The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • Standing tall despite their disability

    Standing tall despite their disability

    For many, COVID-19 and its attending lockdown remain one dreadful combo they’d wish never happened again. But for these women with different forms of disabilities, who share their life stories with Yetunde Oladeinde, it holds both positive and negative memories.

    It the moment the economy is harsh and biting, and it is tough to put food on the table for many families due to high cost of foodstuff. Also there are no jobs, despite huge sundry bills waiting to be paid. What’s more? Small businesses are crashing, and women, mainly, are on the receiving end.

    However, for women with disabilities, the odds are much more, as they literally find themselves holding the short end of the stick, as they struggle to survive in a society that gives no consideration to them. But in spite of this, you still find a number of women in this category who have conquered their world and have become inspiration to others and doing remarkable things in society.

    Knowing no-one owes me anything strengthened my resolve- Iquo Mkpang

    Iquo Mkpang is a social development worker, entrepreneur and small scale business owner based in Cross River State. For her, “The experience of being physically challenged has been very challenging, but since I came to understand that no one owes me anything, I became determined to stand up to challenges.”

    Iquo is a woman living with Cerebral Palsy but who has not allowed her physical challenges to deter her desire to change her world. Her words: “I decided to use myself to experiment and by God’s grace, I overcame some of the major challenges in my life.”

    To break the glass ceiling, three things motivates Iquo on a daily basis. “Three things motivate me and make me want to jump out of my bed. The first is my work, which I am passionate about. The second is my son who is also challenged and needs my attention. The third motivation comes from my women who are looking up to me for directions and information. They believe in my style of leadership and have been there since we started the journey of advocacy for the right of women and children living with disabilities in Cross River State.

    “I have developed myself to see challenges as an opportunity. I push and push until I attain success. Until I achieve whatever I set out to do, I never give up.”

    That takes our discussion to her challenges and strategies for survival against the many odds that have come her way.

    “The challenges are enormous and start with discrimination, even within my family and neighbourhood. There are also issues of abandonment, gender-based violence, stigmatisation, marginalisation…. The truth of the matter is that the issue and challenges are endless”.

    She, however, expresses gratitude to God for her parents; especially her dad, who never gave up on her. Recalling her experiences as a physically challenged girl in a boarding school to buttress her point, she said: “Now, I understand why he did some things he did from my childhood. Because I had challenges on my right hand and right leg, my school authority asked my father to come and take me home. They said I could not cope with the challenges as a boarder, especially participating in chores like fetching water from a distance in the morning. Surprisingly, he didn’t decline but rather challenged the authority. He told them he was not taking me anywhere since I didn’t commit any offence. He then told me before the principal to simply keep my pace in the water fetching and other chores. He said if others were carrying full buckets, I should carry half. He also stressed that I should not allow anyone help me do my chores.”

    Continuing, Iquo said, “This changed the narrative for me and the school and has paid off. I always go for what I want and know I can do it.”

    Iquo’s experience with the lockdown and COVID-19 pandemic last year brought more challenges; but again, she says it was a blessing in disguise.

    “COVID brought more gender-based violence, loss of livelihood, sexual harassment and rape cases among our women and children. 2020 brought more cases and challenges in my community but it also made us more popular as the cases arose. It made more people begin to consider us as members of the society, even the government showed attention and realised that we were affected by the pandemic. The outcome was more skills acquisition, empowerment and palliatives as welfare from various sources. I am sure that the impact was great and many lives cannot be the same again.”

    Of her memorable experiences, she said, “One of my happy moments comes from memories of the award I received from the First lady of my state, Her Excellency Dr (Mrs) Ayade. It was not just me but three of us. And it would surprise you that this came in the year 2020.”

    Iquo is also blessed with a number of skills, with which she rules her world with pride in the sporting arena. “I am a Table Tennis player and I play professionally, though locally. It would have been my first outing last year for the National Sports Festival but it was postponed to this year. When the time for the festival came this year, we para table tennis team took the COVID-19 vaccine and we were told that there was no money to take us there. It was really disappointing; especially after so much energy and time spent by challenged athletes and words of encouragement from me to them to come out for training. Sadly, I have not had time to go back to my colleagues to encourage them to return to the game. That is because I have had my hands full.”

    Read Also: ‘There is productivity in disability’

     

    Aside her dad and mum, Iquo says there are other people who have influenced her in different ways. “I met Dr Agba Jacob at Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH). He is a blind lecturer and I marvel at his composition and etiquette. Also, my work in development and giving hope to my women and their families has been a great source of inspiration for me. Those little wins give me joy and make me want to do more.”

    Discrimination and other negatives helped build my confidence – Bilikisu Yakubu

    Bilkisu Yakubu, an indigene of Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State, is one of such women. Her story of living with poliomyelitis from a very tender age was tough, but determined to change her narrative, Bilkisu worked hard and strived to achieve her heart’s desires. At the moment, the graduate of Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University is employed with a Federal Government Agency.

    She takes you into her world and the things that motivate her: “I am the Kogi State Coordinator of Advocacy for Women with Disability Initiatives (AWWDI). Growing up with disability has not been easy for me. I experienced a lot of discrimination and stigmatisation among peers, family and the society at large. Although my disability came with a lot of positive and negative effects, it also built my confidence and helped to develop my personality.”

    Yakubu adds: “What motivates me on a daily basis is having the belief that I can make a difference. I need to show the world that behind my disability there is more ability and courage. There is always a craving for being different and to be an inspiration to others.”

    The most challenging aspect of her life, she says, is striving to make an impact in her community. “The impression I get from people around hasn’t been quite easy; the look on their faces, especially when I am seen in the public speaking and/or doing things differently. This always raises questions in their mind. I know this by the expression on their faces. But against all odds, I have been able to change their mind, and today, many of them actually want to be close and even be friends with me”.

