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The Pathetic Bandwagon Of Nigerian Trekkers | By: Paul Olarewaju

Hunger is indeed not the worst feature of unemployment, idleness is! Idleness plays tricks on the human mind, as it convinces one to turn boredom to pathetic pleasure most times.
Little wonder in a country like Nigeria where about 70 per cent of our 80 million youths are either pitiably unemployed or underemployed, idleness has gotten the better part of some people who now see trekking form one state to another as a ‘full time job’.  
Simply because a man identified as Suleiman Hashimu, got the attention and recognition he desired when he trekked from Lagos to Abuja for thirteen days to celebrate the victory of Nigeria’s president elect, so many feeble minds now see long distance trekking as a short cut to fame and fortune.
A couple of days ago, I read an annoying story of a heartless and selfish woman, who decided to embark on a trek from Minna to Abuja with her 40-day-old baby, all in the name of honouring the president elect whom I am very sure will be extremely disappointed at such stunt.
Another desperate young man, Oladele Nihi obviously decided to embark on a trek from Abuja to Otuoke for the outgoing president, after seeing how Suleiman Hashimu was celebrated in Abuja. He evidently must have thought trekking for the outgoing president will fetch him more goodies and attention since he is the first to do such in ‘honour’ of his deeds.
As if that wasn’t enough, in the chase for better media buzz and attention, a lady identified as Gloria squeezed her way into the trek. And ever since, lots of inept minds have been joining the chase for that which is not missing.
Is it worth it? Are there no better logical and reasonable ways to celebrate an achievement, success or heroic deed of a political leader without wasting precious days or weeks of your life? It is a common saying in this part of the world that time is money.
Since time is equal to money, and money is essential to life, this simply implies that some un-calculative, less privileged Nigerians are just pathetically wasting a precious part of their lives and opportunities to better their world and that of others.
If 9yr old Nicole Eniiyi Benson could understand and put into practice the power of proper time and financial investment, by donating N10, 000 out of her savings to the political party she celebrates and the candidate of her choice, while still chasing her precious dreams and aspirations, I think adults should know and do better!
Why pause your life because of the achievement(s) of another person and contribute nuisance to the society? I’m pretty sure majority of these feeble and desperate minds didn’t even exercise their civic responsibility of voting during the election.
I am almost certain that NO political leader in present Nigeria will trek just one local government to another for your sake even if your life depends on it! Wisdom is highly profitable Naija trekkers, don’t trek away your future in exchange for peanuts and a few moment of fame.
To aspiring trekkers, avoid the beaten path and save yourself from the traps of a futile journey.  

Photos: Steven Gerrard bids emotional farewell to Anfield+ his speech

It was indeed an emotional moment for English football and fans of Liverpool FC ‎as the club’s legend, Steven Gerrard made his final Anfield appearance today.

Unfortunately, the game at the club ended in humbling defeat as  beat Liverpool 3-1. Friends, colleagues and fans also took to the social media to pay tribute to the player who joined the club in 1998. Read his emotional farewell speech below.

“It felt very strange [stepping out at Anfield for the last time]. I’ve been dreading this moment. I’m going to miss it so much. I’ve loved every minute of it and I’m absolutely devastated I’m not going to play in front of these supporters again.

“It’s very difficult to pick one. The very first time I ran out, thanks to this man here [Gerard Houllier] is a moment I’ll never forget. The first time you play for Liverpool is a dream come true. Everything else after that was a bonus for me. The very first time to play for Liverpool was an absolute dream.

“The club’s in good hands. We’ve got fantastic owners. We’ve got Ian [Ayre, chief executive] underneath that and a fantastic manager in Brendan [Rodgers]. As you can see there’s unbelievable potential in the squad. I’m sure that there’s going to be some new signings in the coming weeks but I look at the players in front of me who I’ve shared a dressing room with for many years, I absolutely love them to death and I wish them every success in the future.

“First and foremost I want to thank everyone at the club whose helped me over the last 17 years. From top to bottom there’s too many people to name. I’d like to thank all my team-mates today, and the squad, even the players that didn’t get on. All the ex-players that I’ve played with over the years, they’ve made me the player I am today. But I have to save my last thank you to the most important people at any football club but these supporters stand out more than anything I’ve experienced.

“Just before I go, before the tears come… I’ve played in front of most supporters around the world but let me tell you, you are the best. Thank you very much, all the best.”

