The Nation Newspaper

Tag: differences

  • Kwara communities settle differences

    Kwara communities settle differences

    Feuding Offa and Ijagbo communities, in Offa and Oyun local government areas of Kwara State, have settled their differences at a meeting in Ilorin, the capital.

    The communities last week engaged in bloody brawls over land.

    One person was feared dead; many were injured.

    President of Offa Descendants Union (ODU) Najeem Yasin, and President of Ijagbo Descendants Union (IDU) Tunde Agboola Oyawoye, addressed reporters after the meeting.

    Oyawoye spoke through Chairman of the Ilorin branch of IDU, Samuel Ebun Akinola.

    They announced a 14-man committee to ensure implementation of decisions reached at the meeting.

    They directed the re-opening of schools, which were shut following the mayhem.

  • Brand blunders due to cultural differences

    In 2003, MTN came up with a TV Commercial in which a man announced the birth of his child: “Mama na boy!” and a whole village went into electric dances in celebration. The ad came off as sexist and pro-gender equality groups protested against it and the ad was pulled down.

    “Gerber came to Africa to sell baby foods using the same packaging they were using in the USA. Later they found that in Africa companies routinely put pictures on the label of what is inside the package, since most people cannot read.

    “Coca-Cola’s retailers in China tried to name the product something that when pronounced, sounded like, “Cola-Cola”. The only problem was that the characters used meant “Bite the Wax Tadpole”. When they learned of their blunder, they later changed to a set of characters that mean “Happiness in the Mouth”.

    “Vicks was introducing its cough drops in the German market, when they learned that the German pronunciation of “v” is “f” which in Germany is the guttural equivalent of “sexual penetration”.

    “When Puffs tissues tried to introduce its product, they were quick to learn that “Puff” in German is a colloquial term for a whorehouse. The CMO behind that brand must have been sleeping.

    “Pepsi Cola lost its dominant market share to Coke in South East Asia when Pepsi changed the color of its vending machines and coolers from deep “Regal” blue to light “Ice” blue as light blue is associated with death and mourning in their region.

    “The American slogan for Salem cigarettes, “Salem – Feeling Free,” was translated in the Japanese market as “When smoking Salem, you will feel so refreshed that your mind seems to be free and empty.”

  • How we manage our differences

    How we manage our differences

    They are both solo artistes but South East Entertainment artistes, Harrison Anokwuru, aka Chyzzi and Ede Chikezie Victor, aka Mista Rage, have been dropping singles together. The Cyprus-based artistes speak with OVWE MEDEME on doing music outside the country, plans for the future, growing up and sundry issues.

    AS solo artistes, why have you been collaborating with each other?

    There is always a need to appreciate the creativity in one another. That is the reason for the collaborations together even though we are separate brands. Also, we got into the studio, and the vibe was good, then the songs just flowed. (Laughs).

    Music-wise, do you have similarities or differences?

    We have similarities and differences. We just appreciate the same genre of music although there is often a conflict of interest when it’s time to choose a beat. We have so many similarities music-wise; especially when it comes to our goals and what we aim to achieve. But we have very different styles.

    Do you see your differences as strengths or as a weakness?

    We see them as strengths because as human beings, we can never know it all. Differences can be transformed into a platform to acquire knowledge. That is how we see it.

    Will there be a time where you both will decide to form a group?

    The future will tell if we will be forming a group or not, but for now, we don’t think so. We wouldn’t rule it out though because, you never know. We are just comfortable doing our own individual things.

    When will we be seeing your individual singles?

    We both have singles and videos coming out soon. Although we are yet to fix a date for their release, we will definitely be updating information on our social media pages. Hopefully, by the end of summer, our fans will get to hear our individual efforts.

    How would you describe your brand of music?

    We like to describe our music as a ‘Breathe of fresh air’, because it is different from what most people listen to these days. It is hip hop. It has always been hip hop, although we are also trying to be versatile with our brand.

    What does South East Entertainment stand for?

    South-East Entertainment was originated based on the regional background of the team. We simply came up with the name based on the different zones we come from. One of us is from the south and the others are from the east. So we put the terms together and came up with South East Entertainment.