    Yakubu goes on to talk about her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, which she described as ‘disheartening.’ “I was left useless because all I did then was to just wake up, eat, bath and sleep. I am someone who is always agile and always on the look-out for opportunities to explore, but during the pandemic my disability became multiple with lots of challenges. There was nowhere to go, no activities to be

    engaged in. It was not something to reckon with at all. But we thank God that we are gradually getting over it”.

    The most memorable moment in her life, she informed, was the day she got her admission letter to study in the University. “It was like a dream come through. And in my career, it is being a leader to persons with disability, especially women who were inspired by my way of life and were able to develop themselves.”

    Yakubu’s dream and message to government and other stakeholders is to give persons with disabilities the opportunity to contribute their quota to the development of the nation.

    Life is what you make of it – Brenda Ugwu

    Brenda Ugochinyere Ugwu is from Ebonyi State and she is an inspiration to other women living with disabilities in the state. At the moment, she is on a political appointment as Secretary to the Special Assistant to the Governor on Welfare and Religious Matters.

    As you probe into her world, she talks about her motivation and desire to keep forging ahead in spite of the odds. “It’s not easy being a person with disability, but God has been kind and so I do not see myself in that manner, as I’m able to do what anybody else can do”.

    Ugochi adds that: “My motivation daily is a quote from the Bible that says ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ I have no limitation.”

    She then opens up on a series of challenges as well as what led to her disability. “I spent years in the hospital both home and abroad; above all, I was able to survive, be alive and well, and pushing forward daily chasing my dreams.

    Life, she submits, is what you determine to make of it. So, her driving force is to maximise every opportunity that comes her way. “My experience during the lockdown/COVID-19 pandemic was more of resting from work and having more time to engage myself at home creating different products. The list includes car wash soap, perfume, toilet wash, toilet sanitizers and hand sanitizer. These I supplied to the government of Ebonyi State in the fight against the pandemic”.

    For her determination and hard work, Ugochi has a number of positive memories that inspires her to do more. “My memorable moments includes being able to represent the Southeast in a financial inclusion programme hosted by the Central Bank of Nigeria in the year 2019 at Sheraton Hotels, Abuja, as a person with disability. Another very memorable experience for me was getting married.”

    Quitting therefore has never been an option. “I never felt like quitting. Instead, I always see opportunities through my disability. My greatest influence was my determination to go to school and now I have HND in Mass Communication. I think family influenced me not to quit, as they encouraged me throughout the journey.”

    For inclusion, she strongly believes it is important for government to give persons with disability equal opportunity. “And for stakeholders, we should fight for our voices to be heard. ”

    Happy to be soaring in spite of my challenges – Rahmatu Ahmad

    Physically challenged Rahmatu Ahmad was born into the family of Chief Ahmad Aguda who lived in Kaduna State but an indigene of Kogi State from Idah Local Government Area.

    She is a mother of three, a boy and two girls, but widowed about six years ago.

    To survive, Rahmatu works as a civil servant with Kaduna State rehabilitation centre as an instructor of Batik, tie and dye.

    “My experience as a woman with disability and widow providing for the needs of three children is not easy at all,” she says.

    To support her monthly pay, therefore, she is also into trading, which provides extra daily income to ensure that her kids do not lack.”

    During the lockdown/COVID-19 Pandemic, life was tough, as she couldn’t go out to get her daily stock, which shrunk her income and made things difficult. Without doubt, she would wish the pandemic never happens again.

    Speaking of her memorable moments, she says, “My first memorable day was when I got admission to Kaduna polytechnic.”

    But that was until she found out her class was on the third floor. “My first thought was ‘how do I get there and who do I complain to?’ But I overcame it by my getting there to received my first lecture.’

    My second memorable moment was when I was pregnant and carrying two babies; I hat twin girls. The difficult part was that I had to go through my private school teaching job during the pregnancy.”

    It was so tough that Rahmatu thought of resigning, but the salary was a lifeline she couldn’t let go of.

    Of her parents and growing up, she says: “My late mother who was my mentor and friend who showered me with love and care; while my dad was also caring and never liked to see me sad.

    I once contemplated suicide – Uwadia-Garba

    Uche Henrietta Uwadia-Garba is an employee of the Federal Government under the service of the National Human Rights Commission, with hearing impairment.

    Like many people in her situation, her experience with disability has not been palatable.

    “The barrier, discrimination and stigma I daily have to contend with in the society are what constitute my disabilities more than my deafness. I have faced frustration due to lack of access to basic needs such as health care facilities, education, employment and necessary information,” she says.

    In spite of the challenges, her ‘can-do’ spirit keeps propelling her.

    “The fact that I wake up alive motivates me; swimming in the abundant grace of God is my daily strength. Also, I am motivated by the encouragement I receive by people around me both in my work place and within the disability community. The accolades I receive from my supervisors at work and the recognition of my contributions as disability rights advocate in the community push me to put in my best in all that I do”.

    Uche goes on to add that: “The impairment is not the root cause of the challenges PWDs face, rather it is the barrier which the society imposes on them that disables them. Such barriers include lack of knowledge, awareness and understanding of disability matters and disability rights.”

    She continued: “Others are stigmatization and denial of human rights such as freedom of association, freedom movement, right to private and family life, freedom from discrimination and victimization, right to fair hearing and others”.

    Like every other individual, the lockdown was a serious challenge for her. “It was also a period of sober reflection. I personally did not experience loss of income as a civil servant because during the period of the stay-at-home rule, I received my salary regularly till I was called back to work as an essential service provider”.

