Moving On To Bigger Things

I have been quiet for long (again). But that's not 'cause I am tired of blogging (hell nah! far from it).

It's 'cause Miss Idowu here has been up to a lot, which required a lot of focus, energy, and a little bit of investing too (all types).

Good news is, I'm taking the blogging a step further and higher. Will spend more time blogging at a different location ( :( which means yet another dry spell over here) with a different approach/ focus.

Please stay with me and continue your amazing support. Follow US/Subscribe at gainrecruitment.blogspot.com . Visit to learn more about G.A.I.N.

We promise to be very entertaining, still very much insightful, and just as frequent...I mean before the dry spell periods :p or just scratch that. [You know what I mean anyway]

Thank you. And see you later xoxo

Saving, Childhood

I have heard the likes of Michael Jackson did not have a childhood. Probably because he started his career at such a young age and didn't have the opportunities most children have, to play in the fields and hang out with his age group.

But what if your child had all these "luxuries", but yet is lacking the true essence of having a childhood?!

(True stories...as I am just as sad they really happened)

What if your 5 year old comes to meet you to ask your permission to kiss his girlfriend, because all the others in school are kissing their girlfriends?!

What if your 10 year old tells you, "Mummy, you let me visit my friends who are guys but you never let me visit my friends who are girls. How do you know i'm not gay?"

Or, what if in a bible class you are supervising, a child stands up and talks about Solomon having many wives and concubines and God still loving him, only to justify why he doesn't see anything wrong with having many girlfriends.

What would you really do? How would you handle it?

We really need to be better adults in our communities and save a child's childhood. That's all they have now and truth be told, they need us to direct them right. However, just in case you are caught in such a predicament, what would you do?

Agric-Kulture (Series 4)

--- THE AVIAN INFLUENZA SEASON (BIRD FLU) ---

According to news reports from Aljazeera.com, China is on a high alert over new bird flu cases due to fears of deadly H7N9 bird flu virus (which has killed 22 and merely affected 110 humans so far this year). The question I'll like to address is can we have such cases in Nigeria and what can we do to prevent causalities?

This map shows, as at April 2006, the extent to which the bird flu virus has spread to wild and domestic birds (as well as humans)

Brief Intro to the Virus -

Discussion on the Nigerian Cement Industry

My girl, Ms. Oyinda Olanrewaju, was featured on CNBCAfrica on Tuesday, 28th January 2014. Please see the outlook/ analysis on the Cement Industry and do not hesitate to share your input on the discussion (or at least let her know how great she did).

By the way, did you know that the Nigerian cement industry is at the top of log in the Nigerian Export Promotion Council's (NEPC) list of exportable products?! That's right! According to news from the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, Nigeria has had a major success in the cement sector- and for the first time ever in this great nation's history, exported cement in 2013.

Find the link to the video here.

THEY know it...How come YOU DON'T!

First and Foremore, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone.

So it's like I officially went on sabbatical. I went mute for a couple of months because I felt no one was really listening and figured, 'hmmm...I could always talk to myself in my head, why bother noting it down.' [I get crazy like that :p lol). However, like I'm trying to get you all; I got inspired myself.

Summary: Keep GOOD friends around. They are ALWAYS there when you least expect it. (S/O to Miss M. aka Smurfette. You know who you are *hehehe*)

Now to push your buttons:

So, I came across an article published by an Amy Chua (the Chinese lady behind "Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mother) and Jed Rubenfield for the NYTimes. For those of you who haven't gotten the chance to hear about it or read up, the topic was on "What Drives Success" and they talk about the fact that other ethnic (non-American) groups seem to be doing way better and living the real American dream- equality of opportunities and achieving ones highest aspirations and goals. Here's my favorite part of the article highlighted below:

Please read it one more time and let it sink in.

This paragraph alone tells us how great a people we are and should be. Success is in us. The sad part is for some reason, we let that drive just shrivel once we are done with "school."

Let's get one thing straight. WE ARE A GREAT NATION! The Americans and a lot of others living in America (and outside) know it; why don't we show and act like it?!

It's 2014 people. NOW is the TIME FOR CHANGE!

M-Pact Dis! (Cain Village, Maryland)

We did it again. We had another Soup Kitchen this past Saturday.

For those of you with questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment. Anyone can get involved. It's all about giving back to the community...sharing with others; being thankful to God for what you have and what you are able to give.

This time we chose a community in Maryland (around Mende- under the bridge sha). Our locations are totally random so if you have an idea of a community we can visit next, please let us know :). At first, the community elders didn't want us around. They said, "we don't need (your) charity" however we saw the situation in that area and thought we could just move to a neutral spot and whoever visits gets blessed ;).

