The Nation Newspaper

Tag: date

  • Agenda behind annulment of Feb. 14 election date

    Agenda behind annulment of Feb. 14 election date

    The postponement of the general elections from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11 has thrown up some perinent questions about the role of the military in the electoral process. In this article, Professor of Philosophy and Director-General, Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance, Osogbo, Osun State, Moses Akinola Makinde (FNAL), argues that the military is acting the script handed to it by the Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    A few days before the annulment of the February 14 date for the presidential election by President Goodluck Jonathan and the military Service Chiefs, the army, navy and airforce had asserted categorically that they were more than prepared for the election. To the delight of most Nigerians, they even told the nation about the preparations made for the exercise. But, the Service Chiefs who had shown readiness for the election two weeks earlier said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must shift the date because the President wanted it that way.

    For about five years, the security operatives, especially the military, have been helpless in “crushing” the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast. Now, just as the election was about two weeks away, the National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki said “we will crush them in six weeks”. Now, the questions:

    1. How come the same Service Chiefs who had failed to provide security for the people of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa states for five years now decided to do their job only for the sake of postponement of February 14 election? The implication of Dasuki’s statement is that it was the Presidency and the military that were behind the insurgency and the attendant killings of innocent people in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in the Northeast, a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC), all these years! This means that only those who are behind the problem can solve the problem. We now know why the military and security operatives have refused to stop the insurgency in the region, even after more than N3 billion had been wasted on the matter. It is either to prevent the election or find excuses to postpone it as a result of their unreadiness and unwillingness to perform their constitutional duty of creating a conducive atmosphere for a peaceful election in the APC’s stronghold. By this postponement, they have now exposed their hidden agenda by telling us that what they had willingly failed to do in three years they can now willingly do in six weeks!

    2. The postponement of the elections till March 28 and April 11 was to give the PDP time to prosecute their case against the APC presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s certificate saga, a case which even the PDP lawyers said could not be won by any stretch of the imagination. As for the claim of perjury being prepared over Buhari’s certificate, Gen. Alani Akinrinde had made the point that the military did not return certificate to their owners and, in most cases, it appeared that these certificates were lost or misplaced by the military. After all, the Vice President claimed that his certificate was lost in an inferno and has not provided any evidence for this with a police report.

    3. Perhaps, the most important and dangerous agendum of Jonathan and the PDP is their plan to “sack” Prof.  Attahiru Jega, the hardworking and totally uncommitted cerebral Chairman of INEC, before the election on March 28. This was another reason behind postponing the election for six weeks; so that Jega would be asked to proceed on terminal leave by the middle of March 2015, until the end of his tenure on June 30, 2015. In this way, he would not be allowed to complete the elections he had started. Jega’s sin was that he, a reputable intellectual that he is, could not afford to soil his hands and reputation by heeding Jonathan’s and the PDP’s instruction to rig election for them at all costs. They now want to appoint a stooge to rig the election in their favour. Of course, Nigerians and the whole world know that Jonathan cannot stop Prof. Jega from completing the assignment he had started about five years ago, which is to conduct the presidential and other elections in 2015. To think that stopping Jega is possible is to demonstrate a high degree of illusion and folly; not even when no new appointment could be made without the consent and approval of the National Assembly. To such hidden agendum, Nigeria and indeed the international community say “no way” to Jonathan. He should stop behaving as if he owns Nigeria, and whatever he wants he gets by force, just as he forced Jega to postpone the election. Prof Jega enjoys the confidence of Nigerians and the international community, while members of his constituency, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), stand behind him as a tested man of integrity and honour, and will stand behind him to the end.