    Becoming deaf at the age of over 20 years was the first memorable moment of her life.  Though not a palatable one, she cannot forget it.

    “Others are moving into the deaf community and subsequently the wider disability community. This disability community has a great impact in my transformation into who I am today, as it gave me the opportunity to know that there is hope and a brighter future for me despite my disability. In my career, achieving my dream of becoming a professional Conflict Resolution/Investigation expert and my employer’s confidence in me by appointing me in same capacity without any form of discrimination as a result of my disability remains indelible in my memory.”

    Did she feel like quitting at a point? “Yes. I had contemplated suicide at the onset of my disability. Let me explain, before I lost my hearing ability, I experienced undiluted love both from family and friends. However, after I became deaf, all these love and care evaporated; I was abandoned after their initial efforts to get a cure for me failed. When I could no longer cope with the stigma, abandonment and the fact that all my friends no longer visit or care about me, the thought of quitting through suicide crept in.”

    Aside the influence of God, she says one individual who has greatly influenced her is Hajia Jamilah Hamza, a lawyer and disability rights advocate. “She discovered me and sold me to my employers; first by making a case for me that earned me employment and assigning to me jobs when others felt otherwise.”

  • Learning from Eyadema’s enclave

    Learning from Eyadema’s enclave

    LEFT the shores of Nigeria on Saturday, July 30 by noon via Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for Lome, the capital of Togo, a small neighbouring West African country with a population size of approximately eight million people. Togo has an area equal to 56,785 km2 thus making it one of the smallest countries in Africa. However, Lome, the capital, is the largest city with ports. The newest port has body of water that is as much as seven kilometres down the sea! This makes it boisterous, making the place a beehive of commercial activities as big ships with heavy goods all over the world patronize Lome port.

    I was in the country to attend a week-long ECOWAS Election Professional Capacity Enhancement – BRIDGE – Training on Inclusive Electoral Process with 24 other representatives from all over West African countries for which I had been nominated two weeks earlier as an election expert. The nominees cut across the media, the academia, election management bodies and civil society organisations. The training commenced on Monday, August 2 and lasted till Friday, August 6, with more than half of participants being females. It was organized by ECOWAS and funded by GIZ and the European Union (EU). The Acronym ‘BRIDGE’ means Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections.

    I was fascinated by the trip for one crucial reason. Having visited a number of European countries, United States of America and South Africa, I have never been familiar with the situation of things in any West African country.  More so that travelling is part of education as first-hand information could melt cultural shock and the attendant misinformation. And indeed, the trip was an eye opener.

    As a first timer in Lome, I was very curious to compare and contrast Nigeria with Togo. This informed my taking note of even the minutest things as a student of Comparative Politics. The country is divided into five regions, which are sub-divided into 30 prefectures. It is a highly decentralized system, with devolution of power, unlike Nigeria’s over-centralized federal arrangement, with concomitant federal immobilism. The long years rule of Gnassingbe Eyadema for some 38 years – one of the longest serving dictators in Africa – has its own advantage, as it has succeeded in stabilizing the system for development. His son, Faure Eyadema, took over in a controversial circumstance after the demise of his father in 2005!

    The airport was a very clumsy place because of the small size of the facilities but officials were thorough in the discharge of their duties, as many travellers were connecting flights from Lome to other countries, both within and outside the continent. Those whose final destinations were Lome like me were given thorough checks. Surprisingly, COVID-19 test was mandatory before one could step on their soil from the airport despite the fact that similar test had been done few days before leaving Nigeria. I quickly realized the commercialization of the pandemic by the mercantile behaviour of our governments. In Nigeria, particularly in Kwara State, I paid some N50,400.00 for the test while the official receipt sent to be bore N34,000! Why Kwara State decided to leave the fate of its citizens in the hands of Shylock officials is better imagined. No government hospital could conduct COVID-19 test. The major one I contacted last when all other venues did not have the facilities quickly contacted a private lab official to come and take my sample for NCDC lab in faraway Abuja for test before travelling. The result was forwarded to me via my email box. On arrival at Lome, another mandatory test had to be done despite the one done few days earlier in Nigeria. It cost 25,000 CFA franc (Togolese official currency). Simply, the commercial nature of the pandemic is perhaps more of extorting travelers rather than protecting the society from infections. Surprisingly, we had to pay same amount again for another mandatory test before we could depart Togo.

    Juxtaposing the behaviours of officials at the two airports is another kettle of fish entirely. While the Togolese officials were cautious and meticulous, their Nigerian counterparts were soliciting for money! ‘My father, what do you have for me?’ Trust me, I assured them ‘on my return’ as if he would be the same official that would attend to me or the same gate that I would pass through. This is a country where public officials need a kind of complete re-orientation for us to get it right. The airport, no doubt, is the gateway to the country where officials interact with different nationals. But alas, the war against corruption is being fought at the top as mere cosmetic exercise rather than taking the war to the lower level for the real impacts.

    For empirical comparison, I was sneaking out of the hotel to town and the interior to see how the Togolese live their lives. While Nigerians are unserious with the COVID-19 protocols, virtually everybody was wearing nose masks. From taxi drivers to Okada riders and traders, one could see everybody wearing nose mask. I was told that one should not be caught without it. It is equally imperative to note that in Lome, virtually all motor bike riders were with helmets and carried only one passenger, whereas here in Nigeria, one could see motorbike riders with three or four people on board, with no fear of arrest by law enforcement agents. Nigerian public policy makers, being politicians that they are rather than statesmen, are timid to enforce the use of helmets by both commercial and private motorcycle riders. Though, passengers were not compelled to put helmets on, it is compulsory for riders.

