NEW #100 NOTE

 

I MET A GAL 2 BY HWE READER

That's the influence she has on you,she brings out the soul in the soul-less,God! I miss her.  With a can of coca cola in my hand which I gave to her we hugged,we said our good byes and I left the pavilion without  looking back. Yet we did see again two days after,she waited for me at the airport in Kano and I travelled down to bid her farewell. I was running late,due to the language bar rear between the motorist and me. Got to the airport with 8mins to spare,and those few minutes with her were the best for the remainder of the week. As I write today before this almost dieing candle,I know for sure who ever posted me to that camp wrote my fate,because now with or without her she had me taught to be who have always wanted be .I miss that girl I met.

I MET A GAL 1 BY HWE READER

  I met a girl,she frowned,she smiled,we laughed,we ate together,it was epic,when the sun rose reality set in and we left in different directions. That pretty sums everything up but did no proper justice to how amazing the few days I spent with her was. Under the harsh weather of the core Northern part of Nigeria,I wasn't expected to find a serene moment as the one i had the instance I saw beauty at its peak. Fanisau NYSC orientation camp,Jigawa state's field was packed with awaiting corp members to be sworn in. The sky was raining heat and our legs were tired of waiting for the state governor,so I squat to relieve the pain on my knees and to find shade from the people standing around. And behold I saw a jungle boot not properly worn,from below I slowly looked upward till I saw her face. There she stood FROWNING with an amazing stature strictly for a model,her hands folded across her chest,her black shades on,she was pouting softly (a lips well shaped) and at that moment I forgot I travelled 14hours to be under this sun.    Didn't get to see her until hours later,when we were called to Goodluck's multi-purpose hall to fill in our green cards. God I suck at first conversations with a lady,especially a pretty one. After a lot deliberation with my inner soul, i turned and asked her the date we were suppose to fill in the card,she answered quite cold and strict. I was forced to ask "don't you smile" and this time her expression was louder than her words. Honestly didn't make out what she said but her expression was like "piss off will you". I faced front and quietly prayed she won't bite me from behind. Through out the next day I didn't see her. After the usual morning meditation we gathered in our various platoons and there she was forming up for parade four rows ahead of me. As we were matching she hit her hand to back of another corp member and she fell crying. There was my moment of blessing,every woman is vulnerable when weak you don't need to use any tactic to get on their good side just simply care! After parade I went to her, I didn't just sound concerned I truly cared,which man in his right minds won't. Thus we became friends.   She disappeared yet a again,. On monday morning halfway through the parade,someone gently tapped me on my back and there she was SMILING.  At first she was withdrawn and unhappy but I was pertinacious on changing that. Looking back,I realise its not how persuasive I was that made her let me in pain.  Somethings about her till now are just not explainable. She told me one of her just graduated friends passed away on the day we resumed camp. Then I started fixing the pieces of how uninterested she's been strolling around camp and the tiredness in her eyes for she had been crying which I never noticed. Coupled with the fact we all collected our call-up to Jigawa state with heavy hearts and at that moment I looked beyond the attractive woman standing before me to the compassionate soul that's projecting outwards. Wanted to pull her close and tell,her "all will be fine" but down in my heart I wasn't sure myself because any little issue we all had in our lifes, being posted to the state separating Nigeria from Niger Republic compounded it all. I would love to say I didn't fell for her right there,but who would I be kidding. When she walks and you don't stare,then boy never argue being straight,when she talks and you seem uninterested then you better stick to nickledon channel and when she rolls her eyes in pity,I wouldn't be surprised to see you carry her hand bag. In simple terms she's an eye candy. Parades became arena for us to chat,its either we are intentionally mixing up the steps to get thrown out or we are listening to music on her cell using one earphone. I taught her how to "prison break" away from parades to go see those practising for cultural nights. Most hausa dancing steps were horrible we LAUGHED it up. Mammy scenes were adorable;I hate water melons,but with her I must eat it,I never tasted mosa,she made me EAT it with her and if don't I would turn to "enemy of the state"(a bad place you don't want her to put you). You can't count the numbers of coca cola she consumes per day. Even after the lights were out,we would continue to exchange text till a party falls asleep. The cold mornings became warmer because I knew I was going to see her again,that thought brightens me.   There are seasons for everything under heaven; a time to sow a time reap...........there came a time for the camp to end. She was redeployed to Lagos. She had earlier tried to convince me to apply for redeployment too but I refused. The night before our departure we cuddled up behind the pavilion having our last hurrah. I can only tell you my mind I was scared,not because she's leaving but for I know she's taking along a part of me I never knew existed,a part she reflected her near perfections on. As the sun rose,I developed stomach ache though it was mild. I pretended it wasn't ,so as for her to care more oh! It worked. The passing out parade was boring and long but to amuse people as usually she and I put up a show. I knelt down and propose to her and she said yes and the paperrazzi was all over us.

