If Barcelona qualify, I will do the impossible

If Barcelona beat Bayern Munich I will do the impossible! Take me for my words! Yes, I will do it.

Guess what I will do? If Barcelona beat Bayern but fail to qualify for the final, I will buy Barcelona fans Adjen Robben-signed Bayern Munich Jerseys and miniature Muller boots.

Won't that be fun? I know it's not. But Balotelli has a better offer for Madrid if they could strip Dortmund naked.

Nothing makes a healthy and normal man's blood run hot than a beautiful woman with a promise of sex. Ballotelli has put the greatest bet so far on the line,

'If Madrid overcome Dortmund the players can sleep with my girlfriend"

I'm sure someone at the Bernabeu will be doing extra training as we speak, first for the match and later for the 'bash'!

But, come to think of it, why his girlfriend? Why not his salary, cars and all?

I remember this logic we learnt while in school;

Balloteli has a very beautiful girlfriend, trust him;
Ronaldo loves beautiful girls, no doubt
Ronaldo will do anything to qualify for the champions league final
Ronaldo will do anything to sleep with Balloteli's girlfriend.

I wish Balotelli had dared Chelsea team with this bet, that would have been TERRIFIC! lwkmd!

Hmm... Varane is french like Mario. Ok o!

I don't think their is anyone in Barcelona team that like women. Bartra is still a small boy sha!

I believe Real Madrid can do the magic if they put their acts together and it's not impossible for Barcelona to beat their German "oga at the top".

Although its becoming more spoken about, motivating players with sex is not just happening, I remember a German porn actor gave Lowe's boys an explicit pix to motivate then in South Africa at the world cup.
Association of Nigerian Prostitutes promised to give the Super Eagles free rounds of pleasure if they win the AfCON, which they did (I'm not sure they've redeemed their prices).

Some Cameroonians once complained that Nigerian girls were distracting them with display of bosoms like in Spartacus during a match against the Eagles.

So, if not for anything, just to show Balotelli that "omi to ba mon niwon ni eniyan n re ila si" I wish Madrid would qualify for the final. Sorry no time for interpretation.

And for every Barcelona fan domicile in Lagos, if u qualify for the final, I'll give u Amazon gift cards for shopping at Allen Avenue Ikeja tonight.

Who flew first: the real Nigeria’s youngest commercial pilot

The media was agog recently when the news of the youngest pilot in the country broke out and it was a great challenge and a thing of pride for most people who felt that Favour Odozor's achievement, graduating from the Afrika Union Aviation Academy, South Africa, at a tender age of 20 is unprecedented.

Emerging fact has shown that young Francis's achievement is not out of this world as honour for the youngest Nigerian licensed commercial pilot belongs to Sam Phil-Ebosie (1951 – 2012), who graduated as a licensed commercial pilot at the age of 19 in 1970.

Sam was born to Emman Phil-Ebosie and Yewande Phil-Ebosie on the 27^1h July, 1951, in Lagos and was the third of four brothers. His father was the foremost indigenous ENT Surgeon in Nigeria. Sam attended Ladi-Lak Institute and later transferred to Government Demonstration School, Surulere, Lagos, for his primary education. He then proceeded to Kings College, Lagos, for his secondary education; after which he shocked his family, teachers and mates by his decision to become a Civil Aviator. For this, he sought and was admitted into the second course at the Nigerian Civil Aviation School Zaria, graduating top of his class as a pilot in 1970.

He thereafter commenced his commercial flying career with the then Nigerian Airways Ltd. Through his career, he was trained on the Fokker 27, Fokker 28, Boeing 737, Boeing 707 and DC 10. While at Nigeria Airways, he was confirmed the youngest Fokker F 27 Captain at the age of 25 years in 1977.  The height of his professional flying career was when, as the youngest ever captain in the world, he flew the wide bodied aircraft at the age of 30 years in 1981.

During his career, he was the preferred long haul Captain for the Presidency on the Presidential Fleet. He flew the then President Shehu Shagari to the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, Australia for the Common Wealth Conference in 1981, New York to the United Nation's Conference and several other destinations; and the Vice President Alex Ekweme also on several occasions.

