The frustrations of an NYSC official – By Israel Mark Ademola

Nigeria is a country that boosts of a large quantity of very frustrated people. I’m a member of this association and so are you. But why are we frustrated? Let’s look at it this way: You wake up in morning, wanted to take your bath but the tap is not running. You managed to get water from a nearby well, good for you. You remembered you need to press your clothes but alas! There’s no light. In fact, you’ve not seen your bulb lit for some days, yet you pay your bills. It’s only fair you get the service you paid for, but of course that word ‘fair’ does not exist. We deleted it from our national dictionary.

Whose Job is it to Clean Up This Mess? By Israel Mark Ademola

It’s funny how Nigerians make excuses for their leaders, or should i say rulers? Well, either way, these are the people we have entrusted our common wealth, our national cake if you like. Some of my friends see me as an unrepentant critic of the present administration, i must confess that this is pretty flattering. To others, i’m just one hell of a guy that can never see anything good in a ‘performing’ President no matter how much he (the president) tries.

NYSC @ 40: Why It Should Not Be Scrapped

National Youth Service as it is called in this part of the world is before now the dream of every Nigerian graduate. The rude and violent breach of the relative peace and security in the Northern part of the country by the emergence of the Boko Haram militant group has done more harm to the aims for which the NYSC was established. The use of the word ‘relative’ was intentional; as far as I’m concerned, the North has never been stable. It has always been a dangerous place for the non northerners. I know this because I have lived in the north for two decades now.

The Hypocrisy of Men of Gold- Israel M.A

 

 Some years ago, in a survey by a UK based magazine, Nigerians were adjudged to be the happiest people on earth. Of all the 65 countries covered, it was found that a greater number of happy people lived in Nigeria. Are we really happy? Or are we just too scared to fight for our rights, question the norms and challenge the beliefs we were taught never to contest?

Is Rochas Really Working? Check Out These Pictures

Font view of the school

I'm currently in Owerri the Imo state capital and majority of the people I've met so far seem to be happy with the present administration in the state.
I'm not really impressed with the level of work in the state capital; nothing spectacular. The roads constructed do not seem to me as ones that wouldn't beg for repairs after a year.

UPDATE: UNIUYO Shut After Students Protest Turned Violent

Policemen move to quell the unrest

 

University of Uyo has been closed down until further notice after students' protest turned violent.
At least, a student is reported dead after police allegedly shot into the crowd to disperse them. The police have however denied there was any casualty. Troops were later called in to restore order. This is an eye witness account; I have not been able to independently verify the story.
The students were protesting the sudden increase in transportation fare from the old campus to the new one.

Uyo on Fire as Students Protest

Policemen move to quel the unrest

Happening now: At least, a student has been confirmed dead as students of University of Uyo take to the street to protest high cost of transportation from the old campus to the new one. A trigger happy corps allegedly shot the student. I heard troops have been called in to restore order. This is an eye witness account; I have not been able to independently verify the story.

Should We Be Happy? NYSC Pays Up Finally

Corps members protesting delay in payment of allowance

About 200 corps members that were yet to be paid their April federal allowance in Akwa Ibom State finally received alerts yesterday, 28^th May, 2013 from their various banks confirming that their accounts have been credited.

My Akwa Ibom Girl - By Israel M.A

My Akwa Ibom Girl

People think she’s beautiful,

Beauty has elastic limit.

I use to think her an angel

But angels are not humans.

First Bank of Nigeria graduate Trainee Programme Application closes on 30th May, 2013.

First Bank of Nigeria PLC is recruiting graduates who have completed their national service and have a certificate to show for it in its graduate TraineeProgramme. Application closes on Thursday 30^th of May, 2013.

Requirements for Application

Ø  Applicants must not be older than 27 years old by June 2013

Ø  Applicants must have completed NYSC with a valid certificate

Ø  Applicants must have a minimum of Bachelor's degree with ‘Second Class Lower’ or HND with ‘Upper Credit’

To apply, click here

EMERGENCY DECLARATION: Making a Case for Kano – Israel M.A

The declaration  by  President  Jonathan of a State of Emergency on the ‘homes’ of the so far intractable terror group – Boko Haram, is probably the boldest decision of his administration. The January one removal of subsidy was anything but bold, it was not only a betrayal of trust on the part of the President but an insult on the sensibilities of the poverty stricken and highly unsubsidized Nigerians.

Senate Ratifies Emergency Declaration

The emergency declaration on Tuesday by President Jonathan has received the approval of the senate. The declaration was unanimously approved by the 100 members present at a session of the whole house today.

UPDATE: About 200 Corps Members Yet to Get Paid in Akwa Ibom State

Some of the Corps members at the NYSC office in Uyo

Over 200 corps members are yet to receive their April federal allowance in Akwa Ibom State. The state chapter of the NYSC started paying on the 15^th of May, 2013.

EMERGENCY RULE: Jonathan Acted Within the Ambit of the Constitution- Falana

Read Mr. Falana's opinion on the declaration of State of Emergency in three northern States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

Following the breakdown of law and order in some parts of the country President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in three states to wit: Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

FINALLY: Corps Members in Akwa Ibom Receive April Allowance

Corps members serving in Akwa Ibom State can now heave a sign of relief as NYSC Commences payment of their April allowance. Some of the corps members have received Bank alerts already while others await theirs.
The April allowance was delayed for two weeks: no reason was given for the delay.

Aftermath Of Emergency Declaration: Gunmen kill CAN Secretary in Borno

Less than twenty four hours after President Jonathan declared emergency rule in three states; Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, Gunmen, believed to be members of the extremist Boko Haram sect, on Tuesday evening shot dead the Borno Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.

BREAKING NEWS: President Jonathan Declares State of Emergency in Three States

Finally, President Goodluck Jonathan today declared a state of  emergency in three Nigerian states of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno. The  president made the declaration during a nationwide broadcast. Read the full text below..........

BAGA: You Cannot Justify A ‘Massacre’ – Israel M.A

 Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state north eastern part of Nigeria is fast becoming the most popular city in the country. Unlike Lagos, which is known to be the economic power house of the nation, Maiduguri can best be described as the terror capital of Nigeria; it is the stronghold of the notorious terrorist sect popularly known as Boko Haram.

An African ‘Lady’ - By Israel M.A

She’s black. But, despises the black tradition and culture.

She loves the white man’s way;

Moral decadence in modern western society excites her.

The way of the light skinned man seems perfect;

Moral bankruptcy is not an issue.

African culture is overbearing. It fetters the modern woman.

A culture that places a woman below a man and limits her freedom is outdated,

 And thus, be discarded.

After all, she’s a Christian. A modern Christian!

She’s answerable to Christ, not tradition.

Reading the bible or praying is not a priority;

After all, God is only interested in the heart.

You dare not call her a woman. That will surely infuriate her.

She’s a lady!

Israel Mark Ademola-Oguntuase

israelmarc86@gmail.com

Follow on Twitter @Ademola_israel