Anyways, here are the pictures of yet another successful outreach.

We had about 12 boxes of Indomie noodles, 40 bags of pure water sachets, 500 hard-boiled eggs (11 of those crates courtesy of STYTIG FARMS ;) ;) ). I'd like to toot my own horn though- I BOILED 330 EGGS ALL BY MYSELF that morning. #phew# That's a whole lotta work though.

Back to the pictures now:

Accidents and those who are prone

Response to the title    =     EVERYONE.

Yes dear, this includes you.

Maryland. Heading towards Mende (under the bridge)

Saturday morning (yesterday) and there's already a 5-car chain accident. How to avoid an accident like this is to keep a safe following-distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. What can be considered safe is enough distance that another car can almost fit into. I know this is probably hard to do in crazy Lagos, however it's better SAFE (not getting into an accident at all) than SORRY (being in an accident, being delayed, and having to fix your car).

Moving towards Western Avenue

In case you are having a hard time comprehending what you are looking at, it is an overturned truck/ lorry which was carrying cement. Maybe the driver was asleep?! Maybe he lost control of the wheel?!
My preventive suggestion here is:

• Caution your (truck/bus) drivers to drive at a reduced speed (at least the very many uniformed officers can contribute by helping regulate this). A "Tell me how I'm driving" sign on the back of the truck is a good way of feedback from other drivers (that care); because guess what: an accident on your vehicle will NOT be covered by the driver involved.
• Encourage your drivers to be asleep during the day, by not giving them much work during the day. If they get a chance to sleep during the day, they should be more energized and awake during the night, when traveling with your vehicle.

Accidents aren't merely an unpleasant sight and commotion bound. They are a huge hassle on the parties involved and can be reduced/ avoided.

People please learn to be more patient on the roads. It goes a really long way... try it out for a while (it may be annoying 'cos people might want to make you feel like you can't drive, but greatly rewarding).

What's YOUR advice on how to drive/ live safer in Lagos???

Driver's Licence Palava.

Someone tell me why oh why there's just one driver's licence center in the whole of (New York-size) Lagos State?! :-s

And from their website, you would think they are definitely living in the 21st century like the rest of us #smh. People say there's nothing to do/ no jobs. I say here's a perfect job opportunity (for at least 200 Nigerians). FRSC, we appreciate your work so far (-ish) but please, consider having more centers...maybe in major cities. Then, your staff can also live happier lives and attend to the rest of us properly.

There are like 7 different spots you will have to visit to get everything all done and do note that you SHOULD NOT expect to be all done in a day or two.

 A typical schedule at the center would include:

Prison, Break

What I did on Friday was way out of my ordinary. I'm all for charitable events, however, the thought of this one sent shivers down my spine.

Why?

...because it's a PRISON for heaven's sake. Too many thoughts went through my head at first..."What if a fight breaks out", "What if they get upset and think we are here to make fun of them", "What if they overpower the guards and attack us, visitors", What if...What if! Then again, why show any amount of care to these individuals. They are thieves, murders, drug traffickers, etc...pure evil! Do they really deserve an atom of charitable doings?!

 

The Nigerian Prisons Service, Ikoyi (located on Ribadu road)

Lo and behold, I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes, it still houses all these criminals and much more. Though, they are still human and God is a forgiving God so who are we to scar them as devils, forever.

Outcome of the charity event (Ikota Outreach)

It went down last Saturday. It REALLY went down.

The charitable event I made mention of earlier took place on the 23rd of February, 2013. About 17 of us, bravely, traveled down to a little community in Ikota, to spread some 'Valentine' cheer (that's right! Show love anyways...just because).

It was comforting to give, however a bit saddening that people live in such bad conditions. Poverty isn't only the lack of; it is also the selfish act of not wanting to share what should conveniently go round. Simply put: Scarcity Mentality.

Bottom line is, I'm just glad a number of us were about to give back to our community. A community which was in a way part of our upbringing.

I won't bore you too much with words. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Welcome to your virtual presence at the Ikota Outreach.

Entrepreneurship (and serving the community)

2012 was a pretty cool year. We thought together. We shared ideas together. We also (day)dreamt together. However, 2013 is the year of implementation.

What's your plan this year? Future goals??? Do share (we can help each other grow).

On the note of helping each other, I have decided to join a FANTASTIC MAN in his passion of farming, and I tell you...it is still a topic of further (later...and thorough) discussion. I also have the privilege of being a part of two spectacular events coming up this weekend.

