Nigeria women’s bobsled team recently made the Winter Olympics history by becoming the first men’s or women’s African team represented in the category at an Olympics. Consisting of Seun Adigun (Driver) who represented Nigeria in 100mH at London 2012 and began training for bobsled in 2014, Ngozi Onwumere (Breakmen) won a Silver & Gold medal at the 2015 AAG Akuoma Omeoga (Breakmen), the bobsled event will be held at the 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang.
The trio completed the fifth of their required five qualifying races on Wednesday, becoming the first African team, men or women, to qualify in the Bobsled category.
“This is a huge milestone for sports in Nigeria,“Nothing makes me prouder than to know that I can play a small role in creating opportunities for winter sports to take place in Nigeria. Our objective now is to be the best representation of Africa that the Winter Olympics have ever witnessed.” Adigun told KweséESPN.
“I commend the personal dedication and commitment of these women. Their hard work was inspiring and I hope Nigerians can appreciate what it took for them to achieve this – the work, the discipline, and the personal sacrifices. They were amazing throughout this journey. They are all very successful people in their own right – in sports and out of it, and somehow they are still motivated and still push for more success.
“I have watched them train and work hard to represent Nigeria at the Winter Olympics in a very technical and high risk sport and they have achieved that. They should be very proud, and I am very proud of them.” Solomon Ogba, President of the Bobsled and Skeleton Federation of Nigeria, said in a media statement:
Additional Information from ESPN.
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Shares Inspiring Success Story Of A Former UNILAG Typist
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo while delivering a speech recently, shared a story of a hardworking junior typist he met while working at the University of Lagos.
In his address, he was talking about the importance of having a good character and used this inspiring story to illustrate his point.
Here is an excerpt:
I was 60 years old in March this year. And I must confess that it was one of the greatest surprises I ever experienced. I just suddenly became 60.
And at the age of 60 I am entitled to give some advice and l will share some of them with you, some you might agree with, others you may not, but I would be most flattered if you remember them and whenever you meet me in life’s journey somewhere down the line you will tell me whether I was right or wrong.
The difference between success and failure, mediocrity or excellence is character. Along with character is the importance of opportunity but perhaps most crucial is the grace of God.
While I was teaching at the University of Lagos as a young lecturer in the department of Public Law in the Faculty of Law, there were 3 typists in the department. The chief typist, senior typist and the junior typist. Because in those days before laptops and personal computers, typists in Universities had to do a lot of work and they were very important because you always needed to type all your materials.
When there was work to do, what l discovered was that the chief typist would disappear. He worked only till 4 pm. The senior typist would be nowhere to be found. But Adereni the junior typist, who only had his school certificate, was remarkably hardworking. Sometimes I would drop him off at his home at 1am.
Years after, I was working as an adviser to the then Attorney-General of the Federation, Hon. Bola Ajibola. And he later became a judge of the World Court. While in the court at The Hague, in the Netherlands, one day he called me and asked if I could recommend a good secretary who is hard work and could do long judgments. I had three options, Chief typist, senior or this junior typist, but the junior typist at a time had only school certificate he didn’t have any other qualification but l choose him. He got to the Hague, and typically worked hard and diligently. Every judge in the court wanted him to work with them. He later moved his family over to the Hague and got degrees and made a good living for himself. One day he remembered me and actually sent me a car.
I just want to say that it was so apparent that all that he had to prove despite the fact that he had no qualifications at all, all he had to prove was diligence and hard work.
Nigeria contributes 49.6% of the hotel pipeline for West Africa.
According to W Hospitality Group’s 2017 Hotel Chains Pipeline report, Nigeria, Senegal and Cape Verde dominate the West African hotel pipeline with 77% of the total planned hotel rooms.
