovered about that thing that we all like doing.
different people have there definition of KISS
Professors of different subjects define the same word in different ways:

Prof. of Computer Science:
A kiss is a few bits of love compiled into a byte.

Prof. of Algebra:
A kiss is two divided by nothing.

Prof. of Geometry:
A kiss is the shortest distance between two straight lines.

Prof. of Physics:
A kiss is the contraction of mouth due to the expansion of the heart.

Prof. of Chemistry:
A kiss is the reaction of the interaction between two hearts.

Prof. of Zoology:
A kiss is the interchange of unisexual salivary bacteria.

Prof. of Physiology:
A kiss is the juxtaposition of two orbicular or muscles in the state of contraction.

Prof. of Dentistry:
A kiss is infectious and antiseptic.

Prof. of Accountancy:
A kiss is a credit because it is profitable when returned.

Prof. of Economics:
A kiss is that thing for which the demand is higher than the supply.

Prof. of Statistics:
A kiss is an event whose probability depends on the vital statistics of 36-24-36.

Prof. of Philosophy:
A kiss is the persecution for the child, ecstasy for the youth and homage for the old.

Prof. of English:
A kiss is a noun that is used as a conjunction; it is more common than proper; it is spoken in the plural and it is applicable to all.

WHAT HAVE YOU DISCOVERED ABOUT IT ?

GOOD NEWS OR WHAT ????????

Oil price free fall: Petrol now N50 a litre!!

The freefall of crude oil prices in the international market in the last few weeks has brought down the landing cost of petrol to below N50 per litre or N20 less than the current pump price of petrol in Nigeria, Daily Trust authoritatively gathered yesterday.

On Friday, light sweet crude for December delivery fell $1.20 to settle at $57.04 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Nigeria’s crude oil price monitor, the Petroleum Products Prices Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) said the landing cost for Premium Motor Sprit (Petrol) as at Thursday dropped to N47.45/litre. This was a huge reduction of N66.57/ litre compared to petrol’s N114.17/litre landing cost in June this year.

PPPRA said the Ex- Depot cost of petrol, that is, the cost of refined oil including bridging fund, port charges and transportation cost as at Thursday was N60.90/litre, while the expected open market price is N62.62/litre.

Daily Trust gathered that the expected Open Market Price at N62.62/litre is still far below the N70/litre benchmark for petrol as approved by government. By implication, the much touted petrol subsidy by government has now turned into a healthy profit.

Government had announced that fuel import subsidy may amount to N700bn this year alone. In 2006, government said it spent N261.1 billion under the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) Scheme as subsidy for PMS and House Hold Kerosene (HHK) alone. For last year, government said it spent N278.86 billion on fuel subsidies. Although no official announcement has been made by government with regard to a possible downward review of the pump price of petroleum products, some sources from oil agencies told Daily Trust that if the trend continues like this, a cut in fuel pump prices may have to be made early next year. Another source in the Ministry of Energy [Petroleum] told Daily Trust that it is likely that government may make a definite statement about the domestic pump price this week.

Other products affected by the fall in crude oil prices are Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO). The landing costs of the two products are N70.42 and N66.50/ litre respectively, although the AGO market has been deregulated.

The ex-depot price of the two products i.e. DPK and AGO are N40.90 and N60.15/litre while the expected open market price was N88.31 and N85.25 respectively as at Thursday last week.

Some analysts are forecasting even more falls in international crude oil price. An OPEC official told Associated Press the 13-member states would meet in Cairo on November 29 on the sidelines of a previously planned meeting for Arab members of the group. OPEC held an emergency meeting only three weeks ago and slashed production by 1.5 million barrels a day. Crude has tumbled 8 percent since then. Oil prices have fallen about 60 percent during the last four months after reaching $147.27 in July.

OPEC, which produces about 40 percent of world supplies, has said it may cut production by the end of this month if prices continue to fall. Before the 1.5 million barrel cut, OPEC said it was taking 520,000 barrels out of daily production. That too was brushed off by the market.

