fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
The Nigeria Leadership Puzzle!
By: Babs Oyeniyi
Tags: Leadership, Nigeria, Corruption, Economy, Covid 19

Nigeria Flag. (Source: Internet)

We are a people that our individual and collective sensibility and sensitivity have been raped incessantly over the years and have become accustomed to contradictions. For instance, how do you explain situations where someone renown to be poor or average among his/her people becomes stupendously wealthy just because he was elected or appointed into a government position? Other instances abound and are everywhere! Yet the arms of the law have been twisted always to favor the person with the big pocket. The people are not deaf and dump!

This is what made each individual adapt his/her tactics to thrive or survive at their various level of society’s strata. This is what will make railway workers selfish; this is what will make traders swindle customers; this is what will make a gateman demand bribery before you can gain entrance; this is what will make a Governor misappropriate State funds, a Minister to inflate contracts. Everyone has a level, so each person plays at his/her level.

Getting out of these quagmires requires solving one major puzzle. The puzzle of Leadership!

“Everything rises and falls on Leadership” — John Maxwell

“A fish rots from the head down” — Proverb

The military parade is fun to watch. The precision and unison of every moment, even when all seems scattered, are spectacular to behold. At the head of the parade is a commander, who gives the order. As he shouts out the orders, his sub-commanders re-echo the orders to their divisions; as he moves at his own commands, the same for the sub-commanders and the entire parade.

This is what Nigeria critically needs as a nation at this point. A Leader with a vision on a mission, who will move with military discipline and precision and ‘command’ the sub-leaders to do the same. This should not be construed as supporting a military rule. Far from it! The case here is, Nigeria needs disciplined leaders, who will not be so enmeshed in politics to neglect the people that give them the mandate. Leaders who move with clear precision because they are vision-driven. Leaders that ‘command’ the citizenry to move in unison of purpose and direction. Leaders whose sole interest are not their personal ambitions or aspirations. Leaders that will awaken the national consciousness of patriotism. Leaders who will retune our moral strings and make us find our rhythm again.

When we have such leaders, then we will realize that corruption and other ills ravaging our nation will gradually and systematically drift to oblivion, no totally anyways but substantially.

The solutions to the leadership puzzle are in the hand of, ” We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. Our collective choices will continue to glaringly indicate the direction we choose to travel.
@Greenjots1 Clean up and Christmas Tree Planting Campaign in the City of Port Harcourt.
Tags: Environmentallyconscious, Ecofriendlyliving, Nigeria, Port Harcourt, Greenjot

The cleanup exercise was awesome and inspiring.

What if everyone planted a tree?

Nice question

According to one estimate, if we planted 1.2 trillion trees, we’d cancel out a decade’s worth of CO2 emissions by the time the forests mature.

So that’s more like 160 trees per person. Trees take carbon dioxide out of the air and release oxygen — making them a natural source of carbon capture. Planting 1.2 trillion more trees could capture up to 100 gigatonnes of CO2, on top of the 400 gigatonnes captured by all our existing trees.

Trees planted near the equator can be especially beneficial, as they grow much faster in the warm, wet and humid environment.

Let’s imagine that happened. In as little as 20 or 30 years, entire woodlands and forests would be established. And in 100 years, these trees would grow and mature, safeguarding habitats that otherwise get cut down.

We’d also see a rise in biodiversity as trees get older and start to decompose, because they, along with dead trees, offer a habitat to all kinds of fungi and insects.

On top of this, we could see a positive impact to our mental health, as studies have shown trees can lower stress and make people happier.

In Japan, they have a term for it — “forest bathing”. But despite how much trees offer us, we’re getting rid of them at an alarming rate. Currently, it’s estimated that 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions are the result of deforestation — because when we cut down trees they emit carbon instead of absorbing it.

And we’re cutting down 15 billion trees a year — that’s almost 500 a second, 29,000 a minute, 1.7 million an hour, 41 million a day.

Although tree planting is a valuable part of tackling climate change, it won’t be effective unless we reduce the number we cut down in the first place and make big changes to the way we live.

If everyone on the planet planted a single tree, it would be a powerful symbolic act.

And if we kept on planting them and stopped cutting them down, it could go a long way to protecting and safeguarding our world.

Please plant trees much as you can…. 🍃💚💧💚🍃

Don’t forget to plant one today.

Ezekiel Chimkwanum.
Nickz Biography
By: Empire Goose
Tags: Musicians, Empire Goose Records, Nigeria, Empire Goose, Nickz

He is an indigene of Kogi State, Nigeria, born into the family of 9 parents included. Out of 7 children, he’s the fourth child of the family.

Nicolas (Nickz) is an upcoming musical artist in the genre of afro-pop & Afrobeats. His music decision cannot be far fetched from his experience as a child, modelling how music was taken in his family. Hence, Music comes easily to every member of the family and he’s not an exception of the naturally talented music icon in the family.

