INCONCLUSIVE ELECTIONS VS LANDSLIDE VICTORIES.

Since the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) days to People's Democratic Party,we had been hearing of Landslide victories. Elections were conducted by the ruling party and won by the ruling party. No matter how unpopular a candidate was , once you win nomination on the tickek of the ruling party,you are bound to have a landslide victory. For the most part of our Democratic experience, elections were highly manipulated.
I know of many logicians and Traditional rulers in Konshisha who converted their houses into polling units during elections.
With military Personel at their services, landslide victories were assured.
Professor Attahiru Mega, then INEC chairman introduced the card reader technology. The card reader technology seek to abolish multiple voting, ballot stuffing, etc.
This bring about inconclusive elections. Because, where there is violence and the card reader is tempered with ,such results are cancelled. In the last presidential and gubernatorial elections, Iwarnyam council ward in Konshisha had is result cancelled because the stake holder there refused to use the card reader.
The introduction of the card reader is a welcome development. Efforts must be made to sustain and even improve on it. If the card reader was used from 1999, PDP wouldn't have won any election and we wouldn't have been in this current mes.

PRACTICAL OPERATIONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY.

Simply put, communication can be defined as a basic human need  and for that reason, man has always found a means of meeting this need. The media which is an umbrella term for various means of communication has become an integral part of human life around the world. The earlier forms of personal media, speech and gesture, had the benefit of being easy to use and did not necessarily need complex technology.
However , the weakness of not being able to communicate to a large audiences over long distances led to the development of mass media ,such as social media. With these development, the role of the media in the society became more and more significant for entertainment and information.
MASS MEDIA-SOCIAL MEDIA.
Social media refers to the means of interactions among people in which they create, share, and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks.
Social Media is a form of electronic communication which facilities interaction based on certain interest and characteristics. Social media are media for social interaction,highly accessible publishing techniques. Social media are web based technologies.
A.Social media support the democratization of knowledge and information and transform people from content consumers to content producers.
B.The rapid growth of social media activities that has been observed over the past 2-3 years is indicative of its entry and integration into the daily lives of many people.
 tC.As of July, 3,2010,indicates that there are about one million, seven hundred and eighteen thousand Nigerians on Facebook.
It is however undisputed that social media is used to document memories, learn about and explore things, advertise oneself and form friendships.
ADVANTAGES OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES.
Here are the contributions that the social media has made to the society.
1.It is the best way to connect across vast distances. With social networks, you can connect and meet people from America, Belgium  ,China etc and share pictures and take a glimpse into their life.
2. Social  networking sites spread information faster than any other media. Over 50% of people learn about breaking news on social media.
3.It's a forum for support and safety information during a crisis. There have been several recent disasters during which social media provided the only viable avenue for communication.During religious crisis in the north,most people didn't have power ,but but some cell networks and WiFi towers were still operational. Many people used facebook to detail the destruction and reassure friends or family that they were safe.
4.Law enforcement agencies use social networking sites to catch and prosecute criminals. 45% of federal,state and local law enforcement professionals surveyed think social media help solve crimes more quickly.
5.Social networking sites help students do better in schools.59% old students with access to the Internet report that they use social networking sites to discuss educational topics and 50% use the sites to talk about school assignments.
6It is a form of political influence. Social media has given a true voice to the people.
7.Social media is a powerful force for change and it has potential to influence the outcomes of political decisions. Social networking sites allow people  to improve their relationships and make new friends.
8.Social media sites help employers find employees and job seekers find work. 64% of companies are on two or more social networks for recruiting because of the wider pool of applicants and more efficient searching capabilities.
9.Being part of a social networking site can increase a person's quality of life and reduce the risk of health problems. Social media can help improve life satisfaction, stroke recovery,memory retention ,and an over well being by providing users with a large social group. Additionally,friends on social media can have a contagion effect promoting and helping with exercise, dieting and smoking cessation goals.
10. Social networking is good for economy. Social media sites have created a new industry and thousands of jobs in addition to providing new incomes and sales.
11.Social networking sites help people who are socially isolated or shy connect with other people.
12.Social media allows for quick, easy dissemination of public health and safety information from reputable sources. A mother was able to find a kidney donnor for her sick child by posting a video on her on facebook.
13. Advertisement: Small businesses benefit greatly from the free platforms to connect with customers and increase visibity of their products and services.
DISADVANTAGES OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES.
1.social media enables the spread of false  and unreliable information. 49 % of people have heard of false news of social media.
2. Social networking sites lack privacy and expose users to government and corporate intrusions.
3.Social networking sites entice people to waste time.
4.Unauthorized Sharon on social networking sites exposed artistes to copyright infringement, loss of intellectual property and loss of income.

