Olusegun Obasanjo: A Failure?

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been criticised by many Nigerians for many reasons, he has even been called names and addressed as a disaster and a failure; who achieved nothing in eight years. Are these accusations or allegations right or wrong? Is Olusegun Obasanjo truly a failure? Let us consider the following activities by his administration and use that to judge whether he is a failure or an achiever who is hated for his guts.

IMAGE BOOSTER FOR NIGERIA: Before 1999, the image of Nigeria was so battered in the international community that Nigerians traveling abroad were always in fears of been disgraced or humiliated at any point of entry. A good example was a celebrated case of one of our traditional rulers who was searched as an ordinary citizen at Heathrow Airport in London. The coming of Obasanjo in 1999 put a stop to these shameful acts, in fact, the respect accorded to Nigerians grew in folds.Although, we are not there yet but our image abroad has improved for good.

PROMOTION OF NON-OIL EXPORT: Non-Oil exports from Nigeria nosedived after the discovery of crude-oil in Oloibiri, present Bayelsa State in the 60’S. The situation became so bad as both young men and women left the rural communities for white collar jobs in the cities, leaving the old people to continue with farming. This resulted in a fall in the production of our cash crops like cocoa, groundnut, oil palm etc. From 1999, the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo tackled this problem with enthusiasm; he gingered up export activities through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and in 2006, the central bank governor; Charles Soludo made it known that non-oil exports from Nigeria had contributed about 6% to our GDP.

FIGHT AGAINST FAKE DRUGS: The era before 1999 saw a growing market in fake drugs and products which experts maintained had killed several unsuspecting Nigerians but the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo who disliked what was going on then had a strong determination to correct these ills. He succeeded to an extent through the appointment of Mrs. Dora Akunyili as the head of NAFDAC who almost achieved a 100% drop in the production and sale of fake drugs. She was appreciated with awards in different parts of the world. If she had not been supported and given serious backing by that administration, she would have been killed and forgotten by now.

MOBILE PHONES FOR NIGERIANS: Before 1999, the use of mobile phones was limited to the high and powerful in our society, it was not common at all to see ordinary man on the street with handsets. But the coming of 0basanjo as Nigerian president put a stop to that, he wanted Nigerians to benefit from the technological advancement. Even if the idea was not his, he had every opportunity to stop it but he did not! Today, millions of Nigerians are subscribers to different GSM network providers. In addition, millions of families are depending on this sector alone for their means of livelihood. For instance, the importers and sellers of mobile phones and accessories, the repairers, the printers and sellers of recharged cards and vouchers, operators of call centers and workers in the telecommunication outfits, all depend on the almighty GSM. Do we then call a man that has done all these a failure?

RECAPITALIZATION OF THE BANKING SECTOR: Before 1999, many Nigerians did not know that we had very weak banks; in fact, we were made to know by some analysts that our banks put together could not match one or two banks in South Africa. Was it not the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo that stood solidly behind the Central Bank of Nigerian governor; Charles Soludo to recapitalize the sector to the tune of 25 billion naira for each bank as its capital base? The impact of this reform on our economy is definitely positive as many of our banks can now support small and medium enterprises, loans are also being given out to civil servants and those with collateral.Who knows whether the current economic meltdown would have affected Nigeria so badly if not for the recapitalization.

DEBT CANCELLATION: Before 1999, Nigeria was swimming in an ocean of debts owed to Paris club, London club, IMF and so on. But, the administration of Obasanjo worked assiduously with the then minister of finance, Okonjo Iweala for cancellation of debts owed to Paris and London clubs. In the words of Dr. Mansur Mukhtar, “The payments of debts owed the Paris and London clubs by the obasanjo administration saved Nigeria from financial enslavement."

CASSAVA INITIATIVE: The production of cassava on a large scale for its derivatives such as glucose, ethanol, cassava flour etc was another area the administration of Obasanjo had so much interest. The cassava initiative was really promoted to the extent that flour millers were mandated as a policy of the government then, to include 10% of cassava flour in their production and, at the peak of that policy in 2006; thousands of jobs were created in the rural communities where production and processing of cassava were taking place. According to Dr. Lateef Sanni, Director AG Leventis Memorial Centre for Learning, UNAAB, OgunState. “We need to sustain agricultural policies for the growth of the sector. The failure of the present government to implement the cassava policy, for instance, constituted a danger. There was a determination on the part of the new government to dump agricultural policies that helped the sector grow the GDP by more than 6% in 2006”. He said this in 2007.

IMPOVED FOREIGN RESERVE: Before 1999, I did not really know what our foreign reserve looked like but I know that when the former president was leaving office in 2007, he left our reserve at 43 billion US dollars.

CORRUPTION WAR: The fight against corruption was another controversial issue that his government battled. Corruption has been a major problem in Nigeria and indeed, it has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society. Obasanjo fought it with zeal and guts through the EFCC and ICPC, the agencies of government established to prosecute corrupt officials and perpetrators of financial crimes. In fact, the mighty and the powerful fell as a result of the war on corruption !The whole world really appreciated that kind gesture when Ribadu was to be removed from office, the outcry was awesome. Chief Gani Fawehinmi himself and other notable Nigerians joined in condemning the removal.

APPOINTMENT OF MORE WOMEN: The inclusion of women in the administration of Obasanjo was commended by many. According to Vivian Onyebuchi, before the coming of Obj in 1999; it was possible for one to count the number of women holding sensitive political positions in the country. She noted that with the Ota farmer’s ascendancy to the plush seat in Aso Rock, there was a dramatic change in the number of women’s participation in governance through appointment. The likes of Okonjo, Nenadi, Akunyili, Pam, Ogwu etc are still fresh in our minds.Why is such a man who had that sense of love for our mothers be called a disaster?

PENSION REFORM ACTS: The pension reform Act was welcomed and applauded by Nigerian workers, it substituted the old and shameful system where workers who had served their fatherland meritoriously were made to stand under rain and intense sunlight just to collect their rightful gratuities and pensions. His administration did not like this and effected changes.

RESTORATION OF ABUJA MASTER PLAN: The restoration of Abuja master plan, although controversial has turned Abuja into a very beautiful and serene environment that each and everybody that visits it applauds. They are always showering encomiums and praises on the then minister of the FCT, Nasir El-Rufai for bringing beauty, sanity and orderliness to the city of Abuja.