He started music professionally in the year 2010. That was when he moved to Lagos to chase his musical dreams. He pushed himself until he got signed to Empire Goose Record in the year 2020.

10years in the game and still counting he didn’t give up because music is a source of joy.

streamingAlthough, he got signed in 2020 into the record label; Empire Goose Records as the second artist in the record label. Where he then released a song titled “Bye Bye to poverty” which is available on all music streaming on platforms.

His music doesn’t stop at that single track as he set to release another one, on December 25th titled “Weekend”.

Weekend by Nickz of Empire Goose Records

Although, no major award or accomplishment yet in the line of his music career but the diligence he has shown towards his works show how ready he is for any opportunities to make an impact on the music world.

Nicholas (Nickz) among friends and family is known to be a simple, fun to be with and a motivational speaker.

He also loves travelling, reading and making new friends.

Nicholas (Nickz) currents educational status is secondary school certificate but he plans to further his studies alongside his music career.

For more enquires, you can contact Reuben on;

Instagram: nickzart123

Facebook: Nickz
This year 2020 has been a roller coaster really.
By: Zadok Oludipe
Tags: Youths, 2021, Happy New Year, Nigeria, Merry Christmas

This year 2020 has been a roller coaster really. In Nigeria, the timeline became The World War 3 scare, the Covid 19 pandemic and the prolonged lockdown thereafter, the incessant rape allegations amidst the lockdown, the ENDSARS protest and youths massacre, the looting of palliatives and further looting of people’s shops and politicians' houses, the slowly regaining of life in the country, another lockdown looming and here I am with my first writing on Medium. Embedded in all this was Nigeria form of politics coming to play and the citizens adapting as usual to cope.

It’s most wonderful that Nigerians always fill up our losses and do try to make gain in all ways — our exceptional trait. So we count our losses but smile in our survival and complementary gains.

A lot of thoughts spin in the mind of all; how’s Christmas going to be and the promising 2021. Honestly, in each of us there’s still some tingling fear lingering in us, hoping 2021 won’t plunge worse than 2020. Whatever happens, I know we’ll surely live by.

Now I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, especially the “Happy New Year" 💝

Gracias
https://kombackblog.com/fancy-christmas-outfits-for-kids/
Tags: Christmas Gifts, Nigeria, Christmas, Snow, Christmas Tree

Komback is a free online marketplace in Nigeria where you sell your goods and services locally for free. Free post Ads.
The Future Of The Nigerian Youth Post COVID-19
By: Ben-Osadolor Godcan
Tags: Youth Development, Government, Nigeria, Youth, Covid 19

credit: Shutterstock

As at the time of this writing, the year is gradually coming to an end. A year filled with highs, lows, and overall expectations from unexpected sources that never came. Nine months into an unprecedented strike that left millions of students out of school, depressed, broke, and clueless. A year where the cry of police brutality and extortion across all groups in the country came to light, but as always downplayed by the ever-present demeaning nature of the government.

The Nigerian youth has been tagged lazy, but are we? We are a group of diligent and resilient individuals striving every day to become better people under the tutelage of a limiting government. The advent and presence of the COVID-19 pandemic have been a blessing for some while it has been a curse for others.

We have entered an era with every young person tilting towards exploring their deepest potentials, which would, in turn, lead to the emergence of bright minds. With a faction leaning to cybercrime amidst other illegitimate means of getting money, another squad taking the legal route and delving into different businesses and entrepreneurial milestones, It has been an atmosphere of mixed reactions.

Where do we stand?

credit: Pinterest

Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics for Q2,2020 into consideration highlights a significant increase in Nigeria’s unemployment rate at 27.1%, indicating that about 21.7million Nigerians are unemployed. Nigerian youths (15–24years) make up about 13.9million that are either out of job or unemployed. These surprising figures have us questioning anything and everything.

The Covid-19 pandemic, in a way, is playing a significant role in helping youths infuse and unlock their creative potential as we step into this innovative era where ideas and strategies can be implemented. Currently, the economy is not in high spirits; post-COVID-19, various sectors would be looking at developments and solutions to bounce back to the glory-charts of the economy.

The evolving labor market could pose a problem for Nigerian youth that is ill-equipped. For their sake, it is advisable for every Nigerian youth out there to hone their entrepreneurial skills and also prioritize acquiring in-demand soft skills to help them stand out and make something tangible out of nothing. Work on improving yourself in every aspect, be eager to learn something new, and beat the cusp of idleness as hard and tedious as that may seem. The odds struggle to be in our favor and just when we think things are looking up in a way, the government deals us another fresh blow.

credit: Shutterstock

We as a people, known for our resilience, so do not be deterred, We will get through this together, do not be caught flatfooted, Try out that course today, take that class, start that business. Do well to make sure you don’t stay idle come the new year. Happy Holidays!
Lafiya for iOS & Android is like Uber for the Doctor and Patient
By: Tech News
Tags: Patients, Nigeria, Doctors, Apps, Healthcare

On-demand healthcare services 24/7 for clients in Nigeria, Africa and developing nations.

