NESTLE DOES IT AGAIN

NESTLE DOES IT AGAIN
Nestle Nigeria Plc, the leading producer of well loved family brands (Milo, Nescafe, Cerelac , Golden Morn, Nestle Pure Life water and many others, ) on Thursday April 14th 2016, opened it's new ultramodern, Pure life water factory in Abaji, on the outskirts of Abuja, NIgeria's Federal Capital Territory.

Construction of this impressive complex began in 2014.

This is Nestle's second Purelife water factory in Nigeria.

The M.D./ CEO of Nestle Nigeria Plc in his welcome address affirmed the company's commitment to the Nigerian State. He said: ''It (this new factory) underpins our belief in the potential that this country has. It underpins our belief that the Nigerian economy is resilient. It underpins our belief that the culture of Nigeria is resilient."

Nigeria's Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo represented President Muhammadu Buhari in an event that boasted the top executives from Nestle Nigeria Plc. , Nestle worldwide, and the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria and other dignitaries.

Speaking, V.P. Osinbajo said this "reflects the continuing importance of Nigeria as an investment destination. It also shows that the FCT is continuing to attract investments which will lend momentum to the FCT administration to create a vibrant and economically dynamic FCT . "

The factory is already providing direct local employment to young men and women from Abaji in this rather trying period of the Nigerian economy.

SIERRA LEONE AND THE ABORTION RIGHTS BILL

SIERRA LEONE AND THE ABORTION RIGHTS BILL

I was in Freetown on the 13th of December through the Christmas period through the early days of this new year, when the debate about Sierra Leone's abortion rights bill began, and gained momentum.

In  December 2015, Parliament in Sierra Leone unanimously passed a bill giving the right to women to terminate a pregnancy in any circumstance up to 12 weeks, and up to 24 weeks in cases of incest, rape and foetal impairment.

Religious leaders ( from the Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone, representing a powerful constituency in Sierra Leone) made a hurried presentation to H.E, President Bai Koroma requesting him to decline to sign the bill, on the grounds that it would weaken the moral fabric of the nation, and even more, erode the spiritual roots of women and young girls in the society.

What I gather from their arguments is that, if passed the bill, it would encourage teenagers to be more promiscuous, and therefore would end up with more unwanted pregnancies, and consequently do more abortions, all of which imply taking lives which is a sin against GOD and a further erosion of the spiritual rectitude of our fragile nation.


Debates on issues like these would always be heated, passionate and divergent and it is almost always inevitable that people will take sides, but I believe debate is always healthy. Through debate we get an idea of each other's viewpoints and if we are open enough, and less dogmatic we can appreciate other people's views and reach reasonable compromise. For a Nation that recently went through 10 years of harrowing civil war, the desire to promote the sanctity of life is understandable, and I agree there can be no if's or buts about this -- " the sanctity of human lives".


And this is where I believe that opponents of the bill have critically -- too critically narrowed their definition of sanctity of life. Permit me to paint picture. Suppose I had a twenty year old daughter who was pregnant under any circumstance imaginable, and by some stroke of fortuity as well, also finds herself so mentally traumatized and by extension physically compromised in such a way that her very life was at risk. With all due respect to society and societal laws I will, by myself champion that cause to terminate that pregnancy with everything that I possibly have and if need be I will by my own personal drive, use our lives as a launch pad to begin to unravel and repeal the present anti-abortion law. This is how I personally feel about the current anti-abortion law. If we say human-life is sacred. The word must, as a matter of definition be all inclusive, although even I admit , crystallizing that definition does require more than this vague piece.


WHAT IS THE REALITY WITHOUT THE ABORTION RIGHTS BILL?

If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that society puts enormous pressure on teenage girls to avoid getting pregnant at all costs. If we truly are honest with ourselves, we will also admit that our teenage girls and women in general are very sexually active. And if we are really, truly honest with ourselves we will admit that our young girls and women are losing their lives in the hundreds on a daily basis due to abortions carried out by unqualified persons, experimenting with unprofessional and unsafe techniques and drugs, while operating in unhygienic and unsafe environments.

Now, if we are really really, and truly truly honest with ourselves, we will definitely admit, that most of these young girls and women do have religion, and are intrinsically so afraid of perceived societal repercussion that this is why they are driven to seek abortion underground

The reality is that the abortion rights bill will encourage all those desiring to seek abortion to be bolder and approach qualified medical personnel to counsel, and carry out safe procedure, thereby ensuring that life is not lost during this procedure.

Every teenage girl and woman for that matter, has a minimum of thirteen years invested in their lives. Every death from an unsafe abortion procedure, highlights a minimum of thirteen wasted years.