Sam later retired from Nigeria Airways in 1985, after which he joined Saudi Airlines, Saudi Arabia in 1985 where he worked as a Lockheed Tri-Star Ll 011 Captain. Between 1986 and 1995, he worked at PH Aviation Teterboro, New Jersey, UPS, New York and Federal Express Memphis. Sam retired from commercial flying after 27 years in 1995. Upon retirement he set up his own private aviation support company called Skynote.

Sam, until his death, remained a keen aviator, consulting in different areas of the aviation sector. 

That is the story and it personally reminds me of our ability as a nation to forget important things, issues and people. Don't be surprised if in 50 years time we forget we had a president named Yar' Adua!

4-0, 4-1 and Pep talks

Since the Boston bomb attack, security and safety have become topmost on governments and businesses priorities, yet again. The Boston attack came with a lesson that terrorism could come from unexpected sources. But the lesson was lost on some people and businesses and they are paying dearly for it. That explains the 4-0, 4-1 respective losses of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

I wished Bayern Munich would beat Barcelona, but never expected an humiliation. I never saw Borrussia Dortmund as a threat to Madrid but Lewandowski dusted Mourinho's CV. Like the athletes approaching the finish line at Boston, the Spanish giants never envisaged any other challenge than breasting the tape but the Germans have the blasts ready.


Several reasons have been given for the falls of the Classico duos but I have more.


1. No more Pep talks.
The exit of Pep Guardiola from the La Liga stage seems to have created an unhealthy vacuum for the Spanish league. Mourinho no more sees Barcelona as a threat and the remaining 18 clubs put together are not worth the threat of Southampton on their good day in the premiership. Barcelona's first eleven is now fairly predictable, so a good coach can do the permutation and work out the mathematics for a favorable result (most are yet to factor in Messi in the solution).


And with the Pep talk went the flare that characterised the Classicos and by implication, Spanish representatives that lacked the bite when it mattered, apologies to Malaga!


2. Too much of Messi really turned it messy.

For Real Madrid, it was pure lack of depth but for Barcelona it was too much of Messi. A friend made a joke on Facebook that Messi wears jersey No 10 because he's equivalent to 10 men on the field. Against the Germans, Alaba and Dante took good and careful care of the ten-man and the other just ran around the field for 90 minutes. Barcelona's dependence on Lionel Messi will still pay in the La Liga for one or two more seasons, then it will end.


3. La Liga is Faaji

Klopp, Dortmund's coach rightly noted that "La Liga is Faaji". He claims that teams in the Spanish league pamper the duo of Madrid and Barcelona; a luxury the German couldn't avail. Too much space, that makes Messi dribble 7 different players and still net a goal. Too much time that makes Ronaldo do funny monkey tricks on colleagues and several other 'kantankantan' like that. I wonder which Chelsea team Messi would do such moves with, was it the one with Del horno or the one with David Luiz?


I still find it hard to believe Juan Mata and David Silva played for same team in La Liga and didn't win any title!



4. Is Mourinho ageing?


Since the 'special one' turned 50, some things have been turning filthy for him. Why did he keep Kaka on the bench until barely 10 minutes to the end of the match. The tactician must have planned for a volleyball or beach soccer at the Allianz Arena. With the rate at which his players were ballooning the ball every time it touched their feet, one would wonder if the midfield was ever part of their game plan. If the Portuguese nurture any plans of coaching well into old age, he may need a sort of rejuvenation like Pep.


So what favoured the Germans?


Hand of Pep

Did anyone noticed Guardiola's tactical presence with the Munich side? I did. I believe (right of opinion) Pep took Barca's groove and gave it to Bayern. Those guys played Pep's tactics to the letter, adding a decent defensive discipline. Bayern players were at their individual best. Heynekes may not want to say 'the whole truth' but I am convinced he got the gimmicks he used from his successor to come. Ok, what about the announcement of Gotze's move to Munich, will you say Pep is unaware of it?


Hunger

Although Dortmund had no Pep in the waiting, they were hungry enough to go for the kill. They rushed at every ball with the passion of an hungry Tiger and ferocity of a feral cat. They knew what they needed for a survival and they held Madrid at the jugular until they got it. Madrid on the other hand was like an obese Yak that couldn't run while the herd attacked.