    In the same vein, on Sunday, August 1, I looked out for a local church to preach. I was made to understand that almost half of the population in their country is Christian, with rest being either Muslims or animists. One observable phenomenon is that Togolese are far from being religious as we are in Nigeria. Many of them were not even bothered that it was a Sunday, unlike in Nigeria. The taxi driver who picked me and my guide bore Christian name but believed that his God is in his mind! After service, the resident Pastor could not convey me back to the hotel. I alighted from his car at the main road. Reason: his drivers’ licence had expired! In Lome, the gendermaire (Police) must not arrest any motorist without valid driver’s licence. I was told that the vehicle of such a motorist would be seized for long even before payment of fine. I then imagined the number of unlicensed drivers on our roads. Similarly, all motorbikes and tricycles were with number plates and duly registered. Here, a sizeable number of them do not even bother to get registered.

    The truth is that Togo is a society where law is an ass. No development can evolve from any society where laws are treated with disdain. In comparison, Nigeria is a soft state where laws are made but either selectively enforced or not enforced at all. The fear of Togolese policemen, no doubt, is the beginning of wisdom. The level of loyalty to their country while discharging their duties is enviable. Unlike the crop of morally-bankrupt ‘super corps’ we have in Nigeria, giving us the impression of two categories of police officers and men – ‘one man’s corps is another man’s thug’.

    Perhaps one other striking thing with the Togolese economy is the value of their currency – CFA franc – which is at par with Nigeria’s Naira!  With 100 coins and as high as 10,000 paper currency, Togolese carry less burden of paper legal tender in their pockets. If advanced economies could maintain coins and higher denominations in paper, then we are not doing well. The cost of reprinting currency frequently could be reduced if we have coins too.  This made me wonder whether anyone is in charge of the economy here. Meanwhile, the politics of international economic relations is absurd. Despite an overvalued Togolese currency, the high cost of transportation is a nightmare to them.  A litre of fuel is as high as 500 CFA franc. They depend on Nigeria to power their economy with fuel which is between 162 and 165 naira in Nigeria. Nigerians are even complaining bitterly about high price of fuel, which has encouraged criminal smuggling across the borders. Technically, Nigeria is subsidizing fuel across the borders, with the smugglers making super profit at the expense of Nigeria’s economy. The visible resultant effect of high cost of fuel in Lome and Togo generally is fewer vehicles on the road. The most common means of transportation is motorcycle or bicycle. Riding a motor car is a luxury that very few could afford.

    In spite of the expensive cost of transportation, life expectancy for both men and women is, hoever, higher than an average sub-Saharan Africa! Togo enjoys one of the highest standards of living on the continent owing to its valuable phosphate deposits and a well-developed export sector. Phosphate is used to produce cement that satisfies local economy and it is abundant as a gift of nature. With affordable cement, one could notice stronger moulded building blocks and structures. The incidents of building collapse in our cities in Nigeria are unheard of in Togo because of local production of cement. Watching artisans on sites was a delight. It is surprising, therefore, that Togolese tillers are far more preferable than our boys. Few of them who migrated here have been found more competent in handling tiles and marbles than their Nigerian counterparts.

    With almost 200 million populations, abundant natural resources and exportation of crude oil daily, coupled with the volume of Nigeria’s GDP and GNP to have gotten our national currency so devalued is pathetic. To have our Naira become at par with Togolese currency is indeed amusing. Ordinarily, Nigeria’s naira ought to be like American dollars in West African sub-region, but alas, the reverse is the case. Togo has taken good advantage of the sea ports in Lome with the attendant beehive of commercial activities. Many Nigerians go to Togo to smuggle cars into the country. Togolese government is so accommodating of Nigerian Jews (Ibos) to the extent that they built a large market for them to trade. Each flight carries many of them with luggage. With the rate at which properties are acquired by the Ibos in Lome, my fear is that an adversarial government should not come in future to stir the kind of unpalatable ‘Nigerians should go’ in Ghana that resulted into a retaliatory foreign policy by Nigerian government with ‘Ghana must go’. No doubt, the ECOWAS protocol is working to the advantage of these small countries benefiting from the economies of scale.

    Nonetheless, the health sector made the country one with the highest life expectancy in the sub-region. The food culture too is one that encourages eating rightly. I noticed consumption of coconut water early in the morning by Togolese before breakfast. This must have greatly improved their health.

    Road infrastructure is also good to behold. Official statistics revealed that three quarters of motorable roads are well paved. Most of the roads are dual carriages, with complete road furniture and setbacks which are mandatorily observed.  Traders dare not display their wares on the highway.  Moving round the city of Lome, I did not see a single refuse dump! Residents were not throwing litters carelessly. Lome is a neat city, with a sense of aesthetics, which is a nightmare for us in Nigeria. My guide told me it was like that all over their country aside from the rural areas. The physical urban planning proved that France-colonized territories were better administered with their policy of assimilation which was intended to make locals be similar to the citizens in the metropol. Britons were more exploitative of their territories than making conscious efforts to develop them and bequeath an enduring political structure, a situation that has become an albatross to us now.

    Be that as it may, Togo operates like a police state in view of the general insecurity in the sub-region. Virtually all standard hotels collect and scan passport data page before allocating rooms. This is to ensure the correct identity of the guests in their country. Plain-clothe policemen, known as gendermaires, are planted all over the city, with many of them in the hotels making shift. While Nigeria is facing the greatest problem of insecurity in the sub-region, she has abysmally poor ratio of policemen vis-à-vis the size of her population as prescribed by the UN Togo seem to have recruited sizeable number of security operatives to secure their country.