Many analysts are expecting a big drop in consumption in the developed economies next year and most suggest that a further rise in demand in developing economies just about offsets that fall in demand. But some economists are now talking about a fall in global oil demand in 2009.

Well, only in Naija,

I READ THIS IN VANGUARD NEWSPAPER
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Mike Okiro has ordered a full-scale investigation into the allegations that policemen impregnated some female prisoners while in detention.

Okiro who gave the order in the reaction to the Saturday Vanguard exclusive story published on November 15, 2008, warned that any policeman found wanting at the end of the investigation would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

He said the decision to investigate the truth position of the publication was because “the present police administration would not condone any act of unprofessional conduct, criminality and violence against women in whatever guise”.

The IGP who spoke through the Force Public Relations Officer, Agberebi Akpoebi, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, said, “the attention of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Mike Mbama Okiro, has been drawn to pages 1 and 5 publication of Saturday Vanguard Newspaper of 15th November, 2008 on the caption “Police made us pregnant in detention-female prisoners”.

“For the information of the reading public, the police authorities wish to state that the duties of Nigeria police stop as soon as judgement is pronounced or passed on accused persons and as such, policemen are not expected to have direct contact with inmates of whatever sex”.

“Aside from that, the police are equally not authorised to have access to prison inmates to the extent of having sexual relationship with them. As a matter of fact, the story as published was not linked to a particular police station or a policeman, his identity, description, character or otherwise”.

“In the same vein, the newspapers publication was unsubstantiated as it failed to indicate if there was a formal complain by the victims or their representatives, let alone time and date of incident”.

“Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation to unravel the truth position of the publication, as the present police administration would not condone any act of unprofessional conduct, criminality and violence against women in whatever guise”.

“Therefore, any policeman found wanting at the end of the investigation would be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

IT WAS FUN AT GOLDIE'S BIRTHDAY BASH

STORY: Chris
PICS: Chris

Goldie, the sexy pop sensation celebrated her birthday recently, precisely on the 8th of November at the exquisite Suzy Q Club on Yunis Bashorun Victoria Island. The club was filled to the brim and the question one would ask, was who was not there as many bigwigs in entertainment industry were present to celebrate with this sexy babe. the list includes Ojb, Nomoreloss, Ruggedman, Jazzman Olofin, Wierd MC, Asha Ostopolo, Skin, Peter of P-Square even breezed in for a while. and a host of others, here are some pictures fir your viewing












Goldie and Weird MC

COULD THIS BE TRUE?

I read this on someone's blog and another friend sent it to me on my yahoo messenger offlines. Please tell me if this could be true if it were Naija.

If USA were Nigeria , Wednesday's papers Headlines would have read something like: · Don't celebrate yet, McCain tells Obama (TELL magazine) · Concede defeat, Obama urges McCain (Punch newspaper) · 20 opposition cadres riot (The Sun newspaper) · McCain Demands Vote Recount (Vanguard newspaper) · Elections rigged (Guardian newspaper) · No evidence of manipulation (NTA news) · The Church declares elections free and fair (News Line) · There will be violence if we lose; McCain declares (LTV 8 news) · Election results for Arizona awaited (Channels news) · Trucks with suspected ballot papers crosses into USA from Mexico (Tribune newspaper) McCain is an opportunist - Go back to your tank farm (AIT news)