Fledging Youth system

Since the emergence of Muller, Gotze and others, it has become obvious that Germany as a nation and Bundesliga is ready to challenge for the top shot. They have been consistent ever since with outstanding performance both on the world and continental stages.

The bashing and thrashing of the two teams that have produced the most World's 1^st and second bests in recent times, to some, signal the ends of their reigns. I won't buy such in a haste. Madrid still have the depth to spring a surprise on Dortmund and never say never with Barcelona, except for the fact that the genius of Pep is clearly missing in the team.

The paradox of all-German clash on an English soil for a final place won by crushing the Spaniards will be a fascinating one. Trust the English, Sir Fergie will be at the Wembley to feast his eyes on, and maybe finalise the Lewandowski deal as I throw my weight behind Dortmund for an European crown; after which the Pep talks shall continue.

Terrorist attack rocks Boston Marathon and JFK library

In what appears like a calculated terrorist attack, two huge explosions detonated near the finishing line of the Boston Marathon killing two and leaving about 23 others injured. A third explosion has been reported at the JFK library, also in Boston but no casualties reported.

The explosions which occurred near the city’s central Copley Square was reportedly between 30 seconds of each other and some of the injured are reported to have lost limbs. Victims with horrific injuries were carried to the medical tent that was set up for runners; others were pushed in wheelchairs on hand if competitors collapsed.

Pools of blood stained the pavements.

Pandemonium broke out among the crowds massed to watch one of the world’s biggest marathons.

Like the biblical analogy of Paul, you can't tell what's at the finishing line until you got there. The athletes and their teeming supporters had eyed the finishing line with great enthusiasm but some people had some other heinous intentions planned for the famous race.

The marathon, with about 20,000 competitors, takes place annually on Patriots Day, a festive New England public holiday.

The scale of the double explosion, the popularity of the event and the symbolism of the date – Patriot’s Day – prompted immediate fears of a terrorism attack.

 In a statement on its Facebook page, the Boston Marathon termed the blasts as "bombs". Two high-ranking law enforcement officials told Reuters the blasts had been caused by bombs.

Law enforcement officials told the NBC network that they believed that at least one-blast was the result of a home-made bomb. Some witnesses described ball-bearing injuries, a further indicator that a bomb was responsible.

A senior US intelligence official said two more explosive devices have been found near the scene. The official said the new devices were being dismantled.
Paul Browne, New York police deputy commissioner, said that the department was deploying counter-terrorism vehicles around landmarks in Manhattan, including hotels and tunnels, in response to the explosions.

 + Agency Report

Nigeria entertaiment industry is vibrant and dynamic- Adeyemi

Many thriving youth in the country have kept the main thing the main thing and keep mostly out of the media. But anyone with his finger in the entertainment pie cannot hide from the media for long, so it was when News and muse tracked the CEO of Ace Stage Oil and Gas and the Managing Director of Ace Stage Entertainment, a music producing outfit, Prince Adeyemi Arogundade. The unassuming young man, calmly welcome us and in this interview bared his mind on the Nigerian entertainment industry and the challenges confronting aspiring entrepreneurs.

Can we meet you?

I'm Prince Adeyemi Arogundade, the CEO Ace Stage Oil and Gas and the Managing Director Ace Stage Entertainment.

What do you do?

I'm an entrepreneur and a great lover of fun. That's why I venture into the Oil and Gas business as a mainstay and Entertainment as a hobby. But, you know in Nigeria, a young man must explore every opportunity to make money and still be happy, so I try to monetise my love for entertainment and that's what birth Ace Stage.

What's your view and evaluation of the music industry since your entrance into the mainstream?

Nigeria entertainment industry has been very vibrant and dynamic. It's more or less the only sector in the Nigerian business firmament that has been driven by the private sector and truly open to investors with all kinds of stake, both financial and talents. Although there have been several attempts at monopolising the industry but the economics of demand and supply makes it almost impossible. You may have all the money, but you must produce what the people want to see or hear. So, the people and the endless talents that exist in the industry keep determine the paradigm shift. To me that is fun and good. If only we could have such sincere dynamism in governance and politics.

Several young people await their chance in the music industry but very few have been able to make the big impact. Why?