FOUR MAJOR MYTHS ABOUT THE ABORTION RIGHTS BILL

Opponents of the abortion rights bill believe signing this bill into law would cause an increase in the number of people seeking abortion.

My thoughts: FALSE.
  REASON : There must first be a statistic on the number of actual abortions carried out, and deaths resulting there from in the last five years at least, to make any credible inferences or deductions.

Opponents of the abortion rights bill believe that if the bill is not passed into law teenage girls and women would not go for abortion, and their lives will not be lost.

My thoughts: FALSE.
  REASON: Those who want to get abortion will always find a way to get it done and if the bill is not passed into law, they will end up more often than not as a death statistic.

Opponents of the abortion rights bill believe that the life of the unborn child is more important than the life of the mother.

My thoughts: HIGHLY DEBATABLE.
  REASON : A parent must be psychologically prepared, and adequately healthy to cater to the needs of a child, from infanthood until, at least the teenage years otherwise that child may not even get beyond the age of five and examples abound in our dear Sierra Leone. As a matter of fact, according to WHO Sierra Leone has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world.

Opponents of the abortion rights bill believe that if the bill is passed into law teenage girls would become more promiscuous and women would engage in more sexual infidelities than at present.

My thoughts: HIGHLY DEBATABLE.
  REASON: Promiscuity and sexual infidelities are more a reflection of the types of role models, and characterization models that our societies uphold and celebrate. I have long believed that many of our social ills can be tackled to a large extent by creative media approach to promote sexual abstinence among young people and greater commitment to relationships in older people. This however will first require a clear media policy by our home government, and should be communicated as our preferred national strategy with incentive to media houses and media practitioners who adopt this approach.

My conclusion:
While this debate is not unique to Sierra Leone or third world countries for that matter we must all, as Sierra Leoneans endeavor to bring to the table our different arguments and positions with an open mind, no matter how silly or ridiculous they may seem, because our collective future may very well depend on how well we can mix and match all of these to carve laws that are suitable to our unique environment.

The ultimate benefit will be well grounded families, fulfilling longevity, children that will enjoy their childhood and grow into responsible and caring adults.

** Please feel free to share your own views with us in the comments box.

THE NFF-OLISEH AFFAIR GETS MESSIER

THE NFF-OLISEH AFFAIR GETS MESSIER.

As a Nation we love our parties, we love having our 'chilled' drinks while we expound on the state of the nation in every which way it hits us, and then -- no doubt we love our women too, and then also we love our football. No, we are passionate, fanatical about our football. Curiously also, we love ignoring antecedents, history, precedents although their stories provide the meaty flesh we love to ruminate on all year through.

About 7 months ago the NFF(Nigeria Football Federation)  President , Amaju Pinnick, cited insurbodination and lack of committment as the reasons for sacking coach Stephen Keshi, while in the same breath, boldly told Football loving Nigerians that he trusted that Coach Sunday Oliseh ' had the temperament to work harmoniously with the Technical and development committee...'

While many had applauded this move, The Online Editorial  [ click to read the full story ] had raised a red flag citing Olishe's many instances of questionable temperamental disposition. That post had ended with the question : "Is Sunday Oliseh's appointment really a master stroke, or just a loaded gun looking for a burst-up?"

Seven months on the answer is clear to all : NFF and Sunday Oliseh have parted ways in a not so tidy manner. It was infact, in a messier manner than when the NFF parted ways with Keshi. On the 26th February 2016,  week Sunday Oliseh tendered his resignation , accusing the NFF of not giving him the needed support to deliver on his job.  [  click to read Oliseh's resignation letter here. ]

The NFF-OLISEH burst-up not only provided juice for the media but is now bordering on issues where a few people are calling on the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) to investigate the body. This may be a debate for another day.

The Online Editorial's focus is really on something less complex : There really is nothing wrong with the Amaju Pinnick led NFF to have come clean. He should have simply told Nigerians that he only wanted to give his 'country man' , Oliseh--(they come from the same State ), a chance. If he had come out candidly to say that, a few of us who are doggedly analytical would have understood. The debate we are now going to raise would have had no place.

But to have categorically said that Oliseh had the ' temperament to ...' clearly indicates one of two things. Either the leadership of the NFF was grossly incompetent and lacking in the ability to read character, and draw credible inferences from available data, or, ( and this I believe is a greater sin) -- the NFF deliberately, calculatedly lied to soccer loving Nigerians for some veiled , dubious reason.

