Lagos bans parties, social functions in public schools

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it would no longer allow social functions and parties in public schools just as owners of private schools across the state have been warned to comply with rules and regulations guiding their operations.

The Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Mrs Idiat Oluranti Adebule who disclosed this while briefing the media on the strategic focus of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration on education for 2016, said the Governor had directed that schools should no longer be used for social functions.

She said, “The Governor has directed that schools will no longer be used for social activities any longer. We want to implore members of the public to report any school that violates this directive and we would ensure that defaulting schools are sanctioned accordingly.”

Adebule, who also oversees the Ministry of Education, said the state government was putting a searchlight on the standard of education in the private schools, saying it would no longer be business as usual for such schools that undermine best practices. She said as a first step, the government would engage with private school owners and proprietors to intimate them on the action plan of the present administration towards improving the standard of education, saying that though government is willing to partner with private schools, they must also be willing to adhere strictly to the acceptable standard.

Enjoy The Moment With These Cartoons

CHAN 2016: Oliseh apologises over Super Eagles’ elimination

Coach Sunday Oliseh, has apologised over the failure of his team to make it from their group stage at the ongoing 2016 African Nations Championship. This was revealed in a tweet by the official handle of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF. “Coach @SundayOOliseh: We apologize to Nigerians for this loss, we never planned to exit the tournament this

early. The boys gave their best”.

The Syli Nationale (Guinea) eliminated Sunday Oliseh-

tutored Super Eagles at the ongoing CHAN 2016 in Rwanda.

The 1-0 victory at Umuganda Stadium, Gisenyi ensured the Guineans progress while the Eagles will play no more part in the tournament. Bangoura’s boys had their chance to take the lead as Daouda Camara ease past the Nigeria’s defence to lay an assist for Ibrahim Sankhon who slotted in to an empty net. Ibrahim Sankhon’s goal for Guinea ended an embarrassing first half for Sunday Oliseh’s boys. Coach Sunday Oliseh was forced to make an early substitution in the second half with the introduction of the team’s topscorer Chisom Chikatara for Paul Onobi in a move to get the desired result.

The Syli Nationale held on to their lead as they played more defensive with little attacking threat but the Super Eagles couldn’t break through as they lack creativity.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s Bright Onyedikachi who came on for Tunde Adeniji in the second half came closer to get an equalizer for the Super Eagles but saw his effort parred off by the goalkeeper.

The Super Eagles were unable to grab an equalizer before the end of regular time to savour a point for qualification as they finished in the third position behind with 4points behind leader Tunisia with 5points and Guinea 5points.

Arsenal to sign Asisat Oshoala from Liverpool

Asisat Oshoala may be set to join Arsenal Ladies, as Liverpool Ladies confirmed that the have reluctantly accepted the Gunners’ bid for the forward.

The Super Falcons’ forward joined the Reds in January 2015 from Nigeria Women Premier League’s outfit Rivers Angels.

Asisat is expected to discuss personal terms with the two-time FA Women’s Super League champions.

The deal is subject to the 21-year-old being granted a work permit ahead of the 2016 season.

In May 2015, She became the first player to win BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.  The award is voted for by football fans around the world.
She beat Spain’s Veronica Boquete, German Nadine Kessler, Scot Kim Little and Brazilian Marta to the honour.

Men Must Marry Two Wives Or Face Jail Term, Says Eritrean Government

In Eritrea, the Grand Mufti, the highest religious authority in the country, declared that every man must marry two women or face a jail sentence. The declaration was leaked last Thursday on several social media platforms.
The Eritrean government will compensate Eritrean men for the marriage ceremonies and houses.
The declaration is motivated in part by the shortage of men which is a byproduct of the Eritrean-Ethiopian War which took placed from 1998-2000. The war left 150,000 Eritrean soldiers dead out of a population of only 4 million.
The statement referenced harsh punishments for refusal of the new decree. “First that every man shall marry at least two women and the man who refuses to do so shall be subjected to life imprisonment with hard labour.
“The woman who tries to prevent her husband from marrying another wife shall be punished with life imprisonment,” the statement read in part.