BOOM IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY: The entertainment industry witnessed a boom during the tenure of Olusegun Obasanjo. So many comedians, musicians and other artistes made it big! The likes of Alli Baba, basket mouth, Koko Master Etc came to mind. In fact, Nigerians today don’t listen to much of foreign music but indigenous ones.

IMPROVED EARNINGS FROM TOURISM: The tourism sector also witnessed a boom from the year 1999, according to Segun Runsewe in 2007, “The tourism sector contributed 50bil.naira to the national economy” in addition, the stock exchange hit a trillion naira in 2007.

One can go on and on talking about what were done well or fairly well by the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007. But to my surprise, we have been hearing statements like; he achieved nothing in 8years, he is a disaster, he is a failure Etc. The media too are not left out in this, and one is left to wonder what is really going on in our country. Are some people or politicians playing politics with facts and statistics? Why is the media not talking about his achievements, why do they concentrate on the grey areas alone?

I am not claiming that Obasanjo is a saint or an angel but honor must be given to whoever deserves it, Obasanjo is human, he made mistakes and did not even do certain things well. But I think, that should not be a reason to overlook his achievements.Hadith 1 of holy prophet Muhammad (SAW) states that actions are judged according to intentions. Obasanjo might have taken decisions or implemented certain reforms which turned out negative for Nigerians but, Allah will punish or reward him based on his intentions. God is particular about our intention and not necessarily the outcome. The Silverbird Television and indeed some Nigerians that nominated Obasanjo as one of the 20 living legends cannot be wrong in any way. He contributed his quota to the development of Nigeria but it seems some people some where are not really happy with the way the law of the land dealt with them under him. Are they now fighting back or what?

Let us join hands together and praise him where he has indeed done creditably well and criticize him constructively where we feel he has not performed. This will go a long way in assisting the current government in solving so many problems facing our dear nation.

WISE SAYINGS

These are popular and wise sayings in Yoruba land

1. Eniyan osuwon, ojo tabaku ladere: Human beings are mostly appreciated after death.

2. Olooto ilu, lota ilu: An honest man is the enemy of the state

3. Aye ko ooto: people hate to accept the truth

4. Olooto kileeyan: An honest man has more enemies than friends.

Can you imagine that our intelligent, vibrant, focused and determined governor in LagosState, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) is even hated by people in his party just because he his trying his best to restore the glory and beauty of Lagos? They are saying the man is busy, demolishing houses, markets and other structures and so won’t come back after his first tenure, they are absolutely wrong because we see the developments going on in different parts of the State.What we should concern ourselves with should not be politics and politicking only.Instead,we should think of how to develop our states and country.I am not really surprised about their empty allegations and accusations because the same was said to EL-Rufai and Obasanjo but, the Lord Almighty is there watching all of us!

Using Public Relations To Boost Your Business

A lot of businesses in different parts of the world have failed in achieving their ultimate goal of making profit, not because they did not have the wherewithal in terms of finance, human and material resources but because they failed to recognize and accept PR as a tool to promote their companies’ image and line of products which will automatically leads to increased sales.

Before going into the nitty-gritty of using PR to enhance sales, it is pertinent to look into what PR is all about.PR has been defined in a number of ways as we have PR professionals and organizations in different parts of the world.

For instance, the Chinese version simply puts it in the realm of doing good and talking about it. George Meredith, a one time president of IPRA, defined PR as everything involved in achieving a favorable opinion. Professor Sam black puts it as the art and science of achieving harmony with the environment through mutual understanding based on truth and full information. The international institute of PR defines it as the deliberate, planned and sustained efforts to establish and maintain mutual understanding and goodwill between an organization and its publics. The Mexican chapter in 1978 defines PR as the art and science of analyzing trends, predicting their consequences, counseling organization leaders and implementing planned programme of action which will serve both the organization and the public interest.

Dr. Chuks Osuji defined it as a process of creating favorable public opinion for an organization, institution, individuals, commodities or intangible things such as names, so that people who have something to do with them may perceive them in a good way.

Indeed all definitions, notions, thoughts, ideas about what PR is, centre on public spirits e.g. goodwill, cooperation, acceptability, mutual understanding etc which guarantee the survival of an organization within an environment where it operates and in fact in the business world.


Export on the other hand is the transfer of goods and services across international borders. It is different from domestic trade which is locally based. An exporting company therefore is a profit-oriented organization which engages in a cross border sales of goods and services. Export business is quite tasking, hence the need for the exporter to pay adequate attention to adaptation to foreign culture, documentation, mode of transportation, payment methods amongst other things and above all, pay adequate attention to communication which PR is all about.


Having gained insight into what PR and exports are all about, what remains is the beaming of searchlight into how PR can effectively and efficiently enhance the sale of your products. Really, the objective of any commercial organization is to make profit through sale of its products/services. Therefore, the PR objective should be geared towards profit making. This is so because if shareholders, customers and prospective ones are unsatisfied with the products and services of the company or the investors withdraw their capital, the company will cease to exist. PR does more than helping to satisfy the wants and needs of the employees and their neighbors as well as the shareholders. It also creates an environment in which owners of the business or investors are satisfied with the returns on investment.

Firstly and most importantly is the need for your company to have a quality and standard products/services for sale. In PR, it is believed that a rotten wood cannot be carved, the need to have a standard and quality product is very essential because it makes PR’s task of promoting the products so easy. A bad or poor product/service may not enjoy patronage even with an effective PR. Product quality is essential aspect of the corporate reputation of an organization. It determines its boom or doom, it guarantees repeat sales when it’s good and prevents it when it’s bad. It ensures customer adherence or abhorrence both of which are vital conditions that keep companies in or out of business. Good quality product makes advertisement effective and profitable while product with bad quality makes it a waste. It is a popular saying that no advertisement, however good can sell a bad product more than once.


It is worthy of note that quality has been universally recognized as one of the key strategic elements of product competitiveness in both domestic and international markets, along with price and delivery factors. Quality is the pre-requisite for successful market access and for achieving continued customer satisfaction. There should be a concerted effort, devotion, dedication, expertise and craftsmanship on the part of the production staff and indeed all members of the exporting company in ensuring that only quality and standard product /service come out of their company.