West Africa has been at the heart of the continent’s growth and economic transformation in recent years. Notwithstanding the sharp slowdown experienced in 2016 and 2017, the region’s economy is expected to rebound in 2017 onwards. Commodity-based economies, like Nigeria, are slowly recovering from the fall in oil prices and oil production, while countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal have shown economic resilience and sustained growth. As many of the countries continue to stabilize – politically and economically – the region will be better integrated from a local and international context. This increased integration raises the need for quality travel and accommodation infrastructure.
The growth of the hotel sector is an important indicator of how well a market is developing its travel infrastructure, and the indicators for West Africa are mixed. According to W Hospitality Group’s 2017 Hotel Chains Pipeline report, West Africa has a pipeline of 114 hotels and 20,790 rooms, accounting for 42% of the Sub-Saharan African hotel pipeline. However, of these hotel deals signed and planned, only approximately 9,875 rooms, or 48% have moved to construction. In addition, projects in the region have longer than average development periods at approximately six years, compared to the two- to three-year development program that is usually planned. Some of the reasons for these delays are high capital investment required, lack of access to adequate financing options, limited access to raw materials, high construction and material costs, a heavy reliance on importation, inadequate technical capacity to manage the development program, and other barriers to entry.
Of the hotel pipeline for West Africa, Nigeria contributes 49.6% or more than 10,000 hotel rooms (in 61 hotels). Nigeria is also the top market in Africa for planned rooms.
The other substantial markets in West Africa include Cape Verde with 11 hotels and 3,478 rooms, and Senegal with 14 hotels and 2,164 rooms. These three markets contribute a total of 15,955 hotel rooms, or 77% of the West African hotel pipeline.
Approximately 57% of the pipeline in these countries have moved to site, however some of these projects have been stalled for some time. In a country, like Nigeria, this can be significant. For instance, 40% of Nigeria’s pipeline was signed between 2009 and 2014, and as the chart above illustrates, a large portion of these projects is still in the “planning” phase. In Senegal only approximately 44% of the deals signed have moved to site.
Although the pipeline of hotels to the sub-region is encouraging and indicative of strong investor interest, the low completion rate of projects could be troubling for the development of the hotel sector. It is also difficult for the hotel chains whose expansion plans in these markets rely on partnerships with local and foreign investors to develop these hotels. All the major global hotel chains have strong expansion plans to increase their operating presence on the continent, and in West Africa.
The growth strategy for these hotel chains have traditionally relied on their development teams signing deals for new build hotels, primarily with their flagship brands, with local owners. However, more chains are adopting creative expansion strategies, such as conversions and rebranding of existing properties, acquisition of existing local hotel operators, effecting growth through the franchise model, or developing owned hotels first.
Senior representatives from major hotel groups such as Hilton, Carlson Rezidor and Mangalis, and other key hotel experts will be discussing growth strategies in the ever-changing West African economic environment at the upcoming West Africa Property Investment (WAPI) (http://APO.af/jyUvGs) Summit to held on November 28 & 29 at the Eko Hotel, Lagos Nigeria.
Hilton recently announced a plan to support the conversion and re-branding of 100 existing hotels through its Hilton Africa Growth Initiative, by committing US$ 50 million to supporting these conversions. Commenting ahead of the conference, Mike Collini, Vice President Development Sub-Saharan Africa, Hilton, remarked on the opportunities presented by the inadequate hotel supply. He said: “to overcome this we are looking at rolling our focused service brands in key markets with a focus on our Hilton Garden Inn product. We are also pioneering the use of modular construction with a new Hilton Garden Inn in Accra, which is a fast and cost-effective build model for owners and developers.”
Andrew McLachlan, Carlson Rezidor’s Senior Vice President Africa & Indian Ocean for Development, said in a direct comment to Estate Intel, “Today we have 17 hotels open or under development in the region and in our new 5-year development strategy we have identified five Tier 1 Cities in West Africa (Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Abidjan and Dakar) where we see scaled growth opportunities…across the luxury to midscale hotel segment.” McLachlan also commented on the model of conversion of existing hotels, saying that the group sees an opportunity to adopt this model to re-position the hotel under its management, particularly in cases where the existing hotel may not be performing to its full potential.