PDP youth want party to change name, merge with others

A youth group within the main

opposition party, Peoples Democratic

Party, PDP, known as PDP Youth

Frontier, PDPYF, has called on leaders of the party to earnestly consider merging with smaller parties and changing its name.

The group made this position known

in a communique on Monday in

Abuja, after a meeting of its National

Working Committee.

The communique, signed by the

group’s national coordinator, Austin

Okai, said if the PDP is to make any

headway in the 2019 elections, it must “put its house in order”.

The PDP youth said that “in the past 2 months, several consultations and

shared ideas have pointed to the fact

that for the PDP to regain power at the federal level come 2019, a total

overhaul of its entire system must

occur. Ensure discipline and expel the members undergoing criminal

investigation including NWC and BoT

members”.

The group said the national

headquarters of the party must in its

overall interest provide such a playing

ground for all aspirations to thrive

within the party.

“Nigeria is currently at a crossroad

such that only a strong sense of

leadership with purpose can return

the country to the path of economic

prosperity, progress and unity which

it may have deviated from,” they said.

The group also said the ongoing war

against corruption and graft by the

administration of President

Muhammadu Buhari, “is wholly a

welcome development that is long

overdue. However the war must be

executed with regards to the

constitutions of the Federal Republic

of Nigeria above anything else”.

Women Protest Their Husbands’ Inability To Impregnate Them

Women in Kenya, Ndeiya ward have said their drunkard husbands are unable to sire children and they may look elsewhere for sober bedmates.

They said their men had abandoned their homes for drinking too much illicit brew.  

Speaking during a peaceful protest at Thigio shopping centre on, the demonstrators said younger women are the worst affected as they are “unproductive”.

“If you walk in this village, you will find so many young married women, but only a few are pregnant. Those who are not are suffering in silence because their men cannot perform,” resident Nancy Wangare said.

She said men had been drinking anything alcoholic to keep them high, but the society bore the consequences of sexual dysfunction.

“It would not be a wonder if we start looking for men to sire our children. Our husbands will not know anything. We will trick them that the pregnancies are theirs and they will support us,” Wangari said.

The 32-year-old mother of one separated from her husband four years ago.

It's My Birthday, Wish Me Well Today!

Evening Guys, i'm happy to announce to everyone that tomorrow 24th January, will be my birthday. I want you all to celebrate the day with me. All am requesting from you guys is a facebook LIKE on my Fan page and drop your wishes. My facebook Fan page is https://www.facebook.com/BIMA-Group-201512076591120/. Like my fan page and will follow you back. You can as well drop you wishes right here but will better appreciate it on my facebook page or my blog at www.bimagroupng.blogspot.com Let the wishes start now.Thanks so much. Looking forward seeing your LIKE on my page.

The Question You Didn't Know You Needed Answered About Dogs

A Couple Rescued This Tiny Squirrel and Now It's Living in the Strangest Place in Their House

When you think of the typical domesticated animal the first things that pop into your head are usually cats and dogs. Soon after, you may think of fish, rabbits, or hamsters. But this couple decided to go against the grain with their new house pet and it's chosen the most bizarre--and festive--place to play in their home.

This little squirrel, whom the couple named Mitten, was found on the side of the road by the wife of a man named Chris, known as carefree dude on Reddit. Mitten was twitching and Chris's wife quickly scooped him up so she and Chris could try to nurse him back to health. The couple guessed Mitten had been struck by a car and, according to Reddit , Chris said, “He likely got hit by a car, and suffered major head trauma. He couldn't eat, drink, walk or really do anything. We were eventually able to get him to drink via a syringe.”

Once the pair got medicine from a wildlife rehabilitation center for Mitten's head trauma, the squirrel was able to start keeping food down and was feeling much better. So much better, apparently, that he could climb trees again.

While Chris's wife was playing with Mitten one day, he kept eyeing their Christmas tree. So, when they let him wander the house, it's no surprise it ended up in the spruce--it even stayed there for a few days!

Helen Paul gives out free JAMB forms As Christmas Gift

In the spirit of Christmas celebrations, top female entertainer, Helen Paul, has given our over 50 free JAMB forms to interested youths in Lagos State.

