Friday, December 15, 2006
LAGOS: A POEM
Lagos
Eko Akete, Ile Ogbon
Eko O gba Gbere
Lagos
The land of acquatic splendour
The Place called Centre of Excellence
Its inhabitants,Lagosians they call themselves,
Won't agree theirs is a mad city
A metropolis of trouble
Where movement in traffic is hell
Where precious work hours are wasted
Okada came to the rescue
But Okada riders themselves are potential killers
Recklessly riding with full speed
Bypassing vehicles
not the least bothered of the safety of their passengers
The Policemen are also doing their thing
Shamelessly collecting rumpled notes
Given amidst cursed tones
Inside the bad-mannered conductor
Who himself is often lambasted by passengers
Eko Akete, Ile Ogbon
Eko O gba Gbere
Lagos
The land of acquatic splendour
The Place called Centre of Excellence
Its inhabitants,Lagosians they call themselves,
Won't agree theirs is a mad city
A metropolis of trouble
Where movement in traffic is hell
Where precious work hours are wasted
Okada came to the rescue
But Okada riders themselves are potential killers
Recklessly riding with full speed
Bypassing vehicles
not the least bothered of the safety of their passengers
The Policemen are also doing their thing
Shamelessly collecting rumpled notes
Given amidst cursed tones
Inside the bad-mannered conductor
Who himself is often lambasted by passengers
Thursday, December 14, 2006
2007, PDP PRIMARIES: MATTERS ARISING
I have been following the primaries of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for days now. The different political events playing out across the country as 2007 draws nearer is really a cause for concern. A situation where incumbent governors ensure that their anointed candidates, whether cousins or in-laws, and in many cases, loyal aides succeed them at all cost, not minding the choices of the electorates, is nothing but a far cry from popular participation in the choice of leaders elected into public offices.
Should one man's choice be forced down the throat of the majority as the choice of the people? You answer. But this serve-serving agendas of the governors will only promote anger which could lead to revolt and violence among candidates and their supporters especially within the party. It also has negative consequences on the larger polity.
But the gubernatorial primaries in Lagos was indeed, historic with the emergence of Mrs. Hilda Funso Williams as the winner of the run-off election conducted to elect the PDP flagbearer for the state. However, it would have been better if the electoral panel had at least conceded to the request of the other aspirant, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro that the votes should be counted a second time. If the party men had acceeded to the request, Obanikoro and his supporters would have been convinced beyond doubt that they lost the election while Mrs. Funso Williams is the preferred choice of the Lagos PDP for Governor come 2007.
The presidential screening commiitee of the PDP also completed its work on Wednesday with media reports that about 19 aspirants were disqualified while candidates like Govs Umar Yar'Adua of Katsina state and Donald Duke of Cross River state crossed the hurdles.
While PDP may not be one's best party, if Yar'Adua or Duke emerges the PDP flagbearer, the party may likely get my vote. Why? Although it is widely believed that Yar'Adua is President Obasanjo's candidate, but the governor, according to media reports, has done well in his state and is one governor who has consistently declared his assets publicly while also not having any case to answer with the EFCC.Same also applies for Duke, who, apart from having no corruption case on his neck, has turned Cross River to one of the best states in the nation, Nigeria's first tourism destination to the World-Obudu Cattle Ranch- not forgetting his outstanding TINAPA Project.
Of Course, Saturday is just two days away when delegates from across the 36 states of the country would converge at the Eagles Square Abuja for the PDP Presidential Primaries. It is oly then that we would all know who emerges the PDP candidate.
Personally, I think Yar'Adua is likely to get it eventhough I'll be more pleased if Duke clinches it. Whichever way it goes, let's hope the best candidate that truly desires to move this country forward in all areas emerges to slug it out at the polls with the flagbearers of other parites next April.
Should one man's choice be forced down the throat of the majority as the choice of the people? You answer. But this serve-serving agendas of the governors will only promote anger which could lead to revolt and violence among candidates and their supporters especially within the party. It also has negative consequences on the larger polity.
