Our New Year gift from our President

It is pathetic to see Nigeria in this kind of situation after 51 years of independence. As the nation celebrates a new year, the president announced the removal of fuel subsidy with its policy of deregulation which was claimed to be an option to the solution of the heavy problems crippling the country. According to him, the money acquired from fuel subsidy will be used to finance the 19 outstanding projects including job creation, education, infrastructural facilities, new investments, good roads, railway repair and many other outstanding projects.
According to the minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, the sum of N3.7trillion was used to fund fuel subsidy between 2006 and 2011, and N1.35trillion between January and October, 2011, which amounted to 30 per cent of total budget, 118 per cent of capital project and 4.18 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product, GDP.
Last year, Nigeria borrowed about N852billion to finance the deficit in the budget. In 2012, the country will be forced to borrow about N1.12trillion, almost the total of the capital budget. It is totally irrational for the country to continue borrowing for capital and recurrent expenditure.
Well…even though the policy may sound good and it’s geared towards the development of the country, its execution is absurd and premature. Removing subsidy without proper negotiation and dialogue with necessary bodies portrays the president and his ministers as dictators.
But let’s be frank, is the removal of subsidy the solution to the economic crisis of Nigeria. Why can’t the country still borrow for the main time to repair the four bad refineries, build more refineries and repay from its sale of fuel annually. Most of these policy makers have their refineries built abroad; they are still the ones to resell back to the country after the crude oil had been exported. More so, why can’t the Nigerian government cut down on their excesses to meet up with the listed outstanding projects instead of making the masses the sacrificial lamb?
Also, Nigerians are used to the tactics of government, coming under the pretence of policies whenever they want to embezzle. Moreover, what has the government done with the monies acquired from earlier deregulations such as diesel and kerosene?
This explains why most Nigerians see their policy as a feeble one and a mere attempt to broaden corruption.
However, the government may tell us that they are now listening to the advice of the IMF and World Bank on the issue of a flexible exchange, but the truth remains that removal of fuel subsidy at this time is wrong and not the first step in any direction towards opening up the economy, it should have been gradual.
It can only impose more hardship on the already seriously economically downtrodden masses. It will cripple further a seriously ill economy.
Since the past few days when the declaration has been made, Nigerians have been groaning under the pressure of over 100 per cent increase in transport fares after a corresponding increase of fuel pump price from N65 to N141 in the urban areas and between N150 and N180 in semi urban and rural areas. Also, those who travelled for the festive season are stranded in their respective villages.
It is pertinent to know that fuel constitutes 50% of Nigerians expenditures and its hike would adversely affect the average Nigerian. This explains why Nigerians are ready to stop at nothing to ensure that the policy is reviewed.
On January 9, a week after the announcement, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Save Nigeria Group, Occupy Nigeria, Nollywood actors and actresses, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA and other labour and its civil society allies, under the banner of Labour and Civil Society Coalition, LASCO, has declared a nationwide strike.
The protest in Abuja was led by the workers Union President Abduwaheed Omar.
In Lagos, his deputy Joe Ajaero led the protesters who took off from the Labour union secretariat at Yaba at 8.00am. They walked to the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota where they met with the civil society organisation - Save Nigeria Group – whose crowd had gathered there since about 9.30am.
Funny enough, Nigerians are cruising in the protest as musicians are serenading the protesters with their different tracks, making the protest more like a live show. Musicians like Femi Kuti, Ras Kimono, 9ice, Pasuma, Idris Abdulkareem, Nigga raw, Rugged man, Olu Maintain e.t.c performed live for protesters.
More so, turn up of Nigerians was so massive, people could now see the reason to leave their comfort zones and fight for their rights. Impressively, this protest is the most peaceful protest ever held in Nigeria, it shows that Nigerians can actually unite and speak with one voice to fight a common interest. In fact, the music performances covertly reduced tension and violence among protesters. It is so surprising that some of the protesters were seen during the rallies carrying their blanket, water and lamb; it shows that they are ready to fight with no retreat as they are willing to pass their nights on the road.
However, labour leaders are not opposed to the removal of fuel subsidy if they are sure that such funds would be properly accounted for. More so, they are viewing the action of government as a stab in the back as the dialogue on the issue of subsidy was on-going.
Already, Nigeria is undergoing some financial difficulties and embarking on nationwide strike will only worsen an already bad situation.
Furthermore, this nationwide strike and protests is not in any way affecting the so called cabals, instead, it is affecting the masses. As workers abstained from their duties and traders locked up their shops, it’s apparent that many will go hungry and will be forced to pull out of the strike eventually. These politicians really have got nothing to lose as they have it all at their disposals.
Pathetically, innocent lives are already wasting away as the struggle continues. Some Nigerians are reportedly dead in Lagos, Kano and Benin as a result of the on-going protest.
Although, some Nigerians are ill-educated about the oil subsidy removal, for those whose are well informed, their stance is, if allowed, what guarantee do we have that the N1.2trillion fuel subsidy will be judiciously utilized as the country has been failing in time past. Besides, what alternatives do Nigerians have to fall back on at this crucial time?

