The United States’ embassy in Nigeria seems to have perfected the art of denying well-meaning and legitimate non-immigrant Nigerian mothers visa for reasons best known to it. At the end of visa interview sessions, what one hears is, ‘’You are not qualified at this time’’! Women of child-bearing age are asked questions such as: Are you pregnant at this time? How many children do you have? Do you plan to have more children? And if the response to any of these questions is in the affirmative, then the next set of questions may be: Do you plan to have the baby in America? Can you afford to pay the medical bills? You are probably asked to show evidence and even after showing evidence you are told mostly that you do not qualify at this time or that you should reapply after having your baby.

Please note that there have been cases when female applicants did not even know they were pregnant during the interview and later discovered in the weeks to follow! Obviously, a married woman who is sexually active can become pregnant at anytime even with the use of contraceptives. Asking these kinds of questions during interviews is not a way to determine the purpose of the interview, which is to determine if the visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Finding out if an applicant is pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon, has nothing to do with the application but is an unnecessary invasion of privacy.

Moreover in Africa, questions like these are very sensitive as people like to keep such information private until the pregnancy becomes advanced. If one may ask, is the visa meant to be an agreement to celibacy in marriage? In my own case, I had used my American visa many times for holiday and even business before deciding to make use of the medical facilities available in the US to have my baby. I also decided to do this because I developed some complications during the pregnancy and decided to seek better health care. Why then would a consular officer overlook all the business transactions done and deny an applicant for the simple reason of having a baby in America?

Is it wrong for a mother to seek better medical treatment for herself anywhere in the world if she can afford it? Or, could it be that it is a crime under American laws? Let us examine the major issues in this matter because I really do not understand the thinking.

The B-1/B-2 visitors visa is for people travelling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Generally, the B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism, visits to friends or relatives, medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature often the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2 visa.

So, can we safely assume that if you are issued a visa in the B-1/B-2 category, you can use the visa for any of the purposes stated above during the duration of the visa (which is usually 2 years validity) without fear that you will be denied another visa during renewal for using it for any of the above stated purposes? Let us say, for instance, during the interview, you stated to the consular officer that you were travelling to America on holiday. If sometimes during the validity of your visa, you use same visa for business purposes or medical purposes, should you be penalised?

Using one’s visa for medical treatment can be in form of the following: Any form of surgery both medical, cosmetic surgeries , having a baby or any gynaecological related procedure, general medical check-up e.t.c

I have tried to find out several reasons why mothers are being denied visas to the US. Could it be because there is a law in place saying people cannot have their babies in America? In fact, I can say after much investigation that there is nothing like that. Everyone is allowed to go everywhere in the world for medical treatment so long as they can afford it. Nigerians still go to South Africa, the United Kingdom, and other European countries to have their babies so long as they can afford it and they do so because they believe they will get better medical care.

Could the issue be that the women that are having babies in America can cause overpopulation in the future? I still do not think that is the issue as the American government still runs the visa lottery every year in which thousands of people all over the world are granted immigrant status to live and work in America.

Denying mothers of American citizen children visa’s during renewal is indirectly denying the American citizen child entry to America because the child cannot travel unaccompanied at a minor age without either of his or her parent.

Dont forget to drop your comment

She was born Oct 2nd 1982. Happy birthday to her!

At least 20 students of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State, were shot dead last night by unknown gunmen. The men invaded the off-campus student hostel around 11 last night, rounded some students up, lined them up, asked a few questions and then separated the students into two groups. One group was allowed to go and the other group, with about 20 students, were all shot dead - execution style.

Students in the hostel have started leaving for fear of another attack. The school is yet to issue a statement about the murders

The health situation of Nigeria’s First Lady,    Dame Patience Jonathan, has become critical, a situation that is further placing a lie on the recovery story which  officials at the Villa had been bandying that she would even escort her better half, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to address the United Nation’s General Assembly in New York City. Sources close to the Dame disclosed to TheROAD that the First Lady is losing her eye-sight and sometimes has difficulty recognizing things she might have heard of, seen or known from childhood.

Exactly a month ago, on the 29th of August when TheROAD broke the story that Dame Patiance left Nigeria for Wiesbaden Hospital in Germany, allegedly  for treatment against food poisoning, in a hospital in Dubai where she claimed to have been poisoned argued that it had combed the entire area and found no one to have been poisoned during the entire period that Dame Patience ate in the area.

Our subsequent follow-up to the Dame’s illness revealed that apart from the food poison from which she had collapsed the First Lady was losing her memory and was not recognizing things, apart from the several strings of rumors that continue to surround her ailment, including those from some internet portals which appear to scream on a full expose on her diagnosis. For example, three sources familiar with Mrs. Jonathan’s health status, told SaharaReporters  that the Nigerian president’s wife is beset by Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative syndrome.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system. A medical source described it as “a fairly common disorder that occasions degeneration of the nervous system.” The source added that the disease leads to “progressive impairment and disorder of movement.” An online medical site notes that Parkinson’s “is characterized by progressive loss of muscle control, which leads to trembling of the limbs and head while at rest, stiffness, slowness, and impaired balance. As symptoms worsen, it may become difficult to walk, talk, and complete simple tasks.