The issue of packaging and labeling is closely related to that of quality product. A very nice product with a very poor packaging /labeling may not attract buyers and this explains why emphasis should be placed on it. Any amount of money spent on packaging and labeling is worth it as it will definitely serve the purpose of attracting buyers.


MARKETING MATERIALS: The production of up-to-date and world class marketing material is another PR strategy to enhance sales. For instance, materials like business cards, brochures, branded envelopes, papers and nylon bags, pens, vests etc. are the main items your publics will have to remember you by. Your business cards for example should contain relevant information about the business. E.g. office/e-mail and web addresses, registration number of incorporation, phone numbers, brief description of the business etc. Related to this is the establishment of a functional website to obtain the gain of the modern technology which has indeed transformed the world into a global village. The use of an e-business as a marketing and PR tool for tapping the virtual market place and for showcasing your products via website is a must. It also provides contacts with other business network, access to better information and a window on the world. The need for a two-way-communication should be stressed here, your site will definitely provide you with information on interest of your customers, it is highly necessary to include your contact e-mail address and phone numbers on every page so that they can reach you when the need arises.


MEDIA RELATIONS: This is another opportunity opened to you to promote your company and line of products. PR deals with people, ideas, events, actions etc. and it involves four basic processes namely, sender, message, receiver and feed-back or evaluation. When we talk about media of PR, we are simply referring to the channels of communicating messages to target audiences identified in a PR plan of your company. Examples of target groups include employees, customers, shareholders, government, press, prospective customers or investors, financiers, community, employee family members etc. Without the media, nothing can be expressed and neither would there be a communication with any one. As Regina Watts puts it, PR is about communication.


The media remain an important vehicle for communicating messages to the publics. A conversation is a medium just as much as a T. V. programme watched by millions of people. The television and the radio are regarded as broadcast media. Printed literatures include pamphlets, booklet, manuals, journals, books, letters, bulletins, position papers, printed speeches, bulletin boards, posters and billboards. There is also the community media; traditional rulers with their councils, palace meetings, town criers, mobile public address systems. The selection of any of these PR tools would depend on the message and the audience to be reached. As an exporter, it is important that you allow both local and international media to promote your company and product or service by providing a good mix of timely materials that they can use in their stories such as facts and statistics, opinions, controversy, uniqueness, differences, relevance, information, intelligence, challenges, achievements, etc. You can also place articles in international trade publications, communicate your successes, talk about things or factors that distinguish you from your competitors. Doing so will make your company popular within the media circle while at the same time, your company or service gains prominence among importers abroad.


Your company should maintain a cordial relationship with the media in the following ways:


PRESS/NEWS RELEASE: A news release is different from advertisement because it contains main points to be disseminated which must be of interest and value to the publics.


FEATURE ARTICLES: Your Company can use feature article to build up the image of your company and product or service. Information to be disseminated is forwarded to the editor for negotiation on the format, size and number of words and it should be well edited to create the necessary impact.


FACILITY VISIT: This is a tour round the company to expose the press to the activities and progress of the company. The press will in turn reports to the publics. The essence of the visit is to facilitate first hand assessment of developments by media representatives so that they will give authentic portrayal of what has taken place and on-going events.


PRESS BREIFING: This is organized by the exporting company to give journalist background information about its activities so that when there is an outbreak of any negative news, the press will be able to write authoritatively on the issue.

PRESS CONFERENCE: This is another method of relating with the media by extending invitation to pressmen for a press statement. It is a roundtable forum at the end of which pressmen are allowed to ask questions regarding the issue under discussion. The maintenance of a healthy relationship with the media is essential; the gains are enormous as they engender favorable exposure, good coverage for corporate events, mutual confidence and frank exchange of information. All these will definitely translate to increased sales.


ADVERTISEMENT: This is another PR/marketing tool which affords your company the opportunity of telling a widespread but selected audience about your product or service in the word of your own choosing when and where you belief your customers are most likely to see them. Advertising can make companies to make the best and fullest use of their resources by creating awareness of what they have. To ensure the success of advertising, it is necessary to observe the following guidelines.

1. Be frank, fair and honest.

2. Tell your story directly to an individual in is own language

3. Use simple words and facts so that everyone will understand and belief you

4. Tell a story at a time, do not overload your copy

5. Use figures sparingly and only when illustrated by simple everyday examples


PARTICIPATION IN TRADE FAIR AND EXHIBITION

Trade fair and exhibition are major PR tools which are regarded as the most efficient means of exposure to export markets. In order to reap the full benefits from participation in them, it is important to look at them one after the other.


EXHIBITION: Exhibition serves the purpose of showing new developments in businesses. These developments could be in the area of new inventions/introductions in the manufacturing industry, new production processes and new products especially in areas where they are previously unknown or to new audiences. Through exhibition, your company has the opportunity to demonstrate new inventions and products to prospective customers in ways that might be otherwise possible. Exhibition also avails your company the opportunity of expanding sales frontiers, cross fertilization of ideas on latest production techniques, financing options as well as collaboration on sales of products and services. It is important to point out here that you should be armed with samples of your products for display and not for sale. Also, your marketing materials: business cards, brochures, catalogues etc should be taken along to be given to participants.


TRADE FAIRS: Trade fairs are for exchange of goods and services for money or other considerations. Buyers attend such programmes because they know that different products of interest are available for sale at cheaper rates. The main objective of the seller too is to dispose more of his products for money. To enhance good sale, it is advisable to take active part in exhibitions and trade fairs. You cannot imagine the benefit that will accrue to your company as a result of this. Buyers and prospective ones are out there waiting for your unique products and services. Harness the potentials inherent in these PR tools and you will definitely get the positive results in terms of huge contacts.