In either case the NFF should do the honourable thing and come clean to Nigerians. They not only owe Nigerians an apology, but they should as a duty to this nation address the issues concerning Sunday Oliseh and his assistant Jean Francois Loscuito's claims of being owed salaries going several months back. Oliseh's assistant, Loscuito is being owed about One Hundred Thousand dollars ( according to an interview he granted to Brilla 88.9, ). This is a major embarassment to the NFF and Nigeria as a whole. On air, Mr. Loscuito almost in tears appealed to the NFF to please pay his salary as he had a family to provide for and outstanding medical bills to settle. This is not the NFF a man of Amaju Pinnick's stature should be leading. As a former sports professional himself the NFF President should relate to the plight and desires of professional sports people in Nigeria.

All said, a more important question for us however, is how does all of this affect soccer lovers in Nigeria?

Answer: If the NFF does not give the interim coaching crew the needed support, Nigeria's qualification for the next African Nations Cup will be in jeopardy. If Nigeria again does not qualify we can only imagine the loss in terms of business opportunities nationwide, loss of earnings to NFF from CAF and of course real exposure for our footballers.

In the final anaysis, this absolutely avoidable state of affairs leaves a huge quesion hanging over the Amaju Pinnick led NFF: Is he the right man to lead the NFF beyond the tenure of his first term? Mr. Pinnick still has a few more years to answer that question.

DISCOVERING TISEH

EKITI ROCKS WITH TISEH


Although today's musical genres are not often  lyrically sophisticated, there is no doubt the quality of melodic beauty, and breath-taking music that impresses us on a daily basis. Check out the Davidos, Wiz Kids, Small Doctors, not to talk of the Tiwa Savages, Omawumis, Shasha Ps, of this world -- Nigerians indeed are taking the Nigerian experience global.
And in comes a fresh , vibrant new talent looking to join this list of rocking superstars in a little while, and her name is -- Tiseh.

DISCOVERING TISEH:


Tiseh tell us What is your real name, and where do you come from?


My name is Adegboyega Bunmi Babatiseh , I am from Ekiti state, Ado Ekiti to be precise and I am based in Ekiti but I may soon be based in Lagos.

You say may? What, are you going to get married and move to Lagos ?

(Screams) Nooooooooo! Just me, so that I can get more exposure and promote my music.

Why 'Tishe? The name must have a special meaning and aspiration for you .

The full meaning of the name is BABATISHE. I use Tiseh because a lot of my friends call me by that name. It's unique and its dear to me.

When, how and why did you decide to get into music ?


I started singing right from the age of six, as a chorister. The reason why I decided to make it as a career is because I feel whole while singing. I have passion for it. The thing is I can't do without singing for a day 'cause it's my life.


                                          Schooling , how far ?


I'll be 21 yrs old by June. Actually I'm still schooling but I just finished my OND this January. I finished from the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti.


Who believes more in your music -- your mum or your dad ?

My mum and my younger sister believe more in my singing abilities. It's not as if my family is not supporting me but I don't feel that overwhelming emotion from them, that's all but as they say -- no family in London.

My biggest challenge though is from my neighborhood -- people are critical of me because I am in the church choir and I also go to shows and parties but this does not depress me because I stay focused at what I want to do.

What's your biggest challenge professionally, so far?

My biggest challenge professionally was getting money to book the studio, engage an engineer and make music. I do not give up easily. I met people, harassed my friends and loved ones -- in fact anybody who could contribute to my dream, I made sure I reached out to them. In fact I still keep going to shows and meeting people. I do not relent-- I believe that's the way to success .


What kind of music do you sing and what's your target audience?


Afro-pop and dance hall is what I do. My target audience is everyone because I am trying to make my own music -- you know create some deep emotional impact with my music. It's not just for the youth but for everyone.

                                        Who writes your lyrics?


I write my lyrics by myself and my inspiration comes from within. I am passionate about what I write and sing. Sometimes in my songs I draw from the olden days, but it's nothing deeply philosophical. For example in this new single a part of it goes like this :
   ëye meji tolongo ooo,
   éye meji tolong ooo, leee-en.
It's symbolic of two birds walking together, playing together. You see, simple. I believe in connecting with people. In my songs and lyrics I simply try to connect with people.


Tell us the story of your life as an artiste.


Life as an artiste can be rough sometimes -- infact unless you've made it, it is very rough but I love what I do so it is worth the pain. I don't give damn about any haters!!

Tell us about this your new single. When did it debut?
When are we hoping to view the music video?


My new single is titled "Your Love " CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO TISEH'S SONG It's breaking to the public on Valentine day. It's going to break on all social media platforms. I'm looking to shoot a creative music video to this single in March.
And tell us are you on to any label at the moment?


No I am not with any label at the moment . You know how labels are these days, it's after you've made it that they come knocking. Anyway I am doing my thing and I have faith in myself and in my music. Believe me when I say I am on the way to the top.

You  certainly have a lot of confidence?