Like I've earlier said, the industry is not straitjacketed. You may think you have something good to offer but you have to prove it using all industry mercenaries. A good lyrics, good voice, good production, good PR management and packaging, then a good deal of good-luck. Some have problems starting while some find it hard staying relevant, it all boils down to how prepared you are for the big stage. That's why we bring up Ace Stage to help young people with genuine dreams and passion for entertainment.

Do you have artists on your label yet?

Of course we do. Ace Stage, though young, has been around for a while. We had Samklef, Eronx and some other guys. We are currently working on bringing a breath of fresh air into the music industry. You know the trend now is predictable, the beats, the lyrics, the rhymes everything is becoming predictably boring. Just like the galala and the macossa era, we are at the peak of it and the inevitable downward trend is on us. So, Ace stage is gearing up to infuse a new kind of melody, rhythm and lyrics that will be fun and won't be far from the social ethics and value that is lacking in this current genre. We are working with artists across Africa; some from Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon. You know it's a global village, so we are working on evolving a truly African brand of music. Ace stage will equally stage a reality TV show, we are committed to promoting quality entertainment; that's all we do.

You said you're also into oil, how easy and profitable have you been finding it compared to entertainment?

As I've earlier hinted, entertainment is my hobby, it gives me great pleasure to be part of the making of fun and making people happy. But beyond that is the need to be productive and pay the bills. Oil and Gas business thus provide me the opportunity to make a living as a man. Both ventures have been rewarding.

Government has been preaching self-employment and entrepreneurship as a way of job creation and enhancing the private sector for a vibrant economy, but millions of youth still remain unemployed as several businesses fold up everyday. How have you been able to stay afloat?

In Nigeria, most things are easier said than done. Starting a business in Nigeria and keeping it afloat could be likened to a chick conceived in an egg with coconut shell, breaking through will take more than light pecking. Giving the harsh economic condition, most business ideas do not see the light of the day, those that do with impeccable tenacity are quashed by lack of operational capital. Government need to do more than talk, effort must be made to engage and empower the youth. We are at our troubling and restless best, full of energy which if concentrated to a profitable venture would be an asset to the country but in the contrary would spell doom for us now and later. An example of this is the growing trend of terrorism across Africa. Youth empowerment is the only panacea I can suggest. So, it's been a daily hustle to keep the businesses running and healthy too.

What has been your personal philosophy?

Take care of the pennies the pounds will take care of itself. When little things are well done the big things will fall in place.

Thanks for your time

It's a pleasure. You are welcome.

Meet ToksBaba, the ace broadcaster with a touch of Africanism!

For those familiar with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, the name Tokunbo Dada is a familiar one. But as Newsandmuse would find out, there is more behind the voice than it meets the eye. In this interview the engineer-turned-broadcaster revealed the principle behind the voice and the person.

N&M: Can we meet you?

ToksBaba: My name is Tokunbo Dada, popularly called Toksbaba. I am an entertainer, a broadcaster, a journalist, a writer, a dramatist, a public speaker and surprisingly, an engineer. I talk for a living and I really enjoy it; top 5 noise maker JSS 1- SSS 3, I was consistent.

N&M: Most people in the entertainment industry tend to have different personalities, one on stage, the other off it. Is there such dichotomy in Tokunbo Dada and ToksBaba?

 ToksBaba: Really Tokunbo Dada and Toksbaba are two very different personalities. You know I am a dramatist, a good one at that, so it is easy for me to assume my character on stage. At times, some colleagues come into the studio when i present, to check if i am taking anything, or under any influence... I don't even drink, but when you listen to some of my programmes, you wont believe that, you'll think "shayo leleyi o".
I am a principled and cultured person with bias for afrocentrism, but Toksbaba is usually a character I make up to suite the required situation.

N&M: What's the concept behind Bebe N Lo?

ToksBaba:  I understand that it is easier to teach people when they are not even aware that they are being taught. So BebeNlo was designed to be so much fun but underlining it is the teaching of some aspects of Yoruba culture like Yoruba language translation, oration, proverbs etc. In recent times we have included "Adugbo wa" and "Oju Popo" segments that look into the pains of the people on the streets as regards the environment and the road. It's an afrocentric programme, lots of fun too.