LIAISON: Liaison uses face to face interaction in the form of visits, get-together and meeting. Through liaison, your activities, challenges, achievements, on-going projects, awards etc. can be passed to your various publics. It is important to equip them with this information to gain their confidence, trust, mutual understanding, cooperation and goodwill. When your companies are taken into confidence, they will give you full cooperation; they will even say their minds concerning what they expect from your company. Their cooperation is assured if their suggestions are seen to be incorporated into the overall objective of the company. Liaison can also be said to be a form of networking exercise which should be undertaken by your company. You must have the potential to meet customers, partners or referrals and to gather market intelligence. No one can survive in a business without strong network of information and referral sources. Infact, your local or international success depends on the relationship you develop with your publics.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: It is defined as an institution’s planned active and continuous participation in the development of the community in which it operates in order to maintain and enhance its environment for the benefits of both the community and the company. Being socially responsible and responsive to the needs of the society where your company operates is a task that must be done. For a company to enjoy the mutual understanding of the community, it must go extra miles in building a concrete and harmonious relationship between it and the community through the provision of good roads, clinics, hospitals, pipe-borne water, classrooms and other infrastructures that will make life more meaningful and habitable. Also, visits to old people and motherless baby’s homes, the physically challenged, are also part of activities which present an organization as being socially responsible corporate entity. This kind gesture will undoubtedly improve the corporate image of the company both nationally and internationally. A good image in my opinion is like a magnet which will definitely attract buyers from far and near to your products and services.


SENSITIVITY: Another strategy to boost export sale is through sensitivity, it is a prompt response to distress situation. It is done by being sensitive to the needs, feelings, problems and aspiration of your publics. You should share in their moments of joy and calamities by sending warm greetings, paying visits, assisting in cash or kind. This will go a long way in showing them that your company is indeed a caring and sensitive one and they will reciprocate through continuous and sustained patronage. In addition, they become your ambassadors and will introduce your company and products to their colleagues who are in the same business with them.


I strongly belief that if these tools are adhered to and implemented religiously, the benefits in terms of understanding, support and coorperation of the customers which could lead to massive sales are certain.

GENERAL TIPS:

1. Develop a healthy relationship with all your visitors and customers and, never abuse, underrate or argue with them.

2. Give customers discounts on their total order to increase sales.

3. Join associations that relate to your area of business for trade leads and, to obtain new ways of running your business.

4. Your business cards should be with you wherever you go and be sure to hand them over to people you meet.

5. Find ways of getting your business in the news both locally and internationally.

6. Look for opportunities!

K1 D' Ultimate Is Indeed a legend

Alhaji Wasiu Omogbolahan Ayinde Anifowoshe popularly known as k1 the ultimate is a living legend, he is an icon as far as Fuji music is concerned in Nigeria. The history of Fuji music is not complete without wasiu ayinde. He will be remembered for ever for the fame and glamour he has brought into Fuji music. His landmark achievement in rebranding Fuji music and for taking it to a greater height with international flavor, garnishing it with the best of musical instruments, will for ever be appreciated by co-fuji musicians, fans and indeed all lovers of music all over the world.



Right from the early 1980s that Ayinde has come into the limelight, he has never for a moment gone underground. This is a remarkable achievement going by the number of musicians who are often on and off the scene. His albums and live plays have continued to be relevant and fans find them entertaining and exciting too. Majority of his albums have been hits and they are always hotcakes in the market. In fact, one would think that those albums released many years back have been released just recently. Some of the albums that come to mind include: consolidation, ultimate, American tips, legacy, Gourd etc.



The relationships that Wasiu maintained with socialites in the west and even other regions of Nigeria are awesome. He remains almost the only musician with fans spreading beyond his own ethnic Yoruba group. One remembers his non-Yoruba fans like late Morris Ibekwe, Ade Bendel, Innocent Nzeribe, Juliet Enigboku etc. There are numerous Yoruba fans, too many to mention but notable among them are Wale Saubano, Wole Keru, Lanre Shittu, Bode Oyedepo, Bolaji Saheed, Ademola Oyesefo, Vivid Imagination, Baba Itunu, the Arabambi family etc



I belief I should just mention names of personalities that King Wasiu Ayinde has composed for or eulogized in the past, in fact some of them are still doing fantastically well in their various endeavors. One will not forget names like Kunle Atoyegbe, Rilwan Aleshinloye, Larry Bash,Ashaye,Olofinjana Lekan, Olohuntoyin Akindele, Jesu Orobo, sese Modinat,Akeem Amodemaja, Mama Kofoshi, Abisola Nene, former president Obasanjo, former governor Tinubu and the present Lagos governor-BRF, Musiliu Obanikoro- Nigeria Ambassador to Ghana, Ummanah, Juliet Enigboku, Labake Kaosara, Alao Akala of Oyo State, Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State.



How about the famous Siliki,Saliu Maja, Sanje Olohuntoyin, Tunlanpa, Toto Abuga, Nola Bolaji, Oba Ashanike of Ibadan of blessed memories. Critics have argued that Wasiu eulogizes to kill; they cited the example of King Ashanike of Ibadan who possibly died after K1 composed for him. They also talked about other fans that have gone to the great beyond. But, are these allegations true? In my own opinion, I think it is just a mere fallacy. If their argument is true, it then stands to reason that the likes of Atanda Wale Balogun, Odofin Muyideen, Aleshinloye Rilwan, Ashaye, Kunle Atoyegbe, Pasuma Wonder, Demola Oyefeso, Mayor Akinpelu, Vivid Imagination, Bolaji Basia and many others should today not be living witnesses to K1 success stories. These are guys that you hear their names in almost all the albums released by K1 D Ultimate since 80s.



It is my belief that they are supporting the argument that no known socialite or important personality most especially in the Western parts of Nigeria, that K1 has not composed for or eulogized one way or the other in his albums or live shows. When Ayinde praises a fan, you are sure of knowing everything about such a personality: his family, business, friends, places of birth and residence etc



If you are popular, you are bound to have critics or those that will point out your weaknesses to you point blank. Have you not heard this statement before, that Wasiu is a snub? That could be true to an extent because I have met K1 on two different occasions at Designer Rice, Bank Olemo (Surulere) between 1997 and 98. He greeted us casually and went in to eat. I just told my friends that God created us differently. K1 himself later said this on New Dawn with Funmi Iyanda on NTA around year 2000 or there about, that he was a shy person, that whenever he was on stage, the thought of getting down as soon as possible always occupied his mind. Like I said earlier, God created us differently and that is why we have the extroverts, the introverts and those in between. One can only advise K1 to always shout out at fans and in fact anybody that he meets, he should hug them and if possible kiss them to show that he is not a snub.