    What brought the three of you together?

    We met here in Cyprus and we been friends since then. Later on, we got to discover our common goals in music and life generally. So we took the music step as a team.

    So far, what has been the label’s staying power?

    Our staying power has been the dream to enlighten the world with what we like to call ‘Organised Sound’. There is a new sound coming up and we believe we are this new sound. The motto of the label is ‘Organised Sound’.

    Did you do music in Nigeria before leaving the shores of this country?

    Yes, we did.

    Are you looking at coming back home to ply your trade?

    Of course we are. Our target market is Nigeria, so we definitely push our music back home.

    How did you two meet?

    We met through a mutual friend we both knew in Nigeria before we came to Cyprus.

    What’s next for you artistes and for your label?

    We are working on a trip to Nigeria. And definitely, we intend to stay for a while in order to push the music and blend with an Afro business manager we were introduced to during our last trip to Nigeria.

    What are you working on at the moment?

    Chyzzi: I am working on my E.P but I have an upcoming single to be released soon.

    Mista Rage: Right now, I am working on dropping a couple of songs this year; at least a single and a collaboration with an artist.

    For how long have you been doing music?

    Chyzzi: Music has been a part of me right from childhood but professionally I started two years ago.

    Mista Rage: I have been doing music for seven years. Took a break for a while to sort things and grow my brand.

    What were your childhood and growing up like?

    Mista Rage: I was born and brought up in Lagos State. I come from a family of four; two older brothers and a younger sister. I think my music orientation started from my parents, before growing and adapting to the sound my brothers were listening to and also my friends. I was surrounded by people who just loved music and that made it easy for me to transition to what I am today.

    Chyzzi: I am a South side boy from Rivers State. I was born into a family of five as the first son. Music for me didn’t come easy because it wasn’t accepted by my folks. I came from a family that was strict on education and getting perfect grades in school. It wasn’t easy but I succeeded and went on to chase my passion for music.

  • ‘Senate inches to resolve differences’

    ‘Senate inches to resolve differences’

    The lingering conflict of interests which polarised the Senate since its inauguration on June 9, last year, will soon be over, it was learnt yesterday.

    Findings showed that senators may have resolved to sheath their swords and work together in the interest of the country as well as to shore up their dwindling legislative output.

    A ranking lawmakers, Senator Abu Ibrahim, confirmed the development to reporters in Abuja, yesterday.

    Ibrahim, who represents the Katsina South Senatorial District, was one of the lawmakers, senators opposed to the emergence of bubakar Bukola Saraki, as Senate President.

    Saraki’s emergence as the Senate President against the interest of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) sowed a seed of discord in the upper chamber.

    The conflict of interests engendered two opposing groups, the Senate Unity Forum, a group of senators, who opposed the candidature of Saraki and Like Minds , another group of senators, who backed Saraki to clich the senate presidency.

  • Fed Govt to lecturers: we’ve done our best

    Fed Govt to lecturers: we’ve done our best

    •Delta to implement ‘no work, no pay’

    •Govt to blame for strike, says ex-NUC chief

    •Police stop street protest in Bayelsa

    •UNILORIN VC urges ASUU, Fed Govt to resolve differences

    •UNN students angry

     

    The Federal Government yesterday restated its call that striking university lecturers should return to work in the interest of students.

    Minister of Information Mr Labaran Maku spoke in Abuja during the ministry’s monthly media briefing.

    He said government had conceded to most of the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    Maku said the government’s commitment to resolve the crisis was further demonstrated by its representation by Vice President Namadi Sambo in the dialogue.

    He said: “Salaries have been increased by 54.3 per cent, which is half of our monthly income. But they (lecturers) still insist on their N100 billon allowance.

    “The government offered N30 billion, but after a meeting with the vice president, the government promised another N10 billion, making it N40 billion.

    “The government has also promised N100 billion from the Education Trust Fund and the N40 billon allowance has been paid in many universities. Yet, they are still under lock and key.