But the gubernatorial primaries in Lagos was indeed, historic with the emergence of Mrs. Hilda Funso Williams as the winner of the run-off election conducted to elect the PDP flagbearer for the state. However, it would have been better if the electoral panel had at least conceded to the request of the other aspirant, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro that the votes should be counted a second time. If the party men had acceeded to the request, Obanikoro and his supporters would have been convinced beyond doubt that they lost the election while Mrs. Funso Williams is the preferred choice of the Lagos PDP for Governor come 2007.
The presidential screening commiitee of the PDP also completed its work on Wednesday with media reports that about 19 aspirants were disqualified while candidates like Govs Umar Yar'Adua of Katsina state and Donald Duke of Cross River state crossed the hurdles.
While PDP may not be one's best party, if Yar'Adua or Duke emerges the PDP flagbearer, the party may likely get my vote. Why? Although it is widely believed that Yar'Adua is President Obasanjo's candidate, but the governor, according to media reports, has done well in his state and is one governor who has consistently declared his assets publicly while also not having any case to answer with the EFCC.Same also applies for Duke, who, apart from having no corruption case on his neck, has turned Cross River to one of the best states in the nation, Nigeria's first tourism destination to the World-Obudu Cattle Ranch- not forgetting his outstanding TINAPA Project.
Of Course, Saturday is just two days away when delegates from across the 36 states of the country would converge at the Eagles Square Abuja for the PDP Presidential Primaries. It is oly then that we would all know who emerges the PDP candidate.
Personally, I think Yar'Adua is likely to get it eventhough I'll be more pleased if Duke clinches it. Whichever way it goes, let's hope the best candidate that truly desires to move this country forward in all areas emerges to slug it out at the polls with the flagbearers of other parites next April.
PDP PRIMARIES FOR 2007: MATTERS ARISING
I have been following the primaries of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for days now. The different political events playing out across the country as 2007 draws nearer is really a cause for concern. A situation where incumbent governors ensure that their anointed candidates, whether cousins or in-laws, and in many cases, loyal aides succeed them at all cost, not minding the choices of the electorates, is nothing but a far cry from popular participation in the choice of leaders elected into public offices. Should one man's choice be forced down the throat of the majority as the choice of the people? You answer. But this serve-serving agendas of the governors will only promote anger which could lead to revolt and violence among candidates and their supporters especially within the party. Of course, such selfish interest, is not likely to bring much good to the populace.
But the gubernatorial primaries in Lagos was indeed, historic with the emergence of Mrs. Hilda Funso Williams as the winner of the run-off election conducted to elect the PDP flagbearer for the state. However, it would have been better if the electoral panel had at least conceded to the request of the other aspirant, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro that the votes should be counted a second time. If the party men had acceeded to the request, Obanikoro and his supporters would have been convinced beyond doubt that they lost the election while Mrs. Funso Williams is the preferred choice of the Lagos PDP for Governor come 2007.
The presidential screening committee of the PDP also completed its work on Wednesday with media reports that about 19 aspirants were disqualified while candidates like Govs Umar Yar'Adua of Katsina state and Donald Duke of Cross River state crossed the hurdles.
While PDP may not be one's best party, if Yar'Adua or Duke emerges the PDP flagbearer, the party may likely get my vote. Why? Although it is widely believed that Yar'Adua is President Obasanjo's candidate, but the governor, according to media reports, has done well in his state and is one governor who has consistently declared his assets publicly while also not having any case to answer with the EFCC. Same also applies for Duke, who, apart from having no corruption case on his neck, has turned Cross River to one of the best states in the nation, Nigeria's first tourism destination to the World-Obudu Cattle Ranch- not forgetting his outstanding TINAPA Project.
Of Course, Saturday is just two days away when delegates from across the 36 states of the country would converge at the Eagles Square Abuja for the PDP Presidential Primaries. It is only then that we would all know who emerges the PDP candidate.