I have also heard the statement that K1 is financially stingy, but I am not in a position to say whether this is true or not. What I know is that he is an Ijebu man but born and bred in the popular Agarawu area of Lagos Island. Wasiu invests heavily in musical instruments and pets, he goes on pilgrimage to Mecca almost every year and I was told he has several other businesses. He has assisted so many artistes, sent people on pilgrimage to Mecca, donated money, assisted those in need and contributed his quota to the emergence of the present governor of Lagos. Really, I am not surprised at this erroneous belief because, they said same to former president Obasanjo; they are also complaining that our intelligent, prudent and focused governor in Lagos is stingy. In their words, they said “Fashola o kin ya paper” Meaning that our governor does not spend lavishly.



K1’s relationship with the media is also robust and I think this is remarkable because, so many Nigerians; even those in higher places of authority underrate this sector to their own peril. Wasiu is in closed contacts with media personalities like Dele Momodu of Ovation, Mayor Akinpelu, Femi Akintunde Johnson, Kenny Ogungbe (Keke), Dayo Adeneye (D1), Paul wale ademowo, Femi Akinsiji, Dayo Olomu now based in London, Mc Murphy etc



To call Wasiu Ayinde a minister of peace and good governance, I don’t think it is an exaggeration because he widely uses his medium to admonish, praise, warn and lambaste if necessary all categories of people including politicians. His critics misunderstand this gesture by saying that he talks too much, but ironically; this is one of his characteristics that his fans love him for. Most often, he does this at parties or live shows as an intro or, when guests are eating. One can conclude that this is Wasiu Ayinde’s way of rapping!



Going down memory lane, Fuji music in the past appealed mostly to the Muslims who, during the Ramadan fasting periods were woken up at dawns by Fuji artists popularly called the “ajiweres”. Most Christians were comfortable with juju music, but with the coming of k1 into the scene, things have changed to a large extent as people of different religious backgrounds now listen to and enjoy good Fuji music. He successfully and interestingly blended traditional musical instruments with modern ones like the keyboard, piano, saxophone, guitars which were initially not in use by Fuji Artists.



Wasiu Ayinde is intelligent, vibrant, dedicated with determination to succeed. He is loved for his prudence and for his great ability to manage human and material resources. He is focused and musically gifted; he does everything possible to make sure he adapts his music to suit the contemporary world. Honestly, among musicians in Nigeria, no matter the brand of music you may want to consider: juju, highlife, Apala, Awurebe, Bata Fuji etc K1 D Ultimate stands out! He is so blessed and musically talented that he can successfully play any of the brands listed above and in fact many more.





LISTEN TO WHAT FANS ARE SAYING ABOUT K1 D ULTIMATE



Mr. Afis Shittu, Abdulai Debo and Miss Sanya Motomori love K1 because according to them, you download everything about a personality he praises.



Alhaja Shade leaving in Ibeshe, Ikorodu loves him because he has something for everybody no matter your age.” I love the slow tempo he plays”



Ferdinand Ojelua, a youth corper serving in Igbokuta says “Although I am from Edo, I love K1’s rhythms and instrumental music. I also like his sonorous voice”



Mr. Yussuf Sahid in Isashi, Akute, Ogun state said this” I am not a fan of Wasiu but what I like about him is that when there was a quarrel among some Fuji artistes including him, he did not result to name calling. He was not abusing others at all”



Barrister Adewale loves his simple way of dressing.



A popular promoter who pleaded anonymity said Wasiu is a toast of music promoters.



Miss Eniola Jumoke and Odufuwa Funmilayo said they love the request segment of K1 at shows (Agbo Request) where audience dictates the music they want him play no matter how old. He would do this perfectly as if the particular song was recently composed. “So great of him” they said.



Mr. Haroo in Ita Alagba, Lagos Island said if Ayinde releases an album where he only claps, he would buy it.



Engineer Anifowoshe in Epe gave kudos to Percy Ademokun for managing him well. He equally remembered Dayo Olomu and MC Murphy that have done same in the past.



Mrs. Komlan- Dodoh, Jinadu and Oladimeji- Audu maintained that although Wasiu does not dance much, he has a way of entertaining fans with his funny dance steps. They also loved the way he called out band members to dance and entertain guests.



Miss Bola and her friend, Sherifat Kuti (Fed. Low Cost Housing Estate, Ikorodu) said they hope to call Wasiu in the future to play for them.



Wasiu Ayinde is indeed a musical genius! He informs, educates, promotes, warns and praises through his music. Indeed, he deserved more than three GBOSAS!!! He should be recognized, appreciated and honored for promoting not only our culture but our people and country to the outside World and for transforming our traditional Fuji music into an international brand with fame and glamour. May the King of Fuji music reign for ever!

How to Boost Food Production

In view of the present problem of food shortages plaguing the whole world, it has become imperative for us to think of ways of providing solution. It is no longer news that the worse hit are women and children most especially in underdeveloped and developing nations of the world. Although, developed countries like USA and Britain are also affected, the impact is not as alarming as we have in the aforementioned countries. Precious lives have been lost, very peaceful families have broken and different diseases arising from malnutrition have continued to wreck havoc. Should we then fold our arms and allow these problems to continue? The answer is definitely no!

Everybody must come up with genuine ideas which aim at providing solution to these problems. We should not leave everything in the hands of government alone; we can also contribute our own quota to assist the government in solving the problem. It is as a result of this that I have come up with the idea of using the young farmers clubs to boost food production in the local communities.

Young farmers clubs are associations of agricultural science students which engage in farming activities within the school premises. They do this to demonstrate their understanding of what was previously learnt in the classrooms. The club does not produce in large quantities so as to sell to the public, whatever is harvested is shared among the students and the staff. I therefore suggest this strategy but with a modification; each school will adopt a one-crop and one-animal system so as to give room for specialization and full concentration. If it happens that a school does not have a fertile land to support the planting of crops, such a school can then depend solely on livestock production. There might also be a situation whereby a school is having a large expanse of fertile land, such an institution may cultivate more than one crop but, it must not exceed three crops.

A practical example of this system is a school that has chosen to cultivate maize and rear goats. Before arriving at this, a study must have been carried out on the soil to ensure its suitability for the crop; the climate too must have been found okay for both crop and animal. Secondly, the chosen products must be popular in the area so as to serve the community when produced. I belief this system will work because, it involves youths who are vibrant, agile and resilient. They are result-oriented and always want to get things done as quickly as possible.