N&M: As a man given to culture and promotion of African values, is Bebe N Lo providing the satisfying result?

ToksBaba:  Yes, Bebe Nlo allows me to sell the Afrocentric ideas in unique unsuspecting manner. You can listen online or to past editions of Bebe N Lo on www.radionigeriaibadan.com/bebenlo

N&M: Is there anything the African society can revert to in its culture as a lasting solution to corruption, unemployment and terrorism on the continent?

ToksBaba: :There is a disconnect between the governed and the government, policies are made without adequate contributions of the downtrodden. If things will change, we have to look back at the ways policies were made in the ancient Yoruba communities where ideas were discussed at family level, then streets, quarters before the decisions are taken to the council of chiefs. This made the people a part of whatever policy was being formulated. This is still a common practice in some small communities in the South West. It is called Bottom-up approach in administration. In this manner things will change for the better.

The people have to change the mindset that elected officers must always 'drop' money at any event or occasion to which they are invited. Everything from naming ceremony to lunching, to church programmes. If such political office holder doesn't drop money, the people will say he is stingy and won't vote for him again. The people force them into corruption. This has to stop!

N&M:  Is the African culture threatened by cultural dynamism engineered by technology which is fast turning the world into a global village?

ToksBaba:  Technology is a tool, it can be used to make bomb in North Korea and it can be used to make phones in South Korea. It depends on how we want to use it. The world is a global village which means it is easier for us to learn from others and also for us to show the world our cultural values. The only question here is, do we still have that value? Not many students in the university today can speak their  local language correctly, just English Language. Many are not aware of their history, they are lost in the lake of globalization.

N&M: Have you given politics any thought?

ToksBaba: Politics! I don't think so, I am not interested for now. If an administration needs my help or expertise to improve the lives of the people, I will be willing oblige them if i know they are sincere and my family agrees. I'm first a husband and a father.

N&M: Is the African Family dead or alive?

ToksBaba: African Family Nigeria is a socio-cultural, Afrocentric Organization that advocates for a great African future. Whatever we do is based on what we learnt from the group. It gives a foundation for our principles, hence we preach it. African Family is alive but not functional in terms of group activities.


N&M: Thanks for your time, ToksBAba.

ToksBaba: The pleasure is all mine

British Titan Margaret Thatcher dies at 87

The “Iron Lady”, former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, is dead!

Baroness Thatcher, who was a great leader and titan in British politics reportedly died following a stroke on Monday at the age of 87.

“It is with great sadness that Mark and Carol Thatcher announced that their mother Baroness Thatcher died peacefully following a stroke this morning,” Lord Tim Bell said, referring to Thatcher’s children.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II was saddened to hear of her death, Buckingham Palace said.
“The Queen was sad to hear the news of the death of Baroness Thatcher. Her Majesty will be sending a private message of sympathy to the family,” it said.

The former premier, who led Britain from 1979 to 1990, suffered from dementia and has appeared rarely in public in recent years.

AP reported that she was last in hospital in December for a minor operation to remove a growth from her bladder.

The former Conservative Party leader remains the only female premier in British history and was the 20th century’s longest continuous occupant of Downing Street.

Her daughter once revealed that the former premier had to be repeatedly reminded that her husband Denis had died in 2003.

She was told by doctors to quit public speaking a decade ago after a series of minor strokes.
Michael Howard, Conservative leader 2003-2005, told Sky News television: “It’s terribly sad news. She was a titan in British politics.

“I believe she saved the country, she transformed our economy and I believe she will go down in history as one of our very greatest prime ministers.”

Right-wingers hailed her as having hauled Britain out of the economic doldrums but the left accused her of dismantling traditional industry, claiming her reforms helped unpick the fabric of society.
On the world stage, she built a close “special relationship” with US president Ronald Reagan which helped bring the curtain down on Soviet Communism. She also fiercely opposed closer ties with Europe.

Olayinka, Ekiti Deputy Governor dies at 52

After several months of battling cancer, the deputy governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, succumbed to the cold hands of death on Saturday evening at the age of 52.

A statement from the Ekiti State government house reads

"The Government of Ekiti State announces with sadness but with gratitude to God, the passing of the State Deputy Governor, H.E. Mrs Olufunmilayo Adunni Olayinka, aged 52, after a tough but courageous battle with cancer.