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

To start with, variety is the spice of life, such as variety in food, clothes and hairstyles. Variety also abounds in nature. That is why all people on Earth belong to different types of skin colours. Our living environment accounts for the different skin colours we have. For example, in cold climatic regions such as Europe, inhabitants tend to have a lighter complex due to the cold weather, whereas in Africa, darker skin is better suited in the hot and humid climate.
It has been discovered that most African women are not proud of their dark skin, they feel inferior when they see people of light skins. In a bid to look white, they use bleaching creams and the question is, is fairer skin really more appealing than darker skin.
Bleaching creams work by stripping the skin of its natural pigmentation. However, in dark skinned people, the pigmentation is the skin’s natural protection from the sun. Bleaching doesn’t just superficially lighten the skin, it alters the skin’s ‘natural’ structure, removing and inhibiting the production of the colour creating melanin.
Once the skin has been ‘bleached’ it loses its natural protective barrier, making it susceptible to damage by the sun’s rays. This is also why many bleaching products contain either sunscreen, or come with instructions advising people to use sun protection creams along with the product. Prolonged use of these bleaching products can also prevent the formation of melanin in the deeper basal layers of the skin, which will leave the skin lighter, but also leave it more vulnerable to damage. People who use bleaching products can end up with rough and blotchy skin, and then get caught up in the ‘bleaching trap’ by using more cream to try and correct the problem, and by doing so, find themselves causing even more damage to their skin.
While skin lighteners can deliver the clearer, brighter skin they hope for, they can also bring other problems. The steroids sometimes used in lightening creams may whiten skin, but they often cause acne or other skin problems. Clobetasol propionate, one powerful steroid found in some skin lighteners, can cause skin irritation and acne, but it has farther-reaching implications. Long-term use may cause your body to stop production of its own steroids, lead to hypertension or elevate blood sugar.
Thinning skin, which can cause stretch marks, is another potential side effect. Thin skin may also result in easy bruising and cause the red capillaries under the skin to become visible. There is also the chance of an allergic reaction to a topical medication, which could include a rash or reddened skin, as well as lesions or flaking
Moreso, bleaching creams contains two powerful chemicals, Hydroquinone and mercury. These chemicals are very dangerous to the health.
Hydroquinone, which has now been used as a bleaching agent, came by accident in the thirties when some African American employees found that spots of discolouration appeared on their skin. It was also used then to clear injury spots. The chemical substance responsible for it is Monobenzyl Ether of Hydroquinone mostly called Monobonzone. Monobonzone thus became a newly discovered bleaching agent. However the daughter molecule of Hydroquinone later replaced it as it caused spots of depigmentation all over even in unapplied places.
Hydroquinone was also used in the rubber industry as an antioxidant, and as an agent in hair dyes. Due to its acidic effect, it has been found to damage the connective tissue in the skin and cartlilage.
Mercury is another potentially risky ingredient often found in skin lighteners. Mercury has been linked to many illnesses, including Alzheimers, polycystic ovary syndrome, and neurological dysfunctions. It is known to have serious effects on the central nervous system, as well. It is easily absorbed through the skin, and is not readily expelled by the body. This means that, over time, you could build up a mercury level that could lead to toxicity. Some states, such as Minnesota, have banned the sale of all cosmetics containing mercury.
Also, mercury can cause skin poisoning, mercury in creams can start accumulating in the cells of the body. Too much mercury exposure, or poisoning, can lead to liver damage and kidney failure.
Generally, Hydroquinone and mercury cause skin to be hyper-sensitive to sun rays. Again, Poisoning, convulsions, asthma, leukaemia, liver damage, anaphylactic shock and infertility are not conditions normally associated with cosmetics. However, prolonged use of certain cosmetic creams, which contain these two harmful chemical substances, has been linked with all of the above.