(Laughs) That is what keeps me going-- confidence and belief. Music makes me tick. When I am down I find peace with music. When I am with my friends we enjoy music together. Music makes me rock.


Tell us about your first time in the studio  CLICK TO LISTEN TO TISEH'S MUSIC TOO


Wow!! It was fun. I was nervous and hitting all kinds of wrong notes. The song is a love song "Love in Lagos" . When my producer saw how nervous I was he sat me down and told me to pretend that the song was about him -- that I was singing to him. And it worked. All my nervousness went away. My emotions took over. In fact it was a lot of fun.


The music industry is very competitive what makes you believe you can
become one of the knockout stars of the future like
Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Sasha P or even Omawunmi ?


What makes me believe ? (she laughs) I've got passion. I've got love , I've got faith in music that's it. But I also spend time researching, studying music trends , understudying the big acts here in Nigeria and showing up whenever I'm called for shows. I put in hard work and I believe because I've got faith brother, and I am sure I am going to make it big.

We're celebrating valentine in less than 48 hours,
what are your views about love and the challenges of love?

It's a great thing to be in love , although am not into a relationship right now. I jus dey chill -- putting my all into my music you know.


Are you searching?


(Screams) Aaaaah!! No oooo I am not searching ooo. I am sure valentine will be a great day for lovers but for me I will spend my val with the 2 special people in my life , my mum and my sister.

What's your last word to your fans ?


I just love to tell them that when I look at them I see my future in front of my very eyes -- like a star in the sky I will shine one day -- and they will always have a special place in my heart. I love you all! I love you all! It's your girl Tiseh saying happy valentine this year and in the years ahead.

MABS 2015: LOOKING FORWARD FROM THE PAST

MUSIC AFRICA BEACH SPLASH 2015 (MABS 2015) -- THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS:

It's 25 days to the biggest beach rock-down in Lagos, the Music Africa Beach splash 2015.  These are some of the images from the 2014 show:

LUCKY

AND LAGOS STATE ONCE AGAIN SHOWS US HOW GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE:

AMBODE HANDS OVER MILE12-IKORODU BRT EXTENSION TO THE PEOPLE

In many ways the governments of Lagos state (since 1999) have consistently shown to Nigerians the ultimate value of governance -- continuance in delivering tangible assets to the industrious people of Lagos State.

NEW BRT BUS DEPOT AT MAJIDUN, IKORODU

While in many other States of the federation a transition from one regime to the other (even within the same party)  almost always results in countless abandoned projects, revocation of contracts and a re-kindling of 'bad blood' among politicians and civil servants alike, Lagos state on the other hand,  continues to sprint on a different track ensuring that baton handovers do not blur the view of the end point :  In 2003, the Jagaban of Africa, Asiwaju Bola Hamed Tinubu  and his team including these 3 key players -- Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, (then Commissioner of Works, Lagos State now Governor Osun State), Akinwunmi Ambode ( then Accountant General of Lagos State, now Governor of Lagos State) Dr. Dayo Mobereola (then MD Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority now Commissioner of Transport , Lagos State) set out a  road map to redefine the infrastructural landscape of Lagos. Working mainly from revenues earned within the State itself, (The Federal government withheld funds from Lagos State at the time),   the then governor of Lagos State took the first giant strides in this transformation journey.

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE & BUS SHELTER

In 2007 Babatunde Raji FASHOLA (now Federal Minister of Works Power and Housing ) took the baton as Governor of Lagos State and 'bolted' with it .

In 2015, the current governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode has already indicated his commitment to the vision (of which he was a part in 2003), by ensuring ongoing projects receive the support they need from his government.

Generator /Power House at AGRIC BUS STOP, IKORODU 

EXPANDED MAJIDUN OGOLONTO LINK BRIDGE

On Thursday 12th November, 2015 Governor Ambode officially opened and handed over the massive Mile 12 to Ikorodu BRT extension project, a project which has virtually elevated Ikorodu to the status of a city . The atmosphere at the Majidun BRT Depot, Ikorodu was electrifying. 

AT THE OPENING/HANDING OVER  OF THE MILE 12-IKORODU BRT EXTENSION

The people could not control their joy at seeing the real architects of this transformation right in front of them: The Jagaban himself, Aregbesola also , and of course Governor Ambode. People jostled and pushed, almost trampling each other just to touch "Aregbe" as his convoy drove into the venue. There was even greater excitement when the Jagaban's convoy drove in too. It was unbelievable: A cult like following for these three  and there in that instant I got the message : In Africa, in Nigeria, we do not ask for 'heaven on earth' from our leaders but just the basics and they will be our heroes for a long time to come.  

Victor O. Sawyerr

13/15/2015