What is Lafiya?

An online and digital healthcare platform for on-demand healthcare services 24/7 for clients in Nigeria and Africa. It’s one of the best medical apps for doctors to offer the convenient of telehealth care and patients to get instant treatments from anywhere, at any time.

Standout Features:

Online and digital healthcare platform

For clients in Nigeria and Africa

On-Demand/Appoint video, audio, or chat meeting with a doctor

Get instant treatment plan and digital prescriptions sent to a local pharmacy near you

Free instant access to Lafiya artificial intelligence doctor for medical guidance

Book appointments with best doctors for instant consultation and prescription

24/7 Instant access to medical consultancy or telemedicine

Artificial Intelligence health checker, guide telecare, and personalized recommendations

Ask personal health questions and get instant consultation

Offer the convenience of telehealth visits to your patients

Write prescriptions, lab orders, and notes, from your home or anywhere

Doctor online care to patients via video, voice, or chat

End-to-end digitally encrypted communications to ensure privacy and security

Uniqueness: Medium

Usefulness: High

Potential of going viral: High

IMPORTANT INFO

Compatibility: IOS 13.0 or later

Requires: Android 5.0 and up

Developer: Lafiya TeleHealth

Official Website: Lafiya

App Store Download Link: Lafiya

Google Play Download Link: Lafiya
Have You Forgotten to Dream?
By: Faith Donwa
Tags: Poetry On Medium, Motivational, Nigeria, Africa, Strength

Have You Forgotten to Dream?

Men, Women, Sons, Daughters, Kings and Queens!

Tell me,

Have you forgotten to dream?

Have the thorns of life prickled the blood of your imaginations out of you?

Have pain, disappointment and shame blinded you so

That you lost sight of the gold you gained?

Tell me,

Have you forgotten to dream?

Soldiers and Warriors of old marched to their deaths because they dreamt a favorable end,

Artists started that journey of a million strokes, Scientists went on a scientific craze

And Lovers, self-imposed death sentences

All in favor of that which they call a dream

Tell me mankind,

Have you forgotten to dream?

The world is painful, oh yeas.

Currency has turned to dust in this West.

But African souls with the strongest of mental muscles and hope

Tell me, is that a license to forget to dream?

See this land, it is not taken,

Possess it with your art and molds of your sweat and thinking.

Travel it, no one stamped on it “prohibited”

Love in it so deeply if you wish

Turn the tides of the system, create the unthinkable of things

It will not be easy, I know

But don’t let them win:

The faulty systems, wicked men or failing currencies.

Whatever happens,

Remember,

You are king.

Don’t forget to dream.
OpenDeFi Meme Contest!🔥(Naija version)
By: Derek Micheal
Tags: Cryptocurrency, Nigeria, Opendefi, Oropocket

Nigerians i hail una oo as e be say i be one of the #OroPocket Ambassador i for like introduce una for this meme contest way #OroPocket don bring com una way for pipo wey be crypto enthusiast and Meme gurus, i go like my Naija pipo to partake for this one and share from the $250 wey #OroPocket dey give as reward for this contest.

Since wen this contest start we don see beta beta entries, pipo don run dey send in their correct meme.

OpenDeFi Meme Contest!🔥

🚀Our contest dey start on Friday by 12PM IST, December 19 2020. You fit send more than one meme.

🏆The top 5 memes go share $250 ORO.

How to fit participate👇

♦️Follow us for we Twitter

♦️Join us for we Telegram

♦️Post your own meme for Twitter

♦️Tag @oropocket and use our hashtag #OpenDeFiMemeContest

♦️Tag at least 3 of your friends for Twitter, the more the pipo, the better.

♦️Share your meme for we Telegram Channel

♦️Fill this form wey dey down with your details — http://bit.ly/3oZzuH1

⚠️We dey close all entries for 6PM December 31 2020.

Follow us celebrate this holiday by sending your best memes!🍻

Retweet : https://twitter.com/oropocket/status/1339820218667810816?s=19
UNICEF Hails Kankara School Boys Release,Calls On FG To Make Schools A Safe Haven
By: Oludolapo Adewale
Tags: Nigeria, Kankara, Children, Schools, Unicef

UNICEF Hails Kankara School Boys Release,Calls On FG To Make Schools A Safe Haven

By

Oludolapo Adewale

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has hailed the release of 344 children who were earlier abducted from their school- Government Boys Science Secondary School in Kankara, last week.

In a statement on the release of schoolboys, UNICEF Nigeria Representative Peter Hawkins expressed relief while hoping for the safe reunion of the boys with their families.

Noting that attacks on educational facilities are a grave violation of children’s rights, Hawkins while condemning the Kankara attack stated that schools should be safe.

"This incident is a disturbing reminder of the heavy toll that violence takes on civilians in north-west Nigeria, including children. Such attacks deprive children of the right to an education. They make children fearful of going to the classroom, and parents afraid to send their children to school." The UNICEF country representative affirmed.