Newcomer and regional hotel chain, Mangalis Hospitality Group, intends to increase its presence in West Africa, in the next five years. Wessam Oshaka, in a statement to Estate Intel reiterated the group’s “ambition to operate at least 13 hotels by 2020 in West Africa.” The group had initially focused development on owned hotels in core markets such as Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal, but the second phase of development will now focus on management agreements, resulting in a portfolio that will comprise 75% owned hotels and 25% managed hotels. Oshaka explains: “Africa as we know, suffers from a lack of properties responding to the needs of modern travelers. The region comes with its challenges especially in terms of financing, logistics and skilled workforce. Taking all these factors into account, we adopted the most suitable approach for a healthy growth plan.”
Banky W undergoes 3rd cancer surgery.
Nigerian R ‘N’B singer, Bankole ‘Banky W’ Wellington has shared shocking details behind his absence from limelight.
In a lengthy post on his Instagram page, the actor revealed his ordeal with cancer, adding that he had a surgery last month to remove a rare strain of skin cancer tumors found in his skin. He had the first two surgeries 10 years ago but the cancer resurfaced this year. Thankfully, he had a successful operation and is now back on his feet. See his post below.
“A wise man once said this: “Scars. A sign that you had been hurt. A sign that you had been healed.” Scroll through the pictures to see mine. I’m sharing these because they’re proof of what God has brought me through. And because somewhere out there, I know there’s someone who needs to hear this.
For those who’ve been wondering why I’ve been away so long..I had my 3rd surgery on a rare strain of skin cancer tumours in my shoulder last month. The first 2 times were over 10 yrs ago, then it recently resurfaced. But this isn’t a sad story as much as it is a reminder, and a testimony.
A reminder that you should never take life for granted. You only get 1 shot. Some people went to sleep and never woke up. Many others have lost the battle to cancer and other illnesses. Many are still fighting. U never know when your time will be up so don’t waste another minute. It’s also a testimony about the goodness of God. I think I had to go through this again to remember how merciful God is to me; Lord knows I don’t deserve it but He saves me time and again anyway. I keep saying I need to write a book. I really, really do.
The past few weeks of recovery have been tough, but beautiful. I’m finally back on my feet, feeling stronger and ready to get back to life. I’m especially thankful to my Nurse Susu for loving me and being by my side every step of the way – I don’t deserve U ??, my parents & siblings, in-laws & close friends for the love, support and prayers, my Pastors – Pastor Tony Rapu & Pastor Del Balogun of TPH, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya and Pastor Bayo Adeyokunnu – for constantly praying with and for me. And of course to Dr Wodajo & Dr Miralli & their teams – who God used to operate on me successfully.
I’m thankful for life, provision and healing. Pls dont feel bad, or msg me with any worries.. God has done it, just thank Him for me.
The pain will eventually go away but the scar won’t – and I’m glad because it’s a reminder to me of what God has done, and evidence to you of what He CAN do. I’m not stronger or better than anyone. I’m just a living testimony that no matter what u face, U can survive & thrive, by God’s grace.”
You are a survivor Banky!
Film And Television Star, Sadiq Daba Down With Leukemia And Prostate Cancer.
According to reports, TV and film star, Sadiq Daba has been diagnosed of leukemia and prostrate cancer. The sexagenarian is urgent need of $25,000 to pay for his medical bills. Per Azuka Jebose, former journalist and artiste manager, revealed that Daba is currently receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and a Gofundme account has been set up on his behalf.
‘Through the years, Sadiq Daba enchanted us with his beloved performances as a young Actor on Nigerian Television and in the movies. We loved his charming characters. In real life, Sadiq transcends humanity with his free spirit and openness to all; hence Nigerians gravitate to his affection. Sadiq Daba is a veteran superstar actor, a national treasure and an Icon of our pop culture. These times, our famous and fantastic movie star, director and one of the pioneers of Nollywood is terminally ill. Sadiq is battling Leukemia and prostrate cancer.