    My take away from the one-week stay in Lome is that even with high education, one needs to be, at least, bilingual, if not multilingual. In the West African sub-region, three languages are prominent: English, French (which is spoken by as many as 49 million Africans) and Portugese, as represented by the different shades of colonialists in Africa. Our government may do well to encourage learning of, at least, one other international language to get the sub-region and the continent well-integrated, using the instrumentality of language. It is, however, important to note that in Lome, Ewe language (indigenous language) is spoken by the locals, while French is reserved for government and business transactions only. The training emphasized the imperative of free and fair elections in the sub-region. Also, the need by electoral management bodies to do everything possible to ensure inclusivity in elections. This will guarantee legitimacy of new government formed after elections and the concomitant effect of political stability that will accompany carrying along large chunk of the society that are usually excluded in elections, most especially people with disabilities, the poor and the illiterates. The minority ethnic groups are usually restive when excluded in government.

    • Dr. Ojo is an Associate Professor of Comparative Politics, University of Ilorin
  • MELVIN ODUAH: My experience with cyber bullying

    MELVIN ODUAH: My experience with cyber bullying

    Melvin Oduah  is a model, actor , Gulder Ultimate Search contestant as well as ex-housemate of Big Brother Africa. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde he takes you into his world.

    You are an actor, what inspires the things you do?

    I was in Gulder Ultimate Search in 2009 and I came second in the competition. Afterwards , in 2011 I went for Mr. Nigeria and I came

    second again. It has been a wonderful journey and I have paid my dues. Three years afterwards I went for Big Brother Africa.  That was in year 2013 and it was another wonderful experience for me. That was my biggest platform.  It actually put me out there and I did my best to capitalise on that opportunity.  Of course, I am not yet where I would want to be. But I am very grateful for the opportunity on how far I have come. So, that is my story so far.

    Currently, I am working harder to achieve my goals. I have a number of things that I have put together.  Gradually, you would see them unfolding.

    What were you doing before participating in Big Brother?

    I was an actor before I came to being a housemate of Big Brother.  Of course, I wasn’t as known as I am right now. But it was very interesting for me as an entertainer.  As someone in the entertainment industry, I saw them as different platforms and different ways to elevate yourself.

    As an entertainer, you got the opportunity and you can now show people what you can do. That is exactly what  Big brother did for me. While I was in the house, I told Africa how much of a passionate actor I was.  So, when I came out I got a number of producers who wanted to work with me and I would say that that is what has brought me to where I am today.

    You are also a model? Tell us about this aspect of your life?

    Asides being an actor, I call myself an entertainer.  So, I don’t just streamline what I do into acting alone. I am also a model, I did this in the past and I still model till tomorrow. I also compere at events which is another interesting part of my life.  I have participated in a lot of events and fashion shows.

    Tell us about life as an actor and some of the movies that you have participated in?

    I personally believe that the impact of what showbiz has done to our society is usually underestimated. A lot of our celebrities and normal people are touched by what they see in movies. A lot of people are dying every day, people are committing suicide and all kinds of things are going on. So, that is what we are seeing in the movies, it just shows us a lot of the experiences, so that we can learn. The truth of the matter is that, it is part of our everyday lives.

    In addition, it also lets us to know that what we are seeing on social media does not define you as a person. I advise has always been to you pray for grace to do the right thing. Also work hard and you will achieve what you are meant to achieve.

    Tell us about your personal experience?

    Yes, I have experience bad media. That was especially when I got out of Big Brother House in 2013. Then I saw a lot of things. I experienced a lot of things, such as cyber bully from people who felt they had opinions about me. You can imagine the kind of things they said about me. And a lot of them were lies. At first it got to me because at that point, I felt why should I receive all that. But with time, I had to tell myself that these things don’t define me as a person. Like I said, the most important thing is to work hard, do what you are supposed to do and the world would forget about this things. But if you allow these things to get to you, it would affect you negatively as a person and you cannot forge ahead. So, people have to understand social media. Unfortunately, social media has brought a lot of negativity into our reality. So, it is important for our people to understand this.

    You are not as frequent or regular as you used to be. What would you say is responsible for this?

    I would say that I have been taught not to take anything. It is not that this producer wants you for a movie, and then you must take it. You should scrutinize and see if it is something that would make or mar you. Of course, I have been doing a lot of movies recently. Last month, I was busy doing some shoots, same happened last week too.  Had only a day to myself and I still have a couple of scripts to work on. So, I am about to start shooting once more. I would therefore say that it has been very good for me so far. that I have never been a victim of that. Every single role that I have played has been given to me on merit through recommendation either to close auditions or even open auditions. I have been selected  a number of times through referrals and when the producers try me out, many of them, about 99 per cent always call me back. This is because they always enjoy working with me and that is what it has done for me.

    If you are to advise anyone who wants to go for Big Brother, what would you tell them? How would you describe the idea of reunion?

    I think people should accept the positivity of what the reunion is all about. The reunion is what brought them all together again since they left the house. Going out of the house, you hear a lot of things, a lot of negative things. So, I think people should see it as an opportunity to clear the air. They can ask questions like, “I heard you said this about me and the other person responds and then make peace. That is the idea of doing a reunion show.

    What kind of music do you like?

    I am an all genre kind of person when it comes to music. I listen to rock, R n B, and more. You can’t find me listening to one kind of music. If you see my playlist, you would be shocked. You can call me a weird one because my playlist has different kinds of music that includes rap, soul, old school, reggae and everything.

    What is your definition of style?

    Personally, I would say that style to me means expressing yourself via the outfits that you wear. The way you look, dress should actually tell people the kind of person that you are, how you feel and your mood at any point in time. That is what it is for me. The way I feel is how I turn out. Sometimes, I can be so casual in my look and the next moment, I would be very formal and corporate. That is my mood for you.