Helen, who is the owner of Helen Paul Theatre and Film Academy (HPTFA), is said to have liaised with an independent tutorial centre to handle the registrations so that the beneficiaries can also have access to good tutorials before sitting for the examination next year.

Bayo Adetu, Helen’s publicist, confirmed the development, adding that, “it’s part of the humanitarian service she embarks upon every year, and this year is not an exception. Efeogene Imafidon and Samuel Emmanuel are beneficiaries of the JAMB form “She had given out GCE forms earlier in the year as well. She strongly believes that the importance of Christmas is to show love and give to neighbours, particularly those in dire need.”

Efeogene Imafidon and Samuel Emmanuel two beneficiaries of the JAMB scholarship said they feel lucky to be among those chosen to receive the gesture from Helen Paul. The female comedian’s penchant for education is evident in her current pursuit of the highest academic certificate (PhD) from the University of Lagos.

CARTOON: FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Beautiful photos from Calabar Carnival

Mikel earns N80m for Amstel advert

Mekel

Super Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi, is not only grabbing the cash at Stamford Bridge but also from endorsements with his Amstel Malta commercial netting him 800,000 million Naira (about $4 million).

“Mikel hit it rich with the Amstel Malta advert as he will pocket about 800 million Naira over a number of years,” a source told africanFootball.com.

“Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji, who featured in another Amstel commercial, will pocket half that amount.”

Endorsements formed the bulk the earnings of world‘s top soccer stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Focus On Yearly Achievement

It's the end of the year and most of us will find ourselves examining our lives and trying to see how many boxes in our goals' list we have ticked.

Nowadays, it's getting increasingly difficult to feel fulfilled. Years ago, it used to be that of only close friends and family that we compared our lives to. We were seldom aware of what is going on in many other people's lives. But now with Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram and BBM you find yourself comparing your life to that of way more people. You are now suddenly aware of what is happening in the lives of hundreds of people. And as it is with life, you will pay more attention to those whose lives are movie-perfect. They seem to have everything you want and more.

And it doesn't stop there. Based on what we see others achieve, we unintentionally expand our goals list. You wake up someday happy with the goals you've set yourself, then you log on to Facebook. You suddenly see someone already living a life that makes your goals look like crap. Result: You upgrade your goals. Now you have more complex goals. And next month the cycle repeats.

There are some of us who consider ourselves immune to what others are doing. The problem is that we are only partially right. Not envying someone else is just one side of the coin, the other side is being happy with your life. Yes, you don't feel pressurized to adjust your life to catch up with theirs. But also you are not smiling. Your life now feels more ordinary. Nothing special. No spark. You are more in resistance mode. You are not dissatisfied with your achievements, and also you are not impressed by them. You don't want more but you are no longer happy.

Why?
You now know too much. Too much about other people's lives.

What can you do?
Deliberately reduce reading up on others. Then focus more on the most important achievement: being happy.

It is not just enough that you are alive and have hope, you must also be happy. Be happy about who you are and the life you are living. Surround yourself more with positive motivation. Don't compare yourself to others. Find something consuming and fulfilling to do. The only metric you should evaluate yourself on is: "Am I happy?"

If the answer is yes, congratulations. If the answer is no, look for what to get rid off. Yes, get rid off. Happiness comes from within. If you are not happy it is because something within you is blocking it. Search for that thing and remove it.

For this year and the coming year, make it your most important goal to be happy.

Dangote Group to recruit 2,000 into Drivers Academy

In line with its policy to create opportunities for gainful employment for jobless youths in the country, Dangote Group is set to recruit about 2,000 Nigerians into its Academy to fill its transport division’s needs.

The scheme which will revolutionalize the road transport sub-sector of the economy is designed to improve the professionalism in the transport division of Dangote Industries Limited by engaging graduates and other educated Nigerians as drivers after months of training.

The recruitment, which will be conducted by Dangote Academy, a centre of excellence for talent development within Dangote Group, will see physically fit graduates in several disciplines being shortlisted for the training to be jointed undertaken by various agencies dealing with road transportation.

