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Tag: amazon

Amazon says Google pulled YouTube from Echo Show device

In a rare public feud between large technology companies, Amazon.com Inc said on Tuesday its Echo Show devices could no longer play videos from YouTube because the site’s parent, Google, stopped supporting the service.

The spat is the latest in Silicon Valley in which competitive tensions stood in the way of customers.

Amazon and Google square off in many areas, from cloud computing and online search, to selling voice-controlled gadgets like the Echo Show.

Amazon said in a statement “As of this afternoon, Google has chosen to no longer make YouTube available on Echo Show, without explanation and without notification to customers.

“There is no technical reason for that decision, which is disappointing and hurts both of our customers.”

Google, owned by Alphabet Inc, said instead that the development was no surprise.

“We’ve been in negotiations with Amazon for a long time, working towards an agreement that provides great experiences for customers on both platforms,” it said in a statement.

“Amazon’s implementation of YouTube on the Echo Show violates our terms of service, creating a broken user experience. We hope to be able to reach an agreement and resolve these issues soon.”

The Echo Show had displayed YouTube videos without integral features, from video recommendations to channel subscriptions.

Google has been in a similar dispute with Microsoft Corp in the past.

It was not clear how many customers are affected. Amazon only started selling the Echo Show in June, which comes with a touch screen and responds by voice command.

Amazon’s suite of Echo devices, including the Echo and Echo Dot, has outsold the voice-controlled Google Home, according to research firm eMarketer.

Amazon has ambitions to make it normal for people to control computers by voice – and to place orders for its online retail business by voice, too.

“It’s a bit of a blow to Amazon,” said analyst Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research.

“YouTube is one of the big video services that they had in addition to their own.

“For that to disappear means a big chunk of the possible video content you could watch on Echo Show is now gone.”

The Verge, a technology news website, earlier reported the news.

Among recent tech standoffs, Amazon had stopped selling Apple Inc’s TV players in 2015 because they did not support its Prime Video service but the two finally reached an agreement earlier this year.

“Things get harder for end users because these companies can’t get along,” Dawson said.

September 27, 2017
Christie Toby: Amazon of inclusive education
At the recent Unity Day event of the Archdeacon Brown Education Centre(ABEC) Group of Schools in Iriebe, Rivers State, 16-year-old Obinna Onyisi shone like a million stars.

Most fellow pupils, guests and teachers, already used to his rare display of ingenuity at the trumpet, oratorical prowess at the panel discussion received yet another surprise: Master Onyisi thrilled at the scientist exhibition by producing a sprinkler irrigation tool. Yet, he is visually impaired.

In fact, many of the major prizes went to Onyisi and his school mates from the Christie Toby Inclusive Education Centre (CTIEC), including the hearing and speech impaired. Pureheart Ogedengbe, a hearing and speech impaired six-year-old pupil of the school, went home with the ‘Cook of the Year’ prize.

‘’I want to be a lawyer so that I can fight the widespread injustice and right the dysfunctionalities in our system,’’ Onyisi said. ‘’If our system were working, this would never have happened to me,’ he told this writer, a broad smile on his cherubic face shaded by dark goggles.

Onyisi is a victim of a failed health system having being blind after being given an expired malaria drug four years ago. The school came to his rescue and he has found solace, his bearing and the right atmosphere to shine. He came tops in the Junior WASC and Junior NECO exams in 2015 with 14 Distinctions (written in Braille).

Yet, Onyisi and those who won at the Open Day are just a few of the several beneficiaries of the school established in 2008 by Mrs. Christie Toby, a retired teacher and top-notch career civil servant, to carter for pupils with disabilities.CTIEC’s uniqueness lies in its inclusiveness.

Rather than put up a school for ‘deaf and dumb’ or blind children exclusively, thereby reinforcing the pervasive sense of discrimination, she established one, which is a mix of regular pupils and those with special needs, such as hearing, sight and physical impairment. The school is one of two in the country and the only privately run institution of such in the country. So far, the experiment has worked perfectly in ensuring a seamless mix of the school children whether impaired or not. It has reduced discrimination, enforced cohesiveness among them, and most notably, regular students go away skilled in sign language proficiency and even Braille. Many children whose parents would have shoved away to a corner of their houses owing to the stigma attached to their disabilities, have now found hope through the magnanimity of one woman. Many, drawn from several, are also on the school’s scholarship so that their parents’ financial incapacities would not cripple or blur their life’s dreams.

For Dame Christie, setting up CTIEC was a gesture of love for society’s rejects. ‘’Children with disability ought not to be segregated because in the wider world, there is no segregation, so they must mix at every point, including in the educational environment.’ Setting up the school,’’ she added, was the realisation of some of her innovativeness as a government teacher and principal which were stifled by bureaucracies and boardroom politics. Mrs Toby’s example in inclusive education should inspire both the government and private investors in the educational sector.

Yet, the CTIEC (comprising nursery, primary and secondary school section) is just one of the six schools across the state run by Mrs. Toby known to generations of pupils, especially girls in the state, as the ‘articulate and strict teacher/principal’.

The others are ABEC Secondary School (full boarding), ABEC Day Secondary School, ABEC Nursery and Primary School, Archdeacon Brown Advanced Level Centre (ABALC), Mary Virginia Nursery and Primary School, all through whom Mrs. Toby provides ‘quality and affordable’ education, a reprieve from the country’s crass educational failures.

As a testimony to the quality of education dispensed in the ABEC schools, their alumni have continued to shine across the global skies. For instance, Ebuka Okwuokonye, a 2009 graduate of ABEC Secondary School is a well-sort, high profile software development expert who has developed soft ware for leading institutions, including the Bank of Industry, Covenant University, SAHCOL, Elizade Toyota, Diamond Bank, among several others.

A thoroughbred teacher, Rivers State-born Dame Christie, 75, started teaching in 1963 at 22 and has maintained her life-long commitment to the teaching, deepened with degrees in Education from the University College, Cardiff (BA), University of Bath – both in Britain and a PH in Education from the University of Port Harcourt in 1990 (having obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) from the Rivers State College of Education earlier in 1975.