Personally, I think Yar'Adua is likely to get it eventhough I'll be more pleased if Duke clinches it. Whichever way it comes, let's hope the best candidate that truly desires to move this country forward in all areas emerges to slug it out at the polls with the flagbearers of other parties next April.
But the gubernatorial primaries in Lagos was indeed, historic with the emergence of Mrs. Hilda Funso Williams as the winner of the run-off election conducted to elect the PDP flagbearer for the state. However, it would have been better if the electoral panel had at least conceded to the request of the other aspirant, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro that the votes should be counted a second time. If the party men had acceeded to the request, Obanikoro and his supporters would have been convinced beyond doubt that they lost the election while Mrs. Funso Williams is the preferred choice of the Lagos PDP for Governor come 2007.
The presidential screening committee of the PDP also completed its work on Wednesday with media reports that about 19 aspirants were disqualified while candidates like Govs Umar Yar'Adua of Katsina state and Donald Duke of Cross River state crossed the hurdles.
While PDP may not be one's best party, if Yar'Adua or Duke emerges the PDP flagbearer, the party may likely get my vote. Why? Although it is widely believed that Yar'Adua is President Obasanjo's candidate, but the governor, according to media reports, has done well in his state and is one governor who has consistently declared his assets publicly while also not having any case to answer with the EFCC. Same also applies for Duke, who, apart from having no corruption case on his neck, has turned Cross River to one of the best states in the nation, Nigeria's first tourism destination to the World-Obudu Cattle Ranch- not forgetting his outstanding TINAPA Project.
Of Course, Saturday is just two days away when delegates from across the 36 states of the country would converge at the Eagles Square Abuja for the PDP Presidential Primaries. It is only then that we would all know who emerges the PDP candidate.
Personally, I think Yar'Adua is likely to get it eventhough I'll be more pleased if Duke clinches it. Whichever way it comes, let's hope the best candidate that truly desires to move this country forward in all areas emerges to slug it out at the polls with the flagbearers of other parties next April.
Femi Kolawole, Who is this guy?
You're curious to know who I am or you know me already? Don't worry. I'll tell you a bit about Femi Kolawole. Yes, a bit about Femi Kolawole and who this guy is. Because, if you want to know every thing about me, then you may have to wait till my autobiography is out. That would surely take some time. So, this information is about my professional career from 2001 till today, December 14, 2006. I have not included the detaills of my growing-up years. But we'll still talk about that sometime, I promise. Are you ready? Here we go...
*****************************************************
My name is Femi Kolawole. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria on April 15, 1981. I am an indigene of Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North local government area of Ogun State. I studied Mass Communication at the Polytechnic, Ibadan. I joined THE WEEK, a national news magazine, in 2001 as an intern after a stint at OGBC Abeokuta, Ogun state, now Gateway Radio. On completing my internship, I was offered full employment as a Reporter/ Researcher at the magazine. In essence, I am a journalist and writer.
In December 2003, with barely over a year’s experience in Journalism, I won the prizes for ‘Best Individual Reporting of HIV/AIDS (Magazine Category) and ‘Best Individual Reporting on Stigma Reduction (Print Media Category)’ at the prestigious RED RIBBON MEDIA AWARDS, becoming the youngest Nigerian to be so honoured.
The awards, organized by Journalists Against AIDS (JAAIDS) Nigeria, were sponsored by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) respectively. I was again a winner at the 2004 edition of the awards. One of my winning entries, Fighting A Stigma, has also been published in the on-line newsletter of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN), the global body of the newspaper industry in Paris, France.