    “We are doing infrastructure in the universities. For example, we have 38 new buildings in the University of Benin. No one would want our teachers to suffer because I have worked as a teacher, same as the President. But we cannot give all that they are asking for.

    “No nation can move forward if we all expect the government to give a 100 per cent time and effort to our problems. We run an economy that needs attention in all phases.”

    Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has said the policy of “no work, no pay” would be applied for the ongoing strike by the academic workers of the State University (DELSU) in Abraka.

    The governor spoke on Monday night in Abuja during the fund-raising of N25 billion by the Edwin Kiagbodo Clark Foundation.

    He said the action became necessary since several appeals to the lecturers to call off their strike did not yield any result.

    Uduaghan explained that the “no work, no pay” policy was adopted because ASUU’s demands had no bearing with the lecturers in the state university.

    The governor again urged the striking lecturers to suspend the action.

    He said: “Let me once again appeal to ASUU to listen to the appeals of the Federal Government and Nigerians and resume work in the interest of the students and educational growth in the country.”

    A former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Munzali Jubril, yesterday blamed the Goodluck Jonathan administration for the lingering ASUU strike.

    The government, Jubril said, had been releasing only 34 per cent of funds meant for federal universities, following a document the NUC produced on the funding of federal universities when the last board was in place.

    This funding gap, he said, “now leaves ASUU as the main agitator for funding to be improved and for the funding gaps to be filled”.

    Jubril added: “The government does not listen to its own agencies. If the executive secretaries, right under government, write 100 memos, appear before 100 committees and make 100 submissions, they will amount to nothing.”

    The renowned professor of English and a former Provost of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) spoke in Abuja at the anniversary lecture of the NUC at 50+1.

    He regretted that the government always waited for ASUU to go on strike before giving universities what they deserved.

    The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, promised that the government would resolve the ASUU face-off.

    But he insisted that due process must be followed.

    Wike, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala, said: “Indeed, these are turbulent times for higher education in Nigeria, not just because of the current challenges being experienced but more importantly in terms of the direction in which higher education should be going.”

    The police yesterday stopped a street protest organised by the Niger Delta University’s (NDU’s) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

    Police Commissioner Hilary Opara was said to have issued the order to the leadership of ASUU-NDU to stop the protest.

    The aggrieved university lecturers held their protest within the university’s Law Faculty in Yenagoa.

    The placard-carrying lecturers converted the protest to a prayer session, where they prayed to “cast and bind” all the spirits that had prevented the government from honouring its agreement with ASUU.

    The Chairman of ASUU-NDU, Beke Sese, addressed the rally.

    He said the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Governor Seriake Dickson interrogated him few hours to the protest.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali, yesterday urged the striking university lecturers and the Federal Government to resolve their differences and end the strike.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • PDP: we’ve resolved our differences

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that the disagreements between members of the National Working Committee (NWC) had been resolved.

    The crisis pitted the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur against members of the committee.

    Rising from its weekly NWC meeting yesterday, the members passed a vote of confidence in Tukur, saying that the leadership remained one indivisible team that will henceforth speak with one voice.

    National Publicity Secretary Chief Olisa Metuh, who briefed reporters after the meeting, thanked members for what he described as their overwhelming support for the chairman and his team.

    He said the NWC had no issues with any arm or organ of the party and that the leadership was in total support of every action taken by President Goodluck Jonathan on party and other issues.

    According to him, the NWC would remain focused in the running of the affairs of the party, as prescribed by the constitution and report to the National Executive Committee (NEC).

    Metuh also declared that the party resolved that the party’s March 24, 2012 national convention remained valid, saying that the convention was held in accordance with the party’s constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act.

    By this declaration, the party may have decided to ignore the letter by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the convention that brought the current crop of leaders into office was flawed.

    “The NWC has endorsed the leadership of the party led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. We support him and we believe in his ideas and his agenda aimed at moving the party towards a successful election in 2015.

    “We are also in support of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan because his administration is working according to the manifesto of the PDP”, Metuh added.

    Eleven of the 12 members of the NWC attended the meeting.