    4. The military’s unholy and dangerous alliance with the Presidency might just be another hidden agendum. Could it be there was a secret pact between the military and the President to precipitate a crisis before or after the election for the army to take over from Jonathan in order to allow him a soft landing instead of facing a Buhari administration? Or could it be a preparation for interim government or tenure elongation, also by the aid of military, that would allow Jonathan to spend another two years to make up for the constitutional limit of 8 years as president, since he cannot be president for 10 years? Under the Nigerian constitution? That is probably why the Service Chiefs said the election was postponed for six weeks “in the first instance”. The second instance may be to create a constitutional crisis that would lead to an army take over in favour of Jonathan. For Jonathan, it is as the Yoruba would say, “kaka ki eku ma je ere, a fi se iwadanu” (instead of the rat not being allowed to eat the peas, it would scatter the peas, so that nobody would be in a position to eat the peas). But, my fear is that this time around, the army cannot succeed, as the result of any army take-over for Jonathan or for themselves would be greater than the Egypt’s or Algeria’s Arab Springs where the whole country stood up for their rights, and eventually the army and the police had no choice but to be on the side of the people. The Nigerian case would be worse because the military had already been perceived to be supporting Jonathan against the people.

    Be all this as it may, both Jonathan and the military have boxed themselves into a corner. Their dilemma is a follows: (1) crush the insurgency in the Northeast in six weeks and admit that the President and the military have been behind and supporting the escalation of the activities of the insurgents for more than five years. (2) Fail to crush the insurgents in the Northeast in six weeks and admit that you want to use the failure as a reason for further postponement in order to precipitate a crisis that would lead to a military take-over, just to prevent Buhari from ruling the country, and provide a soft landing for Mr. President and his galaxy of sinners against the people of Nigeria. In either case, Jonathan and the military are in great trouble and have questions to answer before Nigerians and the international community. Already, the postponement has already backfired, as more and more Nigerians are now angry and only waiting to nail the coffins of Jonathan and PDP with protest votes at the March 28 and April 11 election.

    The bottom line and the most important of course, is that Professor Jega must complete his assignment of conducting the elections by which he is to be judged for the sake of posterity. You cannot prepare so hard for an examination only to be cruelly prevented from taking the examination for which you have prepared so hard and for so long. The examination must be taken and results of your efforts made known to you and the public. Having told the US and the UN that the election would be free and fair, Jonathan must not confound Nigerians and the international community by a super rigging device i.e. changing the umpire in the last minute in order to give room for rigging of the 2015 election.

  • A date with history

    A date with history

    Human thinking has shown that intelligence can reach evolutionary dead end. Most people do not know that in every action taken collectively, we remain responsible individually for its outcome – whether good or bad. For such action taken together, we accept the responsibility collectively because its outcome would affect all.

    As I grow older, I pay less attention to the uncomplimentary things most Nigerians say. I watch actions being done to either destroy or make the country great; I always want to know why people do such. There is a law about life; it is so cruel and just. It states: one must grow wiser or pay more for stagnancy. Nigeria has grown to the extent that both leaders and followers climb the ladder of success wrongly. Nigeria, the so-called giant of Africa, has been said to be a country still marching to nationhood. Some described it as a tragic state whose people are in perpetual suffering in the midst of abundance in human and material resources. The nation’s progress has been impeded by bad leadership which has built a vicious cycle of poverty and want.

    It is significant to note that Nigeria is among countries endowed in incalculable resources that are capable of improving socio-economic life and living standards of the citizens. But the reverse has been the case. In view of this ugly trend, one begins to wonder the kind of “giant” Nigeria is proving to be when it could not provide basic amenities to its people.

    God created the country so perfectly and make it is among the blessed nations, but its internal contradiction has made its journey to nationhood tortuous. Rather than playing the big brother role to other war-torn countries, we have been the nation receiving help from powerful countries. The help they offer is not without condition. Many countries offer to help because of what they would tap from our wealth. God destined this country to be great, but its fabrics are being torn apart by ethno-religious strife.

    Through our bad actions, our country has become the focus of international community as crisis-prone and corruption-riddled. As I write this, it is shocking that petroleum subsidy questions are yet to be answered. Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is being sold at exorbitant price of N87 per litre. Power sector went from bad to worse after the celebrated privatisation.

