INSPIRED !

Nigeria’s Alakija displaces Oprah Winfrey, becomes richest black woman in the world

 News    Wednesday, December 5, 2012

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Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, a Nigerian billionaire oil tycoon, Fashion designer and philanthropist is now the richest black woman in the world, according to report published by Ventures Africa, an African business magazine and news services.

Alakija, 61, is worth at least $3.3 billion- contrary to a recent Forbes Magazine ranking which pegs her net worth at only $600 million. She is $500 million richer than media mogul, Oprah Winfrey, whose wealth estimated at $2.7 billion in September.

Folorunsho Alakija is the founder and owner of Famfa Oil, a Nigerian oil company which owns a 60 percent working interest in OML 127 that produces about 200,000 barrels a day.

Alakija, was born into a wealthy, polygamous Nigerian family. She started out her professional career in the mid 70s as a secretary at the now defunct International Merchant Bank of Nigeria, one of the country's earliest investment banks.

In the early 80s, Alakija quit her job and went on to study Fashion design in England, returning to Nigeria shortly afterwards to start Supreme Stitches, a premium Nigerian fashion label which catered exclusively to upscale clientele. The business thrived, and Alakija quickly made a tidy fortune selling high-end Nigerian clothing to fashionable wives of military bigwigs and society women.

Oil Prospecting License

In May 1993, Alakija applied for an allocation of an Oil Prospecting License (OPL). The license to explore for oil on a 617,000 acre block - (now referred to as OPL 216) was granted to Alakija's company, Famfa Limited.

YES WE CAN- OLDAGE AND STUDYING

Grandfather bags first class in law as UI graduates 1,582

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Written by Dare AdekanmbiFriday, 16 November 2012Nigeria Tribune

A 57-year-old grandfather, Mr Isiaka Alli, was, on Thursday, named among 21 graduating students with first class degrees as 1,582 students graduated from the University of Ibadan (UI).

Alli, the elder brother of the chairman of Odu’a Conglomerate, Chief Sarafadeen Alli, graduated from the Faculty of Law and was also joint winner of the best graduating student for the 2011/2012 academic session.

He bagged his first degree 35 years ago and, thereafter, a second degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

Alli’s feat enthralled the crowd at the graduation ceremony held in the Trenchad Hall, when he was called for a handshake with the vice chancellor, Professor Isaac Adewole.

He told newsmen that faith and the determination to move the country forward informed his enrolling to study Law in the university.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Adewole blamed the low number of first degree holders on the graduation list to the disruption of the 2011/2012 academic calendar.

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Toddler temper tantrums: How I learned to stay stress free

What I did when my child had temper tantrums in public

Picture the scene, it's a beautiful day, you're at your favourite restaurant about to sit down to a fabulous Sunday lunch, when suddenly all hell breaks loose.

 had my first experience of the 'terrible twos' one beautiful Sunday afternoon. We had attended our favourite family restaurant for Sunday lunch. My daughter, Tilly, was sitting between us in her high chair. The menu looked mouth-watering and everything was dandy. Then suddenly the crystal clear wine glasses began to vibrate over the crisp white table linen and knives and forks started to shake. At first I thought it was an earthquake. But it was far worst. Tilly was having a tantrum.

With her tiny little feet she kicked the table from underneath. She then tried to break free from her chair. Then came the screaming, causing all eyes to turn on us. "I want daddy" she screamed. Thinking this would calm her, I took her out of the chair and handed her to daddy. The wailing stopped for exactly six seconds before she once again tried to break free. "I want to get down," she wailed. Threats like "If you don't behave we're going home" fell on deaf ears. By now the tantrum was in full swing.

We were attracting more attention than Joan Collins. I couldn't understand it. She wasn't even two. It wasn't fair. I felt cheated. My daughter was only 22 months. Had she begun the terrible twos early, like some kind of early menopause syndrome?

A bemused waiter came to take our order. "What would you like?" he asked. "Just our coats," I replied. Yes, it was time to leave.