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND NATION BUILDING.

The role of the public library to the society is paramount. Besides providing the basic educational foundation for further studies, it acts as moulder of public opinion. This is derived from the premise that what an individual reads determines his perception of things. The public library there is an institution that requires all the attention of the Government for its proper functioning. UNESCO recognises the importance of a public library in Nation building. In its 1972 revised public library manifesto it states inter alia" that the public library offer to adults and children the opportunity to keep with the times,to educate themselves continuously and keep abreast of progress in the science and arts. Its content should be a living demonstration of the evolution of knowledge and culture, constantly reviewed, kept up to date and attractively presented. In this way,it help people form their own opinions and developed their creative and critical capabilities and powers of appreciation."
The public library is concerned with the communication of information and ideas ,whatever form it may be expressed.
Our colonial masters clearly understood the role of public library. During their time, libraries were built and equipped with colonial books. No wonder, in those days, and educated Nigeria know British history but remain ignorant of Nigerian history.
Several years after independence, it appears we are still not aware of the critical role a well built and stocked public library can play in Nation building. In Benue state for example ,the public library seemed to be phased out .Only the library at the headquarters seem to be operating. Other ones in Gungul ,Konshisha local Government has been converted into stores and the stocked books and shelves ,sold off. The library at Gboko too seem not to be working.
The Benue state chapter of Association of Nigerian Authors is championing the cause for a revised reading culture amongst our youths. Where are the books to read? Or do one buy in the market, stay there and read.
Our youths now take to facebook and other platforms because they can be added easily. How workers can afford to buy a newspaper and read now, talkless of a novel that is costly? I could recall how during holidays we could troop to the Gboko library to read. Go there and see dust ,broken windows and empty shelves.
The state government should renovate our public libraries, equip them with current book. This will make the citizens to be more enlightened and to effectively contribute to National development.

BEMGBA IORTYOM, LEAVE TAHAV AGERZUA ALONE.

I did not know of one Bemgba Iortyom until recently when he started attacking the special adviser to Governor Ortom on Media and ICT.
I called it attack because most of his posts on facebook about Tahav Agerzua are baseless and distractive.
Mr Bemgba Iortyom and co kept drumming that Tahav Agerzua was sacked by Governor Akume. Good. Where is the proof? Was Tahav Agerzua employed as a civil servant to stay there forever?
Mr Bemgba Iortyom has been tagging Tahav Agerzua as Orfoto. This is too elementary. As a journalist, his major to or is a camera.
As far a communication is concern in Benue, nobody can challenge Tahav Agerzua. He has a lot of publications to his credit. Most people are writing trash now because of facebook. Tahav Agerzua for decades now has taught Benue people how to practice journalism.
It is high time never do wells like Bem Iortyom allow Tahav Agerzua do more for Benue and Nigeria. 

YOUTHS AS LEADERS OF TOMORROW.