    Insecurity is fast becoming part of life, deaths on our roads increasing, unemployment and attendant man-made disasters surging and corruption in high places stinks to high heaven (apologies Gani Fawehinmi).

    The only property this generation of leaders is handing over to the next generation is a failed leadership. Our peers in the BRICS (Britain, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries have shown what can be achieved with the right leadership at the helms. The youth here, if handed leadership mantle, will have to spend time and resources on re-orientation of citizens in values.

    Although progress is not without challenge, taking Nigeria back is an option for some people because of personal gains. So disheartening is the fact that our choices towards governance has taken us back in development at a time countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Venezuela are making progress in geometric sequence.

    The bad choice we made did not just start. After over three decades of military rule, from 1966-1999 (with the exception of 1979-1983 and 82 days of the Interim National Government in 1993) Nigeria transited to democratic regime on May, 29, 1999. Since restoration of democratic rule, Nigeria is nowhere close to achieving good governance. Well, it is a product of our choice. We chose our leaders, our leaders did not choose us.

    Prof Charles Soludo puts it right when he said: “What Nigeria is going through now is a consequence of our deliberate wrong choices.” Political power and elections in Nigeria are not about love for country or service to the motherland. They are about selfish interest. Leaders pursue nepotism; they give privileges and undue advantage to their family members and cronies.

    This has given rise to ethnic contest of sort, because people who feel aggrieved about the sharing of resources or political power see it as a necessity to rely on their ethnic groups on their behalf against dominant ethnic groups.

    Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. It is time for us to rewrite our wrong choices by making the right one on February 14. The ultimate agenda right is how to redeem the country from the brink, to re-negotiate its terms of existence. It is a task genuine patriots, irrespective of affiliation, must pursue with all sense of seriousness and responsibility, considering the danger.

    It should be a choice that will rid the country of religious and tribal conflict; one that will ensure corruption is reduced to minimum if not totally removed. It is time for our common sense revolution to support a cause that will reclaim our destiny and enthrone of good governance. We need brilliant mind with the spirit of a performer and the humble heart to lead us at this time of our need.

    We must make our destiny of greatness come to reality by chosing the best people for the job regardless of his religious affiliation. For those, who will vote on March 28, my advice is, let us wait and see how event would play out. By voting for the status quo, then we may have given their tacit endorsement of underperforming government. If we vote against the ruling party’s opponent, a long and arduous task of reclaiming this country would have been in progress. Don’t we believe in change?

     

    •Habeeb is a Corps member, NYSC Abuja

     

  • I cant date a man who is broke

    I cant date a man who is broke

    Nollywood actress, model and TV presenter, Nancy Isime, might be relatively new to the Nigerian movie scene, but according to her, hard work is her recipe for success. She speaks to OVWE MEDEME on her journey into acting and life as a model, among other issues

    Give us an overview of yourself and how you got into the acting world

    I am a model and an ex beauty queen. I am still modelling. I started out with a TV drama series called Echoes. That was my very first gig. Last year, I was in a couple of movies. Some of them are yet to come out but I started acting from modelling. I was doing runway modelling then and a director on one of the runway shows was going to do the TV series called Echoes, so he saw me and suggested that I come read a script for the drama. I wasn’t too into it but I went for the reading and I got the role.

    From there, it just kept going. From the comments I am getting and from the referrals and commendations, I would say I have done well. Also, I am a TV presenter. I present a show called The Squeeze which is a gossip show. I also present a show called What’s Hot. It is a technology show. I also covered back stage on MTN Project Fame season 7.

    Is it right to say acting stole you away from modelling?