” The disclosure about the First Lady’s medical woes was first made by a source familiar with Mrs. Jonathan’s previous secret treatments in Spain and Italy. The source disclosed that Mrs. Jonathan had battled Parkinson’s for some years now. In addition, doctors had advised her to “do something urgent about her morbid body mass index (BMI),” said the source. She added that Mrs. Jonathan had indeed considered undergoing the kind of tummy tuck procedure that former Governor DiepreyeAlamieyeseigha once had.

Two other sources close to the Jonathans confirmed that the First Lady has been suffering from the Parkinson’s ailmment.  One said the disease was largely responsible for her clumsiness, drawling speech and sluggishness at public events. He added that Mrs. Jonathan has been suffering from serious trembling in the left hand. “That’s why she always uses her right to hold the microphone when speaking at public events,” the source revealed. Mrs. Jonathan is also  reportedly affected by stiffness of the limbs and trunk which affects her movement.

A news staffer at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) told SaharaReporters that Mrs. Jonathan’s aides warned reporters covering her never to film her beyond her waist. “Her senior personal assistant told the crew covering her long ago: ‘Don’t ever film Madam’s waist. Show her face only.’ That’s been the code at NTA.” Two of our sources stated that Mrs. Jonathan had made efforts to slow the disease that had started to ravage her.

“She has been visiting a health farm in Italy on a regular basis since 2010,” one source revealed. “To alleviate her pain, she has been taking her medication religiously.” A friend of Mrs. Jonathan said that the First Lady’s health maladies include anxiety, occasional memory loss and disorientation. In addition, her blood pressure often rises to dangerous levels, forcing her to take a cocktail of anti-hypertensive drugs. Also, our sources said that some officials attached to the First Lady’s office described her as constantly depressed, and easily irritated, yet prone to anger as she snaps at people easily.

When TheROAD reported her departure from the NnamdiAzikiwe Airport last month she was virtually held from both sides and supported into the airplane. Our reporter observed that aides of the First Lady had to form a cordon around the aircraft to conceal her from the prying eyes of the public most of who were oblivious of the movement around the plane.  Since she kept a permanent bed at Wiesbaden she had become more erratic.

“The First Lady can just get angry at the slightest provocation and rain abuses at anybody in sight,” he said. Two weeks into her medical sojourn all her aides were disarmed of their cell-phones so as to keep her condition under wraps. As happened during the health crisis of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the Nigerian Presidency’s reaction to Mrs. Jonathan’s health condition is to be mum. When a senior aide of President Jonathan was contacted on the matter, he sharply said, “I’m not saying anything. And please don’t mention that you spoke to me.” Officials of the Presidency are under a virtual oath of secrecy on the issue of Mrs. Jonathan’s health crisis.

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer gave birth to a son on Sunday evening, just over a week before her due date. 
In an appropriate move for a woman who has made her name in technology, Mayer's husband Zachary Bogue announced the birth via Twitter on Monday, writing: "Baby boy Bogue born last night. Mom (@marissamayer) and baby are doing great - we couldn't be more excited!"

Yahoo! released a statement hours later saying that Mayer is working from home this week but she may reappear in the office in person after only a week of maternity leave. "She will be working remotely and is planning to return to the office as soon as possible (likely in 1-2 weeks)," a Yahoo spokesman told Reuters in an emailed statement. 

A customised yahoo-themed box for her Yahoo Boy

The 37-year-old prompted much debate about how pregnancies affect women in the workplace as she was hired to lead the struggling tech firm in July when she was seven-months pregnant. 

"My maternity leave will be a few weeks long and I'll work throughout it," the expectant mom told Fortune at the time.

Yahoo executives were aware that she was with child when they interviewed her, and she said that their decision to go ahead with her hiring 'showed their evolved thinking'.

Just days after her hiring, Mayer tweeted a picture of a layette set filled with Yahoo! themed baby gear that the company's communications team sent her. Whether or not she will choose to dress her little boy in the yellow-and-purple outfits that are clear ads for the company is another guess entirely. As she proclaimed that her newborn would not slow her down, her pregnancy didn't either and she attended the San Francisco Symphony Opening Gala just two weeks ago.

Nigeria is a Federal Republic composed of 36 States, and a Capital Territory, with an elected President and a Bi-cameral Legislature. It operates the Presidential system of Government with three distinct but complementary arms namely the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, each acting as a check on the other two.

The Executive arm of Government, at the Federal level, consists of the President, the Vice-president and other members of the Federal Executive Council, while at the State level, it is made up of the Governor, the Deputy Governor and other members of the State Executive Council.

The Legislature is equally found at the Federal and State levels. The Federal Legislature comprises a 109- member Senate and a 360-member House of Representatives. The two, combined, is known as the National Assembly (the equivalent of the American Congress). At the State level, the Legislature is known as the House of Assembly.

The President, The Governor, their Deputies, as well as members of the Legislature at both Federal and State levels are elected, under the present constitution, for four years, renewable only once. The Senate President is the Head of the Federal Legislature.

The Judiciary interpretes the laws and adjudicates in conflicts between the Executive and the Legislature. It carries out these functions through the various established courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court of the land, followed by the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, Magistrate Court, Area Court and Customary Court.

Long before the creation of the entity called Nigeria, the various peoples that existed independently then had established their own indigenous systems of administration. There were recognized political entities such as the Benin Empire, Kanem Bornu Empire, Sokoto Caliphate, Oyo Empire, to mention a few. The Empires and Kingdoms had established contact with one another and with other peoples, through trading activities.