She died on Saturday evening.

Mrs Olayinka, an accomplished banker and corporate sector player worked in the financial industry for 21 years before heeding the call of service in her home state of  Ekiti when she was selected to serve on the ACN Governorship ticket in 2007. She demonstrated exemplary courage and dedicated service to Ekiti people both during the struggle to retrieve the stolen mandate and in her position as Deputy Governor.

She is survived by her husband and children as well as aged parents and siblings."

NewsandMuse condoles with the government and people of Ekiti state. May her soul rest in peace!

Okere of Saki joined his ancestors!

The ancient city of Saki was thrown into mourning on Friday, 5th April, 2013 as the news of the demise of the Okere of Saki , Oba Olatoyese Kelani Olarinre II filtered into the city. The paramount king of Saki land who was sighted at the central mosque for the Jumaa't prayer was reportedly healthy and sources closed to the palace said the king also observed the 4'o clock prayer before he joined his ancestors later in the evening.

The details of his death are still sketchy and NewsandMuse could not immediately ascertain it. But the remains of the king has been interned according to Islamic right on Saturday.

The late king was presented his instrument of office by the Governor of Oyo state, Senator Isiak Ajimobi on the 7th of April, 2012, six years after his installment. Unfortunately, , Oba Olatoyese Kelani Olarinre II died exactly a year after receiving his instrument of office.

Late Oba Kilani Olatoyese Ilufemiloye Olarinre II (JP) MFR was born to the ruling house of Iji Ojiele and hails from the Biolaotiri Alatise/ Olarinre family unit.

Dare to ponder!

One good way to broaden your knowledge is through reading. To read is to study, look at and understand the meaning of (written or printed words or symbols) something. Reading easily makes you know new things. To liberate yourself from ignorance you have to read; just as reading makes a full man. Here is the submission of Oliver W. Holmes on reading, “Life transforming ideas have always come to me through reading books.” 

A genre of books you will find helpful to your living is Motivational books. There are books and there are ‘books’. One of the good books you can read, be motivated and be inspired from is “DARE TO PONDER”, as written by Olurotimi Odejayi. The book is a thirteen chapter masterpiece, written to educate the reader on how to ponder and prosper in life. This book proffers the simple and practical guidance into how to live your life to the fullest through the maximum use of your mind and live better as humans. If you can follow the mental blueprints discussed in this book you will surely make a quantum leap in life.

I have found out that no man can be greater than the thoughts of himself. Hence, the reasons for the clarion call for all men to ponder. Just as Buddha corroborated this when he said “the mind is everything. What you think you become”. For example in Chapter Five, entitled “Precedence of Pondering” twenty-four convincing reasons were given on why a man needs to ponder first before taking any action in life. In the book are four scholarly-written poems as edited by Mr. Funso A. Isiade (Mcimn) and Foreword given by Professor Joel B. Babalola. The theme of the book is – “Maximising Your Living through a Mental Blueprint”. 

When you allow the thoughts to flow, pondering sets in and you will astound yourself with what you can ideate. It is what you can picture in your mind that you can work toward and to achieve. This is what is known as imagination. You need to ponder because no man can be greater than the thoughts of himself. The limit to how successful a person can be is determined by what he can think about himself. Napoleon Hill once said, “You can be anything you want to be, if only you believe with sufficient conviction and act in accordance with your faith; for whatever the mind can conceive and believe; the mind can achieve”. Read below a brief excerpt of the book.

To ‘ponder’ is to weigh something in the mind with thoroughness and care just as Bill Gates did; while the English word ‘ponderer’ means someone who exercises his or her mind usually in an effort to reach a decision. I believe too that you are ready to reach a decision with this book in your hand. 

This 21^st century is marked out by great men of repute who used their brain immensely to change the world for good, and you too must choose to be one of them. Do you know that you are today where your thoughts have brought you and you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you? “The greatest discovery of my generation is that men can change their circumstances by changing their attitude of mind” - were the wise sayings of William James on the right use of the mind. To excel in life has to do with you developing the right kind of mental processes. As a matter of fact, the mentality of a man is the driver to his destiny.  