AT TRUFESTA 2008

I was invited by chance to TRUFESTA 2008. I didn’t know I was in for some serious fun at the national theatre venue of the programme on the 9th of November. The last day of the programme had contemporary dance most of which were abstract dance, most of really did not understand but it was a beauty to behold.
Unfortunately, it was the closing day of the programme, which featured dance group from Republic of Benin, Cameroun, Republic of Chad, Senegal, South Africa, Germany and ofcourse, Nigeria. As it has started since Monday 3rd and has moved through University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Goethe Institute Lagos and Alliance Française, Lagos before it moved back to the National Theatre Lagos for the closing ceremony.
TRUFESTA stands for TRUTH AND TOGETHERNESS FESTIVAL OF AFRICA. Its main aim as I was made to understand is to promote peaceful co-existence among nations through dance.. TRUFESTA has been going on for 3 years; it is organized by IJODEE DANCE CENTRE. A dance company founded in 1988 by Adedayo M. Liadi. Some of us will want to remember him in “Olori Oko” video by Infinity group while some will remember for his role as the judge some contestants on celebrity takes2 dance reality show, would love to hate.
For me, the group formed by Dayo has done a lot to put Nigeria on global map; this is no joke as the group has won so many honours, which include coming first among 82 shortlisted dance companies and eleven finalists at the AFRICAN AND INDIAN CHOREOGRAPHY CONTEST held in Antananarivo, Madagascar in 2003. The company also has done over 40 national and international workshops in Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America.
We at Campus Xcellence and by extension Nigerian students are saying a big congratulations to Dayo and IJODEE company, we are moved and encouraged by what he has been able to do through dance and we hope other young people can emulate by horning their god-given skills and talents and use to bring glory and fame to our dear father land- NIGERIA.
What do you think people?

THE FUTURE AWARDS SEASON 4, HOTS UP

Well, i am connected to Future Awards in two major ways though so many people do not know about it. First, I was part of the volunteers that made the 2007 edition happened, from the planning to the final execution and the most important part is that I AM THE FUTURE, I am a youth of distinction, I am destined to chart a fresh course for this country, I am part of this generation-a generation yearning for for change like never before-a generation who has decided not to sit down and watch its dear nation crumble. I dare say again I AM THE FUTURE.

The season 4 of this foremost all youth awards comes up next year and as usual the preparations and planning are underway, they have been for as long as I can remember anyway. Recently, the season 4 edition hots up as another important personality identify with these young people
according to the pres release from Redstrat, the organisers of the Award. The press release is reproduced below.

THE FUTURE AWARDS EXTENDS NOMINATIONS

- Stella Okoli (MON) joins the Board of Trustees

The central working committee for The Future Awards Season 4 has announced the usual extension of nominations. Nominations were announced to end for the 31^st of October but have now been extended for two weeks – until the 14^th of November 2008.

Whilst the Committee has acknowledged the receipt of thousands of nominations, this year’s extension is to further allow for a national spread in the list of nominees, especially since the national tour is still in progress. At the moment, the tour has taken the team to Abuja , Enugu , Benin and Calabar – left to go are Jos and Ile-Ife. There will also be town hall meetings in London and in South Africa .

The Awards long list – a list of 160 nominees, which is always eagerly awaited by young people and the media – will be released shortly after.

It is important to state that there will be no further extension after this, and after this year’s nominations close, no exceptions will be made as with previous years, so the public is enjoined to send in any nominations now on www.thefuturenigeria.com.

The Awards is also proud to announce the addition of one more distinguished Nigerian to its august Board of Trustees: Chief (Mrs.) Stella Okoli (MON), Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Emzor Pharmaceuticals Limited, and one of Nigeria ’s most respected corporate players joined the board in October 2008!

An alumnus of the Harvard Business School, Okoli is a thorough professional with over 27 years of experience as a practicing/manufacturing pharmacist. More than ten years after the manufacturing plant of her company was commissioned, it has introduced over 50 successful products in Nigeria and West Africa . Amongst other things, she has been the National Vice President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.

She joins other board members like Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, John Momoh (OON), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Dr. Reuben Abati, and Prof. Pat Utomi, who is the chair of the Board.

It will be recalled that at the launch of the event in October, there was a special tribute to the late Prof Jadesola Akande , Nigeria ’s first female law professor, who was a member of the Board until her passing away.

Reputed as Nigeria’s most respected youth event, The Future Awards’ rigorous and thorough nomination/judging process has been hailed again and again and has produced winners over the past three years who have stood the test of time including Ndidi Nwuneli, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Chimamanda Adichie, 2face Idibia, Gbenga Sesan, amongst others.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?......HALF FULL?....HALF EMPTY?