Hawkins further stated "that no cause justifies attacks against children and schools. Such cruel disregard for humanity must come to an end."

He therefore called on the Federal Government to put interventions in place to ensure that schools in the country are safe adding that these interventions should take into account the important role that communities can play in ensuring the safety of schools, including through support for School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs).

In the past six years, Nigeria has witnessed attacks on educational institutions in locations such as Buni Yadi, Chibok and Dapchi with the latest one in Kankara, Katsina state.
UNICEF Hails Kankara School Boys Release, Calls On FG To Make Schools A Safe Haven
By: Oludolapo Adewale
Tags: Nigeria, Unicef, Children

UNICEF Hails Kankara School Boys Release, Calls On FG To Make Schools A Safe Haven

By

Oludolapo Adewale

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has hailed the release of 344 children who were earlier abducted from their school- Government Boys Science Secondary School in Kankara, last week.

In a statement on the release of schoolboys, UNICEF Nigeria Representative Peter Hawkins expressed relief while hoping for the safe reunion of the boys with their families.

Noting that attacks on educational facilities are a grave violation of children’s rights, Hawkins while condemning the Kankara attack stated that schools should be safe.

"This incident is a disturbing reminder of the heavy toll that violence takes on civilians in north-west Nigeria, including children. Such attacks deprive children of the right to an education. They make children fearful of going to the classroom, and parents afraid to send their children to school." The UNICEF country representative affirmed.

Hawkins further stated "that no cause justifies attacks against children and schools. Such cruel disregard for humanity must come to an end."

He therefore called on the Federal Government to put interventions in place to ensure that schools in the country are safe adding that these interventions should take into account the important role that communities can play in ensuring the safety of schools, including through support for School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs).

In the past six years, Nigeria has witnessed attacks on educational institutions in locations such as Buni Yadi, Chibok and Dapchi with the latest one in Kankara, Katsina state.
𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿…
By: Adamu Danjuma
Tags: Facebook, Nigeria, Viral

𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆?

The year 2020 will not end without me laughing irresistibly. I, therefore, understand that, naturally, human beings aren't perfect. They could be fallible, too. Why the worries? How are we using our highly educated "minds" to bring about sustainable development and promote national yet intellectual unity in our beloved country?

I'm not trying to sound judgmental but, dear brethren, this is not the time to display our sheer ignorance and uncivilized attitudes here and there. In the words of America's Maya Angelou, author of I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, “We allow our ignorance to prevail upon us and make us think we can survive alone, alone in patches, alone in groups, alone in races, even alone in genders.”

In a nutshell, the screenshot below speaks volumes to our common sense. Volumes because the message it conveys is, I feel, the expression of some people's heartfelt which, undoubtedly, should be discouraged.

Let's focus on what unites us. Stronger together, we are Wazobia, an icon of togetherness. Beaten by the sun, slapped by the rain, we'll continue to work, live, and grow in unison.

Lastly, while I stand to be corrected, I want to share this with you: In the beautiful and powerful poem below, Maya Angelou, the phenomenal woman, teaches us that we are all people, and so much more alike than different. Imagine the change we would see in the world if we all lived this simple truth. Enjoy the said poem:

𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆

I note the obvious differences

in the human family.

Some of us are serious,

some thrive on comedy.

Some declare their lives are lived

as true profundity,

and others claim they really live

the real reality.

The variety of our skin tones

can confuse, bemuse, delight,

brown and pink and beige and purple,

tan and blue and white.

I've sailed upon the seven seas

and stopped in every land,

I've seen the wonders of the world

not yet one common man.

I know ten thousand women

called Jane and Mary Jane,

but I've not seen any two

who really were the same.

Mirror twins are different

although their features jibe,

and lovers think quite different thoughts

while lying side by side.

We love and lose in China,

we weep on England's moors,

and laugh and moan in Guinea,

and thrive on Spanish shores.

We seek success in Finland,

are born and die in Maine.

In minor ways we differ,

in major we're the same.

I note the obvious differences

between each sort and type,

but we are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

We are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike.

[Screenshot taken from Facebook]
Buhari Not Physically, Mentally Sound To Govern Nigeria — Obasanjo
By: Edime Michael Obaje
Tags: Buhari, Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, President

Buhari Not Physically, Mentally Sound To Govern Nigeria — Obasanjo | Sahara Reporters

In the buildup to the 2019 general elections, former President Olusegun Obasanjo warned Nigerians against re-electing Muhammad Buhari.

According to Obasanjo, the President is not physically and mentally sound to lead a country like Nigeria.

In an open letter titled “Point for Concern and Action,” the former President also alleged that Buhari was acting like a former military dictator, Sani Abacha.

The letter dated January 20, 2019, read, “While Nigeria must appreciate Buhari for the little he has done and allow him to depart for home in peace if he allows free, fair, peaceful and credible elections, we must also tell ourselves that Nigeria deserves better at this point than what Buhari is capable of offering. History will note that he has been there. Nigeria now needs a man with better physical and mental soundness, with an active mind and intellect.