We suffered the terrible twos for quite some time. My daughter did not mind where she had a tantrum. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to it.

Rather than let it spoil our time, I thought up different ways to deal with the situation so that when a tantrum struck, I was armed and ready. I even gave it a name: 'Tantrum Tamer'. It worked most of the time, which was definitely better than none of the time. More importantly - it got us through. Here's how I coped.

Whenever a tantrum struck I would go through a series of five stages with my daughter:

Physical contact and understand helps with toddler tantrums1. Even if my daughter was screaming at the top of her voice and showing no signs of listening, I would get down to her level so we were face to face. I would explain in a low calm voice that I understood that she was feeling upset. I would then say that if we both took a deep breath together we would start to feel better.

2. I soon discovered that if I made things more child friendly and more like a game, I got better results. Hence the name 'Tantrum Tamer'. I would say to my daughter, "Shall we try the Tantrum Tamer?" This consisted of a series of actions, starting with a hug. For me this was twofold. If she was totally running wild I could restrain her. Secondly, children quite often respond to touch.

Next we would breathe deeply. I would ask my daughter to take a deep breath in and then blow out with puffy cheek at least twice. It usually calmed me down, too. I would then tell my daughter the lovely warm feeling in her tummy was the Tantrum Tamer working. It would take a little time but would definitely work faster if she sat quietly.

3. I would not only talk calmly to my daughter, but physically look and act calm so that she could see The Tamer was beginning to work. I would smile widely, and say things like "I feel so happy" or "I'm ready for a nice nap". Anything my daughter would respond to.

4. If all of the above failed, I felt it was time for more drastic measures such as taking away a treat. I would say that she would not be able to go to the park until she was better behaved. If you decide to try this, you need to use your judgement on what penalty will work best for you and your child at that moment. The thing to remember is that this is the last warning.

5. Stick to your guns. If things are not better at this stage then you must carry out the penalty. Don't be hoodwinked into giving another chance because this will only come back to bite you next time.

For me the terrible twos were a huge learning curve. Although I feel grateful for the experience, I have to admit that now that it's over, I can breathe a sigh of relief - at least until the teenage years!

Culled from  http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/toddler-temper-tantrums-learned-stay-stress-free-163500641.html

NIGERIAN GENIUS !