Pessimists complain about the noise when opportunity knocks. On awakening, optimists open the window and say with a smile, "Good morning, God!" Pessimists? They rub their eyes; clear their throat; look out the window and say with a frown, "Good God, morning!" Pessimists always see the dark side of clouds. Optimists? They don't see the clouds at all, because they're walking on them! If the rosebush you planted withered and died instead of bursting into bloom, would you laugh? If it is disappointing when a plant fails to reach its full potential, how much more so for a human being. Sad to say, pessimists are thieves, robbing themselves of their own potential.

What is optimism? It is simply the belief there is more good in life than bad. It is reacting to life in a positive manner. It is an attitude of positive expectations. Pessimists say that optimists are Pollyannas looking at the world through pink colored glasses and living in a fantasy. Which group is grounded in reality? Are the realists PESSIMISTS or OPTIMISTS?

Well, we're all born optimists. It is our nature to be optimistic. But when we reach five or six years old, we've been subjected to so much negativity we begin to believe the world may be gloomy after all. As we grow into adults, we continue to hear the mantra of negativity, "It's a rat race out there. No point in working hard when wages are so low. No point in working hard and making big bucks when the government is going to take it all in taxes. What's the point of getting married when 50% of marriages end in divorce?" And so on and so on.

But if we were to stop, question, and analyze, how could we not be optimists? The fact that a creature as frail as man has survived and is now poised to colonize space should be ample proof of a naturally optimistic nature. Yet the question continues to rage: Who is being realistic, an OPTIMIST or a PESSIMIST?

Surprise! The answer is both are realistic. Both are correct. Why? Because their disposition (optimism or pessimism) is a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, a young man decides to become a stand-up comic. His friends think he's nuts, but he's an optimist. Because he thinks he has a chance, he keeps trying. And because he keeps trying, his chances keep increasing. True, he runs into obstacles, but he's an optimist, so hurdles are seen not as objects of fear or frustration, but as puzzles in need of a solution. Because of his positive attitude, he doesn't give up. And do you know what happens to people who don't give up? They reach their goal! Now repeat in your mind the same scenario, but with a pessimist. What do you think the pessimist's chances of success are? Can you see how their negative attitude set themselves up for failure?

The characteristics of pessimists and optimists have been identified. Whenever something goes wrong, pessimists believe the problem will continue indefinitely, affect all areas of their life, and is their fault. Optimists, however, believe that problems are temporary setbacks with limited impact and due to external causes. In a word, optimists are designed to cope, pessimists designed to mope.
So, what if we are pessimists, or not as optimistic as we would like to be? What should we do? We can begin by pondering the words of Frederick Mann, "One of the greatest powers in the universe is individual power of choice. And the most powerful choices are positive choices." Yes, we can choose to change. We can choose to begin today.

How do we begin? We must become aware of our negative self-talk. We need to become aware of the negative scripts that are programmed in our mind and constantly play. Self-talk and scripts such as, "I can't do that. I'm not good enough to . . . I'm afraid to . . . That makes me angry. No use trying since I'll probably fail." Whenever you catch yourself with a negative thought, immediately replace it with a positive one. It's a simple but effective technique. So is working out in the gym. But if you want to reshape your body, working out one day for ten minutes will have no impact. The same is true for changing your attitude. If you're serious, you have to work on it 15 -20 minutes every day. Not much to ask for a new and much better you. If you come across an article or book that inspires you, read and reread it repeatedly. Repetition is the key to success.

Of course, another good idea is to hang out with optimistic people. One place where you can do this is at www.campusxcellencemag.blogspot.com where we have young and great minds come together to interact.

MEET THE KWEEN OF THE PACK

After years on the Nigerian and UK scene, Kween (Queen Chinyere Onokala) caught her big break last year with her hit song ‘Jebele’, six years after the famous OLURONBI, a folklore song she did with Pasuma. the Don-Jazzy produced song was fan's favourite. She won the Nigerian Music video award, Soundcity music video award and the video received massive airplay. Campus Xcellence had a chat with KWEEN at Cobhams studio where she was putting finishing touches to her newly released songs. here are the excerpts.


CX: What is your name?