MEET THE NEW MISS TOURISM NIGERIA

Collete Nwadike, 23 year old English

language and literature graduate from the

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has

emerged the new Miss Tourism Nigeria

2014.

Collete Nwadike who represented Anambra

State out-shined 34 other tourism

ambassadors at the event which held amidst

so much glamour and paparazzi at the Ruby

Gardens Events Center in Lekki, Lagos on

17th May 2014.

Collete will represent Nigeria at the 2014

Miss Tourism World pageant which will

hold later on this year.

Miss Joy Arwhere representing Abuja was

crowned Miss Tourism Nigeria Universe(1st

Runner Up). She will represent Nigeria at

Miss United Continent in Ecuador.

2nd Runner up position (Miss Tourism

Nigeria Planet) was Mildred Odimegu who

represented Kebbi during the event. she will

also represent Nigeria at Miss Universe

Princess in India.

Jordan; Islamic city with amazing christian landmarks

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a historic country with amazing features. The West Asian country is predominantly Islamic with countless landmarks of Christianity.Over 90 per cent of the 7.8 million people that inhabit Jordan are Moslems while the rest of the population is mostly Christian.It is amazing that in such an Islamic setting, with Mosques and people dressed in Islamic regalia everywhere,you can find biblical historical sites such as the Red Sea, River Jordan and thepopular Mount Nebo intact.The Red Sea is still the same way it was described in the Bible. Moses divided the Red Sea into two with his rod as commanded by God to save the fleeing Israelites from therampaging army of Pharaoh, the Egyptian king. Pharaoh’s men who were in hot pursuit of the Israelites perished in the sea after Moses used his rod to close the parted sea.The sea  is one of the tourist delights in Jordan. It is one ofthe sites where tourists enjoymost, as they take their time to cruise on it in spite of the fact that it is very deep.Mount Nebo, another feature of interest, is the mountain on which Moses was said to have viewed the Promised Land. Because he disobeyed God, he was shown the land but was not allowed enter it. According to the biblical story, Moses thereafter died on the mountain.Efforts have been made to make the mountain attractiveto visiting tourists and pilgrims. Modern monuments are erected on the spot whereit was presumed Moses died and was buried.Another amazing feature is the River Jordan, where John baptised Jesus Christ. The river also forms a boundary between Jordan and Israel. The river is curiously small and drying up. This, accordingto locals, is because of the heavy dependence on the river by the surrounding population.Pilgrims and tourists travel from distant lands just to dip their hands and feet in this water where it is believed that Jesus was baptised over 2,000 years ago.There is also the Dead Sea, another popular attraction. The mineral level in the sea ishigh and it is said that the muddy sea does not sustain life. People do not swim in the Dead Sea. All one needs to do is lie back and float with little effort. The mud from the sea is said to have healing properties because ofits rich mineral content. People rub the mud on their body to cure skin diseases and keep the skin glowing.These were some of the features of Jordan, a country the tour guide, Mr. Muhammed Khadeer, who works with the Jordan Tourism Board, says has no major natural resources, but is proud of its strength in tourism.Khadeer said, “We depend on tourism 90 per cent because we do not have any natural resources. Some of the places I have taken you to arevery important. People come here every day just to see theRed Sea, Mount Nebo or RiverJordan and Petra which is thenew seventh wonder of the world. As a country, we are happy that we have all of these.“The people who appreciate these attractions are not evenfrom Jordan and that is why we receive many tourists here. And they are the major boost to our economy. The only other thing we do here isagriculture. People farm to feed and sell the little they can but in most cases, our people farm for domestic consumption. Farming contributes just about 10 per cent to our economy.“Let me stress that we are very friendly to Christians because they are the ones coming here to help our economy. We respect people and we are good to those staying with us. Our people have been trained to respect and welcome all kinds of people, including Christians and Moslems into our country.”The Jordan Tourism Board has been contending with the pressure of tourists that dailytroop in and out of Jordan, especially after the recent visit of Pope Francis.JTB’s Managing Director, Dr. Abed Arabiyat, said the country was putting things in place to attract more African tourists and pilgrims to Jordan.He said, “Jordan has releaseda new strategy. The Kingdom plans to invite 1,500 church leaders from around the world to identify with the 34 sites in Jordan mentioned during the Biblical times.”Arabiyat said the board is also interested in having more Africans, especially Nigerians visit Jordan. “The Nigerian market is very important to Jordan. We have the attractions and the infrastructure. The Pope has already visited the Baptism Site. I think the Vatican always emphasises visits to religious sites. We plan to work very hard to attract more tourists here because that is what we have to sell,” he said.In collaboration with the Royal Jordanian, the country’s national carrier, the JTB said it is making arrangements to bring more Nigerians to the country.To boost visits to Jordan, an official of Royal Jordanian, Mr. Anwar Atalla, said the airline was planning to introduce duty-free in-flight facilities in the next few months.“We are working towards increasing our frequencies to three times a week between Nigeria and Amman, Jordan, and we are doing this to ensure we cater for the increase in passenger traffic which we are anticipating in the next few months. We hope to collaborate with JTB to make visas easier to obtainso that more people would beable to visit the country with minimal stress,” he said.A Nigerian tourist, Mr. Sunkanmi Ajao, said he was impressed with the way the government of Jordan has managed its economy.Ajao said, “A country without natural resources and little dependence on agriculture is doing so well for its people. They import so many things to make life comfortable but the fact is the citizens lack nothing. That is leadership for you. I am also shocked that a country depends mainly on tourism.”Another tourist, Ms. Angela Keith, who visited from England, said she was particularly impressed with the warm nature of the people.“Apart from the beautiful tourist attractions, I am so glad that the people here are not hostile. That was my fear before coming and I am really happy that they are very accommodating. They make you feel at home and you will wish to come back to Jordan,” she said.Jordan is relatively peaceful and it boasts of rich food and culture. Electricity, which is said to be generated and supplied from neighbouring Egypt, is constant.However, the country’s major setback is its water shortage.River Jordan, its major sourceof fresh water is almost driedup. It is a big concern and the country is currently thinking of options to solve the water problems.For now, water is being imported and it is heavily subsidised by government to reduce the impact on the people.