Nigerian student breaks world record, scores 4.0 over 4.0 in Turkish varsity Education    Thursday, October 25, 2012 *Tunji receiving diploma from the President, Turkish Republic of North Cyprus   By Dayo Adesulu, Starrys Obazei & Musbaudeen Shekoni A genius could be referred to as an exceptional child who is academically sound. But, how would you describe an individual who never misses a point in his examinations from first year in the university to the final year? If there is any adjective to qualify such a person, that word could best describe Tunji Olu-Taiwo, an Engineering student of Eastern Mediterranean University in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus who obtained 4.0 CGPA out of 4.0 CGPA, the first ever in the department. Encomiums have continued to be showered on Tunji Olu-Taiwo from various quarters, because his impressive performance has placed him in the spotlight. Over the years, Nigeria's human resources have ranked among the best in the world partly due to the profound efforts of critical-minded parents that stimulate the astuteness that hides within every student, begging for whom to push the trigger. Tunji Olu-Taiwo, who hails from Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area of Lagos State, emerged the best graduating student from the Faculty of Engineering, obtaining a status of High Honours (first class). Tunji is the first African to have bagged such a status in the Department of Engineering, obtaining a degree in Engineering on a Grade Point Average of 4.00 out of 4.00 (straight A's). Amid great honour and eulogy sang by the students and academic, expressing marvel at the development, Vanguard met with Tunji in an online chat to speak more on his success. Mark Elliot Zuckerberg as Role Model "I am looking up to Mark Zuckerberg, he is a genius I love to emulate," Tunji said. Mark Elliot Zuckerberg (born May 14, 1984) is an American computer programmer and Internet entrepreneur. He is best known as one of the five co-founders of the social networking site, Facebook. Zuckerberg is the chairman and chief executive of Facebook. Inc. Further Study "I plan to further by specializing in the field of software engineering. “Software Engineering is a course I have cherished right from time. I know I owe the society more with this, that is the reason that I wish to go further in that regard for this dream to be fulfilled.” Hopes and challenges in Nigeria Tunji expressed hope in Nigeria when he said; "there is no place like home," adding; "I like the fact that no matter the difficult situations Nigerians find themselves in, they still try to be happy." Advice for the Government Poverty, I believe is the greatest distraction, frustrating process of seeking admission into universities and lack of steady electricity are some dire challenges the people, especially students, usually grapple with, in his honest opinion. Tunji advised the government thus: “Admissions should be done on a per semester basis. I will advise that the Federal Government should try to provide constant electricity. This, to me, will automatically eradicate about 50 per cent of Nigeria's problems. Also, a simple advice for all students is that the road to success is not on a straight path. Patience is a very important virtue that should be put to good use.” His Background “My father, Dr. Mike Olufemi Taiwo is a dental surgeon and a retired army officer. He is from Lagos State. My mother, Mrs. Ajoke Lillian Olu-Taiwo is a business consultant. She hails from Kogi State. My parents modelled my life the way it is today. They took time to instil discipline in me. I was born and raised in the great city of Kano. I grew up in a large Catholic family, with three brothers and four sisters. I started reading at a very young age. My parents made sure I did my assignments and that zeal still remains in me up to this moment.” Tunji's father who spoke with Vanguard about Tunji's up- bringing said; "I brought up all my children in Kano. I noticed that many parents allow their children freedom to wander about after school which I detested so I made it mandatory for my children to remain home-bound. I was part of their lives. I made sure their home works were done and their books studied on daily basis. I was their mentor and at the same time, their friend. “Nevertheless, because all work without play makes Jack a dull boy, so I provided indoor games for my children. When they were big enough to play table tennis, I played the game with them. It was fun. “I also taught them chess and was always beating them, but when Tunji came from Cyprus, he started beating me hands down and I began to marvel. I was not too surprised about the result he made," said Dr Olu Taiwo.

GRASS TO GRACE-LIKE FAIRY TALE !

'I lived under secretariat bridge for nine years until...'

The sleep town of Ibokun, Osun State, was recently set agog with fanfare when the former first lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala visited Emmanuel Fakulujo, a man who lived under the Oyo State secretariat bridge for nine years until he was rehabilitated by her. Rotimi Ige, who was there, brings Emmanuel's proverbial story of rising from grass to grace.

THE proverb, rising from grass to grace, is one that, though may be hard to experience these days, still exists. Not many ordinary people have the opportunity of having a chance meeting with the governor or first lady of a state, not to talk of having them as friends.

But that exactly was what happened to a retiree, Mr Emmanuel Olawole Fakulujo of Fakulujo compound, Ibokun town, Obokun Local Government of Osun State. Before his retirement in 2000, he had worked at the former Oyo State Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, now Ministry of Commerce and Industry, at the state secretariat, Ibadan, for 30 years.

He joined the ministry as a clerk in 1970, after leaving Ibokun town in 1964 in search of the proverbial golden fleece. He left home at the age of 14 to live with his grandmother in Ibadan but after some time, left to seek a white collar job when he was fed up with selling wares. On getting the job, he went ahead to train himself to university level and served at the said ministry until he retired meritoriously in 2000.

Upon retirement, things turned sour for Mr Fakulujo, so bad that he resorted to living under the Oyo state secretariat over-head bridge at Agodi, Ibadan because he couldn't afford to pay his rent. He also could not stand going back to his home town, after he had left for over 30 years. And that was why he lived under the over-head bridge for nine years, until fate decided to smile upon him once again.

One day, (Chief) Mrs Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, then, the first lady of Oyo State, in 2009, noticed that a particular man was always under the bridge anytime she passed by. Upon further enquiry, she found out that he needed rehabilitation as being without proper feeding and care had taken a toll on him physically and mentally. She decided to adopt him, using her Community Link Advancement Programme (CLAP), to rehabilitate and re-integrate him into the society while also relocating him back to his hometown and family.