KWEEN: my name is Queen Chinyere Onokola am from Umuahia, in Abia state, I attended army children school in Abeokuta for my primary education, had my secondary education in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state and proceeded to University of Abuja where I studied public administration.

CX: What would you call your genre of music?

KWEEN: I can’t really classify my music because I experiment with different type of music. However, the distinctive thing in my music is the African blend. So, whether I do R ‘n’ B, Blues or Soul. You will always find the African flavours.

CX: You are in the studio, what are you cooking?

KWEEN: I am working on my album; I am working presently with Cobhams, OJB and some other capable hands in the industry.

CX: From your song that rocked the airwaves then, “OLURONBI” to the last one “JEBELE” how has the experience been?

KWEEN: Well I have been fortunate, I have been accepted everywhere...........

(Cuts in)....... we guessed the acceptance must have come with lots of money too?

KWEEN: Well, it has come with lots of good; I don’t think I want to start mentioning them one after the other. But the thing there is that you don’t stop working because you have attained a particular level and that’s what I am doing, I keep on working.

CX: When did you start singing professionally?

KWEEN: That should be in the 90’s when I was in school. I was actually with a band and I was with them for about 2 and ½ years. But my first major work was “OLURONBI” in 2001.

CX: We must say that you have come of age in the industry and we can comfortably call you a veteran.

KWEEN: I don’t know about that, but if you say so. Maybe.

CX: At the time you did “OLURONBI”, we didn’t have so many hip-hop artist doing collaboration with Fuji artist. What made you believe that you and Pasuma could pull that song off?

KWEEN: To start with, the song is a Yoruba folk song that has been for ages and it was actually the song itself that directed me to Pasuma because I felt he has one of the best voices in the industry. The folksong actually blended with the Fuji music and it had a kind of difference, which I really was looking for when I did that song.

CX: After “OLURONBI”, there was a vacuum and we didn’t hear your music again until recently. Can you tell us what happened during that period?

KWEEN: After “OLURONBI”, I was pregnant with my first child, so I had to take a break to have the baby, put everything in order and I came back again with the single titled “COME WITH ME”.

CX: Ok, does that mean KWEEN is married now?

KWEEN: No, I am not married but I am in serious relationship right now.

CX: So, does it mean you are no longer available for interested admirers?

KWEEN: Not available at all, but I am available for my fans to buy my CD. Am available to show them love for their supports.

CX: What are those things that inspire you?

KWEEN: I am inspired by personal experiences, things that happen to me and things that happen to other people around me.

CX: What motivates you?

KWEEN: Am motivated by hard work, breaking boundaries, setting mind-blowing target. Trying to achieve my set goals and make all my dreams come true. When I think about all these, I get motivated.

CX: So many people have been asking, what is “JEBELE”?

KWEEN: “JEBELE” is an Igbo word but for the fact that I was singing, I couldn’t pronounce it exactly the way it should be. So a lot of people get confused, but the word means “GO” it is pronounced “JEBE”. Some people have mistaken it for Yoruba or even an Efik word. But it is Igbo and it means GO.

CX: Was the song talking to someone in particular or it was just a general song you wanted to make meaning to somebody.

KWEEN: That song is related to something that happened in my life at some point in time. It was not a made up thing, it came from me, it came from my experience.

CX: Do you have any role models in music here in Nigeria?

KWEEN: I love Cobhams, he produces well, he sings well too. OJB is good as well. And for the artist, I love Asa. I think she is great. Djinee has got great voice, I have lots of love and respect for Onyeka Onwenu, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, these people have done lots of work to change the face of music in Nigeria.

CX: You relocated back to Nigeria from UK not too long ago, are you back for good or you might still take off any moment from now?

KWEEN: Lets not forget I was born and raised here and travelling for me, was an experience and adventure some of us will definitely have in life and there is the coming back home part, one can’t miss that. So, this is home for me no matter where I travel to I will still come back to Nigeria. So many thought I came back because of the music. But no, I am simply coming back to my home because there is no place like home.