Owing to sheer hard work, she climbed the ladder to the position of principal. Her feats as principal of St. Scholastica Girls’ High School, Bakana, Rivers State between 1979 and 1981, a school she restored from reputational ruins.

Also as principal of the Holy Rosary Secondary School in Port Harcourt (1982 to 1988), she left behind the same legacy of enforcing high standards. Same as Sole Administrator of Delta Hotels Limited (a chain of 14 government-owned guest houses), successfully breathed life into it between 1995 and 1999, turning around the run-down conglomerate into highly functional company.

In recognition of her administrative acumen, the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) conferred on her a Chris Abebe Awardee in 2003 and a Fellowship later. A former National Vice President, she is a council member of the institute.

A knight of the Anglican Church, alongside her husband, Alabor Gabriel Toby, former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, and a leading light from Opobo Kingdom, she has served as Lay Secretary Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for the past 12 years), having served as a lay preacher for several years.

Until recently, she was the Chief Commissioner of the Nigerian Girl Guide Association of Nigeria (NGGA), a group she led to unprecedented height.

Why has Mrs Toby remained largely uncelebrated, especially outside the Niger Delta, despite her elephantine accomplishments? ‘’I think she is under-celebrated, in view of her huge accomplishments in her stewardships as a civil servant and in other areas,’’ said her daughter, Mrs. Ibim Semenitarim, former Commissioner for Information and Communications in Rivers State and immediate past Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). ‘’And that is basically because of the type of persons my parents are; not wanting to blow their own trumpets,’’ she added.

Dame Toby is a perfect women’s month gift!
- Abah is a journalist and child’s rights advocate
April 7, 2017
Onyejeocha: Amazon on firing line

A commentator, Moses Nna, examines the legislative activities of the House of Representatives member from Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Constituency, Abia State, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and how she is coping with the murky waters of politics.

Notwithstanding the death of her mother at a very tender age, which exposed her early to the vicissitudes of life, she has continued to soldier on with dogged determination. By divine providence, she attended a model secondary school and took a degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka before her foray into business, which appears to be in the family bloodline. When in 2002, she was assigned the portfolio of Resources Management & Manpower Development as a Commissioner in Abia State Governor’s Office, her pioneering stuff stood out. She championed the establishment of skill acquisition centers in the State to fill the skills-gap preponderant in rural communities. The objective was to tame the scourge of poverty, and arrest the ugly trend of lack of economic self-actualization. The direct impact of the novel intervention, especially on the women folk, is remembered today with healthy nostalgia. Her appointment, a few months later, as the Chairman of Umunneochi LGA signposted her inexhaustible repertoire of patriotism that would never dry.
Despite the challenges of underfunding of the LGAs, she embarked on erosion control projects, rehabilitation of feeder roads, promotion of peace & security within the LGA bordered by four states in the South East and took the welfare of the traditional rulers as a priority. As a measure of reciprocity and for the first time in history, the Traditional Rulers Council unanimously installed a chieftaincy title of Adaejiagamba- (ambassadorial daughter) on her. A section of the privileged class in her area could not come to terms with her mercurial rise and the aspiration to the House of Representatives in 2007. They felt threatened and vowed to stop her. Being a young lady in a male-dominated environment raised uncritical eyebrows, and destructive arsenals were mobilized to stop her at all costs.
But, God and destiny were on her side. The people were on her side too. So, the challenge was to square up to the task of elite manipulation at the political party level and the electoral process. To the chagrin of the hard-nosed opposition, she outsmarted the booby trap of power game, navigated safely through the shark-infested waters of Nigerian politics and emerged victorious at the polls. The legal fireworks that trailed her elections were enough to weaken a feeble mind, vis-à-vis the boastings of connections and stupendous wealth of her traducers. But, the arms of flesh could not subvert the people’s mandate.
Between 2007 and 2011, she chaired the newly created Committee on Women in Parliament, and galvanized the female parliamentarians as a bloc to deal with issues of gender, children and the underprivileged. At the other Committees where she served, like INEC and Police Affairs, her inputs were outstanding. Her patriotic fervor however, became manifest nationally, when she emerged the Chairman of the Committee on Aviation in 2011.
The effective oversight functions of the Committee were indicative of the upgrading of our domestic and international airports to meet international standards, just as the issues of safety in a sector that hitherto witnessed scandalous air crashes came to the front burner. In fact, the Committee’s uncompromising resolve to clean up the Augean stables and the rot in the aviation sector became a benchmark for other committees in the House of Representatives. Her courageous call for the prosecution of those who compromised rules, which predicated the 2013 Dana Air disaster was exemplary, especially, in a clime where a significant number of public officers are losing their voices on account of fear of witch-hunt and or deal making.
Onyejeocha stood out to be counted during the probe of a former Minister of Aviation that bordered on financial infractions and extra budgetary expenditure. She shrugged off ethnic solidarity and mouth-watering largesse of the powers-that-be, and insisted on doing the right thing. Adaejiagamba, as fondly called, does not shy away from defending any cause she believes in. At the height of the face-off between the former Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the presidency, and irrespective of her closeness to the first family, she did not sacrifice the independence of the legislature at the altar of friendship. She struck a balance and discreetly intervened between them.
At the end, she earned the confidence of both parties. In the business of legislation, Nkeiruka has acquitted her self well. To her credit, five private-member bills are at various stages of legislative work. Her bill for an act for a compulsory treatment of gunshot victims by hospitals, is awaiting presidential assent. The prevailing situation had been that a police report must be issued before administering medical treatment, and unfortunately many had lost their lives in the process.
Another bill that seeks to codify punishments for perpetrators of torture, cruel and inhumane treatment on fellow citizens has passed third reading. On social welfare, she sponsored a bill for the establishment of senior citizens centres to cater for the needs of the aged and retired public servants. The bill, which has passed second reading, is intended to provide social safety net and ameliorate the sufferings of pensioners that has become a national embarrassment.
The fourth bill, which has also passed second reading will help in the administration of justice in Nigeria. It seeks to establish a programme to facilitate the protection of witnesses during investigations, inquiries and prosecutions of suspects especially, in matters of public interest.
Perhaps, based on her experience and the increased emasculation of the local government system by successive governors, pressured her to sponsor a bill for alteration of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution. The bill intends to restore local government autonomy and expunge the operation of State/Local Government Joint Accounts in order to free up development at the grass-root. Her contributions at the floor of the House have remained incisive, lucid persuasive and populist.
She always stood on the part of majority of Nigerians- the good, the bad and the ugly. The vibrant legislator sponsored and co-sponsored motions that brought federal attention to ecological challenges in Isuikwuato/Umunneochi constituency; the menace of herdsmen; the Abia- Ebonyi boundary dispute that almost degenerated to armed conflict; and very recently, to check the excesses of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria that has the tendency of plunging the country into religious crisis, among many others.
Through her contacts and legislative dexterity, she has attracted projects – especially basic amenities to virtually all the 22 political wards in her constituency; and facilitated the employment over 200 qualified graduates in different federal agencies and institutions.
Some constituents have been empowered and given hope through her non-governmental organization, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha Foundation. She donated vehicles, motorcycles, sewing machines, hair dressing machines, barbing gadgets, grinding machines and seed capital for small scale businesses to the poor, the jobless and the downtrodden.
Some of the beneficiaries of her scholarship grants have graduated in flying colours. The annual free medical scheme in collaboration with the Living Hope Ministries, United States of America (with a team of over 15 medical doctors of various specialties) had provided primary and tertiary health care services – including surgery to her numerous constituents at Isuikwuato and Umunneochi LGAs.
The lawmaker singlehandedly built many houses for the wretched that lived under thatched-roofed huts, and donated wrappers to countless widows in many autonomous communities within the constituency. The monthly rotational meetings of her Foundation has transformed into a mass movement, and a rallying point for the electorates that scarcely meet those they voted for. Her regular touch with home to interact with her constituents earned her the sobriquet ‘village honourable’. Adaejiagamba is friendly, values loyalty and stands with friends and supporters in moments of joy or trails. Not a typical use and dump politician.
She is frank to a fault, but very compassionate. Her motherly touch to legislative business and harvests of results are really pace-setting. Her country home, Ngodo Isuochi, is a Mecca of sorts for those in need of succour. Indeed, the recent award of excellence by the Authority Newspaper, along with other performing public officers in Nigeria, is indicative of her towering personality. More powers to her elbow!
•Nna writes from Obi Ngwa LGA, Abia State