The first one is a Charity Event. My dear friend, 'Mide, is at it again.
[People, when you have a passion for something, you have NO CHOICE but to get it done]

So, 'Mide has put together another opportunity to bless the less privileged, with hampers (school bags) containing items like

Meet the Young GentleMan called TWITCH!!!

All productions of the House of Twitch.

Have you heard of EXTREME or ULTIMATE FITNESS (Africa’s #1 fitness Magazine)???

One VERY IMPORTANT NAME you should know by now and if you don’t, you are soooo missing out…yep! That’s a FACT!

He’s the next big thing…#mybad!# He’s the right-now man…#myfault# He’s the trending young entrepreneur, definitely going places… #Sorry-TrynaFindTheRightSentence#...He’s (ready for it?!)

TWITCH… the founder of House of Twitch b-)

                                                    =d>  ###Applaud!!!####  =d>

Oh, did I mention, He’s also a very good friend ;) ;) (lemme famz abeg)

It’s gives me great pleasure to introduce you all to this beautiful mastermind, Mr Twitch himself :).

*Conversation between Twitch and I*

Q: Hey dear, could you properly introduce yourself please?! Who is Twitch?

A: Twitch is the nickname for Mr. Ayotunde Fabamwo, the president of the House of Twitch.

***

Q: What is the House of Twitch about?

A: House of Twitch is an EVENT MANAGEMENT company. We plan weddings, birthdays, but popularly known for the production of the MR. IDEAL NIGERIA and MISS OMOLEWA NIGERIA pageants.

***

Q: Enlighten us. Where did the inspiration of Mr. Ideal and Miss Omolewa come from?

A: Inspiration… (hmmm!) From a very young age, my mum told me it’s important to grow in life and help make a difference in the world, and I wanted to do just that. I have always been interested in entrepreneurship and giving to charity so decided to come up with platforms that will produce ambassadors that will champion the causes I wanted to get involved in. I was about 20 at the time but I didn’t think I was too young to do that.

                             (Me thinking: My kinda man ;) …plus mum is speaking the truff)

***

Q: Anything else you’d like to say in that regard…Go on, don’t be shy:d?

A: The Miss Omolewa Nigeria is a TEENAGE pageant that produces a goodwill ambassador that campaigns about causes affecting our Nigerian children.

Mr. Ideal Nigeria is for the males between 17 – 30 years, and the winner aside STARTING HIS OWN BUSINESS, and representing Nigeria at the EARTH WORLDWIDE PAGEANT, also raises money for small scale business start-ups.

The House of Twitch with its network of Young CEOs is no doubt the future of Nigeria.

                                          (Me thinking yet again: TELL ‘EM!)

***

Mr. Ideal 2012, Mr. Abayomi Towase

Q: Mmmm…so out of curiosity, ;) Who is Mr. Ideal?

A: Mr. Ideal Nigeria is the search for an individual with a unique combination of a fit body tone and an entrepreneurial mind. The winner goes on to start his own business and represents Nigeria at the Mister Earth Worldwide pageant (in Guatamala). This year’s winner, ABAYOMI TOWASE, is the face of Chicloc watch. He will also get a feature in a Yewande Adekoya movie. The 1st runner up, with the title Mr. Ideal Nigeria- Earth 2012, Fortune Davis, is currently face of the Blue Storm Energy Drink. He also gets a chance to represent Nigeria at Body Beautiful later this year, in South Africa. Lastly, the 2^nd runner up, Mr. Ideal Nigeria- Tourism 2012, Nnamdi Azuide, is the ambassador to Asaba Festival and is currently signed to ISIS modeling agency, as well as feature in an Adonis Production movie. He also gets the chance to represent Nigeria at the Mr. Tourism International, in Panama.

                  (Me thinking, datz ryt, again: :-O Nnamdi AziKIWE was in the pageant?! #jokes# But dang! Can a sista pretend to be a dude so she could go to Panama too?! =p~ )

***

(l - r): Nnamdi Azuide, Fortune Davis, and Abayomi Towase

Q: Cool. What other projects are you currently working on?

A: At the moment, the House of Twitch is working on MISTER AFRICA INTERNATIONAL, which is the search for the most adorable man in the world of African origin. 16 countries will be sending their delegates to London to compete for the ultimate title and of course one of the Mr. Ideal Nigeria winners will represent Nigeria at the prestigious event. It’s to be held in August/ September of the year.

 ***

Q: I’m ready to spice it up a little, Twitch ;), if I may?! What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

A: Most embarrassing moment? That’s a hard one. Well, I guess falling in front of the media in my ORANGE blazer wasn’t any fun.