Bakky w with dolphins in dubai

Recently in dubai after Tiwa's wedding, bakky w decided to have some fun in dubai.. Enjoy yourself dude

LEKKI LEISURE LAKE A PLACE TO BE

Looking for where to hangout in lagos lekki leisure lake is a place to be. The beach is with some toys around

it... Bumper Boats, Beach Buggie Pontoon Boat, Quad biking, Wave Boat

OGBAUKWU WATERFALL IN ANAMBRA

Ogbaukwu waterfall is located in Owerre ezeukala community thpat borders Abia, Enugu and Imo. About 75km east of Onisha, from Umunze to the waterfall is just 10 minute journey, Umunze is the capital of Orumba south local government Anambra state. There is also a very big cave in the waterfall. #Enjoy

BE PROUD OF YOUR STATE

 Represent your state with the site of tourism there. Me? Adams Ramon Bukayo, from Ogun state, we have the beautiful Olumo rock.. pictures below. Tell us about your state.. i promise to get you the pictures

What i want for you this new year

You shall be a point of reference, a channel of blessing, a front runner, a symbol of success & a celebrated ACHIEVER in this new year and beyond! HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Thank God

Glogy be to the most high. Thank you God

THANK YOU 2013.. JOURNEY SO FAR 2

Thank you 2013, A walk to remember with #ENACTUS team leaders OAU/OFA POLY/HUI /UNILAG to erin ijesha waterfall.. Although still learning know my God will make me walk smartly. More pictures below

THANK YOU 2013 #JOURNEY SO FAR

A walk to remember with HUI to Chivita,UNIBADAN,LUTH and Sultan beach.. "Although still learning i know my God will make me walk smartly" Thank you 2013!!!! More pix after the cut

At UNIBADAN

AT CHIVITA

LUNCH AT CHIVITA

HUI STUDENT WITH SOME CHIVITA STAFFS

All work no play makes jack a dull boy... FUN AT SULTAN BEACH LAGOS

MERRY XMAS TO U ALL

Wishing you merry xmas... av fun

Moremi the extra ordinary woman

The story

of Moremi

which captures the heroic

deeds of

a woman, who dared

the odds

to save

her people,

is very alive in Ile-Ife.