The position of Youths in the socio-political life of Nigeria has been recognized by various Governments.In the words of Dr Tor Ujah, the former commissioner of Information and Social Development in Benue State, "the youths are the pillars and leaders of this  Nation."
To  groom the youths for their potential role as leaders of tomorrow various Governments have instituted programmes solely for their benefits.
In 1976, the military Government then introduced the Universal Primary Education aimed essentially at giving  the youths the necessary Educational background to enable them the future.
The Civilian Administration in the second Republic followed in the same vein by introducing the Cumulatative and qualitative education. Like the Universal Primary Education, this programme  was aimed at giving the youths the basic ingredients they require as potential leaders of tomorrow.
Besides Educational programmes,other programmes aimed at moulding the character of youths have been launched. These include the Ethical Movement ,War against indiscipline and the National Orientation Agency. These programmes are pointers to the importance Government attaches to youths as an integral part of the society.
The pertinent question is has the youths been reciprocal of the Government gesture? The answer is NO.
 While Government recognises the importance of youths in the society, the youth themselves have failed over years to appreciate their worth as Newel of society. The youths have demonstrated a brazen attitude towards Government's programmes and projects.Rather than have faith in the leaders and a cultivated hope for the future, they have demonstrated a dogged sense of despair. This is clearly reflected in their lifestyles in their various schools and campuses. The youths would prefer to enjoy prematurely like the elders. They indulge in organising social events and travelling randomly instead of concentrating on their studies. But when expelled for one reason or the other, the blame is usually on Government. Look at the level of destruction of FIDEL polytechnic, Gboko.
We are blaming the failure of the PDP government in the past 16 years. The youths contributed significantly to the fall of PDP.
Due to their insouciant disposition, most were easily used as thugs and emetic of war by the opposition parties. The violent demonstration which erupted in Government secondary school, Gboko in 1983 at the heat of political campaigns remains indelible as to how disgruntled youths can be used. The immediate caused  of the riot might be educational, but the level of its escalation remains political. And on our various campuses in the universities, the thoughts, attitudes, and actions of our youths leave one in doubt as  leaders of tomorrow. They clearly demonstrate that they have no sense of history.
Nigeria is currently in a recession, and economic measures have been employed to contain it.Rather than understand that this is a natural phase  in  a state bent on developing, the youths prefer to blame the leaders.America, Russia, and Great Britain are now developed nations because their citizens at a particular time suffers, some even shed their blood for their dear country.
Nigeria is a  country of emense potentials, but for true development to take place the citizens must be prepared to sacrifice some rights and privileges. Rather blame our leaders,  the youths as Vanguards of the society should take on the  mantle of educating the masses on government programs. The youths especially must realised that no government is out to punish its citizens deliberately.

HOW TO CREATE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT.

1.First go to www.facebook.com.
2.Enter your information into facebook.
Start by entering your personal information on facebook homepage. All of the fields are mandatory, so you can't skip any. When you are finished and clic ' sign up',then complete the security check and click sign up.
3 .Search for facebook friends.
You will  now be promoted to search for two friends.Enter in two names to be taken to a search screen ,or just click skip and now find friends and facebook will search the contact attach to your contact email address giving the option to find friends ,if they have an account or invite them if they don't.
4 Customized your facebook profile.
You will now be prompted to enter in your work, college or high school as the nexus of your social hub or just skip to the next step.Again ,you have a chance to find friends you may already know..
5. Add a facebook profile picture.
Finally ,you can upload or take a new photo to save as your profile picture.click save and continue when finished. You will be taken to your home page where facebook will further prompt you to fill more information about yourself,find people you may know and setup access with your mobile phone,laptop,iPad etc.

Catch them young

Kator and Selumun getting set for Children's choir at NKST church ,Adekaa.

posted from Bloggeroid

Catch them young

Children should be taught how to dress properly. In the picture Terhemba Tion,Kator Tion and Selumun Tion dressed properly for church service. This is catching them young.

GOVERNOR GABRIEL SUSWAM AND SECURITY IN BENUE.

Since the creation of Benue State about twenty years ago ,no Governor of the state, be it military or civilian has taken the issue of security seriously as Governor Gabriel Suswam, the incumbent Governor.As an indigene of the State,Governor Suswam was quite aware af the security challenges facing the state.Because of obvious securiyy lapses.indigines and non-indigines were moving in their thousands to neighbouring states like Taraba,Cross-River and plateau to settle.Economic, social and  Religious activities were completely grounded. Area Boys, Car Snatchers, and 419 ners took over major cities in the state. This was the pathetic situation Governor Suswan found himself in by the time he assumed duties as executive Governor of the state.

The decision of the Governor to set up OPERATION ZENDA remains the best any administration at any level in Nigeria has taken.ZENDA has restored peoples hope in the Nigerian security system. Any misgiving in Benue now, people first call ZENDA, It got to a situation, any misunderstanding between couples ZENDA is usually the first port of call.

The basic function of Government at  any level is to provide security for its citizenry. Governor Suswam has done just that.

This is appealing to other state Governments to emulate the example of Governor Suswam by setting up similar security out fits to contain the various security challenges in their states.

MTN: BANKING AT YOUR FINGER TIPS

www.mtn.com 

MTN MOBILE MONEY: HOW IT WORKS

MTN has created a platform whereby people can easily send money to friends and their family, using their phones. It is convenient, affordable and safe.