    If I still get modelling projects, I still go for it but acting is something that has caught my interest. There is something I have always said. I don’t want to be stagnant in life, I want to go out there and explore my options. I modelled for a while, I was a beauty queen at first. I won the Miss Valentine International pageant in 2009. Even before then, I was a model but my career in modelling took off from there. After that, I started doing fashion shows. I did quite a lot of fashion shoots and also commercial modelling. But when it came to acting, I found it really interesting and very challenging but I still model. I won’t say acting took me away from modelling.

    Professionally, how long have you been acting?

    I did Echoes sometime around 2011 and then I went off the scene for a while. You can rightly say that professionally, I went into acting from last year when I did Heaven on Ebony Life TV. If you want to count from Echoes, it would be from 2011. But mind you, after we filmed Echoes, it didn’t start showing till last year as well; so it is safe to say I started acting from last year.

     In summary, how would you say your acting career has been?

    It has been awesome. I happen to work with very talented people. I have worked with quite a number of big names including John Njamah. I just finished a job with him.  So far so good. It has been awesome to be able to work with people who have been in the industry for a while, people who have been acting way longer than I have. So I can say it has been going on very well.

    What was your first experience on set like?

    I was really nervous. At a point, I forgot how to speak English (laughs). I didn’t know what was going on. The director kept on saying ‘Nancy, calm down.’ I would still give it up to him. His name is Gibson. He is a Ghanaian director and he nurtured me. He told me that I was doing great. As soon as I caught on, I could speak up. When I started, really, I couldn’t speak up. I was so scared that my voice sounded somehow. I used to speak on such low tones. I was so nervous working with really big people. Echoes had a lot of stars.

     So far, what has been your low moments?

    None, really. All I can say is that it is really challenging being an actress. When you are on set, no one cares if you are down or anything. They just want you to come and deliver a job, whether it is an emotional scene or a very violent scene. All they know is that you should come on set and do what you can.

    For now, there has been no major low moment. It is just that I have had very challenging times and anybody who is in the industry will tell you that most directors are extremely strict and they can appear harsh but that is just for your own good. I hope I never have those low moments, but there are times when I get home, I just drop my bag and say no more because sometimes you have to shoot for as long as 17 hours a day.

     How far are you willing to go to rub shoulders with the big names in the industry?

    I am a total believer in hard work, in persistence and in being focused. The highest I can go is to get to work, be the best I can be and bring out the best in me each time I’m on set. I don’t believe in doing several takes. I believe in bringing out the best in the very first take. What I just need to do to get higher in the game is to be the best, to work really hard and to stay focused and to just make sure that I do what I am supposed to do on set and give my producers and directors their money’s worth and not waste anybody’s time. All I’m just trying to say is, I just make sure I bring out the best in me, make sure I connect with the crowd and can give the audience what they want to watch.

    What does being a model entail?

    First and foremost, you need to have the body. Also, you need to be patient enough to go for auditions, stand on queues and also have the heart to take disappointments. People think modelling is so easy but it is not. You have to stand on a long queue, get auditioned, get picked sometimes or get dropped at other times.

    It is all about the ability to always try and to keep coming back until you get your big break. In Nigeria, modelling is not as it is in the western countries where you get your big break and that is it. Here, you can get your big break and still go back down, so it is very imperative that you get your big break and continue to work hard and continue to come back for more. Just be hungry because when you stay hungry and when you stay focused, you keep coming back for more. Make sure you look good and presentable all the time because you have to represent brands, so you have to look the part.

    How true is the notion that modelling rakes in big money?

    The fashion world hasn’t really gotten there if you ask me, but the commercial world is definitely there. For example, if you get to model for multinational brands, it brings a lot of money compared to the fashion industry which has been stagnant for a while. There is money in the modelling business but you need to have a big break for that.

     Compared to acting, which pays more?

    For now, I can’t say. Because in acting, I am not yet in a place where I can start to receive all the big bucks. I just basically started a year or two years ago. I cannot be expecting to get paid as much as people like Mercy Johnson and Genevieve Nnaji but trust me, there is a lot of money in acting but that depends on the stage you are in. I believe someday, I will get to the stage where I can say it pays too much. For now, it takes care of my bills. It pays moderately but if I am to compare it to modelling, I can’t really say. But as I said, some modelling just pay small cash; some bring in the big cash.