Most importantly, Skin bleaching must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The cream can get into the mother's bloodstream and travel to the fetus, thereby and poisoning the baby in the womb.
Often time, beauticians and doctors advise that by eating healthily, exercising and using body cream rich in Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Collagen Elastin will produce more fascinating effects than applying mere bleaching creams because the negative effects of skin bleaching is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to reverse.
Many use bleaching creams without knowing that if they maintain their dark skins, it is good for their health. Black skin renews itself quickly, rapidly producing new skin cells, this ability for regeneration keep our skin’s looking younger for longer. However, in Africa dark women bleach their skin in the misguided belief that a lighter complexion is better but should change their belief and have the mentality that black is beautiful.



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Genevieve on CNN

Genevieve Nnaji, one of the most successful actresses in Nollywood, discussed her love for Nigeria, her acting career and Nollywood in an interview with Pedro Pinto on CNN international’s African voices recently. She said Nigeria is like every other place where you have the good, the bad and the ugly. Nigeria is fun and as a whole occupied with very confident and resourceful people, who are hospitable to all visitors. Another good thing about Nigeria, according to her, is that there is this bond people share, which has to do with their background and how they were raised. The way Nigerians behave portrays that they have a moral duty to their society, to themselves and also their respective families she said. She also spoke of her growing up in Lagos and how much she likes the place. “I grew up in Lagos, I was born and bred there. I don’t see myself leaving that city anytime soon. I can work anywhere else, but in terms of living, I’m used to Lagos, I’m sorry,” she said.
She said there is really nothing much she dislikes about her country. “I can never dislike my own country, whatever negativity is in a country is in every other country, it is in every other part of the world. So, the thing is everyone needs to be treated as individuals. So, I just take every Nigerian the way I see them. I would never live anywhere else to be honest,” she said.

In as much as she loves Nigeria, her country, Nnaji did not fail to mention the problems her country is facing. “The only problem shrinking the country is crime and fraud” she said. But she is hopeful that one day all these will come to an end. “After all, Nigeria is still a developing country,” she said.

Yeka Onka, winner of the first Nigerian idol

on March 27, 2011, Onyekachi Gilbert Onwuka, 26, popularly known as Yeka Onka, emerged the winner in the first season of Nigeria’s biggest music talent show, Nigerian Idols, when she pulled it out with her runner up Naomi Mac and achieved her dream.
The reality show, Nigerian idol, kicked off for the first time last year, November 21 and has raised the expectations of Nigerians till its final end on Sunday. Thus Yeka Onka did not only emerge a winner but also the first Nigerian Idol.
It was really a glamorous day for Yeka Onka as she was announced the winner at a star-studded event held at the Dream Studios in the presence of select key guests which includes the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry, sponsors of Nigerian Idol and of course, friends and relatives of the final contestants. The award fetches her, 7.5million naira, a car, a record deal, paid trip to South Africa, and other great prizes.
Yeka Onka, Abia State born girl, has certainly come a long way from being rejected at two screening centres to making it to the last four standing in the maiden edition of the Nigerian Idol. She went for the audition at Enugu and she was rejected for not singing well, then she traveled down to Calabar and got the same response, finally came to Lagos, had her audition and was taken.
Yeka could not help but give glory to God. “What has kept me going is God, he has been my strength and everything” she said. She also said her determination was another thing that helped her. “The other thing that has kept me is my determination, I am a kind of person that if I set my heart to achieve something, I’ll definitely achieve it no matter what I face. And I don’t believe that what will be will be. I believe that I can turn things around to work for me” she said.
Yeka said the first thing she will do from the money is to pay her tithe, and also use some of it to help destitute and hopeless children in her state, Abia State. “I know that N7.5m can’t do that but I’ll just try” she said
Yeka, born to a musician father, shares her experiences and how she will turn her family status around.
The 11 finalists were Ola, Nina, Chito, AJ, Tonii, George, Zoe, Alex, Glory, Bibi and Emmanuel.