Earlier in the 19th Century, the British had conquered the different parts of the present Nigeria at different times, and established control and authority over them. These areas were grouped into Protectorates namely Lagos, Niger Coast (also known as Oi1 River Protectorate), and the Northern Protectorate.  For ease of administration and control, the Northern Protectorate, and the Southern Protectorate (made up of Lagos and Niger Coast) were amalgamated in 1914   by the British. Thus come into existence the country presently known as NIGERIA.

As time went on, British colonial rule, with its attendant alienation and subjugation of the indigenous people, resulted in agitation for self-government. The history of Nigeria was therefore dominated by ‘struggle for freedom’ between 1922 and 1959. Notable Nigerians like Sir Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnnmdi Azikwe, Chief Sire Ahmadou Bello, Chief Anthony Enahoro, to mention but a few, are known as the founders and fathers of Nigerian NATIONALISM.

Given this struggle, the British gave some concessions to Nigerians. This gave rise to the series of constitutions that come into existence, to assuage the feelings of the people. The constitutions included the Clifford Constitution of 1922, the Richards Constitution of 1946, the Macpherson Constitution of 1951, and the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954.

Although, with these constitutions, Nigerians were allowed limited contributions in the affairs of their own land, this could not stop the continuous clamour for total independence from colonial rule which had engendered social sufferings, as well as discrimination in the areas of employment, education, health, creational facilities, coupled with unjust and high taxation.

On 1st October 1960, Nigeria became self-governing from British colonial rule and was administered at the center by the Federal government and three regions Governments in the East, West and North of the country. In 1963, the Midwest Region was carved out of the Western Region making a federation of four Regions. During this First Republic, a parliamentary system of government was in operation. This lasted till January 1966.

The first military intervention in Nigeria occurred in January 1966 when the civilian government was overthrown   in a military coup. This effectively marked the beginning and succession of military governments in the nation’s political history. Military-rule continued till 1979 when the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo handed over power to the civilian government of President Shehu shagari.

In the second Republic of President Shehu shagari, Nigeria adopted the Presidential system of government with an Executive President as the Head of the Federal Government. The administration was in power until 1983 when it was overthrown in a coup and the military once again come into governance. Nigeria again witnessed another round of military governments until 1993 when General Ibrahim Babaginda the head of the military government, put in place an interim civilian administration charged with conducting elections. This   interim administration lasted for only three months when it was replaced in a palace coup by the military. The new military administration was headed by General Sani Abacha.

General Sani Abacha’s Government ruled the country from 1993 to 1998 when the Head of State suddenly died in June 1998. It must be pointed out that during this particular regime, Nigeria faced tremendous opposition from the International Community over human rights abuses, culminating in Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth. Indeed, at this period, Nigeria was treated like a pariah nation, tolerated only by a few and abandoned by other countries, including her traditional allies like Britain and Canada.

With the sudden death of General Abacha in June 1998 General Abdulsalami Abubakar headed the new military administration, and was immediately confronted with the Herculean task of drawing Nigeria back from the brink of collapse and restoring her image. Admirably, this administration rose up to the occasion. The issue of human rights abuses was immediately addressed with the release of all political detainees and prisoners. The Government also announced and implemented a political transition program that ushered in a new civilian government in May 1999. Precisely in less than one year. Thus, General Abubakar administration was able to restore democracy back in Nigeria. Within that period too, Nigeria gradually regained her voice in the comity of nations. The administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was inaugurated on May 29, 1999. Simultaneously, executive governors were also sworn-in in the 36 states constituting the present Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In the Presidential System of Government that is now in place, there is a National Assembly (equivalent of US Congress) comprising two clambers namely the Senate and House of Representatives. There is a State Assembly in each of the 36 States. Also there are 774 local governments throughout the Federation representing the third-tier of government.

It is evident from the above political history that the military had dominated power for close to 30 years. The country is still undergoing a learning process and will continue to strive to nurture democracy and all its institutions to full development. The nation has come to accept that civilian democracy is the form of government that can guarantee full participation by the entire citizenry, ensure good governance, rapid progress and socio-economic development.

Since democracy was restored in the country there has been a gradual and impressive transformation of the political landscape. In 1999 only 3 political parties contested elections in Nigeria. But in 2003, 25 new political parties were registered by the national Electoral body, bringing to 28 the number of political parties that contested the 2003 elections.

The key test to the political future of Nigeria still lies in an enduring civilian governance. Elections conducted by civilian administration in 1965 mad 1983 had failed and led to military   interventions. Nigerians are, therefore, now strongly determined, more than ever, to lay a solid foundation for an enduring democracy that would be the pride of future generations of Nigerians. The present civilian government has shown its commitment to even development of the country and cases of marginalization in certain parts of the country.

Today, Nigeria enjoys peace inspire of periodic crises, because consultation in handling issues. The administration is determined to transform the country, in line with democratic principles, into a land of opportunity, equity, of government’s use of dialogue and progress and prosperity for all.

The Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, says integration of infrastructure master plan is critical to Nigeria’s bid to be among the top 20 economies  by 2020. The minister said this at the presidential dinner and fellows’ night of the Nigerian Institution of Architects (NIA). He presented a paper entitled: “Imperatives for the development of a National Integrated Infrastructure Master plan (NIIMP).’’ “Experience has shown that the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects in the country have suffered from what l call the lack of coherence, consistency, coordination and continuity over the years. “The responsibility for the planning of various infrastructure projects in the country currently is entrusted in the different agencies of government, without effective coordination. “This approach, apart from not being integrative, has failed to ensure the realisation of maximum benefits from infrastructure development such as sustainable economic growth and wealth creation, among others,’’ he said. To achieve the nation’s economic growth, he said, the constraints posed by the inadequacy of infrastructure must be addressed through effective planning, financing and implementation of infrastructure projects.

 He said that international experience had shown that developing an integrated infrastructure master plan had created an enabling environment for investment in infrastructure, by both the public and private sectors. “In recognition of this, countries such as China, India, Singapore and Malaysia, are now embracing the development and implementation of integrated infrastructure master plans.  “In India, for example, the development of long-term integrated infrastructure master plan, increased private investment in Indian infrastructure from 203 billion dollars in the 6th National Development Plan (NDP) to over one trillion by the 10th of NDP, ‘’ he said. He expressed regret that Nigeria lacked an integrated master plan, adding that at sectoral levels, a number of infrastructure plans existed with limited linkages with other sectors of the economy and were formulated with little or no collaboration with the states. “The framework we are putting in place for the development of the National Integrated Infrastructure master plan will use a participatory approach, involving collaboration with public and private sectors, labour unions, professional bodies among others. “We have, therefore, crafted a framework for the development of 30 years NIIMP (2014-2043). “It is expected that the delivery of the plan will ginger the physical development of the country as well as address the challenges of security, urbanisation, poverty, housing, health and education,’’ he said.

In his speech, Malam Ibrahim Haruna, the President of the Nigerian Institution of Architects (NIA), attributed the current flooding in some states to global warming. “As you all know, this is consequent to global warming, a recent universal phenomenon, which responsive governments and all professionals in the built environment are facing as a new challenge; it is an area that is dear to Federal Government’s transformation agenda.’’ 13 members were inducted as the institution’s College of Fellows, among who are Prof. Williams Qurix, the Vice-Chancellor of Kaduna State University

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said that the Federal Government will continue to work assidously in improving the economic and standard of living of Nigerians even as the Gross Domestic Product hits 7.1% in 2012.

In a nationwide broadcast to mark 52nd independent anniversary of Nigeria,the president commended the efforts of country men and women who have been working tirelessly to improve the minimum economic and standard of living of Nigerians.

His words”in the last two years,the Nigerian economy has done appreciably well despite the global financial crisis that bedeviled the world  economy”said the president.

He continues”the Nigerian Gross Domestic Product(GDP)has grown by 7.1% on the average which is significantly driven by non-oil sector”

President Jonathan however,said that in pursuance of the transformation agenda of the present administration,reforms has been initiated in various key sectors of the economy with the view to consolidating the gains of the economic growth.

Jonathan reiterated the commitment of his administration in improving electricity power generation,transmission and distribution with coming into completion various national integrated power project(NIPP) across the nation.

“The country’s power supply has improved gradually through the implementation of our well articulated NIPP reform programmes which include institutional arrangement to facilitate and strengthened private sector led power generation,transmission and distribution to Nigerians “he added

“Cost reflective tariff structure that reduces the cost of power to majority of Nigerian electricity consumers has also been designed”.

In gas supply,the President gave a clear assurance of his administration continuous effort in providing gas for the various NIPP projects across the nation to enhance their performance, “our gas plants which were put in place earlier this year has produced more than the targeted volume of gas for the power generation”. The much desired petroleum industry bill(PIB) has been given an accelerated attention by the executive which had culminated in its forwarding to the National Assembly for deliberation and subsequent passage into law for the benefit of Nigerians.

“The robust PIB has been placed before the National Assemly for deliberation. If passed into law,it will ensure transparency,accountability,increase government revenue and profit the investors in oil and gas sector”.

The President concluded by recognizing the efforts of the founding fathers of Nigeria in trying to ensure that the entity called ‘Nigeria’exist and remain united.

Recall that Nigeria was declared an independent country on 1st october,1960 by the british following consistence,doggedness and resilience of some group of patriotic Nigerians who fought tirelessly together for freedom from their colonial masters disregarding their tribe,ethnic background.this culminated in lowering of Union Jack and raising of Green and White color of Nigerian Flag.

Fourth Generation Exadata X3 Systems are Ideal for High-End OLTP, Large Data Warehouses, and Database Clouds; Eighth-Rack Configuration Offers New Low-Cost Entry Point

News Facts
During his opening keynote address at Oracle OpenWorld, Oracle CEO, Larry Ellison announced the Oracle Exadata X3 Database In-Memory Machine - the latest generation of its Oracle Exadata Database Machines.
The Oracle Exadata X3 Database In-Memory Machine is a key component of the Oracle Cloud.

Oracle Exadata X3-2 Database In-Memory Machine and Oracle Exadata X3-8 Database In-Memory Machine can store up to hundreds of Terabytes of compressed user data in Flash and RAM memory, virtually eliminating the performance overhead of reads and writes to slow disk drives, making Exadata X3 systems the ideal database platforms for the varied and unpredictable workloads of cloud computing.