Mr Fakulujo was first taken to the Neuropsychiatric Home, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he was tested and treated so that he could regain his balance and then he was taken back to Ibokun and reunited with his family.

On 10 October, 2012, Her Excellency, Mrs Alao-Akala, decided to visit Mr Fakulujo again, as she normally did every six months. She, along with her Glorious Destiny group, headed by the wife of the former Deputy Speaker's wife, Mrs Temilorun Adeleke, took a trip to Ibokun town, where they were received by the Owa of Ibokun, Kabiyesi Festus Kayode Awogboro, and his chief-in-council, at the royal court. The oba, in his address, was full of praises to Mrs Alao-Akala for the good deed bestowed upon one of his subjects.

He stressed that despite the fact that Emmanuel Fakulujo was not an indigene of Oyo State and that she was no longer in government, it was commendable that she could still deem it fit to continue to cater for all his needs. He enjoined those in power and everyone who was wealthy enough, to emulate Mrs Akala's gesture of love as there were still so many people in need. In appreciation, he announced that a chieftancy title would be conferred on her, come December 1, 2012.

In response, Mrs Alao-Akala thanked the oba, stressing that she was grateful to God for the opportunity to help someone in dire need. She said that whenever she passed by the secretariat bridge, she was distressed that such an elderly man was there in open weather. After much enquiry, she found out that he was from Ibokun town. She thanked the people of Ibokun for the chieftancy title bestowed on her.

Diran Odeyemi, who was also present, thanked the oba and the people of Ibokun, stating that Mrs Alao-Akala was a worthy person for the title.

The group then proceeded to Mr Fakulujo's abode, where the former governor's wife spent close to an hour, interacting with Emmanuel and members of his extended family, after which she presented gifts items, clothes, food and his yearly stipend.

Fakulujo's sister, Foyeke Adejoorin, while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, was full of thanks for Mrs Alao-Akala, describing her as God-sent, as she had completely taken over the upkeep of Emmanuel for over three years. She stressed that the food items, clothes and stipend provided for her brother had gone a long way in helping to keep him alive and well, adding that the entire household of Fakulujo would forever be indebted to the Alao-Akalas. Nigerian Tribune also spoke to the man who had been tasked with keeping Emmanuel's stipend, a Deeper Life Church pastor, Fajemidagba Benjamin, who said that the monies sent to Emmanuel had been regular and were more than adequate for his daily upkeep. He encouraged notable Nigerians to emulate Mrs Alao-Akala's gestures so that more people could be taken off the streets.

Mrs Alao-Akala's CLAP initiative, even after her tenure as the wife of the Oyo State governor, still caters for close to 100 beneficiaries who, till date, receive help and assistance. Indeed, through this, she continues to extend her benevolence to as many as she comes across, changing their lives for the better.

Written by Rotimi Ige
Monday, October 15, 2012

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

RING LOST AND FOUND ON WEDDING DAY

Best Man Loses Wedding Ring at Altar

By Ben Forer | ABC News Blogs – 20 hours ago

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(ABC News)As Elizabeth Gray and Lewis Aubrey were in the final stages of becoming husband and wife at a church outside London, the ceremony was interrupted by a loud ping.

"Suddenly you just hear this noise that sounded like metal dropping and with that the vicar said to the best man … 'Was that the ring?' and he went, 'Yeah,'" Gray told ABC News. "Then all eyes turned to the floor."

"When I heard the ring I just assumed it had fallen on the floor and was just going to be a foot away from my foot," Aubrey said. "When I looked down to see, there was no sign of it."

They lifted drainage grates, tore apart floral arrangements and searched formal wear, but no one in the congregation was able to locate the ring.

"No one knew where it had gone at all," said Gray. "I was kind of just thinking, Oh, God the show's got to go on. I've stood at the altar, all my friends and family are here, I want to get married."