March 1, 2017
An Amazon departs

Tears flowed freely last Wednesday from the eyes of some cabinet members during the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

The reason for the tears was not death or any unpleasant news.

It was because one of them, the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, was attending the FEC for the last time.

She is scheduled to resume duties at the United Nations as new Deputy Secretary-General on March 7, 2017.

So the valedictory session held in her honour, before the meeting came to an end, was very emotional.

All those who spoke during the session, had good things to say about Mohammed.

Though they believed that the appointment she is taking at the UN is not really for herself but for Nigeria.

At the same time, they believed that her contributions and wealth of experience are still needed in Nigeria to overcome the present challenges it is facing.

They were caught between whether she will be more relevant to Nigeria at home or at the UN.

The tears were definitely mixed feelings on how Nigeria can have Mohammed representing Nigeria at the UN and at the same time actively playing her role in Nigeria’s stride to overcome it challenges.

Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed said: “I will just try to say we are all going to miss her. Most of us met you probably for the first time when we came for confirmation and we have been interacting with you since we all became members of FEC.

“I think your contributions, intellectual depth, your exposure, all have contributed to assist government in its assignment of servIng the people. The only consolation is that you are leaving to assume high responsibilities and we are very confident that you are going to make us proud. Actually speaking, you are the darling Minister for all my girls. They look up to you and they wanted me to tell you oh, our Idol is leaving for the United Nations and I said yes, I am very happy about it. I wish you all the very best.” he said

Amina Alhassan, the Minister of Women Affairs, said: “Mr. Acting President, it is difficult for me to describe to my sister, Amina because everybody here knows who she is and what she is capable of doing.

“You are a pride to womanhood. You have never failed us and I am sure where you are going to now, you won’t fail us. You are kindhearted. Everybody knows that. You help without asking. Just like my brother, the Minister of Information said, there was something you did for me that I will continue to remember and you know it. The quality contributions that you have given in our meeting, we will miss that and as Minister of Women Affairs, Mr. Acting President, I am pleading on behalf of the Nigerian Women that the person that will replace my sister here, of not as good as her, should please be a woman (laughter).”

The Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jubril, who worked directly with Mohammed, said “For me, this is a very emotional moment and I very unusual…for the last 15 months, to me, have been a period that I always cherish in my career. It is has been 15 months full of exciting moments and experiences having to work with a near-perfect team leader.

“I believe that we were able to achieve what we achieved because of the quality of the Minister that I have worked with. In the last 3 months, I will say, it has been traumatic for me, trying to gather the reality of her departure. But one thing, I know that I have learnt a lot, she has added value to what we are doing in this country and it is something that you cannot take away from her.

“The only thing I can say is that in leaving for the UN, the President has decided to give his best. A gold fish has no hiding place. That is what’s happening today. As she moves on to greater height, I will like to wish her all the best and I do hope and pray that (voice shaking, crying) the Ministry of Environment will carry on in order not to disappoint our country.”

Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said: “I will start by praying God Almighty will see her through in her next assignment. Indeed, she is a lady per excellence, very articulate, focused, forward-looking, amiable, very friendly, very direct, very sincere, very open and more importantly, I found in her this huge patriotism that has driven through, not only now but much before the current assignment as Minister of Environment.