Dare to Ponder is written by the leading of the Lord to educate you on how to maximise the use of your mind to nurture great thoughts and act out these thoughts in a bid to fulfill your divine purpose here on earth. This inspiration is undoubtedly sent to transform you. Read this book and get motivated. Let’s go!

Here are Readers’ Feedbacks of the book ‘Dare to Ponder’

“The author takes the reader through a psychological trip in pointing to the important milestones on the journey to the top, and challenging everyone to look inward; breathe deep, and maximize the power of the human mind. There lies the power to excel.”                     

Dr. ’Tunde O. Opeibi.

                                                                                                Senior Lecturer,

English Language Department,

                                                                                    University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.

“Crime indeed is common, to ponder is rare. The sway of ponder makes me to ponder. It is a book for anyone who is curious to ponder”.                         Mr. Olorunsaye, Joseph O.

Cataloguing Librarian,

E. Latunde Odeku Medical Library,

College of Medicine, U.I., Ibadan.

           

“The author has established the unknown fact that all the known resources of life may fail, but the thinking resource will remain.”                                    Mr. Adetunji O. Albert

                                                                                       Senior Librarian,

                                                                                    Lead City University, Ibadan.

“‘Dare to Ponder’ is a very good book; every chapter is about deep and thorough thinking. The book will make a great companion for everyone”.                    Mrs. E.O. Yoloye

            SIWES Director,

            Lead City University, Ibadan.

“Thinking is central to man’s existence as no man has lived above his thoughts. Thinking positively or pondering is the immaculate key that unlocks the God-given potentials in you.  The principles that this book teaches will help you to unlock these potentials. It is in YOU, so Dare to PONDER.”                                                                                       Dr. David A. Fadare

                                                                                                            Senior Lecturer,

Mechanical Engineering Department,

                                                                                    University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.

“Olurotimi has put together some powerful thoughts in his book ‘Dare to Ponder’. He has succinctly proved that even the though the top may be a difficult direction, yet it is not impossible to attain. I therefore recommend this book for all who desire the best”.                 

Pastor ’Tunde Adebo

                                                                                                Presiding Pastor,

Father’s House Int’l. Church Ibadan.

“‘Dare to Ponder’ reflects deep intellectual insight into understanding success. This is no doubt A MUST READ for everyone that desires an impactful life”.       Femi Ojo B.O., ESQ.

                                                                                                            A Banker/Business man.

Mr. Olurotimi Odejayi, the Author of this book can be reached on 08098795454.

E-Mail: daretoponder@ymail.com

Industrial Court orders Olojede’s company to pay ex-staff by April 6

Honourable Justice B. B. Kanyip of the  National Industrial Court of Nigeria,  Lagos Judicial Division, has ordered Timbuktu Media, the media organization owned by Pulitzer award winning reporter Dele Olojede, to pay on or before April 6, 2013, six ex-staff of the company who challenged Olojede’s company to court for wrongful termination of appointments and nonpayment of entitlements.

The staff include Olukayode Thomas who asked the court to compel Olojede’s company to pay his entitlements. Thomas resigned from Timbuktu Media in April 2010, he decided to go to court in April 2011 when Olojede refused to keep several promises he had made to pay all his entitlements.

The five others are Opeyemi Nyela Olus, Ireyimika Esther Oyegbami, Ayodamola Olufunto Owoseye, Olusola Richard Babarinsa and Bolade Olusegun Oladoye who sued Timbuktu Media for wrongful termination of employment and refusal of the company to pay their entitlements.

In his judgment, His Lordship Kanyip ordered Timbuktu Media to pay the claimants their entitlement, general damages and cost of legal action on or before April 6, 2013.

The six former staff of Timbuktu Media were represented by Olugbuyiro Akinola, Mrs. Bukola Adetunji and Miss O. A. Animashaun.

Timbuktu Media, the brainchild of Dele Olojede, debuted as an online publication 234next.com in 2008, before Next on Sunday and Next Daily hit the newsstands shortly after.

Olojede claimed that the medium was set to be the voice of the people, but a combination of factors, including bad management, unsustainable  salary, reckless spending, poor marketing strategy and lack of advertisement patronage led to the publications being rested.

Olojede according to close associates is working hard to return the newspaper to the newsstands.