“Let me say again that Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians and exists for the benefit of all Nigerians and non-Nigerians who desire to live or do business in and with Nigeria. The attitude of “it is my turn and I can do what I like” with impunity will not last because God creates Nigeria and it will outlive all evil machinations and designs against the overall interest of Nigeria.

“Before I conclude, let me assert that the security situation has deteriorated with kidnapping everywhere and Boko Haram more in action and nobody should deceive Nigerians about this.

Check here to complete your reading on Sahara Reporters
The Tales of a Nigerian Living in Nigeria
By: Susanna Tomilayo Abimbola
Tags: Dream, Nigeria, Nigerian Writing, God, Medium

The Tales of a Nigerian Living in Nigeria

Photo credit: Legit.ng

I surfed through the internet, looking for the best way to start blogging. I saw some free platforms, but after checking them out, I realised they weren’t professional enough. Not good enough. Not what I wanted. I checked out different paid plans and realised that I’ll need some couple of dollars to get what I need. I figured out that I’ll need about $166 for my first annual plan, that’s about sixty three thousand naira. I’m only a student with no side hustle at the moment, so how do I even afford that?A dream that had to be put on hold for now, that affected me pretty much.

In the middle of that, I tried to escape the present through social media. Someone posted a part of an interesting podcast of his story on Facebook. I wanted to listen to it. I hoped that it’ll make me laugh and learn. I clicked on the Spotify link and then it read;“it’s not available in your country”. I couldn’t listen to the podcast.

I decided not give up on blogging. I created a Medium account and downloaded the App. I started checking it out. I also decided to check out how to get paid for writing on medium. I checked out some articles and I discovered that I could probably earn from writing on Medium. I went to the FAQs on Medium. In the FAQs, I saw a link on how to get paid and the Medium partnership program. I clicked on it. It read;“ the Medium partnership program is not available in your country”.

So much for being a Nigerian in Nigeria!

The black’s are fighting against racism, women and girls fighting for gender equality, but what fight do I fight as a Nigerian in Nigeria?

I didn’t choose what country to be born in. I didn’t choose my nationality. Growing up, I discovered that I’m a Nigerian in Nigeria, I didn’t choose it, so why do I have to bear it’s consequences? Why am I placed at a disadvantaged position?

But if there’s anything that I know, it is that Nigerians thrive, home or abroad. I’m going to thrive. I’m unstoppable. All of my dreams are valid. I’m totally optimistic. I’m full of faith and hope because God’s plans for my life can never be disrupted.

Maybe the Nigerian government should do something to increase the value of our currency.

To my the good Lord, my amazing parents, siblings, friends and everyone that has made life worthwhile for me. Thanks.

To Bill and Melinda Gates, Google, Tony Elemelu and everyone and every organization doing something to make Africa better, doing something for Nigeria and Africa as a whole, thank you. May God reward you.

To my fellow Nigerians, we’re going to fly and soar above the limitations and disadvantages. Selah!

Thanks for reading.
9 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS — 9 WAYS YOU AND YOUR ORGANISATION ARE THE REAL MVPs
Tags: MVP, Nigeria, Christmas, Impact, Heroes

2020 has been labeled as an over-hyped year which came to disappoint all of us. COVID-19 hit Nigeria and there was a lockdown. It seemed like they were coming one after the other; hype in fuel pump price followed. Then the #EndSARS protest came to shake even the whole world. Every food item became very expensive, endless insecurity issues, and it was like we were going to get burnt up in the heat of all these. Despite the hurdles, all year round, social organisations have made people smile. Whooowh! This is a social-sector stan article.

This is why we think you and your organisation are the real MVPs:

External funding was so low this year and yet you guys were still able to break ceilings and achieve results. If that is not impressive, we don’t know what it is. Powerful organisations. You killed it!

2. It would have been impossible to get the level of COVID-19 awareness we had in Nigeria without you all. Even non-healthcare based organizations joined in the awareness. You all showed one more time that it is about the good of the community, over role playing. One for all and all for one!

3. The #EndSARS protests shook the whole world but you stood strong, advocating for the people and contributing your own quota to making Nigeria great again.

4. Then your fund-raising game was strong! You guys literally drew funds from nowhere to make things happen! You’re the Don when it comes to crushing fundraising goals.

5. The way you social organisations and groups took advantage of tech in the lockdown! You set the pace for others to follow in conducting webinars and every virtual event. This is the finest example in history of taking advantage of stormy situations. Indeed, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

6. It’s almost the end of the year and you guys did magic by finishing up the bulk of your objectives and activities for the year — up and running for 365 days; no leave, no transfer.

7. Your service to humanity is invaluable. The smile on people’s faces in a harsh world is priceless. You guys make it happen. You give without expecting anything in return. You wipe tears away. You provide for people. You meet needs! You’re the real superheroes.