  • TB Joshua was a deceptive magician who carried the bible — Chris Okotie

    TB Joshua was a deceptive magician who carried the bible — Chris Okotie

    By Alao Abiodun

    Founder of the Household of God Church International Ministries Pastor Chris Okotie has described the late TB Joshua as a deceptive magician who carried the bible around.

    Okotie has been a long-standing critic of his late colleague.

    The Nation reports TB Joshua, who was the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), died on June 6.

    Okotie in a 75-minute video posted on his Youtube page titled: “The Truth about TB Joshua”, alleged that Joshua fulfilled a biblical pattern of “Bar-Jesus,” said TB Joshua was a false prophet who equated himself with Jesus.

    Read Also: Judgement coming against Nigeria’s enemies says Okotie

    He asked: “What is the truth about TB Joshua? Who was he? Was he a product of Christianity? Or a practitioner of shamanism? Was he a servant of the Lord Jesus? Or some itinerant religious quack? “Was he a true prophet, who was misunderstood? Or a hypocrite masquerading under the habiliment of the Faith?

    “When God begins a work in scripture, particularly from the old testament, he begins with patterns, what we call types, shadows, adumbrations. “You say why because the patterns determine the flow of power and authenticity of that enterprise. He is a magician, a sorcerer, and calls himself a prophet.

    “Notice Joshua doesn’t call himself an apostle, he doesn’t call himself a teacher. He doesn’t call himself a pastor because, if he calls himself by any other name outside of prophet, he does not fulfil the pattern. “So, he must stick with that appellation. He is a magician who claims to be a prophet but he is a false prophet.

    “They claim that Jesus Christ didn’t come in the flesh and that it was an apparition. They claim that Jesus Christ was the son of Joseph and he was appointed by God for a particular spiritual responsibility. “They said, at the baptism, the Christ Spirit, a transcendental Spirit, came upon him. They said it departed from him at the cross when he cried out ‘my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’

    “They said this Spirit has been around since that time and goes from one generation to another generation anointing men and bestowing them with a charismatic spiritual gift necessary to fulfil their divine mission.

    “Joshua claimed he’s that one the Lord has appointed in this generation to bring reconciliation to or between God and man. And he’s not the first to propose such a ludicrous concept. Joshua believed he’s another Jesus.”

  • AMAKA ANAKWE : I was in the right place at the right time

    AMAKA ANAKWE : I was in the right place at the right time

    Amaka Anakwe  is a Nollywood actress , entrepreneur and producer. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde , she talks about her passion, memorable moments and more.

     

    Tell us about life as an actress?

    Life as an actress is a fun and it has been an adventurous one for me. I would say that it has been a very interesting and awesome journey so far.  Of course, we have the tough times. When you look back you would see that sometimes it is not easy at all, but generally I would admit that it has been fun.

    Interestingly, I would say that I did not come into the industry seeking to be an actress.  I was just lucky to be in the right place, at the right time. Though acting comes easy to me but I did not choose that part as a profession, that part chose me. I would therefore describe the journey and experience as so far, so good; it’s been an interesting journey.

    What was your very first role and what are your memories?

    I started out with Tracy Nwapa’s reality show “Reality Access Charm School’, and it was a great learning curve for me.   I was among the three badly behaved girls that had to go through the charm school, my movie first role was a Pastor, I acted as a Pastor in the movie ‘Uwa Umunwanyi’ by Chima Okereke. You can see how in one, I acted a badly behaved person and in the other, a Pastor. So, in movies, the roles you played are what you keep remembering. Another interesting experience for me is how we behave like one big family every time we are on set, and the rigmarole of transforming into any character. These are just some of the memories for me and they actually spur me to do better.

    What are some of the memorable moments in the sector?

    Looking back, I would say that the memorable moments for me are fun times. Usually, this are the great times that I shared with great friends I met on set and outside, the events. The adventures, and also, being able to act who you are and who you are not, they are all fun, sometimes, tedious but they give long lasting memories.

     What inspires the things you do?

    A number of things inspire what I do. These include love and passion, and the desire to make an impact in the world.

    What are some of the challenges?

    There are different types of challenges on the job. For me, the major one would be meeting the expectation(s) of the producer, the director and the general public. From experience, you find that sometimes actors outdo themselves just to be acknowledged.

    You have your hairline range that you are also passionate about. . How did this start and what does this mean to you?

    Yes, Prime HairNG is my range of hair product line. Prime HairNG deals in original Super bone straight and wavy hair direct from Vietnam, the best in comparism to others. I have always wanted to be a fashion entrepreneur, owning a clothing line and having a hair brand and I started working towards this. So, when the idea to go into the business was brought to me to partner with this brand, I grabbed it with my two hands. It’s a dream come through.

    What are the other things that occupy your time?

    Apart from acting I am also into charity and mission work which I also find very fulfilling. In addition, I am also into real estate business.

    How has acting influenced your personality?

    It actually played a major role in changing and discovering my hidden talents. I used to be a very shy person but acting has changed all that for me.

    Read Also: COKER WURAOLA: How a stranger turned me into travel expert

     

    If you had to advise young people who want to come into the creative sector, what will you tell them?

    There are so many opportunities here and so I would encourage them to come in and play a great role. In addition, I would tell them to be patient and remain focused. A lot of young people these days find it hard to exercise patience but yet, it is the key, everybody has their time. When it’s not your time, it’s not your time, if you force it, you attract many sorrows to yourself. Usually, I always tell people to allow God to lead them and to be patient, but be focused while waiting.

     Do you have young people that you are mentoring?