In order to realize the highest performance at the lowest cost, the Oracle Exadata X3 Database In-Memory Machine implements a mass memory hierarchy that automatically moves all active data into Flash and RAM memory, while keeping less active data on low-cost disks.
With a new Eighth-Rack configuration, the Oracle Exadata X3-2 Database In-Memory Machine delivers a cost-effective entry point for smaller workloads, testing, development and disaster recovery systems, and is a fully redundant system that can be used with mission critical applications.

Next-Generation Technologies Deliver Dramatic Performance Improvements
Oracle Exadata X3 Database In-Memory Machines use a combination of scale-out servers and storage, InfiniBand networking, smart storage, PCI Flash, smart memory caching, and Hybrid Columnar Compression to deliver extreme performance and availability for all Oracle Database Workloads.

Oracle Exadata X3 Database In-Memory Machine systems leverage next-generation technologies to deliver significant performance enhancements, including:

Four times the Flash memory capacity of the previous generation; with up to 40 percent faster response times and 100 GB/second data scan rates. Combined with Exadata’s unique Hybrid Columnar Compression capabilities, hundreds of Terabytes of user data can now be managed entirely within Flash;

20 times more capacity for database writes through updated Exadata Smart Flash Cache software. The new Exadata Smart Flash Cache software also runs on previous generation Exadata systems, increasing their capacity for writes tenfold;
33 percent more database CPU cores in the Oracle Exadata X3-2 Database In-Memory Machine, using the latest 8-core Intel® Xeon E5-2600 series of processors;

Expanded 10Gb Ethernet connectivity to the data center in the Oracle Exadata X3-2 provides 40 10Gb network ports per rack for connecting users and moving data;
Up to 30 percent reduction in power and cooling.

Configured for Your Business, Available Today
Oracle Exadata X3-2 Database In-Memory Machine systems are available in a Full-Rack, Half-Rack, Quarter-Rack, and the new low-cost Eighth-Rack configuration to satisfy the widest range of applications. Oracle Exadata X3-8 Database In-Memory Machine systems are available in a Full-Rack configuration, and both X3 systems enable multi-rack configurations for virtually unlimited scalability.

Oracle Exadata X3-2 and X3-8 Database In-Memory Machines are fully compatible with prior Exadata generations and existing systems can also be upgraded with Oracle Exadata X3-2 servers.
Oracle Exadata X3 Database In-Memory Machine systems can be used immediately with any application certified with Oracle Database 11g R2 and Oracle Real Application Clusters, including SAP, Oracle Fusion Applications, Oracle’s PeopleSoft, Oracle’s Siebel CRM, the Oracle E-Business Suite, and thousands of other applications.

Supporting Quotes
“Forward-looking enterprises are moving towards Cloud Computing architectures,” said Andrew Mendelsohn, senior vice president, Oracle Database Server Technologies. “Oracle Exadata’s unique ability to run any database application on a fully scale-out architecture using a combination of massive memory for extreme performance and low-cost disk for high capacity delivers the ideal solution for Cloud-based database deployments today

Dr. Tahir Umar Tahir is the National Coordinator, Community Youth Development popularly known as CYD; a Non-Governmental group (NGO) with strong national network with headquarters in Kaduna. The organisation has structure in all the parts of the country supported by coordinators at States and in the 774 local government of the Federation. In this interview With Ibeneme Ebelechukwu, he spoke on the group mission and vision as well as roles of Nigerians citizens in curbing insecurity.
When was your organisation established and for what need?
The NGO was formed in the year 1999 and the establishment stemmed from the 1999/2000 Kaduna crises that engulfed the lives and properties of many youths and making many women to become widows and consequently arousing many difficulties and challenges for the people. So that problem informed the concerns of the founders of this organization. We sat down and decided to form this group to work towards alleviating the problems of youth, empowering them and emancipating women.  The NGO has been engaging in community based activities such as advocacy on good governance which mainly bother on unity issues, including the empowerment of women and youth as well as engaging in meaningful developments. And frankly, through our programmes and policies we are determined as