8. You do a lot more than people praise you for. You don’t want the credits. You just do things because you want to. The selflessness is top-notch. You have sharp eyes for details and notice problems even before they arise.

9. The many adjustments you have had to make this year with much change of laws and policies. For example, new tax rates in recent times, you might have been a bit shaken but we move!
Jumia Processed over 4milion orders during Black Friday
Tags: 4million, Nigeria, Orders, Black Friday, Jumia

Black Friday, the biggest sales event of the year, has come and gone. In the aftermath, global sale platforms, as well as sellers are taking stock of sales proceeds, customer reach, engagement and leverage the shopping window has given their various brands in what has been a rollercoaster year for brands and businesses, no thanks to covid-19 pandemic.

The story is not different for Africa’s leading etailer. During the 2020 Black Friday window, Jumia had a record of huge consumer engagement, improved customer adoption of on-platform payment app, and commendable growth for sellers across all product categories on the platform.

As revealed by the e-commerce brand, over 113 million customers visited the Jumia platform during the 2020 black Friday, with over 1.5 billion page views were recorded during the period. The 2020 Jumia black Friday videos had three times more views than the 2019 edition, with over 99 million views recorded.

On delivery front, customers also experienced improved speed on delivery of their orders. Over 4.8million packages were handled during the Jumia 2020 Black Friday period, with over 55% of the packages reaching customers in less than 24 hours.

It was also a period of record sales and growth for sellers on the platform. According to Jumia, over 41,500 sellers used the platforms to reach millions of customers during the period. A record 141% Year on Year growth on the number of items sold from top 20 sellers during the event, as international brands such as Nike, Samsung, P&G, Unilever, Coca-cola, Nestle and Nokia, all partnered with Jumai for the Black Friday sales

Items sold in the top products category on the platforms were also on a record high, as fashion products led the sales record, followed by beauty, home, FMCG and phones products respectively.

“Jumia Black Friday is an opportunity for us to ensure that customers have access to our essential products through Jumia during the Covid-19 period,” said Afan Ownwardi, Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria.

Jumia’s fintech product, JumiPay also recorded customers adoption growth of over 55% compared to the 2019 Black Friday sales, with 34% of orders paid for via the JumiaPay app during the 2020 Black Friday.
Love and Friendship
By: Uwa Aguta
Tags: Heartbreak, Nigeria, Inspiration, Love, Friendship

Love and Friendship

I do not understand why it's written this way, like they're mutually exclusive. To be honest, there's no friendship without love and no love without friendship. However, I won't be the one to shake the foundations that predate my birth. Let's leave it to the manipulators of the English lexicon.

Over the course of over two decades of existing on earth, I've been able to witness love, exhibited so beautifully. I've also been blessed to be loved by wonderful people--whether it be platonic friendships or romantic relationships. I haven't had cause to regret any at any point (even those I grew apart from)

Recently, I learned to love differently. To love patiently. To love others the way they want to be loved and not the way I want to love them (this is particularly difficult). This is probably why I lost the friends I did — or not. Who knows? I learned to love people, even with their flaws, while they work on them. With that said, I love you Cabin biscuits and Fanta, more than I thought I would.

I also learned love becomes work as we get older, at whatever level. Life’s troubles come thick and fast. So, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep relationships. This is why we have to constantly make conscious efforts to keep up with those we love. We cannot be lazy with our commitments and expect thriving relationships.

Sometimes it’s coming out in the cold to be there. Sometimes it’s speaking words that they’d hear and hold unto. At other times, it may be completely being silent and hoping they’re okay. There are problems that they have to sort out themselves.

It doesn’t mean they don’t love you. It just means that you can’t help them at that moment. You can only be the shoulder they lean and cry on and that’s okay. The earlier you realise it, the better it will be. They want to find their joy themselves and that makes a lot of sense.

We, as humans should be able to produce joy for ourselves, before we can be able to share it with others. Over depending on others for joy is a recipe for disaster. Their absence (for whatever reason) will trigger a downward spiral, which could be fatal.

Sometimes too, love means letting go. Hard as it is, someone who isn't for you isn't for you. Holding on to them is punishment, for both you and the person you're holding on to. This is the part I haven't been able to grasp. I don't understand why people have to come into your life, just to leave. At times like these, I've learned to look at the process they've taken me through and how they've helped me grow.

So here's to friendships. The ones we have gained, are gaining and will gain from. The ones we've lost are loosing and will loose because they all are made to make us better people. This is me saying I'm grateful to my friends and I sincerely hope they're for the long haul. They've created too much space in my heart. I'm lucky to have you all. Love and Light my amigos.

Uwa
Nigeria’s President 78th Birthday
By: Godwin Tarhemba
Tags: Nigeria, Latest

The Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West has congratulated the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on his 78th birthday.

The party, however, said God had kept him alive to attain the age so that he could ruminate on his past misdeeds, seek forgiveness and do restitution.