 Today, if you stand at the very front of the palace of the Ooni of Ife, in Osun state, you

will see an impressive statue of a woman holding a fire brand. Upon reflection, one can say that the firebrand also symbolizes the power of a woman’s intuition, and there is alot about the woman’s intuition in this story.

This is the statue of Moremi, after whom the Edi festival is held. This festival is held every year in Ile-Ife, and there is an inspiring story behind its celebration .The story revolves around the life of Moremi, a beautiful woman

from Offa, who was married to Oranmiyan, who was Ooni at a time Igbo invaders, dressed in raffia palms, used to harass Ile-Ife. This took

place in an unrelenting fashion, year after year, and all this occurred at a distant time in the history of Ile-Ife. Nathaniel Ogunmola, an

Ethnographer at the National Museum, Ile-Ife, speaking on the legend of Moremi and the

raiding Igbo warriors says “They did this every

year and gave Oranmiyan many problems. At

a point in time ,he was so disturbed that Moremi asked him what the problem was.” He now replied that it was the constant raids by the Igbo warriors and the havoc this caused, that was giving him much food for thought.

Adedoyin Sikiru of the National Museum Ile-

Ife, commenting on this in a paper titled Moremi: Heroine of Primordial Time, writes

“They used to disguise in raffia palms and they usually covered their faces with masks. This made Ife warriors to believe that Igbo

warriors were supernatural beings, and therefore unassailable. Consequently,

Oranmiyan became nervous and troubled.” Moremi now reflected on a course of action to restore her husband’s happiness, and bring peace to the people of Ile-Ife. According to Mr.

Ogunmola “Moremi now decided that a solution must be found. She went and

approached the river goddess to find a solution to the incessant problem. The

goddess now adviced that she is going to help her, but this would be at a price. Moremi now said if the goddess is going to help her, then she is ready to pay any price. The goddess

now said that she will take a most prized thing from Moremi, and the latter agreed,

thinking that that the goddess wanted a cow,

or something similar like a goat or a ram.” The goddess now adviced that when next the Igbo raiders come, Moremi should allow

herself to be captured’and being a very pretty

woman, the next time they came, she was captured and she was taken as a war

captive.When the king of the Igbos saw her, he fell in love with her,and made her one of

his wives,” Mr. Ogunmola( staff of ife museum) adds. Within a short period of time she had integrated herself within the palace and the society, and soon found out that the raffia palm was simply a

disguise the Igbos used to make themselves invisible while attacking Ile-Ife.She also discovered that a fire brand can destroy the

Igbo raiders who always came covered in raffia

palms. Mr Ogunmola adds “The point was that

people had to attack the raffia with a firebrand, and, immediately, the Igbo invaders will get burnt.”

Having  discovered this secret she now waited

for a golden opportunity, and then fled back to Ile-Ife with this very important information. When she arrived Ile-Ife she conveyed this information to the King and the elders, for which they were glad and happy, and they all waited patiently for the next time the Igbo

invaders would come. As soon as the invaders came, the people lit firebrands and attacked the Igbo raiders, and they perished. This

significant event turned around the fate of the

people as well as that of the town of Ile-Ife.Interestigly, Moremi acted with the

intuition that everything will work victoriously for her people. After the rejoicing among the townspeople, the

river goddess appeared to Moremi, and asked for the fulfillment of the promise earlier made. Again Mr Ogunmola reveals ‘The river goddess appeared to Moremi,asking her to fulfil her

vow. Moremi now brought a cow as well as a ram. But the goddess rejected these, saying that it was Moremi’s son that she wanted as a

sacrifice.Moremi had no option but to offer her only son.’

As a result of the huge loss to Moremi, the people of Ife, as well as the elders in a

remarkable act, all decided that from that day onwards, they would all  be her children.Thus, from that day onwards the Edi festival was

instituted, as a rememebrance of the heroic

deeds of Moremi who saved her people from the raiding activities of Igbo warriors. This is significant because it depicts a society made

up of both male and female, submitting to an

exemplary woman, endowed with powerful intuitions and courage , who lived among ,

and was one of them . The legend of Moremi also demonstrates the early involvement of

women in politics in Yoruba society, and it also highlights that heroic deeds were also

carried out by women, and not just the men alone at a point in the history of Ile-Ife .At the University of Lagos,a popular hall has been

named after Moremi ,and the legend of Moremi is also widespread among the

Yoruba diaspora.