CX: Lets talk about the awards and nominations. You won an important award in a very tight category that had the likes of Asa, T.Y Bello and Sasha, was it your first award or just let us into the awards list.

KWEEN: well, SMVA was my second award; I won my first at the Nigeria Music Video Award (NMVA) organized by Cally Ikpe. I was nominated in 5 categories. At the Hip-Hop world Award, I was nominated in 2 categories. SMVA in 2 categories and at the last Nigeria Music Award, I had 1 nomination. But for me, being a nominee at these awards is a win for me and going home with the plaque or the trophy is just an icing on the cake. For an artist to get nominated means your work is being appreciated and for the SMVA, I wasn’t really expecting to win and when my name was called as the winner I was extremely shocked. But, I have won and it was a great experience.

CX: Who shot the video?

KWEEN: Blast and Lumi, they are based in Abuja; they run the company called On-point Africa. The concept was mine and my music director, Smith Joseph also contributed immensely because I believe when great minds come together, you always have great results.

CX: How did you come about your unique look, your hairstyle, dress sense and everything makes you sellable to the public.

KWEEN: Well, we all wear cloth, we all wear shoes and what have you, but I guess the only difference about me is my hair. Because it almost the first thing you will notice about me. Why I decided to do this style is that I have done all kind of hairstyles before now and I realized I needed a change, I needed something not very common. So, I started doing this Afro and I noticed that people don’t do Afro anymore. It’s a bit of Old school, my Mum used to carry this kind of hair which I think is unique. Then in my videos, I love to wear African outfits because of its uniqueness and I see it as an opportunity to showcase them when I am doing my video. I love the Ankaras the Laces, the Kampala and I make different designs with them. It has also given birth to my collection.

CX: We heard about your clothing line you are launching soon. Tell us about it.

KWEEN: The name of the clothing line is KQ. It means KWEEN the artist and QUEEN the person. I am launching it later this year or early next year. Because I don’t want to rush, I am about perfection, professionalism and precision. I want to have a lasting impression with my cloth line so I can get followers and buyers and I am working on it everyday.

CX: Have you ever stolen meat from your Mum’s pot when you were a kid? ....(laughter)

KWEEN: I don’t think so, she always give me whatever I want and anytime I want it. even when she is still cooking I only have to ask and she will give me so I don’t need to steal.

CX: If you have the opportunity to change certain things about your physical self, what would they be?

KWEEN: First, I would love to have a flat tummy. I mean very flat tummy and I would wish my boobs were a little bigger.......(CX...cuts in..) but you could enlarge that).....KWEEN: Oh, Come’ on. I only wish.

CX: If you have the opportunity to come back to this world again, who or what would you like to come back as?

KWEEN: Uhmm............Let me see... I would want to come back as Bill Gate.

CX: You mean rich? and as a man?

KWEEN: Well I don’t mind.

CX: Have you ever had a big crush on anybody in the industry?

KWEEN: NO. The only person I had a crush on, I already have him and that’s my boyfriend.

CX: We are actually talking about girlish crush you just have on some popular music personalities when you were much younger.

KWEEN: I never thought about that when I was younger. Infact, I was a geek, I thought nobody was ever going to talk to me because I had this very long neck I was too thin and I was always wearing glasses because I had a bad eye. So there was no reason for crush or anything.

CX: Three things one can always find in your bag.

KWEEN: My cash card, my make up kits and my phone.

CX: Most embarrassing moment

KWEEN: Well, one day I was supposed to perform and as they called me on stage and I as I was walking to the stage; I had this short on and the side zip snapped and went off. I had to hold it with my hands, got to the stage, took the microphone and explain my situation to the audience. I actually asked for help, I asked for anyone who has safety pin to lend me. So a girl came up with a safety pin to help me and she was fixing it right there on stage. All the guys were shouting that she should be careful with the pin and not pierce my skin. It was embarrassing but what could I have done.

CX: A message to fans.

KWEEN: Well, I love them, I thank them for their support and I want to let them know that without them there would be no KWEEN. And I will always do my best not to disappoint them.

CX: Your philosophy of life.