    Would you date a broke guy who is jobless?

    Let me put it this way, I would date an ambitious guy and ambitious guys are never really broke, they are never jobless. They are guys who are so industrious, guys who would go out there to do everything they can to make money for themselves. I say this because I want the best for anybody that I am in a relationship with, be it a friend, my family member or a boyfriend.

    In the case of a boyfriend, I believe any man who is broke and jobless really has no business being in a relationship. I say this because it actually takes away from your focus as a man. As a struggling man, you should sit down and focus on your goals, unless you want to be poor forever. If you know you want to be rich, there is a stage you have to pass through. If you can pass through the stage of working hard, putting yourself out there to make sure you are comfortable, at least you can now go out there and find a relationship.

    You don’t even have to go out there and look for a relationship. They will come to you. That way, you can now start to make your choice. But if you are a man who is pursuing girls up and down in the name of ‘I am broke, please love me,’ I don’t think it is necessary, I don’t think it is worth it. Coming back to me, I cannot date a man who is broke. I can only date a man who is ambitious, who is focused and who is hardworking. You can’t be hardworking and jobless. Those two do not come together. I work too hard to want to sit down with a jobless man. I only can date a man who can inspire me to be better. So we both can work hard to get to where we want in life. But when you are jobless and you are calling my phone 24/7, then I have a problem with that.

     Are you in a relationship?

    That I can’t answer (laughs).

     Is it that you are wary about having an interference between your career and your relationship?

    No, I don’t see myself having any interference whether I say I have a boyfriend or not. I just like to keep some things personal for my own sake, for personal reasons. It has nothing to do with the job. There are married people in the industry, so if it doesn’t affect them, it shouldn’t affect me. I would rather keep that personal.

     Can you let us into your educational background?

    I did my diploma at the University of Lagos where I studied Social Work. It was a two-year course, but I haven’t gone for my BSc. I rounded that up last year. For now, I am still working with the diploma.

     Why Social Work?

    I do love social works. It is something that, if push comes to shove tomorrow, I would love to practice it. I love social works and the fact that it enables me be there for humanity, to be able to give and just help people in general. Later on, I intend to go for my BSc in the same field.

  • 2014 Federation Cup Final gets date

    2014 Federation Cup Final gets date

    The 2014 Federation Cup final will take centre stage at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos later this month.

    According to reports gathered by SL10, the final will take place in Lagos while a tentative date of September 28 has been forwarded for approval. With the look of things the Federation Cup final will hold on the said date.

    In the men’s final, Enyimba Int’l of Aba who are the defending champions after the People’s Elephant defeated Warri Wolves via penalties in the 2013 final will face another Premier League side, Dolphins FC of Port Hacourt.

    The women’s competition will see Rivers Angel and Sunshine Queens play in the final.

    Lagos State has been hosting the Federation Cup since 2011 through 2013 and the state is set to host the final this year.

  • ‘Why we are enforcing expiry date on product labels’

    ‘Why we are enforcing expiry date on product labels’

    Mr. Tam Tamunokonbia, a lawyer and head of the Lagos Office of the Consumer Protection Council, in this interview with TONIA ‘DIYAN, speaks on the importance of the on-going ‘Check the BB Date’ Campaign.

    We understand that your office is running a campaign. What is it about?

    You are correct. The Council has launched a campaign that we call “Check the BB Date” Campaign. It was first launched by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Dr. Olusegun Aganga on Monday, June 30, 2014. “BB” means “Best Before”. What this implies is that consumers should check the labels of the goods or products they buy to see if the product has expired or is close to its expiry date. Once the “BB” or Expiry Date on a product label has expired, consumers are advised by the Consumer Protection Council to avoid the product.