As a teacher of agricultural science for 15years, in different parts of Lagos State, Nigeria, I have discovered that when it comes to farm work, students are always excited and are willing to take up responsibilities that are even more than they can cope with. I therefore use this opportunity to implore heads of government, agricultural science teachers, opinion leaders, decision makers and indeed each and every citizen of the world to take up this strategy of using the school young farmers club to boost food production in their various domains. We should not underrate this method as it is capable of feeding hundreds of youths and women in the local communities. For instance, the families of both students and staff have the opportunity of buying harvested products at cheaper price. In addition, the participating students are given part of the harvest as rewards for their sweat. On the part of the students, they would have gained so much in the areas of theoretical and practical knowledge in agriculture which might even benefit the whole community in the future as those students may later take up farming as their means of livelihood.

For the success of this system, the following advice should be strictly adhered to:

Firstly, agricultural science teachers in different schools must wake up to their responsibilities as the bulk of the work rests on them; they should have it in mind that they are contributing their quota to save many families who are deeply submerged in the ocean of hunger. In fact, they determine the success or failure of the programme. They must also ginger up and motivate the students because a well motivated student will go extra miles in ensuring that success is achieved. In addition, other subject teachers and non-agricultural science students should be co-opted to achieve sound result.

Secondly, the government has a lot of role to play in ensuring that the programme succeeds. For example, the government should provide the clubs with viable seeds, implements, fertilizers, quality animals etc. They should also organize seminars, workshops for heads of schools and other members of staff with a view to arouse in them, love for farming. Furthermore, agricultural science teachers should be trained and retrained to awaken the spirit and love for farming in them. This gesture will definitely have a positive effect on the generality of the students and the staff.

Thirdly, the extension workers of the ministry of agriculture should be closer to the school to disseminate useful information which will boost production and reduce losses to pests and diseases. They should also use that opportunity to obtain information on problems confronting the school so as to offer solution. In fact, they should serve as a conduit between the club and the government.

Fourthly, excursions should be organized for the students to broaden their knowledge and expose them to how farming is practiced in other schools or communities. If need be, they can even travel abroad to have a first-hand experience, this will surely consolidate their interest in farming.

Fifthly, the need to have basic infrastructures in the school should not be a reason to jettison farming. As the heads of schools clamor for more classrooms and other amenities, they should try as much as possible to set aside a portion of the school land for farming.

In view of the global demands for not only food but fuel, it has become necessary for decision makers to consider and implement the suggestions in this article for the betterment of all. There could be a modification of the strategy by users but, my ultimate aim is to see that there is enough food for the teeming population of hungry people in Africa and elsewhere in the world. It is my belief that if this system is practiced with all sincerity, the world will achieve an appreciable level of food production.

Lagos: A peaceful and a center of Exellence

Lagos state is one of the peaceful states in Nigeria, although some prospective visitors may be apprehensive due to some negative reports or what they have read on the pages of newspapers. There might be some problems in some areas as we do have in many places around the world but that is not enough for any visitor to nurse whatever fear.

If you adhere strictly to the following tips, you will never encounter any problem throughout your stay in Lagos, instead, you will have a peaceful and a memorable experience. Let me first of all assure you that Lagosians are very hospitable, they want visitors from all over the world to have a taste of what Lagos is made of, in terms of rich culture and tradition, high economic activities etc. They are friendly, kind and can actually go out of their way to satisfy visitors. The following tips will make your stay in Lagos peaceful:

DUST: - Asthmatic patients or people with related health problems should try as much as possible to always go out with their handkerchief because of dust. This is due to the fact that some of our roads are dusty, and moving vehicles and other automobiles raise a lot of dust when plying such roads.

ALWAYS ASK! You should imbibe the habit of asking the people around you for things you do not know, for leads so as not to miss your way. It can even save you from troubles with the traffic wardens or other security agents monitoring the highways. It does not matter whether you have spent donkey of years in Lagos, just make sure you always ask questions. At least there is no crime in asking for what one does not know.

THE AREA BOYS: The area boys are street boys in almost all the local government areas of the state and they are very popular. They praise people for money and they are sometimes used by the mighty and powerful to cause mayhem. You may come across them in the markets, your streets, party venues, bus stops, motor parks etc. All you need to do when you come across them is to part with a few coins to have your way. Interestingly, if you settle them a couple of times, you become known and special to them and they can bring you out of troubles when you enter one. So, don’t be too miserly to the area boys.

OBSERVE TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS: Many road users who refuse to obey simple traffic rules always run into problems with the officials of the Lagos state transport management authority (LASTMA), and they end up paying huge fines imposed by the state government. It therefore becomes imperative for you to observe these rules to save yourself from unnecessary fines.

TRADITIONAL RITES: The constitutional freedom to practice any religion one wishes is highly respected by the state government. This gives opportunity to traditional worshippers in Lagos to perform their traditional rites or rituals which at times take place in the broad day light. But, it is worthy of note that the rituals take place mostly in the night. Before the events, the public is warned to remain indoors throughout the period. As a visitor you are advised on your own interest to adhere strictly to such announcement, it does not really matter whether you are a Pastor, Archbishop, Imam or whatever. One can run into a big trouble if you fail to obey the order.

AVOID FREE THINGS: To avoid being duped or kidnapped, avoid nosing for free things all the time. For example, you may close so late in the office and of course, it is a must to be home. Some strangers may offer to give you a free lift, make sure you reject it politely to save your head from troubles. You may however accept such from people known to you.

STAY INDOORS AT NIGHT: It is a fact that crime in Lagos is on a downward side because of the great attention the present governor is paying to security issues. But, we still have people who use darkness to perpetrate their heinous crimes. As a visitor, you should try as much as possible to get home early, around 6.30 – 7.00 pm

USE THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE: Avoid crossing the highway or express way to avoid being hit by fast running vehicles or arrested by security agents. It is true that some people are in the habit of doing such but you must be a good model worthy of emulation by trying to do what is right.

PAY YOUR TAX: Tax evasion is a serious crime in Lagos so, whenever you are in Lagos, you should ensure that your tax is paid as at when due to avoid the wrath of the State government.