“She’s quite knowledgeable. Indeed, she has impacted knowledge. She has become a role model even for my daughter, Fatima who went to the University to study Environment, who has graduated with 2:1 and who has never met Amina, of course, but she’s been her driving force.” he added

Science and Technology Minister, Ogbonnaya Onu, said “Looking at the Honourble Minister of Environment, the positions that she held in the past, I can summarize briefly that she is a gift to Nigeria and now Nigeria is giving her as gift to the world. I wish you success in this high office that you are occupying on behalf of our country and for the good of humanity and I congratulate you.”

On his part, Mines and Steel Minister, Kayode Fayemi, said “What do you say of a woman of substance who has affected lives in every facet either as civil society activist, a public official, a professional in the private sector? It was Oliver Wendel Homes who once said that not to affect your environment is not to live.

“There is no doubt that Amina has affected our environment. She’s affected all of us who have had the privilege to meet and know her. As a beneficiary, in some way, I would even say, we have been working together in the last two decades in the civil society, monitoring our work in the MDGs and being a beneficiary as a governor in Ekiti State and then working as a colleague and partner in the FEC, her prodigious intellect, her capacity as hardwork, her never say die attitude, whether she is going into the bushes of Shakira after mines accidents or Ogoni land or Bama, she’s ever so committed to the work.

“We are proud of her. We know that she’s a star the world will come to appreciate in this new position that she has and we wish her God’s speech.” he said

Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Zainab Ahmed, said “Mrs. Mohammed is up to my mother. So, I have never called her by her first name. I call her Aunty. I want to say thank you because she has been an inspiration and a role model not just for me for so many of us who come from the northern part of Nigeria.

“She has shown us what hardwork and dedication can bring. She’s been an ambassador to us and this job doesn’t come as a surprise to us. It is just a stepping stone to where she should be going. She’s close to me in the act of politics, in the act of getting along with my colleagues in the FEC. She always gives her advice. She’s not afraid to say what she think is right. I will live every day, thanking you for who you are.” she said

Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, said “I just met Amina Mohammed on the plane a few years ago and she was talking with so much passion about MDGs and I found it incredible that she has the incredible gift of making something very mundane, very, very exciting.

“And she did precisely when she got to Environment which a lot of us don’t understand. She made it very exciting. I called her mama Ogoni because she even got everybody very passionate about Ogoniland. I know she’s going to do incredible well where she is going.

“So, I feel incredibly proud of her and I know that she’s doing amazingly well. I will miss her on the side of the table will miss her because she supplied us with chocolate. We will certainly. But the thing I will mostly miss about her is just her capacity which is incredibly. She reads. She understands. Anything she says.”

The Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, said “Your life has been quite a big event and your star is still shinning and it is going to shine even brighter. Your future is going to be quite more glorious than today.

“As you go there at a time that Nigeria is in the dark cloud of financial stress and recession, you appeared on the world stage to play a role which is almost beyond comprehension. She was our colleague, she came out of this cabinet.” he stated

Osinbajo said “This is well deserved. I have always been very fascinated by her incredible understanding of so many things. It is amazing that you have one person who seems to know so much. She is competent in practically everything: finance, planning, environment even law sometimes.

“I recall that when the discussion was going on about her going to the UN or not, she spoke to me about it and sought my opinion. My view was that that was an incredible opening. And for me, we are more likely to find a good minister of environment and we may certainly not be able to get another shot at being the deputy secretary-general of the UN.

“So I thought this was too good to miss and I thought this is a right decision. I am happy she took that decision. She has been a good role model for many young people, especially my two daughters. They always say of her that she is the best. A lot of young women are inspired by her and her contributions. That is a role she must continue to play.

“My only problem is how she talks. She talks so fast and I had an occasion to tell her that it’s really difficult to follow what you are saying. You have to speak a lot slower. I think I am one of the few who can follow what she says because my first daughter also speaks very fast and I have learnt to cope with that. Now, I think she has slowed down considerably and I think I might have influenced that a bit.

When given the opportunity to speak, Amina Mohammed “I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for the privilege of being here to serve. For the Acting President, I want you to please extend my deepest gratitude to President Buhari, our leader. He is not here today but he is in our hearts and prayers. He gave me this opportunity to serve.

“I thank the Acting President for your wise counsel and for being there for me. Based on your advice, I have been trying to speak slower. I have been trying because the secretariat have been telling me to write whatever I say. I promise I will speak slower on the 38th floor.

February 28, 2017
An amazon on the move

Title: Folorunso Alakija Speaks. An Inspira- tional Book for all.
Author: Folorunso Alakija
No of pages: 196
Reviewer: Yetunde Oladeinde

The book is a collection of the author’s favourite speeches and the motivational messages also takes you into the world of the writer and the things that have helped to shape her personality as well as inspired her through the different facets of her life. The design, layout with photographs and aesthetics make it easy to read.

It reminiscences to the day when she was conferred as a fellow of the Yaba College of Technology. “The citation that was read about me moved me to tears. Tears, because I never thought in my wildest dream that I could ever be referred to as a virtuous woman. It is an honour that is bestowed on a select few in the world.”

Some of the important points that the author raises here is that, “For any business, passion is important. This she says is what will drive you and keep you going.” In addition, Alakija stresses that: “You have to be educated and informed about everything concerning the business. Then you can visualize the big picture and focus on it regardless of any discouragement”.

The other factors, she identifies for success includes: “A good upbringing which is an added advantage. Emphasis also has to be placed on your marital partner and family. Communication and common goals are very important for any successful marriage and above all acknowledge God”.

Like every other section in the book, there are points of emphasis to motivate the reader. “In as much as people and society turn their backs on widows, God never turns HIS back on them. God has set the foundation, and all of us, on a mission to take care of widows and orphans”.

Alakija continues: “No matter, better yet in government and there is anything one can do to alleviate the sufferings of the underprivileged, make a difference in their lives, one should do so and the blessings of God will follow”.