***

Q: What is your favorite body part (on yourself and someone you would be attracted to)?

A: I love my triceps. Makes my T-shirt fit and when it comes to my ladies, I like them curvy.

***
Q: Are you currently seeing someone? If not, would you be interested in being set on a blind date ;)?

A: Yes, I am seeing a very special someone. Her name’s Miss Ojiegbe. She was a star in Gulder’s Ultimate Search.

#Firstname removed to protect (direct) identity of his lady-love…may I add, Too Cute :x lol#

Well, when I was single, I would have loved to be on a blind date. It would be so perfect if Miss Tiwa Savage was at the other end of the table;) .

*Conversation over*

Great choice Mr. Fabamwo…I mean, Twitch. There you have it folks. If he’s not the NEXT BIG THING, RIGHT-NOW mister, and a TRENDING YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR, I don’t know what is. #AndObamaMayActuallyBeWhite#

There's so much information I can feed you with at one go. However, for more info, log on to www.mridealnigeria.com

Thank you Twitch for your time (here with me and that spent impacting Nigeria). Wishing you all the best, dear friend. xoxo

Plans for the weekend... Giving Back!

Happy Mid-week everyone.

Hope we are all having a great week; feeling empowered, strong, and getting fulfilled. If not, Stop settling and Start looking for your nirvana :)

Oh first! I bet some of you are wondering how my matchmaking thing is going on?! Well, I'm still hopeful for positive progress :). I've hooked two beautiful people up and they are getting to know each other (that's always a good sign). It was sooo cute to watch ... till they kicked me out of the conversation 8-|
#FingersCrossed#

So, about this weekend! If you don't already have plans for it, I'll like to invite you to the "SOUP KITCHEN."

Basically, it's a chance to give back to our community #ExcitedMuch# :D

"It's happening this Saturday June 23rd, from 9.00am till (no later than) 12.00pm. We'll be giving away clothes, shoes, and other such apparel; raw food stuff (rice, beans, yam, raw eggs, tomato paste, seasonings, cooking oil, etc.); kitchen utensils (stuff you get from weddings and never use, for example); home appliances (e.g. that kettle that still works fine but is currently at the corner, collecting dust, because you have another in use); and so on. If it's good and you don't need it, we'll find someone who does. Call it an opportunity to de-clutter."

Lemme know if you are interested in attending or at least giving something away. Your chance to IMPACT your community; to make a difference; to affect the change o:-)

Enjoy the rest of the week, my loves. Be safe.

Laff IT Off - Avalon sticky-fingers!

hahaha! The weirdest thing happened to me this morning, on my way to work. First, I'd like to state for the record that this NEh-VER happens to me...well, hardly ever :p

Some dude chased me in his car and finally placed a Post It note with a message, on my passenger window :))

Here's what really happened...

Laff IT Off - Street LightS!

Early in the morning tho?! #yawn (Traffic signal leading to the Bar beach road intersection..."T" junction) 

Ahh! I'm confused. [Can't think so early in the day]

Should I stop? Should I attempt to go but wait? Should I just go?

Arrgggghhhhh! #TuggingOnMyIndianTracks


Hey...I know wat. I'll just drive straight and see where that leads me :D
                                                                          What's the worst that could happen?! /please

FREE SEMINAR, Please!

I was flipping through the pages of this and last Tuesday's The Guardian (Nigerian newspaper) and I was very excited to see a bunch of empowering seminars to take place within the week, next month, and before the year runs out.

However, my excitement was only for like 3 minutes. Why?! Well, you should take a look as well #ConfusedFace#

Then again, why don't I just tell you. What's with all the fees? Why wasn't there a free seminar? Why aren't the seminars and talks free, anywayz?! I really don't understand. Or was I looking in the wrong national paper?!

And can I add, these fees weren't like a regular N1, 000 - N5, 000. No! They were borderline N 0.02 mil - N 0.15 mil (as everything in naija is in millions now. :p hahaha!)

I wanna attend a nice seminar. Sit amongst great minds. Feel inspired. Get empowered. Exhibit Responsibility!

:-w no faiiiirrrrrrrrrr...

Be Stupid (for change)

Diesel is genius for its latest ad campaigns. It's geared towards fashion but it is applicable in all areas of life... (and I love it <3)

"Smart sees what is, Stupid sees what could be. Stupid may fail, Smart doesn't even try. BE STUPID!"

Definitely NOT this kinda stupid 

Or this. I hope this isn't even true. WTF?!

Pardon me, but this is gonna be more of a picture kinda message. To show that there are other concerned folk out there (in case you are one with us).