MTN Mobile money online also enable you to send money using your computer from Europe, Canada and the US directly onto a mobile money account in Africa.

IN SHORT, MTN MOBILE MONEY  UNDERTAKES THE FOLLOWING:

·                    Online money transfer directly to MTN mobile money account.

·                    Some–day delivery and availability, no lengthy clearing or waiting times.

·                    Cash pickup-at any MTN Mobile Money agent.

·                    The receiver can cash out at any MTN Mobile Agent.

YOU CAN ALSO

·                    Pay using debit card or bank transfer

NB: You need to register with MTN to access this service.

UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UBA): BANKING MADE EASY. HOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR U-MO ACCOUNT

 

U-MO is an instant account opened on your mobile phone with your contact details and mobile number. U-MO then allows you to do banking transactions with your mobile account anytime, any-day! With your U-MO account, you can receive/send money, save money and your paybills.

YOU CAN ALSO DO THE FOLLOWING

1.                 Save money.

2.                 Send money to any mobile

3.                 Pay with mobile

4.                 Buy airtime credit

5.                 And withdrawal and deposit at any agent & UBA branches

  BENEFITS OF U-MO ACCOUNT

Some of the benefits are:

1.                 No minimum balance

2.                 No maintenance fee

3.                 No COT

4.                 No transaction fee for airtime credit

5.                 Free online access to your account.

TO ENROLL AND ACTIVATE A U-MO ACCOUNT FOR YOURSELF, FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW CAREFULLY:

1.                 Complete and submit your enrollment form at any agent location or UBA branch

2.                 Or log onto www.u-mo.net and register as a customer

3.                 You will receive an sms from 30866 to download the U-MO application through the link provided.

4.                 alternatively, you can text “U-MO” to 08130246363 to receive the download link directly. After successful enrollment, then follow the steps below to activate the account;

5.                 Open the U-MO application and click on “account maintenance”

6.                 Select “activate”

7.                 Enter age (last celebrated),

8.                 Choose your pin secret pin and activate, then

9.                 Your U-MO is ready for use.

HOW TO DEPOSIT, WITHDRAW OR TRANSFER MONEY WITH U-MO?

For deposit, withdrawal or money transfer just visit any U-MO agent or UBA branch near you.

www.UBA.com

ERADICATING CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA

The hard question amongst Nigerians is; can corruption be eradicated at all? This question appear hard because it is easier to tell who is corrupt than who is not.Corruption is everywhere-in churches. motorparks and in almost all organizations.
However  the unfortunate thing is that most people feel corruption exists only in Government.The elder in the church who steal money feels he has done nothing since it is not Government money.
Corruption will finish the moment we start searching ourselves.

CREATING A JOB FOR YOURSELF

The hardest thing to find around now globally is a job .A job of any kind from a messenger to clerk, the jobs are simply not there. This is because companies and organizations that should be creating jobs are all dying, not long ago KODAK filled for bankruptcy .Many others are following.

A friend of mine graduated about ten years ago, he still looking for a job. Funny enough more and more graduates are coming out, but where are the jobs?

This raises the question of creating a job for yourself. You may ask how? .But here are some useful tips:

1.Discover your inborn talents, everyone has a talent. Try to discover yours to survive.

2 Avoid idleness. Being idle is a habit. Remove this habit in you.

3 Whatever you set out to do ,expect some hardships

4 .Always consult

5 Always be positive and

6 Above all, remain prayerful.

WHAT SHOULD OUR WOMEN WEAR?

           

            The issue of  what a woman should wear has become topical for some time. .Different Religions or Tribes have different recommendations for women. In Islam,   women are to wear the purdah which covers the entire body ..In  some Christian denominations ,women are to cover their hair and not to wear trousers.

When it comes to what one should wear, why are we particular about women? Food that is essential doesn’t have woman or man food .Why don’t we have houses for men and women separately?

Woman as a human being should be allowed to decide what to wear In the beginning ,when both man and woman fell into sin, they both use the same leaves to cover themselves.

According to a BBC.Africa report, Women in Malawi are being beaten for wearing trousers .Who said that trousers were only made for men?

As I did say ,clothes have to do with shape .If your shape fits any clothe, put it on. What matters in life is conduct not what we put on.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

BOMBS ! NOT THE SOLUTION

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Those following events in Nigeria will discover that in the past weeks the issue of Bombs has dominated the entire day to day life of Nigerians. Everyday Nigerians wake continually not knowing when and where a Bomb will explode.