For the author, the gift of empowerment through education should not be taken lightly. “I would like to encourage you all to dream BIG. I dare you all to do as I did. If I can be successful, then you can too. Be innovative! Be this Planet’s greatest achievers who have dared to think big. Being normal will only ensure complacency which is something Nigeria does not need. I am a firm believer in the saying that, ‘what is worth doing at all, is worth doing very well. This would ensure that you stand out of the crowd. ”

The highpoint here is that, education is critical to world development. “We should always keep our minds engaged by continually studying. Education is a legacy that every parent and aspiring parent should leave for their children.”

Education, she further stresses is not only about studying books but about enlightening people’s minds to see beyond the moment. Life, according to Helen Keller is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. “I remember sitting as a graduate of the American College, London and Central School of Fashion, just as you are today excited about my future prospects, but also scared about what was to come. I am sure many, if not all of you, have these thoughts running through your minds right now.

The additional message from Alakija here is that the efforts of a single individual cannot result into greatness. Greatness can only be achieved when people work together and perform their own roles diligently. Whatever we do, people are out there watching us and we should either be commended or condemned someday. God rewards those who seek God’s face. Never be discouraged”.

Parents, she advises should always expose their children to the reality of life early. “You need to be dogged to succeed in life. Let the will of God prevail in your life. There is no limit to what any person can achieve in life. Women should be given the same opportunity as men. It is a worthy cause to help us”.

Apart from this book, the author also released four other books simultaneously. They include , An inspirational book for Christians, His name is ……over 2000 names of my God, Wish for it, Pray for it, Scriptures for wives: Wish for it, Pray for it: Scriptures for husbands , Wish for it, Pray for it: Scriptures for parents.

July 31, 2016
An amazon on the move

Title: Folorunso Alakija Speaks. An Inspira- tional Book for all.
Author: Folorunso Alakija
No of pages: 196
Reviewer: Yetunde Oladeinde

The book is a collection of the author’s favourite speeches and the motivational messages also takes you into the world of the writer and the things that have helped to shape her personality as well as inspired her through the different facets of her life. The design, layout with photographs and aesthetics make it easy to read.

It reminiscences to the day when she was conferred as a fellow of the Yaba College of Technology. “The citation that was read about me moved me to tears. Tears, because I never thought in my wildest dream that I could ever be referred to as a virtuous woman. It is an honour that is bestowed on a select few in the world.”

Some of the important points that the author raises here is that, “For any business, passion is important. This she says is what will drive you and keep you going.” In addition, Alakija stresses that: “You have to be educated and informed about everything concerning the business. Then you can visualize the big picture and focus on it regardless of any discouragement”.

The other factors, she identifies for success includes: “A good upbringing which is an added advantage. Emphasis also has to be placed on your marital partner and family. Communication and common goals are very important for any successful marriage and above all acknowledge God”.

Like every other section in the book, there are points of emphasis to motivate the reader. “In as much as people and society turn their backs on widows, God never turns HIS back on them. God has set the foundation, and all of us, on a mission to take care of widows and orphans”.

Alakija continues: “No matter, better yet in government and there is anything one can do to alleviate the sufferings of the underprivileged, make a difference in their lives, one should do so and the blessings of God will follow”.

For the author, the gift of empowerment through education should not be taken lightly. “I would like to encourage you all to dream BIG. I dare you all to do as I did. If I can be successful, then you can too. Be innovative! Be this Planet’s greatest achievers who have dared to think big. Being normal will only ensure complacency which is something Nigeria does not need. I am a firm believer in the saying that, ‘what is worth doing at all, is worth doing very well. This would ensure that you stand out of the crowd. “

The highpoint here is that, education is critical to world development. “We should always keep our minds engaged by continually studying. Education is a legacy that every parent and aspiring parent should leave for their children.”

Education, she further stresses is not only about studying books but about enlightening people’s minds to see beyond the moment. Life, according to Helen Keller is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. “I remember sitting as a graduate of the American College, London and Central School of Fashion, just as you are today excited about my future prospects, but also scared about what was to come. I am sure many, if not all of you, have these thoughts running through your minds right now.

The additional message from Alakija here is that the efforts of a single individual cannot result into greatness. Greatness can only be achieved when people work together and perform their own roles diligently. Whatever we do, people are out there watching us and we should either be commended or condemned someday. God rewards those who seek God’s face. Never be discouraged”.

Parents, she advises should always expose their children to the reality of life early. “You need to be dogged to succeed in life. Let the will of God prevail in your life. There is no limit to what any person can achieve in life. Women should be given the same opportunity as men. It is a worthy cause to help us”.

Apart from this book, the author also released four other books simultaneously. They include , An inspirational book for Christians, His name is ……over 2000 names of my God, Wish for it, Pray for it, Scriptures for wives: Wish for it, Pray for it: Scriptures for husbands , Wish for it, Pray for it: Scriptures for parents.

July 31, 2016
Chioma Adeoye at 60: An Amazon with a heart of gold
A public affairs analyst Olumide Lawal, in this piece, extols the virtues of Mrs Chioma Adeoye, an Evangelist and wife of Elder Adedayo Adeoye, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police who clocks 60 today.

Women are nation builders. They are the real instruments of change in national affairs because; they provide the enabling environment at the home fronts for their husbands to excel in their different elective and appointive positions. Infact, the world revolves around women. The saying goes, that train a girl and you build a solid nation.

To this writer, who is a childhood family friend of the ADEOYES, over a long period of years, the Matriarch of the family, Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, who turns 60 years old on November 27,, 2015, is an epitome of a virtuous woman, in its true sense of it. She has remained a rock of gilbrater behind her amiable husband, Elder Adedayo Adeoye, a Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police.

Of her 60 years sojourn so far on earth, she has spent a beautiful, eventful and lovely 38 years, matrimonially with our friend, Adedayo Adeoye as a jewel of inestimable value. A wife and mother of no mean repute. She came all the way from Mbaise, Imo State – to build an unshakeable bridge of affection across the Niger, with us in Ede, South-West, Nigeria. Evangelist Chioma Adeoye, has defied all odds, to be where she is today – a totally detribalized cultural ambassador per excellence. She has won accolades for herself because of her respect for family values, (in-law of whatever description inclusive), and various social traditions as obtained in her husband home stead – the Yorubaland.