Tragedy in the Nigerian entertainment industry

Cinderella Amos

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into an inexplicable tragedy following the deaths of its prominent and notable stars. The Yoruba movie industry is recently morning the death of Ishola Ahmed Durojaiye a.k.a Alasari,a top actor, who passed away in an auto crash on Monday march 21, while returning to Lagos from Abeokuta, Ogun state where he went to promote Omo Nite Club and Iyanu Part 2, his new films. It was gathered that Alasari was in the car with three other persons when the back tyres of the Pathfinder SUV in which they were travelling busted around Onipepeye area of Ogun State. The vehicle veered off the road and somersaulted several times.
The occupiers were rescued by some people and a colleague of Alasari, Dayo Amusa who was also travelling to Abeokuta for a movie. They were later taken to Federal Medical Centre, Ogun State where Alasari was confirmed dead while the three others sustained minor injuries.
Commenting on the death of Alasari, Rammey Shita-Bey, former governor of ANTP, Lagos State, described the incident as “a terrible loss to the Yoruba movie industry. He died when he was gaining prominence.” He said.
Rotimi Aina –Kushoro, Chairman Highwaves Video Mart, was in a state of shock and could hardly utter a word. His close colleagues, Jide kosoko, Muyiwa Ademola, Odulade Adekola and dele odule could not help but weep profusely.
The late Alasari hails from Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State, in his early 40s and survived by one wife, four kids and an aged mother.
in the same vein, Death has also taken away another gem John chijioke, popularly called CD John, a fast rising comedian and singer. CD John died three days before his birthday. He was also involved in a car crash.
The Abia State born comedian was returning from “Industry Nite”, an event dedicated to Questionmark Records’ act, Harrysong who is promoting his new album where he was the MC. The event was held at Tribeca, Adetokunbo Ademola Victoria Island Lagos. He was driving back to his Jakande estate, Isolo home, when his black Gulf 2 car ran into a stationary vehicle on Lagos Island.
He was immediately rushed to St. Nicholas hospital where he eventually gave up the ghost in the early hours of Thursday March 24, 2011.
The shocking death of CD John, came less than a month to the first anniversary of the tragic death of rapper Dagrin, another very bright and promising rapper, who died also in an auto crash.
CD John cannot be forgotten in a hurry, although he came into limelight last year, but he has made tremendous achievements. He will mostly be remembered for his funny Christian choruses, a unique style where he mimics lyrics of popular songs, presenting his own account of how different Nigerian tribes would deliver the lyrics. The rib cracker was at the verge of becoming a big player in the competitive stand-up comedy scene when death put a stop to all that promise.
Sound Sultan and rapper MI expressed their grief, "we heard about the passing away of the comedian CD John. This is really sad cause he was just starting, R.I.P CD John" they said. Colleagues like Gbenga Adeyinka, Teju Babyface, Tee A, Basketmouth and Ali Baba have confirmed his death and have also given tributes. “I’ve not even seen him this year. Everybody likes the boy. What’s all this now,” said Teju Babyface, another top comedian.
“John Chijioke, was a truly gifted singer and comedian who tried his hands first on music as far back as 2006 before settling for stand-up comedy. He used to sing but when I found out he was funny, I pushed him to join me do comedy. He had a breakthrough before me. And now that I want to be proud of him, I suddenly lost him” said Tee Gee, his friend.
As if this loss was not enough, another death creeped into the entertainment industry. Beautiful Chidinma Mbalaso, 22, a finalist from Koko Mansion reality television show dropped dead on Thursday, March, 24 2011.
Chidinma also died in an auto crash on the Kaduna-Abuja road, although she was rushed to St Gerald’s hospital in Kaduna But she could not make it. Before her death, she was said to have gone into a coma and was in need of a blood donor.
Ayo Rotimi, a supervisor during the Koko Mansion show said he is still shocked about her death. “Really I am unhappy about this, we are still dealing with CD John’s death and now this. What’s happening to our youth? He said. Rita Isoken, Koko Mansion housemate, appeared to be too upset to remark. “God why?” she said.
Chidinma’s first reality show was the Mo’Hits sponsored TV show, Koko mansion, 2009, were she was she came out as the fourth finalist.

everyone

Nigeria had just celebrated her 50th anniversary. One thing that comes to my mind often is how to run away from this country, a country that turns the dreams and vision of its youth into an illusion, a country that has offered nothing to its citizenry rather than disappointment and suffering, a country where the rule of law is found wanting, a country where fundamental human right is discarded............ people who say the country will be better soon are merely living in fantasy, there are no steps to prove that yet. If anythging will change in Nigeria in future, then we ought to have been seeing changes. Nigeria has so far rebuked positive changes and a country where change for peace is impossible, violence becomes inevitable!

fresher

just created my blog page, not restricted,open to all.