group to make Nigerian youth self-reliant
What have been your achievements so far?
As an NGO, I am very proud to say that we have done a lot in the areas of sensitization. We have been able to over the years sensitize Nigerian youth both the Christians and Muslims across the country on the need to live in  peace with one another. We have held so many national and international conferences in 2010 in Kaduna, which helped us to bring so many youth both the Christian and Muslims from different part of the country. In that conference we were able to set an agenda and at the same time, we were able to opened and commissioned an empowerment centre at the Ramat road Unguwar Rimi, where our youths were trained on skill acquisition programmes and computer among others. Three years ago we also have been able to launched a free scholarship scheme  mainly for children of the orphan, those who were affected by the crises especially in Kaduna axis, we have about 250 of them in that scholarship scheme and by the grace of God we have a lot to do.
A lot of Nigerian are worried  that several peace and reconciliation conferences have been held without making any impact as series of bombing still happens, do you think CYD can make any impact?
So many speakers at our just concluded 3rd annual unity conference actually pointed out these things but at the same time there are equally a lot of problems that we must not allow to get to the point where we cannot solve them therefore, it requires a new dimension and approach to tackle them.  Like what is actually happening in the case of Boko Haram. Secondly, I believe that there are no limits to the level of efforts we can actually put in to ensure that we have sustainable peace in this country and I believe that each and every one of us has a vital role to play. The government has its own role, the religious leaders has theirs, even the parents too, have their roles to play and so we will all continue to draw this to the attention of everyone one in case they have forgotten; and I tell you if all this group of people agrees to play their role, then we can actually move forward but not to say that we have held enough conference and so we should stop. No, that won’t solve it, remember we are from different background, different culture and we must continue to work together to understand and appreciate each other.  We thank God that that at the conference, we have been able to show where we are and the fact that our leaders are beginning to show keen interest in solving this problem. For example, both the Vice President and Hon speaker have actually asked us to submit the resolutions taken from the conference with the aim of implementing them. So I think we are on the right cause. As youths, we believe that there is no going back in giving peace a chance in our country. Today, we have been able to demonstrate that as a people we can actually sit down to discuss and understand ourselves with intention of making a better Nigeria tomorrow.
Do you believe in many assertions made that President GoodLuck shouldn’t have contested the last election and such, should he be blamed for all the violence’s in the country?
No, I don’t believe so because at the last concluded election in Nigeria, it was adjudged to be almost the best of all the elections and I think I believe so and I can say he was voted for, by almost 70% of Nigerians from all parts of the country and I know that a greater percentage of Nigerians not only believed but supported this assertion. So I believe he was voted by so many Nigerians. Though my NGO remains non-partisan group but I think anybody that has that view may be from his political colleagues or class but for me as a person, he was voted in  and I believe in that election.
In 2015 we will be witnessing another round of election, what is your group doing to ensure that youth are off violence?
In fact we are doing a lot and that is one of the things we hope to be tackling using our medium and short term goals; We want to make sure that the youths who are the future of this country do not engage in violence activities and are no longer used as political thugs and I say that by the grace, we will be seeing results that in area, I mean we cannot fold our arms and watch the youth of this nations being used to achieve or settle certain political cause and so many plans are on the way to address that. We intends to use dialogue and seminar activities in achieving that as well put up empowerment programmes that will help to engaged then in meaningful activities to stop such evil. Also we have our political/education unit in our both national and local areas that has been created to handle it. This department will be engaging in lots of sensitizations and educational programmes that are geared at tackling such problems as well educate our youths on what they should and what they should not do, including not allowing themselves to be used as thugs and even cast their vote based on competence rather than selling their conscience by collecting money.
What level of partnership do you enjoy from government/private organization towards achieving your mandate?
By the grace of God we have strong network and have been partnering with so many organizations that have made it possible for us to achieve our aims and objectives particularly in our empowerment projects but we plead for such alliance to continue particularly from government and other parastatals because it will help us to do more. For example, where any job vacancies/advertisement is made open we take upon ourselves to reach out to these organization by providing them with the directory of some youths who we know are in dire need of it. Aside that too, we have our partnership which has actually helped us in providing some level of vocation training for those who might not be able to work because we believe that government cannot do it alone, that is why for those who are qualified for job we help them and those who cannot work, we provide them with vocational skills to help them become self-employed and reliance. We also mobilize and  go as far as purchasing scratch cards for youths to enable them fill vacancies especially when such job opportunities are from military and Para-military organization, we are working tirelessly though we still have a lot of challenges because there are organization we reach out to partner but  we  were turn down, some keep promising till you get tired and some at first, will express desire but before you know, the desire disappears but despite all these, we are determined to succeed

General Odey, born Ukeju Odey, hails from Belegette in Obanliku LGA of Cross River State.
He was formally known as Rugged MC but now goes by the name General Odey.
General Odey is what one may call an all-round entertainer. He is a comedian, presenter, MC, an actor, rapper and a media consultant.
He has carted home numerous awards which include: Cross River Comedy challenge 2008, Christmas Festival Comedy Challenge 2009, Most Creative Comedian CRS, Best Campus Comedian Crutech 2010, and Cross Rivers State Best Gospel Comedian of the year 2011.
He has shared the stage with top names like: Ay, 2Face Idibia, I go dye, Mo hits Crew, Klint D’ Drunk, Julius Agwu, Weird MC, Gandoki, Gt Guitar Man, OJB, Kefee, Ruggedman, Banky W,MI, KC Presh, and more.
He has also produced many comedy videos and audios that are making waves in Nigeria right now, some of which are Comedy according to subsidy, Comedy service, Comedy Xtra, LaFf and RoLL, and Laugh Arrest.

The size and makeup of your family and the types of activities in which you participate influence what type of vehicle is best for you. Can you get by with a small, economical sedan, or do you need the extra passenger and cargo space of a minivan or sport-utility vehicle? Do you need something practical, but really want something sporty? Then perhaps a sport sedan or a modern wagon is the best compromise. Whatever your needs, you have a greater range of choices now than ever.

What kind of car should you buy?

Safety, reliability, economy, and personal concerns—such as ease of access, child-seat compatibility, and size of the cargo area—should be considered when purchasing a family car.

“Finding the right family vehicle doesn’t have to be a difficult, or long, process—if you invest some time to research your options before you go out shopping so that you know what to look for,” said David Champion, the director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Facility in East Haddam, Conn. Champion has two kids. “Parents need to think about how they’ll be using the vehicle, what type of cargo they intend to carry, and how their needs may change during the years they own the vehicle.”