These deadly diseases are challenging his existence and comfort..He is determined to beat these. His fight to survive has become ours. We must embrace him just as we embraced his characters on his movies and television acting. The diseases have impacted him financially. The staggering cost of treating cancer is affecting his family. Please We need your help. Support Sadiq’s treatment with any donation. He continues to receive treatments at various cancer centers in Nigeria. These treatments are costly. He needs us now. We are determined to help him live again, by beating Cancer. Please support our goal of $25,000 to pay for his medical bills…’ He wrote.
You can donate here
Coping with Suicidal Thoughts | By: Tony Ogunlowo
You haven’t killed yourself, yet, so that’s a start. You are thinking, seriously, of doing it but haven’t yet mustered up the courage to go ahead with it. With all the conflicting thoughts in your head you’re still trying, desperately, to find a reason to carry on living.
Don’t despair! You might think the whole world is against you and there is no other option, but it’s not over – there’s a way.
Suicidal thoughts are mostly brought on by financial difficulties, social and peer pressure. Feeling worthless enough to want to end one’s own life can happen to anyone – no one is immune so it’s not the reserve of just the poor, the lonely or mentality unbalanced.
I will not go into the religious implications of taking one’s life as this will just provoke a lengthy debate on the dos and don’ts of suicide: people who are suicidal need help and not a religious lecture! For whatever we might think it takes a very brave and desperate person to decide to end their lives. And for those who believe they took the easy way out, it’s not: sometimes a tormented soul has no other option.
While it’s not easy to try and talk somebody out of contemplating suicide, one can only try. And in trying a counsellor cannot take the moral high ground so I won’t.
So you’ve got to that point where you consider your life is not worth living. I, and nobody else, can imagine in our wildest nightmares what you’re going through and I don’t believe you can tell anybody either what the feeling is like – even if you tried. The pain has enveloped you and you can see no other way out. I would like to tell you that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, no matter what you’re going through, but I won’t: you need to use whatever energy you’ve got left to find it yourself. Somebody trying to tell you how good things can be is not the same as hearing your own voice: talk to yourself and convince yourself there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Give Life another chance! I know you’ve been let down badly by Life so much that you want to kill yourself but give it another chance to redeem itself. You’ll be surprised at how you can turn your life around by deciding to live on! It’ll be a bit of a struggle trying to make a comeback but with the right PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) you’ll make it.
With whatever energy you’ve got left put up a fight – even if that strength is the size of a mustard seed. Somewhere inside you is still that will to live and it can be magnified to pull you through whatever terrible episode you’re going through. Put a smile on your face by remembering the good times you’ve had in your life – and think of the good times you still can have. Think of the problems you have now as something that’s happening now and will eventually go away – they normally do.
You have a problem: we all have problems. Whatever problem you have there is somebody else, out there, who has bigger problems than you and they’re still alive. Even though in your desperate state you believe there’s no way out, there is. Why not try a different approach to solving your problems?
Try talking to somebody: two heads are better than one. A problem shared is a problem halved: bottling things up can make an individual feel lonely, dejected and isolated. Friends and family will gladly help if they know you’re at the end of your tether.
And what about saying a few prayers for divine intervention? In desperate times when we pray that little voice in our head will always be on hand with words of encouragement and advice enough to pull us through. Have faith!
And lastly it doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done or what your problems are, you are special, special enough to warrant the right to live in this world. If you’re brave enough to want to take your own life, I believe you are also brave enough to fight on and live: life is not always fair to anyone and can sometimes make us miserable, despondent and suicidal. It’s our job to put up a good fight and make the best of it. As they say after a thunderstorm comes brilliant sunshine: so if the storm soaks you the sun will dry you out – you just have to be patient a little bit more.