Give it to Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, she has remained and still is, the indefatigable and supportive wife of Adedayo Adeoye, who held the home front contended for the 38 years, that her husband was on official postings to different parts of Nigeria and beyond as an Officer and Gentleman of the Nigerian Police.

Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, saw to it, that their matrimonial home was at peace with itself as well as with God. She saw to it, that their children’s education was not interrupted as a result of the husband official duties across the country. To the glory of God Almighty, her efforts in this regard, has tremendously paid off, with sterling qualities of her children, all of whom are today, holding solid and enviable career positions in their different callings. What could be more satisfying and salutary to a mother and indeed a father!

This is not to lose sight of the all-round protection, solid discipline and unfailing financial support, lavishly thrown at the family by its Patriarch, DIG Adedayo Adeoye (Rtd.) to make for his official absence from the home. That effort, would have paled into insignificance, if there was no responsible wife and mother, like Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, to give due attention to what was going on around the children at their formative years. Somebody say Halleluyah!!!

In Ede, which is now the first home of Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, she is well loved and admired by the majority of the people. The reason for this is not far-fetched. This woman of tremendous substance relates with absolute ease and candour with the low and mighty, never looking down on anybody. Though, she is mischievously misunderstood by a negligible few, because she will not suffer fools gladly. She is very firm and Godly thorough, as far as asserting her rights are concerned. A situation, which apparently may not have gone down well with those, who may want to lord it over her unjustly, with a view to reaping where they do not sow.

I am an authority, as a close family friend, to state unequivocally, that Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, have been rightly over protective of her husband and his interests, out of genuine concern for the sustainability of the family heritage and legacy, so as to avoid a situation of ‘hosannah today, crucify him tomorrow parlance’. For this, she has no apology to offer anybody, because he or she who wears the shoe, know where it pinches.

One thing you cannot take away from Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, is her total submission to the service of her Creator – the God Almighty and her chosen religion, Christianity. Despite her privileged status and social disposition, she cares a lot about those around her, particularly, the less-privileged, to the extent that, she runs a Pastoral Ministry, to help some Pastors improve on their callings. Despite overtures from traditional rulers to give her chieftaincy tittles, she has politely declined them, preferring instead to work in the Lord’s Vineyard, winning souls for Christ. Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, is a prayer warrior, that has helped her family to believe entirely in God Almighty for the realization of all they crave for in life.

It is to her eternal credit, that when her husband retired gracefully from the Nigerian Police in April 2009, at the age of 60, she joined efforts with him, to institute a scholarship scheme to immortalize the family name. That singular and patriotic love for mankind has seen over 200 students benefiting from the scheme. This writer, served as the Master of Ceremony at the maiden edition of the scheme in 2008. That scheme to the glory of God, has translated into an Adedayo Adeoye Foundation. Let somebody again shout Halleluyah!!!

A close look at Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, our wife of 38 years, does not indicate her to be 60 years old. A sure-footed woman at peace with herself and her God. Very articulate and composed in her dealings with fellow human beings. Why then must she look 60? This ‘little girl’ of 20, no doubt, is an exemplary study in virtuous womanhood. She bears nobody any grudge and goes further, to ask God to forgive those who might have wronged her, as she has since forgiven them. This is the stuff, women with hearts of gold, of which Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye is one are made of Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, like her husband is fulfilled in life, with many grandchildren dotting over her. This gives her tremendous joy.

Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, has resolved, that her next 60 years or more on earth, when she will be truly ‘sixty’, will be committed more vigorously to the service of God, improvement of mankind and giving back more to the society, that has been very kind to them. In years gone by, Evangelist (Mrs.) Chioma Adeoye, was a bit active in politics, not for elective purposes, but to enable women assert their rights, particularly, the Police Officers Wives Association, where she served as Chairperson Zone 2 and Jigawa State Police Command, when her husband was in service.

This is to wish our own Mother Theresa, an ebullient, charismatic, truly loving and loveable strong woman, cast in the mould of Indira Gandhi of India, Bandranaike of Ceylon, Magaret Thatcher of England, a more rewarding and positively purposeful years ahead. Enjoy your day, our dear wife and caring mother.
- Olumide Lawal
Writes From Ede, Osun State.
November 27, 2015
Ngozi: Remembering the campus Amazon

To put it simply, leadership is influence. The ideal leader is someone whose life and character motivate people to follow. The kind of leadership derives its authority from the force of righteous example, and not merely the power of prestige, personality or position.”

The quote above is taken from “The Book on Leadership” by John MacArthur, a prominent Bible scholar and pastor based in the United States. After reading the book which gives us 26 principles for leadership found in the life of Apostle Paul, I found some of the attributes in the life of late Mrs. Ngozi Agbo, initiator and first editor of the Campus Life pullout in this great newspaper who passed on on May 28, 2012, exactly three years today.

MacArthur uses Paul’s voyage to Rome, and subsequent shipwreck, as chronicled in Acts 27 and Paul’s second letter to Corinth to derive these principles. Throughout its pages, MacArthur rendered a wonderful synopsis of God’s standard for leadership. These principles are both a relief and a challenge. As a relief, we don’t have to feel bad that we are not as inventive, creative, or powerful as the CEO of a major Nigerian corporation in order to lead and have influence. Although we are relieved from the world’s standard, we now must face the counter-culture challenge of leading as God would have us to lead: with character, humility, and service.

The author told his readers that they are all called to lead whether at home, work, school, or play. He did an exceptional job of making God’s principles of leadership accessible and easy to comprehend. For those who met the late Ngozi in person – or by extension through her work – they cannot but notice her exceptional leadership qualities and influence which is being felt to date through the exploits of her students.

One of such is the annual Ngozi Agbo Memorial Lecture which the Press Club of the University of Lagos instituted – on their own – to keep the vision, ideals and dreams of this great and influential lady alive.