     

    But is it all products and services that consumers should check for the “BB” date?

    Well, the mandate of the CPC covers all products and services, but as you well know services do not carry labels in the first place. So in most cases, consumers cannot find “BB” dates on services, because they are, to a large extent, intangible. Having said that, it is important to answer your question by saying that by the standard requirements of this country, it is expected that all food products, chemical products, tyres, beverages, foams and most consumables should carry on their labels a “BB” date. It is not only for food, water and drinks that are edible.

     

    Why the campaign?

    The campaign is meant to bring the standard of “BB” date into the consciousness of Nigerians on the different categories and the supply and demand chain of product distribution. First, the consumer should beware so that he does not throw his hard earned money away to unscrupulous and heartless manufacturers and sellers of substandard products. With that consciousness, he gets value for money.

    He also exercises his inalienable right to information, choice and satisfaction of basic needs. These rights are not just national rights but international rights. Secondly, the campaign also admonishes the manufacturer, producer and importer of products that he owes the consumer an obligation to inform him of the status of the product he is manufacturing, producing or importing. That way, he creates an impeccable confidence in the consumer over his products. What this further implies is that there will be a conscious compliance with the international best practice of supply and distribution policy of “First In-First Out” (FIFO). Finally, the distributor, the retailer, the seller and the petty trader are put on notice by this campaign that they cannot continue to accept from the manufacturer, producer or importer any product that does not conform to the “BB” requirement or sell same to the consumer.

    Again, by the campaign, this category of the supply chain must henceforth be conscious about their storage procedure. A situation where products are stored in unhygienic and unconducive atmosphere can no longer be tolerated. In most cases, certain products are expected to be stored under particular temperatures and conditions. Products not meant to be kept under the sun or heat will certainly reduce the potency of that product, if it is so stored. At the end of the day, the campaign benefits the consumer, the producer, the wholesale distributor, retailer, the petty trader and the government.

    Our citizens will become healthier. Our workforce will be more productive. Our economy will be more robust while investors can easily be attracted to the country. In fact, there is no end to the benefits derivable from a total compliance with this “BB” policy. So you can understand why the Council and its Director General, Mrs. Dupe Atoki are dead serious with the campaign.

     

    So, how do you intend to enforce this “BB” standard knowing that business men will want business as usual?

    We are aware that the change will not come overnight. The campaign calls for change of habits and you know that old habits do not die fast. It is with this understanding that the Director-General of the Council, Mrs. Dupe Atoki has given six months with effect from Tuesday July 1, 2014 to manufacturers and producers of products to comply with the standards or face sanctions.

    The Council will enforce the standards to the letter after that date. Our surveillance and enforcement officers will be in our markets, supermarkets, shopping malls, factories, warehouses and storage facilities to ensure that there is compliance. Where we discover massive non-compliance and where our corrective measures are not adhered to, we shall not hesitate to bring the full brunt of the law to bear on such situations, including resorting to prosecution.

    Of course non-compliant products will be removed from the shelves, stores and factories and destroyed. Having said so, the Council, through its Lagos Office, will seize every opportunity to enlighten manufacturers and consumers on the need to comply with “BB” standards. To that effect, we are pushing for our “BB” banners to be hoisted in most supermarkets, major eateries, distribution outlets, pharmacies and places where there is huge consumer and human traffic. We are convinced that Nigerians will buy into the campaign.

    Already, the Lagos Office launched the campaign with a colourful road show on Thursday, July 10, 2014. Our train kicked off from Alausa, Ikeja and gradually made its way through Allen Avenue, into Opebi and unto Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way through the Opebi Link Road. We, then, went through Maryland, into Anthony and, thereafter, connected to the Third Mainland Bridge.

    On the Island, we went through Ikoyi, Falomo, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island and finally, into Lekki. We made brief stops at a number of major supermarkets and stores on our route – where we embarked on consumer education and sharing of our awareness materials to customers we met doing their shopping. Presently, our “BB” banners are hoisted in about thirteen major supermarkets spread over Lagos State. This effort will be a continuous one.