The party said he should use the occasion of his 78th birthday to seek forgiveness for the sins he committed against the people of the South-West Nigeria, rather than going about celebrating in the midst of his own people, whose over 300 children are being held captive by terrorists.

“God must have kept him so that he can have enough time to ruminate over his past misdeeds and seek restitution.

“He frustrated the progress of the the South-West, abandoned the region when he was Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund under late General Sani Abacha and has done nothing for the region since 2015.

“The Metroline project was scrapped by Buhari at a loss of over $78 million to the Lagos tax payers. If Buhari had not cancelled that project, transportation in Lagos would have been better than it is now,” it said.

The PDP listed the series of sins Buhari allegedly committed against the people of the South-West especially when he was the military's Head of State.
Tales of a Nigerian living in Nigeria: Part 2
By: Susanna Tomilayo Abimbola
Tags: Medium, Nigeria, Jesus, Nigerian Writing

Tales of a Nigerian living in Nigeria: Part 2

I also did check out how to ‘become a member’ on Medium. To become a member, I had to pay some money, which isn’t so costly. There was the option to either pay for a month or for a year. To my surprise, the amount I was to pay was in Naira, the Nigerian currency, although I wouldn’t be paid for any article either in Naira or dollar because the partnership payment program is not ‘in my country’.

To enjoy ‘unlimited contents’, I must ‘reward the thinkers’ who are ‘privileged' to be in some other part of the world, while I won’t be rewarded no matter how well I write simply because I’m a Nigerian living in Nigeria with the present policy on Medium.

Sighs.

I remain full of hope, though.

Thank you and may Jesus bless you richly.

Thanks for reading!
Victim of Circumstance
By: Kizito Onyegbule
Tags: Nightlife, Afro, Nigeria

I spotted them almost as soon as we stood up. Rather, they spotted me and waved. They were the ceiling guys from the building project I was supervising.

We shook hands as they came over, and they wagged their fingers at me while letting loose weird knowing smiles. I was more than a little lost. Then I looked around the bar we were in and took everything in.

The beer was a little cold but not mortuary standard. They sold neither food nor suya. Not even peppersoup. The chairs were regular plastic and definitely not designed for lengthy interactions with tired backbones. Loud music blared from thin speakers; not great, not awful, just there.

Then I saw the girls. Clad in identically skimpy clothing, you could swear they were twins if you were drunk enough. There were a lot of them, some hidden among the plentiful shadows around the low main building, others milled around, stopping to move ample bosoms in the small clearing that was barely illuminated by deliberately coloured bulbs.

My cheeks flushed with righteous indignation as I grasped the difficulty of the situation I now found myself in. How was I going to tell them that until a few seconds ago, I didn’t know what this place was? That I made a new friend at the hotel who told me to come see this joint he liked, that I might like it too? That like all well-raised young men, I only drank wine and frolicked with women whose dictions came straight out of a dictionary?

I sighed in frustration.

Well since they’d already concluded that I was a hooker connoisseur, I might as well do the hook-up. I gulped the rest of my Gulder as if I was a proper local champion, plunged my hand my left pocket till it grasped the edge of the single durex sachet nestled at the bottom, walked up to the yellow sis I’d been eyeing the entire time, grasped the edge of her cropped top, whispered into her ears, and croaked “how much for short time?”
Nigeria, do we still hail thee?
By: Bola Daniel
Tags: Nigerian Economy, Nigeria, Government, Nigerian Writing, Governance

Nigeria, do we still hail thee?

The nation Nigeria—which recently clocked 60— can be described in countless terms and analogies; some of which we may agree on, while on the others, we may disagree and consider far-fetched and absurd. However, Nigeria for me is best described as a soaring eagle who rather be a domesticated fowl. Ironic isn’t it, that the eagle is on the nation’s coat of arms?

Given her famed history and pedigree, one would have thought she’d rise from the ashes like the celebrated phoenix. Rather than muster strength, rise and soar like the eagle on her coat of arms, she appears to be a swine, lurking back into the murkiest places of the mud. The nation boasts of several enterprising minds but sadly lacks favourable policies to encourage productivity. Like the octopus, she seems to encourage and put smiles on the faces of her citizens with one tentacle, with the others however, she is hellbent on milking her citizen dry with her draconian policies.

And though average Nigerians are resilient, mustering strength daily and hoping for a better tomorrow, we are left to ask questions such as:



Where do we go from here?



Are there brighter days ahead?



What happened to the glorious days of Nigeria?



Has this saddening present reality come to stay?



Nigeria, do we still hail thee?
Nigeria: Trueflutter Dating App Raises Funding
By: Digital Times Africa
Tags: Technology, Nigeria, Startup, Funding, Dating App

Nigerian dating app, Trueflutter has announced an undisclosed amount of funding from three local angel networks which are; Lagos Angel Network, SSE Angel Network and SGC7375 Angels.