KWEEN: ENJOY LIFE WHILE YOU LIVE.

WHAT A SPEECH!

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama-as prepared for delivery
Election Night
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
Chicago, Illinois

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

YOU CAN NOW GET YOUR DREAM JOB

I saw this on my friend's website and I felt i will be doing some young people a bit of good if i post it here. you can still get all this on http://www.deoluakinyemi.com/job-opportunity-special/

Our list of clients is growing, and we are gradually fulfilling our promise of helping people and businesses succeed. We presently have a database of full details of 15,000 applicants, and if your name is not on the database, you are not doing the best for your career.

Companies are gradually migrating from spending expensive amounts advertising for people to send tons of irrelevant CV’s, the best practice these days is targeted advertising, where people are sourced for vacancies that directly interest them. To partake in the possibility of getting a new job with our growing client database which includes all sectors, quickly get on the fast track and send your details today! All your details are held with highest confidentiality. You can check my profile and Generis Solutions profile to be sure.

How do you get your details to our recruitment database?

It’s very simple, all you need to do is to send SMS in a format we will describe to the following number - 08066422268

#Firstname#Surname#State of Origin#Age#Sex#course#Class of Grade#Institution#Degree#Phone#Email#Skill1#Skill2#Present Employer#Immediate Past Employer# Experience#Classification#Present Role#1st choice#2nd Choice#Preferred Industry#

Remember to separate each of these items with the “#” sign, don’t use any other sign. If you do this correctly is should not exceed 160 characters – 1 text message!

Below are the details of what can be filled in each category and a sample of a correct entry.

First Name: Your first Name e.g. Yakubu, chinedu or Obinna, preceeded by ash “#”
Surname: Your Surname.
State of Origin: Your state of origin
Age: Your age in numbers, e.g. 25
Sex: M for Male, F for Female. Use abbreviations only.
Course: First 3 letters only and first 3 letter of each word if in combination spaced. E.g. Medicine will be Med. and Mechanical Engineering will be MecEng.
Class of Grade: 1 for First Class, 2.1 for Second class upper equivalent, 2.2 for second class lower equivalent, 3 for third class and 4 for pass or equivalent.
Institution: Please abbreviate. Use popular abbreviation or 3/4 letters from compound name. OAU, UNIJOS, ABU, UNICAL, OGUNPOLY, IREPOLY, YABATECH e.t.c.
Degree: HND, BSC, MBA, MSC, MBBS, LLM, OND, PHD, SSCE, e.t.c
Phone: Type phone number here
Email: type carefully, use underscore for underscore. e.g. yakubuchinedu@yahoo.com, titi_yaro@gmail.com
Skill1: Choose one of the following- Leadership, Innovation, Analytical, Communication, Computer, Self confidence, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer Service, Selling, HR, Planning, and Project Management. Pls abbreviate
Skill2: Choose one of the following- Leadership, Innovation, Analytical, Communication, Computer, Self confidence, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer Service, Selling, HR, Planning, and Project Management. Pls abbreviate
Present Employer: Abbreviate if longer than 6 letters
Immediate Past Employer: Abbreviate or write “none” as applicable
Experience: No of years post NYSC. Use numbers, use “0″ if serving or haven’t served
Classification: Intern (I) Entry Level (EL), Experienced (EXP), Management (M), Director (D). Please don’t use other abbreviations.
Present Role: Use this format, Dept-Role. Abbreviate. E.g. HR-T&D Mgr
1st Choice: Sales, Marketing, HR, Finance, Production, Logistics, Procurement, IT, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Business Development, Quality Assurance/Control, Administration, Secretary, Personal Assistant, Risk, Consulting, Law, Education, Technical, Customer service, Brand Management, Graphic Designer, Writer, HSE, or any other. Use first three letters if one word, or use one letter from each word if two words. E.g. Adm for administration or BD for Business development.
2nd Choice: Sales, Marketing, HR, Finance, Production, Logistics, Procurement, IT, Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Business Development, Quality Assurance/Control, Administration, Secretary, Personal Assistant, Risk, Consulting, Law, Education, Technical, Customer service, Brand Management, Graphic Designer, Writer, HSE, or any other. Use first three letters if one word, or use one letter from each word if two words. E.g. Adm for administration or BD for Business development.
Preferred Industry: Aviation, Advertising, Manufacturing, Consulting, Education, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Agriculture, Publishing, Oil and Gas, Banking, Financial Services, Hospitality and Tourism, Logistics, Energy, Construction, Legal, ICT, Consumer Goods, Fast food, Any. Use first 3 letters or first 3 of both words. Pls abbreviate