Muster up all your strength and positive energy and stay alive. Life is beautiful and it’s your right to live just like anybody else. So please don’t give up (- this is me begging you now!) and give Life another shot no matter what it’s throwing at you now.
Tony Ogunlowo blogs at http://www.archangel641.blogspot.co.uk
Report Emergencies Within Seconds With The Eppme App!
Emergencies remain a part of everyday living and governments make efforts to ensure safety of lives and property for citizens. By their nature however, many emergencies are unforeseen – robbers would strike at unexpected hours of the night or nature strikes without warning. In all these cases, help is hardly too much.
The newly-launched EppMe App; an emergency and business reporting app is today the most secure platform for Nigerians to access secured and profiled transmissions to the authorities when they are in danger. This ground-breaking service assures responsible reportage as users are known within our communities while transmissions are profiled for ease of processing.
Developed by EppMe Digital Technologies Limited and designed to redefine personal safety, the company has also created innovative solutions to corporates – large and small, with the location authenticator (Remote Reporter) and its highly varied applications in different industries, sectors, and fields have been impressive. Downloads are secure on the EppMe app while all communication is protected with SSL certifications on other channels.
Available on Google Play and the App Store now, fitted for daily living, safely sitting on mobile devices and within easy reach of users, users’ locations are locked to their known profiles, while the back end team integrates response while aggregating reports that the users can review ultimately.
In less than 30 seconds, users are guaranteed a report to the Police. In less than 1.5 minutes, EppMe produces satellite imagery of users’ locations, in 2 minutes, EppMe Agents are making follow up calls. The app provides: User profile, Satellite imagery, Routes to location, Incident report, Time/Date particulars, Photos/Videos and lots more.
Speaking about the phenomenal project, Eppme App Developer, Oluwole Aguda maintained that,“With the EppMe App, you are not unknown statistics, but a member of a community of Nigerians taking advantage of digital technology for increased personal and group safety. Users can rest, assured that we have created a solution that greatly expands the window of response from first responders in times of distress. Our channels are securely backed by cutting edge technologies, and international collaborations that stand the functionalities of the EppMe App from current offerings in Nigeria. Our users are steps closer to safety. Much closer to safety.”
He added that, “We currently have a workforce of highly trained experts in digital security and geolocation services in different continents of the world as we continue to expand our reach in the interest of our users and Nigeria at large. The revolutionary EppMe App sends distress signals to our 24/7 support center within seconds in 4 phone taps. A download could make the difference between safety and harm.”
It is also worth noting that the company has launched The Post NYSC EppMe Scheme for graduates who have completed their Youth Service within the last one year and who have a flair for selling.
For more details about the app and the scheme, visit www.eppmeapp.com
Everything you need to know about Ovarian Cysts!
What are ovarian cysts?
A cyst is a little balloon filled with air or fluid on one of the ovaries, which then exerts pressure on the right or left side of the lower abdomen. These cysts can be painful. Besides the pain in the lower abdomen, some other symptoms are: erratic, painful periods, often with much uterine bleeding as a result of elevated estrogen levels, painful intercourse, heel pain, and excessive hair growth.
When the ovarian cyst bursts the pain is relieved, though in some cases the cyst may reappear.
The incidence of ovarian cysts is on the rise, particularly among women between 14 and 55. Let’s look at some of the main factors that contribute to the development of cysts, and then the main things we can do to prevent them.
Causes of ovarian cysts:
Increased use of birth control pills, especially depo provera.
Increased consumption of hormone-infused foods such as most commercial meat and milk, to which growth hormone has been added.
Stressful, frantic lifestyle.
Imbalanced, not natural diet.
Obesity.
A toxic, overburdened liver.
How can we diminish the likelihood of ovarian cysts?