I joined BRANDFaces, an all-gloss international brand-focused journal in January 2005, and in September, was nominated as the Young Journalist of the Year, in Nigeria’s first-ever Young Journalists Award organized by Media Development Network, (MDN) in Lagos. I emerged second runner-up at the ceremony which was broadcast on the network news of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
In April 2006, I was one of ten individuals with inspiring stories nominated for the 2006 AART OF LIFE AGAINST ALL ODDS AWARD. The awards seek to recognise and honour young Nigerians who, despite the though challenges life had thrown at them, have shown exemplary courage, turning their personal misfortunes into positive influence on society. In August 2006, a special documentary was done on me and was broadcast on the widely-watched Channels TV and the NTA Network Service to over 30 million people. The gala night to celebrate the finalists tagged 'Against All Odds, I have Surivived, Look at Me Now' was held at the Expo Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was a superlative event and lived up to its pre-event publicity as a world classs event with many notable Nigerians in attendance to applaud 10 young Nigerians, who have survived against all odds and have inspiring stories to tell. I was the only journalist among the lot.
Presently, I work in the Research and Communication department of JAAIDS Nigeria, an international award-winning media-based non-governmental advocacy organization based in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.
Values which I hold dear include building people, making impact, leaving footprints and glorifying God.I am also a volunteer worker at God’s Mercy Revival Ministries (GOMERM), a church in Idimu, a suburb of Lagos. I am a part-time degree student of the Lagos State University in the Department for History & International Relations. I love reading, listening to christian songs, dancing, photography, traveling, playing with children and being a positive impact in the lives of people, starting from those around me.
*****************************************************
My name is Femi Kolawole. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria on April 15, 1981. I am an indigene of Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North local government area of Ogun State. I studied Mass Communication at the Polytechnic, Ibadan. I joined THE WEEK, a national news magazine, in 2001 as an intern after a stint at OGBC Abeokuta, Ogun state, now Gateway Radio. On completing my internship, I was offered full employment as a Reporter/ Researcher at the magazine. In essence, I am a journalist and writer.
In December 2003, with barely over a year’s experience in Journalism, I won the prizes for ‘Best Individual Reporting of HIV/AIDS (Magazine Category) and ‘Best Individual Reporting on Stigma Reduction (Print Media Category)’ at the prestigious RED RIBBON MEDIA AWARDS, becoming the youngest Nigerian to be so honoured.
The awards, organized by Journalists Against AIDS (JAAIDS) Nigeria, were sponsored by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) respectively. I was again a winner at the 2004 edition of the awards. One of my winning entries, Fighting A Stigma, has also been published in the on-line newsletter of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN), the global body of the newspaper industry in Paris, France.
I joined BRANDFaces, an all-gloss international brand-focused journal in January 2005, and in September, was nominated as the Young Journalist of the Year, in Nigeria’s first-ever Young Journalists Award organized by Media Development Network, (MDN) in Lagos. I emerged second runner-up at the ceremony which was broadcast on the network news of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
In April 2006, I was one of ten individuals with inspiring stories nominated for the 2006 AART OF LIFE AGAINST ALL ODDS AWARD. The awards seek to recognise and honour young Nigerians who, despite the though challenges life had thrown at them, have shown exemplary courage, turning their personal misfortunes into positive influence on society. In August 2006, a special documentary was done on me and was broadcast on the widely-watched Channels TV and the NTA Network Service to over 30 million people. The gala night to celebrate the finalists tagged 'Against All Odds, I have Surivived, Look at Me Now' was held at the Expo Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was a superlative event and lived up to its pre-event publicity as a world classs event with many notable Nigerians in attendance to applaud 10 young Nigerians, who have survived against all odds and have inspiring stories to tell. I was the only journalist among the lot.
Presently, I work in the Research and Communication department of JAAIDS Nigeria, an international award-winning media-based non-governmental advocacy organization based in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.
Values which I hold dear include building people, making impact, leaving footprints and glorifying God.I am also a volunteer worker at God’s Mercy Revival Ministries (GOMERM), a church in Idimu, a suburb of Lagos. I am a part-time degree student of the Lagos State University in the Department for History & International Relations. I love reading, listening to christian songs, dancing, photography, traveling, playing with children and being a positive impact in the lives of people, starting from those around me.
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