In general, parents should focus their search on a vehicle with a roomy and versatile interior, plenty of cargo space, ease of access, and windows that make it easy for kids to look outside. “If they can see what’s going on, kids are much happier,” Champion said. “If the back seat is low, they can’t look out the window. And that can trigger boredom and bickering among siblings.”

Four-door sedans and sporty wagons are fine for families with one or two children. Bigger families (and those that use the family car for long road trips or need room for carrying friends) should consider a vehicle with a larger cargo area and/or more seating capacity. All minivans and many SUVs and wagons can carry seven passengers. Some can even accommodate eight.

Minivans are an excellent choice for families because they have easy access for passengers through big sliding doors, cargo areas that are easy to reach, and a low waistline that gives kids a better view out.

Sport-utility vehicles are popular in part because many have big, roomy interiors and four- or all-wheel-drive systems to better handle bad weather and unpaved roads. But young children may have a tough time getting into larger SUVs because these vehicles ride higher off the ground and sometimes have door handles that are difficult for youngsters to operate. Loading groceries, strollers, and other items into a large SUV can be more difficult because the cargo area is higher off the ground. Remember, too, that taller vehicles such as SUVs have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more top-heavy and more susceptible to rolling over than lower vehicles, such as sedans and wagons. Fortunately, the recent trend toward car-based, all-wheel-drive SUVs has provided a greater range of choices, including models that are more family friendly than traditional versions.

To zero in on what type of vehicle is right for your family, consider these questions:

How many people will you be carrying?

If you have one or two children, you can probably get by with a small or midsized sedan, which is usually less expensive and more fuel efficient than a larger car. While most cars are equipped to accommodate five people, the center rear position is often uncomfortable. In addition, a few vehicles still are equipped with only a lap belt, which isn’t as safe as a three-point belt. Check out the rear-seating quality of any vehicle that you’re considering.

There are still a few—but not many—larger sedans that can be equipped with a front bench seat, which allows them to carry six passengers, but it’s a tight fit and the center passenger only has a lap belt. A roomier solution would be a minivan, or seven-passenger wagon or SUV. All seven-passenger vehicles include a third-row seat that can be removed or folded down when not needed for passengers. The latter is the better solution because you don’t have to struggle to get the bulky seat in and out, and because it’s always there when you need it. Typically, the third-row seat in a wagon faces rearward and is small and suitable only for children. Check out how easy it is to get in and out of all seats. That can vary a lot from one vehicle to another.

How old are your children?

Plan ahead. Small children may not need a lot of room now, but if you intend to keep a vehicle for a number of years, your family’s space needs will change as your children grow.

How much cargo space do you need?

For smaller families, the trunk of a sedan may provide adequate cargo space. A vehicle with more cargo space may be a better choice for larger families or those involved in outdoor activities, or who tend to travel a lot, or who need extra room for carrying gardening or home-improvement supplies. There’s a wide range from which to choose, from small wagons to extended-length minivans to large SUVs.

In addition to cargo-space size, consider its usability. Does the rear seat fold down? If so, is it a split design that allows one side to be folded separately from the other side? For carrying extra-long items, can the front passenger seat also fold down? As described above, if you are considering a seven-passenger vehicle with a third-row seat, check whether the third seat needs to be removed completely when not needed or, better, whether it can simply be folded out of the way. Finally, vehicles that sit lower to the ground are typically easier to load and unload.

What conditions will you be driving in?

The area of the country in which you live influences the type of drive train you may need. For rain and very light snow, for instance, a two-wheel-drive vehicle will likely work fine. Front-wheel drive with traction control is the preferred setup for slippery conditions. All-wheel drive, however, would provide an additional margin of safety. AWD is fine for most normal snow conditions or for travelling on dirt roads without high rocks, deep sand, or steep inclines. If driving where you’ll encounter more severe conditions, you should opt for a four-wheel-drive vehicle. If you drive a lot on snow and ice, switching to a set of winter tires will provide additional grip—and added safety—with any vehicle.

How important is fuel economy?

As a general rule, the larger the vehicle, the lower the fuel economy. Small, lightweight sedans typically get the best economy, while large, heavy SUVs get the worst. If you need more cargo room than a sedan can provide, consider a wagon. Some models provide as much usable cargo space as an SUV, but usually get better fuel economy. If you need a seven-passenger vehicle, minivans also typically get better mileage than seven-passenger SUVs.

Ever since Kanye Westpushed back the date of his record label’s compilation album, “Cruel Summer” from the 4th to the 18th of September, 2012, it’s become one of the most anticipated albums of the year. But now, for us, the huge question is if Nigeria’s very own Koko Master, D’Banj, will feature on the album.

Over the weekend, a lot of album track lists have been leaked onto the internet and various websites claim that the album’s below stated track listing was gotten from a reliable source – from a Music store in Japan slated to sell the album when it drops.

Nonetheless, based on the *alleged track listing, it appears the “Oliver Twist” Maestro made the cut. And, he is poised to be on the fifth track –“The Morning” alongside Raekwon, Pusha T, Common, 2 Chainz, CyHi The Prynce and Kid Cudi.