MAKE LAGOS GREENER AND SAFER TO LIVE: As a visitor to Lagos, you too can contribute your own quota to make Lagos a safe place to live, by planting trees and flowers, maintaining a cleaner and hygienic environment. The present governor of the state is doing everything within his power to make sure that the beauty of Lagos as it was while he was young is restored.

General Tips

Be self disciplined

Be careful about the church you attend to avoid dubious and fraudulent men of God

Never throw dirt on the road, instead, make use of public waste bins

Be observant to detect the slightest danger that may likely occur, never be a Lagos looker!

Maintain a cordial relationship with people to get what you need or want easily

AFRICAN SNAILS

REARING SNAILS IN THE TROPICS

Click edit above to add content to this empty capsule.

The rearing and management of snails in ventilated enclosures for consumption or commercial purpose is termed snail farming. It is worthy of note that Heliculture is being used in some countries to describe snail farming but it is really used to describe the farming of a particular specie of snails known as Helix which are predominantly found in Europe.

Snails are found in abundance in the rainforest most especially during the wet season. In the dry season however, they become scarce, this may be due to the fact that supply are only got from snail scavengers who pick from nearby bushes. This system of handpicking snails does not guarantee constant supply; there is thus the need to boost production through private and commercial rearing.

EDIBLE LAND SNAILS

Different species of land snails are known to be edible in their native countries, the common ones we have in Nigeria are the Achachatina Maginata, Achatina achatina and achatina fulica. The A. achatina has strong shell with pointed apex; it has black wave-like lines with color brown in between. The meat is softer compared to A. maginata which is the biggest of the three species. It has very strong shell which is blunt at the apex.

BENEFITS OF REARING SNAILS

1. It is a cheap source of animal protein.

2. Snail rearing is cheap compared to other animals.

3. Snail meat is rich in calcium and phosphorus, values of which are lower in beef.

4. Snail rearing is easier and less tedious; in addition, they are harmless.

5. Massive increment in the population of snails can be achieved in a short time and within a limited space because they are hermaphrodite.

6. Hypertensive patients can consume snails because of its low cholesterol and fat.

7. Its shell has artistic value and besides, it is used in livestock feed formulation to supply calcium.

8. Snail rearing creates employments for snail farmers and marketers.

9. The rearing of snails is highly profitable; there are demands for it locally and internationally.

10. The excreta and remnants of food from the snail’s pen is a good source of manure.

11. The slime of snails is used in Nigeria to prepare local concoction to relieve asthmatic attacks.

LIFE CYCLE

Snails are hermaphrodite i.e. each has both male and female sex organs but this does not erase mating as two sexually matured snails (4-6 months) will still have to come together when the atmosphere is conducive. The mating results in the storage of sperm by both, this is later used for egg fertilization. It is important to note that snails can store the sperm for months; this reduces the need for frequent mating.

Snails prefer to dig up small holes to lay and burry their eggs in clusters. The eggs hatch into hatchlings after incubation period of 21-40 days for A. maginata, 10-30 days for fulica and 15-30 for A. achatina. A. maginata normally lays a cluster of 5-14 eggs that is similar in shape to the eggs of lizards. This is done on a quarterly basis. The rate at which egg clusters are laid by a healthy snail may slightly increase or decrease based on the quality and quantity of feed consumed. A. achatina lays between 80-400 eggs per clutch once to thrice a year. A Specie of Achatina (A. Fulica) lays more eggs and clusters than A. achatina. The fulica eggs and hatchlings are delicate and fragile so, they should be handled with great care. It is important to state here that the fulica are better adapted to weather changes than the other two.

CARE OF EGGS AND BABY SNAILS

Arrange the eggs in separate perforated wooden boxes or plastic buckets covered with wire netting and filled with baked, rich loamy soil or sawdust to a depth of 4cm. Burry the eggs inside the soil/sawdust and apply water regularly till they hatch into miniature adults with soft shells surrounding the flesh.

The newly hatched snails should be reared in separate housing units. Feeding materials for them should be softer. A well fed baby snails can attain sexual maturity at 4-6 months and are expected to reach their maximum sizes in less than two years. African giant snails live up to 5-6 years and few could attain the old age of 9-15 years.

For egg hatchling success, loamy soil or sawdust with optimum moisture contents should be chosen, too much or too little moisture content in the incubation medium (loamy soil, sawdust) will either prolong or prevent hatchling.

SELECTION OF BREEDING STOCK

It is important to take the following factors into consideration when selecting snails for breeding to ensure high productivity:

1. SHELL: - Snails with cracked or broken shells should be avoided; the shell should be smooth, brightly colored and properly formed.

2. FLESH: - The flesh should fill the shell, do not select those with wrinkled or emaciated flesh.

3. AGE: - Old snails should be avoided as they might not lay eggs again.

4. NUMBER OF EGGS: - The fulica and A. achatina satisfy your thirst of having highly prolific species. They lay between 80-400 eggs per clutch once to four times a year.

If you are buying your stock from farms, request for the genetical history of the snails. This should center on the growth rate, productivity and resistance to disease.

HOUSING

Snails live naturally in the wild, to rear them indoors successfully; appropriate and ideal housing units have to be put in place. Some of the common units are listed below

Basket: A medium sized basket, half-filled with wood shavings or sterilized rich loamy soil and placed on concrete floor can hold 5-10 matured snails.

Wooden Cage: A wooden cage measuring 120m x 60cm x 50cm with four legs, nettled body and lid; filled with sterilized rich loamy soil / wood shavings to a depth of 15cm can hold 50 matured snails. The cage could be in steps; in that case, the doors should be in the front so that each can open freely.

A trench measuring 2.4m by 1.2m by 0.60m made from cement blocks with the top part covered round with wire netting can hold between 100-200 mature snails.

A SNAIL PEN: A snail pen is designated to hold a larger number of snails for a large-scale production. It is made from cement blocks with the top part high enough to allow attendants go in and out. The top part is nettled round to disallow predators from penetrating. Shallow rooted plants can be grown inside to provide shade and food. As snails can burrow through the soil and escape, there is a need to cement the floor of the trench and pen. Sterilized rich loamy soil or wood shavings is then packed in to a depth of 15cm. To avoid pilfering, flooding during heavy rains and excessive heat during the hot season; the cage, trench and pen should be provided with lids netted on the inside and covered outside with iron roofing sheet, split or whole bamboo and or palm leaves.