  • Amstel arranges date for Genevieve, fan

    Amstel arranges date for Genevieve, fan

    A sensational dinner has been planned around Nollywood screen diva, Genevieve Nnaji and a lucky fan, who will emerge through an online movie competition for the VIP treat.

    The deal comes as activation for the Amstel Malta brand, which the actress has been contracted to promote.

    After resting the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO), the movie reality show sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc, the company has evolved similar projects of engagement for the malt drink, hence this new initiative called “Act The Part”.

    To take part in the online competition, fans are expected to act any role from a selected movie of their choice in just 2 minutes and upload on the Amstel Malta website. The lucky winner, who will emerge via popular votes, will also be entitled to an exquisite makeover, courtesy of Amstel Malta.

    Genevieve Nnaji, who was announced as a brand ambassador alongside Nigerian Chelsea mid-fielder, Mikel Obi at the 2ndedition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) in February, has promised a very splendid experience for the lucky winner.

    The Amstel Malta brand ambassador and award-winning actress, is inviting fans to join the exciting online competition “Act The Part”, and showcase exceptional acting skills with the golden opportunity of a fantastic experience with her.

  • AFRIMA extends date for entries

    AFRIMA extends date for entries

    Yielding to pressure from African musicians, organisers of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) said they have decided to extend the deadline for the submission of entries, to accommodate participants who are constrained by limited internet access in their various cities.

    The new date, July 19, is a two-week addition to the initial deadline, and also offers journalists a chance in the Entertainment Reporter category of the awards.

    In its maiden edition, AFRIMA has the support of African Union Commission, as a platform that showcases the culture of Africa and reward music talents in the continent.

    Entry guidelines, according to the organisers remain the same, and can be found on www.afrima.org.

    The award requires that only musical or journalistic works released or published from May 31, 2013 to July 18, 2014 are eligible for submission.

    For hard copy entries, participants are expected to download the registration form, and send the completed copy alongside two copies of the entry to the nearest physical address provided on the AFRIMA website. Qualified entries will be selected by the Academy of AFRIMA which consists of the Jury and College of Voters.

    According to Director of Brand Communications and Sponsorship for AFRIMA, Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi,  the entry submission process is an encouraging success marker, considering that the Academy has surpassed the 1000 mark. “We are receiving entries from African music professionals and journalists in countries like Finland, Germany, and other interesting locations,” she said.

    Also supported by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in Nigeria, the 2014 AFRIMA, organisers said, will produce a star-studded, world-class event in Nigeria on October 21 to 25, 2014, with live performances and television broadcast to 84 countries on 109 television stations around the world.

  • The lunch date

    The lunch date

    WOULD you be going out for a nice lunch or just go out to have a good time with friends? Why not try a nicely-cut pencil skirt or pants, which is always a winner. Slip on a nice shirt dress and update the look with platform heels and complement this with a handy handbag or small purse.

    Guys can combine a nice top with a pair of bandless pants, knock-off with blazers. Or a blazer jacket with a shirt or tank top Jeans is indispensable to any man.

    Cocktail/evening date

    Stay stylish and standout on Valentine night with a striking cocktail dress with a touch of red or pink, and keep everything else simple. Now one thing that is very important to note before buying a dress for Valentine’s Day is whether it’s a daytime event or an evening event.

    Guys, the perfect hue for an evening date is black. It’s the most versatile colour of all time. Trainers or sneakers are not allowed. This is the period to flaunt your leathers. So, dress up smart and wear something that reflects your style and attitude.

    But remember these fashion hubs of Valentine’s Day: dresses are not just for those with partners. Singles should also celebrate and go out for Valentine too!

    So whether you plan dining at a fancy, romantic restaurant with your hubby, or you plan to hit town with friends, consider dressing festively for the occasion without seeming too tacky!