Gray had spent six months looking for the perfect ring and the best man who dropped it wasn't just Aubrey's closest friend, it was his brother, Matt. Unable to find the ring, they went on with the wedding ceremony, using Gray's mother's wedding ring.

"It kind of felt nice and it felt right to use my mum's because it means something. So I used that and then the service continued," Gray told ABC News.

Following the service, the newlyweds took photos and headed off to the reception, while guests stayed behind and scoured the church for the ring to no avail. After eating dinner the vicar returned to the church, determined to find it.

"In the end, there was a crack between the step and the raised dais," Rev. Nicholas Calver told The Telegraph. "I thought it must be down there so I levered them apart with a spade to make the gap bigger, shone a torch down and saw the ring. I was delighted to find it."

Calver made his way to the site of the reception with the ring and gave it to Matt Aubrey, who entered the reception hall holding it triumphantly.

"My brother was holding the ring like Frodo from 'Lord of the Rings,' and everyone erupted," said Aubrey. "The vicar actually blessed the marriage then and so I kind of got married twice."

"The vicar is definitely a hero," Gray said.

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CARELSS PASTORS

Lagos: Pastor, wife remanded in prison over disapperance of friend's two children

 Crime Guard    Saturday, September 8, 2012

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By Adeola Adenuga & Oluwatobiloba Adeyemi

Pastor Isaac Komolafe and wife, Olasunkanmi, have been remanded in prison for inability to produce their friend's two children in their custody since September 2010.

Trouble started when Mr. Salimon Ogunyemi dragged them before an Agege Grade A Customary Court for unauthorised transfer of the children to an unknown person.

According to Pastor (Mrs) Olasunkanmi Komolafe, Biola Ogunyemi, a friend, brought the children to her when she wanted to travel abroad.

The children: Boluwatife and Abayomi, had been in their custody for about two years until someone, who claimed to be Biola Ogunyemi's cousin, came and took them away.

When asked how the court could get in touch with the so-called cousin, Pastor (Mrs) Komolafe could not explain the whereabouts of the man, and that informed the decision of the judge to remand her and her husband in Kirikiri Prison.

The court president, Mr. Emmaunel Shokunle, ordered that Pastor Komolafe and his wife of Christ Cornerstone Bible Church, lpaja, be remanded in custody pending the time the so called cousin would appear in court

KIDS AND CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Canadian Experts Call for Nationwide Ban on Spanking

By Sarah B. Weir, Yahoo! blogger | Team Mom – 3 hours ago

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Canada's top medical journal has called for the repeal of the country's 120-year-old "spanking law," which allows corporal punishment. In astrongly worded editorial published on September 4, John Fletcher, the editor-in-chief of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), called physical punishment an "anachronistic excuse for poor parenting." The editorial accompanies a meta-analysis of 20 years of research about the ill effects of spanking, conducted by Joan Durant PhD of the University of Manitoba, first published in February and reprinted in the current volume of the CMAJ.

Related: Spanking, Hitting Kids in Public Surprisingly Common

An estimated fifty percent of Canadian parents spank their children, and Canada, like the United States, protects parents' right to physically discipline kids. Section 43 of the Canadian Criminal Codestates, "A parent is justified in using force by way of correction…if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances." Worldwide, more than 30 countries prohibit corporal punishment in the home including Austria, New Zealand, and Sweden.

Related: Daughter "Begged" For Spanking Instead of Mom's Web Photo

Fletcher and Durant argue that current research shows spanking is an ineffective tool and that there is substantial evidence linking it to mental health issues including depression and substance abuse as well as to increased aggressive behavior. "Surely any bias should be toward protecting children, who are the most vulnerable," writes Fletcher. "To have a specific code excusing parents is to suggest that assault by a parent is a normal and accepted part of bringing up children. It is not. While section 43 stands, it is a constant excuse for parents to cling to an ineffective method of child discipline when better approaches are available."

Spanking is a controversial issue in Canada, and Section 43 been contested a number of times. Most recently, in 2004, the Supreme Court upheld it in a 6-3 ruling. A United Nations panel on children's rights has called on the country to repeal the law. In response to the CMAJ, a spokesperson forMinister of Justice Rob Nicholson told the National Post, "Parents are in the best position to raise their children. We believe it is up to them, not the government, to decide what is best for their children so long as it is within reason."