"My new wife is caring and understands my weaknesses"- Governor Adams Oshiomole

Governor Adams Oshiomole who exchanged marital vows with Iara Fortes, a cape verdean model and lawyer yesterday has described his wife as caring and humble woman who also understands his weaknesses.
The former labour leader while fielding questions from journalists about his big day yesterday described the occasion as a very special one and also appreciated friends who came from all walks of life to celebrate with him.
“This is something that one is happy about. I am also happy that 
I have friends across all political divide. The occasion reminds me that across all divides, we have friends and well-wishers.”
Asked about his new wife, Oshiomole said “She is very humble and She appreciates the nature of my job and life that I return home late, some times 3am
She understands my weaknesses, she is more or less the mother of the house, the one that has accepted to be the mother of my children.
“I am happy that all my children
 are at home with her and accept her as their mother even though she is not old enough to be their mother. She has accepted to fill that gap.”
Present at the occasion were top dignitaries; President-elect, General Buhari, Prof Yemi Osibanjo and his wife Dolapo, Yakubu Gowo, Jim Ovia, Raymond Dokpesi, Liyel Imoke, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, Peter Obi, Femi Otedola, Chief Tom Ikimi, Gen. Alhaji Aliko-Dangote and many others. The Governor’s children Steve, Adams, Jane and two of his grandchildren
were also present.

Singer cum writer, Etcetera doesn’t think Buhari should be sworn in with the Quran.

A lot of Nigerians do not know that Nigeria is a secular state and they are also not aware that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not require that Buhari take his oath of office by swearing with the Quran.
The drafters of the constitution made it crystal clear that any Nigerian of any faith or no faith can hold any office.

It would have been very easy for the constitution drafters to include it in our constitution that the president should be sworn in with the Quran. But they didn’t.
In other words, placing a hand on a Quran while reciting the presidential oath is simply a tradition that is not backed by the constitution.

Meaning, it is absolutely unnecessary.
On Friday May 29, the Constitution requires that Buhari gives this oath of office:

“I, Muhammadu Buhari, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.”

So, why should Buhari swear with a Quran? Why shouldn’t he place his hand on the Nigerian Constitution- the very document he’s promising to “preserve, protect and defend?”
There’s is a gargantuan barrier between religion and state and Buhari should demonstrate that he recognises this fact by taking his oath of office with his hand on the constitution instead of the Quran.
His loyalty should be to the nation’s laws above all else.
A lot of people will argue that Buhari swearing with the Quran ensures that he adheres to his oath.
But let’s be truthful to ourselves: We have seen elected officials swear to uphold the laws of our country with their hands on the Quran and go on to steal billions of naira and break laws like crazy.
It all comes down to the individual’s moral code, not a few seconds oath.
My objection is not only against the Quran. I would hold the same view if it were the Bible, the Book of Mormon or any other religious scripture.
The drafters of the constitution made it clear that the Nigerian Constitution, “shall be the supreme law of the land.”

It is the living legacy they bestowed upon us. It is the framework for our government. And as such, that’s the document our president should place his hand on.
It should be clear to us on May 29 that the president views the Constitution as our nation’s alpha and omega.

As a matter of fact, your religion doesn’t matter when you are taking a position in office because religion has nothing to do with running a country.
I personally think that being sworn in with any kind of religious testament is a waste of time and useless.
A lot of people in the out-going government were sworn in with the Bible but did they deliver any of the things they promised the country?
To some people, it doesn’t matter whether the president-elect is sworn in with the Quran. They’re probably used to seeing it happen.
We just take it for granted that it is the way things have always been done, but it doesn’t necessarily make it right.
In my opinion, any elected leader in any secular country like ours is voted in to represent everyone in that country. So why not swear with a document that means something to everyone, such as the constitution? Wouldn’t that make more sense, instead of swearing with a religious document that only represents a chunk of the population? 
Imagine if a Juju priest was elected President, would it be okay for him to be sworn in with ‘sango, orunmila or amadioha’ or some other work written about atheism? Would it be okay for an ogboni president to be sworn in with the ogboni book of sacred covenant?
 I am a Catholic and I believe completely in not swearing with the Bible because there are multiple religions in the country and swearing with a Bible will not cause the sacred binding to the truth if the person swearing does not share a religion with the Bible.
The Bible does not have the same meaning to every person. So it shouldn’t be counted as a true binding document.
Finally, we shouldn’t also forget that oath taking of any kind is absolutely forbidden by the Bible:
“But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.
All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 5:34-37