    Yes I do, and they are all looking up to me.

    What are you looking forward to in the next few years?

    I look forward to doing more in the industry, feature in more movies, have my own production company and to see Prime HairNG take over and become a house hold name, home and abroad.

    Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

    God. The reverence I have for God, influences what I do.

    How would you describe the impact of COVID-19?

    COVID-19 to me is an eye opener; it made us to see that life can change at anytime, heartbreaking for the many lives lost. Also, I would say that COVID-19 exposed a lot of the ills going on in this country, very sad, but it also showed that man is wired to overcome anything. The world is finding a way around it now which is a good thing, we all cannot be locked up forever. It also showed the Supremacy of God over man and all things.

    What are some of the changes that you would like to see in Nigeria today?

    There are so many changes that I would like to see in our country today. One of this is the value we place on human life.  Sadly, life is no longer valued in Nigeria today; you find insecurity here and there. I believe that if this challenge can be nipped in the bud, then a lot has been achieved.

    Tell us about the things you cherish in your wardrobe?

    I love shoes, so I cherish them. I also like my ankara outfits. I am not much of a jewelry person but dresses and shoes, I love them and recently my Prime Hair wigs, oh I love them.

    What is your assessment of Nigerian designers?

    They are top-notch; the way Nigerian designers have turned things around is amazing, if given the necessary support, they will be number one in the world.

     How do you relax?

    I relax by reading and listening to music. Sometimes, I would just go to a very quiet place where I can access nature for inspiration. Usually, this helps me to relax.

    Tell us about the people you admire?

    I admire people with high calling, I always wonder how they cope being able to attend to the needs of many people, I don’t like loud people, that’s why in the industry, Genevieve Nnaji still remains my role model, I like people that are real, I respect Mercy Johnson Okojie for that, and there are others too, I admire people that allow their deeds to speak for them.

  • COKER WURAOLA: How a stranger turned me into travel expert

    COKER WURAOLA: How a stranger turned me into travel expert

    Coker Augustina Wuraola is a travelling and tourism expert and CEO of Cokeson Travels. Her clients include top corporate bodies, politicians and government functionaries across the country. In this interview with Olaitan Ganiu she talks about her grass to grace story, challenges as well as memorable moments.

     

    What attracted you to the travel industry?

    Initially, I had no knowledge of the travel industry until I met someone, who was a client where I worked. This was immediately after I graduated from school and she was a travel agent. She just liked me and was really impressed by my personality. Then one day, she made a comment saying that I will fit into the travel industry. She gave me all the preliminary information about the industry and how it worked. She told me I had to first go to an aviation school and she connected me to one, Frontier Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State at the time. It was a turning point in my life and when I started my training, my interest heightened.

    Tell us about your experience as a travel consultant?

    My experience in the travel industry for the past nine and a half years has been wonderful. I started the business with zero capital. My first target markets were my friends and my personality played a good role. Luckily, I had created great relationships with friends in my university days and I ensured that I maintained a good reputation. This helped when I started the business as I was able to advertise my business to them. Then my friend introduced me to a friend of who was travelling to South Africa and that was the first ticket I sold when I started this business, nine and a half years ago.

    From there, I got referrals, widened by networking and that kick-started the business properly. It has been wonderful; however, there is no business without its downsides. In Aviation, mistakes are not forgiven, any mistake on a ticket, maybe name error or date error, will definitely cost you something. When such mistakes happen, I take responsibility and ensure they do not repeat it. All in all, my experience has been awesome and I love being a travel consultant.

    As an expert in business travel, it is easy for me to deliver value for everyone I have an opportunity to work with. What makes your organization unique from other agencies?

    We have a policy of service level agreement with our clients each time we are given the opportunity to be of service to them. Our service level agreement bound us to deliver superior travel service to our clients and ensure a delightful experience each time they patronise us. Our teaming customers have a satisfying experience and can testify to the quality of our services.  We make customer satisfaction and happiness the core value of our organisation.

    How profitable is the travel agency business?

    It is best to know that the travel business is not a fast money scheme. Like we have discussed, people have access to the airlines platform and can see the prices there. The profit can be small. But the truth is when giving quality services is the goal, money will come after. A lot more people will patronise because they appreciate your services and can even make complimentary payments for services well done. Corporate transactions in which we first handle their payments from our accounts may come with little interest later.

    Read Also: EU chided for rejecting travel certificates issued on Covishield

     

    What are the challenges for women in the sector?

    The travel business is actually good for women because it enables you to work from home and do your work at your pace.

    What are some of the memorable moments in your career?

    One of my memorable moments is when I won an award from the South African Tourism. Also, getting to meet several high net worth individuals that ordinarily I wouldn’t have met if I was not in the travel business is quite memorable for me…

    What is the future of the travel agency business?

    The future of the travel agency is bright, no matter how bad situations get, people will need to move from one place to the other and this renders travelling services inevitable. Technology has also played a key role in travel business and has helped tremendously.

    What are some of the other things that motivate you on the job?

    I love to be of service to people, and putting a smile on the faces of my clients is what motivates me in my business, I know for sure that a happy customer is the only way I can get a good referral for my business.

    What are some of the changes you would like to see in the sector?

    I would like the government of Nigeria to support domestic tourism and also reduce taxes levied on airfare in Nigeria. Airfares are a bit pricey in Nigeria

    What message do you have for Nigerians?

    We should not lose hope in our motherland. I believe that Nigeria can be a better place if the citizens decide to make it work, and it starts with the family as a basic unit. Parents should instill good moral values on their children.

    What are some of the things that you would like to do in future?

    I would love to be an Ambassador for my country Nigeria.