This singular act goes to reinforce the fact that great ideas and visions don’t die, they blossom even if the visionary is no longer alive. Being a mental picture or concept in the imagination, a vision is also the ability to anticipate the direction a worthy cause or future an event will take, such is the power of vision.

Ngozi dreamt years before she passed on that Nigeria – despite the socio-economic and other challenges she faces – has the potentials of being a great nation. She believed that the potentials lie in the hands of the youths and she birthed an idea that would give them the platform to express their dreams for the nation. A veritable platform, The Nation newspaper employed her giving her wings to soar. Ngozi, the lovely lady who wrote this column for four years, “passed” the mantle to me to “run with the vision” (the title of the first article I wrote on June 28, one week after her burial).

Her vision is anchored on building the total man and looking at the core values and attributes that defines him, attributes that always emphasises the highest level of moral and ethical regeneration and the molding of sound character which she instilled in her “children.” She never failed to remind them that they are always a shining light to their generation, and coming into contact with these students, I always notice that the objective are bearing fruit as the UNILAG students clearly demonstrated by their instituting an annual lecture in her memory.

Does that mean her preoccupation is only with undergraduates? Absolutely not, Ngozi was also a student of leadership and those who were familiar with this column when she handled it know too well of her passion for leadership; from leadership in the home to religious and secular leadership.

She often drive the point home to her undergraduates to steer clear of ethnic jingoists and divisive individuals who have the innate capacity of filling their minds with xenophobic ideologies that have the tendency of creating hatred, rancour and bitterness in the society. This they can only do if they are inculcated with the right value system.

The capacity building Workshops and Award ceremonies she undertook every year with the support of Coca-Cola Nigeria and Nigerian Bottling Company is a pointer to the fact that apart from merely sending in articles for publication she ensures she has one-on-one contact with her undergraduates to be certain that the venture they are undertaking is far bigger than having their stories published in the newspaper.

Another sterling quality of the vision is the molding of character. Ngozi was a disciplinarian to the core and she doesn’t mince words when it comes to discipline and her students know that, I will point out two instances here. Two weeks before her death she held her 9th Annual Campus Life workshop in Lagos where she invited more than 50 students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Some undergraduates who could not make it to the workshop called her and pleaded that she sends them their certificate of attendance.

She took her time to patiently lecture them that it is morally wrong for her to send certificate to someone who did not attend the workshop; she equally told them that it will be against the tenet of what she teaches. Some of the students called back to apologise for their misdemeanor saying they never saw it that way. What actually touched me was how she linked the whole incident to the vision of Campus Life. There are countless other encounters that I can’t mention here for lack of space.

So what are the marks of true leadership that she bore? I will list five clear attributes that I identified during our brief union. The first is deep insight. Authentic leaders have insight which we sometimes refer to this as vision, but that usually has exclusive reference to the future – the project at hand clearly demonstrates that. While leaders must have vision, they need more, they need wisdom and discernment.

Secondly, initiative plays a fundamental role. In this regard, authentic leaders go first. They don’t sit on the sidelines. They don’t ask others to do what they are unwilling to do themselves. Instead, they lead by example. Ngozi blazed the trail by introducing Campus Life which almost all the newspapers today have variants of.

Thirdly, authentic leaders exert influence. Ngozi did. I found out that it is no coincidence that influence and influenza (the flu) come from the same root word. Real leaders are contagious. People “catch” what they have. People are drawn to their vision and their values. They are able to gather a following and move people to act. In essence, they create ripple effect wherever they go. Ngozi did.

True leaders have impact. At the end of the day, leaders make a difference. Ngozi made a huge impact on a generation of Nigerian students, she did not sit and bemoan “our falling standard of education,” she just did what she needed to do. The measure of leadership cannot be found in the leader; it is found in the impact the leader has on his or her followers.

A true leader has integrity which in a sense is the foundation of authentic leadership. Those who knew her can attest to this sterling character in her. She abhors mediocrity and sloppiness, she dots her “i’s” and crosses her “t’s” always.

There is no better epitaph to write for this bold, unique, courageous and determined lady than to say that some of her “children” are now living out what she taught them, her efforts were not in vain. Wale Ajetunmobi now edits the Campus Life pages, Gbenga Ojo now publishes Exceptional Magazine, Faith Olaniyan now runs a Youth Development programme, and Jumoke Awe runs a Girl-Child NGO. Again, there are more of Ngozi’s former students contributing positively toward the emergence of a better society which space will not allow me to recount. I believe they will tell their own stories.

The child she died giving birth to is now a strong and happy toddler with visibly signs of intelligence which goes to show that her blood runs in his veins. No doubt, Ngozi, the campus Amazon, lives on.

May 28, 2015
An amazon in black soap business

A woman entrepreneur has found fortune in the production of black soap. Her business is growing, DANIEL ESSIET writes.

•Mrs Oluwashola

Mrs Kera Oluwashola’s   aim is to help women look beautiful. She has achieved it.

Before starting her business, she had spent some time exploring the best others were offering in beauty spa services.

Having successfully lauched her beauty treatment business, she began searching for related services to offer that will expand her business. Along the line, she discovered there was a big demand for   black soap.

Apart from treating body diseases, a lot of Nigerians appreciate black soap becaus it coud   make a woman look good.

With some many brands in the market, she started looking for ways to produce   her own special black soap that will be appreciated by people.

After much research,she was able to produce a unique product that is gaining acceptance.

With responses,she is receiving now, Mrs Oluwashola is glad that she   listened to her instinct. Now, the soap sells so quickly that she does not stock any.

Networking has helped her business grow tremendously.   Whereever she goes, she talks about black soap and how people can order it. So far, she has got her products into various retail locations and markets.

The progress is encouraging. Her plan is to take advantage of the business environment in Ogun State to expand her frontiers. To accomplish this, she is exploring accommodation provided by the business incubator centre.