According to the Group’s spokesman Tony Chiejina, “the Academy seeks to provide the talent pipeline for the Group while filling the industrial skill-gap in Nigeria. As a result, the Academy just initiated a project called, ‘The Drivers Academy’ which aims at recruiting and training 2,000 Nigerian graduates to become professional heavy-duty vehicle drivers for the newly established Super Fleet of the Group.

“It is hoped that this initiative will assist to uplift the operating standards in road transport industry, promote entrepreneurship and open up various career opportunities.”

He explained that Dangote Academy would be partnering the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria to offer intensive training programme to successful candidates on safe and defensive driving, as well as basic vehicle maintenance and upkeep.

“Road regulatory agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Federal Vehicle Inspection Office (FVIO) are collaborating with NITT to provide a comprehensive training

My Value, Style And Vision

At the start of this year I had just one main objective: how do I make at least twice as what I was making monthly in my previous job. I accepted all kinds of jobs and worked myself like a slave. And because I was thinking at the level of my objective, I charged very low and bent to the conditions the clients were giving.

It's now end of the year, and I am glad I have stopped thinking at that low level. I am now thinking big. I am much more selective of the jobs I take on. I would rather work on my long-term business projects than do a one-on-one class anymore. I now charge much higher than I used to charge and my new objective is to be Nigeria's number 1 Investment builder and data management company.

I have completely reshaped my thinking. I no longer see myself as a highly skilled business consultant but as a business builder and data manager. I have even changed my LinkedIn job title to Managing Director. I am conditioning myself into thinking more as a managing director who will source and manage the resources needed to take my company (BIMA Group) to the sky, growth-wise.

I am putting almost every money that comes from the business back into the business. I get everything that I feel will help us get to the next level faster. I am more willing to make mistakes and waste money and time. My number one priority is now growth. The focus is no longer me. If in other to grow the business I need to stop doing the technical bit of the projects, then I will. I am already test driving having a standby team of experts I affiliated to. If it doesn't work well, I will try another model and keep searching for what will work.

I am glad I am in a business I chose myself and thoroughly enjoy, what I need to do is think really BIG. Let go of past challenges and move the business forcefully to new heights month on month.

Tiwa Savage finally reveals her baby’s face

The wait is finally over as sonorous singer, Tiwa Savage has finally shared the much awaited picture of her son.

The singer took to photo sharing app, Instagram to share the image which she captioned, ‘My Little Christmas Teddy Bear’.

The talented artiste’s baby wore a bear costume to the delight of her numerous followers.