    Tell us about your role models

    My parents are my role model; they instill good values and gave me all the support I needed to grow in life

    What are some of the other things that occupy your time?

    Asides from business, I love to spend time with my family, and I love going on vacation.

    What are some of the principles that inspire the things you do?

    I believe that what you sow is what you reap. This mindset enables me to be my best at all times.

    What lessons has life taught you?

    As a business person, a good reputation and integrity is the only key to success and progress.

  • Shock as gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori gets car gift from Prophet Iginla

    Shock as gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori gets car gift from Prophet Iginla

    By Alao Abiodun and Oluwatomisin Amokeoja

    Founder of the Champions Royal Assembly, Kubwa, Abuja, Pastor Joshua Iginla has presented a car gift to popular gospel singer, Adeyinka Alaseyori.

    The Nation learnt the gift came after a spirit-filled ministration by the Oniduro mi crooner, which the cleric and the congregation described as ‘tremendous worship and praise’, at the church’s headquarters in Abuja.

    Iginla presented a key of an SUV car to the Aye Ope yo singer after the ministration.

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Prophet Iginla surprises gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori with car gift

    In a Facebook post on Joshua Iginla Ministries page, it said, “Heaven wrapped her hands upon the earth during a tremendous worship and praise section by Evangelist Yinka Alaseyori at the Champions International Headquarter Abuja Nigeria.

    “After the soul winning programme, filled with an exciting atmosphere, Papa Joshua Iginla in his usual habit of Giving, appreciation, and Love gave the humble Minister an exotic car gift.

    “She was perplexed and thankful indeed God uses men to elevate and increase men. Like Papa Joshua Iginla will say, the best gift God gave men, is the gift of a man to a man.”

  • Tworem holds ‘Bojuwomi’

    Tworem holds ‘Bojuwomi’

    The Way of Reconciliation Evangelistic Ministries (TWOREM) Int’l a.k.a Prophetic & Solution Chapel, Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria will hold the third edition in 2021 of the interdenominational quarterly Holy Ghost inspired programme of Prophetic Prayer, word, Prophetic Impartations, Declarations and Revelations.

    Tagged: “BOJUWOMI” (Where the Lord looks down from His throne to bless believers) will start tomorrow, August 2, from 8:00am – 3:00pm at Sekunderin Int’l Miracle Prayer Mountain, Adebayi – Olode, New Ife Road, Ibadan, Nigeria.

    To Minister is the Chief Host, Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade Joel (Baba Sekunderin) and other speakers and to be supported by Music Evangelists and TWOREM Mass Choirs Lagos and Ibadan.

    Baba Sekunderin said that it is imperative that Nigerians should be brought back from the path of poverty and hunger as there are cries all over the place, so, let the Government do whatever it can to alleviate the sufferings in the land.

    The cleric further advised Nigerians that whatever may be the challenges being faced by anyone, Christ is the solution, also, the Holy Bible which is the word of God, says that, Jesus Christ, the word and the only begotten son of God, is the answer to all things in Heaven and on Earth.

  • Church plans cinema centre

    Church plans cinema centre

    A church based in Ijegun-Lagos GoodPath World and Prophetic Ministry, plans to build a cinema centre where worshippers can watch spirit-filled films.

    Its founder Pastor Adekunle G. Adeniran, who broke the news in an interview with The Nation, said: “The plan of the ministry is also to establish a Christian cinema centre where we can partner Christian drama ministries to occupy our youths in building a godly home, society and nation.”

    The clergy who spoke during the Seventh anniversary of the church with the theme ‘Marching on in glory,’ said: “The ministry is poised to fulfil the purpose of God by reaching out to evangelise the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world through crusades, indoor and outdoor revivals, online revival programmes to reach out to those on essential duties and establishment of School of disciples to entrench Christian virtues in converts.’’

    He advised the church to be wary of falling short of the glory of God but rather to walk in the light of God’s glory by becoming examples of true believers in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith and purity.

    In his message to Nigerians, he said: “God has created us with glory as seen in our rich natural resources scattered in all parts of our dear nation. Refusal to see ourselves as the tool to manifest God’s glory has been the major setback in our quest and March to glory. However, God is willing and ready to forgive our ignorance if we humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways (unwarranted killings, kidnappings and violence), pray and seek the face of God for forgiveness. God’s promise is that He will hear and restore our lost glory.”

  • Apostolic Church VP charges leaders on selfless service

    Apostolic Church VP charges leaders on selfless service

    The Vice President of The Apostolic Church Nigeria (TACN) and LAWNA Territorial Chairman, Pastor Emmanuel Awojide has underscored the need for leaders across board to give the totality of their lives to render service that would enhance the growth and development of the nation and the Church.

    Awojide made the call in his welcome address during the Ministers’ Conference/Convention that started on Tuesday at the Church  Headquarters, Ketu Lagos, ahead of the Church’s Annual LAWNA International Convention which also began on Tuesday.

    He warned that service without total consecration and commitment is unacceptable to God, and as such unproductive and unfruitful.

    He pleaded with leaders both in the spiritual and secular fields to be wholly committed in their service to God and humanity as this will impact greatly on the growth and development of the nation and the church.

    Consecration according to him demands determination and total commitment to the service of God and humanity.

    He said, “People in service must first consecrate themselves to God before their service could be acceptable.”

    The LAWNA Chairman said everything within and without the leaders and the led must be consecrated to God for their services to God and humanity to be acceptable.

    He said the leaders and the followers in the Church and in the nation must consecrate their financial resources, time, and strength towards the development of the nation and the Church.

    The cleric pointed out that anyone that would be on the Lord’s side would have to live a life of separation, dedication to God, and dedication to God’s service.