(Potential) G.O.O.D. Music - Cruel Summer Tracklist:

1. To The World (Feat. Kanye West & R. Kelly)

2. Clique (Feat. Kanye West, Jay-Z & Big Sean)

3. Mercy (Feat. Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz)

4. New God Flow (Feat. Kanye West, Pusha T & Ghostface Killah)

5. The Morning (Feat. Raekwon, Pusha T, Common, 2 Chainz, CyHi The Prynce, Kid Cudi & D’Banj)

6. Cold (Feat. Kanye West & DJ Khaled)

7. Higher (Feat. The-Dream, Pusha T & Ma$e)

8. Sin City (Feat. John Legend, Travi$ Scott, Teyana Taylor, CyHi The Prynce & Malik Yusef)

9. The One (Feat. Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 Chainz & Marsha Ambrosius)

10. Creepers (Feat. Kid Cudi)

11. Bliss (Feat. John Legend & Teyana Taylor)

12. I Don’t Like (Feat. Kanye West, Chief Keef, Pusha T, Big Sean &Jadakiss)

The nominations have been announced for the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards and this year, Nigeria produced up to 13 artists nominated in the various categories - 2Face Idibia, D’banj, Psquare, Wizkid, Wande Coal, Davido, Mo’Cheddah, Brymo, Orezi, Flavour, Tiwa Savage, Naeto C and Ice Prince. The event is to take place in Soweto on the 17th of November, 2012.

Here are the nominations for all the categories:

Most Gifted South video of the Year
Cashtime Fam – Shut It down (Stundee)
HHP – Bosso
Shota Feat. Shana – Taking You Home
Zeus – Dancing Shoes
Paul G Feat. Maezee – The Feeling
Shugasmaxx Feat. Moneoa – Take It Easy

Most Gifted Hip-hop video of the Year
Khuli Chana Feat. Notshi – Tswa Daar
L-Tido – Smash
Ice Prince – Superstar
M.Anifest – Makaa Maka
K’NAAN Feat. Nas – Nothing To Lose

Most Gifted West African video of the Year
D-Black Feat. Mo’Cheddah – Falling
Wizkid – Pakurumo
Sarkodie Feat. Obrafour – Saa Okodie No
Naeto C – I gentle
Wande Coal – Private trips

Most Gifted R&B music video of the Year
Lloyd Cele – Hero
Lizha James Feat. Perola – Leva Boy
Flavour Feat. Tiwa Savage – Oyi
2Face Idibia – Be there
Habida Feat. Cannibal – My Reason

Most Gifted East African video of the Year
Keko Feat. Madtraxx – Make You Dance
Camp Mulla – Party Don’t Stop
AY feat Sauti Soul – I Don’t Want To Be Alone
K’Naan Feat. Nas – Nothing To lose
Navio – One & Only

Most Gifted Dance video of the Year
DJ Zinhle Feat. Busiswa – My Name Is
DJ Cleo – Facebook
OS3 Feat. Tchoboly – Mokongo
Davido – Dami Duro
Bucie – Get Over It
Cpwaa – Hnmm

Most Gifted Newcomer video of the Year
Toya Delazy – Pump It On
Davido – Dami Duro
E.L. – Turn The Lights Down
Camp Mulla – Party Don’t Stop
Donald – I Deserve

Most Gifted Afro Pop video of the Year
Jozi – Ugologo
DJ Sbu Feat. Zahara – Lengoma
Gal Level feat Toniks – Money
Brymo – Ara
Maurice Kirya – I Don’t Want To Fight

Most Gifted Reggae video of the Year
HHP Feat. Lutan Fyah, Omar Retnu – Baheitane Remix
Buffalo Souljah Feat. Cabo Snoop – Styra Inonyengesa
Ice Prince – Juju
Orezi – Booty Bounce
Wyre – Dancehall party

Most Gifted Kwaito video of the Year
Kabelo Feat. Professor – Amapantsula’Ajabulile
Spikiri Feat. Brown Dash, Teargas, Skhoko, Bricks & Madluphuthu - Ngeke Balunge
Big Nuz – Serious
Ees Feat. Mandoza – Ayoba
The Dogg Feat. Bricks – Tromentos

Most Gifted Video of the Year 
Dj Zinhle Feat. Busiswa – My Name Is
Khuli Chana Feat. Notshi – Tswa daar
Toya Delazy – Pump It On
Lizha James Feat. Perola – Leva Boy
Big Nelo – Sente o beat
D’banj – Oliver Twist
Brymo – Ara
Sarkodie Feat. Obrafour – Saa Okodie No
Camp Mulla – Fresh all day
AY Feat. Romeo & Lamyia – Speak With Your Body

Most Gifted Female Video of the Year
Zahara – Loliwe
Lizha James Feat. Perola – Leva Boy
Tiwa Savage – Love Me, Love Me, Love Me
Mo’Cheddah Feat. Phenom – See Me
Keko Feat. Madtraxx – Make You Dance

Most Gifted Male Video of the Year
Khuli Chana Feat. Notshi –  Tswa Daar
PRO – Makasana
Big Nelo – Sent
D’banj – Oliver Twist
AY Feat. Romeo & Lamyia – Speak With Your Body

Most Gifted Group/Duo 
Mi Casa – Heavenly Sent
Liquideep – Still
Camp Mulla – Fresh All Day
Buffalo Souljah Feat. Cabo Snoop – Styra Inonyengesa
P-square Feat. Akon & May D – Chop My Money