Self Employment: The deadliest business trap ever and how to avoid it

AS an entrepreneur, being self-employed is the deadliest business trap ever! Business, whether online or offline small or big is governed by the same principles and calls for the same set of basic functions – production, marketing, finance, staffing and so on. Any difference that exists at all lies only in tactics. Marketing is still about finding, keeping and growing profitable clients, whether your business is online or offline, big or small. The same goes for value creation, whether it is a product or service business you run, the reason for offering those products/services is the same -generating income by solving people’s problems. Also, online or offline, big or small, every business needs workers and the same principles and functions of leading them apply. You see, in both business and in life, principles and functions rarely change, what changes is tactics. ‘The why’ [principle] and ‘the what’ [functions] are fundamentally the same, what
differs is ‘the how‘ [tactics]. So, that you run an online or small business, is no excuse for not structuring and running your business on fundamental principles and functions that has been the bedrock of every successful business. Having this consciousness is what makes successful business owners exceptional. They understand from the outset that being self-employed is limiting and from their small beginnings, they begin to lay the foundation for building a company that has the potential to grow and someday operate without them.
Are You DOING Business Or BUILDING A Business? Doing business is the definition of being a self-employed entrepreneur [freelancer]. When everything about your business is dependent on you as the owner, you’re simply doing business. The keyword here is ‘dependency’. Being a self-employed entrepreneur means everything about your business revolves around you the owner. When you don’t work, your business is down. Why? Because you are ‘working in’ [doing] your business rather than ‘working on’ [building] it. This is the danger of being a self-employed entrepreneur –you and your business is inseparable!
Building a business is the definition of being a Chief Executive Officer [CEO]. When everything about your business is NOT dependent on you as the owner, then you’re building a business. The keyword here is ‘independence’.
Being a CEO means you run your business as a company and everything about your business doesn’t revolve around you as the owner. When you don’t work, your business is still working. Why? Because you are ‘working on’ [building] your business rather than ‘working in’ [doing] it. This is the benefit of being a CEO –you and your business is separable! Being self-employed [doing business] is the deadliest trap of business ever. That you are small is no excuse for wanting to be a one-man army.
Someday soon, you will no longer be able to do all the things you so easily do now as a result of age, so what will become of your business then? Someday soon, your small business will outgrow your capacity to meet your entire customer’s increasing demand, so what will become of your business then? Then, you’ll suddenly realize that your entire ‘can-do-it-all-by-myself’ attitude as a self-employed entrepreneur is counterproductive. Then you will come to terms with the universal truth that one tree does not make up a forest and that one is too small a number to achieve greatness!
Successfully running a business is about profitably helping your clients achieve desired results consistently through the products/services you offer to them. It demands a high level of coordination and execution of several key activities. These activities cannot be handled successfully by only one person over a long period of time, so there’s need to create an operational structure/ system for effectiveness and efficiency. Creating this operational system/structure for your business is crucial to your success as a small business. At the head of this structure/system, is where you must operate from as the owner of your business. And the formal title given to anyone occupying this position is Chief Executive Officer [CEO].
Running a Business as a Company is the Essence of Being a CEO. Recently, I began to notice a general misconception among many small business owners especially the self-employed internet entrepreneurs that the CEO title is for the bureaucratic corporate organizations and not for those who want to ‘do their own thing’. In fact, the other day I read the entrepreneurial journey of Ingrid Abboud of nittyGriddy and it really made me think deeply about why many online entrepreneurs shy away from the reality that someday their own thing will outgrow them. While I can relate with the fact that most small businesses are started from the efforts of only one person at first, this is not enough reason to want to inhibit the growth potential of your business by still running it as a one man show. From the outset, it’s important to consciously go about your small business with the mindset as if it were already a big business.
Thomas Watson Jnr., once said about his father, Thomas Watson, the founder of IBM when the company was still a very small business, not even yet known within their locality. His father came home one day and suddenly announced the change of the business name from what it used to be to IBM [International Business Machines]. He said out of surprise he had to ask him why such an audacious global name for a business which was at that time only a one man show. His father replied him by saying that; you start acting from small the way you’ll like to be when you eventually become big.
The CEO title as corporate or bureaucratic as it may seem, comes with its own unique responsibilities and functions. Business is a team sport and every team needs a coach in order to be effective and successful. The CEO is the coach of a business. Being a business owner is about performing certain functions, these functions are governed by certain fundamental principles that cut across all kind of businesses, online or offline, big or small. Performing these functions is what being a CEO is all about. The function supersedes the title or position. The title simply serves as an encapsulation of the fundamental functions and corresponding roles required of every business owner. TO BE CONCLUDED SOON

Cavity Breakthrough! Dental Fillings May Become a Thing of the Past

Going to the dentist can be a painful experience--for your mouth and your pocketbook. After all, when dentists discover some tooth decay, the first option is usually to "drill and fill"--in other words, cut away the decay and then filling the area with resin or some other material.
Turns out, drilling and filling isn't necessary--and you can prevent cavities by less painful ways, according to a seven-year Australian study. Researchers found that dentists could cut the need for fillings by 50 percent by just doing the following:
1. Applying a concentrated fluoride varnish to the decayed area
2. Urging the patient to avoid sugary snacks and drinks in-between meals
3. Going over proper tooth-brushing techniques with the patient
4. Monitoring the tooth showing signs of decay

A big reason for the shift in dental care : Tooth decay is a much slower process than dentists previously thought. It can take up to eight years for the decay to spread from the outer tooth enamel to the inner part of the tooth, where it does damage. A big bonus: The preventative methods can actually REVERSE decay.

If your tooth already has a cavity (or hole), you are out of luck. The only way to treat actual cavities is to drill and fill.