(Photos) Dr Sid and wife welcome baby girl

Several months after they tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Lagos. Mavin record label act, Sidney ‘Dr Sid’ Esiri and his wife, Simi Osomo-Esiri have welcomed their first child; a baby girl. The adorable lass was born in US few days back. The excited parents shared the good news on their social media pages.
Congrats to them

Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, 19 others make U-20 World Cup list

Flying Eagles handler, Manu Garba has released a list of 21 players for the FIFA U-20 World Cup coming up later this year at New Zealand. Manchester City player and 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup MVP Kelechi Iheanacho as well as Taiwo Awoniyi made the list.
Nigeria will play her first match against Brazil in New Plymouth on June 1st.
 
THE FULL LIST
 Goalkeepers: Joshua Enaholo (MFM FC); Dele Alampasu (Football College Academy); Olorunleke Ojo (Giwa FC)
 
Defenders: Musa Muhammed (FC Heart Academy); Mustapha Abdullahi (Spotlight FC); Zaharaddeen Bello (Dabo Babes Academy); Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Izu Omego (Apapa Golden Stars); Chidiebere Nwakali (Manchester City, England)
 
Midfielders: Akinjide Idowu (Nigeria Young Academy); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Water FC); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC); Ifeanyi Mathew (El-Kanemi Warriors); Musa Yahaya (Tottenham FC, England); Bernard Bulbwa (Esperance ST, Tunisia); Godwin Saviour (FC Sports)
 
Forwards: Taiwo Awoniyi (Imperial Academy); Chidera Ezeh (FC Porto, Portugal); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Success Isaac (Granada FC, Spain)

Thomas Vermaelen could cost Barcelona £3 million for winning Champions League

Premier League club, Arsenal will net a £3m windfall from Thomas Vermaelen’s transfer package if Barcelona win the 2015 Champions League next month

Oh my! Here’s a player who hasn’t played for the Catalans because of his injury. Recall that the Belgian defender left the Emirates for Spain on August 9, 2014 for a fee around £15 million and part of the agreement was that the Gunners will be £3 million richer if Barcelona win the Champions League.

Wole Soyinka, Tinubu, Mo Abudu, others attend Gov. Amaechi's "Dynamics Of Change'' book launch (Photos)

Accomplished writer/author, Prof. Wole Soyinka; top TV host and CEO, Ebony Life TV, Mo Abudu; Ex Governor of Lagos.State and APC Chieftain Bola Tinubu and many more distinguished guests attended Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi’s book launch.

The book which was titled the “Dynamics of Change: The Amaechi Years” was launched yesterday, Thursday 14th May, 2015 at the Civic Center in Lagos.

The outgoing Rivers State Governor while giving his speech at the event mentioned that he knew he was going to be in trouble if APC had lost the presidential poll.

“I knew I was going to be in trouble. Anything that would cause that change not to take place, I was ready to make that sacrifice. The federal government sent out a signal that if they won nobody should let me out of Nigeria from any airport. One day Asiwaju got angry with me. He was very angry. I went to his house with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and knelt down, saying ‘please let’s not disagree, let’s win first and then we can disagree’. He added.

Keshi unveils 26 players for Chad clash

Nigeria’s national team coach, Stephen Keshi, has unveiled a list of 26 home-based professionals who will feature in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad next month. Invited players are expected to report at the Bolton Hotel Apartments, Wuse, Abuja on Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Names like Daniel Akpeyi, Solomon Kwambe, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Rabiu Ali, Kunle Odunlami, Gbolahan Salami and Ezekiel Mba appeared on the list.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Chidiebere Eze (Gabros International)

Defenders: Solomon Kwambe (Warri Wolves); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Gabros International); Idris Aloma (Enyimba FC); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Chinedu Udoji (Enyimba FC); Samuel Olabisi (FC Taraba); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: Nathaniel Joseph (Sharks FC); Michael Egbeta (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Igbinosa Esosa (Nasarawa United); Moses Ekpai Ubong (Kano Pillars); Henlong Charles (Giwa FC)

Forwards: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Ibrahim Shaibu (Giwa FC); Joe Omale (Dekina Dragons); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Ezekiel Mbah (Kano Pillars); Onoriode Odah (Enugu Rangers); Azeez Shobowale (Kano Pillars)

TECHNICAL CREW HEAD COACH: Stephen Keshi

ASSISTANT COACH: Salisu Yusuf

GOALKEEPER TRAINER: Ike Shorounmu

Open chat