All written as follows

#Firstname#Surname#State of Origin#Age#Sex#course#Class of Grade#Institution#Degree#Phone#Email#Skill1#Skill2#Present Employer#Immediate Past Employer# Experience#Classification#Present Role#1st choice#2nd Choice#Preferred Industry#

For Example
#Chinedu#Udoh#AkwaIbom#28#M#BusAdm#2.1#IMT#HND#
08037345322#chinedu2002@gmail.com#Lead#Comp#GS#
VNA#5#EXP#Sales-Supervisor#BD#Log#Man#

Or

#Titi#Gowon#Kano#34#F#MicBio#2.2#UNAD#BSC#
08073344772#titi_gowon@yahoo.com#Ana#Inn#
P&G#Nestle#8#M#QA-Mgr#QA#HSE#O&G#

The first example is 132 characters, while the second is 116. Send yours in quickly and print a copy for your friends. If you don’t have any details for any option, put zero there, don’t just skip it. Let’s see how far we can push this with word of mouth. Don’t send the information by mail, do it by SMS.

Please note that you can only send these messages between 8am and 6pm daily during weekdays. We will keep this open free from today till the end of November. You can volunteer for us by spreading the word. All the best!

YES WE CAN - THE STORY OF AN "HUSSEIN"

Born - August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii and named after his late Kenyan father, (he died 1982 in an auto crash in Nairobi, Kenya) the late Barack Hussein Obama, Snr., apparently a Muslim; Had an Indonesian Muslim as a step dad, grew up in culturally diversed surroundings, attended Muslim school in Indonesia and lived with his grandmother who died 2 days to the general elections

Barack Obama becomes America’s 44th President! In a race that lasted 21months, taking off from the cold winter night, and coming into reality in an autumn night, began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
History was made, but not only was history made, Barack Obama emerged the biggest brand alive! He inspired hope in the youth, rallied the races together, he stood on the shoulders of the achievement of Martin Luther King Junior and all those who ever raised the issue of equality in America, and yes, he did, and yes we can! Beyond all the sentiments of hope, the conversion of the highest non-voters turned voters in the history of America and the execution of the most expensive election America ever had, Barack Obama has set up a challenge to the world! This challenge is simple and direct. “You have no excuse in colour, race or background for the achievement of any ideal you have as a dream!

In his first presidential speech, he made American’s aware that the hope was good, but it would not be a flash in a pan, he assured them that he would not be bringing any rabbits out of the hat. He would work towards a miracle but cannot guarantee any. He would need their cooperation, their support, their continued support. He doused their hope with a little bit of reality, but inspired them all the same. He shared his victory with those how made it happen, and those who made him. He shared his love for his family and showed his humanity. He spoke, as a true leader, from his heart, but thoughtful. There is a lot we can learn from the Obama story, but one that stands out clearly to me is - If he can, we can, if he did, we must!

That age long African proverb can not be more true that – out of a black pot comes the white pap, who would think that a man who has “HUSSEIN” as his middle name and who was accused of palling with terrorists, A junior senator from Illinois who was unsuccessful is his bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000, who is a Kenyan by heritage and has black skin covering his body will become the most powerful man in the world at the turn of the century? Nostradamus would not have imagined that!!!

Some vital lessons I have for you on this. Raise your stakes and goals, look at making history. Never settle for the common life. Set your goals so high, and dream since it does not cost a dime to do so anyway. The world is inspired and condemned to support you… YES, WE CAN!