Rubber Tyres: About 3-4 of these could be placed on each other to serve as housing unit. It is covered with netted wire mesh to ward off predators. The tyres should not have any wire protrusion. It is better to place them on a concrete floor to prevent escape through burrowing.

The Water Rack System (ws) is a modern housing unit for snail; it is made of metal frames and aluminium covering to reflect heat. Water shower could be incorporated into the steps to flush the excreta and slimes produced by the snails as wastes. The choice of the metal and aluminium is to ensure durability, in addition, the shower and the aluminium will keep the temperature in the rack low and a high humidity is maintained. The water rack system can house more than a thousand snails depending on the size.

Whichever housing system one adopts, it should be constructed in a way to:

1) Keep off predators

2) Have adequate ventilation and shade

3) Allow for easy cleaning

4) Avoid overcrowding

5) Avoid painting materials, strong odour and soils treated with chemicals

FEEDS AND FEEDING

Snails are omnivores; they feed virtually on all plant and animal substrate. They can eat any of the following materials:

Leaves of cassava, pawpaw, vegetable, cocoyam, euphorbia hirta (milk weed) etc.

Fruit: Orange, pawpaw, pineapple, plantain, banana, mango, nuts, apple etc.

Root/tubers: Yam, potatoes, cassava, carrot, cocoyam etc

Other feed materials may include bone, powdered egg shell to give them calcium, wet shaft from fermented milled maize.

PROCEDURE FOR FEEDING: Feeds like fruits, tubers, leaves etc are cut into pieces and are placed inside flat containers. Do not give them chlorinated water.

Feeding is done every evening; remnant food should be removed from the pen on a daily basis to keep their environment clean.

FEED MATERIALS FORMULATED RATIO

BONE MEAL 20%

OYSTER SHELL 20%

MAIZE 20%

MAIZE OFFAL 10%

WHEAT OFFAL 5%

SOYA BEANS 15%

GROUNDNUT CAKE 5%

FISH MEAL 4.5%

PREMIX (GROWER/LAYER) 0.5%

WATER

The water to be given should be clean and free from the following:

Salt

Acid

Alkaline

Metals: All pipes should be made of plastics.

Allow tap water to settle so that the chlorine can evaporate.

Serve water in shallow plastic containers and sprinkle the soil and the snails periodically.

t is important to note that the growth of snails is affected by the following factors:

Stock density

Feed quality, quantity and frequency

Calcium provided

Moisture

Genetic

Depth of soil

Diseases

System of rearing

Hygiene

Frequent touching

Weather

ENEMIES OF SNAILS

These are predators that find their ways into the snail pen; they attack them by breaking their fragile shell or biting them to death. They include ants, rats, mice, frogs, toads, millipedes, centipedes, beetles, lizards, wall geckos, cockroaches, birds, predatory snails etc

DISEASE-CAUSING ORGANISMS

Bacteria: Pseudomonas, staphylococcus, Bacillus

Protozoa: Balantidium and coccidial agents

Fungi: Saprophytes

SYMPTOMS OF ILL HEALTH

Emaciation

Cracked and whitening of shell

Foul odour with water oozing out of the flesh

Loss of appetite

Sluggishness

KEEPING OFF PREDATORS

Soil or wood shavings should be sterilized or treated to kill germs and other unwanted organisms.

Alum bath with warm water to prevent and control skin diseases

Housing units must be constructed in a way to keep off predators

Remnants food, slime and excreta should be removed from the pen as soon as possible

Avoid overcrowding

Vitamins, minerals, ampicillin and growth promoter should be mixed with water or feed.

Always consult veterinary doctors for professional advice.

CONDOMS!

HAS CONDOM SOLVED IT?

The introduction and the continuous campaigns for the use of condoms to control births and sex-related diseases have really exposed our teenagers to early sexual intercourse. It is very common nowadays to see young girls and boys carrying packs of condoms in their hand bags or pockets. They do not see anything bad in this because, they belief they are protecting themselves.

Although, some people have argued that the use of condoms has reduced the incidences of sexually transmitted diseases and controlled to an extent, unwanted pregnancies but; i belief that is not among the youths of nowadays. it is a known fact that boys and girls who are supposed to be serious with their academic pursuits have now found fun in engaging in early sex before marriage.

In African countries most especially in Nigeria, it is a tradition for girls to preserve their virginity till the wedding day. The bible and the quran also preach same that no man or woman should engage in fornication for whatever reason. Honestly, on a wedding night, it is a great delight for the bride’s family to hear the news that the groom meets his wife virgin. They are happy because, they feel they have not been disgraced after all; in fact, the kind of joy that envelopes the whole village is immeasurable. Such a girl is considered to be a reflection of discipline, morality and adherence to religious teachings in the family. She will definitely be loved not only by the husband but, by both families. The reverse is the case today; we have lost that good and Godly tradition because, the campaign for abstinence from sex has been substituted for condoms.

The dangers inherent in using condoms to controll births or checking sexually transmitted diseases are just many: firstly, the idea that condoms prevent pregnancy has lured so many young boys to rape their partners. Such an incidence may not be reported but it is happening, the girls may not have the gut to cry out because of fear of been disgraced or humiliated by friends or mates. In most cases, such an act may result in unwanted pregnancy or serious infection.

Secondly, condoms do not offer 100% protection and so anything can happen during sex, it could break or slip off and when that happens, it could result into unwanted pregnancy or infections. Thirdly, there are times when partners who have been using condoms religiously wish to have a feel of the natural sex without using condom and after having it loses interest completely in its use. They might have discovered that using condoms lessen their sensation. This experience they had may result in unwanted pregnancy or sexual disease.

Fourthly, the use of condoms has really pushed so many boys, girls and even married men and women into fornication and adultery. The belief that you cannot contact diseases or have unplanned pregnancy once condom is used has given us the confidence to engage in these sinful acts. I say it with all confidence that, if there have been nothing like condoms and if emphasis has always been on abstinence, I bet you, early pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, fornication and adultery would be on the lowest side. I therefore use this medium to implore our religious bodies, stakeholders, and decision makers to use everything within their means to restore our rich value.

Let us start preaching abstinence as the best solution to the spread of sexual related diseases and for discouraging unwanted pregnancies.