Spanking is also a hotly contested topic in the United States. While more than 70 percent of mothers admit to having hit their kids at least once, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages the practice. A July report by the Journal Pediatrics, which backs up the CMAJ's findings, concluded, "Harsh physical punishment in the absence of child maltreatment is associated with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse/dependence, and personality disorders in a general population sample."

In his editorial, Fletcher asserts that, "Parents need to be re-educated as to how to discipline their children." Durant, who is also the author of popular free online parenting guide, 'Positive Discipline,' says she hopes doctors will look at spanking as a medical issue and do more to advise parents on alternatives. "If we had two or three studies that showed that if you took 500 mg of vitamin C a day you could reduce cancer risk," she said in a statement emphasizing the breadth and depth of scientific research on the negative effects of physical punishment, "we would all be taking 500 mg of vitamin C a day."

Would you support a United States ban on spanking? Please let us know in the comments below.

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HEALTHY EATING

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The healthy superfoods you should be eating

By Rachael Anne Hill | The Slim Down – Thu, Jun 28, 2012 17:22 BST

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Yahoo! nutritionist Rachael Anne Hill identifies four nutrient-packed, super-healthy foods we should be eating but are often forgotten about.

Quinoa

Although commonly referred to as a grain, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is actually a seed.  Available from most good health stores and supermarkets, it can be cooked and eaten in much the same way as rice and contains all the essential amino acids (the amino acids your body can't make) so it is an excellent source of complete protein for vegans and vegetarians.

Quinoa is low in fat but rich in cholesterol-lowering fibre and is a good source of B vitamins needed for repair of body cells and an efficient metabolism.  Quinoa contains energy-giving iron too (the mineral women are most likely to be deficient in), calcium for strong bones and potassium, which can help to reduce high blood pressure. It's also a good source of magnesium, which can reduce the frequency of headaches by helping to relax the blood vessels that supply the brain.  In short, quinoa is a super-healthy super food and introducing it to your diet is a smart and tasty choice.

Cold pressed rapeseed oil

Cold pressed rapeseed oil (cold pressed means the oil is naturally extracted from the plant at room temperature without the addition of any chemicals) has balanced levels of omega 3, 6 and 9. Together these make up the essential fatty acids vital for lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation that can cause heart disease and premature ageing, boosting the immune system and nourishing skin, hair, bones and joints. It also has half the saturated fat and ten times the omega 3 content of olive oil and is an excellent source of skin-enhancing vitamin E.

Cook with it, drizzle sparingly over salads, rice or pasta dishes or mix with balsamic vinegar, garlic and a little honey for a really delicious salad dressing.

[Related feature: Why whole grains are a great superfood]

Crab

Crab is a slimmer's dream because it's low in calories (a four ounce serving of crab meat has only 98 calories), full of flavour and with under two grams of fat per serving, it's heart-healthy too.

Despite its low calorie content, it is a great source of protein so it's a really filling and satisfying food.  Crab is also a good source of omega 3s which help to lower triglycerides and blood pressure along with reducing the risk of heart disease.

Omega 3s are also thought to reduce inflammation, enhance immune function and even lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Try topping a salad with flakes of fresh crab meat or alternatively add tinned crab meat to fish cakes or fish pies.

Radishes

These hot tasting little vegetables are members of the cruciferous family and owe their pungent flavour to super nutrients called glucosinolates that are also found in broccoli and cabbage. Glucosinolates help to boost detoxing enzymes in the liver, have anti-cancer properties and aid digestion. Radishes contain just one calorie each and come packaged up with plenty of hunger-combating fibre so they are great for the waistline.  Chomping your way through just ten radishes will provide you with 25% of your daily vitamin C and their leaves, which are also edible, contain six times more. Add them to summer salads for an extra peppery kick or dip them into hummus and tzatziki.