The history of the use of Bombs as a weapon is quite recent in Nigeria. It started in the Niger-Delta Area, where the youth dissatisfied with the manner oil resources were being used took up Bombs to press for their demands. In the process, thousands died. But at the end of it all ,it was through dialogue that the issues raised by the Niger-Delta youths was resolved.

The latest of the Bombs is by the Islamic sect-BOKO HARAM which literally means against the west. Their thinking is that everybody should embrace Islam.  Funny enough, instead of explaining peacefully to people why they should join Islam, they are planting Bombs in schools,  churches ,police stations, Banks and other public places. So, if they kill all, who then is going to join them?

The use of destructive weapons to press home any demand is Barbaric and must be condemned by all well meaning people. Life is precious.

The use of dialogue remains the best option in resolving disputes between Religions, Races or even Countries. All attempts must be made to ensure that Militants/Terrorists no longer have access to Arms.

Enough of the destruction of innocent lives.

CURBING EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE IN NIGERIA

Mine 

There is a popular adage which says “tell me the type of education you receive and I will tell you who  you are”.

A lot has been written about the Educational System in Nigeria.

Commentators, philosophers, scholars and academicians, etc have written profering all sorts solutions to problems confronting education in Nigeria, yet these problems persist.

A nagging problem that seems to defy all solutions, and which has permeated the very foundation of education in Nigeria is examination malpractice.  My investigation shows that every one is involved. That is students, teachers, and administrations. It may also interest you to note that there is now an official fee for examination malpractice paid by students while registering for their final year examinations. This money ranges from N1,500- N1,800 depending on the disposition of the principal fixing it. This money is shared amongst the principal, invigilators and Ministry of Education officials.

Schools involved in these malpractices are called  “Miracle Center”. This means, a candidate who registers for WAEC or NECO, and doesn’t even know how to write his or her name will pass his or her examinations in flying colours. It may also interest you  to know that, these miracle centers are well known by all. But because of the revenue these centers generate, threats against them are only aired on the radio and are never carried out .

Examination malpractice, no doubt has done a lot of harm to the Nigeria educational system. Most  candidates come out with grades they can hardly defend it academically. Imagine  a candidate with  9 credits who can not spell his name.

Our university system is also, affected as the menace has  been carried  there.

Until urgent measures are taken by all and sundry to steem this, the educational system in Nigeria is doomed.

TRUE LOVE: DOES IT STILL EXIST?

Dictionary.com defines love as" tender,passionate affection, a strong personal liking". Many scholars look at 'love' as a 'lubricant',a 'connector' between human beings ,things or ideas. The question is :DDoes true love still exit? This question is pretty difficult,because the ingredients that signifies love ,that is poems, flowers and other gift items are no longer in vogue. In those days, you could only write a beautiful love poem to a woman and you win her heart.Now the situation has changed,women no longer appreciate poems or flowers. True love no longer exists. Love has been monetilized.If you have cash, you have love. Is like money for hand,back for ground. What do you think?

CALL OFF YOUR STRIKE ASUU

University Teachers under the auspacises of The Acedemic staff of Nigerian Universities had been on strike since last year. The lecturers may have a geneiune reason but this an appeal that for the sake of children they should call of the strike.

SURVIVING THE HARD TIMES

That times are extremely hard now globally appears  to be obvious to all Daily. Our budget estimates are suffering implementation because of scarce resources to match them.Yet things that we must do every day keep cropping up. The question is,

 how do we cope with the Hard times? Here are some useful tips on how to survive the hard times:

1.Always plan on how you will spend the little that you have: Most people have the wrong notion that planning has only to do with a large sum of money. This is totally wrong as you can plan even with one kobo.If you set out shopping with one kobo but don’t know what you want to buy ‘ you may end up buying anything which on the long run may not be what you need at the time.

2.Spent within your means, Never. never borrow to spent. Your budget should be within what you can afford.

3.Buy only the necessary.What you can do with out ,leave it at the moment.

4.Dont shop for shopping sake.

5And always ensure that you have reserve

Meanwhile .we may be facing  harder times in 2012.According to  Chief Economist; Mr Justin Lin,.Nations may face tough economic times in 2012.

My Children dressed for church on xmas Day 2011