  • Nigeria more important than our personal differences, says Jonathan

    •N60m raised at Armed Forces Emblem launch

     

    President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that the country is more important than personal, religious and ethnic differences.

    He urged Nigerians to rise above individual differences and promote values that bind the country together.

    The President spoke at the emblem appeal launch for the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration. The event was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

    The President also urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to continue to champion the cause of unity and national cohesion, adding that the Armed Forces remembrance affords the nation the opportunity to celebrate the gallantry of its military; those living and those who had paid the supreme sacrifice during World War II, the civil war and various peace keeping missions.

    He urged Nigerians to refuse to be divided by those who impose ethnic and religious meaning on every national issue.

    President Jonathan said: “For me, the strongest message is that of unity. The men and women that we remember today were drawn into national service from all parts of Nigeria and they served gallantly, regardless of differences of religion or ethnicity.

    “They were united by the same purpose – to keep Nigeria secure. Their oneness of purpose and spirit remind us of the significance of national cohesion. Together we can achieve a lot.

    “Whatever may be our differences; religious, ethnic or personal, Nigeria is more important. We must be united in rising above our differences and promoting values that bind us together.

    “We must refuse to be divided by those who impose ethnic and religious meaning on every national issue.

    “Soon, it will be 100 years since Nigeria emerged as one country; it is a heritage that we all must be proud of.

    “The legacy of our past heroes is something we must cherish as we strive together to leave an even worthier legacies for future generation.”

    The Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem launch, according to the President, is significant, coming four days after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa, former National Security Adviser Andrew Owoye Azazi, their aides and pilots.

    The President pledged to support the families of the victims.

    “We remember today the heroes that have fallen and also our serving military men and women. We remember today the sacrifice that our armed forces have made and are still making so that our country can continue to live in peace and remain secured.

    “To those who have served and those who are still serving, we thank you for the sacrifice that you have made, sacrifice that is borne out of patriotism, sacrifice that is strong message of inspiration to the rest of us,’’ Jonathan said.

    Minister of State for Defence Mrs Olusola Obada said the nation deserved to honour those who had laid down their lives for her unity.

    She said the fund realised would be used to, among other things, support the families and loved ones the departed heroes left behind.

    The President, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, were decorated with the emblem.

    Also decorated were former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Shehu Shagari, Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Mrs. Obada.

    Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ola Ibrahim, the Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, Ministers and other dignitaries were decorated with the emblem.

    Business mogul Aliko Dangote, who was also decorated with the emblem donated N30 million and announced donation of another N30 million on behalf of Alhaji Dahiru Mangal.

    Mrs. Stella Okoye, Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceutical, announced a donation of N10million worth of drugs for military hospitals.

     

  • ‘Ribadu’s, Oronsaye’s differences should not stop report’

    ‘Ribadu’s, Oronsaye’s differences should not stop report’

    Lagos lawyer Femi Falana has urged President Goodluck Jonathan not to allow the differences between the Chairman of the Petroleum Task Force, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu and committee members Messrs Steve Oronsanye and Bernard Otti, to affect the implementation of the report on the mismanagement of the oil sector.

    He gave the advice in a pape, entitled: “Lawyers In Diaspora –Collaborating for effective dispensation of justice in Nigeria”, delivered in London at the weekend at a Gala Night held by the British Nigeria Law Forum (BNLF).

    The human rights activist said the report presented by the Ribadu-led petroleum task force has showed that the nation is being shortchanged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and a cartel of oil companies to the tune of several billion of dollars. It said: “On no condition should the Jonathan administration be allowed to sweep the profound findings of the committee under the carpet.”

    Falana urged the BNLF to team up with the civil society group in Nigeria to demand full implementation of the report.

    He said with the appointment of Oronsaye and Otti into the board of NNPC, there would be pressure on the government from the multinational oil companies to stop the implementation of the report.

    “Since both members of the committee are guilty of conflict of interest punishable under the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, they are disabled from writing any minority report in the circumstance. Having compromised themselves, the Federal Government should not allow them to pollute the credibility of the report,” he said.”