Read more here
World Bank 'Doing Business' report on Nigeria fantastic & is proof that Buhari administration's reforms are working- Osinbajo
FG will not rest on its oars on improving the Nigerian economy
Despite Nigeria’s latest impressive ranking in the World Bank’s latest ‘Doing Business’ report, the Buhari administration will continue to actively pursue its reform agenda to keep improving the nation’s economy, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Prof. Osinbajo further said the oil and gas industry in Nigeria stands to benefit greatly from the administration’s Ease of Doing Business reforms.
He said this in his speech on Thursday to mark the 55th anniversary of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chambers Of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, with the theme: Nigeria: An Investor Friendly Destination.
The Vice President noted that Nigeria’s latest ranking in the World Bank’s report was an indication that the Buhari administration’s reforms were producing results.
“On Tuesday, the World Bank released its latest report, in which Nigeria achieved the unprecedented step of climbing 24 places in the rankings, and earning a place on the list of 10 most improved economies in the world.
“This is fantastic news, but by no means an excuse for us to slow down. Instead we’re taking it as the very reason why we need to ramp up our reforms, for the benefit of Nigeria. There is still work to be done in reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks in the award of contracts and generally in obtaining approvals.
“It is for this reason – the creation of a business environment that catalyses business activity and investment – that this year alone we have issued an Executive Order focusing on improving the business environment, and launched two National Action Plans designed to be short-term interventions aimed at implementing specific business environment reforms. The second National Action Plan is ongoing, and we expect that it will yield results across every sector of the economy, including the OPTS.”
Prof. Osinbajo further said the Federal Government, through its sector road map launched in October 2016, is making inroads towards reforming and repositioning the nation’s oil and gas industry.
He added that the administration has developed and obtained the approval of the Federal Executive Council for a new National Oil Policy and a new National Gas Policy.
Prof. Osinbajo said, “The roadmap has very specific time-focused targets and like the many bold steps we have taken in this sector since the inception of the present administration, we remain focused on making necessary even if dramatic policy shifts in this sector to grow, deepen and open up the business and opportunities in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector.
“In 2016, the Nigeria upstream sector of the oil and gas industry was challenged by the menace of upstream assets vandalism. From a peak production of over 2.30 Million barrels per day recorded at the beginning of 2016 we witnessed a decline to an almost all-time-low of about 1.0 Million barrels per day per day due to incessant vandalism. Many indigenous producers suffered perhaps more than other players in the industry.
“Thankfully due to our sustained engagements with the Niger Delta, our production has ramped up to about 2.1 million barrels per day from our 2016 crude oil production average of about 1.80 million barrels.”
While calling for more private sector participation in the oil and gas infrastructure development projects, the Vice President emphasised that the Buhari administration will continue to address development in the Niger Delta through its New Vision for the region.
“We will continue to address Niger Delta issues and build a peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta, with emphasis on job creation for our teaming unemployed youths, investment in infrastructure, energy and promotion of sustainable livelihood,” he said.
Lionel Messi donates €70k to charity after libel case win
Last year, Barcelona talisman, Lionel Messi won a libel case against Spanish newspaper, La Razon who published an article following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Germany in 2014, criticizing the player and claiming he wore a wig and had used performance-enhancing drug Nandrolone.
Spain’s Supreme Court agreed with the Barcelona court’s ruling that the article went outside the bounds of an opinion piece and ordered that La Razon, its editor, Francisco Marhuenda and Ussia should pay €72,783.20 to Messi. The case was closed today, with Messi donating the money won in the case to medical charity, Doctors Withour Borders.
“The football player Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini has donated a total of €72,783.20 to the organisation Doctors Without Borders. It corresponds to the full amount of compensation requested by the player in the conflict arising from the publication of the article ‘Sonatina’ in La Razon by the journalist Alfonso Ussia. The decision made by a Barcelona court [last year] has now been declared inadmissible by the Supreme Court. [Messi] will continue to defend himself against false and inaccurate accusations which attempt to dishonour him.” Messi’s management company confirmed in a statement.