Though still small in scale, Mrs Oluwashola is glad she has a successful business providing spa and beauty treatment with black soap products made from natural ingredients. The business empire she started with less than N50,000 is self-sustaining. Like many entrepreneurs, hitting goals and exceeding expectations is what makes her happy. Besides, she craves hard work and tasks that seem impossible.

She sees her self as a business woman, making her fortune promoting products,which emphasised the beauty of the black skin, at a time when many of her competitors were selling dangerous skin-bleaching formulas.

But one of the things that makes her proud is the   beauty academy in Ikorodu, Lagos that she has trained to train young people, mostly women on beauty therapies.

Equally important to her is her role as an aesthetician. She cites seeing a skin condition resolved as something that gives her “joy”.

March 18, 2015
Ngozi: Remembering an Amazon who dreamt

Come June 6, 2014, the Press Club, University of Lagos will be honouring late Mrs. Ngozi Agbo, their mentor and initiator of the Campus Life pullout in this great newspaper who passed on on May 28, 2012. The event would be the third annual Ngozi Agbo Memorial Lecture, which the Club, an organisation with members drawn from all faculties within the campuses of the university undertook on their own to keep the vision, ideals and dreams of this great woman – and my late wife – alive. They also intend using the event to launch their Journal – UNILAG Gong – a monthly magazine to be freely distributed within the university community.

This singular act goes to reinforce the fact that great ideas and visions don’t die; they blossom even if the visionary is no longer alive. Being a mental picture or concept in the imagination, a vision is also the ability to anticipate the direction a worthy cause or future an event will take, such is the power of vision.

Ngozi dreamt years before she passed on that Nigeria – despite the socio-economic and other challenges she faces – has the potentials of being a great nation. She believed that the potentials lie in the hands of the youths and she birthed an idea that would give them the platform to express their dreams for the nation. A veritable platform, The Nation newspaper employed her and gave her wings to soar. Ngozi, the lovely lady who wrote this column for four years, passed on two years ago and the mantle fell on me to “run with the vision.”

Her vision is anchored on building the total man and looking at the core values and attributes that defines him, attributes that always emphasises the highest level of moral and ethical regeneration and the molding of sound character which she instilled in her “children.” She never failed to remind them that they are always a shining light to their generation, and coming into contact with these students you will realise that the objective is bearing fruit as the UNILAG students clearly demonstrated by their instituting an annual lecture in her memory.

Does that mean her preoccupation is only with undergraduates? Absolutely not, Ngozi was also a student of leadership and those who were familiar with this column when she handled it know too well of her passion for leadership; from leadership in the home to religious and secular leadership.

She often drive the point home to her undergraduates to steer clear of ethnic jingoists and divisive individuals who have the innate capacity of filling their minds with xenophobic ideologies that have the tendency of creating hatred, rancour and bitterness in the society. This they can only do if they are inculcated with the right value system. The annual capacity building Workshops and Award ceremonies she undertook every year with the support of Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Bottling Company Limited is a pointer to the fact that apart from merely sending in articles for publication she ensures she has one-on-one contact with her undergraduates to be certain that the venture they are undertaking is far bigger than having their stories published in the newspaper.

Another sterling quality of the vision is the molding of character. Ngozi was a disciplinarian to the core and she doesn’t mince words when it comes to discipline and her students know that, I will point out two instances here. Two weeks before her death she held her 9th Annual Campus Life workshop in Lagos where she invited more than 50 students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Some undergraduates who could not make it to the workshop called her and pleaded that she sends them their certificate of attendance.

She took her time to patiently lecture them that it is morally wrong for her to send certificate to someone who did not attend the workshop; she equally told them that it will be against the tenet of what she teaches them. Some of the students called back to apologise for their misdemeanor saying they never saw it that way. What actually touched me was how she linked the whole incident to the vision of Campus Life. There are countless other encounters that I can’t mention here for lack of space.

So what are the marks of true leadership that she bore? I will list five clear attributes that I identified in my time with her. The first is deep insight. Authentic leaders have insight which we sometimes refer to this as vision, but that usually has exclusive reference to the future – the project at hand clearly demonstrates that. While leaders must have vision, they need more, they need wisdom and discernment.

Secondly, initiative plays a fundamental role. In this regard, authentic leaders go first. They don’t sit on the sidelines. They don’t ask others to do what they are unwilling to do themselves. Instead, they lead by example. Ngozi blazed the trail by introducing Campus Life which almost all the newspapers today have variants of.

Thirdly, authentic leaders exert influence. Ngozi did. I found out that it is no coincidence that influence and influenza (the flu) come from the same root word. Real leaders are contagious. People “catch” what they have. People are drawn to their vision and their values. They are able to gather a following and move people to act. In essence, they create ripple effect wherever they go. Ngozi did.

True leaders have impact. At the end of the day, leaders make a difference. Ngozi made a huge impact on a generation of Nigerian students, she did not sit and bemoan “our falling standard of education,” she just did what she needed to do. The measure of leadership cannot be found in the leader; it is found in the impact the leader has on his or her followers.

A true leader has integrity which in a sense is the foundation of authentic leadership. Those who knew her can attest to this sterling character in her. She abhors mediocrity and sloppiness, she dots her “i’s” and crosses her “t’s” always.

There is no better epitaph to write for this bold, unique, courageous and determined lady than to say that some of her “children” are now living out what she taught them, her efforts were not in vain. Wale Ajetunmobi now oversees the Campus Life pages in The Nation every Thursday, Gbenga Ojo now publishes Exceptional Magazine, Faith Olaniran now runs a Youth Development programme, David Osu of FUTA is a United Nations Ambassador on Education, and Jumoke Awe runs a girl-child NGO. Again, there are more of Ngozi’s former students contributing positively toward the emergence of a better society which space will not allow me to recount, they will tell their own stories someday.

The child she died giving birth to is now a strong and happy toddler with visibly signs of intelligence which goes to show that her blood runs in his veins. No doubt, Ngozi the trailblazer lives on.

May 29, 2014