Trueflutter is a startup that was co-founded in 2018 by Dare Olatoye to connect African singles on the continent and beyond.

It uses advanced matchmaking algorithms to help users find partners compatible with their African culture and value systems for either a long term relationship or commitment.

Trueflutter says it plans to use the investment to expand its growth across Africa

“We know our people, understand their preferences and have put that knowledge into building the world’s most culturally compatible matchmaking app. The backing of these Networks is an important milestone in our mission to make Trueflutter platform available to Africans globally. The investment will help us accelerate our ambitious growth plans and take it to Africans across the globe”, said Dare Olatoye, Trueflutter’s co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO).

A spokesperson for SSE Angel Network, Tokoni Amiesimaka added that, “We are pleased to support Dare and his team’s customer-centric approach and focus on building a secure, culturally-intelligent, and globally accessible dating platform for Africans.”

“With the widespread adoption of digital social platforms, we believe our investment will empower the Trueflutter team to help African singles, especially millennials, to initiate and build lasting relationships online.”

For security reasons, the app ensures that prostitutes and fraudsters do not populate the app. Additionally the safety of women who physically meet men from the app is assured.

Users have to update their profile pictures through the selfie mode only in order to ensure that the owner of the account is the one whose picture has been uploaded. The app has an in-built audio and video call features for communication between the users.

Moreover, users can use the advanced privacy settings to choose to be discoverable by a select few, everyone or no one.

Before considering a match with someone, you can listen to the person’s audio bio to hear what he or she sounds like. You can then send or receive invites from potential dates.

Trueflutter recorded its first 2,000 signups the first 6 weeks and hit the 6,000 user mark in the sixth month.

The mobile app is currently being redeveloped and can be found on Android and iOS when it is released.
Why I Want to Stop Writing
By: The Kalahari Review
Tags: Nigeria, African Poetry, Oluwatunmise Adeyemi, African Literature, Poetry

Why I Want to Stop Writing

When Someone You Love Dies.

Memories are dusts / remnants of those beings / that became dead in us

Whose bloods have left permanent etches / on the scrolls of our hearts.

Memories are crumbs / we forget what the bread tasted like

And try to rack our brain / to remember its freshness.

When someone you love dies / your heart becomes a sepulcher —

A grave where you bury them alive / for fear of them becoming dusts.

You make your heart into a sacred gallery / where you keep all their pictures

For fear of their memories being cobwebbed.

But then / these memories are crumbs /

No matter how tight you try to hold onto them / they slip from your palms.

You try to picture the face of your loved ones / you try remembering their smiles,

But even their dimples become needles in your hearts / it pierces your soul,

pierces your very existence.

Memories are shreds / they forever remain fragments

and can never be made whole.

See- when someone you love dies / you need not cry,

There are some pains more than tears / such pains come with laughter.

You see them in every shadow / cast on the walls.

Same way when you lose a loved one / and move on after three weeks,

You realize the fragility of life.

You realize life is more fragile than the bones of a sickle cell carrier.

Memories are this poem / one second after I write them.
7TH NIGERIA PITCH AWARDS SET TO HOLD IN SEVEN DAYS TIME
By: Oludolapo Adewale
Tags: Super Eagles, Nigeria, Football, Super Falcons, Awards

By

Oludolapo Adewale

Sports enhusiasts have started the countdown to the 7th edition of the prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards set to hold on Tuesday, 22 December 2020 at the Ibis Hotel Ikeja, Lagos.

The Nigeria Pitch Awards, held in partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation was originally planned to hold in March but was rescheduled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking to journalists in the nation’s capital Abuja, the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips stated that the 7th Award Ceremony would have a few guests and sports editors and journalists only in attendance.

'This year’s award ceremony will mark the first award ceremony which will be held in Lagos. As organizers and as a responsible corporate citizen, we are mindful of the need to observe all government laid down COVID-19 protocols in order to keep our guests safe. This is why physical attendance will be restricted as many nominees including members of the Super Eagles will follow the event online.’ Philips stated.

Some of the categories to look out for include the King of the Pitch Award which will be a keen contest between Super Eagles and Leicester City F.C Midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, Manchester United Striker, Odion Ighalo and Super Eagles and Napoli FC sensation, Victor Osimhen.

In the women’s category, the Queen of the Pitch Award will be a strong battle between Onome Ebi, Super Falcons and Henan Huishang FC player, Chiamaka Nnadozie of Rivers Angels and the Super Falcons and Barcelona Women sensation Asisat Oshoala who was impressive for her side last weekend.

Other categories to watch out for are the Striker of the Year, Defender of the Year, Midfielder of the Year and Coach of the Year.

Also, awards will be given to the Football Friendly Governor of the Year, the Sam Okwaraji Award for commitment to Nigerian Football, State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme and the Football Journalist of the Year in the Print, Radio, TV and Online categories.

The Nigeria Pitch Awards is Nigeria’s longest running football awards and boasts of being the country’s only audited sports awards.